PSBJ March 2013

www.psbj.co.uk ÂŁ4.00

March 2013

World-class facilities

Hull regeneration delivers high-calibre project design

Healing hues colour specification to put patients at ease

Prolong surfaces beat vandalism with anti-graffiti coatings

The big picture a bespoke door system opens up opportunities

Get qualified and get recognised!

There are many personal and professional benefits of being a member of a professional body.

As well as holding a prestigious qualification, membership is an assurance of quality and a demonstration of your professional achievement that sets you apart from the crowd. Being a member means that you can attend a range of networking and CPD events, keep up to date with the latest developments in the industry and have access to professional opportunities and qualifications.

Joining the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists provides you with the opportunity to qualify as a Chartered Architectural Technologist, MCIAT or a professionally qualified Architectural Technician, TCIAT; recognised building professionals of the highest standard and regarded as one of the best within the industry CIAT is a progressive, enthusiastic and proactive Institute and its members are at the forefront of Architectural Technology.

To consider your options please visit www.ciat.org.uk

If you apply to join quoting FCA13, the ÂŁ60 application fee will be waived and you will only be required to pay the relevant Âź year subscription.

This offer is only valid until 15 March 2013 and is subject to the necessary membership registration approvals. The reduced payment only lasts until 30 April 2013; thereafter you would be required to pay the relevant subscription for your membership category and status.

For further information about joining CIAT, please visit www.ciat.org.uk or alternatively email membership@ciat.org.uk.

To gain a further insight into the qualifying processes and the type of work our members undertake, visit our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/ciatechnologist.

If you have any queries about membership or routes to attaining Technician (TCIAT) or Chartered (MCIAT) membership, please do not hesitate to get in touch - membership@ciat.org.uk.

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Cover image

Three new secondary schools in Hull have opened their doors to pupils as part of the latest projects in a £400m regeneration programme. See page 8.

Welcome. . .

Editor Hannah Frackiewicz hannah@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com Publication Manager Steve Gull steve@mixedmediainfo.com Account Executive Adam Barron adam@mixedmediainfo.com Studio Manager Chris Lilly chris@mixedmediainfo.com Artworker/Sub-editor Ben Bridgeman ben@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts Simone Jones simone@mixedmediainfo.com Publisher Mixed Media Information Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 5BZ T: 01622 232702 F: 01622 816874 www.mixedmediainfo.com www.psbj.co.uk

With economic growth and environmental responsibility integral to the future success of the construction industry, the theory of the Public Services (Social Value) Act enforced on 31st January couldn’t have come at a better time. The law, which was first initiated by Chris White MP, now requires public bodies to consider social value ahead of procurement.

As well as social benefits, the act also urges public bodies to access the environmental and economic advantages to the proposed area.

In line with the introduction of the law, PSBJ highlights two fundamental schemes that have already implemented enhanced social value in their delivery. In the Housing focus found on page 14, United House has demonstrated its ability to consider social value in its largest project to date. As well as a community centre to host ESOL classes, health advice and a satellite GP service, the development also features considerable green space with roof top gardens and allotments to enhance the project’s environmental responsibility. Meanwhile in PSBJ’s Upfront focus, a Hull-based consortium has pledged to create a minimum of 210 apprenticeship opportunities. Over 120 young people have become apprentices for Morgan Sindall, many of which have been offered full time employment.

It is examples such as these that help us define what social value entails. Despite an already complex procurement landscape, the introduction of this act ensures greater transparency and will undoubtedly generate much needed business opportunities.

Also in this issue, PSBJ focuses on colour in healthcare environments. Dulux Trade outlines some healing hues thought to help recovery and promote feelings of well-being.

Meanwhile, BASF questions whether homes are becoming too hot to handle. With increased emphasis on airtightness and advanced insulation products, the chemical company reflects on the need for more versatile products in summer months.

I hope you enjoy this issue. If you wish to comment on any issues or contributions featured within this edition, please feel free to get in touch via the email address below.

Hannah Frackiewicz

Hannah Frackiewicz | Editor | hannah@mixedmediainfo.com

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

Public Sector Build Journal

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Contents

08

08 Upfront As part of Hull’s Building Schools for the Future programme, a number of new schools have opened their doors offering enhanced facilities for students and teachers alike.

14 Housing United House has delivered its largest ever construction project on behalf of developer Lee Valley Estates and affordable housing provider Newlon Housing Trust.

22 HVAC

28 Healthcare

Portakabin addresses the most common misconceptions of modular construction in a myth-busting article.

Daikin explains how VRV systems can be applied on a much greater scale, to create fully integrated systems for buildings of any size.

Can colour contribute to a speedy recovery? Dulux Trade unveils some common shades implemented in healthcare environments.

20 Flooring & Surfaces

26 Education

32 Leisure

In healthcare and leisure environments, treated surfaces offer advanced protection. Refin Ceramiche uncovers its latest solution for porcelain stoneware.

Poor acoustic conditions can have a detrimental impact on learning.

However, innovative ceiling systems can be used in conjunction with floors and walls to improve acoustic control.

With considerable cuts in Government spend, sectors are having to be resourceful when finding new ways of improving facilities. Notts Sport profiles its innovative partnership for sports venues.

18 Talking Point

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Public Sector Build Journal

Lightening the Load

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All information can then be imported to project specific folders for your leisure and distribution to the entire design team.

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20

34 Building Access

40 Insulation

firstsite, a contemporary visual arts organisation, now benefits from a bespoke entrance system from Geze UK, large enough to cater for the transfer of large art exhibits.

With an increased focus on minimising heat loss in buildings and the use of advanced insulation measures, BASF questions whether properties are now becoming uncomfortably warm.

36 Naidex Preview

45 Ecobuild Preview

Naidex National, taking place from 30th April to 2nd May at NEC, Birmingham, shares its extensive line up of special features and informative seminar programme.

In a bid to successfully carry out public procurement, sustainable building products and processes are high on agendas. PSBJ highlights a selection of leading Ecobuild exhibitors.

38 Paints, Coatings & Finishes

48 Product Showcase

42 34

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45

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News

Forrest cements regeneration partnership Social housing regeneration specialist Forrest has cemented its relationship with Bolton at Home by securing a £70m refurbishment and maintenance contract. The 10-year partnership incorporates the capital improvement of 18,000 households across Bolton and includes the installation and repair of bathrooms and kitchens, electrical upgrades and rewiring, central heating and boiler renewal, external refurbishment and infrastructure works.

Forrest’s relationship with Bolton at Home dates back to the early 1990s when Forrest was first engaged on improvement works. Over the last

two years, and as part of its ongoing commitment to Bolton, Forrest has invested heavily in the area and in 2011 opened a new 22,000ft2 operational hub near to the Reebok Stadium. Jim Higham, Bolton at Home’s Director of Technical Services, said: “Over the years, Bolton at Home and Forrest have developed a solid partnership through working together to deliver our capital works programme. I’m delighted that with this latest appointment, we have the opportunity to build on our relationship for the benefit of our customers and communities.”

Heckmondwike announces Supacord competition Schools, academies and colleges across the UK will be given the chance to win Supacord carpet or tiles, plus fitting, to a value of £1000, in a new competition being launched by Heckmondwike FB. Heckmondwike FB, a leading manufacturer of fibre bonded carpet and tiles, has recently launched its popular ‘Carpet for Schools’ competition for the third year running, with the closing date 30th April 2013.

Secondary schools and Academies across the country will shortly be receiving information through the post from Heckmondwike FB, with details of how to enter the competition, which is completely free of charge.

The winning school will receive 100m2 of Supacord carpet or 75m2 of carpet tiles including free fitting (up to a value of £1000). Heckmondwike FB is expecting a great deal of interest as Abby Chandler, Marketing Manager, explains: “More than 160 schools, academies and colleges across the UK requested samples of Supacord/ last year, making it the most successful year yet for ‘Carpet for Schools’.

The popularity of the competition is testament to the quality of our product and the reputation we have built up within the education sector.”

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Public Sector Build Journal

Mae Architects to design flagship development mæ have been competitively selected to design a new elderly person housing scheme, healthcare hub building and associated facilities for CityWest Homes on behalf of Westminster City Council.

The housing scheme, which will be designed to HAPPI recommendations (Housing for an Ageing Population

Suffolk to benefit from social housing improvements Multi-disciplinary construction consultancy Pick Everard has been appointed by Havebury Housing Partnership to help continue its major improvement work for the next three years. Pick Everard was selected as the housing association’s preferred service provider following a tender process and will provide consultancy services in

Panel for Innovation), will accommodate existing residents of Penn House on Lisson Grove.

The scheme will meet the Westminster Housing Renewal Strategy (March 2010) five key principles: increase the supply and quality of affordable homes to meet a variety of local needs, including housing for families; improve the quality of the local environment with outstanding green and open spaces and housing that promotes low energy consumption and environmental sustainability; promote a high quality of life for people of all ages and backgrounds, in safe, cohesive and healthy neighbourhoods, supported by a range of high quality housing and excellent community facilities; and to enable people to maximise economic opportunity in Westminster with support for training, employment and enterprise and housing tenures which help those in work to remain in the City. building maintenance, including project management, building surveying and structural engineering. The first project to get underway includes roofline works for 200 properties and chimney removal for 50 properties. Havebury has also applied for Eco funding for the external insulation of up to 100 properties estimated at £1m. It is hoped this funding will be expanded to allow a three-year programme of work. In addition, Pick Everard will examine several properties requiring structural evaluation, repair or conversion.

News

Ecobuild pledges support for Climate Week In recognition of the fundamental role that the sustainable construction, design and built environment industry plays in building a more sustainable future, Ecobuild (www.ecobuild. co.uk), the world’s largest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment, is backing Climate Week (4th – 10th March 2013) and encouraging all its stakeholders to get involved in the campaign.

Taking place during Climate Week, Ecobuild (5th – 7th March 2013, ExCeL London), will host a lively debate on ‘Climate change – why we are here?’ headed up by Lord de Mauley, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. He will be

joined on Thursday 7th March by Professor Sir Brian Hoskins, Director, Grantham Institute for Climate Change, Imperial College London and Peter Head, CBE, Executive Chairman, The Ecological Sequestration Trust.

Tom Broughton, Brand Director for Ecobuild, says: “Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, there is still much work to be done to raise public awareness that we are facing a climate crisis. Ecobuild will look at what national leadership could offer and what other actions can be taken in the apparent absence of public support for change. Ecobuild fully supports the aims of Climate Week 2013 and its work to accelerate action on climate change.”

Southwark pledges new church build Southwark Council has pledged to build new premises for a community church so it can remain in the heart of the Elephant and Castle area, which is set to undergo a £1.5bn transformation over the next 15 years. Relocating Crossway United Reformed Church (URC), will allow Southwark Council, and their regeneration partner Lend Lease to bring forward their plan to create one of the largest new housing developments in zone 1 London. Councillor Fiona Colley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Corporate Strategy says: “I am delighted that rather than simply buying out the Church, we have instead taken the decision to relocate this important community facility.”

New report to drive local skills Willmott Dixon has published Transforming Communities, a report setting out how public authorities and Registered Providers can leverage construction and housing repairs contracts to deliver additional social value to local communities.The publication reflects new legislation that came into force on 31st January, requiring the public sector to consider as part of the tender process the potential for a delivery partner to provide economic, social and environmental benefits as part of any contracts they are entering into. The Public Services (Social Value) Act applies to most

ISG maximises social housing assets ISG has secured a £620K project as part of the Radian Group Framework to create five new residential properties on an existing social housing estate.

Located in Totton, Hampshire, the project will enable Radian to maximise the accommodation it can offer on an existing residential scheme by redeveloping disused garage sites.

The Radian Group Framework enables other regional Registered Social Landlords in the Hampshire area to procure work via the framework. This is the first project that ISG will undertake as part of the framework. The programme will begin with demolition of the former garage blocks to create three separate sites within a five mile

contracts and framework agreements.

Welcoming the new legislation, Mick Williamson, Managing Director of Willmott Dixon Partnerships says: “Drawing on Willmott Dixon’s 160 years of community engagement, Transforming Communities captures what we have done and sets out a blueprint on how to maximise social value through public procurement. With the Act now in place, clients will more easily be able to hold contractors to account on commitments made in the tendering process, ensuring that these are translated into measurable social benefits on the ground.” radius. Construction will then begin on five new properties comprising three two-bedroom bungalows, a twobedroom house and a three-bedroom house, all of which will be of traditional brick and block construction. Each of the new homes is set to achieve a Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 environmental performance rating and ISG will also carry out external landscaping for each plot.

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Upfront

The aim of the scheme was to bring school facilitates in the city in line with a 21st century education

21st century schools Three new secondary schools in Hull have opened their doors to pupils as part of the latest projects in a £400m regeneration programme. Kingswood Academy, Andrew Marvell College and Oakfield Special School, worth a combined total of £64.5m, were constructed by UK construction, infrastructure and design company Morgan Sindall, and delivered as part of the Hull Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.

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ince 2009 Morgan Sindall has been involved in the £400m Hull BSF scheme – the largest single regeneration scheme the city has ever seen. The ambitious project set out to update 26 schools in Hull over a 4 year period.

The aim was to bring school facilitates in the city in line with a 21st century education, with students having access to technologicallyadvanced teaching methods, to enhance the students’ learning.

“Completing so many schools at the same time was never going to be a small feat,” comments Steffan Speer, Hull BSF General Manager for Morgan Sindall. He continues: “This is why it feels so satisfying to hand over the keys to the next wave of BSF schools

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Public Sector Build Journal

The collaboration of so many experienced parties involved in the partnership has ensured the successful delivery of the scheme so far

Upfront

The schools are anticipated to improve attendance and student performance

Sense of pride “We are creating a legacy which will put Hull on the map and provide world-class education facilities for generations to come. They represent the pride which Hull City Council places in its education estate and the high-quality schooling it wishes to provide for the city’s children. The schools are anticipated to improve attendance and student performance, and I’m sure they will follow the impact the schools already built are having.”

The programme is run by Hull Esteem Consortium, a partnership which includes Morgan Sindall Investments, Hull-firm Sewell Group and Robertson Capital Projects.

Esteem, together with Hull City Council, form a local education partnership (LEP) which provides project and operational management and new project development services, ensuring the BSF programme is delivered on time and on budget.

More than building new schools, the Hull BSF scheme is continuing to have a long-term positive effect on the wider economy in the city, as Steffan explains: “The collaboration of so many experienced parties involved in the partnership has ensured the successful delivery of the scheme so far, allowing business continuity through demanding and challenging economic times.

“As a national company, we feel it is important to immerse ourselves into the communities in which we build.

This is particularly pertinent given the large-scale of this community project.

Many of the Morgan Sindall team hail from the city, and we have found that working closely with Hull-based Sewell Group and employing the majority of sub-contractors from the locality has helped us achieve this.

“It takes years to produce a new school building, from the concept stage to applying the final coat of paint. During this time we have worked closely with the teaching staff during the design and building of the schools – a communication which gave us the understanding to make the schools suited to the needs of both the pupils

and teachers.”

Sam Whitaker, Chief Executive at Hull Esteem Consortium, says: “There are few things more satisfying than seeing a project come to fruition.

This was felt three-fold when we saw Kingswood Academy, Andrew Marvell College and Oakfield Special School become fully-functioning schools for the first time. These schools are so much more than education facilities, they are community hubs offering sports and social space – they are the kind of buildings the city can be proud of.”

Use for generations Hull Esteem Consortium wanted to leave more than just new schools buildings and create a legacy which

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to Hull City Council. The feeling everyone involved gets when we finally hand over a project like this really sums up the importance of what we set out to achieve.”

As an already well-used community school, the new building enhances interaction with the public, through theatre space, drama and dance studios

Public Sector Build Journal

9

Upfront

Unique facilities Work began on the first two sample schools of the BSF programme by Morgan Sindall before 60 of 63 BSF programmes across the country were axed when the coalition came into power; the £38m Winifred Holtby and Tweendykes School and the £33m

Kingswood features a serrated roof giving it the appearance of a crown

Archbishop Sentamu Academy.

Such was the desire for betterment of the education facilities, the design of these schools are a beacon of the standard of schools the programme set out to achieve. As such, the country may never see school buildings of this level of sophistication again.

Morgan Sindall is currently constructing the new £19.2m St Mary’s College campus which is due to be completed in summer 2014.

Kingswood Academy is a new school specialising in arts. This is embraced in a variety of ways including media facilities, a recording studio, and industry-standard science laboratory, and fine-art and technology facilities.

The school campus encompasses a single, four-storey building and takes its inspiration from the idea of ‘king’, featuring a serrated roof giving it the appearance of a crown.

To help first year students settle

Kingswood Academy, a new school specialising in arts, encompasses a single, four-storey building

10 Public Sector Build Journal

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future generations can use and build upon. Throughout the duration of the project, the Consortium pledged to create a minimum of 210 apprenticeship opportunities in the city.

Over 120 young people have become apprentices for Morgan Sindall, many of which have been offered full-time employment – helping to secure the future for the next generation of Hull’s construction workers. The apprentice programme has proved invaluable to those trying to break into the construction industry, learning a variety of trades including plastering, plumbing, ground and brick working.

And, in a bid to maximise the legacy left by the scheme, Esteem became a founding member of the Hull Employability Charter. The charter’s aim is to get businesses across East Yorkshire working in partnership with education institutions to help young people get the skills and experience which prospective employers are looking for.

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Upfront

Oakfield is an established school providing educational support for pupils with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties

Building distinction Oakfield is an established school providing educational support for pupils with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD). The new school building has allowed the school to expand its roll by 30 with a provision for 90 pupils aged nine to 16-yearsold.

The school includes a residential provision for 35 students and family members close to the campus to allow

12 Public Sector Build Journal

pupils a sense of detachment from the school building when boarding.

As well as teaching areas, sports facilities feature heavily in the school.

A gym, multi-use sports hall, rugby, football and basketball facilities are open for public use after school hours.

Located on the school’s original site, Andrew Marvell College students stayed on site during the build programme as the school was part demolished in phases.

A single, four-storey block, replaced the separate individual buildings at the school, reducing the time spent travelling between lessons and making the running of the school much more efficient.

As an already well-used community school, the new building enhances interaction with the public, through theatre space, drama and dance studios, a fitness suite and a library.

There is also a six-court sports hall and a floodlit all-weather pitch available for community use.

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into the secondary school environment, Kingswood has a separate learning and social space for Year 7 pupils.

A 300-seat theatre designed in conjunction with Hull Truck Theatre is used for both the school and the local community productions. There is a dedicated ‘plaza’ entrance to the theatre which also features a box office.

A large part of the development is dedicated to community use including a creche, business conference zone, family services centre, fitness and activity zones.

www.morgansindall.com

Andrew Marvell College Client: Hull City Council Main Contractor: Morgan Sindall Contractor’s Architect: HKS Architects Structural Engineers: 3E Engineering Gross internal floor area: 12,225m2

Kingswood College Client: Hull City Council Main Contractor: Morgan Sindall Contractor’s Architect: AHMM Structural Engineers: Buro Happold Gross internal floor area: 11,685m2

Oakfield Special School Client: Hull City Council Main Contractor: Morgan Sindall Contractor’s Architect: Wright and Wright Architects Structural Engineers: AECOM Gross internal floor area: 5461m2

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Housing

Hale Village is providing a catalyst of regeneration and is helping to create a thriving new mixed-tenure community

A model development Hale Village is a ÂŁ400m regeneration programme which is rejuvenating a disused brownfield industrial site between the River Lea and Tottenham Hale station in north London. United House discusses its involvement in this grand new urban village, which is the developer's largest construction project to date.

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s one of the largest regeneration programmes currently underway in London, Hale Village is providing a catalyst of regeneration for this neglected corner of the capital, which has previously suffered from a long period of deprivation and industrial decline.

Construction of such a vast and complicated project has required a high level of expertise. Specialist social housing contractor and developer United House has recently delivered its largest ever construction project here on behalf of developer Lee Valley Estates and affordable housing provider Newlon Housing

14 Public Sector Build Journal

Trust. United House started work on site back in June 2009 and has since completed a £75m contract to build 388 homes across three large 7-11 storey residential blocks – all designated affordable homes for the local community either for social rent, shared ownership or key worker accommodation.

Ultimately, Hale Village will provide 2260 new homes including a large proportion of affordable housing, private waterside homes for sale and over 1100 student accommodation properties, provided by Unite for students from the London University of the Arts. So far, one block of 48 private

homes has been delivered by Bellway Homes, known as The Pavilions.

As well as building three of the blocks on site, United House undertook the technically challenging and significant infrastructure works for the development, including its concrete foundations, underground car parking, roads, drainage, lighting and landscaping. It was necessary for them to work in close liaison with Network Rail on the project as the underground railway line runs directly below the site.

A further technical challenge arose when the contractor discovered 2km of air raid shelter snaking underneath the site, 1.5m below ground level.

Construction technologies employed included using pre-cast columns and pre-manufactured staircases, which can be made off site and then slotted into place, to ensure the build programme ran smoothly.

Swedish influence The masterplan for Hale Village has been modelled on the successful Hammarby Sjostad eco-urban regeneration in Stockholm, Sweden. It was developed by Lee Valley Estates, established in 1987, a company with strong local routes that is committed

Housing

The public realm and green space at Hale Village are of the highest quality

The public realm and green space at Hale Village are of the highest quality and the retail and leisure offer already includes a Tesco food store and a fitness centre operated by the Gym Group. Once complete, Hale Village will also include a hotel, further commercial space and facilities and green space

running throughout the scheme, known as the ‘eco park’. The whole project is due for completion in 2016.

Heritage is very important at Hale Village – three of Newlon’s affordable housing blocks on site have been named after aeroplanes that were built on site as part of the Second

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to supporting economic development throughout the Lee Valley Corridor in north east London.

To date, a total of over 540 affordable homes have been provided

by Newlon Housing Trust across four different landmark buildings at Hale Village. Newlon is a charitable housing association founded in 1968 to provide affordable and decent homes for the people of north and east London. It also moved its Group HQ to a new purpose-built office on site at Hale Village in October 2011 as part of the project. Newlon now has around 2000 residents living on site as well as 160 staff working at the project at any one time, helping to create a thriving new mixed-tenure community.

A new community healthcare facility – a renal unit for the Royal Free Hospital – and a community centre and nursery for the Church of England are also being developed.

The community centre is due to open in spring 2013 and will be run for the benefit of local people to provide ESOL classes, provision of computer access and IT skills training, health advice and a satellite GP service, as well as healthy living, gardening and youth engagement projects.

Hale Village will provide 2260 new homes including a large proportion of affordable housing

Public Sector Build Journal 15

Housing take real account of local needs and aspirations can succeed beyond all expectations.”

Mike Hinch, Newlon Housing Trust Chief Executive, adds: “Hale Village is a real beacon for regeneration in this corner of north London. United House have also impressed me with their ability to remain focused on the programme in hand during what has been a difficult economic period.”

Enhanced social value

World War effort – De Havilland Court, Albemarle Court and Vickers Court – and information boards with historic details about the site’s former life as a factory have been erected on site for residents and visitors to read.

Hale Village is also very sustainable.

It has been built to Code Level 4 and incorporates a Combined Heat and Power system, also built by United House, which serves the whole scheme via two eco-friendly

The buildings feature green sedum roofs and urban sky allotment gardens

16 Public Sector Build Journal

biomass boilers. The buildings also feature green sedum roofs and urban sky allotment gardens, with lockable toolboxes, on the communal roof terraces for residents which allow them to grow their own vegetables.

Michael Polledri, Chairman of Lee Valley Estates, says: “The completion of this phase of Hale Village proves that despite the most challenging circumstances well designed, well built and attractive major schemes that

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Three of Newlon's affordable housing blocks on site have been named after aeroplanes that were built on site as part of the Second World War effort

Jeffrey Adams, Group Chief Executive of United House, concludes: “Hale Village is the largest construction project we have been involved in and demonstrates our ability to deliver complex mixed-use developments on time and to budget. The scale of this new urban village for Tottenham is astonishing – it’s been fantastic to be involved in such a huge regeneration project which is breathing new life into one of London’s most deprived areas.”

Promoting the regeneration of Tottenham has long been one of Haringey Council’s priorities and the community’s desire to see change was brought even more sharply into focus after the riots of summer 2011.

Hale Village is a key part of the ongoing regeneration of Tottenham which includes the restoration of Tottenham Town Hall (by Newlon and United House), the Tottenham Green Cultural Quarter project and the plans for Spurs’ redevelopment of White Hart Lane.

www.unitedhouse.net

To date, a total of over 540 affordable homes have been provided by Newlon Housing Trust across four different landmark buildings at Hale Village

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Talking Point Myth #2:

Modular is all about ugly, grey boxes

There have been huge developments in modular construction and the approach can now deliver award-winning architecture and landmark buildings

The myths of modular construction

Modular construction has changed radically over the past 60 years so it can be difficult to tell just what is fact or fiction. Kevin Jones, Director of Business Development at Portakabin Sales, looks at the facts about modular construction in this myth-busting article.

Myth #1:

Modular means temporary It is completely correct to say that modular buildings can provide temporary solutions – but if the interim accommodation is supplied from a leading manufacturer, it will actually be constructed to permanent building standards.

Modular schemes generally have to meet the same Building Regulations requirements and standards as facilities constructed using site-based building methods. In fact, compliance can actually be easier with off-site construction.

The reality is that you are just changing the process – the building materials, such as the structural steel frame, remain the same as a site-based solution but construction takes place off site in a more controlled factory environment.

18 Public Sector Build Journal

This means better quality because the process is not subject to poor weather – which can cause serious quality issues post-completion, as well as a greater risk of delays and budget overruns.

Individual building modules do look like grey boxes but these units form the structure of the building and can easily be clad or combined with full height glazing and a pitched roof for a completely different appearance.

There have been huge developments in modular construction and the approach can now deliver awardwinning architecture and landmark buildings. There is a much wider range of aesthetic options that allow designers to achieve architectural variety for the building envelope, with all the speed and quality benefits of building off site.

Columns are no longer visible either internally or externally, for a seamless facade that can be specified with or without cladding. Options include a palette of attractive colours or claddings such as cedar, terracotta tiles, stone, composite metal panels, brick, and render.

Myth #3:

Modular construction is restrictive One of the biggest criticisms of modular construction is that these building systems lack flexibility in design and appearance. This is simply not the case.

A technically-advanced modular solution can easily deliver more architectural and bespoke buildings with a much greater degree of design freedom. And the latest innovations offer even more options and flexibility.

A traditionally-constructed building can even be extended with modular

The building can be occupied at an earlier stage for a faster return on investment. This can help healthcare providers reduce waiting lists more quickly.

Talking Point accommodation, and a wider range of module height options will facilitate the linking to existing buildings.

Modular buildings can be expanded both vertically and horizontally, without the need for decanting, and installation can be timed to take place at weekends or during holiday periods. The floor area can also be reduced or increased very quickly in line with local needs and capacity requirements.

Myth #4:

If you choose a modular building supplier that offers a range of floor options, you can easily avoid the issue of floor vibration factors.

A good manufacturer should offer a high performance pre-installed concrete floor option which is ideal for high traffic areas such as secondary schools and buildings that need to accommodate heavy loads or sensitive equipment, such as operating theatres.

Performance specifications for high performance floors should include: • A point loading of 7kN • A uniformly distributed load (UDL) of up to 9kN/m2 • A concrete floor which is pre-installed to minimise work on site, reduce disruption and improve quality.

A technically-advanced modular solution can easily deliver more architectural and bespoke buildings with a much greater degree of design freedom

Myth #6:

Modular means sub-standard accommodation There should be absolutely no compromise on the quality of the accommodation because a building is manufactured off site in a factory.

As the demand for modular construction continues to increase, so has the number of specialist contractors.

It is therefore critical to recognise that not all specialists are the same and the level of technical expertise and quality can vary hugely between suppliers.

In the selection of a modular partner, construction clients should take care to compare solutions that are like for like.

Always visit completed buildings to

Myth #5:

Modular is a cheap solution The reality is that whilst modular construction can be more cost effective, it is unlikely to be cheaper.

If you specify a system with the same high quality components designed for longevity as a traditionally-built project, why would it be cheaper? You are simply moving construction into a factory, the materials remain the same – from the steel frame to the plasterboard.

However, there can still be clear cost benefits when you take into account the advantages of the approach over sitebased construction.

If you reduce the programme time by up to 50%, you can occupy the building at an earlier stage for a faster return on investment. This can help LEAs address the severe shortage of school places – and healthcare providers reduce waiting lists more quickly.

Kevin Jones, Director of Business Development, Portakabin Kevin has more than 30 years’ experience in the modular building and off-site construction sectors, and joined the Portakabin Group in 1981 following a career in civil engineering and the public sector. He now heads up Business Development for Portakabin Group Sales.

assess the quality of construction and finish. Talk to other end users who have used the system and use their experience to differentiate the leading specialists from any poor performers.

Myth #7:

Modular buildings are cold in winter, overheat in summer The quality of insulation for any building is key to ensuring it has a comfortable internal environment. All buildings should be designed to be warm and easy to heat in winter and to not overheat in summer.

The modular wall construction should offer good quality insulation in order to achieve the targeted U-value. A production system that uses the latest open pour polyurethane insulation technology will deliver more consistent quality as well as zero ozone depletion potential, and reduced manufacturing time.

A modular building can achieve the same targeted U-values as a traditionallyconstructed facility. It will also heat up more quickly and using less energy.

And a high quality modular building can actually exceed Building Regulations requirements for air permeability.

Independent tests for air leakage in accordance with Building Regulations Part L2A demonstrated that Portakabin buildings consistently perform up to 70% better than site-based construction.

This shows how steel-framed modular technology can minimise the draughts that reduce thermal efficiency for lower energy consumption, running costs, and carbon emissions.

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Modular buildings have bouncy floors

www.portanews.co.uk Public Sector Build Journal 19

Flooring & Surfaces action is especially noticeable when tiles are used outdoors for ventilated facades; their ultra-hydrophilic properties mean they are continually washed by the action of the rain.

Elimination of substances

Active surfaces When specifiying materials for public or commercial buildings, aesthetics, durability and functionality all come into play. Paolo Cesana, Marketing Director of Ceramiche Refin, reflects on the advanced treatments now available for surfacing materials such as porcelain stoneware.

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he more and more use that is made of UGL (unglazed) porcelain stoneware tiles, characterised by high technical and aesthetical features and destined for commercial and domestic spaces, puts increasing emphasis on the excellence required in the cleaning procedures.

With stringent health and safety requirements in public spaces, such as healthcare establishments, a reliable surface treatment is paramount.

A new eco-active treatment from Ceramiche Refin makes ceramic tiles a practical, as well as attractive, option with both interior and exterior applications.

Enhanced properties Extensive scientific research has enabled Refin to turn a passive material into an active surface which imparts ceramic tiles with anti-bacterial, antipollution and self-cleaning properties.

Porcelain stoneware tiles are treated with titanium dioxide which is applied directly into the transparent surface

20 Public Sector Build Journal

structure of the material and enhanced with the addition of active metal elements.

Ekosan.24, as its name implies, has 24-hour anti-bacterial properties – during daylight hours natural UV light activates the titanium dioxide; at night, or in artificial light, the metal elements are active. Laboratory tests carried out by the University of Bologna have shown that the sanitising action of Ekosan.24 remains unchanged at 100% in the eradication of E. Coli and Staphylococcus aureus (a common cause of skin and respiratory infections, and food poisoning) regardless of the time of day or night.

In addition, the mineral nature of the Ekosan.24 anti-microbial treatment drastically cuts the bacteria’s chances of developing resistance which can occur when using chemical cleaning agents.

When tiles treated with Ekosan.24 get wet, water adheres to it, covering the whole area evenly and aiding the cleaning process. This self-cleaning

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Research has enabled Refin to turn a passive material into an active surface which imparts ceramic tiles with anti-bacterial, anti-pollution and self-cleaning properties

In urban spaces or areas where there is high pollution from vehicle emissions or smog, this same photo-catalytic action can aid in improving the quality of the air by oxidising and breaking down pollutants; laboratory research has shown that the eco-activity of Ekosan.24 over a surface of 100m2 is equal to that of 100 medium size trees in eliminating harmful airborne substances. The tiles themselves are also active in eliminating unpleasant organic odours or lingering smells such as cigarette smoke.

Ekosan.24 can be specified across all tiles in the Refin range, and has widespread applications in myriad sectors including healthcare, education, public spaces, sport and wellness centres and even external facades and outdoor paving.

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With stringent health and safety requirements in public spaces, such as healthcare establishments, a reliable surface treatment is paramount

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HVAC

To achieve market-leading COPs, it is vital to analyse a building's multiple requirements, usage patterns and varying occupancy levels right from the start

Climate control

Meeting the varied climate control needs of multi-tenanted public buildings or large communal facilities with diverse uses, whilst ensuring comfort and energy efficiency can be challenging. Martin Passingham, Product Manager, DX, at Daikin UK, looks at how technological advances have revolutionised VRV capabilities, making these highly energy efficient systems perfect for challenging spaces.

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ntil now, there has been an assumption that VRV systems are only suitable for certain types of buildings. But recent technological advances mean that these assumptions are simply no longer true. Because of VRV’s modularity, it is often perceived as ‘one step up’ from a split or multi-split system – and therefore most suitable for buildings of up to 3000m2. In reality, the latest VRV systems can be applied on a much greater scale, to create fully integrated systems for buildings of any size.

In fact, it is when VRV systems are designed as a whole building solution that they can offer the very highest energy efficiencies of all. Because VRV varies the refrigerant volume within the system to match the building’s precise

22 Public Sector Build Journal

requirements at any moment, only the minimum level of energy is required to ensure that each area maintains its set temperature, thus saving energy costs and reducing carbon emissions.

Indeed, the very latest generation of VRV heat pumps incorporates variable refrigerant temperature control, which automatically adapts the system to the individual building and climate requirements, for even greater energy efficiencies.

Increased efficiencies What is more, a genuinely versatile VRV heat recovery system, operating in balanced mode to manage climate control over an entire building, can increase energy efficiency even further.

A typical office building may require both cooling and heating

simultaneously, hot water storage for washrooms and kitchens. With the indoor units in cooling mode, a typical Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3.97 can be achieved. In milder conditions, when 75% of the indoor units are in cooling mode, with 25% in heating mode, the efficiencies rise to COPs of 5.57. But when the system is fully balanced between heating and cooling, efficiencies can increase to as much as 10.07.

However, to achieve these marketleading COPs, it is vital to analyse a building’s multiple requirements, usage patterns and varying occupancy levels right from the start. This allows design of an intelligent solution that optimises energy efficiency and heat recovery.

But analysing a whole building’s needs in advance does not mean that VRV is inflexible. In fact, VRV provides greater flexibility to meet current and future client requirements, because the system can be designed, built and commissioned floor by floor. It can be introduced zone by zone and tailored to the needs of each building tenant throughout a phased refurbishment programme. Because each floor – even each room – can be individually controlled to maximise energy

HVAC efficiency and prevent energy waste, VRV is ideal for buildings with multiple tenants, which may have vacant areas and variable periods of high and low usage.

Intelligent control

Technological advances have made VRV heat pumps more energy efficient than ever

Each floor can be individually controlled to maximise energy efficiency and prevent energy waste meaning VRV is ideal for buildings with multiple tenants

area respectively – a 40-72% increase on running costs compared with a VRV heat recovery system.

A VRV system is more space efficient than a chiller too, because it requires much less plant space. For example, Franklin + Andrews estimates that a 2 or 4 pipe fan coil system could take up around 7% of the overall lettable floor area of the building, while a comparable VRV-equipped building would take up between 3-5%. This means that VRV allows developers to maximise the rental space, by requiring 29% less plant space than a chiller system.

Of course, cost savings must be matched by savings in CO2 emissions too, as designers strive to meet ever tougher targets for emission reductions in the years ahead. A framework of continuous improvements has been set with a new version of the Building Regulations due out in October 2013, an expected change in 2016 and a final revision in 2019. This means that by 2019, all new buildings must deliver zero carbon emissions from the energy required for heating, cooling, hot water and lighting. These challenging targets will require considerable innovations to improve on current practices.

Additionally, many organisations and local authorities use BREEAM as a mandatory design standard to ensure that both new build and existing premises meet the exacting requirements for CO2 emission reductions. For example, the

healthcare sector has designated that all new buildings must meet a BREEAM Excellent rating and existing building stock must achieve a Very Good rating.

Again, heat pump technology can assist building designers in meeting the requirements of BREEAM by delivering heat into a building in an energy efficient, controlled way. According to BREEAM criteria, specific credits can be given for integrated services and building management systems. Further awards for innovation are also possible, depending on the system design.

Meeting requirements To achieve the highest level of credits for system design, Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) offers a new Daikin Dynamic VRV Systems Sizing Tool within the IES Virtual Environment (IESVE). This software enables architects and engineers to evaluate the best options to lower building energy use easily, by accurately simulating annual loads, power input and efficiencies delivered by such systems.

All of these technological advances have made VRV heat pumps more energy efficient than ever – and for a wider range of public buildings. It is time to think on a grander scale about the role they can play in meeting today’s ever-higher standards for energy efficiency.

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The integration of a VRV system with the latest intelligent control systems can again increase energy efficiency even more. For example, the latest innovations in intelligent controls are capable of allowing users to set system schedules on a weekly, monthly and annual basis. These can take into account holidays and seasonal variations in demand throughout the year, as well as different tenants’ requirements, ensuring the system is being operated in the most energyefficient way.

All of these technological advances mean that VRV systems can provide unrivalled energy savings. According to Franklin + Andrews, one of the world’s leading construction economists, running costs for VRV heat recovery systems are up to £6.25/m2 of gross floor area. This compares highly favourably with a 2 or 4 pipe fan coil system, which can cost as much as £8.75/m2 and £10.75/m2 of gross floor

www.daikin.co.uk Public Sector Build Journal 23

Disability and/or vision, but, in addition, there should be a Changing Places toilet.

The Department of Transport, under its Putting Passengers First survey, found that toilets were the top facility most in need of upgrading, but also that they were the most important priority for improvement.

Future vision

On track to optimise accessibility Paddington Station is continuing its tradition of being at the hub of developments with the installation of a state-of-the-art accessible toilet, installed by Total Hygiene.

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he new Changing Places toilet, alongside Platform 12 towards the new taxi deck, was opened with a new parent and child changing room/disabled toilet ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games.

It was supplied and installed by Total Hygiene, a leading disabled toileting and washroom solutions provider, and sponsor of the Changing Places campaign for enhanced accessible toilets.

advises that station toilets should not just be accessible to people in wheelchairs, but those who cannot bend, with limited strength, balance

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The Changing Places toilet, installed at Paddington Station, is larger than a standard accessible (Document M) toilet

Patrick Hallgate, Route Managing Director, Network Rail’s Regional Director, says: “We are committed to providing a better railway for all across our network and stations.

Paddington is a hugely important station, used by 60,000 people a day, with links to Heathrow AIrport and the Great Western region, and part of the Crossrail service starting in 2018. The new toilet facilities are one of the ways we are ensuring the station is fit for the future and meets the needs of its growing number of users.”

The Changing Places toilet is larger than a standard accessible (Document M) toilet, and also includes as standard height adjustable adultsized changing bench and hoist.

Paddington is the first major London station to include one of the facilities; it brings the total now available in the UK to almost 450, of which a third have been installed in the past 12 months.

enq 008 * info@clos-o-mat.com ( 0800 374 076

Commitment to access The new facilities, funded by the Department for Transport, are part of Network Rail’s (who own and manage Paddington Station) commitment to optimising accessibility. The new facilities are in line with the Department’s code of practice for accessible station design, which

24 Public Sector Build Journal

The new Changing Places was supplied and installed by Total Hygiene

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Online Enquiry 010 Public Sector Build Journal 25

Education

Sound check The Oasis Academy comprises state-of-the-art learning, ICT, community, sports and leisure facilities

Around 70% of our current school building stock is over 25 years old. But with the demise of the Building Schools for the Future programme, education providers are having to look at options for refurbishment as a means of improving the learning environment. A key factor that can make a huge difference to pupils, and their teachers, is the acoustics in their classrooms.

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oor acoustic conditions can have a detrimental effect on the mental state of pupils who may suffer from poor speech comprehension, reduced attention and concentration and, in some circumstances, more aggressive behaviour. Teachers fair little better, with those who consider their classrooms to be noisy reportedly suffering from regular headaches and sore throats and taking more time off through illness than their colleagues.

Speech intelligibility depends on two factors: the ambient noise within the room and the reverberation time of the space. The latter is the time, in seconds, required for reverberant sound in an enclosed space to reduce to a millionth (i.e. to drop by 60 dB) of its original energy level after the source of the sound is stopped. Ultimately, the reverberation time is created by the size and number of reflections and absorbing materials within a given space.

External sound sources will also impact on speech intelligibility in the classroom. These can be from a variety of sources including adjacent music rooms and sports halls; impact and airborne sound from rooms or corridors above; mechanical equipment within the building;

26 Public Sector Build Journal

and even road or aircraft noise from outside. Sound insulation is, therefore, just as important for achieving optimum acoustics as balancing the absorption and reflection of sounds within the space.

Suspended ceilings can be an extremely cost-effective solution to improving room acoustics, and there are a wealth of options to choose from in terms of performance and appearance.

A wide selection of face patterns, sizes and shapes are available to suit any interior design, offering everything from enhanced sound absorption for areas such as music rooms, to higher sound attenuation for corridors and circulation zones adjacent to teaching spaces.

High impact solutions Of course, in some older buildings, a traditional suspended ceiling is not always viable because of high windows or other architectural features or a low ceiling height. In these situations, ceiling rafts or baffles are a good option to provide the necessary acoustic control.

Alternatively, wall absorbers can be used, either in conjunction with an acoustic ceiling or independently, to improve room acoustics, and many now offer higher impact resistance to cope with tough

daily use in educational environments.

Wall absorbers are particularly useful for sports halls and multi-use areas where there is a higher risk of occasional impact from sports equipment.

Knauf AMF offers a wide range of ceiling solutions to meet the demands of even the most complex educational buildings. The Oasis Academy in Oldham is a case in point. As a new build, the Academy comprises state-of-the-art learning, ICT, community, sports and leisure facilities, and Knauf AMF ceilings were installed throughout to meet acoustic and aesthetic requirements.

David Wood, from Aedas, explains: “The design of the Academy required suspended ceilings that would complement the internal aesthetics as well as provide the correct acoustic environment.” The new building features several key spaces, including a central agora, adjacent hall and dining.

Knauf AMF’s Thermatex Symetra perforated tiles were installed using a shadowline grid. “This high quality product gave the correct acoustic environment and visual appearance for such important areas,” adds David.

Within the classrooms and circulation zones, Thermatex Alpha ceilings

Education

Balancing sound Many universities use their buildings as commercial ventures outside of term-time and occasionally this calls for a more bespoke solution to room acoustics. For example, Bournemouth University recently completed work on a £3.8m rebuild of its Kimmeridge House facility. The project included a new 70-seat lecture theatre and two large seminar rooms, along with the new 308seat Large Lecture Theatre, where Knauf AMF were specified to help meet some complex acoustic requirements.

For the majority of time, the Large Lecture Theatre is used for student

Within the classrooms and circulation zones, Thermatex Alpha ceilings were chosen in various size formats

lectures, which require high sound absorption to reduce the reverberation time and enhance speech intelligibility.

However, the theatre is also used for musical concerts and recitals that need lower sound absorption and differing levels of reverberation.

To overcome this issue, a sophisticated processing system has been installed that allows the reverberation in the theatre to be adjusted to the specific situation, whether short reverberation time for lectures or longer times tuned for a particular concert. With such hightech equipment, it was essential that the ceiling system would work effectively to enhance the variable acoustics.

Knauf AMF Thermatex Alpha ceiling tiles were chosen as they provide Class A sound absorption. Alongside this, 20 Knauf AMF Soundmosaic tiles were also installed. The Soundmosaic is a flatpanel loudspeaker in a modular ceiling tile format that works on the principle of

Knauf AMF Thermatex Alpha ceiling tiles were chosen as they provide Class A sound absorption

wave conversion. This means the mineral fibre ceiling tile itself is the loudspeaker, the oscillation being produced by a module on the reverse of the tile. To ensure the tile looks identical to the rest of the ceiling, Soundmosaic is available in all Thermatex face patterns.

The wave converter as the source of oscillation constitutes a significant part of the loudspeaker system. To optimise the effect of the sound, the adjoining tiles are integrated and linked to each other by hold-down clips. The low weight of the product allows for the system to be installed in both new-build and retrofit or refurbishments, without the need to alter the ceiling grid.

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were chosen in various size formats.

These provided the correct levels of acoustic absorption and attenuation for key learning environments, as well as helping to reduce noise levels throughout the open-plan breakout areas. The light weight and perforations of the core board in Thermatex Alpha create Class A sound absorption. With a strong white surface, the tiles have a smooth and elegant appearance.

But it’s not just primary and secondary schools where good acoustics are essential. Colleges and universities also need to ensure their lecture rooms are designed so that the speaker’s voice is clearly projected to the audience. Immediate reflection of sound waves carries the voice into the room, but unwanted noise must be absorbed. The correct application of reflection and absorbing fields in the ceiling can create this balance.

www.amfceilings.co.uk

The design of the Academy required suspended ceilings that would complement the internal aesthetics

Public Sector Build Journal 27

Healthcare

It is important for specifiers to use shades that complement and enhance each other to create an environment conducive to recovery

A healthy use of colour

Colour can have a dramatic impact on the dynamics of a room and influence how people feel when they are in that space.

As such, the use of colour is particularly important and should be carefully considered by specifiers during any refurbishment or new build development. Joanne McMullen, Brand Manager at Dulux Trade, describes how the use of different shades can alter a patient's perception of their surroundings.

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here has been extensive research into whether colour can exert a physical or psychological effect on people and there are arguments that both support and dismiss these claims, making it very difficult to come to a definite conclusion. There are so many shades of each colour that it is impossible to state, for example, that green is beneficial for promoting healing in hospitals.

28 Public Sector Build Journal

When it comes to selecting shades for healthcare environments, it is important to remember that often the combination of colours and the overall design scheme have the greatest influence on how an area is perceived, rather than the individual colours themselves. With this in mind, it is important for specifiers to use shades that complement and enhance each other to create an environment conducive to recovery.

Using colour in simple and creative ways can be extremely effective - a great design scheme needn't cost the earth

White shades, such as magnolia, are often used in healthcare projects due to their clean and fresh association, but it has been argued that this lack of colour can actually have negative impacts. Continued magnolia, for example, can make a

Healthcare space feel institutional. A carefully considered colour scheme can help create a space that feels more nurturing and becomes a more pleasant place to be.

Consider the audience

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A well–designed colour scheme can also have practical benefits. Some people believe that relaxed and happy patients heal faster, equating to shorter stays, so environments that encourage rest and calm, yet are also stimulating where appropriate, are important in speeding up recovery time. Colour accents should be used to draw attention to certain positive features or areas of a building, for example framing or highlighting a window with colour can draw patients’ attention to the view outside, helping them to feel more positive.

When designing areas to be used by elderly patients, it is important to consider that sensitivity to yellow tones can deteriorate with age, meaning that when elderly patients look in the mirror they may perceive a grey complexion.

As this can be disheartening, warm

There are a number of print, online and digital guides available that include example colour schemes appropriate for locations such as hospitals

Areas that will be used frequently by children undergoing treatment should be interesting and vibrant

tones, such as peaches, should be used to frame mirrors, or on walls reflected in mirrors, to help elderly patients feel better about themselves.

Similarly, patients with advanced dementia may also be affected by visual deterioration, which can cause them trouble distinguishing between colours such as blues and greens.

Using shades like orange or red, from the opposite end of the spectrum, on doors and to highlight potentially hazardous areas like steps can help patients find their way around. Equally, painting doors to no-go areas in the same colours as their adjoining walls, will help ensure patients do not try to

use them.

Areas that will be used frequently by children undergoing treatment should be interesting and vibrant, and using a clear and unsophisticated palette can feel fun and distract a child’s senses, helping to reduce their anxiety and confusion. A simple combination of pure accents can also make a space seem more appealing and reassuring to children.

Way finding The use of colour can also help healthcare specialists meet various legislation guidelines, including Equality Act requirements, which

Public Sector Build Journal 29

Healthcare

Tone Selector

Colour in patient rooms Patient rooms should be comfortable, calm, non-intimidating, safe and personalised. Lighting in patient rooms is often subdued, so this should influence colour choice. It is important to remember that excessive use of bright colours can interfere with visual diagnosis and lead to overstimulation. A neutral colour should be chosen for the main walls, which will flow across the scheme, and other colours should then be used to highlight certain areas.

A simple combination of pure accents can also make a space seem more appealing

White shades, such as magnolia, are often used in healthcare projects due to their clean and fresh association

30 Public Sector Build Journal

doorways and their adjoining walls, which can be achieved by suitable use of colour.

Ward areas

Navigating the colour maze Using colour in simple and creative ways can be extremely effective.

A great design scheme needn’t cost the earth but can have a huge impact, not only on the patients in a hospital but on staff and visitors too.

A good paint manufacturer will be able to provide colour advice and support, help take the guesswork out of choosing and combining colours, and advise on resources that can help navigate the colour specification maze. In addition, there are a number of print, online and digital guides available, ranging from tailored colour cards that include example colour schemes appropriate for locations such as hospitals, to downloadable and interactive resources which allow specifiers to explore a variety of colour options for healthcare environments.

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help ensure that visually impaired individuals are not at a disadvantage when navigating buildings. This means that there must be sufficient visual contrast between various elements of the building, such as

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Areas such as wards should be kept light and uplifting as patients will often spend long amounts of time in them.

A softer palette, for example pale greens or purples, can be used to draw attention to key features, such as sink areas, cupboard doors or window walls, while darker colours can be used on doors to make them stand out from the walls.

Intensive care units These areas need to be calming and restful. A soft neutral colour is recommended in these areas, however, to avoid a bland-looking environment, muted and soothing accents can be used on areas such as on doors or around windows.

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Leisure

Fast Track Funding allows schools and clubs to collaborate on providing first-class facilities

Financed facilities

Public sector cuts are forcing sports providers to find new funding solutions. Thanks to an innovative partnership led by England Hockey Board and Notts Sport, Fast Track Funding is now allowing schools across the country provide quality facilities for pupils and local teams in the community.

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he negative effects of Treasury spending cuts on the public sector have hit the headlines again in recent weeks with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg admitting the Government was wrong to cut spending on infrastructure when it came into office*.

There’s no doubt times have been tough for schools and sports providers trying to maintain and improve their grounds and facilities. The Institute for Fiscal Studies suggests that between 2010/11 and 2014/15, capital spending on schools, for example, will have been more than halved**.

But while the politicians sit in

32 Public Sector Build Journal

Westminster debating the issue, innovative schools and sports clubs across the country have found an ideal solution thanks to a unique new initiative between the England Hockey Board (EHB) and synthetic surfacing supplier Notts Sport.

The programme – called Fast Track Funding – allows schools and hockey clubs to collaborate on providing firstclass facilities without the need for upfront funding.

It ensures that, alongside their local hockey clubs, school children and local communities can enjoy the sports facilities they deserve – despite the squeeze on public sector capital projects.

Through the Fast Track Funding initiative, the school receives up to 100% of the funding for a brand new pitch, which can then be installed straight away.

The school can use the completed facility during weekdays, with the hockey club hiring it for evenings and weekends to provide guaranteed revenue over a set period to fund the repayments.

Notts Sport Chairman Shaun Patrick comments: “There’s a whole new generation of athletes inspired by last year’s incredible summer of sport, and as a society, it’s our responsibility to tackle rising concerns about childhood obesity – so it’s never been more important to provide sporting facilities to meet the needs of school children and local communities.

“However, this challenge comes at a time of unprecedented pressure on public sector budgets, so it’s vital that public sector bodies find innovative ways to fund much-needed sports projects.

“For schools whose sports facilities have seen better days, our innovative funding initiative offers the perfect solution – and a cost-effective Notts Sport pitch is the ideal choice for hockey, from the grassroots game to the very highest level.”

Notts Sport already sponsors the youth hockey development programme in its home county of Leicestershire, and the company’s new partnership with the EHB takes its backing of the grassroots game to another level.

Following the completion of each

For schools, hockey clubs and sports providers looking to upgrade their hockey facilities, Notts Sport offers the widest range compliant pitches

Leisure

Steve Parry, Partnership Development Manager for Hartismere School, explains: “We were quite surprised how easily the project went. We weren’t hampered by the weather, which helped, but Notts Sport’s attention to detail and working to the schedule was just phenomenal. It couldn’t have gone more smoothly.”

Notts Sport was recommended to Hartismere School by colleagues at a school in Dorset, which had completed an artificial turf project and was full of praise for the company’s care and attention to detail.

Steve says: “We were particularly impressed by Notts Sport’s willingness to help in the initial stages and I think this leant us towards them. They took us to other facilities to show how they had done things in quite specific detail. They really bent over backwards to help us.”

The school has about 900 students and is situated in a rural area with a wide catchment. The new facilities are used for curriculum time and afterschool clubs and can also be hired for general community and club use.

“It’s a great benefit to the community,” adds Steve. “We’ve already got a hockey club using it at weekends which

strengthens the school’s club links and, by making the facility available for community use, we can also generate income for the school.

“We’re hoping to look at future developments to continue to expand our provision and Notts Sport is up there as a company we would be eager to work with again.”

Notts Sport’s high-quality synthetic turf systems are also suitable for a range of sports and activities, including football, cricket and tennis, with performance characteristics individually designed to suit the specific needs of the facility’s users.

Notts Sport synthetic turf comes in a range of 15 vibrant colours, meaning pitches can be designed to match school or club colours, while fencing and other accessories can be included for the complete solution.

Customers receive free advice and support from Notts Sport’s Design and Advisory Service, which provides expert guidance every step of the way.

Alex Teasdale, National Manager Clubs and Facilities for the EHB, says: “We’re delighted to be working with Notts Sport on this exciting opportunity for schools and clubs to work together for their mutual benefit and we’re sure the scheme will prove extremely popular.”

■

Seamless delivery

The new build 101.4 x 63m pitch uses the new NottsPad XC shockpad with sand-dressed synthetic grass carpet

www.nottssport.com

* BBC News: ‘Clegg says Coalition

was wrong to cut capital spending’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ukpolitics-21190108 ** Institute for Fiscal Studies Briefing Note: ‘Trends in education and schools spending’ October 2011 http://www.ifs.org.uk/pr/bn121_pr.pdf

■

installation, Notts Sport will fund a launch programme of hockey activity, to be delivered by the EHB. For schools, hockey clubs and sports providers looking to upgrade their hockey facilities, Notts Sport offers the widest range of FIH (International Hockey Federation) compliant pitches and continues to innovate to ensure the very best products for hockey.

One such hockey pitch has been designed by Notts Sport for Hartismere School, in Eye, Suffolk, where students and local hockey players alike are enjoying the brand new, state-of-theart facility.

The new build 101.4 x 63m pitch uses the new NottsPad XC shockpad with sand-dressed synthetic grass carpet to meet FIH performance standards.

The bespoke project, which also includes fencing, floodlighting, storage recesses and full access arrangements, was completed in just 13 weeks – and within six months of the school’s first meeting with Notts Sport.

Customers receive free advice and support from Notts Sport's Design and Advisory Service, which provides expert guidance every step of the way

Public Sector Build Journal 33

Building Access

firstsite has already been named one of the top visitor attractions in Essex

Creative access

A decade in the planning and years in development, the worldclass contemporary visual arts organisation firstsite in Colchester is a creative centre worth waiting for. Designed by the Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, this singular feat of engineering has presented unique challenges to contractors and suppliers, as industry-leading window and door systems manufacturer GEZE UK discovered.

B

ack in 2003, Arts Council England, Colchester Borough Council, Essex County Council, the East of England Development Agency and the University of Essex formed a capital partnership. United by a common goal to develop a creative quarter to the east of Colchester’s historic centre, the partnership began an ambitious building programme for a new centre for the visual arts.

Rafael Viñoly Architects PC, who also created Curve, the state-of-the-art theatre in Leicester, and the masterplan for London’s Battersea Power Station

34 Public Sector Build Journal

storey design, which would nestle in the landscape. And the centre’s striking crescent shape was created to wrap around an existing D-shaped garden, in order to preserve an established arc of mature trees.

As if these restrictions weren’t enough to worry contractors, Vinoly’s vision for a spectacular front portico which would rise to 11m high and a vast sweeping curved roof, clad by hand in TECU Gold, meant that the whole development became a complex geometric puzzle.

In fact, very little on the site was straightforward. When contractor FA

redevelopment, won a worldwide architectural competition to design this pioneering centre.

Complex structure The site presented several immediate challenges. As Scheduled Ancient Monument land, with archaeological artefacts buried beneath, there was a strict ‘no-dig’ policy, which meant that the vast 3200m2 building had to be supported by a giant concrete ‘raft’, which would float above the ground. It was also important that the centre had minimal impact on Colchester’s historic roofscape, hence its low-lying, single-

The automatic operators had to be discreetly fixed to the slim framework of the facade - a feat that only GEZE UK's Slimdrive operators could achieve

Building Access Firman called upon GEZE UK to design a bespoke entrance to the unconventional centre, the team quickly realised they would be creating a completely unique dual entrance.

Easy transportation

The doors also had to be big enough to allow large sculptures and art exhibits to be transported in and out of the building

control panel and to the mains supply.

The connector ensures the doors can be easily and safely disconnected, as well as enabling the SL operator to reboot automatically once the connection had been restored. Therefore, when the larger doors need to be used the power can be quickly disconnected with the automatic doors open. Each giant door leaf can then be swung open, manually, as required.

Thermal control Special analysis was carried out by facade specialists Malishev Wilson Engineers (MWE) to establish the true thermal performance characteristics of the non-standard facade system, which included the bespoke entrance and vestibule. Using a heat flow analysis, MWE established a system U-value of 1.4 W/m²C° for the whole facade,

which complied with the architect’s demanding specification.

GEZE UK’s Managing Director Kaz Spiewakowski commented: “This is a spectacular project, and it’s not surprising that firstsite has already been named one of the top visitor attractions in Essex.

“This project was all about working in partnership and achieving a level of innovation and creativity that can only come from a team of experts and specialists. By combining the expertise of FA Firman, MWE and our team from GEZE UK, we displayed some truly ‘outof-the-box’ thinking. This entrance not only fulfils two very different purposes, but it also complements the glass façade and enhances the look of the development as a whole.”

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GEZE UK’s complex brief included both strict aesthetic requirements and challenging practical needs.

The entrance would form part of an iconic full-height glass facade, therefore the multi-purpose entrance had to complement this by giving the impression that it was seamless. The automatic operators had to be discreetly fixed to the slim framework of the facade – a feat that only GEZE UK’s Slimdrive operators, at just 7cm high, could achieve. The doors also had to be big enough to allow large sculptures and art exhibits to be transported in and out of the building as well as being easy to use for all visitors. Plus, there were also strict requirements for minimising heat loss.

In a planning process that took several months, a number of options for the doors were considered and discounted.

Automated, manual, swing and sliding door systems were examined in a bid to create the most practical solution. Under floor operators were proposed as the most aesthetic choice, but the size of the doors meant that the door leaf weight would be too great for the operators. In addition, the heat loss would have been enormous, making this option the least sustainable and therefore unfeasible.

Instead, the team developed a unique solution to the problem, a set of doors within doors, which could be semiautomated. By incorporating a set of automatic sliding doors within a set of much larger manual swing doors which each weighed 300kg, the improbable was made possible.

Two giant pivoted glass door leaves were installed, each with a smaller door leaf cut out within it. Single Slimdrive SL operators were then fixed through glass onto each smaller door leaf. These operators were then interfaced to work as a pair, so the smaller doors automatically slide apart as visitors approach, providing easy access for all and minimal heat loss.

A specialist plug connection was fabricated by GEZE UK to connect each sliding operator to the other, to the

www.geze.co.uk

The team developed a unique solution, a set of doors within doors, which could be semi-automated

Public Sector Build Journal 35

Naidex Preview

Taking care of the nation

Naidex National, the UK's largest disability, homecare and rehabilitation event, has announced its 2013 programme. Taking place at NEC Birmingham from 30th April to 2nd May 2013, Naidex National expects to welcome more than 10,000 visitors looking to source the latest product innovations and services.

T

he show offers access to more than 300 exhibitors and experts from a wide variety of sectors including mobility and transport, communication and telecare, adaption, paediatric equipment and other daily living aids. Key exhibitors for 2013 include Invacare (returning to Naidex after two years), Handicare, ArjoHuntleigh, Stannah, Pride, TGA Mobility and AKW Medicare.

Naidex partners include the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA), College of Occupational Therapists (COT), Disabled Living Foundation (DLF), ECCA (English Community Care Association) and THIIS magazine.

As the leading UK event for healthcare professionals and the trade, Naidex offers the latest thinking, strategies and products to support the ageing population and those affected or living with disabilities and limiting health conditions. It’s also open to members of the public who have a need to source products and services to support and assist with independent living.

Alongside Naidex National, The Care

36 Public Sector Build Journal

Management Conference 2013 is a new, free to attend, CPD certified conference for managers and owners of care-homes.

The conference, which offers worldclass intelligence and advice on regulation and best practice within care-homes, will also give visitors a chance to see all the latest equipment in an on-site exhibition.

Also new for 2013 is the Naidex Business Club and Conference, which offers business visitors a VIP pass giving them access to the new Business Club and Business Theatre. This includes access to three private meeting rooms for confidential supplier meetings, viewing of trade only show deals and a chance to reserve a VIP place at the business seminar. Topics around the conference include: Design and Build – dealing with the baby boom generation; Tomorrow’s World – hearing from universities around the latest research and development; and Business Skills – from marketing masterclasses to ethical selling.

Popular show features, such as Meet the Expert and the Car Zone will return in 2013, along with the Independent

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Naidex offers the latest thinking, strategies and products to support the ageing population and those affected or living with disabilities and limiting health conditions

Living Show Home (Built by iHus) that will show the best in inclusive design, new technology and telecare products.

Working in partnership with Contact a Family, the Kidequip area is aimed at parents of children with disabilities, SEN teachers and paediatric healthcare professionals. With an activity zone for children and adults, two ‘Meet the Speaker’ pods, and a larger paediatric seminar area, Kidequip will enable visitors to experience first hand the latest paediatric sensory products, sports and play equipment.

The Sensory Room also offers a first hand sample of new sensory environments using the latest interactive technology, giving an insight into the worlds of space, sea and nature.

New to this year’s show, this area will house exhibitors wanting to meet members of the public looking to purchase smaller items to take away with them or book leisure breaks.

Companies include Cosyfeet, the Blue Badge Company, BT and holiday companies such as Holidays for All and Disabled Holiday Directory.

The Naidex exhibition will showcase the latest products and services for those living with disabilities, supporting the healthcare professionals, retailers, buyers and the families themselves.

www.naidex.co.uk/national

Naidex is also open to members of the public who have a need to source products and services to support and assist with independent living

Naidex National Preview

Essential platform for Etac Etac develops a wide range of home healthcare products which help people with their daily living routines regardless of their physical circumstances. Ian Carter, Etac UK Managing Director comments: “Etac UK have supported Naidex National for over a decade and we still believe it to be the perfect platform for showcasing our Scandinavian powerchairs to the largest and most diverse exhibition audience in the UK. Following on from the successful launch of our cutting-edge E800 range at Naidex National, we once again anticipate high levels of interest in our new range of powerchair features, options and accessories at the 2013 event.” *

info@etacuk.com

(

01256 767 181

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Solis puts efficiency in reach Dyer Environmental Controls, located on stand F90, will be exhibiting Solis – a wireless, energyefficient remote opening system for windows and rooflights. The system is an environmentally friendly, practical solution to the common problem of out of reach windows. Solis is easy to install, user friendly and relevant for both new build and retro-fit design and a significant addition to domestic situations.

A kitchen sink window or high level window, a roof light that is too high to reach – Solis provides the answer. With the Solis Chain Motor, homeowners can now be in control of their environment. *

enquiry@dyerenvironmental.com

(

0161 491 4840

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Stannah showcases innovation

Stannah will be showcasing six of its best-selling mobility products at this year’s Naidex, including three stairlifts and three homelifts. The innovative range of stairlifts on display will include the perch-style Sadler, designed for people who have weakness in their knees, hips and upper body; the contemporary looking Siena and the Starla. On the homelifts side, the Salise, Stratum and Steplift will all be on display. The Salise is a sleek mini-lift that doesn’t require any major structural work to install, and which has proved popular with a range of age groups since being launched last year. (

 enq 014 0800 715 475 * marketinguk@stannah.co.uk

Online Enquiry 015 Public Sector Build Journal 37

Paints, Coatings & Finishes

With graffiti incurring considerable sums of damage in repair costs for both the private and public sector alike these paint finishes can provide an ideal solution

Retain surface appearance Transportation projects need to balance aesthetics with the performance qualities of materials, to provide a durable finish for future users to benefit from. Considering ease of maintenance is also essential to ensure the environment remains impeccable.

SAS International takes a closer look at durable coatings.

A

rchitectural metalwork solutions can balance the visual appeal with enhanced performance qualities to provide a highly functional environment. Wall panelling provides a durable solution to handle crowd pressure while column casings can incorporate impact resistance for vehicle movement. Sloping tops with 20 degree angles can be used to help prevent the surface being used for discarded rubbish or left luggage.

The durability of a transportation hub is vital. Metal solutions provide a robust surface that is easy to clean and will allow ease of access for essential

ongoing maintenance, without damage.

However it is well recognised that there are high chances of graffiti damage occurring within the transport sector, for example, at train and bus stations and this is where considering innovative powder coating finishes, such as anti-graffiti paint, can help a transportation hub maintain its appearance over time.

Combat vandalism Anti-graffiti paint finishes allow the simple and rapid removal of most forms of graffiti and importantly provides an incredibly hard-wearing finish which can

Using approved architectural powder coating paint finish to metalwork can guarantee the solution for up to 40 years

38 Public Sector Build Journal

help ease of maintenance and keeps surfaces looking new and attractive for longer.

With graffiti incurring considerable sums of damage in repair costs for both the private and public sector alike these paint finishes can provide an ideal solution.

The reinforced polyurethane durable powder coating of anti-graffiti paint finishes, such as SAS AG, is based on a chemically-resistant resin system that is specially designed to allow the simple and rapid removal of most forms of graffiti. These finishes can therefore provide an easy specification solution for public access buildings and areas.

Designed to offer a high level of scratch and abrasion resistance, the finish is available in a wide range of colours, gloss and semi-gloss.

Easy removal The finish allows for aerosol paints to be easily removed from surfaces using xylene, acetone or trichloroethylene.

It is ideal for outdoor and indoor use on architectural metalwork solutions.

Meeting requirements of London Underground Limited Engineering Standard E1042:A2 October 1996, SAS AG is of industry standard and can be used as an alternative to Vitreous Enamel coatings.

As a manufacturer, SAS International is increasingly working alongside architects and specifiers around the world to achieve the look and finish that is required and also to ensure that long-term value is delivered at each step of the process. Using approved architectural powder coating paint finish to metalwork can guarantee the solution for up to 40 years.

Considering ongoing maintenance at design stage will allow for functionality and ease of access, as well as minimal disruption to users, to be factored in.

The upkeep of the interior can dictate how a building will last and function and ease of cleaning is essential. Working closely with a manufacturer at design stage can help substantially with evolving design plans as well as factoring in demands for future upkeep without compromising on aesthetics.

www.sasint.co.uk

Meet the Mixed Media Information team at Ecobuild Stand N10 Forward-thinking publisher, Mixed Media Information, will be showcasing its extensive portfolio of print and online products.

Leave your feedback, learn about our new launches for 2013, make an enquiry or renew your subscription.

Visit the stand at any point throughout the event or book an appointment now. sam@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director

hannah@mixedmediainfo.com Editor

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steve@mixedmediainfo.com Publication Manager

adam@mixedmediainfo.com Account Executive

Insulation

Too hot to handle?

Is the increased focus on minimising heat losses from buildings contributing to the growing problem of overheating in homes?

Deryn Gilbey, Market Development, European Construction Competence Centre at BASF, The Chemical Company, considers some of the challenges.

O

verheating is a growing problem in homes. Passive solar design strategies featuring south facing windows, Building Regulations demanding high levels of insulation and increasingly airtight construction methods have created homes that are energy efficient and easy to heat in winter. In summer, however, once solar gains are added to the heat from occupants and increasing numbers of electronic devices many new homes are starting to become uncomfortably warm.

Westminster Council has first hand experience of the problem.

In a presentation to the trade body Good Homes Alliance, Rob Sale, an environmental health officer at the Council claimed temperatures as high as 33.9°C have been recorded in one particular one-bedroom flat.

40 Public Sector Build Journal

The build-up of heat in homes is often the result of several interrelated factors, which was the case in Westminster.

This makes it a complex issue to address. Chemical company BASF is one of the biggest suppliers of raw materials, systems and products to the construction industry; as such it welcomes the opportunity to work with designers to suggest solutions to challenges such as this.

Excessive heat gain High thermal mass is often suggested as a way of preventing rapid and extreme temperature variations within buildings as the mass absorbs heat during the day, preventing excessive heat build-up in the interior. However, modern methods of construction are often based around lightweight materials and pre-assembled

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BASF's Nottingham University House is built to demonstrate a range of technologies, Including phase change materials to regulate interior temperatures

elements which tend to heat quickly on sunny days.

One solution to help ameliorate overheating in lightweight buildings is to incorporate a phase change material (PCM) into the internal finishes. PCMs are able to absorb large amounts of thermal energy because they use the characteristics of latent heat as they change phase from solid to liquid – it is because of latent heat that it takes as much energy to change 1 gram of ice to water as it does to heat the same amount of water from 0°C to 80°C. If the surplus heat in the air can be temporarily stored in a PCM, and then released when air temperatures fall, internal temperatures can be stabilised, removing the extremes, and improving occupant comfort. Essentially, this provides a way of capitalising on the heat retention characteristics of a high thermal mass structure, but in lightweight construction.

BASF’s Micronal phase change material is based on tiny wax particles packed in microcapsules made from acrylic glass which can be incorporated into products such as ceiling tiles or plasterboard during manufacture.

Micronal has been engineered to change phase (melt) at temperatures approaching 23°C, soaking up heat from the room in the process.

For the thermal mass effect to act as part of a room cooling solution the heat it absorbs must be removed at some point. The most efficient way to do this is through ventilation, by ensuring at least three air changes an hour; this is most effective at night, when outside air temperatures are at their lowest.

The NHBC Foundation has recognised overheating as a potential problem and issued a guidance document focusing on this ventilation process in mid 2012.

Thermal mass used in isolation may not always be the answer to overheating. However, BASF does have the technical know-how to work with the construction industry to develop cost effective solutions to overheating, of which PCMs may form a part, which have proved to be extremely effective as part of a holistic solution to controlling overheating.

www.basf.co.uk

BSRIA TESTING FOR EVALOC PROJECT Evaluating Low Carbon Communities (EVALOC) is a three and a half year project led the Low Carbon Building Group of the Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development at Oxford Brookes University, with the Environmental Change Institute of University of Oxford.

The research team is investigating six low carbon communities in terms of the impact, effectiveness and success of their changes in energy use on energy behaviours. BSRIA has supplied and installed Wi5 systems in 30 homes spread through the six communities.

These will provide ongoing data on such subjects as temperature, humidity and CO2 levels and in addition BSRIA is setting up sophisticated systems to monitor low carbon technologies in use in the communities concerned. The reliability and accuracy of the equipment supplied by BSRIA is a vital part of the project.

For more info on the EVALOC project, go to evaloc.org.uk BSRIA INSTRUMENT SOLUTIONS

t: 01344 459314 e: sales@bis.fm w: www.bis.fm

BSRIA has supplied and installed Wi5 systems in 30 homes

Online Enquiry 018

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www.fhbrundle.co.uk

Online Enquiry 020 Public Sector Build Journal 41

SBP ARY

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The smarter way to access news and products for the sustainable building market.

With its easy-to-navigate format, users can benefit from a variety of useful tools, such as the magazine’s latest issue, digital archive, suppliers and newsbank. The App is also synced with SBP Library (www.sustainable-buildingproducts.com) providing an essential specification portal.

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The smarter way to access news and products for the sustainable building market.

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

Your essential new reference for building product information Browse, download and access the latest product brochures, technical videos, testimonials, CPD, BIM and press releases free of charge, from the sustainable building product library. Sustainable-buildingproducts.com is the comprehensive online directory for construction professionals, specifiers, architects and other industry players, looking to source sustainable products and materials.

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Ecobuild Preview

The hub for green legislation debate The exhibition stand of market-leading home energy specialist, SIG Energy Management, will be this year's main attraction for delegates wanting to discuss the legislative challenges facing the construction industry.

T

he Building Regs 2013 changes, Green Deal and the Energy Company Obligation will all be top of the agenda for the coming year, according to SIG Energy Management’s Managing Director Neil Donald – with everyone in the industry needing to work together to find a solution.

“To iron out exactly how we can approach these challenging government targets, we need honest, open debate between government, industry, and indeed homeowners and tenants themselves,” says Neil.

“We intend for our stand at Ecobuild to be a hub for discussion of legislation and green issues – a chance for delegates to come and have full and frank conversations about what needs to be done.”

Working in partnership with a range of suppliers, partners and customers, SIG Energy Management will be delivering a programme of seminars and live case

studies, focusing on the challenges of responding to government legislation.

The seminars will focus on a range of issues associated with energy efficiency and demonstrate key examples of where organisations have overcome these technical and legislative challenges.

SIG Energy Management is part of the SIG Group. It was formed as the result of a strategic realignment within SIG plc which consolidates its expertise in energy management inherent across the company.

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LD 0 UI 83 OB N EC and St

The SIG Energy Management stand will be a hub for discussion of legislation and green issues

edge micro-generation technology.

Expert installers offer a high quality service and come with an unparalleled reputation built up over 40 years.

SIG Energy Management has recently been accredited as a Green Deal Assessor Organisation and a Green Deal Installer by the Green Deal Oversight and Registration Body.

Qualified and authorised Green Deal Advisors make recommendations for measures that could improve the energy efficiency of the building and have the technical knowledge, practical competence and skills to provide consumers with the advice they need in order to make informed decisions.

Authorised Green Deal Installers install energy efficiency improvements under the Green Deal finance mechanism.

Now that the company is accredited, SIG Energy Management carries the Green Deal Quality Mark. Neil says: “This is an important milestone for the business and serves to confirm that we have the requisite skills and experience to help our customers make the right decisions when it comes to the Green Deal.”

The stand features a large communal meeting area, flanked by a cluster of ‘break-out’ rooms for those visiting the stand to hold private meetings and discussions. Around the stand are a number of information pods and interactive displays, providing information on key legislation – including SIG Energy Management’s new App, launched at Ecobuild last year.  *

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enquiries@sigenergy.co.uk ( 0845 873 8612

Unrivalled expertise The company brings together specialist distributor SIG Sustainable Solutions with Miller Pattison as the installer arm, meaning SIG Energy Management is uniquely positioned to provide a range of products and services from ‘back to basics’ solutions that specifically address energy efficiency such as roof, cavity wall and lost insulation, as well as cutting

SIG Energy Management Managing Director Neil Donald

Public Sector Build Journal 45

Public Sector Building Journal 90x122mm (Rob)_Layout 1 12/02/2013 11:23 Page 1

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Natural Selection Experience the art of landscaping with the dramatic effect of stone

Apricot

Black Polished Pebbles

Plum Slate

Coral

Blue Slate

Cornflint

Scottish Pebbles

Eco Aggregates

Long Rake Spar has developed this range of Eco Aggregates as part of our commitment to the environmentally responsible management of natural resources.

Ivory White

Terracotta

Flamingo Pebbles

Eco Mix

EcoRoc Green Roof Substrates

See us on stand S1850 with Addagrip

Long Rake Spar produce three categories of Green Roof substrates, each containing a blend to specific proportions of recycled and lightweight aggregates with composted bio-waste products. The three products have been designed to suit most landscaping and ecological specifications.

Long Rake Spar Co Ltd Youlgrave, Nr. Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1LW. Tel: 01629 630133 Fax: 01629 636247

www.longrakespar.co.uk admin@longrakespar.co.uk

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EC O St BU N3 an IL 12 d D 2

Ecobuild Preview

Renewable energy is set to pay dividends Renewable energy is a hot topic following the launch of the Government's eagerly-awaited Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and Green Deal schemes, which aim to utilise significant renewable sources by 2020. Renewable energy specialist Terra Therma unveils how its new Eco House confirms its position as a leading resource. energy savings, with no upper limit.

Both schemes are based upon the selected equipment installed and the level of efficiency of the domestic or commercial building.

Ecobuild exhibitor Terra Therma,

Under the RHI scheme, renewable installations can benefit from lower rates of VAT and qualify for various grants and tariffs. With Green Deal there are no upfront costs and installations are paid back through

Bostik will be showcasing how its new Climatherm external wall insulation system offers important advantages for work carried out under both the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and the Green Deal. The Climatherm system comprises insulation, render and finish. Backed by a comprehensive training scheme, a selection of finishes such as Brick Effect Render are available to cater for a broad range of properties. Additionally, the innovative system of selling means that those supplying materials as part of the ECO and Green Deal can select from a range of components that meet Bostik’s minimum performance requirements. *

bostik.climatherm@bostik.com

(

01785 272727

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Johnson & Starley reveals innovative systems

‘Sustainable Solutions Under one Roof’ will be the theme of Johnson & Starley’s participation. The new QuanTec condensing combi boiler with integral passive flue gas heat recovery will be a major attraction for Ecobuild visitors, alongside this will be the company’s latest innovations in high efficiency Warm Air Heating. Also on show will be Gencair HPT air to water heat pumps, developed for comfort heating when integrated within traditional residential heating systems, together with the Aqua Heating Interface Units (HIU) which offer a robust and cost effective solution to safe, reliable and instantly available heating and hot water in high density multi-dwelling developments. *

marketing@johnsonandstarley.co.uk

(

01604 762881

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info@terratherma.co.uk ( 01621 858555

Siniat to unveil its new look

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Bostik offers flexible solution for eco initiatives

one of the UK’s leading heating and renewable energy specialists recently opened the doors to its groundbreaking two storey demonstration Eco House in Essex to showcase interactive working examples of the latest innovations in renewable heating technology.

“Renewable energy is something that we all need to know about as we will see an ever-higher demand for renewable heating technology,” says Terra Therma Director, Sean Casey. “We are able to show just how highly performing, and affordable the latest advances in air-to-water heat pumps really are, alongside other environmentally friendly innovations such as flooring systems and lighting.”

“Our team of renewable energy experts will be on hand at Ecobuild to answer questions from visitors, provide information on a range of renewable technologies, and clarify exactly what the RHI and Green Deal schemes can offer.”

Siniat, formerly Lafarge Plasterboard, is set to launch its first major innovation since the company overhauled its image in 2012.

The product takes inspiration from the company’s bold new look and commitment to efficient construction. The company will also be demonstrating the applications of its specialist products, which include GTEC Aqua Board, the UK’s first plasterboard for high-humidity and wet area applications, and GTEC LaDura, Siniat’s strongest ever plasterboard, which is ideal for extreme duty areas. Both are changing the way the industry specifies for partitions, opening new cost-saving potential for building more efficiently.

(

 enq 031 01275 377773 * enquiryline@siniat.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 47

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Latham's unrivalled cladding solution

Timber and panel products specialist, James Latham is now offering a wide range of timber cladding directly available from stock. Latham's entire timber cladding range is either FSC or PEFC certified and has been carefully selected to ensure that it meets the highest standards of quality.

Western Red Cedar is a popular choice among architects and builders due to its superior dimensional stability. As

the ideal material for both internal and external cladding projects. Plus, it has a rich colour, meaning that projects using Cedar, if properly maintained, will look fantastic year after year.

Latham’s Timber Manager, Danny Jones comments: “Aside from its aesthetic appeal, this remarkable wood has outstanding physical characteristics. Western Red Cedar contains natural preservative oils making it highly resistant to decay. It’s also lightweight and easy to cut and handle, reducing installation time.”

Danny adds: “As well as Western Red Cedar, we also offer Siberian, Larch, Thermo-wood and Accoya directly from stock. In addition, we offer bespoke machining on request as well as treatments such as Tanalith and Aquavac plus a full range of fire retardant treatments. We also offer a staining and lacquering service for all depots.”

well as shrinking and swelling much less than other timber, it stays flat and straight and resists checking, making it

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marketing@lathams.co.uk ( 0116 257 3415

Ubix provides versatile roof protection

Safer swim with Maple solar shading Solar shading from Maple Sunscreening is improving safety for swimmers at the new £11m Rochdale Leisure Centre. External aluminium louvres from Maple’s Aurora Panel system were installed to the facade of Rochdale’s pool hall to eliminate glare and ‘mirror-like’ specular reflection on the surface of the water. Sunscreening systems have become part of the safety specification for many public pools in recent years, particularly those with large glazed facades. Improved visibility through the water is a key benefit, ensuring that lifeguarding staff have a clear view at all times.  enq 033 ( 0845 384 5000 * jay@maplesunscreening.co.uk

48 Public Sector Build Journal

The Ubix Temporary Roof System from Combisafe has once again proved its versatility, providing weather and dust protection for trains undergoing painting and refurbishment at a train maintenance depot near Berlin. Designed with safety as the top priority, the Ubix Temporary Roofing System proved ideal, protecting both the workers and train carriages from wind, rain, snow and dust during essential repairs. When combined with the Runway System, the Ubix Temporary Roof offers an even more efficient erection process and allows the roof to be rolled over the next train without having to shunt the trains around the depot. *

info@combisafe.com

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01604 660600

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Partnership brings added cladding choice Aquarian Cladding has announced a partnership agreement with Michelmersh Brick, which will see Michelmersh being the sole UK provider of stock bricks for the Gebrik insulating brick cladding system. The partnership brings a number of stock brick finishes to the Gebrik range, all carefully selected for their superior quality, appearance and technical specification. The extensive choice of finishes now includes First Quality, Selected Dark and Danehill Yellow Facings from Michelmersh’s Freshfield Lane brickworks, and Hampshire Red, Sussex Red and Victorian Red handmade bricks from its Charnwood factory. *

info@aquariancladding.co.uk

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0844 334 0077

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Join the industry at Ecobuild this year and discover what the future holds.

ExCeL, London. Tuesday 05 – Thursday 07 March 2013 get your free ticket at www.ecobuild.co.uk

LEAD SPONSOR

LEAD SUPPORTERS

Online Enquiry 036

Doors & Windows

Selectaglaze retains authentic appeal The £200m site redevelopment of the University of Oxford is one of the university's biggest building projects to have been undertaken within the past 100 years and has included the refurbishment of the Grade II Radcliffe Infirmary building. The building now accommodates the university's Humanities, Philosophy and Theology Departments and Library.

Under the guidance of English Heritage and the expertise of main contractor Laing O’Rourke, the Infirmary has retained many of its original features including the ground floor’s magnificent vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, doorframes, deep clean bedhead windowsills in the

former wards and Benefactions boards situated around the first floor.

The traditional single-glazed sash windows presented a particular problem for the buildings energy performance and the main facade also fronts onto one of Oxford’s main thoroughfares, creating unacceptable noise levels for sensitive study areas such as the library and academic research rooms.

A solution was found with secondary glazing, a reversible adaptation acceptable to English Heritage. Architect Purcell and Laing O’Rourke consulted with the UK’s leading secondary glazing specialist, Selectaglaze and, following a successful trial, a total of 128 windows were insulated.

Most windows were treated with matching sash windows from Selectaglaze’s extensive range. It was

important that the window sight lines were respected and each window was manufactured bespoke in a clean white painted finish with white gasketry to ensure that the installation was sympathetic to the original windows. The use of a toughened low emissivity glass helped provide a U-value of a combined window of less than 2.0W/m2K, which is close to modern standards.

Laing O’Rourke’s Site Manager John Kenneally says: “It’s been a challenging project. Having been unoccupied for five years the building was in a pretty poor state of repair and, of course, we had to incorporate modern services in an old shell, but the final result is excellent.”  *

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enquries@selectaglaze.co.uk ( 01727 837271

Peace of mind door solution from Shellen

Smart solution for Saïd Business School

Oxford University’s Saïd Business School features a range of aluminium doors and windows from commercial systems specialist Smart Architectural Aluminium. The project incorporates the company’s Superglide patio doors and Visoline tilt & turn, casement windows, doors and frames, all supplied in a polyester powder coated grey finish. A striking feature of the external facade is an 8.2m run of Smart Visoglide sliding doors. The installation – in an unusual ‘zigzag’ formation – provides a feeling of light and space to the meeting and dining rooms.  enq 038 ( 01934 876100 * marketing@smartsystems.co.uk

50 Public Sector Build Journal

As social housing landlords come under increasing legislative pressure to ensure secure properties, one specialist manufacturer has developed a new door range.

The solid timber Advanced door range from Shellen Security Doors is both BS476 pt 22 accredited for fire resistance and PAS24 accredited for security performance and Shellen itself holds Q-Mark certification from TRADA. The doors incorporate both the Mila Master multi-point door lock and the new ProSecure high security handle from hardware specialists Mila.

Shellen has achieved PAS24 and Secured by Design accreditation on the doors and has deliberately chosen the ProSecure high security handle for increased protection. *

tcooke@milamaintenance.co.uk

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0808 100 8881

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Solar windows appointed to LHC Framework Solar Windows has strengthened its status as one of the UK’s leading commercial suppliers of PVC-U window, door and curtain walling products with the announcement that it has been appointed by LHC to its pre-tendered External Doorsets framework arrangement. Solar has been appointed to operate in the Southern England, Midlands and Wales regions. The company’s door range includes BS 8529/ PAS24 certified GRP composite doors branded Solardor in Rehau TOTAL70 outerframes, PVC-U residential doors, and FIRAS compliant fire rated doors manufactured using Rehau’s patented RAUFERNO system. *

enquiries@rehau.com

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01989 762600

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RELAX!

We offer 24 Hour Glass Processing!

Firman take the stress out of meeting a deadline with our round the clock glass processing service.

We are also the proud owners of one of the largest Cooltemper toughening plants currently operational in the UK and also have a large range of Fire rated glass offering different levels of integrity and insulation that we can have cut to size in 24/48 service.

To find out more about our 24 hour service visit www.firmanglass.com Firman Glass,19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH Tel: 01708 374534 Fax: 01708 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com Online Enquiry 041

www.firmanglass.com

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Forbo extends Nuway range Nuway Grid can be teamed up with Forbo's Coral entrance matting and other floor finishes to create beautifully colour-coordinated entrance areas

Keen to extend the reach of its market-leading portfolio of entrance flooring systems, Forbo has introduced a new range of tough and durable Nuway rigid entrance mats, designed to deliver high performance and longevity in heavy traffic areas whilst offering the maximum level of flexibility in terms of aesthetics.

Nuway Connect in an open format with bristle inserts

52 Public Sector Build Journal

moisture can be fully integrated into the overall floor scheme, co-ordinating perfectly with secondary ‘wipe-off’ textile entrance flooring and other floor finishes.

Versatile systems Nuway Connect is a versatile rigid entrance system designed to suit a wide range of locations. Supplied in a ‘closed’ or ‘open’ construction in 10, 17 and 22mm heights to fit most matwells, it has carrier strips with a low lustre anodised aluminum finish that can help to prevent ‘strobing’ in bright conditions. The range of inserts, which can be mixed and matched, includes rubber, bristle and Coral Classic textile strips in six colours. The open version of Nuway Connect can be rolled up which can make it easier to clean the matwell.

Nuway Grid, now available in 12 and 17mm heights, is a tough and economical entrance flooring solution for high traffic entrance areas where aesthetic considerations are paramount. Grid’s low lustre anodised aluminium carrier sections interlock for durability creating a closed system and the infill strips are joined together by rubber double connecting strips on the underside to dampen sound and vibration.

The real beauty of Grid is the array of infill materials available to facilitate perfect colour matching with Forbo’s Coral secondary matting, including textile strips in 13 different colourways from the Coral Classic, Brush Activ and Burford ranges, with other inserts available to special order. If a Nuway Grid mat is required for use outside, rubber inlays are also available.

Completing the Nuway range of single sided matting options is Cable, a continental style matting system with ‘roll up’ functionality and a choice of inserts including rubber, 3-row bristle or Coral Classic in five colours.

Janet Lowe, UK Business Manager of Forbo Flooring Systems says: “At Forbo we believe in providing totally integrated flooring solutions with maximum aesthetic appeal.

With our new rigid, single sided Nuway ranges we are creating more opportunities for primary and secondary entrance matting to be perfectly colour co-ordinated and, in turn, for the all important entrance flooring zone to perfectly complement other floor finishes.”

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A

longside its well-established Nuway Tuftiguard rigid engineered matting ranges, with their double-sided reversible format, Forbo now offers three different single-sided, barrier mat designs – Nuway Grid, Nuway Connect and Nuway Cable. This range extension means that clients looking to keep interiors clean, dry and safe from slip hazards can now be sure of finding a Nuway entrance flooring solution to meet every budget and technical specification. Furthermore, the extended colour offer available ensures that this essential first line of defence against footborne soil and

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

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Top marks for Ultra Floor at academy Ultra Floor's Prime IT N and Level IT two have been used to lay flooring at Tamworth's reputable Landau Forte Academy QEMS, as part of a significant refurbishment programme.

Landau Forte Academy QEMS opened in September 2011, and specialises in music and mathematics for 11 to 16 year olds. It is set on a large campus which includes two main buildings, servicing the upper and lower years.

The upgrade included new flooring throughout the classrooms, laboratories and wet areas. Tamworthbased flooring contractor Stuarts Industrial Flooring laid the 3000m² of Forbo Vinyl over a six month period.

Sub-floor preparation was completed with Ultra Floor Prime IT N polymer emulsion primer and Ultra Floor Level IT two, two part latex levelling compound.

Ultra Floor Prime IT N is a water based polymer emulsion primer suitable for use over non-porous substrates such as synthetic screeds, chipboard, steel, damp proof membranes, asphalt and other hard adhesive residue. It

is easy to use and safe to apply, with a drying time of approximately one hour depending on the porosity of the substrate and working conditions. It was used throughout the classrooms, laboratories and wet areas prior to levelling.

After priming Level IT two was applied by trowel to the substrate.

This self levelling latex compound combines excellent flow characteristics with strong adhesion properties. The product’s formulation is free from ammonia, creating a very low odour material ideal for confined areas such as classrooms. Furthermore, the product is designed to compensate for shrinkage, is polymer modified and free of protein.

The leveller is ready to receive foot traffic after only 2.5 hours. It achieves thicknesses of up to 10mm deep and can be used under a DPM.

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ultrafloor@instarmac.co.uk ( 01827 871871

Quality entrances from Jaymart Jaymart’s Street-Beater ribbed rubber/aluminium entrance matting systems have been recently installed at the prestigious Park Lane building in London’s upmarket Mayfair. Also in Mayfair, Rolex’s top-notch Caulder Moore redesigned boutique at 28 Old Bond Street opted for the same type of entrance matting system. StreetBeater can be used as an indoor or outdoor entrance matting and is available in closed construction or in heelsafe open construction. An advantage to this system is the availability of replacement fine ribbed rubber insert strips should they be required. Jaymart was also proud to be suppliers of its aluminium-based entrance matting systems to the London 2012 Olympics. *

sales@jaymart.co.uk

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01373 864926

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Economical application at new academy Products in the extensive weber.floor range by Saint-Gobain Weber have been installed at the £29m Strood Academy, a new secondary school in Medway, Kent.

Over 150 tonnes of weber.floor 4150 fine flow commercial screed have been installed achieving an economical solution for this large application area of over 13,000m². weber.floor 4150 fine flow is a standard drying, cement based screed for levelling and smoothing concrete substrates. It can be applied at thicknesses from 4-30mm and is ready for foot traffic in 2-4 hours allowing fast and convenient access. It is ready to receive a final floor covering in 1-3 weeks following installation. *

mail@netweber.co.uk

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028 9335 2999

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Altro goes back to school Altro Walkway and Altro Aquarius safety flooring have been installed at Bedford Modern School as part of a programme to convert an outdated squash courts into a modern fitness studio. More than 500m2 of flooring was installed to existing timber and newly-laid screeded subfloors. Altro Walkway has a palette of 24 colours to provide complete design flexibility. For areas that can be wet and dry, such as the changing rooms, Altro Aquarius is ideal. Perfect for barefoot and shoe use, it enables the installation of one product and is suitable for any type of shoe from hard and soft soled to rubber and trainers. (

 enq 046 01462 489516 * enquiries@altro.com

Public Sector Build Journal 53

Focus & Innovation

A simple solution for soft sand Terram, a company accustomed to finding geosynthetic answers to groundbreaking questions, recently introduced Pathmat, a simple, practical method of dealing with soft sand, offering a stable reinforced surface that aids access to beaches for everyone.

Manufactured from a UV stabilised elastomeric polymer with an openweave texture allowing easy water penetration, Pathmat is available in rolls 10 metres long and 1.56 metres across, amply wide enough for a wheelchair or for a child’s buggy even if the parent is holding another child by the hand.

It is lightweight – just four kilos per square metre – flexible enough to be used on any reasonable sand surface and has a relatively soft, textured surface that is comfortable even for bare feet.

A Pathmat roll can be very simply laid by two people in less than ten minutes and joining two rolls is easily achieved with special connectors and the rolls are secured to the sand by use of steel u-pins roughly the size of croquet hoops, giving sufficient depth when driven in to gain a firm grip in the sand. It provides a safe, slip resistant surface at all times, even in the wet.

The laid surface can be easily cleaned with a broom, blower or pressure washer and the mats are in

a pleasant light blue colour that is easily spotted by holidaymakers yet easy on the eye.

As well as offering easy access it can also be a help in channelling users onto any beach area desired.

Although well conceived and made, Pathmat is no high-tech miracle – just a practical product to meet a simple need.  *

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info@terram.com ( 01621 874200

Recycled modular solution for St John Rigby

Award-winning MODAL application Technal’s new MODAL low rise glazing system has helped a school win a string of awards for design and architecture. Forest Park School in Hampshire has won a top award at the Solent Design Awards which recognise the best designed buildings in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The school has also received a Civic Trust Award and an RIBA award which was presented for the project’s ‘high architectural quality and contribution to the local environment’. Sound attenuated louvres provide additional natural ventilation, and the GXi sliding patio door, which is fully integrated with MODAL, was also specified, together with Technal’s CD commercial door. (

 enq 048 01924 232323 * info@technal.co.uk

54 Public Sector Build Journal

Foremans Relocatable Building Systems, supplier of refurbished Portakabin buildings, has handed over a new teaching block at St John Rigby College near Wigan. The use of recycled building modules allowed the sixth form college to benefit from a larger building and more classrooms for the available budget.

The two-storey scheme, which provides 11 classrooms for social sciences and two IT suites, was craned into position in just three days during school holidays, minimising any disruption to the college. The modular solution reduced the programme time to just 30 weeks, enabling the tight deadline for its funding requirements to be met. *

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01964 544344

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Vent-Axia supplies council's housing stock Vent-Axia has been supplying Mears Group, the UK’s leading social housing repairs and maintenance provider in the UK, with its Lo-Carbon Centra fans for use in Brighton & Hove City Council’s housing stock. Vent-Axia’s dMEV (decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation) Lo-Carbon Centra fans have been installed in a variety of properties across the city as an energy efficient solution to help keep homes free of damaging condensation.

Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon Centra provides a near silent dMEV solution with the lowest specific fan power in its class, complying fully with Building Regulations Part F for continuous mechanical extract ventilation (System 3). *

jenny.smith@vent-axia.com

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0844 856 0590

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Public Sector Build Journal 55

Focus & Innovation

Schöck meets steel connectivity challenge Construction continues on the new Bannockburn Heritage Centre, near Stirling, with completion scheduled well in time to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the 1314 Scottish victory.

Schöck unveils how its systems have been utilised to prevent thermal bridging in this prestigious project.

Designed by Reiach and Hall Architects, the new centre is part of an overall £9m project to establish the site as one of the most historically important places in Scotland. Central to the design are thermal efficiency and energy saving issues, with the avoidance of thermal

bridging a major consideration. The main consequences of this being heat and energy loss, but an area of increasing concern is condensation and mould growth, which often leads to potential health and respiratory problems.

To prevent any risk of thermal

bridging, the Schöck Isokorb thermal break type KST 16 has been incorporated at the canopy overhang connectivity points around the perimeter of the main building.

The KST 16 is designed for moment and shear force connections and offers an unrivalled solution for the avoidance of thermal bridges in free cantilever steelto-steel construction. The Isokorb range comfortably exceeds the requirements of the UK regulation (BRE IP1/06) which stipulates the temperature factor used to indicate condensation risk (fRSI), must be greater than, or equal to, 0.75 for public buildings. The unit also provides both BBA Certification and LABC Registration.

Sinclair Knight Merz comments: “We have worked with Schöck on both the Maggies Gartnavel project and the visitor centre for Bannockburn and have used Schöck for these projects in particular because of the good technical advice and detailed calculation service provided.”

enq 052 * design@schoeck.co.uk ( 01865 290890 

Motorway manhole challenge

Tremco offers cure for car park refurb Tremco Systems has been specified to refurbish a rebranded Exeter car park to accompany the arrival of a flagship John Lewis store. Repair specialist, Matrix was familiar with Tremco’s MMA Rapid Cure Flexible Waterproofing System from previous contracts so it was specified to treat the roof deck and provided a running surface on all of the vehicle ramps. To improve the appearance of the car park decks, the underside of the concrete slabs was treated with Tremco CP470 heavy duty wall coating. Selected in bright white, this both reflects light to better illuminate the public spaces, but also acts as an efficient anti-carbonation coating. (

 enq 053 020 8543 3866 uk.info@tremco-illbruck.com

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56 Public Sector Build Journal

Lanes for Drains engineers have helped to progress a motorway construction project. Innovative survey work was needed to allow Lanes’ client, Colas, finalise plans for a new motorway junction required as part of a £130m regeneration scheme for Tipner promoted by Portsmouth City Council.

The team scoured the land using metal detectors and the skill built up through many years of drainage experience.

After more than 200 manholes were discovered, they were surveyed using Lanes sophisticated remote-controlled Rovver robot cameras and cleaned using powerful jet vac tankers and recycling tankers. The pipework discovered and cleaned included, storm drains, gully connections and outfalls. *

sales@lanesgroup.co.uk

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0113 385 8400

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Hamworthy boilers best in class Wessex Building Services, a mechanical and electrical contractor, has replaced four Hamworthy Purewell Classic atmospheric boilers with three Purewell VariHeat condensing modular boilers at a boarding school in Dorset. The three Purewell VariHeat 70kW condensing boilers and a Powerstock PS300 high performance calorifier are providing the heating and hot water for the school’s science biology block. The condensing performance of the Purewell VariHeat boilers enables accurate matching to the building load and with a greater tolerance of older systems, due to the robust cast iron heat exchanger, makes it an ideal choice for refurbishment projects. *

sales@hamworthy-heating.com

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0845 450 2865

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Focus & Innovation

Getting it right with smoke alarms With a growing choice of domestic smoke alarms available, specifiers and installers need to be careful when selecting the right type to use - particularly with the appearance of confusing information and irrelevant claims about some products.

All new homes, extensions, changes of use to dwellings and alterations such as loft conversions must comply with Part B of the Building Regulations. And Part B clearly demands mains, interconnected smoke and heat alarms with back-up power. Battery-only alarms are not permitted.

For other existing homes, the current Code of Practice for domestic fire alarm

systems, BS 5839-6: 2004, provides the benchmark. This also recommends hard-wired smoke alarms (and heat alarms for situations where they can’t be used) in most cases.

Particularly for landlords, there is now a compelling case to fit interlinked mainspowered smoke alarms. In Scotland, this is already a legal requirement in all rented housing, with at least one alarm

Portakabin unveils recent expansion Portakabin, modular building specialist, has invested £3m in its largest and most sustainable hire and visitor’s centre to date.

The development at Isleport Business Park near Bridgwater in Somerset has doubled the size of its previous centre in the area and is part of the company’s continued expansion.

Robert Snook, Director and General Manager of Portakabin Hire, says: “The new hire centre will allow us to increase the availability of buildings from stock to customers in the South West, to offer the highest levels of service, and for visitors to see and experience the quality of our full range of buildings at first hand.” *

information@portakabin.co.uk

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0845 401 0010

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Yeoman Shield launches new customer website Yeoman Shield, the UK market leader in the supply and installation of wall and door protection products, has launched a brand new website – www.yeomanshield.com. The new easy-to-navigate website is packed full of details on Yeoman Shield’s wide range of products, case studies and technical details. Yeoman Shield, Sales Director, Stuart Russell says: “Our ‘next generation’ website has been specifically designed to enable visitors to easily access all the relevant information they require and also download literature or request a hard copy of our brochure.” As well as the new website customers can also keep in touch via Twitter and Facebook. *

sallyann@yeomanshield.com

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0113 279 5854

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on each floor, and the UK government is considering similar measures. Registered HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) also need them to meet local authority rules which may well extend with the growth of compulsory licensing of private landlords. So, professionally installed, hard-wired alarms are the safe answer.

Here, wireless interlinking technology, using accessories such as Kidde’s Slick Wireless Alarm Base, can eliminate disruptive wiring between mains alarms powered from an adjacent lighting circuit.

But there will still be situations where quickly and simply installed battery alarms prove invaluable to protect occupants. Here, the quality of batteries is critical to performance and safety, so they should be sealed-in, guaranteed for the whole product life and supported by a major, financially sound manufacturer.

Kidde’s innovative TEN-4 smoke alarm achieves all these requirements with a full ten-year guarantee.

enq 056 * kiddefyr@ukgateway.net 

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01753 685148

Jacques joins the DMMP team

Importer DMMP Limited has appointed Jacques Shelton as Business Development Manager to oversee the development of its expanding product range. Jacques will be working with spreaders, sprayers, power equipment, outdoor furniture and winter tools embracing the brands Earthway Ev-N-Spred, Chapin, Magnum Spreaders, Yo-Ho Quality Tools, Poly-wood and Maruyama. An individual who values being able to offer customers a quality product with a service to match, Jacques’ role will be to build a relationship with existing and potential customers who want to get a ‘better than average’ service alongside excellent value for money. (

 enq 059 0845 643 9776 * info@dmmp.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 57

Focus & Innovation

Savings for street furniture Leading street furniture solutions provider Bollards International is cementing its position as a customer driven operation by offering a significant savings opportunity on all orders received by the end of March.

With public and private sectors feeling the pinch following budgets cuts, Bollards International has responded to the demand for practical and affordable streetscape solutions by offering a 10%

discount on all orders received before the end of March.

The collection includes bollards, cycle solutions, post and rail, seating and litter bins. Depending on budget

available these can be specified in polyurethane, galvanized or stainless steel.

Bollards International also provides a bespoke service. As a specialist supplier, it can create unique project designs, offering a free-of-charge on-site consultancy and working with customers to guide them through the process to achieve a quality design.

Particularly popular with local authorities striving to meet sustainability targets, Bollards International also stocks a number of products for the eco-conscious customer.

The company’s ethos is to provide solutions at all stages for customers from project specification through to installing be that in designing bespoke products or ensuring environmentally friendly and sustainable production right through to product life and durability.

For more information or to take advantage of this offer, quote BI001 on point of application.  *

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sales@bollards-international.com ( 01485 601145

Restoration success with Yeoman Rainguard

Solar awarded Green Card Solar Windows, a leading commercial fabricator in the Rehau PVC-U system, has received a significant boost with the award of a coveted ‘Green Card note’ to Solar installer Rob Giles by construction specialists Willmott Dixon.

The Green Card formally recognises Rob’s commitment to achieving the highest Health and Safety standards on the new build Yate International Academy project near Bristol where Solar Windows has installed windows and curtain walling. Rob was on the site for approximately eight months and his exemplary compliance with Willmott Dixon’s Health and Safety policies was noted throughout. (

 enq 061 01989 762600 * enquiries@rehau.com

58 Public Sector Build Journal

Yeoman Rainguard, a market leader in rainwater systems was brought in to help bring a derelict property back to its former glory. Yeoman Rainguard 125 x 100 MOG Aluminium XL Gutters and 100 x 75 XL and 75 x 75 XL pipes (which matched the originals) in black were supplied for the house and also for a lodge and refurbished garage located in the grounds. Anita Mitchell explains: “There were also some decorative ear bands with a flower motif on the original fall pipes, which at one time had been an attractive external feature and we were keen to replicate, which Yeoman Rainguard did successfully and we were pleased with the end result.” *

sallyann@rainguard.co.uk

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0113 279 5854

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Innovation for efficiency drive Dow Building Solutions called on the construction industry to put innovation centre stage at a recent government launch aimed at making the UK one of the world’s leaders in energy efficiency. The event – held last month to announce the launch of the Department for Energy and Climate Change’s energy efficiency mission – saw around 200 leaders gather at Westminster. In a speech titled Energy Efficiency – A Platform for Innovation, Jayne Law, MBE, of Styrofoam insulation manufacturer Dow Building Solutions, talked about the key role Styrofoam extruded polystyrene insulation has already played in improving the energy efficiency of the UK’s building stock. *

dbsuk@dow.com

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020 3139 4000

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We work round the clock ... so you don’t have to!

Firman take the stress out of meeting a deadline with our round the clock glass processing service.

We are also the proud owners of one of the largest Cooltemper toughening plants currently operational in the UK and also have a large range of Fire rated glass offering different levels of integrity and insulation that we can have cut to size in 24/48 service.

To find out more about our 24 hour service visit www.firmanglass.com Firman Glass,19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH Tel: 01708 374534 Fax: 01708 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com Online Enquiry 064

www.firmanglass.com

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by Q-railing, Q-railing, the the modern modern take take on on high high design design railing railing systems. systems.

Introducing Want to combine the elegance of high-end stainless steel with the sleek transparency Want to combine the elegance of high-end stainless steel with the sleek transparency of glass? glass? With With Q-designs Q-designs your your options options are are limitless. limitless. of Some things things are are best best seen seen in in person, person, so so we we welcome welcome you you to to view view our our full full poduct poduct range range Some at Ecobuild, 5th 7th March 2013. at Ecobuild, 5th - 7th March 2013.

Visit us us on on stand stand S710 S710 to to see see the the potential potential of of Q-designs Q-designs to to enhance enhance any any space. space.

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Online Enquiry 065