Refurb Renovation News - Issue 51 by Lapthorn Media

Issue 51 2021

PROJECT:

BEYER BLINDER BELLE ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW HASTINGS HALL

LEISURE MEETS LEARNING IN NEW DESIGNS FOR MORPETH COMMUNITY HUB

NEW COLOURS FROM EARTHBORN THE PREPARATION GROUP

Get it right first time!

Vicaima: Doors fit for a new world! Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa Brought Back to Life with Dazzling Design with DesignLSM

SIKA MONOTOP® PIONEERED | ENGINEERED – NUMBER ONE FOR SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE REPAIR

NEW

USES RECYCLED MATERIALS

There are many reasons why Sika MonoTop® is your primary go-to for concrete repairs.

EASY HANDLING

Find out more at: www.sika.co.uk/sika-monotop #refurbthefuture

MORE PERFORMANCE | MORE SUSTAINABLE

LOW CARBON EMISSIONS

DUST REDUCTION

GOOD SURFACE FINISHING

MEETS LEED TIME SAVING SOLUTION REQUIREMENTS

HIGH BUILD-UP

FOR GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION

LOCHANNA KITCHENS WINS MAIN DISPLAY SPACE IN HARROGATE SHOWROOM

GRAND DESIGNS LIVE BRING THE BEST OF HOME DESIGN BUILD AND INNOVATION TO THE NEC THIS OCTOBER

TIMELESS TABLE SERVICE! AN ENDURING SIGHT AT WHITLEY BAY’S RENDEZVOUS CAFÉ

LONDON BUILD SHOW PREVIEW

BILLESLEY MANOR HOTEL & SPA BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE WITH DAZZLING DESIGN WITH DESIGNLSM

ROOFSHIELD® PROTECTS THE HERITAGE OF NORTHERN IRELAND CHURCH

NEW COLOURS FROM EARTHBORN

UK CONSTRUCTION WEEK SHOW PREVIEW

NEW SPORTS HUB DESIGN COMBINES ELITE SPORT AND COMMUNITY NEEDS

THE PREPARATION GROUP: GET IT RIGHT FIRST TIME!

VICAIMA: DOORS FIT FOR A NEW WORLD!

HOW TO DESIGN A BEDSIDE TABLE, ACCORDING TO INTERIOR EXPERTS

SECONDARY GLAZING IN AN EXCEPTIONAL SCHOOL FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN

KITCHEN WINDOW DESIGN SECRETS REVEALED!

BRINGING THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR BACK TOGETHER THIS OCTOBER

GODDARD LITTLEFAIR CELEBRATES EAST LONDON WITH ITS DESIGN FOR MONDRIAN SHOREDITCH LONDON

RESOLUTION TO GRANT APPROVAL FOR 692-BED BENDIGO BUILDING STUDENT SCHEME

PROJECT: BEYER BLINDER BELLE ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW HASTINGS HALL

Contents Lapthorn Media Ltd

Editor Maria Lapthorn editor@rrnews.co.uk

Designer Laura Whitehead laura@rrnews.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Francesca Amato editorial@rrnews.co.uk

Website Content Russel Goldsmith russel@lapthornmedia.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Georgina Baxter georgina@rrnews.co.uk

Circulation Manager Leo Phillips subs@rrnews.co.uk

Tel: 01843 808 102

Sales Manager David Valentine david@rrnews.co.uk

Accounts Richard Lapthorn accountsdept@rrnews.co.uk

www.rrnews.co.uk

Sales Assistant Jane Parker jane@rrnews.co.uk

Publishing Director Paul Attwood paul@rrnews.co.uk

5-7 Ozengell Place Eurokent Business Park Ramsgate CT12 6PB

Issue 51 - 2021

very effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in Refurb & Renovation News however, the publishers accept no responsibility for the claims or opinions made by advertisers, manufactures 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.

Company News BEIS HYDROGEN STRATEGY, REACTION FROM BAXI HEATING Comments attributed to Jeff House, Head of External Affairs at Baxi Heating

he energy transition is upon us and we are shifting today’s energy use to low and zero carbon sources. The way in which we heat and provide hot water to our homes and businesses will change, and we are developing technologies that will support this transition. A bold and pragmatic policy framework will encourage investment and drive change. We therefore welcome today’s publication of the Hydrogen Strategy from the Department

for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). This important document details the role and vision for clean hydrogen deployment at scale in the UK, building upon the ambitions in last year’s 10 Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution. As an energy carrier, hydrogen has many uses that will help to decarbonise heating, transport and industry. We therefore welcome the government’s assurance to the the public today that hydrogen can be made as safe as natural gas. Alongside the Strategy, the Government is publishing its proposed business model for supporting hydrogen production in the form of a Contract for Difference. This approach has been utilised successfully for offshore wind and will enable the sector to invest in early-stage projects and reduce the cost of hydrogen. The availability of low-cost hydrogen at scale is a key enabler of the deployment of hydrogen for heat. We believe there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution, and a whole range of heating technologies will need to be deployed for a range of properties. Baxi Heating, as part of BDR Thermea Group, is at the forefront of developing clean heating

solutions, including our ground-breaking development of hydrogen boilers. Our work with the Hy4Heat project and associated demonstration sites in the UK show technical feasibility of this solution. We believe the Government should act upon advice from the Climate Change Committee and other sources advocating a mandate that all boiler sales from 2025 should be hydrogen-ready in order to help pre-populate a swathe of the housing stock ready for a future conversion. Technology, energy efficiency and business models are all bit parts in the wider picture. Skilled installers and contractors will be utterly essential to success, so we are glad to see the announcement of a hydrogen sector development action plan in early 2022 setting out how the government will support companies to secure supply chain opportunities, skills and jobs in hydrogen. Following the Hydrogen Strategy, we look forward to several important publications in the lead up to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), including consultations on the role for hydrogen-ready appliances, off gas grid heating measures and the UK Heat and Buildings Strategy.

JUMP INTO REALITY SECURES WORLDWIDE PATENT AND MULTINATIONAL GROWTH FOLLOWING €1M INVESTMENT ROUND Jump Into Reality, the tech start-up revolutionising the interior design process, has reported multi-national growth and secured a worldwide patent, as well as opening a second office in London.

RRNews - Issue 51

he major brand developments follow their first successful funding round in June 2021, which saw their SaaS platform secure over €1M from investors including ENISA, ICO, Seedrs, WA4STEAM, Aderis Investments, and Runway Investments.

The investment will continue to fuel significant growth over the next year, with the expansion out of their Headquarters in Madrid, into a London based office, facilitating their growing workforce of tech and interior design experts. The pioneering tech company also have plans to further develop JUMP into DESIGN their cloud-based platform that allows interior designers to quickly and easily create and

personalise hyper-realistic 3D designs, to manage and share with clients. Linda Facchinetti, Founder and CEO of Jump into Reality said: “Despite the challenges that the pandemic has brought to businesses over the past 18-months, we are delighted to have secured the trust and confidence of our investors. Their belief in our product will help take us to the next level, enabling us to accelerate our growth plans, expand our commercial and business development team, and invest in new features for JUMP into DESIGN®, including Mixed Reality. To add to their growing list of brand partners, which already includes Made, BoConcept,

Desenio, and many more, Jump Into Reality has recently welcomed Porcelanosa and La Redoute to the platform. These relationships will enable Jump Into Design users to decorate spaces with real items from a 3D catalogue of thousands of products. Clients can then visualise specific furniture in their homes, with the option to buy directly from the manufacturer. Linda continues, “It is fantastic to have so many new partners on board, all of which will help build our credibility within the interior design sector, and showcase just how game-changing our software really is. We are excited to bring our product to the UK market in the coming weeks.”

Company News BIKBBI WELCOMES FORMICA GROUP The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) is thrilled to welcome International surfacing solution brand Formica Group as the next Corporate Sponsor to support the organisation. The Institute is growing its reach into high-profile manufacturers who are showing great support towards installation in recognition of its importance to the wider industry.

ith experience designing, manufacturing and distributing flooring for both commercial and residential customers worldwide for over 100 years, the reputation of Formica Group has been founded on quality, service and innovative product lines. Formica Group works closely with architects, designers, fabricators, specifiers and developers to be able to offer their consumers new and modern products that complement current design trends. Ryan Smith, Head of Residential UK&IE said: “At Formica Group we have kitchen fitters front of

mind and tailor our product offering to support them, this includes comprehensive installation guides which are backed up with step by step video guides. We are excited to support BIKBBI and we strongly believe that it will better connect us to kitchen fitters and through their knowledge and experience, enable us to take our support to the next level. BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters commented: “We’re unable to do this alone. The support from our Corporate Sponsors is invaluable and I’m delighted that we are working with the international brand of Formica Group on developing installations within our industry.”

SCAFFOLDING ASSOCIATION WELCOMES HMRC’S CRACKDOWN ON APPRENTICE PAY The Scaffolding Association has welcomed a HMRC memo issued to businesses, reminding them to ensure that apprentices are paid at least the National Minimum Wage.

Low Pay Commission report published earlier this year states that around 1 in 5 apprentices earn less than their legal entitlement.

The report sighted several common errors by businesses including: • failure to pay the higher age-related minimum wage rate to those apprentices who are aged 19 and over and have completed the first year of their apprenticeship • paying the £4.30 per hour minimum wage apprentice rate before or after an apprenticeship actually starts or finishes • not paying for all the time worked by an apprentice training time is working time Scaffolding Association Chief Executive, Robert Candy, said “The skills shortage in the construction sector is a significant issue and attracting young blood is hard enough already.

See the apprentice section of Check your pay for further information on when minimum wage rates apply to apprentices.

Beautiful collections from LochAnna Kitchens have been chosen by More Kitchens to feature in its new and improved Harrogate showroom.

ore Kitchens, part of the Passmore Group, has selected LochAnna Kitchens to feature in the main display space of its Harrogate showroom. In a move to convert the space from an exclusive bathroom showroom to a joint kitchen and bathroom studio, More Kitchens was looking for unique collections different to those already available on the market and contacted LochAnna Kitchens directly for consideration. Paul Jenkinson, Managing Director, LochAnna Kitchens comments: “When More Kitchens approached me with their request to feature unique and interesting collections in their new and improved Harrogate showroom, I knew that the kitchen ranges we have on offer would be the perfect fit. We offer unrivalled and distinctive kitchen ranges such as our stunning Tavole collection with a planked finish and unique Italian-made wood veneer door, as well as our timeless handleless kitchens. We focused a lot of our time and energy into choosing the collections and designing the displays that

we put forward for consideration, making sure they stood out from the crowd. We were delighted to win the main space in their showroom. Passmore have dressed the displays beautifully and elevated them to a new level – the attention to detail is superb.” The updated showroom features LochAnna Kitchens’ brand new Tavole collection along with the brand’s Durham and FORM true handleless kitchen collections. Julie Gokce, Senior Designer for More Kitchens comments: “After exploring several kitchen brands that would stand apart from our current ranges, we felt that LochAnna would offer our Harrogate clientele something with a more bespoke feel. We felt that the quality of the furniture and comprehensive range of styles and colours was a perfect match for More Kitchens. After working alongside LochAnna, making sure that the designs and ranges were offering something to cater for all tastes, our new showroom exceeds all expectations.”

RRNews - Issue 51

Businesses must ensure they are paying apprentices correctly and fairly which is vital to stay on the right side of the law but also to ensure that young talent is retained in the sector”.

LOCHANNA KITCHENS WINS MAIN DISPLAY SPACE IN HARROGATE SHOWROOM

TIMELESS TABLE SERVICE!

AN ENDURING SIGHT AT WHITLEY BAY’S RENDEZVOUS CAFÉ

For more than 60 years, Formica® laminate has created the atmosphere and heritage in a unique landmark on England’s north-east coast.

he timeless Art Deco style of Whitley Bay’s Rendezvous Café means it has long acted as a local attraction.

Originally operating as a restaurant after its construction in 1930, it was transformed when the Arnone family took control in 1957 and brought their vision to life. Since then, it has been a treasured icon for generations of holidaymakers and Whitley Bay residents, marking an ideal spot for catching up over a coffee while taking in the stunning coastal scenery. And while there have been many revamps and refurbishments (including a full refresh in 2021), one thing has remained constant: Formica® laminates, which have provided the café with durable, hygienic and stylish tables across eight different decades. Owner Tiz Weepers says: “Formica® laminate is an enduring part of our iconic image. “Its distinctive styles have helped us to strike a delicate balance between Art Deco tradition and modern-day expectations. We love the red flashes around our tables

“And on a purely practical level, Formica laminate is brilliant. We know it can withstand all the day-to-day knocks you’d expect in a busy café and its hygienic properties are second to none.

RRNews - Issue 51

“We’re only four miles down the road from Formica Group’s UK HQ in North Shields. We couldn’t be prouder to have such a strong, international brand on our doorstep and in our café.”

Today, F1238 Carnaval Matte 58 is used on Rendezvous Café’s table edges while F3421 Bianca Luna Satin NDF provides the table surfaces. To find out more, explore our full range of commercial interior laminates today.

COLLABORATION PLATFORM FOR REAL ESTATE PROJECTS GBuilder creates holistic digital journeys to all stakeholders utilizing Digital Twins data. Enhance customer experience, optimize processes, automate data management and guarantee a loss-free flow of information. Property end-users, sales team, office staff and project management, general contractors, build site personnel and subcontractors all have individual dashboards and access rights. For buyer / end-user: Self-service platform and access to a digital twin of their property. Visualizations with dynamic material options in 3D, VR and AR. All communications, project information and documents in one place. Material configurator, extra works and special requests with transparent pricing. Possibility to report any defects during moving-in or warranty period. For the sales team: Dynamic 3D/VR/AR models of each unit with dynamic material options. New innovative, visual ways to present off-plan units and configuration options. For office staff / project managers: Managing material database, optionality and pricing. Real-time information to follow project progress. Accurate data out of the system; material quantities, room cards, profit calculations, order forms... Managing and assigning reported defects. For general contractor / build site / subcontractors: Access to accurate and real-time information. BIM-based room cards, material summaries with quantities, communications, quantities, daily logs,

checklists…

Enhance customer experience Save time Eliminate mistakes Increase profits

www.gbuilder.com

JOIN US IN ELIMINATING SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BOTTLES

CHOOSE GROHE BLUE HOME: MADE FOR YOUR LOCAL WATER

+ Sustainable: no more single-use plastic bottles + Filtered water straight from your kitchen tap + Great taste: still, medium or sparkling + Convenient and safe

Find out more about our kitchen filter taps on blue.grohe.co.uk

BILLESLEY MANOR HOTEL & SPA BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE WITH DAZZLING DESIGN WITH DESIGNLSM The much-anticipated reopening of Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa following an extensive £5.6 million refurbishment, offers guests the chance to rediscover the property’s historic charm, and stories that have been brought back to life through jaw dropping design with hospitality interior designers DesignLSM.

RRNews - Issue 51

n ongoing ambitious design project, Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa is a stunning reflection of a beautiful period property being elevated by incorporating modern touches for creative and contemporary flair. Nestled in 11 acres of countryside, the Elizabethan manor house features an ambient library newly adorned with a ceiling of floating books providing a light filled area for relaxation and inspiration. Said to be where William Shakespeare wrote his famous comedy ‘As You Like It’, literary lovers will be enchanted by the charming décor and inspiring ambience. Outside, the exquisite, listed topiary garden planted over 125 years ago, has been recreated and shaped to form giant chess pieces, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. The tranquil setting provides another unique opportunity for guests to spend time unearthing the true spirit of Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa.

DesignLSM has been delighted to work with Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa in strategically repositioning the hotel and curating a new design across the property. Creating a place that speaks to the bucolic surroundings, reveals its rich history and celebrates the grandeur of the Elizabethan house – resulting in a wonderfully relaxing retreat for its guests.

The redesign has greatly drawn upon its Shakespearean and literary links to produce a property that reflects its stories, past and present, helping guests to become immersed in the beautiful landscapes and creating a place that can inspire new stories and memories. Holly Hallam, Managing Director of DesignLSM comments; “DesignLSM has been delighted to work with Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa in strategically repositioning the hotel and curating a new design across the property. Creating a place that speaks to the bucolic surroundings, reveals its rich history and celebrates the grandeur of the Elizabethan house – resulting in a wonderfully relaxing retreat for its guests.” Many of the bedrooms have been expertly upgraded with sumptuous new furnishings, whilst the Stuart Restaurant has been bought to life with colourful and playful artwork. Both areas execute a charming fusion of modern meets traditional, that brings a welcoming ambience to the hotel. The contemporary twist on art by Pratiksha Tayal, showcases large splashes of vibrant colour adorning the traditional paintings in the restaurant.

Other special touches include feather quills framed in guests’ bedrooms as a further nod to Billesley’s Shakespearean roots, with plush velvet and leather furniture for a sense of grandeur. Elegant and refined design also extends to the newly refurbished Decleor spa, where guests can wind down in the pool, steam room and sauna after energetic days. The redesign of these areas has created a unique identity for the hotel, revealing a hidden story around every corner. DesignLSM and suppliers Studio 2C implemented artwork and dressing that was inspired by the literary history and natural materials, and botanical prints were brought in to complement the stunning countryside setting. The property’s personality shines through further in the Grand Hall, the heart of the hotel, playing with scale and tension between the period character of the building and modernity, with the introduction of the main bar. Set in modern materials against the original dark wood panelling. The teams worked closely by analysing current and future guest profiles and understanding their key desires to build a new interior, infusing Billesley Manor with a new lease of life that speaks to the area whilst being completely one of a kind in its offering.

Elegant and refined design also extends to the newly refurbished Decleor spa, where guests can wind down in the pool, steam room and sauna after energetic days.

Coatings, Sealants & Paints New colours from Earthborn paints are healthier to use and better for the fabric of the building, offering a distinctive, mellow colour palette with a finish of the highest quality. Now, a new partnership with Country Homes & Interiors magazine brings you a beautiful collection of modern country colours, designed to work in harmony with the Classic Earthborn palette or as standalone shades, helping create the perfect backdrop to any home. Use bold paint shades for dramatic effect or to contrast with quieter tones The new collection

After years of white, beige and grey, it can be easy to forget just how impactful a dose of colour is! In this new collection dusky undertones soften even the brightest hues, to create a highly versatile palette that’s at home in any modern country interior. Colours range from versatile pastels, through easy going mid-tones, to the deepest shades including Nutkin, Puddling and Yew Maze. To see the 12 new colours in more detail, download the beautiful new digital booklet at bit.ly/2ThnTJj You can also request your free colour card on the Earthborn website. The new Modern Country Colours are available in all Earthborn finishes and sizes, including 100ml tester pots. They can be purchased from Earthborn’s online shop or via any of its stockists. www.earthbornpaints.co.uk

RRN921009 Earthborn HP.indd 1

08/09/2021 09:07:52

BRADITE HELPS WW1 SILHOUETTES CAMPAIGN Specialist paint manufacturer, Bradite are proud to support a unique commemoration project that has raised £66,000 in the last year for the British Legion Poppy Appeal. ‘Standing with Giants’ is a non-profit organisation that creates life size WWI soldier silhouettes that can be sited temporarily in open spaces. The silhouettes, each six feet tall depicting a British Tommy with his rifle slung over his shoulder, are made from a plastic/aluminium composite material derived from recycled signage from building sites.

Bradite are proud to have donated their One Can primer/finish paint to the project, helping protect the many hundreds of figures now being made at Standing with Giants’ Oxfordshire workshop. The project also makes two-foot diameter poppy wreaths which have been painted in One Can. “I was contacted last Autumn by the project which was already using One Can supplied through the Abingdon branch of builders merchants, Brewers,” explained Bradite’s National Sales Manager James Burton. “We were asked if we could help and are happy to provide our product for the next phase of the project over the coming year, and of course, it

was our privilege to help the community remember our fallen heroes.” The silhouettes, 101 in total, first appeared at a nature reserve on a hillside overlooking the M40 motorway, before being invited by the Duke of Marlborough to site a couple of hundred together with poppy wreaths on a hillside on the grounds of Blenheim Palace. These twin events created so much public interest that an incredible £66,000 was raised from visitors for the Poppy Appeal during a time when the Royal British Legion’s fundraising had been badly hit by the COVID pandemic. “People’s reaction has been astonishing. We have had people crying, they found it so moving,” says the project founder, Dan Barton. It was clear that the idea had caught the public’s imagination and future installations are now being planned. 2000 soldier silhouettes and 1500 poppy wreaths are being created and thoroughly weatherproofed thanks to Bradite One Can, an allpurpose, quick-drying, stain resistant paint.

For more information about Standing with Giants visit: www.standingwithgiants.co.uk Website: www.bradite.com RRN921051 Bradite HP.indd 1

09/09/2021 13:09:39

RRNews - Issue 51

It is hoped that these mobile tributes will also find their way to the Falkland Islands for the 30th anniversary of the military action.

Project News Works to the Grade II listed, early 18th century Riseholme Hall, saw M&E systems upgraded including new lighting and intumescent door fixings to meet current fire regulations, as well as redecoration throughout the building. New security door scanning technology was also installed to each office and meeting room within the building, and included the installation of a new kitchen and café area, shower room and toilet facilities.

MAJOR REFURBISHMENT WORKS AT UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN CAMPUS COMPLETE Midlands-based contractor G F Tomlinson has completed a programme of refurbishment works at the University of Lincoln’s Riseholme Park campus, just north of the city.

he 400-acre site, which comprises the Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology (LIAT), Riseholme Hall, an equestrian centre, Plowright House, woodlands, grasslands, watercourses and a working farm, has undergone extensive refurbishment works to the value of £4.7 million.

Secured through the Scape Regional Construction framework, the project was delivered over two contracts by G F Tomlinson alongside architects CPMG and PolkeyCollins - to provide improved learning and research facilities for university staff and students at the site’s existing buildings, including Riseholme Hall, Plowright House, the on-site stables used by Bishop Burton College and Riseholme Park Farm. The site, part of which is located within a registered historic park and gardens of special historic interest, is home to the buried remains and earthwork of a medieval village - a settlement which was established there in the late 11th century.

Externally, essential repairs were carried out to protect the fabric of the historic building, including liquid coating the roof, replacing leadwork and replacing timber. Refurbishment of the existing equestrian centre and farm included upgrading the barns and stables with new roofing, lighting and adding an extension to one of the barns. A new roundhouse was also constructed for the farm livestock – providing a lighter environment, separate sections and easier channels for livestock movement and managing veterinary visits, as well as a raised viewing area for staff and students to enable safer teaching. New lighting, fencing, timber cladding and guttering were also provided to two of the farm’s existing agricultural buildings – with a new extension including welfare space for students constructed at one of the buildings. G F Tomlinson also carried out refurbishment works to Plowright House, which is used by Barclays, and houses an Eagle Laboratory Farm.

DESIGNING FOR PERFORMANCE ATHLETES AND PRE-SCHOOLERS: NEW SPORTS HUB DESIGN COMBINES ELITE SPORT AND COMMUNITY NEEDS A groundbreaking new sports facility has opened in Colchester, designed by sports and leisure specialists GT3 Architects to combine the needs of both elite sports teams and local community groups.

RRNews - Issue 51

ompleted for Colchester Borough Council under the Scape Perfect Circle framework with Gleeds, RG Carter, AECOM and Pick Everard, the £29 million project delivers facilities that cater for the centre’s diverse range of stakeholders and creates a unique sports hub setting in the Northern Gateway area of the town.

The facilities include a new state of the art rugby pavilion with flexible function space, educational space, changing rooms and viewing gallery, across an array of new grass and 3G pitches for different sports and age groups. The site also contains a 1.5km closed circuit cycle racetrack, partly funded by British Cycling. The track caters for national competitions as well as local grass roots cycle clubs and community use,

and includes a ‘learn to ride’ facility and pump track. Central to the site and connecting to the pitches and racetrack is the council’s new dry sports centre. This houses a large flexible sports hall space including indoor cricket, gym space with dedicated equipment for cyclists, studios, velo studio, cycle hub, retail units, classroom space and a large café with views onto the 3G pitches and cycle track. Externally, the site is supported by a full-size archery range and equestrian trails. Mark Gowdridge, director at GT3 Architects, said: “The opening of this exciting sports hub marks the result of a successful collaboration between all parties. With so many stakeholders involved – Colchester Borough Council,

Project News BEARD COMPLETES WORK ON £20M REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AT ST HILDA’S COLLEGE, OXFORD Family-run construction firm Beard has completed one of the biggest contracts in its history with a major redevelopment at St Hilda’s College, in the University of Oxford.

he city’s famous skyline and its dreaming spires, have another architectural gem added to them with the completion at St Hilda’s, and the crowning of its tower in gold foliage. The £20m Front of College project also represents the largest redevelopment of the college in its history, having been completed to mark its 125th anniversary. Described as ‘architecturally stunning’ by the College, key aspects of the estate have been altered as part of the project, including the entrance, the street-view and the riverside frontage. The brief was to provide student accommodation (54 bedrooms), and to bring together key College administration functions into one place. The new accommodation is a key element in the redevelopment as it relieves both the financial pressure for students of finding accommodation in the private rental market, and also eases some demand for accommodation in the city. Dean Averies, director at Oxford-based Beard, said the construction firm was successful in its bid for the work due to its track record in the education sector and especially with the University of Oxford. He said: “St Hilda’s has been a fantastic project for Beard to work on, especially as it marks a special anniversary for the College. We understood the constraints of the College from the start, so the two-stage procurement route gave us time to work through issues before we got to site. There were some challenges along the way as we had identified a number of significant gaps in the

local residents and junior sports groups, Rugby Union and League, local College and schools, British Archery, English Cricket Board, Badminton England, Equestrian groups, local cycle clubs, Sport England and British Cycling – we needed to deliver a scheme that would suit everyone’s needs.

Neil Hyatt, Head of Buildings, St Hilda’s College added: “Beard has worked tirelessly with the novated design team and subcontractors, to

“It also allowed us to meet the leisure and fitness requirements for the wider local community, whilst delivering high-quality facilities needed for elite sport.” The centre will address key health needs in the local area and provide a diverse range of facilities for the local community. Residents will benefit from facilities designed to an elite sport level and exercise alongside national athletes in the new cycle track and rugby training centre. Mark added: “In addition to meeting the site’s diverse user needs, we needed to ensure the design was ecologically sound. We undertook extensive research to deliver a high performing design, sensitive to the local surroundings and which blurs the lines between inside and out. The scheme blends into its environment, with a strong use of timber in the main sports centre.

ensure that the best possible outcome was achieved for St Hilda’s College. “Despite the challenges due to Coronavirus, as promised, our study rooms were ready on time for the start of the academic year. This was a collaborative project and the successful outcome was driven by contracts manager Steve Lambourne and his team. Everyone is stunned by the architecture, the quality of finish and above all Beard’s commitment, to meeting client expectations.”

The choice of materials is not only sensitive to the landscape but also ensures durability. We want the scheme to act as a high performing, welcoming fitness hub for both community wellbeing and elite sport for years to come.” The leisure centre is now open and is already being used by the 900 junior members of the Colchester Rugby Club.

RRNews - Issue 51

“Engaging with all parties via our Performance + engagement tool was crucial – understanding each user-group’s different goals, outcomes and concerns allowed us to design a facility mix which capitalises on the dynamics of space and maximises performance, ultimately delivering the best results for the people and organisations that will use it.

design information, which we had to fill to enable the project to progress. Of course, we subsequently had the ongoing restrictions due to coronavirus, which we were able to absorb and work around. However, we were able to hand over on schedule and delivered on the original vision to create an inspiring place to live, work and study, for the next 125 years.”

Project News LEISURE MEETS LEARNING IN NEW DESIGNS FOR MORPETH COMMUNITY HUB Inspiring designs for a new £21 million Northumberland leisure centre and library – which puts inclusivity, community pride, and connectivity at its heart – have been revealed by sports and leisure experts GT3 Architects as work gets underway on site.

he design places the residents of Morpeth first, with the practice consulting key groups through workshops and VR sessions to reach a design solution that truly meets their needs. The key themes – connecting the high street, creating local pride for the centre, and offering a diverse range of uses – were developed and incorporated into the design to create a hub where leisure meets learning. The state-of-the-art scheme combines leisure facilities with a comprehensive library and learning suite to suit Morpeth’s diverse community. Paul Reed, associate director at GT3 Architects, said: “Inclusivity is at the heart of this project and it was so important to us that the leisure centre’s new facilities were designed to be integrated and connected to the town centre. “We really enjoyed hosting workshops, presentations, and VR sessions with stakeholders from the library, adult learning, and community groups to really get to know the people of Morpeth to deliver exactly what they need. During these workshops we discovered the importance of the three key themes of inclusivity, community pride, and connectivity. The design therefore extends to the high street through a series of stepping-stones that figuratively and literally integrate and connect to the town centre ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.

The town also has a strong identity, so we wanted to capture that pride and nod to the town’s ‘living amongst woods and streams’ motto. The result was an accessible and community-focused design, with people at its heart, and we can’t wait to see the finished development.” The facility is set to include a new twostorey library, customer services and adult learning classrooms as well as a six-lane 25m swimming pool with spectator gallery, a learner pool, spa facilities, a four-court sports hall, a new 100 station fitness suite, a dedicated spinning studio, a soft play area and a café that is open to the public. The scheme is funded by Northumberland County Council. Jeff Watson, Northumberland county councillor and cabinet member for healthy lifestyles, said: “The new centre will be a real asset for the town and a wonderful place with great facilities for residents and visitors to enjoy for many years to come.” The scheme will provide 550m2 of library space, including a group room, poetry corner, and children’s library, as well as 450m2 of learning space with five flexible classrooms, offices, and tutorial spaces. The centre will be located at Gas House Lane with a new library garden addressing the river from its north bank sat amongst the existing mature trees.

STEPNELL NEARS COMPLETION OF NEW £5.1MILLION THERAPEUTIC SPECIALIST CHILDREN’S CARE HOME A new £5.1m specialist care home for children that is set to create 80 jobs is due to be completed at the end of 2021.

T RRNews - Issue 51

he Forge, which is located just off Plough Hill Road, will care for children experiencing emotional and behavioural disorders or recovering from early childhood trauma.

Based in the Northwest of the town centre, the care home will be a big boost to the job market, which has taken a hit over the last 16 months due to the pandemic. Rugby-based construction partner Stepnell is the main contractor, and Coventry architects IDP are also involved.

The scheme is groundbreaking in a number of ways and we are confident that it will have the ‘wow factor’ once finished.

Stepnell regional director Adrian Barnes said: “The scheme is ground-breaking in a number of ways and we are confident that it will have the ‘wow factor’ once finished.” The site will feature all standard domestic amenities, as well as other areas for play, meditation, and artwork - all of which have been designed with the physical and emotional wellbeing of the children in mind. The external spaces will also include sensory and nature areas to help encourage more outdoor activity and provide another tranquil and calming place for residents to go. Gavin Miller said “We are so proud of what we have achieved here already, to see these homes now taking shape after years of planning is truly amazing. We can’t wait to open our doors in December and welcome children into these brand-new homes.

DOORS FIT FOR A NEW WORLD!

Residents deserve unquestionable comfort and safety in the post pandemic era, as do the professionals responsible for providing it.

any things have changed over the past eighteen or more months since our world was turned upside down. However, perhaps its also true to say that some things such as expectations and fundamental living principles have just been re-evaluated and prioritised into what’s important for personal well-being. For tenants and residents living in affordable homes; whether rented or part owned, that can often be distilled into a not unreasonable must have list, which includes: fire safety and security, comfortable and durable surroundings, which demonstrate contemporary design and all of which has real environmental credentials. As a key product in every home, interior timber doors should always exemplify these criteria, without shortcuts, compromise, or half-measures. Being a leading manufacturer and supplier to Housing Associations, Local Authorities, social landlords and affordable homes developers, Vicaima door and doorset solutions ensure buyers and specifiers can meet not only tenant expectations, but also to satisfy their many regulatory and practical concerns at the same time. Among the many challenges presented in the social housing market and indeed elsewhere, is a lack of skilled labour and for that matter resources in general, when it comes to the installation of doors on site.

ABOVE

Silver Oak, one of many new Vicaima finishes

Vicaima have always been at the forefront of regulatory and performance measures, with complete tested and certified product solutions, offering transparency and peace of mind for all. This is often compounded by the reluctance of many to move beyond the somewhat antiquated 20th century practice of face finishing doors in situ, with its inherent lack of continuity, added expense and drain on time. Fortunately, Vicaima’s extensive range of cost effective, designer led, fully finished products alleviate this concern. However, it does not stop there. With the supply of complete doorsets (door and frame), which not only speed up the installation time; but also ensure compliance with appropriate regulations, insuring much of the uncertainty is removed.

To find out more, visit www.vicaima.com or contact marketing@vicaima.com for information pack

RRNews - Issue 51

Vicaima have always been at the forefront of regulatory and performance measures, with complete tested and certified product solutions, offering transparency and peace of mind for all. These include Q-Mark authenticated dual scope FD30S/ FD60S fire and SBD security doorsets; combining fire and acoustic rated solutions with durability and testing to PAS 24: 2016/BS 6375-2 + 3; all with a 10-year guarantee. What’s more, given that all Vicaima products are manufactured to ISO 14001 standards and are FSC certified, you can be sure that the need to protect our planet is as important as the need to provide doors that are fit for affordable living today.

THE TIME IS RIGHT FOR TIMBER-ALTERNATIVES The glazing industry used to be about cheap white plastic windows; that’s no longer the case. Heritage and timber-alternative windows are now wellestablished and popular, for both refurbishment and new build projects. And nothing typifies this movement more than sliding sash windows.

ash windows have been a significant part of British architecture since the 17th century. Their popularity peaked in the 18th and 19th centuries, before dipping in the mid-1950s. But the UK’s aging housing stock means that there are a huge number of older properties out there undergoing renovation, and as a nation our renewed interest in traditional and heritage architecture means that suitable and authentic replacement windows are in demand. Buckinghamshire-based Roseview Windows has been manufacturing sash windows for over 35 years. As the first UK company to specialise solely in uPVC sash windows they have been involved in this part of the heritage market longer than anyone else. Roseview currently estimates that the overall UK sash window market represents more than 8,000 units per week – higher than it has ever been. TIMELESS STYLE With the demand already there, modern timber-alternative sash windows are well placed to fill the gap. First and foremost, they look and operate exactly like traditional timber sash windows. Advances in materials, finishes and manufacturing techniques mean that a wellmade, well-designed modern sash window is indistinguishable from a timber original, both from the kerb and close-up. You have to choose the right model though, as details can make a big difference. Some models are best-suited to new homes, with thicker profiles and sculptured lines that work with modern architecture. Roseview’s Charisma Rose sash window is one example of this type.

Ultimate Rose is designed specifically to improve upon original sash windows. At 137mm deep its dimensions match those used by traditional box sashes, and it’s designed to be installed behind a building’s external brick or stone face, as original box sashes were. It has customised chamfered profiles, including – at 35mm – the slimmest meeting rail of any modern sash window.

At the other end of the scale are windows that go all-out for traditional authenticity, with slim profile lines, traditional butt joints, chamfered putty lines and glazing bars, and all-important continuous sash horns. Roseview’s premium Ultimate Rose sash window is a great example of how far timber-alternative windows have come in terms of authenticity, winning awards for design and innovation along the way. Ultimate Rose is designed specifically to improve upon original sash windows. At 137mm deep its dimensions match those used by traditional box sashes, and it’s designed to be installed behind a building’s external brick or stone face, as original box sashes were. It has customised chamfered profiles, including – at 35mm – the slimmest meeting rail of any modern sash window. There are no PVC welds anywhere on the window - all sash and frame corners are mechanically butt-jointed to give a joinery finish. Essentially every detail has been designed to match a timber sash. MODERN PERFORMANCE

RRNews - Issue 51

The attraction of timber-alternative heritage windows isn’t just a result of their appearance. Once you have a window that looks right, a host of modern benefits come into play.

Firstly, there’s cost. An authentic premium modern sash window will typically cost around 20% less than a modern softwood equivalent. Hardwood is more expensive still. For that cost timber-alternative windows provide levels of security, energy efficiency and sound-proofing that far exceed those of original windows. Then there’s maintenance. uPVC windows are virtually maintenance-free, with no sanding, filling, staining or repainting required. Over a window’s lifetime these cost and time savings make the timberalternative version even more attractive.

Consumers are naturally concerned by the lifetime and sustainability of uPVC, especially in light of some of the misinformation that has been spread about the material. The reality is that modern uPVC windows are currently rated as having a lifetime of at least 40 years, and this expectation is growing. Modern uPVC doesn’t rot, degrade or discolour, and doesn’t require regular maintenance. It simply needs to be cleaned occasionally, using standard detergents. On top of this uPVC is fully recyclable up to ten times, and is remade into new windows – called closed-loop recycling. THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME With the market for heritage windows and doors booming, and a new generation of products that focus on design and performance, Roseview director Mike Bygrave feels that there’s never been a better time to make the switch. “The design and authenticity of uPVC sash windows has come a long way in the last 35 years.” Mike comments. “The vertical sliders from the 1980s and 90s quietly and gradually changed the uPVC window market, by providing functional alternatives to casements in buildings designed to have sash windows. However, while they matched the style and function of original sashes, it was obvious that they were uPVC. The authenticity wasn’t there. “That’s all changed now - today’s premium sash windows can stand side-by-side with timber originals and be virtually indistinguishable. They’re not just equivalent to timber windows, in many cases they’re a better solution. They look right, offer all the modern thermal and security benefits you’d expect, and cost less.”

Visit sashwindowsuk.com to find out more about Roseview’s range of sash windows.

QUITE SIMPLY, THE UK’S MOST AUTHENTIC TIMBER-ALTERNATIVE SASH WINDOW Ultimate Rose

A Rated

Acoustics

PartQ/PAS24/ SBD

Mechanical Joints

Seamless Horns

No Horn

Deep Cill

Slim Mullion

Icons with borders are standard features. Ones without borders are options.

01234 712 657 www.sashwindowsuk.com

SECONDARY GLAZING IN AN EXCEPTIONAL SCHOOL FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN Set in the grounds of the 600-year-old Chester Cathedral, are two Grade II* Listed Georgian buildings which have been carefully and sympathetically renovated to become ‘Abbey School for Exceptional Children’.

he townhouses were built on land belonging to the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral, between 1754 and 1760. Some of the most striking external features are the windows; fine examples including 12-pane Georgian box sashes, as well as a couple of tripartite 4-12-4 pane sashes. Most of the windows were original and single glazed, which provided little thermal insulation for the students who would be occupying the spaces and allowed the noise of passing tourists visiting the historic square to enter the rooms.

RRNews - Issue 51

Barron Design, Cardiff office, were employed to create the blueprint for the conversion due to their pedigree in designing exemplar buildings for people with challenging behaviours. Owing to the Listing, many period features had to be retained and restored, which included an original Chinese Chippendale staircase and the windows, one of which is a beautiful stained-glass composition.

A total of 70 units were installed over three floors, in the two buildings, in classrooms, sensory rooms, dining areas and accommodation. The arrangement of the secondary glazing units to meet the original sightlines of the primary glazing, saw seven different systems used, some of which had to be coupled together.

Up to 60% of internal heat can be lost through ill-fitting single glazed primary windows and will do little to prevent draughts. As secondary glazing is a fully independent, and tightly sealed internal window system, it will minimise draughts and stop heat loss, creating a more even internal temperature. Secondary glazing is generally accepted by heritage agencies for use in heritage buildings as it is a reversible adaptation; so, Barron Design contacted Fenestral, trusted partner of Selectaglaze, to discuss options, suitable treatments and install the units thereafter. A total of 70 units were installed over three floors, in the two buildings, in classrooms, sensory rooms, dining areas and accommodation. The arrangement of the secondary glazing units to meet the original sightlines of the primary glazing, saw seven different systems used, some of which had to be coupled together.

There was a desire to maintain operation of the historic shutters, so this required the secondary glazing to be fitted to the room side of them at the greatest possible cavity. Series 46 fixed lights were used below sill level transom coupled to either Series 60, where there are off set sashes, or Series 20 where the sashes are of equal size. For the exceptionally large windows, over 3m, Series 90s were specified, with their larger balance capacity these heavy-duty sliders can easily cope with the added glass weight. For further information, please contact Selectaglaze on 01727 837271. Email: enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk or visit: www.selectaglaze.co.uk

Let’s talk about firedoor safety...

Do you need to understand the requirements for a MHCLG 2020 compliant fire door set ? Let’s unlock the legislation and ensure your specifications are always precise. Sign up for tailored training including seminars, CPDs and Q&A’s with industry experts.

Latest News ALMACANTAR PARTNERS WITH NEXER ON CRM PROJECT Large-scale London property development and investment company, Almacantar, has appointed digital transformation specialist Nexer to oversee the total replacement of its CRM system, in order to facilitate increased accessibility to data and ensure the consistently high level of service expected by its clientele.

lmacantar transforms iconic property development assets in prime Central London locations, and is known for its design-led approach and focus on creating long term value. Since 2010, it has acquired more than 1.5 million sq. ft, including live projects Centre Point and Marble Arch Place.

THE SCAFFOLDING ASSOCIATION REACTS TO SMALL BUSINESS SURVEY The Scaffolding Association says that the impact of the pandemic on the construction sector can clearly be seen within the Small Business Survey.

n response to the Longitudinal Small Business Survey (LSBS), conducted between September 2020 and April 2021, the Scaffolding Association has indicated that the impact of the pandemic on employers can clearly be seen throughout the report. 33% of SME employers reported lower levels of employment than a year ago, and for the first time since 2010 this figure was higher than the proportion that reported an increase in the number employed (27%).

RRNews - Issue 51

Construction businesses reported the highest level of concern from all sectors surveyed in relation to staff recruitment and skills (39%). The industry continues to view late payment as a significant challenge (32%).

Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association said “The issues highlighted by SME businesses in the construction sector are not surprising with access to labour and late payment having been long standing issues within the industry. Covid, the impact of the UK’s exit from the EU raising costs and increasing lead times, labour shortages and late payment are all contributing to a perfect storm and SME construction businesses now face significant challenges to overcome these”. The LSBS is produced from a telephone survey of UK businesses in the private sector with fewer than 250 employees.

With communication and management of the client engagement process throughout the property sales and completion process being critical to achieving high levels of client satisfaction, Almacantar has partnered with Nexer to implement a Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM application that will meet its specific business needs. Almacantar’s legacy CRM application had reached the end of its lifespan, with the business requiring an updated system that would provide increased data accessibility, improved connectivity and coordination with other applications, and smooth integration with lead generation campaigns, as well as watertight GDPR compliance and data security due to the high transaction values of its property sales.

Implementation of the new application, has delivered a more efficient and streamlined sales and client engagement process, has increased automation of client communication where appropriate, has enabled accurate tracking of all client offers, and increased operator productivity. It also provides a single source of data and document management thanks to its integration with SharePoint. Caroline Edwards, Development Director at Almacantar Ltd said: “We chose Microsoft and Nexer for our CRM needs due to its seamless integration into the other Microsoft products in use and its adaptability to our particular needs. The Nexer team provided us with invaluable support in mapping our existing business processes into the platform and, where possible, revising these for better productivity. The result is a powerful platform that is instantly recognisable to our sales and marketing team.” Neil Andrews, Senior Executive at Nexer said: “By selecting Microsoft Dynamics 365 for its new CRM, Almacantar has seen increased efficiency within the sales team and has improved collaboration across the related service teams. The new platform is secure and future-proofed to support the business as it continues to grow.”

BIKBBI CONCERNED WITH SCALE OF SKILLS SHORTAGE The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has issued a stark warning that the current shortage of workers being faced by many industries could be the long term reality for the home improvement industry if action is not taken to develop a new generation of skilled trasdespeople.

esponding to the publication of the latest Jobs Recovery Tracker from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), which shows a record number of open job vacancies now including carpenters and joiners for the first time, BiKBBI has warned that it is not just employers that are being hit by staff shortages, but also consumers and businesses who rely on self-employed tradespeople. Damian Walters, BiKBBI’s Chief Executive, said: “The alarm bells need to be ringing as the REC report does not come close to the full scale of the worker shortage crisis. Industries like ours, that are essential to home improvement delivered by skilled professionals, are predominantly made up by self-employed traders not covered by job vacancy statistics. Like other industries though, we are seeing a major shortage of people able to take up jobs. Put bluntly, there are just not enough skilled installers to keep up with the current boom in consumer demand for home improvements. This means customers are having to wait months

instead of weeks for new kitchens and bathrooms to be installed.

“Unfortunately, this lack of skilled tradespeople is part of a long term trend. Not enough young people have been encouraged to come into industries like ours, despite the prospect of a high-earning, stable career that it offers. We’ve got by for too long with an ageing workforce which is now looking forward to retirement - with over a third of installers suggesting that they are making retirement plans in a recent survey we ran. This means that the current shortages could get much worse over the coming years.

Doors, Windows & Fittings

GARADOR INTRODUCES WIRELESS OPTICAL SENSOR FOR GARAGLIDE Garador’s new electrically operated roller garage door, the GaraGlide, is now available with a wireless optical sensor as an option. The wireless optical sensor is built into the floor seal and utilises light beam technology, so the door will automatically stop if the light beam is broken by an obstruction is placed in the door curtain’s downward path. The new wireless optical sensor means there is no spiral cable required to connect the safety edge to the separate control panel housing; batteries are required. The GaraGlide is powered by a tubular drive motor and is supplied with two remote hand transmitters as standard, with either a standard (433 MHz) or bisecur (868 MHz) hand transmitter design. The entire garage door fits into just two double-wall cardboard boxes for quick and easy delivery. Choose from 16 colours and 2 timber-effect finishes, plus either standard (433 MHz) or Bisecur (868 MHz) hand transmitters. Find out more about Garador’s new GaraGlide roller door by visiting www.garador.co.uk

RRN921004 Garador QP.indd 1

ROSSO TECNICA is our new and exclusive range of European inspired designer levers. Manufactured from Grade 304 stainless steel and finished in a new selection of stunning hard-wearing finishes, these levers are the perfect accompaniment to the latest trends in interior fashion.

AS PART OF OUR ONGOING COMMITMENT TO REDUCE OUR IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT, THE ROSSO TECNICA RANGE IS SUPPLIED WITHOUT ANY PLASTIC PACKAGING. NO POLY-BAGS ARE USED IN THIS RANGE.

T : +44 (0) 1228 672 900 E : sales@zoo-hardware.co.uk W : www.zoohardware.co.uk Rosso Tecnica is part of Zoo Hardware Ltd.

08/09/2021 14:32:04

High Quality, Timber Window and Door Specialists

01344 868 668

www.sashwindow.com

RRNews - Issue 51

Providing Tailer Made Solutions For Your Project. Period Property Experts. Supply Only, Supply and Install, Draught Proofing.

BRINGING THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR BACK TOGETHER THIS OCTOBER Now that restrictions are gradually being lifted, we can be confident that business events will return in the Autumn and look forward to welcoming you back to the Kent Event Centre on 7th October for the South East’s leading construction event.

ent Construction EXPO will bring together 2,000+ construction professionals, contractors, developers and specialist suppliers for one invaluable day of networking in a face-to-face environment once again since the COVID-19 outbreak.

Brought to you by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Kent County Council and Medway Council, this major annual gathering offers a fantastic line-up of speakers, alongside the South East’s largest exhibition of construction suppliers: providing a unique opportunity for you to get the inside track on major infrastructure projects and the latest industry developments, while making valuable new contacts and building your business. We already have a great programme line-up confirmed, with inspirational keynotes and practical workshops that will provide you with fresh insights into current construction industry challenges and opportunities on the horizon as well as emerging technologies, practices and innovations - helping you to keep up to date and thrive in the years ahead.

Back by popular demand, our roundtable stream provides a focussed platform for discussion where you will have the opportunity to share your challenges and opportunities, hear your peer’s points of view and learn from their experiences, ask questions and voice an opinion. A few of the hot topics and sector trends that will feature on the programme this year are:

• • • • • • • • •

Bouncing Back from Covid-19 Construction Futures BIM and Digitisation Major Infrastructure Developments in Kent and the South East Health & Safety Regulations R&D Tax Credits Sustainable Innovation Mental Health Awareness Construction Pathways

A key feature at the event is the exclusive opportunity to put your business in front of leading contractors, suppliers and government departments, with over 600 FREE meet-the-buyer appointments available. You can also benefit from:

• • • • •

Over 150 market-leading exhibitors Invaluable networking opportunities to build and maintain business relationships Live Demo Areas showcasing the most dynamic and innovative products in the industry Big Networking Breakfast with a focus on collaboration in the construction sector Post-Event Gala Dinner with afterdinner comedian Angela Barnes, the perfect way to unwind, network and celebrate excellence within the industry

For more information and to register for FREE visit: www.kentconstructionexpo.com

RRNews - Issue 51

Exhibiting and Sponsorship Opportunities

For the latest up-to-date floorplan and more details on pricing and sponsorship opportunities available please contact: Emily Taylor emily@revolution-events.com 01892 820939

7th October 2021

Kent Event Centre, Detling

Bringing the construction industry back together in a face-to-face environment this October

Produced by

Kent Construction Expo delivers a multi-track conference programme, over 150 market-leading exhibitors, and a unique opportunity for the construction sector to come together for an invaluable day of networking and innovation. The packed programme also includes over 600 free Meet the Buyer appointments, a Big Networking Breakfast and Gala Dinner.

2021 Speakers: Ben Cheeseman

Fergus Harradence

Dr Paul Toyne

Lee May

Pip Lawrence

Sarah Collins

Ricky Hemmings

Julie Putman

Commercial Director, Harwood Building Control

Deputy Director, Infrastructure & Construction, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Partner, Brachers LLP

Sustainability Practice Leader, Grimshaw & London Sustainable Development Commissioner

Technical Director, RIFT R&D Tax Credits

Wellbeing Director, Wellbeing People Ltd

Oliver Heath Founder & Director of Oliver Heath Design

Managing Director, Ardula Group Limited

Opening Keynote

Regional Manager - South, CIOB

Valuing & Implementing Health and Wellbeing in the Built Environment

FREE Registration

FREE Meet the Buyer Appointments

FREE Tea & Coffee

FREE Parking

Plus: FREE exhibition featuring hundreds of essential suppliers Event Partner

Event Partner

Media Partner

Video Partner

Gold Sponsor

Gala Dinner Sponsor

Reception Sponsor

Managed by

For more information on exhibiting or visiting please visit

www.KentConstructionExpo.com

Project News RESOLUTION TO GRANT APPROVAL FOR 692-BED BENDIGO BUILDING STUDENT SCHEME The decision means Godwin Developments has secured approval for 1000+ units this week following the approval of The Meridian in Sheffield.

lans for the redevelopment of the former Royal Mail sorting office into a 692-bed student living development took a step forward after members of the Nottingham City Council planning committee resolved to grant planning permission for Godwin Development’s proposals for the Bendigo Building. The decision was made subject to clarification of further design details. The scheme will see the currently disused property – which has been vacant for nearly 20 years - demolished

and replaced with purpose build student accommodation (PBSA), which will provide new high-quality, contemporary living spaces for students in the city. The development – which is situated less than half a mile from Nottingham Trent University – will consist of a mix of modern studio apartments, four, five and six-bedroom clusters and accessible studio rooms. The scheme will also incorporate a range of indoor amenities such as two receptions, a spacious residents lounge, gym, study and games rooms, as well as a fully landscaped courtyard garden with outdoor seating, recreational and outdoor exercise equipment, 6 car parking and 312 cycle storage spaces. Two commercial units, located on the ground floor, will also provide an additional amenity for residents and the neighbouring community.

SUNDERLAND RESIDENT’S APARTMENT THE RECIPIENT OF 3000TH FIRE DOOR WORKS A resident living in Sunderland’s Mowbray Apartments was the 3000th to have their apartment given extra fire protection works as part of the ongoing partnership between EQUANS, the new name for ENGIE’s serviceled activities, and housing association Gentoo.

ulie Woods has been living in her apartment overlooking Mowbray Park for five years, and has been one of many residents in the complex to have a new front door fitted in her apartment, amongst other fire protection works, to meet new fire regulations.

RRNews - Issue 51

Combined with similar schemes in other low and mid-rise blocks and sheltered living accommodation across Gentoo’s catchment area, Julie received the unique honour of living in the 3000th property that has had the works carried out.

She said: “I’ve lived here for almost five years, and I absolutely love it. The works give a real peace of mind and it’s been done professionally, and everyone involved has been great from the very start. Ria from EQUANS came and booked an appointment for me and explained everything that was going to happen and how it will help. It’s been a

speedy, professional job and the guys doing the works have been great – you don’t mind how long it takes because it’s all worth it.” Alan Maskell Refurbishment Director at EQUANS said: “We have been delighted to have worked closely with Gentoo over a number of years in refurbishing homes across the region as well as delivering projects with cutting edge technologies. During our partnership, EQUANS has completed thousands of works that have benefited almost 8,000 of Gentoo’s residents. Work has included smart new kitchens and bathrooms, better quality windows which can help reduce energy bills, and new heating systems which are better for the environment. “I want to thank the whole EQUANS and Gentoo team that have worked tirelessly since the works began. It’s not been easy over the last 18 months, but everyone has delivered first-class works whilst ensuring colleagues and remained safe.”

Project News PLANS SUBMITTED FOR MOSSPARK BOULEVARD IN GLASGOW Southside Housing Association has submitted plans for a proposed redevelopment of the former United Reformed Church Site on Mosspark Boulevard with a proposed affordable housing development comprising of 35 homes for social rent and associated amenity space.

outhside Housing Association is a registered social landlord providing housing and a range of other services across the Southside of Glasgow. Over the years Southside HA have developed and expanded the range of services they provide to local communities but their core mission has always been to provide warm, secure, and affordable housing. The proposal considers pedestrian and cycle routes, and city-wide sustainable transport strategies. The new homes designed for this scheme will provide high quality living as set out in the Design Schedule for Affordable Housing in Glasgow. The mix includes 1, 2 and 3 bed flats, including 10% adaptable standard accommodation. The materiality of the proposed residential block responds to the local architectural character of the area. The significant characteristic of the tenement blocks in Glasgow is the differentiation between the front and rear façades. The proposal draws from the local tenement materiality with a red brick

street facade, and lighter internal courtyard masonry. Both proposed materials are of equally high quality, and represent a shift in architectural language. The white brick providing more light for the rooms facing the courtyard, whilst also marking the switch between the public and private amenity spaces.

It is hoped that the new use, proposed for the site, presents a valuable addition to the surrounding community. The wider social benefits further cemented by the housing offer, which seeks to contribute to the significant demands for such accommodation that presently exists within the area and the wider city.

LIVERPOOL BUILD TO RENT SCHEME LEADS THE WAY FOR ENVIROMENTALLY FRIENDLY LIVING Built-to-rent development The Keel is setting the bar for environmentally apartment buildings with a range of ecofriendly initiatives

ustainable living is increasingly topping the list of priorities when searching for a new home with 92% of UK adults citing a sustainable community as important when deciding where to live. As well as the greener footprint and feeling good about where you live, eco-friendly living can offer lower utility costs.

Located on a private quay at Queen’s Dock, build-to-rent (BTR) development, The Keel, has undergone a range of positive changes and launched a number of initiatives that allow its residents to live sustainably and

The Keel, and an important part of that is being sustainable and helping create a greener future.

The former HMRC office building, which has just undergone an extensive renovation to refurbish its communal areas and create co-working spaces, has implemented a comprehensive series of green initiatives to help and encourage its residents to live in a more environmentally friendly way.

“Our residents care about the impact of their actions and we really listened to them to make sure their experience, and the community we have created here, reflects that.

One such initiative is The Keel’s new green electricity heat and hot water tariff which will reduce the building’s yearly carbon footprint. By installing solar panels on the North and South faces of the building and fitting LED lightbulbs throughout the facility, The Keel has also reduced its energy usage by half. Additionally, by making a monthly contribution to offset its carbon emissions via its gas provider, the site’s net carbon is now zero. Joseph Cooper, General Manager at The Keel, commented: “We want everyone to enjoy life at

“Living an environmentally friendly and socially conscious life is on the rise, as it rightly should be, and The Keel has undertaken these changes and initiatives to help people achieve their desire of living this way. We’re proud to be taking these steps to lead the industry forward and I personally can’t wait to make more changes to help further our sustainability.” Steve Glew, Account Director at amber energy said “We’re delighted to be working with The Keel. Their determination to drive towards a greener future is clear, and it’s great to see them pushing their sector forwards when it comes to sustainability. Their residents’ contribution to Power 2 Africa is helping to deliver incredibly impactful green energy projects in some of the most deprived communities in rural Africa.”

RRNews - Issue 51

One residential development which is leading the way for eco-friendly apartment living is The Keel in Liverpool’s city centre.

give back to worthy causes, both locally and internationally.

GRAND DESIGNS LIVE BRING THE BEST OF HOME DESIGN BUILD AND INNOVATION TO THE NEC THIS OCTOBER Show Dates: 6th – 10th October 2021

rand Designs Live, proudly sponsored by Anglian Home Improvements, are thrilled to bring the very best of home design, build and innovation back to The NEC this October. Taking place from the 6th to the 10th of October 2021, Grand Designs Live will be debuting an array of new features and visitor favourites throughout the 5 days. Kevin McCloud comments on the shows return; ‘I am looking forward to getting back to Grand Designs Live in October!

RRNews - Issue 51

“The show is always a great time, and after the last 18 months of uncertainty that we’ve had, Grand Designs Live at the NEC in October will be a fantastic event

ABOVE IMAGES

Richards

The Grand Designs Live team are delighted to be working on the preparations for the October show; we can’t wait to welcome visitors back! There is nothing like a live event to source everything you need to build your own home, gain knowledge and foster excitement and inspiration across the industry.

to inspire those who have been itching to renovate and invigorate their homes, learn new skills and even build their own grand design!’ Director at Media 10; organiser of Grand Designs, Richard Morey continues; ‘The Grand Designs Live team are delighted to be working on the preparations for the October show; we can’t wait to welcome visitors back! There is nothing like a live event to source everything you need to build your own home, gain knowledge and foster excitement and inspiration across the industry.’ 2021’s show will boast a range of new exhibitors and exciting debut features, along with popular favourites and established brands. Grand Designs presenter and design expert Kevin McCloud will be hosting the event on the 6th and 9th. Whether you’re looking to self-build, redecorate a room, install a new kitchen or simply on the lookout for inspiration, Grand Designs Live is a must-visit event. One of the brand-new features for 2021 is The Great British Box Room Competition sponsored by Crown Paints. Six interior designers will take on 6 installation spaces to design and curate the best use for one of the smallest rooms in any house; the quintessential ‘box room’, to transform it into one of most useful rooms in the house. With space at home being stretched more than ever, this brandnew imaginative and exciting feature

aims to inspire visitors and encourage them to take home new ideas. Visitor favourite Kevin’s Green Heroes, sponsored by Reynaers, will return showcasing the best ground-breaking and eco-friendly products on the market, whilst the Ask An Expert, sponsored by Airflow, area will return alongside a host of inspiring and informative seminars at The Grand Theatre offering visitors the opportunity to consult and hear from specialists across a spectrum of homeimprovement and self-build areas. Inspiration for keen gardeners will be available in abundance across the Gardens area, sponsored by Hydropool, while other specific areas of interest include Build, Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Interiors. The show offers hundreds of innovative ideas for the home alongside instructive talks, educational seminars, demonstrations and informative displays from the show’s automotive sponsor, Lexus. After a busy morning of exploration and inspiration, visitors get a drink, grab a bite to eat, relax and plan their afternoon at the Siemens café. Grand Designs Live is the perfect onestop shop for anyone wanting to learn about the world of Custom and Self Build, renovations interiors and design for the home. For more information visit Grand Designs Live - www.granddesignslive.com

Editor’s Choice THE IMPORTANCE OF MOISTURE MANAGEMENT

BOND IT APP Bond It yet again lead the way in providing users of their products with excellent reference tools. The new app, launched this month, provides quick and easy locating of technical data sheets, declarations of conformity, safety data sheets and application advice relating to their whole product range. A free, quick and easy reference guide providing key information on all Bond It products: pack images, product descriptions, application instructions and technical documentation. A must have on-the-job tool for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. Find the information you need while using their products directly on your mobile. QR code scanning direct from product packaging makes the information you need even more accessible. KEY FEATURES: Quick search by Product Code; Add products to ‘favourites’ for quick reference; Scan QR codes and instantly find product details; Find all technical reference documents for our product range; Links to application tutorials and tips. No ads, no in-app purchases, just the information you need to make an informed decision about any Bond It product.

Unchecked subfloor moisture, whether residual construction moisture or rising damp, can attack flooring adhesives and floorcoverings, causing resilient floorcoverings to blister, wood to warp and leading textile floorcoverings to rot, as well as promoting mould and bacterial growth. It is still the leading cause of floor failure, frequently resulting in costly recalls and delays to projects. For this reason, leading manufacturer of subfloor preparation products and adhesives for floorcoverings, F. Ball and Co. Ltd., recommends that a moisture test is undertaken as part of any flooring installation. If the subfloor Relative Humidity (RH) levels exceed 75% (65% if wood floorcoverings are to be installed), a moisture management solution, usually the application of a liquid waterproof surface membrane, will be required to prevent excess subfloor moisture attacking adhesives and damaging floorcoverings. The best-performing epoxy waterproof surface membranes will isolate excess subfloor moisture where relative humidity values are up to 98%, with a single coat application, which will fully cure in as little as three hours. Quicker, two-coat, water-based systems are also available that will create an effective barrier against residual construction moisture where relative humidity values are up to 95%. The first coat cures in 15-20 minutes. A further 30 minutes curing time is required for the second coat.

Download the app today from google store. Compatible with all Apple and Android devices.

Tel: 01422 315300 or visit www.bonditgroup.com

Website: www.f-ball.com

16:57:19 RRN921038 F Ball QP.indd 1 NORCROS ADHESIVES MAKES MOREGEOUS08/09/2021 EVEN MORE GORGEOUS

RRN921040 Bond It QP.indd 1

Sian Astley is an interior designer, TV builder, project manager and renovation expert at Moregeous Design. Her business is based in Manchester in a renovated Victorian villa which combines a super-insulated new build with a sensitively restored existing home. Norcros Adhesives became involved at Moregeous HQ back in 2018 when Sian attended a trade day at the Mandarin Stone showroom in Wilmslow. They discussed the 45sqm terrace at Moregous HQ and decided to work together.

Morgeous HQ has a long 9-metre garden-facing elevation, which is split into one 5-metre and one 2-metre bi-fold section, with a 2-metre section of decorative brickwork. This was designed so that when stepping out of the kitchen, you are straight on to the terrace, which then turns at the end to follow the unusually angled build. Sian was concerned about the effect of extreme weathering and temperatures. She wanted to reduce any risk of the 1200 x 300 porcelain tiles ‘lifting’ and ensure easy cleaning and anti-weathering for the external grout. “It’s all very well and good having a gorgeous looking terrace, but the whole point is high initial outlay with the reward of longevity and low maintenance. It’s the products which hold the tiles firm and prevent any water ingress that are really important. If unsuitable, this can cause expansion and contraction during freezing temperatures, leading to movement of the tiles. I had never laid an area this large with external porcelain tiles – I was very nervous!” says Sian. The products used on the job were: • Norcros Prime Bond • Pro 50 Levelling Compound • One Part Flexible Adhesive in White • 4 Into 1 Wall and Floor Tile Grout in Steel Grey

RRN921025 Norcros HP.indd 1

“It’s so important when you’ve spent a small fortune on tiles to ensure that they’re properly laid using good quality products. A reputable tiler can help you with this, however the Norcros Adhesives online technical help was also useful and is a great resource for homeowners and tradespeople alike,” says Sian. Norcros 4 Into 1 Wall and Floor Tile Grout in Steel Grey complemented the grey timber planks and finished the job well. It is a fine textured, polymer modified, anti-bacterial grout for use in joints from 1mm to 12mm. “We regularly clean the terrace a couple of times a year. We clean the grout lines easily and quickly, so they look as good as new. It’s a pale grey and there is no discolouration at all. It’s still perfect, despite me leaving pots and plants on the surface and guests at our Supper Clubs spilling drinks and food!” says Sian. When Sian first decided to use porcelain plank tiles on the Moregeous terrace, it was a relatively new concept and lots of people actually advised her against them, recommending the use of decking instead. “I can hand on heart say that it’s one of the best renovation decisions we’ve made and has been problem free, in no small part due to the performance of the Norcros products used. The tiles look beautiful, are easy to brush and clean, and add a contemporary vibe to our period home without jarring with the exterior” says Sian. Norcros Adhesives, Harewood Street, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs., ST6 5JZ Tel: 01782 524140 www.norcros-adhesives.com 14/09/2021 10:51:15

RRNews - Issue 51

The tiler was Dave, who treated the concrete filled terrace using Prime Bond, a multipurpose waterbased synthetic SBR polymer that primed and sealed the concrete ready for levelling. Pro-50 levelling compound was then mixed, with Dave noting it was easy to get a lovely flowing mix. Pro 50 is perfect for use externally, even with the low English winter temperatures, and has great strength due to the polymer strand reinforcements.

To lay the porcelain tiles, Norcros One Part08/09/2021 Flexible 14:53:03 Adhesive was used. This is a polymer modified adhesive mortar for use on walls and floors in both internal and external locations.

THE LANDSCAPE SHOW PREVIEW LANDSCAPE - the UK’s premier landscaping exhibition, is pleased to announce the 10th anniversary show will take place on the 3rd & 4th November 2021, at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

elcoming over 200 exhibitors with a vast collection of industryleading products and services, LANDSCAPE 2021 is the trade event you will not want to miss – and the best part is, it’s all FREE! The LANDSCAPE Show is dedicated to products, services and innovation for the design, build and management of exterior and interior landscape projects. The show brings the industry together by introducing its visitors to the latest products, services and techniques necessary to design, build and maintain prestigious and award-winning interior or exterior landscaping projects all over the world.

RRNews - Issue 51

Between the LANDSCAPE exhibitors there are products and services for every aspect of the design and build process spanning from CAD systems and tools to plants

and stone. LANDSCAPE features an endless selection of products including manufacturers and suppliers of everything from trees and turf, vases, pots and flag stones to furniture, architectural iron work and conservatories, water features and sundials. Their extensive exhibitor list ensures that when they say that there is “something for everyone”, they really do mean it!

The LANDSCAPE Show is dedicated to products, services and innovation for the design, build and management of exterior and interior landscape projects.

As the first in-person industry show back, The LANDSCAPE Show is perfect opportunity to reconnect with others and keep up to date with products and services. LANDSCAPE is thrilled to bring this year’s show to the NEC for the first time. The move to a larger venue in Birmingham gives the ability to grow and create a bigger show. This exciting new chapter for LANDSCAPE has put the health and best interests of both exhibitors and visitors front and centre with many still uneasy about

venturing into London. The NEC is a purpose built, Covid secure venue which is easily accessible. The NEC is located directly alongside Birmingham international airport and Railway Station and it has ample parking on site. The LANDSCAPE Show will be open from 10am-6pm on Wednesday 3rd November, and 10am-5pm on Thursday 4th November. Across both days there are 44 CPD accredited seminars taking place. Both the exhibition and all seminar sessions are free to attend. To register to attend the show for FREE, simply visit our registration page at www.LandscapeShow.co.uk/register

Editor’s Choice SIKA’S NEW MONOTOP® SYSTEM RAISES STANDARDS IN SUSTAINABLE, LONG-TERM CONCRETE REPAIR Global building products manufacturer, Sika, has launched a new concrete repair solution that provides greater long-term protection for buildings and sets a new standard for low environmental impact concrete by significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

Mirror Door Systems Ltd Made to measure and Bulk quantities of Sliding Door Systems to the trade and public nationwide.

Sika has invested in the trusted Sika MonoTop® brand which rewrites the rule book in terms of low-carbon concrete repair. With 45 million buildings in the UK alone thought to be in need of refurbishment in order to comply with regulation energy performance, Sika’s sustainable MonoTop® range is the ideal repair solution for addressing such an issue. Its sustainable, reliable performance follows years of research by Sika’s technical teams, resulting in a proven, premier solution that compared to other concrete repair solutions, uses less carbon emissions – up to 1 tonne of CO2 per 100m2.

All systems incorporate anti-jump safety features and have been designed to accept the choice of safety backed mirror, opaque glass (BS6206 Class B) and/or panels. The full range of now extends to 5 superb systems with nearly 40 different colours including woodgrains to choose from: Solitaire & Topaz

Steel systems with painted & vinyl finishes

Diamond

Aluminium (dual) systems anodised and a powder coated finish mid-rails to match

Pearl

Aluminium system with woodgrain finishes plus midrails to match and option soft door closers

Cerroni

A unique small aluminium profile with track system and door closers

Tuscany

An aluminium system, with classical and elegantly designed profiles and selected modern colours and features with door closers

For more information on the benefits of the new MonoTop® sustainable range and how its specification can ensure the success of your next building or repair project, visit:- www.sika.co.uk/sika-monotop Tel: 01707 363804

Tel: +44 (0) 1268 573357

Web: www.mirrordoor.co.uk Email: salesmds@mirrordoor.co.uk

XR59354J001 14-May-2018 7:53 RRN720016 Mirror Door QP.indd 1

30/06/2020 14:21:32 RRN921021- Sika- QP.indd 1

08/09/2021 17:13:14

Solar Powered LED Belisha Beacons LED Mains Standard and Illuminated Column Belisha and Refuge Beacons Call our friendly Sales Team on 0333 666 2122 or email info@fisherandcompany.co.uk for more information and a Quote

RRNews - Issue 51

RRN921011 Fisher HP.indd 1

10/09/2021 14:49:15

LONDON BUILD SHOW PREVIEW

The UK’s leading construction and design show is returning to the Grand Hall at Olympia London!

ondon Build is an awardwinning show and is widely viewed as one of the best & largest construction exhibitions in the world. Winner of Best Brand Expansion at the Exhibition News Awards and finalist of Best Trade Show in the UK at the AEO Awards. London Build features: 500+ speakers across 6 conference theatres, 220+ CPD sessions, 100’s of exhibitors and exclusive free-to-attend networking events including Meet the Buyer sessions, Women in Construction and Diversity in Construction, entertainment, the Festival of Construction, celebrity guests and much more.

London Build features: 500+ speakers across 6 conference theatres, 220+ CPD sessions, 100’s of exhibitors and exclusive free-to-attend networking events including Meet the Buyer sessions, Women in Construction and Diversity in Construction, entertainment, the Festival of Construction, celebrity guests and much more.

The UK’s largest meeting of Women in Construction takes place at London Build each year. London Build is currently working with a large team of influential industry ambassadors, who have made a significant impact in the industry, to ensure that we continue to drive equality, diversity, inclusion and change across the UK’s built environment. The session is free-to-attend for all and offers the chance for professional individuals to network, learn and feel inspired. Learn from a panel of established experts discussing the untapped opportunities for women working in construction, diversity and equality.

RRNews - Issue 51

London Build is excited for the Diversity in Construction Networking Event to return to the 2021 edition.

London Build is currently working with a large team of champions driving change and diversity, making the UK’s built environment an inclusive industry. The session is free-to-attend for all and offers the chance for industry

professionals to network and feel inspired. Learn from a panel of diversity champions discussing the key issues and major developments within the UK’s built environment. Meet and do business with buyers and procurement teams from London’s leading contractors and developers. London Build’s Meet the Buyer events are a great opportunity for suppliers to introduce themselves to new buyers and learn about new projects. For buyers they enable them to increase their supply chain and increase their brand profile to potential new clients, overall they’re a great opportunity for you to network with colleagues within the industry.

VENUE Olympia London - Grand Hall Hammersmith Rd, London W14 8UX OPENING TIMES 17th November 2021: 9.30am - 5.30pm 18th November 2021: 9.30am - 4.30pm VISIT: www.londonbuildexpo.com/welcome

Editor’s Choice ROOFSHIELD® PROTECTS THE HERITAGE OF NORTHERN IRELAND CHURCH The world-renowned Roofshield membrane from the A. Proctor Group is now an integral part of protecting the heritage of St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Bangor, and enabling it to continue serving the local community. The current church building opened in 1957, and as part of a £10,000 Cornerstone grant, the redevelopment works at St Andrew’s will include replacement of the roof, repairs to the heating system, and a building extension. Architects Knox and Markwell, specialists in church design and conservation projects, will lead the project design. Specialist roofing contractor D. Harkin & Co. Roofing will carry out the roofing works. D. Harkin chose Roofshield roofing membrane, which has long been recognised as one of the highest performing roofing membrane solutions, providing a pitched roof underlay, which is both air and vapour permeable. The products exceptional performance has proven itself in the most demanding locations around the world. In addition, its characteristics allow even very complex pitched roofs to breathe without the need for air gaps or secondary venting.

Incorporating Roofshield into the roofing design can lead to savings in labour and material costs due to removing the need for an additional VCL. The exceptional air permeability performance of Roofshield means that the roof space will result in similar air changes to that of a roof using traditional eaves/ ridge ventilation. A unique performance characteristic of Roofshield is its patented SMS (Spunbond Meltblown Spunbond) structure, which allows high levels of airflow and the transport of moisture vapour, making the formation of condensation in the roof space virtually impossible. Numerous vapour permeable membranes use an airtight vapour permeable film layer to achieve their performance. However, the exceptionally high degree of vapour permeability and air permeability of Roofshield means that it can perform in conditions in which air tight alternatives will not.

Visit our website at www.proctorgroup.com RRN921018 A Proctor Group Ltd Half Page.indd 1

08/09/2021 18:04:04

SEWAGE & WASTEWATER SYSTEMS FOR ALL APPLICATIONS Experienced Technical Team Massive Stocks for Next-Day-Delivery Nationwide Maintenance and Support

rmany ilt in Ge

Eng

& Bu ineered

Call now, no waiting | Answers immediately

RRNews - Issue 51

0118 9821 555

UK CONSTRUCTION WEEK SHOW PREVIEW

Record-breaking registrations bode well for return of construction’s biggest live event

he rate of registrations for UK Construction Week (UKCW), the first major construction event in two years, has got off to a record-breaking start, running at 22% higher than for the same period in 2019. Demand for face-to-face events and networking appears to be returning fast. Since publication of the Government’s new guidance on the safe return of major events, organisers have confirmed that UKCW will return to the NEC in Birmingham on 5-7 October 2021. This event is free to attend. UKCW 2021 is expected to attract more than 20,000 specifiers and buyers with at least 300 exhibitors providing launches, demos and offers on more than 6,000 products. Indeed, 80% of the exhibition space for October’s show is already booked. While some companies have waited for restriction to ease, many rapidly took the opportunity to ramp up their marketing plans. Major brands such as Google, HS2, Geberit, Hanson Plywood, Ford, Xero, Procore and the Construction Innovation Hub will be promoting heavily at the event, making up for two years of new product launches, innovation and recruitment.

RRNews - Issue 51

Nathan Garnett, UKCW event director, says: “Businesses are telling us that they urgently need to get back to the quality of engagement that comes from face-to-face events. We are working flat out now to deliver the event people have been waiting for.

If you work in the construction industry, UKCW has always been the must-attend event due to the calibre of the attendees it attracts. The bulk of visitors are senior managers, 85% are authorised to spend, and right now they’re looking for new suppliers, new recruits and new relationships. It makes sense to register for UKCW and to meet your market in person once again. BELOW Discussion between Mark Farmer and George Clarke on UKCW Main Stage

“If you work in the construction industry, UKCW has always been the must-attend event due to the calibre of the attendees it attracts. The bulk of visitors are senior managers, 85% are authorised to spend, and right now they’re looking for new suppliers, new recruits and new relationships. It makes sense to register for UKCW and to meet your market in person once again.” Each day of UKCW in October will have a topical theme, with one day focusing on quality, social value and building safety, another on diversity, equality and inclusion in construction and another on sustainability. UKCW’s long-established halfday summits on Quality and Wellbeing will also be scheduled during the show. Co-located with UKCW will also be Grand Designs Live (6-10 October 2021) and the BMF Young Merchants Conference. Key features of this year’s event include the UKCW main stage, sponsored by COINS, which will see keynote presentations by senior leaders from, among others, McKinsey, the Construction Products Association, CIOB, Willmott Dixon, Barratt Homes, Bioregional, Grimshaw, the Sustainable Energy Association and the Construction Leadership Council. The COINS ‘Future of Construction’ series of seminars will be looking at how the last 18 months have changed the way we build and how that catalyst for change can now be used in a positive way. These sessions will cover updates in technology, procurement, sustainability, wellbeing and more. During the pandemic, construction has accelerated its digital transformation and the adoption of new technology. Therefore, the Digital Construction Hub, sponsored by Procore, is already a massive draw. In an extensive seminar programme delivered in partnership with the UK BIM Alliance, delegates will be hearing about others’ BIM implementation stories, digital strategies and practical tips for overcoming challenges. The UK BIM Alliance will also be hosting a series of essential networking events. In addition, there will be a large Sustainability Hub, supported by the

Renewable Energy Association, plus the Regeneration Hub, sponsored by Easy-trim, which will focus on social value and quality issues in construction. Working with the Offsite Alliance, the Modern Methods of Construction Hub will deliver three days of MMC and offsite construction case studies. The Innovation Zone will also return this year – a collection of the most interesting and inventive products to have emerged in the last two years. The UKCW Role Models initiative is also back for 2021. Following a record number of entries last year, the shortlist of 102 Role Models was chosen from all parts of the industry and the overall winner will be announced on Wednesday 6 October. Role Models are inspiring people who have a strong story to tell and can help to attract others into similar roles. They also act as mentors. Previous years’ Role Models have been out visiting schools and meeting young people to encourage them into construction as a rewarding career. UKCW has won two major awards in the last year, scooping the Best Trade Show award from Exhibition News this month and the Best UK Tradeshow award by the Association of Event Organisers in 2020, recognising its innovations, positive delegate experience and sustainable procedures.

Free registration to UK Construction Week is now open: https://ukconstructionweek-2021visitor.reg.buzz/pr One entry badge gives access to multiple sections: Build, Modern Methods of Construction, Building Tech, Timber, Civils, Energy and HVAC, and Surface and Materials, as well as Grand Designs Live. To get regular updates on the event, including safety protocols and new features, follow UKCW on social media using the hashtag #UKCW2021. www.ukconstructionweek.com

GET IT RIGHT FIRST TIME! Flooring, whether it is hard surface/resilient, carpeting or vinyl, is a large capital investment on any project and when something goes wrong it can be another costly investment to repair it.

e all know the old adage, Fail to prepare – Prepare to fail! No truer word said of Subfloor Preparation. There are many ways a floor can fail, from adhesive failure, vinyl flooring failures, wood floor warping, coating failures, and more. As manufacturers of mechanical subfloor preparation equipment our focus is on the various types of mechanical subfloor preparation that can be used. Mechanical subfloor preparation tends to be the element that is overlooked in preference for chemical subfloor preparation to try and reduce costs. It is imperative that we understand that the two things are not in competition with each other but need to be used in conjunction with each other. Floors need both to be successful whilst adhering to best practice, giving customers confidence against prevention of floor failure.

PPC the contracting division of The Preparation Group, prepare and profile substrates in readiness for chemical subfloor preparation such as DPM’s and

One of the main areas of soft flooring failures is the non-removal of Laitance. On the whole our subfloor preparations are achieved on the whole through diamond grinding. Adhesive removal can also be achieved easily with the right machine and appropriate tooling. It gives that all important profile or key for chemical applications ensuring a good bond. However, there are various other ways to achieve this and work hand in hand with each other. Multi-stripping can remove many types of floor coverings such as carpet and vinyl, but also easily lifts tiles and rubber deposits and levelling compounds.

The Preparation Group continues to work closely with many material manufacturers and we have forged some good relationships which have helped to raise industry standards over the years.

The Preparation Group/PPC have mechanically prepared millions of square metres of subfloors. Every day brings something different, obstacles to overcome and subfloors which leave a lot to be desired which present challenges of their own. If you require any technical assistance regarding mechanical sub floor preparation, we can provide the right solution. The Preparation Group provide a One Stop Shop for environmentally friendly solutions for all types of surface preparation, the manufacture of equipment, repairs servicing and maintenance of equipment, to providing the correct tooling even down to nuts and bolts! Call 01522 561460 for friendly expert advice!

RRNews - Issue 51

The Preparation Group continues to work closely with many material manufacturers and we have forged some good relationships which have helped to raise industry standards over the years. Through training and technical advice, we have seen many technical and sales representatives increase their knowledge and understanding of mechanical subfloor preparation and how it works with chemical preparation and the importance of both aspects with respect to their products. Many materials manufacture full warranties clearly state that the subfloor must be mechanically abraded before chemical preparation is laid.

self-levelling compounds. We do that through various methods.

What makes Ventmann diffusers so unique? It’s the material... gypsum diffuser

1 or 2 layers of drywall

The gypsum composite material creates a permanent bond with the surrounding plasterboard, ensuring a seamless finish that is as resistant to cracking and wear as the ceiling itself. No cracks, no visible joints, and a perfectly smooth result for years to come.

Installation is as easy as one, two, three...

1) Insert the diffuser and 2) Fill the gap around fix into place

the edges

3) Finish the ceiling and diffuser as desired

Result: a beautifully seamless, long-lasting diffuser

Air has never been so elegant For more information 9 Call us on 01283 240025 9 Email us at sales@ventmann.uk 9 Or visit our website: www.ventmann.eu/uk

sales@ventmann.uk www.ventmann.eu/uk 01283 240025

Redefined Elegance Frameless gypsum diffusers. The most modern airflow solution for beautiful designs.

Our innovative gypsum diffusers are designed to seamlessly blend into plasterboard ceilings and walls. They are easy to install and paint, and are available in a range of shapes and sizes.

CIRCLE diffuser

LINE diffuser

SIDE diffuser

www.ventmann.eu/uk

SQUARE diffuser

HOW TO DESIGN A BEDSIDE TABLE, ACCORDING TO INTERIOR EXPERTS Bedside tables aren’t just for putting your lamp on and placing a glass of water on. With the right design, you can reinvent this multipurpose piece of furniture as a stylish storage solution for accessories, books, cosmetics, or even valuable possessions.

he design not only defines the style of the bedroom interior but also had to meet these practical uses. Here, interior design experts reveal their top tips for choosing the right one. 1) Remove the clutter Your bedroom should be a sanctuary — your sanctuary from the outside world and your refuge at the end of a long day. Your bedside table should have everything right where you need it but hidden away where you don’t have to look at it. This way, only your stylish favourites are on display, and you have an organised setting. Vanessa Arbuthnott shares her stylish storage solutions: “When you put your hand out for your water glass, you don’t want to be knocking things over in the dark! Choose a bedside table with a shelf under the tabletop for books and magazines, as this will provide extra storage space and keep your reading choices close to hand. If you don’t have this, mount a small shelf that you can easily reach above or beside your headboard to keep your phone, books or a glass of water. To save space on your bedside table, you also have an option to wall mount a lamp or clip it to your headboard. I find lamps give more directional light, and a switch is easier to use than having to track down to find the switch.” 2) Choose the right table lamp Bedside lamps are your room’s finishing touch. They come in a range of styles to suit every room, from traditional to mid-century modern and everything in between. With a range of materials, such as ceramic table lamps, marble table lamps, metal table lamps, and wood bedside lights, you will always find the right one for your space. Interior designer, Kane Hughes from MyJobQuote, outlines what to consider when choosing your table lamp:

RRNews - Issue xx

“Finding the perfect lamp to light your bedside table is like finding the perfect shoe to match your outfit. A modern, classic, antique, or retro look? There are many different table lamps available in all these choices to suit your style. A swivel arm lamp can position light where it is needed while reading a book in bed, whereas a table

Layering different materials together tonally can add subtle, thoughtful, calm interest to your bedside table. For example, a natural linenwrapped bedside table with a smooth timber bead can provide a soft base for some beautiful translucent glass lamps.

rich warmth of wood, the texture you choose plays a vital part in setting your table. Similar to the way varying heights add interest, a mix of textures promises effective visual impact. We spoke to Interior Designer at Helen Green Design, Joanna Benton, who shares her style ideas: “Layering different materials together tonally can add subtle, thoughtful, calm interest to your bedside table. For example, a natural linen-wrapped bedside table with a smooth timber bead can provide a soft base for some beautiful translucent glass lamps. Equally combining contrasting materials together can have a powerful impact and make the bedside tables more of a statement. Textured organic ceramics can look fantastic against a highly polished timber or lacquer bedside. For a more modern twist, using semi-matt paint finish with textured inset drawers or tops, such as a faux shagreen or faux leather, can really set off playful accessories, pleated fabric shades, Perspex frames, wrapped tissue boxes, on a more neutral base and highlight the juxtaposition of different materials.” 5) Display fresh flowers A little colour and fragrance is a great way to make your bedroom more welcoming. But how to keep them looking as fresh as possible when they’re crammed in between a lamp, some perfume bottles, and a half-read book of crosswords? Whether it’s a small bouquet or a dainty lily, gardening expert, Harry Bodell at PriceYourJob, reveals how to display fresh flowers on a bedside table:

lamp can set the perfect mood for relaxing evenings in your bedroom. Opt for touch settings, for easy switch off when you are starting to doze off and for various lighting settings.” 3) Get the height right Achieving the perfect bedside table is a balancing act. It’s essential to get both scale and proportion right as a bedside table that’s too cramped can be visually displeasing, whereas something too large can awkwardly stand out in the room. To create an orderly feel to the room, we spoke to Studio Manager at Rigby&Rigby, James Ashfield, who explains the right proportions for your bedside table: “The ideal height for a bedside table should marry up with the height of the mattress or slightly higher. We like to avoid a client overstretching or reaching excessively down or up during the night. Ergonomics are a critical aspect of our design, and this is why we complete so many customised furniture pieces. “When designing a custom bedside table, we take into consideration more than just height. For example, does the client require maximum storage in the form of drawers or cupboards? Or would they rather have an element of open display for ease of reaching items such as tissues, books etc. Equally, an element of cable management may be useful to keep bedside lamp and phone charger cables tidy.” 4) Play with texture Texture is a brilliant way of adding depth to your bedside table. From the cool, smooth feel of metal lamp shades to the

“Fresh flowers can make your bedroom more welcoming, simply by adding a little colour on your bedside table. They brighten up your space, make the room smell good, and put a smile on your face. Place them in vases around the house or a crystal glass vase. Within three days, they should be opening nicely and will last about five to seven days. To keep the flowers fresher for longer, a little trick I like to use is adding 3 drops of bleach and 1 teaspoon of sugar per litre of water in the vase. This will also keep the water from getting cloudy and inhibit the growth of bacteria.” 6) Add a personal touch As well as being an organised and functional space, your bedside table should be fashionable with the right storage solutions. There’s no need to compromise on style when choosing useful additions such as an alarm clock, accent bowl to keep your jewellery or cable organiser. Anything else can be stored out of sight in convenient drawers or double-duty designs. Sylvia James, interior designer at HomeHow shares how to add a personal touch to your nightstand: “No matter what client requirements are, we work to provide them with the perfect bedside table to meet their individual requirements. Bedside tables do not have to be completely minimalist. In fact, a few items of décor such as candles, photo frames or flowers can bring a personal and homely touch to the bedroom. If you prefer a minimal aesthetic, you can still add accessories while keeping things simple with a small trinket box. Statement pieces can include your favourite book or a personalised marble coaster to rest your night-time tea on.”

Robin Mackenzie Partnership

ABOVE

St Andrew Square, courtesy of Comprehensive Design Architects

BELOW

The Crescent, Donaldson’s College, Edinburgh, courtesy of CALA Homes

Excellence in Acoustics RMP is one of the UK’s largest acoustic consultants undertaking projects throughout the UK and overseas for a wide range of clients, working on many ﬂagship projects with leading architects and designers. RMP has the experience and knowledge to meet every architectural acoustic challenge – from the design of atria, school halls, court rooms and multipurpose spaces through to concert halls, exhibition centres and special needs schools. We achieve the very best results through a combination of experience, the latest computer modelling techniques and a full suite of on-site testing services. • • • • •

Sound Insulation Testing Air Tightness Testing Acoustic Design Thermal Imaging Surveys Environmental Noise Assessments

15% off testing and consulting fees, Quote RRP SE2021

Old Trafford Lodge, Manchester – image courtesy of ICA Architects

RRNews - Issue 51

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

People On The Move SENIOR OPS APPOINTMENT SUPPORTS SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS Leading shower manufacturer, Triton, has appointed a new Operations Director to play a vital role in delivering strategic sustainability goals, as the business works towards becoming net zero by 2025.

avid Savage brings more than 14 years’ experience in the manufacturing, operations and supply chain sectors to Triton Showers. As well as making significant contributions towards reducing CO2 and improving efficiency levels, he will also be responsible for enhancing supply chain resilience. Commenting on his appointment, David said: “I’m delighted to be joining an organisation that has such a progressive environmental strategy and is future focused. From an operational point of view, my role will be central to helping Triton realise its vision of becoming the most sustainable shower brand in the UK. I’m therefore looking forward to exploring new ways of delivering both cost and carbon savings throughout the business by making best use of valuable resources.” David Tutton, Managing Director at Triton, said: “We are extremely pleased that David has joined the business. His extensive industry background will be invaluable and his arrival couldn’t be better timed, as we have some pretty ambitious goals to accomplish in the next four years. While we’ve achieved a lot already, gaining fresh insights from David and getting his input into policies and procedures will mean we can do even more.”

EAST MIDLANDS ARCHITECTURE PRACTICE BOLSTERS TEAM WITH TWO NEW HIRES Lincolnshire-based architects and urban designers, PolkeyCollins, has welcomed two new members to its architectural team as part of its planned growth strategy.

ason Hall and Connor Horgan have joined the practice as senior architect and architectural technologist respectively. The hires come as part of PolkeyCollins’ fiveyear growth strategy to further propel the thriving business forward. Two years into the strategy, the firm is ahead of its projections achieving its expected year third year results in year two.

RRNews - Issue 51

Jason joins the senior team and brings with him over 23 years of experience including six years working in Asia. In his new role, Jason will be working alongside directors Daniel Collins and Clive Polkey and the studio team, to continue the practice’s standard of delivering outstanding projects.

to be part of the studio’s continued success and growth.” As an architectural technologist, Connor will be assisting the architectural team and supporting them to drive projects forward, while finding appropriate and buildable solutions to any challenges that may arise. With two years of industry experience undertaken alongside his studies, Connor brings plenty of energy and ideas after graduating with a degree in Architecture from Nottingham Trent University this year. Connor said: “I’m really pleased to be a part of the PolkeyCollins team, I have always admired the way the practice approaches its projects and the team environment was appealing.

Member of the Architects Registration Board (ARB), Jason completed his diploma in Architecture at The Bartlett, University College London before achieving his Part 3 qualification at Westminster University.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to develop my skills and to be able to work my way towards achieving my chartership in Architectural Technology (MCIAT) while working with the great team here.”

On joining the PolkeyCollins team, Jason said: “This is a vibrant practice with a fresh approach to design and client service, and a rigorous focus on quality which is what attracted me to the company. I’m joining a skilled team and I’m pleased to be bringing my global experience and

PolkeyCollins provides architectural design services across multiple sectors including education, retail, urban design and leisure. The team are currently working on projects in London, Ipswich, Lincoln, Reading and Southampton, but cover all areas of England.

Director of PolkeyCollins, Daniel Collins, said: “Two years ago my co-director Clive and I wrote a strategic five-year growth plan. The practice had been performing well and we wanted to harness that whilst being ambitious with our plans for growth over the next few years. We have ambitious plans for the practice, and we are proud to be ahead of our targets enabling us to recruit talented individuals, such as Jason and Connor. “It’s a pleasure to welcome Jason and Connor to the PolkeyCollins team. They both bring a unique and valuable set of skills that will be most beneficial to the practice as we move forward with a number of high profile and significant projects. We have a great culture in the team and Jason and Connor will be a big part of that. They are joining at an exciting time.” PolkeyCollins has a strong pipeline of work lined up throughout 2021 and into 2022 with plans to continue hiring in the future as part of the practice’s strategic five-year growth plan.

KITCHEN WINDOW DESIGN SECRETS REVEALED! When styling your kitchen, it’s important to consider where your light sources are coming from. Wren Kitchens have revealed the top kitchen design tips to suit the window set up in your home.

hen designing your dream kitchen, it’s important to consider where your light sources are and how that will affect the overall feel of your space. You don’t want to spend money to make the centre of your home feel too dark or too small. It’s all about LIGHT. Wren Kitchens have revealed the things you need to consider when designing your kitchen based on your windows! Taking into consideration window position and size, this guide sheds light on all your kitchen concerns.

North Facing Windows With North facing windows only getting light in the latter part of the day, it’s important to make your space

South Facing Windows An open plan kitchen with a south facing window will get the majority of its light during the day. With this in mind, when choosing the colour for your kitchen, you have the option to go for a darker palette (greens, browns, black) as natural light will be in your favour during the day. You can also use your south facing window to frame a kitchen focal point like the sink. This makes the layout of your kitchen seem purposeful and considered highlighting the design qualities. Windowless Kitchens Although uncommon, kitchens can be designed without windows if necessary. When considering styling choices for a windowless kitchen, two key points must take precedence: ventilation and brightness. Extractor fans or range hoods will improve ventilation easily to ensure your kitchen remains a clean and safe environment. When it comes to brightness, choosing white walls and LED spotlights will help illuminate your kitchen. The Skylight The major benefit of having a skylight in your kitchen is that you have

Natural light is often overlooked during the design process and it’s important to maximise it with some clever design tips and tricks to truly transform the look and feel of your kitchen space.

Window Size When considering design choices for your space – the size of the window is also an important element to consider. You may have a south facing window that get’s light all day but if that window is on the smaller side, then there are a few extra things to keep in mind. Firstly, if the windows in your kitchen are small consider smarter storage solutions to keep your surfaces minimal. Having clutter and small windows can make your kitchen feel enclosed! On the other hand, if you have windows that are larger, empty surfaces can make the space feel less homely. Consider installing some wall cabinets with glass fronts to mimic the aesthetic of a pantry. This will add charm and character to your space and keep things cosy.

RRNews - Issue 51

Darren Watts, Wren Kitchens Showroom Development and Design Director, said: “Natural light is often overlooked during the design process and it’s important to maximise it with some clever design tips and tricks to truly transform the look and feel of your kitchen space. The more light from windows and doors can create a bigger and more elegant design, so if your space is north facing or lacks any natural light, work with an expert designer who can guide you in terms of design, colour and material choices. The colour of your units play a key role in bouncing light around the room, but you can also use mirror-like appliances and glistening Xena Quartz worktops that help reflect light to create the appearance of a more spacious room.”

as bright as possible. Try to not crowd the window with cabinets either side as that will limit the brightness of your space. Choose brighter colours for your walls and surfaces to keep it light and airy – this is particularly important if your space is on the smaller side also

daylight all day long which can have an impact on your design choices. Firstly, countertops should be a lighter colour as skylights heat up your kitchen more so than any other window type. However, due to the amount and consistency of the light, skylit kitchens allow for a darker colour palette to be explored on the walls. For example, a dark grey adds depth and makes other colours in your space pop.

FRESHENING UP THE OFFICE

Mark Grayston, Product Marketing Manager, Mitsubishi Electric It’s hard to believe that it was over a year and a half ago that office workers flooded out of their premises and headed home for the first of the COVID-19 lockdowns. In fact, it’s estimated that 60% of Brits are still working from home as we close in on 18 months, with 53% of UK workers wanting some element of flexible working moving forward.

ver the next few weeks and months as people start returning to the office, what are some of those key areas of consideration to be mindful of? Time for a good service & maintenance rundown It is essential that everything from the calibration of temperature and pressure sensors to compressor operation and heat transfer from exchangers is regularly checked.

RRNews - Issue 51

Probably the first thing a building’s management team will want to look at is the ventilation, as increasing the amount of fresh air into spaces is one of the best ways of ensuring businesses can keep their staff as COVID-safe as possible. It’s therefore worth asking how you can increase the airflow into those spaces and seeing whether existing equipment is able to do this and do it energy efficiently, or whether an upgrade might be required.

Whatever the system, it is worth reviewing whether it is set up to ensure maximum comfort and reliability. It’s also crucial that equipment is regularly checked, so once the a system is back up and running to deal with occupied, rather than empty spaces, it would be worth getting the maintenance team in to double check everything – even if that means bringing forward the schedule.

room, bolt-on air purifiers are now available which will not only deal with viruses but are also proven against bacteria, allergens, dust, mould and other microscopic particles.

The importance of indoor air quality

Be prepared

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of adequate ventilation and good indoor air quality and this is where fresh air has such an important role to play. A study in 2019 found that poor air quality can interfere with productivity, so it’s important to have a steady supply of clean air circulating through a building to ensure optimal productivity. For those buildings that do not have access to open windows or ventilation systems, units like mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) or air handling units (AHU) are ideal for this task as they remove the stale air while simultaneously delivering a fresh air supply to a building. With the need for this equipment to operate at a higher capacity and for longer, increased service and maintenance schedules will also be required to ensure a reliable and effective system. For air conditioning systems, which circulate the air already in a

Undeniably, building services such as ventilation, cooling, heating and water systems will play a central role in the health and safety – and ultimately comfort – of those that work there. While there’s certainly no fullproof guide to get through the current situation and help re-open society, there are a series of steps that can be taken to ensure building occupants are working in comfortable levels, but also provided an element of safety through ventilation. WEBSITE: www.mitsubishielectric.com

While there’s certainly no full-proof guide to get through the current situation and help re-open society, there are a series of steps that can be taken to ensure building occupants are working in comfortable levels, but also provided an element of safety through ventilation.

MADE IN BRITAIN

We’ve got something NEW up our sleeve... TracPipe® with an integrated containment sleeve! Save time and money by not having to apply a secondary sleeve! With TracPipeCC® we’ve got it covered!

FREE TRAINING

FREE ON-SITE VISITS

FREE SUPPORT

FREE ON-LINE GUIDES

Find out more... Call

+44 (0)1295 67 66 70

eurosales@omegaflex.com

Heating, Ventilation & Insulation GILBERTS HELPS THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL SET THE STAGE FOR THE FUTURE The challenge of taking one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, the 150 years-old, Grade I listed Royal Albert Hall into the 21st century has been met by innovative and pioneering engineering solutions.

In total, some 650 of the bespoke diffusers have been installed strategically throughout the Circle Level under the 1500 seats. The diffusers deliver cooler high levels of air at low level with rapid mixing and entrainment into the seating area right where the audience needs it, displacing the existing, warmer, stale/used air upward to be extracted at high level. The intumescent can achieve protection for up to 60 minutes.

Gilberts Blackpool has supported mechanical and electrical contractors Bradgate to achieve effective yet discreet ventilation of the Hall’s main auditorium- one of the most famous concert venues in the world and home of the BBC Proms. The ventilation upgrade is just part of a major refurbishment programme to preserve and protect the building to reduce the impact of ageing.

“Whenever one develops a bespoke solution, there is always the issue of validation: by its nature, there is no existing test as it is unique and a first of its kind,” observed Gilberts’ Technical Director Roy Jones. “We are acknowledged as the industry leaders in commercial ventilation diffusers and have a similar reputation for our provision of smoke and fire control solutions. Further, we have our own in-house laboratory and test facilities, so were able to model virtually and physically test the units to validate the environmental performance criteria. Bradgate had the reassurance therefore of vast technical expertise in all relevant areas, and thus the confidence to put their trust in us to deliver.”

Bradgate’s brief was to provide a solution that would invisibly integrate under the floor of the 1870s original timber framed seating of the Rausing Circle to discharge and filter air via displacement without affecting the audience’s enjoyment of proceedings. Operating noise had to be kept to a minimum. Fire protection had to be optimised. Bradgate turned to Gilberts, as Britain’s leading independent air movement specialist, to develop a concept and product that could and would deliver. Gilberts took the basic concept of its GFS swirl floor diffuser and design-engineered bespoke accessories to achieve, in one easy to install unit, all the elements required. Addition of a sleeve housing an intumescent fire block and damper below the diffusers addressed the fire protection and performance specification. Various versions were produced, depending on the location of the diffuser in the steps or the floor of the auditorium. RRN921047 Gilberts HP.indd 1

Added Graham Dawson, Bradgate Contracts Manager, “It is inevitably complex when refurbishing old buildings to bring them up to modern standards and Regulatory requirements without impinging on the historic fabric. The Royal Albert Hall auditorium was a unique scenario and one where we were comfortable that Gilberts could help us achieve a compliant solution.” Neal Hockley, Building Engineer at Royal Albert Hall, said, “Having seen the ventilation in action in the auditorium, we can be satisfied that visitors can fully enjoy the music and enjoy the ambience with good environmental conditions.” The Royal Albert Hall is not the first historic building for which Gilberts has developed ventilation solutions; its portfolio includes Hintze Hall at the Natural History Museum, Gleneagles Townhouse, Buxton Crescent hotel, Grantley Hall and Liverpool’s India Building. Founded some 60 years ago, Gilberts is Britain’s leading independent air movement specialist, and is unique in its ability to develop components. Be it ‘mainstream’ or bespoke - entirely in-house, from initial design through tooling, production, testing and supply, at its 85,000 ft2 manufacturing facility. Its state of the art test centre, designed and built in-house, is one of the most technically advanced in the country.

Tel: 01253 766911 E: info@gilbertsblackpool.com Website: gilbertsblackpool.com 09/09/2021 13:21:48

ADVECO AD: TOUGH, HIGHLY EFFICIENT COMMERCIAL WATER HEATING Commercial hot water and heating specialist Adveco, announces the AD range. A new generation of sleekly designed, modulating commercial floor-standing gas condensing water heaters to be used with a buffer for high demand semiinstantaneous hot water applications in sports & leisure centres, hotels, spas, schools, stadia, and large commercial buildings.

RRNews - Issue 51

Bill Sinclair, technical director, Adveco said, “The titanium-stabilised stainlesssteel construction of the AD range’s heat exchangers is the perfect response to counter the concerns of corrosion in soft, or softened water applications. Compact, lightweight yet still powerful, the AD’s patented space-saving design makes it equally applicable to both new projects or renovation work where a lack of space would traditionally stall or quickly drive up costs of a project.”

With each water heater composed of one to four 70 kW heat exchangers, the AD range offers appliances from 70kW up to 280 kW. This approach optimises the supplied output (up to 160 litres/minute) ensuring maximum efficiency when providing DHW. Models with multiple integrated heat exchangers offer load balancing for optimal long-life operation and inbuilt redundancy guaranteeing continuity of service. Tough and efficient, AD water heaters are all equipped with premix burners made of Fecralloy metal fibre for large modulation RRN920023 Adveco HP.indd 1

range with excellent functionality at extremely high temperatures. Using a premix burner ensures the AD requires less gas, making it more cost-effective, plus reducing harmful NOX and CO emissions. The AD’s heat exchangers will also work in direct contact with chlorinated mains water. The AD range can be configured to operate in a cascade of up to eight water heaters. The AD’s controller provides full temperature control and self-check maintenance functions. The controller also accommodates 0-10 input, MODBUS communication, and alarm output for seamless system integration. Additional information • Five-year warranty on AISI 316Ti heat exchangers • Compact floor standing arrangement: AD 70T & AD140T H1180 x W600 x D945mm / AD210T & AD280T M1880 x W600 x D896mm • High maximum run pressure up to 11 bar • Low emissions, built with Class 6 technology for NOx at 27 mg/kWh GCV • Available for natural gas or LPG • Acid condensate neutraliser included • Ideal for soft water applications. Hard water areas over 150ppm require use of a water softener down to 100ppm. • Supports standard flue systems using low cost 110-160 mm diameter PP Adveco - Expertly engineered for you. Visit www.adveco.co 18/09/2020 12:13:57

Heating, Ventilation & Insulation CIRCOFLO UFH SYSTEM SELECTED FOR STYLISH YORKSHIRE RESIDENTIAL SCHEME The practical and logistical benefits, as well as the price competitiveness offered by Circoflo’s range of underfloor heating solutions, have led to its ClipRail system being employed for a development of nine stylish dwellings in a beautiful rural location in West Yorkshire. Carleton Lodge Development Ltd. was set up by Moscicki Property to construct the five terraced and four large, detached properties on land at Carleton near Pontefract, to offer future occupants comfortable and economic to run, high specification homes in a secluded setting. O’Neil Construction is leading the build, while locally based R. J. Jones is the installer of the plumbing and heating services throughout the new houses.

As the sub-contractor’s founder, Rob Jones confirms his decision to use ClipRail was based on the competitive quote given by Holmfirth based merchant, Holmebuild and the service support available through Circoflo, together with E Tupling: the underfloor heating specialist’s main distributor across the north of England. Rob Jones commented: “The Carleton project represented a significant contract for which I sought quotes from a number of sources. Apart from the price Holmebuild offered me, there was the attraction of rapid delivery via Tupling and good technical support. The individual CAD drawings for each plot worked out well, apart from places such as where some of the kitchen areas hadn’t been

decided exactly when the original drawings were done. Overall I was pleased with the system.” The Plumbing Manager for Holmebuild, Darren, added: “We’ve been impressed with the direct contact we’ve had with Circoflo – which is one of the reasons we switched from our previous underfloor heating supplier and while we do not have sufficient space at present to keep Circoflo packs in stock, we are always able to get them on next day delivery from E Tupling.” In the first five houses completed, R. J. Jones’ engineers have clipped the 12mm pipe runs down across Jablite insulation ready for the flooring contractor to lay a conventional wet screed, and connecting each circuit back to the plot specific manifolds provided as part of the Circoflo package. The 133mm pipe spacing and good thermal transmittance via the screed will help achieve very good occupant comfort while assisting the heating systems to run at optimum efficiency. ClipRail is one of half a dozen UFH solutions offered by Circoflo to facilitate the installation of high performance and affordable heating within all types of project from extensions and refurbishments to apartment and other commercial developments.

CIRCOFLO, 18 APPLE LANE, TRADE CITY, EXETER, DEVON, EX2 5GL. TEL: 01392 360457 EMAIL: sales@circoflo.co.uk WEB: www.circoflopro.co.uk

Boiler Sequencing

RRN921026 Omnie HP.indd 1

09/09/2021 13:00:12

CALL FOR ENTRIES: PANASONIC CELEBRATES EXCELLENCE IN HVAC+R PROJECTS WITH 4TH EUROPEAN PRO AWARDS 2021

Efficient Control

Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions has launched its fourth edition of the Panasonic PRO Awards with a call for project entries from across Europe. The award scheme celebrates the very best in HVAC+R projects, showcasing innovation and excellence in the use of Panasonic’s solutions across a wide range of applications.

of Up To 3 Boilers!

Sequencing Boilers Will Save You £’s Boiler Sequencer / Step Controllers will enhance the way in which multiple boilers work by reducing maintenance & running cost’s whilst increasing comfort levels throughout! Self Learning!

UK Product & Support!

Increased Comfort!

Adjustable Run Times!

2 or 3 Boiler Models!

Variable Pump Run On!

www.warmworld.co.uk

+44 (0) 117 949 8800

There are four categories to enter: • Best Residential Project • Best Retail Project • Best Commercial Project • Best Hospitality Project Projects completed between 1 November 2018 and 30 September 2021 are eligible to be submitted into the PRO Awards and the deadline for entries is 15 November 2021. After scrutiny by the judges, winners will be announced by December 2021. Entries can be submitted easily via the Panasonic PRO Awards website. Winners will be featured in editorial across Europe and have an opportunity to take a trip to Japan to visit a Panasonic facility. To find out more, please visit www.aircon.panasonic.eu/GB_en/.

RRNews - Issue 51

Massive Savings! Intelligent Switching! The Multi Boiler Controller that's easy to fit, even easier to use & guarantees to pay for itself!

A prestigious panel of judges from across Europe, including the UK’s Graeme Fox, Head of Technical at the BESA Group, Director at ACRIB and the IOR, and a Past President of AREA – the European RACHP contractors’ association, will be looking for applications that demonstrate flair and innovation, and showcase sustainable design, efficiency, cost effectiveness and aesthetics.

43 RRN921012 Panasonic QP.indd 1

08/09/2021 14:47:42

GODDARD LITTLEFAIR CELEBRATES THE CULTURAL HISTORY AND VIBRANCY OF EAST LONDON WITH ITS DESIGN FOR MONDRIAN SHOREDITCH LONDON

he hotel has been significantly refreshed in line with the upbeat and individual spirit of the Mondrian brand always seeking to give guests a flavour of the local area. The studio’s design research delved deep into the history of the area and the characters that create the colourful social fabric of Shoreditch. The interiors take inspiration from Art and Literature, including the traditional nursery rhyme ‘Oranges and Lemons’ - due to the hotel’s close proximity to churches that feature in the historical rhyme. “We discovered that the well known rhyme ‘Oranges and Lemons’ centered around the churches in this east London area, with the site of the hotel at the centre. The longer, and much less well known, version of the rhyme paints a wonderful picture of the city in the 16th and 17th Century. The influence can be interpreted into the design of the interior in many different elements from lighting to materiality” comments Jo Littlefair, Goddard Littlefair Co-Founder & Director. Art and personal expression colliding with east London vibrancy became key design steers.

RRNews - Issue 51

Award-winning interior and hospitality design studio Goddard Littlefair have been appointed to realise the interiors for Mondrian’s newest hotel, Mondrian Shoreditch London. Acquired by the Reuben Brothers in 2020, lead consultant on the project, Goddard Littlefair has skilfully transformed the hotel to meet its ambitious opening date of Summer 2021.

Upon entering the hotel, guests are met with a playful experience. The reception and lobby have reflective finishes with significant artwork installations for guests to discover, typical of the Mondrian design portfolio. Behind the reception, a circular neon art piece reflects off the bronze mirror while at high level, large scale gilded glass panels created by Studio Peascod take centre stage and depict a rising copper sun. In continuing the playful trope, Goddard Littlefair retained the hotel’s original strongly patterned floor and juxtaposed this with a concrete desk, pattina walls and reflective surfaces to create a strong sense of space, almost disorientating to the onlooker. Expanding on this and in line with Mondrian’s artistic spirit and a homage to well-known installation artist Yayoi Kusama, Goddard Littlefair created a fully mirrored room, large enough for a small group to stand in. Globe lights circle the room giving the viewer a sense that they are seeing themselves in infinity is a tempting allure for a society who needs to capture every moment of life in a selfie image. “As designers we’re inviting people to question their need and urge to do that, if they don’t take a picture, does that lessen the experience? We’re inviting guests to live in the moment rather than through digital images” suggests Jo Littlefair. Tactile fabrics, leathers and soft linen window dressings combined with a graphic hand tufted rug soften the lobby space and introduce warm yet fresh colourings of sage grey and dusky blue, off-set by the crispness of a white linen sheer. The design studio paid close attention to the cafe bar and rooftop spaces to ensure that the areas worked throughout the day as meeting, working and eating spaces that could transform at night into alluring evening venues. Each of the public spaces link together but also have a distinct narrative, always drawing upon the rich history of east London. Throughout the reception lobby and

“We discovered that the well known rhyme ‘Oranges and Lemons’ centered around the churches in this east London area, with the site of the hotel at the centre. The longer, and much less well known, version of the rhyme paints a wonderful picture of the city in the 16th and 17th Century. The influence can be interpreted into the design of the interior in many different elements from lighting to materiality.”

The rooftop restaurant, Altitude at The Curtain, is dressed with striped and festooned shade structures and will appeal to the guests and members of The Curtain alike. This area is a key asset for any London hotel and

the Mondrian rooftop is sure to be a mainstay of Shoreditch life. Bright and refreshing during the day, the area transforms to an ambient and chic destination serving Californian Cuisine in the evening. A black framed pergola is softened with festooned striped fabric and the oversized rattan pendants and cane furniture speak a language of relaxed living. The influence of biophilia runs throughout the space with planting taking a centre stage, curated by Conservatory Archives, a local planting company. The form of foliage is translated onto fabrics and onto walls on an oversized mural hand-painted by Lucy Robinson, Associate at Goddard Littlefair, who led the interior design team. “The mural is inspired by the bold shapes found in Californian street art that has a simile to contemporary UK street art, the mural utilises mixed pastel colours to enhance the tones that appear in upholstery fabrics, handmade ceramic tiles and the original floor. The brief to ‘subtly represent botanicals’ uses colour and abstracted petal, stem and leaf shapes to provide a backdrop to the restaurant that will serve a bespoke drinks list and Californian cuisine” explains Lucy Robinson. Continued >>>

RRNews - Issue 51

across the ground floor to Christina’s Shoreditch cafe bar, a pendant light fitting was designed as a contemporary interpretation of the gas lanterns that were used as local London street lights. Increased in scale and stacked in multiple tiers, the lanterns run through the centre of the spaces, drawing guests from the external lobby to the new bar area. This piece along with a reception area pendant and bespoke floor lamp are produced by Hoad & More. Christina’s, the double height ground floor cafe bar showcases a new concept for Shoreditch and serves Sando’s and Coffee during the day and specialist cocktails made bespoke for the hotel, by night. A curved copper bar transforms to the eye using light, changing the ambience in the room across the day and an assorted mix of large planting adds the natural touch. A large-scale hand-painted mural by Fred Coppin fills the clay rendered bulkhead above the bar and features a collection of objects to discover alongside Fred’s signature botanical shapes.

A fireplace anchors a central seating group in the space, while a banquette lines the glazing to allow some privacy for guests in the pool. The bar overlooks the interior section of the rooftop space while externally sun loungers allow guests to take in the spectacular views of this part of London with the option to take a refreshing dip in the pool. Well-versed in restaurant and bar design, Goddard Littlefair’s specialist food and beverage division Epicurean are responsible for the design of the BiBo restaurant. Founded by 3 Michelin Star chef Dani García, the launch marks García’s first UK restaurant and British culinary concept. When working with a chef of such international regard as García, the studio took great influence from his work, ethos, cuisine and origin and brought some of the influences into the restaurant space. BiBo itself also has a brand identity and colour palette that heavily infiltrated the design scheme and the studio dovetailed the identity of Mondrian spirit with García’s culinary legacy. Located on the lower Ground Floor of the Mondrian Hotel, Goddard Littlefair’s intention for BiBo was to be a theatrical, urban space with a lively energy for casual lunches and spirited dinners. Globe lights cascade in ripples down the stairs leading to the impressive restaurant space. Upon entering BiBo, guests can decide to sit at casual high tables, restaurant dining, the Spanish Courtyard or at the bar.

Over the central island bar a statement mirrored raft and oversized globe light are housed within a copper rod structure, a nod to the hot air balloon which features in other BiBo restaurants globally.

RRNews - Issue 51

In striving to brighten the space, the studio infused the design scheme with a light and natural colour palette. Light oak floors, soft clay rendered walls, reflective surfaces and a new lighting scheme was introduced throughout. Subtly referencing Andalucia and complimenting the brand colours for BiBo London, Goddard Littlefair included rose coloured handmade tiles, bordeaux red arched wall features and limed oak joinery. The base palette showcases a contemporary layer of fun and frivolity. Adding movement to the space, an installation of Ceramic fish by Scabetti suspended from the ceiling swim through the room, celebrating Dani Garcia’s love of travel and instantly captivate the guests attention. Polished copper walls and rafts bounce around light and have dramatic oversized rattan pendant lights hanging from them. Over the central island bar a statement mirrored raft and oversized globe light are housed within a copper rod structure, a nod to the hot air balloon which features in other BiBo restaurants globally.

Serving the same menu throughout, Goddard Littlefair has used the island bar as a tool for subtle division and to ground the space. The right hand side of the bar has been realised as a space for tapas service with high tables, glass tapas displays and close proximity to the open kitchen. The left hand side of the bar has areas of natural light, banquette seating and group tables to enjoy. The bar itself is surrounded by stools to enjoy watching the bar team make imaginative cocktails. BiBo also enjoys a small indoor/outdoor courtyard, designed to feel like a Spanish haven

in central London. Bold red walls and hanging plants all sit below a retracting glass roof. A private dining room for 12 people is located on the floor below, with the same character as the restaurant. The upholstery used includes antique tan leather, and teal & rose fabrics to activate the furniture. The guestroom refresh encapsulates a luxurious, theatrical aesthetic with fresh white brick walls framing the headboard wall. Rugs inspired by painterly strokes on canvas float under beds while the guest dining table area has been refreshed using uplifting colours and styled in a contemporary direction. The white pendant globe above the dining table connects the bedrooms to the concept running through the hotel and the artwork selections draw local influence and inspiration, themselves, inviting witty appreciation.

Stone & Stonework

RRN116048 The Stonyard HP:RRN Quarter Page Template 4/2/16 16:40 Page 11 RRN116048 The Stonyard HP:RRN Quarter Page Template 4/2/16 16:40 Page 11 RRN116048 HP:RRN Page Template 4/2/16 16:40 1 RRN116048 The Stonyard HP:RRN Quarter Page 4/2/16 16:40 RRN116048 The Stonyard HP:RRN Quarter Page Template 4/2/16 16:40 Page RRN116048 The Stonyard HP:RRN Quarter Page Template 4/2/16 16:40 Page Page 1 RRN116048The TheStonyard Stonyard HP:RRN Quarter Page Template 4/2/16 16:40 Page Page 1 RRN116048 TheQuarter Stonyard HP:RRN Quarter Page Template Template 4/2/16 16:40 Page 1

TheStoneYard.co.uk is your premier source for granite - we offer a full range granite products including setts, kerbs, posts, building and paving products at affordable prices as well as custom machined and polished items. All our high quality stone is quarried and fabricated in-house at our EEC approved quarry site in Portugal by our team of experienced stone masons. By buying from us you are choosing the ethical alternative to unregulated Chinese and Indian stone. Granite setts 10x10x5cm £23 per m2 + VAT With nationwide delivery service. RRN917065 The Stoneyard Half Page.indd11 1 RRN519075 The StoneHalf Yard HP.indd RRN917065 The Stoneyard Page.indd RRN917065 The Stoneyard Half Page.indd RRN917065 The Stoneyard Half Page.indd 11

Sandstone Limestone Building Stone Walling Masonry Landscaping Restoration

RRNews - Issue 51

• • • • • • •

07/09/2017 11:22:01 05/04/2019 08:51:42 11:22:01 07/09/2017 11:23:17 11:22:01 07/09/2017 11:23:17 11:23:17 11:22:01 07/09/2017 11:23:17

01594 372023 - 01386 584384 www.stonequarries.co.uk RRN921015 Cotswold HP.indd 1

08/09/2021 19:10:01

BEYER BLINDER BELLE ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW HASTINGS HALL, PART OF THE RENEWAL PLAN FOR UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY’S 100-YEAR-OLD CAMPUS The Campus Renewal Plan and opening of Hastings Hall will evolve the historic campus to better reflect the needs of 21st century students, and UTS’s robust and rigorous educational experience.

eyer Blinder Belle (BBB) announces the opening of Hastings Hall, fully renovated graduate housing for the Union Theological Seminary (UTS) campus in New York City. The renovation is one of the first projects undertaken by the institution following BBB’s comprehensive UTS Campus Renewal Plan.

RRNews - Issue 51

The Campus Renewal Plan evolves the 100-year-old, 200,000 SF historic Morningside Heights campus to better reflect the needs of 21st century students by providing greater accessibility and enhanced student spaces that are more conducive to learning, communal engagement, and collaborative education. BBB’s renewal plan addresses institutional and programmatic needs while preserving the signature Collegiate Gothic structures—twelve historic buildings surrounding a gracious landscaped courtyard. Additional planned upgrades to the campus include a redesign of the main courtyard and cloister garden, more accessible entrances, an elevator core, a redesigned student lounge space,

With significant shifts in student housing needs since the last renovation, it was important for UTS to both maintain the existing number of units and provide all residents with an enhanced residential experience. BBB’s design provides a more flexible mix of units including studios, flexible 2-room suites, and traditional dormitory rooms.

and a small chapel. A new mixed-use building, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects with SLCE Architects and expected to complete in late 2022, will contain faculty housing, new classrooms, and Episcopal Divinity School at Union offices at the base of the building. Built in 1910 as an 85,000 sq ft student dormitory offering 2-room chambers for students with shared bathrooms on each floor, Hastings Hall was converted primarily to apartment style units with small kitchenettes and bathrooms in the 1980s. With significant shifts in student housing needs since the last renovation, it was important for UTS to both maintain the existing number of units and provide all residents with an enhanced residential experience. BBB’s design provides a more flexible mix of units including studios, flexible 2-room suites, and traditional dormitory rooms. Materials and finishes refer to the patterns and textures of the historic campus interpreted to a contemporary interiors language.

BBB led programming sessions with students to ensure the renovated building would reflect their needs. Common spaces on each floor now provide a range of social and study space, including for meditation, prayer, group study, and shared cooking and eating. With the central plant for the campus located in the basement of the building, the project is a key element of the Campus Renewal Plan, providing the infrastructure for upgraded HVAC, electrical, and fire protection systems throughout the campus. The project is targeting LEED Silver certification.

Roofing & Cladding CLADDING JUST GOT ANIMATED Freefoam Building Products are proud to announce the launch of a new animation style video to illustrate how to fit cladding. In recent years Freefoam have seen a steady rise in sales of its PVC cladding range. However, in the last 18 months, with homeowners using disposable income to improve their properties, sales have skyrocketed. Freefoam have recorded a 55% increase in sales making cladding a fantastic opportunity for any home improvement company, builder or pvc fitter. But, as with any home improvement product, the success of a job, and indeed ongoing recommendations, depend on the quality of the installation. In order to help companies capitalise on this opportunity Freefoam have now created a video animation to show all stages of the cladding fitting process. Whilst Freefoam provide detailed printed and online fitting instructions research has shown that fitting video’s are incredibly useful and well received by installers and DIYers alike. Visual aids ensure the whole process is easy to understand. The new video features a high quality detailed animation to show every step of the fitting process. From fixing the initial battens and membrane, to installing cladding boards and accompanying trims. With close up details of key fitting points and on screen instructions the video illustrates each step clearly and simply.

Leigh Russell, Freefoam Technical Advisor commented “Freefoam cladding system is designed to be easy to fit whether you are a professional installer or a homeowner working on a DIY project. We provide detailed fitting instructions to ensure that installations are carried out correctly so that the cladding can perform as intended. For first time installers, getting to know the system can still be daunting. This animation offers users the chance to familiarise themselves with the cladding and demonstrates all the critical aspects of an installation. ” One of the most important aspects in any pvc cladding installation is the ventilation. Creating a cavity (ideally a 5mm continuous gap) between the internal wall and the cladding, with a suitably sized, unobstructed, gap at the top and bottom, allows for air to flow freely through. This ensures minimal heat build up and expansion and contraction of cladding boards. The video also highlights how to ensure every installation includes adequate ventilation by using Freefoam’s clever ventilated starter and closer trim. Freefoam Marketing Manager, Louise Sanderson, summarised “We are always looking for new ways to communicate with our audiences and help make our product range accessible to all. Working with a specialist digital agency and our inhouse technical team we have created a very high quality fitting video that we can use on all channels.

VIEW VIDEO HERE Visit our website at www.freefoam.com

RRN921007 Freefoam HP.indd 1

SterlingOSB Zero makes walls strong and sustainable Many materials can be used to form walls and partitions but, when it comes to choosing a versatile, cost-effective and sustainable option, West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero is a winner. Ubiquitous on many construction sites and used in agricultural and portable buildings, the panels are easy to saw, drill, nail, plane or file. They are perfect for structural use in dry and humid conditions. The fact that West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero is stronger and tougher than ply, with no knots, voids or delamination to cause problems, means that it is used widely in wall sheathing, partitioning and Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). The high-quality boards are available in a range of grades, sheet sizes and thicknesses. Minimal finishing is required, helping to speed up construction. The boards are square-edged, so butt together easily and cleanly; nails can be driven as close as 8mm from the panel edge without causing splitting. When incorporated as sheathing in external stud walls, SterlingOSB Zero often forms the centre of a sandwich with a vapour barrier and outer

08/09/2021 17:09:09

cladding on one side and internal insulation and dry lining plasterboard on the other. Internal partitioning is even simpler to construct. In dry lining applications, SterlingOSB Zero StrongFix provides another option for easy installation. This board product is precision engineered with a custom groove for metal C-studs at 600mm centres. The consistent density of OSB means fixtures and fittings of up to 400kg can be attached anywhere on the panel and achieve secure anchorage. As many contractors look to decarbonise their businesses, SterlingOSB Zero provides effective solutions. Timber is highly energy efficient as a building material and can deliver low energy fabric designs, with excellent levels of thermal engineering, utilising low U-values, air-tightness and thermal bridging. West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero has good environmental credentials. All the panels are made in the UK, so their carbon footprint is low. It is also the first OSB product to be made in the UK with zero added formaldehyde, so it is a ‘greener’ board that meets all standards with ease. SIPs are now the main component of many sustainable buildings. These panels incorporate a highly thermally efficient insulating foam core sandwiched between two structural facings of SterlingOSB Zero. This highperformance building system is manufactured under factory-controlled conditions and may be fabricated to fit nearly any building design. Building with SIPs saves time and improves build quality. The system is extremely strong, energy efficient and cost effective.

West Fraser offers product and technical support on the SterlingOSB Zero range through dedicated advice teams. For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit Uk.westfraser.com

RRN721010 Norbord HP.indd 1

17/06/2021 09:28:00

RRNews - Issue 51

SterlingOSB Zero has aesthetic applications too. When left exposed, it has the advantage that it gives spaces a more natural look. Due to its raw visual appeal, designers and architects are increasingly employing the material as a creative showcase in cafes, bars, restaurants and retail outlets. It can be finished with most popular surface treatments and allows designs, logos and marketing messages to be applied.

Roofing Feature

A GUIDE TO FLAT ROOF REFURBISHMENT By James Wilkinson, Gradient Design Team Manager

ge, poor maintenance and deck deflection are among the many causes of roofing failure. When this happens, urgent action is required to prevent costly damage to the building itself. Therefore, which factors need to be taken into consideration when undertaking the refurbishment of an existing flat roof system? With climate change leading to an increase in extreme weather systems, which have seen four of the UK’s wettest winters take place over a 14-year period since 2006, it focuses the need to ensure a building’s most protective element is correctly designed and installed in order to optimise its long-term performance.

RRNews - Issue 51

Eliminate ponding Aside from the visual signs of failure, indications that a roof isn’t performing as it should include rooms within a building feeling too cold in winter or excessively warm in summer. When it comes to a flat roof’s refurbishment, an initial survey is carried out to assess its condition. This will determine what action needs to be taken to ensure it meets industry regulations for energy performance. It will also help achieve the required falls outcome, which is crucial to directing water away from a roof and preventing ponding. A flat roof is typically

designed to shed water, not collect it. Failure to address this basic element of a roof’s design could ultimately lead to system failure and structural deflection due to the weight of water collecting on the roof. Designing for falls In terms of falls, there are several types of tapered designs which ensure water is effectively dispersed from the roof, the most common being fully-mitred, and straight falls to tapered gutters. “Flat roofs are not flat”, as the saying goes, so in order to eradicate ponding issues, falls on a flat roof should achieve a minimum 1:80 pitch at any point. Gradient is able to manufacture a system that achieves these falls but still meets regulation thermal performance. This is due to its ability to offer a bespoke tapered insulation system that is designed to overcome the backfall in order to prevent water ponding.

Survey calculation For larger refurbishment projects such as those involving schools, surveys are even more of a necessity. It allows Gradient, for example, to plot where ponding-based deflections have occurred and allow them to design-out future issues by calculating how to achieve constant water movement over a roof, rather than have it disperse and build-up in different areas. Ask the expert Ideally, a non-leaking flat roof can be refurbished simply by bonding a new tapered insulation system direct to the existing felt substrate. Again, this is where engaging with a specialist such as Gradient pays dividends, as its teams are not only able to design and manufacture a solution to a client’s precise requirements, the completed system can be transported in its entirety to ensure a time and cost-effective installation that will last the lifespan of the building. Roof refurbishment isn’t a game of chance; one errant episode in the design or installation process can cost the building’s owner dear in the long-term. Which is why its overall maintenance is best left to the experts; because peace of mind is priceless.

Weatherproof your gutters at a cost you can afford.

ECO-LINER from Ampteam. Another clever but cost effective product designed to last. Ampteam have created a family of innovative products that combat the ever increasing deluge of bad weather we have in the UK.

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

Saving for a rainy day... UNI-DAM, a rainwater management system designed to prevent heavy storm rainfall from overwhelming gutter systems and flooding into buildings. The system is fixed to the roof and once installed slows and controls the flow of rainfall into the gutter.

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

RRNews - Issue 51

For more information or quote please contact our office on 01384 252777.