PSBJ September 2017

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September 2017

AN EYE-CATCHING AESTHETIC Belgian primary school appoints distinct facade for trio of spherical forms

A sustainable NHS

Watch your step

CIF funding explained

How modular and mobile solutions can alleviate increasing pressures on our NHS

GRP anti-slip solutions can offer great resilience for your property's flooring

Early supply chain engagement is imperative in accessing a Condition Improvement Fund

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Welcome Note Editor

Rebecca Kemp rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com

Editorial Assistant Paige Smith

paige@mixedmediainfo.com

Print & Digital Advertising Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Print Design Manager Jack Witcomb

jack@mixedmediainfo.com

Digital Design Manager David Perry

david@mixedmediainfo.com

Production Assistant

Les Trèfles primary school opted for Rockpanel Chameleon boards for a trio of overlapping structures.

See page 22.

Sofia Franchi

sofia@mixedmediainfo.com

Accounts

Charlie Ivy charlie@mixedmediainfo.com

Managing Director Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com Publisher

Mixed Media Information

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

Welcome to the September issue of PSBJ...

Far from the unsteady, short-lived structures of yesteryear, modular buildings are increasing in popularity within the public sector. Many may remember the slapdash modular assemblies tenanted at the rear of a school playground; however, today’s builds are a world away from the mediocre configurations of the past.

The modular builds of the 21st century boast premium quality and their appointment offers a minimal impact on business; offering many public sector authorities a solution to budget cuts and industry pressures.

Modular solutions have answered many challenges facing the public sector; from the aforementioned education division to social housing difficulties and the ever-changing stresses on the UK’s NHS. In this issue, Keith Austin, CEO of EMS Healthcare, considers the ways in which modular and mobile units can relieve the growing pressures on our NHS. Using St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as a prime example, Keith examines how a four-trailer, fully independent mobile solution has assisted in the trust’s ability to maintain outstanding levels of renal care without any disruption to its patients. Turn to page 28 to find out more.

Elsewhere in this modular build-focused issue, David Johnston, Category Manager at ESPO, looks at how modular housing can address the UK’s social housing crisis on page 38. While on page 31, PSBJ looks at how this year’s Healthcare Estates event will specifically cover the use of modular builds in healthcare.

PSBJ is a proud supporter of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and return addressed envelope. No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editors hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Mixed Media Information Ltd. The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher.

The Publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

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

Rebecca

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

@psbjmagazine

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

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Contents

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

08 Upfront The highly anticipated Royal Liverpool University Hospital is set to open its doors to patients later this year. Here, PSBJ talks to Shackerley about the granite ventilated facade system for the remarkable build.

14 Talking Point

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Becky Smith, a Part II Architectural Assistant at Leonard Design, discovered her passion for architectural design for dementia projects whilst at university. In this issue, she reveals her most recent project under Leonard Design.

20 Legal & Business

26 Floors, Walls & Ceilings

With 10 years’ experience in advising on immigration law, Tsige Berhanu of Keystone Law addresses the uncertainty that still surrounds the UK almost a year after the Referendum.

Glipclad, a leader in anti-slip flooring and stair solutions, looks at the pros and cons of the diverse selection of flooring options available to landlords and housing authorities.

16 Leisure

22 Education

28 Healthcare

With the majority of leisure centres across the nation upping their game when it comes to state-of-the-art equipment, swimming pools and saunas, many centres are overlooking energy efficiency.

This month, PSBJ profiles a sustainable newbuild primary school in Belgium. Designed as three spherical overlapping forms, the Belgian school employed Rockpanel’s Chameleon boards for its external facade.

Keith Austin, CEO of EMS Healthcare, considers the ways in which mobile and modular units can ensure patients receive high-quality care and reduce NHS pressures.

18 Technical Focus

24 Housing

Phil Chell, Area Technical Manager and Academies Specialist at Sika Liquid Plastics, looks into the maintenance concerns facing many UK schools and offers Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) advice.

The perception of PVC–U has far evolved from many opinions of the 1980s and 1990s.

With monetary considerations being at the top of the pile for many a landlord, Profile 22 explains why PVC-U may be a feasible solution.

30 BP: Fitness Trade Show Preview Taking over from its predecessor, Leisure Industry Week, BP: Fitness Trade Show opens its doors for the first time this September.

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Contents

40 34

38 Modular Buildings

31 Healthcare Estates Preview This year’s Healthcare Estates comprises three streams; Strategy and Leadership, Planning, Design and Construction as well as Engineering and Estates Management.

32 Fire Door Safety Week Preview

How can modular housing address the everevolving UK housing crisis? David Johnston, Category Manager at ESPO, elaborates.

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40 Renewable Energy Paul Sheffield, Chief Operations Officer at Haven Power, looks at the Government’s aims to become coal-free by 2025.

42 Swimming Pools

Currently in its fifth-running year, Fire Door Safety Week aims to raise awareness around the role of third-party certificated fire doors.

34 Lighting & Electricals When Leeds County Council approached BDP architects and BAM Construction concerning an extensive refurbishment programme, the two construction specialists turned to Unitrunk for the council’s cable management requirements.

Kirklees Council’s new 12,500m2 leisure centre has played a key role in the regeneration of Huddersfield. Here, Ceramique Internationale looks at the complexities surrounding the centre’s pool tiling.

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

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News

INDUSTRY UPDATES

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

IBI Group to redesign three Manchester College campuses

Eric Wright extra care schemes recognised for building excellence Two high-profile extra care schemes in Stoke-on-Trent delivered by Eric Wright Construction have been crowned some of the best in the West Midlands at the Building Excellence Awards 2017. Willow Barns in Blurton was awarded ‘Best Social or Affordable New Housing Development’ and a dual finalist in the ‘Best High Volume New Housing Development’ and ‘Best Public Service Building’ categories. Oak Priory in Abbey Hulton was a finalist in three categories – ‘Best Inclusive Building’, ‘Best High Volume New Housing Development’ and ‘Best Social or Affordable New Housing Development’.

Recognising architects that are transforming the NHS Architects and construction firms are invited to enter a new awards scheme designed to recognise private sector organisations that work behind the scenes to help the NHS deliver better and more cost-effective patient care. The unique programme, which has categories for 19 different types of organisations, has been launched by Health Service Journal (HSJ), the premium intelligence and events service for all healthcare leaders working in, for, or with the NHS. A vast range of joint working projects will be eligible for recognition, with projects ranging from the design or construction of a new hospital building, to new analytical data systems and innovative support ensuring patient drug adherence.

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The Manchester College has commissioned IBI Group as lead architect for the £20m overhaul of its Openshaw, Harpurhey and Wythenshawe campuses as part of its five-year estate strategy. The IBI Learning+ design team will complete a variety of renovation and new-build projects across the three campuses to help the college improve the quality of its facilities and, consequently, the overall student learning experience. The proposals include remodelling the main campus in Openshaw on Ashton Old Road, which will offer new and improved sports, construction and logistics facilities. The Harpurhey Campus will also be redeveloped to provide hospitality facilities and professional public-facing units to support a variety of vocational courses focused on serving the local community.

The Priory City of Lincoln Academy, The Priory Academy LSST, The Priory Witham Academy and The Priory Ruskin Academy.

The BIG partnership offers students the chance to: learn more about employability skills, interview training, CV writing and mentoring; take part in on-site skills days; go on site visits; and go on a work experience placement.

Horbury secures framework agreement with Leeds Beckett University

Inspiring future construction workers in Lincolnshire Contractor, Robert Woodhead, has joined forces with schools in Lincolnshire to inspire the next generation entering the construction industry. As part of its BIG (Building to Inspire a Generation) partnership, Woodhead will be offering young people the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the construction industry and spend time on site, whilst developing their interview and CV writing skills. Woodhead has signed the partnership agreement with The Priory Federation of Academies Trust.

There are four academies in the trust:

South Yorkshire-based Horbury Property Services, part of the Horbury Group, has secured a two-year contract with Leeds Beckett University to provide flooring refurbishment services as part of a framework agreement, after winning a competitive tender. The contract covers the university’s two estates in Leeds City Centre and Headingley and involves refurbishment of flooring, as required, for lecture theatres, classrooms, offices and communal areas. Richard Sutton, General Manager at Horbury Property Services, said: “Flooring refurbishment is an important part of our portfolio of services and can make a huge difference to the appeal of an establishment. We’re delighted to secure this latest contract with Leeds Beckett University and look forward to working in partnership with them to enhance the aesthetics of their two campuses.”

Morgan Sindall appointed to £28m Southampton Solent University sports centre Morgan Sindall has been appointed to design and build a £28m sports facility for Southampton Solent University. The new building will provide a state-of-the-art sport and physical activity space for all students and staff at the university. The four-storey steel frame building will include: two sports halls, three fitness studios, a health and wellbeing gym, a strength and conditioning high-performance gym and high-quality teaching facilities. The scheme will also include an underground car parking facility.

The Morgan Sindall project team is now on site and the project will be completed in the summer of 2019. The building will be located next to the Spark Building on the university’s East Park Terrace Campus.

Application submitted for Blackpool school NJL Consulting has submitted an application on behalf of Conlon Construction for an all-through school on Lytham Road in Blackpool to be run by Fylde Coast Academy Trust. The school will be named Armfield Academy in honour of Jimmy Armfield, a former pupil of the Arnold School. The school will provide 1280 places for pupils ranging from two to 16 years, across a development of 13,715m2, plus playing fields and multi-use games areas, over three sites either side of Arnold Avenue. The academy is proposed at the location of the former Arnold School which occupied the site between 1896 and 2012.

Since 2012, the site has been vacant and the application sees it being brought back into use for its previous use.

Gleeds to manage £50m Augusta University scheme Gleeds has been appointed as project manager for the £50m development of a new College of Science and Mathematics Building at Augusta University in the US. Currently located on the Summerville Campus, the project will see the college relocated to a new 150,000ft2 building on the Health Sciences Campus as part of the university’s wider growth plan. Extending over four storeys, it will house a host of teaching laboratories, faculty offices and classrooms, as well as individual and group study areas.

Facilities contained within the first three floors will be utilised by all departments, including: biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics and psychology. Meanwhile, the top floor will be dedicated to a 23,000ft2 ‘research shell space’ which will be vital in achieving the university’s aim of expanding its undergraduate research opportunities.

News

a striking blue and white tiled exterior, the two-storey building comprises eight classrooms, two therapy rooms, a PE hall, staff preparation areas and an administration block. It also features a music and art therapy room and two wetroom-style hygiene rooms with specially-equipped benches that can be raised and lowered to accommodate the students’ needs.

Morgan Sindall completes Oak Lodge special educational needs school Morgan Sindall has completed a £6.8m expansion project at Oak Lodge School in Barnet. Oak Lodge School is a special academy, managed by Barnet Special Education Trust, for students aged 11 to 19 with a range of learning difficulties.

The OFSTED-rated ‘Outstanding’ school is a highly-accessible school site to ensure young people with physical disabilities are able to be included in all learning. With

Skillcrown secures £14m Colliers Wood apartment project Skillcrown, a leading property developer in south east London, is delighted to secure a further project with existing client, Clarion Housing Group. The £14m affordable housing development in Colliers Wood, London, is the third project Skillcrown is currently underway with and comprises 74 one-, two- and three-bed apartments with 58 for shared ownership, 11 for rent and five starter homes. The site is located in a prime spot in Colliers Wood on Fortescue Road, just 0.3 miles to the town centre and underground station, providing convenient access into Central London. Expected to take approximately two years to complete, future residents will have the benefit of 29 car parking spaces, a children’s play area as well as stunning landscaping. Beautiful parks also surround the area, including Wandle Meadow Nature Park and Lavender Park. Skillcrown Land & Business Development Director, Kevin Clark, comments: “The project, openly marketed by Savills, attracted some healthy competition for us. However, our track record working with Clarion Housing Group proved key in securing the project.”

He continues: “Being able to provide affordable housing in London is vital, not only to offer desirable living spaces but also to give people a chance to get onto the property ladder. Delivering this project means we can continue to help provide much-needed housing in London.”

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Upfront Project: Royal Liverpool University Hospital Location: Liverpool Facade Manufacturer: Shackerley

The hospital is a landmark healthcare scheme for the NHS and its PFI partners

PRESTIGE FACADE SOLUTION FOR NEW ROYAL LIVERPOOL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL When opening the doors to its first patients later this year, the new Royal Liverpool University Hospital will be the largest in England to accommodate in-patients entirely in single en-suite bedrooms to deliver the highest standards of infection control and patient dignity.

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high standards T hose have been built into every aspect of the £329m PFI project’s construction, including extensive use of Shackerley’s SureClad ceramic granite ventilated facade system on the hospital’s external elevations. The high-quality finish the system provides will communicate the prestige of the development as a major hospital and gateway to the new Liverpool BioCampus, creating an impact on approaching the building from any direction and welcoming familiarity of colour and texture at street level.

Upfront The high-quality finish the system provides will communicate the prestige of the development

Prestige and longevity Designed to replace the existing Royal Liverpool Hospital with one of the largest and most advanced facilities in the UK, the new Royal Liverpool University Hospital will be a centrepiece of the proposed Liverpool BioCampus; a pivotal development for the North West and a key element in the regeneration of the ‘Knowledge Quarter’.

Once completed, the new hospital will boast 646 patient beds, including a 40-bed Intensive Therapy Unit, 18 stateof-the-art theatres and a large clinical research facility. The

hospital is not only a landmark healthcare scheme for the NHS and its PFI partners; it’s also set to become a major landmark for Liverpool, creating a prestige development that sets the tone for the regenerated Edge Lane gateway into the city and the university district.

Specification of the external facade cladding was critical to delivering an impression of the importance of the scheme as visitors to the hospital and the city approach the building.

Shackerley’s SureClad ceramic granite ventilated facade system has been specified with a honed

‘travertine’ finish for use on both the lower levels of the building and its key elevations, contrasting with the curtain walling of the central tower. The SureClad system not only answers the contemporary aesthetic and performance requirements of the project, its colour and texture also reference the traditional Portland stone so prevalent in Liverpool, particularly on the city’s UNESCO Heritage Site waterfront, thereby connecting the building to the context of its location.

An exceptionally hard and durable material made entirely from natural inert

elements, ceramic granite is non-combustible (meets Class 0) and has virtually zero porosity (as defined by BS EN14411).

Impermeable and completely weatherproof, ceramic granite is also UV resistant and will not support algae or absorb airborne contaminants. This means that the strong and lightweight SureClad panels will retain their attractive appearance for longer and require minimal maintenance, making the system an ideal longterm cladding solution for such a prominent landmark building within the Knowledge Quarter regeneration. 

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Upfront Shackerley’s SureClad ceramic granite ventilated facade system has been specified with a honed ‘travertine’ finish

Extensive prefabrication One of the most complex ventilated cladding projects ever delivered by Shackerley, the Royal Liverpool University Hospital development has involved 8282m2 of SureClad ceramic granite facade. In total, over 34,000 individual ceramic granite panels were specially cut or calibrated to an exacting schedule based on a modular facade design comprising 14 standard formats.

All prefabrication took place at Shackerley’s ISO 9001-accredited production plant in Lancashire. After the panels had been cut to size they were drilled using specialist undercut drilling machinery and fitted with SureClad Access system fixing straps, which were secured using a patented undercut anchorage system.

The majority of these panels were supplied as individual pieces, however, Shackerley also helped to speed up and simplify the installation of the facades by creating more than 8000 bracketed corner sections, returns and reveals as singlepiece, installation-ready units.

The visible edges of all the

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panels fabricated for use in this way were mitred to create neat, ‘birdsmouth’ detailing.

These specially-bracketed features required fixing in one plane only, eliminating the need for the carrier support system to be extended around window areas.

The prefabricated facade system also included the use of around 150,000 individual stainless steel undercut anchors, used to attach almost 51,000 SureClad Access System straps and 16,500 brackets to the panels.

The system has been installed by building envelope contractor, FK Group, and the company

worked closely with Shackerley to ensure that panels were delivered to site in sequence on a just in time basis.

Explains Chris Jones from FK Group: “Shacklerley’s meticulous quality control and monitoring system was critical when it came to processing a project order of this scale and complexity. Every panel in every batch was 

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Upfront

The new Royal Liverpool University Hospital will be the largest in England to accommodate in-patients entirely in single en-suite bedrooms

The Royal Liverpool University Hospital development has involved 8282m2 of SureClad ceramic granite facade

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specially coded and tracked as it passed through the prefabrication process, palletisation stage and delivery to Liverpool. Each delivery was scheduled strictly in accordance with the installation programme on site, which avoided the potential for any mistakes or delays on site, speeding up installation for our team and aiding quality assurance.”

panel sizes fitting together in an apparently random, but actually very minutely planned, layout. The progress of the installation on site relied on Shackerley producing the right panels in the right sequence with total accuracy. In all, we delivered 647 pallets of SureClad panels to the installation team, adhering very closely to a just-in-time delivery schedule.”

Production capabilities

Extended service life

The project involved 22km of heavy-duty cutting to create the 14 main modular format panels, along with hundreds of further panels, which had to be cut to bespoke sizes in line with the precise dimensions of the building.

Explains John Doran, Technical Director at Shackerley: “Each and every prefabricated SureClad panel had to be cut and assembled with absolute precision to ensure that the system fitted together accurately on site. The facade was like a giant jigsaw puzzle with a complex configuration of the different

Thanks to Shackerley’s experience of complex facade schemes and the company’s extensive production facilities, the company was uniquely capable of supplying an intricate project on this scale.

The use of the SureClad ceramic granite ventilated facade system as a major element of the external envelope will help to ensure that the building will retain its appearance as an exemplar 21st-century healthcare environment throughout the PFI period and beyond. 

 www.shackerley.com

Talking Point

For CAP to have a lasting impression on for It was important communities, it was vitalthe that attitudes Skylarks design to towards fuel poverty needed to change help friends and family mermgm ewrmgmerg mermg feel at ease

Artwork ©Leonard Design

INTELLIGENT DESIGN IN DEMENTIA CARE It’s common for public sector care facilities to be treated as purely a clinical space, prioritising the practical over the personal. When it comes to dementia care, this approach can be detrimental to the resident, impacting their sense of independence and making the move from familiar surroundings even more stressful, writes Becky Smith, Part II Architectural Assistant at the Nottingham office of international agency, Leonard Design.

A

successful design will support the work of time-pressed staff as well as doing everything possible to create a happy and healthy environment for residents.

Like many public sector projects, the current approach to architecture is often heavily focused on meeting budgets.

However, with the over 65s population projected to increase

Skylarks’ plan prioritises communal spaces, providing privacy while encouraging socialisation

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by nearly 60% in the next 25 years, intelligent solutions are vital to meeting demand.

Church Farm at Skylarks, located in Nottingham, already has a reputation for providing

Becky Smith is a Part II Architectural Assistant and recent graduate of the University of Nottingham, based at the Nottingham office of international agency, Leonard Design. Becky specialised in architectural design for dementia patients following her thesis and own experience of visiting care homes with clear design flaws that she felt could be easily improved.

outstanding care. This stems from Patrick Atkinson, who owns Skylarks and other care homes in the region, and his personal view that investing in the living environment is crucial to the health and wellbeing of residents. Patrick took inspiration from the Dutch who are renowned for their pioneering approach to dementia care.

The architectural approach of Hogewey in the Netherlands focused on creating a selfcontained village structure.

Crucially, the stigma of such a facility was cleverly broken by making it accessible to the wider community, while residents are grouped in living areas based on their ‘stage’ of dementia and preferred ‘lifestyle’. This relates to elements such as hobbies and interests, personal beliefs and cultural background, rather than their condition alone.

I am now bringing inspiration from Hogewey, as part of the wider Leonard Design team, to Skylarks through extensions

Talking Point

to both the ground and first floor. It was important for the Skylarks design to help friends and family feel at ease, which, in turn, encourages them to visit more regularly and stay for longer as well as the getting the general public to come and use the swimming pool. As with Hogewey, this normalises access to the facility and helps residents feel that they are still part of the surrounding community.

The result is a plan that prioritises communal spaces, providing privacy while encouraging socialisation. This mix is crucial in making visits a positive experience, as well as providing flexible areas for daily use. This avoids the traditional care home format of a separate common room with a number of seats that centre on a single focal point, which is commonly a television.

In a similar approach to Hogewey, Skylarks' residents are grouped based on the progression of their disease, creating like-minded communities. Groups are kept as small as possible, with a staffto-resident ratio of one to three, which is much higher than the UK average.

Currently, the hallways at Skylarks are the traditional long pathways you would expect.

There are a number of sharp turns, making it difficult to differentiate which area of the building you are in. This can make it challenging for residents to get back to their room and feel confident and comfortable ‘wayfinding’ through the home.

The new plans include walkways with curved walls and edges to increase visibility; a simple change that instils confidence and helps with improved recognition. The addition of increased levels of daylight also prevent the hallways from feeling like an enclosed maze.

The new plans for Skylarks also implement an open-plan approach, prioritising visibility to encourage socialisation and independence. Open-plan schemes are often seen as quite radical in the care sector where the focus is commonly on minimising disturbances and helping staff to have the maximum amount of control.

By looking at the Dutch approach to architecture in the care sector, it’s clear that there are benefits to residents that can easily and affordably be put in place

Our suggested solution is sliding partitions, which are particularly useful for closing off areas used by the public when not in use. These are complemented by half-height walls which provide some control over movement but with the added benefit of a clear and wider view.

The prevalence of visual impairment increases exponentially with age. Those living with dementia typically see colours several shades darker but busy, bold patterns can cause hallucinations. It’s not unusual to see the use of traditional patterned wallpaper which has been chosen to feel familiar and nostalgic. However, the result is often dark and detailed prints that are not suitable. Therefore, a balance between the right colour and the use of daylight is essential.

Consistency in materials such as carpets is also important as any change in colour or texture will potentially be seen as a threshold, deterring the resident from walking further.

Plus, artificial lighting and signage must all be taken into consideration.

When it comes to private living areas, a sense of individuality and space is crucial to wellbeing. Therefore, creating a room that feels as personal as possible is really important. All too often, this is where care homes try to save money by squeezing in as many rooms as possible.

One area that struck me as simple and quite obvious, and yet commonly ignored, is the personalisation of these areas.

After all, the living quarters are the home of the resident, not

a rented or temporary space.

And, even if it is a short-term stay, personalisation can help with comfort and recognition.

This can be achieved as easily as adding colour to the front door or adding memory boxes next to the door which can be filled with personal items and mementos to spark recollection.

By looking at the Dutch approach to architecture in the care sector, it’s clear that there are benefits to residents that can easily and affordably be put in place.

While budget will always shape an architectural brief, the sector needs to recognise that an intelligent approach can be taken to achieve a balance that benefits everyone. 

 www.leonard.design

The sector needs to recognise that an intelligent approach can be taken to achieve a balance that benefits everyone

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Leisure

LEISURE CENTRE’S EXERCISE IN ENERGYEFFICIENT HEATING With their expansive swimming pools, luxury spas and state-of-the-art gyms, leisure centres now offer an increasingly wide range of facilities.

But as the services become more technologically advanced, leisure centres face a growing need to address their energy efficiency. Chris Meir, Sales Director at Remeha, reports.

In complexes with swimming pools, the high, continuous demand for heating can be responsible for as much as 60% of its energy bills

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Utilities are often the second highest cost after staffing in leisure centres

Project: Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre Location: Barkingside, Ilford Client: London Borough of Redbridge (LBR) Heating Solution Supplier: Remeha

to the Carbon A ccording Trust, energy costs in a leisure centre can account for 30% of its total running costs – greater than in any other industry sector. Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre, a bustling sports complex in Barkingside, Ilford, is an example of how advanced and sophisticated leisure centre facilities have become. The leisure centre, which is owned by London Borough of Redbridge (LBR), features a 25m pool, 60-station gym, aerobic studios and a spa with sauna, steam and therapy rooms. It is LBR’s largest energy consumer.

Andy Jones is the Leisure Facilities Operation Manager at Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure, the operator of Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre.

“Managing a leisure centre, utilities are normally the second highest cost after staffing,” he explained. “With the cost of utilities continuing to rise year on year, it is important that the plant equipment is as efficient as possible to keep energy bills as low as possible.”

Jeff Hart and Soma Syloypavan, of LBR’s in-house M&E design team, specified a Remeha Gas 610 Eco Pro and a Gas 310 Eco Pro to replace the older Remeha boilers

In complexes with swimming pools, the high, continuous demand for heating can be responsible for as much as 60% of its energy bills, reports the Carbon Trust. Fullwell Cross, like many leisure centres, relies on a commercial boiler plant for its space heating and domestic hot water provision. Ensuring high performance from the boilers is essential not only to minimise energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, but also for the smooth running of the building, as Andy points out.

“In busy leisure complexes like Fullwell Cross, it is vital that the plant equipment is working at all times,” he said.

“This ensures that the pool is heated correctly, the building temperature is comfortable and the temperatures of the showers are correct. A failing or unreliable heating system will lead to customer complaints, a loss of reputation for the centre and company, and it will ultimately impact on the centre’s income.”

Then there’s the ability to manage utility costs more accurately. “A reliable and energy-efficient heating service reduces the risk of surprise costs that will impact on other expenditure,” he added.

Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre had relied on three Remeha Gas 5A gas condensing boilers for its heating since they were installed back in 1987. While the boilers had served them well for the last 30 years, parts were becoming increasingly hard to source. Added to which, even well-designed, well-maintained

boilers like these become less efficient over the years. It was time for a boiler upgrade.

It is widely acknowledged that replacing ageing or inefficient boilers with high efficiency condensing boilers is a costeffective, quick win solution to high-performance heating.

Designed to deliver nearmaximum efficiencies and ultralow NOx emissions, they deliver a rapid return on investment, reducing both energy bills and the carbon footprint.

With the decision taken to upgrade the boilers, LBR’s key requirements were to ensure heating reliability, reduce maintenance costs and improve the energy efficiency of the centre. For Vision, maintaining sufficient heating provision throughout the project was the main concern to ensure that customers would enjoy the same level of service and facilities.

Jeff Hart and Soma Syloypavan, of LBR’s in-house M&E design team, specified a Remeha Gas 610 Eco Pro and a Gas 310 Eco Pro to replace the older Remeha boilers.

“We specified Remeha products as they serve many buildings daily within LBR with high levels of reliability and efficiency,” said Jeff Hart, Principal Mechanical Engineer at LBR. “So we have a good understanding of these boilers and their best application.”

The new Remeha boilers deliver space heating throughout Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre and provide heat for the new buffer vessels that were specified to replace

the original high-recovery hot water supply calorifiers. The inclusion of a hot water supply plate heat exchanger ensures hydraulic separation and good water quality to optimise the performance of the boilers.

As part of the refurbishment works, a new building services control panel was fitted to enable easier and more accurate control of the heating system. Good control is central to maximising heating efficiencies as it enables the boilers to operate more efficiently and match the building demand, avoiding unnecessarily high energy bills.

Using high-quality equipment that is both easy to operate and to integrate within the heating system helps simplify installation while improving its energy efficiency, as Jeff explained: “The Remeha boilers are designed for simple integration with external BMS Controls, which was another winning factor leading to their specification. Underlying this is the good working relationship we have with Remeha and the excellent support and service they provide.”

Leisure

To enable Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre to remain open during the boiler replacement project, a temporary oil-fired boiler plant was installed and connected to all the circuits. This provided enough heat for the pool, building and showers to ensure that the services were unaffected throughout the project.

The installation of the Remeha Gas 310/610 Eco Pro boilers was carried out smoothly and to schedule. And the high performance of the new boilers is already making a positive impact, as Andy reports.

“Since installing the new boilers, there has been a significant improvement in water pressure and temperature in the showers,” he said. “The temperature in the building has been more constant and the reliability has been great. It’s a relief to know that, thanks to the new boilers, the centre will have uninterrupted, reliable heating now and in the years ahead.

“LBR are extremely happy with the installation which was completed on time and within the overall budget.

With the new Remeha boilers running reliably, LBR are now anticipating a reduction in gas consumption which, according to initial indications, is in the region of 10%.”

According to the Carbon Trust, a 10% improvement in managing energy could save leisure centres up to £70m a year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by hundreds of thousands of tonnes. For Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre, the savings have started with the boilers. 

 www.remeha.co.uk

Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre features a 25m pool, 60-station gym, aerobic studios and a spa with sauna, steam and therapy rooms

17

Technical Focus

RAISING SCHOOL STANDARDS THROUGH THE ROOF

The academy’s 2000m2 existing mineral felt split-level roof had reached the end of its service life and started to leak

Project: Robert Bakewell Primary School Location: Loughborough Waterproofing Specialist: Sika Liquid Plastics

Phil Chell, Area Technical Manager and Academies Specialist at liquid roofing membrane specialist, Sika Liquid Plastics, discusses the maintenance challenges facing UK schools and the importance of early supply chain engagement in accessing Condition Improvement Fund. the primary, A cross secondary and sixth form sector, the UK’s building stock is characterised by flat roofs that have traditionally been finished with bituminous coverings.

Despite the Buildings for the Future programme (20052010) and the Primary Capital programme (2007-2010), our education building stock is also characterised by a large proportion of legacy buildings, many of which are in a poor state of repair.

While the policy of transitioning all state primary and secondary schools to academy status has now been shelved, many schools have chosen to become academies. One of the key factors that may prompt a school to opt for academy status is financial.

Self-governing, non-profitable charitable trusts, academies are independent of local authority control and may apply directly to the Education Funding Authority (EFA) for financial assistance with essential repair, maintenance or expansion requirements.

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For many schools, therefore, conversion to academy status has been an essential step in developing the physical environment in which children learn. It has provided access to funding for improvements that can transform facilities and upgrade buildings to provide a healthier learning and teaching space that aids concentration, enhances wellbeing and improves educational outcomes.

Condition Improvement Fund One of the key funding streams for improving academy estates is the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF), a funding pot distributed by the Education Funding Authority (EFA) on an annual basis. In locations of high demand, academies can apply for CIF funding to help them expand their facilities.

85% of CIF funding is granted towards refurbishment schemes to ensure the building remains safe and fit for purpose.

Any aspect of the building fabric, interior or services may be eligible for CIF funding and many projects include multiple elements. However, roof refurbishments account for by far the highest proportion of CIF schemes. This reflects the importance of roof integrity in protecting the whole of the building fabric and interior and also testifies to the number of school roofs that have been allowed to fall into disrepair over a number of years, due to both financial and operational considerations.

While the financial hurdles can be addressed by CIF funding – indeed it has already helped many academies address their repair and maintenance issues.

Application windows are opened for a limited period annually and a grant is by no means guaranteed, creating an admin requirement for the academy seeking financial support.

Meanwhile, many projects of this nature are delayed due to health and safety risks

while some students remain on campus during these times.

There may be operational challenges surrounding access, circulation, safeguarding and storage of materials and equipment on site.

All of these factors have created a very specialised requirement for CIF-based roofing projects, which is why Sika Liquid Plastics has developed a specialist academies team to work in partnership with schools, closely aided through the application by specialist building surveyors and completing the works with our network of Quality Assured (QA) contractors.

Early engagement An academy’s CIF application success prospects are significantly enhanced if the school’s team works with a trusted and experienced supply chain on an early engagement basis to help develop a business case for the project based on technical detail. By working with a building surveyor/consultant and a roofing specialist from the outset, the school can embed valuable information about the business-critical need for refurbishment, the deliverability of the project in the context of an operational school and the value for money associated with the intended approach. In this way, the funding application can also be based on a fully-costed proposal, ensuring that the grant is sufficient to meet the project’s needs.

Technical Focus Sika Liquid Plastics’ Decothane Ultra low-odour waterproofing membrane was also key to the specification

TAPERED DECOTHERM ROOF INSULATION SECTION 1:60

5.8m 2.9m

2.9m S

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 gbr.liquidplastics.sika.com

Existing external gutter

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11.65m

This is the approach that was taken by Robert Bakewell Primary School, an academy in Loughborough. The Sika Liquid Plastics team worked closely with a building surveying consultant, to carry out a full roof condition assessment and develop a technical specification that would address the specific requirements of the building.

This preparatory work not only ensured that the fully-costed proposal would address the specific site conditions, but also that it would offer a robust, longterm solution that considered operational challenges and best value criteria.

Working with the school and building surveying consultant, the Sika Liquid Plastics team was then able to build this information into the funding application, with all costs associated with developing the bid factored into the application to avoid any upfront costs to the school.

The academy’s 2000m2 existing mineral felt split-level roof had reached the end of its service life and started to leak.

The Sika Liquid Plastics team and building surveying consultant specified a warm roof system installed as an overlay, with Decotherm PIR insulation board adhered to the surface using Sika’s Decostik adhesive.

Sika Liquid Plastics’ Decothane Ultra low-odour waterproofing membrane was also key to the specification. As a cold-applied liquid system it avoided the need for any hot works on site and its virtuallyodourless formulation meant that the project could be carried out without disruption to students or staff.

The level of detail included in the CIF application for Robert Bakewell Primary, including the value provided by Sika’s BBAaccredited guarantee, enabled the school to secure funding and the project has now been delivered. Indeed, it’s one of more than 50 academy schemes for which the Sika Liquid Plastics team has helped to secure funding, in partnership with building surveyors, helping to improve learning environments for children around the UK. 

1.2m

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19

Legal & Business

SURVIVING BREXIT: KEEPING THE DOOR OPEN FOR ARCHITECTS

Whether we like it or not, Brexit is happening. But over a year since the Referendum, uncertainty still surrounds the free movement of people, says Tsige Berhanu of Keystone Law. EEA nationals are M any without guarantees as to their continued residence rights in the UK. So, it should come as no surprise that RIBA’s recent survey reported that 40% of UK-based, non-British, EU nationals are considering leaving the country.

The potential impact, then, on the architecture industry is undeniable. Figures from the third quarter Labour Force Survey of 2016 suggest that 27% of architects were born outside the UK, with 17% being from the EU. So what can practices do to protect that percentage of their workforce and minimise any adverse impact on their businesses?

The first step is to identify who is affected. This should be a straightforward process

20

and requires looking at each employee’s personnel record to check a copy of their right to work documents (passports or national ID cards), which, by law, all employers are required to keep for all employees across the board. Employers who do not have a system for keeping these documents will need to review their processes in order to be compliant with UK immigration law requirements.

Finally, for those eligible and willing to obtain documents evidencing their pre-existing rights, employers should assess what further support they can offer. This could be in the form of financial assistance towards legal costs, help with documentation or consultation. The value of open discussions to reassure employees that employers are there for them in as much as possible should never be underestimated.

Employers should then discuss with their EEA national workers to ascertain whether they are eligible to obtain documents that show their pre-existing residence rights. It is possible that some may qualify for British citizenship, a permanent residence card or at the very least a registration certificate.

While concerns for the industry have been rife, the right preparation by employers, along with the chance to improve operations, could help Britain’s designers to minimise the effect of Brexit and maintain a talented and diverse workforce. 

 www.keystonelaw.co.uk

Tsige Berhanu has over 10 years’ experience in advising on immigration law and during that time has acquired a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of all aspects of private and corporate immigration work.

Tsige’s current practice focuses on corporate, highnet-worth individuals and EEA nationals, as well as familybased and naturalisation applications. With a client base that sees her act across a broad range of industries including, but not limited to, the financial, oil and gas, IT and digital technology sectors, Tsige provides clienttailored and commercially viable advice and assistance.

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Education

For the facade cladding, Vonck chose – among other things – Rockpanel Chameleon boards

Project: Les Trèfles primary school Location: Anderlecht, Belgium Architect: Árter of Brussels Facade Specialist: Rockpanel

SUSTAINABLE SCHOOL TURNS A NEW LEAF The new Les Trèfles primary school in Anderlecht, Belgium, seamlessly blends educational innovation, sustainable design and attractive architecture. exceptional design, T heby architectural firm, Árter of Brussels, was therefore selected for the ‘Exemplary Buildings 2012’ call for projects of the public authority, Brussels Environment-IBGE/BIM. The school, which accommodates 750 children from ages four to 12, consists of

four partially overlapping circles connected by wide walkways and an adjacent gymnasium.

The three largest circles have classrooms in the ‘skin’ and sheltered round playgrounds in an open core. A two-storey circular building provides the entrance, technical areas and a caretaker’s lodge.

A new kind of primary school Árter based the unique shape of the school on the name of the neighbourhood, Les Trèfles (The Clovers), and on studies

by Japanese Professor, Mitsuru Senda. “He showed that round play areas elicit up to 20% more spontaneous movement,”

Árter based the unique shape of the school on the name of the neighbourhood, Les Trèfles (The Clovers)

22

explains Architect, Patrick Vonck.

“Moreover, circles have 20% less facade for the same area. Because of this, I could literally break up the standard school structure with an enclosed hallway, and use that corridor area for extra play space.”

In addition to the inventive layout, Árter’s school is also highly sustainable. With an energy use of only 12kWh/m2 per year, it achieves performance equivalent to that of a Passivhaus building.

To achieve this, various techniques such as heat recovery, natural light, quadruple glazing with a built-in sun protection system, green roofs and rainwater recycling were used. Construction materials were also chosen based on their full lifecycle environmental impact.

For the facade cladding, Vonck chose – among other things – Rockpanel Chameleon boards. The facade cladding has been directly bonded to support the school’s clean aesthetic. “I was pleasantly surprised that I could specify a product which enhances the ‘cyclic’ aspect of the school, and at the same time achieve a BRE Green Guide A+ rating. Materials

Education The facade cladding has been directly bonded to support the school’s clean aesthetic

must be carefully chosen in ultra-low-energy buildings, so it is important that we are able to rely on manufacturers to provide the necessary testing and performance certification and on-site support,” states Patrick Vonck.

Panels that complement seasonal changes According to Vonck, the boards also enhance the architecture of the building: “They are equipped with a crystal layer that, depending on the perspective and sunlight, has a surprising effect on the colour perception. The colour variation of the panels fits in wonderfully with the seasonal changes in the vegetable gardens around the circles.”

Rockpanel Chameleon boards were also routed to provide signage around the school building. The products are insensitive to weather conditions and moisture. As a result, after engraving, no special treatment was required, not even for the visible base plate. Thierry Laroy of general contractor, CFE Brabant, also highlighted the

ease of handling as an important point: “I had no previous experience with the panels, but installation was no problem.”

The result is a beautiful complex of buildings in which, in addition to Rockpanel Chameleon, Rockpanel Natural and Colours are also

used. Even before delivery, Vonck had received many positive reactions. “The local administration and other school boards were enthusiastic, there has been extensive media interest and neighbourhood residents have been admiring the magical colour changes.

“Personally, I feel it is a very successful project. The cyclic theme, the focus on sustainability and the material choice all combine and reinforce each other to create the ideal result,” concludes Vonck. 

 www.rockpanel.co.uk

With an energy use of only 12kWh/m2 per year, the school achieves performance equivalent to that of a Passivhaus building

23

Housing

IS PVC-U FOR YOU? Social landlords need to be more cash-conscious than ever before and ensure their money is being invested in long-term solutions. Here Andrew Reid, Commercial Sales Director at Profile 22, explains why PVC-U is the way forward.

UK’s affordable house T hebuilding targets, changes

Building close relationships with the social housing sector was at the heart of Profile 22’s refurbishment work for One Vision Housing

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and caps to revenues and benefits, as well as the 1% yearly rent reduction, are putting pressure on spending. What’s more, uncertainty around Brexit means that the cost of certain building materials in the supply chain may rise.

As a result, asset managers in housing associations have increasingly challenging criteria to meet when specifying building materials for use in new-build social housing projects and small- or large-scale refurbishment drives.

This criteria is complex: there are factors that come into play which are unique to each

housing association depending on their individual needs, such as cost, performance and aesthetics.

Investing in state-of-the-art PVC-U windows and doors presents an opportunity for housing managers to futureproof their stock, recoup the whole-life cost and contribute towards improving living conditions for tenants.

Why PVC-U? In the 1980s and 1990s, PVC-U windows and doors didn’t always have the best reputation in terms of quality and durability when compared with aluminium or timber alternatives.

However, over the last 10 years, many significant advancements have been made in PVC-U manufacturing and fabrication, which means that it is a costeffective, highly engineered building material which presents social landlords with significant cost- and time-saving benefits.

It is a misconception to think that PVC-U is of a lower quality than timber and aluminium.

PVC-U possesses superior thermal, weather and acoustic performance and stands up on aesthetic and cost factors also.

Taking a fabric-first approach to energy efficiency can help social landlords and their tenants to make notable long-term savings and a return on investment.

Future-proofing

PVC-U possesses superior thermal, weather and acoustic performance and stands up on aesthetic and cost factors also

PVC-U windows and doors have insulation properties which provide excellent thermal performance. For example, a U-value as low as 0.8, as well as Window Energy Ratings up to A++, can be achieved when PVC-U windows are coupled with energy-efficient glazing options.

The foiling technology at our disposal now means that PVC-U windows and doors can be fabricated in an extensive range of colours, meaning the visual appearance of the products fit neighbouring property schemes to create cohesive communities.

Design advancements, such as flush casements, make it possible to achieve cleaner, more modern-looking lines, while providing functionality that meets tenants’ lifestyles.

For example, a flush tilt-turn window is easier for tenants to clean and maintain.

When specifying products for use in a social housing newbuild or refurbishment project, social landlords should be looking for ways to future-proof their stock, alongside meeting environment, health and safety and security regulations.

Considering the whole-life value of a material such as PVC-U will help to address unpredictable change in an uncertain economic climate.

As social housing budgets tighten, it is vital to do whatever is possible to reduce ongoing repairs and maintenance schedules – one of the sector’s costliest outlays.

PVC-U windows and doors can be manufactured to meet even the most rigorous specifications, and these durable designs can last for 35 years – the BRE life cycle – if properly maintained.

By achieving the lowest U-values and preventing heat from escaping properties, the use of PVC-U helps to alleviate any mould or damp problems caused by condensation, which are costly to repair and can ultimately result in tenants’ ill health.

In short, future-proofing is about selecting products that fulfil current technical and aesthetic demands, while navigating any new requirements that might feasibly arise.

comply with Building Regulations or match the look and feel of a surrounding scheme before financial commitments are made.

Forging close partnerships between the manufacturing supply chain and customers will help guarantee that the right products are being specified in social housing.

Supply chain networks, such as the Profile 22 Approved Window Contractor scheme, can give reassurance that a contractor has the necessary accreditations and experience in social housing, and understands complex contract obligations.

Local authorities should be able to rest assured that a manufacturer, fabricator or installer possesses guaranteed public sector experience, benefits from professional training and receives the full support of a wider specification team throughout a new-build or refurbishment project.

This emphasis on building close relationships with the social housing sector was at the heart of Profile 22’s refurbishment work for Merseyside-based, not-

for-profit social housing provider, One Vision Housing.

As part of an energy efficiency drive, the landlord aimed to reduce carbon emissions and the effects of fuel poverty on 96 units in eight blocks that comprise Hornby Flats in Litherland, Liverpool.

Triple-glazed PVC-U windows and doors were manufactured using the Profile 22 70mm system by Walsall-based Profile22 Approved Window Contractor, Select Windows, a member of the network with extensive experience in social housing.

Profile 22 worked closely with Select Windows and One Vision Housing, facilitating the entire process from design and specification, through to manufacturing and installation.

As such, the project was completed on time and in budget and One Vision Housing was able to future-proof against the years ahead, while improving the quality of living for tenants. 

Housing

Moreover, as security is often a major concern for social landlords, PVC-U windows and doors can be manufactured to Secured by Design standard for added assurance.

Given that PVC-U windows and doors are the most costeffective option and can be configured to the highest thermal and design specification, they make both functional and aesthetic sense in this regard.

 www.profile22.co.uk

Triple-glazed PVC-U windows and doors were manufactured using the Profile 22 70mm system

by Walsall-based Profile22 Approved Window Contractor, Select Windows

The right partners It’s imperative for social landlords to work closely with suppliers at the specification stage in order to meet their exacting business requirements – including financial pressures and sustainability goals.

Profile 22 has a free design and specification service including Building Information Modelling (BIM) objects. This ensures social housing clients’ window and door projects will

Investing in state-of-the-art PVC-U windows and doors presents an opportunity for housing managers to future-proof their stock

25

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLOORING FOR HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS Landlords and housing authorities are responsible for hundreds of individuals and visitors on their premises. As such, it’s important to choose a flooring solution that not only provides safety to tenants but is reliable and low maintenance too.

High traffic floor options Regular foot traffic, machinery and vehicles all contribute to the gradual wear of flooring. As defects start to develop, the risk of causing injury increases. This is why you need a flooring solution that is both robust and safe.

Concrete flooring Solid, easily-shaped – thanks to its fluid state – and extremely robust, concrete is a solid option for areas that experience heavy footfall. For industrial and

commercial sites, concrete is by far the most popular option for high-traffic environments.

In high-visibility, high-traffic commercial or communal spaces, concrete floors are an ideal alternative to wood, vinyl tile and carpet. Combined with steel rebar, concrete can also resist huge amounts of wear from heavy machinery for years. For situations that demand resisting regular vehicle use, concrete flooring is a great option.

Regular foot traffic, machinery and vehicles all contribute to the gradual wear of flooring

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Benefits of concrete flooring Concrete is a very low-cost solution and can be poured into any shape.

Not only can it withstand more abuse than most other flooring materials, it can also be customised to achieve an unlimited array of decorative effects.

Disadvantages of concrete flooring To get the best results from a concrete floor, you need to take an extra step by applying a protective coating.

The application of a highperformance protective coating enables concrete to better endure heavy foot traffic, breakages and stains.

While incapable of rotting away, concrete can begin to spall and crumble when exposed repeatedly to water, further demanding some sort of coating when used for external areas.

Resin flooring

Benefits of resin flooring The benefits of resin flooring are numerous, including removing the risk of damage or wear to unprotected concrete floors. These can be anything from marks and impact damage to chemical damage to the structure of the material.

Resin flooring also leaves an attractive high-quality finish designed to help keep the floors clean and odour-free.

Future maintenance costs are dramatically reduced thanks to the resiliency and easy maintenance of this versatile flooring material.

Seamless resin flooring combines hygiene, durability and convenience. Epoxy and polyurethane resin floors can be layered over existing flooring to provide a safe and anti-slip flooring solution. Resin flooring offers hard-wearing quality finishes for internal or external uses.

Resin flooring exhibits physical properties well in excess of concrete and most tiled surfaces and gives excellent resistance against impact, shock and abrasion.

Resin flooring does not support bacterial growth as there is no grouting, seams or joints. This leaves bacteria nowhere to build up or hide.

Disadvantages of resin flooring Resin flooring is broadly slipresistant, but not absolutely so. In communal areas that are prone to getting wet, you need to apply a textured finish to mitigate the risk of slips. This can compromise the aesthetic value of a smooth resin floor.

Preparing a floor for resin can be a tedious task. Unlike laying concrete or laying vinyl sheets, resin needs more work. Cleaning concrete floors requires multiple attempts before resin can be applied. The base floor (usually concrete) has to be clean and free of any grease, oil or solvents before the resin coating is applied.

Choosing the right flooring

Since resin doesn’t breathe once it cures, any moisture trapped below the surface can be a problem as it evaporates.

This can lead to the eventual need for repair or refinishing as bubbling or buckling in the flooring material may occur in some cases.

Vinyl flooring Vinyl flooring is a flexible and versatile flooring option. Vinyl is available in sheets or squares and is available in a range of strengths and quality grades. Vinyl can work effectively in many commercial settings such as kitchens, retail space and offices as a cost-

effective, easy-to-install floor. It can be laid in communal corridors and inside properties as an easyto-manage flooring solution.

If you have an area that has high foot traffic but little in the way of industrial traffic, vinyl can be an effective solution for your flooring.

Benefits of vinyl flooring Vinyl flooring is easy to clean, making it an attractive choice to landlords and managed housing authorities looking to keep costs down.

Compared to other flooring options, vinyl is relatively inexpensive.

Seamless resin flooring combines hygiene, durability and convenience

Vinyl sheets and squares are easy to cut to shape and install, making them a good option if you need to install flooring quickly.

Disadvantages of vinyl flooring Vinyl bonding can perish quickly when exposed to very high traffic.

While durable, vinyl is susceptible to rips and tears.

If this occurs, it cannot be refinished, like resin – the damaged area must be removed and replaced.

Vinyl can be stained more easily than concrete or resin and can even naturally yellow over time. Exposure to direct sunlight can cause vinyl colour to fade.

There are a huge range of flooring options out there for commercial premises and managed sites. Depending on your needs, one might be better than another, but they all have their limitations. These limitations can be overcome by enhancing your flooring option with an anti-slip solution.

GRP strips and nosings can be retrofitted to existing flooring to protect both your flooring and the people walking upon it, making them ideal for entrance ways and other high traffic areas.

For example, anti-slip stair tread covers are an easy to install solution for busy stairwells. They are a complete one-piece section which includes a drop-down nosing over the stair riser. This allows the edging to be colour contrasting, which has the additional benefit of assisting the visually impaired to define the step edge when descending or ascending the stairs. They will resist the high footfall and impact for many years without any wear or tear, making it ideal for any high traffic area.

Beyond periodic cleaning, anti-slip stair treads require no maintenance and have a 100% non-corrosion and rust guarantee thanks to their GRP structure.

Anti-slip covers and treads are designed to take long-term punishment. The aggregate grit surface of GRP treads is aluminium oxide, which is embedded within the base resin surface of the tread. This makes it almost diamond-hard and gives it very high resistance to wear. It will outlast almost all conventional non-slip materials.

When combined with traditional flooring materials, you get a flooring surface that lasts for years, with little to no upkeep.

When it comes to flooring safety, a ‘belt and braces’ approach is always favourable.

Combining your flooring choice with a GRP anti-slip solution will give you the best possible resilience and protection for your property and the people walking through it. 

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Limitations can be overcome by enhancing your flooring option with an anti-slip solution

 www.gripclad.co.uk

27

Healthcare

TACKLING HEALTHCARE DEMANDS WITH A ONE-STOP SOLUTION Pressures on the NHS are greater than ever; ageing hospital estates are often proving no longer fit for purpose, levels of available community care are insufficient and capacity issues continue to rise.

Keith Austin, CEO of H ere EMS Healthcare, considers the ways mobile and modular medical units can ensure patients

are guaranteed high-quality care, alleviate facility pressures and significantly reduce patient service time.

Growing pressures The ageing UK population has led to a shift in demographics, with more people aged 65 and over

Frimley Park Hospital’s unit is moved to a different convenient location each week, and has created 12,500 more patient slots per year

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One way that healthcare providers are innovating is through mobile and modular units that can be modified to deliver solutions to a number of issues within the healthcare sector

being at greater risk of chronic health conditions that require ongoing treatment. This surge in demand is proving difficult for the NHS to cope with.

As the population ages, so too do the premises in which our health services operate. The majority of estates in the UK’s healthcare system were built for purpose at the time, but over time have become unfit for today’s modern healthcare provision – something not helped by the amplified footfall within hospitals today.

The knock-on effect of ageing estates and heightened demand includes increased capacity pressures – it is no secret that the NHS is experiencing evergrowing backlogs of patients on waiting lists. Whilst little can be done to reduce the demand, it is possible for estates to increase capacity and ensure patients are seen in a safe and clinical environment.

A common answer to the creation of more space is carrying out hospital refurbishments. Going down this route can offer a long-term solution to trusts experiencing capacity pressures, but it comes at the high cost of time and money – both of which are currently in short supply in the NHS. Decision makers must think

Exceptional estates Exceptional care is being delivered across the country, sometimes in facilities no longer able to cope with demand and meet facility requirements. One of our clients, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is renowned for its kidney patient survival rate, with renal services rated ‘outstanding’ in a recent Care Quality Commission review.

However, the same review called for the trust to urgently rebuild its 120-year-old Knightsbridge Wing.

St George’s faced the prospect of relocating its entire renal department either to other locations within the hospital, nearby hospitals or to satellite dialysis sites in converted buildings away from the original ward. Each option had a drawback, whether it was disruption to patients’ routines, no guarantee of using the same nursing team, overcrowded departments or the inability for St George’s to control the level of service.

A comprehensive solution came in the form of our Liberty Quad unit – a four-trailer, fully independent facility with seven renal stations for chronic dialysis, as well as a reception and waiting area, nurses' station and clean and dirty utilities.

Liberty Quad now successfully facilitates uninterrupted services for patients directly at the hospital site with the same clinical team patients

Healthcare

outside the box to alleviate these pressures and adapt to the changing demographics, whilst keeping the patient experience as a priority.

One way that healthcare providers are innovating is through mobile and modular units that can be modified to deliver solutions to a number of issues within the healthcare sector. At EMS Healthcare, we design, create and deploy fully DDA-compliant mobile medical units that provide extra space for clinical areas such as ophthalmology, renal dialysis and infusion, in some cases creating up to 250 more patient slots per week. The quality and versatility of these units are now so high that many patients prefer attending mobile or modular-housed appointments rather than the hospital setting.

are familiar with. St George’s has been able to maintain outstanding levels of renal care in difficult conditions, and focus its attention on rebuilding the renal department.

Community care Alongside alleviating the pressures of heightened demand and ageing estates, mobile units have the capability to offer unprecedented levels of patient experience through flexible relocation which reaches the heart of communities. This meets the target for more out-of-hospital care underlined throughout the NHS’ Five Year Forward View, a set of guidelines placed in 2014 to ensure sustainability for the service.

Travelling to hospital appointments, especially for regular treatments, isn’t always convenient for those who may struggle to arrange travel; there is a very current and increasing need for flexible services, and more community-led care. This was the reasoning behind a new unit we recently developed, Quest+ – designed specifically for the treatment of macular diseases such as wet agerelated macular degeneration, an eye condition that causes individuals to lose central vision. The unit takes just one hour to set up and can be moved daily, providing clinicians the support to reach patients with reduced vision that require regular intravitreal injections.

The ‘one-stop’ communitybased assessment and treatment unit not only offers uncompromised care throughout treatment, but also increases hospital efficiencies by taking patients out of the main hospital environment. An excellent example of this is the project we have been working on with Frimley Park Hospital over the past three years, in which we deployed our two-trailer Liberty unit to aid the delivery of quality care for macular patients.

The unit is moved to a different convenient location each week, and has created 12,500 more patient slots per year. Since it was first installed in 2014, patient experience has vastly improved, with 92% of surveyed patients agreeing the unit is more convenient

Quest+ is designed specifically for the treatment of macular diseases

than attending appointments at the hospital. The number of patients with acceptable waiting times has risen from 12% to 96%, and 95% rated their experience of the unit as ‘excellent’. Prior to the partnership, patients were spending one hour, 21 minutes on average in the hospital’s macular department – this has now reduced to just 32 minutes on board the mobile unit.

Collaboration and implementation Using suppliers, such as EMS Healthcare or others on the NHS’ Mobile Diagnostics, Theatres, Treatment and Therapy Services Framework, will allow for a quicker procurement process

and deployment within six to eight weeks of enquiry, allowing units to be installed in a reactive manner. However, the best results we see are always when trusts plan ahead and recognise that an issue is approaching.

Mobile and modular builds not only offer significant value to estates and facilities teams but also provide obvious benefits for clinicians, nurses and property managers too. The rise in demand across NHS services impacts all areas of operation and it is vital that decision makers across the board collaborate in implementing innovative solutions for a sustainable NHS. 

 www.ems-healthcare.com

A comprehensive solution for St George’s came in the form of EMS’ Liberty Quad unit – a four-trailer, fully independent facility with seven renal stations for chronic dialysis, as well as a reception and waiting area, nurses' station and clean and dirty utilities

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BP: Fitness Trade Show Preview

LIW IS REPLACED

BY BP: FITNESS TRADE SHOW Leisure Industry Week ended 2016 with a second consecutive year of consolidation, 8173 visitors representing a 2% increase, under the stewardship of Nick Orton and his hugely successful BodyPower team.

T

hat said, after 29 years and, despite largely positive feedback in terms of lead generation and lead quality, the general feeling amongst delegates was that the once allencompassing trade show, which had been the heartbeat of UK leisure for almost three decades, had lost its relevance.

BodyPower’s acquisition brought about an immediate change. A focus on Government policy and the implementation of NGB strategy was completely transformed.

Considering feedback from industry stakeholders and previous delegates, LIW shifted dramatically to a more

commercial focus with a greater emphasis on world-class education.

2015 and 2016 brought about some encouraging signs.

BodyPower announced a small but ultimately significant increase in footfall both years, ending a period of sustained decline.

The commercially-focused event delivered seminars that favoured case studies and practical demonstrations, and the show, in general, zoned in on education as its USP, whereas networking had long been the main attraction. A new audience was developed, and the show began to change.

The show will offer delegates workshops, practical demonstrations and seminars offering advice on business growth, member retention, change of use, profitability, secondary spend and the development of fitness professionals

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BP: Fitness Trade Show is set to attract thousands of trade professionals, all interested in fitness solutions

So; to 2017. To continue the revitalisation of Leisure Industry Week and to cement the ‘BodyPower stamp’ on the event, one bone of contention remained; the name. Leisure Industry Week certainly wasn’t a week. In fact, the name made no sense. So, with the kind of swift and decisive action that has been the hallmark of Orton’s numerous successes in the events sector, LIW was consigned to the history books.

Standing proudly in its place, however, is a brand-new, focused event that specifically explores the business of fitness.

BP: Fitness Trade Show is set to attract thousands of trade professionals, all interested in fitness solutions.

The show will focus on delivering an extensive exhibition with over 100 innovative brands that offer fitness solutions to various markets, including: personal trainer studios, independent gyms, universities, schools and colleges, hotel gyms, boutique fitness studios, student accommodation gyms, corporate and company gyms, crossfit boxes, gym chains and franchises and residential care homes.

As well as renewing a partnership with PureGym, one of Britain’s biggest gym operators, to produce its annual PT Conference, BP: Fitness Trade Show will also offer delegates workshops, practical demonstrations and seminars offering advice on business growth, member retention, change of use, profitability, secondary spend and the development of fitness professionals who are the driving force behind new industry investment.

Fitness Business School – focusing on marketing, sales, retention and new ideas to grow businesses in the fitness sector Practical Coaching – equipment and functional demos from leading trainers designed to offer fitness professionals new options and practical application for the benefit of clients and members BP Nutrition – exploring nutrition solutions for all businesses, including healthier menu choices and using nutrition as a key secondary spend opportunity 50+ Fitness – Britain’s ageing populous is a massive market and active ageing is explored alongside the provision of a wellequipped fitness area in new and existing residential care facilities Workplace Fitness – develop a fitter, healthier workforce for improved productivity, energy and wellbeing Pool & Spa – fitness solutions, such as group aqua exercise classes for increased usage, targeting new demographics and the provision of equipment for both maintenance and fitness in a pool facility.

Registration for the event is free of charge for industry professionals and can be done by visiting the website. 

 www.bodypower.com/bp

Engineering and Facilities Management

THREE STREAMS – PLENTY OF CONTENT Healthcare remains very much at the forefront of the Government’s cost-saving ambitions, with Lord Carter’s five-year plan continuing to be a key focus for healthcare estates professionals, and the ‘productivity and efficiency’ programme continuing to drive the agenda as the 2020/21 target for £5bn in savings comes ever-closer.

W

ith this in mind, the conference at Healthcare Estates 2017 in Manchester this October will focus on three conference streams, all intended to inform, inspire and challenge delegates to take answers and ideas back to their workplace to move the plan forward – Strategy and Leadership, Planning, Design and Construction and Engineering and Estates Management.

The conference opens with keynote speaker Simon Corben, Director and Head of Profession, NHS Estates and Facilities at NHS Improvement, who will reflect on his first six months in office,

and discuss the need for stronger and more robust corporate governance assurance, a subject that will be picked up in the panel discussion session that follows.

Show Director, Steve Webb, commented: “Following recent events in the UK – a terrorist attack, the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower and the NHS cyberattack – NHS estates and facilities directors are understandably concerned about their requirement to ensure corporate governance and assurance to their board. Healthcare Estates has gathered key figures from the NHS, including Simon Corben,

This year’s three streams comprise Strategy and Leadership, Planning, Design and Construction as well as Engineering and Estates Management

IHEEM Past-President, Paul Kingsmore, Director of Services at Manchester Metropolitan University, and Kevin Oxley, Director of Estates, Facilities and Capital Planning at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, to discuss and consider the highly topical subject of corporate governance assurance and give their individual standpoints.”

Strategy and Leadership in focus The Strategy and Leadership conference stream will cover a diverse range of topics critical to achieving Lord Carter’s plans for greater productivity and efficiency, such as efficiency in workforce development, as demonstrated by a new staffing model under development at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, which will address the need for sustainable staffing costs, as well as having a focus on the quality of patient care, improved clinical outcomes, addressing increased clinical demand and the changes in the physical environment in which staff operate. The model has been developed as extensive new facilities take shape at the hospital as part of a £485m redevelopment scheme.

The Engineering and Facilities Management stream will look at some of the practical aspects of healthcare estate management – from energy procurement and the engineering aspects of ventilation control in operating theatres, to infection control measures.

Among the presentations will be one by Mott Macdonald making the case for the use in healthcare of the WELL certification system for buildings – which looks at their quantifiable impact of buildings on occupants’ health.

Maintenance and electrical infrastructure topics will also be addressed, from standpoints including safety, compliance and value for money.

Healthcare Estates Preview

The conference at Healthcare Estates 2017 in Manchester this October will focus on three conference streams, all intended to inform, inspire and challenge delegates to take answers and ideas back to their workplace

A Healthcare Estates first For the first time at a Healthcare Estates event, the Planning, Design and Construction stream will specifically cover the use of modular buildings in healthcare, discussing the experience gained at sites including Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry, where two laminar flow theatres, an endoscopy suite and a 28-bed recovery facility were installed by the McAvoy Group “in minimum time, to maximum quality and with minimum risk”.

The practicalities, procurement and funding of this project will be discussed by Sean McKeever of Ecofund, who will explain the benefits of working with modular installations, such as less disruption to clinical activity during construction, speedier completion, and (modular specialists say) greater controllability, and highlight such buildings’ potential to relieve pressure on existing estates. 

 www.healthcare-estates.com

31

Fire Door Safety Week Preview

Fire Door Safety Week, now in its fifth year, will run from 25th September to 1st October

FIRE DOOR SAFETY CAMPAIGNERS DEMAND PUBLIC REGISTER OF RESPONSIBLE PERSONS In the shadow of the Grenfell Tower devastation, this year’s Fire Door Safety Week is gearing up for a hard-hitting message about fundamental regulatory reform. campaigners I nareparticular, renewing their call for a publicly-available national register of responsible persons for fire safety.

The register would require the name of the individual who has legal responsibility for fire safety in a building to be registered on a national database. Their name and contact details would be prominently displayed in the building to help users of the building report any concerns.

In turn, the responsible person should sign a formal acknowledgement of duty of care and meet a mandatory minimum level of competence, says the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), organiser of the annual Fire Door Safety Week campaign.

Hannah Mansell, a spokesperson for Fire Door Safety Week – who is also BWF Technical Manager, Chair of the Passive Fire Protection Forum and a Trustee of the Children’s Burns Trust – says:

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“The identity of the responsible person is often a mystery. It can become very complex trying to identify who it is; especially in organisations that own or manage a number of public buildings.

“Under the Fire Safety Order, responsible persons have to ensure that a regular fire risk assessment (FRA) is carried out by a competent person and is documented.

“The FRA should examine all aspects of fire safety management, including active and passive fire protection measures, signage, means of escape and the specific fire plan procedures.

“Their responsibilities also include acting on improvement advice and creating the emergency fire plan for the building – the key to this is arming the occupants with the knowledge of what to do in an emergency.

“There needs to be clarity about the responsible person and a total transformation of

attitude towards fire safety of occupants of public buildings.

“By identifying the responsible person and providing their contact details, occupants become empowered to report any concerns they have about the fire doors in their buildings. This would also ensure that those responsible for keeping occupants safe from fire know their duty and are made aware of issues directly.”

Research last year confirmed the BWF’s fears that little has been done to address this problem. More than half of all tenants had no idea who the responsible person was for the building where they lived and, even more worryingly, two thirds of low-income households renting flats had never been given the emergency fire plan information.

Fire Door Safety Week, now in its fifth year, will run from 25th September to 1st October and aims to raise awareness about the role of third-party certificated fire doors in preventing life-changing injuries and the legal responsibilities of managing fire door safety.

It will focus on promoting awareness of the critical role of fire doors in high-rise buildings, houses of multiple occupancy and other types of shared accommodation.

The campaign will be giving advice, hosting events and sharing useful resources. So far, Fire Door Safety Week has confirmed cross sector support from a range of organisations including the fire and rescue services, housing associations, charities, BWF members, fire safety professionals and organisations from every corner of the UK. 

 www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk

The campaign aims to raise awareness about the role of third-party certificated fire doors in preventing life-changing injuries and the legal responsibilities of managing fire door safety

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Lighting & Electricals

A new storey designed to accommodate the plant room, the 10th floor features both a ceiling and a floor void, enabling the installation of Uniklip tray for power and lighting cabling under the raised access floor

Project: Merrion House Location: Leeds Client: Leeds City Council Cable Management Solutions: Unitrunk

REFURBISHMENT AND EXTENSION PROGRAMME THAT POWERS COST SAVINGS The past few years have seen substantial rationalisation and investment in local authority estates as councils seek to operate frontline and back of house services in a more cost-efficient manner. has led many T helocaltrend authorities to put in place property strategies involving new buildings, refurbishment and remodelling programmes and asset optimisation initiatives to address the dual challenges of improving services while reducing costs.

In Leeds, this imperative has led to a creative and original solution for Merrion House, a council office building that the local authority has occupied as a tenant since it was constructed for the council in 1973. It involves transforming both the capacity and the ownership of the building as part of a major extension and refurbishment scheme.

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With entirely new services, including an extensive cable management installation using Unitrunk’s Rapid Installation Systems (RIS) cable management, the office block is being upgraded as part of an asset optimisation programme and provision of a ‘one-stop shop’ hub for council customerfacing services in the city centre.

Property strategy The decision to improve and extend Merrion House was prompted by the end of Leeds City Council’s 20-year lease with the building’s owner, Town Centre Securities. Negotiation of a deal that has extended the lease while transferring shared

ownership to the council has not only enabled the council to move jobs across to the city centre site but has also played a pivotal role in delivering the local authority’s wider property strategy.

Merrion House provides approximately 170,000ft2 of office space in total. This includes 50,000ft2 added to the existing floorplate thanks to the new six-storey extension, which features an integrated service hub on the ground floor incorporating enquiry positions and rooms, self-service points and waiting areas. This one-stop shop service area combines public access to all main council services with additional partner services, and the council

anticipates it will provide services to 1000 users every day.

Designed by architect practice, BDP, and delivered by main contractor, BAM Construction, the project also involves the creation of retail space at ground-floor level. The retail element of the scheme will not form part of the council offices but will help to maximise the value of the city centre site and embed public access into the design philosophy for the council building. Electrical contractor, G&R Electrical, was assigned the task of delivering both the Cat A electrical installation and Cat B fit-out for the office refurbishment and new-build elements of the scheme and

Lighting & Electricals Merrion House provides approximately 170,000ft2 of office space in total. This includes 50,000ft2 added to the existing floorplate thanks to the new six-storey extension.

The existing building was stripped back to shell and core and G&R Electrical started the electrical installation on the ninth floor

the company elected to use Unitrunk’s RIS Uniklip cable tray and Easy Connect cable basket to help fast-track the programme, along with Unitrunk single compartment trunking.

Easier installation

With entirely new services, including an extensive cable management installation using Unitrunk’s Rapid Installation Systems (RIS) cable management, the office block is being upgraded as part of an asset optimisation programme

The existing building was stripped back to shell and core and G&R Electrical started the electrical installation on the ninth floor, working down the building before returning to fitout the 10th-floor plant room.

“The ceiling voids on each floor of the existing Merrion House building were very tight,” explains Gary Ineson, Director at G&R Electrical. “As a result, we always planned to use cable basket rather than tray because it is faster and easier to install in a confined space.

“Unitrunk’s Easy Connect basket makes the job even quicker because it’s been engineered with integrated coupling which avoids the need for any tools or accessories while providing a robust cable management solution. The time and money we saved on installing Easy Connect far outweighed any difference in product cost.”

The cable basket network has been installed to provide the infrastructure for all data cabling, which is on a dedicated run of basket to separate it from the fire alarm, security, building management system, low voltage and extra-low voltage cabling that has also been installed onto Easy Connect cable basket within the ceiling voids.

The building will be connected to a new power supply, panel and switch room installed by G&R Electrical in the basement with risers of Unitrunk’s Uniklip cable tray that go up through the central core and split into three to be routed across the back wall of each wing. From here, the infrastructure is continued as a network of single compartment Unitrunk cable trunking, enabling power and lighting cabling to be distributed to every area of the office layout.

Flexible approach While the electrical installation for most of the floors in the legacy building follows a uniform pattern of Easy Connect basket in the 

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Lighting & Electricals

ceiling voids combined with trunking for power and lighting cabling, G&R Electrical will only complete a Cat A installation on the ground and mezzanine floors because these areas will form the retail elements of the scheme. As a result, the council-funded refurbishment will only include core electrical infrastructure with Cat B fit-out completed by occupiers.

The installation for level 10 also varies from the remainder of this part of the building.

A new storey designed to accommodate the plant room, this floor features both a ceiling and a floor void, enabling the installation of Uniklip tray for power and lighting cabling under the raised access floor.

Similarly, the new-build extension to Merrion House has also been constructed with raised access floors throughout, easing congestion in the ceiling voids and enabling a busbar power and lighting distribution network alongside the Easy Connect cable basket installation for data, fire and security alarms and low voltage cabling.

Gary continues: “The range of cable management solutions and sizes of cable tray, basket and trunking available from Unitrunk has made it easier for us to tailor the installation to meet the demands of different parts of the building.

“Unitrunk’s Easy Connect cable basket and Uniklip cable tray have reduced installation times by about a third so far, which is critical to managing a project of this size and complexity.”

The building will be connected to a new power supply, panel and switch room installed by G&R electrical in the basement with risers of Unitrunk’s Uniklip cable tray

Transformation The new electrical services at Merrion House are part of a transformation that will completely reinvent the building, not only in the way it delivers services for Leeds City Council but also in the way it looks, with new glazing and cladding transforming its aesthetic.

Most of all, the building will provide evidence of a practical approach to investing in existing assets and relationships to make long-term savings and tangible improvements as part of a strategic approach to asset management. 

 www.unitrunk.co.uk

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The new electrical services at Merrion House are part of a transformation that will completely reinvent the building

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The App is also synced with SBP Library (www.sustainable-buildingproducts.com) providing an essential specification portal.

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Modular Buildings

COULD MODULAR HOUSING BE THE ANSWER TO THE UK’S SOCIAL HOUSING CRISIS?

As most of the work is carried out in a factory, the modular build process is much quicker than a traditional build, which can often be delayed due to adverse weather conditions

The demand for social housing in the UK continues to grow at a much faster rate than its current level of supply. Figures from Shelter suggest that there are more than 1.8 million households waiting for a social home and this situation is becoming even more critical as an increasing number of people are being made homeless as they struggle to afford private rents, writes David Johnston, Category Manager at ESPO. light of the recent I ntragic events in London, the health and safety of many social or local authority homes is now under full scrutiny. There is a pressing need for emergency accommodation to be readily available to house people forced to leave their properties over closely-related issues such as social housing compliance with fire regulations.

In order to meet existing demand, the UK needs approximately 250,000 new homes a year but is struggling to meet this with the housing sector having only provided just over half of that amount. There is clearly no easy solution to our housing crisis, but some local authorities are beginning to wake up to the potential that modular buildings have to offer as a quick and affordable solution.

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Modular buildings have come a long way since they were first introduced as temporary, often rickety structures to accommodate pupils in rapidly-expanding schools.

Today, modular buildings are innovative and robust and are subject to the same Building Regulations as traditional constructions, and they must also meet the same quality standards. They are often constructed with the same materials that are used to build a regular house or flat but rather than being built on site, they’re fully kitted out with all electrics, plumbing, heating and internal finishes in a factory and are then delivered to be assembled on site. As most of the work is carried out in a factory, the process is much quicker than a traditional build,

which can often be delayed due to adverse weather conditions.

These ready-made homes are already successfully being used by some local authorities and offer the equivalent standard of accommodation as newbuild flats. As a professional buying organisation for the public sector, we are currently working on a new framework to support local authorities looking to purchase modular buildings for accommodation purposes.

The framework, due to launch at the beginning of next year, will enable local authorities to access a range of suppliers with all terms and conditions and prices pre-negotiated. Frameworks are EU/UK procurement regulation-compliant, meaning that if an organisation

accesses a framework for their modular buildings, they don’t need to undertake their own full, lengthy tender processes. Suppliers are also carefully assessed during the procurement process for factors such as health and safety, insurance and supply chain resilience.

With local authorities now having to manage on tighterthan-ever budgets, and with leaner procurement teams meaning many no longer have the in-house resource to undertake complex, lengthy supplier competitions, we hope our new framework will play its part in delivering a fast, efficient and cost-effective route to help solve the UK’s social housing challenge. 

 www.espo.org

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Renewable Energy

Playing a crucial part in the move away from coal are UK businesses; they are more aware than ever of sustainability and clean energy

REPLACING COAL BY 2025 In April, the UK took a big step towards enjoying a more renewable future when the power system had its first coal-free day since the Industrial Revolution. It was a bright, windy day – so solar and wind power, combined with gas, nuclear, imports and storage, as well as hydro and biomass, kept coal off the system for a full 24 hours, explains Paul Sheffield, Chief Operations Officer at Haven Power. to a mixture of T hanks low gas prices and the Carbon Price Floor – the UK is forcing coal off the system. 10 years ago, this would have been impossible, but the Government has said it wants the UK to be coal-free by 2025 to ensure we meet our emissions targets.

As we saw on April 21st when we had the first day without any coal generation, more wind and solar is good, but the sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t blow all the time – without support they have limited capability. More reliable energy generation is required from other technologies like gas, nuclear, hydro and biomass.

Biomass provides reliable, renewable power at scale, which can be flexed up and down to meet demand.

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Playing a crucial part in the move away from coal are UK businesses; they are more aware than ever of sustainability and clean energy.

This is being demonstrated by our own customers who insist on renewable energy and, because of this, organisations are looking to suppliers to come up with flexible energy solutions which fit their individual needs and help contribute to their own sustainability credentials, or corporate social responsibility programmes.

The integration of new technologies like smart meters will help, but energy suppliers need to invest in complementary technology to ensure the data collected is used to the benefit of their customers. As organisations drive initiatives from within that not only encourage responsibility

and awareness; we as suppliers, will be challenged to provide solutions and products that empower organisations to be more energy-efficient and focused on renewables.

Our research shows that 78% of small businesses want to save money through energy efficiency, while the Federation for Small Businesses reported that 70% want to reduce their energy use to protect the environment (source: Energy Report ‘The Price of Power’ by FSB Jan 2017). Making changes to be more sustainable requires time and resources that an organisation might not have.

This can be a problem because some businesses are not sure what difference their efforts would make and it is seen as a distraction from running a successful business.

The easiest ways organisations can reduce their energy use include: becoming aware of what energy they use in the workplace, making their employees aware of what they use and taking steps to make the changes that are right for the business. The more organisations that do this; the bigger the impact.

Being sustainable can be a driver of success for many organisations, but dealing with energy can be a drain on resources; with the time and effort required outweighing the benefit. By working with customers to create individual solutions that meet their specific needs, we can help them be more sustainable. 

 www.havenpower.com

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Swimming Pools

HUDDERSFIELD LEISURE CENTRE DEVELOPMENT GOES SWIMMINGLY Huddersfield is undergoing major regeneration, with new developments including the £27m university building and the upcoming £15m facelift of Kingsgate Shopping Centre all helping to modernise the Yorkshire town and boost the local economy. So, when Kirklees Council proposed a new 12,500m2 leisure centre, it was another shot in the arm for the area. a worn R eplacing predecessor, which dated back more than 40 years, the new leisure centre has brought stateof-the-art facilities to the town, helping to attract locals to the centre while increasing job and apprenticeship opportunities.

The amenities include three swimming pools – comprising a 25m competition pool, training pool and splash park – squash courts, a 15m climbing wall, a 12-court sports hall, a large gym and a combat room.

Once plans were approved, it was up to BAM Construction, BAL Adhesives, The Tiling Company Northern and tile specialist, Ceramique Internationale, to help bring them to life.

Working towards a design brief, Ceramique Internationale liaised with some of Europe’s finest tile manufacturers – many of which have worked with the company throughout its 43-year history – including Italian-

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based, Casalgrande Padana. As well as supplying its unglazed Basaltina and Sardegna ranges for use within the entrance hall and corridors of the new leisure centre, the Italian tile manufacturer’s Technic floor tile range was used throughout the changing rooms. These were complemented by Interni wall tiles in various formats and colours from Italian manufacturer, Vogue.

However, the most complex job came when tiling the competition pool. Whilst every task is carried out to exacting standards, the margins for error when creating a competitionstandard swimming pool are almost non-existent. Rules state competition pools can’t be 1mm less or 10mm over the 25m limit and, while this could be adjusted after tiling, the rework would cost time and money.

Working closely with BAM Construction, BAL Adhesives and The Tiling Company Northern,

Ceramique provided a range of Combicolor and Special Form extruded tiles by German manufacturer, Gail, to be used throughout the pool tank.

Selected in blue and white to replicate a true competition setting, the tiles helped the team counterbalance the pool’s strict size specifications.

Ceramique also created bespoke

In total, Ceramique Internationale provided more than 200 tonnes of ceramic tiles to be used within the leisure centre, covering more than 10,000m2 of space

Special Form tiles to enable a more aesthetically-pleasing appearance for the pool edge and raised diving areas.

In total, Ceramique Internationale provided more than 200 tonnes of ceramic tiles to be used within the leisure centre, covering more than 10,000m2 of space.

Cameron Fraser, Director of Ceramique Internationale, said: “We have extensive experience in large-scale projects but, as a Yorkshire business with deep-rooted connections to the area, we’re proud to have had the opportunity to work on Huddersfield Leisure Centre. It is already proving to be extremely popular and well used, and we’re excited to see the benefits it brings to the local area.” 

 www.tilesandmosaics.co.uk

Ceramique provided a range of Combicolor and Special Form extruded tiles by German manufacturer, Gail, to be used throughout the pool tank

Some 53,000 dark blue grey slates from Welsh Slate have been used to re-roof West Coats Primary School in a conservation area in Cambuslang. The 16 x 8" slates and 16 x 12" county-grade slates-and-a-half were installed by Forster Roofing Services as part of the £6m refurbishment project for the council’s education services department. Welsh Slate has also been used on the new-build Lamington and Abington Primary Schools as well as Leadhills Primary School and Lanark Memorial Hall. Architectural Officer, Thomas Tallan, said: “Welsh Slate was specified to meet Historic Scotland’s approval for a close match to the existing slate being replaced and many of the traditional buildings surrounding the school.”

Mapei UK has supplied 500m2 of its complete Ultratop Loft system in Silver Grey Ultratop Loft F & W finishes, and applied these at the BUPA head offices at The Spectrum Building, Cabots Circus, Bristol. Ultratop Loft is the ideal coating product to create decorative interior floors and walls with a pronounced textured effect.

The consistency of the product means that it can be used on both walls and floors and, with the scope for installing in a wide range of colours, a variety of unique, attractive and original finishes can be achieved.

 www.mapei.co.uk  info@mapei.co.uk  0121 508 6970

 www.welshslate.com

 enquiries@welshslate.com

Recent contract gains for Cairngorm Group are being supported with hardware supplied by Carl F Groupco – which has a strong track record in Scotland and a partnership with Cairngorm Group that dates back to 2004. Cairngorm Group began working with homebuilder, Springfield, in 2013. Latest news is a contract that has resulted in the company supplying its ninth Springfield development. David Dowling, Managing Director of Cairngorm Group, said: “An ability to provide a PVCu alternative for timber windows, while maintaining aesthetics and functionality with PN reversible window gearing supplied by Carl F Groupco, was pivotal in Springfield’s decision to work with Cairngorm Group.”

 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

 sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk

Formica Group, the original inventor of high pressure laminate (HPL), has launched a suite of BIM objects to aid architects, designers and contractors in the specification process. The new Formica Group BIM components will enable specifiers to create 3D models incorporating product specs and manufacturer information as well as giving clients the opportunity to visualise what their projects will look like. Joe Bell, UK Marketing Manager at Formica Group, comments: “Those working on public sector-funded construction projects can now use Formica products internally and externally, meeting the Government Construction Strategy stipulating Level 2 BIM in all its developments.”

 samples.uk@formica.com

 0191 259 3512

TABS is top of the class for new uni campus State-of-the art teaching buildings at the University of Northampton’s new £330m Waterside Campus development have been designed utilising REHAU’s innovative TABS system, providing energy efficiency and low-cost heating and cooling.

REHAU and its approved contractor partner, AMROC, were involved early on in the design process for Waterside’s Campus, recommending the Thermally Activated Building Structure (TABS) system. TABS is a versatile cooling and heating system which uses the large thermal mass of concrete in a building’s structure to adjust the environment inside the building throughout the day. It does this by running heated or chilled water through a network of pipes embedded within the concrete slabs, and can be used in virtually any concrete structure.

 www.rehau.co.uk/tabs

 01248 600656

Cairngorm Group success supported by Carl F Groupco

Formica Group introduces BIM objects for increased specification

 www.formica.com

Focus & Innovation

Welsh Slate completes a quadruple of schools in Scotland

Mapei’s decorative wallcovering specified for BUPA healthcare offices

 enquiries@rehau.com

 0207 580 6155

 01733 393330

Mapei proud to launch Mosaic Adhesive: manufactured in the UK Mapei UK has launched Mosaic Adhesive; manufactured at Mapei’s West Midlands UK factory, the professional white cement-based adhesive is designed for interior and exterior installations of wall and floor, glass and ceramic mosaics. Mosaic Adhesive has a high level of synthetic resin and special additives, as well as an extended open time and increased deformability. Additionally, as a result of being highly thixotropic, Mosaic Adhesive has useful non-slip properties when used on vertical surfaces. Jason Brunt, Ceramic Product Manager at Mapei UK, commented: “At Mapei, we pride ourselves on listening to the consumer market while working with all involved.

Therefore, we design and develop products which benefit all that are fixing tiles, not just in the UK but globally.”

 www.mapei.co.uk  info@mapei.co.uk  0121 508 6970

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Focus & Innovation

Hardwired within the DNA of a business that has survived and thrived for over 50 years is customer service

TPG: 50 YEARS IN SUPPLYING INNOVATION TPG – The Parkside Group Ltd – would like to take this opportunity to thank all its architectural, contractor and fabricator clients as the company celebrates its 50th year and welcomes in its golden anniversary. As an independent, privately-owned British company, The Parkside Group shares its remarkable history and here highlights its ambitious strategy for the future.

1967, London – a I njoinery business – was founded with a start-up loan of a mere £300. This small enterprise has now grown into The Parkside Group which includes the market-leading brands of Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems, Axim Architectural Hardware and Alu-Timber.

Hardwired within the DNA of a business that has survived and thrived for over 50 years is customer service. To put this longevity into perspective, when The Parkside Group was founded, NASA had not yet taken a giant leap for mankind and landed on the moon. Since 1967, The Parkside Group has worked through great recessions, three-day weeks and the Black Monday crash, whilst always maintaining its unique customer service ethos; working with customers to supply innovative solutions that make their businesses profitable.

The Parkside Group actively seeks to supply solutions and market-leading delivery, that provides the market with cost efficiencies which stand the

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test of time. Examples of this are operating a 100% in-stock philosophy and twice weekly delivery service, so fabricators can utilise all the cost savings of a JIT policy and, for its specification clients, creating bespoke aluminium profiles and systems that provide fast-track, robust solutions. In 1987, Axim Architectural Hardware joined the group and the famous TC8800 Transom Closer stormed the door hardware market, and still today Axim is the numberone branded architectural door closer for reliability and performance.

To celebrate the golden anniversary, The Parkside Group has a new brand identity to take it through the next 50 years of ambitious plans. The Parkside Group, now TPG, uses the heritage of the diamond logo, branding aluminium with ‘TPG’ to reassure its partners of the TPG mark of quality. This is backed up with a new website which outlines the group’s TPG: 2025 strategy, highlighting the processes that have, and always will be, critical to the business’ success.

In 2017, TPG:2025 has never been more important, as it aligns with the Government’s ‘Construction: 2025’ objectives.

By publishing its TPG: 2025 strategy, TPG will continue to be the partner of choice for the design and delivery of innovative building envelope solutions to the construction industry. TPG is proud to be a highly responsive, service-orientated, independent business that is known to help, support and value its employees, customers, suppliers and business partners. TPG’s goal is to be a company that is a dynamic leader, respected for its professionalism, customer focus and entrepreneurial spirit.

Marking the 50th anniversary with such innovative products, TPG, with its market-leading brands, will continue to supply innovative solutions that make customers’ businesses profitable now and in the future. 

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

TPG is proud to be a highly responsive, service-orientated, independent business that is known to help, support and value its employees, customers, suppliers and business partners

EXF Fitness new flooring range designed to perform Finding the balance between providing the best fitness flooring, meeting European standards, fire, acoustic and vibration regulation is difficult to do. These issues are never more important than in hotel and mixed-use developments, where the need is to provide great fitness facilities safely and as quietly as possible. However, the all-new EXF Performance Flooring range finally ticks all the boxes.

The range is EN certified, fire certificated, REACH compliant and tested for vibration and acoustic reduction. It is made using

the best components, all recycled content comes from sources which are inspected and certified to ensure quality and

Focus & Innovation

consistency. With formulas created by respected industry experts, the rubber floorings have been tested to ensure the very best flooring performance and safety.

Charles Burch, Managing Director at EXF Fitness, said: “We have worked hard over the past five years to find the very best responsibly-sourced rubber in Europe, and have finally developed a range we are extremely proud to put our name to. The acoustic and vibration absorption of the products and underlay are outstanding.”

The EXF Performance Flooring ranges, Freedom, Function and Strength, consist of rubber rolls and tiles. The ranges come in a variety of thicknesses and a spectrum of standard and bespoke colours.

Inlayed designs and branding can also be accommodated to allow you to make the flooring truly unique.

Alongside the roll and tile products, the range also includes EXF Agility, a hardwearing artificial turf ideal for track and sled training. EXF Control underlay products ensure the perfect foundation delivering the ultimate flooring solutions for any fitness facility. Even before the official launch orders are being placed, it is set to become the new industry favourite.

 www.exf-fitness.com  sales@exf-fitness.com  01473 735115

A compact choice for safety A new compact safety sensor for automatic swing doors has been added to GEZE’s suite of activation devices and sensor systems. The GC 342 sensor is a presence detector with a clean and modern line which is aesthetically pleasing while enhancing safe operation. The compact sensor, which comes in left and right versions, can be used with all GEZE automatic swing door operators, on door leaves with a width of up to 1600mm. It offers reliable detection, even when installed at a height of 3850mm and provides greater protection particularly in front of or behind the door leaf when the door closes and at the secondary closing edges.

 www.geze.co.uk

 info.uk@geze.com

 01543 443000

Nottingham debuts huge lacrosse fence panels 8m steel mesh panels have been created for the University of Nottingham by sports fencing manufacturer, Zaun. The special lacrosse variant of Zaun’s popular Duo8 sports fencing has been installed at Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus

by Dawn Fencing. The central 30m behind each goal end of the lacrosse field included three different panel specifications to suit play. The bottom 3m comprised special lacrosse panels with dense 50 x 33mm mesh of 6mm vertical wires at 50mm centres and dual 8mm horizontal wires at 33mm centres. From 3 to 6m in height, Dawn installed Zaun Super Rebound panels with 50 x 67mm centres. And the top 2m used a 50 x 200mm mesh pattern.

 www.zaun.co.uk

 sales@zaun.co.uk

 01902 796699

Making a difference – Pressalit Care is awarded for its work in the UK Pressalit Care, a leading supplier of accessible bathroom solutions, has been honoured for its work in the UK. Pressalit Care has been awarded His Royal Highness Prince Henrik of Denmark’s Medal of Honour in recognition of the firm’s rapidlygrowing reputation in the UK within the accessible bathrooms industry. The team in the UK, led by Sales Manager, Andrew Lowndes, attended the Danish Embassy in London to receive the award from Claus Grube, the Danish Ambassador to the UK. The award recognises an outstanding effort in promoting and marketing Danish products and services abroad. It is awarded to individuals in recognition of their unique efforts, and was presented to Andrew Lowndes.

 www.pressalit.com  pressalit@pressalit.com  0844 880 6950

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Focus & Innovation

SIZE REALLY DOES MATTER!

The museum was officially reopened in March 2017 by Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh and has been transformed into five bright thematic galleries – Soldier, Army, Battle, Society and Insight

As part of a £23.75m redevelopment project to provide visitors with an enhanced museum experience, James Latham recently supplied a number of Moralt 54mm FireSmoke door blanks which have been used in the radical transformation of the National Army Museum in Chelsea.

I nternational architectural practice BDP – which was commissioned to carry out a complete upgrade of the existing museum –

specified the door blanks, appointing the main contractor Gilbert-Ash, which, in turn, appointed Essential Designs, Doors & Joinery of Castle

Dawson in Belfast to carry out the internal joinery work.

Steven Dennard, Group Door Manager for James Latham, explained: “As you would

Moralt’s Laminesse FireSmoke 54mm door cores proved to be the perfect solution offering the architect the ability to attain the requirement of high and wide double doors which were also fire rated to 60 minutes

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expect, within the specification, there were a number of fire safety requirements to be considered. Large areas of glass characterise this modern building, enhancing the high ceilings and spacious exhibition rooms and these required correspondingly large internal fire doors.

“Moralt’s Laminesse FireSmoke 54mm door cores proved to be the perfect solution offering the architect the ability to attain the requirement of high and wide double doors which were also fire rated to 60 minutes.“ The museum was officially reopened in March 2017 by Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh and has been transformed into five bright thematic galleries – Soldier, Army, Battle, Society and Insight – that provide a space to explore and discuss the British Army and its relevance to society, from fashion and films to flood defences and conflict.

The refurbishment, which took three years to complete and included £11.5m from The National Lottery, has also given the museum a front door directly on to the road and it hopes the changes will increase visitor numbers from the 247,000 before it closed to 340,000 a year. 

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

Interest in creating natural effects on metal continues to grow and Powdertech Corby has launched a brand-new range of 72 shades to keep abreast of this trend.

The new coatings, aptly named Evolution, form part of the company’s unique Collections range of high-performance powder coatings. In the natural environment, oxidation occurs on the

surface of metals such as copper and bronze, creating beautiful patinas.

Attractive though the patinas are, the metal itself is not protected; it is being oxidised and therefore its strength

and other inherent properties are compromised. Evolution offers the best of both worlds – stunningly unusual, natural-looking surfaces produced by high-performance polyester resin powder coatings which give excellent weather and abrasion protection to the metal.

Evolution finishes are tactile with a thickness in excess of 80 microns and have gloss levels of 10 to 40% (dependent on the finish) which show excellent gloss retention.

Colour retention tests demonstrate high UV light stability with a Delta E change of between two and eight units after two years of natural exposure conditions. After rain, there is no staining of surrounding materials unlike natural oxidation products which leach from the oxidised metal.

Evolution can be applied to most metal substrates including aluminium, mild steel and galvanised steel. The powders are all Qualicoat Class 1-approved and a 25-year guarantee is offered in conjunction with Powdertech standard terms. The versatility of Evolution makes it suitable for external and internal fabrications, ranging from large facade panels, to small decorative elements.

Focus & Innovation

Powder coatings continue to evolve

 www.powdertechcorby.co.uk  pcl@powdertech.co.uk  01536 400890

Harmonious design and functionality combine to create Geberit Smyle Part of the five-series-strong Geberit Bathroom Collection, Geberit Smyle offers quality, attention to detail and ease of installation in one smart range.

From wall-hung ceramics through to clever storage solutions, Geberit Smyle encourages an efficient use of space, even in compact settings such as the en-suite or cloakroom. Flexibility of design is central to Geberit Smyle, with washbasins available in various widths, with or without tap holes and as double or hand rinse basins, offering a suitable solution for all requirements in the modern bathroom.

Furniture in the Geberit Smyle series is just as comprehensive, with cabinets in various sizes.

 www.geberit-collection.co.uk

 enquiries@geberit.co.uk

 01926 516800

BoilerMag Secures Level 2 BIM compliance BoilerMag has secured Building Information Modelling Level 2 compliance for its range of XT industrial heating system filters. BIM drawings can be downloaded for all sizes of the industrial BoilerMag XT on the BoilerMag website. Aimed at industry professionals including architects, specifiers and building consultants, BIM drawings of the industrial BoilerMag XT can be quickly and easily downloaded from the BoilerMag website. Ideal for large heating systems, the BoilerMag XT prevents the build-up of ferrous oxide and scale in central heating systems, and is available in sizes from 2 to 12".

 www.boilermag.com

 service@boilermag.com

 0114 225 0624

Complete flooring solution for sheltered housing Heckmondwike, one of the UK’s leading fibre bonded carpet and carpet tile manufacturers, is now offering a complete solution for the care sector through its Pure Care and Total Care ranges. Pure Care and Total Care are ideally suited to healthcare environments or sheltered housing, whether that be communal areas, corridors or bedrooms. Both types of carpet feature an impervious backing and are highly resistant to staining and bleach and are extremely durable.

They are also manufactured to meet all relevant flammability tests. Available in 4m widths, these carpets are very easy to fit and offer low installation costs. They also offer antistatic properties.

 www.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk  sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk  01924 406161

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Focus & Innovation

A NEW CARE HOME IN SCOTLAND HAS USED ARMSTRONG’S DGS SYSTEM

Designed for strength, but using 15% less steel, the CE-Marked Drywall Grid system utilises Armstrong’s popular T-shaped grids and can easily incorporate service elements such as light fixtures

A suspended grid system from Armstrong Ceiling Solutions, that subcontractors have found supremely quick to install, has been used on a building forming part of a council’s biggest-ever capital investment programme.

3500m of S ome Armstrong’s DGS (Drywall 2

Grid System) was specified for the new state-of-the-art £13m new Dumbarton Care Home, designed by Cooper Cromar Architects for West Dumbarton Council in conjunction with hub West Scotland, its development partner.

The DGS suspension system for plasterboard ceilings gives specifiers the option to use as a standalone, wall-to-wall or in combination with Armstrong tiles and Axiom perimeter systems as a fully compatible solution. It is available in three versions – standard for typical flat installations, faceted for curved and domed ceilings of any radius, and shortspan for smaller areas such as corridors.

Designed for strength, but using 15% less steel, the CEMarked Drywall Grid system utilises Armstrong’s popular T-shaped grids and can easily

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incorporate service elements such as light fixtures, access panels and air diffusers or ventilation systems.

At Dumbarton Care Home the standard system has been used throughout the 23,000m2 brick and block building on the site of the former Crosslet House alongside other Armstrong systems for exposed ceilings to give the project a complete wall-to-wall ceiling solution.

It complements a total of more than 1400m2 of Armstrong’s 600 x 600mm Bioguard Plain board tiles with 24mm exposed grid to the back of house and staff areas and all toilets/changing areas, as well as Armstrong’s 600 x 600mm Optima Vector tiles with 24mm exposed grid to the high-level main entrance area, and Armstrong’s 1200 x 300mm metal Bioguard Plain tiles with acoustic fleece to all corridor areas within DGS plasterboard margins.

The new care home comprises 84 residential bedrooms grouped in domestically-scaled seven-bedroom clusters. These are arranged in house groups to provide 56 ground-floor

and 28 first-floor bedrooms.

It also incorporates steelframed day care facilities for 50 people, along with associated access, parking and communal/ courtyard landscaping.

The Armstrong systems were installed by specialist sub-contractor Brian Hendry Interiors, a member of Armstrong’s Green Omega network of sustainably-certified installers, for main contractor Morgan Sindall.

Managing Director, Brian Hendry, said: “Armstrong’s DGS is without a doubt a good product and compared to a traditional MF system the installation time is reduced, with basically one of the MF installation elements removed completely.”

He explained that other MF (metal framework) systems involve hangers, a primary channel and a support section beneath which the plasterboard is screwed to. But Armstrong’s system only involves hangers, main bars and cross tees which the plasterboard is screwed to.

“As well as a shorter installation time than other systems, the grid is easily altered to accommodate any service requirements and if Armstrong Lay-In ceilings were also a part of the installation, Armstrong could warranty the full project. It also makes for easier prefab-style make-up of window bulkhead details.” 

 www.armstrongceilings.co.uk  salessupport@armstrong.com  0800 371849

The DGS suspension system for plasterboard ceilings gives specifiers the option to use as a standalone, wall-to-wall or in combination with Armstrong tiles and Axiom perimeter systems as a fully compatible solution

Focus & Innovation

New Evinox ModuSat XR takes HIU efficiency to another level Evinox has extended its best-selling range of ModuSat heat interface units with the introduction of the new ModuSat XR and ModuSat XR- ECO Twin Plate models.

Providing both indirect space heating and domestic hot water, ModuSat XR units are ideal for use in modern, efficient district and communal heat networks. All units deliver fast, dynamic domestic hot water response, and the ModuSat XR-ECO models also provide ultra-low DHW return temperatures to the primary heat network.

With extensive experience in the design and application of HIUs across thousands of UK-wide installations, Evinox has made significant advances in the performance of its latest range, aiming to help improve the overall efficiency of heat networks, whilst retaining high levels of user satisfaction and comfort levels.

An overriding requirement for many consulting engineers involved in the design and specification of communal or district

heating systems is to ensure abundant and responsive supply of domestic hot water.

This goes hand-in-hand with residents expecting consistent and safe hot water at the tap.

“There is strong evidence that speed of hot water delivery is a key requirement for residents living in homes operating on communal and district heating schemes,” comments Emma Alexander, Evinox Energy Marketing Manager. “The ability to be able to deliver abundant hot water quickly, while at the same time ensuring the efficiency of the heat network is not compromised, is a key challenge for heat network designers and HIU manufacturers, so the improved performance of the new ModuSat range is an important step forward in this area.”

McAvoy to showcase latest advancements in off-site construction at Healthcare Estates 2017 The McAvoy Group will be presenting its range of off-site solutions and latest innovations at Healthcare Estates 2017.

Specialists will be available throughout the exhibition and conference to assist health service providers, architects and contractors considering the use of off-site construction, to expand capacity more efficiently. The new finance package is a response to increasingly constrained capital budgets across the NHS. It will allow trusts to increase capacity using off-site construction with a highly flexible operating lease option. This funding solution has low set-up costs, and is accounted for as revenue expenditure, spread over the life of the lease.

 www.mcavoygroup.com

 info@mcavoygroup.com

 0288 774 0372

Consort Claudgen launches Landlord Control Heating system Consort Claudgen’s RXLC Landlord Control Heating system is an ideal heating system for student accommodation, hotels or anywhere where a central control unit is required to control the temperature of all heaters in a building or rooms. It consists of an MRXLC controller and one or more CRXLC controllers connected to Consort’s RX heaters. The MRXLC can control any number of CRXLC depending on the building construction. It sets the same seven-day programme with six time settings per day for all CRXLC controllers. Room occupants can temporarily adjust the room temperature on the CRXLC for a predetermined length of time before the CRXLC reverts to the programmed temperature.

 www.consortepl.com

 sales@consortepl.com

 01646 692172

 www.evinoxenergy.co.uk  info@evinoxenergy.co.uk  01372 722277

The only shower solution Taplanes’ OMEGA is 'the' solution to leaky showers, wobbly shower trays, cracked tiles, black grout and yellow ceilings. It replaces the 2'6" tray of choice and is available in dozens of shapes and hundreds of sizes. The prefabricated cubicle is made from 12mm robust polypropylene – an inert material, meaning it will not harbour bacteria and mould – with sealed welded joints and comes with a 25-year guarantee. 100% watertight, OMEGA boasts sectional construction for easy access, installed via existing doors, is maintenance free and easy to clean as well as being recyclable and structurally indpendent. For more information on Taplanes' OMEGA shower solution, please visit the company's website.

 www.taplanes.co.uk  admin@taplanes.co.uk  01423 771645

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Focus & Innovation

New Sarnafil Plus CPD for ever-changing industry Sika Sarnafil has launched a new and improved ‘Successful Roof Refurbishment’ Continual Professional Development (CPD) seminar, aimed at those looking to specify highperformance products for roof renovations.

Created by the experts at Sarnafil Plus, the company’s specialist refurbishment offer, the interactive RICS-approved CPD has been updated specifically to aid specifiers, including

roof failure, investigation methods, compliance with efficiency regulations, system options and how to specify the best materials for a project.

The CPD can be combined with a live demonstration where attendees are shown the various Sarnafil waterproofing systems being installed and get the chance to try their hand at welding the membrane themselves.

Head of Sales for Single Ply Membranes at Sika, John O’Raw, explains why Sarnafil Plus chose to upgrade and improve the CPD: “With the refurbishment market growing fast we noticed that building managers, FMs, architects and surveyors were increasingly seeking out the latest information about regulations and roofing systems. We’re dedicated to supporting these specifiers in an ever-changing industry, so an update was essential to provide the highest quality educational material to meet those needs.

“The CPD provides attendees with invaluable knowledge about current legislation and regulations, including British Standards, EU Standards, energy efficiency requirements as set out in Part L and BREEAM assessments, as well as learning about our newly available site inspection and supervision tool.”

building surveyors, facilities managers and building managers, in their decision-making process. The CPD contains vital up-to-date information on how to identify the causes of

 gbr.sarnafil.sika.com  sarnafilroofing@uk.sika.com  01707 394444

Bostik signs sponsorship deal with the Isthmian Football League

Setcrete products used to refurbish scout building

The Isthmian Football League has been rebranded as The Bostik League in a new two-year deal. Bostik has a longstanding relationship with grassroots football. This includes its ongoing sponsorship of The Northern Premier League and Southern Football League under its well-known EVO-STIK brand. Commenting on the deal, Dale Poulton, Commercial Director of Bostik UK, said: “By working closely with the league, we’re confident the new deal will help us achieve great things for the Bostik brand.” The league’s three divisions will be known as the Bostik Premier, the Bostik North and the Bostik South, with the company’s branding being introduced into grounds, shirts, websites and other collateral.

 www.bostik.co.uk

 customer.service@bostik.com

Products from Setcrete’s range of highperformance flooring products have been used in a scout building conversion project in Crewe. Setcrete Acrylic Primer was applied over the entire subfloor. Builders then applied Setcrete High Performance levelling compound over 80m2 of the floor which was to remain as a wearing surface and is a fibre-reinforced, flexible, fast-drying floor levelling compound suitable for use over a wide variety of subfloors including plywood, concrete and sand/cement screeds. The remaining 20m2 of subfloor was covered with Setcrete Latex, to prepare the subfloor to receive vinyl and carpet tiles.

 www.setcrete.co.uk  contact@setcrete.co.uk  01538 361633

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 01785 272625

Polyflor’s Forest fx flooring collection is growing Vinyl flooring manufacturer, Polyflor, has added new woodeffect designs to its relaunched Forest fx PUR flooring collection, incorporating the latest commercial interior trends into one of its most popular sheet vinyl ranges. The expanded 18-design heterogeneous collection features nine exciting new shades, including two parquet-effect designs for creating dramatic statement floors as well as a selection of contemporary grey-toned oaks and rustic wood designs which add variety to the collection. These on-trend authentic wood effects have been created by Polyflor’s design development team who incorporate intricate grain detail and natural tones into each floorcovering.

 www.polyflor.com

 info@polyflor.com

 0161 767 1111

The Grade II Listed building located in Manchester City Centre is being refurbished to provide Grade A office space, retail and leisure facilities. Constructed in 1905, the interior walls had accumulated a thick build-up of dust, dirt, polish and even nicotine residue, all of which needed to be removed. Following trials of various products, Remmers' Arte Mundit Eco was selected as it is a self-vulcanising cleaning paste designed for thorough, water-free removal of residues and soiling on a wide range of substrates. The Arte Mundit Eco was applied using a 4" brush and left to ‘set’ overnight. The set rubber-like material was then removed by hand the following day revealing the original white marble finish.

Offsite Solutions wins award commendation Offsite Solutions has received an industry award commendation at this year’s Offsite Construction Awards for its latest innovation – demountable GRP bathroom pods. This advancement in bathroom pod technology, developed for buildings with restricted access, was highly commended in the ‘Product Innovation of the Year’ category. The Offsite Construction Awards reward outstanding examples of prefabrication and factory-based products and systems, which are helping to create a better built environment – more sustainably, cost-effectively and with greater efficiency. Demountable bathroom pods radically reduce work on site, and offer the superior and consistent quality of factorybuilt bathrooms. Eight GRP pods can be reassembled on site in just one day with a three-person team.

 www.offsitesolutions.com  info@offsitesolutions.com  01278 780807

 www.remmers.co.uk

 sales@remmers.co.uk

Focus & Innovation

Hanover building unveiled by Remmers

 01293 594010

Aico launches informative video collection As part of its ongoing commitment to providing the very best customer support, Aico – a market leader in residential fire and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in the UK – has created a 15-part series of short informative videos. Presented by key Aico personnel, including National Technical Manager, Martyn Walley, the new collection of videos has been designed to provide customers with a range of educational and practical advice.

The videos address subjects such as standards, regulations, best practice, the latest Aico alarm technology such as AudioLINK data extraction and step-by-step guides to the most frequently asked questions, including how to test an alarm and how to change a battery.

 www.aico.co.uk

 enquiries@aico.co.uk

 01691 664100

New Snickers Workwear catalogue The 148-page catalogue has all you need to know about the world’s leading range of working clothes for professional tradesmen and women. This workwear will work hard on site all year round, whatever the working environment you’re in. Whatever trade you’re in, there’s something for you in the Snickers range – work trousers, work jackets, tool vests, shirts, underwear, accessories and tool carriers – plus an extensive range of PPE workwear. Plus the most innovative layered clothing system that ensures you can choose clothes to suit the weather on site – rain or shine, wind or snow.

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

The Solid Gear safety shoe that will put a real spring in your step The Revolution Infinity from Solid Gear is a revolutionary safety shoe. There’s endless cushioning and comfort with a ‘bounce back’ mid-sole which gives a 55% ‘energy return’ that will put a real spring in your step to reduce fatigue and stress on your back, legs and feet. The shoe’s stretchable upper with Cordura is water-resistant with amazing breathability, fit and flexibility. It has a non-slip sole and a composite midsole. It also has a heel counter for foot stability as well as newly-developed NANO toecap. It’s 40% stronger than fiberglass, lighter than other materials and thinner than other non-metallic toe-caps.

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

weberfloor – the only flooring products for Weber HQ refurbishment Major refurbishment is underway at the SaintGobain Weber HQ in Flitwick, Bedfordshire, where weberfloor products are being used.

The work involves renovation of 240m² of industrial and commercial floor space. The Flitwick warehouse project involves the demolition of the old training workshop to make way for a new product storage area.

Here, the floor area has been pretreated and primed with weberfloor 4716 primer which is designed for use on all substrates prior to application of weberfloor products to achieve a thin but tight membrane. It regulates the porosity of the substrate and improves adhesion while reducing the formation of pinholes in the levelling layer.

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

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

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

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

Highly abrasion and stain resistant Highly slip resistant ; R11 and achieved up to +65 wet in the BS pendulum test Lightweight – 45kgs per m2 High load bearing and impact resistance Timber & stone effects; 40+ finishes available

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

e: info@thedecktileco.co.uk

Completely non porous Ideal for balconies, roof terraces and piazzas, for both commercial and residential use Frost proof Height-adjustable supports from 9mm up to 550mm