Coatings & Paints

Widely recognised as one of London’s most perfect villages, full of beautiful shops, prime period properties and green open spaces, Wimbledon is an idyllic location for any family. Therefore, it came as no surprise to Up Architects when they were appointed by a young family, who required more space, to deliver the full refurbishment and extension of their existing home. Kebony, a global leader in the production of sustainable modified wood, was carefully selected by the architects for the exterior cladding of the extension to create something truly beautiful without being ostentatious.

After 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. In keeping with the client’s brief, the design is simple, un-assuming and honest with two simple roof forms sitting over the main space, formed from an exposed glulam timber structure with Kebony cladding used for the exterior walls and roof. The simple geometry of the twinhipped roofs breaks up the bulk seen from outside and defines the different spaces internally without a physical division. The timber Kebony cladding lines up across the walls and roof, with compound mitred joints, making the whole extension appear to be carved from one block of wood, with no visible gutters to compromise the sharp lines.

All the timber used was sustainably sourced and the Kebony cladding is guaranteed for 30 years. Developed in Norway, Kebony’s revolutionary technology is an environmentally friendly and patented process which modifies sustainably sourced softwoods by heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol - an agricultural by-product. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall, the softwoods permanently take on the attributes of tropical hardwood including high durability, hardness and dimensional stability. This unique process also provides Kebony with its characteristic appearance, which only grows more beautiful with time.

Marty McColl, Director at Up Architects commented: “Following our appointment for this project, it was essential that the family felt they had made the right decision in opting for an extension rather than moving house. We were able to create substantially more space, whilst ensuring the extension reflected the brief to build something that was beautiful in design without being ostentatious; we are thrilled with the final product and loved working with Kebony to transform this traditional suburban semi-detached house into a contemporary and more practical family home.”

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

coatings & paints CT1 The UK’s Number 1 Sealant and Adhesive using TRIBRID® Technology, outperforming old Hybrids. Made in Britain and now available at Wickes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

TRIBRID® Technology has introduced a new era of sealants. BT1 which is the sister product of CT1 has also been tested and has shown during testing that it reduces the risk of MRSA and E. coli. BT1 which was formulated especially for the most contaminated area of the bathroom and was designed to repel bacteria and fungus for much longer and is years ahead of traditional polymers. BT1 is now used widely by the NHS and Aged Care facilities.

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

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

Visit www.ct1.com for full product information and to view a demonstration of CT1. Due to its reputation, hard facts and performance, CT1 grows with professional merchants and outlets, and has just recently become available at Wickes. Wickes have a reputation for design, and work closely with architectural firms. They have therefore selected CT1 to be profiled in their stores nationwide.

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

Perimeter or Modular Drainage – What is the difference?

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

Even with site investigations at the planning stage, this is only a snap shot in time. Groundwater is expected to come to bear against the structure at some point during its service life.

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

What is Groundwater?

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

Water pressures acting on the external retaining wall system and water pressures below the basement slab should always be key factors for reducing risk when designing a robust waterproofing solution. The design should enable the system specified to withstand a pre-determined head of water or control any water ingress before it reaches the structure.

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

Drainage Systems available

There are two main systems, both work alongside a Type C Cavity Drainage System to collect and manage water these are Perimeter Drainage and Modular Drainage. Without fail, the most popular specified system is Perimeter Drainage. All drainage systems for a Type C cavity drain system should be designed specifically for each site / project – perimeter channel, modular or a combination of both, all need to be maintainable.

Perimeter Drainage

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

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

Drainage channels are available with or without upstands, and are supplied in durable straight lengths, the use of T-junctions, corner pieces, straight connectors, jetting eyes, end caps and access ports.

Modular Drainage

An alternative to perimeter drainage is a modular drainage system. Using a 110mm standard underground drainage pipe, this system is only suitable for new construction or when a new concrete slab/raft is being replaced with a reinforced slab/raft. Drainage should be installed at uniform gradients, not less than 1:100. Piped drainage systems should be tested for leakage prior to backfilling and concreting. When specifying and designing modular drainage systems, we would suggest liaising with Delta’s Technical Team.

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