Refurb & Developer Update - March 2021

REFURB &

DEVELOPER March 2021

UPDATE

www.developer-update.co.uk

THERE IS NO PLAN(ET) ‘B’… OR ‘C’ says Rinnai UK managing director, Tony Gittings.

THERE IS NO PLAN(ET) ‘B’…OR ‘C’ Co-operation and unity of action needed to achieve decarbonisation goal De-carbonisation of our entire societal structure can be achieved through close co-operation and unity of effort by all interested parties of the global energy industry in order to achieve the goal in the shortest possible timeframe. also urgently required. This country’s housing stock is over 24 million units and the UK had a total energy consumption increase by 1.1 per cent in 2018 to reach 143 million tonnes of oil equivalent (mtoe), the highest level since 2013.

“We believe that Hydrogen is the main contender for mass market consumption. But there are several primary fuels which can also do the job, especially the natural powers of solar, wind and wave. Hydrogen is set to be a key player in the energy sector and has widespread governmental, scientific and industry support.

Fossil based fuels have been conclusively proven too damaging to the global environment to continue any possible justification of their use, so there is a pressing need to quickly adopt alternative energy sources that assist in providing clean and continuous power to all urban and rural areas.

“In the UK we have welcomed the Government’s initiatives to change the energy consumption landscape. However, I believe that the industry, in total, can look to combine all its efforts and knowledge to promote far better awareness of energy efficiency as this is a vital part of the transition to the range of alternatives fuels and appliances for domestic heating and hot water – plus the needs of industry and commerce,” says Rinnai UK managing director, Tony Gittings.

“A collective realization is required by the public and industry alike, to the idea that not only is an energy transition imminent, but it is developer-update.co.uk

“Hydrogen can be transported through infrastructure already in place, saving billions in revenue and years of time in design and manual labour. Replacing toxic fossil fuels with cleaner, friendlier, Hydrogen ensures harmful emissions will be nullified. Hydrogen is going to play a crucial role in domestic and commercial life at some time in the near future.

“We are aware of reports which state that existing gas appliances can be converted from natural gas to Hydrogen in the same amount of time as a standard annual service of a domestic boiler.”

Hydrogen in the domestic setting is seeing up to £500 million government funding on trials for homes using hydrogen, starting with a Hydrogen Neighbourhood in 2023, moving to a Hydrogen Village by 2025, with an aim for a Hydrogen Town – equivalent to tens of thousands of homes – before the end of the decade.

Of this funding, £240 million will be for hydrogen production facilities.

Drawing attention to these matters: a Rinnai web information hub has been created to provide valuable information on the impact of a Hydrogen conversion as well as its benefits and potential future uses.

The Rinnai Hydrogen Information Hub will be aimed at building services consultants, engineers, specifiers and end-users. It will be online and include webinars plus all requested digital or onsite meetings.

“Rinnai welcomes the UK government’s recent ‘Ten Point Plan’, the drive to decarbonisation using Hydrogen. Heating emissions are a huge issue and Hydrogen is one answer to the Energy Trilemma, as we have stated several times,” says Rinnai’s Chris Goggin who is also a board member of the ICOM Energy Association.

Rinnai is a true global player in the manufacture of domestic and commercial appliances and operates in almost 50 countries. Rinnai is the world’s leading manufacturer of continuous flow hot water systems - it makes and sells 2 million units each year. The range of units can be manifolded to supply, limitless hot water to any site of any size. This means fast, efficient, temperature-controlled water on demand at the point of delivery – kitchens, showers, accommodation blocks, bathrooms, washrooms - and less space spent on plant rooms with no or little maintenance as all units are proven to be robust with a long, long working life.

Call 01928 531 870 or email engineer@rinnaiuk.com or sales@rinnaiuk.com alternatively use the smart online contact points “Help Me Choose”. or “Ask Us a Question”, all held on the website homepage at

www.rinnaiuk.com developer-update.co.uk

CONTENTS Refurb & Developer Update - March 2021

10 22

4

Industry News

12

Doors & Windows

18

Heating & Ventilation

24

Bathrooms & Washrooms

30

Roofing & Cladding

36

External Works & Landscaping

44

PPE

28

42

Contact Us Publication Manager Advertising Sales Exec Editor

Ben Pritchard Emily Maclean Sam Andrews

ben@developer-update.co.uk emily@developer-update.co.uk sam@developer-update.co.uk

01843 580460 01843 580460 01843 580460

developer-update.co.uk

04 Industry News Polyteck will act as developer and main contractor on a new £15m residential housing scheme in Colindale, North West London.

Polyteck will act as developer and main contractor on a new £15m residential housing scheme in Colindale, North West London.

Work will involve construction of 23 new private town houses in an area dominated by new apartment developments, The Bacon Lane scheme will be delivered in three completion phases, with the first homes due to be ready in late 2021.

Each property at the private residential gated scheme will have gardens and off-street parking.

The whole project is expected to complete by the Spring of 2022, with more than 100 construction and design specialists working on the build.

Costas Polycarpou, development partner, Polyteck, said: “We are delighted to be able to start on this development.

Polyteck will be working alongside CG Architects for the build, Long and Partners for mechanical and electrical services, Hamptons for Quantity Surveying and Fox Greg for sales.

“Not only does it provide much needed housing in the area, but it will also play an important role in creating jobs for many people who have been placed on furlough as a direct consequence of the economic fallout of the pandemic.”

Panasonic Increases UK Heat Pump Distribution as Nu-Heat joins its network Panasonic has welcomed Nu-Heat to its distribution network for Aquarea Air Source Heat Pumps in the UK. With installers seeing an increase in demand from homeowners for energy efficient sustainable heating, sales of air source heat pumps are set to grow as an alternative solution to conventional boilers. As the country’s most experienced integrated renewables and underfloor heating specialist, Nu-Heat’s team is well placed to fulfil the upsurge in demand for Panasonic’s range of Aquarea Airto-Water heat pumps and cloud based smart controllers.

Brian Woodcock, Nu-Heat’s National Renewables Manager, comments, “With the market clearly moving towards renewable heat sources, we are seeing continuing strong growth for air source heat pumps right across the UK. With the addition of Panasonic’s Aquarea range offering great quality and reliability as well as an impressively wide range of capacities and capabilities, we are very excited to be able to offer our customers a complete package of heat pump and underfloor heating solutions to suit properties of almost any size.”

Jose Manuel Alves, UK Country Manager for Panasonic explains, “We welcome Nu-Heat to our team. Nu-Heat is well-established in the heating market and has a very developer-update.co.uk

knowledgeable team providing system design, support with MCS requirements and great customer service. This partnership with the team at Nu-Heat will provide installers with great opportunities to capitalise on increased consumer demand for energy-efficient heating solutions.”

In a further bid to boost sales, Panasonic is also offering additional support as it extends its Green Install Cashback Scheme. Launched in October 2020, and running to 30 June 2021, the scheme provides qualifying installers with a cashback of £800 on the successful installation of five Aquarea heat pumps. A consumer scheme is also running - the Panasonic Green Homes Cashback scheme is for homeowners, who after satisfying the scheme conditions, can claim up to £600 cashback on the installation of an Aquarea heat pump unit*.

These new Panasonic schemes are available throughout the UK and run in parallel, but independent of, the UK Government Green Homes Grant and offers additional cash incentives to both homeowners and renewables installers.

For more information, visit www.aircon.panasonic.eu or https://www.nu-heat.co.uk/

Industry News 05

Bristan OPAC TMV3 Commercial Showers.

At Bristan we continually invest in new product development to ensure that our products excel in quality, safety and performance. That’s why we’ve recently improved our range of OPAC TMV3 Commercial Showers, designed with a host of new innovations to meet the needs of commercial sector environments.

®

With a new patented built-in thermal flush mechanism, the OPAC range is designed for easy infection control and anti-legionella regimes.

What’s more, a new front mounted one-piece cartridge makes for simple servicing and commissioning.

And with TMV3 technology, you can rest assured that the highest level of safety and protection is guaranteed.

There’s a variety of options to choose from to suit your specification requirements — all of which quality tested in our UKAS accredited in-house testing centre.

Discover the full range at the Bristan website.

Find your local IPG stockist: https://www.the-ipg.co.uk/stores/ developer-update.co.uk

06 Industry News

Need a full solar roof system…

Marley have got you covered!

Marley’s pitched roof system, incorporating integrated solar panels, is a practical solution to the quality, time and sustainability challenges faced by specifiers. The full roof system offer means all roofing components can be sourced from one dedicated manufacturer and specifiers can benefit from technical knowledge, expertise and support, giving ultimate peace of mind that the roof specified is the one built.

British Standards (BS 5534:2014 and BS 8612) for pitched roofing have become more stringent, so housebuilders must meet stricter fixing and quality requirements for all elements of a pitched roof. developer-update.co.uk

Industry News 07

Social housing sector running out of time to meet sustainability targets, say industry experts Nine in ten social housing construction professionals believe the sector is in urgent need of new government guidelines if it is going to successfully meet sustainability targets, new research has revealed.

In a survey of 150 decision makers, including architects, involved in the specification of building materials used for social housing developments, 88% agreed that the sector cannot wait for the pending Decarbonisation Fund and Decent Homes Standard review to define how it is going to become more sustainable – it needs this detail now.

In addition, almost a third of architects (28%) said that the government is yet to adequately define what constitutes the design and build of a sufficiently sustainable home.

Recognising this challenge, Marley’s full pitched roof system includes all elements of a roof from an extensive range of roof tiles, including low pitch clay and concrete options down to 12.5°, integrated solar PV panels, JB Red battens, underlay, fittings, dry fix and ventilation. All of this is supported by a 15-year system warranty, a single point of liability, and the technical tools and expertise to ensure you get the finished roof your project needs As part of Marley’s ongoing commitment to supporting specifiers, they have launched an updated Roof Systems Specification Guide to support you with design and building regulation requirements.

To request your copy, visit: marley.co.uk/specguide

The research by Wienerberger, a leading provider of wall, roof and landscaping innovations, explored several key social housing issues, including the housing shortage, sustainability and building quality.

It found that the sector was in desperate need of support and guidance if it is to overcome the challenges it’s facing. This guidance was expected to be included in the Social Housing Whitepaper which was released late last year, but it failed to clarify a number of key details the sector was waiting on.

When it came to when the sector would need guidance by, a quarter said that it was too late and that further detail was required in 2020 if it was going to adapt in time to meet the government’s sustainability targets. Over half (57%) of the architects surveyed believe that there is still time, but only if the government provides further guidance in the first half of this year.

Not only must the UK build more sustainably, but it also needs to increase the rate at which new homes are built to reach the government’s target of 300,000 new homes by 2025. 56% of social housing experts said that, like with sustainability,

significantly more guidance and support is required from the government if it’s to meet this target.

As well as building greater volumes in a more environmentally friendly manner, the UK’s social housing stock needs to maintain a high standard of build quality. 71% of architects said that to improve standards without exceeding costs or being non-compliant the sector needs to improve how it collaborates and communicates so that it can share best practice methodologies, technologies and innovations.

To better understand the standard that housing needs to meet, more than half (57%) of the architects Wienerberger questioned said that the pending review of the Decent Homes Standard must provide clarity on building quality.

Wienerberger discussed its research findings with a panel of senior decisionmakers from across the social housing sector during a virtual roundtable.

During the discussion, Michael Swiszczowski, Director at Chapman Taylor, shared his views: “While the targets are tough, if people think they’ve failed already then they might stop trying, so it’s important to keep going. As we’ve learnt, the government tends to follow the market and be reactive with its response. It’s the same with the sustainability agenda.

We need to strike while the iron is hot and while people are passionate about it… I’d like to see this rise to the top of the public agenda again once we’re through the pandemic.”

Tomasz Romaniewicz, Associate at Bond Bryan, added: “I think we’re miles away from meeting the government’s sustainability targets to be honest.

It has to be viable for businesses and at the moment it often isn’t and the guidance is muddy – we need a clear and viable route to the destination.”

For more information on Wienerberger and the solutions it offers, please visit: https://www.wienerberger.co.uk/ developer-update.co.uk

08 Industry News

Rapid growth sees expansion at Norwich-based glazing firm Rapid growth at Norwich-based glazing manufacturer, Norwich Aluminium Limited, has seen the company move to new 80% larger premises and employ five new staff as it continues to fly the flag for UK manufacturing in construction.

Norwich Aluminium was established six years ago by local man Alex Warren. Alex, who was working in the glazing industry at the time, spotted an opportunity to move into aluminium, a material which was growing in popularity for commercial and architectural glazing. By re-mortgaging his house, Alex set up the company in a unit on White Lodge Trading Estate in Norwich, next to other established brands such as Screwfix and SIG.

Alex explained: “Using my knowledge of the PVC-U market, I could see the growing opportunity in aluminium. I knew that if I wanted to take the leap, I had to react quickly to market trends and invest properly. The banks were not interested at the time, so I raised the funds myself to get going and set up a small manufacturing facility in Norwich. We started with just three staff.”

Norwich Aluminium manufactures glazing for domestic and commercial projects. It recently completed glazing for new wards at the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital, some of which are currently being used as emergency COVID-19 wards. The company has worked on hundreds of projects across the country, ranging from new and existing schools and shop fronts to home renovations and commercial offices. Norwich Aluminium is very proud of the foothold gained in the local Norwich area and neighbouring counties, working on some high profile and stand-out architectural buildings. Recent projects have seen the company diversify and move further afield, reaching from Brighton to Edinburgh, to work with retained clients. developer-update.co.uk

In December 2020, they set up subsidiary company Norwich Aluminium Trade Supply, with a focus on manufacturing a quality aluminium product for other glazing companies that are involved in installation-only projects and looking for a reliable local supplier.

Today, Norwich Aluminium employs 30 full-time staff across the group. Having outgrown its premises, Alex has invested £340,000 to move to new 80% larger offices and a bespoke manufacturing facility on the same industrial estate. The offices have been designed, manufactured and installed by spatial designers and event agency Production Bureau and comprise workspace and meeting rooms, as well as a staff canteen. The manufacturing premises include new top-of-the-range equipment and work benches to allow an increase in production, as well as a better space for the staff, who have been key to the success of the business.

Alex Warren continued: “In 2020 alone we manufactured over £3 million of aluminium glazing products for customers across the country. We are targeting a 30% growth on that figure this year. While the UK construction and manufacturing industries continue to struggle, our future order book is looking very strong. We’re bucking the trend and still growing. We pride ourselves on quality and moving to these new premises will enable us to offer an even better service for our customers using the latest manufacturing facilities. We are looking forward to seeing what the future brings.”

For more information on Norwich Aluminium, visit www.norwichaluminium.co.uk and www.norwichtradesupply.co.uk

10

UK Conformity Assessment and What You Need to Know

By Wojciech Brozyna - MD of Aluprof UK

Since the beginning of 2021 the UK now sits outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) complete with a late brokered ‘deal’ which helps businesses trade without tariffs between the EEA and the UK. Despite the increased levels of paperwork required for such imports and exports, it is ‘almost business as usual’. Over the last few years conformity with legislation and standards present in Europe has been a prerequisite for producing and selling any goods within the EEA, either produced in the EEA or from overseas. Known as ‘CE’ marking, it is applicable equally to the manufacture and sale of a paper clip to a curtain wall facade.

So what is a ‘CE’ mark? A CE mark indicates conformity with a harmonised product standard, and assures the user that the product is classified to the relevant essential characteristics, within Annex ZA, for the member state whose market it is placed on. Construction products are different to say medical devices for CE marking as regulations differ.

So now that we have left the EEA, what now?

The UK has set up its own conformity marking known as the ‘UKCA’ mark.

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Broadly the same as the current CE marking the new UKCA mark will allow the UK to begin to adjust its conformity standards to suit UK businesses and the UK’s legislative requirements in the longer term. As far as timing is concerned, CE marking

is still fully accepted in the UK this year, but all companies manufacturing and selling in the UK must have UKCA marking on their products by the end of 2021. Importantly for Aluprof UK, we will comply with the new UKCA marking and are

11

already scheduling our products for conformity with UK ‘approved bodies’ this year.

Now a note of caution, we often use Great Britain, the United Kingdom and the British Isles interchangeably, but this is not correct. ‘Great Britain’ consists of England, Scotland and Wales, the ‘United Kingdom’ consists of ‘Great Britain’ and ‘Northern Ireland’. The ‘British Isles’, consists of the ‘United Kingdom’ and ‘Ireland’, plus numerous smaller island groups, which include the Hebrides, the Shetland Islands, the Orkney Islands, the Isles of Scilly, and the Isle of Man. In Northern Ireland, matters get a little more complicated as manufacturers there have their own UK(NI) mark to comply with which must be used alongside the CE marking. Whilst Great Britain will accept the UK(NI)+CE marked products known as ‘unfettered access’, products manufactured in Northern Ireland only need to carry the CE mark if they are to be sold solely in the EEA. Part of the reason for the difference in Northern Ireland is that whilst Northern Ireland sits within the EEA, from the 1st January 2021, it is now outside the EU Customs Union. It must be reiterated that for products manufactured and sold in Northern Ireland, they must always carry both the CE mark and the UK(NI).

It is also important to remember that a separate Declaration of Performance/Conformity (DoP) must be provided for each UKCA, UK(NI) and CE mark. Whilst at the moment these will broadly be the same, it is likely that with changes to legislation here and in the EEA over time, these will begin to differ. It has also been confirmed that both CE and UKCA marks can be used together on products as long as they are separate and are clearly visible. As the UK ‘approved bodies’ move to offer UKCA marking, CE marking ‘approved bodies’ for products to be sold in the EEA, can only be provided by an EU based ‘approved body’.

Whilst new conformity marks are being introduced, UKCA and UK(NI), nothing else changes at this time regarding the products that require labelling. The marking convention

and conformity continues for construction products as it has done for CE marking for the last few years.

So what does this mean for supply of goods from the EEA to our customers in the British Isles and in particular, products imported by Aluprof?

As a European manufacturer, we will continue with CE marking which will confirm with the requirements for Ireland and Northern Ireland, for Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) all our products can continue to be used with CE marking in 2021 are being lodged with a UK ‘approved body’ to ensure they can carry UKCA compliance markings.

There is also one caveat to the conformity marking, that is the marking is only applied at the time of manufacture, so there could be products manufactured in 2021 in compliance with CE marking that may enter the Great Britain market in early 2022. At this point we begin to get into some of the grey areas of compliance and the government is still working out some of the detail. What is known is that for our customers who manufacture our systems into products that go on site, you will need to demonstrate compliance with the new UKCA marking from the 1st January 2022.

As ever with our loyal customers in the British Isles, we are on-hand at Aluprof to give any of our customers guidance on the compliance and marking convention.

With the company Project Office at the Business Design Centre in London, Aluprof has rapidly grown their specification influence in the UK with their high performance architectural aluminium systems.

With overseas growth across Europe spreading into the Middle East and firm roots already in the East of the USA, the company is becoming a global player in facade supply.

Further information is available on the company’s website at aluprof. co.uk or direct from their UK office in Altrincham on 0161 941 4005.

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12 Doors & Windows

Five ways to add value to your home quickly Homeowners wishing to refresh and update their homes can look to five simple ways to add value to properties quickly, as suggested by home improvement experts.

Whether you are looking to sell your home this year or simply wish to make changes to improve your living space, there are a number of ways you can add value to your property that will prove to be a worthwhile investment, lasting for years to come.

As many of us are now spending more time indoors and working from home, it is important to consider upgrades to your home that can improve your quality of living and prospects of selling, so the home improvement experts at Stormclad have compiled their top suggestions for adding value to your home quickly.

Managing director of Stormclad, John Evans, said: “With everyone spending more and more time in the comfort of

1.

A new front door

A front door is one of the first things that guests – and potential buyers if you’re selling your home – will notice in a property, so making a good first impression is key.

Whether you are looking to make a quick sale in the current market or just want to add value to properties for the future, a new front door will improve the focal point of any home and help with the success of a sale.

From the materials used, to the colour, glass and energy efficiency – there are many things to consider when choosing a new front door. The best way to begin is by ascertaining a realistic budget, so you can narrow down the most suitable options available to you.

Aside from kerb appeal, a new front door will also help heat retention in your home, potentially saving you money on energy bills, as well as providing added security with the latest locking systems.

2.

Replace existing patio and back doors

A new patio or back door can breathe new life into the interior and exterior of any property, adding unique character to all architectural home styles - from contemporary builds to period pieces - often maximising natural light in any property.

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their own homes during lockdown, the start of 2021 is the ideal time to make new and valuable home improvements.

“For homeowners thinking about selling their property this year to relocate – while it is now too late to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday before 31 st March, it’s still worth ensuring your home is the best it can be to maximise your living enjoyment, and should the time come to put your property on the market, you know it will be ready for the future.

“As home improvement experts with over 20 years’ experience, we have listed five ways you can add value to your home - from installing a conservatory, to upgrading windows and doors – giving your home a facelift will not only add value, but also guarantee quality fixtures that will last well into the future.”

Here is the list of five ways to add value to your home: With an array of patio door styles available including French doors, bifolding doors and sliding doors, a back door upgrade can be a great way to bring the outdoors in, further securing access points and depending on the door option, improving the view out to a rear garden or courtyard – something you may find yourself yearning for as you spend more time at home.

3.

Replace windows

Replacing windows is one of the single biggest improvements you can make to your home, with the largest impact.

Not only will new windows improve the performance of your home in terms of energy efficiency, by retaining heat and regulating the temperature during the summer months, but it will also provide added security and aesthetic appeal to your property.

Windows are one of the areas most prone to heat loss in the home, with single paned windows capable of emitting around 84% of a room’s heat. To safeguard your home for the future and add sell-on value, consider investing in double glazing to retain heat in your property and save money.

Older windows can look outdated, so replacing them with a durable frame such as aluminium, will transform the look of your home outside and in, and continue to look smart over time.

4.

Refurbish your existing conservatory

Conservatories that may be suffering with damp or a leaking roof, or struggling with temperature control, may be in need of refurbishment.

Refurbishment is a great way to utilise some of the old components or rebuild a new structure on your old conservatory’s base to provide a refreshed space.

Consider transforming an underutilised conservatory into an entirely new room – such as somewhere to enjoy a hobby you have chosen to start in the new year. This can provide you with a tranquil place to escape to for some much-needed down time during lockdown, and will also demonstrate how the space can be used to potential buyers, if you’re looking to place your home on the market.

5.

A brand-new conservatory

A brand-new conservatory extension is a great way to add a light and airy room to your home which can serve as a versatile space that could function as a dining room, living area, playroom or home office.

This option may suit you and your family more than a traditional extension, as it will bring you closer to your garden or outdoor space, connecting you with nature, greenery and blue skies. It is a great option if you are looking to enjoy a peaceful setting, away from the rest of the house.

For more information or to speak to the Stormclad team, visit the company website here.

SLIDING DOOR HARDWARE t: +44 191 377 7345 e: sales@pchenderson.com w: www.pchenderson.com

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

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

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Get in Touch T: 01452 300912 E: journey@residencecollection.co.uk

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7 7

16

Do I need planning permission?

Keep you knowledge in check to avoid refurb mishaps Analysis conducted by banking business Santander suggests that 81 per cent of homeowners are planning some form of home improvement in 2021. However, making structural changes to a property requires strict compliance with relevant regulations, which may put projects on hold. To help ease homeowners’ concerns, Nick Cowley, managing director of leading uPVC window manufacturer Euramax, explores window planning permission and building regulations.

Replacing a property’s windows can transform both its aesthetics and functionality. Having carefully selected the windows’ design, the last thing that homeowners want is to place plans on hold due planning permission or building developer-update.co.uk

regulation bottlenecks. So, what’s the purpose of planning permission, and when do new windows need it?

Planning permission Planning permission controls changes or extensions to a property. It takes into consideration any implications that the upgrade may have on the heritage and infrastructure of the building and its surrounding area, as well as any impact on occupiers of neighbouring buildings.

When looking to replace a property’s windows with a similar model to its existing ones, changes can be made without planning permission. However, if the window is

17 higher than the tallest point of the roof or it is an upper-floor side elevation window that is openable, has clear glazing and is less than 1.7 metres from the floor of the room, then planning permission is required.

If your building is listed, located in a designated area such as a World Heritage Site, or it falls under an Article 4 Directive, which restricts otherwise permitted development rights, additional consent may be required from relevant governing bodies. Even if planning permission is granted, there may be further restrictions imposed concerning style and colour, to ensure any changes are in keeping with the property’s style.

Building regulations In addition to planning permission, building regulations, the minimum standard that structures for safety purposes, need to be considered. For windows, building regulations dictate levels of thermal heat loss, ventilation and fire safety.

To ensure energy efficiency, building regulations set a minimum value for the amount of heat allowed to pass through the building, known as a U-Value. The lower the U-Value, the better the energy efficiency. Regulations state that the highest acceptable U-value is 1.6 Watts per square metre kelvin (W/m2k), with Euramax’s uPVC windows achieving a rating as low as 1.4.

In terms of ventilation, building regulations depend on the window’s location. Rooms with lots of steam, such as bathrooms, require mechanical fans and window ventilation. For any other room, standard windows with trickle vents are sufficient.

Window fire safety regulations is a twofold matter, designed to protect both structures and people. Windows adjacent to other properties may need to be fixed shut to limit spread of flames in the event of a fire, and all replacement windows must be sized appropriately to allow a person to pass through, meaning the width and height should be no less than 450 millimetres (mm).

A note on extensions If new windows form part of an extension, different criteria apply. Regulations introduced in May 2019 allow homeowners in England to extend their homes by up to six metres for terraced and semi-detached houses and eight metres for detached houses, without planning permission.

It’s also worth noting that since bay windows protrude, by law they are classified as an extension. If you’re replacing existing bay windows, you don’t need planning permission, but if you’re adding new bay windows, depending on their location, planning permission may be required. In this situation, it’s best to check as it is determined on a case-by-case basis.

With the nation spending more time than ever at home, many people are taking the plunge and refurbishing areas of their property, like windows, that need a bit of extra care. Compliance with the planning permission process will make replacing windows as smooth as possible, ensuring that homeowners, neighbours and local authorities alike are satisfied. www.euramaxuk.com developer-update.co.uk

18 Heating & Ventilation

Panasonic improves the user experience for its heating and cooling website

Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions has updated its website to improve the user experience with clear and easy navigation. The redesign makes it much simpler for professionals and consumers to find relevant information quickly and easily about Panasonic’s comprehensive product range.

“The launch of our updated website allows users to find the information they need quickly and easily. They can effortlessly access our extensive library of product information and technical support,” noted Jose Alves, UK and Ireland Country Manager. “It will help visitors find the solutions best suited to their projects thanks to the different pathways for professionals and consumers.”

Visitors to https://www.aircon.panasonic.eu/GB_en/ can also take advantage of the new ‘Compare Solutions’ tab, where up to four different products can be selected to view at-a-glance. This useful tab is available when viewing any of Panasonic’s Air-to-Water, Air-to-Air, VRF, Chiller, or Refrigeration ranges. It is a quick and easy way to compare products, giving installers, HVAC-R professionals, and specifiers clear information to easily evaluate the benefits and specifications of different options. Once the ideal products are discovered, users can create tailored specification sheets for individual products or groups of complementary products at the simple click of a mouse.

Customers can also sign up to Panasonic PRO Club to receive access to special promotions, news, and stay informed of the latest developments. Registered users will also be able to access news regarding special promotions and take advantage of these offers, as well as obtain helpful business advice such as ideas and guidelines for showroom decoration. In addition to this, there is also a library featuring Panasonic logos and display material. Members can also gain access to specialised training courses depending on the country.

To find out more about Panasonic, please visit www.aircon.panasonic.eu/GB_en/ developer-update.co.uk

Ask Mitsubishi Electric about sustainable heating In their latest podcast episodes, Max Halliwell from Ecodan talks to architect and Ecodan Brand Ambassador, George Clarke and other key speakers about Ecodan Heat Pumps. They discuss affordable warmth for UK social housing and consider the case for new-build developments versus fitting existing buildings with renewable technology.

Listen at podcast.ecodan.uk heating@meuk.mee.com

The renewable heating alternative

Serious about sustainability

ecodan.me.uk

20 Heating & Ventilation

Installer Connect Members to Kickstart New Year With Double Points Promo From Ideal Heating Ideal Heating has announced the launch of a double points promotion to help installers get off to a strong start in 2021.

Between now and the end of March, every Ideal Heating Max boiler registered at www.installerconnect.com will earn double the usual number of points, offering installers the chance to earn up to £110 in Connect points.

Ideal Heating’s new range of Halo programmable room thermostats is also part of the promotion for the first time, for installers looking to offer the ultimate in-home comfort. The Halo can be installed in a matter of seconds – and after a short ‘plug, pair and play’ sequence, homeowners can design their heating to fit around their lifestyle, including the option to control it on the move.

Installer Connect members can redeem their points against a wide range of rewards from tools and gadgets to high street vouchers and gifts, or they can be converted into cash. developer-update.co.uk

Jo Shepherd, chief marketing officer at Ideal Heating, said: “This is our way of encouraging installers to proactively bring in business at the start of the year – so they can enjoy maximum rewards in return.

“By incentivising installers to stock our products, we’re helping them deliver the best possible outcomes for their customers, which will help drive recommendations and repeat custom in the months and years to come.”

Installers have until 31st March 2021 to earn double points on eligible products. The promotion is not applicable to products registered in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.

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

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22

Over the course of 2021, the partnership will deliver a series of exciting events and impactful activities to raise awareness of renewable technology in the lead up to COP26: the United Nations climate change conference that is taking place in Glasgow in November.

The programme starts with a virtual ‘COP Conference’ taking place on 25th February.

Together, Scottish Renewables, advocates for sustainable heat and power for Scotland’s homes, and Kensa, pioneers of the mass adoption ground source heat pumps in domestic properties, will aim to put heat firmly on the COP26 agenda and highlight the need to drastically cut carbon emissions within the domestic heating sector to help the UK to meet its net zero targets.

Kensa brings heat to Scottish Renewables COP26 campaign Ground source heat pump contractor, Kensa Contracting, is proud to partner with Scottish Renewables to bring unique renewable heating expertise to their ‘Year of COP’ campaign.

developer-update.co.uk

Nick Sharpe, Director of Communications and Strategy at Scottish Renewables, said: “Heat makes up more than half of the energy used in Scotland every day, but we’ve hardly begun the journey of tackling the emissions caused by burning fossil fuels to keep our homes and businesses warm.

“Therefore, we’re delighted to welcome Scottish Renewables member Kensa Contracting, one of the UK’s leading renewable heat providers, as a Partner of our Year of COP activity.

They’ll be helping us to take the renewable energy story to the people who need to hear it in the run up to the most important climate change event the UK has ever staged – COP 26 in Glasgow in November.

“There’s never been a more important time to accelerate the decarbonisation of our energy system and the electrification of heat – using heat pump technology provided by companies like Kensa – will play a fundamental role in our journey to net-zero.”

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Dr Matthew Trewhella, Managing Director of Kensa Contracting, said: “We are delighted to be working with Scottish Renewables on the ‘Year of COP’ campaign. The upcoming COP26 summit is vitally important for the future of our planet – meaningful commitments and demonstrable action must be taken by world leaders now, if we are to in any way reverse the damage done by global warming. Stopping burning fossil fuels to heat our homes would make a huge difference, and as the UKs leading manufacturer and installer of noncombustion ground source heat pumps, Kensa is certainly part of the solution.

“The green industry here in the UK has the proven technology and the know-how to deliver on our ambitious zero carbon targets and fulfil the country’s global

obligations to reduce emissions. With the biggest international summit the UK has ever hosted happening in Glasgow this November, the time is right for renewable businesses to showcase our innovation and delivery capabilities on a global stage.”

He continued: “We look forward to kicking off the programme of activities to raise the profile of the industry with Scottish Renewable’s virtual COP Conference later this month.”

Scottish Renewable’s precursor COP Conference taking place on 25th February will discuss Scotland’s key advantages in regards to renewable energy, as well as what the future energy mix could look like, the pathway for new technologies and alternative energy sources. Interested parties can book a free delegate pass now.

At the conference, Kensa will share details of its shared ground loop array solutions: the innovative approach to district heating being successfully used to facilitate the large-scale roll out of environmentally-friendly ground source heat pumps in homes across the UK. Matthew Black, Kensa’s Business Development Manager for Scotland, will be taking part in the online panel discussion. He comments: “The deployment of ground source heat pumps is particularly effective at alleviating fuel poverty in rural areas, and shared ground loop arrays are the most effective solution for delivering Scotland’s large-scale ambitions for the decarbonisation of heat. Along with the right policy changes we can make significant progress towards Scotland’s 2045 net-zero carbon target and beyond. The race to decarbonise heat is on!”

Kensa will also be delivering a stand-alone programme of events and interactive experiences in anticipation of COP26 to facilitate discussions about the pathway to a zero-carbon future and the role ground source heat pumps will play.

Get notified about Kensa’s latest events as details are released. developer-update.co.uk

24

CT1- The Healthiest choice for your home now available in Jewson stores

CT1, commonly known as the Snag List Eliminator, is officially the product that the professional tradesperson uses. Contractors, Site Managers, Project Officers, Specifiers and Architects are now demanding that CT1 is used on the jobs. All jobs.

With over 25 accreditations to its name, it’s the construction sealant and adhesive that has stood the test of time. With over 25 certificates and accreditations, not only testing its strength and versatility, but CT1 has also been awarded the much sought after certifications such as EC1 (Very Low Emission), A+ for the lowest indoor emissions and the very prestigious NAAF (The Norwegian Asthma and allergy association). CT1 is the ONLY sealant and adhesive in the world to be awarded this label. But what does that mean to you the reader? You, the professional person in the construction industry. The Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association have now formed a Nordic Label with Sweden, Norway and Finland. They are one of the world’s most stringent and authoritative bodies on what causes and reduces Asthma and Allergy in the home.

Since all housing has become more passive and well insulated, studies have shown that homes have now become a breeding ground for the nasties that create allergy and asthma in the home. CT1 has gone under vigorous testing and has the stamp of approval from this body, that CT1 being used in the home will in fact REDUCE the risk of asthma and allergy attacks in the home.

Now Local Government with new builds, Architects and diligent tradesmen are demanding that CT1 is used. This is because of its enormous versatility to bond almost any material and under any circumstances – under water, adverse weather conditions, and seal leaks immediately and indefinitely.

developer-update.co.uk

CT1 who were the first to introduce a hybrid sealant 18 years ago replaces mastic, wood and P.U. adhesives, silicone, sanitary, acrylic and butyl rubber sealants in just one product, have now introduced TRIBRID® leaving Hybrid sealants with dated technology. CT1 is now 3 times stronger than a Hybrid, longer colour retention, and increases anti-fungal properties.

CT1 has again introduced a new era of sealants.

Always the first with latest technology, this revolutionary TRIBRID® formulation will take decades to be matched. Free from solvents, and Isocyanates, it’s the healthiest choice for your home.

Designed to outlast any other sealant.

CT1 is also designed to reduce a building projects carbon footprint, dramatically reducing the amount of cartridges being used on a site. Usually needing 100’s of different types of sealants and adhesives on site, you now only need 1. CT1.

CT1 has been the only product that was capable of repairing many of the UK’s iconic landmarks such as Diana’s Memorial Fountain, the Olympic Village, the London Eye, the Connaught Hotel, the new Wave in Bristol, built for surfing and Olympic games in surfing… and many many more!

Visit our website for more information: www.ct1.com

26 Coatings & Paints

Baumit paint puts stunning bronze finish on gold-standard façade design Baumit metallic-finish façade paint provided a stunninglystandout finish to dramatically transform a former office building into a desirable residence.

The three-bedroom property, to which two duplex flats are attached, is located in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. ‘Uplands’ stands as an exemplar of how a high-specification topcoat can lift a building’s aesthetic from the ordinary to the utterly outstanding.

The three-bedroom property, to which two duplex flats are attached, is located in Leighon-Sea, Essex. ‘Uplands’ stands as an exemplar of how a high-specification topcoat can lift a building’s aesthetic from the ordinary to the utterly outstanding.

Baumit metallic paint in bronze was applied to a box elevation and a gable projection on the detached property, which was built in place of a demolished office block. The ready-to-use paint, which is machine or hand-applied, was used to accentuate the façade’s imaginative ashlar and diamond-effect design and fulfil the client’s ‘copper cladding’ specification. The metallic paint’s luxurious tone neatly complements the yellow-glazed bricks which feature elsewhere as part of Uplands’ frontage.

Ricky Fulcher, owner of Fulcher and Sons which built Uplands, said: “Baumit’s metallic paint helped us create a truly remarkable façade. I’ve been in the construction industry for many years and I haven’t seen anything that compares to it. We use Baumit materials all the time, so I’m well aware of the quality of their materials. Their customer service is also second to none. Creating stunning-looking buildings is a lot easier with Baumit.”

As well as its metallic paint, the project utilised Baumit render for Uplands’ balcony projections. The project has not only caught the eye of neighbours and passers-by, it was amongst the winners of Baumit’s 2019 UK Façade Challenge, a contest which ‘recognises and rewards’ outstanding facades. It means the property has been entered into Baumit’s international 2021 Life Challange which will see the winner judged the best façade in Europe. In total, 26 countries from across the continent are in the running for the title.

An estimated 80m2 of Baumit metallic paint was used to add a spectacular finish to Uplands’ already striking features. With a solution this luxuriant, a little coverage can have a large impact. Indeed, the aesthetic lift it’s provided Uplands means this dazzling, bronze-coloured home could be headed for ‘gold’ in next year’s Life Challenge.

developer-update.co.uk

28

Liberty London:

Grade II* listed building gets a Grade-A revamp

The restoration project led by UK conservation contractor, DBR (London) Limited, is due for completion next year DBR, a leading UK conservation construction company responsible for the restoration of some of the country’s most famous historic sites, has been working for over a year to revive one of the capital’s most iconic destinations.

Founded in 1875, Liberty London has been selling haberdashery, high-end fashion and other lifestyle products for almost a centuryand-a-half. This year, the renowned Grade II* listed department store sought comprehensive external works to ensure its Tudor Revival architecture continued to thrive in the 21st century, while preserving the building’s unique heritage. developer-update.co.uk

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DBR, which has worked on major conservation projects such as the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Pavilion, Brighton, was tasked with a wide range of conservation works at Liberty.

This included: masonry, timber, roof, window and structural repairs, paint stripping and a new lighting scheme to enhance the façade.

The initial plan was to complete the refurbishment work in phases, minimising disruption to shoppers and backof-house activities. While two lockdowns have allowed restoration activity to continue without interruption, a concertinaed approach was required to allow business to run as usual in between. The refurbishment of the Kingly, Carnaby and Little Marlborough façades are set to be completed early this year, with the second phase of the project, the main Great Marlborough façade, completing in December of this year.

Mends in high places The project is currently in phase two, which includes the site-set, designed scaffold installation, paint stripping, façade repairs, lead works, and windows and frame restoration on the Carnaby, Kingly and Little Marlborough façades. While these may sound like standard repairs, when it comes to heritage buildings they are far from simple.

the timbers of two ships—HMS Impregnable (formerly HMS Howe) and HMS Hindustan—while the original, 19th-century premises were being renovated. This construction took place as part of founder, Arthur Lasenby Liberty’s vision of having a docked ship in the middle of London’s shopping streets. Other unique historic features, such as the Liberty Clock, the gong of which can be heard on a quiet day throughout Oxford Street, and the hidden stone gargoyle keeping a watchful eye over shoppers, have also kept things interesting for the DBR team during the renovation process.

Lastly, the company has implemented a mix of innovative technology and traditional methods to deliver the best possible results, such as Zutec Asset digital tracking, which is used to monitor the restoration process of the leaded and timber windows. DBR’s in-house design team is also responsible for Contractor Design Portion elements of the project including elements of the M&E installation and atrium lantern design.

For more information about DBR and its projects, visit: https://www.dbrlimited.com.

Complex conservation techniques were required to repair the external walls and render panels, timberwork, stonework, glazed bricks and all of the windows. For example, one main challenge was the development of a paint-stripping method that could be used on timber and render.

Further, Liberty London has various historic features throughout the store that need to be carefully considered during the renovation process, including a series of miniature glass paintings in the windows, which sit amongst the wood panelling.

After the paint stripping had been carried out, a highlight was the reveal of the original, exposed timber. In 1924, the store as we know it today was constructed from developer-update.co.uk

DESIGN SUPPLY INSTALL MAINTAIN

Alongside Eco Green Roofs’ green roof offering we also design, supply, install and maintain:

Blue roof system solutions that can attenuate and store rainwater for environmental needs.

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Solar panel to utilise available roof space to generate electricity and support green initiatives.

GREY TO GREEN Green roofs are an important part of a sustainable future helping address environmental pressures.

Eco Green Roofs Ltd helps clients across the UK make an impact with the provision of a bespoke sustainable solution. Providing a complete end-to-end service; from design and supply to installation, maintenance and after care.

Optimising the roofs on buildings as opportunities, Eco Green Roofs create sustainable ecological environments whilst delivering the benefits of a sustainable green roof across the commercial, education, healthcare and housing sectors.

Major development proposals should contribute to the greening of London by including urban greening as a fundamental element of site and building design, and by incorporating... green roofs and nature based sustainable drainage.

- London Plan Draft 2019 Included within the design service, the following can be incorporated: •

Ecology Reports

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Rainwater Harvesting

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Biodiversity Net Gain Calculations

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Biodiversity Net Gain Monitoring

Contact us: T: 01277 355705 E: info@egr.co.uk W: www.egr.co.uk

32 Roofing & Cladding

Trade makes the bond with new illbruck SP045 launch Tradespeople can access the renowned benefits of illbruck adhesives with the launch of SP045, which offers the industry a versatile product with value in mind.

Balancing cost and quality factors, SP045 multi adhesive is suitable for everyday interiors, across short or long-term installations, where a quick and strong bond is required.

SP045 can also be used as an assembly aid for heavyweight fixing.

Combining strength and flexibility, in an easy and controlled application, users are left with an immediate, positive first impression, with the product offering a good initial tack, while the adhesive is curing.

This secure initial fix reduces the need for mechanical fixing or additional support during the curing process.

A full bond then quickly occurs, with adhesive strength maintained after curing.

With a primer-less adhesion on a broad range of construction materials, typical applications include the fixing and mounting of interior wall panels and coverings, skirting board, decorative edge, picture rails, door and floor trim, ceramic tiles and carpet grippers.

Alistair Inglis, Sales Director for Construction Products Group (CPG) UK’s Sealing, Bonding & developer-update.co.uk

Insulation division – which includes the illbruck brand - said: “SP045 represents an exciting development in our product range, offering the trade a fast and clean adhesive, which represents great value.

“Sustainability is also assured, with SP045 supplied in a foil pack, meaning no empty tubes to landfill – while the low VOC, low odour formulation, free of isocyanate and solvent, improves safety in application and reduces health risks.”

Offering sealing and bonding products for windows, façades, interiors and exteriors, llbruck is one of CPG’s portfolio of leading construction product brands, which also include Tremco, Flowcrete, Vandex and Dryvit, as well as Nullifire.

These high-performance building materials - including roofing and waterproofing solutions, as well as sealing, bonding, insulation, flooring and fire protection systems – together offer a single source for specifiers and contractors.

And it’s not just about products. All CPG customers have access to enhanced resources, including technical support from industry experts, new product development opportunities and access to pioneering technologies.

Full training, including CPDs, application training (both practical and theory) and on-site support such as surveys, complete the service package.

More details at https://www.illbruck.com/en_GB/ product/sp045-multi-adhesive-3/

Modular thermal break is the ‘go to’ solution for steel-to-steel detailing Steel has a very high conductivity when compared with other construction materials In structures where steel elements are connected to other steel components, or where they penetrate the insulated envelope, careful design consideration is required if thermal bridging is to be avoided. The acknowledged method of reducing therrmal transmittance in these situations is by incorporating a structural thermal break.

A product offering multiple benefits is the versatile Schöck Isokorb T type S. A load-bearing thermal insulation element for connecting cantilevered steel girders to steel structures in new construction or renovation projects. Penetrating support structures, such as balconies, canopy roofs, or frame system crossbars, can be reliably separated and thermal bridges minimised. It is the only thermal break product for steel construction that satisfies the load-bearing and thermal insulation requirements of steel design. And being a modular unit, it can be adapted to all profile sizes and load bearing capacity requirements. The T type S has been incorporated into a number of high-profile projects throughout the UK and three of them are highlighted here...

The T type S

Here the walkway slabs, supported by a main beam, enclose castin steel beams and three cross-beams, which are bolted back to the structural slabs using the modular Isokorb units.

Ridgeway Views The former site of the National Institute for Medical Research on The Ridgeway at Mill Hill, in North London, is being redeveloped as a major new residential development. When complete there will be around 460 residential units, with apartments across nineteen buildings of three to nine-storeys and twelve three-storey houses.

Also new offices, leisure facilities and a café. There are a variety of thermal breaks used throughout the scheme but there was a special requirement involving a steel balcony needing to be bolted down to a precast plank. To achieve this an L-shaped bracket was first fixed to the slab, then a stub bracket and balcony attached to the bracket using the modular Isokorb.

Oxford Brookes University The redevelopment of the Sir Kenneth Wheare Hall at Oxford Brookes, creates an elegant, multi-use space for teaching, graduations and other key university events. Support for the external cladding was provided by cantilever connections to the For full information on the Isokorb T type S contact Schöck on universal columns; and it was critical to provide a structural thermal 01865 290 890 or visit the product section of the website at break at strategic connectivity points. By thermally separating the www.schoeck.com exterior steel structure from the interior steel structure, the modular thermal insulation elements with their stainless steel components, reliably mitigate the risk of condensation, mould formation and corrosion.

Greenwich Design District Greenwich Design District provides 14,000sqm of affordable creative studios and workshops. The sixteen buildings throughout the site incorporate a variety of Schöck solutions, but it is Building C1 that utlises the T type S Isokorb. This three-level workshop and studio has a basketball court on the roof. The external staircase and concrete cantilevered walkway; and also where the walkway encloses the staircase, involve particularly large cantilevers.

Greenwich Design District

Ridgeway Views

Oxford Brookes University

34

Flooded vets need lift replacement Valley Vets, based in Gwaelod y Garth in South Wales is a state-of-the-art, hightech facility providing animal care with ten consulting rooms and six operating theatres, plus hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and two x-ray suites.

They already had an existing platform lift, but during the recent heavy rainfall, unfortunately the building flooded, leaving the lift unit under 3 feet of water. After a visit from the insurers, the loss adjusters agreed to have the existing platform lift removed and replaced with the Optimum 100s from Ability Lifts.

Travelling between two floors, and with a lifting capacity of 410 kilogrammes, the Optimum 100s was a perfect fit. As well as a compact footprint, and being self contained, the lift has a one touch call button on each landing and a generous standard platform size of 1100mm wide x 1480mm deep.

The removal and disposal of the old lift was completed on Monday, whilst installation of the new lift was completed within just one and half days and handed over fully completed on Thursday of the same week to a very happy client.

Please contact the Ability Lifts team on 0845 006 8803 or email sales@abilitylifts.co.uk for further information on the Optimum 100s and the other products in the Optimum range of lifts. developer-update.co.uk

Platform Lifts Here at Ability Lifts, we offer solutions for many different access requirements, from platform lifts and stair platform lifts, to external lifts, access lifts and much more. We aim to offer top quality service and highly competitive prices.

All of our access lifts are in compliance with the Machinery Directive MD 2006/42/EC, EN8141 and Part M, and we’re happy to advise you with any questions you may have about access requirements.

The Optimum 100s - Our best selling enclosed Platform Lift ◌

410kg / 5 persons capacity

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Standard platform size of 1100mm wide X 1480mm long

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Landing doors 900mm wide X 2000mm high (Alternative special size are available)

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Hidden door closers

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One touch call button on each landing

Please call us for a chat, we have a range of platform lifts to suit your requirements.

Tel: 0845 006 8803 Email: sales@abilitylifts.co.uk Web: www.abilitylifts.co.uk

36 External Works & Landscaping

Astudio Completes Innovative Redevelopment of Royal Greenwich Trust School • Reuse of the existing landscape has increased school’s capacity from 600 to 950 students while preserving original heritage and identity • Redevelopment delivered around fully operational school and with minimal delays following onset of COVID-19 pandemic Award-winning architectural practice astudio is pleased to announce the completion of the stateof-the-art redevelopment of Royal Greenwich Trust School. The project has increased the capacity of the school and its ability to deliver a broader curriculum, while retaining the specialist construction and engineering infrastructure of the former Greenwich University Technical College. astudio was able to deliver the redevelopment in partnership with Willmott Dixon around the fully operational school over the four-year project period from feasibility study to opening the doors. Furthermore, and in close collaboration with the contractors, Willmott Dixon, the project team were able to ensure the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic precipitated a delay of only two months by reworking the whole site to accommodate social distancing, ‘working bubbles’, and a one-way system.

In addition, all meetings were held via videoconferencing platforms to limit the number of people onsite, while temperature checks were administered on entry to the site for those who could not work remotely.

The redevelopment, which delivered 3485m² of new purpose-built accommodation, has expanded the capacity of the school from 600 students (aged 14-19yrs) to a Secondary School for 950 pupils. This expansion includes developer-update.co.uk

200 sixth form spaces, helping to alleviate pressure on a borough in need of greater places for pupils. The £15.6m expansion of the Royal Greenwich Trust School was funded by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, which has overseen the works throughout the project.

The Greenwich project prioritised an ethos of good design informing education, empowering students to thrive in their learning environment and allowing the school to develop its partnership with the local community. In delivering this ambitious project, astudio drew on its work with St. Paul’s Way Trust School, which was recognised by Ofsted in helping the school move from special measures to Ofsted outstanding grading within two years of completion in 2010.

At Greenwich, astudio was able to draw on its expertise in creating educational spaces that reflect the history and ethos of an institution, while also accommodating new teaching methods and modern demands. To maximise space available on a relatively restrictive site, the new sports hall and lecture theatre were constructed on stilts, creating valuable external space underneath them.

These two new halls, as well as new classrooms, are connected to the existing buildings by the quadrupleheight rectangular atrium, providing an environment flooded with natural light at the heart of the school.

External Works & Landscaping 37

astudio sought to alter the school’s existing buildings as little as possible, incorporating an exposed brick wall of the impressive old UTC warehouse into the new atrium. Additionally, the school colours of pink and grey are incorporated throughout the redevelopment, ensuring the school’s heritage and identity are woven into the fabric of its buildings. The design of Greenwich Trust School’s new atrium epitomises astudio’s aim of bridging the gap between the old and the new.

Since being founded 2007, astudio has completed multiple projects for educational institutions including St Paul’s Trust School, Twickenham Academy, Kingston Academy, and the University of Chicago Booth’s London campus.

Richard Hyams, Co-founder and CEO of astudio, commented: “We are delighted to have delivered this redevelopment of Royal Greenwich Trust School, which elevates its future teaching and learning to their maximum potential while also remaining true to the site’s history. We are particularly proud that these principles have remained a priority throughout the project, despite the very unique circumstances in which it was completed. The result is an inspirational environment in which students, teachers, and the community can reap the benefits of a space specifically designed to meet a broad range of educational needs.”

Caroline Longhurst, Headteacher at Royal Greenwich Trust School, commented: “The long-awaited new wing at RGTS marks an exciting and significant point in the school’s history. The new facilities will transform the educational experiences of our students and provide a much-improved working environment for our staff.

As a growing institution, we look to identify ourselves as the educational hub on the Greenwich peninsula, and the opportunities presented through our extended building will enable us to engage more directly with the local community through the formation of purposeful and lasting relationships. With the continued support of the Governors, Trust Exec Team, Trust Board members, and our community partners, the school is certain to go from strength to strength and we look forward to our bright future ahead.”

Cllr Matt Morrow, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “I’m proud that the Council has been able to fund this expansion which will enable even more young people to learn in a state-of-the-art environment with the best possible facilities. Times are tough for council budgets but we will always invest as much as we can in new and improved schools. I can’t wait to visit the school and meet the pupils and teachers when it officially opens next year.” developer-update.co.uk

39

Changing the face of facades: Millboard launches ground-breaking cladding collection A major new range from the award-winning company This week, Millboard has launched a suite of cutting-edge cladding materials that will cement the company’s reputation as one of Britain’s leading home and garden material manufacturers.

In its thirteen-year history, Millboard has continually broken new ground, notably for its flagship UV, split, rot and slip-resistant decking product that has been used in builds as prestigious as the Burj Al Arab, Kew Gardens and Wimbledon.

The new range of cladding takes its cue from the first-rate attributes of the decking range. Available in two styles (‘V Groove’ and ‘Board and Batten’) and a wide range of colours, it provides the same assurance of UV resistance and eliminates the risk of warping, twisting or rotting. And just like the decking range, the cladding has been hand-moulded from carefully selected natural timbers, to provide an unmistakably organic look.

From the smooth finish of the V Groove to the pleasing grain variance

of the Board and Batten style, there’s a Millboard cladding style for every property type. A year in development, this product is perfectly designed to stand the test of time and to require minimal maintenance. In fact, the distinctive chamfered cut of the profiles enables the rain to wash the boards, dramatically reducing the need for manual cleaning.

The boards are made from a polyurethane-mineral composite that boasts greater eco credentials than rainforest-depleting timber. The unique properties of this enduring material mean that you’ll never suffer from streak marks around window seals, be disappointed by dramatic colour changes, or have to maintain it with expensive and time-consuming treatments.

The extra-wide sizing of the boards means that the cladding can be mounted quickly, providing a lightning-fast renovation of the exterior of a property, and the boards can also be used internally, for feature walls and dividers. Additionally, the

cladding can be mounted vertically or horizontally to suit the tastes of the architect or homeowner.

As well as providing an instant refresh to a property, the boards can also help homeowners to achieve a better energy rating. As it is made from polyurethane foam, Millboard cladding has good insulation properties and protects against extreme heat or extreme cold. With a growing domestic focus on thermal efficiency, cladding can help to sell your property, or to achieve the energy rating you need to rent it out.

Some homeowners have struggled with building regulations for putting bigger windows in, but with the insulation provided by cladding, it can often be possible to design bigger apertures into the building.

The team at Millboard are excited about their latest development, and the launch of the new cladding range represents a significant milestone for the company. The new cladding collection marks Millboard’s expansion into a broader range of high-calibre home and garden products.

Millboard Cladding was officially launched November 2020.

For more information about the product range, visit Millboard’s website or contact the team today on 02476439943 or enquiries@millboard.co.uk

developer-update.co.uk

40 InsideOut and Gold Property Developments win Best Sustainable Development at this year’s WhatHouse Awards Hello Sam, hope you are safe and well please see our Press Release below about our latest win for our Passivhaus scheme that’s currently on site. Let me know if you would like to talk this over.

InsideOut and Gold Property Developments won a gold award for Best Sustainable Development at the 2020 WhatHouse Awards, for its Fairbrook Grove – A Passivhaus Woodland Community, a 14 unit Passivhaus Scheme in Kent.

The landscape-led Passivhaus development which is due for completion in early 2021, was praised by the judges for its commitment to creating outstanding, sustainable dwellings “This development by Gold Property Developments is exemplary for a number of reasons. The developer and its architect, InsideOut has put in the effort where it matters most, the basic fabric of the building, which, when completed, will meet the exemplary Passivhaus standard.

In addition, the design of the homes is of the highest quality, and a lot of consideration has gone into the typologies to ensure that they are appealing to customers, without having a large negative impact on the planet.”

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A development with landscape and community at its core, InsideOut designed Fairbrook Grove in such a way that all properties open up into a communal central woodland - a place for children to play and a community to thrive.

Speaking about the award, Gold Property Developments Managing Director, Philip Todd said “Winning Gold for THE BEST SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT category in the What House Award’s is an enormous achievement that we are extremely proud of.

“Especially as the future of sustainable housing is something that we are all very passionate about!

It has been a privilege to be involved with Inside Out Architects and their incredible design for the 14 Passivhaus’ at Faversham. The homes are built with natural materials, are incredibly energy efficient, south facing and are perfect for those families yearning to be in touch with nature.

It has been a pleasure to work alongside our main contractors

Southmill Ltd who have used highquality craftsmanship to transform this landscape led, sustainably designed development into a reality. – A peaceful and safe environment for family life.

After the enormous amount of hard work put in by both Gold Property Developments and the wider project team we are honoured to have received such a prestigious accolade and would like to thank What House for their recognition of our scheme.”

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Do you have what it takes to be crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2021?

Career-boosting accolade and £10k prize bundle up for grabs as the annual Trade Apprentice competition launches • Entries open for Screwfix Trade Apprentice award.

• Top prize is the ultimate trade bundle worth £10,000.

• Exclusive online final in April.

It’s time for top trade apprentices from across the UK to down tools and enter the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2021 competition for the chance to win the ultimate prize bundle.

The annual award is returning for its 7th year, to celebrate the next generation of tradespeople as they aim for recognition at the start of their chosen careers.

One talented individual will be named as Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2021 and will receive a career-boosting prize package worth £10,000. This includes everything a future tradesperson may need to start up their own business - £5,000 of tools, a £3,000 training budget and £2,000 worth of technology. The winner will also get £2,000 for the college where they study.

Simon Jackson, Screwfix Customer and Digital Director, says: “‘We are thrilled to be back with our Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition as we search for exciting new talent in the construction industry. Every year we are amazed by the outstanding quality of entrants and, this year, we are on the lookout for apprentices who go above and beyond to succeed within their chosen trade.

“We’ve seen how this career boosting accolade and £10,000 prize bundle helps kick start an apprentice’s career. Good luck to everyone who enters, we can’t wait to crown our winner!” developer-update.co.uk

43 Chris Keel, Screwfix Trade Apprentice Winner 2020, has had an incredible year. Currently working in Joinery and Carpentry, Chris believes that despite the Coronavirus pandemic, winning the competition has put him five years ahead of his career plan. In just 12 months, Chris has been able to take on bigger and better jobs and has treated himself to a van, laptop, apple watch and tools.

Chris said: “Winning has enabled me to pursue my dream and advance my studies. The Trade Apprentice competition has been an amazing opportunity and a brilliant step into launching my career. I would really encourage anybody just starting out to enter as it really has the potential to change everything for you.”

college lecturer or their employer. It’s completely free and is open to all apprentices who are in college or working with a mentor. All entrants must be over the age of 16.

Entries are open between 8 February – 21 February. To find out more, visit screwfix.com/sfta.

Apprentices can enter directly or be put forward by their

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PPE 45

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With street-smart designs for men and women, all Snickers Workwear jackets include musthave features that focus on fit and freedom of movement as well as using innovative fabrics that deliver long lasting protection and stretch comfort.

Whatever you need – if it’s for work, play or protection against hazards – Snickers Workwear has Jackets that will work on site, are ideal for leisure, always ensuring optimal performance, comfort, good looks and visibility.

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Getting more information on the Snickers Workwear jackets range is easy. You can call the Helpline on 01484 854788; check out the product web page and download a digital catalogue or email sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk developer-update.co.uk

46 PPE

Siemens scores £100,000 saving through Speedy digital hire service

Construction equipment hire and services provider Speedy, has partnered with Siemens to slash the leading engineering company’s hire costs with the help of a new app.

The MySpeedy digital service has saved the business £100,000 since it was launched in November 2018.

The programme allows the company’s employees to manage on-hire equipment individually, while enabling them to off-hire products - the process of returning assets back to a provider – at the click of a button.

This removes the need for Siemens employees to call Speedy to arrange collection of equipment and eliminates the risk of products being held beyond their hire-period, enabling the company - which typically has 2,000 items on hire at any one time in the UK - to make significant savings. Its average hire days have reduced from an average of 175 days down to 30 days since it began using the app.

The new digital service is used by more than 80 users at Siemens nationwide, including buyers, site managers and other site personnel from across its Mobility, Power and Gas and Wind Power divisions. developer-update.co.uk

The savings come as research conducted by Speedy found that nine in ten people working in construction agree that app-based technologies will become more commonplace for solving businesses’ hiring needs as younger generations enter the workforce.

The hire provider is the core supplier of plant, tools and generators to Siemens across the UK. Gordon Foster, Account Director at Speedy said: “Our customers sit at the heart of everything we do and we’re continually looking at new ways to ensure they can access the right equipment to successfully deliver their projects.

“We’re seeing our MySpeedy app make a real difference for Siemens by giving their employees a quick and simple service to on and off-hire products, but also to maintain compliance by providing them access to product certifications and transactions in one place through their mobile device.

“We look forward to working with other areas of the business to help more Siemens employees feel the benefits of using a fully digital hire service.”

Paul Duncombe Commodity Manager at Siemens, said: “Speedy has been our hire partner for five years and the business has always focused on introducing new services, which have transformed how we can hire the products and equipment we need. The new app has added significant value for us, giving our people a simpler and more flexible solution and helping us deliver new efficiencies.”

Speedy provides construction products including power generators, lifting equipment, lighting, tools and more. The hire company recently rolled out a four-hour delivery promise, Capital Commitment, to its customers UK wide.

For more information on the MySpeedy app, visit: www.speedyservices.com/ about-myspeedy

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REFURB & DEVELOPER UPDATE www.developer-update.co.uk

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