Home Designer and Architect - October 2020

HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT

MAGAZINE October 2020

Bringing Clients’ Visions to Life through Powerful Content and Communication

INFORMARE – Bringing Clients’ Visions to Life through Powerful Content and Communication Communicating effectively is more important now than ever, with the current situation surrounding covid-19 meaning that many companies have found that their plans for the year have been uprooted and in need of reassessing in light of these unprecedented times.

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h ro u g h o u t the pandemic Informare has continued to keep communications consistent, timely and relevant. It has been a difficult time for everyone with an ever-changing marketing landscape and the agency has been pleased to help a multitude of clients steer through the challenges.

Informare are a communications agency, so whilst its relationship often starts with the PR element of the mix, it often spills into managing social media, brand strategies and

event organisation. Increasingly it is creating unique content for social media in the form of podcasts and film.

The company work with some amazing clients in the contract sector, on the furniture side this includes Bisley, Humanscale, Knightsbridge, Agua, USM, FUTURE Designs (lighting), some dealerships too including obo and Welltek, as well as the brilliant Surface Design Show.

PR within the contract sector does not differ too extensively from PR in other sectors.

The principals of clear messaging and developing strong stories and thought pieces, remains the same for all clients. What makes the contract sector great is that it is very collaborative, Informare are very protective of the mix of clients it has, and it is important that they can benefit each other and do not compete in a detrimental way. This also gives more clout when it comes to pitching stories and supporting journalists to identify trends and themes.

When it comes to communication between brands and customers, COVID-19 has really brought communication centre stage. Where some factories have had to slow or close completely, it has been vital that brands have kept up communication with customers. As awful as this situation has been for everyone, it is temporary and like all storm it will pass, so keeping the dialogue active through all the channels has been essential for Informare’s clients.

Whether the change s in communications that have occurred during the pandemic are here to stay will depend on the company, but in these difficult times, there have still been positives that Informare is hoping stay with us post-pandemic.

Founder and Director of Informare Anna King said “in any game changing moment, there will be heroes and villains. The honesty and transparency with which all our clients communicated their actions to their clients, suppliers and the media, whether the news was good or bad, is to be applauded.”

King contends that this is not the time for posturing, “Informare certainly would never advocate that approach, my hope would be that the overt compassion for employees, clients and supplier relationships that has been displayed will be a lasting legacy.”

A key thing that has grown during this time is creativity – with its own clients and the agency itself, Informare have found that when it has been realised that budgets are going to be cut or frozen, the first thing they have looked at is what they’ve got left to play with and have held crazy

brainstorming meetings, where every idea is valuable - the resourcefulness of teams has been amazing.

As an agency, it has managed to launch a new business and several new products over the last 7 weeks, without a showroom event and importantly without any reduction in coverage and reach. Although this does not have the same impact as holding launches in the flesh, results have still been achieved, really showing that when we venture out of the comfort zone, we can still move forward, often with new ideas that would never have sprouted in otherwise normal times.

In the times of COVID-19, brands should ensure they approach PR with authenticity at the forefront. In times of crisis we revert to type and you can tell an awful lot about how businesses are run.

Brands have realised that they need to know themselves, what they are about, what drives them and what they exist for. The self-aware brands will have found communicating far more straight forward.

On a more practical level, the most immediate switch during the pandemic was that digital activities came to the fore very quickly, and Informare has had many conversations with clients to work out the best way to pivot every ‘live’ event to a digital equivalent.

Encouraging an increase in social media activity has also been key, the trade publications sadly will have been hit very hard so finding different ways to cut through the noise has been vital.

Post-lockdown, when it comes to PR, Informare advises that brands ensure they consider context most importantly. They must continue to show humility to peers and employees, whilst still focusing positively on the future.

Successful companies have not suddenly become bad at what they do – this is a world emergency and we have all had to react, manage, and get through it. We must all remember what we are good at and why we are needed.

Informare’s top 3 do’s for PR in these COVID-19 times: • Review the marketplace and make sure you have a good handle on the mood of the market.

sector remains relevant, which is why organisations like the BCFA and the trade press become even more vital.

• Show compassion for the good competition, don’t forget we are all part of a larger profession and right now we need to ensure the whole

• PR must be clear, concise and consistent, and the entire company must be on board with the messaging, there is no room for grey areas.

Informare’s top 3 ‘don’ts’ for PR in these COVID-19 times: • Don’t say “it didn’t really affect us” or pretend COVID19 didn’t happen!

• Attitudes have changed, and the strategy you had in place January 2020 will need to be reconsidered.

• Remember that the COVID-19 factor hasn’t gone away, it is just in remission. so have contingencies in place to switch and pivot again in the autumn.

Above all, getting a brand’s PR tone of voice right is crucial, especially in times of crisis like now. Brands should conduct themselves with honesty, humility, and transparency; this forms the basis for a winning communication formula.

www.informare.co.uk

HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT

CONTENTS OCtober 2020 4 12 18 20 38 48

Industry News Doors & Windows Editor’s Choice Heating Bathrooms Coatings & Paints

56 Sustainability 64 External Works & Landscaping 72 Recommended Suppliers

CONtact US Ben Pritchard

Publication Manager

01843 581364

ben@homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk

Jenna Burridge

Editor

01843 595818

jenna@homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk

Industry news

Go-ahead for West London 460-home build to rent scheme Plans to build 460-flats next to Southall station in West London have got the planning green light.

The scheme is the first to be brought forward by Connected Living London, a partnership between build to rent specialist Grainger and Transport for London.

Designed by Assael Architecture it will be built out as five buildings on a 1.16 acre site on railway sidings and is currently used for storage and associated Elizabeth line works.

The homes will be a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom properties, providing options for all types of households, with affordable homes offered at a discounted market rent.

Ben Tate, a spokesperson for CLL and Head of Property Development at TfL, said: “It’s fantastic to see the first of our sites at Southall get the go-ahead as part of Connected Living London. We can now start delivering quality rental homes that the capital desperately needs and help improve the area for the local community.”

CCL has submitted four other planning applications since it was set up last July.

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The other sites, which are spread across London, are: •

Arnos Grove (located next to the Tube station), Enfield

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Montford Place in Kennington (which is currently being used as a construction site for the Northern Line Extension), Lambeth

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Nine Elms (An Over Station Development for Nine Elms station on the Northern Line Extension), Lambeth

Once approved, these would collectively deliver more than 1,200 new rental homes across the city, with each scheme individually delivering 40% affordable housing, alongside industrial and commercial workspace and improvements for the local community.

Industry news

BiKBBI confirm continued sponsorship support The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) is delighted to confirm that it will be continuing its sponsorship of Charlton Athletic Women’s Football Club for the 2020/21 season, which will coincide with the launch of a new digital strategy for the Women’s Championship side.

BiKBBI’s sponsorship of Charlton Athletic Women begun in 2018 and despite the challenges faced by many businesses this year, the government sanctioned organisation is keen to maintain its support for both the club and women’s football in general.

Speaking on behalf of the organisation, CEO Damian Walters said: “The continued synergy between the male dominated sport and vocational careers remain apparent.

Both the world of football and home improvement / construction would benefit enormously from a more gender balanced representation.”

Damian added: “Now is not the time to withdraw support. In fact, this is the time

to get behind it more than ever. Charlton Athletic Women need local businesses and supporters to get behind this club and to support its reach into the community and thousands of children. Girls should be encouraged to play football and with our partnership they’ll also be made aware of the opportunities that exist within the home improvement industry – including the Fitted Interiors Apprenticeship we champion.”

Charlton Athletic Women’s General Manager Steve Adamson commented by saying: “BiKBBI’s continued sponsorship of Charlton Athletic Women’s Football Club is very much applauded. Football has a real job to readjust post-COVID and it is this type of

support that helps us to survive. But we need more support and we invite other businesses to follow suit and get involved.”

Part of BiKBBI’s sponsorship with Charlton Women’s Football Club will be to launch a new digital strategy to include a brand new mobile responsive website, that will form a home for the wider digital plan and to further reach out into the community.

Further details for this will be announced soon.

Charlton Athletic Women are looking for sponsors and partners to help support them throughout the 2020/21 season and beyond. If you are interested, especially in being part of the new website launch, please email Commercial@CAWFC.com

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Industry news

SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS LAUNCHES VISIOSUN PRIVACY GLASS A new privacy glass featuring parallel lines to create a reeded effect has been launched by Saint-Gobain Glass.

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Ideal for both interior design and external architectural projects Visiosun provides high levels of privacy whilst also allowing large amounts of natural light to flood into a room.

creative scope. Light refractions on the subtle looking structure creates an interesting dynamic while flawless textures and tones capture the industrial flair of loft living.”

Jenni Young, Market Manager - Premium Residential and Design & Deco at Saint-Gobain Glass said: “Visiosun features a directional pattern which can be used in both vertical and horizontal orientation for vast

Visiosun is ideal for interior design projects such as doors and partitions, showers and bath screens, display cases, shelves, tabletops and countertops, as well as external architecture including canopies, parapets and facades.

Jenni added: “This really is a versatile and stylish privacy glass product that will help to create dynamic interior spaces and architecturally interesting buildings. It is a welcome addition to our existing range of high-quality textured glass designs.”

Visiosun is easy to process, cut and handle and is available in a wide range of thicknesses and dimensions.

industry news

Download a brochure and order glass samples here: https://uk.saint-gobain-building-glass.com •7•

Industry News

COMPLIANT DOOR CLOSING A door closer is a mechanical device that reduces the physical burden of opening and shutting doors, and can be housed above, beneath or within the door unit. Door closers play a crucial role across many commercial buildings, yet despite this, many building owners remain unaware of their importance, which could be contributing to inadequate specification choices. Here, David Saxby, Senior Category Manager at IronmongeryDirect, highlights some of the key considerations for specifiers as well as some recommended solutions. pproved Document B (Fire safety) in England and Wales, Section 2 in Scotland and Part E in Northern Ireland, require fire doors to be fitted with a minimum ‘power size 3’, CE accredited self-closing device that will reliably close the door within 25 seconds to prevent the spread of flames and smoke in the event of a fire.

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For common installation situations, the ‘Lever on Rose Fire Door Kit’ offers a simple, cost effective solution for building owners. It provides all the required CE marked hardware and components necessary, including hinges, overhead door closer, sashlock, levers, intumescent seals and even signage. Different kits are available dependent on the requirements of the door such as heavy or light duty.

A building must be designed and constructed in a way that allows everyone to move freely - in line with the Equality Act 2010. This means that door closers need to reliably close, without having such a force that would prevent anyone with a disability from opening the door, or restrict day to day access for any group of users. The Arrone AR3500 is one of the most trusted and economical solutions for an overhead closer. With an adjustable power size 2-4, it is ideal for medium use areas and is compliant with the Equality Act, suitable for living accommodation and office corridors.

The Rutland TS9205 is a slim-line, power adjustable heavy duty arm door closer with an architectural finish. With a 120-minute fire rating, this overhead closer is ideal for use in student accommodations, as well as in office corridors, hotels and public buildings.

The Arrone AR3500 Door Closer and Rutland TS9205 Door Closer both feature a delayed action option that slows down the closing speed of the door, making it ideal for prams or wheelchair access.

For durability, the backcheck function on both products offers resistance when the door is opened with excessive force, preventing damage to doors, making these ideal for high traffic areas and affording building owners with a longer door lifecycle.

For more guidance, please read IronmongeryDirect’s Fire Door Checklist: www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/fire-door-checklist

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Our new Click & Collect service goes that little bit further.

We now deliver to your local shops. Simply select Click & Collect when you place your order and have it delivered within a 10 minute drive from your home or next job, when it suits you.

Exclusions apply. See website for details.

CALL: 7am-8pm 7 days a week

0808 168 28 28 ONLINE: Shop 24/7

IronmongeryDirect.co.uk

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MODUS TILT & TURN ACCOMODATES TOUGH REQUIREMENTS AT NEW DEVELOPMENT When construction and development group Bowmer & Kirkland needed to ensure a £19million project for the YMCA stayed in budget, they asked Eurocell for advice.

The right people to turn to, as the successful completion of the landmark building in November 2019 would prove.

With an enviable track helping architects, developers and installers find solutions, plus unmatched PVC-U window design and expertise, we got our sleeves rolled up before the first concrete was poured.

Making short work of value engineering analysis for the project, Eurocell engineers identified the tight budget could be made to work even harder.

By changing the window spec from aluminium to PVC-U in the shape of their Modus Tilt & Turn profile, they could lower costs by up to 37% and increase thermal performance, without altering the design.

‘Eurocell were good at supporting Astraseal technically. They were clear about what could and couldn’t be achieved with the Modus profile. It was a successful contract.’

aluminium doors and commercial shop fronts on the ground level.

However, and perhaps even more eye-catching for developers, its hidden strength lies in its outstanding versatility when used in a profile such as Modus.

With full technical support and expertise from Eurocell, installation contractor Astraseal was able to specify a system that was modified and strengthened to provide the rigidity required to meet the project’s challenging wind loading and structural issues.

This required reinforcing steel bars to be supplied by a third party to be integrated with the frames during fabrication. A solution that could be seamlessly incorporated into the profile and one that had already been put to work in previous developments requiring similar structural support capability.

PVC-U may look like a good choice on paper. But how does it perform against aluminium in-situ?

Acoustic rating to the glass was also a major consideration. Modus Tilt and Turn was a flexible enough option to be able to meet the requirement of structural engineers PRP, who factored in the required noise reducing glazing with the help of the Eurocell Technical Support Team.

When it comes to aesthetics, it’s the best lookalike around as virtually any metallic surface can be replicated. In this case, an identical colour and finish to the original aluminium spec through the application of a smooth RAL7016 foil. Not just a perfect match for the architect’s vision, but also for any

In the case of the Milton Keynes YMCA, switching window spec to PVC-U not only significantly lowered the overall installation cost for the windows. But also put in place a system with thermal efficiency that will continue to save money as it reduces overall utilities costs for the facility into the future.

Mark MacMullan, Astraseal

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P M a is g e si ng

Whether your project is big or small, we can help you achieve your glazing vision; you dream it, we’ll deliver it! Call us on 0208 997 2448, or email marcus@1stfoldinslidingdoors.co.uk

1ST FOLDING SLIDING DOORS • 26 Wadsworth Road, Perivale, UB6 7JZ | 141 Hook Road, KT6 5AR • marcus@1stfoldingslidingdoors.co.uk • T: 0208 997 2448 | F: 0208 997 0611

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It’s the ideal solution for a wide range of properties, from modern new builds to city apartments and country cottages to semi-detached houses, with everything in between.

Designed and made in Britain, we’ve built long-lasting partnerships with our network of highly experienced fabricators and installers who are all ready to assist you in the decision making process.

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doors & windows

AUTHENTIC CRITTALL – THE REAL STEEL DEAL It’s almost 200 years ago when Crittall pioneered the original, iconic steel window frames.

Modified over the years to meet today’s stringent regulations, hand-crafted Crittall windows, doors and screens undoubtedly add value to a home with bespoke, timeless, design for every application.

World famous for minimalist, slim profiles and sightlines, the company’s products are equally as popular today with people looking to make a statement about their property through renovation, new or selfbuild projects.

Innovative development using steel has led to creative multiple-use options from room dividers to shower screens adding glamour and elegance.

Cleverly dividing space and letting in light, acoustic properties make interior screens particularly suitable for partitioning kitchens, living areas, home offices and more, with glazing options to reduce noise and allow privacy.

The company prides itself on its manufacturing expertise, using handcrafted, centuries-old techniques with skills and craftsmanship that can rarely be matched. Crittall windows, doors and screens are virtually maintenance-free, finished in any colour with galvanised, factory applied powdercoating to last a lifetime. A discreet plaque stamps Crittall authenticity and approval allowing identification of genuine Crittall products.

Install only the original, genuine make Russell Ager, managing director at Crittall Windows, says: “There is only one genuine Crittall brand of windows and doors, stamped as the authentic product our customers deserve. We place considerable emphasis on communicating our key message of Crittall authenticity based on quality, craftsmanship and British heritage. When a customer buys a window sold by reference to the Crittall name, they need assurance that it’s the genuine item made by Crittall Windows.”

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A well-established network of Crittall-appointed Specialist Partners, who supply and install its products nationwide, provide a Certificate of Authenticity for every new installation. These approved partners offer a stress-free service from initial enquiry to installation and after-sales, giving free, no obligation, quotes and a warranty covering windows, doors, glass and installation.

Also, free guidance is available to customers to obtain Building Control and Planning Regulations.

flexibility. No other steel window system offers such an extensive range of window profiles and styles.

The network ensures Crittall’s rich heritage is maintained, providing and installing high-quality, iconic, unique products directly to customers.

On-trend steel sliding doors and interior screens offer open plan living with a different dimension, so you can partition areas to create contemporary ‘zones’ without impacting on light or space.

Dramatic Crittall products are available for interior or exterior applications in any style of building from historic, listed, contemporary or new-build. Each window, door and screen is hand-crafted to fit any shape or size to create the look to suit customer requirements.

Unmatched by other materials, slim profile steel windows and partitions give a retro-look with a contemporary twist; ideal for an extension with a dramatic steel-framed glazed screen forming a light-filled area off the kitchen or lounge to divide your living space or a partition from bathroom to bedroom.

The inherent strength of steel offers endless possibilities for large expanses of glass to visually enhance living space and functionality with a range of opening styles for design flexibility.

Advanced glazing options allow these bespoke steel framed screens to maximise natural illumination without compromising security. Cosy for comfort in the cooler weather, enhanced acoustic properties keep noise at bay.

Bespoke doors and fixed safety glazing in a choice of colours with hardware options offering complete design

An effective weather-stripping system with a double-glazing option up to 16.4mm, ensures excellent thermal insulation properties. Ideal for replica refurbishment, the system’s large opening casements and slim frame make them particularly popular with conservationists and planners.

Sense of space

Crittall’s minimalist style windows and Innervision glazed steel screens with sliding or hinged doors are designed for modern living, providing a sense of space. Their understated beauty with clean lines, subtle detailing and excellent technical properties can transform your property. Combining style with functionality, a distinguished-looking installation makes a wonderful talking point and add value to your property.

Merging your indoor and outdoor space can create a light-filled home, enhancing its look and feel as well as benefitting well-being.

An outside area can be dramatically fused with the inside by opening-up living space to create a seamless transition between inside and out. Adding bright, beautifully crafted walls of glazing and slim-profiled windows can reflect the timeless style of a period house, adeptly define spaces in a townhouse, minimalist urban loft, warehouse apartment or a self-build project.

More Crittall Windows info www.crittall-windows.co.uk; t: 01376 530800; e: hq@crittall-windows.co.uk

Doors & windows

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Editor's choice

Royal recognition for engineering company’s apprenticeship scheme A leading Birmingham-based engineering group has been named as a Responsible Business Champion by a Prince of Wales-backed charity.

The recognition places the multi-disciplined adi Group among a distinguished list of alumni including Unilever, Deloitte and Anglian Water. adi Group was awarded the Education Partnership Award by Business in the Community (BITC), a flagship businesscommunity outreach programme set up by patrons, including Princes Charles. This award also coincides with the Group’s 30th anniversary, which was celebrated in June 2020.

It is the latest in a string of honours earned by adi’s unique pre-apprentice programme, which was launched in partnership with North Bromsgrove High School in Birmingham four years ago to mentor 14-16-year-olds, giving them hands-on engineering skills as well as valuable experience of a real working environment.

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Commenting on the recognition, adi’s CEO and founder Alan Lusty said: “We’re delighted to join this esteemed national list. When we launched the programme in 2016, our aim was to dig into the roots of closing the engineering skills gap by catching the attention of young people at a much earlier age than traditional apprenticeships dictate.

“It allows us to mentor youngsters and give them valuable vocational skills that put them miles ahead of their peers. It also gives them passion, desire and confidence in their abilities and future careers, something which is much needed in the current educational climate.

“As a former apprentice myself, it gives me great pleasure to see the spotlight shine on educational partnerships and I hope more

schools and businesses replicate our model to help drive the future of the STEM sector, specifically engineering.”

So far, the first-of-its-kind programme from adi has generated over 60 skilled engineering places. Crucially, fully 50% of its first and second year intakes remain with the business as full time apprentices, joining the business’ 30 strong apprentice academy. This academy continues to meet their commitment of having over 5% of its employees as apprentices.

The unique proposition is EAL accredited and takes up roughly 10% of students’ overall curriculum time, with hours split between the classroom and adi’s custombuilt workshop facilities in Kings Norton.

One of its most promising graduates, 18-year-old Abbie Beaver, was just 17

editor's Choice

when she was dubbed one of the top 50 female engineers in the UK by the prestigious Women’s Engineering Society.

And, perhaps most impressively, the scheme was mentioned not once but twice in ‘Prime Minister’s question time’ in 2018 by then Prime Minister Theresa May. Discussing the programme and its achievements, adi Group strategic account director James Sopwith said:

“We’re deeply honoured by the recognition of BITC and look forward to welcoming more students to our programme this year and beyond.”

The Responsible Business Awards brings together the very best in business practice from across the UK. BITC has a long history of over 40 years and well-known members,

including Lloyd’s of London, Marks & Spencer and Shell UK. For more information on BITC and the Responsible Business Awards, head to www.bitc.org.uk Further details on adi Group are available at www.adiltd.co.uk

“Our overall aim at adi is to develop and foster sustainable communities, which extends well beyond CSR activity to build relationships and initiatives that inspire the next generation of engineers in our local regions.

“To that end, we are pleased that the preapprenticeship programme has inspired so many not only to consider but also take up engineering as a full-time career.

“The old notion of the industry being a dirty environment, low skilled trade still lingers for some, so teaching these youngsters how engineering can help develop the next generation manufacturing plants is a really rewarding endeavour.

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heating

STELRAD LAUNCHES NEW ‘BOUTIQUE’ SERIES FOR BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS Targeting retail sector in particular Leading radiator manufacturer Stelrad Radiators has launched a new radiator series of existing and new radiators under its ‘Boutique’ branding, offering a comprehensive, premium range of living space, kitchen and bathroom products. he new series is accompanied by an impressive new 116-page brochure and its own stylish section of the new web site. This series offers the marketplace the widest range of styles and by far the largest selection of sizes of specialist decorative and designer bathroom and kitchen radiators on offer from any manufacturer in the UK.

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You’ll find familiar and welcome products in the new Series - with names such as Caliente, Concord and Column – but equally you’ll find new styles and names such as Como and Lecco - products exclusive to Stelrad, along with Silhouette as well as new additions and designs for established styles like the Concord Side Concept and Concord Side Chrome – and even Concord Chrome Vertical. The UK’s no.1 brand in the radiator market is adding style and appeal to the kitchen and bathroom and adding colours and chrome finishes to add to the sparkle.

The addition of a wider range of vertical radiators recognises the demand for narrower, taller radiators that need to fit a smaller radiator footprint. Small on space, but bigger on style is the name of the game and every radiator in the series offers a quality heating appliance – not just a good looking, aesthetically pleasing design for any room. These radiators provide quality heating for the space in which they sit – not just a towel warming facility - but a space heater to provide comfort for the kitchen or bathroom where they’re installed.

The addition of coloured radiators available from stock adds even more depth to the

range – with a number of the existing and new radiators available in anthracite grey from stock – offering something a little bit different available immediately from the company’s National Distribution Centre.

Most of the Boutique Series can be ordered in up to 36 colours if you can wait a while for delivery – but there’s a wide range of options now stocked in anthracite grey from stock, which can blend so well with other décor and add that additional style to many bathrooms and kitchens.

Interestingly, the monochrome bathroom and kitchen are very much back in style and can look elegant and contemporary.

The addition of an attractive metallic radiator to traditional black and white can really add that luxurious look.

The selection of options is vast but just to pick out three that will set the pulses racing – take a closer look at the new Como – a flat brushed stainless-steel rectangular tube design for both modern and contemporary homes. The new Column Vertical Concept – stunning in anthracite grey – again a combination of traditional design and modern colouring. And the new Traditional Column – a classic look especially in a bathroom – in traffic white with a chrome frame – offering just a little more style and lot more pizazz for

the home… it’s a selection that demands careful consideration.

“We’re the largest manufacturer of radiators in the UK and Ireland by far,” says Head of Marketing Chris Harvey, “but the premium and top end sector is one where we want to focus and this is what the Stelrad Boutique Series does – a new stylish option for the trade and to retail outlets across the UK and Ireland. We are offering a comprehensive, stylish collection that genuinely provides the total radiator offering under one roof – with our legendary combination of quality, reliability, availability and cost effectiveness all wrapped up in a single collection of radiators.“ To find out more about the new Boutique Series, head for the new Stelrad website at www.stelrad.com or at www.stelrad.ie in Ireland. You can call for brochures and information on 0844 543 6200 or email marketing@stelrad.com. Alternatively, you can also see regular updates from Stelrad on Twitter @Stelrad and Facebook @StelradRadiators.

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Heating To alleviate the very real problems of noise, keeping sound and air pollution outside, Vectaire has three new models in its vertical whole house heat recovery range. The Midi, Maxi and Maxi Plus are now available with integral acoustic attenuation lined with superior sound deadening materials for really low sound levels and tested by BRE. Sound pressure levels are down to <5.0, <5.0 and 6.9 dBA respectively. They are easy to install – nothing extra is required other than the unit itself – they are the quietest, lightest and smallest on the market. Efficiency, performance and economy remain the same as the standard models. “BY-AT” models incorporate summer bypass and frost protection, and commissioning is via an integral LCD. Windows can be kept firmly closed while these MVHRs provide energy efficient ventilation and a comfortable environment. Products are SAP PCDB Listed and manufactured in our own factory in the UK to ISO 9001.

Vectaire offers a design service ensuring units are installed in the best possible way to provide efficient, effective, low energy and very economic ventilation. Vectaire can also organise installation, commissioning and maintenance of these products and can supply all necessary accessories.

All Vectaire’s residential ventilation is detailed in the latest Low Energy Catalogue.

You can have it all with Speedheat Creating an airy, open space for living calls for clean lines and minimum fuss – but you also need to keep cosy.

Speedheat electric underfloor heating can help to achieve it all. Installed with minimum disruption and no noticeable build up in floor height, Speedheat’s system is invisible under your choice of final floor finish. It is ideal for new build, renovation and redesign projects and comes complete with state of the art, unobtrusive controls. Speedheat spells the end to ugly radiators or trailing cables, with nothing to spoil the view. info@speedheat.co.uk

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CPD

Provision of Low Temperature Domestic Hot Water Delivery Systems

By Danny Madagwa, MEng.

Introduction It is a prime aim of the UK and all other developed and developing nations to quickly and effectively reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions and still maintain performance levels.

With the UK’s publicly stated aim of netzero carbon by 2050, along with many other countries proposing their own legislation, big and bigger steps are required in providing as close as possible to an environment-neutral impact of products and systems.

This will need to be rigorously implemented across several industries involving carbon-dioxide releasing processes, and the building services sector is no exception. While there are a number of ways to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions in a building, changes to how domestic, and commercial, hot water is supplied will play a significant role in achieving these goals.

A major factor will be closer attention to delivery design and ensuing analysis of any

given current system in order to facilitate the shift to low temperature domestic hot water (DHW). This has the potential to make an enormous contribution to overall energy reduction.

The term “low temperature DHW” will sound and read like a contradictory term but it must be taken in the context of the current era, with energy and emissions under such scrutiny and concerns regarding scalding, especially for those more vulnerable. It can be seen as a pragmatic response that ticks a lot of boxes. There are, however, a few concerns particularly related to health and safety that must be considered first.

Methods of DHW supply This CPD considers two major modes of supplying DHW: • continuous flow (instantaneous) water heaters.

• storage water heaters

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CPD Both of these modes have their pros and cons, with the main differences are outlined below.

Storage tank water heaters: • Have a limited store of water • When store depleted takes time to reheat before use • Require more plant room space • Weigh heavier • Can be more difficult to handle Continuous flow heaters: • Hot Water is only heated and provided upon demand • Endless supply of hot water • Typically allow modulation and are more energy efficient, especially the condensing versions.

Table 1

• Much lighter and require less space, time, labour costs and equipment to install.

Table 1 shows a comparative analysis between a continuous flow and storage water heater. As you can see from the data, the storage tank option tends to be less efficient and consume more energy.

Once you factor in costs of replacement, it is clear that a continuous flow heater is the more cost and energy efficient option.

Continuous flow heaters are therefore generally better for reducing the carbon footprint as shown in figure 1, but with the correct measures in place it can be taken a step further.

Continuous Flow

Storage w/h

1st hour flow rate @ 50°C rise (l/hr) Storage/Cylinder (L) Continuous flow rate (l/hr)

960 0 960

1411 300 1111

Peak usage periods (hr) Number of peak usage periods Heating consumption (kW) Storage recovery time (mins) Storage recovery (kW) Storage loss (kWh)

1 3 58.3 0.0 0.0 0

1 3 79 16.2 21.3 9.29

Secondary return system heat loss per hour (kW) Efficiency (efficiency curve of appliance) Appliance input for secondary system (kW) Secondary system operating time (hr) Reheat of secondary return (kWh/day)

10 93% 10.8 21 225.8

10 82% 12.2 21 256.1

Consumption per peak period (kWh) Total consumption per day (kWh) Consumption per week (kWh) Annual consumption (kWh)

58.3 400.7 2804.9 146257.9

79 566.4 3964.7 206730.1

Annual CO2 carbon emissions (kgCO2e)

26,889.5

38,007.3

Max Heat Input (kW) Max heat output (kW) Efficiency (Gross)

58.3 56 96%

79 65 82%

Scalding

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When discussing temperature control of DHW, the risk of scalding must always be considered, especially in the health and social care sector. This is an area that often provides care for individuals who may be more vulnerable to risks from hot water such as children, elderly people, those with less physical or mental ability or a sensory issue. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), temperatures over 44°C can create a scalding risk and as such water temperatures discharged from outlets accessible to those vulnerable or where there is the potential for full body immersion must not exceed this temperature. Engineering controls can be put in place in order to ensure this. These

include thermostatic mixing valves (TMV’s) which should be placed as close to the outlet as possible.

Legionella & ACOP L8 National legislation underpins safety at work, and specific guidance for the control of L pneumophila in water systems is provided in the Health and Safety Executive Approved Code of Practice (ACOPL8) and its associated regulations, HSG274 Part 2. ACOP L8 governs the control of Legionella in water systems. Legionella – full name Legionella pneumophila – is a bacteria that causes, amongst other less serious conditions, Legionnaires disease,

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CPD a potentially fatal form of pneumonia.

Legionella bacteria are common in natural water sources but the conditions are rarely conducive to people catching the disease.

This usually occurs in purpose built water systems and the risk of being exposed to legionella increases in warm, stagnant water, passed to humans via breathing in miniscule, aerosol-like droplets of water.

Certain conditions support the growth of bacteria, such as a temperature range of 25°C - 45°C as well as the presence of certain deposits such as lime-scale, rust, sludge and organic matter can also increase this risk. This is why it is important to control the risk of exposure and do all you can to minimise it by introducing measures that restrict the growth of bacteria and reduce exposure. Traditionally this is done via temperature control, keeping stored water at least at 60°C and ensuring distributed water is supplied with 50°C water (55°C for healthcare) at outlets within 1 minute.

According to the ACOP L8 guidelines, continuous flow direct to outlet systems are seen as low risk for Legionella, due to it allowing for a full turn-over of water volume, no stored water and accurate temperature control. However, this can be further reduced by implementing more preventative measures which include: • Good system design.

• Avoiding dead legs (capped ends).

• Keeping pipework as short and direct as possible, ensuring they are adequately insulated.

• Maintaining cleanliness of system – hard water areas should be treated – so scale is reduced using innovative

measures such as a zinc anode or a copper and silver ionization stagnant water.

• Ensuring cold water comes from wholesome mains.

Low Temperature DHW in practise Due to their modulating nature, continuous flow heaters only provide an output in response to the water flow and temperature demand. This means that depending on what is required, the kW rating can range anywhere from a given maximum output to a minimum. For example, if a heater has a maximum output of 58.3kW and a 13:1 turn down ratio, it can potentially modulate down to a minimum of 4.4kW. This is a massive difference, resulting in a significant reduction in energy consumption and therefore emissions as it is not constantly operating at maximum power. A storage water heater, however, does not have the same ability as regardless of the capabilities of the heater, the water stored in the tank must be kept at a temperature of at least 60°C, requiring constant heating.

Table 2 shows the output, consumption and running cost based on the same continuous flow water heater from earlier in the report when it has modulated down based on a temperature rise of 33°C and a flow rate of 16l/min. The annual savings shown in consumption and running costs are over 20,000 kWh. This saving amounts to almost 4 tonnes of CO2 emissions. This can be taken further if the required flow rate is lowered to 10 l/min at 43°C (33°C rise).

Table 2

Condensing c/f

Max Heat Input (kW) Max heat output (kW) Efficiency (Gross)

38.9 37.4 96%

1st hour flow rate @ 33°C rise (l/hr) Storage/Cylinder (L) Continuous flow rate (l/hr)

960 0 960

Peak usage periods (hr) Number of peak usage periods Heating consumption (kW)

1 3 38.9

Secondary return system heat loss per hour (kW) Efficiency (efficiency curve of appliance) Appliance input for secondary system (kW) Secondary system operating time (hr) Reheat of secondary return (kWh/day)

10 93% 10.8 21 225.8

Consumption per peak period (kWh) Total consumption per day (kWh) Consumption per week (kWh) Annual consumption (kWh)

38.9 342.5 2397.5 125014.9

Annual CO2 carbon emissions (kgCO2e)

22,984.0 Advertisement Feature

Table 2: Analysis of continuous flow heater at 16l/min and 33°C temperature rise

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CPD

Storage w/h

Max Heat Input (kW) Max heat output (kW) Efficiency (Gross)

50°C rise 79 65 82%

Condensing c/f

58.3 56 96%

Condensing c/f 33°C rise 38.9 37.4 96%

Condensing c/f 23.92 23 96%

1st hour flow rate (l/hr) Storage/Cylinder (L) Continuous flow rate (l/hr)

1411 300 1111

960 0 960

960 0 960

600 0 600

Peak usage periods (hr) Number of peak usage periods Heating consumption (kW) Storage recovery time (mins) Storage recovery (kW) Storage loss (kWh)

1 3 79 16.2 21.3 9.29

1 3 58.3 0 0 0

1 3 38.9 0 0 0

1 3 23.92 0 0 0

Secondary return system heat loss per hour (kW) Efficiency (efficiency curve of appliance) Appliance input for secondary system (kW) Secondary system operating time (hr) Reheat of secondary return (kWh/day)

10 82% 12.2 21 256.1

10 93% 10.8 21 225.8

10 93% 10.8 21 225.8

10 93% 10.8 21 225.8

Consumption per peak period (kWh) Total consumption per day (kWh) Consumption per week (kWh) Annual consumption (kWh)

79 566.4 3964.7 206730.1

58.3 400.7 2804.9 146257.9

38.9 342.5 2397.5 125014.9

23.92 297.6 2083.0 108611.8

Annual CO2 carbon emissions (kgCO2e

38,007.3

26,889.5

22,984.0

19,968.3

Conclusions Striking a balance between providing low enough temperature water to reduce scalding risk and decrease consumption and emissions but high enough to minimise exposure to legionella. A control routine reliant on water treatment could also permit a low temperature system. A 2019 paper published by The American Journal of Infection Control entitled “Controlling Legionella pneumophila in water systems at reduced hot water temperatures with copper and silver ionization” studied the effectiveness of copper and silver ionization to control L pneumophila. The Great Ormond Street hospital building in question has effectively removed TMV’s from the system design by opting to supply water consistently at 43°C, instead relying on the copper-silver water treatment protection. They concluded that using this setup, not only had they saved money due to the associated costs of installed TMV’s but energy savings and reduction of carbon emissions were calculated to amount to “33% and 24% respectively compared to an equivalent temperature-controlled system”. In over 6 years, there have been no cases of legionella counts being detected.

(Cloutman-Green, et al., 2019).

A continuous water heating solution with accurate temperature control and a modulating burner system incorporated into a high turnover rate hot water system would be a possible solution for lower onsite carbon and energy.

References

For more details on RINNAI products visit www.rinnaiuk.com

Carbon Footprint. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://calculator.carbonfootprint.com/calculator. aspx?lang=en-GB&tab=3 Cloutman-Green, E., Barbosa, V. L., Jimenez, D., Wong, D., Dunn, H., Needham, B., . . . Hartley, J. C. (2019).

Controlling Legionella pneumophila in water systems at reduced hot water temperatures with copper and silver ionization. American Journal of Infection Control.

Water Treatment Services. (n.d.). Retrieved from Water Treatment Services: https:// watertreatmentservices.co.uk/environment/legionella-bacteria/ Advertisement Feature

heating

Worcester Bosch’s new loyalty scheme, Excelerate, poised to ‘supercharge’ installers’ businesses New initiative is available for all installers to sign-up to begin earning points and benefits Leading UK boiler manufacturer Worcester Bosch has officially launched its new loyalty programme, Excelerate. Available for all installers, the scheme puts installers in the driving seat to help them successfully reach their business goals effectively.

Following installer feedback, Excelerate makes progressing up the ‘loyalty ladder’ as seamless as possible. Installers can set their own pace along a clear and open road, collecting more and more benefits as they progress. Rewards include discounts on training, product accessories, marketing and business advice as well as transferring points onto a Worcester Bosch branded credit card to spend anywhere!

As the company continues its focus to support all installers, the programme and its benefits are open for any installer, as well as Worcester Accredited Installers.

Members of their previous loyalty scheme Greenstar Rewards will also have their account and points automatically transferred across to the new scheme.

To celebrate the launch of Excelerate, the company is running a number of promotions, open to new and existing Worcester Bosch loyalty scheme users.

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These include: • • •

•

A free jacket for new members between now and 30th September 2020 Free and simple gas safe registrations when registering any Worcester Bosch boiler Double points for any installer who registers a Greenstar 8000 Style boiler between now and 31st December 2020 Double points for all Greenstar oil boiler registrations

Victoria Billings, Director of Marketing for Worcester Bosch said; “We are incredibly excited to be launching Excelerate, our new installer loyalty programme, to the market.

Like with everything we do, we have listened to feedback and created a scheme that will really help all installers progress their business at a pace and path that suits them – with lots of rewards available along the way.”

Steve Moorhouse, from Cheshire-based Here4Heat said; “Worcester Bosch has helped me grow my business sustainably over the last 6 years. It’s been hard work but a lot of fun with an awful lot of help

from like-minded installers from all over the UK. “If you are fitting 5 or 500 boilers, being an installer on the Excelerate scheme will benefit your business. The new loyalty scheme is completely accessible to all installers now, meaning there is nothing to lose from signing up!”

Steve Moorhouse, from Cheshirebased Here4Heat said; “Worcester Bosch has helped me grow my business sustainably over the last 6 years and this new loyalty programme will help continue this growth.

“If you are fitting 5 or 500 boilers, being an installer on the Excelerate scheme will benefit your business. The new loyalty scheme is completely accessible to all installers now, meaning there is nothing to lose from signing up!”

The Excelerate programme is live now. To learn more about Excelerate and the opportunities and benefits it provides, speak to your local Technical Sales Manager or sign up online at www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/ Excelerate.

Heating

Hounsfield Boilers shortlisted for HVR Awards Leading oil boiler manufacturer, Hounsfield Boilers, has been shortlisted for the prestigious HVR Awards for ‘Best Domestic Product’ for its revolutionary new wallhung boiler.

The awards are set-up to celebrate the very best products in the heating, ventilation and refrigeration industry and the winners will be announced via a virtual ceremony next month.

Andrew Hounsfield, MD, set up Hounsfield Boilers in 2008 with a desire to revolutionise the domestic boiler and make products far more sustainable. He says: “I had worked for some of the biggest UK boiler companies, but I had become frustrated manufacturers had become too price focused, which had driven down the quality of the boilers on offer. I decided to put the customer first and invent a boiler which would be built to last, whilst also minimising the lifetime running costs for the homeowner.

that satisfied these objectives and also created a highperformance boiler with a host of features not found on any other in the marketplace.”

In 2019 Hounsfield added the wall-hung boiler to its collection, which was quickly snapped up by heating engineers and homeowners. Production at the Hounsfield factory has continued throughout the pandemic and sales are on the up. Earlier this year Hounsfield Boilers was also shortlisted for H&V News awards for ‘Best British Boiler’, this award is also due to be announced this Autumn.

The boilers have become popular with plumbers and installers thanks to their ingenious design and durability; many of his boilers have found homes in some of the UK’s most prestigious properties.

He added: “I also created a fresh new practical design that’s easy to install and service for the installer, whilst still delivering a value for money product. Thanks to my To discover more, visit engineering background I developed an oil-fired boiler www.hounsfieldboilers.co.uk.

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The renewable heating alternative

Serious about sustainability The Ultra Quiet Ecodan range of air source heat pumps from Mitsubishi Electric are some of the most advanced heating systems available. Designed specifically for UK conditions, Ecodan provides renewable, low carbon alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-burning heating systems.

With an A++ ErP Rating label across the range, homes can be heated for less while cutting CO2 emissions.

ecodan.me.uk/hda

CPD

The Importance of Delivering Hot Water with Temperature Control

By Dan Madagwa, MEng

Introduction The supply & use of hot water is vital to the efficient function of almost all industries. From NHS Healthcare to Care Homes to food production, hot water is critical yet often an overlooked integral part of the system design is the overall ability to accurately control hot water temperature.

This capability can allow you to preemptively tackle or avoid issues arising from poor hygiene regimes or bacteria.

The significance of hot water temperature

control itself is being given a lot more attention, as seen in a CIBSE journal article entitled “Taking the temperature – domestic hot water” which looked at the potential of reducing carbon and providing modern, safer low energy solutions simply by focusing more on temperature and revising guidance (CIBSE, 2020). The importance of being able to accurately control hot water temperature will be explored in this paper.

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CPD

How is precise temperature control achieved?

Temperature control is the procedure where the change of temperature of a space or substance is measured and the movement of heat energy into or out of said space or substance is adjusted to achieve a desired set temperature. In the case of hot water heaters, this process is governed by a temperature controller. This instrument simply calculates the difference between a set-point and a measured temperature by taking an input from a sensor and giving an output signal for the connected heat element.

Venturing into system design, another way to ensure the desired temperature is provided at the outlet is by using thermostatic mixing valves (TMV’s). A TMV uses an internal thermostat that blends hot and cold water to achieve this result.

• • •

Limitless supply of hot water provided constant gas and water connections exist.

Lighter and require less space.

Advanced models can supply very precise temperature accurate hot water.

Table 1 opposite shows a comparative analysis between a continuous flow and storage water heater. As you can see from the data, the storage tank option tends to be less efficient and consume more energy.

Once you factor in replacement costs, a continuous flow hot water heater is the more cost and energy efficient option as well as being better at reducing the carbon footprint.

However the most important feature with regards to temperature control and what makes continuous flow the preferred option for this application is the ability of some continuous flow water heater models to constantly provide temperature accurate hot water with a precision of up to ±1°C.

Temperature control in practise Legionella & ACOP L8

Hot Water Delivery units and systems

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The two main forms of supplying hot water are the conventional storage tank water heater and the continuous flow (instantaneous) water heater. The main differences are outlined below.

Storage water heaters: • Have a limited amount store of water.

• When store depleted takes time & fuel to reheat before use.

• Require greater plant room space.

• Materials handling issues, heavy and cumbersome.

• Standing losses.

Continuous flow heaters: • Hot water is heated and provided solely upon demand.

• Evidence and data that they are mechanically and operationally more efficient.

ACOP L8 is the Health and Safety Executive Approved Code of Practise that governs the control of Legionella in water systems. Legionella – full name Legionella pneumophila – is a bacteria that causes, amongst other less serious conditions, Legionnaires disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. Legionella bacteria are common in natural water sources but the conditions are rarely conducive to people catching the disease. This usually occurs in purpose-built water systems and the risk of being exposed to Legionella increases in warm, stagnant water, passed to humans via breathing in miniscule, aerosol-like droplets of water. Specific guidance for the control of L pneumophila in water systems is provided in ACOPL8 and its associated regulations, HSG274 Part 2.

When it comes to combating Legionella, precise temperature control is one of the strongest weapons available. The bacteria begins to die in temperatures above 50°C and cannot survive above 60°C Certain conditions support the growth of bacteria, such as a temperature range of 25°C to 45°C as well as the presence of certain deposits such as lime-scale, rust, sludge

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CPD

Continuous flow 58.3 56 96%

Max Heat Input (kW) Max heat output (kW) Efficiency (Gross)

1st hour flow rate @ 50°C rise (l/hr) 960 Storage/Cylinder (L) 0 Continuous flow rate (l/hr) 960

Peak usage periods (hr) 1 Number of peak usage periods 3 Heating consumption (kW) 58.3 Storage recovery time (mins) 0.0 Storage recovery (kW) 0.0 Storage loss (kWh) 0

Secondary return system heat loss per hour (kW) 10 Efficiency (efficiency curve of appliance) 95% Appliance input for secondary system (kW) 10.5 Secondary system operating time (hr) 21 Reheat of secondary return (kWh/day) 221.1

Consumption per peak period (kWh) 58.3 Total consumption per day (kWh) 396.0 Consumption per week (kWh) 2771.7 Annual consumption (kWh) 144522.7

Annual CO2 carbon emissions (kgCO2e)

26,570.5 Table 1: Example running cost comparison between continuous flow water heater and storage tank water heater.

and organic matter can also increase this risk. This is why it is important to control the risk of exposure and do all you can to minimise it by introducing measures that restrict the growth of bacteria and reduce exposure. Traditionally this is done via temperature control, keeping stored water at least at 60°C and ensuring distributed water is supplied with 50°C water (55°C for healthcare) at outlets within 1 minute.

Scalding When discussing temperature control of water the risk of scalding should always be considered, especially in the health and social care sector. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), high temperatures over 44°C can create a scalding risk and as such water temperatures discharged from outlets accessible to those vulnerable or where there is the potential for full body immersion must not exceed this temperature.

Engineering controls can be put in place in order to ensure this. These include using the aforementioned thermostatic mixing valves which should be placed as close

Storage W/H 79 65 82% 1411 300 1111 1 3 79 16.2 21.3 9.29 10 82% 12.2 21 256.1 79 566.4 3964.7 206730.1 38,007.3

to the outlet as possible, temperaturerestricted or temperature accurate instantaneous water heaters.

This would allow water of a safe temperature to be provided continuously and reliably at the outlet. For example there could be a scenario where a water heater was set using the controller to provide water of 43°C directly to the outlets. In this case, the use of thermostatic mixing valves would not be required though there could be legionella concerns. However regimes could be put in place to help control this.

One method that could be used in addition to normal operation is a pasteurization regime. This would consist of raising the water temperature very high to over 70°C, the point at which legionella bacteria are killed instantly, and flushing the system. This could be done when the building in question is not occupied, the water is returned to a safe temperature prior to occupancy and it could potentially allow for water to be supplied as low as 43°C during regular use, reducing consumption immensely.

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CPD

Hygiene regimes

Food Processing

The temperature of hot water is critical for many hygiene regimes across a variety of industries such as laundry for hotels, care homes and healthcare, particularly with regards to the cleaning and disinfectant processes. Being able to reliably provide water at these temperatures not only serves to properly disinfect the items in question every time but gives the end-user peace of mind.

According to the Health & Safety Executive’s HSG (95)18 Hospital Laundry Arrangements for Used and Infected Linens, “The washing process should have a disinfection cycle in which the temperature in the load is maintained at 65°C (150°F) for not less than 10 minutes or, preferably, at 71°C (160°F) for not less than 3 minutes”. This is especially important as there are a number of harmful bacteria that can survive temperatures of over 50°C degrees such as Staphylococcus aureus, a well-known pathogen that if allowed to invade the skin deeply can cause a plethora of diseases, ranging from superficial skin infections that cause boils to more systematic issues like pneumonia and blood infections. Maintaining high temperatures ensures that such bacteria are killed before they have a chance to become a problem.

The need of hot, potable water is essential in any food processing operation as it is a major component of the cleaning process.

To reduce the risk from hazards, comply with legislation, presenting a hygienic visual image or to ensure the variety of bacteria and residue left behind during production is removed, having clean equipment is of paramount importance.

Hot water (thermal energy) plays an integral role in the effectiveness and rate of the cleaning method. Increasing the temperature generally increases the rate of the chemical reactions involved in the cleaning and so make it more effective and take less time. In the same vein, higher temperature of water may require the use of less detergent, allowing money to be saved. The goal is often to find the perfect balance between cost, efficacy and food safety and so the ability to precisely provide water of specific temperatures is hugely beneficial and allows great control.

Conclusion It is clear to see that implementing temperature precision and control in the specification and installation of hot water systems is vital and will only continue to grow in importance, particularly in the current pandemic and the aftermath.

Being able to choose between providing water hot enough to combat Legionella and disinfect laundry or low enough to prevent scalding is a useful tool and if it is more widely incorporated as one of the first steps in the design process, a plethora of issues can be avoided and effectively design-engineered out of the equation.

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heating

REST UK’s product range covered

by Governments £2 Billion Green homes grant scheme The UK government have rolled out a fantastic scheme to help homes in England live in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way. nder the Green Homes Grant Scheme, homeowners and landlords in England will be able to apply for vouchers worth up to two thirds of the cost of upgrading the energy efficiency of their home. For most people, the maximum contribution will be £5,000. Households on low incomes will be eligible for up to 100% funding, up to a maximum of £10,000.

U

This year we saw the largest decrease in carbon emissions caused by electricity globally as the world moves away from coal.

•34•

Solar panel systems provided by companies like REST have had a huge positive impact on the UK’s carbon footprint and their efforts are on going to make Britain as sustainable as possible for the future.

However, Solar panels are not included in this particular scheme the government have introduced you can ask your current energy provider for their “green” option in regards to consumer tariff.

Solar is still the most efficient and sustainable way for generating your homes electricity and what’s even better is you’re able to make healthy monetary gains by selling

heating

back unused electricity to the national grid. The government will not pay you to generate free electricity as they already know you will need this more than ever in the years to come and how much money you will make and save from going solar.

However REST UK have products that will be covered by the Green Homes Scheme. One of their best selling and CO2 friendly systems that will be available to purchase is the ASHP (Air source heat pump) ASHP’s have quickly become a consumer favourite not only due to its eco-friendly output but also because it is the safest way to heat your water and heating. With 0 carbon monoxide production it eliminates the risk of gas explosion and oil spills. With no groundwork’s required in your property to install it also takes up very little space in your home.

REST mostly stock two of the industries best quality and known ASHP’s. The LG Therma V R32 Monobloc1 ™ and Mitsubishi ultra quiet Ecodan™ however can also provide most other brand but only work with the BEST.

Icynene doesn’t just insulate; it creates a superior air barrier compared to traditional insulation like fiberglass. When it is sprayed into the wall cavity, it expands to fill the space, regardless of the size or shape. That includes cracks and crevices that other insulations could not easily fill.

To get more information on what’s covered by this new government initiative contact REST today www.rest-uk.com/contact-us/

Another REST service that is also backed by this scheme is Spray foam insulation.

Now is a better time than ever to have your home insulated, as the government will fund the application. REST use Icynene™ who is the market leaders in insulation.

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Stunning modern new-build in Hampshire completed with Kebony wood Sustainable family home created with bold vision of artist homeowner Blessed with the surrounding natural beauty of two National Parks, a sensitively and sustainably designed new family home, located in the heart of Hampshire, has now been completed. The collaboration between the homeowner - famous illustrator/ artist, Jennie

•36•

Maizels, and the award-winning Snug Architects, combines bold interior design with an elegant facade built with Kebony, a global leader in the production of sustainable modified wood.

Characterised by a contextual modern design, Kebony was chosen to clad the property, carefully blending with the home’s verdant countryside surrounding to create a beautiful family home befitting of its unique location. Snug Architects chose to design two pitched roof structures connected by a

single-storey glass pavilion, making clear reference to the vernacular rural forms seen in the wider context. Wrapping around all the walls and over the pitched roof, Kebony wood, which develops a unique silver-grey patina over time, echoes the silver tones of the surrounding birch trees and contributes to the stylish, clean exterior design of the property.

Paul Bulkeley at Snug Architects commented: “The project is sympathetic to its setting and sits harmoniously in its context. Kebony’s hard-wearing and sustainable characteristics made it the perfect choice for the cladding, whilst its knotty appearance is an accurate reflection of the mature trees in the context.”

create our new family home has been a passion project, and my daughters and I are really delighted with the final product!

“Our new home has been made particularly special to us through the use of fantastic products and materials like Kebony, which provides a beautiful and timeless exterior finish and really completes the home’s natural aesthetic.”

For illustrator and artist Jennie Maizels, it was vital that the interiors reflected her passion for bold design and creative flair.

The interior is bright and full of colour, injecting life and energy into the new build.

To realise her vision for her family home, Jennie worked with pioneering companies who have dared to be different, introducing splashes of colour to their products, ranging from fabulous bright sinks from Villeroy & Boch, to coral pink bathroom cabinets from Duravite.

For the exterior, the wood cladding was chosen to not only add a unique aesthetic to the home, but for its sustainability credentials and for having the durability class of a hardwood, with a natural textured, tactile quality.

Developed in Norway, Kebony’s revolutionary technology is an environmentally friendly process which modifies sustainably sourced softwoods by heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol - an agricultural by-product. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall, the softwoods permanently take on the attributes of tropical hardwood including high durability, hardness and dimensional stability. Kebony’s environmental credentials and its natural weathered aesthetic made it the ideal material for the exterior cladding of family home.

Jennie Maizels added: “Collaborating with Snug Architects to

•37•

100% Stainless Steel Towel Rails 25 Year Guarantee 01825 722988 www.sussexrange.co.uk info@jiseurope.co.uk

bathrooms

Managing Director, JIS Europe, Richard Thelwell, discusses their policy of stockholding and how it is even more relevant today “Currently, we are answering calls from customers on a daily basis, asking if we have stock to fulfill their orders, the simple answer is ‘yes, we do’ ”

the line find an inferior mild steel rail rusts, leaks and they then need a complete re-tile when the replacement isn’t dimensionally identical to the original”

‘We are able to maintain the chain of supply quite simply due to our longstanding policy of stockholding providing further financial stability to ourselves but as importantly to our customers whose projects do not need to see any further delays”

Stainless steel is 100% recyclable, and manufactured from over 90% recyclable material. It does not rust, flake or corrode.

It is the sustainable, durable choice.

The Sussex Range is manufactured from 100% stainless steel including our recently introduced Black Edition of powder coated rails “We have recently seen an increase in demand for our powder coated black rails, and also our satin finish rails. More and more people are coming round to the durability and sustainability of stainless steel” “My customers don’t want to go to the expense and disruption of fitting out their bathroom to then 2 years down

We source our rails ethically and take our social responsibility seriously, from our sourcing to our manufacture to our charity initiatives.

We offer 3 formats of rail throughout the range: Electric, dual fuel and central heating only and we offer both a polished and satin finish as well as the Black Edition Range.

“The cornerstones of our business are quite simply quality, stock holding and ultimately customer service. The three work hand in hand” We have a large selection of gallery shots, showing the visual diversity of our rails, on our website www.sussexrange.co.uk

do have a look and should you wish any further details, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01825 722988 or info@jiseurope.co.uk

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Bathrooms

Top GROHE products for low-pressure homes

Low water pressure in the home remains an annoyance and pain point for many homeowners up and down the country.

According to a recent survey commissioned by GROHE, more than a third surveyed (36%) said that low water pressure was the biggest annoyance whilst showering. And it’s not just showering that is affected but everyday tasks such as filling the kettle, washing your hands and doing the laundry.

GROHE Eurosmart Cosmopolitan basin mixer

As part of its vast product offering for the bathroom and kitchen, GROHE has several products designed specifically with low pressure homes in mind.

This mixer has a minimum recommended pressure of just 0.2 bar!

If you’re working on any features around this topic and are looking for product solutions for low-pressure homes, please consider some of the following products: GROHE Ambi two-handle kitchen mixer Complete with a C-spout to create a classic elegant look, this kitchen mixer is suitable for homes with a minimum recommended pressure of 0.4 bar

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The Eurosmart range is a timeless favourite that will complement any existing bathroom décor. Its compact dimensions also make it ideal for smaller bathrooms like en-suites and cloakrooms.

GROHE Grohtherm 800 Cosmopolitan shower set The Grohtherm 800 is a brand new high performance shower system, with an advanced thermostatic design. It balances out temperature fluctuations in under a second whilst the thermostat also features a concealed rim on the back of the handle to improve grip when adjusting controls with soapy hands, alongside other safety functions. Low-pressure models of this product are available with a minimum recommended pressure of 0.2 bar.

bathrooms

Business as usual for Gills Plumbing & Heating

marketing channels highlighted those member businesses that remained open, advising opening times and the level of service they were providing.

Chris said: “The IPG are an essential part of our business and during 2020 they offered vital advice and support.”

He went on to say: “Throughout more recent weeks, business has picked up, as our customers have returned to work, they are seeing more homeowners about non-emergency work, confidence has grown in the new working conditions and their customers are happy to have tradespeople working in their properties again.”

Gills Plumbing & Heating, an IPG member based in Welwyn Garden City has continued to respond to the current business landscape Gills began the year by rebranding their store inside and out, with new store signs clearly identifying them as an IPG member, it was looking great in the spring sunshine, and then COVID 19 arrived and dictated what happened next.

Normally, there would have been a celebration and promotion, inviting customers to see the new look store however, Gills found themselves in extraordinary times. In early March, whilst the trade counter remained open, footfall dropped dramatically and home installations that were booked in had to be postponed.

When the country went into lockdown at the end of March, it became clear that businesses who could adapt quickly would have a better chance of flourishing again. Gills adapted to new customer requirements, plumbers and installers were still supporting their customers with emergencies, so it was important that the essential trade counter remained open. In addition, local households required water softener and salt, and Gills were delivering these essential products to the doorsteps of those who were self-

isolating and vulnerable.

It is often the small businesses which will adapt to a quick changing business environment, and in this case, Gills modified their service to over the phone payment, safe collection, and deliveries, ensuring their customers were able to shop in their local area – which clearly demonstrates the importance of independent stores all over the country.

Chris Kania, Gills Managing Director also made some additional changes to the inside of his store, to keep staff and customers safe. Now a familiar sight in retail outlets, Perspex screens were installed across the counter, hand gel sanitiser made available on entering the store, the showroom, office and warehouse and visible social distance stickers were put on display – with only 2 customers allowed in the shop at any one time.

It has never been so important to support the independent merchant in the heart of your community, many of them (like Gills), have been part of it for decades. The IPG has played its part in supporting its members, for example, during the early days of the pandemic, the common message published across its

Homeowners are now visiting Gills for parts and to look at the bathroom showroom, a booking system has been introduced to maintain social distancing. This part of the business has remained very positive with many future installations in the pipeline.

So, to coin a phrase, Gills, like many of The IPGs members, have reached a new type of normal, and as Autumn falls they remain strong, having adapted their business in this ever changing landscape, continuing to offer unrivalled service and unbiased and honest advice.

And as for the new look? It continues to be well received amongst Gills regular customers, Chris commented: “We are proud to be part of The IPG, and to demonstrate this with our jointly branded store.”

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bathrooms

Stylish 1970’s Bathroom Transformation It has often been said that the 1970s was the time that style forgot; but not everyone agrees. To the north of Copenhagen, in Vedbæk you will find a large number of architectdesigned classic homes from the 1970s. The transformation started in the late 19th century when the wealthy citizens of Copenhagen started to construct summer villas along the coastline. Vedbæk was just a small fishing village then; location was ideal close to the city yet surrounded by forests, fields and water.

Today the 1970’s designed houses with their beautiful yellow bricks and sharp, yet functional shapes line the leafy suburban roads. Among the lucky home-owners in Vedbæk, is 34-year-old Mads, a self-taught handyman, his wife and their daughter. As well as working hard to get their holiday home at Rørvig into shape, they have now thrown themselves into doing up their house and they are documenting the changes in their blog The bathroom in his 1970s house in Vedbæk, it’s the most recent transformation – one of the largest of its kind the bathroom has had the full treatment. Everything has been replaced with new, exclusive materials crating a hotel style bathroom. The floor-standing toilet has given way to a wall-mounted model, the old skylight has been replaced with an electric roof window and Unidrain takes pride of place on the floor and on the walls.

Unidrain raises the bar The shower cubicle, like the rest of the room, has changed dramatically. The shower area itself is enclosed by our GlassLine shower screen, which ensures that the water does not splash out into the rest of the room:

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“Unidrain has made an elegant glass wall for the shower; the glass is recessed into a frame so the joins to the floor and the wall are as invisible as possible.

A really nice result and a high quality solution,” Mads writes in his blog.

Unidrain’s HighLine Custom drain was used; here the tiles merge with the drain, separated only by a narrow groove: “I think Unidrain’s Custom tile drain is an impressive feature in the shower, the drain is almost invisible and blends in perfectly with the tiles,” Mads continues.

The final touch to the bathroom is the Unidrain Reframe soap shelf, the attached shower scraper is held in place by a small invisible magnet.

Mads wanted to change this into a room that people wanted to spend time in and he definitely achieved his goal.

Unidrain: Established in 2003 this design company has gone from inventing the linear floor drain to creating a leading international brand, spreading Danish design ethics and Nordic minimalism to the rest of the globe. From five star hotels in the Maldives, to the Award winning Herman K in Copenhagen Unidrain products and accessories play a key role in the look and feel of the most stylish bathrooms on the planet.

Discover our 2020 collections

Novellini UK offers a full range of bathroom products; including bespoke shower enclosures, wet-rooms, steam rooms, spa baths, furniture and much more. All our products are designed and manufactured in Italy ensuring quality and availability. We have an extensive showroom facility at our HQ in Italy to support specifications and technical needs., If you are interested in talking to us about future projects or visiting us in Italy, for more details and availability, please contact our contracts manager Steve Shirley: s.shirley@novellini.com.

Products available nationwide via our merchant partners. Why not visit our website or contact us directly for more details on our products and services.

FOLLOW US

Info-uk@novellini.com tel: 01727-229922

ADV Architects Datafile 10-19.indd 1

www.novellini.co.uk www.iotti.com

16/09/19 09:34

editor's choice

Worcester Bosch Relaunch Price Competitive Combi Boiler As Greenstar 2000 Worcester Bosch is excited to announce the launch of its Greenstar 2000 boiler, replacing the Worcester 2000 launched last year.

T

he newly named price competitive boiler comes with a series of improvements to make installation and maintenance even easier.

The natural gas-fired boiler was initially introduced in response to installer requests to provide the brand’s renowned high quality and reliability while answering the call for accessible pricing to homeowners.

The brand has continued to take installers’ feedback into consideration, with the new-and-improved product enjoying several improvements based on real life experiences from installers. These upgrades include: • Full 230v controls compatibility • Easier PRV push-fit connection • Copper tails, for CH flow and return, included for a quicker installation • Mains cable now replaceable

Ben from Adam’s Gas Heating is excited to begin sharing this product with his customers, “It’s a simple to install, smart looking boiler that can be quickly paired with the Comfort+ II control. An awesome boiler at a great price!”

Along with these improvements, the price of the boiler has also been reduced. With the launch of the Greenstar 2000, the current promotion involving the Greenstar Comfort+ II and Worcester 2000 will end. However, the controller will still be in the boxes of any remaining Worcester 2000 boilers.

The company has embraced many of the much-loved features and installer benefits from the previous Worcester 2000, including: • Condenses in hot water mode • Quick to install with the option to pipe vertically to the boiler

• Easy access with removable side panels • Simple to specify with maximum flue lengths of 9m horizontally and 12m vertically (60/100) • C6 heat exchanger is an evolution of the WB3 heat exchanger which features in the company’s most popular combi boiler, the Greenstar i • Ability to modulate down to as little as 4.8kW 35 degree hot water temperature rise (10 & 12l/min) Suitable for apartments, small and medium sized homes with one bathroom, the Greenstar 2000 is Worcester Bosch’s quietest combi boiler, with hot water flow rates up to 12 l/min.

Not only this, the product also comes with a 5-year guarantee as standard and a 6-year guarantee when installed with a Greenstar System Filter.

For more information, please visit: www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/greenstar2000.

Alternatively, follow Worcester Bosch Professional on Twitter (@WorcesterBosch), Instagram (@WorcesterBoschProfessional), Facebook (@WorcesterBoschProfessional) and LinkedIn (Worcester Bosch Professional).

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editor's choice

If

music be the food of love, then this new video demonstrates just how deep the love for doors exists and how it plays in perfect harmony with nature. Crafted with sophisticated design and accompanied with a melody that strikes a chord for the future. As one of the largest European players in the design and production of quality interior timber door solutions, technical doorsets, wardrobes, panels and even furniture; this communication reinforces the Vicaima brand values. With its recognizable signature “Unexpected Harmony”, the video embodies aesthetics and emotional inspiration.

This modern video reiterates the fundamental pillars of the Vicaima brand, taking the audience through varying scenarios and unusual situations, with beauty, safety, comfort and an unpredictable and bold design, capable of projecting with a universal language. A video with music and imagery that reveals the constant heartbeat of Vicaima.

Experience the Vicaima heartbeat with new video for tomorrow’s world Video shows Vicaima’s values and the multitude of product applications set to a rhythm for tomorrow.

A brand in tune with safety, comfort and innovative design for a new world

This audio visual content has enormous significance for Vicaima, as it represents a path, where the future approaches the present and is seen in infinite possibilities, representing continuity and hope, the latter symbolized by childhood, nature and sustainability.

“It is a great pride to present a work with this visual quality and an author's music that definitely shows the rhythm and beat of what Vicaima is, a company with a futuristic and avant-garde vision, whose creation of trends is in its genesis.

This moment seemed ideal for the launch of this video, which is inspired by such important themes and which register our reality, such as sustainability and concern for well-being and safety anywhere.

Our motto “Unexpected Harmony” is also the basis of this creation, because harmony, combined with the surprise element, are the fundamentals that have projected and elevated us over more than 60 years of evolution ”, says Antonio Moutinho, Director at Vicaima Group..

Staying true to its role of inspiring customers and partners around the world, Vicaima once again highlights its leading position in the field of innovation and creating trends.

Visit the Vicaima website www.vicaima.com.

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editor's choice

Neolith® Announces Four Exciting and Original New Su

SAFE, SUSTAINABLE,

Abu Dhabi White

Amazonico

Following the announcement of its new Six-S Collection, Neolith® reveals four more surfaces, adding to the previously launched Himalaya Crystal and Layla.

Finally, Sustainable highlights Neolith’s acute focus on ecological design, as all slabs are produced in a carbon neutral manufacturing environment.

Inspired by global biodiversity, green principles and the ongoing fight against COVID-19, these new introductions look beyond immediate visual appeal, exploring Neolith’s core values and business ethos.

Similar to Himalaya Crystal and Layla, they also embrace the six essential characteristics, which underpin Neolith’s 2020 Six-S campaign: Solidarity, Sanitary, Strong, Stylish, Sensory and Sustainability.

To re-cap, Solidarity, signifies Neolith’s commitment to its staff, customers and local communities as well as its responsibility to help those whose lives have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.

Further emphasising its commitment to this particular value, Neolith will ensure that, for every sqm of surfaces sold, the brand will donate 1kg of food to feed the poorest and most vulnerable within the territory of sale until the end of 2020.

Neolith’s loyal distribution partners will directly donate the food to local food banks worldwide, ensuring that solidarity is shared an amplified in all corners of the world.

Sanitary promotes the unrivalled, ultra-hygienic properties of the brand’s surfaces. This is particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic—a primary concern for professionals and consumers alike when choosing materials.

Always balancing style and substance, Strong references Neolith’s innate robustness and ultra-resistance, whilst Stylish highlights how the collection has been designed to deliver beautiful, detailed patterns in high-definition colour.

Immersing its audience further into the brand, Sensory implies how Six-S slabs offer a multi-sensory experience, using the latest technology to achieve an extraordinary range of tactile, textured surfaces.

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These new surfaces truly represent Neolith’s awareness of its global responsibility as a best practice brand, working to make the world a better place. The highly original patterns within the collection will help encourage specifiers, architects and end-users alike to delve deeper into Six-S and the wider Neolith narrative.

INTRODUCING… ABU DHABI WHITE - Conjuring up sun-drenched landscapes of the Arabian coastline, Abu Dhabi White recalls the searing heat and shimmering waters of the desert peninsula. The UAE capital’s striking Sheikh Zayed Mosque directly influenced the design of this colour. The soft, golden veining and flecks of flinty grey create a subtle and delicate look, promoting a sense of simplicity while exuding elegance. The hyper-realistic texture perfectly mimics the aesthetic of natural unpolished stone, delivering a refreshing look and minimalist feel.

Abu Dhabi White is offered in two finishes, Décor Polished or Silk in 6mm and 12mm thicknesses, and is available in 3,200mm x 1,600mm and 3,200 x 1,500mm formats. The Décor Polished finish elevates the sense of luxury that this new collection promotes.

The Silk finish gives a new level of realism, seen through the intricate vein details. This transforms the slab into a captivating 3D structure, similar to previous Neolith models such as Mont Blanc.

AMAZONICO - This captivating new design transports the observer to the lush, dense and exotic rainforests of South America, with their diverse mix of flora and fauna and gently flowing rivers.

Amazonico encapsulates dark and mysterious tones, representing the dense forest floor gradually giving way to lighter colours, which reference the gradual emergence from the tree canopy.

Highly exclusive, this sophisticated slab has a special texture, further enhancing its natural qualities. Just like the environment this model echoes, Amazonico is unique and captivating, allowing the viewer’s

editor's choice

urfaces to its Latest Collection

, SIX-S Winter Dala

eye to explore this stunning surface’s textural spontaneity. A highly realistic and intriguing relief, the pattern’s earthy tones give the slab universal appeal suitable for any surfacing application.

Amazonico is offered in Décor Polished or Slate finish in 6mm thickness and is available in 3,200 x 1,500mm format.

AND FINALLY… The two remaining models which complete this new collection are Summer Dala and Winter Dala. The same design, produced in two very different tones.

Inspired by the majestic, slow-growing pines surrounding Sweden’s breathtaking Lake Siljan, Summer Dala and Winter Dala are named after one of the country’s national symbols, the Dalecarlian horse.

Central to Swedish folklore, these traditionally brightly painted, wooden statues are made using timber from the region’s unique and native trees. The statues were used to reflect the highly valued role that horses played in Swedish culture centuries ago.

Hand-carved to a high degree of craftsmanship, the special sculptures evoke enduring strength, grace, refinement and beauty.

These qualities, which are also true of Neolith’s surfaces, have been perfectly captured within both Dala designs.

Possessing a distinct and original look, Neolith has achieved the essence of this pine’s unique texture, using the latest decoration technology to create surfaces with a touch similar to unvarnished wood.

The introduction of the Dala patterns further highlights Neolith’s ongoing commitment to sustainable practice and preserving natural woodland and rainforests. Similar to other timber-inspired designs in the range, Summer and Winter Dala recreates faithful representations of tree cross sections, without the need to fell the real thing, thus delivering a positive environmental impact.

WINTER DALA - Possessing a distinct and dramatic look, here Neolith has truly captured the essence and texture of pine. This model beautifully replicates a deep, weathered timber and conjures

Summer Dala

images of the long windswept coast of the North Sea with turbulent winter skies above.

SUMMER DALA – Evoking a strong sense of summertime in Sweden, this new model emulates the beautiful, fine texture of freshly cut timber. The elegant, subtle grain throughout offers a sense of movement and depth, and the bright, neutral aesthetic guarantees it will complement every interior, dark or light, patterned or plain.

Summer and Winter Dala are offered in a Silk finish, which provides a highly realistic aesthetic. These models are available in 6mm and 12mm thicknesses and in 3,200mm x 1,600mm and 3,200 x 1,500mm formats.

Commenting on the Six-S collection, Neolith CMO, Mar Esteve Cortes says, “These new surfaces are our vision brought to life: creating a stronger, safer and more sustainable society in the face of challenges such as climate change and COVID-19. These phenomena have shifted our focus and the way we perceive Neolith surfaces. The importance of sustainably manufacturing material which both protects our society and looks beautiful, became the overarching inspiration for our latest range.

She continues, “Six-S perfectly showcases Neolith’s limitless design options, cleverly evoking the wonders of the natural world.

Produced in a carbon neutral environment with near zero porosity, it’s a safe and sustainable surface that fits in perfectly with the times in which we live.”

All Neolith surfaces are 100% organic and carbon neutral, appropriate for specification in any professional or residential surfacing application. It is also one of the safest and most hygienic materials available, without compromising on performance and visual appeal.

Neolith. The safe, sustainable surfacing solution.

To find out more about the Six-S range click here

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Paints Widely recognised as one of London’s most perfect villages, full of beautiful shops, prime period properties and green open spaces, Wimbledon is an idyllic location for any family. Therefore, it came as no surprise to Up Architects when they were appointed by a young family, who required more space, to deliver the full refurbishment and extension of their existing home. Kebony, a global leader in the production of sustainable modified wood, was carefully selected by the architects for the exterior cladding of the extension to create something truly beautiful without being ostentatious. fter making the decision to stay in their house, rather than moving to a bigger property in the area, or moving away from the children’s school, the family recognised their pressing need for more space. Up Architects wanted to design an extension that stood out from the run-of-the-mill extensions in the area, and started with the idea of a single large space that could be adapted to suit the family’s needs over time, incorporating dining, living, a playroom, study area, TV room and guest room into the brief. Now their hectic family life could take place in a modern, light filled open-plan living space, all with an enhanced connection to the garden.

A

In keeping with the client’s brief, the design is simple, un-assuming and honest with two simple roof forms sitting over the main space, formed from an exposed glulam timber structure with Kebony cladding used for the exterior walls and roof.

The simple geometry of the twinhipped roofs breaks up the bulk seen from outside and defines the different spaces internally without a physical division. The timber Kebony cladding lines up across the walls and roof, with compound mitred joints, making the whole extension appear to be carved from one block of wood, with no visible gutters to compromise the sharp lines.

All the timber used was sustainably sourced and the Kebony cladding is guaranteed for 30 years. Developed in Norway, Kebony’s revolutionary

technology is an environmentally friendly and patented process which modifies sustainably sourced softwoods by heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol - an agricultural by-product.

By polymerising the wood’s cell wall, the softwoods permanently take on the attributes of tropical hardwood including high durability, hardness and dimensional stability. This unique process also provides Kebony with its characteristic appearance, which only grows more beautiful with time.

Marty McColl, Director at Up Architects commented: “Following our appointment for this project, it was essential that the family felt they had made the right decision in opting for an extension rather than moving house.

We were able to create substantially more space, whilst ensuring the extension reflected the brief to build something that was beautiful in design without being ostentatious; we are thrilled with the final product and loved working with Kebony to transform this traditional suburban semi-detached house into a contemporary and more practical family home.”

Adrian Pye, International Sales Director at Kebony added: “We are delighted with the growing demand for Kebony extensions, the wood is extremely versatile and can be used for both traditional and modern properties as well as detached, semi-detached or terrace houses. It is evident that Up Architects have carefully considered the brief and created the perfect living space to meet the needs of this young family and the final product is a testament to their hard work.”

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Paints

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coatings & paints

CT1

The UK’s Number 1 Sealant and Adhesive using TRIBRID® Technology, outperforming old Hybrids.

Made in Britain and now available at Wickes.

Architects and Designers across the UK have opted and banked on CT1 for their projects and commissioned works.

And rightly so, as CT1 indeed is the most accredited sealant and adhesive to date on the UK market. CT1 which is the professional tradespersons and architect’s choice, has in fact over 25 accreditations to its name.

CT1 also proudly adorns the highly sought after NAAF Logo.

This is an accreditation from the Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association. This particular body is one of the most stringent bodies, globally for testing products that either cause or reduce asthma and allergy attacks in your home. After being nominated for testing by the board, who realised that CT1 was the most eco-compliant sealant and adhesive, they vigoursly tested CT1 for 17 weeks. CT1 was then awarded this accreditation, making CT1 the only sealant and adhesive globally to receive such a high stamp of approval.

Some of the other accreditations include the lowest indoor emissions, with architects and specifiers making sure that CT1 is on the job. This is also especially true for new builds and also in healthcare facilities, education and old aged homes.

CT1 after 18 years and always researching the needs of the market and changing requirements, seen that Hybrid technology was outdated, and always being the market leader, wanted to further enhance CT1 to outperform itself. It was in fact CT1 who introduced Hybrid polymers, and coined the term initially, which has since then seen it imitated many times.

After years of development they have broken the mould again and introduced TRIBRID® Technology, now making CT1 three times stronger than Hybrid Polymers with colour retention that lasts for years. CT1 can now also outperform Hybrids with prevention of bacteria and fungus for much longer periods of time, with even further flexibility, now 385% elongation for CT1 colours, and 500% elongation in the Clear and Silver.

TRIBRID® Technology has introduced a new era of sealants. BT1 which is the sister product of CT1 has also been tested and has

shown during testing that it reduces the risk of MRSA and E. coli.

BT1 which was formulated especially for the most contaminated area of the bathroom and was designed to repel bacteria and fungus for much longer and is years ahead of traditional polymers. BT1 is now used widely by the NHS and Aged Care facilities.

CT1 indeed has been the only sealant to complete large complex projects which needed a guarantee of longevity and to stand against harsh environments, where conventional sealants and adhesives would break down. One such recent project was The Wave in Bristol, The London Olympic Village, Cascade Steps in Bristol and many more.

What really excites the nation too, is that this technology, design and manufacturing is British made. Homegrown and developed in the UK, it gives that utter assurance you are buying quality and that you have a dedicated technical service at hand. You are not being passed to helplines or information from overseas. It also means that during these times, you are also doing your bit to save jobs and keep the economy and money here in the UK. Visit www.ct1.com for full product information and to view a demonstration of CT1.

Due to its reputation, hard facts and performance, CT1 grows with professional merchants and outlets, and has just recently become available at Wickes. Wickes have a reputation for design, and work closely with architectural firms. They have therefore selected CT1 to be profiled in their stores nationwide.

To learn more about CT1’s Unique TRIBRID® Technology, watch the following video: https://youtu.be/j5V3y0c2Hqc CT1 - The Snag List Eliminator - TRIBRID® Technology, now 3 times stronger! Made in Britain.

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Perimeter or Modular Drainage – What is the difference?

For any below ground structure, basement drainage should always be considered essential.

Even with site investigations at the planning stage, this is only a snap shot in time.

Groundwater is expected to come to bear against the structure at some point during its service life.

BS8102:2009 states “……. waterproofing measures should be designed on the basis of water to the full height of the retained ground at some time during the structure’s life….”

What is Groundwater?

Groundwater is the most commonly forgotten aspect of the Water Cycle as it is not readily seen. The Water Cycle is the constant movement of water through the environment, traveling as slowly as a metre per year. Evaporation of the oceans water, condenses into clouds ready for rainfall across the land. After rainfall, the surface rainwater flows back into rivers and the sea.

Water pressures acting on the external retaining wall system and water pressures below the basement slab should always be key factors for reducing risk when designing a robust waterproofing solution.

The design should enable the system specified to withstand a pre-determined head of water or control any water ingress before it reaches the structure.

Type C waterproofing systems do not provide a hydrostatic barrier against water ingress but provides a controlled means of water management.

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Drainage Systems available There are two main systems, both work alongside a Type C Cavity Drainage System to collect and manage water these are Perimeter Drainage and Modular Drainage.

Without fail, the most popular specified system is Perimeter Drainage. All drainage systems for a Type C cavity drain system should be designed specifically for each site / project – perimeter channel, modular or a combination of both, all need to be maintainable.

Perimeter Drainage Drainage channels are water collection conduits designed to manage and control water ingress. These channels are installed around the perimeter of a basement, cellar or below ground structure. They feature a number of preformed holes that allow any water from the Type C cavity drainage system to enter the channel, then drain into a sump pump (submersible pump station) or suitable discharge point.

Once collected in the sump chamber, the groundwater can then be pumped to a safe designated point of discharge off site.

Drainage channels are available with or without upstands, and are supplied

in durable straight lengths, the use of T-junctions, corner pieces, straight connectors, jetting eyes, end caps and access ports.

Modular Drainage An alternative to perimeter drainage is a modular drainage system. Using a 110mm standard underground drainage pipe, this system is only suitable for new construction or when a new concrete slab/raft is being replaced with a reinforced slab/raft.

Drainage should be installed at uniform gradients, not less than 1:100. Piped drainage systems should be tested for leakage prior to backfilling and concreting.

When specifying and designing modular drainage systems, we would suggest liaising with Delta’s Technical Team.

When designing any basement drainage system, philosophy and approaches should always be based on functionality, quality and maintainability. All drainage systems, must be maintainable!

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Sustainability

Ultra Fix, the ultimate membrane Fixing Plug mastered through experience in the

Delta Membrane Systems Limited, the leading type C Cavity Drainage Manufacturer showcases their latest product development by launching the new “Ultra Fix” fixing plug.

This new generation of hybrid fixing plug will bring installers and technicians a superior alternative and significant install improvement for all 3 and 8 mm membranes such as the Delta PT, AT800 and 3mm mesh membrane.

During on site trials this innovative product has been reported has having a “great impact resistance and fixing performance.

Quicker to use and no breakages.”

Advanced Technology Now with a new range of accessories, make your PT, AT800 and 3mm membranes the most uncompromising and superior system on the market.

Delta PT Ultra Fix plugs are uniquely designed using high impact polymers and when used with either sealing grommets or sealing rope allow for a watertight, selfsealing finish. Delta Ultra Fix can easily be inserted into pre-drilled holes using a mallet offering a full continuous installation. Delta Ultra Fix plugs are supplied with a 9mm drill bit eliminating installation risk.

Kevin Dodds, Director of Delta Membrane Systems Limited, commented: “Delta have had a phenomenally successful 12 months in product development with the launches of new membranes and we are excited to be offering new and exciting products which compliment these when it comes to installation. Product development is a major part of Delta’s business strategy

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and we are always keen to introduce new innovations across every facet from design to installation. We have received an excellent response to trials and customer feedback has confirmed that we are introducing a great product which encompasses our passion for best practice in the industry”.

Want to find out more?

With over 127 years of manufacturing experience Delta is an impeccable partner on every project. Our skills have been

waterproofing industry. Delta’s Technical Team can help from concept to completion.

Our hands-on approach and knowledge are what sets us apart.

Our projects include commercial and residential developments, new-build and refurbishment, civil infrastructure projects, flood resilience, resistance and recoverability and domestic basements. Our nationwide network of Delta Registered Installers offers a fully guaranteed installation service.

“

Sustainability

WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY? The most commonly accepted definition of ‘Sustainability’ was made in 1987 when referring to future world development: ‘Sustainable development is ‘development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’.

The concept of ‘Sustainability’ in practice is a broad church within which a number of social, economic and environmental issues are included.

he building industry is usually responsible for around 10% of the UK economy and so represents a significant impact on areas of sustainability. The industry’s key zones of accountability are: Global warming gases from the energy it uses; The quantity of material resources it extracts from the earth; The environmental damage caused by material extraction, processing and construction; And the damage to health caused throughout the extraction, manufacture, use and final disposal of building materials.

wellbeing in the places we work and the homes we live in.

HOW DOES THE BUILDING INDUSTRY ACHIEVE HIGHER LEVELS OF SUSTAINABILITY?

SUSTAINABILITY, QUALITY AND SELF BUILD

T

The industry can be more sustainable by adopting better principles and practices in the way it designs and constructs buildings. The way we design and build using the principles of ‘Green Building ‘can make a significant contribution, not only to reducing our collective impact on the environment but also to our health and

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But….

Like many other large industries, construction is very slow to change.

Economically, the industry is notoriously volatile, so it’s no surprise that change is seldom welcome or implemented.

Most change is legislation-led through the Building Regulations and industryrelated initiatives such as BREEAM; but some change is thanks to individuals and companies taking responsibility for reducing their own environmental impacts.

The core of the construction industry is the ‘volume’ house-building sector. So critical is the role of the dozen or so companies that make up this group, that their economic role in the GDP (Gross Domestic Product), is regularly cited in economic reporting as the ‘weather vane’ of all industry. Key to their success is their efficiency of production. They buy materials and erect

and sell homes on an industrial basis that maximises profits. That they manage to do this, whilst actually selling arguably poorly performing, indifferently constructed houses with abysmal space standards, is thanks to a well-oiled marketing machine that consistently succeeds at selling a premium on image, location and affordability. Notably, when the national economic output is bleak, so is that of the builders, who stop building until recovery.

This chronic ‘boom and bust’ approach to housing is one of the reasons that the UK fails to meet the need for more homes.

In stark contrast to the anonymity and indifference of industry-produced housing, the self-build/custom build sector delivers for its members, well-built, wellperforming, high quality and spacious homes. Increasingly their houses are made from materials and designs that put people, their health and their future at the centre of the process.

There are between 10 - 20,000 self-builds in the UK every year. This is less than 1015% of all the homes built annually but may constitute as much as one-third of

sustainability new detached homes - this compares with 60% in Germany and 80% in Austria where self-build is the norm.

Despite their number, self-builders have and continue to make significant contributions to advances in house design and technology.

In particular, in recent years, they have been responsible for the dramatic uptake of ‘Green’ features such as renewable energy and low environmental impact building systems. Outside of the self-build market, these are features that take several years to filter through to commercial housing developments.

There is many a volume house builder who looks upon his self-build cousin with envy.

Shorn of the profit motive, but instead equipped with a will to build exactly for his/ her needs, the self-builder is at liberty to choose the type of construction and the materials that the building is made from.

The code didn’t change and was eventually eclipsed and abandoned. Instead, building designers and developers worked towards design standards of their own adoption.

The most well-known standard, imported from Germany, is the Passivhaus standard which ensures that the way a house is built will deliver a heating requirement of no more than 15 kWh/m2/yr. This very low figure is achieved by careful design and the building fabric alone. For many already built Passivhaus homes, their heating systems have become largely redundant.

This emerging (in the UK) methodology of designing buildings to reduce their energy usage through building technology rather than adding renewable energy systems is known as ‘Fabric first’.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A ‘FABRIC FIRST’ APPROACH IS:

on the environment. Those that do vary from severe to mild and to sort one from the other it’s useful to consult the GreenSpec website which provides information about the environmental impacts of materials at www.greenspec.co.uk There are usually plenty of alternatives, but the golden rule is to ensure that the products eventually selected can do the job demanded of them in a way equal to or better than materials they’re replacing.

It is notoriously difficult to clearly identify materials with a lesser overall environmental impact. Experts can take a lot of time in examining and assessing the potentially wide range of environmental properties contained within even a single building product.

High performance and high quantities of insulation.

However, when specifying an appropriate product or material, these are some of the key low impact and beneficial aspects to look for:

Maximum levels of air-tightness.

•

Use of heat given off by the occupants and their cooking and electronic devices to help the heat the spaces.

•

‘FABRIC FIRST’

Optimisation of natural ventilation.

•

As part of the UK government’s first initiative in 2006 to tackle climate change, it published a voluntary code requiring new homes to add renewable energy devices to

Optimisation of solar gain appropriately located windows.

In particular, the self-builder is uniquely enabled to choose freely from the wealth of materials now appearing on the market that are not only of very high quality but also representative of a quickly growing market in the UK for ‘sustainable’ and healthy ‘Green’ products.

the buildings. That it kicked off thousands of new businesses dealing in the installation of wind turbines, heat pumps and solar panels was probably no bad thing, but it was responsible for sending house builders off in the wrong direction.

Critics soon pointed out that the adding of energy-generating technology was usually doing not much more than covering for the poorly performing buildings they were attached to. The analogy to the policy was that of a leaking bucket of water: to keep the bucket full, it was necessary to keep pouring water into it - rather than fix the leaks themselves.

•

through

Sometimes using the thermal mass of the building to absorb excess heat.

In addition to high degrees of energy efficiency, the ‘Fabric first’ method provides a comfortable environment that makes few demands of the building’s occupants. Where renewable technologies place the reliance on the occupier to operate the sometimes complicated controls, a well-built energy efficient building has already done all the work for them.

• • • •

Products that perform well and are easy to build with Materials made from renewable crops such as timber, wool or hemp.

Products manufactured from abundant resources such as lime, clay or rock.

Products which minimise the use of fossil-fuel energy in the manufacturing process (embodied carbon).

Materials which, as a part of their function, improve a building’s energy efficiency.

Manufacturing processes that don’t pollute.

Materials that are safe to use and dispose of or recycle.

Products containing recycled materials.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING ‘GREEN’ BUILDING MATERIALS ‘Green’ building materials are products that have a lesser environmental impact than other materials that might be used for the same ‘job’ in the building. Apart from environmental preferences, Green materials are also usually associated with high levels of performance and safe user-friendliness.

Of course, not all the building materials we employ have significant damaging effects

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Sustainability

THE HEALTHY HOME Whether it be sleeping, eating, relaxing or working, we spend most of our day inhabiting our homes. Because of that time in a familiar space, we become adept at managing its environment. We are familiar with controlling lighting, heating and ventilation through simply throwing a switch or opening a window. Though the technologies have changed, the basic control actions are as they have been for generations.

Though the basic provision of light and warmth is unchanged, the contents of the air we breathe has altered over the last 50 years. We could now be dealing with a raft of possible toxins that if not sufficiently designed and built to avoid, could lead to serious health issues. Perhaps not surprisingly, these changes have been brought about through the way we build and the materials we use.

The principal drivers behind the need to improve the efficiency of our homes began with the oil crisis in the 1970s since when we have set out to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. In the last decade, climate change has been added to the agenda.

The combination of the two has had an aggrandising effect on building regulations

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and the techniques we use to design and build.

For our homes, the two main methods of addressing energy conservation are insulation and airtightness. We are used to using insulation in our walls and roofs, but now house builders have to learn the techniques of sealing openings in the building fabric to prevent warm air leaking out.

The result of sealing buildings could be that for many of us opening a window or just relying on the leaky nature of our buildings might not be enough to deal with the smelly, oxygen-depleted or damp air caused by everyday living.

Air contamination from materials we use in our homes is relatively new and owes its occurrence to the growth of synthetic materials. Ordinary products such as paints, floor finishes, timber-laminates, furniture, synthetic textiles, plastics and foams can emit a chemical cocktail including volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) like formaldehyde, xylene, isobutylaldehyde, and organochlorides, aldehydes and phenols.

Emissions from materials are known as ‘offgassing’ and can result in higher, more toxic concentrations without suitable ventilation.

Sadly the most familiar aspect of an unhealthy building, damp caused by condensation, continues to blight modern housing. Most buildings show the effects of condensation to some degree – from water appearing on the glass of cold windows through to damaging mould found on walls and ceilings.

Asthma linked to inhabiting in these unhealthy conditions is on the increase, caused by damp and mould, house dust mites and chemicals in carpets and flooring materials.

The direct solution to damp air is adequate ventilation, but there is also a technique of building that has gained traction in recent years. The ‘Breathing wall’ is one that uses ‘hydroscopic’ materials and membranes together to allow moisture to pass from the interior through the wall to the outside air.

SUMMING-UP, IMPROVING INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ) IS ACHIEVED BY: Designing a ventilation strategy that can include simply opening windows through to providing mechanical ventilation. Above all, whatever strategy is chosen, it is vital that it is easy to understand and operate by the user.

sustainability Considering the use of ‘breathing walls’ that help migrate internal dampness through to the outside.

Avoiding materials that are suspected of offgassing toxins.

Thinking holistically about combining techniques of reducing humidity and pollution and toxins - adding up to a whole that is more effective than the sum of its parts.

Using Green building materials from suppliers like Ecomerchant. … and not forgetting the potential of indoor plants to absorb toxins and carbon dioxide TOP TIPS FOR GOING GREEN Whether planning to build new from scratch or refurbishing, this is the time to incorporate sustainability into your project through design and the careful choice of materials; Getting it right will insulate you against spiralling energy bills, provide a durable long-lasting healthy home and leave a lighter footprint on the earth.

The building industry generally acknowledges that self-builders build better quality buildings; In building their own homes, they are often keen to explore proven and beneficial systems that would not necessarily be part of a developer or volume house builder’s package.

SO WHATARE THE KEY ASPECTS OF BUILDING TO GREEN STANDARDS? Using enough insulation - most buildings are built with too little The more insulation you incorporate into the walls, roofs and floors of your home, the more heat it will retain. Insulation is probably the main element to get right at the start, so it’s important to ensure the appropriate materials are used in the right way and in sufficient quantity.

Design-in airtightness and ventilation – ‘Build tight, ventilate right’ Fewer gaps in your home’s structural envelope mean less heat lost. Good air tightness maximises the efficiency of the insulation and reduces fuel bills. With airtightness, ventilation is essential and needs careful design. Ventilation can be passive, mechanical or both.

Use the buildings thermal mass to best effect The idea of thermal-mass is difficult to understand for most of us – so it’s wise to get advice before using it. Materials such as stone, brick, terracotta and concrete can provide ‘thermal mass’. Used with care, it can help moderate the internal environment throughout the day by absorbing excess heat from the sun or other sources and then releasing the heat back into the interior during darkness.

Design for overheating.

and recyclable. Most too can significantly out-perform synthetic oil-based products in aspects that are becoming more important as the UK warms-up.

Structural systems - choose your system early in the design process Most construction techniques can be adapted to meet high levels of energy efficiency, but some lend themselves more immediately to hitting the highest standards.

This is where you will come across the expression ‘Fabric first ‘where the building contributes significantly to overall energy efficiency.

Some of the most popular systems for self-builders are: • • • •

Timber frame with timber, brick or render cladding Monolithic clay blocks and render Brick and block cavity walling Cross-laminated timber (CLT) and cladding

Increasingly hot summers are a climate feature we all need to design for. Use wood fibre insulation, particularly in rooms in the roof, but also in walls to slow down heat transfer from the outside. Think about using shading for windows exposed to the sun in summer, but make sure they’re not shaded in winter.

Deploy renewable technologies only after your shell design is complete

Make the best use of natural light

Thanks to our authors Sandy Patience & Will Kirkman: Sandy is an architect, journalist and speaker. He is the editor of GreenSpec at www.greenspec.co.uk a site dedicated to delivering information about the design and building of Green Buildings. Will is a co-owner of Ecomerchant (a sustainable builder’s merchant), www.ecomerchant.co.uk writer and speaker and has been involved in promoting green construction for over 25 years. Call Ecomerchant on 01793 847 444 or email info@ecomerchant.co.uk

Maximising the amount of natural light in your home reduces the need for artificial lighting. Windows are an essential element of the building’s performance. Modern windows can be very efficient with whole window U values as low as 0.8W/m2K. ‘Solar gain’ can help heat the home.

Choose Green materials Green materials have a range of features and benefits not usually present in synthetic materials; A majority are less polluting, safer

Self-builders have led the way in terms of adopting renewable technologies to best effect, the golden rule here is to design the building to do the work, then match your energy needs to that level.

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editor's Choice

Summer of SureCav Cavity wall systems brand announces record-breaking summer of sales Today, SureCav, the leading brand of sustainable cavity wall backing membrane, announces its most successful summer for sales and leads since its launch.

Although the COVID-19 shutdown resulted in a dip in enquiries in April, as the industry reopened in May, SureCav witnessed a significant uptick in enquiries. The brand has registered its best ever June sales (up 10% from 2019) and July as its best month ever. August maintained par with last year, even against the backdrop of ongoing Coronavirus disruption.

These figures come as the UK construction and housebuilding industry embarks on its long road to recovery. Architects, specifiers, developers and builders alike are exploring approaches, materials and systems to make the journey as short and as smooth as possible.

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As Charlie Ayers, SureCav Founder and MD, says, “These results come as a welcome surprise, especially as many felt uneasy about how business would look in the second half of 2020. However, sales figures over the last three months paint a different picture of the industry’s resilience.

“Against the current circumstances, I think we have done well because the temporary shutdown of the sector encouraged built environment professionals to take a step back, revaluate and reflect on working practices. Particularly, time away from site and office allowed them to review the building products they use, assess their value and consider alternatives, especially those which save both time and money.

Margins are going to be tighter than ever over the next few years, so there is an appetite for high-spec productions which offer top performance at the best value.”

editor's choice A sustainable future An increasing drive towards more sustainable construction should not be overlooked when considering these results.

As the industry aims to achieve net-zero carbon by 2050, material choices will play a significant part in meeting this goal.

Traditional products such as concrete and single-use plastics are rapidly falling out of favour due to their substantial carbon footprints, and specifiers are looking for greener solutions.

With circular design and manufacturing fast becoming the norm rather than the exception, SureCav panels, produced from 100% recycled polypropylene, are perfectly positioned to respond to this change in attitude and approach to building methods.

As Charlie continues, “So far we have phased out over 80,000 tonnes of concrete from the sector and have recycled over 1000 tonnes of waste plastic into a useful, cost-effective and low impact component. Lasting the lifetime of the property in which it’s specified, it can

be recycled once again at end of life.

Fundamentally, it’s a win for the developer, the homeowner and the environment.“

Paying it forward 2020 has seen SureCav significantly invest in the brand, positioning it to grow in new and emerging markets both at home and abroad.

Chief amongst these moves was the launch of a new, user-intuitive website and to publish an updated specification on NBS’s powerful new platform, NBS Source.

Commenting on Surecav’s adoption of NBS Source Lee Jones, Head of Manufacturer Solutions, NBS says, “Specifiers want to make better and more informed choices, and by having Surecav listed on Source, this will make specifiers lives easier. They will be able to make better decisions based on accurate manufacturer data and being able to directly compare products. Manufacturers can really benefit from being seen at the initial specification project phase.”

He adds, “The full power of digital can only be unlocked through collaboration and construction products manufacturers such as Surecav can now be more closely involved from the start of projects.”

SureCav also responded strategically to the COVID-19 shutdown. As soon as it was announced, the team mitigated any potential disruption, ensuring plenty of surplus stock was available for spontaneous call-offs.

Constant liaison with its distribution partner and clients meant the brand was able to guarantee orders were promptly shipped as the sector reopened.

As Charlie concludes, “So far 2020 has been an unusual, unpredictable but exciting year for the business. These positive results vindicate our decision to review and revamp everything from the manufacturing process through to our sales and marketing output. Forecasts for Q.3 and Q.4 are cautiously optimistic and we look forward to seeing SureCav grow in 2021 and beyond.”

To find out more about SureCav’s range of cavity wall solutions and systems click here.

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External works & landscaping

Bring the glamour of Chelsea to your garden with the ultimate in contemporary features and screens from Kangular Adding a stylish, architectural look to gardens that’s worthy of the Chelsea Flower Show or a Grand Designs makeover has never been easier, thanks to Kangular, the ultimate line-up of affordable contemporary features and structural screens that create instant impact. angular empowers the nation’s gardeners and homeimprovers to quickly achieve a sophisticated, designer look: a piece of instant artwork in gardens that wouldn’t look out of place in a gallery, but at a fraction of the cost.

K

The leading range of Designer Features encompass stainless steel and wooden slatted structures in Fan, Wave and Pear shapes with heights ranging from one to three metres, as well as a range of

elegant Structural Screens and Wheelie Bin Enclosures. Shapes can be modified with Kangular’s clever, adjustable slot and wedge fixing.

Unique, eye-catching focal points Kangular’s designer range provides stunning focal points for gardens, borders and driveways, while privacy screens shield gardens from overlooking properties or neighbours – perfect for hot tubs, swimming pools and al-fresco dining areas, as well as enclosing gardens from passing pedestrians or the din of traffic noise. Not only will screens add architectural structure to garden borders or increase the height of existing walls, but they will stylishly enclose driveways, shielding cars, caravans or motorhomes from view.

Owners can ramp-up the wow factor of Kangular structures with uplighters or downlighters that add a new dimension to gardens after dark, while there’s even the option of wine glass holders to safely store drinks. Kangular screens offer a fashionable way to quickly screen-off unsightly areas of gardens – from disguising ugly wheelie bins, compost heaps, water butts and sheds to hiding eyesore utility items such as oil tanks and air conditioning units.

Kangular’s Paul Raven said: “To pay a designer and builder to create and install a structure with the high-end look that Kangular offers would rack-up a bill running into many thousands of pounds, not to mention the time and hassle that’s all too often associated with tracking down reliable, trustworthy tradesmen who will turn up on time and complete the job. In contrast, Kangular structures are quick and easy for gardeners to install themselves, while the simple process can be completed

•64•

in just two hours, creating instant impact outdoors.”

Patented Kangular systems offer countless practical and visual benefits for gardenowners. As well as creating sight lines and partitions, the contemporary designs come into their own for framing a planted area, or for shielding delicate plants from strong or drying winds. Kangular is rapidly becoming the go-to solution for injecting adventure into bland spaces by dividing gardens up into creative outdoor rooms.

Personalised to suit your style Kangular can also be treated as a blank canvass to create shapes that suit varying styles of outdoor living. Screens can be transformed into a Christmas tree design for the festive season, or an eggshape at Easter, for example. A bespoke design service offers the highest levels of customisation, while Kangular can provide Laser marking, enabling special messages to be engraved into structures to help celebrate a special occasion.

In line with current trends for sustainability in gardens, Kangular structures are both eco-friendly and British-made. The hardwood slats that form the backbone of screens are FSC or EUTR-regulated, while structures are 100% recyclable, too.

For instant transformations, Kangular features are quick and easy to erect, requiring only a spade, spirit level and a hammer – no nails, screws or glue fixings are needed – and for additional convenience, Kangular offers a home installation service, too.

Designed and built to last Kangular structures feature angled, slotted, high-quality stainless-steel columns, strengthened by a patented wedge system, resulting in a robust structure that’s capable of withstanding the worst that the weather throws at it.

The Kangular patented column system is engineered using the latest laser tube cutting technology, while every part of the system has been designed to be aesthetically pleasing. Structures can be placed 1.8m apart and there is no requirement for planning permission. All Kangular features come with a five-year warranty and have a 20-year lifespan, while the Kangular column is warrantied for 10 years for additional peace of mind.

Prices for Kangular’s Designer Fan, Wave and Pear structures start at just £860 including VAT and delivery, while Sculptural Screens cost from as little as £460. Prices for screens that provide privacy around hot tubs and swim spas begin at £1,950.

Kangular Wheelie Bin Enclosures are available in single, double and triple sizes, with prices starting at just £1,960.

Find out more All Kangular products can be purchased directly from www.kangular.com or email info@kangular.com to find out more.

Installing the Kangular system is easy Each set comes with detailed, easyto-understand instructions, making installation a breeze. Just follow these three simple steps: (note: boltdown fixings are available, too) 1. Dig a hole to the correct depth. Around one third of the Kangular upright should be buried.

2. Place the Kangular column into the hole, make sure it’s upright and level, then wait for the quick-drying cement to set.

3. Place the Kangular hardwood sets into the column, secure the slats with a Kangular wedge and your stunning new garden structure is complete

•65•

External works & landscaping

Take a Seat: New Season’s Trends in Garden Chairs Spring finally seems to be taking a first tentative peak from behind the winter clouds, which means attention can at last turn to the exteriors of our homes once again.

This time of year, is always a busy period in the garden furniture trade, as homeowners begin to plan for how they will make the most of their gardens throughout the longer, warmer months to come.

Jo Alexander, an online garden furniture and decor specialist based in Cambridgeshire, said this is the time for landscapers and garden design specialists to get on top of this season’s trends so they can make the best possible recommendations to clients and choose products that really help to bring their plans to life.

A spokesperson said: “It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with what’s available, what’s really catching

•66•

the eye out there on the market, then you can add value to your clients by helping them to choose great pieces to complete their garden.”

Reclaim a seat Chairs remain a staple of garden furniture, and Jo Alexander says this summer’s stock lines offer a mix of the traditional and contemporary to suit a wide range of tastes. “We expect hardwood garden chairs to continue to be one of our best sellers,” the spokesperson continued. “They are practical, durable and look great. Wood has a special place in people’s hearts when it comes to outdoor furniture, for many it is the go-to choice.

External works & landscaping

“In terms of designs for timber garden chairs for this season, we’re seeing a focus on simple, solid, timeless pieces that are at once understated yet effortlessly elegant.

“Another really important trend in hardwood furniture this year is the use of reclaimed timber. If we look at teak, for example, which is probably the most sought-after hardwood for outdoor furniture because it is naturally weather resistant and so hard wearing, there have started to be a few concerns around sustainability centred on issues like overintensive logging in teak’s natural tropical rainforest habitat, or natural habitats being cleared for commercial plantations.

“But reclaimed teak offers a superb alternative. Pre-used teak is readily available in its native countries, places such as India, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Indonesia, where it is extensively used in construction.

Because it is so hard wearing and durable, when it is pulled off old timber frame buildings, it is still perfect for recycling to make furniture out of. A reclaimed teak garden chair makes a strong, sustainable, beautiful addition to any garden.”

At the other end of the scale from the classic teak chair, Jo Alexander is also seeing an increase in demand for a much more contemporary material for furniture - concrete. “When we think of concrete, we tend to think of tower blocks and big, imposing urban infrastructure, but in recent years some forward-thinking furniture designers have been reinventing concrete as a highly attractive material for our gardens. Polished concrete has a very appealing shine to it and makes a great choice if you want something a little more unusual for our garden.

“The concrete garden chair options we are stocking this year also show how versatile concrete can be - from industrial-looking, cubist-inspired stools to beautifully smooth giant polished ‘pebbles’ that look like they have been picked straight out of a mountain stream.”

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External Works & Landscaping

Millboard unveils new immersive website New website to celebrate over ten years in the landscaping industry Millboard has launched a new website that demonstrates the company’s flair for customer-focused innovation. Built on exhaustive customer research and feedback, the new site is designed to be effortless and intuitive, providing inspiration for homeowners and industry professionals alike.

Since launching their unique wood-look decking boards over a decade ago, Millboard has earned a reputation for quality and distinction. The company commissioned a new website to mirror the same values across their digital presence,

and to provide an enhanced customer experience.

Caroline Birdsall, Millboard’s Marketing Manager, states that, ‘Millboard has undoubtedly established itself as a premium brand and we needed the look and the feel of the website to reflect that.

But we also wanted it to do more than that, and to include more of what our customers have told us they’d like to see.’

The new website makes extensive use of impactful, high-definition photography and video, and hosts an inspiration section

containing projects, galleries and an outdoor living blog. The whole website is clearly signposted to guide visitors towards a range of helpful services.

Ordering a free sample or finding a local supplier is now completely effortless.

The new site also contains a custom-built unique decking calculator, to give visitors the opportunity to plan their projects in full.

The website was built by award-winning Northern Irish digital agency, Eyekiller.

Eyekiller’s prestigious client list includes Van Morrison and the BBC, and they’ve also built campaign websites for various Coca-Cola brands. Eyekiller’s team carried out leading-edge research into the browsing needs of Millboard’s customers and this informed the content and design.

The site is now information rich and offers practical information, installation advice and a library of resources for architects and landscapers.

Birdsall writes, ‘We are thrilled with the new site. It’s so intuitive and user-friendly, and because of the initial research phase, it boasts an improved customer journey.

Quite simply, everything is where you want it to be. The Buying Guide is also proving to be a popular feature, and we are hearing a lot of feedback that confirms that it’s a valuable addition.’

The new site marks another milestone in the company’s evolution and cements its reputation as a distinctive and cuttingedge brand.

The new website can be visited at www.millboard.co.uk

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s

PoolLock Safety Covers

PoolLock Slatted Covers

t

With over 30 years of experience, PoolLock is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of automatic and manual safety covers, automatic slatted covers and heat pumps for swimming pools.

Thousands of satisfied customers in Britain over the past 10 years bear testament to the quality, service and reliability of PoolLock products.

In 2013, PoolLock opened its first UK production facility in Gatwick, London, with installation teams that are available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. The result: even better service and faster delivery times for our UK customers.

For more information on our complete range of products, please contact us at www.poollock.com

Large Capacity Platform Lift for Trinity Church Trinity Church, in Great Harwood, 5 miles North East of Blackburn, was formed in 2010, when three churches joined together. The King Street building dates back to 1913 and used to house the Sunday School rooms. In November 2019, the premises were closed for a major refurbishment.

As a part of the refurbishment, a new lift was required to provide access to 3 different levels. Invalifts was chosen as the supplier of the new lift, and the SD1000 Large Capacity Platform Lift was recommended and fitted.

The SD1000 lift is a high quality, enclosed commercial platform lift with a 1000kg weight capacity and landing doors up to 1300mm wide, and is capable of serving up to 6 levels and 13 metres of travel. The large platform has dimensions of 1400mm wide and 2500mm long to handle a full range of loads and motorised wheelchairs.

The robust lift is designed for existing buildings needing just a 110mm recess in the lower floor, and no requirement for a structural wall shaft. To assist with entering and exiting the lift, there is the option of a hold open facility, which makes transporting larger, more challenging loads a lot easier.

The lift was an ideal solution for Trinity Church, and has enabled accessibility for all users of the building.

To find out more about the SD1000 Large Capacity Platform Lift or other lift products, you can give Invalifts a call on 0845 468 2543 and speak to one of their friendly experts, or visit Invalifts.com

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Platform Lifts Our range of platform lifts includes the Commercial Platform Lift (right) - a premium quality enclosed platform lift with a customisable finish, and the option of glazing on 3 sides.

Designed for offices, schools and public buildings with small footprints available, this is a premier platform lift.

We also offer stair platform lifts and a range of platform lifts for both internal and external use.

The Platform Lift Experts

Tel: 0845 4682543 Web: www.invalifts.com

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