PSBJ November 2017

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November 2017

RESTORING AN ICON The University of Leicester preserves the roof of its architecturally-significant, Stirling and Gowan-designed Faculty of Engineering Building

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Breath of fresh air

'Friendlier' architecture

Housing associations are struggling to effectively store and manage data

A former hospital site is transformed into a mutliaward-winning care centre

How defensive and aggressive architecture deters the homeless

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The University of Leicester has sympathetically restored the roof of its Faculty of Engineering Building.

See page 24.

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Welcome to the November issue of PSBJ...

As many of you may recall, the spotlight in last month’s issue shone on De Montfort University’s (DMU) brand-new Vijay Patel Building, and this month’s focus isn’t too far afield.

Just short of a mile and a half south-east of the Vijay Patel Building dominantly stands DMU’s educational compeer, the University of Leicester.

The University of Leicester’s campus is home to one of the most architecturally-significant buildings of the 1960s, the Faculty of Engineering Building. Previously hailed by The Daily Telegraph as ‘one of the 50 most famous structures in the UK’, this world-renowned industrial-style structure acts as a landmark for the University of Leicester; alongside its high-rise coequals the Charles Wilson Building and Attenborough Tower that, together, outline the campus’ contour.

Designed by highly-regarded British Architects Sir James Frazer Stirling and James Gowan – who sadly passed away this summer – the University of Leicester’s Engineering Building, originally constructed in 1963, was the first example of post-Modern architecture within the UK. Just over half a century after its construction, the Engineering Building’s roof required a much-needed restoration and the University of Leicester launched a £19.5m project to sympathetically preserve the roof and glazed facade elements of the structure. The project, which involved replacing 2500 glass panels, came with a profusion of complexities and was finally completed in August 2017. To find out more about the Stirling and Gowan-designed roof refurbishment, turn to page 24.

Elsewhere in this issue, Fieger has supplied 94 louvre windows to Northern Ireland’s multiaward-winning Banbridge Health and Care & Day Centre, Shackerley talks through the technicalities associated with the facade design at the University of Edinburgh’s Appleton Tower and Pick Everard shares its plans with PSBJ for Essex’s latest leisure centre, the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre.

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

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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.

08 Upfront SES Engineering Services has been involved in a multi-million-pound refurbishment at the University of Leeds. Here Business Director, Steve Joyce, talks PSBJ through the project.

14 Talking Point With numerous bodies within the public sector considering developing district heating networks, planning ahead has never been more vital. Metropolitan Infrastructure reports.

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16 Housing

20 Legal & Business

24 Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

When it comes to social housing, a building’s physical design is one of the most effectual methods of protection against break-ins, acts of vandalism and arson.

IT giant, Phoenix Software, and VMware have recently revealed that housing associations are struggling to effectively store and manage their data.

The University of Leicester’s worldrenowned, Stirling and Gowan-designed Engineering Building has received a sympathetic roof refurbishment.

18 Technical Focus

22 Education

26 Healthcare

The technicalities of a highly-complex facade configuration at the University of Edinburgh’s Appleton Tower are exposed by Brian Newell of facade specialist, Shackerley.

Luxonic has provided a comfort-promoting, cost-efficient lighting scheme for the UK’s first-ever joint faith campus project in Scotland.

Northern Ireland’s multi-award-winning Banbridge Health and Care & Day Care Centre is reaping the rewards of 94 installed Fieger louvre windows.

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Contents

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28 Interiors

34 Street Furniture

Rachel Gundy at CCF explains how it is now easier for specifiers to meet project requirements due to product advancements.

Here, James Furzer of Spatial Design Architects looks at the ways local councils are deterring the homeless from sleeping rough on London benches.

30 Paints, Coatings & Finishes

36 Disability

The latest innovations in paints and coatings are unveiled in this public sector-focused article by painting contractor, Ian Williams.

James Dadd, Marketing Manager at AKW, discusses manoeuvrability and accessibility within the bathroom for those with disabilities.

32 Leisure

38 Product Showcase

Pick Everard has shared its plans with PSBJ for Essex’s newest leisure centre, Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre.

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

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News

INDUSTRY UPDATES

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

New Sutton secondary gets the greenlight A major new £36m secondary school in Sutton has successfully received planning permission following a progressive design proposal by Architype. The six-formentry school, with a sixth form, is part of the wider masterplan for the intended London Cancer Hub (LCH) – a new life science innovation cluster focused on cancer research and treatment, situated on the former Sutton Hospital site. The brief for the school, developed by the London Borough of Sutton and the Harris Federation, seizes the opportunity to integrate secondary school pupils into the campus’ wider remit of scientific research and treatment. In keeping with the overall masterplan, the design of the new school aims to inspire pupils to pursue a career in life sciences, supported by the expertise, innovation and influence of the surrounding research facilities. Continuing the borough’s reputation for high-quality development, a key integration has been environmental sustainability, with an ambition to achieve both Passivhaus and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certifications.

Announcement is major milestone towards transforming mental health services in South West London Kajima Partnerships is pleased to announce it has been successful in a bid to work alongside South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust to deliver on a multi-million-pound development to revolutionise mental health services in south-west London. The project will provide the investment needed to ensure that parity of esteem exists between mental and physical health by delivering exemplary mental health buildings at Springfield University and Tolworth Hospitals. The trust has chosen Springfield and Tolworth Estate Partnership (STEP), a

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50/50 partnership with Kajima Partnerships and Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures to deliver a range of facilities including two new hospitals with first-class inpatient facilities. The announcement of Kajima as a preferred bidder enables the proposals to be finalised for a full business case to be submitted to Government for approval. The programme will be integral to delivering the best inpatient care; boasting a range of community facilities including a 32-acre park, new homes, a new school and will commit over £5m for new transport facilities.

New extra care apartments for Worksop’s elderly Work has started on a major project to build 51 modern apartments in Worksop with on-site care specifically designed for the needs of elderly residents. A partnership between A1 Housing, Bassetlaw District Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, and construction company, Robert Woodhead, is set to develop an impressive apartment complex for older people on the site of the former Abbey Grove Independent Living Centre in Lowtown, Worksop. Part funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the project was granted planning permission by Bassetlaw District Council in May 2017. Robert Woodhead was then confirmed as the approved contractor, following a competitive tender process through EEM, and demolition work has already begun on site. The Abbey Grove redevelopment will feature 51 comfortable, self-contained one- and two-bedroomed apartments, including 37 extra-care places that allow older people to live as independently as possible in their own home, with the reassurance that care staff are on-site 24 hours a day.

Performing arts and languages block gets underway Work has started on a brand-new £3.9m performing arts and languages building at Rushcliffe School in West Bridgford.

Nottinghamshire construction company, Robert Woodhead, has been taken on to deliver the building, which is set to be completed ready for the start of the academic year in 2018. The facility will provide the school with brand-new teaching spaces for music, drama and languages, broadening the opportunities for students in these specialist subjects. The 2200m2 modern building will be built to a high specification, designed to be energy-efficient, built with a steel frame and a mix of brickwork and cladding. The project will be delivered by Woodhead Education, the specialist arm of Robert Woodhead. During the process of the build, the site team will work alongside the school to offer work experience opportunities, as well as maintaining positive engagement with the local community.

Eric Wright secures funding for school improvements Eric Wright Professional Services, Eric Wright Group’s dedicated property management and maintenance division, has helped two academies in the North of England secure funding for building improvement projects. The Preston-based education property specialist accessed £380,000 for Lancaster Royal Grammar School to replace its heating system and hot and cold water services to the main teaching block. Work at the grammar school for boys aged 11-18 is currently underway. Harden Primary School in Bingley, Yorkshire, will shortly undergo a flat and pitched roof renewal thanks to a £130,000 grant, which is due to complete later this year. Eric Wright Professional Services secured the grants through the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) – a Government initiative set up by the Education Funding Agency (EFA) to help academies and sixth form colleges address significant condition needs and keep buildings in safe and good working order.

New £35m Liverpool International College facility Construction has started on the new £35m facility for Liverpool International College with a groundbreaking ceremony on 27th September. Kier, a leading property, residential, construction and services group, will deliver a 47,000ft2, 13-storey, 259-bed student accommodation block and three-storey college building to house up to 900 students on the site of the former Archbishop Blanch School on Mount Vernon.

The facility, due to open in September 2019, will be the first under construction in Knowledge Quarter Liverpool’s Paddington Village – a £1bn development site that will be home to some of the world’s most influential players in science, health, technology, education, music and the creative and performing arts. Operated through a successful 10-year partnership between Kaplan and the University of Liverpool, Liverpool International College recruits and prepares more than 800 international students for entry into the university’s degree programmes each year with courses in academic skills, key subject knowledge and English language.

Habinteg secures £10m in finance for housing programme One of Northern Ireland’s largest housing associations has secured more than £10m in finance from Ulster Bank to deliver a major programme to build new homes. Habinteg Housing Association, which marks its 40th anniversary this year, plans to develop hundreds of properties with the bank’s support. Development is already underway at schemes in Londonderry, Lisburn, Newry, Coalisland and Belfast, with a further 200 homes to follow in other locations. Darren McKinney, Chief Executive of Habinteg Housing Association, says: “We have been operating in Northern Ireland for four decades and during that time, Ulster Bank

over a four-year period. The framework is split into 10 lots and covers a range of construction-related consultancy services. Pellings has been appointed to the following: programme and project management, stock monitoring and appraisal, architectural as well as principal designer duties. Alan Davison, Board Member at Pellings, said: “We are delighted to have been re-appointed to the Fusion21 Consultants framework following a rigorous selection process, and we look forward to the opportunity to support Fusion21 members with their consultancy requirements.” Dave Johnson, Consultant’s Framework Manager at Fusion21, said: “This OJEU-compliant framework provides access to a wealth of consultancy knowledge and expertise and will save Fusion21 members – including social landlords, local authorities, NHS trusts, education institutions and blue light organisations – time, resources and cost efficiencies.”

News

has become an increasingly valued partner, alongside support from the Department for Communities and NI Housing Executive, to help us deliver new homes across Northern Ireland. The long-term financial arrangements between Habinteg and Ulster Bank help underpin our programme of development, which has widespread economic and social benefits. Ultimately, it will allow us to provide new homes for some of the 37,000 people on the waiting list for social housing in Northern Ireland.”

Stephen George + Partners announces merger with Leeds healthcare specialist Stephen George + Partners has announced that Leeds-based specialist healthcare architect firm, Enable by Design, has become an integral part of one of the UK’s leading architectural practices. The merger of the two companies gives additional momentum to SGP’s expansion plans, as well as enhancing its current expertise with specialist design advice and client support in all sectors. Enable by Design has a proven track record in creating high-quality healthcare and social care environments for NHS trusts, framework partners, developers and aged care providers across the UK. Led

by Director Steve Batson, all of Enable by Design’s team has become part of the SGP team, based at the Leeds office. They bring with them decades of specialist healthcare knowledge and expertise including working with various forms of contracts and procurement routes. Recent Enable

by Design schemes include the state-ofthe-art Fieldhead Hospital non-secure project and the Bagwell House Health & Wellbeing Centre at Pontefract, which won a Pontefract Civic Society blue plaque award earlier this year.

Pellings re-appointed to four Fusion21 Framework lots Pellings, the integrated design, property and construction consultancy, has been appointed to Fusion21’s national Consultants’ Framework, worth up to £90m

Just Housing Group introduces new business stream Just Housing Group (JHG) has introduced a new financial services business stream to bolster its already extensive consultancy offering following the appointment of a well-recognised lead associate to head up the division. The east London-based company will introduce its financial services consultancy offering to the social housing sector to further complement its existing services including consultancy, surveying, interim management and recruitment.

Led by recently appointed Simon Smith – who has provided consultancy services to over 120 local authorities and registered providers over the past 15 years – the new business stream will offer focused financial expertise and advice to JHG’s new and existing client base. This will include assisting clients with financial reviews, benchmarking, operational reviews and new trading company appraisals. JHG’s flexible financial consultancy service offering will be available on either a day-rate basis for specific assignments or through annual retainer packages individually designed to meet the needs of its clients.

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Upfront

Project: The University of Leeds’ School of Chemical and Process Engineering building Location: Leeds Mechanical and electrical specialist: SES Engineering Services Main contractor: Galliford Try Project management: Gardiner Theobald Client M&E design: Redworth Associates Architect: ADP Cost management: Gleeds

Ground floor – ICT cluster suite

ON-SITE SUPPORT FOR UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS' MULTI-MILLION-POUND REFURBISHMENT Steve Joyce, Business Director North with SES Engineering Services – one of the UK’s premier building services design and installation contractors – talks about how communicative collaboration played a fundamental part in successfully delivering a logistically challenging refurbishment and remodelling contract at the University of Leeds’ School of Chemical and Process Engineering building. internationally R ecognised for its excellence in research and teaching, the School of Chemical and Process Engineering caters for some 1000 students from 70+ countries.

When it came to transforming the faculty as part of the university’s ambitious £520m five-year programme of works to transform its entire campus to support its vision for increasing knowledge and opportunity with a focus on world-leading research, collaborative industry partnerships and further enhancing the student experience, the University of Leeds chose to work with

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principal contractor Galliford Try and M&E (mechanical and electrical) specialist contractor SES Engineering Services (SES) to deliver the highly complex £38m scheme.

Against the odds and mirroring the university’s collaborative approach, Galliford Try and SES completed the extensive work on time, despite a raft of necessary variations to the original contract which were driven by the university’s desire to remain in the building and maintain critical laboratory space and the array of hidden challenges thrown up by an outdated 1960s building.

By incorporating state-ofthe-art facilities into the iconic 1960s building, the university will achieve ambitious growth in academic activity.

Briefly, the building comprises a suite of three purpose-built laboratories for research using radioactive materials, with space for pilot-scale rigs, bench-top chemical experiments and highspec analytic equipment.

A new photonics laboratory hosts ultra-fast laser plasma implantation equipment. This not only allows research to be undertaken, it also supports the use of facilities for commercial applications to be undertaken. 

Ground mezzanine floor – lecture theatre C

There were 15 changes to the original project programme. The project team developed subprogrammes to ensure each phase would be successfully delivered. This included fully integrating all specific trade activities across the individual 12 phases and incorporating time for the client’s fit-out.

Upfront

KEY FACTS:

Regular design team meetings were held to ensure all parties’ input could be built into the ever-changing programme of works.

570+ project manager instructions/variations were received which equated to a significant 20% increase in contract value. Without SES’ flexibility and agile way of working, they could have caused a major impact on programming, resulting in costly delays. These changes ranged from moving sockets to changing a proposed store into two state-of-theart labs.

To support the client and its stakeholders’ continuous use of the building, the project was broken down from the original 12 phases of work into 21 smaller phases.

SES held workshops and laboratory walkthroughs with each lab technician from which it created drawing overlays to clearly indicate where the services would be best located.

Following practical completion, SES will retain a presence on site for a further 12 months to work closely with the university’s facilities management team carrying out maintenance and provide its Smart Landings initiative.

479 miles of cable and 14 miles of pipework were installed to service 54 laboratories, 90 offices, three state-of-the-art lecture theatres and 20 post-graduate areas.

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Upfront Level 5 – studio

Remaining on site During the two-year contract, SES and the team effectively delivered 12 contractual phases, 12 commissioning periods and 12 handovers under the one contract. To achieve this and ensure that the client was able to remain on site while live construction works were ongoing, a different approach to project delivery was adopted to make a seamless transition from outdated and corroded building services to all new mechanical and electrical installations.

Third floor – laboratory 308

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Based on the logistical complexity of the project, coupled with the age and poor condition of the building – which was riddled with asbestos – it was not possible to carry out intrusive surveys. Instead, SES collaborated with the university’s established supply chain to gain a greater understanding of the location, configuration and condition of the original services.

Further to this, we worked closely with the key stakeholders including the building manager, facilities manager, head of

faculty, professors, students and technicians to gain a detailed knowledge of the building in use, as this would pave the way for preparing the extensively detailed phasing of works.

Traditional refurbishments usually start with a complete strip-out of the existing services.

However, as the building had to remain live at all times this was never going to be possible.

Following numerous design team meetings with various stakeholders, SES developed a strategy to install the new plant room facilities providing a betterment of 12 months on

the contractual programme.

Whilst this increased the upfront workload, it proved beneficial to the latter delivery phases. More importantly, it prevented crosscontamination from corrosion of the old services.

Simple solutions often work best Unable to undertake intrusive surveys on taking possession of the building, SES devised and trialled a simple, yet effective, tagging method based on a traffolyte system, a process spanning six weeks, to mark those services which were to be isolated, removed or retained.

This proved to be so successful that SES and Galliford Try have agreed to roll it out on future projects.

A further complication for the project team to overcome was the unsystematic way in which the installations had to be carried out. Rather than working from the top of the building to the bottom, one floor at a time, to accommodate the university’s occupation of the building, SES had to work haphazardly around the building. This created challenges with access for site operatives, teaching staff and students alike. To overcome this, intricate phased site hoardings were installed to maintain safe segregation between the site and live building. Only by working closely with everyone involved could the project team develop such an agile programme of works. 

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Upfront

With 150 operatives on site at any one time, the project team had to ensure that it could meet the start and finish dates set out for each phase, while at the same time giving the university the fourweek notice period for isolation of existing M&E services, which often necessitated SES to work unsociable hours, during the night and/or over a weekend.

Commenting on the success of the project, University of Leeds’ Senior Project Manager, David Oldroyd, said: “Without a doubt, the refurbishment of the School of Chemical and Process Engineering was complex on many levels.

The building fabric and services threw up various surprises to the team, coupled with changes in research and recruitment, which forced a high volume of changes by the university. To ensure the remodelled building would help us to achieve what we’d set out to achieve the client and contractor’s design team pulled together to resolve the issues jointly and a cando attitude was applied by both SES and Galliford Try. “I also believe that the timely completion of the project would not have been reached were it not for the open, communicative and collaborative approach adopted by both contractors at the outset and their willingness and ability to respond to the changes without breaking stride. They are to be commended for that.

“I’m delighted to say we have a building that everyone involved can be proud of.”

In recognition of the hugely successful collaborative approach, SES recently won the prestigious Chair’s Award in Leeds Beckett University’s annual RISE (Research, Innovation, Sustainability and Enterprise) Awards.

Ground floor G56 – laboratory research

Summary This project, in my opinion, is an exemplar and has been a feat of logistics engineering itself. Collaboration has many guises and thanks to Galliford Try and SES’ flexible approach and an unfaltering focus on communicative collaboration, rather than a digital collaboration (which was not possible on this occasion) a contract with a 20% greater value than that tendered was delivered within the same time frame. 

 www.ses-ltd.co.uk

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Ground floor G56 – laboratory research

Talking Point

King’s Cross, a major regeneration development, under construction

Dominic Barton is Business Development Director at Metropolitan Infrastructure. He has a strong background in the district energy field and works predominantly with public sector customers. A chartered mechanical engineer, with experience gained at SSE and British Gas, he is well placed to understand the energy needs and challenges facing public sector developments.

DISTRICT ENERGY – THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING AHEAD

There are compelling reasons why local authorities and other public sector organisations are thinking hard about implementing district energy networks now. Not only can these networks contribute to delivering low-carbon development and reducing fuel bills for residents, but there is also a huge amount of Government support and funding available, says Dominic Barton at Metropolitan Infrastructure. the rush to take I nadvantage of that funding, how can councils ensure that they make the most of their investment in district energy?

Why implement district energy networks now?

Councils, and indeed the whole of the public sector, are considering developing district heating networks for a number of very cogent reasons, not least that of fuel poverty. The efficiency with which district energy networks generate heat and power means that residents’ energy bills can be reduced. They also contribute to meeting increasingly challenging planning requirements for lowcarbon, or in London zero-carbon, development. Furthermore, district heat networks can enable a council to generate local investment and/or create a longterm revenue source. Each local

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authority will have a different balance of priorities depending on local conditions.

The rapid increase in district energy implementation – by 2030 some are predicting that these networks will be contributing 10% of the UK’s heat supply – has been given further impetus by the level of new funding being made available by Government to the public sector. The Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP) has just entered its main funding phase with £300m available in loans and grants to support the deployment of new district heating schemes in England and Wales. Similar funding is available in Scotland through the District Heating Loan Fund (DHLF) and the grant-awarding Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP). These schemes are in addition to existing funding sources such as SALIX

– for projects reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy efficiency, the Public Works Loan Board, institutional investors and active Energy Services Company (ESCo) developers.

Planning for the long term Well-managed heat networks can operate for up to 60 years so it is essential that councils get the initial implementation right, and factor in the need to secure funding to replace plant every 15-20 years.

Whilst emerging technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells and heat pumps drawing heat from rivers, are being explored as potential future heat-generating technologies, typically an initial district heating scheme will connect to an existing source of waste heat such as an energy-fromwaste plant or utilise Combined Heat and Power (CHP) technology, fuelled by gas or biomass. It is also important to have a diversified customer base for heat to avoid being too reliant on a single, large customer for the network.

Inside the Energy Centre of Metropolitan’s district energy network at King’s Cross

Talking Point

The long-term viability of a network depends on it being large enough to realise valuable economies of scale. Generally speaking, this means that new heat networks should serve at least 1000 residential properties and ideally there will be a mixture of commercial and residential consumers. A council can achieve this by ensuring that all the properties under its purview connect to the network and that other public sector bodies in the area, such as hospitals and universities, also connect. The network can then be extended to incorporate new properties as they are built in the vicinity through their local planning policy, or to retrofit older buildings as their heating systems need renewal.

Image ©iStock.com-stockinasia-598549380 King’s Cross – Granary Square within Central St. Martin’s

Adopting the right ownership model is crucial. There are a variety of commercial structures that can be used to bring forward a new heat network including concession models and special purpose vehicles (SPVs) where the council works in partnership with a private sector partner, or adopts one of a number of frameworks where the council wholly owns the network, sometimes setting up a separate company. Working with external partners allows the council to determine the level of risk, and therefore the level of return, that is acceptable and to benefit from the expertise of experienced network developers and operators.

Running the network – how involved do you want to be?

Before committing to implementing a district energy network, councils need to decide to what extent they wish to be involved both financially and in the ongoing practical management of the network. This will, to some extent, depend on the council’s existing capability for running these networks. It will also be determined by the level of operational risk that the council is willing to accept. For some, the benefits of retaining full control of the network, and therefore investment decision-making and the level of residents’ fuel bills, outweigh the potential risks of being solely or mainly responsible for the network. For others, sharing the risk or transferring it completely to a third party is a more appropriate option.

amount of assistance is readily available to local authorities through a number of Government initiatives.

The Heat Networks Delivery Unit (HNDU) provides consultative support to local authorities in England and Wales exploring heat network opportunities. Currently in its seventh round of funding, the scheme is intended to assist local authorities through the initial development phases of projects by providing grant funding and a pool of commercial and technical specialists to guide organisations through the process. For London boroughs, the GLA’s Decentralised Energy Enabling Project (DEEP) offers technical, commercial, financial and legal support services through an OJEU framework, giving access to pre-approved suppliers and to expert consultants who can provide assistance in bringing projects through to the procurement stage.

Help and advice for making key decisions As has already been mentioned, it is very important to make the right decisions at the early stages when scoping the project and developing the business case. Fortunately, a considerable

LOW-CARBON HEAT, POWER AND COOLING SUPPLIED BY A CENTRAL ENERGY CENTRE

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In addition, help and advice can be obtained from consultants and experienced district energy suppliers and investors, such as Metropolitan, who can provide the full package from design and build to financing, owning and operating the district energy network.

In conclusion The availability of substantial funding and the growing momentum behind district energy as a heat solution indicate that now is the time for local authorities and other public sector bodies to seriously consider implementing these networks. Making the right decisions at the outset will result in low-carbon, energyefficient heat networks that will serve the local community for many years to come. 

 www.met-i.co.uk

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Housing

DESIGNING OUT CRIME IN SOCIAL HOUSING

Giving proper consideration to estate design from the outset can not only help foster a sense of community and responsibility amongst social housing residents, but can also benefit developers in the long term

A secure building helps to prevent and limit damage from break-ins, acts of vandalism and arson. However, what is often overlooked is how the design of a building or site can also help to deter crime before it occurs, writes Allison Whittington, Head of Housing at Zurich Municipal. research and T hrough experience, Zurich Municipal has found that the effective design and security of social housing can aide in the reduction of crime rates.

Taking a holistic approach to housing estate design can help in the management of crime and disruption, protecting the communities living there.

Tackling crime by design Giving proper consideration to estate design from the very outset can not only help foster a sense of community and responsibility amongst social housing residents, but can also benefit developers in the long term, with any additional upfront design

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costs likely to be offset by future financial savings arising from crime prevention.

There are many techniques that housing associations can utilise to design out crime. For example, high standards of physical security measures such as double glazing, window locks and secure doors.

Housing developers should also consider formal surveillance measures such as CCTV and alarms as additional safeguards. However, physical surveillance of this type isn’t the only option. Other avenues for designing against crime include ensuring that the built environment contains buildings that are easily visible by the rest of the community, with well-lit

streets and communal areas that create areas of natural surveillance. These well-lit and open spaces benefit from the natural surveillance of passing traffic, pedestrians and nearby homes.

Research has shown that implementing some of the above measures can make a real difference to crime rates. For example, in terms of natural surveillance, studies have shown that properties that are overlooked experience 38% fewer crimes than those that aren’t. In addition to this, further research by the University of Huddersfield has found that properties with these designs receive fewer reported burglaries.

Allison Whittington is Head of Housing and a member of the leadership team at Insurance provider, Zurich Municipal. She has over 17 years’ experience in the insurance industry.

Housing

The implementation of cul-desacs into communities instead of penetrable road layouts can help to reduce crime, as properties located on through-roads experience 93% more crime than those on cul-de-sacs.

The economic benefit Incorporating crime prevention measures into the design stage of any new housing project can make tenants feel safer and can also prove cost-effective in the long-run. The economic impacts of crime are well documented; in 2015, one investigation by the Institute for Economics and Peace found that violent incidents cost the UK economy £124bn per year, including £4bn for theft and £5.3bn for burglary.

Alongside this, the fracturing impact crime has on communities is also well documented. For example, the Home Office has previously considered the social impacts of serious crimes, including the serious effects this has on people’s physical and emotional health, as well as their quality of life.

Including the measures outlined above will ensure that residents will continue to be protected and feel safe in their homes, and improve the longterm security of the community.

Ongoing evaluation In the same way that the implementation of techniques to design out crime cannot be an afterthought; the maintenance and evaluation of the chosen methods should continue long after any development is completed.

Post-installation or postoccupancy evaluation should be routinely undertaken to support adjustments to the original design. This will generate knowledge that will prove useful to the wider social housing community and ensure that security continues to evolve to reflect the needs of residents. It will also give social housing providers a clearer understanding of what methods work, and which are not as effective as others in any given development.

By implementing routine inspections and evaluations, developers are alerted of when and where refurbishments are needed in a timely fashion,

Housing developers should also consider formal surveillance measures such as CCTV and alarms as additional safeguards

preventing the development falling into disrepair and, consequently, becoming more susceptible to crime.

Working together The success of crime prevention measures is always dependent on collaborative working with designers, local community leaders and insurance partners.

Insurance providers such as Zurich Municipal have decades of experience in local communities and have knowledge of what is needed to ensure that the

chosen crime prevention methods will successfully safeguard a community.

Seeking advice and utilising wider experience and expertise will positively contribute to the security of a development. This is crucial for effective crime prevention and developers should ensure that they foster a sense of ownership amongst communities within their housing developments.

Housing developers should promote collaborative working between their design team and

insurance providers during the first phases of a development. This collaboration will help to embed crime prevention and security into the design process and ensure that the future safety and security of a community is not overlooked at any stage and, if engaged effectively at this early stage, the various expert parties will be able to advise on successful crime prevention design techniques through their combined areas of industry expertise. 

 web.zurich.co.uk/municipal

What is often overlooked is how the design of a building or site can also help to deter crime before it occurs

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Technical Focus

SURECLAD PROVIDES LIGHTWEIGHT ENGINEERED STONE FACADE SOLUTION IN EDINBURGH Brian Newell, Founder and Chief Executive of ventilated facade specialist Shackerley, discusses the SureClad engineered stone facade specification for the University of Edinburgh’s Appleton Tower. as a World A ccredited Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, Edinburgh has more than its fair share of heritage buildings. The city’s architectural legacy reaches much further than the traditional sandstone edifices that dominate Princess Street, however, and includes important examples of post-war Scottish architecture.

One such building is Appleton Tower, an eight-storey facility that currently serves as part of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Informatics.

Constructed as part of the university’s George Square development in the 1960s, the Alan Reiach, Eric Hall and Partners-designed building has been controversial since it was first built. Indeed, opposition to the stark modernism of the George Square scheme was such that some of the proposed buildings were never constructed. It continues to divide opinion today: Historic Scotland proposed that it should be listed in 2005, while in the same year it was nominated as an eyesore for Channel 4’s ‘Demolition’ programme.

Much of the building’s interior was refurbished in 2006 and the latest scheme to update

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and upgrade the building has seen a complete renewal of the building envelope, along with construction of an additional storey at roof level and a new feature entrance at ground floor level. The building’s ceramic tile-faced, precast concrete and aluminium frame glazed facades have been stripped out and replaced with Shackerley’s SureClad engineered stone ventilated facade system.

Slimline and lightweight The new cladding was specified

by Edinburgh-based LDN Architects in conjunction with Buro Happold Engineering.

As Ross Crichton from LDN explains: “We specified Shackerley’s SureClad engineered stone system to reference the building’s original aesthetic and complement other George Square developments while upgrading it to create a sleek, contemporary look.

“As part of the building envelope upgrade, which included replacing the original single glazing, the SureClad system also formed part of a strategy to improve the thermal performance, bringing the

Project: University of Edinburgh’s Appleton Tower Location: Edinburgh Facade specialist: Shackerley Architect: LDN Architects in conjunction with Buro Happold Engineering

A SureClad system comprising engineered stone facade panels cut to 1363 x 1200mm and 1080 x 2123mm formats – with a thickness of just 15mm – proved the ideal response to the requirements

structure into line with current Building Regulations.”

Specification of a SureClad engineered stone ventilated facade system also offered a cost-effective route to providing an aesthetic that echoed the appearance of the facade of the University Informatics Forum directly opposite. Meanwhile, it satisfied the loading capabilities on the remaining concrete structure and enabled full insulation of the building within a ventilated facade.

Several approaches to renewing the facades were considered and LDN Architects worked closely with structural and facade engineer, Buro Happold, to identify a system that would address the limited loading capabilities of the structure while delivering the required aesthetic. A SureClad system comprising engineered stone facade panels cut to 1363 x 1200mm and 1080 x 2123mm formats – with a thickness of just 15mm – proved the ideal response to these requirements.

Because engineered stone does not have the inherent flaws and defects of natural stone in its quarried state; it is a hard and strong material.

This means that Shackerley’s SureClad engineered stone panels can be manufactured with a more uniform finish and a far slimmer profile, resulting in much lighter panels.

LDN specified a white honed engineered stone with a very subtle fleck from the wide SureClad range. The result is a building that has an evolving aesthetic depending on your vantage point.

Ross adds: “From a distance, the facade appears to be a clean, almost white monolithic surface, which complements the edifices of the adjacent university buildings. On approaching the building, the finish of the engineered stone panels comes further into focus, revealing the subtle variation in surface texture.”

Installation-ready While tests to the concrete building envelope revealed that it was still structurally sound, it was nevertheless coming to the end of its design life. Furthermore, there were problems with the singleglazed windows. Some of the opening elements were failing and the glazing was contributing to the building’s poor energy performance.

Technical Focus

WEST ELEVATION Recess head panel

A B

B

Ninth floor +121.450 C

1WR2

Eighth floor +117.180

1WR1

1WR2

Seventh floor +112.910

1WR1

1WR2

Sixth floor +108.610

1WR1

1WR2

Fifth floor +104.300

1WR1

1WR2

Fourth floor +100.010

1WR1

1WR2

Third floor +95.720

1WR1

1WR2

Second floor +91.430

First floor +86.800

KEY:

C D

E

E D

E

E D

E

E D

E

A

Approx. 1455

B

Approx. 1055

C

Approx. 1060

D

Approx. 985

E

Approx. 2130

F

Approx. 1010

G

Approx. 2110

H

Approx. 1585

E D

E

E D

E

E D

E

1WR1

E

WINDOW REVEALS

F

D

G

H

G

G

H

Ground floor +83.510

Basement floor +79.890

As a result, the scope of the project included removing the tiles, stripping out the precast concrete facades and replacing the single-glazed windows on the north and south elevations.

An elaborate working platform was erected around the building to ensure the required functions within the building could remain fully occupied and operational throughout the programme.

On the north and south elevations, the concrete facade has been replaced by solid insulated panels that have been toggled into the new curtain wall facade which is supported off the face of the existing concrete slab. On the east and west elevations where there is little glazing, the facade has been infilled

with insulated structural metal frame and board, which supports the SureClad engineered stone facade.

These new super-insulating substrates have been enveloped with the SureClad engineered stone ventilated facade, which was installed using Shackerley’s ‘Hang On’ system, a robust and sturdy cladding substructure specifically designed to cater for larger, heavier facade panels. The entire system was prefabricated off site at Shackerley’s ISO 9001 quality-accredited production facility in Lancashire, and was delivered to site as an installation-ready package. The individually-barcoded, largeformat engineered stone facade panels were all supplied with installation brackets attached to

the rear using sturdy stainless steel undercut anchors to create a safe, secure and stress-free fix.

With such large-format engineered stone panels, the facade system had to be tested specifically for the Appleton Tower project. Once it had been shown to meet all the required performance and sustainability criteria, installation of the facades commenced, starting with the lower floors of the building to capitalise on the summer recess when the campus was less busy.

Extended service life The SureClad engineered stone ventilated facade has now been installed on all four elevations of Appleton Tower, along with the new ground

floor extension that forms a feature entrance to the building.

The proven mechanically-fixed facade system with its secure undercut anchorage will extend the service life of the building for decades to come. At the same time, it has allowed for its thermal performance to be greatly improved.

More than anything else, the use of Shackerley’s engineered stone has transformed the jaded and controversial Appleton Tower aesthetic. It has given the building a contemporary appearance that befits its status as one of the University of Edinburgh’s core buildings respecting the design intent of the original architects. 

 www.shackerley.com

19

Legal & Business

CITIZEN SERVICES COULD SUFFER AS UK HOUSING AUTHORITIES STRUGGLE TO EVOLVE IT Phoenix Software, a leading IT supplier to the public sector, and global tech giant VMware have recently revealed that housing associations are struggling to effectively store and manage data, affecting how well they deliver services for citizens. funding freezes, C entral benefit payment caps and ongoing welfare reform have left the UK housing sector with numerous challenges to overcome. Only a few weeks ago, the Government confirmed a further £2bn for new council and housing association homes, meaning the sector must act fast to address failures and make smart investments in technology to streamline processes and save money.

Independent research among housing association employees, commissioned jointly with VMware, found three quarters (75%) do not believe their organisation is capable of effectively using the information it stores. A fifth (18%) believe their current data storage and management capabilities will need a refresh within the next 12 months, and a quarter (28%) within the next two years.

20

Following the introduction of Universal Credit, traditional housing management systems have been forced to adapt, as a result of more frequent, direct communication with tenants.

The study reveals that this has put housing authorities under more pressure than ever. One in ten (10%) are still struggling to manage tenant payments, and a third (36%) admitted that, while the process has improved with time, it is still difficult for their organisation to oversee.

Many housing associations are on a drive to connect and communicate more flexibly with remote access to tools and applications. Yet, 66% of respondents revealed their organisation fails to provide the tools required by remote workers, with nearly half (47%) admitting their organisations don’t have sufficient technologies in

place to deliver applications remotely for staff to work more efficiently in the field.

Greg Dean, Sector Sales Manager – Charities and Housing Associations at Phoenix Software, said: “Many housing associations recognise the need to change and are already re-imagining processes to adapt how they better serve clients. Faced with budget constraints, and a lack of clarity around the best way to manage masses of data, the findings show awareness of the potential impact a lack of action could have on citizen services.

“IT investment has to centre around continual digitisation and mobilisation, focusing on maximising the value they extract from their data to deliver better experiences.

Having them develop and, effectively, work towards a strategy which future-proofs

A fifth (18%) of housing association employees believe their current data storage and management capabilities will need a refresh within the next 12 months

KEY DATA POINTS FROM THE STUDY REVEAL: Three quarters are unable to effectively use the data they capture One in 10 still struggle to manage tenant payments A fifth believe data storage and management requires a refresh in the next 12 months 66% fail to provide the tools required by remote workers. their investment is tough but essential. These findings tell us they need support in doing so.”

Tim Hearn, Director, UK Government and Public Services at VMware, said: “Organisations in this sector face a number of complex challenges. We’ve seen some fantastic examples across the sector where housing associations have embraced more flexible, cost-effective avenues for data storage and management, enabling them to support a range of applications in the multi-cloud era. But, further and wider innovation is needed to make the most of the data they capture and store. By embracing a common storage platform, more housing associations can take advantage of tomorrow’s technology to deliver on the challenges they face today.” 

 www.phoenixs.co.uk

Education

AN EDUCATION ON ENERGY

Luxonic recently lit the halls and classrooms of Scotland’s Faith Schools’ Joint Campus

Project: Faith Schools’ Joint Campus Location: Scotland Lighting manufacturer: Luxonic

Luxonic recently lit the halls and classrooms of Scotland’s Faith Schools’ Joint Campus, East Renfrewshire Council’s project to bring together two previously separate faith schools onto a new shared site. Accounting for a careful budget with an energy- and cost-efficient LED management system, Luxonic sought to create a solution that would prioritise the comfort of pupils and staff at the UK’s first joint faith educational site.

Luxonic supplied luminaires from its Alterlux, V-LED 200 and Academy ranges

22

Energising-savvy authority budgets When undertaking a new school build project, local authority budgets often come under increased scrutiny. With new builds especially, there is a growing focus on investing in future-proof systems with longevity that can eventually provide significant returns on investment.

Unnecessary energy consumption accounts for over 16% of the UK’s average energy usage. With lighting accounting for 20 to 25% of total energy consumption in UK schools – says the Carbon Trust – the cost of wasted light energy can rapidly drain school budgets.

Of late, energy management is an area that educational facilities are looking to as a measure to reducing spend.

Local authorities are seeing the value in investing in an energyefficient lighting system as a future-proofing method to reach sustainability and spending goals.

These systems are even more vital when it is not one, but two schools that are being simultaneously constructed.

With over £17m set aside to forge the UK’s first-ever joint faith campus in Scotland, linking separate Catholic and Jewish faith schools onto one shared site, Luxonic was selected alongside consultants and contractors to supply a costeffective, comfort-promoting lighting system.

Education

With a history spanning back to 1986, Luxonic has contributed highly-efficient lighting schemes to some of the biggest educational projects across Scotland and England, including the GlaxoSmithKline Carbon Neutral Laboratory on the University of Nottingham campus and Ayr Academy in South Ayrshire, West Scotland. Every Luxonic product is manufactured from its HQ in Basingstoke, and the LED specialist tests every fitting to continually drive energy efficiency and pass on considerable savings to the schools that opt for a Luxonic solution.

One of a kind The Faith Schools’ Joint Campus, located in the East Renfrewshire town of Newton Mearns, is now home to two Catholic and Jewish primary schools, St Clare’s and Calderwood Lodge respectively.

Each school is intended to ease the demand Newton Mearns faces, by introducing an additional Catholic primary and the town’s first Jewish school.

The site is purpose-built to support the faith of every pupil, with separate educational facilities linked by an impressive communal amphitheatre. The playground, and facilities for sport, art, science, music and drama, will become shared spaces for the benefit of students of each school.

Luxonic supplied luminaires from its Alterlux, V-LED 200 and Academy ranges. Alterlux, with its low profile and slim design, was easily installed into shallow ceilings and at 109 luminaire exit lumens per circuit watt, providing a highly energy-efficient light choice for classrooms.

The high-efficiency V-LED 200 was also selected for the campus, to be positioned along corridors and communal spaces enjoyed by the students of each school.

Luxonic was selected alongside consultants and contractors to supply a cost-effective, comfort-promoting lighting system

This can result in a drastic underexposure to optimal levels of natural light. This underexposure has been linked to insomnia, reduced concentration and alertness and tiredness – impairing our normal functioning, and having a potentially negative impact on schoolchildren and staff.

On some educational projects, Luxonic specifies solutions that allow schools to benefit from intelligent light functions, including presence and absence detection and daylight harvesting. Each fitting can monitor the levels of daylight within a space, adjusting luminaire output in response.

This means for rooms that benefit from high levels of natural light, luminaires can reduce brightness automatically, saving on energy spend.

For those short winter days, luminaires will be able to automatically adjust to imitate natural light, providing staff and students with a much-needed boost to their circadian rhythms.

Building for the future Claire Thompson, Luxonic’s Sales Manager in Scotland, consulted with contractor, Tuv Sud, on the Faith Schools’ Joint Campus: “It’s a project that is one-of-a-kind and, as a new-build, Luxonic needed to provide really efficient lighting to future-proof the campus.

“The campus itself benefits from a flood of natural light, so we specified a lighting scheme that would account for this and, in the long-run, make some significant savings on energy costs.”

The campus opened its doors to pupils for the first time this August. Equipped with a system that now contributes to a highly efficient building with an EPC rating of 13, each school can also ensure its lighting optimises the comfort of students and staff. With Luxonic on board, the campus now has a truly future-proof system capable of considerable energy savings that does not scrimp on the comfort of pupils and staff. 

 www.luxonic.co.uk

Acting natural Human-centric lighting is receiving increased consideration and for good reason; it benefits natural human responses to light and, when delivered correctly, attempts to induce circadian responses to artificial light sources. Pupils and staff often spend between six and seven hours indoors when school is in progress, and in winter months, may not see sunlight in the hours before and after the school day.

Alterlux, with its low profile and slim design, was a highly energy-efficient light choice for classrooms

23

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Project: University of Leicester’s Engineering Building Location: Leicester Architect: Stirling and Gowan Image ©University of Leicester

RAISING THE ROOF AT LEICESTER’S WORLD-FAMOUS ENGINEERING BUILDING

The work involved replacing each of the 2500 glass panels of the innovative 45º, patent-glazed, diamond-shaped roof

In 2015, the University of Leicester launched a £19.5m project to replace the roof and glazed facades of its world-famous Engineering Building. This challenging and complex project involved replacing 2500 glass panels and was finally completed in August 2017. by architect D esigned practice Stirling and Gowan, the Grade II* Listed building is recognised internationally as one of the most significant buildings of the 20th century and is considered an architectural

icon. The building, constructed in the 1960s, has a unique glass roof and vertical glazed panel systems which had reached the end of its useful life.

It was the first major postModern building in Britain and the first major commission for

Image ©Mott MacDonald Façade Engineering

3D DIAMOND IMAGE

24

Architect James Stirling, who went on to give his name to the renowned Stirling Prize, and James Gowan who sadly passed away in June this year.

The Daily Telegraph included the Engineering Building in a national list of the 50 most famous structures in the UK, including Hadrian’s Wall and Stonehenge, in 2008. Of the Gowan-Stirling partnership, they said: “The Leicester building was their final project and reflected ‘the engineering style’ in feats of structural bravura, such as the cantilevering of the two auditoria beyond the body of the tower. A declaration of war against the predominant culture of dour functionalism, it proved wildly influential.”

Among its many other plaudits, it has been hailed as one of the top-10 most

inspiring buildings in the UK and most recently, was listed as number one of the top-10 examples that best represent England’s post-war buildings

by Elain Harwood, Author of England’s Post-War Listed Buildings, published this month.

The building is protected by its statutory listing so, in consultation with the Local Authority, English Heritage, the Twentieth Century Society and other stakeholders, the university invested to extend the building’s functionality and iconic status for another 50 years.

Such is the building’s historic status that the university has developed a project charter with its management contractor Lendlease, the other trade packages and the key stakeholders. All parties were

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Image ©University of Leicester Designed by architect practice Stirling and Gowan, the Grade II* Listed building is recognised internationally as one of the most significant buildings of the 20th century

asked to sign a pledge showing their commitment to working in partnership on this significant development and to maintaining the historic building’s status.

The work involved replacing each of the 2500 glass panels of the innovative 45º, patentglazed, diamond-shaped roof, designed to provide north light to the engineering research laboratories and workshops.

This complex project required demanding engineering solutions to overcome the challenges of enhancing an historic building, and contemporary technical requirements. The glazing system for the roof is a bespoke installation where no empirical industry standards can be applied.

A fabric envelope around the building was mounted on a bespoke scaffold to protect against the weather and to ensure work could continue throughout the year. This, and the innovative use of a tensile netting under the roofline, allowed the building to remain occupied and operational with students at all times during construction.

The project cost £19.5m, part funded by a loan from the European Investment Bank and the university’s own capital. Arup Group provided professional

consultancy, facade, structural, M&E and principal designer services for the project.

Brita Sread, Director of Estates & Campus Services, said: “The university is justifiably proud of its landmark Engineering Building and our project to replace Stirling and Gowan’s ground-breaking roof demonstrated our commitment to preserving this building and its heritage for generations to come. The completed roof is

the result of meticulous and technically demanding work from our staff, contractors, heritage stakeholders and partners in the city of Leicester which richly deserves to be celebrated alongside our peers.”

Simon Gorski, Lendlease’s Executive General Manager of UK Regions, said: “Replacing a world-renowned engineering structure in a 24-hour operational environment was a feat of engineering in itself

and all those involved in the delivery of this iconic project should be immensely proud of their achievement.

“By working in close partnership with the university I am pleased we have been able to retain and rejuvenate the iconic design of this landmark building while preserving the original vision of the building’s designers.” 

 www2.le.ac.uk

Image ©University of Leicester In 2015, the University of Leicester launched a £19.5m project to replace the roof and glazed facades of its world-famous Engineering Building

25

Healthcare

Client: Southern Health and Social Care Trust Architect: Kennedy FitzGerald in association with Avanti Architects Mechanical engineer: Cundall Main contractor: Felix O’Hare and Co. Structural engineer: RPS Consulting Ventilation: Crossflow Landscape architect: Gillespies (Glasgow) Photography: Donal McCann

All images: ©Donal McCann Photography

LOUVRE WINDOWS BRING LIGHT, AIR AND NATURE INTO HEALTH AND CARE CENTRE

Both Kennedy FitzGerald and Avanti Architects faced a challenging brief which required the new centre to provide facilities for community outpatients clinics, day care accommodation for adults with disabilities and administrative offices

Replacing three existing trust-owned facilities, the brand-new multi-award-winning Banbridge Health and Care & Day Care Centre, Northern Ireland, specialises in health and social care in a high-quality, aesthetically-pleasing establishment.

Health and B anbridge Care & Day Care Centre’s

94 Fieger louvre windows installed at the Banbridge Health and Care & Day Care Centre have allowed natural light and ventilation to permeate the building

26

predecessor, the old Banbridge Hospital and Workhouse, was no longer fit for purpose and the Southern Health and Social Care Trust called upon architect practice Kennedy FitzGerald, in association with Avanti Architects, to transform the existing site.

Both Kennedy FitzGerald and Avanti Architects faced a challenging brief which required the new centre to provide facilities for community outpatients clinics, day care accommodation for adults with disabilities and administrative offices for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, all under one roof.

A relaxing environment Planting and sculptures provide stimulus as well as reference points to help orientate users when circulating around the building. The integrated art strategy plays an important role in lifting the quality of the internal and external spaces, increasing legibility, wayfinding and creating a welcoming and therapeutic environment.

A lawn roof above the day care accommodation allows the building to merge with the landscape and provides an attractive outlook for those working at upper levels. It also contributes to a site-wide upgrade to the ecological profile of the development.

The design solution sought to maximise natural light in internal areas and provide patients with views out to the landscaping. The preferred design solution uses the atrium and stepped courtyard as a heart to the building and establishes visual connections to the landscape beyond.

Circulation spaces benefit from frequent breakout and seating areas with views to the courtyard.

Healthcare

Enabling works were required to clear the site of the existing buildings and contamination.

Significant level changes across the site were viewed as an exciting opportunity to realise the brief by stepping the accommodation.

The building provides accommodation for community outpatient treatment, activity and therapy spaces for adult day care and is an administrative centre for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust. This project brings these functions together onto one site in an innovative way, delivering efficiencies by sharing accommodation between services and reducing travel distances.

Upper and lower levels of the building each have a central landscaped courtyard. Community treatment facilities and trust offices are located on the upper tier, closer to the town, with adult day care on the lower, more secluded, tier. High-quality landscaping throughout enhances the site with the higher level overlooking a green roof to the lower tier. The complex serves the needs of the town of Banbridge and the wider community of 48,000 people in County Down.

The aluminium-framed louvre units are incorporated within the curtain wall structure and have a matching finish

Maximising natural light 94 Fieger louvre windows installed at the Banbridge Health and Care & Day Care Centre have allowed natural light and ventilation to permeate the building and provide visual connection with the courtyards and gardens.

Giving good levels of natural light, the Fieger louvre windows ensure high visibility, creating a strong connection between interior and exterior.

Though allowing ventilation, the windows also promote energy conservation. Being double-glazed units, they achieve a U-value of 2.1 to 2.3 W/m²K and have a certified air infiltration rate of 0.4 m³/hour/ m² so that heat is conserved during winter months.

The ventilated louvres use Cool-Lite SKN165 glazing from Saint-Gobain, delivering a 65% reduction in solar heat gain.

Electrical actuation of the louvres, by compact D&H linear motors, built unobtrusively into the side frames, is operated under the control of the building management system for automated comfort setting. Motors have anti-trap protection to reverse movement if resistance is sensed on closure. The aluminium framed louvre units are incorporated within the curtain wall structure and have a matching finish.

The building has been recognised by RIBA with national and regional awards for its innovative design that engages with the surrounding landscape. 

 www.louvrewindow.co.uk

Though allowing ventilation, the windows also promote energy conservation

The ventilated louvres use Cool-Lite SKN165 glazing from Saint-Gobain, delivering a 65% reduction in solar heat gain

27

Interiors

Ceiling tiles come in a wide variety of material types and finishes and can help building specifiers of public sector buildings achieve different results

benefits. Most plain-faced metal tiles have a wipe-clean surface which makes them the ideal choice for healthcare facilities where cleanliness and hygiene is of paramount importance.

Lighting

CEILING TILES AND LIGHTING TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SECTOR SPACES

Here, Rachel Gundy, Category Manager for Ceilings and Partitioning at CCF, discusses how, thanks to product advancements, it is now easier than ever before for specifiers to meet the project requirements of public sector applications.

Ceiling tiles Ceiling tiles come in a wide variety of material types and finishes and can help building specifiers of public sector buildings achieve different results.

For basic specifications in low footfall areas, reduced price point tiles are often the most sensible option. However, a higher specification tile can meet a much broader range of requirements and guarantee a finish that’s suitable for areas that are going to experience heavy footfall.

The most popular option continues to be mineral fibre tiles. This is attributed to how affordable and easy to replace they are, should a spare be required. Plus, modern mineral fibre tiles are also now available in a broader range of finishes too. For instance, CCF’s own range of Sektor mineral fibre ceiling tiles come in a variety of finishes including plain and perforated. These tiles are fresh and contemporary-looking with a smooth, fine granulated

Newer manufacturing practices have removed many of the chemicals and hazardous materials historically used in the production of ceiling tiles and lighting

28

or needled appearance. They can also offer a solid all-round performance, which is ideal for busy offices or communal areas.

Alternatively, public sector spaces such as educational buildings like schools or community centres will usually benefit from a slightly higher standard of mineral fibre tile covered with an acoustic fleece.

For example, in a classroom, where the teacher’s voice needs to be projected effectively, but the sound of noisy children at the back of the classroom also needs to be absorbed, an intelligent solution is required. This is where ceiling tiles, such as the new fleece-covered Sektor Pearltone Alpha mineral fibre tile, which – thanks to its Class A rating – is able to provide excellent sound absorption and attenuation rates; is vital to creating a comfortable learning environment. This, of course, also applies to large offices, particularly those with open-plan layouts, and other public facilities such as libraries.

Metal tiles are also available and while usually reserved for high-end specifications, due to the higher price point, they have many

It is no secret that light-emitting diode (LED) technology has revolutionised the lighting market and is fast becoming the go-to choice for ceilings. In fact, LED panels are increasingly being turned to, instead of more traditional options such as fluorescent tube lighting.

Research has shown that over a period of 25 years, (assuming the lights are used 10 hours a day, for five days a week), the total cost of owning and running four fluorescent tubes would be £580.75. Only a single LED would need to be used, to achieve the same illuminance and would cost £434. A combination of this, and the fact that LED lighting will also last up to three times as long as fluorescent tube lighting, means there is a sound basis for choosing LED ceiling panels.

Sustainability There has been a real push from the construction industry to move towards more environmentallysustainable products. In turn, this is also a pressing requirement for many local authorities and public sector spaces when specifying and installing ceilings and lighting.

As a result, ‘Cradle to Grave’ is being replaced by a ‘Cradle to Cradle’ ethos which sees products being recycled back into the manufacturing process, rather than ending the product lifespan by ending up in landfill.

Ceiling tile recycling initiatives also exist, which makes it easier for building and facilities managers to arrange for old tiles to be collected and reused in this way.

Newer manufacturing practices have removed many of the chemicals and hazardous materials historically used in the production of ceiling tiles and lighting, and is the case for the Sektor ceiling range, so the health and safety of products is assured. 

 www.sektorinteriors.com

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Paints, Coatings & Finishes

one of the UK’s largest A spainting and repair contractors, Ian Williams has a proven track record of working with a range of public and private sector clients. Our locally-based, directly-employed workforce has been delivering coatings solutions for over 70 years and has won almost 40 national Painting and Decoration Association Awards for completed projects. We’ve remained at the forefront of the sector through a commitment to implementing the latest innovations in products and applications, underpinned by partnership agreements with the UK’s leading paint manufacturers including Crown Paints, AkzoNobel and PPG. Over the decades, formulations and applications have changed significantly and paint continues to be a dynamic sector, contributing heavily to the sustainability, aesthetics, health, safety and efficacy of buildings. Paints and coatings now offer solutions stretching way beyond their original ‘wallcovering’ function.

THE WORLD OF NEXT-GENERATION COATINGS AND PAINT

Oxford Castle A wing

Mike Turner, Executive Director of leading property services specialist and UK-leading painting contractor Ian Williams, talks to PSBJ about the latest innovations in paints and coatings.

Eton building

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The practical challenges of sustainability One of the biggest challenges faced by the coatings industry over recent years has come from an environmental perspective.

Through legislation and best practice, we’ve all had to make the transition towards nextgeneration products with reduced carbon and solvent content. For manufacturers, the challenge has been to invest significantly on new water-based formulations that are fit for purpose and offer the same longevity, lower whole-life costs and durability as solvent paints, but without the environmental damage.

For painting contractors like Ian Williams, the challenge has been to develop new applications that take into account these formulation changes. We’ve had to implement solutions ranging from perfecting the intercoat adhesion of waterbased coatings onto legacy solvent paints, to developing appropriate application techniques with new types of brushes and new brush strokes that ‘brush out’ differently.

This, in turn, has put the spotlight on the top-level training and development of our 300-strong team of painters and decorators and our commitment to 10% apprentices at any one time.

A paint for every application In tandem, highly-engineered specialist and niche products are a big growth area for both internal and external coatings, especially across the highly diverse property stock found in the public sector. Paint can now offer a whole host of features and benefits previously unavailable, for example, anti-graffiti solutions. Graffiti can seriously compromise the reputation and feel-good factor of a building, but until now; the only way to get rid of it has been an expensive and inconvenient refurbishment, with no guarantee that more vandalism won’t occur immediately on completion of the project. However, thanks to sophisticated coatings which are applied in advance, spray-paint and graffiti can now be removed from almost any internal or external surface.

Passive fire protection has understandably been in the media spotlight recently, and huge strides have been made in coatings to improve fire safety performance. Conforming to Fire Rating Class 0 is an obligation in certain premises such as Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) but is also recommended in other buildings to help prevent flame spread.

A whole range of fire-resistant paints are now available.

In non-housing applications, hygienic, anti-bacterial coatings offer a perfect solution for premises requiring high levels of sanitation such as

medical facilities, restaurant kitchens and care homes.

And at the really niche end of the spectrum, public sector building portfolios often include heritage properties like churches and town halls, which require their own specialist paints – and painters – to cope with lime and distemper.

Quality of life improvements Another fast-moving area in coatings and paints is the use of light, colour, texture and finishes to improve life and work conditions. Scientific research has unequivocally shown that the way people engage with a building, positive or otherwise, can be directly affected by the colour and design of the space.

The Equality Act Guidelines are designed to help avoid discriminating against people with disabilities, including visual impairment and dementia; concerns that are increasing against a backdrop of an ageing population.

It’s now accepted that over 80% of visually impaired people can discern colour differences so the use of contrast can make movement and building navigation much easier – e.g. painting whole doors and architraves in a contrasting colour with the surrounding surfaces; making the skirting boards the same or a similar colour as the wall offers visually impaired people an accurate indication of the size of the floor; using a colour that

contrasts with the background draws attention to key features like switches, sockets and handrails. Equally, the correct use of colour has been proven to help people with dementia find their way around buildings.

They may not be able to recall that their room is on the second floor but find it easier to remember that they live on the ‘blue floor’.

Ian Williams carries out a lot of kitchen and bathroom refurbishments and upgrades and we work closely with clients during the process to make use of appropriate colour. Our experience helps us to recommend, for example, the use of contrast in the kitchen to highlight the edges of cabinets so people can locate themselves within their surroundings and to avoid accidental injury from edges. Toilet seats in colours that contrast with the toilet and with other nearby surfaces, can help make these more visible and identifiable.

As these latest trends illustrate, the world of paint and coatings is fast moving and dynamic with solutions now available that would never have seemed possible even five years ago. We welcome anyone involved in public sector projects to contact our team to discover how next-generation paints and coatings can help contribute to the sustainability, aesthetics, health and safety and functionality of your buildings. 

Paints, Coatings & Finishes

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 www.ianwilliams.co.uk Oxford Castle exterior

31

Leisure

A new £21.6m leisure centre planned for Chelmsford will mirror its serene surroundings by the River Chelmer

Project: Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre Location: Chelmsford Architect: Pick Everard Cost: £21.6m

ARCHITECT ENHANCES RIVERSIDE WITH STRIKING NEW LEISURE CENTRE DESIGN A new £21.6m leisure centre planned for Chelmsford will mirror its serene surroundings by the River Chelmer as architect firm Pick Everard has used eco-friendly and aesthetically-pleasing design features.

by Chelmsford I nstructed City Council through a competitive negotiated tender procurement process, the leading independent management, design and construction consultancy is delivering full design services on replacing the council’s existing 1960s leisure centre with a more energy-efficient and fit-forpurpose leisure facility.

Features like bubble cladding, blue-tinted glass and ecofriendly materials are being used to make the building blend into its surroundings next to the river.

The new leisure complex, which abuts an existing ice rink, will house a large 25m, 10-lane swimming pool, along with two further teaching and fun

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pools and a flume. In addition, there will be a 120-station gym, health and fitness studios, soft play, creche, ice-skating facilities and a large foyer reception area with a cafe and external terrace for use by the whole community.

The scheme is part of the redevelopment of the Riverside area by the council to create a gateway to the city centre.

It will see in excess of £500m pumped into the area over the next three years.

Keith Prendergast, Director at Pick Everard, said: “We are delighted to be appointed to this exciting new project for Chelmsford City Council and look forward to working closely with the local authority and all the stakeholders.

“We have a vast amount of experience in delivering leisure facilities across the UK, providing our clients with high-quality design solutions whilst also delivering great value for money.

“This project was very much about creating an aestheticallypleasing building as well as housing first-class facilities for users and raising the profile of Chelmsford.”

As part of the design stages, colour schemes and shapes have been carefully chosen

by Pick Everard to reflect the environment that the centre sits within. Its architects designed exterior walls surrounding the swimming pool with blue glass, which turns into white cladding with bubble-shaped holes to recreate the idea of a river with bubbles rising out of the water.

Pick Everard, which employs more than 450 staff across the UK, providing a range of project, cost and design consultancy services through its 10 UK offices, is also taking a fabric-first approach to design the centre.

This is to ensure that it selects the right materials using BIM Level 2 and Government Soft Landings to deliver a BREEAM-qualified, energy-efficient facility which will help the council make savings on running costs.

With experience of delivering many other schemes in the leisure sector, including an Olympic Legacy Project in Hadleigh Park, Essex, where the exhilarating London 2012 Olympic mountain bike events took place, Pick Everard is working closely with the council to achieve its aims.

Leisure The new leisure complex, which abuts an existing ice rink, will house a large 25m, 10lane swimming pool, along with two further teaching and fun pools and a flume

Chelmsford City Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, Councillor Julia Jeapes, said: “The new leisure centre will be designed to provide access to the widest possible crosssection of the community under the principle ‘the best leisure offer for the most people’, providing an affordable family-friendly attraction suitable for all.

“Later this year we will be able to see the designs coming together and I hope at this point people will be inspired at the thought of having this fantastic facility in our city centre.”

The new Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre will be constructed on the same site as the existing facility.

The existing centre will remain open throughout the construction period. When the new centre is complete, the old facility will be demolished to make way for further redevelopment opportunities.

Once complete, Pick Everard will also monitor the building’s energy efficiency usage to check that is it operating as it has been designed. 

 www.pickeverard.co.uk

Features like bubble cladding, blue-tinted glass and eco-friendly materials are being used to make the building blend into its surroundings

Pick Everard has used eco-friendly and aesthetically-pleasing design features

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Street Furniture

HOW ARCHITECTURE IS DESIGNING THE HOMELESS OUT OF THE PUBLIC REALM

The seating area situated outside of the Royal Courts of Justice sits proudly obtrusive within the urban environment

In recent years, the homeless issue has developed into a crisis, not only within the UK; but worldwide. Spaces are designed with many specific reasons, some of which intend to defend an area, subliminally, or not, from the more undesirable members of the community, writes James Furzer of Spatial Design Architects. referring to W hen ‘undesirables’, I reference those sleeping rough – the is phrase taken from the Spanish ‘social cleansing’ regime. Rough sleepers are seen as the human form of

litter within a space. The stigma attached to the homeless is often a negative one and, therefore, it is often percieved that environments in which the homeless loiter generally have a negative reputation.

There is a need for architecture and public spaces to address the physical issue of rough sleeping and homelessness

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Defensive architecture By its definition, defensive architecture intends to deter the undesirable members of the community, such as the homeless. Designs that parade themselves as modern breakthroughs in accessibility and functionality, actually facade themselves to cover an underlying deterrent quality that appears oblivious to the everyday working-class user.

Throughout the years, it has become apparent that the design of social spaces is motivated by a series of rules, regulations and theories.

Design guides and planning policies act as the boundary that allows planners and planning departments to agree to the proposed designs. Analysing the impact of redevelopment becomes extremely relevant to poverty, homelessness and

inequality when referring to poverty as ‘social exclusion’.

Research has uncovered specific design criteria within urban design guides that request the use of specific items and areas for rough sleeping. These guides set out the design and general principles of the ‘bench’ and other street furnishings.

Aggressive architecture Public furniture determines whether the public are invited to rest, and how they rest. In particular, the specific detail of the bench, central armrests are often considered where sleeping on benches is likely to be a problem. Furthermore, angled perches at bus stops discourage ‘hanging out’ in areas too long.

Metal spikes on ledges and doorways scream “do not sit”, “do not stand” and “go away”.

Street Furniture

The structures described above, as aggressive architecture, are only one part of a larger network of environmental urban control devices – such as park fences, pathway barriers and sloped bus stop benches. It appears that the anti-homeless defensive elements can be classified quite clearly as loitering deterrents with the sole purpose of deterring individuals from sleeping on benches within public spaces.

Street furniture The ‘Camden Bench’ is an award-winning public piece of street furniture commissioned

by Camden London Borough Council, designed by Factory Furniture. Its design ethos was to influence the public and to restrict undesirable behaviour.

Formed from exposed aggregate concrete and a galvanised steel frame, the bench couples as a security bollard; with hidden anchor points, the bench can be crane-lifted to form roadblocks if required.

The design guide in which the bench is designed to, ‘Camden Planning Guidance Design CPG1’, states: “Well-designed street furniture and public art in streets and public places can contribute to a safe and distinctive urban environment. Street furniture should not obstruct pedestrian views or movement or be positioned to encourage antisocial behaviour”.

The bench hosts a lack of crevices and openings which, in turn, lessens the ability for someone to store any unwanted substances on the piece itself.

The angular shape creates an uncomfortable sleeping base and intends to deter skateboarders from ‘grinding’ along the surface.

states: “Seating is an asset to some and a problem to others.

Whilst it helps some, particularly the elderly, rest during a journey and others just to enjoy a break outdoors, they can also provide objects for skateboarders to skate along, rough sleepers to sleep on and young people can congregate round them and cause a nuisance. The siting of seating needs to be carefully considered and measures taken to deal with some of the issues noted above by design”.

Conscious public requirements If we combine the design development – or lack of – the public bench, a topic as broad as homelessness,

Examples of benches show a lack of the designer’s duties being undertaken

and the ability to predict the movement and location of individuals, coupled with the requirements and wants of homeless individuals, it can be hard for architects to design to future-proof the crisis. This is made harder with clients’ requirements and specifications over conscious public requirements.

There is a need for architecture and public spaces to address the physical issue of rough sleeping and homelessness. The profession has a duty of care to design spaces of involvement, comfort and security, and not spaces of exclusion, discomfort and segregation.

Examples of benches such as the Camden Bench, and the benches directly outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, show a lack of the designer’s duties being undertaken. I can wholeheartedly say that defensive architecture exists on an unprecedented level, and is sadly on the rise. With design guides instructing designers to incorporate such methods, we need to ask the question of the origin of this style of architecture, along with its actual hidden intentions. We require a friendlier architecture to change the current perception of homelessness. 

 www.spatialdesignarchitects.com

Security measures Much like the Camden Bench, the seating area situated outside of the Royal Courts of Justice sits proudly obtrusive within the urban environment. Classified as “security measures around the perimeter of the Royal Courts of Justice”, these benches were approved and commissioned by Westminster Council.

Westminster Council’s ‘Public Realm strategy design principles and practice’ design guide clearly

The ‘Camden Bench’ is an award-winning public piece of street furniture commissioned by Camden London Borough Council, designed by Factory Furniture

35

Disability

EQUALITY STARTS IN THE BATHROOM

Demand for mobility-friendly spaces is expected to surge considerably and it is vital that building managers act sooner rather than later

Mobility problems are the most commonly reported impairments by disabled people, yet the environment in which they have to live and work is not always designed to meet their needs. This can, at best, be frustrating and, at worst, entirely dangerous, particularly when it comes to bathrooms.

Here James Dadd, Marketing Director at AKW, explores the options for creating accessible spaces to promote improved quality of life for all.

Inclusive buildings can also cut the risk of accidents dramatically in rooms that are typically more hazardous than others

36

one in five people A lmost in the UK have some kind of long-term health problem or disability that limits their day-to-day activities to a certain degree. The most common types of impairment are mobility problems, with more than half of disabled people reporting this as their experience. Yet despite this and the fact that legislation requires those responsible for public sector buildings – especially social housing properties, where there is typically a high concentration of people with disabilities – to proactively ensure those premises are as accessible as they can reasonably be, disabled people still find themselves all too often facing barriers in the places where they may need to live or work.

The issue was highlighted by the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee in its ‘Building for Equality: Disability and the Built Environment’ report published earlier this year that presented some alarming findings. Among the stories were reports of public buildings that did not feature fully accessible bathrooms – essentially stripping some people of one of the most very basic of human rights and needs.

Disability

Perhaps more worrying still is the fact that this could become an even larger problem, affecting yet more people in society as the prevalence of disability looks set to rise over the coming years.

This is because the likelihood of disability increases with age and the population is ageing, with more people living longer but not necessarily in good health. Disabled people of state pension age are more likely than those of working age to report multiple impairments, and 70% experience mobility problems alongside other issues, such as hearing or sight loss. In addition, it is estimated that the number of older disabled people is likely to increase by about 40% between 2002 and 2022.

As a result, demand for mobility-friendly spaces is expected to surge considerably and it is vital that building managers act sooner rather than later to ensure that people of all ages and abilities can freely move around premises unhindered.

Beyond promoting wellbeing and equality and ensuring social housing stock stays relevant, inclusive buildings can also cut the risk of accidents dramatically in rooms that are typically more hazardous than others. The bathroom is one such space and they require some thought to ensure they are both safe and accessible for people using mobility aids or wheelchairs.

In particular, it is important to explore how to best use the space available and adopt a ‘person-centric’ approach to design in order to remove all obstacles to this basic living need.

There is no better place to start than at the door as level access, a flush threshold and a sufficiently wide doorway are all essential elements to guarantee entry to the bathroom, particularly for wheelchair users. Sometimes sliding or concertina doors are a better solution than a traditional hinged and hung option.

Once inside, the installation of specially developed adaptations, fixtures and fittings can help to make the space inclusive for all.

For example, the WC needs to be positioned with plenty of space around it to accommodate a wheelchair or mobility aid. It may also need to be raised slightly in height to help make it easy for the user to get on and off, and

Bathrooms require some thought to ensure they are both safe and accessible for people using mobility aids or wheelchairs

the soil pipe might need to be repositioned to prevent it from causing an obstruction.

Meanwhile, handbasins need to be positioned with enough room around them to allow mobility aids to manoeuvre about. Sometimes this calls for a particularly compact basin and wall-mounted designs are usually best. Equally, showering facilities will need careful planning to guarantee safety and accessibility. A traditional shower cubicle can almost always be written off as an option for wheelchair users as they are impossible to enter and present a high risk of trip accidents because of the raised threshold.

A safer alternative is a levelaccess wetroom that users can wheel in and out of with ease.

These also make the best use of the space available in even the smallest of bathrooms, and give the room a contemporary and stylish appearance, turning on its head what people generally expect an accessible area to look like. As well as being easy to install with the use of high-quality wetroom formers, this solution can be designed to withstand heavyduty use and high loads so that wheelchairs can safely be used in them without fear of damage.

The option of installing ‘bathroom for life’ products is

also always worth considering in social housing to future-proof properties and meet the varying needs of different tenants. For instance, AKW offers a system that features a built-in wetroom former and adapter to make it possible to rapidly – usually in less than half a day – and simply transform a bathroom with a conventional bathtub to a wetroom. This concept of a flexible room means the bath can be removed or put back in place whenever needed according to the requirements of each tenant that enters the home.

By ensuring spaces are designed with all users in mind – including those that rely on mobility aids, the bathroom no longer needs to be daunting or even potentially dangerous for the frail, elderly and those with disabilities. Moreover, rooms that are created for easy navigation will also help promote independence for maximum dignity, wellbeing and superior quality of life for all regardless of age or ability, for a much fairer society. 

 www.akw-ltd.co.uk

Showering facilities will need careful planning to guarantee safety and accessibility

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Facades

THE MANSER PRACTICE SPECIFIES ELEGANT, HIGH-PERFORMANCE CORIAN FACADE When the NHS Chesterfield Royal Hospital commissioned a separate and dedicated cancer outpatient facility, the brief to architect firm The Manser Practice was to create a comfortable, modern and welcoming clinical environment in which the design would contribute to the therapeutic ambience of the space.

All photography: ©Allan Crow, Hufton & Crow

new £10m NGS T heMacMillan Unit (partially funded by the charity) offers an optimum range of treatment, testing and care facilities over two storeys, and features an impressive ventilated facade made from Corian® – the versatile and sophisticated design surface that is increasingly specified for the exterior skin of buildings.

Guy Barlow, the Project Architect, says: “The use of Corian internally in buildings is well known in various forms; from work surfaces to joinery, cladding and even lighting. On this project, it was selected for a number of reasons.

Corian is one of a very small

38

palette of materials used on the project, and it makes an elegant link to both internal and external spaces. Technically, it can be thermoformed and jointed, allowing curves to be introduced and corners mitred.

A further advantage is the ability to laser cut artwork for areas such as the vent panels and the detailing of the louvres, while its subtle translucency lends a softness, particularly at night when light falls across it.

It is also a hygienic material that is easy to clean and maintain.”

The facade was created by expert Corian industrial partner, Unique Fabrications. MD, Greg Beaver, explains: “The system uses an open visible joint with

The Corian facade at the new NGS MacMillan Unit for The Chesterfield Royal Hospital features laser-cut artwork and offers a subtle translucency and lustre in the Glacier White colour choice

a black breather membrane behind. We worked closely with The Manser Practice, and Corian distributor CDUK, on CAD drawings and a mockup, and to reassure with all key safety and fire rating certifications from standard testing. The facade design includes custom firebreaks to cavity walls. Over 1000m2 of Corian in a 12mm thickness in Glacier White was applied. This featured perforated panels to the windows and large radius panels thermoformed to the precise shapes required, plus external fins, also clad in Corian.

The fabrication and installation using Kiel fixings took three months.”

The new centre opened officially on September 22nd 2017 and can now serve the area’s oncology patients in a much more efficient, localised and sensitive way, tripling the hospital’s previous capacity.

The building offers facilities for haematology, oncology, acute oncology service, chemotherapy, selected medical day case activity, palliative care and respiratory clinics and support services, all in one attractive and superbly equipped place.

Facades Corian is a highly valued solution for facade applications due to both its aesthetic versatility and long-term performance

Over 1000m2 of Corian in Glacier White, in a 12mm thickness has been applied for an open-jointed facade featuring engraved panels and shading fins. Supplied by CDUK, the facade was created by Unique Fabrications.

Simon Towers, Communications Advisor for the Chesterfield Royal, says: “Our cancer outpatient services were spread across different areas of the hospital, not always in the most ideal environments.

Some areas had no natural light and were cramped and short of space. This new unit brings all services together, making it easier for patients and more efficient for staff.

The difference is enormous!

The team are delighted with the results and the building looks fantastic inside and out. Having a pristine exterior that is also easy to maintain and, even if repair is needed, will help to keep the new building looking clean and fresh.”

A ventilated facade made from high-performance, fully-certified Corian greets staff and patients at the new Manser-designed NGS MacMillan Unit, a state-of-the-art £10m development for The Chesterfield Royal hospital

Corian for exterior cladding and facades Corian is a highly valued solution for facade applications due to both its aesthetic versatility and longterm performance. Completely homogenous and non-porous, it is easy to clean and maintain.

It is also fire rated, resistant to graffiti, UV and climatic conditions and, should any damage occur, the material is repairable. Corian is compatible with a ‘secret’ fix undercut anchor system and its lightweight, workable properties are a further benefit to both fabrication and installation.

Corian also offers the broadest range of international certification for facade applications among solid surfaces and has passed a

series of fundamental tests for its application to the exterior of buildings. These include freezethaw cycling resistance, standards proving the material’s resistance to exterior environmental substances, fire performance tests and tests for abuse resistance. Further information and certificates are available on request from Corian.

In the UK, Corian sponsors a RIBA-approved CPD seminar on ‘Solid Surfaces for Rainscreen Facades'. To book this CPD seminar, please contact Corian.

Corian is a high-performance design surface with a vast and inspiring range of applications.

Elegant, versatile, durable and renewable, Corian offers genuine longevity and confidence in

sustained functionality. Available in over 100 carefully researched and developed colours, Corian can be shaped into virtually any conceivable design and is joined seamlessly to create sleek, strong, hygienic and easy-care surfaces.

This completely solid and homogenous material can be CNC decorated and digitally printed, adapts beautifully to embedded technology and, in certain colours, offers an enhanced translucency.

It is suitable for interior or exterior use and multiple environments within the residential, commercial and public sectors. 

 www.corian.uk  info@corian.co.uk  0800 962116

39

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Flotex Metro in the vibrant Tangerine shade has been used on the first floor of Southampton Council’s new over-55s development

FLOTEX FITS THE BILL AT INNOVATIVE ‘EXTRA-CARE’ HOUSING SCHEME Forbo Flooring Systems has played a vital role in delivering a bright, healthy and hygienic environment for the residents of Erskine Court, an innovative new housing development for the over-55s, operated by Southampton City Council. The facility offers 24/7 access to care should it be needed, while enabling residents to maintain their independence and providing space in which they can socialise and be part of a community.

by Forbo’s A ttracted extensive range of colourful and practical floorcoverings, Design Consultant Alex Salway from Daring Design UK incorporated Forbo’s unique Flotex flocked vinyl in an array of different styles and colourways into his interior design scheme for the building.

Flotex Naturals in American Oak has been used throughout corridors and lobbies, providing the appearance of wood but with the warmth of carpet.

To help with wayfinding, Alex has teamed up this natural wood look with a different bold colour from the Flotex Metro range on each of the

three floors. The green tones of Citrus represent leafy grass on the ground floor, whilst Tangerine represents earth on the first floor and Petrol represents sky on the top floor.

“The theme of the building was to bring the outside in, something Forbo’s product range allowed me to do

Flotex Naturals in American Oak, teamed up with Flotex Metro in Petrol on the top floor of Erskine Court

40

with its impressive range of colours,” commented Alex.

“Flotex is also Allergy UKapproved, which is ideal where a healthy indoor environment is of utmost importance for residents’ wellbeing.”

Other Forbo products used at Erskine Court include Surestep safety vinyl in the main lobby, hair and beauty room and laundry rooms, Safestep R11 in the commercial kitchens, and Coral Brush wipeoff matting in the entrance and lobby area.

Southampton City Council’s Interim Regeneration Manager, Fiona Astin, said: “Daring Design has used Forbo’s products and colourways to great effect, creating a really attractive environment that’s sensitive to the needs of the residents.

“The council is so delighted with the appearance, practicality and durability of the flooring at Erskine Court that we plan to replicate it in our next scheme.” 

 www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/agedcare  info.flooring.uk@forbo.com  0844 822 3928

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Designer Contracts introduces new furniture and lighting ranges The furniture packs are available in three options; ‘Choice’, ‘Ideal’ and ‘Supreme’, and are tailored to suit individual budgets. There’s also a children’s furniture package, which features a selection of fun designs. The packages have been developed to offer a one-stop shop furnishing solution, and are ideal for two- or three-bedroom properties, comprising bedroom, lounge and dining furniture.

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

The fully-coordinated packages are available to suit all interior tastes, whether that’s traditional or contemporary, and can be worked to create a custom look. For clients looking for a tailored scheme, the company’s interior design team can create a bespoke solution.

Lighting packages include energyefficient and low-energy LED ceiling fittings with matching table and floor options. Lamp shades are also available in an assortment of shapes and sizes to conceal bulbs where a ceiling fixture isn’t required.

Packages are available in three styles; ’Select’, which represents excellent value for money, the prestigious ‘Supreme’ offers a more luxurious selection of fittings, while ‘Glow’ is a colourful range – great for a child’s bedroom.

Said Designer Contracts’ Managing Director, Peter Kelsey: “The packs are a convenient option for developers, contractors, landlords and even students or first-time buyers. They represent excellent value for money and take the hassle out of shopping about for furniture and lighting.”

In addition to furniture and lighting, hardware and linen packages provide all the basics needed, including cutlery and towels.

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

Altro creates homefrom-home look for care home

Heckmondwike shortlisted for award Heckmondwike and Forth Valley College are celebrating their achievement in being shortlisted for an exciting Education Buildings Scotland award. The shortlisting is for the ‘Inspiring Learning Spaces’ award in recognition of the flooring solution at Forth Valley College’s flagship Stirling Campus.

The college selected Heckmondwike’s Array carpet tile range, which features a midwidth rib design and a charcoal background enhanced with a subtle linear pattern. The Array range was used in conjunction with Heckmondwike’s popular Broadrib carpet to provide natural bordering to a number of its rooms. The Array range comprises 12 colour options including peacock, blue, black, red, lime, purple, magenta, copper, emerald, marble, violet and fuchsia.

 www.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk  sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk  01924 413637

Willowbrook Care Home, Birmingham, provides specialist support for people with dementia and mental health problems who need personal care on a long-term basis. The care home recently extended the premises to create more bedrooms and circulation areas for residents. Altro floors were used throughout the 2000m² new-build extension. Altro Wood Safety was installed in circulation areas, dayrooms and bedrooms. Altro Pisces was used in all en-suites and assisted bathrooms. And, Altro Walkway 20 was used in the laundry room. Paul Willis, Willowbrook Care Home’s owner, selected the Altro products after meeting with Altro and C&C Flooring, which provided guidance on specifying for care homes, with a particular focus on floors for residents with dementia.

 www.altro.co.uk

 enquiries@altro.com

 01462 707604

Affinity255 flooring chosen for refurbished Rhondda Sports Centre Heavy commercial high-design luxury vinyl tiles from Polyflor’s Affinity255 PUR range were selected for the refurbished interior of a gym at Rhondda Sports Centre in Ystrad, Wales.

Two complementary wood-effect designs from the Affinity255 PUR LVT collection, Harvest Oak and Huckleberry Oak, were installed side by side throughout the reception, gym floor and circulation areas. The leisure centre is run by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and the refurbished 100-station gym featuring treadmills, bikes, cross trainers and rowing machines is now double the size of the original gym. Approximately 300m² of Affinity255 PUR luxury vinyl tiles were fitted at the gym by Treorchy-based flooring contractor, Carpets ‘N’ Carpets.

 www.polyflor.com

 info@polyflor.com

 0161 767 1111

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Doors, Windows & Facades

Hazlemere completes yet another major school renovation Hazlemere Commercial has finished top of the class yet again, chalking up yet another successful education sector refurbishment with the skilful renovation of John Mason School in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.

The Buckinghamshire firm was tasked with supplying and installing replacement windows and doors for the secondary school.

Working in partnership with experienced educational contractor, Auger Contracts, Hazlemere manufactured and installed

aluminium casement windows, entrance doors and curtain walling as part of the almost half-a-million-pound redevelopment.

“The main focus of the work was to bring the tired exterior of the school up to date and improve its performance,” comments Tony Beale, Sales Director at Hazlemere Commercial. “To do this, we replaced the old, steel-framed windows with Sapa’s aluminium Dualframe 75 casement windows, renowned for their high-efficiency and durability.”

The firm also installed Sapa STII commercial entrance doors and the highperformance Elegance 52 curtain walling system. To complete the project, Hazlemere supplied and installed an automatic entrance door.

“Like all education sector work, this project presented us with a number of challenges,” added Tony. “First and foremost, we needed to keep all students and staff safe – most of the work took place during term-time. Drawing on our vast experience of managing similar projects, and working closely with JMS, we were able to complete all preliminary work out of term time, then went on to schedule the most intrusive work during half-term.”

 www.hazlemerecommerical.co.uk  info@hazlemerecommercial.co.uk  01494 897600

CMS Window Systems invests in capacity to satisfy increasing demand CMS Window Systems has made a substantial investment at its main Castlecary factory near Glasgow to increase its operational capacity and create a solid platform to service its growing trade and domestic windows and doors market. The company, which is one of Scotland’s largest window, door and curtain walling designers, fabricators and installers, has commissioned and installed two new state-of-the-art Stuga ZX5 PVC cutting and prepping machining centres, doubling the overall number to four, as part of a planned programme of expansion to increase capacity.

The CMS brand has become synonymous with energy-efficient, sustainably-manufactured products, from a company renowned for having industry-leading closed-loop recycling processes which have seen it win numerous awards nationally and internationally.

Innovation delivered Comar 10 offers a new departure; a Passivhaus-certified ‘B’ product with U-values as low as 0.66 W/m2K coupled with processes that cut manufacturing costs by up to 70%. The Comar 10 window range includes: inward opening, tilt and turn and fixed lights and are internally beaded and glazed and is future-proof and energy saving. The Comar 10 has high thermal insulation with ground-breaking technology, 90mm-deep outer frames and promises minimal care and maintenance.

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

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 www.cmswindows.com

 info@cmswindows.com

 01324 841398

Senior’s PURe and simple solution to window maintenance

Senior Architectural Systems has added a new overswing reversible window option to its PURe range of low U-value aluminium windows and doors. The new PURe overswing aluminium window is fully reversible to enable cleaning to be completed from the inside of the building. Safe, secure and benefitting from the inherent strength and durability of its slim aluminium frame, the new PURe overswing option can help to reduce maintenance costs and is ideally suited for high-rise projects where access to the exterior facade can be difficult. The latest addition to Senior’s patented PURe range also provides exceptional acoustic and thermal performance.

 www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/pure  enquiries@sasmail.co.uk  01709 772600

Intastop celebrates 25th anniversary A Doncaster-based manufacturing business which specialises in the protection of doors, people and places is celebrating its silver anniversary this month. Established in 1992 by John and Marie Hills, Intastop opened its doors to the original business which, at that time, supplied just one product – the Aluminium Door Edge Guard. Today’s shareholders of Intastop, John and Marie’s daughter Sarah and son-in-law Phil, hold full-time Director posts in the business and, together with a board of directors, work to drive the business forward. It supplies a wide range of products to the healthcare, mental health, education, retail and leisure sectors.

 www.intastop.com  sales@intastop.com  01302 364666

A £750,000 refurbishment of the Moser Library at Shrewsbury School has been completed by Shrewsbury-based Morris Joinery, supported by Morris Property. Works at Moser Library included crafting and fitting new bookcases for over 30,000 books, crafting desks which would allow students to use online resources alongside printed books and journals, new doors and windows, as well as building and installing a raised mezzanine classroom with a sliding archive store below. The project was the first to utilise a new spray booth at Morris Joinery’s Bicton workshop, transforming the library back to its former glory using prime-grade European oak with a clear lacquered finish, which means the library and its users will benefit from its hard-wearing and high-quality, long-lasting finish.

 www.morris-joinery.co.uk

 info@morris-joinery.co.uk

Doors, Windows & Facades

Refurbishment of Shrewsbury School Library completes

 0345 515 0097

ASSA ABLOY Security Doors secures major station on Crossrail project ASSA ABLOY Security Doors has been awarded the contract to supply fire, security and personnel steel doorsets on the Crossrail project at its new Woolwich station. Balfour Beatty has selected ASSA ABLOY Security Doors to supply approximately 200 doorsets, which include fire doors, specialist security doors meeting LPS 1175 security standards and other high-performance doors that are tailored to the specific requirements of the new Woolwich station site. The Woolwich contract is the latest in a series of successful appointments for ASSA ABLOY Security Doors. The organisation has also supplied security doors to a range of other sites related to Crossrail, including the Victoria Dock Portal and Custom House and Mile End stations.

 www.assaabloy.co.uk

 customerservices@assaabloy.co.uk

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45

HVAC/HVP

ERP – WHAT IT MEANS FOR RADIANT HEATERS

Nortek has a wide range of products that already exceed the minimum conditions as laid out by Directive 2009/125/EC Lot 20

With the ErP Directive coming into force on 1st January 2018, Daniel Wild, Senior Development Engineer at Nortek Global HVAC, explains what it means for radiant heaters going forward. radiant tube heaters and A lltube heater systems will be required to have a minimum seasonal efficiency (calculated from radiant efficiency, thermal efficiency and electrical power consumption) of 74% and NOx emissions no more than 200mg/ kWh input based on gross calorific value. Crucially, these minimum criteria are applicable for both new installations and when replacing existing products. As a result, customers can be assured that the heating equipment they are purchasing is highly energy-efficient and emissions of harmful environmental pollutants are constrained.

The Ecodesign regulation (EU) 2015/1188 along with the implementing Directive 2009/125/EC is an EU policy aimed at improving the energy efficiency and other environmental performance criteria for Energy-Related

46

Products (ErP), such as gas-fired overhead radiant tube heaters.

For this regulation, products have been divided into product groups or ‘Lots’ with gas-fired overhead radiant tube heaters, tube heater systems and gas-fired luminous plaque heaters all contained within Lot 20.

Lot 20 provides the minimum energy efficiency and environmental values for each heating technology. Any product that does not comply with the requirements cannot be marketed and sold within the EU – including the UK. Following the referendum in the UK to leave the EU, all requirements of Ecodesign will still have to be complied with as it could take up to two years to negotiate an exit. Even then, unless new legislation is introduced, ErP will continue to be one of many methods employed to reduce the environmental impact of heating technology.

Unlike other products, gas-fired radiant heaters and some other commercial heating appliances are excluded from mandatory energy labelling under Regulation 2015/1186 as they are directly planned and purchased

by HVAC professionals.

However, product literature and free-access websites of manufacturers must indicate the seasonal efficiency and NOx emissions for each product or system.

Nortek has a wide range of products that already exceed the minimum conditions as laid out

by Directive 2009/125/EC Lot 20.

Our aim is to ensure that each and every one of our products that are installed results in an efficient heating system that is compliant with the new legislation, whilst minimising cost and inconvenience to the end-user. 

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

Daniel Wild is a Senior Development Engineer at Nortek Global HVAC

HVAC/HVP

Stokvis EVOLUTION boilers connecting with boom in communal heating Be relaxed about building services design

Much of the complexity of designing, installing and maintaining central heating in multi-occupancy low-rise buildings can potentially now be eliminated. Innovative developments at Gilberts have created a room-by-room solution that combines appropriate ventilation with heat boost.

The solution focuses around Gilberts’ Mistrale Fusion (MFS) unit with an integrated LPHW coil. Just two standard MFS128s (one at either end of the room), or one MFS256 will ventilate, and warm, a standard 32-pupil classroom to regulatory requirements. The standalone unit is installed as normal through the facade.

The core MFS appliance provides natural ventilation and blends the incoming fresh air with the warmth of the exhaust air without the need for a heat exchanger.

 www.gilbertsblackpool.com  info@gilbertsblackpool.com  01253 766911

The continuing housing shortage and demographics of an ageing population are increasing the popularity of apartment living as well as sheltered housing schemes, and also fuelling rapid growth in the uptake of communal or district heating schemes. The new EVOLUTION boiler ranges from Stokvis Energy Systems are ideally suited to power such projects.

The R40 EVOLUTION and R600 EVOLUTION series represent the latest generation of Stokvis Energy Systems’ long-established and widely-specified boilers, which can be installed along with the manufacturer’s H Series heat interface units (HIUs) to supply heating and domestic hot water to individual dwellings.

 www.stokvisboilers.com

 info@stokvisboilers.com

 0208 733 3050

Braunton Academy installs Remeha Quinta Ace 160 boilers Braunton Academy in North Devon has improved the reliability and efficiency of its heating with the installation of three replacement Remeha Quinta Ace 160 boilers ahead of the colder months. IQ Engineering Consultants was called in to assess the condition of the existing boilers and to assist with a funding application. After re-evaluating the building’s current space heating demand, IQ recommended installing three Remeha Quinta Ace 160 boilers in an in-line cascade with low loss header to meet the load. IQ specified the Remeha Quinta range based on its experience with the product and its use in previous projects.

 www.remeha.co.uk

 info@remeha.co.uk

 0118 978 3434

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47

Focus & Innovation

Offsite Solutions awarded contract to supply bathroom pods for new £70m hospital in Scotland

Offsite Solutions, a UK-leading bathroom pod manufacturer, has been awarded the contract to supply bathroom pods for the new £70m state-of-the-art East Lothian Community Hospital. Offsite Solutions will provide 134 factory-built bathroom pods for the project. These units will be supplied without floors to allow for continuous level flooring throughout the wards and avoiding the need for thresholds to make the bathrooms fully accessible. Designed to meet HTM requirements, each of the large 2.6 x 2.2m pods will easily accommodate a patient and a carer. The washbasins, toilets and showers will be pre-installed in Offsite Solutions’ factory in Somerset.

 www.offsitesolutions.com

 info@offsitesolutions.com

Help lift accessible housing issues

 01278 780807

Firestone signals commercial roofing growth with product sales manager appointment EPDM roofing specialist, Firestone Building Products, has signalled the implementation of an ambitious growth strategy for commercial and industrial roofing with the appointment of Product Sales Manager, Steve Clowes. Responsible for driving sales opportunities for Firestone’s RubberGard EPDM roofing products and UltraPly TPO commercial roofing membranes range, Steve takes on the newly-created post with a 20-year track record in the roofing sector, bringing considerable technical expertise in correct specification and installation of single-ply membranes to the role. His remit is to engage with architects, specifiers, main contractors, roofing contractors and building surveyors across the UK and Ireland.

 www.firestonebpe.co.uk

 info@fbpl.co.uk

Creating accessible homes can alleviate pressure on health and social care, says social housing provider Habinteg in its Accessible Housing Policy Update. With Closomat’s portfolio, key features in the bathroom are simple to achieve, maintain and easy to evolve. Habinteg’s figures claim 1.8 million people need accessible housing, yet only 7% of homes offer minimum accessibility. In the bathroom, the called-for criteria are a WC with a flush away from the adjacent wall, walls strong enough to support the addition of grab rails and ceilings strong enough to support a hoist. Closomat’s Palma Vita wash and dry (bidet) toilet has flush pads on either side of the cistern as standard, instantly accommodating the core requirement.

 01606 552026

 www.clos-o-mat.com  info@clos-o-mat.com  0161 969 1199

The Key Safe Company solves the mystery of lost keys Charity residents given level access showering thanks to Marmox Marmox has supplied 10 of its specialist Showerstone level access trays for an apartment development in Newark, aimed at those likely to have mobility issues. The new-build project is being built for a local charity by Taylor Pearson Construction and will eventually provide 22 high-specification dwellings for retirees. Phase 2, where the trays have been used, has created 10, one-bedroom flats, on two floors where, on the ground floor, the Marmox Showerstone trays were set within a screeded floor, while those upstairs have been installed into the timber joists to maintain level access. All of the 1200 x 1200mm Marmox trays were supplied via the Chesterfield branch of SIG.

 www.marmox.co.uk  sales@marmox.co.uk  01634 835290

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The Key Safe Company has supported residential lettings agency, Sherlock Homes, by ensuring maintenance crews have unrestricted access when required. The Key Safe Company, which distributes the Supra C500 Key Safe, supplied Sherlock Homes with over 10 of its leading key safes, which is a secure metal key box, providing a safe method of externally storing keys to a property. This has allowed Sherlock Homes to move away from its traditional method of distributing keys, creating a streamlined approach to its business. Since using the key safes, grounds care and maintenance teams have unrestricted access to the properties within the Sherlock Homes portfolio, allowing them to deal with maintenance issues without the team from Sherlock Homes having to be present.

 www.keysafe.co.uk

 sales@keysafe.co.uk

 01905 770333

Barbican vs steel palisade The Barbican range was designed over 26 years ago by Jacksons Fencing. Barbican has grown to become its signature design and recognised for the high levels of security it provides, without compromising on style. This is a contrast to one of the more frequently used products on the market, steel palisade; which is typically used to protect commercial premises with its intimidating look and low initial costs. However, steel palisade fencing is a false economy. Issues with rust, lowquality steel and poor finishes mean that the longterm costs end up being higher. Barbican is a superior product to steel palisade in every way.

Its high-quality design is backed by a 25-year guarantee, reducing lifetime costs.

 www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk

 security@jacksons-fencing.co.uk

 0800 408 2236

Focus & Innovation

Delta launches ground gas barrier system Delta Membrane Systems has launched a new range of gas membranes, its MemTech Gas Protection range is BBAapproved and works in compliance with Building Standards (BS 8485:2015, BRE 211.2015, CIRIA 665, CIRIA 735, CIRIA 748 and NHBC Standards), suitable for the protection against dangerous gases and chemicals when building on brownfield and contaminated sites.

Delta Membrane Systems’ gas membranes work in harmony with its waterproofing/ damp-proofing membranes, offering complete reassurance.

MemTech M1 is a flexible, loose-laid proprietary gas barrier for use on sites with radon (RN), carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) ground gas.

MemTech R1 is a flexible, loose-laid proprietary gas barrier for use on sites with Radon (RN) ground gas.

MemTech LGB (Liquid Gas Barrier) is a ready-for-use specialist styrene butadiene latex-based, liquid-applied gas membrane.

It offers a simple, continuous passive gas prevention barrier against the ingress of

methane, carbon dioxide, radon, ground gas, VOC, air and moisture into buildings.

MemTech Void Vent provides a means of ventilation when used in conjunction with an approved gas protection barrier. Void Vent 25 is independently tested and verified

by UKAS-accredited bodies.

MemTech Titan is a multi-layer flexible polyethylene membrane (a gas and hydrocarbon barrier), with a unique core component which is designed and manufactured to provide a barrier to the most aggressive chemicals and to comply with current guidance on hydrocarbons.

Titan is specifically designed and manufactured to perform as a methane,

carbon dioxide, radon, ground gas, VOC, air and moisture and hydrocarbon protection system. Titan is available in three formats – loose-laid sheet, pre-applied (Titan Tank) and post-applied (Titan Bond) waterproofing/VOC barrier conforming to the requirements of both BS 8102 (2009) and BS 8485:2015.

 www.deltamembranes.com  info@deltamembranes.com  01992 523523

Wigan’s Robin Park Arena could become ‘world class’ under Warriors

New surface-mounted controls for simply saving energy DANLERS has launched a new range of hard-wired ROUND PIR occupancy switches in a choice of different switching and switch/dim options.

Key features include: versions for both presence detection and absence detection, they can be mounted directly to a ceiling or onto a range of different mounting boxes, they also feature adjustable time lag settings and adjustable photocell 30 to 1000 lux and inactive mode, they come with a snap-fit mounting plate – making them easy to install. All products are backed by a fiveyear warranty and are made in the UK.

 www.danlers.co.uk  sales@danlers.co.uk  01249 443377

A state-of-the-art multi-sports pitch in Wigan installed three years ago could receive further investment and upgrade under plans proposed by the town’s rugby league side. Wigan Warriors has entered negotiations with Wigan Council to look at the feasibility of moving the club’s Central Park operations to Robin Park Arena. The 3G FIFA two-star pitch is surrounded by 5m-high Zaun Duo8 Super Rebound to aid ball retention. The twin horizontal wire panels are highly durable, low maintenance, ‘graffiti-proof’ and offer great rebound properties similar to a wall. 10 gates provide access at all points of the pitch.

 www.zaun.co.uk

 sales@zaun.co.uk

 01902 796699

Snickers Workwear – the right choice, the bright choice this winter

There are new Snickers products coming your way to make working in the worst of weather so much easier and comfortable – all of them incorporating the very latest in market-leading designs and fabric technology. Brand-new 37.5 high-tech undergarments, plus jackets, trousers and accessories have been added to the RUFFWork, FLEXIWork and ALLROUND clothing families. Plus, there's a hi-vis garment collection for maximum safety and wellbeing on site. They’re all working clothes that deliver superb functionality, comfort, protection – and are equipped for any task at hand so you can go boldly into the cold and dark. Snickers’ Workwear System delivers the ultimate solution to make every man and woman’s workday easier and safer.

 www.snickersworkwear.co.uk

 info@snickersworkwear.co.uk

 01484 854788

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Focus & Innovation

Watco brightens up local children’s charity playground When C7 Architects was briefed with the redesign of a rundown area of the playground at Challengers in Guildford, it asked Watco for help. The brief was to turn a previously dark and unused area into a vibrant, interactive musical play area. C7 Architects turned to local industrial paint manufacturer Watco to see if it could assist with the project. It was important to have a range of colours which are stimulating for the children and help create an enjoyable and inspiring place for them to play. After various discussions with the customer service team at Watco, the products supplied were Concrex Rapid, Flowtop and the coloured Anti Slip Traffic Paint which is perfect for playgrounds, plus all the necessary tools and primers for the job.

 www.watco.co.uk

 sales@watco.co.uk

 01483 378545

Interface weaves a warm welcome in university foyer

Interface has helped to transform the lobby of the University of Nottingham’s Business School South into an inviting, welcoming space. B+M Installations was supported by Interface’s Concept Design team, a service dedicated to helping architects and designers bring flooring trends into educational, public and commercial interiors. The space now features dedicated breakout areas, delineated using flooring from the World Woven collection’s Scottish Sett. The distinctive tweed-inspired pattern of this range, as well as the strands of orange, perfectly reflect the coarse woven texture and bold colours of the sofas in these activity zones. The workstations, meanwhile, are marked out using the World Woven collection in charcoal tweed.

 www.interface.com

 interface.uk@interface.com

Huw Arthur joins bimstore sales team bimstore has appointed Huw Arthur as a new Sales Manager to liaise and meet with product manufacturers to make them aware of BIM, and how it can benefit their business. Huw, aged 25, completed a BA (Hons) in Business and Marketing in 2015 at Sheffield Hallam University which included a placement for a year with Karcher UK as a Product Management and Marketing Executive.

This experience led Huw to a role as a Technical Author for Riley Product Handling – a mechanical engineering business – where he produced all the technical literature and worked with large blue-chip clients to supply all spares, replacements and parts required.

 01274 690690

 www.bimstore.co.uk  info@bimstore.co.uk  0844 800 6660

Affordable housing development benefits from Magply performance FDS reaches 15-year milestone as project pipeline stacks up Fire Design Solutions (FDS) is celebrating 15 years in business with plans to expand its service offering. Starting out as a two-person business, the Dartford/Kentbased company has now completed over £100m worth of projects across London and the South East. With a continuing need for new residential tall building developments and modern commercial space in many major UK cities, there is demand for effective fire safety and smoke ventilation systems that maximise use of space, and meet the project objectives of developers and contractors.

FDS is looking to add to its portfolio of over 1000 completed projects, servicing 700-plus customers since 2002.

 www.firedesignsolutions.com  info@firedesignsolutions.com  01322 387411

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Off-site timber frame systems are evolving with an increasing market share in the construction industry with speed of build becoming a major factor along with fire risk and weather damaged products during the construction phase. One supplier addresses all three factors, including an affordable housing development in Essex, utilising Magply boards as an internal lining board to internal and external walls. The project at Buckingham Green, Basildon, has seen T.T.F.C erect a total of six new homes. Says James Mason, Director of T.T.F.C: “The 12mm Magply is strong enough to withstand being transported to site and the erection process without damage, while it is also very resistant to being exposed to bad weather before the building is completed.”

 www.magply.co.uk

 sales@magply.co.uk

 01621 776252

Basement waterproofing: why belt and braces is often best Should basement waterproofing design use a barrier method or a cavity drainage system or both? A series of CPD seminars from Safeguard Europe helps answer that question whilst imparting all the regulatory and technical background a designer or specifier would need. The seminars are grounded on the latest documents and standards, drawing on BS 8102: 2009 Code of Practice for protection of below-ground structures against water from the ground, guidance document Basements for Dwellings which sets out what the Building Regulations require and NHBC Standards Chapter 5.4 Waterproofing of basements and other below-ground structures. Safeguard can provide a one-hour seminar on either new-build or refurbished basements or a two-hour seminar covering both.

 www.safeguardeurope.com

 info@safeguardeurope.com

 01403 210204

LEVATO MONO porcelain paver system Transform any outside space with LEVATO MONO Porcelain paver system from the Deck Tile Co. Ltd. The system offers flexibility and choice for even the most challenging of applications - from roof terraces and balconies with multiple falls to patios and restaurant piazza’s where wear resistance is key.

With many finishes and formats available, the 20mm pavers combine incredible technical properties with uncompromising aesthetics and thanks to the intuitive height adjustable and slope correcting facility on the support system, it is possible to cover most waterproof membranes or uneven sub-surfaces.

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

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

www.thedecktileco.co.uk t: 0118 391 4120

e: info@thedecktileco.co.uk

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

Total Glass Solutions Architectural Balustrades

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One of the largest panel sizes (into steel frame) on the market

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Toughened ■ Laminated ■ Heat Soaking ■ CNC Cutting ■ Heat Strengthening ■ Back Painting ■ Screen Printing ■ Full Digital Printing

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