PSBJ March 2018

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March 2018

'SCULPTURE' AFLOAT ON RIVER TAY

The new V&A Museum of Design, Dundee, is the centrepiece of the Scottish coastal city's regeneration programme

Faith restored

Why go modular?

Back to the future

Complexities conquered in roofing project for University of Lancaster's chaplaincy

Pedagogical vision realised in the UK's first UTC to be built off-site

Seamlessly integrating heritage and modern elements needn't be a headache

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Welcome Note Editor

Rebecca Kemp rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com

Editorial Assistant Paige Smith

paige@mixedmediainfo.com

The V&A Museum of Design, Dundee, has played a shining role in the regeneration programme for the coastal Scottish city.

See page 38.

Print & Digital Advertising Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Andrew Soper andrew@mixedmediainfo.com

Print Design Manager Jack Witcomb

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Digital Design Manager David Perry

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Production Assistant Sofia Franchi

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Managing Director Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com Publisher

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Welcome to the March issue of PSBJ...

With recent reports forecasting the capacity complexities the UK's secondary school system is about to face, it's crucial for the Government to prioritise educational facilities' capabilities to future-proof the predicted rise in student intake over the next couple of years. The news has emerged from public sector procurement expert, Scape Group, which has reported a monumental 14,500 additional secondary school classrooms will be required by the year 2020 – a figure that's exceedingly far out of reach given the inadequate provision of Britain's current-day educational stock.

In a statement released alongside the report, Scape Group's Chief Executive, Mark Robinson, commented: "...The Government should now seek to develop a National School Building Strategy that brings together the Department of Education, local and regional Government and, industry." Mark Robinson later goes on to add: "We must ensure there is a joined-up approach that embraces modern methods of construction such as modular and off-site techniques, which can deliver schools quickly and cost-effectively."

With its time-saving, sustainable and health and safety-conscious, factory-controlled advantages, opposed to the difficulties faced with traditional brick and block fabrication, off-site solutions are becoming the go-to for construction professionals working to a tight deadline. And, stricter timescales are going to be something construction professionals will be observing more if we are to build reserves for the expected circa 400,000 additional pupils entering our secondary school system in two years' time.

Addressing the benefits of modern methods of construction, two experts in their field talk to PSBJ this month on the thematic off-site and modular building processes. On page 22, Paul Lang, CEO at Caledonian, probes further into the UK's shortage of school places and advises how and why off-site solutions can mitigate the increasing demand on the nation's school system. Using several former Caledonian projects as epitomes of off-site fabrication, Paul Lang explains how each educational scheme benefited from this method of construction and how off-site can assist to meet the rise in requirements.

Elsewhere in this issue, pre-fabrication specialist Portakabin talks PSBJ through the UK’s very first University Technical College (UTC) to be built off-site. The £16m modular Global Academy, in west London, will teach 800 students every year by the year 2020 in a futuristic, modern environment. Built in less than a year, the construction of the Global Academy demanded specific necessities to accommodate the pedagogic purpose of the building. To find out more about Portakabin's brief for the Global Academy, turn to page 16.

I hope you enjoy this edition. Don’t forget, you can also access all of the magazine’s features, product news and supplier information at your fingertips via Public Sector Build Journal’s state-of-the-art app. To download your version free of charge, simply search ‘PSBJ’ on Google play or the App Store.

Rebecca

Rebecca Kemp | Editor | rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com Follow us on Twitter:

@psbjmagazine

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Contents

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

09 Upfront In a bid to inspire and nurture learning, Architecture Initiative has created a ‘garden’ school in the centre of east London.

Featuring terraced garden spaces in a threestorey design, the Olga Primary School has created a harmonious place of learning for the children of Tower Hamlets.

12 Talking Point Public sector buildings that aren’t compliant with the 16 Approved Documents within UK Building Regulations could potentially pose a risk to members of the public. Here, Build Aviator – part of the Jewson brand – looks at how build services, such as those the company provides, can help architects and developers on their way to compliance.

14 Housing Many social housing landlords across the UK are looking to protect their bottom line; this includes reducing expenditure on property maintenance. Here, British Gypsum looks at extending maintenance cycles for landlords’ housing stock.

09 16 Modular Buildings

22 Education

Portakabin has delivered west London’s stateof-the-art modular school, the Global Academy, in less than 12 months. The first University Technical College (UTC) to be built off-site, the school’s 8700m2 design is a true reflection of the creativities that take place within the academy.

Off-site construction is proving beneficial for many public sector buildings, however, the establishments that are profiting more so than others are schools. Here Paul Lang, CEO of Caledonian, explains how using offsite solutions can enable schools to meet community demand with more places.

18 Technical Focus In this article, Adrian Storey, General Manager at Horbury Facades, looks into the demand of rainscreen cladding systems for education projects.

20 Legal & Business Here Rory Alexander, Partner and Local Government Lead at law firm Morton Fraser, looks into the legislations and regulations of the Planning (Scottish) Bill.

24 Healthcare Legionnaires' disease is more common than some may think and, often, is picked up from public buildings – namely hospitals.

While many cases of the disease go unnoticed, it's a different case for those with compromised health conditions.

Here, Dave Lancaster at Uponor advises how designing out risk can eradicate Legionnaire growth.

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Contents

30 22 30 Leisure The £10m Horwich Leisure Centre has recently opened its doors to the community. Featuring a 25m six-lane pool – installed by FT Leisure in one of its very first Myrtha pool installations – the new centre has helped build better links with schools and clubs in the town.

28 26 Disability

32 Interiors: Ceilings & Acoustics

Ensure occupants are adequately protected from fire and carbon monoxide with FireAngel’s top tips that architects and specifiers should consider when building new housing.

Royal Holloway’s new state-of-the-art £57m Emily Wilding Davison Building features impressive clean-lined ceilings from Armstrong. Associated Architects, the practice responsible for the remarkable design, has accomplished a sophisticated interior scheme in which Armstrong’s pure white ceiling solutions play a vital role.

28 Waterproofing Sika Liquid Plastics’ virtually odourless Decothane Ultra system has been specified for Lancaster University’s multi-faith chaplaincy after water ingress began to create issues with leaks and damage. Here, Sika Liquid Plastics talks PSBJ through the complex programme.

36 ecobuild Preview Returning to its usual site, London’s ExCeL, from 6 to 8th March, this year’s ecobuild event promises to be highly valuable to those working in the built environment.

32 38 Glass & Glazing The new V&A Museum of Design, Dundee, is the centrepiece of the city’s regeneration programme. Its sculpture-like shell houses galleries, exhibitions and learning centres in an 8500m2 footprint.

40 Fire Safety Event Preview Co-located with the Health & Safety Event and the Facilities Event, the Fire Safety Event returns this April from 10 to 12th offering attendees news on industry updates and CPD-accredited seminars.

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

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News

INDUSTRY UPDATES

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

Multi-millionpound town centre development gets go-ahead A major town centre redevelopment project will help to transform a Lancashire town centre with a new shopping area featuring a cinema, restaurants and quality retailers opening in 2019. The £16m investment, which was given the final go-ahead by Chorley Council in January, will also see major improvements to the appearance of the area and a new twostorey car park to accommodate an increase in shoppers. Market Walk shopping centre owner Chorley Council met to give final approval for the overall scheme amid strong interest from several high-profile businesses. The current Market Walk shopping centre, situated in the centre of Chorley, has 34 fully-let units and footfall across the town centre has remained steady bucking the national trend of decline. A further 150 parking spaces are being created before further work takes place on site with the neighbouring bus and rail station serving all major routes in the North West.

GVA appointed to Fusion21 framework GVA has been appointed to Fusion21’s national Consultants Framework, gaining a place on its newly-created Valuations lot. The public sector procurement framework, worth approximately £90m over a four-year period, covers a full range of consultancy services suited to the construction, property and built environment and has 10 lots tailored to specific UK regions. Following feedback from Fusion21 members, the newly-added Valuations lot offers residential and commercial property valuations as well as planning, development and funding, compulsory purchase work, feasibility acquisition and disposal services.

Additional lots for heritage and conservation and principal designer duties have also been added to the framework.

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Tower Hamlets’ new town hall main contractor announced Bouygues UK has been appointed to work on a new civic centre in Whitechapel for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The company has a strong track record in property development in all market sectors in the UK, with a focus on mixed-use developments and urban regeneration delivering innovative schemes that breathe new life into urban spaces. The project will see the construction of a new town hall on the site of the former Royal London Hospital building on Whitechapel Road, which was bought by the council after being vacated

by Barts Health NHS Trust in 2012. The new town hall – which will be part refurbishment of the existing Grade II Listed building and part new-build – will provide 26,700m2 of civic office space including an open-plan office space on the upper floors. The entire ground floor will be dedicated to public use and will offer an open, accessible local presence atmosphere which brings people together and enables them to access council services in one place. The ground floor local presence will host meeting and shared spaces, a cafe and the council chamber. Construction is due to begin later this year with a completion date of autumn 2021.

HS2 awarded first BREEAM Infrastructure certificate HS2 has become the UK’s first infrastructure project to be awarded a BREEAM Infrastructure (pilot) Scheme Certificate for its ambitious sustainability strategy on Phase 1 of the project. The assessment demonstrates that HS2 is committed to going beyond enhancement and protection of the environment, to address the key social and economic impacts of the development. It includes features such as working in harmony

with communities, being a great neighbour, putting safety and wellbeing at the heart of the project and building sustainable economic benefits for the whole of the UK, such as better skills and career opportunities for a new generation. BREEAM Infrastructure is part of the international BREEAM family of sustainability standards for buildings and infrastructure. Later this year, the best of BREEAM Infrastructure will be brought together with market-leading sustainable infrastructure scheme, CEEQUAL, to provide a new world-class international scheme for the future called CEEQUAL (2018).

Skillcrown hands over stylish Croydon development to Hexagon Skillcrown is delighted to hand over its latest development in Campbell Road, Croydon, to Hexagon Housing Association. The project, which commenced in March 2016, houses 16 contemporary apartments; 11 for affordable rent and five for shared ownership. Spread across four floors, residents will benefit from allocated parking to the rear of the building. In addition, occupants acquiring the first, second and third floors can all enjoy a private balcony, with those on the ground floor able to look out over the development’s communal gardens. The development is perfectly located just a 10-minute walk away from West Croydon Station, which provides frequent services to Central London, Surrey and beyond. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Wandle Park and the wildlifeladen Mitcham Common are also nearby.

Furthermore, the new homes are only one mile from Croydon town centre, the shopping hub of the area. This will be further boosted by a Westfield Shopping Centre, earmarked for completion in 2010, bringing Croydon’s shopping experience into the 21st century.

Caledonian shortlisted in national Offsite Awards An innovative SMART construction project from Caledonian has been shortlisted in this year’s prestigious Offsite Awards. The judging team shortlisted Caledonian in the ‘Education Project of the Year’ category for the turnkey solution it provided on the striking new £2.5m sports complex at Ashville College in Harrogate. The project was completed

by Caledonian in partnership with HLM Architects. An approved supplier on the £50m Education Funding Agency (EFA) Framework, Caledonian designs and builds for schools, academies and other educational facilities, as well as residential, commercial, MoD and MoJ. Recognition in this major industry award sends a clear message that Caledonian is leading the field in terms of providing educational facilities with high-quality, efficient and fast-build classrooms and campus estate buildings.

AHR appointed to deliver four new primary schools across the UK AHR has been appointed via the £95m Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) framework to deliver a batch of new primary schools across the country. The first set of schools, designed by AHR, will be delivered in collaboration with Spatial Initiative, a joint venture company formed by Styles&Wood and Extraspace Solutions. Spatial Initiative was appointed as the primary contractor on Lot 1 of the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) Modular Primary Block Framework earlier in 2017. The team will deliver four modular build schools located across the South East, London and Midlands, between April and December 2018. Imran Kassim, AHR Regional Director, said: “This new collaboration with Styles&Wood and Extraspace Solutions has significantly enhanced our overall offer to the ESFA. Our designs have been created to be as flexible and cost-effective as possible to meet the different needs of each school.”

National trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) has set out its schedule of training for 2018, which supports public sector professionals with targeted programmes to manage their housing stock.

The PCA has invested significant resources in developing a comprehensive portfolio of courses throughout the year in areas including condensation and damp, residential ventilation, retrofit insulation, invasive weed control and flood resilience. Led by experts in their fields, the training includes specific surveyor-led courses drawn up with social housing and local authority teams in mind, as well as training options for those at technician level. Surveyor-level training can also be used as a foundation for studying towards the new Certificated Surveyor of Dampness in Buildings qualification (CSDB).

West Lothian development receives approval A highly-anticipated housing development, which will meet soaring market demand in Livingston, has been given the green light by West Lothian Council. Local councillors voted strongly in favour of plans lodged by Dundas Estates to build 266 new homes at Uphall Station, marking the house-builder’s first Livingston development in nearly a decade.

Uphall Station Village will comprise one- and two-bedroom apartments and three-, four- and five-bedroom detached, semi-detached and terraced homes, as well as 20 affordable plots.

The site is well-connected to local transport options, sitting in proximity to the M8 and the nearby Uphall Station. With excellent train links to Edinburgh in just 15 minutes, and Glasgow in 50 minutes, the location is particularly desirable for commuters. In addition to the properties, plans for the development include a unique community hub, which will be located at the heart of Uphall Station Village and will contribute to providing a sense of place and building community

spirit. The development is also attached to a core path leading to Almondvale Park, further connecting residents to green public space and the wider countryside.

News

PCA launches new 2018 training programme to support public sector housing professionals

Contractor appointed to £25m Preston tram project An ambitious project to bring tram services back to Preston for the first time since the 1930s has moved a step closer with the appointment of a contractor to build the proposed £25m Guild Line. Preston Trampower has reached an agreement with Eric Wright Civil Engineering to build the 3.5-mile tramway, starting with a 1250m-long pilot line in the Deepdale area of the city. The first stage of the project will see the pilot line built on a stretch of the former Longridge to Preston railway with work expected to get underway by March. A second phase of the line which aims to link the city centre with employment sites on the edge of the city is subject to a planning application being submitted this year. While the pilot line will initially be limited to free demonstration rides and staff training, the service could welcome its first paying passengers as early as 2019 if the plans are approved this year.

Castle Wharf development set to transform Nottingham canalside Plans to transform an area of scrubland into premium student accommodation have been revealed by Leonard Design Architects following the announcement of successful planning permission. The development, located on the canal edge at Castle Wharf, has been designed by international architecture practice Leonard Design. The Nottingham-headquartered firm was appointed to create three stunning student residences following significant investment from a London-based developer. The scheme is set to be completely car-free, making use of the already established network of public transport links and the city’s super-cycle highway which link the universities and the QMC Hospital with the city centre and train station. The plans also offer neighbouring residents direct access to the waterfront for the first time.

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Upfront Photographs © Andy Stagg

‘GARDEN SCHOOL’ OPENS IN THE HEART OF EAST LONDON

Architecture Initiative’s new school in east London has opened its doors to over 700 primary school pupils. Designed for Tower Hamlets School and London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Olga Primary School envisions a ‘garden oasis’ in the heart of the capital city. school’s vertical design T heconsolidates 25 classrooms around a naturally-lit atrium with the age of pupils increasing as the building rises. The three-storey,

glazed atrium creates a circulation core that separates the structure into two distinct volumes: one accommodates the teaching centre; the other contains the

administrative and communal spaces, delivering the added benefit of opening the facility to the wider community outside of generic schooling hours.

While the school’s capacity has increased threefold, the quaint ‘village feel’ has been safeguarded by expanding the architecture vertically

The three-storey, glazed atrium creates a circulation core that separates the structure into two distinct volumes

Project: Olga Primary School Location: Tower Hamlets Architect: Architecture Initiative

Replacing a single-storey 1982 structure, Architecture Initiative’s design compacts the building’s footprint by building upwards to better serve the needs of the community.

Positioned at the edge of the site boundary, the school provides a ‘buffer’ to separate the luscious landscaping from the neighbouring residential blocks. Green space is incredibly important to Olga Primary School and Architecture Initiative responded to this by incorporating a variety of terraced gardens and trees to create a rare ‘green oasis’ to inspire children within an exciting and unconventional environment.

While the school’s capacity has increased threefold, the quaint ‘village feel’ has been safeguarded by expanding the architecture vertically to avoid sprawling across the site plan and consequently affecting the landscape. Building upwards also means that all year groups have immediate access to outside space – the ground floor to the gardens; the first floor to terraces and the second floor to the roof – linking the pupils with the ecology of the surrounding area.

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Upfront Green space is incredibly important to Olga Primary School and the architect responded to this by incorporating a variety of terraced gardens and trees to create a rare ‘green oasis'

Extending the capacity of the school creates extra places for pupils that are sorely needed in Tower Hamlets

The practice collaborated on the interior fit-out, opting for a small palette of bright aquas and limes

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Architecture Initiative’s careful consideration of materiality corresponds with the surrounding environment to create a sensitive, contextual design. The teaching centre, built from London stock brick, features neatly-proportioned windows in response to the local vernacular. In contrast, the admin and communal building are clad in COR-TEN weathering steel inspired by the warm colours of the woodland trees in autumn.

Lee Mainwaring, Design Director at Architecture Initiative, said: “Our aim is to ensure that a new generation of schools inspires and nurtures learning. Olga Primary School has been designed to interact with nature in different ways at each level, creating a variety of experiences and teaching environments beyond the standard classroom. This vertical approach allows the school itself to encourage awareness of biodiversity, ecology and nature, which is often rare in an innercity school.”

The practice collaborated on the interior fit-out, opting for a small palette of bright aquas and limes to complement the raw materiality of the pale concrete finishes and birch ply interior cladding – expressed in a contemporary, Scandinavian style. Large graphics ensure that the teals and greens of the site’s gardens are brought into the interior. The bold and bright graphics change for each year group up the course of the building.

Extending the capacity of the school creates extra places for pupils that are sorely needed in Tower Hamlets, where demand for places is expected to rise by as much as 38% by 2022. The £10m school has created 60 new jobs for the local area and is highly energy-efficient, with natural ventilation, heat recovery systems and a highly-insulated building fabric helping to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.

Duncan Cameron, Building Development at London Borough of Tower Hamlets, said: “The project to expand Olga Primary School contributes to the council’s overall programme to meet the need for additional school places for the rising school population.

The council’s partnership with Architecture Initiative has resulted in a learning environment that is stimulating, invigorating and engaging.

“The new design offers fantastic teaching space and terraces. Olga Primary School and the community are proud of the number of green spaces and mature trees which create a refreshing respite in a highlydeveloped residential area.” 

 www.architectureinitiative.com

Upfront

OLGA PRIMARY SCHOOL ELEVATIONS

SECOND FLOOR

OLGA PRIMARY SCHOOL FLOORPLANS

KEY:

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Small hall

1

Classroom

7

Large hall

2

Group room

8

Kitchen

3

Plant room

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Office

4

Activity room

10

Lobby

5

Play deck area

11

Staff room

1

1

2

1

GROUND FLOOR 9

1

1

2

5

1

FIRST FLOOR

10 6

1

1

2

2

1

1

1

1

1

7

1 1

11

3

1

2

2

1

2

1

2

1

1

2 1

8

1

1

1

1

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Talking Point

Building Regulations should be incorporated at the concept design stage of any project

KEEPING UP WITH COMPLIANCE

Achieving compliance on a building project is nothing new. In fact, records suggest that some Building Regulations date back to the late 1100s, when the sudden surge in building in London led to homes blocking access to natural light and poorly placed gutters, writes Michael Copley, Technical Manager for Build Aviator at Jewson. has changed since M uch then, and the pressure to increase outputs, enhance efficiencies and keep costs down has never been greater.

In November 2017, the Government announced a new and long-awaited strategy to address these pressures, while simultaneously improving productivity in the construction industry. In line with this, there is also a need to re-emphasise the importance of compliance, and how it can impact efficiency on building projects.

By fully understanding the role of compliance in the wider construction process and, equally, the consequences of non-compliance, developers and contractors can save time, money and reduce risk within public sector building.

To ensure Building Regulations are incorporated effectively throughout the entire build process, building control will visit at various phases of the project. But it’s

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important to note that those responsible for carrying out building work should not rely solely on these inspections to achieve sign-off upon completion. Instead, Building Regulations should be incorporated at the concept design stage of any project, to help contractors safeguard against compliance pitfalls at every stage.

insulation is a combination of mass, isolation and airtightness. If any one of these elements is lacking, there is a need to over-compensate elsewhere, and architects should keep this in mind when preparing site drawings.

Another common error is the effect of thermal bridges in the final construction. Thermal

bridging can have a significant effect on the overall thermal performance of a building, including heat loss and, in turn, increased running costs.

Making good use of Registered Construction Details (RCDs) can limit thermal bridging, as well as improve airtightness and the building’s overall SAP calculation.

Designing with compliance in mind The first step towards achieving compliance lies with the architect.

It’s their responsibility to create site drawings that depict a functional and safe building, whilst balancing the aesthetics of design. By factoring the 16 Approved Documents that make up Building Regulations into their plans, the risk of noncompliance when construction starts is significantly limited.

During design, one of the most common pitfalls is acoustics. Good acoustic

By factoring Building Regulations into architects' plans, the risk of non-compliance when construction starts is significantly limited

While design is important on the road to compliance, a plan will only translate to compliance on site if drawings are followed to the letter.

To do this, developers and contractors should stick to the bill of materials provided by the architect and consultancy team, which will make sure the process from as-designed to as-built is seamless.

There are tools available to assist with this process and Build Aviator is one example.

Available at Jewson, Build Aviator simplifies many of the steps involved in the wider compliance process, from SAP assessment to acoustic testing.

It also estimates the cost of the bill of materials, streamlining the purchasing process.

In instances where stock on the bill of materials is not immediately available, it can be tempting to make product substitutions. While opting for alternative materials may save time in procurement and installation, it could ultimately cost developers tens of thousands of pounds in remedial repairs to ensure compliance with Building Regulations.

Since funding for public sector building development is already under pressure, it’s vital that every measure is taken, so the need for such remedial work to meet compliance is all but eliminated. This means sticking to the architect’s design and taking the time to get it right first time.

Contractors and developers should also be mindful of SAP assessments and the role this plays in the wider compliance process. SAP assessments are carried out using architects' drawings, so to ensure a smooth transition from as-designed to as-built, material orders should be placed after the assessment has been completed. This will limit requirement for product substitutions, and increase the likelihood of achieving sign-off from building control.

Talking Point

Building with compliance in mind

Developers and contractors should stick to the bill of materials provided by the architect and consultancy team

To combat this, contractors and developers should keep best practice in mind and stick to the approved layout plan as designed by the architect.

If a situation arises where there is a need to deviate from the plan, be sure to consult building control. They will be able to advise if local planning authorities need to be aware of the changes to layout and offer support with the wider compliance process.

Understanding risk The cost of non-compliance can extend well beyond time and money. If a build has not been constructed with compliance in

mind and has been put to use without sign-off from building control, it could be structurally unsound and, therefore, unfit for use. In the public sector, this has the potential to compromise the safety of those using the building.

To combat this, contractors and developers should always liaise with inspection services such as Local Authority Building Control or other reputable Building Control Bodies (BCBs) throughout the build process.

This means contractors and developers can get essential guidance and advice on tackling common compliance pitfalls, and help guarantee sign-off at the very end of a project.

Compliance at every stage When compliance is effectively integrated into the entire build process, achieving sign-off from building control is a much simpler and more efficient process. Getting compliance right may take some time, but it is a much more effective use of the limited resources available in public sector building.

Services such as Build Aviator, available at Jewson, have been created to help guide architects, contractors and developers through the build process from design to completion, and ensure public sector buildings are compliant. 

 www.jewson.co.uk/buildaviator

Sticking to the plan Product substitution not only deviates from the architect’s design, but it could also impact the layout of the build.

While design is important on the road to compliance, a plan will only translate to compliance on site if drawings are followed

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Housing

London Borough Council Newham is one such example where both a social housing provider and its tenants are enjoying the benefits of having Gyproc Habito plasterboard specified

MAXIMISING COST EFFICIENCIES IN THE SOCIAL HOUSING SECTOR Recent changes to social housing legislation are having a negative impact on the bottom line for social housing providers. The recent legislation enforcing landlords to cut their rents by 1% per year will be felt once again in April, and each consecutive April until 2020. the Government has W hile announced that rents will once more be allowed to increase by inflation plus 1% after this point, the cuts will already have been felt. This change alone means that social housing providers’ income from rent in the coming years will be significantly less than originally projected meaning landlords must look elsewhere to achieve cost savings if they are to protect their bottom line.

Furthermore, changes to Government policy relating to housing benefit have led to a higher turnover of tenants, with changes to tenancy agreements, spending reviews and emphasis on ownership schemes impacting landlord’s re-let times and voids. For many, it means social housing landlords have had to increase their spend on Repair, Maintenance and Improvement (RMI) in an effort to offer higher quality homes

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and service to tenants. At the same time, however, housing providers must look at ways of reducing long-term expenditure on property maintenance in order to achieve cost savings.

Voids are arguably one of the biggest wastes in housing management. Properties left empty between lettings do not just cost landlords money in lost rent, but they also deny homes to people who desperately need them. The effectiveness of void repairs and maintenance can have a fundamental effect on business objectives.

Here, British Gypsum explores advances in building products as a feasible answer to maximising cost efficiencies in the social housing sector.

By extending maintenance cycles, landlords can manage their RMI spends and decrease void maintenance times.

Manufacturers have been working hard on introducing

feasible building products and materials that can help achieve this objective. These technically advanced products can also offer added value for the tenant, ultimately helping to create happier communities and therefore helping to decrease tenant turnaround.

Strength and durability Five times stronger than standard plasterboard, Gyproc Habito is an ideal plasterboard for increasing the time period between repairs. Its engineered core provides enhanced levels of strength, durability and fixability with a single No. 10 woodscrew capable of supporting 15kg without the need for specialist fixings or pattressing.

Specifying Gyproc Habito plasterboard for the internal walls can help speed up the building fit-out in a new development with items such as kitchen cupboards, bathroom sinks and curtain poles

much easier to fix. In a social housing development, it also empowers tenants to undertake their own DIY tasks such as mounting heavy items like TVs or bookcases, meaning they can add extra touches that will help make the accommodation feel more like their home. Thanks to its durability, once tenants move out, there are just small screw holes left meaning repair costs will be significantly lower than normal.

London Borough Council Newham is one such example where both a social housing provider and its tenants are enjoying the benefits of having Gyproc Habito plasterboard specified as standard across one of its housing developments.

Thanks to the robust plasterboard, the properties can withstand everyday wearand-tear, increasing the time between maintenance call-outs and reducing the total lifetime maintenance cost.

Housing Extended maintenance cycles and cost efficiencies In terms of plaster products, Thistle DuraFinish can provide up to 60% tougher resistance to accidental damage, again contributing to extended maintenance cycles and reduced ongoing maintenance costs.

It is particularly effective for use in high traffic areas such as stairwells and corridors that are prone to damage and also offers the added benefit of greater quality interior spaces for tenants.

Similarly, Thistle Bonding 60 is a revolutionary fast-setting undercoat plaster that has a reduced setting time by as much as two thirds as other standard plasters. Providing a quicker solution for repairing walls, it is ideal for patching homes or chases. The product lends itself to repair and maintenance work because teams can tackle more projects in a day due to the faster completion times.

When it comes to plastering or skimming a painted wall, the traditional solution is to use watered-down PVA or a bonding agent, leave it to dry for an hour or even overnight and then reskim the wall. However, there are now products available that can be applied straight onto painted walls or even textured ceilings without pretreatment, providing a smooth, inert, high-quality surface and a durable base for the application of decorative finishes. This means landlords can redecorate an

Thanks to the robust plasterboard, the properties can withstand everyday wear-and-tear

By extending maintenance cycles, landlords can manage their RMI spends and decrease void maintenance times

unoccupied accommodation in a matter of days.

By working with social landlords, manufacturers such as British Gypsum can help reduce maintenance requirements and introduce greater cost efficiencies. Exploring recent advances in building products and materials could hold the solution to extended maintenance cycles and reduced void times.

They also pave the way for systems that are beneficial to both tenants and landlords. 

î˜ą www.british-gypsum.com

Housing providers must look at ways of reducing long-term expenditure on property maintenance in order to achieve cost savings

15

Modular Buildings

The school prepares students for careers in the broadcast and digital media industry, offering academic and vocational training to help them succeed in the real world

Academy is a T hestateGlobal school for 14- to

PORTAKABIN COMPLETES AMBITIOUS HYBRID MODULAR BUILDING PROJECT Portakabin has successfully delivered the Global Academy, a £16m state-of-the-art hybrid modular building. It is the UK’s first University Technical College (UTC) to be built off-site.

There is a sculptural feature staircase and a high level of glazing to the classrooms

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Project: The Global Academy Location: Hayes, west London Architect: Surface to Air Pre-fabricated modular solutions provider: Portakabin

19-year-olds, founded and sponsored by Global, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment groups. The school prepares students for careers in the broadcast and digital media industry, offering academic and vocational training to help them succeed in the real world. The Global Academy was officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

Supported by the Department for Education, the Global Academy will teach 800 students every year by 2020.

Engineered and built by Portakabin and designed with architect firm Surface to Air, the 8700m2 school has a forwardthinking design which reflects the creative ethos of the new school.

The newly-built school is on the site of the Old Vinyl Factory, once the EMI headquarters, in Hayes, west London.

Advanced off-site technology seamlessly integrates both modular and site-based building solutions. A significant proportion of the project’s construction was completed at the Portakabin production centre in York to meet the challenging timescale.

The Global Academy has an iconic, futuristic design which has created an inspiring environment for learning. A spectacular roof-lit central atrium provides a dynamic circulation space and focal point for the college. There is a sculptural feature staircase and a high level of glazing to the classrooms. The colour palette is bold and expressive with strong graphics. Anodised aluminium mesh cladding encloses the north and south elevations from first floor to roof level with areas of full-height glazing around the ground floor.

This technically-complex building was designed to deliver a demanding acoustic specification for the broadcast areas, with triple glazing

Modular Buildings Anodised aluminium mesh cladding encloses the north and south elevations from first floor to roof level

and specially-engineered air conditioning. Media and lighting have been integrated into the highly glazed west facade which can be illuminated during live broadcasts from the building.

Commenting on the building, Will Harding, Global Academy’s Chair of Governors, said: “The building makes a real impression on everyone, and the students and teachers very much enjoy the facilities. The design has created a fantastic learning environment for our students.

Thanks to Portakabin, we achieved an ambitious building programme in less than a year.”

Derek Carter, Chief Executive of Portakabin, said: “This is a really exciting regeneration scheme which has created a landmark education facility offering young people fantastic practical training to get them ready for careers in media. It demonstrates how an advanced off-site solution from Portakabin can realise an outstanding building

design which successfully integrates different methods of construction. It also illustrates our team’s ability to regenerate a highly constrained and very challenging brownfield site to deliver an inspiring building and in less than 12 months. This is an amazing achievement.”

Heidi Moxon, Design Director at Surface to Air Architects, said: “Global has a strong brand and ethos – something we were keen to incorporate into our design methodology. Various aspects of the design, including elements of the facade, are a nod to Global’s musical heritage and the site’s Old Vinyl Factory roots, creating a cool, contemporary warehouse vibe. There are some other unique features, including a dynamic sculptural staircase and full-height glazing in the classrooms. The overall result was a marriage between workplace, technology and youthful trends – a vibrant, expressive, bold colour palette, punchy graphics and an

animated facade helped Global achieve its pedagogical vision.”

This high-specification scheme was constructed by Portakabin as principal contractor. The site was constrained with only 4m between the boundary and

the new building and required complex groundworks, extensive excavations for district heating, and the construction of a new electricity sub-station. 

 www.portakabin.co.uk

A spectacular roof-lit central atrium provides a dynamic circulation space

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Technical Focus

When developing a new teaching facility for Sheffield Hallam University, the architects wanted to reflect the industrial heritage of the area in the building

TEACHING WITH A TOUCH OF HERITAGE

Adrian Storey, General Manager for Horbury Facades, looks at the rise in demand for authentic rainscreen cladding materials to enable educational establishments to coordinate with their surroundings.

UK has an impressive T hecultural heritage. As the first industrialised nation, we pioneered many industries, such as iron and textile manufacture, glass production, the invention of the steam engine and the construction of canals and railways. Our industrial revolution, which started in the mid-18th century, led to the transformation of small towns into major cities, with new factories and infrastructure. Many of these iconic industrial buildings still exist, and some are protected by English Heritage listings.

A number of these former industrial cities, such as Manchester, Nottingham, Birmingham and Sheffield, are seeing extensive city centre redevelopment and often the challenge for specifiers with new and refurbished buildings is whether to – and how to – retain a link with the past.

Corten, the weathered steel panel, is one example of a rainscreen cladding material that is becoming widely specified due to its ability to achieve a visually pleasing structure that salutes a city’s industrial heritage. Corten steel creates a

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modern facade that is designed to naturally weather over time without affecting the quality and strength, allowing the material to develop a striking oxide copper finish. This means that the external facade of the building changes appearance quite dramatically in its first few months, before settling into an attractive ‘urban’ feel that blends in with its surroundings.

The natural patina, which also mellows gradually, creates a protective coating that is highly durable, low maintenance and aesthetically pleasing. If the patina becomes marked or damaged in any way, the exposed metal will rust and self-repair. This prevents any further corrosion, meaning that in normal weather conditions a Corten facade can last for more than a century.

The visual appearance of Corten is also what makes it stand out as its weather-beaten aesthetic bridges the gap between old and new. It is also well-suited to universities situated in industrial towns and cities that are looking for aesthetically pleasing buildings that still retain a link with the past.

Take, for example, Sheffield.

Traditionally the home of steel production, and now its centre is undergoing extensive redevelopment. When developing a new teaching facility for Sheffield Hallam University, the architects wanted to reflect the industrial heritage of the area in the building. This led to the inspired selection of a Corten steel facade as the visual appeal of the material was able to reflect Sheffield’s industrial past in steel production.

The Charles Street building is part of the university’s overall aim to improve the student experience and enhance its reputation. It brings together the Faculty of Development and Society and primarily focuses on training teachers and housing the Sheffield Institute of Education.

The site sits between the main road and the Cultural Industries Quarter conservation area, a grid of historical lanes and listed buildings dating back to the

The Charles Street building is part of Sheffield Hallam University's overall aim to improve the student experience and enhance its reputation

Technical Focus

To enhance the identity of the building and to sit in line with the university’s branding, the sawtoothed soffits and fascias were specified in Sheffield Hallam’s corporate colours, which also complement the copper finish of the Corten panels. The entrance and soffits were also set out and detailed to accommodate strip lighting that enhances the modern look of the building.

With many universities like Sheffield Hallam choosing to integrate old and new, we are entering an exciting new era in terms of the aesthetics of external facades. Therefore, we expect to continue to see architects specify new and more authentic materials, such as Corten, for use on developments that aim to complement the traditional aesthetics of surrounding buildings and reflect the industrial heritage of an area. 

The saw-toothed soffits and fascias were specified in Sheffield Hallam’s corporate colours, which also complement the copper finish of the Corten panels

KEY: 2

Metsec support rails – 'C' section 262mm deep

Metsec support rails – 'C' section 172mm deep on ends – see plan detail SHU-HOR-29-699 5

CHS 139 brace noted on steel drawing – fixed between SHS not to outer face

 www.horburygroup.com

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SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY ELEVATION VIEW

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7 Perforated Corten panels fitted to Metsec horizontal rails behind – rails to be coated with PVC tape to front face to prevent bi-metallic corrosion between dissimilar metals

Corten panels around opening 1

539

1700s. The design of the sevenstorey building, which straddles Brown Lane, an alley that was at the heart of the Sheffield Steel industry, is sympathetic to the heritage of the nearby Butcher Works, a former cutlery and tool factory. It also takes into account the modern design of adjacent buildings and those situated opposite.

Over 1100m2 of 2mm Corten steel rainscreen cladding cassettes and bespoke perforation screens were specified for the project, along with 200m2 of soffits, which were installed to the main entrance area.

As well as being responsible for the manufacture and installation of the Corten cassettes and screens, we also installed the soffit panels. In addition, we managed the development of a photovoltaic support frame through the rainscreen and the copings to the glass and brick facades.

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19

Legal & Business

Rory Alexander is Partner and Local Government Lead at independent Scottish law firm, Morton Fraser. Rory previously headed up the inhouse legal team at the City of Edinburgh Council providing legal and strategic advice across the varied service areas of the council. He has particular expertise in public law, planning, transport and compulsory purchase matters.

Rory is also a legal associate member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

The response to the Planning (Scotland) Bill so far has been mixed, but there has been an opportunity for the bill to be amended through the scrutiny process

DEVIL IN THE DETAIL OVER SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S LONGAWAITED PLANNING BILL It is fair to say that the Planning (Scotland) Bill has been a long time in the making. The bill was introduced on 4th December 2017. However, the independent review of the Scottish Planning System was originally announced back in September 2015. The overall purpose of the independent review was for its members to “provide a ‘root and branch’ review, and to explore game-changing ideas for radical reform of the system”.

S gone in achieving the o how far has the bill

purpose of the independent review? The response so far has been mixed, but there has been an opportunity for the bill to be amended through the scrutiny process. The deadline for written evidence was 2nd February 2018 and highlights included:

Planning policy The ‘plan-led’ system in Scotland is to continue whereby policy and proposals for how its areas will develop in the future are set out in the statutory development plan. National Planning Framework (NPF) and

20

Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) are to take on an enhanced role, with strategic development plans being abolished. Additionally, local plans are to last for 10year periods rather than five.

This will be seen by some as a simplification of the process, but by others as a centralisation of policy-making given the enhanced status of NPF and SPP which are published by Scottish Ministers.

Local Place Plans Local Place Plans are also to be introduced allowing communities to produce plans for their places, with scope for these to become part of the development plan.

With a third-party right of appeal not in the bill, this will be seen as an important tool for communities to use to ensure that they have a greater say in the future of their places. It is not clear who will help communities put together Local Place Plans and how they will be funded.

Additionally, it would appear that planning authorities need only have regard to Local Place Plans when preparing their own local development plan which may limit their effectiveness.

Local Review Body (LRB) The remit of the LRB is to be expanded. The expansion of

LRBs will be closely monitored with the development industry broadly against it, as it allows the movement of appeal decision-making responsibilities from the Scottish Ministers to the LRB where developments are of a minor nature or of localised impact. Given that the LRB is a committee of the planning authority, it raises questions of the right to a fair and public hearing.

Infrastructure levy The decision of the UK Supreme Court in the ‘Elsick’ case in October last year underlined the difficulties that planning authorities have with collecting contributions towards strategic infrastructure. The bill allows for regulations to come forward for an infrastructure levy which will presumably allow each planning authority to have the ability to set its own infrastructure levy based on its own needs and circumstances. The model is still to be determined.

As ever, the devil will be in the detail with the bill to see what form it finally takes through legislation and regulations, and it remains to be seen if it will truly be ‘gamechanging’ as hoped at the start of the independent review. 

 www.morton-fraser.com

Education

Another great example of an educational establishment that has fully embraced the benefits of off-site construction is Ashville College in Harrogate

GRADE A SOLUTION TO OVERCROWDING IN SCHOOLS Here Paul Lang, Caledonian’s CEO, looks at how off-site construction can help alleviate the shortage of school places, through shorter build schedules that minimise disruption to the students, campus and the local community. recently R esearch conducted by a leading procurement specialist has revealed that an additional 435,646 pupils will be joining the UK’s secondary school system in 2020, requiring over

14,500 additional secondary classrooms, each with 30 pupils, across the country.

These 14,522 secondary school classrooms would need to be built over the next three years in order to cope with

Caledonian worked on the £13m turnkey contract to build an extension of the existing boarding facilities at ACS Cobham International School

22

the increase in pupil numbers.

In practical terms, this would equate to over 400 brand-new 1050-pupil secondary schools across the country.

Also, according to a separate report published by a major UK political party in 2017, just over one in five existing schools (21%) were over capacity across all year groups, and a further 20% were at capacity, making it clear that classroom overcrowding is becoming a bigger and bigger issue.

LEAs, therefore, need to extend existing establishments and invest in new facilities quickly to accommodate the increasing number of pupils.

However, with a shortage of funds and resources available, new schools, and supporting campus buildings, must be costeffective and built within short timescales. They also need to be of guaranteed high quality and low maintenance so that the LEA achieves value for money.

SMART construction Compared to building using traditional methods; the education sector benefits enormously from off-site construction. More than 80 to 90% of the work can be completed in a factory, like our Newark-based facility, a quality controlled environment, unaffected by the weather or skills shortages on site.

This significantly reduces the likelihood of delays to the project. In addition, off-site offers minimal disruption to the surrounding community by ensuring a rapid build and cutting down significantly reducing deliveries and activities to site.

Suitable to more than just schools, off-site construction delivers a raft of benefits in all sectors – residential, hotels, communal buildings, further and higher education, retail, commercial outlets and health, amongst others. Offering

Outside of the classroom We have worked on several projects within the education sector; including a £13m turnkey contract to build an extension of the existing boarding facilities at ACS Cobham International School, which was designed

by Broadway Malyan. We were responsible for the manufacture and construction of the modular components of the new facility, which provided an additional 113 bed spaces, all in premium single and double rooms. It also incorporated supervisor accommodation, study areas and common rooms to complete an eye-catching four-storey building.

Another great example of an educational establishment that has fully embraced the benefits of off-site construction outside of the classroom is Ashville College in Harrogate.

We developed a striking new £2.5m sports complex, featuring a projecting entrance pod, and a large, open area gymnasium space, with full-height windows to maximise natural light. This was a challenging project because the new sports complex was positioned between two existing buildings, and within the school

Education

a full turnkey solution, we design and build to an exacting specification, offer a wide range of finishes and roofing options, and produce a design that fits seamlessly alongside any existing structures.

Manufacturing off-site, in itself, creates a safer workplace, being a more controlled environment, requiring less need for working at height. Modular is also more economical and kinder to the environment, with a dramatic reduction in waste and the consumption of materials such as cement, compared to traditional build methods.

It is for these reasons that the education sector is starting to recognise and embrace the benefits of offsite construction. So much so that we have recently been awarded a position on the £50m Education and Skills Funding Agency Framework to act as lead designer and principal contractor for new schools, academies and other educational facilities.

At ACS Cobham, Caledonian was responsible for the manufacture and construction of the modular components of the new facility

campus, thus requiring a very precise footprint. As a result, the accuracy of design and installation were key factors taken into account before the college chose an off-site solution. There was also a very strict timescale amongst other contractual obligations, all of which were achieved on time, within budget and before the new school term began in September.

Complete school built off-site The design and build of Farnborough Academy in Nottinghamshire was probably one of the biggest off-site projects that we have completed within the education sector. The 7005m² academy, effectively a whole new school with full campus facilities, houses more than 1000 pupils. The project was on a very demanding timescale and, as it needed to be delivered alongside an active secondary school, off-site construction was identified as the most effective method of meeting the requirements.

Up to 80% of the building was manufactured in our facility, before being delivered to site for rapid assembly, meeting the demands of a tight 42-week programme. Overall, the off-site solution specified achieved a time saving of six months compared to a traditional build

and included the manufacture of 141 modules, on-site construction and internal fit-outs.

Preferred option This and some of our other recent projects are testament to the fact that off-site construction is also proving a popular choice for entire schools and campus facilities outside of the classroom. With many educational establishments throughout the UK opting for modular solutions for communal, sports and leisure facilities.

We believe that off-site construction will continue to be embraced by local authorities and education bodies for the foreseeable future. The Government has already stated in its November budget statement that it will favour off-site manufacturing on all publicly funded construction projects from 2019, and that augurs well for tackling the ongoing problem of school places. 

 www.caledonianmodular.com

The 7005m² Farnborough Academy in Nottinghamshire, effectively a whole new school with full campus facilities, houses more than 1000 pupils

23

Healthcare

There is a risk that danger zones could be built into the pipework system as part of a remodelling project. Changes to the configuration of the pipework could result in ‘dead-ends’.

DESIGNING LEGIONELLA RISK OUT OF HEALTHCARE BUILDINGS In this article, Dave Lancaster from plumbing, heating, cooling and infrastructure specialist, Uponor, discusses the risk of Legionella in hospital water systems and the ways in which this can be addressed through design best practice and pipe specification. now and then E very there’s a headlinegrabbing outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease, usually involving fatalities and serious illness in a public building.

Thankfully, these tragic events are rare. However, Legionnaires’ disease, and the incidence of the Legionella bacteria that causes it, are much more common than many might think.

The reality is that we simply do not know how many cases of Legionnaires’ disease occur each year in the UK because, in healthy people with robust respiratory systems, it often simply manifests with cold or flu-like symptoms and goes undiagnosed, unrecorded and unmonitored. For the very young and very old, those with pre-existing conditions, compromised health or respiratory conditions, however, Legionnaires’ disease is far from a short-lived and relatively innocuous bug; it’s a killer.

24

And it’s a killer with an extraordinary ability to breed exceptionally quickly. Legionella bacteria can breed in any stagnant water within the 25 to 45ºC temperature range, doubling in number every eight hours. While stomach acids will destroy any ingested bacteria, water vapour from a flushing toilet, a shower or a running tap can enter the respiratory system and cause Legionnaires’ disease.

The healthcare sector is well aware of the risks of Legionella and hospitals put strict flushing regimes in place for minimising the risk of stagnant water in the pipework in accordance with HTM04 requirements. Taps and sentinel points must be regularly checked using thermal probes and temperatures must be recorded and kept to demonstrate that water is reaching 50°C in order to control growth of Legionella. However, such regimes are vulnerable to human error, and it is vital

to fully understand the risk factors and how these can be engineered out of the plumbing installation through improved design and specification.

Understanding the risks While ensuring that hot water temperatures exceed the risk zone for Legionella reduces the likelihood of bacteria growth, if the design and layout of the pipework allows stagnant water to collect; there remains a risk that hot water will cool to between 25 and 45ºC – the temperature at which Legionella bacteria is most prolific, unless it is properly and regularly flushed from the system.

What’s more, if a biofilm has formed within the pipework, this tacky, chemical treatmentresistant coating will enable the Legionella to become embedded on the surface.

Similarly, in locations where there is a high calcium content

in the water supply, calcium deposits that build up on metalsurfaced pipework can provide a perfect environment for harbouring Legionella.

Any areas of the system that are not in regular use are at highest risk of collecting stagnant water and creating the conditions where Legionella can breed. In a hospital environment, this could include bathrooms at the end of corridors, in outpatient units or areas of the hospital that have been closed to patients for refurbishment, for example. There is also a risk that danger zones could be built into the pipework system as part of a remodelling project that involves changes or additions to plumbing services.

In this scenario, changes to the configuration of the pipework could result in ‘dead-ends’ (redundant sections of the pipework that remain in place despite the fact that they are capped off so water no longer

Healthcare If the design and layout of the pipework allows stagnant water to collect; there remains a risk that hot water will cool to between 25 and 45ºC – the temperature at which Legionella bacteria is most prolific

Dave Lancaster is an Applications Specialist at Uponor

Any areas of the system that are not in regular use are at highest risk of collecting stagnant water

flushes through), or ‘deadlegs’ (places on the end of the pipework network that are seldom used), both of which are at higher risk of stagnant water and Legionella growth.

Better by design For any hospital building services refurbishment the first consideration should be specification of the pipe to reduce the risk of Legionella growth on the network. By switching from traditional copper piping to MLC (multilayer composite) pipe or PE-X polyethylene pipe, the specifier can eliminate the risk of calcification and ensure a smoother internal surface to enable better water flow on the network. Some common joint methods on copper piping can provide small crevices that can harbour bio-films and bacterial growth, whereas MLC and PE-X pipe systems that seal on the inside bore provide a

smooth marriage of the pipe and fitting and a more hygienic connection. This simple change in specification can remove some of the conditions that support Legionella growth.

The configuration of the pipework is also essential as this can ensure that dead-ends and dead-legs on the system are eliminated, even if the installation involves parts of the network that will not be in daily usage. The traditional ‘tee’ installation uses fewer lengths of pipe and more tee connections to direct water flow specifically and only to the water outlet activated by the user. This approach can help to maximise water pressure, improve speed of delivery of hot water to the point of use and reduce water consumption but it also allows potential dead-legs on the system by failing to flush water through any pipework for services that are not in use. As a result, a tee

For any hospital building services refurbishment the first consideration should be specification of the pipe to reduce the risk of Legionella growth on the network

configuration can potentially allow stagnant water to accumulate, creating a risk of Legionella on the network.

Conversely, a ‘serial’ installation can avoid deadlegs on the network provided that the most frequently used water outlet – usually the toilet in a standard a bathroom – is placed as the final item on the network. Where this is the case, water regularly flushes through the pipe to reach the frequently used service, flushing away the potential for stagnant water and the Legionella it might harbour in the process.

From a cost perspective, it may appear less attractive than a tee pipework design but, while it uses more pipe, it requires fewer connections, making it faster and less expensive to install as well as reducing Legionella risk.

The most effective pipework configuration of all for avoiding stagnant water on the system

and mitigating Legionella risk is a loop installation. Used commonly in Scandinavia and Germany, where Legionnaires’ disease is more closely monitored, a loop installation connects a small set of services and flushes water through the whole local pipe network every time any water outlet on the system is activated, flushing all pipes regardless of where the water is used. It requires fewer connections and fittings and enables excellent water pressure and speed of hot water delivery whilst completely eliminating dead-legs.

Risk mitigation Legionella will always remain a risk that requires vigilance and monitoring. However, with best practice management regimes and improved installation design and specification, the risk can be significantly reduced. 

 www.uponor.co.uk

25

Disability

FIRE PROTECTION FOR HIGH-RISK INDIVIDUALS

Safety product manufacturers are constantly striving to develop new and innovative ways of optimising resident safety and supporting independent living

Over 13.3 million people in the UK are currently living with a disability, equating to almost one in five of the total population*. Here James King, Sales Director at FireAngel, explores the additional considerations architects and specifiers should consider when building new housing to ensure all individuals are adequately protected from potential fire and carbon monoxide (CO) risks. alarms and carbon S moke monoxide (CO) detectors perform a vital function in homes, providing early warning of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

However, for those living with a disability, they may often require additional preventative measures that not only notify them of a potential danger in adequate time to evacuate the property, but also prevent any potential dangers from fully developing.

Whilst one in five of the UK’s population are living with a disability, another consideration is adequate protection for the elderly. Figures released by Age UK in 2017 revealed that the number of people aged 65 years and over is projected to increase by more than 40% to over 16 million by 2033, while the number aged over 85 is set to double.

The importance of protecting our ageing population is clear to see in the context of Government fire statistics, which show that

26

over half of those killed in accidental dwelling fires are aged 65 and over and the risk of dying in a fire is four times higher than average for people aged over 80.

With this in mind, it is vital that architects and specifiers are aware of the measures that can be put in place to provide the highest levels of fire and CO protection for residents living with disabilities, including mobility restrictions, sight loss and those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Sounding the alarm Approximately 10 million individuals, one in 10, currently live in the UK with hearing loss, while two million have sight loss. As the main way to notify individuals of the potential presence of fire is through a traditional alarm, architects and specifiers must consider additional measures that notify high-risk residents in alternative ways.

Low-frequency sounders have been specifically designed to provide additional protection to standard smoke alarms in the event of a fire. By sounding loud blasts at a low-frequency signal, the alarm is more likely to wake up or alert high-risk individuals, such as individuals with hearing loss, rather than the higher pitch of a regular smoke alarm which these high-risk individuals are less responsive to.

For residents who are deaf or have severe hearing loss, strobes and vibrating pads are additional forms of technology that have been developed to successfully notify them of the presence of fire or carbon monoxide. When alarms in the property detect smoke, heat or carbon monoxide, the flashing strobe provides a visual warning, while the vibrating pad is designed to be placed under a pillow or a mattress and will wake an individual to alert them to a fire or CO incident.

Additional peace of mind With regard to fire safety and individuals living with dementia, one technology specifically aimed at preventing potential dangers from becoming a reality is a cooker shut-off device. The regular activation of smoke alarms within a property can indicate that a resident is burning food or leaving food cooking on the hob, which is often an early indicator of dementia.

A cooker shut-off system is an effective way of preventing a serious fire incident in the kitchen, where 62% of all domestic household fires originate, without the need for human intervention.

The safety device, also known as a stove guard, has an intelligent heat sensor that monitors rapid increases in temperature on electric hob cooking surfaces. If the temperature reaches a potentially hazardous level,

Disability

the alarm will sound an alert and, if no action is taken, will automatically send a radio signal to a wired cut-off switch to turn off the electricity supply to the appliance, minimising the risk of a potentially serious fire incident.

While there is a range of products designed to notify an individual of the presence of a fire or CO incident, other technologies have also been specifically manufactured to minimise the potential risks associated with a mains gas leak.

With over half of those aged 65 to 80 years old showing significant loss in successful smell identification**, a concerning proportion of the UK may be unable to identify the presence of natural gas.

Although additives including stench agents are added to natural gas so that it can be smelt, the majority of people over the age of 55 may struggle to notice the ‘smell’ of combustible gas before dangerous levels have accumulated.

Alarms such as natural gas detectors feature a semiconductor catalytic sensor that continuously detects combustible gas, notifying residents when the concentration present in the property is high enough to become explosive.

Some alarms will trigger when the gas concentration reaches 10% of the lower explosive limit (LEL), alerting individuals of the presence of natural gas, enabling them to evacuate the property before the potential risk has fully developed.

With the rate in new housing continuing to increase ahead of the Government’s pledge to build one million new homes by 2020, safety product manufacturers are constantly striving to develop new and innovative ways of optimising resident safety and supporting independent living.

Therefore, it is vitally important that architects and specifiers are aware of the fire and CO solutions available to assist disabled individuals and the ageing population to provide the appropriate levels of protection where required. 

Those living with a disability may often require additional preventative measures that not only notify them of a potential danger, but also prevent any potential dangers from fully developing

Whilst one in five of the UK’s population are living with a disability, another consideration is adequate protection for the elderly

 www.fireangel.co.uk http://www.dlf.org.uk/content/keyfacts *

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/6505700 **

As the main way to notify individuals of the potential presence of fire is through a traditional alarm, architects and specifiers must consider additional measures that notify high-risk residents

27

Waterproofing

IDEAL SERVICE FOR LANCASTER UNIVERSITY CHAPLAINCY Instantly recognisable from the university logo and a statement example of modern architecture that heralds the entrance to campus, Lancaster University’s chaplaincy is a striking building with three circular flat roofs and a central three-pronged spire. Each vertical prong of the spire rises to a different height in a trio of curved structures rising from the fascia.

The project has recently been named as ‘Project of the Year (under 1000m2)’ in the Liquid Waterproofing Roofing Association (LWRA) awards

in 1969, the C onstructed building is much more than a landmark; it is a vital part of pastoral life on campus. Two of the building’s circular sections contain two Christian chapels (one Roman Catholic and one Anglican), while the third and largest section of the building contains a large social space and areas for Jewish worship and observance, along with a quiet room used for worship by the Quakers, Bahá’ís and other faiths.

Lancaster is one of only a handful of UK universities with a purpose-built, multi-faith chaplaincy and the building is in daily use by both religious

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and non-religious groups. When water ingress began to create issues with leaks and damage, the university took urgent action to carry out a full roof refurbishment.

The project has recently been named as ‘Project of the Year (under 1000m2)’ in the Liquid Waterproofing Roofing Association (LWRA) awards. The complex programme, delivered

by Sika Liquid Plastics’ quality assured (QA) contractors’ vertical access and roofing contractor, Permicoat, used Sika Liquid Plastics’ virtually odourless Decothane Ultra cold-applied liquid system.

Unobtrusive and hardwearing While the chaplaincy building is not listed, the university was keen that the refurbishment project should respect the original aesthetic and fabric of the structure, in particular the distinctive white finish of the fascia and the spire.

Use of a waterproofing system that would avoid the risk and disruption of hot works while minimising nuisance odours and noise was vital so that the building could remain operational throughout the project.

Project: Lancaster University’s chaplaincy Location: Lancaster Manufacturer of liquid roof membranes: Sika Liquid Plastics

Roof repairs Sika Liquid Plastics’ area technical manager carried out a full site survey and condition report to inform the specification of the 960m2 roof and spires which was developed by the SLP Technical Services team. The virtually odourless Decothane Ultra system was specified in standard grey for the roof surfaces and white for the fascia and spires to match the theme of the existing building.

The original mineral felt roof had failed at the gutters and drainage outlets and the roof areas where water ingress had been most severe were badly

Waterproofing Lancaster University’s chaplaincy is a striking building with three circular flat roofs and a central three-pronged spire

The virtually odourless Decothane Ultra system was specified in standard grey for the roof surfaces and white for the fascia and spires to match the theme of the existing building

When water ingress began to create issues with leaks and damage, the university took urgent action to carry out a full roof refurbishment

degraded, with damage to the insulation. In these areas, the insulation was cut away and replaced by sections of Sika Liquid Plastics’ Decotherm insulation board. Once these areas of the roof had been made good, the surface was over-boarded using tongue and groove board and the installation team then applied Sika Liquid Plastics’ S-VAP 5000 self-adhesive vapour control and carrier membrane before applying the two-coat Decothane Ultra liquid roofing system.

Sika Liquid Plastics’ applications team made regular site visits throughout the

even surface for the spires, the project team also overboarded these areas with 6mm ply, maintaining the distinctive curved shape while improving the finish.

Once the fascia and spire boarding were complete, these surfaces were prepared using Sika Liquid Plastics’ Primer 600, followed by the S-VAP 5000 self-adhesive carrier membrane.

The white Decothane Ultra cold-applied system was then installed on the vertical surfaces of the fascia and spires, with best practice application supported by Sika Liquid Plastics’ applications team.

programme to ensure installation integrity and provide support with detailing requirements.

White spire In addition to the water ingress issues with the roof, the building had also been affected by damp to the fascia areas due to the failure of the surface coating that had previously been used to create the white finish.

To address this area of the structure, the decision was taken to strip out the compromised fascia and replace it with a ply system. To ensure a neat finish and provide a robust,

Phil Purcer, Managing Director at Permicoat, comments: “Decothane Ultra provided the ideal system for this project as it meant that we could work on the occupied building without disturbing the occupants and address the university’s requirements for a hardwearing finish that’s sympathetic to the original design intent of the building.

“The liquid system also enabled us to follow the exact contours of the fascia and spire features while enabling us to encapsulate all horizontal, vertical and curved surfaces.” 

 gbr.liquidplastics.sika.com

29

Leisure

The £10m development includes a 25m six-lane swimming pool and a separate teaching pool

LESSONS LEARNED ALONG THE WAY In 2016, FT Leisure was formally appointed as UK distributor for Myrtha Pools in the UK. Myrtha is a world-renowned manufacturer of prefabricated modular stainless steel pool tank and pool ancillaries, with over 22,000 references worldwide. The public swimming pool specialist is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious aquatic centres, for international events such as the Beijing Olympics, London Olympics and the current Rio Olympics.

FT Leisure was responsible for the design, supply and installation of the water treatment and filtration systems, the Myrtha pool tanks and associated balance tanks and disabled access hoists

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Project: Horwich Leisure Centre Location: Horwich Architect: GT3 Architects Construction and property services company: Willmott Dixon Construction Swimming pool engineer: FT Leisure

50 years’ history W ithandover product development, FT Leisure had a lot to learn to be able to partner with Myrtha. FT immediately had training at the Myrtha Pool Academy to learn how to build Myrtha’s products, but more importantly, how to meet the company’s quality expectations. With the support of Myrtha’s export department, FT Leisure has started to market the pool tank solution, to complement its existing broad range of swimming pool products and services.

Simon Whittingham, Managing Director at FT Leisure, said: “The Horwich Leisure Centre was our first Myrtha pool installation in a public facility, for a valuable client, Willmott Dixon Construction. We had to get it right. There were a few lessons learned along the way, mainly related to the site and building design, but these were handled with a collaborative project team and resulted in a very successful project.”

The new Horwich Leisure Centre is now open. The £10m development includes a 25m six-lane swimming pool, a separate teaching pool, a 100-station fitness suite, spin and dance studios, a four-court sports hall, changing facilities and a new car park.

Leisure The modern facilities will encourage more people to take up sports and leisure and help build better links with schools and clubs

The new building has taken just over a year to construct, and is part of a wider investment in Horwich including a new primary school and 3G pitch.

The centre has been jointly funded by Bolton Council and Bolton Community Leisure Trust (BCLT), which will also manage the facility. Work was officially completed in November 2017 with the formal handover of the keys to the council.

Cabinet Member for Sport, Cllr John Byrne, said: “This is a fantastic new, modern leisure centre. I am delighted that our residents in Horwich and the surrounding area have all these wonderful facilities. We would like to invite everyone to take the opportunity to come and look around the centre, and use it. It will provide first-class facilities and encourage people to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle. It is an exciting day for Horwich.”

The modern facilities will encourage more people to take up sports and leisure and help build better links with schools and clubs which will promote healthier habits and reduce anti-social behaviour.

The main contractor for the project was Willmott Dixon Construction and this was FT

Leisure’s sixteenth completed project with the construction team. The architect was GT3 Architects. FT Leisure was responsible for the design, supply and installation of the water treatment and filtration systems, the Myrtha pool tanks and associated balance tanks as well as disabled access hoists.

FT Leisure creates safe, enjoyable and functional

swimming environments, through innovative products and professional technical services to the commercial, municipal and private swimming pool industries. Its range of services includes the design, manufacture, installation, commissioning, refurbishment and maintenance of water treatment and filtration systems, Myrtha pool

technology, movable floors, booms and disabled access platforms, leisure water features and rides, a luxury spa and wellness facilities.

Other recent FT Leisure projects include Etihad Stadium, Birmingham University’s 50m pool and Finlake Holiday Village. 

 www.ftleisure.co.uk

The new building has taken just over a year to construct and is part of a wider investment in Horwich

31

Interiors: Ceilings & Acoustics

ARMSTRONG CEILINGS FEATURE IN UNIVERSITY’S STRIKING NEW LIBRARY

Project: Emily Wilding Davison Building Location: Royal Holloway, University of London Architect: Associated Architects Ceiling supplier: Armstrong Ceilings

The Metal B-H 300 perforated linear planks with acoustic fleece on a 300mm C-profile were used for the soffit of the tripleheight atrium

A mix of metal and mineral ceiling and wall systems from Armstrong were specified for a new development at Royal Holloway, University of London, one of the top-30 universities in the UK. new BREEAM T he‘Excellent’-rated library

The 10,500m2 state-of-the-art building delivers inspirational library and study spaces

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and student services centre, named the Emily Wilding Davison Building after one of the university’s most famous alumni, is set in a new landscaped events square at the heart of the university’s campus in Egham, Surrey.

The 10,500m2 state-of-the-art building delivers inspirational library and study spaces, together with student-facing services under one roof, putting enhanced student experience at the forefront.

Some 1000m2 of RAL 9010 Armstrong custom Metal B-H 300 ceiling planks, Metal R-H 200 ceiling tiles and custom

Metal W-H 1100 wall panels, as well as Armstrong’s Cradle to Cradle-certified Perla OP mineral tiles on a Prelude 15 TL grid were specified by Associated Architects for the £57m new Davison Building at Royal Holloway.

The Metal B-H 300 perforated linear planks with acoustic fleece on a 300mm C-profile were used for the soffit of the triple-height atrium at the core of a series of wings and for three link bridges at first and second floor levels, while the Metal R-H 200 HookOn tiles and Perla OP mineral tiles (which perform to sound absorption Class A and are 85% light reflectant) on a Prelude 15  TL grid feature in offices.

Interiors: Ceilings & Acoustics The Armstrong ceiling and wall systems were installed by specialist sub-contractor Rosguill Developments for main contractor Osborne

Project Architect, Joe Belcher, said: “We were looking for a product that, in conjunction with the perforated timber veneer panelling, would help provide absorption to soften the acoustic of the atrium. As well as providing a neat and crisp aesthetic, we chose a self-finished material to avoid an unnecessary maintenance burden, especially relevant for tall spaces where maintenance access requires special equipment.

“We were especially pleased with the way the Armstrong product has been coordinated to align with other features such as the large feature rooflights. The 300mm plank module and edge trims enabled us to ensure the crisp junctions envisaged were achieved. For all these reasons, and the fact that Armstrong is a known and trusted name for our clients, it made sense to specify Armstrong.”

Throughout the building, a careful, consistent approach was taken to the internal character. Associated Architects developed a mature and sophisticated interior scheme

34

to fit in with the university’s campus. This included visual concrete columns and soffits, extensive timber finishes and feature lighting.

Extensive areas of exposed visual quality light grey concrete to soffits, columns and stair core walls form part of the passive thermal strategy for the building,

allowing generous floor-toceiling heights which give a sense of permanence and solidity.

Joe Belcher added: “As a practice, we regularly specify Armstrong products. As well as the more common modular suspended ceiling format which regularly appears in education, higher education and commercial

office projects, we have used Armstrong products in previous laboratory and library projects.”

The Armstrong ceiling and wall systems were installed by specialist sub-contractor Rosguill Developments for main contractor Osborne. The Davison Building officially opened in October 2017. 

 www.armstrong.com

Associated Architects developed a mature and sophisticated interior scheme to fit in with the university’s campus

LEVATO MONO

Porcelain paver system and coordinating internal tiling The Deck Tile Co’s new website www.surface360.co.uk now has +150 colours and finishes in their Levato Mono 20mm porcelain ranges plus co-ordinating internal tiling – enabling seamless visual transition between internal and external spaces.

20mm porcelain pavers 40x80 45x90 60x60 75x75 80x80 30x120 40x120 60x120 ‘Floating floor’ – installation over single ply membranes Eternal product - zero maintenance required – offering massive over-life savings

Highly abrasion and stain resistant Highly slip resistant ; R11 AB+C Lightweight – 45kgs per m2 High load bearing and impact resistance Timber, stone & cementitious effects Completely non porous

INTRODUCING OUR NEW WEBSITE: WWW.SURFACE360.CO.UK

Ideal for balconies, roof terraces and piazzas, for both commercial and residential use Frost proof Height adjustable/slope correcting support system ranging from 9mm up to 550mm

ecobuild Preview

ecobuild is working with a number of strategic partners who are contributing to the overall strategy and shape of the event to ensure it is wholly reflective of the industry’s needs

ECOBUILD 2018: THE EVENT SHAPED

BY THE INDUSTRY ecobuild is returning to ExCeL, London, from 6 to 8th March and, under the new ownership of Futurebuild Events, things are set to be very different. The event is being designed and built around the industry, bringing to life the latest technology, freshest thinking and most innovative materials. event is not only T hebeing shaped by comprehensive industry feedback but also with direct input from leading industry influencers. These include Lynne Sullivan, Nathan Baker, Julie Hirigoyen, Darren Richards and Peter Murray, who are all members of the ecobuild Steering Group, which is helping to set the agenda for the event.

Martin Hurn, Managing Director of Futurebuild Events, explains: “New, independent ownership offers a unique opportunity to completely overhaul the event.

We believe that to be as relevant and valuable as possible, we need to understand and act on what built environment professionals want to see at ecobuild. We see our role as to facilitate the agenda, rather than dictate it.”

ecobuild is returning to ExCeL, London, from 6 to 8th March

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The CPD-accredited conference programme

The futurebuild districts

This year’s conference takes its lead from global environmental targets, with sessions reflecting the concerns of the built environment industry and formulating practical recommendations for action. Some of the big issues represented by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the New Urban Agenda and the Paris Agreement will provide the focus. Speakers include experts in their field, including Jane Duncan, Paula Caballero, John Elkington and Bill Dunster.

The conference arena and sustainability showcases are surrounded by the futurebuild districts, each of which will act as an immersive and stimulating area where people, brands and companies will be able to network and develop profitable relationships. These include:

ecobuild sustainability showcases Surrounding the conference arena will be the ecobuild sustainability showcases, home to some of the most innovative solutions to the issues facing the built environment. The showcases will truly put sustainability at the heart of the event.

They will feature two fullscale builds, including the zero net carbon home from ZEDfactory – designed to minimise fossil fuels and annual energy bills. It offers a complete response to the housing crisis.

The Edible Bus Stop returns with The Hive, a pocket park highlighting biodiversity, biophilia, health and wellbeing. Another highlight is the WasteZone, curated by Architect, academic and activist Duncan Baker-Brown, which will allow visitors to discover waste’s potential.

District Energy Building Performance Infrastructure Timber Concrete Offsite Green & Blue Infrastructure Energy & HVAC. The dedicated focus of each district will encourage valuable relationship building and discussion around the big issues shaping the agenda in the built environment.

Key partnerships ecobuild is working with a number of strategic partners who are contributing to the overall strategy and shape of the event to ensure it is wholly reflective of the industry’s needs. Notable partners include the Considerate Constructors Scheme, the RIBA, CIAT, NLA, Bioregional, CIBSE, The Edible Bus Stop and the Edge. The event will also host the BREEAM Awards and the Offsite Construction Awards. 

 www.ecobuild.co.uk/register

ecobuild Preview

Latest innovations in heat air moisture control to feature at ecobuild The latest innovations in managing the balance between heat, air and moisture movement within the building envelope will be on display at this year’s ecobuild. The A. Proctor Group, recognised worldwide for its extensive portfolio of technically advanced thermal, acoustic and membrane products for the construction industry, continues to lead the way in the research, design and manufacture of solutions which are at the forefront of the drive to achieve the optimum balance between these three core elements. The latest solutions from the A. Proctor Group will be on display at ecobuild on stand E60 at ExCeL, London, from 6 to 8th March.

 www.proctorgroup.com

 ask@proctorgroup.com

 01250 872261

Ancon to launch new products at ecobuild 2018 Ancon will be launching its latest fixing innovations at ecobuild on stand C62. Ancon’s stand will focus on structural fixings that are opening up new possibilities in zero and ultra-low energy construction by minimising thermal bridging, including its insulated balcony connectors and ultra-low thermal conductivity cavity wall ties. It will also showcase a brick-faced support system that allows designers to achieve exciting masonry facade aesthetics. Heading up the displays will be Ancon’s unique, BBA-approved, multi-award-winning Teplo wall tie range. Manufactured from pultruded basalt fibres set in a resin matrix (0.7W/mK), a material over 60 times more thermally efficient than steel (50W/mK), Teplo ties are widely specified in Passivhaus or similar low-energy developments.

 www.ancon.co.uk

 info@ancon.co.uk

 0114 275 5224

Don’t miss Inta’s innovation on show at ecobuild

Inta will once again showcase a selection of its premier products at this year’s ecobuild, including its extended range of revolutionary HIPER HIUs, maintenancefree ActivFlo water conditioners and the state-of-the-art Zilmet expansion vessels. With more integrated features than any other heating interface unit on the market, Inta’s latest collection of single- and twin-plated HIPER HIUs has been designed in collaboration with installers to ensure that fitting, servicing and maintenance can be done with ease.

Installed in shared residential buildings, the HIPER HIU distributes heating and domestic hot water from a central plant system to individual properties.

 www.intatec.co.uk  sales@intatec.co.uk  01889 272180

37

Glass & Glazing

INNOVATIVE GLAZING SYSTEM AT SHOWPIECE DUNDEE WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT Designing and installing a VS-1 system with the sufficient structural strength capable of withstanding a significant wave load enabled GLASSOLUTIONS to secure a significant contract as part of the £80.11m construction of the new V&A Museum of Design, Dundee.

All photographs ©Ross Fraser McLean

38

Project: V&A Museum of Design, Dundee Location: Dundee, Scotland Glass and glazing solutions: GLASSOLUTIONS Architect: Kengo Kuma & Associates

Glass & Glazing

Factoring in the building’s proximity to the River Tay, the internal paint finish of the VS-1 system was installed

by GLASSOLUTIONS to a very high marine grade

the centrepiece of A sDundee’s £1bn waterfront regeneration programme, the construction of V&A Dundee on a former reclaimed dock site located on the banks of the River Tay is due to open in the second half of 2018.

Designed by Japanese architect firm Kengo Kuma & Associates and described as a sculpture as well as a building, V&A Dundee comprises galleries, exhibitions and learning centres within the 8500m2 facility.

Fitting for an international centre of design, the state-of-theart building will be a major cultural hub and tourist attraction, situated between the RRS Discovery and the Tay Road Bridge.

Commissioned by BAM Construction to design, manufacture and install the iconic building’s facade, GLASSOLUTIONS’ contracting team was required to provide a mullion-only curtain wall system as part of the multi-million-pound project, which is the UK’s only design museum outside London.

With a slatted, multi-layered external appearance, as well as its distinctive ‘prow’-shaped

GLASSOLUTIONS incorporated a shadow box detail to each of the building’s terrace screens to conceal the parapet roof build-up

facade which juts out directly over the Tay, the complex geometry of V&A Dundee’s design presented a number of unique challenges for specifying and installing its component parts.

GLASSOLUTIONS was tasked with creating a flush mullion profile which would provide uniformity and consistency across all of the building’s elevations, as well as being capable of withstanding the marine environment next to the River Tay. As part of the striking new construction, GLASSOLUTIONS was awarded the contract to manufacture and install a building envelope comprising the contracting division’s flagship VS-1 curtain walling system;

Designed by Japanese architect firm Kengo Kuma & Associates and described as a sculpture as well as a building, V&A Dundee comprises galleries, exhibitions and learning centres

due to the building’s waterfront location, this was required to be capable of withstanding a considerable wave load, as high as 32,000 Pa. Streamlined aesthetics were achieved using the VS-1 installation by installing a bespoke mullion with thicker sidewalls, allowing the fixings to be countersunk. This vertical-only structure means that the glass wall visually ‘floats’, presenting an entirely glazed surface that lets in as much daylight as possible to enhance the building’s visual appeal as well as the comfort of its occupants.

For the aspects of the building’s envelope fitted with the VS-1 system, GLASSOLUTIONS developed a bespoke mullion profile which could be utilised on all screens and would be able to accommodate the potential 32kN/m2 ‘wave load’.

A further challenge of the installation project was ensuring that the building’s complex external structure would be able to accommodate the specified glazing profile. Surveying all of the window and majority of screen openings ensured that GLASSOLUTIONS’ fully fabricated duplex stainless steel perimeter frames could be seamlessly installed, with no compromises required to create the architect’s desired vision.

Factoring in the building’s proximity to the River Tay, the internal paint finish of the VS-1 system was installed by GLASSOLUTIONS to a very high marine grade. All external works were anodised or of duplex

stainless steel composition.

To enable installation of the south wall structure incorporating GLASSOLUTIONS VS1 triangulated screens and punched windows, BAM constructed an in-filled cofferdam into the River Tay. GLASSOLUTIONS incorporated a shadow box detail to each of the building’s terrace screens to conceal the parapet roof buildup. This allowed the blind and fixing brackets to be concealed from external view, while the soffit detail concealed them from the interior.

Says GLASSOLUTIONS’ Commercial Director, John Foster: “Faced with delivering the structural strength solution required, we were asked to provide a conventional mullion profile for the building envelope, fitting for the complex geometry of the building.

“We overcame unique challenges of completing the installation to the south facade in close proximity to the river and we are delighted that our flagship VS-1 curtain wall system proved to be the perfect solution to meet both the wave load and aesthetic expectations of the contractor and architect.

“GLASSOLUTIONS was honoured to have been involved in the construction of such an iconic building on the waterfront area of Dundee and we’re delighted that our installation has contributed to the impressive facade of what is now an iconic landmark along the River Tay.” 

 www.glassolutions.co.uk

39

Fire Safety Event Preview

Attendees will have access to more than 20 hours of seminars, which is being split across two theatres

than 5000 visitors M ore are expected to attend

THE FIRE SAFETY EVENT RETURNS TO NEC THIS APRIL The Fire Safety Event returns to the NEC, Birmingham, from 10 to 12th April boasting an unparalleled line up of legal updates and best practice seminar sessions delivered by leading fire safety industry experts.

the event across the three days and will have free access to CPD-accredited seminar sessions. The Fire Safety Event is co-located with the Health & Safety Event and the Facilities Event. The Fire Safety exhibition boasts 40 leading manufacturers including Advanced, Klaxon, C-Tec, Checkmate Fire, BT Redcare, Kingspan, Patol, Apollo, EMS, FireClass, Fike and many more.

The event is being backed by a number of key associations in the fire sector – including the Institution of Fire Engineers, Rail Industry Fire Association, Association for Specialist Fire Protection, British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association, Institute of Fire Safety Managers, Association of Insurance Surveyors and the National Association of Healthcare Fire Officers, BAFE and SSIAB – who have agreed to exhibit and speak at the event.

Attendees will have access to more than 20 hours of seminars, which is being split across two theatres – the Fire Safety Keynote Theatre (sponsored

by Advanced) and the Fire and Evacuation Theatre.

In addition, visitors are invited to attend breakfast briefings on all three days where they will enjoy refreshments while networking and enjoying sessions on cladding fires (10th April), fire protection in tall buildings (11th April) and protecting buildings with sprinklers (12th April).

10th April The keynote theatre will boast three sessions on day one, beginning with Advanced’s Neil Parkin delivering an address on how to eliminate false alarms.

This will be followed by a mock trial on the Fire Safety Order, which will be led by Warren Spencer who has prosecuted

The Fire Safety exhibition boasts 40 leading manufacturers

40

more than 120 cases under the order. Dr Bob Docherty will also deliver a session titled passport to fire safety, which will focus on ensuring your workplace is compliant with fire safety laws.

The Fire and Evacuation Theatre will host a session on the devastating effects of fires on trains, buses and at sea and how to take steps to mitigate against the risks and a panel debate on how to safely evacuate premises.

11th April Highlights from day two include a corporate manslaughter mock trial, which will be delivered on behalf of Turner and Townsend

by Gerard Forlin QC from Cornerstone Barristers. Other sessions include guidance on how to evacuate safely during terrorist attacks and how to identify a competent contractor to carry out fire safety work.

Kingspan’s Mark Harris will address the key topic of fire safety of insulated panels and facade systems, which has become a mainstream focus in recent months. There will also be a panel debate on fire safety in hospitals, which will explain how to keep patients and premises safe in the event of a fire and key steps to preventing fires.

12th April The final day will include keynote sessions on passive fire protection – complying with the law, lessons learned from Grenfell Tower fire and how to protect vulnerable people during fires.

C-Tec will also deliver a session on how to ensure your visual alarm devices are legally compliant. There will be one final panel debate on reliable protection and safe evacuation of premises.

You can attend the Fire Safety Event for free so register now and reserve your place for any of the seminar sessions on offer. 

 www.firesafetyevents.com

MIN D

MAL SRUPTION MAXIMUM PROTECTION. THE TERRAIN LIVE STACK REPLACEMENT SERVICE WITH FIRETRAP SLEEVES AND COLLARS Partnering with you, Polypipe Terrain delivers unique fabricated replacement drainage stack solutions; ready to install, ready when you are – and without having to move residents from their homes.

For complete peace of mind, they’re also available with our Firetrap sleeves and collars, designed to go beyond today’s fire regulations.

It’s what you’d expect from a company with 50 years’ experience.

Discover all of the benefits at: polypipe.com/minimal-disruption

HVAC/HVP

Simon Parker is the President and General Manager of Nortek Global HVAC UK’s Light Commercial Division

MAJOR BRANDS JOIN UP UNDER REZNOR From February 2018, HVAC brands, Ambirad, Airbloc, Benson and Reznor will be brought together under a single brand: Reznor. of these brands E ach form part of Nortek Global HVAC UK, and by combining their respective offerings, the business simplifies the customer experience by providing a

single point of contact for all HVAC solutions.

The HVAC brand transition coincides with a number of new product developments and a portfolio that is now fully compliant with the

Energy-related Products (ErP) regulations.

Simon Parker, President and General Manager of Nortek Global HVAC UK’s Light Commercial Division, heads up the Reznor brand in the UK

and beyond. He comments: “We want to better serve our customers. By offering a diverse but cohesive portfolio, we can offer clarity for our customers by taking out complexity and portfolio duplications. We are focused on becoming a solution provider, rather than just a product supplier. By unifying under the Reznor brand, we can commit to meeting our customers’ expectations, delivering superior customer experience, and building upon Reznor to become the preferred HVAC brand.

“The move to Reznor has been addressed with great care so that we do not create disruption,” continues Parker.

“Existing warranties and maintenance contracts in the other brand names will be honoured. Our customers will be notified about our strategic intent and how that will affect them. We believe it’s a positive move for all concerned.”

With one dominant brand under Reznor, the company is looking to create economies of scale and to invest further in R&D to keep new products coming to market, as well as improving customer service.

Andrew Field will be Reznor’s dedicated National Sales Manager for the UK. He will lead a team of area sales and business development managers.

Parker adds that specifying and buying Reznor products will be made easier with an updated online presence. “Moving from a multiple brand setting to a single leading brand for the UK will be reflected in our online presence,” he comments. “We want to make it easier to do business with us, so we opted for a ‘pre-sales’ portal and a complimentary ‘post-sales’ portal to fully serve our site visitors. Both portals will reflect our renewed proposition, be fully up-to-date on our 2018 ErP-compliant product offering, and be easily accessible via mobile technology.”

 www.nortek.com/europe  ryan.ashley@nortek.com  01384 489700

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New CIBSE-accredited seminar explores heat interface unit test standard from BESA Evinox Energy has launched a new CIBSE-accredited CPD seminar following the introduction of the first UK test standard for heat interface units from BESA (British Engineering Services Association).

This new standard is regarded as an important step towards improving the overall performance of British district heating schemes and its key objective is

to enable the performance of different HIUs to be evaluated within the context of typical UK operating conditions. Thereby enabling heat network developers to

HVAC/HVP

consider the performance of specific HIUs against design requirements.

Until now, it has been a common misconception that heat interface units are ‘one size fits all’; results from the BESA tests show that this certainly isn’t the case for today’s modern systems – the network design and HIU specification must be closely matched to ensure optimum performance and the HIU must deliver the widest delta T and lowest return temperatures possible in all operational modes.

The Evinox seminar explores all aspects of the test regime and discusses how, for the first time, designers and specifiers will be able to see the impact of a specific HIU on their network. Entitled ‘Understanding the BESA Test Standard for HIUs (VWARTS and All)’, the seminar is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and provides credits towards consulting engineers’ CPDs. This 60-minute seminar is ideal for M&E consultants or housing providers interested in finding out more about the latest standard for communal and district heating systems and can be held at clients’ premises or the Evinox Energy offices in Chessington.

 www.evinoxenergy.co.uk  info@evinoxenergy.co.uk  01372 722277

Dorset school halves gas consumption with Remeha boilers

Gas consumption at Ferndown First School in Dorset has fallen sharply since high efficiency Remeha Gas 220 Ace replacement boilers were installed last summer. When the original boilers serving the school came to the end of their working life, building consulting engineer Mabey Francis recommended replacing them with two Remeha Gas 220 Ace condensing boilers. Andy Cope, Director at Mabey Francis, commented: “I have been specifying Remeha products for over 20 years with excellent technical back-up and product reliability. As a practice, we have specified many Quinta and Gas 210 Eco Pro boilers, especially in schools. So we had no hesitation in adopting the new generation of Gas 220 Ace boilers.”

 www.remeha.co.uk

 info@remeha.co.uk

 0118 978 3434

Spirotech appoints new chief commercial officer Spirotech, a global expert in HVAC system protection and water conditioning, has appointed Paul de Bruin as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). The decision further strengthens Spirotech’s position as a global leader in innovation and sustainability within the sector, reinforcing its commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for customers. Paul will be based at Spirotech’s head office in the Netherlands and one of his main responsibilities as CCO will be to set market trends through a service-led approach that places customer feedback at the centre of its strategy. He will also be responsible for promoting the ongoing development of proven products in air and waste separation.

 www.spirotech.com

 info@spirotech.com

 0208 451 3344

RAUTHERMEX Plus chosen for groundbreaking district heating installation

REHAU’s RAUTHERMEX Plus pipework has been chosen for a district heating installation in Glasgow. Project consultant WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff suggested a low-carbon district heating system powered by an innovative industrial air source heat pump by Star Refrigeration, never before seen on a project of this scale in the UK. After speaking to REHAU about its district heating offer, WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff decided to specify more than 1km of RAUTHERMEX Plus. The pipework chosen to be installed was a mixture of UNO and DUO RAUTHERMEX Plus pipes with sizes ranging from 110mm UNO (one pipe) to 250mm DUO (two pipe) RAUTHERMEX Plus.

 www.rehau.uk/districtheating  jo.trotman@rehau.com  01989 762751

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Waterproofing & Drainage

RECYFIX MONOTEC drains car park at Home Bargains store, Prescot Parkway A new Home Bargains store at Prescot Parkway, Merseyside, opened its doors to customers in spring 2017. The 2415m² (25,973ft²) store is located just off the Manchester Road, near the M57.

It features a wider range of goods such as health, beauty and household items including a 698m² (7500ft²) garden centre. The store’s 131-space car park is drained by some 151m of RECYFIX MONOTEC, Hauraton’s high capacity channel drainage system.

Hauraton introduced the RECYFIX MONOTEC system in January 2016.

The new Home Bargains store joins the numerous installations successfully completed in the United Kingdom.

Two MONOTEC sizes were installed in the Home Bargains car park’s red block surface; both channel sizes having a nominal grating width of 100mm. The larger channel has an overall height of 380mm and provides a cross-section of 355.5cm2. The smaller channel has an overall height of 230mm and provides a

cross-section of 190.5cm2. The 151m of channel installed has a total water capacity of just over 5078 litres.

All RECYFIX MONOTEC 1m-long channel component is of a sturdy monolithic design where the HEELSAFE grating and the tongue and groove linking system are integral to the channel moulding.

In addition to the car park drainage, two sizes, 100 and 200, of the company’s RECYFIX PLUS channels were also installed in the service yard against the retaining wall, the 105m of channel being supplied with HEELSAFE ductile iron gratings for a D400 loading category.

 www.hauraton.co.uk  sales@hauraton.co.uk  01582 501380

Access Safeguard’s damp- and waterproofing technology in one handy volume Drainage maintenance boost for city’s highway

Lanes Group has completed a three-year programme of maintenance work to survey, clean and repair strategic highway drainage pipes across Portsmouth. Teams from the drainage specialist’s Eastleigh depot worked with Colas to carry out surveys, desilting and repairs along 20km of large-diameter highway drains. Colas, which manages highway infrastructure for Portsmouth City Council via a Private Finance Initiative (PFI), commissioned Lanes to carry out the work as part of a process of incorporating the main drainage pipes along strategic routes into its maintenance programmes. Services delivered over the three-year period included highway drainage line desilting and root cutting, CCTV drainage surveys, drainage system mapping and pipe rehabilitation through the installation of structural point liners.

 www.lanesfordrains.co.uk  sales@lanesgroup.co.uk  0800 526488

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Safeguard has updated its essential product guide. It covers the Dryzone, Stormdry, Vandex, Oldroyd and Brickfix brands, to name a few. Product areas include: rising damp, replastering, damp-proof coatings, condensation and mould, rain penetration, masonry repair, basement drainage and tanking and waterproofing in general. New to the collections are Drybase and Roxil. The Drybase range is designed for use when it is not possible to protect building materials and interior surfaces from the sources of dampness, like rain penetration or rising damp. The new Roxil Outdoor Protection range consists of high-performance cleaning and waterproofing materials.

 www.safeguardeurope.com  info@safeguardeurope.com  01403 210204

Safeguard’s Drybase Flex now in compact kit form Safeguard Europe has created a compact kit form of its Drybase range which is ideal for tackling smaller areas of hard-to-treat damp; or as a handy ‘on the van’ option for instant use. The Drybase range has been designed to provide a comprehensive and effective damp-proofing solution when the circumstances do not lend themselves to usual remedies. The range aims to provide solutions to a wide range of dampness issues, whether in small residential properties through to larger industrial facilities. The kit form of Drybase simply comprises a 3.6m2 roll of Drybase Flex Membrane and two 10kg bags of Drybase Flex Adhesive – just the right amount to fix the membrane provided.

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Doors, Windows Focus & Innovation & Facades

construction industry with quality products through innovative design and precision manufacturing. As a specialist in off-site manufacture for on-site installation, EOS Facades’ portfolio offers broad parameters to explore ground-breaking solutions and optimise value engineering.

EOS Facades’ finalists include:

EOS Facades announced as finalist in Offsite Awards Since inception in 2014, the Offsite Awards have grown in stature, and this year the judges have reported that the standard was higher than ever and competition to be shortlisted has been ‘fierce’.

With 20 categories and over 200 entrants, EOS Facades is proud to announce it has reached the finals of four of the award categories.

Managing Director, Steve Thompson, said of the company’s success: “The resurgence of off-site construction has played to our strengths and it is gratifying to be recognised for our achievements by such

eminent judges as Mark Farmer, the Author of the Government-commissioned report ‘Modernise or Die’.”

EOS Facades has been driving innovation in steel framing systems providing the

Artisan Place – shortlisted in ‘Housing Project of the Year’ and ‘Best Use of MEP & POD Technology’ Brodick Ferry Terminal – shortlisted in ‘Infrastructure Project of the Year’ Southwark Town Hall – shortlisted in ‘Commercial Project of the Year’ Osco Homes – shortlisted for ‘Best Use of Steel’.

The 2018 Offsite Awards are taking place on 6th March at ExCeL, London, as part of ecobuild and it is anticipated that over 350 delegates will be in attendance to celebrate the best in the off-site industry.

EOS Facades runs a series of CPD factory tours at its state-of-the-art facility in County Durham – hosted by the EOS technical team together with the Siniat specification team; the tours are completely free to attend.

 www.eos-facades.co.uk  enquiries@eosuk.org  01325 303030

P C Henderson releases new product range brochure

Jack Aluminium launches new flat rooflight Jack Aluminium has added its first aluminium glazing product to suit both commercial and home improvement markets – the TRL90 rooflight. It’s a flat, aluminium-framed rooflight that’s ideal for retrofitting skylights in commercial buildings or for bringing extra light into modern home extensions. Sales and Marketing Director, Jeff Pearson, explains: “Following the success of our TruEnergy Window, we found the market was also hungry for a rooflight that was simple to fabricate and install but offered superb performance levels. So, our technical team got to work to create the TRL90 flat rooflight. It offers excellent U-values and is the perfect solution for bringing light into spaces without adding extra height to buildings.”

 www.jackaluminium.co.uk  sales@jackaluminium.co.uk  02476 467449

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P C Henderson is pleased to announce the release of its new all-inclusive product range brochure. The 136page brochure is a valuable resource for distributors, architects and specifiers. The document features the company’s entire product range including new products and a wider range of accessories as well as technical and component drawings. Andrew Royle, Sales & Marketing Director at P C Henderson, comments: “We currently have over 60 products and an impressive range of accessories; we have the ability to make almost anything slide. This new brochure has been designed to categorise these systems to make it easier for our customers to identify and specify the most suitable system for their project.”

 www.pchenderson.com

 hello@pchenderson.co.uk

 0191 377 7345

CMS works with GRAHAM to transform listed former high school CMS Window Systems has completed a major fenestration contract as part of a project to create a new state-of-the-art primary school. The new £8.6m Duns Primary School and educational campus provides a high-quality learning environment for over 450 pupils. It is also home to the Berwickshire Locality Support Centre which assists children with additional needs by providing access to a wider range of staff expertise and integrated services. CMS Window Systems was appointed by GRAHAM to manufacture and install 223 windows, 14 doors and 125m2 of aluminium curtain walling. All were created using Kawneer systems to deliver superb visual appeal thanks to their slim profiles while maintaining excellent thermal and acoustic performance.

 www.cmswindows.com

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 01324 841398

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Doors, Windows Focus & Innovation & Louvres

WHAT IS BIM?

BIM – three letters that are radically reshaping the construction landscape – and that, for those of us in the industry, are becoming increasingly hard to ignore.

I

t’s possible that you might know BIM inside out already. If so, good work – you’re more prepared than most, and excellently positioned to face whatever 21st-century construction throws at you. But if you don’t, you’re far from alone. A lot of people have a vague awareness of BIM and what it is – but not enough to know how they can apply it in their own working lives.

So, let’s go back to basics.

What is BIM? The bad news is that a precise, universally agreed upon definition doesn’t exist. In fact, the exact meaning is still hotly debated. But here’s the good news – the loose principles the experts do agree on have huge potential to help architects improve efficiency, cut costs, and make their construction projects bigger and better than ever.

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The first thing you need to grasp is that BIM isn’t a ‘thing’ – a physical object, a piece of software or similar. It’s a process.

BIM stands for Business Information Modelling. At its simplest, it’s a way of collaboratively designing and carrying out construction projects using digital technology.

On a BIM project, all the key data is stored digitally, so it can be accessed and edited at any time, by any of the individuals or organisations involved.

That information might include specifications, schedules, performance requirements, cost plans and more.

It’s also likely to include technical drawings – and under BIM, all the different drawings supplied by various members of the project team are combined into one 3D model to ensure they fit together.

Solinear has invested in a dedicated website, offering free-to-download BIM files of an extensive array of its louvre and solar shading projects

The non-graphical data is then linked to that model – so that if a user clicks on a window product in the model, for example, they’re shown information on who made it, how long the lead times are, how it performs and when it’s likely to need replacing.

Together, it’s known as a project information model – and it structures information more clearly, making it easier for people working on the project to find the data they need, and letting teams build high-quality assets more efficiently.

What’s more, it becomes a hugely valuable resource for end-users when the project is complete. Once the building has been handed over and is in use, the project information model becomes an asset information model, and can help users better understand how the finished structure is performing.

There’s obviously a cost to making your organisation BIMcapable – much of which goes on training. But that expenditure is heavily outweighed by the potential benefits.

It’s estimated that badly organised information adds as much as 25% to the cost of the built environment – and that by using BIM to make that information clearer and easier to access can yield efficiency savings of up to 20%.

For architects, BIM offers the opportunity to work collaboratively, embed quality control in your work processes, and achieve a consistency of output that raises customer confidence and helps you build your brand.

It also lets you significantly boost your efficiency, without constraining your ability to be creative. Over time, you’re able to accumulate 3D models of various building components, leaving you with a kit of parts you can use to design a huge variety of different buildings.

But architects are doing relatively well on the BIM front.

The organisations who are lagging behind the most are sub-contractors and suppliers.

 www.solbim.co.uk  mail@solinear.co.uk  03125 475524

Doors, Windows & Louvres

COMAR ARCHITECTURAL ALUMINIUM SYSTEMS LAUNCHES COMAR 7P.I CDE Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems, part of TPG (The Parkside Group), has announced the launch of Comar 7P.i CDE, a commercial swing door with electronic locking that now holds a Secured by Design licence.

T

he Comar 7P.i CDE is an electronic lock option for the thermally broken commercial swing door range, which offers access control integration for both single and double-leaf doorsets.

Secured by Design Homes 2016 requires that occupants, of a residential building with 10 or more distinct dwellings, must be able to remotely control the main entrance door from their apartment to allow access to known visitors. The Comar 7P.i CDE is ideal for multi-dwelling apartment applications, where the electronic lock sits in with most access control panels and includes panic exit hardware options. The solution can also be used in all matter of public buildings where occupant safety is required, such as health, education and other public buildings.

Comar specifiers and fabricators can be reassured by Comar 7P.i CDE’s secure, flexible design options.

Achieving PAS 24:2016 in double-leaf swing doors is particularly challenging to pass on a test, as the doors resist a 4.5kN loading as well as a manual attack test. Doubleleaf doors are often called for on residential buildings as they allow facilities teams and occupants ease of access for bulky objects such as furniture, yet still provide uncompromised security and convenience for day-to-day access; where only a single leaf is commonly used, the Comar 7P.i CDE provides this solution.

Comar 7P.i CDE has been added to Comar’s BSI Kitemark for enhanced security which incorporates testing to BS 6375 Parts 1, 2 and 3, for a high-traffic entrance door. This means that the Comar 7Pi CDE has been tested and certified to 50,000 open and closing cycles, which is a requirement of the Secured by Design licence.

Comar specifiers and fabricators can be reassured by Comar 7P.i CDE’s secure, flexible design options

Comar 7P.i CDE has been added to Comar’s BSI Kitemark for enhanced security which incorporates testing to BS 6375 Parts 1, 2 and 3, for a high-traffic entrance door

The Comar 7P.i CDE lock uses magnetic triggers, located in the keeps, tripping the sprung loaded locking points, which snap ‘locked’ almost instantly when the door is closed.

This provides a ‘fail locked’ environment that immediately protects a vulnerable resident returning home, even in the event of a power failure or vandalism.

Not only does the Comar 7P.i CDE integrate with access control systems, but it also has been tested with the FUHR’s panic exit crash bar, helping designers meet fire safety demands while providing PAS 24:2016 level of security and high-traffic resilience.

Comar’s lever door handles also integrate with the lock, their operation manually reloading the sprung mechanical locking points. Together with the magnet triggered instant locking, which helps prevent criminals following

occupants into their building, the Comar 7P.i CDE offers unparalleled functionality.

Comar 7P.i CDE has a comprehensive range of accessories, available direct from Comar, including a remotecontrol key fob, a wireless push pad and hard-wired switches.

The Comar 7P.i CDE also presents advantages in fabrication, including the need for only four machined ‘pockets’ in the lock and keep stiles, plus a one-piece lock, thereby, speeding up assembly times and reducing workshop errors. A single cable provides the lock with power and signal simplifying the routing in the frames. To cater for structural tolerances on site, adjustable raised keeps are available to ensure the locks engage correctly.

 www.comar-alu.co.uk  projects@parksidegroup.co.uk  0208 685 9685

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Floors, Walls Focus & Innovation & Ceilings

Some improvements include the addition of sound absorption via sound absorbing ceilings, wall panels and artwork to reduce reverberation

PROBLEMS WITH NOISE FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA As we age, our hearing is affected reducing our understanding of speech and interaction in social events and busy spaces; while dementia changes our perception of and reaction to sound. a result, noise can be A salarming, frustrating

frequency sounds. Hard surfaces such as glass and other building and emotional to a person with materials reflect sound around dementia, causing stress and a room increasing reverberation contributing to social isolation, and noise levels. In busy spaces it anxiety, fear is often difficult and aggression. to understand Of all the senses, A noisy speech. hearing is the one that environment In addition, also inhibits has the most significant dementia people when affects impact on people with often processing a person’s dementia in terms of ability to filter information. It is said that of sound and quality of life. all the senses, many become - The Social Care hearing is extremely the one that Institute for Excellence noise sensitive. has the most Therefore, significant impact on people noise becomes confusing, with dementia in terms of reduces concentration, interrupts quality of life. sleep and leads to anxiety, Research has established the frustration and social isolation. associations between hearing Some improvements loss and dementia meaning include the addition of sound many people with dementia have absorption via sound absorbing hearing loss. Ageing often affects ceilings, wall panels and artwork hearing, with a progressive to reduce reverberation, help loss of the ability to hear highlower background noise levels

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and improve speech clarity.

Acoustic zoning helps keep noisy spaces and activities away from quiet ones, and sound insulation is important in stopping noise transfer between rooms. It is also important to remember that sound may be beneficial so a balance between people, activity and space should always be sought.

Many care spaces are noisy, with activities generating sound and hard surfaces reflecting sound. Solutions are available using products that absorb sound and improve room acoustics and by changing people’s behaviour.

At Ecophon, the team specialise in providing solutions to problems with noise so contact the specialist to find out more.

 www.ecophon.co.uk  info@ecophon.co.uk  01256 850977

Research has established the associations between hearing loss and dementia meaning many people with dementia have hearing loss

Improving the indoor environment for people with dementia through colour and sound

Photographer: Petra Appelhof,

Recent research has shown a link between hearing loss and dementia, individually these are socially isolating however a combination can lead to anxiety, frustration, aggression and loneliness. Using products that absorb sound to calm the environment and aid hearing; giving consideration to the siting of noisy equipment and processes; and affecting noisy behaviour to reduce sound and introduce constructive sound can have a positive effect.

Both ageing and dementia also affect our eyesight, making visual elements of a space more difficult to interpret; often leading to trips, falls and misunderstandings. Consideration to both natural and artificial light levels alongside colour, pattern and signage can all enhance the environment and make it easier to navigate.

Ecophon has been investigating the effects of changing the indoor environment in care spaces to reduce these barriers and so enhance life for both the people living and working there.

To learn more contact Andrea Harman on 07771565382 email andrea.harman@ecophon.co.uk or visit www.ecophon.com/uk

Kalwall translucent cladding has transformed the newlycompleted 4200m2 extension at Indiana’s South Bend Regional Airport.

Designed by architecture practice Ken Herceg and Associates, the new terminal comprises five gates, restaurants, gift shops and breakout areas all housed under an architecturally exposed, steel-framed barrel vault structure that simulates the structure of an aircraft wing. This is covered with a curved Kalwall Skyroof 10m wide and 180m long.

As passengers exit the dark and windowless TSA screening area, they are bathed in welcoming and natural daylight with unimpeded views across the runways.

Kalwall eliminates shadows and glare and the stark contrasts of light and shade. The system also enhances simplicity by doing away with the need for blinds, curtains or solar control. Even on cloudy days, the interior is flooded with natural daylight, which means less artificial lighting and, because Kalwall is highly insulating, energy costs are reduced. The standard Kalwall 70mm-thick panel offers insulation up to

0.28W/m2K – equivalent to a cavity filled brick wall, whilst still allowing for up to 15% visible light transmittance.

The architects made good use of Kalwall’s free daylight modelling service on this project. Daylight modelling is the way to calculate the most effective daylighting for any type of building. It is calculated using five years’ worth of real-world weather files at the exact location of the building together with information on day,

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 www.structura-uk.com/kalwall  kalwall@structura.co.uk  01233 501504

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Heradesign proves it’s tough enough inside and out The Albion Street neighbourhood in Southwark, London, is undergoing an extensive regeneration programme. A new school building for Albion Primary fulfils a central function in helping achieve the council’s ambitious plan. Heradesign ceilings from Knauf AMF are installed throughout the new building to meet the aesthetic and acoustic demands of this innovative project.

The Surrey Docks peninsula provides a rich and diverse culture which the Albion Street area has benefited. This varied heritage has informed the architect’s approach to the design. Haverstock architects worked in partnership with Morgan Sindall.

Heradesign is safe to use in semi-exposed external areas which is one of the reasons Haverstock Associate Partner, Tim Bystedt, specified it: “Heradesign has an interesting texture and is available in the neutral colour we wanted for the underside of the

entrance canopy and outside stairwell. It was easy to install and did not require any painting or plastering which helped keep costs down and the project on schedule.”

Heradesign offers more than just durability which is why Heradesign ceilings and wall absorbers are fitted in the school’s sports hall. Getting the acoustics right in sports halls can be a challenge.

Heradesign is robust and offers Class A sound absorption which is ideal for schools to provide a hard-wearing finish and ensure compliance with the acoustic standards of Building Bulletin 93.

 www.knauamf.com  info@knaufamf.co.uk  0191 518 8600

Knauf brings revolutionary render to UK market Knauf is introducing Knauf MineralAktiv to the UK market. Designed to inhibit the growth of surface algae and fungi, the system addresses the most common problem associated with render finishes using a patented biocide-free composition. The clean, contemporary aesthetics offered by render is a popular choice for specifiers, but the cool and often damp climate of the UK can quickly lead to disappointing discolouration because of the growth of algae and fungus. Some products tackle the problem by including biocides in the formulation, but this approach offers only a temporary solution. Knauf MineralAktiv, on the other hand, addresses the root of the problem by providing a naturally inhospitable environment.

 www.knauf.co.uk

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2018 Specifier’s Guide launched at Surface Design Show The 2018 edition of The Specifier’s Guide to Tile & Stone is now available in print and online. The annual ‘industry bible’ provides an essential specification tool for architects and designers. Content includes a review of the global tile trends, along with reports on the latest technology, sustainability, case studies and advice for global manufacturers. Ancillary products – from anhydrite screeds to water-based sealers – are also examined within the guide, with expert comment offered from the industry’s leading Editor and award-winning Journalist, Joe Simpson.

The launch of the first edition of The Specifier’s Guide for Commercial Flooring will follow in late spring.

 www.specifiersguide.co.uk

 tandsjournal@aol.com

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Polyflor has just announced the launch of its new Polysafe Quattro collection.

This innovative safety flooring range offers barefoot and shod sustainable wet slip resistance with a stud-free finish for enhanced comfort underfoot.

Polysafe Quattro has been specifically designed to provide a high degree of slip resistance in continually wet areas within the healthcare, residential care, housing and leisure sectors. This includes areas such as changing rooms, walk-in showers, wetrooms, adapted bathrooms, spas and pool surrounds. As the potential for slips is higher in wet environments, it is important to choose an HSE-compliant safety flooring such as Polysafe Quattro which offers sustainable slip resistance, assured throughout the product’s guaranteed life.

 www.polyflor.com  info@polyflor.com  0161 767 1111

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Focus & Innovation

Pop Up Power Supplies provides safe power solutions for outdoor areas and public spaces Public safety is always of paramount concern for architects, developers and electrical engineers when considering external power supplies for outdoor spaces. Pedestrian access has to be clear as possible, and the risk of electrocution has to be minimal, to ensure public areas are safe and comfortable for people.

Pop Up Power Supplies produces a range of innovative retractable service units that provide a reliable and effective power supply for outdoor spaces and events. Their retractable nature means they can be raised from the ground and lowered back again with minimal effort, ensuring walkways are clear and free from any form of tripping hazard or risk of electrocution.

The company’s range of retractable service units includes Pop-Up Units, Flip Lid/ In-Ground Units and Power Bollards, and feature various specifications, uses and benefits for powering outdoor spaces.

Pop Up Units, also known as Retractable Telescopic Feeder Pillars, are incredibly versatile units that provide electricity, water connection or data points for public areas.

Pop Up Power Supplies’ range of InGround Power Units, or Flip Lid Units, are also an extremely safe option for powering outside spaces and public places. They are a relatively compact design but best of all, they can be operated with the lid locked down. This means they can provide a stable power supply to outdoor markets and stalls preventing any public access and reducing trip hazards.

Pop Up Power Supplies provides a range of power bollards in elegant designs, providing a safe power supply for outdoor areas. The company supplies in various configurations and finishes – with three different diameters available; four configurations for the tops, including Parc Paris Top, Domed Top, Button Top and Sloping Top; and also available in a powder painted RAL colour, mirrored finish or custom paint finishes.

 www.popuppower.co.uk  info@popuppower.co.uk  0208 227 0208

H2O Building Services lands a major framework agreement with an education provider Offsite Solutions expands range of GRP pods Offsite Solutions has expanded its range of GRP composite pods with the development of a hybrid design to offer an enhanced level of finish for higher specification student accommodation, hotels and apartments for market sale or build-to-rent. The GRP hybrid pods create highly robust, low-maintenance and cost-efficient bathrooms for large-scale projects which require additional design features for a contemporary appearance.

The shell structure of Offsite Solutions’ GRP pods can now be fabricated to incorporate ceramic tiles with options for completely tiled walls, inset feature walls or bands of tiles. These hybrid bathroom pods allow even more aesthetic flexibility for GRP units – with all the time and quality benefits of off-site construction.

 www.offsitesolutions.com/grp-hybrids  info@offsitesolutions.com  01278 780807

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H2O Building Services has been awarded a framework agreement for the provision of water auditing services to the United Learning Trust, a consortium of public and private sector schools.

The award was made on behalf of the United Learning Trust

by Inspired Energy under the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) procurement procedure. H2O Building Services will provide a range of water auditing and management services including leak detection, provision of water-saving devices, tariff optimisation, bill validation and benchmarking. “Not only was the bid from H2O Building Services economically advantageous,” says Jan Ashworth of Inspired Energy, “in our opinion it satisfied the quality criteria which we had given a high weighting.”

 www.h20buildingservices.com  info@h20buildingservices.com  0845 658 0948

Precision cutting and control with Hultafors tools’ newest range of hand saws Hultafors can deliver just about anything you need for measuring, levelling and marking; striking, cutting and chopping; even prying and wrecking. Hultafors’ HBX and HBS saws are well known for their top-quality precision cuts and there’s a brand-new range of cutting and sawing tools that include – bow saws, general-purpose short hand saws, hacksaws, a jab saw, a concrete saw plus a superb Japanese Ryoba saw which is perfect when you need a tool for the finest cuts made with minimal force. Check out the blade tips for an easier start and ongoing sawing motion control; the easy-to-use blade exchange system; the extra-stable precision blades and the ergonomic to make sawing an easier and more precise experience.

 www.hultafors.co.uk

 toolsinfo@snickersworkwear.co.uk

 01484 854788

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