A LOOK INSIDE THE WORLD’S FIRST FULLY IMMERSIVE EXPERIENTIAL MARINE LIFE CENTRE

The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), the developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism projects, The Red Sea and AMAALA, has revealed design plans for its state-of-the-art marine life institute.

Created by world-class architectural design firm Foster + Partners, the institute will function as both a scientific research center and a tourist destination. It will accelerate conservationdriven research, while offering visitors truly multidimensional experiences that bridge educational exhibitions with adventure-filled excursions.

“We wanted to design a first-of-its-kind facility that extends far beyond any existing marine life attraction. With 10 zones that provide everything from augmented reality experiences to night diving, and spaces for the scientific community to effectively progress their environmental projects, the facility is undeniably unique.

Not only will it drive global green and blue innovations, it will also help put Saudi Arabia on the map for travellers seeking trips that enrich their lives,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of TRSDC.

“The institute will live in the Triple Bay marina at AMAALA, but is the beating heart of our broader ambitions to protect and enhance the thriving Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. Through our expanding portfolio of projects, we will share our valuable scientific discoveries with the world and enable our guests to experience the true beauty of our thriving coral reefs.”

Expected to host up to 650 people at any one time, guests will be able to walk underwater, snorkel with rare species, participate in lab tours and dive the depths of the Red Sea in a submarine.

A testament to TRSDC's coral farming operations, the facility will also be home to one of the world’s largest man-made reefs, measuring an astonishing 40 meters long and 10 meters deep and providing an epic “Grand Reveal” moment for visitors on arrival.

Integrating architecture with nature - Set within the AMAALA destination on the west coast of Saudi Arabia and located on the waterfront of Triple Bay, the 10,340 square meter institute will comprise three levels – one above ground and two below – and offer stunning panoramic views of the Red Sea and the marina. Inspired by the Red Sea's thriving coral formations, the glass-reinforced concrete that is being used to build the institute will be intricately molded to resemble reef patterns against the skyline.

Inside, exhibition displays have also been integrated into the infrastructure, with visitors flanked by suspended semi-spherical tanks containing colorful local marine wildlife from the point of entry. Gerard Evenden, Head of Studio at Foster + Partners, said: “The marine life institute will take guests on a vibrant, educational, and awe-inspiring journey that unveils the natural wonders of the Red Sea and blurs the boundaries between the institute and the ocean. By recreating natural marine habitats, offering unforgettable marine interactions, and sharing glimpses into conservation projects, it will provide guests with an immersive marine experience unlike any other.”

Sustainably constructed - As part of TRSDC’s commitment to responsible development, more than 40 percent of the site will be covered by native plants, and a system to collect runoff water put in place to prevent erosion and pollution, while reducing mains water use.

The lighting throughout the institute has also been designed with the company’s green ambitions in mind, with an innovative framework to prevent light pollution to protect the nocturnal environment.

“More than just a window into the marine world, we’re creating an integrated experience that offers unique activities for our guests, with a collection of opportunities to explore and learn suited to all,” said Warren Baverstock, Senior Marine Life Director at TRSDC. “The overlay of sustainable design, build and operations, guest experience and meaningful scientific work underpins our commitment to drive enhancement of the environment and tourism growth. It’s a perfect model of sustainability, balancing people, planet and commercial success,” added Pagano.

Phase one of AMAALA – Triple Bay – is well underway and will consist of eight resorts offering upwards of 1,200 hotel keys. Upon completion, the destination will be home to more than 3,000 hotel rooms across 25 hotels, and approximately 900 luxury residential villas, apartments and estate homes, alongside highend retail establishments, fine dining, wellness and recreational facilities. www.theredsea.sa www.fosterandpartners.com

Having A Finger On The Corporate Pulse

Ojmar, manufacturer of innovative high performance electronic and mechanical locks, is delighted to introduce OTS ® PULSE, the latest addition to the well-known family of locks.

Specifically designed for the Corporate and Leisure markets, OTS ® PULSE is the ultimate wireless networked locking solution that operates in highly secure cloud software. It uses the latest battery technology providing a life of up to 10 years before needing a simple battery replacement. This makes it one of the most efficient, longestlasting systems available on the market.

Fully plug-and-play, online, self-managed and wireless, the OTS ® Pulse will help your office be flexible at minimal cost. OTS®PULSE does not require any expensive servers, just a simple standard internet connection managed through a PC, tablet or smartphone. Samples, case studies and technical guidance are available from ojmar.com or look for Ojmar on NBS Source

UK’S FIRST ZERO CARBON MIXED USE SCHEME BANKS ON FHP’S BUILDING SERVICES EXPERTISE

National building services and engineering consultants FHP has been appointed to support the £2.5bn design and construction of the UK’s first zero carbon mixed use development for the Bankside Yards West project on the south bank of the River Thames. A key feature of the plans is sustainability, with the main Arbor office complex built to deliver a carbon neutral operation and achieve BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ status. 45% less carbon dioxide will be created during the building’s operation while a 30% reduction in energy consumption will also be achieved when compared to standard buildings.

www.fhpp.com

The Latest In Heating Control

ESi Controls has launched its new, top of the range, 6 Series WiFi Programmable Room Thermostat, offering the latest in heating control for homes and commercial premises here in the UK. Fully OpenTherm compatible, this new range of controls allows full control via the room thermostat or via a mobile phone or tablet, with a range of features to impress even the most demanding specifier, installer or homeowner.

It includes Optimum Start/ Stop, Domestic Hot Water (DHW) setpoint, Hot Water time and temperature control when working in conjunction with a wireless cylinder thermostat, and is an ERP Class 5 Product. www.esicontrols.co.uk

Stelrad Cpd Programmes Available On Line

Stelrad Radiators popular CIBSE and RIBA accredited CPD programmes are still available for face-to-face presentations, but they are now also available conveniently online. You can simply go to the Stelrad website at www.stelrad.com/cpd-online-training/ open the programme at your convenience, digest the information and take the test at the end of the presentation and submit your answers.

If you’ve passed, Stelrad send a certificate for you to add the CPD points to your running total for your professional body. For more information, call 01709 578950 or email marketing@stelrad.com

ITP LAUNCHES NEW EUROCLASS A-RATED VAPOUR CONTROL LAYER

Building membrane specialist, Industrial Textiles & Plastics (ITP) Ltd, has launched a new vapour control layer with A Euroclass A rating which enables maximum fire safety throughout an external wall system.

FlameOut Block Class A is independently tested to offer a Euroclass A2-s1,d0 rating which goes beyond the minimum regulatory requirement for vapour control layers and matches the fire safety classification required for other façade elements on buildings over 18m. Its glass-based reinforcement scrim provides excellent tensile strength. An aluminium layer features a special coating to protect the aluminium from corrosion. Fully CE certified to BS EN 13984, the product has a W1 rating for water tightness, excellent water vapour resistance and a reflective surface for extra energy efficiency. www.Itpltd.com

Smart Innovations In Focus At Futurebuild

Stand D10 - Smart Architectural Aluminium will be displaying a wide range of new products and systems at this year’s Futurebuild exhibition. The impressive 170 square metre stand will also feature displays of many of the company’s established systems, including the proven Alitherm Heritage windows and doors, Visofold Heritage slide/fold doors, Designer Doors and Smart Wall framing systems. Innovative new additions to Smart’s External collection will feature prominently on the stand, including the all-new Signature Door range, a double Designer Door option, two new Visoglide patio doors, an opening vent for the Aliver roof light and additions to the Alitherm 400 window and door system.

The Signature Door range brings a completely new collection of entrance and back doors to sit alongside the company’s Designer Door range, opening up an even broader audience for these high quality, high security doors. Smart’s AluSpace system will be the focus of the Internal collection display, which will showcase the system’s ability to elegantly divide or delineate interior spaces, while retaining a light and airy environment. Finally, the display of the company’s expanding Outdoor Living range will feature previews of the new aluminium SolDeck decking and SolUmbra pergola systems. www.smartsystems.co.uk

A. PROCTOR GROUP NEW RIBA APPROVED CPD SEMINAR –BUILDING REFURBISHMENT

The A. Proctor Group, synonymous with technically advanced thermal, acoustic and membrane solutions for the construction industry, has introduced a RIBA Approved CPD seminar titled “Building Refurbishment, Systems for Retrofit & Conservation.” Aimed at architects, specifiers and contractors, attendees will receive technical advice from A. Proctor Group technical experts, providing the latest guidance on British and European Standards, compliance with Building Regulations, and learning on how to maximise performance and avoid potential failures.

Iain Fairnington, Technical Director, commented, “This session provides an overview of the factors to consider in refurbishment and conservation projects, including the basics of building physics as related to hygrothermal design. It also provides an overview of the standards, regulations and frameworks involved in designing for retrofit and conservation.”

Iain adds, “our CPDs have proved invaluable to professionals involved in the design and construction of buildings. Through the CPD series, we aim to provide technically accurate learning based on best practices, innovation, and project examples to help individuals make informed choices when specifying product solutions for their projects.”

Please get in touch with A. Proctor's technical department for more information on their CPDs or book a CPD on the ribacpd.com website. www.proctorgroup.com

New Hydraulic Design Software For Hauraton Surface Drainage Systems

HAURATON’s new web-based application ‘DesignSoftware’ provides construction industry professionals with quick, simple hydraulic analysis, channel sizing, project design and product specification for the company’s range of surface drainage systems (for landscape, commercial and civils projects) whilst working on their own desk-top computers, laptops and tablets. Immediate access for registration and use of this new hydraulic design software is achieved through the link: https://hydraulicdesign.hauraton.com. User-friendly and free-of-charge, HAURATON ‘DesignSoftware’ provides engineers with the flexibility to create their own drainage designs and project specifications, with just three clicks to a hydraulic calculation.

HAURATON has used their ‘in-house’ hydraulic design software to create project designs for over 30 years with total reliability. In addition to this new software application, HAURATON offers a comprehensive design service, which is also free of charge. www.hauraton.co.uk

How Assistive Technologies From Pressalit Help Leuchie House Guests Gain Independence

Advanced assistive products from world leading manufacturer and designer Pressalit have been installed in Leuchie House, a national respite charity that provides transformational care for its guests. Set in a classic country house in North Berwick, facilities at Leuchie House feature the very latest in technology to help provide home from home respite care for guests living with neurological conditions such as MS, MND, stroke and Parkinson’s.

Solutions from Pressalit have been fitted in the new guest kitchen and ensuite bathrooms at the fully accessible Leuchie House, helping guests benefit from the independence technology can provide. In the newly fitted kitchen where guests are able to attend regular therapy sessions, INDIVO kitchen worktop and cupboard lifters have been installed, allowing guests to use the space safely and comfortably. The INDIVO lifters bring a sense of independence to daily tasks – with a simple press of a button, worktop heights can be adjusted to suit standing and seated users, and wall cupboards brought within easy reach.

In the ensuite bathrooms, the PLUS track system allows vertical and horizontal adjustment of different bathroom products, such as basin, shower seat or arm supports. The rooms can be configured to suit individual user and carer requirements, optimising space for wheelchair or carer access. At Leuchie House these bathrooms are used predominately for guests with higher needs and are adjusted in advance of each guest’s arrival according to their individual requirements.

Julie Orr, Co-Head of Enabling Technology at Leuchie House says, “The ability to use the new kitchen at Leuchie House for Occupational Therapy sessions with our guests while they are staying with us has been transformational for their emotional well-being. The sessions help them gain confidence with everyday tasks such as making a cup of tea, to more advanced activities such as baking, and even making jam. Engaging with our guests in this way is part of what makes Leuchie House and its facilities so special.'

'The INDIVO height adjustable wall units are game changers for many of our guests, not having seen similar before. But perhaps the most frequently used are the rise and fall sink and hob units. To have control over simple tasks such as cooking and even washing up can be transformational.” www.pressalit.com

Smart technology is a shared passion for both Leuchie House and Pressalit, both organisations having collaborated with the recently opened National Robotarium in Edinburgh, the UK’s largest and most advanced centre for robotics and artificial intelligence. Researchers from the National Robotarium’s Assisted Living Lab – in which Pressalit products are featured – collaborated with guests at Leuchie House to develop advanced technologies that help people with assisted living needs, helping gain increased independence.

Pioneering Acoustilay Sets The Quality Standard For Soundproofing Floors

More than 25 years after Acoustilay was launched, the premium, UK-made, acoustic flooring system for floors continues to set the standard for product quality, ease of installation and sound reduction potential. Manufactured by acoustic experts, Sound Reduction Systems, the Acoustilay range of products can be laid under a wide variety of floor finishes, including carpets, laminates, solid wood, vinyl and even tiled floors.

Available in four different grades, including the new Acoustilay Tilemat product, it remains the most specified soundproofing treatment of its kind due its quality, versatility and the wealth of technical and acoustic data behind it. While all Acoustilay products provide excellent impact noise performance resulting from footsteps, dropped items and moving furniture, the heavier grades of Acoustilay 8 and 15 are also able to reduce airborne noise transmission such as television, music and speech.

Acoustilay can be used to meet the requirements of Part E of the Building Regulations, ‘resistance to the passage of sound’, in both new build and conversion projects. An animated installation guide can be viewed on the Sound Reduction Systems website, where all fitting instructions can also be found Acoustilay is 100% sourced and manufactured in the UK using recyclable content. It is supplied in 1200mm x 1200mm sheets, in thicknesses of 10mm, 12mm and 15mm to suit a variety of soundproofing objectives. www.soundreduction.co.uk

CAST IRON CERTAINTY FROM STELRAD…

The latest addition to the Stelrad Radiator Group portfolio is the new Cast Iron Column range. Traditionally Stelrad has supplied steel radiators and continues to do so with more than two and a half million radiators manufactured each year. But in the past few years, cast iron column radiators –which were first around in Victorian times - have come into vogue again and as always, the company aims to meet the demands of its customers at every level, so it has added a selection of Cast Iron Column radiators to its ever-widening range.

The new Stelrad Radiator Group Cast Iron Column radiator is available now and adds undoubted charisma to any modern or period home with its distinctive, ageless look and its Natural Cast finish. With the added options of either Antique Brass or Brushed Nickel TRVs to provide the ultimate in modern heating control. The classic, clean lines suggest a genuine piece from yesteryear whilst offering the very best in quality and craftsmanship to enhance the very latest in heating technology as it slips effortlessly into the superior elegance of today’s most fashionable of décor. www.stelrad.com