Northern Builder Magazine Issue Vol27-No4 2016

F CO RE PY E

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE:

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

n Farrans 75th anniversary n Training n Thriving Life Church n Portaferry Credit Union

Vol 27 No 4 2016

AN EVENT DESIGNED TO BRING YOUR BUILDING PROJECT TO LIFE

PLUMB POWER HEAT LIGHT

EXPO

WED 7 SEPT - 4-9PM THURS 8 SEPT - 10-4PM TITANIC EXHIBITION CENTRE, BELFAST

REGISTER AT… www.pphlbelfast.com

MECHANICAL, PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL AND LIGHTING SOLUTIONS SEE PAGES 11-13

One screed to rule them all

Benefits of Rapidur® FE 678 Self Levelling Screed • Foot traffic in 3 hours - ready for tiling in 24 hours • Self-levelling and pumpable – efficient application • Unrivalled performance in combination with underfloor heating • Can be polished to achieve polished concrete / terrazzo finish • Ultra-low shrinkage • Premix, just add water Full specification, technical and site support services Made in Germany | EN ISO 9001 | CE | SFV | TUM | TZW

bringing european innovation

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Smet Building Products Ltd 93A Belfast Road | Newry | BT34 1QH | Northern Ireland T: +44 (0) 28 3026 6833 | F: +44 (0) 28 3025 2777 | E: info@smetbuildingproducts.com www.smetbuildingproducts.com or www.smet.ie

NORTHERN BUILDER

Inside this issue...

4

86

Issue 27-4 - July/Aug 2016

News & Views

Features

4

Charity truck pull

29-34 Training

6

All aboard with Mivan

8

Haldane footballers get their kit off

10

Construction views on Brexit

18

Women in Engineering at Lagan

41-46

Project Profile - Thriving Life

Church, Newtownards

48-74

FARRANS celebrates 75th

Construction

anniversary

36-37

Gyproc and Isover host annual

79-84

Project Profile – Portaferry Credit

golf day

38

FP McCann wins Tekla Awards

Union, Kircubbin

In Focus

Regulars

20-21

Ultimate performance from Smet

14-15

CEF announces Construction

24-25

Ecophon breaks the boundaries

Excellence Awards shortlist

26

Roadmix launches new app

86

A new Watershed for MacBlair

17

FMB calls for Brexit investment

90

High performance ceilings from

22

Latest project leads

Tennants

98-99

CIOB Novus looks to the future

92

106

Product News

Get more from RTU

AN EVENT DESIGNED TO BRING YOUR BUILDING PROJECT TO LIFE

PLUMB POWER HEAT LIGHT

EXPO

WED 7 SEPT - 4-9PM THURS 8 SEPT - 10-4PM TITANIC EXHIBITION CENTRE, BELFAST

THE TEAM: Managing Director Karen McAvoy | Advertising Mairead Reid Managing Editor, Print & Digital Adam Hassin Editorial Diane Day | Editorial Denise Maguire Head Designer Julie Anne Guiney | Design & Digital Jo Wilson Accounts Michelle Owens Photography Gordon McAvoy | Printed by W&G Baird

REGISTER AT… www.pphlbelfast.com

CONTACT US: The Forge, 13b Lisburn Road, Moira BT67 0JR T: Moira: 028 9261 2990 T: Dublin: 01 696 8319 E: northernbuilder@kmpltd.co.uk www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON: northern builder magazine @BUILDERMAG

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.

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 3

NEWS

RTU LAUNCHES NEW CONCRETE TELESCOPIC CONVEYOR

UK Strongman Eddie Hall; Paul Adamson, Lagan Cement Products; and Gillian Thomson, Action Cancer help launch the Truck Pull Challenge.

READY, STEADY, PULL! Companies across the Northern Ireland cement and concrete industry will be taking each other on in a new form of competition as they attempt to pull a Lagan Cement Products truck a distance of 20m in the fastest time.

UK strongman and record-breaking champion, Eddie Hall is helping to launch the exciting event on Sunday, October 9, organised by Lagan Cement Products in aid of Action Cancer.

Starting at 12 noon at the Eikon site, Lisburn, the day is set for lots of competitive rivalry as teams of four attempt to pull the specially branded

trucks. Former Irish strongman, Glenn Ross will be hosting the event which will see companies (including 2015 winners, Norman Emerson Group), take on the challenge.

The event, which is open to the public, will feature a family fun element with face painting and bouncy castles, and spectators will have the opportunity to view various displayed trucks, fire engines, vintage trucks and more.

For more information, or to enter a team to take on the Truck Pull Challenge, ring Gillian Thompson on 028 9080 3344 or e-mail gthomson@actioncancer.org

PORTVIEW STUDENT MANAGER BUILDS CONSTRUCTION CAREER Lego blocks may be child’s play, but for one little girl her early passion for these rudimentary little bricks became the building blocks to a career in construction in which she is fast excelling to the top.

Kerry Breen, who works for Kerry Breen, who holds a number of major Portview Fit-Out, has just Portview portfolios in her fingertips, indulges in her favourite hobby which formed her earliest clinched a coveted First in experimentation in construction. her BSc Hons in Construction Engineering and Management from the University of Ulster – and was named Overall Student of the Year by the Chartered Institute of Building.

Kerry achieved the prestigious CIOB accolade in the part-time element of her degree, which she secured in June following four years of dividing her time between Portview and her studies, one day a week.

For more information, telephone 028 9064 4765 or visit www.portview.co.uk

4 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

RTU ready-mix building supplies company has launched a new telescopic conveyor lorry.

Benefitting a range of construction sectors, from commercial and residential to agricultural and educational, this new addition to the RTU lorry fleet can assist anyone in need of placing concrete into foundations, subfloors, silos, shuttered walls or formwork by easily and directly conveying concrete to a desired point in difficult to reach areas on site.

With a total reach of 11 metres, swivel range of 270 degrees, and telescopic action of four metres, the telescopic conveyor lorry is suited to a broad range of settings.

For more information, contact the sales team on 028 9085 1441, e-mail info@rtu.co.uk or visit www.rtu.co.uk

SHARING BEST PRACTICE The Best Practice Hub - the construction industry’s online platform for sharing best practice - has launched a series of free e-learning courses designed to help raise standards across the industry.

Considerate Constructors Scheme-registered construction sites, companies and suppliers of all sizes can undertake the e-learning courses, designed to improve their knowledge of the scheme, in order to meet and exceed the expectations of the Scheme’s Code of Considerate Practice.

The e-learning courses, which are eligible for CPD, were launched to all Best Practice Hub registered users during May, and since then have received a huge response, with over 3,600 courses being taken by over 750 individuals across the sector.

For further information, visit www.ccscheme.org.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

NEWS

TAGGART’S BIG BUILD WITH HABITAT

A Belmond Grand Hibernian train carriage leaves Mivan on the road from Antrim to Dublin.

ALL ABOARD AS MIVAN CELEBRATES LUXURY TRAIN CARRIAGES FIT-OUT Mivan has completed a £2.5million contract to fit out 10 luxury carriages for Belmond Grand Hibernian, the first luxury sleeper train to be launched in Ireland offering itineraries from Dublin through the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Sixty skilled crafts people and 35,000 man hours were dedicated to transforming the former Mark III Irish Rail carriages into elegant cars with interiors reflecting Dublin’s Georgian architecture and the Irish countryside.

Inside seven months, the Mivan team of specialists refurbished five sleeper cars, two restaurant/pantry cars,

an observation car (including bar), crew car and generator car. Work included the design and installation of metalwork, joinery, painting, fitting and upholstery.

Belmond Grand Hibernian is the latest in a series of prestigious projects by Mivan which have recently included £7million of cruise ship fit-out, the completion of a £6million+ contract for luxury apartments and penthouses in Fitzroy, One Hyde Park, and the Bulgari Hotel and Residences in London.

For more information, visit www.mivan.com

Construction company, Taggart Homes is supporting Europe’s largest ever construction and volunteer event, Habitat for Humanity’s Big Build.

This October, a group of volunteers from Taggart Homes will travel to Romania to join Big Build with volunteers from Romania and around the world. They will help build 40 homes in one week for families in need, celebrating 40 years of Habitat for Humanity.

The company is also raising £10,000 to support the charity’s life-changing work in more than 70 countries, empowering vulnerable families to improve the place they call home.

It is hoped that Big Build will be the beginning of a partnership between Habitat and Taggart Homes, which is currently building 82 new homes at Plantation View in Limavady, 260 new homes at Culmore Road and 280 new homes at Crescent Link in Derry City.

For more information, visit www.taggarthomes.com or www.habitatni.co.uk

Ryan Byrne, Marketing Director, Taggart Homes and Jenny Williams, Chief Executive, Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland discuss their new partnership.

CONSTRUCTION JOBS BOOST WITH ALLSTATE NI’S NEW HQ BUILD

Economy Minister, Simon Hamilton joined John Healy, Allstate Northern NI Managing Director and Suren Gupta, Allstate Executive Vice President to lay the foundation stone at the new Belfast HQ of Allstate. Pic by PressEye/Andrew Paton

6 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

Architect, WDR-RT-Taggart and construction company, O’Hare & McGovern are working collaboratively with Allstate Northern Ireland to create new headquarters for the multi-awardwinning technology company in Belfast, in what will be the largest single office building to be constructed in Northern Ireland in 15 years. The foundation stone has been laid and the building should be ready for Allstate NI by January 2018.

The building represents a total construction investment for Northern Ireland of tens of millions of pounds and will sustain 150 construction jobs for two years. Located between Central Station and the River Lagan, it includes over 140,000sqft of Grade A office space and an extensive refurbishment of the towpath and adjacent boat marina.

For further information, visit www. ohmg.com or www.wdr-rt-taggart.com

NEW ZEALAND LOOKS TOWARDS UK FOR CONSTRUCTION TALENT New Zealand’s leading infrastructure, commercial engineering and building contractor, Fletcher Construction is looking to the UK to recruit top-level talent to help deliver an extended pipeline of the largest infrastructure projects in the nation’s history.

Fletcher Construction is seeking a wide range of top British talent – engineers, project managers, surveyors, designers and builders.

Chief Executive, Graham Darlow says that global turmoil means Fletcher Construction will appeal to ex-pat and UK construction leaders as it is headquartered in New Zealand where a comfortable lifestyle is balanced by the challenges of world-class construction projects. While the Christchurch postearthquake rebuild is well underway, Auckland is making up for a massive infrastructure deficit, and the firm has 30 years-worth of large-scale projects in the offing.

For more information, visit www.projectyounz.com

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

HEALTH & SAFETY

A GUIDE TO THE CONSTRUCTION (DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT) REGULATIONS (NORTHERN IRELAND) 2016…

CDM 2016 - what you need to know as a busy builder

T

he Construction (Design and Management) Regulations changed on August 1 from CDM 2007 to the new CDM 2016.

The focus of this change is to incorporate risk management into the heart of the design process and to embed the principles of CDM firmly into smaller construction projects.

CDM 2016 applies to all construction work. Regulation 2 of CDM 2016 has a comprehensive list of the work it covers, which includes activities such as the construction, alteration, renovation and demolition or dismantling of structures; the installation, maintenance and repair of services; and the assembly on site of prefabricated structures.

REQUIREMENTS All projects must now have competent workers with the correct skills, knowledge (including training) and experience to carry out the task. They also need a written construction-phase health and safety plan, irrespective of the size or duration of the project. This is now required if you are doing small scale routine work (such as installing a kitchen or bathroom), structural alterations (for example, chimney breast removal, roofing work including dormer windows, and an extension or loft conversion). The size and complexity of this should be proportionate to the health and safety risks involved in the work.

With projects where more than one contractor is involved (both domestic and non-domestic), the client needs to appoint both a Principal Designer and a Principal Contractor. A client is anyone for whom a construction project is carried out. A domestic client is someone who is arranging construction work on the property where they, or another family member, live. If a domestic client does not appoint the Principal Designer and Principal Contractor, these duties automatically transfer to the designer and contractor carrying out the work.

The Principal Designer and/or Principal Contractor will prepare a health and safety file. This contains relevant information for the client which may be needed after the

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

construction work is finished.

The CDMC (CDM co-ordinator) role no longer exists and a new role of Principal Designer has been created. This is the designer who is in control of the preconstruction phase of your construction project. This role can be carried out by either an organisation or an individual who has sufficient skills, knowledge and experience to do this. Their duties include planning, managing, monitoring and coordinating health and safety in the preconstruction phase of the project.

NOTIFICATION In CDM 2007 you needed to inform HSENI on an NI10 form about construction work which would last longer than 30 working days or exceed 500 person days.

In CDM 2016 this has changed. Now, you need to inform HSENI if your construction

project will last longer than 30 working days and have more than 20 workers working on the project simultaneously at any time, or if it exceeds 500 person days.

There are construction projects which will have started before August 1, 2016 where a CDMC has already been appointed.

For these construction projects there is a 12-month transition period for changing from using a CDMC to appointing a Principal Designer.

HSENI encourages the construction industry to embrace the changes brought in by CDM 2016. The new regulations haven’t changed the focus on preventing harm to people’s health or safety but have changed the way in which this should be delivered For more information on CDM 2016, telephone 0800 0320 121 or visit the construction topic page of the HSENI website: www.hseni.gov.uk

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 7

CHARITY NEWS

Some of the Haldane Fisher Athletic team members who have been getting their kit off for charity – from left Colly Johnston, Paul Blair, Neil McAteer and Chris Bagnell.

A FULL MONTY TRIBUTE ACT AND A 28-HOUR SPINATHON, JUST TWO OF THE EVENTS THE COMPANY’S FOOTBALL TEAM HAS ORGANISED TO RAISE OVER £12,000 FOR CHARITY…

Haldane Fisher staff get their kit off for charity!

A

group of big-hearted footballers from Haldane Fisher have been getting their kit off for charity while also delivering some match-winning performances.

What started out as a bid to play a bit of football on Saturday and “get away from the wife for a few hours” has spiralled into a platform for fundraising, with events such as a Full Monty Tribute Act and a 28-Hour Spinathon helping to raise upwards of £12,000 for various charities.

Back in March 2013, staff members Jimmy Brookes and Neil McAteer came up with the idea of creating a company football team, paving the way for the creation of Haldane Fisher Athletic FC. Playing in the Second Division of the Carnbane League in Newry, the team has made a year-onyear improvement. Their exploits on the

8 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

field have created camaraderie and a fair bit of banter within Haldane Fisher and Plumbmaster, but it is the group’s charity exploits that have really captured the imagination.

Neil explained, “We started with a few training sessions and in the first season we had over 45 players signed up. We did okay in our first season and continue to improve.

Some people don’t get talked to on a Monday if they’ve had a bad game, and our customers are following us too, so it’s been really positive.”

The on-the-pitch exploits were overshadowed when the team’s lucky mascot Mellissa Harshaw, daughter of teammember Aubrey, was diagnosed with having a tumour the size of a melon attached to her kidney. She had to go through chemotherapy at the Children’s Cancer and Haematology Unit in the Royal Victoria Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.

Neil added, “Mellissa would come to training and in our first season she was at the four games that we actually won, so when we heard the news we just wanted to help.”

That was when the team carried out their first Full Monty Tribute Act in aid of the Children’s Cancer Unit – a feat they have repeated three times since, and are set to do again in the future.

Chris Bagnell said, “When I joined the football team I never thought that I’d end up taking my clothes off in front of a crowd of people, but when you know that you are doing it for a worthwhile cause then that makes a real difference.”

Aubrey added, “The club was great and

raised some important money for the charity.

Mellissa is now 10 and is doing well at the moment. We’re hoping to get her to a few more matches this season.”

Another charity close to their hearts is the Fight On campaign in aid of County Armagh woman Séanín Smith, who suffers from an array of rare, debilitating illnesses.

Séanín’s boyfriend is club captain, Martin Rooney, and once again the club rallied round with a 28-hour Spinathon at Haldane Fisher Newry raising much-needed funds to send her to America for pioneering treatment.

The organisation of the team and the fundraising feats fall to a group consisting of Neil McAteer, Jimmy Brookes, Colin Johnston, Chris Bagnell and Aubrey Harshaw. However, they are ably backed by everyone at the club.

Neill added, “All the charities we’ve helped are close to our hearts, and we have actually had people approach us wanting help to raise money for their charity. We want to give something back to the local community and we’re up for most things – as I think we’ve already proved!”

He concluded, “As a company, Haldane Fisher has been excellent. Not only do they sponsor the club but they help in any way they can when it comes to our fundraising.

That makes such a difference.

“The Sheepbridge Inn has also really helped us out and we’d like to thank the local community for continuing to support the many events we hold.”

For further information, telephone 028 3026 3201 or visit www.haldane-fisher.com

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

BREXIT

JOHN ARMSTRONG, MANAGING DIRECTOR, CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYERS FEDERATION, LOOKS AT THE IMPLICATIONS OF BREXIT AND OUTLINES SOME INDUSTRY SOLUTIONS…

A vibrant construction industry will underpin our economic future

B

eyond any doubt, the construction industry and the wider business community is presently facing a time of immense challenge and uncertainty.

While the realities of the situation that confront us still, in the immediate sense, pale in comparison to those of the 2008/09 recession and its aftermath, there is a clear risk that the current lack of investor and investment confidence could quickly reverse any of the modest growth our sector has seen in the past three years and have a significantly detrimental effect on industry sustainability.

Recent UK-wide data on both Q2 GDP and the Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers Index has painted a very bleak picture for our industry. The weakening confidence in the run up to June’s referendum is now, very clearly, being seen in the market in terms of new work coming out to tender as well as a significant number of major jobs that have been awarded to contractors that are facing delays in getting on site. That gradual decline in confidence in the run up to June 23 has clearly only been exacerbated since.

Let us not though doubt that in these challenging times there does lie significant opportunity. However, for that opportunity to become an economic, jobs driven reality there are a series of steps which we believe the industry and government need to take together. In respect of Brexit, it is absolutely vital that the Northern Ireland Executive, at the earliest possible stage, comes to a clear and unambiguous position on how it should seek to influence and what it wants from the negotiations the UK Government will take part in over the coming months and years.

From our perspective, the key demands are: • Maintenance of the existing soft border between Northern Ireland and the Republic given the necessary and daily flows of labour as well as the contracts that our members will seek to bid, win and deliver in the Republic; • Irrespective of what immigration system we move to post-Brexit, it is critical that the industry retains the access to the skills that it needs; • Clarity around the future of EU funded infrastructure works and related programmes

10 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

– including the future of the critical Northern Ireland Investment Fund and the York Street Interchange Scheme; • Access to the Single Market No-one could or should underestimate the level of the task facing our Executive and the UK Government more widely when it comes to Brexit but, as we and others in the business community have often said, to achieve our economic potential and deliver on our ambitions, the conditions must be right.

Many of the key enablers do, of course, stand outside the Brexit issue, and it is important that we do not shift our focus from these over the months ahead.

While the Federation welcomes the outcomes-led approach that the draft Programme for Government Framework proposes to take, it is absolutely critical that this Executive mandate sees a much higher level of accountability than those previous.

For us, that higher level of accountability has three specific strands: • Enhancing the sustainability of the local construction industry – with a specific focus on growing the margins on public sector infrastructure projects achieved by giving greater weighting to quality over price;

• Delivering the confidence critical infrastructure pipeline – inclusive of the Executive’s seven flagship schemes, there must be a much higher percentage of schemes delivered on time and on budget and; • Create the conditions the industry needs to grow housebuilding to identified demand levels – with a much stronger emphasis on making sure the levels of new private housing available increase substantially on current volumes as well as reversing the alarming trend of declining home ownership When you add to this the additional uncertainty of the proposed Apprenticeship Levy and the fact that, at this stage, approximately 25 Northern Irish construction companies will have to pay two statutory levies as of April with little clarity as to where the funds from the new Levy will be spent, we believe it is no exaggeration to say that many of today’s challenges truly do pose serious viability questions for our industry.

Enhancing Northern Ireland’s competitiveness and attractiveness as a region to do business and invest in remains our ultimate goal. The challenges before us to achieve that laudable aim will take a united effort.

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FREE EVENT

WED 7 SEPT - 4-9PM & THURS 8 SEPT - 10-4PM TITANIC EXHIBITION CENTRE, BELFAST

MECHANICAL, PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL AND LIGHTING SOLUTIONS

Register at… www.pphlbelfast.com

NEW EVENT

WED 7 SEPT 4PM-9PM THUR 8 SEPT 10AM-4PM TITANIC EXHIBITION CENTRE, BELFAST

REGISTER NOW FOR A BRAND NEW INDUSTRY EVENT SHOWCASING SOLUTIONS FROM THE PLUMBING, MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL AND LIGHTING SECTORS…

Functionality of building is at the heart of Plumb Power Heat Light Expo

F

unctionality of a building is right at the heart of the Plumb Power Heat Light Expo, which takes place at the new Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, on September 7-8, 2016.

A new event, the specialist expo is the largest plumbing, heating, mechanical, electrical and lighting exhibition in Ireland.

Recognising that, in addition to looking good, a building needs to perform well and run efficiently for its users, Plumb Power Heat Light will introduce visitors to innovative solutions for commercial, domestic, new build and upgrade projects.

This offers an ideal opportunity for your organisation to gain access to all the latest products and technologies from a diverse range of manufacturers and suppliers.

This is in addition to a superb opportunity to network with attendees ranging from architects, building contractors, M&E contractors and consultants through representatives of Government, public and private sectors, including those in

the agri-food, education, health, leisure, manufacturing, social housing and tourism.

Overall, this is an excellent event where partnerships between the building and M&E industry can materialise, helping everyone involved in the wider construction industry to excel in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Great Britain.

With over 150 exhibitors, this event has been designed to foster closer working relationships with experts from these specialist areas while raising awareness of the latest developments in technology, issues and legislation related to engineering including mechanical and electrical.

In addition to showcasing the latest products – both on the stands and through interactive displays and zones - Plumb Power Heat Light will be enhanced by a series of free seminars and areas dedicated to tools, vans/4x4s, business services and insurance.

As the leading event for all those involved and interested in the design and good functionality of the built environment,

architects, fellow construction professionals and anyone involved in the designing, specifying, maintaining or managing of a building will benefit from attending the Plumb Power Heat Light Expo.

PRODUCTS ON SHOW AT THE EXPO

• Air conditioning • Climate control • Energy monitoring equipment • Energy saving products • Fire and security solutions • Heating and ventilation • Lighting • Plumbing

FREE gREGISTER NOW TO VISIT PASS www.pphlbelfast.co.uk For more information contact T: 028 9261 2990 12 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

• Power and automation • Sanitary ware • Solar power • Tools and testing equipment • Training • Renewable energy • Vans / 4x4s

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

NEW EVENT

VAN 2

FLOORPLAN

VAN 1

43 4x3 44 3x3

45 5x3 46 5x3

41 4x4

39 4x4

40 4x4

42 4x4

22 22 A B

VAN 5

VAN 4

25 4x2

26 6x2

FORK LIFT ACCESS

21 21 A B

PLUMBING ZONE

12 12A 5x3 4x3

27 27 A B

29 29 B C

55 56

67 68

63 64

57 58

69 70

65 66

59 60

71 72

3x2 3x2

3x2 3x2

3x2 3x2

3x2 3x2

14 14A 4x3 4x3

3x2 3x2

3x2 3x2

14B 6x3

15A 6x2

9A 4x2 9B 4x2

10A 5x4

9 8x5

4 6x4

2A 2B 6x3 6x3

100 EXHIBITORS

30 A

4x2

4x2

16A 4x2

16B 4x3

8 4x3 8A 8B

49 5x3

53 5x3

4x2 4x2

19A 3x3 19C 3x3

19B 3x3 19D 3x3

18 3x3 18B 3x3 17 3x3

18A 4x3 17A 5x3

FREE PARKING

7A 7B 4x3 4x3

4x2 4x2

7 6x3

5 6x2

6A 5x4

5A 5B 6x3 6x3

3 6x3

WED 7 SEPT 4PM-9PM THUR 8 SEPT 10AM-4PM

54 5x3

6B 5x4

· Etendersni.co.uk Workshop for Government Procurement · LPG The Future of Today and Tomorrow

Acorn IT Solutions 63 Adey 21A Altecnic 49 Alternative Heat 36A Aqualisa 38D Aurora VAN 3 Bahco 56 Bank of Ireland 66 Baxi 20C Baxi Commercial 14 Bluesky Pensions 28B Boiler-M8 38C Bridge Commerical VAN 9 C-Tec 43 C&F Quadrant 4 Calor Gas 13 CCTS 27A Charles Hurst Renault VAN 6 Chronotherm 25 CK Tools 55

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

· Building Business Through Social Media · Electrical Safety in the Privately Rented Sector

51 5x3

· LED Lighting, The Way Forward

50 5x3

· Human Centric Lighting for Dementia Patients

DATES, TIMES AND SPEAKERS TBC. UPDATES ON WWW.PPHLBELFAST.COM

A DIVERSE RANGE OF EXPERTS COVERING EVERY ASPECT OF THE PLUMBING, HEATING, MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL SECTORS...

Classic Marble 20B Contech Building Products 40 Copper Industries 45 Cuthbertson Laird 9A DAN Agencies 27B Danfoss Ltd 29B Dawson Whyte Insurance 64 Draper Tools 57 Drilling & Pumping Supplies 14B ECS/JIB/ECA 15C Electric Heating Co 12A Electric Ireland 7 EPH Controls 2B ETT 8 Fabdec 18B Fantasy Lighting 16A Fernox 14A Ferroli 1

FOLLOW US ON:

· Top 10 Non-Compliances to the Inspection Schedule

52 5x3

ENTRANCE

A-Z EXHIBITORS

P

CPDs, TALKS & SEMINARS

FORK LIFT ACCESS

10A 5x3

30

3x2 3x2

15B 15C 5x3 5x3

2 6x2

1 6x5

29 29 4x2 A

61 62 3x2 3x2

FREE 2-DAY EVENT

ELECTRICAL ZONE

20B 3x3 20D 3x3

13 13A 5x3 6x3

48 5x3

28 28 C D

4x2 4x2

3x2 3x2

47 5x3

4x2

4x2 4x2

4x2 4x2

11 8x5

28 28 A B

4x2 4x2

23 6x4

4x2 4x2

VAN 9

COFFEE AREA

SEMINAR THEATRE

4x2 4x2

22 22 C D

VAN 8

VAN 7

VAN 6

37 35 A 4x4 4x2 36 34 A 4x4 4x2

38 36 A 4x2 4x2 38 38 C D 4x2 4x2

24 24 A B

4x2 4x2

20A 3x3 20C 3x3 * STANDS AND EXHIBITORS CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS. FULL LIST OF EXHIBITORS CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.PPHLBELFAST.COM

VAN 3

Fike Safety Technology 35 Fire NI 6B Firebird 20D Flogas 2A Proano 6A Profast NI Ltd 26 Grant NI 10A Hager 19D Hanover Systems 19C Harpers 19B Harlequin 23 Industry Training Services 8A Intact Solutions 61 Instrument Repair & Calibration 5 John Guest Speedfit 47 Joule Solutions VAN 7-8 Knipex 42 Leak Locator 22C Marco Cable

Management 53 Megger Limited 3 MET Collect 28C Myson 15A NICEIC 9B Northern Switchgear 54 Omak Agencies 17A OFTEC 21B Phoenix Natural Gas 24A Plumbmaster 11 POB Solar 18 Principal Lighting 28A Property Claims Loss Assessors 62 PTS 22A Q View Security 18A Quinn Radiators 2 Reliance (RWC UK) 13a REMS 68-72 Salamander Pumps 22D

Sanbra Fyffe 15B Saturn Heating 37A Saturn LED 9 Schneider 19A Screwfix 20A Scotts Electrical 7A Smart Automation 28D Solvall 24B Spares Direct 38A Tool Fix 58-60, 67,69, 71 Tec Electric 17 Traction Finance 65 Vaillant 46 Vanline VAN 4-5 Viribright 5A Warmflow Engineering 12 Worcester Bosch 34 WorkPal 39 Xylem 10B

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 13

CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE

ACHIEVEMENTS OF LOCAL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY RECOGNISED IN CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE AWARDS…

Shortlist unveiled for Construction Excellence Awards

T

he shortlist of finalists for this year’s Construction Excellence Awards has been unveiled after judges reduced the large number of entries across 14 categories down to a final 47.

All the finalists will now receive a judging visit before the showcase event in September, which this year will take place on September 7 at the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine at Queen’s University Belfast – the 2015 Overall Winner. This will give finalists the opportunity to demonstrate the excellence of their project to customers, suppliers and industry professionals. The winners will then be announced at a Gala Evening on October 6 at the Culloden Hotel.

The Construction Excellence Awards provide an opportunity to recognise the achievements of the local construction industry and to publicise the substantial contribution that the industry makes to the economy and society in Northern Ireland. Success at these awards has become the benchmark by which the industry judges itself.

For more information on the Construction Excellence Awards, visit www.cefni.co.uk/construction-excellence-awards

SHORTLIST OF FINALISTS...

GENERAL CONSTRUCTION COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION AWARD • Heron Brothers – Forthriver Innovation Factory • Martin & Hamilton – Galgorm Resort & Spa • O’Hare & McGovern – IFA National Football Stadium • P&K McKaigue – Causeway Rural & Urban Network (CRUN) Building FIT-OUT AWARDS • Dixons Contractors – 16 College Street, Belfast • Gilbert-Ash – PwC/Google Innovation Lab • Woodvale Construction Company – Stranmillis Refectory RESTORATION AWARD • Gilbert-Ash – The Crown Bar and Dining Rooms • Martin & Hamilton – St Bernadette’s Church, Belfast • QMAC Construction – St Patrick’s Church, Donaghmore • TAL – Restoration of Portaferry Presbyterian Church SOCIAL/COMMUNITY CONSTRUCTION AWARD • Maurice Flynn & Sons – Waterfront Hall Refurbishment • QMAC Construction – The Junction • TAL – Schomberg House • Woodvale Construction Company – Queen’s Boat Club GB & REPUBLIC OF IRELAND CONSTRUCTION AWARD • Gilbert-Ash – Institution of Engineering & Technology • Tracey Brothers – Eolas Building at NUI Maynooth • Heron Brothers – Stevenson Hive Project • Farrans Construction – Ellon Academy Community Campus

Waterfront Hall Refurbishment.

HOUSING PRIVATE HOUSING AWARD • Carr Brothers – Bannview Court Retirement Village • Dixons Contractors – Redbridge Development • Donaghmore Construction – Fairfields • JW & J Porter & Company – Saddlers Hall

SERC Space Campus, Bangor.

14 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

SOCIAL HOUSING AWARD • Donaghmore Construction – Ballymister Supported Housing • Hagan Homes – Fort Hall • Lowry Construction – Manse Court • P&K McKaigue – Holly Lane

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE

Fleet Financial adds fresh drive to construction sector growth

L

Galgorm Resort & Spa.

Portaferry Presbyterian Church.

The Junction, Dungannon.

INFRASTRUCTURE HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE AWARD • Felix O’Hare & Company – Banbridge CTCC • Glasgiven Contracts – Ballymena Ambulance Station • H&J Martin – Northern Ireland Adult Hospice • O’Hare & McGovern – Ballymena Health & Care Centre EDUCATION INFRASTRUCTURE AWARD • Mascott Construction – MENCAP Building Belfast • Maurice Flynn & Sons – St Joseph’s Carnacaville • O’Hare & McGovern – SERC Space Campus • Tracey Brothers – New Dromore Central Primary School TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE AWARD • Fox Building & Engineering – Valley Park • Fox Building & Engineering – Strabane Pedestrian Bridge • John Graham Construction – A2 Shore Road, Carrickfergus • McLaughlin and Harvey – Glynn River Bridge

eading contract hire and vehicle management company, Fleet Financial is behind a new drive after backing the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) to become an approved new patron of the largest representative body for the construction industry in Northern Ireland.

Celebrating its 20th successful year in business in 2016, Fleet Financial already represents more than 1,000 local businesses across a variety of sectors and individuals, and this latest initiative formalises its commitment to assist in strengthening the local construction industry.

Philip Miley, Sales and Marketing Director, Fleet Financial, said, “As an unrivalled provider of innovative vehicle management solutions which directly support business growth and expansion, Fleet Financial is always acutely aware of the challenges faced by new, established and fast-growing businesses of every size.

“The construction industry remains vitally important to the development of a strong economy, and we are pleased to join the CEF as a patron and to join others in providing the assistance, advice and encouragement which will underline and assure growth and future expansion for the benefit of all.”

Fleet Financial joins leading industry names including Danske Bank, Carson McDowell and JP Corry in the CEF’s official patronage scheme, which brings organisations from a range of sectors together to support the industry with expertise and guidance.

John Armstrong, Managing Director at CEF, added, “Our objective is to deliver one shared ‘voice of the construction industry’ to ensure that our work delivers for our people, our members and the wider economy and we are excited to have the backing of Fleet Financial for the future.”

UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE AWARD • Adman Civil Projects – Eglish Wind Farm • DAWSON-WAM – Newcastle Wastewater Treatment Works • Lagan Construction Group – Castor Bay to Belfast Strategic Trunk Main • Terra Solutions – York Street Interchange Storm Chamber

QUALITY PERFORMANCE HEALTH & SAFETY AWARD • Farrans Construction • Heron Brothers • Maurice Flynn & Sons • McAleer & Teague TRAINING AWARD • David Jameson Roofing Services • Donaghmore Construction • Farrans Construction • Maurice Flynn & Sons ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AWARD • Adman Civil Projects • David Jameson Roofing Services • Tracey Brothers

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

Pictured at the quarterly meeting of the CEF Council, held at QMAC Construction in Donaghmore, are (from left), back row: Jonathan Caughey, CEF; John Armstrong, CEF; Philip Miley, Fleet Financial; Damian Hughes, Fleet Financial; John Tracey, Tracey Brothers; and David Magee, Antrim Construction. Front row: Eamonn Sweeney, Northstone; CEF President, David Henry, Henry Brothers; Rhona Quinn, QMAC Construction; Damian Campbell, Fleet Financial; and Archi Rowan, CEF.

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 15

FMB NEWS

FMB NI CONTINUES TO GIVE MEMBERS THE EDGE AND NORTHERN BUILDER BRINGS YOU SOME OF THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS FROM THE ORGANISATION...

Investing in Infrastructure can beat the Brexit blues, says FMB

I

nvestment in infrastructure could help mitigate the risks of Brexit, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Gavin McGuire, Director of FMB Northern Ireland, said, “The Northern Ireland construction industry is, at last, enjoying consistent growth so we can’t let Brexit undo all of our hard work by zapping business confidence.

“Indeed, public investment in our sector has the potential to act as a bulwark against the possibility of a recession. With the UK Prime Minister making positive noises about serious investment in infrastructure projects across the whole of the UK, this could help support a significant capital investment programme and corresponds with both the national mood and what our industry has been crying out for.

“The importance of our sector to the wider economy should not be understated. The construction industry accounts for around 10% of Northern Ireland’s total output and employs nearly one in ten people. Our members make a huge contribution to the Northern Irish economy and, indeed, the very fabric of our society. We are fortunate enough to have some incredibly talented,

Pictured with Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir (second left) are (from left) Rory Regan, Regan Contracts and FMB NI President, Gavin McGuire, FMB NI Director, Sarah McMonagle, Director of FMB External Affairs, and Mark Gribben, Director of Setanta Construction and FMB Board Member.

innovative construction SMEs in this country. This is evidenced by the fact that, during leaner economic times here, so many of our members were able to find work elsewhere, both in the rest of the UK and in Ireland.

“We’re looking forward to working with the Government to progress the key infrastructure projects identified in the Fresh Start Agreement, which will give some certainty to the construction industry and help companies plan ahead. There is an urgent need to now consider options for alternative funding models.”

Northern Ireland’s Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, said, “Since my appointment as Finance Minister I have met with the Federation and other key players from the local Construction Group to discuss plans

for Government investment in infrastructure projects. I want to praise the construction industry’s can-do efforts, and reassure the industry regarding the Executive’s commitment to delivering a number of flagship infrastructure projects identified in the Fresh Start Agreement. I have also started discussions with my officials to explore options for a stimulus package for the North.

“I recognise the difficulties faced by the industry and realise there are still challenges ahead, but working with the construction sector can only help benefit the local economy.”

The Minister met with the Federation of Master Builders during a visit to Rowan Glynn Housing development site in Maghera.

London reception marks 75th anniversary

R FMB Northern Ireland’s Maire Nawaz, Gavin McGuire and Rory Regan at the 75th anniversary reception at the House of Lords.

epresentatives of the FMB in Northern Ireland recently attended a special reception in the House of Lords to mark the organisation’s 75th anniversary.

FMB Northern Ireland Directors Maire Nawaz and Gavin McGuire along with Northern Ireland President Rory Regan took part in the event in London alongside over 250 FMB members, MPs and Lords as well as special guests Greg Clark MP, Secretary of State for

Communities and Local Government; John McDonnell MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer; Brian Berry, Chief Executive, FMB; and Patrick Heath-Lay, CEO of B&CE. The event looked back of the origins of the FMB, which was set up in July 1941 following the devastation of the London Blitz and the urgent need for small builders to be given the opportunity to rebuild the city. It also looked ahead to the path which the FMB and its members will forge in the decades to come.

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

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 17

NEWS

MEW LIGHT ON THE HORIZON FOR EAST BELFAST Mew Island Lighthouse Optic will have a bright future as the ‘iconic gateway’ to Belfast Waterfront, with the appointment of local architects, Hall McKnight and support from East Belfast councillors.

Titanic Foundation has announced that Hall McKnight has been named winner of a competition to design a structure to house a 130-year-old lighthouse optic. The firm was chosen ahead of 11 contestants to create an iconic structure to protect, preserve and provide public access to the Mew Island Lighthouse Optic, which will be located in Titanic Quarter.

The competition was organised in partnership with the Royal Society of Ulster Architects and received a great response, with 12 prestigious international firms submitting proposals.

The optic which is 130 years old, seven metres tall and weighs approximately 10 tonnes is a unique heritage object with significance to Belfast’s economic, maritime and industrial past. It will

BEECHILL DEVELOPMENTS BUILDING 14 NEW HOMES IN NEWTOWNARDS

be restored and housed in a new interpretive structure, designed to last for 100 years and made to resemble a lighthouse lantern room.

Mew Island lighthouse, on the outermost of the Copeland Islands, is one of the tallest lighthouses in Ireland.

An exhibition of the 12 design entries will be showcased over the coming months.

For further information visit titanicfoundation.org

Ulster Bank is supporting the development of 14 new homes outside Newtownards.

Beechill Developments is investing £2million with the bank’s support in the scheme at Wyndell Park, off the Donaghadee Road in the town. Eight detached and six semi-detached properties are being built by the company, which will be completed later this year.

It is one of the latest residential development projects to receive backing by Ulster Bank through the bank’s Commercial Real Estate team. Other schemes to receive the bank’s support include the 32-property Riverhill Manor development in Ballyclare, as well as a residential development on the North Road in Carrickfergus.

Ulster Bank also announced earlier this year that it is providing £7million to support Triangle Housing Association in the delivery of 575 new social homes across Northern Ireland over the next five years.

For more information, visit www.ulsterbank.co.uk

LAGAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP CELEBRATES NATIONAL WOMEN IN ENGINEERING DAY John McAree of Beechill Developments with Gary Barr of Ulster Bank on site at Wyndell Park in Newtownards.

TECHNOLOGY FUELS McAVOY GROWTH IN GB Students from Rathmore Grammar School at City Quays II site in Belfast with Justine McIntyre, HSE Advisor Lagan Construction Group, and Ciara Doherty, Site Engineer, Lagan Construction Group.

To mark National Women in Engineering Day 2016, Lagan Construction Group has hosted a site visit for local school girls from Rathmore Grammar School at Lagan Building Contractors’ £18million project at City Quays 2 in Belfast.

Lagan Building Contractors, part of Lagan Construction Group, is currently delivering the City Quays 2 project as part of Belfast Harbour’s 20-acre regeneration plan for the area.

18 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

The event was supported by the Women’s Engineering Society which co-ordinates and promotes the National Women in Engineering Day campaign, raising the profile of women in engineering and focusing attention on the amazing career opportunities available to girls within the industry.

For more information, telephone 028 9045 5531 or visit www.laganconstructiongroup.com

The McAvoy Group has reinforced its position as a pioneering fast track construction specialist by becoming the first company in its sector within Northern Ireland to achieve the latest Building Information Modelling (BIM) certification. The Tyrone-based company now aims to use its BIM Level 2 certification as a platform to build further success especially within the UK’s public sector where this is now a mandatory requirement for centrally procured construction projects.

McAvoy has been an early adopter of BIM and has a long record of using 3D modelling for its private and public sector projects.

For more information, telephone 028 8774 0372 or visit www.mcavoygroup.com

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

SCREEDS

ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE through optimum drying

JORIS SMET, DIRECTOR, SMET BUILDING PRODUCTS, HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF DRYING SCREED OPTIMALLY…

T

he most common technical enquiries encountered by screed contractors are, “What are the expected drying times?” and “When can my floor covering be installed?”.

The simple fact is that final covering (vinyl, tiles, wood panelling, carpet, cork, parquet etc) cannot be laid to perfection unless the screed on which it is laid has dried optimally.

In keeping with good workmanship and the specific standards governing the installation of floor screeds, the primary method of testing if the screed has fully dried to the required level is to conduct a simple moisture test.

One cannot stress enough the importance of this measurement, as a premature installation of the final floor covering will adversely affect the quality of the entire flooring project.

According to BS 5385-3:2014, screed drying time is approximately 1mm per day up to 40mm thickness in adequate temperatures and drying conditions (sample drying times are given in Table 1).

TABLE 1 SAMPLE DRYING TIMES IN IDEAL DRYING CONDITIONS Screed thickness Drying time mm days 40 40 50 60 60 80

However, this can be greatly affected by actual conditions. This period should be increased for screeds thicker than 40mm and in poor drying conditions.

Good drying conditions should be provided as soon as the screed is laid.

The screed should be protected from very rapid drying or draughts on the first day but, thereafter, atmospheric humidity should be low (ie not greater than 65% RH), and the air temperature should be adequate (eg 20°C) so that moisture can evaporate.

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT There are several practical methods for assessing the moisture content in screeds.

• The BS 8203:2001+A 1 :2009 method for measuring the moisture condition of a base to receive a floor covering is to use an insulated impermeable box on top of the screed and measure the equilibrium relative humidity of the trapped air inside the box using an electronic probe, or hair hygrometer.

• The DIN 18560-4 method for measuring the moisture content of a base to receive a floor covering using a CM (carbide method) testing device.

• The moisture content of the screed may be determined by drying a sample of the screed in an oven. The sample is weighed before and after the oven drying to determine the weight loss as a percentage of the dry weight.

Moisture testing by hygrometer (RH): The British Standard for testing a base to receive a resilient floor covering is to use bringing european innovation

20 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

SCREEDS

a hair hygrometer to the method defined in BS8203: 2001. This provides a nondestructive test method and will give results for relative humidity near to 75% (which is the usual required limit for floor finishes). Above this level of moisture, the hair hygrometer may not always provide a meaningful reading. For correct results, the BS 8023 method must be strictly adhered to, including the use of a correctly sized and insulated box sealed to the floor, a sufficiently long test for equilibrium to be reached and the use (where appropriate) of an impervious sheet around the instrument.

Moisture testing by CM tester (CM): The CM tester works according to the carbide method, using the destruction of calcium carbide in water. During this reaction, acetylene gas is formed which causes an increase in pressure in the vessel. From the measured pressure and the test portion of the material to be tested, the water content of the sample is read from a table or directly from the manometer.

A representative sample should be taken from the dry screed floor. This should cover the whole thickness of the floor material.

For parquet, the sample is taken from the lower to middle area of the screed.

Before filling the vessel, the material must be crushed and slightly milled. The larger pieces of mineral aggregates should be removed. By shaking the vessel well, with the inclusion of steel balls, the desired final crushing will be achieved. Use 100g of crushed screed (depending on the type of CM tester).

For calcium sulphate-based floor screeds, the requirements are for a maximum of 1% moisture content for moisture permeable floorings (eg carpets) and 0.5% moisture content for impermeable floorings (eg vinyl, ceramic and stone).

With cement-based floor screeds, the requirements are for a maximum of 2% moisture content for moisture permeable floorings (eg carpets) and 2% moisture content for impermeable floorings (eg vinyl, ceramic and stone).

An electronic CM device is helpful to locate the highest moisture content location of the floor. The reading can then be confirmed by testing to the carbide method.

BS 5385-3: 2014 Wall and floor tiling – Part 3 states: The assessment of residual moisture levels, is the responsibility of the main contractor.

WHAT TO DO WHEN IT’S NOT DRY ENOUGH

W

hen it’s not dry enough, there are steps you can take – either wait; force dry (calcium sulphate-based floor screeds only); or apply a surface DPM.

FORCED DRYING Unlike cement-based screed, calcium sulphate screed can be forced-dried, by commissioning the underfloor heating system (if applicable) or by utilising a dehumidifier.

Commissioning Underfloor Heating: • Five days after installation of the screed, the commissioning process starts with a water temperature (UFH manifold) of 25°C, which is maintained for three days.

The water temperature is then raised to the maximum value (max 55°C) and kept at this level for at least four days.

• Allow for plenty of ventilation by opening windows on each side of the building. Please note: it is essential that the building receives sufficient air changes in order to achieve low air humidity (< 65% RH).

Utilising a dehumidifier: • Five days after the installation of screed, introduce heat and utilise a dehumidifier with correct capacity for the m³ area of the building. Use several dehumidifiers if required.

• Keep windows and doors closed to allow the dehumidifier to work efficiently.

• Continue with the above procedure until a moisture content of 0.5% (tiling/ vinyl) or 1% (carpet) is achieved.

SURFACE DPM (MOISTURE SUPPRESSING MEMBRANE) In general, surface-applied DPM systems do not stop the passage of moisture - they actually allow the passage of moisture from the screed to the floor finishes, but at a greatly reduced and controlled rate. It will always be best practice and economical to dry the screed rather than use a surface DPM. However, because of time constraints or site conditions, cement and calcium sulphate screeds can be covered with a surface DPM, providing certain criteria are met.

With calcium sulphate-based screeds, care must be taken regarding the amount of moisture trapped in the screed, as this will have an effect on the strength gain.

Applying a moisture-suppressing surface DPM will effectively cap the strength of the screed. It should not, therefore, be applied until the screed has gained sufficient strength in order to install floor finishes.

Without forced drying methods of the screed (as earlier), the screed should be at least four weeks’ cured before applying a surface DPM. Moisture content must be < 1.5% CM or 87% RH, tested as described.

We recommend the use of Merlin Barrier Coat as DPM which is suitable for use on both cement-based and calcium sulphatebased floor screeds. Merlin Barrier Coat has a successful track record using its surface DPM on cement and calcium sulphate screeds for over 10 years.

From the hand-held electronic to CM Professional kits, SMET has a range of German-made Gann moisture testing equipment available to purchase.

bringing european innovation

Smet Building Products Ltd | 93A Belfast Road | Newry | BT34 1QH | Northern Ireland T: +44 (0) 28 3026 6833 | F: +44 (0) 28 3025 2777 | E: info@smetbuildingproducts.com www.smetbuildingproducts.com or www.smet.ie

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 21

PROJECT LEADS

CLARE LENNON, NI RESEARCHER FOR CIS IRELAND, PROVIDES A REGULAR INSIGHT INTO THE LATEST PROJECTS…

Belfast leads the way with leisure transformation plans

C

onstruction Information Services (CIS) has reported a continuing growth in volume and value of projects across the province in 2016.

A total of 1,289 projects, worth £1,007.7million, have been granted planning to date this year, up from 978 projects worth £836.5million in the same period of 2015.

July saw the release of Belfast City Council’s Leisure Transformation Programme, Phase 1. This will be a two-stage, design-and-build contract encompassing three Belfast leisure centres. The construction works will cost in excess of £45million overall and will involve new builds for The Robinson Centre, Andersonstown Leisure Centre and Brook Activity Centre.

Many leisure centres in Belfast are over 25 years old and few are in optimal locations across the city.

The Leisure Transformation Programme (2012-2022) seeks to radically alter this and deliver 21st Century provision.

Agreed facilities for the Robinson Centre include a 25m, eight-lane gala pool with 250 spectator seats; learner pool with movable floor and diving provision; confidence water for small children and toddlers; 140-station fitness suite; exercise studios; spin studio; sports hall; café; community facility; and a range of outdoor provision, such as a five-a-side pitch and skate park. £20million is the proposed investment at this centre.

The new Andersonstown Leisure Centre will focus on the following agreed facilities in a £25million investment - large family fun-focused area of leisure water; 25m six-lane pool with 50 spectator seats; learner pool; confidence water for small children and

toddlers; 140-station fitness suite; exercise studios; spin studio; sports hall; café; integrated community centre; and a range of outdoor provision, such as five-a-side pitches and a BMX park.

Meanwhile, Brook Activity Centre will comprise a 25m six-lane pool with 25 spectator seats; sports hall; 60-station fitness suite; exercise studio; spin studio; one 3G pitch suitable for Gaelic and soccer (in addition to the existing 3G soccer pitch); three indoor 3G five-a-side soccer pitches; three outdoor 3G five-a-side soccer pitches; one hurling wall; playground and outdoor gym. This centre will see an investment of £15million.

In the education sector, £110million has been earmarked for the delivery of five school buildings, a sports centre, a shared education hub building, a sports pavilion and other associated facilities in Omagh under the Strule Shared Education Campus (SSEC) plan. Phase 1 of the SSEC – Arvalee Special School – will be operational by September 2016.

The tendering process has also started for the appointment of consultants to design a shared education campus in Limavady to replace Limavady High School and St Mary’s High School. This is a £5million project by the Education Authority NI Western Region.

You can access full details on these and thousands of other key and major construction projects on the CIS online database. Sign up to the popular CIS free subscription service today to get a taste of the thousands of in-depth, fully researched projects on the CIS system. *Please note: This CIS data was accurate on August 1, 2016. Visit www.cisireland.com for the latest project updates on these schemes

THE LATEST REPUBLIC OF IRELAND PROJECTS… PROJECT

COUNTY

PROMOTER

CONTRACT STAGE

€47m warehouse

Cork

Irish Distillers Group

On site

€22m office development

Dublin

Green REIT Plc

On site

€30m data centre

Dublin

EdgeConneX Ireland

Contract awarded

€11m primary care centre

Cork

Health Service Executive

Contract awarded

€11m school development

Meath

Dunboyne National School

Tender

€11m sports academy

Kerry

Institute of Technology

Tender

€7m respite centre

Cork

Enable Ireland

Plans granted

€2m residential development

Kildare

Glenwave Developments

Plans granted

€12m warehouse extension

Waterford

Eirgen Pharma

Plans submitted

€2m discount foodstore

Tipperary

Lidl Ireland GMBH

Plans submitted

€6m school building

Dublin

Minister for Education

Plans submitted

BRICK BITS • Two pre-application public events have been planned during August for a £20million housing proposals by Fraser Houses (NI) Ltd. Over 300 houses are involved.

• The tendering process has started for a £1.4million hostel for the homeless in Portadown.

• GRAHAM Group has been awarded the contract to construct the £30million Belfast Grand Central Hotel for Hasting Hotels.

• Applications are invited for a £27million Belfast Streets Ahead Phase 3 Scheme.

• Select list applications have been invited for £1.2million recording studio for Raidio Failte in Belfast.

• PQQs have been submitted for a £3million integrated seven-class primary school in Larne.

• Conway Group is on site at the Premier Inn, Carrickfergus, delivering a £1million, 15-bedroom extension.

FOR THE LATEST CONSTRUCTION LEADS, VISIT WWW.CISIRELAND.COM

22 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

CASE STUDY – SAINT-GOBAIN ECOPHON

Ecophon breaks the boundaries of creativity in ceiling sound solutions

ARVALEE SPECIAL SCHOOL IN OMAGH BENEFITS FROM BESPOKE SOUND SOLUTIONS FROM ECOPHON…

D

ue to open in September, Arvalee Special School in Omagh features the latest example of creative sound solutions from Saint-Gobain Ecophon.

Working in close liaison with the architect, Isherwood & Ellis, and the school itself, the design team from Saint-Gobain Ecophon were able to produce a bespoke adaptation of the company’s range of Solo free-hanging units as acoustic rafts in order to provide a fun, nature-inspired leaf panel design in some of the communal areas of the school.

The new £10million school building is part of Phase 1 of the Shared Education Campus Omagh, and came about after a fire destroyed 90% of the original school building in 2012.

The school later reopened with temporary classrooms but, committed to ensuring that children in the Omagh district with learning difficulties have access to a proper facility, planning permission was given to build a brand-new, state-of-the-art school. This is Phase 1 in the delivery of a £110million plan to build five school buildings, a sports centre, shared education hub building, sports pavilion and other associated facilities in Omagh under the Strule Shared Education Campus (SSEC) plan.

Located at Lisanelly, the site of the old Army camp in the town, the new purpose-built Arvalee Special School caters for children with severe and moderate learning difficulties, providing a suitable school environment to teach skills and learning programmes to support children aged 3 to 19 years.

Belfast architect, Isherwood & Ellis, utilised all of its considerable understanding of special educational needs to create a unique design that caters sensitively and appropriately for pupils of all ages and ranges of educational needs, moderate to complex.

Good acoustics are an extremely important aspect of the new school design and this is where Saint-Gobain Ecophon played a prominent role.

“Special schools play to our strengths,” said Andrew Acheson, the company’s recently appointed Area Sales Manager for Northern Ireland. “Acoustically speaking, learning environments are demanding premises, and

Andrew Acheson, Area Sales Manager for Northern Ireland T: 07717 538 983 E: andrew.acheson@ecophon.co.uk or Siobhan McGuinness, Area Sales Manager for the Republic of Ireland T: 00353 87 9189149 – E: siobhan.mcguinness@ecophon.ie

24 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

CASE STUDY – SAINT-GOBAIN ECOPHON

for children and young people with special needs it is even more important to get the acoustics right.

“On this project we worked closely with the architect and the main contractor, Woodvale Construction. At the behest of the school, our design office came up with a bespoke design for the ceiling panels leading into the communal hub breakout areas.

“We used 14 Solo Freedom panels and changed the shape from the standard rectangular panels into leaf shapes, which were then painted green to tie in with an ongoing nature theme in parts of the building. It was a one-off design and has resulted in a very unique feature, which at the same time provides a high-performance sound solution suitable for an educational environment,” said Andrew.

lightweight, easy to install and gives the ceiling a whole new aesthetic dimension.

Ecophon Solo Freedom allows customers to create their own shape, which can then be designed by Ecophon for a bespoke product.

• Gedina - Ecophon’s Gedina range was used in classrooms and corridors, comprising a mixture of 12x6 tiles for the corridors and 6x6 tiles for the classrooms. It was also used along with Solo Freedom in the communal areas.

A dependable classic, Gedina is an excellent choice when functional requirements are high and design possibilities limited. Ecophon Gedina has set the standard and will continue to be a benchmark in the acoustic ceiling business for applications where a standard suspended ceiling system is required, but where strict functional requirements are needed.

SOLUTIONS Saint-Gobain Ecophon is renowned for the company’s ability to provide wide-ranging solutions, and this was showcased at Arvalee.

The products used on this project included: • Solo Freedom - Breaking the boundaries of creativity in the ceiling, the trend-sensitive Ecophon Solo comes in several shapes and sizes, allowing freedom of design and the opportunity to create striking new expressions, whilst also keeping up-to-speed with sustainable architectural developments.

A free-hanging sound absorber, its design makes it an attractive choice for a wide range of applications. It provides first-class sound absorption and noise reduction, is

• Super G - Known for its ability to withstand rough conditions, Ecophon’s Super G was used for the main hall of the school.

Proving that high demands regarding impact resistance do not have to mean a poor sound environment, the robust Super G offers different systems, depending on the room activity and impact-resistant requirements.

The fabric surface is developed to withstand impacts in sport halls and other similar environments.

• Hygiene - Performance, Clinic and Meditec from Ecophon’s Hygiene product range were used in the kitchen, servery, toilets and changing areas. A proven performer

in hygienically and clinically demanding environments, Ecophon Hygiene systems fulfil even the toughest requirements, and are renowned being safe as well as offering adaptable solutions and cleanability.

“The Ecophon team worked closely with the architect and the ceiling contractor, Convery Ceilings, a skilled installer of Ecophon products to ensure that the job was delivered on time and within budget, including the made-to-order specials. The lead time on the Solo Freedom was tight to keep within the project plan but it was a challenge we were able to rise to,” said Andrew.

“The Arvalee School project showed yet again that when it comes to innovative sound solutions, Ecophon can take a creative approach that still maintains high functionality. Optimising the acoustic comfort of the room strengthens and supports key educational relationships.”

FACTS… Client: Department of Education Main Contractor: Woodvale Construction Ceiling Contractor: Convery Ceilings Project size: 5,200m² Products: Ecophon Gedina in classrooms and corridors; Super G in main hall; Hygiene (Performance, Meditec and Clinic) in kitchen, servery, toilets and changing areas; Solo Freedom in communal areas (along with Gedina).

Alan Crampton, Regional Manager Ireland, Scotland and North of England T: 012 5685 0977 – M: 07979 703 421 – E: alan.crampton@ecophon.co.uk www.ecophon.co.uk

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 25

NEW APP

AFTER THE SUCCESSFUL INTRODUCTION OF THE MOBILE COMMERCE APP, LAGAN CEMENT PRODUCTS HAS DEVELOPED A NEW MOBILE APP THAT IS PERFECT FOR SITE MANAGERS…

Roadmix launches new innovative ‘time-saving’ app

R

oadmix, part of Lagan Cement Products, has developed MOBILEjobsite, a first-of-its-kind app for Europe which is set to transform the way construction companies track orders using real time information.

Lagan Cement Products, part of the Ireland and UK-based construction company, Lagan Group, developed the app in partnership with Command Alkon, a global supplier to over 70 countries worldwide of integrated solutions for construction materials producers.

With MOBILEjobsite, site managers can gain instant access to track current orders and delivery status times, giving them the power to make informed day-to-day decisions from wherever they are without having to make any phone calls. Users can instantly access information including: • • • •

Current order progress Summary of that day’s orders Summary of next-day and future orders Email/SMS notifications when loads leave the plant

26 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

• Mapped truck locations • Status times for loads Users can also submit requests for new orders using a step-by-step order request in a simple layout that even first-time users can easily navigate.

Paul Adamson, Operations Manager Lagan Cement Products, commented, “This innovative app uses cutting edge technology to help boost productivity and efficiency, and engage more directly with customers keeping them informed through real time information.

“For the construction industry, the adoption of new technology is vital, as many customers need to access information on the go. We are committed to being at the forefront of integrating mobile applications into daily activities and to transform the way we interact with our customers.

“Through this state-of-the-art application we can provide a first-class customer experience by offering a transparent level of service.

Not only are we responding to customer needs, we are also remaining competitive by improving productivity and efficiencies for our

customers, enabling site managers to manage projects more effectively and to save time and resources.”

MOBILEjobsite is the second innovative app to be developed by Roadmix. The first ‘Mobile Commerce’ app enables office-based users to access account information, track delivery status, place order requests and produce a range of reports.

The Mobile Commerce app was also the first of its kind to be employed in the UK concrete industry. It seamlessly integrates with the Roadmix IT systems to give customers total transparency of their account information.

The launch of the MOBILEjobsite extends this further and again highlights the commitment to developing customer-friendly systems by Lagan.

Both the MOBILEjobsite app and the Mobile Commerce app are available to download from the app store and Google Play.

For a demonstration of the new app or for more information on Lagan Cement Products, telephone 028 9264 7100, e-mail sales@lagancementproducts.com or visit www.lagancementproducts.com

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

Ordering Concrete?

Get your order information in the palm of your hand

Bricks

|

Cement

|

C h i m n e y P ro d u c t s

|

Conc rete

|

Tiles

|

Search for MOBILEjobsite

Your order status in real time

Notification when load leaves plant Mapped truck locations Place orders directly to Dispatch

SALES OFFICE - 028 9264 7100

www.lagancementproducts.com

Lagan Roadmix range includes: •

Fire Reinforced Concrete

•

Lightweight Concrete

•

Foam Concrete

•

Permeable Concrete

•

Waterproofing Concrete

•

Rapid Setting Concrete

•

Liquid Screeds

•

Concrete Blocks

Sand

FINANCIAL ADVICE

PAUL CURRID, OF KEENAN CF, BELFAST, PROVIDES ADVICE ON HOW YOU CAN MITIGATE THE FINANCIAL PRESSURES FACING THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY…

Adaptability to changing market conditions is key to survival

T

he construction sector has been the subject of negative sentiment in recent months. The latest downbeat assessment came with the July construction Purchasing Managers Index sitting at 45.9. Anything less than 50 represents a contraction.

This is the fastest rate of shrinkage in UK Construction activity since the depths of the recession in 2009. The sector will be wondering if this is just a temporary blip or if it is in for a sustained decline in activity in the coming months and beyond.

If the prophets of doom are to be believed, what action can contractors take to weather the possible storm?

BE FLEXIBLE In order to be able to adapt to a changing market, it will be essential to have a flexible cost base with less fixed overheads and more of a focus on variable costs that can be easily scaled up or down, depending on workload. In a worst case scenario, this may mean reducing the level of direct employees and using more sub-contractors. Whilst this may be more expensive than direct labour, the adaptability that it will bring the business may make the premium worthwhile in an uncertain market.

DISPUTES Don’t be scared to have a dispute.

Contractor cashflow issues can often stem from delays in large receipts at key phases of the project. If these delays are through no fault of the contractor, contractors should not shy away from using the dispute resolution mechanisms in contracts. The sharpest employers will be very adept at using the contracts to their advantage where they can, and contractors should take the same approach.

Good contract management can mean the difference between a profit or loss on a project. The contract is not something that should be thrown in the corner once the digging starts.

COMMUNICATE The last thing anyone likes in business is surprises. If the company is experiencing cash issues, it will be essential to be open

28 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

and frank with whoever may be funding the business, most likely a bank. If there is a temporary cash pressure in the business, it will be better to flag it to the bank and be in a position to demonstrate how banking facilities will be brought back into line. If the bank is kept in the dark and an issue seemingly appears out of nowhere, it will likely fear the worst.

terminal. There have been a lot of local high profile construction casualties in the last number of years, such as the Patton Group, McCloskey & O’Kane etc and they are still continuing. It is likely there will be more casualties, but they don’t always have to end this way. By taking the right decisions early, it should be possible for most contractors to adapt to a changing market.

ACCURATE INFORMATION Accurate and timely information is key. It may seem simple and obvious, but more often than not we come across performance issues that could have been identified and addressed earlier, had better management information been available.

In order to be totally in control of project budgets and outturns, it is vital that current and accurate management information is readily available on a project by project basis. This will allow management to identify specific contracts that may be facing challenges and a plan can then be formulated to take corrective action.

Remember, that it doesn’t have to be

About the author…

Paul Currid is a Director with Keenan CF. He led the administration of the Patton Group and has significant experience of dealing with performance issues in the construction sector.

For more information, telephone 028 9023 3023 or visit www.keenancf.com

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

Training NORTHERN BUILDER TAKES A LOOK AT HOW LOCAL COMPANIES ARE INVESTING IN TRAINING AND POINT YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION TO TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES.

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 29

TRAINING

Robert gets some on-the-job training from Pat Hollywood, Roof Truss Sales Manager, Haldane Fisher, Newry.

HALDANE FISHER INVESTS IN THE FUTURE WITH TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR EMPLOYEES…

H

aldane Fisher has long seen the advantage of investing in the future, with a tradition of people progressing through the business from the ‘bottom, up’.

Indeed, a number of senior figures in the company commenced as ‘trainees’ within the business.

That tradition continues to this day with Haldane Fisher continuing to invest in the company’s future workforce.

The company re-launched its company trainee programme at the start of 2015, with Lochlainn McParland joining the team in Newry in April of that year. Lochlainn started his career labouring in the construction industry and then moved into a general retail environment. Spotting an advert for a trainee position at Haldane Fisher, he realised it could be a real opportunity for a career path with a well-established local company.

Lochlainn started his training period by spending blocks of time across a range of

Training opportunities at Haldane Fisher departments at Haldane Fisher’s head office in Newry. This comprised periods across the yard, despatch, transport, plumbing, sawmill and roof truss departments. The aim was to give him an understanding of each key area of the business and how it operates. During this time he learned key aspects, including product and stock layout, assisting with orders and customer service, warehousing, goods inwards and rolling stocks.

INVALUABLE Commenting on this experience, Lochlainn said, “I found the training period invaluable, allowing me the time to learn about the wide range of products across the various departments.”

During this period, and through the Builders Merchants Federation, Lochlainn also completed a merchant supplies timber exam in timber and panel products, along with four other employees. All, including Lochlainn,

passed this written exam in December 2015, with certificates awarded in January 2016.

“Lochlainn is now well placed to slot into a number of the departments in the Newry operation,” said Andrew Laird, Associate Director, HR at the Newry operation.

The focus on training has also benefitted trainee roof truss designer, Robert McCullough “Following continued growth in our roof truss department during 2015-16 we decided that the time was right to further invest for the future, and so we advertised for a trainee roof truss designer,” continued Andrew. “Robert came through as the outstanding candidate in the field and joined the team in July 2016. Having completed an HND level 5 in engineering with Southern Regional College, he was looking for a company that would allow him to transfer his skills in a career with a local company.”

“The company re-launched its company trainee programme at the start of 2015.”

30 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

TRAINING

Training in a wide range of products across the various departments has proved valuable for Lochlainn McParland in his career at Haldane Fisher.

Robert has already spent five days in July training with MiTek in England (Haldane Fisher’s roof truss system providers). These periods of training - three days, followed by two days - allowed him the opportunity to learn MiTek’s latest Pamir roof and floor truss design package.

“We see this as a long-term investment in Robert and for our roof truss system, giving us the ability to provide a fast and efficient service to the customer,” said Andrew.

Looking to the future, Haldane Fisher plans to expand the development of trainees across the company, working alongside the Builders Merchants Federation and its Merchant Apprentice Training programme.

It is anticipated that there will be places for additional trainees across a number of Haldane Fisher branches, with plans to recruit before the end of the year.

For further details on a career in the merchanting industry visit www.merchant-recruitment.com and www.haldane-fisher.com. This will allow you to see the wide range of opportunities available.

Robert McCullough, who has benefited from training in MiTek’s latest Pamir design package in his work at the roof truss division of Haldane Fisher in Newry.

Software support training from MiTek MiTek specialises in the development of software solutions for structural timber engineering and the provision of steel connector products for its floor and roofing systems.

Providing in-house training courses on the use of this software at its Dudley headquarters for its licensed trussed rafter and Posi-Joist manufacturers, it also offers on-site training. With a purpose-built fully-equipped 14-station training room, courses run at two levels of competence, beginner/intermediate and intermediate/advanced, and are fully documented and certificated. All courses are delivered using the current MiTek software and are limited to 14 people to ensure that quality time is spent with each individual.

“We manufacture steel connector plates for roof trusses and Posi-Joist, which are manufactured by Haldane Fisher,” said Roy Troman, Sales and Marketing Director, MiTek. “Part of our service includes providing training on how to

use the software which allows customers such as Haldane Fisher to design the roof trusses and Posi-Joist floors. The software we use is called Pamir, which has been developed by our large European team of software professionals to place MiTek customers even further ahead in the trussed rafter and floor joist industry.

“Because it’s new and advanced we not only offer training for those new to the system, but also retraining for fully experienced designers converting to Pamir.

“Robert McCullough was one the recent Haldane Fisher’s employees who came to Dudley to do his training,” continued Roy. “He did extremely well, gaining a good basic level of detailing competence, and we will be providing more training to him in the future as he progresses. This training is not only an essential part of the skills and knowledge growth of young employees like Robert, it also helps makes them more proficient and therefore more productive.”

Haldane Fisher, Shepherd’s Way, Carnbane, Newry, BT35 6QQ T: 028 3026 3201 www.haldane-fisher.com

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 31

TRAINING

FLOGAS SHARES INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE THROUGH CPD PRESENTATIONS…

A CPD presentation for your company from Flogas

A

s a leading supplier of LPG, Flogas has the experience and expertise to undertake any bulk installation safely and professionally.

Sharing this knowledge and expertise will not only strengthen the LPG market, but assist architects, planning consultants and other specifiers in updating their core learning and knowledge.

To this end, a CPD presentation

by Flogas has been designed to provide the most up-todate information on Flogas, its product offerings and new technologies within the LPG and energy sectors.

The company has delivered CPD presentations across the country to a wide range of stakeholders including architects, building developers & M&E Consultants, and is happy to deliver them at a

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

time and location convenient to the client, tailoring the content and time as requested. Topics covered include: • • • • • • •

Flogas What is LPG? LPG applications Technical information Emerging technologies LPG vaporisers Combined heat and power.

Flogas welcomes engagement throughout the presentation, and there is always time for a Q&A section at the end over some light refreshments.

For more information, e-mail info@flogasni.com or leave your details at www.flogasni.com/cpd

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 33

TRAINING

A LOOK AT THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AT MURDOCK BUILDERS MERCHANTS…

Pedal power raises £2,000 for charity

Marty Tumily, Newry Yard Stock Controller (left) and Colm Campbell, Newry Sales Manager (right), pictured with Darren Wollard on his first day of full-time work at Murdock’s after completing his NVQ.

Lisburn Sales Manager, Martin Small, with Curtis Finley who became a full-time employee following the completion of his NVQ.

Apprenticeship programmes create two full-time jobs Two branches of Murdock Builders Merchants have recently given full-time roles to local apprentices upon completion of their NVQs. The Newry and Lisburn branches were able to create two new jobs for employees who had been working with Murdock’s alongside their Regional College courses.

Curtis Finlay (Lisburn) and Darren Wollard (Newry) had been taking their NVQ in Storage and Warehousing over the last 18 months and have now completed the course, with Murdock’s delighted to give them full time positions in their respective branches.

Both employees competed their course in June 2016 - Curtis completed his course at the Lisburn Campus of the South

Eastern Regional College, while Darren attended the Southern Regional College Newry Campus.

Newry Sales Manager, Colm Campbell, said, “We are proud to be able to offer a full-time role to Darren having completed his NVQ. The knowledge he gained on the course together with the practical skills he picked from working with us through the apprenticeship will greatly benefit both our branch and Darren in his full time role.”

Lisburn Sales Manager, Martin Small, echoed this, saying, “It is great to add another skilled worker to our team, and made even better that Curtis was trained through our branch during his apprenticeship and now able to take on a full time position.”

Newtownards staff members Kathryn and Chris take time out at lunch to add a few miles onto the total charity cycle.

Golf Day success with Wavin at Castleknock

Melvyn Cockbill (centre) collects his first place prize on behalf of colleague Gary Curley from Paul Morris, Wavin, and Gary Craven, Murdock Builders Merchants.

Two branches of Murdock Builder’s Merchants raised over £2,000 for local charities through a virtual cycling challenge in store in August.

The Newtownards and Derry branches encouraged customers and staff to cover almost 800 miles in total on a stationary bike on the shop floor at a suggested donation of £1 per mile. Newtownards’ target was 400 miles - the distance of a round trip from the Newtownards branch through all 11 Murdock branches. Derry aimed to cover 357 miles - the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head, the most Northerly and Southerly points of Ireland respectively.

With the help of some eager customers and staff, both branches easily reached their target within a week. Along with a couple of generous donations from suppliers to boost the fundraising, there was £2,132 raised in total by the two branches which will be presented to local charities in Derry (Foyle Hospice Day Care Centre) and Newtownards (Local Cancer Charity).

Customers in the Republic of Ireland enjoyed Murdock’s annual golf day, which this year was held in conjunction with Wavin, at Castleknock Golf Club in Dublin.

A total of 30 players took part, including customers, staff and Wavin representatives, with the eventual winner being Gary Curley of Clancy Construction who scored 37 points. The golf was followed by an evening meal, presentation of prizes and ‘craic’ in The Vue restaurant.

Murdock Builders Merchants’ Derry Sales Manager Raymond Harkin (centre) with staff launching the cycle in aid of Foyle Hospice.

Murdock Builders Merchants, Rampart Road, Greenbank Industrial Estate, Newry, BT34 2QU T: 028 3026 7626 www.murdockbuildersmerchants.com BRANCHES AT: Banbridge • Belfast (Castlereagh) • Belfast (Duncrue) • Belfast (Kennedy Way) • Derry • Dublin (Balbriggan) • Dublin (Ballymount) • Dungannon • Lisburn • Newry • Newtownards

34 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

EVENT

Ollie McBreen, Gyproc/Isover; Niall Evans, Gyproc/Isover; and Colm McCann, Tennants Building Products.

Scott McNeilly, Tennants Building Products; John Kirker, Suspended Ceiling Supplies; Aaron Holywood, SIG; and Brian Steele, Tennants Building Products.

Ian McClelland ,MacBlair; Martin McKenna ,Gyproc/Isover; and Paul McDonnell, JP Corry.

BUILDERS’ MERCHANTS AND SPECIALIST DISTRIBUTORS HIT THE FAIRWAYS AT THIS ANNUAL POPULAR GOLF DAY…

In the swing with Gyproc and Isover Des Patterson, Murdock Builders Merchants; Neil McGeown, JP Corry; and Kalum King, JP Corry.

G

yproc and Isover hosted their annual golf day at the Malone Golf Club recently with over 50 people taking part.

The golf day has been a fixture on the calendar for over 37 years and attracts representatives of builders’ merchants and specialist distributors for some friendly rivalry on the course and the opportunity to relax and renew old acquaintances in the clubhouse.

To contact Gyproc and Isover telephone 00353 1 6298400, e-mail Belfast.office@saint-gobain.com or visit the websites at www.gyproc.ie or www.isover.ie

John Shilliday, John Shilliday Ltd; Max Wilson, Murdock Builders Merchants; and Sean Walls, Gyproc/Isover.

Dermot McDaid, Gyproc/Isover; Chris McComb, JP Corry; Martin McNair, Haldane Fisher and Gary Hunter, JP Corry.

Sean Glackin, P. McDermot and Sons; Barry Lowe ,PTS; Brian McAuley, MacBlair; and Bob Glackin, P. McDermot and Sons.

Saint-Gobain Isover – Mark McCormick T: 07855 467301 W: www.isover.ie

36 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

EVENT

Philip McMurry ,SIG; Robert Kennedy ,Dowlers; Leslie McConkey, Dowlers; and David Rossiter, Gyproc/Isover.

Kevin Murdock, Murdock Builders Merchants; Ciaran McConnell, JP Corry; Andrew Acheson, Saint-Gobain Ecophon; and Rob O’Byrne, Saint-Gobain Ecophon.

Wayne Murphy, Gyproc/Isover; Tom Alderdyce, Samuel Kirk BM Ltd; Kirk Alderdyce, Samuel Kirk BM Ltd; and Alan Davidson, Haldane Fisher.

John Kelly, Homefit; Michael McNeil, Homefit; Martin Coyle, JJ Coyle; and Colm Neeson, JJ Coyle.

Ian Haldane, Haldane Fisher; Robert Pedan ,Tennants Building Products; Brian Dolan, Gyproc/Isover; and Clive Grudgings, Holcim.

Peter Daly, Eglish Building Supplies; Sean McMorrow, Eglish Building Supplies; Pat McGeown, JP Corry; and Richard Evans, Murdock Builders Merchants.

Colin Knox, James Knox & Sons; Denis Boyle, Templecrone Co-Op; Charles O’Donnell,Templecrone Co-Op; and Laurence Murdock, MacBlair.

Bernie O’Hare, Ibstock; with Paul Carroll, Conor Kelly and Mark Kelly, all from Point Building Supplies.

Saint-Gobaon Gyproc – Martin McKenna T: 0797 1596401 W: www.gyproc.ie

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 37

NEWS

FP McCANN ANNOUNCED AS A WINNER IN THE UK TEKLA AWARDS 2016 FP McCann has won the Small Projects category at Trimble’s UK Tekla Awards 2016 and will now be entered into the Tekla Global BIM Awards.

The Tekla Awards focus on projects of all shapes and sizes which have used Trimble’s Tekla software as part of the process for designing and modelling structures, or where the use of Tekla software has aided collaboration. Any entry submitted to the Small Projects category had to be a structure not restricted by building type, and one that was novel, quirky, innovative or complex.

FP McCann impressed the technical panel with its Development Dock entry, demonstrating an inspiring use of Tekla Structures custom components to improve the speed of the detailing process. The model is a development model for FP McCann, which shows how the tools for the automated detailing of

commercial ‘dock pits’ will be built.

FP McCann Senior Technician, Colin Mackenzie, said, “The main benefit of using Tekla for this project was the ability to allow detailers to reduce the time spent on projects from days to hours. It also allows for more accurate costing and data management.”

For more information, visit fpmccann.co.uk or www.tekla.com

LISTER MACHINE TOOLS DEMONSTRATES CUTTING EDGE AT OPEN HOUSE EXHIBITION Lister Machine Tools recently opened its doors to the Northern Irish metal cutting industry with a three-day open house exhibition. The machine tools and accessories supplier has moved to a new 600sqft showroom near Junction One in Antrim and the live demonstrations provided attendees with a unique opportunity to view the various machines in operation.

Sales Representative, Shane Fitzpatrick, said, “We were so delighted with the positive feedback we have already begun planning our next one. Our Metal Forming Open House Exhibition is currently being scheduled to take place later this summer.”

For more information, telephone 028 9066 3804 or visit www.listermachinetools.com

NEW BOOK FROM DR TOM WOOLLEY Dr Tom Woolley will launch his latest book at the CIH Health and Housing Conference at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, Belfast on September 29.

The new publication - ‘Building Materials, Health and Indoor Air Quality – No Breathing Space?’

- is an essential guide for architects, surveyors, public health professionals, facilities managers and environmentalists to help them understand and avoid hazardous materials and poor air quality in buildings.

Tom covers a range of issues beginning with an explanation of how buildings work and how this influences the health of occupants and users.

38 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

The book also guides the reader through the confusing world of regulations, EU and international guidelines and certifications, and provides a critical analysis of different theories of healthy buildings and philosophies.

Order your book from Routledge – telephone 01235 400 524, e-mail tandf@bookpoint.co.uk or visit www.routledge.com

FOLLOW US ON:

DEGREE OF SUCCESS FOR BRICK SALES DIRECTOR At Unitek and Brick Sales Ltd both companies pride themselves on constantly evolving their products and service provision and one of the company’s directors has also reflected this ethos, as Karina Lyttle, a Director at both Unitek and Brick Sales Ltd, recently graduated with a BSc Honours degree in Criminology. She is pictured at her recent graduation with fiancé Andrew Rush.

MCLAUGHLIN & HARVEY ACHIEVES BRE BIM LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATION McLaughlin & Harvey has becomes the first construction company in Scotland to be awarded BRE Global BIM Level 2 Business Systems Certification.

“Being able to formally demonstrate Level 2 compliance not only allows us to expand our engagement with centrally procured government contracts but also gives new and existing clients firm assurance that our processes and procedures deliver best value to a project, including capital and operational predictability,” said Barclay Chalmers, Managing Director, McLaughlin & Harvey Construction.

For further information, visit www.mclh.co.uk or www.bre.co.uk

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FLOORING

DESSO’S ‘ESSENTIALS’ COLLECTION CELEBRATES CLASSIC CARPET DESIGN WITH A CONTEMPORARY TWIST…

‘Essential’ design from Desso

D

esso, a Tarkett company, is introducing ‘Essentials’ - a new addition to the Carpetecture collection celebrating iconic, pared back design.

In a world of infinite choice and variety, the collection presents a ‘less is more’ solution, paying homage to the essence of timeless, uncluttered design.

With two distinct themes - Traverse and Edges – Essentials combines classic carpet textures and colours with clean lines to create a feeling of iconic familiarity, while simultaneously offering something different and unique in interior flooring. Featuring the best of both worlds, Essentials is inspired by enduring classical design – but, at the same time, it has all the appeal of a future design classic.

Drawing inspiration from Modernism, Traverse uses simple, diagonal lines and tonal shades to create an appearance of movement on the floor, subtly changing from different vantage points. Designers and architects can achieve classic herringbone and ashlar patterns, as well as a myriad of irregular designs to bring the

40 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

floor to life and create self-contained zoned areas. Traverse is available in 15 rich colours offering a wealth of creative possibilities, to transform simple diagonals into a kaleidoscope of opportunity.

TIMELESS DESIGN Inspired by timeless fabric designs, Edges adds tactile movement to the floor with a choice of two varying patterns, to suit the pace and rhythm of every unique space. Edges Large is a bold design, using a traditional twill weave and diagonal parallel ribs to create impact across expansive flooring areas.

Edges Small is a more delicate pattern, reflecting the subtle irregular beauty of hand-woven textiles, perfect for fine detailing. Both designs are available in six shared colourways, with an additional six shades in Edges Small specially selected to complement the shared palette. Both designs work equally well

together or individually – presenting endless design options.

The Essentials collection’s timeless, pared back design comes standard with an EcoBase backing that contains upcycled re-engineered calcium carbonate (chalk) from local drinking water companies. The backing is 100% recyclable in Desso’s own production process. The products in this range are certified Cradle to Cradle Silver, ensuring that they contribute positively to the environment, human health and are designed to be recycled in a non-toxic closed loop.

In addition, the Essentials collection contains Econyl yarn – a 100% regenerated nylon made from recovered waste materials such as fishing nets and yarn waste from Desso’s own Refinity facility.

For more information on the Essentials collection and other Desso collections for commercial spaces, visit www.desso.co.uk

“Essentials combines classic carpet textures and colours with clean lines.”

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

PROJECT PROFILE

THRIVING LIFE CHURCH, NEWTOWNARDS

AN INTRODUCTION...

PHASE 2 OF THE THRIVING LIFE CHURCH PROJECT IN NEWTOWNARDS HAS BREATHED NEW LIFE INTO A DERELICT BUILDINGâ&#x20AC;¦g

Building for Life

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 41

PROJECT PROFILE

THRIVING LIFE CHURCH, NEWTOWNARDS

MAIN CONTRACTOR

HUGH J O’BOYLE WINS PRAISE FOR TRANSFORMATION OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS INTO STUNNING NEW CHURCH...

Hugh J O’Boyle delivers high-spec build for Thriving Life Church

W

hen the aptly named Thriving Life Church needed more space due to expanding numbers, it was decided that the best way forward was to start a building campaign.

Space was becoming an issue, and the church wanted to continue making room for more friends, family, work colleagues and neighbours. ‘Building for Life’ was launched and, as a result, premises were purchased at 18-20 Crawfordsburn Road in Newtownards and a two-phase project commenced. The Phase 1 Compassion Centre has already been finished and Phase 2 was finally completed in June 2016, with an opening service held on June 12.

Phase 2 of Thriving Life Church acts as a support building for the church and

consists of an impressive two-storey, 3,200sqm building with a large atrium and an auditorium with stage and seating for around 700. Facilities include a number of offices, educational rooms, children’s play areas, crèche facilities, lounges and breakout areas, a large kitchen and coffee dock.

Visitors to the church cannot help but be impressed with the new facilities, which surpassed all expectations due, in no small part, to the innovative design and high construction standards throughout the build process.

The tender for the £1.5million project was won by building and civil engineering contractor, Hugh J O’Boyle Ltd, a company with a wide portfolio and a strong reputation in the heritage sector in

particular. Having worked on a number of prestigious church projects over the years, including the Church House Fisherwick Buildings in Belfast, and also the Holy Trinity Church in Banbridge, Hugh J O’Boyle Ltd was more than qualified for the job in hand.

Another major project for the company was the transformation of 19th Century buildings into an exclusive wedding and events venue at Montalto Estate near Ballynahinch.

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS Even with its vast experience however, the Thriving Life Church project posed a significant challenge to the experienced team at Hugh J O’Boyle.

“When we came to inspect the site we were confronted with a steel-clad building with

“Hugh J O’Boyle Ltd is a well-respected civil engineering contractor, known for its expertise in a wide range of sectors.”

42 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

PROJECT PROFILE

concrete floors and practically nothing else,” building which has many different functions. said Contracts Director, Kevin Fitzsimons.

In addition to being a place of worship, “The job essentially amounted to the it also serves as an entertainment venue, refurbishment of a large warehouse, and the complete with state-of-the-art stage and challenge was to transform it into a place lighting. It has a main church hall, rooms for of worship. However, the client along with office and other use, fantastic kindergarten the architect, Crockard Building Design in rooms which provide much more than the Downpatrick, had a firm vision of what they usual crèche facilities, and a modern, wellwanted to achieve in terms of both design designed coffee dock area. and functionality.

Every part of the build, “By liaising closely with from the lighting system “In essence, them, we were able to to the sanitary ware adapt positively to changes installation has been we took a bare as they arose, and were carried out to a very high building and turned it able to deliver what they spec. into a fully finished and “The glass balustrade wanted,” continued Kevin. “The result is a viewing area is a stunning serviced building truly stunning building, feature, and the mezzanine which has many constructed to very high floor is another striking different functions.” standards. That wouldn’t feature of the building. It have been possible without presented a few challenges a superb team of subas it was soundproofed contractors, who all went the extra mile to throughout and was an extremely detailed ensure that the project was delivered to and difficult job. However, it was well the client’s satisfaction, and even exceeded specified by the architect and that helped expectations. enormously. Because the building was really “In essence, we took a bare building and just a shell, we also had to install a new turned it into a fully finished and serviced roof and new steelwork throughout. With

all these aspects to deal with, it was quite a big project to undertake. But our team is well experienced and it was rewarding to see it all turn out so well and to be involved in providing such a top class community building.”

Based in Downpatrick, Hugh J O’Boyle Ltd was established in 1948 and is a wellrespected civil engineering contractor, known for its expertise in a wide range of sectors, including education, health, heritage and social housing. With its own specialist joinery workshop, the company offers a full range of skills.

Project team…

Project: Thriving Life Church, Newtownards Value: £1.5million Architect: Crockard Building Design Main Contractor: Hugh J O’Boyle Ltd M&E Engineer: Core M&E Services Quantity Surveyor: Brian Jennings Structural Engineer: Cranston Consulting

Hugh J O’Boyle Ltd, 1 The Green, Downpatrick, BT30 6BE Tel: 028 4461 2278 – E: Declan.mccormick@hjob.co.uk www.hjoboyle.co.uk

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 43

PROJECT PROFILE

THRIVING LIFE CHURCH, NEWTOWNARDS

ARCHITECT Industrial look from CBD wins client approval

C

rossgar architectural practice, Crockard Building Design was selected to provide the design and project management service for the Thriving Life Church build, despite stiff competition from practices with more experience of church buildings. “The client had a strong vision of what they wanted and bought a group of derelict industrial buildings they felt would suit their needs,” said Principal, Ian Crockard. “The design challenge was to transform these buildings into new lightfilled, spacious church accommodation, whilst retaining the essence of the existing form and structure. This was achieved by expressing the original steel frame and opening up many of the interior spaces to the roof lining. Coupled with exposed service runs and a carefully selected palette of

finishes, it provided the industrial aesthetic required of the client brief.”

One of the key elements in the design of such a deep-plan building was introducing natural daylight into the core of the building, so Crockard Building Design conceived banks of roof lights to flood the principal circulation spaces in daylight. Much of the original internal space was full-height, singlestory, but to accommodate the level of floor space needed, a first-floor mezzanine structure was introduced. This necessitated an innovative structural solution that added minimal additional loading to the existing foundations, while still providing high levels of sound-proofing. The first floor also offers the opportunity for a few design flourishes in the main staircases, open galleries and in the curved mezzanine in the main auditorium.

Crockard Building Design, 24 Ballyalgan Road, Crossgar, Downpatrick, Co Down, BT30 9DR T: 028 4483 1566 - E: info@cbd-architecture.com www.cbd-architecture.com

THRIVING LIFE CHURCH, NEWTOWNARDS

WINDOWS AND DOORS Aluminium solutions from Bann Architectural Systems

P

roviding a complete supply and installation service for doors and windows, and highly regarded for its bespoke services, Bann Architectural Systems was a welcome partner on the Thriving Life Church project.

The company was responsible not only for the aluminium windows and doors in the building, but also curtain walling for the main front and rear entrances. “We also did the glass canopy over the entrance area and some glazing work,” said Director, Kyle Bowman.

Although only set up less than five years ago, Bann Architectural Systems has already built up a healthy portfolio of

work both here and in mainland UK. Recent contracts in London have included the Berkeley Hotel and a Nike store in South London and, closer to home, windows, doors and glazing for an apartment development at Hamilton Road, Bangor.

“We are also embarking on a contract at Merchants Quay in Newry soon, so we are being kept busy,” explained Kyle. “We provide architectural solutions to individual specifications for domestic and commercial clients - from fabrication to installation, we do it all, including measuring services, free estimates, supply and fitting. We have a huge range to choose from. No matter how big or small, we can fabricate doors and windows that fit perfectly.”

Bann Architectural Systems Ltd, 81 Halfway Road, Banbridge, BT32 4HB T: 028 9269 8855 – E: info@bann-systems.co.uk www.bannarchitectural.co.uk

44 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

PROJECT PROFILE

THRIVING LIFE CHURCH, NEWTOWNARDS

M&E SERVICES

A YOUNG COMPANY WITH A MATURE APPROACH, CORE M&E SERVICES PUTS COMMUNICATION AT THE HEART OF THRIVING LIFE CHURCH PROJECT…

Core M&E Services helps put life back into church building

T

hriving Life Church in Newtownards has been singing the praises of Core M&E Services after it successfully completed the mechanical and electrical installations during Phase 2 of the construction project.

A young company with a mature approach, Core M&E Services was established by John Funston, Stephen Hollinger and Philip Miley.

John McCorry came on board to set up the mechanical division and is now the company’s Operations Director.

“Our primary trading areas are Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, but we have the capability to carry out international contracts too,” said John.

“We do everything from large scale commercial projects to retail, new build and fit-out, offering a range of contracts, from specification and drawings to design and build.”

The lighting at Thriving Life Church is a key

feature of the new building. With a big emphasis on performance and quality, the lighting also has a design-led appeal. Core M&E Services installed all the LED and highperformance lighting, with the auditorium lighting in particular, of very high spec.

In the other areas of electrical installation, the team from Core used some of the latest smart technologies on the market to ensure that the building is energy managed and metered. For instance, the central heating system can be controlled in zones from an iPad, phone or other smart device, providing direct access to the heating controls and biomass boiler.

Core M&E Services also future-proofed the app system, which meant that the team didn’t need to install as much interconnecting cabling between internal and external plant areas, as communication can be carried out over the network.

The mechanical services side of the project included the installation of a biomass boiler system with gas-fired backup, and a packaged plant room, complete with a LTHW system installed throughout.

“Due to the high 9m ceiling in the atrium, a full air system was needed to keep the area cool and temperate, so we installed a new heating and cooling ventilation system with air handling units and DX coils,” explained John McCorry.

“The auditorium air system was very onerous, due to the height of the space, so particular attention to the space air characteristics was required to ensure that the fresh air gets down to the people sitting in the auditorium. With the sanitary ware installation, everything was very high spec, concealed for a neater, tidier look and with smart sensors installed throughout for automatic flushing and water saving.”

Core M&E Services, 31 Regent Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4AD T: 028 9180 0998 - E: hello@coreconnections.co www.coreconnections.co

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 45

PROJECT PROFILE

THRIVING LIFE CHURCH, NEWTOWNARDS

PAINTING AND DECORATING A job well done by Kevin Haughey

E

xperienced painter and decorator, Kevin Haughey and his team were responsible for bringing some of the colour to the Thriving Life Church building, painting all the rooms and spaces, as well as decorating some of the rooms with feature wallpaper.

“It was quite a big job, which took 10 weeks to complete,” said Kevin, “and to make sure we met the schedule we brought on extra team members to complete everything on time.”

With a firm belief that “the only way to do a job is to do it right”, Kevin is never short of work, with a reputation for high standards of work and service that is well known in the industry. He first established his business in Lurgan in 1986 after serving

his time, learning the trade and building up valuable contacts.

Kevin has worked with main contractor, Hugh J O’Boyle on many contracts over the past five years, including the refurbishment of the exclusive The Carriage Rooms wedding venue and Montalto House outside Ballynahinch.

His painting and decorating services extends to a wide range of sectors, from commercial to residential.

“Kevin is never short of work, with a reputation for high standards of work and service that is well known in the industry.”

Kevin Haughey, 3 Carrickvale Avenue, Lurgan, BT66 8NW T: 0778 955 0338 E: kevin-haughey@hotmail.co.uk

THRIVING LIFE CHURCH, NEWTOWNARDS

ANTIMICROBIAL WALL CLADDING Wall Cladding Services provides antimicrobial solution

W

all Cladding Services has once again proved the company’s reputation for providing unmatched service by supplying and installing the BioClad range of antimicrobial PVC wall cladding at Hugh J O’Boyle’s prestigious Thriving Life Church project.

BioClad antimicrobial hygienic wall cladding is an unparalleled product that is ideal for any environment where a hygienic surface finish is paramount. The company’s ranges of PVC wall cladding systems are proving to be popular alternatives to traditional methods because they offer a range of sophisticated finishes and colours, combining the highest standards of infection control.

Donald Marks, Owner-Operator of Wall Cladding Services, explained, “On a vast number of projects, we have been able to

upgrade the specification by highlighting the advantages of the BioClad range, and that was again the case at Thriving Life Church. While Bioclad is a high specification product, our clients also benefit from competitive pricing.”

BioClad is one of a number of quality solutions from Wall Cladding Services.

Donald concluded, “We offer a range of solutions and work closely with architects, designers, contractors and the client to provide a system that meets their specification and budget. We provide a comprehensive service, including free site surveys, technical advice, NBS Plus specifications, estimates and on-site project management. This is in addition to back-toback installation and product warranties with full professional insurances.”

Wall Cladding Services, 14 Ashley Park, Newtownabbey, BT36 5SA T/F: 028 9083 9103 - E: donald@wallcladdingservices.com - M: 07740 741 367 www.wallcladdingservices.com

46 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

BALLYMONEY

BELFAST

LONDON

FARRANS - 75 YEARS

WITH A LONG AND PROUD HISTORY STRETCHING BACK OVER 75 YEARS, FARRANS CONTINUES TO DEVELOP EXCELLENCE IN ALL ASPECTS OF BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERINGâ&#x20AC;¦g

FARRANS celebrates Diamond Jubilee year

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 49

Environmental and Waste Solutions

CONGRATULATIONS TO FARRANS ON 75 YEARS OF BUSINESS AND BEST WISHES FOR THE FUTURE FROM ALL AT ATG GROUP!

ATG Group is proud to be recognised as industry leaders within the environmental and waste management sector. ATG Group has built its reputation over 10 years in business throughout the UK and Ireland.

SERVICES

• Contaminated land remediation and Brownfield regeneration • Invasive species eradication I.e. Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed • Hazardous, Non-Hazardous and Inert waste brokering • Non – licensable asbestos removal and disposal • Oil spill remediation and 24hr spill response – UK 0800 810 1007 / ROI 1800 303 710 • Spill control products • Environmental Awareness and spill response training

ENGLAND OFFICE Tamebridge Industrial Estate, Aldridge Rd, Birmingham, B42 2TX 07500 800 929 SCOTLAND OFFICE Summit House, 4-5 Mitchell Street Edinburgh, EH67BD 07891 507 610 LISBURN OFFICE Unit 171 J, Rosevale Industrial Estate, Lisburn, BT281RW 028 9266 9677 HEAD OFFICE Unit 11, Loughanhill Industrial Estate, Coleraine, BT522NR 028 7034 3787

Email: info@atg-group.co.uk www.atg-group.co.uk

FARRANS - 75 YEARS

75 YEARS OF DELIVERING EXCELLENCE - 1941 | 2016

OVERVIEW

The £160million Victoria Square Shopping Centre in Belfast - completed by FARRANS in 2008 and one of the largest projects ever undertaken in Ireland.

COMBINING A FAMILY ETHOS WITH THE RESOURCES OF A MULTI-NATIONAL, THIS BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING CONTRACTOR CAN LOOK AHEAD WITH CONFIDENCE…

FARRANS celebrates 75 years of delivering excellence

F

ARRANS is celebrating 75 years in business by continuing to offer delivery excellence through its company values of being ‘Focused, Approachable, Caring and Efficient’.

Ambition and versatility have been the cornerstones of success for this respected Dunmurry-based building and civil engineering contractor, and these attributes remain central to the company’s future plans.

John Wilson, Managing Director of FARRANS, said, “We are proud of reaching such a momentous milestone and to be celebrating our Diamond Jubilee year. From day one, quality has been at the very heart of everything that we do, and that will continue.

“Our dedicated and hardworking staff are the real reason behind our success, and as FARRANS continues to expand and move into new markets, we recognise that it is the quality of our people that will allow us to continue to play a central role in building better communities.”

FARRANS is a trading division of Northstone (NI) Limited, which in turn is wholly owned by CRH plc, a global building materials group, which employs over 89,000 people, in 31 countries, and with an annual turnover of €24 billion.

FARRANS has been able to find the perfect balance between the ethos and philosophy expected of a family-owned company combined with the resources of a major multi-national.

“Our financial strength and our technical expertise are combined with local knowledge and a passion for the highest standards.

These provide the perfect balance and keep us at the forefront of our industry.”

John Wilson, Managing Director

FARRANS Building and Civil Engineering, established 1941 Belfast, Cambridge, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Royston, Woking www.farrans.com

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 51

FARRANS - 75 YEARS

75 YEARS OF DELIVERING EXCELLENCE - 1941 | 2016

HISTORY

Sam Taggart, Company Founder.

FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS, FARRANS HAS DEVELOPED INTO AN INDUSTRY LEADER WITH OPERATIONAL INTERESTS IN THE UK, IRELAND AND EUROPE…

Mapping the future of FARRANS

J

ust one year after Sam Taggart led a team from Bernard Sunley & Co in handing over Maghaberry airfield to the Air Ministry, the pioneering businessman took over the Sunley & Co business and, in 1941, created Farrans Limited of Dunmurry.

Over the years, many theories have been put forward as to the origin of the name, FARRANS. Some believed that Sam named his company after a townland in south Antrim. Others thought that the name had foreign origins. Some even believed that there had actually been a Mr Farrans.

When Sam graduated in civil engineering from Queen’s University in 1928, he worked for a short period of time for Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

The work involved travelling to various places in the province and mapping

them. It is clear that Sam really enjoyed his time there because, when it came to naming his own construction company in the 1940s, he recalled his first job and the places he had worked. He used the first letter from the names of the first seven places he mapped for Ordnance Survey to form the name FARRANS. Within a decade of opening, FARRANS had a presence right across the UK, with offices in Belfast, London, Edinburgh and Cardiff. While that was adventurous in its own right, the fact that the company also had offices in New York and Brazil speaks volumes about the ambition of FARRANS. That focus on growth continues to this day, with the company recently opening an office in Woking.

• 1940 Led by Sam Taggart, Bernard Sunley & Co completes Maghaberry airfield.

• 1941 Sam Taggart takes over Sunley & Co and forms Farrans Limited of Dunmurry.

• 1947 Scottish Office opens in Edinburgh.

• 1949 English office opens in London.

• 1950 Completion of new headquarters in Dunmurry - the ‘White House’.

• 1951 Overseas teams are building roads and infrastructure in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

• 1953 Offices open in Belfast, London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, New York and Sao Paulo.

• 1954 Readyuse Concrete Ltd is formed, pioneering the production and use of ready- mixed concrete.

• 1966 FARRANS expands into the Middle East, Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi (£2million).

• 1969 Europa Hotel, Belfast for Grand Metropolitan Hotels (£1.6million).

• 1970 Completion of 800 houses on St Michael’s Estate, Colchester (£2.5million).

• 1972 Ulster Polytechnic (Ulster University) Jordanstown (£5million).

• 1977 TBF Thompson (Garvagh) Limited purchases Farrans Limited.

• 1978 Farrans Limited becomes part of the global construction materials group, CRH plc.

• 1979 Gilberd School, Colchester – innovative prefabricated building using precast wall panels (£1million).

• 1980 DeLorean Factory – production line for the famous DMC-12. (£15million).

• 1983 A12 West Link completed (£7million).

• 2000 The Odyssey Millennium Project is opened by US President, Bill Clinton (£110million).

• 2005 Farrans Limited changes its name to Northstone (NI) Limited.

• 2005 Farrans (Construction) Limited becomes a trading division of Northstone and renamed FARRANS. • 2008 Victoria Square (£160million) completed - one of the largest projects undertaken in Ireland.

• 2009 DBFO1 West Link major upgrade (£120million).

• 2011 M80 Stepps to Haggs, Central Scotland (£320million) - FARRANS’ largest project to date.

• 2012 D1 Belfast Harbour (£50million) - the UK’s first purpose-built offshore wind logistics facility.

• 2013 Scape Partner on the Major Works Framework.

• 2015 New Wear Crossing, Sunderland (£60million) starts on site.

• 2016 Woking office opens.

FARRANS Building and Civil Engineering, established 1941 Belfast, Cambridge, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Royston, Woking www.farrans.com

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 53

FARRANS - 75 YEARS

75 YEARS OF DELIVERING EXCELLENCE - 1941 | 2016

FUTURE

Celebrating the opening of FARRANS’ new Woking office are John Wilson, Managing Director, and Warren Wright, Regional Director for the South of England, with the Mayor of Woking, Cllr Anne Murray, and Cllr Michael Smith.

THE OPENING OF A NEW OFFICE IN WOKING CONTINUES THE COMPANY’S RECORD OF GROWTH AS FARRANS LOOKS FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE…

Continued expansion highlights a bright future FARRANS marked its 10th anniversary by building roads and infrastructure in Sao Paulo in Brazil, and this expansion has continued over the years, with the company working in New York and the Middle East, constructing the Al Manhal palace in Abu Dhabi.

In the last 30 years, the company has concentrated on its UK and Ireland operations, only venturing further afield for projects of a specialist nature, such as the recently completed cement silos in Podilsky in Poland.

Dunmurry has been the company’s headquarters for 75 years, but FARRANS also currently operates offices throughout the UK and Ireland. The recent opening of a new office in Woking illustrates that the trend is set to continue.

Warren Wright, Regional Director for the South of England, explained, “The vast majority of our work is now being carried out in Great Britain, and we have strategically placed offices to service these markets. We also have a Dublin office to deal with the potential growth in the Republic of Ireland.

“We have had offices in Great Britain since the late 1940s, so it is not just a case of jumping on the bandwagon. This has always been a long-term commitment and we are well established in these areas.

“We have a world-class pool of expertise to call upon, and we will continue to develop excellence in all aspects of building and civil engineering, regardless of the project’s location.”

“While it is important that we have a regional presence in the areas we work in, we will only be a success if we continue to provide a service that delivers quality projects that exceed our clients’ needs and expectations.”

Warren Wright, Regional Director for the South of England

FARRANS Building and Civil Engineering, established 1941 Belfast, Cambridge, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Royston, Woking www.farrans.com

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 55

excellence in building products

Drywall Systems Ceilings Insulation Fire Protection Acoustics Cladding & Facades

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FARRANS ON MANY PRESTIGIOUS PROJECTS.

Belfast office:

Dublin office:

46 Ravenhill Road Belfast BT6 8EB T: 028 9073 1501 F: 028 9045 0927 E: belfast@tennantsbp.com

Unit 500 Beech Road Western Ind Estate Dublin 12 T: 01 450 3480 F: 01 450 3521 E: dublin@tennantsbp.com

www.tennantsbp.com

excellence in building products

tennants

FARRANS - 75 YEARS

75 YEARS OF DELIVERING EXCELLENCE - 1941 | 2016

SECTORS

FARRANS bridges the gap to industrial success with the 90-metre steel Smartbridge across Glasgow’s River Clyde, part of a regeneration project in Glasgow’s East End.

RESOURCES AND EXPERTISE ACROSS A BROAD RANGE OF SECTORS BRING DEPTH TO OFFERING…

Diversity provides the platform for success

V

ersatility and diversity are the main strengths of FARRANS, with the company able to seamlessly switch between one specialism and another.

It operates across the spectrum of construction activities delivering challenging projects in the public and private sectors.

Working closely with clients to identify their needs and provide a consistent team leadership in its service, FARRANS delivers bespoke solutions, regardless of a project’s size or complexity.

The business is structured into two primary divisions – building and civil engineering, which perfectly complement each other in terms of resource and expertise, as well as supporting each other’s portfolio.

Within these two divisions, the company provides clients with dedicated teams who deliver specialist experience in sectors including utilities, education, and health and social care. FARRANS has also

made significant progress in the marine, renewables, water, commercial, infrastructure, regeneration, residential and transportation sectors. This strength in sectoral depth provides numerous advantages for clients who can use the expertise of FARRANS across a wide range of projects. However, it has also proved to be a successful platform for the company to meet the ever-changing challenges within the industry.

“What makes us different is our belief that if we do what we’ve always done, we’ll get what we’ve always got,” said Sean Bradley, Commercial Director. “We face reality as it is, not as how it was or as we may wish it to be. We identify areas where we might be lacking and need to improve, and we look at implementing processes to make us improve.

We are proactive in identifying the areas of our business where we ‘should’ change, well before we ‘have’ to change. Change is inevitable; progress is optional.”

“The ability of our team to learn, and translate that learning into action, is what gives us our competitive advantage.”

Sean Bradley, Commercial Director

FARRANS Building and Civil Engineering, established 1941 Belfast, Cambridge, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Royston, Woking www.farrans.com

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 57

PROUD TO BE WORKING WITH FARRANS ON THEIR PRESTIGIOUS PROJECTS

HIGH QUALITY ATTENTION TO DETAIL EXCELLENT STANDARD OF WORKMANSHIP UNCOMPROMISED QUALITY

Armagh: Bridge House, 127 Lislasly Road, Charlemont, Co. Armagh, BT71 6TB T: 028 8778 9309 M: 07900287116 E: gary@callanconstruction.com London: 19 Uphill Drive, Kingsbury, London, NW9 0BU T: 020 3740 8702 www.callanconstruction.com

FARRANS - 75 YEARS

75 YEARS OF DELIVERING EXCELLENCE - 1941 | 2016

CIVIL ENGINEERING

Harburnhead Windfarm, Lothian, Scotland - a 22 turbine windfarm including civils works, electrical infrastructure and forestry works.

THE CIVILS DIVISION AT FARRANS PLAYS A CENTRAL ROLE IN MOVING PEOPLE AND CONNECTING UTILITIES ACROSS THE WORLD…

Connecting communities

W

hether it is through new utilities that are hidden from plain sight or the new transport networks that make travel easier, FARRANS’ Civil Engineering division plays an integral role within local communities. The company’s highly-trained, multi-disciplinary team has delivered landmark projects across the world.

In Northern Ireland, FARRANS has worked on every aspect of the province’s motorway network, including the M1/A1 bridge in Dunmurry, which it completed in 1959 before the main motorway contract started.

It also recently completed the Roads Service DBFO Package 1, the West Link in Belfast, Northern Ireland’s first privately financed road project, an expansion of the key arterial route which FARRANS originally built in the early 1980s.

In 2012, the M80 Stepps to Haggs motorway in Central Scotland (£320million)

became the largest project that FARRANS had undertaken in its 75 years history and further built on its strength in infrastructure works.

More recently, the company has won some significant projects in the renewables sector across the UK, including Harburnhead and Kilgallioch windfarms in Scotland and also the Goole and Sisters windfarms in the north of England.

In Northern Ireland, 90% of the drinking water is treated in municipal facilities that have been designed and built by FARRANS. This includes innovative solutions in sensitive natural environments such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty at Fofanny and Mourne.

Combining FARRANS’ ability to both work with water and develop new transport links, its famous barge, the Claude Monique, has been an invaluable asset on some of the company’s most prolific projects.

“Working in the utilities sector in particular, you realise your impact on communities. They are the primary reason you are doing the work.

Therefore, customer care is paramount - we are only as good as our last job.”

Kevin Corley, Civil Engineering Director

FARRANS Building and Civil Engineering, established 1941 Belfast, Cambridge, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Royston, Woking www.farrans.com

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 59

FARRANS - 75 YEARS

75 YEARS OF DELIVERING EXCELLENCE - 1941 | 2016

BUILDING

Clock View Hospital, Liverpool, an 85-bedroom mental health facility providing short-term inpatient care.

THE BUILDING DIVISION HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR SOME ICONIC PROJECTS, ALONGSIDE MANY THAT HAVE ENHANCED THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITIES…

Building a brighter future

T

hrough the provision of new schools, homes, healthcare and leisure facilities, and regeneration projects that have revitalised communities, FARRANS’ Building division has played an integral role in developing a bigger, better and brighter built environment.

From projects such as the Odyssey Millennium complex and Victoria Square that have become an iconic part of a new-look Belfast to the ambitious Project Pegasus at London Luton Airport, which involved minimising disruption to 22,000 passengers traversing the site every day, FARRANS has met the unique challenges these projects present.

While the world-class expertise and knowledge that FARRANS can turn to in-house is a major positive, the company has complemented this perfectly by being committed to introducing new

technology and techniques that further streamline the construction process.

The concepts of partnering, alternative forms of contract, value engineering, Public Private Partnerships and Performance Related Partnering, as well as BIM and prefabrication technologies have kept the company at the forefront of innovation for over 75 years.

Yet, amidst the diversity of the unrivalled project portfolio of projects completed by the division, one constant is evident – quality! Within an environment of tighter deadlines, reducing budgets and higher demands, FARRANS has adapted and reacted to continue to meet the specific needs of each and every project and client.

This is enhanced by the ‘can-do’ attitude that flows from the company’s management team through to contractors on-site.

“FARRANS have an innate ability to adapt, embrace new opportunities and challenge ourselves to always strive for excellence in everything we do.

Delivery is key to our business and we work hard to understand what is important to our clients.”

Darrell McGuckian, Building Director

FARRANS Building and Civil Engineering, established 1941 Belfast, Cambridge, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Royston, Woking www.farrans.com

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 61

FARRANS’ ASSOCIATES

Your Complete Ground Engineering Partner

• CFA • Rotary Bored • ODEX • Mini Piling • Rock Sockets • Retaining Walls • Ground Anchors • Soil Nails • Grouting and Guniting • Geothermal Wells • Testing and Monitoring www.quinnpiling.com Email Info@quinnpiling.com

62 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FARRANS - 75 YEARS

75 YEARS OF DELIVERING EXCELLENCE - 1941 | 2016

PEOPLE

FARRANS employee, Amy Wright, North East winner of the ICE (The Institution of Civil Engineers) Emerging Engineers Awards 2015.

FARRANS’ CORE VALUES ARE FOCUSED ON ‘OUR PEOPLE, OUR REPUTATION, OUR FUTURE’…

Empowering People

I

n FARRANS, it is recognised that people have been the driving force behind its success, shaping the culture and putting a face to the company’s core values.

FARRANS’ people are: • Focused - on delivering the best-value solutions which meet clients’ needs and aspirations.

• Approachable - by working collaboratively and delivering on the promises they make.

• Caring - to ensure the safety and well- being of the communities they work in, and each other.

• Efficient - in knowing what to do and how to do it right, in a manner that is professional, ethical, effective and sustainable.

“It isn’t what FARRANS does that makes it unique, it’s the way FARRANS does it,” said Training and Development Manager, Joanne

Lennox. “Over the years we have worked hard to create an environment where people can be the best that they can be by ensuring everyone does work that they see as meaningful, by providing access to unparalleled opportunities, and by making FARRANS a place where people are learning every day.

“The FARRANS team are committed to making clients happy, and in leaving a positive, lasting legacy. In return the company’s efforts are focused on empowering people by providing tailored training and development pathways.

“Whether you have a trade background, are a graduate or an experienced hire, there are development pathways to support employees in achieving their goals. Every employee is empowered to develop their career, and actively encouraged to try new things and be flexible about which opportunities are right for them.”

“As FARRANS has grown over 75 years, so too has its people.

They continue to invest in their employees, supporting their professional development journey to becoming Chartered, and unleashing the potential so that the business and its people can continued to thrive for the next 75 years.”

Joanne Lennox, Training and Development Manager

FARRANS Building and Civil Engineering, established 1941 Belfast, Cambridge, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Royston, Woking www.farrans.com

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 63

FARRANSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ASSOCIATES

McFadden Civils Ltd management team has over 40 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in the efficient and cost-effective delivery of civil engineering contracts throughout Ireland & mainland UK. The company has a reputation for successfully working to tight deadlines and bringing projects in on time. We achieve this through organised project planning and programming coupled with pro-active contract management.

McFadden Civils Ltd as a company is committed to serving the needs of our clients, by providing a Civil Engineering service that meets or exceeds client requirements and that is priced to provide value. We strive to do things right the first time, and every time.

64 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

N. Ireland Office: 11 Spring Road, Mountfield, Omagh, Co, Tyrone N. Ireland, BT79 0PE T: 028 8077 1249 Scotland Office: Unit 2A, Pottishaw Place, Whitehill Industrial Estate, Bathgate, EH48 2EN T: 015 0665 6700 E: info@mcfaddencivils.com www.mcfaddencivils.com

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FARRANS - 75 YEARS

75 YEARS OF DELIVERING EXCELLENCE - 1941 | 2016

JOINT VENTURES

The New Wear Crossing in Sunderland, a joint venture for FARRANS to deliver an £60million three-span, cable-stayed bridge over the River Wear.

A SUCCESSFUL TRACK RECORD ON JOINT VENTURES IS COUPLED WITH A COMMITMENT TO PARTNERING AND FRAMEWORKING…

Partnership approach that benefits the client

W

hen you look at the career of current Managing Director, John Wilson, it should not come as a surprise to learn that the company has embraced the continuing move towards joint ventures on significant projects.

John’s first project as a Contracts Manager was the construction of the iconic Odyssey in Belfast – a joint venture that was the first of the Millennium-funded projects in the UK to be completed on time, and which contributed to the now successful regeneration of the City’s Titanic Quarter.

FARRANS has a longstanding track record of successful joint ventures, particularly in infrastructure, utility, commercial and education sector projects. As a result, the company has been able to partner with national and international peers on tunnelling, transportation, ports and marine, retail, commercial and educational projects.

This commitment to delivering the benefits of collaboration is indicative of the overall partnership approach that FARRANS displays on all projects.

Much of the company’s success is achieved through a strategic alliance with peer companies, where complementary abilities and resources are shared to the benefit of the project and, in turn, the client. This is the case whether FARRANS is working on a joint venture contract or working with a specialist sub-contractor.

Through its latest joint venture, the company is currently employed on the New Wear Crossing in Sunderland, a £60million capex design and construction project for a new three-span, cable-stayed bridge over the River Wear.

It is also the Northern Ireland partner on Scape’s Major Works Framework with Willmott Dixon and Robertson.

“Joint ventures are a key part of our history, and we have delivered major infrastructure and large scale multi-facility projects, in a fully collaborative and partnering relationship approach.”

David Parr, Civil Engineering Director

FARRANS Building and Civil Engineering, established 1941 Belfast, Cambridge, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Royston, Woking www.farrans.com

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 65

FARRANSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ASSOCIATES

HARTECAST STREET FURNITURE HAVE BEEN DESIGNING AND MANUFACTURING OUR OWN DISTINCTIVE PRODUCT RANGE FOR OVER 35 YEARS

We are currently working with Farrans Construction to deliver phase 2 of the Connswater Community Greenway Scheme with a specially designed bespoke range of street furniture including seating, litter bins, cycle stands, bollards and benches.

We congratulate Farrans Construction on their 75th anniversary.

Hartecast Street Furniture Wexford, Ireland T: 00353 (0)51-424922 E: info@hartecast.co.uk W: www.hartecast.co.uk

66 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FARRANS - 75 YEARS

75 YEARS OF DELIVERING EXCELLENCE - 1941 | 2016

AWARDS AWARDS, ALONGSIDE RECOGNITION FOR SPECIFIC PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES, SHOWCASES FARRANS’ COMMITMENT TO MEETING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS…

Continued expansion highlights a bright future

S

uccessful companies invariably attract the attention of awards’ judges, and with over 75 years of business, FARRANS has won a number of accolades.

Already, in 2016, the company has picked up seven awards and is currently nominated in three categories in the prestigious Construction Excellence Awards in Northern Ireland, having been shortlisted in the GB & Republic of Ireland Construction Award category for the Ellon Academy Community Campus project. FARRANS has also been shortlisted in the Quality Performance category for the Health & Safety Award, and also the Training Award. One of the most recent successes was the Employability Champion Award presented to FARRANS at the Northern Ireland Responsible Business Awards. Highly-regarded across the business sector, it recognises businesses which support the unemployed through initiatives that help

those furthest removed from the labour market to make informed career choices and to ultimately enter or re-enter the workplace.

This year, FARRANS secured a hat-trick at the LABC Awards in England, winning two Best Educational Building awards for Rabbsfarm Primary School in the LABC London Region, and for the STEM Building at Isle of Wight College in the LABC South East Region. This was in addition to the Best Public Service Building for the Cambridge Community Church (C3), Cambridge, in the LABC East Anglia Region. The company is now through to the LABC Grand Final, for all three projects in November.

In addition, FARRANS earned silver place in the NEC Large Project of the Year for Goole Fields WindFarm, and also received a commendation for Best Infrastructure project in the ICE South East Region Awards for Burham Strategic Mains.

“Our business is built on delivering superior service to our clients.

When successful projects are recognised by such prestigious awards, it is truly the icing on the cake.”

Alan Prime, Regional Director

FARRANS Building and Civil Engineering, established 1941 Belfast, Cambridge, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Royston, Woking www.farrans.com

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 67

FARRANS’ ASSOCIATES

SPECIALISTS IN TRADITIONAL COPPER AND ZINC ROOFING AND CLADDING. APPROVED INSTALLERS OF SIKA TROCAL ROOFING PRODUCTS • • • • • • •

Roofing Services Specialist Industrial Commercial Domestic Roofing Maintenance Roofing Repairs Electronic Integrity Testing All Work Guaranteed No Oligation Quote

83 Westfort, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, BT80 8TH Tel: Kieran 07901 711140 or Tel: Damien 07901 711138 Email: info@beckettroofingservices.co www.beckettroofingservices.com

BEST WISHES FROM

• TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT • EVENT SIGNAGE McVeigh Contracts Ltd Traffic Management, 10 Station Road, Saintfield, Co. Down, BT24 7DU

T: 028 9751 0134 M: 07525839977 / 07967730088 E: dean@mcveighcontracts.co.uk mcveighcontracts@mail.com

68 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FARRANS - 75 YEARS

75 YEARS OF DELIVERING EXCELLENCE - 1941 | 2016

SOCIAL IMPACT

FARRANS’ Managing Director, John Wilson, and Community Engagement Manager, Brigid McGuigan, pictured at the Responsible Business Awards in Northern Ireland 2016, with Liam O’Connor, Huhtamaki Foodservice Delta, and Clare McAllister, Electric Ireland.

RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES IS AT THE VERY HEART OF ALL THAT FARRANS STANDS FOR...

Building Social Value

F Young people get the chance to build a model cable-stayed bridge through The Institution of Civil Engineers ‘Bridge to Schools’ initiative.

Brigid McGuigan is presented with a National Site Award Winner certificate in the Considerate Constructors Scheme Awards, 2015.

ARRANS believes that its company’s values and culture clearly indicate how the company is driven and motivated to create social value through community engagement when delivering projects. To this end, social value in FARRANS is a natural way of thinking and forms a key element of the company’s

values, culture and core business practices.

FARRANS has showcased its commitment to the next generation by joining The 5% Club, an industry-led initiative, guaranteeing that at least 5% of FARRANS’ workforce will be in formalised apprentice, sponsored student or graduate development schemes, and will publicly g

Pupils from Castletown Primary see their artwork displayed on site.

A National Women in Engineering Day site visit.

FARRANS Building and Civil Engineering, established 1941 Belfast, Cambridge, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Royston, Woking www.farrans.com

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 69

FARRANS’ ASSOCIATES

CREATIVE EARTH • Civil Engineering • Landscaping • Groundworks 9 Halfpenny Gate Road Moira BT67 0HN T: 07787 560376 E: creativeearth@live.co.uk

BANGIVEN Drylining Ltd FOR OVER 15 YEARS, BANGIVEN DRYLINING LTD HAS BEEN SUPPLYING WORK TO CONTRACTS IN NORTHERN IRELAND, SCOTLAND AND ENGLAND. OUR WORK ENTAILS...

• Supply and Fit Metal Stud Partitions and plasterboard • Supply and Fit Metal Stud and Fermacell Board • Supply and Fit Metsec Stud to External walls and particle board • Supply and Fit Suspended Ceilings • Supply and Fit Drylining Bangiven Drylining Ltd, 160a Altinure Road, Park,Claudy, Co Derry, BT47 4DF. T: 07745 069480 E: bangivendrylining@live.com

Patrick Megoran 218 Belfast Road Ballynahinch BT24 8UP T: 028 9756 1145 F: 028 9756 1125 M: 07860 188873 E: p.megoran@btconnect.com

SERVICES • Civil Engineering and Plant Hire • Water Mains, New and Rehabilitation • Sewers • Road Works • Tarmac and Asphalt • Utilities • General and specialized ground works

HARRISON CONTRACTS 224 Head Road, Annalong, Newry, Co Down, BT34 4RJ Office: 02843767144 Mob: 07809658389 / 07894825192 Email: mark@harrisoncontracts.co.uk

70 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS WITH 50 YEARS EXPERIENCE. We supply...

• All grades of sand • Top soil and quarry stones We provide...

• Site clearance • Recycling of waste products • Lorry digger and excavator hire

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FARRANS - 75 YEARS

75 YEARS OF DELIVERING EXCELLENCE - 1941 | 2016 A teacher’s insight visit, focused on providing an overview of the typical roles and work in the construction industry.

Young children learn about the dangers of construction sites on a Safety Sam visit.

SOCIAL IMPACT g report against this target each year.

Based on the Social Value Act 2012 and the principles of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, FARRANS has developed a comprehensive set of training, skills development and community investment initiatives that reach beyond contractual requirements of apprenticeships, work experience and employment opportunities.

Aspire: This skills initiative was developed and delivered by FARRANS’ Community Engagement Manager, Brigid McGuigan to reach out to the long-term unemployed, young offenders, and people with a disability.

It includes employability skills training, work experience, CV writing and interview skills.

Some of those who took part in an art initiative organised by FARRANS with the Keystone Trust in Thetford.

Teacher insight visits: These visits afford a behind-the-scenes look at the industry, allowing teachers to experience at first hand a diverse range of trades and disciplines, and the ever-changing construction methodologies.

Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS): An up-to-date seminar for construction students and lecturers on the CCS and how it aims to improve the image of construction, it is followed by a site tour where they experience CCS initiatives at first hand.

Safety Sam Visits: This FARRANS’ initiative centres on the character of Safety Sam™ who visits primary schools to warn of the dangers of construction sites and promote the safety motto, ‘Play safe – Stay safe’.

Careers in Construction: A half-day seminar which involves professionals from the industry presenting to students across a variety of subjects and disciplines, giving them a unique insight into the various roles that exist within the construction sector.

“The philosophy of our wider social value strategy is to bring together communities, and to maximise training and skills development so that the community investment from projects will provide a lasting legacy in the local communities in which FARRANS operate.”

Brigid McGuigan, Community Engagement Manager

Student visit Connswater Community Greenway.

FARRANS Building and Civil Engineering, established 1941 Belfast, Cambridge, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Royston, Woking www.farrans.com

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 71

FARRANS’ ASSOCIATES

Tyrone Guttering Services

LEADERS IN THE ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • RESIDENTIAL OUR SERVICES INCLUDE...

• CONTRACTING • MAINTENANCE • HEAT RECOVERY • STREET& FLOOD LIGHTING • PUBLIC REALM WORKS • TESTING & INSPECTION

“Quality Is Remembered, Long After Price Is Forgotten” COUNTING DOWN TO 30 YEARS IN BUSINESS ON 16TH

Braham Electrical, 7A Charlotte Street, Warrenpoint, BT34 3LF T: (NI) 028 4177 2989 or (RoI) 048 4177 2989 E: info@brahamelecrical.com www.brahamelectrical.com

OCTOBER 2016 • PVC Fascia, Soffit, Fence & Decking • Seamless Rainwater Systems

Contact us: t: 028 8776 7874 / 028 9038 8344 m: 07860 753154 e: info@tyroneguttering.com www.tyroneguttering.com

INSEC SECURITY PROVIDES intelligent security solutions to Industrial, Commercial and Domestic markets using the latest technology.

Insec would like to congratulate Farrans on their 75th Anniversary, and look forward to continuing our working relationship.

238 Beersbridge Road, Belfast T: 028 9020 0080 www.insecni.co.uk

72 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

TERRY CLARKE SPECIALISING IN SHUTTERING, CONCRETING, EXPOSED CONCRETE PATH AND STEELFIXING 38 Racolpa Road, Drumnakilly, Omagh, Co. Tyrone BT79 0JZ. T/F: 028 8077 1307 M: 07801 822 762

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FARRANS - 75 YEARS

75 YEARS OF DELIVERING EXCELLENCE - 1941 | 2016

ACCREDITATIONS IN ITS DRIVE TO BE ‘THE CONTRACTOR OF CHOICE’, FARRANS IS COMMITTED TO THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE IN INDUSTRY STANDARDS…

Setting the standard

C

lient expectations in construction continue to expand and develop, and FARRANS reflects this in its ever-expanding portfolio of recognised management standards and certifications: • ISO 9001 Quality Management • BS 1192 Building Information Modelling • ISO 14001 Environmental Management • BS OHSAS 18001 Health and Safety Management • ISO 22301 Business Continuity

Management • ISO 50001 Energy Management.

The FARRANS accreditation team is now focusing on achieving BS 11000 Collaborative Relationship Management.

“Each of the management standards held

by FARRANS brings with it a capability to further enhance the construction package offered to clients,” said FARRANS SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment and Quality) Department Manager, Alex Anderson. “These standards provide us with a framework and

set of principles that ensure a commonsense approach to the management of our company, so that we continually deliver the highest possible service level to our clients and other stakeholders.”

The standards also reflect the commitment of the FARRANS senior management team to continual improvement, by providing a template to monitor performance and set targets in keeping with a company, whose overriding objective is to be ‘the contractor of choice’.

“The standards held by FARRANS engender confidence and are indicative of a professional, experienced and competent contractor which specialises in the delivery of technically demanding projects,” said Alex.

ISO 22301 Business Continuity Management Systems, for example, have allowed FARRANS to develop an effective system to respond to potential threats and disruptions to business, sudden loss of critical resources and other emergency situations.

“FARRANS’ capability and professionalism is illustrated by the fact that our management systems have been held and maintained for an aggregate total of 58 years. This provides assurance to each and every client that the FARRANS’ level of service and responsiveness has a rock-solid foundation built on professional standards and a commitment by senior management to continual improvement.”

Alex Anderson, SHEQ Department Manager

FARRANS Building and Civil Engineering, established 1941 Belfast, Cambridge, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Royston, Woking www.farrans.com

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 73

FARRANS - 75 YEARS

75 YEARS OF DELIVERING EXCELLENCE

1941 | 2016

FARRANS Building and Civil Engineering, established 1941 Belfast, Cambridge, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Royston, Woking www.farrans.com

74 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

NEWS

EXCELLENCE IN NORTHERN IRELAND

HENRY BROTHERS RECOGNISED AMONGST UK’S FINEST FAMILY FIRMS Henry Brothers has earned a ‘Commended for Excellence’ award, after being shortlisted as a regional finalist for the annual Red Ribbon Awards, which celebrate the achievements of Britain’s finest family-run businesses.

Representatives from the company were among 350 family business leaders and entrepreneurs who attended the awards presentation at London’s Wembley Stadium on July 15 when eleven family firms were crowned winners of the UK’s most

prestigious family business awards.

With over three million family firms in the UK as well as hundreds of entries for the awards, recognition in the Red Ribbons Awards is a high accolade to achieve.

Hosted by Family Business Place, the awards seek to recognise and honour some of the most exciting, innovative and longstanding family businesses around the UK. For more information, visit www.henrybrothers.co.uk or www.familybusinessplace.com

Top companies from the construction industry feature prominently in a prestigious new book celebrating the success of Northern Ireland PLC. The large-format, quality, coffee table-style tome features 80 of Northern Ireland’s most innovative and exceptional companies and organisations.

Included are builders, Heron Bros, Lagan Group, Henry Brothers and Porter & Co; concrete manufacturers, Acheson & Glover and Creagh Concrete; architects, Jane D Burnside and R Robinson & Sons; Sammon Chartered Surveyors; EDM Spanwall and Portview Fit-Out. ‘Excellence in Northern Ireland – Business at Work’ is the creation of Dr Claude-Bernard Costecalde.

Available to buy in selected bookstores, it will also be available in schools and colleges and widely distributed by the companies profiled, ensuring that it will land on some very influential desks around the world.

Dr Claude-Bernard Costecalde presents a copy of Excellence in NI to daughter, Ava as a gift to Coleraine Grammar School.

‘FITTING’ SPONSORSHIP OF NORTHERN IRELAND OPEN

McCUE FINISHES REMASTERING THE QM2

Leading fit-out firm, Marcon has continued its sponsorship of the 2016 Tayto Northern Ireland Open in partnership with Ulster Bank, held in July at Galgorm Castle.

Chipping in with support for one of NI’s top sporting events was an easy decision for Mark McElroy, Director at Marcon. “We were pleased Mark McElroy, Director, Marcon to renew our association with Fit-Out with Ross Oliver, Event the NI Open as one of the Manager, NI Open. event’s main sponsors. As our business continues to grow it is wonderful to see the stature of this tournament grow as well,” he said.

As one of the UK and Ireland’s leading fit-out specialists, Marcon operates in a wide range of sectors such as hospitality, retail, commercial and museum/ heritage. At the NI Open, Marcon utilised the skills of its craftsmen to form many of the display structures on Galgorm Castle estate and, in particular, within the NI Open Village, corporate hospitality and grandstand areas.

For more information, telephone 028 9446 1222 or visit www.marconfitout.com

McCue Marine has handed over areas on board Cunard’s luxurious flagship, the Queen Mary 2, ocean liner, after a 25-day multi-million-pound dry-dock at the Blohm & Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany.

In partnership with SMC Design and Harding Retail, McCue Marine upgraded the Mayfair Shops, Queen’s Grill and Princess Grill restaurants, in addition to the Grills lounge and Verandah restaurant.

McCue’s wealth of ‘high street’ fit-out experience was also a key factor in securing an extensive remodelling in three of the outlets in the Mayfair shop area on board on Deck Three.

For more information, telephone 028 9332 9000 or visit www.mccuemarine.com

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 75

COMPANY PROFILE - CROWN INDUSTRIES

CROWN INDUSTRIES LTD IS A MULTI-DISCIPLINED PROVIDER OF IP INFRASTRUCTURE AND BUILDING ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR COMMERCIAL AND PUBLIC INDUSTRY WITHIN THE UK AND IRELAND…

Crown Industries looks forward to the future with confidence

INCORPORATING

76 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

B

elfast-based Crown Industries has seen a lot of change over recent times as the organisation evolves and grows its service offering right across the geographical reach of the UK, Ireland and even the USA. Like many businesses, Crown was forced by the recession to look at its operating model in order to seek out competitive advantage and set its specialist nature a step above that of the competition.

The company has used challenging trading conditions to re-align and re-focus its business strategy in line with a total IP services offering. This is now starting to bear fruit as customers demand

a greater level of IP convergence and specialism across varying communications’ disciplines.

With a strong footing in both the blown fibre and data centre development sectors, the organisation has moved in recent times to embrace a full portfolio of IP security systems, converged DAS and Wi-Fi architecture, and fibre-to-the-desktop (FTTD) technology.

Commenting on the journey, Strategic Development Director, Simon Murray, stated, “I think those across the industry in Northern Ireland have faced their own challenges over the course of the past few years, which have

“Our FOIS business was well established as one of the primary providers of IP cabling infrastructure in the province.”

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

COMPANY PROFILE - CROWN INDUSTRIES

Delivering success

C

I.P CABLING ARCHITECTURE

FIRE DETECTION

BLOWN FIBRE

& SUPPRESSION

(FTTO/FTTD)

SERVICES

CONSULTANCY

Leading-edge I.P and communication infrastructure solutions across the UK and Ireland

DATA CENTRE DESIGN AND BUILD

FULL I.P SECURITY PORTFOLIO

MAINTENANCE WI-FI AND DAS BASED ARCHITECTURES

“The organisation has moved in recent times to embrace a full portfolio of IP security systems, converged DAS and Wi-Fi architecture, and fibre-to-the-desktop (FTTD) technology.” forced a re-think at management level as to future strategic direction.

“Our FOIS business was well established as one of the primary providers of IP cabling infrastructure in the province.

However, our customers, and indeed the market, dictated that a more holistic approach to its service offering was required. As a leader, you adapt, you react, and you change in line with what your customers demand of you.

“I’m not saying that it was all plain sailing.

Some very difficult decisions needed to be taken to ensure that we were well positioned for the future, but that’s part and parcel of strategic planning. If you stand still and rest on your laurels, simply waiting for things to get better, you wake up some day and find that someone has

stolen the competitive impetus.

“By re-shaping not only our core management team, but also our service offering at new geographical locations, we have positioned the business to properly compete post-recession, ensuring a stable and successful future.

Like many contractors at home, GB has been a major area of concentrated focus over recent months and we have secured some excellent schemes in this region alone.

“Our GB office has provided a platform to properly service this growth market whilst opportunities at home remain stagnant and unlikely to improve considerably in the immediate future. It’s important not only to diversify, as outlined, but also to spread your business risk.”

Crown Industries (part of FOIS Ltd), Unit 1C, 4 Westbank Drive, Belfast, BT3 9LA T: (NI) 0845 277 2200 or (RoI) 0044 845 277 2200 –E: sales@crownind.co.uk www.crownind.co.uk

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

rown’s new model has certainly borne some fruit of late, with the company picking up major commercial projects both in Northern Ireland and the wider GB market as customers seek out cross-functional IP specialisms under their single business entity.

One customer has even taken the company stateside to West Virginia for its first pilot scheme in the US, with several more planned in the future.

Data centres and associated cooling architecture have been a major area of growth for the Crown business as, locally, the province tries to play catch-up with the wider GB market and Republic of Ireland in offering secure hosting services for a growing portfolio of clients.

Managing Director, Richard Finlay, commented, “We recognised the need to be more than a cabling company, as that came with its own limitations. Offering a limited portfolio in a market saturated with smaller competition was not a pathway to growth, which is why we are often considered the champion of the larger infrastructure schemes, not only because of their cross-functional IP nature and the necessary in-house specialisms, but also because of our size and financial clout to take such schemes on board.

“Our data centre success did not come as such a surprise as we knew internally that we had the talent and capability to make it work. But, word of mouth, based on a few initial schemes, and the delivery success associated with such, have led to a growing portfolio in this specific sector with in-house specialisms on cooling, efficient power management, high-density network architecture and a supporting maintenance base.

“If we continue to focus on this diversification with a greater geographical reach, I am confident that we will remain at the forefront of our industry in the future.”

INCORPORATING

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 77

APPROACHING

30 YEARS IN THE

LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLE TRADE

165 Dromore Road, Hillsborough, BT26 6JA. E: bridgecommercials@hotmail.com www.bridgecommercials.co.uk

PROJECT PROFILE

PORTAFERRY CREDIT UNION, KIRCUBBIN

AN INTRODUCTION...

COMMUNITY IS UNITED IN PRAISE FOR FORMER BANK BUILDING TRANSFORMED INTO MODERN FINANCIAL CENTRE FOR PORTAFERRY CREDIT UNION’S KIRCUBBIN OFFICE… g

New office an asset to Portaferry Credit Union

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 79

PROJECT PROFILE

PORTAFERRY CREDIT UNION, KIRCUBBIN

MAIN CONTRACTOR

BUILDING RENOVATION FOR RELOCATED KIRCUBBIN OFFICE PROVES TO BE A CAPITAL INVESTMENT FOR PORTAFERRY CREDIT UNION…

O’Prey Developments deserves credit for a job well done

B

uilding work at Portaferry Credit Union’s sub-office in Kircubbin, has transformed what was once a simple white building, with little character, into a modern financial centre which has been much admired by the local community.

The property at 1 Main Street was formerly owned by Danske Bank, which closed the branch in December 2014. At the time, Portaferry Credit Union’s Board of Directors were looking for new offices for a sub-branch in the town to replace their old building (which was no longer suitable for their needs), and when the opportunity came along to buy the old bank building, it was too good to miss.

The Board decided to carry out extensive external and internal alterations and refurbishments to modernise the building and to also add a small extension to the front door area to help shelter the entrance from the sea breeze, appointing O’Prey Developments as the main contractor for the work. Alan Ross, of ATP Architects was engaged by the Credit Union to bring a creative element to the project, and all parties are delighted with the outcome.

Planning permission was obtained by ATP Architects and work commenced in early December 2015, with the deadline for completion set for the end of June 2016.

Underfloor heating and a complete new

central heating system were installed and all insulation was brought up to modern requirements throughout the building. It was also decided to replace all the metal windows with double-glazed aluminium units, re-slate the roof and re-render the complete outside of the building, as well as replacing soffits and guttering/downpipes.

The car park, which was showing signs of disrepair, was resurfaced and additional car parking spaces were created. New steps and a disabled access ramp were created at the front entrance, and planting areas were introduced to soften the exterior and make it aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

The renovations have resulted in a more

“Our main aim throughout the project was to retain as much of the original structure as possible.”

80 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

PROJECT PROFILE

Successful Partnership

comfortable working environment for the staff than they had in the old building – and one with great views out to the north end of Strangford Lough and the countryside beyond.

From the outset, O’Prey Developments enjoyed a good working relationship with the client and the architect, Alan Ross. Under the supervision of site foreman, Stephen Johnson, the team was able to finish the project within the agreed time frame.

“Portaferry Credit Union Limited were the ideal clients, and working with their building committee was a pleasure, with any queries or issues being dealt with professionally through their architect,” said John Cunningham, Quantity Surveyor, O’Prey Developments.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL A striking feature of the refurbished building is the new stone-clad porch to the front of the building, with the roof detail constructed to create a nautical theme, as befitting the coastal location.

One of the more unusual challenges on this aspect of the build was that O’Prey

Developments had to continue to provide unobstructed access for all the patients who visited the doctor’s surgery, as it shares the same entrance as the Credit Union.

The main aim throughout the project was to retain as much of the original structure as possible, while at the same time providing what is, in essence, a new building. The work has been done to high standards - for instance, the counter area has been finished in white polished granite with walnut veneered panels to the front. The insulation is of a high spec and the building has been brought up to full mobility standards.

O’Prey Developments Ltd is a family owned and run company, formerly known as Paul O’Prey Building Contractor. The business was formed over 30 years ago by Paul O’Prey, who has completed many projects over the years, building a strong reputation for top quality workmanship.

O’Prey Developments has earned the reputation of being one of the leading building companies in the area, with total commitment to its clients and a strong emphasis on attention to detail.

Formed in 1965, Portaferry Credit Union Ltd celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015, and it was fitting that it acquired the new premises in that year to help celebrate the occasion.

The refurbishment project was completed to schedule and opened its doors to the public on July 29, receiving an extremely favourable response from customers and staff alike.

The Credit Union has had a sub-office in Kircubbin for over 25 years and up until the new office opening, had always carried out its business from rented premises. When the opportunity arose to acquire the bank building, the Board of Directors were excited to take it, as it seemed already well suited to their requirements.

For O’Prey Developments, it was the welcome continuation of a previously successful relationship with Portaferry Credit Union. In 2006, the company had been the main contractor on extensive renovations to the main office in Portaferry (a former Orange Hall dating back to 1870), turning it into one of the most iconic buildings in the town, and much admired by a group from the World Council of Credit Unions on a recent visit to the area.

Project team…

Project: Portaferry Credit Union, Kircubbin office Value: £300,000 Architect: ATP Architects Main Contractor: O’Prey Developments

O’Prey Developments Ltd, 43A Rubane Rd, Kircubbin, Newtownards, BT22 1AT T: 028 4273 8503 – E: colm@pauloprey.co.uk www.pauloprey.co.uk

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 81

PROJECT PROFILE

PORTAFERRY CREDIT UNION, KIRCUBBIN

CABINET MAKER Pam’s Kitchens offers good return on investment

R

enowned for its quality kitchen design and planning, Greyabbey company, Pam’s Kitchens, made and installed kitchen units and reception counters at the Credit Union building in Kircubbin.

With an emphasis on design as well as functionality, the kitchen units feature ivory doors with walnut worktops, while the counters for the reception area are made in solid tongue and groove walnut panels, with granite tops.

“With over 30 years’ experience in the kitchen and fitted bedroom industry, we are highly qualified cabinet-makers, and can produce a complete range of styles,

from traditional to the latest modern designs, with something to suit all tastes and budgets,” said Donald Mills who heads up the family-run business in which he works alongside son, Dean and wife, Lesley.

“This was the first time we had ever made a shop counter, but it’s been widely admired and we have already got another commission out of it. All our kitchens, fitted bedrooms and shop fittings are made to the best quality, as we carefully chose our suppliers for their build quality and thickness of material. We keep our costs down by keeping low overheads and having local suppliers, which also keeps our carbon footprint to a minimum.”

Pam’s Kitchens, 119 Main Street, Greyabbey, Newtownards, BT22 2NF T: 028 4278 8277 or (mobile) 0788 761 7384 E: - donald.mills2@btinternet.com

PORTAFERRY CREDIT UNION, KIRCUBBIN

GLAZING Professional and friendly service from W&C Glazing

W

&C Glazing supplied and fitted PPC (Polyester Powder Coated) aluminium doors and windows at the refurbished Credit Union building in Kircubbin, along with a curtain walling screen to the front façade, which incorporated automated doors.

“The whole project was completed to a high spec, and the front façade in particular is very striking,” said Peter Magill, Director, W&C Glazing. “We have a longstanding working relationship with main contractor, O’Prey Developments, and look forward to working again with them in the future.”

W&C Glazing is a family business which was established over 30 years ago by Billy and Celia Magill, originally to service the

domestic glazing market. Over the years, the company has diversified into commercial glazing and curtain walling, with son Peter and daughter Lisa now in charge of the dayto-day running of the business.

“Working closely with clients and architects, we are involved in the design, fabrication and installation processes. We have partnered with many major contractors throughout Northern Ireland, on projects such as Comber Mill Village and County Hall, Ballymena, as well as carrying out work for private dwellings.”

“Over the years, the company has diversified into commercial glazing and curtain walling.”

W&C Glazing, 6 The Square, Ballygowan, Newtownards, BT23 6HA T: 028 9752 8278 – E: info@wcglazing.com wcglazing.com

82 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

PROJECT PROFILE

PORTAFERRY CREDIT UNION, KIRCUBBIN

ARCHITECT ATP Architects designs a landmark building

A

TP Architects was responsible for the much admired new design of the Kircubbin sub-office of Portaferry Credit Union.

“The building was well constructed, having been purposely built as a bank, however, it was rather bland in appearance and unappealing,” said Alan Ross. “Our brief was to remodel and reorder the existing building to create a fresh, landmark building within the village. One very important criterion was that the building must offer full mobility access to all. It had to be low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and provide a landmark building for both the Credit Union and the village of Kircubbin.”

“The works included: new roof, new entrance porch/extension, new wall insulation, new mechanical and electrical systems, new

doors and windows, new counter design and the reordering of kitchen and WC layout.

We also tidied up and re-established the boundaries and also resurfaced and lined out the car park.

“The Board were a pleasure to deal with and made decisions about specification when asked and without delay,” continued Alan.

“The contractor, Paul O’Prey sets a very high bar when it comes to finish and detailing - so much so that there wasn’t a snag list prior to completion.”

“Our brief was to remodel and reorder the existing building to create a fresh, landmark building within the village.”

ATP Architects, 18 Ballyhackett Road, Castlerock, Coleraine, BT51 4SQ T: 028 7034 2713 – E: mail@atparchitects.com www.atparchitects.com

PORTAFERRY CREDIT UNION, KIRCUBBIN

BUILDING PRODUCTS Murdock makes the grade

A

s a leading supplier of building materials and timber, and with a branch conveniently located in nearby Newtownards, Murdock Builder’s Merchants was well placed to supply a wide variety of materials for the Kircubbin Credit Union building refurbishment.

“The main contractor, O’Prey Developments is widely recognised as an expert in the industry,” said Des Patterson from Murdock’s Newtownards branch. “We work with them a lot, and on this occasion we supplied a wide range of products, including Spanish slates, insulation, roof timbers, PVC fascia, thermal block and MDF skirting and architrave.

“Our aim is to offer consistently excellent customer service by well-trained,

knowledgeable staff, and longstanding customers such as O’Prey Developments know from experience that they can rely on us to deliver time and time again,” continued Des. “With tight deadlines to meet, contractors also need to be assured that the materials they require will not only be available when needed, but that we can deliver to site at short notice, if necessary. That’s the kind of service our customers expect and it’s what we always aim to deliver.

“It’s very much a team effort, and our staff can provide added value by offering sound advice and information on a wide range of products if any of our customers need a bit of help with their order.”

Murdock Builder’s Merchants – Newtownards branch, 21 Jubilee Road, Newtownards, BT23 4YH T: 028 9182 1222 - E: newtownards@murdockbuildersmerchants.com www.murdockbuildersmerchants.com

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 83

PROJECT PROFILE

PORTAFERRY CREDIT UNION, KIRCUBBIN

BUILDING SUPPLIES Carryduff Building Supplies a one-stop-shop

C

arryduff Building Supplies delivered a broad range of materials to main contractor, O’Prey Developments for the Portaferry Credit Union project.

“We supplied concrete blocks, wall copings, rolls of fibreglass insulation, aggregates and more,” said Andrew Gilliland, who along with his parents, John and Shirley, and brother, Richard, looks after the family-run business.

“O’Prey Developments is a regular customer of ours,” said Andrew. “We’re known as a one-stop-shop, and have a big, well-stocked yard. In addition to being a builders’ merchant, we also manufacture concrete blocks and precast products, and have a ready-mix concrete plant. The

copings for the Credit Union project were manufactured here on site.”

Carryduff Building Supplies opened in 1984 under its former name, Farm Feeds and Supplies. Now known as Carryduff Building Supplies to reflect the business it has become, it continues to grow successfully.

“We current employ 30 staff and have 12 lorries which supply materials mainly around counties Down and Armagh,” continued Andrew. “The company ethos is ‘Small enough to care, big enough to cope’, which we believe has helped us maintain our place as one of the most reliable and proficient builders’ merchants currently operating in the greater Belfast area.”

Carryduff Building Supplies Ltd, 116 Hillsborough Road, Moneyreagh, BT23 6AZ T: (NI) 028 9081 3396 or (RoI) 048 9081 3396 – E: info@carryduffbuildingsupplies.com www.carryduffbuildingsupplies.com

PORTAFERRY CREDIT UNION, KIRCUBBIN

UNDERFLOOR HEATING Another successful project for Willis Heating & Plumbing

W

illis Heating & Plumbing Company Ltd supplied and installed the underfloor heating system at the new Kircubbin Credit Union office.

“This was a pretty straightforward job for us,” said Director, Ian Steele who, having completed over 20 years’ service with this long-standing company, has a wealth of experience in job costing and project design, specialising in underfloor heating design, CAD, project management and more.

“The Kircubbin office entailed a complete package with a manifold to service the ground floor areas, but as it’s a small building the heating needs were quite

simple and the system was quick and easy to install,” he explained. “We have built up an excellent working relationship with O’Prey Developments over the past number of years and find them to be a very professional team.”

Willis Heating & Plumbing Company Ltd designs, engineers and installs single and multi-service specialised systems, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, pipework systems and sanitary services.

Working across a comprehensive range of sectors, the company is structured to provide a complete service if required, and can offer design, procurement, project management, installation, and testing and commissioning of mechanical engineering services.

Willis Heating & Plumbing Company Ltd, Unit 28, Somerton Industrial Park, Dargan Crescent, Belfast, BT3 9JB. T: 028 9078 1236 – E: mail@willis-heating.com www.willis-heating.com

84 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

Partition and ceiling solutions

Units 5/6 Duncrue Ind Estate, Duncrue Road, Belfast, BT3 9BW T: 028 9077 7780 E: info@scsni.com

www.scsni.com

COMPANY PROFILE

MACBLAIR OPENS NEW BELFAST BATHROOM SHOWROOM ON THE BOUCHER ROAD…

A new Watershed for MacBlair

M

acBlair has opened a stunning new Watershed bathroom and tile showroom on the Boucher Road in

Belfast.

Located at 4 Balmoral Road, the new MacBlair showroom is one of a network of seven Watershed branches spread across Northern Ireland, and has been designated the company’s flagship store.

“We have always wanted to have a showroom in Belfast, so we’re very excited to add this to our extensive offering,” said Lauren Robinson, Group Showroom Manager.

Stocking a full range of bathroom settings, from traditional through to contemporary, and also including the increasingly popular wet rooms, the showroom has, at its core, leading brands Utopia, Duravit and Laufen.

“These designer brands are exclusive to Watershed in this busy retail and trade area of the city,” explained Lauren. “We also offer a full package of showers, sanitary ware and tiles, including quality ranges like Mira, Vado, Aqualla Brassware and Hansgrohe.”

The new 2,500sqft Watershed showroom

86 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

boasts 25 fully-fitted and tiled bathroom displays.

“Thinking outside the box, we came up with a new twist on the normal bathroom showroom and created a number of full room settings with doorways into them, just as they would appear in a real home,” said Lauren. “We created seven of these bays, complete with radiators, mirrors and stylish storage solutions, which enable customers to better imagine what the designs would look like in their own homes. It gives a boutique feel to the showroom, and the designs on display cover everything from traditional to contemporary.”

Lauren designed the room settings herself, using the company’s latest 3D Virtual World Design package.

“It proved to us just how invaluable this tool is,” added Lauren. “We use it for our free design service, which is available to both trade and retail customers. It produces a virtual plan of the bathroom, which can then be shown on a TV screen in the showroom.

Changing aspects such as colours and tiles,

the design can be finely tuned. It makes it a lot easier to visualise.

“Contractors and plumbers find this design package particularly useful for house building. They can get print-outs of designs to include in a portfolio to show prospective home-buyers, or they can ask us to come up with a turnkey design, which the home buyers can then come in to view and either agree or discuss upgrade options. We also offer planning for trade customers, with practical advice on what will work and can suggest alternative design solutions,” said Lauren.

Heading up the staff at the new Belfast showroom is Amanda McClenaghan as Belfast Showroom Manager, with Alison Brown appointed Showroom Sales Consultant. Both offer design services and are happy to carry out site visits for planning to both trade and retail customers.

The new showroom is part of a major refurbishment of the Macnaughton Blair Building Supplies branch - which has now been rebranded as MacBlair.

While the first floor of the building has been transformed into the new Watershed showroom, the shop and yard have undergone an amazing transformation of their own. The newly refurbished shop now offers an extensive range of doors and floors in addition to a paint mixing service.

For more information, telephone 028 9055 1400 or visit the website at www.watershedbathrooms.com

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

NORTHERN BUILDER

88 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

SOUNDPROOFING AND SOUND ABSORPTION

The JCW Acoustic range from Laydex is the perfect solution for a range of applications including homes, hotels, student accommodation and gyms.

AVAILABLE FROM LAYDEX, JCW ACOUSTIC SUPPLIES’ RANGE OF SOUNDPROOFING PRODUCTS CAN HELP WITH ALL YOUR SOUND PROOFING NEEDS…

Laydex - acoustic solutions you can shout about

S

oundproofing and sound absorption product ranges for all types of residential and commercial projects are now available from Laydex (NI) Ltd. If your requirement is to meet Building Regulations, difficulties with noisy neighbours or simply the need for more peace and quiet, the JCW Acoustic range is the easy-to-install and cost-effective answer.

JCW Acoustic products are suitable for new build, material change of use, refurbishment and home improvement situations.

The comprehensive range includes: • Acoustic floors • Acoustic walls • Acoustic ceilings • Acoustic timber doors • Acoustic ancillaries • Sound absorption products • Acoustic barriers, fencing and gates • Acoustic ancillaries • Sound absorption products

Using products that have been extensively tried and tested for many years, the JCW Acoustic range leads the way in meeting Approved Document E (England and Wales) Section 5 (Scotland) and Part G of the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012.

JCW Acoustic Supplies is committed to caring for the environment, and recycles material, wherever possible. All JCW Acoustic Supplies’ timber products are bought from a sustainable, traceable source.

Among some of the recent applications where JCW Acoustic products have been used includes leading gyms, student and hotels.

“The JCW Acoustic range is the easy-to-install and cost-effective answer.”

Company info...

Laydex Limited was founded in 1995 and is a wholly-owned independent Irish company servicing the construction industry in Ireland. Operating from its warehousing, sales, administration and distribution centre in Belfast, Laydex represents some of the world’s leading brands of products in construction materials, including roofing systems, commercial flooring and a wide range of building products and materials.

Exclusively representing world-leading manufacturers of quality products which are specified by architects and specifiers and used by builders in prestigious projects both in Ireland and worldwide, Laydex is a leading distributor in Ireland of sustainable building solutions, and has built a reputation for supplying innovative and dynamic products to meet the ever-changing needs of builders and designers. The firm prides itself on providing an unrivalled level of support, technical expertise, and design assistance throughout the roofing, flooring and builders’ merchants’ sectors.

Laydex (NI) Ltd. Units 4/5 Falcon Way, Adelaide Industrial Estate, Belfast BT 12 6SQ. T: 028 9038 2223 - F: 028 9038 2230 - Email: sales@laydex.com www.laydex.com

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 89

CEILINGS

TENNANTS REACHES NEW HEIGHTS WITH THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF CEILINGS FROM THE WORLD’S LEADING MANUFACTURERS…

High-performance ceilings from Tennants

A

s Ireland’s largest independent distributor of suspended ceilings to all sectors of the construction industry, Tennants Building Products offers a comprehensive and ever developing range of products and systems from internationally recognised manufacturers of highperformance ceilings.

Suspended ceilings were initially designed to conceal unsightly building and construction elements, such as wiring and pipework. This creates a professional, presentable space that provides a pleasant atmosphere for everyone. With today’s exciting innovations and manufacturing technologies the scope for ceiling design is boundless.

The environmental advantages of suspended ceilings are invaluable; they help to conserve heat, and the ceiling can act as an insulator which prevents heat from escaping the space.

By taking control of the heat that is lost within a room you can help the building to be more economical and functional.

As these types of ceilings are also designed to absorb sound, they help to keep areas muted so noise does not travel from one room to another - great for meetings or buildings with lots going on in different areas. You can make your choice of suspended ceiling from the different options available and you can also

customise the design, lighting, colour and the overall structure itself.

PRODUCTS The product range from Tennants has been developed over many years to meet wideranging performance criteria, and includes top names such as Ecophon, Burgess CEP, and AMF Performance Ceilings.

Ecophon is part of one of the world’s 100 top industrial groups, Saint-Gobain and is a leading supplier of integrated acoustic ceiling systems with an innovative approach combined with long experience. Ecophon’s range of products covers the full spectrum of acoustic applications from commodity demountable ceilings to concealed edge profiles, floating baffles and bespoke raft ceilings and wall panels.

Burgess CEP (the result of an amalgamation between CEP Ceilings and Burgess AP) unites two brands with a combined experience of 100 years in designing, manufacturing and supplying suspended ceiling and acoustic solutions, coming together to bring you the ultimate choice of materials, finishes, colours and solutions.

AMF Performance Ceilings is one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of high-performance suspended ceiling systems, recognised for

design choices and performance innovation.

Through increased capacity and state-of-theart technology, AMF continues to develop new generation suspended ceiling products, including rafts, baffles, and acoustic wall panels as well as manufacturing its existing market-leading commodity and performance systems.

For more information, telephone 028 9073 1501, e-mail sales@ctni.co.uk, or visit the website at www.tennantsbp.com

Specialist products...

Tennants Building Products prides itself on only working with leading manufacturers, giving customers complete peace of mind when it comes to specifying and installing products from the company’s extensive range.

While choice is a key factor in what Tennants offers, the consistent theme in the suspended ceilings range is quality – as demonstrated by the instantly recognisable manufacturers listed below.

46 Ravenhill Road, Belfast, BT6 8EB T: 028 9073 1501 - F: 028 9045 0927 - E: belfast@tennantsbp.com www.tennantsbp.com

90 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

Ceilings A strong reputation for supplying the highest standards of ceilings from the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading manufacturers.

tennants excellence in building products

Belfast Office: 46 Ravenhill Road Belfast BT6 8EB T: 028 9073 1501 F: 028 9045 0927 E: belfast@tennantsbp.com

www.tennantsbp.com

COLOURED MORTAR

RTU MANUFACTURES OVER 40 SHADES OF COLOURED MORTAR TO COMPLEMENT THE BRICK ON A BUILDING OR OFFER A CONTRAST…

Mortar - much more than bonding bricks

D

id you know that approximately 20% of the surface area of a brick wall is constituted of the mortar joints that hold the brick together?

That 20% of surface area can have an amazing impact on the final exterior appearance of your masonry project.

Coloured mortar can be used as an architectural tool to make an impact on certain sections or throughout a building. The options are endless, whether to complement the brick or offer a contrast.

RTU manufactures over 40 shades of coloured mortar for the ever-increasing assortment of brick and block designs and colours which are available today. The company can colour-match any existing mortar already used previously on a building - for example, the second phase of a project, or even a garden wall.

To assist in selecting the perfect match, RTU provides a coloured sample kit. Using this kit, samples of coloured building mortar can be placed between bricks to give a better indication of how they will look. Once a decision is made, all mortar can be mixed to the colour you require, including RTU’s coloured sand, allowing total flexibility to your project.

RTU factory-produced mortar delivers quality time after time. All mortars are manufactured in accordance with BS EN 998-2 and BS EN 12878 by the company’s advanced computerised batching plant and a stateof-the-art pigment system. This ensures a consistent colour mix, with guaranteed mix proportions and compressive strength throughout your project, no matter how many batches you require. The factory

production control system also ensures that mortars comply with ever-increasing tough European regulations.

With its recognised industry expertise, RTU is a member of the MIA (Mortar Industry Association) and sits on the MIA technical panel, which is the recognized UK authoritative voice on mortar technology.

POPULAR CHOICE Quality mortar and a comprehensive range of colours are available from RTU for a wide range of settings, including residential, educational, healthcare, social housing, community projects and commercial.

Examples can be seen throughout Northern Ireland, with Charcoal shades used in Strathearn School in Belfast, the Ulster Hospital, a social housing project at Ballycraigy Road in Antrim, and a current prestigious educational project, the Bernard Crossland Building (BCB) for Queen’s

University Belfast.

Mortar is fast becoming a popular choice, utilised in settings such as the University of Ulster, York Street in Belfast and a community regeneration project, the Skainos Centre on the Newtownards Road, Belfast. Light and dark brown shades are chosen for a range of settings including residential homes in Pineyhill, Ballyronan, and commercial projects like the current site extension to the Abbey Centre in Newtownabbey. A lilac brown shade was also the choice mortar for the build of Lyric Theatre.

Yellow mortar is another prevalent choice among healthcare settings such as Hillside Nursery Centre and educational settings such as Queen’s Elms Halls of Residence and University of Ulster, Magee Campus.

RTU is committed to continually meeting the needs of its customers, and can advise on the best product and delivery method based on your individual circumstances.

For more information on the colours available or for more technical information, telephone 028 9085 1441, e-mail to info@rtu.co.uk or visit www.rtu.co.uk

Benefits of RTU Mortar • •

• • • • •

92 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

Guaranteed colour consistency No need for on-site mixing equipment or storage facilities Quality assured product Accurate cement content Guaranteed to meet specification Saving on time and labour costs Reduced wastage and pilferage.

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

HOUSE BUILDING

VANDERSANDEN BRICK, AVAILABLE FROM KINGSCOURT COUNTRY MANOR BRICKS, PROVIDES THE PERFECT SOLUTION FOR BLENDING CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE WITH HISTORIC CONTEXT…

Vandersanden brick makes a striking feature

A

brick distributed in Northern Ireland and Ireland by Kingscourt Country Manor Bricks has been the key component in a widely acclaimed new building in Latvia.

Vandersanden bricks were used to clad a residential building within the old town of Riga (a World Heritage Site), proving that contemporary architecture can work well in an historic context.

The brick building, with six apartments and commercial space on the ground floor, was designed and built over a decade. Situated right in the middle of the city, it exhibits five strongly organized façades and is the result of an international architecture competition to find the best possible design for a new residential building on the 175m² plot. The aim of the competition was to create a building with exclusive sculptural qualities that would not only blend in, but would also complement the complex urban area.

The new building is fixed to the firewall of a house, sitting on an adjacent plot, and built on the basement of a previous building which was destroyed during WWII when the area was heavily bombed.

PERFECT CHOICE A much-loved but forgotten material that has been used in the region for centuries, red brick seemed to be an obvious choice for façade material, but it was not the only option considered. Many façade systems, including wood panelling, were tried and tested, and a number of meetings were held to determine a suitable look – contemporary, yet elegant, and with a strong note to longevity.

Many brick samples were brought to the building site and put in the window openings to see how they would look in real life, day and night, before the final choice of Vandersanden brick was made.

94 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

The in-and-out brick pattern on the façade is inspired by a sculpture depicting the famous Town Musicians of Bremen: a donkey, dog, cat, and rooster standing on top of each other.

The architects did not want the façade to remain plain, yet the irregular architectural patterns they tried to elaborate felt unrelated to the situation. The solution came together with the help of a graphic designer, who then copied the silhouettes of the ‘musicians’ to add both humour and context to the brick graphics.

Although the brick for the façade was chosen from a catalogue without any custom-made interventions, it was the design intention of the architects that made it a little special in the context of the chosen material.

Samples were ordered from the brickmakers at Vandersanden Group and discussed at both the office and the building site, only to discover that the best choice would also be the most predictable and traditional for this, the oldest part of Riga.

An important point was that all bricks were tested for frost resistance, as the thermometer can drop down to as low as -35°C in Latvian winters.

For more information on Vandersanden products, contact distributor, Kingscourt Country Manor Bricks on 028 9077 7321, e-mail info@cmb.ie or visit the website at www.kcmb.ie

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

PLASTIC RAINWATER SYSTEMS

BRETT MARTIN’S CASCADE RAINWATER AND SOIL SYSTEM PROVIDES A CAST IRON CASE FOR HIGH-PERFORMANCE RAINWATER SYSTEMS MADE FROM PLASTIC…

A modern approach to heritage projects

W

hen a traditional heritage plumbing and drainage system is required, a correctly designed and specified rainwater system can still meet the client’s demands without the need to resort to hugely expensive cast iron.

With a versatile plastic system from Brett Martin Plumbing and Drainage, which blends modern construction methods, and a finish that combines the past with the present, the Cascade rainwater and soil system fits the bill perfectly.

When it comes to the specification of building products, striking the right balance between cost-effectiveness and aesthetic appeal can be problematic. The cost of traditional materials can impact heavily on a project’s budget, but with plastic rainwater systems, it is possible to create a heritage aesthetic without compromising architectural integrity and to enjoy the savings in materials, labour and time saved on site, which can actually help keep a project on budget.

Because the plastic ranges are so much lighter than cast iron, installation at height is

96 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

less hazardous, being effortless to lift, easy to manoeuvre, simple to cut and quick to fit. The systems also benefit from external fixing lugs, enabling easy power tool access.

All gutter fitting joints have integral seals and flexible retaining clips, allowing the gutter lengths to simply click into place. No extra-cost fixing kits or nuts and bolts are required to make gutter joints, as with most traditional systems.

LOW MAINTENANCE From the domestic style of gutter to highcapacity systems for larger scale commercial projects, plastic rainwater systems are also compatible with existing cast iron systems and have been carefully designed to replicate original features, dimensions and detailing. Once installed, the system is low maintenance as, unlike cast iron, it is not vulnerable to rusting or corrosion and does not require regular sanding, priming or repainting to protect it from the elements.

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 larger scale projects there is a high capacity 160mm roundstyle gutter with 105mm round and 4” x 3” rectangular downpipe choice.

T: 028 9084 9999 E: sales@brettmartin.com W: www.brettmartin.com

Going grey on heritage projects Anthracite Grey, from Brett Martin Plumbing and Drainage, is proving popular on everything from contemporary builds to home extensions, period renovations and across entire estates.

Specifically developed to create an exact colour match to the true RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey, Brett Martin’s new colour option is one of the best Anthracite Grey colour tones on the market and perfectly complements other building accessories, from windows, doors to other roofing components.

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

CIOB NEWS

NORTHERN BUILDER GETS TO THE HEART OF A MANAGEMENT CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION WITH A REGULAR INSIGHT FROM THE CIOB IN IRELAND...

Aaron Beatty, Chairman of the Novus Northern Centre group.

Novus guests were among those who attended a CIOB presentation on the planned development of Titanic Quarter.

NOVUS PROVIDES VALUABLE LOCAL NETWORKING GROUP FOR YOUNG CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS...

CIOB Novus looks to the future N James Eyre, Commercial Director for Titanic Quarter addresses a CIOB presentation on the planned development of Titanic Quarter.

Students at the CIOB stand during the annual Ulster University construction industry recruitment event.

ewly appointed Chairman of the Novus Northern Centre group, Aaron Beatty, is looking forward to his term of office, and the opportunity to progress students, post-graduates and young professionals with their professional membership and careers within the construction industry.

Novus is a flexible and responsive local network for trainee construction professionals working towards full membership of the CIOB, and was set up by the organisation in order to create a younger and more accessible face for the organisation. It prepares young people to be the next generation of construction industry leaders and acts as a direct link from Undergraduate to Chartered membership. It also provides specialised support and mentoring to kick off the journey from student to member, through tailor-made workshops, site visits and networking events.

“There are Novus branches all over the world,” said Aaron. “Ours has been running for five years now and covers the Antrim area and County Down. It’s a small group of only seven members at the moment, but our aim is to get Novus better known and to grow the membership.

“We meet about four times a year and it’s all very relaxed and informal - we’ve held meetings in coffee shops as well as hotels.

We also run a number of events, such as visits to colleges and universities where we highlight the benefits of Novus membership for those hoping to pursue a career in the construction industry, and organise site visits which provide a closer insight into various aspects of the industry.

“Novus acts as a gateway for those who aspire to be members of CIOB and offers great networking opportunities, meeting up with CIOB members and gaining valuable contacts,” continued Aaron. “It’s a very

“Novus acts as a gateway for those who aspire to be members of CIOB and offers great networking opportunities.”

98 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

CIOB NEWS

Gerard Graham, Chair of CIOB in Ireland, Northern Centre with students he addressed as speaker at a presentation on careers opportunities in the construction industry at Belfast MET along with consultants from Hays Recruitment.

positive thing to have on your CV if you are job hunting, and by being a member you get to hear about various job opportunities and can get advice and information from CIOB members. It’s also very informative. We recently had an event to talk about the recent changes in CIOB, which was interesting.

“It’s not just for architects and engineers, members can range from designers to those working in the business side of the construction industry – Novus is for a whole range of people.”

GROWING MEMBERSHIP Aaron’s involvement in Novus came about largely through Gerard Graham, the new Chair of CIOB in Ireland’s Northern Centre, and a former Chairman of the Northern Novus group.

“I first heard of Novus when I was a student at the Ulster University at Jordanstown

studying construction, engineering and management, and attended a Novus presentation,” explained Aaron. “There were 50 people in my class but only three went along, which was a shame as Novus has so much to offer. One of my goals as Chairman will be to try and highlight the benefits of membership and encourage more students and young professionals to come on board.”

Since graduating last year from the Ulster University at Jordanstown, Aaron was able to find work straight away with GRAHAMBAM Health Partnership as a site engineer, working at the Ulster Hospital’s new £95million Acute Services Block.

“GRAHAM runs a graduate development programme and is heavily involved in CIOB. Being a member of Novus was good to have on my CV.” said Aaron.

For more information on Novus, telephone Aaron Beatty on 0746 871 2185.

The current CIOB Novus committee: David Mace, Gareth Foster, Fiona Nutt and Aaron Beatty, Chair.

EVENTS FORTHCOMING CIOB EVENTS BEING PLANNED INCLUDE: • Seminar on the new CDM Regulations.

• Presentations to the construction students at Ulster University, QUB and Belfast MET. • Site visit to a construction site at Titanic Quarter.

• Presentation on QUB’s planned capital development.

• CIOB/CITB NI annual lecture and presentation of awards.

• Workshop on MS Project as a tool for construction management.

• Presentation on the chartered building company/consultancy qualification.

• CIOB conferring ceremony.

CIOB Conferring Ceremony in Dublin

N

ewly conferred Members and Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Building gathered at the historic Mansion House in Dawson Street, Dublin on May 14 to receive their honours.

Built in 1710 as part of a joint venture

by Joshua Dawson and Robert Viscount Molesworth, The Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin City and was purchased by the Corporation of Dublin on April 25, 1715 for £3,500, an annual rent. The names of Dawson Street and Molesworth Street remain as reminders of those far-off days.

Pictured at the CIOB Conferring Ceremony are Bridget Bartlett, Chief Operating Officer of the CIOB; Pat Quearney, Immediate past Chairperson of the Eastern Centre of the CIOB in Ireland; Ivan McCarthy, Immediate past Chairperson of the CIOB in Ireland; Dublin City Councillor, Ruairi McGinley, representing the Lord Mayor of Dublin; with graduates, Fellow: Michael Gallagher; Members: Diarmaid Carroll, Philip Cully, Patrick Duffy, Claire Flanagan, Derek Gillespie, Leanne Maria Gribben, David Hill, Barry Keenan, Paul Kennedy, Igor Martinis, Stephen McGinn, Joseph McNamara, Bernadette Moloney, Johnathan Nea and Gregory Wilson.

For more information on the CIOB, contact Mandy Coleman on T: 00353 1 236 9851 or E: mcoleman@ciob.org.uk www.ciob.org

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 99

FALL PROTECTION

CIS LTD ADDS TO SERVICE OFFERING WITH NEW PASSIVE FALL PROTECTION AIRBAGS...

CIS Ltd expands its offering

M

aking full use of over 25 years’ experience in the construction industry, Niall O’Hanlon, Managing Director of Concrete Installation Services Ltd has just added passive fall protection airbags to its range of expertise, which includes concrete cutting, core drilling, specialist demolition and precast installation.

Niall is known for his traditional work ethic, combined with the most-up-to-date on-site processes, allowing him to tailor cost-effective site-specific packages to suit client requirements right across the company’s range of services.

“We have completed, and are currently operational on, projects throughout the UK and RoI,” said Niall. “These range in size from self builds to 1,200 bed student accommodation projects, all carried out to our successful client orientated quality policy. This is evidenced by the volume of repeat business we receive from our clients, who include one of the UK’s largest

hotel builders.”

CIS Ltd air mattress passive fall protection systems consist of modular high-strength PVC units tested to BSI PAS 59.

“All CIS ltd operatives have years of experience operating our passive fall protection systems – airbags - giving them the knowledge, ability, training and experience to provide a service which affords all site personnel the reassurance that a fully fit-for-purpose fall protection service is in place,” explained Niall. “CIS Ltd operatives are capable of reconfiguring the system, in conjunction with site management, to suit any operational changes which may occur on the day.

“We have invested in the most up-to -date passive fall protection systems to allow us to respond to several factors, influencing demand.

“We also recognise that companies are becoming more pro-active in safeguarding the welfare of their employees. This coupled with changes in

insurance company policies and increased enforcement actions are all influencing the market.”

For more information, telephone 0771 328 7205, e-mail niall@cis-uk.com or visit www.cis-uk.com

FALL PROTECTION WE PROVIDE PASSIVE FALL PROTECTION AIRBAGS FOR PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED KINGDOM AND REPUBLIC OF IRELAND. Benefits • Compatible with Construction, commercial and domestic applications • Cost effective • Safe system of work • Legally compliant • Modular system to suit any shape area • Full site set-up with no site operative involvement required • Increased site safety • The complete safety solution for all work at height tasks up to 6 metres • Quick system setup and removal minimises disruption to access routes and follow on trades Concrete Installation Services Ltd, 36 Shanliss Road, Coalisland, County Tyrone, BT71 5PZ t: 077 1328 7205 e: niall@cis-uk.com www.cis-uk.com

100 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

EXCLUSIVELY DISTRIBUTED IN IRELAND BY

Brick Sales Limited 1 Hallstown Road, Ballinderry Upper, Lisburn, BT28 2NE T: 028 9442 8044 E: info@bricksalesltd.com www.bricksales.com

RESIN FLOORING SYSTEM

SIKA LEADS THE WAY BY INTRODUCING THE FIRST RESIN FLOORING SYSTEM TO ACHIEVE AN A+ RATING…

Sika ComfortFloor systems achieve an A+ Green Guide rating

S

ika ComfortFloor systems, Sikafloor PS23 and PS24, have become the first resin flooring systems to achieve a manufacturer-specific BRE Green Guide Ratings – attaining an A+, the highest rating available.

The BRE Green Guide to Specification enables users to quickly determine the environmental performance of a wide range of typical UK construction specifications. With a simplified A+ to E ranking system based on Life Cycle Assessment data, the BRE Green Guide enables specifiers and designers to consider comparable systems or materials that will collectively reduce the environmental impact of their buildings.

As part of a comprehensive evaluation process, a BRE representative visited Sika’s two manufacturing sites in Deventer, Netherlands and Stuttgart, Germany to verify the information provided by Sika.

After completing detailed assessments and data analysis, the BRE attributed Sika ComfortFloor with the highest possible Green Guide rating – a first for the resin flooring industry.

Dr Sarah Peake, Product Sustainability Manager, said, “Environmental responsibility is a key consideration for Sika. As such, we strongly believe in the holistic approach to sustainability and, therefore, encourage

102 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

the use of a full system approach rather than stand-alone assessments of individual products. As the first resin flooring system to achieve an A+ rating, this marks an important development for Sika and the resin flooring industry.”

As well as summarising the environmental performance of products, Green Guide ratings can be used to gain points in the Materials section of the BRE’s Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), which sets the standard for sustainable building design, construction and operation.

“Well done to Sika for achieving the highest green guide rating with Comfortfloor,” commented Victoria Blake, Associate Director, Sustainable Products, BRE. “Every positive action taken by a manufacturer to reduce the adverse environmental impact of their product drives the market forward, giving specifiers ethical choices and bringing the reality of an environmentally-friendly construction sector closer.”

Due to its liquid application, Sika ComfortFloor® makes it possible to design

your floor as one seamless piece - even colour changes and transitions onto walls can be incorporated in the seamless design. This allows for an aesthetically pleasing finish with improved cleanability and no cracks or joints where dirt and bacteria can hide.

There are 70 standard colours available, with the ability to produce almost any RAL Classic or NCS 1950 colour as required. This wide range of colours is unmatched by any other type of flooring system and allows for complete design flexibility.

Dedicated to sustainable development, Sika remains committed to pioneering sustainable solutions and achieving this with the lowest impact on resources. As more and more designers and specifiers are demanding flooring with the highest Green Guide ratings, the A+ rating for Sika ComfortFloor will help design teams achieve the highest BREEAM score possible for all project types, whilst minimising the environmental impact of any building.

For further information, visit the website at www.sika.co.uk/comfortfloor or call Sika on +353 (0) 1862 0709.

As the first resin flooring system to achieve an A+ rating, this marks an important development for Sika and the resin flooring industry.”

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

NEW CATALOGUE

NEW CATALOUGE FROM SIMPSON STRONG-TIE IS PACKED FULL OF USEFUL PRODUCTS…

More is more from Simpson Strong-Tie

T

he 2016/17 edition of Simpson StrongTie’s flagship catalogue is now available.

Alongside the UK’s largest range of connectors for timber and masonry construction, there are a dozen new products and several range extensions, including post bases, I-joist hangers, angle brackets, structural screws and masonry ties.

The catalogue is also brimming with installation advice, performance characteristics and safe working loads.

Country Manager, Ireland, David Mooney explained, “It’s been a busy year for Simpson Strong-Tie, with all new ranges for light gauge steel and CLT construction, as well as our significantly expanded nails and screws ranges. We’ve really pushed the boat out to increase our core range though. “Coupled with our rapid made-to-order service, we really can say that if we don’t have it – you don’t need it.”

The latest version of ‘Connectors for Timber and Masonry Construction’ is available from Simpson Strong-Tie on request and can be downloaded at www.strongtie.co.uk

104 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

“If we don’t have it you don’t need it.”

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

BARRIER SYSTEMS

The JSP high-spec Frontier Cross-Link barrier system.

THE HIGH QUALITY JSP FRONTIER CROSSLINK BARRIER SYSTEM EXCEEDS LATEST STANDARDS…

Breaking new boundaries

J

SP has truly thought of everything in the design of its new highspec Frontier Cross-Link barrier system.

Aerodynamically tested by a Formula One testing company, the system gives unbeatable stability and performance in a choice of configurations at a variety of wind velocities, allowing maximum wind flow through and around the barriers, so keeping both pedestrians and workers safe.

The flexible Frontier Cross-Link system is compatible with both JSP and other brands of barrier and can be effortlessly linked to them on any type of terrain.

JSP’s trademarked SurefootBloc 6.5kg weighted foot cover, which can be used on one or both sides of the foot, and its own-design telescopic stability poles, increase dependability even further, while its Surelock lockable clips ensure the barriers are tamper-proof and secure.

The Frontier Cross-Link system features JSP’s unique slimline antitrip feet, meaning that pedestrians can safety walk right next to the barrier. The neat, smooth, design of the Frontier allows for poles, clips and feet to be tucked away within the barrier for hassle-free storage and site tidiness.

All configurations of JSP’s stackable Frontier system meet and many exceed the requirements of the recently-updated Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice, which states that barriers must be capable of withstanding winds of Class C (8.7m/s) blowing from any direction to achieve compliance with BS8442.

Finally, all JSP’s Frontier Cross-Link barriers can be custom made in a range of bright colours and can also be bespoke branded, giving their users the opportunity to promote their own company logos.

More information is available from www.jsp.co.uk, by emailing sales-ireland@jsp.co.uk, or calling 07827 319675.

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 105

NEW PRODUCTS

Safeguard Drybase simplifies swimming pool vapour barrier

BSS names George Fischer as Supplier of the Year 2016

n Contractors working on a partly underground private swimming pool were able to install a vapour barrier and a damp-proof membrane swiftly and simply using Drybase Liquid Applied DPM from Safeguard Europe. Drybase was the preferred option as an air and vapour control layer thanks to its excellent adhesion properties and because it was considerably more practical than trying to attach a sheet of polythene to the insulation board.

For more information, visit www.safeguardeurope.com

n BSS Industrial has awarded George Fischer Sales Ltd its prestigious ‘Supplier of the Year’ award for 2016.

Coventry-based George Fischer is Chris Hufflett (centre), BSS Managing Director, presents the a leading supplier of plastic piping ‘Supplier of the Year’ award to Richard Trevaskis (centre right), systems and metal fittings and, Managing Director, George Fischer Sales Ltd. working in conjunction with BSS, has been proactive throughout the UK region in raising awareness of the innovative bestin-class solutions it can offer through BSS. For more information, telephone 0330 123 3522 or visit www.bssindustrial.co.uk

Safeguard renovation plaster central to successful restoration n Dryzone Damp-Resistant Plaster from Safeguard Europe has been deployed to superb effect in the restoration of a 500-year-old property in Warnham, West Sussex. Chosen for the replastering, this highly effective renovation plaster can be applied to walls while they are still damp. It has a porous structure which controls salt migration, allows walls to dry out by evaporation and results in higher thermal resistance, reducing the risk of condensation.

For more information, visit www.safeguardeurope.com

SmartPly’s latest board a triumph of customer-led innovation

Marlon Clickfix1040 brings light to Belfast Waterfront

n SmartPly, the smart, cost-effective, sustainable OSB is now available in its flattest, smoothest, most accurate form yet. Responding to market demand for a high quality board which can be used for an even greater variety of applications, the new OSB panel is now offered in the broadest range of size and thickness, with widespread availability leading to minimal lead times. The cutting-edge machinery ensures unrivalled flexibility in dimensions to enable almost instantaneous adjustment of panel lengths and widths.

For more information, visit www.smartply.com

n Brett Martin Daylight Systems’s Marlon Clickfix1040 polycarbonate glazing panels have been used for the £29.5million extension of Belfast Waterfront to create a semi-transparent and colourful façade.

Central to the system is the lightweight polycarbonate panel with integral interlocking connections that simply click into place, forming glazed areas of unlimited size and shape. The 40mm structured polycarbonate glazing panel has 10 insulating walls to achieve a U-value of 0.99 W/m²K, for a high performing and thermally efficient glazing solution.

For more information, telephone 028 9084 9999 or visit www.brettmartin.com

Clark-Drain adds road gully to underground range n Clark-Drain has added a choice of road gullies certified to the Highways Authority Product Approval Scheme (HAPAS) to further strengthen its underground range. The gullies are designed for quick and easy installation, in urban areas and on roads, for direct connection to PVC-U plastic pipe systems or with a suitable adaptor (also supplied) to clay and twin wall drainage systems. The gully outlet is 160mm diameter as standard, with 178mm diameter available when using the outlet adaptor.

For more information, telephone 01733 765 315 or visit www.clark-drain.com

106 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.northernbuilder.co.uk

YOUR PREFERRED TIMBER FRAME BUSINESS PARTNER SUSTAINABLE & ENVIRONMENTAL

PASSIVE SOLUTIONS

ENERGY EFFICIENT

For more imformation call our team on

028 9442 8044 or visit www.unitekltd.com

Unitek Timber Systems Limited 1 Hallstown Road - Lisburn - Co. Antrim - BT28 2NE - Email: info@unitekltd.com

INTRODUCING

EXCLUSIVE LAUNCH

AT PLUMB POWER HEAT LIGHT EXPO, TITANIC EXHIBITION CENTRE, BELFAST 7-8 Sept 2016

THE ULTIMATE WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE! FROM THE CREATORS OF

FOR YOUR NEAREST STOCKIST IN N. IRELAND AND DONEGAL. TEL: 028 9262 9999. FOR ALL OTHER ENQUIRIES TEL: 028 3083 4892 FOR FULL AUDIO VISUAL DEMONSTRATIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.ct1ltd.com