Refurb & Developer Update - December 2020

REFURB &

DEVELOPER December 2020

UPDATE

www.developer-update.co.uk

Atlantis the ultimate panelling system for showers, bathrooms and wet room applications

Atlantis is a fully waterproof shower wall surface and core, produced from high pressure laminates and a proven waterproof core. The uniform structure of the core, the smooth surface and the new gluing system make Atlantis the ultimate panelling system for showers, bathrooms and wet room applications. Atlantis wet wall panels are available in a range of 14 decors. All panels are manufactured and stocked in the UK. developer-update.co.uk

CONTENTS 7

10

Refurb & Developer Update - December 2020

4

Industry News

14

Doors & Windows

18

Heating & Ventilation

26

Bathrooms & Washrooms

32

Roofing & Cladding

38

External Works & Landscaping

39

PPE

16

24

Contact Us Publication Manager Advertising Sales Exec Editor

Ben Pritchard Emily Maclean Sam Andrews

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

01843 580460 01843 580460 01843 580460

developer-update.co.uk

04 Industry News

£85m

Joint venture developers Topland Group and Beltane Asset Management have secured planning permission to expand and overhaul an office near the Barbican in London.

London Fletcher Priest designed the ‘greening’ office overhaul of 150 Aldersgate near the Barbican expansion The development, at the heart of the Culture Mile, will also improve approved pedestrian experience and offers more

City of London planners gave the go-ahead, backing it for meeting the key aims of greening of the Square Mile and more open spaces in the City Plan 2036.

As part of this, all new developments and refurbishments will be required to include a greening element to the building or public realm to contribute to improving biodiversity, rainwater run-off, air and noise pollution, temperature regulation, and making the City a more visually desirable business location.

The proposal will see the amalgamation of the buildings at 150 Aldersgate Street and 3-4 Bartholomew Place through a full re-clad and extension while retaining the structural frame.

The refurbished building will include two additional setback storeys and a pavilion at level 10, providing modern office facilities and a public café on the ground floor.

The project is presently out to tender with Willmott Dixon understood to be among a group of firms targeting the 17,000 sq m office project. developer-update.co.uk

than 250 cycle parks.

Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, Alastair Moss, said: “The approved scheme demonstrates that the City continues to be an attractive location for developers and investors despite the pandemic.

“It offers modern and flexible office space in a popular Square Mile area and will play its part in making the City a thriving 24/7 destination for residents, workers and visitors.

“The many urban greening elements, including roof terraces, tree planting and landscaping, will provide benefits to both office occupiers and the wider local community by improving visual amenity, well-being and biodiversity.”

05

Is good, good enough?

Is good, good enough when it comes to customer service? As far as The IPG and its supplier Lecico are concerned – the answer is NO! Many companies underestimate the importance of excellent customer service; great products on their own are not always enough to keep a customer’s loyalty, but outstanding service and customer satisfaction is both The IPG and Lecico strive to offer just that.

Kevin Oakes, Director of Sales at The IPG stated: “ Only the businesses that find a way to make customer support a core element of their business strategy can thrive under today’s environment. We put The IPG member at the centre of what we do - what’s right for them is right for us. We put members first and support them, our mantra is that we are Stronger Together” During recent times, The IPG has played its part in supporting its independent plumbing, heating and bathroom store members, for example, during the early days of the pandemic, the common message published across its marketing channels highlighted those member businesses that remained open, advising opening times and the level of service they were providing. It has continued to deliver positive messages to ensure that members customers continue to shop in their local area.

Paul Barry (MD) from Four Ashes Plumbing Supplies, an IPG member based in Wolverhampton commented: “In a market place more competitive than ever,

and with the challenges facing all independent businesses in the UK, we place great value in our partnership with The IPG. A collaborative approach between the group, it’s supply network and it’s members helps small businesses like ours to remain at the forefront of the industry and relevant to the communities we serve.”

Customers do not forget companies that make them feel special, word of mouth is always the best recommendation, without doubt, a customer service first approach has a very important role to play in business today.

Antony Thompson, Managing Director at Lecico Bathrooms said: “Our ambition is to provide the highest levels of service to our customers in the industry, ‘we can, and we will’.

He went on to say: “2020 has dealt us all challenges that we could not have predicted. The global response to the pandemic has had far reaching impacts, for Lecico bathrooms, the challenge has been to maintain our normally very high levels of service to our customers. Talking to others in our industry has indicated that this problem is not unique to us at Lecico.

Our ambition has been to continue to operate our business as normally as possible and to continue to provide the high levels of customer service that our customers have become accustomed to and expect from us.

establishing some strong, longstanding customer relationships which we are very proud of and a leading position in the market. We have a term that we often refer to internally to test our resolve to provide the best possible customer service levels – ‘we can, and we will’. As a minimum we aim to deliver what our customers expect, but we want to exceed customer expectations wherever possible.”

At Lecico we recognise that our customer service levels have played a significant role in the growth of our business, this has resulted in us developer-update.co.uk

06 Industry News

London’s Belsize Fire Station converted into apartments by Tate Harmer Architecture office Tate Harmer has converted a 100-year-old fire station in Belsize Park, London, into a set of apartments.

Tate Harmer insulated the roof, basement and exterior walls and improved the air-tightness of the windows.

Belsize Fire Station was designed and built in the Arts and Crafts style in 1914 by the architect Charles Canning Winmill for London County Council. The station was operational and used by firefighters and their engines – originally horse-drawn – until 2014 when it was closed due to council cuts.

Each apartment has a dual aspect for cross-ventilation, with southfacing open plan living areas to make the most of the sunlight during the day.

London architects Tate Harmer carefully upgraded the Grade II*-listed building to improve its thermal performance and turned it into 20 homes.

A communal heating system for the apartments, accessed by buttons in each flat, cuts down carbon emissions and helps keep fuel bills for occupants low.

Original features such as the fireman’s poles and the doubleheight bays where the engines were kept have been preserved and incorporated into the homes.

Fireplace in Belsize Fire Station, converted into apartments by Tate Harmer, London

Below street level, former accommodation for the firefighters has been neatly converted into one-bedroom apartments.

Existing white-glazed bricks help the building absorb and retain heat to minimise temperature fluctuations.

Interiors feature exposed brick fireplaces and timber beams, with metal spiral staircases for duplexes.

The front doors are, appropriately, painted fire-engine red.

Tate Harmer was founded in 2007

by Jerry Tate and Rory Harmer and is based in Dalston. Recently the practice built a staircase for visitors to explore a subterranean shaft dug by the 19th-century engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel that’s been turned into a performance space.

Open-plan apartments with individual gardens have been carved out of the ground and first floors. Second-floor apartments with double-height ceilings have been built up into the vaulted roof.

“Creating new homes within a listed fire station is not simple but it’s important to retain London’s heritage where possible and improving the sustainable credentials of our built landscape,” said Tate Harmer partner Rory Harmer. “The most environmentally-friendly building is the one that already exists.” developer-update.co.uk

Photography Kilian O’Sullivan.

07

NHBC welcomes BoKlok to its new MMC acceptance scheme NHBC, the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK, has announced that BoKlok has been officially welcomed to NHBC Accepts.

NHBC Accepts is an all-inclusive, endto-end service launched this summer, that will help to build confidence in innovative construction and enable MMC systems to be fast-tracked for NHBC warranty.

BoKlok’s modular system - BoKlok Flex UK - is a volumetric timber frame system. Homes are completed off-site in a safe and dry environment using a smart and industrialised process.

The completed quality homes are manufactured off-site and thereafter transported to the construction site for assembly. This enables high quality, low and predictable costs and minimum waste.

The company, which is jointly-owned

by IKEA and Skanska, originated in the Nordics and completed its first home in 1997 - it has now built more

than 11,000 homes throughout Sweden, Finland and Norway. It launched in the UK last year and is on track to build over 400 homes in the South West of England.

NHBC’s, Innovation Manager, Richard Lankshear said: “Following a thorough review process we are delighted to welcome BoKlok to NHBC Accepts.

“An NHBC Accepts certificate is a way of demonstrating that innovative products or systems have already been reviewed by NHBC thus reducing the risk of delays on site.

“NHBC Accepts will play a critical role in ensuring developers, manufacturers, lenders and consumers have faith and confidence in MMC quality as the industry delivers more innovative new homes for the country.”

As part of the new service, a detailed and robust technical review at key stages has resulted in the provision of a certificate (and acceptance for NHBC warranty), usage licence for a bespoke NHBC Accepts logo and listing on the NHBC Accepts web pages alongside other accepted systems.

Noel Sheehan, BoKlok Housing Director said: “We are very pleased to have been given a seal of approval for NHBC Accepts. We use quality materials and build with well-proven methods to ensure sustainable homes. We hope that this additional accreditation will provide further confidence in our home development to our customers and the wider industry.”

For more information, please visit www.nhbc.co.uk/accepts developer-update.co.uk

08

CT1

- The Snag List Eliminator, voted many times and regarded as the UK’s Number 1 Sealant and Adhesive, have again secured their position in the industry as the leader of technology in the building industry.

CT1 who were the first to introduce the Hybrid Polymer 20 years ago, listened to the industry and realised that Hybrid technology was becoming dated. CT1 were the first to introduce a product that replaced several products in one and could work in wet. CT1 can actually seal and bond under water, with competitor sealants trying to imitate and match the technology.

Realising the need to maintain the number 1 position, and keep introducing the latest technology into the building industry, CT1 has again blown the industry away with TRIBRID® Technology. A revolutionary formula that can’t be imitated or even be regarded as similar. TRIBRID® now surpassing Hybrid technology, is 3 times stronger, has much longer colour retention, elongation and other super enhanced properties.

Architects, Specifiers and Developers rely on products that can guarantee its worth and that will work on a project and stand the test of time. CT1 with over 25 accreditations fits that bill, and is widely specified on jobs as the only sealant that will perform on almost every possible application. developer-update.co.uk

CT1 the only sealant and adhesive that could stand up and deliver on jobs such as The Wave in Bristol, Diana’s Memorial Fountain, the construction of the London Olympic Village, and so on. Made in Britain, CT1 with British Design and British Technology, guarantees a local technical service.

CT1 is the only sealant globally to be awarded The NAAF accreditation.

The Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association are the most stringent body in the world for testing products that either reduce or increase the chances of Asthma attack in the home.

CT1 sailed through the test. Using CT1 in your home, school, hospital will reduce the chance of asthma or allergy attacks.

A product that is so technically advanced with over 25 accreditations and certificates, fits the bill for Wickes, and their architect teams also. Wickes with a strong team of architects and in-house designers, tailor make and design bespoke kitchens and bathrooms across the UK. Using only the highest standard of products, clearly CT1 was a choice for Wickes. Wickes who supply the industry both trade and DIY have formed a fruitful partnership with CT1.

Wickes providing bathroom design and installation services across the UK, were really impressed with CT1’s performance and accreditations, even more so with The NAAF certificate.

They can safely say they are using the most eco compliant and heathiest product in the installation of their design. Use Wickes for Architectural accredited products, such as CT1.

Buy CT1 on the Wickes Online Store https://youtu.be/VhCE9E7krao

10

Weatherproofing the UK’s most northerly home – House of the Northern Gate The House of the Northern Gate is an imposing charming and dramatically sited 10-bedroom country house set in the moors of the Dunnet estate, overlooking the breath-taking Dunnet Bay.

It is located on the UK mainland’s most northerly headland and enjoys a royal connection. Following the death of King George VI, the Queen Mother stayed at the House of the Northern Gate for a short time in 1953.

Its spectacular, coastal location comes at a price. The home is subjected to the elements meaning the building envelope needs to withstand strong winds and nearly double the average UK rainfall. The weather alternates from beautiful sunshine to Scottish Haar quickly and the air temperature rarely reaches above 15 degrees Celsius in the height of summer.

Roderick Dunnett, the owner of the House of the Northern Gate, recognised the need for a full refurbishment to safeguard the strength and integrity of its structure amid its harsh environment and was adamant that the renovation have minimal environmental impact.

Dunnett, acting on the advice of Adrian Ionescu, the project manager, found that Lime Green products met the project’s needs.

Ensuring a weatherproof exterior “The property is very exposed and subject to salt due to the coastal location. As such, a top priority for the owner of the project was to ensure the exterior of the home was robust,” says Adrian. developer-update.co.uk

11 “All of the products were extremely easy to work with. They cure nicely, can be used in poor weather conditions and the pre-bagged nature of the products make them really easy to use on site. We simply had to mix in water and away we went! The materials also worked very well with our modern spray equipment for the larger elevations,” says Dean Hicks of Hicks Plastering.

The test of time “I’ll be sure to use Lime Green’s products again and would 100% recommend them,” says Dean.

“The results are impressive. It will be great to see how the products stand the test of time against the tough weather conditions and salinity of Dunnet Bay. “The exposed nature of the home means the product used needed to be extremely durable, insulating, salt resistant, weather-resistant and sustainable. I’m confident Lime Green’s products will not only insulate the home but also keep it looking good for many years to come.”

“We needed to reinstate the external harling and remove all existing cement coatings to replace them with more sustainable, weather-proof materials.

“Once the external harling was removed, the underlying stonework was cleaned and repaired by applying Lime Green’s Roman Stucco and Stipple coats to prepare the surface.

“Then, the external walls were coated with Ultra – a lime render with high insulation properties - followed by the water resistant Lux lime render. Both of these renders were also supplied by Lime Green.”

“I will definitely be using Lime Green’s products again – including in the interior of the House of The Northern Gate where I’ll be using their Duro and Solo lime plasters,” says Adrian.

“I would definitely recommend these products to anyone looking for an easyto-use, durable, internal or external plaster.”

For more information on the products mentioned or to talk to one of our trusted team of experts, call 01952 728611 or visit www.lime-green.co.uk.

developer-update.co.uk

12

Four smart home improvements to keep your home insulated It’s starting to look like we will all be spending a little more time at home again over the next few months and with the colder weather approaching, it could be a costly time for home owners.

With more people working from home once again and curfews being introduced, it’s an opportune time to invest in insulating your home - not just to keep it cosy - but also efficient in terms of heat retention and cost savings.

John Evans of home improvement specialists Stormclad, said: “Over the last six months we have all spent more time at home than usual, and our homes now more than ever play a vital role in keeping us safe and secure as well as being the backdrop to home working, home learning and everything in between.

“To ensure the home remains a pleasant place to be for all the family, temperature plays an key role and as it begins to get colder outside, it could be the perfect time to make home improvements to increase the homes thermal efficiency.

“There are a number of simple modifications you can make to your home to reduce heat which can be installed in a matter of hours, days or weeks.”

Draught-proofing There are countless gaps in our homes that we usually never even think about. However, these are letting out the warmth from, and letting the cold inside. Often you can fill all the gaps and holes yourself with some simple DIY. Internal doors are a good place to start when trying to cover drafts. You can buy removable draft excluders such as the classic sausage dog, or have a draught excluding door seal fitted underneath the door. Ensure you keep these shut as often as possible to retain the heat in each room, and to stop draughts coming through.

Replace windows with modern double glazing Windows are one of the most prone areas to heatloss in the home. An old single paned window will emit around 84% of a room’s heat into the cold air outside so it is definitely worth the investment.

Installing double glazed windows will retain the heat in your home by trapping a layer of air between two panes of glass which stops the air from circulating, resulting in a decrease of heat loss across the window. With modern double glazed windows, the space between the panes

is often filled with denser argon gas which will slow down heat loss even further.

Older windows can look outdated and deteriorate quickly, so replacing them a with durable frame such as aluminium will transform the look of your home outside and in.

External door replacements Older doors are prone to holes and gaps which allows draughts to enter the home. Doors can often become warped and unsettled in their existing frame, which means its time for an upgrade.

Solid wood doors are a popular choice as timber is a natural insulator, absorbing and retaining heat, as well as composite doors, which are a thick door made of a combination of timber and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) - a robust thermo-plastic door skin.

Top top: Ensure your door is fitted with a quality letterbox flap or brush, to reduce the amount of heat loss from the letterbox.

Conservatory refurbishments Do you avoid this room in the winter because it’s too cold? Could this be your new home office? Making changes to your old conservatory can vastly reduce the amount of heat lost and make the space welcoming and usable all year round.

Older conservatories are often made with plastic polycarbonate roofs which have very little thermal insulation. Replacing the roof with high performance glass, a solid roof or a combination of the two, is one of the most effective improvements you can make to increase a conservatory’s thermal efficiency, which not just affects the conservatory but the whole home’s thermal efficiency.

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

Market Leading Design for Modern Living

WINDOWS & DOORS THE WAY THEY’RE MEANT TO BE TM

Tailored To You Residence 7 windows and doors are finished to perfection, combining a modern flush appearance and unquestionable market leading design features and performance, all in a maintenance free material.

Available as casement windows, shaped windows, bay and bow windows, orangeries, conservatories, single doors and French doors - R7 has all the choices for the perfect home.

Your Home, Your Way Create an individual design statement for any home with a range of luxury colour finishes and hardware options, all have been carefully created, allowing you to replace the current windows and doors with a more efficient, secure and attractive system.

•

Easy-clean rebate

•

‘Through Colour’ Extrusion

•

Lock & Hinge Retention

•

Double or Triple Glazing

•

Up to 44mm Glazing

•

7 Chamber Design

•

Maintenance Free

•

14 finishes to choose from

•

Energy Rating (WER) of A+ and a U-value of 0.8W/ (m2.K) Passivhaus standard

RESIDENCE 7

Redefining Windows & Doors

R7 is here to inspire you on your journey to create the dream home.

Beautifully flush inside and out, available in a range of maintenance free finishes and a variety of styles, it is versatile without complication.

R7 outperforms many other systems with a sophisticated 7 chamber design and intelligent features.

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

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

So what are you waiting for? Your R7 journey starts here...

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

W: www.residencecollection.co.uk

7 7

16

THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOF Paul Trace from Stella Rooflight discusses the practicalities involved in specifying large rooflights As a bespoke rooflight manufacturer we often see grand plans with expansive areas of roof glazing, as architects continue to seek innovative ways in which to exploit natural daylight. As much as bespoke rooflights can certainly help bring these designs to life, there are some important factors that need to be considered when the glazing is turned from drawing to reality.

In recent years we have noticed a trend towards larger rooflights, with sizes regularly exceeding 2500mm in width, height or both. While Stella can certainly accommodate these, one has to appreciate the practicalities of weight, transportation and cost.

It stands to reason that the larger the rooflight, the thicker the glass will need to be, therefore as rooflight sizes get bigger their weight can increase exponentially. In context, our double glazed units comprising of 4mm thick glass weigh 20kgs per square metre and those using 6mm are 30kgs per square metre. Triple glazed units are 30kgs and 45kgs respectively. Add the stainless steel frames and hardwood liners into the equation and you can start to see how even a modest sized rooflight can weigh something akin to a small elephant!

Indeed it’s not uncommon for us to produce rooflights weighing in excess of 200kg.

The reality is that when you scale things up even the simplest plans can start to become complex - a truth that should be all too familiar to architects. But before drawing that large rectangle on a roof plan, it is important to consider

how the rooflight is going to be lifted from the ground to roof level and what the weight implications might be for the structure. Stella can weld stainless eyelets to the rooflight frame to aid the lifting process and we would suggest doing this on frames which weigh in excess of 100kg, which is the point where we expect a crane might be required.

However, does the site have suitable access for any specialist lifting equipment, and has this additional cost been budgeted for?

The weight of an opening rooflight will also determine whether it is manually operated or requires electric actuation.

We would suggest that our largest manually operated rooflight be around 1000mm wide or 1400mm high. Anything over this size will generally require electric actuation to lift the weight and in the case of wider casements, to provide a tight seal. Manual operating casements are less expensive than electric so there is a cost element that also needs to be considered when specifying larger opening rooflights. There is no maximum size in terms of what is possible to manufacture, although it is worth keeping in mind that a single piece of glass with an area over 5m2 becomes significantly more expensive.

Fortunately there are alternatives to using large expensive single panes of glazing, such as introducing glazing bars to reduce the unit sizes, linking frames, and having more than one casement. This not only makes the rooflights easier to transport, lift and install, but can also reduce the price.

If a large, single rooflight is the only option for your project then you must also make sure that it is safe to install. While

developer-update.co.uk

rooflight manufacturers will be able to provide advice on a suitable specification for the job in terms of materials, glazing thickness, functionality and installation, it is ultimately the responsibility of a structural engineer to ensure that the product being specified is fit (and safe) for the building that it is fitted into.

To avoid any ambiguity it is fairly essential that the architect, structural engineer and rooflight manufacturer discuss large rooflight installations, likely weights, load bearings, site access, and lifting capacity at an early stage to avoid any problems down the line. It is not advisable to leave this for the builder to deal with at the last minute.

Another area for consideration should be the safety of large areas of glazing situated high up in a roof structure. Again, much like an elephant, there is a lot of grey area here!

Regardless of size your rooflight should meet the BS 5516-2: 2004 patent glazing and sloping glazing for buildings standard.

This code of practice for sloping glazing defines that inner panes must always be laminated wherever rooflights are more than 5 metres above floor level (increased to 13 metres for panes less than 3 square metres) or are located over water (e.g. swimming pools).

The Standard permits the use of toughened inner panes in other applications (for example where rooflights are less than 5 metres from floor level), but only where a stringent risk assessment for the particular application has been completed and has concluded that the use of toughened glass does not give any additional risk to those below the rooflight.

17

risk you will need to take the following factors into consideration: • • • • • • • • •

No glass is impervious to breakage so it is important to remember that roof glazing can and often does sit high above common areas in a home or office, so there will always be an element of concern if a unit were to break.

Certain industry bodies are calling for all rooflight glazing to include a laminated inner pane to provide greater security in the event that the glass breaks. Much the same as how car windscreens are required by law to be laminated to protect passengers from shattered glass in the event of an accident. There can be no dispute that laminated glass is safer because it forms a net when broken, which remains in one piece, whereas toughened glass breaks into little cubes and will fall down onto whatever is below.

reduced by polishing edges, however the low-e coating is not practical for polished edges as there is a risk of damaging the coating. Swapping the low-e coating for a laminated glass with treated edges is likely to have a negative impact on the thermal performance of the unit. Using products such as SGG Cool-Lite on the outer pane can help as this has both solar reflective and thermal coatings but these do not have a self-clean coating which is an important consideration for pitched rooflights as they are usually positioned out of reach.

As laminated glass is more expensive, the industry perhaps sees this as a way of combatting the cohort of cheap flat rooflight products that have flooded the market with potentially dangerous products.

Thermal Stress is created when one area of a glass pane gets hotter than an adjacent area. If the stress is too great, then the glass will crack. The stress level at which the glass will break is governed by several factors. Toughened glass is very resilient and not prone to failing due to thermal stress. Laminated glass and annealed glass behave in a similar way and the thicker the glass the less tolerant it becomes, which is an important factor for larger rooflights.

However, laminating rooflight glass creates its own unique set of problems, as annealed laminate is prone to thermal fracture and heat stress. This risk can be

The temperature difference for a location can be calculated and the risk of breakage due to thermal reasons reduced. However, to assess the thermal

Type of glass being specified for the insulating glass units Where the building is located Orientation of the rooflight Size of any glazing bars (if required) Details of any internal shading such as blinds or louvres The framing material and powder coat colour The window size and if it opens as this will change the angle to the sun Whether any radiators are located directly below the rooflight Any other details like other buildings or trees casting a shadow onto the glass.

The risk of thermal cracking and heat stress changes throughout the year with the highest risk seasons being spring and autumn due to the low angle of the sun and the lower evening temperatures.

Solar control glass either reflects energy or absorbs it to reradiate the heat outwards. By its nature it gets hotter than clear glass and glass that is designed for thermal efficiency alone. Whilst the majority of installations are within the operating tolerance, in some cases fluctuation in heat can put the stress beyond the limits.

Laminated glass is also heavier which needs to be remembered when planning lifting schedules and structural requirements.

Another issue experienced with laminated glass is a phenomenon called lensing, where images become distorted. This doesn’t necessarily cause such an issue with flat rooflight glazing where the view is a simple sky backdrop, but on pitched rooflights with a view of a landscape, this distortion will be a problem.

In summary, while there is a growing trend for projects to include more and larger rooflights, it is not as straightforward as just adding them to the plans. Clearly there is so much more to specifying large rooflights than meets the eye and while your rooflight manufacturer will be able to provide recommendations, ultimately having a better understanding of what glazing is required and involving a qualified structural engineer in the early phases will resolve any issues you may have further down the line.

For further information or to discuss your bespoke rooflight requirement contact the Stella Rooflight team on 01794 745445 or email info@stellarooflight.co.uk www.stellarooflight.co.uk

developer-update.co.uk

18 Heating & Ventilation

UK’S FIRST HYDROGEN HEATING DEMONSTRATION TAKES PLACE First houses heated by hydrogen gas are showcased, with the use of innovative prototype boilers.

Boiler manufacturers Baxi Heating and Worcester Bosch have installed hydrogen burning boilers at ‘HyStreet’, in specially built demonstration houses at DNV GL’s specialist test site at Spadeadam in Northumberland.

The site has been used to complete over 200 tests, researching and proving the safety of converting homes and gas networks to hydrogen.

The project is part of H21, a Network Innovation Competition project sponsored by Ofgem. Northern Gas Networks is leading the project with partners Cadent, Scottish Gas Networks, Wales & West Utilities, National Grid, DNV GL and the Health and Safety Executive’s science division. H21 is demonstrating how existing natural gas networks can be repurposed to safely carry 100% hydrogen. For the first demonstration both Worcester Bosch and Baxi Heating have installed combi boilers into the houses on HyStreet. The boilers have been developed as part of the UK Government-funded Hy4Heat programme, which is also supporting the development of hydrogen-ready gas cookers, fires and gas meters.

As around 85% of UK homes currently rely on natural gas for heating and hot water, repurposing the natural gas grid for use with hydrogen would mean a low disruption option for householders to decarbonise their heating without the need for extensive changes to their existing system.

Tackling carbon emissions resulting from home heating is utterly essential and one of the most difficult challenges in achieving net-zero emissions, given the need to make adaptations in almost every home. A growing library of studies and reports conclude that all viable scenarios for the UK to hit net-zero include hydrogen as a vital component.

That is why Government and industry are working on various projects across the UK.

developer-update.co.uk

Tim Harwood, Northern Gas Networks’ Project Director for H21 said: “Seeing the boilers in situ at Spadeadam is an exciting step in the journey to realising our goal of a gas network transporting 100% hydrogen to customers. The hydrogen boiler looks and feels just like the natural gas version we all have today and is just as user-friendly, showing that a transition could cause minimal disruption to customers.”

Dan Allason, Head of Research and Innovation, at DNV GL’s Spadeadam Research and Testing said: “Eight out of ten homes in the UK use a gas boiler to heat their homes and provide hot water and replacing all gas boilers with electric alternatives could be extremely costly.

Both of the boiler manufacturers have developed options with their hydrogen ready prototypes to assist the switch to a lower carbon alternative.

“Having these fitted to the HyStreet demonstration project at Spadeadam gives gravitas to the proof of concept and public acceptability of appliances such as these.

The boilers are one of the first important steps” Karen Boswell, Managing Director of Baxi Heating, said: “This is an important step forward on our hydrogen journey and we are delighted to be able to

demonstrate this innovative new technology in a real life setting in the UK” Carl Arntzen, CEO of Worcester Bosch commented: “It is fantastic to see our prototype hydrogen boiler running successfully at this demonstration site. The boiler has operated seamlessly in its first month of operation and continues to provide both heating and hot water.

“It proves that hydrogen gas has great potential as a zero-carbon alternative to natural gas for heating and hot water in the UK and beyond. These initial tests are incredibly encouraging and will hopefully give key decision makers confidence to deploy hydrogen gas as a fuel for the future.”

Stand tall with this years hottest colour

NEW

Vita & Softline Column

Vita & Softline Concord Slimline

Vita & Softline Plan

Vita & Softline Deco

Stelrad Vita and Softline vertical radiators now in stock and available in NEW Anthracite Grey as well as white.

Check out stelrad.com for more information.

Find out more at Stelrad.com Not just any rad. Stelrad.

Now there’s even more variety in the popular Stelrad Vita and Softline Series.

The Deco, Plan, Concord and Column vertical now available in Anthracite Grey.

QUALITY PRODUCTS | EXTENSIVE RANGE | FOR EVERY TASTE | EASY INSTALLATION

20 The Manufacturers Association of Radiators and Convectors (MARC), have launched an online ‘Heat Calculator’ to help consumers choose the right radiator for each room in their home.

Which is why we have produced a ‘Consumer guide to Buying the right Radiator’. One guaranteed way that consumers can have product assurance is to look out for MARC membership! All members of MARC must provide proof of product performance (CE marking), together with test certificates.”

Launching today, 10th November 2020, the handy tool is part of the ‘You are What You Heat’ campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the need to have quality, *CE marked radiators, in order for your heating systems and home to be fit and healthy.

You can find the MARC calculator here; https://www.marcuk.com/heat-loss-calculator

Isaac Occhipinti, Head of External Affairs, MARC said: “MARC is committed to product satisfaction and consumer assurance. Members have pledged to raise standards and compliance.”

“MARC wants to help consumers to find the right product.

Factors such as room dimensions, window size, and wall material are used to calculate the required outputs of radiators, to adequately heat a room. The MARC calculator can be used to determine the heat requirements of your room. Simply enter the details in the corresponding fields and it will show you how many Watts and ‘British Thermal Units’ (BTUs) you need to ensure your space is always warm, cosy and inviting.”

“Once you know the size and type of radiator that you need, make sure you only purchase radiators that are compliant with current standards-CE marked.

Many consumers are not aware of what they need to be looking for when purchasing a radiator.

*CE marking - a certification mark that indicates conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area.

developer-update.co.uk

For more information about MARC please visit www.marcuk.com

Members of MARC are; • Castrads • DQ Heating • Irsap • Kudox • Purmo • SBH Radiators • Stelrad Radiator Group

• • • • • • •

Terma Towelrads Zehnder Group Vogue MHS Radiators Eucotherm Ximax

For further information contact Laurah on 01926 513743 or email laurah@eua.org.uk www.marcuk.com www.eua.org.uk

Choose the right radiator with MARC’s Heat Calculator

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

Hybrid Heating for the modern home Available for Android & Apple devices

•

Free APP

•

Control your heating anywhere and anytime

•

Adjust each room temperature separately

•

Geolocation Feature

•

Monitor electricity consumption.

Call us on

01698 820533

www.electric-heatingcompany.co.uk

22

Luxurious Loft Space Showcases the Venture Plank Collection From Havwoods

One of the most recent residential projects from Havwoods, this city centre home has been transformed with an entirely new third floor, creating a distinctively modern refresh and a light, bright interior. Located in the bustling heart of Islington in London, and bordering the Highbury Fields Conservation Area, the new design features stunning wood flooring from Havwoods throughout. developer-update.co.uk

23

The design brief for this impressive, mid-terraced house was to extend the existing structure and add a new elegantly proportioned third floor within the roof, without compromising the generous ceiling heights of the second floor rooms. By expanding the property upwards, this new loft space now offers a beautifully spacious new study, playroom and guest bathroom.

A natural colour scheme, featuring stunning wood finishes and a light sage and cream palette, is unified by the statement staircase, connecting the different levels and showcasing the Havwoods floorboards to maximum effect.

The Fendi oak board from the Venture Plank collection was chosen, as its appearance, grain and width was the perfect choice for this stunning, contemporary home.

The stairs and study desk were chosen and stained to match the timber for a cohesive and unified aesthetic that is guaranteed to impress for years to come.

The Venture Plank collection from Havwoods presents a truly diverse selection of engineered timber boards, characterised by its spectrum of interesting shades and smooth surface texture. The two-layered construction comprises a hardwood surface, backed by a superior-quality birch ply to ensure a greater level of stability. The product is conveniently supplied in standard length planks, with a tongue and groove fit system, so offering a highly convenient choice for home installation but with the visual effect of individual wood planks when laid.

Architect and Designer: JFoster Architects Photographer: Agnese Sanvito www.havwoods.com info@havwoods.com +44(0)1524 737000 developer-update.co.uk

24 Bathrooms & Washrooms

Voyage by VitrA leads the way in the bathroom transformation Bathroom design is evolving, and VitrA’s expansive Voyage collection points us towards the look and feel of tomorrow.

Gone are the days when the bathroom was a practical affair, a room only to dash in and out of. In recent years the space’s functionality has melded with tactile materials, sensuous shapes and considered use of colour as it moves further and further from existing purely for cleanliness, to somewhere to enjoy, retreat to, and luxuriate in.

The design of the bathroom and the objects within it have adapted accordingly, in a trend that first saw freestanding baths take on ever more experimental shapes, and slowly trickled through into furniture, brassware and ceramics. As things get increasingly progressive, leading the way is Voyage by VitrA, a 130-piece range by renown Israeli creative Arik Levy, characterised by flowing, sculptural sanitaryware and adaptable wooden storage.

‘VitrA’s Voyage collection breaks bathroom boundaries with its unique interpretation of ceramicware, and forward-thinking approach to space

saving and flexibility’ says Graeme Borchard, Managing Director at ukbathrooms.com. ‘The range is a glimpse into the future, showing us that contemporary spaces will be imaginative, impactful and approached differently to today.’

Serene ceramics The collection clearly plays into the bathroom’s new role as a room for relaxation. Sanitaryware is modern and elegant, circular or oval basins merged with roundcornered rectangular trays, which invoke a deeply calming feel, thanks to the smoothness of the shapes and the clear craft involved in combining the forms. These pieces speak of poetry, artistry and a soothing softness.

Wet or dry?

In a further challenge to the bathroom norm, Voyage basins blur the developer-update.co.uk

boundaries of the wet and the dry, with the tray surrounding the bowl creating a mid-point between the two and initiating a new dialogue between countertop and bowl. Will this extra area be used for product storage, to catch water, or in ways we are yet to discover?

Total flexibility Voyage is entirely wall hung, an innovation which makes it incredibly versatile and entirely customisable to specific spaces and needs. Storage focuses on simple timber boxes – inspired by the time designer Arik Levy spent living in Japan – units and wall panels that can be placed horizontally or vertically, in five natural tones including light and dark oak as well as white, grey and forest green.

Signalling a change in bathroom design, Voyage works in rooms big and small, crucially embracing individual needs and preferences, and inviting the user on a journey to build their own personal space to unwind in.

www.ukbathrooms.com

Geberit grows its offering with two newly-named Collections - Select and Aspire Geberit has extended its offering to housebuilders and developers following the launch of two newly named bathroom collections.

The announcement marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Geberit in the UK. The new Geberit Select Collection offers developers more choice across the mid-market and, with 11 ranges, the new collection embodies the very essence of Geberit - opening up a host of functional, affordable and on-trend design solutions including slim-rim basins, new furniture options, space-saving concealed cisterns and wall-hung technology.

The collection includes several ranges that were formerly branded as Twyford, including the popular Twyford E100 and E200, which will be rebranding as the Selnova bathroom series and will now incorporate a variety of different designs including Selnova Square S for a modern bathroom aesthetic.

Geberit has also introduced the Renova Plan washbasin and furniture range to the collection, which is available in a wide range of finishes and a handleless design.

Alongside the Select Collection, the Aspire Collection is now the new

name for Geberit’s premium offering, formerly known as the Geberit Bathroom Collection. This exclusive collection includes well-known ranges such as Smyle Square, Acanto and iCon – as well as additional ones such as the innovative Geberit One range, which integrates behind-the-wall sanitary technology with stylish ceramics to maximise space and create additional storage.

In addition to the new bathroom collections, Geberit will now focus its Twyford brand in the commercial sector, as it aims to build the brand with new range extensions in the affordable housing, health and education sectors.

Mark Larden, Managing Director of Geberit, said: “Everything is changing at Geberit. Whether you’re new to the Geberit brand or an existing partner, we’re continuing to optimise and evolve our products and services. That’s

because we understand the importance of meeting the ever-changing business requirements across our sectors.

“With the introduction of these new collections, we’re opening up a wider range of choice for housebuilders and developers across the mid-premium and basic-mid bathroom segments.

These exciting changes mean that they can optimise their offering and help sustain buyer demand with a host of added-value specification packages and upgrades.

“With all of this said, in many ways, nothing is changing. Our Twyford Alcona and Option ranges are here to stay as we continue to build the Twyford brand across the commercial sector. We also remain dedicated to working with developers to provide the same great service they have come to expect from Geberit, including planning and design, logistics and availability as well as end-customer and technical support.”

Mark added: “From wellbeing and design to technology, hygiene and sustainability, we’re setting the standards in a new era of bathroom design.”

For more information visit www.geberit.co.uk

developer-update.co.uk

26 Bathrooms & Washrooms

Mirrored Cabinets from KEUCO Don’t be left in the dark – let the Royal Modular 2.0 light the way Introducing the Royal Modular 2.0 from KEUCO; a stylish modern cabinet that combines state-ofthe-art technology, such as intelligent LED lighting with adaptable storage and modern design elements.

SIZE DOES MATTER There’s a saying ‘one size fits all’ but in the case of the Royal Modular 2.0 it’s one cabinet to fit all sizes. With widths of 500mm now through to 2100mm, options of two heights and two depths, recessed or wall mounted and the option to be with or without illumination this cabinet can be designed to fit any bathroom wall and match any size of washbasin.

SUBSTANCE MEETS STYLE Because the Royal Modular 2.0 is available in so many versions it does not mean it falls behind in any aspect of design or technology. Intelligent LED lighting is integrated horizontally at the top and bottom of each cabinet. The lights are easily adjusted to provide a brighter daylight white light when needed, for example when shaving or applying make-up. A softer gentle warm yellow shade is available for other times of the day; whatever

time and which ever shade of white is selected the lighting produced is both shadow and glare free.

The cabinet has mirrors on both sides of the doors, the shelves within the interior of the cabinet are made with tinted glass, whilst the rear of the cabinet is white glass. This makes it easy to see the contents and clean the inside.

Personalisation is one of the key elements of the Royal Modular 2.0. It easy to alter to suit a persons needs as the interior shelves can be easily adjusted to cater for the heights of different bottles and jars. In addition the soft close doors can be adapted to close as slowly or as quickly as needed.

ITS ALL IN THE DETAIL Specific practical design elements which have been added to the Royal Modular 2.0 cabinets.

A magnifying cosmetic mirror has been added, this can be attached to the interior shelves, the doors or an external surface.

Magnetic strips on the interior ensure that smaller beauty items are stored safely and are easy to find.

Secure power sockets and usb ports are safely hidden within the body of the cabinet, enablling you to charge your mobile even in the bathroom Full details on the Royal Modular 2.0 from KEUCO are available on their website: www.keuco.com

developer-update.co.uk

Bathrooms & Washrooms 27

Making the Hotel Experience Safe COVID-19 has affected every sector across the globe, and the hospitality industry is among the hardest hit.

Research* suggests that recovery to pre-COVID-19 levels could take until 2023—or later and like so many industries, hospitality will also see both subtle and substantial changes in the post-pandemic era.

The consumer is embracing the need for safeguards while travelling, staying in hotels, and eating in restaurants. On the list of things that will make them feel pandemic-safe, are contactless check-ins and check-outs, smart-phone ordering at tables, masks, and visors and critically, robust hygiene protocols.

After the kitchens or food delivery areas, it is in bathrooms, washrooms and WC’s that consumers will judge whether an establishment has taken hygienic safety seriously.

Businesses that can highlight both stringent procedures and the best in hygienic bathroom design will be in the best position to get back to pre-pandemic trading.

Specifying Bathroom Confidence for Customers Throughout the COVID crisis, VitrA products have been available and fully supported an essential consideration for bathroom specifiers that need products that are proven and backed up

with full service along with spares in this intensely hard-working sector.

VitrA is recognised as one of the most innovative manufacturers of complete bathroom solutions and is exceptionally well equipped to help hoteliers and restaurateurs meet the many challenges that COVID-19 has created.

Whether that be reducing touch-points with no contact flushing and water delivery or guarding against virus and bacteria build-up with special finishes on ceramic ware and tiles, VitrA can create bathrooms that are both safe and design led.

What Gives a Bathroom User Confidence?

Confidence comes from reducing touch points and from the human senses, feel, smell, sight, and sound.

Not only does the bathroom need to look and be clean, but an ambient aroma of a clean smell is confidence giving also. Reducing physical contact is essential.

Quick, quiet no-touch flushing on WCs, responsive no-contact basin taps that turn off as quickly as they turn on and all without the need for physical touch are reassuring to visitors.

Speed of Cleaning Saves Times and Money.

Cleaning protocols are likely to add time and money to

housekeeping budgets.

With due consideration and compelling design meeting, the COVID cleaning procedures can be made quick, easy and reduce room turnaround. Wallhung WCs and bathroom furniture speed up the daily housekeeping routine, by making it easier to reach the hard-to-reach areas.

Tiled walls and floors are easy and straightforward to clean as there are no skirting boards.

Tiles with a built-in antibacterial like VitrA Shield offer a valuable back up to cleaning. On all WCs and basins, VitrA adds a unique glaze to reduce the growth of bacteria and limescale, this VitrA Hygiene glaze is available as standard on all ceramic sanitary ware products.

In addition VitrA Clean coating is available on several ceramic basins, vanity basin tops and WC products. The coating increases the surface tension, ensuring the water flows smoothly from the surface. All that is required to keep the basin clean is a wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

The rim around a conventional toilet pan is the place where water enters and is usually open, creating the perfect place for bacteria and limescale to accumulate. VitrA’s Rim-Ex

technology offers the latest in WC bowl design. With a rimless, smooth internal pan, there is no hiding place for bacteria to multiply and limescale to build-up.

Rim-Ex ensures the best in hygiene and offers the added benefit of speeding up cleaning time. Tests undertaken by Akdeniz University, in Turkey, prove that Rim-Ex is 95% more hygienic than a standard WC pan.

The VitrA Fresh WC pan features an integral tank that dispenses detergent with every flush and is available with the M-Line series. The detergent tank sits on top of the pan, behind the seat, concealed by a removable lid, so refilling is easy. Most commercially available non-abrasive toilet cleaning products can be used in the tank to support regular cleaning.

Read more...

developer-update.co.uk

28

The British Council for Offices celebrates the best young property talent in the UK at annual NextGen Awards The rising stars of Britain’s commercial property industry have been recognised at the British Council for Offices’ (BCO) fifth annual NextGen Awards ceremony on Thursday 12th November.

The Awards are part of the BCO’s NextGen programme, which sets out to mentor and encourage the next generation of property professionals to become future leaders in the industry, whilst providing a platform for new talent to share ideas.

The country’s top designers, developers, architects and occupiers under the age of 35 were invited to join the BCO for the awards ceremony, which took place virtually for the first time this year. It celebrated the achievements and successes of young professionals in the commercial property sector across the UK, and the individuals who mentored them.

The winners of the 2020 BCO NextGen Awards are: Rising Star, London: Yohance Harper, Quadrant Estates It was clear to the BCO judges that Yohance has made a huge contribution to the property industry, both through his current role at Quadrant Estates since joining the firm in March and previously, at CBRE. In addition to delivering significant office developments in cities across the UK, Yohance has dedicated himself to supporting students and younger colleagues to increase diversity and social mobility in the industry. During his time with CBRE, he founded a careers outreach programme which hosted over 200 students across careers workshops and work experience opportunities and has continued his efforts to support students at Quadrant.

Yohance is also Chairman of RICS London Matrics, where he focuses on raising awareness of the industry to students through talks, career events, workshops and workplace tours. developer-update.co.uk

Rising Star, Scotland: David Dick, Cooper Cromar David is the youngest individual to hold the position of Associate Director in Cooper Cromar’s history, recently taking on one of the practice’s biggest and most complex projects, a new European Headquarters in Glasgow for a major financial institution. In addition to his client service, the judges were impressed by David’s dedication to supporting peers and junior colleagues through their own qualifications.

Rising Star, Midlands: Shauna Bradley, Glenn Howells Architects The last few years have seen Shauna’s career grow from strength to strength, quickly advancing to Director at Glenn Howells Architects.

Since joining GHA in 2010, Shauna has played a significant role on multiple large-scale projects in the region, and is also now a leading member of GHA’s ‘People Plan’, an initiative which aims to promote mentorship, while raising awareness of mental health and wellness in the orkplace so that colleagues at all levels feel supported.

Rising Star, South West England and South Wales: Chris Fagg, Turner and Townsend Chris has been recognised for his outstanding work as a Project Manager at T&T, where he has overseen the incredible transformation of HMRC’s sites in Bristol

28 and now Cardiff. Chris has shown real dedication to clients, going above and beyond to effortlessly accommodate multiple senior stakeholders and adapt to new challenges that have emerged throughout the project period.

Graduate of the Year: Michelle Wang, Hoare Lea Since joining Hoare Lea, Michelle has become an integral part of the sustainability team. It was clear to the judges Michelle is well respected by her colleagues, displaying a maturity beyond her years and taking a creative approach to keeping clients engaged at every step of the strategy development. Outside of her role with Hoare Lea, Michelle is also the youngest member of industry think-tank, The Edge and was recently invited to join a round table with Lord Debden, Chair of the Climate Change Committee.

Inspirational Leader of the Year: Gary Elliott, Elliott Wood + The Building Society This year’s Inspirational Leader Award was given to Gary Elliott, Founder and CEO of structural and civil engineering firm, Elliott Wood. Gary has used his awardwinning expertise to explore new ways of thinking about the impact his business has on society, leading his team to open The Building Society - now a leading co-working space, facilitating creative and technical knowledge sharing for the next generation of engineers. The judges were also impressed by his natural leadership that puts people first, always challenging and inspiring others to deliver innovative results.

NextGen’s PropTech Company of the Year: Mobius The PropTech Company of The Year award recognises the evergrowing presence of PropTech in the commercial real estate market and celebrates technology innovation in the industry over the past year. This year, NextGen members awarded this to Mobius, praising the stateof-the-art virtual reality technology that the company revolutionised the market with.

NextGen’s Entrepreneur of the Year: Stuart Maggs, Scaled Robotics The BCO is proud to introduce a new category in its 2020 NextGen Awards. Entrepreneur of the Year recognises a Founder or Co-Founder that has produced a product or service that is transforming the commercial real estate sector. The judges were delighted to award this inaugural award to Stuart Maggs at Scaled Robotics, for his tireless dedication to change construction with the use of Robotics and Machine learning.

Richard Kauntze, Chief Executive of the BCO, added: “The BCO NextGen Awards is always an exciting moment in our year – when we reflect on the successes and strength of our NextGen community. As our industry continues to face new challenges about the future, I am delighted to know it is in such safe hands. My congratulations to all nominees – particularly our 2020 winners.”

Paul Patenall, President of the BCO, added: “This years’ NextGen award winners have worked on some of the UK’s most impressive office developments. All of our winners have delivered incredible work day-to-day, while taking the time to go above and beyond to support their peers and colleagues. It is an honour to celebrate such remarkable young talent tonight – congratulations to all our well-deserving nominees and winners.”

NextGen’s Employer of the Year: AECOM Employer of the Year is voted for by BCO’s NextGen members, commending organisations that offer a stimulating and supportive environment – a place where employees know their leaders care about the problems they face. This year’s winner is AECOM, celebrated for living up to its promise to allow colleagues the ‘Freedom to Grow’ and deliver equal opportunities for all.

In addition to the NextGen Awards ceremony, the BCO is thrilled to be bringing back its NextGen Competition for a second time since 2017. As the property industry looks to answer new and important challenges about its future - from COVID-19, to climate change, to equality and inclusivity - the BCO is asking members under 35 to reimagine the future office. The winners of the competition will be announced in November. developer-update.co.uk

DESIGN SUPPLY INSTALL MAINTAIN

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

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

S a g g

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ecology Reports

•

Landscape Design

•

Rainwater Harvesting

•

Permanent and Temporary Irrigation Systems

•

Biodiversity Net Gain Calculations

•

Biodiversity Net Gain Monitoring

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

32 Roofing & Cladding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

34

developer-update.co.uk

35

Waterproofing for Homeowners – when waterproofing is required For many homeowners waterproofing is a mystery. It is a niche, unseen element required for any below ground structure.

You have appointed an architect, you have the plans and the builder in place to create your new basement extension, but in what order is everything going to happen and why are waterproofing design consultants required?

Put quite simply, structural waterproofing is a long-term costeffective way to maintain the value of your home.

British Standard BS8102:2009 (Code of Practice for Protection of Below Ground Structures Against Water from the Ground) is the standard which governs the waterproofing industry and is often used as a benchmark in failed litigation cases. These stringent standards cover durability, exposure and stress conditions ensuring effective waterproofing is the cornerstone of project success.

Section 4.2 of BS 8102:2009 under the heading “Design Team” states “A waterproofing specialist should be included as part of the design team so that an integrated waterproofing solution is created.”.

For all below ground structures, waterproofing is a necessity to provide a dry internal environment.

It should be assumed that at any stage during the life cycle of a below ground structure, water will come to bear on it. From changing weather patterns to a periodic rise in the water table.

Failure to protect any below ground structure will most definitely lead to a physical attack on the structure itself, from compromising on water tightness to durability and a reduction in the life cycle.

A waterproofing design consultant should be appointed at the earliest stages of a project, but can be brought onboard at any time – even when waterproofing solutions haven’t

been included in original plans and works have already commenced (although we do not encourage this).

Waterproofing below ground structures is achieved through careful design, the right choice of materials and professional workmanship.

A Waterproofing Design Specialist will consider a number of factors when specifying a suitable waterproofing system.

• • • • • •

The client’s requirements The internal use of the structure External effects on the structure, such as soil and ground conditions Whether options are limited to the confinements of the project Maintenance of the system Possible future failure and designing out risks

Installation of structural waterproofing systems are usually

undertaken by expert contractors. If during COVID you have decided to extend your family home, why not consider digging down.

Feel free to contact us and we will point you in the right direction in choosing expert architects, quality materials and specialist contractors from the onset.

At Delta we pride ourselves that we’ve built a team of highly qualified, reliable approved Registered Installers who operate throughout the UK, who specialise across our sector, meaning you can be confident of a quick, efficient installation, carried out with the minimum of disruption and fuss.

Our team of Registered Installers cover construction, waterproofing systems, along with annual maintenance agreements offering all round reassurance of long-term success. developer-update.co.uk

36 External Works & Landscaping

Learn about Living Walls for interior and exterior specification in our Living Wall CPD, delivered by Webinar Do you want to inject the power of plants into your projects?

Book in a living wall CPD for your team with Scotscape Smartscape to learn about the Fytotextile living wall system covering specification, design, installation and maintenance of vertical gardens.

Perfect for both interior and exterior projects, living walls bring proven benefits to the environment, supporting biodiversity action plans, biophilic design principles and health and well-being in the urban landscape and working environment.

Delivered by Webinar Live to multiple locations this is the perfect CPD to continue your professional development.

Fytotextile Living Wall can be specified on the NBS BIM Platform Find Fytotextile Living Wall on the NBS BIM Platform for quick and easy digital specification as you design projects.

To book your Living Walls CPD for your team email cpd. training@scotscape.co.uk

developer-update.co.uk

External Works & Landscaping 37

developer-update.co.uk

39

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Millboard Cladding was officially launched November 2020.

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

developer-update.co.uk

40

A Neolith® Sanctuary in the Netherlands Pioneering, sustainable surfacing brand specified for villa designed by famous Dutch architects, Jan des Bouvrie and Dik Smeding

tranquil space in which they can relax.

Bookmatched Estatuario Polished was used for the statement wall behind a glimmering, mirrored fireplace, drawing the eye to the centre of the room.

The flooring of all three levels of the house: the lower ground floor, ground floor and first floor are covered in Beton, which fits in perfectly with the urban design brief due to its cementitious design.

Specified in Silk finish, the floor brings the outdoors ‘in’ while also providing some traction, preventing the risk of slipping. The light hue also makes the already expansive home appear even larger, allowing guests to focus on the vibrant design accents throughout the space.

Just outside Amsterdam, Netherlands is a breathtaking 700m² villa nestled in acres of lush green forest.

Situated in the verdant heart of nature, one could spend days exploring the movie-like wilderness that surrounds the home. However, the villa’s all-natural interiors—Neolith is 100% sustainable and made of granite and glass minerals as well natural oxides—are arguably as impressive as the scenery encompassing it.

Each of the house’s awe-inspiring interiors perfectly juxtapose modernity and tradition. Colourful South Asian objet and curios and other decorative items occupy shelves throughout the residence, and vibrant tapestries hang on the walls alongside bold, monochrome stools and rugs.

To make this eclectic yet elegant décor truly pop, yet maintain the contrast between novel and classical, marble-effect surfaces were specified for the floors and walls. Two of Neolith’s popular designs, Italian Carrara-inspired Calacatta and Estatuario, were specified via Michel Oprey & Beisterveld, the Neolith distributor in the region, for the walls developer-update.co.uk

and floors of nearly every room in the villa, cleverly offsetting the brand’s take on poured concrete: the textured Beton Silk.

The result is a fresh, light and airy home which retains a welcoming feeling of cosiness and warmth, making it the ideal location for chic dinner parties and memorable family gatherings alike.

Journey to the centre of the hearth The owners of this stunning residence wanted an urban space that would match the serene landscape that encircles it, but which would stand out as soon one stepped inside.

They sought the expertise of renowned Dutch architects and interior designers, Jan des Bouvrie, who is best known for his 1969 “kubusbank sofa”, and Dik Smeding, neither of whom are strangers to upscale residential projects.

Having worked on a variety of high-end penthouses and commercial buildings across the country, they were able to create an exceptionally tasteful environment for the homeowners, which also serves as a

A bespoke bath The homeowners were so taken by Neolith’s Classtone range that they decided to specify award-winning Calacatta in both smooth, Silk finish and glossy Polished finish for all five of their bathrooms. Polished was used for the walls, to give a reflective effect which opens up the space, and Silk finish for the floors, to provide a muted look with more grip.

The material was also endmatched in each bathroom. At first, this proved a challenge, due to the sloping walls, however Neolith’s fabricators in Amsterdam, Stone & Skills, were able to cut the tiles for a perfect fit.

Thrilled with the look and feel of the material, the homeowners also requested custom-made Neolith baths and wash basins as part of the bathroom renovation. This would create a holistically uniform, immersive space in each one, minimising maintenance and reducing the risk of moisture damage due to Neolith’s waterproof properties.

Life is for living The highlight of the project is the application of Neolith between the living room and terrace. When the

floor-to-ceiling windows are open, the home and garden become one continuous space, creating an illusion of fluidity.

The 6mm thickness of Beton Silk also proved useful for covering the existing terrace tiles, eliminating the need for additional labour to remove the old flooring.

The material which was used indoors was also applied outdoors because of Neolith’s weatherproof properties.

41 • The stunning villa situated in the heart of nature reflects the high Dutch quality of life and Neolith’s unparalleled aesthetic and functional qualities • Sustainability is at the core of Neolith’s ethos and the material’s application throughout the home

Commenting on the project, Marouane Babay at Stone & Skills, said, “The homeowners fell in love with the brand when they came across the @ NeolithNederland Instagram page and saw the hundreds of applications Neolith could accommodate. When they reached out to us, we invited them to visit the immersive Neolith Urban Boutique (NUB) concept store in Amsterdam to view the various available colours and finishes.

“The clients were immediately drawn to Beton Silk, which is used for the flooring in NUB Amsterdam, observing how well the colour suited their design plan. They then decided to specify Neolith for multiple rooms within the house upon learning that, in addition to the material’s ability to capture the natural stone look they were after, it is scratch-proof and stain-proof.

It can also be cleaned using even the strongest products needed to combat viruses and bacteria.”

Mar Esteve Cortes, Neolith CMO, added, “Neolith is popular among homeowners in both city and countryside environments due to the numerous collections we offer and the material’s unique composition which makes it extremely durable and sustainable.

“Now that Neolith is manufactured in a carbon neutral environment, this makes Neolith not only the most visually attractive choice for residential applications, but one of the most eco-friendly as well.”

To find out more about Neolith and its applications, click here.

To discover Neolith’s new ‘Six-S’ range, click here. The Six-S collection is a new, visually powerful range demonstrating the material’s massive architectural potential and showcasing the brand’s unrivalled design techniques. Influenced by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all Six-S surfaces have been developed to promote how material choices can positively impact public health, welfare and wellbeing as well as the environment and global ecosystem. developer-update.co.uk

Putting the correct HSE measures in place to protect workers from harmful silica dust and airborne viruses

By James Miller, Director at Dustcontrol UK

Inspectors have also been checking businesses are doing all they can to protect workers from the risk of Coronavirus by making workplaces Covid-19 secure.

According to the HSE, there are approximately 500 silica dust-related deaths every year1, with construction workers having a two to three times greater chance of contracting chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema.

It is not just strenuous on-site activities such as chipping, cutting, drilling or grinding that can cause fine dusts to become airborne either, as simple tasks involving sweeping or the pouring of powders can send Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) particles into the air and subsequently into the airways and lungs of workers.

The HSE provides advice2 on how to manage the problem of RCS on-site. developer-update.co.uk

With the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) having launched a month-long inspection on construction throughout October 2020, contractors up and down the country have been urged to have the correct measures in place to protect workers from harmful silica dust and asbestos.

An example of this is CIS693, which outlines how to limit and capture dusts via on-tool dust extraction.

This is effectively a ‘local exhaust ventilation system’, or ‘LEV’, that is fitted directly on to the tool, comprising a captor hood (also known as a shroud or suction casing), fitted hose and a vacuum extraction unit.

Source extraction is the most efficient method of dust prevention. The 3 main classes of industrial extraction units are L, M and H but the HSE recommends using M (Medium) as the minimum class or H (High) Class when working with construction dusts, particularly to tackle silica and wood dusts.

H Class extraction filters dust to a higher degree with a filter leakage of less than 0.005%, which makes it more effective at targeting respirable dusts with carcinogenic properties.

What’s more, H Class machines that are specifically developed for the construction market help prevent tools from clogging up and therefore provide power tools with greater longevity and work efficiency. Due to

the high specification of containment on such machines, accidental dust leakage from internal filter bags is also significantly reduced.

As well as using on-tool extraction, background air cleaners can be used as a complimentary method to combat ambient dust issues.

Standalone units with HEPA-13 filters, for instance, can circulate clean air back into a room used for dustcreating activities, providing even greater extraction efficiency.

Air cleaners can also be used to combat airborne viruses such as Covid-19, which can be transmitted through droplets when a person coughs, sneezes or even talks, thanks to breathing in air that contains coronavirus particles. Scientists have also found that particles can live in the atmosphere for up to three hours, being easily inhaled into the lungs by those in proximity to someone infected.

It is important, therefore, that the air on construction sites is clean and free of any airborne particles

to help limit the spread of infection.

Our powerful HEPA-13 filtered air cleaners have been tested to capture at least 99.95% between 0.15 to 0.3 micrometres. The industrial-strength DC AirCube range comprises of mobile, quiet-running, single-phase, continuous rated motors that have been specifically built to reduce the risk of respiratory problems by filtering air of harmful particles.

Furthermore, to relieve the HEPA-13 filter, the AirCubes are also equipped with a simpler pre-filter (class G3) to capture larger particles.

By creating a negative pressure environment onsite, where in a well-sealed, segregated room used for dust creating activities, for example, air is HEPA-13 filtered, then exhausted outside by using a portable HEPA-13 filtered air cleaner. This process significantly limits the spread of particles back into other areas of the building.

At Dustcontrol UK Ltd we strive for best practice and higher than minimum standards but it is important that hire companies do not feel that dust prevention and virus limitation are minefields. We offer free advice on how to manage dust in construction environments on our website4, as well as providing access to information on how to create Covid-19 secure environments5, such

as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s Technical Report March 2020.

Whether or not companies engage with us for guidance, the important thing is that for the sake of workers’ long-term health, steps are taken to create safe and healthy working environments. The severity of the potential consequences of not doing so, cannot be understated.

James Miller is the Director of Dustcontrol UK Ltd. He has a wealth of experience in helping businesses control and prevent the spread of dust in the manufacturing, engineering, food processing, construction and demolition industries, through providing dust extraction solutions and centralised vacuum systems to fit client requirements.

References 1 www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/cancer-and-construction/silica-dust.htm 2 http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/construction-dust.htm 3 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis69.pdf 4 http://dustcontroluk.co.uk/wysiwyg/Dustcontrol_guide_for_construction.pdf developer-update.co.uk 5 https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/Environmental-persistence- of-SARS_CoV_2-virus-Options-for-cleaning2020-03-26_0.pdf

45

Snickers Workwear Sustainable Merino Wool Clothing

Mulesing-free, 100% All-natural and sustainable undergarments.

Stay warm or cool in our 100% AllNatural Merino Wool mid- and baselayer clothes that deliver optimal comfort for all kinds of working environments and leisure activities when the weather gets chilly.

There are short and long sleeve T-shirts as well as leggings and topwear that combine superior wool warmth with body-mapping designs for the ultimate base- and mid-layer protection in really cold conditions.

Designed by nature for excellent ventilation and insulation, Merino wool is extremely soft, and naturally odour-preventive for an all-day fresh feel. It’s also temperature-regulating, repels water, dirt particles. It’s antistatic and Snickers Workwear ensures that the wool it uses is produced in kind-to-animals, ‘Mulesing-Free’ environments.

All in all, Snickers Workwear clothing for autumn and winter give you

the kind of warm, dry and fresh working comfort you wouldn’t have thought possible. That’s why Snickers Workwear is the brand of choice for working outside in cold weather.

For more information on Snickers Workwear’s Sustainable workwear solutions, call the Hultafors Group UK Helpline on 01484 854788, checkout the website and download a digital catalogue at www.snickersworkwear.co.uk developer-update.co.uk

46 PPE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EVO®VISTAshield™

EVO VISTA ®

EVO®VISTAlens™

™

High performance safety eyewear always on hand

EVO®VISTA™ is a next generation feature-rich safety helmet based on JSP’s proven Evolution® head protection technology. The helmet incorporates a fully retractable optical class 1 faceshield or overspec.

Easy to deploy, adjust and maintain, ensuring protection is on hand whenever it is required.

Individual wearers prescription eyewear compatible Safety cell protects wearer from ricocheting debris SAFETY CELL

The safety cell concept prevents ricocheting debris travelling up the eyewear and impacting the scalp.

Conforms to EN397 & EN166

A OPTICAL CLASS 1

N - ANTI-MIST

K - ANTI-SCRATCH

UV 2C-1.2

IMPACT (EVO®VISTAshield™ ONLY)

MM - MOLTEN METAL

LD - LATERAL DEFORMATION

-40°C TESTED

EN50365 ELECTRICAL INSULATION AC 1000V or DC 1500V

www.jspsafety.com sales@jspsafety.com Tel: +44 (0)1993 826050

KM 579403 BS EN 397

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

www w w w.devel .d oper-updat o.uk e.co.uk evelope ww w.developer-update.c r-upd ate.c o.uk .uk o .c e t a 8 d p 01 er-u July 2 elop .dev w w w

DE

TE

Tresp a cladd Pura NF ® C ing s ystem ‘Smart Hass b ’ r . u l Ref efor b e free ins Visit n Pee t r e f v a e o a i 2n l r t u mancae P F l utifu l end ation rops CaM0an1c8h, eEe e’s la anels Lim rgest resul ster ited a v i r l h C t o e n 3 ts. usin ntru d o p22-2 De a l

s ater ofReW The Future Star

u g l, sta nd F5 event. 2 r partner 6 T 3. Se e pag th- 28th respa at Ju Ho e: es 18 this issue: -19 f ne 2018, using or fu rther deta An open an Laun dn ch of musical tributeils. theds to ew Perforated facade pays shut more rewar Also

Also featured this issue:

Also featured

feat

ured

this

issu

case offers pano Velux with build fi n p28 this autumnance ptic platf Crittall custo Wmers orm indows getti PlanGri– d Ann oun ngces Pow – ac Capabilities

cessInte b ta erful New and Expri to gration in b anded uiltne Par din rg Ecosystem

ustries

October 2018

January 2019

Photo: Alpha Ind

PER O L E & V E D B R ER UPDATE U F E R VELOUPPDATE

Stay Close and Panasonic & Cosy to Nature wit h the Dome Ex Anoth perience expo er win m rt aw a ards kes it a h for P a C He t trick of nders on

Industry News - Editor’s Choice - Software & Systems - Doors, Windows & Architectural Hardware - Floors, Walls & Ceilings - Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms - Interiors & Interior Design - Heating, Ventilation & Insulation - Safety, Security & Fire Protection - Roofing, Cladding & Facades - Drainage, Urban Design & Landscaping - Tools, Plant & Equipment – Education – Healthcare – Sustainability - Refurbishment - Exhibitions

Stay in the Know Subscribe for Free Now