Construction Update - February 2015 by Jet Digital Media Ltd

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE February 2015

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Construction Update February 2015

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Industry News February 2015

New year Markit/CIPS report indicates growth in construction The construction industry has seen a positive start to the year according to the latest Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report.

All three broad areas of construction activity picked up since December, according to the index, but in each case the rate of expansion was weaker than the peaks seen in 2014.

The Markit/CIPS index measures the rate of increase or decrease in the activity of purchasing managers and is measured on a 50 point mark, which separates growth from contraction.

Residential building was the best performing sub-category in January, with the latest survey marking two years of continuous expansion.

Output and new business growth picked up to 59.1 in January, up from the low of 57.6 in December, according to the report. The report authors said the results indicated that overall growth momentum rebounded since December, but was much weaker than the average for 2014 as a whole (61.8).

The data also indicated a rise in commercial construction and civil engineering activity following the decline recorded in December. However, the rate of job creation slipped to a 13-month low and construction firms’ assessment of the business outlook was the second-lowest seen since October 2013.

Construction output set to outstrip pre-recession peak but housing is expected to slow, says CPA

below the pre-recession peak, is forecast to grow 7.0% in 2016 and 5.0% in 2017.

Construction output is expected to surpass the pre-recession peak during the next 18 months according to the Construction Products Association (CPA).

Growth in total construction output, therefore, is expected to slow to 4.2% in 2015 and 3.4% in 2016.

The latest CPA figures predict that construction output will grow by 5.3% in 2015 and 17.8% by 2018. CPA economics director, Dr Noble Francis said this year’s industry growth is likely to be more broadbased rather than just led by private house building. The report forecasts private housing will rise 10.0% in 2015 and 20.2% by 2018, commercial offices construction is also expected to increase 8.0% in 2015 and 25.0% by 2018 and infrastructure activity is predicted to rise 7.9% in 2015 and 51.5% by 2018. However, the report also says private housebuilding growth is expected to slow from 10.0% this year to 5.0% in 2016 and 3.0% in 2017. In contrast, activity in the commercial offices sector, which is still 39.5%

Dr Noble Francis added: “The industry also has concerns regarding capacity constraints in the medium-term. Whilst output in the sector during 2014 was 8.5% below the level seen in 2007, overall capacity last year was not a key issue. However, construction output is forecast to surpass the pre-recession peak during the next 18 months, this despite the industry having lost 343,000 jobs and considerable materials capacity in the seven years following the financial crisis. As a result, it is essential that there is significant investment in UK construction skills and manufacturing over the next few years if the growth forecast is to be achieved.” The CPA added that growth is expected to slow in the mediumterm due to election uncertainty, leading to delays in contract awards and industry investment.

Report says lighting can improve staff wellbeing A recent report by Zumtobel has shown that tailored light can improve staff well-being. The company says that its long-term study, conducted in cooperation with the Fraunhofer IAO, has shown that the lighting in many offices often does not meet the requirements of the various groups of users. Lighting that is tailored to the needs of occupants has been shown to improve their wellbeing and make workplaces more attractive, according to the report. Simon Blazey, pre sales manager, Northern Europe for Tridonic said: “When asked, more than 50% of all employees would like individually adjustable lighting that they can tailor to their specific needs and to the requirements of changing work situations. The report says that well designed lighting enhances employee well-being, creates identity and reduces costs. Tridonic has recently launched connecDIM, a light management system comprising a connecDIM Gateway and a connecDIM Cloud, which it says makes employees more comfortable at work. “This light management solution not only enables the lighting to be monitored at any time and from anywhere in the world, it also allows employees to adjust the lighting to suit their own individual needs quickly and easily via a PC or smartphone app,” added Blazey.

February 2015 Industry News

Kingspan agrees € 315m deal to acquire Joris Ide Manufacturing giant Kingspan has entered into a €315m deal to acquire Belgian company Joris Ide, it has announced. Joris Ide is a pan-European manufacturer and supplier of insulated panels, profiles and related accessories. It has five insulated panel manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Germany, Romania and Russia and 11 regional manufacturing sites across Europe. Kingspan says the acquisition of Joris Ide will provide a complementary geographic footprint to its existing European insulated panel business. The consideration for the business will be circa €315m inclusive of debt, which will vary depending on the specific amount of working capital and debt on completion. In

the 12 months to 31 December 2014, Joris Ide had unaudited revenues of €465m and EBITDA of €36m and the acquisition is expected to enhance Kingspan’s earnings by approximately 7% on a fully annualised basis. Commenting on the deal, Gene Murtagh, Kingspan chief executive officer, said: ”The acquisition of Joris Ide Group represents a quantum leap forward in the execution of our strategy to fully globalise Kingspan. It takes us into a distinctly different tier in the market than typically occupied by the Kingspan branded products, and with its operations in Belgium, France, Germany, Romania and Russia significantly extends the reach of our Group.”

Architect under-employment hits new low The number of architects categorised as under-employed has fallen to record lows, according to the RIBA Future Trends Workload Index survey. In December 2014, the percentage of respondents reporting that they had personally been underemployed in the last month fell to 9%, representing a new all-time low since the survey began in January 2009. This trend suggests that the amount of spare capacity within practices is now rapidly reducing. Despite the “macro-economic uncertainties ahead,” RIBA said, ”given increasing workloads and reducing slack, the prospect for salaried architects going into 2015 appears better than it has been for a number of years.” The RIBA Future Trends Workload Index was unchanged in December 2014, (remaining at +29), reflecting continuing confidence in the medium term outlook for the architectural services market. Workload forecast balance figures were positive in all nations and regions of the UK with the most positive figures reported in Scotland (+75) and Northern Ireland (+50).

In terms of practice size, small practices (1 – 10 staff) have remained positive about the outlook for future workloads (with a balance figure of +22), but medium-sized practices (11 – 50 staff) and large-sized practices (51+ staff) continue to be more optimistic about workload prospects in the next quarter. Results of the survey show that the private housing workload forecast fell back marginally to +25 in December 2014, down from +26 in November 2014. RIBA says the private housing sector continues to be the most robust sector, supported by continuing historically low interest rates and the on-going Government Help to Buy schemes to assist home lending. The commercial sector workload forecast lost some momentum, falling back to +17 in December 2014 from +20 in November 2014. By contrast the public sector workload forecast (+7) and the community sector workload forecast (+6) both improved.

Government to invest in underground construction skills

The government announced yesterday that it will join forces with industry to invest in tunnelling and underground construction skills. The funding, made up of £1.1m from the government and £1.7m from industry, is intended to “create a legacy” of engineering jobs and skills from major projects including the Crossrail development. Nick Boles, skills minister said: “Our investment in major infrastructure projects has established the UK as a world-leader in tunnelling and underground construction. “Crossrail alone is supporting in the region of 55,000 jobs and with other major projects planned we want to go even further, to create a jobs legacy for future generations and give the industry the skills it needs to dig deeper and further.” The plans include creating 75 new apprenticeships, 20 specialist marine apprenticeships and a range of accredited courses to up-skill the tunnelling workforce, training a total of 4,813 workers. The project will bring together industry leaders, including Crossrail-linked employers, working on major tunnelling and underground construction projects. Terry Morgan, Crossrail chairman said: “The volume of tunnelling and underground construction work taking place in the UK over the next decade is unprecedented. Crossrail, in partnership with its principal contractors, has delivered the most significant injection of new skills in a generation. It is essential that we continue to grow the industry’s talent base to ensure Britain remains at the forefront of major infrastructure delivery.”

Industry News February 2015

Go-ahead given for £440m Westgate redevelopment

Demand for subcontractors rises in Ireland The rate of expansion in the Irish construction sector slowed sharply in January, though the availability of subcontractors deteriorated at a marked rate.

Construction is set to begin on the £440m redevelopment of Oxford’s Westgate shopping centre. The Westgate Oxford Alliance, a joint venture by The Crown Estate and Land Securities, confirmed that preparatory works are set to begin immediately, with construction to begin in spring this year. The announcement follows more than four years of preparation, extensive public consultation and the approval of a reserved matters application by Oxford City Council. It also coincides with several leasing commitments from national and international retailers. The 800,000sq ft retail and leisure scheme is due for completion in autumn 2017. It will comprise over 100 new stores, 25 restaurants and cafes, a boutique cinema, roof top terrace dining and new public spaces. Brookfield Multiplex, Laing O’Rourke and Sir Robert McAlpine are bidding for the scheme, according to construction intelligence unit Glenigan. The development is expected to generate up to 1,000 construction jobs with a further 3,400 retail positions opening up once the centre is completed in 2017. The Crown Estate director of investment and asset management Paul Clark said: “This significant milestone underscores our commitment to this ambitious redevelopment which will totally transform the retail and leisure experience in Oxford and stand out as one of the best schemes of its kind in the UK.”

The rates charged by subcontractors continued to increase, albeit at a weaker pace than in December. Although subcontractor usage continued to rise in January, the rate of expansion was only slight having slowed sharply. The Ulster Bank Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI ) – a seasonally adjusted index designed to track changes in total construction activity – dropped to 57.1 in January from 63.1 in December. This signalled a sharp overall increase in total activity during the month, albeit the weakest for almost a year. Activity has now increased in each of the past 17 months. The month-onmonth fall in the index was the largest in over seven years. Simon Barry, chief economist Republic of Ireland at Ulster Bank, said: “The January reading of the Ulster Bank Construction PMI shows that construction activity continued to expand at a solid pace in the early part of the new year. At 57.1, the headline PMI was again well above the expansion threshold of 50, marking the seventeenth consecutive month of activity gains. However, the index did fall back sharply last month (from 63.1 in December) consistent with a slowing in the pace of increase to its weakest in almost a year. Slower growth was evident across the housing, commercial and civil engineering sub -sectors as the January responses signalled a notable softening in growth momentum. “While the loss of momentum in January is striking, the softening needs to be seen in the context of the exceptionally strong growth rates recorded through 2014 from which some pullback was

always likely (e.g. the October 2014 reading of the PMI was the second-highest on record). Indeed, other elements of the survey held up well last month. The pace of jobs growth eased only slightly and remained strong. Moreover, sentiment ticked up from December levels and was the second -highest in the series history behind the record reached last November, suggesting that firms retain a very positive view of the year-ahead outlook despite an apparent easing in the pace of activity in January.” By far the strongest monthly rise in activity was recorded on commercial projects. The rate of growth in commercial activity remained sharp, despite easing for the third month running. A marked slowdown in the rate of growth in housing activity was recorded, with the latest rise the weakest since August 2013. Civil engineering activity rose for the fourth month in a row during January, with the rate of growth broadly similar to that seen for housing activity. The rate of growth in new orders also slowed sharply at the start of 2015, but remained solid. The rise was the weakest since August 2013. Where an increase in new orders was recorded, panellists mentioned improvements in the availability of work. The extent of the slowdown of growth in activity and new orders was not matched by employment. The rate of job creation remained strong and was only slightly weaker than in December. Positive expectations regarding workloads in coming months helped to support rises in employment.

February 2015 Industry News

Snow Hill the new Canary Wharf?

Boss Thought Baby Wipes Suitable For Asbestos Decontamination Workers were potentially exposed to dangerous asbestos fibres and given only baby wipes and a cold water hose for decontamination.

LJW Cladding Ltd was working at a farm building in Waltham, Essex last year, where it removed asbestos insulation board without a licence. It also failed to protect its workers falling from heights of up to four metres. Chelmsford magistrates heard the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) was alerted by a member of the public concerned that unsafe work was being undertaken at the farm building (pictured below). HSE’s investigation found that LJW Cladding Ltd had no licence to remove asbestos, despite telling the farm owner it did. None of the workers were trained to work with licensed asbestos and were also placed in danger of falling from height while removing the fragile asbestos boards. HSE found that the work, carried out between 26th and 28th February 2014, was totally lacking in safety measures. Asbestos insulating boards were broken from their fixings with inadequate attempts to prevent the uncontrolled release of fibres. There was no use of an enclosure and the respiratory protective equipment provided to workers offered insufficient protection. Instead of a full threestage decontamination

Birmingham City Council has produced plans to build more office blocks in the Snow Hill and Colmore areas of the city. The council says it aspires to “replicate the success of Canary Wharf”, the new London business district that has grown over the past 25 years. The Snow Hill Masterplan also outlines the improvement of transport links such as the redevelopment of Snow Hill station – the main connection between the business district and London – which will include new commercial buildings replacing its multi-storey car park. The plan aims to encourage London-based firms to expand in Birmingham, as Deutsche Bank did last year.

unit required for such work, all the workers had were baby wipes and the farm’s cold water hose. Contaminated overalls over normal clothing continued to be worn while the workers ate their lunch on site.

Council leader Sir Albert Bore said: “Birmingham is putting in place the building blocks for a global business and financial centre. The city is already investing heavily to ensure that firms have everything they need to thrive here.”

The investigation also identified a lack of fall prevention or protection measures. LJW Cladding Ltd of Evesham Close, Ipswich, Suffolk, was fined a total of £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3365.50 plus a £120 victim surcharge after pleading guilty to separate breaches of the Work at Height Regulations and the Control of Asbestos Regulations. After the hearing, HSE principal inspector Dominic Elliss said: “LJW Cladding’s incompetent actions led to its employees being potentially exposed to asbestos fibres at a much higher level than would have been possible had a competent licensed contractor been used. “In addition there was a serious risk one of them could fall from or through the fragile roof because of the firm failed to provide effective safeguards. Too many workers continue to be seriously injured from falls in exactly this type of refurbishment project.”

A six week period of public consultation on the Snow Hill Masterplan will run from 9th February 2015 until 23rd March 2015. The strategy can be downloaded here.

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Industry News February 2015

Laing O’Rourke picked for £80m Manchester office block

277 schools to get £2bn makeover The Government has confirmed that 277 schools across England will be rebuilt or refurbished under the second phase of its Priority School Building Programme. Around £2bn has been committed for construction work under the latest wave. The first phase of the programme pledged cash for 260 schools back in May 2012. The Priority School Building Programme is designed to be faster and cheaper than the Building Schools for the Future initiative which it replaced. The Government said: “Under the BSF it took three years for construction work to begin. “This was slashed to one year for the Priority School Building Programme, with projects costing around a third less.”

Laing O’Rourke has been selected as main contractor for the Two St Peters Square project on Manchester’s Mosley Street. Client Mosley Street Ventures has given Laing O’Rourke a scheduled completion date of January 2017 for the £80m project. The contractor plans to use offsite construction as far as possible to speed delivery. Two St Peter’s Square will be an 11-storey building with 161,113 square feet of space. Architect is SimpsonHaugh & Partners. Mosley Street Ventures director, Darryl Lee said: “We were impressed with the proposal Laing O’Rourke put forward. They have an excellent reputation and we are looking forward to the start of construction.” He added: “Once the project is completed it will be one of the most prestigious office buildings in Manchester. The building has been designed to complement the changing face of St Peters Square being sympathetic to its history and architecture.” Tom Higgins, who leads Laing O’Rourke in the north, said: “We have a strong working knowledge of the St Peter’s Square heritage development area, through our delivery of the Town Hall Complex transformation and Second City Crossing. This, combined with our use of offsite techniques and modern methods of construction, means we’ll be able to deliver a high quality scheme far more efficiently and with minimal disruption to the city centre.”

Latest figures show that of the first wave of 260 Priority School Building Programme projects 16 school buildings are already open, 55 are under construction and the remaining projects are “well into the development or planning stages.” For a full list of the successful schools in the second wave see the goverment website.

Keepmoat/Strata bag Leeds 700-homes deal The Homes and Communities Agency has selected a joint venture of Keepmoat and Strata as preferred developers for land at the Seacroft Hospital site in Leeds. The development will see the city’s suburb of Seacroft undergo a vast redevelopment of around 700 new homes. Keepmoat and Strata are set to begin construction work on the £120m project in late 2015. The properties, which will be on the open market as well as available to purchase on the Government’s Help to Buy Scheme, will be a mix of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes. The Seacroft development will play an integral part in both companies’ plans to further expand into West Yorkshire in 2015 and beyond. Mark Knight, regional managing director for Keepmoat Homes Yorkshire said: “This momentous win for Keepmoat in West Yorkshire emphasises the strength of our house building and regeneration offerings.” Keepmoat and Strata are working together on several projects including the £250m Dominion development on Woodfield Way, Doncaster, which is also on HCA land. The first phase of the project is close to completion and includes 205 new homes. They are working with Home Group and Hull City Council to build over 4000 new homes across Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.

February 2015 Industry News

Sites throw open their doors to general public Sites from across the country are signing-up for the latest Open Doors Weekend which gives the general public a chance to see behind the hoardings and visit major construction jobs. The event is organised by the UK Contractors Group and will take place on March 6 and 7. Open Doors gives young people, their parents and local communities an opportunity to visit sites and see what happens on a modern construction project. Organisers believe it is a great chance for young people in particular to learn more about the range of careers the industry has to offer. The last Open Doors Weekend saw almost 100 sites take part with over 3,000 visitors. For information on the latest sites to register visit the Open Doors website www.opendoorsweekend.co.uk

Trade bodies to get late payment court powers The Government has set out proposals that will allow subcontractor trade bodies to challenge unfair main contractor payment terms in court. New proposals to give business groups further powers to challenge unfair payment terms and practices on behalf of their members were published for consultation this week. Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “Large companies using their economic might to impose unreasonable terms on their suppliers causes real problems for small businesses. “It is a significant issue and there is agreement that we need to keep the pressure up to bring about real change.

instance to challenge a firm’s payment terms and ask for them to be improved. Under the Government’s plan payment terms would be classified as grossly unfair if they extended to more than 60-days. Bodies representing subcontractors could pick and choose which firms to take action against and would have to fund it from their own reserves but would be entitled to costs if they won the case.

“This is about making the UK a fairer and more trusted place to do business.”

The Government consultation states that “issuing an injunction against the business with grossly unfair terms, ordering them to end the practice, would send a message to others that such terms or practices will not be tolerated. ”

The Government said that it hoped the new powers would encourage trade contractor bodies in the first

Courts would also be able to award damages to the injured party to compensate for any loss suffered.

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Surface Design January 2015

Surface Design Show Discover the latest innovations in surface design at Surface Design Show 2015 Returning to London’s Business Design Centre between 10-12 February 2015, Surface Design Show is the only event in the UK that focuses solely on interior and exterior surfaces. With an 80% increase in exhibitor uptake the breadth of new products to discover in 2015 will be astounding. Since its inception in 2005 the show has become the destination for industry people to see, touch and explore the latest materials for the built environment, gain new insights and network with like-minded designers, architects and suppliers. Next year’s event is already proving to be a huge success. All of the ground floor and mezzanine has been filled with key exhibitors leading the organisers to extend the show to the BDC’s balcony area to meet the demand for space. There will be over 120 exhibitors including Mundy Veneer, specialists within the veneer industry and the exclusive UK distributors of Tabu products, CD (UK) who for over 30 years have been the sole distributors of Corian in the UK. Knauf whom specialise in limestone, lime, chalk and cement related products and Spectral a lighting company whose luminaires have received coveted international awards including iF and Reddot will too be among the selection of top quality exhibitors. Surface Design Show is also delighted to be welcoming new exhibitors to the show including RAK Ceramics the world’s largest ceramics manufacturer, Hi Con a leading European brand of high performance concrete whose properties are used to create super thin balconies and staircases as well as Jotun the World’s leading manufacturer of paints, coatings and powder coatings which have been used for a number of prestigious international projects

including the Eiffel Tower, the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia and the Buri Khalifa in Dubai. ‘This year we’ve seen an 82% increase in sales which proves that Surface Design Show is getting bigger and better year on year. It’s great to see the enthusiasm of all those involved, the inspiration it provides and the creativity that comes out of the show’, said Event Director Christopher Newton There will also be a packed programme of events and entertainment including the Preview Evening’s Live Debate hosted by RIBA Journal on Tuesday 10 February. The ever popular PechaKucha Evening will take place on Wednesday 11 February and will provide an informal and fun presentation of inspirational slides for the onlooking architects and designers. BIM4FitOut, a special interest group to the government BIM Task Group, which represents the finishes and fit out sector will again be organising an engaging workshop at the Show. New event highlights to the Show include ‘Materials Speed Dating’ the 2015 version of Future Thinking, hosted by Materials Council which is a fun and interactive way to be rapidly introduced to new surfaces & finishes and in-turn meet your ‘perfect materials match’. Light and surface are inseparable partners; the interplay between light and surface can change a building’s interior or exterior dramatically creating breath taking results. Hosted within Surface Design Show and presented by Light Collective and the Institution of Lighting Professionals is Light School, an area dedicated to lighting. Light School consists of three parts: The School Room, Product School and the School Newspaper all of which are designed to educate and inspire

visitors about the latest in lighting design and lighting products. Sponsored by iGuzzini, there will be more than two days of lessons in the School Room featuring hands on demos with top UK lighting designers who will be taking on the role of lecturers. Global Color Research™ will also return to the Show. Following the success of the 2013 and 2014 Trend Wall, the influential consultancy and creators of colour forecasting publication MIX Magazine will work with acclaimed surface designer Giles Miller to present Colour Collaborations. The exhibit, located in and outside the Business Design Centre is designed to inspire and give insight, focusing on the vital colour and material trends for 2016 and their importance within design. Part of the outstanding success of the Show is the commitment to recognising excellence with the Surface Design Awards. The Awards recognise examples of progressive design and the use of innovative surfaces in projects both in the UK and internationally. Categories cover projects in Retail, Commercial, Housing, Public Building, Light and Surfaces and Temporary Structures. Launched in 2013, the Awards have grown quickly both in stature and the number of entrants. This year, 181 projects were entered, a record number increasing by a staggering 62% with a third of entries from overseas making it the UK's leading award scheme to identify innovation in surface design. The Awards presentation will take place on Thursday 12 February 2015 at the Business Design Centre in London on the last day of Surface Design Show. Registration to attend is free for professional visitors via the Show website:

www.surfacedesignshow.com

The home of innovative surfaces for architects and designers

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Events February 2015

Larger than ever pool of hands-on property specialists to inspire visitors at the forthcoming National Homebuilding & Renovating Show NEC, Birmingham, 26-29 March 2015 www.homebuildingshow.co.uk As the property market has strengthened over the past year, the updated National Homebuilding & Renovating Show, proudly sponsored by Anglian Home Improvements, is returning in full force to the NEC, Birmingham from 26-29 March 2015 with a record number of over 15 self-build, renovation and home improvement specialists. Homeowners planning to undertake an ambitious house project such as remodelling, extending, constructing a new dwelling from scratch or revamping their existing property will find more tailored inspiration and specialist guidance to pursue their plans than ever before. Throughout the four day exhibition, visitors will have access to the latest products on the market, services and innovations from over 500 exhibitors and one to one consultations to discuss tailor made project ideas. They will also be able to attend free seminars held by experts and masterclasses sponsored by Internorm on topics including sustainable heating; financial and planning permission issues; eco living and architectural design.

Charlie Luxton, sustainable architectural designer and presenter of More4’s ‘Building the Dream’, and Julia Kendell, interior design expert and co-presenter of ITV’s ’60 Minute Makeover’, will be returning to the Midlands’ home show to inspire the audience with invaluable advice and information on current industry trends. Visitors will have a wide variety of seminars and masterclasses to choose from at the Selfbuild Theatre sponsored by PTO Education and the Home Improvement Theatre. Members from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) will be present at the Ask the Architects zone to provide professional assistance for those undertaking a building project, no matter the stage of their plans. The experienced team from RIBA will guide visitors and answer any questions or concerns they may have. The one-to-one Design Consultations services held by skilled architects from Oakwrights, the oak framed home company, and a team of self-build experts from Potton Design Lounge, renowned for building sustainable

timber homes, are also expected to generate significant interest among visitors. These organisations will offer customers one-to-one sessions on how to make better use of their building materials to ensure that their project stays within budget. Attendees in search of novel ideas on how to enhance their home decor can book free consultations with the Dulux Design team who will provide them with tips and suggestions about the latest colour schemes and wall coverings at the Interior Design & Decorating Clinic. Oakwrights, a specialist in oak framed houses, will have its craftsmen offering 20 minute bespoke consultations with visitors at the Oakwrights Design Lounge for those interested in wood framing and encapsulation services. With a mix of traditional skills and innovative technology, the craftsman is able to meet the most precise homeowner requirements. Oakworth Homes, a certified timber frame manufacturer, is also returning to the exhibition with

February 2015 Events

its full size timber house display to provide visitors with an impression of what their future home could look like should they opt for this sustainable structure. A two story stripped-back installation will be set up at the event to offer show attendees a guided tour experience with the company’s trusted advisors. Velux, a leading manufacturer and supplier of roof windows, will advise visitors on the best way to add light and space in their house. The specialists will talk customers through the business’ smart design and energy efficient product features which can help create a warm and comfortable home environment. Sally Tagg will be present at the Planning Clinic together with employees from Foxley Tagg to inform consumers on the key steps to bear in mind throughout their development or new build. They will be available to advise homebuilders and renovators with all stages of the application process, pointing out major pitfalls to avoid.

At the Ask the Experts area, show attendees will receive guidance and suggestions from experienced property specialists including Michael Holmes (editor-in-chief of Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine); Jason Orme (editor of Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine); David Snell (Homebuilding & Renovating magazine’s self-build and plot finding expert); Chris Reeves (chartered builder and lawyer); Hugo Tugman (architectural designer and Real Homes magazine design expert); Tim Pullen (eco expert at Homebuilding & Renovating magazine); Bob Bromsgrove (chartered surveyor and builder); Mark Brinkley (self-build expert and author of the House Builder’s Bible) and Andy Perkins (renewable and sustainable heating expert). The Home Security Advice Centre is making its awaited comeback for all homeowners concerned about the safety of their property. The team of experts from Secured by Design will make proprietors aware of the different bespoke protection and surveillance methods, applications, products and latest technologies available to avoid unwanted intrusions.

Standard tickets are £12 in advance or £18 on the door (children under 16 go free). For further information visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 854 0503.

Software February 2015

Evinox Launch Web App for Billing Customers We are delighted to announce the launch of the Evinox Residential Billing Web App, for use with Smart phones, tablets and other web enabled devices. Our new Residential Web App allows Evinox billing customers to login to their account at anytime, anywhere with internet coverage. This enables them to check current energy credit / debit balance, view latest meter readings, see tariff

rate details, payment history and downloadable documents & user guides. Residents can also make payments for energy using a credit or debit card with our simple and secure online payment facility or set-up a Direct Debit using our online sign up form. The Evinox web App is available to download now simply visit www. evinoxresidential.co.uk, click on the web app icon at the bottom of

the page and follow the instructions on screen. The launch of our new app coincides with an update to the Evinox Residents website. The customer login area has been redesigned and updated to include lots of new functionality. For further information please email us or visit our website:

info@evinox.co.uk www.evinox.co.uk

Armstrong Ceilings Launches Free App Leading interior systems provider Armstrong Ceilings has launched a free app to help existing and potential customers, including architects, interior designers, contractors, distributors and developers, easily access information on their systems on the move. The super-user-friendly Armstrong Ceiling Systems app enables smart phone, IPad and tablet users to very quickly preview and download information such as system and product brochures, installation and maintenance guidance, guarantees, datasheets and more than 20 case studies. It is the latest in a line of technologically-advanced developments including animated micro-sites that position Armstrong at the forefront of nextgeneration service delivery. Product-specific brochures and datasheets include metal and mesh ceilings and walls, wood, islands, metal and mineral baffles, Axiom canopies and perimeter solutions, the passive energy-saving

CoolZone system and the Tech Zone system which integrates building services such as air conditioning and lighting. The app is so easy to use it barely warrants the included guide on how to use it! And links to the app can easily be shared through email, Twitter and Facebook. The Armstrong Ceilings app is available from both the Apple store as well as the Google Play store, or by clicking on one of the links below with your mobile device: Armstrong for Apple Devices Armstrong for Android Devices

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Software February 2015

t takes many activities and skills to bring the ideas and designs of Architects/Engineers to fulfilment. Building Information Modelling (BIM) attempts to standardise the creation and exchange of information to make the design, construction and operational management of a facility or infrastructure asset more efficient. It is important to note that BIM is not just about buildings, but in its wildest context is being applied to facility, building, road, railway, and infrastructure projects. It is also now very much impacting organisations throughout the supply chain including manufacturers, fabricators and interior designers. The word ‘building’ in itself also doesn’t necessarily describe the full scope of a project – it doesn’t cover policies, assumptions, strategic decisions, supply chain, specification, user assessment, regulation and recycling sustainability. All are key parts of the projects ‘information model’ and should be included in the creation of the facility or asset information as the project progresses.

BIM covers all aspects of the project lifecycle and is being driven by UK Government, to ensure that all public sector projects are under-pinned by the creation, collation and exchange or shared 3D models and intelligent structured data that is attached to them. UK Government has defined a minimum requirement for Level 3 BIM by 2016, which defines a series of domain models and the provision of a single electronic environment to store shared data and information. With the enormous amount of data and press available on the subject, making the right choices to begin your own BIM journey and maximise the return on your investment is critical. Man and Machine offer a variety of solutions and services to help you understand the impact of BIM and the market opportunity that it presents throughout the supply chain. The solutions and services include BIMbased products, modelling and measurement solutions, BIM deployment programs, training and consultancy.

Man and Machine offers a wide range of training courses in the Architectural & Construction space covering 2D/3D BIM modelling, MEP, structures, civil engineering and visualisation. Scheduled and bespoke classroom based training is available in our training centres, as well as bespoke training being available at your premises. Learning how to get the best use out of the most widely adopted BIM modelling tool in the industry will maximise your return on investment. From preliminary design through design development and into construction documentation, the course programs will help you streamline the design process through the use of a centralised 3D model. Our specialist courses go deeper into specific areas like structural detailing and design, as well as MEP modules covering the fundamentals of basic HVAC, electrical and piping/ plumbing design.

Man and Machine Training Academy

Man and Machine offer an extensive range of Autodesk 2015 training courses

Man and Machine specialise in Autodesk training for people in the Architecture and Construction industries. All courses are taught with the official Autodesk courseware and includes one month’s free post training support. Autodesk courses and software include: • AutoCAD Essentials • Autodesk Revit Structure • Autodesk Vault • Autodesk Revit MEP • Autodesk Revit BIM Fundamentals

E: marketing@manandmachine.co.uk W: www.manandmachine.co.uk T: 01844 263 700

Connect with us

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE - Software

How Mobilengine’s mobile workflow solution delivers for McGee Group The introduction of Mobilengine, a mobile workflow solution which offers paperless administration for construction companies, is helping to improve efficiency and increase the accuracy of processes for multi-disciplined specialist contractor, McGee Group. The fully customisable platform enables field based staff to complete processes ranging from stock management and daily resource allocation, to permits and HR tasks, through a mobile app - helping to save time, cut costs and ensure quality across the Group’s 1000+ employees. After an initial pilot the intention is for McGee Group, which delivers a broad spectrum of decontamination, demolition, construction and civil engineering services operating as a specialist sub-contractor or main contractor, to move all paper based administration to one single Mobilengine application. Michael Kelly, IT Project Manager at McGee Group, said: “Before Mobilengine, we had around 300 different paper based processes which often led to complicated, unstructured and inefficient field workflow control. The mobile based workflow system will enable us to improve efficiency, increase accuracy and make all processes more visible. It will revolutionise the way our field based staff complete everyday tasks.” The Mobilengine solution, which is available as a pilot for construction companies, is used by McGee Group for daily resource allocation, HR tasks, building site stock management, safety tasks, permits and site diary. Site managers use Android tablets to access the app, giving real time communication between the site and HQ administration. Michael Kelly added: “Mobilengine gives us control over essential documentation for processes such as site induction and permit issuing. More importantly, it makes it easier to comply with regulations, reduces administrative errors and ensures safety on site through more comprehensive reporting. “It is a thoroughly comprehensive workflow management tool which not only makes life easier, but also improves processes too.”

Mobilengine’s mobile workflow solution is cutting costs and saving time for McGee Group

Software - CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

How the Mobilengine platform saves time and improves accuracy for McGee Group: Daily Resource Allocation Site Managers use the app to allocate labour and plant assets to individual jobs on the demolition site, as well as coordinating waste materials. It makes allocation quicker and easier, reducing the time spent on administration processes. HR tasks Mobilengine allows McGee employees to fill out forms including new starter and site induction forms through a mobile or tablet and links to a backend HR system where the HR department can easily process the incoming forms and update records. Stock management Site management teams use the app to record incoming and returned goods, giving greater control over site stock to prevent loss of plants and materials.

Safety inspection Safety managers conduct all necessary inspections on mobile to comply with regulations and improve safety on demolition sites. The results are saved retrospectively and warnings are automatically transferred to relevant managers for resolving. Permits Mobilengine also allows site managers to issue permits quickly and accurately through the mobile platform. Site diary Site managers record site proceedings and weather conditions on mobile to have a retrospective list of events.

Visit www.mobilengine.com for more information

Domestic February 2015

DUALWAY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DESIGNED FOR ANY ANTI-BARRICADE DOOR SITUATION Since its launch the unique DUALWAY AntiBarricade door system from Cooke Brothers has already generated a huge amount of interest leading to a surge in business for the company from a number of industry leading names operating in the specialist Custodial, Secure Units, Mental Health and Hospital Healthcare sectors. Designed to suit either new build or retrofit applications where individual doorsets are required within an existing facility, the Dual Way Door System provides unrestricted and immediate access into a room in a situation where a patient has barricaded himself or herself in. The Dual Way system utilises a frame within a frame principal, allowing for a standard 44mm or 54mm doorset to be mounted within a secondary high security steel outer frame. In everyday use the standard inward opening doorset operates as a normal door, providing full 90-degree access using a purpose designed full height Anti-ligature continuous hinge. The outer frame is produced from preformed steel providing rigid support, whilst the high level of security engagement is by means of purpose design heavy duty mechanical hook bolt locking as standard or with the option of an electronically powered locking system where required. In an emergency or barricaded door situation the door and inner frame can be quickly released enabling the complete doorset to swing outwards allowing immediate entry into the room. Access is achieved by releasing the dual hook locks mortised into the outer frame and operated by unique security profile keys or where specified via an electromagnetic access control system. To discover more about the unique DUALWAY Anti-Barricade Door System please contact the sales team at Cooke Brothers Ltd on 01922 740011. Email: sales@ cookebrothers.co.uk or to view the latest DUALWAY video by visiting the web site

www.cookebrothers.co.uk 22

February 2015

VON DUPRIN EXIT DEVICES WHEN IT COMES TO PANIC HARDWARE, VON DUPRIN’S 99 SERIES (CE) FROM RELCROSS IS SIMPLY WITHOUT EQUAL.

• Designed for repeated use on the most demanding escape routes and thoroughfares.

tested in excess • Independently of 5 million cycles. surpasses the minimum • Easily durability requirements of BS EN1125:1997 grade 7 - a mere 200,000 cycles.

• Integral fluid dampener

reduces noise creating a smooth and almost silent operation.

range of trim designs, • Wide electrical functions and associated hardware available. “Von Duprin - 99 Rim • Watch Exit Device - A Test of Strength” at www.relcross.co.uk” to see the amazing resilience of Von Duprin.

For further information call 01380 729600

HARDWORKING HARDWEARING HARDWARE RELCROSS LTD Hambleton Avenue, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 2RT. Tel: 01380 729600 · Fax: 01380 729888 · Email: sales@relcross.co.uk · www.relcross.co.uk

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Domestic February 2015

Rinnai = Ultra Efficiencies Ultra Economy Ultra Performance The forthcoming launch from continuous flow gas fired water heating experts Rinnai, of the lowest (NOx) rated infinity water heating appliance is set to revolutionise the industry. Rinnai’s new state-of-theart Infinity 1600i condensing Low-Nox water heater has been tested to below 20 ppm (NOx). In commercial test areas incorporating flow and return systems the units have recorded NOx levels as low as 7ppm, due to the incorporation of Rinnai’s innovative down firing pre-mix burner and continual optimisation of gas input utilising intelligent integral controls and a modulation range of between 56kw to 4kw.

The Infinity 1600 i/e low nox series is available with an output of 54 kw producing 37 litres of temperature controlled hot water per minute. This premium product joins Rinnai’s stable of technically advanced Infinity continuous flow water heating products.

The use of advanced condensing technology combined with Rinnai’s new down firing premix burners ensures every cubic metre of natural gas or The heater can also demonstrate LPG is utilised to the maximum. thermal efficiencies of 105 per The units are also renewablescent. Returning figures such as ready and suitable for use as these, specifiers, installers and end a temperature booster for users can be assured that these solar thermal and heat-pump units are future proofed against installations. This is welcome lower NOx regulations that are news in a climate where inevitable in forthcoming years as energy prices are steadily the Government steps up its fight rising and new energy efficient to cut harmful emissions and save technologies are fast coming energy. into use.

The Ultra Infinity range is a premier product, the flagship of Rinnai’s range which includes - non-condensing Infinity water heaters ideal for the replacement market and the heavy duty condensing range (Infinity HDC1500 and HDC1200), providing superlative efficiencies for commercial operations of all sizes whether used to standalone or in Infinity Plus form, where banks of HDC units are combined to satisfy the high peak time demands of larger operations. The new Ultra Infinity range is available now. For more details on RINNAI products visit:

www.rinnaiuk.com

February 2015

MX is becoming an increasingly important name in the bathrooms, showers and wetroom sector with possibly the widest range of electric and thermostatic showers, shower trays and shower accessories available in the UK. This includes its new ‘QI’ electric shower range – a ‘quick installation’ range of electric showers that sets new standards for simple installation. Featuring eight entry points for water and electric – these showers are the simplest and most effective electric shower installation option in today’s marketplace. Ideal for new build or retrofit opportunities, these attractive showers are up to 30% slimmer than other units on the market. The level waste design incorporates a standard waste outlet and allows easy access to clean, maintain and service without the need for an expensive gully waste system. The new range features an acrylic ABS finish, and weighs in at 40% lighter than a high wall stone resin shower tray. Full details of the IQ range can be found on the comprehensive MX Group web site at www.mx-group.com

A New Collection of

Thermostatic Mixer

Showers

■ Stylish looks and attractively priced ■ High performance TMV2 approvals where applicable ■ Up to 5 year guaranteed products The MX Group* Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 8JF. Tel: 01684 293311 sales@mx-group.com

Atmos Options

*Marleton Cross Limited Trading as The MX Group

You can get more information or brochures by calling 01684 293311 or by emailing sales@mx-group.com

EASY FIT KIT

www.mx-group.com

DOMESTIC February 2015

Tadelakt Plaster

The Revival of an Ancient Art

Tadelakt is a polished plaster originating from the Mediterranean region of Morocco and means ‘to rub’ or ‘knead’ in Arabic. The application of Tadelakt had a practical purpose in a hot, arid climate and records indicate that nomads used it to seal reservoirs for retaining drinking water. Over time its use was extended to plastering hammams, riads and palaces, and today is used as an alternative to tiling in wet rooms, showers and bathrooms or as a stunning feature wall.

The application of Tadelakt, using a wide range of trowels, hand tools and spatulas, allows the plasterer to follow the lines of the substrate closely, hence it can be applied to curved surfaces such

as sinks and baths which would typically be difficult to successfully burnish with a trowel alone. The technique for finishing the plaster is unique to Tadelakt. Once the plaster has been applied, the surface is brushed with olive soap and the burnished with a small, hard stone. Stoning the surface compresses the Tadelakt and this, along with the reaction with the lime and olive soap, makes it water repellent whilst achieving a surface shine at the same time. Although skill and patience is required, with the right guidance and practice it is not outside the realms of DIY. Tadelakt has a beautiful, smooth appearance and is exceptionally tactile. Its versatility means that there are very few limitations in terms of the surfaces and shapes

it can be applied to. Mike Wye & Associates Ltd supply a traditional form of Tadelakt from German suppliers, Kreidezeit, who investigated original forms of the plaster in Morocco and discovered that it was made from an eminently hydraulic limestone found 1.5 metres below ground in the Marrakech Plateau. This lime was added to sand, marble dust and pigments which has been recreated today to make Kreidezeit Tadelakt. For guidance on Tadelakt material quantities, quotations, training courses and instructional DVD please visit www.mikewye.co.uk or call one of our technical sales team on: 01409 281644.

A Touch of Morocco Tadelakt Polished Plaster

✔

Wet Rooms

✔

Bathrooms

✔

Showers

✔

Kitchens

✔

Feature Walls

A beautiful, tactile and waterproof alternative to tiles. Tadelakt lime plasters are available naturally in white, or can be supplied in an full range of traditional colours. Contact Mike Wye & Associates Ltd for guidance on application (including a new DVD for 2015), practical courses and sales.

www.mikewye.co.uk

01409 281644

DOMESTIC February 2015

Gary Belgium MD of Warmworld UK Ltd was recently asked to assist with a problem heating system in a semi detached property where the controls, a programmable room thermostat and 7 day timer were starting to act up and becoming unresponsive giving the householder no end of cold mornings and a lack of hot water. Upon inspection he found a programmable room thermostat had been installed in the hallway along with a time clock next to the Viessman Vitodens 100 boiler in the utility room. After finding the fault to be with the time clock it was agreed with the homeowner to remove all of the existing controls and replace them with a Dataterm IHC. By removing the existing time clock, programmable room thermostat and wiring centre it would be possible to reduce the amount of time spent trying to programme the heating and hot water requirements. Dataterm IHC is an intelligent programmable room thermostat that takes care of all of your heating and hot water requirements from a single point. So with the existing defunct controls removed it was time to fit the Dataterm programmer, this also doubles up as the temperature sensor so this can go into the same position in the hall that was home to the earlier programmable room thermostat. We have the existing 3 core and earth in the wall so we know that the cable is good for Dataterm as we only need a 3 wire connection for Dataterm to function. Dataterm operates at 12volts DC so we used the existing Blue, Yellow and Red

cores once we were sure that the original The installation works exactly how it 230Vac supply was no longer on the cable. should straight from the box, the next part of the install is to run through the With this wired and fitted to the wall it was operation with the home owner and then time to install the wiring centre, this enter their specific heating and hot is the unit that provides Dataterm with its water requirements. power supply and switches pump, valves Heating and hot water can be and boiler on and off as and when required, programmed on a daily basis if required it simply replaces the existing wiring centre so should suit even the most demanding lifestyle, there is even a copy facility to that usually contains a birds nest of wires! make light work of programming so that As this was a Y-Plan system it was an easy all days can be the same or you could conversion and made the wiring neater and just alter a certain day or the weekend much more simplistic. So with the mains feed to be different. from the fused switched outlet connected to the PCB and the Motorised Valve & Cylinder Now the homeowner has a much easier Thermostat wired it was time to join the to use system than before that will boiler and pump switched live to the PCB so provide a better level of comfort with that when there is a demand the boiler and close temperature control, optimised pump start to circulate the heat around the start and flexible programming along with fuels savings between 18 and 36% pipes. producing a payback of 12 - 24 months. After a final visual inspection all looks well so the lid is fitted to the wiring centre and Retrofit installation time 1-2 hours, the power is applied! The Dataterm lights up wireless version available for ease of and immediately displays the status of the installation and it is available for multiple heating and hot water based on the factory heating zones too. set plan that it is already running. Suitable for conventional and The time and date are correct and the room combination boilers new or old, up to 4 temperature reading is correct so we can heating zones and Hot Water from one proceed to test the system works correctly. easy to used programmer, the system that pays for itself! After pressing the (+) plus button the heating turns on, valve moves to heating only and boiler and pump run... a press of the hot water boost causes the valve to go to mid position so we have shared heating and hot water, reducing the set temperature of the heating causes the heating to turn off and subsequently the valve motors to hot water only where it is controlled by the Cylinder Thermostat.

www.warmworld.co.uk

February 2015 Domestic

ANOTHER UK SUCCES STORY! Our athletes have been superb in recent years. We have the top golfer in the world. British actors come away with accolades galore. And the cache of products manufactured in the United Kingdom cannot be underestimated. The words Made in the UK or British Made stand for quality, reliability, value for money and style. So demistaTM heated mirror pads have proven to be the first choice for both the contract and domestic market. Steamed up mirrors are annoying. You step out of the bath or shower and prepare to shave or do your make up….trying to peer through a fog. Wiping leaves streaks. So is there any alternative? The easy and permanent solution is to install demista™ heated mirror pads. A problem solved simply and inexpensively. The pads come in a variety of sizes, and can be used in multiples if very large areas need to be covered. demista™ heated mirror pads can also be made to order in special sizes. Fitting is easy. Just fix the selfadhesive pad to the back of the mirror and connect to the lighting circuit so that the mirror is warmed when the lights are switched on. The pads are manufactured in the United Kingdom and have proven quality after 23 years in the market world wide. demista™ is the innovator of steam free mirrors and the first heated mirror pads sold in the UK.

Case Study February 2015

Bricks Water

and

The £112 million UK cooler market was boosted last year by an increase of nearly 2% and one of the major growth sectors, according to market analysts Zenith International, was the construction industry. There is a marked increase in Bottled Water consumption from water coolers at construction sites, reflecting a recovery in the building sector, according to Members of the British Water Cooler Association (BWCA). The construction giant, Skanska, has experience that bears this out. With around 50 mains-fed (Point of Use - POU) machines and 150 Bottled Water Coolers across its offices at sites, all supplied by a BWCA member, Skanska’s staff are heavily dependent on water coolers. On site, where convenient access to mains water is limited or non-existent, Bottled Water Coolers have proved ideal. According to Phil Sefton, Procurement Manager for Skanska, “Water volumes can be enormous but often storage is limited. On our Highways Maintenance M1 Junction 19 scheme, we have the challenges of a large number of people, limited storage and high fluid requirements, so flexible and frequent delivery is essential as

the project scales up and down. Just the other day, [the cooler company, a BWCA member] managed to deliver 1200 litres in a 24 hour period and on that particular site that quantity will only last a week”. Skanska has a strong ethos of being environmentally aware and also of being very health conscious. Asked what the criteria were for selecting the supplier in 2010, Phil Sefton explains: “When I arrived in the job I asked the business how they found the incumbent supplier and we decided to put the opportunity out to tender inviting several companies to take part. “Of course the price has to be right but the things we were looking for were green credentials, which all our suppliers have to demonstrate; a wide geographic spread to be able to serve our sites across the country; strong CSR credentials; and being conscious of health, safety and excellence. One of the questions was membership of a professional body and choosing a BWCA member was certainly a consideration. I visited the BWCA website to understand exactly what they do to audit the companies that are members”.

Skanska publishes the BWCA method statements on its intranet so that any questions about hygiene and maintenance can readily be understood by users Wand managers. Skanska encourages good health amongst its 5000+ directly employed staff. There are vouchers for gyms, encouragement to drink and eat healthily, yoga sessions in the offices and people can often be seen rushing through the office in their running gear to fit in some exercise in the lunch-hour. Healthy hydration fits well with the healthy atmosphere of the 11 offices, including the Maple Cross HQ. Water coolers are situated around the offices and in every meeting room and are of course not only convenient – and free for Skanska staff – but calorie free and toothkind as well. The BWCA member also supplies energy-saving hot water boilers for making warm beverages. In addition to the mainly POU units in the fixed offices, Skanska is supplying essential refreshments to thousands of workers on sites up and down the country. “Apart from storage and delivery, a challenge is the particular sanitisation needs on building sites,” says Matt Hemming, who manages the

February 2015 Case Study

Skanska account for the BWCA member concerned. “Building sites require that we keep coolers clean and water stored correctly. Our adherence to the stringent BWCA hygiene guidelines is essential to us and to our customers. We are proud of our excellent record when we are audited and we usually share this achievement with Skanska and other customers”. Although there is a fixed term contract the business relationship is ever evolving. Phil Sefton explains: “We were keen to encourage [our supplier] to opt into FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) accreditation. Because they are delivering large quantities of bottled water, on behalf of Skanska, I wanted to ensure that carbon emission impacts were minimised as this is an important aspect of our company-wide ethos. FORS contributes to that guarantee. We were very conscious however that for this supplier there is a cost attached. All credit to them, our chosen supplier went for it and we believe it is the only cooler company in the UK that has a FORS medal. It really set them apart and gives them an edge. We like this kind of flexibility”. Matt Hemming agrees: “We are so glad we pursued FORS now as it is a selling point, like our membership of BWCA and the best practice audits this provides”.

There are strict service level agreements set by Skanska, not just in terms of bottle delivery but also replacement units if a dispenser fails and servicing requirements. “Every supplier signs up to the Skanska code of conduct,” says Phil Sefton. “We never have to check the terms of business as everything runs smoothly. We have a great working relationship [with our cooler supplier]”. The familiar image of rows of construction workers sitting on a wall during breaks downing sugary soft drinks from 2 litre bottles is fast becoming a thing of the past. Research by Zenith shows that people who have water available to them and who drink a lot of healthy water during hot weather continue the water habit long after the sun has gone in, if the experiences of last autumn and winter are typical. Matt Hemming says: “The hot summer in 2013 saw a massive uptake in volumes of water consumed. It was as if people suddenly rediscovered – or perhaps discovered for the first time – the refreshing nature of water”. Working efficiently isn’t just down to the supplier, though. Hemming is quick to point out that Skanska is an ideal customer – demanding but supportive and never onerously prescriptive. “They just expect us to get on with the job having made the

requirements clear from the outset. It’s a great working relationship,” he says. Phil Sefton says: “Our supplier is agile enough to keep up with us and that is greatly appreciated”. The BWCA has published a guidance sheet for building firms. The Facts About Healthy Hydration for Construction Workers is available free of charge by writing to info@bwca.org.uk Phillipa Atkinson-Clow, BWCA General Manager, says: “The BWCA ensures that its Members offer the highest standards of quality, safety and hygiene to the consumer together with an unimpeachable product and service. The BWCA facilitates the exchange of technical, scientific and regulatory information between Industry Members. To ensure continued membership and accreditation, Members must adhere to strict Bylaws, Codes of Practice and the Code of Advertising and Conduct and are audited for compliance annually by 3rd party inspection organisations, so by choosing a BWCA member, customers know the can expect the best”.

www.bwca.org.uk 31

Smoke & Fire February 2015

Electrical Fire Protection Units for plastic consumer units & distribution boards. Plastic units have always been a fire hazard as normally they are placed on an escape routes on flats, houses & intakes etc. Overloading of cables & fuses can have ignition which soon becomes a large fire. Envirograf® ECU units are made in different sizes to suit your consumer unit & distribution board. Around the unit is a red band of cloth housing intumescent that can be cut with a sharp knife to accommodate cables, conduits & trunking which is already fitted to your units so forming a complete fire seal barrier. The units are lined with Envirograf® fireproof paper covered with a PVC material. This product is most important to save fire damage and most important to allow evacuation from the flat or building, saving lives.

As of the 5th of January 2015, the Amendment 3 to BS7671:2008 Requirements for Electrical Installation (IET Wiring Regulation) will be published, which will outline a new set of regulations that will affect all of the consumer units put in the new builds in UK.

What makes it important? The amendment says: “Within domestic (household) premises, consumer units and similar switchgear assemblies shall comply with BS EN 61439-3 and shall: I. Have their enclosures manufactured from noncom¬bustive material, or II. Be enclosed in a cabinet or enclosure constructed of non-combustible material and complying with regulation 132.12” This amendment is a massive step towards PVC consumer units improving safety in the home, flat and all premises. To address that ahead of time, Envirograf’s R&D have been working hard to provide you with a solution that will allow for a quick and easy access to the consumer unit, whilst providing the necessary fire protection to satisfy the new regulations.

Benefits: ● Discreet door closer

● 6 Finishes available

● Quick & easy installation

● CE Approval

● Set of 3 hinges per door

● Each Hinge fully adjustable

● Ideal for Conservation Areas

Many fire tests have been on 30 & 60 minutes doors of different types & weights reaching 68 minutes fire integrity, stability & insulation.

Tel : 01304 842 555 Contact Us:

Fax : 01304 842 666 Email : sales@envirograf.com

• • • • •

No Bathroom Steam Easy to instal Toilets Kitchens Gas meter cupboards

1 Hour fire protection Mould & Damp Reduction Increased & Improved Ventilation Laundry Rooms Works in Conjunction with Extractors

Passive Fire Prevention Products

DOOR & CUPBOARD VENTS GIVING 1 HOUR FIRE PROTECTION

Innovators - Developers - Manufacturers

● Cannot be unscrewed Ideal for HMO & Students Quarters

• • • • •

Envirograf

FIRE RATED SELF-CLOSING HINGES

Smoke & Fire February 2015

The Nora® Floorcovering System Convenient, Comfortable and Eco-Compatible Solutions For Housing Construction Projects nora® rubber floorcoverings satisfy current requirements for all indoor areas of modernday installations, making it an excellent choice for use in housing construction projects. The floorings’ dense, unbroken surface prevents dirt absorption, thus enabling them to be cleaned easily and economically, without any coating required. With their high walking comfort and excellent footfall sound absorption properties, these resilient rubber floorings are the ideal guarantee for harmonious visual synergy. Above and beyond this, the floorcoverings’ extreme durability, backed up by their antislip properties and excellent fire-protection characteristics, ensure lasting safety for generations. nora® colour range There is only one chance to make a first impression! Particularly in heavy-traffic entrance and stairwell areas, the extraordinarily wear-resistance ensure a long-lasting pleasant atmosphere. The norament® stairtreads conveniently preshaped in one piece turn installation into a fast, neat and cost-efficient job, in new buildings and for refurbishment work alike. More than 300 colours in the nora® standard range alone offer you almost limitless scope for cost-efficient implementation of your particular design concept: from the entrance area through the stairwells and corridors, right into the living space.

Firebreaker - The NEW Externally Mounted Fire Suppression Control System Firebreaker is the ONLY externally mounted fire suppression control system available on the market. This truly innovative product is mains fed and can be attached onto a property or industrial unit, both for new build and retrospective fitting. Extremely cost effective, Firebreaker is easily installed, removes the need for unsightly and expensive tanks and water storage units and can be boosted if required. Firebreaker removes the need for the sprinkler control system to be installed inside a property, offering easy access for fire crews and regular maintenance. Due to a change in legislation in Wales, the Welsh Assembly states that it is compulsory to install sprinkler systems into new homes. This legislation is sure to spread across the UK. Therefore the Welsh Assembly, Regional and Local Government as well as Fire Services and housing stock holders are all seeking cost effective and accessible means of adding safety to home designs in a cost effective manner. Developed with water industry approved components, Firebreaker is compliant with Water and Building Regulations and the Memorandum of Understanding between Water UK and the Fire / Rescue Services (December 2013).

Firebreaker Systems is a member of BAFSA. Contact – Steve Leigh & Associates Limited for more information T: 01449 673 451 E: info@firebreaker.co.uk W: www.firebreaker.co.uk

February 2015 Smoke & Fire

Naturvent Naturvent â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the first engineered solution to smoke and fire in the residential and small business environment

sh Fire Managementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s innovative Naturvent system is being showcased in a series of displays taking place next month at the North Weald Airfield, Essex. Based on established technology that has been in use for many years in large commercial premises, Ash Fire Management has adapted this technology for application into the residential housing sector utilising innovative and patented variations. This is an important advancement in the fight against the threat to life caused by the biproducts of fire. Using the latest technology in fire detection, the Naturvent system will vent the toxic gases and fumes that incapacitate victims. Testing at BRE has shown that the period of survivability is greatly increased with a Naturvent system installed, as can be seen on the graphs of the data recorded. Oxygen levels are maintained and visibility greatly enhanced enabling a safer operating environment for the fire and rescue services. The timber framed house that was used for the BRE tests is being re-built for the demonstrations. There will be two displays daily, at 11.00 am and 2.00 pm, Monday to Friday from 16th February, each lasting approximately 2 hours. Refreshments will be provided, however places are limited, so anyone interested in attending is urged to email Nicky at demos@ashfire.co.uk. More information is available at

www.ashfire.co.uk

Case Study February 2015

Vale Park Bandstand Hyperkote Waterproofing and Protection Vale Park is situated in the New Brighton area of Wallasey in the Wirral, North West England. The park was created in 1899 to give the population of the area green space to enjoy amidst the grime of the industrial revolution.

Now the Vale Park bandstand, which has overlooked the River Mersey and the Port of Liverpool for nearly 90 years has the protection of the BBA certified HYPERKOTEâ&#x201E;˘ waterproofing system to help it withstand the sea swept elements for many years to come. 36

February 2015 Case Study The doric-columed bandstand with a domed roof was created in 1926 and it provided a majestic backdrop to the concerts which took place there on a regular basis. During the 1970’s and 80’s most features requiring maintenance were eliminated from the park but the bandstand remained and is still used to this day. In 1999 restorative work to the Bandstand was undertaken to provide waterproof treatment to the dome roof and rainwater channels, refurbishment of performers changing facility, re-laying of staging, exterior painting and re-cladding to the rear elevation to improve security of the structure. Unfortunately the waterproofing work did not stand the test of time and it became necessary for this work to be repeated. A project to repair the bandstand was carried out in August 2014 by North West Construction approved applicator of the British Board of Agrement (BBA) certified VERDISEAL™, HYPERKOTE™ and TRAFFIDECK™ Waterproofing Systems from Dow. “We took the decision to use the HYPERKOTE™ waterproofing system from Dow on the Vale Park bandstand because it was a concrete dome on a skeletal steel frame and movement was an issue. The dome had been repaired some years ago but the system wasn’t a patch on the Dow system and leaked a short time afterwards. When I had a site meeting with Wirral Borough Council (WBC) I set out all the advantages and the longevity of the Dow product and reminded them of work carried out on Wallasey town hall which had the same system applied 6 years ago and had never leaked since.

Preparation and Repairs Removal of old bitumen coatings and sheet membranes. E4 100% solids epoxy primer from Dow was applied and dressed to refusal with quartz sand to give excellent intercoat adhesion. Repairs to the structure and channel detailing were carried out using the E4 primer and graded quartz. By using this method overcoating was able to take place within 4 hours of the repair mortar being placed and cured. HYPERKOTE™ waterproofing membrane was applied using specialist spray equipment to fully encapsulate and seal the Dome from the elements. North West Construction Ltd have a fully self contained 7.5 ton wagon so are able to drive the spray equipment, heated hose, materials and power to within 400 feet of the structure they are coating.

www.dowhyperlast.com help@dowhyperlast.com

Then you have to consider the HSE implications of this job, working at height together with the difficulty off scaffolding a dome and still being able to apply any sort of covering. With the HYPERKOTE™ spray applied system it allowed us to work off a Hydraulic MEWP. The work is now complete and looks fantastic. The ‘Friends of Vale Park’ have also written a letter to the chief executive of WBC saying how pleased everyone is with the finished article. With the system being BBA Certified and the technical support given by Chris Glaysher of Dow this gave us confidence and the client peace of mind”. Quote from the Mike Ross, Director of North West Construction Ltd.

February 2015

Colmore Tang Construction start work on £30 million redevelopment of old curtain factory Colmore Tang Construction (CTC) has started work on the redevelopment of an existing curtain factory in Birmingham City Centre, formerly known as the Harrison Drape building. Work on the £30 million redevelopment will see part of the existing factory demolished, converted and extended while a further three buildings will be constructed to provide a total of 313 apartments. The site had been the home of curtain track maker Harrison Drape since the 19th century, but was brought by developer Seven Capital in 2012. CTC were awarded the construction contract on the prestigious £30 million development in 2014 following a four-way tender process. Construction Director of CTC Andy Conroy said: “We are really excited to be starting work on the Harrison Drape project, a key milestone in the regeneration of the Digbeth area. “The old curtain factory has a great legacy with the local community and we wanted to make sure we maintained as much of the original features as possible to preserve its heritage. “As a result we are retaining the façade of the building, which will be converted into 118 apartments, a combination of studio and one and two beds. The remaining 195 apartments will be split across the three new blocks we are building.”

GALVANIZERS GO UNDERGROUND WITH LATEST PROJECT South West Galvanizers has supported the construction of a major new £multi-million mining operation in Devon. The plant, which is part of Wedge Group Galvanizing, has galvanized over 200 tonnes of steelwork on behalf of Newton Abbot-based Centristic Ltd as part of Wolf Minerals new £130million Drakelands Tungsten and Tin Mine, at Hemerdon on the outskirts of Dartmoor. The project, which is due for completion in Summer 2015, saw the plant galvanize the steelwork that will form the steel conveyors in the mine’s distribution network, transporting materials to various areas of the process plant, as well as bulk materials handling equipment, platework, and chute installations. When the new mine enters production in summer 2015 it will produce around 3,500 tonnes of tungsten per year, equivalent to about 3.5% of forecast global demand. Tony Wonnacott, General Manager at South West Galvanizers, explained: “We were delighted to support our long-standing customer Centristic with the prestigious project, particularly one that is set to employ so many local people, utilise the services

of local companies, and significantly benefit Devon’s economy.” James Hepworth, Operations Director at Centristic, said: “We have a great relationship with South West Galvanizers and have worked with the facility many times before, which is why we knew we could depend on the plant for this project. Galvanizing the final product was required in the Scope of Works, however it’s a normal specification for steel conveyors in the mining process due to the aggressive underground environment.

WEDGE GROUP GALVANIZING LTD

Wedge Group Galvanizing is the UK’s largest hot dip galvanizing organisation. With 14 plants across the UK we offer you a truly national service for all your galvanizing requirements. We galvanise anything from nuts & bolts right the way up to 29m structural beams, together with our commitment to customer care we offer you first-class quality and service. What we can offer you: ✔ Approved for UVDB, Linkup and FPal ✔ Quality Approved to BS EN ISO 1461/ISO 9001 ✔ Compatible Systems with CE Marking ✔ Collection & Delivery /Deliver to Site ✔ 24-hr turnaround on request ✔ Spin Galvanizing/Shot blasting ✔ Free Technical Advice ✔ Galvanize up to 29m long

E: sales@wedge-galv.co.uk T: 01902 600704 www.wedgegalv.co.uk @wedgegalv

ISO 9001 FM 00382

February 2015

Architecture

Competition Winner Announced

Manchester Craft & Design Centre (MCDC), working with RIBA North West and its Members, has chosen James Donegan’s SEED to transform the exhibition space in the iconic former fishmarket in Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter.

he winner was chosen after a rigorous judging process, with prestigious judges Charlotte Myhrum, Places Matter Design Review Manager, John Bridge, Chair of RIBA NW Communications Committee (quote in Notes to Editors), Tom Jeffries, Manchester School of Architecture and Kaylee Jenkinson, Exhibitions & Events Officer at MCDC. The public were also invited to vote for their favourite of the 26 entries. The winner is SEED, designed by James Donegan, a student at Manchester School of Architecture. James’ elegant, contemporary design is inspired by the

mathematical patterns found in nature. SEED strains up towards the light of MCDC’s glass roof as a budding flower would, responding to the change of seasons which will take place during the period of the exhibition. The plywood structure will be designed and constructed using digital production methods, a first for an installation of this size at MCDC. The judges were particularly impressed with the way SEED responded to the brief, considering quality, innovation and aesthetics alongside the constraints of the space.

James told us: “I was delighted to find out I’d won the competition not only because the standard of the other entries was so high but because you spend a lot of time in architecture school working on proposals that will never be built. To have one of your own designs fully realised is a great feeling and I can’t wait to get started.”

The structure’s components will be made at FabLab Manchester, with construction of the pavilion taking place in the week leading up to the family-friendly launch event on 21 February 2pm – 5pm.

February 2015 Coatings

OSMO KEEPS YOUR EXTERIOR GOLDEN Osmo UK, the eco-friendly wood and finishes expert has extended its exterior wood finishes range with the introduction of Cedar UVProtection-Oil. The finish has been specially designed to protect the wood and provide a warm golden brown cedar tone, a look which is sought after by many. Protection of exterior wood is of the utmost importance as it can fade if untreated due to the extreme weather conditions. Cedar UVProtection-Oil delays the greying process by shielding the wood against harmful UV rays, and algae and fungal decay. At the same time, the appearance of the wood plays an important role. Come the summer months when end users begin venturing outside, they want the summer houses, cladding and fencing looking in top condition. Not only does Cedar UV-Protection-Oil rejuvenate tired looking wood, but it provides an attractive Cedar finish. “The golden tones of Cedar UVProtection-Oil brings warmth to exterior wood and creates an

inviting outdoor area” comments Steve Grimwood, Managing Director of Osmo UK. “After a winter of harsh British weather, which will have affected the appearance of exterior wood, Osmo Cedar UV-ProtectionOil offers the perfect solution to rejuvenating the wood in your garden. Two coats of Osmo CedarUV-Protection Oil will provide that warm golden tone to your garden in preparation for the summer months.” Based on natural vegetable oils, Cedar UV-Protection-Oil penetrates deep into the wood ensuring that it remains elastic and healthy. Particularly suitable for cladding, garden houses, fences, windows and doors, it provides a satin-matt, finish that not only protects the wood surface it can also enhance the natural look of the cedar. The finish prevents the wood from drying out and becoming brittle, ensuring it does not crack, flake, peel or blister. Cedar UV-Protection-Oil has a UV-Protection factor of 12 which protects the wood whilst allowing the

woods natural characteristics to remain. For raw wood application, two coats need to be applied, with just one r e q u i r e d for surface renewal. The wood should be weathered for better application. Where wood has already begun to grey, treat it with Osmo Wood Reviver before applying Cedar UVProtection-Oil. This will accentuate the wood’s natural tones. Dry after just 12 hours, the environmentally friendly solution is safe to humans, animals and plants, complying with DIN 53160. The range also includes UVProtection-Oil Clear and Oak UVProtection-Oil. For additional information on Osmo’s range of eco-friendly wood finishes, visit www.osmouk.com, or call 01296 481220.

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CASE STUDY February 2015

Environmen Oasis Graphic Co is a team of true environment branding experts; producing and installing large format and bespoke graphics for all manner of experiential, corporate and retail fitouts. We offer an unrivalled graphics production and installation service for projects large and small, indoor and outdoor; having dressed stadiums, bars, hotels, offices, retail outlets, historic and sports venues. We are given creative briefs to produce some stunning graphics for many prestigious environments. We don’t often publicise our projects for client confidentiality reasons, so here are some case studies on those projects that we can talk about… Case Study 1 Corporate Interiors Project: Suntory - Vibrant New Offices for Iconic Brands Having recently acquired the brands Ribena and Lucozade, Suntory Japanese drinks giant were looking for new premises to house their new brands. At Oasis Graphic Co we were delighted when our clients approached us to help with the environmental branding of the new offices. The project kicked off with a site survey and we were asked to come up with a solution for 26 offices plus open plan areas all with just 2 weeks from brief to completion. The brief was to create themed spaces that reflect the brand values of energy, vibrancy, colour and motivation. Each office was to have its own theme to immerse its users in the brand and provide a complete brand experience, A Ribena office for example featured rolling hills depicted on the walls and grass effect floor covering. While a Lucozade space captured the energetic brand values with a sports stadium theme. Oasis recommended and used UV bespoke printed digital wall covering, high gloss finish 3D logos and even Astroturf flooring to complete the grass effect.

Case Study 2 Event Theming Project: Heathrow T2 - London’s Largest Interactive Christmas Tree To spread some Christmas magic this year, Heathrow launched London's largest interactive vinyl Christmas tree at Terminal 2 Standing over 90ft tall, the giant tree was covered with garlands of lights that could be triggered to flash and dance by passengers by tweeting Christmas messages to #T2Christmas The tree design had a traditional feel topped with a replica of the Queen's coronation crown, however there was an overall contemporary aspect as it was a see-through image applied to the windows of Terminal 2 With this in mind, we chose to print the image on Contra Vision BACKLITE as the product allows the lighting from inside the terminal building to light up the tree at night, while still allowing the natural daylight and the view to be seen during the day The main challenge for us, having printed the giant 28m x 14m tree image in large vinyl pieces, was to install this intricate vinyl jigsaw at great height and within a two-day window. At the launch, Norman Boivin Heathrow's COO said: "Launching the T2 christmas tree with the first tweet was brilliant fun. It is a fantastic piece of technology and really adds a festive touch to the terminal" Case Study 3 Temporary Venue Refurbishment Project: Happy Birthday to Yoo at Tate Modern This was a short and snappy but high profile project at The East Room at Tate Modern in conjunction with Fisher Productions, for the residential design brand yoo to celebrate its 15th birthday. Time was of the essence with this project as we had an hour to install 55 metres of bespoke wall graphics!

February 2015 CASE STUDY

nt Branding Case Studies The pressure was on for all as this tight timeframe had never been achieved before and we were working alongside the event caterers and AV people all striving to finish in time for the prestigious guests. The material of choice was removable and reusable Phototex vinyl, a relatively new product that we’re finding extremely useful for our event and interior branding projects lately. The graphic featured 3D frame images, which looked very realistic and saved the hassle of hanging real frames and restoration of the walls after the event. The project went like a dream and with our star product we managed to complete the installation in 45 minutes! Case Study 4 Retail Branding Project: Wok & Go – Branded Restaurant Interiors The concept of Wok&Go was formed in 2007 by founder Des Pheby's travels to New York and through his love for the aromas and tastes of the east, he wanted to "recreate the taste of Asia in a casual and relaxed atmosphere”.

Case Study 5 Retail Branding Project: M&S Pop Up Shop The design agency for Marks & Spencer came to us when they wanted to create a ‘pop-up’ home decor shop in London to display the next season’s trends. Oasis worked with our clients to produce and install bespoke graphics for set bars and backdrops. We wrapped the bars in conformable vinyl wraps and successfully delivered the project within 48 hours. Please contact us if we can help you with any further information on our graphic services or your next project: t: 00 44 (0) 1628 532 003 e: studio@oasisgraphic.co.uk website: www.oasisgraphic.co.uk

Creating bespoke graphics for unique and branded environments

Our client briefed us to create unique graphics for three branded restaurant interiors; based in Leeds, Cardiff and York. This included the production of bespoke wall coverings which created a stylish, inviting, relaxing and informal atmosphere, reflecting the ethos of the company. Oasis produced and installed a combination of large bespoke canvases and wall coverings that were fresh and contemporary and reflected the company colours and brand image.

Let our expert team help you with your next project t: 01628 532003 e: studio@oasisgraphic.co.uk w: www:oasisgraphic.co.uk

www.kempersystem.co.uk

Sustainable, Solvent-Free and Odourless Kemperol® Liquid waterproofing and roofing at its very best

As the National Theatre raises the curtain on its 50th anniversary season, Kemper System has ensured that its’ Grade II listed building continues to perform by providing the waterproofing membrane and surfacing for a major 1200m2 roof and balcony refurbishment project.

Kemperol®

Performance without the drama... • Ideal for roof refurbishment, repair and new build roofing projects. • Complete solvent free and odourless waterproofing systems available that can be laid whilst the building is operational - Have the work done when you want it or need it. • Kemperol® is a cold liquid application removing the fire risk of hot works. • Laid in a single wet-on-wet process to form a totally seamless, durable, fleece reinforced, UV stable, elastomeric waterproofing membrane that cannot delaminate. • With BBA Approval and a life expectancy in excess of 25 years your roofing budget will never be better spent.

Kemperol Liquid Waterproofing

For more information visit www.kempersystem.co.uk Request a brochure, quotation, NBS specification, CPD or FREE site survey. Email enquiries@kempersystem.co.uk or call 01925 445532 to discuss your needs.

February 2015 ROOFING

FAKRO launches EFR Flat Roof Gable System The FAKRO EFR Flat Roof Gable System has been designed to provide an easy-toinstall 120° duo pitch for roof windows in flat roof extensions and annexes.

It enables natural light to be maximised and transforms the interior appearance of a room by effectively extending the ceiling height. Suitable for roofs of up to 15° pitch, four standard FAKRO windows of any type are used, either for manual or electrical operation. The installed system uses either 78cm or 114 cm window widths of 118cm height, the combination flashings used enabling the gap between them to be as little as 40mm.

The FAKRO DEF flat roof window is distinguished by its stylish sash design and can be used within a Z-wave system for operation alongside other household devices from the same remote. In addition to a standard range of sizes it can be made to bespoke requirements for a particular project. A solar-operated external awning blind is also available for use with the DEF while both external and internal blinds are available for standard electrical operation.

The DEC window is of more traditional dome appearance but has a multichamber PVC profile frame which All the necessary accessories are provided offers high thermal efficiency and antiincluding timber kerb, EPS panels, auxiliary burglary glazing. It is available with either rafters and a set of flashings. A finishing transparent or opaque glass. lining is available for the plywood inner facing and windows can be equipped with In addition to manual and electrical standard FAKRO internal blinds or external operation, DEF and DEC windows are also awnings. available as a non-opening option. Both can be installed within an XRD base to The EFR is part of a range of contemporary provide an additional 15cm height – ideal flat roof window designs which includes for green or living roofs. the quadruple-glazed DEC U8 with an T: 01283 554755 unparalleled installed U-value of 0.76 W/ E: sales@fakrogb.com m2K, suitable for Passivhaus and similar www.fakro.co.uk standards of airtight construction.

February 2015 ROOFING

VMZINC As part of Austin Smith Lord’s design for the full renovation of Liverpool Central Library, the original zinc roof of the Picton Reading Room, built in 1879, had to be replaced. 800m2 of VMZINC® QUARTZZINC PLUS® was installed over much of the original Victorian boarding, a combination of batten cap and standing seam panels being used to satisfy English Heritage requirements for the Unesco World Heritage Site. Details were replicated with the help of the VMZINC heritage service in a design which has provided an

roof for Unesco World Heritage site energy-efficient, sustainable five storey building to replace those built post-war following Second World War bomb damage. The roof terrace has been highlighted as ‘star’ of the project, not least because of the spectacular views it provides and the added visual aesthetic it gives of the rotunda roof and the Grade II-listed neo-classical façade. Umicore VM Zinc T: 01992 822288 W: www.umicore.com E:vmzinc.uk@umicore.com

EXTERNAL WORKS & LANDSCAPING February 2015

Kawneer helps transform council offices Glazing by Kawneer features on refurbished offices for a local authority. Curtain walling and doors by leading aluminium systems supplier Kawneer were specified for a refurbished landmark building for their quality, architectural detailing and technical support. Kawneer’s AA®100 zone-drained curtain walling and series 190 heavy-duty commercial entrance doors were selected by Stride Treglown Architects for Eastleigh House, the £8.3million new offices for 350 members of staff of Eastleigh Borough Council in Hampshire. Kawneer’s glazing features on a new bright and naturally-lit doubleheight “glass box” at the front of the building for the ground-floor customer service centre and café for informal meetings between council staff and the public, and break-out space and meeting rooms at the upper floors. It was installed over nine months by approved specialist sub-contractor Aluminium Sashes for main contractor Balfour Beatty.

The council’s former offices in Leigh Road were in urgent need of repair, too large for the number of staff and not as accessible as the new ones in a 5,100m2 1970s office building on Upper Market Street in the town centre where the ground floor of five floors provided vehicular access and undercroft parking. The existing building had originally been mostly clad in an aluminium curtain walling system which was very tired and required replacement. Only the concrete structure could be retained, with the existing floor to ceiling heights and structural elements providing challenges to the design team. The undercroft has been filled in to create much-needed additional floor space for the new customer service centre and café. Surrounding public space has also been improved and enhances the overall appearance of its key city centre location. Stride Treglown senior associate architect Cora Kwiatkowski said: “The transformation of the building is astonishing. “Eastleigh Borough Council was looking for an innovative, creative

and sustainable design and using passive environmental principles such as PV panels, energy-efficient lighting and much improved insulation and air tightness, the building offers simple, welldesigned, low-energy workspace, a high level of sustainability and already achieved a BREEAM “Excellent” rating at design stage. “We specified the Kawneer products for their good quality materials, architectural details and helpful technical support. All of our criteria for the curtain walling was met. It interfaces very well with the other materials – render and coloured glass panels as well as the protruding aluminium panels used as part of the curtain walling.” Stride Treglown regularly specify Kawneer systems on a variety of projects in the commercial, education and healthcare sectors. Cora said: “As Kawneer is a leading supplier of architectural systems and curtain walling we regularly approach them for advice.” Council leader Keith House added: “Staff are delighted by their new surroundings and it will also be a much more welcoming environment for our residents, businesses and visitors alike.”

Eco Barrier

The sustainable noise barrier Installation of the basic frame

Ecological noise barriers that offer effective protection against noise pollution or nuisance while also contributing positively to protecting the environment. These are barriers that blend harmoniously into the natural environment and become more attractive as the greenery grows with every year that passes. This plant growth also helps to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere. The extensive green wall from Gramm, called the Eco barrier, is the absolute ‘top of the tree’ when it comes to green noise barriers. A screen of living green is a structure that is able to save space and grow to full size without the need for any artificial edifice, thanks to natural precipitation.

Eco barrier with coconut fibre as foundations layer

The noise barrier is composed of just three components: 1) Framework trellis profiles 2) Outer mats 3) Vertical supports These individual components are put together on site without any bolts and/or welding. This guarantees a “zero failure” system upon assembly. The choice of covering options include: 1) Coconut fibre 2) Green fleece fibre

Advantages:

• No foundations required! • No need to remove spoil from site as it can be used in the construction of the barrier • Life span 50-75 years! • Product has been tested to 67dB “Highly Absorbent” on both sides • Low maintenance costs • Graffiti resistant • No requirement for any supplementary provisions in terms of irrigation installations • Long life durability • EU patented • Highly absorbent • Excellent insulator • Adds to the quality of the environment with greenery and CO2 reduction • Responsible landscaping • Green and completely recyclable • No expense of providing foundations thanks to their natural stability • Costs savings due to the reusing of existing barriers thereby reducing transport and removal costs as well as reducing CO2 emissions • Supplementary applications include for example solar panels, which are also possible options

GBS Ltd. Suite 7, Talland Parade, High Street, Seaford, East Sussex BN25 1PJ Nationwide Tel:+44 (0)8442 259002 Tel: +44 (0)1323 872243 Fax: +44 (0)1323 872244 Email: GRAMMgbs@aol.com

www.grammbarriers.com

February 2015

EUROBRICK PROVIDES EXT SOLUTION FOR HOMEOWNE The owners of this 1930s three bedroom detached house experienced all the common problems associated with properties of this age, namely deteriorating external walls, damp penetration, severe cold and condensation in the winter. The house had no wall insulation and was costly to heat as a large proportion of the heat was escaping. The owners decided that something had to be done to improve the living conditions of their home and decided to insulate the walls. They looked at different external wall insulation systems and decided to use brick slip cladding rather than insulated render as a brick finish was in keeping with the local area. Having extensively researched the market, they chose Eurobrick’s X-Clad system. Eurobrick is a long established company specialising in brick cladding systems. It was a big decision but the homeowners were comforted by Eurobrick’s experience and expertise along with the fact that X-Clad has British Board of Agrément (BBA) certification - a product is only BBA certified following rigorous testing and scrutiny,

giving customers’ peace of mind that it is fit for purpose.

the building work, homeowner Gemma Moore said,

Eurobrick has been selling X-Clad for nearly 25 years and was the first company in the UK to introduce a comprehensively designed brick slip system. Their systems follow a simple concept meaning installation is quick and straightforward. The homeowners in this case, liked the fact that X-Clad could be fixed directly to the outside of their house causing minimal disruption.

“I am delighted with the whole process. Eurobrick were really helpful and because it’s fitted to the outside, we were able to continue living in the house normally.

75mm thick insulated backer panel was installed to the majority of the property’s exterior and due to space restrictions, 50mm thick panel was used on the front elevation. As the porch is an open structure, it didn’t require insulation so the thinnest 17mm panel was used here instead. Eurobrick supplies a wide range of manufactured brick slips and can cut to order for specialist bricks. In this instance the customer chose a Rustic Red Charcoal multi with a detail band of Smooth Anthracite to fit with the surrounding houses.

“We have received our first utility bill through since the work was completed and were extremely happy to see around a 30 per cent reduction in energy costs. It really shows that the system works.

The insulation has helped to lower the homeowner’s energy bills and the new brick slips have transformed the appearance of the aging exterior. The cladding is low maintenance and will look as good in twenty or thirty years as it does now. Commenting on the results of

“There has been a considerably drier atmosphere within the house. Areas of damp, condensation and even my asthma have been so much better since the work was finished.

Following a recent valuation of the house we’re also confident that the whole process has added value to the property as it has greatly improved the curb appeal of our home.” For more information on X-Clad and other products from Eurobrick, please visit www.eurobrick.co.uk.

February 2015

TERNAL WALL INSULATION ER Before

After

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS LIMITED

External January 2015

By Glyn Cann Business Development Manager “We Build It Ltd” Home of the BioPure and FlowPath treatment systems.

Let the Experts Take Care of your Domestic Waste Water Problems

When it comes to off mains sewage, many people can be blown away by all the information and differing products available on the internet, Google “domestic sewage treatment plant” and the consumer is bombarded by plants of all shapes and sizes which is why dealing with a specialist manufacturer, installer and servicer of treatment plants like We Build It Ltd can give the consumer piece of mind and confidence they are getting the right information, the right solution and the right system. We Build It Ltd are based in the heart of some of Shropshire’s most outstanding countryside. As one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of domestic sewage treatment plants, we focus on high quality, affordable products. All of our sewage treatment plants are based on the successful and simple extended aeration method. We can design, manufacture, install and service sewage treatment plant for single houses, small developments, rural industrial units, campsites, pubs, hotels, offices, barn conversions and commercial applications. Our products can also be used after an existing septic tank to enable the effluent to be discharged directly to a water causeway, if your existing soak away has failed.

We often get asked: How does it work? What does it cost? Does it use electric? And how much? Do I have to maintain it? How do I install it? How big is it? Do I need to empty it? What can go into the plant? What happens to the waste? Do I need planning permission? Do I need to inform the Environment agency? How long will it last? DOES IT SMELL!!!!!????? All of these questions can be answered by We Build It experts who know their products inside out; ask a middle man with no knowledge of the industry, product or process these questions and the customer is often baffled by terms such as BOD, COD, NH4, but do they really need to know this? All the homeowner, builder or architect wants to know is that the product will work with the minimum effort from them during the life of the plant. We Build It Ltd offer straight forward, easy to follow advice for your sewage treatment needs. All of our sewage treatment plants come with easy to follow installation and service manuals, as well as free telephone assistance by specialist installers. We can also offer full or assisted installations at very competitive rates. We pride ourselves on offering the best GRP products on the market backed up by proper good old-

fashioned customer service - (dial straight through and speak to our specialists, no automated service or queuing system) buying a sewage treatment plant can be quite daunting, which plant is best for my situation?? What are the regulations?? What about the Environment agency?? Etc. but be assured we will be with you every step of the way, making sure you have the right solution designed around your requirements. You deal direct with the manufacturer, with over 25 years waste water experience, 24-7-365 days of the year For the self-builder the right treatment plant is simple to install providing they have taken the manufacturers advice, be aware some plants need complete concrete backfill which can add to install costs, a well-constructed plant such as the BioPure can be backfilled with pea gravel. Consider whole life costs, not just the cost of the treatment plant, factor in install costs, power consumption, servicing, consumable spare parts, product life cycle (guarantee) and emptying charges, We Build It Ltd offer a 25 year guarantee on the treatment plant and 2 Years on the air pump.

The Bio-Pure Simple Solution Sewage Systems Any plant up to 50 people (pe 50) should be manufactured and tested to EN12566-3, this gives the consumer confidence they are getting the right treatment plant for their application, but always ask to see the certificate and test results as these can be manipulated and not show the true outcome of the test.

Sizing the plant for a single house is simple its number of bedrooms plus two, so a three bedroom house is a 5 person treatment plant, for multiple dwellings using the same treatment plant speak to the manufacturer for the correct size unit, most manufactures range are in increments 1-5, 1-7, 5-13 etc. up to 50 person. (See Our Range Below)

January 2015 External The treatment plant you choose should be around 95% efficient thus allowing long intervals before de-sludge is required. The waste water must be cleaned to a standard meeting the usual discharge level requirement, you must apply for either an exemption certificate or permit, before making a discharge we can assist with this and advise on the method of discharge, be it a ditch, stream, watercourse or soakaway. As the system breaks down and aerates the solids, the introduction of non-degradable items such as wipes, sanitary products etc. should be avoided at all times in any treatment plant, this will clog up the system and increase

A simple Schematic of a BioPure Treatment Plant

the need to empty the unit, follow this instruction and typical emptying will be around 3-5 years, it is also recommended no medicines, or harsh chemicals enter

A BioPure Treatment Plant

the unit, try to stick to Eco brands and stagger washing throughout the week.

The Flow-Path Simple Solution Sewage Systems We Build it has developed its range of package sewage treatment plants utilising proven SAF (submerged aerated filter) technology for maximum performance and reliability, using the most reliable energy efficient aeration blowers with a prolonged integral FlowPath system to maximise effluent quality. A BioPure Treatment Plant

All our Flowpath treatment plants are designed in accordance with the British Water Code of Practice for flows and loads, this range can be designed to meet your population and consent requirements, our standard range can accommodate up to 300 pe. This range of products can be designed for larger scale commercial applications such as camping sites, leisure facilities, schools, hotels, offices and industrial applications Maintanance, Spares And Servicing The consumer needs easy to follow advice for their sewage treatment needs especially when servicing their plant, maintaining any sewage treatment plant, is a very important part of ensuring the efficiency of the system and that you adhere to any operating and maintenance manual and annual servicing. We strongly advise servicing the system on an annual basis and this will take on average less than an hour to complete. It will also help you to meet your legal requirements with the Environment Agency. We Build It Ltd Service Contracts • Emergency breakdown cover for 12 months. If you have any problem with your unit, call us and we will come out and fix it free of charge. • One service visit where all necessary checks are carried out. This includes

assessing the aeration pattern, sludge levels and effluent quality. • All labour expenses for servicing and call outs are covered so there are no hidden costs. • The cost of all serviceable parts will be free of charge. This includes rebuilding the air pump, replacing the diaphragms and also the air filters. • Sludge return is carried out as required. This is the removal of settled sludge from the outer scum ring back into the centre chamber to be re digested and treated again. This helps to keep the emptying period low. • Emptying is NOT included in the agreement as the Bio-Pure does not require emptying for 3-5 years. • The service agreement lasts for 12

months and will also help you meet your Environment Agency obligations regarding your Consent to Discharge. This includes keeping records of service, de-sludging and maintenance work for a minimum of 5 years.

Our Other Products include: • Mini SAF’s (for offices and outbuildings up to 4 persons) • Pump Stations (standard and bespoke) • Septic Tank Conversion Units (used as secondary treatment for underperforming septic tanks) For a full range of our products and servicing visit:

www.bio-pure.com www.webuildit-ltd.co.uk

February 2015

MOBILITY KERB DEVELOPMENT PROJECT INSPIRES NEW STANDARD PRODUCT LINE FOR BRETT

specialist mobility kerb that has been installed across regions of South Yorkshire has proven so successful that manufacturer Brett Landscaping, has added the product within its standard paving catalogue, thus making it freely available to national developers and local authorities alike. The kerb, which features an upstand of 30mm between carriageway and footpath provides adequate channel drainage, and also aids mobility for wheelchair users and pushchairs; while a protruding lug at the rear of the kerb helps to hold it reliably in place. This subsequently provides greater stability throughout the kerb’s lifetime. So far, the kerb style has been successfully put to use across four districts of South Yorkshire, predominantly throughout private development sites, which have and will be adopted by the local authority, as Jamie Gledhill, Northern Specification Manager at Brett Landscaping explains:

“In modifying this traditional style of kerb, we’ve developed a product that is extremely high quality, has proven capability and is also cost effective. So far, it has been introduced across adoptable roads throughout Barnsley, Doncaster & Rotherham, with the most recent installation having been completed within a private housing development by Persimmon Homes.”

The Brett Landscaping kerb is also among the solutions used by Sheffield City Council Highways Adoption Group. Jamie goes on to detail why the concept for developmental improvement was made: “We felt that introducing a nib at the rear of the kerbstone would be a progressive development; one which would be beneficial, not only to aid level setting, but actually increase the longevity of the stones; as a more stable installation is far less likely to be affected by potential vehicular impact.” He explains that the success of and demand for, the re-designed kerb in South Yorkshire has spurred Brett Landscaping’s impetus to feature the adapted product within its standard catalogue, and continues: “In reconfiguring this kerb solution to better mobility solutions, we have developed a more appropriate option than some of our alternative block paving kerb units, namely due to the unique rear lug element that benefits installation wherever mobility access is required. Our success in South Yorkshire has given us confidence that it is, of course, appropriate for use anywhere in the country. “Because its design makes it eminently suitable for so many applications we’ve now decided to roll the mobility kerb out into our standard Commercial Range catalogue, enabling many more contractors to gain from the improvements we’ve made in this vital area of mobility access.”

February 2015

Striker Block would like to introduce to you the Compact Earth Block. “Striker Block” is a company now operating within the Gambia. We at Striker Block have over 25 years’ within the construction industry, Oil & Gas, railways, aviation, multi million pound complex projects, carrying out engineering projects, within the Gambia, Nigeria, Middle East and UK.. Unfortunately the traditional concrete blocks made here in the Gambia cannot compete with the earth block, that is on performance, strength and style. The

STRIKER BLOCK

Let us tell you Compact Earth block

The Compact Earth Block is hand pressed and manufactured using red clay sands, aggregates for strengthening, with minimal cement. it has an impressive strength of around tonnes. It uses around 70% less cement and mortar, and does not need to be rendered, saving time and money on additional materials and labour.

On the flip side the Compact Earth block requires high degree of skilled labour in order to lay, skills that are easily acquired by Masons.

properties of the traditional concrete block diminishes over time, loosing strength and degrading. The compact earth block gets stronger as time goes by. It has been estimated by a leading estate agent in the Gambia. “Smart Spaces” state that homes which are built using the earth block, increases in market value of up to 50%, compared to homes built using other methods.

Red Clay

We can also manufacture concrete blocks, using our semi automatic, 3-phase supply machine, weighing 1.5 tonnes. We use this machine when we need to build walls that carry heavy loads, for Internal walls to chase out electrical wiring, also walls that require plastering after being built. Semi Automatic Machine

Website: www.strikerblock.com - email: j.straker@virgin.net - Text: +447958 220257 57

速

Showroom: Studio62, Clerkenwell Road, London, EC1M 5PX Tel: 0207 608 1810 / studio62@stratatiles.co.uk

www.stratatiles.co.uk

exclusive to Strata Tiles

Strata Tiles is the only UK commercial tile company to work exclusively with Living Ceramics to supply the UK construction, design and architectural community with eight beautiful collections of tiles with a rich blend of materials and finishes. For further information or to order samples please visit www.stratatiles.co.uk/livingceramics or call 0800 012 1454 to speak to an experienced member of the Strata Tiles team. Head Office: Polar House, 6 Midleton Industrial Estate, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 8XW | Tel: 0800 012 1454 / info@stratatiles.co.uk

February 2015 Industry

D.K. Holdings Limited Diamonds in the Rough

The Palmery at Tedworth House. Images courtesy of Wells Cathedral Stonemasons

Images courtesy of Taylor Made Fireplaces

Please contact: Laura Hazlehurst, Sales and Marketing, D.K. Holdings Limited, Station Approach, STAPLEHURST TN12 0QN Telephone: + 44 1580 891662 Website: www.dk-holdings.co.uk

The vast world of construction is not a field which you would normally associate with diamonds, so it may come as a surprise to learn that there is almost no limit to the range of applications where diamond tooling can support and assist companies, and individuals, involved in this most diverse of industries. Established for over fifty-five years, D.K. Holdings Limited has developed an excellent reputation for creative and technical expertise in designing and manufacturing quality diamond tooling for the glass, stone, composite, engineering and floor industries. Our tooling provides solutions to the most challenging of situations in cutting, grinding, drilling, reaming, polishing and profiling; we supply to individuals engaged in home renovation projects all the way up to large companies with numerous business areas. Every customer counts and every scenario represents an opportunity. Our ability to design and manufacture tools of special sizes, including core drills for concrete walls and floors, separates us from suppliers whose products are largely bought in. Our wide range of diamond saws (wire, loop and floor) can be employed for demolition and road-works, not to mention the cutting of blocks, bricks and paving. In recent years, an increased number of companies are using composite materials for the construction of bridges, pavilions, fencing, underground pipework and commercial roofing on a scale not previously seen. D.K. Holdings has witnessed unprecedented demand for diamond tooling to address such projects. Our extensive range of tooling includes over 1,400 stock lines on hand for prompt despatch from our new warehouse and production facility. We supply to the traditional craftsman and to large, state-of-the-art manufacturing plants. The activities of our customers include stained, ornate and artistic glass, cast iron stoves and bathtubs, conservatories and orangeries, floor refurbishing and restoring, fire-places and wood-burners, composite and glass doors, high specification natural and engineered stone installations, including bath surrounds, and ceramic tile cutting and grinding. We are becoming widely recognised in the heritage industry where our diamond tooling has been able to remove years of paint, grime and rough edges in readiness for the application of the new finish. As an enhancement to D.K. Holdingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; service to customers, we can refurbish many diamond tools, thus lengthening the life of the tool and delivering a cost-effective solution to your company. Companies and individuals involved in construction, demolition, restoration and conservation need look no further than D.K. Holdings Limited for their expert and professional partner.

February 2015

Yeoman Shield is Top Dog at Cestria Vets Cestria Vets, an established practice in Chester-leStreet County Durham, were keen to protect their newly converted and decorated building from interior damage to walls.

Gill Maxwell took over as practice principal in 2001 investing in the modernisation and up-dating of the veterinary practice. “We spent time and money on the conversion of the new premises and we wanted to keep the décor looking smart, clean and welcoming. “Yeoman Shield Wall Protection Panels and corner protection angles were just the solution for our busy practice.” Explained Gill Maxwell The newly converted upper floor of the vets practice consists of a comfortable waiting room where walls have been protected to 1250mm high with Yeoman Shield 2.0mm thick wall protection panels with a FalmouthEx finish in a Dusty Grey colour. Vulnerable corners were covered with 50 x 50mm corner angles made from the same material. The wall protection was also installed throughout the four consulting rooms, theatre and storage area.

“The walls in the large training room and the downstairs entrance hallway come underattack from the comings and goings of both dogs and owners.” Commented Dave Bain. “We have protected both walls and corners with Yeoman Shield Panels and corner protection angles making it easy to clean and helping to prevent damage which will reduce redecorating requirements in years to come. “We also find it to be an environmentally friendly solution which provides a hygienic and decorative finish.” He concluded. Yeoman Shield were also able to cut and install small back panels to sit behind metal loops, used to tie dogs up during soft separation training, to prevent the metal hoop from hitting and damaging the wall.

“We had already chosen the colour for the paint work and were nicely surprised that Yeoman Shield could offer, from their range, a colour which suited just right.” Continued Gill. Part of the lower floor of the building has a large training room and class room which is used by Baindream Dog Training Centre owned by Dave Bain.

Yeoman Shield directly employed fixing operatives installed the protection products in the Veterinary and Dog Training Centre. For more information on Yeoman Shield products call 0113 2795854 or email sallyann@yeomanshield.com

February 2015 Industry

Holland Park School With the brief to create a building that neither looked nor felt like a school, Aedas Architects designed the high profile school in west London where 1,500 pupils can be taught in a very modern and flexible teaching environment. The six-storey school building with its unusual façade, is wrapped with an undulating skin of bronze and copper fins that extend along its western façade and over the roof to engulf the building. To the east elevation, the fins give way to a curved brise soleil made of 2,200 m² of architectural wire mesh by Haver & Boecker. The wave-like wire mesh cladding made of architectural weave type EGLA-MONO softens the geometry of the building and creates an effective aesthetic sun protection screen in front of the classrooms. This transparent façade allows unobstructed views from inside the classrooms and reflects the sunrays to protect the interior from overheating. The stainless steel wire mesh cladding extends over the entire length of the building and seems to exist optically out of three horizontal wire mesh bands. Each band consists of several vertically tensioned wire mesh elements of widths from 1.50 m to 2 m and heights of 3 m to 6.50 m. On the corners pre-curved wire mesh elements were used to implement the round geometry of the façade.

To the east elevation, the fins give way to a curved brise soleil made of 2,200 m² of architectural wire mesh.

This transparent façade allows unobstructed views from inside the classrooms.

For this grand project Haver & Boecker supplied ready to install wire mesh elements using the tension profile & clevis bolt mounting system, with wire connectors for the intermediate mounting. A special mounting system was developed for the pre-curved corner mesh elements. Haver & Boecker also gave support in the technical preparation of the complex structure of the building.

www.haverboecker.com

The wave-like wire mesh cladding made of architectural weave type EGLA-MONO softens the geometry of the building.

February 2015

STEADMANS GETS ITS SKATES ON TO HELP NEW INDOOR BARROW AMENITY COME TO FRUITION Leading building products manufacturer Steadmans has supplied materials for the first indoor skate park in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. The company, a principal UK manufacturer of building products for the steel building sector, provided almost 2,700 square metres of AS35 insulated panels in goosewing grey and ocean blue for the walls and roof of the UrbanExtreme development. Steadmans also supplied nearly 140 metres of AS FAIR rooflights, plus insulated and standard gutters, and all flashings. The materials were manufactured at the company’s headquarters site near Carlisle. Construction work at UrbanExtreme began in mid-summer 2013 and the venue opened last August. Open to cyclists, skateboarders, scooter riders and in-line skaters, the site also has a café and is hosting children’s parties, for which it is already fully booked until the middle of 2015. UrbanExtreme is being run as a charity and is deliberately keeping prices as low as possible, in an effort to provide an affordable amenity which will attract youngsters from a wide area of Cumbria, where venues enabling them to pursue healthy activities are not plentiful. The couple behind the initiative are former semi-professional BMX rider Jason Keith, who formerly ran a construction ground works business, and his wife Jane. The park’s development followed them setting up an UrbanExtreme Facebook page, which attracted hundreds of followers, and holding meetings with

local enthusiasts for the activities offered, to obtain their ideas on the venue’s facilities. Commenting on Steadmans’ contribution, Mr Keith said: “We started scouring the country for second-hand sheeting but realised that if we tried to install it ourselves, we’d probably get it wrong. Jane was therefore looking on the internet for industrial cladding when she found Steadmans. Brian Hewitt, the company’s area sales manager for north-west England and north Wales, came to see us and we sensed straight away that he was a fantastic guy. “Most sales managers will recommend what’s best for them and their company, not the customer, but there was none of that with Brian. We explained our situation and he took us through the options in a very informative way. His advice over matters such as materials, colours and thicknesses was invaluable and he ended up becoming an important part of the project.” The installer at UrbanExtreme was Carlisle-based Cumbria Steel Fabrications. Steadmans is the leading UK manufacturer of building materials for the agricultural and steel building sectors, specialising in galvanised roofing sections, composite wall and roof sheets, metal cladding, roofing products and fibre cement sheeting.

All the company’s relevant products conform to CE marking regulations and meet their requirements. The company’s insulated roof and wall panels are ideal for use in the efficient completion of a wide variety of building envelopes, from commercial and warehouse uses to office blocks. Its AS35 panels are manufactured in a quality process certified to ISO 9001:2008, using non-ozone depleting technology. This provides designers with an environmentally-responsible product, with excellent thermal performance and a predicted service life of 40 years. Available in a range of thicknesses, from 40mm up to and including 137mm, the panels can be specified to achieve insulation U-values, aiding compliance with the latest L2 regulations. The panels are also Loss Prevention Certification Board approved. In addition to its headquarters site in Cumbria, Steadmans has facilities in: Uddingston, near Glasgow; Fyvie, Aberdeenshire; and Belfast, Northern Ireland. The company employs 150 people overall and benefits from being part of the SIG UK group. For further information on Steadmans’ full range of products call 016974 78277, email: info@steadmans.co.uk or visit www.steadmans.co.uk

February 2015 Industry

UPB

is one of the leading industrial groups in the Baltics operating in the fields of designing, engineering, production and installation of aluminium glass, wood-aluminium glass, prefab concrete and steel structures, as well as the manufacture of machinery and energy-supply equipment. More than 20 years since its inception, today UPB is a long-term and trustworthy partner for clients in Sweden, Norway, Germany, Iceland, Denmark, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, with a well-deserved reputation for bringing in complex technological solutions for all its products and services. In the United Kingdom we focus on aluminium – glass curtain walls, double-skin facades, triple glazed unitised facades and timber – aluminium glazed systems that have been approved as highly energy efficient and sustainable products, and thus are gaining popularity in the UK market. The unique blend of timber and aluminium is a perfect match to achieve visual beauty, functionality and energy efficiency for any

building. Renewability, together with outstanding thermal and noise insulation, makes timber the most common building material, while its texture creates a welcoming interior. Aluminium – 100% recyclable, but still exceptionally resistant to weather impact – is a very convenient material that allows architects to create superior designs and long-lasting windows and doors. UPB’s experienced engineering team and state-of-the-art production facilities are capable of designing and producing electrically operated, heated, weatherresponsive windows and facades, as well as windows with integrated blinds and lighting. Should the customer need we are also ready to offer complex products combining glass, prefab and steel structures, from design to on-site installation and after-sales services. Our integrated structure ensures our entire process, from resource management to final delivery, is done in an environmentally responsible way in accordance with BREEAM and LEAD requirements.

UPB is committed to excellent quality, and hence we are confident in our products – for each glazed structure we install, extended terms and a variety of guarantee options are provided. We bring to each customer our dedicated and loyal projectmanagement team, engineering expertise, bespoke technological equipment, together with significant experience gained in Nordic and Central European markets. We think and work creatively. We enjoy challenges in terms of time, space and scope. Let us tell you more about the possibilities – come and meet UPB at Ecobuild in Booth number S3024. For further information please contact us at: UPB AS Ltd, c/o Alliotts 4th floor, Imperial House 15 Kingsway, London, UK, WC2B 6UN. +44 203 318 4027

info@upbas.co.uk www.upbas.co.uk

February 2015

Breakthrough Sioo Wood Protection AB based in Gothenburg have produced a significant breakthrough in wood protection technology which solves the traditional problems of caring for wood.

The protection of wood is a significant challenge and it is a bold claim to be the technology leader in a field with many players and products. Despite the wide choice, the customer very often finds that the chosen solution has given short life protection with inadequate resistance to algae and vermin attack, discolouring and splintering of the timber surface and poor protection of people, pets and the environment. Sioo are leaders because we have approached the challenge differently. We have discarded old oil based solutions with their harmful biocides and drawn on nature to provide a natural highly effective process for protecting wood of all types. The result is a solution that gives long life, a beautiful natural surface and is completely friendly to people and the environment. Siooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural ingredients centred around the mineral silicon combine to quickly protect wood of all species, enhancing both appearance and performance. Sioo has been specified in Scandinavia by world leading

architects and end users for a decade because of its unique combination of advantages, particularly its sustainability and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Now being specified and used in the UK by architects, constructors and end users, particularly for cladding and decking applications, the strength of the Sioo product in giving: long life protection against the formation of algae, fungus, spore and rot, discolouring and splintering of the timber surface and poor ultimate protection of people, animals and the environment, is being seen and sought after. Sioo treated timber is beautiful to look at and it gets brighter, not darker, with age. Siooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s versatility allows for factory finishing or onsite application, protecting new wood or rejuvenating damaged wood back to health. Over the life cycle Sioo Wood Protection is a highly economical investment and lower cost than conventional treatments. You will find more information at www.sioo.co.uk Sioo Wood Protection AB Tel: +44 (0)7788 542 859 E: sioouk@icloud.com

February 2015

For Sioo Wood Protection Sioo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Leaders in Wood Protection

Sioo gives wood beauty and durability with minimum effort Sioo Wood Protection AB are based in Gothenburg, Sweden. They are the developers of a break through wood protection process using silicon technology providing a unique combination of benefits for the care of timber. The Sioo products are in wide spread use across Scandinavia for all types of timber. The Sioo treatment is totally environmentally friendly and provides a beautiful smooth natural finish, strengthens the surface fibres, kills and prevents algae formation and insect attack, retards water and provides long life. The Sioo products are being specified by architects and customers across the UK.

Sioo Wood Protection AB Tel: +44 (0)1325 350453 E: sioouk@icloud.com www.sioo.co.uk

www.firmanglass.com

Glass Processing Specialists Firman Glass is a leading specialist glass manufacturer and supplier of glass, with an unrivalled reputation for fast, flexible & high quality glass processing. We offer a wide range of standard and bespoke, decorative and structural glass solutions to all industry sectors with some of the largest glass sizes available.

Further information is available from our sales and technical offices or visit our website www.firmanglass.com Firman Glass,19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH Tel: 01708 374534 Fax: 01708 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com In association with