PSBJ September 2013

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September 2013

Flexible design College builds a new approach to further education

Safety on arrival avoid risk with a durable entrance system

Smart application fastening systems secure arena facade

Historical context experts review common restoration challenges

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At educational facilities flexibility of design is fundamental to ensuring long-term viability. Tim Brown, Director of Architecture at global architecture, urbanism and design practice Broadway Malyan, unveils the level of flexibility required for Furness College. See page 14.

Welcome. . .

Welcome to the September edition of Public Sector Build Journal. In this month’s issue, I have the pleasure in bringing you a comprehensive resource that considers the entire building spectrum, from restoring public heritage buildings to new designs adopting a new way of thinking.

Editor Hannah Frackiewicz hannah@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com Publication Manager Steve Gull steve@mixedmediainfo.com Studio Manager Chris Lilly chris@mixedmediainfo.com Artworker/Sub-editor Ben Bridgeman ben@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts Simone Jones simone@mixedmediainfo.com Publisher Mixed Media Information Barham Court Teston Maidstone Kent ME18 5BZ T: 01622 232702 F: 01622 320020 www.mixedmediainfo.com www.psbj.co.uk

When embarking on the restoration of public heritage buildings and landmarks, there are a number of factors to take into consideration. As well as complying with legislation and regulations, the products sourced should echo the existing structure and be sympathetic to neighbouring facilities. In this month’s Upfront focus, PSBJ invites a number a specialists to talk about the common challenges architects may face when restoring heritage structures.

Our Education spotlight meanwhile features a striking new build that has answered the fundamental need for flexibility. There is rarely a design brief that does not include the need for an innovative and flexible space – irrespective of whether the project is for private or public use. However, educational facilities are one particular type of building where a flexibility of design is essential to ensuring long-term viability, as Broadway Malyan identified with Furness College.

Also in this month’s edition, PSBJ takes a look at Leeds’ new arena. With the building’s striking, yet complex, facade, architects sought after a reliable system that would allow the facade to withstand the elements and retain its honeycomb design. SFS intec explains how the fixings and fastenings of the facade played an instrumental role in the performance of the new arena.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, you can also access the latest features, products news and supplier information at your fingertips via PSBJ’s state-of-the-art app. To download your version free of charge, simply scan the code on the front cover of this month’s issue.

Hannah Frackiewicz

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

Public Sector Build Journal

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Contents

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06 News A round-up of the latest industry news including awarded contracts, data analysis, charity schemes, new appointments and responses to timely construction strategies.

08 Upfront PSBJ focuses on some of the main challenges encountered when restoring public heritage buildings, incorporating expert advice from specialists in paint, windows, waterproofing, guttering and acoustics.

14 Education

20 Building Access

26 Play Equipment

Tim Brown, Director of Architecture at global architecture, urbanism and design practice Broadway Malyan unveils the level of flexibility required for Furness College.

Stannah Lifts has carried out a major turnkey lift refurbishment on behalf of Hall Green Secondary School, a co-educational Academy in Birmingham with a reputation for inclusion.

Mark Wain, Marketing Manager at Falco talks to PSBJ about the development of interactive playground equipment for schools and how children can benefit, academically and socially.

18 Talking Point

22 Floors, Walls & Ceilings

28 Healthcare

Following warnings that properties serviced under the Green Deal could result in severe overheating and potential fatalities, Jaga’s MD Phil Marris stands by a trusted solution.

With slips and trips accounting for over a third of all major injuries in the UK workplace, Abby Chandler, Marketing Manager at Heckmondwike FB, discusses why investing in an entrance carpet makes all the difference.

Sue O’Connell, Chief Executive of CHP reviews the success of the first Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) company in East London, Community Health Partnerships (CHP).

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So when you see this sign you are guaranteed expert advice, top quality products and great British design.

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30 Security

40 Leisure

The provision of quality mental health facilities remains very much at the top of society’s welfare agenda. Jacksons Security offers a guide to the safety and security of the service users, visitors and staff.

FM Conway and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham have worked seamlessly together to deliver a comprehensive regeneration project for a West London community.

32 Housing

42 Healthcare Estates Preview

The Self-Financing system, 30 year Asset Management Plans, 30 year Business Plans, and the Bedroom Tax – these are crucial factors changing the face of social housing in the UK, as Adrian Sunter of Permadoor explains.

PSBJ previews the upcoming Healthcare Estates Exhibition and Conference. Taking place from 8-9th October at Manchester Central, this event allows visitors to experience the wide range of products on offer.

36 Doors, Windows & Facades

44 Product Showcase

Craig Winstanley, Technical Advisor at SFS intec, reviews the complex design of the new Leeds Arena and explains the specification detail behind the facade’s fixings and fastenings.

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

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News

NW Bicester recognised for excellence in design The team behind the first phase, Exemplar, of the NW Bicester eco-development has been recognised by CEEQUAL for its level of environmental and social performance in its work.

Achieving 94%, with an ‘Excellent’ rated Whole Project Award with Interim, lead developers, A2Dominion and design and engineering consultants, Hyder Consultancy have been praised for the innovation and design shown in Exemplar, which goes beyond the standard development practice.

The Exemplar, due to start construction in the autumn, will consist of 393 highly efficient homes for existing and new residents of Bicester, built to be true zero carbon. The design fosters a community that is vibrant, resilient and sustainable and incorporates a school, district heating network, eco pub and business centre.

The Exemplar has already been awarded One Planet Living status, one of only six developments in the world to achieve this coveted mark of progress in sustainability by demonstrating methods to attain zero carbon, zero waste, sustainable water use and sustainable transport, as well as promote culture, community, equity, the local economy and the health and happiness of residents.

Low-carbon regulations will hinder housing supply New building standards will hinder the supply of new housing, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Reforms to Part L of the Building Regulations, to be implemented in 2014, will involve a new target for fabric energy efficiency and a 6% improvement on 2010 standards.

Brian Berry, the Chief Executive of the FMB, warned the new standards will hit smaller developers harder and faster than the rest of the industry: “FMB surveys of house-builders indicate the cost implications for smaller developments will be significantly above those estimated by the Government’s

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impact assessments.

“In a still fragile housing market, in which homebuyers are not prepared to pay the extra for energy efficiency, these extra costs will continue to come off the bottom line of builders, threatening the viability of many developments and further hindering hopes of a boost in housing supply. Smaller housebuilders without large banks of prior planning consents will be hit first by these changes.”

Portakabin endorses Construction 2025 Portakabin, a leading UK supplier of modular buildings, has announced its support for Construction 2025, the Government’s longterm strategy for the construction industry launched at the Government Construction Summit last month.

Commenting on the new report, Derek Carter, Chief Executive of the Portakabin Group, said: “There is a clear need for transformation in the construction sector to make it more efficient, faster, more sustainable and to make better use of technological advancements such as whole life costing. Despite the acclaimed Egan and Latham reports and their laudable ambitions and calls for change, the industry is still fraught with delays, budget overruns and substandard quality.

“The setting of fresh and challenging headline targets as part of the 12-year plan will be a major challenge for site-based construction but is absolutely essential if the sector is to be reinvigorated to help put the UK building sector at the forefront of the global market.”

GMB reveals increase in academy applications A new analysis of official data by GMB, the union for school support staff, shows that there were 115 applications by state schools in England for academy status received in the month to 1st July 2013.

As of 1st July 2013 there are total of 3049 academies open in England including some special schools. In England, of the total of

16,784 state primary schools 1,594 of them have applied to become academies. This is 9.5% of the total. For state secondary schools in England out of the total of 3,281 some 1,408 of them have applied to become academies. This is 42.9% of the total.

Set out by English region are the figures for the numbers of state primary and secondary schools that had applied to become academies by 1st July 2013.

Avril Chambers, GMB National Officer said: “Academy conversion is perhaps the most important decision that a governing body and head teacher will ever take. So conversions should not be done without having full information, without being certain about the impact of the policy and without the full support of all the education stakeholders including staff, parents and children.”

A model approach to charity Sheffield-based insulation distributor Panel Systems has helped to raise awareness across the UK of the plight of the millions of children across the world that live on the street, by supplying cut Styrofoam models for two special exhibitions which were held recently in London.

As one of the UK’s leading suppliers of Styrofoam insulation, Panel Systems responded to a request from Threefold Architects, based in London, to provide charity Street Child World Cup with Styrofoam models to enable three London schools to make models of the cities of Rio de Janeiro and London.

The models were displayed at St Pancras Station and St Paul’s Cathedral in London on 23rd July 2013, coinciding with a service to commemorate the 1993 Candelária massacre of street children.

Street Child World Cup is now hoping to find a permanent home for the models to be displayed after the event.

News

Scape expands with increased demand for services Scape, a specialist in the design, procurement and consultation for public sector construction programmes, is expanding due to increased demand for its services.

Scape is a local authority controlled organisation which operates regionally and nationally with the overall aim of maximising reliability, savings and efficiency for its clients.

As part of the expansion, three key internal appointments have been made.Steve Elkin, who joined Nottingham-based Scape a little over a year ago, takes on the role of Chief Operating Officer. Paul Bottrill who is responsible for procurement of Scape’s frameworks and monitoring the performance of suppliers takes on the role of Head of Procurement and Performance.Sharon Swarbrooke who is the lead designer on Scape’s Connect and soon to be launched Renovate initiatives has been promoted to Programme Design Manager.

Build commences on first free school for boarders Willmott Dixon has been appointed for a £15m contract to build a free school that will be the first to allow pupils to board.

Holyport College in Berkshire will be an all-ability co-educational day and boarding school for students aged 11 – 19 years when it opens in September 2014. When full, 225 of the 500 pupils will be boarders, with top independent school Eton College adding its expertise as sole educational sponsor.

Procured through Scape, a national framework enabling the public sector to procure construction quickly and more efficiently, Willmott Dixon will start building the

College on the site of a former special needs school in Ascot Road in Holyport. The scope of the project will see the company demolish some of the existing buildings and replace with new teaching and living accommodation.

As one of the largest free schools to be given the green-light, entry at Holyport College will be in both Years 7 and 9 and the school will include a Sixth Form. Eton College will take a lead role on the Governing Body, helping to shape the school ready for opening next year, with the school also able to use some of Eton’s facilities, particularly for sport.

the same plans so architects, contractors, M&E providers and landscape gardeners can co-ordinate designs with ease.”

Cabinet Office minister Chloe Smith recently named BIM as the “key stone in construction’s push for reform”, describing the technology as a “great leveller and opportunity for growth” and urging construction firms across the country to take up the software in order to stay ahead and compete with the UK’s largest contractors.

Danny Boyle heads crowdfunding campaign Acclaimed filmmaker Danny Boyle is heading a crowdfunding campaign to turn an old psychiatric hospital into a groundbreaking community hub. Boyle is working with the East London Community Land Trust to redevelop St Clement’s Hospital in Mile End into a sprawling campus of cafes, art spaces and homes, owned and run by the local community.

The campaign is using Spacehive – the crowdfunding website for civic projects, to raise £3,000 to build a new cafe – the first phase in a grand plan for the hospital’s transformation.

Chris Gourlay, founder of Spacehive says: “The project is a fantastic way of engaging local residents and we’re excited to be a part of it. Crowdfunding fosters local pride because the community has a hand in bringing projects to life. The cafe will be a daily reminder of Mile End coming together to save a fantastic building.”

United House leads the way with use of BIM Specialist London housing contractor and developer United House has become an early adopter of Building Information Modelling (BIM) – well ahead of the Government’s Construction Strategy which mandates use of Level 2 BIM on all public sector projects by 2016.

Ray Duffus, Technical Manager at United House’s Wharf Road construction site where BIM is being used to build 327 new homes in Hackney, explains: “We are keen to ensure we are one step ahead of our competitors.

As firm advocates of BIM, we know how much time and money it can save in the long run. It allows all of the supply chain to share

Time to Talk Construction Talk Construction – the biggest conference of its kind – is set to take place in London this November. Organised by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and supported by the UK Contractors Group, the conference will address many of the challenges now faced by Britain’s construction industry.

The event, which takes place on 25 – 26th November, at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London, is open to all construction professionals and will provide a platform for influencing government and shaping construction policy for the future, in stark contrast to the more generalist industry events currently on offer.

Research carried out by the CIOB in spring 2013 identified an urgent need to address specific issues facing the changing role of its members and the industry in general. Launching Talk Construction, a high level two-day conference and a series of networking events, provides the opportunity to do just that and sets out a platform for a larger conference and associated exhibition of leading suppliers in 2014.

Chris Blythe, Chief Executive at the CIOB says: “Recent announcements has seen the Government pledge £100bn of investment in infrastructure projects to 2020. However, non-infrastructure Construction is at the heart of the UK economy and worth more than £100 billion per annum and plays a key role in improving our economic outlook.”

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Upfront

Using ‘slimline’ double-glazed timber casement or sliding sash windows can enhance the look of a development

Retaining authenticity When embarking on the restoration of public heritage buildings and landmarks, there are a number of factors to take into consideration. As well as complying with legislation and regulations, the products sourced should echo the existing structure and be sympathetic to neighbouring facilities. Here, a number of manufacturers talk to PSBJ about the common challenges architects face in conservation and restoration projects.

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hen working with a public heritage site it’s crucial to remain sympathetic to the building’s origin – it’s a delicate balancing act between preserving a property’s “authenticity and aesthetic merits while equipping it for more modern functionality,” comments Tony Pell, Windows Product Manager at JELD-WEN. “Building regulations are in place to advise on the relevant legislation, while conservation officers will be stringent in ensuring that these measures are met, so every project needs to be considered individually.”

With every restoration different, it is important that architects adapt their vision and requirements to the capabilities of the manufacturer. The specification of windows and doors for example is particularly challenging, as Tony points out: “Timber

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Public Sector Build Journal

windows and doors have been playing an increasingly important role in the planning process of these restoration projects, as they can help to achieve an authentic look and even enhance a development’s historic appearance. However, a key challenge for larger manufacturers is that they often lack the time and resources needed to create a large volume of bespoke windows and doors for a specific project, so it’s crucial to consider the flexibility of the manufacturer against the needs of the project. Much of the modern technology used in renovations and new builds just isn’t compatible with public heritage building restoration, so this also needs careful consideration.

“Leading manufacturers are also identifying the need to produce windows and doors with an enhanced performance and longevity, whilst still remain in keeping with the property,” continues Tony.

“For example, the latest innovations in double-glazing may meet building requirements but don’t always aesthetically complement a historic building. Using ‘slimline’ double-glazed timber casement or sliding sash windows can enhance the look of a development, with bespoke frames meeting conservation requirements, while the insulating glass units aid improvement of the building’s overall thermal performance.

Ensuring consistency “Preserving a public heritage site so it can be enjoyed for years to come is a complex task but manufacturers are constantly developing the means and methods to do just that,” concludes Tony.

While it is important to ensure specification requirements are realistic, attention to detail should not be

Upfront the budget available is a major factor as local authorities seek to tighten purse strings.

“Many, if not most of these buildings, will be cast iron which can be matched exactly or alternatives can be made in GRP or in some cases aluminium, again to match exactly. Most products these days can be pre finished before delivery to reduce maintenance moving forward.”

Accommodating occupants

compromised. Research is the ultimate way to guarantee consistency and accurate specification, as Phil Christopher from Yeoman explains: “With regard to rainwater products specifically the challenge lies in identifying whether that material currently on the building is original and, if not, researching the original specification to achieve a satisfactory result. Clearly we may be able to pin down the material, but what was the shape, dimensions and any decorative features that were involved?”

With regard to rainwater products specifically the challenge lies in identifying whether that material currently on the building is original

the slightest hiccup. This type of feature makes it extremely challenging for the contemporary architect, acoustician or acoustic insulation specialist. Because, in the 21st Century, the onus is very much on the building’s creators to accommodate

Stringent requirements “In many cases, a good photographic history of the building exists; indeed many have copies of the original drawings to which we can refer. In many cases we have to study the building itself to get clues from previous holes, staining etc. In addition, other landmark buildings in the area may have similar architectural features and date from the same era so we can also use this as an indicator.

“A complete site survey then needs to be undertaken to establish quantities and/or a condition survey of the original material.

Once this has been established, it is then a simple process of best fitting the new products, taking into account any listings and conservation requirements. Increasingly

A classic palette of colours from the Dulux Trade Heritage range has been used to restore and accentuate a prominent fountain located in the centre of Falkland Village in Fife

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A complete site survey needs to be undertaken to establish quantities and/or a condition survey of the original material

Challenges do not end at material choice; sometimes it can be a wider structural limitation that can hinder an architect.

Structure, in particular, plays a huge role in acoustics, so when upgrading the soundproofing of a building there is very little that can be done without drastic remodeling – there is also very little guidance when it comes to reverberation in non-school buildings, as Michael Sellers of CMS Dankin Acoustics explains: “People were quieter in the nineteenth century. They must have been. You only have to look at libraries, with their solid oak bookcases, often from hardwood floor to high, plastered ceilings. These were places in which the slightest noise would have been significantly amplified.

“In the case of the Picton Reading Room in Liverpool Central Library, the addition of a coffered saucer dome – the architectural equivalent of a megaphone – seems determined to capture and broadcast

Upfront the noisemaker, absorbing and minimising their nuisance – and all without the insistent guiding hand of regulation.

“That’s right: there are no regulations for reverberation in non-school buildings.

Strange, because acoustics is an area of construction saturated with regulation – Part E, BB93, BS 8233:1999 and Planning Policy Guidance 24, to name just a few.

But, it’s no bad thing, this absence of an authoritarian voice, telling us what to do and even how to do it.

Encourage innovation “This regulatory silence puts the burden on architects and acousticians to focus on the expectations and concerns of the end user, to eschew the tick-box mentality

In the case of the Picton Reading Room in Liverpool Central Library, the addition of a coffered saucer dome captures and broadcasts the slightest hiccup

which excessively rigid and all-pervading regulation can, unfortunately, engender and, ultimately, to encourage innovation.”

It is not just buildings that need protecting and maintaining. Monuments are often centrepieces of towns and villages and in some cases are major visitor attractions. “One of the common issues when it comes to refurbishing any listed monument is that the fabric of the structure needs to be upgraded without impacting on its authentic appearance,” comments Stuart Bennett from waterproofing specialist, Kemper System.

“Fountains, for example, can be particularly difficult as they are often of an irregular shape and may have been constructed using painstaking, traditional methods. What’s more, such structures were created for the purpose of public display and, as such, are in very clear view, so any repair or refurbishment must blend in completely with the existing structure, with new materials remaining imperceptible while offering high standards of durability and performance.”

On-site solution

10 Public Sector Build Journal

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Picton Reading Room in Liverpool Central Library prior to its refurbishment

It is inevitable that any works carried out to these types are landmarks will result in the structure being decommissioned.

This is why specifiers should always opt for products renowned for their fast and accurate application.

Stuart continues: “When it comes to waterproofing fountains, a cold liquidapplied waterproofing system can overcome the irregular shape of the fountain ‘pond’ as it moulds to the contours of the existing structure without the need for offsite preparation. Cracks in the pond or

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Upfront

Specifiers should look for solutions that provide the best possible result in the shortest possible time frame

the period required for repairs is another consideration and specifiers should look for solutions that provide the best possible result in the shortest possible time frame.

“Once again, cold liquid-applied waterproofing can address this issue as it

is installed in a single process and cures to provide a durable, flexible membrane that adheres to the substrate and will not delaminate.”

Swift application Stuart adds: “Specifiers should look for a system that is quick and simple to install with a guaranteed service life. Ideally, the system should be available in a range of finishes so that it can be colour-matched to the structure enabling it to blend in with the original.”

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Yeoman Rainguard A cold liquid-applied waterproofing system can overcome the irregular shape of the fountain ‘pond’

12 Public Sector Build Journal

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the failure of seals can cause water to leak and often the running costs of a leaking fountain are greater than the cost of a refurbishment. However, any refurbishment will involve decommissioning the fountain for a time while works are carried out so

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Education

Unusually for a further education College, the result is a building that that is publicly-facing on all four sides

Architecture in context

an identifiable college experience for learners, Barrow businesses and the local community. It also sought to enmesh social spaces with teaching functions. Crucially, the brief required the delivery of the building in phases so as to allow the College to remain fully operational throughout the duration of the works.

For architects, built-in flexibility has been integral to the successful delivery of most major projects for some time. However, educational facilities are one particular type of building where a flexibility of design is fundamental to ensuring long-term viability.

Tim Brown, Director of Architecture at global architecture, urbanism and design practice Broadway Malyan, unveils the level of flexibility required for Furness College.

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urness College in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, provides education and training for 2500 students from the age of 16 through to degree level.

The College delivers a range of courses including business, catering, hospitality, engineering, hair and beauty, motor vehicle and retail studies from a single campus.

Until the delivery of the new building the former campus comprised several independent and disparate buildings. With this arrangement becoming increasingly limiting and inefficient, Furness College launched a competitive design brief for a new building that would unite the different courses into a single, distinct college

14 Public Sector Build Journal

building. Broadway Malyan won the brief following a competitive tender in 2008 and has been involved in the project from the initial design stage through to the formal opening in July 2013.

The project scope was for a new 14,560m2 college building, the refurbishment of an existing building of 4000m2 and the provision of sport facilities.

As well as providing flexible teaching spaces, the College’s brief was for a ‘landmark’ and sustainable design that capitalises on its location overlooking the Walney Channel and which would help to encourage the College’s future growth.

The brief required the design to provide

The building was wrapped in sheet copper to produce an attractive facade

Education one of the existing teaching facilities on the site of the construction and plumbing workshops – which reduced any unnecessary costs. It also offered the opportunity to create a striking new statement for the College since positioning the building in this way presented an opportunity to create new public frontages to the building, make best use of existing public transport facilities and onsite car parking, and open up views towards the waterfront and Barrow town centre.

Unusually for a further education College, the result is a building that that is publiclyfacing on all four sides. The challenge from a design standpoint was to create animated and visually engaging facades, whilst also meeting the various educational requirements of the College’s different departments.

Intelligent planning

Good architecture responds to – and engages with – its context. In the case of Furness College, the final design of the building was shaped directly by the constraints of the original campus site.

As a publicly-funded project, the College was keen to avoid any unnecessary costs in the construction phase, particularly

the need to pay for expensive temporary accommodation for any of the existing teaching facilities. As a result, this restriction directly influenced the design of the new building.

The solution implemented after lengthy discussions with the client was to position the new College building on the site of

To address this, it was decided to locate the more ‘consumer-friendly’ courses such as hairdressing, beauty, business and catering on the ground floor level.

Courses such as engineering, welding and plumbing that did not need to be located on the ground floor were relocated to the first floor of the new building. In adopting this approach, the number of delivery bays required at ground floor level was minimised and vehicular traffic was reduced to create a more pedestrian friendly campus.

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Furness College launched a competitive design brief for a new building that would unite the different courses into a single, distinct college building

Education spaces need to inspire as well as be functional

Public Sector Build Journal 15

Healthcare Education building.

The new campus building has helped to establish the College at the heart of its community and has ‘futureproofed’ it against changes in educational requirements in the future. The project was also delivered on schedule and to a tight budget.

Functional spaces

Meeting the brief for flexible interior teaching and social spaces was also fundamental to creating an enduring education facility. Unusually for further education buildings, the main circulation space in Furness College is on the first floor, away from the workshops and beauty spaces at ground level, and successfully links the new College building with the existing refurbished facility. To ensure the design was as flexible as possible, Broadway Malyan studied the requirements of each department in detail. The final design includes two floors of double-height spaces (ground level and level one) with three upper floors of a conventional height providing flexibility for the ever-changing educational requirements of the College.

location, close to the Irish Sea. The building was wrapped in sheet copper to produce an attractive facade which is also sufficiently robust to endure the hostile weather conditions associated with coastal locations. The curved form of the Campus building – which allows the building to step up from the street frontage and provides stunning views across the town to Barrow and the Walney Channel – has become the identifying symbol of the College’s new branding and is so powerful that that the College redesigned its logo to reference the

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The design brief for the College’s Hair & Beauty department expanded to include the provision of professional standard spa facilities

These are all crucial ingredients of a successful project. However, the most important achievement is seeing the adoption of the new building by students, the local community and other stakeholders. Education spaces need to inspire as well as be functional, and feedback from the students at the College has been excellent in this respect. If the design encourages more students to enrol and/or continue to train at the College then that is the ultimate measure of success.

Anne Atwood, Principal and CEO of Furness College says: “I have nothing but praise for the firm and the team which has created a building which far surpasses our expectations. The empathy shown by the architect is apparent as you tour the campus. As one senior member of the Skills Funding Agency said: “Others should see what has been done here – this is what an FE campus should look like.’”

www.broadwaymalyan.com

Design flexibility Over the course of the briefing and planning stages, and realising the opportunities that the new building offered, the design brief for the College’s Hair & Beauty department expanded to include the provision of professional standard spa facilities. Located at ground floor level, the teaching spaces for the Hair & Beauty Department, together with staff and treatment rooms, were already accommodated within a double-height space. These spacious areas gave the Broadway Malyan design team sufficient flexibility to design-in the heavily-serviced spa area without any impact on the overall delivery programme. It also avoided the need to resubmit a revised set of designs to planning with any delays that that would have entailed.

Furness College is in a very exposed

16 Public Sector Build Journal

Unusually for further education buildings, the main circulation space in Furness College is on the first floor, away from the workshops and beauty spaces at ground level

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Talking Point

Jaga Oxygen Refresh Units prevent CO2 build up as it features hidden fan units

Breathe easy Recently there have been new warnings by environmental experts that temperatures could rise to dangerously high levels in some homes insulated under the Green Deal scheme. Phil Marris, Managing Director, Jaga Heating Products UK, considers these claims, while standing by a trusted solution.

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t is hugely reassuring to see Professor Chris Goodier from Loughborough University’s department of civil and building engineering going public and, more importantly, gaining widespread attention for his very valid points on the potential for overheating in homes insulated under the Green Deal scheme.

I applaud his initiative and at Jaga we have been addressing this exact topic with our customers and installer partners for some while now as we share many of the same concerns.

As Professor Goodier says in many well-insulated, let alone the extremely wellinsulated Green Deal standard homes, heat builds up during the day and has nowhere to go at night leading to poor air quality and discomfort.

Of course the national media have latched on to the issue most notably with The (Daily) Mail Online screaming in large, bold headlines that OAPs ‘could die in Green

18 Public Sector Build Journal

Goodier found that heat was likely to have a ‘significantly greater’ impact on the elderly or infirm who were more likely to be at home during the warmest daytime hours. In terms of the type of buildings or locations where overheating is potentially problematic, Professor Goodier identified the top floor of 1960s tower blocks, especially those which face south, and modern detached houses

Deal homes’ as, not for the first time, that particular media company goes for the sensationalist jugular. But let’s not forget The Mail Online is one of the world’s most viewed news websites so their reach and influence is considerable.

Heat impact However let’s try and put things into perspective. Studies suggest there may be typically around 2000 deaths due to heat each year in this country, compared to around 25,000 a year as a result of the cold.

But according to research group Adaptation and Resilience in a Changing Climate, if action is not taken on the issue, heat-related deaths could more than double from 2000 to 5000 later this century. So clearly this is an issue that we have to take seriously.

Those who are most at risk for heatrelated deaths are the elderly and the infirm. In a study with Professor Li Shao, of the University of Reading, Professor

Phil Marris joined Jaga in 2001 with a brief to grow Jaga’s business in the UK. Under Phil’s leadership, Jaga has widened its range to encompass energy-saving, heating and ventilation solutions including radiators, trench and perimeter heating and eye-catching designer radiators.

Talking Point

Rise to the challenge Carbon savings are for the long term and achieving them through energy and heating efficiency must be the over-arching objective. Yet from what I have seen and heard, the general population seem more willing to do things differently at home and make different lifestyle choices rather than actually install energy-saving measures.

On this note, it has been widely reported recently that the British public would rather boil less water in the kettle than put up with the disruption of having solid wall insulation or replacing a boiler with an air source heat pump.

The Green Deal is therefore to be applauded for helping to keep the drive for energy efficiency in the public eye.

In this it gives households a new way to fund improvements, helping them protect themselves against rising energy bills and keep homes warm and cosy in the autumn and winter. If energy efficiency measures are installed appropriately, overheating should not be a common problem and as well as the solution outlined above there is plenty of guidance available for those involved in the Green Deal.

www.jaga.co.uk ■

as being most at risk.

I believe that the uncomfortable heat buildup and energy waste through over-heating is likely to be even more pronounced if a highly inert heating system such as underfloor heating is installed as, with its high mass, it cannot react to the sudden differences in ambient room temperature caused by the sun coming out and streaming in through

months which, notwithstanding July’s 15 day “heatwave”, affects us far more and it would be tragic if this were to be lost in the media brouhaha.

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Carbon savings are for the long term and achieving them through energy and heating efficiency must be the over-arching objective

windows for example.

I therefore believe the ideal solution is demand controlled ventilation combined with low mass, fast response, energy efficient heating.

In the summer, it provides coolant-free night-time cooling without the compromise to home security or the intrusion of road noise that opening a window can bring.

All without the use of refrigerants or air conditioning too.

The heating part of such a solution gives fast response heating and precise maintenance at exactly the desired room temperature to thermally manage the occupants comfort during the heating season. Simultaneously the demand controlled ventilation system monitors and filters the CO2 to ensure that ideal indoor air quality is achieved during the day by introducing exactly the right amount of fresh air when required, pre-heated during the winter and naturally cool during the summer.

This solution has already proved ideal for many schools, universities, public buildings across the UK and is as equally valid for domestic situations too – particularly the tower blocks identified as being at risk.

Yet let us also remember that the potential for over-heating, and potential is the operative word here, is directly related to a greater or more pressing problem facing the UK. This issue is that many of our nation’s draughty homes still lack adequate insulation and energy efficiency in the colder

The Oxygen refresh decentralised supply units, built into Jaga's Low-H2O radiators, bring in outside air and then filters it

Public Sector Build Journal 19

Building Access

Educational access for all Stannah Lifts has carried out a major turnkey lift refurbishment on behalf of Hall Green Secondary School, a co-educational Academy in Birmingham with a reputation for inclusion.

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the school routine, all the lifts were installed during term breaks.

In the main teaching block, the 8-person Maxilift MRC passenger lift is a wallmounted, single-entry model operating hydraulically between two floors, and was placed into an existing lift shaft. The motor room cabinet (MRC) is located several metres away, meaning the lift shaft can be smaller and the installation more cost-effective. The lift is also supplied with evacuation controls so the lift can be used in an emergency to vacate the school premises. This requirement is contained in BS9999:2008 which covers Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings.

In the main reception area a brand new Midilift XLplus vertical platform lift has replaced the former standard platform lift to bring enclosed cabin travel between two floors within the stairwell in the main

A Midilift SL has brought access between floor and stage levels in the school hall for anyone with mobility issues

reception area. It combines cost-effective ease of installation with superior operation – all the benefits of a platform lift plus the comfort of a passenger lift.

Simple installation A Midilift SL vertical platform lift operates between two floors in the high-tech Dolphin Annex, a dedicated science and information communication technology suite.

The Midilift SL has brought access between floor and stage levels in the school hall for anyone with mobility issues. To minimise the lift’s profile the surrounds and interior were finished to blend with the wall.

The Maxilift passenger lift was easily installed into its predecessor’s shaft and made good by Stannah. All three Midilifts were supplied in self-supporting structures which helped to reduce building time and costs by reducing the amount of structural work needed prior to the lift installations.

All four Stannah lifts meet all regulations and directives and help Hall Green Secondary School meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

Brendan Campbell, Business Manager, Hall Green Secondary School comments: “We’re all pleased with the lifts and it really makes a difference to our wheelchairusing pupils; they really appreciate having something new and modern rather than their out-of-date counterparts. Stannah also upgraded the main passenger lift to an evacuation lift – something we’ve been wanting for ten years!”

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ocated in Southam Road in south Birmingham, Hall Green Secondary School has 900 pupils, some of whom use wheelchairs. To keep everyone mobile and with access to all the facilities ranged over two storeys, it was imperative to replace and extend the existing lift systems which were out of date and unable to meet the needs of this vibrant, growing school.

The Stannah Lifts team was responsible for removing and replacing the existing four lifts with a Maxilift MRC passenger lift and three Midlift vertical platform lifts. Stannah liaised with Hall Green Secondary School directly in this turnkey project, managing the removal of existing lifts and builders work to enable the installation of new Stannah lifts, whilst working as the principal contractor in compliance with CDM 2007.

Stannah was responsible for all the building work and, to minimise disruption to



In the main reception area a brand new Midilift XLplus vertical platform lift allows enclosed cabin travel between two floors within the stairwell in the main reception area

20 Public Sector Build Journal

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Treading carefully Slips and trips account for over a third of all major injuries in the UK workplace according to Health & Safety Executive and last year over 10,000 people suffered serious injuries as a result. Abby Chandler, Marketing Manager at Heckmondwike FB, discusses why investing in an entrance carpet makes all the difference.

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At Malcolm Arnold Academy GSS Architecture specified Supacord fibre bonded carpet in different colours

to ensure that anyone accessing their premises who could be affected by their work (such as visitors or members of the public), are kept safe from harm. This means slip and trip risks must be controlled to ensure visitors to buildings are protected.

Making the transition

Choosing the right entrance area product can help to maintain the long term appearance of a carpet

22 Public Sector Build Journal

When considering upgrading your entrance area carpet, it is important to do so with health and safety in mind. As a result of this, there are a number of important considerations to make.

Firstly, ask yourself what is the surface that is directly outside the building? If users will be walking from a gravel-based car park or a grassed surface onto the floor area then a robust, fibre bonded entrance area solution would be ideal. This type of surface will extract dirt from shoes but will not absorb it – the grit or dirt will lie on the surface of the carpet until it can be vacuumed off, therefore not harming its structure and preventing it becoming a trip hazard. It is important to consider yearround conditions too as whilst some ground conditions may be relatively trouble-free in summer, winter and spring can bring a whole set of issues created by external ground conditions.

Secondly, it is important to consider the type of footwear associated with users of the building – if it is specialist footwear, such as football boots or trainers, this could inflict more damage to the carpet, so again choice of the right entrance area carpet is essential.

Thirdly, consider whether the volume of traffic accessing the building and therefore using the entrance area, is low, medium or high. Specialist fibre bonded entrance area carpet is advisable for medium and high usage areas, particular for buildings such as schools and libraries, which are subject to constant heavy foot traffic. A good quality entrance area carpet is essential to ensure you make the right impression with visitors accessing a building, therefore choosing a robust floorcovering is essential.

Some entrance area carpets, such as Diamond from our fibre bonded range, are designed as interceptors to ensure that a high percentage of moisture and grit is removed from shoes as soon as the visitor sets foot on the carpet. This is due to its unique cobbled-effect surface, which is highly effective in reducing slips, trips and falls. It is a well proven fact that choosing the right entrance area product can help to maintain the long term appearance of a

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articularly, if conditions are wet or icy outside, then this can mean that moisture underfoot leads to slip, trips or falls when an individual makes contact with the floorcovering of a building.

These occur most commonly in buildings where inappropriate entrance area has been specified. Careful choice of entrance area carpet is therefore vitally important.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 introduced a duty of care for employers

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Providing access in the built environment is our business.

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings Entrance and transition areas – such as corridors – experience some of the heaviest traffic volumes in a building, which is why robust carpet types, such as Supacord fibre bonded are so popular. Here, many public sector specifiers are making use of colour for clear demarcation – with colour changes, for example, indicating a change in floor level or to alert a user to a potential hazard.

Defining areas

Specialist fibre bonded entrance area carpet is advisable for medium and high usage areas

maintenance and installation costs, as well as being available in 10 different colours.

Careful consideration went into the choice of carpet for the transition areas of this building too, with Heckmondwike’s Array and Broadrib ranges specified. Accent colours in blue and purple were used to define the walkways around the perimeter of the offices and for demarcation of the fire exits, as well as to add design and detail.

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carpet and prolong its lifespan significantly, which is why it is worth factoring into the scheme at the outset.

ECE Architecture, based in Worthing, West Sussex, specified Diamond entrance area carpet for the refurbishment of Portland House, an office building owned

by Adur and Worthing Council. They were initially drawn to this range from Heckmondwike FB because it offered low

It was for this reason that Supacord fibre bonded carpet was used at Chapelford Primary School in Warrington to help its 300-plus pupils to easily identify their classrooms. Steel Grey was used as the base colour throughout the school, whilst Magenta, Violet, Blue, Willow (Green), Aquamarine, Heather, Purple Amethyst and Mulberry were used as accent colours along the corridors and throughout all 14 classrooms.

In areas where users are most likely to slip, trip or fall, colour can also be used as an alert mechanism – with colour changes, for example, indicating a change in floor level or a potential hazard. At Malcolm Arnold Academy architecture firm GSS Architecture specified Supacord fibre bonded carpet in different colours and designs to define different sections of open planned spaces in the school according to their intended purpose. For example, for the central walkway, ‘go slower’ horizontal stripes in orange provide a stark contrast to the grey carpet, clearly identifying that there was a need to slow down as this walkway descends, for safety reasons.

This has proven to be a very effective way of reducing slips, trips and falls at the school, as a simple way of reinforcing safety through clever choice of floorcovering.

There are a myriad of different considerations to take into account when choosing entrance and transition area carpet to ensure slips, trips and falls are minimised. With the claim culture proving very expensive for some local authorities, choice of a good quality entrance area carpet that actually reduces the risks of accidents makes a sound good investment.

It also makes sense because entrance area carpet can be chosen to reduce the amount of wear to the rest of the building’s floorcoverings, therefore enhancing its lifespan as well as prolonging its appearance.

ECE Architecture specified Diamond entrance area carpet for the refurbishment of Portland House

24 Public Sector Build Journal

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Public Sector Build Journal 25

Play Equipment

Play with education

Mark Wain, Marketing Manager at Falco talks to PSBJ about the development of interactive playground equipment for schools and how children can benefit - academically and socially - from the challenges that they present.

Auditory play equipment, such as Voice of Air is a simple yet imaginative game for children to play

26 Public Sector Build Journal

experience which is also bags of fun.

It is estimated that 80% of children learn through visual experiences, making it the most effective learning style. To allow for best learning practices, children need to be able to visualise and illustrate their knowledge, skills and concepts. The fun, games and lessons learnt will never end with the innovative Climbing Letters. With letters ranging from A-Z and numbers ranging from 0-9, the Climbing Letters are ideal for spelling a friend’s name, the name of a school or as a matter of fact, the name of absolutely anything! The bright and colourful letters are not only an exciting apparatus for children to tackle; they can also help improve

children’s literacy and spelling skills from a young age.

Getting hands on experience has to be one of the most rewarding and satisfying ways for a child to learn and develop, this is why play equipment that involves direct contact can be the most gratifying. Semiball play equipment not only gives children a wealth of new scientific understanding, it is also gives them an opportunity to actively develop their own personal skills. The irregular rotating movements on the Semiball are designed to give children that centrifugal experience in a fun and enlightening way.

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C

ommercial playgrounds have come a long way in the last decade – years ago, most playgrounds were simply made up of large metal objects that allowed children to climb, jump and swing.

However, in recent years, new and innovative products that have huge educational benefits to the children using them have begun to appear on the playground market.

The development of educational play equipment can promote learning and interaction through visual, aural and touch sensations, providing an educational experience which is not just enlightening but also provides an impressive amount of play value.

To support the development of educational play equipment, Falco supplies advanced cultivating apparatus that stimulates all senses.

Engaging with the aural senses is an essential part in the development of a child’s education. To become literate, children must master the ability of connecting written symbols with the sound it represents.

Auditory play equipment, such as Voice of Air is a simple yet imaginative game for children to play. Children can engage with one another whilst discovering the magic of musical notes. Through simply pushing air through tubes, a sound can be heard. Groups of children can use the play equipment together to form a symphony of sound creating a sensory learning

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Climbing Letters can help improve children’s literacy and spelling skills from a young age

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Healthcare

City of Coventry Health Centre Health centres need to provide holistic healthcare in the community with a far greater breadth of services for patients (Orchard Centre Hull)

The power of partnerships 10 years on since the creation of the first Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) company in East London, Community Health Partnerships (CHP) has transformed the primary care landscape through the creation of over 300 health centres and bought over £2.5bn of investment into the most deprived areas of England.

Sue O'Connell, Chief Executive of CHP reviews the programme's impact.

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hrough collaboration with a range of public and private sector partners, CHP and the LIFT Programme have delivered a wide range of health, social and economic outcomes.

We’re very proud of the collective achievements of the programme so far and, as the national LIFT lead, we believed it was important to explore the impact of the Programme in more detail. So we commissioned an independent report, examining its socio-economic impacts over the past decade in more detail.

That report showed that one of the most important outcomes of the programme has been the increased access to health and social care services for people in underprivileged communities.

Nearly nine in every 10 projects are in areas with above average health needs and 40% of all LIFT investment (£891m) has been in the 10% of most deprived areas across England. Additionally of the 300 purpose-built

28 Public Sector Build Journal

LIFT buildings that have been delivered so far, 119 premises have been opened in the most disadvantaged areas and have often been the most significant investment in such areas for many years.

Prior to the inception of the LIFT Programme, there was enormous variability in the standard and scope of GP surgeries across England and a realisation that in the future there needed to be health centres that could provide holistic healthcare in the community with a far greater breadth of services for patients. These centres also needed to recognise the wider determinant of health and therefore include other projects, services and organisations that could really improve the health and wellbeing of patients.

But it’s not just this increased access to health and social care services that defines the successes of LIFT. The report demonstrates how the programme has helped rejuvenate local areas by being part of a balanced mix of retail, housing, leisure

and public services. This has been achieved through the formation of long-term publicprivate partnerships, which combine the expertise and knowledge of the private sector with the skills, experience and drive of the NHS, general practice and local authorities.

The report’s key findings include:

Improving the health and wellbeing of communities • A high proportion of LIFT buildings provide services in areas where a significant number of residents suffer from socio-economic disadvantage, including poor health and wellbeing.

• There are 3.3 times as many LIFT projects in multicultural areas than would have been expected given an even distribution across all area types.

• LIFT accommodation has brought care closer to patients and integrated a greater range of services under one roof, so that individuals can access a range of health and social care services in one visit.

Supporting 21st century healthcare • The LIFT Programme has driven significant improvements in the quality of health service accommodation, enhancing working conditions and facilities for a wide range of service providers.

• The co-location of GPs and other service providers, including third sector support services, has enabled a more united service.

Boosting local economies and creating jobs • The construction of LIFT buildings has been an important source of economic activity during the recent period of financial hardship and to

Healthcare

LIFT projects have co-existed with and augmented other regeneration activities, including Kensington and its prominent location as part of the Edge Lane redevelopment area

The LIFT projects also have a potentially powerful focus for wider regeneration activities. There are a number of instances where LIFT projects have co-existed with and augmented other regeneration activities. Examples include Kingswood in Hull and the development of a new village centre; Kensington in Liverpool and its prominent location as part of the Edge Lane redevelopment area, as well as Orford Jubilee Community Hub, which is the result of a £30m regeneration project between Warrington Borough Council and Warrington Primary Care Trust (now Warrington CCG).

The hub consists of a library, swimming pool, social care facilities and a £6m primary healthcare centre, which was created by Renova Development Ltd LIFTCo. Part of this regeneration included transforming a landfill site.

Other local authorities that have seen the benefits of the programme include Birmingham City Council, which is one of the key occupants of the Sparkbrook

Community and Health Centre. A range of its services are delivered out of the centre, including Customer Services; Benefits and Council Tax advice and information; Homelessness service; Housing repair reporting facilities; Adult Education Service including access to training and a Neighbourhood library with free IT access.

Meanwhile, the £18m Portway Lifestyle Centre, which is currently being built in Oldbury in the West Midlands, is the result of a partnership between Sandwell Council, Sandwell Leisure Trust, the PCT and Sandwell LIFTCo. Once opened, it will offer local communities access to a state-ofthe-art sport, leisure and health facilities, including a GP surgery.

The latest project in the pipeline is the

Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Welwyn Garden City. This £30m facility had its official ground-breaking at the end of July and is scheduled to open in spring 2015. Designed by award-winning architects Penyore & Prasad, the hospital will house a significant range of services, including a local A&E, outpatients, diagnostics, therapies, Child Zone and an Endoscopy Suite.

The impact of the LIFT programme and the legacy it is generating is extremely encouraging. Strong public-private partnerships that hold a shared vision and bring individual, essential skills and knowledge to the table are creating allencompassing health centres and a brand new way of accessing their services for generations to come.

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date, the programme has directly generated employment opportunities for approximately 30,000 people.

• An estimated 80% of construction spend has been with local businesses, with an estimated £1.31bn injection into the SME sector.

• As well as employment during the construction phase, LIFT developments accommodate a significant number of jobs, often in areas where there are few other employers.

• LIFT projects have often resulted in an increased market for businesses located in or near the LIFT developments. These include private and third sector providers of health services, pharmacies, cafes and other local retail and lifestyle businesses.

Prior to the inception of the LIFT Programme, there was enormous variability in the standard and scope of GP surgeries

www.communityhealthpartnerships.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 29

Security

Borderline security For a physical security strategy to be successful, it must be a critical consideration within the initial planning and design process

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n the UK, mental illness accounts for a third of all illnesses and at any given time, one person in six experiences anxiety or depression – and one in four people will encounter at least one mental health condition at some point in their life.

Combine these factors with the knowledge that when the UK economy officially entered a recession in January 2009, it was recognised that demand for mental health services would probably increase, and it’s no surprise that the provision of quality mental health facilities remains very much at the top of society’s welfare agenda.

There are three categories of facility – high security (of which there are only three in the UK), medium and low. But the varying levels of security are not necessarily accompanied by a sliding degree of vigilance when reviewing physical security measures to support these establishments.

For a physical security strategy to be successful, it must be a critical consideration within the initial planning and design process. A failure to adopt this approach could result in a weak link within the integrity of the security architecture of the overall site.

Robust design and longevity/durability are the founding principles for all Jacksons

30 Public Sector Build Journal

products. All steel items are galvanized to BS EN 1461 as standard and powder coated using a superior architectural grade powder that is less porous and backed by an Akzo Nobel guarantee. Superior fittings, clips and fixings are supplied to ensure the overall quality of the installation is not compromised.

Any choice of perimeter fencing will need to offer resistance to continual or immediate attack, so all fixings should be concealed to ensure that they cannot be easily removed.

Where fencing is used to form all or part of the secure perimeter it must be a minimum of 5.2m in height and should be 358 welded mesh. Posts should be fixed on the non-patient side so that they cannot be used as climbing aids.

Regular reviews Razor or barbed wire or rotating spiked topping are not acceptable within a healthcare facility but a rolled curved topping can be used to act as a deterrent to anyone considering scaling the perimeter boundary.

A daily reminder of an overtly oppressive and depressing living space will do little to elicit a positive response from patients resident at the unit. To help overcome this, it is possible to clad the Weld Mesh with either metal or

timber, although it is desirable to clad both sides to overcome the risk of creating a climbing point.

Gates and access points within the perimeter represent a possible weak point so only essential gates or entry points should be permitted and these must be controlled centrally and regularly monitored and operated. Best practice is to automate all gates into the perimeter, including pedestrian gates, using an underground operator so there is no visible mechanism on display, gates should be DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) compliant. Vehicular entry should be via an airlock with two sets of interlocked gates that are also centrally controlled, monitored and operated.

The locks on manual gates must be integral to the gate itself and accessed through a key lock, no handles should feature. The gate height should match the same height as the fence, with minimal gaps to attract climbing aid options.

As with any site, physical security measures need to be regularly reviewed to ensure that the external perimeter is not compromised in any way. Priority should be given to frequent planned and recorded inspections to detect damage and/or contraband. A boundary that is deemed safe and secure one day can be affected by a myriad of external factors which could impact on the efficacy of any boundaries or access control initiatives.

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The safety and security of the service users, visitors and staff at residential mental health units remains of paramount importance and has been the subject of much debate. Jacksons Security talks to PSBJ about the physical security measures for mental unit applications.

www.jacksons-security.co.uk

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The MCIAT Professional Assessment

– a new qualifying route What is the MCIAT Professional Assessment?

The MCIAT Professional Assessment is a flexible, rigorous, robust and quality assured qualifying process, based on performance and designed to recognise the diversity of Architectural Technology.

Candidates must provide an in-depth critical analysis clearly summarising their professional experience. This should be a reflective report and should refer to challenges and successes encountered whilst working on projects and how any issues were resolved.

Applicants should also undertake a self-evaluation highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in relation to their area(s) of practice.

The Professional Assessment process is based on four core competencies: • Designing • Managing • Practising • Developing (self)

Who can apply for the MCIAT Professional Assessment?

Any applicant working in or on, for example, academia, general practice, component design, refurbishment, small residential projects, large commercial projects etc within Architectural Technology, should be able to apply their own experience to the Professional Assessment process, but they must hold one of the following membership grades: ACIAT, TCIAT or profile candidate.

Each application will be assessed on its merit. However, each applicant will need to demonstrate a sufficient level of knowledge and understanding and professional competence/experience in relation to their sphere/s of practice and demonstrate to the Institute they can meet the expectations of a Chartered Architectural Technologist, MCIAT.

How much does it cost?

To apply for the Professional Assessment, applicants are required to pay £300 for the assessment of the application and the Professional Assessment Interview.

For further information email our Membership Director, James Banks via james@ciat.org.uk or call us on +44(0)20 7278 2206

Housing

Mutual confidence and partnerships will become the heart of social housing product specification

The changing face of social housing The Self-Financing system, 30 year Asset Management Plans, 30 year Business Plans, and the Bedroom Tax - these are the crucial factors that are changing the face of social housing in the UK. Adrian Sunter from Permadoor, a specialist door supplier, explores the ramifications of these changes, from specification to product lifecycles and warranties; resident satisfaction to product maintenance and performance.

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here are over 400 Local Authorities in the UK, 325 of which are in England alone. Over the years the duties performed by these LAs have changed considerably but on a basic level they are now a combination of Stock Owning LAs and No Stock LAs – having transferred their stock to Housing Associations. The sector currently holds 5.26 million units of social housing stock, with England carrying the majority at 82%, that’s 4.3 million units.

New build opportunities are also making progress in the shape of the Affordable Housing Scheme and the Build to Rent fund. This could mean the building of around 218,000 new homes, in the period 2011/12 – 2016/17. July 24th saw good news for the housing sector as the Government

32 Public Sector Build Journal

revealed its first Build to Rent development; the Centenary Quay in Southampton. Under the scheme 230 homes will be built, 102 of which will be available for private rental. The site overall will comprise 1600 homes, shops, cafes and a supermarket on the former Vosper Thorneycroft marine works site.

Post Decent Homes Key Factor One: Planned Capital Works Aside from the backlog funding given to 45 Local Authorities and ALMOs in April 2011, totalling £1.6b, to complete the programme, Decent Homes is now finished. So in a world Post Decent Homes, one of its key aims has come to fruition, 70% of funding for Local Authority housing is now allocated to ‘Planned Capital Works’, while 30% is

A greater emphasis will have to be placed on landlord responsibility for long-term maintenance

Housing field for more businesses to get a piece of the action.

Key Factor Two: Self-Financing

set aside for responsive repairs. This is in complete contrast to the short term planning and ad-hoc funding of the late 1990s, which was 30% planned, 70% reactive.

The positive result is that Local Authority Registered Providers (LARPs) and social housing landlords will now be producing 30 year asset management and business

plans, introducing planning into areas that were once reactive. Longer term investment is, in some cases, leading to longer term frameworks giving larger contractors the opportunity to widen their service offering.

Yet this isn’t all about the Big Boys as regions and ‘pockets’ of opportunity will provide scope for smaller contracts; opening up the

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70% of funding for Local Authority housing is now allocated to Planned Capital Works, while 30% is set aside for responsive repairs

To support these long term plans and the operational restructure, funding also needed a re-think. On 1st April 2012, the old Housing Revenue Account (HRA) subsidy system was abolished and in its place, the Government introduced the new Self-Financing system. In the new order of local Government financing LAs now keep all of their rental income but in return they have had to take on a percentage of the overall housing debt of £29.6b, regardless of their previous debt level.

While conforming to the standard financial year, April 1st to March 31st, funds will be ring-fenced, and will not be available for use for anything other than housing management, maintenance, stock investment, new build, housing debt repayment or reserves.

Housing departments and LAs now have treasury responsibilities, and are in control of their own destiny. The Government also states that LAs will now have more money to spend on housing due to the HRA ring-fence and the fact that under the HRA Subsidy System rental income surplus was retained by the Government.

Add to this the ‘extra’ £160m that is to be distributed in 2015/16 to eligible LAs, and the scope for opportunity is apparent

Decent Homes is now the minimum standard to which social landlords must maintain their stock

Public Sector Build Journal 33

Housing

Following the commencement of rent convergence in 2001, due for completion in 2015, LA rents are now more comparable to that of the ‘higher’ HA rent. This is of course to reflect the improvements that have been made during the last 13 years under Decent Homes.

This higher rental income will have two key impacts – 1) it will be of greater importance to the LARP or LA landlord as the income is now 100% under their control and 2) resident satisfaction will have an increasing role to play in Asset Management planning.

a 25 year lifetime for an external door.

While warranties and guarantees will undoubtedly play an important role in contract negotiation so too will preventative maintenance and the need for more ‘innovative’ ways of working; both very much a shared responsibility.

Innovation partnerships Permadoor has recently undertaken one such innovation, a ‘stock door’ trial in partnership with Robert Price Builders’ Merchant and social housing landlord, Melin Homes. The scheme gives LAs, HAs and Registered Providers immediate access to an ‘off-the-shelf’ GRP composite door with no lead-time. The financial benefits are significant, social housing landlords could save in excess of £200 per door; based on an average of six door replacements per week, this adds up to a substantial saving of approximately £62,000 a year.

Lyndon Probert, Surveyor for Melin Homes commented: “We have used the stock doors on a number of occasions and in a variety of situations; on one occasion the original door was fire damaged and we were able to use a stock door as a replacement. The Robert Price branch in Newport always has a good supply, and our work teams are finding both the doors and the supply-chain reliable. The doors are also easy to install.

Our residents are happy with the security that they provide.”

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A new Permadoor scheme gives LAs, HAs and Registered Providers immediate access to an ‘off-the-shelf’ GRP composite door with no lead-time

With 20 and 30 year Asset Management plans, product guarantees, lifecycles and warranties are going to play a big part in the future of procurement and specification.

Manufacturers will have to respond accordingly.

Decent Homes is now the minimum standard to which social landlords must maintain their stock. This, in line with the planning reform, will mean a balancing act for many procurement and asset managers and specifiers from the guarantees offered to the initial cost; energy efficiency; green credentials; tenant usability and lifecycle, as well as maintenance costs.

Mutual confidence and partnerships will become the heart of social housing product specification. Manufacturers will have to become intuitive to the issues and questions that will arise from the procurement, maintenance and asset management teams – more so than ever. A simple technical guide and a printed warranty document will no long cut it. Conversely, a greater emphasis will have to be placed on landlord responsibility – for long-term maintenance; servicing and the replacement of parts.

Under the revised lifetimes used for the Major Repairs Allowance (MRA) SelfFinancing calculations for LAs, the lifetime of an external door is 30 years. Permadoor offers its customers a 10 year guarantee on its products with a lifetime expectancy of 25 years. This lifetime is far more in-tune with the thoughts of the social landlords and contractors who, in 2009, submitted to BRE

www.permadoor.co.uk

The future of social housing The recent changes to the Welfare Reform Act, with the introduction of the headlinegrabbing ‘Bedroom Tax’ will also have a significant impact. If homes are underoccupied, housing benefit will be cut, which could cost working-age tenants up to £20 per week if two bedrooms are empty. Not only could this affect the ‘rental’ ability of some individuals it may also lead to a greater demand for a higher standard of living – placing a greater pressure on the landlords to provide quality, long term home improvements.

34 Public Sector Build Journal

Permadoor offers its customers a 10 year guarantee on its products with a lifetime expectancy of 25 years

Street Furniture

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

Online Enquiry 014

web | mobile | tablet

Public Sector Build Journal 35

Doors, Windows & Facades

Various sections of the facade light up in different colours to reflect the mood of the occasion inside

A quick fix Headed up by Leeds City Council, the first ever arena in the city of Leeds has recently been completed on time and budget.

Craig Winstanley, Technical Advisor at SFS intec, reviews the complex design of the build and explains the specification detail behind the fixings and fastenings used to create such a successful and striking facade.

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aving welcomed its first visitors in July, including the legendary Bruce Springsteen, the newly built £60m First Direct Leeds Arena has a capacity for 13,500 concert goers.

Constructed like no other, its fan-shaped design enables optimum sight lines from every seat in the house. Unlike more traditional bowl or horse-shoe seating arrangements – present in around 90-95% of the country’s arenas – this interior layout means that even the rear seats are no more than 70m from the stage.

Located in the northern quarter of the city centre, the arena sits at 35m high and 128m wide and has a multi-layered, multicoloured (shades of mint and pistachio) aluminium shingled facade. Based on the architect’s drawing of an insect’s eyeball, the honeycomb design wraps around the exterior of the building and, at night time, various sections of the facade light up in different colours to reflect the mood of the occasion inside.

First impressions count

36 Public Sector Build Journal

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High performance fastenings actually had a big part to play in the venue's longstanding presence

Following years of finite designs and eventual construction, the installed facade had to be exactly as the architectural plans intended in order to ensure an excellent first impression and to attract visitors and Leeds’ locals.

Furthermore, targeting a BREEAM ‘very good’ rating, the challenging design had to stand up to environmental scrutiny.

A seemingly small part of this iconic project, high performance fastenings

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The smarter way to access news and products for the sustainable building market.

With its easy-to-navigate format, users can benefit from a variety of useful tools, such as the magazine’s latest issue, digital archive, suppliers and newsbank. The App is also synced with SBP Library (www.sustainable-buildingproducts.com) providing an essential specification portal.

Doors, Windows & Facades actually had a big part to play in the venue’s longstanding presence. Furthermore, given its multifaceted design, the fasteners were carefully specified to meet a number of factors, including aesthetics, durability and corrosion resistance, as well as a quick and simple installation.

The 6000m2 of aluminium shingles were supplied in five different colours and installed in layers onto stainless steel clips, held in place using 35,000 aluminium bulbtite rivets. These offered excellent pull-out resistance under testing, proving their performance against the elements, even on surfaces exposed to extreme weather conditions. The rivets offered a reliable and simple fix.

Fasteners were carefully specified to meet a number of factors, including aesthetics, durability and corrosion resistance

Secure application

At night time, various sections of the facade light up in different colours to reflect the mood of the occasion inside

supplied were extensively tested at its HQ in Leeds and the correct tutorial was offered on-site to ensure that the installation was correct from start to finish.

Regulatory compliance For example, given the volume of different fasteners provided, SFS intec sent one of its application technicians’ onsite to provide the installation teams with a demonstration on how the product should correctly be installed. Incorrect fixing of any of the fastening components could have resulted in a poor finish of the facade, or worse, failure to perform and comply with the relevant legislation.

Targeting a BREEAM ‘very good’ rating, the challenging design of the iconic and high profile arena in Leeds, was completed without delay or error.

Much time and effort was put into the

construction’s design to ensure a striking finish that the local residents could be proud of. The facade especially, acts as the face of the arena and has been warmly welcomed by the city – not least because this landmark development is anticipated to contribute £2.25 million year-on-year, to the local economy.

While the fasteners were a very small part of the total system and the building’s costs, the issue of corrosion and structural failure would be very damaging and expensive to put right. With this in mind, it was important that only the highest performance components were installed to ensure a quick installation which would meet the building’s tight timelines and protect the aesthetics of the venue over its lifetime.

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To fix the thick secondary steel work to the thin backing wall – enabling the perforated, aluminium mesh rainscreen panels to be fixed – 3000 self-drilling fasteners were supplied. By not having to drill the backing wall for bulb-tite application, this fastener saved the contractor a considerable amount of time during installation.

Providing equal strength in pull-out resistance to the rivets and installed using a specially designed bent washer – which alleviates the fastener from stripping or overdriving – the fasteners guaranteed a secure fixing.

Finally, 7000 low profile fasteners were used to fix Kalzip’s Kal-Plank system, at the rear of the building. Colour matched with the cladding, the fastener head – though drilled in like a self drilling austenitic stainless steel fastener – looks like a rivet when installed and so is very discreet in design. This meant that the fastening system did not hinder the visual effect and so the cladding looked as the design intended. This type of head is also deemed to be tamper-proof, reducing the risk of third party interference.

Supported by a 25-year warranty, both of the fastener types supplied were manufactured by SFS intec’s expert team in-house, from austenitic stainless steel.

This is because it is a poor conductor of heat and so non-corrosive when placed with aluminium – a key aspect for guaranteeing the long-lasting, aesthetic finish of the facade.

With over 50 years’ experience in manufacturing high performance fixings and fastening systems, SFS intec places great importance on ensuring the products

www.sfsintec.biz/uk

Public Sector Build Journal 39

Leisure

Space in the city The park has been revitalised to provide an attractive, safe and communal area for residents and visitors

Parks and open spaces have a huge role to play in creating accessible, inclusive and communal leisure facilities.

They cater for a broad range of demographics and provide free facilities for those unable to make use of more sophisticated services. Nowhere is this more important than in densely populated areas, where land is expensive and residents depend on managed open space for a range of needs.

F

M Conway and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham have worked seamlessly together to deliver a comprehensive regeneration project for a West London community. But delivering regeneration projects comes with its own challenges, and scrutiny is heightened because of the role parks and green spaces play in local life.

Shepherd’s Bush Common is a historic eight-acre area of public space in the heart of West London. It is one of 52 parks and green spaces managed by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. In 2011 FM Conway was appointed to carry out

Capitalising on green spaces is integral to the development of dense communities

40 Public Sector Build Journal

a comprehensive regeneration for the area, which was completed in May this year.

The common is surrounded by major highways, as well as Shepherd’s Bush tube station. It is a busy urban area, and the Common has been revitalised to provide an attractive, safe and communal area for residents and visitors.

“The common was very tired and run down before,” explains Marlene Pope, Parks Development Officer for the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. “So we wanted to bring it up to the impressive standards that have been set by other regeneration and development projects in the area, like Westfield, and the broader investments that have been made to the high street here.

“We had seven main aims for the project: we wanted to make sure it was a landmark open space with clear links for pedestrians and cyclists. It also needed to be a meeting place for all, where adults and children are able to enjoy leisure facilities. It had to be inclusive, safe and provide facilities for community activities. Beyond its immediate function, it had to be a catalyst for further regeneration, too. Overall, we wanted it to be an ambitious brief, and we feel it shows the range of benefits that well-considered urban realm work can bring.”

Working with landscape architect Grontmij and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, FM Conway delivered the £2.6m improvement works to the common including construction of extensive new play areas, new footways and paved surfaces, and the restoration of the area around the historic site’s war memorial.

Leisure

The project also included the installation of general park furniture, covering street lighting, CCTV, bins, fences, benches and signage. Complex drainage works were also undertaken. This encompassed the installation of an oil interceptor, an attenuation tank and three soakaways.

The soft landscaping elements saw the removal and planting of trees, the laying of new grassed areas and the creation of three mounds across the park, with dispersed earth from elsewhere on the project.

The Common is a crucial part of the urban realm in Shepherd’s Bush and is a busy thoroughfare for the local community.

Users can now benefit from a meeting place for all, where adults and children are able to enjoy leisure facilities

Accordingly, a key challenge for the works was to ensure that access was maintained at all times for the general public, as Paul Williams, Contracts Manager for FM Conway, explains: “Projects like Shepherd’s Bush Common show the need to maintain access for the public wherever possible. It was a high-profile scheme that residents use on a day-by-day basis. We had to plan the scheme’s phases very carefully. That was a big help, but when it came to making sure that users had access across the Common at all times, it came down to careful site management, and we made sure we had resource allocated specifically to managing access, which meant we succeeded in keeping the park functional for users throughout the regeneration.

“We also worked with the council to prepare and carry out letter drops, and coordinate web bulletins through the council’s website to update residents not only on access details, but on the project’s wider progress. That became more important as the scheme encountered unanticipated issues.

“We had to make sure traffic would be impacted as little as possible, too. The Common’s external footpaths border onto the main road, which is a busy four-lane carriageway and main route for West London, so works were undertaken at offpeak intervals to ensure that disruption was minimised wherever possible.”

Beyond the logistic challenges of the project, additional complexities were added by the site’s colourful history. The Common is located between a number of World War

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The project included the installation of general park furniture, covering street lighting, CCTV and signage

II bombing targets, including the Central London Railway Depot, three local stations and a motor works. As such, a detailed site analysis had to be undertaken to mitigate the risk of unearthing unexploded ammunitions from the Blitz.

Added to that, a number of air raid shelters were discovered during the drainage works that had to be back filled, adding to the complexity of the project, and introducing an unforeseen element to the works. Initial analysis showed that the fill used to reclaim the site post war contained contaminants, but through careful management, the fill was contained well beneath the surface, rather than being sent to landfill, and the site has been made safe for users.

As with any public sector works, sustainability was a key part of the project’s delivery. Managing waste, for example, was an important part of the project’s overall sustainability goals, not least because the vast majority of the materials being replaced were recyclable. In total, the site produced around 3400 tonnes of waste, 95% of which was either reused or recycled, through FM Conway’s in-house recycling facilities – a level that was achieved through careful site management and diligent segregation of different waste streams.

The scheme also put innovative materials to good use, in order to capitalise on the site’s capacity for sequestering carbon emissions, and used high-performance carbon capture turf, which absorbs green house gases much faster than standard turf.

The existing natural environment was carefully protected throughout the works, and FM Conway worked with Hammersmith and Fulham’s Tree Officer to ensure that the impact of the works on the trees being retained was minimised in all cases.

“The response to the improvements has been fantastic,” comments Marlene. “We’ve completely opened up the park, so there are clear sight lines and a real sense of safe, open space. Since it has been finished we have seen numbers using the park increase, the playgrounds are really popular as is the rest of the space. We’re seeing a lot of families and young children, and that’s exactly what we wanted.

“With the population density of London, you have to capitalise on the green spaces you have. This has been a comprehensive regeneration. Everyone involved has worked incredibly hard to make it happen and the change has been amazing.”

www.fmconway.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 41

Healthcare Estates Preview

Healthcare Estates Exhibition & Conference, taking place on 8th and 9th October 2013 at Manchester Central (GMEX), Manchester, will feature over 200 leading companies, showcasing the latest technologies, equipment and services specifically designed to improve healthcare environments and the patient experience.

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he exhibition provides visitors with an opportunity to find out about the latest changes and implications for you and your teams. For estates and facilities departments, architects, consulting engineers, construction companies, suppliers and others directly involved in managing estates and facilities the exhibition, features and conference is critical to helping you run your organisation.

Face-to-face, visitors and suppliers have the opportunity to make practical decisions while considering the feel of the product together with the knowledge of the supplier. With most of the key suppliers and organisations servicing the healthcare sector in the same place, visitors can compare every aspect of products and service available.

Healthcare Estates 2013 will also provide visitors with a dedicated energy section at this year’s show incorporating the ‘energy theatre offering free presentations to preregistered visitors to the show. Supported by the Carbon Energy Fund and Carbon Trust, the area boasts key companies offering advice to healthcare organisations.

42 Public Sector Build Journal

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Positive steps in healthcare

on offer, you can be sure to make the right decision. The Healthcare Estates exhibition provides you with every opportunity to see products demonstrated, essential in an industry where actually touching or using the product is part of the buying process.

With the whole industry together, Healthcare Estates is also the perfect place to network allowing customers and suppliers rub shoulders with their peers, competitors and future suppliers and employers.

Visitors to Healthcare Estates will also benefit from discussions around the hottest topics of the moment and you can learn the latest methods to deal with specific issues you encounter in your job. Lots of companies invest in training on a regular basis, but there is nothing better than learning from experts and highly experience speakers.

Healthcare Estates organiser, Step Exhibitions is currently mailing out thousands of complimentary tickets to potential visitors to the exhibition. With a range of benefits for pre-registered visitors, complimentary sessions, VIP status to key people in the sector and the ability to book appointments with key companies once registered, the organisers have once again upped the importance of this crucial annual event for those working in the sector.

Companies supporting the area include; British Gas, Low Carbon Europe, GE Corporate, Sabien Technology, Whitecroft Lighting, Dalkia, E.ON, Lucy Switchgear, DPS Bristol, IRT Surveys, Sentinel Performance Solutions, Turner EPS, Damar Group, Thorlux Lighting, ENER-G, and Vital Energi.

The benefits of pre-registering Qualifying visitors from the NHS, Department of Health, Private Health, Hospice, Care Home, Mental Health Trust, Primary Care or Strategic Health Authority will be offered a VIP package that will cover the costs of parking and refreshments on site, a dedicated area to network with colleagues and meet with key suppliers exhibiting at the show. If requested the show organiser will help plan your day, set up meetings with suppliers and can even help find accommodation and places to eat.

Healthcare professionals registering before the 21st September will be sent a range of benefits and information to help plan their attendance at Healthcare Estates.

By experiencing the range of products

Step Exhibitions is currently mailing out thousands of complimentary tickets

www.healthcare-estates.com

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Doors & Windows

Gilgen enhances door functionality Gilgen Door Systems has launched its most powerful and silent running swing door operator yet. The technologically advanced Gilgen FD 20 swing door drive is designed for the automation of new or existing doors up to 250kg in weight and can also automate external doors facing wind loads up to 50mph.

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ensure fit for purpose operation, low running costs and effortless performance. The FD 20 is quieter, more controllable and more attractive than its predecessor and can be tailored to the needs of a greater range of applications.”

The FD 20 features a powerful new electro-mechanical drive which is extremely quiet and smooth in operation. The master switch and illuminated program selector buttons are integrated into the side cover of the operator housing for intuitive operation.

Additional control options include radar, motion sensor, contactless detection sensor, foot or hand operated switch or remote control through Gilgen Door Systems’ F9000 unit. Adjustable functions include push & go operation, safety monitoring and wind-load regulation for external doors.

An extensive range of configurations is

The FD 20 is quieter, more controllable and more attractive than its predecessor

possible for single and bi-parting doors, emergency exit, fire safety operation and bespoke solutions. Safety features are built in as standard and the drive is tested to EN16005 and BIN 18650. Optional safety sensors with ‘reverse’ and ‘stop’ functions offer additional protection for pinch points.

The FD 20 unit is also characterised by its fast installation and start-up capability. Once the unit has been mounted, the user-friendly joystick and integrated LCD display inside the housing can be used to programme the operating parameters such as the opening and closing speed, safety monitoring and reinforced closure. The engineer can also adjust the power of the return spring to the corresponding weight and size of door.

The Gilgen FD 20 is a swing door operator for virtually any application providing effortless trouble-free access, safety and security. Its attractive appearance makes it compatible with any architectural design thereby enhancing the overall aesthetic approach.

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ue to its Swiss build quality and strength the FD 20 is ideally suited to tough applications such as hospitals, schools, garden centres and transport hubs.

The versatile FD 20 is 50% more powerful than its predecessor and enables easy, contactless and hygienic access for a wide variety of commercial and public sector buildings. Lightweight doors, external doors up to 1600mm in width (EN7) and even fire rated doors can be automated with ease.

A range of lintel and door leaf installations is available featuring Gilgen’s optional sliding rod mechanism which offers improved aesthetics over conventional push rod systems.

David Cerquella, Managing Director of Gilgen Door Systems in the UK, explains: “We have improved the functionality, power and versatility of our swing door operator to

enq 019 info@gilgendoorsystems.co.uk ( 0800 316 6994 

The FD 20 features a powerful new electro-mechanical drive which is extremely quiet and smooth in operation

44 Public Sector Build Journal

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Doors & Windows

All aboard the buses with Tormax Ensuring safe and easy access for all passengers, each of the 22 departure bays at the City of Stoke-on-Trent's new £15m bus terminal, are fitted with contemporary TORMAX automatic sliding doors. Powered by the technologically advanced TORMAX Win Drive 2201 bi-parting operators, reliability of the sliding doors is assured even in this exceptionally busy location.

The TORMAX automatic doors help keep the internal ambient temperature stable, protecting waiting passengers from the weather whilst allowing smooth access to board the buses when they pull in, reducing the problem of bottlenecks.

The iconic station opened in the spring of this year and provides state-of-the-art facilities for bus passengers. In addition to the 22 departure bays, there are waiting facilities, an information office, interactive touch-screen bus journey planners, toilets as well as a convenience store.

TORMAX has had previous experience in similar settings having successfully installed 44 Win Drive powered automatic sliding doors at the Paragon Interchange, Hull in *

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(

2008.

In developing the Win Drive operator TORMAX combined cost-effective door automation with simple day-to-day controls.

An innovative component fastening system also makes them surprisingly quick to install.

In addition, this is a particularly slim automatic door drive measuring just 142mm by 100mm, allowing door automation to be installed in the majority of openings.

However, this is still a powerful unit having the capacity to operate either a single-leaf sliding door of up to 120kg or a double set of doors weighing 100kg per leaf. Offering an impressive opening width, the operator can provide up to 2000mm clear pass-through space.

01932 238040

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enq 020

New centre puts faith in Alu-Timber portfolio

Profile secures Total Glass new contract PVC-U and aluminium window and door fabricator Total Glass supplied and installed quality PVC-U windows manufactured from high-quality Grey on White profile for a new mixed affordable and private housing development in Liverpool. Supplying the RAL 7016 profile from stock with no additional lead time helped Total Glass to secure the 26-home contract with its main contractor client Lovell. Glazed rear doors were also fitted in the 10 houses, four bungalows and 12 flats at Storrington Avenue, Norris Green.

Riverside Housing Association manages the social housing element. (

 enq 021 0151 549 2339 * sales@totalglass.com

Alu-Timber and its approved fabricator, Alliance Design Services, have worked together on a new build Diocesan Education Centre in Wilton, Wiltshire. Design freedom and solutions to modern environmental issues are a complex requirement. Alu-Timber EFT is a 60mm aluminium/timber curtain walling system which offers Capped, 2-sided Structural Glazing with vertical or horizontal capping and 4-sided Structural Glazing. Alu-Timber EFT provides internal thermally efficient Larch timber with time tested external aluminium for protection. To maximise spans and centres, a wide range of timber mullions and transoms are available and the inherent properties of timber provide two advantages: high strength and low U-values. * projects@parksidegroup.co.uk

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020 8685 9685

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Schueco Jansen expands with unlatched fire doors

Leading UK steel systems specialist Schueco Jansen has significantly expanded its range of fire protection solutions with the introduction of two Unlatched Steel Fire Doors. Compared to traditional timber fire doors, these steel framed doors offer the advantages of slim sightlines, fully glazed leaves and a high level of performance, making them ideal for public-access locations. The doors are available in two ranges, Jansen Economy 60 E30 and Janisol 2 EI30. They operate without lever handles and are equipped with a bi-metallic latch that reacts to the heat from a fire, causing a pin to expand and retain the leaf in place. *

mkinfobox@schueco.com

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01908 282111

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Public Sector Build Journal 45

Doors, Windows & Balustrades

Big Business for GEZE UK in Manchester 580 manual overhead closers from GEZE UK have been used in the building of Manchester Metropolitan University’s award-winning Business School and Student Hub (MMUBS).

With such high footfall, safety and accessibility were of paramount importance, so GEZE UK supplied a combination of TS 3000 V-ISM closers for the development’s extralarge steel fire doors, TS 3000 V BC closers for high-use circulation doors and TS 2000 NV closers for offices and toilets. Ensuring visual consistency throughout the landmark building, all the closers were supplied in the same, costeffective, hard-wearing, satin stainless steel finish and had matching guide rails or arm sets.

Metal Technology provides clearer outlook Metal Technology has supplied over £2m of its System 5-20Hi+(high insulation) Tilt and Turn windows to Stockport Homes’ recently completed, £24m refurbishment scheme at Mottram St in Stockport.

System 5-20Hi+ A rated, High insulation, thermally broken Tilt and Turn windows are ideal for projects such as the Mottram Street refurbishment. Designed with sustainability in mind, the system enables the specifier to meet the latest thermal requirements of building regulations while giving the added benefits of ventilation and the ability to clean the windows from inside the building. (

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info.uk@geze.com

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01543 443000

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Sapphire Balustrades has scored high marks for the design, manufacture and installation of staircase balustrades at a new education facility in Richmond, Surrey. Main contractor Keepmoat was impressed with Sapphire’s bespoke product and service package for the two-storey building, which provides the school with additional teaching space and learning facilities. Keepmoat’s Site Manager on the project rated Sapphire’s glass and stainless steel balustrades as ‘excellent’ and comments: “Sapphire’s 3D design visuals were particularly useful in providing an accurate representation of the proposed balustrades.”

Sapphire Balustrades scores high marks

 enq 024 028 9448 7777 sales@metaltechnology.com

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sales@sapphirebalustrades.com

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0844 88 00 553

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Lorient Middle East unveils exclusive distributor An exciting new chapter begins for Lorient in the Middle East. A closer partnership with leading architectural hardware and doorset provider, Laidlaw Interiors Group International, Gulf office is set to reinvigorate its business in the GCC and further afield. Laidlaw has been appointed the exclusive distributor for Lorient’s range of market leading acoustic, smoke and fire sealing systems.

Laidlaw Interiors Group CEO John Jefferies says: “The market here is loyal to quality brands and Lorient is one of those brands which has been widely specified for decades and has a superb reputation for quality and performance.” *

admin@lorientuk.com

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01626 834252

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Designer doors complement comfort and care Billed as the ‘best in the UK’, Marie Curie’s new multi-million pound hospice in Solihull boasts state-of-the-art facilities, fixtures and fittings. This includes the installation of GEZE’s premium Slimdrive SL GGS automatic sliding door system in the open-plan reception.

Driven by GEZE’s industry-leading 7cm high Slimdrive SL operators and suspending the glass leaves from high-grade stainless steel fittings, this top-of-the-range system eliminated the need for unsightly door rails. Individually made by GEZE UK for contractors Wilmott Dixon Construction to bespoke specifications, the elegant, frameless entrance comprised a pair of large glass doors and matching screen. *

info.uk@geze.com

46 Public Sector Build Journal

(

01543 443000

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Iconic library features Technal curtain walling Southwark Council’s iconic new ‘super library’ in Canada Water, London, has won the Civic Trust Special Award in recognition of its outstanding design and contribution to the local community.

Spearheading an ambitious programme of regeneration, Canada Water Library resembles an inverted terraced pyramid of successively receding storeys that partly overhang the Canada Water basin.

Finished in bronze anodising, Technal’s GEODE-MX SSG structural glazing and commercial doors have been used for the ground floor of the library. GEODE-MX Visible Grid features as strips of curtain walling to the three upper floors of the building, with GEODE-MX top hung concealed vents for natural ventilation. (

 enq 029 01924 232323 * info@technal.co.uk

Online Enquiry 030

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Online Enquiry 031

Online Enquiry 032 Public Sector Build Journal 47

Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Introducing new modular assisted shower units Gainsborough Specialist Bathing, Europe's leading choice in hi-lo assisted baths, has launched a new range of assisted showering solutions to complement its baths and recently introduced patient hoists.

P

art of Care in Bathing, Gainsborough has designed, manufactured and installed specialist bathing systems in the UK for over 25 years and these new complete shower units provide architects and building specifiers with several clear advantages.

Available in three sizes for maximum versatility, these easy to access modules are supplied with low-level shower tray, side and wall panels, integrated folding seats, doors and WRAS compliant shower control unit. Ideal for public sector installations in long-term and acute care settings, they are durable, versatile and ergonomically designed for improved safety and client comfort.

Each shower module is installed using an innovative, fast-fit system and the seven wall board and eight safety flooring options, provide aesthetic flexibility for new-build and refurbishment programmes. The decorative wall panels include various finishes such as White Marble and White Gloss and the flooring includes different textured designs in a variety of colours that will complement most interior designs.

A fluted grab rail is included for added safety and supports clients weighing up to 190kg (30 stone). Showering comfort is further enhanced with the inclusion of a soft-touch, padded seat or mobile shower chair to assist with client transfers in and out of the bathroom. This seat, which also folds, is manufactured in the same high quality materials that are synonymous with Gainsborough’s specialist bath range.

Gordon Farmiloe, Care in Bathing Managing Director commented: “2013 has already proven to be highly successful for Gainsborough Specialist Bathing and this latest launch will further strengthen our product portfolio. We take pride in now being able to offer customers a more comprehensive package of solutions.

We are regarded as true pioneers in the assisted bathing market and have employed all our expertise in developing this new showering range.”

48 Public Sector Build Journal

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Maximum safety The new shower range from Gainsborough incorporates MicroGuard antimicrobial protection technology, which helps to eliminate cross-infection in high traffic environments. TMV2, TMV3 or the Electric Care Shower units all deliver thermostatically controlled water to prevent scalding during use. Each shower module comes with an easy access, slip resistant shower tray and is available with halfheight shower doors or flat glass screens.

There is a range of contemporary finishes and shower doors meet ISO impact test standards so safety is maximised.

Gainsborough has a network of skilled fitters offering a complete installation service meaning it can provide an end-toend service, from concept to completion.

The new modular assisted shower units incorporate all the same high levels of quality, safety and comfort associated with its established bathing range

The shower module is available with halfheight shower doors or flat glass screens

*

 enq 033 info@gainsboroughbaths.com ( 0800 542 9194

Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Amwell's leisure cubicles are in great shape Amwell has been supplying the leisure sector nationwide for over 30 years and felt it was time to refresh its ever popular Aqualine cubicle system. The fixtures and fittings remain as strong, robust and easy to clean as ever however Aqualine's look has been slim lined giving a more sleek and contemporary feel to the cubicle system.

As well as having strong cubicles which look great Amwell also knows how important it is to utilise space effectively in a

leisure environment; Aqualine has been designed with this in mind. Aqualine has a rigid framed construction which allows

for free-standing installations ensuring that space can be maximised. It is also flexible enough to meet the increasingly popular demand for ‘walk-through’ changing rooms and can be configured with entry/exit doors that lock in unison.

Aqualine is also constructed with health and safety in mind. Doors attach by a continuous hinge hidden within the main vertical post. They pivot on integrated hinges to allow doors to open and close safely without the risk of trapping fingers. And for further peace of mind all cubicle doors are also fitted with an emergency release locking mechanism.

Another key requirement in modern leisure venues is easy cleaning and maintenance. With Amwell’s Aqualine system maintenance need never be a chore as the 13mm SGL panels are fully water resistant and also through fixed making them super strong. Added lateral rigidity is also provided by a continuous 35 x 75mm head rail mounted on the frame. 

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sales@amwell-systems.com ( 01763 276200

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A whole home approach

Stress-free hygiene A unique service is taking the stress out of project-managing installation or upgrading of hygiene rooms and Changing Places accessible toilets. Clos-o-Mat has created a dedicated, in-house team to provide efficient delivery of accessible toilet facilities, which give users who require the help of at least one carer more space, and a more appropriate range of equipment.

The service includes design advice, taking into account the myriad Regulations and Codes of Practice that apply, plus supply, installation, commissioning, and, if required, on-going service and maintenance. It is included as part of Clos-o-Mat’s complete hygiene room/ Changing Places offering, at no extra cost. (

 enq 035 0161 969 1199 * info@clos-o-mat.com

While there is no shortage of companies that offer products for adapting a standard home for the needs of an elderly or disabled person, there are few that look at the complete picture. An exception is AKW, a company which encompasses both product innovation and design expertise to offer a one-stop shop for accessible living with style. AKW design expert, Paul Tingey says: “Increasingly at AKW we are putting the emphasis on designing, rather than adapting. This means taking a holistic approach and looking at how the space can best be arranged with the most appropriate fittings and fixtures to make it accessible for any user.” *

sales@akw-ltd.co.uk

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01905 823298

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A positive look ahead at Redring Xpelair Group Redring Xpelair Group is restructuring its Field Sales into two separate teams with one responsible for ventilation under the Xpelair brand and the other focusing on water heating products under the Redring, Galaxy and Creda brands. This change comes ahead of a major investment in new product development. Mark Quigley, Commercial Director at Redring Xpelair Group, says: “The ventilation and showering markets are very diverse, each with their own set of competitors and market drivers. By having dedicated Sales and Marketing teams focusing specifically on the different markets, we can compete more effectively and provide a significantly better service to our customers.”

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daniela.martino@redringxpelair.com

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0844 372 7761

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Public Sector Build Journal 49 55

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Kemper helps optimise university assets With cuts in funding and the impact of student fees making potential student 'customers' more discerning than ever about their choice of institution, the pressure is on for universities to provide a value-added experience for students.

50 Public Sector Build Journal

and improvements to campus buildings in order to ensure that the maintenance burden is reduced and sustainability is enhanced; all of which will ultimately drive down operational costs.

enq 038 * enquiries@kempersystem.co.uk ( 01925 445532 

Long-term strategy When it comes to roofing, upgrading the roof with insulation and selecting a proven waterproofing system with a guaranteed lifespan instead of simply carrying out patch repairs is, therefore, the best long-term strategy.

This was the approach taken for Guild House, a typical flat-roofed faculty building at Anglia Ruskin University which is split into three blocks (East, West and South) and is home to the university’s Faculty of Health, Social Care & Education. Having refurbished

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hile there are many elements to impressing potential students, the buildings in which they will study and live on campus are the university’s shop window and must, therefore, reflect a high quality study environment if they are to attract students.

Newer and less well-known universities like Anglian Ruskin University in Peterborough cannot rely on historic or feature buildings to impress students, so creating the right impression can be more challenging.

There is a fine balance between answering the demands of budgetary constraints and investing in upgrades to faculty buildings in order to demonstrate the calibre of facilities on offer. Against this backdrop, university estates departments must be selective in how they choose to manage maintenance

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University estates departments must be selective in how they choose to manage maintenance

the building with new skills labs, lecture spaces, break out areas, a library and Wi-Fi throughout, the estates department then turned their attention to the bituminous felt roof, which was widely failing. Indeed, the existing roof on the East and West blocks needed a complete strip out. The university’s estates department opted for a warm roof system that would both upgrade the thermal performance of the building to Part L building regulation standards and provide a durable, waterproof roof surface within a single project.

The chosen system was the Stratex from Kemper System, which included the company’s Kemperol V210 cold liquid-applied waterproofing membrane.

Although Kemperol V210 is impervious to standing water; a tapered insulation board was chosen to create a slight pitch on the existing flat roofs to help with water drainage. The KEMPEROL V210 liquid resin saturates a reinforcement fleece which is immensely strong and tear resistant; and cures to provide a seamless, hard wearing, elastomeric membrane that is UV stable and cannot delaminate.

The fact that Anglia Ruskin University needed to replace rather than repair the roof was never in question; the question was how they could derive maximum value from the project and enhance the lifespan of the building.

They wanted a seamless finish with longevity and performance and KEMPEROL V210 not only provided that but has also delivered a hard-wearing, flexible and waterproof roof with a guaranteed service life of at least 25 years.

The chosen system was the Stratex from Kemper System, which included the company’s Kemperol V210 cold liquidapplied waterproofing membrane

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Shackerley contribution is written in stone Shackerley has supplied two of the most visible new external architectural elements at Liverpool Central Library, now re-opened to the public after a £50m project to transform the facility into a state-of-the-art civic centre.

Behind the iretained Grade II listed Victorian frontages is a striking new five-storey library and archive repository building, the external elevations of which have been predominantly clad with Shackerley’s Sureclad ceramic granite ventilated facade system. The new facades have a distinctive style, featuring randomly positioned panels of varying widths in a palette of carefully selected natural tones.

In addition to supplying over 2200m2 of

prefabricated ‘installation ready’ ceramic granite cladding, Shackerley also utilised specialist in-house facilities at its ISO 9001 accredited Lancashire factory to create the Library’s 20m high ‘Literary Wall’ – a gleaming black roll-call of famous authors playwrights and poets associated with Liverpool, engraved in gold lettering on large format solid granite panels, cut to bespoke sizes measuring up to 2800 x 600 x 30mm.

Architect Ben Aston of Austin-Smith: Lord comments: “Shackerley offers ceramic granite in an extensive range of colours and finishes from which we selected our tonal palette of neutral colours with a

natural unpolished finish. The flexibility of the Sureclad system allowed panels of different sizes to be used, achieving the nonmonolithic appearance required.

“For the Literary Wall we wanted a high quality polished black stone that would retain its good looks in all weathers. Granite is by no means an easy material to work with but Shackerley had the specialist in-house cutting, drilling and engraving facilities to supply everything we needed.”  *

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info@shackerley.com ( 0800 783 039

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

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Ideal for roof terraces, balconies and walkways Floating floor – installation over single ply membranes Eternal finish – massive over life savings Zero maintenance Completely non-porous; stain resistant Slip resistance; BS pendulum test up to +65 wet Lightweight – 45kgs per m2 Timber & stone effects – 30+ finishes available High load bearing- static load up to 1 tonne per paver Fire and frost-proof Height adjustable pedestal support system Hidden services with easy access

www.thedecktileco.co.uk

Online Enquiry 040

T: 0845 2700 696 E: info@thedecktileco.co.uk

Online Enquiry 041 Public Sector Build Journal 51 55

HVAC/HVP

Evinox provides solution close to home

Epsom Railway Station has been redeveloped to provide new and improved facilities for the town alongside 117 new homes, a Travelodge hotel, and three retail units. Evinox Ltd, a local company based in Epsom, has provided a complete communal heating solution for the new development.

Evinox’s involvement includes M&E design support, heat interface units and an energy metering and billing service. Managing Director David Whitfield comments: “As a local business owner and Epsom resident, I was very keen for Evinox to be involved in this exciting regeneration scheme. From the early planning stages we worked closely with the M&E consultant on the design, to help ensure that the best system was specified for the building.”

Jaga provides comfort for the public of Derby The historic Derby Council House has recently undergone a £32m redevelopment to create an energyefficient, city centre headquarters for Derby City Council that is fully accessible to the public. For discreet heating throughout public access areas, M&E Engineer EMCOR chose Jaga’s Mini Canal natural trench heating. In other areas, EMCOR opted for wall-mounted, slim-line Strada radiators, featuring Jaga’s patent Low-H20 technology that has a low-mass, low-water content system. This technology means the Strada responds faster to fluctuations in temperatures, reduces energy costs and consequently supports the overall sustainable strategy of the Council House. (

 enq 043 01531 631533 * jaga@jaga.co.uk

52 Public Sector Build Journal

The communal heating system is connected to an energy centre that includes a combination of dual fuel, bio diesel and gas fired boilers to achieve renewable targets and reduce carbon emissions for the building.

Each apartment features an Evinox ModuSat heat interface unit with integrated hot water storage tank. The ModuSat draws energy from the main heating primary circuit delivered from the energy centre.

The ModuSat storage model enables the centralised plant space to be greatly reduced due to the increased thermal storage facility being utilised in each apartment.

Residents benefit from the Evinox remote billing solution, where they only pay for the proportion of energy that they consume, and they will receive fully itemised bills. The ModuSat heat interface units feature in-built

energy meters, which enable Evinox to accurately monitor and record the energy used to provide heating and hot water for each dwelling. Additional, using SmartTalk two-way data communication, the system in each dwelling can be remotely metered, controlled, interrogated and tested.

Evinox are also providing service and maintenance contracts for both the ModuSat Heat Interface Units and the central plant equipment at the development.  *

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info@evinox.co.uk ( 01372 722277

Munters clears the air Munters, a leader in energy efficient air treatment, has recently refurbished three Munters MX desiccant dehumidifiers at Manchester Aquatics Centre. The dehumidifiers accurately control relative humidity levels to 55% RH in order to protect the building from condensation damage and optimise comfort for swimmers.

The refurbishment included retrofitting Munters Energy Recovery Purge (ERP) to reduce running costs by approximately 20% pa. Manchester Aquatics Centre boasts two 50m pools plus diving and leisure pools and is home to the GB water polo team. Paul Rogers, Serco Leisure says: “I was impressed by the refurbishment process, which was faster than I expected.” *

dryair@munters.co.uk

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08708 505 202

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Installation improves for air quality management Many opportunities exist to upgrade older houses and flats where multi-point water heaters are used and where space heating is by electric, solid fuel or partial gas fired space heating.

Replacing these fragmented systems is now far easier. The installation of an Aquair HIU heating interface unit, linked to a domestic high efficiency combi boiler, has become an efficient and cost effective solution. It saves space and gives substantial savings in CO2 emissions – in every case it can make substantial savings through reductions in gas consumption. It provides added benefits such as summer air circulation and electronic air cleaning, thus improving indoor air quality. *

marketing@johnsonandstarley.co.uk

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01604 762881

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Ultimate system design.

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Discover better communal heating with Evinox.

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Online Enquiry 046

Online Enquiry 047

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Online Enquiry 048

Online Enquiry 049 Public Sector Build Journal 53 55

Focus & Innovation

Modular building offers comfort for resident pets

The energy saving properties of the new modular building at St. Leonards Primary School in Banbury have been warmly welcomed by the children's pet tortoises that reside in the building. Linda Keane, the school's Business Manager commented: "The temperature is so consistent it's perfect to house our tortoises. We hardly ever need to put heating up to keep rooms at their ideal temperature.¨ After Linda Keane and the school’s governor saw previous school projects that Wernick Buildings had provided in Slough, they were convinced the only option to consider for their new accommodation was a modular building. Linda remarked: “The flexibility of modular construction was very

appealing to us, so on recommendation we visited some previous school buildings Wernick had delivered. Our school governor was so impressed he was convinced modular was the best way forward for the new nursery.”

Wernick Buildings was promptly tasked

to provide a full turnkey solution to replace the old and worn building that was being used. The team carried everything from the design, planning, groundwork and demolition of the old facility. The new 9-bay modular building meets full building regulations and was completed from receipt of order in just 11 weeks.

With flexibility being key, the building was designed to be multi-functional. Besides being a full time nursery, the facility is split to cater for a breakfast club, after school club and is also used as an overspill classroom, catering for up to 30 pupils during school hours. The nursery side houses up to 40 3-5 year old children for 51 weeks of the year.

To complete the building an attractive wood and brick finish was added with a traditional style roof to complement the existing school and its surroundings. For outdoors playtime, the exterior of the building features canopied play areas with separate soft-play area for the nursery and primary school children.  *

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enquiries@wernick.co.uk ( 01792 321222

Knauf AMF Ceilings aids school's performance

Armstrong Ceilings goes greener still Just two months after winning the 2013 Sustainability Award from major contractor Willmott Dixon Interiors for a demonstration trial with the exemplar organisation WRAP, Armstrong has won Materials Recycler of the Year (SME) at the National Recycling Awards. The judges said of Armstrong’s entry, which was about the company’s ceiling tile recycling schemes: “This is an innovative company who have benefitted from thinking ahead about the reclamation and re-use of materials. Its material take-back and re-use of old ceilings offers both environmental and cost benefits.” ( *

 enq 051 01895 202021 recycleyourceiling@armstrong.com

54 Public Sector Build Journal

To meet acoustic and aesthetic requirements, King’s Lynn Academy has used a total of 10,137m2 Knauf AMF Ceiling products in the refurbishment of two existing facilities and a new hi-tech central hub.

The design for the grand hall features a number of hard reflective materials which can create poor acoustics. To overcome this, Thermatex Alpha tiles were installed around the top of the hall to provide Class A sound absorption and reduce the amount of reverberation. The performance and design of the Knauf AMF Ceiling products installed in the Academy have helped create a new aspirational environment where the students can thrive and succeed. *

info@knaufamf.co.uk

(

020 8892 3216

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College turns to flagship Polyflor ranges Polyflor ranges Pearlazzo PUR and Polysafe Modena PUR have been specified and installed in a £3.2m new build development at Holy Cross College in Bury, Lancashire. A total of 2000m2 was installed throughout the three-storey teaching facility by Stockport based HVB Flooring Services. Peter Woods, Vice Principal of the College comments: “Providing a high quality learning environment for our students is extremely important to us and with the effective use of design and colour across the Pearlazzo and Polysafe Modena ranges we achieved this.”

Pearlazzo PUR delivers low maintenance and durability benefits while Polysafe Modena PUR is fully compliant with HSE and UK Slip Resistance Group Guidelines. *

info@polyflor.com

(

0161 767 1111

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Focus & Innovation

State-of-the-art personal hygiene Hertfordshire County Council commissioned Balfour Beatty to build the new Marriotts & Lonsdale combined school complex, the latter being an all-age school with integral residential department for 84 disabled pupils. The vision to deliver state-of-the-art facilities for children with physical and neurological impairments (PNI) is now being fulfilled with help from Clos-o-Mat. To ensure Lonsdale pupils’ hygiene needs were achieved, wherever they were in the school building, Balfour Beatty turned to Clos-o-Mat to deliver a single-source, comprehensive toileting/hygiene solution.

En-suite bathrooms in the flats, accessible toilets and a hygiene room have all been kitted out with equipment supplied by Clos-o-Mat, including 15 of its Palma Vita automatic ‘wash and dry’ toilets, 32 washbasins and four shower seats.

The Clos-o-Mat Palma Vita wash and dry toilet looks like, and can be used as,

a conventional WC, but additionally features in-built douching and drying. The features mean the user does not have to wipe clean – or be cleaned by a carer – thus improving independence, hygiene, and dignity.

Inclusive facilities “An element of the original mission statement was that the project enabled the development of state-of-the-art facilities for PNI students and their families, who come from all over the county to benefit from the learning experience provided at Lonsdale.” explained Balfour

Beatty Engineering Services Project Manager Steve Rowland.

“Clos-o-Mat toilets were specified from the start due to the existing Lonsdale school having some and having had good experience with them. We identified Clos-o-Mat as the experts in this kind of thing; the company worked closely with us and supported us throughout to overcome any issues.”  *

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

WALLTITE - the solution for hard to treat cavities

New product sets the tone for paving Long Rake Spar continually strives to introduce unique new products to the trade. The sales of its Flamingo chippings have excelled in this respect, already outselling many established products such as Plum and Blue Slate in both bulk bags and pre-pack. Following on from this success the company now introduces Onyx, a unique, decorative chipping. The enriching, golden, buff and apricot tones of this 20mm angular chipping uplifts and contrast beautifully with paving. Onyx is available to order in either bulk bags or pre-pack bags with complimentary samples available by immediate delivery. (

 enq 055 01629 630133 * admin@longrakespar.co.uk

National education property consultant NPS has used BBA certified WALLTITE CV100 spray foam insulation to improve the thermal insulation of the walls in a Victorian school building in Guildford.

The project involved an extension being built and consequential improvements being carried out to the existing building. The company specified WALLTITE for use in Stoughton Infant and Primary School in Guildford because of the narrow width cavities in the Victorian construction. The quick application of WALLTITE injection grade rigid closed cell polyurethane foam prevents air leakage and air infiltration. Post-installation, the foam will not shrink or settle over time. *

esther.ingram@basf.com

(

01773 601166

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Recycled design showcases at festival Stunning contemporary street furniture, made for the roof terrace of Manchester International Festival, has been designed using Stokbord recycled plastic sheet and board following a competition among design students from Manchester School of Art. Liverpool-based plastics recycler Centriforce worked alongside the students to come up with the striking outdoor seating for the prestigious roof terrace at the showcase Glass House venue in Manchester’s Albert Square. Following the event, the furniture will be transferred to the Art School to become a permanent feature of the School’s new roof top garden and should last for many years. *

sales@centriforce.co.uk

(

0151 207 8109

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Public Sector Build Journal 55

Focus & Innovation

Simple Changing Places The National Building Specification (NBS) service has used expertise from Clos-o-Mat, the UK's leading disabled toileting solutions provider, to add a complete raft of details for Changing Places accessible toilets to its range of specification products.

All equipment required for a compliant Changing Places hygiene room can be ‘drag and dropped’ from the online resource, ensuring the specification is completely accurate.

A Changing Places toilet/hygiene room is a new recommendation under Building Regulations, and delivers more space and more equipment than conventional Document M type accessible toilets.

“Specification is an essential part of the design process. A badly written specification can cause major problems for every member of the project team, and can cost the client a great deal of money. A well written specification can enhance project delivery and save money,” explains Robin Tuffley, Clos-o-Mat Marketing Manager. “We are increasingly recognised as the experts in the provision of Changing Places facilities and similar hygiene rooms, so are best positioned to provide all the technical detailing, CAD drawing etc to incorporate into a project.

With the new facility, those details can be quickly and easily inserted into plans as required.”

The NBS service complements Closo-Mat’s comprehensive range of support for Changing Places toilets, including a white paper available for download on its website www.clos-o-mat.com, and a complete project management service to ensure a smoothly executed and compliant Changing Places facility.  *

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

Yeoman Rainguard polishes up colour range

Future-proof roofing with Metrotile Metrotile Lightweight Roofing is the durable, versatile and sustainable roofing solution. Suitable for any roofing project and available in a variety of profile designs and colours, with a full range of accessories including the Metrotile Photovoltaic System, customers are sure to find the ideal future-proof roof for their project, backed by an industry-leading 40-year guarantee. The vast array of benefits offered by Metrotile has ensured a high level of popularity within public sector building and refurbishments, such as with major new build projects, including schools, and bringing existing housing into line with current UK legislation and standards. (

 enq 059 01249 658514 * sales@metrotile.co.uk

56 Public Sector Build Journal

In line with today’s market demands, Yeoman Rainguard, a leading specialist in Rainwater Systems, has expanded its exciting colour range to now include a choice of metallic shades. The metallic colours have proven a popular choice for contemporary design and are available in the Aluminium range whilst the Vision Range holds a wide range of colours for both Aluminium & GRP systems. Along with offering colours from a standard pallet, Yeoman Rainguard can supply any BS5252 (inc BS4800) colour as well as the RAL colour range. A colour matching service is also available. *

sallyann@rainguard.co.uk

(

0113 279 5854

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James Tobias announces new appointment James Tobias, a leading storagewall manufacturer, has strengthened its national sales force with the appointment of Robert Flanagan as Regional Business Manager for the north.

The company is signalling its intention to increase its presence in the north of England and Scotland. James Tobias is the UK’s only manufacturer of aluminium-framed storagewall, and is expanding its business with commercial customers all over the UK, with established and new products, which include sliding door systems and operable wall. The company continues to invest in maintaining its leading share of the storagewall market, bucking the trend and demonstrating all that is best in high quality British manufacturing. *

sales@james-tobias.com

(

01278 437300

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Focus & Innovation

Brett helps Sheffield school turn around

Simple specification with new Ancon App

Structural fixings specialist, Ancon, has launched a new Cavity Wall Tie Product Selector App. App users simply answer a series of multiple-choice questions on cavity width, inner leaf construction and building type and height to arrive at their required solution. With each stage of the selection process, the choice of wall ties is automatically reduced and users have the option of either reviewing the available solutions or further refining their search. At the end of the process, users are presented not only with the ideal tie for their application, but with all of the information needed to draft the final specification. (

 enq 062 0114 275 5224 * info@ancon.co.uk

An ambitious community project in Sheffield, designed to give a primary school’s courtyard a much needed makeover, has been made possible with the assistance of Brett Landscaping. Project 180 – the community outreach wing of Sheffield’s Hope City church – was approached to assist based on its passion for regeneration projects and its close ties to the school. Pipworth was one of the first schools the church worked with, assisting with afterschool clubs and self-esteem classes. Brett Landscaping was responsible for the single biggest contribution comprising block paving and decorative aggregates. A new path was built using Omega Brindle Concrete Block Paving and Golden Gravel. *

landscaping@brett.co.uk

(

0845 608 0570

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Portakabin rewarded for recycling achievements Modular building manufacturer, Portakabin has received a Zero Waste Platinum Award at the Awards for Excellence in Waste Management and Recycling 2013. This latest award follows the company’s success in achieving a Gold Award at the Zero Waste Awards earlier this year. Derek Carter, Chief Executive of the Portakabin Group, says: “Our teams have made huge progress in the area of recycling and waste management and we were very proud to achieve our target of zero waste to landfill at our manufacturing centre in York a year ahead of schedule. We are delighted that our success has been recognised by such a prestigious national award.” *

information@portakabin.co.uk

(

0845 401 0020

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KNX members team up for installation A challenging home automation project has seen two members of the KNX UK Association working closely together. Beasons of Dolphinton, Peebleshire was approached to install a KNX home automation system that would help to maximise energy savings and provide lifestyle benefits in a barn conversion. The owners also wanted the flexibility to be able to extend the system into an adjoining cottage and across the property into an equine centre and a garage. Seeing the potential complexity of the project, Beasons called upon the expertise of fellow KNX UK member KNX Consultants, who provided documentation that covered everything needed on site to carry out the installation. *

admin@knxuk.org

(

0845 869 5908

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A first class installation from Safesite Safesite has installed a radiused KeeGuard edge protection system at Warwick Business School in order to ensure safe access to the school’s roofs. As with many sites, plant and machinery such as air conditioning units are housed on the school’s roofs which meant that access to the roof was required. Following a survey and assessment of the roof areas by Safesite, KeeGuard free standing guardrail was specified to provide edge on the roof, allowing maintenance work to be carried out in complete safety. Being freestanding, KeeGuard provides permanent edge protection without the need fix the system into the roof’s structure or membrane. *

info@safesite.co.uk

(

01293 529977

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Steni UK announces new ownership Steni UK, part of the leading Norwegian facade panel company, has new owners.

The investment fund Accent Equity 2012 has acquired, together with Steni’s management, 100% of the shares from the company’s previous owners. Steni’s current CEO Tom Rønning and the new chairman Olav Kjell Holtan are investing in parallel with the Accent fund. “We are very pleased with the opportunities our new owners are facilitating,” comments Tom Rønning, CEO of Steni. “We will now get the power to further focus on our core markets and at the same time invest more in the development of current and future products.” (

 enq 067 01978 812111 * maurice@steni.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 57

Focus & Innovation

Knightsbridge collection ticks all the boxes

Schindler launches revolutionary new lift system Schindler has launched a new lift system which offers the widest range of options available from any lift manufacturer in Europe. The Schindler 5500 has up to three million variations and its intelligent design sets new standards in flexibility, space efficiency, reliability and sustainability.

The Swiss-engineered system features a number of innovations that combine all the benefits of a bespoke lift with the cost efficiency of a standardised product for applications such as commercial offices, high specification residential schemes, hotels, hospitals, shopping centres, transport hubs and sports stadia. (

 enq 068 01932 758100 * info@gb.schindler.com

Knightsbridge Furniture’s specialist Challenging Behaviour collection has been specified for the new medium-secure Tamarind Centre in Bordesley Green, Birmingham. The dining and activity rooms within the Tamarind Centre have been populated with the Knightsbridge Slide collection of armed and armless upright seating and matching tables.

Contemporary in style and sturdy in construction, all Slide furniture is designed to facilitate stability and manoeuvrability, with skids incorporated into the reinforced frame in the place of legs.Complementing the clean lines of the Slide range are smart upholstered chairs and settees from the domestic-style Lexie and modular Affinity collections. *

enquiries@knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk

(

01274 731900

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Latest guide helps healthcare designers Designing better healthcare facilities is the aim of a new guide produced by flooring experts Tarkett. The guide covers all areas of healthcare, from sanitary facilities to operating theatres and pharmacies. The Healthcare Solutions Guide details how design and ergonomics can change perceptions and improve patient comfort. It suggests suitable products for each area and provides a list of considerations for designers to take into account. One example is in the use of flooring in operating theatres, where the product must be suitable for intensive cleaning and provide protection from electrostatic discharge, which can damage sensitive equipment and ignite flammable gasses. *

uksales@tarkett.com

(

01622 854040

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Saint-gobain UK launches sustainability hub The world leader in the habitat and construction markets, Saint-Gobain UK and Ireland, has launched an online sustainability hub, dedicated to its sustainable development roadmap.

Supporting the publishing of its Sustainable Development Review, the impressive online reference point is the ‘go to’ resource for those looking to engage directly with Saint-Gobain, on all aspects of sustainable development. Visitors to www.sustainable. saint-gobain.co.uk will be able to download the digitally responsive version of the 2012 Sustainable Development Review, featuring additional content and interactive options. *

info@saint-gobain.co.uk

(

02476 560700

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United Utilities chooses recycled modular buildings Three recycled and refurbished modular buildings have been provided by Foremans Relocatable Building Systems to United Utilities – the company which supplies water and sewage services to around seven million people and 200,000 businesses in the North West. The buildings were needed on two sites to upgrade office accommodation and replace outdated facilities with purpose-designed office space and meeting rooms. Completion was just 10 weeks after receipt of order. Each building was delivered to site around 70% complete, reducing disruption to United Utilities’ operations. Foremans also supplied folding partitions, roller security shutters, air conditioning, and fire and security alarms. *

info@foremansbuildings.co.uk

58 Public Sector Build Journal

(

01964 544344

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Pool matting promotes safety Heronrib matting has been replaced in the changing rooms and showers at Wickford Pool in Essex. Manufactured in the UK by Plastic Extruders, the matting has been chosen to complement the new interior colour scheme and replaces some original Heronrib matting supplied over 15 years ago. The old matting, which is still perfectly functional, is being moved to the Plant room and other back areas.

Heronrib matting is a popular choice for barefoot and wetside applications.

Its embossed surface is slip resistant and minimises the risks associated with walking on ceramic and other floors which can be very slippery when wet. (

 enq 073 01268 571116 * sales@plastex.co.uk

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Online Enquiry 075