Refurb & Developer Update - July 2021

REFURB &

DEVELOPER July 2021

UPDATE

www.developer-update.co.uk

Germany Takes the Lead in Moving to Hydrogen-Based Economy Chris Goggin of Rinnai looks at developments in Germany as the country plans and invests in hydrogen as its mass fuel for both industry and consumers.

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ike many other countries, G e rm a ny h a s a l s o pledged to cut harmful emissions by 2050.

In preparation of an up-andcoming energy transition, Germany has manoeuvred itself amongst other EU countries by taking a leading role in becoming hydrogen ready.

Hydrogen is considered by many governments and global corporations to be the fuel of the future. As of January 1st, 2021 Germany passed a new Renewables Energies Sources Act, stipulating that support will be provided for the producing and industrial adoption of green hydrogen; a legislative move recommended in June 2020, when Germany issued its National Hydrogen Strategy.

Soon after the German Federal Network Agency produced a further paper on the regulation o f h yd ro g e n g r i d s a n d conducted a further survey on the country’s public about what type of grid regulations should be installed.

This signif icant move towards the introduction of hydrogen into mainstream German society, upholds the idea that similar, if not identical change, could soon be directed across all or most countries across mainland Europe and the UK. The reason for this change can be attributed to the high levels of political and financial influence Germany contributes within the EU. It is Europe’s largest economy and ranks as the world’s fourth. Germany also houses two of the four largest ports on mainland Europe – Hamburg and Bremen, as well as also holding vital road and rail links with Rotterdam – Europe’s largest port, which has also announced its intention to incorporate hydrogen into its energy plans with massive investments of hundreds of millions of euros.

The UK is keeping pace with announcements on plans for hydrogen hubs in the NE and NW of England. developer-update.co.uk

GERMANY TAKES THE LEAD IN MOVING TO HYDROGENBASED ECONOMY Chris Goggin of Rinnai looks at developments in Germany as the country plans and invests in hydrogen as its mass fuel for both industry and consumers.

In anticipating of a hydrogen transition, the German government’s National Hydrogen Strategy stated seven areas that required attention: the scaling up of hydrogen production; support schemes for businesses affected by the transitional period; scaling up of hydrogen transport capacity; public funding; action plan; hydrogen grids and regulations; and the effect on energy, transport and inf rastructure.

Within the German strategy there are several important issues highlighted which could point the way for the rest of Europe in making hydrogen a source of clean energy.

The f irst area the strategy underscores as requiring consideration is the enhancing of green hydrogen production. By 2030 the German government expects hydrogen demand to be around 90–100TWh. To cope with this future demand, by 2030 electrolysers with a capacity of up to 5GW will be installed

across the country. This also includes onshore and offshore energy production facilities that will provide fuel for the electrolysers themselves.

The electrolysers are expected to deliver up to 14TWh and a required renewable electricity quantity of up to 20TWh. A further 5 GW will be added by no later than 2040. The German strategy recognizes that over-enthusiastic electricity demand for the aforementioned electrolysers could instead contribute towards increasing releases of contradictor y damaging emissions.

As electricity and the process of electrif ication has been recognized as key in reducing noxious emissions, the German government will consider taxes, levies and surcharges for the purposes of producing green hydrogen be waived.

This will only be enforced, however, once the German government clearly def ines what green hydrogen is and

which could, in time, be added to a wider pan-European hydrogen network. Belgium hopes to place a blue hydrogen plant on its North Sea coast in the Port of Ostend and France’s gas pipeline infrastructure has been passed to carry hydrogen blends from 2030 onwards. Luxembourg has announced its own hydrogen strategy and Belgium has contributed to the subject by releasing a report, sponsored by the Port of Antwerp and the Port of Zeebrugge, stating that a national hydrogen energy transition would be “technically and economically feasible.”

will only apply to facilities that become operational before 1st January 2030. This commitment is also reliant on EU approval for reasons that relate to stateaid. If approved, Sec. 69b EEG 2021 will be passed, meaning that all electricity generated to produce green hydrogen shall be exempt f rom additional or fixed financial charges.

The second area identif ied by the strategy that requires attention is support schemes for industrial users of hydrogen.

In the transition period many businesses will have to replace old machinery with expensive new hydrogen dependant technology. The German government will organize a pilot scheme called: Carbon Contracts for Difference (CfD), this is designed to support the difference in cost left to the end user throughout the industrial green hydrogen transition.

The third area of interest the German strategy notes is £7bn of public funding to be made available for the enhancement of the hydrogen technology market.

A final interesting point made in the German strategy is that not all renewable and hydrogen facilities can be built on German soil, raising the possibility of neighbouring countries e n te ri n g a co l l a b o ra t i ve production and distribution effort. Because of connected land mass on mainland Europe a chain of cooperation has been identified by the strategy as necessary for hydrogen to become a truly continental fuel source. An idea that is entirely feasible regarding the international need for Net Zero.

Germany maintains considerable political sway and controls an influential economy, has two highly industrious continental ports, as well as rail and road links to the largest port in Europe - Rotterdam. For these reasons Germany cannot afford any risk or miscalculation when identifying its next fuel source.

For this reason, it is fair to say that hydrogen capacity and distribution, as well as domestic and industrial consumption, will increase across Europe and the UK. Not only can the German strategy deliver a smooth transition, but it can also act as a foundational structure for other nations to follow.

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Localised countries are developing their own plans structured around hydrogen developer-update.co.uk

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CONTENTS 10 Refurb & Developer Update - July 2021

4

Industry News

12

Coatings & Paints

18

Doors & Windows

24

Ventilation

30

Roofing & Cladding

42

Tools & Equipment

12 22 28

Contact Us Publication Manager Advertising Sales Exec Editor

Ben Pritchard Emily Maclean Sam Andrews

ben@developer-update.co.uk 01843 580460 emily@developer-update.co.uk 01843 580460 sam@developer-update.co.uk 01843 580460

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04 Industry News

Caudwell Introduces New Names For Remaining Penthouses With Four Parc Du Cap Penthouses Now Sold

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uxury property developer, Caudwell, is thrilled to announce the names of the six remaining penthouses at Parc du Cap – its exquisite residential development in the Côte d’Azur, France.

From the nearby islands of Marguerite, Lérins and Honorat, to the beautiful beaches of Garoupe and mountain range of Estérel, each of Caudwell’s penthouses now has a fabulous identity inspired by the region’s finest landmarks. In addition, all penthouses are available as turnkey residences, and Caudwell has created virtual tours to showcase both the lateral and duplex style penthouses on offer.

Uniquely named With almost half of the 10 Parc du Cap penthouses now sold, Caudwell has moved to rename the remaining penthouse apartments to reflect the stunning landmarks visible from each one. Being graced with generously spacious roof terraces of over 248sqm, penthouse residents can enjoy panoramic views of the Cap d’Antibes, including some of the region’s most glorious bays, islands and mountain ranges.

The remaining six penthouses are named as follows: developer-update.co.uk

1.

Marguerite : a duplex penthouse named after its views of the gorgeous island of Sainte Marguerite – the largest of the Îles de Lérins islands.

2.

Honorat : a duplex penthouse named after another of the stunning Îles de Lérins islands visible from Parc du Cap.

3.

Lérins : a lateral penthouse with views of this group of small tranquil islands off the coast: Îles de Lérins, which are just a short 15-minute boat hop from nearby Cannes.

4. Garoupe : a lateral penthouse named after the serenely sandy Plage de la Garoupe, a beach that has long attracted the glamorous and famous.

5.

Estérel : a lateral penthouse named after the Massif de l’Esterel, a Mediterranean coastal mountain range which soars above the French Riviera.

6. Mercantour : a lateral penthouse with spectacular panoramic views of Mercantour National Park, one of the most biodiverse places in the country.

Virtual tours and turnkey offering To showcase the penthouses to those currently unable to travel, the Caudwell sales team has created a series of 3D virtual tours for Parc du Cap’s prestigious penthouses. These include a duplex penthouse (link here) and a lateral penthouse (link here).

The 3D software converts high resolution photos to virtual tours, enabling individuals to enjoy an immersive experience f rom anywhere in the world.

Each of the penthouses comprises private outdoor terraces, rooftop terrace with inf inity pool, four l u xu ri o u s b e d ro o m s u i te s , designer kitchen and impeccable living areas. Furthermore, all residences are ready to move into and available as turnkey apartments, thanks to Caudwell’s in-house luxury interior design service which is on hand to assist with new owners’ requirements.

Industry News 05

Flooring industry counts down to catch up, at

CFJLIVE

The flooring industry is preparing for CFJLIVE its first official event in over a year - which takes place on Thursday 1 July. The f ree-to-attend global exhibition is the UK industry’s first ever virtual event, bringing together over 100 global exhibitors. It will be broadcast live from a main stage - at FITA’s training centre in Loughborough - and f rom exhibitors’ showrooms, offices and factories around the world. Fast registration can be accessed now at www.cfjliveexpo.co.uk

include live factory tours from exhibitors’ global production plants, new product launches and many technical talks.

Billed as a ‘must-attend’ event for all sectors of the industry - including flooring contractors, retailers and specif iers, distributors, facility managers, housing associations and designers – CFJLIVE will bring together the industry in real time; crucially, visitors will be able to connect, share knowledge and discuss issues with industry experts within live meeting rooms, and via chat and individual meeting requests. The main stage will present live demonstrations and, within the exhibition rooms, key events will include an industryfirst sustainability forum. Other highlights will

CFJLIVE will air between 2-7pm on Thursday 1 July. On arrival, visitors will enter the main stage and a list of session rooms, enabling them to move around the event. Within exhibitor session rooms, mini-events will be hosted, including live seminars from technical experts, demonstrations and factory tours, with audio, video and text feeds.

“After over a year apart, CFJLIVE will allow the industry to meet in a Covid-19-safe and highly eco-friendly environment. The format is flexible, to suit schedules and time zones, and the content is shaping up to be incredibly exciting!” commented John Heath, Kick-Start Publishing’s CEO.

To find out more, please contact Stuart Bourne at CFJ at stuart.bourne@kick-startpublishing.co.uk and visit the website at

www.cfjliveexpo.co.uk developer-update.co.uk

06 Industry News

PLAN IN FOR £135M WIGAN SHOPPING CENTRE REDEVELOMENT

A joint venture partnership between north west developer Cityheart and Beijing Construction Engineering Group International has submitted plans for the £130m redevelopment of the Galleries Shopping Centre in Wigan.

BCEGI will lead the construction programme for the new Galleries 25 scheme, which will see the existing 440,000 sq ft shopping centre transformed into a multimedia centre for the town by 2025.

Assuming planning is granted for the hybrid application, f irst construction could start in January 2022.

This will provide a six-screen cinema, music and E-sports venue, 10 lane bowling alley and indoor mini golf course. A purpose-built pavilion off Market Street will provide new food and drink establishments and evening entertainment.

The proposals also include a new hotel and 464 homes ranging developer-update.co.uk

f rom one-bedroom flats to three-bedroom town houses and retirement living.

Nearly half the site will be redeveloped with flats and town houses

Becca Heron, director of economy and skills at Wigan Council said: “The application is now going through the statutory process and will be determined in the autumn in line with national and local planning policy.”

Industry News 07

WATES GETS GREEN LIGHT TO START ROMFORD ESTATE REBUILD Plans for 1,380 new homes at Waterloo and Queen Street in Romford, Essex have been approved by Havering Council.

The scheme forms par t of the council’s 12 Estates’ regeneration programme with Joint Venture partners Wates Residential.

“Waterloo and Queen Street sits in the heart of Romford, where a new high-quality community will be created for residents of Havering to live and thrive.

modern, energy efficient homes, open green spaces for playing and relaxing, and workspaces to promote flexible ways of living and working.

The £1.5bn programme will see at least 3,500 high-quality new homes delivered in Havering over the next 12 to 15 years.

“What’s more, this scheme will result in signif icant social, economic and environmental benef its to the surrounding area, with millions of pounds being invested in buying British through local businesses to create new opportunities for people in the area”.

“This project is about leaving a lasting legacy for people in Havering and now the scheme is one step closer we look forward to starting construction at the beginning of next year”.

Wates Residential has made a commitment to buy British wherever possible, with 20% of the Joint Venture’s spend going to local Small and Medium Enterprises, valued at £100m.

Councillor Roger Ramsey, Cabinet Member for Finance a n d Pro p e r t y, s a i d : “ T h e approval of these plans is a major milestone in delivering local homes for local people.

Hugh J e f fe r y, Regional Development Direc tor for Wates Residential, said: “The vote to approve the proposals for Waterloo and Queen Street means we can look forward to building great places for people to live. This scheme includes

Since its inception in 2018, the Havering and Wates Joint Venture has secured planning on both Napier and New Plymouth House in Rainham and Solar Serena Sunrise in Hornchurch.

Construction of Napier and New Plymouth House is well underway with the f irst homes ready for occupation in 2022. developer-update.co.uk

08 A landmark of Finnish architecture, Helsinki Central railway station opens as a design hotel - Scandic Grand Central is Eliel Saarinen´s masterpiece with an extension that respects the original The Helsinki Central Railway Station, and its administrative buildings, are amongst Eliel Saarinen’s most important a c h i e ve m e n t s i n F i n l a n d and a masterpiece of Finnish art nouveau. The building, completed in 1919, has been listed amongst the most beautiful railway stations in the world and one of the most visited architecture destinations in Finland. Only a few years after the railway station was completed, Saarinen won second prize in the competition to design the Chicago Tribune skyscraper and thereafter moved permanently to the United States. Later his son, Eero Saarinen, continued the family´s triumph of iconic terminal buildings by designing JFK airport’s TWA Flight Center (Terminal 5) in 1962.

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki is located in the old administrative buildings of the Helsinki Central railway station. With its 500 rooms together with meeting and banquet facilities, Scandic Grand Central is among the largest hotels in Finland and true to its its late Art Nouveau roots.

The project consisted of the restoration and adaptive reuse of administrative buildings and the contemporary addition that completes the stations north ”The vision of the new design is to create a contemporary hotel experience while taking care of one of the most highly valued

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pieces of architecture” says architect Aleksi Niemeläinen from Futudesign. ”By interpreting Eliel Saarinen’s architecture boldly from a totally new perspective, th e idea was to create contemporary architecture that makes both the old and the new elements interesting.” The new plan honours the logic of the original station: for example, the layout of the new building follows Eliel Saarinen’s principle of an indented façade and leaves the ends of the original building in plain sight.

Many design details are inspired

by Eliel Saarinen’s original plans and applied to modern features such as street level and top floor arch windows. The wall materials imitate the Railway Station’s facade with a mix of concrete and red granite to add to the building’s grand appearance.

Saarinen himself might not have minded the repurposing of the administrative parts of the building, because back in 1918, he already had a masterplan for Helsinki’s city center. In this plan, Saarinen proposed moving the railway station two kilometers to the north, and outlined the growth of Helsinki on a European level as a metropolis with boulevards and monumental buildings.

The plan was never realized and the railway station quickly became an iconic symbol for the whole of Helsinki.

T h e re s to r a t i o n o f t h e a d m i n i s t r a t i ve b u i l d i n g s was done by Architects Soini & Hor to in collaboration with the Finnish Heritage Agency. The old corridors, staircases and the original still remaining furniture were carefully restored. ”You can really feel Saarinen´s spirit at Scandic Grand Central Helsinki. There are still layers of different eras visible, as well as surprising details. It is an inspiring travel destination for history and architecture lovers”, Aleksi Niemeläinen from Futudesign says.

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10

R

ising gleaming f rom the ground like a giant aluminium block, A1 by Spanish-Italian architect Barozzi Veiga has officially become the first building to open in London’s new Design District on Greenwich Peninsula. This metallic monolith is the practice’s first project in the UK, and provides a home for the Institute for Creativity & Technology – a new post-graduate centre for students of Ravensbourne University.

Situated at the northwestern corner of Design District, beside the main entrance, The Institute is a rectangular structure with towering ceilings, an asymmetric arrangement of large, grid-like windows, punctuating a reflective aluminium facade. One of 16 architecturally diverse buildings that comprise London’s new dedicated centre for the creative industries, Barozzi Veiga’s striking and geometric modern structure puts Ravensbourne’s postgraduate students in the heart of a dynamic ecosystem of enterprises, studios and f reelancers, spanning every creative discipline.

The next generation of creatives Based on Greenwich Peninsula since 2010, Ravensbourne University London is the UK’s leading provider of vocational education in the creative industries, with one of the highest graduate employment rates in the country, as well as the top position when it comes to graduate salaries in the creative sector. To consolidate this position, and further energise the UK’s creative economy, Ravensbourne has chosen a Barozzi Veiga building at Design District to house its new centre for postgraduate study: the Institute for Creativity & Technology.

The Institute’s four floors will house the university’s graduate school, a start-up incubator, a research lab and a workshop, all of which will benefit from the lofty ceiling heights and plentiful natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The new facility means that GradSchool, Ravensbourne’s postgraduate department, can add four new master’s courses to its progressive roster: MA Design Communication and Technology; MA Fashion Design, Management and Innovation; MA Illustration for Communication; and MDes Service Design, Social Innovation and Design Leadership.

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Ravensbourne’s brand new Institute for Creativity and Technology is the first building to open at landmark London project Design District, which launches later this year.

Photograph by Taran Wilkhu.

DESIGN DISTRICT OFFICIALLY OPENS ITS FIRST BUILDING RAVENSBOURNE UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES INSTITUTE FOR CREATIVITY AND TECHNOLOGY IN LONDON’S NEW CREATIVE-SECTOR HUB Up to 200 students and staff are likely to be in the building at any one time, taking advantage of state-of the-art facilities including the Workshop, equipped with prototyping resources, a VR/ AR lab and a print bureau, as well as off ices hotdesking space, meeting areas and an exhibition space that will be used for both university and public events. The university’s sector-leading creative researchers will have their own dedicated workspace in the form

of ResearchRave; students can gain real-world professional experience at in-house agency CreativeLab; and budding entrepreneurs can build up their fledgling businesses in Incubation+, the Institute’s hothouse for start-ups. And, with hundreds of creative professionals and businesses working on the Institute’s doorstep, students will have unlimited opportunity to connect with the people, ideas, and opportunities that will kickstart and enrich their careers.

11 “Our new Institute will strengthen our drive to foster the leadership capabilities of the creative changemakers of the future.

I envisage a rich exchange of ideas between our postgraduate community, Design Distric t , and the wider business and creative community.” – Paul Sternberg, postgraduate director, Ravensbourne University London

The elegance of industry Known for producing monolithic forms, angular geometries and industrial scales with a touch of Mediterranean flair, Barozzi Veiga has created a bold and futuristic, block-like structure in metal and glass that catches the eye without dominating the landscape.

Contrasting engagingly with the different architectural approaches in the district, it is a building in conversation with the others around it.

“The opportunity to build something in London has always attracted us and our involvement in Design District gave us the possibility to do it in one of the most interesting development areas of the city. We are particularly glad that our first built project in London is also the first building to open at the Design District. We think this is a very nice coincidence and we hope it marks a great beginning both for our practice in the UK and for the new creative district.” – Alberto Veiga, founder, Barozzi Veiga Barozzi Veiga’s industrial palette and clean-lined geometry is echoed in the Institute’s interiors, which have

been created by the celebrated East London studio Brinkworth.

Hard-wearing materials such as birch ply, powder-coated steel and linoleum create an honest, function-focused aesthetic, which is reflected in the Institute’s pixelinspired graphic identity, created

by Studio Makgill. From the macro level of the Institute’s structure to the micro world of brand identity, the overall impression is therefore of an industrious maker-space – somewhere that creative ideas can be forged into reality.

“When developing this project, we had the goal of making spaces for creative activities of various kinds, including art, photography, technology, and communication.

For this reason, we could not think of a more appropriate tenant than Ravensbourne University, whose courses and activities are deeply characterized by creativity.” – Alberto Veiga, founder, Barozzi Veiga

Good news for creativity The opening of Ravensbourne’s Institute is the f irst in Design District’s programme of building launches taking place over the summer, culminating in the site’s official grand opening in September.

As Design District is London’s first dedicated, purpose-designed and permanent hub for the creative industries, offering businesses affordable rents and flexible workspace tenancies, its opening represents an injection of muchneeded optimism for the UK creative economy after a year of setbacks and stagnation.

The new Institute at Design District promises to be one of the most architecturally interesting education buildings to launch this year.

Photographs courtesy of Brinkworth.

The arrival of the Institute of Creativity and Technology lays the foundations for the diverse, interdisciplinary creative community that Design District sets out to nurture. After Ravensbourne’s Institute, Design District is preparing to open more of its architecturally progressive buildings, including work by 6a Architects, Adam Kahn Architects, David Kohn Architects, Architecture 00, Mole Architects, HNNA and Selgas Cano. Alongside the students and staff of the Institute, the district’s pioneering cohort of early tenants comprises a dynamic medley of artists, performers, maverick designers and shapers of culture including: • LGBTQ+ art space QUEERCIRCLE; • Love Welcomes, the social enterprise using craft to help refugee women; • sneaker-innovation platform Concept Kicks; • independent music brand Brace Yourself; • Bureau – London’s new members’ club for the creative industries; …with many more to be announced in the next few months.

designdistrict.co.uk Inside the Institute for Creativity & Technology, where certain facilities will be accessible to tenants across Design District. Photograph courtesy of Brinkworth.

developer-update.co.uk

SAFE IN THE

12 Coatings & Paints

EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE IS EVERYTHING WHEN IT COMES TO FIRE SAFETY PRODUCTS.

H

o w e v e r, without knowing it, many of us could be making compromises when it comes to our choice of fire foams and fire rated silicones.

As a company that manufactures sealants, adhesives and other building chemicals, you might expect us to advocate increased awareness when it comes to choosing fire foams. But selfgain never has, and never will, be Bond It’s main motivation for urging greater consideration when it comes to these products.

Instead we believe the building industry in the UK is affected by a serious issue with equally serious, and potentially life-threatening, implications.

With lives at stake, and against a backdrop where we are all increasingly accountable for our work and where they have been a

number of high profile examples of poor building practices contributing to the spread of fire, we see it as our responsibility to share our knowledge.

The problem stems from the existence of too many different but similar sounding classification systems. This has created a degree of confusion which has left many in the sector at risk of inadvertently using fire foams with levels of performance that fall woefully short of the mark.

Not all fire foams are created equal Years ago specifying a fire foam was a lot simpler and arguably safer than it is today. You had the choice of either a standard foam or a fire foam with both types available in either a gun or handheld form.

To benefit from its classification, fire foam had to comply with BS476 part 20. This meant it would act as a barrier to fire for 4 hours giving a building’s occupants vital time to escape.

Then, with an influx of European foams into the UK came a proliferation of dif ferent standards. The most widespread was a German standard based on a sliding scale. This ranged from A1 (100% non-combustible) through to A2, B1, B2 and B3 with the latter offering the worst levels of performance.

If the introduction of a whole new standard system and a large number of differing classifications didn’t serve to

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create enough confusion, the way of assessing the UK and European standards was also totally different.

The UK standard meant a fire foam had to act as a barrier to prevent fire transferring from one room to another for a period of four hours. The German standard meanwhile was based on someone trying to ignite the foam itself - not a very realistic scenario.

Savings - but at what cost?

One of the most widely seen classifications people now find on fire foams is B2 and it’s not hard to understand why. B2 strikes a fine balance between offering some fire resistance and at a cost that won’t hurt budgets – or margins.

However, in our opinion, B2 ‘fire’ foam’s performance is totally inadequate and we don’t think it should be sold as fire foam at all. Yes, there are savings and profits to be made, but at the end of the

KNOWLEDGE

Coatings & Paints 13

day, what price do you put on property or even more poignantly, on someone’s life? As we near the 4th anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, we are hoping lessons have been learnt.

Like most of our competitors, we react to market demand and do supply a B2 PU foam as part of our range. However, we are strict about this not being referred to as a “fire” foam and it is not marketing under this guise at all. We clearly state what the products performance characteristics are and what it is tested to.

An intumescent seal slows down the burning process and does not contribute to spread of flames.

Therefore, it can minimize the damage by protecting structures, giving fire fighters more time to arrive and take the fire under control as well as fireproofing escape routes allowing for efficient evacuation.

Better safe than sorry

How does intumescent sealant work?

In its simplest terms, our advice would in ever y circumstance if you need fire protection from your foams nothing less than B1 is really acceptable as a bare minimum standard and for silicones we would recommend a fire tested sealant. Look for the standards EN1366 -4, EN1366-3, EN ISO 10140-2 and EN13501-2 on packs - which are proof that the foams and sealants will do their job and you can be safe in the knowledge that you’ve chosen a true fire foam or fire rated sealant that will leave people safe in their homes, offices and other buildings.

Intumescent seals are known as means of passive fire protection, but what is an intumescent s ealant in prac tice? Als o known as expansion sealant, intumescent sealant expands when it becomes exposed to extreme heat and can swell up to 40 times its original volume. The sealant increases in volume but decreases in density forming a char layer. The expanded sealant does not actually catch fire, but the char burns eventually, still much more slowly than most building materials. Depending on the product formulation, application and backing material, an intumescent sealant can be resistant to fire for up to 4 hours.

Buildings require different levels of fire resistance depending on their size and whether they have a residential purpose.

Of course, it would be remiss of Bond It to highlight an issue as grave as current fire foam classification and misclassif ication without p ro p o s i n g a solution.

Thankfully, there is one and it’s also fairly easy to implement.

For more information on Bond Its Fire Rated products contact our Sales Of fice on 01422 315300 or visit www.bonditgroup.com.

Silicone sealants also play a big part in ensuring the integrity of fire resistant seals and joints.

These are used in re-establishing the fire-rated integrity of a wall or floor assembly compromised by the inclusion or exclusion of a penetrant. Flames and smoke can spread through the smallest of gaps causing extreme damage to buildings and even human lives.

Applying an intumescent sealant to linear joints, around pipes and between cables to close all the gaps and add fire resistance. developer-update.co.uk

14 Coatings & Paints In today’s world we hear more and more about hybrids being the preferred choice, whether its cars with both electric and combustion engines, communication devices where a phone combines a computer and camera, or even dogs, where a Labradoodle once commonly viewed as a mongrel now is a household favourite.

The science of fusing things together has resulted in more superior and efficient end products being readily available, with proven advantages for the user.

In the construction industry, a hybrid is understood to mean the product of two or more chemicals or materials that have been fused together, resulting in a new improved product that offers the combined positive properties of the original items.

Bond It has capitalised on the benefits of hybrid “cross-breeding” of chemicals and have used its technical prowess to develop a range of high performance sealants and adhesives with truly outstanding performance characteristics . B y making s ignif i c ant an d s u s tain e d investments into the relevant research and manufacturing facilities, we are a leading force in the development of a new generation of hybrid products for many building sectors.

Sealants tend to be manufactured using one of two base materials – silicone or polyurethane. Both materials have their advantages but similarly both also have their disadvantages. By developing hybrid technology the positive characteristics of both chemical materials are united, providing not only greener alternatives to traditional based products, but also better products in terms of performance. Under the Pro Range Bond It offer hybrid solutions to a wide variety of trade and DIY needs that provide the best of both worlds.

As the term ‘hybrid’ suggests, these pro duct s combine the benefits of silicone and polyurethane sealants with none of either material’s associated drawbacks. Hybrids are free from solvents, isocyanates and silicones and are therefore nonhazardous and non-damaging to health. They have very low odour making them ideal for sensitive indoor applications, as well as being quick curing, non-shrinking, UV resistant, can be used without primers, and have exceptionally good adhesion to almost any

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construction material.

An added benefit is they will adhere to damp surfaces and can even be applied under water.

And replicating the properties of a polyurethane, the hybrids have good temperature fluctuation resistance and are tear resistant and over paintable, even with water based paints. Basically they pack a punch, and some . . .

Under the PRO RANGE banner Bond It offer 6 tailor made products. Each product features a different formulation which has been specifically designed to deliver enhanced performance characteristics that are ideally suited to different applications.

G R I PB ON D PRO was the Company’s pioneer hybrid, an ‘all-in-one’ product that can be used as a sealant and an adhesive. Available in 4 colours, including crystal clear for an invisible seal, it has become an immensely popular choice thanks to its versatility, bond strength and speed of curing.

GRIPBOND PRO MAX is the ultimate power adhesive in a cartridge. Offers up to four times the grab of other grab adhesive and can eliminate the need for additional mechanical support.

Also delivers an excellent, longer lasting bond and remains permanently flexible ensuring movement will not compromise bond strength.

WOOD PRO was designed for fixing all types of wooden floors directly onto all common substrates eliminating the need for battens. Moisture and solventfree composition reduces the risk of wood flooring warping, curling and deforming. WOOD PRO is also permanently flexible enabling it to compensate for subfloor

movement and making it suitable for use with underfloor heating systems.

ASTRO PRO is a specialist solution for bonding artif icial grass surfaces to a variety of substrates or jointing tapes. Offers excellent bonding properties even on wet surfaces. Cures rapidly even at low temperatures and once cured is fully resistant to all climatic conditions MIRROR PRO, as the name sugge s t s wa s sp e cif ical ly formulated for use on mirrors, glass and ceramics as well as for hot, humid environments. Will stick to damp surfaces and is noncorrosive so will not attack mirror backings. Rapid curing and is tack free in 10 minutes.

With hybrid products, new applications can be replicated on building sites and in many are as they can even b e completely substituted. The launch of EasiSeal in 2018 was a revolutionary step forward in to the roofing sector. Offering a one coat application to flat roofs EasiSeal is a cold-applied, solventfree, permanently flexible 100% waterproof membrane. Creating an impermeable seal to repel water damage it is also suitable for wet room tanking, groundwork tanking and waterproof ing balconies and terraces.

You may well have started reading this thinking why would I use hybrids but the question you should really be asking is why not as the advantages are clear??

16

Artificial Plants & Trees for Businesses Our master craftsmen construct each bespoke order with painstaking care and attention, to create an exceptionally ‘real’ artificial showpiece, and we offer bespoke solutions to suit the needs of your space, business and tastes.

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

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

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

Who Have We Supplied?

Channels 4 and 5, Mulberry, Innocent Drinks, Monsoon, Bella Italia, Tescos, Big Brother, The Only Way is Essex, Coronation Street, Dancing on Ice, Park Resorts, Volkswagen, and more.

Major companies in many industries including ITV, BBC,

We’ve also sold to house builders, zoos, hotels,

restaurants, shopping centres, theme parks, colleges and schools, cruise ships, theatres… the list goes on! We have tens of thousands of satisfied customers in the UK, in Europe, and across the World.

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

Get in Touch!

Call us today on 01524 858888 or email sales@justartificial.co.uk or browse our Web Store online for our full stock range and more info on our bespoke solutions on offer.

www.justartificial.co.uk developer-update.co.uk

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

www.justartificial.co.uk | 01524 858888 | sales@justartificial.co.uk

Fire Retardant products and UV resistant outdoor product ranges now in stock!

18 Doors & Windows

P C HENDERSON EXPANDS ITS RANGE OF POCKET DOOR SYSTEMS WITH NEW BI-PARTING FIRE RATED SYSTEM

P C Henderson has further expanded its range of pocket door systems with the launch of a brand new fire rated system for bi-parting doors.

Originally launched for single doors back in February 2019 – this latest release of the company’s popular Pocket Door Pro system caters for bi-parting fire doors weighing up to 120kg and is fully certif ied to FD30 British and European standards.

The new system is available in standard and soft closing options, seven different kit sizes, for two different f inished wall thicknesses, self-closing and non self-closing variants and a simultaneous action kit available as an optional extra.

Andrew Royle, Sales and Marketing Director at P C Henderson, commented, “Since launching Pocket Door Pro just over two years ago – the system has quickly grown to become one of our most popular products.

“We designed Pocket Door Pro with one key aim in mind – to create one of the most flexible and versatile range of pocket door systems on the market. As the popularity of pocket door systems continues to rise – it’s important that designers and developers have access to a system which can cater for virtually any type of application and in a number of different operation types. We believe we have achieved this through the development of Pocket Door Pro”, continued Andrew.

“Post launch market research quickly told us that demand for a bi-parting fire rated version was high – we listened to this feedback and are delighted to be able to bring this new variation to the market”. developer-update.co.uk

A detailed and innovative design is what P C Henderson attributes to the products success – features such as push together parts, prea s s e m b l e d co m p o n e n t s and a wide range of optional extras has seen the products popularity soar over the past two years.

The system is designed using a robust aluminium f rame making it ideal for new builds and areas of heavy use such as educational buildings, hospitals, hotels, office blocks and disability access areas.

The fire rated version comes complete with intumescent seals and is made out of FDC Finger Jointed Laminated Redwood – providing a knot and defect f ree system – guaranteeing product reliability and longevity.

Find out more at www.pchenderson.com.

www.firmanglass.com

Shopspec_glazingexcellence-2018:Firman 01/03/2018 17:04 Page 1

Established in 1975 Firman Glass is one of the leading

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20 Doors & Windows

BLACK BARN: FORMER COTSWOLDS GRAIN STORE CAPTURED BY HANDOVER Photography studio, Handover, share their captures of Black Barn – the 6,500 sq ft development situated north of the Cotswolds, completed in 2020 by multi-disciplinary architecture, interior design and delivery studio Rigby & Rigby.

Image: Handover

Image: Handover

timber and sheet aluminium, both materials being honest to the building’s former aesthetic.

Developed as a holistic scheme which is utilitarian in design, a key consideration was referencing Black Barn’s former use as an agricultural grain store.

The residence comprises accommodation in the main house with a Dutch Barn running in parallel, f raming an inner courtyard space.

By carefully respecting the buildings original form, the proper ty was punctuated symmetrically with large-format windows to provide lots of natural light and ventilation.

Image: Handover

“Black Barn was a unique opportunity for us to work on

such a large scale residential photography project.” Explains Daniel Tuck, co-founder of Handover. “Whilst capturing the traditional architectural elevations was key, we often work to capture the more abstract perspectives when documenting such a visually striking proper ty. Having seen the concept develop f rom drawing to completion, we gain ed an in- depth understanding of how Rigby & Rigby wanted to showcase this home and how their talented design team fully deserve their esteemed worldwide reputation.”

A central staircase and fireplace run along the length of Black Barn, reflecting the scale and depth within the double-height void. This provides circulation onto the mezzanine seating area f rom where a glass walkway provides access to private bedrooms with en-suites. At the southernmost part of the upper storey, a library is located with far-reaching views across the countryside.

Externally the architecture was simplif ied by enhancing the detailing around the cladding with a contrast of materials used f rom black liner multi-width

developer-update.co.uk

The Nordic style interior design scheme was developed from its minimalist background to create the multi-functional and open plan living area for family living, entertaining, dining, breakfast whilst relaxation is found in the media room with pool table and bar overlooking the courtyard.

The interior is comfortable with design classics f rom Flexform and Poltrona Frau and the new Rimedesio range for coffee tables. A custom ‘Skyfall’ rug designed by Rigby & Rigby in collaboration with Colbourns surrounds the f ireplace and informal seating area.

One specif ic outstanding feature of Black Barn is the Dutch Barn which creates an inner shelter adjacent to the Japanese inspired courtyard space to the main house. The Dutch Barn features an annexe with a mezzanine bedroom, bathroom and kitchen/living facilities.

Also, Black Barn comes with a fully equipped gym, workshop garage - to house a classic bike and car, a covered BBQ area for the summer months and an adjacent kitchen garden for vegetables and herbs with an orchard to the rear nestled into a wild meadow.

Exhibits thoughtful, well-executed design and luxury

1ST FOLDING SLIDING DOORS • 26 Wadsworth Road, Perivale, UB6 7JZ | 141 Hook Road, KT6 5AR • marcus@1stfoldingslidingdoors.co.uk • T: 0208 997 2448 | F: 0208 997 0611

12

VILLEROY & BOCH’S AWARD WINNING FINION Clever integration of technology to the bathroom The bathroom has pivoted from being a purely functional wash space to a room of relaxation and soothing spa-style luxury. How the room is designed has also evolved, with its focus moving from cleanliness and efficiency to the overall bathing experience – how the room makes you feel, and its ambiance. Today’s bathroom is a private sanctuary, a unique space in the house to retreat to, wind-down in and a place to indulge in some alone guilt-free solitude. developer-update.co.uk

I

n a world of constant multitasking, endless scrolling and too much screen time, the bathroom has generally remained the one room in the house where you can escape technology. While of course withdrawing f rom overstimulating notif ications does wonders for wellbeing and mental health, when used in the right way technology can have a positive effect and play into creating a restful, restorative atmosphere.

Spanning bathroom furniture, ceramics and accessories, Villeroy & Boch’s award winning Fi n i o n ra n g e i n t ro d u ce s technology to the bathroom in a subtle, user-friendly way. The gentle Emotion lighting – as its name suggests – taps in to the need for calming and easily controlled soft illumination throughout the space with the option to add LEDs to all Finion pieces, while the collection also sensitively incorporates music and charging points to the bathroom, all activated through a single remote control.

23 The Finion collection f rom Villeroy & Boch cleverly integrates technology into the bathroom so that it is unobtrusive and invisible,’ explains Graeme Borchard, MD at UK Bathrooms.

‘While boasting numerous technological innovations, the collection places a peaceful and holistic experience at its core, focusing on setting the scene for serenity before anything else.’

The furniture Customisation def ines the Finion furniture collection.

Select f rom 13 stylish f inishes for the front and sides of vanity units – from real wood veneers, Glossy White and Matt Black Lacquer to sunny Gold and rich red Peony – and experiment with different shades for the internal shelf module to create an expressive display unique to your home. Like all Finion elements, vanity units, tall cabinets and shelf boxes can be further customised with the addition of LED lighting which illuminates shelving to make it an atmospheric feature within the space.

The bath Cast in Villeroy & Boch’s unique, quartz-based Quaryl material which is incredibly durable, impact resistant and easy to clean, the freestanding Finion bath shows off slimline edges

and a seamless contemporary curve which can be custom coloured with any RAL tone to perfectly match – or contrast – any furniture combination, tile tone or wall shade. Add Emotion lighting around the base of the bath to make it seems as if it’s floating on a ring of light, the most modern oasis.

The mirror The Finion mirror may look like a classic, but it’s hiding a whole host of clever features. With a border of Emotion lighting

illuminating it f rom every angle – which can be changed from warm white to cool white at the touch of a button to suit your mood – there are also options for a smart anti-fogging function, plus a premium integrated sound system to set the tone for the whole space.

The charging station Power up while you zone out with the most discreet way to charge your phone – simply place it on the side cabinet or in the shelf unit to wirelessly charge the battery and stream your music without worry.

Design-led, practical and intuitive, the Finion range is the bathroom’s most high-tech way to switch off.

developer-update.co.uk

Ventilation 25

How

to

SCORE MULTIPLE BENEFITS FROM ONE UPGRADE The Tangerines aka Blackpool FC have extracted optimum benefit from a comparatively small upgrade.

T

he League 1 Club’s stadium, built in 2010, has already needed to refurbish the exposed areas of the façade due to the extreme climatic conditions faced as a result of its proximity to the sea. The club management called up the premier player in the sector- Gilberts Blackpool- to replace the now rusty plant screening and ventilation louvres.

Now, two banks of Gilberts’ WGK75 kit-form louvres each 10m x 3m either side of the Stadium merchandise shop, and a further 4m x 4m screen by the north stand, have been fitted. To optimise protection, the aluminium louvres have been powder coated marine grade- in tangerine.

“Our nickname is The Tangerines. As I wanted to create a talking point, it seemed logical to choose such a bright colour for the louvres, especially as Gilberts as a company has been actively encouraging the use of colour to brighten our built landscape,” observed Glynn Makin, Blackpool FC stadium manager. “I knew from Gilberts’ reputation that the company would be on target for quality and price too, which was an added benefit.”

Adds Ian Rogers, Gilberts Sales Director, “You don’t get environments in England much more extreme than the North Sea/ Lancashire coast. We had to be sure that whatever we supplied would perform, balancing performance with value for money. WGK scored on all counts.”

Gilberts’ WGK75 features a unique clip-on blade that enables quick yet precise fitting on site. Once installed, it provides a good 50% free ventilation area whilst protecting from weather ingress.

The WGK75 is part of Gilberts’ louvre product range, developed over the years to provide a comprehensive package to keep pace with the evolution of building design and structural interfaces. It includes standard, high performance, site assembled and acoustic louvres, available in a range of ratings for weight, ventilation, weather, insects and even bird ingress. Even fixings can often be tailored to individual site preferences.

Innovatively, with its in-house design expertise, Gilberts has the capability to create bespoke configurations which can be both CFD modelled, and tested within its own laboratory to give customers complete ‘fit for purpose’ peace of mind.

Gilberts also offers a comprehensive range of PPC,PVF and PVF2 coatings across its louvres, available in any RAL colour, applied to louvres of almost any size.

Founded over half a century ago, and still familyowned, Gilberts is the UK’s leading independent air movement engineer. It is unique in its ability to design, manufacture and test all products- including bespoke fabrications- in-house, to the extent it even designs and manufactures its own tools at its 95,000 sq ft head office and production facility.

Gilberts tel 01253 766911 E: info@gilbertsblackpool.com developer-update.co.uk

26

PANASONIC EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR ITS AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP CASHBACK SCHEME In light of the government closing its Green Homes Grant, Panasonic has announced an extension to its own Green Cashback Schemes to provide installers and homeowners with a longer period to benefit from this generous scheme.

N

ow extended for a further two months, the two schemes offer generous cashback on the completion of installations of Aquarea Airto-Water heat pumps. Projects must be completed by 31 August 2021 and all claims for the cash need to be submitted by 30 September 2021.

Richard Bishop, UK Head of Marketing for Panasonic commented, “We are delighted to be able to help both installers and homeowners with the extension of our Green Hom es Cashback schemes. Homeowners can take advantage of the reliable, sustainable heating and hot water provided by Aquarea heat pumps, and by extending

the scheme, they will have more time to complete their projects during what has been a challenging period.

The Aquarea range is one of the widest on the market and offers capacities and configurations to suit all homes and heating requirements.

With the planned phase-out of gas boilers coming soon, an air source heat pump is the wisest energy saving improvement a homeowner can make right now for heating and hot water.”

Both Green Cashback schemes are straightforward with cashback for homeowners to claim, whilst installers also benef it f rom extensive resources through the Panasonic PRO Club platform.

The Panasonic Aquarea system offers a reliable system thanks to its quality components that provides an innovative lowenergy solution and is designed to deliver ideal temperatures and hot water, even with extreme outdoor temperatures.

The two schemes, one for homeowners and one for installers, provide cashback on qualifying Aquarea installations completed between October 2020 and the end of August 2021 (all claims to be submitted by 30 September 2021).

Installers: The Green Install Scheme for installers can provide cashback of £800* – following the successful installation of f ive Panasonic Aquarea A2W heat pumps with a Smart Cloud Controller. Installers can further benefit from using the Panasonic Service Cloud to enable remote maintenance and monitoring of the Aquarea units which provides: an error log history, a global view at a glance, full unit information, statistics on usage plus lots more useful information.

Consumers: The Green Homes co n s u m e r s ch e m e i s fo r homeowners replacing oil-fired, LPG, electric or mains gas boilers and offers up to £600 depending on the size of the air source heat pump (conditions apply).

Both the above Panasonic Green Cashback Schemes are available throughout the UK and claims can be submitted regardless as to whether participants have claimed any government incentives.

For details on these schemes, click here.

For further information on Panasonic’s wide range of heating and cooling solutions visit www.aircon.panasonic.eu.

developer-update.co.uk

28

Pump Technology Ltd. now offers the expanded Saniflo Product Range The Saniflo domestic and commercial product range continues to expand. Recent additions include the Sanifos range of below ground lifting stations.

Lifting Station Range: Four sizes are available with capacities from 110 liters to 1300 litres. The smallest, the Sanifos 110 being particularly suitable for applications such as garden rooms and offices.

The full range of floor mounted and below ground Saniflo pumping systems is available to view on the dedicated website at www.saniflo-pumpshop.co.uk

Years of experience: Historically, Pump Technology used to operate the Saniflo helpline for pre and after sales service. Now Derek Bryant, previously Saniflo National Sales Manager, heads up the Pump Technology Ltd, Merchant team. This places us in the perfect position to be able to offer the best possible advice and support Derek says, “In the UK we are the largest independent stockiest of Saniflo commercial products. With our years of knowledge and experience, competitive pricing and assured next day delivery, we have become the go to company for this equipment”. developer-update.co.uk

29

The “One Stop Pump Shop” system: It is sometimes hard for trade counters, merchants, contractors, installers and plumbers to keep up to date with the growing Saniflo product range. It is often difficult to decide what is the right product for the application.

This is where the Pump Technology Ltd team can help to ensure that customers can find exactly the right system within the budget for the job in hand.

The Pump Technology Ltd “One Stop Pump Shop” system means that merchants and resellers can partner with the company to offer a fast and effective service.

Just one phone call can answer customers questions and assist in selecting exactly the right product for the project. This can then be delivered directly from the fully stocked PT warehouse either to the merchant or straight to site, saving both time and costs.

Pump Technology Ltd are also authorized distributors for all major manufactures such as Jung Pumpen GmbH, Whale, Lowara, Grundfos, KSB, ABS and many more.

More Information: 0118 9821 555 www.saniflo-pumpshop.co.uk

developer-update.co.uk

30 Roofing & Cladding

GOOD MANAGEMENT IS KEY TO A ROOF’S LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE

By Kevin O’Connell at IKO Group Dependent on the products and materials used, a flat roof’s waterproofing should last between 20 and 40 years. Good maintenance will also contribute to its performance and longevity. But which proactive steps need to be taken when a waterproofing system reaches the end of its serviceable life?

Roofing purpose When deciding on a waterproof ing system for a flat roof application, it’s important to consider what it’s meant to do. An appropriately-designed and correctly-installed solution will prevent a prevalence of standing water, which in-turn will protect the structural integrity of the building itself.

Water carries immense weight and when left to pond, it could lead to the breakdown of the roof’s coating which will leave the roof susceptible to the UV degradation. As an example of the immense strain it can bring to bear, 1mm of water per m2 equates to 1kg. Therefore, that same level of water across a 5mm x 30m2 surface would be akin to two adults standing on a roof. Long-standing water can also promote vegetation growth in the form of plants and fungi; wildlife that can penetrate a flat roof’s surface and cause untold damage to the building itself.

As well as keeping a roof dry, a good waterproofing system should ensure it achieves regulatory levels of thermal performance. In poorly insulated homes, roofs account for 25% of a building’s heat loss. It is crucial, therefore, that the insulation supplied as part of a build-up offers an effective barrier to energy escape whilst being of suitable thickness to prevent the obstruction of door and window thresholds. Its design should also take into account roofs with plant installations, walkways and safety features such as guardrails and hatch systems.

Monitor to prevent major repairs Good management can be achieved by gaining an understanding of your roof stock. Is it old or is it new? Are there other plans for the building that could impact the roof? New windows may provide less ventilation than old ones; therefore will an extension be required to facilitate such an installation?

Prevention is better than cure, a saying that is particularly pertinent to roof ing management.

Neglecting to act upon tell-tale signs of a roof’s degradation can transform a seemingly minor maintenance issue into a major repair project that potentially comes at great expense to a property owner in order to keep it weathertight and its occupants safe. This worst-case scenario can be avoided by keeping a periodical look-out for signs developer-update.co.uk

of natural wear and tear which indicate a roof’s performance is in danger of being compromised. These visual sirens might include elements such as lap joints becoming loose or in the case of an asphalt roof, the appearance of surface lumps and creases, or even blocked outlets.

Getting the balance right In terms of appropriate waterproof specification for flat roofs, property owners must strike a balance between the ‘nice’ to have, with the ‘need’ to have.

To ensure this thin line is more easily navigated, it’s important to decide upon a level of spending by drawing up a budget. This should take into account future plans for the roof asset and the building itself.

Engage with the experts The aforementioned issues can be overcome by engaging with roof ing, waterproof ing and insulation experts such as IKO Group. Our industry expertise is available to facilitate an appropriate solution for a wide range of flat and tapered roof applications. In terms of performance and cost, we have the all-round knowledge to direct clients towards the most appropriate waterproof ing solution. We understand that although hardly out of sight; roofs are out of mind for most people – it’s just not something they choose to think about.

However, this shouldn’t detract from their everyday importance, and at IKO we’ve got the whole of issue of roofing design and performance covered.

Early engagement will always result in a more favourable outcome.

March webinar The next in a series of monthly webinars hosted

by IKO focuses on Roofing Stock Management. It offers further insight into issues highlighted within this blog such as flat roof failure prevention, roofing maintenance, surveys, post-installation aftercare and value engineering. It also looks at British standards guidance in relation to waterproofing health and safety practices including working at height.

In summary, IKO’s Roofing Stock Management webinar is a professionally-led presentation that roofing professionals will not want to miss. The free-to-view presentation takes place on March 11th, 16th, 18th, 23rd, 25th and 30th. To sign-up and for details on IKO’s future webinars, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/iko-roofing-stockmanagement-tickets-144396924087

SUSTAINABLE ROOF SOLUTION FOR NEW BUILD PROJECTS

“PLANT PLANT PLANT”

‘Build, Build, Build’ acknowledged in planned reforms to put infrastructure at the centre of the Government’s economic growth strategy.

Part of this announcement has emphasised the importance in safeguarding the UK’s natural environment by utilising methods in ‘capturing and removing CO2 from the atmosphere, protecting precious biodiversity, and connecting people with nature’. (Gov.UK) Green roofs and roof terraces/podiums can provide mentally beneficial spaces for occupants, as well as the ability to combat extreme climate conditions.

The key benefits gained from the utilisation of green roofs across developments in our inner cities include:

SUPPORTS AIR PURIFICATION STORMWATER MANAGEMENT MITIGATION OF URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT IMPROVING EFFICIENCY OF THE BUILDING’S PERFORMANCE INCREASING LOCAL BIODIVERSITY

CONTACT US AT EARLY DESIGN STAGE TO ENSURE A COMPLETE TAILORED GREEN OR BIODIVERSE SOLUTION

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

32 Roofing & Cladding

T

he partnership marks the joining of two recognised industry leaders – NFRC, the UK’s largest roofing trade association and NBS, a company rooted in improving industry and compliance through digital data adoption.

By working together, NBS and the NFRC will bring vast amounts of information and resources to its members and customers, providing support during the specif ication stage of various building projects.

As a leading voice in roof ing developments, NFRC is looking to establish closer links w i t h s p e c i f i e r s by providing them with access to quality technical information and raising awareness of its membership network, ensuring consistent quality specif ications across the construction chain.

James Talman, Chief Executive of NFRC commented saying: “Specifiers have a critical role in creating a safer and more sustainable construction industry, and that is why we are delighted to establish developer-update.co.uk

Today, NBS, the leading construction data platform, has announced its partnership with the National Federation of Roofing Contractors Limited (NFRC) to promote standards and guidance within roofing specification to the broader construction industry.

a partnership with NBS. Through this collaboration, specifiers can be assured that NFRC’s wealth of technical knowledge and expertise on roof ing features within NBS’ platforms, will be available to them. In return, NFRC Members can gain exposure through the NBS Source platform and access specialist NBS Webinars. Together we can help specifiers ensure that they are using the highest quality roofing products and contractors.”

NBS has a long track record in providing information and tools to the construction industry, and in recent years has transformed into a leading software provider.

Both companies also plan to work together on digital events such as webinars and discussion panels to enrich the debate on industry topics and better support customers.

B o b R i ch a rd s o n , H ea d o f Technical and Training at NFRC commented saying: “We are pleased to be able to provide NBS with periodic review services and technical knowledge to ensure consistent information is provided

throughout the specif ication p ro ce s s ri g h t t h ro u g h to installation. We also welcome the opportunity to be part of future NBS events and webinars.”

NBS conducted 58 different webinars during 2020 on various topics, which were a huge success and attracted over 25,000 registrations.

Commenting on the partnership, Sascia Elliott, Head of Partnerships at NBS, said: “NBS is delighted to collaborate with the NFRC and highlight the benef its and importance of specification in the building timeline. It was a natural f it to partner with the NFRC, an organisation that shares a common goal with us to promote standards and guidance in this skilled profession to those in the wider construction industry. By using NBS products and services, specifiers can help guard against risk, increase eff iciency and proactively drive better standards for the benef it of the wider construction community.”

34

Stunning UK hotels and eco-f riendly products buil t with Kebony wood As staycations look set to be one of the hottest trends in tourism this summer, take advantage of the many eco-friendly hotels and products the UK has to offer for a funfilled, sustainable summer.

Built with Kebony, global leader in the production of sustainable wood, the Carbis Bay Hotel, Dorsett City Hotel and Atlantic View Lodges offer luxury eco-friendly getaways in picturesque locations, while the Kebony GoBoats are set to be one of the summer’s biggest hits for those looking to explore London on the water.

For a luxury eco-friendly seaside getaway…

Set atop the sloping Cornish coastline, the Carbis Bay Hotel is an eco-friendly estate, prioritising green luxury living, tailored to holidaymakers seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. From installing an on-site Energy Centre, to cladding the new beach lodges and ocean venue in Kebony, the forward-thinking Carbis Bay Hotel ensures that the commitment to green living runs through all aspects of the coastal holiday resort. developer-update.co.uk

35 For the ultimate City break…

Located on the 14th floor of Aldgate’s Dorsett City Hotel, the Jin Bo Law Skybar combines creative and contemporary architectural design with iconic views of the City’s skyline. The terrace, which has been decked entirely with Kebony, invites visitors to marvel at the stunning views of the Capital whilst enjoying the Skybar’s Asian-inspired cocktail menu.

For a tranquil country escape…

Framed by the picturesque sandstone cliffs, The Atlantic View Lodges comprises six luxury holiday cottages located in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, each of the homes has been clad in Kebony. At the heart of the development lies a clear commitment to sustainability and each property utilises energy efficient technologies throughout, including solar thermal panels and air source heat pumps, whilst a green roof system was carefully installed to reduce the environmental impact of the lodges.

For the adventure seeker…

For those looking for adventure, explore London this summer with Kebony’s Electric powered GoBoats. Float along winding rivers, canals and waterways this summer by chartering an electric GoBoat, which use electrical engines powered by the sun, and can sail for up to 12 hours on once charged.

For sustainable luxury at home…

For those looking to enjoy a taste of sustainable luxury at home this year, look no further than the Tubmarine, a wood-fired hot tub and must-have luxury addition to UK gardens. Made from 80% recycled materials, and completed with Kebony’s elegant wood surface, the Tubmarine heats up in under two hours, and requires no electricity and little maintenance. The Tubmarine combines expert craftmanship, eco-friendly materials and years of engineering research to create an environmentally friendly hot tub like no other available on the market.

Global leader in the production of sustainable wood, Kebony, has become a top choice amongst home builders, architects and designers looking for a striking, sustainable and hardwearing timber. Developed in Norway, Kebony’s revolutionary technology is an environmentally friendly process which modifies sustainably sourced softwoods by heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol - an agricultural by-product, enabling it to maintain the qualities of a hard wood with minimal impact on the environment. developer-update.co.uk

36

KERB APPEAL: The most popular exterior house paint colours to help sell a property A house painted grey is most likely to help it sell, according to research.

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ainted houses are no longer restricted to the streets of Notting Hill and Primrose Hill.

Instagram and interior obsessions mean that painting the exterior of houses has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Classic ‘white’ was second with 11.4k monthly searches, less than half of the searches for ‘grey’.

Black was also a popular choice, totting up 8.2k average monthly searches, which also mirrors the darker interior trends of the past few years.

However it could be possible not everyone wants to live in a pastel pink house, so what colour exterior paint is most likely to help sell a property?

Wh en it cam e to m ore adventurous colours, green (3.5k) and red (2.4k) were most popular. Although popular with influencers and instagrammers, pink masonry paint was one of the least popular with only 570 average monthly searches.

These masonry paint colours - a paint designed especially for use on exterior walls - are the most popular in the UK currently, and therefore more likely to sell your home.

Research by JustBoilers.com has found the nation’s most popular paint colours for houses.

Their research looked at online searches for masonry paint and took into account different brands and shades of each colour.

These were the 10 most popular exterior house paint colours: • • • • • • • • • •

Grey: 24,190 monthly searches White: 11,430 monthly searches Black: 8,230 monthly searches Green: 3,530 monthly searches Red: 2,440 monthly searches Cream: 1,810 monthly searches Brown: 1,600 monthly searches Blue: 1,580 monthly searches Pink: 570 monthly searches Yellow: 240 monthly searches

‘Grey’ was the most popular house-paint colour, with just over 24.1k monthly searches. Shades included in this were light, slate, dark, charcoal, gravel and Plymouth. Zoffany’s ‘Paris Grey’ and Farrow & Ball’s ‘Down Pipe’ were some of the most sought after interior colours last year, so the aesthetically pleasing grey tones have now made it to the exterior too. developer-update.co.uk

For someone looking for a new home or looking to paint their exterior, environmental psychologist and wellbeing consultant Lee Chambers told JustBoilers what each colour represents and why they are appealing: “The current colour of trend, grey presents a harmony between the sleek style of black, and the crisp clarity of white. Its modern feel brings an element of kerb appeal, taking off the subdued edge of black and mellowing the clinical aspect of white for a balanced, welcoming appearance and a feeling of security that is enticing in these uncertain times.”

“White properties exude that feeling of simplicity and purity which can be appealing to certain characters. It also provides an excellent platform to show additional elements of our personality through a bold door colour. It has the ability to grab attention and it’s fresh and clean ambience is something we can often aspire to.”

“Black has always been symbolic of sophistication and luxury, and this is no different when it comes to exterior colours. It promotes a feeling of assurance while conveying a sense of mystery

and intrigue at the characters who reside there. The balance of formality with elegance makes it a popular choice.”

“The colour of nature, and the colour we as humans can see the most shades of, the colour green is a popular choice outside of the neutral options. Its appeal is a feeling of grounded serenity amongst our busy lives, and an ambience of being connected to something bigger. With green being representative of growth and new beginnings, it’s a great option for promoting positivity as soon as you enter your property.”

“An energetic and passionate colour, red houses certainly are a statement. They often signify an element of power, mixed with an appreciation for tradition. Because red as a colour stimulates humans and draws their attention, it can generate desire from some people while overstimulating others, making it divisive. And it will likely picture the residents as being full of character and emotion.”

Co-founder of JustBoilers. com Chris Burls said: “House painting used to be restricted to certain city streets and seaside towns, so it’s interesting to see how popular the trend has become.”

“You generally shouldn’t need planning permission for exterior painting. However, if a property is listed or on designated land, there will be additional rules, so it is important to check with the local council. It’s also important to take into account the upkeep involved, as it will require repainting every five to ten years, depending on the material and climate.”

Please find the top 12 most popular house paint colours here.

38

THE IMPORTANCE OF CLEANING EXTERIOR WALLS WITHOUT CAUSING SURFACE DAMAGE Daniel Took, Head of Professional Product Marketing at Kärcher UK explains best-practice cleaning methods for exterior walls and façades.

developer-update.co.uk

When refurbishing exterior walls and façades it is important to ensure that the correct equipment is used, and care is taken to consider the surface material to avoid surface damage.

Maintaining exterior walls is a crucial part of retaining or increasing property value and it is important that cleaning is done effectively to enhance value.

39

Pressure Washing

Cleaning Agents

Most external surfaces can be treated effectively using a hot water high-pressure cleaner, such as Kärcher’s HDS Middle Class range.

Their dual ability to clean at high temperatures and provide high-pressure ensures high quality cleaning performance with low water consumption for a controlled cleaning environment.

Cleaning agents can be used alongside hot water highpressure washers, but they should be applied first and washed off at high-pressure after the application time.

When selecting which agent to use it is important to consider the surface material.

Hot water is crucial to cleaning external walls as cleaning at a temperature range between 60-80 °C results in a faster breakup of dirt and deposits, allowing for easy removal of materials such as oil, grease, and soot.

High-pressure cleaning ensures furth er depth penetration for the removal of moss and lichen’s roots, preventing any regrowth.

Steam Cleaning Steam cleaning as part of the secondary steam stage is crucial for intensive cleaning.

During this stage the water volume is reduced by half and steam up to 155 °C is discharged. The steam gets between the surface and the dirt particles tackling even stubborn dirt such as paints and bituminous coatings.

When working with natural and artificial stone façades where the surface material can be acid-sensitive, an alkaline cleaning agent must be used to avoid surface damage that can impact the building value and appearance. Acidresistant stone façades (and plaster façades), however, can be effectively treated using a neutral cleaning agent.

Metal façades can too be vulnerable to chemicals therefore a neutral cleaning agent is recommended.

Prior to cleaning coated or painted surfaces care should be taken to remove chalking (white stains due to washed out pigments).

This can be done manually o r b y u s i n g e le ct ri c , hand-operated polishing machines. Hand-operated machines allow for lowpressure water to flow out through the large opening at the brush preventing water penetration in the insulating layer behind the façade.

For special cases where façades are not to be watered too much or water-saving methods are required, particle and dry ice blasting can be used. These are also good alternatives to high-pressure cleaners if no cleaning agents should be used or there is a limit for wastewater volume.

Both methods are also appropriate for removing s e v e r e c o n ta m i n a t i o n , including graffiti.

For wooden façades a neutral cleaning agent is ideal although care must be taken to clean with the correct pressure for the correct type of wood. Robust hardwood façades can be cleaned at a pressure of 100 bar and a temperature between 60 °C-80 °C , whilst sensitive timbers, such as larch or spruce, require a pressure of 50 bar.

developer-update.co.uk

40

CHARCON SHOWCASES HARD LANDSCAPING OFFERING IN NEW DOWNLOADABLE BROCHURE Charcon, the commercial hard landscaping division of Aggregate Industries, has unveiled a new brochure bringing its range of industryleading products and integrated solutions together into one convenient place.

T

he full-colour, 170-page portfolio can be downloaded straight f rom the Charcon website and has been carefully curated for architects, civil engineers, landscape professionals, housebuilders and contractors working across all areas of the construction industry.

The brochure includes in-depth information on all of Charcon’s product ranges – including concrete and natural stone paving, sustainable drainage systems, surface water drainage, kerbing and edging – and features a useful guide for design, installation and maintenance.

New products featured in the brochure include H2O Linear Surface Water Drainage and Charcon’s innovative Cycle Kerb and Segregation Unit. developer-update.co.uk

Jamie Baldwin, General Manager for Charcon comments: “We’ve always been very proud of our commitment to innovation, our extensive product portfolio, technical expertise and sustainability credentials – but the launch of our new brochure really celebrates this, bringing our capabilities together into one, accessible place.

“Whether it’s a large public realm project or a brand-new educational facility, as a supply partner we can support customers from concept right through to completion. We have unrivalled access to the highest quality raw materials, concrete technology and research teams and this expertise is constantly being channelled into developing new, innovative products.

“Now, with the launch of a new brochure, we can showcase all our capabilities side-by-side in an easy-to-digest way to offer even more value to our customers.”

The new brochure is available to download from the Charcon website now.

For further information, visit www.aggregate.com

42 Tools & Equpiment

27% Increase in Home Renovation due to Lockdown Effect

S

earches for home renovations went through the roof in 2020 — and is it any wonder?

With nothing to do but stare at their walls all day, consumers have been flocking online to discover how to add a lick of paint or change a few tiles. It’s clear the COVID lockdown has been a boon for DIY and home renovations, but by how much? In this article, we look at the statistics for home renovations searches in 2020.

Decking Google Trends shows a 76% increase in search volume for ‘Decking’ in 2020 compared to 2019.

2020 showed us how important it is to have a dedicated seating area in your garden. With a little bit of timber, you too can make yourselves a beautiful garden decking, no matter the shape or size of your garden.

Patio Google Trends shows a 67% increase in search volume for ‘Patio’ in 2020 compared to 2019.

Building a patio is perhaps a little more advanced than building a garden decking, but the search volume indicates that many homeowners have been up to the task. Garden patios are a great way to brighten up your garden. They can be made in a variety of colours and designs and can fit gardens of various shapes and sizes.

Driveways Google Trends shows a 12% increase in search volume for ‘Driveways’ in 2020 compared to 2019.

Homeowners have been spending less time driving and more time on their driveway. Resurfacing your driveway or installing a brand new one is a great way to improve the overall appearance of your home.

There are various types of driveways to choose from, including asphalt, stone and even pattern-imprinted driveways.

Loft conversion Google Trends shows a 12% increase in search volume for ‘Loft Conversion’ in 2020 compared to 2019.

developer-update.co.uk

We’ve seen more of the inside of our homes than anywhere else in the past year. If, like many of the homeowners in 2020, you’ve become sick of seeing the same few rooms over and over, why not make another? A loft conversion is ideal for transforming a dusty storage loft into a fully functioning room. It’s the perfect space for a new bedroom, bathroom or even a new off ice — because who knows how long we could be working from home for?

Home extensions Google Trends shows a 60% increase in search volume for ‘Home Extensions’ in 2020 compared to 2019.

Why not go one step further and add an entire extension to your home? A whopping 60% increase in search volume indicates that homes up and down the country have had or will be getting newly built extensions. Not only will a home extension give you more space and f reedom, but organising and decorating your new room/s will keep you occupied for the remainder of lockdown and beyond.

Garage Conversions Google Trends shows a 25% increase in search volume for ‘Garage Conversions’ in 2020 compared to 2019.

With working f rom home becoming the new normal, more and more people are investing in a dedicated home-office space.

Garage conversions are a popular solution, as they enable you to keep your work life and home life separate.

Garden Shed Google Trends shows a 70% increase in search volume for ‘Garden Shed’ in 2020 compared to 2019.

Though garage conversions are a great way to create a dedicated office space, the project can often take too long or be too expensive to be of worth. It’s no wonder then that so many people have been looking into converting their

garden shed instead. Creating an office in your garden shed is another great way to separate your work life f rom your home life. And with a lick of paint and a few decorative touches, your plain garden shed can become a hub for creativity.

Garage Doors Google Trends shows a 3% decrease in search volume for ‘Garage Doors’ in 2020 compared to 2019.

Not everything was up in 2020.

Turns out garage doors weren’t a priority for a lot of people, but that’s okay - with less time driving comes less time looking at your garage doors. Perhaps 2021 is the year of the garage door. You could get a brand new one, or just spruce it up with a lick of paint.

A simple change can have a big impact on the overall aesthetic and kerb appeal of your home.

Total In total, there has been a 27% increase in search volume for home renovations in 2020 compared to 2019.

2020 has shown us how important it can be to have a nice, comfortable and functional home and garden. While loft conversions, garage conversions and home extensions are big under takings, anyone can improve their home with just a little bit of DIY. All you need are the right tools, and we know exactly where to find them.

About Hitchcock & King For over 50 years, Hitchcock & King has been supplying a range of building and decorating materials to customers throughout London.

In that time, we’ve made a name for ourselves as trusted suppliers of a huge variety of products. So whether you need paints and brushes, bricks and plasterboard or roof slates and sheets, we’ve got it all.

Tools & Equpiment 43 Snickers Workwear = Comfort = Wellbeing and Improved Performance.

T

he 2021 LITEWork clothing range delivers great thermal comfort in warmer months with light, quick drying fabrics that will keep you cool and comfortable all day.

The new range of ‘Rip Stop’ shirts are stretchy and breathable, offering UPF50+ sun protection – great for craftsmen who work long hours outdoors. While 37.5© fabric technology in the mid-and base-layer garments have features for efficient ventilation and moisture transport to keep you comfortable all day.

The ergonomic, bodymapping Trousers, Shirts, Shorts, Jackets and Windproofers have all the comfort and functionality of other Snickers Workwear stretch garments delivering extra freedom of movement and improved performance on site.

Just like high performance sportswear, they’ll also keep you feeling cool and looking smart whatever you’re doing and wherever you are on site this summer.

SNICKERS LITEWORK WORKWEAR – making light work of warm weather.

So, to make sure you get the right protection, flexibility, durability and ventilation, check out the Snickers Workwear LiteWork range for precisely the right garments to fit your workday.

Getting more information on the Snickers Workwear clothing range is easy. You can call the Helpline on 01484 854788; check out www.snickersworkwear.co.uk and download a digital catalogue or email sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk

developer-update.co.uk

44 Tools & Equpiment

SEISMIC SAVINGS IN BLAST PROTECTION Seismic activity may be rare in the UK, but many buildings and critical infrastructure need to be protected from blasts. The cost of specialised equipment capable of withstanding the forces and violent movement caused by seismic and blast activity can be extortionate. However, there is an alternative, more efficient way of providing this blast protection than the traditionally expensive ‘ruggedisation’ method. Here, Adam Fox, director of vibration control specialist Mason UK, explains how you can provide effective blast protection in projects, including where vibration isolation is also required.

Say ‘seismic activity’ in the UK and you might just think of a few damaged chimney pots.

Yet while genuine seismic activity might be rare, the engineering expertise that is used to protect buildings from seismic activity still has relevant applications. Bomb blasts or terrorist activity can subject buildings and critical inf rastructure to what is euphemistically referred to as ‘accidental loads.’

Faced with these accidental loads, buildings need to remain viable. They must remain stable enough for people to evacuate and firefighters to enter if needed.

You also want to avoid the ventilation or water supply being taken out by the blast.

Consequences like these could be disastrous, especially in military installations or for critical infrastructure like power stations.

Engineers therefore design buildings with these criteria in mind. The basic engineering principles were set out in the International Building Code that was designed with the help of our big brother across the pond, Mason Industries, in the 1970s.

I n m a n y c o n ve n t i o n a l buildings the volume of steel and concrete provides developer-update.co.uk

sufficient blast protection, but in situations where you need to introduce a structural break for vibration isolation reasons, you require a different level of engineering expertise.

For example, let’s say you have a building that is mounted on a series of columns and is near a trainline. You might place one of our bearings on top of the column, to protect the building f rom the vibration caused by the train. Suddenly, you have a soft connection between the column and the structure it is supporting. So how do you make sure the column is fit to withstand the accidental loads referred to before?

In these situations, where vibration isolation meets blast protection requirements, there are two solutions. The more simple, traditional approach is to apply heavy restraints which can be seriously expensive and if poorly designed can easily negate the benef it of the vibration control measures It is more eff icient for cost and performance to design a connection that respects both.

Ensuring building services remain operational can keep a building running. Expensive ‘ruggedised’ plant equipment

can cope with forces but the smarter, far cheaper engineering solution would involve combing anti-vibration mounts with inbuilt restraints. The former provides general vibration isolation but will also reduce any forces from a blast or accidental load down to levels that standard, off the shelf equipment can withstand. You can view this equipment in action on our YouTube channel, where we show spring mounts with seismic restraints cushioning a pump and motor. It may look violent but the goal is to reduce forces down to less than the equipment would see when being shipped to site.

We have worked on many projects for the military and government, as well as for buildings whose function just cannot be interrupted for repairs.

We worked to provide a holistic engineering solution, ensuring the entire system was designed to withstand accidental loads and protect critical infrastructure.

If you need to introduce structural breaks for vibration isolation, or need to meet blast protection criteria, you face a problem. However, the problem is not that we lack a viable engineering solution in these situations. The problem is, so many developers, architects and engineers are simply not aware that this kind of engineering solution is available and therefore fork out extortionate sums on ruggedization and extra testing.

Mason UK is a vibration isolation specialist with extensive expertise i n s e i s m i c e n g i n e e r i n g . To discover how their products and engineering can assist your projects, visit mason-uk.co.uk, email info@masonuk.co.uk or call (01252) 716610.

Tools & Equpiment 45

LEICA GEOSYSTEMS ANNOUNCES BLK3D UPDATE Leica BLK3D - the in-picture measurement solution

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Iridiondetri publibem trae conu ca; no.

Opiessa iam auture tres horum patil vis acressena, ternum enatiam facit.

– Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, today announced the Leica BLK3D update. The new handheld imager has doubled its operating range and in-picture measurement accuracy for many indoor and outdoor applications, such as exterior building measurements for scaffoldin g, fa ça de, roofing, and architecture projects.

The BLK3D users can capture façades of fourstorey buildings with centimetre accuracy in seconds. In addition, users benefit from new guidance and accuracy

indication features that allow them to optimise the capturing process to achieve highest measurement accuracy.

This is achieved by significantly enhancing BLK3D image processing algorithms a l o n g s i d e wo rk f l ow adaptation which allows for capturing multi-shots with up to 4 shots.

The BLK3D Update is rolled out with the new BLK3D Mobile and Desktop software version 3.0.

THE SIMPLEST STEP INTO DIGITALISATION

created and shared on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets for project teams to make the right decisions at the right time.

“Detailed project documentation, team collaboration and remote decision making are just a few of the needed abilities for today’s professionals across a wide variety of industries,” said Tobias Heller, senior product manager for Leica BLK3D. “In developing the latest version of the software, these needs were our focus. We designed BLK3D mobile and desktop 3.0 for users starting their journey into digitalisation and digital experts who have already been working in the area for some time. With the increased accuracy, longer range and added functionality, the BLK3D is for anyone who is looking to make their work more efficient, effective and productive.”

leica-geosystems.com

BLK3D with Publisher license enables seamless collaboration among teams with increased accessibility to published 3D images through the cloud. Therefore, measurements can be developer-update.co.uk

46 Tools & Equpiment It’s 2002 and husband-and-wife team Kevin and Lorraine Bellamy need a van with which to launch their new business venture, one that will take them all over the UK in safety and style, and can be depended upon to perform efficiently and reliably in all weathers. After much research and investigation, they choose a Mercedes-Benz Vito.

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ast forward 18 years, and that decision has been vindicated many times over. Today, Bellamy Surveying and Consultancy Services Ltd runs four vans – like every vehicle the company has purchased since it opened for business, all are by Mercedes-Benz.

inspections through to asbestos management and project removal consultancy, while also delivering training workshops, ‘tool box’ talks and lectures on the subjects of Health and Safety, dealing with asbestos, and statutory regulations and codes of practice.

“ That f irst Vito was just fantastic,” recalled Kevin, “It looked great, was lovely to drive, and never let us down. It was a sound investment, too – not only were the running costs low, but the van also retained a high value when we came to trade it in.”

As Bellamy Surveying and Consultancy Services has evolved and expanded, and demand for its services has grown, so it has taken on vans f rom the other Mercedes-Benz model lines, to fulfil a variety of roles across all sectors. Now working alongside its mid-sized Vito Crew Van and Vito Sport are a Citan and Sprinter.

Bellamy Surveying and Consultancy Services is based in Chelmsford, Essex, and specialises in the surveying and identification of hazardous materials like asbestos. It works alongside and consults with main building and demolition contractors, NHS Trust providers, retail and facilities management customers, local authorities, and major hotel and theatre groups across the UK to investigate and manage the health and safety hazard of asbestos in buildings undergoing refurbishment or demolition.

The company provides ‘endto-end’ asbestos management solutions, f rom sur veying

“The breadth of the MercedesBenz Vans range means we can choose the most appropriate vehicles for specif ic purposes,” explained Kevin. “Since we started the business we have relied upon our personal, pragmatic approach, as well as the quality of our work, to build up strong business relationships, some of which go back many years.

“Our private and public sector clients know that our qualified building and asbestos surveyors can always be relied upon to deliver, and the same is true of our Mercedes-Benz vans.”

AFTER 18 SU VANS ARE ST Supplied by Mercedes Benz Dartford, the Sprinter is the most recent arrival. A 3.5-tonne 314 CDI variant with standard H1 roof and medium-length L2 body, it is used to carry hazardous materials and surveying tools. A factory f itted tow bar means it can also pull a trailer-mounted scissor-lift access platform.

The Sprinter’s economical 140 hp, 2.1-litre engine drives the rear wheels – front- and all-wheel drive Sprinters are also available. Like all Mercedes-Benz vans it came with a class-leading safety armoury as well as a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty and MobiloVan assistance package, which includes f ree 24-hour breakdown cover.

Designed to ‘work hard and play hard’, the dynamically styled Vito 119 CDI Sport is assigned to Lead Surveyor Jack Stringer, who visits sites all over the country. The Vito Sport’s range-topping 2.1-litre twinturbo diesel engine delivers punchy, 190 hp performance, and is paired

developer-update.co.uk

Tools & Equpiment 47

UCCESSFUL YEARS MERCEDES-BENZ TILL GETTING BELLAMY’S VOTE as standard with a slick-shifting 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission.

The 140 hp Mercedes Benz Vito 114 CDI and 90 hp Citan 109 CDI both have second rows of seats, so each can carry up to five members of the Bellamy team for work on complex assignments. They also retain practical cargo areas for carrying tools and equipment. A tow bar fitted to the Vito allows it to tow a trailer and additional access equipment.

The Citan is the smallest member of the Mercedes-Benz Vans and is impressively fuel-efficient – research by one of the country’s best-known f inancial services comparison websites recently concluded that it will travel 831 miles on a single tank, 123 miles further than its nearest rival.

Bellamy’s 109 CDI model returns 65.7 mpg (combined cycle). It is used primarily by surveyors to attend appointments and travel

to and from survey sites, either locally or in central London, where its smaller footprint is an advantage on narrow streets or in busy traffic.

“Our Mercedes-Benz vans have always been reliable, comfortable and extremely costeffective to operate, f rom day one,” added Mr Bellamy. “Given our Duty of Care to employees

and, indeed, other road users, we’re also reassured by the manufacturer’s long-established leadership in the field of safety.

The three-pointed star is also a recognised symbol of quality and underpins our own commitment to the highest levels of customer service.” www.bellamyasbestos.co.uk

developer-update.co.uk

48 PPE

50 Year old product makes dramatic comeback to help beat the virus When the Melaphone Speech Unit was

the UK have had these screens installed with

at British Rail stations, nobody could have

screens are individually made and every

predicted that half a century later it would

component is of the highest quality, giving a

suddenly be in such high demand.

clean, sleek and professional appearance in any

considerable success and approval. The

health-care environment.

The current Corona Virus Pandemic had created an urgent need for all protective

The Melaphone is still available as a stand-

equipment – both for personal use and in the

alone unit for installation into walls, glass or

working environment. This is the reason the

plastic screens, windows or doors. I can easily

Melaphone has come into its own again. Its unique design, with its resonating membrane

requires no special skill to install. The range

and air-sealed constructions, make it the

has been expanded to meet the growing

ideal device to install in any situation where

demand for the units. In addition to the original

face-to-face communication occurs. It not only

brushed aluminium model there is a stainless

offers protection from air-borne viruses and

steel model, a white powder-coated aluminium model and the newest and highly successful Himacs acrylic-resin model, which is at a very

through a screen. Its protective credentials

popular price. is very easy to keep clean and safe with an antiseptic wipe.

All of these models are available from stock and can be purchased from Melaphone VisAudio.

and designers for use in hospitals, laboratories and cleanrooms or anywhere hygiene is of

The Melaphone has now been built into the

paramount importance. It is a simple but

new Defender Virus Screens produced by the

Even after 50 years, we’re proud to still be

really ingenious invention which requires no

company and numerous doctors’ surgeries,

able to say ‘MADE IN THE UK’ at our London

servicing, wiring or electrical supply. And it

medical centres, clinics and pharmacies in

production facility.

WEBSITE: WWW.MELAPHONE.CO.UK

developer-update.co.uk

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

R R E EFUR F U R B BE& & REFURD B& VELO DEV PER ELOP UPDATE R UPDE A June 2018

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