22 minute read
Product Showcase
DR. SCHUTZ PU SEALER – MAKING LONGER-LASTING FLOORING
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Dr. Schutz, the German floor care company, offers PU Sealer, an innovative solution that quickly and easily transforms tired, damaged or old floors, at a fraction of the time and cost of an entire floor replacement.
As well as renovating any floor with a fresh and lasting finish, PU Sealer offers added protection for flooring areas prone to heavy traffic. Such areas with a high foot volume tend to wear very quickly when they don’t have a hard-wearing product applied. Not only can this cost money, but it can be a time-consuming issue to fix. By applying the PU Sealer, flooring can be kept in a great condition for many years.
The water-based, eco-friendly PU Sealer can be applied to most types of flooring, including vinyl, tiled and epoxy resin. Adding 40 microns of protective thickness to floors, PU Sealer extends the lifespan by up to six times and provides a lasting, clear matt finish. Thanks to the permanent sealing, it protects against friction and discolouration from chemical spillages.
Due to the product’s special water-based substance, the PU Sealer also reduces dirt adhesion and the time needed for day-to-day maintenance.
MAPEI SPECIFIED FOR NEW STATEOF-THE-ART BIRMINGHAM MATERNITY SUITE
Works to a brand-new, state-of-the-art maternity suite at a hospital in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, have now been completed, with Mapei products used exclusively for the installation of vinyl and safety flooring.
Following a site visit to the Fothergill Building, the existing substrate to the main area of the fourth floor was identified as a concrete slab overlaid with an old levelling compound and vinyl flooring adhesive residues. As the concrete substrate was generally solid and sound, work began to mechanically remove the existing smoothing compound and adhesive residues. Once cleaned and vacuumed, the prepared substrate was primed with Mapei’s solventfree, acrylic-based Eco Prim T Plus, diluted with one part to two parts of clean water. Mapei’s two-part cementbased smoothing and levelling compound, Latexplan No Ammonia, was then applied to infill areas. These areas were also primed with Mapei Eco Prim T Plus; this adhesion promoter encourages inter-coat bonding, and its low odour made it the ideal choice of primer.
To ensure lower sections of the substrate met existing floor levels, Mapei Latexplan No Ammonia was applied, followed by a third application of Mapei Eco Prim T Plus to the entire floor. A third and final application of Mapei Latexplan No Ammonia was then applied to ensure the subfloor was completely level, and to provide a single, constant floor to receive the vinyl floorcoverings – something that was essential, given the hospital setting. Once the substrate was prepared, Sheldon Flooring – working for main contractor E Manton – installed Polyflor Expona Flow for a contemporary finish. The vinyl sheets were bonded with Mapei Ultrabond Eco VS90 Plus, a hightemperature universal acrylicbased adhesive with very low VOC that is ideal for use with most resilient floorcoverings.
The substrate within the en-suites was terrazzo tiles that were solidly bonded and laid to a slight fall which accommodated drainage. The substrate was mechanically abraded, and once prepared, it was primed with Mapei Eco Prim T Plus. Mapei Latexplan No Ammonia was then applied to ensure a completely smooth surface. High-performance, one-component polymer-silylate adhesive Mapei Ultrabond Eco MS 4 LVT was used to install heavy-duty wetroom safety flooring Polysafe Quattro, specifically designed to provide a high degree of slip resistance in continually wet areas.
The utility rooms were installed with Polysafe Vogue Ultra vinyl flooring, which was fixed with Mapei Ultrabond Eco VS90 Plus, a Mapei adhesive suitable for resilient floorcoverings, and ideal for areas subjected to static and dynamic loads.
Following the completed work, Contracts Manager at Sheldon Flooring, Dirk Baker, said: “From start to finish, Mapei provided an excellent service, backed up by products you can trust.”
www.mapei.com 0121 508 6970 info@mapei.co.uk
FORMICA DOOR COLLECTION – WHERE STYLE MEETS DURABILITY
Formica Group has launched a refreshed range of designs with its Formica Door Collection.
The Formica Door Collection encapsulates a refined selection of eye-catching colours and wood decors and tactile surface finishes into high-pressure laminate (HPL). HPL is the perfect material to meet the demanding design and surface performance requirements for architectural doors in today’s modern commercial and residential environments.
Formica Group has carefully considered the most suitable and useable designs and decors for door design; introducing 15 new ‘colors’, all available in Matte58 texture, and four selected ‘colors’ now available in Naturelle and Linewood textures to present wood detailing on colour. The Formica Door Collection has truly been inspired by nature and introduces 20 new wood decors in a variety of textures, matched to best suit each wood design. Nina Bailey, European Design Lead at Formica Group, comments: “The updated Formica Door Collection has been refined and designed to contain the most suitable and useable designs and decors for door application. The collection contains the full Formica ‘colors’ offering, as well as a range of woodgrains and a small selection of patterns. When selecting the products for the doors range, we really considered the aesthetical qualities that a door brings to a space. Doors are not only functional fixtures to close-off spaces and to provide an entrance and exit, they are a key part of the overall interior design and can often be the finishing touch to creating a crisp and refined look.”
Style meets durability
The inherent properties of Formica HPL means the Formica Door Collection is highly resistant to stains, impact, scratches and moisture, is hygienic and easy to maintain. The result is a collection offering surfaces with the strength and durability to ensure the beauty of the door remains intact over time, providing an alternative solution to a painted door, wood or veneer, composite or PVC.
Sheet sizes
The variety of sheet sizes available provides architects and designers with the freedom and flexibility to incorporate a mix of standard and bespoke door sizes specific to the needs of the project. The Formica Door Collection is just as suitable for specification in hospital or educational environments, where often wider and taller doors are required. Sheet to sheet consistency will ensure doors match throughout an interior. Available in four sheet sizes as standard, sheets are available in the following dimensions: 2150 x 950mm, 2350 x 950mm, 2350 x 1300mm and 3050 x 1300mm. Sheet size variety, and the versatility of laminate, also allows additional elements, such as furniture and wall cladding, to be produced and matched to the doors in order to carry a theme throughout an interior scheme.
DAYLIGHT ENHANCES WELLBEING AND LEARNING
THE IMPORTANCE OF SPECIFYING THE CORRECT FLOOR FOR DANCE AND DANCE EDUCATION
At a time when the health and wellbeing of students has never been more important, the use of daylight in educational facilities can be a hugely beneficial way to maximise student performance and productivity, whilst at the same time helping to lower a building’s energy use.
Whether you are specifying a dance floor for the world’s leading dance companies or for classes in schools, colleges or universities, the same fundamental criteria apply. Wherever a student chooses to study dance, it is important to make sure that the learning environment is equipped to professional standards with sprung floors, mirrors and barres.
By introducing rooflights, including domes, vaults, pitched skylights or panel glazing systems, it is possible to deliver resilient and future-proofed educational spaces that encourage learning, concentration and positive student behaviour.
Partnering with local authorities, architects and schools, Brett Martin has a deep understanding of the specific requirements of the education sector. Providing expert, impartial technical advice on rooflight specification, the manufacturer’s team has access to the widest choice of rooflight products available, in the full range of glazing materials. An intuitive and experienced technical team ensure compliance with Part L and help to achieve higher BREEAM ratings. At the Tauheedul Islam Boys High School, in Blackburn, a range of rooflight solutions from Brett Martin are helping to deliver exceptional levels of daylight into the school and sports hall whilst reducing demand for electric lighting, lowering CO2 emissions and running costs.
For the sports hall, a specialist, high-performance glass was required, which led to the specification of Glass Link modular rooflights. This flat glass rooflight system maximises daylight through large glazed areas and minimal framework, meeting the requirement for high light transmission and thermal performance.
Brett Martin not only designs a wide range of systems to deliver optimum performance, durability, safety and adherence to regulations and standards, it provides superior technical support, detailed installation instructions and maintenance guidelines to ensure systems perform as promised and work alongside all other roofing elements.
The specification and installation of the Marvault and Glass Link rooflights at Tauheedul Islam Boys High School flood the communal areas and sports hall with high-quality, natural daylight and are playing a crucial role in both the aesthetic and thermal performance of the school.
Choosing the correct dance surface is vital for dancers’ health, safety and artistic performance. All sprung floors are not the same, and understanding the differences between various types of floors available is important.
Experts in biomechanics have established a clear link between the quality of a dance floor and the likelihood of injury, demonstrating that a floor with a consistent response and the correct degree of ‘traction’ is vital. Dance creates impact energy. If the energy generated is returned to the body, it can result in an array of joint problems, sprains, fractures, knee problems and tendonitis. Lower-limb problems, such as tendonitis, ‘shin splints’, knee pain and ankle strain, can all be attributed to incorrectly specified sprung floors and can take several weeks of physical therapy and recovery time to correct. A dance floor that is impact absorbent and provides lateral foot support is essential.
Ensure correct specification
Harlequin is a global brand leader for sprung and vinyl performance floors and has an enviable portfolio of dance and education clients from top universities and dance schools to the world’s leading dance companies, including the Royal Opera House and Royal Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, Houston Ballet and New Zealand Ballet. Harlequin has over 45 years’ experience manufacturing, supplying and installing professional performance floors and offers a wide range of sprung floor systems and vinyl performance floors to meet every requirement.
For further information and advice about how to specify the right dance floor for your needs, please talk to Harlequin’s technical team using the below contact details.
EXTERIOR OSMO FINISHES
Most homes have wood of some sort in their garden, be it decking, door and window frames, sheds, cladding and fencing. Wood has the ability to shrink, crack, peel and discolour – all things that will leave the surface looking old and tired. External wood requires a finish to provide UV protection in the summer and protection against wind, rain, frost and snow in the winter months.
Sun protection for wood
Suitable for cladding, summer houses, fences, windows, doors and furniture
UV-Protection-Oil Tints is essential for exterior wood as it provides 12 times the UV protection in comparison to untreated wood. Designed to protect, maintain and restore all types of wood from the effects of the environment, it not only protects the wood surface, but also enhances the natural look of the wood and will prevent damage. It is moisture regulating and reduces swelling and shrinking of the wood. This product overcomes the need for a heavy stain or a flaking varnish to keep wood looking natural.
It’s only natural
Suitable for cladding, summer houses, fences, doors, windows, carports and decking
Natural Oil Woodstain provides a decorative and protective finish for all exterior wood. It offers a high-quality finish that allows the wood to breathe and reduces the risk of swelling and shrinkage. Acting as a protection against all weather conditions, it prevents mould, algae and fungal decay, as well ensuring the wood doesn’t crack, flake, peel or blister. Osmo also offers an ‘effect’ range to provide attractive silver/metallic tones. Meeting modern architectural demands, these finishes are designed to give the natural greying effect, with added silver metallic pigments.
Pop of colour
Suitable for cladding, balconies, windows, fences, pergolas, garden furniture and summer houses
Available in 19 shades, Country Colour promises premium durability and a rich colour, hiding the natural colour and grain of the wood yet maintaining the wood’s natural texture. The solution not only rejuvenates the wood but leaves it protected against the unpredictable British weather. It can be applied to a range of wood species, including oily and exotic materials. Requiring only two coats, it can be applied using a roller or brush and has an approximate drying time of eight to 10 hours.
www.osmouk.com 01296 481220 info@osmouk.com
AN EDUCATION ON EXTERIOR LAMINATE
ROBUST ANTI-LIGATURE TV CABINET OFFERS PROTECTION AND PEACE OF MIND
The new classroom extension to Hob Hill Primary School in Rugeley has been completed using MEG Exterior grade cladding in 781 Ash and 1831 Grey.
Tough Furniture’s anti-ligature TV cabinet was introduced in 2014, to fulfil a need for secure TV cabinets in mental health settings. Standard television cabinets aren’t designed to withstand the demands of a mental health facility, particularly when it comes to ligature reduction, and the use of specially-designed equipment is highly recommended in such settings.
Designed by Seymour Harris Architecture and installed by Tetraclad, the extension encompasses new classrooms and staffroom increasing capacity at this Ofsted-highly-rated CofE and Methodist primary school in the West Midlands.
The clever use of Ash woodgrain-effect laminate fabricated into planks offset against the darker grey boards which stand proud of the face contrast well together. MEG carries a BBA Agrément certificate and F1 panels from 6mm and thicker are rated Class B-s1, d0.
This scheme is a perfect example of MEG in action where the need for high performance and durability is married up with low lifecycle costs and aesthetic design. Recent site surveys on several schools a decade after installation have highlighted the remarkable weatherability of MEG with the panels looking the same as when first installed.
The range comprises 58 colours and 29 woodgrains together with five concrete- and metal-effect finishes. MEG is also able to incorporate Abet’s digital printing technology. This means that almost any design, photograph or pattern can be reproduced in stunning detail to give architects and designers unparalleled freedom to create unusual and dramatic building facades. MEG is a self-supporting high-pressure laminate (HPL) for cladding the exterior of buildings, balconies and other applications. It features high resistance to temperature, climate shock, weathering, UV light and impact. Furthermore, its chemical-resistant nature and closed structure do not allow paint in spray cans, various inks, emulsion paints, lipstick or pastel paints to penetrate into the decorative layer. This negates the need for any antigraffiti treatment and makes the surface easy to clean.
Historically, many secure TV cabinets are manufactured in metal, plastic or compact-grade laminate to increase durability – however, in modern mental healthcare settings that emphasise recovery over restraint, products made from these materials are often seen as being overly institutional and intimidating. Given these constraints, Tough Furniture’s natural woodgrains and curved lines are designed to make for a more welcoming aesthetic, contributing to a more pleasant environment all round. Safety has not been forgotten however, and the high-specification build quality of the unit not only allows for a robust lifespan, but also allows for further reduction in ligature risk by encapsulating all plugs, sockets and wires in the body of the cabinet. Anti-ligature TV cabinets can be fitted neatly to the wall, allowing for the most efficient use of space, aiding a clutter-free, calming environment. An anti-ligature TV cabinet is the ideal solution for mental health care settings that want to maintain the safety of the individuals who call them home, without developing an overly restrictive, institutional feel to the environment. As one of the UK’s longest-established specialist manufacturers of furniture for challenging environments, Tough Furniture offers a wide range of sizes and colours, and is also able to offer bespoke sizing on request.
FOCUS & INNOVATION A NEW GENERATION OF LIBRARIES DEFINED BY COPPER
Nordic Brown Light pre-oxidised copper cladding, in the form of large shingles and vertical fins structuring glazing, creates a strong civic identity for the expanded and remodelled library in Kirkkonummi, Finland.
Known as Fyyri, the revitalised building exemplifies a new generation of Finnish libraries, which its architect, JKMM, has been active in shaping. These new libraries are conceived as vibrant, multipurpose facilities at the heart of communities that still retain the core concept of places for reading, research and learning.
Redefining the library typology
As JKMM Founding Partner, Teemu Kurkela, explains: “The library typology in Finland has changed. They are no longer solely about books, but also getting together to share knowledge and experiences through multiple channels. They are not unlike community halls, which is why Finns today refer to libraries as public living rooms.”
Fyyri is a sustainable, adaptive re-use of the original 1980s concrete library building, utilising its embodied carbon. JKMM has remodelled it and doubled its size, introducing new spaces for community uses, such as toddler groups, youth clubs, exhibitions, events and performances. They also completely redesigned the interiors, finished throughout with white walls alongside
©Tuomas Uusheimo
slatted timber walls and ceilings, integrating the original concrete column structure.
Nordic Brown Light skin
Externally, the new library is clad in Nordic Brown Light preoxidised copper, enwrapping the building and giving it a unity and strong presence as a civic landmark. Teemu says: “The neighbouring Medieval church has a distinctive green copper roof, and we created a dialogue between the old and the new. The library and church are both accessible to all, and we wanted this feeling of openness to be part of the architectural language of our design.
“For the library, we sought a material that expresses the valuable role of the building: to respect knowledge. Libraries have a very long lifespan, so it is sustainable to use a facade material with an exceptionally long life. Copper is, of course, a material befitting public buildings and has a particularly tactile quality with a unique sense of warmth. It is an inherently timeless material that ages beautifully and we expect the library to look even better in 50 years.”
Nordic Brown provides the same oxidised brown surface that otherwise develops over time in the environment. The thickness of the oxide layer determines the colour of the surface finish, with darker or lighter (Nordic Brown Light) shades of brown. Nordic Brown Light gradually changes over time to a stable dark chocolate brown.
©Marc Goodwin FOCUS & INNOVATION
©Tuomas Uusheimo
FOCUS & INNOVATION Unified by materiality
At Fyyri, Nordic Brown Light copper is used in several architectural forms – unified by their materiality – notably, distinctive shingles generating diagonal wave-like patterns. Teemu adds: “Both the interior and exterior of the library are inspired by the traditional life of fishermen surrounding Kirkkonummi, as well as Finnish nature – common themes in our work. The shingle patterns bring to mind images of fishing nets, particularly fitting for a city with an extensive and beautiful coastline and maritime heritage.
“The copper shingles are at the same time functional, modern and timeless. Previously, we used similar Nordic Brown Light shingles to clad our extension to Alvar Aalto’s landmark Seinäjoki Library. But at Kirkkonummi, we used slightly larger shingles to make the pattern stronger and arranged them at a more dynamic angle.”
Living copper surfaces
As well as Nordic Brown, the extensive Nordic Copper range also includes Nordic Standard ‘mill finish’ plus Nordic Blue, Nordic Green and the latest Nordic Turquoise, developed with properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas all over the world. As well as the solid patina colours, ‘Living’ surfaces are available for each colour with other intensities of patina flecks revealing some of the dark oxidised background material.
Copper alloys are growing in popularity as well, including Nordic Bronze and Nordic Brass – which can also be supplied pre-weathered.
The innovative Nordic Royal is an alloy of copper with aluminium and zinc, giving it a rich golden through-colour and making it very stable. It has a thin protective oxide layer containing all three alloy elements when produced. As a result, the surface retains its golden colour and simply loses some of its sheen over time, as the oxide layer thickens with exposure to the atmosphere to give a matt finish.
A growing series of ‘copper stories’ building studies exemplify the best in contemporary architecture and showcase the diversity of surfaces, forms and applications available with Nordic Copper today.
©Tuomas Uusheimo
©Marc Goodwin
ROCKWOOL EXPANDS CPD PROGRAMME WITH ONDEMAND MODULES NEW ROCKWOOL RED BOOK RELEASED
Responding to the growing trend towards self-directed professional development opportunities, ROCKWOOL has enhanced its CPD programme with the addition of on-demand modules at www. rockwool.com/uk/on-demand. The new option makes professional development more accessible than ever by giving users the opportunity to complete CPDs at a place and time of their choosing. The on-demand CPDs complement the wider CPD programme, where all modules can be accessed through presentations hosted by a member of the ROCKWOOL Specification Team in person or virtually. The full suite of ROCKWOOL CPDs can now be accessed according to user preference, with further support available at any time. The ondemand solution launches with four topics initially, providing practical insights and knowledge on current legislation, product performance and best practice for fire safety. The on-demand range is applicable to the main areas of the building envelope, specifically facades and roofs, and features the CPDs: Fire Safety and Tall Building Facades; A-Rated Products; Building Envelope; and Compartmentation.
A 2021 version of the ROCKWOOL Red Book has now been released, capturing a series of key technical updates to ensure that this interactive guide to stone-wool insulation will continue to save specifiers time and make it simple to identify the right product for facade, wall, floor and roof applications. Launched last year in an all-new interactive format, the ROCKWOOL Red Book is a powerful digital tool which provides access to technical data, product certification and a wide range of specification support materials across the ROCKWOOL product range. One of the major updates for 2021 is the inclusion of British Board of Agrément (BBA) certification for the ROCKWOOL HARDROCK range of flat roofing products. “Our customers tell us that the ROCKWOOL Red Book is their go-to guide to specify insulation. We’re continually improving this as a practical guide that’s easy to use and saves customers time. We want to ensure it remains relevant and accurate,” comments Paul Barrett, Head of Product Management at ROCKWOOL.
F. BALL DELIVERS FLAWLESS FLOORING FOR LABORATORY
Stopgap subfloor preparation products from F. Ball and Co. and the company’s Styccobond F44 acrylic adhesive have been used to create a laboratorystandard flooring finish at a new facility for international laboratories operator, Tentamus Group, at Pride Park in Derbyshire. Contractors from JDF Flooring used F. Ball’s dual-purpose Stopgap Fill and Prime and Stopgap 1200 Pro levelling compound to prepare 1500m² of metal raised access panels over two floors before installing vinyl sheet safety flooring throughout. The upper floor was partitioned to create multiple laboratories. Contractors then used F. Ball’s Styccobond F44 acrylic adhesive to install Polyflor Polysafe Standard PUR heavy-duty vinyl safety flooring.
SIKA’S MONOTOP® SYSTEM RAISES STANDARDS IN SUSTAINABLE, LONG-TERM CONCRETE REPAIR
Sika has launched a new concrete repair solution that provides greater long-term protection for buildings and sets a new standard for low environmental impact concrete by significantly reducing CO2 emissions. Sika has invested in the trusted Sika MonoTop brand, which rewrites the rule book in terms of low-carbon concrete repair. With 45 million buildings in the UK alone thought to be in need of refurbishment in order to comply with regulation energy performance, Sika’s sustainable MonoTop range is the ideal repair solution for addressing such an issue. Its sustainable, reliable performance follows years of research by Sika’s technical teams, resulting in a proven, premier solution that compared to other concrete repair solutions, uses less carbon emissions.
www.sika.co.uk/sika-monotop 01707 363804
STOSILENT DISTANCE SYSTEM BRINGS PEACE AND QUIET TO THE PROF. LORD BHATTACHARYYA BUILDING
The need for carefully-designed and balanced acoustics within a vast, open space has led to an acoustic system from Sto being specified for a major automotive research and development centre in the Midlands. The StoSilent Distance system has been installed at the new Prof. Lord Bhattacharyya Building, home of the National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC), on the University of Warwick campus. Over 2000m2 of the StoSilent Distance system was installed around the curving balustrades and street-level ceilings, which feature in the multi-level atrium area. The StoSilent Distance system includes the Sto minimal void SW150 metal profile sub-construction which can be installed and adjusted to suit a very wide variety of application requirements, thus providing a tremendous range of design possibilities.
