7 minute read
Lifts, Stairs & Balustrades
Highly visible and a practical necessity, balustrades are increasingly being chosen to make a focal point in building interiors. For this reason, and because of the many practical advantages it offers, glass is now often chosen, not only for interiors but for building facades too.
This is a material that offers many practical benefits that sit well with specifiers working commercial and residential architecture, such as thermal insulation, solar control, acoustics, fire protection, safety and security.
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Internally, one of the biggest challenges is lack of natural light; particularly when there are lots of rooms within rooms which leads to the flow of light being halted, leaving the interior dark and uninspiring. Research suggests that the more natural light there is, the greater the wellbeing of the building’s occupants. The use of glass therefore enables natural light to flow and a high-end look to be achieved, while acoustics and privacy levels can also be managed effectively.
The cost effectiveness of glass is another advantage due to its durability and timeless impression, so won’t need to be frequently replaced. Letting natural light through will also save on energy bills, making glass a very cost-effective resource too.
Providing a fast and safe way to install glass balustrades, CRL’s TAPERLOC® system offers flexibility and control for accurate fitting, while
making replacing scratched or broken panels a relatively simple task too. Available for toughened laminated and monolithic glass between 12 and 25,52 mm and in a wide choice of finishes, TAPER-LOC® is a dry-glazed railing system that reduces fitting time significantly as it is a unique design that uses precision tension to secure the glass in the aluminium base shoe without the use of cement. Using CRL’s exclusive TLK12 installation and removal tool, the Tapers simply slide horizontally in the base shoe before being compressed, where it expands and locks into place. It also enables installation to be completed from the safe side of the balustrade from start to finish. Tested to meet the strictest building code requirements such as BS6180:2011 and AbP, the system uses a horizontal design, allowing it to be adjusted, dismantled and re-set within minutes.
Tested to meet the strictest building code requirements, TAPER-LOC® System from CRL can be completely installed from the safe side of the balustrade, eliminating the need for an expensive scaffolding and reducing labour times while being a safe option for installers
For further information call 01706 863600, email crl@crlaurence.co.uk, or visit www.crlaurence.co.uk
New products and new ownership for Ability Lifts
Ability Lifts has recently been acquired by the Aritco Group AB; one of the world’s leading manufacturers of platform lifts. With a 16,000 square metre factory in Sweden, Aritco produce almost 4,000 lifts every year and sell in 40 different countries.
For our customers, this means we can offer the backing of a huge group with all our products, it also means improved customer support, and the addition of exciting new products to our range.
One of the most versatile new products added to our range is the ‘Optimum 100s.’ This platform lift has been designed for schools, restaurants, offices and public buildings, offering a high quality of finish, including an anodized aluminium platform console, braille and tactile push button, along with an ergonomically designed aluminium or stainless steel handrail on the carriage. The shaft panels and landing doors can be powder coated with a choice of 1625 different RAL colours and the option to include glazing into the shaft enclosure. We can take the level of finishes from the high standard finish to an exceptional level of sophistication to suit every application.
The lift has a patented no-leak screw and nut system, alongside the lowest maintenance and operating costs on the market. The flexible design can serve from two to six floors, with a maximum travel height of 13 metres. Designed to be customisable, the lift can be finished with a choice of clear, tinted or frosted glass, whilst the flooring offers a selection of nine different finishes including, European oak, checker stud and aluminium.The lift is fully Part M and Equality Act compliant and comes in a range of platform sizes to suit any requirement. With just a 50mm pit (or ramp) required, and no machine room, this lift can fit in just about anywhere.
To find out more about the Optimum 100s Platform Lift or other lift products, you can give Ability Lifts a call on 0845 0068803 and speak to one of their friendly experts.
PlatformLifts
HereatAbilityLifts,weoffer solutionsformanydifferent accessrequirements,from platformliftsandstairplatform lifts,toexternallifts,accesslifts andmuchmore.Weaimtooffer topqualityserviceandhighly competitiveprices.
Allofouraccessliftsarein compliancewiththeMachinery DirectiveMD2006/42/EC,EN8141andPartM,andwe’rehappy toadviseyouwithanyquestions youmayhaveaboutaccess requirements.
TheOptimum100-Theself supportingenclosedPlatformLift
� Glazingtoallfoursidesifrequired � Specialcoloursavailable � Uses75%lessenergythanothertypes � Footprint-1250mmx1560mm � Platformsize-1120mmx1480mm � EN8141andMachineryDirectivecompliant � Market leadingwarrantyperiod Pleasecallusforachat,wehavearange ofplatformliftstosuityourrequirements. Tel: 08450068803 Email: sales@abilitylifts.co.uk Web: www.abilitylifts.co.uk
Panasonic Installers Visit Heat Pump Factory in Czech Republic
A group of installers from the UK and Ireland recently visited Panasonic’s factory in Pilsen, Czech Republic to see the company’s latest heat pump production facility. The factory started production of Panasonic’s Aquarea Air Source Heat Pumps in October 2018 in order to help meet the growing demand within Europe for renewable heating technologies and to ensure shorter lead times, as it works
With climate change high on the international news agenda, Europe has already seen exponential demand for more renewable solutions to provide heating, cooling and hot water for both domestic and commercial use. This increase is predicted to continue, especially with new legislation planned for a net zero economy by 2050*1 and banning the installation of gas boilers on all new developments in the UK from 2025, with a further prediction of a total ban from 2050*2. Panasonic has developed the Aquarea Air Source Heat Pump range to provide a renewable alternative that utilises energy from the air, providing an energy efficient, cleaner and sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuel or electric systems.
The facility in Pilsen, Czech Republic currently has one Aquarea production line, with manufacturing set to progressively increase to reach an annual output of 40,000 units to meet demand. According to Panasonic’s mid-term plan, it is set to become one of the main factories for the production of the Panasonic Aquarea range of heat pumps in Europe.
“We are very proud of this new facility and the capabilities it gives us, with delivery of just one day to most destinations in Europe.” commented Sean Graham – Area Sales Manager for Panasonic UK.
Warren Davies of Dysk added: “A thoroughly enjoyable trip with exceptional people. The technical knowledge and passion from Panasonic is admirable, particularly on the air to water products. A big thank you on behalf of Dysk Air Conditioning to Panasonic Czech, Panasonic UK / Ireland for being amazing hosts.”
The factory in Pilsen has been producing Panasonic TVs since 1996, with the company adding the heat pump line in the latter part of 2018. Radek Vach, General Manager, Business Planning Department of the Panasonic Pilsen Factory hosted the factory tour and explained to the group how “the quality assurance and product safety procedures that the factory has developed over time has been implemented to further develop the quality and production of the Panasonic Aquarea Air to Water units.”
Walter Stephens, A2W Account Manager for Panasonic Ireland, reminded the group about recent reports from the Committee on Climate Change: “Energy use in homes accounts for about 14% of UK greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions need to fall by at least 24% by 2030*3”.
Walter further commented on how legislation is helping to drive the option of green technologies such as air source heat pumps. “Gas cookers and boilers could be banned from new homes within six years to meet carbon emissions targets. Property developers will not be allowed to connect new-builds to the gas grid after 2025, according to official guidance.”
Panasonic has previously exported air-to-water heat pumps to Europe from its Malaysian factory. The new production facility provides Panasonic with a better capability to meet growing demand for energy-efficient heating and cooling across the region. It will also create a more localised and agile approach to product design in line with European regulations. For Panasonic customers in Europe, Aquarea lead times will be reduced thanks to short-haul transportation links, which also contributes to a reduction in the environmental impact of long-haul product shipping from Malaysia.
