PSBJ May 2015 by Red Hut Media Ltd

www.psbj.co.uk £4.00

Download the PSBJ app for iPhone, iPad & Android Search 'PSBJ'

May 2015

Proactive collaboration Incorporating clients in all stages of the BIM workflow

Housing for health

Breathe easy

Safe and secure

– how EWI can help reduce the pressures on the NHS

– can living walls create more productive environments?

– tenants reap the benefits of a new entrance system

Stourbridge College, Birmingham.

Q-RAILING. QUALITY, SIMPLICITY & STYLE. Q-railing designs and develops innovative, high quality designer stainless steel railing systems and glass balustrades, for maximum transparency coupled with excellent fall protection. Pictured is part of the recently refurbished Stourbridge Campus, part of the the Birmingham Metropolitan College.

A total of more than 130 metres of Q-railing Easy Glass速 Slim and 3kN was installed throughout the college, including balustrade and staircases. Q-railing offers a comprehensive range of modular balustrade systems to suit the widest range of aesthetic and loading requirements.

For further further information informationabout aboutQ-railing Q-railingproducts productsorortotoorder order your brochure call: For your brochure call: 01782 711 676 / 0800 781 4245 or email: sales2@q-railing.co.uk 01782 711 676 / 0800 781 4245 or email: sales@q-railing.co.uk

Hannah Frackiewicz hannah@mixedmediainfo.com

Print & Digital Advertising Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Steve Gull steve@mixedmediainfo.com

Studio Manager

Chris Lilly chris@mixedmediainfo.com

Production

Jack Witcomb jack@mixedmediainfo.com

Artworker/Sub-editor

David Perry david@mixedmediainfo.com

Accounts

Simone Jones simone@mixedmediainfo.com

Managing Director

Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Publisher

Mixed Media Information Pear Platt Woodfalls Industrial Estate Gravelly Way Laddingford Kent ME18 6DA T: 01622 873229 F: 01622 320020 www.mixedmediainfo.com www.psbj.co.uk

Editor

Aberdeen Hospital’s Maggies Centre is a recent public sector project planned with the help of Asta Powerproject. See page 20.

Welcome... As the General Election draws even closer, party manifestos are being unveiled prompting much political analysis. The Conservatives’ key pledge surrounding social housing and the right to buy has been at the centre of the party’s manifesto. The pledge is the extension of right to buy – the flagship policy of Thatcher’s Government in the 1980s for tenants of housing associations. David Cameron will extend the policy to 1.3 million families, allowing those to take up a discount on buying a housing association property capped at £102,700 in London and £77,000 for the rest of England. There will also be a requirement that councils sell their most valuable 210,000 properties from their remaining housing stock. In the past, housing associations have opposed these proposals, yet according to sources, the Conservatives deny that the policy undermines housing associations since they will receive the full market value of the sold property. Meanwhile, Labour’s manifesto clearly recognises the economic and social importance of building more homes. Barry Berry, Chief Executive of FMB is pleased with Labour’s commitments: “The manifesto includes clear commitments on prioritising capital investment and reforming council house financing to enable the building of more social housing.” With two very different manifestos concerning the assets of social housing, the outcome of this month’s Election plays a critical role in the future of the nation’s housing stock. We would love to hear your thoughts on how the policies affect you and urge you to send in your views to the usual address. Meanwhile in this issue, we pay tribute to the latest innovations and applications in Renewable Energy, Interiors, Balustrades, Washrooms and Security, plus Roofing, Cladding & Insulation. You will also find a dedicated focus on the four key areas of the public sector build market – Healthcare, Leisure, Housing and Education.

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.

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

Hannah Frackiewicz

Hannah Frackiewicz | Editor | hannah@mixedmediainfo.com Follow us on Twitter: @psbjmagazine Download the PSBJ app for iPhone, iPad & Android Search 'PSBJ'

Public Sector Build Journal 3

Contents 14 08 06 News A round up of the latest industry news, including charity events, awarded contracts, partnerships and event announcements.

08 Upfront Construction consultancy, Pick Everard discusses the challenges of designing leisure environments for all to enjoy.

14 Healthcare Building Services Practice, Steven Hunt puts M&E Services at the heart of Salford Angiography Unit.

16 Technical Focus

20 Legal & Business

28 Education

PSBJ explores the technical challenges of the new Bradford College, which makes extensive use of glazing to increase its thermal performance.

Jason Ruddle, Managing Director at Asta Development talks to Public Sector Build Journal about the final hurdle of BIM uptake: collaboration.

A pioneering new primary school designed to be future proofed against climate change is using Marley Eternit’s Thrutone fibre cement slates.

18 Talking Point

26 Housing

30 Renewable Energy

Robert Snook of Portakabin Hire, offers some practical advice to help healthcare providers address the increasing pressure on bed spaces.

Greg Astill, Technical Product Manager at Sto, discusses how poor housing can equate to poor health and explores the role EWI could play in remedying the problem.

Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust has chosen biomass technology supplied by Rural Energy to heat its new £40m mental health facility.

The all-new psbj.co.uk

Your revitalised and purpose-built portal for public sector building specification PSBJ unveils the new-look online resource for building products designed for the public sector built environment. Offering more content in an easy-to-navigate format, this refreshing, tailor-made new portal delivers the right content to the right audience in the shortest time possible.

Search ‘psbj’

4 Public Sector Build Journal

www.psbj.co.uk

32 Leisure

38 Balustrades

Work on a state-of-the-art ÂŁ7.6 million swimming pool complex in Oxford is now complete with the facilities now open to the public.

Sapphire Balustrades looks at how the latest developments in design and construction can assist the specification of balconies.

34 Interiors

40 Security

Paul Garlick of Mobilane looks at the benefits and challenges of incorporating live plants into the modern public sector working environment.

Feeling insecure in their own homes is a thing of the past for some Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) tenants.

37 Kitchens, Bathrooms & Washrooms

43 Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Focus

50 Product Showcase

Building product provider Nicholls & Clarke discusses the challenges for social landlords moving into the post recession world of bathrooms.

PSBJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dedicated RCI focus showcases the latest innovative solutions, improving the energy efficiency and durability of buildings.

A dedicated focus of industry news, products and case studies to help architects and specifiers make informed choices.

Read the latest issue online Gain insight from industry experts Source products and suppliers Keep up to date with industry news Discover new innovative technologies Browse the archive of features and issues Manage your subscriptions Download the PSBJ app for your iPad, iPhone or Android

Public Sector Build Journal 5

News

Work begins to tackle SEN school place shortage Work has started on the £9m redevelopment of a Special Educational Needs school which will help a London borough to tackle its shortage of places for pupils with SEN. Plans have been submitted for the Lindon Bennett SEN school as part of a multi-million pound schools expansion programme being carried out by Hounslow Council in conjunction with leading independent management, design and construction consultancy, Pick Everard. The programme is in response to rising demand outstripping supply for mainstream and SEN places in Hounslow with the shortage meaning some SEN pupils have to be moved to schools outside the borough. Since discussions began on the project in December 2012, Pick Everard has provided project management, quantity surveying and full design team services. Work on the scheme will be carried out in two phases, to avoid disruption to the school.

Construction begins on next phase of Ocean Estate Construction has begun on the next phase of the Ocean Estate regeneration scheme. This will see the demolition of three poorly designed blocks on the estate, which will be replaced by 225 new homes for affordable rent and shared ownership. The demolition of Allonby, Channel and Studland Houses, is the next part of an ambitious regeneration project that will transform a renowned estate in Mile End into a brand new, inclusive community. 225 new homes will be built on the site formerly occupied by these three houses. They will be built to a modern and

6 Public Sector Build Journal

sustainable standard by the East Thames Housing Association. 92 of these will be affordable rented properties, and 29 will be for shared ownership. This means that 54% will be affordable housing. In total, this next phase will see approximately £13m invested in the Ocean Estate. This includes £3,895,000 from the Greater London Authority (GLA). Ocean Estate is part of the council’s continuing ambition to make Tower Hamlets ‘a great place to live’. Their vision is to achieve a borough where people live in quality affordable housing, located in clean and safe neighbourhoods, served by wellconnected and easy to access services and community facilities.

College plans given the green light Howarth Litchfield Partnership (Howarth Litchfield), a Durham-based award-winning architectural practice, has recently secured full planning consent for a multi-million pound redevelopment of Cleveland College of Art and Design’s (CCAD) Hartlepool campus. Howarth Litchfield is providing both architectural and interior design services, and is working closely with the overall project managers Turner and Townsend, CCAD, end-users and Hartlepool Borough Council, in particular the planning committee, to develop a solution which will deliver the necessary accommodation required to meet with the college’s vision for growth. In response to the client brief, Howarth Litchfield came up with a design solution that reflected the creative nature of courses which are to be studied in the buildings coupled with the college’s desire for an individuality with regard to finishes and fittings. The final solution will be a robust finish with tread plate protection to walls and exposed services with plenty of opportunities for students to display their work.

A fresh approach to palliative care Eagerly anticipated by patients and staff, Phase One of the St. Michael’s Hospice redevelopment celebrates completion this month. Following an intensive five-year design and construction process, the committed client and independent charity, St Michael’s Hospice have led a fund-raising campaign of mass proportions, to accrue the necessary £9.6m required for this groundbreaking project. A state-of-the art facility, the new inpatient building offers accommodation for up to 20 patients in a 21st century building that has reassessed the requirements and desires of palliative care. Designed by locally based architects, Architype, the new wing is a revolutionary step in hospice care, delivering honed solutions, which are born from mindful collaboration with this complex and sensitive client and user group. As the first hospice building for the practice, the design team was open-minded and unassuming in their approach. The highly ambitious bespoke arrangement and finishing of the building is the result of in-depth consultation with patients, staff, infection control teams and intensive research; culminating in a unique layout that offers a variety of internal spaces designed to be flexible to suit the spectrum of user needs, alongside a optimised floor plan that allows staff to provide care effectively and efficiently.

Leeds College of Building wins Balfour Beatty training contract Leeds College of Building has secured a contract with multi-national construction and infrastructure group Balfour Beatty, to deliver Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship in Sustainable Built Environment training to 13 of the firm’s most promising young quantity surveyors. Brian Duffy is Leeds College of Building’s Higher Education Faculty Director. He says: “Three years ago we became one of the first college’s in the UK to offer university level higher apprenticeships, which were immediately embraced by the construction industry and have become a huge success. We are delighted to now be working with Balfour Beatty, which demonstrates the high standard of training we offer, as well as

News our ability to understand the needs of the construction industry’s leading employers.” The bespoke two and a half year programme includes a HND Construction and Built Environment qualification, together with the NVQ5 Construction Management (Sustainability) programme that are both tailored to suit quantity surveyors. The quantity surveying apprentices participating in the programme are all working on major national projects including Cross Rail in London and the M60 and M3 motorway improvements. The apprentices will complete six fortnightly block release sessions per year in order to complete their HND and will be assessed in the workplace by Leeds College of Building’s assessment team to complete the required evidence for the NVQ5 Diploma.

Opening marks change in health service delivery Torpoint’s new £2m health centre is a modern facility that is now the combined home for the Rame Group GP Practice and other services, previously based at the Hooper Street Health Clinic, provided by a range of healthcare providers. It has been operational since midFebruary and enables more patients to be seen, diagnosed and treated closer to home, whilst encouraging closer working relationships between the different healthcare providers. Penntorr Health will also offer a range of high quality community clinic services, as well as being a base for District Nursing teams and home to a new Minor Surgery Unit and a Lloyds Pharmacy. South Western Ambulance Service also has dedicated facilities on-site for its staff and will be using the centre as a base from which to respond. The building’s intelligent design includes a single main reception, shared clinical areas, staff facilities and administration areas which all encourage efficient and effective utilisation of the space and help futureproof the flexibility of the centre and range of services it can provide.

75% of workers would welcome drug testing

achieving a BREEAM score 87.74% and only one of a few education projects to retain an ‘outstanding’ rating at post construction. The development, which also involved project partners Red Box Architecture, is a new build primary school to replace the school facilities on the site of the existing primary school in the village of Brandon in County Durham, providing facilities for some 390 pupils. It is being heralded as a leading example of using sustainable construction techniques and technology, as well as reflecting the ethos of the local community it serves.

Researchers at a leading business insurance website have revealed that as many as three quarters of construction workers agree with random drug testing whilst on site. Furthermore, the majority of respondents stated that they would feel a lot safer and more secure if employees operated under rules in which they could be tested and dismissed at any point if they were proved to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A leading business insurance website in the UK has decided to investigate random drug testing on construction sites, following recent reports of a legal case won by a bus driver who lost his job after failing a drugs test, when he’d actually done nothing except handle some banknotes contaminated with cocaine. The team at www.constructaquote. com wanted to explore the idea of random drug testing on construction sites. To do this, they polled a total of 1489 construction workers and 404 construction employers from across the UK, in order to gauge the general reaction of how those working in the industry feel about drug tests. All construction workers taking part were aged 21 and over and had worked within the construction industry for at least five years.

Ashford investment to boost education provision Plans for a new £16m college in Ashford have taken a giant step forward with news that full funding has been secured for the ambitious project. Providing further education facilities fit for the 21st Century is one of the key development aims of the fast-expanding Kent town. The ability to offer a first class education and skills provision, provided by the highly-regarded Hadlow Group, will play a key part in Ashford’s future growth and prosperity. The new town-centre campus will be completed in early 2017 and open from September that year. It will focus on providing skills for the manufacturing, construction, technology and service sectors, linked with a strengthened role for employers. Ashford Borough Council Leader Cllr Gerry Clarkson, says: “This is excellent news and means at long last we can realise our vision for a further and higher education college right in the heart of the town at Elwick Road, adjacent to the International Station. This will greatly assist in the plans to rejuvenate the town centre.”

WYG celebrates primary school’s award success Leading programme, project management and technical consultancy, WYG, is delighted to be associated with the success of Brandon Primary school, awarded the BREEAM Award 2015 in the Education Category at this year’s BREEAM Awards. The project is one of a number of schemes secured through the Durham County Council Framework Agreement for the provision of BREEAM assessment services. It scored 100% in categories including waste and management, as well as high marks for energy, water and materials. As one of six shortlisted buildings, the project school was awarded for

Public Sector Build Journal 7

Upfront Pick Everard provided architecture, structural, civil and building services on the project based at RAF Honington in Suffolk

Leisure services of the future

Cutting-edge leisure facilities are being delivered across the country, thanks to leading independent design, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard.

ith 10 offices across the UK, Pick Everard is pioneering in design, innovation and sustainability with its growing portfolio of projects in the sports and leisure sector. Royal Air Force personnel will be served by a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool, thanks to the delivery of the new £5m facility. Pick Everard provided architecture, structural, civil and building services on the project based at RAF Honington in Suffolk.

Training, rehabilitation and recreation The new two storey indoor training, rehabilitation and recreational hydrotherapy pool – for client Babcock Dyncorp & Graham Construction – will play a major role in supporting 11,000 servicemen acting as a Regional Rehabilitation Unit (RRU). Paul Darlow, Director at Pick Everard,

8 Public Sector Build Journal

said: “This fantastic new facility will serve thousands of army servicemen across the country, helping with the recovery of injured personnel. “The regional rehabilitation unit replaces the existing facility and has been designed to meet the needs of its 21st Century users.” The new 25m pool has six lanes and also embraces sustainable technologies and materials to meet DREAM assessed criteria. It is MOD and Defence Estates policy that DREAM is used wherever possible in preference to any other assessment method. As a result Pick Everard ensured the design complied with the military standard by utilising exposed structural glulam beams with insulated timber cassettes.

DREAM assessed DREAM was developed by the Defence Estates Strategy & Policy Directorate to address the particular environmental  performance aspects of MOD



Upfront Royal Air Force personnel will be served by a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool, thanks to the delivery of a new £5m facility

construction projects, and is accepted as being equivalent to BREEAM. The regional rehabilitation unit is unique in that it is one of a few centres across the country serving four RAF regiment squadrons in East Anglia. It is a specialist centre in that it also has musculoskeletal rehabilitation facilities. It has its own assessment and treatment areas, changing rooms and links through to the already existing gym. The project has thrown challenges at Pick Everard’s specialist team with the need to maintain the former facility while the new indoor training, rehabilitation and recreational hydrotherapy pool was being built. Paul added: “The project has certainly

Pick Everard is delivering a multi-million pound leisure centre development in Tewkesbury

10 Public Sector Build Journal

posed us with some challenges. Part of the criteria was that we needed to maintain the use of the existing facility while building the new site as it is so heavily utilised and relied on by servicemen from across the country. “Pick Everard recognises the importance of creating a recovery environment which serves military personnel and the community with the most state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. “We ensured that it was delivered on time and to budget – keeping the building operational throughout the design and build process was key and a challenge we had to overcome. “Once the unit was complete, we then needed to demolish the old facility which again had to be done sensitively in order

to not interfere with the new site.” The building covers 1,450 square metres on a site of 4,550 square metres and includes 10 new parking spaces, five of which are disabled. The development also includes landscaping with tree planting. It has been designed so that it will have a limited visual impact on the character of the open countryside when viewed from outside the base. The unit employs 10 staff including physiotherapists, a specialist sports injury and exercise

Upfront

Tewkesbury is maximising its efficiencies by using the Scape framework

doctor and RAF and civilian exercise and rehabilitation instructors.

Multi-million pound leisure centre Pick Everard is also delivering a multi-million pound leisure centre development in Tewkesbury which will provide high quality leisure services to current and future generations. The leisure centre is currently under construction for client Tewkesbury Borough Council after Tewkesbury Borough Council procured the services of Pick Everard and Willmott Dixon through the Scape framework. Pick Everard is project managing the procurement processes and also providing cost and design advice for the new £7.5m centre in Gloucestershire. The facility will replace the ageing Cascades Centre in the town centre and has been designed with input from experts at Pick Everard and Willmott Dixon so that the council can maximise efficiencies throughout the project. Stuart Brisbane, Project Lead from Pick Everard, said: “Tewkesbury is maximising its efficiencies by using the Scape framework and working with providers like ourselves and Willmott Dixon. “Ensuring clients receive the very highest standard of work and excellent value for money is intrinsic to the delivery of our projects.

“By acting now the council is providing a centre that is both affordable and sustainable. The current leisure centre is at the end of its lifespan at 40 years with high running costs – but with the new centre, services like free swimming for under 8’s will now be provided, whilst studio space and a gymnasium will also be available.”

building has now started construction on site. The leisure centre will have a main 25m pool with a 20m learner/ training pool including fun features like sprays, water cannons and a paddling pool. It will have a 60 station gym, sauna and steam rooms, and a flexible activities studio for a whole range of activities including dance, fitness classes and children’s parties. The new centre will also have a coffee shop with  viewing area.

Leading the way in cost management Pick Everard has been involved in the project since December 2013 and the

This fantastic new facility will serve thousands of army servicemen across the country



Public Sector Build Journal 11

Upfront

The leisure centre will have a main 25m pool with a 20m learner/training pool including fun features like sprays, water cannons and a paddling pool

Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Lead Member for health and wellbeing, Cllr Claire Wright, said: “We are committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our residents and I hope this new leisure centre will encourage people of all fitness levels and abilities to visit and get involved.” The existing leisure centre will remain operational while the new centre is

The facility will replace the ageing Cascades Centre in the town centre

being built. Alastair Hamilton, Partner at Pick Everard, said: “We are proud to be working with Tewkesbury Borough Council to deliver this fantastic new facility. “This project will provide a leading, state-of-the-art leisure centre fit for current and future generations. “With our project and cost

management, it has meant that the contract with the leisure operator and contract with the builder could be entered on the same day with zero risk of unaffordability.” Pick Everard is delivering the project through the Scape framework. The consultancy is the sole provider of project management and cost management services for the Scape national framework. Contractor, Willmott Dixon, has also been appointed under the Scape National Major Projects Framework where it too is the sole partner for projects with values from £2m upwards. Use of the Scape Frameworks means that clients are able to start their projects immediately and in the case of Tewkesbury Borough Council this meant that the contract for the leisure operator and Willmott Dixon could be entered into on the same day with zero risk of unaffordability. Stringent KPIs will be met by Willmott Dixon through the programme including working with a local supply chain, local employment and community engagement. The new Tewkesbury Leisure Centre will be completed by summer 2016. 

 www.pickeverard.co.uk

12 Public Sector Build Journal

KARNDEAN TALKS: HOSPITALITY FLOORING In a sector where style, resilience and ease of maintenance are vital, Karndean Designflooring is an ideal flooring choice. Our floors are guaranteed up to 15 years in commercial environments and are proven to withstand even the toughest high-footfall environments – venues where long hours, knocks and spills are the norm.

Whether your hospitality project requires traditional or contemporary flooring designs, our extensive range has a product to match your project’s requirements.

If you’re out on site with a customer why not use our new augmented reality app to demonstrate what their floor could look like right there and then. The app lets you select and view different floors in the space of your choice and take images to share and compare. See www.karndean.com/app for more details.

If you’re looking for a product that’s quick and easy to install, look no further than Karndean LooseLay. This new format LVT features a friction grip backing that holds the product in place. No clicking. No Locking. It’s also suitable for raised access flooring and is easy to repair.

For more flooring ideas visit us online at www.karndean.com/hospitality

Try mixing different designs and formats to zone your space and create walkways.

Healthcare The three theatres are all now operational and have exceeded the expectations of both the management team and its surgical teams

Bringing ventilation expertise to operating table Now one of the top performing hospitals in the country, Salford Royal is the top Acute Trust nationally for both staff and patient satisfaction (NHS Staff Survey 2013 and In-Patient Survey 2013) and is recognised as one of the safest organisations in the NHS.

he hospital has recently added a new suite of three operating theatres known as ‘H’, ‘J ’ and ‘K’ at first floor level, adjoining the existing Turnberg Building. Theatre H has been designed as an ‘ultra clean’ theatre, suitable for orthopaedic procedures and any surgery where there is a high infection risk. The remaining two theatres, meanwhile, have been designed as general surgery facilities with Theatre K fitted out for laparoscopic procedures and Theatre J semi-enabled for the addition of laparoscopic capabilities in the future.

Autonomous ventilation HTM0301 is the Healthcare Technical Memorandum governing air quality requirements and ventilation systems for operating theatres and the project’s building services engineers, Steve Hunt Associates, developed an individual ventilation plan for each theatre suite in

14 Public Sector Build Journal

line with HTM0301. Each theatre has its own ventilation plant which is located in a plant room on the second floor, along with its own IPS (isolated power supply) with a common UPS which is designed to provide maximum resilience. Explains Steve: “With individual ventilation plant and mains supply, each theatre can remain operational even if there is a problem with one of the others. A big part of our remit is to advise on ensuring that the installation is as robust as possible while leveraging our value engineering expertise to design the services in line with best value objectives.” For Theatres K and J, 25 air changes per hour were needed in line with HTM0301 requirements for general surgery theatres and the ventilation requirements to achieve this were individually calculated according to the size of each room. In Theatre H, however, the requirements for an ‘ultra clean’ environment saw the air

The hospital has recently added a new suite of three operating theatres known as H, J and K at first floor level

Healthcare change regime increase to 500 air changes per hour and the ventilation system was even more sophisticated to protect vulnerable orthopaedic patients from the risk of infection. The ultra clean zone is a 2.8 x 2.8m area in the centre of Theatre H where the system not only provides 500 air changes per hour but is also HEPA filtered (High Efficiency Particulate Absorption), removing 99.99% of microscopic particles from the air. The system has been designed to ensure that the risk of Colony Forming Units (CFUs) of bacteria that can lead to infections is minimised, with fewer than 10 CFUs per M3 of air within the first 300mm of the wound site and less than 20CFUs per M3 of air for the remainder of the ultra clean zone.

Energy efficiency The ventilation system for each of the new theatres at Salford Royal is also the heating system and instant controllability for the surgical team is a critical part of the design. Steve continues: “The surgical team needs to be confident that it can alter the temperature on the controls and that the heating and cooling system will respond instantly, not only to ensure patient welfare but to provide the right working conditions.” To achieve this, temperature controls have been incorporated into the surgeon’s panel in all three theatres, ensuring

The ventilation system for each of the new theatres at Salford Royal is also the heating system

Air tight environments

that controls are accessible during a procedure. The surgical team can select a pre-set heating, cooling or lighting ‘scene’ or can adjust the settings individually. The panel also allows them to check temperature and humidity levels and the status of the ventilation system. Energy efficiency has also been designed into the system, with heat recovered from the ventilation system via a heat plate exchanger being used to feed into the heating and invertor speed controls to prevent any drop off in ventilation efficiency. Steve explains: “The invertor speed controls are linked to the site wide BMS system so the efficiency of the ventilation plant is constantly monitored. This means that if there should be any fall in efficiency, the maintenance team is alerted in real time and can take action quickly to address the problem.”

To support effective pressure regimes and infection control, the theatre suites have been designed with a network of automated doors, enabling the theatre itself to become a sealed unit during any procedures. Steve explains: “The configuration has been designed to reduce the risk of contamination from air circulating in the corridors into the theatre space by ensuring that the doors inbetween cannot open at the same time. The use of sliding doors also saves space and prevents the need to touch the doors to open them.” The sliding doors feature two-position opening and the inner door between the theatre and the anaesthetic area cannot open until the outer door between the anaesthetic area and the corridor has been shut, helping to maintain pressure regimes within the theatre.

Best practice model The three theatres are all now operational and have exceeded the expectations of both the hospital’s management team and its surgical teams. Lindsay McCluskie, Associate Director of Capital, Estates and Facilities at Salford Royal said: “We believe we have created a best practice benchmark for operating theatres here that minimise infection risk and provide a better working environment for surgical teams. “The ventilation systems are central to that achievement, enabling energy efficient compliance with HTM0301 pressure regimes and linking with our Building Management System to ensure effective fault monitoring.” 

The configuration has been designed to reduce the risk of contamination

 www.stevenhunt.com

Public Sector Build Journal 15

Housing Focus Technical

Industrial appeal Bradford College is one of Britain’s largest Further Education colleges with approximately 25,000 students. Until very recently it was housed in buildings dating from the 70s that were thermally extremely inefficient.

he College’s governing body approached Bond Bryan Architects to design replacement premises. These had to be laid out in a way that would suit 21st Century teaching methods where the emphasis is no longer on a teacher-led ‘chalk and talk’ model but rather on a learner-driven, project-based approach. ‘Facilitated learning’ of this type requires a building to be flexible with less emphasis on a cellular structure and a greater reliance on an open-plan layout. Consequently, Bond Bryan provided the College with two linked buildings: one they describe as ‘flexible’ with a mixture of teaching rooms and open spaces and the other follows a more traditional classroom layout. Bond Bryan’s design draws upon Bradford’s industrial heritage, in particular the textile mills and warehouses that once brought prosperity to the city. There is the same repetitious pattern of windows and the coloured sections of the front elevation use the colours of the original Bradford

College logo to replicate the concept of a fabric pattern. The new College building makes extensive use of glazing and all the glazing systems are from Schueco. When asked why, Matthew Hutton from Bond Bryan replies simply: “Aesthetics and performance. We’ve done a lot of work with Schueco on recent projects and the results have been brilliant.’ Certainly, the glazing is a striking feature of the new building: in addition to a large glazed atrium, the main front

Schueco FW 60+ SG Curtain Wall: Intermediate detail

FW 60+ SG Curtain Wall: Intermediate detail (at grid lines)

+Varies Tran Ctr

+Varies T.O.Steel

125 150

76 249

124 200

650

16 Public Sector Build Journal

20 5

310

250 30

310 20 5

8 8

250

+Varies T.O.Steel

elevation features a Schueco FW 60+ SG V8 facade system with concealed vents that is seven storeys tall. At the top of this building there is an interesting ‘saw-tooth’ roof and this, together with the absence of adjacent supporting walls, provided a challenge for Charles Henshaw & Sons, the Edinburgh-based specialist contractor and Schueco Network Partner. The problem lay in the excessive amount of lateral movement that the facade system was required

+Varies Tran Ctr

125 150

76 249

124 200

650

+Varies Tran Ctr

North East Elevation, with Schueco FW 60+ SG

1467

G13 G13A

142983 B.O.Mull

G13 G13A

142967 T.O.Mull 4034 G13 G13A

G13 G13A

138933 B.O.Mull

G13 G13A

138917 T.O.Mull

T.O.Steel Tran Ctr 135185 135155

G13 G13 G13A G13A

Tran Ctr 134875 B.O.Steel 134905

4034

3740

01 D74

G13 G13A

134883 B.O.Mull

G13 G13A

134867 T.O.Mull

T.O.Steel Tran Ctr 131135 131105

G13 G13 G13A G13A

Tran Ctr 130825 B.O.Steel 130855

4034

3740

01 D74

G13 G13A

130833 B.O.Mull

G13 G13A

130817 T.O.Mull

T.O.Steel Tran Ctr 127085 127055

G13 G13 G13A G13A

Tran Ctr 126775 B.O.Steel 126805

4034

3740

01 D74

G13 G13A

01 D76

G13 G13 G13A G13A

G13 G13A

126783 B.O.Mull

G13 G13A

126767 T.O.Mull

01 D74

T.O.Steel Tran Ctr 123035 123005 Tran Ctr 122725 B.O.Steel 122755

G13 G13A

02 D75 G13 G13A

G13 G13A

03 D75 G13 G13A

G13 G13A

02 D75 G13 G13A

G13 G13A

02 D76 G13 G13A

G13 G13A

03 D76 G13 G13A

G13 G13A

122733 B.O.Mull

G13 G13A

122717 T.O.Mull

G13

3962

3895

01 D74

T.O.Conc Tran Ctr 118830 118735

G13

1625 8125

1625

1625 8125

1625

1675

1675 8375

01 D75

585 1040 1625

4034

3740

G13 G13 G13A G13A

Tran Ctr 138925 B.O.Steel 138955

3740

G13 G13A

01 D74

T.O.Steel Tran Ctr 139235 139205

118755 B.O.Mull

G13

460 1675 1215

North East Elevation, Screens 16A-02 and 16A-01 Screen 16A-02 2 No Frames Required

Screen 16A-01 6 No Frames Required

Schueco AWS 70 .HI Friction Stays Restrictors (100mm Fixed) Key Lock Handle Multi-Point Locking

Brick Opening 1135 17

13 1927 Frame Size 60

02 D42

2000 Clear Opening

02 D43

Clear Opening 1175

Frame 1149

01 D11

2026 SFS Opening

Frame Size 1955 63

Struct (Brick to Lintel) 2025

01 D43

01 D12

02 D12

2000 Stone Joints

Frame 1101

SFS Opening 1201

01 D42

Struct (Conc to Conc) 2035

to accommodate and it took many meetings between the architects, structural engineers SKM/Jacobs, the main contractor BAM, Charles Henshaw and Schueco to find the answer. That a solution, which included huge bowstring trusses, was eventually found is a tribute to the team’s collective expertise, with Schueco’s technical department making a significant contribution. The high level of thermal insulation built into all the Schueco systems used on the project was key to helping the building meet Part L requirements which is designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, despite a limited budget. Similarly, the systems’ impressive acoustic properties were important for suppressing the noise from the busy road that runs alongside the building. Ventilation is provided by a mix of mechanical and natural ventilation. There are opening windows in all the areas except on one side which are fixed to deal with the noise of the traffic. Air-handling units on the roof blast air down onto the various different floors, where it comes up through diffuser grills. 

6908

667

G13 G13 G13A G13A

Tran Ctr 142975 B.O.Steel 143005

The new College building makes extensive use of glazing

1416

667

145308 145230 144810 144560 T.O.Steel Tran Ctr 143285 143255

6709

00 .9 73

T.O.Mull T.O.Steel T.O.Steel B.O.Steel

1416

T.O.Mull 147210 T.O.Mull T.O.Mull T.O.Mull 147068 T.O.Steel146603 T.O.Mull 146998 147139 T.O.Steel T.O.Mull 147013 147166 T.O.Steel T.O.Mull 146623 T.O.Mull 146568 T.O.Mull 146543 T.O.Mull T.O.Mull 146178 146143 T.O.Mull T.O.Mull 146078 146698 145983 146649 146628 145728 145598 B.O.Steel T.O.Mull B.O.Steel 145708 B.O.Steel 145660 T.O.Mull T.O.Steel 145128 01 01 01 D73 D73 D73

3620

6709

Technical Focus

02 D11

1175 Stone Joints

 www.schueco.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 17

Talking Point Bespoke buildings for wards can be delivered in a fraction of the time of a site-based construction solution

Plan for the pressure Robert Snook, Director and General Manager of Portakabin Hire, offers some practical advice to help healthcare providers address the increasing pressure on bed spaces ahead of the peak period next winter.

e have experienced a significant increase in the demand for a range of fullyserviced interim healthcare buildings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; surge wards to provide additional capacity during the peak winter months and for buildings such as surgical clinical decisions units to reduce the rising pressure on A&E departments. However, these buildings need to be strategically planned, with trusts anticipating their needs for the coming winter months well ahead, rather than looking at reactive solutions to crisis situations that so many hospitals had to face last winter.

Efficient delivery The biggest challenge in the provision of hospital buildings for short-term clinical use is the level of fit out required. These buildings are complex, specialist and highly serviced facilities. However, the demand for health services and the pressure on existing A&E services continue to rise year on year. Our experience has shown that it is vital we work with NHS trusts to develop strategic plans that ideally take a longerterm view. Buildings can still be supplied in just a few weeks once the necessary

18 Public Sector Build Journal

NHS approvals are in place but the procurement and approvals process can be protracted which puts additional pressure on the delivery programme and what can be realistically achieved prior to the peak winter period. This makes planning well ahead absolutely vital.

Alleviating crisis situations Offices or other support facilities can be relocated into a single modular building to free up additional clinical space extremely quickly in a crisis situation. This is useful because it can often be more cost effective and better for patient flows to upgrade an existing clinical area which will already have services in place or nearby such as air handling and medical gases, and then to relocate administrative or storage facilities to an interim building. These units can be supplied from stock in sizes from as little as 7m2 up to 68m2 and are available with compliant access. This type of solution can generate space elsewhere in the hospital for extra beds or to accommodate clinical services. Single modular buildings (SMBs) can be supplied in a matter of days and can also be used to create walk-in assessment units directly attached to A&E departments, enabling

Robert Snook joined the Portakabin Group in 1992 and has headed up its Sales Division, the Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operations in Holland, Germany and Belgium and is now Director and General Manager of Portakabin Hire, based at the Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international headquarters and manufacturing centre in York.

trusts to prioritise and reduce waiting times for more urgent cases.

Increasing capacity At the other end of the scale, off-site construction can give healthcare providers the opportunity to increase capacity rapidly without compromising standards. Complete, fully-fitted, bespoke buildings for wards, pre-assessment, consulting or treatment facilities can be delivered in a fraction of the time of a site-based construction solution. Critically, these buildings can also be installed with much less disruption to patient care because manufacture of the steel structure and a high proportion of the fitting out take place off site.

A flexible, short-term solution Modular buildings which comply with the relevant HBN and HTM guidelines and have an independently-accredited 60-year design life, can also be hired to provide an interim solution which can remain in place from just a few months to five years. These facilities can be delivered fully fitted out with nurse call systems

Talking Point and bedhead trunking, energy-efficient comfort heating and cooling, heat recovery ventilation, specialist furniture and fittings, security and fire prevention systems, data communications that are integrated with the main hospital IT systems, and access ramps. Importantly, these interim buildings can be funded from revenue streams if there is a shortfall in a trust’s capital budget. This solution also gives healthcare providers the benefit of greater flexibility because the building modules can be added to or removed and relocated to another site as service needs change or while a permanent building is constructed – a highly sustainable option. The versatility of a modular solution also means that they can be craned into completely enclosed courtyards, sited on steel platforms, on the roofs of existing buildings or installed on sites where site-based construction and access would be extremely difficult or disruptive to patient care.

These interim buildings can be funded from revenue streams if there is a shortfall in a trust's capital budget

Integrating interim facilities The addition of exterior features and other amenities can give interim buildings a more permanent feel and help to create a welcoming healthcare environment. However, these options should demonstrate practical as well as aesthetic benefits and be suited to the needs of staff and patients. The provision of smoking shelters at NHS hospitals remains a controversial topic. As in other sectors, if staff, patients and visitors are going to smoke, it is better to encourage them to do so in a safelypositioned, well-maintained and easy-toclean area by providing shelters and street furniture – and that applies to interim as well as permanent facilities.

Other options and considerations for interim healthcare buildings include: Large span structures to create welcoming entrances and by reducing the number of posts, you reduce obstacles in busy areas Areas of soft and safety surfacing (commonly used in children’s play areas) to reduce serious accidents for patients who are more prone to trips and falls Walkway post positions so as not to obstruct internal views of the outdoors Canopies and outdoor furniture designed to feature colour, architectural

Off-site construction can give healthcare providers the opportunity to increase capacity rapidly

shapes and tactile materials. By incorporating these elements into the building design you can encourage access outdoors whilst providing shelter from the elements. Research has shown that time spent outdoors can improve the mental and physical wellbeing of patients; reduce stress and improve rehabilitation. It can also help reduce overcrowding in busy indoor eating and meeting places Consideration should be given to designing out surface-mounted post fixings to reduce trip hazards.

complexity of the facility required and the length of time it will need to remain in place. Is there capital funding for a permanent solution or can interim buildings be hired out of a revenue budget? Will decant wards be required during a major redevelopment programme? Can existing support services be relocated temporarily to address a crisis situation? The range of modular options now available to help healthcare providers address the increasing demand for bed spaces particularly for emergency care, has broadened in recent years. A good modular building partner will work with the trust to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions to best suit each situation. 

The need for strategic planning It is easy to see how strategic planning well ahead of peak winter periods is essential. There are a number of building solutions and delivery times will vary according to the

 www.portakabin.co.uk/cpd

Public Sector Build Journal 19

Legal & Business

Aberdeen Hospital's Maggies Centre is a recent public sector project planned with the help of Asta Powerproject

Wake up and smell the collaboration Jason Ruddle, Managing Director at Asta Development talks to Public Sector Build Journal about the final hurdle of BIM uptake: collaboration.

ime is a strange thing. After what seems like an eternity of discussion, debate, development and dipping our toes in the water, we seem to have all blinked and now find ourselves several months into the ‘final year’ before BIM Level 2. While central government now resets its horizon, looking towards a Digital Built Britain future and the path to Level 3 BIM, however, not only is the construction industry still adapting to the demands it faces, but public sector stakeholders could also potentially still do more. The industry itself has come a long way. Perhaps it sounds counter-intuitive but, as a software developer, we are glad that the industry has moved beyond thinking solely about BIM as 3D models made accessible, about new software tools and information exchange formats. Since the start of the process, we have believed that approaching BIM as simply an extrapolation of 3D modelling was not enough. We have observed that BIM takeup is far more retarded by a reluctance to share information than it is by the lack of availability of tools. Over the past few years,

20 Public Sector Build Journal

the purely electronic support for BIM has evolved in leaps and bounds; our own long-established project management platform has been realigned for practical and affordable 4D planning and BIM, and will continue to evolve. The NBS BIM Object Library has exploded in scale, and its new BIM toolkit is hot-off-the-shelf, as of BIM Show Live this April. An awful lot has been achieved. However, neither the industry nor its public sector clients will leap the final BIM hurdles effectively unless they together address the final barrier: collaboration. It is no longer the electronic side of BIM which seems hard, but how to approach the construction lifecycle as a truly collaborative venture between people and organisations. It means embracing the involvement, views and expert insights of professionals for the entire lifecycle, including building operators and facilities maintenance. In the public sector this can be particularly powerful, since local authority clients will often be both owner-occupiers and operators. Thus far, their approach to BIM has mainly focused around how to

Jason Ruddle has more than 25 years’ experience in the construction industry delivering key software solutions, products and services to national house-builders, contractors and the supply chain. He is a highly experienced construction software specialist with a background spanning training, sales and business leadership. integrate BIM into public sector contracts; this was the focus of the BIM Task Group’s BIM4LG resources and support. It is now time for them to step more actively into the process, and for the industry to embrace their public sector clients more fully into all stages of the BIM workflow. We hope that the appetite for improved and greater involvement will be extremely high; over the years we have seen many clients in local authorities, healthcare trusts, county councils and London Boroughs actively seek for better ways to plan developments and projectmanage key activities, and see no reason why integrating BIM into their thinking should be any different. With just over half a year to go, we may not all be where we need to be yet – but we seem to be well on the way and it’s certainly going to be an interesting few months. 

 www.astadev.com

THE EVENT FOR ARCHITECTS, SPECIFIERS, CLIENTS AND SUPPLIERS. WWW.VISIONLONDON.COM/REGISTRATION

@VISIONLDN

REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE PASS TODAY AT WWW.VISIONLONDON.COM/REGISTRATION AND ACCESS: • Cutting Edge Exhibitors • Over 120 Seminar Sessions • Interactive Show Features • Leading International Expert Speakers Supported by:

• Exciting Pavilions and Zones SCAN ME • Practical Workshops for your • CPD Programme FREE visitor pass • Networking Receptions Sponsors:

Door & Wall Building Access Protection

The need for reliable maintenance is paramount on this unique automatically operated rail network

Stannah sees the light Stannah Lift Services has begun a 6.6 year comprehensive lift and escalator maintenance programme for the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) network.

he contract was awarded through KeolisAmey Docklands (KAD), the DLR franchisee. A separate contract has also been awarded by CGLRail, who maintain the infrastructure from Mudchute Station, through Island Gardens, through Cutty Sark, Greenwich, Deptford Bridge and Lewisham. Stannah, an independent national lift company, won the contract to provide lift and escalator maintenance for most of DLR network, through a competitive tender process, and are delighted to add the maintenance to a programme of lift refurbishment on the London DLR network won in 2014. Jon Stannah, Joint Managing Director, Stannah Lift Services comments: “We have been working with DLR during 2014 and are delighted to extend our successful working relationship with the award of the rail operator’s maintenance portfolio. Of course, the need for reliable maintenance is paramount on this unique automatically operated rail network that, in the fiscal year 2013, carried 101.5 million passengers.”

The scope of the contract The maintenance contract value of more than £2.5m over 6.6 years (with a 2.5

22 Public Sector Build Journal

extension available), currently covers 113 units; 87 lifts and 26 escalators and includes all maintenance, breakdowns and trap-ins. The contract also includes all six monthly LOLER inspections, oil sampling every six months and escalator step cleaning every 12 weeks. Dilapidation reports will identify repair and replacement works. This will form the basis of an action plan to ensure the system has 99.9% availability of equipment – an essential requirement of the contract. Stannah will support Keolis-Amey Docklands KAD and DLR to meet their ambition of improving the lift and escalator service throughout the line by the use of intervention actions. The planned refurbishment/replacement of components will extend the units life to at least 25 years. Lift refurbishments for CGLR are already scheduled at Cutty Sark, Island Garden, Deptford Bridge and Lewisham stations.

Engineering hours All maintenance has to be carried out during non-operational hours, these are between 01.00hrs to 05.30hrs and are strictly monitored to meet the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) applied to the

Lift refurbishments for CGLR are already scheduled at Cutty Sark, Island Garden, Deptford Bridge and Lewisham stations

contract, these include a 30-minute reaction time for trap-ins and breakdowns. The existing portfolio contains lifts and escalators that have been installed from the original opening of the DLR in 1990, so no equipment is more than 25 years old. Since then the line has had many changes, most recently additional lifts being installed for the Olympics, 2012 and for Crossrail at Pudding Mill Lane, 2014.

Reporting Stannah’s Dartford Service Branch will oversee all maintenance requirements day to day and jointly report with the company’s Network Rail Office, who manage the nationwide maintenance of lifts on all Network rail stations. Stannah has a network of service branches right across the UK and more than 360 engineers who provide local service for more than 90,000 lift products.

 www.stannahlifts.co.uk 

liftsales@stannah.co.uk  01264 364311

Public Sector Build Journal 23

Door & Wall Protection Rooflights

The Lumen Horizon is designed for use on a flat or low pitch roof construction

A new horizon for Lumen Lumen has launched its new rooflight, the Horizon. The timber rooflight is handmade in the UK from Accoya which is renowned for its durability, stability and sustainability.

The Lumen Horizon combines the latest in rooflight technology with British craftsmanship

he Lumen Horizon incorporates a high performance triple glazed Pilkington Activ self-clean unit and is crafted entirely from sustainable sourced Accoya timber. The Lumen Horizon is produced from Accoya as it provides compelling environmental advantages over other hardwoods, has superior dimensional stability and boasts exceptional durability, offering a 50 year life span. The Horizon is available in a variety of colours on both the inside and out. Available as a fixed casement design, manual or electric actuation for ventilation, the Lumen Horizon is designed for use on a flat or low pitch roof construction including lead, zinc sheet, copper and asphaltic material. It can be supplied with or without Lumen’s unique Horizon insulated kerb system. Lumen Managing Director, Paul Trace, said: “As the UK’s leading supplier of bespoke rooflights we understand that builders, architects and homeowners do not always want an off the shelf product. That’s why we offer more choice in the specification process than any other rooflight manufacturer. “With the Horizon, we have developed a ground-breaking British made rooflight, using only the highest quality products. The combination of the Accoya timber frame and Pilkington triple glazed units allow the Horizon to boast an impressive thermal and environmental performance.” The Lumen Horizon combines the latest in rooflight technology with British craftsmanship to provide an extremely durable, low maintenance rooflight, proven to withstand all types of external environments.

 www.lumenrooflight.co.uk 

24 Public Sector Build Journal

info@lumenrooflight.co.uk  0330 300 1090

Kemperol®

Liquid roofing and waterproofing at its very best

Ideal for roof refurbishment, repair and new build roofing projects.

Complete solvent free and odourless waterproofing systems available that can be laid whilst the building is operational - Ideal for schools, hospitals, food factories and offices. Have the work done when you want it or need it.

Kemperol® is a cold liquid application removing the fire risk of hot works.

Laid in a single wet-on-wet process to form a totally seamless, durable, fleece reinforced, UV stable, elastomeric waterproofing membrane that cannot delaminate.

With BBA Approval and a life expectancy in excess of 25 years your roofing budget will never be better spent.

For more information visit www.kempersystem.co.uk

KEMPER SYSTEM LTD. Kemper House, 30 Kingsland Grange Woolston, Warrington, Cheshire United Kingdom WA1 4RW Tel: 01925 445532 Fax: 01925 575096 enquiries@kempersystem.co.uk

Kemperol Liquid Waterproofing

Public Sector Build Journal 25

Housing

A holistic approach to housing and health The UK's shameful housing stock could be about to see some significant energy saving improvements to help those most vulnerable and in turn save our public services millions of pounds. Greg Astill, Technical Product Manager at Sto, discusses how poor housing can equate to poor health and explores the role EWI could play in remedying the problem.

ouseholds in fuel poverty face both lower incomes and higher energy needs. In the UK 27% of families live in houses rated E, F or G on their Energy Performance Certificate. To give context, new Government measures are insisting that private landlords bring their housing stock to at least a C rating by

DECC is providing £3m of funding for pilot projects which encourage innovative thinking in order to tackle the problem of fuel poverty

26 Public Sector Build Journal

2017 as anything below is considered to be unsuitable. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that if you spend long periods of time in a particular part of the home, the average temperature in that area should be 21C. With more than five million UK households living in fuel poverty – defined

as spending more than 10% of income on energy bills – unfortunately this isn’t possible for everyone. For tenants with conditions created or made worse by cold and damp conditions, the knock on consequences can be dangerous and public spend used to remedy the consequences is colossal. The BRE’s new report ‘The cost of poor housing on the NHS’ indicates the NHS could save over £848 million per year if excess cold issues were rectified in UK housing stock. The BRE suggests ‘a programme to educate people on the health and safety risks in their own homes would pay dividends’. The new Government strategy – the first of its kind in a decade – published in March this year outlines, ‘Our vision is to cut bills and increase comfort and well-being in the coldest low income homes.’ DECC is providing £3m of funding for pilot projects which encourage innovative thinking in order to tackle the problem of fuel poverty and alleviate our already burdened NHS. The Department of Health and the Department of Housing are supporting a series of pilot schemes which could shape the way that poorly insulated homes are addressed in the future. These ‘warmth on prescription’ schemes allow GPs the power to prescribe measures such as external wall insulation to patients. Gentoo housing is working in partnership with the North East Commissioning Groups to facilitate energy saving measures prescribed to a number of poorly insulated homes. External wall insulation was one of

Housing

Gentoo housing is working in partnership with the North East Commissioning Groups to facilitate energy saving measures

those measures implemented as it provides a significant improvement in the insulation of the walls of any property no matter how it is constructed. The tenants chosen for the scheme suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a progressive lung disease exacerbated by cold and damp condition and live in fuel poverty but cold and damp can exacerbate a number of illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatism and even depression. Collectively the patients had had 63 dealings with the NHS – including three emergency appointments – pre installation of the energy saving measures being installed. Gentoo is continuing to monitor environmental improvements and GPs will continue to measure patients but already at the first stage of assessment, the trial patients’ health has improved significantly. Energy secretary Ed Davey explained that evidence from the pilot projects’ research will be used to evaluate the link between housing and health and potentially to prove the legitimacy of this type of spending. Referring to the significant potential savings across the NHS he described the shift to retrofit solutions as a no brainer saying how he couldn’t understand how this had not been done before. The Chief Medical Officer’s annual report in 2009 stated that for every £1 the Government spends on insulation for those who cannot afford it, the NHS saves 42p so conjoining Government departments for a more holistic approach to the problem

The link between housing and health is clear and addressing this could save the NHS millions of pounds

seems logical. The link between housing and health is clear and addressing this could save the NHS millions of pounds. This local approach is outlined in a new report from Which? titled ‘A local approach to energy efficiency’. The report points to measures that need to be taken by government to make this collaborative approach work. Which? suggests that in order for the schemes currently on trial to turn into a permanent home energy retrofit solution across the UK, this would have to be part funded by a central administrator to local authorities as well as long term levy on energy suppliers. Which? Director, Richard Lloyds said: “The next government must grab this issue by the scruff of the neck and commit to an aggressive energy efficiency strategy as soon as it takes power.” A mutually beneficial joining of two Government Departments would be a bold move for any Government but if the results of the trial projects show clear advantages in terms of public health and public spending then it seems like the obvious solution. 

For tenants with conditions created or made worse by cold and damp conditions, the knock on consequences can be dangerous

 www.sto.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 27

Education

The constant drone of planes flying overhead can be hugely disruptive to learning

G School's sustainability off to a flying start A pioneering new primary school designed to be future proofed against climate change is using Marley Eternit's Thrutone fibre cement slates, for both the roof and vertical cladding, to help it meet ambitious sustainability targets. Thrutone fibre cement slates were chosen for their sustainability, cost and low maintenance benefits

28 Public Sector Build Journal

alliford Try is managing the £8.9 million project to demolish the existing Westbrook Primary school and rebuild a new sustainable building on a different part of the site. The project has been awarded funding from the Government’s Climate Change Technology Strategy Board towards the pioneering research and implementation of building methods that will protect the school against predicted changes to climate over the next 100 years. Situated just two miles from Heathrow and directly under the flight path, the school site poses some difficult energy efficiency, acoustic and thermal challenges. Pollard Thomas Edwards specified the Thrutone fibre cement slates for the main two-storey section of the school, not only for the roof but also for vertical cladding, to help address these demands. Jordan Wang, Project Architect from Pollard Thomas Edwards, comments: “Westbrook Primary School is seeking to run a low energy building that also minimises ongoing maintenance and running costs. We chose the Thrutone fibre cement slates for their sustainability, cost and low maintenance benefits which meet the school’s criteria perfectly. Using the slates vertically has enabled us to create continuity between the roof and facade and create a striking design for the main building. The school has been designed using innovative building methods to ensure that not only is it resilient to climate change but also that it can be adapted in the future if necessary. “The main design challenge for this project is its position under the Heathrow

Education

The school has been designed using innovative building methods

flight path, which creates obvious acoustic issues for the school operation, especially if windows need to be opened in classrooms, so we needed to find a natural ventilation method to avoid overheating. The primary way of doing this was with an underground thermal labyrinth to provide outside air to classrooms. The use of fibre cement slates as cladding also helps to protect the building from the elements, as well as contributing to the overall sustainability targets.”

Naturally secure Cllr Tom Bruce, cabinet member for education and children’s services, explains: “For our schools in Hounslow, the constant drone of planes flying overhead can be hugely disruptive to learning. The age of many of the buildings means that when it gets warmer in summer, simple things that are taken for granted elsewhere like opening windows aren’t possible. Soundproofing, ventilation and insulation become much more difficult – and costly – when we are trying to expand schools, so it’s vital we work with the acoustic and engineering experts to meet the needs of each different school.” Charlotte Hughes, Product Manager from Marley Eternit, adds: “We are seeing increasing interest from specifiers in using fibre cement across the whole building envelope because of its design flexibility and sustainability credentials. As we start to see more extremes of weather in the UK, it is important that developers consider future proofing their roofs and buildings and we are proud to have been involved in such a

Thrutone is a market leading lightweight fibre cement slate offering superb aesthetics

pioneering climate change project. “A key benefit of using Thrutone fibre cement slates is that they are naturally secure through design with a low profile leading edge which incorporates both a nail and rivet fixing, which means they could help to protect against the extremes of wind and rain expected over future years.” Thrutone is a market leading lightweight fibre cement slate offering superb aesthetics with its blue black colour, smooth surface and square cut edges. Intensive testing at Marley Eternit’s research and development centre has proven that with a reduced rafter length of 4m, the Thrutone slate can be used at a lower pitch of 15°. As part of Marley Eternit’s fibre cement

range, Thrutone boasts industry leading sustainability credentials, including a low carbon footprint of just 13 CO2e /m2 (based on 600 x 300 slate at 100mm lap), certification to the BES 6001 standard for Responsible Sourcing and the ability to achieve the lowest environmental rating (A+) in the BRE Green Guide. Fibre cement also offers sustainability benefits throughout its whole life cycle, as it can be fully recycled at the end of its use. Waste fibre cement can be ground down and used to replace limestone and shale in clinker production, the essential ingredients for Portland cement. 

 www.marleyeternit.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 29

Renewable Education Energy Finding the right renewable energy solution for The Harbour was absolutely key

Achieving low carbon targets Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust has chosen biomass technology supplied by Rural Energy to heat its new £40m mental health facility ‘The Harbour’, in Blackpool.

he new biomass boiler has helped The Harbour project meet the high standards set by BREEAM to deliver a sustainable and low carbon building with a long future lifespan. In addition, the Herz BioFire 600kW boiler will greatly reduce the facility’s energy bills whilst also providing a significant income from the government’s RHI scheme. This design and development process was led by principal contractor Integrated Health Projects (IHP) – the P21+, Sir Robert McAlpine/VINCI Construction UK joint venture. In alignment with the Trust’s commitment to using low carbon technologies, Rural Energy has worked closely with NG Bailey, the M&E contractor on this project, to understand the Trust’s scope and expectations. Providing expert advice and guidance since the beginning of the project, Rural Energy specified a bespoke biomass solution that included a Herz BioFire 600kW biomass boiler and a giant underground fuel store for the state of the art facility. In partnership with NG Bailey and Glosflume, the installation began in February 2014 and incorporates the largest fuel feed and store that Rural Energy has ever installed. The massive 157m3 fuel store was specified as part of a complicated design process and will

30 Public Sector Build Journal

reduce the number of fuel deliveries needed, but more importantly, will also reduce potential disruption to residents of the facility. The installation was further supported by filtration specialists Glosfume who provided an advanced ceramic filtration system. Nigel Black, Technical Manager at Glosfume, said: “The ceramic filtration system is extremely effective and will remove the particulates from the boiler emissions down to a level comparable with a gas boiler and improve the air quality of the surrounding area.” The Harbour, which has 154 bedrooms, is one of the largest facilities of its type in the North West and will provide high quality inpatient care to those recovering from mental health issues. Paul Clark, Managing Director at Rural Energy, commented: “This was a challenging project with tight timescales and significant space limitations on site but we are delighted with the finished result. Rural Energy has been involved with this project for a number of years, providing technical and logistical advice since the public consultation stage. We have journeyed with the Trust and provided a bespoke renewable solution that will provide low-cost energy long into the future.” David Hughes, Project Engineer at

NG Bailey said: “The project involved an incredible amount of upfront planning with regular design reviews, so it’s great to see the work complete with the facility receiving its first delivery of wood chip just recently.” Both the physical size of the biomass plant and the layout of the site required expert planning from Rural Energy and its partners. The design of the fuel store was particularly complex with the three 5m filling screws installed at a low level to fully utilise the storage space in the bunker for wood chip. Alistair Rose, Project Director at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Finding the right renewable energy solution for this project was absolutely key, and we are so pleased with the way Rural Energy and NG Bailey have partnered with us to achieve our low carbon targets. The highly cost effective heating solution and the requirement to reduce fuel delivery frequencies and costs by using the largest vehicles possible, influenced the layout of the whole site and the location of the energy centre relative to the site circulation road. As a result, the details and benefits of the heating solution had to be understood at a very early design stage for the whole project to support and influence the project architects. The biomass heating solution was expertly managed and delivered, and will ensure that heating costs of the facility are kept to a  minimum.”

 www.ruralenergy.co.uk

Rural Energy specified a bespoke biomass solution that included a Herz BioFire 600kW biomass boiler

Take Steps To Make Stairs Safe with EdgeGrip NOW ALSO AVAILABLE IN BLACK

Simple to fit

EdgeGrip stair nosings satisfy both Building Regs and the DDA requirements for publically accessed stairs.

DDA & BUILDING REGS COMPLIANT

• Easy-fit: simply ‘screw and glue’. • Patented feather edge design to stop slips. • Manufactured to 3000mm lengths, or we’ll cut to size. • Also available in ‘glow in the dark’ for safety, or sleek aluminium for style.

Glow in the dark option for extra safety

FREE SAMPLE

For your free sample and a copy of our latest brochure,

AVAILABLE call us today on

01440 712 722 Please quote code PSBJ10

or e-mail us on info@fibregrid.com www.fibregrid.com

55mm wide to meet Building Regs

H O S P I TAL S



P OW ER



P U B LIC B U ILD IN G S



SC HOOLS



S HOP P IN G C EN T R E S

SG4 FREESTANDING GUARDRAIL SYSTEM  Unique patented lifting shoe  Safe, secure and cost effective flat roof edge protection SG4

Please visit our website or call Whelan Plant:

Tel: 01959 571788 Fax: 01959 571068 Email: info@shorguard.co.uk www.shorguard.co.uk

UN IQUE LIFTIN G SH O E

A DIV OF JP WHELAN & SONS (CONSTRUCTION) LTD

SG1

SG2

SG3

SG4

PERMANENT

TEMPORARY

SHORGUARD EDGE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Public Sector Build Journal 31

Leisure

Leisure centre makes a splash Work on a state of the art £7.6 million swimming pool complex in Oxford is now complete and the facilities are now open to the public. The new facility is linked to the Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre, which has been renamed Leys Pools and Leisure Centre.

long with Faulkner Brown Architects and Devin Consulting Limited, contractor Willmott Dixon delivered the scheme at Leys Pools and Leisure Centre for Oxford City Council, creating a new community facility accessible to residents of all ages. Matthew Raybould, Operations Director at Willmott Dixon, said: “The Leys Pools and Leisure Centre is an important part of the wider regeneration taking place in Oxford and we are pleased to have delivered what is a fantastic new facility for the local community. “The new leisure centre has been constructed with sustainability at the forefront of our minds, and we have achieved a BREEAM rating of very good EPC A, which is illustrative of the

sustainability credentials of the building – for example, we have included solar panels as part of the design.” The project began with the demolition of the existing community hall, which was followed by the construction of the new build 25m eight-lane competition standard swimming pool with moveable floor. The centre also includes a learner pool and children’s play pool, a sauna, spectator seating, wet side changing rooms and an associated plant room. Elsewhere there is a sports hall, a soft play area, an indoor cycling studio, an exercise studio, a crèche, a cafe and an extended gym with all new equipment. FT Leisure designed, supplied and installed the water treatment and filtration systems for the three pools as well as a

FT Leisure designed and installed a 25 x 8.5m moveable floor system complete with protective ramp

32 Public Sector Build Journal

The Leys Pools and Leisure Centre is the centrepiece of Oxford City Council's modernisation programme

number of fun features for the toddlers’ splash pool, including floor water geysers, a mushroom feature, an arch spray, two air bubble rings and three water fountains. The filtration systems were traditional medium rate sand filtration combined with chlorine dosing, pH control, filter coagulation and UV sterilisation. In addition, FT Leisure designed and installed a 25 x 8.5m moveable floor system complete with protective ramp. This configuration where the moveable floor runs down the length of the pool whilst not very common, offers great flexibility to operators. The moveable floor can be in use at shallower depths for one activity at the same time as full 25-metre recreational swimming takes place in the remaining lanes. FT Leisure specialises in the provision of innovative products and professional technical services to the commercial, municipal and private swimming pool industries. Their range of services includes the design, manufacture, installation, commissioning and/or refurbishment and maintenance of water treatment and filtration systems, moveable floors, booms and disabled access platforms, ozone and UV sterilisation, wave machines and leisure water features.

Leisure

This is the latest step in the city council’s modernisation and improvement programme for public leisure facilities, following on from the improvements at Barton and Ferry Leisure Centres and the Ice Rink locally. Councillor Mike Rowley, board member for leisure contract and community partnership grant at Oxford City Council, said: “The Leys Pools and Leisure Centre is the centrepiece of our modernisation programme for the city’s leisure facilities. “I am delighted to see this project reach completion, but even more so, by the resounding reception it has received from the community as evidenced by the 12,000 people who attended its grand opening weekend. The pool is a wonderful facility for residents and will go a long way in encouraging more people to embrace healthy and physically active lifestyles.” Formerly known as Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre, the complex has been re-named as Leys Pools & Leisure Centre, and incorporates a wide range of adaptations to support users with disabilities and also offers more parking on site than its predecessor. 

The centre includes a learner pool and children's play pool

FT Leisure designed, supplied and installed the water treatment and filtration systems for the three pools

 www.ftleisure.co.uk  www.faulknerbrowns.co.uk  www.willmottdixon.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 33

Interiors

The benefits provided by plants are more than mere speculation

Greening the evolving public sector workspace Paul Garlick of Mobilane looks at the benefits and challenges of incorporating live plants into the modern public sector working environment.

he modern working environment bears little resemblance to what it was a mere decade ago. Technology has been the main driver for dramatic change and in particular the use of remote WIFI enabled technology that has freed the office worker from the desk. As a result, todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office is a far more fluid environment where laptops, notepads, tablets and smartphones enable work to be conducted from anywhere. Even the idea of the hotdesk is becoming dated in this brave new world. This applies as much to modern council offices as to any commercial environment. These technologies have not only freed

34 Public Sector Build Journal

people from the desk, they have resulted in more contentment from the workforce and greater productivity. As a result of this revelation, businesses, councils and other public sector organisations are increasingly embracing this new culture. This in turn has allowed organisations to reimagine the office environment. With people content not to be chained to the desk and comfortable with the idea of moving around, organisations are free to maximise the office space to create flexible communal work areas, meeting areas and private work areas. However, the actual process of creating temporary areas within these new spaces has presented challenges

Plants can be incorporated into wall hung frames to deliver live flora displays

as there is often still a requirement to physically separate these areas, albeit temporarily. And with the fluid nature of the working space, the ways of separating spaces clearly need to be mobile. Modern school design, although not driven by technology and issues of productivity in the same way, is also embracing a fluid approach to the communal space. Schools bear little resemblance to the buildings most of us remember, and communal space is now designed into most new build schools. But the challenge here remains; how to efficiently compartmentalise these spaces when needed.

Interiors HVAC

Today's office is a far more fluid environment where laptops, notepads, tablets and smartphones enable work to be conducted from anywhere

The other noticeable change has been driven by a growing awareness and focus on health and wellbeing and a better appreciation of the unseen environmental hazards that can be found in enclosed work spaces, such as airborne particulates and higher levels of carbon monoxide. The best way to tackle all of these negatives is through the use of plants that not only create a more pleasant environment, but which also naturally tackle the issue of particulates and carbon monoxide. The benefits provided by plants is more than mere speculation. Research from Exeter University released in September 2014 and conducted over a 10 year period concluded that productivity could be increased by up to 15% when workplaces featured houseplants. The research team compared the impact of ‘lean’ and ‘greened’ office spaces on workers’ perceptions of air quality, concentration, and workplace satisfaction, and the research team monitored productivity levels over several months in two large commercial offices in the UK and the Netherlands. When

plants were introduced into lean offices they significantly increased workplace satisfaction, self-reported levels of concentration, and perceived air quality. However, while the benefits of plants is proven, plants in pots require a degree of care and maintenance, and in today’s fluid office environment large plants in pots, or indeed, many smaller plants in pots, take some effort to move and manage. Plant pots in a school environment are less common, although living walls and especially green roofs are becoming commonplace on new builds. So the challenge when looking to introduce plants is; how to do it in such a way that the plants do not hamper the fluid nature of the modern work space (or to put it simply, how to make sure they don’t get in the way), and how to minimise the maintenance of plants. The innovative approach to these challenges is to incorporate plants into the very fabric of the new working space. For example, the mobile room divider used to segregate areas, has traditionally been a simple plain material covered frame, But while mobile, they have served only the

single purpose of dividing a space. Yet through the addition of plants a room divider can become something that is far more attractive, delivers the health benefits of plants, and even helps to make the divider perform better in respect of noise reduction. And if the plants are contained in a system that requires only occasional watering, the solution is one that ticks many boxes. Similarly, plants can be incorporated into wall hung frames to deliver live flora displays that deliver all the benefits of plants without encroaching on floor space. The effect is highly effective, very modern, and with inbuilt watering systems they require minimum maintenance. These are the new, emerging innovations that are both helping to enable the new fluid workspace, while delivering the health and productivity benefits of live plants. And with more organisations embracing mobile technology, these living innovations are becoming increasingly commonplace and will undoubtedly become as commonplace as the living roof on new schools. 

 www.mobilane.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 35

Save water. Save energy. Save money. Discover the Cistermiser range of automatic washroom controls Sensazone Washroom Control Control lights, fans and water with just one system. Smart technology that delivers savings wherever it is used.

WC Flushing No-touch sensor-activated flush technology. A range of systems for both cistern-fed and direct-flush WCs.

Urinal Flushing Reduce water consumption by up to 80% by installing a cistern control valve to your washroom.

Taps & Spouts Improve hygiene and reduce water consumption with our range of no-touch sensor taps & spouts.

Call us now on +44 (0) 118 969 1611 or email sales@cistermiser.co.uk for more information about our products

www.cistermiser.co.uk

36 Public Sector Build Journal

WILL YOU HAVE THE SKILLS TO BE A PRINCIPAL DESIGNER? Industry recognised advice, guidance & training FIND OUT MORE AT

www.aps.org.uk

Kitchens, Bathrooms & Washrooms

Adapting specification The challenge for social landlords moving into the post recession world of bathrooms is a minefield of balancing decreasing budgets with new concepts and innovative phrases like inclusive design and future proofing. Who do I need to talk to? What products should I specify? Where do I start? Here, building product provider Nicholls & Clarke sheds some light on the issue.

he truth is, the solution does exist, it can save you money and most importantly it hits all those KPIs that we are setting ourselves like aesthetically pleasing, practical, multi ability user friendly and future proofing. The key is that we need to be talking with the right people, asking the right questions and listening to what the market has developed. The biggest mistake we can make moving forward is thinking we know best or not being willing to embrace change. Recently, N&C was asked by a housing association in Leeds of around 4000 housing stock, to help them save money and re-invent their bathrooms. They achieved this by firstly re-writing the bathroom specification in collusion with the tenants committee and the HA, to a design specification that was very attractive yet did not cost a penny more than they were currently spending. N&C also then partnered with the HA and offered in depth product training seminars and technical training sessions to the new in house installation teams, allowing the HA to save circa £1000 per bathroom refit as opposed to outsourcing the labour aspect. N&C was chosen as a manufacturer that is unique in the sense that it offers the true one stop shop concept direct to the social landlord, so the specification encompasses every aspect of the bathroom product portfolio from the primer on the walls, wall tiling, vinyl floors, sanitaryware, adhesive and grouting solutions, bathing and showering solutions, through to IPX4 ventilation and all the accessories including mirrors and shaving points etc. To date, this HA has opted to revamp not only its planned maintenance specification, but also its regeneration, voids and reactive maintenance specifications. The amount

of money it is saving from one single specification from one manufacture that takes one phone call/email or fax to place one order, and comes on one delivery, and is on one single invoice is allowing them to maximise on their budget. Investing in home adaptations can result in significant cost savings. For example, N&C was asked come up with a solution of future proofing the homes with a noninstitutional look in a bathroom adaptation with InCommunities. The company achieved this by simply changing a few key items in the bathroom such as upgrading the wall tiles to achieve a modern new built house type look at no extra cost. Instead of using a set of half high doors they used Freespace and awardwinning showering enclosure system that is multi-user friendly for those that require assistance and other members of the family as a very practical showering solutions that achieves inclusive design. The grout was changed from normal cementuous grout to a resin based grout, this is slightly more costly, however it totally eradicated the need to rake out and regrout every time the property is void due to grout discolouring or staining etc, saving huge amounts of money long term. They used chrome grab rails instead of white plastic rails. Cost savings were made by getting everything from one manufacturer and paying one invoice – the administration fees saved alone will outweigh the additional cost. Simple things like working with the manufacturer to ensure all BS standards are met with regards to the product installed sound basic, but you will be surprised how much cheap Chinese bathroom products are fitted into social housing that does not conform.

N&C offers a true one stop shop concept direct to the social landlord

Lifetime Homes and future proofing Figures sought from the Department of Work and Pensions have suggested a rapid increase in the number of over 50s, stating that nearly half the adult population within the UK will fall into this category by 2020. Government initiatives involve an increase in Lifetime Homes to suit this growing demographic, enabling homes to be future proofed and designed with accessibility and independence in mind. Lifetime Homes support the vision for the people to stay in their existing homes rather than moving to residential homes later on in life. Published research and academic reports are suggesting that there is a requirement for bathrooms adaptations that isn’t currently being met resulting in people not being able to move around the home independently or safely. Bathroom adaptations such as installing a grab rail and replacing a bath with a level access shower tray can help to achieve a greater level of independence and is a significantly low cost compared to the  cost of care homes.

 www.nichollsandclarke.com

Public Sector Build Journal 37

Balustrades system and enhanced with additional features such as privacy separation screens, fascias and soffits and rainwater solutions.

Step 4: Support Seek the advice and support of an experienced designer and manufacturer of balcony and balustrade solutions from the earliest possible stage. This will increase design flexibility and fabrication efficiency and ensure a beautiful balcony solution that works well, both at the construction stage and post project, and which is compliant and cost effective to build. With so much to consider, balconies really need to be designed and specified at an early stage of a project

Living the high life Balconies provide attractive and functional features for all kinds of new build housing schemes, adding architectural appeal and useful outdoor space for residents. Sapphire Balustrades’ Nick Haughton looks at how the latest developments in design and construction can assist the specification of beautiful balconies for high rise residential applications.

hen it comes to building new homes living space is often at a premium, especially in urban areas. Balconies have become an increasingly popular way to increase floor space in multi-occupancy residential buildings at both the premium and affordable ends of the market. An integral part of a building facade, balconies are also a key design element of the external architecture. Whilst achieving the desired look is therefore important, the choice of balcony may also be influenced by factors such as planning, space or budget restrictions. With so much to consider, balconies really need to be designed and specified at an early stage of a project, not only to optimise functionality and aesthetics, but also to avoid possible problems further down the line.

Logical steps Let’s start with what Sapphire sees as the four logical steps to selecting the best option for a balcony project.

Step 1: Balcony type Consider whether the balcony type should

38 Public Sector Build Journal

be a Juliet (Juliette) with no platform, an inset balcony built in to the building structure, a terrace, or a ‘projecting’ balcony (ie platform platform cantileverfixed to the structure). As mentioned earlier, a number of factors may need to be considered in this choice and often developments will combine a mix of these into the design to avoid the building looking too modular.

Step 2: Structural connection Each balcony has to be structurally efficient, thermally isolated to minimise cold bridging, and buildable within realistic site tolerances. It is, therefore, essential to determine balcony design and fixing requirements at an early stage of the project to ensure all these factors are covered. Essentially the structural integration with the building will be driven by the choice of style.

Step 3: Balcony guarding As well as ensuring the safety of those using the balcony, balustrades also play an important aesthetic role. They can be integrated as part of a complete balcony

Whilst, in the main, it is probably true to say that new developments in balcony design and manufacture tend to be driven by private housebuilders and developers, the social housing sector can also reap the benefits of these innovations which save time and cost and so make providing high quality balconies simpler to specify and more affordable. Choosing a company which delivers detailed design input and intelligent engineering up front is an essential part of project success. Sapphire is renowned for its intelligent engineering ability which really does make a difference. 

 www.sapphirebalustrades.com

Each balcony has to be structurally efficient, thermally isolated to minimise cold bridging

Officially supported by:

Taking place at:

November 25th & 26th , SECC, Glasgow

www.scotlandbuildexpo.com

Featuring

1000â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

of Quality Attendees

150+

Exhibitors

Free CPD Accredited Conference & Training Workshops

SOME OF OUR EVENT PARTNERS INCLUDE

@ ScotlandBuild # ScotlandBuild For more information please contact:

Organised by:

Email kristie.beaton@oliverkinross.com | Phone +44 (0) 207 065 5524 * The event is free to attend for anyone working in or linked to the construction industry

Public Sector Build Journal 39

Security

Nottingham tenants take control

The system at Sharpes Warehouse offers value for money and low ongoing maintenance cost

Feeling insecure in their own homes is a thing of the past for some Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) tenants. They are one of the first UK housing associations to take advantage of an innovative door entry system. 20 flats at a converted warehouse, Sharpes Warehouse, have been fitted with the ability to lock and unlock front and entry doors remotely by the use of telephones.

upplied by specialists in wireless intercom systems, Intratone, the pilot project aimed to improve access to each flat and increase security for tenants. The system uses GSM technology, enabling tenants to control access to their homes via their landline or mobile phone without the need for additional cabling. The whole system is monitored over a web platform, making lost keys, access for carers, contractors or visitors, or conversely restricting access, a thing of the past.

In control

NCHA was looking for a system that would put its staff and residents in control of access to Sharpes Warehouse apartments

40 Public Sector Build Journal

The previous system was a spent hard wired door entry system and the access control on the panel (a coded keypad) was no longer working. Tenants had to gain access with keys and had to physically come down to the main door to let people in. The NCHA maintenance team look after nearly 300 properties across the Sleaford area, making granting access to properties a difficult physical task. This becomes time consuming and expensive as traffic increases when factoring in maintenance contractors, carers or tenants losing keys. Now visitors can call the caretaker on his mobile, who can let them in remotely. Sharon Singleton, Regional Housing Manager said: “We were looking for a system that would put our staff and residents in control of access to Sharpes Warehouse apartments. We are very pleased with the outcome of the project which is already making a big difference, giving our tenants peace of mind and saving time and resources for our maintenance team.”

Putting the system to the test Part of the challenge of this installation was the rural location. NCHA is a vast Housing Association with housing stock disseminated across the Midlands. So it was crucial that the system worked even with a weak signal, plus the ability to have control of the system remotely from a central location was vital. The system offers value for money and low on-going maintenance cost, with no need to replace broken handsets or incur call out fees for fault finding on the cables. Derby based specialist IT installers, Salt Network Consulting, have been NCHA’s preferred contractor for a decade. Tasked with installing the new system, the team quickly realised the benefits of the new technology over similar industry standard products. Managing Director, Tim Salt said: “Intratone is a unique and cost effective system that enabled us to install a reliable intercom system with minimal manpower and remote maintenance, making the job more cost effective for everyone involved. Initially, we were assisted on-site by the Intratone team, in order to grasp the new system’s setup process. Although unconventional, we now regard this product as a welcome addition to our portfolio of

Security

Door Entry Systems:

products and would consider this system as a great advantage to our other clients who have to fit a new system to an existing building, especially if they haven’t any cabling or it is spent.” A resident’s satisfaction survey carried out on completion of the works show positive feedback on the ease of the system and reports an extra sense of security. Pleased with the outcome, NCHA maintenance staff are reported to be over the moon with the system. 

The concept of door entry systems as we know them today was first introduced in Spain and Italy in the 1960s. Now installed worldwide, advances in technology have transformed the way these systems work but the principle remain the same – to provide a secure communications system that gives residents control over who can access their property. At its simplest, a hard wired system consists of a two-way intercom in each home, linked to a push plate on the exterior of the building, which drives a buzzer located in the intercom unit. Depending on the number of flats which need to be fitted, this approach is becoming more and more expensive due to the labour-intensive nature of the installation. Manufacturers are now turning to the new technologies available in order to provide more competitive systems. The growth of the internet and wireless connection has seen the introduction of IP entry systems which work in tandem with home PCs and, increasingly, tablet devices that allow residents to also integrate domotic applications with their handset (smart metering, blinds or heating controls for example). Whilst a relatively expensive solution for a refurbishment, with the advantage of using existing IP connections, this type of installation tends to feature in high end new build developments. The growth of mobile phone technology has seen yet another development, with the introduction of GSM systems operated via a SIM card. Requiring no additional wiring, this type of system offers a low cost solution for public sector and social housing providers for refurbishment and new developments. By harnessing the functionality of the resident’s phone (landline or mobile), GSM systems offer residents a really simple system for opening their doors, while landlords benefit from a cost effective and productive system that can assist with property management. All information (telephone numbers, PIN codes or keyfobs) is web-based and can be programmed remotely from any internet enabled device.

NCHA maintenance staff are reported to be over the moon with the system

 www.intratone.com

A hard wired system consists of a two-way intercom in each home, linked to a push plate on the exterior of the building

Public Sector Build Journal 41

LEVATO MONO porcelain paver system The Levato Mono porcelain paver system is the pinnacle of external raised flooring technology; enabling the specification of lightweight, slip resistant and attractive raised flooring solutions, combining incredible technical properties with uncompromising aesthetics; making them the ideal choice for commercial and domestic use alike.

Just a few of the benefits at a glance: • 20mm porcelain pavers 40x80 45x90 60x60 75x75 30x120 40x120 60x120 • ‘Floating floor’ – installation over single ply membranes • Eternal product - zero maintenance required – offering massive over-life savings • Highly abrasion and stain resistant • Highly slip resistant ; R11 and achieved up to +65 wet in the BS pendulum test • Lightweight – 45kgs per m2 • High load bearing and impact resistance • Timber & stone effects ; 40+ ﬁnishes available • Ideal for balconies, roof terraces and piazzas, for both commercial & residential use • Completely non porous • Fire & frost proof • Height-adjustable support from 9mm up to 550mm

t: 0845 2700 696

e: info@thedecktileco.co.uk

www.thedecktileco.co.uk

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Focus May 2015 Eco-friendly regeneration External transformation Bespoke modular solution Composite cladding gives housing scheme new lease of life

Hard-to-treat apartments upgraded using Weber EWI

Glazing Vision meets collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s need for enhanced light and space

Public Sector Build Journal 43

SAFETYWORKS & Solutions Ltd ...the complete fall protection & access providers

Walkways

Handrails

Lifelines

Flexideck Walkway system is a combination of GRP and polyethylene that provides safe access for foot traffic on fragile roofs. Ideal for installation on standing seam aluminium roofs where regular access is required for maintenance personnel. Rooflights, protective fall guard panels. Access across fragile roofs.

Suitable for roof perimeters or the designation of access ways for both retrofit and new build projects. Available galvanised finished or powder coated. • Easyguard Handrail system - permanent freestanding handrail. • Easyguard II - clamp-on handrail system for modern standing seam roofs. • Bespoke systems also available.

Uniline horizontal and vertical wire-based fall restraint and fall arrest lifeline systems. Provides secure, hands-free access over high-level areas where solid barriers cannot be achieved. Lifelines are waterproof, chemical resistant and available in orange, black or grey.

HANDRAILS LIFELINES WALKWAYS FALL GUARDS FLEXIDECK DEMARKATION LADDERS STEELWORK

Tel: 01487 841400

www.safetyworksandsolutions.co.uk

44 Public Sector Build Journal

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Focus

Gable now looks and operates as it should

Sheltered accommodation given new lease of life When Ashford Borough Council looked into regenerating Gerlach House in the Kent town, Dura Cladding was identified as an environmentally friendly and value-for-money solution.

lacton-based Dura Composites supplied 600m2 of 150 Flush charcoal Dura Cladding boards and trims to Gerlach House, a sheltered housing scheme comprising 33 selfcontained flats, and the result was transformational. Over the years, the natural timber cladding which encased the building had weathered and deteriorated; the cost and difficulty of the frequent maintenance

therefore its lower life cycle costs. The product was also found to be competitively priced, robust and ‘through coloured’ rather than decoratively coated. It was felt that a ‘through coloured’ product offered a more sustainable solution to vandalism or accidental impact damage. Dura Cladding, an 87% recycled timber composite cladding, comes with a 10 year warranty, doesn’t require any painting or staining and will not degrade throughout its lifetime. UV stabilisers added at manufacture ensure that the boards will retain a huge proportion of its colour, even when exposed to the harshest of weather conditions. This feature in itself will leave Gerlach House looking fresh for years to come. Ashford Borough Council is pleased with the result. Simon Lees comments: “We worked closely with the Dura Composites team to ensure a great result and we haven’t been disappointed. The cladding, which was the main part of the renovation alongside some guttering and balcony repairs, looks just like natural timber and will hopefully keep the building looking smart for the next few decades.” Happy with the result, they are considering using Dura Cladding on other new-build and refurbishment schemes.

required was growing year after year. The boards had rotted, warped and faded leaving the building looking tired. Ashford Borough Council decided that it was time to invest in a more sustainable solution. Simon Lees, Building Surveyor at Ashford Borough Council, chose Dura Cladding above other, perhaps more traditional timber alternatives, primarily because of its long life expectancy plus its low maintenance upkeep, and

Dura Composites supplied 600m2 of its ecofriendly Dura Cladding to renovate Gerlach House

 www.duracomposites.com 

info@duracomposites.com  01255 423601

Public Sector Build Journal 45

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Focus

Bricks before and after the restoration

EWI transforms apartment blocks in Camden In the London Borough of Camden, external wall insulation (EWI) by Saint-Gobain Weber was specified for the thermal upgrade and aesthetic refurbishment of hard-to-treat apartment blocks built in the early 1900s.

he selected properties, namely St Margaret’s House, St Joan’s House and St Martin’s House, are owned and managed by Origin Housing who provide essential affordable housing in north London and Hertfordshire. Principle contractor Climate Energy Limited, who awarded the installation of the EWI to Aspiration Energy, a specialist in renewable energy and thermal retrofit projects based in Diss, Norfolk, has worked closely with Origin Housing and Saint-Gobain Weber to provide the upgrade programme and achieve funding. The apartment blocks, close to Euston railway station, London NW1, are of solid wall construction and built mainly with original London Red brick. Situated in a conservation area, planners were keen to restore the original appearance of the buildings while being sympathetic to the need to improve the thermal performance of the properties and the living conditions of their tenants. The planners had dismissed other brick-effect products before accepting the weber.therm XB system which includes authentic brick slips that are created by cutting the face of an actual clay brick to create a 12-13mm brick slip. weber.therm XB EWI system is a high performance EWI system providing efficient thermal insulation for both refurbishment and new build projects. It extends the

46 Public Sector Build Journal

life of existing buildings by keeping the old structure warm and stable while rejuvenating tired facades. Tim Hayton, Head of Asset Management, Origin Housing, comments: “The project has progressed well and we are incredibly impressed with the work done to replicate the historic feel to the exterior of the buildings. We look forward to the impact the works will have in reducing the cost of our resident’s heating throughout the colder months whilst decreasing our impact on the environment as an organisation.” U-values calculated by Saint-Gobain Weber show a pre-installation U-value of 2.13 W/ m²K which has been dramatically improved to a comfortable 0.30 W/m²K. Weber specified 110mm thickness of expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation which was mechanically fixed to the sound masonry substrate. weber.rend EXB adhesive mortar, which offers the

practical benefits of smooth application, speed and economy, is applied to form a bedding for the brick slips. These are supported with spacers that provide the correct gap for pointing with weber.rend BPM using an appropriate pointing gun. Brick slips are available in a wide range of colours and textures which allows aesthetic coordination with neighbouring properties. On the St Margaret’s block natural brick slips in Antique Red were chosen from the Weber range and placed to form a Flemish bond laying pattern. On the St Joan’s building brick slips in Soft Red were applied in Old English bond and soldier courses above window and door openings were authentically replicated. Work is still due to commence on St Martin’s house which will be externally insulated on the walls, and internally insulated in the roof space; single glazed timber windows will also be replaced. For speed of application and economy the rear facade of the of St Margaret’s building has been refurbished with weber.therm XM EWI and finished with high performance, low maintenance and durable weber.plast TF in Willow. This bespoke solution was delivered over a seven month programme. The project was initially Energy Company Obligation (ECO) funded to deliver a carbon saving scheme while reducing energy bills and improving the living standards of tenants and leaseholders. A new funding channel was established with Climate Energy acting as principle funding manager in March 2014 when ECO funding was withdrawn. The programme has been completed under the Green Deal (GD) Cashback Scheme.

 www.netweber.co.uk 

mail@netweber.co.uk  08703 330 070

Planners were keen to restore the original appearance of the buildings while being sympathetic to the need to improve the thermal performance

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Focus

Glazing Vision designed and manufactured a high specification bespoke shaped modular Flushglaze rooflight

Creating a positive work environment The McGrath Centre is a recent project build undertaken within the grounds of St Catharine’s college in Cambridge. The multi-purpose building features Glazing Vision’s Flushglaze modular rooflight, which addressed the requirement for enhanced light and space.

he college has undergone numerous transitions since its opening in 1473, and is now a popular academic choice for undergraduates. Offering excellent extra-curricular activities and academic study, the college is known for its lively and diverse community amongst both students and staff. The new addition of the McGrath Centre as a multi-purpose building provides a range of facilities, from meeting rooms to bars, auditoriums to lectures, performances to social occasions. In particular, the foyer provides an openly versatile space; it is ideal for guest receptions, exhibitions or for simple refreshment breaks, with a retractable wall providing the additional option of separating this open space from the auditorium. The auditorium itself is a major feature within the new-build. It was important for RHP architects, who worked on site, to create a particularly spacious feel to the room, in order for both lecturers and

48 Public Sector Build Journal

students to benefit from a positive work environment. State of the art lighting and retractable seating was fitted to improve the overall appearance and create more floor space when necessary. Glazing Vision designed and manufactured a high specification bespoke shaped modular Flushglaze rooflight which was installed above the auditorium, significantly increasing the amount of natural light that enters the building. The clean minimal framework and diffused light further enhances the modern design of the McGrath Centre. Due to the functional nature of the space, part of the brief set out by the architects was to reduce the potential amount of glare created by having such a large expanse of glass installed overhead. Therefore Okalux glass was used which features insulated glass elements containing ‘capillary tubes’ in the cavities; these tubes are designed to break up incident daylight and diffuse it throughout the interior of the building. The result offers not only excellent

thermal performance with a high degree of light transmission, but also ensures an even spread of light throughout the space with no bright or dark zones, perfect for a learning environment. Measuring 6m long and almost 5m wide at the widest point, the sheer size of the feature and its position in relation to other buildings on site meant that the installation process was always going to present a challenge. The rooflight had to be accurately installed within an existing steel framework, which necessitated changes to the original design in order to make the various components integrate effectively. A centrally placed steel flitch plate was integrated with the existing steels in the building and was used as the main support for the rooflight, whilst the ten separate individually shaped sections of glass were secured off the steel spine using aluminium back to back angles. Even though it was a rigorous process, Glazing Vision’s high level of precision and expertise ensured that the installation was carried out efficiently. The even spread of light that encompasses the auditorium would have been impossible to achieve without Glazing Vision’s bespoke roof light. Due to the building being situated within a courtyard sufficient light could not have been gained from either side of the building. However, the modular rooflight has brought a central focus to the room and a dynamic feel to the workspace. Ultimately, the McGrath Centre project has been able to further enhance what the college has to offer, creating a public facility to make education at St Catharine’s both an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

 www.glazingvision.co.uk 

sales@glazingvision.co.uk  01379 353741

The sheer size of the feature meant that the installation process was always going to present a challenge

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Focus

ALL THE GUIDANCE AND PROTECTION YOU NEED UNDER ONE ROOF VISIT WWW.NFRC.CO.UK OR CALL 020 7638 7663 Follow us on Twitter @TheNFRC

P B S ARY

LIBR

sustainable-buildingproducts.com

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

Public Sector Build Journal 49

Kitchens, Bathrooms & Washrooms Able 2 worked in conjunction EffectAble and together they surveyed the property

Top specialists collaborate for inclusive home Top specialists in adapting housing for the elderly and less able chose a unique shower/pump combination developed by two of the shower industry’s market leaders – Mira Showers and Whale, the specialist pump manufacturers – to produce a home suitable for a wheelchair user.

he installer, EffectAble, is one of the UK’s designers and installers of aids and adaptations for the elderly and less able and selected the Advance Flex Extra shower – part of the range of Advance electric showers from Mira Showers – and the Instant Match Wireless Pump. The apartment adapted is in a multistorey building, Verney House, owned by Westminster City Council and operated by CityWest Homes, which had commissioned Able 2 Occupational Therapy Services. Able 2 worked in conjunction EffectAble and together they surveyed the property, which required pumped drainage to create a level access shower because it was not feasible to create gravity drainage through the floor. The Advance Flex Extra shower and Instant Match Wireless Pump combination is specifically designed to simplify installing or retro-fitting a wetroom-style bathroom particularly where conventional gravity-fed drainage is not possible, such as apartment bathroom adaptations and where level access is needed. When the shower is in use, the integral sensors communicate wirelessly to match the rate at which the pump drains the water

50 Public Sector Build Journal

to the shower’s flow rate so that the pump is both efficient and suction noise at the gulley is minimal. The pump slows down when the shower is turned off but continues to clear any remaining water from the wetroom floor or tray and then, 15 minutes later, switches back on to drain any water that may have pooled. This two-way communication between shower and pump also helps prevent any risk of flooding as the shower stops if the pump’s power supply cuts out. Wireless technology makes the pump and shower combination extremely adaptable while streamlining installation, commissioning and reduces maintenance. The installer can fit the pump wherever it is most convenient because there is no physical electrical connection between the shower unit and the pump. There are four stages to installation: connect the power to the Instant Match transformer, turn the shower on to full cold, turn the power on for the shower with the pull cord and simply press and hold the transformer test button. The shower will emit an audible beep and the transformer light will blink green

The Advance Flex Extra shower and Instant Match Wireless Pump combination is specifically designed to simplify installing a wetroom-style bathroom

to indicate successful pairing. Maintenance is reduced because, once registered, the two units are paired even if there is a power cut the built-in memory continues to save the unique digital serial number that links Advance to the Whale pump, and also prevents any interference from any other wireless devices in the vicinity. Adapted from Mira’s existing Advance Flex range of electric showers, the Advance Flex Extra Wireless shares the range’s strong credentials for the care market, being endorsed by the RNIB. Designed especially for the visually impaired, the shower features a large, colour contrasted rotary lever, tactile raised areas, a large on/off button, backlit buttons and an audible click on the temperature lever so it is easy to use. To improve safety and mobility in the showering area, the Advance Flex Extra has an extra-long slide bar that is also easily adjusted for height because the friction clamp bracket can be operated with just one hand – a feature that occupational therapists consider to be ‘inclusive’. The rotary lever that controls temperature is fitted with a loop so it can be operated easily by those with limited dexterity. The shower hose – 2m long – is also designed so that carers can easily assist in showering.

 www.mirashowers.co.uk 

mirashowers@facta.co.uk  020 7031 8290

MODULAR SHOWERING SOLUTIONS  LEAK FREE  DESIGN BUILD  ZERO MAINTENANCE  DURABLE & RELIABLE  RECYCLABLE  QUICK & EASY TO INSTALL  ISO 9001 REGISTERED  ISO 14001 REGISTERED  25 YEAR GUARANTEE

TAPLANES

S H OW E R I N G S O L U T I O N S

Telephone 01423 771645



Email admin@taplanes.co.uk



www.taplanes.co.uk

PRO-RAILING

The Stainless Steel Handrail Component System Public Sector Build Journal

Scan this code with your smart phone

swipe to see more!

• Now including Pro-Glass

The

• Component system • On-site flexibility • Fast nationwide delivery • Competitive prices • Available from stock 01708 25 35 45

prorailing@brundle.com

www.fhbrundle.co.uk

app

for iPhone, iPad and Android Free download available now BROWSE

SPECIFY

SOURCE

DIGEST

Public Sector Build Journal 51

Kitchens, Roofing, Health & Cladding Bathrooms Safety & Insulation & Washrooms Bushboard’s RPM urinals and vanity unit in Pacific and Welsh Slate

Bushboard’s RPM is top of the class Hopwood Hall College is a further education vocational college based in two campuses, Middleton and Rochdale, in the northeast of Manchester. Over the past couple of years, £4.7m has been spent regenerating the college’s older buildings as part of a capital investment project run by the Schools Funding Agency.

areth Tuxworth is the Capital Project Manager at Hopwood Hall College. Gareth was looking for washrooms which would stand the test of time. “The key to our washrooms is that they need to be robust and resilient, they need to be student proof, damage and vandalism proof. Everything we have installed and put together has been done to a good quality and that’s sturdy enough to withstand learners jumping all over it!” Gareth chose Bushboard’s Aero Glass for changing and shower areas and Quadro cubicles for the redevelopment of washrooms at both campuses. Bushboard’s ready plumbed modules (RPM) with exclusive range of sanitaryware and brassware, SanCeram was used throughout. “The pre-plumbed systems Bushboard offered made installation really easy, a lot quicker process than any other companies we looked at.” “We looked at the big sanitaryware brands, but the SanCeram range was good enough for us. Everything in the new Bushboard’s Quadro toilet cubicle in Fern and Welsh Slate

52 Public Sector Build Journal



washrooms look slick, giving it the wowfactor.” Gareth saved both time and money by using Bushboard’s RPM, “Bushboard weren’t the cheapest, but with the amount of time it would have cost me to get tradesmen in to build all the panels, to put them together, build the frames, fix the frames, fix the sanitaryware, seal it all, it would have been a much longer process and would have cost us more money in labour. With Bushboard’s RPM, the process was fairly straight forward, we just put it together like a jigsaw puzzle.” Hopwood Hall College’s colours are blue, grey and black, Gareth wanted to use these colours in the washroom areas so opted for Bushboard’s Pacific for the boys, Fern for the girls and Welsh Slate. Gareth would recommend Bushboard Washrooms and has already placed more orders for 2015. He says: “Bushboard’s sales service, product and the practicality and ease of installing it is good. We would absolutely recommend Bushboard.”

 www.bushboard-washrooms.co.uk washrooms@bushboard-washrooms.co.uk  01536 533620

Kitchens, Bathrooms & Washrooms

Learn about hygiene New Government guidelines on provision of hygiene rooms in educational buildings have prompted the development of tools to specifiers to get it right. Clos-o-Mat, Britain’s leading provider of disabled toilet solutions, has put together a CPD training course dedicated to hygiene rooms. The seminar covers the legal and recommended requirements, design, and equipment therein. Thus hygiene room projects can be completed to be fully compliant, deliver ‘best practice’, and meet users’ needs effectively. “Government guidelines require provision of suitable toilet facilities for all pupils, and have recently changed to set minimum standards for hygiene rooms,” explains Kelvin Grimes, Clos-o-Mat hygiene rooms project manager. “On a daily basis, we deal with the design, specification, and installation

of such facilities, and all the complex equipment therein, so know all the requirements, considerations and potential pitfalls. The CPD training course consolidates that knowledge in one place, so everyone involved in the process can be best equipped to create a functional facility that optimises pupils’ hygiene needs.” The CPD training course is reinforced with a raft of support material online at www.clos-o-mat.com, including a white paper, CAD downloads, typical layouts and a video. Clos-o-Mat has a proven track record

in the provision of hygiene rooms, from design advice through project management to commissioning and future service & maintenance, in primary and secondary mainstream schools, special schools, colleges and universities. It has specialised in the provision of disabled toilet facilities since its foundation over 50 years ago, and is now the UK’s leading source for domestic and ‘out of home’ hygiene provision for disabled people.  www.clos-o-mat.com  info@clos-o-mat.com 

0161 969 1199

Doc M finds fresh style with i.Care

21st century learning environment fit for all Highland Council is spending £31m upgrading Lochaber High School to create a ‘truly inspirational’ learning environment; one element of the refurbishment is the creation of a new hygiene room, and revamping of an existing one, to accommodate the more intimate toileting needs of pupils with severe and complex additional support needs. The equipment in the rooms has been supplied by Closo-Mat, and includes the company’s Palma Vita automatic shower/wash and dry toilet. Looking like a conventional WC, the Palma Vita has in-built washing and drying. The functions efficiently and consistently clean the user after toileting, without the need for wiping clean with toilet paper.  www.clos-o-mat.com  

info@clos-o-mat.com 0161 969 1199

Balmorals London, bathroom specialists’ Approved Document M compliant toilet and washbasin solution is stylish, cost-effective and fully compliant. The i.Care Doc M Close Coupled & Low Level Pack presents a 470mm white ceramic raised height WC, with a ring seat and a choice of either a single raised chrome push button or lever activated close-coupled cistern. Moving round the room the mono-tap wash-handbasin and brackets is fitted with a sequential, lever-activated mixer tap which is again easy to operate for those with dexterity issues. The pack contains a bottle trap and a 32mm flush grated waste fitting.  www.balmoralslondon.co.uk  malcolm@mondomiogroup.com

 0208

349 7229

Designer Contracts expands range of lighting packs Designer Contracts has expanded its already extensive lighting packages with three new quality ranges – Select, Supreme and one dedicated to low energy. Select is an excellent value package and includes elegant and contemporary lighting essentials. Supreme offers prestige and opulent light fittings aimed at the luxurious end of the market. Both collections comprise energy efficient and low energy LED ceiling light fittings and come with a selection of co-ordinating table and floor lamps. The Low Energy range is a combination of Select and Supreme and comes with dedicated low energy LED bulbs. Shade options are available for all three ranges where a ceiling fitting is not desired.  www.designercontracts.com  enquiries@designercontracts.com

 01246

854577

Public Sector Build Journal 53

Doors, Windows & Balustrades

Children’s Centre made warmer, quieter and cleaner Nestled next to Kennington Park lies Bishops House Children’s Centre. Built in 1895 for the Bishop of Rochester, he wanted it to be passed on to the community and used by the local children. In 2004 it became a dedicated children’s centre and since then has transformed to an Early Years Centre. The central chapel of this Grade II Listed impressive Georgian style building has now been converted to the reception for the Early Years Centre. In spring 2015 the Northern line extension works are to begin in earnest, which will disrupt the environment of the nursery until at least 2020 when it is due to open. The current single glazed windows offer minimal acoustic protection and any ill-fitting frames also allow dirt and dust into the building. To maintain a quiet, clean and comfortable environment for the users of the nursery, Selectaglaze was tasked with providing a solution using its bespoke secondary glazing systems as a result of similar works completed on the

Crossrail scheme. A fully independent tailor made window system set 100mm or more from the existing window achieves a noise reduction of 43-45dB and high performance frame seals both limit airborne sound and trap the dirt and dust. With the property being Grade II Listed, secondary glazing is great solution as it is a reversible adaptation. Selectaglaze produced sympathetic designs for listed building consent using sliding and fixed systems with locks to ensure permanent protection. Selectaglaze is a leading specialist in secondary glazing, established in 1966 and granted the Royal Warrant in 2004. 

 www.selectaglaze.co.uk enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk  01727 837271

Total Glass supplies Turn-Key solution at Ash Grange Fenestration specialist Total Glass provided a full Turn-Key window and entrance door solution at a city residential high-rise block for client Wates Living Space. Working to a detailed specification, Total Glass manufactured and installed 330 white ‘A’-rated PVC-U casement windows at the 10-storey Ash Grange in Knotty Ash, which provides housing for the over 55s. Total’s commercial team handled every aspect of the project, from initial surveys, wind loading and air permeability calculations to product design, manufacture and installation. French Doors, plus Total Glass high-security aluminium communal entrance doors that are specially-developed for multiple occupancy residential properties, were also fitted as part of the refurbishment works.  www.totalglass.com



sales@totalglass.com



0151 549 2339

Introducing the latest DX80 Pivota hinge As sole UK stockist and distributor of the PIVOTA series of fully concealed, three way adjustable, four knuckle precision hinges, Cooke Brothers is proud to introduce the new DX80 3-D ZA extended throw hinge, which has been designed to provide a full 180 degree of operation, whilst providing the option of a completely flush sightline line between the door and the wall fascia. The DX80 incorporates 15mm of extended throw, allowing the door to swing fully open past extra wall cladding or an architrave, or for the hinge to be set further in from the edge of the timber frame, simplifying the machining process.

Comar launches 5P.i ECO+ range Comar is pleased to launch its latest development: the Comar 5P.i ECO+ range. Comar 5P.i ECO+ has been designed to perform, whilst backed by Comar’s market leading delivery. Comar 5P.i ECO+ offers additional thermal performance to the Comar ECO product range: by extending the polyamide strips and inserting thermal foam, this product range will provide a future-proof solution for casement windows meeting U-values up to 2016. With more and more onus on the environment, window and door systems must be sustainable. Using aluminium the Comar 5P.i ECO+ system is 100% recyclable. Aluminium can be recycled an infinite number of times with no loss to its capability.  www.comar-alu.co.uk 

 www.cookebrothers.co.uk

54 Public Sector Build Journal

 sales@cookebrothers.co.uk

 01922

740011

projects@parksidegroup.co.uk  020 8685 9685

Doors, Windows & Balustrades

Reduce noise, increase performance Should you buy the highest rated acoustic door you can find? If that’s what you want then Enfield Speciality Doors can supply timber doors with an impressive BMTrada accreditation of 54dB (Rw). In reality, your problem will not be average so looking at the average (Rw) rating may not offer the best solution. Every composite acoustic door has characteristics in different frequency ranges so it’s important to look at the specifics of the problem and then select the correct door based on your needs. When Manchester University needed to protect measuring equipment from external noise pollution they called Enfield Speciality Doors and it was

found that the 42dB (Rw) offered a cost reduction and better performance in the problem frequency range. Manchester University later reported that the doors performed above expectation. Enfield Speciality Doors occupies nearly two acres of North London where its mill produces any section of timber required and its veneer shop ensures that every fire, security, X-ray and acoustic door are all finished in visual

harmony across the whole project. John Connell OBE and founder of the Noise Abatement Society once said: “Exposure to persistent, unwanted sound is detrimental to health, learning, productivity and quality of life.” Today businesses are beginning to realise that next to air pollution, noise disruption is the next enemy to be controlled.  www.enfielddoors.co.uk 

sales@enfielddoors.co.uk  0208 805 6662

Public Sector Build Journal 55

Drainage & Landscaping

Marshalls brings street furniture brands together Marshalls, leading hard landscaping manufacturer, has announced that it will be bringing together all of its street furniture products and specialist businesses into a singular brand offering. Having been a part of the brand for 10 years, leading street furniture, lighting and signage manufacturer Woodhouse, has now become fully integrated into the Marshalls street furniture portfolio. Now, Marshalls is delighted to announce these bespoke product solutions will be brought together with the rest of its

street furniture portfolio into the single Marshalls brand – helping clients to create an extraordinary, cohesive style with ease. All of the things customers love about Woodhouse will remain, but with a number of added benefits. It will still have the same philosophy for quality and design, but with the wider selection of products and extra technical support that the Marshalls brand brings. As an element of the Marshalls brand, Woodhouse will become its bespoke street furniture solutions offering. As such, Woodhouse Bespoke Product Solutions will be perfect for bringing creative concepts and ideas to life. Marshalls, best known for hard

landscaping products, has been a leading supplier of street furniture for nearly 35 years. All of the products and content from the Woodhouse website has been migrated across to the Marshalls website. The company will continue to publish and share the great social content that clients enjoyed through the Woodhouse website, however this will now be published through Marshalls new ‘Creating Better’ knowledge blog where a broader range of subjects will be covered.  www.marshalls.co.uk 

info@marshalls.co.uk  0870 990 7504

Affinity Water relies on Zaun’s Super10 Security fencing manufacturer Zaun has taken its first order for its HiSec Super10 system – believed to be the first single mesh to be certified to Security Rating 2. Zaun will supply and install approaching 100m of the SR2-rated HiSec Super10 along with a series of Super10 gates for security systems integrator Reliance High-Tech for Affinity Water. Zaun will install 4m-high blue-coated Super10 fencing to surround a water tower and electric sub-station and a similar-sized loading bay together with single and double leaf gates at one site. Two similar enclosures made from 3m-high silver powder coated Super10 will go in at another water station nearby.  www.zaun.co.uk



sales@zaun.co.uk



01902 796699

Hauraton BIM family now online The most specified Hauraton surface drainage channels are now available as Building Information Modelling (BIM) objects for free download via www. fastrackbim.co.uk and www.hauraton. co.uk. The new BIM family includes FASERFIX KS channels, RECYFIX STANDARD, PRO, PLUS and SLOTTED channels. A full range of Hauraton Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings are also available on www.fastrackcad.co.uk and www.hauraton.co.uk or email bim@hauraton.co.uk for further details. In addition, utilising the latest responsive technology software, a fully integrated DRAINAGE PROJECTS website featuring interesting Hauraton UK case studies, www.drainageprojects.co.uk can be accessed via smartphones and tablets.  www.drainage-projects.co.uk

56 Public Sector Build Journal



tim.connolly@hauraton.co.uk

 01582

501380

Pipe covers protect property from major damage Damage to rainwater downpipes and soil pipes can have major implications and Contour Casings has introduced a comprehensive range of anti-climb downpipe covers. Precision engineered, they can be warranted for up to 25 years and the range suits cast iron, plastic and aluminium rainwater and soil pipework. They are also available with access doors to enable rodding without having to remove the cover. The pipework protectors can be used in isolation to cover the lowest 2.5m or 3m of the downpipe, or as a whole system, including corners, Tee and stop ends to cover all exposed pipework.  www.contourcasings.co.uk 

sales@contourcasings.co.uk  01952 290498

Drainage & Landscaping

Leading the way in public realm innovations Marshalls has launched a comprehensive new range of products proving it continues to lead the way in public realm innovations, supplying the highest quality materials. Paving and Concrete Block Paving Myriad can be used to create a vast array of laying patterns, available in nine plan sizes and four colours, perfect for multifunctional spaces. Renaissance is high-recycled concrete paving which achieves a minimum of 80% recycled content, ideal for schemes which require the highest environmental performance, without compromising on aesthetics. Blister concrete block tactile paving is a durable DDA compliant solution for crossing points available in three colours, providing the necessary physical and visual indicators of a pending hazard.

Water Management Solutions Pencil Edge Priora permeable paving has been developed to provide the ideal

surface for car parks and cycleways, providing excellent hydraulic and structural performance due to the patented Priora nib. Priora Flag paving is large-sized permeable paving which comes in three plan sizes and two contrasting colours ideal for pedestrian areas and engineered and tested to withstand occasional heavy loading.

Natural Stone

Cyclescape Products

The new Cambrian sandstone range carries Marshalls’ Fairstone trademark. These stones are extremely strong and capable of carrying heavy loads. Stonespar allows for previously unseen stone paving design and style opportunities available in six attractive pre-designed colour blends.

The Bristol Bollard is designed to create safe cycleways and was initially specified by Bristol Council. The bollard features two reflective strips attached to Ferrocast inserts and is available in a natural smooth grey finish as standard. Marshalls’ new Cycle Segregation Unit has been designed to integrate seamlessly into the landscape, available in four infil options including Yorkstone.

 www.marshalls.co.uk 

info@marshalls.co.uk  0370 442 7702

portable foundations for portable buildings

n Designed to support single, double or triple storey modular buildings n Leaves playground/car park surfaces undamaged n Accredited by Building Control and chosen as sole suppliers for temporary classroom foundations for local authorities around the UK. n 100% recycled materials

www.jackpad.co.uk or call

Neil Appleby Business Development Manager

07436 037 818

Public Sector Build Journal 57

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

New floor systems to comply with hygiene standards Mapei has introduced its new Mapefloor CPU range of five flooring products for the food, beverage and chemical industries.

apei UK has added the Mapefloor CPU range which includes five new products to its Industrial Flooring line. The products benefit the chemical and food industry providing floor systems that will be in compliance with current EC norms regarding hygiene and safety within areas used for food and beverage production and storage areas. Mapefloor CPU/Cove is a threecomponent polyurethane/cement-based mortar which can be used to create coves, mould fillets and create seamless walls and floors within the industrial sector. It is ideal for coating channels and drains around plinths and can also reconstruct edges and chipped joints. Mapefloor CPU/RT is a threecomponent high-strength polyurethane/ cement-based mortar with high resistance to chemicals for coating industrial floors in layers of 6-9mm thick, with a textured finish. It is easy to apply and is best suitable for floors subjected

58 Public Sector Build Journal

to heavy traffic, aggressive chemicals and high temperatures. The Mapefloor CPU/MF also comes in three parts but is a self-smoothing multi-function mortar which has high resistance to chemicals for coating industrial floors in layers of 3-6mm thick. It can be used to create a durable smooth or textured finish for floors in demanding areas. Also within this range is Mapefloor CPU/TC, which again is in three parts and is ideal for coating walls and for finishing coats on the CPU products as well as coves. Offering a smooth ‘top-coat’ finish, this protective coating is easy to clean and has excellent resistance to abrasion within areas subject to intense traffic. Finally, the last product added to this range is Mapefloor CPU/HD, a threecomponent, high strength polyurethane/ cement-based mortar, specifically designed with high resistance to chemicals for coating industrial floors in layers of 6-9mm. It can also be applied

These products will provide floor systems that will be in compliance with current EC norms

by trowel in one application. This then provides the floor with a protective layer resistant to high temperature, chemicals and heavy traffic. All products can be applied on ‘Early Age Concrete’ and can be used in conjunction with Mapei’s range of fast-drying screeds, admixtures and sealant products. The five products are advantageous for applying to floors in the following industries: chemical and pharmaceutical, food production/ storage, wineries and breweries.

 www.mapei.co.uk 

info@mapei.co.uk  0121 508 6970

All products can be applied on ‘Early Age Concrete’

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

longest established plain colour tile collection

Ex-stock nationwide Sizes available: 200 x 200 - 150 x 150 100 x 200 - 100 x 100mm Conforms to BS EN14411 Sample boards and literature available

n i c obo nd

Gloss, matt and speckled finishes with 43 colours to choose from

ikon

Plain Colour Tile & Vinyl Range

0845 605 1345 | www.nichollsandclarke.com/tiles | info@nichollsandclarke.com

Public Sector Build Journal 51

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Altro flooring brings benefits to dementia ward Nearly a year after Altro safety flooring was installed in a pioneering new dementia ward at Warrington Hospital, statistics have revealed that the products are helping to vastly improve life for patients and staff. The £1m Forget Me Not ward opened at Warrington Hospital in May 2014, with the aim of leading the way in providing the best quality care for hospital patients with dementia. Lee Bushell, Warrington Hospital’s

Estates Officer, Capital Projects, said: “The results we have seen so far are astounding and show that we have got it right. There are fewer patient attacks on staff, fewer slips, trips and falls, and patients with a history of violence are quickly calm and relaxed after arriving at the unit. “The length of stay on the ward has vastly reduced — which for a unit with only 21 beds is a major consideration — and there is less sickness and absence among staff because they are happier in their working environment. “There are no issues with cleaning at all, and the flooring still looks good and is

performing very well.” Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was one of the largest beneficiaries from the £50m national King’s Fund, which helps shape health policy and practice. “We chose Altro Wood Safety and Altro Aquarius flooring for the new ward because we have used them both at Warrington Hospital before with great success, so I knew they would be the right choice for this project,” explains Lee.



 www.altro.com enquiries@altro.com  01462 489516

Hunter Douglas helps refurb of prestigious headquarters The award-winning refurbishment of the Eaton Court headquarters of Sir Robert McAlpine in Berkshire, designed to deliver an improved sustainability performance, features ceiling systems from Hunter Douglas. The project includes the Solid Wood Linear open ceiling system in European Oak and Walnut. The Sir Robert McAlpine system features a 111mm module, with approximately 1000m2 installed across the whole project. In the main boardroom the Walnut ceiling system was installed in a barrel vault curve by the contractors. Hunter Douglas is setting new standards for environmentally friendly architectural solutions and uses wood from FSC controlled sources in its ceiling products.  www.hunterdouglas.co.uk



info@hunterdouglas.co.uk



01604 766251

80% of Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd residents choose Marbrex Part of an ongoing bathroom refurbishment programme, housing association Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd has installed Marbrex as a wall covering in over 4500 homes. Now in its fourth year the programme has seen over 80% of residents choose Marbrex over a tiled alternative. The panels are supplied by stockist, EWE Plastics of Caernarfon, Gwynedd via Travis Perkins Group Managed Services. The housing association conducted a value engineering project to determine the suitability of the cladding product prior to specification. “Marbrex was compared against the alternatives available and came out on top,” said Paul Painter, supply chain manager for Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd.  www.marbrexpanels.co.uk

60 Public Sector Build Journal



info@marbrexpanels.co.uk

Polysafe Verona adds flavour to school dining hall A combination of Polyflor’s Polysafe Verona PUR vinyl safety flooring in two complementary and stylish shades has been used to help create an eye-catching dining hall for pupils at The Sutton Academy in St Helens. As part of a major refurbishment project at the school, over 400m2 of Polysafe Verona PUR flooring was installed throughout the dining and seating areas where pupils relax and have fun during break times. Verona flooring in Biscotti 5212 and Dolphin Grey 5203 shades was used to create a neutral backdrop for the dining hall’s vibrant purple and green benches which tie in with the Academy’s branding colours.  www.polyflor.com 

 01827

317200

info@polyflor.com  0161 767 1111

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Polyflor achieves a BES 6001 ‘Very Good’ rating

Armstrong Ceilings marks a milestone

Polyflor, a leading commercial and residential vinyl flooring manufacturer, has announced that it has obtained BES 6001 certification, demonstrating compliance with a recognised responsible sourcing scheme as certified by the BRE. Polyflor is the first flooring manufacturer to be awarded BES 6001, notably achieving a ‘Very Good’ rating (with ratings ascending from Pass; Good; Very Good to Excellent). Now in its 3rd issue, the BES 6001 framework standard for Responsible Sourcing sets out requirements under three main headings: Organisational Management; Supply Chain Management and Environmental and Social Responsibility Management. To meet the standard, organisations must satisfy certain compulsory elements.  www.polyflor.com

 info@polyflor.com

 0161

Armstrong Ceilings has marked a milestone with the award-winning NBS National BIM Library by becoming the 100th manufacturer to partner with the fastest-growing BIM library in the UK. Downloadable in the BIM formats Revit and IFC, the Armstrong portfolio of a comprehensive 158 BIM objects includes the manufacturer’s passive energysaving system CoolZone, the Perla range including Perla OP 0.95, the first mineral ceiling tile in the world to win Cradle to Cradle certification, and the new Ultima+ range. Also included are Armstrong’s range of metal lay-in and clip-in tiles and ever-popular Dune range. This latest stage in Armstrong’s BIM programme sees the launch of an unprecedented number of BIM objects in the UK where the Government is stipulating that from 2016 all public construction projects are to be built using level 2 BIM.

767 1111

Interface unveils new Microsfera Global modular flooring manufacturer, Interface, has unveiled its latest product, Microsfera, an innovative, hybrid flooring solution with the smallest carbon footprint of any carpet tile in history. Microsfera sets a new low carbon record for carpet tiles, with just 3kg of carbon per m2 released during its production, including the processing of all its raw materials. This compares with a typical carpet tile which releases 12kg of CO2 per m2, while an 80/20 wool/ nylon broadloom carpet releases 63kg of CO2 per m2. At 5kg of carbon per m2, Interface’s Microtuft products made with 100% recycled nylon held the previous record for lowest carbon contribution.  www.interface.com/microsfera



interface.uk@interfaceflor.eu

 www.nationalbimlibrary.com/



armstrong-ceilings-ltd  sales-support@armstrong.com  01788 513160

0161 817 6600

Safety and comfort comes first for Brent Council

Johnstone’s scheme continues to shine Councils, local authorities and housing associations across the UK have praised the ease and efficiency of Johnstone’s Trade’s Decorating Allowance Scheme. The scheme, which was introduced in 2013, is now being used by public sector bodies across the UK, giving their residents the freedom to decorate their own homes. The scheme is available in two different options – decorating packs and monetary vouchers – both of which are designed to provide all the materials necessary for residents to freshen up their homes. Warwick District Council has successfully used the scheme for more than 12 months and allocations officer Denise Darlison says it has been a resounding success.



 www.johnstonestrade.com customersupport.acuk@ppg.com  01924 354354

When Brent Council in Greater London sought to fit out an extra care home facility in the Wembley area with suitable flooring, they wanted to ensure that the safety and comfort of the care home residents would be top of the bill. The overall project would need would some 400m2 of new flooring throughout en-suites, shower rooms & assisted bathrooms. So, safety would be paramount in deciding which product to specify as the requirement would be for both wet and dry area. Contractor, Chelmer Group opted for Gerflor’s Tarasafe Ultra H2O vinyl safety flooring. Tarasafe Ultra H2O is a popular choice where slip resistance needs to be maintained.  www.gerflor.co.uk



contractuk@gerflor.com



01926 622600

Stopgap F77 and F78 now available in handy pack F. Ball and Co, a UK manufacturer of flooring adhesives and subfloor preparation products, has introduced new, convenient smaller pack sizes for its Stopgap F77 and Stopgap F78 waterproof surface membranes. Designed to minimise product wastage and increase efficiency, the 3kg Stopgap F77 pack and 6kg Stopgap F78 pack are ideal for controlling subfloor moisture in smaller areas. Richard Harris, Marketing Manager at F. Ball comments: “Smaller pack sizes make it more economical for contractors to use our leading waterproof surface membranes in smaller installation areas, resulting in less wastage and reduced costs.”  www.f-ball.co.uk



mail@f-ball.co.uk



01538 361633

Public Sector Build Journal 61

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation HVAC/HVP

College cuts energy costs with M2G boiler controls Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge has installed Sabien M2G boiler load optimisation controls across its estate after seeing a 17% reduction in oil consumption during a pilot trial. Sidney Sussex College was founded on St. Valentine’s Day in 1596 by legacy of Lady Frances Sidney, Countess of Sussex and is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge. The College initially installed M2G in one boiler house to verify the level of savings. Energy consumption data was provided to Sabien which was then analysed to establish the level of energy savings using the CuSUM methodology. The analysis

demonstrated a 17% reduction in oil consumption. The graph below illustrates the impact M2G had to oil consumption. Following the analysis the College proceeded to installed M2G on the remaining 11 boilers. The boilers varied in age and size and there was no downtime to the College’s operations during the installations. Using the 17% savings initially verified, it is estimated the project will pay back in 2.1 years, saving the College over £9,500 a year and resulting in avoided CRC costs of over £3,500 over 5 years. “Reducing our heating consumption

and the associated oil costs is a key objective for the College and Sabien’s M2Gs are playing a key role in achieving this,” said Keith Willox, Domus Bursar for Sidney Sussex College. “There was minimal disruption to our operations throughout the whole project. Sabien provided complete end to end project management, including the measurement and verification, commissioning and installations of the M2Gs,” he added. 

 www.sabien-tech.co.uk reduceco2@sabien-tech.co.uk  00800 082 89 89

Dates announced for Housing Association Roadshow

Waterloo is right on track at Glasgow’s sporting facility Waterloo Air Products plc provided Variable Air Volume (VAV) units and heavy duty linear floor grilles for Glasgow’s Emirates Arena which includes a world class velodrome named after cycling legend, Sir Chris Hoy. Waterloo’s VAV dampers efficiently supply controlled volumes of air, independent of the duct pressure. They are fully adjustable for air velocity of 2.0-10m/s and can be mounted in any position with settings fully adjustable on site. The heavy duty floor grilles are specifically designed for commercial and industrial applications where there is likely to be heavy and high volumes of foot traffic.  www.waterloo.co.uk  

sales@waterloo.co.uk 01622 717861

62 Public Sector Build Journal

Mitsubishi Electric has announced dates for a nationwide roadshow targeting social housing providers who need to hit renewable targets and find ways of combating fuel poverty amongst tenants. The free, half day events are designed to help housing associations, ALMOs and local authorities by providing access to the latest information on legislation, the renewable heat incentive and general advice on how to engage tenants in the process. Starting in Cardiff on 7th July and ending in Derby on 24th September, the nationwide seminars offer expert advice to housing associations, local authorities, or anyone responsible for hitting renewable targets in the social housing sector.  www.mitsubishielectricevents.co.uk/ha-roadshow  heating@meuk.mee.com

 01691

664 100

Museum artefacts protected by ATAG Heating Maintaining precise temperature and humidity levels to protect its extensive artefact collection, while keeping energy costs and emissions down at its award-winning Downland Gridshell Building, were key requirements for the management at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum when selecting a replacement for an inefficient old boiler serving the building’s underfloor heating system. Their choice was an ATAG Q60S condensing combination boiler, supplied by Chichester-based ATAG Heating UK. “The new boiler will ensure the correct level of relative humidity within our artefact store for the continued wellbeing of the important collections housed there,” said Guy Viney, Gridshell Manager.  www.atagheating.co.uk



info@atagheating.co.uk



01243 815770

HVAC/HVP

Arley Primary School benefits from Sunesis approach When Warwickshire County Council was looking to amalgamate two local schools into one new building and needed absolute certainty over both the build cost and programme, they turned to the ‘off-the-shelf’ solution offered by the unique Sunesis formula. Created as a joint venture between Scape and Willmott Dixon, Sunesis is an innovative approach to fixed-cost construction which delivers buildings for the public sector with speed, simplicity and certainty. The process also includes the latest renewable heating system from Mitsubishi Electric which will now help safeguard the school’s monthly energy costs. The new £3.9m Arley Primary School, near Nuneaton has been built at Gun Hill, on the site of the current infant school, amalgamating it with nearby

Herbert Fowler Junior School. It will take in a maximum of 315 children, 45 in each year group, from the villages of Ansley and Old and New Arley, and provides a wonderful learning environment for the community. The inclusion of three Ecodan CAHV monobloc air source heat pumps will provide all the heating and hot water that the school requires, with the Ecodan heating system operating effectively in ambient temperatures of -20ºC to 40ºC making it ideal for use all year round.

For every 1kW of electricity used to power an Ecodan CAHV air source heat pump, up to 3.2kW of heat can be delivered to the building; 69% of which is renewable energy, which also means that the school now qualifies for the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive. This will see Arley Primary School receive regular quarterly payments for the next 20 years.



 www.ecodan.co.uk heating@meuk.mee.com  01707 282880

Bosch extends Plate Heat Exchanger range

Saniflo supports National Apprentice Competition As one of the leading brands in the plumbing sector Saniflo has a long history of supporting plumbing students. From working with colleges throughout the UK to providing online training modules on its website, the company is committed to investing in the plumbers of the future. This year Saniflo is supporting the National Apprentice of the Year competition run by SNG Publishing, publishers of the HIP! and Sparks magazines and handbooks for Plumbing students. The competition has been running since 2009 and was conceived to offer students the opportunity to be recognised for their skills and hard work.

Leading manufacturer, Bosch Commercial and Industrial Heating, has launched a GB Commercial Plate Heat Exchanger designed to allow its range of GB boilers to be fitted to an open-vented system. Designed to ensure boiler water and system water never directly meet, the GB commercial plate heat exchanger offers long term protection for the boiler; ultimately maximising running hours whilst minimising potential downtime and improving efficiency. The heat exchanger allows the boiler installation to be under a sealed system configuration whilst allowing existing and quite often older heating systems to remain under a lower pressure open vent arrangement.  www.bosch-industrial.co.uk



info@saniflo.co.uk 020 8842 0033

 0330 123 3004

Tapping into free energy with Green Square Green Square, one of the UK’s leading renewable energy stores, is delighted to announce the newest addition to its product line – the Monobloc, an air source heat pump (ASHP) specifically engineered for the British climate by UK manufacturer Lailey & Coates. By using the latest in renewable home heating technology, the Monobloc collects natural heat from the air and compresses it, increasing its temperature and providing energy to the home. The Monobloc’s easy-to-use mechanism gives the homeowner total control over their heating. By setting the room thermostat to the desired gauge, the ASHP will regulate the temperature all year round, regardless of the conditions outside.

 www.saniflo.co.uk 

 bob.chapman@uk.bosch.com

 www.greensquare.co.uk

 sales@greensquare.co.uk

 033

33 707 707

Public Sector Build Journal 63

Focus & Innovation

Berry Systems provided a solution and appropriate perimeter barriers for the six decks and the spiral entrance and exit ramps

Berry barriers help enhance passenger experience A revised design for the new Heathrow Terminal 2 multi storey car park called for a floor depth of just 150mm comprising a 60mm deep slab with 90mm structural topping.

owever, and there’s always a however, a traditional rigid safety barrier post needs fixing with 4 bolts each to a depth of 170mm. Obviously these couldn’t be used so contractors Laing O’Rourke turned to barrier specialist Berry Systems to provide a solution and appropriate perimeter barriers for the six decks and the spiral entrance and exit ramps. Over many years Berry Systems has developed a range of flexible spring steel barriers that ‘give’ on impact. This not only reduces damage to both the barrier and an impacting vehicle but crucially reduces the pull out loading on the anchorage by 50% or more. This in turn allows post fixing to be achieved by using only a single bolt embedded to a depth of merely 110mm – a depth achievable into the new slabs. The specification was completed with Berry Beam safety rails to provide a

64 Public Sector Build Journal

more attractive appearance than the well known “Armco” style. Post extensions provided mountings for a pedestrian handrail at 1100mm high with integral anti-climb mesh where needed. The thin slabs were developed by Bison Manufacturing and are the thinnest precast concrete planks produced to date in the UK. They led to many benefits which considerably reduced the construction programme. It also allowed six floors in

the usual height of five, increasing capacity to 1340 spaces. But perimeter protection would have proved problematical without the expertise of Berry Systems. Its experience in producing barriers curved to fit spiral ramps was also important as these have to be carefully planned to ensure the right section is available in the right place at the right time throughout the installation programme – and fits the radius required. The £2.5b redevelopment of Terminal 2 is central to the overall strategy for the future of Heathrow and crucial to this was the construction of the car park that acts as the Terminal’s front door. Heathrow T2 programme close-out lead Andy Weber explains: “Unless you come and go by train, you’ll see some element of the car park – it’s not just for car drivers. It’s a big part of our passenger experience – the top deck is the departures forecourt and the ground level is the arrivals forecourt.” The total project includes the main Terminal 2 building, a 522-metre satellite pier, an energy centre and cooling station as well as the 1340 space car park.

 www.berrysystems.co.uk 

sales@berrysystems.co.uk  01902 491100

Over many years Berry Systems has developed a range of flexible spring steel barriers that ‘give’ on impact

Focus & Innovation

Public Sector Build Journal 65

Focus Roofing, Health &&Innovation Cladding Safety & Insulation

The ultimate preservation solution A lighter, more consistent, fresher and natural colour to treated wood can now be achieved by utilising the latest micronized wood preservative technology. Steve Uphill, Head of Development for Koppers Performance Chemicals, provides an overview for specifiers looking to avoid the traditional green ‘hue’ and discusses the additional environmental and aesthetic benefits.

opper, in various guises, has been used in the preservation of timber since the mid 1930s. Today, aminesoluble copper solutions are widely used in order to help preserve timber. Commonly, the use of amine-soluble copper solutions involves getting the copper into the wood by dissolving it in a solvent. Alkaline copper quat and copper azole systems use amines to dissolve the copper. Micronizing technology however is different – it does not need or use any solvents. The micronizing process involves grinding copper particles to a size so small that the particles can penetrate the timber in solid form. The resulting preservative solution delivers highly effective protection against fungal decay and insect attack, whilst providing an environmentally preferred, aesthetically pleasing solution for the timber and construction industry. Whilst the treatment solution is revolutionary, the preservative process by which micronized timber treatments are applied remains largely the same as that of a traditional preservative – once timber has been transferred into the treatment vessel, a vacuum is applied which pulls air out of the vessel and the timber itself. Micronized treatment solution then floods the vessel before the vessel is pressurized, forcing the preservative into the timber. The unused preservative solution is then drained out of the pressure vessel, and the final step is a vacuum. The immediate noticeable difference of micronized timber is its lighter green colour compared to other traditional copper based treatment products. As a result, the

66 Public Sector Build Journal

unique appearance of micronized timber makes it stand out over and above standard timber products, providing treated timber that is more natural in appearance. Of course, there are situations where aesthetic requirements demand a certain look. As such, a micronized iron oxide pigmented wood colourant can be added to the treatment solution as part of the wood impregnation process to deliver a light brown shade once treatment is complete. When compared to traditional in-solution colourants, micronized systems provide a significantly improved colour life. Aesthetics aside, micronized treated timber products also pose additional environmental benefits. Koppers’ MicroPro technology for example, has been awarded the GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification. The GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification SM programme approves products with low volatile organic chemical (VOC) emissions that are suitable for use in schools, offices and other sensitive environments. Due to the chemistry of micronized preservative technology, the system also dries much faster than alternatives and offers better corrosion resistance for code approved fasteners and hardware. It can also be used in direct contact with aluminium. Regardless of the preservative system, thought should always be given to the natural durability of the timber species and indeed the Use Class too. The natural durability of timber can be dramatically improved by preservative treatment to achieve the required Use Class, if it does not already meet it.

The immediate noticeable difference of micronized timber is its lighter green colour

Timber should be treated to a specification appropriate for its use class. When used in Use Class 3 and 4, where timber will be used externally and subject to constant or recurring humidity, it’s important to ensure that an appropriate timber preservative has been applied, to help deliver an adequate level of protection. With these points in mind, specifiers looking for a more natural timber product, without a green hue, should ask for products that have been treated with a micronized preservative, ensuring an incredibly durable, highly effective product that is environmentally friendly and delivers the most natural aesthetic possible.

 www.kopperspc.eu 

kpc@koppers.eu 01628 486644



The natural durability of timber can be dramatically improved by preservative treatment

Focus & Innovation

Gateway to the world’s most innovative laminates Based in London’s Dockland, Abet forms part of Abet Laminati, Europe’s largest supplier of high pressure laminate. Abet has produced its own UK & Ireland Collection to provide specific market sectors with products that are stocked in the UK and competitively priced and available ex-stock with short lead times. The dedicated collection services eight specific sectors:

Locker Collection A collection of compact grade available in two thicknesses and sizes to suit locker doors and carcasses.

MEG Collection

Cubicles Collection

Material External Grade. An exterior self-supporting compact grade laminate.

A selection of sheet sizes to suit the the washroom, locker and cubicle markets.

Diverse Collection

Door Collection

For the contract market.

Sheet sizes to suit door applications.

Oberflex Collection

Labgrade Collection

Laminates with the Oberflex real wood finish.

A collection of compact grade laminates with a chemical resistant surface suitable for use in laboratories, schools or hospitals.

Woodgrain Collection

 www.abetuk.com

Woodgrain effect decors for all applications.



sales@abet.ltd.uk  020 7473 6910

New National Project Manager joins Bracknell Roofing

Put your old workflow in the BIM From its inception in the famously innovative Scottish textile industry, the development and commercialisation of emerging technology has always been an important part of the A. Proctor Group’s DNA. Now, in the 21st century, this focus has progressed into the digital space, with an expanding range of BIM objects allowing architects to easily specify Proctor Group products. With legislation now in place to encourage the adoption of modern BIM workflows on all scales of project, the A. Proctor Group has partnered with the NBS National BIM library to deliver high quality objects in both Revit-native and cross platform IFC formats, as well as traditional NBS Spec+ clauses.  www.proctorgroup.com  

ask@proctorgroup.com 01250 872261

Roofing specialist, Bracknell Roofing has bolstered its management team with the appointment of a new National Project Manager. Peter Edwards, who has more than 25 years’ experience in the roofing industry, will take responsibility for the procurement and management of non-private housing construction projects, as well as assisting with related business improvement initiatives, including recruitment, skills development and health & safety. Prior to joining Bracknell Roofing, Peter was Project Manager at Crendon Roofing Services, where he was responsible for the delivery of complete roof solutions. Before joining Crendon, he was Managing Director of his own roofing business for 10 years.  www.bracknellroofing.com

 headoffice@bracknellroofing.com

 01283

722140

Portakabin Hire delivers 300 disaster recovery projects Portakabin Hire, a leading supplier of interim building solutions, has delivered 345 disaster recovery projects to date, helping organisations to get up and running again as quickly as possible after major incidents such as flooding, fire and the discovery of asbestos. “It is really important that all organisations can be fully operational as fast as possible to minimise the impact of a major incident,” said Robert Snook, Director and General Manager of Portakabin Hire. “Our local hire teams around the country have a wealth of knowledge in disaster recovery and work closely with a number of major insurers to help ensure disruption is kept to an absolute minimum.”  www.portanews.co.uk



information@portakabin.co.uk



0845 401 0010

Public Sector Build Journal 67

Focus & Innovation

Fitness suite for Middleton Pool Middleton Pool and Fitness Centre in Newport Pagnell is undergoing a £1m makeover including the addition of a brand new gym. Work at the centre, which is managed by Places for People Leisure on behalf of Newport Pagnell Town Council, is being carried out by leisure design and build specialist Createability, and will

see a 200m2 fitness suite, complete with Precor CV equipment and Matrix strength kit, built on to the side of the building, along with brand new dry side changing facilities.

A temporary fitness suite, with 30 pieces of gym equipment, has been set up in the Tickford Community Centre nearby and usage is growing daily. Remedial work to upgrade the pool, pool hall, plant room and wet side changing will also take place as part of a long term programme to ensure the leisure centre, remains viable. The local community can sign up to the budget gym for just £16.99 per month or buy into a gym and swim all inclusive membership for £22.99. Simon Churchman, Contracts Manager for Places for People said: “Middleton Pool was built back in 1957 as an open air lido, but a roof was put on in 1989 to ensure the pool was viable 12 months a year. However, people now demand a wider choice for their exercise options and so adding a fitness suite to the offering was a natural progression. Createability’s plans look amazing and we are all really excited to see the finished result.”  www.createability.co.uk 

info@createability.co.uk  0845 070 4321

James Latham now offering engineered Grandis James Latham is now offering the Rolls-Royce of Eucalyptus through all eight of its timber depots, with the arrival of Grandis 690+, a WoodEx Engineered Grandis. Delivering a number of benefits to customers; namely sustainability, natural durability, ease of use and continuity of supply, Grandis 690+ (a reference to its impressive density scoring against other products available on the market) is 100% FSC plantation grown from an area of 220,000 hectares and produced exclusively from a single species. Fully compliant with EUTR legislation and verified by TRADA, Grandis 690+ has been extensively tested at the Federal University of Paraná in Brazil where it scored highly against stringent criteria including strength and durability (achieving 2-3; durable to moderately durable) as well as density, (690 – 750 kg/ m3 @12% M/c – the same species in other parts of the World has only achieved 595 k/g/m3), making it particularly suitable

68 Public Sector Build Journal

for joinery and structural use. Plus, it has also been assessed for one-hour fire test requirements. Paul Leach, Group Product Sales and Development Manager for WoodEx and Accoya at James Latham explained: “With Grandis 690+, the timber is allowed to grow more naturally and reach full maturity of approximately 28 years, hence the extra density. “It really is an impressive timber and one which ticks all the boxes, both for ourselves but also for our customers. As well as meeting all the legal and sustainable requirements, it’s a highgrade, knot free, clear and uniform timber which is also extremely easy to machine, making it the perfect choice for the joinery, furniture making and construction sectors.”

 www.lathamtimber.co.uk 

marketing@lathams.co.uk  0116 257 3415

Focus & Innovation

New health centre gets the BHC treatment The opening of a new prestigious regional project in West Sussex, the Sudbury Health Centre, offers a state-of-the-art health centre for people in and around Sudbury and is being heralded as a significant achievement for the NHS. BHC Furniture was approached in mid2013 as a preferred supplier for the new health centre, a project that had been on the planning table for some time. BHC was recommended by the head lead on the project following their visit to Finchley PFI that had been recently completed by BHC. Working with West Suffolk CCG, NHS Property Service and PHD Architects the brief was to deliver a Health Centre of outstanding calibre. BHC Furniture and Senator International put a team of project designers, colour strategists and combined years of experience together to produce a specification that would match expectations and hit the budget. Peter Bright, Managing Director of BHC Furniture comments: “The new health

centres that are being implemented by the NHS are fabulous spaces to work with. They are blank canvases on which to create a design that both flows and is functional which the end users, patients and workforce, totally appreciate.” The core emphasis on the internal design was on waiting areas which have heaviest footfall. Products needed to be designed in such a way to meet the diversity of the people using the areas. Colour played a major part in the visual flow of the Health Centre. The selected fabrics and vinyls were chosen to differentiate the treatment and consultation areas. All areas from male and female changing rooms, children’s play areas, the

reception, consultation offices, supply store rooms, treatment rooms and dining areas were developed using a broad range of furniture products fit for purpose.  www.bhcfurniture.co.uk 

sales@bhcfurniture.co.uk  0207 264 1945

Low energy SIPs house ‘riding’ on ThermoBlock The Portakabin Group hands over research facility The Portakabin Group has handed over a highly sustainable, state-of-the-art research facility, constructed using a Yorkon off-site solution, for the new International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing at WMG at the University of Warwick – the first institute of its kind in the world. The off-site approach radically reduced the programme time to just 14 weeks on site, which is several months less than originally envisaged. Designed by Cullinan Studio, the two-storey £2.3m scheme was manufactured off site at the Portakabin Group’s production centre in York and craned into position as 28 steel-framed Yorkon modules with fume cupboards and extraction system pre-installed for the laboratory areas.  www.yorkon.info  

contact@yorkon.co.uk 0845 2000 123

A regional developer specialising in very low energy and PassivHaus projects is making use of the ThermoBlock structural insulation for the first time as part of a bespoke SIPs construction for a client in the East Riding of Yorkshire. On its most recent project near York, RM Developments is creating a spacious two-storey family home where instead of blockwork or timber frame, the main loadbearing walls are all formed of SIPs – Structural Insulated Panels. These are located on top of the beam and block oversite whose ends are carried by a course of the Marmox ThermoBlocks in order to prevent heat loss at the critical wall/floor junction.  www.marmox.co.uk



sales@marmox.co.uk



01634 835290

A great deal with Snickers’ 40th Anniversary hoodie With a contemporary design and cosy comfort, this hardworking Hoodie is great for all trades on site. Made from a cosy, durable fabric for extra ruggedness, it’s also got an adjustable drawstring hood plus kangaroo handwarmer pockets at the front. What’s more it’s pre-washed for a comfortable and pre-shrunk fit. With top quality Snickers embroidery on the front and a 40th Anniversary logo on the arm, it is available in a wide range of sizes in black. Check out your local Snickers Dealer for availability and great prices – but hurry, this unique celebration garment is only available while stocks last.  www.snickersworkwear.co.uk



info@snickersworkwear.co.uk



01484 854788

Public Sector Build Journal 69

Vision Roofing, Health London & Cladding Safety Preview & Insulation Architects and designers are developing solutions that are practical and affordable, designed with community in mind

A vision for future construction

Showcasing the latest building products and technology for design, interiors, art and architecture, Vision London 2015 opens its doors for two days on 2nd June at London’s Olympia, providing the opportunity to check out its raft of products and solutions for the public sector building arena. There’s also a highly informative and worthwhile programme of seminars.

ision London brings communities together to discuss, debate and showcase the latest innovations and developments in architecture, design and the built environment. Over 100 organisations are exhibiting their new and inventive solutions that facilitate the creation of better building design. The event’s extensive speaker programme has gathered together some 100 influential industry figures to speak on a range of topics under the four prime themes of Future Materials & Systems, Technology, Innovation in Architecture & Design and Building for Health & Wellness. Among the raft of highly informative seminar sessions, public sector building is an important topic. Architects and designers are developing solutions that are practical and affordable, designed with community in mind. Tuesday’s Future Material sessions include Education: Extra, Special and Off the Peg, at 1pm. It addresses the issues local authorities face in providing new and improved schools. It further addresses the

70 Public Sector Build Journal

importance of socialisation and providing a healthy, nurturing environment for young people. This seminar introduces two recent specialist projects designed to combine practicality with the feeling of home from home with an off the peg solution that brings new simplicity and economy levels to school design. Better building design and the connection to public spaces across cities and towns provides health and wellbeing benefits. Of particular note is Wednesday’s Building Health & Wellness session that provides case studies where government, health and industry research has shown changes in behaviour and increased activity across the population. With emphasis on energy efficiency, the performance gap and now the circular economy, it is essential that health and wellbeing remain at the centre of the push for improved resource efficiency across the built environment. With staff costs amounting to 90% of most business operating costs and because we spend so much time indoors, it is essential that the

industry delivers healthy buildings. The World Green Building Council report, health and wellbeing and productivity in offices, presents overwhelming evidence that office design impacts wellbeing and productivity. Healthy Buildings, Healthy People at 10.45am examines that report and discusses how the built environment has a major impact on the health and wellbeing of the population. The 3pm seminar, Building Performance – Air Quality, takes up the issue that new research suggests a growing epidemic of poor air quality in new buildings. As the performance of the building envelope increases, it poses vital questions such as, are we creating invisible problems for our internal environment? Can we find a balance between the need for energy efficiency and good ventilation? Are naturally ventilated buildings better than mechanical systems? This forum examines the evidence, looks at the guidance and discusses what needs to be done to close the performance gap.

 www.visionlondon.com/registration

Better building design and the connection to public spaces across cities and towns provides health and wellbeing benefits

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

DO NOT USE LIFTS

USE EVAC+CHAIR The Evac+Chair has been independently proven to be the best form of building evacuation in an emergency.* Evac+Chair provide a universal solution for smooth stairway descent in an emergency evacuation, suitable for dual and multiple level buildings of any height.

DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED IN THE UK

Can you evacuate safely?

Evac+Chair International are the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No.1 supplier of evacuation chairs. www.evacchair.co.uk

Emergency Solutions

INTERNATIONAL

*Independent study conducted at Ghent University Hospital by trained staff to evacuate people with mobility issues down 11 floors. The Evac+Chair was the fastest in horizontal evacuation at 1.5m/s and in vertical movement the evacuation chair was also fastest averaging 0.83m/s. The study highlighted the Evac+Chair as the only device that required no stopping by the operator as fatigue did not affect the operator. The Evac+Chair also performed best in the area of not blocking the stair as it only covers one lane and the fact it only requires one person to operate, with very minimal difference in speed of evacuation when using the Evac+Chair if the operator is male or female. The study concluded the Evac+Chair is the best and only option to evacuate people down stairs with mobility issues, it is the fastest, easiest, least blocking, any gender can operate and only requires a single person to operate unlike any other evacuation method.

Improving your vision with our solutions. Working with you to deliver safe, secure and sustainable projects. At the forefront of design innovation, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been providing safety and security for homes, education, commercial and industrial developments for almost 70 years.

www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk

MONTH MONTH

A R N TA R T A AN E

M AT I O M AT I T

MONTH

Pedestrian safety

Noise barriers

A R N TA R T A AN

MONTH

M AT I O M AT I T

A R N TA R T A AN

MONTH

YEARS YEARS GU

A R N T A R N TA R T A A AN

I CE LI V I CE LI R FE

Cycle, recycling and fuel storage

A R N TA R T A AN

YEARS YEARS GU

MONTH

AT ME N E AT ME N R T

M AT I

A R N TA R T A AN

Access control

I CE LI V I CE LI R

Vehicle access and parking control

YEARS

AR NT A

I CE LI

YEARS

MONTH

A R N T A R N TA R T A A AN

AT ME N

AR NT A

Call 0800 41 43 43 to speak to an expert

AR NT A

CPD training

M AT I O M AT I T

AT ME N E AT ME N R

A R N TA R T A AN

Find out about our products and services including drawings, data sheets, YEARS YEARS YEARS YEARS YEARS YEARS Q40s and CPDs at jacksons-fencing.co.uk. RE

M AT I

I CE LI V I CE LI R

A R N T A R N TA R T A A AN

MONTH

AT ME N E AT ME N R

I CE LI

M AT I

AR NT A

AT ME N

AR NT A

I CE LI

AT ME N

Vehicle and pedestrian gates

Our portfolio includes RoSPA approved, LPS 1175 certified and Secured by Design preferred security fencing and gate solutions, environmental noise barriers, storage, automated access control and decorative timber fencing, gates YEARS andYEARS landscaping YEARS features; all designed to give a service life well beyond our 25 year guarantee.

Timber and steel fencing