Northern Builder Magazine Issue 26-6 by Karen McAvoy Publishing

F CO RE PY E

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE:

leading magazine for Northern Ireland’s building professionals Celebrating Over 25Years The

n Concrete and Cement n Ballymena HCC n 2016 Project leads n St Aidan’s Glenavy

Vol 26 No 6 2015

SPACE campus

is out of this world! SERC unveils state-of-the-art facility in Bangor

MAIN CONTRACTOR O’Hare & McGovern T: 028 3026 4662 www.ohmg.com

weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got it covered!

FS570760

EMS611077

OHS623892

3 3 Environment Health & Safety 3 Quality

bringing european innovation

CONTENTS T

welcome...

6 22 Contents...

As the year draws to a close, thoughts quickly turn to 2016 and what everyone hopes will be a more successful year. Construction Opportunities - the special report by Construction Information Services – makes for positive reading as it outlines some of the €16billion to be spent on key and major projects already scheduled for 2016 in the construction sector in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The CEF has again ensured that the construction industry is at the heart of political conversations, with the launch of a comprehensive Construction Manifesto. The FMB will also build on its successful work in Northern Ireland with the appointment of Rory Regan as the new FMB NI President. Rory’s understanding of the needs of FMB members will also see relevant issues raised in the corridors of power. Of course, throughout 2016, you can keep up-to-date with all the developments within our industry by picking up your copy of Northern Builder.

Vol: 26 No.6 - 2015

NEWS AND VIEWS Construction opportunities for 2016

More choice for CES

CEF launches construction manifesto

Ecophon gives UTV sound direction

Success for Gilbert-Ash

HSENI highlights asbestos surveys

FMB NI appoints new President

Profile on Parish Centre at St Donard’s 66-69

McAvoy Group hosts CIOB

Concrete and cement 71-87

Karen McAvoy

Adam Hassin

Gordon McAvoy

THE TEAM

Managing Director Karen McAvoy Advertising Mairead Hendry Editor Adam Hassin Editorial Diane Day Editorial Denise Maguire CIOB column 10 Head Designer Julie Anne Guiney CIS project leads 19 Designer Jo Wilson Accounts Michelle Owens Vans 88-89 Business Support Gemma Sheppard Product news 90 Photography Gordon McAvoy Printed by W&G Baird

REGULARS

IN FOCUS Paving the future with Larsen

New addition to Brett Martin range

Memorable project for Martin & Hamilton 20 Murdock’s opens second Dublin branch 22

Project highlights... CONTACT US The Forge, 13b Lisburn Road, Moira BT67 0JR t +44 (0)28 9261 2990 - f +44 (0)28 9261 2091 e northernbuilder@kmpltd.co.uk w www.northernbuilder.co.uk SPACE Campus, SERC, Bangor Pages 25-34

St Aidan’s Parish Church, Glenavy Pages 44-47

Ballymena Health and Care Centre Pages 51-64

Northern Builder is dedicated to bringing the latest news on products, companies and services to those involved in the province’s building industry and its allied trades and professions.

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

Publishers of: • Plumbing & Heating Magazine • Electrical Magazine • Northern Builder • Yearbooks • Diaries Organisers of: • Plumbing & Heating Trade Events • Northern Ireland’s Electrical Trade Events • Industry Awards With reference to the Misdescriptions Act, please note that the measurements and artist’s impressions within are for illustrative purposes only and may not be accurate. Reproduction of whole or in part of this publication, without prior permission from Karen McAvoy Publishing Ltd, is strictly prohibited.

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 3

U NEWS

Find out about the latest construction opportunities in Ireland Construction Information Services has launched the ‘Construction Opportunities’ Special Report 2016, which includes comprehensive descriptions and contact details of the largest, active and most lucrative projects across Ireland, north and south. The Irish economy is the fastest growing in Europe and, with an excess of €16billion in key and major projects already scheduled for 2016 in the construction sector, the recovery is here, with positive forecasts of continued growth. Growth of project volume and value in the Irish commercial and industrial sectors is particularly strong, with opportunities in the residential sector about to take off due to high housing demands. Managing Director of CIS, Tom Moloney, commented, “With positive growth continuing strongly in the industry and the volume and value of opportunities available steadily increasing, there has never been a better time to expand your business pipeline with prospective Irish contracts, by first identifying them in our Special Report.” Order your copy of the Construction Opportunities 2016 Report at the special purchase price of £200 (€275). Call Alan Chapman on (NI) 00353 1 2999 201 or e-mail achapman@cisireland.com

GRAHAM Construction appointed to multi-million pound college scheme Calderdale College in West Yorkshire has appointed GRAHAM Construction as the main contractor on its multi-million pound Unlocking Potential Project. The £9million scheme will see GRAHAM Construction undertake the refurbishment of three floors of the college’s Percival Whitley Centre to create state-of-the-art learning facilities and a Learning Resource Centre (LRC). Gary Hughes, GRAHAM Regional Director for the North of England, said, “This contract demonstrates our continuing growth and reflects our strong reputation for outstanding works within the education sector. It also emphasises the benefits of the value we place on a collaborative approach and working partnerships with clients and local authorities.” The Unlocking Potential Project will become GRAHAM Construction’s second major project in Halifax in two years, as it continues to work on the £23million restoration and transformation of Piece Hall, which is due to reopen in summer 2016. Earlier this year, GRAHAM secured three multi-million pound new build and refurbishment contracts with the University of Manchester, University of York and University of Chester. For more information, telephone 028 9268 9500 or visit www.graham.co.uk

Pictured at the CIOB Conferring Ceremony are (front row , from left), David Little, Chair of the CIOB in Ireland; Patsy McGlone, MLA; Rebecca Thompson, Vice-President of the CIOB; Mark Gilmore, Chair of the CIOB in Ireland’s Northern Centre; and Gerard Graham MCIOB, Senior Vice-Chair of the CIOB in Ireland’s Northern Centre.

Stormont hosts CIOB Conferring Ceremony Parliament Buildings, in the Stormont Estate, was the setting for a Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) Conferring Ceremony on October 10. Almost 100 guests attended the event, at which 21 people were awarded Chartered membership and three members were upgraded to Fellow membership of the Institute. The CIOB’s Vice-President, Rebecca Thompson, spoke about the significance of CIOB qualifications in helping to increase

4 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

the professional standards throughout the construction industry. She also highlighted the exciting range of professional career opportunities that are available. David Little, Chair of the CIOB in Ireland, took the opportunity to remind attendees that membership of the CIOB is becoming an increasingly sought-after qualification, not just for individuals, but also for companies, to help demonstrate their professionalism. For further information, visit the website at www.ciob.org

Simon Green, Project Manager, GRAHAM Construction (second left) is pictured with Elizabeth Curley, Programme Manager for the Skills Capital Projects (the LEP); Nick Williamson-Corbett, Business Development Manager, GRAHAM Construction; John Rees, Principal and Chief Executive; and Emma Maclachlan, Level 3 Beauty Therapy student and President of the Students’ Union.

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

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U NEWS

CEF launches Construction Manifesto

John Armstrong, CEF Managing Director, and Rhona Quinn, CEF President, launch the Construction Employers Federation 2016 Manifesto.

McCue’s Managing Director, Les McCracken celebrates the awards wins with Steve Moore and Nick Wilson of Design Time; Claire Constantine, Jo Evans, Katie Tabram, Jennifer Hilton and David Segelman of Lush; Fiona Nevin (Business Development); and Bob Young, Contracts Manager, McCue.

McCue wins at London Retail Week Interiors Awards

cCue Crafted Fit is celebrating a double win at the ISG UK Retail Week Interiors Awards 2015 by taking both the ISG UK Retail Interior of the Year and the Non-Food Design of the Year awards for the fit-out of the Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics flagship store in London’s Oxford Street. Both awards were in conjunction with Design Time architects and, in addition

to recognising the design, paid credit to McCue’s bespoke joinery skills and fit-out. Les McCracken, Managing Director at McCue Crafted Fit, based in Carrickfergus, said, “Winning not one but two awards on the night is exceptional and is testament to the fact that we are doing something very right, not only in our complete solutions fit-out company, but also with our bespoke craftsmanship and architectural joinery services.” The work undertaken by McCue was in line with Lush’s company values in that SKA sustainability guidelines were strictly adhered to throughout. All the wood used in the construction was FSC certified. Reclaimed wood and vintage buys were used in much of the furniture, and any that was not reclaimed was FSC certified. For further information, telephone 028 9332 9000 or visit mccuefit.com

he Construction Employers Federation (CEF) – the certified representative body for the construction industry in Northern Ireland – has launched its 2016 Manifesto, which sets out a series of recommendations ahead of the May 2016 Assembly election. The Manifesto calls on the next Northern Ireland Executive to work together to develop and deliver a number of key projects which CEF Managing Director, John Armstrong, said will be crucial to the long-term sustainability and success of the construction industry in Northern Ireland. “The construction industry will be the bedrock of Northern Ireland’s future economic growth,” explained John. “A vibrant, modern, dynamic and growing industry is one that can enhance Northern Ireland’s global competitiveness – and it is that ambitious vision that we believe the Executive must achieve over the coming five-year term and beyond. “Our manifesto for the coming Assembly election sets out how we believe the next Executive can make good on this vision. We stand ready to be a critical friend to the new Executive and we look forward to engaging with all parties over the coming months on the platform for growth we have laid out.” For more information on the CEF, telephone 028 9087 7143. A full copy of the manifesto is also available at www.cefni.co.uk

Lagan Building Contractors wins contract for City Quays 2 Office

elfast Harbour has appointed Northern Ireland-based Lagan Building Contractors, part of the Lagan Construction Group, to build the second office block in its £250million, 20-acre, City Quays regeneration project. Located on a city-centre waterfront site near Belfast Harbour’s Office, City Quays 2 will help address the current lack of Grade ‘A’ office space in Belfast and also support almost 600

6 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

construction industry jobs. The £18million project, due to be completed in early 2017, will, like its sister building City Quays 1, be built to BREEAM Excellent standard, offering tenants the benefit of significantly reduced energy costs. The building will also accommodate waterfront retail space on the ground floor. For more information, visit www.laganconstructiongroup.com

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

U NEWS

MJM Group turnover grows with support from Ulster University

Pictured at the Crown Bar are (from left), Ray Hutchinson, Managing Director, Gilbert-Ash; Ian Fisher, Project Manager, Gilbert-Ash; and Claire Magill, Conservator with the National Trust.

Gilbert-Ash wins international environment award

ilbert-Ash has been recognised with an international Gold Green Apple Environment Award for its innovation in the field of climate adaptation. The construction of a new Premier Inn at Worcester Cricket Club has incorporated features to help mitigate against the risk of flooding. The project, worth £7.2million, involved the construction of a 120-room hotel on a flood plain. The neighbouring cricket club has suffered over 150 floods since it opened in 1865. The awards set out to find the greenest companies, councils and communities, and saw more than 500 companies competing for the accolade. Ray Hutchinson, Managing Director of Gilbert-Ash, said, “Our solution involved a concrete transfer slab on level one, which would support the hotel’s timber frame above. The hotel was then raised on stilts, lifting it above the ‘at risk’ zone. Electrical

features were installed at raised levels, and a goods’ lift was designed to allow for potential flooding, stopping at a higher floor level if an emergency incident occurred. These decisions will prevent damage and any associated impact on the hotel’s ability to continue operating during a flooding incident.” Gilbert-Ash will now represent the UK in the Green World Awards, and the European Business Awards for the Environment, and has been invited to have its winning paper published in The Green Book, the leading international work of reference on environmental best practice. Here in Northern Ireland, Gilbert-Ash has recently completed a series of complex restorations of Belfast’s landmark Crown Bar. The bar has been returned to its full Victorian splendour following a six-week project which saw floors, ceilings, stained glass windows, tiling and booths delicately repaired.

JM Group, a leading global specialist in refurbishment and fit-out services to the marine, commercial and private sectors, expects to announce turnover in the region of £50million by the end of 2015, thanks to Ulster University support. Counting some of the world’s largest cruise line and ferry companies as customers, MJM Group joined forces with Ulster University through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to access leading engineering research expertise. The KTP placed a highly skilled graduate into the business to drive innovations in the interior design and build solutions for the global cruise and ferry industry. The KTP developed advanced, lighter materials that can withhold extreme environmental conditions and reduce the weight of a ship’s interior fit-out by around 50%. This is providing considerable fuel savings and reducing the carbon footprint of cruise ships. After a hugely successful two years, graduate and KTP associate, Edward Fitzpatrick, is now employed full-time as R&D Manager for MJM Group. Edward has been further recognised at the national KTP Awards 2015, winning the ‘Business Leader of the Future’ award. For more information, telephone 028 3025 8450 or visit www.mjminteriorbuild.com

Pictured at the MJM Group factory in Newry are (from left) Edward Fitzpatrick, MJM Group Research and Design Manager; Dr Edward Archer from Ulster University; and Jude McCann, MJM Group Operations Manager.

Marcon Fit-Out begins new chapter in Seamus Heaney building

arcon Fit-Out has been awarded the contract for the fit-out of the new Seamus Heaney Centre in Bellaghy. The building will showcase the life and work of the late poet, Seamus Heaney, bringing together an interactive exhibition using the latest audio-visual technology with a 160-seater theatre and performance space, learning zones for children and adults, as well as community space.

8 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

Marcon’s heritage team will use the specialist skills of its joinery workshop to create bespoke elements for the new building, which is being developed by Mid-Ulster District Council. The award winning fit-out firm will be working closely with leading interpretive designer, Tandem, to deliver the new centre. For more information, telephone 028 9446 1222 or visit www.marconfitout.com

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

U CIOB NEWS

Professional construction

CIOB IN IRELAND CHAIR, DAVID LITTLE, PROVIDES AN INSIGHT INTO THE CURRENT STATE OF THE LOCAL HOUSE BUILDING SECTOR…

Residential revival

hat’s happening? Work has started – or restarted - on many development sites, buyers are queueing again to buy off-plan, the recession in housing must be over? Not quite, we have a way to go. However, there has been a distinctly positive change in sentiment in the new build sector over the last year, and I do not expect that this will be reversed. House prices have at least stabilised in most areas, and are increasing significantly in others, particularly Belfast and some of the surrounding commuter areas. Demand is clearly outstripping supply. We have been completing under 6,000 new homes annually and there is a consensus that we need to increase this to over 10,000. A recent NHBC Foundation report ‘NF57: Improving the Prospects for Small Housebuilders and Developers’ - was widely covered in the press when issued in October 2014 (www.nhbcfoundation.org/publications). Over two thirds of builders surveyed across the UK cited the banks’ reluctance to lend as either a serious problem or a challenge. The definition of small builders/developers used was those producing less than 100 units per annum. There are around 3,000 of this size in the UK, with a quarter of them in Northern Ireland. While up to 2007 we had 12 to 15 companies regularly producing over 100 homes per annum for sale, we now have five or six. Although there seems little appetite yet for the local banks to resume lending to small builders, many of them are finding a way to operate as the market improves. We are seeing joint ventures with landowners, some builders able to attract private investment, and some, as always, only starting new builds when work in progress is sold. The consequence, however, is that small builders cannot easily increase volumes to meet demand. A number of new developers have entered the residential market with financing from activities outside construction, and this is providing much needed opportunities for builders and contractors. Consolidation of

10 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

the Housing Association sector is resulting in larger, financially strong organisations, several of whom will be progressing plans to build affordable houses for sale. The Housing Association development programme for new homes to retain for rent is expected to produce up to 2,000 new homes per annum, again providing opportunities for contractors and the local materials sector. Every recovery brings its own problems – this time, construction in general, and housebuilding in particular, is likely to be constrained by the limited availability of trades and managers. This is a problem which has been evident in the GB market for some time, and which has had the positive effect there of encouraging the employment of trainee managers and professionals, and trades apprentices. The upturn in construction activity in the Dublin area is likely to reduce further availability of personnel in Northern Ireland. Some consequences of the recession will take further time to work through, including negative equity, which remains a barrier to moving for many home-owners who purchased in the last 10 years. However, we are in a much better environment now, and to facilitate the

required increase in housebuilding, I look forward to progress on a number of fronts including – • A speedy bedding in of the new planning regime, where most decisions on housing applications will be made by the 11 new councils. • Political agreement on budgets leading to adequate investment in infrastructure – roads, transportation, water supply, sewage treatment, gas and electrical supplies. • Increasing realisation by careers teachers in schools that construction should be a desirable career choice. David Little FCIOB is Chair of the CIOB in Ireland and is the Regional Director for NHBC covering Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. He can be contacted at dlittle@nhbc.co.uk

For more information on the CIOB, contact Mandy Coleman on 00353 1 6401804 or e-mail mcoleman@ciob.org.uk www.ciob.org

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

U STONE PAVING

Paving the

future

Larsen outlines how the company’s leading range of BS7533 compliant mortars meet the specific needs of public realm schemes…

veryone knows the Romans were famous for their roads, not just because they were straight but mainly because some examples have lasted for so long. Modern construction methods have come a long way since Roman times but one thing has remained the same, modern Public Realm schemes are being built to last. We will all have seen the pervasive stone paving in our public realm. While this is intended to increase the aesthetic appeal of our declining town centres, there is also an economic argument with these pavements benefiting from a design life of up to 40 years. The key to this long life is the design, installation and materials used, which are all governed by the Code of Practice BS7533. This standard is used throughout the world to implement high quality public realm schemes. It covers all aspects of design and installation of modular paving including concrete, natural stone and clay; pavers, slabs and setts; in bound, unbound and permeable

constructions. The standard leads the designer through various decisions based on the quality of subgrade, design life and expected traffic. This results in a recommended method of construction for the chosen paving unit. Generally, for bound constructions, the base is pavement quality concrete or dense bitumen macadam. A bedding mortar is laid on this base, which is preferably first coated with a bonding slurry primer. The paving units are then bedded into this mortar layer, after first being coated with the slurry primer. Once the bedding has set, the joints are filled with a flowable jointing mortar which fully fills the joints and bonds to the paving units. The finished construction is fully bonded and considered to behave in a rigid and elastic manner. The mortars used in this construction are not simple sand and cement mixes. They should be proprietary, factory produced materials which are proven to comply with the recommended performance characteristics

Streetscape FBC, Larsen’s bedding mortar, is available in site silos, big bags or 25kg to be used along with Streetscape PS slurry primer and Streetscape FJM rapid setting flowable jointing mortar. 12 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

of the relevant part of BS7533. These recommendations don’t just include compressive strength, but also flexural strength, elastic modulus, shrinkage and adhesion. Only by using materials and methods complying with the guidance and recommendations of BS7533 will you be sure your pavement is built to last. Larsen Building Products is one of the leading suppliers of BS7533 compliant mortars in the UK and Ireland with numerous projects completed throughout both including, Ebrington, Giant’s Causeway Visitors’ Centre, Carrickfergus, Newry, Fermoy, Limerick, Dungannon, Holywood, Leicester Cathedral Gardens, London Bridge as well as the National Theatre in London. Streetscape FBC, Larsen’s bedding mortar, is available in site silos, big bags or 25kg to be used along with Streetscape PS slurry primer and Streetscape FJM rapid setting flowable jointing mortar. The completed paving can then be protected from staining with an application of Streetscape Protector impregnating stain repellent. For more information, contact Larsen on 02890774000 or visit the website at www.larsenbuildingproducts.com

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

U RAINWATER AND SOIL SYSTEMS

BRETT MARTIN CONTINUES TO SET THE STANDARDS WITH LATEST ADDITION TO CAST IRON STYLE RAINWATER AND SOIL SYSTEMS RANGE…

Brett Martin adds popular Anthracite Grey to the Cascade range

rett Martin Plumbing and Drainage has launched a new colour option to the Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater and Soil Systems range, adding Anthracite Grey to the mix of six heritage colours. The additions will allow merchants and their customers to capitalise on the growing market trend for this colour on windows and doors on both new build and renovation projects. In addition to Anthracite Grey, the Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater and Soil System is available in a choice of Classic Black, Oxford Blue, Olive Green, Graphite Grey, Sandstone and Porcelain White, which cater to the subtle nuances of local vernacular architecture, as well as reflecting the trend for priming and painting traditional systems. The complete colour range delivers the traditional appearance of cast iron with the convenience of modern plastic materials. “The addition of popular Anthracite Grey to our mix of six heritage colours will give specifiers the opportunity to match rainwater and soil systems in line with the overall building aesthetic, whether they are windows, doors or other roofing components,” said Hayley Lowry, Marketing Manager of Brett Martin. “With Cascade, it is possible to create a heritage aesthetic without compromising architectural integrity.” Designed with full consideration to original features, dimensions and detailing, the

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high quality Cascade pipework, fittings and hoppers create a cast iron look for less. A comprehensive range of gutters and downpipes features authentic architectural detailing and a choice of ogee, bath, gothic or motiffed hopper designs, water butt and planters, as well as a complementary soil system. Cascade can provide heritage style and meet the aesthetic requirements of new build, where traditional style is required, as well as sympathetic refurbishments and restoration projects. There are three styles of domestic gutter (106mm profiled ogee, 112mm half round and, for larger or steeper roofs, a 115mm deep profile) which utilise 68mm round or 65mm square downpipes. For commercial projects, there is a high capacity 160mm roundstyle gutter with 105mm round and 4” x 3” rectangular downpipe choice.

UNIQUE Proven on a variety of projects from new build and domestic refurbishment projects, church and barn conversions, Georgian and Victorian shop frontages, flats and apartments, schools and hotels, the Cascade system has been designed and developed by Brett Martin Plumbing and Drainage. It uses over 50 years’ experience at the forefront of plastics technology and a unique patented manufacturing process to achieve the authentic cast iron finish, with all the

benefits of plastic materials, but at a fraction of the price of cast iron or other materials such as aluminium. Real cast iron products are also heavy and time consuming to work with as they need to be cut to size using grinders before being primed, sealed and finished on site. Cascade is lightweight, making it quicker, easier and safer to install, and helping to offer huge efficiencies in terms of on-site installation costs. This high-performance product is maintenance free, and UV stabilised, so it is not vulnerable to rusting or corrosion. It also offers a ten-year guarantee. The addition of the new Anthracite Grey colour option to an already comprehensive range of domestic and industrial gutter and pipework profiles, means that Cascade is fully compatible with both existing cast iron and modern-style rainwater systems, giving it huge appeal. When a traditional aesthetic is a prerequisite, the right drainage system can be the difference between design success and failure. With a price tag in line with modern construction, and an appearance that blends the past with the present, Brett Martin’s Cascade rainwater and soil system is the perfect solution for discerning specifiers, builders and clients alike. For more information, telephone 028 9084 9999, e-mail mail@brettmartin.com or visit www.brettmartin.com

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FMB News T

FMB NI continues to give members the edge and Northern Builder brings you some of the latest developments from the organisation...

Rory elected as new FMB Northern Ireland President

Apprenticeship warnings for construction sector

third of small

he new President of the Federation of Master Builders in Northern Ireland wants the construction industry to be recognised as an economy builder for the province. In his first address to the FMB NI’s Annual Conference, Rory Regan of Cookstown-based Regan Contracts, also said that a new focus needs to be placed on apprenticeships for the industry. Rory takes over from fellow Cookstown man Stephen Mulligan of Forthill Design and Development and he will be supported in his new position by new Vice-President, Ian Lowry of Lowry Building & Civil Engineering, and ViceChairman Willie Moffitt of Moffitt & Robinson Construction. As a family-based company working primarily on house building, renovation and extensions, Regan Contracts is similar to many FMB members and Rory believes it has benefited from membership of organisation. “The company was formed in 1984 and became a member of the FMB soon after,” he said. “I have found FMB membership a valuable source of support and advice. I thoroughly recommend that fellow members use the helplines and services as part of your membership.” Looking ahead, he feels that the more emphasis should be given to the construction industry in Northern Ireland for its role in boosting the local economy. Setting out his plans, Rory said, “The focus of my term as President will be to support the FMB in Northern Ireland to ensure that construction is recognised as an ‘economy’ builder. Construction provides schools, hospitals, homes and infrastructure to attract inward

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

investment. Increased construction activity locally will prevent the droves of construction workers travelling to the UK to find work; assist with the skills drain in the province; and will have a positive knock-on multiplier effect for local businesses. “My other focus will be apprenticeships. The construction industry invented apprentices and we need to ensure our young people are attracted into the industry and trained appropriately. I am delighted to hear that the FMB is developing a Master Builder apprenticeship standard in England and I hope that this can be transferred to NI in the future.” In welcoming Rory to his new role, Marie Nawaz, Director of FMB NI, said Rory’s forward-thinking attitude would make a difference. “We are delighted to welcome Rory as President and are confident he will be able to build on the strong foundations we already have in place in Northern Ireland. His predecessor, Stpehn Mulligan, put in a lot of hard work and dedication to the FMB in Northern Ireland and we must thank him for that. We look forward to him continuing as a valued member of the NI Area Board. “Rory is well known within the industry and his experience will no doubt be an asset to the FMB as we try to keep construction as a thrust for rebuilding our local economy.”

construction firms are being put off from taking on apprentices because of the bureaucracy involved, according to a new research report ‘Defusing the skills time bomb’ published by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said, “The construction industry is in the midst of a skills crisis which can only be solved if more employers take on apprentices. The Government wants to deliver three million apprentices over the next five years and this new report sheds some light on how this can be achieved. “Our research shows that 94% of small construction firms want to train apprentices but a third are being turned off by a number of serious ‘fear factors’. These include the cost of employing and training an apprentice and major concerns regarding the complexity of the process. “There is strong evidence to show that small construction firms need better information and that if they were more aware of the support that’s available, a great number would train apprentices. Just under 80% of non-recruiters are not aware of one of the most important apprenticeship grants available to them and just over 75% say knowledge of financial support would make them more likely to take on apprentices.” He added, “Given that two-thirds of all construction apprentices are trained by SMEs, it is critical that the Government does everything in its power to remove any barriers that might be stopping these companies from training.”

Federation of Master Builders Unit 10, Kilbegs Business Centre, Plasketts Close, Antrim, BT41 4LY Tel: 028 9446 0416 www.fmb.org.uk www.findabuilder.co.uk

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 17

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PROJECT LEADS T

Clare Legge, NI researcher for CIS Ireland, provides a regular insight into the latest projectS...

City Quays II, Belfast.

Brick bits...

The new hotel planned for City Quays, Belfast.

• County Down company, Ganson (UK) Ltd is constructing a £3.8million extension to Millington Primary School in Portadown. • A pre-application planning notice submitted for an £8million shipping berth at Belfast Harbour.

Optimism for 2016

s we head into 2016, major social housing developments will be a key factor in the Northern Ireland construction industry, with many scheduled on site by March. Choice Housing Ireland has scheduled 106 units in Bangor, valued at £9.8million. Their site at The Square in Ballyclare will also produce 39 units costing £4million to develop. Apex Housing has scheduled 89 units in the New Lodge area of Belfast, valued at £9.1million; a further 79 units at Creggan Burn Park in L’Derry, valued at £9.4million; while, also in Maiden City, a site at Trench Road for 84 units has been initiated at a cost in the region of £6.7million. Sites in Rathcoole, Newtownabbey will deliver 39 units, at an estimated cost of £4.1million. Fold Housing is proposing a £9.7million development of 97 units at Rathgill in Bangor. The first phase of this scheme is already underway, creating 102 units at a cost of £8.4million. Meanwhile Clanmil Housing expects a £5million social housing scheme to start on site at Clandeboye Road,

Bangor. This scheme is for 52 units. It is encouraging to see the tender process begin for the £110million York Street Interchange roadworks. These works will take four years to complete and are scheduled to start in July 2016. The award of the contract to Lagan Construction Group for the £20million ‘City Quays 2’ office accommodation will support 600 jobs over the 15 month contract period. Belfast Harbour Commissioners has also initiated the tendering process for the construction of an £18million hotel development and a £12million multi-storey car park at the City Quays site. On the sporting front it is expected that a new planning application will be submitted within the first six months of 2016 for the long-awaited Casement Park redevelopment in Belfast. The GAA is still hopeful of permission for a 32,000 capacity stadium. The £8.8million redevelopment plan for the Brandywell Stadium in L’Derry has also got the go ahead this month from Derry City & Strabane Council’s Planning Committee. Works on this site will take 16 months.

The latest Republic of Ireland projects… Project Location Promoter Stage €18m School Buildings

Dublin

Department of Education

On Site

€8m Harbour Development

Cork

Port of Cork Company

Tender

€12m Whiskey Distillery

Meath

Slane Castle Irish Whiskey

Contract Award

€43m Residential Development

Dublin

Cosgrave Development

Plans Submitted

€15.2m Education Campus

Meath

Department of Education

On Site

€220m Bypass PPP Scheme

Wexford

Wexford County Council

Contract Award

€380m Road Scheme

Wexford

Wexford County Council

Contract Award

€25m Radiation Oncology Centre

Cork

Health Service Executive

Tender

€2.2m Hotel Extension

Dublin

Radisson SAS

On Site

€7.1m Manufacturing Building

Cork

Stryker Ireland Ltd

Contract Award

• A £1.5million environmental improvement scheme at Portstewart Promenade is being undertaken by Geda Construction, County Tyrone. • A public inquiry is due to begin in January 2016 into the proposed A24 Ballynahinch Bypass scheme an investment of £50million. • P&K McKaigue is set to start work on £1.7million works at Dalriada School, Ballymoney. • Tenders have been issued for a £2.7million extension to St Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt. • Deane Public Works is starting work on the £860k public realm scheme at Newry Cathedral Corridor.

For the latest construction leads, visit www.cisireland.com

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BALLYMENA CONSTRUCTION COMPANY COMPLETES HISTORIC CHURCH PROJECT…

The Carlisle Memorial Church.

Memorable project for Martin & Hamilton

ward-winning Ballymena construction company, Martin & Hamilton, has recently completed a high-profile restoration project at Carlisle Memorial Church at Clifton Street in Belfast. The Victorian neo-Gothic style building dates back to 1875 and serves as a gateway to North Belfast. A rapidly shrinking congregation caused the church trustees to sell it in the late 1970s and to finally close the church in 1982. In 2010 it was added to the World Monuments Watch List - the first Belfast building on a list of the 100 world monuments under greatest threat. To preserve the building, its new owner, Belfast Buildings Trust, which is at the forefront of urban regeneration in Belfast, undertook its biggest capital project to date and secured the building’s future through emergency stabilisation work in 2012. This was followed by a highly successful capital works project which totalled a combined value of circa £1.2million. Commenting on the restoration work, Fionnuala

Belfast Building Trust’s 20th anniversary event was hosted at the refurbished Carlisle Memorial Church.

“What has been achieved is a huge credit to David Hamilton, Managing Director, along with the entire Martin & Hamilton team.” Jay-O’Boyle CBE, founder and Director at Belfast Buildings Trust, said, “We have been extraordinarily fortunate in our contractors on this exacting project. Martin & Hamilton, whilst never less than consummately professional, have also brought considerable flair, creativity and passion. What has been achieved is a huge credit to David Hamilton, Managing Director, along with the entire Martin & Hamilton team. I can only imagine that the Master Builder, who was James Carlisle, would have been a very well satisfied client.” Further restoration and refurbishment work is required at the building, subject to its longterm future. In the meantime Belfast Buildings Trust has commissioned a full length chamber opera to tell the story of Belfast. ‘The Belfast Opera’, to be delivered in partnership with NI Opera and a range of community partners, is involving people from across the area to create the opera from scratch.

About… Martin & Hamilton has the expert knowledge to successfully deliver projects across all sectors including building, civil engineering, minor works, maintenance and repairs. The company undertakes contracts ranging from bespoke homes and social housing to large scale building and civil engineering works across the construction spectrum, from education, healthcare and places of worship to food manufacturing facilities. Recent successes, particularly in the areas of conservation, restoration, and construction for the food manufacturing industry, have earned Martin & Hamilton special recognition and a number of prestigious awards and commendations.

Martin & Hamilton, 46 Doury Road, Ballymena, BT43 6JB T: 028 2565 3672 –E: marketing@martinandhamilton.com www.martinandhamilton.com

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U COMPANY NEWS

Ann Morgan, CEO Murdock Builder’s Merchants, officially opens the new Ballymount branch with Group Sales Manager (RoI), Gary Craven, and Sales Manager, Stephen McDonnell.

Latest expansion to branch network sees successful opening of new branch at Ballymount…

Murdock’s opens second branch in Dublin

urdock Builders Merchants has extended the company’s service in the Republic of Ireland with the opening of a second branch in Dublin. Murdock’s Ballymount is based, immediately behind The Forklift Centre on the Lower Ballymount Road. It is now the eleventh Murdock’s branch and the second in Dublin alongside the company’s Balbriggan branch, which has been operating successfully for 10 years. The new branch represents an initial investment of €1.1million alongside the creation of 15 new jobs but, more than that, it makes the superb Murdock’s service available to customers working in the south of the city. Group Sales Manager (RoI) Gary Craven

and Sales Manager Stephen McDonnell have brought their experience working in Murdock’s Balbriggan branch to the new Ballymount branch. “We are delighted with how we have been received by the trade in the Ballymount area,” said Gary, who has worked for Murdock’s for over 15 years. “We have enjoyed a steady start but, more importantly, anyone who has used the branch has come back again, which is a real boost, particularly as there is a lot of competition in the area.” Stephen, who started working for the company when the Balbriggan branch opened 10 years ago, is also delighted at the initial success of Murdock’s Ballymount. “It really is a case of so far, so good,” he

said. “We are a new name in the area and the majority of staff are new to the company, so it will take time, but the initial reaction has been really positive and it gives us something to build on. “As our customers will learn, Murdock’s has a specific way of doing things and that is all based around providing the highest possible standard of service. The fact that we are already enjoying repeat business shows that customers like what they are seeing.” With construction work increasing in the Republic of Ireland, the opening of the second branch places Murdock’s at the forefront of meeting growing demand for quality construction products. Murdock’s Ballymount reflects an already

“The initial reaction has been really positive and it gives us something to build on.” 22 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

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Investment in people… Murdock Builder’s Merchants is committed to developing strong relationships with suppliers and recognising the commitment of staff…

Health and safety in good hands

Hazel Robinson, Business Support Manager, pictured with her recently obtained NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety.

20 years’ service awards

“We are delighted with how we have been received by the trade in the Ballymount area.” proven record of success delivered by the company’s branches across Northern Ireland and in Dublin. Originally established to service the local building and construction sector, Murdock’s is a leading supplier of building materials, tools and DIY products. The company has developed extensively over the last 30 years and, thanks to significant investment at branch level, Murdock’s now caters for the public’s growing demand for DIY and hardware products, backed up by highly trained staff, including a team of landscaping

and indoor design specialists. Staffing levels at Murdock’s Ballymount have been chosen to meet an increased demand for collecting orders direct from the trade counter, meaning the company’s impressive stock levels will help customers complete orders quickly. The location at Lower Ballymount Road in Walkinstown – beside The Forklift Centre – was specially chosen to help customers avoid getting caught up in heavy congestion while the 6.45am opening time further helps in this regard.

Murdock Builder’s Merchants recently celebrated 20 years unbroken service of five employees from across the group. The staff from Murdock Builder’s Merchants, Cranwood Industries, Cranwood Carcassing, Murdock Trusses and The Lotus Group were all presented with their awards at a company lunch in the Whistledown Hotel, Warrenpoint. They were joined by their Branch Managers and Company Directors for the meal and presentation.

Golf Day

Murdock Builder’s Merchants and Knauf hosted a golf day at Belvoir Park Golf Club in September. Pictured are Des Patterson, Sales Rep at Murdock’s Newtownards (far left) and Bryan Stone of Knauf Insulation (far right) with Murdock’s customers from Truesdale Plumbing.

Murdock’s Ballymount, Lower Ballymount Road, Walkinstown, Dublin T: 00353 1456 4030 - F: 00353 1456 8427 – E: ballymount@murdockbuildersmerchants.com www.murdockbuildersmerchants.com Follow the conversation on

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ANDREA HARMAN, OF ECOPHON, DISCUSSES HOW ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN THE CHOICE OF SUSTAINABLE BUILDING MATERIALS…

Acoustic design at the heart of sustainability

he term ‘sustainability’ continues to evolve. Now, along with focusing on the environmental impact of a building’s materials, it’s also about how it provides a positive impact by considering the well-being of occupants. With the focus of sustainability growing, products that contribute on a wider level by creating better working and living environments are becoming increasingly sought– with good acoustics a key focus of enhanced comfort. Hospitals are a great example. Sleep is crucial for recovery, since it’s then that our bodies do most of their healing. However, hearing is one sense that doesn’t sleep, so unwanted noise is intrusive and can be detrimental to patient recovery. In answer to this, reducing the spread of noise with clever acoustic design is key. It will create a calm space, which helps lower blood pressure and reduce stress for both patients and staff, which results in happier people and improved quality of care. For this, Ecophon believes that the adoption of Activity Based Acoustic Design will deliver significant improvements. This involves defining spaces from three perspectives – activity, people and room – and then finding

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the common ground where all perspectives benefit. For example, when designing a nursing ward in a hospital, all spaces within the ward, such as corridors, treatment rooms or shared spaces, need to be treated as separate entities because the activities within differ. Once defined, a solution using a combination of high-quality acoustic elements should then be developed. Initial steps include identifying any sources of excessive noise. So, in a hospital environment, this could include food trolleys, automatic door openers, telephones, beds, alarms and pagers. Although certain alarms are essential and need to be heard above the background noise, requirements should be set when it comes to noise levels of equipment being purchased. Increasing the distance between the patient and the noise source will also help. For example, tearing open a sterile package can create noise measuring up to 70dB, so this could take place away from the patient’s head and towards the foot of the bed. Screens between beds, particularly sound-absorbent screens, are also a very successful way of reducing unwanted noise. The final area of consideration for improving acoustic performance is through the use of ceiling and wall absorbers to control sound, such as the products offered by Ecophon. An example of good acoustic design within a healthcare environment is Sandwell General Hospital in Birmingham where an acoustic study, which considered the concept of calm, took place. A refurbishment of Priory Ward 4 looked to include an open-plan nursing station and the widening of doorways. Part of the refurbishment saw the old, imperforate metal ceiling (common to older hospitals) being replaced with a highly sound-absorbent

Class A ceiling in the corridor area. Prior to the refurbishment, it was a very noisy environment since all the surfaces were smooth with hard finishes. Despite the introduction of the open-plan nursing station, extra nursing stations and the widening of the doorways, the ceiling changes in the corridor alone produced significant improvement in the acoustics in both the corridor and the ward. This was because sound wasn’t travelling as far or as easily as it had been before, clearly showing that a simple refurbishment can have a profound effect on noise. In fact, noise levels have actually been reduced significantly – a reduction of up to 8dB was seen, which is perceived as half as loud as before, and sound only travelled half the distance along the corridor compared to before, meaning less noise reached the wards. Of course, a holistic view is still important when looking at any building product. Therefore, Ecophon has focused on sustainability at every level, with regard to its acoustic solutions by reducing CO2 emissions and developing eco-friendly materials. It will also soon be implementing the recycling of used panels and offcuts. When considering the sustainability of buildings, well-being is becoming increasingly important – and good acoustic design is paramount. There are a number of areas to consider but, ultimately, it is about Activity Based Acoustic Design. Only then can the needs of all the occupants be met. For more information, telephone Alan Crampton, Regional Manager Ireland, Saint-Gobain Ecophon on 012 5685 0977 or mobile 07979 703421, e-mail alan.crampton@ecophon.co.uk or visit the website at www.ecophon.co.uk

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campus

New SPACE

is out of this world! Northern Builder launches an exploration mission to the new £12million facility for South Eastern Regional College in Bangor… g

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Main Contractor SPACE campus, South Eastern Regional College, Bangor

Complex build puts leading contractor to the test at new South Eastern Regional College campus in Bangor…

O’Hare & McGovern completes mission to SPACE

’Hare & McGovern has completed an impressive mission in SPACE the new campus for South Eastern Regional College (SERC) in Bangor. The £12million campus, located at Castle Park Road, was officially opened by Stephen Farry, Minister for Employment and Learning, who described it as “the latest step in a journey to transform the entire physical infrastructure of the Northern Ireland Further Education sector”. The new 3,650 m² facility, funded by the Department for Employment and Learning, provides high specification, bespoke accommodation for the Schools of Manufacturing and Electrical Engineering, Computer and Software Engineering and Performing and Creative Arts.

From the striking exterior to the high levels of innovation throughout, it is clear that O’Hare & McGovern exhausted the company’s extensive skills and expertise to deliver a unique facility. “It was a highly complex build from start to finish but the response from staff and students has made it all worthwhile,” explained Jason Glasgow, Contracts Manager for O’Hare & McGovern. “From the materials used, the requirement to meet certain international standards, having to deal with various planning restrictions and all within a restrictive site made this a tough project. But I think the high standards we have delivered again prove the pride that O’Hare & McGovern takes into every job.” The SPACE campus offers a diverse range

of innovative facilities within the conjoined accommodation for the Schools of Manufacturing and Electrical Engineering, Computer and Software Engineering and Performing and Creative Arts. The heart of the Performing Arts Centre is the theatre around which rehearsal and production studios are located. The theatre has all the attributes of a professional auditorium and, in addition to being suitable for staging professional productions, it provides first-class rehearsal, recording and performance facilities for the students of Bangor and the surrounding area. The Technology Innovation Centre provides a business quality learning environment that further enhances the College’s existing capacity for Renewable Energy and

“It was an ambitious build but our strong relationship with the client and Hamilton Architects helped a great deal and we have another superb education project to be proud of.” 26 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

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Sustainable Technology and Engineering sciences. The focus of the Technology Centre will be on employability skills; stimulating enterprise through business incubation; delivery of innovative business development programmes; and fostering enhanced approaches to economic development, working closely with community partners. Formerly a car-park, the SPACE campus is neighboured by apartments and Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College to either side and the rear while it is adjacent to the main SERC Bangor campus. As a result, O’Hare & McGovern had strict noise and working hours restrictions as well as a number of planning restrictions regarding the building’s design to meet. “The site was very tight and we had very little

space to manoeuvre within,” explained Jason. “It is also a very busy area with three schools along with the local council offices and the Aurora swimming pool all along the Castle Park Road, meaning we had to carefully schedule in deliveries. “We also liaised closely with the neighbouring school and local residents to keep them informed of our work. On projects like this, communication is vital.” Constructed from structured steel with a mixture of precast concrete floors and composite metal decking in the Performing Arts Centre, the building’s envelope was a mixture of zinc cladding and curtain walling and rock panel cladding. The roof covering was PVC. Jason added, “The first challenge was to

get the building watertight and with the various materials being used this wasn’t straightforward. Internally, we had to meet a number of specific standards, in particular the noise levels within the recording studios and the theatres, which proved a challenge. “On every project you face a wide range of issues but the real challenge is how you effectively deal with them without it affecting your completion date. We had to have the campus finished in time for a the new academic year in September and we are delighted to have met this. “It was an ambitious build but our strong relationship with the client and Hamilton Architects helped a great deal and we have another superb education project to be proud of.”

O’Hare & McGovern, Carnbane House, Shepherds Way, Carnbane Industrial Estate, Newry T: 028 3026 4662 – E: carnbanehouse@ohmg.com www.ohmg.com

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M&E Contractor SPACE campus, South Eastern Regional College, Bangor

Leading M&E contractor meets noise and space challenges to install energy efficient and innovative system…

Superb performance by Harvey Group A s a unique facility, the new £12million SPACE campus at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) in Bangor required a unique M&E solution. This challenge was met head on by Harvey Group working collaboratively with M&E consultants, Bennett Robinson and main contractror, O’Hare & McGovern. The new facility is aiming to boost education and training across three areas – creative industries, computing and engineering. Paul Stevenson, Contracts Manager, explained, “The plant rooms were small and spread out throughout the building, while the ceiling void space was tight and had to incorporate a number of services as well as the steelwork. To combat this, all the services were well co-ordinated with the various parties involved to ensure that everything

fitted perfectly and that we didn’t face any clashes during the installation process. A lot of time and thought was also put into the design of the plant rooms to create the best possible arrangement.” The team was also challenged with maintaining critical noise levels. “The music rooms and recording studios had to achieve an NR25 noise rating, meaning that certain aspects of our mechanical installations could have affected this. Again, we had to put a lot of thought into this along with the design team, with all the plant carefully selected and positioned within the building to avoid any issues.” The M&E installation on this new build project was extensive, yet the overarching feature of the job was the focus on energy saving. As a result, this BREEAM ‘Very Good’ project

is a shining example of what can be achieved when all the parties are focused on an exemplary end result. Harvey Group also had to comply with the new Energy-Related Product (ErP) Directive that focuses on the eco-design and energy labelling of space and water heaters. As part of this process, Harvey Group designed and installed the latest technology to ensure the SPACE campus was as energy efficient as possible, with the emphasis not only on reducing energy usage but also monitoring it in the future. Paul Stevenson, Contracts Manager, explained, “From a mechanical perspective we installed a number of renewable systems, including air-source heat pumps and a rainwater harvesting system. Aside from the renewable systems, we carefully selected all

“We go into these projects aiming to build relationships and work as part of a wider team and we are delighted with the end result.” 28 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

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Supply to commissioning… Harvey Group displayed the company’s array of skills at the SPACE campus, carrying out the supply, delivery, connection, testing and commissioning of the mechanical and electrical systems. This included: Mechanical: • Gas-fired LPHW heating system • Gas-fired domestic hot water system and

sanitary ware

• Air-conditioning system • Automatic opening windows • Automatic opening stairwell vents • Rainwater harvesting • Heat recovery ventilation system • Compressed air system • Natural gas and gas detection system Electrical: • Provision of main intake switchboard • Provision of sub switchboards • Liaison with NIE for provision of new

electricity supply

• Sub-mains distribution installation • General lighting installation • Emergency lighting installation • Lighting controls installation • Stage lighting installation • Stage sound installation • Sound limiting sensor and controls • Exterior lighting installation • General power installation • Fire alarm installation • Intruder alarm installation • Access control installation the rest of the mechanical plant with energy efficiency in mind and, where relevant, ensuring it met the new ErP Directive. “The same focus was applied to the electrical installation. The lighting is controlled and is arranged in such a way that it can be switched or controlled in zones to provide flexibility, both in terms of usage and to achieve optimum energy efficiency savings. This was extended to the emergency lighting system which uses high-efficiency LEDs. “We also installed a photovoltaic (PV) system. As a result, the building has been provided with a total of 8.76kWp of rigid monocrystalline PV panels which are linked to the mains electrical system via a single or threephase inverter unit.” While all the M&E technology is of the highest energy-efficient standards, an added

advantage of the installation is the Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) that will be used to monitor energy usage and allow the client to react to various demands. The electricity sub-meters are controlled by the BEMS and will monitor energy usage, allowing it to be allocated to various enduse categories, such as lighting, general power, HVAC etc. This monitoring process is extended to water and gas as well as the RWH and heat usage of the air-source heat pumps. Paul concluded, “The building itself is state-of-the-art and our work reflects that. We go into these projects aiming to build relationships and work as part of a wider team and we are delighted with the end result.”

• Computer/data wiring and wireways’ installations • Telephone wireways’ and wiring installations • Disabled person’s refuge intercom installation • Disabled person’s toilet alarm installation • Audio-Visual (AV) wireways’ installation • TV aerial installations • Audio signal cabling installation • Earthing and bonding installations • Lightning protection installation • Solar photovoltaic (PV) installation • Provision of samples • Testing and commissioning of all systems • Provision of operation and maintenance manuals • Instructions to building’s users • Provision of ‘As Installed’ drawings

Harvey Group, 14 Glenwell Park, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim. BT36 7RF T: 028 9034 2444 – E: info@harveygroup.co.uk www.harveygroup.co.uk

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Flooring SPACE campus, South Eastern Regional College, Bangor

Design inspiration from Ceco

environmentally friendly, and to further reduce their environmental impact, they can be supplied with TractionBack for adhesivefree installation, which also helps to improve indoor air quality and reduces materials’ usage. “We also supplied Nora rubber flooring, which is capable of extreme long-term wear, and is also an award-winning, eco-friendly product,” explained David. CECO is a floor and product consultancy providing solutions for commercial and residential projects. It sources leading brands from throughout the world and selects the best quality products for clients. The company’s specification showroom in Carryduff is an exciting place to browse and avail of the team’s flooring expertise.

arryduff company, Ceco Products was delighted to supply a range of carpet tiles to the circulation and office areas throughout the new SERC building. “The project was massive and proved a great contract for Ceco to showcase the Milliken range of carpet tiles which were specified on this project,” said Ceco’s Architectural Sales Director, David Bell. “Milliken has a unique comfort backing on all its ranges, making it quiet and comfortable to walk on - plus the designs are fantastic!” The Milliken tiles chosen were from the Light Trails collection, available in two patterns – either on their own or with a high energy accent colour. Light Trails carpet tiles feature 90% recycled content cushion backing, making them more

Ceco Products, Carryduff Business Park, Comber Rd, Carryduff, BT8 8AN T: 028 9081 7272 - E: info@cecoproducts.com www.cecoproducts.com

Ventilation SPACE campus, South Eastern Regional College, Bangor

Top quality ventilation services from F3

3 Engineering Ltd was appointed by Harvey Group to manufacture and install ventilation systems as part of its overall M&E package at the new SPACE campus at South Eastern Regional College in Bangor. Works included the supply, installation and testing of ventilation systems, which included AHU systems for classrooms and offices, CNC workshop, theatre, auditorium and stage; canopy extract for the café kitchen, comprising canopies, fire-rated ductwork, fans and roof terminals; local and central extract systems for WCs; and AC cassette linked to the VRF system for the IT comms room. F3 worked in partnership with the Harvey Group contract management to co-ordinate the ductwork along with other services. Ductwork was fabricated and installed across

all three floors,” explained Jim Gray, Contracts Manager. “This was consummate with the design of the building and manufactured to fit within the reduced void spaces and risers around the building.” Within the performing arts zone, specific criteria had to be met in terms of attenuation, to avoid the noise of music travelling between rooms and throughout the building. F3 worked closely with Harvey Group and the project acoustic consultants during the design stage to ensure that all ventilation systems eliminated the transfer of noise. A lot of thought went into the layout of the system in order to reduce noise while, at the same time, maintaining temperature levels throughout the building.” Based in Portadown, F3 Engineering Ltd is part of the CHC group of companies.

F3 Engineering Ltd, 35 Seagoe Industrial Estate, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT63 5QD T: 028 3833 9770 www.f3-eng.com

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Architect SPACE campus, South Eastern Regional College, Bangor

An inspiring design that overcomes the challenges of a restrictive site to produce a creative space for students…

Hamilton Architects delivers a spark of creativity

he creative minds at Hamilton Architects relished the challenge offered by the unique SPACE campus at SERC, delivering a facility that radiates creativity yet remains practical enough to the needs of both staff and students. Bringing together the Schools of Manufacturing and Electrical Engineering, Computer and Software Engineering alongside the School of Performing and Creative Arts, the immediate challenge was creating a building that conjoined two very different specialisms within bespoke accommodation. In addition, Hamilton Architects also had to overcome a series of planning hurdles. All these challenges were overcome while also meeting a distinctive brief, as Mark Haslett, Partner at Hamilton Architect, explained. “It was during a first Design Quality Initiative meeting when it was put to us that

the design should be otherworldly. That was before they even came up with the idea of calling it the SPACE campus, but it has all merged together perfectly.” The out-of-this-world design not only matches the SPACE moniker but also the general feel of the building. “The success of the building is that it naturally brings together the two different schools within one space. Hopefully that will lead to collaborations,” explained Mark. But the design is also reflective of the shape of the site. At the heart of the space is a triangular atrium that has social areas. This triangular centre is offset by two rectangles – one for each of the two schools. This shared space atrium was deliberately located on the second floor to provide a professional and functional area for events in the auditorium. It is hoped that this heart of the campus will also become a heart of the community.

Externally, the pointed aspect of the building is, again, reflective of the shape of the site. It was originally designed to be a blunt, rectangular shape but this had to be reworked to avoid overshadowing the neighbouring apartments. A similar issue created a different design internally, with a saw-tooth window wall avoiding any issues of views straight into the apartments. The end result is something the team is rightly proud of. “We wanted to create that spark of creativity, so have designed a striking building that extensively uses materials not normally used within these settings. “Trying to combine two very different requirements under one roof was a challenge in itself but the planning issues and the restrictive site were added extras that really tested us. However, the final building has met the brief in every way and it is a project we are delighted with.”

Hamilton House, 3 Joy Street, Belfast, BT2 8LE T: 028 9033 4250 – F: 028 9023 3249 - E: belfast@hamiltonarchitects.co.uk www.hamiltonarchitects.co.uk

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Street Furniture SPACE campus, South Eastern Regional College, Bangor

Environmental Street Furniture - streets ahead

n keeping with the company’s reputation for creative flair, Environmental Street Furniture (ESF) supplied a wide range of designconscious street furniture to the new SERC SPACE campus in Bangor. “We worked with the architect to provide the seating, tree grilles, standard and removable bollards, bike racks, door restraints and so on,” said ESF’s Managing Director, Alan Lowry. “They were standard items but they went beyond normal street furniture design, and it was great to see so much innovative design in the project. We supply a lot to the education sector which is quite standard and conformist, but, in keeping with the performing arts aspect of this project, it was like we were bringing performance thinking into the outdoors. For instance, the aluminium-framed seats designed at a 45% angle by Czech Republic designer,

Mmcité, were both interesting to look at and showed a lot of thought in the design process. “We also designed and supplied our own bespoke ‘picnic table’ and seating, located at the front of the building which is very innovative in style.” Based in Newtownabbey, but trading globally, ESF designs, imports, sources, stocks and supplies a wide selection of exterior street furniture products, themed furniture, innovative solar products and integrated outdoor solutions. The company carries out a lot of work in the education sector, with recent contracts including modern cycle parking for 16 schools in Northern Ireland and University of Ulster, Hillingdon schools projects in London and a large contract for Warwick University for bespoke bus and waiting shelters.

Environmental Street Furniture, Valley Business Centre, 67 Church Road, Newtownabbey, Belfast, BT36 7LS T: 0845 606 6095 – E: sales@worldofesf.com www.worldofesf.com

Civil Engineering Works SPACE campus, South Eastern Regional College, Bangor

Experience and professionalism from Ballylone Contracts

aving worked on many prestigious projects across Northern Ireland over the years, David Browne, of Ballylone Contracts was undaunted by the prospect of taking on the civil engineering works for the £12million SPACE campus at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) in Bangor. David started the business back in 1984, and with over 30 years’ experience to rely on, was able to complete all aspects of the contract with ease. The team from Ballylone had quite a task, with an extensive range of services to be provided. This included all ground works and reduced level excavations and foundations, underfloor drainage and ducts, and all drainage and service ducts for the building generally, such

Ballylone Contracts, 57 Ballylone Rd, Ballynahinch, Co Down BT24 8XX T: 028 9756 2643 - F: 028 9756 2643 - M: David 078 5035 1626 - M: Clifford 077 4050 5672 E: browne_d@btconnect.com

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as street lighting, power, service trenches etc. The team was also involved in making up levels such as kerbing to prepare them for tarmac and brick paving. “We’ve done a lot of work with main contractor, O’Hare & McGovern over the years and have established a good working relationship with them,” said David. “In fact, there aren’t many contractors we haven’t worked with over the years. We’ve been involved in lots of major projects, such as Windsor Park stadium, the Waterfront Hall and George Best Airport in Belfast.” With a range of top class diggers, from one and a half tonnes up to 25 tonnes, there aren’t many jobs the team from Ballylone Contracts can’t tackle.

BALLYLONECONTRACTS GROUNDWORKS & PLANT HIRE

LTD

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Furniture SPACE campus, South Eastern Regional College, Bangor

Alpha goes to the top of the class

lpha Office Furniture supplied a selection of furniture for classrooms, break-out areas and the board room. It was a very rewarding project to be involved in,” said Valerie Walker, who specialises in Education Business Development at Alpha. “We worked closely with Hamilton Architects and it was a very successful partnership, with attention to detail paramount. In the IT rooms, for instance, we supplied desks in a relaxing white oak, with comfortable, soft swivel chairs. In contrast, the break-out and café areas feature bright, multi-coloured chairs and stools, while the board room has a sophisticated coffee and cream theme in the stylish table and chairs. The drama rooms even have what we call DLB - ‘Don’t lean back’ chairs - specially designed by teachers.

“I’ve been involved in quite a few educational projects and this one really stands out for me,” added Valerie. Paying tribute to Alpha’s contribution, Brian Widdicombe of Hamilton Architects, stated, “From inception to completion of the interiors fit-out, Alpha provided a flawless, efficient, and spirited service, in putting both ideas and alternative proposals to the greater benefit of the project. “Demonstrations and samples were produced in an expeditious manner to facilitate client inspection and choice in what was a very tight procurement timescale. To their credit, Alpha was able to source robust, value-for-money, yet aesthetically striking fixtures and fittings which have proven to perfectly complement the unique building design.”

Alpha Office Furniture, Alpha House, 53 Dargan Road, Belfast BT3 9JU. T: 028 9078 1531 - E: salesbelfast@alphaofficefurniture.com www.alphaofficefurniture.com

Ironmongery & Doors SPACE campus, South Eastern Regional College, Bangor

Success revolves around KCC Architectural

CC Architectural implemented a complete DDA-compliant access control strategy for the new SPACE campus at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) in Bangor. This unique facility required a specialist solution and the main contractor, O’Hare & McGovern, and M&E contractor, Harvey Group, turned to the expertise of KCC Architectural to deliver this. The main aspect of the contract involved the supply and installation of a high-end, fully automatic revolving door system at the entrance to the campus. This was complemented by supply and installation of the architectural ironmongery, door controls and specialist electronic locking systems throughout SPACE.

Tony Campbell, Business Development Manager at KCC Architectural, explained, “The revolving door is of a high specification and combines the functionality required for a busy campus with the aesthetics of what is a uniquely designed building. “We also installed an access control and locking system throughout the campus that was tailored to meet the specific needs of the college. In addition to complying with disability access legislation and fire safety regulations, we also had to implement an access strategy that encouraged the free flow of staff and students throughout the building yet restricted access to unauthorised personnel. Finding the right balance between these various elements is an essential aspect of our overall service.”

KCC Architectural, 20-21a Harbour Court, Heron Road, Sydenham Business Park, Belfast T: 028 9046 9914 - F: 028 9046 9915 - E: salesbelfast@kccarchitectural.com www.kccarchitectural.com

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U project profile

Partitions, Ceilings and Acoustics SPACE campus, South Eastern Regional College, Bangor

Customer satisfaction a hallmark of North West Drylining

ungiven company, North West Drylining Ltd was appointed to take care of the drylining requirements at the new SERC building. The scope of work included metal stud partitions, wall lining systems/perforated plasterboard, suspended ceiling systems, acoustic systems and insulation, and fire protection. North West Drylining Ltd, one of the largest drylining companies in Ireland, has been in the construction industry since 1981. Over the last 30+ years the company has continuously increased in size, and between office staff, direct employees and subcontract workers, it prides itself in holding together an efficient team of experienced

professionals in their field. With huge experience in this competitive market, North West Drylining is more than capable of successfully completing any size and configuration of project to the client’s total satisfaction. “We specialise in multi-discipline packages including suspended ceilings, drylining and metal partitions,” said Anntoin Bradley, Quantity Surveyor with North West Drylining. “Having worked with most major housing developers and main contractors, our philosophy is to consistently manage and complete projects to the highest possible standards, ensuring repeat business and excellent working relationships.”

North West Drylining Ltd, 288 Foreglen Road, Dungiven, BT47 4PJ T. 028 71338407 – E: info@nwdrylining.co.uk www.nwdrylining.co.uk

Joinery SPACE campus, South Eastern Regional College, Bangor

DMS Hanna has little to learn

MS Hanna has little to learn when working on education projects, as the company again demonstrated at the SPACE campus at SERC. The company has worked extensively with O’Hare & McGovern on a diverse range of projects over the last 14 years and continued this long-standing working relationship at SERC. This project involved the main door sets complete with ironmongery as well as the skirting, architraves, timber screens and the hand rails on the four separate staircases throughout the innovative facility. Seamus Hanna, Supervisor on this project, said, “We were delighted to again renew our partnership with O’Hare & McGovern on what is a superb project. We’re currently working with them at Windsor Park and at the

new student accommodation at the former College Square Tech building, but we know we still have to deliver the goods on each job.” Very much a family concern, DMS Hanna was established as a carpentry and joinery business in 1995 by Denis Hanna and his sons Michael and Seamus, with Denis’s wife Ann providing support in the office. In addition to the type of work we completed at SERC we also provide first and second fix joinery work and roofing. The company works across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and has the expertise to operate in a wide range of sectors, including social housing schemes, private housing, community centres, bar fitouts and timber frame erection.

DMS Hanna, Zion, 5 Ballykeel Road, Ballymartin, Kilkeel, Co Down, BT34 4PL T: 028 4176 2004 - 07802 838733 - 07764 534577 - 07729 456237 E: d.m.hanna@hotmail.co.uk

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U acoustics

UTV Ireland enjoys a bespoke acoustic solution that gives its new Dublin studios the wow factor…

Lights, camera, action… and great sound quality from Ecophon!

ombining a busy office within the same space as a television studio presented a whole host of potential challenges, not least how to manage noise levels in such a wildly multi-use space. UTV Ireland is a general entertainment channel that broadcasts to the Republic of Ireland and is a sister station to UTV’s Northern Ireland service. It launched as a new channel on January 1, 2015 from Macken House, its Dublin base. General Manager of UTV Ireland, Aine Ni Chaoindealbhain, was responsible for the company’s Dublin office, starting from a concrete shell and taking it through to a full broadcasting facility. Architect Andrew Howley of MCA Dublin described how UTV Ireland decided very early on in the project that they wanted their studio to face out towards the main working office space. He said, “The main criteria were to get

a studio that could operate with the full acoustic performance required and the office working at the same time and neither having a negative impact on each other.” Aine explained how important it was to get the acoustics perfect. “If you don’t have decent audio, you won’t get the broadcast right. It was absolutely critical for us to get the right aesthetic and the right acoustic treatment.” David Cawley, an acoustics expert described the challenge, “The critical challenge of the space was the fact that it’s essentially a studio to an open plan office, with no physical structure between to two… and we had to design the space so that we’d minimise the amount of sound propagation from the open office into the studio.” But first came a 3D plan of the entire facility. By looking at this, David Cawley explained, they confirmed that, as the ceiling was the biggest reflector of sound, they would need

to address the ceiling space in order to reduce the amount of sound reflecting from the open plan office. Ecophon’s Area Sales Manager, Alan Crampton, was called in to help provide a solution for the project. Alan explained, “Acoustics are always the top priority from Ecophon’s point of view. You must have good acoustics in any working environment where you’re communicating

Facts… Client: Ulster TV, Dublin, Ireland Architect: Andrew Howley of MCA Dublin Main Contractor: Ronan McGovern, MAC Interiors Ceiling Contractor: John McGowan, Roe Drylining Acoustic Consultant: David Cawley Project size: 770 No Baffles Products: Ecophon Solo™ Baffles

Alan Crampton, Regional Manager Ireland, Saint-Gobain Ecophon T: 012 5685 0977 – M: 07979 703421 – E: alan.crampton@ecophon.co.uk www.ecophon.co.uk

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U blocks

ACQUISITION OF NEARBY QUARRY MEANS CES QUARRy Products Ltd CAN NOW PROVIDE AN EVEN BETTER SUPPLY OF CONCRETE BLOCKS…

More choice from CES Quarry Products Ltd

hanks to its purchase of the former WJ McCormick & Sons quarry in Ballynahinch, CES Quarry Products Ltd is able to offer an even better supply of blocks to the building trade. The company has been manufacturing concrete blocks since the 1950s, when it was an eight-man manual operation making six blocks at a time, and producing just over 3,000 blocks per day! As with all parts of the business, CES Quarry Products evolved firstly to producing 12 blocks at a time, then to 16, and beyond. “We were one of the first companies to purchase the Finlay 44 block maker, which allowed us to increase our production to 40,000 blocks per day with a three-man production team, of which one has been at the helm of production for almost 30 years,” said Sales and Marketing Executive, Steven Oldham. “Through quality of product and quality of service, we are now one of the market leaders in the greater Belfast area and beyond. The recent acquisition of the Ballynahinch quarry means we can now cover

an even bigger area, stretching further into counties Antrim and Down, and touching into Portadown and Lurgan. With our recent increased supply and capacity, we have also been able to put twice as many delivery lorries on the road, supplying both standard blocks and a range of insulation blocks from Quinn Lite. “Our concrete blocks are manufactured to BS EN771-3 and undergo daily internal testing by our experienced staff, as well as weekly external testing by CTS Antrim. They are 100% recyclable, and with our knowledgeable and helpful staff, combined with reliable and timely deliveries and consistency of product and service, we can now provide customers with a better service than ever before.”

QUALITY FROM QUINN LITE The Quinn Lite range offers highly efficient thermal blocks for use in external walls, rising foundation walls, internal partition walls and party walls between dwellings. With thermal conductivities of up to 10

“With our recent increased supply and capacity, we have also been able to put twice as many delivery lorries on the road.”

times those of conventional concrete blocks, Quinn Lite thermal blocks significantly improve the overall U-value of your build and can reduce heat loss through thermal bridges by up to 80%. The inherent thermal mass of the Quinn Lite thermal blocks helps regulate daytime heating and night time cooling, making a home a more comfortable place to live all year round. With up to 75% recycled content and an A+ Green Guide rating, Quinn Lite thermal blocks are an excellent choice for sustainable construction.

The Quinn Lite range Quinn Lite B3 blocks: Suitable for partitions, cavity and solid walls and supplied in response to customer demand for a building block with high thermal insulation combined with a high strength-to-weight ratio. Quinn Lite B5 blocks: Suitable for partitions, cavity, solid and separating walls. The higher strength specification achieves 5N/mm2, while being only one third of the weight of dense concrete blocks. Quinn Lite B7 blocks: Suitable for use in partitions, cavity walls, solid walls, and separating walls, and ideally suited to multi-storey construction. Depending on design, buildings of up to four storeys may be constructed using the B7 range. Quinn Lite foundation blocks: Manufactured especially for solid wall construction below DPC level and available in 3N/mm², 5N/mm² and 7N/ mm².

CES Quarry Products Ltd, Doran’s Rock, 124 Crossgar Road, Saintfield, County Down, T: 028 9751 9494 – F: 028 9751 9750 – E: sales@cesquarryproducts.com www.cesquarryproducts.com

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CES QUARRY PRODUCTS

MANUFACTURERS OF QUARRY STONE, CONCRETE PRODUCTS AND BITUMINOUS SURFACING MATERIALS T: 028 9751 9494 - E: sales@cesquarryproducts.com www.cesquarryproducts.com

QUARRY STONE

Concrete Block & Brick

Ready-Mix & Mini-Mix Concrete

Supply & Lay Screed Services

Decorative Gravel

Bituminous Surfacing Materials

U INSULATION

Technical training proves essential for the success of Lester Weir Joinery & Construction Ltd on portadown project…

ISOVER Technical Academy training course at www.isover.ie/technicalacademy-courses

ISOVER - helping to meet the Passivhaus standard

he team at Lester Weir Joinery & Construction Ltd has recently completed the company’s latest high performance thermal, airtightness and moisture control project, at the site of a new home build in Portadown in County Armagh. The build involved the construction of a 2,000sqft Passivhaus standard home, making the most of the site orientation, whilst also utilising high quality construction materials and practices, to ensure excellent thermal, airtightness and moisture control results. The use of the ISOVER Vario system,

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including Vario Bond, the newest addition to the system, has meant that work around ensuring high airtightness and moisture control results has been as swift as possible. Vario Bond was used to seal window, door and ceiling to wall junctions. This allowed for quick and easy installation, as it removed the need for a mesh overlay when plastering these details. Other products from the Vario system being used in the build are Vario KM Duplex Airtight Membrane and Vario Multitape SL adhesive tape. In addition to the use of the Vario system, ISOVER Metac High Performance Mineral Wool was used in the pitched roof to ensure thermal performance and comfort within the building. ISOVER Marketing Manager, Valerie Dent, commented, “The Vario System offers the complete solution for builds where high airtightness performance is essential. “Vario can help save time for the installer; ensure moisture control, air flow management and thermal comfort for future users of each building it is installed in. Combined with Metac High Performance Mineral Wool, ISOVER offers the safest and most complete system available on the market.”

The overarching strategy for the build was to ensure that all penetrations within the shell of the building were minimised and addressed. Where there was a penetration of the airtight membrane, for example, it was sealed using ISOVER’s Vario KB1, Multitape or Double Fit Mastic. The contractor also ensured his team had undergone specific training so that they were able to spot issues that could have the potential to threaten the airtightness and thermal performance of the building. The contractor’s biggest challenge was overcoming hurdles concerning this being the team’s first Passivhaus standard build. The need to attain the passive standard was addressed by the contactor by contacting ISOVER’s technical team for information, as well as attending the Vario Airtightness Training Course in the ISOVER Technical Academy in Kingscourt, County Cavan. Topics such as product suitability, product application and details on how to work to a high spec were all covered at the course. For more information on ISOVER products and systems visit the website at www.isover.ie

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

U INSULATION

Take just One Step towards better insulation

ne Step Insulation Ltd, led by Director, Paul Hughes, brings you innovative, evolutionary technology in roof insulation. The company’s product will create a more compatible, more energy efficient building that will eliminate drafts and eradicate cold and heat penetration. It will make a home warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer, increase the EPC efficiency of a home, while also drastically reducing the owner’s overall energy bills. The Icynene Insulation system is the market leading spray foam insulation worldwide and has been in existence since 1986. Icynene’s unique polyicynene formulation means that it will not off-gas or lose thermal resistance over time and each application comes with a lifetime guarantee offering up to 50% greater energy savings over conventional insulation thanks to its unique air sealing qualities. Icynene is the only 100% water blown, 100%

open cell foam on the market, containing no harmful chemicals, blowing agents, HFCs, HCFCs or volatile organic chemicals. Icynene is also the most certified product on the market, having achieved IAB, BBA and ETA approvals and certification. The company’s BBA covers One Step Insulation to spray directly to breathable and

non-breathable products. One Step Insulation sprays domestic homes, new build homes, farm buildings and commercial buildings all over Northern Ireland. For more information, telephone 028 9521 1753 or visit the website at www.onestepinsulation.co.uk

Spray Foam Insulation COMMERCIAL - RESIDENTIAL - OUTBUILDINGS

• Multi surface compatible • Breathable product • More energy efficient • Noise reduction • BBA approved • Speedy installation

10 Lower Rashee Road - Ballyclare - Co Antrim - BT39 9JL Contact: Paul Hughes - T: 028 9521 1753 - E: info@onestepinsulation.co.uk www.onestepinsulation.co.uk

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why build timber frame? sustainable & environmental

TIMBER FRAME CAN HELP YOU ACHIEVE LEVELS 6-7 ON THE CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES

passive solutions

energy efficient

• A precision engineered structure producing high levels of air tightness and highly efficient energy performance. • Strong, durable and flexible build solution designed to meet today’s modern living. • The easily transported and erected in either mainstream or remote locations. • A low carbon emission construction solution contributing the conservation of our environment. • A standard timber frame design can offer greater efficiency than its masonry equivalent and can be easily modified to provide maximum efficiency. • Timber Frame Systems exceed all energy efficiency government regulations, the home owner can save up to 40% on their heating costs. • Timber frame is at the forefront of contributing to the challenge of ‘climate change’ in building, producing a product bound with quality and value for money. • Wastage is minimised keeping the site much tidier and less hazardous. • A timber frame system for a typical domestic dwelling can be assembled and made watertight in four or five days.

For more imformation call our team on

028 9442 8044 or visit www.unitekltd.com Designed by KMP LTD: Tel: 028 9261 2990

LIMITED

manufactured in northern ireland Head Office: 1 Hallstown Road, Lisburn, Co. Antrim BT28 2NE. Email: info@unitekltd.com

U project profile

Project ST. AIDAN’S PARISH CHURCH HALL, Glenavy

AMC Developments provides the best of both worlds at St Aidan’s Existing hall enhanced with a new extension that seamlessly blends old and new…

he philosophy of AMC Developments is that you are only ever as good as your last job and, if the company’s work at St Aidan’s Parish Church is anything to go by then the company doesn’t have much to worry about. The building contractor, based in Carrickfergus and Ballymena, had to meet a wide range of challenges while creating the newly extended church hall at the Glenavy church. In essence, the project was both a new build and a restoration – with the company have to use its expertise to create a

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seamless link between the two. “In many ways either a complete new build or a restoration is more straightforward, where on this project we had the best – or worst – of both worlds,” explained Alan McClernon, Managing Director of AMC Developments. “The original hall was a 30 year-old timber frame building and while it was generally in good condition, it was in need of a lot of modernisation. With new heating and ventilation systems added to the hall along with the new technology such as the audiovisual systems, the last thing we wanted to create was an old hall and a new hall. The two had to be seamless, both visually and in terms of heating and energy efficiency. “We worked on a similar project in Carrickfergus recently and that experience helped us a lot on this job.” The new extension was a conventional cavity

wall construction as well as a portal frame with structural steelwork. Alan said, “Both these new sections alongside the existing timber frame hall all perform differently, so we had to take all that into consideration throughout the project. We focus on quality and, as the main contractor, we believe in doing the vast majority of work ourselves, with only sub-contractors brought in to carry out highly specialist work. “That way we can retain control of the quality of the job. It gives us peace of mind but, even more so, it is reassuring for the client.” He added, “We had a superb relationship with the church committee and with Des Cairns of Des Cairns Architecture. We were guests of honour at the reopening of the hall and I think that says a lot about how well we all worked together.” That philosophy is central to the company’s

success. After working extensively in the construction industry Alan was encouraged by a former employer to go out on his own. He heeded the advice, took a Business Start-Up Course and established AMC Developments in 1992. The company has worked extensively in both the residential and commercial sectors since, carrying out work ranging from extensions and renovations to new build projects. “We rely almost exclusively on word of mouth and recommendations,” said Alan. “You not only have to complete your work to the highest standards but also develop strong relationships with clients, architects and consultants. In this industry your reputation goes before you, so we always have that in mind on each and every job we work on.”

AMC Developments, 3a Craigstown Road, Moorfields, Ballymena. T: 07778 629 869 E: amcdevelopments@live.com

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U project profile

Kitchen ST. AIDAN’S PARISH CHURCH HALL, Glenavy

Longevity delivered by Wilson’s Country Kitchens

meaning that in many years’ time they will be as good as new. Our work is always about providing kitchens that will last and this reflects that.” Based at Castlecaulfield, Wilson’s Country Kitchens specialises in all types of joinery work for domestic and commercial projects, including kitchens, bedrooms, office/study rooms, stairs and shop fittings. The company also supplies a complete range of leading electrical goods suitable for kitchens and bedrooms while Wilson’s Country Kitchens is also an appointed agent for Quooker boiling water taps.

ilson’s Country Kitchens has ensured the new kitchen at the extended church hall at St Aidan’s Parish Church will endure. The company designed, supplied and installed the kitchen, including the solid surface worktops and integrated stainless steel worktops. “We worked closely with the church to create a design that meets the needs of a busy parish,” explained Alistair Wilson, Director. “The kitchen will be well used, making our solid surface worktops the perfect choice. They can be sanded down and returned to their original state,

Wilson’s Country Kitchens, 39 Lisnamonaghan Road, Castlecaulfield, Dungannon, BT70 3NH T: 028 8776 9240 – M: 07775 882 097 – E: info@wilsonscountrykitchens.com www.wilsonscountrykitchens.com

Catering Equipment ST. AIDAN’S PARISH CHURCH HALL, Glenavy

Service to a ‘Tea’ from Stephens Catering Equipment

hurches in Northern Ireland are famous for their hospitality - as demonstrated with the abundance of tea and sandwiches on offer. Therefore, the role of Stephens Catering Equipment was an essential one. The company prides itself on the personal service the company delivers, regardless of the size of the project and this was once again illustrated by the high standard of furniture and catering equipment supplied St Aidan’s. With more than 45 years’ experience in the industry, Stephens Catering Equipment guarantees to bring customers the kitchens of tomorrow, today, providing a supply and installation service incorporating high quality kitchen equipment from world class manufacturers.

Live test kitchens are available at the company’s showrooms in Broughshane in County Antrim and Maynooth in County Kildare which are available for demonstrations of equipment and to train staff. Trained chefs are on hand to help operate and demonstrate equipment capabilities. The company’s services include a free expert planning and design service using CAD; bespoke fabrication units; direct supply of CE approved equipment; Gas Safe and F Gas registered engineers; competitive pricing and, above all, dedication, experience and loyalty. The company also has its own in-house stainless steel fabrication plant giving it full control over the specification, finish and price of its high quality bespoke stainless steel units.

Stephens Catering Equipment, 205 Carnalbanagh Road, Broughshane, BT42 4NY T: 028 2586 1711 - E: info@stephens-catering.com www.stephens-catering.com

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Architecture ST. AIDAN’S PARISH CHURCH HALL, Glenavy

Combining the past with the present is part of the challenge enjoyed by Lisburn company…

Forward-thinking Des Cairns Architecture retains a link to the past

es Cairns loves a challenge and, in particular, he enjoys combining modern requirements within a heritage or restoration setting. In order to achieve this successfully, however, requires someone with a respect for the past, an overarching attention to detail and the ability to think outside the box. That is where Des Cairns Architecture excels. The most recent example of this is at the new church hall at St Aidan’s Parish Church in Glenavy. A fusion of the old and new, Des has once again taken into the consideration the needs of parishioners while still maintaining that strong link with the past. That link is visually evident with the addition of a new wall to effectively combine the old and the new. “There is an old school house within the grounds of the church and we used a new stone wall to connect it in with the church and the hall,” explained Des, who has full conservation accreditation. “While not a Listed Building, this is a heritage site, so we were respectful of the surrounding built

environment as possible. We matched the stone of the wall with the church and also incorporated this into the new section of the hall to provide a visual connection between the three buildings.” The previous hall had been built in the 1980s, with volunteers from the parish pitching in to complete many aspects. However, as the church has grown, more accommodation for different groups and for different requirements was required. The church launched a design competition and it was the Des Cairns Architecture entry that duly impressed. The original structure was maintained, with a new section added which has doubled the footprint of the facilities. As a result, the church now enjoys a main hall and minor hall along with a new kitchen and new meetings rooms. A new ‘break out’ area has been added to the rear, to create an external social area with retained access into the hall. “We have made it all as welcoming as possible, with a bright space and plenty of natural light,” added Des. “There are direct links between the various facilities

but, unlike the past, you don’t have to go through one room to get to the next one, meaning multiple functions and meetings can take place together without fear of being interrupted.” New technology has also been incorporated into the new hall, with high speed AV links between the hall and church allowing for services to be screened in the hall. Des added, “St Aidan’s is a forward-thinking church and that is reflected in these new facilities. Yet, they are very proud of their history in the area, so my challenge was to find the right balance between both. I’m delighted that we have been able to achieve this.” This work at St Aidan’s joins a growing list of heritage and restoration projects completed by Des Cairns Architecture, including work on a mix of listed buildings such as Grade A, Grade B and Grade B+. He concluded, “Heritage and restoration projects offer challenges in abundance but I enjoy but I enjoy going through the history of the building and allowing that to dictate how we move forward.”

Des Cairns Architecture, Fisherman’s Cottage, 31 Lough Road, Upper Ballinderry, Lisburn, BT28 2JY. T: 028 9442 2660 – E: des@descairns.com www.descairns.com

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HSENI HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF A MANAGEMENT SURVEY TO SHOW WHERE ASBESTOS IS LOCATED OR WHERE THERE MIGHT BE ASBESTOS…

Asbestos surveys what you need to know

he Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) is reminding the construction industry about the importance of surveys, as part of duty holders’, employers’ and clients’ legal responsibilities to manage the risks from asbestos. Where asbestos materials are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, they do not present a risk. However, where the materials are in poor condition or are disturbed or damaged, asbestos fibres may be released into the air. If these fibres are breathed in they can cause serious lung diseases, including cancers. Workers who disturb the fabric of buildings during daily use, maintenance, refurbishment, repair, installation and related activities may be exposed to asbestos every time they unknowingly disturb or work on asbestoscontaining materials without taking the correct precautions. To prevent this exposure, information is needed on whether asbestos is, or is likely to be, present in the buildings, so that an assessment can be made about the risk it presents and appropriate measures put in place to manage those risks. The person responsible for managing the maintenance and repair of a non-domestic building (also called a ‘duty holder’) must manage any asbestos in it. They can use other competent people to assist them in all or part of the work to comply with their legal duties, but they cannot delegate their legal duty. A thorough inspection of the premises will usually take the form of an asbestos survey. This has to provide sufficient information for a risk assessment, asbestos register and management plan to be prepared. The asbestos register must be available to those who plan or initiate maintenance and related work, so that it can be consulted before the work begins. The survey is likely to involve sampling and analysis to confirm the presence or absence of asbestos-containing materials. The type of

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survey will vary during the lifespan of the premises, and several may be needed over time. Choosing the correct type of asbestos survey is critically important. • MANAGEMENT SURVEY - A management survey aims to ensure that nobody is harmed by the continuing presence of asbestos containing materials in the premises or equipment; that the asbestos-containing materials remain in good condition; and that nobody disturbs it accidentally. The survey must locate asbestos-containing materials that could be damaged or disturbed by normal activities, by foreseeable maintenance, or by installing new equipment, pipes or cabling etc. • REFURBISHMENT/DEMOLITION SURVEY - The refurbishment/demolition survey is required where the premises, or part of them, need upgrading, refurbishment or demolition. It aims to ensure that nobody will be harmed by work on asbestos-containing materials in the premises or equipment, and that such work will be done by the right contractor in the right way. The survey must locate and identify all asbestos-containing materials before any structural work begins at a stated location or on stated equipment at the premises. It is likely to involve destructive inspection and asbestos disturbance. The area surveyed must be vacated during the survey and certified ‘fit for reoccupation’ before people use it again. Surveys can be carried out by in-house personnel or a third party. In each case, the surveyor must be competent to carry out the work required. This means that the duty holder needs to make reasonable enquiries as to whether the organisation or

individual is technically competent to carry out the survey adequately and safely (refer to HSG264 for further information on assessing competency). You don’t have to be an expert to get a good idea of how competent a surveyor is – ask questions, seek references and look at previous survey reports. Inadequate surveys can have disastrous consequences, resulting in contamination to people, equipment and furnishings by asbestos fibres. • THE SURVEY REPORT - The final surveyor’s report must be clear, unambiguous and readily accessible to those who need to use it. Caveats should be limited, fully justifiable, agreed and documented in the report in a separate section. Each asbestos survey report should contain as a minimum: • Name of surveyor • An executive summary of the survey • Points on scope, date and main findings • Overall recommendations and conclusions • Further actions • Name of the laboratory carrying out analysis of samples. For more information about the dangers of working with asbestos, see ‘Asbestos, The Survey Guide HSG264’; ‘Managing & Working with Asbestos – Approved Code of Practice L143’; and ‘Managing Asbestos in Buildings INDG233’; telephone HSENI on 0800 0320 121 or visit the website at www.hseni.gov.uk/dutytomanage

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U product news

Clever design blends seamlessly with already constructed brickwork to speed up installation time and creates cost savings…

IG Masonry Support Systems Awarded BBA Certificate for IG Brick Slip Lintels

G Masonry Support Systems is delighted to have attained the BBA Agrément certificate for its Brick Slip Lintels. This valuable third-party endorsement for the product’s performance will give specifiers and contractors extra assurance that the company’s Brick Slip Lintels for external masonry have been rigorously tested to industry standards. The British Board of Agrément is one of the UK’s leading notified bodies offering approval, certification and test services to manufacturers of products and systems supplying the construction industry. BBA approval is recognised by building control, government departments, architects, local authorities, specifiers, and industry insurers like the National House Builders Council (NHBC). IG’s brick slip lintels are structural lintels with brick slips bonded to them. Available in a range of different bond patterns, IGs brick

slip lintels ensure that the brick is visible on the soffit of the lintel. This eliminates the need for any formwork, propping or site cutting of bricks where the lintel is required. The prefabricated units are manufactured off-site and delivered complete with unpointed bricks bonded Paul Graham, Technical Manager IG MSS (centre) is presented with the BBA to them, offering a major certificate by Gary Dicker, Head of Client Accounts for the BBA (left), and Noah Walsh, Regional Business Manager, Ireland BBA. reduction in on-site labour. The key benefits of the IG Brick Slip Lintels is that they are manufactured strengthens our position as a leading supplier bespoke to your requirements, simply of masonry support systems, providing installed as a standard lintel, that they blend high quality solutions for designers and seamlessly with already constructed brickwork contractors” and offer cost savings for the contractor. For further information on the range of IG Owen Coyle, IG Masonry Support Systems Masonry Support Systems, visit General Manager, said, “This accreditation www.igmasonrysupport.com or call the from the world renowned BBA, further Masonry Support Hotline on 028 8676 2184.

MAPEI LAUNCHES ULTRABOND ECO VS90 PLUS TO ITS ESTABLISHED ECO ADHESIVE RANGE…

New high strength adhesive from Mapei

apei has launched Ultrabond Eco VS90 Plus to its range of Ultrabond Eco adhesives. A ready-to-use, light beige paste, Ultrabond Eco VS90 Plus benefits from a fast, strong initial grab, allowing traffic after only three to five hours. This universal high temperature acrylic, wet-bed dispersion adhesive, bonds vinyl/rubber sheet and tile, PVC-backed carpet and luxury vinyl tiles with ease. The adhesive can be used with underfloor heating systems. Ultrabond Eco VS90 Plus is extremely easy to apply, with good peel strength, high resistance to shear stresses, and the added advantage of being a high temperature adhesive. It can also be specified to install floor coverings in many environments, including those subjected to chairs with castors.

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Solvent-free and classified as EC1 Plus under the GEV Emicode accreditation system, the environmentally-friendly adhesive is extremely versatile in its use and consequently has a universal application range, being ideal for bonding many textile floorcoverings with all common backings. The range now includes seven high quality adhesives for the installation of all types of resilient floorcoverings. These adhesives offer exceptional performance, as well as providing a raft of health and eco-benefits. All products carry EC1 GEV Emicode labelling for ultra-low emissions of volatile organic compounds. For more information on Mapei’s full Ultrabond Eco Adhesives range, visit www.mapei.co.uk, e-mail info@mapei.co.uk or telephone 0121 508 6970.

Mapei’s new Ultrabond Eco VS90 Plus temporary packaging.

Ultrabond Eco VS90 Plus is extremely easy to apply, with good peel strength, high resistance to shear stresses, and the added advantage of being a high temperature adhesive. FOLLOW US ON:

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Care and attention at new Ballymena health centre How the demands of building Northern Ireland’s largest health and care centre were met… g

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Project Ballymena Health and Care Centre

building contractor’s healthcare prowess creates the perfect finish at £25 million centre in Ballymena…

O’Hare & McGovern completes province’s largest health and care centre

’Hare & McGovern has completed work on Northern Ireland’s largest health and care centre – a project that saw the company having to find the balance between meeting medical requirements with creating a hotel-like finish. The new Ballymena Health and Care Centre is a £25million facility located on the north side of the Braid Valley Hospital site. With an eye-catching aesthetic, both internally and externally, the new health and care centre delivers on a forward-thinking vision for this type of facility. Rather than creating a cold, clinical atmosphere, the collaborative architectural team of Keppie Design and Gareth Hoskins Architects have created a welcoming environment for patients in a facility that brings together a wide range of primary, intermediary, diagnostic and community health facilities under one roof.

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The vast experience of O’Hare & McGovern on hotel and leisure projects along with expertise in the healthcare sector made the company the perfect choice to turn this design concept into a reality. O’Hare & McGovern’s Site Manager, Mick Fearnon, explained, “Overall, the finish is more like a hotel than a health centre but, at the same time, we still had to meet stringent medical requirements. “This is a state-of-the-art facility and we had to find the right balance between the building’s aesthetics and its practicality. That is why our past experience was so important.” The practicality aspect of the project also took on added importance given that O’Hare & McGovern was working on a live hospital site. “We didn’t have much room to work with on-site and we also had to take into consideration the needs of the patients and

staff,” added Mick. “Our main access route was also the road used by emergency ambulances, so we had to make sure it was clear at all times. We had to plan our deliveries perfectly and particularly when we were finishing off the new connecting road we had to work very closely with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust to plan this properly. “We enjoyed a really good rapport with the Trust and also the team from Keppie Design. That makes a real difference on a project such as this, where communication is key.” Yet those challenges are all something that O’Hare & McGovern can control – the weather, however, is a different matter. “The poor weather over the summer really set us back,” said Mick. “It was particularly bad when the roof was being added and while it was out of our control we adapted

as best we could by rescheduling works.” The final result of the successful partnership with the architectural team and the client is illustrated by the Ballymena Health and Care Centre. The 2.5 floor structure is a steel frame build with an outer brick skin and a metal stud and plasterboard inner skin. It has been designed to facilitate a wide range of services across approximately 9,000m2. These services include rehabilitation and diagnostic services, such as physiotherapy, podiatry and community dental; a children’s department; six GP practices; a GP out-ofours service; acute outpatient clinics and mental health clinics. A Boots pharmacy has also relocated to the new centre. The new Ballymena Health and Care Centre is the perfect illustration of the changing face of healthcare projects and, consequently, once again places O’Hare & McGovern at the forefront of this sector.

O’Hare & McGovern, Carnbane House, Shepherds Way, Carnbane Industrial Estate, Newry T: 028 3026 4662 – E: carnbanehouse@ohmg.com www.ohmg.com

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M&E Contractor Ballymena Health and Care Centre

After completing Northern Ireland’s first combined health and social care centre, Harvey Group works on the province’s largest facility of its kind…

Harvey Group showcases healthcare expertise

hen it comes to the specialist healthcare sector, Harvey Group has more than proved the company’s wide-ranging expertise. The new £25million Ballymena Health and Care Centre encompasses the new look of healthcare provision in Northern Ireland, with a wide range of medical and social care services now housed within this impressive building. While Harvey Group can point to the company’s successful involvement in the award-winning Wellcome Wolfson Centre of Experimental Medicine at Queen’s University

Belfast as a reflection of its attention to detail, the work carried out at The Portadown Community Treatment and Care Centre is of more relevance. When it opened in 2009, Portadown CTCC was the first facility of its kind in Northern Ireland, providing a ‘one-stop-shop’ for both primary and community care services. In contrast, Ballymena Health and Care Centre is now the largest facility of its kind in the province, with the team from Harvey Group utilising the experience of Portadown on this latest project. That was evident in one aspect of the

mechanical installation where a combination of aesthetics and practically had to be met. Stewart Mitchell, Mechanical Contracts Manager on the project, explained, “The design team made it clear at the beginning of the project that they wanted the radiant panels to form part of the building structure, effectively blending in unnoticed. “In order to achieve this, they were installed to full room width and cut around rising steelwork with a ‘dead section’ of panel at one end, specifically allowing future access in order to fulfil maintenance requirements. It was an unusual challenge, but one we were

“Through teamwork, co-ordination and communication on site, we achieved the successful coordination of services.” 54 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

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able to solve quite easily.” As an in-house Level 1 BIM project, Harvey Group utilised both Building Information technology alongside AutoCAD to effectively design the system and avoid any clashes with other services. As M&E installations become more prevalent, so the need for more innovative methods of housing these services becomes a necessity. Stewart added, “In an effort to increase the amount of daylighting in the perimeter rooms, the architect specified sloped ceilings on the project, which, although they looked the part, came with their own challenges. This left us with the difficult task of co-ordinating services within an everdecreasing space within ceiling void. “However, through teamwork, coordination and communication on site, we achieved the successful co-ordination of services.”

The same issue also challenged Geoffrey Stewart, the Electrical Contracts Manager. “We faced a high intensity of services all within a tight space,” he said. “Having our own specific M&E co-ordinator and the use of AutoCAD to rule out clashes made a significant difference in this regard.” With a target of a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, the M&E team also had to take energy efficiency into consideration for this project. From an electrical perspective, PIR and time-controlled lighting was installed, with the fitting only remaining on when detecting a presence in the room. In addition, the LED emergency lighting not only offers extended lamp life but, as a self-testing system, it reduces the labour time required to check each fitting. Mechanically, rainwater harvesting, major leak detection, solenoid point-of-use detection was installed to keep energy use as efficient as possible.

M&E services Harvey Group’s M&E installation at Ballymena Health and Care Centre incorporated: Mechanical: • Gas-fired LPHW heating system • Gas-fired domestic hot water system and sanitary ware • Air-conditioning system • Fume extract system • Automatic opening windows • Automatic opening stairwell vents • Rainwater harvesting • Heat recovery ventilation system • Dental vacuum system • Dental compressed air system • Natural gas and gas detection system • Medical gas detection system Electrical: • Main switchboard • Distribution switchboard • Fire alarm • CCTV • Intruder alarm • Disabled refuge • Lighting • Emergency lighting • Nurse call system • Data network • Door access • Lightning protection • TV system • Music system • Sound systems

Harvey Group, 14 Glenwell Park, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim. BT36 7RF T: 028 9034 2444 – E: info@harveygroup.co.uk www.harveygroup.co.uk

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Modular Skylights Ballymena Health and Care Centre velux modular skylights provide maximum daylight combined with high levels of flexibility and easy installation...

Intelligent design from VELUX MODULAR SKYLIGHTS

ith a strong emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency, main contractor, O’Hare & McGovern, chose the VELUX Group as its partner for the modular skylight system installed in a two-storey section of the roof at the Ballymena Health and Care Centre. Perfect for larger rooms and corridors, Longlights are bands of modular skylights that provide attractive natural lighting conditions. VELUX Modular Skylights were able to guarantee the exact amount of daylight and ventilation that O’Hare & McGovern was looking for and, more importantly, was

able to deliver an element of speed. A quick installation process was vital to protect the interior during the construction phase and to facilitate a faster start up for interior work. “This is the first project we have worked on with O’Hare & McGovern and, now that we have established the relationship, we are delighted to be working with them on further projects,” said VELUX Business Development Manager, Mark O’Neill. “We were involved in the Ballymena project right from the start, when we clearly demonstrated the merits of the innovative VELUX Modular Skylights system,” continued Mark. “We were able to show O’Hare & McGovern a video of a typical, identical

installation. That was very important in their decision to opt for this modular system over more traditional ones. They could see the whole process, from start to finish, and it helped alleviate any fears they might have had about using a new system. “The VELUX Modular Skylights system has many benefits over traditional systems, including the fact that there are no leaks with this system. Because it is modular and we can build it at our factory, we can iron out any problems at an early stage and provide a much faster installation process. We can also give an accurate delivery time – even delivering to a specific hour if required on a big, busy site.”

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Winning the contract for VELUX Modular Skylights was not without its challenges, admitted Mark. “We were pitching a new product and that’s always harder to do – our technical submission alone ran to 30 pages,” he said. “However, the video which showed a typical installation was a great help. It’s available to view on our website and I would encourage architects and specifiers to have a look for themselves. Once people see how easy it is to put together they are keen to find out more.” VELUX modular skylights are specified for many reasons, not least because of the reputation for excellent durable quality. Cost-efficiency is also another important feature of the solution offered by VELUX Modular Skylights, together with the ongoing customer support available before, during and after specification. The prefabricated modular flashing ensures fast and easy installation, as well as visual and functional consistency externally, while the elegant, minimalistic interior profile allows for maximum daylight and doesn’t detract from the building’s

overall design. The design of the flashings allows for configurations with pitches between 5° and 25°. “I have to say, it was great working with O’Hare & McGovern. They understood how this product would add value to the project – and also how the speed of installation would be invaluable in what was a very tight build schedule,” said Mark. “We were pleased to be able to partner with such a top tier contractor and are already working with them again on some other prestigious projects.” Norman Ellis, Contracts Manager at O’Hare & McGoven commented, “The VELUX Group flew a technical team in from Denmark during the design process to meet the designers here. This allowed them to devise the rooflights to meet our specific requirements – for instance, they had to be capable of carrying the weight of a person if required. “Because it was fabricated off site, the installation time was substantially shortened, which reduced the time required on the programme, meaning that the building could be made weathertight sooner.”

Revolutionary new way of designing skylights VELUX modular skylights are a fully prefabricated modular concept that comes in a single module system. All essential components are created, tested and integrated in a controlled environment and pre-fitted prior to delivery. From an architectural point of view, this modular concept comes from a simplified design process where transparency and easy of specification are keywords. When designing with VELUX modular skylights all you have to do is: 1. Select one of our seven innovative product solutions. 2. Download free CAD/BIM objects from the website at www.modularskylights.velux.co.uk 3. Design with daylight and incorporate VELUX Modular Skylights into your project. VELUX modular skylights are 100% modular, making them easy to specify, highly adaptable and comprehensive in features. The main components that make up the system are all prefabricated to fit perfectly, enabling a quick and safe building process – from mounting the skylights on the sub-construction to final wiring and automation setup. A unique bracket system with a simple clamp design guarantees a predictable installation process; this makes it possible to fit an entire module within minutes, protecting the structure from the elements and enabling a more comfortable building process. Discreet and elegant design makes VELUX modular skylights an attractive building component in any architectural endeavour. The strong, slim design allows for maximum light transmission while offering support for virtually any weather condition.

VELUX Company Ltd, Unit 1, Willsborough Cluster, Willsborough Ind Est, Clonshaugh, Dublin 17 T: 01592 778916 – E: vms@velux.co.uk www.modularskylights.velux.co.uk

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Stonework Ballymena Health and Care Centre

JUST STONE WORKS REGULARLY ON WALLS AND PILLARS IN BOTH THE RESIDENTIAL AND CIVIL SECTORS, GUARANTEEING A HIGH-END QUALITY FINISH THAT MEETS ALL CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS…

Supply and service form strong foundations for Just Stone

he stylish stonework for the entrance walls at the new health and care centre in Ballymena was supplied and fitted by Magherafelt company, Just Stone. “It was quite a big job,” said Patrick McVey, owner of Just Stone. “We used roughly 300sqm of black basalt, locally sourced from Corkey Quarry in Cloughmills, to blend in with the existing building. It’s a local stone which is typical of buildings in the area. “This was the first time we have worked with main contractor, O’Hare & McGovern and it was an interesting job, on a tight schedule. We were delighted to finish on time to meet the deadline and look forward to working with O’Hare & McGovern again in the future. “We have been in business for the last 10 years, and carry out a lot of residential work, but the in last couple of years the commercial side of the business has really taken off too. “It’s an area that is growing for us, as we have a lot of advantages to offer contractors. We

are self-sufficient and can cut the stone at our premises and then fit it on site, which can be more convenient for the contractor.” Just Stone is a Mid-Ulster based company specialising in stone masonry construction work within a variety of works. Residential work includes extensions, walls and pillars, fireplaces and paving, which has established Just Stone as a leader in its field, but the company is equally at home working on multi-million pound civil engineering projects. All work is carried out to exacting high standards, using the latest construction technologies combined with design and build experience. “We are very versatile at Just Stone and work on a wide range of projects all over Ireland,” said Patrick. “Some of our more notable work has included a big restoration job at Runkerry House in Bushmills where we fully raked out, repointed and replaced stonework there, all cut by ourselves. In contrast, we were

involved in the Station Square Environmental Improvement Scheme in Portrush, near Barry’s Amusements, and recently carried out a project for a toilet block at an amenities centre in Glenariff Forest Park. “We are extremely customer focused and offer a full consultation, design and build package in addition to advice throughout the duration of the project,” he continued. “A wide variety of stone is available, and can be sourced to meet varying customer requirements. We source natural stone and sills from quarries and suppliers across both Ireland and the UK to ensure quality, while also providing value for money for the client. “A variety of natural stone can be sourced to meet the requirements of the individual project, with a selection of colours, styles and textures available. Just Stone can source, order and organise delivery of stone on behalf of the customer, and samples can be provided upon request.

Just Stone, 83 Loup Road, Moneymore, Magherafelt, BT45 7ST T: 07725 343 348 - E: info@just-stone.com www.just-stone.com

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Fitted Furniture Ballymena Health and Care Centre

CARELLA IS RECOGNISED AS A LEADING AUTHORITY IN THE DESIGN, MANUFACTURE AND INSTALLATION OF HIGH SPECIFICATION CUSTOM-BUILT FURNITURE FOR HEALTHCARE FACILITIES…

Carella - at the forefront of design

ell known in the construction industry as a leading supplier of laminated-based products, and with over 25 years’ experience in healthcare and science projects, Carella Laminate Systems was a natural partner of choice for a prestigious project such as the Ballymena Health and Care Centre project. The company manufactured and installed high density storage units in consulting rooms and clinical areas, together with fitted furniture for the GP areas (including 15 bespoke reception counters), and decorative wall panelling and worktops for other areas. “It was a large volume job on a very tight programme, but we have worked with main contractor O’Hare & McGovern many times in the past and the project was pretty straightforward and what we expected,” said John Patton, of Carella. “We manufacture and install to a very high standard, and often to a bespoke design. The reception counters, for example, were all finished in Corian, which is both durable

and aesthetically pleasing. With expertise in the manufacture and fitting of modular furniture for the healthcare field, we carry out a lot of work for hospitals and clinics, as well as schools,” continued John. “We have contracts all over Ireland and the UK, and are currently fitting out two hospitals in Scotland.”

EXPERT Carella’s primary expertise is the manufacture and installation of specialist healthcare furniture, IPS and bespoke reception desks and nurses’ stations. Through the company’s active product evolution and research into relevant statutes and regulations, including the HTM recommendations, Carella is recognised as a leading authority in healthcare facilities. The company was established in 1989 at Longfield Industrial Estate, Eglinton just outside Derry-Londonderry. In 1997, it moved to a new, purpose-built factory at Campsie Business Park where production processes could be accommodated more efficiently,

improving quality control, speeding up manufacture and lead times and increasing productivity on the production floor. In 2005, additional factory space was purchased to house a dedicated production line for the fabrication of post-formed and laminated products. This diversification of the manufacturing facilities and continuous expansion and development of the company’s core business in cubicle and washroom ranges and the growth in the supply and installation of healthcare and laboratory furniture has established Carella as an expert in specialist post-formed laminated joinery. Carella is particularly proud of its production of bespoke joinery items, such as nurses’ stations or reception counters, and has a dedicated area with key joiners to manufacture these items. All production work in the factory starts with architects’ plans from which Carella’s CAD technicians produce working drawings for approval. These then form the basis for shop drawings and manufacture for installation.

Carella Laminate Systems Ltd, 11 Campsie Business Park, McLean Road, Eglinton, BT47 3XX T: 028 7181 0330 - F: 028 7181 1604 - E: info@carella.com www.carella.com

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Safe Access Equipment Ballymena Health and Care Centre

Safe solutions from Skyway

kyway Safe Access Equipment Ltd provided a complete package to allow operatives and maintenance personnel to have safe access to all areas on the roof of the new Ballymena Health and Care Centre building. “The challenge was to provide systems that were discreet and effective, with minimal roof and flashing penetrations, and that’s just what we delivered, with concealed walkways and platforms that are not visually imposing from the roadside,” explained Eoin Ryan, Skyway’s Design Engineer. “We provided a designated safe access route to a series of standing seam monopitched roofs, and the equipment we installed now enables initial access to the roof area through the use of a PivotLoc ladder. When

the roof is ascended, the operative is in a safe location away from the roof edge when they disconnect. The Kee Walk walkway then enables safe traverse to the necessary roof locations. The ships ladder (complete with handrail and ladder platform) allows access across each individual roof pitch, where it is met by the stepped walkway to lead down the roof pitch to the traverse walkway.” Skyway Safe Access Equipment Ltd provides innovative equipment and training for all aspects of working at height throughout Ireland, UK, Europe and beyond. The company’s core product base consists of fall prevention cable and track systems, guardrail systems, ladders, platforms, fragile roof protection, machine access, and overhead systems for truck, bus and plane access.

Skyway Safe Access Equipment Ltd, Wellington Executive, Rochester Building, 28 Adelaide St, Belfast, BT2 8GD T: 0800 917 9932 – E: contactus@skyway.ie www.Skyway.ie

Joinery Ballymena Health and Care Centre

Bespoke work from SOS Joinery

OS Joinery carried out the second fix joinery works at the new health and care centre in Ballymena. This included all the internal joinery work, pre-hung door sets, ironmongery, architraves and skirting, as well as the oak soffit detail around the building’s front entrance. “We were able to provide added value with bespoke joinery work on some of the windows,” said Contracts Manager, Seamus Scullion. “Because we can also manufacture, we were asked to design and make a selection of decorative oak finished window details. A lot of planning went into it, and it was a pleasure working with O’Hare & MGovern’s Site Manager, Mick Fearon. We produced a bespoke product which we are

really proud of. It’s a really striking feature in the building.” SOS Joinery was established 14 years ago by brothers Seamus and Oliver Scullion, who work across the UK and Ireland in a wide range of sectors, mainly commercial, and have recently been growing the manufacturing side of the business. The company also does fitouts for shops, offices and airports. Recent high spec jobs include work at the University of Limerick (in another partnership with O’Hare & McGovern), and church projects in University Street, Belfast and Ahoghill, Ballymena.

“We produced a bespoke product which we are really proud of.”

SOS Joinery Ltd, 4 Curraghbrock Lane, Gulladuff, Magherafelt, BT45 8SB T: 028 8674 7683 E: info@sosjoineryltd.com

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Office Interiors Ballymena Health and Care Centre

1080 helps transform centre’s interior

ommitted to high quality products, great value and excellent service, 1080 (part of the Alpha Group), was tasked with supplying a range of office furniture for the new Ballymena Health & Care Centre, which would enable users to easily engage, connect and collaborate with co-workers. The brief was to create a working environment for various teams, some of whom would be individually focused in separate offices, while others needed to work as part of a team. “We were also asked to provide a convenient, fully connected space for mobile/hot desking,” said Ken Hutchinson, of 1080. “This space had to be integrated for easy power and data access, along with privacy and storage. In total, we supplied workstations, task chairs, storage units, sofas and soft seats for office

areas, meeting rooms and breakout areas.” Endorsing the company’s expertise and professionalism, Norman Ellis, Contracts Manager, O’Hare & McGovern, commented, “1080 performed excellently on this project. The installation of the furniture was in line with the programme and the guys on site were professional, hardworking and more than helpful, co-operating well with the other trades.” 1080 has transformed the business and workplace interiors of some of the UK and Ireland’s leading companies and organisations. It can design, plan, supply and install everything needed to create the ideal business environment, and brings leading-edge knowledge and design skills to the workplace environment.

1080, 53 Dargan Rd, Belfast, BT3 9JU T: 028 9070 1080 – E: think@1080.co.uk www.1080.co.uk

Wall Cladding Ballymena Health and Care Centre

High performance from Alphaclad

lphaclad (NI)Ltd supplied and fitted Altro Whiterock hygienic cladding on showers and splashbacks throughout the Ballymena Health and Care Centre building. A completely fully-bonded system with a continuous smooth, tough and durable surface, Altro Whiterock cladding can be wiped clean in an instant, retaining its hygienic, stain-free appearance. Altro includes Altrosans - an integral bacteriostat that prevents the growth of bacteria and meets all EU directives on health and hygiene. All internal and external corners are thermoformed. There are no grout lines, which means it is a powerful aid in infection control. Alphaclad installs this specialised product in hospitals, restaurants, hotels,

schools, health centres, nursing homes, food factories, pharmaceutical facilities etc across Ireland and the UK. “We also fitted a Gradus wall protection system on the walls and corners. It provides an essential barrier against damage caused by the general flow of wheeled and pedestrian traffic, and is also environmentally friendly,” said Sean Duffy, Alphaclad. With over 40 years’ experience in the supply of materials for the building trade, Sean set up his own company, Alphaclad, five years ago. Building on his wide contact base, he has grown a successful family business where he is joined by his son (also named Sean) and a team of employees, who are all experienced Alpha Whiterock fitters.

Alphaclad (NI) Ltd, 4, Kilglen Drive Meigh, Meigh, Newry, Co Down, BT35 8JW T: 028 3084 8602 – M: 07549 538 407 E: sean@alphaclad.com

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Smoke Ventilation Ballymena Health and Care Centre

Top quality smoke ventilation system from WJ Hogg

n keeping with standards throughout the Ballymena Health & Care Centre build, the smoke ventilation system supplied by WJ Hogg & Co Ltd was of the highest quality. “We provided smoke AOVs (automatic opening vents) at the heads of three stairs, so that in the event of a fire, the vents will open to evacuate smoke from the stairways, aiding the escape of occupants from the building and improving access for fire fighters,” said Managing Director, Roger Hogg. “On another stair we installed four slimline, low profile motorised windows to

ventilate smoke. The roof AOVs were quite interesting because the specification was very stringent in relation to heat loss requirements and this was the first time we had installed this particular high-end system. “We’ve done a number of projects for Harvey Group and O’Hare & McGovern, and are currently working with them both at another large smoke ventilation project in Belfast for student accommodation.” Established in 1979, WJ Hogg specialises in smoke ventilation systems, aluminium louvres and Brise Soleil solar shading products.

WJ Hogg & Co Ltd, 1a West Bank Drive, Belfast, BT3 9LA T: 028 9077 8700 – E: sales@wjhogg.co.uk www.hoggenvironmental.com

Partitions and Drywall Systems Ballymena Health and Care Centre

Efficiency and excellence from North West Drylining

ith a reputation for quality service, North West Drylining Ltd delivered exactly that to the building works at Ballymena Health and Care Centre. The scope of work included a lightweight steel system (Metsec framing), metal stud partitions, wall lining systems/perforated plasterboard, suspended ceiling systems, acoustic systems and insulation, and fire protection. “Experience, efficiency and excellence are just three of our best qualities,” said Anntoin Bradley, Quantity Surveyor with North West Drylining. “We have a simple aim - to seek perfection in everything we do for clients. We commit to high-level performance in every aspect of our work,

and our wealth of experience adds value to the whole project team. “Being the best is the very essence of our reputation and core values, and we only work with the best teams in the industry to service clients who demand high levels of resource, commitment and quality. North West Drylining works closely with architects, quantity surveyors and contractors to meet whatever specifications are required, and it was a pleasure to work with main contractor, O’Hare & McGovern on this project. “We pride ourselves on listening carefully to client needs and specifications, delivering what we say we’ll do, when, where and how the client wants it, and adhering to all legal, financial and health and safety regulations and requirements.”

North West Drylining Ltd, 288 Foreglen Road, Dungiven, BT47 4PJ T. 028 71338407 – E: info@nwdrylining.co.uk www.nwdrylining.co.uk

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Precast Stairs Ballymena Health and Care Centre

Fast and efficient installation by Acheson & Glover

ith wide experience in large new-build projects, Acheson & Glover designed and manufactured the pre-cast concrete staircases at the new health and care centre in Ballymena. “Offering custom-built moulds, Acheson & Glover can accommodate a wide variety of staircase configurations and designs,” said Contracts Manager, Gary Black. “Our pre-cast division can produce a quality finish, manufactured in a controlled factory environment, using bespoke moulds to give a premium quality finish. “Landings can incorporate any detail that the design demands, such as curves, and can be detailed for progressive collapse, if required. Because we manufacture off-site, we can deliver and install to meet the build programme and,

in addition, improve immediate access for site safety and efficiency. “Our stairs and landings are designed to current British and European standards, and our designers work hard to keep abreast of the latest construction trends, for instancce progressive collapse.” Manufacturing and distributing the widest range of concrete products in the UK and Ireland, all Acheson & Glover’s products have the high quality needed to meet the needs of both the commercial and retail markets. “On the Ballymena building, our team showed their worth at an early stage of the project, providing advice and expertise to ensure the best possible design solution for a top quality finished product,” said Gary.

Head Office – 11 Aghnagar Road, Tullyvannon, Ballygawley, Co Tyrone, BT70 2HW T: 028 8556 8441 – F: 028 8556 8447 – E: precast@acheson-glover.com www.acheson-glover.com

Ironmongery & Doors Ballymena Health and Care Centre

A handle on quality from KCC

CC Architectural has a long history of supplying and installing products to the healthcare sector and the company put this expertise to good use at the new Ballymena Health and Care Centre (HCC). “We already have experience of working on these new types of community healthcare facilities so we were aware of the specialist requirements needed,” explained Tony Campbell, Business Development Manager for KCC Architectural. “Ballymena HCC incorporates a wide range of different services under one roof, so an extensive amount of access control technology was required within this new £25million centre. “We developed an all-encompassing strategy that met the exacting requirements of the project as well as disability access

and health and safety requirements. This was implemented with the supply and installation of our architectural ironmongery and electronic locking systems throughout Ballymena HCC.” The building’s design is also very different to most healthcare facilities, with an emphasis on providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere and avoiding the cold, clinical look associated with some health centres. “The aesthetics were very important on this project but we have an extensive product range so were able to meet the project’s requirements,” added Tony. “From the initial design and development of a project strategy, the KCC philosophy focuses on providing a comprehensive service.”

KCC Architectural, 20-21a Harbour Court, Heron Road, Sydenham Business Park, Belfast T: 028 9046 9914 - F: 028 9046 9915 - E: salesbelfast@kccarchitectural.com www.kccarchitectural.com

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Suspended Ceilings Ballymena Health and Care Centre

Streamlined finish from CCL Interiors

CCL Interiors is a trusted name in the

allymena Health and Care Centre has a streamlined look thanks to the new suspended ceiling system installed by CCL Interiors. A concealed ceiling system, CCL Interiors installed 3,000sqm of Ultima and Ultima Vector in conjunction with M&E contractor, Harvey Group. “This is a concealed ceiling system so there’s no visible grid,” explained Andrew Montgomery, Managing Director of CCL Interiors. “This is quite an intricate system, which created its own difficulties. It was also important that it was done in conjunction with the M&E contractor to ensure they had the necessary access they needed to install their services.”

construction industry, providing specialist services including suspended ceilings, partitions, raised access flooring, lightweight steel framing systems and Altro Whiterock wall cladding, operable walls and acoustic wall panelling. With a proven track record working across private sectors, including commercial, hospitality and leisure and residential together with the Public Sector, CCL Interiors works with a range of design and fit-out partners to offer a one-stopshop in professional interior fit-out solutions catering for all sizes, scales and specifications.

CCL Interiors Ltd, Unit A4 Harbour Court, 5 Heron Road, Sydenham Business Park, Belfast T: 028 9045 8855 - E: info@ccl-interiors.com www.ccl-interiors.com

Construction Joints Ballymena Health and Care Centre

Professional sealing service from Construction Joints

onstruction Joints provided an extensive jointing package for the Ballymena Health and Care Centre. “We sealed approximately 1,200m of brickwork expansion joints, along with external joints around windows, using Everbuild 825 silicone sealant in Portland and anthracite colour,” said Patrice Rafferty, Quantity Surveyor for the company. “It was quite a big job but we applied the same high standards of service on each and every joint to deliver a top class professional job.” Founded in 1974, Construction Joints offers an enviable range of services throughout the UK and Ireland. The company’s reputation for professional workmanship together with an extensive knowledge of specialised materials

ensures that, no matter what your project requirements, Construction Joints has the ability to deliver on time and within budget on both short and long-term contracts. From everyday expansion joints through to bespoke car-park joints, Construction Joint’s team of experts complete the task on hand quickly and efficiently, leaving clients with a professional finish on the selected surface. “We provide an effective, reliable supply and fix service using a range of sealants, polysulphides, polyurethanes and silicones in a variety of colours, using quality products,” said Patrice. “With over 40 years’ experience, we are the first choice for specialist services such as jointing.”

Construction Joints Ltd, Unit 12, Fortwilliam Business Park, Dargan Crescent, Belfast, BT3 9JP T: 028 9077 9022 – F: 028 9077 9021 – E: enquiries@cjltd.com www.constructionjoints.co.uk

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Discover our world of Clay Bricks, ask to see our latest Comprehensive range now available.

Telephone: 028 9442 8044 www.bricksalesltd.com

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Project St Donard’s Church of Ireland, east Belfast Communication is key for experienced contractor as new Parish Centre at the Church on the Corner opens its doors…

High praise for Killowen Contracts for new St Donard’s Parish Centre

illowen Contracts Ltd has received high praise for the company’s work at the new Parish Centre at St Donard’s Parish Church in Belfast. The company was appointed by the church’s Select Vestry to carry out the construction of a new 480m2 Parish Centre along with associated siteworks as well as alterations to the existing church – known locally as ‘The Church on the Corner’. The company has extensive experience in the ecclesiastical sector and this was demonstrated from the very early stages of this project. The new centre, located on the current St Donard’s site at Bloomfield Road, is single– storey, connected to the church by the former vestry which has become a multi–functional space with storage. The new welcome area provides a flexible foyer to the church, furnished with small tables and colourful seating and is glazed from floor to ceiling. As well as offering lots of natural light, passers– by will have a window into church life and, in warm weather, activities will be able to spill out onto the new patio. Adjacent to the entrance porch, an office, second meeting room and kitchen sit to the left of the new, purpose-built coffee bar serving the welcome area. The welcome area also serves as a gateway route through to the new main hall, toilets and a small store. All of the areas are equipped with multimedia facilities. The new parish hall and ‘link’ building were constructed as Phase 1 of the scheme. Once this work was finished the company turned its attention to Phase 2 which was the internal refurbishment work required to the existing church. This work involved the alteration of floor levels to provide level access and provision of new carpets to the altar area. To avoid a shutdown of the church, work was

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arranged when the premises were not being used, this necessitated full consultation with the client and work being completed outside of normal working hours. In the end, all the work was completed on time and within budget. Key to the success of this and every project that Killowen Contracts undertakes is the production of a detailed programme and methodology for the scheme, with the company’s Director Maurice McGivern holding regular site co-ordination meetings between respective sub-contractors and suppliers involved with the St Donard’s project. Given the fact that the existing parish centre and church were to remain open for much of the contract, this communication process was vital to ensure that all health and safety, environmental and community issues were prioritised. But, as Maurice explained, the superb relationships built up with the Select Vestry of St Donard’s Parish, Architects Knox and Markwell, Quantity Surveyor VB Evans and

the various sub-contractors helped maintain the high level of professionalism Killowen Contracts is known for. “We held an initial meeting with the design team, client and advisors to gain understanding of their perspective, intentions and aspirations for the scheme,” he said. “These meetings pooled experiences and best practices from all those involved, ensuring that the project would benefit from this universal experience. This enabled a fully developed concept to be clearly articulated and developed through the various stages of implementation. “We believe the successful delivery of our projects is fundamentally linked to communication and the elimination of ambiguity. From experience, we endeavour to place major work packages with sub-contractors who have previously demonstrated, met and exceeded our quality criteria and project requirements. This is subject to continual assessment both during and post-construction.”

About Killowen Contracts… Founded in 1974, Killowen Contracts Ltd is a family-run building and civil engineering company. The company has experienced significant growth over the years and is proud of its reputation for delivering high quality construction projects the healthcare, commercial, education, residential, ecclesiastical, conservation and civil engineering sectors. These range from large multi-million projects and maintenance contracts with healthcare trusts through to renovation projects and private residential houses. This dedication to quality is illustrated by the third party integrated management systems in place, including ISO 9001 for Quality, ISO 14001 for Environment and OHSAS 18001 for Health & Safety. The company is also a registered Construction line provider and has achieved Investors in People accreditation.

Killowen Contracts Ltd, 35 Bridge Road, Burren, Warrenpoint, Co Down, BT34 3QT T: 028 4175 3378 – F: 028 4177 4210 – E: construction@killowencontracts.co.uk www.killowencontracts.co.uk

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Architect St Donard’s Church of Ireland, east Belfast

Partnership approach by Architects Knox and Markwell proves worthwhile

rchitects Knox and Markwell is delighted to have had the opportunity to work with the minister and congregation as architects for the provision of the new parish centre at St Donard’s Parish Church, Beersbridge Road, Belfast. St Donard’s is a Listed Building and known locally as ‘The Church on the Corner’. The

existing two–storey halls have serious structural weaknesses and, because of Listed Building regulations have to be demolished. Once taken down, however, the church and new parish centre will be clearly visible from the Bloomfield Road and the grounds will gain some attractive soft landscaping. Judith Hamilton, Partner Architect responsible for the design and contract management on the project, said, “As is often the case with ecclesiastical work, this project benefitted greatly from the close working relationship between the church, contractor and architect. I trust that our combined efforts, skills and sympathies have resulted in a building that both respects the

adjoining iconic Listed Church, and is worthy of the outreach and ongoing ministry of this locally significant congregation.” Architects Knox and Markwell has had the privilege of working with numerous church congregations and committees over the years, and continue to do so. The company’s record of experience stands it in good stead to approach the opportunities and challenges that any church might face with a proposed project. Besides deep personal appreciations of church, staff members enjoy this type of work, and feel the dedication of service provided to churches often extends beyond that typically expected of, or indeed given by architects.

Architects Knox and Markwell, 14 Donaghadee Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5RU T: 028 9145 6677 - F: 028 9127 1261 – E: design@akm.org.uk www.akm.org.uk

Ironmongery & Doors St Donard’s Church of Ireland, east Belfast

KCC offers a handle on quality

arishioners using the new Parish Centre at St Donard’s Parish Church in Belfast have a handle on quality thanks to the expertise of KCC Architectural. The company supplied all the architectural ironmongery throughout the new Parish Centre as well as the automatic door systems at its entrance. These high standards are indicative of the service provided by KCC Architectural. With a fully qualified technical team, KCC Architectural ensures that every project is compliant with the latest regulations and that it meets the specific needs of the client. KCC Architectural’s product range is also an important factor in the company’s continuing success. This high quality, fully compliant product range is an architectural one-stopshop and includes door hardware; stainless

steel fabrication; facades, partitions and doors; as well as automatic doors and access controls – all backed by a superb service maintenance package. “Our focus is on providing a comprehensive service,” explained Andy McMeekin, Sales Representative at KCC Architectural. “In addition to providing customers with high quality products, we are committed to offering unequalled levels of support from the design stages right through to installation and beyond.” This service incorporates full project management, which includes the initial design and manufacture of a system that meets the specific access control strategy of the project through to the installation and even ongoing maintenance.

KCC Architectural, 20-21a Harbour Court, Heron Road, Sydenham Business Park, Belfast T: 028 9046 9914 - F: 028 9046 9915 - E: salesbelfast@kccarchitectural.com www.kccarchitectural.com

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Electrical Engineer St Donard’s Church of Ireland, east Belfast

LEADING ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING SPECIALIST RECEIVES HIGH PRAISE FOR PARISH CENTRE CONTRACT WORK…

Ecclesiastical electrical engineering excellence from JD McGeown

roviding precision engineering solutions, JD Mc Geown Ltd works across a wide range of sectors, continuing to win prestigious electrical contracts. One of its recently completed projects in the ecclesiastical field has been at St Donard’s Church of Ireland in east Belfast. On this occasion, the company was engaged by Killowen Contracts to deliver electrical engineering services for a new parish centre at this landmark ecclesiastical building known as ‘the church on the corner’ (of the Bloomfield and Beersbridge Roads). The St Donard’s project consisted of an extension to the existing church and required JD Mc Geown to provide electrical installation of the electrical distribution system, lighting, general power supply, fire alarms, intruder alarms ,facilities for the disabled, data and telecommunications, access control, TV aerials, testing and inspection, an audio/visual system, stage lighting and an electric window system.

“While the project was completed on time, in October 2015, and within budget, it was not without its challenges,” said Billy Gray, Contracts Director, who led the team from JD McGeown. “The whole installation at St Donard’s demanded close co-ordination and collaboration with the client and the design team.” Billy also led the team from JD McGeown in a recent project for the former Holy Cross Boys’ Community School in Belfast. The job as electrical contractor on the build of the Houben Centre, a new community facility, had some similarities with the St Donard’s parish centre work. In the case of the Houben Centre, the electrical works have allowed the building to be utilised as a flexible community hub offering stage lighting and audio-visual systems. “We were equally delighted to be associated with the St Donard’s church project on the build of its new parish centre, and with the

high standard of workmanship on both jobs,” said Billy. Established in 1961, JD Mc Geown Ltd was originally set up to provide electrical services to the Northern Ireland marketplace. Over the last 50 years, the company has expanded beyond this remit and now commands the position as one of Northern Ireland’s most prominent electrical engineering specialists, and a leader in its field .The Company has developed in response to changing market demands and delivers; MTC, FM, Building Information Modelling and Sustainable Technologies. As part of the company’s drive to achieve excellence and maintain high standards, it has been awarded many accreditations and recognitions from governing bodies and inspectorates. Clients have reassurances that they are in receipt of the highest quality of workmanship and project management, which is regularly monitored by independent organisations.

CONTACT JD McGEOWN any of its 3 offices: HEAD OFFICE, BELFAST: T: 0044 28 90681176 - E: info@jdmcg.co.uk L’DERRY OFFICE: T: 0044 28 7181 2185 - E: info@jdmcg.co.uk DUBLIN OFFICE: T: 00353(0)1691 7431 - E: info@jdmcg.co.uk Visit the website: www.jdmcg.co.uk

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Ballyclare House wows judges to claim special award The bedrooms of two little girls in Ballyclare have won a special award at the RICS Awards Grand Final in London for being “the most heartrending but most inspirational entry that judges have seen”. Owned by Stephen and Sarah Villiers, the extension to a house on the Ballylagan Road was a winner in the Northern Ireland section of Collecting the RICS award in London’s Dorchester Hotel was architect the RICS Awards before going Steven Villiers, with compere Sian Williams; RICS UK and Ireland Chairman, Fiona Grant; and David Tuffin, RICS. forward to the grand final. The architect was Alan Patterson The rooms are extraordinary; they provide Design LLP, and the developer was Heritage sanctuary through innovative solutions to Developments (NI) Ltd. profound emotional challenges. The design RICS judging chairman, Alistair Dunn, said, process and the ongoing experience is now “Ballylagan is, at first sight, an unremarkable the subject of keen interest from childcare family home. But the partners, both specialists and psychologists.” architects, worked with their two very young For more information, visit www.rics.org foster children to design their bedrooms.

Darren presented with high achiever award Darren McMillan from Lagan Cement Products, a subsidiary of Lagan Cement Group, has been praised at the annual Plant and Civil Engineer magazine’s ‘Plant, Construction and Quarry’ Awards for his outstanding contribution to the concrete industry. He was presented with the ‘High Achiever of the Year’ award at a ceremony at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast. The judges praised him for his personal drive, passion and leadership skills, which are well known across the Industry. For more information, telephone 028 9264 7100 or visit www.lagancementproducts.co.uk

McAvoy Group hosts CIOB visit McAvoy Group has hosted a recent Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) continual professional development event at its Lisburn factory. The event included a presentation by David Clark, Design Manager on the advantages of offsite construction, including how modern buildings are being constructed under controlled Collecting the RICS award in London’s Dorchester Hotel was architect Steven Villiers, with compere Sian Williams; RICS UK and Ireland Chairman, factory conditions, then Fiona Grant; and David Tuffin, RICS. brought to sites throughout the UK and Ireland for final Attendees at the event included construction assembly. With forecasts on the expected professionals, lecturers and a delegation changes facing the construction industry all of Built Environment students from South pointing to the need for faster and more Eastern Regional College’s (SERC) Lisburn efficient delivery, offsite construction is campus. becoming increasingly recognised as a way For further information, visit the website at for that to be achieved. www.ciob.org

ESF secures overseas contracts Environmental Street Furniture (ESF), the Newtownabbey-based supplier of street furniture and solar products, has recently secured two contracts to supply its products overseas, with support from Invest Northern Ireland. The first contract secured by ESF is to supply McDonalds Fast Food restaurants in Italy with its Street Charge units. The initial contract is worth over £20,000. Following an Invest NI Trade Mission to the United Arab Emirates earlier this year, the company has also secured an order to supply the Street Charge system to a new customer in Abu Dhabi. The contract is also estimated to be worth £20,000. For further information, telephone 0845 606 6095 or visit www.worldofesf.com

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Wienerberger clay pavers help create new urban environment in Telford The first phase of Telford’s groundbreaking Southwater development has been completed with help from some stunning clay paving from Wienerberger. There was a clear requirement for the paving to provide Southwater One with a physical and symbolic link between the bold, modernist external appearance of the development and its natural surroundings. The Sienna (Hague Cream) pavers from Wienerberger addressed that specification. In addition, the use of Wienerberger’s Mastiek and Auraton pavers, with their clean grey finishes, created a crisp patina to the heart of the scheme. For further information, telephone 0845 303 2524 or visit the website at www.wienerberger.co.uk

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CONCRETE SOCIETY AWARDS

Representives of the Concrete Society pictured with special guests representing the CEF, CIHT, Irish Concrete Society, RSUA, ICE NI, CIOB and QPANI.

Concrete success at annual awards! A new app, road projects in England and Scotland, and a new hospital ward recognised by Concrete Society Northern Ireland Region…

he winners at this year’s Concrete Society Awards are not only a reflection of the innovation from Northern Ireland companies but also of the industry. Two of the three awards presented for successful projects were for jobs outside the province, with M&L Contracts and McLaughlin & Harvey recognised for work in Scotland and Moore Concrete for the largest precast overfill arch in the world. The awards – presented at 49th Annual Dinner of the Concrete Society Northern

Ireland Region – also recognised the extensive use of concrete at the Generic Ward Block at the Ulster Hospital by the GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership and Northstone, with the Innovation/Technology Award reflective of the forward-thinking nature of the industry. This accolade was presented to Lagan Cement Products for the development of a unique app. Brian Curtis, Chairman of the Concrete Society Northern Ireland Region, said, “Firstly, I want to congratulate all the winners. This year was one of the toughest to judge and, such was the quality of entries that we decided to separate the Building and Civil Engineering Award into two separate categories. “From next year we also hope to enter our winners into the UK Concrete Society Awards. We certainly have the quality and, given the scale of some of the projects, there is no reason why we can’t see Northern Ireland companies being successful on a UK level.” Brian was also keen to recognise the support of the award sponsors and the committee. “These events don’t happen unless we have

the support of sponsors and the industry. We are indebted to everyone who has backed us, in particular Lafarge Cement who sponsored all the Concrete Awards; Premier Cement who sponsored the Student Awards, and Lagan Cement Products and Quinn Building Products who sponsored the wine for the event and the Chairman’s Reception respectively.” he added. “Our committee are all volunteers and work tirelessly to promote the concrete industry; they should all be congratulated for another great event.” As well as a wide cross-section of the concrete industry, the awards night was also attended by representatives of a number of leading bodies, including the Construction Employers Federation, CIHT, Irish Concrete Society, RSUA, ICE NI, CIOB and QPANI. Special guests from the Concrete Society included National President Designate, Martyn Fear; Director of Technical Services, Richard Daly; and Chairman of the Concrete Society Scottish Region, Colin Reid.

Some of the Concrete Society Awards finalists receiving their certificates.

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CONCRETE SOCIETY AWARDS

2016 Concrete Society Award winners and finalists BUILDING AWARD Winner • GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership and Northstone for the Generic Ward Block, Ulster Hospital, Belfast.

Angela Heddles, William Brown, Damien O Mullan, William Brown and Cillian Ward.

Eddie Weir, Diane Cooper and Declan O’Loane.

Trevor Smyth, Sam McIlroy and Robert Rainey.

Catriona McGorman and Paddy Mohan from Quinn Cement.

From Lagan Cement Products are Brian Kerr, Darren McMillan and James Lyons.

Brian Curtis, Chairman of the Concrete Society NI Region (centre), who made a special presentation to his counterparts from the Irish Concrete Society.

Finalist • McLaughlin & Harvey and Mott MacDonald for Block BB, University of Ulster, Belfast Campus.

Civil Engineering Award Winner • M&L Contracts Ltd and McLaughlin & Harvey for A82 Pulpit Rock, Loch Lomond. Finalist • McLaughlin & Harvey and RPS for the Teesport Berth 1 reconstruction.

PRECAST CONCRETE AWARD Winner • Moore Concrete for the Milestone Canal Bridge, Heysham. Finalists • McLaughlin & Harvey and RPS for the moored subsea foundation system. • Gilbert-Ash and Creagh Concrete for Windsor Walk Arches, London.

INNOVATION/TECHNOLOGY AWARD WINNER • Lagan Cement Products in association with Command Alkon for the MOBILEcommerce App. FINALISTS • ACOL Ltd and McFarland Associates Ltd for the façade restoration of the Shelbourne Hotel. • PJ Hegarty and McFarland Associated Ltd for the restoration of the reinforced concrete dome at Four Courts Building, Dublin. • Creagh Concrete for the Spantherm Flooring System. • Acheson & Glover Precast Ltd for the use of renewable energy to cure concrete components.

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Pictured above and below - Damian Curran, of sponsors Lafarge Cement presenting the various Concrete Society Award finalists with a certificate to mark their achievements.

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The 2015-2016 Concrete Society Awards Northern Ireland Region is kindly sponsored by:

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Innovation/Technology Award Winner: MOBILEcommerce App from Lagan Cement Products

Damian Curran, of sponsors Lafarge Cement, presents the Innovation/Technology Award to Paul Adamson, Lagan Cement Products Ltd.

Success for App from Lagan Cement Products Judges recognise innovation behind first app of its kind for the UK concrete industry…

agan Cement Products Ltd, in association with Command Alkon, collected the Innovation/Technology Award for the company’s new MOBILEcommerce App that is making life easier for customers. Launched earlier this year, the App is the first of its kind employed in the UK concrete industry. It seamlessly integrates with the company’s IT systems to give customers total transparency of their account information when they want it, where they want it. More importantly, the App allows customers to submit orders for concrete deliveries and then monitor the delivery with live truck tracking and live data while pouring. Customers can also use it to verify orders for accuracy or necessary changes, and are able to ensure they comply with concrete mix design. Compatible across all platforms, including PC and Mac; iPad or tablet; and iPhone or

android smartphone, customers receive e-mails confirming orders and delivery status and can also utilise a suite of exportable reports that will be useful for site and office personnel. For example, the Ticket Detail Report includes actual batch-weights and variances, as well as time on site and off site – all of which is easily exported to Excel. Paul Adamson, Operations Manager at Lagan Cement Products, explained, “Gone are the days when site managers have to spend time calling about orders or delivery times and a business has to check on delivery dates and quantities. Thanks to our ground-breaking app, all this information is now available at the touch of a button. “Our success is built on the quality of our products and the trust and service we offer customers - this system offers customers total transparency of information relating to their accounts and orders.”

Lagan Cement Products, 11B Sheepwalk Road, Lisburn, BT28 3RD T: 028 9264 7100 www.lagancementproducts.com

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Precast Concrete Award Winner: Moore Concrete for the Milestone Canal Bridge, Heysham

Celebrating Moore Concrete’s success in the Precast Concrete Award are (from left) Juan Elias, Wilbert Moore, Florence Moore, Keri McGivern, John Philip O’Hara and Jeff Haslett.

Moore Concrete delivers with largest precast overfill arch in the world! Development of the Milestone Canal Bridge in Heysham showcases company’s high standards…

hen it came to the Precast Concrete Award, the judges couldn’t overlook the work carried out by Moore Concrete on what is the largest precast overfill arch in the world to date! Working alongside main contractor, Costain Limited (in partnership with Asset International Structured Solutions) and specialist framework contractor, KME, Moore Concrete was the precast concrete contractor on the landmark Milestone Canal Bridge in Heysham project for Lancashire County Council. The success sees Moore Concrete retain the Precast Award, following on from the company’s triumph last year for its work on a piano key weir at Black Esk Reservoir. The Milestone Canal Bridge is part of the 4.8km dualling of the Heysham to M6 Link Road and links it across the Lancaster Canal, north of Hammerton Hall Lane. It is one of 11 major structures required to take the link road over and under existing infrastructure. The hugely impressive T94 Arch Bridge Structure was meticulously planned and

manufactured by the Moore Concrete team using a high specification concrete mix of 50% GGBS using self-compacting concrete. It incorporates a clear span of 28.6m at a rise of only 3.2m; with the precast units each weighing 19.8T. Joined by an in-situ stitch at the crown, the T94 Arch Bridge has reinforced concrete footing strip on either side of the canal. Manufactured with a blend of Ordinary Portland Cement and GGBS, these units boasted an average 28-day compressive strength of 85 N/mm2 and were described by the client, Costain International, as having “the best finish they’d seen on a precast bridge”. The ability to reach this standard of quality while reducing carbon content, through the use of a ‘green’ replacement material, demonstrates Moore Concrete’s commitment to world-class precast concrete engineering. Enhanced sulphate resistance as well as increased resistance to chloride ingress ensure that the units have the highest possible durability.

Moore Concrete Products Ltd, Caherty House, 41 Woodside Road, Ballymena, BT42 4QH T: 028 2565 2566 – E: info@moore-concrete.com www.moore-concrete.com

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Building Award Winner: GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership and Northstone for the GWB at Ulster Hospital

Damian Curran, of sponsors Lafarge Cement (centre), presenting the Building Award to Keith Wood, Northstone (left), and Peter Reavey, GRAHAM.

Healthy use of concrete at the Ulster Hospital! Co-operation between main contractor, GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership, and concrete supplier, Northstone, highlighted in new category…

MAIN CONTRACTOR: GRAHAM - BAM Partnership T: 028 9268 9500

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he extensive use of concrete and the partnership approach adopted by the project team at the new Generic Inpatient Ward Block (GWB) at the Ulster Hospital has won this year’s Building Award. The award was presented to the GRAHAMBAM Healthcare Partnership, in association with concrete supplier, Northstone; architect, Avanti/Kennedy Fitzgerald; and engineers, Morgan Sindal Professional Services. Given the high volume and high quality of entries to the Building and Civil Award category, the Concrete Society decided to create two separate categories this year – with the GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership a worthy winner “for outstanding merit in the use of concrete” in the Building Award section. The GWB project for the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust is the first phase of a four-year framework worth circa £230million. The GWB Project provides approximately 30,000m2 of internal floor area over seven levels for a range of new facilities. This includes a new day surgery with four operating

theatres; a pharmacy department; endoscopy and cath lab procedure rooms along with 288 single rooms with en suite facilities. The Phase B2 redevelopment programme also includes the provision of a new Acute Services Block. This facility, which will be linked to the new Generic Inpatient Ward Block, will provide the new emergency department, specialist wards and imaging department. The extensive use of concrete on the Generic Inpatient Ward Block, including the use of speciality concrete, impressed the judges. Overall, approximately 23,000m3 of concrete was cast for this project. The building structure itself is a reinforced concrete frame founded on CFA piles. All concrete to floor slabs utilised GGBS. The project also involved the use of speciality concrete C32/40 white concrete to exposed retaining wall and C70/80 concrete to high strength columns. The white aggregate and sand was all sourced from Northstone’s Carmean Lime Quarry.

CONCRETE SUPPLIER: Northstone (NI) Ltd T: 028 9055 1200 www.northstone-ni.co.uk

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Civil Engineering Award Winner: M&L Contracts Ltd and McLaughlin & Harvey for A82 Pulpit Rock, Loch Lomond

Damian Curran, of sponsors Lafarge Cement (centre), presenting the Civil Engineering Award won by M&L Contracts and McLaughlin & Harvey.

The high road to success! McLaughlin & Harvey and M&L Contracts successfully complete project on the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond…

&L Contracts Ltd, in association with McLaughlin & Harvey and Tony Gee & Partners LLP, was the winner of the Civil Engineering Award category for the work carried out on the realignment project at the A82 in Loch Lomond. Working for Transport Scotland, M&L Contracts Ltd was the concrete subcontractor on this project for main contractor, McLaughlin & Harvey. Tony Gee & Partners LLP was the consulting engineer. The £10million project involved the construction of a six-span, 175m long viaduct along the shore of Loch Lomond to remove a historic bottleneck created by a narrow, traffic-light controlled single-lane road into a two-lane carriageway. The work also included the stabilisation of a rock slope, which was cut to widen the

MAIN CONTRACTORS: McLaughlin & Harvey T: 028 9034 2777 www.mclh.co.uk

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road over a length of 400m. The bridge was supported on 1500mm diameter concrete mono-piles drilled into the rock and the design and installation of a temporary works system to support the extensive construction works. A key benefit of this methodology was maintaining traffic flow along the road with 100 overnight closures against the clients’s original plan of a 14-week closure. M&L Contracts assembled VKP platforms off-site to form crossfalls and longitudinal curvature. The concrete was then poured in off-set sections to form the deck and perimeter parapets. This is not the first time the project has caught the eyes of awards judges, either, as McLaughlin & Harvey recently won the inaugural GB & Republic of Ireland Construction Award at the prestigious Construction Excellence Awards in Belfast.

CONCRETE SUB-CONTRACTORS: M&L Contracts Ltd T: 028 7778 1174 www.mandlcontracts.co.uk

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CONCRETE AND CEMENT T

Dedicated ready mixed concrete team have design through to installation covered…

Customer service strategy from Norman Emerson Group

orman Emerson Group has two specialised ready mixed concrete processing plants at Ardmore, Lurgan and Tandragee, providing a daily capacity of upwards of 1,200m3 over the working day. The distinctive red and white striped livery of the Emerson delivery fleet is supplemented with sub-contracting partners that can bring extra delivery capacity to meet spikes in demand. Gareth Morrison is the RMC Production Manager responsible for the dayto-day running of the two plants. Gareth said, “We are dedicated to the provision of a quality product married with quality delivery scheduling.” Production, under the direction of Colin Emerson as Production Director, is supported by Steven Dowds, Group Quality Manager, who manages the company’s ISO 9001 ready mixed concrete quality system. The company has its own fully fitted laboratory to assist in the delivery of its quality programme and

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outsources the assistance of Concrete Testing Services (Antrim) to ensure the integrity of its processes. RMC Sales are managed by Greg McConville with support from Paul Lennon. Colin and Norrie Emerson reinforce the team, having developed a wide range of commercial relationships over years of service in the sector. Kenny Crooks, Sales Director, oversees the sales and marketing across all product ranges. The Emerson Group’s contract division provides a specialised service as a strategic ‘bolt on’ to the RMC division. It is headed up by Manager, Anthony McConville, who coordinates five professional concrete surfacing teams. Anthony explained, “We specialise in integrated concrete surface services which can deliver design, site preparation, surfacing and associated infrastructure ranging from laneways, commercial yards and internal flooring to agricultural silos and domestic

back yards. We can offer a full range of surfaces finishes depending on customer requirements.” George Emerson, Managing Director, added, “We have developed business relations with a wide range of customers across the agricultural, construction, industrial and business communities within our core market area.” For more information, telephone 028 3834 0222 or visit www.normanemerson.com

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U RAPID DRYING SCREED BINDER

JORIS SMET, DIRECTOR, SMET BUILDING PRODUCTS LTD, HIGHLIGHTS THE BENEFITS OF USING SOPRO RAPIDUR® B5 RAPID DRYING SCREED BINDER…

When time is of the essence - and the floor was needed yesterday… M

any new build and renovation flooring projects demand fast turnarounds - from commercial and industrial projects where downtime must be minimised, to the self-builder or renovator, where home-owners simply want their floors completed as quickly as possible, allowing final floor covering. Traditional screeds require a significant drying before the final floor covering can be installed, however, if this is not well planned for, it may well delay the completion of the entire project. At SMET, we advise the use of Sopro Rapidur® B5 Rapid Drying Screed Binder, where floor completion is critical. The floor can be walked on in as little as six hours, and floor tiles laid in as little as three days. The key to this product is not only its quick drying capabilities, but the fact that it also develops its full strength quickly, reaching 25 N/mm2 in 24 hours, unlike other quick drying screeds which take the usual 28 days to achieve similar strength. Made in Germany by our manufacturing partners, Sopro Rapidur® B5 Rapid Drying Screed Binder makes a lovely workable screed. It’s also got that all-important long open-time and it finishes beautifully. Applicators tell us time and again how malleable it is compared to other regular rapid drying screed binders. It’s really got it all - being a special polymer-modified binder specifically for use in rapid-set cement screeds, it allows early flooring installation to DIN 18 560 and BS 8204-1, and uniquely, it is particularly suitable for use with UFH.

The QUB new School of Law extension comprises a floor renovation of approximately 3,000m2 using Sopro Sopro Rapidur® B5 Rapid Drying Screed Binder.

The screed is easily laid to falls, and - the holy grail of rapid drying screeds - it’s pumpable.

FAST-TRACK Sopro Rapidur® B5 Rapid Drying Screed Binder is suitable for use on heated screeds, bonded screeds, unbonded screeds, screeds laid on insulation layer and for floating screeds. Trained Smet Supported Partners site-mix the Rapidur® B5 binder with 0–8mm gravel sand, producing particularly economical high-strength, rapid-set cement screeds. It’s also suitable for producing grade CT-C60-F7 cement screeds to BS EN 13813 and, depending on aggregate quality and mixing ratio (sand/ Rapidur® B5/water), higher-grade screeds can also be produced. Placed screeds incorporating Sopro Rapidur® B5 are ready for tiling after approximately three days and ready to receive natural stone finish after around five days. The maximum moisture content of ≤ CM 2.0 % must be confirmed by a required CM moisture measurement prior to flooring installation. Particularly impervious floor coverings, such as linoleum, PVC etc should be laid at the earliest after five days or after achievement of moisture content ≤ 2.0% CM (for unheated screeds) /≤ 1.8% CM (for heated screeds).

TRIED AND TESTED Rapidur® B5 has been regularly used in Ireland and the UK for prestigious jobs where the repair, renovation and tight

Screeds made with Rapidur® B5 develop full strength quickly.

turn-around of the floor is paramount. In production facilities, such as Cadbury‘s factory in Dublin and Batchelor’s Factory in Dublin, the quick-drying action of Rapidur® B5 minimised the time the area was out of action, thus making it quicker to resume production, warehousing and using valuable industrial space. In the hospital environment, St James’ Hospital, Our Lady of Lourdes and Letterkenny Hospital benefited from the new floor’s early highstrength and rapid drying capabilities. Queens University Belfast‘s new School of Law extension is currently gaining momentum with the use of B5 smoothing out the extensive floor in this large renovation. Public buildings such as the Soloist in Belfast, community centres and local historical buildings have also benefited vastly from Rapidur® B5 fast-track flooring installation under tight schedules. Indeed, if your project is in a supreme hurry, SMET bringing european innovation

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The renovation of Frankfurt Central Station using the fast track flooring system from Sopro Bauchemie – available from SMET.

has a further fast-track flooring solution available, where tiling is possible even after just 24 hours, and walkable after three. Developed by Sopro in one of Germany’s most advanced industrial chemical laboratories, Rapidur® B5 has been used in many high profile projects in Germany and further afield. One such recent project was the extensive renovation measures carried out at Frankfurt Central Station. This included the repair and regeneration of 6,000m² of public platforms. The challenge here was restoration, while still operating the trains and keeping access to public open at all times. The contractor had only days to complete the sections; however, by using the complete fast track flooring system from Sopro Bauchemie - from the floor to the grouts - with all products capable of rapid strength development, rapid drying and high compressive strength - the demands of the project were fully

“The key to this product is not only its quick drying capabilities, but the fact it also develops full strength quickly.” met. Again, the key drivers for selection of Rapidur® B5 are the long open time (the mortar is workable for a maximum of two hours); plus, the speed of early very high strength (up to CT-C60-F7) development and its suitability for through-ways with high and early traffic loads. * Values are for mixing ratio of 1: 4 or 25 kg Sopro Rapidur® B5: 100 kg (0–8 mm) screed sand and 10 ltr water (available test certificate to DIN EN 13813 issued by Technische Universität München).

bringing european innovation

Benefits of Sopro Rapidur® B5 Ready to receive floor covering: after approximately three days for subsequent tiling, after achievement of moisture content ≤ 1.8 % CM for particularly impervious floor coverings, eg linoleum, PVC etc. and wood or parquet flooring. • For indoor and outdoor use. • Working life: approximately two hours. • Walkable: after six to ten hours. • Suitable for floor heating systems (UFH). • Pumpable. • Good workability. • Tested to CT-C60-F7 DIN EN 13813. • CT-C25-F4 after one day; CT-C40-F6 after three days; CT-C50-F7 after five days; CT-C60-F7 after 28 days* • Low-chromate to Regulation 1907/2006/ EC, Annex XVII.

U CONCRETE AND CEMENT

LEADING BUILDING MATERIALS COMPANY LAUNCHES NEW BRANDING, FOLLOWING WORLDWIDE MERGER…

It’s in the bag for Lafarge Cement S ix months on from the merger of Lafarge and Holcim, the Cookstown cement plant in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, has undergone a major rebrand. The long established cement plant now operates under the Lafarge Cement name, following the LafargeHolcim merger in July 2015, when it became part of Aggregate Industries. Now part of the world’s largest building materials supplier – LafargeHolcim – Lafarge Cement offers a wide variety of bulk and packed cementitious materials. To mark its new position in the market, Lafarge Cement has launched a new line of paper bags for the popular General Purpose cement, and plastic bags for the newly named General Purpose + cement, both of which will feature the updated Lafarge Cement branding and be available as 25kg bags. With a strong history in the town dating

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back to 1970; employees, customers and suppliers of the Cookstown plant can be assured that it’s ‘business as usual’ for the local operation. Clive Grudgings, Commercial Director at Lafarge, said, “We are proud of our history in Northern Ireland and remain committed to our regional operation. The cements we produce will still be local products made by local employees at our Cookstown plant. “Equally, we are proud to be a part of Aggregate Industries, and parent company, LafargeHolcim. The support from 115,000 colleagues across the world will allow us to maintain an excellent local service but with the expertise and innovation that comes with a world leading construction materials supplier.” Products featuring the new packaging will be available from the Cookstown Plant from January 2016 and can be ordered via your local builder’s merchant.

About Aggregate Industries… Aggregate Industries is a leading player in the construction and infrastructure industries. It produces and supplies a wide range of construction materials including aggregates, asphalt, readymixed concrete and precast concrete products. It also produces, imports and supplies cementitious materials and offers a national road surfacing and contracting service. It prides itself on best practice in sustainability having become the first company to be certificated to BES 6001, The Framework Standard for the Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products, developed by the BRE (Building Research Establishment) and a founding member of the UK Green Building Council. Aggregate Industries is a proud member of the LafargeHolcim Group. More information is available on www.aggregate.com

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...Why waste time? A new rapid hardening concrete solution...

Advantages of RapidX • Ideal for Rapid Construction • Design strengths achieved in less than 7 days • Easy to finish • Strengths of up to 40N/mm2 in just 24hours

sales@lagancementproducts.com SALES OFFICE - 028 9264 7100

Head Office: 11B Sheepwalk Road Lisburn BT28 3RD.

CONCRETE AND CEMENT T

Maintain the same high level of standards while helping save valuable hours with this rapid hardening solution from Roadmix…

Save time and meet tight deadlines with RapidX

ontractors are being faced with ever-increasing demands on every project, with tighter deadlines and even tighter margins. RapidX from Roadmix – which is part of the Lagan Group – can help meet these demands while still maintaining the same high level of standards and delivering results with speed and efficiency. RapidX is a new rapid hardening solution that can help save valuable hours. It has similar characteristics to conventional concrete but it reaches accelerated strength after just four hours while still maintaining its initial workability for up to 120 minutes. Formwork can be stripped after only six hours, saving time and money. As a result, it is an ideal solution for projects such as road and rail renovations, where the

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use of RapidX could help minimise traffic restrictions. The properties of RapidX are the result of a carefully selected combination of specialist admixtures with expert mix design. The development of this product range is also reflective of the forward-thinking philosophy of Roadmix. In addition to RapidX, the company produces a range of quality certified concrete mixes, including large scale construction, civil engineering, farming and DIY. A market leader in concrete technology, Roadmix maintains quality levels through the company’s own UKAS-approved laboratory. This innovation is utilised to create quality concrete solutions for clients. The high level of quality products and service has been perfectly combined with

the launch of a unique customer support system and app. The Alkon customer support system is the first of its kind to be employed in the UK concrete industry. The system seamlessly integrates with the Roadmix IT systems to give customers total transparency of their account information when they want it, where they want it. For more information, contact Roadmix at Lagan Cement Products on 028 9264 7100 or sales@lagancementproducts.com

Applications RENOVATION AND REPAIR An ideal solution where there is limited time to carry out renovation or repair of structures, slabs or pavements in a wide variety of applications.

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U CONCRETE AND CEMENT

Thermal… structural… sustainable

The Spantherm system avoids manual handling and ensures insulation is continuous beneath the installed slab.

CREAGH CONCRETE INTRODUCES SPANTHERM, AN INSULATED PRECAST CONCRETE GROUND FLOOR SYSTEM, TO THE UK MARKET...

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pantherm, an insulated concrete ground floor system, tried and tested and already being used in 80% of new homes across the Netherlands, delivers the benefits of factory prefabrication to the challenging world of groundworks. The innovative Spantherm system has been brought to the UK by Toomebridgebased Creagh Concrete, with thousands of properties already benefitting from the factory insulated precast units’ impressive specifications. Launched three years ago, Spantherm is suitable for the residential market and some commercial projects, and carries carries BBA accreditation as well as being CE marked. Spantherm can be installed directly onto the foundation walls requiring a 100mm bearing for the precast concrete sections. Three different grades of EPS are available delivering U-values as low as 0.12 W/m2 K depending on the perimeter to area ratio. Neil McIvor of Creagh Concrete comments, “We believe Spantherm has an enormous potential for the wider UK housing market as it offers savings during the build process as well as significant energy savings for the occupants throughout the life of the property. “Spantherm performance is superior compared to alternate schemes including beam and block systems and significantly reduces on site construction time, labour and waste. The team offers a design, manufacture and installation service.” At present the Spantherm units are manufactured in Creagh Concrete’s bases throughout the UK. There are also well advanced plans for production to be extended to its site at Hoveringham in Nottinghamshire.

The complete service package Creagh Concrete, established in 1976, is one of the largest and most innovative producers of concrete products for a diverse range of market sectors throughout Ireland and the UK. The team offers a comprehensive design service which includes provision of CAD based drawings along with all relevant structural and thermal design calculations. On completion of the project, a design certificate will be provided along with calculations for your project. With bases throughout the UK, Creagh Concrete offers rapid nationwide delivery and exceptional customer service and flexibility. This ethos is combined with a diverse portfolio of products that showcases the limitless possibilities and potential of precast concrete. Visit www.creaghconcrete.co.uk/spantherm or e-mail info@creaghconcrete.com for further information on Spantherm and the full product range.

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WATCH YOUR WEIGHT THIS CHRISTMAS! (AND ALL YEAR ROUND) with Bridge Commercials!

Weight restrictions aren’t just a New Year’s Resolution! A number of drivers have been prosecuted for overloading their van or towing a trailer in excess of weight restrictions. At Bridge Commercials we listen very carefully to what you want from your van and give you the options to meet your needs! That includes ensuring you have a van that is capable of carrying the extra pounds you need – even if you have over-indulged!

165 Dromore Road, Hillsborough, bt26 6ja. E: bridgecommercials@hotmail.com www.bridgecommercials.co.uk

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STAY SAFE ON THE ROADS THIS WINTER WITH AXA’S HANDY WINTER DRIVING TIPS...

AXA urges van drivers to stay safe this winter!

ou should always keep your van in good driving condition, but during the winter months you need to take extra care to stay safe. Follow AXA’s helpful tips to help you prepare for driving this winter:

prepare an emergency kit to keep in your van during winter. This could include a torch, warm clothes, mobile phone and reflective warning signs.

1) Plan your journeys - If you have to drive in poor weather conditions make sure you plan your journey. Listen to local radio updates to find out if roads are open. Drivers should also stay on main roads which are likely to be gritted. You should also let other people know where you are and what route you will be taking in case you have an accident.

3) Prepare you vehicle - Over the winter months you may have to drive in a range of conditions including snow, ice and fog. Whatever the weather, be prepared by having good tyres fitted on your vehicle and fill your windscreen washer to help you see the road ahead. You should also drive slowly and if it has been snowing you should remove the snow from your vehicle before starting your journey.

2) Prepare an emergency kit - When you are driving in poor weather conditions you may break down or have an accident which will leave you stuck in your vehicle. You should

4) Get the right insurance - It’s important to get the right cover for your vehicle in

case you have an accident, particularly if you rely on your vehicle to keep your business running. AXA offers optional extras to your insurance like Breakdown Assistance or Personal Accident cover which can be a great benefit to business owners For more details about van insurance contact the AXA Insurance Van Team on 028 9002 0419. AXA provides cover to van drivers across Northern Ireland and has a dedicated team based in Belfast to help get you the right cover for you and your van. AXA also has a local claims team and 15 branches across Northern Ireland, so you will never be far from someone to help if you need it.

FREE BREAKDOWN ASSISTANCE

with AXA Van Insurance AXA Insurance limited is authorised by Central Bank of Ireland, and authorised and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details about the extent of our authorisation and regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority are available from us on request. TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY

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NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 89

U new products

Accelerated ageing sees Stormdry get BBA blessing

Safeguard’s Stormdry Titlepreserves handmade terracotta

n Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream from Safeguard Europe has undergone accelerated ageing tests as part of its certification by the British Board of Agrément. As a result, its BBA certificate states that it will remain effective as a masonry water repellent for 25 years. The cream prevents rain penetration, boosts thermal resistance, is easily applied by either brush or roller and will cure colourlessly to match the original finish within 12 hours. For more information, visit www. stormdry.com

n The terracotta façade of a landmark listed building in Leeds has been protected from penetrating damp using Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream by Safeguard Europe. Apsley House features extensive handmade terracotta decoration that was suffering rain penetration after many years exposed to atmospheric pollution. The treatment was applied easily without disturbing its tenants, is durable, and could not be detected once it had cured. For more information, visit www.stormdry.com

Combilift scoops ‘Irish Exporter of the Year’ award n The Irish Exporters Association (IEA) has named Combilift ‘Exporter of the Year 2015’ at the Export Industry Awards in Dublin. Combilift also won the ‘Multinational Exporter of the Year’ award. This is the second time the award was scooped by Combilift as it won the same accolade in 2008 as an SME. Monaghan-based Combilift developed the world’s first IC engine-powered all-wheeldrive multidirectional forklift and exports its wide range of handling products to over 75 countries. For more information, visit www.combilift.com

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COOL

ENERGY EFFICIENT AND ERP COMPLIANT FOR

A rated

Copper Industries (Ireland) Ltd (NI) T: +44 (0)28 7965 9736 www.copperindustries.co.uk

“Cottage Stone is a natural stone cladding system which consists of real pieces of natural stone placed onto a cement reinforced backing panel.”

NATURAL Finishes • Slate • Quartz • Granite • Multi-Coloured Slate • Fixings and adhesives supplied

SLATE

QUARTZ

From

£25 +VAT

Sq metre GRANITE

MULTI-COLOURED GRANITE