Refurb & Developer Update - October 2022

Rinnai now offers H1, H2 & H3 solutions to the energy question in the cost of living squeeze.

H1 – Hydrogen blends ready, renewable liquid fuel ready and electric water heating equipment.

H2 – Hybrid hot water systems – Including heat pumps, solar thermal, solar PV and electric.

H3 – Market leading, Low GWP heat pumps.

This expansive product portfolio is enhanced by design support and precise modelling of capital expenditure, operational expenditure, and carbon to establish the practical, economic, and technically feasible solutions needed and required for any site.

Rinnai has launched the expansive H3 offering to simplify the decarbonisation of any building and supporting sites with the decarbonisation pathways that exist now and in the future.

Rinnai has maintained and sustained a reputation for technological innovation and creating a healthier way of living for over a century. By creating a

healthier way of living through developing commercial products that accept clean energies, customers will be able to identify Rinnai as a trusted brand that delivers customer convenience and health.

Hot water provision is a foundation for lifestyle comfort and is therefore Rinnai’s area of specific expertise. Rinnai understands that hot water and heating provision are key areas of modern life that can be considered as contributing

factors towards maintaining societal cohesion and continuity. Rinnai will therefore continue to work towards delivering products that improve upon customer convenience and health.

Rinnai is constantly initiating new working behaviours and corporate practises that update and add to employee knowledge of product understanding and manufacturing processes. Rinnai employs 650 design engineers and reinvests 6% of annual sales revenue into R & D.

All major

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to the sensitive financial demands perpetrated by the global energy market towards the customer. Rinnai’s H3 range is a pragmatic, socially conscious and a technologically innovative solution for customers who seek products that accept clean energy for home heating and hot water appliances.

More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose”

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

RINNAI H3 PRODUCT ROADMAP TO LOWER CARBON AND NET ZERO DE-CARBONISATION

Rinnai’s product and service offering is based on H3- Hydrogen, Heating and Heat Pumps - which allows any site in either residential or commercial sites to maximise the energy efficiency and performance in striving for NetZero and Decarbonisation. Additionally, Rinnai is developing and introducing electrical formats to all existing product ranges within the coming months. Rinnai’s H3 range of products includes a wide selection of commercial heat pumps as well as hydrogen blends-ready and hybrid hot water heating systems.

Rinnai is a world leading manufacturer of hot water heaters and produces over two million units a year. The company operates on each of the five continents and the brand has gained an established reputation for high performance, robust cost efficiency and extended working lives.

Rinnai’s commercial and domestic hot water products offer a limitless supply of instantaneous temperature controlled hot water and all units are designed to align with present and future energy sources and accept either natural gas or hydrogen gas blends. Rinnai units are also suited for offgrid customers who require LPG and BioLPG or rDME.

Rinnai units are UKCA certified, A-rated water efficiency, accessed through multiple fuel options and are available for purchase 24/7, 365 days a year. Any unit can be delivered to any UK site within 24 hours. System design services are available if needed and cost comparison services are accessible to all customers who require further cost detail.

Rinnai’s Innovation Manifesto clearly outlines the path to carbon neutrality and maintains a pledge to fully decarbonize company operations by 2050. Rinnai will further support the global clean energy transition by introducing a wide variety of domestic heating options across multiple energy

Rinnaivectors.is

committed to decarbonisation. Rinnai’s water heating products are all hydrogen-blends ready NOW including the world’s first 100% hydrogen powered water heater. Rinnai products also accept BioLPG capable of delivering NetZero carbon emissions. Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry.

Boasting innovative technology and open-plan living, property developer

This Land was looking to explore modern methods of construction to help create affordable, well-constructed, sustainable homes, built in the most efficient construction timeframe.

To help achieve this, This Land sought out a fasttracked roof system from Smartroof that would allow an additional useable room in the roof

Thespace.Smartroof

system is designed to maximise floor space by creating rooms in a roof, whilst maintaining efficiency and sustainability standards. This particular development required a system comprising of a series of factory-produced panels, which incorporated insulated roof panels, spandrel wall panels, dormers, dummy chimneys, soffit, fascia, and 68 Keylite roof windows in total.

Jonny Cox, National Sales Manager at Smartroof, worked closely with both This Land and Keylite Roof Windows (Keylite) to ensure each aspect of the roofing system reflected the developer’s vision: “Sustainability and modern methods of construction were two huge drivers for this project. It was important for us to ensure our roofing system and everything in it reflected these factors by prioritising thermal efficiency and modular construction methods.

“The Smartroof system is built in a series of panels at our factories, delivered to site and craned into place. Once situated, the roof simply requires tiling, which means we’re able to reduce waste, provide better control of quality, and deliver rapid construction time.

“We needed to bring some natural light into the roof rooms but required roof windows that wouldn’t compromise the thermal efficiency of the build, which is one area we knew we could trust Keylite to deliver.

“We used 68 Keylite thermal glazed centre pivot windows in the 11 properties we worked on to make sure any heat lost through the windows would be minimal.

“Cost savings and operational efficiency were two big reasons for choosing Keylite as our roof window supplier, but it was its expanding thermal collar that made Keylite the perfect fit for this project.”

One of the biggest culprits for heat loss in roof windows is not double glazing like many believe, but it’s actually what happens in the cap between the frame and the roof. Keylite is the only roof window manufacturer to take full responsibility for ensuring this thermal gap is filled with its Integrated Expanding Thermal Collar – something that is unique to Keylite and comes as standard on all of its roof windows.

Jonny continues: “The expanding thermal collar completely took away any stress and extra cost around making sure our roofs would be compliant and thermally efficient. Keylite felt like a perfect fit for this project, ticking all the boxes when it came to sustainability, efficiency and aesthetics.”

Being a modern development, Cityglades offers homes with dynamic specifications. This Land’s forward-thinking ‘No Gas’ policy means air source heat pumps were employed, providing underfloor heating for each floor. The houses also make use of vapour control, triple glazing, intelligent controls, sustainable drainage and much more, with communal green spaces ensuring Cityglades is a community for future generations.

For more information about Keylite Roof Windows, please www.keyliteroofwindows.comvisit,call01283200158oremailinfo@keyliteuk.com.

Pump Technology Ltd. were

knowncontactedrecentlybyaclientfortheirwork in all areas of construction - residential, education, healthcare, leisure and commercial, who had been asked by the owners of an industrial site in Berkshire to convert the usage of a single warehouse into two separate units, each incorporating offices, kitchen facilities and toilets.

The client’s team studied the drainage options and decided that the only practical and economic solution would be to install a small pumping station. The site plans and levels were given to Pump Technology Ltd, who specialize in providing wastewater and sewage pumping solutions.

Pump Technology’s in-house consultant quickly sized and specified a below ground pumping station which perfectly matched the client’s needs and budget. He was also able to discuss the equipment selection with Building Control, ensuring the correct approval for the connection of services to the public sewer.

Due to the location of kitchens and toilets the chosen “PumpMatic” 75/1000 station was installed within the footprint of the warehouse. The discharge run is approximately 70 meters, with a small rise of just over 1 meter. The specification included two robust Sulzer Piranha submersible cutter sewage pumps, with a control panel for automatic duty standby operation and a high-level alarm. In addition, a double sealed pedestrian cover was supplied to cater for the internal location of the tank.

PumpMatic pumping stations are manufactured within the Pump Technology Group, enabling them to fully control the high build quality and ensure on-time delivery.

The client commented “We completed a simple clock diagram showing the relative position and elevations of inlets and that of the pumping chamber outlet prior to the manufacture of the tank. The equipment arrived on site, on time and with all the ports aligned accurately to our piping plan”

After installation, the PumpMatic was commissioned by Pump Technology Ltd, and will be supported in the future by an annual maintenance and repair contract. Technology Ltd. 0118 9821 555

New RIBA-approved CPD for specifying render for MMC solutions

The CPD, titled Modern Render Systems for Framed Construction and Other MMC Solutions, has been created by Saint-Gobain Weber to help specifiers understand what they should be looking for from a technical perspective to ensure the render systems they choose deliver the required performance.

As well as covering fire safety and sustainability performance considerations, the CPD provides an overview of common MMC options and the aesthetic considerations of these types of projects. It also details the practicalities of installing the render system as well as maintenance considerations.

Kelvin Green, Senior Product Marketing Manager, said: “Render is a popular finish and it’s important to understand the different options depending on the type of construction. With MMC being less carbon intensive, this CPD also explains how render makes a genuine contribution to sustainability goals as well as the health and wellbeing of the occupants of the building.”

Weber’s commitment to training is widely recognised in the construction industry.  This new CPD joins a growing library of resources available to help understand the benefits of the type of systems and solutions that Weber’s technical teams can deliver to specifiers.

For more information visit www.uk.weber/training/cpd or to book the CPD email: mail@netweber.co.uk www.uk.weber

Architects and specifiers can access a new CPD on selecting the correct render system for MMC solutions.

TIMELESS ELEGANCE WITH GARADOR’S GEORGIAN DOORS

Add timeless elegance to your property with Garador’s Georgian style garage doors.

These stand out garage doors have been beautifully designed with deep, crisp panel pressings to add exceptional quality and style to the overall look.  The more formal, traditional design will instantly enhance both modern and traditional properties in a variety of surroundings from suburban cul-de-sacs to period country

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Garador’s Georgian styles have been precision engineered with rivet free

panelling to ensure the smooth, clean outlines of this special door. Available in a range of smart durable colour finishes, these doors stand head and shoulders above other panelled garage doors currently on the market. They are available in an array of standard and made-tomeasure sizes for both single and double doors and for some Georgian style models, like the Beaumont, the door design can be personalised with the option of windows to allow natural light to flow into the garage.

“For a steel up & over garage door at a reasonable price point, these doors offer exceptional quality and styling that lifts them above all competitors,” said Neil Discombe, Managing Director of Garador. “This gentle elegance of the Georgian design fits in perfectly with all types of house and as with all our up & over garage doors, it can be operated manually or automatically with one of our GaraMatic operators.”

Garador’s elegant Georgian garage doors are manufactured at the company’s Somerset factory here in the UK. Find out more about Garador’s Georgian garage door designs at www.garador.co.uk or ask your local Garador distributor.

Hilti Group, an innovator of tools, technology, software and services for the construction industry, announces the launch of a new innovation providing the construction industry with a fully-connected tool park experience: Nuron, a more-powerful 22V cordless battery platform. Launching with more than 70 tools, Nuron is the biggest launch in Hilti’s history, covering areas including building construction, mechanical and engineering, interior finishing, heavy industry and steel and metal work.

NURONTHE PLATFORMNEWCOMPLETELYCORDLESS WITH BUILT-IN CONNECTIVITY

After a successful launch in North America, Germany and other key regions for the Hilti Group, Nuron is set to launch in the UK and northern European markets at the end of 2022. Nuron is not just a new set of tools or batteries; it is the future of Hilti’s cordless offering, with the power to make job sites cordless across both light and heavy applications. Launching with an entire ecosystem of 70 cordless new tools, and reengineered all on one 22V battery platform, Hilti is set to change the cordless experience for the construction industry forever.

“We are very excited to bring this new platform to our customers in the UK. From customer feedback on what kind of innovations they would find useful we know this will make a huge difference to their operations in many ways. We are proud to deliver the most comprehensive solutions to solving some of the bottlenecks of construction sites today, increasing productiveness, introducing state-of-the-art data-driven solutions and improving health and safety at the construction sites” , says Sebastiaan Groenhuijsen, Head of Product Marketing Northern Europe at Hilti.

The development of Nuron has taken years of deep research and is based on an in-depth understanding of the industry. One of the most important aspects of developing the new platform was to understand the everyday working conditions of customers including the roadblocks and obstacles they face in their work.

Nuron‘s primary value proposition is split into four key areas of innovation. Firstly, the power of one, which sees all tools powered by one single source, the 22V battery, making all batteries interchangeable and compatible with the full Nuron roster. One platform reduces the need for multiple batteries, chargers and corded power sources usually found on construction sites. This makes using tools and the management of them much more streamlined.

A second area of innovation is that the cordless tools provide more power than even corded or gas-powered tools do, thanks to the reengineered batteries.

The 22 volt cordless platform delivers high performance, which also enables heavyduty applications that were once restricted to corded, gaspowered or higher voltage battery systems. The completely redesigned battery now delivers significantly higher power transfer than corded mains, resulting in higher performance.

The third and fourth areas of improvement are in health and safety and the data driven services that link all Hilti tools to the cloud. The redesigned tools use real world insights to improve the design and health and safety aspects of the tools. From a practical perspective, tools have been redesigned to weigh less, with ergonomically enhanced grips and improved robustness through shock resistant bumpers.

Hilti’s Dust Removal System (DRS) and Active Torque Control (ATC) are available on the Nuron platform with relevant tools. Active Vibration Reduction (AVR), another key health protection and comfort feature, has been expanded to many more tools within the Nuron portfolio.

“We want to provide the construction professionals with the best tools and solutions available. so that they can get on with what they do

best, building society’s future infrastructure and doing it in a safe and efficient way” , says Sebastiaan Groenhuijsen, Head of Product Marketing Northern Europe at Hilti

By linking all Hilti tools to the cloud, we bring our tools into the digital age. By transmitting data to the cloud, our customers can use ON!Track to improve tool park performance and productivity and keep track of tools via tags, ensuring nothing gets misplaced or lost. The data collected includes information such as tool usage, charging location and battery state-of-health, ensuring operators are working with batteries in optimal conditions. All of this information and insight can be used to manage a better functioning and fit-for-purpose tool park.

https://hilti.to/nuron

The Hilti Group supplies the worldwide construction and energy industries with technologically leading products, systems, software and services. With about 30,000 team members in over 120 countries the company stands for direct customer relationships, quality and innovation. Hilti generated annual sales of CHF 5.3 billion in 2020. The headquarters of the Hilti Group have been located in Schaan, Liechtenstein, since its founding in 1941. The company is privately owned by the Martin Hilti Family Trust, which ensures its longterm continuity. The Hilti Group’s strategic orientation is based on a caring and performance-oriented culture and the goals of creating enthusiastic customers and building a better future.

A CONSTRUCTIONALTERNATIVELOW-CARBONFOR DIRECT HEATING:ELECTRIC

According to the Climate Change Committee (CCC), half of the current UK building heat demand must be supplied by lowcarbon sources by 2035. Against this backdrop, a new report from ThermoSphere – ‘Working towards Net Zero’ – sheds light on the attitudes toward direct electric heating in the construction Decarbonisingindustry.

heating isn’t a single-solution problem. Installing low-carbon heating is ranked as the most or second-most important method for reducing carbon emissions by 48% of construction professionals. Above that, efficient insulation is seen as the top priority. In conjunction, these methods will prove to significantly reduce the carbon emissions in UK buildings, which make up 20% of the national total

What’semissions.more, as the mix of energy sources shifts in favour of renewables, and oil and gas take up an ever-smaller portion of the market, direct electric heating will become a lower-carbon source of energy. So, fitting direct electric heating solutions in homes can ensure they become greener in the future too.

This cannot apply only to newly developed homes. There are 29 million homes that require low-carbon heating methods to be retrofitted by 2050, a main priority for the Climate Change Committee (CCC). This outlook is shared by the construction industry, with 62% reporting that retrofitting the current UK housing stock is the biggest challenge to Thedecarbonisation.reportreveals that almost half of the construction industry

views direct electric heating as a better overall solution, second only to the use of hydrogen boilers. And importantly, 52% believe that direct electric solutions are the right solution for modest properties and apartments, due to the fact they’re smaller, easy to install, and do not require external equipment that would be incompatible with multi-storey

Thebuildings.report

also reveals direct electric heating has two problems: public perception and upskilling.

71% of the construction industry believe older electric heating methods like storage heaters hurt consumers’ perception of modern, low-carbon direct electric alternatives. What’s more, 69% of construction

workers believe that while there’s an opportunity for growth, there isn’t sufficient workforce expertise to embrace that opportunity.

Yet direct electric is more efficient than older forms of electric heating. And, when compared to other low-carbon heating alternatives, the skills gap for direct electric heating is much easier to bridge due to less paperwork and easier installation.Download

‘WorkingThermoSphere’stowardsNetZero’report.

THE DO’S & DON’TS WHEN DOWNSIZING

Whilst downsizing can bring a range of new opportunities and choices from relocating to somewhere special to giving you a very good reason to declutter and start fresh, it can also be emotionally draining and taxing. Andrea Fawell, Sales and Marketing Director at Kebbell suggests considering these 10 Do’s and Don’ts when downsizing.

1. Do: Have an open mind before you start out.

Deep dive into all of your options from house size to location to type. Would you like a bungalow or is it a luxe apartment which

requires minimal maintenance that you are looking for? Do you want your next home to be a new home that is ready to move into straight away with all the latest mod cons like power showers, underfloor heating, electric car charging points and smart thermostats, without the need for fresh painting, carpets etc.? Or do you have time for a doer-upper?

2. Do: Opt for sustainability

Strive for a more sustainable future and consider each and every detail of how you can recycle old items that you no longer need, and when

purchasing choose items that are eco-friendly and sustainable so that you can start as you mean to go on in your new home.

3. Do: Choose an area that suits you

Carefully choose where you want to live whether that be closer to family and friends or in a completely new area by the sea or in a pretty rural village. Have you considered the local amenities, clubs, neighbours and transport?

Andrea Fawell, Sales and Marketing Director at Kebbell

Empty nesters may be considering downsizing their home this September as their children set off to university, whilst other downsizers are opting to save money, lower bills, reduce home maintenance, and increasingly seen postpandemic, fulfil a desire for a simplified life or to have more time for the things they love.

Get market ready by organising and decluttering to help your house look cleaner and more appealing to potential buyers, as well as help with your downsize move which may have less space. Don’t have a ‘maybe’ pile, only a ‘yes’ and a ‘no’ pile!

5. Do: Consider all your needs.

Prospective buyers at Osborne House in Sunningdale, Berkshire, reminded us recently that most downsizers won’t want to do it more than once in their lifetime so consider what your forever

home needs to comprise; from your home office to storage requirements, parking spaces to personal space, bedrooms for future visitors or returning family, to perhaps security to keep them out! Also ask yourself if you should be considering lateral living or a home with life access.

6. Don’t: Forget your financial goals.

If your goal is to boost your finances and release equity, careful budgeting is needed to ensure you can still fund your retirement in addition to any money you want to put towards travel or gifts to family members. Many downsizers are providing deposits for struggling children who simply don’t have the same opportunities that they had in their 20s and 30s.

7. Don’t: Fail to take into consideration that timings are much longer at the moment.

Scarcity and increased costs of labour and materials are prevailing factors at the moment so chains and the whole process of buying are taking much longer at the moment. You may find buying a new home takes less time, if it is near to completion, than being involved in an extensive chain when buying a second-hand home.

Developers may also offer various options to help you sell your current home so be sure to ask when you visit show homes.

8. Don’t: Take on a bigger garden than you can manage.

Be realistic about the size of the garden you can manage because a garden should be a joy not a burden.

9. Don’t: Start acquiring new possessions

Acquiring new items won’t help with clearing out your home ready to downsize! Don’t double up with things that you already have as tempting as it might be.

10. Don’t: Avoid talking to your family about downsizing

Given the cost of living we are now facing, many young people are moving back home once they graduate and even for a few years afterwards, which can sometimes mean there is pressure not to sell the family home. Downsizing can be an emotional and daunting prospect but it also offers a chance to bond, to do what’s best for you and look forwards to the new memories you will make in your next home.

4. Do: declutter,Declutter,declutter.

GO WITH THE FLOW: new water feature injects innovation into interior and landscape design

Introducing a fresh wave of inspiration to the world of interior and landscape design is a new style of water feature, the AquaVeil®. Launched by Tills Innovations Ltd, one of the UK’s leading water feature specialists, the AquaVeil® has a mesmerising waterfall-like design – the water flows over an architectural wall of metal mesh, appearing to cascade seamlessly through the air, creating an embossed water effect.

T he AquaVeil® offers an innovative way to create an atmosphere of relaxation, and boost people’s wellbeing whether they are in an urban or private setting. While much research has been conducted into the benefits of green spaces in supporting psychological wellbeing, it is also thought that water features have the ability to lower people’s stress levels and boost their mood.

Every AquaVeil® can be tailormade to any size or shape and is suitable for a range of indoor and outdoor settings – whether it’s a peaceful addition to a small and intimate garden, or a grand feature in a large, bustling venue. The water wall can be a freestanding structure positioned against a wall, integrated into the wall, draped floor to ceiling, or even shaped to the curvature of the a building or space.

Due to the translucency of the water feature’s metal mesh, wherever it is installed, lighting in the space will not be greatly diminished. In addition, the design of the AquaVeil® allows for a tailored lighting system to be included in the top and bottom of the feature, meaning the water effect can be experienced during both the day and night.

Mike Tillett, Director, Tills Innovations Ltd, comments: “Since my brother and I founded Tills Innovations Ltd over 20 years ago, we have been driven to make a long-lasting contribution to water feature design; striving for flair, creativity and individuality in all we do. The unique nature of the AquaVeil® has been created to provide new inspiration for interior and garden designers, landscapers and architects, working in a range of settings. Every AquaVeil® is a refined work of

art, and, like an extraordinary painting or sculpture, the bespoke water wall enhances its surroundings, creating an indescribable feeling for all those who experience it. We can’t wait to see all of the innovative uses for the water feature in beautiful gardens, buildings and spaces across the UK and further afield.”

The AquaVeil® has been carefully designed to not only look beautiful, but to incorporate engineered solutions which enable straightforward and effective aftercare of the water wall. This includes an advanced filtration system, speciallycreated water treatment solutions, and options for automatic water top up and drain down for maintenance.

In addition, due to the foldable nature of the metal mesh, the AquaVeil® can be easily transported, and large features can be installed in tight-access locations. To support architects and interior designers in their design process, Tills Innovations Ltd will provide easy-to-apply design specification documents which can be added to architectural drawings.

The AquaVeil® is categorised into three styles, each of which can be tailored to different spaces: The Enigma, The Paradox, and The Quantum. For more information, and to make an enquiry about the AquaVeil®, visit: www.aquaveil.co.uk or call 01284 834 834.

PoolLock Safety Covers

UKABODEINTRODUCING–NEWTOBATHROOMS

We are excited to anyaandstyleshowersoffeaturesThisukbathrooms.com.nowbrandthatannounceinnovativeAbodeisavailableatstylishcollectionavarietytaps,mixersandtosuitanyorbudget,issuretoaddtouchofluxurytobathroom.

Why Abode?

Abode was established in 2002 with the intention of providing high quality, stylish bathroom products that were accessible to everyone. Since then, they have become one of the leading suppliers of bathroom taps and mixers in the UK, with a wide range of products to suit all budgets and styles. One of the things that makes Abode so special is their commitment to innovation and style. Their collections are constantly evolving, with new designs and finishes being introduced all the time. In addition, they have strict quality standards for all their products, so you can be sure that you’re getting a tap or mixer that will stand the test of time

Products you can rely on

Abode bathroom taps are sourced with the finest ingredients, ensuring that you can rely on their quality. Abode shower valves, cartridges, aerators and flexible hoses are all made with high-quality materials, and the brass used in Abode products is coated with a durable finish. Abode also offers a wide range of stylish taps for your bathroom, including bath taps and basin taps.

Water efficiency

Abode is committed to helping customers save water and reduce their environmental impact. That’s why they offer a range of water efficiency devices, including flow limiters and restriction aerators, which can be fitted to their taps and showers. These devices help to regulate the flow of water, reducing consumption without compromising on performance.

Finishes

Abode taps have become increasingly popular in recent years for their stylish designs and high quality finishes. Now, Abode has expanded their range to include special finishes such as Antique Brass and Matt Black, as well as the versatile Chrome finish. Whether you’re looking for taps for your bathroom or

shower, Abode has a product to suit your needs. With their latest range of finishes, Abode is sure to have a product that will perfectly complement your bathroom décor.

The latest finishes from Abode brassware are now available at ukbathrooms. If you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your bathroom, our comprehensive collection of stylish taps will provide the perfect balance of performance and innovation. Whether you’re after a traditional look or something more contemporary, we have everything you need to make a statement in your bathroom. Shop now for unbeatable prices.

UNIDRAIN –

SELECTED FOR TOP NEWCHEF’SHOME

Unidrain are the selection du jour for the bathrooms created for Jesper Koch’s dream home.

Jesper Koch, one of the key judges for Masterchef Denmark and driving force behind the top restaurant Syttende, has designed and constructed his dream home. Located in Sønderborg, and surrounded by both the beach and forest, he has ensured the essence of these amazing surroundings reverberates inside the house. This unique and bespoke project has been curated by Interior designer

Kira Staugaard, owner of Kira Design: she worked with the family to create a house full of quality materials and exciting solutions – not least the elegant Unidrain products.

“It was important to incorporate nature into the home, which is why the surrounding landscape has been invited inside with materials such as marble, brass, linoleum, and lots of wood. With its warm tones, the wood features throughout the house, and the brass details in the bathroom really catch the eye.”

Brass brings an element of glamour and an extra flourish in the bathroom

The vision for the bathrooms, were quite specific, as with the rest of the house any of the installations must enhance the overall look and should not just be functional. As such each item was carefully selected to blend with and enrich the house’s overall style.

“In the bathroom, the brass elements were selected to created a delightful contrast to the muted colour scheme. The golden tones are present in the linear drain and shower shelves by

TheUnidrain.”installations

visually meld and blend together adding to the overall appeal and elegance of the speace; when you step into the bathroom, you enter a serene environment enriched with exclusive details whose overall appearance calms the mind,” says Kira Staugaard.

The bathroom is equipped with several brass coloured Unidrain elements, including their luxurious HighLine floor drain, blending well with the large tiles and creating a contrast without being too ostentatious. The shower cubicle includes the stylish soap shelf from the Reframe Collection with an accompanying magnetic shower wiper. For this project the warmth of brass shone through, however, the complete Reframe Collection of accessories including shelves, towel hooks and toilet brushes all exquisitely crafted are avaialble in five different colour options allowing them to enhance any bathroom setting.

For Jesper Koch and his family it was important to incorporate nature into the home, and the surrounding landscape has been embraced inside by including materials such as marble, brass, linoleum, and lots of wood. Wood features heavily throughout the house, but for Koch the statement in the kitchen is the beautiful green marble countertop.

A home with wow factor

When designing the interior, the emphasis was definitely on creating a wow factor, no matter what room you were in. It was about providing unique experience, but this also needed to embrace a quiet indoor environment for a family with busy lives:

“The home has been designed in a way that is both calming and stimulating. The natural materials and the bright but subdued tones create an atmosphere where there’s room for tranquillity and relaxation, which is important for a busy family. At the same time, the home is packed with exciting solutions and bold choices, such as a steam oven and a meat-ageing fridge, handbuilt furniture andexqusite yet practical bathrooms,” concludes the interior designer.

ROOM2 CHISWICK – LUXSTAINABILITY – THE IDEAL EXAMPLE

The new property uses 89% less energy per m2 than most other UK hotels; and renewable energy is maximised, with on-site solar panels and ground source heat pumps converting 100% of the energy needed for heating, cooking, and hot water. Additional energy comes from wind, solar and hydro, which is sourced offsite. room2 Chiswick is the world’s first hotel that accounts for its entire carbon footprint making it ‘whole life net Alongsidezero’.

the sustainable and energy efficiency aspects, the hometel takes its design inspiration from the Arts & Crafts movement and rebellion against the homogenization of design. room2 Chiswick offers guests something that feels real, a space that ditches plastic veneers in favour of stonewashed linen, reclaimed timber, natural recyclable products, and handmade touches crafted by local artisans. Every facet of the hotel, from the furniture, fixtures, fittings, and carpets, have been selected because of the sustainability, attitude towards the environment and carbon Thefootprint.rooms

are both quirky and stylish, functional yet friendly, a mixture of hand-crafted combined with state-of-the-art energy saving elements. There are 86 bespoke bedrooms and the ensuite in each is fitted with Kaldewei’s Cayonoplan shower surface plus waste system with matching cover. The Alpine white surface works perfectly with the elegantly designed bathrooms. The finish is extremely durable and can only be scratched by a diamond and stains can be easily

Kaldeweiremoved.

was the perfect partner as the business is also committed to helping the environment. All Kaldewei products are manufactured from 100% recyclable steel enamel and last year the company took another step towards becoming a carbon neutral business; when it started manufacturing with bluemint®

Kaldewei is delighted to work alongside the Lamington Group; to be part of the highly sustainable and eco-friendly room2 Chiswick hometel.

Steel, a balance-oriented CO2reduced steel which will lessen emissions by 70 percent.

Kaldewei also has a long-term commitment with the WWF working with them in Vietnam on a project designed to prevent large amounts of plastic from entering the seas via rivers and canals in the Mekong Delta every room2year.

Chiswick was created with a similar mindset and ethos, embracing sympathetic technology to achieve pioneering energy efficiencies, some of which has been developed in house. The hometel has two labs collecting data on water and energy use, along with air quality. This is combined with knowledge derived from guest requirements helping the room2 Chiswick team to refine, improve and ultimately increase energy efficiency. Renewable energy is maximised on site; for example, ultra-low flow pressure showers use less water with aerated water fixtures and ultra-energy efficient lighting and appliances are combined with occupancy sensors across the building. The blue roof reduces localised flooding by slowly discharging

up to 50,000 litres of rainwater, and the green roof boasts 200 tonnes of soil and wildflowers, planted to increase biodiversity, and absorb CO2, along with beehives and bug hotels.

Kaldewei has an extensive portfolio of over 600 durable

award-winning steel enamel bathroom solutions, delivering the perfect sustainable material choice for any bathroom design with its versatile and flexible solutions. This combined with its commitment to sustainability made it the ideal bathroom solution for room2 Chiswick.

TOP 10 REASONS TO CHOOSE WALL PANELS FOR YOUR NEXT BATHROOM PROJECT

Multipanel’s Director of Key Accounts, Michael Dobson, says: “Modern innovation has led to state-of-the-art bathroom panels that serve, not just as an alternative product, but as the optimal choice for bathroom design, with huge benefits to both homebuilders, tradespeople and homeowners.”

Dobson takes us through the top 10 reasons to opt for bathroom panels for your next bathroom project:

1. No grout

One of the biggest benefits to using wall panels in a bathroom is that there is no need for grouting. Grout is infamously messy, time consuming and is prone to contribute to installer error—with a relatively short shelf life.

Due to bathrooms being the most humid room in the home, grouting can also be a hot spot for mould and mildew. Using panels for a bathroom is a great choice, because you don’t have to worry about the mess, mould or hassle of grout.

If the look of tiles is what you or your customer is after, you can still get the best of both worlds with bathroom panels. At Multipanel, we have recently launched our Tile Collection , with grout lines that have been precision etched by state-of-theart machinery which gives you the all the aesthetics of tile, with none of the inconvenience of grouting.

2. Save time on installation

A real bonus of opting for bathroom panels instead of tiles is that they are quick to install and can be ready to use in just 24 hours. There’s no hanging around for grout to be applied and then dried before you can hop into the shower – which is particularly important if you only have one bathroom.

In fact, using bathroom panels instead of tiles saves on average 21 installation hours per bathroom, meaning they can be installed five times faster than tiles, which positively contributes to accelerating home completion timescales.

3. Reduce snagging

Snagging issues can be both costly and time consuming to fix. Some of the most common snags in bathroom projects can be reduced by opting for bathroom panels.

By choosing waterproof wall panels instead of traditional tiles,

Wall panels have been present in homes for years, having first been introduced to the bathroom industry as an alternative to tiles. In recent years, however, wall panels have become a prominent part of the bathroom market beyond simply being an alternative.

you can eliminate the problem of water leakage due to improper tile installation and grouting in bathroom wet areas.

4. Multiple style options

Don’t be mistaken in thinking that the look you can achieve with bathroom wall panels is limited. panels have come a long, long way, and as the market leader, Multipanel leads the charge in offering homeowners an array of design options to suit all homes.

Bathroom panels from Multipanel’s Neutral, Tile, Linda Barker, and Classic Collections are both beautiful and versatile, and are suited to almost any interior – from the largest bathroom to the smallest cloakroom. Great for a quick refresh or a complete bathroom revamp.

5. Easy maintenance

As well as being easy to install, bathroom panels are easy for homeowners to maintain. There is no need for harsh bleach or chemicals when it comes to cleaning panels—all you need is warm water, normal soap and a soft sponge.

6. Long Lifespan

Bathrooms with tiled walls should be re-sealed every year, and grouting loses its colour after a few years. The grouting used for tiles also needs to be replaced every 8-15 years. Wall panels have the advantage of lasting much longer—our Multipanel bathroom panels come with a 30-year warranty.

Using bathroom panels gives your bathroom more life, so you can be sure that the performance of the walls will perform well as long as you need them to.

7. Upskill easily

If bathroom panels are an as-yet unfamiliar part of your trade, you need not worry. Bathroom panels are designed to be easy to install. At Multipanel, we have created Multipanel-U, a learning portal for homebuilders, architects and specifiers to learn how to install our panels professionally.

Opting for bathroom panels for your next project means you can add to your skillset, helping you increase your offering.

8. Sustainability

Making sustainable choices when it comes to your bathroom design/project doesn’t have to be a challenge when you opt for bathroom panels. For instance, Multipanel’s bathroom panels use sustainable timber, and are both Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC®)  and Made in Britain certified.

The long lifespan of panels means that you are creating less waste, and additionally, our bathroom panels are recyclable, giving them a new lease of life when they are replaced.

9. Cover over existing tiles

Another great benefit of wall panels is that you don’t need to spend time and resources on preparing the wall surface. Panels can be installed directly over old tiles, adding to the list of reasons why panels are easy to install.

10. Waterproof

Using panels for your next bathroom project not only means that you can avoid the hassle of grout, it also means you can avoid the worry of water leakage.

Joining shower panels has now never been easier or more aesthetically pleasing –particularly with Multipanel. Our unique virtually seamless Hydrolock tongue and groove joint provides a watertight installation without the need for additional profiles so that there’s nothing to interrupt the flow of your beautiful wall of shower panel.

Multipanel is the UK’s leading manufacturer of bathroom wall panels, offering a sustainable and modern alternative to traditional bathroom tiling. Multipanel believes that sustainability should complement performance, in turn creating an easy-to-install, high quality, grout-free product that lasts for years.

Multipanel bathroom wall panels are available in a range of surface designs, including marble, granite, wood and tile effect.

Duravit supports art project with theoretical concepts and

•productsAvisionary

project of everyday life on Mars

• Interdisciplinary project team made up of artists, architects, and even primary school children

• Duravit’s contribution includes the expertise of development engineer Franziska Wülker and products such as SensoWash® Starck f

BUILDING A MARTIAN HOUSE: A VISION OF LIFE ON MARSSensoWash®

What might life on Mars look like? How would everyday living be managed? Two artists from Bristol, working with an interdisciplinary team, have taken it upon themselves to answer these questions by building the Martian House. Duravit is also in the mix thanks to the expertise of development engineer Franziska Wülker and products like SensoWash® Starck f – the Martian Toilet.

Visionary project

Inspired by the Earth-like planet Mars, the artists Ella Good and Nicki Kent brought the project “Building a Martian House” to

life in collaboration with Hugh Broughton Architects and Pearce+. The aim of the public art project is to build a real prototype of a Martian house.

Nicki Kent explained: “Mars is a place where you’d have to live carefully and resourcefully.” Ella Good added: “Imagining how a small community would live there offers a sharp lens on our lives here on Earth today and our fraught relationship with consumerism.”

Standard of living and comfort in an environment that is hostile to life

Franziska Wülker, Head of Research & Development at Duravit AG, came on to the initiators’ radar. In 2020 she took part in the NASA Lunar Loo Challenge, the aim of which was to develop a toilet that would work both in zero-gravity and on the moon. Wülker’s design ranked among the top three.

The development engineer’s fascination and motivation to be involved in the project arises from the discrepancy between the hostile planetary environment and daily comfort: “Everyday

Starck f - The new shower toilet generation

life on Mars is challenging and arduous as a result. That’s why it’s so important that everyday items in the home are designed to be as simple and comfortable as possible. That applies especially to the things we don’t like talking about, such as using the toilet.”

Different approaches to a Martian toilet

Requirements for the Martian Toilet include low water and electricity use, ease of operation and maintenance, prevention of unpleasant odors as well as the ability to use urine and feces as Franziskafertilizer.

Wülker identified various approaches: incinerating toilet, separation & composting toilet, freeze-drying, or a toilet with a water flush. Freezedrying, for instance, removes any water contained in the matter and enables the dried residue to be disposed of. Mars is subject to cold temperatures and low pressure, both of which are required for freeze-drying. “At the same time, the overall process is complex, and we want to make life comfortable for the astronauts on Mars.”

Franziska Wülker and the project team ultimately opted for a shower-toilet: `

Water extraction on Mars

The total volume of the ice reservoir on Mars is 5,000,000 km³. Franziska Wülker: “On Mars there are ice caps at the north and south poles. Some parts of the planet have subterranean ice layers and glaciers up to 100 meters thick and close to the surface. So it’s best to build the Mars base where there’s lots of ice that’s easy to get at.” Water could be extracted by drilling and melting frozen water.

The Martian toilet: SensoWash® Starck f

Franziska Wülker: “SensoWash® reduces the consumption of

toilet paper, which also ensures a high level of comfort and hygiene.” A symbiosis of toilet and bidet, Duravit’s SensoWash® showertoilet offers gentle and comfortable hygiene. Pure water is an ideal way to ensure gentle, highly hygienic cleaning. Significantly gentler and more sustainable than toilet paper, water removes bacteria, boosts circulation, and is gentle on skin,

Expanding on her theoretical ideas, Franziska Wülker said: “Treated gray water from washbasins, showers, etc. can be used for flushing via a circular system. It is also conceivable that an additional urinal could be used to separate urine and turn it into fertilizer.”

Exhibition in Bristol

The house at M Shed Square in the English city of

Bristol will be open to the public until October 2022. It will start off as an empty façade and will come to life thanks to alternating interiors that provide opportunities to collectively explore a new, sustainable culture. Initiator Nicki Kent: “It is to be a place where people can research, experiment, and discuss: a blank canvas to try things out and imagine new perspectives for today’s lifestyles.” Ella Good sums up: “Each of us has expertise to offer and a part to play in shaping our shared future.”

More Info: www.duravit.com/martianhouse

HOWDENS OFFERS TRADE CUSTOMERS THE CHANCE TO WIN A VAN

The UK’s number one TradecelebratingHowdens,kitchentradesupplier,isitsEventofthe Year by offering trade customers the chance to win a 2022 Ford Transit van worth over £38,000.

Between Monday 5th September and Saturday 29th October any trade account customer placing an order with a minimum value of £300 excluding VAT, that includes a Lamona appliance, will automatically be entered into the prize draw to win a van.

The top prize is a fully taxed 2022 Ford Transit 350 Van worth over £38,000, with an additional £500 put towards insurance.

There are five runners-up prizes of a Samsung Bespoke Jet Pro Extra Vacuum, and a further five runner up prizes of £1,000 Howdens trade account credit.

Sophie Leathley, Marketing Manager, Howdens says: “Our Trade Event of the Year is back, and we’re excited to be giving away this top prize of a brandnew van to one of our lucky trade customers.

“The Trade Event of the Year aims to highlight the great quality and great value of our

products that trade customers, and homeowners, have come to expect. Simply placing an order over £300 ex.VAT that contains a Lamona product will enter them into the draw.”

Howdens’ range of Lamona appliances continues to be one of the most popular integrated appliance brands in the UK for homeowners, with products that address the demand for kitchen appliances to make their lives easier, particularly when it comes to saving them time.

With cooking, cooling, washing and laundry products in the range there is an appliance for every kitchen no matter the style or budget. Each product has developed and designed by a leading team of experts, undergoing rigorous in-house testing to ensure the highest quality.  With a three-year guarantee across the full range as standard; Lamona offers an

enhanced offering compared to the industry standard of just two

Theyears.company

also offers an industry-leading aftersales service, working with local engineers to deliver quick and accessible repairs.

Entry to the prize draw is automatic with any qualifying purchase, but to find out more, or to view the prize draw T&C’s please visit www.howdens.com/ promotions-terms-and-conditions or ask your local depot for details.

Do you realise how essential copper is to everyday life?

…and in your office

When supplying hot water to busy offices, copper is chosen because of its durability, reducing the risk of leaks and other plumbing problems.

As well as being found in the pipework in the ceiling above your office, copper is used in the wiring of computers, printers, and other devices that are vital in offices. Put simply, we wouldn’t be able to work without it!

It’s used throughout homes, hospitals, public transport, and office spaces; as well as renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines.

And it’s essential in our hospitals

Copper is one of the only materials trusted to supply medical grade gases, such as oxygen, to patients’ bedsides with no leaks or contamination. Additionally, it has anti-microbial properties which help to protect the health of patients, with studies showing that it can reduce infection rates by 58%.

It’s essential in your home…

In your home, you’ll find copper running through your walls, supplying water from your boiler to your bathroom and kitchen, powering your shower and providing hot water to your taps.

As well as being the sustainable choice for plumbing systems, copper is an everyday essential around the rest of your home. It’s found in the wiring of household electronics and appliances such as your kettle, microwave, oven, and television.

It’s also a key material for heating homes, not just in traditional central heating systems but in sustainable heating alternatives such as air source heat pumps.

From homes and hospitals, to transport and offices, copper is the material of the future. Thanks to its superior quality, safety, and ability to be infinitely recycled, it is playing a vital part in our everyday lives, creating a more sustainable future for everyone.

Find out more about the benefits of copper by clicking below:

Visit our website to find out more: www.cuspuk.com

Copper is one of the most versatile materials on the planet, but many people are unaware of how essential copper is to everyday life.

ARE YOUR ENTRANCE MATS A FIRE RISK?

Fire safety is an important consideration in the building industry, and everyone involved in construction or property management should choose materials and processes to help prevent fires. This is especially important in multi-tenanted buildings like apartment complexes and retirement/nursing homes, where a fire can quickly spread and put lives at risk.

A1 fl – the ‘fl’ is an abbreviation for ‘floor’; a floor covering with this rating is considered nonflammable with no risk of smoke formation.

A2 fl – non-flammable floor coverings with low levels of organic binding agents

Many people don’t realise that most entrance mats are not flame-retardant, meaning they can fuel a fire and spread it around the building more quickly. Most building operators and landlords know the risks and will ask tenants to remove mats that aren’t classified as flame-retardant. Learn more about FlameRetardant Entrance Mats with this guide provided by First Mats.

Testing and classifications

The classifications and regulations can be complex, but they are designed to help you choose the right materials for your property.

International classifications are designed to ensure that any product or component with a classification marking has been tested to the same standards.

Construction products should have been tested and graded against EN 13501-1, the European standard for reaction to fire. The ‘fire retardant’ marking means the materials have passed testing, including exposure to a naked flame and a radiating heat source. This ensures that the materials will not contribute to the spread of fire and will provide a measure of protection in the event of a fire.

For floor coverings and mats, the potential grades that can be awarded are:

B fl – a flame-retardant product that has passed the radiating heat test with an intensity of 8kW/m2

C fl – a flame-retardant product that has passed the radiating heat test with an intensity of 4.5kW/m2

A1 fl and A2 fl levels cannot be achieved by the vast majority of floor coverings, including vinyl and textiles. When you are looking for matting, you need to keep an eye out for B fl and C fl markings. These both mean that the mats have been tested and classified as fire-retardant.

It’s important to note that fire retardant does not mean the item cannot be set alight. It means that the materials used help to stop the spread of any fire that does manage to take hold.

C fl classifications and below should be considered a fire risk. Using these products can present a danger to anyone in a building where they are installed.

Smoke production

When a fire occurs, smoke can quickly fill a room or hallway, making it difficult for evacuees and firefighters to see and breathe. For this reason, the amount of smoke produced by burning material is an important factor in fire safety. The EN13501-1 standard includes a test to measure the

smoke produced by burning material. The smoke is graded on a scale from ‘s1’ to ‘s2’, with ‘s1’ indicating a manageable or acceptable amount of smoke and ‘s2’ meaning that too much smoke is produced. When choosing materials for a building, it is important to look for products with an ‘s1’ smoke rating to ensure that the amount of smoke produced in the event of a fire will not impede evacuations or rescue Combiningefforts.the two grades will give us a marking for the flooring and smoke production. Your mat should be marked as either Bfl-s1 or Cfl-s1.

Types of Fire Retardant Mats

As fire regulations have tightened, finding and fitting an entrance mat with the form and function you want for your building and residents has become more difficult. However, fire-retardant entrance mats are available in a huge range of colours and sizes, with deep piles for comfort, durable finishes for longevity and very respectable dust, dirt and water retention. Check the classifications before purchasing to ensure they will suit your building.

First Mats started life as safety matting specialists but has since expanded to become a complete industrial and commercial supplies company.

First Mats focus on providing safety-focused products that improve the well-being of staff through quality-approved products backed up by extensive knowledge.

For more information, go to www.firstmats.co.uk

ayes Village, situated at Nestles Avenue, Hayes in Middlesex, is a brand new development from Barratt London offering 1,473 new homes. Built on the former Nestle Factory, the area is undergoing signification SIGregeneration.Distribution, priding itself on delivering expert knowledge and service across the construction industry, supported the development with key products including the Titon FireSafe® Air Brick.

The Titon FireSafe® Air Brick is a specialist product developed and manufactured by offering low resistance to airflow, but high resistance to fire as set out in Approved Document B (fire safety) volume 1: Dwellings, 2019 Commentingedition.

on the

partnership with Titon and SIG Distribution, Laura French, Area Sales Manager stated “It was a pleasure working with SIG Distribution, they have a vast range of product knowledge and knew early on that the Titon FireSafe® Air Brick was perfect for the Hayes Village scheme. By supporting SIG Distribution with their product specification, Titon were able to meet and exceed all their requirements

.

The Titon FireSafe® Air Brick is designed and tested to BS EN13141-2:2010 specifically for mechanical ventilation systems. Made from 1mm electrogalvanized sheet steel, fire class A1 ‘no contribution to fire’ and polyester powder coating meeting EN13501-1 classification A2-s1,d0. The Titon FireSafe® Air Brick is ideal for fire safety applications.

Find out more information about the Titon FireSafe® Air Brick

Established in 2018, Monster Mesh has worked in the event and aninceptionbrandingconstructionsectorsinceandisnowestablishedmarketleader in this field.

Their friendly and approachable nature, combined with expert design solutions tailored to individual needs means they have grown year on year, impressing customers with their quality of service.

The company specialises in the supply of large format print products, including custom designs for Heras fence covers, PVC & ACM hoarding panels, PVC and mesh banners, large scale scaffold wraps and more helping increase brand visibility in venues or construction projects. These products also have longevity, with the premium Heras fence cover proving popular for long projects as well as its potential for re-usability. Each is compatible to fit all brands of temporary fencing and include free delivery on fence covers.

Much of Monster Mesh’s business comes from business exhibitions, venues, festivals, events and construction, with the later booming in 2021, despite the reduction in many other outdoor events.

Monster Mesh has been working incredibly hard to maintain their high results, going so far as having their record year in 2021.

This has been down to a number of factors, including a focus on brand strengthening and continual digital marketing efforts. The business has also added several new products to their site, generating more interest and a broader choice for customers.

The business has proved to be a popular choice for clients since its launch, due to their commitment to ‘good old fashioned’ personal customer service. This personal service means that clients can be confident in their decisions, having the ability to browse online before speaking directly to one of the team to discuss any particular requirements.

Founder of Monster Mesh, Mark McLennan is committed to maintaining this service with all construction products, complete

with a team that are always happy to help advising and talking through options.

This commitment to service also includes free design and artwork for products, ensuring the highest quality products and personalisation.

We spoke to Mark who stated, “2021 was our busiest year ever despite restrictions and we have grown our customers in the construction sector considerably. It’s great to see the construction industry to boom and the sector is certainly doing its bit to move things forward. Our growth has been down to more customers with repeat business and recommendations, as well as increasing our focus on building the Monster Mesh brand and securing our place in the industry.”