Home Designer & Architect - January 2017 by Jet Digital Media Ltd

HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT

MAGAZINE January 2017

Glazing Vision: 3-metre-wide house wins daylight award

A-List Exhibitors Light Up The January Furniture Show Herschel infrared heaters installed in Charlie Luxtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest self build project.

The only product with BBA and NHBC approval to guarantee clean, mortar and moisture-free 25mm clear cavities!

SureCav25 helps drive down U-Values A design feature of SureCav25 in maintaining a perfectly consistent, clean and moisture-free clear cavity, gives rise to the situation where a brick outer leaf can be specified. Ordinarily, it would not be possible to keep the cavity clean with just a 25mm gap. But now, with SureCav25, the wall can be built with full confidence. What is more, where a 100mm overall cavity is specified, U-Values of just 0.18 W/m2K can be achieved by installing 75mm of insulation. Now drive down U-Values with the help of SureCav25! SureCav25 allows for more room in the cavity for insulation, thus enhancing the thermal performance of the wall. SureCav25 will release an additional 25mm space in the cavity that can be used for extra insulation. All the properties of SureCav50 you’ve come to rely on - but now just 25mm deep - with a guaranteed 25mm clean and moisture free clear cavity.

Insulation Options using SureCav25 Brick or stone outer leaf - lightweight block inner leaf (0.15) plus 3mm skim on 12mm plasterboard

Overall cavity (mm)

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Clear cavity with SureCav25 (mm)

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Semi-dry stone walling on SureCav® cavity spacer system.

The “wall” of plastic, formed by the SureCav25 panels shields the cavity and inner leaf from water ingress. The unique shape of the pods directs any moisture to the outer leaf, thus protecting the fabric of the building. SureCav25 is proving to be an essential construction element in all exposure zones, including severe.

Example: 100mm overall cavity width 75mm insulation 25mm SureCav25 (clear cavity) U-Value as low as 0.18 W/m2K

SureCav25 25mm cavity board

The SureCav25 Cavity Protection System is currently being used successfully throughout the entire country and is designed to maximise the integrity of the cavity environment whilst providing the best spacer system available on which to construct the outer masonry leaf, be it brick, stone, slate or flint. Testimonial: David Lees, Director, Lees Munday Architects “Brilliant idea you had! All the semi-dry stone walling is on SureCav. The stone is Cotswold Stone, 150mm on bed, laid semi dry to conceal the mortar. We wanted it to look like random walling without regular, level, coursing. The walling craftsmen were able to achieve this random effect with SureCav”.

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Building design Lees Munday, Architects

75mm insulation Brick or other masonry

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Glazing Excellence

To find out more visit www.firmanglass.com Firman Glass,19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH Tel: 01708 374534 Fax: 01708 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com

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HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT

CONTENTS January 2017 04 Industry News 08 Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice 26 Heating, Ventilation & Insulation 32 Bathrooms & Washrooms 48 Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms 62 Interior & Interior Design

Publishing Director

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tony@homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk

Shane Mitchell

Publication Manager

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Jenna Burridge Editor

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INDUSTRY News

The big US investor that bought Morrison Utility Services earlier this year has swooped on another UK construction business. Private equity investor First Reserve revealed today it has sealed a deal to buy £200m regional contractor Dyer & Butler. The Southampton-based firm delivers civil engineering and building services across southern England. n September First Serve acquired £600m turnover Morrison Utility Services, which employs around 4,000 staff and has headquarters in Stevenage. The new ownership and associated company structure is expected to provide Dyer & Butler with broader strengths and expertise, while offering greater scale and resources to support continued growth. As part of the deal Jim Arnold, chief executive of MUS, will join the Dyer & Butler board.

JCB workforce agrees 2.2% pay rise for 2017 The agreement on pay was reached following a vote by GMBunion members and will see around 3,200 shop floor worker receive the rise from January. The rise is linked to November’s Retail Price Index, which was announced on Tuesday last week. Increases in 2018 and 2019 will also be linked to those years’ November RPI figures. The new deal affects employees at JCB’s plants in Rocester, Uttoxeter, Cheadle, Rugeley, Wrexham and Foston, Derbyshire.

Arnold said: “Dyer & Butler has forged an excellent market reputation for the successful delivery of construction services in regulated, safety critical sectors.” Neil Edwards, managing director of Dyer & Butler said: “This represents an exciting step in our continued development and, with the additional support of First Reserve and our sister company Morrison Utility Services, we have the opportunity to strengthen and accelerate the growth of our business.” Dyer & Butler builds, maintains and renews infrastructure within both the public and private sector, delivering civil engineering, building and M&E projects of all sizes for some of the UK’s largest asset infrastructure companies.

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Chief executive officer Graeme Macdonald said: “I am pleased an agreement has been reached on a long-term pay deal for JCB’s UK shop floor employees. It gives us the stability we need to plan for 2017 and beyond as we seek to grow the business in the next few years.” GMB Works Convenor Gordon Richardson said: “2016 has been a year of steady growth tinged with a modicum of uncertainty.

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Herschel infrared heaters installed in Charlie Luxton’s latest self build project. North Cornwall, UK Background Charlie Luxton is an architectural designer and television presenter who writes and speaks about the environment and sustainable architecture. With a keen interest in self build projects, his latest project in Cornwall has seen Herschel infrared panels installed as the preferred heating solution for this low energy build.

Self Build Specification Located just 700m from the rugged, wild North Cornish coast the 78m2 two bedroom build was designed with the objective of constructing a highly efficient, well-insulated property that lowered usage of embodied energy. The construction has used pre-cut timber I-beams, wood fibre insulation, offcuts of English oak for cladding, reclaimed stone for the lower walls and reclaimed local Cornish slate for the roof.

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The roof is designed to provide the perfect angle for the 4KW solar array, whilst camouflaging it within the surrounding Area of Natural Beauty.

Why Involve Herschel? Charlie was looking for a low energy electric solution that could work with, and maximise the opportunities from, his solar PV installation. When combined with solar, Herschel heaters can be 100% CO2 free and can use the renewable energy to generate free heating. The construction type and well-insulated specification of the property meant that infrared heating would provide the perfect solution, enabling thermal mass to build up from a low power requirement, just 15wm3. The total wattage of all the heating is less than the capacity of the solar PV, meaning the electricity generated can be used to heat the property and keep a background level

of warmth even when the property is unoccupied. The installation of Herschel heaters is very simple and unobtrusive and the wiring could be planned upfront, ensuring minimal hassle and speed of install with no ongoing maintenance, leaks or noise to contend with. The system allows full room-by-room zoning and temperature control with none of the complexities associated with installing underfloor or central heating systems.

Solution Heating was required for all rooms within the property including the living room, hall, 2 bedrooms, bathroom and utility. Herschel’s ultra slimline and discreet white, high quality Inspire panels were installed throughout the living areas with the stylish Select XL white glass towel rail chosen to complement the contemporary bathroom.

Charlie combined Herschel heaters with Herschel’s IQ control system which allows heating to be controlled remotely over WI-FI and full room-by -room control. The whole system including installation and controls cost less than £5,000 and has the benefit of a 10 year warranty and zero ongoing maintenance.

Testimonial “I wanted an efficient, cost effective and easy to install electric heating solution to complement a solar PV installation for my recent eco self-build in Cornwall and the Herschel infrared panels fitted the brief perfectly”. “We are half way through our first winter and the panels are exceeding expectation, the house is warm and comfortable without knowing where or how it is being heated. The internet control and monitoring is fantastic, allowing us to pre-heat the house before anyone arrives and we can check temperatures of rooms when no-one is there, giving us peace of mind”. - Charlie Luxton, December 2016

Paul Morey from Herschel Infrared said “This was an exciting and ground breaking project for Herschel. Charlie Luxton has a wealth of expertise in eco-friendly design and sustainable architecture and so we were delighted that he saw the benefits of Herschel infrared panels for his latest self-build project. Because the property is so well insulated, the energy requirement for heating is less than half of that required by most older houses and as a result the payback on alternative heating systems such as ground and air source heat pumps just didn’t stack up, especially when ongoing maintenance costs are factored in”.

“Our panels are low wattage and directly heat the thermal mass of the building. This is far more efficient than convection based systems which heat the air because, once warmed up, the building itself stores the heat and our heaters then simply top up when necessary. By linking the Herschel panels to the solar and our fully zoned control system Charlie’s project is an excellent example of the future of sustainable, cost effective and low energy heating for the self-build and new build market”.

www.herschel-infrared.com •7•

Editor's Choice A year on from saving over 30 skilled jobs, Darwen Terracotta and Faience report they have smashed their original £1.3 million turnover target. “There is a well justified buzz about the place and an optimism that the hard teamwork and effort have paid off and we have created a sustainable path to a better future for all,” explained Jon Wilson.

ecent orders include the Victoria Palace theatre in London, including both restoration and new build work, new work at the Natural History Museum, and a contract for the Savoy. Projects going through the works now include Wigan Town Hall, Harrods, the Windmill Theatre in Soho and a new-build commercial development in Clerkenwell. To meet demand the company have secured a grant from regenerate Pennine Lancashire that will help build a second kiln to increase capacity and flexibility.

Architectural Terracotta Producer Goes from Strength to Strength

Jon is a firm believer that every situation brings opportunities, not just perils. That was the approach taken by Jon and Steve Allen, the founders of Darwen Terracotta Limited, formed when another local firm closed its architectural ceramics business, making 39 people redundant. The new directors believed there was potential to create a new company to fill the gap in the market and then set about developing a business plan, finding financial backing, locating suitable premises, sourcing key plant items, while keeping in touch with former colleagues. “We had our teething problems, but the whole team pulled together, production started and by the spring of this year we had begun to gather momentum. Past customers, suppliers, the local council and most people we deal with are incredibly supportive. We were encouraged to enter the local Hive Business Awards and were delighted to win in the new business category. University students have also toured our facility so we are playing our part in inspiring the next generation too,” explained Steve Allen. Architectural terracotta and faience provides a backdrop to urban living and every town has numerous civic, religious, commercial and cultural buildings that use these materials. Restoration of this heritage is a huge market. Importantly, there is a surge in new interest from modern architects keen to reinterpret and incorporate these elegant and adaptive traditional materials into new build. Previously, the team even worked with FAT Architecture and renowned artist Grayson Perry on the House for Essex project. More Information Jon Wilson 07581 558039 / 01254 460500 jonwilson@darwenterracotta.com website: darwenterracotta.com

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www.firmanglass.com

Structural Glazing Specialists

To find out more visit 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

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Edwardian Cloakroom Basin with Taps, £289 hether it’s the crowning piece for a grand, master suite, or the perfect petite unit for a new cloakroom, these versatile designs offer something to suit every taste.

The sleek Fusion Terra merges basin seamlessly with spacious storage beneath. Featuring a recessed design and handle-free drawers, the floating unit looks as if crafted from a single sleek, glossy mould – perfect for achieving a minimalist look.

Fusion Terra 600 Unit with Basin, £396 •10•

Basin Beautiful from the Pure Bathroom Collection

Combining a traditional, floorstanding design, with a frame that still feels open and airy, the Large Basin Wash Stand boasts a bold, utilitarian design, and exposed shelves that offer space to store towels and toiletries.

New season bathroom updates are made simple with these beautiful basins from the Pure Bathroom Collection. The Edwardian Cloakroom Basin not only looks elegant, but makes an ideal choice for smaller bathrooms.

Suspended from the wall, the basin solves the problem of bulky storage by doing away with it completely, opting for exposed pipework that lends a timeless feel.

Large Basin Wash Stand, £669

the home of furniture NEC SUN 22 - WEDS 25 2017

A SHOW BUILT ON SUCCESS Register Now

A-List Exhibitors Light Up

The January Furniture Show

Returning to 5 Halls of the NEC in Birmingham, The January Furniture Show is the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier furniture and interiors trade show in the UK. In 2017 the show starts on Sunday 22nd January and runs until Wednesday 25th. Registration is free and buyers from every aspect of the hotel, leisure and design industries are welcome to attend.

ver 450 major UK and International brands will show 20,000 visitors in excess of 50,000 new designs and product collections in furniture and interior dĂŠcor. It is the most comprehensive furniture and interior furnishings trade show in the UK, with everything from grand sofas to solid wood flooring on display, with each of the 5 halls having a different focus:

Hall 1 – High-end Upholstery and Cabinet Some of the most recognisable UK furniture brands will be here, Duresta, Michael Tyler, Tom Schneider, Whitemeadow and ercol. Large creative stands showcasing sumptuous sofas in rich fabrics and in designs from classical to ultra modern will dominate, along with design-led cabinets in a variety of woods and finishes. In upholstery Duresta are introducing the opulent Hermitage sofa and matching chair with gold studding and on-trend fabrics. Also featured will be the modern shaped Albert sofa in plain velvets and gold accents. Terence Conran’s designs make a welcome return to the show with a Whitemeadow collaboration called Content by Conran. Redesigned upholstery with new fabric selections means its contemporary essence is empowered. At the forefront of British upholstery design since it was founded in 1976, Michael Tyler are a welcome new addition to the show. They will have eye-catching new upholstery designs on display including the statement Lexington sofa and the large and up-to-the-minute Carrera corner unit system. In living and dining Tom Schneider’s signature curves are well tested with the smooth and effortlessly elegant Crest dining collection. A master at shaping wood in spiralling shapes the new collection is one of his best. Long established but still current, ercol has produced two new on-trend dining collections, the Artisan and the Capena, elegant turned legs and golden oak finishes make them a stand-out.

Hall 1 also features the Fabric Pavilion. It houses some of the UK’s best fabric producers including Swaffer, Kobe, The Isle Mill and Barker & Barker who are showing their newest fabrics for upholstery and soft furnishings. The fabrics on show will include wools, velvets and silks in colourful stripes and soft geometrics. Swaffer will be launching their globe trotting new En Route collection with eclectic global influences and four diverse weaves from around the world, including the Explorer and Nomad, which deliver bold ethnic impact in intricate paisleys and Aztec geometrics.

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Hall 2 – International Major brands from Europe show here, with smart Italian leather sofas and crisp Scandinavian living & dining furniture. Ego Italiano, Italia Living, Ekornes and Skovby will show their colourful leather sofas and beautifully crafted tables & chairs. Ekornes make a welcome appearance at the show with new styles in their high-end and carefully made recliners and chairs. With colours reflecting their Norwegian backdrop, the Mayfair and Skyline have comfort and quality at their core. Skovby show their Scandinavian credentials with a new clean-lined A-frame dining table and low back chairs in natural oak. Complete home furnisher A.L.F from Italy, have new ranges in matte and high-gloss finishes. With cutting edge Italian design their new Compliment and Heritage collections show Italian flair at its best. Fellow Italian exhibitor Ego Italiano has a long list of superior Italian leather upholstery credentials, which are perfectly evidenced in their new Gloria sofa. It has scale, grandeur and a room full of style. The Flooring Showcase is housed in Hall 2 and features some of the UK’s oldest and best-known carpet manufacturers and hard flooring producers. Royal warrant holders Axminster and Victoria carpets will show their latest pure wool collections in soft natural hues. Engineering beautiful wood flooring has been a skill Woodpecker floors mastered long ago. They are introducing new finishes including the intricate and pale Goodrich Whitened and the tan and white Harlech Limed Oak. Hall 3 – Decorative Accessories and Furnishings A feast of interior furnishings, everything from tea lights to floor standing mirrors will be on show. Over 80 exhibitors including some of the biggest names in furnishing accessories will launch their new 2017 collections including Gallery Direct, Libra, Pacific Lifestyle and Dar Lighting. Comprehensive interiors creators Pacific Lifestyle are launching 5 new collections in January, including the tropically inspired Jungle with large-scale flora and fauna at its heart. Coast has a gentler appeal with pastel sea colours and natural textures. While Libra’s pretty Copper Rose features fine and delicate metalwork with coordinating accessories and contrasting smooth and dark wooden table and chairs. Gallery Direct’s ever inventive collections will see over 300 new additions at the show including the marble and bronzed Emperor occasional set and the Safari bedroom collection, full of substantial deep, moody and beautifully turned woods. Dar Lighting are one the UK’s largest and most highly regarded suppliers of lighting. Their stand will be glistening with lamps and lights in every shape and form from small contemporary lamps to grand chandeliers. See the Easyfit Pendants perfect for up-to-the-minute dining spaces and the modern industrial lights which keep their roots but with 21st Century accents.

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Hall 4 – Cabinet Volume In this Hall large UK and International brands including Nolte, Wiemann, Rauch and Forte will show new models and best sellers in bedroom and living & dining furniture, which is aimed predominantly at the volume, middle and upper middle markets. The German bedroom cabinet skills will be on full display with the 3 giants of bedroom storage systems going head-tov-head in Hall 4. Nolte, Weimann and Rauch’s sophisticatedly engineered wardrobes and bedroom solutions have a host of new design tricks and finishes. Nolte’s completely new offering for 2017 includes

Hall 5 – Upholstery Volume & Beds A large hall full of large stands, Hall 5 has giants of the UK upholstery, cabinet and bed industries who supply retail and contract orders. Well-known supersized upholstery brands including Buoyant, Ultra and Lebus will have

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sofas & chairs in a huge variety of styles and fabrics. Traditional shapes in classic fabrics will sit alongside contemporary shapes in modern geometric and striped fabrics.

contemporary dining and comfortable recliners will be on display including the smart Greenwich Stripe chairs and the plush Alexandra bed.

Rapidly becoming one of the UK’s most notable all around the home furniture manufacturers and suppliers is Serene. A full complement of their stylish beds,

Another all round living space supplier are Northern Ireland’s Annagmore Agencies. For over 35 years they have been Ireland’s leading importer and wholesaler of

www.januaryfu

entry-level self-assembly to high-end, highly engineered room systems. Concept range in a variety of colours has all the credentials of their expertise. In contrast Weimann’s Savona in golden oak with rounded corners and silvered metal accents gives a completely new and totally updated look to oak bedrooms. Polish giant Forte continues to produce an extensive collection of ranges for domestic and contract use. Every room of the home is catered for with a variety of contemporary shapes and colours. For garden rooms and outside spaces Daro Trading have produced a great variety of external dining and lounging furniture for over 40 years. Their wicker and rattan ranges have new additions including the Clermont and Riviera dining sets.

market leading products and continually stock over 2000 lines. See their new contemporary oak Meridian dining or simply styled Treviso painted bedroom collection. Joining them are large bed and mattress exhibitors who will show every kind of bed, including new standard, ottoman and

motion models. Furmanac’s upmarket Hestia motion range has new models to add to this luxuriant brand and Vogue Beds have revamped their high-end Hampton range and added the new Ambassador bed. Visiting the January Furniture Show is easy with an international airport

attached to the venue, a train station in the venue and excellent road links, with free parking and courtesy bus to the halls. To see the full exhibitor list and to register for free to visit the UK’s premier furniture and interiors show go to: www.januaryfurnitureshow.com

urnitureshow.com

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CRL provides warranties house restoration in CRL has worked with a North West developer to source structural defects insurance for a beautifully renovated Grade II listed mansion in Lancashire which has been sympathetically converted into stunning apartments.

he construction insurance specialist was selected by Berkshire Homes to work with them on the restoration of Holme Hall Manor in Cliviger which dates back to the 1700s.

Harrison Kiely, sales and marketing manager for Berkshire Homes, said: “In the past we have worked with other warranty providers who are known to be notoriously difficult when working on old historic buildings.

A family home for more than 200 years, the building has also been a retirement home and nightclub in recent years before it was gutted in an arson attack in 2004. The southern elevation, along with many of the original period features were destroyed.

“We approached CRL having not worked with them previously and they couldn’t have been more helpful. They simplified everything.

Holme Hall Manor stood empty and derelict for more than 10 years before being bought at auction by Berkshire Homes. The heritage site has now been transformed into 10 one and two-bedroom apartments with impressive views over the Cliviger Valley and a wealth of character. CRL was appointed at the beginning of the project to source a 10-year warranty certification to protect against any future structural issues.

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“They found us the best warranty for our build, worked around the Heritage England requirements, arranged for the surveyor to come to site and promptly issued the warranties once the build was complete.” CRL were able to take the complexities of the build and assist Berkshire Homes in arranging appropriate cover that suited their requirements, allowing them to focus on this unusual restoration.

On completion of the build the 10-year structural defects insurance warranties were passed on to the new individual owners of the apartments. Harrison said: “Without a doubt we will use CRL on all of our developments going forward. They made the whole process so easy.” James Topping, a Customer Relationship Manager at CRL, said: “Our flexible solution of arranging the policy allowed plans for Holme Hall Manor to progress with the assurance of a warranty for the potential purchasing residents.

“The conversion of the existing heritage building meant Harrison and his team had a lot of restrictions placed on the build by Heritage England, we were able to take these into consideration and find a sustainable warranty solution that fitted our client’s specific requirements.

Holme Hall before the renovation

for 17th century manor Lancashire Holme Hall selected by CRL for its Venturous Builds campaign “Our flexible approach meant that we could offer them a product that ticked all the boxes and pass this on to their buyers. I have since visited the finished site and the quality and workmanship is incredible and a credit to Berkshire Homes.” Family-run Berkshire Homes started out in 2012 building two homes in Bolton and has since gone from strength to strength with further developments underway in Whitefield, Kendal and Rawtenstall. The company which specialises in homes for first time buyers aims to develop 100 units in the next 12 months.

In a nod to the stunning transformation of Holme Hall Manor, CRL chose the property as one of three winners of its Venturous Builds campaign. The inspiring new web series, which can be viewed on CRL’s website www.c-r-l.com, is showcasing Britain’s inspiring self-builders and their construction achievements. The short films charting each of the builds are currently being rolled out on CRL’s website. Berkshire Homes was selected by the structural defects insurance specialist as being truly venturous of spirit, after the developer was advised to walk away from the delipidated ruin of a building. But with grit, determination and a passion to restore the building to its former glory the team defied the odds and succeeded in their goal. Commenting on the win, Harrison said: “Holme Hall has been an incredible project. It was previously owned by four experienced property developers who gave up on restoring this ruin. Our appointed surveyors advised us to put this property back in the auction and cut our losses because it would take us more than two years to complete and we would lose money.

For more information about CRL please:

“However, we said no way. The rebuild took us six months to complete from start to finish. Local residents, who have a lot of memories of this magnificent 400-year-old building, were thrilled to see Holme Hall restored.”

• Visit: www.c-r-l.com • Email: customer.service@c-r-l.com • Call: 0800 772 3200 / +44(0) 20 7127 5198

Venturous Builds, which saw CRL launch its logo into space, aimed to inspire those who have dared to be venturous, brave and unorthodox to share the details of their venturous builds. Winners will have their project filmed and featured on the online show.

•19•

Creating the perfect winter sanctuary with the Danish concept of Hygge How do you stay happy in a country which is cold, dull and wet 70% of the time? Denmark has the answer, often voted as the happiest country in the world could their concept of Hygge be the answer?

n essence, Hygge is creating a nice, warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with people around you. I

t involves appreciating the small things in life, you know that feeling you get curled up by a roaring fire, with thick socks on, your favourite pyjamas, a warm blanket, a good book and a nice cup of tea – you get the idea, its taking great pleasures in the simple things. When it comes to the home Hygge is an important concept, a way in which to create a comfortable and relaxing environment for the whole family.

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Homemade wholesome meals are a must in the winter months and are even better when shared with family and friends, so invest in some casserole dishes and decent pans, invite your friends over and get cooking. Taking up a new hobby is also a good way of unwinding at the end of the day.

The art of incorporating Hygge into your interiors is to keep it simple and invest, after all your home is your sanctuary so why not spend that bit extra. Home interior specialists Baytree Interiors have been helping people personalise their own homes for many years and give us their tips on creating the perfect winter sanctuary with the Danish concept of Hygge. Hygge largely comprises of using natural materials and textures to add dimension to your rooms; rustic materials such as wood and leather work well, especially when combined with more cosy textures such as cable knits, faux fur and fluffy rugs. candles create soothing pools of light around the home, but be careful not to use too many lights or bright light bulbs as that can counteract the Hygge feel and detract from the cozy atmosphere you are trying to create.

Any open spaces benefit from being dividing up, creating a

range of areas for you to sink in to at any given moment. Make sure you have lots of soft furnishings such as fluffy pillows and throws which people can use to make themselves comfortable. Keep the colour scheme simple and neutral, using colours such as brown, gray and cream will give a sense of nature being inside. The art of Hygge doesn’t necessarily have a certain look or design philosophy, it’s more about the feeling and atmosphere that a room gives you. Think about the times you have felt at your happiest and then recreate that vibe throughout your home. Lighting is a critical element in any Hygge home and it’s the easiest way to create a warm and cosy atmosphere. Lamps and

Put the fire on and relax with a good book or listen to some soothing music, the key is to create a relaxing environment in the home. Crafting hobbies such as knitting and sewing have been gaining popularity over the last few years, and the best thing is you can get the whole family involved and use your finished creations in the home. As you can see Hygge is all about the little things in life, overall it is a feeling that you will understand from whatever has previously made you feel warm and cosy. It’s all about investing effort in to what you already have. www.baytree-interiors.co.uk

The Danes are said to light more candles than any other country in Europe, so the perfect lighting set up is a must! The art of Hygge isn’t just about creating a comfortable home, but being content in life. Spending time with family and friends is very important and creating a comfortable environment to entertain in is key.

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Touch Ironmongery LTd www.atouchofbrass.co.uk 210 Fulham road, chelsea London SW10 9PJ

The PerFecT Touch

stablished 33 years ago in October 1982, Touch Ironmongery is one of London’s leading ironmongers. Originally called “A Touch of Brass”, the firm changed their name in 2003 in reaction to slowly advancing market changes in architectural ironmongery which is no longer supplied solely in brass, and to also reflect the broader range of products and finishes that they sell. In fact today, Touch can supply a wide range of finishes including Brass, Satin Brass, Polished Chrome, Satin Chrome, Polished Nickel, Satin Nickel, Copper, Bronze -solid and plated, BMA, Antique Brass, Black, Pewter, Ceramic, Leather, Stainless Steel, Satin Stainless Steel, Gun Metal, and the list keeps growing. Whatever finish you require, Touch can help you get the right look. Touch occupy their recently refurbished showroom at 210 Fulham Road, Chelsea, where they display a vast range of their 5,000 products. With a customer base including Interior Designers, Builders and individuals who are interested in the top end of the

Ironmongery market, Touch mainly supply to residential premises but hotel and office properties also contribute to their vast clientele. The company also have a healthy export market to all corners of the world, namely the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. Touch’s owner and founder, Bill Benham, has 33 years’ experience in the ironmongery trade, as do his colleagues Jim Haselup and Alan Blanchard. Saleem Qureshi is the newest member of our team and has 10 years’ experience, meaning their knowledge is unrivalled in this industry. The range of products supplied by Touch date from circa 1640 French (Louise XIV) and cover all subsequent periods (Georgian, Edwardian & Victorian), art deco and contemporary pieces also make up the product ranges. In addition, Touch showcases the very best of British manufacturing; the best ranges are still produced in the Midlands by craftsmen in factories dating back 200 years or more. Touch also sell European manufactured goods

which is considered to be of a very good quality and in recent years they have introduced some of the far eastern made products, albeit in a limited range but cost effective. With trends continuously evolving, new innovative products are constantly under development. Touch understand that keeping up with the fashion-shifts is imperative in order to provide every customer with the best solution for their requirements. Ironmongery can be a difficult and complicated aspect of a building project, as a result Touch aim to take this awkward aspect and make it user friendly and clear to understand by offering an onsite service where they carry out a detailed door by door, window by window, room by room Ironmongery schedule, highlighting all requirements and identifying any items that can be refurbished. Refurbishment is a large part of the business; Touch will undertake complete ironmongery refurbishment projects, and can restore old paint covered door furniture to their former glory, looking as new, at a fraction of the cost to replace.

For more information about Touch Ironmongery or to arrange a showroom visit please call 0207 351 2255 or alternatively visit www.atouchofbrass.co.uk •22•

OLARIA BARCELONA has now come to London Olaria full range is now available from Touch Ironmongery. Olaria are manufacturers based in Barcelona. Est.1934. Suppliers of luxury hardware to the most emblematic buildings of Barcelona such as Casa Berenguer and Casa Mila of Architect Gaudi, Old Hotel Ritz, Hotel Avenida Palace, Hotel Majestic and many commercial and luxury buildings. www.olaria.es

Decorative Panel Products Distributor of the Year

INCREASED PRESENCE FOR 17 JAMES LATHAM AT SDS17 James Latham is gearing up for the Surface Design Show in February, where it is set to have its biggest presence yet at the UK’s only annual show to focus on interior and exterior surfaces for the built environment. As well as an impactful, eye-catching stand at its usual position on the ground level (stand 208) - where it will show a number of new additions to its range for 2017 - for the first time, this year, Lathams will also be utilising its Product Specification Showroom which is located on the Gallery level of the Business Design Centre at Suite 301. The new showroom, which only opened in September, has given James Latham a permanent presence in the Capital and is already proving to be a major success with the architect and design community. It will give visitors to the show, the opportunity to see an even wider range of Latham’s massive portfolio of products - many of them exclusive and semi-exclusive – and all under one roof. As well as Latham’s highly experienced team of product specialists, during the show, the newly created A&D specification team will be on hand to discuss the company’s extensive range of products, providing expert advice to architects and designers and helping them to keep abreast of the latest trends and developments in surface solutions. Chris Sutton, Chairman and Managing Director of Lathams Limited commented, “This year, the Surface Design Show promises to be our biggest and best yet. “It’s a great platform to showcase what is one of the UK’s widest ranges of innovative surface solutions and for 2017, not only do we have our usual stand, which in itself gives us a major presence at the exhibition, but for the first time, we are also going to have the added benefit of our new showroom where, as well as enabling us to showcase additional products and decors, we can hold meetings, give product demonstrations and offer refreshments throughout the event.” This year, among others, the products on show will include new decor launches for Egger, Kronospan and XyloCleaf, Valchromat, the innovative and highly popular, engineered coloured high density fireboard, HI-MACS solid surface, UPM composite decking, Lathams new range of fire resistant products, KYDEX thermoplastic sheet, which is proving particularly popular within the retail sector, Accoya cladding and window sections, WoodEx, Moralt & Flamebreak door blanks and the new generation of OSB board from Smartply. James Latham will be showcasing a number of new decors and products for 2017 from suppliers including Egger (top and second top), Kronospan and UPM Profi Deck

Latham

Live, work and play... We offer the biggest and most varied collection of decorative surface solutions in the UK.

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From solid surface, laminates, melamine and veneers to thermoplastic, our portfolio includes some of the most recognised brands in the world, all available under one roof and directly from stock. Whatever your budget or project requirements, why not allow our extensive range of products to provide the inspiration. Find out moreâ&#x20AC;Ś.

Call 0116 257 3415 email marketing@lathams.co.uk or visit www.lathamtimber.co.uk

Heating, Ventilation & Insulation

Report On Life Cycle Co Heating Continuou Shows Dr A recent report emphatically concluded that continuous flow water heating systems have a clear advantage in terms of initial capital costs as well as life cycle costs over 20 years, when compared with stored hot water systems. he study** shows that continuous flow water heating systems can be up to 7% more economical than equivalent ‘traditional’ stored hot water systems but that capital costs can be 41% less than indirect systems and a whopping 49% less than direct systems.

“In terms of maintenance you need to be realistic and not theoretical,” says Rinnai managing director Tony Gittings. “If a site has direct or an indirect system then it has to effectively shut down for maintenance.

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There’s no way around this problem. Not so with Rinnai continuous flow units as we cascade them together so that the demand for hot water can be met without closing down the whole site.” AECOM, the world’s biggest building services consultants, were commissioned to carry out a life cycle study on continuous flow water heating systems, and to provide a comparison with conventional storage systems. Two case studies were provided on projects using continuous flow water heating systems. AECOM then determined an equivalent storage based system for each case study

and compared operational and capital costs. For the life cycle comparison, the analysis period was 20 years, based on the expected service life. The net present value (NPV) calculation is based on a discount rate of 3.5% (The GREEN BOOK - HM Treasury), an inflation rate of 2% for servicing costs and projected retail fuel costs from DECC1. In both case studies the continuous flow system showed a clear advantage in terms of initial capital costs, as well as life cycle costs over 20 years, with the continuous flow system consistently lower in energy use than the two storage systems.

Heating, Ventilation & Insulation Case study 1 This was a system for a typical, small, pre-fabricated fast food restaurant. It is assumed the system only serves the hot water demand. The life cycle analysis includes the initial capital costs, projected annual fuel costs, and estimated annual servicing costs which are assumed to increase by 2% each year. The annual fuel cost assumes the same daily fuel consumption over the whole year. The servicing cost is based on £130/year per boiler, and £160/year for a boiler and cylinder. The resulting net present values of the three showed that the continuous flow system is 6 - 7% lower than the two storage systems based on that 20-year analysis period.

Case study 2 This was a system for a shower block in a holiday camp, with six showers and four basin taps.

For the continuous flow option, the analysis is based on a configuration of 4 continuous flow water heaters that each have a nominal output of 48 kW, which, for this particular application, because there is a very short run of pipe work between the water heaters and the fixtures, it is possible for the water heaters to generate water at 40°C. The risk of legionella is overcome by regular flushing of the system. For the energy required to deal with the instantaneous hot water demand the analysis assumes that the bulk of the hot water demand would be due to the showers. Each shower would typically have a flow rate of around 9 litres per minute, which if mixed to 40ºC would equate to an instantaneous load of around 19 kW each, so even if there was only one shower running, the load on a single continuous flow water heater would equate to an efficiency of 95% based on the performance curve. As the hot water demand increases, the modular nature of this particular configuration would allow the 95% efficiency to be maintained for the bulk of the demand.

osting Hot Water us Flow Systems Dramatic Savings

The difference in daily fuel costs between the three systems is around 7%. The usage profile for this case study is particularly suited to continuous flow systems (i.e. high but infrequent demand over the day), which is why there is an advantage in fuel consumption over the storage systems.

SYSTEMS EMPLOYED IN THE STUDY Indirect fired storage systems This consists of separate heat source and storage cylinders, where for this study the heat source will be gas fired boilers running on 80ºC flow and 60ºC return with gross efficiency of 89%. As the hot water is stored at 60ºC in insulated cylinders there will be standing heat losses. The standby electricity is assumed to be 15W per boiler, and 60W when operating to cover fan and controls.

Direct fired storage systems This is where the hot water storage cylinder has an integral gas burner to directly heat the water, and the key difference with indirect fired storage systems is that they are designed to operate in condensing mode and generally achieve gross efficiency up to 96%. A disadvantage of direct fired storage systems is that the standing losses are around 3 times higher than indirect storage cylinders.

Continuous flow systems This is essentially a gas boiler that is designed to instantaneously heat mains water for supply directly to water fixtures without any storage. The key advantages with this type of hot water heating, is firstly saving in space needed for hot water cylinders and the associated standing heat losses. The challenge is that instantaneous hot water demand can vary hugely for most systems and therefore the continuous flow heating system needs to have a wide modulation range as well as maintaining efficiency over that range. For more information on the RINNAI product range of high efficiency condensing continuous flow hot water heating units and systems visit www.rinnaiuk.com **The AECOM ‘Life cycle study of continuous flow water heating systems’

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The only product with BBA and NHBC approval to guarantee clean, mortar and moisture-free 25mm clear cavities!

Insulation Options using SureCav25 Brick or stone outer leaf - lightweight block inner leaf (0.15) plus 3mm skim on 12mm plasterboard

Overall cavity (mm)

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Clear cavity with SureCav25 (mm)

(W/m2K)

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125

100

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145

120

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Bathrooms & Washrooms Vanity units that incorporate under sink storage and integrated basins are also popular and although many people are happy to try some DIY themselves, our experience is that they want a fuss-free way to maximise their space. That’s why Croydex introduced a range of quick-fix bathroom furniture which can be put together in less than 20 minutes. The Click ‘N’ Lock range simply clicks together to create tough, durable vanity units without the use of drills, screws or glue. Croydex offer a variety of other stylish vanity units with a combination of contemporary and classic designs. The collection includes the Danby Vanity Unit, available in both white and grey. The perfect storage solution for those with small bathrooms, the two door unit features four door shelves, two top door trays and two inner storage compartments. Danby Beauty Stations are also available to compliment this collection.

Croydex

Sturdy yet stylish accessories that hook over the bathroom door, such as Croydex’s Hook Over Three Tier Basket, offer quick and easy fixes for updating the bathroom and adding storage. Also within its range, Croydex has a variety of wireware storage styles, providing you with the perfect fit for your bathroom.

Bathroom accessories specialist, Croydex continues to provide space saving solutions for small bathrooms. As the average bathroom is still small, the demand for clever storage ideas and multifunctional designs, such as those that combine mirrors, lighting and storage continues to grow. Croydex meets this demand with a whole spectrum of different storage solutions. Options include the aluminium Halton Double Door Bi-View Cabinet, which features five adjustable glass shelves and also benefits from increased accessibility due to its 165 degree sprung hinges. This product also comes with Croydex’s patented Hang ‘N’ Lock system which ends the struggle of measuring distances and marking screw holes in one hand whilst trying to support a heavy bathroom cabinet in the other. Simply attach the bracket to the wall without the need for accurate drilling or alignment, adjust using the built-in spirit level, hang the product and lock securely in place.

For more ways to make the most of the space in your bathroom or to request a catalogue, call Croydex on 01264 365881 or visit www.croydex.com.

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For Inspiring Bathrooms www.croydex.com Tel: +44 (0) 1264 365881

Bathrooms & Washrooms The recommended retail pricing for the Ashdown rails in central heating format is as follows: Ashdown 300 £269.95, Ashdown 400 £279.95, Ashdown 520 £299.98, Ashdown 620 £349.95 (all prices are ex VAT). For electric only format: Ashdown 300 £349.90, Ashdown 400 £359.90, Ashdown 520 £394.95, Ashdown 620 £455.90 (all prices are ex VAT). Should you wish any further information please visit our website, www.sussexrange.co.uk with its extensive range of gallery shots or call our friendly staff on 01444 831200. We thank you for your interest in our product.

Also known as the Contract rail, the Ashdown 520 was the first rail we designed and still our most popular rail.

tanding at 1250mm and 520mm wide it is available in both a polished and satin finish. Available in 3 formats across the range: central heating, duel fuel and electric only. It is now available in 4 widths: 300mm wide, 400mm wide, 520mm wide and 620mm wide in order to further utilize your spacing requirements whatever they may be. This highly popular rail works aesthetically in most bathrooms making it both versatile and practical. The bar configuration works well within the family bathroom and compared to a number of comparable rails within the market place our rail has 20 horizontal rails as opposed to the standard 16. This leads to a greater heat output and a more substantial visual impact. We specialize in stainless steel rails and all of our rails are manufactured from 100% stainless steel with the added practical advantage that they will not rust, flake or corrode meaning they can be utilized in all systems including open. Manufacturing from stainless steel provides a long lasting, hard wearing product; small scratches can be polished out and it is easily maintained with water and a micro-fibre cloth. It is the ethical durable choice, manufactured from over 90% recyclable material and being 100% recyclable in itself. It is furthermore not subject to ecologically harmful plating processes. This all adds to the ecological impact of your development be it large or small.

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The Sussex Range by JIS Europe

100% Stainless Steel Heated Towel Rails Telephone +44 (0) 1444 831200 info@jiseurope.co.uk www.sussexrange.co.uk

Luxury fitted kitchens, bathrooms & appliances

OXFORD KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

01865 326009 oxfordkitchens@aol.com www.oxfordkitchens.co.uk 1st Floor, 1b Besselsleigh Road, Wootton, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX13 6DN

Technogym Stylish motivation to exercise at home Founded in 1983, Technogym is a world-leading, international supplier of technology and design-driven gym equipment. Technogym’s highly desirable home equipment is created to compliment beautiful interior design and architecture whilst supporting the end-user through their workout.

s an Italian company, quality and design are at the forefront of Technogym’s equipment backed by the deep founded belief that Wellness spaces should complement rather than detract from the design of a building, be it a home, gym, hotel or spa. Technogym’s iconic Personal Line reflects this sentiment: an award-winning collection of sophisticated exercise equipment, created using luxurious materials and the finest craftsmanship, designed for places where people can live in total harmony with the Wellness lifestyle. Taking inspiration from nature and science, Personal Line’s stylish designs are born from a collaboration between Technogym, with its three-decades of research experience in developing fitness and Wellness products, and world-renowned furniture designer and architect Antonio Citterio. The range gives a superior workout feel and technology to inspire and motivate, and comprises of five products: a treadmill; cross trainer; stationary bicycle; weights rack and bench; and an all-body Kinesis training system, completely unique to Technogym. The latest addition to the Personal Line is Power Personal, the designer strength training solution for the home, the first of its kind. The multifaceted attractive adjustable bench and rack are ideal for those who enjoy resistance training – excellent for building muscle and strength, as well as aiding injury prevention. The product also benefits from a virtual personal trainer through the rich library of training programmes and over 300 exercise suggestions available on the Technogym App. The three pieces of cardio equipment feature Technogym’s market-leading UNITY console. Using this full glass large HD-ready touchscreen

a user has everything they want at their fingertips: they can browse the internet, watch live TV or their favourite shows on Netflix, enjoy virtual outdoor routes or catch up with friends and family on Skype. Technogym’s ergonomically designed stationary bicycle, Recline Personal, received the 2012 ‘Best of the Best’ Red Dot Design Award. The recumbent bike allows the user to exercise in style and comfort with the inclusion of an ergonomic Vitra seat. The range’s cross trainer, Cross Personal, is equipped with the latest in entertainment system and high-performance Treble Dolby Surround tweeter speakers creating a multi-sensory experience for the user. Similarly to the rest of the collection, no detail has been missed from Run Personal. This treadmill features a specially adapted, shock absorbing running surface to reduce impact and improve user comfort. With over 30 years of knowledge in commercial gym equipment Technogym’s home equipment is trusted by over 200,000 private home owners worldwide. More than 35 million people regularly exercise on Technogym equipment, including some of the world’s most elite athletes and teams such as Chelsea FC, McLaren, Ferrari and AC Milan cementing them as a leader in the field. Technogym’s revered quality is reflected in its repeated appointment as official supplier to the last six editions of the Olympic Games, from Sydney 2000 through to Rio 2016. For more information about Technogym’s equipment and Wellness solutions visit www.technogym.com or call a Wellness Consultant on 0800 316 2496.

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Tel : + 44(0)1306 710120 F ax : + 44(0)1306 713769 E m ai l : s al es @t el guard. c o. uk

Telephone based entry systems using your existing phone. .

www. doorent ry . c o. uk

The ABS T-Bespoke is a high gloss black finish with a backlit silicone keypad. The backlight colour can be changed on site and remotely to 7 different colours! It looks contemporary and is extremely low profile and durable. This system is available with 1 call button and a keypad for coded access with 400 codes. The surface back box is matt black and the system connects to a Hub via a single CAT5. The platform can either be GSM or Landline, whichever suits you best! This product benefits from all of the standard features â&#x20AC;&#x201C; well we call them standard! This includes forward dialling up to 8 numbers, a battery backed time clock, 9 timed profiles allowing calls to be sent elsewhere at a certain time and date, automatic daylight saving (BST/GMT) and automatic dimming of the keypad. You can even receive a text from the Telguard to inform you that a door has been opened or somebody has activated a passive device at night! (GSM Only) This product will certainly set you apart from the rest of the houses in the your area! And as ever you benefit from proven Telguard reliability and quality associated with British engineering.

S ui t e 2 , S t anl e y Ho us e , K e l v i n W ay , C r awl e y , W . S us s e x R H1 0 9 S E

strength, control and A-rated

A perfect performance...

Ecocal thermostatic radiator valves are EN215 and TELL A-rated ensuring maximum efficiency of both sealed systems and traditional open vented systems • Easy to install – Fit on flow or return with angled and straight options • Liquid sensor – Fast reaction to temperature changes • EN215 – European standard 15mm, 10mm & 8mm dedicated bodies • Matching lockshields – Twin packs for pure design • Chrome head options – Ideal with designer radiators and towel rail radiators Our extensive range of commercial valves is available from all good trade counters.

For local stockists T: 01785 218222 E: tradesales@altecnic.co.uk

www.altecnic.co.uk

There is no doubt that winter is well and truly here. However, dark nights are a great excuse to brighten up those rooms that may get a bit less attention than others. Your bathroom, is one of the most used rooms in your home and also the one that has to deal with moisture on a regular basis. The presence of moisture can have a far- reaching effects on the longevity of the bathroom area and its immediate surrounding rooms, as well as adverse effects on the health of the people using the bathroom.

ne of the biggest problems your bathroom faces is the high humidity levels. Humidity is simply the amount of water vapour in the air and warm air holds more humidity than cold air. The adverse effect in your bathroom is caused by the presence of microbial hazards that grow in damp and dark areas. This is more likely in poorly designed bathrooms or those sealed with cheap sealants. We can’t help with the bathroom design, but we can provide you with a product that will help eliminate the growth of mould and reduce the health hazards. GRAFT BATHROOM & KITCHEN SEALANT has a 25 year mould free guarantee, is CE Marked for sanitary applications, is solvent free, paintable and free from volatile organic compounds. Achieve the perfect finish with the perfect bathroom and kitchen sealant, GRAFT BATHROOM & KITCHEN SEALANT will not let you down. Product Benefits: • • • • • • •

PAINTABLE STAYS WHITE SOLVENT FREE VOC FREE STAYS FLEXIBLE 25 YEAR MOULD FREE GUARANTEE CE MARKED FOR SANITARY

For more information on GRAFT and its range of products please contact: Olando Salina Tel: 44 (0) 7551154480 Email: Olando.Salina@polyseam.com www.facebook.com/polyseam | www.twitter.com/polyseam

www.graft.co.uk

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PREMIUM SEALANTS

25 YEAR MOULD FREE GUARANTEE

• PAINTABLE • STAYS WHITE • SOLVENT FREE • STAYS FLEXIBLE • MOULD FREE GUARANTEE • CE MARKED FOR SANITARY 01484 421036 | www.graft.co.uk |

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Architects and Sign Professionals

a prolific relationship At the onset of every construction project, several professionals must cooperate to ensure the project is carried out successfully from paper to practice. Architects, civil engineers, construction consultants, concrete engineers, electric engineers, systems engineers and so forth are prerequisites. But what does a signage professional have to do with construction, you may ask?

ell, any project, be it industrial construction or a residential project, requires way-finding signage at the finishing stage. It is not over until all finishing touches, internally and externally, are completed - including landscaping and signage. Without proper orientation in the space; without proper direction, the project is nothing but a white elephant. While the architect provides the design with proper arrangements for ventilation, lighting, rooms and facilities, land utilization etc., signage professionals contribute from their own experience by way of realizing the way-finding needs and requirements of a particular project, while conceptualizing the right solutions for each space and their functionality. Together, they can create a vision of utilitarian beauty. Often enough, in construction projects, unrealistic remarks are made by patrons: “We will deal with signage at the end of the project” or “The building is not standing yet, why should I bother about signs right now?” The truth is quite the opposite. Any collaboration between architects and sign professionals should start on day one. It must be a part of the overall design and budget structure. Architects and contractors must incorporate the signage requirements into the blueprints and create a strong bond with a signage professional that can provide solutions for the entire project. During the past two decades, Vista System meticulously cultivated and encouraged this unique relationship between its direct clients: sign professionals and decision makers: architects and construction companies. Creating understanding about the ever-increasing way-finding solutions and providing samples and marketing tools to both are at the heart of Vista System’s vision. The Architects’ Kit, encompassing the key systems, is just another link in the chain.

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Key Takeaways: •

rchitecture and Sign Professionals work alongside A one another when designing a construction project.

•

ista Architects’ Kit is the perfect tool enabling this V collaboration.

For further information please contact: pnina@vistasystem.com or login to: http://en.calameo.com/read/000534674d75823290f32

DIY BUILDS A NEW HOME AT SPRING FAIR One with the biggest brands including Dulux, Cuprinol, Polycell, Armstead and Stax Trade Centres. One with new neighbours too; the all-new DIY Week Awards and the bira DIY Village.

EXPLORE DIY & HOME IMPROVEMENT FOR: • Hand & Power Tools • Hardware & Ironmongery • DIY Products • Locks & Security • Bathroom, Plumbing & Heating and more.

GET YOUR FREE TICKET NOW AT: WWW.SPRINGFAIR.COM

Neolith - An Extraordinary Surface Neolith is one of the largest sintered compact surfaces, and belongs to a new and revolutionary product category born in the last decade with the aim of providing an innovative response to the most demanding architectural and design demands. The sintering technology that TheSize has developed to create Neolith uses a combination of extreme high-pressure and temperature, giving birth to a surface with unique technical features. These include high resistance to scratches and abrasions, stains and high-temperatures, as well as colours that do no change with exposure to UV rays. Neolith’s exceptional durability and aesthetic appeal therefore makes it the perfect solution for kitchen and bathroom surfaces, wall cladding, floor tiles and façades. The modern UV-resistant colour palette ensures that designers can achieve the look they want, whether indoors or outdoors. 100% eco-friendly, Neolith uses natural materials and technologies that respect the environment. This is supported by a 10-year certified guarantee for kitchen countertops. Neolith can now be viewed at the QFD showroom at the Business Design Centre in Islington. QFD stocks a large range of surface finishes in a size of 3200 x 1500mm, in 12 and 6mm thicknesses that include solid colours and stimulating designs. T 020 3457 4949 W qfdistribution.co.uk Neolith from TheSize – distributed in the UK by QF Distribution – brings with it new and interesting possibilities for surface design.

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Novellini UK is the British branch of Novellini Group The most important shower enclosure manufactured in Italy. A vast range, extremely high quality and probably the most versatile in the market – anything is possible in terms of scale and design. Throughout the world Novellini creates inspiring bathrooms that appeal to individuals at home, via our merchant partners. Working alongside architects and designers, we create beautiful and functional bathrooms that complement the home, helping to create tranquil spaces promoting Well-being within the living environment. Based in the beautiful market town of St Albans, Hertfordshire, we have a small but well stocked Showroom with multiple displays of enclosures, trays, baths and steam cabins. In order not to be disappointed please book in advance of your visit making sure we have the product you require on display. Supported by vast stocks at our warehouse in Birmingham and serviced by experienced staff ready to support your needs. All our products are maintained by our qualified service engineers and supported by parts readily available from stock. Our products are: available nationwide through our merchant partners and retailers. Please use our store locator link on our website to find your nearest dealer or call us directly for more information on: 01727 229922 www.novellini.co.uk

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D I S COV E R

O U R

2 0 1 6

CO L L EC TI ON

Wetrooms and trays

Enclosures

Bath screens, steam showers, accessories and baths

www.novellini.com info-uk@novellini.com

Novellini UK offers a full range of shower products including bespoke shower enclosures, wetrooms, steam rooms and much more, why not visit our website for more details. Products available nationwide. FOLLOW US ON:

Kitchens, Bedrooms, Bathrooms

hower enclosure specialist, Lakes Bathrooms, has launched PureVueHD, an optically superior, low-iron glass that appears entirely clear. This new high quality glass is being offered as standard on shower enclosures, doors and bath screens in both its Classic and Coastline Collection, so no incremental charge will be made for this high-end, ultraclear look.

PureVueHD has minimal iron content, meaning that the glass appears clear, rather than having the green tinge that is visible in standard glass. This is because very high transmission levels, of around 90 per cent, enable as much light as possible to pass through PureVueHD glass, making everything viewed through it appear lighter and brighter. With standard glass the iron content reduces light transmission, which creates the green hue that tints everything viewed through it and is particularly noticeable on the edges of the shower enclosure, door or bath screen. This dramatically clearer glass allows the bathroom’s colour palette to be viewed with untainted accuracy. The difference in colours, sharpness and enhanced clarity that PureVueHD makes in the bathroom is like the vivid quality brought to the living room by high definition TV. Whilst low-iron glass can cost as much as 50 per cent more due to the higher grade of silica that it demands, Lakes Bathrooms is supplying it as standard; without adding to its prices. So this visual luxury is now part of all products in its Classic and Coastline collections (excluding only the Mirror range).

Lakes Bathrooms launches ultra-clear PureVueHD glass without charge

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The choice of PureVueHD products includes shower enclosures, shower doors and bath screens, with over 40 styles. The latest walk-in ranges are included, plus heavier thickness glass, which shows even more strongly the contrast between standard ‘green’ and this new ultra-clear glass. PureVueHD products start from £145.00 plus VAT and are detailed in the latest catalogue from Lakes Bathrooms. For more information or to find the nearest stockist visit www.lakesbathrooms.co.uk

Green is so last year

Standard glass has a green tinge

PureVueHD glass is optically superior and ultra-clear

Standard glass always has a green tinge thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s particularly apparent when you view the edge of the glass. PureVueHD by comparison is dramatically clearer. Its reduced iron content reduces the greenish hue to zero levels, so the glass almost disappears and the natural beauty of anything seen through it truly shines. From anybody else this dramatic advance would carry a significant premium. From Lakes Bathrooms, where superior comes as standard, this extra clarity comes with no extra cost. Your local Lakes representative will be pleased to show you a side by side comparison and explain more about the brilliance and immediate availability of PureVueHD enclosures, walk-ins and bath screens.

Call your representative or discover more at lakesbathrooms.co.uk/purevue LakesBathrooms

@LakesBathrooms

Imagery has been retouched to accurately portray the colour difference between 10mm PureVueHD glass and standard float glass under daylight conditions.

Discover the Surfaces Making their Mark in 2017

â&#x20AC;˘52â&#x20AC;˘

Kitchens, Bedrooms Bathrooms Surface Design Show; the only event in the UK which focuses solely on interior and exterior surfaces returns to London’s Business Design Centre from 7-9 February 2017. The most innovative surfaces that the industry has to offer will be showcased along with a packed programme of events designed to engage the audience of architects, specifiers and designers.

rom exquisite hand carved stone to the most technological advances in architectural lighting, over 140 exhibitors will be highlighting the best in surface design.

Exhibitors include Grestec Tiles; returning for 2017 with Grestec Camp one of five ceramic tile ranges which form the Diesel Living concept. Grestec Camp maintains the well-known military style of the Diesel brand combining canvas, hessian and tarpaulin effects with the glossy glazed surface of ceramics, and the hard surfaces of stone. Whilst textile surfaces come in the form of Rug-maker who will be introducing Green Spectrum designed by Ptolemny Mann; a flat weave Indian rug which won Best Rug Design at the International Wool Carpet and Rug Awards.

Visitor registration for the show is now live at www.surfacedesignshow.com

#SDS17

Light School presented by Light Collective and supported by the Institution of Lighting Professionals, has successfully educated and inspired on the important relationship between light and surfaces since 2014. Light School consisting of 3 parts: Product School, Light Talks and the School Newspaper sponsored by Xicato. Product School provides architects and designers with a comprehensive review of lighting innovation and the latest technology. Exhibitors include Spectral, Visive and Applelec. A star-studded line-up of speakers at Light Talks sponsored by Luctra ensures everyone attending is sure to ‘graduate’ in the lighting world and every attendee gets a free copy of the school newspaper to take away at the end of the ‘school day’.

the Furniture Awards 2016 Upper Level category at last year’s show. For 2017 it will be introducing brand new, innovative designs with huge emphasis on comfort and a natural fibre fabric collection. A collaboration between Whitemeadow and Content by Terrence Conran will be launched at the show. The new Plus Collection harnesses the design and fabric flair of the Conran team with the commerciality of the Whitemeadow organisation. Four new models will be unveiled at the show which are designed to complement the cabinet ranges from Conran. The heritage of the brand will be clear for all to see. Kesterport will be celebrating its 40th anniversary with a return to the January Furniture Show. Established as respected suppliers to leading retailers, interior designers and contract specifiers both at home and internationally, it will be previewing a selection of new ranges with the emphasis on style and value.

DESIGN FOCUS AT JANUARY FURNITURE SHOW Interior designers, architects and specifiers heading to the January Furniture Show 2017 (JFS) can expect an even bigger and better event with extended show space and more exhibitors. The four-day show, which runs from Sunday 22 until Wednesday 25 January at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC), gives architects, designers and specifiers the first chance to see up and coming trends in furniture and furnishings. With over 300 exhibitors already signed up, there will be everything from fabrics, soft furnishings, upholstery, flooring, cabinets and giftware across the five full halls on show. Some of the UK’s major industry names exhibiting their designs, products and innovations for those interested in sourcing furniture and furnishings for the contract and interior design markets, include:

Parker Knoll, Duresta, Collins & Hayes, Libra, Nathan, Celebrity, Kesterport, Cintinque, Lebus, Ercol, Whitemeadow, Willis & Gambier, Gallery Direct, Alstons, Furmanac, Dar Lighting, Michael Tyler, Pacific Lifestyle, Rauch, Tom Schneider and Tetrad. Laraine Janes of the January Furniture Show said: “Designers attending the show will find plenty of inspiration from the many beautiful stands, product designs and concepts. We are excited that the calibre of companies exhibiting is very high for 2017, so it is the perfect show at the perfect time of year to see what trends lie ahead.” Here’s a taster of who you can expect to see at this year’s show. Collins & Hayes was proud to be a runner up and highly commended for its Brooke sofa range in

As one of the largest business to business suppliers of furniture, lighting and giftware, Pacific Lifestyle, will be showcasing its five current trends: Berlin, Harmonie, Urban Jungle, Henley and Elgin Estate. Berlin focuses on the reclaimed, distressed look; Harmonie features chalky pastels offering a calming soft appearance; Urban Jungle celebrates the tropical world with vibrant colours and globally-inspired style; Henley taps into the coastal theme with sandy, driftwood tones and classic whites; and Elgin Estate channels the outdoors through colour aiming to create a log-cabin hideaway look. Visitors to the Dar Lighting stand will, once again, see some of the company’s broad spectrum of designs from traditional chandeliers and large statement pieces to a full range of table and floor lamps, wall lights, exterior lights, decorative lighting, easy-fit pendants and lampshades. British furniture company Ercol, has been designing quality furniture for 95 years, and for 2017 will bring products that are synonymous with quality, timeless, pared down design and excellent functionality. As the Parker Knoll brand continues to grow, it remains committed to designing and developing collections in line with the changing market place and latest consumer trends – while providing the ultimate in comfort. At the 2017 January Furniture Show, it will be launching a brand new collection, honing in on its commitment to continuous innovation, and market leading design. Lovelane continually design and source wall décor and home accessories to suit a variety of rooms and moods. They will be showing their newest trends for 2017 including clocks and canvases, wall art and mirrors. A comprehensive range of modern lounge and dining room furniture will feature on the Skovby stand - known throughout the world for its unique designs, high quality and craftsmanship. Online registration for the January Furniture Show is open and visitors can see the full list of exhibitors for 2017 and secure their free badge by visiting www.januaryfurnitureshow.com

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the home of furniture NEC SUN 22 - WEDS 25 2017

A SHOW BUILT ON SUCCESS

Zip’s top kitchen design S/S 17 trends Zip Water UK’s marketing director, Russell Owens, runs through the upcoming season’s trends for warm metallic finishes, brushed metals and high functionality As 2017 kicks off, spring/summer’s trends are the topic of many an interior design conversation, among both the residential and commercial market.

Matte and brushed metal finishes are also driving interior design trends, adding tactility and interest into the heart of the home.

Zip, along with other interiors and appliance companies, have now unveiled, or are beginning to unveil their new directions and palettes for the year.

However, whether an interiors enthusiast or a professional designer or architect, the desire for appliances with high functionality and multiple purposes – offered alongside these on-trend colours and finishes – is ever growing.

So far, we’ve seen last year’s trend for warm metallic tones in kitchen design continuing to grow stronger; especially within the realm of appliances. Complementing both neutral and deeper colour schemes, yellow golden hues and Scandinavian-inspired rose golds in particular are featuring heavily in everything from light switches and ceiling pendants, right through to cookware, door handles and, of course, taps.

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Zip’s latest launch embraces 2017’s trends within both design and performance. With all the functionality of Zip’s advanced HydroTap G4 – which offers the choice of highly filtered boiling, chilled or sparkling water instantly – the new Platinum Design Range features eight trend-led metallic finishes. Available on Zip’s entire Design Range of

HydroTaps - including the Arc, Cube and Elite, and the duel-function Celsius – there’s a choice of rose gold, brushed rose gold, gold, brushed gold, platinum, gunmetal, nickel and brushed nickel. These new finishes are offered alongside Zip’s standard finishes, which include bright chrome, brushed chrome, matt black and gloss black. As well as multiple designs, colours, finishes and water options, Zip boasts a market-leading filtration system, which offers x25 better filtration than a standard water filter jug. Easy to use, maintain and energy efficient, the Zip HydroTap is also world’s safest instant boiling water tap, with boiling isolation and safety lock features unique to us.

THE WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED DRINKING WATER APPLIANCE.

With eight new trend-led colours to choose from, Zip’s Platinum Design Range lets you or your clients enjoy all the functionality of the HydroTap, without compromising on style.

PURE TASTING, INSTANT, BOILING, CHILLED & SPARKLING WATER ON TAP. Call 0345 6 005 005 to request a brochure and to arrange a free consultation

ZP0577 Home Designer & Architecture - CS v2.indd 1

13/12/2016 16:53

Intelligent Glass

Switchable Glass is a premium technology that sees its best features shine in luxury environments such as contemporary homes, offices, leisure venues and healthcare. ur technology is becoming an increasingly sought after innovation in the home, especially as more people are looking to renovate, extend and improve their current homes as an alternative to moving out.

In addition to being a sophisticated and futuristic technology, our glass also boasts minimalist styling that’s sure to wow. With excellent insulating properties against heat loss, UV light and sound transmission, our range takes energy performance seriously with double glazed switchable •58•

glass that offers warm edge spacers, low E, low iron, and an argon filling. It’s also as simple as a light bulb to operate, providing instant switchable privacy at the press of a button. Able to be integrated into room control and automation systems, Intelligent Glass products work as an excellent addition to top end hi-tech environments. This is particularly prevalent as smart home technology increases in popularity. The applications of this technology are limited only by your imagination and

vary greatly. As a manufacturer, we can make our products to exacting precision, enabling us to meet the requirements of architects, interior designers, property developers, builders and contractors. We have manufactured and supplied switchable technology in a wide range of sectors, including residential, retail, hospitality, healthcare and even leisure. So, no matter which industry your project falls under, Intelligent Glass will be there to support you with our expertise and knowledge. A few typical uses of our switchable glass are as follows-

Double Glazing Benefiting from the combined advantage of thermal performance and instant privacy, this durable solid state technology replaces the need for blinds or curtains, offering enhanced control and comfort to users. The PDLC switchable layer is coated on the inner surface of a panel of glass, then combined with a second panel to form a sealed unit. Utilising a warm edge spacer bar with an argon filled air gap between offers superb insulation and performance. We can even tailor the glass to your requirements, offering low iron and low E coating options to provide the most efficient switchable glass on the market. Easy to install, just like any standard double glazing sealed unit, you can enjoy the benefits of switchable and insulated glass without the need for maintenance or special cleaning requirements. Bathrooms A common application of our technology is for shower/wet rooms and hotel bathrooms, providing stylish discretion for your customers. Between our switchable double glazed units and our switchable laminate glass, we have your bathroom privacy needs taken care of. Switchable double glazing offers a great alternative to blinds and curtains, which are often a source of difficulty in bathrooms, both in terms of style and in maintenance. Switchable laminate glass is also very popular in bathrooms, enhancing any wet room divider, shower screen or dividing glass wall, stylishly partitioning a bedroom or en-suite. Partitions & Doors Our switchable glass offers more applications for partitioning than just in bathrooms. Great for use all over the home, we can turn any glass, acrylic or plexiglass into switchable privacy glass. Using switchable technology makes achieving the desired cutting edge design possible, adding an interior design wow factor that binds and curtains just can’t match. Some of the more exciting

applications we have seen recently involves automating our technology. For example, by placing switchable glass in an automatic glass door, the clients were able to automate the glass’s transparency to only activate when the door opens, providing privacy the rest of the time. Interested? If you would like further information, a pricing quote, or to discuss ideas for using our switchable glass and film products, please visit our website http://intelligentglass.net/ or call us on+44 (0)1226 351 759. •59•

Brentwood Tile Boutique is an independent supplier of quality bespoke tiles in Essex and throughout the UK. With over fifty years combined experience within the tile trade, owners Gary Asher and Alan Jones understand the importance of providing inspirational ranges. Here they highlight three of their favourite ranges from their extensive current supply.

Brentwood Tile Boutique

Sands Experience Thanks to the matching indoor and outdoor floor coverings, the lines between floor, wall, indoor and outdoor can be blurred, creating a sense of total freedom through contemporary design. The Sands Experience range of porcelain stoneware surfaces created by Italgraniti meet both the aesthetic and functional needs of modern architecture. Anti-slip surfaces combine beauty with safety and the surface texture and patterning are designed to be safe, pleasant to walk on and lovely to look at. Sands Experience have produced two new exciting sizes: 120x240 and 120x120 which drastically reduce the usual number of joints required. This allows for a more continuous surface, which with the benefit of the high quality porcelain stoneware, helps to overcome any architectural challenge.

Hemisphere Italian tile producers Gambini have produced a superb minimalist solution tile, re-inventing ceramic through metal sheet aesthetic. Available in 4 colours (3 cooler tones: platinum, steel and iron and 1 warmer note: copper) and 3 sizes, these tiles are sophisticated and understatedly classy. As an achromatic backdrop, the Hemisphere range lends itself perfectly to any modern colour scheme.

â&#x20AC;˘60â&#x20AC;˘

Unika These high quality, fully body Italian porcelain tiles (by ABK) are inspired by the material and quality of cement. The result is a postindustrial urban trend tile which retains a vintage element of traditional European age-old stone combined with sections of worn concrete. This allows for a fascinating interplay of elements and layers capable of interacting robustly with contemporary architecture. Available in 2 sizes (60x30 and 60x60) and 4 finishes (Unika Smoke, Downtown Ecru, Unika Ecru and Downtown Ivory) their versatility is such that they can be used within both residential and commercial projects with ease.

For more information or for pricing please contact Gary Asher or Alan Jones on 01277 233772 or email sales@brentwoodtileboutique.co.uk Brentwood tile boutique is open 7 days a week. Parking is available. For opening hours please visit www.brentwoodtileboutique.co.uk

Stonearth

- For Complete Natural Bathrooms

xperience peace, tranquillity and relaxation in your own bathroom…

100% Natural Creating contemporary yet classic bathrooms is easy when working with natural materials. Organic elements such as solid wood, tactile travertine and luxurious marble are timeless materials that you can enjoy for years to come without fear of dating. The Natural theme is impressive, eye-catching and will be sure to add value to the property too. At Stonearth, we use 100% natural materials to create sunning designs. Our handcrafted pieces are made to compliment any room size and design scheme: whether it’s a hotel, a petite washroom or a large family bathroom.

Creating A Spa In Your Own Home Make that spa style experience an every day luxury that you can start enjoying now! A handcrafted, solid stone, bowl starts from just £280, so why wait? Call Stonearth today for your own copy of our new 138-page brochure, which is bursting with ideas and inspiration to make those dreams come to life today. With the help of our dedicated team we can help you design that sensuous bathroom you and your client have always desired.

T: 01157148030 F: 01158720554 E: info@stonearth.co.uk W: www.stonearth.co.uk

Oak I Walnut I Travertine I Marble I Granite I Stainless Steel

Interior & Interior Design

3-metre-wide house wins da award for the clever use of s Tim de Graag’s comprehensive renovation of a 3-metrewide house in Zierikzee is an outstanding showcase of how to maximise light to enhance space. Instrumental in helping the young Dutch architect to realize his vision for this exceptionally narrow property were Glazing Vision’s rooflights. Indeed the jury, in presenting the 2016 Daylight Award to de Graag, credited the rooflights as creating “extraordinary and subtle differences in light and shadow in the heart of the house”.

his narrow 18th century house in the South West of Holland had been in decay since the 70’s when it lost its historical exterior and had lain empty for several years. Essentially reduced to just a shell by the time the owner purchased it in 2015, the property, like similar houses in the area, presented a number of challenges to overcome before it could become a modern and workable home – long dark corridors, poor privacy caused by the ground floor windows facing the street, and critically a lamentable lack of daylight throughout the house.

De Graag’s dynamic concept for creating a spacious, light and calm interior in what became known as House 20×3 required a fundamental re-shaping of the property’s floor plan and the introduction of a central axis to maximise the amount of natural daylight. The resulting 4 floors, connected by an elegant oak T-shaped staircase, provide modern yet relaxed studio living. The living room was moved to the first floor in order to benefit from the vista over the historical harbor and the bijou kitchen moved to the lowest floor, where a glass door provided

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Interior & Interior Design

aylight space much needed light as well as access to the small garden. The master and guest bedrooms are located above the kitchen. Daylight optimised by installation of rooflights It is the sightline at the heart of the property that is pivotal to the harmonious interaction of the various rooms of the house, and most importantly for bringing light into them. A Flushglaze Fixed rooflight and VisionVent hinged rooflight were both supplied by Glazing Vision and precision engineered to bespoke sizes for House 20×3; these were strategically placed above the sightline. As reported in the NARM Technical Document NTD 12 2015, an effective and optimised layout of rooflights is essential to allowing light into the home but also to determine the type and amount of light that actually enters the home – this could be direct, diffused or reflected light. Bringing daylight into buildings is connected to a number of benefits for humans: vision, orientation, productivity, alertness and ultimately health. Providing daylight solely through conventional windows in this narrow and deep property at Zierikzee would

have had serious limitations, with some areas remaining in shadow as the daylight intensity varies dramatically. De Graag, in specifying these Glazing Vision rooflights, with their lack of visible internal framework and the glazing pointing directly at the light source, ensured that light falling into the core of the house was maximised and the modern aesthetics of the property were not compromised. The VisionVent hinged rooflight also offered additional benefits to De Graag– it minimises the impact from the heat of the summer, and provides much needed ventilation in this splitlevel house. De Graag has successfully transformed what was an architectural “dark corridor ” into a beautiful, spacious modern home, flooded with light and in harmony with its surroundings. His sophisticated daylight concept won over the jury who appreciated the clever routing, the sightline all the way through the building and the position, size and proportion of the rooflights. To find out more about design considerations for your project, please call our technical department on 01379 353 741 or request a CPD.

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‘FUTURE PROOF’ YOUR CLIENT’S HOME WITH A STILTZ HOME LIFT

body made from structural polycarbonate to give it a more contemporary look and feel. The Flash’s decided that the downstairs hall was the perfect location for the lift with it travelling upstairs to the landing area. The simple installation process involved the removal of an airing cupboard, re-siting of some water pipes and reinforcement of the beams.

“A stairlift didn’t appeal at all as they look weird and you still have to get on and off them! Plus, we have a turning staircase so it can get very expensive. “I would describe the Stiltz lift as a perfect capsule. It’s totally reliable, discreet and has lots of clever safety features. We had it installed in the hall downstairs and as soon as it is upstairs we are just left with two narrow white posts. We are delighted with it.”

ome lifts specialist Stiltz Lifts recently installed one of their innovative and unique lifts for a retired couple that specifically wanted to ‘future proof’ their home. Although neither had any mobility issues, they were both conscious that, at some point in the future, the stairs in their home may become a challenge.

For further information please contact 0330 222 0334 or visit www.stiltz.co.uk

Mr. and Mrs. Flash share a four bedroom detached house in Middlesex which they love. They felt the genuine possibility of having to move to a bungalow or retirement apartment - if the stairs did eventually become too The entire lift is a self-supporting difficult– would not be something structure with a unique internal they would ever contemplate. drive system which bears the Mrs. Flash was familiar with the load of the lift. This meant there concept of a domestic lift as her was no need for bulky hydraulics disabled mother had one in her or the need to make use of loadhome, but she was looking for bearing walls. a product that was smaller and Unlike most traditional home much more elegant. lifts, Stiltz lifts are powered by The couple came across the very quiet self-contained Stiltz domestic lifts and were drive system which is housed out immediately impressed with of sight at the top of the lift. The the lift’s understated design, whole lift plugs into a standard its compact size and the fact it domestic 13amp power socket could be quickly installed. – just like any other household appliance. The Stiltz Home Lift, which has a small footprint of less than a Mr. and Mrs. Flash ordered a square metre, was easy for the top-of-the-range Stiltz Duo Vista Stiltz team to install. Lift which is fitted with a clear

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Mrs. Flash said: “We were looking for a viable way of ‘future proofing’ our home because we were concerned that if we didn’t do something about it, and the stairs became a problem later on, there would be a risk of having to downsize to a flat. I’m not sure either of us would have coped very well with that.

Pictures by Chris Pearsall Photography.

SketchUp 2017 is here! The smartest SketchUp yet.

Transparency

Graphics Pipeline 2.0

We’ve made big improvement to transparency, which should now render faster and at high quality to. SketchUp is also now much better at displaying multiple transparencies to provide a more realistic sense of depth across several see-through faces.

In this release, we’ve made major improvements to our graphics pipeline, allowing for performance improvements. Now, SketchUp, 3D Warehouse, LayOut, My SketchUp, and Trimble Connect all render models using the same under-the-hood algorithms – all tuned for buttery 3D orbiting.

High DPI Modeling

There’s more!

We’ve tuned snapping and inferencing for high definition monitors (like Apple’s Retina Display). Edge weights have also been smart-scaled. You can back away from your screen now...

Perpendicular Face Inferencing Have you mastered parallel inferencing? We’ve added a ‘Perpendicular to Face’ inference. Hover a face; SketchUp will helpfully snap to its perpendicular.

• Smart Offset

• High Fidelity .DWG – for easier exporting

• LayOut Tables; manage spreadsheets in LayOut

• Extension Manager

Contact Elmtec, Sketchup’s distribution Partner in the UK

E: sales@elmtec.co.uk

T: 01844 263750

W: www.elmtec.co.uk

How to Make a Home Accessible Without Compromising on Style Accessibility of the home is an important consideration in any building project. A home lift provides an easy and stylish solution for those who struggle with the stairs. our typical self-build client will invest their heart and soul in their project to realise their dream home, so accessibility should be a major consideration to ensure the lifetime value of the project. Design criteria such as Lifetime Homes are growing in importance, helping to ensure that homes are fit for the less mobile. There are many considerations; from access into the house, the layout inside, the width of the hallways and doorways and of course, the stairs.

Finding the right home lift for your client’s needs Incorporating a home lift into the original plans will give your clients the means to future proof their dream home, allowing them to stay put well into retirement and add value to their property. But how do you choose the perfect home lift for your project and your client’s needs? Space is an important consideration, and so is the design of the lift and its safety features. The Terry Lifestyle Home Lift is a spacesaving, unobtrusive option which provides first-class safety features. Independently tested and certificated by a Fire Research Centre, the Lifestyle Home Lift provides the same fire integrity the house had before the aperture is cut – whether the lift is parked upstairs or downstairs. Designed and manufactured in Britain to the requirements of BS5900:2012, the Lifestyle Home Lift provides the best of comforts in living and is a design element your customer will be proud of. For more information on Terry Lifts’ full range of home lifts, call 0333 241 3093, e-mail sales@terrylifts.co.uk or visit the website www.terrylifts.co.uk/lifestyle

Terry Lifts are No.1 Terry Lifts are independently certificated to the British Standard 5900:2012 and the EU Machinery Directive for a lift travel above 3 metres covering â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Through the floor fully enclosed Home Liftsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

www.terrylifts.co.uk/lifestyle | 0333 241 3093

A space-saving lift with a remarkably small footprint for a lift that can carry 2 people with a 250kg capacity

Practical & affordable alternative to moving house if the stairs become too much

Stylish & elegant with customisable features and finishes to suit your needs

Can be fitted neatly into a corner or against the wall

No lift shaft required so easy installation with minimal building work

30 minute fire and smoke protection between floors whether the lift is in the up or down position - an essential safety feature for a through floor lift

Manufactured in Knutsford, Cheshire, meaning short lead times and reliable national service and spares support

CELEBRITIES & VIP’S PRAISE STARWOOD RESORTS IN SARDINIA FOLLOWING COSTA SMERALDA INVITATIONAL - Clarke, Shevchenko and Zola applaud Starwood hospitality Starwood Resorts took centre stage over the weekend in Sardinia as four of their finest hotels hosted VIP’s and a number of celebrities from the world of sport and entertainment, all in town for the Costa Smeralda Invitational. Guests of the Invitational stayed across four of Starwood’s leading resorts: Hotel Pitrizza, Hotel Romazzino, Cala di Volpe and Cervo Hotel. The resorts are all conveniently located near the stunning Pevero Golf Club, the setting for the second Costa Smeralda Invitational (25th June), hosted this year by European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke. Clarke stayed in Hotel Pitrizza and was quick to sing the resort’s praises: “What a fantastic location this is with superb hospitality to match” – a statement echoed by Ukrainian top goal scorer Andriy Shevchenko, who said: “The Pitrizza is beautiful, my family were very comfortable staying there.” Starwood’s Hotel Romazzino was the location for Costa Smeralda Invitational’s welcome dinner and the base for Strictly Come Dancing Stars James and Ola Jordan, who were taken aback by the resort. “What a place this is, so luxurious, beautiful food, great company and a whole lot of fun!” said James.

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Chelsea legend and eventual men’s celebrity winner Gianfranco Zola was equally delighted by his accommodation for the weekend, Hotel Cala di Volpe: “The resort is stunning, I love coming back to this part of the world as it is such a beautiful place,” said the former Chelsea FC player. Hotel Cala di Volpe also provided the setting for the Costa Smeralda Invitational Gala Dinner, which included a live auction for the event’s Road to Awareness charity in aid of UNICEF, and culminated in a spectacular firework display that brought the event to a close. Franco Mulas, Area Manager Costa Smeralda & General Manager Hotel Cala Di Volpe, said: “The second edition of Costa Smeralda Invitational was an amazing event and even better than last year’s tournament. “This competition is not only a great showcase for our magnificent golf course, hotels and hospitality, it’s most importantly a fantastic opportunity for us to show our support for the Road to Awareness campaign in aid of UNICEF,” added Mulas. All guests and celebrities – which also included DJ Jamie Theakston, actor James Nesbitt and cricket legend Kapil Dev – were delighted by their accommodation for the weekend, which added to their overall enjoyment of what was another spectacular Costa Smeralda Invitational. Speaking after the event, tournament Director Jamie Cunningham, CEO of Professional Sports Group, said: “We are delighted with the success of the second Costa Smeralda Invitational. The feedback from Darren Clarke, the celebrities and all the VIPs has been fantastic and we look forward to building on this success in 2017.”

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An Extensive Range of Glass Balustrades for Commercial and Domestic Use Mini-Post Frameless Glass

Frameless Channel Glass Balustrade

The most cost effective glazing solution on the market. Our unique frameless balustrade design comprises12mm-17.5mm toughened glass supported by edge mounted, base mounted, side mounted, or core mounted brackets manufactured from 2205 Grade duplex stainless steel which offers superior corrosion resistance . An aesthetically beautiful design offering unobstructed views without compromising on safety, our MiniPost system is supplied with an optional but stylish stainless steel slotted handrail. The thickness of glass required depends on the location of the balustrade. Our exclusive range of frameless glazing channel designs allow boundaries to be deÞned without interrupting the visual aesthetics of a build. The channel is available in various base or sidemounted designs, and is suitable for both toughened and laminated glass thickness of 12mm to 21.5mm. Incomparable safety standards and the perfect Þnish to any balcony, decking, or patio area.

Semi-Framed Glass Balustrade

A modern and durable glass balustrade system allowing minimal disruption of the views ahead thanks to an intelligent stainless steel post design which safely secures the glass in place without the need for a top rail. The system requires 10mm toughened or toughened laminated glass, with marine grade stainless steel posts and clamps, making it an economical and durable outdoor railing solution. Base mounted or side mounted.

Framed Glass Balustrade A durable and economical solution, our stainless steel glass balustrade system is used for a variety of commercial and residential installations. The system is easily customisable to meet speciÞc requirements and is based on simple design and installation. The glass thickness requirement is just 10mm whether this be for low level installation or a raised balcony and is available as base mounted or side mounted proÞles. 08000 385185 sales@elitebalustrade.com www.elitebalustrade.com

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

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 design, manufacture, install and service the BioPure sewage treatment plant for single houses, small developments up to 55 pe and larger off mains FlowPath treatment plants for 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 soakaway has failed. We offer straight forward, easy to follow advice for your

Our BioPure Range of Sewage Treatment Plant 1-55 pe

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

125 PE Treatment Plant, up to 300 PE available as standard other sizes available on request.

We also offer service agreements, our service agreements not only provide excellent maintenance for our systems, but we also service a variety of our competitor’s treatment plants.

For more information contact us at www.webuildit-ltd.co.uk or www.bio-pure.com Or Email us at sales@webuildit-ltd.co.uk Telephone 01746 781782 or 0800 7319421 •71•

interior & interior design

2016 - A YEAR OF MANY LIFTS! 2016 has been a year of many interesting lift installations for Invalifts. As the year draws to a close, let’s take a look at some of the unusual places that Invalifts has installed lifts in over the year.

he story starts in the Cors Dyfi Reserve near Machynlleth on the west coast of mid Wales. This is the location of the The Dyfi Osprey Project, a Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust flagship project. The project started with the aim of supporting and conserving the osprey population in Wales. There is a visitor centre located onsite to allow the general public a chance to see these rare birds in their natural habitat. In order for the project to be accessible by all, the two floor centre decided that a platform lift would allow wheelchair access to the upper floor of the centre. They set up a camera and lift appeal to help raise money for the project. In 2016, a grant was awarded that helped cover the cost of the lift and installation. Invalifts was chosen to supply and install the lift, as their MC2000 Platform Lift was available with a glazed shaft at the upper level to maximise light and allow views of the beautiful scenery. Invalifts co-ordinated the installation of the lift with the centre so that the lift would be installed before the return of the ospreys. The Dyfi Osprey Project was thrilled with the results, describing the ability to see Monty the Osprey for the first time in the feather as ‘Priceless!’. •72•

ur story continues at Halfpenny Green Vineyards, a few miles West of Dudley, where 30 acres of vines are managed by Martin, producing award-winning wines crafted by his son Clive. When the Vineyard was thinking of expanding the

shop area of the business, Invalifts were called in to offer expert advice on how disabled access could be fully achieved. The main issue was a significant floor level discrepancy between the new area and the older shop area and the new area was also to have an upper floor accessed by new stairs.

interior & interior design Invalifts recommended the MC2000 platform lift with an open through configuration. To let as much light pass into the shop they offered a partially glazed shaft and glazed doors. The whole unit was mounted directly on to the concrete floor and a small chequer plate ramp was fitted at the lower ground floor door in lieu of the 60mm pit. The whole installation took just 3 days to complete. The final product blends beautifully with the new overall decoration, helping to bridge the new with the old. The use of glass has let light come into the area and has ensured that older beams are not hidden but rather shown and highlight the architecture of the original building. The new lift is used by the disabled, elderly and parents with push chairs to gain access to all levels of the shop.

inally, we’ll travel to the disused central dry dock in Hull, which has undergone a spectacular transformation into a major outdoor amphitheatre taking centre stage in Hull’s revitalised cultural quarter. The 350 seat outdoor venue required a platform lift to enable wheelchair access from the upper to lower levels. Invalifts supplied and installed their InvaEuro external platform lift, as the larger platform size of 1600mm x 1000mm allowed additional flexibility. The lift was supplied with an open-through configuration and a glazed shaft to complement the open air feel of the site. The lift shaft was finished in a goose grey colour to match with general colour scheme of balustrade, and is now ready for Hull to start it’s reign as UK City of Culture 2017. We can’t wait to see where 2017 will take us! To find out more about platform lifts, you can give Invalifts a call on 0845 468 2543 and speak to one of their friendly experts, or visit their website at www.invalifts.com

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Interior & Interior Design

They design, research and develop well-crafted, affordable furnishings to endure passing trends and vigorous family use. Whether it’s a one-off statement piece or a complete makeover, we invite you to explore our lovingly curated collection to create an enticing, individual living environment. Supplying both to consumer and trade, we have dedicated websites for both. All we ask if you are a trade customer is that you apply by clicking on the link below: http://bluesuntree.createsend1.com/t/r-l-sziylt-l-j/ Once approved you will receive a unique login in order gain access to special prices and exclusive one off deals. In addition, because we have a large range of exclusive products we are able to take special orders and large volume orders too. Whether you’re a consumer or trade customer, we have an exceptionally knowledgeable sales team, who will be happy to help with any questions or query’s you may have. Contact sales@bluesuntree.co.uk or call on 0116 267 0267

Bluesuntree source, design and retail affordable, inspirational, wellcrafted products: furniture, lighting and accessories - everything for the design conscious consumer. Our passion is for exceptional design, whether that’s midcentury inspired or pure contemporary. We believe great design should be both energising and timeless and we pride ourselves on delivering unique products for your home. Our story started 10 years ago, when we began selling statement lounge and dining chairs. Today the business has expanded dramatically and we now offer 100’s of our own exclusive furniture designs. Our highly skilled, dedicated team with over 20 years’ experience in sourcing, buying, product design, interior design, and product technology lead the way. Bluesuntree is now well known in the UK and Europe for distinctive and unique furniture. Stocking a wide range of exclusive brands, we also work closely with the Steijer design brand, as they share our values. Steijer believe that the home is the foundation of any family or individual’s existence.

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Although we hope all the information you need will be on our website, our Central England showroom is open Monday to Saturday if you wish to visit us and view our products.

Exceptional Design for Everyone - Furniture and Interiors bluesuntree.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ sales@bluesuntree.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ 0116 267 0267

innai’s latest innovation in the energy efficient fast delivery of instantly useable hot water is the Infinity Solo Re-Circulator water heater.

The Rinnai Infinity Solo condensing and low NOX water heater is the first of its kind for the UK to combine the advanced technology of wall mounted continuous flow water heaters with a stainless steel storage cylinder, all in one compact footprint. The design parameters of this product empowers specifiers, designers, installers and engineers to benefit from unique Rinnai technology in applications it was once not previously possible. For instance, the Infinity Solo will have both 35kW and 54kW sized appliances, ensuring sites with a smaller gas meter can readily use this technology. The larger Infinity Solo model will also act as a high-efficiency alternative to gas fired storage appliances that exist in today’s market. The cylinder is stainless steel and this reduces the weight compared to glass lined models, and it makes transportation and installation a lot easier. As well as the difference in weight, the cylinders also have extremely low heat loss figures (as low as 1.41kW/h day), so the user pays less to maintain the heat within the tank. One other benefit of the Infinity Solo using a stainless steel cylinder is that the life expectancy of the material is far greater than that of a glass-lined equivalent as glass suffers from thermal shock causing it to crack after a period of time. The Infinity Solo range is also renewables compatible and supplied pre-fitted with a coil, meaning that the primary energy source will

Rinnai Goes Solo For Continuous Flow With a Store…. always be from renewable gains and the complementary Rinnai water heater will only apply the precise amount of gas to boost the difference in temperature. Rinnai manufactures the energy efficient Infinity range of gas fired continuous flow water heaters and space heaters. The Infinity brand carries the widest range of condensing water heaters on the market today with the most impressive efficiencies in operation, leading the field in technological innovation.

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For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com

Rinnai goes solo for continuous flow with a storeâ&#x20AC;¦. The Flagship Group & Kensa Heat Pumps upgrade new build heating.

APOLLO radiators is one of the leading independent distributors of radiators and towel rails in the UK. At APOLLO radiators the emphasis is on quality, and availability from stock. APOLLO radiators distribute throughout the UK to a wide range of independent merchants, as well as the national merchant groups.

APOLLO roma classic steel column radiators come in a wide range of sizes. Fusion welded sections manufactured in Italy with the latest technology and a 10 year guarantee. Over 150 sizes are available in white within 3 working days and a selection of 46 different colours are available in just 7 working days.

roma classic vertical and horizontal wall mounted and freestanding steel column radiators www.apolloradiators.co.uk

Modular Building

Modular Buildings & Interiors Modular buildings that offer the best of both worlds; flexible enough to offer bespoke, contemporary finishes, without the costs and time constraints associated with tailor-made builds. Losberger have been providing modular buildings solutions for almost 100 years, providing developers with quick customisable solutions. Tel: 01949 845070 Email: losbergeruk@losberger.com

No Ordinary Work of Art - Architectural Ceramics Firm Skills in Demand by the Art World

Architectural ceramics specialist, Darwen Terracotta and Faience, was chosen by Charles Holland of commissioned artists Ordinary Architecture to build the artwork Foundation Myths. This pioneering sculpture has been installed at the new Artists’ Garden at the York Art Gallery. The work comprises ten, life-sized, ceramic tree stumps arranged geometrically in two rows to echo the foundations of a former building. he Artists’ Garden has considerable history. At one time an orchard, it was also once part of the St Mary’s Abbey Precinct and was the location of the Great Hall of the Yorkshire Exhibition of 1879. The twin rows of five ceramic tree stumps are redolent of this arboreal and architectural history, but are finished in a bright yellow glaze, creating a strong contrast to their environment.

“As a team we have worked with Charles before, most notably on the House for Essex, a collaboration between Grayson

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Perry, the ceramic artist, and FAT Architects. This multi-coloured wedding-cake of a building uses colour and shape dramatically to inspire visitors. Charles knew that our team had the skills in clay working, glaze formulation and firing to turn his ideas into reality and the work has subsequently attracted much interest,” explained Jon Wilson a Darwen Terracotta director. Darwen Terracotta work with architects and conservation specialists throughout the UK and in the USA to restore terracotta and faience facings on heritage buildings. The company also works with architects

and designers to apply the same skills to provide sculptural and coloured facings for many modern buildings and new builds. Foundation Myths will remain on display at York Art Gallery until August 2017, there is more information at www.yorkartgallery.org.uk.

NEW Controls for Simply Saving Energy DANLERS Limited have recently launched an extensive range of reliable, easy to install, controls for Lighting and HVAC including: NEW HIGH BAY CONTROLS An extensive range of controls suitable across a wide spectrum of high bay applications. NEW EASYZAPP SWITCHING CONTROLS Remotely programmable PIR Occupancy switches by mobile phone / tablet from up to 100m away. Standard ceiling flush or surface mount and high bay mounting options. NEW EASYZAPP DIMMING CONTROLS Remotely programmable controls suitable for either DALI, DSI or 1-10VDC dimmable ballasts. Easy to install, easy to configure. Standard ceiling flush or surface mount and high bay mounting options. NEW DAYLIGHT LINKED DIMMING PIR SWITCHES With adjustable run-on for lower light level when areas are not occupied. Versions for DALI or 1-10VDC ballasts. Standard ceiling flush or surface mount and high bay mounting options. CONTACT US FOR THE LATEST DETAILS.

DANLERS Limited, Vincients Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 6NQ U.K. Tel: 01249 443377. E: sales@danlers.co.uk

www.danlers.co.uk

Vineyard selects MC2000 Platform Lift It was the vision of farmer Martin Vickers 30 years ago to plant a vineyard that would one day match continental sites. Today, at Halfpenny Green Vineyards, a few miles West of Dudley, 30 acres of vines are managed by Martin, producing award-winning wines crafted by his son Clive. A family business, the acclaimed shop, restaurant, deli and tea room are run by Clive’s wife Lisa, and offer a great day out for visitors. When the Vineyard was thinking of expanding the shop area of the business, Invalifts were called in to offer expert advice on how disabled access could be fully achieved. The main issue was a significant floor level discrepancy between the new area and the older shop area and the new area was also to have an upper floor accessed by new stairs. Invalifts recommended the MC2000 platform lift with an open through configuration. The 1250mm x 1590mm standard sized unit ensured that the platform size was fully compliant to Part M of Building Regulations and the Equality Act. To let as much light pass into the shop they offered a partially glazed shaft and glazed doors. The ground floor door into the existing shop was fitted with a hidden door closer, as there was an existing beam that the client wanted to retain and a standard closer would have fouled the beam. The whole unit was mounted directly on to the concrete floor and a small chequer plate ramp was fitted at the lower ground floor door in lieu of the 60mm pit. The whole installation took just 3 days to complete. The final product blends beautifully with the new overall decoration, helping to bridge the new with the old. The use of glass has let light come into the area and has ensured that older beams are not hidden but rather shown and highlight the architecture of the original building. The new lift is used by the disabled, elderly and parents with push chairs to gain access to all levels of the shop. To see a short video of this lift and installation, or to find out more about the MC2000 platform lift, visit the website at www.invalifts. com/mc2000 and click ‘Watch the Product Video.’ Alternatively, you can give Invalifts a call on 0845 468 2543 and speak to one of their friendly experts.

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Air Tight Timber Frames Introducing the latest innovation from leading construction connector manufacturer Simpson Strong-Tie; the timber frame panel closer, or TFPC. This useful connector provides the quickest and most accurate way of drawing together timber frame panels and eliminating gaps – and that’s important, because those gaps contribute to air leakage and insulation issues. The TFPC features an angled plate which guides a structural screw (included) into the adjacent timber frame panels at precisely the angle necessary to pull them together

to form an air tight bond, with the added benefit that it won’t damage the substrate. The special design of the screw cinches the panels together and gives 3kN of shear capacity – keeping them that way. Simpson Strong-Tie Timber Frame expert Fraser Pilkington explains: “It seems such a simple solution, but we put a great deal of thought into making it easy to use, with no room

for error. The combination of the guide plate and screw achieves exactly that”. The TPFC is supplied as a kit, which includes the guide plate, structural screw and two square twist nails. Search TFPC at www.strongtie.co.uk for a demonstration video as well as performance data and installation advice. •83•

3 reasons why bifold doors are still a great investment for autumn and winter Bifold doors have taken the home improvement industry by storm in the last decade, and continue to be one of the more popular choices for the rear of the home in place of patio or French doors. As this type of door continues to be improved upon and developed, more options have become available which are attractive, cost effective and thermally efficient. Bifold doors are a flexible choice, allowing homeowners to make the most of the connection between their home and outside space. Made up of multiple door ‘leaves’, bifolds can occupy a huge range of opening sizes. These leaves fold to one side in a concertina motion, revealing the full width of the opening, something which can be used to great aesthetic and practical effect. The door-leaves themselves each consist of a plain glazed panel set into a robust frame. When they are put together, it allows for a wide and practically uninterrupted view of your garden, deck, patio, or balcony and beyond. It’s not hard to see why bifolds are so popular, but with most advertising focussed on their summer benefits, they tend to get forgotten during the darker, colder months. Yes, they’re perfect for opening up your home on warm summer days and creating a seamless transition from kitchen to garden during parties or BBQs, but they don’t stop being useful once the weather turns in Autumn and Winter either. They’re energy efficient While you may assume that a wall which consists mainly of glass can never be energy efficient, you may be surprised at what modern design and manufacturing methods can achieve. While your current sliding or French patio doors might let in a draught or two, the new bifold doors on the market are likely to be much more efficient. The door frames in both uPVC and aluminium bifold options are insulated to ensure very little heat can be lost. As the doors are closed and the frames fit together, high quality weathertight seals are there to ensure a completely draught-free installation. The glass itself – which can be double or triple glazed – is toughened and of high quality.

They provide flexible opening options Bifold doors give you the ability to completely open up the gap, blurring the line of outdoors and indoors. In the summer this is obviously a desirable and practical feature, but in the winter, you’re unlikely to want to open up such a large space to the elements. Thankfully, bifold door sets are designed to be completely flexible and do not need to be opened wider than necessary when the weather is bad. Traffic doors are a popular option – this single door is situated at one end of the bifold set, and opens just like a normal door would. However, when you want to open the full door set, it folds to the side along with the others, allowing you to pop in and out without exposing too much of your home. Even when sliding the doors, the smooth runners allow you complete control over how far they go. This way, you can open them a small way for quick access or to create some ventilation, or open up a wider gap to get your Christmas tree through, for example! They improve the view One of the main benefits of a bifold door set is the large area of glazing, which allows for wider and more far-reaching views. For obvious reasons, they’re usually placed at the side or rear of a property, where it’s not easy for people to see in from the drive or the street. If you’re lucky enough to have a lush garden or a beautiful view, bifold doors can help you to feel more connected to these benefits. However, in the autumn and winter, you can begin to appreciate a different kind of beauty, which can often be underappreciated. From the blazing colours of autumn to the frosty mornings where everything sparkles in the sunlight, and not forgetting the seasonal fireworks, there’s a lot to be said about the view at this time of year.

Children and adults alike enjoy watching snow, and having a wide-reaching view of your garden can bring the beauty of winter inside without you having to brave the cold. Bifolds are also ideal for keeping an eye on your children if they’re out playing in the snow, and kids are particularly keen on being able to keep an eye on the snowman they have built once it becomes too cold to stay outdoors. Another added bonus that winter brings in the northern hemisphere is the fact that the stars in the night sky are generally brighter and clearer compared to the summer months due to the position of the earth within the Milky Way galaxy. Unless you live in an area with a lot of light pollution, you should be able to see stars much more easily with the naked eye, and bifold doors are the perfect way to do this from the warmth and comfort of your own home. Improving the view also means letting in more light, and in the winter this can only be a good thing. Maximising the sunlight in your home can help to lift the mood and ensures that less electricity is used on lighting. During these dull months, it can be easy to keep the curtains shut and stay cosy, but exposing your home to more natural light can do wonders for your sleep patterns and mental wellbeing. Founded in 1984, Evander is the UK’s largest glazing and locks supplier within the insurance market. Every year they repair and replace more windows, doors, locks, garage doors and conservatories for the insurance industry than anyone else. It is also one of the largest home improvement companies, supplying and fitting garage doors, composite doors, front door canopies and windows. They also provide a national emergency locksmith and boarding-up service via directly employed engineers, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

When buying new windows or doors, the U-value is an important factor to consider. The U-value shows how good the material is as an insulator. For example, Evander’s aluminium bifold doors have a U-value of 1.32, compared to that of a solid brick wall that has a U-value of 2.0 - when it comes to U-values, lower is better. Even a cavity wall, which is a better insulator overall, only manages 1.6 on the scale. While bifold doors really come into their own during the summer, they certainly help to make winter more comfortable, particularly if your current set-up is inefficient. You will find that your heating bills go down, and that it’s easier to keep your home at a steady temperature.

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http://www.evander.com/ Tel. 0345 145 0130. Evander is part of the VPS Group www.vpsgroup.com

Lift your interior design or outside space with living plants

With a collection of mature and unusual trees and plants you won’t find in garden centres, Plaza Plants offers a range of European and a range of exotic architectural plants to give you the perfect tree for your interior or exterior space. One of the European range is the beautiful orchard olive (Olea europea) on show in the Arnolfini Café in Bristol. The Arnolfini made it to the shortlist in the prestigious 2016 ‘Museum of the Year’ awards, which awards exceptional imagination, innovation and achievement in the arts. Standing at 8 feet tall including the pot, the evergreen tree complements the café’s high ceilings and adds an extra dimension to the café bar’s chic surroundings, popular with Bristol’s art lovers and foodies. Café manager, Jenny Bongard, said, “Just wanted to say a massive THANK YOU for the safe delivery of the tree this week, it arrived just in time for our visit from the judges of Museum of the Year and has certainly made an impact!” One of Plaza Plants’ extensive range of big plants, the orchard olive is available at £699 for one, or £998 for a pair. The ‘Exotics’ range includes skyduster palms (Washingtonia robusta), chusan palms (Trachycarpus fortunei), spineless yucca (Yucca elephantipes), and sago palms (Cycas revoluta) and a stunning oversized cactus at 3 foot wide by 3 foot tall. Steve Wilkinson, director of Blink Giant Media chose two skyduster palms for his office, he said, “We specialise in giant graphic projects and wanted some plants for our Bristol office that would really impress. Plaza Plants specialises in big, impressive plants and we chose two skyduster palms from them. They really enhance the office, give it a ‘wow’ factor – and require very little looking after.” The skyduster palms are available in two sizes, with the smaller size (5ft 5in) at £598 for a pair, and the larger size (7ft) at £798 for a pair, or £499 for one.

To browse or buy, visit: www.plazaplants.com Affiliate prices are available for designers and architects, email: info@plazaplants.com

Delivery is free and plants are guaranteed for a year, prices quoted are ex VAT

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ARCHIT PRAC ANNOUCES ENGAGEMEN CHALLEN T

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TECTS CTICE S NEW ENT IN NGING TIMES

ending out a positive signal in a currently challenging sector, Architects Practice, Lippe Architects + Planners have added experienced architect, Catherine Cope (nee McKeown) BArch BSc (Hons) to augment their team of 17 employees. Lippe Architects + Planners, with over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, have further extended the strength of their team with the addition of Catherine who is based at their offices at 25 Albyn Place, Aberdeen.

Catherine, who originally trained as an architect in Belfast, relocated to Edinburgh when she qualified, to work on some key projects, including the Royal Veterinary School for the University of Edinburgh (£31m) and the New Dunfermline High School (£40m). Moving to Aberdeen in 2013, Catherine has been keen to progress in her career and commented, “I am really delighted to be joining such a long standing and prestigious practice and I know I will gain a lot of further experience within this multi-disciplined office, getting the opportunity to work on a wide range of sectors and building types, both residential and commercial.” Catherine currently is President of the Aberdeen Society of Architects, representing the local chapter of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS.) Lippe Architects + Planners highly experienced management team includes Managing Director, William

Lippe and Technical Director, Stuart Naysmith who joined in 1993 and Associates, Eleanor Alexander, Stephen Martin Debbie Anderson and Lesley Tierney and Kirsten Will who heads up its Albyn Place office in Aberdeen, opened in 2014 to enhance the high level of service provision for its clients. All architects are Associate Members of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland and the Aberdeen Society of Architects. Kirsten Will, Associate, based at the company’s Albyn Place, Aberdeen commented, “since we opened our Aberdeen office two years ago, we have been afforded increased opportunity to tender for new business and been successful in winning clients and projects in and around the City. We felt that someone of Catherine’s experience and skill set would allow us to continue to offer our very high level of customer care, as well as augmenting our expertise and knowledge base and we are delighted to welcome her to our team”. Crichiebank Business Centre Mill Road Inverurie Aberdeenshire AB51 5NQ T: 07894 176222 E: jackie@thejaconsultancy.co.uk www.jackieallen.co.uk

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www.firmanglass.com

Glass Bending Excellence

Toughened Glass Bends Firman Glass new toughening plant includes two bending chambers which work alongside the standard flat bed. The smaller chamber will bend glass from 5mm to 12mm thick to a maximum size of 2850mm x 1000mm bent and with the following minimum radii. 5mm, 6mm = 450mm 8mm, 10mm = 1000mm 12mm = 1200mm The large chamber will bend glass from 6mm to 19mm thick to a maximum size of 2850mm x 3600mm bent and with the following minimum radii. 6mm = 1500mm 8mm, 10mm = 1800mm 12mm, 15mm = 2000mm 19mm = 2500mm

Working in conjunction with the flat toughening facility to a maximum flat size of 2850mm wide x 5000mm long. Firman Glass can now offer the Architect, Designer and Contractor a complete service for multiple uses such as balustrades, partitions, shower screens, revolving door enclosures, full height barriers, partitions and shopfronts. Curved Glass can be processed as with flat glass and can be decorated by sandblasting and back painting.

To find out more visit www.firmanglass.com Firman Glass,19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH Tel: 01708 374534 Fax: 01708 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com