Home Designer & Architect - August 2014

HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT

MAGAZINE AUGUST 2014

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CONTENTS Publishing Director Tony Little 01843 595818 tony@homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk Editor Jenna Burridge jenna@homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk PublicatioN Manager Dean Perry 01843 570944 dean@homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk Publishing House Jet Digital Media Ltd The Mill Spratling Court OďŹƒce Spratling Court Farm Manston Kent CT12 5AN

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Industry News Summer Lighting Furniture Events Doors & Windows Home OďŹƒce Heating

www.homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk

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Industry News Twentieth-century buildings among 'Europe's most threatened heritage'

AHR reveals masterplan for £75m Oxford station revamp

Early social housing project by German architect Hans Scharoun at risk A shortlist of Europe’s most threatened built heritage has been drawn up by Europa Nostra.

It includes 1924’s Colour Row Settlement in Chernyakhovsk, Russia, designed by the German architect Hans Scharoun, and an art nouveau synagogue designed by Hungarian architects Marcell Komor and Dezsö Jakab in Serbia.

Europa Nostra, founded in 1963, is a federation of 250 European heritage organisations committed to safeguarding and promoting Europe’s cultural and natural heritage.

Its annual Seven Most Endangered programme was launched last year and aims to serve as a catalyst for action.

Eleven sites have been shortlisted for this year’s programme.

They include Colour Row Settlement, the only remaining example of Scharoun’s early work in former east Prussia.

It was a prototype of modern domestic architecture and an immediate forerunner of pioneering German social housing projects such as the Siemensstadt in Berlin, in which Scharoun was also involved. He went on to design the Berlin Philharmonic concert hall.

A spokesman for Europa Nostra said restoring the Colour Row was a technical and financial challenge but that its renovation and the creation of a research centre could boost tourism and the local economy.

Other shortlisted sites include a 1902 synagogue in Subotica, Serbia, designed by Hungarian architects Marcell Komor and Dezsö Jakab.

It combines a modern concrete and steel structure with traditional decorative elements from Hungarian Folk Art. It has been neglected since the Second World War. Most of the entries are much older, including a 10th-century monastic complex in Armenia and the 5th-century, 17ha Roman archaeological site of Golemo Gradište in Macedonia.

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Architecture competition to be launched for concept AHR, which demerged from architecture practice Aedas this month, has unveiled a masterplan for the £75 million revamp of Oxford station and the surrounding area.

The masterplan includes a proposed new station building and rail operational buildings, a new transport interchange, public realm improvements and three residential and three commercial buildings, which could be leisure, retail, offices or hotels.

There will be an architectural competition for the concept design of the new station, bridge and transport interchange, with designs expected to be finalised by next spring.

Oxford and Oxfordshire councils and Network Rail are working together to develop the masterplan, in conjunction with Department for Transport and First Great Western.

Repairs boost for 'Britain's best post-war church' Heritage architect Kelley Christ begins work to survey damage after fabric collapse One of Britain’s most important post-war churches has won significant Heritage Lottery funding for renovations after part of its roof fell in, narrowly missing a group of children.

St Paul’s Bow Common in east London was awarded £223,000 in principle for the main repairs, with £32,800 development funding up front.

This has enabled work to survey the damage to get underway this week by its new inspecting architect, Kelley Christ.

St Paul’s Bow Common, designed by Robert Maguire and Keith Murray and consecrated in 1960, was the first church in the UK to be designed around a central altar and the first post-war church to be listed.

Industry News

Chichester Festival Theatre Haworth Tomkins has subtly remodelled Chichester Festival Theatre, a 1960s classic that has regained its original vision while also achieving modern performance and efficiency standards Despite aberrations like the Museum of London and the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Powell and Moya, founded by fellow AA students Philip Powell and Hidalgo Moya in 1946, went on to become one of the defining British architectural practices of the Modern post-war era. Their best work was always marked by a profound public and civic consciousness grounded in a strict rationalist rigour, as exemplified by their collegiate waterside buildings at St John’s College Cambridge and their iconic, now demolished Skylon for the 1951 Festival of Britain.

Chichester Festival Theatre is one of their most celebrated works and it provides a perfect demonstration of their signature architectural style. Conceived as a “pavilion in the park” its rich natural setting evokes their passionately held belief that architecture should be an active agent of social improvement.

And in its cantilevered, hexagonal concrete form, lightweight cable-tied roof and its thrust stage performance space - the first of its kind in the UK and one whose company-based productions would eventually evolve into London’s National Theatre - the technical and aesthetic prowess the practice often lavished on its work is clearly brought into focus.

Huge east London schemes edge closer Locog settles Olympic Silvertown Quays in for planning while Royal Docks gets green light Plans to transform the Silvertown Quays area of east London have been submitted by a team of developers which includes Chelsfield.

Fletcher Priest has masterplanned the scheme with other practices working on it including AHMM, Allies and Morrison, Stanton Williams, Eric Parry and Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.

The Silvertown Partnership consortium behind the £3.5 billion overhaul includes developer First Base and Australian financier Macquarie Capital.

Plans include building a bridge to connect the site with the Crossrail station at Custom House, restoring the former Millennium Mills flour mill and providing cafes, restaurants, commercial and community buildings.

cauldron row out of court Thomas Heatherwick mourns ‘cynical timing’ as cauldron goes on permanent display this week Locog’s liquidator has settled the Olympic cauldron legal row out of court, paying an undisclosed sum to New York designers Atopia.

Moore Stephens, the accountancy firm now running the affairs of the London Games organisers, made no admission of liability.

While details of the settlement have not been disclosed, the case is understood to centre around breach of confidence rather than copyright.

Last year Atopia, run by Jane Harrison and former AA tutor David Turnbull, complained that the cauldron, designed by Thomas Heatherwick, bore a resemblance to written ideas they submitted to Locog as early as 2006.

They appointed Arnold & Porter, a firm of specialist intellectual property lawyers, to “vigorously pursue” Locog for breach of confidence.

Locog denied the allegation and Heatherwick and Danny Boyle continue to insist they never saw Atopia’s proposals - and knew nothing to the settlement.

Without consulting them, Moore Stephens, a global firm that specialises in tying up the loose ends of liquidated companies, this week acknowledged that Atopia came up with five design principles that would go on to become defining characteristics of the cauldron and paid Atopia an undisclosed sum.

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INDUSTRY News

Southall revamp unveiled Mayor Boris Johnson has unveiled plans to revamp Southall in west London following a consultation earlier this year.

The Southall Opportunity Area Planning Framework sets out the planning, regeneration and design guidance the authorities hope will lead to the creation of 6,000 new homes and up to 3,000 jobs.

The document proposes the comprehensive regeneration of Southall station to include a new, mixed-use development, improvements to transport infrastructure, new residential neighbourhoods and upgrading the Havelock Estate.

It also recommends major improvements to the high street network on Southall Broadway, South Road and The Green and strengthening its specialist Asian retail offer. This will be done by creating a greater variety of retail, leisure and evening economy uses to complement the current offer.

Jane Duncan named new RIBA president

Johnson said: “Southall is one of London’s gems and the arrival of Crossrail in 2018 will herald a new chapter for the town, stimulating large-scale investment in commercial activities, retail and housing and sparking massive regeneration.”

New head is third woman in past four races to take the post

The 520ha Southall Opportunity Area is one of 39 areas designated by the mayor with significant capacity for new housing, commercial and other development.

She beat Oliver Richards, a director of Orms, after voting closed earlier today.

DRMM wins Royal Docks

Jane Duncan is the next president of the RIBA.

She received 52% of the votes. The election turnout was 16.7%.

Duncan, who has run her own practice for two decades, will become president elect on September 1 this year.

Architect proposes Dutch-inspired custom-build community DRMM has won the competition to design the UK’s first floating village.

The practice beat the likes of Baca Architects and Ian Ritchie Architects to land the job in east London’s Royal Docks.

It is part of a consortium with developer Carillion Igloo Genesis and engineer Buro Happold.

The 6ha of water at the Royal Victoria Dock site, just east of the Emirates Airline, will be transformed into a community with 50 custom-built homes, plus restaurants, bars and offices.

There will also be a blue-water square framed by a market square, a floating cornice and an events space. Plans for additional facilities, such as a lido and ice rink, were also proposed as part of the bid.

The winning scheme will be 100% floating with the walkways, residential and non-residential units anchored in place using a series of piles located within the dock and connected to the dock by bridges.

Although a first for the UK, floating developments are common on the continent.

DRMM’s scheme was inspired by a community in ljburg near Amsterdam and the team was advised by Dutch floating structures experts Mark van Ommen of Floatbase and Ton van Namen of Monteflore.

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She will take over the two-year elected presidency from Stephen Hodder on September 1, 2015.

She will be the third woman to take on the role and the 75th RIBA president, a position previously held by Giles Gilbert Scott and Basil Spence.

Duncan said: “I am delighted to be elected and to have the mandate from RIBA members to undertake my election pledges on improving pride, fees and diversity within the architecture profession.

“Over the next year I will be working hard to support Stephen Hodder and visiting and talking to members and staff across the UK.” Duncan chaired the RIBA’s small practice committee and was vice president of practice and profession for six years. She is now equality and diversity champion.

Jane Duncan Architects, based in Amersham, Bucks, was founded in 1992 and now has 16 architects and interior designers. It specialises in high-end residential, sports, leisure, commercial and community projects.

The first female president was Ruth Reed whose tenure ran from 2009-2011. She was then succeeded by Angela Brady.

Which Windows Where?

Should it be a vertical slider or maybe a tilt before turn? Can’t decide? Sash UK should be able to help…

The type of windows you choose to invest in depends on a variety of factors, from practicality to style. If you’re not sure of the best windows for your particular needs, why not take a look at our handy guide.

Vertical Slider Simple to operate, appealing to loo lat, modern uPVC vertical slider sash windows have a classic design but all the benefits of the latest materials and manufacturing.

Because they are precisely engineered, they provide better security and won’t leak or let in draughts - unlike many of their traditional timber box sash window counterparts. They are also hardwearing and low maintenance compared with a wooden frame that needs regular painting.

As they are designed to replicate the look of a traditional timber window, they tend to be popular with home owners who want to match the style of an older home, in particular those replacing old Georgian windows, or to add character to a newer home. With the wide range of finishes available from Sash Windows, a Vertical Slider window can be supplied in any number of colours, and can be matched to your doors.

Tilt before turn Most windows open outwards, however tilt before turn windows open inwards. One of the major benefits of this is that it makes them much easier to clean - you don’t have to risk life and limb hanging outside or pay for a window cleaner - which makes them a popular choice for apartment buildings.

When fitted with a key locking handle, the window can be tilted for ventilation but will not turn open without a key to operate the handle, making them ideal if you have small children.

Tilt before turn windows are easy to operate and can also be designed to open in two ways: for example, tilting inwards slightly when you need a little air, and opening more fully when you want to open up the room to more fresh air.

will come with a lockable handle for extra security and can be supplied in a variety of colours. They can also be used in bay windows.

Fully reversible Fully reversible windows are designed to completely rotate for cleaning purposes. Like tilt before turn windows, they are supplied with a safety catch to prevent the risk of small children falling out when they are fully open.

A key product ideal for properties with restricted access, they allow for easy cleaning and maintenance. Because of specific building regulations, they are regarded as a product of choice by most people in Scotland.

Casement Probably the most popular design, casement windows open outwards and are attached to the frame with a side hinge or top hung hinge.

This gives you the flexibility of choosing from a variety of different combinations to suit your home, for example you may choose a side hung casement window and a top opening window for your bedroom so that you can choose how much air you want to allow into the room during the night.

Some will also have slatted ventilation.

Most modern casement windows

All Sash UK windows can be tailored to suit every need - call the office on 01226 715 619 to discuss in more detail. www.sashuk.com sales@sashuk.com

INDUSTRY News

Green light for Allies & Morrison's Wood Wharf Masterplan Outline permission granted for 30 new buildings in London’s Docklands Allies & Morrison has won outline planning for the 455,000sq m Wood Wharf extension to Canary Wharf.

The scheme will add 30 new buildings to the east of the existing cluster. The first phase of these include buildings designed by Herzog & de Meuron, Stanton Williams, KPF, Grid and Allies & Morrison.

The total Wood Wharf scheme will provide 250,000sq m of residential, including 3,100 new homes, 180,000sq m of offices focused on the creative media, technology and telecommunications sector, more than 100 shops, restaurants and cafes, a primary school, an NHS medical centre, a community centre, a hotel and a network of parks and public squares.

Completion of the first phase will coincide with the arrival of Crossrail in 2018.

The first phase planned will include 884 residential units in three buildings, designed by Herzog & de Meuron and Stanton Williams, totalling 90,000sq m, and two office buildings totalling more than 20,000sq m, designed by Allies & Morrison.

George Iacobescu, chairman and chief executive officer of Canary Wharf Group plc, said they hoped to be on site in late 2014, with the first buildings completed in 2018.

Amazon interest sparks hope for Foster's Principal Place scheme

Internet retail giant Amazon is close to signing a pre-let for office space in Foster & Partners’ Principal Place development on Bishopsgate, a move which could kick start construction of the stalled scheme, according to the Sunday Times.

The £290 million mixed-use scheme has been on hold since January 2012 when law firm CMS Cameron McKenna, which had been lined up as an anchor tenant, pulled out of the scheme.

Legal challenge launched against Shell Centre decision

An opponent of Squire & Partners’ Shell Centre development has launched a legal challenge in the High Court.

Activist and writer George Turner claims communities secretary Eric Pickles’ decision to approve the £1.3 billion scheme last month was flawed and will unleash Amazon is now reported to be considering a planning free-for-all on the moving its UK headquarters to the 15-storey South Bank. office tower which is at the heart of the scheme. It also features a 50-storey residential “These are not nimbyish tower, also designed by Foster & Partners. concerns, they have made serious errors in the way they The scheme stands between SOM’s have judged the planning Broadgate Tower at the end of the City cluster application. “ and Shoreditch.

Developer Hammerson subsequently sold its interest in the scheme to Brookfield, along with the rest of its office developments pipeline.

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Industry NEws

Tesco wants to build 4,000 homes Tesco is planning to build 4,000 homes in the UK on land once designated for supermarkets, in what would be the biggest housebuilding project ever announced by the firm.

A Tesco spokesman said: “We are currently working on plans for over 4,000 homes across the UK, either by building them ourselves or selling our sites to housing developers.

The retail giant is planning to build as many as 4,000 homes, using some of its huge landbank, which are expected to be ready by 2017.

“In places where we have already delivered housing schemes, for example in Faversham or Highams Park, the feedback from local communities and councils has been very positive.

Building is expected to be primarily in the South-east, with schemes mooted in Welwyn Garden City and St Albans, as well as the North and West of England, according to Property Week.

The plan comes weeks after the Guardian revealed Tesco is hoarding land that could support 15,000 homes.

“We are pleased to be bringing new investment to communities up and down the country and playing our part in meeting local housing needs over the coming years.”

PM announces £14bn Olympic boost The London Olympics has boosted the UK economy by more than £14 billion in two years, David Cameron will announce today.

school OK

Marks Barfield has won planning for a primary school that The economic benefits include legacy transformation work on the will serve the North West Cambridge city extension.

Olympic Park at Stratford as well as overseas projects awarded to UK It will be the first building to open as part of the architects on the back of their work for the 2012 Games. development in September 2015, the start of the academic Forty UK companies won £150 million worth of business in Brazil for year before residents arrive. this year’s World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, the prime minister will tell business and Commonwealth leaders in Glasgow ahead of today’s It will also be the UK’s first university training school at primary level, operating closely with Cambridge’s teaching opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games. training college.

He will also announce a further £200 million in new trade and Marks Barfield, which worked with landscape architect investments deals.

Colour UDL, said its inspiration came from the university’s Wilkinson Eyre is working with Aecom on Rio’s 2016 Olympic courtyards typology. masterplan, while And Architects is working on the handball arena and The design incorporates classroom clusters, all with direct 3DReid is carrying out work on the city’s velodrome. access to the circular landscaped courtyard; flexible Meanwhile London legacy projects include Chobham Manor, the first teaching rooms; shared learning “streets”; communal areas new neighbourhood designed by Make, Karakusevic Carson, Muf and and covered outdoor learning spaces.

PRP; Chobham Academy by AHMM; and Here East by Hawkins Brown.

Julia Barfield of Marks Barfield Architects said: “The Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “The delivery of London 2012 on challenge of finding an architectural expression of the time and on budget led to hosting nations turning to the UK to help educational vision articulated by the university and its deliver their own events with supply opportunities running into the educational expert representatives has been highly stimulating and enjoyable, especially as the school needs to billions. be a shared learning environment for pupils, teachers and “UK Trade & Investment has played a key role in helping British companies researchers.” maximise these opportunities and the result is a £14 billion boost to the The University of Cambridge Primary School will open UK economy from the Games.” in phases from September 2015 and will serve the development site and a local catchment.

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Luxury Outdoor living – from Leisure Plan At Leisure Plan, we know time spent outdoors can be so precious and enjoyable.

Whether that’s relaxing by the pool on holiday, firing up the BBQ for that special gathering or simply enjoying the feel of the sun on your face, outdoor hospitality has never been so popular.

THE COLLECTIONS DEDON Dedon, a market leader in striking, contemporary woven furniture, gracing al fresco dining areas at hotel poolside’s and terraces, and stylish residential exterior spaces around the world. Skilled artisans hand craft the Dedon fibres into daringly sophisticated silhouettes and stunning signature pieces for which the company is recognised today.

We believe in enjoying our outdoor spaces in the most comfortable and stylish way possible. From our quiet corner of rural Essex, we’ve been supplying the best European outdoor furniture designs to the UK and beyond for over thirty years.

We are the exclusive sales and distribution partners for three of the most distinguished brands of outdoor living comfort: Dedon, Ego Paris and Fischer Mobel. Our furniture not only looks great, but is built to survive all weathers, even in the UK! In recent years, our showroom has become a mecca for architects, interior designers, hotel purchasing managers, landscape architects and specifiers – in fact anyone involved in the hospitality industry looking for stylish, high quality outdoor furniture.

EGO PARIS Since 2002 Ego Paris has developed original distinctive collections offering a whole spectrum of designs from organicinspired shapes to highly decorative details and classic curves. All with a healthy dose of unmistakable French design flair combined with a large colour palette of frame and material combinations.

We don’t just sell luxury outdoor furniture: we also manufacture cushions in our on-site workshop, adding that finishing touch to any collection. We understand the importance of design detail.

That’s why whatever size, colour or material you want, we can design and create cushions to match.

What a combination: furniture with impeccable pedigree, matched by a bespoke cushion make-up service, adding that stylish finishing touch to your outdoor room resulting in a level of individuality only found at Leisure Plan.

When you place an order with us, we manage the whole delivery process. Using our own transport ensuring arrival at the right place at the agreed time, we unpack, assemble, place your furniture where you want and remove the packaging – ‘our white glove service’. We also operate an overseas service and can organise a complete door-door package.

FISCHER MOBEL Make a minimalist design statement with the clean lines and subtle elegance of Fischer Mobel furniture. Throughout its product portfolio, Fischer Mobel’s passion for technical precision, attention to detail and the use of the highest grade materials has gained them many international design awards.

To learn more about Leisure Plan’s products and service, please visit www.leisureplan.co.uk

01635 789245 07450 315244 www.creationpools.co.uk sales@creationpools.co.uk

www.creationpools.co.uk

Indoor Swimming Pools An indoor pool is a fantastic investment for any home. Not only does it provide entertainment, fun and exercise for you and your family, it also adds value to your home if you come to sell it in the future.

magine being able to swim daily without having to travel to a local communal pool, without having to share showers or compete for space in the water. Whether you swim to get fit or simply to relax and unwind after a hard day, being able to do so in the comfort of your own home is a priceless luxury.

I

Creation Pools offer a completely

bespoke service in the design, construction and maintenance of indoor swimming pools. Our extensive experience in the construction industry means that we can carry out all building work from pool installation to the construction of the building in which to house your pool.

constructed in the most efficient and cost-effective way for you.

Creation Pools use the highest quality materials and more than two decades of experience in the swimming pool industry to turn the swimming pool of your dreams into a reality.

If you’ve already got a builder contracted to construct your building then we can work with them to ensure that your pool is

Why not get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements and see how we can help you to create the perfect indoor pool.

T H E D E TA I L S ARE NOT T H E D E T A I L S. THEY MAKE T H E D E S I G N. CHARLES EAMES

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Lighting

Deltalight Deltalight is recognised as being one of the largest and most prestigious architectural lighting manufacturers in the world today. We have been operating globally since 1992 and in the UK since 1997.

With our architectonic approach to contemporary and innovative lighting creations, Deltalight has quickly established a name for itself in the world market, growing to become a trendsetter and industry leader.

We work with individuals, architects and design professionals alike on projects both large and small.

Our team of knowledgeable lighting specialists operate throughout the UK, with the capacity to provide lighting calculations and project visualisation to meet our clients’ needs.

We have a wide range of indoor and outdoor light fittings, which include many eco-friendly, LED and IP rated options.

To order our latest catalogue please visit www.deltalight.co.uk or call 0870 757 7087.

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furniture

Specialists in creating beautifully bespoke oak furniture www.rusticoak.co.uk 01245 224 357 enquiries@rusticoak.co.uk

Rustic Oak is an established family run business based in Essex that designs and makes bespoke oak furniture. Based on the family farm we have been producing beautiful oak furniture for nearly ten years. We specialise in our handmade dining tables that are made from 5 year seasoned English oak and have a uniquely chunky look with solid 90mm thick tops. We create various different styles from a classic Refectory table, our unique Waney edge tables to more contemporary designs like our Cube base tables.

As well as the dining tables we also produce various other ranges of furniture to go throughout the home. Our Chunky oak beam coffee tables are hand made from English green oak beams that will naturally season and mature over time creating shakes and splits adding to their already considerable character. As well as the coffee tables we make bathroom sink units from the green oak beams, these are a popular and stylish item that make a real statement and set the room apart from others. To compliment these items we also have a wide range of side tables, TV units, pedestals and bookcases.

Our workshop is always open to anyone that wishes to see the oak we use and the production process, finishes and meet us to discuss your design ideas.

www.rusticoak.co.uk | enquiries@rusticoak.co.uk 01245 224357 | 07855 808555 t16t

Specialists in creating beautifully bespoke oak furniture www.rusticoak.co.uk 01245 224 357 enquiries@rusticoak.co.uk

Since 2005, Rustic Oak has grown and matured, much like the oak it uses, and continues to do so.

Catering for a wide range of furniture requirements, Rustic Oak can provide furniture solutions for any room in the home.

Kitchen

Dining

Living

Office

To see our entire product range visit www.rusticoak.co.uk Bedroom

Events

The London Homebuilding & Renovating and Home Improvement Show proudly sponsored by Anglian Home Improvements

Piers Taylor

Home-Designer and Architect has got 20 pairs of tickets to the show worth £34. For your chance to win click here and tell us the name of the exhibition venue where the show will take place by 30 August 5pm.

photo credit: Darren Chung

How to create space and in a small home

Piers Taylor, spokesperson for The London Homebuilding & Renovating and Home Improvement Show proudly sponsored by Anglian Home Improvements and co-presenter of BBC2 series ‘The House that £100k Built’ offers his tips on how to create space and light in a small home: It’s really important to invest in the fundamentals of the house. Many people think immediately of the ‘cosmetic’ aspects of kitchens and bathrooms, but the most important thing, despite what an estate agent will tell you, is quality of space. The quality of space comes, principally, from a sense of generosity, simplicity, and light.

Small things make a huge difference, even in the most modest house. First up, I’d recommend de-cluttering, where possible. Simplicity really is key. I’m a big fan of removing skirtings and architraves, but where this can’t be done, I’d always recommend painting them (and the doors) the same colour as the adjacent walls.

Avoid ‘picking things out’ as it will invariably

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make the house seem smaller. Where possible, take off doors that aren’t needed.

In terms of flooring, try and run the same floor covering throughout, with no threshold strips or joins between rooms. Painted boards can be fantastic, particularly when the same colour as the walls. Use simple, bright colours. I’ve seen entire houses painted white - floors, walls, everything - which can look amazing, and make the house seem so much bigger.

If walls between small living spaces can be removed to create bigger living spaces, it can transform a house. For the really bold, opening up into the roof spaces can be a great way of increasing the sense of space, and can give a

great lofty feel as these rooms will follow the line of the roof. If there’s space for a small mezzanine that can be used as an extra living, work or bed space, even better.

When choosing new windows, try and find slim frames, with no glazing bars if possible, as these can just add clutter.

Lighting, too, is really important. Pendants are very tricky, unless the fittings are really interesting - so i’d recommend discreet lighting that lights the space, rather than ‘object’ lighting.

Build in as much storage in concealed discreet cupboards (painted wall colour) to clear the main spaces of clutter. We tend to be very lazy about how we use space in this country - in Japan, they’re a fantastic example of how to use small spaces effectively, with inventive storage solutions in all sorts of unexpected places.

For more expert advice from Piers Taylor, come along to The London Homebuilding & Renovating and Home Improvement Show proudly sponsored by Anglian Home Improvements from 26-28 September at Olympia, London www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/london

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FLOORING SHOW DESIGN RETAIL CONTRACT

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! Large exhibition featuring companies key to the contract flooring business ! High quality free-to-attend commercial flooring seminar and conference programme ! All the usual show features – the Trends Hub, the Demo Zone, and multiple networking opportunities ! New: the Design Innovation Zone

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Hotelier & Hotel Design

New late September dates are more convenient for the all-important contract/commercial flooring sector

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Whether you’re adding an extension, a brilliant new kitchen or building your own home from scratch – we’ll help you get there!

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Call 0871 231 0824 or visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/london *£1.75 transaction fee applies. £10 ticket offer is valid on standard tickets only and must be redeemed before 3pm on 25th September 2014. Calls cost 10p per min plus standard network charges

Energy Ratings As anyone who works with windows will know, there’s more to them than meets the eye.

Specifically, a customer will not be able to see with the naked eye quite how much heat can be lost through a poor quality window - although they may feel a draught!

As we all become more energy conscious, both in response to rising prices and concerns for the environment, Energy Efficient Windows (EEWs) have come into their own. So here’s our guide to Energy Ratings as commonly used in the industry.

What is the BFRC? The BFRV is a UK-wide system for rating Energy Efficient Windows. BFRC stands for British Fenestration Ratings Council.

Who runs the BFRC? The Glass and Glazing Federation took over the BFRC in 2005. Since then it has worked hard to increase awareness of what the BFRC stands for and to encourage a wider acceptance of Window Energy Ratings (WERs). This has led to a larger number of licences and licence holders and to government acceptance of WERs, which means they are now used to help companies comply with building regulations.

How do Energy Efficent Windows ratings work?

EEW ratings are displayed in a simple traffic-light style, which has bee designed to be easily understood by the consumer. The ratings run from A to G, with A representing the most energy efficient systems. Because the guidelines are similar to those used on household white goods, most people will already be familiar with them.

Every window that has been rated by the BFRC has its own unique label, displaying the relevant information. The BFRC lists this as being: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

The rating leave - A, B, C, etc The energy rating e.g. -£kWh/(m2K); in this example the product will lose 3 kilowatt hours per square metre per year The window U value e.g. 1.4W(m2K) The effective heat loss due to air penetration as L e.g. 0.01 W/(m2K) The solar heat gain e.g. g=0.43

What are the benefits of the top ratings?

A high rating will help to contain and conserve heat within a home or other building, white allowing the sun’s warmth to contribute towards heating the home. It will also provide a barrier to wind, reduce condensation and improve sound insulation. Since 25% of heat in an average home is lost through the windows, it makes sense to install A-rated windows with energy efficient glass.

What materials are suitable for EEW frames?

All of the usual frame materials can be used for Energy Efficient Windows: aluminium, PVC-U, steel or wood.

Will customers understand WERs? Consumers are already familiar with the ‘rainbow’ labelling on white goods such as fridges and washing machines, which represents energy efficiency. By following a similar labelling system for windows, WERs can help consumers more easily understand the level of thermal performance offered.

How does using BFRC ratings benefit the manufacturer?

By registering Energy Efficient Windows on the BFRC scale, companies can supply consumers who are increasingly looking to buy windows with BFRC ratings. They can also reap the benefits of the Glass and Glazing Federation’s activities, which include lobbying the government on policies and legislation, and offering support to help companies market their windows and boost sales.

What is Sash UK’s approach to Energy Ratings?

Because environmental concerns and energy efficiency are at the heart of the company, Sash UK has long been committed to taking a responsible approach to promoting Energy Ratings. The company aims to provide customers with energy efficient solutions and the latest ‘green’ innovations, so that they can live and work in homes and buildings that offer the best environment.

Sash UK is ISO 14001 accredited - this represents environmental management, showing that the company identifies and controls its environmental impact and constantly looks to improve its environmental performance. All Sash UK windows are BFRC accredited from C to A for energy efficiency.

www.sashuk.com

SureSet, the UK’s leading specialist manufacturer of permeable resin bound paving, has been supplying high quality products for residential and commercial projects since 1997.

From our head office in rural Wiltshire we offer a full supply and installation service through our nationwide network of skilled installers. Our projects range from supplying DIY kits to home owners to installing the Manchester City Football Club logo outside their Etihad Stadium.

– create a design heaven for architects, designers, developers, landscapers and home owners.

Used externally, our permeable resin bound paving with its versatility, durability, and design potential results in visually stunning and unique driveways, paths, school SureSet is available in an playgrounds, swimming pool almost unlimited choice of surrounds, car parks and tree colour and texture options that, pits. together with great design, gives rise to eye catching, eco- Our internal resin bound friendly alternatives to tarmac, flooring InBound™ is a recent gravel, decking and paving addition to the SureSet range. stones outside, or tiles, carpet InBound™ can be installed with either a permeable or a water and laminate flooring inside. resistant finish making it ideal The combination of our for creating customised themes natural aggregates, marble or for shops and showrooms or recycled materials with earthy for personalising bathrooms, shades, natural buffs or the kitchens, offices and reception rich, vibrant primary colours areas. In fact almost anywhere of our Spectrum™ range you want to see something

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striking and original.

The flexibility of our high quality resin bound system allows you to personalise any design with bespoke, intricate detail to both internal and external surfaces.

If you are interested in any of our products then call us now on 01985 841180 or go to www.sureset.co.uk to request your samples or a quote.

Smooth operator...

...New Trimless Morpheus Dolly Switches from Focus SB This stylishly smooth dolly switch is the latest addition to our Morpheus range of screwless switches and sockets, adding a sleek and minimal touch to your projects.

Available in one, two, three and four gang switch plates and in all of our stunning finishes. Matching sockets and Bespoke plates are also available.

No long lead times

No minimum order

See us at 100%design 17-20 September Earls Court London Stand E222

Complete bespoke service

Tel: 01424 858060 www.focus-sb.co.uk

ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES

Button-fix— the secret fixing for panels and more…

to make fitting the Button-fix more accurate, easy and safe as well as its own in-house technical team to answer any queries you may have.

If you haven’t seen Button-fix for yourself then request a FREE sample pack today by visiting

From Washrooms and fit-outs to exhibition and display stands, this innovative, www.button-fix.com secret fixing is a must have for fitters, designers and architects alike!

What is Button-fix and how does it work?

The concept is simple: the Button is attached to one surface and the Fix to the other. When the two parts are brought together they fit with a satisfying click. Button-fix is designed to be incredibly strong and has been tested and certified by independent test house ‘Sandberg.’

Easy to fix as well allowing the panels to be removable and reconfigurable at a later date.

There are two types of Fix depending on your specific application. The Type 1 Fix can be either surface-mounted or rebated and engages with a vertical or sideways sliding action. This version is ideal for applications where load

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bearing is paramount. The Type 2 Fix connects panels at 90˚ with a simple push/pull assembly and is ideal for applications where the emphasis is on ease of fit rather than strength.

To better understand which type is best for your application, please visit www.button-fix.com . On our blog page you will fine photography, videos and references for real projects where Button-fix has actually been used.

Button-fix now have distributors throughout the UK as well as, Canada, USA, Germany, New Zealand and Australia.

Button-fix also offers a number of marker tools and other accessories

Doors & Windows Leading interior door manufacturer Vicaima have just launched a new door kit and set solutions brochure making the process of specifying and selecting the ideal door and frame assembly straightforward and simple.

Packed with options for every kind of project, this new brochure offers performance and design solutions to satisfy the most exacting requirements.

This new Vicaima guide contains over 40 pages of inspiration and illustrates the host of possibilities offered by their ever popular Portaro and Easi-fit ranges. These include:

Door Kit and Set Solutions made simple

fire certification acoustic sound reduction secure by design performance design flexibility offering a wide choice of finishes, door configurations and dimensions, ensuring that specific requirements can be accommodated.

All Vicaima Portaro and Easi-Fit fire door assemblies are fully tested to BS476 Part 22 (1987) and are third party accredited by the BM Trada Q-Mark and the BWF-Certifire schemes. Both ranges provide 30 minute FD30(S) and 60 minute FD60(S) fire ratings.

Where sound reduction is a key requirement, for example in hotel rooms, then Portaro systems offer effective acoustic sound reduction capabilities with ratings from 33dB to 42dB. When it comes to security performance of front entrance door systems, Vicaima Portaro and Easi-Fit Secured by Design (SBD) achieves full PAS 23/24 approval and is the ideal option for apartments and hotel suites.

Vicaima’s Portaro and Easi-Fit kits and sets offer complete design flexibility with a wide selection of door finishes including real wood veneers, foil faced, lacquered, painted, primed and stained choices. Further design scope is provided by doors of extra width (up to 1150mm) and height (up to 2700mm). For a seamless assembly that blends completely with its surroundings the Portaro Inverse with its invisible hinges creates that contemporary floor to ceiling effect.

Door assembly configurations allow for single leaf, equal and unequal pairs and even matching sets, all with a choice of handings and rebates to suit specific project specifications.

Vicaima’s new brochure shows that their Portaro and Easi-Fit kits are a one stop shop. Full matching joinery packages are available including skirting, window boards, wardrobes and other furniture. CE marked ironmongery components including hinges plus lock or latch are supplied as standard and optional items such as 3 point locking systems, escutcheons and eye viewers can also be supplied. A full selection of factory glazed openings, grills and fanlights are also available to meet customers’ exact requirements.

Vicaima have a wealth of experience in the design, manufacture and supply of door assemblies and this expertise and innovation has seen their products specified for an ever growing number of UK and international luxury apartments, hotel and leisure developments, plus numerous commercial projects. For a copy of the new Portaro & EaiFit literature visit www.vicaima.com and select brochures. Alternatively call 01793 532333 for additional information.

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Timber Door Canopies Our door canopy range comes in many designs to suit the style of your property and improve the appearance of your house – from flat roof canopies to ‘A’ frame door canopies and mono pitch. Our canopies are suitable for front doors, porches and windows and are made from high quality timber by our highly skilled craftsmen. All door canopies are quick and easy to fix. If you are looking for something a little different from our standard range or just need to alter the dimensions please contact Sally and discuss your requirements, all bespoke designs are considered.

Please browse our site to view the standard range of canopies hand made by the tradesman at ‘George Woods’. As well as the standard range of traditional porches you will see on the ‘standard range/buy online’ page, George Woods also offer a service to design and build bespoke canopies, to find out exactly what is on offer please send us your details and criteria via the contact form.

George Woods have replicated as closely as possible the patterns created in the last century to enhance the visual impact of your home. Being that George Woods was founded in Devon it felt right that the beautiful surrounding villages play a part in the make up of the canopies hence the names ‘Ashcombe’, ‘Branscombe’, ‘Chilcombe’ etc.

Being a mail order product allows for the beauty of the local devon cottages to spill out over the countryside with canopies being delivered anywhere from Landsend (Cornwall) to John O’Groats (Scotland). *This does not mean we will not deliver further afield it simply means this is our ‘standard’ UK delivery area*.

INDUSTRY Essentials

INDUSTRY Essentials

With the effects of the Fifty Shades of Grey phenomena wearing off, many people are looking for new ways to bring a little fun back into the bedroom. Messy and old fashioned bedrooms are an instant turn off, so the Kitchen Door Workshop is here to provide the solution with its stylish doors that can update any bedroom that’s in need of a little TLC. The Kitchen Door Workshop’s replacement bedroom doors are a great solution for swiftly updating the bedroom and giving it a new lease of life. There are lots of different styles to choose from whether it’s a slick and masculine inspired interior such as the Visions door in Storm Grey, or for a more romantic and whimsical look, try the Storrington door in Magnolia

www.kitchendoorworkshop.co.uk

In bedrooms where the fitted cupboards and drawers are still in good condition, the tired and unfashionable old doors can be simply unscrewed and removed, and trendy new replacement doors from the Kitchen Door Workshop can be fitted in minutes. It’s quick, simple and causes minimal mess.

Any DIY enthusiast can take on this task and with step-by-step You Tube videos showing every step of the process, the project is sure to be completed with no fuss. A free downloadable book with tips and advice is also available which can be used offline.

The Kitchen Door Workshop doors retail from £4.29 including VAT. A Visions door measuring H149.5xW39.6cm retails from £59.68 each. A Storrington bedroom door measuring H149.5xW39.6cm retails from £48.69 each.

The Kitchen Door Workshop showroom is located at the Millers Yard, Straight Half Mile, Maresfield, East Sussex, TN22 3AY. For further details on the Kitchen Door Workshop please call 0845 643 1928 or visit www.kitchendoorworkshop.co.uk

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View our newest design: the Kingsbridge!

Kept simple for a more modern look, the kings bridge canopy is the least expensive in our range. With it’s simple lines it suits both modern and older properties. The standard size suits a normal 940mm door, bespoke price available on request.

Ashcombe £318

Branscombe £306

Chilcombe £306

Dunscombe £306

Eastacombe £306

Filcombe £306

Gittisham £306

Harcombe £220.80 GEORGE WOODS

Ilfracombe £256.40

Kingsbridge £200

Shiplap £318

4D Yeo Vale Industrial Estate Lapford Crediton Devon EX17 6YQ TEL: (01363) 884218 FAX: (01363) 884228 WEB: timberdoorcanopies.co.uk

ESG are pleased to announce the launch of another new product with massive ‘green’ credentials.

In an addition to our Solarchromic range, we have now introduced Solarchromic XP. This new product, along with the others in the range, is designed to help create a much more energy efficient property by reducing energy consumption and costs. Solarchromic XP tints gradually in response to rising temperatures caused by direct sunlight, this tinting reduces the amount of solar heat energy that is

ESG launch Solarchromic XP their new climate control glass. emitted through the glass, keeping rooms at a much lower temperature. This means there is a less of a requirement for air conditioning, fans and other cooling products reducing the amount of electricity used by the property cutting costs and reducing the properties carbon footprint.

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Compared with other self-tinting glazing or dynamic window systems; Solarchromic XP is a passive or ‘off the grid’ product, meaning that unlike the other products which need an electric or mechanical input to work, Solarchromic XP works by drawing all the energy it needs to work from the sun.

This not only adds to the cost saving the product offers but means that it is not liable to mechanical failure.

Because Solarchromic XP blocks almost 99% of UV rays it also helps to protect internal decorations such as wallpaper, paintings and carpets, as it is the UV rays that inflict sun damage and decrease useable life of these products. Although it cannot stop this UV damage entirely, it drastically reduces the damage caused.

Solarchromic XP is the eco glazing product of the future, independently changing to maximise performance and therefore the cost saving to the user.

Industry News

Plans mooted for HS2 station in

Johnson in public sector land grab The mayor of London is making a bid for significant new powers to take control of public land in the capital.

Boris Johnson is calling on the government to allow him to make the “land grab” so he can tackle the housing crisis despite coming under fire for his record on affordability.

Sheffield City Region Combined Authority (SCRCA) is tendering for consultants to work on a connectivity He wants to extend the Infrastructure Bill, which is currently going through study to support the case for a potential HS2 station Parliament, to include the capital. in Sheffield city centre.

This would allow the Greater London Authority to seize land owned by all public The authority – formed in April, which represents bodies in London, such as NHS trusts, in order to sell it off for housing.

Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham and Barnsley, as well as five local authorities in north Derbyshire – Currently the Infrastructure Bill gives that power to the Homes and received bids from consultants for the work on the Communities Agency but excludes the capital because the HCA’s powers in the proposed station at Sheffield’s old Victoria Station capital were devolved to the GLA by the Localism Act in 2011. site earlier this month.

SCRCA is assessing the economic case for a Sheffield city centre HS2 station, amid lobbying by Sheffield city council for the government to choose the Victoria site over the government’s preferred option of locating a South Yorkshire HS2 station at Meadowhall shopping centre on the outskirts of the city.

HOK lands Papworth rebuild

HOK has beaten IBI Nightingale to land the £165 million rebuild of Papworth Hospital near Cambridge.

The pair were finalists picked from a shortlist that also included Avanti.

The longlist featured Allies & Morrison, BDP, Anshen & Allen, John Cooper Architecture and Sheppard Robson.

The 310-bed facility on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus will be the The Doncaster, Rotherham and Barnsley authorities country’s largest cardiothoracic hospital and will include the country’s main are all understood to support the Meadowhall option, heart and lung transplant centre. while the five Derbyshire members of SCRCA do not have voting rights in the combined authority.

The design will separate outpatients, emergency services and diagnostic and treatment functions in an attempt to streamline admissions and make the place Councillor Stephen Houghton, chairman of SCRCA, easier to navigate. said in a statement: “Local leaders have asked for experts to provide further detailed information on Double corridors create a compact, accessible layout with shortened travel the station location options in the Sheffield City distances and direct sightlines to all patients from the nurses’ stations.

Region before reaching a final decision on which station to support.

“The leaders’ final decision will be to back the station An 11-storey apartment scheme which offers the maximum economic benefit for the in the middle of Manchester by Ian Simpson Architects has been Sheffield City Region, subject to affordability.” submitted for planning.

Transport secretary Patrick McLaoughlin is expected to make an announcement on the route of HS2 north Developer Town Centre Securities (TCS) is behind the plot which sits in of Birmingham before the end of the year. the masterplan for the regeneration The South Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority of the city’s Piccadilly Basin.

(SYITA) – which represented Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham and Barnsley, but was superseded by It overlooks the Rochdale canal and SCRCA in April – said in its response to the HS2 will feature 91 one, two and three consultation in January that “we fully support the bedroom apartments. inclusion of a HS2 station at Sheffield Meadowhall”.

TCS said it has worked with English Consultant Arup produced a connectivity study to Heritage to make sure the design support the case for the Meadowhall option, after works with nearby listed buildings. being commissioned by SYITA. Richard Lewis, property director Sheffield city council said in its HS2 consultation at TCS, said: “In recent years TCS response that it “strongly disagree[d]” with the has worked hard to transform and regenerate the area, reopening the proposed route.

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canal and tow paths, restoring historic mills, improving the public realm and building bespoke, design-led new buildings.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to regenerate a previously developed brownfield site, add further character and distinctiveness to this attractive and increasingly popular part of the city centre and complete this part of the masterplan.”

Simpson’s largest scheme in the UK, the 50-storey One Blackfriars building in London, is already underway with piling work being carried out. The 170m tower is due to be completed in 2018.

Home Office

Home Office Interior Design

Your home office interior design should be both functional and beautiful. This is your personal space used for the day to day running of your home and or business which may use a corner of your living room or a designated room. Whichever you choose, it is undoubtedly important to keep it tidy and ruthlessly efficient.

WORKING FROM HOME: It has become increasingly popular to have a small office at home to work from, either to create a better work-life-balance, to avoid the misery or commuting or to follow your dreams and undertake the work that you love to do from the comfort of your own home.

We are seeing considerable growth in the number of ambitious entrepreneurs keen to set up a business on the lowest budgets and it is true that setting up at home cuts overheads significantly and allows you to work long productive hours without compromising or giving up on family or home life. Some of the most successful business began in a garage space!

The image below is an example of a partitioned area at home to create a simple, small home office. The amount of natural light is fantastic along with the all crisp, white furniture.

Small home office design Create yourself an interesting and comfortable place to work. Your home office interior design could be as simple as creating a space for your laptop, printer, phone and storage. Therefore a space like the image below is all that you need. Define what your requirements are, then begin the design process.

I left a large practice to start my own from home. It was an enormous downscale however, I created an office that inspires and motivates me. It is an amazing space detailed with everything to suit my design style and functions perfectly allowing me to focus and deliver work that needs high levels of concentration. So get going with your office design ideas and create your space.

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Heating

Get Paid For Using Renewable Heat In Your Home.

Householders can now benefit from the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), designed to revolutionise the way heat is generated and used in homes across Great Britain.

The RHI provides financial support to participants of the scheme that generate and use renewable energy such as; GSHP, ASHP, biomass boilers and PV thermal panels to heat their homes. All domestic RHI installations are to be carried out by Microgeneration Certificate Scheme (MCS) installers with householders being reimbursed up to £230 per year for the cost of the meter installation over the seven years of RHI payments.

“Where heat metering is required, a heat meter that is MID Class 3 or higher is critical, the RHI claim will not be processed without meeting this standard as a minimum.”

The new minocal® C5 IUF heat meter from Minol uses compact ultrasonic technology which meets MID Class 2 in any orientation.

The static ultrasonic technology is resistant to debris, stable over the long service life, unlike other heat meters the minocal® C5 IUF can handle temperatures up to +130°C and reliable on low volume flows.

Device and consumption data, such as due-date values, maximum values t38t

HEAT METERS

0800 027 7786

(free phone) sales@bellflowsystems.co.uk www.bellflowsystems.co.uk

RHI Compliant

Unbeatable prices!

Buy online now! bellflowsystems.co.uk

or the saved readings for the last 24 months, can be interrogated at the touch of a button.

Confined spaces on domestic RHI installations will be very common, the minocal® C5 IUF ultrasonic heat meter corresponds to the design and connection dimensions of DIN EN 1434 and does not require any straight lengths of pipe, with a height of just 54mm (taken from the center of the pipe) these meters can be installed and serviced on the most demanding systems.

Greg Barker, Energy and Climate Change Minister said: “Domestic RHI is a big step forward in our drive to get innovative renewable heating kits in our homes” Bell Flow Systems Ltd have been dealing with non-domestic RHI since the outset and can provide all of the required elements and meters including those with GPRS or Wifi technology so that the householder and installer will be able to view measured data from their system over the internet. Minol also carry a range of larger heat meters if required. The minocal® C5 IUF domestic RHI compliant heat meter is available exclusively from Bell Flow Systems Ltd, a Flowmax Group company.

Harrie Leenders Pharos - The Pharos Interior is a modern and naturally shaped fire. The fire is fixed to the ceiling and this makes for a spatial effect.

This modern, organically shaped fire gives the fire a central place in the living room. The stove is more than just a functional source of heat, it is also a work of art adding value to any space.

Pharos Interior is marked by its spatial design. The stove can be suspended from the ceiling by an ingenious construction, and can be installed to be fully, partly or not rotatable as desired.

The outer casing is made of high-grade cast aluminium. The interior is made of thick sheet steel and has a refractory bottom of ceramic material. The small glass window in the door opening is slightly curved, accentuating the organic form of Pharos.

The fire is available in various colour combinations and can be made to measure for different ceiling heights.

The art of design. Smoothly rotating, thus affording all the space you need to enjoy its style, design and welcome warmth all around - Design by Jos Muller

Rais Juno Soapstone - The Rais Juno stove displays superior qualities, since 388 kg of hot stone accumulate the combustion heat and still are above 60 degrees next morning! To enable this the stove needs to be nice and hot at bedtime. This stove combines both convection and the principle of heat storage. Juno is a state-of-the-art and almost sculptural wood-burning stove, where the beautifully rounded, light natural stones stand in striking contrast to the fire and the shiny glass and steel.

Elegant, slim and stylish, with impressive simplicity! It is available with rotary base, offering an optimal view of the fire and its cosy effect.

Please note the excellent data for particle emission and environmental friendliness. Can also be installed with AIR-System, designed for well insulated low-energy houses.

Piazzetta Line - Original shaped majolica cladding frames the firebox, giving the appliance a particularly innovative look that goes hand in hand with the latest technology. Multifuoco SystemŽ Three speed forced ventilation system. Warm air ducting up to 16 m, Multifunction remote control, LCD display, timer, thermostat and Multicomfort function, Programming Daily, weekly and weekend modes. Dual time settings, Remote Control System Optional kit for remote control of stove with a simple SMS, Structure Enamelled steel with door, brazier and firebox in cast iron, Majolica cladding Unique large hand-made pieces, Air Glass System Self-cleaning ceramic glass resistant up to 750°C, Energy Saving Quick and easy maintenance, removable ash drawer. Wellness Humidifier with aroma diffuser, Eco function Automatic power control of the fire, Pellet Level Sensor, Allows to monitor the amount of pellet in the hopper, displaying an alert when refilling is required.

ROBEYS are the UK Importer and Distributor for many brands as seen on website www.robeys.co.uk t39t

It’s all in a day’s work with Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-E Underfloor Heating Cutting installation time by up to 70%, boasting an extremely low assembly height (5.5mm) and providing one unique underfloor heating system all available from a market leading innovative manufacturer – Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-E has arrived!

Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-E leaves other conventional systems out in the cold as the perfect all-in-one integrated solution for use under tiles and natural stone flooring.

Ideal for refurbishment and renovation projects thanks to its uncoupling and crack-bridging properties, Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-E is unlike anything else available due to its loose heating cables which are fixed down to the uncoupling mat free of tape as a result of its unique studded design. Offering optimum freedom for creating concentrated heating zones, as well as providing uniform spacing without the need for measuring and marking, the new system will dramatically cut installation time by up to 70%.

Time-saving benefits include:

Easy press to lay cable – no tape or glue No self-levelling layer or primer laying – time saved on application Loose heating cable – greater flexibility Uniform spacing of every three studs – no measurements Integrated and balanced packages – all from one trusted manufacturer Can be tiled immediately – no waiting time Joachim Backes, Managing Director at Schlüter-Systems, commented, “Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-E makes the installation of underfloor heating simpler and easier than ever before.

Its distinct studded look and loose cabling make it an installer’s dream system, providing flexibility in size and layout and extensive time saving benefits. Its low assembly height is also ideally suited for renovation projects and it’s even suitable for installation over problematic substrates. The end result is an underfloor heating system that really does tick all the boxes whether you’re the specifier, installer or the homeowner.”

Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-E is now also available in complete box sets, to fit all common UK room sizes. The sets contain everything needed for optimal underfloor heating including a thermostat, uncoupling mat and heating cable.

Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-E is available from Schlüter-Systems stockists, for more information and your nearest stockist contact us on 01530 813396 or email sales@schluter.co.uk With over 10,000 products in its range, Schlüter-Systems has an essential role to play in every professional tiling project. To find out how it can help you to create more beautiful and longer-lasting installations, please telephone 01530 813396 or visit the website at www.schluter.co.uk.

Exquisite new products.

Exclusively from Robeys

Piazzetta Oslo

Rais 900

Brunner ceramic fireplace

Ortal Standalone

We are delighted to announce the arrival of a range of exquisite new fireplaces from Piazzetta, Brunner, Rais, Ortal and Harrie Leenders. Once again, our exclusive collections set the pace for contemporary design and superb functionality. Come and view these exceptional fireplaces at our showroom in Belper and you’ll see why Robeys are now one of the UK’s leading fireplace specialists. Visit our website www.robeys.co.uk

A PASSION FOR QUALITY

Robeys Ltd, Riverside, Goods Road, Belper, Derbyshire, DE56 1UU. Tel: 01773 820940. info@robeys.co.uk www.robeys.co.uk

Editors Choice

Simply put – unparalleled experience in all aspects of lifestyle audio together with a careful selection of superlative equipment from accomplished manufacturers. Looking for a dedicated media /listening room or a bespoke specialist home cinema or a bold statement? From the extraordinary beautiful Brodmann Acoustic range of speakers discrete, High End, in-wall for those for that ‘hidden’ sound, in addition to a selection of exquisite on wall and in ceiling speaker options, exquisite Oracle Delphi MK VI turntable, the stylish Scherer Evinces’ or TAD; as used in Air Studios.

CD/SACD or streaming high resolution audio, to solid state or valve based vinyl systems. Coherent Systems can show you everything from that 1960's 'first taste' HiFi sound to sheer unadulterated realism that will cause you to rediscover your favourite music with a new sense of being there, with the performers in front of you. www.coherent-systems.co.uk Phone 01753 891676 Mobile 07815 890303

SAVE TIME AND BOOST EFFICIENCY WITH PAPERLESS PROCESSES Mobilengine has launched its leading mobile workflow solution to the construction sector, giving medium-large contractors the chance to boost efficiency by transferring traditional paper-based tasks to a mobile platform.

The app enables site managers to complete daily resource allocation, stock management, safety assessments, permits and much more through an Android tablet, providing real-time communication between the site and HQ administration for accurate and instant reporting.

The solution, which is available as a pilot for construction companies, has already proved successful in other sectors including healthcare, logistics and sales. Now it is available to construction contractors to help reduce costs, save time and improve the accuracy of everyday site tasks.

Adam Dalnoki, CEO of Mobilengine, said: “This is a fully customisable workflow solution which gives contractors the opportunity to transform the way they communicate with sites and add real commercial value.

“Mobilengine allows site managers to complete all paper based administration through a mobile platform, which means faster processes, more accurate reporting and no hassle with administration for busy site teams. More importantly, it also reduces the risk of error on critical forms such as goods received, H&S assessments and permits.”

Mobilengine has launched its leading mobile workflow solution to the construction sector

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Visit www.mobilengine.com for more information.

SPEEDY SET TO POWER A GIANT LIVERPOOL EVENT Speedy is all set to support the UK’s largest street-theatre performance and will play a central role in helping to bring the iconic Liverpool Giants to life.

With preparations well underway for the giant spectacular Memories of August 1914, Speedy is working with Liverpool City Council and producers Royal de Luxe, to ensure the experience is a big hit once again.

Speedy has provided a temporary electricity network at the rehearsal site, along with lighting and lifting equipment, which is being used to power the Giants and other props for the event, which also marks the finale for the 2014 International Festival for Business (IFB).

When the Giants descend on the city from 23rd until 27th July, Speedy will also be on hand to help deliver the event and ensure it runs as efficiently as possible.

With thousands of people expected to line the streets of the city, Speedy has provided more than 5,000 crowd control barriers, which will pave the route for the breathtaking street spectacular.

Speedy’s provision of 27 generators and two fuel tanks will power certain elements of the event and will help the Giants manoeuvre around the city over three days (25-27 July).

Speedy engineers will also be on hand to monitor the power supply during this huge logistical operation.

Martin Hayward, Speedy's Operations Director for the North of England, said: “We are honoured to be supporting such an iconic event, which attracts visitors from around the world and is hailed as the nation’s largest landmark commemorative event for the WW1 centenary.

“The Liverpool Giants is such a unique experience and we are delighted to announce our participation. We’ve been working

closely with Liverpool City Council to help welcome back the Giants to the city and to deliver an event which promises to be its best yet.

“As well as a wide range of equipment, we also have extensive experience in providing support services for large scale operations and as events don’t come much bigger than this, we are delighted to be a part of Memories of August 1914.”

Liverpool Council’s assistant Mayor, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Speedy to the team.

“They are providing vital support and we know they pride themselves on their event work and have a fantastic track record when it comes to other large-scale outdoor activities – although working with giants is bound to be a first for them!

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support we have received from organisations, not just across the region but across the UK. Memories has really captured the imaginations and hearts of people and they just want to be part of this momentous event.

“This will be a live event so anything can happen, but thanks to the support of the likes of Speedy, we can ensure that everything will run smoothly and safely and the hundreds and thousands of spectators can enjoy an unforgettable show.”

Dedicated Speedy project managers will be on site 24 hours a day and the Speedy Liverpool Superstore situated on Sandhills Business Park, will also be on call to provide any further assistance.

Speedy is the UK’s leading provider of tools, equipment, plant rental and support services, providing the largest range of assets for hire anywhere in the UK. For further information visit www.speedyservices.com

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PLASTIC RAINWATER GOODS MAKE THEIR ‘WAY OUT’ FOR ATTRACTIVE ALUMINIUM REPLACEMENTS Quality, function and appearance were all major factors when it came to choosing the right Rainwater goods to renovate Wayout Lodge, a listed mini chateau styled property in Cobham, Surrey, which has recently undergone a major transformation from rundown and tired to a shining example of a successfully renovated period property, having been taken under the wing of new owner and interior designer James Gostelow.

The comprehensive renovation included a facelift to the exterior of the property and the replacement of existing plastic drainpipes with Yeoman Rainguard XL Aluminium pipes and gutters. James explained: “The plastic drainpipes served a purpose but were hideous looking. It was a high priority to finish the external design at high end spec, which is just as important as the interior design as first impressions are massively important to me and as a designer I always aim to achieve this.”

Yeoman Rainguard’s Aluminium range of rainwater products grabbed James’s attention after he came across them at a listed property show. Being durable and cost effective, the Aluminium system also boasts strong aesthetics – just a few of the reasons James selected it for his own project. “In my eyes aluminium guttering was the most cost effective way of achieving a solid material and a great look,” he said. “It's so important to choose a quality material and stay in keeping with the age of the property.”

Within days of his initial enquiry, James met with Yeoman Rainguard representative, Nick White who was able to assist with the quantity required. “Working with Yeoman Rainguard certainly proved their worth and I had expertise advice to succeed in what I had set out to achieve, which was a rainwater product that would serve its purpose, look good and do away with the hideous plastic drainage system,” said James.

Dating back to 1830 it was also important to complement the historic appearance of Wayout Lodge and James knew that the hopper design was something that was hugely important. “I wanted a design which would fit in with the era of the lodge and gave that dramatic effect, something which the property deserves.” The Yeoman Rainguard Victoria GRP Hopper was able to fit the bill exactly.”

Headache free fitting was also a key factor and the quick and easy jointing technology of the Rainguard XL Aluminium range guaranteed a speedy installation process by the company’s accredited installers without any problems along the way. “Having a design company of my own, it is important to me, and my staff to build relationships with suppliers In order to achieve customer satisfaction. I would without doubt include Yeoman Rainguard as one of my company’s approved suppliers.” “Although it's not the most glamorous element of design, it still massively important to achieve those minor finishes,” concluded James.

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FPS Raises Awareness of Rig Instability through Over-Flighting The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) has issued a Guidance Document that is designed to highlight situations where piling rigs can become unstable through over-flighting during Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) piling.

The document, which is available for download from the FPS website www.fps.org.uk, is aimed at piling contractors; geotechnical designers; planning supervisors and others involved with the specification, selection and procurement of CFA piling. It provides background information to the flighting mechanism, helping identify some of the situations where the risk of over-flighting is likely to occur.

In addition, the Guidance Document details some of the options that are available to piling specialists and presents best practice that can help reduce the risk of rig instability and further enhance safety of operations on-site.

Speaking about the Guidance Document, Martin Blower, Chairman FPS said: “CFA piling is widely used and there have been a number of notable rig overturns recently. What this document does is raise wider awareness of the potential risks of over-flighting, loss of support and stability of the working platform that may result in a piling rig or attendant crane overturning. More importantly, the document encourages robust risk management and the controls to be implemented to mitigate such risk.”

The document is not intended to replace the requirements to use competent supervision and operatives when undertaking CFA piling, but as an additional information source offering guidance.

Casella’s real-time dust and noise measurement system BOUNDARY Guardian set to protect London’s environment A series of major demolition, construction and rejuvenation projects across London will be adopting an innovative noise and dust monitoring technology this summer by using Casella’s pioneering BOUNDARY Guardian. This web-based, remote system offers a powerful tool to aid the UK construction industry by ensuring compliance with regulatory limits, including Section 61 restrictions and PPG24.

For an example of best practice, businesses can refer to Qatar, where a number of these systems have been provided for the construction of a new underground metro system in the capital city of Doha. Here, they have proved vital in helping contractors meet mandatory limits for noise and dust emissions from construction works. The Doha Green Line Underground construction is part of Qatar’s national Integrated Rail Project, which comprises the construction of a rail line from the main station at Msheireb to the centre of Doha, Education City and the Al Rayyan Stadium, which is being built in preparation for a major international football tournament in 2022.

Like many major cities globally, Doha has a number of local guidelines for noise and dust emissions from construction works, especially with regards to more sensitive areas around the site. With additional local challenges, such as sand blowing in from the desert during the summer months and changes in air quality from high volumes of city traffic, contractors needed a reliable, effective and fast system to alert them to any breaches of local noise and dust regulations.

The BOUNDARY Guardian was selected as the ideal, system-engineered solution to monitor and alert site managers to excessive noise and dust levels. The system will send email and text alerts should dust and/or noise levels be breached so that immediate action can be taken, and can be used to provide all necessary reports showing compliance with local guidelines. The BOUNDARY Guardian is also simple to install and easy to move around the site, requiring only a power source to plug into, after which users simply login online to monitor site conditions.

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Floating fence surrounds house and doll-making atelier by UID Architects t46t

UID Architects – the Hiroshima-based studio that recently completed a house framed by rectangular arches – completed Atelier-Bisque Doll in 2009 on a sloping site in the city of Minoh, just north of Osaka.

Rather than enclose the rooms with solid walls, the architects wrapped the building in three rectangular structures, described as “belts”, which are raised above the ground to create glazed sections at the top and bottom of some of the rooms.

One of the rectangular structures forms the outer fence, which extends from higher ground at the back to lower ground at the front, creating the illusion that it is floating above the street.

From inside, it offers partial views of the surrounding area, in order to make the building feel more expansive than its footprint.

“A simple operation of overlapping belts obscures site boundaries and formulates a relationship to the site and the neighbourhood,” said architect Keisuke Maeda.

The building is occupied by a couple – one of whom is a doll artist – and it features a doll-making atelier at the front, with a workshop and meeting space, toilet, kitchen and a raised terrace facing the street.

“The request was for an atelier that can be used as a gallery, and at the same time function as a doll-making studio,” explained Maeda. “Additionally, it should be a space where the owner’s friends, who are often invited, can gather.”

A narrow white wall appears to hover around the perimeter and garden of this house and atelier – the third project on Dezeen this week

by Japanese office UID Architects

The house is built behind the atelier, on higher ground at the back of the site. It features a living room and traditional Japanese tatami room at one end, a kitchen-diner and bedroom at the other end, and a bathroom and toilet in the middle.

An S-shaped path winds from the front of the atelier to the back of the house, cutting a passage between the two structures.

It is designed to offer the occupants and visitors a variety of views, and indoor and outdoor spaces as they make their way through the site.

Built-in furniture has been used instead of walls to separate spaces inside, and resin flooring features throughout so that the rooms appear to flow seamlessly from one to the other.

Frameless glazing and skylights have been placed around the building to offer views of the sky and surrounding trees, and bring light into the centre of the house.

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