Architect Projects - July 2022 by Lapthorn Media

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CONTENTS Featured Projects

Featured

Bluebottle: Pioneering Design Practice Delivers Modern Workspace for Atomico 08-09

Project News 04-05, 06, 50-51 Latest News 10 Lignacite Ltd 12-13

De Matos Ryan creates an imaginative space for play within a city garden 24-25, 26

George Barnsdale & Sons Limited 14 Vicaima Limited 21

Edge completes its redevelopment of Joules’ new Head Office in Market Harborough 28-29, 30-31 Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in Architect Projects magazine however, the publishers accept no responsibility for the claims or opinions made by advertisers, manufacturers or contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic (including photocopying) or stored in any information retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher.

Fibrelite Composites Ltd 27 People On The Move 32 Events & Awards News 34, 36, 48, 49

Colorado Villa: one roof, three generations 42-43

Company News 40 Schöck Ltd 41 Stannah Lifts 54-55 Sika 62

PROJECT NEWS

GLENCAR APPOINTED TO BUILD STIHL GREAT BRITAIN’S NEW HEADQUARTERS AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITY IN SURREY

New state of the art 121,000 sq ft built to suit development will benefit from first class environmental facilities and include warehouse, office, training and workshop accommodation.

FIRST LOOK: EDWARD STREET QUARTER’S EXTERIORS REVEALED New photos reveal the first look at Edward Street Quarter’s bricked exterior as scaffolding is coming down across the site. The £120 million build on Edward Street in central Brighton is set to complete this summer, delivering 168 new homes and 125,000 sq ft of Grade A office space, as well as 20,000 sq ft of leisure, retail and hospitality facilities. The development offers one, two and three-bedroom apartments - many with outside space and all with access to an impressive panoramic roof terrace and private garden for residents only.

Steve Eccles, Director at developer Socius, says: “Taking down scaffolding is always a highly-anticipated part of any development process – you can see the brickwork and it provides the first real glimpse as to how the building will look when complete. “We were determined for Edward Street Quarter to go above and beyond expectations which is why we have incorporated elements such as our exclusive roof terrace for our residential apartments, three public art sculptures, two public squares, an app to bring the community together, an exemplary cycle scheme to encourage healthy living and so much more.”

Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has announced that it has been appointed by world renowned German manufacturer of chainsaws and other handheld power equipment STIHL to construct their new GB headquarters and distribution facility at a site in Surrey just off the A331. The new state of the art 121,000 sq ft development designed by Hale Architects will include 97,000 sq ft of warehouse space that will utilise state-of-the-art picking and storage systems to maximise productivity, efficiency and the use of space. An adjoining 25,000 sq ft HQ will boast dedicated retailer training facilities, an on-site restaurant, flexible collaborative workspaces and a technical workshop. The development will also incorporate new car parking, service yard, landscaping and the construction of a new access from the adjoining A331. The new HQ also benefits from first-class environmental credentials including twothirds of the total roof area (17,000 sq ft) covered with photovoltaic solar panels to provide power to the new facility. In addition, there will be provision for 26 EV charging points in anticipation of the continued move towards the use of electric vehicles.

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The project is expected to take 42 weeks to build with the new facility expected to be complete by May 2023.

PROJECT NEWS

IPSWICH ARCHITECT BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO HISTORIC CINEMA A historic Grade II-listed cinema is set to welcome visitors again after extensive repair and restoration work led by a leading Ipswich architect. Nicholas Jacob Architects has worked in partnership with Historic England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund to breathe life back into the 111-year-old Harwich Electric Palace Cinema in Kings Quay Street, Harwich. The scheme involved stabilising the auditorium’s ceiling to prevent the possibility of it collapsing, asbestos removal, repair of the original ornate fibrous plaster ceiling, redecoration of the interior, replacing part of the auditorium floor and refurbishment of the auditorium seating. Partner Shaun Soanes said: “This has been a real labour of love for everyone involved. This is one of the oldest working cinemas in the UK which was designed by architect Harold Hooper and was first opened in 1911 by travelling showman Charles Thurston. It is a breath-taking building which simply needed some love, care and attention. It has given us enormous pleasure to be part of the team making this incredible venue fit for purpose again.”

The doors of the Palace closed in 1956 but the cinema was then rediscovered in 1972 as a derelict shell. Since then, members of the Electric Palace Trust and volunteers have managed the building which occupies a significant place in the history of UK cinema architecture. The Trust were granted funding totalling more than £1.5 million from Historic England, the government’s Culture Recovery Fund and The National Lottery Heritage Fund to carry out necessary repairs but the project hasn’t been plain sailing. Nicholas Jacob Architects has been supported in its work by multi-disciplinary construction consultancy Daniel Connal Partnership, based in Colchester and Mixbrow Construction in Needham Market.

David Looser, Chair of the Harwich Electric Palace Trust said: “In 2019 the Electric Palace Cinema was part-way through a nine-month project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund when asbestos was identified in the roof void. This discovery brought work to an abrupt halt and left us with a building in a highly vulnerable state. At this point Historic England came to our rescue. They placed the Electric Palace on the Heritage at Risk Register and quickly approved a grant to clear the asbestos, with additional funding support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.”

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PROJECT NEWS

ACPV ARCHITECTS ANTONIO CITTERIO PATRICIA VIEL DESIGNS THE FIRST ITALIAN FLEXFORM FLAGSHIP STORE Located in the heart of Milan, the showroom is envisioned as a flexible, reconfigurable display space for an allencompassing experience of Flexform furniture and style. “After nearly fifty years of working with Antonio Citterio,” stated Pietro Galimberti, President of Flexform, “it was only natural for us to entrust the design of our new Milan showroom in via della Moscova to ACPV Architects. “The concept that ACPV Architects developed for us seemed absolutely perfect for a display space that encourages an immersive, authentic brand experience.” Architecture and interior design practice ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel authors the first Italian flagship store for the legendary Flexform design furnishings company.

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Inaugurated during the 60th edition of the international Salone del Mobile, the showroom occupies a surface area of 800 square meters over two floors - 650m² on

the ground floor and 150m² of loft space. Tailored to be a calm, welcoming space with large reflective windows that extend the showroom out into the urban landscape, the store encourages visitors to enjoy a journey among the various Flexform collections. The store design blends timeless materials, like large slabs of Vicenza stone sourced from the Laboratorio Morseletto quarries, and wall finishes masterfully executed by artisan Matteo Brioni, with the contemporary technical design of the false ceilings in painted stretched steel sheet and ‘tunable white’ LED lights, adjustable based on time of day or needs. “This project,” stated architect and designer Antonio Citterio, Chairman of ACPV ARCHITECTS, “is an additional link in my more than 40-year partnership with Flexform.” “The showroom,” adds Francesca Carlino, architect and partner of ACPV ARCHITECTS, “aims, above all, to inspire an experience. Like in a museum, where visitors come in and enjoy the works of art, our project for Flexform allows clients to fully experience the

furnishings and admire the refinement of their details.” A dramatic backdrop of backlighted panels and draperies with graphic designs by Flexform art director, Christoph Radl, complete the flagship store’s decor. Flexform’s showroom is the latest addition to the series of retail projects by ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. Among the most recent ACPV ARCHITECTS projects are the Bvlgari Hotel in Paris and the ‘La Bella Vita’ residential tower in Taichung (Taiwan), which incorporate furnishings from the Flexform collection in their decor.

PROJECT CREDITS: ACPV ARCHITECTS Team: Antonio Citterio, Patricia Viel, with Francesca Carlino (partner-in-charge), and Massimiliano Calabrò, Elena Vezzali, Daniele Raimondi. Photography: © Matteo Imbriani

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BLUEBOTTLE: PIONEERING DESIGN PRACTICE DELIVERS INNOVATIVE MODERN WORKSPACE FOR ATOMICO As an expanding company Atomico required a clear and functional design solution for their new headquarters which would retain the small company ethos while supporting their business partners’ needs. The client brief was to provide an innovative modern workspace for staff and founders that is multi-functional, inclusive and ranks highly in sustainability, occupant comfort and acoustics. Adapting The Gaslight from a multi-tenanted building into a single occupier called for a radical and ambitious architectural

intervention to ensure the vertical stacking and circulation gave a seamless visual connection through the floors while maximising the use of all available space. Creating a large opening for a central link in the heart of the building enhanced the sense of openness and transparency across each floor by allowing seamless transitions between collaborative social spaces and private working areas. The introduction of a suspended hanging staircase created an open central circulation route which connects shared spaces on the ground and first floors, to more private spaces and meeting rooms on the upper floors. The new floorplan allows for flexibility by allowing for both meetings and events, fostering the exchange of ideas and driving creativity and collaboration.

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Inclusivity is a core value of Atomico’s ethos and the new office space allows occupiers seamless transitions between collaborative social spaces to private working areas all with integrated high-quality acoustics, technology, consolidated services, and individually controlled spaces.

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Pioneering London-based architecture and design studio Bluebottle undertook an ambitious refurbishment for the new London office of venture capital firm Atomico. Niklas Zennström, Atomico founder, was seeking a new London home to accommodate his company’s mission and vision to invest in game-changing enterprises. Housed within The Gaslight, a unique Art Deco building on Rathbone Street, London W1, three floors and a mezzanine level were transformed into an office environment with high aspirations for longevity and wellbeing.

PROJECT FEATURE Images: © Ed Reeve

Sustainability was at heart of the project, and the client wanted to focus on a data-driven approach to minimising energy consumption both in construction and throughout occupation. Working within the constraints of an existing building meant that some low carbon technologies were unsuitable and had to be addressed. Bluebottle worked closely with a wide team of experts including leading engineering and sustainability practice Max Fordham, which carried out extensive early-stage analysis to select appropriate technologies using an innovative design tool developed by the Energy Group at Cambridge University.

High impact materials, finishes and furniture were chosen for their Circular Economy value, such as solid wood floors, desking made of cabinetry that can be adapted and reused, and acoustic panels that can be reupholstered. Many lighting and furniture pieces were sourced from vintage suppliers.

The sustainable design approach considered all travel-related energy (business and commuting), embodied energy, operational energy and construction site impacts for Atomico’s 10-year lease. The project has achieved Net Zero Carbon in Construction, in line with the UK Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon framework. Atomico is a Finalist at this year’s BCO awards under the Fit out of workplace category.

The scheme has had a positive influence on employees, giving an optimal workspace solution working from the office. The spaces are generous and feel safe to use during the

Frans Burrows, Founder and Director at Bluebottle says, “Our collaboration with Max Fordham sustainability consultants was crucial in making the most cost-effective, and impactful, energy reduction decisions for the project by using the results drawn by their innovative Energy Cost Metric tool. Our design has focused on how an office fit-out can best reduce the whole life energy use of the building and business. While the Cambridge design tool has been used on large-scale university projects, this is the first time the model is used in an office fit-out like ours.”

ongoing Covid pandemic. Ample meeting areas, phone booths, plants, advanced integrated technology, well-stocked fridges, snacks, and access to fresh air contribute to the feeling of wellbeing in this office environment. Bluebottle also completed the redesign of Atomico’s café which follows the same ethical and sustainable principles as the workspaces. At every stage of the project Atomico and Bluebottle have worked collaboratively to challenge the normal conventions of the office in terms of sustainability, acoustics, inclusion, design, and quality. The result of proactively interrogating these conventions has resulted in a beautifully crafted office space where the environment and users are put first.

Architect Projects

LATEST NEWS

ST. MODWEN LOGISTICS’ £18.1M INVESTMENT IN BASINGSTOKE SUPPORTS TOWN’S REGENERATION St. Modwen Logistics, a leading logistics developer and manager, has delivered on Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s aspiration for the regeneration of Viables Business Park, Basingstoke, with an £18.1m investment which saw the property company build 190,000 sq ft of manufacturing space for LevertonHELM - a joint venture between Leverton Lithium and HELM AG. Leverton Lithium was founded in Basingstoke over 45 years ago, and as LevertonHELM it will occupy the whole of St. Modwen Park Basingstoke, comprising three warehouses and two retail pods, which will be used as staff refectories. St. Modwen Park Basingstoke provides LevertonHELM with the modern and larger space needed to scale up its production and manufacturing of battery grade Lithium chemicals in Europe. It will also provide additional capacity for the growing needs of its global customers, allowing for an expansion of 20kMT (kilo metric tons) of highquality lithium chemicals. The deal demonstrates St. Modwen Logistics’ commitment to ensuring businesses have the space they need to grow and prosper in their local area, bringing much-needed investment and jobs. LevertonHELM’s new buildings come with a range of sustainability features as standard including an EPC A rating, rainwater harvesting, EV charging points and PV solar panels. Hollis Hockley were joint letting agents with Savills and London Clancy. BDT provided background advice to LevertonHelm.

REVITALISED NOTTINGHAM BANKING HALL ACHIEVES AWARDS SUCCESS Architecture and interior design practice CPMG Architects’ unique renovation project at its headquarters in Nottingham has become award-winning following the results of the British Council for Offices (BCO) Midlands and Central England Awards. Taking home the prize for ‘projects up to 1,500m²’ at the regional awards, CPMG’s efforts on the internal refit of the Grade II listed property in St. Peter’s Gate, Nottingham, means the project is now a finalist for the same category at this year’s national awards taking place in October. Judges sung the praises of the project, noting how the design takes advantage of the loftiness of the three-storey structure and delivers the required amount of space

NEW ELECTRIC VEHICLE REGULATIONS WILL AFFECT RESIDENTIAL AND SOCIAL HOUSING DEVELOPERS WINCKWORTH SHERWOOD Residential and social housing developers are facing a raft of new legislative and regulatory changes in June that will require new and refurbished homes to include electric vehicle (EV) charge points.

through the installation of a mezzanine floor, while retaining many of the building’s original 1870s features. Recognition was given to the sense of light, airiness, and space within the building, as showcased by the reception area that takes the form of a coffee bar – adding to the warm welcome for visitors and available as a breakout space for staff. Arguably the office’s greatest features are located downstairs, where the former subterranean bank vaults are now home to an agile work environment, including a break-out zone and welfare areas. The British Council for Offices National Awards will take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, on 4 October 2022.

The regulations may present challenges for developers and construction parties in terms of compliance with new requirements, electricity supply capacity and ongoing maintenance, says property and construction law firm Winckworth Sherwood. From 15 June, residential and social housing developments must include EV charge points in new homes with on-site parking. Residential buildings undergoing major renovation that will have ten or more on-site parking spaces, must have at least one charge point for each dwelling with associated parking, and cable routes for parking spaces without EV charge points. On 30 June, additional regulations will come into force governing technical requirements for EV charge points requiring ‘smart functionality’, compliance with cybersecurity requirements, and protection of electricity grid stability. Ashley Pappin, a Senior Associate solicitor in the Construction Law team at Winckworth Sherwood comments. “The changes include mandatory requirements for installation of EV charge points and apply to private developers’ and registered providers’ projects alike. Developers and construction parties need to secure compliance with the changes and address the effects on their projects to avoid disruption.

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“Key actions are to assess how responsibility for compliance with the changes are allocated in existing contracts, and ensure that both these and future changes which may take effect mid-project are addressed in contracts currently in negotiation.”

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Ryder Architects chose EcoRight Coal Black hydraulic lime mortar to complement the Petersen bricks used for its £7m new build headquarters and campus for on-line gaming company Tombola. Built on the banks of the River Wear, within the Old Sunderland Riverside Conservation Area, Tombola House plays a major role in reinvigorating a historically significant part of the city. This award-winning architectural design was developed by Brim Construction using multiple pitch roof and brick construction which reflected

the warehouses that characterise the surrounding riverside area. EcoRight colour matched its hydraulic lime mortar to the Petersen bricks to give a stylish and contemporary aesthetic to this landmark building. EcoRight manufactures a comprehensive range of ecologically sound lime-based renders, mortars and plasters, working with architects, developers and specialist heritage contractors throughout the UK. Delivery nationwide in dry silo, bag or IBC. For more information about using lime, ask us for RIBA CPD or on-site Toolbox Talks.

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INTERVIEW: GILES DE LOTBINIERE Architect Projects sits down with Giles de Lotbiniere, Chairman of Lignacite, to discuss the company’s history and the many benefits of their products. Firstly, congratulations on Lignacite’s 75th anniversary. What is the secret to the company’s success? Throughout the years, we’ve always tried to make an unusual and high-quality product, rather than being a stack it high, sell it cheap manufacturer. We’ve striven to make our blocks as sustainable as possible, working with designers to give them the products they desire while also offering them something slightly different to the rest of the market.

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Oak Chapel, Crownhill Crematorium

Sir Edmond de Lotbiniere (2nd from the left) and Giles’s father, Michael de Lotbiniere (on the right)

In terms of longevity, the most important and impactful innovation related to our success has been the use of wood. Right from Day 1, we’ve been putting this recycled and renewable material into our blocks, using soft-cured offcuts from doors, windows, and even scaffolding boards, which would otherwise go to landfill or be burned. Wood is a material that keeps on reinventing itself. Thanks to its versatility, it has been used in the mix design for Lignacite blocks for the past 75 years.

INTERVIEW

Through the years, how has the company changed or modified in terms of production and as a company in general? My grandfather, Sir Edmond de Lotbiniere, founded Lignacite in 1947. If he were to see the business now, he would absolutely recognise the blocks we are making, but he would be surprised by the scale of the operation. Today, we have 70 acres at our Brandon site, compared to just seven acres when he was running the company. Obviously, things are far more mechanised than they used to be. Going back to my grandfather’s day, blocks were made by hand, taken off by hand, stacked by hand, moved into the yard by hand, and loaded onto the lorries in straw. Nowadays, so long as everything goes correctly, a block shouldn’t get touched by a human hand until it is being laid on a construction site. Thanks to the advancements we have made as a business, our turnover has more than doubled from £15 million in 2013 to £36 million in 2021. We are particularly proud of this considering the challenges of the pandemic, and we are grateful to all of our customers and colleagues in the industry for helping us to achieve this growth. Walsall Waterfront

How have Lignacite’s products contributed to British architecture? Over the years, we’ve collaborated closely with architects on a vast array of different projects. An innovative and amusing thing we’ve done is to crush up the materials from buildings that have been pulled down, then put them back into blocks for use in the related projects. The repurposing of materials in this way creates a strong connection between the old and new buildings, allowing them to become part of each other’s story and physical existence. Our blocks have also been used for numerous projects involving Cambridge colleges, which is an example of how Lignacite has contributed to some of the country’s most esteemed and recognised architecture. Having worked on some notably famous buildings, such as the Gherkin and the Leadenhall Building, are there any projects that you are particularly proud of? The projects we did for the Olympics were some of the most fun and prestigious. We were involved with six altogether. Those were the Olympic Stadium, Orbit Tower, Velodrome, Athletes’ Village, Westfield Stratford City shopping centre, and the Handball Arena. Two other major projects that always stand out are the Walkie Talkie and the Shard, which are not only iconic British buildings but iconic buildings worldwide.

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The Shard was built using 140,000 Lignacite blocks, each containing over 50% recycled material. These were used to construct the four basement levels, providing a substantial platform for Western Europe’s tallest building. To construct the Gherkin, 10,000m², or 100,000 blocks, of Lignacite were used in the central core.

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The wood content means our blocks contain differently shaped particles, which leads to good sounddeadening performance. Apartments, high-rise buildings, housing developments, care homes, and student accommodation all require effective sound insulation, so having a product that helps to deliver this is extremely beneficial for architects, contractors, and housebuilders alike.

the blocks calcify and harden in a fire, giving superior performance. Because of our unique design mixes, Lignacite’s block range provides high levels of fire resistance. For example, both the Lignacite medium dense block and the Lignacrete dense block in 100mm thickness have a two-hour fire rating, rising to three hours for the 140mm versions. These ratings represent the amount of time a block can withstand fire before it collapses. Fire safety continues to be very important to us, and we’re constantly searching for ways to make blocks that are lighter, warmer, greener, and more resistant to various conditions so that we may support architects with their projects and design goals.

With fire safety being an extremely important aspect of buildings, how are Lignacite’s concrete blocks designed to solve problems around this? The addition of wood in our blocks gives them a very good fire rating. Conventional concrete made with stone ultimately shatters under intense heat, whereas the wood in our blocks is locked in, denying a supply of oxygen to the flames. This means The Shard

View Lignacite’s high-quality range of concrete blocks at www.lignacite.co.uk.

The Gherkin

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DOORS, WINDOWS & FITTINGS

CASE STUDY: “CASEMENTS AND COCKTAILS” – THE PARTY HOUSE HOSTING GEORGE BARNSDALE TIMBER WINDOWS & DOORS The Gables is a stunning new self-build build house set amongst the rolling countryside of Ware, Hertfordshire. Accessed by a private road that is shared with a few “not so near” neighbours, the house is surrounded by beautifully landcaped gardens complete with a one hundred year old olive tree which might well come in handy for the martinis they mix in their own unique cocktail bar. Tranquility and timber windows Having previously undertaken a self-build project in Enfield, Middlesex, owners’ Jos and Jane Rodosthenous were keen to escape the city traffic and create a new home in more tranquil surroundings. Having recently retired, the couple planned to make The Gables their “forever home” so they were determined to have a future proofed property tailored to their particular lifestyle, love of the outdoors, fitness and having fun with family and friends. Built on the site of a former bungalow which the couple lived in for the first six months from December 2018, the house is a world away from the original which was rundown and surrounded by tonnes of rubbish that had to be moved before work could begin. There were benefits to being onsite though. Once the bungalow was demolished, the couple moved to a property off-site but still spent a lot of time on-site with the builders and subcontractors until covid struck! Everything ground to a halt, materials became extremely difficult to get hold of and the couple were forced to put up with delays like everyone at this time. Choosing the right fenestration When it came to choosing the timber windows and doors for their home, Jos and Jane knew

they wanted high performing, quality timber products that would last a long time and look amazing alongside their hand made bricks and roof tiles. Having spoken to Mark Eldin, Area Sales Manager at George Barnsdale the couple visited the factory in Lincolnshire to see first hand how their windows and doors would be made. Impressed with what they saw, the couple signed off an order for 21 flush casement windows, 8 sets of french doors, 3 entrance doors including a stable door, a sliding doorset for the master bedroom and a statement front door with satin chrome hardwear. All products are are PAS 24 and Secured By Design. Made from FSC ® certified timbers, they are also kind to the environment. Having debated a number of different colour options, the couple eventually went for LG79 to match Little Green’s Normandy Grey for the outside of the windows and RAL 9016 white inside. The entrance doors were painted in RAL LG306 Three Farm Green with white inside and the frame work LG79 to match the windows. Tying into the Gable’s eaves, the couple chose weather boards for the doors in an ebony stain which creates an elegant and unique colourway.

Across the hall in Jane’s bar, there is a set of wooden french doors that open out onto one of the garden terraces which is ideal for guests to venture out onto on a warm summer’s evening. Keen horse racing fans, the couple have incorporated a tv in the bar too so they can watch the races whilst socialising with family and friends. For the morning after, the couple can enjoy coffee and fresh air on their raised terrace off the master bedroom via the timber sliding patio doors. The glazed balcony gives an uninterrupted view of the house and gardens below. A further six casement windows feature in the guest annex alongside a stunning set of timber bi-fold doors.

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Three of the feature casement frames in the kitchen/family room have striking angle shapes and the couple have had specialist privacy glass that changes at the touch of a button using the home automation system which also manages all the lights and audio visual throughout the house.

Website: wwww.georgebarnsdale.co.uk

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WINDOW SPECIFIERS ADVISED TO ‘FACT CHECK’ AROUND FUTURE HOMES AS NEW REGS COME INTO FORCE

Technical experts at the leading polymer window systems manufacturer, REHAU have aired concern that following several years of fluctuating information and debate around the topic, architects and specifiers could be left with multiple sources of conflicting advice.

Part L for new build and refurb projects, and the other two address ventilation standards through Part F for the same. The content series comes as part of REHAU’s wider ‘In The Frame’ initiative which aims to help specifiers navigate their way through the complex landscape of building regulations, technical specifications, and sustainability.

In response, Mark and his team have developed a series of four fact sheets aimed at architects, specifiers, and surveyors which aim to provide a brief introduction to the changes, projected timeline, and targets. Two of which cover energy efficiency requirements under

REHAU is the only uPVC systems company with a national commercial sales team of eight, backed by a wider technical support team who work closely with customers on detailed window specifications for a range of largescale residential and commercial projects.

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Mark Gajda is Head of Technical Services and Certification at the systems company and has been leading a project to ensure its highperformance uPVC continues to exceed all relevant Building Regulations. He says: “The Future Homes Standard is of course not new. It has been high on the news agenda for a number of years now, and it’s this level of content and debate around it that could risk people being served the wrong information.”

Steve Tonkiss, Head of Sales South at REHAU Windows, comments: “With growing pressure on developers to select products capable of maximising the performance of the buildings they work on; windows are now being looked to for those marginal gains. The REHAU TOTAL70 window and door system has long exceeded the relevant Building Regulations. As such, it can be specified for the highest thermal-performing new-build projects alongside the company’s GENEO tilt-turn system, which is a fully certified window and door system for PassivHaus installations.”

The experts are also urging specifiers to think beyond the changing efficiency and ventilation standards. Mark continues: “It’s important that specifiers realise that just because you change one thing in line with regulations, it may impact another – such as acoustics, weather performance and the like. This is an area we are getting a lot of questions on so would encourage anyone who is unsure to get in touch and we will be happy to help advise.” For more information and to download the free fact sheets, click here.

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The Future Homes Standard is of course not new. It has been high on the news agenda for a number of years now, and it’s this level of content and debate around it that could risk people being served the wrong information.

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Window specifiers in the local authority sector are being urged to pay close attention to the latest information regarding the Future Homes Standard as the first changes officially come into force on 15 June 2022.

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www.atouchofbrass.co.uk 210 Fulham Road, Chelsea London SW10 9PJ

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS One of London’s leading Architectural Ironmongers

riginally called “A Touch of Brass”, TOUCH changed their name in 2003 in reaction to advancing market changes in architectural Ironmongery to reflect the broader range of products and finishes that they sell. In fact today Touch supply 20 different finishes including Brass, Satin Brass, Polished Chrome, Polished Nickel, Satin Nickel, Copper, BMA, Antique Brass, Black, Pewter, Ceramic, leather, Stainless Steel, Satin Stainless Steel, Gun Metal & 4 different shades of Bronze and the list keeps growing. Whatever finish you require, Touch can help you get the right look. Touch occupy their recently refurbished showroom at 210 Fulham Road, Chelsea, where they stock and display a vast range of their 5,000 products. With a customer base including Architects, Interior Designers, Builders and private Individuals who are interested in the quality end of the Ironmongery market, the company also have a healthy export market to all corners of the world, namely the Middle East, Europe and the Americas.

Touch Ironmongery’s owner and founder, Bill Benham, has 42 years’ experience in the Ironmongery trade, as does his colleague Jim Haselup. Saleem Qureshi is the newest member of our team and has 21 years’ experience, meaning their knowledge is unrivalled in this industry. The range of products supplied by Touch date from circa 1640 French (Louise XIV) and cover all subsequent periods (Georgian, Edwardian & Victorian), Art Deco and contemporary pieces also make up the product ranges. Touch showcases the very best of British manufacturing; the best ranges are still produced in the Midlands by craftsmen in factories dating back 200 years or more. Touch Ironmongery have recently become suppliers for Designer Doorware (Australia) Who have beautiful products with a cutting edge design Metal, Wood and concrete. We also have the exclusive rights to sell the Olaria (Barcelona) range in the UK. Olaria make all our bespoke products, they have incredible levels of workmanship.

Touch also sell European manufactured goods which are considered to be of a very good quality. With trends continuously evolving new and innovative products are constantly under development. Touch understand that keeping up with the fashion-shifts is imperative in order to provide every customer with the best solution for their requirements. Ironmongery can be a difficult and complicated aspect of a building project, as a result Touch aim to take this awkward aspect and make it user friendly and clear to understand by offering an on-site service where they carry out a detailed door by door, window by window, room by room Ironmongery schedule, highlighting all requirements and identifying all requirements. Restoration is a large part of the business Touch will undertake complete Ironmongery refurbishment projects, and can restore old paint covered door furniture to their former glory, looking as good as new again at a fraction of the cost to replace.

For more information about Touch Ironmongery or to arrange a showroom visit please call 0207 351 2255 or alternatively visit www.atouchofbrass.co.uk

BRITISH & EUROPEAN MANUFACTURERS

SUPPLYING THE FINEST QUALITY IRONMONGERY Touch combine traditional skills with modern manufacturing techniques to produce the most beautiful, quality fittings, built to stand the test of time. As well as specialist bespoke items, Touch supply over 1000 products, available in 23 different finishes to furnish high end residential and commercial properties, royal palaces, government houses, historic castles and stately homes. Olaria, available from Touch Ironmongery

www.atouchofbrass.co.uk & www.olariabarcelona.com

DOORS, WINDOWS & FITTINGS

ADSA IS HELPING DEVELOP A FUTURE WORKFORCE The success of an apprenticeship scheme created by the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) is helping create a future workforce for the industry. A third cohort of Powered Pedestrian Door Technician Apprentices started South Staffordshire College in June with places for a further course in September now being booked. Members of the initial group, which began their two-year apprenticeship in March 2021, are completing projects for end point assessments and should be fully qualified by the end of the year. A second, which started last September, is concluding its first academic year with another to follow. Says ADSA Managing Director Ken Price, “Demand for places has been tremendous. It is good to know that the industry has embraced the opportunity to develop a future workforce utilising the apprenticeship. The nature of our business means that we have traditionally found it hard to attract new talent. Indeed, before starting on their apprenticeships, some

of the candidates commented that they’d been unaware that PPD technicians ‘were a thing’. ADSA’s efforts to professionalise the industry through the provision of end-to-end learning should help attract and retain talent for the future.” In addition to the success of the apprenticeship on mainland UK, a new

apprenticeship course is being launched in Northern Ireland, through South Eastern Regional College (SERC). The college will act as the industry delivery partner for the new Automated Entrances Apprenticeship which is being funded by the Department for the Economy NI. Employers can arrange apprenticeships direct with the college by emailing: apprenticeships@serc.ac.uk.

For more information on ADSA visit: www.adsa.org.uk or email: rachel@adsa.org.uk

Traditional Timber Window and Door Specialists

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Beautiful timber windows and doors, designed to improve energy efficiency. Tailor made solutions for your project. Supply only, supply and install, secondary glazing and draught proofing.

01344 868 668 20

www.sashwindow.com

VICAIMA DESIGN BOWLS THEM OVER AT THE HEYFORD HOTEL A new and stylish Boutique Hotel at the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside has specified Vicaima trend setting door designs to compliment the mood of its relaxing and entertaining interiors. With its select and elegantly appointed rooms, The Heyford Hotel provides a refreshing visitor experience in the picturesque and rural Oxfordshire location of Upper Heyford, yet less than 30 minutes’ drive from the City of Oxford. Situated at the heart of the famous former military airbase and with a nod to its past American connections, the hotel includes its own bespoke bowling alley and themed bar for those wishing to enjoy tastes from across the pond. Developers Dorchester Living have collaborated with Vicaima over many years, in their transformation of the former RAF and USAF Upper Heyford airfield. Therefore, it was only natural that they should chose Vicaima for this jewel in their crown. With a reputation for close attention to design detail and ability to reflect the desired blend of contemporary decor, yet sympathetic to the project’s historic heritage, Vicaima were able to realise the harmonious interiors. Working in conjunction with partners ABL Doors on this phase, Vicaima products included third party accredited and rigorously tested and certified FD30 Fire doors, which Vicaima supplied as popular Portaro® Door Kits. These completely matching door and frame assemblies; designed for easy and rapid installation, were factory finished in Crown Cut Ash veneer with a Marina Grey semitranslucent tone. This attractive face finish also included a final addition, with the inclusion of two vertical and parallel black inlays, positioned close to the doors closing edge. Supplemental to doors and frames, Marina Grey toned skirting boards were also supplied by Vicaima, thereby completing the overall theme.

For more information visit www.vicaima.com or to request samples/literature contact marketing@vicaima.com

Mirror Door Systems

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Portaro® door kits and Marina Grey finish from the Naturdor® stained range are just two examples from an extensive selection of imaginative ideas from the comprehensive Vicaima Design Collections. With performance and decorative solutions for a multitude of hotel and leisure projects, Vicaima offer everything from standard and ‘off-the-shelf’ to completely bespoke designs via their Infinity Brand.

Architect Projects

HOW TO CARE FOR AND MAINTAIN YOUR GLASS ROOF LANTERN, ACCORDING TO AN EXPERT Roof lanterns are beautiful, contemporary additions to any home’s design; if you have a flat roof, these instalments promise to enhance the room’s natural light and ambiance. Of course, their beauty comes from the clarity and openness that roof lanterns help to create – something which requires a little TLC. Thankfully, that needn’t be overwhelmingly difficult… with some expert guidance, you can easily maintain the exceptional quality and appearance of your chosen roof lantern, allowing it to continue shining year-round. Jonathan Hey is the CEO of Aliwood Roof Lanterns and to help you care for your roof lantern, he’s sharing his seasoned insights, outlining essential steps that you ought to be taking as a proud home owner. You can thank him later!

Architect Projects

Roof lantern glass is delicate, meaning even the slightest colour deterioration or damage detracts from their appearance; to protect yours, you should avoid harsh chemicals at all costs, for they can severely damage the glass.

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DOORS, WINDOWS & FITTINGS

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By spotting damage early, your roof lantern can be quickly and affordably repaired, allowing you to bask in its natural light without any concern or unsightly cracks.

1. Check your glass. ‘When it comes to maintaining the beauty of your roof lantern, it’s important that you check the glass regularly to ensure extreme weather conditions haven’t caused any damage. Consistently inspect the lantern to see if the glass is chipped or damaged, covering the corners too as these smaller areas are where cracks typically begin to form, often rippling towards the centre of the glass. By spotting damage early, your roof lantern can be quickly and affordably repaired, allowing you to bask in its natural light without any concern or unsightly cracks.’ 2. Don’t overcomplicate the cleaning process. ‘Fortunately, cleaning your roof lantern’s glass needn’t be complex; sometimes the simplest methods are the most effective. I would recommend using a non-abrasive sponge with lukewarm, soapy water and a microfibre cloth to use after the window has dried. Once your sponge has dried, dampen it and clean from the top of the lantern down, ensuring there are no streaks (no one wants water marks!), and, if possible, clean the window whilst someone is with you to help guide you both in cleaning and safely positioning yourself. Of course, you can easily source the services of cleaning professionals to assist with the up-keep of your roof lantern. After all, they’re not in a position that’s particularly easy to access… if you have any safety apprehensions, don’t oversee this cleaning process yourself.

scratch the glass and damage the finish of your roof lantern’s frame. Be as delicate as you can.’ 4. Cover the interior and exterior. ‘Cleaning a roof lantern does require careful attention to detail – focusing on its exterior won’t suffice. Instead, you must cover both the interior and exterior of the window; dust and cobwebs often collect on the inside corners of roof lanterns, so I wouldn’t recommend skipping this step!

With this in mind, if any damage were to occur, you would automatically be covered. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for every business. When buying a roof lantern, be sure to do your homework and research who you’re purchasing this from – a warranty is incredibly important.’ For more information about roof lanterns and how to care for your own, visit www.aliwood.co.uk.

When cleaning the exterior of your roof lantern, you also shouldn’t focus solely on the glass. Moss and dirt can accumulate around the frame and look unsightly, particularly as this grows over the window itself. When stood safely facing the roof lantern, pick away this foliage and dirt to be disposed of. Garden gloves are a must here!’ 5. Remember the warranty. ‘A roof lantern is a big investment and, rightfully, trusted sellers offer warranties to ease your concerns and maintain the beauty of our roof lantern. For example, at Aliwood Roof Lanterns we offer a 5-year warranty for labour and 10-year warranty for parts.

It’s also crucial that never stand on your roof lantern; they aren’t built with this resilience.’ 3. Avoid harsh chemicals and bristles.

Architect Projects

‘As mentioned, the simplest cleaning techniques often prove to be the most effective with roof lanterns. Roof lantern glass is delicate, meaning even the slightest colour deterioration or damage detracts from their appearance; to protect yours, you should avoid harsh chemicals at all costs, for they can severely damage the glass. Thankfully, you’ll have seen that simple soapy water does the trick. Equally, I would suggest avoiding cleaning tools like scrapers and brushes with harsh bristles; as you might imagine, this can

PROJECT

De Matos Ryan CREATES AN IMAGINATIVE SPACE FOR PLAY WITHIN A CITY GARDEN De Matos Ryan has created an innovative, tree-less treehouse in the garden of a North West London townhouse. De Matos Ryan Director Angus Morrogh-Ryan comments, “Our client was a young family, who lamented the loss of an ailing tree in their neighbour’s garden. The children longed to have a treehouse but were prevented from doing so by having no trees of their own. The brief was therefore to design a treehouse without a tree.”

The new, 4.1m high space was designed in collaboration with the client’s children. Their unencumbered view of the world acted as a catalyst to a highly innovative and imaginative concept. Ideas were developed around creating a den that could only be accessed by children with an elevated lookout or crow’s nest. The children’s favourite cartoon, Danger Mouse, heavily influenced the design.

Danger Mouse’s reluctant assistant and sidekick Ernest Penfold is a timid, bespectacled hamster with the codename ‘Jigsaw’, because at the first sign of danger, he falls apart. The playful new treehouse was going to be Penfold’s hide out. His codename gave license to develop a geometric frame that looks exactly like the way it was built. Continued >>>

Architect Projects

PROJECT

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De Matos Ryan’s starting point was to design an entirely expressed timber frame structure, sufficiently abstract to allow the children’s imagination to run wild and without creating a literal representation of a tree. On a practical level, the structure needed to be prefabricated in pieces and carried through the house via domestic scaled doors at the front and back. The resulting design is a series of triangular Douglas fir frames which combine to make a truncated pyramidal form. At the bottom, the triangles start with rows of

seven and five. The Siberian larch slatted cladding has a stainless-steel cable lattice to encourage climbing plants over the volume and ultimately create the sense of a tree that never was. The unusual form and scale of the structure provides scope for imaginative play and permissive exploration, whereby at any point it can be simultaneously reminiscent of limitless dramatic inquiries such as a hollowed tree trunk, a spaceship, or a castle turret. Adults are somewhat prevented from accessing the interior by a low portal where one must stoop under and crawl into the structure. Within the space, the top look-out level is accessed by a timber and rope ladder. The children can peer out through a series of windows designed to echo the structure’s shape, these can also be opened to provide ventilation to the space. An electric, rain-sensor rooflight sits at the top of the structure which automatically closes as soon as rain begins to fall. External grade LED architectural tube lighting has been used inside the space to ensure that the children can continue to play on darker days or when the sun has gone down. The structure was put together onsite within one week, including all the cladding and windows. Due to its unusual height and form for a rear garden, planning permission was sought and achieved with the only condition being that the structure would need to be disassembled and removed when the property was sold.

PROJECT DIMENSIONS

Architect Projects

Height: 4.1m Width on long side: 2.38m at bottom, 1.28m at top Width on short side: 1.8m at bottom, 0.7m at top

Photography: © Hufton & Crow

DATA CENTRES SPECIFY KPS HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (HDPE) PIPING & FIBRELITE COMPOSITE ACCESS COVERS TO SAFEGUARD 24/7 365 OPERATION In an increasingly connected digital world, data centres are critical. With 3.6 million m² in use by data centres in Europe alone and over 70 projects (851,000 m²) in progress in 12 European countries (ResearchAndMarkets), their growth continues to accelerate to meet the needs of cloud technology, AI, 5G, Internet of Things (IoT) data storage and the shift to hybrid working. This trend is mirrored globally, with investment in data centres projected to rise from $244.74 billion in 2019 to $432.14 billion in 2025 (ResearchAndMarkets). Safeguarding Service. Eliminating Downtime. To ensure 24/7 365 operation and minimise the risk of downtime, data centres are constructed with the highest performance, highest quality building materials available, with every part of a facility meticulously planned. Infrastructure is an integral part, normally comprising of an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), power distribution, cooling systems, fire systems and security systems, many of which have redundancies (2N+1 for Tier 4 facilities, guaranteeing 99.995% uptime) including backup power generators to prevent interruption of service. Two contemporary products being adopted by leading data centres across the globe are Fibrelite’s lightweight FRP composite trench access covers (to protect and provide easy access to underground infrastructure) and KPS’ HDPE piping (to fuel backup generators).

Corrosion-resistant, safe and easy to install (due to compact electrofusion fittings) the KPS HDPE piping system helps fuel flow safely, even providing protection against ground movements (using the elasticity and flexibility of HDPE). Safety can be enhanced further by installing KPS’ conductive piping option, ensuring continuous conductivity between the tank and the end of the line (which can be earthed). This helps to prevent the accumulation of electric charges that could otherwise be created by the friction of the fuel velocity and the plastic inner surface. KPS’ 4” (110mm) piping also delivers a 933 litre/minute flow rate, making it ideal for fill lines (KPS piping is available in 1” to 4” diameters in single or double wall). KPS will also soon be releasing a 6” double wall product range.

KPS piping installed at Chinese data centre for one of the world’s leading tech brands

Another contemporary product line seeing widespread global adoption by architects, design engineers and specifiers to enable easy access to underground infrastructure is Fibrelite’s modular FRP composite trench/

Explore Fibrelite’s technical case studies here: www.fibrelite.com/datacentres Architect Projects

Simple, Safe Underground Infrastructure Access.

Fibrelite’s FRP composite channel access covers installed at major US data centre

channel access covers. These are now often specified at the outset of new build data centre projects. Bespoke, modular and lightweight, Fibrelite covers are designed to be removed quickly and easily by two people using Fibrelite’s ergonomically designed lifting handles, even where heavier load ratings are required (e.g. channels running between buildings with vehicle traffic). In many instances where Fibrelite access covers are adopted, companies choose to specify a bespoke option, custommanufactured to specific requirements including size, colour, load rating, fittings (e.g. securing systems) and moulded identification of below ground services. Fibrelite has also undertaken projects where they have designed and manufactured retrofit replacements for previously installed heavy concrete or metal access covers.

High-Performance Backup Generator Fuelling Systems. A reliable fuel supply is key to backup generators’ smooth operation, connecting generators to fuel storage tanks and tanks to fill points.

Lightweight Fibrelite FRP channel access covers designed for safe manual removal and replacement

Explore KPS’ technical case studies here: www.KPSpiping.com/datacentres

PROJECT PROJECT TEAM Client: Joules Architects: Edge architecture + design Structural Engineers: Cundalls M&E Engineers: Watermans Project Managers: John Lester Partnership Main Contractor: Baileys QS: John Lester Partnership

Edge COMPLETES ITS REDEVELOPMENT OF Joules’ NEW HEAD OFFICE Edge has completed a new head office for British lifestyle brand, Joules, in Market Harborough, where the brand was established more than 30 years ago. The development sees the partial demolition of an a-typical ‘edge of town’ office building and creation of a new 60,000 sq ft structure that brings the UK-based head office teams together under one roof for the first time, in a campus that amplifies the brand’s distinctive heritage and optimises the site’s semi-rural natural surroundings.

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We have had the opportunity to embed the Joules brand within the workplace, creating an environment which fosters greater collaboration across the different teams and functions. This new space will enable a workplace strategy of nimbleness, agile working and wellness as the business continues to expand in the UK and globally.

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PROJECT

Edge designed the new Joules campus as a series of independent but interconnecting barn structures that are assembled around a central covered space. Each component barn or building has its own unique character, reflected in its scale and massing, its materials and finishes. Michael Fern, Principal at Edge, says, “We have had the opportunity to embed the Joules brand within the workplace, creating an environment which fosters greater collaboration across the different teams and functions. This new space will enable a workplace strategy of nimbleness, agile working and wellness as the business continues to expand in the UK and globally. “Our approach has been to use our connected expertise in brand, interiors and architecture, to embody the Joules brand values and ‘the Joules way of life’ across all aspects of the design. We have placed people and the Joules

DNA at the heart, bringing the expression of the brand to life and providing layouts and facilities to encourage movement and wellbeing. We also wanted to create a strong sense of place that respects the natural surroundings of the site and have designed the scheme as a human scale experience with the building and the landscape interacting in a symbiotic way. We took the local farmstead vernacular as a starting point for the visual aesthetic and used sustainable materials.” “At a time when many companies are questioning the purpose of the office, the idea of creating a centre of excellence still holds immense value and strategic importance for

businesses. Joules is a great example of a company whose culture and passion for their product has produced outstanding results, now that the team have greater ability to connect and collaborate under one roof, I’m sure that this will only create the perfect springboard for future success.” Nick Jones, CEO of Joules, said, “This is an exciting next chapter for Joules. With the opening of our new office, we have introduced a new fully flexible approach to how and where our colleagues work, and the space that we have is critical to that. Continued >>>

Architect Projects

All external photography: © Baileys Construction

PROJECT Everything from the reception, landside meeting spaces, product showcase and communal spaces to wayfinding, textures and finishes have been designed to inspire and engage all visitors and users in the Joules way of life.

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With the opening of our new office, we have introduced a new fully flexible approach to how and where our colleagues work, and the space that we have is critical to that. Not only does our new office allow teams to better connect with one and other—whether in the office or working from home—but also brings the countryside in, to help inspire colleagues from across the business.

“Not only does our new office allow teams to better connect with one and other—whether in the office or working from home—but also brings the countryside in, to help inspire colleagues from across the business. “We can’t thank Edge enough for helping create a space that not only reflects the heritage of the brand, but a long-term space that will support the continued growth of Joules.” Tom Joule, Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Joules, says, “This has been a hugely exciting project for our company and our future. We are delighted with the new head office which will support agile working and new efficiencies in an environment that will enable our growing business to continue to attract and retain world-class talent. Edge’s design ‘breathes’ our brand and will help us preserve and support our heritage and culture as we expand.”

Architect Projects

The Joules brand values are omnipresent through key moments both externally and internally.

The working areas have been arranged in neighbourhoods with the facilities and appropriate technology to support agile working and collaboration. The lay-out provides local collaborative, activity-based work settings as well as communal areas (cafe, town hall, indoor and outdoor spaces), to give staff freedom of choice in their working day. The campus also has mock shops and significant on-site storage. Edge designed the new building to maximise natural light and take advantage of the views to the adjacent fields and with a central atrium to serve as the communal space at sits the heart of the new campus. Enclosed and fully conditioned, the atrium provides the feeling of being in the yard of a farmstead, enclosed and protected by the surrounding barns and other buildings. At its centre is a structural ‘tree’ supporting the roof. Integrating the new buildings and landscaping into the existing development and maintaining and enhancing the natural enclosure of the site have been important design objectives. The new head office incorporates Joules’ existing building, Compass House, into the design, with an upgrade to the external envelope. There is now a two-storey feature screen along the south and west facades providing a structure for a mixture of climbing plants to grow on. The screen continues into the interior of the building creating a flow from outside to inside at the central atrium.

PROJECT The materials and colours throughout the exteriors correspond to the language and palette of materials often used in farmsteads in the English countryside and the detailing aims to be traditional with a contemporary twist. Edge wanted to create a sense of gradual discovery on the journey from public highway to the campus front door. The tallest structure on site is the large east barn which has been designed to create a landmark gateway building for the new Joules campus. From here, the other barns on the site are reduced in mass and scale. The ground floor external wall of the large east barn has been finished in Leicestershire ironstone with upper stories and roofing clad in metal. The southern face of the new Joules campus is a small south barn which visitors will see first as they pass through the main entrance. It is clad in timber boarding rainscreen, has a west-facing gable filled with elements that will encourage wildlife to nest or visit and has a sedum roof. A large glazed opening at ground floor on the south facade appears as a barn door. In tune with the way in which traditional farmsteads tend to present a closed façade to the public highway, the largest barn offers a relatively closed face to the public highway with a series of punch-hole windows forming a regular pattern in the facade. Large openings on the north and south gables offer glimpses to the inside of the barn and a large double height projecting window creates a ‘special event’ on the east façade. The planting throughout has been designed to reflect the surrounding landscape character, providing year round interest and colour.

All internal photography: © Tim Crocker

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Russell Kelly

NEW APPOINTMENTS FOR THE HARRIS PARTNERSHIP With a number of exciting projects in the pipeline, leading national architect firm The Harris Partnership (THP) welcomes several new recruits to their Wakefield, Manchester and Reading offices. Russell Kelly joins the growing HPM team in the Manchester office. Russell is an experienced CDM Adviser and Principal Designer with Construction and Fire NEBOSH certification and can assist everyone with any design risk queries. The Reading office are happy to welcome back Alyson Sims to the HPM team, after a month away. Alyson returns as CDM Adviser and Principal Designer. The Wakefield office is delighted to welcome Owen Atkinson-Jones to the Vector Landscape team. Owen is studying Landscape Architecture at Sheffield University and joins the company as an Assistant Landscape Architect for a summer placement to gain practice experience. A second addition to the team in Wakefield is Chester Robinson. Chester is a Part 1 Architecture student and will be a great contribution to the company. Russell Kelly joins the growing HPM team in the Manchester office. Russell is an experienced CDM Adviser and Principal Designer with Construction and Fire NEBOSH certification and can assist everyone with any design risk queries.

Architect Projects

Chester Robinson

JRA APPOINTS NEW ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS TO ITS BOARD John Robertson Architects (JRA) has confirmed the appointment of five new associate directors. The new associate directors – who between them bring almost 50 years’ experience of working at JRA – are Nathalie Bergvall, Kerri Cooke, Etain Fitzpatrick, Angela St Clair-Ford and Mark Wibberley. Their industry expertise ranges from office, residential, education and mixed-used schemes to undertaking client monitoring & compliance services and advising on heritage-related designs both in the UK and internationally. Bergvall oversees design across all JRA’s projects, as well as bids and competitions. Cooke has a particular expertise in workplace refurbishment and reuse. Fitzpatrick’s experience focuses on delivering high-end developments which integrate public realm and infrastructure, often on constrained sites. St Clair-Ford specialises in workplace consultancy

Alyson Sims

and fit-out of interiors for a range of educational and commercial occupiers. And Wibberley is an expert in client monitoring (CMT) using his extensive knowledge and project experience to ensure that technical requirements are contract compliant both in terms of design and during construction. The practice – founded in 1993 – has been involved with some of the most highprofile projects in London during the past decade including the Bush House and Aldwych Quarter, Great Arthur House, Bracken House, 33 King William Street and the recently completed Bloom, Clerkenwell. The appointments come at a time when the practice is looking to build on its existing portfolio of retrofitting Grade A office and mixed-used developments – particularly in London – while growing new workstreams in the workplace, sustainable retrofit, educational, residential, civic and other sectors.

Owen Atkinson -Jones

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST JOINS STATURE LONDON Expanding international project and cost management consultancy Stature London has appointed a new director to lead the project management team.

“I look forward to playing a key role in helping build the team and taking the firm to a new level, establishing a strong platform to ensure sustained growth for the business.”

Lee Marple has been appointed director - head of project management and joins Stature London at a time of expansion, having recently relocated to larger offices in the centre of London, near Victoria Station.

Founded in 2016, Stature London is led by directors Adam Lynch and Qingning Chu. The consultancy works across multiple countries. Stature London’s core services include cost management, project management, and project monitoring. Key project work includes landlord commercial refurbishments, highgrade office fit-outs, multi-unit residential developments and luxury hotel refurbishments.

Lee arrives with more than 30 years’ experience in the property sector, with 19 years at global commercial real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield, where he worked alongside Adam Lynch who moved on to found Stature London. “We’re delighted to have Lee join the team at an exciting period of growth and development at Stature London. We are busier than ever, so Lee’s help will be critical in defining and managing the next chapter in our development,” said Adam Lynch. “His expertise, and most importantly his ethos, make him a tremendous addition to our leadership team.” Lee, who was most recently a partner at real estate company Gerald Eve, has an extensive background in major projects throughout the UK, mainland Europe and East Asia. In recent years he has specialised in commercial office fit-outs and refurbishments and has fitted out more than 3.5m sq ft of office space during his career. Lee said: “It’s a real pleasure to be joining Stature London at this exciting time. The ambitious consultancy has enjoyed consistent yearon-year growth by having a clear vision and a dedication to customer care.

JARVIS SPECIFIES EARTHBORN PAINTS Jarvis Homes, a family company for more than 250 years, set out to improve the sustainability of its building processes and specified Earthborn paints for its Chequers Green development near Ashford. Russell Jarvis, company director, said “We switched to Earthborn as part of a drive to make our houses healthier to live in and more environmentally friendly. Their paints do just that because they are made without oils or acrylics, which means they are virtually VOC free and do not give off any harmful emissions. It enables newly decorated rooms to be occupied quickly because there is no worry about emissions or odours.”

“At Chequers Green we opted for Earthborn, applying it onto gypsum plaster, and we used Eggshell for the woodwork.” Earthborn Lifestyle Emulsion has a hardwearing, classic low sheen finish. Earthborn Eggshell is water based and provides washability and scuff resistance.

Beautiful, hard wearing and virtually VOC free

For further information visit: www.earthbornpaints.co.uk

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Both products are available in Earthborn’s signature colour palette of 72 colours plus white and the 12 Modern Country Colours developed in partnership with Country Homes & Interiors.

EVENTS & AWARDS NEWS

REYNAERS SHORTLISTED FOR SIX CATEGORIES IN THE NFAS Reynaers Aluminium has been shortlisted as a finalist in six categories of the National Fenestration Awards (NFAs) following nominations and votes by industry peers.

SIG DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY PROJECT WINS SPRA AWARD The refurbishment of a vast roof over a train maintenance facility has won one of the coveted awards in the Single Ply Roofing Association annual awards programme. The project to renovate this aging facility was certainly a challenge for contractor GL Contracts and the original question from the client was “it is fixable?”. GL Contracts is a long-time customer of SIG Design and Technology and worked with the specification team there to devise a pragmatic solution that fixed the leaks without having to stop the operations inside the building. The roof structure is a trapezoidal steel deck which was still in very good condition and the contractor concluded that, given the constraints of the project, an overlay of the existing roofing was the best solution. Working with the support of SIG Design and Technology, GL contracts designed a

bespoke specification using Armourplan PSG Fleece Backed PVC membrane bonded to heavy duty OSB which is in turn mechanically fixed to the steel deck. It’s a neat technical solution but the judges of the SPRA awards were particularly impressed by the way the contractor managed complex safety challenges. 40% of the roof area of the 1960s building consists of glass rooflights and live highvoltage cables run in close proximity. Cranes were not an option because of the electrical cables around the perimeter, so all equipment had to hoisted onto the roof using a scissor lift. Without perimeter catch nets or crash mats under the roof, a mansafe system, consisting of horizontal safety cables to which all contractors fixed their own safety lines, was used to ensure the safety of the operatives. Winners of the SPRA awards were announced at a celebratory awards lunch held in Leeds on 15 June 2022.

The premium aluminium supplier is finalist in the following categories: Aluminium Systems Company of the Year, Bi-Folding Door Manufacturer of the Year, Tom Cahill in the Business Development Manager/Sales Executive of The Year, Richard Hall in the Director of the Year, New Product 2022 for the Reynaers SP 68 sliding door system and Systems Company of The Year. This is the 10th year of the awards and organisers were thrilled to receive a record number of nominations from those working in the UK fenestration industry. You can vote for the winners of the National Fenestration Awards here https://www.fenestrationawards.co.uk/vote/ - and votes close on October 7th. The winners will be announced at the awards evening on November 5th.

ARPER SPONSOR OF RIBA ROYAL GOLD MEDAL 2022 Arper is pleased to announce its continued support of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Awards programme celebrating outstanding work in architecture. The company is the sole sponsor of the 2022 Royal Gold Medal Ceremony on Wednesday 15th June. The recipient of this distinguished prize is Balkrishna Doshi, acclaimed architect who influenced the direction of architecture in India and its adjacent regions through both practice and teaching. His buildings combine pioneering modernism with vernacular, informed by a deep appreciation of the traditions of India’s architecture, climate, local culture and craft.

Architect Projects

Streamed live from Ahmedabad, India and London, UK, the Royal Gold Medal Ceremony will be hosted digitally, making it accessible to watch wherever you are. Arper’s collections chosen for the event include Steeve by Jean-Marie Massaud and Dizzie by Lievore Altherr Molina.

EDITOR’S CHOICE WIELAND ELECTRIC’S ‘INNOVATION BEHIND’ IS A CHARGING SOLUTION FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES THAT IS FULLY CHARGED FOR THE FUTURE Wieland Electric’s podis® flat cable system provides an innovative and decentralized solution for supplying power to electric vehicle charging stations. Wallboxes can be supplied with energy easily and quickly, with significantly less effort and material consumption than a conventional installation, thanks to decentralized supply technology. The podis® energy bus system is ideal for supplying electricity to charging stations. A large number of charging stations can be connected to a single supply line using this decentralized power distribution system. This saves time during installation, reduces the amount of material needed, and significantly reduces the distribution cabinet’s dimensions. The feed-in or energy tap-off connection components can be placed at any point on the power bus. The podis® components’ piercing contacts enable quick and flexible positioning of the connection modules. As a result, traditional time-consumers like cutting, stripping, and terminating are rendered obsolete. The feed into the energy bus can be set completely flexibly and freely even centrally, allowing for an ideal load balance on the energy bus. As a result, the number of charging stations fed on a line section can be increased without overloading the flat cable. The power supply tap-off modules can be placed anywhere and at any time. This also allows for the installation to be easily and affordably expanded. The unique feature of these tap-off modules is that they are available in both fixed and pluggable configurations. When a charging station needs to be replaced, this provides significant benefits. The podis® cable is a 5-core flat cable system with a crosssection of 16mm2, rated at 63A, 600V. Connection crosssections of up to 16mm2 in the centre feed and up to 70mm2 in the end feed are possible. Tel: 01483 531213

Web: www.wieland.co.uk

CM2122021 Wieland Electric QP.indd 1

15/12/2021 10:34:51

Celebrating 40 years in business! Belisha Beacons • • • •

Mains & Solar Powered Refuge Parts & Accessories Standard and Illuminated Column

Feeder Pillars • • • • • •

GRP, Galvanised and Stainless Steel Bespoke & Standard Sizes Huge range of sizes Off the shelf stock * Next day delivery ** Pre-wired or Shell only

* Choice of sizes from SDMP, BD and FFP ranges. ** For stocked sizes on orders received before 12noon where possible.

Sign & Light Brackets Electrical Safety Tested Digging Tools Architect Projects

Contact the Sales Team on: Tel: 0333 666 2122 Email: info@fisherandcompany.co.uk www.fisherandcompany.co.uk 35

EVENTS & AWARDS NEWS

Arriving passengers are guided towards the hub of Dock A – which is split across seven floors which are visually connected through the generous light-filled atrium. Passenger flows are funneled through the atrium that connects all floors via stairs, escalators and elevators – from the underground immigration hall to all arrival and departure levels, and the lounges on the top floors of the central hub.

TEAM BIG+HOK WIN GLOBAL ZURICH AIRPORT COMPETITION WITH TIMBER DESIGN Since its opening in the 1950’s, Zurich Airport has become one of the most important aviation hubs in Europe. Following the airport’s previous additions of Dock E, the Airside Center, and The Circle, an international two-stage design competition was kicked off in 2020 to replace the aging Dock A. Expected to open in 10 years, the new Dock A – which includes Schengen and Non-Schengen gates, airside retail, lounges, offices, the new air traffic control tower, and an extension of the immigration hall – will be the next milestone in the airport’s expansion.

Architect Projects

Based on BIG’s concept of the ‘Raumfachwerk’ – a robust yet flexible structural framework – the design proposal celebrates the passenger experience and movement through the airport. Located adjacent to the existing Airside Center and Terminal 1, the new Dock A is defined by two main areas: the central hub with shopping, airport services for arriving and departing

passengers and vertical circulation, and the pier with the gates, waiting areas and the fixed links connecting to the planes. To enhance the passenger experience, the spaces within the new terminal use daylight as a natural wayfinding system. A linear skylight – created by the unfolding roof of the pier – widens toward the central hub and opens up into the atrium where all departing, arriving, and transferring passengers meet. By placing the control tower in its center, the tower is experienced from the inside as a beacon that creates a sense of place, akin to a town square rather than an airport.

A contemporary, pared-back material palette, the structure, floors, and ceilings of Dock A are envisioned with timber as the main material. As a renewable local resource, this material choice allows for efficient prefabrication during the construction process while paying homage to the longstanding local tradition of wood construction in Switzerland. The main loadbearing system of the building is based on V-shaped timber columns – providing a structural function while also serving as a reference both the iconic Swiss alpine landscapes and the centuriesold tradition of timber construction and traditional pitched roofs. Arriving passengers will be welcomed by this distinctly local architecture that showcases high-quality craftmanship while underscoring the airport’s pledge to sustainability. Dock A’s roof will be covered with PV panels while integrated shading will reduce solar heat gain and maintenance requirements, and a combination of water and air-based cooling and heating systems will improve the building’s energy demand.

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Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club Lancing, East Sussex

Trueline Products Supplier of the Year Winner Inca Awards 2021 Trueline Products is an independent familyowned UK Manufacturer, delivering the highest quality Render Beads, Expanded Metal Products, Fabrications for External Wall Insulation (EWI), Rendering, Facades and accessories to the construction industry across the whole of the UK, with high quality craftsmanship, seamless communications, and product delivery, individually tailored to meet our customers specific requirements and specifications. It goes without saying, we are extremely proud to be a British manufacturer, constantly exceeding our own expectations for growth in the fabrication industry and supporting a British supply chain, but our 28 years of industry experience is just the beginning. With an ambitious strategic growth plan through substantial investment and business development, Trueline Product is the perfect partner for your next project, no job is too big or too small. Our flexibility, experience and attention to detail is key to always delivering the highest level of service and products.

Universal Safety Systems Designed and manufactured face panels and a bespoke bracket fixing system.

We are ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 accredited, committed to further build our customers trust and support their business growth. At Trueline Products, we believe that our hardworking and dedicated team is key to our everevolving business. Well placed to deliver any project, anywhere in the UK, with substantial stock held in Kidderminster and Scotland, a fast and efficient delivery service direct to you. A large proportion of our contracts come as a direct result of works that have been completed to such a high standard that the client or contractor has requested to work with us again. We were proud to be chosen to work with the main contractor on the second phase of the distinctive, state-of-the-art training and teaching facility in Lancing, East Sussex. As part of Albion’s continued commitment to their women’s team, the club needed to expand in order to accommodate the women’s and girl’s facility.

Premier Inn Faversham, Kent

This high-profile project was fairly complexed. Our design team, with their attention to detail, meant that even on the most challenging jobs, we can be sure of a first-class finish. We designed and manufactured the bespoke copings to meet the project’s exact specifications used to enhance architectural features and provided all-weather protection.

“Service levels are second to none, maintained throughout the pandemic. Excellent performance backed up with quality products making them the perfect supplier.”

• Specialists in EWI Beads, Trims & Accessories • Bespoke Fabrications • On-site Punch, Laser & Welding Facilities • In-house Powder Coating Paint Lines • Extensive Stock Capacity • Short Lead Time • On Site Survey and Design Team • Full UK Coverage - Stock held in Kidderminster & Glasgow

COMPANY NEWS

NBS AWARDED CARBON NEUTRAL STATUS NBS, a leading specification and product information platform for the construction industry, has been awarded Carbon Neutral status – achieving well over a 50% reduction in its operational emissions since 2019. The accomplishment, which requires a vigorous assessment, recognises the company’s efforts to reduce its own carbon footprint whilst aiding the wider sector in shifting towards more sustainable outcomes. Awarded by third party assessor, ‘Centre for Assessment’. The Carbon Neutrality status recognises NBS’ 2021 UK operations as being carbon neutral aligned to ‘PAS 2060: 2014 - Specification for the demonstration of carbon neutrality’. To achieve the award, NBS had to demonstrate its commitment to reducing its own carbon emissions since 2019, the base level year required for the evaluation.

GROHE CONTINUES JOURNEY TO PLASTICFREE PACKAGING With a tenfold increase in plastic waste pollution in the oceans since 1980 and the annual flow of plastic into the ocean estimated to triple by 2040, immediate action is needed to tackle the plastic pollution crisis.

Architect Projects

While plastic-free solutions are increasingly demanded by consumers and regulators, options are still limited which is hindering global change across

As part of the carbon neutrality certification, NBS has also pledged a commitment to ongoing carbon neutrality throughout 2022 and beyond. Since NBS began measuring its carbon footprint in 2019, sustainability efforts have also extended to its platform and website content - making it easier for manufacturers to declare the environmental properties of their products and allowing specifiers to locate green credentials with ease. In addition, NBS has attained further accreditations, having secured three silver awards after the UN evaluated the company’s 2021 report submitted at the end of the financial year.

all industries. However, small steps can have immediate and scalable impact. This is one of the key learnings of the ongoing journey towards plastic-free packaging by GROHE, a leading global brand for bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings. Taking small steps towards a big goal In 2018, GROHE set itself the aim of removing all plastic from its packaging as one of the three core pillars of its Less Plastic Initiative. But the team involved in this task realised that this complete shift could not be implemented with the packaging options currently available. Factors such as the set-up of current recycling systems and the lack of plastic-free solutions, especially for delicate product surfaces, still pose a huge challenge not only to the GROHE but to all industries. However, with a dedication to continue this initiative, GROHE is now saving 37 million plastic items per year due to the elimination of all unnecessary plastic in its product packaging. This equals the average plastic packaging waste generated by more than 4,300 EU citizens over the course of one year.

SMARTROOF CELEBRATES 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS Smartroof, UK manufacturer of panelised roofing systems, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, a key milestone for a company that has revolutionised roomin-roof construction in the housing sector with its innovative panel system that can be installed in hours, not days. Established in 2002, Smartroof has grown considerably over the past 20 years from when it secured its first customer, housebuilder Barratt Homes. The company has gone from strength-to-strength and is now supplying over 300 roofs every month, aided in part by the recent £1.5 million investment in its Swadlincote production facility to meet the growing demand for modular roof systems. Throughout this journey, Smartroof has worked hard to forge a reputation for innovation which is at the heart of everything it creates. Research and development ensures its products are well-engineered, wellunderstood and ahead of the game when it comes to sustainability. The Keystone Group acquired Smartroof in 2012, recognising that the revolutionary Smartroof system complemented its brands and addressed many of the challenges facing housebuilders today; health and safety, speed of construction, skills shortage, cost certainty and product quality. With a pipeline of projects in the mix for 2022 and beyond, Smartroof has clear ambition and an exciting outlook for the future. Thanks to the unwavering support of its staff, customers and suppliers, Smartroof looks forward to the next 20 years!

All three product types

MAJOR INNOVATIVE NEW SOLUTION FROM THE EVER PROGRESSIVE SCHÖCK Over six decades Schöck has built a formidable international reputation for innovative and progressive product design. The company is best known for its market leading range of Isokorb structural thermal breaks, but its pioneering reinforcement technology and impact sound insulation solutions are also a significant part of the product portfolio. Innovation though is not always about original product development. The Schöck philosophy of rethinking existing product capabilities can lead to derivative technology and the new Sconnex product range is a perfect example. It offers outstanding insulation performance, combined with an exceptional load-bearing capacity.

Closing the last major thermal bridge Type W, for insulating the thermal bridge at the base, or the top of the reinforced concrete wall; type P for insulating the column head and eliminating the need for flank insulation; and type M, a capillary barrier that insulates at the base, or the top, of a masonry wall. With these ingenious

Building physics and expert analysis The main focus of the 2050 building policy guidelines is to reduce energy losses and a critical area is the thermal performance of the building envelope, through a fabric first approach. Sconnex contributes significantly to meeting such a challenging and vital sustainable concept. About 40% of all thermal bridges in a building are caused by walls and columns, resulting in around 10% of heating energy losses. So the objective was to be the first company to develop a component for wall and column connections that both minimises thermal bridges and makes external insulation unnecessary. However, bringing a major new product to market requires extensive due diligence. First, building physics analysis confirmed the solution as being realistic in its practical implementation. Then, extensive expert opinions were prepared for the German Institute for Construction Technology (DIBt), where all mandatory legal requirements, including 90 minute fire resistance, were met. Because of the variance from

practiced construction methods, Schöck also involved scientists from the University of Darmstadt. With groundbreaking innovations, Schöck often teams with specialists from universities and high-profile engineering firms in the development of calculation models. In one dissertation, an empirical design proposal was created for the application of the connection element in construction practice, based on extensive experimental studies on its load-bearing behaviour. Schöck test results were also incorporated and the design proposal ratified by expert opinion.

Total assurance for architects and planners By introducing Sconnex, Schöck has met the needs of the construction industry in maximising the reduction of thermal bridges involving walls and columns. Architects and planners can be assured that the Sconnex product family sets new standards for energy-efficient construction in the 21st century; and those who have already incorporated the products into their projects are enthusiastic about the new design freedom, the planning safety and the economically achievable results for the client.

Architect Projects

Sconnex Type M

high quality solutions, the company has transferred its Isokorb expertise in balcony technology to walls and columns. But what necessary development steps and which building physics obstacles had to be overcome for the concept to become an approved component?

Above: Sconnex types W (left) and P (right)

For further information on the new Sconnex product range contact Schöck on 01865 290 890; or download the brochure at www.schoeck.com

PROJECT TEAM Name: Colorado Villa Typology: Living Location: Rocky Mountains, Colorado Client: Private Architecture: noa* network of architecture Interior Design: noa* network of architecture Surface area: 600 m² Rendering: Dima Visualization, noa* © noa

Colorado Villa: ONE ROOF, THREE GENERATIONS In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, amidst one of Colorado’s most unspoilt landscapes, a villa for three generations takes shape. For this project, noa* reinterprets the iconic Aframe typology and turns it into a sophisticated sequence of private and communal spaces, where the whole family’s needs can be accommodated. A holiday home nestled in the majestic nature of Colorado: this is one of the latest projects designed by the studio noa* network

of architecture. Here, surrounded by the snowcapped peaks of the Rocky Mountains and extensive pine forests, it is common to come across the archetypal American holiday home, the so-called ‘A-Frame’. This typology, which has become a symbol of weekend getaways from the city, features steeply pitched roofs that replace the walls entirely and provide ideal weather protection in snowy regions. noa* takes a personal interpretation of the distinctive clean geometry of the A-frame and creates a cosy refuge where one can come together as a family and reconnect with nature. INTERPLAY OF VOLUMES From the outset, the challenge of the functional programme turned out to be the coexistence of three different generations in what visually had to be a single volume. The interior layout of the spaces had to combine common areas with independent privacy zones for each of the families. In a perfect convergence between the client’s needs and architecture, the team of designers decided to adopt the typology of the triangular house in a more complex interplay of volumes, creating a multifaceted spatiality with an increasing level of privacy on the higher floors. “We have implemented the clear geometry and outward openness typical of the A-frame, but at the same time, we have accommodated smaller, unexpected, but still very comfortable spaces within the larger volume. It’s a space concept similar to a matryoshka system,” explains Andreas Profanter, noa* partner and project leader. The result is a 30 m long triangular prism intersected at several points by volumes of the same geometry.

the A-frame and creates a cosy refuge where one can come together as a family and reconnect with nature. 42

“

Architect Projects

takes a personal interpretation “ noa* of the distinctive clean geometry of

PROJECT The architecture, which in its articulated structure is perceived as a single body, houses however a completely independent private villa for the client couple and a family villa for their children and grandchildren.

BLURRED BORDERS The entrance door on the east side of the house leads to a first stairwell. From here, one can access three areas: the basement with parking spaces and cellar rooms, the client couple’s private villa, and the family villa with a large communal living area. The ground floor of the private villa accommodates a living room, a freestanding stairway, a kitchen with a cooking island and two offices overlooking the inner courtyard, where the barbecue area is set. The heart of the family villa is the large fireplace on the ground floor, which serves as a focal point between the spacious kitchen to the east and the generous living room to the west. The representative dining room with double room height adjoins the kitchen to the north. The relationship with the surrounding landscape is constantly being pursued: large glass façades on all house fronts provide ever-changing perspectives. The boundaries between outside and inside are blurred throughout the building, as in the living area, where part of the rock is integrated into the space.

“In agreement with the clients, we designed each room with maximum autonomy and comfort. Fluid spaces, double heights, and a few surprise elements. Like, for example, the children’s playrooms, that can be reached via stairs hidden in the parents’ rooms”, concludes architect Andrea Dal Negro, who was part of the villa’s design team. Once again, the architecture and interiors of the South Tyrolean design studio convey the expressive power and refined

relationship with nature common to all noa* projects. It is a project where intimacy and togetherness meet and where one can find itself in a unique symbiosis with the surrounding landscape.

“

In agreement with the clients, we designed each room with maximum autonomy and comfort. Fluid spaces, double heights, and a few surprise elements.

“

On the upper floor of the villa, there are five bedrooms aligned with the roof’s ridges. The rooms have an open plan design, and the conventional division of space into sleeping area and bathroom has been fluidly reimagined, with freestanding washbasins and bathtubs. To allow the little ones to carve out a space for themselves, play areas have been created on the attic floor. These are directly accessible from the parents’ rooms.

Architect Projects

FLOORS & FLOORING

THE SENSIBLE WAY TO LEVEL UP Builders faced with levelling up a marked difference in floor height (maybe up to 50mm) between two rooms, for example the floor in a house extension and the floor in the original building or in a situation where an internal wall has been removed, would traditionally opt for a sand/cement screed to build up the lower floor level. While this ‘does the job’, there is a better alternative. Deep base floor levelling compounds can be installed up to a depth of 50mm in one go and, what’s really impressive, is that they can be walked on as soon as 90 minutes after application. Carpets or ceramic tiles can be installed from only six hours after application. Resilient floorcoverings, such as vinyl, rubber or lino can be installed after 24 hours (although if the thickness is above 10mm, it is recommended that the deep base compound is capped with a thin layer (3mm) of high performance levelling compound once it is ‘walk on hard’ and then left for 24 hours. In contrast, a sand/cement screed used to level up a floor can take a day or two before it is ready to be walked on and, importantly, will take many more days to naturally dry out before a floor covering can be installed. These screeds will typically dry at a rate of around one day per millimetre depth of screed, which would mean around 50 days for a 50mm screed to become fully dry. The temptation is to proceed with the flooring installation

before the screed is fully dry, which is virtually guaranteed to lead to problems. Moisture menace Indeed, moisture is such a problem for flooring installations (it is the number one cause of flooring installation failures) that screeds should be checked for the presence of moisture before any work is carried out. This can be done using a handheld moisture meter or, more accurately, using a digital hygrometer. You cannot reliably judge the presence of moisture by smell or touch. The maximum moisture level, measured in terms of relative humidity (RH), should be 75% RH or 65% if wood flooring is going to be installed. Excess moisture is more likely to be present if the subfloor was laid before structural damp proof membranes (DPMs) became mandatory

in buildings or if it is a newly laid screed and may have high levels of residual construction moisture as outlined above. If excess moisture levels are detected, a rapid set, liquid damp proof membrane can be applied over the screed, before the deep base levelling compound is installed, to provide a protective moisture barrier. The best performing DPMs will cure in around three hours at 20°C. If not dealt with, excess moisture can attack adhesives; leading to floorcoverings blistering or becoming detached from the subfloor, it can cause carpets to rot and wood floors to warp, and it provides ideal conditions for mould growth. Quick and easy If moisture levels are below the 75% (or 65%) threshold, the deep base levelling compound can be installed immediately, following priming and drying of the appropriate primer. Priming ensures good adhesion between the compound and the substrate, providing a higher quality finish. It also helps to prevent pinholing and unacceptably rapid drying of the levelling compound when installed over absorbent subfloors. The water-mixed deep base levelling compound is then simply poured onto the area to be raised and allowed to flow into position, requiring only minimal work with a smoothing trowel. The compound will typically have a working time of 20-30 minutes. Substrate suitability As well as being suitable for use over sand/ cement screeds and concrete, deep base levelling compounds are also suitable for use over non-absorbent subfloors such as ceramics, granolithic, terrazzo, epoxy and polyurethane resins, and ceramic and quarry tiles that are in sound condition and well adhered to the subfloor.

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They have found widespread popularity in raising floor levels in conservatory extensions and for filling in trenches in floors where an internal wall has been removed to create a more open living space. Furthermore, they can be used over both wired and wet underfloor heating systems.

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HOW TO USE FLOORING TO ENHANCE INTERIOR SPACES

Attractive and functional flooring can transform the visual appearance of an interior space. The overall look and feel of a room starts with its foundations and the chosen material is essential for creating a unique and personal design that remains in harmony with the rest of the home. Selecting a material for high traffic areas can be challenging, especially if the areas are prone to water exposure, high footfall or UV damage; but choosing the correct material will ensure the flooring remains pristine years after use. When selecting a suitable material for indoor flooring, the shade, texture and quality of

the material should be considered; these elements will not only affect the appearance, but also the functionality of the room. To achieve a sleek look, homeowners in the past have made the mistake of choosing materials that are often impractical. Solid wooden flooring has been a popular choice for decades, however it can be very expensive and prone to wear and tear. The flooring material selected for a home needs to be suitable for its environment, not just in look and feel, but also in it’s durability. This is especially true since lockdown began in March this year, people are now spending an increasing amount of time in their homes; looking to upgrade their interiors and achieve their dream space. Historically, flooring has not always been given the importance it deserves, but when it comes to designing interior spaces, the right flooring will make interiors stand out from the bottom upwards. Room to room symmetry is key when looking to make the space look and feel larger. Looking for flooring that can be installed across an entire level of a home, can extend the area and give the house a greater sense of spaciousness.

Architect Projects

If there are dark furnishings in the room, consider using a lighter colour flooring, this will give it a more open and “natural feeling” making the space appear larger. There are a range of colours and finishes available to make full use of a space whilst also ensuring high quality and longevity. Textured 3D surfaces can also deliver the aesthetics of solid or engineered wood flooring and are suitable for kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms. Many tiles now come with an integrated UV layer to protect from fading and discoloration. Maintaining quality in look and usability is important when choosing a suitable material for flooring; waterproof credentials are

“

If there are dark furnishings in the room, consider using a lighter colour flooring, this will give it a more open and “natural feeling” making the space appear larger.

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Charles Taylor, sales director at Composite Prime, discusses how flooring can be used to enhance the look and feel of an interior space.

important and will enable it to be used in damp spaces, without encouraging mildew or ‘blow’ unlike traditional wood flooring. Also be careful to check the warranty on the product as this will ensure it is covered for many years to come; some products include up to a 25 year residential and 15 year commercial warranty. Avoiding busy patterns on flooring will also open up an interior space; these often give a disturbing illusion of too much going on in a small floor area. The same rule can be applied to tiles; there must be plenty of blank space to create the illusion that the room is larger than it is. Rugs are a great option for smaller rooms, if the right shape and size is chosen. One large rug in the centre of the room with floor space around it, will make the room appear much larger. A lightweight rug in a solid colour is an excellent choice for a small room. It is also useful to consider a material that provides easy installation; some flooring materials provide a drop-lock installation system and the ability to score the surface and easily snap each tile to cut, therefore eliminating the need for specialist tools. This allows the material to be cut to size and laid on top of any material, uneven surfaces and gradients; removing the need to detach preexisting flooring and speeding up the fitting process further.

FLOORS & FLOORING

Hygienic Coatings

Decorative Flooring

Slip Resistant Systems

Fast Cure MMA

Lining & Demarcation

Chemical Resistance

Resbuild House, Unit 4 Durham Lane, Armthorpe, Doncaster, DN3 3FE Tel. +44 (0) 1302 300822 Fax. +44 (0) 1302 300833 sales@resbuild.co.uk www.resbuild.co.uk

BIG BRANDS AND NEW NAMES! Harrogate Convention Centre will open its doors to visitors from the 18-20th September for three days of business and networking. This year also signifies 60 years of this annual event, celebrating the largest show dedicated to the flooring industry in the UK. With just under three months to go until The Flooring Show opens, exhibitors are preparing to showcase new and innovative collections of carpets, LVT, rugs, tiles, vinyl and much more. It is a must-attend event for anyone in the industry and will bring together retailers, suppliers, manufacturers and contractors for the biggest show in the industry calendar. Suzy Makin, Sales Manager said “We are delighted to be inviting many new exhibitors to Harrogate for the first time. With so many companies from across the industry joining us this September, visitors can expect to see innovation in abundance as well as the latest market trends.”

Big names already confirmed to exhibit at the show include: Abingdon Flooring, Associated Weavers, Ball & Young, Berry Alloc, Bostik Limited, Cavalier Carpets, Cormar Carpets, F. Ball & Co Ltd, Furlong Flooring, Interfloor, Kellars, Lano N.V, Lifestyle Floors, Likewise Floors, Millennium Weavers, Penthouse Carpets, Q A Flooring Solutions Limited, Texfelt Ltd and Victoria Carpets & Design Floors. As well as seeing your favourite brands and meeting new suppliers, The Flooring Show is also a great opportunity to gain new skills, learn business tips and tricks, see live demonstrations and much more. With so many features, it is set to be a jam-packed event in what is a bumper year for the show. Registering in advance is the only way to guarantee you and your colleagues receive

free, fast-track entry into the event. Don’t miss out on exclusive show deals, seeing the latest market trends and watching the suspenseful ‘Fitter of the Year 2022 competition – Carpets’. Click here to register for your complimentary ticket to the industry event of the year. Key information: Dates: 18-20th September 2022 Venue: Harrogate Convention Centre, King’s Rd, Harrogate, HG1 5LA Website: www.theflooringshow.com Opening Hours: Sunday 18 September 9.30-17.30 Monday 19 September 9.30-17.30 Tuesday 20 September 9.30-15.00

Architect Projects

New names joining The Flooring Show this year include: ANTA Scotland, Aydin Textiles, Carpenters Limited, Central Floors Ltd, Corkart, Eva Life, Flokser Tekstil, Floorify, Gaziflex, HFD Scotland, Independent Flooring Group, Işik kadif, Kährs, Kensington

Trims, Roomvo, LX Hausys, MN Floor Training Limited, McAlpine Kneepads, Mink Teks, Modevsa Carpet, My Hali, Nurteks Hali, Jaspa Woven Ltd, Oneflor UK, Oznur Crapets, Ozerdem, Perincheril Rubbers, Rana Hasir, Riviera Home UK, Sihirli Hali.StainShield Ltd, Strata Sales Ltd, Tremco CPG UK Ltd, Treeven, Verhoek Europe, Yuseal Ltd, plus many more!

EVENTS & AWARDS NEWS

OWI CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF MULTI-MILLION DESIGN-BUILD UPGRADE FOR HUGH L. CAREY AND QUEENS MIDTOWN TUNNELS IN NEW YORK CITY COWI in joint venture with CHA Consulting, Inc. (CHA) as the owner’s engineer, provided quality oversight to support the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (TBTA) in the completion of five design-build contracts worth US$123 million to rehabilitate the Hugh L. Carey and Queens Midtown Tunnels. The upgrade project has advanced current

systems, enhancing public safety and reliability of the city’s transport network. Together the Hugh L. Carey (HLC) and Queens Midtown tunnels accommodate around 128,000 vehicles per day and are vital to commuters and visitors traveling into Manhattan. Both tunnels are over 70 years

old, and the Hugh L. Carey is the longest continuous underwater vehicular tunnel in North America. Environmental events such as hurricane Sandy have had devastating effects on New York and its transport infrastructure, highlighting the need for advancement in design and technology. COWI and CHA were contracted to provide expert quality oversight and coordination of new ventilation and fire systems, including advanced smoke detection and communication systems in the tunnels. All upgrades were completed on budget during the pandemic and on-time without closing the tunnels to traffic. The project included the design and construction of a water mist fire suppression system prototype within the HLC tunnel, the first of its kind to be installed in North America. The team was able to implement this through its collaboration between designers and contractors with knowledge of local codes, vendors, and skilled tradespeople. The existing fire suppression system relied on the Fire Department of New York response, which could be impacted by traffic disruptions associated with a fire in the tunnel. The upgraded technology now protects the traveling public and provides additional protection to the tunnel infrastructure from fire damage.

ARCHITECT RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION FOR BIM Award-winning architecture practice CPMG Architects has continued its commitment to being at the cutting edge of industry standards by successfully upgrading to the latest ISO accreditation for BIM. The consultancy – which had previously held certification to the British Standards Institute (BSI) PAS 1192 standard since 2016 – has been awarded with ISO19650, which is regarded as the international standard for managing information over the whole life cycle of a built asset using BIM.

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With many government-procured contacts now mandating the use of ISO19650 for suppliers, the accreditation gives the practice the capacity to deliver projects in accordance with the required standards. Paul Bodill, director at CPMG said: “We’re delighted to have successfully migrated to ISO19650, continuing our long-standing approach towards the innovative use of BIM in our projects. A strong proportion of our work is in the education sector and we

are very often appointed by contractors to deliver designs for the Department for Education, so this accreditation will mean that we meet the government-led standard and can continue to build our extensive portfolio and experience in this area. We work in an increasingly globalised industry, so it’s great to work to an international standard that can be picked up and used by organisations around the world. It’s also more flexible than the previous BSI standard, giving us greater scope for collaboration. While the most recent Digital Construction Report shows that more than half of practices CPMG’s size use BIM, just 14 per cent work to the ISO standard, so receiving this mark really sets us apart from similarsized practices.” The now-retired PAS 1192 standard was seen as the original benchmark in BIM processes and has been superseded by ISO19650 in order to keep pace with the innovation in the sector. Richard Flisher, managing director at CPMG, said: “Having developed processes

and systems that back worked Established in to the BSI standard, the 1987, migration to ISO19650 was January Burnham an essential move in order to ensure that Environmental Services is the brainpower the practice remains at the forefront behind the Biodigester of developments in the BIM space. This product.isNow overimportant 40 accreditation not just for years later product frameworks and the public sector projects, also is one of the most for work procured directly from contractors, successful products of for whom holding a recognised standard is its type in the UK. now becoming a pre-requisite for working with them.” Burnham Environmental Services design, manufacture and supply Biodigester package sewage treatment plants for small populations. speciﬁc design factors. The Biodigester ‘T’ range has 8 involve simple technolo models for 6-42 people, complies can be operated and m with EN12566 Pt 3 and has a CE without a high degree o Mark. knowledge. The “totall ‘T’ range Biodigesters o BES can also supply systems for without odour and do n up to 2000 people. to be emptied for at lea All Biodigesters are suitable for variable loading. The Biodigester designs are very eﬀective due to a number of

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JAMES JONES & SONS WINS RIAS AWARD FOR NEW VISITOR BUILDING

building acts as a demonstration project, almost entirely erected from James Jones’s own products, with an approach to minimising the use of steel and maximising timber. This ode to sustainable timber construction showcases the company’s ambition as well as its operations; presenting a flagship for Scotland’s timber industry. The winners of the RIAS Awards will now become the ‘longlist’ for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award – one of the most significant architecture prizes in the world – which will be announced in November. Recipients of the 2022 RIAS Awards are also eligible for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Awards.

The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has announced eight exceptional buildings as winners of Scotland’s national architecture awards. The James Jones & Sons Lockerbie site is the largest single site sawmill complex in the UK and the most technically advanced. As such, Lockerbie receives a high number of visitors – including small groups of customer visits, customer training courses, academic institutions, and industry events.

The idea for the building recognised the need to provide increased office accommodation, better visitor facilities, and the opportunity to host on-site training courses and industry meetings, which previously had to be conducted offsite. James Jones & Sons held a design competition between two architectural firms and the winning team was Konishi Gaffney from Edinburgh, led by Kieran Gaffney. Konishi Gaffney did not have to look far for materials for the new offices and visitor centre at the UK’s largest sawmill: the

Drawn from all across Scotland, the winners of the RIAS Awards 2022 include a new secondary school that places students’ mental health and well-being at the heart of its design, the rescue and restoration of an iconic Modernist house, and an exquisite rural office building on the edge of the Balmoral Estate. The jury for the 2022 RIAS Awards were Murray Kerr (founder, Denizen Works), Christina Gaiger PRIAS (President, RIAS), Audrey Carlin (CEO, Wasps Studios) and Tony Chapman (former head of awards, RIBA).

Premier Loft ladders’ growing range of fire rated loft ladders offer the benefits of increased warmth retention and safe access, whilst providing up to 120 minutes of fire protection. Over the past couple of years, Premier Loft Ladders has introduced several new loft ladders to its product range. A great example of these are the innovative Klimatec 160 passivhaus and Isotec loft ladders. Both feature high strength steel ladders and offer superb thermal insulation. Furthermore, the Klimatec 160 is certified for use in passive buildings. Also, both loft ladders have the benefit of fire-resistant hatch boxes (the Isotec offering up to 120 minutes protection) and a very high load rating of 250kg per step. These new products accompany the already well-established fire rated products on offer from Premier Loft Ladders, including the popular Supreme loft ladder range, as well as the compact MiniLine. These concertina loft ladders feature high strength components and counterbalanced operation, making access to loft space, plant rooms or a flat roof terrace safe and easy. Visit Premier Loft Ladders web site to explore their full range of fire rated loft ladders.

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PROJECT NEWS

DESIGNS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEPARTMENT STORE IN TOKYO REVEALED

Designs for the Shibuya Marui Department Store, a nine-storey retail development in Tokyo, which is set to become a new showcase for sustainable lifestyle brands, have been revealed. The building adopts the highest standards of sustainability, embodying the core principles of environmental responsibility and wellbeing. David Summerfield, Senior Executive Partner, Foster + Partners, said: “We are delighted to be working on such a ground-breaking and sustainable project, which is a stone’s throw away from the world-famous Shibuya Crossing. “A timber structure will significantly reduce the embodied carbon of the building, while simultaneously creating a warm and open experience for visitors.’’ Marui seeks to influence and attract customers who align with their sustainable values, creating a close-knit community of like-minded brands and people. The design of their new store aligns with this vision by maximising daylight and passive thermal comfort, while using natural materials. Inspired by traditional Japanese building techniques, the new department store also features a timber structure that dramatically lowers the building’s embodied carbon and offers a distinctive presence on one of the city’s arterial routes. Internally, the building features open plan retail units with timber floors and exposed timber ceilings throughout. An additional steel structure enhances the building’s seismic performance. The western face of the building, that looks onto Koen Dori Road, combines an expressed timber structure with a timber balustrade cladding. This achieves an optimal ratio of glazing on the façade, thereby achieving a significant reduction in solar gain. The offset service core is located towards the east, further reducing overall heat gain, while the fluted glazing cladding provides a sense of lightness. There are visual connections between the recently opened Miyashita Park to the east, with panoramic views of the surrounding areas from the generously planted roof garden. Complemented by a café and restaurant, the roof garden has the potential to include an urban food farm in the future. At ground level the north and south entrances lead, via landscaped bamboo walkways and green walls, to the vertical circulation zone in the east. From here, visitors can enter the department store.

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The building will be powered by renewable energy, part of which will be generated from on-site photovoltaic panels, which will contribute to reduce operational and embodied carbon. Photography: © Foster + Partners

PROJECT NEWS

SIMONE DE GALE ARCHITECTS WINS DESIGN COMPETITION FOR KENSINGTON MEMORIAL PARK MASTERPLAN The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has appointed Simone de Gale Architects as Lead Architect and Principal Designer to the project. Designs are underway with a view to gain planning permissions in 2022, and complete construction in time to launch in 2023. Simone de Gale’s proposals for the Kensington Memorial Park Masterplan have been developed with the design ethos to retain, reinvigorate and connect. The design is sympathetic to the surrounding vicinity and reflective of the RBKC character as defined in the St Quintin Conservation Area. Simone de Gale’s proposals have introduced elements of traditional construction and combined this elegantly with modern design and contemporary materials. The proposals are relatively generous in its interpretation of the design brief with an emphasis on improved circulation and use of the playing fields and social areas. New buildings will replace existing

dilapidated constructions including the following accommodation; sports changing rooms, offices and facilities for grounds maintenance staff, food and drink retail unit, and public facilities for visitors to the parks. The proposals provide an allowance for soft and hard landscaping such as widening of paths and allocation of zones to congregate. The total development is 10,000sqft including new buildings and landscaping combined. The land located at St Mark’s Road was bought in 1923 with funds provided by Kensington War Memorial Committee. They wanted to create a suitable tribute to those who had given their lives in the First World War. Ever since it operated as a public park equipped in pleasant formal areas, a children’s playground, tennis, football, junior cricket and One O’clock club (managed by Family and Children’s Services) and public facilities. In 2016, HRH Prince William the Duke of Cambridge commemorated the park as a Centenary Field, in honour of the British soldiers who died in World War I. Being appointed Lead Architect for the Kensington Memorial Park carries a historical significance, in particular the announcement made during the week of HRH Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee, and above all is a project dedicated to bettering the experience of architecture and environment for residents and workers within the vicinity The project is also benefactor of an RBKC Green Fund grant. The project will therefore have various green technologies incorporated into the scheme. As a company which is signatory to the RIBA’s Carbon Net Zero 2030 Challenge, the project is committed to meeting various operational and embodied carbon targets.

GRADE II GRANTLEY HALL WINS SPECIFICATION AWARD The Grade II listed luxury hotel and spa Grantley Hall in Ripon, North Yorkshire, has scooped the prestigious Winner of Winners Award sponsored by GEZE UK at the 40th anniversary AI Specification Awards. The award was presented by GEZE UK MD Kaz Spiewakowski to architects Bowman Riley and architectural ironmongers Em-B

Solutions Ltd at a glittering ceremony at London’s Leadenhall Building. Grantley Hall opened in 2019 as a highend hotel and spa following decades of neglect. The project required an extraordinary level of care to ensure the seamless integration of new and old ironmongery. The new products were designed to perform to the latest

standards and operate with an access control system, while integrating with the antique brass and stainless steel furniture already in situ. Said Kaz Spiewakowski, MD of GEZE UK, “As longstanding sponsors of this award we recognise the importance of architects and architectural ironmongers working together to produce beautiful buildings that are also perfectly suited to those using them.” Explaining the Architectural Ironmongery Specification Awards GAI President Mario Del-Signore said “Entries are judged on the effectiveness of the architectural ironmongery specification and how it enhances the security, accessibility and safety of the building, whilst also adding to its aesthetics, functionality and lifespan.” More information about the awards and all the winners can be found on the news section of Guild of Architectural Ironmongers website www.gai.org.uk Architect Projects

(L to R): GAI President Mario Del-Signore; Philip Goldberg, Mark Brown, and Andy Fitzgerald (Em-B Solutions); Ruth Bush (Bowman Riley); and Kaz Spiewakowski of sponsors GEZE UK.

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HEATING, VENTILATION & INSULATION

NEW VIESSMANN HEAT PUMPS FOR THE EASY REPLACEMENT OF BOILERS Viessmann has launched two new-generation monobloc air source heat pumps, the Vitocal 150-A and Vitocal 151-A, which are ideal for replacing boilers in the UK’s existing housing stock and are exceptionally easy to install. Each is available with outputs of 10, 13 and 16 kW.

temperature, insulation level and mechanical integrity. Subject to the system design requirements and seasonalised efficiency calculations, existing radiators may also be retained, depending on the heat loss from the house.

The 70oC maximum flow temperature (without an immersion heater) of both the wall-mounted Vitocal 150-A and the floor-standing Vitocal 151-A with integral 190-litre DHW cylinder means that in some cases the existing hot water cylinder can be retained, depending on its coil size, desired store

Both heat pumps integrate previously separate system elements – buffer tank, expansion vessel and overflow valve – in the indoor unit (IDU), taking up 60% less space in the home and reducing installation time by 90 minutes. Both models are extremely quiet in operation thanks to Viessmann’s Super Silent Design. Locating the defrost buffer inside the IDU ensures that the heat pump never fails to start, regardless of system temperature. For future-proofing and to ensure very low global warming potential (GWP), the system uses R290 (propane) refrigerant, one of the most climate-friendly and cost-effective available with a GWP of less than 1! With a COP (Coefficient of Performance) of 4.9-5.0 (according to EN 14511 for A7/W35 and depending on the model), the new heat pumps generate up to five times the usable heat for heating and hot water from one kilowatt hour of electricity and heat from the outside air. All Viessmann products and digital services, for both installers and end-users, are networked within its new One Base software platform.

The Viessmann Vitocal 150-A (wall-mounted) and 151-A (floor-standing) domestic air source heat pump indoor and outdoor units.

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THE RISING TREND OF LIFTS IN HOMES People are moving house less often. In the last two decades, people on average moved every 20 years, in the 90s it was every nine years. This change now means people are buying and building homes to live in for many years to come. People looking for their forever home want to ensure the house is future-proofed to cover every stage of life. The rise of future-proofing and the trend for building high specification luxury homes sees developers and owners alike, including the convenience of a lift.

Luxurious design statement A lift is an ultimate statement, a lifestyle choice and practical feature. It not only boosts the price of a home but also makes it more attractive, creating a one-of-a-kind focal point.

Home-owners future-proofing for years to come Lifts provide a fantastic practical purpose, for many, continuing to live in the same house as they age is important, as is the ease of moving groceries between floors. A lift can allow them to do just that. Plus, a lift costs less than moving house!

A resurgence of the dumbwaiter Not just people-moving lifts that play their role. As the trend grows for new townhouses with several floors, service lifts (or dumbwaiters)

are regaining popularity due to their smallness and installation ease.

• Cost – put aside £15-£25k in your budget for the supply and install cost of a lift to move people or £6-7k for a dumbwaiter.

The different types of home lifts

• Professional input - if the lift is designed into your project from the start then you will limit major issues. For an existing home, get a lift survey, and for a new development, speak to the lift company to decide the perfect product. They can assist in making sure you’ve covered all of the technical requirements.

Properties come in all shapes and sizes - and so do lifts. In a new dwelling, a lift can be part of an Architect’s plans. In an existing home, there is a need to place the lift around the current house layout. The choices are endless and broadly fall into these categories: • Lifts - up to five people travel between floors with a choice of door options, finishes and configurations. • Through-floor lifts - up to two people travel between the ground and first floor, best suited to smaller spaces. • Service lifts/Dumbwaiters - transporting food, groceries and goods between floors, ideal for properties with three or more floors, or where the kitchen, garage and/or dining area are on different levels.

What to consider when choosing a lift Narrow your search and choose whether; it will take people or goods; how many floors of travel and space you have. Along with a few further considerations:

• Location - it’s always a good idea to locate a lift for people next to the stairs and in a central location. That way it will be easily accessible from every part of the home. • Size - it might seem attractive to fit in a smaller lift, but go for the largest you can. Ideally create a space that is big enough for a wheelchair and another person. That way, you will also be able to use the lift to transport furniture and other larger items between floors. • Style - choosing the style of the lift, from glass shafts, custom walls, door options, to bespoke flooring – a lift can be a sleek and stylish addition as well as a life-long practical choice. • Installation - lift installations will likely require building work, varying on the type of lift. It is advisable to consult with a specialist early on in your project. Even if you decide a lift isn’t an option for now, a home can be futureproofed by ensuring you design a space where it can be installed at a later date. Whatever your requirement, Stannah can supply all these product types. To enable an easy decision, we guide you through the complete process. With your perfect lift chosen, installation is a few days, then it is ready for use - with the reassurance of local service, nationwide.

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The possibilities of home lifts are endless, taking homeowners, family and guests, or goods, around a home.

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Your expertise creates inspirational environments. Your expertisemakes createsthem Our expertise inspirational accessible. environments. Our expertise makes them accessible. With the rising trend of lifts in homes, our lifts complement your visionary buildings. Unlike a conventional lift, our home lifts do not require any space for a pit or its machinery and With the rising trend of lifts in homes, also provide added value to a home – our lifts complement your visionary both financially and aesthetically. buildings. Unlike a conventional lift, Lifts can be placed almost anywhere our home lifts do not require any in the home and we provide project space for a pit or its machinery and and ongoing product support to help also provide added value to a home – you deliver excellence. both financially and aesthetically.

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02/09/2020 12:22

FIRE SAFETY

THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURAL CHANGE WITHIN THE INDUSTRY On 14 June 2017, a fire started in the kitchen of a fourth floor flat in West London. Within minutes, the fire spread via the exterior of the building reaching all four sides of the 24-storey tower block and in two hours, most of the upper floors had been engulfed in fire. The fire which destroyed Grenfell Tower saw the loss of 72 lives and has been named as “one of the UK’s worst modern disasters.” Factors that played part in the disaster Grenfell Tower had a ‘stay put’ fire policy which assumes that fire compartmentation works in the event of a fire. Being an important element of passive fire protection, its purpose is to contain the fire to its area of origin for as long as possible meaning that effectively, the fire and rescue services can bring the fire under control, and residents can evacuate safely. Many of Grenfell’s residents followed this policy and stayed put only to become trapped by the fire that gained momentum around them; others ignored this policy and managed to escape to safety. It is quite incomprehensible just how many things went wrong during the early hours of that Wednesday morning. Fire safety engineer Dr Barbara Lane, in a report to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, discovered that the fire started spreading vertically up the tower block, and “laterally along the cladding above and below the window lines (and) the panels between windows.” The fire reached the top floor of the east side at approximately 01:26, evidenced by mobile footage, and had spread to the north side by 01:42.

An important factor: current practices in the industry

There were many factors that played a part in the fast spread of fire, but in his report to the Inquiry, Professor Luke Bisby said that evidence “strongly supports” that the external cladding was the main cause.

Current practices show that the industry, often, focusses on sales and profit; cheaper products and money saved; quantity of content rather than the quality of content, over the safety of a building and its residents. Until the industry wholeheartedly embraces change and separates itself from old practices, the risk of destructive fire is inevitable.

However, Bisby found that other factors may have contributed to this such as other flammable materials for example, a polyurethane polymer foam insulation board, whilst Lane identified combustible materials in the windows, exposed gas pipes and flat

“ 56

In light of the fifth anniversary of Grenfell Tower, a day to remember the people who lost their lives and hold in thought all of the family members and survivors, it is important to reflect on the years that have passed and why a cultural change is needed. Dame Judith Hackitt has been the driving force behind the construction industry’s next steps in building a safer future.

The industry’s culture has been resisting change for decades, suggesting that most parties are reluctant to take the lead and admit that it needs to improve with immediate effect. It has taken the tragedy of Grenfell for the culture of the industry to come under hard scrutiny in what Hackitt explains as “lack of ownership and responsibility, the system is gamed, and corners are cut wherever possible.”

“

He said: “The ACM (aluminium composite material) product on Grenfell Tower incorporates a highly combustible polyethylene polymer filler which melts, drips, and flows at elevated temperature. The polyethylene filler material is expected to release large amounts of energy during combustion”.

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doors not meeting current fire resistance standards.

The Building Safety Bill received royal assent on 28 April 2022, meaning that it is now an act of parliament (BSA). Although many of the requirements will not come into force for another 12-18 months, Hackitt senses the mood may have shifted. She said: “The construction industry is waking up to the reality that this is really going to happen. I am delighted to hear [...] that more than 300 organisations have now signed up to the Building a Safer Future charter and a similar number to the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI).” Why is cultural change important? Although five years on, there is still a long way to go in terms of embracing innovation and rebuilding the trust and confidence lost in the construction industry. Legislation will help to change behaviours and force people into doing the right thing, but it cannot create a cultural change alone. It needs leaders and professionals within the industry to stand up and be counted but ultimately, encourage other individuals to do the same. If the practices displayed in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry have shown anything, it is that there is no better time than now for all parties to start utilizing guidance provided from relevant sectors and begin changing the way they work. With the ongoing push for reform, it has never been more vital for individuals to have the correct training, experience, and knowledge in their sectors. One main problem highlighted was the lack of well-trained workers. Sir Martin Moore-Bick, chair of the Grenfell Inquiry, stated: “Four members of the first [firefighter] crews to have fought the blaze had 52 years of combined experience. However, they had not received any training on the risks posed by exterior cladding or the techniques to be deployed in fighting fires involving cladding, the report found.”

FIRE SAFETY

For any cultural change, there must be someone willing to take the lead. The construction industry is guilty of waiting for regulations to come into force before taking any action, but it is not enough to wait for government changes anymore: all sectors must get ahead of legislation now. This can be through guidance from manufacturers for example, firestopping manufacturers on their tested details, or through crossparty communication where all sectors communicate with each other throughout the entirety of a project. By the construction industry working together as a unit, rather than individual sectors, lives will be saved, and buildings protected. In addition, organisations can get ahead of legislation by complying with schemes such as the CCPI, which “will help organisations drive higher standards in the presentation of construction product information, prioritising building safety.” The objective of the code is to make sure that any given product is supported by clear, accurate and

up-to-date information. While the Building Safety Regulator and National Regulator for construction products are being established, the CCPI is an efficient way for an organisation to show that it is responding to the issues raised since Grenfell. In the Inquiry of Grenfell Tower, one devastating discovery was that there was a lack of accountability from both the government and the construction industry. Getting ahead of legislation also means taking responsibility for the work that is done. With the act placing more responsibility on individuals, it is time for the industry to take ownership rather than just accepting today’s commonly used excuses. This means to take a more proactive approach to fire safety by focussing on what products, materials, and manufacturers are used: everyone has a choice. Also, by making sure the people with the correct skill set, knowledge and experience are appointed for the job. If an organisation is accountable for their decisions and actions, the project is more likely to be delivered in line with expectations and safety regulations. A cultural change is needed in both attitudes and practices of the built-environment industry. As industry practices have come under hard scrutiny, many organisations may feel apprehensive about new practices and how they may expose work on previous projects. Although, in some cases, many organisations were working to the best of their knowledge at the time, the focus should

“

By prioritising the safety of residents occupying highrise buildings over the costs in the construction industry, risks of fire can be managed effectively, preventing a disaster like Grenfell ever happening again.

“

This suggests that when it comes to fire safety, every party needs to be involved from architects, who design a building, to fire and rescue services who are the first point of call in the event of a fire. By employers becoming influencers in the development of their organisation, alongside workers wanting to do the right thing for a safer future, this will ensure competency and ultimately, help create safer living spaces for residents in highrise buildings.

be on what actions can be taken now to create a safer future. By working towards competency and being prepared to ask for help from relevant experts, fire safety can become the main priority from the earliest stages of a project. The act pays respect to the 72 victims and brings an air of hope to their family members and survivors that ultimately, change will prevail. By prioritising the safety of residents occupying high-rise buildings over the costs in the construction industry, risks of fire can be managed effectively, preventing a disaster like Grenfell ever happening again.

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VALUABLE LESSONS IN FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY DESIGN

In an evolving construction industry, the approach to building design is ever shifting. Yet, as the complexity of projects intensifies, safety and sustainability remain fundamental Karen Trigg

areas of focus, and according to architects, have been the most common of issues presented to them over this past five-year period. In response, the Architects Registration Board (ARB) - as the professional regulator responsible for setting the standards for architect registration - in late 2021, posed significant changes to architectural training and educational guidelines. The new guidance, published by the ARB and sanctioned by the reformed Building Safety Bill, is considered a way of modernizing the teachings of architectural schools and will address the key challenges and opportunities facing the sector by introducing revised module guidelines on ‘Fire and Life Safety’ and ‘Sustainability’.

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Under the new ‘Fire and Life Safety’ guidelines, the expanding architecture curriculum will examine: • The science of fire, smoke generation and spread • Design principles to minimise the risk of smoke and fire • Means of escape in case of fire and the appropriate access to buildings and facilities for emergency services • The significance of product specification to fire safety and performance as part of a construction system • Protecting building users from hazards during use and maintenance

“

Between the reformed Building Safety Bill and the Fire Safety Act 2021, fire safety has been a subject of increased scrutiny over the past few years. Evidently, occupant safety must always remain the top priority throughout any construction project, regardless of its size or scope.

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Under guidance from the Architects Registration Board, architectural students are set for a change in curriculum. Karen Trigg of Allegion UK explores this decision and why industry collaboration is central to improving fire safety education and paving the way to a safer future.

Fire safety is paramount to a building’s success but is a complex subject with a variety of layers, as is defined by these modules. However, following the call for the revised curriculum, both future and present professionals must collectively recognize its importance, and through better education and collaboration, aim to deliver a fire safe infrastructure, with higher levels of quality and building performance. Better by design Between the reformed Building Safety Bill and the Fire Safety Act 2021, fire safety has been a subject of increased scrutiny over the past few years. Evidently, occupant safety must always remain the top priority throughout any construction project, regardless of its size or scope.

FIRE SAFETY Fire and life safety design plays an integral role in this, not only as a compliance obligation but as a practice that can improve project output.

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As a result, and as outlined by the ARB, every architect must be educated on the basics of fire safety and its role in building design, keeping in mind the latest codes, regulations and hardware required for a project. One area to consider under the revised curriculum’s ‘means of escape’ is the required number of fire door exits per room and per floor. Fire doors are often the first line of defense against fire and thus are meticulously tested to British Standards BS 476: Part 22 or BS EN 1634-1 to certify their resistance to fire for a minimum of 30 minutes (FD30) or 60 minutes (FD60).

HR PROF THE ECO-FRIENDLY FIRE RETARDANT

·Water based - does not leach · Allows wood to breathe naturally · Internal/external application · Colourless - Odourless · EN 13501 - 1 · Non Toxic - No Solvents · BS 476 part 6 & BS 476 part 7 · Euro-class B-s1-d0 and C-s1-d0 · BM TRADA ISO 9001 Certificate · Meets the highest EU standards

As a project moves through to specification, decision makers must also identify the required door hardware - which are designed to facilitate the compartmentation of smoke and fire and so must comply with UK Construction Products Regulations. Specification is critical when a project’s materials are being considered and can be the difference in a building failing to meet its functional and necessary safety standards. Inadequately specified door furniture can result in blueprints and specifications changing at a later stage of the project to comply with the correct standards, adding preventable time and costs to development.

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With HR Prof

Classification Reports & Certificates for HR Prof; Pine, Spruce,

Scotch/Siberian Larch, Western Red Cedar, Oak, Plywood & More ________________________________________________________________________________

Also for Wood Protection Fire Retardant UK One Coat Interior

A clear, colourless treatment for Euroclass B s2 dO and Class O in a one coat application on porous wood, porous–faced plywood and porous wood based boards.

Fire Retardant UK Top

By understanding the role of fire safety from the earliest stage, and in this case, the functional aspects of fire doors and their hardware, professionals can deliver better projects with enhanced safety and performance.

Coat Sealer Interior Option

For protection against dirt, UV, and splinter resistant surface, a wipe-able sealer for application over Interior One Coat. In clear or Wood-stain - Matt or Satin finish

Project collaboration The onus to deliver fire safe buildings doesn’t lie solely with architects, however. Although architects are the only professional body that has a statutory obligation to partake in Continuing Professional Development (CPD), industry wide education is crucial if we are to maintain the necessary standards associated with fire safety. Fire safety is an expansive subject that touches many areas of a building’s lifecycle, from the design stage right through to maintenance, and the ARB’s newly formed curriculum serves as a reminder to all professionals on what they must remain educated on. To assist industry education and collaboration, today’s associations, professional bodies and manufacturers are supporting all professionals to ensure there’s a greater understanding towards these key themes. Hardware manufacturers for example, as part of the Building Safety Bill’s Golden Thread of Information regulatory framework, are providing more detailed product information in the form of comprehensive product datasheets, installation guides and training portals. In doing so, manufacturers are offering greater transparency on product performance and testing, improving product discoverability and traceability. Accordingly, it’s imperative for industry professionals to remain informed on hardware options and the role they play in fire safety, as this collaborative approach can lead to better and more consistent design choices that continue to deliver on fire safety post-project delivery.

on these key themes, and through improved collaboration, can reform the project delivery process in a bid to deliver true fire safety. How Allegion UK can Help Allegion UK has a wealth of resources to help professionals undertake product selection, installation and maintenance checks on fire doors and hardware. For information on product selection and installation, please speak to our experts or head to our download centre for technical fitting instructions. For post-installation support, Allegion’s simple toolkit provides information and tips on detecting potential faulty doors and poor installation, a guide to the EN classification system and a safety checklist. There’s also an option to order a free door gap tester or download Allegion’s general guide to service and maintenance for free. Allegion also offers RIBA approved CPD presentations, covering a range of topics from the role of door hardware in life safety and safe escape to accessible design (BS 8300) to meet building regulations under Approved Document M.

Wellbeing, accessibility and performance will always remain unremitting themes in our built environment. At a time where information is at our fingertips, professionals across the supply chain possess a real opportunity to develop a sustained education

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Fire safety is an expansive subject that touches many areas of a building’s lifecycle, from the design stage right through to maintenance, and the ARB’s newly formed curriculum serves as a reminder to all professionals on what they must remain educated on.

Architect Projects

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ROOFING & CLADDING

IT PAYS TO SPECIFY QUALITY TAPERED INSULATION AS PART OF A FLAT ROOF APPLICATION By Paul Simpson, Commercial Director at Recticel Insulation With the cost-of-living crisis beginning to make its unwelcome presence felt, the Bank of England has added to a sense of national uncertainty by predicting the UK was at risk of entering recession. Skyrocketing energy prices are adding significant weight to the economic burden, with residents being advised to ensure their finances are in order before the next predicted gas price hike in the autumn.

Architect Projects

It’s estimated that in a poorly insulated building, a roof accounts for a quarter of its heat loss. Its performance, therefore, is crucial to ensuring a property meets regulation energy standards, as well as reducing its running costs.

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As well as paying closer attention to their household’s fiscal incomings and outgoings, property owners might be minded to assess their building’s thermal performance – the issues are intrinsically linked, after all. Poorly insulated buildings, whether in a domestic or commercial capacity, are a major cause of heat escape. This not only leads to a less comfortable indoor environment, property owners who do not address the gaps in their building’s energy performance will be adding to their mounting fuel bills come the winter.

Flat roofs, for example, are susceptible to rainwater ponding if there is a lack of drainage. This can weigh heavy on a roof if left untreated, which risks damaging its waterproofing membrane and insulation. Should this occur, a roof’s thermal capability will be compromised whilst the integrity of the building’s structure

is vulnerable to damp and water ingress. In basic terms, tapered insulation is an ideal solution for directing water run-off whilst ensuring a roof achieves regulation levels of thermal performance. It’s not an outcome that happens by accident; it requires good planning, installation and a high-quality system that is designed to meet the specific demands of the application. Tapered insulation solutions Recticel, with its bespoke delivery of flat and tapered roof solutions, works closely with clients to navigate each element of the insulation process to ensure a project’s success. From specification and design through to the manufacturing stage and beyond, its turnkey service provision gives clients peace of mind that the tapered insulation system delivered will keep their roof watertight and warm for years to come. Recticel had a wide range of tapered insulation solutions which can be tailored to suit a variety of applications regardless of size, complexity or profile. They include:

ROOFING & CLADDING

Powerdeck® U: Has the same variable lambda value as Powerdeck® F. Its bituminous facing makes it the ideal board for torch-on waterproofing systems. Powerdeck® U is also BBA-certified.

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Property ownership is the costliest investment most people will make in their lifetime. But it could be said that in terms of finance, if you look after your building, your building will look after you.

applications that experience intense thermal cycling between cold winter temperatures and extremely hot summers.

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Powerdeck® F: This BBA-certified product is faced with a mineral-coated glass fleece. Its variable lambda value (between 0.024 and 0.026 W/mK) is based on the board’s thickness. Suitable for a multitude of waterproofing systems including adhered single-ply membranes, poured and rolled felt applications, and mastic asphalt; Powerdeck® boards benefit from high compressive strength and dimensional stability.

Eurothane® Eurodeck: Compatible with mechanically-fixed, single-ply waterproofing systems, this excellent thermal insulation board offers a consistent lambda value (0.022 W/mK). BBA certified, Eurothane® Eurodeck ensures a superbly-flat surface finish in new-build and refurbishment projects.

range of adhered and mechanicallyfixed waterproofing systems. Its dense composition not only reduces the transfer of airborne noise, it absorbs vibration and sound pollution caused by direct impacts such as heavy rain.

Rockwool Hardrock Multi-Fix (DD): A BBA-certified stone wool insulation board, which has a mineral-coated white fleece, this is a true allrounder when it comes to compatibility. Single-ply, EPDM, liquid membranes, green roof systems; Rockwool Hardrock Multi-Fix is the ideal accompaniment to a wide

In addition to our core solutions, Recticel has developed a variety of specialist products for non-standard applications. Topcover, for instance, provides added protection for PIR boards in areas of excessive traffic and high loadings. The ultrathin board, which contains a high compressive strength, is ideal in flat roof

Specialist systems

The company also has a range of prebonded hybrid systems, such as a PIR/ mineral wool panel, which maintains excellent thermal performance whilst offering superb acoustic properties. Again, this is particularly effective for absorbing the sound rainfall on a flat roof, an issue which is addressed in BB93 guidance for performance standards for the acoustics of school buildings. Each of Recticel’s specialist systems is imbued with the quality afforded by its regular production methods; a process, which coupled with our teams’ technical expertise, allows the company to create a bespoke tapered insulation solution that will long-term protect a roof and building, as well as safeguard against costly remedial works incurred by less-effective insulation systems. Property ownership is the costliest investment most people will make in their lifetime. But it could be said that in terms of finance, if you look after your building, your building will look after you. And that means protecting its most prominent asset – the roof – from perils that could further impact a property owner’s spiralling cost of living.

CARLSBERG GROUP HEADQUARTERS OFFICE BUILDING, COPENHAGEN, DENMARK ARCHITECTS: C.F. MØLLER ARCHITECTS

A “bubbly” facade is part of a major development project A massive transformation of what is (probably) the most famous brewery site in the world, has resulted in a stunning and vibrant new city district in the heart of Copenhagen. With a combination of both modern and historic architecture, the extraordinary Carlsberg City District will provide both office and residential buildings, as well as cafes, shops, hotels and schools.

Raw material: Aluminium Pattern: RMIG ImagePerf Thickness: 3.0 mm Finishing operation: Bending Surface treatment: Anodising D1(AC-Gold)20 MY

Website: www.city-emotion.com

email: info.uk@rmig.com

Architect Projects

The Carlsberg brand is synonymous with thirst-quenching drinks, so it is fitting that the facade design for the entrance of their new headquarters depicts refreshing golden bubbles, leaving you to imagine your favourite Carlsberg tipple. The facade was manufactured and supplied by RMIG using RMIG ImagePerf to create the pattern of the bubbles.

Technical characteristics

Tel : 01925 839610

ROOFING & CLADDING

HOW ROOFING INDUSTRY LEADERS CAN HELP ADDRESS SPECIFIERS’ INSISTENCE ON MORE EXTENSIVE FIRE PERFORMANCE As architects, clients, building control and other specifiers are rightly insisting on fire test certification that directly reflects the exact roofing system being installed, Dean Grady, Senior Product Engineer at Sika, discusses the role of Extended Application Assessments (EXAP) testing and how industry leaders can help. Without question, today’s roofing industry is experiencing a greater focus on the fire performance of roofing systems than ever before. This is partly due to regulatory changes but also down to improved standards and expectations across the industry, with clients, building owners and insurers wanting to satisfy their own criteria. The regulations are reasonably clear stating that, in general, roof systems must be classified to BS EN 13501-5 BROOF(t4); the exception being ‘attachments’ on buildings over a certain height (18m in England and Wales, and 11m in Scotland), where the insulation must be noncombustible. However, it is easy to see where the waters can be muddied by an almost infinite amount of possible build ups. Specifiers and architects are, rightly, concerned whether different membranes, deck types, insulation, thicknesses, technologies and finishes will complicate the fire performance of a particular system. While the industry is currently in consultation through its trade bodies and associations to seek clarity with a simplified and unified approach, this isn’t likely to be a fast process.

Dean Grady

As a result, Sika made the decision to take its already extensive fire testing to another level with the use of Extended Application Assessments (EXAP). Whilst achieving this level of range-wide certification involved significant time and financial investment, Sika chose to play an active role in demonstrating fire performance for the greater good of the industry.

Uncovering the role of EXAP No-one should offer a view on fire performance without direct test evidence to back it up. Evidence has to be provided that a proposed roof system will comply with regulatory requirements from a third-party certification body. Working with Warringtonfire, Sika embarked on a project to cover entire ranges of system permutations. With tests and test data extrapolations only able to be done by accredited fire test houses, it became clear that there was already an established and recognised solution to cover the myriad of roofing systems that Sika offers. Fire tests on individual roofs/roof coverings are now carried out in accordance with CEN/ TS1187, the results from this testing are then classified in accordance with EN13501-5. CEN/TS 16459 External fire exposure of roofs and roof coverings - Extended applications of test results from CEN/TS 1187 provides bodies like Warringtonfire with methodology or ‘rules’ for optimising the number of tests required to cover the maximum field of application. This methodology is what’s commonly termed as ‘EXAP’ – Extended Application, while CEN/TS

In the meantime, Sika has sought to anticipate and meet this challenge by providing assurance through an evidence-based certification, spanning the entire breadth of its single-ply range. That way, whichever system, product, or technology was being proposed, there would be proven evidence that it met with approved industry standards. Sika has invested heavily in testing facilities in the UK

16459 provides the means to classify a range of permutations to EN13501-5. Far from an easy way out of testing, the process is demanding because it still involves physical testing to CEN/TS1187 and of course this must still be passed. However, it does allow for tests to be done in increments and to then cover the range in between. Sika already had a large body of test data available, which has been a huge advantage in what has been a mammoth undertaking spanning more than two years.

Sika Sarnafil single ply and beyond As a result, Sika now has test certification from a third-party test body to demonstrate that any Sarnafil PVC single-ply membrane with 50mm+ insulation on steel, timber and plywood at any degree of pitch under 70⁰ achieves BROOF(t4). Consequently, Sika can demonstrate and facilitate regulatory compliance for fire safety and satisfy current market demand for fire test certification that directly reflects the exact permutation of system being installed Having this comprehensive BROOF(t4) classification - which indicates the highest external fire performance for roofs - means that specifiers and other stakeholders can use Sika Sarnafil on their roofing projects with a very high degree of confidence, assured that they are complying with fire regulations. Not only is it a clear way forward in terms of mitigating roof fire risk, but it is also a great step towards helping support those with the heavy responsibility of ensuring people’s safety by increasing the confidence and reassurance specifiers are looking for.

Architect Projects

Continuing to strengthen Sika’s position as an expert and leader in testing and compliance, the same accreditation is currently underway for all Sika roofing systems. Sika Sarnafil roof systems are classified as BROOF(t4); the highest external fire performance for roofs

If you would like to find out more about Sika’s roofing solutions and services, call 01707 394444, email enquiries@uk.sika.com or visit www.sika.co.uk/roofing.

BrookClad

Micronised Timber Cladding

BrookClad Micronised Treatment enhances the durability and appearance of Scandinavian Redwood timber cladding and provides a real alternative to Canadian Cedar and Siberian Larch. Benefits include: - 30 year warranty against fungal decay and insect attack. - Green Guard Gold Certification for use in sensitive areas. - Raw material readily available. - Huge cost savings against other species. - Low maintenance as it is a preservative treatment, not a coating. - Full chain of custody certication from sustainable sources. fi - Every stage of production carried out in house with BrookClad. - Produced in accordance with EN14915. - All stages of production ISO9001 certified.

uktimbercladding.com sales@brookridge.co.uk 01823 680546 The Brookridge Group, Hemyock, Cullompton, Devon, EX15 3PF