PSBJ May 2013

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May 2013

The future of housing Carbon negative scheme enhances community engagement

Risk assessment Sovereign Play responds to renewed HSE statement

Direct impact Design strategies for positive learning

Community care New healthcare centre provides essential support

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Having recently been shortlisted for a national housing award with the UK's first carbon negative social housing development, Four Housing Group's Dawn Keightley, Director of Operations, discusses the future of social housing by achieving carbon negativity.

Welcome. . .

Following Baroness Thatcher’s death last month – prompting criticism as well as praise of her decade – media attention has quite rightly triggered speculation on the changes that occurred throughout her time in office from 1979 to 1990.

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

As well as the privatisation of nationalised industries and the trebling of share ownership, Margaret Thatcher’s government also instigated council tenants’ right to buy their homes.

According to Nick Raynsford, former Labour Housing Minister, this policy sat favourably with those who wished to live independently from the welfare state. The concern, however, was that there was not enough being done to replenish and refurbish the existing housing stock. As a result, a significant £1.9bn backlog of repairs had to be addressed when Labour succeeded to power.

There is no denying that the housing market is still very much under scrutiny, on top of the repercussions of Thatcher’s reform. Against a backdrop of new environmental policies, government targets are continually being assessed and initiatives such as the Green Deal are being put to the test.

Taking place next month, The Chartered Institute of Housing Conference and Exhibition seems a timely event in light of the heightened attention on housing reform. Set to provide a vital insight into the world of housing, CIH Housing 2013 will host over 100 speakers leading panel discussions, debates and interactive workshops. Turn to page 36 to find out more.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, you can also access all the latest features, product news and supplier information at your fingertips via PSBJ’s state-of-the-art app for smart phones and tablets. Simply scan the code on this month’s front cover to be taken directly to the download.

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

Public Sector Build Journal

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Contents

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08 Upfront Four Housing Group unveils the UK’s first carbon negative social housing development, Sinclair Meadows, in partnership with South Tyneside Council and the Homes and Communities Agency.

14 Healthcare As part of the £350m Edge Lane project, a new £5m Neighbourhood Health Centre has been opened in Liverpool’s Kensington area providing much needed support and services.

18 Talking Point Ian Watts, principle designer at McAndrew Watts looks at how different spaces can effect learning and how school buildings are increasingly under threat of becoming drab environments that inhibit learning.

20 Energy Management

26 Innovation

West Sussex County Council has embarked on a strategic commitment to reduce its carbon impact through the use of Save It Easy, a retrofit converter device, from Energys Group.

As a leading provider of quality construction solutions, Sika highlights its proven portfolio and is confident it has a product to meet every customer’s needs.

22 Security

28 Housing

Brian Ferguson, security specialist at Ingersoll Rand explains why businesses must start to think in terms of whole life cost if people and assets are to be fully protected.

In a bid to improve the efficiency of their housing stock, associations are making significant improvements. Paul Strudley, ADEY Sales Director, discusses the vital need to protect these investments.

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Public Sector Build Journal

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42 32

32 Leisure

38 Play Equipment

Sovereign Play responds to a recent statement made by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in which it has clarified its stance on risk management in regard to children’s play.

Handing over the design of a play area to its young users ensures spaces are used to their potential. Wicksteed Playscapes explains how this approach results in a successful collaboration.

34 Doors & Windows

40 Education

External doors, when properly insulated and airtight, can deliver financial savings far beyond the cost of installation, assures Graham Nield, Sales and Marketing Director.

Sunderland City Council’s Children’s Services developed Primary Strategy for Change to address its long-term needs.

St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided School was identified as a priority.

36 CIH Preview

42 Paints, Coatings & Finishes

45 Product Showcase

The CIH Housing Conference, taking place from 25-27th June at Manchester Central, will address the key issues facing the sector, delivering thought-provoking, practical and controversial debate.

A range of Glidden Trade coatings has been used in the development of the new Retained Estates Education Centre at King’s Mill Hospital in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire to achieve a fresh finish.

A dedicated focus of industry news, products and installations to help public sector professionals make informed choices when planning and specifying.

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Online Enquiry 003 www.psbj.co.uk/advert-enquiry Public Sector Build Journal

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News

ISG to transform St Thomas' East Wing ISG is due to imminently commence work on the £27m project to re-clad the 13-storey East Wing building on the St Thomas’ Hospital site in central London.

The project was procured via a highprofile RIBA Competition to select an architect and main contractor team that could transform the poorly performing building with a modern cladding solution to enhance its environmental performance, upgrade facilities for patients and staff, and dramatically improve the building’s aesthetics on the London skyline.

The ISG and Hopkins team are working closely with Arup, the design and engineering consultancy, which is managing the structural, MEP, facade, fire and acoustic engineering services for the project. Together they have developed an elegant re-cladding solution for the East Wing that features a new glazed external envelope creating two new triangular atria, transforming the appearance and improving functionality of the building. The design solves the historic water penetration problems that have blighted the 1960s structure, while

providing additional patient lift capacity in the new atrium above the building’s northern courtyard.

Securistyle team trekking for charity GPDA moves towards zero waste The UK’s plasterboard manufacturers, represented by the Gypsum Products Development Association (GPDA), are continuing to play a key role towards the objective of zero plasterboard waste sent to landfill. During 2012, British Gypsum, Knauf, and Siniat (formerly Lafarge Plasterboard) continued progress against key targets in the Ashdown Agreement, a voluntary initiative on plasterboard recycling signed by GPDA members, and supported by WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Among the headline figures reported by the GPDA for 2012 are the results for production waste sent to landfill by the UK’s three major gypsum board and plaster manufacturers. Having dropped from 6300 tonnes in 2007 to zero tonnes in 2011, this category of waste remained at zero tonnes in 2012.

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Public Sector Build Journal

Members of the team at Securistyle, the well-established manufacturer of quality, innovative hardware for the window industry, are to trek a massive 50 miles around the Pennines on the Lancashire/Yorkshire border. What’s more, they will be undertaking this feat in under 24 hours as part of the Trek50 challenge.

The challenge takes place on the 22nd- 23rd of June, and, while the route is a scenic one, it does feature climbs which total more than 2400m – that’s the equivalent to climbing both Ben Nevis and Snowdon. It is worth all the hard work being put in by the team however, as all proceeds go to

MedEquip4Kids, a charity which aims to improve the health of children and babies by providing equipment that would otherwise be unable from NHS resources.

Glyn Jones, Sales Manager for Securistyle comments: “We have all been training hard and are looking forward to taking part in the Trek50 challenge. It’s a very worthy cause and we hope that people will dig deep and support us. We look forward to keeping everybody updated on our progress.”

BRE begins new major research project BRE has been appointed to carry out a major new research project to understand heat losses in the seven million solid wall homes in Great Britain.

The project, funded by the Department of Energy & Climate Change, will consider how these walls are performing before and after insulation. The energy use behaviour of occupants and the accuracy of techniques for measuring heat losses will also be examined.

John Riley, BRE’s Director of Housing Stock Performance said: “Solid wall homes may be significant consumers

of energy and this project will allow more accurate predictions of the energy consumption of these homes and identify the potential for energy savings from solid wall insulation.”

The study includes a series of laboratory tests and surveys on real homes. These will aim to identify the reasons for differences between the energy savings predicted, and those actually achieved, from solid wall insulation.

The project is expected to run for around two and a quarter years.

News

NHBC reveals rise in affordable homes

Four Housing Group strengthens team Not for profit housing provider, Four Housing Group, has appointed Davina Brain as Head of Customer Engagement and Communications.

As part of her role, Davina will ensure that the company’s services, which range from the provision of affordable housing to door-step support and advice in the community, are informed and shaped by customers who use them.

Davina says: “Four Housing Group already involves customers in lots of different ways and is currently developing tenant scrutiny panels which will enable tenants to review and challenge our performance and recommend improvements.

“I want to build on this progress by widening customer involvement and influence so that however they choose to get involved our customers

can clearly see the difference they are making and can hold us to account for the services we provide.”

Davina has had a career long commitment to involving communities, partnership working and developing public services from the perspective of service users. She has worked for Newcastle Tenants Federation, developing the capacity of the federation and its network of tenant groups to become an influential voice for council tenants and leaseholders in Newcastle.

Mansell adds to education portfolio Mansell, a Balfour Beatty brand, has started work on a £6.2m contract to construct the new Corby Technical School for the Brooke Weston Trust under the Government’s Academies Framework.

The two-storey build will include a sports hall, technology area, library and theatre. The design includes glassfronted classrooms and will cater for 475 pupils. The new facility will be completed by the end of the year.

To mark the contract award Mansell

held a sod cutting ceremony with an engraved model JCB and stainless steel shovel presented to Sir Peter Simpson, the Chief Executive of the Brooke Weston Trust. The school pupils and staff were also given a site tour.

The number of affordable homes being registered has soared by nearly 120%, according to new figures released by NHBC. In February 2013 the number of affordable homes housebuilders registered increased from 1373 in February 2012 to almost 3000 last month. The figures show that the UK house-building industry in general has also enjoyed a good start to 2013 with all new home registrations up nearly 24% in February compared to the same time last year. NHBC’s monthly statistics show that 10,538 new homes were registered around the country in February 2013 compared with 8512 in February 2012.

The main driver has been the Government’s £2.2b Affordable Homes Programme which aims to deliver 170,000 new homes by April 2015. But the figures also show that current Government schemes such as NewBuy and Funding for Lending are finally helping to boost new house building.

NHBC Commercial Director Richard Tamayo said: “The dramatic rise in affordable homes is good news for first time buyers and social housing tenants. However, it is important that quality is not compromised in the rush to build these new houses before the Government’s April 2015 deadline.”

New appointment to drive supply chain excellence Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK has appointed Martin Chown as Director of Procurement and Supply Chain Management. Martin has held a number of senior procurement and management roles in both the public and private sectors, most recently as the Director of Government Procurement Projects in the Government Procurement Service. Martin’s primary focus will be

to drive Balfour Beatty’s Supply Chain Excellence programme forward to achieve better engagement with the supply chain, and to develop lasting mutually beneficial relationships which ultimately deliver efficiency and innovation for customers.

Barry Perrin, Chief Finance Officer, Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK, says: “Balfour Beatty is committed to supply

chain excellence. Our customers’ success depends on our ability to collaborate successfully with our supply chain partners to improve safety, sustainability, innovation and efficiency. Martin joins us at an exciting time, with the opportunity to significantly drive our Supply Chain Excellence programme forward, delivering efficiency and innovation for our customers.”

Public Sector Build Journal

7

Upfront

S

inclair Meadows, the first carbon negative social housing development in the UK, has been unveiled in South Tyneside. The scheme, which comprises 21 units including nine three-bedroom houses and 12 two-bedroom apartments, meets the community’s need for 100% affordable housing while leading the way in the creation of truly sustainable homes.

The vision from the outset was to create a social housing development that would be the first to achieve carbon negativity, which is calculated using the government’s Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) methodology. The scheme surpasses the government’s carbon zero definition by 15% through the use of innovative technologies and design principles and will exceed the 2013 definition by 60%.

These pioneering homes were funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and developed by Four Housing Group in partnership with South Tyneside Council and environmental charity Groundwork South Tyneside and Newcastle and Galliford Try Partnerships North.

Setting a new standard

The scheme surpasses the government's carbon zero definition by 15% through the use of innovative technologies

The project sets the standard of what is achievable through sustainable design and construction. Sinclair Meadows has the ability to wipe out the carbon footprint created during its construction within 2.8 years and the houses generate more electricity than they use from the largest array of solar panels on a domestic dwelling, feeding electricity

Sustainable community Having recently been shortlisted for a national housing award with the UK's first carbon negative social housing development, Four Housing Group's Dawn Keightley, Director of Operations, discusses the future of social housing by achieving carbon negativity.

8

Public Sector Build Journal

Sinclair Meadows is an impressive example of how sustainability can be factored into affordable housing

Upfront

back into the grid.

The high output 300 kilowatt peak photovoltaic panels installed on the roofs and facades generate a total of 85kW of power and the annual designed power output of the installation exceeds 72,250 Kwhr/year.

Using the fabric first approach the development achieves the Level 4 Code for Sustainable Homes without the renewable technologies and exceeds Level 6 with them. From the outset the emphasis was on the quality of the building fabric, meaning less energy is required to heat and cool the buildings during their occupancy.

Air tightness strategies and quality checks throughout construction ensured that buildings had been sealed to prevent unwanted air movements or heat loss. The buildings have achieved an air-tightness level of 1.6m3/m2/ hr@50pa compared to a standard Building Regulation requirement of 10m3/m2/hr@50pa. Each dwelling is 75% more sealed from drafts than a standard house, meaning heating should only be required for around eight weeks per year.

Alan Wyper, Sustainability Design Manager, Galliford Try Partnerships says: “Sinclair Meadows has seen us draw together different strands of environmental building to produce a result that goes beyond what we have seen before in this country.

It is testament to the high level of cooperation among all the partners that we have overcome the considerable technical difficulties to achieve a level of environmental performance that is at the cutting edge.�

The properties have been built using

in the toilets and for gardening. Each dwelling uses approximately 70% less mains water due to this system.

The main habitable rooms are south facing to maximise natural heat and reduce environmental impact. Houses are also huddled together to minimise exposure to the north facing elevations.

In addition, the heating and hot water is provided by a communal biomass boiler using recycled timber fuel pellets and heat recovery systems installed above the kitchen and bathrooms minimise

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The houses generate more electricity than they use from the largest array of solar panels on a domestic dwelling

low carbon and natural materials wherever possible, such as timber frames, cedar shingles, recycled paper insulation and lime render. These materials have absorbed massive amounts of CO2 which is then locked into the development for each building’s life.

In addition to this, a number of energy saving design initiatives have been incorporated including rainwater harvesting, which stores rainwater in underground storage tanks for use

The properties have been built using low carbon and natural materials wherever possible, such as timber frames and cedar shingles

Public Sector Build Journal

9

Upfront heat loss, repurposing what has already been released into the environment.

Sinclair Meadows is also specifically designed to reduce car movement on site. There is no provision for residents to park vehicles in the development to encourage environmentally friendly lifestyles and a reduction in carbon emissions. Bug stacks, bird, bat and bug boxes and composts within the development site also help to support the local habitat.

Adding value to the community

A number of energy saving design initiatives have been incorporated including rainwater harvesting

10 Public Sector Build Journal

The main habitable rooms are south facing to maximise natural heat and reduce environmental impact

during the day, maximising energy savings from the solar panels. They have also received training on how to use the energy monitoring system which shows how much energy is being used at any time, encouraging them to reduce their consumption.

More than 500 applications were received to live in the 21 units. As a result, interviews took place with prospective tenants to ensure their lifestyles were aligned with the ethos of the project. The aspiration is that the community evolves and takes on a selfmanaging approach.

As part of a community development programme, Four Housing Group identified tenants to be responsible for stair cleaning and litter picks. One tenant is now a boiler house caretaker, meaning he monitors the pellets and arranges deliveries, cleans the ashes from the hopper and advises if the

t

One of the aims for this scheme was to create a truly sustainable development that would surpass the government’s targets and set a new standard for affordable housing, breaking the mould to reduce the carbon footprint and also target fuel poverty. The other was to provide residents with healthy and energy-efficient homes and also inspire residents to revisit the values of community life.

In order to successfully create a truly sustainable community, the scheme depends heavily on the commitment, lifestyle and training of the tenants.

Sinclair Meadows residents are undertaking training on tasks such as ensuring the rainwater harvesting system is used to flush toilets and programming appliances to operate

Effective insulation of Hard To Treat areas made quick and easy WALLTITE® foam insulation has been specially formulated to inject through 12mm drill holes into narrow or variable width cavities and inaccessible areas where other insulation materials won’t do. It also stabilises old brickwork and solves the problem of defective wall ties.

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Upfront achieve the government’s carbon zero definition. Each unit at Sinclair Meadows exceeds the 2013 zero carbon definition by 10.66 Kg/CO2/m2 per year, the equivalent of 16.96 tonnes of CO2.

Tenant engagement

onsite alarm goes off. This proactive approach by tenants should result in service charge reductions, as well as providing experience to increase employability.

The development itself has created a number of employment and work experience opportunities for members of the local community. Contractors were able to employ six apprentices to work on the scheme and nine work experience opportunities were completed. In addition to this, as Sinclair Meadows is a no car street, it is

anticipated there will be an increase in the number of people in the community using public transport.

66% of labour and supply chain requirements have been sourced locally to both support local businesses and reduce the environmental footprint during construction. The timber kit was supplied and constructed by South Shields-based company Eco Timber Systems and the wood pellets for the biomass boiler are supplied by GLB Wood Fuels in Hexham.

All new housing stock from 2016 must

â–

Interviews took place with prospective tenants to ensure their lifestyles were aligned with the ethos of the project

Sinclair Meadows is an example of how sustainability can be factored into affordable housing and therefore creates an opportunity to share knowledge with the housing, construction and academic sectors. Northumbria University is undertaking a two year research project with the tenants to investigate behavioural change, which will also provide valuable insight to improve tenant engagement across the UK. There is a need to understand how micro-renewable technologies perform and the data monitoring Four Housing Group has commissioned using Technology Strategy Board funding will establish a benchmark which can be used by the industry. The buildings are being remotely monitored to evaluate their technical performance, how residents use the technologies, how improvements can be made and what support is required to enable tenants to further reduce energy usage and fuel costs.

www.4hg.co.uk

As Sinclair Meadows is a no car street, it is anticipated there will be an increase in the number of people in the community using public transport

12 Public Sector Build Journal

Healthcare

The 'Love Life' message, which is spelt out on the building's facade, has strong Liverpool routes and is formed from quotations by Carl Jung

Strategy for care Those who visit Liverpool by car will not have failed to see the changes that have taken place along Edge Lane, one of the city's principle gateways. After years of uncertainty and upheaval for the local community, a new £5m Neighbourhood Health Centre was officially unveiled in the Kensington area at the end of March, providing much needed new health services to the area.

T

his scheme is hugely significant for two reasons. Firstly, its opening is part of the £350m Edge Lane Project, which includes work to create a dual carriageway along the full length of Edge Lane, new housing, and over 1,000,000ft2 of new and refurbished commercial and retail floor space and community facilities. The highway works were completed last year and the health centre is the first major development to be delivered after a lengthy compulsory purchase process.

Secondly, the Kensington scheme marks the completion of the development by Liverpool PCT as part of its wider vision for ‘A New Health Service for Liverpool’, which has seen £80m invested in new purpose-built and refurbished health facilities across the city since 2005. This is one of the most extensive and ambitious health programmes the city of Liverpool has ever seen and amongst the most radical in the country, and it supports a shift towards providing care closer to people’s homes.

The development was delivered

by Liverpool and Sefton Health Partnerships (LSHP Ltd) which was formed in 2004 as part of the NHS Local Improvement Finance Trust

14 Public Sector Build Journal

(LIFT), a major Government initiative designed to stimulate investment in local primary and social care facilities.

LSHP Ltd specialises in the delivery of modern, innovative health and community facilities. It is a true public private partnership and has delivered investment of over £100m in new health infrastructure to date.

The vision for transforming primary and community health began in the early 2000s but gained momentum in Summer 2006, when Liverpool PCT launched the Big Health Debate – a unique opportunity for local people to help shape the future of health services in the city. This conversation with the city involved more than 11,000 people.

The results of the Big Health Debate were then used to create A New Health Service for Liverpool – The Outside of Hospital Strategy, which the PCT published in 2007. This set the stage for a multi-million pound investment in health facilities across the city. The aim of the strategy was to enable primary care and community services to achieve the highest possible quality of care by delivering the right services, in the right place, by the right professionals. It led to a shift of services, where appropriate, away from hospitals and into health

facilities closer to people’s homes.

This Out of Hospital Strategy has been the catalyst for the transformation of primary care facilities in Liverpool and now tens of thousands of patients have access to 21st century buildings in the heart of their communities, offering longer opening hours and access to a

Healthcare

The Out of Hospital Strategy has been the catalyst for the transformation of facilities

The Kensington scheme marks the completion of the development by Liverpool PCT as part of its wider vision

The next phase of development saw a transformation of facilities in the south of the city with developments in the Speke and Garston areas. Despite a major regeneration programme that has seen over £1b invested in the area including expansion of the area and the transformation of Jaguar Landrover’s Halewood plant, Speke-Garston remains one of the most deprived wards in Liverpool with some of the worst health deprivation statistics.

Speke Neighbourhood Health Centre opened its doors in November 2010 and is located on South Parade in the centre of Speke which had suffered through the loss of community and retail facilities over many years. In May 2011, the health centre won the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors’ Community Benefit Award having breathed new life into the centre of Speke.

In neighbouring Garston, South Liverpool NHS Treatment Centre represents Liverpool PCT’s largest single investment and opened in April 2011.

The centre has an area of 5,800m2, with the exterior clad in distinctive, reflective stainless steel shingles. In addition to housing two GP practices, the centre provides a wider range of services than a neighbourhood treatment centre and

includes a walk-in and x-ray facility as well as audiology, physiotherapy, dentistry and a range of other community facilities.

The next piece in the jigsaw was in the North of the city, specifically Anfield and the surrounding areas of the city where some of the health inequalities are most pronounced. The area had been a priority for the PCT since the programme’s inception and the securing of sites on Townsend Lane and Mere Lane prompted action. Townsend Lane Neighbourhood Health Centre opened in January 2012 and was widely welcomed by local residents who took part in a public consultation led by Liverpool PCT with 2500 local residents participating. Mere Lane Neighbourhood Health Centre also opened in April that year. The site forms part of a wider regeneration of the area which includes housing and the North Liverpool Academy.

An important aspect of the programme was to only build new premises where and when required, therefore the new build programme was supplemented by significant investment in the refurbishment of existing buildings.

This part of the programme saw investment of over £7m in bringing

t

greater range of services.

To date, 18 neighbourhood health centres have been developed across Liverpool, including 12 brand new, purpose-built developments.

The first major development that was delivered was Everton Road Neighbourhood Health Centre which opened its doors to the public in June 2005 and was the first to be built as part of the partnership between LSHP and Liverpool Primary Care Trust. The PCT worked closely with the local community who had campaigned tirelessly over a number of years for a new health centre to be built in the Everton area.

Since opening, the centre has become a focal point in the community and is well used by local residents. A year later, Ropewalks Neighbourhood Health Centre opened in a historic part of Liverpool city centre with buildings that date back to the city’s maritime heritage.

2007 saw the opening of new centres in the Picton, Yew Tree and Walton areas of the city. Picton Neighbourhood Health Centre opened in March 2007 in one of the most culturally diverse but also one of the most deprived areas of the city. Just three months later, Yew Tree Neighbourhood Health Centre opened its doors serving the wards of Yew Tree, Croxteth, West Derby and Knotty Ash.

Public Sector Build Journal 15

Healthcare

existing buildings in the right location up to the required clinical standard.

This investment has further increased and improved healthcare services in the community, bringing GPs, nurses and other health professionals together in fit-for-purpose facilities closer to where people live.

Community support Historically, Kensington has not enjoyed the same level of good health as other parts of the city and a new state-of-theart, easily accessible health centre will act as a catalyst for improving health and wellbeing.

Following a protracted compulsory purchase process, the City Council and its partners were successful in obtaining consent to demolish many dilapidated houses in Kensington. The basis of the plans were to regenerate the area through the provision of new housing, community facilities and employmentgenerating developments. Kensington Neighbourhood Health Centre is the first major development to be delivered following the demolition of the old properties.

The winning design responded to the requirements of the brief to provide a key gateway landmark on this important route into the city while also responding to a community setting. The design cleverly responds by promoting the message to ‘Love Life’ which is spelt out on its facade. The message has strong Liverpool routes and is formed

16 Public Sector Build Journal

from quotations by Carl Jung, one of the fathers of modern psychology who referred to Liverpool as ‘the Pool of Life’ and a line from Gerry and the Pacemakers’ song ‘Ferry Cross the Mersey’ – ‘Cause this land’s the place I love.’

Kensington Neighbourhood Health Centre provides patients with longer GP opening hours and offers a range of enhanced health services including dental, pharmacy, childhood immunisations and vaccinations,

■

Ropewalks Neighbourhood Health Centre opened in a historic part of Liverpool city centre with buildings that date back to the city's maritime heritage

phlebotomy (blood tests), sexual health, counselling, ante-natal and baby clinics.

The building is 2500m2 in area and accommodation is split over two floors and features 20 treatment rooms for the delivery of GP, dental and primary care services. It is also rated BREEAM ‘Excellent’ including features such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting and air source heat pumps. This approach to sustainability has also been followed on all of LSHP’s developments.

This powerful story of how primary care and community services can be delivered differently through the design of suitably-located facilities provides a legacy for those organisations charged with commissioning health services in the future. It was made possible by a bold but strategic vision, the prioritisation of resources and the formation of dynamic and effective partnerships. The partnership between Liverpool PCT and LSHP has delivered a change in the quality of facilities over a comparatively short time period and although the PCT ceased to exist in March 2013, there remains much to be done against a backdrop of unprecedented demand for health services at a time of national austerity.

www.lshp.co.uk

South Liverpool NHS Treatment Centre represents Liverpool PCT's largest single investment and opened in April 2011

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Talking Point

It is down to the whole of the construction team to focus on delivering sustainable aspiring learning environments

The psychology of buildings Ian Watts, the principle designer at architecture and design company McAndrew Watts looks at how different spaces can effect learning and how school buildings are increasingly under threat of becoming drab environments that inhibit learning, especially with the introduction of design templates and the collapse of Labour's Building Schools for the Future programme.

could severely impact on the education a child receives.

Currently, the government are in the process of introducing design templates into new schools, which will allow them to build smaller and cheaper schools. Under this system, new schools will be 15% smaller than those built under the previous government, squeezing space for corridors, assembly halls and

canteens. It is part of a plan by the education secretary, Michael Gove, to cut school building costs by 30% and save up to £6m per school compared to Labour’s Building Schools for the Future project.

Resorting to these kinds of measures will most likely be at the expense of the quality of our learning environments which will have a negative impact on the education a child receives.

Applying this so-to-speak ‘cookie cutter’ approach to new building is dangerous as there needs to be a balance created between the need to deliver a good quality inspirational learning environment, to a prescribed budget, and that of seeking design awards with a ‘money no object’ brief.

S

chool has a huge influence on a person’s formative years.

They are places that directly support or inhibit learning and with pupils spending an average of eight hours a day in the school environment more attention needs to be paid to the infrastructure of the school building itself.

With the collapse of the previous government’s Building Schools for the Future programme and the introduction of design templates, school buildings are increasingly under threat of becoming drab environments that do little to inspire learning, which in turn

18 Public Sector Build Journal

Light and space are two of the key components to a good school building

Talking Point

In these times of austerity it is really down to the whole of the construction team to focus on delivering sustainable aspiring learning environments and working towards the relevant financial constraints. Only by following this process will we have new schools which are both inspiring and deliverable.

Radical approach During our remodel of Kidderminster College in Birmingham the first thing we noticed when we entered the college was the dark and intimidating reception space which had very little natural daylight. On top of this the area felt claustrophobic as it was simply trying to do too much; it was operating as a reception area, canteen, a learning resource area, a waiting room, and a support and information desk. It was more like a bus station than a social space where students and staff could interact.

This space was not conducive to learning as it was cluttered and dark.

It noticeably changed your feelings as you entered the space and your emotions about the environment were not positive. Light and space are two of the key components to a good school building so we undertook a radical redesign of the college by redefining the logic of space. The building was effectively a courtyard around an external space with a tensile fabric structure filling the space at the upper levels. The central core on the ground

Design influence Another example of how we have used space in a positive way was our transformation of the four-storey Piano Building in Kidderminster, Birmingham into a contemporary entrepreneurial academy. The listed building was originally built in 1867 as a textile mill warehouse and the space was fairly nondescript. It was a very tall, open space with no features other than the columns and external windows. If the space had been left as it was, it would have been a very open, intimidating learning space.

Being an academy that focused on fashion, design and gaming, we wanted to create a space that would allow the students to feel that they had ownership over it too, a creative space that could be influenced. In order to create this we had to try not to be too clever with the design where it dominates what the space would look like. This then enables the students to work with a blank canvas and through their own work and creativity they are able to put their stamp on the internal environment. Ultimately we wanted to feed the college curriculum as much as we could through the building. The feedback from the staff and pupils following the remodel has reflected this; pupils have been so enthused by their surroundings that they are reluctant to stop work. This alone is testament to how the right built environment can significantly improve the desire to learn.

Through our work we have learnt that school space is changing and

the government needs to recognise this too. The concept of walking down a corridor and stepping into a classroom through a single door is now redundant. Nowadays, we need to focus on creating exciting and inspiring spaces; there is far more interaction between students and teachers and the learning space needs to reflect and foster this.

Undeniably school buildings and facilities affect learning but more research still needs to be carried out in to what extent it does so. It is unclear what variables are needed for optimal academic outcomes but we already know that good light, heating and a safe space are needed to learn and this can all be achieved through existing technology and materials. It simply just needs adequate funding and maintenance which is unfortunately what a lot of the education authorities and schools simply do not have.

There always comes a point when a building becomes dated and needs extensive rebuilding to become an inspirational learning space but you do not have to completely start again to make transformational changes to the existing building. Ultimately you can do very small things to a building that do not involve demolishing half of it and still deliver transformational results.

â–

A glazed structure enables natural light to spill down through the centre of the building

floor consisted of the reception with a flat solid roof and there was no focal point to the building as a whole. We decided that this needed to be taken out to open up the whole area so we raised the roof so that every window would look onto the space. We also replaced the solid roof with a glazed structure which utterly transformed the whole building as it enabled natural light to spill down through the centre of the building, penetrating the corridors that run around the area. To maximise the effect of the natural lighting, the finish was kept to a blank neutral canvas to play on this.

Ian Watts is the principle designer at McAndrew Watts Architecture and Interior Design Consultants

www.mcandrewwatts.com Public Sector Build Journal 19

Energy Management

Gaining control Following the second phase of a hugely-successful, council-wide programme to cut carbon, West Sussex County Council has now upgraded the lighting at more than 50 of its properties, replacing outdated fluorescent lamps with energy-efficient equivalents using the retrofit converter device, Save It Easy from Energys Group.

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ith hard work and the aid of some clever technology, West Sussex County Council is setting the standard in carbon reduction. Faced with in-house CO2 targets to meet and a new financial burden under the Carbon Reduction Commitment, the Council sprang into action three years ago to begin reducing its carbon footprint. Its newly-created Carbon Management Team was charged with seeking out ways of cutting carbon and, in a short space of time, it has already achieved incredible results.

Right from the start, the council identified lighting as a key source of energy waste. The old-style fluorescent lamps that were in use across the majority of council buildings were driving up CO2 emissions. However, the Carbon Management Team felt that it would be uneconomical and wasteful to rip out and remove all of the existing light fittings, in order to make way for the new T5 lamps, which crucially differ in size and technical specification from the old lamps. A retrofit solution was in order.

Nicola Winser, Carbon Management Officer at West Sussex County Council comments: “The plug-in T5 adapter

20 Public Sector Build Journal

Save It Easy seemed to fit the bill. We carried out extensive trials of Save It Easy, which was enough to convince our senior management and maintenance teams that a retrofit solution was the right one for the Council.”

Following the trials, West Sussex undertook the first phase of the lighting upgrade, netting savings of 29 tonnes of CO2 by installing 1016 Save It Easy units at its County Hall headquarters in Chichester. Building on this success, the second phase of the council-wide roll-out is now underway. Low-energy fluorescent lamps have now been retrofit-installed, using Save It Easy, in 55 of its buildings, with plans to install the technology at a further 16 sites, bringing the total to 74.

“We’ve installed more than 12,000 energy-efficient T5 lamps using Save It Easy,” says Nicola. “Lighting upgrades have been made across all suitable West Sussex’s fire stations, libraries, care homes and day centres for vulnerable adults and children, as well as at the council’s main administrative sites in Chichester, Worthing and Bognor Regis.”

The project was funded through the government-backed Salix initiative,

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Lighting upgrades have been made across all suitable West Sussex's fire stations, libraries, care homes and day centres

which provides interest-free loans to public sector organisations making energy-efficiency upgrades. Due to the instant savings on energy bills that have been unlocked by energy efficient projects including the lighting upgrades, the council has been able to establish a revolving fund, which has been used to greenlight further carbonreduction projects. In order to maximise the funding available, the council also applied for Salix Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme (SEELS) funding for two of the largest T5 lighting projects.

The installation part of the project has already proved a success, and the resulting energy savings are now beginning to stack up. According to the council’s own savings figures, the new lighting will reduce the energy consumption for its corporate estate by a staggering 722,626 kWh. This translates to a financial saving of £78,745 every year.

The council will also save 389 tonnes of CO2 every year as a result of its lighting upgrades. This has helped exceed its annual carbon-saving targets of 1597 tCO2 in 2011/12 and 320 tCO2 in 2012/13. This is a triumph that will also ensure that West Sussex has a lower burden under the Carbon Reduction Commitment.

www.energysgroup.com www.saveiteasy.co.uk

The council will save 389 tonnes of CO 2 every year as a result of its lighting upgrades

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Security

Securing assets

The initial cost of a security system is still the deciding factor for many organisations and businesses. Yet as recent cases have shown, particularly across the healthcare industry, this approach can be extremely costly longer-term and even life threatening.

Brian Ferguson, security specialist at Ingersoll Rand explains why businesses must start to think in terms of whole life cost if people and assets are to be fully protected.

opportunists. The consequences of not having enough security are only too evident when you look at cases such as the horrific attacks which took place at Stepping Hill hospital.

During the two-month ordeal a lone attacker poisoned 22 patients by contaminating their saline drips with insulin. Unfortunately the security measures in place at the time did not prevent the perpetrator from moving freely throughout the hospital buildings, tampering with medical records and accessing medical supplies to commit the crimes undetected.

Following the attacks there has been a visible shift towards electronic security systems across the health sector. Not least because of a Government instruction that all sensitive areas, information and medical supplies within the health sector must be accompanied by a robust process of auditing. Although there has been no requirement placed on public sector organisations to install electronic access control systems this is not something which organisations can or should rule out.

Quick installation

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he security and protection of people, business assets and premises is one of the most important yet arguably one of the most overlooked issues in modern times.

Businesses and organisations across the globe continue to opt for the cheapest option possible, without fully considering the risks and long-term implications for their people or their business assets.

Organisations are faced with a vast array of security options from mechanical lock and key through to highly sophisticated, electronic solutions, operated with specialist

22 Public Sector Build Journal

software. The lock and key option commands the cheapest up-front cost however this must be measured against the longer-term costs and risks involved. With the protection of people and business assets more important and challenging than ever, electronic access control systems are fast becoming the only viable option.

Adequate measures While there is currently no legislation governing which systems should be used in the UK, it’s clear that the Government is watching, as are organised criminals and lone

t

There's no doubt that electronic access control systems provide a much more secure and scalable platform than the mechanical alternative

Indeed, many organisations are already making the move to electronic security independently. A hospital in Aintree recently switched to an electronic access control system to help strengthen their audit trail and protect patients and staff. Keen to install a tailored, scalable platform capable of protecting and monitoring of specific parts of the hospital they selected Ingersoll Rand’s PegaSys system. Its ‘wire free’ design means it is quicker to install than traditional electronic systems and is ideal for retrofitting with minimal disturbance.

Comprised of a network of electronic cylinders, validation readers, electronic wall readers and an e-trim or electronic door handle, the system at Aintree currently protects 60 areas across the hospital. These include wards, medical supply stores and areas containing sensitive patient and hospital information. It also allows them to monitor staff movements and if a key-card is lost, it can be disabled immediately.

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Security sustained protection of assets, and the decision to move to an electronic access control system was an easy one to make.

There’s no doubt that electronic access control systems provide a much more secure and scalable platform than the mechanical alternative. Easier to install than a key-based system, electronic systems allow managers to preset access levels for individuals and protect designated areas, and when employees leave the business access can be cancelled relatively quickly. Crucially an electronic system provides a fully auditable series of checks and helps prevent the entry of unauthorised persons.

Robust systems

Organisations are faced with a vast array of security options from mechanical lock and key through to highly sophisticated, electronic solutions, operated with specialist software

alone cost the hospital in the region of £30,000 each year in replacement keys, new cylinders and administration costs. Compare that with the cost of just £1 to £2 per replacement key card combined with the increased,

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The investment made absolute sense to the hospital team from a security point of view but also in terms of protecting the hospital financially in the longer-term. Previously, the upkeep of a manual lock and key system

The fact is that sub-standard security systems are as bad as having no security in place. With mechanical lock and key systems keys can be lost, copied without permission, handed to unauthorised third parties, or people may simply fail to hand them in when they leave a place of employment.

Keeping a reliable and meaningful manual record of user access patterns is almost an impossible task and unfortunately crucial information often goes unrecorded. In the case of the Stepping Hill hospital incidents, the reality is that the presence of a robust electronic access control system could have enabled much earlier identification of the perpetrator and reduced their ability to cover their tracks.

The Stepping Hill tragedy is a classic example of where basic security measures were simply not enough to fully protect patients, staff and business assets. In today’s world organisations cannot afford to ignore the risks. The only reliable protection comes from a truly integrated electronic access system, one which stops intruders in their tracks. Regardless of the issue of legislation, businesses must look at the whole life cost of their security systems in order to make the right decision.

Organisations have a stark choice: to protect their people and businesses, or risk exposing them through inadequate protection.

Reliable protection comes from a truly integrated electronic access system, one which stops intruders in their tracks

24 Public Sector Build Journal

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Innovation Roofing is a core competency for Sika with ownership of three of the UK’s leading flat roofing brands – Sika Liquid Plastics, Sika Sarnafil and Sika-Trocal.

This allows the company to offer a range of roofing solutions, whether it’s a premium single ply membrane, a cost effective solution, or a completely cold applied and seamless liquid roofing system. Green roofs and solar roof systems are also available helping customers’ make the most of their roof space.

Long-term performance

Sika has a proven track record of working on buildings and civil engineering structures constructed with concrete

Over the past 100 years Sika has grown to become a global leader in innovative solutions for the construction industry and its first ever product, Sika 1, is still widely used around the world. Whether it's a small repair and refurbishment job, or a project as large as coating the roof of Emirates Stadium, Sika is likely to have a product that meets the customer's needs.

Sika prides itself on providing globally used technology with expertise on a local scale. The UK business has been around since 1927 and there is on-going investment in the research and development that takes place at their sites in Welwyn Garden City and Preston. Sustainability is also high on the agenda, and Sika actively follows and promotes the highest health and safety standards for its staff and customers.

Sika has a proven track record of working on buildings and civil engineering structures constructed with concrete. Using innovative admixtures and additives to improve cement or concrete quality, it can provide an extensive product range of cost effective solutions and is a reliable supplier to the ready-mix, precast, cement and

26 Public Sector Build Journal

plasterboard industries.

Amongst its many successful developments is the Sika ViscoCrete technology which improves the performance of fresh and hardened concrete properties. There is also a wide range of products available for the repair, protection and strengthening of existing concrete.

Waterproofing poses many challenges, which is why Sika considers the entire waterproofing process to the very last detail and can provide solutions for both new build and refurbishment projects. The company offers a wide range of systems for both keeping water in and out of structures, and typical waterproofing projects include water storage facilities – both clean and dirty – basements and tunnels.

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Quality construction solutions

For the internal building elements, Sika has a range of flooring and hygienic coatings, suitable for use in many different types of application fields including hospital and healthcare establishments, food production facilities, and industrial floors where mechanical and chemical resistance are key requirements. Wood Floor Bonding is also not a problem with Sika’s range of SikaBond products specifically designed for easy application and long-term durability.

The entire Sika product range is also fully supported with a comprehensive technical customer service, including pre-project and specification support and advice or on-site training and product guidance.  *

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Public Sector Build Journal 27

Housing

Protecting investments Magnetic filtration is a win for housing associations that are trying to make the most of budgets

The current economic climate and energy prices continue to place hundreds of thousands of social housing tenants in fuel poverty. To address this, housing associations are improving the energy efficiency of their stock. However, even with their own budgets under scrutiny, many housing associations aren't taking simple and cost-effective steps to protect their investment, finds Paul Strudley, Sales Director at ADEY.

W

ith around one in four of the UK population and at least 17% of social housing tenants in fuel poverty, housing associations like Calico Homes in Lancashire are taking crucial steps to ensure the provision of fuel efficient homes.

Calico Homes owns and manages 4500 properties and all exceed the Decent Homes Standards set out by the Government. Last year, a quarter of Calico’s homes benefited from a range of energy saving improvements made under the Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP), which included external wall and loft insulation to reduce heat loss and the installation of new energy efficient boilers. As a result of the improvements made, Calico says their tenants are now benefiting from lower bills and warmer homes.

Although the investment in such energy efficiency schemes and upgrades is making a difference, ADEY Professional Heating Solutions

28 Public Sector Build Journal

is concerned that many housing associations aren’t taking advantage of a simple and cost-effective technology that could help safeguard the improvements being made and protect them for the future.

Maintaining efficiency As the pioneer of magnetic filtration, ADEY works with more than 300 housing associations and local authorities nationwide to provide protection for new and old central

ADEY's MagnaClean technology is proven to help central heating systems operate more efficiently

Housing measures we’ve been implementing to try and reduce their fuel bills. We’ve also had a lot of issues with diverter valves getting stuck and diaphragm pump heads being damaged by sludge, causing residents to get heating but no hot water. It’s early days, but we’re confident that the installation of magnetic filtration will reduce these problems and therefore save on our maintenance costs in the long term.”

Proven efficiencies

heating systems against the damaging effects of black iron oxide sludge.

By removing the iron oxide sludge that accumulates within radiators and pipes, ADEY’s award-winning MagnaClean technology is proven to help central heating systems operate more efficiently, cutting heating energy consumption by up to 6% a year and reducing carbon emissions up to 250kg annually. Adopting effective magnetic filtration could also achieve maintenance savings of more than 30% a year and help extend the operational life of a boiler way beyond the industry accepted life span of 1215 years.

Calico Homes has switched on to the benefits of magnetic filtration and is now installing MagnaClean Professional 22mm filters as it continues to roll out a programme to install 400 new boilers throughout its housing stock as part of the current programme.

and looked at every filter available.

In choosing MagnaClean, we believe we’re now using the most effective filter on the market.

“Helping our customers make the most of their money is a high priority for us, and this is one of a range of

t

Calico says their tenants are now benefiting from lower bills and warmer homes

Calico has good reason to believe that the adoption of magnetic filtration will pay dividends for the organisation and its tenants. A sheltered housing charity in Salisbury recently revealed that it is now saving £500 on its annual heating bills following the refurbishment of its boiler house and installation of a MagnaClean Industrial filter in 2010.

The winter of 2009-2010 was the coldest Britain had experienced for 31 years and as temperatures plummeted, the elderly residents of Hussey’s Almshouses found themselves struggling to keep warm as their household heating systems failed.

Customer priority Steve Hobman, Lead Engineer at Calico Homes, explains: “I’ve known about magnetic filtration for a long time and even have a filter fitted to protect my system at home. We knew that other housing associations in the area had adopted ADEY’s MagnaClean Professional and were seeing benefits, but we still did our own research

ADEY works with more than 300 housing associations and local authorities nationwide

Public Sector Build Journal 29

Housing Ultimate protection

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“The almshouses’ plant room was upgraded to include the installation of a 2” MagnaClean Industrial unit. Initially, the filter required servicing on a weekly basis due to the volumes of sludge that were in the ageing system. After one month, servicing was reduced to fortnightly and now a service is carried out just twice a year.”

Paul Strudley concludes: “We see the damaging effects of black iron sludge and how it builds up inside systems causing blockages that make heating systems far less effective. It can also significantly reduce radiator heat output by up to 36% which can lead to increased energy use as householders try to boost their systems – a costly consequence especially during the winter months.

“The adoption of effective magnetic filtration is a win for housing associations that are trying to make the most of the budgets and funding streams available to help protect their tenants from the fuel poverty trap. It’s proven to reduce maintenance costs, cut carbon emissions contributing to Government reduction targets, and improve the longevity of the new boilers they’re putting in. It also means tenants can enjoy living in warm homes protected from the stress of huge energy bills.”

ADEY's MagnaClean Industrial filters protect the heating system from a further build up of black iron oxide sludge

Ayres Plumbing and Heating were called in to investigate and found a blockage was causing the system to become more and more inefficient.

Although the blockage was flushed out and system performance improved, Ayres also installed one of ADEY’s MagnaClean Industrial filters to protect the heating system from a further build up of black iron oxide sludge, preventing the same problems from reoccurring the following winter and providing savings for both the social landlord and residents.

Stewart McTaggart, Site Manager at Hussey’s Almshouses explains: “Residents are benefitting from reduced heating bills, improved

30 Public Sector Build Journal

comfort with better radiator performance levels and improved control over the system. In fact, since the plant room upgrade was completed in June 2010, we’ve managed to identify a 45% fuel saving, and the return on investment will continue to grow as the MagnaClean technology protects against further problems.

“The boiler room upgrade with the addition of magnetic filtration has proved so successful at Hussey’s Almshouses that the technology has also been installed at another five of our sites and we’re planning to extend this to a further six of our properties in the near future.

www.adey.co.uk

Calico Homes in Lancashire is taking crucial steps to ensure the provision of fuel efficient homes

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Leisure

In providing clarity over its regulatory role, the HSE has removed some of the most commonly held beliefs regarding risk aversion

Weighing up the risks Many of us played games at school that are now no longer deemed safe by organisations and individuals who are so fearful of litigation that they attempt to remove risk altogether, rather than manage it. However, a recent statement made by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has clarified its stance on risk management and has removed some of the popular misconceptions surrounding children's leisure.

T

he statement has already caused positive repercussions for play and leisure industry professionals, as well as health professionals, who are hopeful that it will help society as a whole to see play as a beneficial, rather than risk laden, activity.

They are also hopeful that it will make parents, schools, councils, communities and child care professionals feel more confident in encouraging children to be more active.

Darran Hine, who works for leading playground specialist, Sovereign Play Equipment is delighted by the statement: “For those of us operating within the play and leisure industry, we have been concerned that in recent years, the threat of litigation or criminal prosecution has led to a culture of fear and confusion regarding risk, particularly in relation to the provision of play and leisure activities for children and young

32 Public Sector Build Journal

people.

“This uncertainty has led to leisure activities being almost discouraged.

The result is that more and more bland and sterile play environments have been created, that lack challenge and prevent children from learning through testing their capabilities.”

This anxiety has also done nothing to help redress the ongoing obesity epidemic, as fear surrounding risk is one of a number of factors that has resulted in children living largely sedentary lifestyles, with time spent in front of computer games and TVs, rather than outside playing.

Statistics on obesity from the Department of Health released in March 2013 indicate that in England, most people are overweight or obese. This includes 61.3% of adults and 30% of children aged between two and 15 years of age. It is estimated that

health problems associated with being overweight or obese cost the NHS more than £5b every year.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is just one health organisation keen to see the current levels of childhood inactivity drastically reduce. With less opportunity to play outside in this generation than any other generation before it, it is imperative that play is encouraged by everyone with an interest in children’s health and wellbeing.

Current Government guidelines for children and young people between the ages of five and 18 years advise moderate intensity physical activity for at least 60 minutes every day and three days a week should include vigorous intensity physical activities to help strengthen muscle and bone.

Shockingly the guidelines, which were issued in 2011, included advice for the UK for early years (under fives) for the first time ever, indicating that early intervention is key.

Health implications The BHF warns that allowing children to live inactive lifestyles could have long term implications for their health, and that they could be serious. Being active helps children build healthy hearts and helps reduce the risk of some chronic diseases in later life such as coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes and some cancers. It also reduces body fat and helps children feel good about themselves, whilst also improving their

Guidelines for children and young people between the ages of five and 18 years advise moderate intensity physical activity for at least 60 minutes every day

Leisure play brings the world to life for children.

It provides for an exploration and understanding of their abilities; helps them to learn and develop; and exposes them to the realities of the world in which they live, which is a world not free from risk but rather one where risk is ever present. The opportunity for play develops a child’s risk awareness and prepares them for their future lives.”

Shift in focus

social and moral development and helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

Oxford University researchers recently found that children who are dangerously overweight may already have a 30-40% higher chance of either suffering a stroke or developing heart disease in later life.

Darran is just one of many professionals who are hopeful that the statement will spark a much needed change in attitude towards children and play: “It is about time we shifted the focus away from risk avoidance to concentrate our efforts on promoting the benefits of exercise and healthy living.

Put simply, the risks associated with an inactive childhood far outweigh the perceived risks associated with play.”

He continued: “It would be marvellous if the HSE’s clarification on its role in promoting a balanced approach to children’s play and leisure led to greater access for children to stimulating and challenging outdoor play areas. Habits that are formed young are more likely to last into adulthood – such as healthy eating and exercise – it’s a startling fact that 40-70% of obese children will grow up to be obese adults. We have to start at the beginning.”

Darran is fully supportive of the guidance issued regarding the role of play providers in managing risk: “The HSE is absolutely right that play providers should use their own judgement and expertise as well as,

where appropriate, the judgement of others, to ensure that the assessments and controls proposed are proportionate to the risks involved.”

He continued: “Playgrounds should offer children the opportunity to develop physically, mentally and socially. In order for play equipment to promote such crucial development and be appealing and stimulating to children, it needs to be challenging. It would be impossible to remove risk altogether but play providers need to be able to identify and highlight potential risks, and then manage them accordingly.”

In releasing the statement the HSE confirmed that it “fully recognises that

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With less opportunity to play outside in this generation than any other generation before it, it is imperative that play is encouraged by everyone

The HSE also states that play providers should deal with risk responsibly, sensibly and proportionately to safeguard play as it is, in essence, a “safe and beneficial activity”. In providing clarity over its regulatory role, the HSE has removed some of the most commonly held beliefs regarding risk aversion, such as the miscomprehension that all risks must be eliminated or systematically reduced.

Darran concludes: “We have been in business for nearly two decades and have always promoted the importance of managing risk, as opposed to removing it. In addition to the obvious health benefits that play provides, introducing children to risk when it is identified and appropriately managed enables them to develop their own risk awareness.

“As the HSE itself stated: No child will learn about risk if they are wrapped in cotton wool.”

www.sovereignplayequipment.co.uk www.hse.gov.uk

The BHF warns that allowing children to live inactive lifestyles could have long term implications for their health

Public Sector Build Journal 33

Doors & Windows A recent report has revealed that replacing around 19 million poorly performing doors on homes in the UK could deliver energy savings worth billions of pounds, significantly contributing towards meeting the Government's CO2 reduction targets. In light of this, Graham Nield, Group Sales and Marketing Director at The Litchfield Group, explains how superior thermal doors can deliver impressive savings.

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ecently recognised by the Government as the third most cost effective product to benefit the Green Deal, external doors, when properly insulated and airtight, can deliver financial savings far beyond the cost of installation.

According to independent research by a UK leading energy company, commissioned by The Litchfield Group, many homes’ external doors do not deliver adequate thermal performance compared to the latest thermal doors on the market. The report found that by replacing an inefficient, old door with a modern, thermally efficient door, savings as high as £61.00 a year can be made.

Enter into efficiency Modern composite doors feature a combination of energy efficient materials, which reduces these losses dramatically

The majority of heat loss through a door is caused by conduction due to inefficient materials. Modern composite doors feature a combination of energy efficient materials, which reduces these losses dramatically. Savings therefore can be made by opting for a more thermally efficient door set; the most innovative doors currently on the market can achieve u-values as low as 0.9 W/ m2K, and can protect a home from adverse weather conditions.

Innovative insulation

The best thermal doors on the market provide airtight protection, passing air permeability tests in excess of 600 Pa

34 Public Sector Build Journal

The most thermally efficient doors feature an insulating foam core made from polyurethane inside a solid timber casement. This combines the structure and strength of a timber door, with the thermal performance of highly energy efficient materials. The foam core significantly reduces the rate with which heat is conducted through the door, enhancing the door’s thermal

performance and improving the u-value of the system.

Some composite doors on the market have aesthetic features on the profile achieved by a moulding process of their GRP outer skin. This can reduce the depth of the insulation foam core at various points. The mouldings on the door create thermal weak points across the blade, whereas higher performing thermal doors use the same depth of insulation across the whole of the door, and instead feature scratched designs on the outer layer of timber, underneath a vacuum applied thermoplastic layer.

While conduction accounts for the majority of heat loss through a thermally efficient door, around 20% of heat loss is caused by draughts.

Over time, standard timber-based doors can distort and warp, leaving gaps between the door and the frame causing draughts and heat loss due

Doors & Windows to convection. The rate at which convection occurs is determined by climatic conditions such as wind speeds, as well as the time of year and geographical location of the home.

Studies have shown that wind speeds of just 5mph can result in heat loss from a door set, and can cost the homeowner on average £0.11 per day in heating bills. Homes in particularly exposed areas are at risk of even greater losses. As wind speeds increase outside the home, air pressure reduces. Inefficient doors that have an ineffective seal between the door and the frame give way to high-pressure air from inside the home, which escapes through the gaps. In some parts of the UK, where wind speeds can reach up to 20mph, this can amount to around £10.61 of heat loss for the month.

Improving the weather seal In order to regulate movement between the door and the doorframe that can lead to heat loss, manufacturers are using composite thermal doors inside a thermal PVC frame.

As climatic conditions change, the timber composite door and the PVC materials contract and expand at differing rates, for example, in hot conditions the timber door contracts and the PVC frame expands in the heat.

Conversely, cold, wet weather causes the PVC frame to contract and the timber door to expand. This differential movement ensures that the gap between the door and frame remains relatively constant, thereby preventing draughts, and ensuring the door and the doorframe do not bind. This design helps maintain air permeability

The most thermally efficient doors feature an insulating foam core made from polyurethane inside a solid timber casement

performance. The best thermal doors on the market provide airtight protection, passing air permeability tests in excess of 600 Pa, which can reduce energy bills by two thirds.

Added weather protection

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Another important design feature that is used to reduce air permeability is the use of multiple seals around the doorframe. Standard doors use one seal, which does not provide adequate protection against air ingress from extreme wind speeds. Thermal doors now on the market feature additional seals that effectively protect against water and air ingress, adding further defence against heat loss due to convection.

Thermal materials and PVC components have allowed manufacturers of external doors to create door sets that improve the overall energy efficiency of the home, through innovative insulation and better protection against climatic conditions.

Specifiers are therefore able to meet the demand of government initiatives such as Green Deal and standards of the Code for Sustainable Homes and Passivhaus, and deliver impressive longterm financial savings on energy bills, benefiting households across the UK.

By replacing an inefficient, old door with a modern, thermally efficient door, savings as high as £61.00 a year can be made

www.litchfield-group.co.uk Public Sector Build Journal 35

CIH Preview

CIH Housing 2013 delivery and debate The CIH Housing annual Conference and Exhibition is the biggest and best attended event in the UK's housing calendar. Housing 2013, taking place from 25-27th June, will bring together the whole of the housing sector housing associations, local authorities, ALMOs, providers and partners, as well as leaders from the worlds of housing, politics, finance, other business sectors and the media.

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013 is set to be a big year in housing. The potential impact of Welfare Reform, direct payment of housing benefit, Local Authority self-financing and stimulus schemes for new build have been talked about for some time, but over the next 12 months we will see these big changes roll out and change the housing sector in some fundamental ways.

The CIH Housing Conference will address all of the key issues facing the sector, delivering thought-provoking, practical and controversial debate and the very latest thinking and solutions to help you adapt to the changes ahead.

This is the national housing event of the year, and the place to be to engage with and learn from some of the best minds in housing.

Delegates will have the chance to benefit from the expertise of more

36 Public Sector Build Journal

than 100 speakers from government, leading lights from within the housing world, and experts from other sectors giving you their fresh perspectives around this year’s four key themes; Growth and Markets, Competition and Dynamism, Social Impact and People and Organisations.

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Pick up a wealth of strategic ideas, hands-on, practical advice and solutions

and their residents.

Join us as leading experts take to the stage including Housing Minister Mark Prisk, Lord David Freud, Lord Michael Heseltine, TCPA Chief Executive Kate Henderson, Former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and many more. Pick up a wealth of strategic ideas, hands-on, practical advice and solutions and forecast the future in a range of keynotes, interactive panel discussions and debates.

Over the course of the three days, more than 7500 people will flock to Manchester to share ideas, source providers and network. Networking is an integral part of CIH Housing with over 30 fringe activities held by individual clients, which will take place throughout conference and outside the main event hours, guaranteeing further networking into the night.

This year, the organisers will host a Welcome to Manchester Dinner, incorporating the prestigious Housing Heroes Awards for the first time, on Monday 24th June. The dinner, hosted by financial journalist Naga Munchetty, will kick off conference week in style and is the perfect opportunity for delegates, VIPs, speakers, press and sponsors to meet and relax over a glass of bubbly before the start of a busy week.

Grainia Long, Chief Executive, CIH comments: “Last year, the first CIH annual housing conference and exhibition in Manchester was a huge success – and I’m excited that this year will be packed with more debate, innovation, ideas and most importantly, solutions.”

www.cihhousing.com

Challenging market Thousands of housing professionals will head to Manchester Central this June to take part in over 40 sessions looking ahead to the election in 2014 and what this might mean for the housing industry, addressing the myriad of issues surrounding welfare reform, discussing how we can maximise the opportunities for new build and, above all, focusing on the solutions needed to make these changes and challenges work for both housing organisations

The CIH Housing Conference will deliver thought-provoking, practical and controversial debate

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Online Enquiry 017 Public Sector Build Journal 37

Play Equipment Woodhill where enthusiastic pupils from Auchinairn Primary School got very involved in the ultimate design. They were given the opportunity to share their all-important and valued views on what they’d like to see in their play area; a space which has now been totally transformed.

Headteacher, Garry Graham, said: “This was an excellent project for the children to be involved in. Being allowed to help shape the play area has given them a sense of ownership through which they understand the importance of looking after what they helped to create.”

Involving young minds Handing over the design ideas to a play area's users is a fantastic way of ensuring that the given space is going to be used to the max.

Local children get what they want from a playground allowing them a special ownership of the site which in turn can result in greater care being taken of its upkeep.

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recent project in which school children in Northamptonshire were asked to actually design their own piece of equipment resulted in some brilliant ideas and – after a Dragons’ Den style judging panel – the overall winning group saw their design manufactured to the letter and installed in their school outdoor environment for all pupils to enjoy.

Visiting Wicksteed’s factory and learning about manufacturing techniques; the consideration of the materials to be used and the costs of both products and installation against budgets, as well as ongoing maintenance, were all important parts of the project and covered many elements of their school curriculum. The children even learnt about presentation skills!

A competition Wicksteed launched at the end of 2012 via Facebook gave rise to huge interest and enthusiasm among schools across the UK and ROI. This required the school children, their

38 Public Sector Build Journal

teachers, carers, families and friends to all nominate their particular school play area for a £25,000 revamp. After much deliberation the hundreds of entries were whittled down to one final winner, Rowandale Integrated School in Northern Ireland who will see the transformation take place very shortly.

The pupils of this school won the playground as they had put so much thought and considerable research into all aspects of their visionary playground – it certainly paid off!

Maximum usage Wicksteed felt that it had been an absolute pleasure to be part of the team that enabled these new play areas to come to fruition. Involving the youngsters at the design stage will undoubtedly prove to be hugely beneficial, ensuring their full enjoyment of all the facilities and giving them a sense of pride in their play park.

It is clear that the children know what they want and are prepared to take time and effort in order to convey their desired designs whenever given the opportunity. Wicksteed Playscapes has always found public consultation crucial and being able to deliver exactly what the end users need, within given budget constraints, is what it’s all about.

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Children know what they want and are prepared to take time and effort in order to convey their desired designs

www.wicksteed.co.uk

Successful collaboration Hundreds of children in East Dunbartonshire, Scotland have recently benefited from huge improvements to 13 of their local play areas. A £250k investment has seen old or damaged play equipment repaired or replaced, surfacing upgraded and the overall refurbishment of the allotted playgrounds. One of the lucky areas to benefit from the injection of funds was

Wicksteed Playscapes has always found public consultation crucial in order to ascertain what the end users need

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Online Enquiry 020 Public Sector Build Journal 39

Education

St Joseph's Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided School was identified as a priority, standing for almost 100 years on a site adjacent to St Joseph's RC Church

School design beyond 2020 When looking at its long term needs for educating the Borough's young people, Sunderland City Council's Children's Services developed a detailed Primary Strategy for Change (PSfC). This captured the local authority's aims and objectives and envisioned how its primary age schools might look in 2020 and beyond.

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s set out by the PSfC, St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided School was identified as the initial priority.

Standing for almost 100 years on a site adjacent to St Joseph’s RC Church, the existing school buildings were tired and no longer suitable for delivering current or future curriculum requirements, or meeting the much changed needs of the children studying there today.

Working to a client brief to deliver a new build ‘one form entry’ primary school, the Council’s senior architect, Ray Snaith, worked in close collaboration with the school’s Headteacher Maureen Galbraith.

The result of this collaborative partnership was a design which not only ticked the ‘one form entry’ box but also resulted in a building which has created an environment where pupils and staff feel safe and able to make a positive

40 Public Sector Build Journal

contribution to learning and achieving.

The impact of this design is such that it has made a noticeable difference on both the wellbeing of the children and their zest for learning, thereby raising aspirations.

Situated in the heart of a 10,000 strong population, the Millfield area of Sunderland – an older suburb predominantly made up of Victorian red brick and slate roofed terraced housing – it was important that the outward appearance of the school would not jar with its surroundings. However, under the local planning department’s Unitary Development Plan should, as a larger scale scheme the school, required an individual character of its own whilst relating harmoniously to adjoining areas.

at the final design, in addition to holding capital planning meetings, Maureen Galbraith and Ray Snaith did a tour of nearby recently-completed new schools including some in surrounding Local Authorities, to find out from other head teachers what worked and what had not when it came to new-build projects. Both were able to take inspiration and ideas from these visits which are reflected in how St Joseph’s looks today.

Further to this, the children were involved at various levels. For example reception children influenced the landscaping of the EYFS outdoor area; the school council chose the colours for the pupils’ toilet blocks and during construction the children visited the site a number of times – all of which combined to help them take ownership of their new school.

Once the design and layout was agreed SURGO Construction, a leading name in the construction and refurbishment of education facilities in the north east, was appointed to build the school.

Whilst the project called for traditional construction, the site was to prove challenging, not least because it is flanked on three sides by terraced properties. No stranger to challenging locations, SURGO implemented its tried and tested traffic management systems, liaised closely with the school, nearby church and local residents all of which ensured minimum disruption and kept the 77 week project on track.

Early involvement Being involved at the outset of the design process was to prove invaluable to both the client and the design team. To arrive

The new design has made a noticeable difference on both the wellbeing of the children and their zest for learning

Education A journey of discovery

Whilst having a contemporary feel, the school has integrated seamlessly with its surroundings

comments: “Thanks to the use of some traditional materials such as a slate roof equivalent and brick to the ground floor facade, whilst having a contemporary feel, the school has integrated seamlessly with its surroundings. SURGO has delivered a well constructed building, finished to a high standard of workmanship and

I believe as a team, we have achieved everything we set out to and perhaps more.”

St Joseph’s Primary School caters for 328 pupils aged between three and eleven and comes under the auspices of the Hexham and Newcastle Diocese.

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Speaking about having a school fit for 2020 and beyond, Maureen Galbraith said: “To be involved in a project of this type has been a journey of discovery, not only for me and the rest of the staff but also the children. They watched with great interest when the old buildings where demolished, some expecting high octane explosions.

Thanks to SURGO, that interest was retained throughout the project with regular site visits which have left a lasting impression on the children, not least because they were able to write their names and leave messages in the cement for future generations.

“I think I speak for all my staff, governors and parents when I say that we are delighted with our new school and the quality of the building. Features, including the balcony and light well in the centre of the building, mean it is light and airy at all times and the spatial layout lends itself to easy navigation for the children.

“Further to this we have dedicated intervention areas where we are better placed to support vulnerable pupils and, thanks to a community room, we are also able to run weekly family learning sessions, where parents can come and work alongside their children and learn how to support their learning.

“In my opinion, St Joseph’s is very definitely fit for 2020 and beyond!”

Adding his thoughts about the completed scheme, Ray Snaith

www.surgo.co.uk

The building is light and airy at all times and the spatial layout lends itself to easy navigation for the children

Public Sector Build Journal 41

Paints, Coatings & Finishes

A key requirement for the redecoration was to achieve a professional, high quality finish that offered excellent value for money

A range of Glidden Trade coatings has been used in the development of the new Retained Estates Education Centre at King's Mill Hospital in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. Glidden Trade Durable Acrylic Eggshell and Glidden Trade Vinyl Matt were selected to help achieve a clean and professional finish, and importantly deliver a cost-effective solution for Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

T

he new teaching provision was created to provide a state-ofthe-art, multi-disciplinary training and education facility for staff at the hospital. As such, a key requirement for the redecoration was to achieve a professional, high quality finish that offered excellent value for money.

High standards Lee Radford, Training and Development Manager at the Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, explains: “King’s Mill Hospital’s new Education Centre was built to provide top quality learning for our staff and local communities, so each and every element needed to mirror this high standard. We wanted the atmosphere and surroundings to be first class, as well as the education.”

To help achieve this objective, main contractor, Kier Marriott, specified

42 Public Sector Build Journal

Glidden Trade Durable Acrylic Eggshell for all of the interior walls and Glidden Trade Vinyl Matt for the ceilings.

Quick-drying Glidden Trade Durable Acrylic Eggshell provides a tough and washable mid-sheen finish, so was suitable for painting an environment, such as the Retained Estates Education Centre, that needs to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness.

Painting contractor Swirlforce completed the work. Jason Smith, Contracts Manager, explains: “The majority of the walls were painted with Glidden Trade Durable Acrylic Eggshell as it is extremely durable and can be wiped down easily, so will help the centre stay looking clean and pristine for years to come. We applied the paint in a fresh off-white shade which really helped brighten up the interior.

The product was also used in a warm golden shade to create striking feature

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Fresh learning environment

walls on each floor of the building.”

To minimise surface imperfections on the training centre’s large ceilings, Swirlforce used Glidden Trade Vinyl Matt, a water-based emulsion that provides excellent coverage.

Commenting on the finished result, Lee Radford, from the Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, concludes: “The centre looks great – we have been rewarded with a top quality, professional environment that is conducive to learning, and truly supports our vision of becoming a regional centre of educational excellence.”

www.glidden.co.uk

Glidden Trade Durable Acrylic Eggshell is extremely durable and can be wiped down easily

www.inex-online.com The new comprehensive online specification portal for interior and exterior design professionals. in+ex takes visitors on a virtual journey, inspiring the design community with the latest news, on-trend products and high-profile interviews. web | mobile | tablet Online Enquiry 021

Come a n on Stan d see us ds at the P S9 & S10 ump C Confere entre n Exhibiti ce & on 2013

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Drainage & Wastewater

Alumasc creates bespoke fascia soffit system Alumasc Skyline Fascia & Soffit system has made a significant contribution to the design of Kingswood Locality Hub, forming part of the £8.5m Kingswood Civic Centre redevelopment near Bristol.

The striking Kingswood Locality Hub forms a new three-storey regional centre for Children and Young Person’s services for South Gloucestershire Council, designed by Alec French Architects and Integral Engineering Design. The redevelopment was carried out by Wates Construction resulting in an exemplar sustainable project in line with the Council’s Carbon Reduction Commitment.

Alumasc’s Skyline Fascia Soffit System was supplied in Basalt Grey, to the Locality Hub and the roofed areas adjoining The Hub to the Civic Centre.

The bespoke system was designed

by Alumasc in conjunction with Alec French Architects, incorporating 25 different flashings and trims, interfacing with each other to suit various orientations. Alumasc worked with the

designers and installers OHS of Bristol, to ensure that the fittings provided a smooth, uninterrupted interface with the timber cladding and feature oriel windows. Alumasc also supplied rainwater goods on adjacent buildings.

Skyline Fascia & Soffit system components give architects great scope in design and specification, for traditional and contemporary projects, whilst providing contractors with simple, well proven fixing methods and concealed bracketry to ensure speed and economy of installation.

Skyline is available in four generic fascia configurations, manufactured in BBA approved polyester powder coated aluminium. Available in any standard RAL colour, it offers a virtually maintenance-free installation for the lifetime of a building.

With immediate effect, standard ‘made to order’ items such as Skyline flashings and copings with simple design requirements are available within 10 working days rather than the previous 25. More complex designs and fixtures requiring special manufacture can also be turned around quickly – lead times will be confirmed on request.  *

enq 023

info@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk ( 0808 100 2008

Installation simplicity for advanced hospital

Kayflow launches SuperDeep system

Kayflow, the rainwater, underground and soil systems specialist, has launched a new high strength, high volume guttering system, the SuperDeep 170. The SuperDeep 170 has the capacity to carry over 10 times more water than a standard half round gutter and at least five times more water than a standard deep system.The strength of the SuperDeep 170 system comes from its carefully designed structure and superior wall thickness. The Super Deep 170 fittings are designed with strength in mind and are positively fixed. (

 enq 024 01827 317200 * info@kayflow.co.uk

Ensign drainage systems from Saint-Gobain PAM UK, have been specified for the sanitary soil and internal rainwater system in the new South Glasgow Hospital, set to be one of the most advanced adult acute services hospitals in the UK. The Ensign system consists of pipes and fittings from 50-600mm diameter for above ground specifications and 100, 150-600mm diameter for below ground. For the hospital project, the Ensign system will be connected to cast iron, plastic and stainless steel products, using Saint-Gobain’s EEZI-FIT range of push-fit socketed fittings and couplings, designed to combine all the benefits of cast iron with the simplicity of push-fit assembly. *

sales.uk.pam@saint-gobain.com

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0115 930 5000

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Yeoman Rainguard brochure makes a splash Yeoman Rainguard, UK specialist in rainwater systems, has launched a new 60-page brochure packed full of information including details on its Aluminium, GRP, Cast Iron, and Copper, Zinc & Stainless Steel rainwater systems, stunning product images, case studies on new build and renovation projects and technical fixing details.

The brochure also provides customers with the opportunity to take a closer look at Yeoman Rainguard’s exciting new range of products, accessories and colours. Also included are details on an impressive range of Turrets and Clocktowers, along with complementary Yeoman Rainguard products adding those allimportant ‘finishing touches’ to any building. *

sallyann@rainguard.co.uk

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0113 279 5854

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Public Sector Build Journal 45

HVAC

Durapipe HTA keeps student living secure

Trench heating for grand gallery

Durapipe HTA pipework has been installed as part of a new student accommodation development for Newcastle University.

Contractors Gerrard and Slaughter were tasked with installing a reliable pipework solution to cater for the hot and cold water services throughout the building. Commenting on the pipework selection, Keith Gerrard, Managing Director of Gerrard and Slaughter, says: “Metal thefts are rife across the industry at the moment and site after site is being targeted so we were keen to use alternatives to metal where possible. When looking at plastic pipework options, Durapipe HTA met our requirements perfectly.”

In the refurbishment of the Flaxman Gallery housed in University College London (UCL) Library, consultant Fowler Martin introduced Jaga Mini Canal trench heating. What marked this project out as being special was the requirement that the grille should be solid bronze to harmonise with other architectural accents and the extremely tight radius for the trench heating which was required to follow the line of the bench seating above. Jaga’s design solution was to build the circular trench in four quadrants. The highest quality bronze was sourced from France and the grilles were entirely hand-crafted. (

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enquiries@durapipe.co.uk

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01543 279909

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Gaia raises the temperature at fire station Gaia Climate solutions has supplied a complete underfloor heating (UFH) system to Suffolk Fire Service’s new Ipswich fire station. Gaia supplied and installed the underfloor heating, plus 965m2 of screed and insulation, for the whole station. Formerly known as DEVI Electroheat, Gaia Climate Solutions has earned a reputation for expertise in UFH, having marketed the Deviheat electric UFH system and the Devimat floor warming mat for more than 20 years. Instead of electric heating elements, the system works by circulating water at low temperature through a series of pipe loops laid within a screed, or between timber joists, beneath the floor surface.

 enq 027 01531 631533 * jaga@jaga.co.uk

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projects@gaiacs.com

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0845 434 9488

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NHS Surrey reduces carbon emissions NHS Surrey recently embarked on a series of heating and hot water system improvements across more than 20 sites. Molesey Hospital required a full plant room refurbishment so installed two Purewell VariHeat 70kW gas fired condensing boilers. Two Dorchester DR-FC Evo 30 direct fired condensing water heaters were also installed to provide highly efficient hot water generation. The two new fully modulating condensing boilers provide a total output of 140kW, 7:1 turndown ratio and seasonal efficiencies of 95%. Hot water for the hospital is now provided by two condensing water heaters with a total continuous output of 1260l/h and thermal efficiencies of 98%. *

sales@hamworthy-heating.com

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0845 450 2865

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Danfoss announces UK launch of HIU Heating controls specialist, Danfoss, has announced the UK launch of its Heating Interface Unit (HIU) for use in multidwelling developments served by a centralised boiler plant or district heating system. Compact and easy to install, the HIU provides each property with localised control and metering of energy supplied from the central plant and consumed for space heating and domestic hot water (DHW). Although new to Danfoss’ energy saving solutions for the UK domestic heating market, the company’s HIU has a long proven track record as part of low carbon heat networks in residential developments across mainland Europe. *

ukheating@danfoss.com

46 Public Sector Build Journal

(

0845 121 7400

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Rehau expands commercial sales team

PVC-U window, door and curtain walling specialist Rehau has expanded its commercial sales team as it prepares to double its volume sales of profile into the commercial market by 2016. Rehau has appointed Kevin O’Neill and Steve Tonkiss as new Commercial Sales Managers reporting directly to Gareth Jones who heads up the regional commercial sales team based in Slough; and the company will also shortly appoint a dedicated commercial administrator for the first time and an additional CAD technician to work at Rehau’s Ross on Wye headquarters. (

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 enq 032 01989 762600 * enquiries@rehau.com

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sustainable-buildingproducts.com Your essential new reference for sustainable building product information. web | mobile | tablet

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Kemper System translates to durable solution A school in the West Midlands now exceeds building regulations for thermal performance thanks to the installation of a new Stratex warm roof from Kemper System.

Barr Beacon School and language college in Walsall boasts several buildings on campus, each of which has existing insulation and a felt roof.

Water ingress in some areas of the roofs led to a decision to refurbish and upgrade the roofs, comprising a combined area of around 900m2.

Roofing contractor, Cooper Roofing, was brought in to carry out the work

and specified Kempertherm insulation board from Kemper System along with the roofing specialist’s Kemperol V210 cold liquid-applied waterproofing membrane.

Localised repairs were carried out to the existing roof and this was then cleaned and prepared for overlaying with the new Stratex warm roof system. The existing roof

membrane acted as the vapour control layer for the new roof and 123mm Kempertherm insulation was bonded directly onto the prepared substrate. This was then coated with Kemper System’s D Primer and, once the primer had cured, Cooper Roofing applied the Kemperol V210 liquid waterproofing. The V210 resin saturates a flexible reinforcement fleece, which is laid in a single process and cures to create a strong, flexible and durable waterproof membrane that cannot delaminate.

Cooper Roofing completed the installation by stripping back the gutter areas where a new vapour barrier was installed, and creating a clean edge with a new GRP trim.

Thanks to the 20-year warranty offered by Kemper System, the school can also be confident that the new roofing membrane will provide a long service life, maximising the value of the investment in the campus.  *

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enquiries@kempersystem.co.uk ( 01925 445532

Redland launches Heather Brindle Refurbished daylighting aids swimmers The University of Liverpool Sports and Fitness Centre pool has been transformed by using Kalwall to replace the existing single glazed bolted glass assembly. The Kalwall not only reduces the amount of energy needed to warm the pool in winter, while keeping it cool in summer, but also provides privacy.

Importantly, the translucent system transmits diffused natural daylight into the pool area. Highly insulating Kalwall gives a much enhanced U value of 0.78W/m2K – this can be increased to 0.28 by introducing Lumira aerogel within the panels to provide the same insulation value as a solid wall. (

 enq 035 020 8660 7667 * mailbox@stoakes.co.uk

48 Public Sector Build Journal

Adding to the Rosemary Classic range, Redland has introduced a new clay tile with a distinct purple hue. Heather Brindle is an orange sanded tile with purple brindling ideal for creating striking, decorative roofs. It is a uniquely coloured tile and brings the colours available in the Rosemary Classic range up to nine.

Like the other tiles in the Rosemary range, Heather Brindle can be specified for a minimum pitch of 35° and a maximum pitch of 90°. When Heather Brindle is used as part of a Redland SpecMaster specification, completed roofs qualify for a 15 year design liability guarantee. *

info.redland@monier.com

(

08708 702595

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Warm Wall upgrades social housing Knauf Marmorit’s external wall insulation with a smart, low maintenance mineral finish render is enhancing energy efficiency and external appearance of over 200 homes in the Castlefields area in Runcorn. The refurbishment is part of a £150m project to transform the 1980s estate into a vibrant community with a sustainable future. While Mamorit’s Warm Wall Basis gives efficient insulation, an attractive, long lasting external finish is provided by Marmorit’s Noblo marble-aggregate finish render. Given Castlefields’ proximity to an industrial estate and resulting air pollution, which had deteriorated the original facades, the render surface is coated with a silicon self-cleaning effect paint. *

steve@marmorit.co.uk

(

0117 982 1042

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Swistherm transforms Salford housing scheme Alumasc's Swistherm External Wall Insulation (EWI) system has been used to transform the thermal performance and aesthetic appeal of a social housing scheme in Salford. Managed by multi-award-winning social housing company, Salix Homes, the 54 flats at Stoney Knoll and Gloverfield are No Fines Construction which is typically regarded as hard to treat.

The Swistherm EWI system was a key element in the programme of works to upgrade the flats to Decent Homes standards. BLD Construction installed 3000m2 of Swistherm with 110mm EPS insulation to all the external walls, finished with ST Silkolitt silicone render in off-white with a rolled texture.

The installation has dramatically improved the thermal performance of the properties, with U-values improving from 2.0w/m2k to an impressive 0.30w/m2k.

Externally, the ST Silkolitt silicone render has helped to transform the buildings’ appearance, achieving a

clean, contemporary finish to meet the client’s brief. The refurbishment of the scheme has helped to improve the residents’ living conditions whilst also contributing to the regeneration of the area.

Having worked extensively with Alumasc previously, BLD Construction had no hesitation in recommending Swistherm for this project. Director Bruce Day comments: “The No Fines surface of these properties was very uneven. Swistherm enabled us to get a true and even line so the facade was as smooth as possible – the refurbishment has given a real boost to

residents. Alumasc’s systems are our preferred EWI solution, as the material is superior and we find Alumasc’s sales, service and technical support at every level, to be second to none.”

Swistherm is a BBA approved, fully warranted, thin coat insulated render system comprising insulation slabs which are mechanically fixed direct to a continuous substrate. The choice of insulation materials includes Mineral Wool, Expanded Polystyrene and Cork.  *

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info@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk ( 0808 100 2008

LEVATO MONO, a next generation paver system Pavers comprised of a 20mm single layer of loadbearing porcelain stoneware, with incredible technical and aesthetic features. Self-levelling and height adjustable pedestals allow for rapid installation over uneven sub-surfaces and any waterproof membrane.

Just a few of the benefits: • • • • • • • • •

Ideal for roof terraces & balconies ‘Floating’ floor - installation over single ply membranes High load bearing - static load up to 1 tonne per paver Eternal product - massive over life savings Zero maintenance Slip resistance: BS pendulum test up to +65 wet Timber & stone effect - 11 finishes available Completely non-pourous Lightweight - 45kg per sqm

The Deck Tile Co. Ltd PO BOX 3576, Wokingham, RG40 9GR W: www.thedecktileco.co.uk • E: info@thedecktileco.co.uk • T: 0845 2700 696

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Online Enquiry 040 Public Sector Build Journal 49 55

Flooring Patterned Collection includes both stunning monochromatic tones and more outspoken colours for playful combinations.

The breadth of shades available is unrivalled. The Marmoleum colour spectrum is unique due to the manufacturing process that subtly creates the structure of the design, continually fashioning random, all-over patterns that never show any repeat.

Floor performance

Forbo launches Next Generation of Marmoleum Forbo Flooring Systems has launched the Next Generation of Marmoleum, its largest ever linoleum collection, giving specifiers access to a fascinating world of colour and design and offering floorcoverings to complement and enhance the interiors of the buildings of today and tomorrow.

N

ext Generation Marmoleum combines design, ecological and economic values that help bring modern architecture to life. Its pure, natural characteristics make it ideal for specifiers seeking a high quality, long-lasting floorcovering

solution, as part of a sustainable building design. Made from 97% natural raw materials, 72% rapidly renewable and 43% recycled content, Marmoleum has a proven low environmental impact production process, according to independent Life Cycle Assessment criteria.

Next Generation Marmoleum comprises four new collections, delivering new design directions with a wide choice of colour combinations for rich, warm, refined and contemporary looks.

■

Bold colourways and designs from the Marbled Collection

With a life expectancy of at least 30 years, Next Generation Marmoleum now includes Topshield2, a double layer water-based finish, delivering exceptional floor performance. This unique finish provides a highly effective protection against scuffing and dirt, whilst offering effective resistance to stains and chemicals, resulting in reduced cleaning and maintenance requirements.

Angus Fotheringhame, General Manager at Forbo Flooring Systems comments: “The classic surface of Marmoleum is even more relevant today as a result of its authenticity and versatility. It’s a product with a rich heritage and a bright sustainable future. By choosing Marmoleum you create better environments today, tomorrow, forever.”  *

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

Extensive choice

Marmoleum Piano from the Patterned Collection

50 Public Sector Build Journal

The Marbled Collection includes stimulating new brights and bolds, while the Solid range has been substantially extended to offer an extensive choice of understated, neutral colourway options. The Linear range makes for a strong design statement, whereas the

Striato from the Linear Collection

Flooring & Surfaces

Dublin tram line remains on track

Ultracrete's QC10 F flowable concrete has been used to carry out track repairs to a section of the Luas tram line in Dublin - a state-of-the-art Light Rail transport system in Dublin, providing passengers with a high-capacity service that is fast, frequent and reliable. It opened in 2004 and currently has 54 stations covering 23.7 miles of track, carrying approximately 30 million passengers a year.

A section of embedded track concrete shoulder, adjacent to the road surface, was under stress because the installation material had failed. Ultracrete recommended the use of its QC10 F flowable, fast set, rapid strength concrete to resolve the issue.

It is specifically formulated for back

filling around ironwork (and composite), including gullies and manhole frames and can also be used for surface repairs.

It requires only the addition of water on-site to form a high strength concrete, achieving a compressive strength of 20N/ mm² after just 90 minutes! It sets in 10-20 minutes and is suitable for applications

from 30-250mm in one pass.

In this instance it was used as a surface repair and was installed by maintenance contractor Civic Group, who carried out the reinstatement overnight during a tight time frame of just four hours, to ensure minimal disruption to the tram and its commuters. Existing material was broken out, before QC10 F was poured into the void around the girder rails. The site was re opened within the allotted window thanks to the material’s rapid setting properties.

QC10 F is HAPAS approved by the BBA as part of Ultracrete’s manhole reinstatement system, which is independently tested by a UKAS accredited laboratory to verify its performance. The system comprises of a range of bedding mortars, back fill concrete, cold lay asphalt and a bitumen spray. All components offer, where appropriate, impressive tensile and compressive strengths thus prolonging the service life of the repair.  *

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brendanc@instarmac.ie ( 00353 87 2128045

Wood floors?

Complete treatment in a day Polyx Oil Rapid provides a professional finish in double quick time. > Extremely quick drying. > TWO coats in a day. > Polyx Oil for wood, cork and OSB floors. > Highest coverage of any oil on the market. > Satin or matt finish.

Call or visit the web for stockists.

+44 (0)1296 481 220

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Online Enquiry 044 Public Sector Build Journal 51 55

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Altro is first for safety

A range of Altro safety flooring has been laid in four newlyconstructed Gloucestershire community fire stations, underlining its reputation for high performance in demanding environments.

Built by Kier Construction as part of a £40m overhaul of the county’s fire and rescue service, the two stations in Gloucester and two in Cheltenham will help firefighters meet their eightminute response deadline to more than 14,000 additional homes and businesses around the city and boost Gloucestershire’s ability to respond to

Fila to launch bestselling MP90 sealant Fila is launching a solvent-free version of its best-selling sealant – MP90.

Part of Fila’s Green Line, new FILAMP90 ECO is a penetrating stain proofer for polished porcelain, ceramics, polished natural stone, terrazzo and crackleglaze tiles. Like all Fila Green Line products, it has been developed with the environment in mind – but it also offers uncompromised performance and versatility. It is LEED-compliant and suitable for use on food contact surfaces. FILAMP90 ECO can also be applied both internally and externally – with some residual moisture – so offers a further benefit in terms of application time. (

 enq 046 01584 877286 * filauk@filachim.com

52 Public Sector Build Journal

emergencies, not only locally but when necessary across the region.

Three types of Altro safety flooring have been installed throughout the new buildings; 1800m2 of Altro Walkway 20 on the stairs, landings and in some toilets; 2000m2 of Altro Impressionist II in working areas and corridors; and 200m2 of Altro Marine 20 in wet areas such as

showers and toilets.

Altro Walkway 20 is a hugely popular, hard-wearing, 2mm safety flooring, providing lifelong slip and abrasion resistance. Additional benefits include superior chemical and indentation resistance, which adds to its excellent durability. Ideal for busy public areas, the product has a life expectancy of 15 years.

Altro Impressionist II is a decorative, yet practical 2mm thick safety flooring which is ideal for medium to high traffic areas. It features coloured chips set in a complementary background, so it can be coordinated with adjacent floor and wall finishes.

Ideal for a wide range of wet areas such as showers, spas and swimming pools, Altro Marine 20 has a carefully textured 2mm thick dimpled surface specifically designed for safety with wet, bare feet or soft-soled footwear.

Comfortable underfoot, it offers superb slip resistance when wet, making it perfect for healthcare, leisure and education applications.  *

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enquiries@altro.com ( 01462 489516

Yeoman Shield provides excellent versatility Yeoman Shield has recently been installed as part of a £2m project at the Northern General, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Trust. The contract is the latest successful Yeoman Shield installation at the hospital. Yeoman Shield supplied and installed (Bordeaux colour) door frame and architrave protection, glazing bead, protection strip and standard corner angles. Yeoman Shield’s ‘Imagery’ was also used for signage and numbering – including consulting rooms and ward hand washing facilities.

Pete Trenchard, an Estates Project Manager for the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation, said: “Once again I have been very satisfied with the versatility of Yeoman Shield’s products, interface, design and ultimate installation of the product.” *

sallyann@yeomanshield.com

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0113 279 5854

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Tarkett ReUse programme used at NHS The Tarkett’s ReUse programme – designed to ensure excess waste is diverted from landfill – has recently been used at Peterborough Hospital and South Glasgow Hospital. Tim Hill, Sales Director for AC Flooring, says: “Tarkett’s ReUse programme makes recycling easy. Our on-site project manager ensures that all material off-cuts, trimmings and roll ends are collected and put into the bags supplied to us by Tarkett. When full, Tarkett come to collect the bags.” John Devine, UK Sales Director for Tarkett adds: “The concept of recycling is now intrinsic to our way of life and Tarkett’s commitment to continuingly improve processes and reduce negative impact on nature has never been stronger.” *

uksales@tarkett.com

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01622 854040

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Knauf Aquapanel delivers school for living dRMM, the award-winning studio of architects and designers, has employed Knauf Aquapanel Exterior to deliver an eye-catching but functional design detail in its design for the newly-rebuilt Four Dwellings Primary School, a £4.5m BSF project in Quinton, Birmingham.

The designer wanted external toilet pods that were tightly curved, echoing the ovoid footprint of the overall building, and tiled in bright colours – a demanding brief for which Knauf Aquapanel Exterior was ideal.

The concept behind the pods is that children can access them from both inside their classrooms and outside from the playground, where the curves mean that there are no sharp edges to cause injury. The coloured external tiles are arranged as such so the pods provide a colour range that identifies and distinguishes each year group as well as acting as a ‘wayfinding’ device.

A robust, non-combustible building panel made of aggregated Portland cement, Knauf Aquapanel Exterior has coated glass fibre mesh embedded in its back and front that forms the ideal substrate for render.

As shown at Four Dwellings Primary School, the board requires no special

tools or processes for installation – simply score and snap – and can be curved to a tight radius. Offering all the benefits of a dry panel system with the strength of brick and block, the board resists water with no swelling or loss of stability, is weatherproof and is

*

kd@web-response.co.uk

(

unaffected by the freeze-thaw cycle.

Knauf has developed a range of proven systems that meet the specific design challenges for walls, ceilings and floors set by schools and colleges, which mainly concern the acoustic characteristics, fire performance and durability of materials.

01795 424499

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H+H wins Barratt Supplier Excellence award H+H has received a 2012 Barratt Supplier Excellence Award, as part of its Supplier Conference in February 2013. The award, for Partnership and Innovation, was presented to H+H MD Mark Oliver

by Mark Clare, CEO of Barratt Developments, in front of hundreds of the company’s top suppliers. The award recognises how H+H has collaborated with Barratt to introduce Thin-Joint and other innovations into the AIMC4 consortium, a unique partnership that is pioneering the volume production of low carbon homes for the future. H+H also worked with Barratt, a UK Top 3 Housebuilder, to develop solutions for designing homes providing cost-efficient aircrete solutions. *

marketing@hhcelcon.co.uk

(

01732 880520

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Kährs joins top spec at Hartlepool school Two wood flooring products, from Kährs’ award-winning range, have been installed at Jesmond Gardens Primary School. Kährs Oak Siena and Reflex Oak Activity Floor,

by Kährs were specified and installed, by Reflex Sports, throughout the main hall and open plan ‘class bases’.

Reflex Oak Activity is a DIN and EN compliant sports floor that has integral shock-absorption and reinforcement properties and which features Kährs glueless Woodloc joint. Kährs Oak Siena, which was laid throughout the central hub and class bases, is a three-strip wood floor with an even grain and a durable satin lacquer prefinish. *

sales@kahrs.co.uk

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023 9245 3045

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Armstrong scheme taken to new heights

Armstrong Ceilings now pledges to recycle non-Armstrong ceiling tiles, enabling contractors to make even more substantial savings on waste disposal costs – some £120 on each skip containing 250m2 of old ceiling tiles.The Armstrong end-of-life scheme now applies to any quantity of all wet felt, stone wool and glass wool ceiling tiles where they are replaced

by Armstrong tiles. Armstrong, whose own ceiling tiles now contain up to 82% recycled content, has developed a “green” branch of its Omega network of approved sub-contractors, specifically for those installers with recycling expertise. ( *

 enq 052 01895 202021 recycleyourceilings@armstrong.com

Public Sector Build Journal 53 55

Doors, Windows & Balustrades

Sheerframe launches Reversible window system

Sapphire adds style to regeneration

Manufacturer of PVC windows and thermal composite doors, The Litchfield Group, has launched a high performance reversible window profile series, with a 0.8 W/ m2K U-Value. The Sheerframe 8000 Reversible features a five-chambered profile system for improved insulation and strength. Sheerframe’s innovative Thermlock reinforcement, a recycled PVC structural foam insert in the centre chamber, significantly increases thermal performance over steel and aluminium, and is also 35% stronger than aluminium on deflection strength, providing greater integrity and window security. The Sheerframe 8000 Reversible is designed with an innovative interchangeable bead system to accommodate either double or triple glazing.

New style Aluma aluminium balustrades from Sapphire are part of the regeneration of two housing estates in Lewisham, south London.

Sapphire’s relaunched Aluma system, featuring semi-frameless fixing for glass infill panels, strikes the perfect balance between durability and visual appeal for residential balconies in four new tower blocks on the Heathside and Lethbridge estates. In addition to aluminium and glass balcony balustrades, Sapphire also supplied polished stainless steel handrails with coated steel uprights and vertical bar infills to give function and style to internal communal stairways.

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gary.doxey@lbplastics.co.uk

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01773 850595

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RIBA CPD for interior glass specification

Glass and glazing specialist GLASSOLUTIONS is offering architects and designers the opportunity to advance their knowledge with its new RIBA approved CPD seminar on interior glass specification.The 45 minute seminar by the Saint-Gobain group company gives detailed information about recommended glass types, the latest regulations and numerous applications for interior glass within buildings.

Initially available to customers in the South East of England and the Midlands, the seminar explains the key points relating to glass specification for interior applications and covers partitions, screens, doors, cladding, balustrades, guarding, overhead glazing, floors and stairs.

 enq 053 0844 8800 553 * sales@sapphirebalustrades.com

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*

interiorglass@glassolutions.co.uk

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01895 424900

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Maple puts new hospital in the shade Stylish external solar shading from Maple Sunscreening is providing effective control of solar gain, light and glare at a new hospital in Northern Ireland. Maple designed, manufactured and installed a complete brise soleil and screen package for the PFI project which complements the extensive use of wood and glass in the hospital’s visually striking facade. Natural wood panels shade the south facing elevation, while specially angled glass louvres protect the hospital’s clinical facilities from direct sunlight. In addition to sunscreening systems, a copper-coloured mesh screen, custom-designed for the project by Maple, creates a dramatic design statement at the main entrance. *

jay@maplesunscreening.co.uk

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0845 384 5000

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Litchfield Group launches Masterdor thermal door

Masterdor has developed an ultra-high performance thermal door, which delivers a U-Value of 1.0W/m2K combined with 60-minute fire protection. The unrivalled Masterdor Thermal Fire door, which is suitable for domestic and commercial use, delivers excellent thermal performance, as well as structural strength and a high resistance to warping, bowing and twisting, in the event of a fire, acting as a reliable barrier to the passage of smoke and/or fire for a full hour. Tested in accordance with British Standard EN16341, the Masterdor Thermal Fire door passed 60-minute time-temperature curve tests at temperatures of up to 1000°c to achieve excellent fire integrity rating. *

gary.doxey@lbplastics.co.uk

54 Public Sector Build Journal

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01773 850595

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Technal unveils global message ‘The world looks better’ is now the slogan for glazing systems specialist, Technal. For the very first time since the business was established 50 years ago, Technal has introduced a global communications concept to explain its intrinsic values to the world. The brand continues to work in partnership with architects and specifiers to develop aesthetic solutions that help to improve the built environment.

Building occupiers will also benefit from even greater enjoyment of Technal products that successfully achieve the balance between thermal and acoustic performance. (

 enq 058 01924 232323 * info@technal.co.uk

Online Enquiry 059

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Online Enquiry 061 Public Sector Build Journal 55

Focus & Innovation new seating solution.

A contemporary seat that can double up as a way maker, sign, information board, art platform or even as a bollard, Smart Seat is versatile and requires no fixing – simply place in the desired location and fill with sand.

The Smart Seat is stylish, functional and environmentally friendly – the centre of the seat is made from recycled material and made from the same sustainable sources as the company’s other polyurethane street furniture.

Smart Seat seamlessly connects schools Bollards International's innovative Smart Seat has recently been specified at Castlewood, a new flagship special needs school for Coventry City Council.

The landscape design for Castlewood needed to be engaging for the pupils, and as the new school is located on the site of an existing school called Moathouse Community Primary, the staff needed to integrate the two schools within one campus. In order to establish a connection between the two buildings, a common language of materials, including the seating, was implemented.

Originally, timber seating was specified, however once Castlewood were made

aware of the substantial cost savings and colourful and practical opportunities, the Smart Seat became the preferred choice.

Castlewood School were extremely impressed with the high level of customer service they received and the viable alternative Bollards International was able to provide. Not only do they significantly contribute towards the whole design concept of the schools, the seats have also been incredibly well received – the children take maximum advantage of the

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sales@bollards-international.com ( 01485 601145

New name, same benefits with Maxwall HTM

Yorkon awarded its largest ever building contract Off-site construction specialist, Yorkon, has been awarded its largest ever building project, and what is believed to be the biggest and most complex healthcare scheme to be built off site in the UK. The £17.9m contract for principal contractor Kier Construction is to construct a new Women and Children’s Centre at North Middlesex University Hospital. The scheme will comprise 152 steel-framed modules up to 18m long and in many different sizes and configurations. The units will be craned into position with doors, windows, first fix electrics and plumbing, and a concrete floor pre-installed. (

 enq 063 0845 2000 123 * info@yorkon.com

56 Public Sector Build Journal

Maxwall HTM is the new name for Maxwood Washrooms’ self-contained ducting system, designed specifically for the healthcare sector. Previously known as Medimax, the rebranding brings the system into line with the company’s other Maxwall washroom ducting solutions for ease of specification, and also confirms its tested compliance with Health Technical Memorandum (HTM68) for ducts and sanitary panel assemblies in health buildings. Andrew Taylor, Maxwood’s Marketing Manager, explains: “When contractors want a HTM-compliant ducting system for a healthcare washroom they know they are getting the same ease of installation and ongoing maintenance they’ve come to expect from all our Maxwall range.” *

sales@maxwoodwashrooms.com

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024 7662 1122

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Performance at its peak for Portakabin Modular building specialist, Portakabin, has released new performance figures which show that it has successfully delivered 99.7% of projects on time and on budget in the past year – and every year since 2003. This unprecedented performance is in sharp contrast to new construction industry statistics supported by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, which revealed project delays have hit a 10-year low.

David Shaw, Director of Portakabin, says: “Our building solutions combine all the advantages of modular building – shorter lead times, and reduced disruption, with the additional benefits of a robust steel-framed construction, more choice, cost efficiency, flexibility and sustainability.” *

information@portakabin.co.uk

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0845 401 0010

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Focus & Innovation

Caledonian Modular helps education expansion Several new modular buildings from offsite construction specialist, Caledonian Modular, are providing additional learning facilities quickly and cost effectively for the London Borough of Enfield’s education expansion programme. Bespoke steel and timber framed modules were factory finished internally and externally in Caledonian Modular’s state-ofthe-art production facilities ready for fast-track assembly and finishing on site. One of the three projects in the London Borough of Enfield is a new 130m2 modular building for the Prince of Wales Primary School, which was delivered to site, assembled from six modules and weather-sealed in a single day. *

sales@caledonianmodular.com

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01636 821645

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KI unveils flexible furniture concept KI has developed a clever concept for its Postura+ range of stackable chairs. Mini samples are available of the vertically stacked polypropylene Postura+. It is available in a range of seven sizes of stackable chairs and a variety of colours. Postura+ is available in the UK and is fully BS EN1729 certified in all seven sizes, with Crib 5 high fire retardancy and 10 year warranty. KI is a leading global provider of educational furniture designed and manufactured locally and globally to offer good value, flexibility and design excellence. *

sales@kieurope.com

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01908 317766

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Stannah adds to its platform lift portfolio Stannah’s new Midilift SLplus is a top-of-therange version of its original hydraulically driven partenclosed Midilift SL, but with the addition of a full height cabin.

None of the platform space has been lost as light rays and safety beams, around the entrance, protect the traveller without restricting the floor area. It is easy to install, with minimal pit of 70mm and headroom of just 2500mm. The new Stannah Midilift SLplus looks and operates just like a conventional passenger lift without breaking the budget. (

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 enq 068 01264 339090 * liftsales@stannah.co.uk

Helifix launches new literature RNSS produces pitch perfect sound The new Allianz Park stadium in North London, home to Saracens Rugby Club, has raised the bar for audio systems in the world of rugby. The upgrade to a Hi-fidelity concert-standard sound system for the 10,000-seater stadium, designed and installed by RNSS Limited, has been tailored to give fans the best possible audio experience. In addition to the new East grandstand, it also encompasses the three other stands and all internal spaces. Given the environmental concerns of local residents regarding noise pollution, RNSS addressed this challenge by designing a tightly controlled system which focused all audio directly into the areas occupied by fans. (

 enq 069 07710 400446 * simonb@rnss.net

Since developing the original helical fixing in 1984, Helifix has continued to innovate, expanding its range to include specialist helical wall ties, fixings and masonry reinforcement systems for use in both new build and refurbishment. Helifix products have proven an effective cure for common structural defects in most construction materials including masonry, timber and concrete. Repair and refurbishment is increasingly acknowledged as the more sustainable alternative to demolition, in terms of architectural value, materials usage, cost and environmental impact. Illustrated within the new literature are informative examples of how Helifix’s engineering expertise and products can avoid disruptive dismantling and costly rebuilds. *

marketing@helifix.co.uk

(

020 8735 5200

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Inclusive facilities assist disabled students Disabled toileting solutions provider Clos-o-Mat is seeing a growing number of schools utilising its expertise for the supply and installation of a hygiene room, which is recommended as good practice under the Department for Education’s BB102. A spokesperson for Wakefield College comments: “We are showing a 1% increase a year in the number of learners who declared a disability. Our inclusive accommodation strategy aims to ensure that physical access is a major priority in all new developments. The provision of the hygiene rooms has been a major benefit to the students: the rooms are used every hour of every college day!” *

info@clos-o-mat.com

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0161 969 1199

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Focus & Innovation

Free guide makes sense of the RHI All you need to know about the government's Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and biomass technology is now available at the touch of a button thanks to natural heating company, Euroheat.

Available on Euroheat’s website, the guide is designed to de-mystify the RHI for both commercial and domestic endusers of biomass technology; useful also for installers looking to help their customers understand the financial benefits of switching from fossil fuels.

RHI Explained, which is free to download, outlines the benefits of installing biomass on a commercial scale, revealing the typical returns that can be expected by boilers for a variety of applications.

Although the government has not yet finalised the details of the domestic RHI, Euroheat provides current figures for the expected running costs for an average-sized family home, which could be as much as 40% cheaper when switching from oil to biomass.

Simon Holden, co-founder of

Euroheat explains: “Euroheat has produced this document to help consumers, and installers alike, understand the environmental and financial benefits that biomass can deliver. It contains facts and figures that make it clear how large a part biomass has to play in the future of domestic and commercial heating.

“The guide is also a reliable source of information and sales tool for heating engineers’ who can use the information to ensure they truly understand the implications of the RHI to confidently inform and advise their customer base.”

RHI Explained joins Euroheat’s library of resources, including its Euroheat: Wood Biomass Guide, which contains all you need to know about heating with wood.

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enquiries@euroheat.co.uk ( 01885 491112

Safety at height and roof access

Densoseal chosen for university campus

Vital Energi of Blackburn is currently carrying out Biomass, Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and multiutility infrastructure works at The University of York’s new Heslington East Campus. In order to obtain effective and long term sealing from the entry of gas and water in all electrical service cable ducts, Vital Energi has chosen Winn & Coales Densoseal 16A sealant. Additionally, it was considered to be the most suitable sealant for use in renewable energy applications.

Densoseal 16A is a non-setting, self-supporting mastic which may be applied to wet surfaces and will seal ducts and conduits against ingress of water and gas.

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58 Public Sector Build Journal

SAFETYWORKS & Solutions, the safety at height and roof access specialists, regularly supplies its fall protection systems and roof access solutions to many locations across the UK. Its extensive product range includes Freestanding and Fixed Handrail Systems for both new build and retrofit to existing roof decks, Walkways, Domoguard, Fall Restraint and Arrest Systems, Demarcation, Anchor Points and Access, Cat and Modum Ladders, Uniline stainless steel systems, plus a large selection of Personal Protective Equipment. In addition, SAFETYWORKS & Solutions personnel are also fully authorised to carry out Annual Inspection and Certification of equipment to the British Standard requirement. *

info@safetyworksandsolutions.co.uk

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01487 841400

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New brush cutter from Maruyama Maruyama is launching a new power tool, BCV5020 50CC Semi Clearing Brush Cutter, for spring and summer through Leicestershire-based DMMP. The ultra lightweight BCV5020 has a new anti-vibration system, which uses oversized volumetric anti-vibration dampers, located in tandem on the front side and the engine side. The round shape of the vibration damper is streamline and compact for smooth operation. A revised-size gear wheel provides more durability than conventional brushcutters and a pressed gear blade shaft for reducing backlash. The inside gear case has improved machining accuracy, and the blade shaft angle has been revised to 60 degrees. *

info@dmmp.co.uk

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0845 643 9776

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Healthcare Focus

June 2013

In the third of its 2013 specialist supplements, PSBJ will be taking an in-depth look at the latest projects, products and technologies pushing boundaries in the field of healthcare. This specially-produced focus will be ideal for even the most demanding specifiers!

To subscribe today free of charge, go to www.psbj.co.uk/subscription To submit editorial content for the editor's consideration or to enquire about advertising spaces, contact Mixed Media on 01622 232 702, or email sam@mixedmediainfo.com. Image Š Hufton + Crow.

Building homes for the future?

Better build in Sky±HD

Talk to Sky about the digital entertainment buyers want Whoever your new builds are aimed at, your buyers will be looking for digital entertainment that keeps pace with technology. Increasingly, that means Sky±HD.

Our Specialist Installation Team can work directly with you, or your chosen contractors, to fit this future-proof solution. So arrange a free survey today.

By integrating a ‘5 cable IRS’ system and having 2 signal feeds to each satellite point (the only way of getting all the features Sky±HD offers), your residents will be able to enjoy TV the way they want it. And that makes your properties even more attractive to potential buyers.

Go to sky.com/newbuild or call 08442 411 702 Sky TV: Sky box and Sky TV subscription required for customers to receive Sky digital programming. Only compatible with digital satellite. Two satellite feeds required for full Sky±HD functionality. You must get all consents required (e.g. landlord’s). General: Minimum Sky TV, Sky±HD subscriptions are 12 months. Further terms apply. Calls cost up to 5.1p per minute and up to 13.1p connection fee for BT customers. Calls from other providers may vary. Information only applies to residential customers in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. Information correct at 5 April 2013.

Online Enquiry 077 www.psbj.co.uk/advert-enquiry