PSBJ May 2016

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May 2016

EFFICIENCY TAKES CENTRE STAGE Royal Court Theatre receives dramatic energy upgrade

Flexible learning

Meeting the shortfall

Council commitment

How mainstream schools can support the inclusion of autistic children

Current challenges of hitting the Government's housing targets

EvoEnergy completes one of the UK's largest solar carports

Welcome Note Editor in Chief

Hannah Frackiewicz

hannah@mixedmediainfo.com

Editorial Assistant Rebecca Kemp

rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com

Print & Digital Advertising Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Steve Gull

steve@mixedmediainfo.com

Studio Manager Chris Lilly

chris@mixedmediainfo.com

Production

Steve Hunt from Steven Hunt & Associates discusses the refurbishment scheme at Liverpool City Council’s Royal Court Theatre. See page 34.

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

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Welcome to the May issue of PSBJ...

Despite there being no major housing announcements in the Chancellor's recent Budget, the industry spotlight is still very much on the shortfall and reaching the Government’s challenging target. Housing Minister Brandon Lewis has pledged to build one million homes before the end of the current parliament.

Responding to this ambitious – and somewhat unobtainable – target, critics fear that this surge in housebuilding will lead to corner-cutting construction and undesirable homes that lack quality, efficiency and functionality.

In this month’s Housing focus, Mark Gibbs, Technical Director at Alumasc Facade Systems, reiterates these concerns, shares his views on the challenges and discusses why off-site manufacturing and standardisation (with a hint of customised design) may just hold the key to successful delivery of these much-needed homes. Turn to page 14 to find out more.

Elsewhere in this edition, we bring you the latest high profile case studies and talking points on Doors & Windows, Landscaping, Interiors and HVAC. You will also find a dedicated focus on each of the key areas of the public sector build market – Healthcare, Leisure and Education.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget you can also 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 | Editor in Chief | hannah@mixedmediainfo.com Follow us on Twitter:

@psbjmagazine

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Contents

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

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08 Upfront Martin Peat, Director at Richardson & Peat, explains how good design can support the inclusion of autistic children in mainstream schools

14 Housing Mark Gibbs, Technical Director for Alumasc Facade Systems, shares his views on the challenges of hitting Government housing targets.

16 Talking Point Focus expects that new sentencing guidelines will have a significant impact on the industry’s safety record.

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18 Technical Focus

22 Education

26 Healthcare

PSBJ takes an in-depth look at EvoEnergy’s installation of one of the UK’s largest solar carports at Nottingham Leisure Centre.

Construction company Woodhead has completed a £2m project to deliver a new teaching hub for Loughborough University.

Architectural journalist Gideon Sykes discusses the healing power of good architecture, as seen in a new Danish psychiatric hospital.

20 Legal & Business

24 Doors & Windows

28 Landscaping

Craig Evans of UKATA explains what to do when the best laid plans for asbestos removal fail.

Rob Sands at Videx addresses the key issues that need to be considered when choosing door entry systems for social housing.

Barbican Podium recently received special commendation at The Brick Awards for its spectacular use of brick.

Contents

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22

26

30 Interiors

34 HVAC

The importance of future-proofing today’s learning environments with innovative seating, according to KI UK.

Steve Hunt from Steven Hunt & Associates discusses the refurbishment scheme at Liverpool City Council’s Royal Court Theatre.

32 Leisure

38 Product Showcase

With concerns mounting about the health and well-being of our nation, Paul McTernan of SLR Consulting calls for a more playful public realm.

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

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News

INDUSTRY UPDATES

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

Council's first Extra Care development leads the way St Loye’s Extra Care Scheme, a new £9.8m development by Exeter City Council, has recently been granted planning permission.

The scheme will provide 53 homes, in a mixture of 1 and 2 bedroom affordable apartments.

Extra Care housing is a housing solution for older people who have a range of care needs.

It offers the freedom to live independently in self-contained apartments by providing a 'home for life' with varying levels of care and support as and when residents need it.

The development will be built to the lowenergy Passivhaus standard to reduce energy use and make the homes more affordable for tenants. The scheme adopts the council’s Design for Future Climate Change requirements to improve the resilience of the building using Exeter University’s PROMETHEUS weather data up to 2080.

The scheme also takes into account Building Biology recommendations, to reduce physical, chemical and biological risks and eliminate toxic materials and electromagnetic radiation, which creates a natural, healthy-living environment.

Morgan Sindall wins primary school scheme Construction and infrastructure company Morgan Sindall has been appointed to build the new £4.1m Bere Regis Primary School in Southbrook, Bere Regis.

The project for Dorset County Council will replace the current Bere Regis Primary School on Rye Hill Road which has been in use for more than 80 years. The school

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currently operates as a 140-place primary school for pupils aged between four and 11, but is not large enough to continue delivering a modern curriculum.

Work is already underway on the 44-week project which will provide a contemporary and spacious learning environment for the children and teachers at Bere Regis Primary School. The single-storey school will be located at the end of Egdon Close and will include six classrooms, a school hall, support spaces and toilet facilities.

The building will include high level windows to ensure the maximum amount of natural day light and ventilation.

Alongside housing, the plans will also include a replacement public house on Albany Street, two new commercial units on Hampstead Road, and a replacement community facility, which will be located in a central position on the estate and designed to offer a greater variety of opportunities for residents.

Glasgow Hospitals celebrate international property award

Green light for Regent's Park Estate regeneration Plans for the regeneration of the Regent’s Park Estate in London, developed by Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design, have been approved by Camden Council.

The Regent’s Park Estate is a large postwar estate owned by Camden Council, which sits between Euston Station and Regent’s Park. It currently includes 2200 homes across 49 residential blocks, within an overall area of around 15 hectares.

The estate retains a variety of features, squares and spaces from John Nash’s original 1810 scheme, although few buildings from that era remain.

This development will provide 116 highquality new homes for those residents directly affected by the proposals for HS2, which will start and terminate at Euston.

The new homes will be provided across eight different sites within the estate, alongside public realm improvements.

All eyes were on the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) and the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) recently, as they scooped the prestigious international MIPIM award for Best Healthcare Development.

The MIPIM Awards, launched in 1991, is the highlight of an annual event held in Cannes, France that brings together over 21,000 influential property players to honour the most outstanding and accomplished global projects from around the world.

The landmark £842m Glasgow Hospital designed by architect IBI Group and constructed by Brookfield Multiplex in collaboration with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Board, was one of four shortlisted entries that was voted for by event delegates and a judging panel made-up of prominent property professionals.

The iconic 14-storey, 170,000m2 hospital is amongst Europe’s largest and most advanced medical campuses and is a catalyst for wider regeneration in and around Scotland’s largest city.

The judges agreed that the hospital establishes a new benchmark for healthcare design and delivery. Set in a therapeutic set within therapeutic parklands the design uses excellent standards of natural light, space, height, materials and technology, which create a ‘hotel like’ adult acute environment and a science inspired, interactive and colourful children’s facility.

Glasgow City Council gears up for Sighthill transformation The £250m regeneration of Sighthill is one step closer as Glasgow City Council issues the tender for lead contractors to progress the ‘BlueGreen’ infrastructure works, which it sees as the main driver for future investment.

The Sighthill regeneration comprises approximately 800 new homes, a new school campus and community facilities, as well as commercial units. The infrastructure works have been integrated into the site thanks to a public realm design strategy, developed by LDA Design as part of the Infrastructure Design Team, alongside the council and its in-house masterplanning team.

LDA Design’s proposal incorporates Sustainable Urban Drainage solutions (SUDs) into the development, creating areas of new parkland, amenity and public realm spaces. These in turn offer opportunities for recreation and biodiversity, as well as a meaningful framework of spaces for ecology and education for both the local and regional community.

In addition to ‘Blue-Green’ infrastructure, the public realm pushes the boundaries in other ways. Conventional road design is replaced by a civic boulevard, which creates a dynamic greenway, reducing the visual and physical impacts of traffic and delivering centralised public spaces, known as the ‘garden spine’.

Woodhead Improve adds sparkle to community centre Woodhead Improve has completed work on a project of refurbishment at Beeston Community Centre on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council with a rather unusual ceiling taking centre stage.

The central hall of the Community Centre is shaped like an old threepenny bit, the ceiling of which previously had an exposed steel structure. The project team investigated options to board and plaster the ceiling to improve insulation but decided that a stretch ceiling provided a more cost effective solution as it required less maintenance in the long term. The stretch ceiling provided a unique opportunity to make a feature out of the large ceiling by incorporating the lighting features, which,

The landmark £300m Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) model is the first of its kind to be signed in Scotland and will see homes built across Aberdeen without any Government subsidy or grant funding.

Aberdeen City Council and Places for People will each take a 50% share in the new development partnership which will build, own and manage a range of homes across eight sites in the city, and split an equal share of any development profits.

Places for People – one of the largest property, leisure management, development and regeneration companies in the UK – has recently been appointed to a number of high-profile schemes including the creation of 1,500 homes on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the construction of 1,150 new homes at Icknield Port Loop in Birmingham.

However, the partnership with Aberdeen City Council represents Places for People’s largest housebuilding project north of the border.

News

now installed can be programmed in a variety of colour and mood patterns.

Beeston Community Centre has been a registered charity since 1975 and provides facilities and support for a full programme of activities for people and community groups in the area. The trustees work extremely hard to maintain the facility but the building was in need of some improvements. Nottinghamshire County Council’s in-house Property Group designed much of works to develop the best solutions for the building.

Considerable milestone achieved for UK construction industry The Considerate Constructors Scheme – the national Scheme to improve the image of the construction industry – has reached a formidable milestone; registering 90,000 construction sites.

This historic registration was made by one of the country’s leading house builders Barratt London, for the high profile Nine Elms Point development in London.

Barratt London is also working with Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd, who are the Considerate Constructors Scheme’s founder member Client Partner, and housing association L&Q to deliver 645 new homes, a new 80,000ft2 Sainsbury’s store and 27,000ft2 of local shops, restaurants and office space at Nine Elms Point.

Following its first registration in 1997, the Scheme has become an integral part of the construction landscape and a strongly recognisable sight with its banners and posters adorning hoardings throughout the country.

One of the very few organisations to be monitoring the industry’s progress and sharing best practice on-the-ground, the Scheme undertakes around 13,000 visits to sites, companies and suppliers per year.

£300m deal to create 2000 new homes for Scotland Places for People has signed a pioneering partnership with Aberdeen City Council which will create 2000 new homes in the city with the potential to build a further 1000 properties.

Go ahead for new facilities at Country Park Plans for the second phase of the 120-acre Country Park at the multi award-winning Great Kneighton development in Trumpington have been approved by Cambridge City Council.

Countryside’s plans include a skate park, children’s play area, and 1km trim trail, with public art integrated into the design as an integral part of one of the most ambitious public arts programmes in the UK. Following an extensive consultation period

by Countryside, including a community consultation day last summer, the plans for the northern section of the Country Park were finalised by landscape architects, David Jarvis Associates. The practice, which is responsible for the design of the entire Country Park, has worked closely with other specialist designers, including a commissioned group of public artists, to deliver an engaging, accessible and attractive recreational area.

In addition to providing a range of play and recreational areas, allotments for local residents are being constructed in a variety of sizes within the Country Park, as well as playing fields for the new secondary school, due to open in September 2016.

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Upfront

USER-FRIENDLY LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS Martin Peat, Director of Richardson & Peat, explains how good design can support the inclusion of autistic children in mainstream schools. with autism have C hildren a range of particular needs when it comes to the ideal learning environment, and these are unlikely to be provided for by standard classroom design.

The Government’s current drive to bring school provision for children with autism into mainstream schooling raises questions over whether the environments they are expected to be taught in will be appropriate.

Having been involved in several design and construction contracts to create classrooms for autistic children in mainstream schools we have become specialists in the area. In our experience using existing classrooms has created

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difficulties for both students due to the everyday challenges posed by autism.

Unfortunately in many schools second grade portable buildings long past their use by date have been allocated to provision for an intake of autistic children, and in some cases children and staff have even had to use unused spaces like old lobby areas and cupboards. The drive to allow children with autism to grow and develop within a ‘normal’ school environment is to be applauded however it needs to be accompanied by a commitment to providing spaces which are worthy of the commitment being made to their education.

We have found when designing for autistic children there is

a need to assess the level of severity before jumping to a conclusion that the rooms need to be of a highly secure nature.

Children being brought into a normal school environment are expected to take part in general school activities at different stages of the day so it’s important to design to a level that’s robust enough without going over the top.

The brief we have applied to all buildings we have worked on is to secure a user-friendly design and deliver the finished project for a standard school construction budget. Working within a moderate budget does not mean the design needs to be compromised, but it does need to be thought through.

Project: Autistic Centre for Mark Rutherford School Location: Bedford Architect: Mark Ellerby Architects

Richardson & Peat has found that by using various external treatments such as timber, render and composite coloured panels, entrances can be brought to life

It’s important to design to a level that’s robust enough without going over the top

Upfront High level windows and rooflights go a long way to helping to achieve good natural light levels

We have identified eight key areas to consider when aiming to create learning spaces which support autistic children as follows:

Flexible space Teaching tends to take place either in small groups or on a one-to-one basis so sub-dividing rooms using partitions allow staff to create areas depending on the requirements of the pupils needing to use them at that time.

It is better to choose movable furniture so the layout can be readily changed, as opposed to the restricted all-facing-front design of a standard classroom space.

Break out spaces These are critical for diffusing challenging situations with pupils; staff are able to see when a child is starting to become difficult or is finding a situation uncomfortable, and being able to move that child into a nearby non-intimidating space can reduce the chance of confrontation and other children getting involved. îš…

Greater definition of the exterior external appearance of a classroom can help students focus on where they need to go

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Upfront Open layout corridors have the benefit of giving students a clear sight-line to classrooms

Also a quiet area or room can work both for the children and staff – many schools pay close attention to children’s needs at the expense of staff who are often under stress and sometimes need a space to regain composure or just relax for five minutes. The inclusion

of a teaching kitchen and an exercise area would complete the ideal range of spaces.

Wider corridors An element that has become central to our designs is opening corridor areas up into larger spaces for uses beyond just

access to include desk space or for a small group meeting area.

This more open layout has the benefit of giving students a clear sight-line to classrooms which makes them feel more comfortable and less intimidated, providing a lighter feel to what is typically a building’s central core

of a building. This can be further enhanced by substituting curves for right angled corners.

Providing a focal point Entrance areas are key as a focal point for the children; a good reception space is essential to allow them time to settle down and feel reassured before the day begins.

It also provides parents with a dropping in point and an opportunity for an informal chat with a staff member if required.

With a slight expansion on a standard design, entrances can be transformed from spaces to get through to important and useful spaces for autistic pupils.

Natural light

Being able to move a child into a nearby non-intimidating space can reduce the chance of confrontation

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Most teachers will agree that natural light is essential, but a general rule with autistic children is that windows offering too much visual stimulation are a problematic distraction.

Providing the views are fairly non-descript however there is no major issue with normal level windows especially if room layouts can be adapted to focus easily distracted children away from walls with windows. High level windows and rooflights go a long way to helping to achieve good natural light levels if there is an issue with the external areas in terms of normal level 

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Upfront It is better to choose movable furniture so the layout can be readily changed

windows. We have found that creating high ceilings in particular sloping to the shape of the roof plus rooflights enables natural light to work well throughout the space and gives a fresh feel to the environment.

Key to all areas is the need for a high level of acoustic performance; classrooms need to have good sound absorption and reverberation.

We have worked with acoustic

ceilings specialist Ecophon to install acoustic tiles to ceilings to provide a high level of performance and walls designed to achieve the required acoustic levels for specialist teaching. Robust details for wall construction help with sound and impact.

To create a calming influence within the building the colour palette for internal finishes is one of the most critical areas

that need to be addressed. After experimenting with various colour schemes we have settled on a combination of pastel colours and a feature wall with a bolder contrasting colour.

Although still subtle this contrast can help to highlight the layout of the building for pupils. There has been much research into beneficial colours of finish for autistic children but we have a general policy to look for colours

The inclusion of a teaching kitchen and an exercise area would complete the ideal range of spaces

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that are non-intimidating yet interesting enough to give the spaces character.

If planning is in agreement, greater definition of the exterior external appearance of a classroom or area of a school can not only add character but can also help students focus on where they need to go when starting the school day, which can be of major benefit. We have found by using various external treatments such as timber, render and composite coloured panels, entrances can be brought to life and give students a positive entry point to the building, reducing confusion especially when arriving with all of the other school pupils each morning.

Bearing all of these success factors in mind, one question stands out. If we take on board the points mentioned as being a way to achieve a better teaching space for autistic children and we accept that construction costs must stay within standard school budgets then why are more class spaces not being built along these lines? What is good for teaching children who see the world slightly differently must be at least as good for everyone else, and if we accept this then there would be no need for ‘specialist classrooms’ they would all just be ‘classrooms’. 

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Housing

PAVING THE WAY TO ONE MILLION HOMES

Results of offsite construction can include early completion, user satisfaction and ease of maintenance and replacement

Mark Gibbs, Technical Director for Alumasc Facade Systems and designer of the company’s new Alumasc Ventilated System (AVS), shares his views on the challenges of hitting Government housing targets.

H

The benefits of offsite construction could be crucial to meeting targets that have repeatedly been missed

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ousing Minister, Brandon Lewis has set out an ambitious target to build one million new homes before the end of the current Parliament.

Hitting such an aspirational target calls for immediate action and an increase in construction to at least 200,000 new homes per year.

This is a level of housebuilding that has not been seen in England since 1989. In the 2014-15 financial year, 124,520 new homes were completed in England, as published by the Independent.

So how do we ensure that we are producing quality, desirable housing at a rapid rate?

It is clear that the housing market in Britain is broken and fixing it has been a key priority for both the current Government and their predecessors. There have been attempts to tackle the issue and stimulate increased supply by

boosting demand with measures such as the Help-to-Buy scheme.

Whatever the solution is, there is no getting away from the fact that if the UK is to meet its ambitious housebuilding targets, we are going to have to build an increasingly large number of homes in a limited time frame.

The benefits of offsite construction could be crucial to meeting targets that have repeatedly been missed.

Specifying factory fitted components can help to mitigate skills shortages and time constraints. Similar to the methods of the automotive industry – the process of offsite construction provides many benefits of which could make huge strides in hitting housing targets.

It is easy however, to focus on the short term goal which is to construct a mass volume of housing, however in my opinion, it is equally important to consider

Housing

the long term aspirations of creating good quality homes that will stand the test of time. This is not just a numbers game – it is crucial to specify materials and components that will develop homes to last for years to come.

Standardised buildings were the Government’s solution to tackling the post-war issue of a booming population in need of housing – not dissimilar to the problems that we are facing today. We must be cautious not to follow the same path of high-density, low-quality homes – lacking in appeal.

Despite the mistakes of the last century, standardisation of homes does not necessarily have to be viewed as a negative. For example, a guarantee of reduced time, optimum cost and high quality can be achieved, with consideration also given to whole life assessment.

Results of offsite construction can include early completion, user satisfaction and ease of maintenance and replacement – indicating that standardisation and prefabrication with an element of customisation have great potential for the future. There is no denying that the current demand for new housing indicates the need for such an approach to be carried out. In order to reap the benefits of offsite construction

The Alumasc Ventilated System (AVS) can be utilised as an offsite manufactured solution

and standardised design, it is important that the distinction is made between process and product. Both standardisation and prefabrication are process driven and providing that high quality, long lasting, products are specified, we are able to avoid past misjudgements made by previous industry leaders.

In regard to housing – rather than viewing such processes as a barrier to innovation – providing the aims of any project are clearly mapped out from the early stages of design, it will be possible to maximise value and aesthetic appeal.

At Alumasc Facade Systems we have made our own steps towards tackling the issues of the housing crisis. The Alumasc Ventilated System (AVS) can be utilised as an offsite manufactured solution that improves efficiency and speed of construction as well as enhancing the quality of finish, whilst delivering the final aesthetics to meet the exacting requirements of architects, designers and housebuilders.

The initial product development remit was to design a ventilated system that would replicate traditional building aesthetics, whilst providing a

AVS is BBA Certified, meaning that it has been tried and tested in regards to factors relating to strength and stability, fire performance, weather tightness, durability and longevity

lightweight solution that could be fixed directly to framed constructions. The main goal was to ensure the system was engineered to deliver structural stability across all applications whilst providing adaptability to all forms of modern construction.

AVS is BBA Certified, meaning that it has been tried and tested in regards to factors relating to strength and stability, fire performance, weather tightness, durability and longevity. These factors help to ensure that AVS, when coupled with offsite methods of construction and standardised design, can help to create quality, long lasting homes at a rapid rate where people will ultimately want to live. The system is erected via Alumasc’s network of registered installers to ensure correct application onsite.

Standardisation does not mean mass replication, although the fundamental system remains consistent – AVS is available in a choice of final finishes. Any brick in the marketplace can be colour matched via the use of lightweight acrylic brick slips.

The system is also approved for use with high performance through-coloured silicone renders, along with an extensive range of dashing renders.

This directly addresses the issues of mass standardisation by offering the unique final aesthetics which architects, designers and housebuilders are looking for. 

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Talking Point

UNSAFE SITE PENALTIES SET FOR IMPACT

The new guidelines from the Sentencing Council are designed to reinforce efforts to improve health and safety standards

Construction insurance specialist Focus expects that new sentencing guidelines for England and Wales that came into force in February will have a significant impact on the industry’s safety record, workforce, employers and insurers. guidelines from T hethenew Sentencing Council

John Finch, Focus’ Commercial Director, has over 40 years’ experience in the insurance industry. In his career, he has dealt with most kinds of insurance, having spent 25 years working with clients in the construction and building industry.

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are designed to reinforce efforts to improve health and safety standards across a wide spectrum of businesses, but construction will be more affected than most because it is so hazardous in nature.

Widely expected to maintain the trend towards tougher penalties for employers’ health and safety failings, whether or not actual injuries result, the guidelines are intended to reflect the degree of employer culpability and the extent of the risk of serious harm.

Penalties are geared to have enough financial impact to impress upon management and shareholders the need to operate within the law. This implies ‘the larger the company the bigger the

fine’ with a £20m fine possible for a serious offence by a major entity.

Where the most serious offences are shown to involve corporate manslaughter, both the financial penalty and the personal consequences are too great for anyone to ignore. A closely implicated director could face charges that carry a possible two-year jail term.

“In an ideal world, such a severe regime shouldn’t be necessary,” says John Finch, Focus’ Commercial Director. “You’d surely imagine that the prospect of seeing a worker with multiple injuries after a fall from height would be enough to encourage site safety.

“Yet such incidents occur weekly in the industry and many cases are taken to court by the

Health and Safety Executive.

Almost invariably the HSE representative will explain how a fall, impact from a heavy load or vehicle, or other incident was wholly avoidable.

“That being so, it must be right for workers, employers and insurers to support the new guidelines and try to achieve the desired reduction, not ignoring the many near misses and minor injuries that form the base of a notional triangle with fatalities at its apex.

“Health and safety breaches can take many forms: inadequate training and supervision, unsafe working practices, absence of personal protective equipment and outright illegal work such as unlicensed asbestos removal.

These are often down to poor planning.”

Talking Point Health and safety breaches can take many forms including inadequate training and supervision

In some construction site incidents, employee inexperience or incompetence may be a factor contributing to an incident

The involvement of principal contractors, sub-contractors and self-employed workers in the construction industry makes site safety a shared aim, but clear responsibility for safety issues must be agreed in order to ensure that none of them gets overlooked.

This need for a joined-up approach to health and safety was behind the Construction

(Design and Management) Regulations 2015 that now have effect. These highlight the importance of project planning, risk management and engagement with the workforce.

All these issues also have implications for insurers. Like construction industry employers and workers, insurers have a clear interest in achieving a reduced level of incidents. All

claims contribute to the costs of employers’ or public liability insurance that firms need.

So, it is not unreasonable for insurers to expect employers to exercise a proper level of care over the safety of their own workers and of others at or near a site. If an employer is prosecuted for health and safety failings, their insurability might be called into question.

In some construction site incidents, employee inexperience or incompetence may be a factor contributing to an incident. That does not absolve contractors or sub-contractors from blame; the HSE may still hold them responsible for not ensuring proper training.

“The first step to ensure compliance, avoid site accidents and keep insurance premiums down is a risk assessment,” John Finch adds. “Our online self-assessment tool can aid this process, whether or not an upgrade to a full risk management service is envisaged.

“Any site can be vulnerable, as a swift look through cases prosecuted by the HSE in recent months shows. The sheer variety of incidents highlights how crucial a coordinated view of all site activity is to making sure no angle gets overlooked when assessing risks.

“Late last year a specialist piling company was fined £16,000 for operating a piling rig with an unguarded auger, though no injuries were involved.

This shows that the HSE are now being more proactive in rooting out dangerous site practices

before people get hurt.

“Soon after that case, a contractor faced penalties of £174,000 over a worker being fatally injured by a falling fascia during shop-fitting work. Weeks later, three firms were fined a total of £360,000 because a lorry driver was killed by an insecure concrete panel.

“Though it is not possible to say what fines would have been imposed under the new sentencing guidelines, the likelihood is that they would have been substantially higher. In any event, I am sure the employers involved were deeply shocked by the accidents.

“That leads us to the question of whether harsher sentences will help cut construction injuries and deaths. Combined with a higher likelihood of being found out and prosecuted, tougher penalties may help that cause, if sadly too late for some victims.

“Tip-offs from the public help the HSE target unsafe sites. The police may also have a role. Just two months ago a builder was fined £13,000 after officers saw site workers throwing rubble bags from a height; the HSE were called in and found other breaches.

“I see the new sentencing guidelines as a move in the right direction. The possible gains for workers and for insurers are clear.

For employers, the effort and expense of safety compliance must be worth it, even if no size of fine should motivate more than a fatality.” 

 www.focus-insurance.com

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Technical Focus

COUNCIL COMMITS TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Project: Ken Martin Leisure Centre Location: Nottingham Solar PV Developer: EvoEnergy

The array at Ken Martin should cut the council’s carbon footprint by 41 tonnes a year

Commercial solar PV developer EvoEnergy has completed one of the UK’s largest solar carports at a leisure centre owned by Nottingham City Council.

354-panel, 88.5kWp T hesystem was designed and installed by EvoEnergy across nine separate, specially-built roofs at Ken Martin Leisure Centre.

It is the latest energy-efficiency measure to be taken by the city council and was built following the success of its first solar carport – the 67kWp system at Harvey Hadden Sports Village which EvoEnergy delivered last year.

The array at Ken Martin should cut the council’s carbon footprint by 41 tonnes a year, generating 79,874kWh of energy – 100% of which will be used on site.

Michael Brien, Project Manager for EvoEnergy, said: “We’ve partnered with the council on numerous solar projects now since 2011, including its first solar carport at Harvey Hadden last summer. This time around we’ve helped them build one of the largest solar carports in the country; an accolade which really highlights the size of the council’s commitment to energy efficiency.

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“This installation posed a number of challenges to our team on-site, but the team at Ken Martin were extremely happy with the way we worked around their dayto-day operations, causing them as little disruption as possible.

“The results have impressed them too, thanks to the work of our technical team, who’ve made sure the latest technology was used to help keep it performing

efficiently for the duration of its Feed-in Tariff (FiT).”

The Ken Martin solar carport was fitted over three months between November and January in time to beat the recent cut to the FiT. It will save the council around £10,000 a year on its energy bills, and should pay for itself within 11 years, after which point it will earn Nottingham City Council an income for the

The 354-panel, 88.5kWp system was designed and installed by EvoEnergy across nine separate, specially-built roofs

remaining nine years of the FiT. Rather than using a traditional string setup, which only performs as well as the least efficient module, it uses SolarEdge optimisers connected to pairs of modules to make the whole system safer and more efficient.

Its heartbeat communication system lets individual panels talk directly to the inverter in pairs, so in the event of one panel breaking or losing efficiency during the next two decades, only two from the whole array will be affected; individual module monitoring will also allow EvoEnergy to swiftly remedy any issues.

As a result of an optimised system the inverters are half the size of standard inverters. Their performance can be accessed in real-time online, and they make the whole PV system safer by dropping the power supply from 1000v to 21v in the event of a fire or broken cable.

Councillor Alan Clark, Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for energy and

Technical Focus

TRENCH AND CABLE ROUTE

2 No. PARKING SPACES TO BE REMOVED

TRENCH AND CABLE ROUTE KEN MARTIN SOLAR CARPORT

sustainability, said: “The solar carport is an ingenious solution for maximising our assets, generating income and lowering the city’s carbon emissions.

Car parks although serving a practical purpose and very necessary for our thousands of customers that visit our leisure centres are not usually

seen as cutting edge. It’s really exciting that we have been able to extend the usefulness of this space and invest in a green energy supply for Nottingham.”

Given the nature of the install, over a frequently-used carpark outside a popular public building, EvoEnergy took extra steps in order to minimise

disruption. Ropes and scissor lifts were used to avoid any danger to the public during the panel fitting process, while the install was completed in staggered phases to keep as many car parking spaces open as possible. 

 www.evoenergy.co.uk

CARPORT LAYOUT

SYSTEM IN DETAIL: 88.5kWp solar PV carport array 354 panels (240 x Renesola 250W/114 x Solarworld 250W) 3 x 25kW SolarEdge inverters 581.6m2 coverage 79,874kWh generated (annually) 41 tonnes of CO2 saved per year (estimated)

KEN MARTIN LEISURE CENTRE

Minimum of £9.5k annual saving on energy bills (estimated)

A

Payback time: 11 years (estimated)

A

B B

A B

Triden t

II - 12

.00m

A

3-Axle

A B

SAND

HURS

KEY:

T ROA

D

PLEASE NOTE:

A

Five Bay

Tracking shows 12m bus turning in the car park without issue.

B

Four Bay

Constraints at the site entrance are as existing.

Setting out to be agreed onsite according to parking space layout.

19

Legal & Business

WHEN ASBESTOS REMOVAL GOES WRONG

Waste must be packed in UN-­approved packaging with a Carriage of Dangerous Goods (CDG) hazard sign and asbestos code information visible

Craig Evans, General Manager of The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA), explains what to do when the best laid plans fail.

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n the light of several cases where asbestos has been incorrectly removed, or improperly disposed of, the UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) is reminding everyone of best practice on how to handle asbestos and while all steps should be taken to avoid accidents, what needs to be done in situations where they occur.

The best approach is of course to avoid situations where accidents can happen. When it comes to handling asbestos, a plan should be in place and for licenced work; properly trained individuals must be engaged to safely remove the substance.

However, even with the best trained staff, accidents can and do occasionally happen. This mostly occurs in cases of accidental exposure of asbestos or when asbestos is not found in a survey.

It is imperative in this situation that the staff involved make the necessary assessment and (if they are trained to do so), clean-up correctly to minimise the risk to themselves and others. Another key part of asbestos removal which is somewhat neglected is how to correctly remove and dispose of asbestos waste.

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“Removal of asbestos from buildings is arguably only the first stage of the job. Knowing about how to clear up after an accident is nearly as important as knowing how to remove asbestos correctly in the first place,” says Craig Evans, General Manager of UKATA. “When something has gone wrong in the removal process, there is the greatest risk of asbestos causing damage. It’s essential for asbestos professionals to be familiar with this. Furthermore, all employees should know the correct procedure for disposal of asbestos waste following successful removal.”

Should the unthinkable happen and asbestos be unwittingly disturbed, the first consideration is for the safety of those present. Those not licenced to work with asbestos should stop work immediately and evacuate the area.

When it is confirmed that asbestos fibres have been released and workers exposed in an uncontrolled manner, the incident should be reported to the HSE under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences (RIDDOR)

Regulations, as a dangerous occurrence. This would be classed as ‘accidental release of any substance that may damage health’. If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to asbestos in an incident you should consult your GP, and ask for a note to be made on your health record detailing the incident.

Disposal is relatively simple.

There are clear industry guidelines which anyone working with and involved in the disposal of asbestos must be familiar with. Waste must be packed in UN-­approved packaging with a Carriage of Dangerous Goods (CDG) hazard sign and asbestos code information visible. It should always be double wrapped. Any waste with more than 0.1% asbestos is classified as being ‘hazardous’.

Most importantly, asbestos should always be disposed of at a licensed disposal site.

Of course, the best way to minimise the damage caused by accidents is by wearing protective equipment at all times – even when an asbestos survey has shown no asbestos present. Taking these steps, and

Craig Evans, General Manager of The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA), has worked for UKATA for just over 4 years. Prior to working at UKATA, Craig worked in the Legal Sector for 7 years as a Senior Manager for a Top 100 Law Firm.

correctly disposing of asbestos will minimise the damage that asbestos causes.

“If in doubt when it comes to asbestos, the best thing to do is leave it to the professionals,” says Craig. “By this, we mean someone who has received the correct and necessary training.

Asbestos is much more dangerous than people give it credit for. It is no coincidence that Asbestos is known as the hidden killer and it is vital that it is treated with the seriousness it deserves.” 

 www.ukata.org.uk

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Education Images © MIES Building Services

WOODHEAD DELIVERS INSPIRING WORKSPACE East Midlands construction company Woodhead has completed work on a £2.1m project to deliver a new teaching hub for Loughborough University.

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he West Park Teaching Hub is located in the former Ford College building, where work to convert the existing building began in July 2015. The project, which took just six months to

complete involved an extensive adaptation, reconfiguration and refurbishment of the internal layout as well as an external refresh.

Loughborough University appointed Woodhead as main

The project Involved an extensive adaptation, reconfiguration and refurbishment of the internal layout as well as an external refresh

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contractor for the project following a competitive tender process. Following which a pre-contract value engineering exercise was undertaken in order to identify savings and efficiencies to bring the project within the client’s budget.

Core Architects was appointed by Woodhead to carry out the architectural design element and MIES Building Services was appointed as the mechanical and electrical design and build contractor.

Working alongside Core Architects, an innovative design was developed to deliver a creative yet flexible teaching and learning space for the university.

Project Quantity Surveyor for Woodhead, Matt Stone, said: “We were given an initial design brief from the team at Loughborough University. It was a really open concept and invited us to be as creative as possible. This presented us with a unique and exciting

Project: The West Park Teaching Hub Location: Loughborough Architect: Core Architects

The facility, which opened in February, now accommodates around 1000 students every day

KEY SUB-CONTRACTORS: Pure AV: Audio visual solutions Complete Ceilings and Partitions Ltd: Internal partitions, plastering and ceilings CPS Manufacturing Ltd: Tiered theatre seating Ashlar Facilities Management: External and internal decoration Hillside Flooring: Internal floor finishes Johnson & Smith: Internal joinery Gee Tee Signs: External signage

opportunity to really push the boundaries and come up with an innovative plan to use the space. In partnership with Core Architects we worked hard to deliver an inspiring and flexible workspace which meets the needs of the university and its students.”

The project involved the refurbishment of an existing

An innovative design was developed to deliver a creative yet flexible teaching and learning space for the university

building which required the facility to be converted into eight teaching spaces, a math learning support centre for students and staff and a flexible open learning and exhibition area.

Client communication was a key priority at every stage of the process and regular design team meetings were held prior to starting on site in order to refine the design and ensure the client’s needs and expectations were met.

Once the design had been agreed, a number of collaborative planning sessions were held involving Woodhead and all sub-contractors.

Matt Stone explains why this collaborative approach was so important: “We always work hard to engage with our supply chain partners in order to deliver the best partnership working for our clients. From the outset on this project we wanted to establish processes that ensured the works were well coordinated and delivered smoothly.

“This approach also meant that our sub-contractors bought into our promise to deliver the building to the client in time for their planned February opening. The building was completed and handed to the client at the end of January.

“It’s always great to see the completed projects we deliver for our clients but this one in particular is a great space to spend time in. The communal areas are fresh, light and modern and to see them working in practice for the staff and students is really rewarding.”

The facility has been converted to provide a series of high quality tiered lecture theatres, the largest of which accommodates an audience of 258. A comprehensive range of audio visual equipment has been installed in each of the lecture spaces. The facility also

includes two seminar rooms and a central learning and exhibition zone which can be used as two small areas or one large one.

Externally the building has been repainted and the wall panels re-sealed.

An efficient lighting scheme with intelligent controls incorporated into the new audio visual lectern systems was installed by MIES Building Services. New fire alarm, security system, small power and data installations completed the electrical upgrade. The mechanical systems within the building were transformed to

Education

provide an energy efficient system to facilitate the increased occupancy levels.

The 23 week refurbishment and renovation project is now complete and has seen the interior of the building change dramatically. Alongside the formal teaching space will be an informal learning area with comfortable seating as well as open plan waiting areas with seating and a cafe. The facility, which opened in February, now accommodates around 1000 students every day.

Peter Goldsworthy, Project Manager for Loughborough University, said: “The West Park Teaching Hub is very recognisable externally and we were keen for the interior to be just as memorable, so it’s been great to see the transformation over the last few months. The development of the building forms part of the university’s wider development programme which is being delivered in order to expand Loughborough’s existing academic provision.”

This is the second project Woodhead has delivered for Loughborough University, having previously undertaken the conversion of a kitchen and dining facility into a multi faith centre for the University. The Centre for Faith and Spirituality in the Edward Herbert Building on campus, provides a Chapel, a Muslim prayer room, multifaith rooms, a quiet room, and a library. 

 www.robert-woodhead.co.uk

The facility has been converted to provide a series of high quality tiered lecture theatres, the largest of which accommodates an audience of 258

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Doors & Windows

EFFECTIVE ACCESS CONTROL

Rob Sands, Technical Director at Videx – which has been providing door entry and access control systems to housing associations for 30 years – addresses the key issues that need to be considered when choosing door entry systems for social housing developments.

A

The type of door entry system selected will depend on the specific needs of the building and its occupants

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ccess control is pivotal to any building and getting it right is especially critical for social housing. In residential developments, where a constant flow of visitors need access to different locations within the building on a 24/7 basis, this is best achieved with a combination of door entry and access control systems to communal and internal doors.

Identifying an individual, whether resident or visitor, is key to ensuring that only those authorised can gain access to particular areas of the building.

When residents and staff have traditional keys to gain entry it can be difficult to manage the number of keys issued. If keys are lost, or taken by residents when they leave, new keys need to be issued. This can incur significant costs and often results in the need to change locks to prevent unwanted entry. Access control systems with effective key management

Legislation needs to be a key consideration in selecting an appropriate access control system

capabilities can provide useful information to identify individuals and to ensure they can only access certain parts of the building.

To help prevent unauthorised entry by visitors, video entry systems offer residents the opportunity to view callers on a colour videophone before deciding whether to speak to them or allow them entry into the building.

Access control and door entry systems are now available to help overcome common issues including anti-social behaviour (such as noise, intimidation and assault) and benefit fraud.

Reports can be prepared showing fob activity and logging which flats visitors call at, when a conversation starts and ends and when exit buttons are pressed to leave the building.

When used in conjunction with CCTV, these reports can provide useful information which can aid in any investigations helping to improve resident’s safety and security.

Many housing blocks are used as shortcuts and hangouts by non-residents especially estates that have a multiple entrance layout. Residential

Doors & Windows

developments without adequate security are potential magnets for disruptive and criminal behaviour. This, in turn, can affect the quality of life for residents and often results in buildings becoming a popular place for criminal behaviour such as drug use and associated crime.

Without adequate access control, vandals can easily access a building often resulting in ongoing repair costs and an unpleasant environment for residents to live in, making them feel unsafe and also less likely to respect the property themselves.

Legislation needs to be a key consideration in selecting an appropriate access control system. Building regulations must be followed and thought must go into how access control will affect users with disabilities following the Equality Act 2010 guidelines.

Secured By Design, the official UK Police flagship initiative supporting the principles of designing out crime, might also be specified which means only those products that have passed the stringent tests of Secured By Design should be used.

When choosing a system, it is important to know that it can be modified in the future if the building is expanded or the needs of the residents change. An example would be the increasing use of remote management to link multiple blocks to a concierge, offering residents higher levels of service 24 hours a day without significantly increasing costs.

The exit of buildings in particular requires additional thought. For instance, in the event of an emergency how would someone negotiate the access control to exit the building?

Solutions to this would normally

Access control and door entry systems are now available to help overcome common issues including anti-social behaviour

When choosing a system, it is important to know that it can be modified in the future if the building is expanded or the needs of the residents change

include fail safe exit devices and links to the fire alarm to automatically release the doors.

An appropriate access control system can also generate reports to show who is in the building at the time of the alarm so you’re aware of peoples’ location in the event of an emergency.

The type of door entry system selected will also depend on the specific needs of the building and its occupants.

Housing associations specifically have a duty of care to protect residents and provide a secure environment and improved quality of life for residents.

Choosing an appropriate access control system is therefore

crucial to the security and wellbeing of these residents.

Many factors are involved in decision making, not least of which is cost. However, it is important to balance cost savings with product performance and ongoing support. As well as considering the specifics of the equipment, it is also extremely important to consider the services offered by the manufacturer of the equipment such as their experience, equipment warranty, technical support and availability of equipment and spares in the long term future. 

 www.videx-security.com

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Healthcare

THE HEALING POWER OF GOOD ARCHITECTURE Architectural journalist Gideon Sykes discusses the new Danish psychiatric hospital at Slagelse and the important part played in the healing process by great interior design, plus the effects of lighting and good acoustics on health and recovery.

Project: Psychiatric regional hospital Location: Slagelse Architect: Karlsson architects

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he very detailed planning process for this western Danish psychiatric regional hospital in Slagelse was characterised by innovation and a desire to construct a first class complex which supports patient care and recovery. The hospital was inaugurated in 2015, designed by Karlsson architecture practice, which won first prize in a major competition some years ago.

The 44,000m2 project is the largest psychiatry construction in recent times, with space for 190 patients divided into general psychiatry, forensic and secure sections. Also included are outpatient departments, emergency wards, sports and swimming facilities and a knowledge centre for research and teaching.

The fundamental ideas of the architects included: Healing architecture and ‘recovery’ principles; Transparency and proximity between people and functions; General quality and flexibility in the various rooms and areas; Hierarchy of spaciousness and different stimuli.

Healing concepts

The very detailed planning process for this western Danish psychiatric regional hospital in Slagelse was characterised by innovation

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Consequently they conducted an innovative process to optimise natural lighting, strength, out-in-relationships, clarity and transparency, a pioneering ‘healing’ LED lighting, great acoustics, textural materials, art, colour scheme, poetry and much more in a cycle of extensive user cooperation.

In other words, although simplicity pervades the complex it is strongly coupled with the recognition that architecture which aids healing for patients is based on classic ingredients such as light and shade, quietness, materials, colours and green landscape elements. However, simplicity is not just about architectural minimalism; it is also about ingenious architectural solutions which result in a calming layout and the creation of engaging spaces with a high degree of transparency.

Healthcare Each outdoor space creates an interesting diversion and complements the whole complex

The varied textured finishes of the materials establish an engaging feeling, while the colours carefully chosen successfully enhance and interest the human senses. The building has been pre-certified by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB), attaining the Silver level.

The social lives of the patients and physical activities have also been key focus areas. Hence the reason why lighting is used as a therapeutic tool in a modern and interesting combination of daylight and controlled artificial lighting. Particularly dramatic is the central core with its large spiral staircases and the very big skylight which plunges daylight from the fourth floor to the ground.

A significant part of the treatment for a number of psychiatric patients is the maintenance of social skills and ordinary daily chores, together with sport and movement activities which increase the individual’s self-perception and physics. Access to garden space from both patient section and common areas was therefore an essential element so each outdoor space creates an interesting diversion and complements the whole complex.

The project also includes a number of sports facilities, including two sports halls, swimming and similar outdoor sports. Everywhere there is a focus on safety and transparency for both patients and staff, ensuring constant use of the facilities.

Also at night there is a focus on atmosphere and experience as lighting indoor and outdoor using LED with a sophisticated colour management follows the year and time of day. New LED light fittings are neatly incorporated into the ceiling surface while about half of the hospital has been fitted with Troldtekt ventilation with natural ventilation in the rest. A number of studies have shown that all this supports good treatment and reduces discomfort in working at night.

is increasingly important in so many different types of building.

Obviously, the absorption of noise is particularly important in rooms with hard surfaces, such as sports halls and swimming pools, but also in schools and public places such as hospitals. American research for example showed that some children and staff from

noisy schools had higher blood pressure, less cognitive task success and greater feelings of helplessness. This equally applies to the atmosphere in hospitals and particularly with very sensitive patients, such as the psychiatric ones in Slagelse. 

 www.troldtekt.co.uk

The sound of silence The materials which the architects chose are solid and familiar, such as brick, wood, concrete and cement-bonded wood wool ceiling panels.

Installation of these Troldtekt ceiling panels throughout most of the complex ensures reduction of noise and reverberation of echoes, resulting in quiet and pleasant acoustics as well as a healthy indoor climate. In our noisy world, the ‘sound of silence’

The materials which the architects chose are solid and familiar

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Landscaping

PAVING THE WAY The Brick Awards last year celebrated a huge range of exciting architecture projects, all with one quality in common: excellent use of brick. One project which received a special commendation was the Barbican Podium in London.

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he paving contractor, A T Knotts & Sons, used specially developed clay pavers to complete the space, which was designed by Bickerdike Allen Partners. Quarry tiles were specified, which are usually used for floors where a very durable material is required.

Work began on this renovation of the Barbican paving area in late 2013. The requirements were to maintain the general appearance of the paving while freshening up the look of the area and delivering good slip resistance. An astonishing 280,000 tiles were needed to surround the Grade II listed building.

Tiles that have been laid in the project in the past vary in colour, depending on when they were laid. The architects’ objective was to select colours that were in keeping with this theme, but also introducing more warmth and interest across the large expanses to be paved. Local residents and planners were consulted, and the decision was taken to mix the three colours together in a random formation, using a 40:40:20 quantity ratio. The specific tiles selected were Brown Antique, Brown Brindle

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and Blue Brindle in colour.

During the build process, the previous tiles, Hawkins Brown Brindle 215 x 102.5mm quarry tiles, which were laid from the 1980s onwards, were removed.

In this way, the waterproofing and insulation processes could be restarted from a high level of quality, in order to maximise durability. There was also another issue to tackle, as the old brick waffle tiles, which provided slip resistance on the walkways, often gathered water in their grooves. Their gradual wearing down due to water saturation had made them visually displeasing. The brick and tile manufacturer resolved this issue by using a tile which achieved a significantly higher slip resistance than the existing smoothfaced and waffle tiles, with a mean USRV of 68. In this way, the original waffle tiles could be removed as they were no longer needed.

The project is a delight to behold and demonstrates that clay paving has an enduring appeal, especially when used to contrast with and bring warmth to concrete structures. The use of the BDA member’s clay tiles have set the standard high for when other parts of the Barbican Estate are renewed

in future years. As a building material in general, using quarry tiles is a sound investment as they are sure to last longer than many other building counterparts, in addition to their array of aesthetically pleasing qualities.

Project: Barbican Podium Location: London Architect: Bickerdike Allen Partners

The project demonstrates that clay paving has an enduring appeal

Brick Award winners in recent years have included the London School of Economics’ Saw Swee Hock Student Centre, the Whitworth Art Gallery and the Turnmill Building in Clerkenwell. 

 www.brick.org.uk

The specific tiles selected were Brown Antique, Brown Brindle and Blue Brindle in colour

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29

Interiors

FUTURE-PROOFING SCHOOLS

Project: City of Glasgow College Location: Glasgow Procurement: NPD framework

The College’s investment will deliver significant educational benefits, improve efficiency and effectiveness and create a sustainable estate

KI Europe, a local manufacturer of high quality furniture, reflects on the importance of integrating flexible furnishing solutions that can adapt to the evolutionary nature of learning.

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he stunning new City of Glasgow College, Riverside Campus was one of the largest education buildings in the UK for 20 years. It is an excellent example of an innovative higher education institution utilising innovative seating to future-proof their learning environments.

Although this is in a tertiary learning context, there is no reason why all educational institutions shouldn’t subscribe to this forward-thinking school of thought. It will ensure that their spaces are versatile and will be adept at transforming to suit different applications for students and teachers at any level.

Alison Mallett, National Sales Manager, Higher Education, KI Europe, comments: “Furnishings, just like architecture, must be tailored to suit the specific, intended use of the space – neither building nor interior design can

30

take a cookie-cutter approach.

By providing as much flexibility as possible today, educational institutions are in a way futureproofing their investments, creating spaces that will adapt to ever-evolving subject matter, teaching styles, content delivery and technology.”

KI, a leading global provider of educational furniture, provided a number of seating products for the City of Glasgow College’s learning spaces, the vast majority of which are on castors. This builtin mobility demonstrates the College’s emphasis on creating dynamic, flexible spaces. A number of rooms are furnished with KI’s award-winning Learn2 chair with its highly versatile table arm, which eliminates the need for tables. Another room required further flexibility – it needed to include tablet arms for individual work, but also needed to be able to transform quickly and create a large open

space. Readily meeting this requirement was KI’s Torsion on the Go! chair. Designed by Giancarlo Piretti, it features a combination of an oversized foldable tablet arm, and the ability to nest neatly to the side of the room when not required.

These two examples, alongside

the hundreds of task chairs and four-leg chairs on castors that KI provided to the College, are strong indicators of a growing need to maximise movement and flexibility within learning environments. 

 www.kieurope.com

A number of rooms are furnished with KI’s award-winning Learn2 chair with its highly versatile table arm

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Leisure

LET’S HAVE A MORE PLAYFUL PUBLIC REALM

Our new urban neighbourhoods tend to deliver stillborn unconnected open spaces with a few rickety items of play equipment

PlayBoard NI recently hosted a conference called ‘Playing Out – How can the public realm support better outcomes for children’s holistic development’. SLR Consulting’s Paul McTernan, who leads the company’s masterplanning and regeneration team, was one of those speakers who set out the challenge to UK urban planners to create a more playful public realm. Here, he explains more. the days of lost M ourning childhood, those of us of a certain age tend to regale a freedom we had as children to roam our neighbourhoods and play in every street, lane, alleyway, hedgerow and available open space. All this is now unfortunately consigned to black and white imagery of mucky kids, in car-free streets with plasters on their knees; but in such places and under such circumstances we were allowed to play creatively, by our own rules, by our own invention and at our own risk.

How the world and society has changed. Traffic and urbanisation has taken the

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street away, the fear of injury and germs has got ridiculously out of proportion, and the spectre of abduction has made it the norm to have our kids make appointments to play together, under our supervision of course, somewhere safe, manicured and thoroughly de-risked. Our new urban neighbourhoods tend to deliver stillborn unconnected open spaces with a few rickety items of play equipment where the opportunity to engage in creative and natural play is heavily curtailed. As for those civic squares and urban streets that we can have access to, there’s not much fun there

either. The design in too many cases is more for the adult coffee drinker than the curiosity of a child’s mind. Why don’t we design in more playfulness and allow for the continuous animation of our public realm?

Think of the ‘Peak Experience’ on Market Street in San Francisco where the hills of the city have been recreated in fuchsia coloured mini mounds, where kids can conquer the peaks and learn about the geology that forged the very nature of their city. Think of the Bachle of Freiburg – the small open gutters that run through the old town where the children race their boats, the

teenagers chill their drinks and the tourists dip their feet. Think of the fabulous Mi Casa, Your Casa in Atlanta where huge public spaces were transformed into play spaces with hammocks and sculptures. Think of the remarkable Le Miroir d’Eau in Bordeaux: 2700m2 of a thin layer of water – in other words a wonderful big puddle. All of these show what a playful public realm can look like.

Adrian Voce’s book ‘Policy for Play: Responding to children’s forgotten right’ published in 2015 is a call for government to put the child’s right to play, as enshrined by Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights

Alignment is about a recognition that, in the words of Voce ‘the interests of children and the interests of communities are not opposed but closely aligned. Good parks, good neighbourhoods, good town centres are all the better when the needs and desires of children and young people are listened to and acknowledged’.

The DEMOS report ‘Seen & Heard' identifies four components. Place-shaping is about the overall place offer to children and young people the full integration of the routes to school, the neighbourhood and the town centre. Collaboration is the case for a multi-agency coordinated effort. We will see this work in the delivery of local area agreements and play strategies, in collaborative brief writing for landscape designers and transport planners and for setting the pace for increasing standards in private development projects. Co-production is about making places with an engaged community of young people and children where their voice will shape the level of provision.

Leisure

of the Child (1989), to the fore of public policy. Because play is very important to children, but much less so to the adults who control their environments, it is widely overlooked within planning and placemaking policy.

It is of course a multi-faceted concept, as play is a critical part of the health agenda to keep children active and off the couch, and counter the trends towards increasing obesity in early life. Play is also central to education and enduring mental health. The National Trust’s ‘nature deficit disorder’ campaign to address the growing numbers of children that never experience nature within their childhood development is a remarkable commentary on our times.

There are at least five things we need to do: Create policy that aligns common effort Devise play strategies that target structured interventions Get the planning system to work better for us Construct partnerships that deliver Nurture champions

Play is a critical part of the health agenda to keep children active and off the couch

Leadership is about politics, the role of design professionals and local champions to drive the agenda.

If we want to really shape the development of better planning policy, then a new generation of play strategies will need to influence how we draft our statutory development plans.

This is where good policy needs to be written and embedded within the planning system. We need a well-structured evidence

base in each local authority area and the will to implement new policies that put play central to open space planning and neighbourhood regeneration.

Community planning is one platform for policy alignment amongst the key partners but the big challenge is to get this transferred into the planning system so that play becomes as essential integrated component of place development and can be strategically resourced

through the planning system.

If we can have a percentage for art; then why not a percentage for play? Imagine how, with a new policy framework in place, we could then energise the place-shaping agendas of our neighbourhoods with some joined-up thinking on routes to school, green infrastructure design, urban extensions and neighbourhood regeneration. 

 www.slrconsulting.com

If we want to really shape the development of better planning policy, then a new generation of play strategies will need to influence future plans

33

HVAC

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TAKES CENTRE STAGE

Project: Royal Court Theatre Location: Liverpool Architect: Allford Hall Monaghan Morris

Steve Hunt from building services consultancy, Steven Hunt & Associates, discusses the refurbishment scheme at Liverpool City Council’s Royal Court Theatre.

Royal Court L iverpool’s Theatre has been part of the city’s cultural landscape since it was first opened as ‘Cooke’s Royal New Circus’ in 1826. Re-designed and reopened on the same site as the Royal Court in 1881, it was destroyed by fire and rebuilt again in the Art Deco style in 1938.

The theatre has been entertaining audiences in the same building ever since and has played host to some of the acting profession’s most illustrious names, including Lawrence Olivier, John Gielgud, Vivienne Leigh and Judi Dench, who made her acting debut there in 1957.

To ensure that theatre goers can continue to enjoy the building’s rich heritage and sumptuous surroundings for generations to come, the Royal Court Liverpool Trust has successfully secured funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) towards the £11.9m cost of a complete refurbishment.

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Divided into phases or ‘Acts’ that will enable the theatre to remain open for as much of the programme as possible, the refurbishment is now well underway. The £1.2m Act I improvements to the auditorium were completed in 2012 and the latest scheme to transform the theatre is the £3m Act 2 programme involving refurbishment of the entrance and ground floor circulation areas, including an extension to increase the footprint of the public areas.

Act 3, a £ 2.9m revamp of the balcony and basement levels is planned for 2017.

One of the biggest challenges of keeping the building operational throughout this complex programme of works has been designing the building services so that the mechanical and electrical installation could be upgraded without business interruption. Steven Hunt & Associates has worked closely with the theatre’s team and the architect, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) to build those requirements into the design.

Lighting was a key design element of the Act 2 programme

Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre has been part of the city’s cultural landscape since it was first opened in 1826

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HVAC

furniture where possible to create an unobtrusive system that blends into the interior design.

A mechanical ventilation system with high efficiency heat recovery units further limits the energy demand from the heating system.

Alongside the energy saving elements of the building services specification, water conservation has also been integrated into the services design to enhance the theatre’s sustainability credentials. PIR sensors in the toilets control shut off valves in the sanitary ware to isolate the water supply when the facilities are not in use.

The latest scheme to transform the theatre is the £3m Act 2 programme involving refurbishment of the entrance and ground floor circulation areas

Energy upgrade

36

The theatre’s power distribution was still operating from the building’s original 1938 panel board which was no longer fit for purpose. The old panel has been isolated and made safe but retained for historical interest.

However, the design needed to accommodate an installation schedule that would avoid supply being cut off to the auditorium.

The new distribution system involves amalgamation of the two existing switch rooms into a single switch room and work to move the building over to the new supply had to be delivered out of hours to ensure that any risk of power outages was avoided.

Rewiring and lighting refurbishment of the auditorium had already been completed as part of the Act I programme but, as the whole building is on the same supply network, upgrades to the electrical distribution in the Act 2 programme had to be designed to ensure that any isolations did not affect performances.

lights in the stairways and break out spaces. Hidden LED lighting in the lobby pelmets provides a soft ambient light, while glass pendants over the lobby have been included in the design for drama.

All the foyer lighting is linked to scene setting controls to enable the theatre to adjust settings depending on the time of day and the type of event being held, maximising the flexibility of the public spaces.

Energy efficiency has also been designed into the lighting scheme. All fittings are LED, including the rewired and relamped existing fittings in the basement. PIR presence and absence detection has been included in the scheme for the toilets. Externally, recessed LED strip lights in the terrace floor have been specified to light the facade, with further strip lighting under the handrails and recessed downlights to light the entrance to the foyer. All of these external lighting features are controlled by timers and photocell daylight sensors.

Dramatic lighting

Warm performance

Lighting was a key design element of the Act 2 programme and the Steven Hunt & Associates team worked closely with the architect to ensure that the complexities of the aesthetic vision were delivered in the building services design.

The lighting theme is black and gold and there are twin recessed downlights throughout the foyer area with black and gold wall

The mechanical design for Act 2 also worked on the principle of making best use of existing assets while updating and upgrading them for the extended building and contemporary energy efficiency performance.

The heating system utilises the existing gasfired boiler, which has now been enhanced with a new

weather compensated variable temperature radiator circuit with intelligent controls that monitor the heat to maintain a constant optimum temperature and ensure energy is not wasted.

Heating is provided by a new network of flat panel radiators which have been located around the building to optimise heat circulation and designed into

Applauding heritage The Act 2 programme has now been completed and preparations are underway for the curtain to rise on Act 3. What the scheme illustrates is that it is possible to update and improve a treasured public building, enhancing energy efficiency and the end user experience while protecting its heritage. 

 www.stevenhunt.com

Rewiring and lighting refurbishment of the auditorium had already been completed as part of the Act I programme

PSB_0214_Stacarac

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PVC SHELVING Stacarac hygienic plastic shelving is used throughout the NHS and other areas where extreme hygiene is required.

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37

Landscaping

RONADECK RESIN BOUND SURFACING – NOT JUST DECORATIVE There are a variety of resin bound surfacing systems on the market, all claiming to do the same job; provide a decorative, functional permeable paving system. All seem 'much of a muchness', apart from price. Resin bound surfacing systems can differ, not only in quality and longevity, but in factors such as slip resistance, sustainability, health and safety and cost per square metre.

So what features should be considered?

there are no C urrently, set standards in resin

Ratio of resin to aggregate

bound surfacing, it is therefore worth looking at the following credentials which are indicative of a reliable manufacturer.

This should be a minimum of 7% to ensure consistent strength and performance of the system. Any less can drastically reduce the performance of the system.

ISO 9001 certificate: The accreditation for a company’s quality management systems.

ISO 14001 certificate: The accreditation for a company’s environmental management systems.

OH SAS 18001 certificate: This accreditation is the British Standard for occupational health and safety management systems.

Application thickness and the cost to the environment This can vary, but a good quality system should be laid from 15mm for pedestrian traffic and 18mm for vehicular traffic. Cheaper resin systems

Aggregate blends can vary in their slip resistance, but all should achieve low potential for slip in both wet and dry conditions

need to be laid thicker meaning project costs go up, whilst more materials transported to site make the system less environmentally friendly.

Slip resistance A good system should conform to BS 8204-6:2008 and A1:2010 Appendix B. Aggregate blends can vary in their slip resistance but all should achieve ’low potential for slip’ in both wet and dry conditions. Using Pendulum Test Values (PTV) the risk of slip categories are graded as follows:

Types of resin

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Quality control A two-part system where the catalyst is built into the manufacturing process, should only be sourced. Systems that require a catalyst to be added by an operative onsite, rather than a chemist, increase the risk of poor performance through guesswork.

Permeability – SuDS compliant system A resin bound surfacing system should be permeable, but permeability rates can vary depending on the aggregate size.

So, to summarise all of the above, resin bound surfacing systems can vary greatly in terms of consistency and performance. Check the manufacturer’s data sheet carefully and remember if a feature isn’t listed, it is probably because the product does not have that feature. If you are still unsure, then ask for technical help; the Ronacrete Technical Department will be happy to assist. 

FeRFA membership: FeRFA has been the leading authority for 40 years on resin flooring systems. FeRFA members subscribe to FeRFA Codes of Practice requiring high standards of operation, management, technical service, health and safety and business integrity.

The best resin bound surfacing systems use aliphatic resins rather than aromatic resins. An aliphatic resin is preferable to an aromatic resin because it will not yellow or darken in sunlight or become brittle when exposed to UV light.

0–24 = High slip potential 25–35 = Moderate slip potential 36+ = Low slip potential

The best resin bound surfacing systems use aliphatic resins rather than aromatic resins

 www.ronacrete.co.uk  tech@ronacrete.co.uk  01279 638700

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39

Structural Timber Awards The awards will see over 500 national business leaders and distinguished figures assemble to honour the finest projects, products and people in timber technology

STRUCTURAL TIMBER AWARDS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 31ST MAY The Structural Timber Awards will reward outstanding projects, innovative products and dynamic people. The awards celebrate best practice and recognise expertise in timber technology and the ways it contributes to an attractive, energy efficient and sustainable built environment.

T

he 2016 awards will be presented at a high-profile dinner on the 19th October 2016 at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham. Enter before the 31st May to be in with a chance to be recognised and rewarded at this fantastic event.

The awards, now considered one of the highlights of the timber calendar, will see over 500 national business leaders and distinguished figures from the construction industry assemble to honour the finest projects, products and people in timber technology.

This year there are 16 award categories – all are available to enter free of charge – including: Best Social Housing Project, Best Private Housing Project, Best Self-Build Project, Best Education Project, Best Healthcare Project, Best Commercial Project, Best Retail Project, Best Low Energy Project, Engineer of the Year, Architect of the Year, Client of the Year, Contractor of

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the Year, Product Innovation Award, Product Marketing Award, Pioneer Award and Project of the Year.

Entries will be judged by the

following panel of recognised and respected industry experts and will be chaired by Andrew Carpenter of the Structural Timber Association.

This year there are 16 award categories all available to enter free of charge

Gary Ramsay – Structural Timber Magazine Martin Milner – Milner Associates Oliver Novakovic – Barratt Developments Rick Burgess – PRP Architects Liz Male – Liz Male Consulting Steve Cook – Willmott Dixon Charlie Law – Sustainable Construction Solutions Mike Cook – Buro Happold John Allen – MACE Tim Snelson – Arup Carol Costello – Cullinan Studio Darren Dancey – Crest Nicholson Frank Werling – METSA Wood Rosi Fieldson – Simons Group David Hopkins – Timber Trade Federation Craig White – White Design & Modcell You’ve got to be in it to win it. If you have an outstanding project, innovative product and/ or dynamic people promoting excellence in structural timber across the UK, then enter the Structural Timber Awards by the 31st May 2016 to receive the recognition you deserve. Enter any of the categories free of charge via the Structural Timber Awards’ website. 

 www.structuraltimber awards.co.uk  amy.pryce@structuraltimberawards.co.uk  01743 290011

41

HVAC / HVP

The requirement was for an energy efficient system that would meet the needs of a large building

LG PROVIDES HEATING AND COOLING TO CRICKET CLUB

Mechanical. Westford’s Nigel Gulliford says the LG equipment proved to be a good choice for the job: “The requirement was for an energy efficient system that would meet the needs of a large building, like the new stand, and provide comfort heating and cooling that would cope with year-round use – in the cricket season and outside of the season. The LG system was straightforward to install and has already proven itself since the opening of the building in November 2015.”

“It was a great scheme to be involved in,” says LG’s Lee Snook. “We’re seeing more and more high-profile projects specifying LG equipment and it’s another feather in our cap that once again we have been selected. We’re increasingly being seen as a main player in this marketplace.” 

 partner.lge.com/uk  hvac.marketing@lg.com  01932 331400

The new Somerset Pavilion, at the home of the Somerset County Cricket Club in Taunton, was officially opened late in 2015, ready for the 2016 season at the ground that has been the home for county cricket in the county since 1885.

The old pavilion, and adjacent St James Street stand, were both demolished shortly after the conclusion of the 2014 season to make way for the new Somerset Pavilion.

T

he new pavilion includes a dedicated media centre, which includes TV and radio commentary positions, the Stragglers Bar, an increase in seating by around 500 and the development also allows an extension to the boundary, allowing for international cricket to be played once again at the county ground.

As you would expect from a new building of this type, it enjoys high quality heating and comfort cooling from the latest equipment by energy solutions brand, LG. The heart of the system is one of LG’s Multi V III units, which

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provides heating and cooling to a number of cassette fan coil units strategically positioned throughout the building. The units are exceptionally energy efficient using the heat from the air to provide heating and incorporating heat recovery technology that allows the heat being expelled from the building to be collected to heat the fresh air being drawn into it.

The system is controlled by one of LG’s premium touchscreen controllers which offers simple control of the whole operation from an iPad size screen.

The system was installed

by Taunton-based, Westford

The heart of the system is one of LG’s Multi V III units which provides heating and cooling to a number of cassette fan coil units strategically positioned throughout the building

HVAC / HVP

BOSS i-Series offers bespoke PHE in seven days BSS’ BOSS i-Series of plate heat exchangers (PHE) are built to order, so that fully assembled and tested units can be supplied within seven working days of order. Suitable applications include generating heating and cooling water for large buildings such as colleges, hospitals and sports facilities. These PHEs can be integrated with heating systems to either form a system pressure break, protect a boiler from a dirty system or high-pressure, or as part of district heating, solar, biomass, heat pump or heat dump systems. Scalable and modular, the range reduces installation and maintenance time while providing high thermal efficiency.

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New energy efficient plug fans from Munters Munters has recently added energy efficient plug fans to its portfolio of products. Designed to replace older belt driven fan technology, direct drive plug fan technology removes the need for belts or pulleys, resulting in fewer losses and less maintenance. Proven to reduce fan/motor energy consumption by around 30% and fan/ motor running costs by 50% (estimated), plug fans typically deliver return on investment in less than two years. Karl Lowe, Service Manager for Munters, commented: “We have worked with several customers over recent months installing this energy saving technology and have been able to see energy savings greater than expected.”

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Whitworth Leisure Centre in Rochdale has installed Atlantic’s E-Condense water heater, combating rising energy costs and meeting demands as visitors increase.

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Energy efficient close control Extensive range of air flows from 180m3/hr to 86,000m3/hr

•

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• • •

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43

Doors, Windows & Facades

Leading manufacturer launches refreshed brand

John Watson, a leading supplier of doorsets, screens and ironmongery to the UK construction industry, based in Hartlepool, Co Durham, has launched a full brand refresh campaign featuring a new company logo and tagline (High Performance Doorsets), visual identity and brand positioning.

A shift in the core business offering has been seen in the past 40 years, from supplying timber windows, doorsets and conservatories to the domestic market in the North East, to becoming one of the UK’s leading suppliers of high performance doorsets to the UK construction industry. The company now works on major projects across the UK within the commercial, residential and social housing sectors, manufacturing 300 doors a week.

Total Glass gets the colours right for Pine Mews In one of its more unusual projects, Total Glass has supplied colourful replacement windows and entrance doors for a social housing refurbishment project in Liverpool’s Chinatown district. Total Glass was engaged

by Pine Court Housing Association as part of a £250,000 investment programme in properties at Pine Mews. ‘A’-rated energy efficient PVC-U windows, finished in Pine Green RAL 6000, were supplied to replace the original windows, alongside final exit doors in the same shade of green. The Total Glass Powerframe, high-security, aluminium, communal entrance door, in Traffic Red RAL 3020, was specified for the main entrance and fitted within a green doorset.

 www.totalglass.com  sales@totalglass.com  0151 549 2339

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 01429 222023

New Irving bi-fold handle from J.Banks The Irving operating handle represents yet another first for J.Banks’ development and production of innovative hardware products. Since the design concept for the Irving Handle was unveiled at the last FIT show, the company has been overwhelmed with the positive reaction to the Irving handle’s anti-finger trapping design and solid, fully tested diecast construction that delivers a consistently smooth positive action and ensures a reliable lifetime performance. With its super slim styling and aesthetically pleasing design, Irving is the ideal handle to complement the company’s recently launched super slimline gearbox and shoot bolt system.

 www.jbanks.co.uk

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 01902 864863

Intastop provides solutions for the protection of people at DIMH Intastop will be showcasing its range at the Design in Mental Health Conference and Exhibition on stand 504 at NCC, Birmingham, on the 17-18th May. Intastop will feature a range of solutions that assist the healthcare industry in its endeavour to provide safe and secure mental health facilities. With 25 years of providing solutions to meet the needs of healthcare, mental health, educational and public service buildings, Intastop is wellversed in understanding the requirements some facilities have, which has lead to specific products being developed. Some of its most revolutionary products will be on show at DIMH, including the IVision Panel and Door Top Alarm.

 www.intastop.com

 sales@intastop.com

 01302 364666

Thermal break technology to produce windows for next generation

The Comar 9P.i Framing system offers fast-track, semi-unitised construction for floor-toceiling glazing, allowing tilt/turn, or casement, windows to hang directly from the Comar 9P.i Frame, as well as rebated doors. With the addition of thermal foam and triple glazing, Comar 9P.i offers U-values down to 0.77, creating a future-proof solution for its architectural, contractor and fabricator partners. Comar announced it has incorporated the technology from its Comar 9P.i system into the Comar 5P.i window range, and is now launching the Comar 5P.i Advanced Casement and Tilt/Turn window system, which integrates seamlessly into Comar 9P.i, creating the option for stand-alone, high-performance windows.

 www.comar-alu.co.uk

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 projects@parksidegroup.co.uk

 0208 685 9685

A first choice for hinge solutions With over 135 years of manufacturing experience, Cooke Brothers – based in the heart of the midlands – is undeniably ‘the master hinge maker’. With a wealth of experience in designing and developing hinge solutions, Cooke Brothers should be your first choice for all your hinge requirements. The extensive range offered by Cooke Brothers includes architectural butt hinges, continuous hinges, pivota fully concealed hinges and adjustable hinges, together with a wide number of specialist hinge solutions to suit every budget and application. Visit the Cooke Brothers website for more information on how it can assist you with hinging solutions.

 www.cookebrothers.co.uk  sales@cookebrothers.co.uk  01922 740011

Notes from the Comar design team...

BIM ready.

With thermal foam and triple glazing, U-values are reduced to 0.77, creating a future proof solution.

The latest thermal break technology including foam.

Large 62mm glazing pocket for acoustic or triple glazed glass.

Slim sight lines for both the casement and tilt/turn.

Fast-track semi unitised construction for floor to ceiling glazing.

Windows hang direct from the Comar 9P.i Frame as well as rebated doors.

comar 5P.i

ADVANCED

Latest Thermal Break Technology Produces the Next Generation of Windows.

Comar’s Design Team brief was to specifically meet architectural demands; low U-values, matching slim sight lines for both the casement and tilt/turn windows, large glazing pocket for acoustic glass, Secured by Design and large sizes. For our fabrication and contractor partners, performance with built in fast-track fabrication and installation.

For more information about comar5P.i ADVANCED please contact us: Tel: 0208 8685 9685 Email: projects@parksidegroup.co.uk Web: www.comar-alu.co.uk

The technology from the Comar 9P.i system has been incorporated into the Comar 5P.i window range. This ensures the Comar 5P.i Advanced Casement and Tilt/Turn window system integrates seamlessly into Comar 9P.i framing and creates the option for standalone high performance windows, up to 2.5m high with U-values as low at 0.77. BIM Models available at Comar Partners: www.comar-alu.co.uk/login/.

ARCHITECTURAL ALUMINIUM SYSTEMS

Kitchens, Bathrooms & Washrooms

BUSHBOARD GIVES QUALITY OF SERVICE AND PRODUCT Acre Mills Outpatients is a new facility based in Lindley, Huddersfield. The Grade II listed mill is an addition to the existing Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and is capable of providing over 200,000 outpatient appointments each year.

A

cre Mills Outpatients is the first project to be delivered by the Pennine Property Partnership – a 50/50 partnership between Henry Boot Developments and the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust – and the first such asset-backed partnership in the UK health sector.

Project Architect, Chris Race, has previously worked with Bushboard Washrooms on a number of healthcare projects and was keen to specify them again: “Being pleased with the quality of both service and product on previous projects, Jefferson Sheard Architects decided to specify Bushboard for this project.”

Bushboard’s HBN 00-10 Part C compliant healthcare units were specified at Acre Mills, meeting the brief set by Huddersfield and Calderdale NHS Trust. Chris explained: “The brief for the sanitaryware from the trust was extensive. Having to meet stringent infection control and maintenance requirements, the trust visited the Bushboard factory to see the construction methods, products and to inspect the workmanship, and was very happy with the product.”

Healthcare sanitary assemblies were specified as ready plumbed modules (RPM), meaning all healthcare units have sanitaryware and brassware pre-fitted. Bushboard RPMs are factory tested and arrive onsite

Bushboard’s HBN 00-10 Part C compliant healthcare units were specified, meeting the brief set by Huddersfield and Calderdale NHS Trust

ready to install. Chris was keen to use Bushboard’s RPM for the speed of onsite installation and for the quality of workmanship.

Bushboard’s exclusive sanitaryware and brassware, SanCeram, was pre-plumbed to the healthcare units. Chris chose SanCeram for the project for two main reasons: “Price and quality. Quality of ‘high-end’ sanitaryware, but with excellent value for money.”

Specifying cubicles and washtroughs Chris is familiar with both Bushboard’s RPM and SanCeram: “Bushboard Washrooms had supplied washrooms and clinical sanitaryware for previous acute healthcare projects and numerous education projects prior to being specified for the Acre Mills project.”

Bushboard Washrooms Quadro toilet cubicles with a wood effect ‘Walnut’ finish were specified to ensure the patient WCs didn’t feel overly clinical or institutional – a theme which continues throughout the building.

The Bushboard healthcare units, sanitaryware and brassware have had a fantastic response

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In staff changing and washroom areas, Bushboard’s lockers, showers and Quadro toilet cubicles were specified.

The top floor is dedicated to staff only departments and facilities, as such open-plan working spaces and conference rooms, Bushboard’s full-height cubicle, HiZone, and solid surface washtroughs were specified.

Since opening to the public on 9th February 2015, Acre Mills and the Bushboard healthcare units, sanitaryware and brassware have had a fantastic response.

Chris said: “Comments could not have been more positive from all parties including, clinicians, patients and maintenance teams.

Bushboard gave extremely good service right from project inception through to after sales.”

Several patients have commented that the building feels like their ‘own private hospital’ due to the quality of finish and facilities.

Jefferson Sheard Architects have already specified Bushboard products on a number of new healthcare and education projects. 

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

Washroom solutions from Lathams

As part of its comprehensive range of washroom solutions, James Latham now offers moisture resistant, high-performance melamine faced chipboard (MFC), as well as a range of matching compact grade laminate (CGL). The MFC, which incorporates two decorative melamine surfaces bonded to both sides of the high-density chipboard under high-pressure and temperature, is offered in a variety of 10 decors.

Kitchens, Bathrooms & Washrooms

A selection of matching compact grade laminate (CGL) in 14 various decors are also available. Compact grade laminate offers the ultimate performance in the most demanding environments. The panels are extremely resistant to impact and have surfaces and cores that are totally impervious to water. Both of these new range additions will be colour coordinated with Latham’s existing range of high-pressure laminates (HPL) and 2mm thick ABS edgings.

James Latham’s Group Product Champion for melamine, Paul Morson, commented: “These latest additions, of both moisture resistant MFC and matching compact grade laminate, means that we can now offer a true ‘one-stop-shop’ washroom solution package to our customers.”

James Latham’s washroom solution packages include: Moisture resistant MFC in panel sizes 2800 x 2070 x 18mm, compact grade laminate in sizes 3660 x 1830 x 12mm and high-pressure laminate in sizes 3050 x 1310 x 0.8mm, and now size 3660 x 1530 x 0.8 mm is available directly from stock at all nine of James Latham’s nationwide panel depots. James Latham also offers a large range of MFC and MDF to order.

 www.lathamtimber.co.uk  marketing@lathams.co.uk  0116 257 3415

Mira Magni-flo raises the bar for ultimate customer satisfaction

Research into consumers’ showering demands reveal that their main priority is performance. To ensure that a powerful showering experience is available to all, Mira Showers has developed Mira Magni-flo technology. Mira Magni-flo is a uniquely engineered technology that enables its shower mixers to deliver up to three times more flow than competing products, even at low-pressure. Through a combination of design features inside mixer valves, which optimise internal water ways within the valve body, Mira Magni-flo technology enables water to flow through more efficiently. By reducing the number of twists and turns, and maximising water area within the valve, flow rates are maximised.

 www.mirashowers.co.uk

 kohlermira@linney.com

 0844 571 5000

Stove Guard extends SONA's fire and carbon monoxide protection range

SONA has extended its range of alarms with the launch of a safety device that shuts off cookers before potential fires. The SONA Stove Guard has been specifically developed for use in electric cookers to minimise kitchen fires, where 62% of household fires originate. The safety device has an intelligent heat sensor that monitors rapid increase in temperature on electric hob cooking surfaces.

If the temperature reaches a potential hazardous level, the alarm will sound an alert and, if no action is taken, will automatically send a radio signal to a wired cut-off switch to turn off the electricity supply to the appliance.

 www.sonasafety.com

 sales@sonasafety.com

 0800 171 2009

Pendock’s columns take off at The O2 The Hub has specified decorative column casings from Pendock for its latest project carried out in Greenwich’s most prominent landmark, The O2. Virgin Atlantic Airways and Delta Air Lines launched the glamorous NY-LON Lounge Bar during the summer. Designed by Manchester-based consultancy, LOVE, the stunning aviationinspired 6000ft2 space features two round and two square columns supplied by Pendock. The stainless steel 304 columns feature a mirror finish outer skin, with a 6mm protective acoustic layer. Each floor-to-ceiling casing stands 2850mm tall; two with a diameter of 700mm and two at 550mm2. Additionally, Pendock provided all the fixings and fixing cover channels.

 www.pendock.co.uk  sales@pendock.co.uk  01952 580590

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Technology from Altro creates 'home-from-home' wet environments

Altro has unveiled the innovative Altro Pisces, a wet environment safety flooring for shoes and bare feet, which combines all the benefits of safety flooring with the look and feel of a home.

Altro Pisces is the first flooring to be developed with new AltroBead Technology, offering a soft and domestic feel developed with comfort, warmth and relaxation in

shades, Altro Pisces allows you to bridge the gap between high-performance safety flooring and demands for domestic-style flooring, bringing together the best of both worlds.

Altro Pisces uses unique AltroBead Technology. For each of the shades, tiny beads in three carefully selected hues are blended and evenly distributed into the flooring on top of the base colour. The result is the consistent, soft appearance that you would expect, and want, from domestic interiors. The subtle blend of four colours in each shade makes matching, or choosing, walls and fixtures much easier.

Developed for environments such as care homes, student accommodation, spas and social housing, Altro Pisces has been designed to fit perfectly with Altro Whiterock hygienic wall cladding, forming a sealed, watertight system for enhanced safety and hygiene.

Combined with the smooth appearance of Altro Whiterock Satins or Altro Whiterock Digiclad, it creates an impressive high-end look and allows tailored designs, resulting in the look and feel required.

mind, avoiding the clinical feel that some home-from-home environments create.

With a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) of ≥50, a soft-look finish and 16 attractive

 www.altro.co.uk  enquiries@altro.com  01462 489516

Heradesign works out for Oldham Leisure Centre

Forterra’s flooring package on leading BIM website

Forterra has become the first company to provide full details for a beam and block flooring solution on Building Information Modelling (BIM) component library, Bimstore. Jetfloor, Forterra’s award-winning insulated ground floor product which is used in tens of thousands of homes across the UK, was recently uploaded onto Bimstore, the original UK BIM component library for specifiers to utilise when designing building projects.

As well as offering a full 3D content for Jetfloor, which specifiers can download to use on their own 3D designs, Forterra has also provided users with additional product information in a technical guidance sheet, including an installation guide.

 www.forterra-jetfloor.co.uk  jetfloor@forterra.co.uk  01604 707600

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Oldham Leisure Centre’s cutting-edge facilities are built to the high standard demanded to attract major sporting competitions to the town.

Heradesign wall panels, from Knauf AMF, have played their part in ensuring the success of the project by providing the highest acoustic and durability specifications required for the centre’s eight-court sports hall. Heradesign’s unique textured surface helps make the hall visually appealing and enhances the contemporary interior. Heradesign is a range of ceiling tiles and wall panels manufactured from sustainably sourced wood-wool and has a durable woven surface that offers the highest Class 1A impact resistance.

 www.amfceilings.co.uk/heradesign

 info@knaufamf.co.uk  0191 518 8600

Forest fx flooring adds natural feel to Greenlea Oncology Unit

Wood effect flooring from Polyflor’s Forest fx PUR range was used to create an interior for Huddersfield Royal Infirmary’s recently refurbished Greenlea Oncology Unit. The Rustic Oak design, from Polyflor’s Forest fx PUR range, was fitted throughout the Chemotherapy and Oncology Unit as part of a £2.2m ward improvement scheme. More than 150 patients a week are now being treated in the expanded outpatients’ ward and chemotherapy centre, which includes state-of-the-art equipment and eight clinic rooms. Able to cope with practical demands of high-levels of foot traffic, Forest fx PUR vinyl flooring is a proven performer in healthcare environments.

 www.polyflor.com

 info@polyflor.com

 0161 767 1111

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Heradesign is rated outstanding

ROCKFON displays acoustic solutions in new showroom Independent dealership, Underwoods Motor Group, is celebrating the opening of its new Peugeot car showroom, in Sudbury. The showroom has been fitted with ROCKFON acoustic ceiling tiles to help create a stylish interior that showcases its cars to best effect.

ROCKFON Color-all delivered the required Class A sound absorption needed to control noise levels in this large, open-plan space. For added peace of mind, the tiles provide the highest fire safety (A1) and up to 100% relative humidity, guaranteeing longevity. Elsewhere, the offices in the dealership are fitted with ROCKFON Artic to give a light, spacious feel to the rooms.

 www.rockfon.co.uk  info@rockfon.co.uk  0800 389 0314

The layout, design and grounds of Valley Invicta Primary School, in Leybourne Chase, provides a safe and secure environment for its pupils and staff. Heradesign ceiling and wall panels from Knauf AMF were chosen for this contemporary building. To comply with the Priority School Building Programme’s energy model, to waste less energy and emit less CO2, thick concrete soffits are fitted throughout the school to reduce the cooling and heating demands of the building, making it more energy efficient. Heradesign vertical baffles are fixed to the concrete surface to allow the air to circulate freely and at the same time provide acoustic control.

 www.amfceilings.co.uk/heradesign  info@knaufamf.co.uk  0191 518 8600

Polyflor helps move community centre in the right direction Forest fx PUR vinyl flooring was recently used to create a striking design at youth and community centre, The Pavilion on the Park in Eastleigh, Hampshire. Polyflor’s Forest fx PUR vinyl flooring was installed in the centre’s Park View Café and Woodpecker Hall function room as part of a £700,000 project to develop the Pavilion. Michael Weakley Associates specified Forest fx PUR vinyl sheet flooring in the warm Rich Cherry shade for the installation.

A further four shades were used to create the detailed compass motifs, designed by Michael Weakley Associates, which sit in the centre of the cafe and hall floors.

 www.polyflor.com

 info@polyflor.com

 0161 767 1111

British Gypsum launches revolutionary BIM waste estimator

In a first for the UK dry lining market, British Gypsum has introduced a waste estimator tool which helps drive out construction waste by enabling early decisions to be made around material selection. The tool uses a direct output from a Building Information Model (BIM) file, allowing customers to identify waste during the building design phase and reduce surplus quantities of material at the start of a project. Once users have uploaded individual British Gypsum partition specifications into a Revit model, the estimator recommends plasterboard lengths to generate a customised ‘shopping list’ of products in line with the BIM data, while minimising excess material.

 www.british-gypsum.com  bgtechnical.enquiries@bpb.com  0115 945 1000

Designer Contracts strengthens team Designer Contracts has supported its continued success with new company appointments. Brian Flynn joined the Thames Valley region last year and now takes on the role of Area Manager. Previously, Brian was employed by Dreams starting his career as Assistant Manager, moving up to Divisional Manager. Julie Burton joins Designer Contracts as HR and H&S Manager. Julie has worked for a number of blue-chip organisations in the design engineering and hospitality sectors. Joining the company as Sales Manager, for the South Midlands region, Sean MacLachlan has extensive experience in the retirement living market, having previously worked as National Sales Manager for Allied Contracts.

 www.designercontracts.com  enquiries@designercontracts.com  01246 854577

Make a safer choice in schools with Itec floors There is no doubt that school and education facilities can benefit from slip-resistance safety flooring, but boring looks have kept its advantages confined to specialist areas. With Itec’s isafe collection schools and education facilities can now bring the benefits of safety flooring with fabulous wood, stone and architectural looks. With isafe One and isafe Apex safety flooring ranges classrooms, corridors, laboratories and toilets can benefit from improved slip-resistance. Rated for use in heavy industrial locations, One and isafe Apex will continue to perform on a daily basis. isafe safety flooring is fast to fit and is ideal for fast refurbishment projects.

 www.itecfloors.co.uk  info@itecfloors.co.uk  0800 032 3970

49

Focus & Innovation

Thanks to the invisible door frame of argenta invisidoor, the door closes perfectly in line with the wall, without any door frame or hinge being visible

especially with underfloor heating. Doors can be opened in both directions and stay in an open position at 90°.

Furthermore, every door always returns to its initial position when closing, nicely in line with the wall.

Hidden built-in track profiles

ARGENT ALU: INVISIBLE INTEGRATION OF DOORS Minimalist architecture is based on sleek lines, austerity and a 'back to basics' mentality. When you opt for this style, you naturally want to carry it through to your home’s interior. In this case, hinges are completely recessed, the mechanics are invisibly integrated, and the casings are no longer visible.

T

hanks to the invisible door frame of argenta invisidoor, by Argent Alu, the door closes perfectly in line with the wall, without any door frame or hinge being visible.

But argenta’s invisible concept goes a step further, so that the skirting boards can also be completely hidden away.

Pivoting doors recessed just as seamlessly But, not only can swinging doors be built in invisibly.

Combined with a pivot hinge, the invisible aluminium door frame allows pivoting interior

doors of up to 100kg to be built in just as tightly. With the pivot system recessed into the door, instead of the floor, the invisidoor AX Pro system is the ideal solution for both new construction and renovation,

Invisible swinging doors Combined with the invisible Neo S-5, or M-6 hinges, or the Neo L-7 as an option, that are recessed into both the door frame and the door panel itself, the argenta invisidoor DL provides a total package for swinging interior doors that correspond in every aspect to the demand for aesthetic living. The argenta invisidoor DL, as standard, is supplied with a magnetic lock, a seal around the frame absorbing door closing impact and the invisible adjustable hinges, argenta invisible Neo.

50

argenta’s invisible concept even goes a step further, so that the skirting boards can also be completely hidden away

The invisidoor SDX125 package already included the door frame to be plastered over and sliding door hardware that further emphasised the smooth look. But now, there’s also a built-in track profile to recess discretely into the ceiling. This sturdy, three-chamber profile is given a dovetailed edge so that stucco, or plastering, adheres particularly well and no cracks appear.

New invisible skirting boards Casings have become a thing of the past, and hinges, door springs or door pumps and guides have all been invisibly integrated for a while now.

The skirting boards were the only thing standing in the way of a perfectly smooth wall. But argenta has come up with a solution for this in the new invisible skirting boards. The invisible aluminium skirting boards are available in two models: a flat, adhesive skirting board (2mm thick) and a recessed skirting board (14mm deep), which are both plasterable or can be finished in the same cladding as the wall, using the appropriate baseboards. The backs of both models have adhesive grooves and dovetail profiling for a strong bond. Given that they come with a layer of primer as standard (just like the aluminium door frames), you can paint them and the wall at the same time. The skirting boards are 60mm high and are available in lengths of 3m.   www.rensonuk.net  info@rensonuk.net  01622 754123

Saint-Gobain Weber EWI system for Rotherham dorlonco renovations The Saint-Gobain Weber External Wall Insulation (EWI) system has been selected by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) for a property renovation project of 37 dorlonco systembuilt homes in the Rawmarsh area of the town.

Focus & Innovation

weber.therm XM EWI, with weber.rend RB Render Brick finish, has been installed on these hard-to-treat properties providing greatly improved thermal performance, while at the same time changing the streetscape for the benefit and wellbeing of the residents. A comfortable target U-value of 0.29W/m²K has been achieved from a pre-installation U-value of 1.05W/m²K. Four different colours have been used, some in combinations to match the duotone of the original facade using Chestnut, Fallow, Umber and the new Georgian Red, which have been selected from a palette of attractive colours. Additionally, a distressed finish has been achieved by artistic application of weber.sil P, a silicone enhanced masonry paint, to create an even more natural, aged brick effect which has been enthusiastically received.

The dorlonco system was created by the Dorman Long Company and adopted by the Government when volume builds were urgently required in the aftermath of the First World War. The steel frame was designed to accept a number of different claddings, from conventional brickwork, to render on a metal lath. Like so many ‘temporary’ homes of that era, which are still standing, thermal efficiency must be improved and the weber. therm EWI delivers this important upgrade.

 www.netweber.co.uk  enquiries@netweber.co.uk  08703 330070

The master craftsman

Redland’s Rosemary Clay Craftsman tiles have been used to reroof a grand Edwardian building in Leamington Spa, which was devastated by fire in February 2014.

Blackdown Hall, which had been converted into luxury apartments, was engulfed by flames, destroying over half the roof. This affected the attic and five first floor flats, while the remainder of the building suffered as a result of smoke damage. Coventrybased Pro-Roof had to completely remove the remains of the existing roof and rebuild it using materials sympathetic to the original, in keeping with the other buildings within the grounds. The project used around 31,000 tiles in total.

 www.redland.co.uk

 dawn.proud@monier.com

 08705 601000

Dallmer introduces ‘Red Zone’ roof drain

We are constantly being warned about the potential consequences of climate change and the risk of more frequent extreme weather events but are offered few lasting solutions, which is why Dallmer has introduced its high capacity ‘Red’ drain. The unit’s red colour identifies it as a separate system from the conventional flat roof drainage and is intended to provide overflow when the main outlets are being overwhelmed. The versatile design can be connected to chutes or to pipework in gravity or siphonic systems. This clears excess stormwater quickly before it can find vulnerable joints or exert excess structural loads.

 www.dallmer.de/en

 info@dallmer.com

 01787 248244

Red VMZINC facade for Walsall Academy A standing seam, VMZINC curved facade, in PIGMENTO Red, has been specified

by Corstophine and Wright architects to provide the focal point of the Innovation Centre at West Walsall E-ACT Academy. The 20,000ft2 scheme is a facility for 14-19 year olds from all schools in Walsall specialising in health and social wellbeing diplomas and has been built using the SCAPE framework.

The architects were appointed to create an award-winning building, built to maximise carbon reduction and to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.

 www.vmzinc.co.uk  vmzinc.uk@vmzinc.com  01992 822288

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Focus & Innovation

Portakabin’s short film on building project at Royal Stoke Hospital Innova completes labs for £5m science block Barton Pevril sixth form is the seventh largest in the UK, with more than 3000 students enrolled. With an ongoing commitment to invest in first class teaching facilities, the college set about the creation of a brand new, cutting-edge £5m science centre. Interior specialist, Innova Design Solutions, created nine bespoke science laboratories and three preparation rooms in a design, manufacture and installation brief, including second-fix M&E and utilities. The installation has been a real hit with both staff and pupils, with student, Tamsin Newlove, commenting: “I’m studying chemistry, physics and further maths, so having brand new science labs is just brilliant.”

 www.innova-solutions.co.uk  info@innova-solutions.co.uk  0161 477 5300

Portakabin has produced a short film about how a highly complex, 4200m2 ward and theatre building was constructed at Royal Stoke University Hospital in less than four months. The video is a fly through the £13.5m building showing the clean air theatres for all orthopaedic procedures, recovery room, ward bays and single ensuite rooms. It features interviews with a director of the University of North Midlands NHS Trust and one of the ward managers. The facility has been designed to provide excellent light, space, decor and infection control and was installed by Portakabin immediately adjacent to the main hospital, with minimal impact on service provision.

 www.portanews.co.uk

 information@portakabin.co.uk

 0845 401 0010

Leicestershire CCC’s practice area wins high praise thanks to Notts Sport

Notts Sport has recently resurfaced Leicestershire County Cricket Club’s indoor training facilities to provide a bespoke solution that’s been a winner with players and coaches alike. The work has seen the three-lane practice area, in the Mike Turner Cricket Centre, transformed with the former synthetic carpet – which had been laid over concrete – removed and replaced with NottsTurf Indoor top surface, installed over NottsPad Indoor shockpad base for enhanced performance.

The Notts Sport facility provides a much more consistent and realistic performance in terms of bounce and pace – that’s according to those who have used it, from youngsters through to the pros.

 www.cricket.nottssport.com

 info@nottssport.com

 01455 883730

Snickers’ ALLROUND trousers – ready for everything

Snickers’ Next Generation Workwear range consists of modern working clothes that combine amazing fit with hard-wearing comfort and advanced functionality. The WorkTrousers are in contemporary designs packed with innovative features that focus on fit, comfort and freedom of movement. The ALLROUND WorkTrousers are modern products of their kind with superior knee protection, built-in leg ventilation and a stretch gusset for freedom of movement. Made from a hardwearing, nylon ‘Dobby Pro’ fabric, with Cordura reinforcements, they not only have a host of handy pockets, but extra features such as a side panel design that gives superior weight distribution when carrying tools and fixings.

 www.snickersworkwear.co.uk  info@snickersworkwear.co.uk  01484 854788

Pop Up Power Supplies specified at Covent Garden

Pop Up Power Supplies supplied six retractable service power units for installation in the Piazza at Covent Garden. The 450kg units are buried out of sight, beneath the cobbled piazza, and are raised out of the ground by a turning handle. When not in use, the units do not impact the historic appearance of the piazza.

Covent Garden’s technical services team needed a power solution for temporary stalls and events. The solution was Pop Up Power retractable service units.

The team now have access to a combination of 16A and 32A sockets in both single and three phase, all with RCBO protection.

 www.popuppower.co.uk

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 info@popuppower.co.uk

 0208 551 8363

Foremans' £1.6m contract to expand top-performing school Foremans Relocatable Building Systems has been awarded a £1.6m contract to build a purpose-designed sixth form centre at Higham Lane School, in Nuneaton. Higham Lane is the joint highest-performing, statefunded secondary school in Warwickshire, and has performed within the top 100 of all secondary schools in England. The sixth form centre will be built using 52 recycled and refurbished steel-framed modules. The two-storey building will be delivered in less than six months, to be open in time for the school’s first intake of sixth form students in September this year. Cranage is being timed for the school holidays to minimise any disruption to teaching.

 www.foremansbuildings.co.uk  info@foremansbuildings.co.uk  01964 544344

Focus & Innovation

Eurocell's labour-saving alternative to timber fencing

Composite fencing from Eurocell provides an attractive, environmentally friendly and maintenance-free alternative to timber fencing. Manufactured from Wood-Grain, a composite comprising 75% recycled material, Eurocell’s composite fencing offers the look and feel of timber without the hassle, and the durability of concrete, without the weight and health and safety concerns. Wood-Grain consists mainly of recycled PVC-U with a premium wood composite surface and is guaranteed for 20 years against rotting. Easy to install, the fence posts can be sawn to measure, and fixed using the system’s ‘SupaSpike’ – where the spike is driven into the ground, and the post fitted over the top.

 www.eurocell.co.uk

 chris.coxon@eurocell.co.uk

Spinaclean solves sticky situation Spinaclean has solved the chewing gum problem for cleaning company, GLC Maintenance, after trying pressure washers, scraping and freezing techniques. Now equipped with a Spinaclean Gum Ranger, the work is flooding in from operators of schools, shopping precincts, car parks, councils and residential homeowners. It is easy to use, just a back pack and a lance, no cables or hoses and no need to close public areas to clean. It simply vaporises the cleaning solution and sprays pressure onto the gum to atomise it. Gum Ranger is totally inert, creates no odours and can remove 300 pieces of gum per hour.

 0800 988 3049

Snickers launches Solid Gear Hydra GTX safety shoes

Good safety shoes are part and parcel of a day’s work onsite. It isn’t worth wearing cheap boots that make your feet feel as though they’ve been in leaden diving boots all day.

That’s why it’s important to choose a shoe that has three key features; protection, comfort and durability. The Hultafors Group’s Solid Gear brand – available through Snickers Workwear stockists in the UK – is revolutionising footwear onsite. It integrates modern design with best in class materials for water protection, durability and a sporty look. Waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX lining keeps your feet dry and the Vibram outsole and Cordura ripstop fabric offer great protection.

 www.spinaclean.com  info@spinaclean.com  01327 831604

 www.solidgearfootwear.com  info@snickersworkwear.co.uk  01484 854788

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Focus & Innovation

Hauraton drainage channels used at Cardiff City Stadium and retail park Cardiff City Stadium is at the heart of a major new infrastructure project in Leckwith. The stadium’s extensive concourse and car park are both drained using 800m of Hauraton’s fibre reinforced concrete FASERFIX KS surface water drainage channels – with 400m of KS units also installed to provide pitchside drainage.

The stadium is part of a multimillion pound development that also includes the 43,964m² Capital Retail Park, a 5000 capacity, IAAF-approved international athletics and community sports venue and a 70-room hotel.

Landscaped roads into the retail park incorporate over 600m of Hauraton ENVIROKERB kerb-side drainage. Having the appearance of a standard concrete kerb, the components are in fact made from 100% recycled material that weighs far less than concrete, allowing units to comply with the maximum 25kg ‘one-man-lift’ legislation.

The drainage in the 1500-space retail

car park was a tricky problem. Due to its position between the stadium and retail development, it was essential that rainwater runoff in this highly used area would be effectively drained. 530m of Hauraton RECYFIX HICAP high capacity, slotted drainage channel was found to be the answer – with a further 495m of HICAP used to drain the commercial access areas.

 www.drainage-projects.co.uk  janine.kennedy@hauraton.co.uk  01582 501380

Spring need not grow black with Safeguard Dryzone System paint Controlling flood risk on Devon’s Crediton Link Road

Controlling surface water flooding was vital in planning and building Mid Devon’s £8.42m A3072. Vortex flow control technology was integral to a solution that managed surface water flows across undulating topography to protect local rivers. By using Hydro-Brake Optimum vortex flow controls as part of an SuDS approach, Environment Agency requirements were met for discharge limits at a 1 in 100 year level, alongside a reduction of flood risk in nearby rivers.

The River Creedy feeds the River Yeo which is classed as being at serious risk of flooding, so changes to the surface water flow needed care when planning the drainage strategy.

 www.hydro-int.com  enquiries@hydro-int.com  01275 337937

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With low temperatures and high humidity a feature of the late spring, the risk of condensation increases as homeowners keep heating on into the early summer. Black mould is a common problem in tenanted properties where moisture build-up, from cooking and drying clothes, condenses on cold surfaces. Guaranteed to protect against black mould for five years, Dryzone System Mould Resistant Emulsion Paint, from Safeguard Europe, provides protection against the effects of condensation. To use this product to its full effect, the area must be prepared – as it would be for repainting – and walls, ceilings, window frames and joinery then washed with Soluguard Multi-Surface Biocide to remove all traces of mould.

 www.dryzonesystem.com

 info@safeguardeurope.com

 01403 220120

Postura+ warranty doubled after proven performance KI’s Postura+ chair was the first one-piece polypropylene chair introduced to the UK education market in 1996. 20 years on, it stands unsurpassed as the only chair in its class to outlive its warranty. Tried, tested and proven in the most demanding environments, KI can now confidently double the chair’s 10-year warranty. Setting the benchmark for comfort and quality, the unrivalled performance of Postura+ chairs give schools even more confidence – knowing that they are selecting a product not just with an extended warranty, but a warranty that is substantiated by real world, everyday use by students all over the country.

 www.kieurope.com

 education@kieurope.com

 0207 404 7441

Kemperol®

Liquid roofing and waterproofing at its very best

Ideal for flat 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, our Kemperol® waterproofing resin saturates a tough reinforcement fleece and cures to form a totally seamless, durable, UV stable, elastomeric waterproofing membrane that cannot delaminate and is fully bonded to the substrate.

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

S&

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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