Architect Projects - May Edition 2020 by Lapthorn Media

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CONTENTS Featured Completed Projects

LATEST NEWS

GOVERNMENT OF MALTA SUPPORTS CIOB TO DRIVE TO PROFESSIONALISE CONSTRUCTION How the booming construction economy in Malta ensures quality throughout its infrastructure is at the centre of discussions between the Government of Malta and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Ian Borg, Malta’s Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, said: “We recognise that if we want quality buildings that can stand the test of time, and are adaptable for the future, then we need to ensure that the right people with the right skills are shaping our built landscape sustainably. The work of the CIOB in this area is particularly relevant as is the quality of their membership. We encourage the CIOB to grow its membership base in Malta as we look to attract more Chartered professionals.” According to figures released by Eurostat, the European Union’s statistical arm, between 2015 and 2019 production in construction in Malta grew by 41% and that growth puts Malta in the top 5 countries for construction activity in the EU. The CIOB is campaigning for a greater focus on quality in construction following the outcomes from its own Construction Quality Commission. Established in 2017 the commission was formed as a response to the tragic Grenfell Tower incident in London and the closure of 17 schools in Edinburgh that were found to have defects.

Architect Projects

Caroline Gumble Chief Executive of the CIOB who travelled to Malta last week at the invitation of CIOB Member Jesmond Chetcuti to witness the significant investment in the built environment said: “Malta has such a rich history with some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world. There should be an expectation that what is built today will also last for hundreds of years and have the capability of enhancing the lives of both today’s society and for future generations. Membership of the CIOB is about being a true professional, with skills and experience that are current and behaviour that is ethical. We encourage managers and leaders in Malta’s construction industry to join us so that together we can ensure a legacy of quality buildings.” Membership of the CIOB is comparable to a bachelor’s degree level and Fellowship is comparable to a British Master’s Degree. The CIOB is the world’s largest and most influential professional body for construction management and leadership with more than 45,000 members worldwide.

NORTH WEST ARCHITECTS TAKE ACTION WITH COMMITMENT TO RIBA CLIMATE CHALLENGE Architects worldwide must realise that climate change is the fundamental design challenge of our time. With the planet approaching a tipping point, all other concerns, many of them profoundly important, are nonetheless subsidiary. North West practice HPA (formerly known as Harrison Pitt Architects), based in Lancaster, have put this at the forefront of their practice model, by becoming one of the first in their area, and at the vanguard nationally, to sign up to the 2030 Climate Challenge scheme instigated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). In developed countries, buildings are hugely complicit in climate change, even more so than those higher publicised culprits: vehicles. As part of the wider design and construction industry, the architectural profession contributes significantly to climate change. The fabrication, occupation, maintenance and demolition of the world’s built environment consumes about 36% of global energy and 50% of all the raw materials annually. It also creates 45% of UK CO2 emissions. The RIBA is urging Architects to become part of the solution rather than the problem. In June 2019 it declared an environment and climate emergency and in October it launched the 2030 Climate Challenge Target. The intention is for the profession to produce net zero carbon new and retrofitted buildings by 2030, significantly quicker than mandated by current Building Regulations. This runs alongside campaigning for central Government to accelerate changes to thermal requirements in the Building Regulations. HPA director and RIBA National Councillor Richard Wooldridge said: “When we first heard about this initiative it sounded a

daunting challenge. However, research on a number of our finished projects shows we’re already meeting carbon standards for some of the targets in the Climate Challenge. On a practical level, this new initiative will assist HPA in advising clients on the growing number of dynamic options we have to improve the performance and reduce operational costs of their buildings.” The practice already has a much-commended reputation for sustainability, proactively seeking the latest research, certification and materials to continually improve environmental efficiency. They adopt a ‘fabric first’ approach to design as standard, designing buildings which meet at least the current ‘A’ EPC Rating where renewables are incorporated. With an expanding portfolio of completed projects already meeting the targets within the RIBA Climate Challenge, HPA are also introducing post occupancy evaluation measures such as monitoring energy use and user comfort. The practice has a proven track record in retro-fitting, with a recent project upgrading a rural Victorian detached house from an ‘F’ to a ‘B’ rated EPC. Richard adds: “Working to the RIBA Climate Challenge supports our commitment to be a fully carbon neutral practice by 2030. We’re very excited about a prototype Net-Zero Carbon building we’re working on at the moment, which should provide a fundamental template for our future work.

“Architects are well placed, with the relevant skills, knowledge and experience in taking the lead to deliver net zero carbon buildings, and certainly have the responsibility to do so.”

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PROJECT NEWS

CALEDONIAN MODULAR SECURES £40M, 528 BED STUDENT DEVELOPMENT Caledonian has been awarded a £40m turnkey contract by Studytel® for its 528 student bedroom development at Penryn, near Falmouth in Cornwall. This is the latest in a series of major new multi-million pound contract wins for the Newark-based business. The development will provide high quality accommodation for students studying at the Penryn Campus, which is shared by Falmouth University and the University of Exeter. Providing a new, high-tech and innovative approach to student accommodation, the Studytel® scheme includes single bedrooms, self-contained studios and cluster apartments with shared kitchens and communal spaces. Caledonian was chosen because of its successful track record supplying large modular projects and recent experience on other high-quality student accommodation schemes, along with the ability to develop a cost-effective volumetric design solution for this aesthetically striking building. Caledonian will manufacture the modules at its factory in Newark concurrently as the construction of the concrete framed structure is created on site. This approach will significantly reduce the overall construction schedule, enabling handover in time for the new term in September. Paul Lang, CEO of Caledonian Modular, said: “In spite of the events happening on a world stage, we continue to grow and develop as a business. The Studytel® project is the latest major contract win for Caledonian. A large proportion of our recent new business wins are turnkey projects as clients are beginning to understand the benefits it gives them in terms of budget certainty, speed to market and quality consistency. Our growth over the last few years is the result of our strong position in the modular market. Through our ongoing improvements in design and material selection as well our ability to consistently deliver projects on time and within budget, we have become a trusted partner for volumetric building solutions.” Caledonian continues to invest in Building Information Modelling (BIM), design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA) and lean manufacturing techniques allowing it to supply a finished product more efficient, with higher levels of factory completion and of far higher quality than that achieved in traditional construction. The first phase of Studytel® Penryn is due to open to students at the start of the academic year 2021/22

NOMA COMPLETES REDFERN REDEVELOPMENT NOMA, the 20-acre mixed-use neighbourhood in Manchester city centre, has achieved another milestone following practical competition at Redfern. The Grade II listed former warehouse and office block has been transformed into contemporary workspace. Nearly 25,000 sq. ft. of Grade A modern office space is now available to lease at Redfern as well as 8,500 sq. ft. of mixed retail and leisure space, which is spread across three ground and lower ground units. Office occupiers will also have access to a new roof terrace offering views across Manchester. Redfern is the latest listed building in NOMA to be redeveloped into modern office space. Building works at Hanover, where global e-commerce giant Amazon has opened its first UK headquarters outside of London, completed in October 2018, while practical completion at nearby Dantzic was achieved in Spring last year. The lower ground-floor retail and leisure units at Redfern will open up onto Sadler’s Yard, Manchester’s newest public square and home to The Pilcrow, a craft beer pub hand built by the local community, which is currently closed but will reopen in line with government advice.

In total, NOMA will provide 2.5 million sq. ft. of both new-build and renovated office space, situated alongside housing and public realm, as well as retail and leisure opportunities. Federated Hermes is the investment manager of NOMA with MEPC, which was acquired by Federated Hermes earlier this year, acting as development manager. Lyons Thompson Letts Property Consultants and Colliers are joint retail and leisure agents for NOMA. JLL and Colliers are retained office agents. Stephen Bradley, senior asset manager at Federated Hermes, said: Practical completion at Redfern marks another milestone in the redevelopment of the listed estate at NOMA, where we have a fantastic collection of historic buildings that are being repurposed to meet the needs of modern occupiers, while still preserving their unique characteristics and heritage. We take a long-term view and remain confident in the fundamentals of the Manchester office market.”

Manchester-based contractor, Russells Construction, which also worked on Dantzic and Hanover, led the construction work at Redfern, adhering to government guidelines on social distancing in the final stages.

Architect Projects

Redfern’s redevelopment was designed by award-winning architects Sheppard Robson. The building’s famous buff and blue brick façade, a hallmark of Dutch Modernist architecture, has been maintained and the original period window fittings were also restored in line with NOMA’s commitment to preserving local heritage. Internally, industrial-chic features such as exposed air ducts and suspended lighting will help appeal to tech workers and creatives who increasingly power Manchester’s economy.

PROJECT

Bottière Chénaie in Nantes: A COMPACT MIXED-USE BUILDING WITH A DOMESTIC VIBE KAAN Architecten (www.kaanarchitecten.com) unveils the multi-use development designed within the new district of Bottière Chénaie in the North-Eastern area of Nantes (France). The winning entry of an international competition held in 2013, this project is part of a wider urban development plan conceived by urban planner Jean-Pierre Pranlas Descours in collaboration with landscape firm Atelier Bruel-Delmar. Encircled by existing infrastructures such as a tramway, an old railway line and the major artery of Route de Sainte Luce, the site initially appears isolated from its surroundings. By proposing a balanced composition of volumes and bringing together mixed-use programmes and public spaces, KAAN Architecten creates a second urban focal point, along with the Place du Commandant Cousteau, in a mainly residential neighbourhood.

Architect Projects

Extremely compact, the project features a multifunctional plinth, composed of commercial spaces, a supermarket and a car park. Above this base rise two 5-storey residential blocks comprising 172 apartments in total. The first volume is dedicated to market-rate housing, while the second hosts a social housing complex. To the North-West, the larger housing volume unfolds around a spacious courtyard planted with trees, where external walkways overlooking the green surroundings provide access to the dual aspect apartments. Inspired by the Dutch residential architecture tradition, this circulation solution is adapted to its context and minimizes vertical connections, allowing diverse configurations to the housing units – from private outdoor spaces to loggias with living areas. Moreover, these orientational anomalies are flanked by light-wells spreading natural daylight to the lower floors: a vertical rupture that generates informal spaces to foster residents’ socialization.

Photography: © Sebastian van Damme

To the east, the second volume accommodates 39 social housing apartments, which, according to their position, benefit from a double orientation, different typology of loggias and look out over the trees or towards the city. Lastly, to the south-west, the office block, organized around a central core, reinforces the volume juxtaposition and completes the new urban landscape.

PROJECT

Monumental in its consistency, the simple massing of Bottière Chénaie is accompanied by a cohesive repertoire of surfaces. Monolithic at first glance, the project is enriched by high-quality facades composed of a regular 60 x 60cm post-and-beam structure in precast concrete that generates large transparent surfaces and singular fully glazed corners. The project’s compactness allowed the optimization of economic standards and environmental recommendations throughout the whole building process. The facades provide abundant daylight to the interiors and naturally link them to the city, both during the day and at night. Towards the courtyards and walkways, the vertical surfaces are cladded in grey stained timber giving them a characteristic domestic feel and reinforcing the duality between exterior and interior while elevating the inner public space as the beating heart of the project. Thanks to a meticulous choice of materials, a balanced colour tuning, functional design and attention to details, KAAN Architecten shapes the new neighbourhood identity with an elegant intervention, transforming it into an attractive centre that blends impeccably into Nantes’ growing suburbs.

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PROJECT

Südtirol Home: A COUNTRY AT 360° Is it possible to taste, smell and feel a country? Yes, it is. With the finest nuances, noa* brings the Südtirol-Home’ guests in Antholz on an exciting olfactory and visual journey of discovery through South Tyrol. South Tyrol - a term that describes over a thousand things, was recently translated into architectural form for the occasion of the 51st Biathlon World Cup in Antholz, where top athletes, celebrities, politicians, organizers and visitors gather. Surrounding a kind of “village

square” are 10 buildings, the largest of which is the Südtirol-Home, which will be the home of guests, winners and journalists in this top-class sports event 2020, who, above all, are intended to be able to do one thing here: feel South Tyrol. The attractive shell of Südtirol-Home, a modern interplay, where glass and wood create a game between the open and closed, was already under construction when IDM Südtirol, the innovation, development and marketing company commissioned noa* with the design of its interiors. A critical factor that had to be taken into account in the planning of the interior design, was that this temporary building should be easy to dismantle and assemble at other locations without major wear and tear. The main task for noa*, however, was to enable Südtirol-Home’ visitors to experience the location and the country in which the sporting event takes place in literally every sense. “WE” IS WHAT COUNTS

Architect Projects

The initial idea of the design stems from the traditional card game “Watten” (card game), in which symbols of leaves, acorns, bells and hearts characterise the main roleplayers. These four represent the conceptual guidelines that pervade all areas of the interior. The leaf stands for the natural and cultural landscape, the acorn symbolizes the way of life and the quality products, the bell in turn indicates opening and innovation and finally the heart expresses conviviality, hospitality but also tradition and

PROJECT association. All of these elements correspond to the nature of South Tyrol and can be seen in a variety of precise creations. The two floors, which are used for different functions, can basically be summed-up in one term: “Mit´nond” (being together) – a claim that indicates the importance of community in South Tyrol, whether in cooking, eating, celebrating, playing cards or through merely exchanging ideas and stories. At every corner this idea comes through and creates places where a little round table feeling can arise. The table per se - of course in the most varied of forms - is the central element where warmth, the joy of life and entertainment meet. ONE PLACE, MANY POSSIBILITIES On the ground floor, a generous counter piece dominates the scenery, which is slightly turned out at the central axis, in order to bring a dynamic appearance to the space. It is equipped as a bar

and as an elaborate show kitchen, where impressive meals for guests can be prepared. The counter is partly modular and offers space either to cook together or to watch as the cook masters his art. The show kitchen is accompanied by a backstage kitchen, a cloakroom facing the spacious vestibule and the necessary service units. Its design is what really makes this elongated piece of furniture special: the fronts of the work-space are covered with “Seiser Basalt”, a rare South Tyrolean stone, and are made of different types of wood with slats of different sizes, under which apple, pear, spruce, larch, oak, walnut, cedar and stone pine wood lay, which represent the diversity of the South Tyrolean natural landscape.

PROJECT

Project name: Südtirol Home Typology: Event House Location: Antholz, South Tyrol Client: IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige Architecture: Rubner Haus Interior Design: noa* network of architecture Construction start: Winter 2019/2020 Completion: February 2020 Intervention: New building Volume: 980m3 Surface area: 212 m² Photography: Alex Filz

The area facing the village square can be used diversely and playfully. The two-story partially glass façade provides a generous openness to the space and offers one to be able to host a variety of different situations. When the stage and standing tables give way to the lounge situation, there are comfortable sitting areas with seating furniture around small tables between small exhibition boxes and fragrant plants and herb gardens hanging from the ceiling, which in turn are used for show cooking. The historic chandeliers, with their fresh black paint bring a cosy feeling and unique characteristic to the space. noa* came up with something extraordinary for the presentation of local quality products: four large wooden shelf racks, each with a recess to invite you to linger and allow you to immerse yourself even deeper in the region of South Tyrol. The back side consists of panels on which hay from the Passeier valley, bright vine leaves, fragrant pine chips from Seis are pressed together into a type of wallpaper and a simulated rock wall including climbing grips made in South Tyrol have been pressed. The three-dimensional effect not only tempts you to touch, but also lets you perceive the smells of the country intensely and let your mind wander.

through the single window, which faces the entrance area. The separation from the rest of the room is very deliberate: the “Stube” has a secluded, special status as such where everything is made of wood and in which people sit closely together.

THE CUBE IN SPACE

WHERE FEELINGS ARE CREATED

The area for interviews and journalistic work for TV and radio is located on the upper floor, which is outlined by a gallery framed with metal railing, from which there is an impressive view through the glass façade, which opens the room even further and brings nature in. The balcony in front is intended for representative events. Here, too, cosiness has top priority with inviting seating opportunities, where hospitality is the core element of the space. The “Stube”, a traditional dining room, is a closed box hanging in the space, which hovers over the show kitchen. From the outside, the cube can already be recognized as a “Stube”, due to the typical curtains with South Tyrolean design, the “Stube” lamp and the wooden panelling in the warm light are visible

The room contains the perfect balance between optimal use and hospitable cosiness. No detail has been left to chance. The overall picture, which is composed of many ideas, appears homogeneous and yet complex. All elements - from a single piece of furniture, the materials to the very last accessory - were produced, harvested and planned in South Tyrol. But not only that: enough space was also given to history, among other things in the form of the chairs around the large tables, each of which comes from a different farm and tells its own story. The history of the Südtirol-Home itself is that of a country rightly proud of its customs, cultural heritage, landscape and the resulting diversity, which this project will communicate to the whole world.

In order to make this room as authentic as possible, a restored old farm “Stube” was installed in the cube: There is a long bench under the window, which extends around the corner on both sides to the centre of the room and is combined with several tables in order to be able to stage a long table. An old, hand-made chest and cupboard with traditional paintings on the doors, the obligatory traditional “Stube” lamps and the wooden carvings are accompanied by an old traditional plank floor and a wood-panelling on the wall and ceiling. South Tyrolean tradition also comes into play on the outer coating of the cube, which is constructed in spruce wood and covered with typical green felt fabric, where triangular wooden patternedpanels inspired by knitting and built-in light sources decorate the box from the outside. This creates a beautiful play of light and shadows, from the light shining through the wooden patterns.

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NEW NORCROS ROCK-TITE CAPITALISES ON EXTERNAL PORCELAIN AND STONE TILE TRENDS Norcros Adhesives is launching a new 3-part system for fixing increasingly-popular 20mm external porcelain and stone tiles, called Norcros Rock-Tite Exterior Porcelain & Stone System. The Rock-Tite system comprises a Primer, a Mortar and a Brush-In Grout. It is designed for use by landscapers and garden designers, as well as tile fixers, and capitalises on a key trend in the tiling market currently. This is where internal tiled space is being extended to terrace or patio areas outside a building, which is part of a long-term lifestyle trend to enhance living areas by making better use of external space. Traditionally these external areas might be covered with concrete pavers, which can be ugly, or timber decking, which is currently going out of fashion and can look tired quite quickly.

The new generation of 20mm porcelain and stone tiles brings a number of advantages. The key benefit is that they allow a seamless transition from internal to external space, which is totally in accordance with the leading fashion trend of the moment. Porcelain tiles are also moisture, rot and frost resistant, resistant to UV rays, are easier to clean and offer better slip resistance than timber decking. The problem is that they are often installed by builders or landscapers, who may have limited experience or access to guidance about working with tiles. The Norcros Adhesives system is therefore designed to be simple to use by anyone who wants to create a seamless transition from internal to external living space in and around the home. It comprises firstly Norcros Rock-Tite Porcelain Primer, which is supplied in three 5kg bags, complete with a 15kg mixing bucket. It is a fibre-reinforced, polymermodified, cement-based primer, designed to improve adhesion when used with porcelain and stone pavers. Secondly there is high strength fibre-reinforced Norcros Rock-Tite Mortar, which is supplied in a 25kg bag and simply requires the addition of water. Finally the system includes a ready-to-use Brush-In Grout, which comes in three 5kg bags supplied in a 15kg bucket. It is air-curing and matches other grouts from Norcros Adhesives. The grout colours available are Blanched Almond, Steel Grey and Tropical Ebony.

Like all products from Norcros Adhesives, the new system benefits from a lifetime guarantee. Website: www.norcros-adhesives.com

Architect Projects

“We are first to market with a system of this type,” says Richard Wallis, Managing Director of Norcros Adhesives. “So we expect Norcros Rock-Tite to be very popular with tile fixers who are doing this sort of work and also builders and landscapers, who may not be as familiar with the detailed requirements of laying tiles. We have therefore made this product as straightforward to use as we can – as easy as 1, 2, 3. It allows home designers to come up with a durable and effective solution for working with the new generation of 20mm porcelain and stone tiles, so that they can complete jobs which accord with current fashions and are entirely on trend.”

Architect Projects

DOORS, WINDOWS & FITTINGS

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With low U-values, energy ratings of A++ and Document Q compliance with Secured by Design status this is a feature rich system which guarantees a quality installation. BS6375 Weather performance is unquestioned with the high ratings. Comar ECO LT is a lightweight version of the ECO range, but the aluminium profiles wall thickness has not been sacrificed, ensuring guaranteed long-term performance. Due to Comar’s robust British design the size and weight limitations surpass the competition on a size by size basis. 5P.I ECO LT - Aluminium Window System Comar 5P.i ECO LT Aluminium Casement Window System has both internally and externally glazed options. With the resurgence of slim aluminium high security externally beaded with sloped beads minimises the sight lines and maximises daylight. The square chamfered profiles are a distinctive feature of this system, keeping the square look of a truly aluminium solution.

For Ovolo feature the ECO range seamlessly suites in: No matter the situation Comar 5P.i ECO LT delivers. 7P.i ECO LT - Aluminium Door System Comar 7P.i ECO LT Aluminium Door System has both inward and outward opening options in single or double door combinations. There are two thresholds available high weather performance and low-rise for seamless balcony terrace integration. Comar 7P.i ECO LT door has been designed to provide high performance solutions for today’s specification demands. Utilising Comar’s trademark P.i. (Polyamide Insulation) thermal break technology, it delivers superior thermal performance with an aesthetic edge. Aesthetics come from its slim 55mm profiles, seamlessly integrating with the Comar 5P.i ECO LT casement window system. Comar 7P.i ECO LT has been tested to BS 6375 which ensures the door performs well against the rigours of the British weather, reducing draughts and providing excellent weather proofing. Security concerns are alleviated with the Comar 7P.i ECO LT door exceeding the requirements of PAS 24:2016.

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Architect Projects

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When it comes to fenestration performance, manufacturers oﬀer assurances that their products comply to BS6375 part one or BS 6375 part 2 etc but how robust are such claims? Elements that should be tested include air & water, mechanical operation, thermal performance, security, acoustic and mechanisms used for ﬁre escape. All are tested to comply with customers’ needs, building regulations and the Construction Products Directive (CE marking).

Air and Water (BS6375 1) The first thing to bear in mind is that there are different categories within BS6375 1 for buildings in different areas, so a window might meet the standard for a bungalow in the Midlands, but it wouldn’t necessarily meet the standard in a high rise on a hill on the west coast of Ireland. Always ask about the highest performance classification. Ask to see comparative data, for example the George Barnsdale sliding sash window performs at the highest level due to its patented sash seal. There’s passing tests and there’s outperforming them!

Thermal Performance (Part L) Take care when reviewing this because many figures quoted relate to a standard sized window and the performance will inevitably change depending on the size and configuration. A good quotation document should include U values for each individual window, providing the manufacture has sufficient research data to support this.

Also bear in mind that there are other options to comply with Part L like improving the insulation of the floors which might allow for a lower performance window. This can be useful in a listed property where the conservation officer specifies like for like single glazed replacement, often at the expense of performance.

Security (Part Q) Appendix B of Part Q does allow for non standard doorsets to be untested but the use is ambiguous and you can get your ﬁngers burnt with Building Regs. Involve them and your window manufacturer from the beginning.

Acoustic Performance In fenestration, sound penetrates through the frame and glass in the same areas that air leakage occurs. Therefore, measuring the performance of a product by looking at the net performance of the glass is not a reliable way of assessing its acoustic performance; it has to be the typical finished product. Some data given comes directly from the glass supplier and no further test data is available. It’s also important to have comprehensive instructions for installation since poor fitting affects all areas of performance however good the window is. Ask to see installation detail, especially in complex cases where there are a range of different building interfaces.

Fire Safety It is now illegal to sell escape ﬁre doors with bars without tested data. At the time of writing, the Government Minister for housing Robert Jenrick announced that there will be a new Building Safety Regulator within HSE. Further developments and standards will undoubtedly follow, change is the one thing we can always rely on!

Mechanical Operation It is clearly important to ensure smooth operation and longevity of the product, however check the data because simply meeting the regulations might not be suﬃcient for your product down the line.

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COVID 19 RESTRICTIONS CRYSTALLISE CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF GREEN SPACE IN FUTURE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT – EPR Local Plans across the country must prioritise access to green space for the long term benefit of human mental and physical wellbeing

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Essential social distancing measures implemented to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 have highlighted the critical importance of quality green spaces within housing developments. This is according to leading independent ecology consultancy Ecological Planning & Research Ltd (EPR). Time spent in green and blue spaces has long been understood to improve human wellbeing, with people living in greener areas suffering notably lower levels of mental distress than those with limited access to green space.[1] As such, the contrast between experiences of living through Covid-19 lockdown in areas with poor greenspace provision, such as high-density urban areas or rural areas that are comprised of privately owned farmland with no public access, compared to living in communities with public access to green open space, makes it clearer than ever before that green space is invaluable.

Ben Kite, Managing Director of EPR, said: “The limitations imposed by Covid-19 lockdown have brought to the forefront the need to be clever about improving access and creating pockets of greenspace to protect our wellbeing, and that of the wildlife we are welcoming back to our streets, parks, and gardens. “Revising Local Plans to place greater emphasis on the provision of green and blue infrastructure, sustainable travel, and high-quality open spaces will not be easy – particularly in built-up high density areas where there is a real need to create green space - but this is no reason not to try. “Allocations for new residential development should be seen not as being in competition with the need for green open space provision, but as an opportunity for such provision to be delivered. “The wheels have already been set in motion for the creation and improvement of green space in England with the biodiversity net gain requirements set out in the emerging Environment Bill. “The Bill will mandate for residential, commercial, and infrastructure developers to demonstrate that biodiversity has been enhanced through all new projects – but I believe that we can do more to build more resilient, greener communities by bringing green space to the top of the agenda in every new Local Plan.” To support housebuilders in building quality biodiversity enhancements into their projects, EPR has published ‘Building Biodiversity Net Gain into Housing’. The report, first in a series addressing Biodiversity Net Gain requirements across all aspects of development in England, outlines the strategic approach developers can take to increase biodiversity both on and off site, improving spaces for both wildlife and people whilst increasing the value of the countries housing stock. The report is available to download here: www.buildingbiodiversity.co.uk

LATEST NEWS

WORKING FROM HOME CREATIVELY: ADVICE FROM AN ARCHITECT Like much of the UK, building products manufacturer, Forterra, has many of its colleagues presently working from home. As Britain enters its fourth week of lockdown, the question of how to be creative, as well as productive, outside your normal routine is now a hot topic. So, Forterra has teamed up with architect Billy Mavropoulos from Bureau de Change to share some advice for others in creative industries to tackle that very issue. Bureau de Change designed the award-winning Interlock Building which utilised Forterra’s Cradley bespoke bricks, creating the Interlock’s façade with over 5,000 custom bricks. Billy says, “Typically, creativity in our office is a team effort. Day to day [pre-lockdown], we’ll be bouncing ideas around, drawing and looking for references… when you’re working from home, you can’t get instantaneous feedback.” So how do Billy and the team make their current situation work for them? These are his top tips: 1. “We’re militant about group video meetings!” Billy and the team have a group Zoom call first thing in a morning and in the afternoon every day to ensure that the whole team is up to speed with everyone else’s agenda. “We’re lucky, as we’re only a team of 10 which makes it easier. Interestingly, in the office everyone might not be privy to every conversation and project - people are doing their own thing. Now we’re all sharing views and ideas I actually think it’s improved the way we work… 10 views are better than one!” 2. The team keep their calls creative and ideas-based. “Of course, there’s housekeeping to do too,” concurs Billy. “But a lot of it is very creative. I’ve noticed that people don’t have ‘off days’ at the minute – everyone is very much looking forward to catching up with their colleagues.” “People are keen to talk, get involved and express their opinions, even if it’s not their project or it’s something they’ll never work on themselves. They’re just interested and want to talk about it. That’s another big positive about our new normal.” 3. Billy advises that creatives should take a flexible approach to their new normal. “The lack of physicality has been difficult,” he says. “Printing things out, sketching with a pen, or making a physical model are usually key parts of the job, and they’re things that can’t happen in the same way at the moment.

With an ambitious facade made up of over 5,000 Cradley bespoke bricks, the striking Interlock building in Fitzrovia, London is an outstanding example of what is possible when an architect and a clay brick manufacturer work collaboratively. The building won numerous awards throughout 2019 and continues to do so into 2020. For more information on Forterra’s Cradley bespoke bricks, see https://www.forterra.co.uk/brick-specials.

“Other things have improved enough to make up for it, though. People have more time to do their admin in their own way now, which means there’s more time and energy for creative output. People do just adjust to whatever situation they’re in - we’re proof of that.” Neil McLafferty, National Sales Manager for the Specification and Commercial team at Forterra adds, “There has been a lot of talk about how to be productive in the last few weeks but being creative presents just as much of a challenge. You would think it would be difficult to adapt to a whole new way of working, but people on the whole are really resilient and adaptable. “Lockdown is giving creative teams the opportunity to look at the big picture – it’s an exciting time to generate great ideas for post-pandemic projects, so get in touch with our Specification and Commercial team who are on still on hand to help; they can support with ideas, product advice and even CPDs online.”

PROJECT NEWS

DESIGN ENGINE’S SCHEME FOR NEW STOWE SCHOOL DESIGN TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING BUILDING SUBMITTED FOR PLANNING The Design Engine scheme for a new Design Technology & Engineering Building at Stowe School has been submitted for planning consent. Stowe School has been based since its founding in 1923 in the historically recognised Stowe House site, formerly the seat of the Dukes of Buckingham and Chandos. Following an invited design competition in 2016, Design Engine were subsequently

commissioned to develop designs for the new Design Technology & Engineering building for Stowe School to replace existing facilities. The new building at Stowe will serve as the creative hub to introduce pupils to modern design and manufacturing skills and sit alongside and support the other STEM subjects of science and mathematics. The school strongly believes that Design Technology should be considered a STEM subject offering pupils valuable practical skills as they move from theory to manufacturing. The subject complements the application of knowledge, understanding and skills in mathematics and science, deploying both theory and practice simultaneously. Stowe has established itself as the country’s leading school for Robotics and this new facility will embrace developing technology in mechatronics, Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Manufacturing, Computer Aided Engineering, 3D printing and other cutting edge technology. The unique nature of the school campus, sitting within the grounds of Stowe House (and occupying the house itself) demanded a rigorous approach to the setting of the new building. The initial stages of the project therefore involved an in-depth analysis of the campus as a whole in order to explore all options for the location of the new facility. The brief asked for a new stand-alone building that would replace the outdated facilities, to house state-of-the-art workshops that would embrace developing thinking in all areas of design, technology and engineering. The proposed two-storey building is sited within woodland, to minimise visual impact and to ensure logical adjacencies with other faculties.

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Dr Anthony Wallersteiner, Head, Stowe School, said: “The Design Technology & Engineering Centre at Stowe is unashamedly modernist, but follows classical principles; it is bold and innovative, but sits discreetly in the sylvan landscape. The architects of Design Engine are following in the footsteps of Adam, Kent, Borra, Soane and Gibbs. I am confident that Design Engine will produce a superb building which will in turn take its place among the architectural wonders of Stowe.”

PROJECT NEWS

WILLMOTT DIXON LONDON & SOUTH STRENGTHENS LEISURE PORTFOLIO WITH COMPLETION OF THIRD VILLAGE HOTEL CLUB

Willmott Dixon London & South has successfully completed construction of £20.3 million, 7,150 sqm Village Hotel, Basingstoke – the third Village Hotel Club scheme it has constructed on behalf of Village Hotels. The completion of Village Hotel, Basingstoke strengthens Willmott Dixon’s leisure portfolio and highlights its expertise for seamless collaboration and relationship continuity between projects. To date, Willmott Dixon has delivered 459 rooms for Village Hotels across its three projects at Basingstoke, Bristol and Portsmouth handing the schemes over defect free to the customer one week early, two weeks early and on programme respectively. The new 153-bedroom, six-storey, four-star hotel and leisure club in Basingstoke forms part of a 31 hotel roll out for Village Hotels in the UK. As per the Village Hotel Club model, Village Hotel Basingstoke includes a Pub & Grill restaurant, Starbucks coffee shop, flexible co-working spaces and conference rooms, as well as a state-of-the-art gym and swimming pool. Roger Forsdyke, Managing Director of Willmott Dixon London & South, said: “Collaboration was key to successfully delivering Village Hotel Basingstoke and we are delighted to have handed over the building early and defect free. This is testament to our people’s expertise in the leisure and hotel sector and their ability to utilise experiences from projects at Portsmouth and Bristol to refine our processes and evolve the design to ensure a smooth handover. Village Hotel Basingstoke will bring a fresh and fantastic new hotel facility to the town, supporting new jobs and providing facilities for local businesses.”

Gidi Matlin, Head of Capital Works at Village Hotels, added: “It has been a pleasure to deliver our first new build of the new decade and the third working in partnership with Willmott Dixon. The collaboration and close working relationship with Willmott Dixon, both at a commercial level and at site level, ensures

the customer direct fit out can complete smoothly and seamlessly alongside the main construction. Having such a relationship, as well as being handed over a defect free building, is invaluable when it comes to moving the hotel into its operational state. Village Hotels are looking forward to further strengthening its ties with Willmott Dixon when Eastleigh completes later in 2020.”

Architect Projects

PROJECT NEWS

PLANS FOR THIRD ‘CONTEMPORARY ICON’ BUILDING ON NEWCASTLE SKYLINE, BY WORLD RENOWNED ARCHITECT, COULD CREATE 1,000 JOBS Extraordinary plans for an office development on East Quayside, Newcastle, with a ‘mind-blowing’ design concept completely different to anything ever seen in the North East - have been revealed.

CREST NICHOLSON LAUNCHES THIRD PHASE AT POPULAR FERNHAM GREEN DEVELOPMENT IN RED LODGE Award-winning developer Crest Nicholson has launched the third phase of its soughtafter Fernham Green at Kings Warren development in Red Lodge, Suffolk. This stylish collection of three and four bedroom homes is ideal for a range of purchasers, from first time buyers to second steppers and downsizers. Meeting local demand, the new phase features a collection of exceptional homes which have been thoughtfully designed, with traditional exteriors in keeping with the existing properties in this rural corner of Suffolk. Modern interiors accompany integrated appliances and high-quality fixtures and fittings throughout. Selected homes are available to purchase on the government backed Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme or Crest Nicholson’s Part Exchange and Smoothmove schemes. Karen Coulson, Sales & Marketing Director for Crest Nicholson Eastern, said: “We are pleased to announce that we have now released our latest phase of homes at Fernham Green; which we believe will appeal to a wide range of purchasers. We look forward to seeing the thriving community continue to grow with the addition of these new homes.

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“Given the success of our previous phases, we encourage potential homebuyers to register their interest and book an appointment to view our show homes as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.” Nestled on the edge of the bustling town of Newmarket, residents at Fernham Green at Kings Warren benefit from an array of amenities including a village centre, primary school, sports pavilion and allotments. The development is home to an abundance of open countryside for residents to enjoy, whilst remaining within easy reach of two major centres in the east of England, Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds. Nearby Kennett station is just two miles from the development, with regular train services into Cambridge in less than 30 minutes. By car, the A14 is within easy reach, linking the area to the M1, M6 and M11.

No. 1 Quayside is being hailed as the third modern icon of the Newcastle skyline – alongside Sir Norman Foster’s The Sage Gateshead and Wilkinson Eyre’s RIBA Stirling Prize winning Gateshead Millennium Bridge. Designed by multi-award-winning international architects, BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group, who are renowned for their cutting-edge designs, No. 1 Quayside will bring 107,346 sq ft of prime office space to a disused site on City Road – potentially creating 1,000 jobs. Newcastle practice xsite architecture was the regional support to BIG, on the project. The curved property will sit dominantly on the Quayside and benefit from a living, green roof and each floor will have its own private roof garden. The floor plates will range from 1,175 to 13,571 sq ft, with the largest floors being lower down and the smallest being at the top of the structure – all with unobstructed views across the River Tyne. Bjarke Ingels, Founder and Creative Director, BIG said: “We opened our BIG London office four years ago and are thrilled to jump into our first foray into the North East. Our proposal is born from the unique conditions of Newcastle’s architectural elements, the sloping hills and the curvy frames of the bridges over the Tyne. The ascending serpentine silhouette feels like a fresh yet familiar continuation of this unique urban landscape.” Andreas Klok Pedersen, Partner and Design Director, BIG London, adds: “We are excited to be a part of revitalizing this historic neighbourhood of Newcastle. The building is born from the unique qualities of the site. It follows the hairpin curve of the road and becomes a ribbon-like building climbing up the hill side while creating a cascade of roof terraces overlooking the Tyne.” The proposed development, which is subject to planning, will be on the site currently

occupied by the former Stereo bar. The landowner, Rob Cameron, appointed Knight Frank around 12 months ago to assist in working-up a design for the office scheme. Rob Cameron said: “This is a landmark site and, as such, commands a landmark building. Something iconic, with real architectural merit. We’ve had really positive pre-application discussions with Newcastle City Council and I’m excited to progress the project to fruition.” Knight Frank Newcastle has now been instructed to launch the scheme and seek a development partner to help deliver the project. Initial talks with developers and funders are already underway and both Knight Frank and BIG will be available for further discussions about the opportunity at property festival MIPIM in Cannes, France, next month. The 12-storey building will bring much-needed office accommodation into the central Newcastle market. Patrick Matheson, Partner at Knight Frank Newcastle, said: “This is a market defining property with an outstanding design which will appeal to a wide variety of occupiers of all sizes. Due to a lengthy hiatus of newbuild offices coming to the market, there is certainly pent-up demand. I’m confident there will be a lot of interest as this is an incredibly exciting blueprint for the city of Newcastle.” Adrian Philpotts of Xsite Architects, who have been the regional support for BIG said: “It’s been great collaborating with BIG to develop a vision for such an important Quayside site, global and local talent working together to deliver something really special.”

Rushey Mead School, Leicester – image courtesy of CORSTORPHINE + WRIGHT Architects

Robin Mackenzie Partnership 50 years of providing Excellence in Acoustics Having celebrated our 50th year in 2019, RMP is one of the UK's largest acoustic consultants undertaking projects throughout the UK and overseas for a wide range of clients, working on many ﬂagship projects with leading architects and designers. To mark this milestone and as part of our celebrations we are opening a new Southeast England Oﬃce in Duxford, just 10 minutes south of the historical city of Cambridge.

RMP has the experience and knowledge to meet every architectural acoustic challenge – from the design of atria, school halls, court rooms and multipurpose spaces through to concert halls, exhibition centres and special needs schools. We achieve the very best results through a combination of experience, the latest computer modelling techniques and a full suite of on-site testing services.

We also oﬀer CPD presentations on a variety of important acoustic issues that can be tailored to your speciﬁc needs to address any particular issues.

RMP South East England Address: The Oﬃcers’ Mess, Royston Road, Duxford, Cambridgeshire CB22 4QH

Old Trafford Lodge, Manchester – image courtesy of ICA Architects

At RMP our client focus is the provision of practical and cost eﬀective solutions for each individual project and we are therefore proud to present our principal building and environmental acoustic consultant David Chapman, who will be heading our new Southeast England Oﬃce.

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Baldwin Boxall & Sound Productions at the Races! Curragh Racecourse has undergone a huge redevelopment, including a brand new grandstand with spectacular sweeping roof. With a crowd capacity of 30,000 – visitor enjoyment and responsible ‘crowd’ control are equally important to the site owners and managers. The brief to Sound Productions was to supply a multi-zone audio and voice alarm system with top quality audio. The specification was for a complex zone arrangement, with absolute intelligibility throughout the site, including high reverberation areas. For this, Baldwin Boxall’s VIGIL PA/VA was specified due to the company’s reputation for product quality and reliability. Peadar Carley, Sound Productions said “We are delighted to have been involved with this amazing project. Working with Baldwin Boxall products for over 30 years we know that the systems really are robust. We return to Baldwin Boxall repeatedly, because of the support and they know their stuff, and I recommend them without hesitation.” Further information is available from: Alison Cousins, Marketing Manager - alison@baldwinboxall.co.uk About Baldwin Boxall - http://www.baldwinboxall.co.uk/about Baldwin Boxall Mission Statement - http://baldwinboxall.co.uk/ mission-statement

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First phase of the development (Image courtesy of The Harris Partnership – Wakefield Office)

SCHÖCK FEATURES IN YORKSHIRE POST REDEVELOPMENT STORY Regeneration across the whole of Leeds is resulting in a major transformation of the city. And one of the current developments is on the site of the previous headquarters of the Yorkshire Post. Around eight years ago “Yorkshire’s National Newspaper” moved from its long-standing home to new headquarters a couple of miles across the city. The previous 4.6 acre site is now a landmark four-phase development; and the immediate first phase will see the construction of an 18-storey residential tower due for completion in early 2021. The building benefits from extensive river frontage along the River Aire and will provide high-quality one, two and three bedroom apartments, a gym and an eleventh floor sky lounge. The proposal includes shops, resident’s amenity areas and an enhanced river corridor.

Graphic of a ‘typical’ insitu situation

Around 242 apartments are anticipated in this first phase and the brick-clad concrete frame building will feature a high number of spacious balconies, also of concrete construction.

The Isokorb type K for concrete-to-concrete

Avoiding thermal bridging is critical Balconies are effectively large external thermal fins on buildings. If there is ineffective insulation in the detailng, there will be local heat loss, resulting in more energy being required to maintain the internal temperature of the building. This is one major consequence of thermal bridging, but there are other issues too. Low internal surface temperatures in the area of the thermal bridge can cause condensation, leading not only to structural integrity problems with absorbent materials such as insulation products, or plasterboard, it also encourages mould growth. This can result in serious health implications for residents in the form of asthma and allergies. So for any project involving balcony detailing, the prevention of thermal bridging is a critical issue. And one of the most effective solutions available, is the Isokorb structural thermal break from Schöck, As the leading international supplier of structural thermal breaks, Schöck has almost limitless variants available in its main Isokorb range, offering planners complete construction dependability and enormous freedom of design. On this project

it is the tried and trusted Schöck load-bearing element for concrete-to-concrete cantilever balcony detailing that is being installed. The units feature an HTE compression module made of high-density microfibre reinforced concrete, with an 80mm insulation thickness. The elements transfer both negative moments and positive shear forces. Design freedom and construction dependability In addition to concrete-to-concrete, the comprehensive Schöck Isokorb range offers solutions for concrete-to-steel, steel-to-steel, a thermally insulating connection for reinforced concrete walls – and even a maintenance free alternative to wrapped parapets. All products meet full compliance with the relevant UK building regulations; have NHBC approval; offer LABC Registration and independent BBA Certification.

For a free copy of the Schöck Thermal Bridging Guide; the Schöck Specifiers Guide or to view the range of downloadable software, contact Schöck on 01865 290 890 or visit the website at www.schoeck.co.uk

Wojciech Brozyna - Aluprof UK Managing Director

MB-SR50N used at Siemens Campus - Manchester

’STICK CURTAIN WALL AND BUILDING MOVEMENT’ BY WOJCIECH BROZYNA - MD OF ALUPROF UK

When specifiers design glazed façades they wish to see slim sightlines, when installers quote for work they wish to use the most economic system for the project and often opt to use a well respected 50mm curtain wall system. But despite the systems pedigree, is the ‘off-the-shelf’ design right for the buildings structural design? When designing any façade there are two main issues to take into consideration, the dead load of the façade itself and the live loads that are going to be imposed on the façade, which includes wind loading and possible catastrophic events such as seismic and blast loadings. Taking the façade as a single entity, these can be catered for, however, the curtain wall stick or unitised, relies on fixings to the building structure to transfer both loads back at regular mullion spacings, on average at every 1,500 mm. Catering for movement due to live loads on the curtain wall and thermal expansion, is normally catered for with regular sleeved joints, usually at each floor level. So far so good, but what about building movement such as floor edge deflection and building sway?

MB-SR50N used at Siemens Campus - Manchester

Floors will deflect once loaded with people and equipment, not all structures will be the same and this deflection will vary. We now face movement in the curtain wall façade itself depending on what is happening within the building. This movement must be catered for otherwise the facade could easily fail when the building is in use. Unitised curtain wall systems tend to cater for this movement quite well within their stack joints, but in stick curtain wall the issue becomes more pronounced as there is typically much less room when the glass is stacked in these systems. Looking at a 50mm wide curtain wall we typically have 13mm edge cover on the glazing and a curtain wall nosing thickness of 10mm. Taking 25mm to the centre of the mullion we have a nominal clearance of 7mm (= 25mm - 13mm - 5mm [half of the width of the nosing]). This is a nominal space as we have a facade fabrication tolerance of +/- 1mm and installation tolerance of +/- 2mm. Glazed units, say 1,500mm x 2,800mm have at least a +/-2mm tolerance on fabrication. As you can see, the 7mm can quickly reduce should tolerances stack the wrong way. Given that there is say 5mm around the glazing with the lower edge of the full height glazing located on 5mm glazing packers, should the floor slab deflect more that 5mm will see aluminium moving to touch or load the glazed unit which could result in glazing failure. This condition is further restricted when cap-less curtain wall systems are specified where the toggle fixings have an average +/-3mm around the glazed unit. If the building is designed with floors that run between the building structure, such as columns near the floor edge, floor movement becomes increasingly problematic for the facade. Where columns exist there would be no floor movement, but at the mid-span the floor would move by a given limit, so the floor will ‘sag’ between columns. Given that the glazed units will be located on a transom with two glazing blocks, the glazed units will also be subject to a slight rotation within their glazing rebate where the floor begins to ‘sag’ downwards.

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Each building structure will offer various levels of floor edge movement, but it is crucial to request these details from the structural engineer in any curtain wall installation being fixed back to intermediate floors. Once the movement is known, this can then be designed into the curtain wall. The use of special designed spandrel panels or double transoms can cater for this movement and to an

extent the rotation of units, this needs careful design often with the systems provider. For the reasons explained, unitised curtain wall systems are being specified on a more regular basis where building structures are being designed with lighter materials and increased deflection limits, as they can cater for more building movement. The main issue is to be aware of the deflection limits of the structure that the facade is to be fixed too and how this movement will affect the curtain wall. Many projects will work exceptionally well with a 50mm curtain wall, given that the structure offers limited movement. Where required, the move to wider 60mm curtain wall systems will increase the space around the glazing edge to the mullion and transom nosing, which will allow for more movement of the curtain wall frame before the glazing units are compromised. Unitised systems will cater for greater building movement whilst still offering slim sightlines, high levels of insulation but with the benefit of offering installation times up to half of that for traditional stick curtain wall systems. At Aluprof we offer our acclaimed 50mm, ‘MBSR50N’, and 60mm ‘MB-SR60N’ stick curtain wall systems with a wide range of profiles and options to cater for most building designs and cater for structural movement. Where required our unitised system, MB-SE75, can be used in any facade requirement. We have a team of facade designers located in the UK to assist any specifier or installer wishing to design using Aluprof systems. Since setting up the Aluprof Project Office at the Business Design Centre in London, the company has rapidly grown their specification influence in the UK with their high performance architectural aluminium systems. Further expansion of the companies headquarters in Altrincham now provides specifiers with meeting facilities and an extensive showroom of commercial systems to view. With overseas growth across Europe spreading into the Middle East and firm roots already in the East of the USA, the company is becoming a global player in facade supply.

Further information is available on the companies website at aluprof.co.uk or direct from their UK office in Altrincham on 0161 941 4005.

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WHY CONSIDER A GLAZING MAINTENANCE STRATEGY DURING THE BUILDING DESIGN STAGE? The building design phase is a crucial time for architects – it’s when they ponder the aesthetic, functionality and longevity of the structure. Here, MD of commercial glazing maintenance specialist Dortech Maintenance, explores why it’s crucial that a robust glazing strategy forms part of the early architectural planning stages, to ensure long-term results. Factoring in the future When designing a building, architects have a lot of objectives to fulfil. The façade needs to look attractive, make an impression and, of course, be functional – after all, it’s the first thing you ‘see’. But, with so much to think about regarding the visuals alone, the aftercare – maintenance, access and cleaning – regime of a building’s glazing installations can easily be left as an afterthought. But this can have detrimental effects in the long run – especially where a company’s bottom line, the environment and health and safety are concerned. That’s why the power of ‘futureproofing’ a building needs to be harnessed as quickly as possible in the beginning, so that both architects and their clients aren’t left feeling stung by an end-product that looks good but doesn’t perform as well as it needs to. A long-term investment Whether it’s a shopping centre, office block or multi storey building, achieving the wow-factor is a primary driver for most projects. And, this can involve anything from big, unusually shaped windows to impressive doors. It’s no secret that these assets often feature a hefty price tag, but given the structure is an investment for the future, some upfront expenditure is expected and factored in.

However, nasty surprises – in the form of creeping costs – can quickly start to emerge if time hasn’t been allocated to aftercare and accessibility. In truth, for buildings which are cladded with commercial glazing or contain various doors, the primary objectives should always be ease of access, planned, preventative maintenance and routine cleaning. Buy why? In reality, large-scale structures are frequently located in densely populated areas like city centres – this means that they are often pedestrianised, and access can be tricky. This is when practicality is key. For example, imagine a 15-story office building, situated in the centre of a busy city, needs glazing replacing on the top floor. Of course, there’s the cost of the glass itself, but what is often an unknown is the how the works will be carried out. How will the unit be replaced and what exactly will be involved? In instances where the façade is inaccessible, this can require investing in some expensive equipment – such as city cranes or cherry pickers – and in some cases road or pavement closures are also necessary. That’s because not only are commercial windows and doors heavy, but they’re also susceptible to breakage or external damage to the glass, so heavy-duty equipment is enlisted to guarantee a safe and seamless installation – as well as to ensure the safety of both the general public and the maintenance engineers carrying out the works. However, whether situated in a built-up area or the countryside, both locations can prove very difficult for such vehicles to enter. So, it’s easy to see how prices can rapidly increase – typically, costing more than the glass itself in the end. However, there aren’t just financial implications in not factoring maintenance and accessibility at the start of the design process, there’s the health and safety and environmental impacts too. Think of a building like a car When automotive manufacturers are producing cars, the aesthetics and safety are thought about in tandem. Then, when the car is purchased by the owner, an ongoing service plan is implemented. After all, what good is a nice-looking car if you can’t drive it safely?

Architect Projects

The same logic applies to the construction industry. All serviceable parts, whether automotive, technical or glazing-related, have a life expectancy and that means they need regular checks to ensure they’re working to the high standard required.

To put this into perspective, glass installations can weigh over half a tonne each, so when they’re located 15 storeys up, they need to be of a very high quality and regularly maintained – not only to be able to effectively weather the elements, but also to keep the people in and outside the building safe. Glazing and environmental sustainability With organisations applying an increasing number of measures to reduce their carbon footprint and make their firms more sustainable, it’s worth highlighting the role glazing can play in helping to improve overall energy efficiency. While the monthly utility bills only inform businesses of how much their spending, they don’t always detail why. Interestingly, poorly fitted glazing units, water ingress or deteriorating window seals are repeatedly some of the biggest culprits when it comes to identifying the source of a building’s heat loss – often transpiring due to a lack of maintenance. For architects tasked with making a building both cost-effective and environmentally friendly, it’s easy to overlook the role maintenance can play in helping to achieve these goals. But if factored in early enough – and not in retrospect – they can help to mitigate any major safety issues or expenditure associated with replacement parts, as well as boost the sustainability credentials of the structure. In short, access and maintenance to a building’s glazing components are vital elements which need including in the early schematic design period. As a result, this will not only create a building which is economically kinder to budgets but also one which is practical, secure and durable long into the future.

BELOW: James Sutherland Dortech Maintenance

LANDMARK HATFIELD HOTEL REFURBISHED TO ENHANCE NOISE AND THERMAL COMFORT The landmark Grade II Listed Art Deco Comet Hotel is located in Hertfordshire at the junction of the Barnet by-pass with St Albans Road on a busy roundabout, five minutes away from the Selectaglaze office and factory. Formerly known as the Ramada Hatfield, the Comet’s multi million pound refurbishment and extension which began in 2017 is now complete. The works were entrusted with contractor ISG Bristol and designed by architects Stride Treglown. The 1980s extension has been demolished and replaced with a new three storey block, annexed to the rear of the hotel which has added a further 52 rooms which reflects and enhances the silhouette of the heritage building. Due to the Listing the hotel retained the building’s original crittal sash windows but this did not provide the required level of noise insulation to a number of the guestrooms, restaurant and function spaces for meetings and networking events.

The new secondary glazing to this Hatfield landmark will now help lower energy bills and afford the guests a good night sleep, along with those visiting the hotel guaranteed a pleasant and comfy experience. All units are purpose made to fit each window and are fully fabricated off site, allowing for rapid installation. Selectaglaze

closely cooperates with front of house and housekeeping allowing frames to be fitted during room handover periods, to maintain room occupancy and avoid loss of revenue. With fifty years’ experience, and Royal Warrant holders since 2004 Selectaglaze has vast experience of working within the hotel sector. Contact Selectaglaze on 01727 837271, email: enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk or visit: www.selectaglaze.co.uk

To remedy this, St Albans based Selectaglaze installed 104 secondary glazed units, with a cavity between the existing primary windows and the secondary units to significantly improve the level of noise insulation. The restaurant and meeting room on the ground and first floor had Series 20 vertical sliding units faceted across the sweeping curved on plan original bay windows, to enhance the thermal and acoustic insulation. The function room was fitted with the Series 15 3-pane horizontal slider, which can support thicker glass when higher levels of noise insulation are needed.

Architect Projects

The hotel guestrooms were treated with the Series 10 horizontal sliding unit, which is a versatile system providing easy access to the outer window. This slimline unit has not only produced exceptionally quiet rooms thanks to noise insulation in excess of 45dB but will reduce heating costs, thus improving sustainability.

HEATING, VENTILATION & INSULATION

GAIA UNDERFLOOR HEATING LAUNCHES DECOUPLING MEMBRANE AND HEATING CABLE SYSTEM TO THE PROJECTS MARKET The new Gaia Decoupling Membrane is quick to install and two products in one. Firstly, as a decoupling membrane guarding against movement in the sub floor which can cause tiles to crack and secondly as a heating cable carrier providing warmth to floors. The polypropylene membrane has rounded square shaped studs that form channels specially designed to embed and fasten electric heating cables. Coupled with the Gaia Heating Cable the system is ideal for small or large installations and awkward areas within a property where flexibility is required. Depending on the cable spacing the cable can provide a power output for either primary or secondary heat. Available in 5m and 15m rolls, the Gaia Decoupling Membrane is a decoupling membrane of 5.5mm in thickness that does not require expansion joints in the screed before laying ceramic and natural stone tiles. It’s also a waterproof membrane when the Gaia waterproofing tape and sealant is used. With the Gaia heating cables available from 10m lengths to 165m lengths, we can cover any project area size. The system provides comfortable warm floors allowing the heat from the electric cable to be distributed evenly across the floor. It’s a polypropylene membrane with rounded square shaped studs that forms channels specially designed to embed and fasten the electric heating cables. Typically used in areas where the floor covering is tile, the system can also be used with varying floor coverings such as carpet, vinyl and timber floors.

Full instructions, recommendations and technical information is provided with the product to ensure the correct installation and product care is taken. Gaia offer the full service, from project start to project completion. We can supply the product for your contractor to install or alternatively our operation team can visit site to carry out the install. Gaia Underfloor Heating is fully backed with a technical and design team to support you throughout the project. For further information on Gaia Underfloor Heating, please contact 01359 242 400, visit www.gaia.co.uk or email info@gaia.co.uk

AP520026 Gaia Underfloor Heating HP.indd 1

23/04/2020 11:04:25

PANASONIC CELEBRATES MAKING THE SHORTLIST IN THE 2020 H&V NEWS AWARDS Panasonic is pleased to announce that its Aquarea J-Series Air Source Heat Pump has been shortlisted in the Domestic HVAC Product category of the 2020 H&V News Awards. The winners will be announced at a glamorous dinner at the prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane on 30th April 2020. The H&V News Awards are highly regarded within the industry and celebrate technology and solutions designed to meet today’s environmental challenges through innovative products and projects. To support a more environmentally friendly approach, the Aquarea J-series uses R32 refrigerant. R32 is easy to recycle, has zero impact on the ozone layer and 75% less impact on global warming, helping to lower the carbon footprint of a building. It is also a more economical alternative with higher efficiency and 30% less refrigerant used, so customers can enjoy cost savings as well as significant environmental benefits.

Architect Projects

The design of the new Panasonic Aquarea J Generation models was an important consideration in order to enhance the range for both installers and end users. Extended piping lengths provide further ﬂexibility to cater to a range of building sizes. The 3kW and 5kW capacities now have a total piping length of 25m, also providing an

increased elevation difference between indoor and outdoor units from 5m to 20m. Meanwhile 7kW and 9kW units reach a higher limit up to 50m, ensuring users can adapt the system to their needs. A 30m elevation length also increases installation options for professionals. The Aquarea J Generation can reach an output water temperature of 60˚C and there is also a new chiller function which can provide cooling down to 10˚C – the perfect solution for flexible environmental control. Furthermore, the new J Generation delivers optimum performance when outdoor temperatures are extremely low, even down to -20˚C. There are two new sensor positions available for DHW control, which can be selected to improve efficiency or comfort levels. Users can select an option for improved efficiency and the most effective DHW COP when operating in part load capacity, or for greater comfort simply select an option to reduce heat-up time when operating in full load.

For more information on the above please do get in touch with our team via email, uk-aircon@eu.panasonic.com or telephone 01344 853182.

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EVENTS AND AWARDS NEWS

VELUX TO PARTNER WITH UK HOUSING DESIGN AWARDS 2020 Leading roof window and rooflight maker VELUX has agreed a new partnership with UK’s Housing Design Awards 2020 competition.

ROCKWOOL IS SIG SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR FOR THE SECOND SUCCESSIVE YEAR ROCKWOOL has been crowned Supplier of the Year for the second year in a row by SIG, the UK’s market leading specialist distributor of insulation, dry lining and related products to the construction industry. Mark Bungay, Commercial Director at ROCKWOOL UK commented, “We are all incredibly proud to receive this award for the second successive year. “It’s a recognition of our full commitment to SIG and our strong focus on customer service right through ROCKWOOL, from manufacturing to technical support and logistics. Over the past 12 months the team have been focussing on strengthening of our product portfolio through investment in further product innovations such as our new HVAC range

and the expansion of our logistics centre. The team would like to thank everyone at SIG who for voted for ROCKWOOL.” ROCKWOOL were presented with the accolade by Managing Director of SIG plc, Dave Walmsley, at the 2020 Sales Conference held in January. Former England player, captain and manager, Kevin Keegan was the guest of honour at the event which was attended by SIG employees and suppliers. SIG’s internal and external teams voted and selected ROCKWOOL as their chosen winner for this prestigious award, in recognition of their outstanding customer support and technical guidance and commitment to SIG the product range that ROCKWOOL provides.

GEBERIT SHORTLISTED FOR TWO INDUSTRY AWARDS

First established in 2017, the annual awards are organised by Builders Merchants Journal’s publisher, Datateam Business Media, and are now recognised as a key event to celebrate excellence within the builders’ merchants sector.

A duo of awards is in the pipeline for leading bathroom manufacturer, Geberit, after being shortlisted for two categories at the annual Builder Merchants Journal (BMJ) Industry Awards.

Purdie Proudman, marketing manager for merchant and contractor at Geberit said: “Being shortlisted for not just one, but two awards, is a great indication that we’re delivering on our pledge to improve people’s lives with innovative sanitary products. The fact that this endorsement is coming from experts who work in the industry really highlights the fantastic work we do in product innovation.”

Thanks to innovation in drainage and piping systems with products such as Mapress, Mepla and SuperTube, Geberit has been shortlisted in the Best Heating and Plumbing Manufacturer category.

Neil Freshwater from VELUX said: “VELUX was founded on a similar principle to these awards – to create healthier indoor climates to improve the health of occupants – and so it is a great privilege to join with the Awards in partnership. “Throughout our 75-year history, our passion has been bringing healthy indoor environments using daylight and fresh air, and at the heart of this are homes which are well designed with the end-user in mind. These awards promote all that is good about housing design.” The Awards are uniquely promoted by all five major professional institutions – RICS, RIBA, RTPI, Landscape Institute and Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists. The judging panel includes world experts in their field, from planning to design, respected here in the UK and overseas. Entry income is spent on assessment, then on showcasing ideas to government and industry. Gareth Capner, Chair of the House Design Awards added: “VELUX and the Housing Design Awards are each into their eighth decade of promoting homes which are healthy to live in and that optimise indoor comfort. It is timely that these two venerable organisations will work together to find examples of housing environments that support healthier outcomes and to share this learning. Prevention is always better than cure.”

Geberit is a European leader in bathroom technology and ceramics, boasting employees in over 40 countries. Offering ease of installation and enhanced acoustic and spacesaving properties, its range of piping solutions has revolutionised working practices for professionals in the industry. Twyford integrated with Geberit in 2015 following its acquisition of Sanitec.

Architect Projects

Meanwhile Twyford Bathrooms, part of the Geberit group since 2015, has been recognised for the Best Bathroom Manufacturer award. Leaders in bathroom innovation for over 160 years, Twyford’s innovative range of sanitaryware offers reliable and stylish ceramics across a range of projects and budgets.

Founded by the UK Government, the Housing Design Awards were launched in 1948 in the same sitting of Parliament as the National Health Service, to reward better municipal post-war rebuilding. The Awards were extended to include private homes in 1960 by the then Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan.

THE HEALTHY HOME We asked Ecomerchant, supplier of natural and sustainable building products, to give us their take on healthy building. In our view, a healthy home is ‘one that incorporates healthy design elements, non-toxic building materials, and proper construction techniques. It “breathes”, emits no toxic gasses, and is resistant to mould and decay. Here are our top tips when designing a healthy building. Choose a simple build system Use natural and non-toxic materials Make the best use of natural light Ensure adequate ventilation Ensure that all building elements are compatible Use a breathable vapour open system Make the structure do the work Take a whole-house approach to design Include the end user in the design and build process

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Architect Projects

Without a doubt, it is the control of moisture and the ventilation of the building that sits at the root cause of most building decay. We also have a huge issue with applying healthy principles to e biggest issue of all refurbishing existing buildings. Often in these cases, the prophylactic principle should be applied, where some anticipation of problems such as damp penetration can be mitigated by choosing materials that can hold onto moisture and let it go later (drying out) or at least minimise or contain the problem. The issue with a more synthetic and hermetic approach is that such problems can often remain hidden deep within the building structure for a long time and on discovery lead to costly and extensive repairs. To apply healthy principles to any building project you first need to appreciate that the standards by which most UK construction is governed (and built to) do not account for the ‘health’ of a building in all but the most basic ways. So don’t expect a building that meets Building Regulations to be healthy.

To describe an unhealthy home can be more effective at persuading us to adopt healthy principles. We will all recognise the description of an unhealthy building as one that fails to control the internal environment leading to partial, then increasing, early decay of the building fabric in turn leading to mould growth, rot and a failure of the element(s) to physically perform, the description would further include the use of toxic chemicals in materials and the resulting expulsion into the air of these toxins over time, and it would include the use of materials that contain allergens. Now most of us will recognise (and probably have experienced) the symptoms of poor building health but it is surprising how many of the houses built today have this very low on the agenda of considerations. The consequences of damp and unhealthy buildings can mean the aggravation of conditions like asthma, in the UK this is a real problem where 1 in 6 people have asthma a massive increase since the stable base in the 1970s with almost 2000 deaths per annum and 75,000 hospital admissions the cost to the state runs into £billions; most of this is directly linked to dust mite faeces which in turn is directly linked to relative humidity in houses, (as you find in an unhealthy house) other moulds, bacteria and diseases present in the same conditions are also linked to asthma. The main contributors to poor building health are the following Water ingress Condensation Failure to control internal moisture Poor build quality The use of toxic materials Poor ventilation Material degradation over time leading to performance failure (e.g. air leaks) Poor design

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You can see that it is not only the absence of harmful environmental characteristics but also the presence of beneficial ones that define a healthy building. Designers should begin by avoiding harmful elements and attempt to incorporate supportive beneficial ones. This is why the inclusion of items such as natural light, ventilation and acoustic insulation is as important as layout and functionality in the whole house approach. Real progress is only made when the builder and future occupants work closely with the building’s designer to ensure that all these issues are addressed within the context of how the building is intended to be used. Thankfully a lot of the approach to building healthy homes is common sense and can be summarised in a few simple principles Choose simpler building systems they are more failsafe Manage moisture by creating a breathable shell to provide a means for managing and buffering variations in moisture Include natural materials in many applications these will outperform synthetic ones. Be involved at every stage

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As highlighted by recent events the toxicity inherent in our building materials can be a lethal problem especially in the case of fire, one of the most important materials used in the construction of a building is insulation, but can your choice of insulation really affect your health? A well-insulated house or office will protect your health, comfort and lifestyle but how many of us know and understand how to achieve this? How we select insulation needs to be about having a real choice and for specifiers to be equipped with the right knowledge to compare materials on a like-for-like basis. To design a well-insulated building, you need to make informed decisions throughout all phases of a construction project to ensure your building

performs as you envisage as mentioned above. However, selecting the right insulation is about more than just reaching building regulation compliance or ‘keeping in the heat’. It’s about ensuring a building protects its occupants’ entire well-being and comfort in the following ways. How well does insulation keep the heat out? In the UK, thermal insulation to protect from the cold is essential, particularly given everincreasing energy costs. However, as demand for usable square footage of buildings increases, basement and loft conversions are the routes many now take. However, these parts of a home or office, are the spaces most prone to extremes in temperature. They, therefore, need more thought – i.e. how do you keep a space warm in winter but, for a loft, how to keep it cool come summer. Compared with synthetic insulation materials, wood fibre insulation has a much higher density. This higher density means that natural insulation makes for a better heat buffer as the high midday temperature will only reach the internal side and be lost at night when the temperature is already cooler outside. How a building’s lack of breathability is hurting our health A breathable structure is one that allows the passage of moisture. With 90 percent of all building construction problems associated with water in some way, breathability is essential in measuring a building’s performance and preventing the accumulation of harmful water within the building’s fabric. These are fundamental in reducing health risks from mould, mites that those suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are particularly susceptible to.

Easy-to-fit insulation A well-designed building takes into consideration how a material performs throughout the building’s entire life cycle. This includes ease of installation. Steico’s wood fibre insulation is simple and easy to fit (either packed or friction-fitted), eliminating installer error, keeping construction programmes, tight and costs, low. How sustainability will save you time and money While all insulation is helping the environment by limiting energy being burnt for heat, natural fibre insulation materials are comparatively more robust. This means that when it comes to disposal, they can be composted – i.e. no specialist waste facilities or landfill. Throughout their lifecycle they will additionally have a much lower, and often, negative carbon footprint. More than just protecting your home from fire All insulations will meet fire safety standards, but this is a minimum rating. The key differentiator between natural and synthetic is that natural insulations will prevent the spread of fire and if burnt, will not give off toxic fumes such as cyanide as polyisocyanurates (PIR) might. See article link below to ASBP Healthy Buildings or Toxic Buildings? Will the house be standing in 100 years? Condensation is one of the costliest risks to buildings causing huge maintenance repairs and structural damage. Natural materials are better able to absorb and release water whilst remaining dry meaning it is better able to protect from and buffer moisture thereby becoming a key part of healthy living. Comfort for occupants

For effective breathability, there are four essential components that need to be considered: a moisture pathway a driving force a sorptive fabric vapour control.

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When selecting insulation for a building, there are implications for the health of the occupants, the structure of the building, its impact on the environment, its acoustic properties, durability and carbon footprint. Cancelling out the noise for a peaceful night’s sleep

Natural fibre insulation is most effective as it suppresses potentially harmful water by binding and releasing moisture which helps regulate humidity levels as the moisture moves.

The higher density of natural insulations - such as wood fibre - makes them better at reducing noise. Sounds external to the building, such as traffic or music, as well as those from within

the building, through walls and ceilings are attenuated better by wood fibre than synthetic equivalents. In providing better protection from acoustic pollutants, occupants often report a building as being more restful and relaxing thereby encouraging better mental health. When a building is well-designed and well-built, occupants should be at their peak comfort. With the average person spending approximately 80% of their lives in enclosed rooms, an occupant’s well-being is imperative. Therefore, the products used to achieve this should cover all the issues affecting a building’s construction, its impact on both its occupants and nature.

Contact Ecomerchant Phone: 01793 847 444 Email: info@ecomerchant.co.uk Website: www.ecomerchant.co.uk ECOMERCHANT ARE OPEN FOR DIRECT AND ONLINE SALES

Further reading ASBP Healthy Buildings Conference summary of key points, https://asbp.org.uk/asbp-news/healthybuildings-or-toxic-buildings Read the expert’s view on healthy buildings including Professor Stephen Holgate CBE, Clinical Professor of Immunopharmacology at the University of Southampton and co-author of The Royal College of Physicians ‘Every breath we take‘ report, who explains why poor quality air is a lethal problem that affects us all, Consultant, Clinical Psychologist at UCL, Dr Sarah Mackenzie Ross who looks at the rapid rise in new chemical entities in our day-today environments and the consequences on our health, CIBSE’s Head of Sustainability Development Julie Godefroy who questions the role of Building Regulations in delivering healthy buildings and Professor Anna Stec, fire toxicity expert from University of Central Lancashire who looks at the potential fatal effects when plastics in the home burn. Visit www.asbp.org.uk for more on sustainable building products Visit our Protexion campaign page: Ecomerchant and Steico UK have joined forces to launch a protection campaign. It aims to champion the benefits of using natural insulation products, see www.ecomerchant.co.uk/protexion to learn more.

INTERIOR DESIGN FEATURE Zaha Hadid Architects are spearheading a radical transformation of the lobby. The ambitious project and design enhances the Tower by drawing inspiration from the intricate, organic forms of flower petals. Work on the lobby is set to start in spring 2020 and due to complete by the end of the year.

SOUTHBANK TOWER: INSPIRED LIVING FOR THE CURIOUS AND CULTURED 2020 sees the relaunch of one of London’s most prominent riverside luxury developments – Southbank Tower. The Tower will be transformed with a new lobby designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and a boutique collection of apartments will be launched to the market with a series of new initiatives. This includes apartments ‘Furnished by Armani/ Casa’ which will see art and design work to create a beguiling living experience. Alongside this, the residential experience will be enhanced through a cultural programme led by The Old Vic offering experiences not found in any other London residential location. Southbank Tower boasts spectacular two and three bedroom apartments with phenomenal views of the Thames and London’s most iconic landmarks. Highlights of life at the Tower include:

Architect Projects

• London’s largest roof garden at 10th floor level with views over the city • Residents’ lounge with dining facilities opening directly onto the roof garden level with views over London • 20m swimming pool with gym and spa • State-of-the-art six seater cinema • 24 hour concierge and security offering five star service for any resident requirement or experience

‘Furnished by Armani/Casa’, launches a new collection of apartments and builds on decades of global couture heritage. The interior furnishing by Armani/Casa represents understated elegance, essence and simplicity and complements the bold exterior architecture of the building. The interior design is framed by a bespoke curation of artworks which complements the colour palette and intricate details of the design and features acclaimed artists such as Anthony Gormley. The combination of intelligent design seamlessly coupled with an uncompromising level of finish and specification produces an enchanting living experience. A bespoke cultural programme, anchored by The Old Vic, will bring an eclectic range of arts and culture into the heart of the Tower, providing new experiences for residents which cannot be found in any other London residential location. Exclusively designed for residents, the unique programme, will include access to leading speakers in arts and culture through intimate fireside talks and tailored gallery tours of new exhibitions. As part of this, residents and new purchasers will have access to art curator Arianna Nourse for personal art consultations in their homes. Apartments are available from £2,000,000 for the premier units (2-3 bedroom) up to £5,750,000 for the black edition (3-4 bedroom). The unique penthouse apartments are also available for those looking for a mesmerising living experience but are price on application. Richard Gabelich from SF Asset Advisory, acting on behalf of the private investor delivering this project: “Southbank Tower boasts one of the best locations in the world, with unrivalled views of London’s iconic skyline and historic landmarks. We want to enhance the Tower’s already exclusive offering to redefine what residents can expect from their living experience. Working with Zaha Hadid Architects, Armani/Casa and The Old Vic perfectly complements the elegance and sophistication of the Tower and together we can elevate residents’ homes and lifestyle to create unique and inspiring collaborations within and around the Tower.”

Office Principles continues to solidify its relationship with commercial landlord and investment management expert, Kames Capital having completed a design and fit out of approximately 30,000 sq ft of office space for the company at Keypoint in Slough.

“This is an area that we have a keen interest in as, by working closely with landlords in the first instance, we can create the best spaces for a wide crosssection of end-users, The latest in a line of design and development providing a desirable canvas schemes for Kames, the project was that can be simply adapted completed by the design, fit out and workplace to be made unique to the consultancy in 21 weeks and involved a individual tenant.” complete refurbishment and design overhaul to optimise and improve the utilisation of the Fund manager for Kames space. Capital, Chris Munday comments: “The building in Work on the project included the provision of Slough is located close to a co-working, flexible seating area; dedicated the train station in a central meeting rooms; a concierge reception; roof location that is a prime terrace and top of the range facilities, investment spot. We need including a bike store and shower and the best refurbishment work changing amenities. The building has also been to complement such an refurbished with a new VRF air conditioning address and to turn it into a system, suspended ceilings, with flat panel landmark commercial LED lighting, full access raised floors and two property and we’re pleased refurbished passenger lifts. to say that, once again, Office Principles has helped us to achieve that goal. Joint managing director of Office Principles, Cyril Parsons is delighted that the company is “The team demonstrates a superior playing such a vital role in the development of understanding of our portfolio port and the offering Kames’ portfolio: “Our Midlands team has that we want to present to potential tenants. been building this relationship for some time It is also sensitive to current market trends and and has worked across a number of projects to it is this awareness that is evident at the point provide Kames with high quality, modern of handover, providing us with the most sought after spaces.” workspaces, designed to enable tenants to make the space their own. Each of the schemes allows for simple tenant modification and so is Holding a strong and varied commercial likely to attract a variety of occupiers, given portfolio, Office Principles has worked with this flexibility. blue-chip brands such as Exterion Media,

blue-chip brands such as Exterion Media, Telegraph Media Group, Meet in Place, Visa Europe, GE Capital, Fitness First, Tata Communications, ResMed, Direct Marketing Association, Land Securities, Mothercare, and Kuoni. The company’s Midlands division is currently on site across a number of multi-million pound schemes and has recently expanded its team to meet the increased workload. For further information on Oﬃce Principles and its services, visit www.oﬃceprinciples.com

NO GROUT – NO MOULD – NO TILES!

SIMPLE or SMART Introducing NoTile™ from Composite Fibreglass Mouldings Ltd; a glassfibre hygienic tile panel, used as an alternative to traditional ceramic tiles. The panels incorporate an antimicrobial, Biomaster, www.biomasteradditives.co.uk, in the surface layer that is effective against harmful bacteria including MRSA, E-COLI, SALMONELLA and ASPERGILLUS NIGER (BLACK MOULD). Applied in large sheets with a grab adhesive, they are quick and easy to install with very low maintenance thereafter. Comparatively a more cost effective and efficient product to standard ceramic tiles. Currently available in several decorative styles. White is held in stock but any standard RAL colour can be achieved.

NoTile™ panels create clean, safe and hygienic environments.

COMPOSITE FIBREGLASS MOULDINGS LTD T: 01325 246066 F: 01325 246067 emma@compositesfm.co.uk www.compositesfm.co.uk

In the heart of St James’s in London, Fitzroy of London specified products Locket’s is a vibrant café by day from its Hanson and Gosfield DANLERS Limited proudcollections to and an ambient wine bar byare night. to best suit the For this popular hospitality project, contemporary introduce SMART PIR Sensors suitablestyle of the café. accessible bathroom specialists Finished in sleek polished chrome, to work wirelessly with ecosystems including: the carefully curated selection of Fitzroy of London was specially CASAMBI,toSILVAIR, MYMESH andincluded WIREPAS. These commissioned create a range of products a Flangeless Grab fully compliant disabled bathroom DANLERS Rail and Single Arm Hinged Rail to new controls compliment highly regarded products. Working closely with the ensure the safety and wellbeing of stand alone controls range which been simply designers, Fitzroy of London was disabledhas guests. saving energy fordisabled our customers for nearly 30 years. able to create stunning Fitzroy of London provided the washrooms that now allow all Whether WIRED or WIRELESS communication customers to enjoy a first-rate visit interior designers with theis opportunity to translate design regardless of their requirements. required DANLERS have solutions suitable for their most ideas into a fully compliantfor scheme applications: Contact us or visit our website Designed by Fran Hickman Design for this cafe, which was extremely controls. & more Interiors,information this retro Italianon caféour lighting well received. Now the washrooms features modish interiors and is one not only look exceptional, but also of the most stylish sanctuaries in demonstrate outstanding T: 01249 443377. the city. The brief was to create functionality – ensuring that both E: sales@danlers.co.uk accessible bathroom space that ambulant and disabled customers can would meet the high level of quality enjoywww.danlers.co.uk the same level of style while and beautiful aesthetics of this visiting this lively café and wine bar. elegant space. www.fitzroyoflondon.com DANLERS Limited, Vincients Road, Chippenham SN14 6NQ

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Architect Projects

We supply (and are speciﬁed in) many hospitals, care homes, prisons, hotels, restaurant chains, supermarket chains, private homes, education and leisure facilities. The tiles are used in kitchens, showers, wet-rooms, bathrooms, toilets and any area where hygiene is paramount.

Energy Saving Controls Fitzroy of London at Locket’s Wine Bar, London

INTERIORS FEATURE

HOW INTERIORS CAN HELP REDUCE INDOOR AIR POLLUTION Harmful indoor air pollution is becoming a growing concern worldwide. Whilst the majority of people spend 90% of their time indoors, whether that be in offices, schools or at home, it’s vital that we’re aware that simple choices we make in the construction of a building can have a massive impact on people’s health. Indoor air pollution is the result of toxic emissions produced by products and materials that have not been manufactured in a sustainable way. Traditional carpet underlay and most soft furnishings and mattresses are made from polyurethane (PU) foam, which is often the main contributor to indoor air quality. PU foam contains dangerous and harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and over time, these VOCs create a toxic build up in humans, causing many health problems including difficulty in breathing, asthma and the induction of many allergic reactions. PU foam also requires Flame Retardant (FR) treatment using chemicals, which can be extremely hazardous. Architects and interior designers can have a tremendous impact on the sustainability of the environment in terms of the building materials they use in projects and have a duty of care to limit these harmful toxins and help create greener, cleaner and safer living conditions. Sustainable products – for example, carpet underlays and other products made from recycled PET plastic bottles and other single use plastics - are a great substitute for PU foam. Not only do they eliminate harmful VOCs but they’re also inherently flame-resistant requiring no FR treatment, allowing people to enjoy the benefits of better indoor air quality.

Other examples include GUNRID‘s air purifying curtains that are made from PET bottles. The mineral-based photocatalyst coating that is applied to the textile is activated by daylight and proactively breaks down common indoor air pollutants, while Hypnos’ mattress replaces PU foam with natural fibres including wool, cotton and horse hair which help regulate body temperature, wick away moisture and repel allergens.

These sustainable products often have other critical benefits as well as being environmentally friendly. Our SpringBond underlay has fantastic sound-proofing properties, minimising the transfer of noise between floors, which is ideal for apartments or workplaces, for example, while its thickness also means it’s not just comfortable but insulating, keeping buildings warm.

While VOCs are impossible to completely avoid during the construction and furnishing of a building, individual choices made by architects have measurable impacts on the health of the occupants and therefore it’s vital they think carefully about their product selection. Simple changes can achieve substantial gains and by being guided by these sustainable approaches, it will not only help to take care of the environment but simultaneously ourselves. James Taylor, Managing Director at Texfelt.

Architect Projects

Texfelt is a world leading manufacturer of highly sustainable eco-engineered non-wovens. The company upcycles single use plastics and textile waste and creates new innovative comfort products for the flooring, furniture and bedding markets such as its award-winning carpet underlay, SpringBond, which is fit for future generations to enjoy and then fully recycle.

COMPANY NEWS

BARKER ASSOCIATES DOUBLES ITS TURNOVER Barker Associates, a leading multi-disciplinary property consultancy, has achieved unprecedented growth over the last three years, seeing its turnover double to over £5 million, with 2020 shaping up to be just as prosperous. As a result of securing multiple project wins and the continued growth of its client portfolio in the education sector, the company has now invested in a permanent office in the heart of London.

NEW YORKSHIRE OFFICE FOR EXPANDING ARCHITECTS Architects Nicholson Nairn has opened a new Yorkshire office in a move to meet growth and demand for locally based design and architectural services and expertise. The office in Otley is the latest phase of planned strategic growth by the architecture practice that will see its presence grow across Yorkshire and the wider region in the next few years. Led by associate Gary Wilson, who brings extensive experience in delivering large-scale commercial and residential schemes, the new accommodation in a refurbished mill at Wharfebank Mills will offer options to more than double workspace as expansion continues in future. Nicholson Nairn, which is already involved in millions of pounds worth of residential and commercial property schemes, driving growth for the existing team of specialists, expects to recruit for additional roles in the next 12 months.

These include several private care home providers and residential property firms who are bringing forward their own investment and development plans.

Michael Merrill, Partner commented on the opening of the London office: “We’re thrilled to be opening a new base in London. Having a permanent office here will allow us to continue to strengthen our partnerships with our existing client base and further develop our business in the capital.” Barker Associates has a deep-rooted history in the education sector, becoming a leading strategic partner for schools, academies and universities across the country. The opening of the new London office will allow Barker Associates to continue its mission to deliver comprehensive, professional advice on all building related matters to clients and industry colleagues, alongside its existing offices in Birmingham, Essex and Cambridge. Stuart White, Managing Partner is looking to build on this success in 2020. He said: “We have achieved some fantastic results over the last year due to the outstanding work done by our team of dedicated professionals. We’re proud to uphold our reputation for producing quality work and our strong growth is a reflection of this. Architect Projects

Part of a North East-based architectural practice, the Otley office is seeing strong interest in its services from high end residential and commercial property clients in Yorkshire and the North West of England looking to tap into its services to support their own design and build plans.

The appetite for commercial space in London is growing, with many businesses now rethinking how they use their existing space to ensure it reaches its full potential. Barker Associates’ team of experts are specialists in the planning, strategy and implementation of office fit outs and have secured several clients in London, strengthening the company’s position as fit-out experts in the industry and leading to a full-time base in the heart of the city.

“Our focuses for this year will be to continue to work hands on with businesses in the education and commercial sectors to deliver architectural design, quantity surveying, project management and building surveying to the exceptional standard that our clients have become accustomed to.”

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

CONGRID HIRES POOLA ISOMAKI AS THE FIRST HR MANAGER TO SHAPE FUTURE SUCCESS Congrid is proud to welcome Poola Isomäki as the HR Manager. Isomäki brings substantial experience in human resource management and development alongside her prior experience working within international SaaS companies. In a new role at Congrid her responsibilities include being a key driver of creating employee experience, talent development and company growth with a global perspective. Isomäki has demonstrated excellence in the areas of employee and applicant experience, global recruitment, and scaling the HR function to match the business needs of a growing company. As an HR professional specialised in software industry, she has over six years of experience in recruiting international talents. She has been working for a number of years in Finland-based disruptive companies striding internationalisation. Most recently as an HR & Recruitment Manager at employee communications platform Smarp, she was

responsible for talent acquisition, human resources and employee culture in Finland, Sweden, the UK and the US. Isomäki holds an MSc. in Economics and Business Administration from Hanken School of Economics and an MSSc. from the University of Helsinki. Congrid’s everyday business is based on a strong customer focus, autonomy, and teamwork. The company wants to lead by example, by eliminating silos and bureaucracy in order to maximise the impact of cooperation. “At Congrid, we are building a culture based on trust and autonomy, together with activities that enable our growth and provide our talented employees with the freedom to make decisions. We believe that such a culture makes us stronger and attracts talent to work with us. We are delighted to welcome Poola to our growing team of

talented employees”, says Timo Makkonen, CEO of the company. “It is utterly inspiring to be in the frontline of digitalising the construction industry and to join Congrid’s amazing community. I’m looking forward to our fantastic journey towards growth”, comments Isomäki. Congrid helps the industry move towards a quality and safety driven culture, aiming to increase trust, commitment and accountability within the industry. By streamlining the work, the company aims to eliminate silos and improve collaboration between project stakeholders in all construction projects and phases.

OVER 1,500 LOCAL PEOPLE NOW WORKING AT ELEPHANT PARK Over 1,500 local people now have jobs at Elephant Park, a £2.3bn regeneration project taking shape in south London. The figure was announced by Lendlease, the Australian property and infrastructure business, which is delivering the landmark project in partnership with Southwark Council. Around 3,000 new homes as well as new restaurants, shops and a new park are being delivered at the 28-acre development. Lendlease confirmed it had reached the milestone jobs figure as the Office for National Statistics also announced its latest employment figures for the UK.

Architect Projects

The milestone figure at Elephant Park contributes towards Southwark Council’s aim of becoming a full employment borough, where everybody has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Lendlease and

Southwark council jointly established a Construction Skills Centre at Elephant Park three years ago, which has played a major part in helping local residents secure jobs on the development and provides construction skills training to over 2,000 people every year. Having the Centre at Elephant Park allows the students to train in the heart of a major regeneration site and gain practical, first-hand experience of the industry. The project has also provided the opportunity for hundreds of previously unemployed local residents to gain employment at Elephant Park through BeOnsite, Lendlease’s award-winning not-forprofit organisation. BeOnsite provides in-house expertise and a proven vehicle for the direct delivery of social impact employment programmes that support people who face the greatest barriers in

accessing employment. To date, BeOnsite has employed 329 local residents, leading positive change in each person and helping them achieve their potential. Kristy Lansdown, Project Director of Elephant Park for Lendlease, said: “We are constantly striving to ensure Elephant Park makes a positive impact on the local community. One of the ways we do this is by creating jobs for local people, and we greatly value their contribution to the project. Employing over 1,500 local people is a significant milestone for the project, and we look forward to that number increasing as work at Elephant Park continues to progress.” Cllr Stephanie Cryan, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Business and Innovation at Southwark Council, said: “It is fantastic that our construction skills centre project has supported so many local people to find work and develop their skills to make the most of the development work available on their doorstep – or across London. Our commitment to becoming a full employment borough is about not only making sure people are in work but that they have the right skills and opportunities to grow and develop their careers and the skills centre has been a definite boon for local people interested in the construction industry.”

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

DIRECTOR APPOINTMENT AT FALCONER CHESTER HALL We are delighted to announce the promotion of Quentin Keohane to director at Falconer Chester Hall. Quentin joined the team four years ago as an Associate Director and is based at our head office in Liverpool. Adam Hall (Managing Director) said “Quentin will be a fantastic asset to the board and I am delighted he accepted the promotion, which is aligned to the strategic growth and succession plans for the Practice in the North West region.

Working here for the last four years has given me an invaluable insight into the business and Falconer Chester Hall, and being the fourth director promoted to board level proves a track record of helping our team develop to their full potential. I am passionate about design and I can help foster a desire within Falconer Chester Hall to make the most of every opportunity to improve the built environment, for both our clients and the wider community.” he added. Quentin has completed a number of award-winning education schemes across the North West and has in recent years developed his residential and commercial expertise by contributing to notable large-scale projects in Liverpool such as India Buildings and 30-36 Pall Mall. His team also recently secured the lead role on a £90m residential scheme in Clapham Common.

Quentin has a particular interest in the education sector which will complement our skill set. It is always a great pleasure to be able to promote from within to celebrate the talented members of the team” adds Adam.

Leading bathroom brand, VitrA, is pleased to announce two new appointments for the London showroom. Jamie Moakes and Shahnee TaylorBrown will be joining VitrA as Showroom Manager and Specification Executive respectively and will be responsible for running the brand’s first UK showroom, opening later this year in Clerkenwell.

Quentin commented on his promotion saying “I am thrilled to have been appointed director at Falconer Chester Hall, I am looking forward to new challenges and taking a more active role in the strategic direction of the practice.

GIRA UK INTRODUCES TWO NEW STARTERS Gira, one of the world’s leading fullrange suppliers of intelligent system solutions for building management, is pleased to welcome two new team members to its prestigious UK brand and business. Jessica-Lee van der Walt, Project Sales Representative, Gira UK Starting 2nd March 2020 – JessicaLee comes with a strong background in account management and will be working closely with Richard Udell, Sales Manager- Distribution and Projects, to develop the Gira project business in London initially, and with scope to offer nationwide support as required. With a range of experience in the international market for leading toy manufacturer, Jellycat, as well as a solid grounding in projects at

VITRA IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE TWO APPOINTMENTS FOR THE NEW LONDON SHOWROOM

Hansgrohe in London and in South Africa, Jessica is excited to bring her network of contacts and experience in sales and project management to Gira UK. Chris Pereira, Technical Support Assistant, Gira UK Starting 2nd March 2020 – Chris will be joining our UK Hotline department, and working alongside fellow Technical Support Assistant, Daniel Evans, to provide additional support and practical know-how to Gira customers and System Integrator Partners on all things technical. Chris has a background in the electrical industry, with expertise in wiring installations, lighting and maintenance, all of which will help Gira to provide an excellent level of service to its growing UK customer base from its headquarters in Middlesex.

In his new role as Showroom Manager, Jamie will be responsible for day-to-day management of the new space, building strong relationships with new and existing clients as well as managing the VitrA London events and exhibition programme. Jamie brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles as Business Development Manager at Day True Interiors and Sales Designer at West One Bathrooms. Shahnee Taylor-Brown joins VitrA as Specification Executive; she possesses extensive knowledge of London’s architecture and design industry and has over five-years’ experience in sales, design and administration. Prior to joining VitrA, she worked as Kitchen & Bathroom Sales Designer at Buildbase and before that she was Sales & Showroom Assistant at Amode. As part of the specification team in the new VitrA showroom, Shahnee will work closely with architecture and design clients to provide functional solutions for projects, converting their plans into inspirational designs and detailed product specifications. She will also support the Showroom Manager with VitrA’s annual programme of events.

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Mark Booth, Managing Director at Gira UK says “We’re delighted to welcome two new members to the UK team, bringing to our business a sound knowledge of project sales, account management and technical support to broaden the depth and breadth of our customer service in key parts of our business.”

RECENTLY COMPLETED BURKE MUSEUM IN SEATTLE FEATURES STRIKING KEBONY-CLAD FAÇADE Kebony, a global leader in the production of sustainable modified wood, today announces the completion of the 105,000 sq. ft. Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture at the University of Washington campus. The Burke is the oldest public museum in Washington State, with a collection of more than 16 million artifacts and specimens, ranging from totem poles and gemstones to dinosaur fossils. The mission of The Burke Museum is to care for and share natural and cultural collections so all people can learn, be inspired, generate knowledge, feel joy, and heal. Designed by principal Tom Kundig and built by Skanska, the recently built facility features brand new exhibits, research facilities, and a new approach to discovery and learning about history and heritage in the Pacific Northwest. One key design goal for the building was to create maximum transparency, making every part of the Burke exposed and part of the visitor experience. Installed by Sessler, Inc. the Kebony Character modified wood cladding encompassing the museum provides a natural and inviting exterior that speaks to The Burke Museum’s core values of environmental stewardship and excellence. Developed in Norway, Kebony’s revolutionary technology is an environmentally friendly and patented process which modifies sustainably sourced softwoods by heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol - an agricultural by-product. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall, the softwoods permanently take on the attributes of tropical hardwood including high durability, hardness and dimensional stability. This unique process also provides Kebony with its characteristic appearance, which only grows more beautiful with time. Because the Burke’s collection is so wide-ranging and continues to grow, the new building needed to serve as a coherent, effective container that would allow for flexibility over time. In late 2019, the Burke re-opened after being completely renovated and reimagined from the inside out.

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While previous iterations of the museum were opaque and disjointed, Olson Kundig, the Seattle-based architectural firm who designed it, sought to make the institution’s new home transparent and united in its facilities. Labs and gallery spaces, for example, are separated by panes of glass to provide visitors with the opportunity to see roughly two-thirds of the items kept on storage shelves as well as “behind-thescenes” paleontology. PHOTOS BY BEN ROBERTS

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BILCO UK CHOSEN BY BRITISH MUSEUM FOR LATEST PIONEERING GALLERY Since opening its doors to the public in 1759 as the world’s first national public museum, the British Museum in Bloomsbury, London, has been renowned for almost three centuries for bringing together the most diverse human cultures across the globe. With a permanent collection of around 8 million pieces of work, the public institution is continuously evolving and updating to ensure it provides visitors with one of the largest and most comprehensive collections in the world. As part of this ongoing commitment, the British Museum has undergone a significant three year renovation project, which has created a pioneering new gallery that provides visitors with creative and interactive ways in which to engage with the artefacts. Throughout the renovation project, Bilco UK was specified by global architects, HoK, to supply 21 of its innovative and resilient SS-50TB Ladder Access Roof Hatches, to allow for regular routine maintenance activities in the roof void area of the new exhibition space. The new Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic world is located at the very heart of The British Museum and comprises two refurbished galleries. The collaborative space houses a broad and diverse spectrum of the material culture produced from the seventh century to the present day throughout the Islamic world, spanning a series of regions from West Africa to Southeast Asia. Formerly known as the ‘White Wing’, the two galleries had previously been closed to the public for a number of years due to its need for renovation. In light of this, the redesign was viewed as an opportunity to change and widen the scope and interpretation of the exhibits, which was achieved by joining the two galleries together as a single expansive space. When the two galleries were originally completed in 1885, the roof of the White Wing was laid in lead, which was later replaced with copper in the 1960s. As part of the latest renovation project, the copper was replaced with 45 tonnes of new lead, along with overhauling the existing roof timbers and boarding.

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The 21 SS-50TB Roof Hatches were specifically made in bespoke sizes by Bilco for the project and were chosen due to their ability to sympathetically blend into the exterior of the new lead roof due to a high quality PPC finish. Longevity, performance and functionality were key factors throughout the specification process, with the SS-50TB’s advanced engineering fulfilling all requirements. The thermally broken cover and specialised frame design ensure superior thermal performance, while the design of the hinges safeguard against external elements.

As the British Museum requires regular access to the roof of the new gallery, the SS-50TB’s compression spring operators allow for frequent, safe and secure one-hand operation, regardless of the size of the hatch. This is also supported by an automatic holdopen arm and grip handle, which locks the cover in the open position and allows for easy, one-hand release and closing. Every design element of the roof hatch has been created to enable the user to maintain three points of contact at all times. The hatches are also fitted as standard with a closed-cell EPDM sponge gasket, which ensured weather tightness and energy

efficiency through its enhanced seal of the cover to the curb. The SS-50TB has a Class 1 rating under BS EN 12207:200 and is compliant with the requirements outlined in Part L of the Building Regulations. It also meets all requirements of the Manual Handling Operating Regulations (MHOR) 1992. The creation of the Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World required three years of dedicated planning, detailed research and collaboration from all suppliers and individuals involved. The result is an aspirational exhibition space that showcases the breadth of the Islamic world, through an interactive environment that allows for safe and regular maintenance.

For further information on Bilco UK’s complete range of roof access solutions, visit www.bilcouk.co.uk or call 01284 701696.

A smoke vent and an access hatch? Your two solutions in one That hatch with the ladder running up to it? Yes, it’s a Bilco smoke vent. You may know it as one of the best smoke vents on the market; CE-marked, self-actuating in less than a minute, excellent thermal properties, and so on. But simply add a fixed ladder with the optional LadderUp® Safety Post, and you also have a safe exit out onto the roof. So the next time you specify a smoke vent, make sure it’s a Bilco.

www.bilcouk.co.uk 01284 701696 bilcouk@bilco.com Part of the Access 360 Division

COMPANY NEWS

DYNAMIC INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERS WITH INVISION TO IMPROVE MAINTENANCE OF BRIDGES AND TUNNELS IN GREECE

SELCO ANNOUNCES CHARITY PARTNERSHIP OF THE YEAR WITH GLOBAL’S MAKE SOME NOISE Selco Builders Warehouse, one of the UK’s largest builders merchants, has named Global’s Make Some Noise as its official charity partner of the year. Global’s Make Some Noise was created by Global, the Media & Entertainment group, to help small projects that support disadvantaged children and young people living with illness, disability or lack of opportunity, and their families. With the help of Global’s radio brands - Heart, Capital, Smooth, Classic FM, LBC, Radio X, Capital XTRA and Gold – which collectively reach more than 34 million people across the UK, Global’s Make Some Noise raises money and awareness for small charities that would otherwise struggle to be heard. Selco has a proud record of supporting charities and will support Global’s Make Some Noise with their work which helps to change young lives throughout 2020. The new partnership will see Global’s Make Some Noise and Selco work together across a number of fundraising activities, events and volunteering opportunities this year. The partnership got off to a flying start at the Selco Business Conference where £20,000 was raised for the charity and Radio X presenter Johnny Vaughan made a special appearance. Selco is a longstanding supporter of Global’s Make Some Noise and has sponsored the national charity’s annual appeal with airtime on Radio X for the past two years. Selco also donates £1,000 to Global’s Make Some Noise each time a new store is opened. Carine Jessamine, marketing director for Selco Builders Warehouse, said: “We are thrilled to be starting an official partnership with Global’s Make Some Noise. We have provided a level of support over the last two years which has given an insight into the fantastic work that Global’s Make Some Noise does for disadvantaged children and young people, and it was an easy decision to take it to the next level. We have just under 3,000 colleagues across our Support Centre and 67 UK branches so it’s difficult to find a charity which resonates with everyone geographically. The fact that Global’s Make Some Noise supports numerous projects based across the UK means that our teams in different areas of the country can associate and create a relationship with the small charities closest to them.”

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Emma Bradley, Managing Director of Global’s Make Some Noise, said: “We are delighted to be Selco’s official charity partner. Supporting charities and communities is a big part of Selco’s ethos and we’re proud to be working together to help families living difficult lives across the UK. Global’s Make Some Noise is committed to supporting small charities that help children and young people who are living with illness, disability or lack of opportunity. The money raised will fund vital equipment or life-changing services, such as therapy, counselling, nursing or support groups, helping children and their families reach their full potential and feel less isolated.”

The New York and Tel Aviv-based company Dynamic Infrastructure, is expanding in Greece following a broad cooperation agreement with Greece’s InVision Consulting, a leading consulting and software providing firm specializing in the transportation industry. InVision will offer Dynamic Infrastructure’s AI-based predictive maintenance solution to tollway operators in Greece to help them maintain their assets and improve Opex. Dynamic Infrastructure’s deep learning system quickly creates “medical files” for every bridge, tunnel and elevated highway, based on existing photos taken through annual planned inspections and photos of day-to-day operations. The proprietary cloudbased software compares existing images to new ones to detect maintenance and operation issues and identify defects before they evolve into large-scale failures. Like an MRI, these “medical files” serve as benchmarks for changes in maintenance conditions. The diagnostics can be easily accessed through a simple browser and can be instantly shared with peers and suppliers to facilitate maintenance workflows and increase return on investment. The cooperation with InVision follows a successful pilot completed by the two companies on a major tollway in Greece. The cooperation will enable InVision to expand its offerings to Greek customers for the implementation of Dynamic Infrastructure’s predictive maintenance solution, allowing bridge and tunnel operators updated visual diagnosis of the assets they manage. Athens-based InVision currently supplies software solutions to Greece’s leading tollway operators: Aegean, Attiki, Egnatia, Moreas Nea, Olympia and Kentriki. They operate thousands of miles of highways, along with hundreds of bridges and tunnels that cross the country. “InVision and Dynamic Infrastructure are cooperating in bringing the most advanced solutions to our customers. The combination of InVision’s expertise and products with such innovative solutions is key for us as market leaders. We will provide our customers, for the first time, an option for maintenance services that can substantially reduce their current and future costs,” said Christos Koulouris, CEO of InVision Consulting. “We are proud and honored that InVision chose us as a technological partner. The cooperation of both companies will provide our Greek customers an incomparable advantage in maintaining key elements of the transportation grid,” said Saar Dickman, CEO of Dynamic Infrastructure.

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BAUDER PROFILED EPS SYSTEM – EXTENDING THE LIFE OF A TIMEWORN METAL ROOF Before and after of profiled metal roof overlaid with Bauder Thermofol PVC membrane in anthracite

Bespoke EPS insulation cut for existing profiled metal deck

The Bauder profile overlay system incorporates a bespoke measured, designed and manufactured EPS profiled insulation board fitted to match a profiled sheet roof, typically of single-skin steel, composite panels or aluminium. The profiled EPS insulation is waterproofed with Bauder Thermofol PVC single ply to provide a cost-effective, long term, lightweight, durable solution. It is intended for refurbishing existing metal roofs, or for increasing the thermal performance where the original insulation standards are not adequate, bringing the construction up to current Building Regulation requirements. KEY FEATURES OF THE PRODUCT

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Extends the life of an old roof. Upgrades thermal efficiency utilising the depth of the trough. Durable, lightweight and easy to handle. TS1187 BROOF (t4) System Fire Tested. Single source supply. One-point guarantee. BBA certified products. No building interruption. More cost effective than re-cladding.

PLANNING It is essential prior to any site survey taking place that adequate consideration is given to safe access of the existing roof structure and that any covered roof lights have been identified and made secure. Critically, a pull-out test is carried out to ensure that an overlay of the existing metal roof is a feasible solution. Bauder will undertake a survey of the roof to ensure that the necessary pull-out figures exceed the minimum level required; a wind load calculation is also carried out for the project at this time. Refurbishment project with decorative profiles in anthracite on the Wolsey Theatre

APPLICATION

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

The EPS is manufactured to order with the profile machine-cut to match the existing roof sheets. Sample boards are provided to site to check accuracy of fitting before the full order is delivered. Experience has shown that existing cladding sheets can warp and stretch over time so some on site trimming maybe required. The profiled EPS is manufactured with a tolerance that assist with variations in the existing substrate.

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The U-value is calculated on an average depth of the profiled board. The required U-value can be achieved by any given combination of existing cladding, insulation and weathering finish and is therefore assessed individually. A condensation risk analysis test is also carried out to ensure the additional thermal performance will not compromise the dew point. The Bauder Profiled EPS Insulation Board can be installed by mechanically fastening with thermally broken tubes and screws, or in some cases, fully adhered using a suitable Bauder insulation adhesive. MEMBRANE APPLICATION

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In mechanically fastened membrane applications, a loose laid separation fleece, Bauder GV120, is required between the upper surface of the EPS product and the Thermofol PVC membrane. Fleece-backed adhered membranes are installed with a suitable Bauder Canister Adhesive.

Standard Board Size : 1200mm x 1200mm Product Weight : 25Kg /M³ Compressive Strength : 0.15N /mm² Thermal Conductivity : 0.035W / mK

PRE-FABRICATED METAL Utilisation of the Bauder Pre-Coated Single Ply Metal for the fabrication of flashings helps to maintain the continuity between the original metal cladding and the new Bauder Profile Overlay System. Existing gutters can be simply relined with this material to create a fully encapsulated detail. The inherent metal structure provides an excellent fastening point for these fabrications. ROOFLIGHTS It is not unusual in traditional cladded roofs to see inplane translucent panels allowing the transmission of daylight into the building. These panels often prove to be a source of water ingress. Should the existing rooflights need replacing then a new Bauder rooflight and kerb are installed onto the surface of the new waterproofing and then secured through the system and into the structure below. The new roof light is then waterproofed to ensure total waterproofing security. If the inplane rooflights are no longer required, then they are removed whilst the new waterproofing takes place and suitable replacement decking installed. DECORATIVE PROFILE Simulating the existing standing seam can be achieved by adding Thermofol decorative profiles to the membrane on completion of the waterproofing. The light and shade effect that this creates greatly enhances the aesthetics particularly on pitched roofs. TECHNICAL SUPPORT Tel : 01473 257671 or Email : technical@bauder.co.uk

The CRL Langle Al-Wall® system creates a modern glass wraparound for new and old architecture, protecting the building from the elements.

CR LAURENCE A lot of modern architecture features the use of glass externally - from the Gherkin to Canary Wharf, the London skyline is a good example of this material being used as an aesthetically pleasing and highly practical way of cladding buildings. But what about older buildings? How can we ensure that architecture that may not have been originally built with such a highly durable material is protected from the elements and preserved? Thankfully, with advancements in technology and the facade engineering landscape, glass has quickly become

one of the primary means of construction for new buildings and glass facades are now straightforward enough to fit retrospectively to a building. Glass therefore offers the architect the best of both worlds in terms of preservation of original features and the long-term practical benefits of using glass. Allowing sunlight to enter into a building and using natural light rather than an abundance of artificial light can save electricity and increase the structure’s overall energy efficiency, with technological advances in glass helping the material to regulate heating and cooling in buildings. With the strict energy requirements placed on commercial buildings today, glass is quite commonly used to help meet the restrictions and also provide cost-saving benefits. Creating a protective envelope around new and old buildings with a modern twist, the CRL Langle Al-Wall® system is ideal for fitting retrospectively to existing architecture, the system creates a modern impression with a highly durable and long-lasting finish. This structural glass facade is strong enough to withstand some of the harshest weather elements, whether the building is situated in an area with constant sun, wind or rain, the glass will retain its integrity and appearance much longer than many traditional building materials. In fact, the innovative rainscreen system guards against the elements, with a premium coated aluminum that is completely weather-proof. The system has also been salt spray and statically tested, ensuring that it is able to withstand the harshest of conditions, and since glass does not rust or weather, environmental effects will not have an impact on the facade. In addition to the many functional benefits of a glass facade, one of the biggest advantages is its appearance. Architects can make a statement with the building by using glass creatively and this is a material that has the ability to make a building look sophisticated and achieve virtually any architectural design, such is its flexibility. Helping to preserve the appearance of building exteriors, the Al-Wall® System is available as plane and imbricated glass facade options, making this a viable option for architects working on commercial and domestic projects in urban and rural settings.

For more details call CR Laurence on 01706 863600 or visit www.crlaurence.co.uk

It takes a long time to create perfection.

Once in a while a product comes along and changes everything, from the way itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crafted to the way it works. Products are often copied and many are great ideas that never really see true success in their application. Many years are spent searching for a product that will ultimately surpass expectations, stand the test of time and become recognised as the leader in its field. We created one of those successful products nearly two decades ago and still today it has never been equalled. Why? Because we have never compromised on quality.

UNIFOLDÂŽ Unrivalled excellence in gutter lining technology. www.gutterliners.com