Construction Update - June 2020

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE June 2020

www.construction-update.co.uk

New Eurocell Equinox solid roof set to eclipse the competition Page 28 & 29

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WE’RE EXTENDING THE QUIET ZONE...

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Construction Update June 2020

10 22 34 44 June 2020

www.construction-update.co.uk @ConstructionUpd

EDITORIAL LUCY HARRIS LUCY@CONSTRUCTION-UPDATE.CO.UK

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PUBLICATION MANAGER JAKE PAGE JAKE@CONSTRUCTION-UPDATE.CO.UK 01843 595818

Industry News June 2020

Dragados pulls off £350m harbour project Construction on the scheme started in 2017 and is now 70% complete.

The contractor is blaming the coronavirus pandemic for the move.

A spokesperson for Dragados UK said: “Dragados UK is proud of the progress achieved with this project but the Covid-19 emergency and other factors have meant that our involvement in the project has ended earlier than originally anticipated. We wish the project every success as it progresses towards completion”

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Client the Aberdeen Harbour Board will take over responsibility for the site from June 15.

Procurement for the services required to complete the remaining 30% of work packages has already started.

Michelle Handforth, Chief Executive, said: “This year’s summer season was of critical importance to the Aberdeen Harbour expansion project, as we endeavoured to complete a series of major construction milestones and continued to address the rock removal challenges first identified in October last year. The interruption to the schedule as a result of the Covid-19 emergency has had the effect of greatly

compounding those existing challenges.

“It is too early at this stage to confirm what impact this will have on the construction timeline, especially given current Covid-19 restrictions, but the intention for a phased opening, when safe to do so, remains unaffected”.

In line with Scottish Government Guidance, activities on site are currently restricted to essential site protection works, safety and security measures.

June 2020 Industry News

London builders could be shipped to site by riverboat Transport for London is looking at options to allow contractors to hire riverboats to ferry their workers to sites in the capital.

Plans to open up the Thames to private hire were revealed as TfL announced several big transport construction sites had resumed with more restarting in the coming weeks.

All sites will operate with reduced teams, with some sites drafting in an extra site supervisor to police social distancing.

Workers will be further supported at some sites by welfare wardens who will control access to common areas and changing facilities, so they do not become crowded.

London’s transport body is also urging all construction workers to walk and cycle to sites wherever possible in the capital.

“TfL is investigating options to allow the construction sector to privately hire riverboats and provide transport for workers at construction sites accessible from the river,” said a spokesman.

“As work resumes, TfL will assess what effect the new ways of working will have on delivery schedules for the individual projects, subject to longerterm funding being received.

“Opportunities to restart work on other projects continue to be

reviewed across TfL’s capital delivery programme and further updates will follow as soon as they are available.”

During the next few weeks, site preparation to accommodate social distancing and construction work will safely begin in a phased way on projects vital to supporting jobs and homes, or providing essential transport infrastructure, across the capital.

These include major capacity improvements and extensions for Tube and rail, such as the Northern Line Extension to Battersea, the Bank Station Capacity Upgrade and the extension of London Overground to Barking Riverside.

The transformation of Old Street Roundabout, new cycleways, safety improvements to key road junctions and new walking and cycling infrastructure to support social distancing will also get underway.

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Industry News June 2020

Bilfinger bags £350m Hinkley Point pipework deal Warrington-based Bilfinger has won two new contracts worth £350m to design, fabricate and install pipework and specialist equipment for the new Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.

The industrial engineering company will create 350 new jobs, including specialist roles in engineering and manufacturing at its operations in Warrington, Humberside, Bristol and Somerset.

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Beginning immediately, the work will be delivered through Bilfinger’s Technologies and Engineering & Maintenance Europe segment with UK bases in Bristol and Warrington whilst manufacturing of specialist pipework will take place at an upgraded factory in the North East of England. Bilfinger is also committed to training British

workers through apprenticeships in a range of skills including welding, mechanical engineering, pipe fitting and health, safety and environment.

Simon Parsons, Hinkley Point C MEH Programme Director, said: “With the creation of hundreds of new jobs and training opportunities delivered by this contract, Hinkley Point C is helping to build Britain’s industrial capability and boosting jobs and skills.

“Development of a near identical power station at Sizewell C will further

benefit our extensive and experienced British supply chain.”

Bilfinger CEO Tom Blades: “With the two new major contracts, the volume of our work on Hinkley Point C surpasses even our own initial expectations for this project.

“This new work enables us to strengthen our investment in additional fabrication capacities in the UK. The fact that we are awarded these major contracts in such challenging times not only proves our expertise but makes us confident in our business prospects.”

PIONEERS IN INFRASTRUCTURE Ambitious goal achieved: Lowest lambda value of 0.0199 W/m*K is now the standard in the CALPEX PUR-KING range. All ranges of the CALPEX UNO and CALPEX DUO series for heating applications will be available with PUR-KING and the world‘s best insulation value.

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June 2020

Story Homes contributes c.£727k to Penrith community as part of The Fairways development New development off Carleton Road will also generate contributions of c.£800k

Local housebuilder Story Homes has contributed a six-figure sum to the local community as part of its housing development in Penrith, The Fairways.

In line with Section 106 (S106)* agreements between the housebuilder and Eden District Council, Story Homes has paid approximately £728,000 in education contributions and highways improvements to help mitigate any impact the development may have on existing local services and infrastructure in Penrith.

The first contribution of over £350k was paid to Eden District Council by the housebuilder back in July 2019, and a further financial contribution of approximately £377,000 was paid earlier this month.

It is expected that the education contribution from Story shall be used towards a new primary school to serve the children of Penrith, with further contributions from other developers that are also building homes in the area.

Throughout the lifecycle of The Fairways development – which began construction in 2017 –

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Story Homes has made a number of ongoing contributions to the local community. Prior to any works commencing on site, Story Homes orchestrated an archaeological dig back in 2016 to uncover and record the known Roman Road, and in 2018, the housebuilder also donated £3,000 to the Fairhill Community Group to enhance and expand its existing play area.

Adam McNally, Land Manager at Story Homes, said: “The homes that we build are part of wider communities, and we recognise the importance of filling any infrastructure gaps”.

“The Fairways scheme has appropriately responded to local needs and continues to provide support for neighbouring amenities in the area. As a Cumbrianheadquartered business we take great satisfaction in supporting infrastructure improvements and benefits to the residents of Penrith, adding long term value to the area.”

New Carleton development to generate c.£800k in education and highways improvements With the aim of improving choice across the local housing market,

Story Homes was also recently granted planning permission to build 149 dwellings as part of a new development, ‘Brougham Fields’, on land off Carleton Road in Penrith.

As part of the S106 agreements for the new development, which is set to launch in summer 2020, Story Homes has pledged to pay over £600k in education contributions and over £200k in highways improvements and travel plans.

The new Story Homes properties in Carleton shall continue to help increase direct and indirect investment in local shops, services and facilities. Furthermore, the development shall bring economic benefits to the area during the construction phase, including sustaining jobs for local subcontractors and support for local businesses and supply chains.

The development is also delivering 44 affordable homes for local people.

For further information about The Fairways and Brougham Fields, please visit www.storyhomes.co.uk.

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The DUAL chinstrap feature allows you to change the strength of your helmet’s chinstrap to adapt the helmet to the hazards anticipated in your work environment.

Designed for comfort and equipped with ventilation holes with sliding shutters, the VERTEX VENT HI-VIZ helmet easily integrates the VIZIR visor and its protector, as well as the TACTIKKA CORE headlamp. www.petzl.com

June 2020

Schöck creativity at new Greenwich Design District The O2 Arena on the Greenwich Peninsula has a new neighbour – Greenwich Design District – providing 14,000sqm of affordable studios and workshops for creatives working across areas as diverse as design, fashion, art, music and digital technology.

This pedestrianised, vibrant neighbourhood, comprises sixteen free-standing buildings, situated around five courtyards and a central public square. With the exception of the single level Food Hall, the buildings range in height from three-to-five levels and are a mix of reinforced concrete, structural steel and cross-laminated timber.

Minimising thermal bridging is crucial

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Improved thermal performance is becoming increasingly important in large new build developments and the prevention of thermal bridging has a huge role to play. Ineffectual insulation at cantilever connectivity points results in local heat loss, requiring more energy to maintain the building’s internal temperature.

Low internal surface temperatures around the thermal bridge can

also cause condensation, leading to structural integrity problems with absorbent insulation products and the potentially serious occurrence of mould growth Design freedom from Schöck As the leading international supplier of structural thermal breaks, Schöck has hundreds of variants in its Isokorb range, offering a solution to practically any

design detail. The predominating Isokorb at the Design District is for concrete-to-concrete, but not all of the requirements were so relatively straightforward. Building C1 is a prime example. Set on the east side of the main entrance, this three-level workshop and studio building has a basketball court on the roof. It has unusually deep floor zones, several large cantilevered elements and a steel mesh enclosure supported

June 2020 on a braced-steel frame around the court, which utilises Isokorb elements for concrete-to-steel detailing. There is also an external staircase and concrete cantilevered walkway. Where the walkway encloses the staircase, there are particularly large cantilevers and here the walkway slabs, supported by a main beam, enclose cast-in steel beams and three crossbeams. These are bolted back to the structural slabs using Isokorb units for steel-to-steel construction and steel construction-to-concrete slabs.

Large capacity thermal breaks required Building D1 is a community of studios, workshops and office spaces, which structurally consists of robust concrete slabs – with trees located on the external decks.

Some extremely large capacity structural thermal break elements were developed to take the loads.

Other buildings that incorporate Schöck Isokorb solutions are A1; which marks the main access to the Design District. D4, with its tall slim facade; and A4 on the western edge of the site, which welcomes visitors with a large roof-mounted illuminated sign.

Totally verifiable performance The comprehensive Schöck Isokorb range enables concreteto-concrete, steel–to-steel and concrete-to-steel detailing. And there are solutions too that provide a maintenance-free alternative to wrapped parapets; along with a product which thermally insulates connections for reinforced concrete walls and columns. Products meet full compliance with the relevant UK building regulations, have NHBC approval and offer LABC Registration. There is also the security of independent BBA Certification.

For a free copy of the Schöck Thermal Bridging Guide; the Schöck Specifiers Guide or to view the range of downloadable software, contact Schöck on 01865 290 890 or visit the website at www.schoeck.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, buildings can be heated for less while cutting CO2 emissions.

ecodan.me.uk/cu

Free conference and exhibition 28 April 2020 | 9am-3:30pm South of England Event Centre, Ardingly The Premier Concentration of Construction Professionals in the South East

Just some of our industry focused speakers

Register Free Tickets

Neil Edwards, Chief Exec of Builders’ Conference - who’s data is relied upon by leading construction organisations Cedrick Laurier, Chief Technical Officer at Gatwick Airport will speak about Pier6 Western Extension, Innovations, Northern Runway, plus construction highlights, and info about ongoing tenders and future contracts Ian Roadnight, Housing, Property & FM, talks you through the opportunities available over the next 12 months

Malcom Clarke, MD at Baxall Construction Why is Baxall Construction so keen on BIM? Could it be due to the fact that it has helped raise margins and help double turnover?

West Sussex, Haywards Heath RH17 6TH

2,500

VISITORS

100+

STANDS

30+

SPEAKERS

What you can look forward to •• How to capitalise on projects worth £billions •• Receive updates on major development and regeneration projects

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Building a digital future for the construction industry FREE ‘Meet the Buyer’ appointments – up to 600 Innovations within the construction industry Building a sustainable future for construction Health and safety Masterclasses with Google Plus, industry focussed workshops

Julia Gregory An update from Julia, Director of Projects at Ebbsfleet Development Corporation Google Digital Garage is a digital skills training platform to assist you in growing your business, career and confidence online

Also held 23 September 2020 | 9am-3:30pm Sandown Park Exhibition Centre, Esher, Surrey

Masses of free parking

@constructexpo #constructexpo

info@constructionexpouk.co.uk

www.constructionexpouk.co.uk

01732 758 530 | 07768 067745

Heating & Ventilation June 2020

RINNAI HOT WATER ON DEMAND - FUEL, ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND FINANCE EFFICIENT – AND NOW EASY TO CHOOSE Rinnai – makers of units delivering limitless, on demand supplies of hot water – are offering end-users an easy-to-choose facility via online interface.

The end-user simply visits the www.rinnaiuk.com website for instant assistance on choosing the right products to deliver fuel, energy and environmentally efficient hot water, reliably and constantly.

Says Chris Goggin, “Whatever your industry we have innovative products and systems that give your site or sites limitless supplies of temperature-controlled hot water which are designed with the environment in mind, with low emission technology and high efficiencies, as well as a host of other great features, as well as costing you significantly less than any other mode of hot water supply.”

We recognise that every application is unique and that choosing the right product can be a little daunting so we invite end-users to visit our website www.rinnaiuk. com and find the ‘Help Me Choose’ facility and we will do everything else from there,” adds Mr Goggin.

Rinnai recently completed the installation of 2 x HDC1500i continuous flow hot water heating units at a busy laundrette serving businesses and the public in Stafford. Rinnai products were chosen on the recommendation of another laundrette owner, in Lancashire, who praised the efficiency and major cost savings because of switching to cascaded continuous flow hot water units as they guarantee almost unlimited supplies of hot water at peak demand whilst savings on fuel costs.

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Word of mouth is the best possible marketing and a site survey was duly arranged and completed to confirm the best solution in controlling operational costs and efficiencies. The existing system was a heated stored water

system – this meant that the site was paying to heat water it was not instantly using. It was clear from the site survey that Rinnai units configured to maximise both space and energy efficiency – and critically – the system’s reliability – would yield seriously large cost savings to the owner.

Given that the Rinnai units were being wall mounted and externally flued, this gave extra storage space to the premises as there was no need for a dedicated plant room.

Comments Ray Gallimore, proprietor of the Weston Road Launderette, “The old storage system had become completely impractical, inefficient and needlessly expensive to run.

“For example, the washers tend to be used sporadically. During a busy weekend there could be a demand for eight to ten people battling to use the machines at once, during the week there might be one or two.

That meant we had to store a decent volume of hot water ‘just in case’ in the form of a storage water heater.

Needless to say, keeping the stored volume at optimum temperature 24/7 was often wasted energy, a really bad, expensive idea all round.”

Clearly the site needed to change the system to one that could cater for these fluctuations without running up huge energy bills and the solution wasn’t hard to find.

“I was made aware of Infinity water heaters installed in similar applications to mine and in general their experiences with their products and their personnel, such as the local Rinnai sales consultant, were consistently positive and professional.”

“The beauty of working with Rinnai is the service they offer. We presented the project to Rinnai’s Technical Sales

team who came up with the design, configured the sizes of unit required and delivered the system complete and to a very tight timescale – this was key as the existing water heater had developed a leak and I was extremely mindful that the business had to remain operational to satisfy local demand. We are very happy with Rinnai and will be spreading the word,” adds Ray Gallimore.

Now two HDC1500i internal mounted water heaters with secondary circulation provide hot water for 12 commercial machines, plus a sink and a wash hand basin.

“The Rinnai system has resulted in an energy reduction and gas saving due to higher efficiencies and because we are no longer maintaining large amounts of stored hot water. It’s not rocket science to work that out!”

“In terms of gas usage running costs compared to the old wasteful storage system, our bills have virtually been halved since the Rinnai system went live five months ago which is absolutely tremendous,” says Gallimore.

Rinnai’s heavy-duty condensing range uses two heat exchangers to capture residual heat from flue gases to pre-heat incoming water, with the HDC1500i turning in 105% net efficiencies*. These figures add up to considerable on-going energy savings when compared with traditional gas fired stored water systems.

With a Rinnai condensing unit, temperature is regulated to within +/-1ºC via ‘smart’ internal controls without any variation of temperature at the outlet even when water is drawn off elsewhere.

All models have full electronic ignition, no pilot light and operate on demand only, so there is no gas consumption when the unit is idle.

May 2020 Heating & Ventilation The units are easily configured in a manifold arrangement, ensuring there will never be a shortfall of instant hot water whatever the demand.

Rinnai, the UK’s leading manufacturer of the ErP A-rated Infinity range of continuous flow condensing gas-fired water heaters, supplies the best energy efficient range of low-NOx water heating units currently on the market.

Advanced condensing heat exchangers combined with innovative burner technology ensures that every cubic metre of gas is used to the maximum on HDC 1500i.

Legionella proliferation is answered

by Rinnai: the company has developed additional ‘SMART’ controls for secondary return DHW systems in the form of an advanced temperature control system which allows for safe running of water at 42°C core temperature during the day and 60°C at a time when the building is closed. By the time the building reopens, core temperature is 42°C for safe use.

Another Rinnai innovation addresses an age-old industry problem with hot water delivery lime scale build-up. The company’s integrated scale control system is an innovative solution and comes in the form of an LC (lime check) code on the display of the controller.

Almost all water-fed appliances, including plate heat exchangers, boilers and water heaters will accumulate scale deposits when used within hard water areas over time. Lime scale consists of calcium carbonate (calcite) with lesser amounts of other calcium salts such as the sulphate. Sometimes lime scale deposits contain corrosion debris and this scale build-up can affect the water heaters by reducing their efficiency and overall performance.

continually self-monitor for lime scale deposits around the heat exchanger. If a lime scale build up has being identified, a message is sent to the built-in interface panel on the front of the appliance. The message is displayed as ‘LC’, which alerts the end user that it is time to call a Rinnai service agent to perform a lime scale flush to clear the potentially harmful deposits.

This avoids and eliminates the adverse effects associated with lime scale build up, including lower energy efficiencies and rapid product de-generation.

Ultimately, ongoing use with hard water may shorten the lifespan of conventional water heating appliances and systems. To safeguard against this Rinnai units

Rinnai’s HDC range offers condensing technology with up to 107% gross efficiency, ultra-lowNOx of less than 20 ppm, a widely expansive modulation range of

* Tested and certificated by Technigas to EN 26.

54kW-4kW and high flow rates of 37/ltr/min. Add to these benefits are the peace of mind of an extended warranty, a top A-rating exceeding the demands of ecolabelling legislation, the flexibility of external wall mounting and delivery to site with all relevant accessories and the knowledge that the HDC range is future-proofed against future regulatory and legislative changes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.RINNAIUK.COM

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Heating & Ventilation June 2020

Electric heating is continually becoming an increasingly viable option for heating properties in the UK.

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ew Government legislation heralds a change in how SAP determines a properties ERP Rating – to almost the same as gas. This change allows widespread use of electric radiators and electric boilers, which are widely understood as having low installation costs, no flue requirement, low maintenance, rapid heat up times and high efficiency. This modern method of heating is shaping up to be the future of home heating within the UK. Specifying an electric heating solution for housing, student accommodation, social housing and private rental properties can be a time consuming and difficult task.

Each project includes unique regulations, requirements, budget and time constraints – Which means there is no single solution which can cover all projects. With so many electric heating solutions available, it can be hard to choose the perfect heating system.

Whether you are specifying a heating system to meet building regulations or providing an energy efficient upgrade, the Electric Heating Company can provide an efficient and effective solution. Using vast levels of knowledge and experience, we have developed our product portfolio to accommodate almost any central heating and hot water requirement.

A combination of our range of quality electric heating products and our professional heat design service can streamline the specification process. Our Internal Specification Specialists provide comprehensive support to specifiers, architects, housebuilders and heating contractors. On receipt of scaled drawings, room dimensions, windows, insulations and construction U values, the professional design team will provide necessary heat loss calculations required for your project.

The detailed bespoke design outlines which specified products are required and all designs include costings, dimensions, weight, and warranty information. To quickly and easily upload your scale drawings click here.

The ever-increasing volume of property developer enquiries has urged the Electric Heating Company to develop our new Developer Collection Brochure. The brochure provides useful insights into the services that EHC offer, alongside our most popular products among property developers such as:

and hot water outlets for sinks. With no flue requirements, the boiler rapidly provides heating and domestic hot water.

Comet Combination Unit The Comet Electric Combination Unit offers the comfort and convenience of wet central heating and domestic hot water for properties with no access to mains gas. It is a fully controllable unit housed within an enclosure, available in 9kW, 12kW and 14.4kW outputs with a 144L internal hot water storage cylinder.

SlimJim Electric Boiler The compact design of the SlimJim Electric Flow Boiler makes it ideal for heating applications where space is at a premium. The Slim Jim is a fully controllable Electric Flow Boiler which is designed to maximise cupboard space.

Comet Electric Boiler Comet Electric System Boilers are designed to eliminate unnecessary external plumbing and pipe work.

They are the ideal choice for wet central heating and underfloor heating systems.

Solaris Panel Heater The Solaris is a modern, slim, stylish and carefully sized Convector Heater which has been designed with a gentle curved front that will enhance any room within the home whilst providing a quick and responsive heating experience.

Edge Panel Heater The Edge is a traditional Convector Heater which has been designed with a gentle curved profile on each side of the Heater. It is manufactured using high grade 100% recyclable Aluminium.

It produces heat on demand and with the modular construction of the Heater it cycles airflow and emits heat throughout the room.

DSR Visage Panel Heater The Visage Panel Heater utilises the perfect balance of convection and radiated heat which in turn warms both you and the room. The aluminium heating element located within the Heater provides fast-acting convected heat, before warming the Magmatic Ceramic Tablets inside the Heater. It is available in any RAL Colour of your choosing.

Fusion Astro Electric Combi Boiler

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Fusion Astro Electric Combi Boilers are suitable for properties with a shower

To view the new EHC Developer Brochure – Click here.

No.1 Choice Electric Radiator Collection EHC offer a comprehensive Range of Electric Products that are all controlled by our DSR Smart Technology which enables you to select different Heaters and mix and match them as a Hybrid Heating System for the various rooms within your property to suit your design style and budget – the choice is yours.

Hybrid Heating for the modern home Available for Android & Apple devices

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Outdoor

1 Swimming Pool …

4 PoolLock Automatic Covers To cover the pool surface on this very particular design of pool, PoolLock supplied one automatic slatted cover and three automatic safety covers, including a customized V4XXL safety cover system spanning an 11m width. Thanks to its many years of experience designing and producing automatic covers, PoolLock is able to work with customers and architects to create tailored solutions to cover almost any kind of pool.

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oolLock’s unique hydraulic-drive system means that you do not need any electrical components near your pool. The electrical power pack used to operate the cover and drive the two hydraulic motors can be placed as far from the pool as required.

Opening and closing the pool is as easy as turning a key switch, which means that the cover (and the pool) are actually used once installed.

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PoolLock safety covers provide a solid barrier between the water and surrounding area, effectively preventing

June 2020 Heating & ventilation

any access to the water and making them the safest covers on the market. In addition, all PoolLock covers will reduce the amount of heat, water and chemicals lost through evaporation, which means pool owners can save money on electricity and chemical usage.

In addition to the standard fabric options, PoolLock also offers HeatLock Thermofoam canvas with enhanced insulation properties. Thanks to the foamed insulation layer applied to one side of the canvas, heat transfer across the membrane is reduced by a factor of 3 when compared to standard fabrics for similar

PoolLock Safety Covers

applications. HeatLock’s closed-cell foam structure ensure that PoolLock covers are not only the safest, but also the most energy-efficient available on the market.

PoolLock Automatic Covers offer you the safest, most convenient, most reliable and energy-efficient way to cover your pool.

With over 30 years of experience, and installations in over 20 countries, PoolLock is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of automatic safety and slatted covers for swimming pools.

PoolLock Slatted Covers

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

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Heating & Ventilation June 2020

Gilberts louvres help double feed mill production capacity, safely The safety of feed processing at the largest UK farmer-owned dairy co-operative is being protected via a patented ventilation design.

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United Feeds, part of the Dale Farm co-operative, has extended its mill at Dungannon, in Northern Ireland, to double its capacity. Central to the development, built by McKelvey Construction, is a new intake building to include eight rax material bins, plus an additional loading point and weighbridge, with 10 additional finished product bins for the company’s bespoke nutritional solutions for ruminant animals.

“It was crucial the ventilation was optimised, to meet the stringent health & safety, and fire, requirements necessary in such facilities, particularly above the weighbridge area,” explained Daniel McCrory of McKelvey Construction. “Health & safety is paramount to United Feeds, and the new building faced essential fire safety requirements. We had to provide good ventilation because of the potential for dust, yet avoid any potential risk of water ingress as this could damage the stored feed.”

Optimum ventilation to the weighbridge and finished product bins to maintain safety inside is achieved via threesided, 33m long louvre screens on each of the two silo towers, created from Gilberts’ patented WH75 series high performance ventilation louvres.

Each louvre façade was constructed on site, with each blade having to be cut to fit precisely to suit the raking head profile that graduated from 1.5m to 2.5m, and corners mitred for a flush fit.

Added Daniel McRory, “The patented design of Gilberts’ WH75 louvres gave us the ventilation and weather protection performance we needed, in a system that could be tailored to the project’s precise tolerances.”

Gilberts’ WH75 Series of ventilation louvres deliver a Class A weather rating, with low pressure loss and at least 50% free airflow area. The innovative design of the louvre blades features an integrated channel to provide optimum efficiency in removal of water from the blade face, and subsequent discharge away from any façade opening.

The WH75 louvres are just part of Gilberts’ range of louvres, grilles and diffusers that have established it as Britain’s leading independent air movement

specialist, with solutions for mechanical and natural ventilation in commercial applications.

Founded over five decades ago, Gilberts Blackpool is unique in its ability to develop components- whether ‘mainstream’ or bespoke entirely in-house, from initial design through tooling, production, testing and supply, at its 95,000 ft2 manufacturing facility. Its state of the art test centre, designed and built in-house, is one of the most technically advanced in the country.

T: 01253 766911 E: info@gilbertsblackpool.com W: www.gilbertsblackpool.com

Heating & Ventilation June 2020

Waterloo brings a breath of fresh air to Studley Castle Waterloo Air Products Plc’s grilles, air valves and diffusers have been used extensively throughout the magnificently renovated Studley Castle, successfully creating the perfect environment at Warner Leisure’s new landmark hotel.

Set in 28 acres of Warwickshire countryside, this Grade II-listed, Gothic Revival style castle was originally designed by Samuel Beazley, the leading London theatre architect, as a family home.

In its 180-year history, it has been used as an agricultural college for women, the training ground for the Women’s Land Army during both world wars, and, most recently as a hotel.

Since being bought by Warner in 2016, Studley Castle has undergone a three-year, £50m restoration and development programme to restore it to its former splendour.

The original building has been sensitively refurbished for modern use, and a spa created in the former Stables.

The investment has also resulted in an entirely new hotel wing with 210 bedrooms, a cinema, two restaurants, bars, lounges and a cabaret venue.

The hotel is air-conditioned throughout.

With comfort a top priority in this luxury hotel, ensuring optimum air quality was an essential requirement for Warner. But creating a unified hotel aesthetic was equally key.

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June 2020 Heating & Ventilation

Waterloo was specified as the sole supplier due to its reputation for quality product operation and design.

Working with M&E Service Contractors LJJ Ltd, Waterloo was tasked with supplying a combination of grilles, air valves and circular diffusers that would deliver the required high performance while blending seamlessly into the décor.

Stylistically, Studley Castle mixes its heritage past with an individual whimsical charm.

In the foyer, there are nods to Alice in Wonderland and unicorns, while the cabaret and lounge areas each follow a unique design theme which the air terminal devices needed to complement.

Gerry McNally, project manager at LJJ explained: “The architect and client had a very clear vision of what they wanted to achieve with this building, and it was our job to combine aesthetics with functionality to make their vision a reality.

“Waterloo took on board all the requirements and worked closely with us, attending client meetings and paying regular site visits to review the project.”

Waterloo’s solution was a series of bespoke-designed grilles produced in six different colours. Each grille successfully achieved a ceiling layout that met all the particular aesthetic requirements of each room while operating to the highest standard for maximum comfort levels.

The maintenance aspect was another area that benefited from Waterloo’s expert technical and product support. To enable easier future maintenance of the air conditioning, Waterloo

provided a dual-purpose combined air grille and access grille.

The grilles were spring loaded to enable them to be pulled down without tools, making them maintenance-friendly while maintaining the aesthetic feel of the building.

Gerry added: “This was a challenging project that required full collaboration from our suppliers. The service we received from Waterloo throughout was

fantastic, as was the delivery. The end result is outstanding – and we couldn’t have done it without their support.”

The 14th property in shortbreak specialist Warner Leisure’s portfolio, Studley Castle is now the group’s flagship hotel.

Waterloo is proud to have played a part in its reinvention, fusing aesthetics and functionality to breathe fresh air into this exciting new development.

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June 2020

The water flow reducing layer is an essential component in an inverted roof Joan Ferrer, Technical Sales Manager at Ravago Building Solutions discusses how the water flow reducing layer (WFRL) is central to the thermal performance of an inverted roof system as determined by ETAG 031.

The inverted roof principle is easy to understand. Placed on top of the waterproofing membrane, the insulation is easy to install and provides simpler access for repairs to the concrete deck. A very common feature in modern buildings, inverted flat roofs offer architects some design advantages given their ease of use for Green Roofs and Blue Roofs.

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation boards are the best solution for inverted roofs due to their unparalleled levels of low water absorption and the high compressive strength of the boards. Thermal performance is also exceptional, Ravatherm XPS X 300 SL from Ravago Building Solutions has a declared lambda of 0.031 W/mk, requiring just 200mm of insulation to achieve a U-value of 0.15 W/m2K .

How does the water flow reducing layer impact U-value calculations?

It is important to understand the difference between declared lambda and design lambda and their intended purposes.

Declared lambda is a measurement of thermal capability and is included in the product’s Declaration of Performance (DOP). This takes account of aging of the material, so that the thermal performance is known over the building’s lifetime. This set of testing and rules is contained in EN ISO 10456 and is part of the CE Marking of the XPS under EN 13164. However, once the insulation is used within an inverted roof system, there are corrections that need to be considered as part of the calculation. ETAG 031 (European Technical Approval Guideline for Inverted Roof Kits) requires that a design lambda must be used for U-value calculations, which includes the moisture conversion factor where the WFRL has a pivotal role.

The moisture conversion factor needs to be accounted for because in an inverted roof the insulation will be partially exposed to the elements.

Some rainwater will have contact

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with both the insulation and the concrete deck thus affecting the thermal performance of the whole system.

How is the moisture conversion factor calculated?

The WFRL plays an important role in an inverted roof system and is not to be confused with a waterproofing membrane. Loose-laid on top of the insulation material, the WFRL reduces the volume of cold rainwater that reaches the roof’s waterproofing layer which temporarily affects the rate of heat loss from the roof. ETAG 031 Annex C outlines a test to measure WFRL performance measuring the proportion of water that passes through a build-up.

The fraction of water measured is the drainage factor (f) and there is a general acceptance that 2.5% should be used as a minimum factor, even when the test result is 0, as this is not a waterproof layer. When combined with the standard factor for increased heat loss (x) of 0.040 Wday/m²Kmm this results in a correction factor of fx=0.001 to be applied to the declared lambda to calculate the design lambda. Effectively, 1mW/mK is added to the declared value. A thorough explanation of this calculation process can be found in BBA Bulletin 4 Issue 6.

ETAG 031 also details a process to use generic fx values without the need to carry out the WFRL testing, these values being much higher to allow for an extra safety factor, depending on the roof build-up and the edge profile of the insulation used.

The correct use and installation of the WFRL in an inverted roof system is therefore crucial for desktop U-value calculations to be realised. Further guidance on the correct procedures was recently published in Guidance Note 14 from the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA).

Proper installation of the insulation is also essential to ensure that an

inverted roof will perform as expected.

Third-party assurance schemes such as Agrément Certificates are a vital source of information and should not be perceived as a mere tick box exercise when specifying materials for your project. These Approved Bodies make sure that the current standrads are followed and properly explain best practise for a build up.

The often overlooked WFRL has a key role to play. It may look like a piece of paper, but it has a lot to say.

References ETAG 031:2010 Guideline for European Technical Approval of Inverted Roof Insulation Kits – Part 1 EN 13164:2012 Thermal insulation products for buildings – Factory made extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) products – Specification EN ISO 10456:2007 Building materials and products - Hygrothermal properties - Tabulated design values and procedures for determining declared and design thermal values BBA Bulletin 4 Issue 6 - 2015 200mm concrete deck, 7.5mm waterproofing membrane and project in London

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ULTRA thin, high performance inverted roof XPS insulation Market leading product manufactured in King’s Lynn UK

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*design lambda includes the correction factor used in U-value calculations for inverted roofs. RAVATHERM XPS X ULTRA has a declared lambda of 0.027 W/mK as per EN13184, check the product’s DOP for more details.

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For technical support and to learn more about our products please contact: technical.uk.rbs@ravago.com

June 2020

Petzl Helmets, Choosing Excellence Essential for working at height, helmets provide efficient and effective impact protection in the event of a fall or from a falling object.

For Petzl, head protection represents more than simply wearing a helmet. We work tirelessly so that professionals have comfortable helmets that fit well and address the needs of all professionals in any situation.

Our VERTEX and STRATO range of helmets are also available in vented or hi-viz versions.

When you have to wear a helmet all day long, perfect comfort and head fit are essential. This is why our professional helmets all feature the CENTERFIT headband adjustment system for perfect centering, and the FLIP&FIT system that immediately positions the headband in a low position for a secure fit. In addition, the headband folds into the shell for easy storage and transport.

Professionals who work at height or on the ground understand that head protection goes well beyond simply wearing a helmet.

This is why Petzl has developed a full line of modular accessories

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for you to customize your helmet for the specific needs of the task at hand. Eye shields, face shields, nametag holders, neck protectors, headlamps, etc.

These accessories are now compatible with all VERTEX and STRATO helmets (VENT, HI-VIZ…) and take just a few seconds to install.

With the DUAL chinstrap feature, Petzl goes a step further: the clip has two positions for two different uses, allowing workers to modify chinstrap resistance according to the needs of each work environment: work at height (EN 12492) and on the ground (EN 397).

More information and advice on Petzl helmets can be found here.

June 2020

Wellbeing in the construction industry Mental health and wellbeing are no longer corporate buzzwords. Businesses within the construction industry have a real duty to support the wellbeing of its staff. Not only does this foster a strong workplace culture, but can have a positive impact on business too. Happy staff are more productive, and more likely to stay loyal to their company (and, in turn, its customers).

Construction site workers are three times more likely to die by suicide when compared to the average male in the UK, showing the desperate need for more support in the industry. Construction professionals are exposed to long hours, demanding workloads, working away from home, financial uncertainty and physical strain.

Some professionals feel high levels of responsibility and a general lack of support, which leads to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. The environment is also still primarily male, perhaps reinforcing unhelpful male stereotypes leading to some being unwilling or feeling unable to talk about their struggles.

According to UK Construction Week stats, over half of construction professionals have suffered from mental health problems… and they believe their employer could do more to support them.

Though stats show that absenteeism is decreasing, presenteeism and leaveism is on the rise. This means that employees

are coming to work ill, or using their annual leave entitlement when they’re working instead or should be off sick. For professionals in the construction industry this could be particularly dangerous, as mistakes can easily be made if someone isn’t fit to be at work. Employers should make sure that all members of staff, suppliers and contractors are able to take the time off they need to recover.

Stats from the Office for National Statistics show that employees take over for days off due to sickness each year, with many of these days off related to mental health problems.

Employers should prioritise improving wellbeing within the workplace. Healthy and happy employees are less likely to take time off work unless they are genuinely ill, in which case they should be entitled to rest and return to work when they are ready.

In the long run, implementing a wellbeing programme can produce high ROI thanks to increased productivity, less sick days and

higher employee retention rate.

Stats show that over a third of construction workers have taken time off work due to mental health problems. If this number can be reduced thanks to an effective wellbeing programme, this can ultimately save businesses money.

We Are Wellbeing is a strategic wellbeing partner that helps businesses develop a positive company culture where its employees can thrive. Part of the Romero Group, the complementary service offers businesses assistance developing and actioning a wellbeing programme. For those in the construction industry, this can help support staff through periods of stress. Where responsibility is high, hours are long and the pressure is on it’s important to be able to manage stress effectively and a wellbeing programme can help aid this.

Physical health and safety is prioritised in the industry, and it’s high time employers now put the focus on mental health too. Nurturing an open-minded culture where team members are able to open up and talk about their struggles is just the start of building better wellbeing within the industry.

To find out more about We Are Wellbeing, Romero Insurance Brokers’ recommended wellbeing partner, call 0113 281 8110 or visit www.romeroinsurance.co.uk.

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June 2020

New Eurocell Equinox solid roof Eurocell, the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC-U building products, has announced a raft of updates to its market-leading Equinox solid conservatory roof.

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June 2020

set to eclipse the competition Launched in 2013 as an alternative to replacement and new conservatory polycarbonate and glass roofs, Equinox offers the excellent thermal performance and ventilation that allows conservatories to be used all year round. Its accurate prefabrication and easy-to-make and fit system design make it a firm favourite with fabricators and installers.

Now Eurocell have made a series of updates and improvements to ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of the trade and homeowners.

To meet end users’ desire for natural light as well as a comfortable living environment, Eurocell engineers have designed full height glazing panels to feature in the system. Individual panels up to one metre wide and three metres high of clear glass allow lighter, sunlit conservatories and several panels can be accommodated that give an impression of even more space. The new glazed version is known as Equinox Vega, named after one of the brightest stars in the northern hemisphere.

In terms of system design, the aluminium rafters in the lightweight roof have been separated from the deck, enlarging the air gap. This means that Equinox is currently the only fully ventilated solid roof solution available in the UK. A new fixed pitch option increases installer choice and helps make common pitch angles even easier to fit, while the variable pitch option remains for more complex roofs.

Other changes include the use of battens to create the air gap necessary for better ventilation; a switch from Polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation to Styrene, which is 100% recyclable and contains no harmful CFCs or HCFCs; and upgraded 18mm OSB3 boarding to increase structural strength in line with regulations for flat roofs with a pitch of 10 degrees or less. OSB is also a more sustainable choice than plywood because it is produced from younger, faster growing trees.

The innovative SlateSkin sheet tile system now features a mechanism

that provides a neater vertical joint between 6m strips of tiles, resulting in a seamless finish for roofs over 6m long. And a new method for fitting the front row of tiles means all fixing screws are completely hidden, providing a neater look and better sightlines. Eurocell has increased customer tile choice further with the introduction of slate-effect envirotile composite tiles as an option.

Available in Grey, Brown, Terracotta and Black and made from 75% recycled materials, multiple tiles can be fitted together, making envirotile more attractive to installers than single-tile fit composite products.

Commenting on the updates to Equinox, Conservatory Roofs Manager Sean Bunyan said: “The latest version of our Equinox conservatory roof shows how committed we are to continually improving and developing our products. As styles change, new regulations emerge and materials technology evolves, installers know they can rely on Eurocell to give them the products they need to adapt and compete.”

What hasn’t changed, Eurocell are quick to point out, are the quality assurance and service support they have always provided. The complete Equinox system is guaranteed for 10 years and carries Local Authority Building Control (LABC) and LABSS certification.

Kit quotation requests are turned around within an hour, roofs are delivered in 6 working days, and a dedicated technical support team means help is always at hand.

All components needed to install a complete roof come as part of the Equinox ‘one-box’ kit solution, including tile sheets, hip end caps, ridge and hip top caps and all fixings.

www.eurocell.co.uk/equinox

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Doors & Windows June 2020

New Specification Guide

- VEKA UK is on same page as installers, fabricators and specifiers Industry-leading PVCu systems supplier VEKA UK has launched a brand new specification guide providing manufacturers, installers and specifiers with comprehensive information on all the products within the VEKA UK portfolio. or a brand that is world renowned for both its heritage and its commitment to innovation, the timing of the launch is particularly apt; it coincides with the global VEKA Group’s 50th anniversary, and a cutting edge new www.veka.co.uk website.

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System 10 FlushSash Casement Window

System 10 | FlushSash Casement Window

Features

Technical Drawing

Maximum sash size Side hung: 620mm (w) x 1270mm (h) Outer frames 56mm, 72mm and 84mm outer frames Mullions 70mm or 95mm mullions Sash

Marketing Director Dawn Stockell explains: “Here at VEKA UK, we know our products are perfect for every project, because they are tested to all expected quality and safety accreditations - but more importantly they must meet our own exceptionally high standards.

“Furthermore, as a customer-centric company, having the ‘perfect product’ is just one part of the service; the second part is presenting all that product information within the ideal package, and that’s exactly what we’ve done with both our new specification guide and the new VEKA website.

These resources have made it even easier to specify our industry-leading PVCu systems.

“The guide is over 100 pages and contains everything you need to know about all systems and products within the VEKA, Halo and Imagine brand ranges. From in-depth technical data, technical drawings, and performance results, to information about our technical support services.

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61mm flush sash Finishes Available in a large assortment of colours and woodgrain options from the Variations range and SPECTRAL* Glazing beads 28mm bevelled 28mm sculptured 32mm bevelled 36mm bevelled Ancillaries Frame extensions, cills and weathering trims Range of coupling options Range of bay pole options Thermal performance** Achieves U-values as low as 1.3 W/m2K using double glazing Achieves U-values as low as 1.1 W/m2K using triple glazing

Test Results * SPECTRAL is only available on bevelled or flat surfaces. ** Figures can vary dependent on specification.

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believe the support that complements the spec guide is second to none. Our technical team are only a phone call or an email away and can assist with CAD design, as well as BIM, and wind load or energy calculations (to name just a few of our services), in order to help you specify the perfect system for your project.

“And, for those that prefer a ‘pick and mix’ approach, individual pages can be downloaded by product through the new veka.co.uk site, so customers can effectively put together a bespoke reference guide for their most-used systems.

“The new specification guide comes following the launch of SPECTRAL; the innovative ultramatt finish, unveiled at this year’s FIT Show and shortlisted for ‘Product of the Year’ at the G19 Awards. This means details can be found throughout the guide of all systems that can be specified with the new finish, as well as full details of SPECTRAL on page 14-15. This extraordinary product can be used to elevate the look and even feel of a window or door frame.

“The specification guide itself is a joy to read. I’m really proud of how we’ve managed to fit so much valuable content into such a clear and straightforward document. And, I

“VEKA UK systems offer immense yet intelligent choice. In developing the Variations colour range, we not only focused on getting the colour and texture of every foil just right, we also

Window type

Max sash sizes (wxh)

Air permeability

Water tightness

Side hung reinforced

620mm x 1270mm

Class 4

Class 9A

Resistance to wind Exposure category

A4

1600

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looked at how we could deliver these choices with swift lead times that work for your project. It may be a small detail - but one that means we carry the largest UK stock holding covering 4000 SKUs. “The guide’s combination of line drawings, photographs of products in situ, test reports and results, alongside foil options, specification and sizing with real life case studies - mean the reader has the information and the inspiration needed to perfect every project.

“Putting together such a comprehensive guide was a challenge to say the least, but one that was well worth it; this ‘specification Bible’ is the ultimate reference guide to everything VEKA. It is both exhaustive and easy to use, and I’m looking forward to hearing what customers have to say about it.”

Sign up or log in to download your copy at veka.co.uk

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Doors & Windows June 2020

Home renovators: should you choose French, sliding or bi-folding doors?

Renovation can be an exciting project to undertake, but sometimes guidance is needed when it comes to choosing the right fixtures to ensure your completed renovation is perfect. hen it comes to choosing windows and doors, it can be a difficult task weighing up the pros and cons of each – so how do you know which to choose for your home? Here we will look at the choice between installing French, sliding or bi-folding doors in a renovation.

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French doors are classic For a timeless design that suits any home, French doors are ideal. This design allows easy access in and out of the home without taking up or requiring too much space. They’re ideal for small to medium sized openings in the home, so are perfect for smaller homes too. French doors allow for more light to enter the home than a single door, which can be opened to maximise light and heat in the warmer weather. Many people assume that French doors compromise on security, however they can be easily customisable with locking systems for maximum security, making them great for many types of homeowners.

Aesthetically, they’re also a great option as they are available in

an array of materials, depending on your budget and style, from aluminium, PVCu and timber.

Consider a chic and functional sliding door If you choose sliding doors, your indoor space will instantly feel bigger and brighter. Sliding patio doors consist of large panes of glass that allow for wonderful views to be enjoyed from inside your home as well as a fantastic breeze on a warm summer’s day when opened.

Featuring clean minimalistic lines, patio doors offer both value and versatility. Just like classic French doors, they are available in both PVCu and aluminium in a range of different configurations and colours.

Consider sliding patio doors from Quickslide if you’re looking for a wide garden door with a large glass area and minimalistic features to really open up your downstairs social space.

Bifolding doors can fit any size space If you’re looking to create a seamless transition between the outside and inside, bi-folding doors are the ultimate way to transform your

home because they are visually stunning, whilst still featuring the best of modern-day double glazing.

The doors are versatile and made to measure to fit the aperture.

They’re also available in configurations of 2 panels to 8 panels, making them a suitable option for small, medium and large openings and great to incorporate into any size home.

Due to the weight of the glass panels, bi-folding doors are usually only available in aluminium to guarantee strength whilst also being lightweight and smooth to transition open and close. They are considered a contemporary and modern product in a classic heritage colour but can easily fit in with a more period home.

Before choosing the right doors for you to complete your renovation, ensure that you consider your house type, project type (new build or refurbishment), size of the opening and the budget that you’re working with.

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Doors & Windows June 2020

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.

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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 twin-hipped 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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Editors Choice June 2020

Jobs in the Construction Industry The construction industry is fast becoming a haven for individuals on the lookout for handsome paying jobs on construction sites.

There is no doubting the importance of the construction sector on the economic growth of any country.

If you are the type that loves constructing a fantastic masterpiece with your hands, then this article is for you. You can’t beat the feeling that comes with seeing how successful the work of your hands has become.

To put this into practice, how about we take a look at the top jobs available in the construction industry. Evaluate yourself, check for the job that fits your skills and expertise, then watch how you will conveniently find your way rising to the top.

• Project Engineer If you know your onions in the engineering field and you are looking to get a job with the managerial position, then this job is for you. Here, you are tasked with supervising the engineering projects assigned to you.

Your ultimate aim is to make sure you go far and beyond expectations to deliver great results.

• Construction Estimator A construction estimator is saddled with the responsibility of evaluating projects and providing near-to-accurate costs of executing a given project successfully. You are expected to pay attention to even the tiniest of details concerning a project.

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• Journeyman Electrician Someone looking to secure a job in this field is expected to have the technical know-how of installing and maintaining electrical systems both at home and commercial project sites.

You must take pleasure in finding the source of any problem an electrical system might be facing and at the same time, providing prompt solutions to such a problem.

• Construction Superintendent A construction superintendent plays an integral part in the execution of a project. As a superintendent, you have to be around to supervise any project given you, right from the onset to the end of the project.

Not only that, you must be accountable for all the activities that take place on the site. You are to ensure that the construction site is kept safe and secure.

• Pipe-fitter To be the best fit for this job, you need to have gotten yourself immersed in the knowledge of some basic techniques. Basically, you will be working with metals a lot. It is then expected of you to use skills such as cutting, bending soldering and the likes, to shape your metals to your desired forms and shapes for construction sites.

In addition, you are expected to convey the pipes needed for

construction to the appropriate sites and also install them.

• Plumber One must say this job is quite challenging. However, if you’ve acquired enough training on repairing and fixing water pipes for homes and buildings, you shouldn’t let this job pass you by.

Plumbers are expected to identify and provide a solution to the leaks that may occur in pipes run for domestic purposes. Pipes run through sink drains, toilets and other domestic purposes often develop faults after a while. A plumber is expected to come in easily and put an end to any issue that may arise.

• Equipment Operator Often time, some construction sites require the use of some heavy machinery. Equipment operators are charged with ensuring the safe use and proper care of the equipment in use.

Their services are commonly employed on sites where demolition or construction is to take place or sites where logging of wood is frequent.

Final Take Getting a job in the construction industry is not as hard as it is made to be. Thankfully, Jobs is available to help you in your quest to search for the available jobs in the UK. Pay them a visit and secure that dream job in no time.

Needless to say, make sure you’ve evaluated yourself according to your skills before applying for any job.

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, buildings can be heated for less while cutting CO2 emissions.

ecodan.me.uk/cu

Editors Choice June 2020

Supreme Concrete launches new stockist guide for 2020 As part of its commitment to supporting the built environment, Supreme Concrete, the UK’s leading manufacturer of precast concrete products and fencing systems, has released its new stockist guide for 2020.

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The easy to use brochure has been updated to incorporate the latest changes to its extensive product offering following the addition of Anderton Concrete’s building and fencing products into its portfolio. In addition to its updated product offering, the newly refreshed guide provides customers with a simple pricelist to help streamline the planning and specification stages.

selecting specific products for each project they are working on. This can be easily done through the guide’s simple breakdown of the products’ attributes, including colours, textures and pricing.

Mark Swift, Director of Sales for Supreme Concrete, said: “Our latest stockist guide provides a handy catalogue for customers to refer to when

For further information on Supreme’s market leading offering, visit: www.supremeconcrete.co.uk or call 0333 999 2220

“2019 has seen a fantastic increase to our product range, including the inclusion of pre-blended packs of high quality Shearstone Walling Stone, all of which can be found in our new stockist guide.”

Vehicle tracking that works for you

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Editors Choice June 2020

Tips for running a Operating a greener fleet reduces carbon emissions whilst saving costs and improving productivity for businesses of all sizes, but organisations have different ways of “going green.”

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ome employ a vehicle tracking system to help them improve their carbon footprint. This comes with the added benefit of reports and tools that allow them to measure driver performance, a key factor in reducing overall emissions.

Others rely on Eco-Driving, a style of driving behavior that can reduce fuel consumption and minimise vehicle maintenance which costs money and time.

Here are a few simple ways that you can run a greener fleet.

Improving driving styles Monitoring driving style across your fleet can help you lower instances of speeding and reduce harsh braking and acceleration.

If your system provides each of your drivers or vehicles with an overall score based on these three criteria, it’s easy to see where improvements need to be made, especially if the system displays the scores in a league-style table. Speed analysis reports let you see specific instances where a driver exceeded the speed limit or went above what’s considered a safe speed for that stretch of road.

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Improving your fleet’s driving style minimises CO2 emissions from your vehicles, helps save fuel and reduces the risk of accidents on the road, making your fleet safer and cheaper to run.

greener fleet

June 2020 Editors Choice

Embarking on an eco-driving initiative requires thought, planning, and awareness. The idea is for employees to drive smarter, better and to develop good driving practices. There are two points within a journey where simple actions will ensure that you and your employees are driving safely and efficiently.

When preparing for a trip and while on the trip, be sure to: Check your tyres – Check the pressure of your tyres at least once a month, and especially before long trips. Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, resulting in up to 5% more fuel consumption.

Trip reporting & route maps Vehicle tracking shows you the total mileage for your fleet. Driving hours and idling times over a specified period are displayed in simple, easy to read reports, whether you need to see the data by driver or by vehicle. Acting on this insight can improve overall productivity and reduce employee overtime by up to 15%.

A good system shows you the routes your drivers are taking every day, letting you see where they overlap.

Armed with this knowledge, you can streamline your drivers’ daily routines, eliminating unnecessary vehicle usage and the emissions that go with it.

Reducing idling times Traffic is the number one source of idling, but live tracking with traffic information can help your drivers avoid areas of severe congestion, allowing them to take routes that will keep them moving. Instances where the engine is left running unnecessarily, for example when the vehicle is parked, can also be identified and corrected.

Knowing how your drivers are performing out on the roads can help you to decrease idling times by up to 30%. Identifying where your drivers can decrease idling not only saves fuel, it also reduces the emissions your vehicles are releasing into the atmosphere.

Eco-driving Eco-driving, or energy-efficient driving, is a way of driving that reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while decreasing the risk of accidents.

For companies who adopt eco-driving, it can lead to significant savings, both in terms of fuel use and vehicle maintenance.

Avoid unnecessary loads – The heavier a vehicle is, the more fuel it consumes. Avoid carrying or storing unnecessary equipment in your vehicles; this can lead to higher energy consumption.

Check the overall condition of your vehicles – A poorly maintained vehicle can increase your fuel consumption. For example, a clogged air filter fills the engine with dirty air, leading to a loss in power from the internal combustion mixture. Regular maintenance of your fleet saves money on fuel and maintenance and extends the life of your vehicles.

Use air conditioning wisely – Limit its use to just periods of extreme heat and consider venting the vehicle before starting your journey.

At lower speeds, open the vehicle’s windows instead of using air conditioning. However, at higher speeds, it’s more fuel efficient to use the air conditioning.

Avoid over-revving – To avoid overloading your engine, change gears around 2,500 rpm (2,000 rpm for a diesel vehicle). By using your engine optimally, you can reduce your fuel spend by a significant amount.

Creating a greener fleet is a long-term commitment, but it won’t just be the environment seeing the benefit—your bottom line will see the difference, too.

With ever increasing guidelines on emissions and fuel efficiency, having a good vehicle tracking system or a policy of eco-friendly driving will help your organisation get ahead of the curve.

About Quartix The Quartix vehicle tracking system is installed in over 500,000 vehicles and helps more than 13,000 businesses cut costs and save on fuel every day. Providing commercial fleet tracking for cars, coaches and vans throughout France, the UK, US and Europe, the award-winning system offers a host of valuable features for fleet managers. Customer industries range from Construction, Security, Landscaping and everything in between.

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Editors Choice June 2020

Armstrong Ceiling Solutions has simplified its recycling scheme The pioneering programme is now even easier for contractors to use.

The pioneer of ceiling recycling schemes, Armstrong Ceiling Solutions, has fine-tuned its awardwinning* programme to make it as simple and as accessible as possible.

It is now even easier for contractors to reduce their environmental impact and divert waste from landfill which also saves them money from the subsequent taxes as well as from skips and transportation costs.

All contractors are now required to do is simply take down the old Armstrong acoustic mineral ceiling tiles** and stack them on pallets. In partnership with the local distributor, Armstrong will arrange collection free of charge*** and the old tiles will be 100% recycled into new ceiling tiles at the company’s production facility in Gateshead.

The scheme for the UK and Ireland, which has been in place since 2003, enables Armstrong to

minimise its impact on the environment by not only diverting its old products from landfill but also producing mineral ceiling tiles with even higher post-consumer recycled content, currently up to 82%.

As well as the support it gets from distributors, Armstrong has also developed a “green” branch of its Omega network of approved subcontractors, specifically for those installers with proven recycling expertise .. and they claim that as well as saving them landfill tax it also makes then more attractive for main contractors to use.

Armstrong’s recycling programme for demolition, construction and renovation schemes has saved 15 million m2 of old ceiling tiles globally and diverted 61,000 tonnes of waste from landfill. And with

2,000m2 of recycled ceiling tiles equating to 7.6 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill, that is a 14,000 kWh saving on energy.

Projects have included the headquarters of main contractor Kier Construction, the temporary beach volleyball venue at Horse Guards Parade in London, and the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow.

A member of the UK Green Building Council, Armstrong also a partner in the Ceilings Sustainability Partnership, a working party of the AIS (Association of Interior Specialists) technical committee, which delivers on the actions within the Mineral Wool Ceiling Tile Resource Efficiency Action Plan (REAP). The REAP plan is intended to help the sector reduce the amount of mineral wool ceiling tiles going to landfill.

Armstrong recycling case studies also feature as WRAP exemplars, including Birmingham University Hospital where almost 43 tonnes of ceiling tiles were diverted from landfill and an estimated 19.5 tonnes of embodied CO2 were offset.

A new recycling programme leaflet, which has all the criteria information and steps to follow, is available CLICK HERE.

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*Awards include Sustain Magazine 2010; Green Apple 2011; AIS (Association of Interior Specialists) Eco Innovation 2011. **Dated after January 2000

*** Armstrong may apply charges in special circumstances, eg out of hours collections or multiple collections of small quantities.

June 2020

Wellbeing in the construction industry Mental health and wellbeing are no longer corporate buzzwords. Businesses within the construction industry have a real duty to support the wellbeing of its staff. Not only does this foster a strong workplace culture, but can have a positive impact on business too. Happy staff are more productive, and more likely to stay loyal to their company (and, in turn, its customers).

Construction site workers are three times more likely to die by suicide when compared to the average male in the UK, showing the desperate need for more support in the industry. Construction professionals are exposed to long hours, demanding workloads, working away from home, financial uncertainty and physical strain.

Some professionals feel high levels of responsibility and a general lack of support, which leads to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. The environment is also still primarily male, perhaps reinforcing unhelpful male stereotypes leading to some being unwilling or feeling unable to talk about their struggles.

According to UK Construction Week stats, over half of construction professionals have suffered from mental health problems… and they believe their employer could do more to support them.

Though stats show that absenteeism is decreasing, presenteeism and leaveism is on the rise. This means that employees

are coming to work ill, or using their annual leave entitlement when they’re working instead or should be off sick. For professionals in the construction industry this could be particularly dangerous, as mistakes can easily be made if someone isn’t fit to be at work. Employers should make sure that all members of staff, suppliers and contractors are able to take the time off they need to recover.

Stats from the Office for National Statistics show that employees take over for days off due to sickness each year, with many of these days off related to mental health problems.

Employers should prioritise improving wellbeing within the workplace. Healthy and happy employees are less likely to take time off work unless they are genuinely ill, in which case they should be entitled to rest and return to work when they are ready.

In the long run, implementing a wellbeing programme can produce high ROI thanks to increased productivity, less sick days and

higher employee retention rate.

Stats show that over a third of construction workers have taken time off work due to mental health problems. If this number can be reduced thanks to an effective wellbeing programme, this can ultimately save businesses money.

We Are Wellbeing is a strategic wellbeing partner that helps businesses develop a positive company culture where its employees can thrive. Part of the Romero Group, the complementary service offers businesses assistance developing and actioning a wellbeing programme. For those in the construction industry, this can help support staff through periods of stress. Where responsibility is high, hours are long and the pressure is on it’s important to be able to manage stress effectively and a wellbeing programme can help aid this.

Physical health and safety is prioritised in the industry, and it’s high time employers now put the focus on mental health too. Nurturing an open-minded culture where team members are able to open up and talk about their struggles is just the start of building better wellbeing within the industry.

To find out more about We Are Wellbeing, Romero Insurance Brokers’ recommended wellbeing partner, call 0113 281 8110 or visit www.romeroinsurance.co.uk.

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Editors Choice June 2020

Acoustics Academy by Quiet Mark. The new online building sector showcase for verified acoustic solutions A new online platform has been launched to showcase verified acoustics solutions for the building sector.

Acoustics Academy is the latest development from Quiet Mark, the international award for quiet highperformance technology and solutions to unwanted noise.

like comparisons and validation of products, which are organised into a directory for their performance, design, sustainability, suitability and costeffectiveness.

The online showcase provides insight on verified acoustic products, materials and technologies for architects, designers, contractors, builddevelopers, specification-buyers and the wider building sector along with science-made simple commentary and installation insights.

Acoustics Academy will also further educate on the complex technical details of acoustic design solutions, making them more easily accessible, better understood and higher priority, while encouraging design responsibility for health and well-being.

It promises to simplify the complex world of sound design by comparing the most reliable and bestperforming products on the market.

This is achieved through like-for-

Developed in partnership with Quiet Mark’s expert acoustic teams including Anderson Acoustics, Head Acoustics and Intertek, Acoustics Academy uses leading sound measurement expertise to independently review all products

equally and condense complex data to provide accessible market comparisons.

The platform includes every type of acoustic solution for all building application scenarios including; approved specialist Acoustic Glazing, Sound Barriers, Panels, Pumps, Acoustic Doors, Insulation, Commercial Ventilation, Acoustic Plasters and Surfaces and much more.

Example building application areas include, residential, commercial, industrial, schools, offices, healthcare, hospitals, restaurants and public spaces.

Poppy Szkiler, Founder and MD, Quiet Mark says: “Acoustics Academy is our new online platform to serve the Building sector by further equipping and empowering architects, designers and industry with expert-approved acoustic materials, products and solutions.

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“Our buildings must evolve to embrace responsible sound-design to transform living spaces into harmonious soundscapes that deliver excellence in acoustic design and support our desire for quieter living. A property that has been designed acoustically creates a calm environment, reducing stress and supporting mental health.”

May 2020 Editors Choice

Quiet Mark confirmed sound measurement is complicated, saying It’s almost impossible to know how building or interior designs will sound if acoustics are not carefully considered with many foundational material elements involved.

Professionals often don’t know enough about which acoustic products are best to meet the bespoke needs that each building project requires or aware of the latest solutions available to suit their project budgets.

As a result, sound design can often be low on the list of priorities. Products and materials are selected without full understanding of their acoustic performance or the important installation and specification process to make them effective.

This leads to poor acoustics in buildings that do not support human health.

Quiet Mark also believe noise in our built environment can cause short and long-term health problems, including stress, sleep disturbance, increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, as well as hearing impairment. They say our bodies are not designed to cope with these constant intrusions and they take their toll. The World Health Organisation

has defined noise pollution as the biggest threat to public health after air pollution.

As a result, the importance of acoustic design cannot be underestimated especially when open plan living means sound bounces around and quickly amplifies in the absence of absorbing surfaces. Building products and materials that are in harmony with nature are vital for calm living, working and leisure environments.

They believe a quiet environment is essential to help us recharge from the noise of modern life, including the constant mechanical soundtrack from road and air traffic, which creates an assault on our senses.

Turning down the volume on our lives allows quietness to restore and rebalance our physical and mental rhythms, recharging our energy and creating clarity of thought.

This is especially true for those with autism, dementia and people of any age with sensitive hearing who need help to find solutions to protect hearing and prevent hearing loss.

Quiet Mark, associated with the UK Noise Abatement Society charitable foundation (est.1959), has been leading

the Quiet Revolution for over eight years. Quiet Mark engages directly with industry, manufacturers, consumers, retailers and influencers establishing noise-reduction and acoustic design as key considerations in product development.

Quiet Mark educates millions of consumers on the impact of noise in the home environment through new national retailer partnerships with Argos, ASDA, Currys Dixons, John Lewis, Very, Littlewoods and more, presenting a clear, easy way to identify quieter products.

Through its pioneering acoustic tests, and validation of manufacturers performance claims, Quiet Mark awards its distinctive Purple ‘Q’ Mark to products that are the quietest highperformance models in their category and noise reduction solutions to equip designers to build and design better buildings.

Quiet Mark emailus@quietmark.com Tel: 01273 823850 Quiet Mark: www.quietmark.com Acoustics Academy: www.quietmark.com/building/ building-sector

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June 2020

REGENERATED RESIDENTIAL ESTATE IN LONDON UTILISING LANGLEY’S FLAT TO PITCHED ROOF SOLUTION Flat to Pitched roofing conversion is an excellent way of regenerating an estate or building by not only changing the roof of the building but, also extending its life expectancy and cost effectiveness of the building’s lifetime.

An example of a residential estate utilising this initiative was Enfield Council.

As part of a wide scale refurbishment project to improve the aesthetic outlook and services within the local area, Enfield Council employed Playle and Partners LLP who contracted ENGIE Regeneration. ENGIE partnered with Langley Structures to complete ten Flat to Pitched (FTP) roof conversions.

By implementing the FTP system, Enfield Council benefits from an improved aesthetic look of the buildings and an opportunity to make changes, including meeting modern building standards.

Long-term maintenance of social housing roof assets is a key component of a council’s planning.

Therefore, a durable pitched roof solution, reducing maintenance costs opposed to maintaining the existing flat roofing system was also beneficial.

Initially Langley compiled a comprehensive client specification which comprised of the following design work; • • • • •

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Plan and evaluations.

Existing and proposed drawings for planning.

Roof cores to existing roof to determine the construction and assembly.

Dead load and wind calculations to determine fixing pattern and pull out resistance.

Final drawings for the client’s approval.

The four symmetrical ’L shaped’ roofs posed an initial challenge to design. This was due to the different depths of each roof segment, which meant a varying ridge height. Careful

consideration was needed, and the decision was made to move the centre line of the ridge, having minimal impact on the aesthetic look of the buildings.

independent building that was situated on Cross Roads. There were three architype designs altogether for the buildings with FTP conversions.

Once the design of the roofs was confirmed with the client, Langley created final drawings which incorporated four designs. Four of the buildings were made up of two blocks that were joined by a podium that incorporated garages, which in total included eight roofs.

Located on Bowes Road, these buildings were all identical and were assigned one FTP system design that incorporated the L shaped roof and the smaller square roof. There was also another building on Bowes Road that had a different design alongside another

Before progressing on with the steel framework for the FTP conversions, all six buildings had a minimum of one mains water tank on the existing system, the elimination of the mains water from the roofs made the tanks redundant. The decision was made to demolish the tanks, which meant decontaminating them initially and then a highly stringent safety plan to remove the large concrete structures which posed a number of risks. Their removal meant that the roof’s pitch could be lower,

June 2020 harmonised with surrounding buildings in the area and improving the aesthetic finish of the roofs.

Before

The independent building on Bowes Road had existing elements within its flat roof that were initially problematic. Alongside the water tanks was a light well within the roof. It was a potential health and safety risk to those that require access to the newly constructed pitched roof void. This was overcome with hot rolled transfer steels designed by Langley to close off the light well. This allowed a reduction in height from which the ENGIE team of the FTP system were then able to work from.

Within the steel structure of the pitched roof, existing apertures were used to incorporate a new sun tube to allow natural light into the building and to maintain daylight savings—this was an opportunity to introduce a new automated passive smoke extract systems to the communal areas.

After

By using the existing apertures, it also meant reducing building and decorative works externally and internally for the client. This reduced disturbance to residents living in the building which was occupied throughout the project.

A fire rated duct provided a sealed riser to the automated louvre mounted on a roof top kerb. The smoke louvre’s powder coated finish was matched with the predominate two-tone tile colour to reduce the visual impact on the roof-line.

As part of the wider refurbishment, Langley supported the refurbishment design of two buildings that had existing pitched felted roofs on Massey Close. After a comprehensive building and risk assessment, asbestos was removed at the verge and soffits and replaced with aluminium components. The buildings were finished with Langley lightweight tiles, in keeping with the other refurbishments in the area.

Sarah Primarolo, Architect at Playle & Parners LLP said ‘we have had a positive experience working with Langley on this project from design stages through to completion on site. The regular inspection correspondence and site progress photographs were particularly helpful’.

Chris Marlow, ENGIE Senior Quantity Surveyor said ‘ENGIE has, with the assistance of Langley, successfully delivered five, flat to pitch roof conversions for our mutual client, the London Borough of Enfield on Bowes Road. From the inception of the scheme, the design team on behalf of Langley provided detailed design information and addressed any issues and obstacles with

reasonable time-frames. Regular inspections and reports were carried out on site to ensure, in line with ENGIE management, that the required quality levels for the works were achieved.’

Once all the works were complete, Langley provided Enfield Council with their 20-year insurance backed guarantee that covers both materials and installation.

To find out more, we have a ‘Lightweight Structural Frames: Design and Installation Over Existing Flat Roofs’ online CPD Seminar available. To book contact enquiries@langley.co.uk Or visit, www.langleystructures.co.uk for more information about their services.

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Tools, Equipment & PPE June 2020

Snickers LITEWork Working Clothes for the Summer The innovative new quickdrying fabrics in this lightweight workwear make them a must for the summer months.

A change of season means a change of focus on what you wear on site. That’s why Snickers NEW LITEWork clothing can help you keep your cool when you’re working in sunny, warm and humid environments.

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The ergonomic, body-mapping Trousers, Shirts, Shorts, midlayer Jackets and Windproofers have all the comfort and functionality of other Snickers Workwear stretch garments but give extra freedom of movement on site.

Just like high performance sportswear, they are superlight, quick-drying garments – with ventilation and moisture transport features - that keep you looking smart and feeling cool wherever you are on site in warm weather.

After all, keeping a balanced work temperature is not just about staying cool it’s a matter of your wellbeing and job safety.

So, to make sure you get the right protection, flexibility, durability and ventilation, check

out the Snickers Workwear product families for precisely the right garments to fit your workday.

Getting information on the Snickers’ new LITEWork clothing is easy. You can call the Snickers Helpline on 01484 854788, checkout the website and download a digital catalogue at www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or email sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk

June 2020

Get the coverage you need with the new JSP Helmet Mounted Cough Guard

With Construction companies back to work and social distancing measures in place, JSP have developed the new Helmet Mounted Cough Guard, an easy to fit screen which provides an extra layer of secondary protection against droplets and aerosols. It will reduce the likelihood of any exhaled airborne droplets directly contacting the wearer’s face and discourage the wearer from touching their eyes and face.

It is the only verified cough guard designed to fit both micro peak and standard peak helmet variants of the JSP Evolution® range of Safety Helmets. It is the ideal system to aid social distancing on site and will help protect the wearer, if an unavoidable two-person task is required in a restricted area.

The JSP Cough Guard fits easily to the EVOLite®, EVO®2, EVO®3, EVO®4, EVO®5 and leaves the helmet accessory slots free for users to fit the JSP Sonis® range of helmetmounted ear defenders. It is

also compatible with the JSP range of respiratory products.

Please note this product is not PPE as defined by the EU PPE Regulation 2016/425 and does not meet the requirements of EN166 (including splash protection or impact protection) and must be worn with primary safety eyewear or goggles.

Please do not hesitate to contact JSP if you have any technical queries or would like any advice on Respiratory Protection for sites.

www.jspsafety.com

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Tools, Equipment & PPE June 2020

ENGEL HIGH-VIZ WORKWEAR HELPS SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT A brand new range of High Visibility protective safety clothing with 50% of the material made from recycled plastic bottles has been introduced by leading workwear manufacturer ENGEL WORKWEAR.

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June 2020 Tools, Equipment & PPE

Called ‘Safety Light’ each item of clothing from the comprehensive collection can be verified to consist of polyester fibres ultimately spun from a specific number of plastic bottles to make up 50% of its content; this is combined with 40% cotton and 10% standard polyester (245 g/m2) to produce a cool-towear, durable fabric.

The long established Danish company has worked closely with UNIFI, one of the world’s most advanced recycling centres, which transforms the recycled bottles into a polyester yarn called REPREVE©.

Commenting on his company’s innovative initiative, the CEO of Engel Workwear, John Engel said: “We are delighted to be able to make a positive contribution in helping to reduce the impact of the single-

use Global plastic waste crisis by putting many thousands of otherwise discarded bottles to further practical purpose. By doing so, we are able to not only do our bit to help improve the environment, but also be the first to use this versatile fabric to produce a unique range of lightweight, hardwearing and comfortable highvisibility clothing which will help keep our customers safe” The smart, mix-and-match range includes boiler suits (containing 37 plastic bottles), work-jackets (20 bottles), trousers (19 bottles) with CORDURA kneepad pockets and elasticated waistband, bib-overalls (23 bottles) and shorts (14 bottles), all with many practical pockets and comfort-design features; there is also a specific selection especially for women called ‘Ladies Light’, all with the same benefits. The

‘Safety Light’ range forms part of the company’s new 2020 ‘Safety’ collection which will be on display on Stand SH2430 at the Safety & Health Expo, ExCel Exhibition Centre, London: 19th-21st May 2020.

REPREVE® Unifi, Inc For more information contact Gareth Bladen – email: gbl@f-engel.com Telephone: +44(0) 7759 520034 or visit: www.engel.eu/en

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Tools, Equipment & PPE June 2020

FULL SUPPORT FROM REDBACKS CUSHIONING Redbacks Cushioning Limited was formed by Chairman Cliff Lockyer in 2011 in order to develop a new cushioning technology designed to help protect knees and body from injury whilst kneeling.

Despite the wide availability of kneepads over many years, there were still high numbers of people working on their knees suffering pain and damage.

Clearly there was a need for something new and more effective.

Having thoroughly researched the protective clothing market, it confirmed Cliff Lockyer’s belief that existing knee pads did little to cushion, comfort or protect the user’s knees or the body from long term damage.

Says Lockyer, “We discovered then that statistics were even worse than they are now with the NHS carrying out over 106,000 knee replacements per year and 9.6 million adults in the UK suffering from muscoloskeletal (MSK) conditions affecting joints, bones and muscles.

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We knew that for our knee pads to be really effective they needed to be made with soft, flexible material and not foam or gel, as pressure from kneeling causes them to eventually flatten or disintegrate.

The secret to our own science therefore lies in the use of a special moulded leaf-spring suspended in an arch by a flexible honeycomb matrix.

When pressure is applied directly above the spring it bends, dispersing pressure and distributing weight evenly.

The matrix provides a holding mechanism for the spring to control its bend and stabilise the entire structure, allowing pressure to be distributed evenly time after time.

The honeycomb matrix and the leaf-spring are made from the same thermoplastic injection-

moulded material, ensuring a high compression rate which unlike foam or gel ensures a 100% recovery to its original shape; the combination gives the unique controlled distribution and deceleration of pressure thus protecting the rest of the body from the impact forces whilst kneeling giving the wearer unrivalled, all-day comfort and long-term knee protection, with the added benefit of helping to prevent back and neck pain”.

Using precisely the same technology the company produces two versions of kneepads, one which is curved

June 2020 Tools, Equipment & PPE

to fit comfortably around the knee and slide easily into work trouser pockets and a strapped alternative which is offered with a choice of Neoprene strap fastenings - buckled, for use in dusty conditions and ‘loop & hook’; they have a water resistant cover and are designed to be worn on bare skin without chafing, or over trousers, whilst ensuring that they stay in the correct position when kneeling, walking or sitting.

Both the Redbacks pocket and strapped kneepads have a soft, breathable, inner fabric that wicks away sweat whilst providing thermal protection from warm or cold surfaces.

The company has also introduced a Kneeler pad which has multiple applications in and around the home and office as well as being a practical, every-day ‘tool’ for many trades and professions.

The ‘Redbacks Kneeler’ features 28 multidirectional leaf-springs giving all-round pressuredistribution and knee and body support; comfortable to kneel, sit and even stand on for short or long periods it is non-slip, waterproof, penetration resistant, easy to carry and as with all Redbacks products, washable at 30c and 100% recyclable.

Redbacks Cushioning Limited is a member of BSIF and has won a number of awards for its kneepad design, one of the most significant being the prestigious SATRA Best Innovation Occupational PPE Award in 2012; professional tradespeople who are readers of some of the UK’s leading trade publications have also voted in nationwide polls for Redbacks as award winning products.

All Redbacks Cushioning products are patented worldwide.

For more information or to become a supplier – Contact: sales@redbackscushioning.com Visit: www.redbackscushioning.com or telephone + 44 (0) 1327 702104 + see Redbacks Cushioning (@redbacks_cushioning) • Instagram ..

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March 2020

NEW EVO®VISTA™ DUALSWITCH™ helmet certified to both EN397 and EN12492 with integrated eye protection The EVO®VISTA™ DUALSWITCH™ helmet provides the perfect solution and protection for those needing both Head Protection for working at ground level and working at height combined with Eye Protection in the form of a lens or shield which is fully integrated and fully compatible.

Combining the new EVO®VISTA™ retractable eyewear helmet technology with the innovative DUALSWITCH™ chinstrap harness system, it is easy for the wearer to switch between working

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at ground level standard EN397 and working at height safety standard EN12492 by flicking a switch.

At the same time, the EVO®VISTA™ DUALSWITCH™ helmet provides individuals with compatible integrated Optical class 1 eye protection which is fully retractable when not in use and cannot be lost by the user or damaged on site after issue. Wearers can wear their own spectacles under the lens or shield saving additional costs to companies for prescription safety eyewear.

The EVO®VISTA™ DUALSWITCH™ Helmet offers the choice of either a VISTAlens™ or VISTAshield™ depending on the levels of protection and performance required.

Select the EVO®VISTAlens™ DUALSWITCH™ Optical class 1 overspec

for an unobstructed wide view lens conforming to EN166.1.FT.KN providing F rated impact protection - tested with 6mm steel ball bearing at speeds of up to 100mph (160kph), even at extreme temperatures with anti-scratch and anti-mist coatings. Or choose the EVO®VISTAshield™ DUALSWITCH™ Optical class 1 eyeshield which offers a clear panoramic view conforming to EN166.1.AT.KN providing A rated impact protection - tested with 6mm steel ball bearing at speeds of up to 425mph (685kph), even at extremes of temperature with anti-scratch and antimist coatings.

The EVO® VISTA DUALSWITCH™ range has been designed to be fully compatible with JSP respirators such as the Force™8 PressToCheck™ and the Sonis® helmet-mounted ear defender range. www.jspsafety.com

© Petzl Distribution - Vuedici.org

PETZL HEAD PROTECTION SOLUTIONS Petzl helmets provide efficient and effective impact protection in the event of a fall or from a falling object.

For Petzl, head protection represents more than simply wearing a helmet. We work tirelessly so that professionals have comfortable helmets that fit well, as well as an entire range of accessories to address the needs of all professionals in any situation.

The DUAL chinstrap feature allows you to change the strength of your helmet’s chinstrap to adapt the helmet to the hazards anticipated in your work environment.

Designed for comfort and equipped with ventilation holes with sliding shutters, the VERTEX VENT HI-VIZ helmet easily integrates the VIZIR visor and its protector, as well as the TACTIKKA CORE headlamp. www.petzl.com

the.newt

Cantifix create Europe’s largest piece of glass

The UK’s leading innovative architectural glazing specialists, Cantifix, have created an impressive vision by using ground-breaking glass technology to install the largest single pane of glass Europe has seen, stretching an incredible 13.6m wide and weighing over 3.5t, at The Newt in Somerset.

creating.the.extraordinary t. 020 8203 6203 | e. info@cantifix.co.uk | www.cantifix.co.uk

@cantifix

IPG congratulates MERLYN on turning 20 in 2020!

June 2020

With innovation and design at the forefront of MERLYN’s ethos, they celebrated this month with the launch at Kbb of an exciting addition to their beautiful Arysto Collection - The Arysto X a beautifully designed, virtually frameless, sliding door. And the new revo designer rail and storage solution. MERLYN also proudly unveiled their new Arysto Colour range as well as their frameless shower walls from their visually stunning MERLYN Black Range. These stunning touches are designed to offer a sophisticated and stylish alternative to the traditional chrome and bring a sense of wellness and revitalisation to your showering experience.

Additionally, MERLYN launched new Slip Resistant Level25 and Touchstone Shower Trays. Further complemented by their range of Truestone colour shower trays available in a variety sizes, providing the perfect accompaniment to any MERLYN shower enclosure.

Glenn Fisher, Managing Director at The IPG said: “It is a fantastic achievement to turn 20 in an industry which hasn’t been without its challenges over the last 2 decades. MERLYN’s success can be attributed to their ability to remain relevant and to continue to innovate and produce quality bathroom collections.

Kbb this month offered MERLYN an excellent opportunity to meet retail partners and launch their stunning mix of ‘on trend’ showering solutions and brand new, exciting innovations.”

Barry Hoyne, MERLYN’s Commercial Director says, “Kbb Birmingham is one of Europe’s leading Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom shows so it was the perfect event for us to gauge retailer/client reaction to our new products. We take so much pride and consideration into our product design that it was great to see how our retail partners respond first-hand.”

The IPG are thrilled to work alongside MERLYN, ensuring that independent merchants can purchase the companies’ products, along with access to marketing materials and distribution channels to better support their business.

The IPG was founded on the belief that independent merchants should have a stronger voice in today’s market, and the opportunity to offer their customers the best brands locally at great prices.

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CONSTRUCTION UPDATE Recommended Suppliers

We design and supply bags and cradles globally that secure nonstandard loads ready for lifting to height using winches and cranes.

PafBag Limited Unit C14, Alison Business Centre, Alison Crescent, Sheffield, S2 1AS, United Kingdom

www.lifting-bags.co.uk 0114 3241224

Pool lock safety pool cover you will no longer have to worry about your loved ones.

PoolLock UK Ltd. Gatwick Business Park, Unit 2B, Kennel Lane, Hookwood, RH6 0AH, Horley, United Kingdom

www.poollock.com +44 1293 77 44 14 +44 1293 77 44 33

SAiGE Longlife Decking Ltd are proud of the high quality composite products that we supply to the UK, Irish and European Markets.

SAiGE Longlife Decking Ltd Vicarage Barns, Lower Quinton, Stratford-uponAvon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom, CV37 8SG

www.compositedecking.co.uk +44 (0) 1789 721 576