Home Designer and Architect - June 2022

HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT

MAGAZINE June 2022

Chris Goggin reviews the operational and ecological benefits of using BioLPG and DME as an alternative fuel source for off-grid rural domiciles and businesses.

BIOLPG & R DME - THE DECARBONISING HIGH PERFORMERS FOR OFF-GRID SITES

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BIOLPG & R DME - THE DECARBONISING HIGH PERFORMERS FOR OFF-GRID SITES Rinnai heating and hot water units supplying limitless hot water on demand to all off-grid sites

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Chris Goggin reviews the operational and ecological benefits of using BioLPG and DME as an alternative fuel source for off-grid rural domiciles and businesses.

innai hot water heating units and systems which are off-grid can be powered by LPG and BioLPG – a lower carbon intensive alternative source of fuel. Alternative energy is currently in demand due to recent developments in Ukraine that have radically altered the global energy landscape.

Current energy market conditions could potentially introduce further alternative fuel sources such as renewable biofuel Dimethyl ether (DME). Renewable DME is similar to LPG. R DME is a molecule-based fuel that can be produced through a wide range of renewable feedstocks which allows for quick and long-term sustainable production.

R DME combusts cleanly and releases no “soot” emissions. Dimethyl ether has many fuel properties that make it easily used in sites and appliances using heating oil. It has a very high cetane number, which is a measure of the fuel’s ignitibility in compression ignition engines. The energy efficiency and power ratings of DME and heating oil engines are virtually the same. R DME is safe and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% better improving local air quality.

Prior to this development LPG was the lowest carbon emitting source of fuel for the 15% of UK businesses and domiciles that function off-grid. BioLPG contains an almost identical chemical structure to LPG, meaning that a current Rinnai system is futureproofed and can accept either BioLPG or LPG.

biodiesel, around 50 kg of BioLPG is produced from this gas stream. This co-product is then purified to make it identical to conventional propane.

BioLPG consists of renewable materials derived from a diverse mix of sustainable biological feedstocks and processes. Supported through cleaner sourced chemical ingredients BioLPG provides huge benefits in carbon reductions and air quality, compared to traditional off-grid fuels such as heating oil.

BioLPG carries identical low NOx, SOx and PM as conventional LPG. NOx and SOx are acronyms relating to Nitrogen (NOx) and sulphur (SOx) oxide emissions which result from energy consumption and production that involves combustion. PM relates to particulate matter – solid matter and liquid droplets released by various chemical fluctuations generated through technology.

Each unit of energy produced for consumption is responsible for releasing a measurement of harmful carbon dioxide. Coal releases 100 units of carbon dioxide per unit of energy yielded; petrol and diesel produce 70 units - natural gases 50 units. BioLPG releases no harmful emissions at all. DME performs to a higher standard when compared to heating oil, for instance PM emissions are virtually nullified.

As well as LPG and BioLPG, additional low carbon fuels are beginning to be produced, tested and approved for future and current use. DME has been tested extensively on vehicle use in Europe and North America. In one instance of testing a customer managed to operate 10 vehicles for 750,000 miles using DME as opposed to traditional vehicle fuels.

BioLPG is conceptually renewable and sustainable, as it is made from a blend of waste, residues, and sustainably sourced materials. BioLPG, can be described as an eco-propane, the chemical makeup of this gas is identical to LPG and is therefore compatible with existing in situ LPG products from a combustion perspective.

In the BioLPG manufacturing process, feedstocks undergo a series of complex treatments. They are combined with hydrogen in a process called hydrogenolysis which separates and purifies their energy content.

During the refining procedure, a variety of waste gases are produced that contain BioLPG. For every tonne of

LPG and BioLPG is the ideal solution for rural or off-grid commercial business use. An adaptation to BioLPG is simple and swift. New BioLPG units can be “dropped in.” A drop-in BioLPG is transmissible with existing LPG infrastructure, such as LPG storage tanks, water heating systems or any other existing LPG appliance.

No expensive or intricate upgrades on current off-grid gas outlets are required to use BioLPG. The transition to BioLPG will ensure businesses can continue to operate normally and efficiently with limited disruption ensuring minimum stress as no technical adjustments are required to your heating and hot water system. BioLPG can be considered a convenient and non-intrusive minimum-carbon solution for offgrid businesses and homes.

BioLPG performance is indistinguishable from that of LPG. BioLPG provides instant on-demand heat and hot water without storage and limited adjustments required for use.

Europe and the wider world have entered a new age in many respects, certainly so in terms of energy provision and security. Coupled with global decarbonisation targets and efforts, how separate nations provide domestic power and where this fuel is imported from has become a serious issue. BioLPG and other fuels like DME successfully navigate these ethical issues and deliver all suited power requirements.

BioLPG can be considered to maintain equal performance when compared to LPG, as DME can also be when measured against diesel. BioLPG is as easily purchased and utilized as LPG and helps create cleaner local air and helps meet international decarbonisation targets.

Rinnai is a global leader in the manufacture of hot water heating units, producing over 2 million units a year. Rinnai hot water units and systems operate on each of the 5 continents and has an established reputation for high performance, robust cost efficiency and extended working lives.

Rinnai products offer a limitless supply of instantaneous temperature controlled hot water. Rinnai units are UKCA certified and are A-rated for efficiency. Any unit can be delivered to any UK site within 24 hours.

Rinnai units are also 20% blends hydrogen-ready, and the company offers comprehensive training courses and technical support through their “Help Me Choose” webpage.

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

HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT

CONTENTS June 2022

10 Industry News

18 Kitchens

14 Roofing Case Study

32 Bathrooms

CONtact US Jake Page

Publication Manager

01843 581364

jake@homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk

Jenna Burridge

Editor

01843 581364

jenna@homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk

I N V I TAT I O N D U R AV I T D E S I G N D AY S 2 0 2 2 O N L I N E 2 2 ND M A R C H 2 0 2 2 - 0 4 : 0 0 P. M . C E T

MORE DESIGN.

M O R E D U R A V I T.

MORE YOU.

Join us for the Duravit Design Days 2022. We will inspire you with three spectacular design series and two renowned international designers as well as a new range of faucets designed by Philippe Starck. Experience the latest Duravit insights, international design trends and sustainable innovations on the 22nd of March 4:00 p.m. CET.

R E G I S T E R N O W A N D V I S I T W W W . D U R A V I T. C O M / D D D 2 2

Abode launch truly traditional instant hot water tap,

Pronteau ProTrad

The super-luxe and prime residential markets are set to be a key part of the UK’s economic recovery going forwards and our research shows that luxury is being redefined for a new generation of home buyers wanting added convenience in the kitchen, which is stylish and sustainable. We are therefore keen to convey why our Pronteau range is the steaming hot water tap of choice for future-proof, environmentally aware design briefs and in support of this paradigm shift, we are proud to launch Pronteau ProTrad: a truly traditional hot tap design, available in 3 IN 1 and 4 IN 1 models.

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ecognised as a must-have kitchen appliance, the hot tap is now reportedly fitted in 40% of new kitchens, and the brand new Pronteau ProTrad is adding huge value to eco-friendly new builds and home updates with a series of financial rewards for the end user like reduced energy and water consumption.

Astbury and Ludlow collections also by Abode. The innovative Pronteau ProTrad steaming hot water tap is available in both 3 IN 1 and 4 IN 1 variants offering 75 - 98° instant filtered steaming hot water, as well as your regular hot and cold functions. The ProTrad 4 IN 1 also provides fresh filtered cold water, ideal for optimising wellness and it’s also kinder to the planet.

Offering modern functionality traditionally styled, ProTrad is designed and developed by the prestigious in-house design team at Abode, is inspired by the bestselling

The hot water temperature is set via the PROBOIL.2X under sink boiler: intelligent hot water boiler, offering fast and troublefree deliver y of steaming hot filtered

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water at the touch of a handle. The next generation in intelligent hot water boilers and rigorously field-tested, the PB2X Boiler offers a 2-litre stainless steel tank, toolless installation and is an insulated model with low running costs, quick re-boil times and simple intuitive digital controls.

In fact, ProTrad 4 IN 1 offers a more sustainable way of living by supplying households with fresh filtered water so that instead of buying bottled water, end users can reduce the amount of single use plastic in the home, and play a significant role in protecting the environment.

Also answering demand for environmentally friendly lifestyle choices and product solutions that are more economical and make for a greener future, UK customers can now take advantage of the Abode Filter Recycle Scheme, which is 100% unique to Abode in the industry www.proboil.co.uk Giving its customers extra peace of mind by ensuring redundant filters are recycled at the point of the product’s end of life, all you need to do is return your used filter and they’ll take care of the rest! Once it has collected a sizable batch, the company will send the filters to its approved recycle partner who responsibly oversees the separation of each component part.

Ideal for homeowners who want classic style with contemporary convenience, ProTrad is available in three high fashion finishes: Antique Brass, Chrome and Brushed Nickel. Quintessentially classic by design, ProTrad will sit perfectly in a kitchen scheme that is traditional in style, which is why the ProTrad is serving real needs in the classic design community.

Coming soon is our HotKey® collection, featuring design and technology which helps guarantee safety and prevent accidents in the home. The steaming hot water is operated by a magnetic HotKey® which is placed on the front of the tap. This fob can then be hidden out of children’s reach, placed high up on a magnetic surface like an extractor or fridge-freezer, or on the back of the tap for optimum safety. Steaming hot water can only be dispensed when the HotKey® is in the operating position at the front of the tap. Hidden inside the tap body, a proximity sensor detects when the HotKey® is nearby, activating the boiler to release steaming hot water through a separate central channel to the spout and without it, the tap becomes an ordinary 3-way mixer tap.

We believe our HotKey® collection is probably the safest on the market as the instant hot water cannot be dispensed without the presence of that HotKey®.

Exclusive innovations like this open up Pronteau to a new set of homeowners living with dexterity problems or arthritis, as well as those concerned about safety in a family or multi-generational home.

The Pronteau ProTrad 3 IN 1 and 4 IN 1 steaming hot water taps take classic kitchen design to an iconic, architecturally sensitive level like never before. Exclusively designed to convene modern lifestyles yet maintain its design integrity in a classic kitchen, ProTrad does not compromise on style or user safety to create a high-performance wash zone that is well-considered, functional and on theme.For further information, please contact Pronteau by Abode: t: 01226 283 434 e: info@abodedesigns.co.uk w: www.pronteau.co.uk For the latest company updates, please follow Abode on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUSTAINABLE WOOD FINISH Consumers today are more conscious than ever about the sustainability credentials of the products they buy and use.

There is a clear trend for switching to more sustainable and environmentally friendly products. That’s why so many people turn to Osmo when looking for a wood finish, as it’s not only high-quality, durable and easy to maintain, but it is also made from sustainable ingredients.

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A Sustainable Solution

Choosing the right finish

FSC© Certification

The foundation of Osmo wood finishes is based upon purified and refined natural resources which are carefully harvested into natural oils and hard waxes.

Osmo products contain natural vegetable oils to help nourish the wood and retain flexibility.

Depending on the product, they might include: linseed oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil as well as thistle oil. The interior range of hard wax oil products also contains natural plant waxes carnauba wax and candelilla wax, offering wear resistance and repellency. Furthermore, our extensively cleaned pigments have been approved for use in the food industry.

Osmo’s mission is to preserve the natural beauty and durability of wood with only the highest quality and environmentally friendly products. Products made from wood; from flooring to furniture, are made from organic matter, so will continue to need nourishment to ensure the product stays in the best possible condition, both aesthetically and structurally.

Our advice is to make use of a high-quality finish, full of natural ingredients to complement the woods properties. This will ensure that the wood continues to breathe and respond well to environmental conditions, removing any possibility of cracking or and blistering.

Osmo supports sustainable forestry and works diligently to ensure that the origin of timbers used can be proven. To help improve, and with our natural resources in mind, Osmo has taken on the high standard of FSC©-certification for certain products. In choosing an Osmo product, you can be reassured that the product is not just good for wood, but good for the environment too.

For more information on Osmo and its range of environmentally friendly and sustainable products and finishes, call Osmo UK direct on 01296 481220 or alternatively visit www.osmouk.com.

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COP A LOAD OF THE NEW BUILDING REGULATIONS TO STOP BUILDINGS OVERHEATING Lignacite, one of the country’s leading and globally celebrated architecture.

It may be hard to believe that the ‘sustainability’ concept as it’s known today is less than 30 years old: it appeared for the first time in 1987.

Climate change (or global warming) conversely was first recognised as an issue more than 100 years ago.

We can berate ourselves for the irresponsible damage we caused in the first 70 years, or we can focus on what we can do now.

The impact human activity has on the environment is now a big part of our children’s’ education, our dayto-day lives and is a global concern.

In an overpopulated world where resources are exploited, the planet has no time to regenerate so we are finally changing our ways.

The construction industr y was identified as one of the worst culprits many years ago, and the spotlight has been upon it ever since; house builders seem to be getting squeezed the most. Despite more than 2.2 million new residential buildings being built in England since 2010, we’re not yet achieving the 300,000 per year target, and some argue that we would actually need to build 340,000 each year to catch up with the current level of demand. Our overpopulation needs addressing fast with more new homes. The problem is that we’re constantly being bombarded with new building regulations, new rules and new guidance that we very quickly need to adopt in order to keep moving forward towards the (moving) targets.

The latest update to building regs, specifically focused on the residential sector is Approved Document O: Overheating. The goals of this new regulation are to stop us from

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cooking in our homes, to stop us simply cranking up the air-con as the planet heats up, and to stop us burning up energy with fans and air conditioning which draw us further away from net zero.

So, what does AD O say? Fundamentally, it restricts the areas of glass you’re allowed to have unless important criteria are met. Do we really have to live in the dark to be cool and kinder to the planet?

Will we be facing the prospect of living in the dark like they did when the window tax was introduced in 1696? No, it’s not all doom and gloom (literally).

Shutters, external blinds, overhangs, awnings and of course, solar control glass are the suggested solutions, but they are in the most, designed to block natural, unfiltered daylight and in some cases, our vision out.

Under Document O shading also has to be ‘Fixed’ and ‘Passive’, so no moving or so-called dynamic systems are allowed. This is a no-brainer in terms of sustainability since dynamic systems need energy to or human intervention to operate and are therefore under a limited life cycle before maintenance or replacement is required.

Furthermore, when they’re down they block your vision out and if it’s even vaguely windy they have to retract.

So, these fixed, passive shading options won’t damage the environment once in place, but we should still, as responsible constructors, consider the ‘cost’ of manufacturing them? What is the number one solution when it comes to keeping buildings cool, whilst limiting the impact on the environment? What we are comparing in terms of Approved Document O compliant shading products simply comes

down to the materials they ’re constructed from: metal, plastic, acrylic, vinyl or glass.

Metal is the stand-out winner, and of the metals, copper is the most sustainable and environmentally friendly. It’s also handily thermally conductive, so if we’re using it to protect us from the sun’s heat, it’s doing half the job for us.

Copper is one of the most sustainable materials available. Its durability offers long service with little maintenance. Its antimicrobial properties destroy pathogenic microorganisms that cause disease.

And its high scrap value and ability to be continuously recycled without any loss in performance ensure its responsible management as a valuable resource.

And all this before we add the element of design, engineering and physics to products we can create using copper.

Now Google ‘copper solar shading’. Or go straight to smartlouvre.co.uk

CLASSIC TIMELESS

outdoor furniture

Rustic Vintage Style Furniture

HARROGATE Range

Truro Range

Shipston Armchair Non Wood Slats Trade Price £55.50

2.1m Parasol Range Of Colours Trade Price £60.00

Eden Furniture has a massive selection of Indoor, Outdoor & Poolside Furniture. Our Harrogate and Truro Ranges have become increasingly popular with their rustic and rural charms. The Harrogate Range is available in dining and bar height with complimentary stools and benches. The Truro Range is also in dining and bar height with dining stools and benches.

Both ranges are made to order so almost any size is achievable.

Salford Chair In Antique Grey or White Trade Price £70.50

Terrace Chair Non Wood Slats Trade Price £75.00

LARGE STOCKS HELD FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY

Call: 01527 519580 E: sales@edenfurniture.co.uk Warehouse & Showroom Unit 16 Padgets Lane, South Moons Moat, Redditch, Worcs B98 0RA

F U R N I T U R E

www.edenfurniture.co.uk

|

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SHINING BRIGHT WORDS FOR THOMAS CRAPPER PRODUCTS THE BEST WAY TO JUDGE A COMPANY’S PRODUCT OR SERVICE IS TO SEARCH FOR REAL-LIFE TESTIMONIALS AND REVIEWS.

Or even better, try out the products first! Napier, a Thomas Crapper retailer in Edinburgh, has designed a beautiful bathroom for Simon Jupe, owner of a magnificent Victorian property in the Scotland’s capital city. And Simon’s story of why he chose Thomas Crapper is an interesting take on the real-life testimonial.

“It all started in 2014 just beyond Harry Potter’s Platform 9¾ at Kings Cross Station, London. Up a flight of stairs lies the entrance to The Parcel Yard, a Fuller’s pub that soon became one of my favourite pubs in England’s Capital. The bathrooms here are fitted with premium quality Thomas Crapper sanitaryware, and the words “The Venerable” (a range of WC pans) somehow became engraved into my subconsciousness over the years. I noted how the powerful flush delivered by the high-level Thomas Crapper black cast cisterns minimised the number of occasions on which using a public toilet was an unpleasant experience! After my many trips to The Parcel Yard, owning a “The Venerable” Thomas Crapper loo became a bucket list item for me.

At the time, I lived in a Victorian cottage in the middle of nowhere in deep, dark, Kent and had recently installed a new contemporary bathroom. Whilst tempted, I couldn’t justify ripping it out to install a Thomas Crapper themed replacement. Life has moved on, however, and in early 2021 I was presented with a very rare opportunity to purchase and completely renovate a magnificent Victorian property on my favourite crescent in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End. I knew from the moment of the first viewing of this wonderful property that a Thomas Crapper “The Venerable” WC would surely feature somewhere if I were to be the successful purchaser. It was made for it.

Here we are blessed with 3.3m high ceilings and it didn’t take long to earmark where the new high-level Thomas Crapper would reside. Frankly the decision to order “The Venerable” was a no brainer, although there was quite a debate at home about the colour of the cistern. Eventually, after taking advice from one of our neighbours – and newfound friend, who is also an interior designer – we elected to go for a black cistern.

Initially I was also drawn to the rectangular Harwood Cloakroom Basin, which I think is beautiful. However, during the 4D virtual reality experience with Napier Bathrooms, it became clear that this was too small to match the proportions of the room. I then discovered the larger Thomas Crapper Resolute basin and I fell in love with it in part due to the Union Jack soap dishes, which to my mind gave it a feeling of its heritage.”

Stay tuned for Simon’s finished bathroom project!

For further information on the Thomas Crapper range, please visit www.thomas-crapper.com.

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autosizing feature name

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Artificial Plants & Trees for Businesses At Just Artificial, we work with interior designers, decorators, set dressers, architects and more to set your premises apart from the rest. Our artificial plants, flowers, and trees are highly realistic to look and touch, as well as being durable and attractive.

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Our master craftsmen construct each be spoke order w i t h painstaking care and attention, to create an exceptionally ‘real’ artificial showpiece, and we offer bespoke solutions to suit the needs of your space, business and tastes.

Whether you need simple plants and trees that don’t need tending to or you’re going for a full artificial landscape with turf, hedges and more, we have existing products and the capacity to create custom designs for any need and budget.

We’ll offer a no obligation quote to help you plan your projects and we can tailor our service to ‘fir’ your needs.

Full Support Whatever your choices, we have the design experience and know-how needed to make you stand out. We can work with your design to make your premises look incredible, whatever the space and whatever the industry. We can even help you develop the design, drawing on years of experience.

Call us today on 015 2 4 8 5 8 8 8 8 o r e m a i l sales@justartificial.co.uk – Browse our Web Store online for our full stock range and more info on our bespoke solutions on offer.

www.justartificial.co.uk

Who Have We Supplied?

Major companies in many industries including ITV, BBC, Channels 4 and 5, Mulberry, Innocent Drinks, Monsoon, Bella Italia, Tescos, Big Brother, The Only Way is Essex, Coronation Street, Dancing on Ice, Park Resorts, Volkswagen, and more.

We’ve also sold to house builders, zoos, hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, theme parks, colleges and schools, cruise ships, theatres… the list goes on!

We have tens of thousands of satisfied customers in the UK, in Europe, and across the World.

We can provide offers for procurement managers and corporate buyers on bulk orders and for trade, to help you finalise your design. Our quotes are no obligation - so call us today. We look forward to working with you!

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Eexternally insulated barn rennovation roof using SEICOSpecial Dry sarking board, internally insulated between rafters with STEICOFlex. Photo Courtesy Kithurst Builders Ltd

RENOVATING A ROOF WITH NATURAL INSULATION Unlike new build projects, a renovation project offers unique problems. Building orientation or proximity to surrounding buildings or vegetation can influence exposure rates of different elevations. Additionally the impact of the weather changes with site location, and all of this means that simple U-value calculations (which are a static processes) cannot fully assess, and account for, all the variables unless a full hygrothermal analysis is completed using appropriate modelling software such as WUFI or DELPHIN. •14•

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ull hygrothermal analysis, and the associated costs, can be daunting but it is possible to incorporate some basic products and design principles, which will ensure a robust and condensation free construction.

Specifying a basic vapour control layer as close as possible to the inside is key as it limits the amount of water vapour that can enter the structure. Using a moisture vapour variable membrane such as Steico Multi Renova or Pro Clima Intello Plus ensures that any potential moisture trapped within the fabric can migrate back to the inside during warmer periods.

This is particularly relevant for renovation projects as it significantly limits the possibility of moisture forming close to the structural timber elements.

External ventilation is also key.

This can be 50mm of ventilated airspace within the rafter depth or an external counter batten. This ventilation ensures that any moisture naturally evaporates from the outside face and hence the overall structure remains condensation risk free.

When considering the make-up of a replacement roof what insulation should you use?

There are many types of insulation you can use and there are some that we would suggest you really should not. We always encourage people to move away from the seemingly high performance PIR foil faced foam insulations partly to reduce the use of plastics and because they rarely perform as they should or create spaces that are particularly comfortable. Their imperviousness to moisture can be an issue in older buildings and when they shrink the performance of the roof decreases.

We would strongly recommend that you use only vapour permeable insulation within your roof, which typically means some form of wool/fibre type product between the rafters with more above, or below. Compressible and flexible products work best between timbers they are self-supporting as they are friction fitted between the timbers, this ensures there are no gaps, and you have a tight fit. Other insulation benefits to consider are acoustic insulation and thermal mass. Higher density insulations, such as wood fibre, absorb sound very effectively, ensuring the space within the roof is quiet. They also store large amounts of heat and can be used to shield spaces from hot summer sun as well as retain heat during the cooler months.

that you do not need to use a breathable membrane over the rafters (as wood fibreboards do the same job) which is particularly beneficial if you have bats. However, this does mean that the roof covering will be uplifted by the thickness of the boards, which may not be an option on a semi-detached or terraced house, unless you have the brick party walls protruding through the roofline.

Using the flexible wood fibre insulation such as Steico Flex between the rafters and an insulation board, such as Steico Special Dry, above the rafters gives the best performance overall. These boards change temperature very slowly and resist the high temperatures from the sun in the summer months, preventing this heat from entering your roof space, keeping it cool. See more below. They also retain heat and buffer sudden drops in temperature in the winter months.

Refurbishing a roof externally with wood fibre insulation

1. First, remove any old inefficient insulation.

The living space can remain unaffected by the work. Attic rooms can still be occupied.

2. Install flexible wood fibre batts between the rafters (3) which offers excellent protection against cold in winter combined with maximum heat protection in summer.

Where are you going to add the insulation?

3. Existing rafters.

Between and above the rafters?

4. Installing a breather membrane means water vapour can pass through the structure but convected airflow is removed.

Quite often in older buildings, the existing rafters are not deep enough to only add insulation between and achieve the levels of insulation required by Building Control.

If you plan to re-cover the roof, this would be the time to add external insulation. Adding insulation above the rafters during this process is very simple and can mean

5. Install external sarking and sheathing boards above the rafters to protect against rain, wind and snow and can be temporarily exposed to the elements.

6. Batten and counter battens provide external ventilation layer beneath the roof tiles. continues...

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Between and below the rafters?

Insulating a loft with wood fibre insulation

If you do not plan to re-tile or slate your roof, or cannot alter your roofline, then the only option would be to insulate between and below the rafters. You can still achieve the same U-values, same levels of acoustic insulation etc. but this may mean that internal head room is impacted.

This can be critical for internal applications so overall thermal performance should be balanced against overall cost of insulation and usability of the internal space. The achievable performance can vary greatly depending on the existing structure.

Even if you are not looking to fully renovate the pitched roof to create a habitable space, the inclusion of a natural wood fibre as a loft insulation has some key advantages over more traditionally used insulations.

Refurbishing a roof internally with wood fibre insulation

The simple build-up below provides a very thermally efficient solution as it meets new build standards. It is also easy to use, as Wood fibre does not need any specialist protective equipment to install and does not collapse or slump over time. Coupled with the fact that it stores a significant amount of carbon this approach future proofs your home.

1. Existing ceiling joist 2. Infill with Steico Flex flexible woodfibre batts 3. 140mm of Steico Flex woodfibre batts laid across existing insulation 4. Existing rafter – 50mm of ventilation is required within the rafter depth where the insulation is laid between the rafters at the eaves 5. Existing roofing felt 1. 12.5mm plasterboard 2. Vapour control membrane – moisture vapour variable 3. 50mm flexible wood fibre with battens @ 600mm centres (the amount of additional insulation below the rafter needs careful consideration based on the points raised above) 4. 50mm flexible wood fibre with cross battens @ 600mm centres 5. 50mm flexible wood fibre @ 400mm centres (38 x 100). Allows for 50mm ventilation zone within the rafter depth.

6. Bitumen felt above rafter, battens and tiles

What if you have an old, non-breathable felt roof covering? In this instance, you need to make sure that you have at least a 50mm gap between any insulation in the rafter zone and the underside of the felt, see point 5 on the illustration. You will also need to ventilate at eaves and ridge level to ensure there is enough air movement to carry away any moisture. The rest of the insulation is then fixed below the rafters as necessary to achieve the desired U-value as illustrated.

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6. Existing roof tiles

Heat protection?

Although we generally think about insulation as a way of keeping buildings warm during the winter, the right type of insulation can also keep it much cooler during the summer months. Overheating has become a much more prevalent issue in housing as the new Part O (Overheating) approved document of the Building Regs lays out. Although not explicitly mentioned in this new regulation, the ability of the building fabric, and particularly the insulation material, to delay heat transfer can play a significant role. This process can be calculated and is called Heat decrement delay or ‘Phase shifting’.

The interesting, and often baffling, aspect of this phenomena is that structures which show a very similar U-value can have vastly different performance values during hotter periods. This is because U-values purely consider the ‘Thermal conductivity’ of a material, and not the Density or the Specific Heat Capacity. These values contribute to a products ability to both store and ‘buffer’ heat and delay its progress through the structure. Allowing for these two additional product characteristics means that we can properly assess the efficiency of a structure.

The images below show a roof make up of 240mm overall thickness with a variation in decrement delay (phase shift) achieved only by changing the insulation type, the thickness and overall section U value remain the same but the difference in phase shift is 5 hours between the maximum at 12 hours and the minimum at 7 hours. The overall U-value is the same at 0.17 W/m2K.

Do you need a vapour control layer if all the insulation is breathable? Yes. Always. Whenever you insulate you need to restrict the flow of moisture so that you do not create a situation where the levels of moisture within either the insulation or the timber rafters reaches damaging levels.

Winter is when most of this condensation would occur but also when it will dry out the slowest and with a well-ventilated structure, you can get damaging levels of moisture accumulating, even in wood fibre insulation.

Vapour control layers do not have to be membranes, they can be plasters or OSB3, and are distinct from vapour barriers, which are effectively a complete vapour block.

Vapour control layers slow the flow of moisture, not block it and in certain circumstances vapour barriers may cause a build-up of moisture, rather than prevent it. This is because vapour barriers block the movement of water vapour in any direction. A poorly installed vapour barrier will let water vapour through but then trap it within the fabric. This can lead to long-term degradation of both the insulation and even the structural timber.

What U-Values should I target? For existing domestic roof structures that are being refurbished, you should target a U-value of 0.18 W/m2K as a maximum. The new Part L of the Building Regulations is targeting even lower than this at 0.15W/m2K as they continue to try to improve the standard of our existing housing stock. You can go lower if you wish but unless you are insulating your walls as well, it is probably not necessary.

Achieving this key performance value of 12 hours means that you can essentially delay the transfer of warm summer heat through the roof and limit its ability to influence the internal temperatures. Internal temperatures stay low even during the hottest periods. When specifying insulation material you should always look for a U-value, condensation risk and heat protection value.

This ensures that the structure works all year round and properly assesses the impact of external temperatures on the occupants of the building.

Choosing and specifying wood fibre for your roof renovation will help you build spaces that are both warm in winter, cool in summer and quiet, even in urban locations.

Natural insulations also bring with them other benefits in particular by acting as a carbon store locking away the carbon in the building structure making it a perfect choice for carbon friendly construction. We are all aware of the rising cost of electricity and gas and anything that we can do to limit our usage can have a significant financial impact. Using natural wood fibre based materials also ensures a robust long-term solution, which limits our impact on the environment.

For more information on using natural insulation materials of all types or Steico wood fibre insulation for roof construction please call Ecomerchant on 01793 847 444 or visit www.ecomerchant.co.uk.

Also visit www.steico.co.uk •17•

3D PRINTING COMPANY LAUNCHES BESPOKE SERVICE TO THE ARCHITECTURE AND PROPERTY DEVELOPING SECTORS Faster, cheaper and more accurate than traditional models

T

he 3D Printers is launching its bespoke 3D printing services to the architect and property developing industry, bringing complex designs and drawings to life so clients can envisage the finished building or design.

With more than 15 years’ experience of working in the film industry, making models for over 40 movies including James Bond, Star Wars, Gravity and The Bourne Ultimatum, the attention to detail in the models produced is unparalleled when compared to traditional models of individual houses or full developments of any scale.

Another benefit to 3D printing of property designs is that it is cost effective when compared to traditional handmade models and is typically two thirds of the price. The completed product is produced in resin, making it durable enough to withstand transporting to clients and prospective purchasers.

The models can be created in layers, making it possible to remove the roof in order to show internal layouts and fixtures and fittings if required; all in high detail.

The process involves taking the original architectural drawing and creating a 3D computer file from the plans. This file is created specifically to ‘talk’ to the 3D printer, ensuring an accurate representation of the planned property in its 3D version.

The entire process can be turned around in a matter of days, depending on the complexity of the design, as the printers operate 24 hours a day.

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Darren Howton, owner of The 3D Printers, explains: “we are so excited to offer our services to this very exacting industry, which demands high quality solutions to bring their imaginations to life. We have a unique offering in the UK and are at the forefront of this amazing technology.

“We are a dedicated family-run business offering a fully bespoke service from start to finish, and quality, customer service and confidentiality have been key to our reputation in the film industry. We will continue this ethos in our work in this new and exciting sector for us.”

The 3D Printers has been endorsed by architect, Leslie Hutchinson, architectural designer at Building Design Studio in West Malling, Kent, who said: “The 3D Printers were great to work with from start to finish. They really understood the brief, created an amazing computer design of the house and the finished model was exceptional.

For further information visit our website the3dprinters.co.uk or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @The3DPrintersuk or Instagram: the.3d.printers.

“I find so many clients have trouble visualising the end build, but bringing it to life with a 3D model, instead of just the 2D plans, so they know exactly what to expect, makes the process so much more straightforward.”

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ART GALLERY STARRING S ZERO COMES HOME TO R “I think that, where we’ve used one skin of SterlingOSB Zero, we might have had to use two skins of plywood boards, all of which would have to be overlapped, so using OSB has saved us time and money as well as making for a more efficient structure”.

W

est Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero board is often left exposed nowadays as it is en vogue! The earthy, rural look is fashionable and far more interesting than a white, untextured, ply wall. It is also the established, proven panel for roofing and timber frame applications - and it’s carbon negative!

Showing the panel in all its glory is a recent project where an abandoned chicken shed in rural Suffolk has been salvaged and cleverly reworked by James Grayley Architects ( JGA) to create a bright, characterful print studio and gallery.

Founder James Grayley says that its transformation, on what he describes as “an ambitious budget”, was only possible through the use of economical materials such as softwood weatherboarding and SterlingOSB Zero, both of which have been thoughtfully and carefully detailed to create a refined, contemporary building that references the local vernacular.

This is the building’s third incarnation. It started life as an aircraft repair workshop on the nearby Parham Airfield. After World War II, it was dismantled, relocated and rebuilt on its current site, where it functioned as a chicken shed for many years.

When JGA first became involved with the project, the shed’s days as a home for chickens were long over. The building had no roof, its walls had all but disappeared and, apart from the remains of a giant rusty feedhopper, the only element of the building still standing was a row of 10 triangular timber roof trusses, each supported on a pair of timber posts.

Unsurprisingly, the client’s initial brief was to knock the shed down and replace it with a contemporary structure the same size and shape. But Grayley had

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other ideas: “We realised we could use what was still standing and build the new gallery around it,” he says.

“Our starting point was to take something that had been deemed worthless and, by placing a mute building around it, bring out the beauty inherent in the original structure”.

However, the old structure’s instability and its lack of height were a major challenge to its reuse. Despite being quite a long building, it was only 2.3m from the floor to the underside of the trusses. To avoid additional structural bracing impinging further on the interior, Grayley has encased the entire superstructure in a rigid exoskeleton of 18mm thick SterlingOSB Zero. “We realised that if we covered the building in a carefully cut skin of OSB, it would provide the sheathing and structure needed to keep the building standing while being both visually and structurally lightweight,” he explains.

For the building’s insulated timber walls, the inner layer of SterlingOSB Zero provides both structural rigidity and has the additional benefit of allowing the depth of the timber frame to be reduced. A layer of plasterboard conceals the OSB to provide a neutral background for the gallery artworks. “There is nothing superfluous in the structure - everything has to be there to perform a function so we could build simply and economically,” explains Grayley.

By contrast, the SterlingOSB Zero shell has been left exposed on the underside of the roof. It has, however, been given a wash of milky-white flame retardant to prevent the spread of flame. The board’s oriented strands are still partially visible through the semitranslucent finish. Grayley says the benefit of exposing the OSB is that it provides a contrast with the white walls to help “lift the ceiling” while, at the same time, preventing the interior being a completely white box which might have been “visually overbearing”.

STERLINGOSB ROOST

Grayley describes the Printroom Gallery as “a simple building, built well for the long term”. He says the use of SterlingOSB Zero made that possible in a way that might not have been realistic with plywood. “I think that where we’ve used one skin of OSB, we might have had to use two skins of plywood boards, all of which would have to be overlapped, so using OSB has saved us time and money as well as making for a more efficient structure,” he explains.

Now that the transformation of the collapsed chicken shed is complete, Grayley is convinced that the decision to reuse the existing structure was the right one.

What ’s more, because the building has been designed and built to a good technical standard, if its function as a print gallery were to end, it could easily be adapted for other functions - a fourth reincarnation perhaps?

To find out more about West Fraser’s support for architects and to access useful downloads visit the architects’ page at https://uk.westfraser.com/resources/architect-support/ For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/

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kitchens

DEANESTOR COMPLETES CONTRACT FOR BESPOKE KITCHENS FOR NEW GRAINGER BUILD-TO-RENT SCHEME IN BIRMINGHAM Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading furniture and fitout specialists to the build-to-rent sector, has completed a contract to provide bespoke, contemporary kitchens for a new Grainger scheme in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

Awarded by main contractor Clegg Construction, the contract for Gilder’s Yard was for 158 high specification kitchens which were manufactured and installed by UK-based Deanestor.

three further blocks to provide high quality one- and twobedroom apartments for rent, and 10,000sqft of commercial space on the ground floor. The scheme was designed by BPN Architects.

Developed for Grainger plc – the UK’s largest listed residential landlord, Gilder’s Yard comprises the renovation of a three-storey Grade II listed former jewellery factory and the construction of

There were three kitchen configurations – island, L-shaped and single wall – and two colour palettes for the cabinets – platinum white and graphite grey, both with white quartz worktops and

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contrasting stainless steel handles.

The ‘loft’ finish and open plan island kitchen layout were developed for the apartments in the listed building with the dark grey units designed to complement the exposed brickwork and surfaces.

According to Josh Barker, Development Manager at Grainger, “This was a complex

kitchens

regeneration project which is breathing new life into a historic building in Birmingham’s thriving Jewellery Quarter. Gilder’s Yard will provide much needed high quality, contemporary homes for rent which incorporate traditional heritage features of the site.”

“We recognise the importance of quality, durable kitchens that are designed to meet the requirements of our residents, and we are pleased that the Deanestor team helped us to achieve this at Gilder’s Yard.”

Tim Croft, Project Manager for Clegg Construction, said “The interior design of this scheme was a prominent part of the architecture and was designed to complement the retained exterior which has large picture windows that increase visibility of the internal features such as the kitchens. The new build wings are a modern interpretation of the listed elevation in fenestration and materials.”

“We were confident in Deanestor’s ability to deliver the quality required for the project and in a short timeframe. Their design team performed well with a good level of detailing and technical expertise.

They were able to accommodate variations in layout whilst achieving as much standardisation for manufacturing efficiency as possible.

The kitchens have been finished to a high standard.”

Deanestor supplied and installed integrated appliances for each kitchen – tall fridge freezer, dishwasher, electric hob, and built-in oven. There is also a freestanding washer dryer and a ceiling-mounted extractor, with pull-up, down draught extractors for the island kitchens.

Deanestor works for some of the UK’s leading private residential developers on major schemes, offering bespoke joinery and fitout for high specification kitchens and bedroom furniture.

Built to last, cabinets are crafted using robust glue and dowel constructions. There is a wide choice of contemporary materials, finishes and colours, including gloss or matt, vinyl or laminate finishes, integrated appliances, and worktops such as laminates, marble, granite, quartz, and solid surface materials. These are installed by Deanestor’s site teams ready for M&E connections as part of the FF&E package for a full turnkey service.

For further information, visit www.deanestor.co.uk/ buildtorent , call 01623 420041 or email enquiries@deanestor.com.

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kitchens

BLANCO LAUNCHES HYGIENIC, HIDDEN WASTE DISPOSAL SOLUTIONS THE HIDDEN PLACES IN THE HOME ARE, ARGUABLY, THE MOST CLUTTERED AND TRICKY TO KEEP CLEAN; NO ONE SEES THEM ANYWAY? BLANCO UK has put paid to this notion with the company’s portfolio of innovative waste disposal solutions, part of the popular BLANCO UNIT concept. The UNIT has been designed for the busiest area of the kitchen and is designed to help customers create feature-rich, creative kitchen hubs; and retailers with “upselling” opportunities.

The system combines sinks, taps, in-cabinet waste and organisation systems into innovative and flexible solutions for modern kitchen life.

The sink base cabinet plays a major role in kitchen planning. It is the place where waste is collected, cleaning products are stored, and it is often limited in space due to plumbing components. With, perhaps, a drinking water system in the cabinet too, it is important to have a waste or organisation system which makes optimal use of the space. BLANCO UK offers the right system for almost all cabinet widths, pull-out or hinged doors.

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kitchens

Clever accessories include the MOVEX foot control for when both hands are full; while the practical bin lids negate unpleasant smell in the base cabinet.

Aside from the organisation options, BLANCO offers three waste disposal models depending on the size of the kitchen - or the number of inhabitants! The BLANCO FWD Max premium model is perfect for large households. The components for the three-stage grinding process are made of stainless steel, along with the auto-reverse function and ultra-quiet operation, make for quick, easy disposal. The system incorporates a 1200ml grinding chamber, a high quality, powerful AC induction motor and a threebolt installation system.

The BLANCO FWD Medium and FWD Lite models are designed for the medium and smaller dwelling.

If the space in the base cabinet is limited, BLANCO’s special solutions such as SELECT BOTTON II 30/2 can be used.

For further information on BLANCO UK, please call 01923 635 200 or visit www.blanco.co.uk.

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kitchens

TIPS FOR MIXING

KITCHEN WORKTOPS Worktops are probably the most noticeable feature in a kitchen. They are the largest and most visible surfaces in the room, and as they see lots of culinary action, what they’re made from is a prime consideration.

I

n addition to being visual element s , t hey ’re t ac t ile elements, so it’s important to consider how these surfaces feel as well as how they look.

A current popular trend is to contrast worktops with other elements of the kitchen, whether in the form of different materials, colours, or textures. Read on for our guide to mixing and matching kitchen worktops.

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Mix materials A popular way of mixing kitchen worktops is to incorporate multiple materials into your kitchen design.

There are a number of ways to do this. One way would be to have one worktop made from one material, and another worktop made from another. This is particularly powerful if your worktops are distinct from each other (i.e. not touching),

perhaps they’re on opposite sides of the room or you have an island in your kitchen. One option is to combine a natural material, such as wood or granite, with an engineered material, such as porcelain or quartz. This creates an enticing contrast of cold and smooth with warm and textured.

A different take on ‘mixing’ worktops is to contrast them with the

kitchens units upon which they sit. Wooden worktops with charcoal-coloured units or marble-style porcelain worktops with pale oak wood units create a clean contrasting style that is modern and sleek.

Another way of mixing your kitchen worktops is to have two materials within the same counter. For example, wood and marble are a tasteful combination that works together because they serve a practical function too. The wooden section is warmer to the touch, lacking the sometimes harsh cold feel of marble. The marble section, by virtue of it being inherently cooler to the touch, makes for a better baking sur face since pastr y behaves better under colder conditions.

Woods such as teak are durable and water-resistant, making them ideal close to the sink. The mixture of these different elements allows you to elevate your cooking while adding a visual contrast into your kitchen.

Light and dark Mixing bold, dark colours with bright, pale colours creates a striking image that never fails to demand attention, especially from guests. It’s a very bold option to use

in your kitchen, so consider it carefully as the size and shape of your kitchen can significantly impact the aesthetic appeal of a light/dark theme.

Brilliant white marble and dark grey or charcoal work well together, and you may choose to have the room light with dark accents, or dark with light accents. The former creates a clean, minimalistic feel while the latter creates a more moody, atmospheric look to your kitchen.

Choosing between these two colour palettes is where the size of your kitchen comes into play. Dark colours as the main theme may be overbearing in a smaller kitchen or one that receives limited natural light. As a rule, brighter and large kitchens can accommodate the intensity of dark worktops and units better than smaller or dimmer kitchens, which will benefit from light colours as the focus. Similarly, light colours help to make a room seem larger than it is.

If you’re set on having the primary colour be a dark grey or black, then a glossy finish could help with reflecting light and brightening the room more than a matte finish. It works in a similar way to how mirrors create the illusion of space.

A central feature Another daring combination for worktops is to design your kitchen island as the main feature, central to the room both physically and metaphorically. Our pick would have to be a waterfall kitchen island, a particular style where the worktop runs over the edge and down the entire side of the island, giving it a smooth, complete finish.

By choosing a bold colour and design for your island and coupling it with a very neutral or monotone style throughout the rest of your kitchen, your island to be the standout feature. Having the worktop made from Tigerwood or Zebrawood (so-called for their bold stripes) for instance with off-white kitchen units would make for an excellent contrast that will draw the eye towards your central island.

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LUSSO BENTLEY FLOORING – A CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE TO KARNDEAN & AMTICO LVT flooring has become a popular choice for UK homeowners. With their realistic wood and stone designs, easy maintenance, and excellent durability, it’s easy to see why they have dramatically risen in popularity in recent years.

H

owever, there is one problem that you might face when trying to find an LVT floor to complement your living space, and that is the sheer amount of choice available. There are so many different brands and designs on offer that it can be tough figuring out which one is right for you.

The obvious choices are brands like Amtico and Karndean. However, floors offered by these brands tend to be quite expensive. To help make LVT flooring affordable to a wider range of budgets, Leeds based retailer, Stories Flooring, has introduced the Lusso Bentley Portofino collection.

So, what is the new range and how does it compare to the likes of Amtico and Karndean? Read on to discover everything you need to know.

What is the Lusso Bentley Portofino Collection?

The Lusso Bentley Portofino LVT collection has been designed exclusively

by Stories Flooring. It consists of beautiful, hyper-realistic wood designs that are available at budget-friendly prices. The range can be installed in commercial and domestic settings, in both click and glue down installation methods for enhanced durability and stability.

The range may be new, but it is already making waves in the flooring sector.

It is easily comparable to the likes of Amtico and Karndean. Let’s take a look at how it measures up to these leading brands…

Lusso Bentley Vs Karndean LVT When you compare Lusso Bentley to Karndean LVT, the similarities between the two collections are impressive.

They offer similar levels of durability, with both collections incorporating a 0.55mm wear layer into their design.

This makes them suitable for high-traffic areas, and ensures they last for many years to come. However, the Lusso Bentley Portofino collection offers a slightly longer warranty, giving it an edge over its competitor. The Portofino LVT range offers a fantastic lifetime domestic, and a 15-year commercial guarantee.

The quality and design of the floors in either range are comparable. The Lusso Bentley Portofino range has been developed using the latest ecofriendly processes and there are a lot of beautiful wood-effect designs to choose from. Karndean LVT and Lusso Bentley LVT floors come with a hyper-realistic surface. This helps to provide a realistic wood effect while benefitting from the practical benefits of LVT.

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Conclusion

Another similarity is their water resistant design. This lets you install them in any room of the house without worrying about water damage like you would with a solid wood floor.

The biggest dif ference between Lusso Bentley and Karndean LVT is the price. The cheapest Karndean LVT floors are offered at £46.99 per square metre. The Lusso Bentley Portofino range on the other hand starts from £33.98 per square metre. It is also frequently on offer at up to 50% off, enabling customers to snag these floors for just £16.99 per square metre. That is a drastic difference in cost!

Lusso Bentley Vs Amtico LVT The Amtico Spacia LVT range is also extremely similar to the Lusso Bentley Portofino range. Like Karndean and Lusso Bentley floors, the Amtico Spacia range features a 0.55mm wear layer. This makes them all comparable in terms of durability. However, again the Lusso Bentley range comes out on top, offering a lifetime guarantee and 15-year residential warranty.

The Amtico range offers a 25-year domestic warranty, and a 10-year commercial warranty in comparison.

Lusso Bentley, Karndean, and Amtico all come in a gluedown installation method. This helps to provide the most stable and durable fit. Amtico floors are also water resistant, allowing them to be installed anywhere in the home.

So, in terms of design, durability, quality, and installation, there is virtually no difference, other than Lusso Bentley’s longer guarantee. It is the price that once again sets these floors apart. Amtico Spacia floors typically retail for £39.99 per square metre, though some go up as much as £72.99 per square metre. This means that Lusso Bentley floors are a lot more affordable.

To sum up, Lusso Bentley LVT is an exceptional range of high-quality realistic wood effect flooring. It stands up well against leading brands such as Amtico and Karndean. The key features of these stunning floors include: •

A 0.55mm wear layer for incredible durability

•

Resistant to water

•

Available in striking real-wood effects

•

Gluedown installation versions

•

Click installation versions

•

Underfloor heating compatibility

Offered at just a fraction of the cost of leading brands, you can browse the full Lusso Bentley Portofino range at Stories Flooring today.

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Industry news

SCANDI MODERN STYLE RULES IN DESIGNER ANDREW LUDINGTON’S MANHATTAN HOME THE COMPACT UPPER EAST SIDE APARTMENT IS BIG ON DECORATING INSPIRATION BY SAIQA AJMAL; PHOTOGRAPHY NICOLE FRANZEN

“Manhattan can be so chaotic so I wanted this space to feel like an escape,” says Andrew Ludington, founder of Studio Lud, about the pied-à-terre he designed for himself and his partner in New York City. The resulting interiors have a Scandi modern feel – clean and calm with a sprinkling of richer details.

Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the apartment was built in 1929 and its period charm shone through the run-down decor when Ludington first viewed it. “I’m always drawn to pre-war apartments in New York and love the details like

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herringbone floors and casement windows,” says the designer.

“The proximity to the 59th Street bridge was also a big draw for me, as I spend most of my time in East Hampton.”

Renovations took six months and the compact proportions of the rooms presented several challenges; for example, the living

room sofa had to be cut into three pieces so it could fit in the elevator.

Fortunately the natural light in the space is ‘incredible’ and Ludington kept the design scheme neutral to capitalise on that. “The previous owners had used lots of dark colours which absorbed all the natural light so I started by painting all the walls white,” he explains. “I wanted a space that felt timeless and layered.”

industry news The open-plan living area is a lesson in laid-back luxe. Originally covered in stone, ‘almost like a mountain lodge’, Ludington gave the wood-burning fireplace – a rarity in Manhattan – a modern makeover with a simple arabescato marble hearth and Venetian plaster surround. A pair of Stilnovo sconces, sourced via 1stDibs, hang above the mantle. “They were the first thing I bought for the apartment,” he says. “I’ve always loved Italian mid-century lighting.”

Contemporary statement scones

by New York label Apparatus

add a decorative flourish to the den and media room. The same dark Venetian plaster finish used on the fireplace appears on the walls and ceiling here, creating a cosy, cocooning effect. The sleek kitchen has a similarly moody vibe, with inky cabinets and brass Waterworks fixtures giving Shaker style a fresh spin. Ludington confesses that he rarely has time to cook when he’s in Manhattan so the room mainly provides a feast for the eyes – and a snap-shot of Ludington’s moreish visual signature.

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bathrooms

Within the Sussex Range we have our charity rail the Rye, for every Rye sold we make a donation of 20% of our profits to a charity. At present we are supporting Luckys Legacy Rescue an on the ground charity spaying and rescuing dogs and cats in Romania and now Ukraine as well.

T

he Rye was inspired by the traditional library ladder, it has been designed to offer a gentle and elegant twist on the classic, leaning casually and lightly against the wall taking bathroom elegance and comfort to a new level.

With larger than normal bar spacing comes the added advantage of further practicability should you favour more than one bath sheet or within a larger family bathroom. In fact this rail very much marries practicability with the more minimalistic styling favoured within design today, a thoroughly modern classic.

The Rye range of towel rails is available in three different heating formats: these being electric

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only, dual fuel and the ability to be utilized solely within the central heating system. The rails, as always, are suitable for open plumbing systems.

Measuring 1800mm x 520mm – tapering to 300mm at the top, the JIS element is constructed from 100% stainless steel, with a built in thermostat to prevent the rail from becoming too hot and, of course, to reduce running costs.

With a BTU rating of 1878, the rail consumes just 550 Watts; while each one is manufactured with standard 1/2” BSP tappings and is pressure tested to 12 Bar. Offering a choice of either satin or a highly polished steel surface, all Rye towel rails are hand finished

by the company’s craftsmen to ensure the highest quality is maintained; so it is no surprise that JIS is confident enough to offer its usual no-quibble 25 year guarantee.

The Rye has also been added to the Black edition range and is now also available in a matt black powder coated finish as well.

All of the towel rails within the Sussex Range are entirely fabricated from 304 grade stainless steel, of which over 90% is from recycled source and the rail itself is 100% recyclable at the end of its life. There are no environmentally harmful chemical plating processes in the manufacture of stainless steel, the very fact that is is not plated ensures the rails will not rust, flake or corrode and small marks can simply be polished out.

This makes them a durable, as well as an attractive, environmentally-friendly choice.

The Sussex Range’s latest towel rails have a recommended retail price of just £449.50 + VAT. Please visit www.sussexrange.co.uk for further information or contact our friendly staff on 01444 831200

Black Edition Stainless Steel Towel Rails by JIS Europe 100% stainless steel towel rails 01825 722988 www.sussexrange.co.uk info@jiseurope.co.uk

bathrooms

HYGIENEGLAZE - THE NEW STANDARD OF HYGIENE HYGIENEGLAZE SETS AN UNPRECEDENTED STANDARD OF HYGIENE FOR TOILETS AND URINALS. medical practices and nursing facilities, hygiene is an ongoing issue. The consistent use of disinfectant and hygiene measures helps to kill or inactivate microorganisms. Modern concepts combine the targeted use of sterilizing substances with preventive measures, including surface coatings.

other active substances, which is particularly effective in blocking bacteria growth like E. coli, for example. Baked into the ceramics and extending from the interior to the rim of the toilet or urinal, HygieneGlaze is effective in the areas particularly susceptible to the accumulation of bacteria and germs.

Bacteria in areas where hygiene is critical

Duravit’s research and development team has advanced the development of the innovative ceramic glaze HygieneGlaze which was launched on the ISH in 2015.

HygieneGlaze further improves the hygienic properties of the toilet.

The new development is not a surface coating but an antibacterial ceramic glaze that provides almost indefinite effectiveness.

Germs are omnipresent in our everyday lives. In particularly critical areas, such as hospitals,

The optimized formula of HygieneGlaze contains a new combination of metal ions and

Compared with ceramics with conventional surface glazes, HygieneGlaze inhibits 99.9 percent of bacteria growth within 24 hours. The effectiveness of the HygieneGlaze antibacterial properties has been scientifically proven by hygienic and microbiological tests performed by the Institute for Hygiene and Public Health at the University of Bonn: the special glaze kills bacteria and germs.

To that end the innovative HygieneGlaze ceramic glaze has been further developed and now has a new formula: the new HygieneGlaze which is baked into the ceramic during firing is not only especially effective, but also acts very quickly.

Whether at the workplace, sports facilities or airports, hygiene requirements are high in both public and semi-public buildings.

This is why they are an essential part of the respective building concept. However, awareness of hygiene issues has not just increased in public areas but in the private sphere, too.

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BATHROOMS

71% OF HOMEOWNERS SUFFER FROM RENOVATION UNCERTAINTY Almost three-quarters (71%) of UK homeowners wouldn’t know where to start if they wanted to complete a bathroom refurbishment, new research has revealed.

T

he sur vey, completed o n 1,10 0 c o n s u m e r s

by DigitalBridge, found that just 5% of people would feel extremely confident in knowing how to go about beginning the process of refitting their bathroom.

By contrast, 57% of homeowners said they would feel very unsure, and 14% even stated they would have no idea whatsoever where to begin. Of these, almost twothirds (64%) believed that this uncertainty would delay them starting a project.

I n t e r e s t i n g l y, d e s p i t e t h e experience that age brings, renovation uncertainty was most prominent amongst 55-64 year

olds and least common amongst 25-34 year olds. Almost one in five (19%) of the older age bracket admitted they would have no clue about how to go about having a new bathroom fitted, but this figure dropped to 12% amongst the millennial generation.

A further 74% of people would have very little or no idea about how much a new bathroom would cost to purchase and fit.

Conversely, just 8% of people said they would have a very good idea.

David Levine, CEO of DigitalBridge, said: “These figures suggest that bathroom retailers are potentially missing out on millions in sales due to general lack of consumer

awareness around how to implement a renovation.

“Interestingly, life experience is little help, with younger consumers appearing to be more knowledgeable about the renovation process than their older counterparts – perhaps due to a greater tendency for this age group to use online search and digital tools to inform their thinking.

“There is evidently some work to do around educating homeowners on how straightforward the process can be, so providing them with relevant channels for design, purchase and fit-out can be an invaluable way to reduce the purchasing cycle, build brand loyalty and ultimately grow sales.”

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bathrooms

BATHROOM TRENDS 2022 FULFILL THE DESIRE FOR A CENTRAL HAVEN WITHIN YOUR OWN FOUR WALLS

and unmistakable individuality is the pivot around which Duravit’s modern bathroom design also finds its expression.

Resource-saving materials and functions

Harmonious ambience thanks to a warm, organic, and sustainable look and feel • • •

Resource-saving materials and functions for a lasting sense of wellness Unmistakable design creates order and focus Exclusive worlds of color and finishes satisfy the highest demands for sophisticated aesthetics

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Growing social challenges, the advance of complexity, and dayto-day life that feels ever more hectic: little wonder that core values have come into sharper focus over the last two years, according to current insights from trend research. Your own home is becoming increasingly important as a harmonious focal point in your life and a haven where you can recharge your batteries. The desire for sustainability without sacrificing sophisticated aesthetics

Duravit’s products create harmony between the highest demands in terms of design, quality, and sustainability. After all, the premium bathroom should not merely be tailored to personal preferences in terms of look, feel, and functionality, but should also meet the challenge of longevity and the sparing use of resources.

Design ranges therefore also need to incorporate compelling sustainability aspects: using materials from regenerative raw materials in bathroom furniture not only creates visual highlights, but also reflects a compassionate attitude to the natural world. This is a key aspect that adds additional positivity to the time we spend in our own bathroom. And this is why Duravit uses PEFC-certified wood materials and water-based lacquers. Additionally, Duravit has signed up to the high quality standards embodied within the “Made in Germany” epithet for all

bathrooms downtime within your own four walls.

The Ketho.2 furniture range pays homage to a completely different, but equally memorable school of design: clear lines and geometric shapes combine to form a harmonious unit with carefully considered functionality and an inviting ambience. Offering a range of options in terms of dimensions, finishes, and combinable ceramic ranges, Ketho.2 is particularly diverse and is thus suited to a range of bathroom layouts.

Premium materials and excellent quality combined with timeless design exude exclusivity both in sustainable and functional terms. The storage furniture with its straight-lined and minimalist design is not only compellingly elegant, but also makes the bathroom user’s life easier thanks to its intuitive organizational structure.

Greater individuality thanks to an aesthetic color spectrum

furniture ranges and also relies on the shortest possible supply routes across the entire bathroom range.

This desire for sustainability in the bathroom dovetails into the functionality of Duravit’s products.

The sparing use of resources is top priority: for instance, single-lever mixers with the energy-saving FreshStart function ensure that only cold water flows to start with.

Hot water is only added to the mix when the lever is deliberately moved to the left – a carefully considered feature that is available on request for the unmistakable Tulum by Starck faucet series, among others. Similarly, the MinusFlow flow limiter contributes to the economical usage of drinking water resources.

Different design languages, common goal: creating feel-good moments in our hectic everyday lives

The Duravit product portfolio incorporates a wide range of worlds of style, where a versatile design language provides space for individual preferences and design freedom.

The round, organic shapes of the ceramic of the Zencha collection, which is inspired by traditional rituals and Japanese craftsmanship, combine with minimalistic furniture to visually underline the use of natural materials. Surfaces made from wood and textured glass additionally convey a particularly warm tactile impression.

Similarly, the philosophy behind the pared-down design of Duravit’s Soleil by Starck bathroom range places the focus on the human being: fine lines produce a natural and calm atmosphere. Timelessly modern with characteristic gentle contours, their design creates the carefree feeling of a short break by the ocean – ideal for a little

The varied color scheme is an indispensable part of each Duravit bathroom design. The subtle interplay of contrasts on each combination of ceramic and furniture creates individual accents. Carefully matched tones introduce visual highlights, emphasize the individual appearance, and play a central role in creating the positive atmosphere in the room.

Lasting design as a qualitydriven philosophy The overarching style element of all Duravit bathroom ranges is the long-lasting approach to design, underpinned by a strict quality philosophy. The underlying idea: carefully considered design that is made to last never goes out of fashion and consequently carries within itself the gene of upcoming design movements. High-quality materials and excellent quality further ensure contemporary sustainability – and are never fleeting fashion, but instead represent a commitment to longterm stylistic influences.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

THE LITTLE-KNOWN TRICK TO HELP SELL YOUR HOME IN DOUBLE TIME… Looking to speed up selling your home? Owning a highly efficient heating system can cut weeks off your sale time, reveals new insight from Worcester Bosch and The Property Centre.

• 90% of properties with modern boilers achieved 100% or more of the asking price • 35% of properties that needed an upgrade had to reduce in price in order to achieve a sale

S

pring is seen as one of the busiest times of year for property buyers looking for a new home with gardens in bloom and house hunters on the prowl. But, as many homeowners will know, the house-selling process can be a long and arduous journey.

According to boiler manufacturer Worcester Bosch and The Property Centre estate agency, high-glamour isn’t the route to selling a house quickly - a quality heating system is.

According to last year’s sales statistics from The Property Centre, homes with a highly efficient boiler went under offer with 3 weeks 85% of the time. In stark contrast, only 15% of properties requiring a boiler upgrade in the coming years went under offer within 3 weeks.

On top of that, 90% of properties with efficient boilers and cheap running costs achieved 100% or more of the asking price. While 35% of properties that needed an upgrade to their boiler and had higher utility costs had to reduce in price in order to achieve a sale.

A property’s EPC rating is also a key factor buyers look at when viewing a home, something which modern heating systems can help increase, whilst saving money. Worcester Bosch states that by upgrading from a G-rated boiler to a more

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sustainable A-rated model (including TRV’s and a smart controller) can save up to £580 a year, while also increasing a property’s overall efficiency and desirability.

Buyers beware of old boilers that can be tricky to service due to outdated parts - this can mean paying more than you bargained for due to costly repairs or replacements.

Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Services at Worcester Bosch, commented; “Older boilers can mean inefficiencies in fuel consumption, and future maintenance will be more difficult due to rarer replacement parts on the market.

“Combined this means that future outgoings will be more likely than if you buy a property with a newer and better maintained system. For installers visiting customers who are

looking to sell, this is a good time to promote boiler servicing or where necessary an upgrade.”

Oliver Davis, Branch Manager at The Property Centre commented; “It is not uncommon to see boiler types and installation date on property listing. This provides prospective buyers with the extra confidence about a property’s energy efficiency and reliability.

“A new or well-maintained heating system visibly looks better too and helps give buyers confidence in the overall maintenance of the property as a whole.”

For more tips on how to help sell your proper t y, visit the worcester bosch website.

INDUSTRY NEWS

PANASONIC EXHIBITING AT HOUSING 2022 Panasonic Heating & Cooling is thrilled to announce they will be exhibiting at CIH - Housing 2022 this year in Manchester, 28-30 June, Stand E55.

R

ichard Bishop, UK and Ireland ’s Head of Marketing for Panasonic, c o m m e n t e d: “ W i t h t h e demand for more low carbon heating solutions for residential proper ties growing and the new SAP10 regulations coming in force in June 2022, housing providers need to ensure they are fully compliant and ready to switch to more renewable heating systems for their new build projects. Panasonic ha s de veloped a ra nge of innovative low carbon heat pump solutions that are reliable, deliver energy efficient and cost-effective for residential and commercial m a r ke t s . H o u si n g 2 02 2 provides the perfect platform to share with the industry the latest advances in renewable heat pump technology”.

On display during the show, Panasonic will be showcasing their Aquarea range of Air to Water Heat Pumps that offers domestic properties a more sustainable, energy efficient and cost-effective energy source for not only heating homes but additionall y they provide a supply of hot water. Fur thermore, Panasonic experts will be on hand to demonstrate their intelligent range of remote

smart controls to show how users can monitor and keep track of their energy usage to help cut costs and be more energy efficient.

Renewable professionals from Panasonic will be available each day at the show to discuss the most effective low carbon solutions and to run through how air source heat pumps can work for residential developments old and new.

The team is looking forward to sharing their expertise in the renewable sector during this significant industry event. Please do visit the Panasonic booth for advice on Stand E55 or contact a member of the team beforehand to arrange meeting email uk-aircon@eu.panasonic.com.

For more information on Panasonic’s Aquarea solutions, please visit www.aircon.panasonic.eu.

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A PREMIUM EXPERIENCE AT THE KITCHEN WATER PLACE

THE BLANCO UNIT AS A RESPONSE TO THE NEED FOR A BETTER EVERYDAY QUALITY OF LIFE BLANCO concluded a successful 2021 financial year with an 18.5 % increase in sales to €483 million compared to the previous year, achieving its highest ever sales. CEO Frank Gfrörer sees this as confirmation that the course BLANCO has taken was the right one: “Particularly in this difficult market environment, it is clear that our consistent focus on a premium brand experience at the kitchen water place has won over both our trade partners and our end consumers.”

C

BLANCO Group Management Board (left to right): COO Andreas Ostermann von Roth, CEO Frank Gfrörer, CFO Rüdiger Böhle

ovid-19 and the associated restrictions on the everyday lives of many people also shaped the 2021 financial year. A gains t this backdrop, many consumers’ desire for a significantly better quality of life in their ever yday environment has continued to increase and has reinforced the nesting trend. With that in mind, BLANCO set itself the task of upgrading the kitchen water place: “People spend around 60% of their time in the kitchen doing activities at the water place, such as drinking, preparing food and cleaning, to name just the most important ones. We want our highquality system solutions, the BLANCO UNITs, to make this time one of

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outstanding convenience, practicality and enjoyment,” says Gfrörer.

Trade partners benefit from focus on end customers and digitalisation BL ANCO has always relied on a s trong collaboration with its trade partners. This is now coupled with an increased focus on consumers, with the aim of inspiring them to add real value right from the initial ideas phase of kitchen planning, by opting for an ingeniously designed water place.

For this reason, the company is accelerating communication in its digital end customer channels and further developing its online shop

for spare parts and accessories to improve service quality and user-friendliness. “By adopting this hybrid approach, we want to increase customer traffic to our trade partners and stimulate demand for highquality system solutions,” explains Gfrörer. “At the same time, we are supporting our trade partners to concentrate on their core business.”

BLANCO International: investing in reliability and stability Besides increasing cus tomer contact and loyalty, over the last financial year BLANCO invested another considerable sum - around €13 million - in strengthening

the BLANCO UNIT as a premium solution for the kitchen water place.

“We have laid a solid foundation for our teams and our trade partners.

This provides us with a firm footing to promote the BLANCO UNIT concept,” says Frank Gfrörer. Showcasing the importance of the kitchen water place is vital, stresses the CEO. The nesting trend persists, with more and more people looking for a lifestyle that includes spacesaving provision of various kinds of drinking water, smart mixer tap functions, clever sink accessories and practical collection systems for sustainable waste separation.

“We’re filling a gap in the market with the BLANCO UNIT,” says Gfrörer.

The premium BLANCO UNIT system solution integrates seamlessly into the kitchen as a high-quality water place. Meticulously planned down to the very last detail and perfectly coordinated, it combines key functions and important requirements for drinking, preparing food and cleaning in a single place, and thus brings maximum convenience to everyday kitchen tasks.

its international production and logistics network. At a time of increased demand, expanding BLANCO’s production capacities and making further improvements to processes ensured that order management remained largely stable. “Our investments have also created the conditions for faster innovation cycles and technological developments,” says COO Andreas Ostermann von Roth.

The combined ef fec t of the coronavirus pandemic, the increased business volume and the simultaneous shortage of raw materials has had a significant impact on day-to-day business.

CFO Rüdiger Böhle appreciates the BLANCO teams’ efforts during this time period: “I applaud our employees around the world. They have performed incredibly well under difficult conditions, and we in the management team are truly grateful.”

BL ANCO has made changes to its international sales network.

Since May 2022, the company has been represented on the market in Australia with its own subsidiary, which reinforces its APAC sales region: “With more than ten years of experience in the market thanks to our collaboration with a

sales partner, we are now ideally positioned to market the BLANCO UNIT in a very effective way with our organisation on the ground,” says Gfrörer. At the same time, the company has announced that it will withdraw from the Russian market.

Business there has practically come to a standstill, so the decision has been made to dissolve the local organisation, with around 15 employees, in the interests of the company as a whole.

Stepping up ac t i ve mar ke t development: focus on convenience at the water place and efficient use of space

It also meets the desire for greater convenience in everyday life: “By ensuring functionally and ergonomically-optimised interaction between all components, we enable a seamless workflow from the mixer tap or drink.system to the sink and the waste separation system. That’s the key promise of our BLANCO UNITs.” Given the backdrop of rising costs, especially in the housing sector, efficient use of space is also becoming increasingly important.

The BL ANCO UNIT is designed in such a way that it not only minimises wasted space, but also dispenses precious drinking water in a more targeted way. Last but not least, the UNIT can be easily installed by a specialist.

For further information on BLANCO, please call 01923 635 200 or visit www.blanco.co.uk.

BLANCO is setting a clear course for the current financial year by increasing its focus on positioning

The 2021 financial year in figures (rounded*) Consolidated total sales Domestic sales International sales Percentage of sales generated abroad Investments Employees (full-time/end of 2021) of which in Germany of which at international locations

€483 million (+€75 million/+18.5 %) €166 million (+€15 million/+10 %) €317 million (+€60 million/+24 %) 65 % €12.9 million 1,647 1,140 507

*) Please note that rounding may result in differences from the exact figures for percentages, absolute values and comparisons with the previous year.

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HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT

MAGAZINE

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