The Architectural Technologists Book June 2017 Issue 2 by L2 Architectural Media Ltd

atb THE ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGISTS BOOK

THE ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGISTS BOOK

page 4 | at:first - news and announcements

page 36 | at:length - manufacturers have their say

about atb: Some of the colour photography used in The Architectural Technologists Book is provided and paid for by contributors. The publishers do not accept liability for errors that may appear in the publication. Published in association with Jasper, Muz, and Kenny, the Suede Grenade. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the consent of the publisher. atb is published by L2Media Ltd, Kingfishers Retreat, The Lodges, Dunston Business Village, Stafford Road, Dunston ST18 9AB Tel: 01785 711591 Fax: 0845 862 8639 info@l2media.uk www.l2media.uk twitter.com/L2MediaLtd www.facebook.com/L2MediaLtd uk.pinterest.com/L2Media www.issuu.com/link2media

CONTENTS page 65 | project of the month!

page 10 | at:source - latest product news

page 42 | at:work - latest project news

at:first news & announcements

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Merseyside Window Fabricator Qualplas Celebrates Milestone Birthday

New Waterproofing Below Ground Structures CPD Seminar Launched

Qualplas, the St Helensbased PVC-U window fabricator and longstanding customer of The VEKA UK Group celebrates three decades of business this year. The milestone will be marked with a wide range of activities and customer giveaways throughout the year. Aron McMahon, Manager at Qualplas said: “There have been many highlights for Qualplas since 1987, mainly growing from small premises in Peasley Cross to a 10,000 sq ft site in Knowsley Road. Our commitment to quality and service has never changed and we continue to thrive and offer a premium service to new and existing customers alike.” www.vekauk.com

Delta Membrane Systems Limited, the UK’s leading manufacturer of Cavity Drain (Type C) waterproofing, have launched a new and updated RIBAAssessed/RIBA-Approved double point CPD seminar entitled ‘Waterproofing Below Ground Structures to BS8102:2009’. Developed to help address the all too common incidences of failed waterproofing systems in below ground structures, primarily due to poor installation, poor design or a combination of both, Delta Membrane Systems is demonstrating its expert position at the forefront of the industry. This new CPD seminar focuses on the correct considerations, design and installation of waterproofing systems, and is ideal for architects, structural warranty providers and all other industry professionals seeking to expand their overall knowledge of waterproofing and better understand BS8102:2009. The 45-minute seminar takes into consideration new build and retrofit projects, with an analysis of the types of waterproofing systems available and the relevant standards and regulations that apply, along with the grades of waterproofing required. www.deltamembranes.com

Buzon UK Live On The NBS National BIM Library Buzon UK have now published on the NBS National BIM library offering all their pedestal products for free download in a variety of formats including Revit and IFC. The published objects include the DPH® and BC® pedestal ranges. Buzon UK BIM objects provide detailed information about each individual pedestal product and their physical characteristics, enabling integration with the building design model. More than just a 3D version of CAD, BIM contains rich parametric data including not only geometry, but the properties of building components. Buzon is the world leader in screwjack pedestals for the construction of raised floors, external terraces and decked areas. www.nationalbimlibrary.com/buzon-uk-ltd

Crittall Offers CPD Training Approved By RIBA Leading steel window company Crittall has launched two RIBA-approved CPD (Continuing Professional Development) modules aimed at architects and designers. One presents ‘A strong case for specifying exterior steel windows and doors’, while the other addresses ‘Inspirational interiors – specifying steel partitions and screens.’ RIBA CPD assists professionals working in the design disciplines to manage their own development of skills, knowledge and experience on an ongoing basis. The presentations, which each last for about an hour with full supporting material, are aimed at architectural practices and other specifiers who wish to bring their staff up to date with the latest developments in the field of steel fenestration. www.crittall-windows.co.uk

Jet Vac Technology - To Infinity And Beyond! Water jetting and vacuuming technology supplied by Lanes Group has been used to help build a structure that will define high-tech - the new physics building at Oxford University. The new Beecroft Building will be home to some of the world’s leading scientists doing cutting edge research. Lanes was commissioned by principal contractor Laing O’Rourke to carry out water jet cleaning of the specialist groundwater drainage system built into the concrete shell of the basement structure. The drainage system, made up of about 200 metres of 100mm-diameter pipe, feeds groundwater into a well. When the building is operational, a pump will discharge the water into the surface water drainage system. Lanes, the UK’s largest independent drainage specialist, deployed a jet vac tanker to carry out the work. Its jetting and vacuum hoses were guided to the bottom of the basement via the building’s lift shaft. Darren Lynne, Regional Manager of Lanes Group’s West London depot, said: “Even though we were lifting water a vertical distance of 60 feet, the vacuum technology on our jet vac tanker was able to cope. “ www.lanesfordrains.co.uk

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Saint-Gobain Building Glass Launches Advanced Solar Control Glass Saint-Gobain Building Glass has announced the launch of its most recent product innovation for the commercial glazing market with a new addition to its popular SGG COOL-LITE XTREME solar control range. SGG COOL-LITE XTREME 50/22 II is a high-quality solar control glass, with the unique positioning of being the most selective triple silver product available on the market. With a selectivity of 2.24 – the best available in Europe - SGG COOL-LITE XTREME 50/22 II enables designers and specifiers to create comfortable working environments with high levels of natural daylight but without the overbearing heat of the sun. It also reduces the need for costly and energy-hungry air conditioning systems and can therefore reduce a building’s carbon footprint. The product delivers a high light transmittance (47%) to allow a good amount of natural daylight to illuminate a room, combined with an extremely low solar factor of only 0.21, which blocks 79% of the sun’s heat. It also delivers a low centre pane thermal insulation of 1.0W/ m2K, maximising heat retention within the building.

Exhibition Centre Liverpool is the first UK project to fully utilise the high-performance coating and features the product across the full length of its glass façade. Saint-Gobain Building Glass Commercial Market Manager, Adrian Adams said: ‘’SGG COOL-LITE XTREME 50/22 II is a fantastic addition to our range of solar control products. The coating has a good level of neutrality and low external reflectance, giving the glass excellent aesthetics. This new product provides architects with another tool in their design armoury to produce striking facades for their clients without compromising on high performance solar control protection. “We believe that we have pushed the boundaries again with the product’s market leading selectivity and are sure it will have a substantial impact on the architectural concept and design of the façade due to the fact that architects may not have to work with external shading devices.” www.saint-gobain.com

Incorporating SGG COOL-LITE XTREME 50/22 II in a commercial building can contribute towards a building’s BREEAM points and boost the overall BREEAM rating.

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Axim: The UK's No: 1 Supplier of Concealed Overhead Transom Closers for 30 years Axim Architectural Hardware are celebrating their 30 year anniversary in 2017 and are delighted to have reached this milestone. Axim Architectural Hardware is a division of TPG (The Parkside Group Ltd) and was formed originally in 1987 at Godstone, Surrey. Axim designs and supplies a comprehensive in-stock range of Transom Closers, Panic Exit Devices, Electric Strikes, Deadlatches, Surface Mounted Door Closers, Floor Springs, Flush Bolts, Letter Plates, Locks and Handles through a Pan-European distributor supply chain. Renowned for their technical expertise and exceptional customer service, they pride themselves on their competitive pricing and excellent stock holding and are the UK's No:1 supplier of Concealed Overhead Transom Closers. As part of TPG, a privately owned British company, Axim can quickly create new solutions to meet client, specifier and installer demands. Axim supplies most major European aluminium systems houses with its product solutions. The Axim brand offers quality, longevity and reliability with a solution for every client’s requirements. All Axim products are available ex-stock from its Head Office located in Surrey, UK, to meet Justin-Time production schedules. It has a network of key distributors who can cater for installation, maintenance and over the counter trade customers. Axim is the name for door hardware for commercial aluminium door sets, creating a single source, branded solution; end users have a single point of contact for all guarantees, test certificates, as well as installation and maintenance for all their door hardware available. www.axim.co.uk

Saint-Gobain Building Glass Launches Calumenlive: Online Glass Specification Tool

Finding the right glazing products and evaluating the technical performances of your glazing specification has just got easier with the launch of CalumenLive by Saint-Gobain Building Glass. CalumenLive is a free online and responsive specification tool, giving you access to the information you need directly on your mobile device, laptop, PC, Mac or tablet. CalumenLive is the new and improved successor to Calumen II, delivering a more intuitive and fluid user experience for glass configuration and insulated glass unit (IGU) composition. The new interface also enables you to share your results faster as you can email them directly from within the service or export your specification as a pdf document. By using CalumenLive’s range of filters you can search based on the “comfort” factors that are most important to your project, such as maximising light transmission, minimising solar heat gain, achieving high performance acoustics, reducing external light reflectance or a host of other options. As a cloud based system, CalumenLive updates automatically, ensuring the next time you login, you have access to the very latest product information and technical data. CalumenLive is a free service and registering an account is quick and easy. Try it now by visiting www.calumenlive.com www.saint-gobain.com

Eurocell Adds To The Spectrum Of Design Possibilities Coloured PVC-U profiles represent a high demand design opportunity as homeowners now seek more differentiation in their choice of windows. To help meet this demand, Eurocell has expanded its standard colours range to include new ‘on-trend’ finishes such as Anteak and Cream White; while ever popular colours such as Cream, Rosewood and Anthracite Grey are all available from stock. New made to order colours include a taupe, Windsor, and the greys Kensington, Balmoral and Buckingham. The entire colour selection can be viewed in Grow With Colours from Eurocell which showcases the wealth of possibilities offered by the enhanced range of coloured profiles across market-leading products. The new colours have been added to selected items within the Eurocell range, such as Modus and Eurologik window profiles, roofline and finishing trims. Examples of new product colours include Modus in Agate Grey on White; Eurologik 70mm Chamfered profile in Anthracite Grey Smooth and Slate Grey Smooth; and the addition of Irish Oak to the Dales Collection of composite doors. Even greater choice is available with the Made to Order range, which offers up to 32 options with a lead-time of only three weeks. Whether the client requires the natural appearance of woodgrain finishes or cool greys, greens and blues, Eurocell can guarantee colour matching across all its PVC-U products. www.eurocell.co.uk

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Aluprof’s New London Office To deal with a growing number of facade specifications calling for Aluprof’s high performance architectural aluminium systems, the company has recently opened a London office. Based at the Business Design Centre in Islington, the location is ideal to offer advice to architects across the city and the South East. Staffed by two full time architectural advisors, the office also offers a ‘drop-in’ centre for specification advice and support. Managing Director, Wojciech Brozyna comments on the company’s commitment to the new offices, “Our aluminium systems are becoming well known and increasingly specified by architects in London. To ensure that we can respond to requests for advice and support we felt it was necessary to have a permanent presence in the city.” Since opening the new office, the demand for the company’s RIBA approved CPD, ‘The Use of Glazed Screens to Control the Spread of Smoke & Fire in Buildings’ has increased twofold. Aluprof’s extensive range of systems which include unitised curtain walling, sliding folding doors and a wide range of window systems are increasingly being specified on a variety of residential and commercial projects across the UK. All systems are designed and installed by selected, specially trained companies to ensure each product meets the Aluprof exacting standards. www.aluprof.co.uk

Aquatiere Launches New Website With A Special Page For Architects Aquatiere is a supplier of domestic and commercial water filters and water treatment units. Aquatiere blends its own patented filter media with traditional filter medias to produce the best possible filtered water in the UK. Aquatiere’s redeveloped website includes a page tailored for architects where a hand picked selection of products for architect specifications is displayed. To make specification as easy as possible, content is aaranged into a specific format following architectural advice. The product image is followed by concise text about the products and their features together with installation diagrams and specifications. Then, so that you can easily add the content to your ownspecifications, all the product information is available for download in PDF or MS word format for easy attachment or copy and paste into your document. www.aquatiere.co.uk

at:source products & services

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NEW Fast Track Bespoke Drain Service From CCL Wetrooms

Inspirational Marble From COMPAC COMPAC’s new marble colours complement their inspirational range of interior and exterior technological marble for use on walls, floors and vanity tops. New Classic colours offer four designs with a coarse grain pattern – Classic White , Classic Grey, Classic Beige (featured) & Classic Brown. New Greys colours feature three on trend designs, each with a fine grain pattern – Aluminum which is suitable for interior and exterior use, Palladium & Anthracite for interiors. COMPAC offer a range of finishes including polished

CCL Wetrooms have launched their NEW Fast Track Bespoke Drain Service, enabling customers to order any length of wetroom drain up to 2000mm, using their new 2-3 day manufacturing service. The service applies to all stainless steel drains in a Solid or Stone-Infill finish, offering house builders the flexibility of ordering a full width bespoke wetroom drain once the tiling has been completed on site. The service complements CCL Wetrooms’ standard range of grills which has grown from nine to fifteen standard lengths and offers customers an increased choice of finishing touches for their wetroom. The standard range of linear grills is available from 600mm to 2000mm lengths. www.ccl-wetrooms.co.uk Follow on Twitter @CCLWetrooms

and matt and thicknesses of 12 mm 20 and 30mm. Technological marble from COMPAC is a product of exceptional beauty with the appearance and feel of marble but delivering higher performance values. Containing natural marble mixed with resins, this stunning product has the natural beauty and hardness of marble but its resistance to impact and breakage is much greater owing to its enhanced flexibility. It has a wonderful consistent, uniform appearance and can be fitted to large surfaces without breaks or differences in colour tone being noticeable. Its porosity is practically zero therefore absorption of water and other liquids is minimal- achieving a hygienic product that is both easy to clean and maintain. www.compac.es

Introducing The New Geberit Tap System The new Geberit tap system changes the thinking behind touchless technology in the washroom, with slimline elegant deck and wallmounted taps that combine aesthetic appeal with optimum hygiene and clever thinking. Electronic washbasin taps are the hygienic, water-saving option for washrooms, and now they are as big on aesthetic values as they are on practical advantages, thanks to the new Geberit tap system. The Geberit tap system works in perfect conjunction with the Geberit Duofix installation frames. All you see in front of the wall are the essential functional elements – the tap and the IR sensor. Separating the outlet from the control provides more flexibility to create elegant designs for touchless taps, which now take on a slim, timeless and elegant form. Designed by renowned industrial designer, Christoph Behling, both Piave and Brenta are available as wall-mounted or deck-mounted options and can be combined with practically any washbasin design. The wall-mounted taps are supplied in lengths of 170mm or 220mm and leave the washbasin free for ease of cleaning, while the deck-mounted option has a high outlet, giving the user more space for hand washing. With three power supply options which can be changed at any time – mains, battery or self-sustaining via a generator unit driven by the presser of the tap water – operation costs are minimised, while all the components for regulating and maintaining the tap, water supply and mains connections are housed in the function box under the washbasin, where they stay safe and dry. Remedying the general shortcomings of touchless taps in one smart solution, the Geberit tap system results in sophisticated ergonomics for hand washing, optimised hygiene and ease of cleaning and outstanding aesthetics for washroom design. www.geberit.co.uk

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A Burning Passion For Fire The German premium manufacturer of firing technology Spartherm proudly presents an exclusive range of bioethanol fireplaces branded ebiosfire® which are now also made available for the discerning customer in Great Britain. Made And Tested In Germany - in order to provide an optimum of customer service, the expansive range of ebiosfire® models comprises both standard and made to measure built-in fireplace models in almost any thinkable layout. Great versatility, product safety and outstanding German quality are key values at Spartherm's production facilities where all ebios-fire® models are originally designed, crafted and tested by passionate, skilled craftsmen. Test certificates issued by TÜV Germany further underline the outstanding safety of ebios-fire® bioethanol fires, which feature a wide choice of manual and automatic bioethanol burners. Versatility Is key - The ebios-fire® range of products is available in a vast variety of finishes meeting the requirements of architects and interior designers on an international level. Spartherm – The Fire Company www.spartherm.com

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New Abstract Range From tp24 Delivers LED Light As An Art Form tp24, innovators of LED lighting solutions have recently launched their unique G30 Abstract range of linear LED light fittings, which is a system based lighting solution offering advanced simplicity and design flexibility unlike any other. Abstracts’ revolutionary design has resulted in the arms being illuminated with LED ribbons which act as independent light bulbs run on 240v mains voltage, with differing wattages per arm, ranging between 5 and 18w depending on the effective arm length. These arms or ‘linear light bulbs’ are connected to a series of different fixtures and wall plates via a 2-pin system, referred to as G30, which is a simple ‘plug and play’ solution for Linear LED. Each LED arm has a built-in driver and integrated circuit dimming, enabling the consumer to easily control the light levels of the fitting. In addition to dimming the arms, the fittings’ look can be altered simply by changing the orientation of the arm, removing the arm or swapped for an alternative arm design. Abstract has a wide selection of base frames, including Flush frames which are ideal for low ceiling and a choice of suspension heads for multiple arm connections which are all fully adjustable. Pendant fittings enable the arms/bulbs to be fixed to either a horizontal or vertical body fixing, whilst the wall plates for Abstract are suitable for all locations, including into plasterboard, or alternatively can be mounted on the top of the plasterboard with tp24’s chrome finish surface back box option. “Our new Abstract linear LED lighting range has been innovatively designed to fulfil the demands of a 21st century lifestyle – we feel that it takes lighting to a whole new dimension”, commented Shaun Davis, Managing Director of tp24. www.tp24.com

Salice’s Eclipse Pocket Door System Has It Covered SALICE are renowned for designing and manufacturing premium furniture fittings for kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, and their latest product offering is testimony to their reputation. Eclipse is a pocket door system that features an assisted soft-close door return mechanism and a door opening safety device. The system incorporates the exclusive synchronised cam movement which is the hallmark of all sliding mechanisms supplied by SALICE. In addition, Eclipse has been designed to offer simple fitting and adjustment, and can be installed, adjusted and inspected in situ, as all three movements are adjusted from the front of the cabinet in a simple, intuitive way. If so required, the complete mechanism can be removed from the front without dismantling the cabinet side. Suitable for use with individual door weights up to 30kg, Eclipse assures innovative performance, durability and functionality. SALICE’s products are specified for use within kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, and offices, and in a variation of domestic and commercial environments. www.saliceuk.co.uk

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A One Stop Shop For Showering The MX Group continues to blossom and see significant growth in the range of product areas in which it operates. The MX Group remains the UK’s leading shower tray manufacturer, manufacturing shower trays at its headquarters in Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire. The MX shower accessory division operates out of its factory at Ross on Wye in Herefordshire. Having invested in the latest machinery and materials, and now benefitting from the impressive new shower tray factory built on the Tewkesbury site, MX is the leading manufacturer of shower trays in the UK. Manufacturing 100s of different tray sizes, in 6 main product types, means that MX can cater for the specific needs of virtually any customer. MX offers an impressive new range of thermostatic mixer shower valves offering its usual combination of incredible quality, great looking product, excellent warranties and keen pricing. So confident are MX of the quality of their new Thermostatic Mixer Showers, that they offer a three or five year guarantee on their Atmos range of valves. All materials used in these products are WRAS approved and Phthalate free where applicable. There are a large number of showering choices in the Atmos and Options ranges with most Atmos options complying with TMV2 regulations.

MX continues to be a growing influence in the Electric Shower marketplace. Its QI – Quick installation – range of electric showers sets new standards for simple installation. Featuring eight entry points for water and electric – these showers are the simplest shower installation available. The range is ideal for new build or retrofit opportunities. The MX Thermostatic Care QI and Care 2 QI electric shower ranges are fully BEAB Care and RNIB Approved making them ideal for people who require more showering assistance and who have additional safety requirements. Ideal for care and nursing homes, sheltered housing schemes and general needs housing where older and younger people live – they provide an extra level of safety in the shower. MX has entered the shower enclosure and brassware markets as well, and has seen encouraging growth of sales of enclosures and taps and mixers alongside its more traditional markets. On the accessory front, MX Group has long recognised that UK water systems are unique and require specialised products to work correctly. It has been at the forefront of this sector for many years, producing carefully engineered accessories that are used by most of the UK electric shower manufacturers. MX produces high quality shower accessories at very competitive prices, whilst ensuring that its products meet all health and safety requirements and wherever possible uses WRAS approved materials. www.mx-group.com

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Why Hydrogen Rich Water In Your Home? Over the last few hundred years, hydrogen gas has demonstrated a therapeutic effect on over 150 human diseases, as well as enhanced health and wellbeing. As revolutionary as this may be, what exactly is hydrogen? Furthermore, why should hydrogen be included in your water? The people of Japan have been bathing in Hydrogen Rich water for centuries, their natural hot springs, known as Onsens, are sought after for their salubrious and invigorating effects. It is well documented that dissolved Hydrogen gas is what gives the waters of Nordenau, Germany and Tlacote, Mexico, their medicinal prowess. 1978 marks the earliest record of hydrogensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; medicinal properties, where cases of inflammation were successfully treated. The topic did not gain true popularity among scientists until 2007, when an article on the benefits of hydrogen was published in the prestigious journal of Nature Medicine. Hydrogen is colourless, odorless, tasteless and non-metallic. It is the lightest and simplest element in our known universe, expressed as the symbol â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. 16

It is comprised of just a single electron and proton. Under regular conditions it exists primarily as molecular hydrogen (H2 gas). In this form, hydrogen has been shown to exert an extensive range of therapeutic effects. When H2 gas is present in water it is referred to as Hydrogen-enriched water and is simply conventional water (H2O) that contains dissolved hydrogen gas (H2). For example, there are carbonated soft drinks such as sodas and sparkling waters that contain dissolved carbon dioxide gas (CO2). In contrast water that contains dissolved hydrogen gas, is the best bet for a longer, healthier life. Footnote: *Aquatiere does not recommend those types of beverages for improving health. Hydrogen is the smallest molecule in the universe; this minuscule proportion allows for a smooth diffusion into the sub-cellular compartments of the mitochondria and other locations in the human body. www.aquatiere.co.uk

burning passion

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Offsite Solutions Launches Demountable Bathroom Pods – Extending The Use Of Factory-Built Bathrooms To Refurbishment Projects Offsite Solutions, leading UK bathroom pod manufacturer, has developed a demountable pod solution for refurbishment and new build projects where there is insufficient access for fully assembled pods. Originally developed for military refurbishment projects, the demountable pod option is now available in the complete range of GRP bathroom designs from Offsite Solutions. Demountable pods radically reduce work on site, and offer the superior and consistent quality of factory-built bathrooms. Eight pods can be reassembled on site in just one day with a three-person team, compared to site-built bathrooms on a typical scheme, which can take 6-12 weeks to complete using multiple trades and requiring a high level of site management and supervision. In refurbishment and conversion projects, the only access may be through the window openings of an existing building – or internally via the main entrance and stairwells – and this may not be sufficient for a full-sized pod. The panel sizes of a demountable pod are designed to ensure full access is achievable. The demountable solution uses a unique sectional design where the shower tray forms part of the floor and the wall panels create the shower enclosure. Holes for sanitaryware are pre-drilled and only the shower door is then installed on site. The pod walls are completely vertical with 90° corners – unlike pods created from complete GRP moulds which have tapered walls – so integration is very simple. Applications for demountable pods include student residences and military accommodation. Other sectors include hotels, apartments, care homes, and healthcare. Demountables can also be an efficient solution to maximise off-site construction on new build schemes where pods may not have been considered at design inception. Some areas may not have access for siting an assembled pod because of beam locations, columns or a complex architectural design. The use of a demountable solution for these areas and pre-assembled pods for the 18

rest of the building, means that bathroom build quality is maintained across the whole project, with a single point of contact and significant programme savings. Ian Packer, Senior Project Manager of construction company ISG, commented, “Building bathrooms on site for multi-occupancy buildings does not make sense in my view and I would always recommend a pod solution. The demountable pods are a clever way of overcoming any access issues to maximise off-site construction. If bathroom pods are procured at an early stage in the design, the build-up will allow access. But we have had isolated areas of a building where access is just not possible – and also where accessible pods have been too large for installation in a pre-assembled form. This is where demountable pods have been hugely beneficial.” “Speed on site with a sectional form is still much faster because the number of operations, trades and drying periods are reduced to just one company and a single assembly operation. Why have up to seven different trades and 10-15 operations on site when you can have just one? There is less risk of programme delay and quality control is far greater, mitigating defects and remedial works.” James Stephens, Managing Director of Offsite Solutions, said, “Bathroom pods have traditionally been limited to new build. The development of our demountable solution expands the application of offsite to refurbishment and conversion projects. We can deliver, position and reassemble factory-built bathrooms in a sectional configuration in a fraction of the time of site-based construction and with enhanced quality. This helps to reduce the reliance on subcontracted trades, at a time when the construction industry is facing such severe skills shortages.” www.offsitesolutions.com/demountables

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Effective Control For Heating Systems

New Wilo-Stratos Maxo Launched Wilo has launched the new Wilo-Stratos MAXO, the world’s first true smart-pump. The new Green-Button-Technology is the successor to Wilo’s red button and combines proven handling with new and optimised functions. Its high degree of connectivity makes the Wilo-Stratos MAXO an extremely flexible solution, when it comes to integration into a wide range of applications. The analogue and digital interfaces, which are still an optional feature only available via IF-Modules for the Stratos, will now come as standard for the WiloStratos MAXO. www.wilo.co.uk

The selection of programmers and timers available today are many and varied and range from the simple to the far more complex. ESi is typical in that it offers a range of programmers from a simple 1 Channel version to a 3 channel MultiPurpose Programmer which enables the installer to comply with Part L of the Building Regulations by providing separate timed heating control for living and sleeping zones in a home, whilst also providing timed control of hot water. However, the ESi range all offers 24 hour 5/2 day and 7 day programming options for each channel. And these programmers also feature a “Landlord” option to encourage social housing tenants to allow access for annual maintenance. ESi provides a range of programmable room thermostats – both hard wired and wireless models. A seven-day timer makes it possible to set a different heating pattern for each day while 5/2 programming offers different options for weekdays and weekends. ESi’s ESRTP4 model provides true 7 day, 5/2 day or 24-hour programming options, with up to six time and temperature events being available each day. www.esicontriols.co.uk

Mr Slim R32 Models Bring Advanced Benefits At The Same Price Mitsubishi Electric has launched a new range of air conditioning units utilising the new refrigerant R32 which will be available at the same price as the equivalent R410A units. The R32 Mr Slim Power Inverter split type models are the second product range in the company’s UK line-up to utilise R32 refrigerant – which has a low global warming potential (GWP). “We have kept the price exactly the same as our current R410A Mr Slim Power Inverter line up as we see this eliminating a big hurdle in the adoption of this new refrigerant, which is an important change to help combat global warming,” explains Carl Dickinson on behalf of the company. “Anyone planning on using, designing or installing air conditioning in the coming years will now need to take into account the GWP of the system to meet the requirements of the F-Gas Regulations,” adds Dickinson. In March 2014, the European Parliament passed the 2014 EU F-Gas Regulation legislation with the key objective of reducing F-Gas emissions by 79% between 2015 and 2030. The overall intention is to cut the availability of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) with a high GWP. The F-Gas Regulations will have a major impact on the air conditioning sector and any option for the next generation of refrigerant gas must be able to meet the demands of this stringent legislation in reducing the environmental impact of HFCs. R32 has a GWP of 675 compared to R410A refrigerant which has a GWP of 2,088 and Dickinson sees this as an important reason why the market is expected to move quickly to the new refrigerant: “Not only will this help businesses demonstrate what they are doing to help the environment, the use of R32 also allows the Mr Slim units to offer increased efficiency compared to equivalent R410A models.” Mitsubishi Electric is first to the UK market with such an expansive line-up and the new R32 Mr Slim Power Inverter models have been built specifically for the new refrigerant. The range includes ten outdoor units offering single-phase and 3-phase options, with a capacity range from 3.5 to 14kW. 25 individual indoor units are also available as ceiling cassettes, ceiling concealed ducted, wall-mounted and ceiling suspended models. www.timeforr32.co.uk/pr4

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Airtightness Is Much More Than Just The Right Product, It’s The Right System… Dupont’s Holistic Approach Achieves Extraordinary Results At BRE Architects, builders, developers and savvy home buyers are beginning to understand not only the importance of airtightness, but also the potential complexity in getting it right. There is, however, a very simple solution: work with a proven system of carefully developed and tested products – and the expert team behind them. Recently, a project to bring key membranes, AVCLs, tapes, sealants – and vitally – correct installation methods together into one ideal ‘passive house’ demonstration was undertaken at BRE (Building Research Establishment), with assistance from DuPont. The results “impressed everyone”, according to Nick Williams, DuPont™ Tyvek® Technical Manager UK & ROI, who facilitated the project and emphasises that, “we also know that with new product developments, or different DuPont product combinations, the performance could be even better.” As part of its customary standards of independent and thorough testing, the BRE built a compact timber structure on site. The following products were then fitted, taking great care to correctly install and properly seal at laps and penetrations, and in all corners, curves and awkward spaces: Tyvek® Supro to the roof, Tyvek® HouseWrap to the exterior of the walls, AirGuard® Control AVCL to the interior of the walls, Tyvek® tapes throughout the construction, plus the newly launched Tyvek® FlexWrap EZ tape to windows, doors, rafters, floors, etc. Once the test structure was complete, a blower door was fitted and the structure pressurised to the industry standard 50Pa. Test results were recorded after each stage of completion. The final tests were conducted when the latest low emissivity Tyvek® membrane was fitted as the external wall membrane. This resulted in an extremely impressive figure of 0.12 m3 /hr/m2 @50Pa (0.24 ACH), well below the Passivhaus standard which in itself is a difficult level to achieve. According to Dr Paul Blackmore, Associate Director, Fire and Building Technology Group BRE, “The testing showed the importance of maintaining an airtight barrier around the test building to prevent unintended air infiltration/ exfiltration. The DuPont™ Tyvek® and AirGuard® membranes and tapes provided an almost complete air tight seal around the walls and roof of the

test building. The air leakage measurements with the test building wrapped in DuPont membranes with DuPont tapes were as low as 0.12 m3 /hr/m2 and 0.24 ACH @ 50Pa which significantly exceeds the air tightness requirements of the Passivhaus standard for low energy buildings.” The imperatives of a variety of regulations are one thing, but the key drivers are emerging from the market itself, and from the appreciation that airtightness brings sustainability benefits and increases both cost-efficiency and occupier comfort. Current UK regulations call for air leakage figures below 10 m3 /hr/ m2 @50Pa and controls are bound to get only get stricter in future, while the benchmark Passivhaus standard is 0.6 ACH, equivalent to around 0.3 m3 /hr/m2 @ 50Pa. A vital lesson, both from the BRE exercise and experience in the field, is that while airtightness can be straightforward to achieve using the right products and systems, there can be no weak link in the chain. A reduction of specification quality at any aspect of the envelope, a key step or process missed, or any careless or incorrect installation and the results will be as disappointing as the waste of time or money. There is simply no substitute for quality and expertise, and cutting corners – or failing to seal them properly – just doesn’t work. Furthermore, even with the best products and the best will in the world, those ‘hard to reach’ areas will also need special attention. This is where the holistic approach from DuPont becomes even more indispensable, with the joined-up thinking of products such as DuPont™ FlexWrap tapes, which are designed to expand, contract, bend and shape concertina style, to fit into any awkward area to be sealed. A new version of the product, Tyvek® FlexWrap EZ, is about the hit the market, bringing even further benefits for both performance and installation to the new generation of responsible construction. www.construction.tyvek.co.uk www.bregroup.com

DUDLEY SAVING TIME, WATER AND MONEY NEW

* Wave S3

 Bathroom products that are simple to install and service  Reduced water consumption and costs  Advanced flushing technology  Exceptional reliability and spares available to minimise whole life costs



* Vantage ™

www.dudleybathroomproducts.co.uk sales@thomasdudley.co.uk | 0121 530 7000

year Reassuring warranties*

Touch Free

Easy to fit and service

Made in the UK

* Terms apply, see website for details

Essential Building Product Review.indd 1

25/04/2017 15:09:54

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Save Time, Water And Money With Dudley’s Range Of Bathroom Products Thomas Dudley Ltd has been manufacturing in the West Midlands since 1920. The market-leading Dudley range of bathroom products is BIM compliant and are the products of choice for specifiers. Ideal for domestic bathrooms and commercial washroom, Dudley’s new flush plate, Wave S3™, is attractively styled, simple to install and set-up and has been designed to reduce water consumption while offering a modern, advanced touch-free alternative to traditional flush plates. The new flush plate displays interactive icons and is available with square or soft edges. Dudley’s flush plate range also includes Reef™ and Coral™ which present a chrome plated finish and are compatible with furniture and tiles. Dudley also offers dualflush pushbuttons such as the round Dio and square Piazza which can be positioned up to 750mm from the cistern. Dudley’s popular Electroflo® range encompasses infra-red WC flushing, urinal controls and taps which have been developed to save water and maintain hygiene. The WC sensor comes in either stainless steel or chrome plated finishes, is interactive and indicates when full or reduced flushes are being delivered and when the cistern is refilling. To add, it provides a perfect solution to areas whereby a hygienic touchfree sensor may be required. Recently launched, Kinetic® is an intelligent water-saving ‘all-in-one’ electronic urinal control, offering quick and easy installation. With digital precision set-up and guaranteed accurate water-savings, Kinetic® is suitable for any washroom environment. The innovative product offers a choice to be installed onto pipework, wall or ceiling. The contemporary urinal flushing valve has been designed to save up to 80% of water in comparison with traditional petcock and automatic cistern installations. It is aesthetically pleasing and comes in both glossy white and grey finishes. It can be powered by mains or battery and is suitable for water pressures of 0.1 – 10 bar. The UK based manufacturer’s extensive portfolio of water-saving products under the Dudley brand also includes Vantage ® and Miniflo® concealed cisterns that offer 6/4, 5/3 or 4/2.6 litre dualflush to maximise water efficiency. Both products are approved by the European Water Label Scheme. Dudley’s Vantage® is a high-quality cistern, designed specifically for use in bathroom furniture. It comes with WRAS approved Dudley Niagara flushing valve and Dudley Hydroflo quiet inlet valve which only allows the cistern to start refilling once flushing is complete. To add, it comes complete with a polystyrene insulation jacket and provides easy servicing with front and top access. Whereas the Miniflo® is more compact and is ideal for use behind tiles and partitioning and in most other concealed applications. With top access only, it also comes with the Niagara flushing valve and Hydroflo quiet inlet valve. Dudley Resan™ provides a range of damage resistant sanitaryware and controls, suitable for the most challenging environments. Styled like ceramic, this aesthetically pleasing product is shatterproof, dent proof as well as chemical resistant. Resan™ products are best suited in the following sectors; hospitals, mental health facilities, prisons, hotels and leisure, sports stadia and more. A full range of WC pans, basins, urinals and accessories are available. For more information please visit www.dudleybathroomproducts.co.uk and for Dudley Resan™ visit www.dudleyresan.co.uk.

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Rinnai System Thinking For Gyms Rinnai has developed a new and innovative concept of economical and efficient hot water delivery specifically for gyms and fitness centres. The concept brings together all the components of a system in one handy, bespoke pack for any operation, large or small, local and national. Rinnai recently supplied a growing High Street gym estate with a custombuilt ‘gym pack’ that includes everything from design to delivery of a complete hot water system in one easy to install, fully specified and energy efficient ‘pack’ delivered direct to site. The site has reported excellent results from the systems which have been installed in multiple sites over the UK. Says Rinnai’s Chris Goggin, “Simply supplying a water heater unit (or multiple units) has become an antiquated notion that simply is not good enough. ‘System’ thinking, where we deliver to site the complete package, is what is going to give the gym chain the edge over the competition. The Rinnai system virtually guarantees endless amounts of hot water at useable temperatures, all on demand.” The inaugural site was keen to have a fully reliable system with the slimmest of running costs, and, at the same time it was paramount that the showers never ran out of hot water even at the busiest of times. The Rinnai total gym solution includes water heaters, flues, scale protection, unvented cylinders, valves, prefabrication racks, advanced BMS controls – even water sampling equipment – specified, designed and delivered by Rinnai. When ErP labelling went live on 26 September 2015, Rinnai scored A-ratings on all its water heaters and achieved best in class energy and running cost figures following independent testing by a notified body. www.rinnaiuk.com

Omnie MVHR Systems Specified For Suffolk Eco-Homes Following the example of the German PassivHaus standard and Canadian Super-E systems, the consultants designing a development of highly energy efficient homes in Suffolk have opted to incorporate Omnie mechanical heat recovery ventilation systems as well as the manufacturer’s well proven TorFloor underfloor heating to help maintain optimum indoor conditions. The three dwellings currently being built by Mainline Properties at Cedar’s Close in Thurston, near Bury St. Edmunds, feature a host of sustainable technologies together with achieving excellent airtightness and insulation standards. However, while such measures will ensure the homes can offer low energy bills, the occupants could also face the twin risks of overheating in summer and condensation problems from the moisture generated by cooking, washing or simply breathing. The architects acting on behalf of Mainline Properties have therefore drawn on the expertise of Exeter based Omnie as the suppliers of wholehouse heating and ventilation solutions, able to ensure a comfortable indoor living environment is created all year round. As a result the trio of three-storey, four bedroom eco-houses are being fitted with the MVHR units by local plumbing and heating specialist, All Aspects Plumbing, with the duct pipes being rapidly routed through the buildings’ metal web floor joists. In operation, the warm moist air extracted from the kitchen and other wet rooms will pass through each unit’s high efficiency heat exchanger to temper the incoming fresh air. Alternatively, during warm weather, the system can simply supply cooling ventilation to the living spaces and bedrooms. www.omnie.co.uk

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Coast & Country Housing Choose Multi-Sensor Alarms For Their Enhanced Features Aico’s premium Ei2110e Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm is being specified for all 10,000 Coast and Country Housing properties to provide the best fire response for tenants. Coast and Country Housing is the largest registered housing provider in Redcar and Cleveland, with estates located in a diverse range of urban areas, seaside resorts and rural villages. Coast and Country Housing is a committed Aico alarm installer, with nearly all 10,000 properties benefitting from quality Aico Smoke Alarms. In order to provide the very best level of protection for tenants, Coast and Country Housing has upgraded its specification to the sole use of Aico’s Multi-Sensor Fire Alarms. www.aico.co.uk

New Dehumidifier Range From Condair Condair, the world’s leading humidification specialist, is expanding its product portfolio with a range of advanced commercial and industrial dehumidifiers. The new Condair dehumidifier range comprehensively covers both desiccant and condensing technologies with extensive standard capacities from 0.5kg/h to 182kg/h (@20°C/60%RH). Custom units are also available, which are capable of providing even greater dehumidification or operating under specific or extreme environmental conditions required by an application. Condair desiccant dehumidifiers use a silica-coated sorption rotor to absorb moisture from the air. This type of technology is ideal for low temperature conditions or applications that require very dry air, below 50%RH. The dehumidifier’s sorption rotor is regenerated with a heated airflow and the wet, hot air is vented externally. As standard, electrical heat exchangers are used for this regeneration process but gas-fired, steam or hot-water heat exchangers can also be used, either alongside the electrical heater or instead of it, to reduce energy and operating costs. www.condair.co.uk.

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Looking For A Whitewashed Floor? Bona White is a new wood floor primer designed to produce an on-trend bleached look when used in conjunction with a Bona polyurethane lacquer. The intensity of ‘whiteness’ is dependent on how many coats are applied. This client wanted a whitewashed look to their original Victorian floor boards to tie in with the soft greys of the kitchen.

To produce a highly durable, easy to maintain finish, two coats of Bona Traffic HD lacquer were applied. Traffic HD is Bona’s toughest lacquer. The very low VOC content and low odour mean there is no need for homeowners to vacate their property while the works are being carried out and there is no lingering smell.

This was achieved by the application of two coats of Bona White under two coats of Bona Traffic HD lacquer. The works were part of a complete renovation of a Victorian town house in Bath and were carried out by Bona Certified Contractor, TWF Bath Ltd, who specialise in the restoration and fitting of traditional wood floors. Before treatment, the TWF team filled large gaps using reclaimed pine wedges and then sanded the floor to 100 grit abrasives.

Its fast cure time means the floor can be in full use just 12 hours after treatment – making it an ideal choice for commercial floors too where there is little available downtime for renovation. TWF’s clients chose the Matt version of Traffic HD for their kitchen floor. Silkmatt and Extramatt sheens are also available.

Smaller gaps were filled using Bona Mix & Fill, which is mixed with sanding dust from the floor to ensure the filled areas blend in with the rest of the surface. The floor was then sanded using 120 grit abrasives before the application of the first coat of Bona White. The floor was then abraded using a Bona Scrad Pad to remove any grain raising from the surface before the application of the second coat.

As a Bona Certified Contractor, TWF Bath is part of Bona’s network of highly trained wood floor specialists - independent wood floor companies who have received extra in-depth training in the use of Bona’s wood floor finishing products. www.bona.com

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Stixall Is On A Roll With The Launch Of A New Tape Just when you thought you’d seen it all from the Stixall range, Everbuild – A Sika Company launch Stixall on a Roll – an invisible double-sided tape with extreme power. Ideal for use when bonding glass or clear surfaces as well as many other applications, Stixall on a Roll bonds virtually all materials with outstanding adhesion, both indoors and outdoors.

New Premium Oak Factory Glazed Fire Doors From Premdor Comprising of eighteen Premium Oak design models, this internal door collection will satisfy the aspirations of designers, builders and homeowners alike. MILANO is sure to impress with striking V grooved panels and enjoys screen printed glass to present a contemporary effect. Destined to become a trade favourite, 2 LIGHT clear glazed doors embody raised and fielded panels in American White Oak veneer creating depth of definition for an elegant look. CROFT ¾ LIGHT features screen printed factory fitted glazing, providing a modern twist to this versatile grooved door. www.premdor.co.uk

Available in 19mm x 2.5mtr rolls, Stixall on a Roll is packaged within a high quality printed hanging sleeve for easy display and features the same instantly recognisable design as the rest of the Stixall range. For information on Stixall on a Roll or any other product within the Everbuild or Sika ranges, contact your sales representative, call the sales office on 0113 240 2424 or visit www.everbuild.co.uk.

Two More Schueco Systems Gain All-Important Q Mark Certification Leading sustainable building envelope specialist, Schueco UK, has announced that as a system supplier two more of its popular sliding door systems – the Schueco ASS 70.HI lift/slide door and the Schueco ASS 70 FD folding/sliding door – have been awarded Q Mark Product Certification by Exova BM Trada. Both systems are widely specified right across the UK, being suitable for both commercial projects and the domestic market. Q Mark Product Certification covers a wide range of characteristics including weather performance, mechanical strength, operating forces, corrosion resistance of fittings and PAS 24 security. In addition, the tests certify the doors’ opening and closing performance over 50,000 operating cycles. As a further assurance of quality, Schueco partner-fabricators with Q Mark Certification have their quality management system annually audited as well as a door security test to prove the products are being consistently and correctly manufactured. Significantly, Q-Marked companies are eligible to bid for projects covered by the police’s Secured by Design initiative. This latter scheme has been in operation for ten years and is regarded as having made a major contribution to reducing the number of burglaries. As such, windows and doors that comply with SBD specifications form part of the front line against unlawful entry and can help to reduce household insurance premiums.vvccwww.schueco.co.uk

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Let It Shine With New Vicaima High Gloss The characteristics of a High Gloss finish have long been valued by interior designers. Its ability to reflect light, the perception of luminosity and the illusion of space, all present a comfortable feeling of openness and elegance. The latest Vicaima finish, "High Gloss", is now available as an option across many of their popular veneered and painted door, frame and wall panel products, allowing specifiers to achieve a premium finish for interior decoration without the burden of premium cost. Luxurious appeal is a term that best describes the new Vicaima High Gloss finish. Enhancing the natural beauty of real wood veneer or taking lacquered paint finishes to new levels of quality, are the hallmarks of this latest innovation from the Vicaima brand. Once the preserve of a select few, this new high gloss finish enables a touch of refinement to be attainable for many more applications, and all with the

superior quality you would expect from a Vicaima product. The new High Gloss finish can be applied to the wide range of Vicaima product components, including door and frame solutions, wardrobes and wall panels, creating sophisticated elements that connect with each other to fashion environments with character and personality. When it comes to the requirement for high gloss on a paint finish, the array of colours is almost endless. However to make life simple Vicaima use the RAL Color palette, one of the most widely used universal catalogues in the world, so specifiers can easily specify the tone that best suits their desired dĂŠcor. For more information simply download a copy of the new High Gloss brochure from the Vicaima website. For other innovative designs and products from the many Vicaima collections, visit www.vicaima.com

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Velux® Adds Three More Sizes To Curved Glass Rooflight Range Roof window manufacturer VELUX® has added three more sizes to its world’s first curved glass rooflight range. The VELUX curved glass rooflight, designed for flat roofs, is now available in eight different sizes and features CurveTech, an innovative curve-shaped glass top that lets rainwater easily drain off the surface – even on completely flat roofs. That means daylight is able to shine through without raindrops getting in the way. The new curved glass rooflight offers a number of other unique benefits for homeowners looking to bring in more daylight through the roof: • A fully programmable control pad offers remote control operation of out-of-reach rooflights. Practical pre-fitted rain sensor closes the rooflight automatically in the event of rain. • A combination of insulating PVC frame and double-glazed, low-energy inner pane ensures heat does not escape through the window and helps to maintain the home’s ideal indoor climate. • The curved glass shape provides natural drainage of rainwater, negating the need for regular cleaning. Toughened glass makes it virtually impervious to damage from the elements. Maintenance free PVC material used on the interior frame is also easy to clean. The eight different sizes of rooflights provide homeowners with flexibility when looking for roof windows to match their room size. Recent research into the flat roof window market by VELUX revealed that over half of single-storey extensions in the UK have flat roofs, and over two thirds of flat roof extensions have no glazing in the roof. The curved glass flat roof windows are installed in the same way as other VELUX flat roof windows and use the same base units as the existing range, meaning installers don’t need to learn new methods of installation. The new curved glass rooflight is available now. For more information visit www.velux.co.uk/curvedglass

A ‘Slide And Fold’ Solution From Aluprof The new sliding folding ‘MB-86 FOLD LINE’ is the latest addition in a wide range of sliding doors systems from leading European aluminium systems company, Aluprof. With one of the slimmest hinged stile sight line of just 133mm, the new system maximises the all important glass area. Designed for heavy duty use, the system is suitable for both residential and commercial installations, and offers excellent life expectancy. The MB-86 FOLD LINE features a 77mm wide, triple chamber door leaf profile, with a 34mm polyamide thermal break for excellent thermal insulation and strength, allowing doors of up to 2700 mm high and 1000 mm wide. The Aluprof designed, dedicated hardware, allows door leafs of up to 100Kg in weight to be accommodated with the option of triple, or quadruple glazing, to be easily specified up to 60mm in thickness. Rebated and low-level thresholds are an option as well as open in and open out options for the folding arrangement. With a low profile count, for what is a very flexible sliding folding system, fabricators do not need to stock an extensive range of profiles to manufacture the complete system. Furthermore, the ‘MB-86 FOLD LINE’ is fully compatible with the MB-86 range of framing, door and window systems making it one of the most flexible systems for any application. It should therefore come as no surprise that Aluprof systems are increasingly being specified on a wide range of residential and commercial projects across the UK. All systems are designed and installed by selected, specially trained companies to ensure each product meets the Aluprof exacting standards. www.aluprof.co.uk

Eye opener No façade offers a wider, more uninterrupted view than the Schueco FWS 35 PD. Ideal for both residential and commercial projects, it has a uniquely slim face width of 35 mm, narrow sightlines, excellent thermal insulation and a frame that’s all but invisible. Available in two specifications – HI (highly insulated) or SI (super insulated) – the SI version is Passive House certified delivering Ucw values of 0.79 W/m2K. For German engineering made in Britain, there’s only one name. www.schueco.co.uk

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RIEFA Lightweight Living Roofs Riefa boards are a new type of green roof substrate. They are a hi-tech fibre board made from organically grown and sustainable natural resources, including rye flour and tree bark. The manufacturing process is essentially the same as baking: the ingredients are mixed in dough bins and then baked in second- life biscuit ovens. Riefa boards are primarily used as an insulation board in the manufacture of doors and as a sound insulation in partition walls. The dimensions of the boards in their dry condition are 18mm thick and 2400 x 1200 mm, and they only weigh 1kg. This makes them very easy to transport and distribute across the roof. The Riefa organic fibre roof-growing medium is made and produced in a demonstrably sustainable way, it is the light, fits neatly into place, its low depth profile doing away with the need for expensive alterations to parapets. Easily installed over tired or redundant roof covers, a simple rubber membrane overlay eliminates the need for expensive removal and removes the need for the disposal of hazardous oil-based systems. Contractors do not need specialist skills to install the Riefa system. It fits seamlessly onto sloping, pitched or shaped roofs of all kinds. Nutrient rich and superb at retaining water, Riefa boards have been tested to destruction as a growing medium. www.riefagreenroof.co.uk

Conservatory Conversion Company Relies on YBS SuperQuit Insullite, a Manchester based manufacturer (www.insullite.co.uk) specialising in the upgrade of existing conservatory structures, is making extensive use of high performance multi-foil insulation from YBS in the construction of its replacement roofs. Since the Managing Director, Neil Birchall, and his brother set it up five years ago, Insullite has grown its business serving trade as well as private domestic customers right across the UK, enabling property owners to make use of their outdoor rooms all year round. They achieved this by developing a lightweight, timber framed replacement roof structure featuring the use of the YBS SuperQuilt multi-layer insulation, which is actually suitable for use across the entire building envelope. The choice of the well proven - and BBA accredited product, enables the Insullite conservatory roof to achieve Building Regulation approval while maintaining the elegantly low profile appearance complementary to existing conservatories. Managing Director, Neil Birchall commented: “The Insullite solid tiled conservatory roof has been intelligently designed to solve all of the common problems that conservatory owners face: we do this by using a multi-layered foil insulation system. Our solution features a SuperQuilt 19 layer multi-foil insulation, which has an excellent thermal value as it deflects the extreme hot and cold temperatures away from the occupied space. We also employ a sound deadening insulation, which unlike rigid materials, completely silences the weather. “ “This intelligent use of insulation technologies means that the Insullite tiled conservatory roof achieves a U-value of 0-18 W/m2 K – meaning the insulation system is one of the best on the market. Whereas conventional conservatories with glass or Perspex roofs are either freezing cold in winter or boiling hot in sunny summer weather, owners choosing our solution can enjoy their conservatory all year round.” Recognised by the NHBC and compliant with the current version of Approved Document L to the Building Regulations, SuperQuilt comprises of 19 layers including reflective foil, expanded polyethylene and polyester wadding to provide a cost effective and user-friendly alternative to much thicker insulation materials. Installed with a 25mm cavity, it controls not just radiated energy, but thermal conduction and convection. www.ybsinsulation.com

Kemperol®

Liquid roofing and waterproofing at its very best

Ideal for flat roof refurbishment, repair and new build roofing projects.

Complete solvent free and odourless waterproofing systems available that can be laid whilst the building is operational - Ideal for schools, hospitals, factories, offices, etc. Have the work done when you want it or need it.

Kemperol® is a cold liquid application removing the fire risk of hot works.

Laid in a single wet-on-wet process, our Kemperol® waterproofing resin saturates a tough reinforcement fleece and cures to form a totally seamless, durable, UV stable, elastomeric waterproofing membrane that cannot delaminate and is fully bonded to the roof substrate.

With BBA Approval and a life expectancy in excess of 25 years your roofing budget will never be better spent.

For more information visit www.kempersystem.co.uk

KEMPER SYSTEM Tel: 01925 445532 enquiries@kempersystem.co.uk Kemperol Liquid Waterproofing

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Innovative New Concrete Product Launches In The UK AN INNOVATIVE and extremely stylish new concrete product that offers architects, planners and interior designers a vast range of design-led uses is now available for the first time in the UK. LightBeton is being sold exclusively by Arnold Laver, the UK’s leading supplier of timber and construction materials. The product features a 2mm layer of concrete bonded onto MDF or a variety of other materials such as polypropylene honeycomb. This combines to create a lightweight material that is ideal for ceilings, walls, table tops, furniture, counters, columns, pillars, temporary floorings as well as a vast range of other uses. The product, which is produced by renowned German surface manufacturer Richter akustik & design, weighs just 3.9kg per square metre and is also available with an optional fire rated composite material added. It can be cut using standard woodworking equipment and is suitable for edge-banding machinery, as well as looking authentic with bevels. Category Manager Mark Ashmore, from Arnold Laver says: “We are constantly searching for the most innovative and pioneering products, and LightBeton really hits the mark, with many leading architects and interior designers already specifying it in some of the world’s most stylish shops, restaurants, hotels, trade shows and homes. “We envisage that LightBeton will become the go-to product of choice for many design-led projects, due to its flexibility, cost, ease of use and lightweight consistency, and we’re delighted to be supplying it to the UK market for the first time. It comes in a variety of whites and greys, which are very on-trend at the moment, and as a result it’s immediately become a very popular product within our extensive range.” LightBeton has scooped numerous prestigious accolades, including winning an award at the German Design Awards, and being named ‘best of the best’ at the Interior Innovation Awards. www.laver.co.uk

Lumen Metallics All Colours

New Trespa® Products For Inspiring Façades Trespa is introducing a completely new product range - Meteon® Focus and welcoming five metallic colours to the existing Meteon® Lumen series. Designers and architects now have an entirely new range of ways to introduce innovative looks and effects for façades. Metallic reflections of light, coincidental compositions and enigmatic traces can break up surfaces and help create exciting new identities. New inspiration in three variations The new Meteon® Focus range allows architects to introduce new designs which move beyond uni colours or products inspired by natural materials. The Meteon® Focus Santiago designs are based on an abstract interpretation of a cityscape, defined by light reflections and building contours, whilst the Meteon® Focus Brooklyn designs are inspired by intriguing ephemeral traces. Focus All Colours

Meteon® Lumen offers architects the opportunity to bring façades to life with reflections of light. Three finishes make it possible to add movement, depth and tone to the buildings: Diffuse removes glossiness, reflection and texture, resulting in instant tranquillity. Scattered light gives façades a smooth, subdued appearance. Oblique has a pleasantly uneven matt-and-gloss surface that brings a natural, weathered look to any façade. Specular reflects its surroundings, adding liveliness with deep colours and gloss. Buildings become seamlessly integrated into their environment. The Meteon® Lumen range has been expanded with five metallic colours, all of which are available in these three finishes. Emphasising Trespa’s premium appearance, these introduce subtle differences between panels on the façade. www.trespa.com

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James Latham Provides Materials For Plywood Exhibition At The V&A James Latham is providing plywood for the interior of an exhibition about the eclectic history of the sheet material which opens inJuly at the Victoria and Albert Museum – known as the world’s leading museum of art and design. Plywood: Material of the Modern World will run between 15 July and 12 November 2017 and will explore the innovative use of plywood in objects ranging from vehicles to furniture, and from architecture to graphic design offering a new perspective of this versatile material. James Latham’s unrivalled knowledge and passion for timber, and in particular, its incredible history of selling this product - which began more than two and a half centuries ago – and included supplying plywood for the manufacture of Spitfire aircrafts during World War 2, has close links to the exhibition which includes the story of the fastest and highest-flying aeroplane of WWII, the de Havilland Mosquito. © de Havilland Aircraft Museum

Other highlights will include a moulded plywood leg splint designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1942, surfboards, and designs for mass-produced US prefabricated housing.

Plywood: Material of the Modern World is co-curated by Christopher Wilk, Keeper of Furniture, Textiles and Fashion at the V&A, and Elizabeth Bisley, Curator in the Department of Furniture, Textiles and Fashion at the V&A. The exhibition brings together significant new research with new acquisitions and objects that have never before been on public display. It will take visitors through plywood’s many reputational transformations; from a cheap product that was often hidden or maligned for its inferiority to solid timber, to the material prized by mid-century modernists and by today’s flourishing maker movement. Chris Sutton, Managing Director of James Latham said: “This exhibition will look at the many different methods of manufacture using plywood and its history, from ancient times to use in today’s digital age so it is a perfect fit for James Latham, particularly because of our 260-year history in which time we will have supplied plywood for many of the innovative uses and applications which are being highlighted.” James Latham’s full range of plywood, along with its enormous portfolio of decorative surface solutions, can be seen at its Product Specification Showroom at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London which has been created to inspire architects and designers, provide expert advice and enable them to keep abreast of the latest trends and developments within the sector. The exhibition runs between 15th July 2017 and 12th November 2017 at the V&A, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL – find out more at www.vam.ac.uk www.lathamtimber.co.uk

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Why balcony fire is a burning issue www.neaco.co.uk

as the fire’s starting point and the risk of it spreading up a building façade via combustible materials with mineral fibre or timber cladding, insulating panels, windows and other balconies above. Risks are compounded by the fact that wind speeds are stronger at a greater height and burning material can also fall to spread the fire to lower floors. BRE Global concludes that meeting Part B of the Building Regulations (covering fire safety matters) can be adversely affected by the requirements of Part L which states that ‘Reasonable provision shall be made for the conservation of fuel and power in buildings by limiting heat gains and losses through thermal elements in other parts of the building fabric.’ There are no fire safety requirements specifically relating to balconies in Part B (with the exception of balconies providing means of escape) but housebuilding warranty providers are increasingly aware of the potential risks and many are requesting balcony design modifications with reference to Part B4 which refers to the spread of fire on building exteriors. Architects, housebuilders and developers can pre-empt these concerns with careful choice of materials. Timber decking and timber supporting joists) is an obvious area of fire risk and BRE Global’s report includes case studies identifying discarded cigarettes on decking as the cause of fires. Neaco discuss detailed balcony specifications with architects across the UK and many are telling us that decking material is the primary safety concern for warranty providers (partitions between balconies are also a concern, but the issue is raised much less frequently). The most common design revision is the replacement of timber with fire-resistant materials. Similarly, wood-polymer composite decking, comprising a combination of plastics and timber fibres, is not considered to be sufficiently fire-resistant and is often rejected too.

Whilst they not yet enshrined in Building Regulations, fire safety measures for balconies are increasingly being stipulated by building warranty providers. Architects and developers should be mindful of these issues at the design stage of their projects, as Peter Melia of balcony specialists Neaco explains… Visit the centre of any major city and balconies will probably be visible in most directions. It’s estimated that there are over 45,000 high rise apartments in London alone, with flats comprising just over 50% of the capital’s residential accommodation. Balconies are now widely considered to be an important amenity in modern apartment living as the outdoor space for this type of property and they have become a widespread feature of residential development. Given this proliferation, it is no surprise to read reports that highlight the frequency of associated risks such as fires. BRE Global carries out fire investigation on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local

Government. According to their 2016 Document ‘Fire safety issues with balconies’, BRE Global reported 24 fires which have started on balconies since 2005. The most common causes were arson, careless disposal of smoking material and misuse of barbeques. Notably they reported six fire incidents in 2015 compared to just one in 2005. The document references case studies to highlight the potential of balconies

Another alternative material, glass reinforced plastic (GRP), has properties which are problematic for fire resistance: in essence it is an oil-based product with a combination of materials and components which all react differently when exposed to fire. Polyester resins are made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms and, like all organic compounds, they will burn. By altering their structure and/or by using additives, it is possible to modify their burning behaviour so that laminates made from such resins present a lower hazard under fire conditions. However, in practice this doesn’t represent a solution which is any safer than timber. Realistically, this leaves steel and aluminium as the only viable alternatives. Quite apart from the practical advantages of being 1/3 of the weight of steel and the environmental benefits of being 100% recyclable, aluminium is a superior material for fire safety. Its thermal conductivity is four times faster: heat is conducted away faster and therefore a greater heat input is necessary to bring aluminium up to a given temperature than required for steel. Fire performance data for aluminium extrusion can be obtained from the results of BS 476 Fire Test Series. Aluminium achieves the highest possible rating for Part 4 (NonCombustibility test), Part 5 (Ignitibility Test), Part 6 (Fire Propagation Test) and Part 7 (Surface Spread of Flame Test). These performance levels make aluminium the stand-out choice to satisfy fire safety requirements for balconies. It is important to note that painting its surface could reduce these performance levels. Aluminium also eliminates the need for timber joists, thereby significantly reducing fire risk.

In addition to its fire-resistant qualities, aluminium is corrosive-free and non-toxic. The working qualities of aluminium also make for ease of fabrication, engineering and forming. Most alloy grades can be easily and economically machined (e.g. milling, turning) which means that bespoke sizes, profiles and features can be precision-engineered to serve the needs of balcony decking. For example, it can accommodate special performance requirements such as anti-slip surfaces. This ability to provide slip resistance

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is another aspect which makes aluminium safer than timber, which over time becomes increasingly slippery underfoot. As a company which uses aluminium for the manufacture of our architectural systems, Neaco is a passionate advocate of its many benefits and especially its advantages in safeguarding against fire risk. The continuing increase in the numbers of apartments being built will in all probability lead to an Author: Peter Melia, Neaco

increase in cases of fires on balconies. By specifying aluminiumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use in balconies, architects can streamline the regulatory approval of their design schemes and, more importantly, improve the safety of their buildings.

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THE LIGHT FANTASTIC www.wrightstyle.co.uk

Earlier this year, the USA marked Workplace Eye Wellness Month. Jane Embury, marketing director at advanced glazing system supplier Wrightstyle, looks at light in the UK workplace, and why we should all be aware of eyesight issues. In the creation, it’s what God made first. You can see it but can’t feel or touch it. Prosaically, it’s electromagnetic radiation within a certain portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Us humans, and most living creatures, see it through our eyes, which are clever photon detectors tuned to observe the visible spectrum. As we inch closer to fully understanding light, we are already investigating its quirky properties to develop new kinds of encryption codes and next-generation computers - part of the reason why the United Nations designated 2015 as the International Year of Light. In a building, light has both form and function – from the intimate restaurant to the intensity of a hospital theatre; from the serenity of a cathedral to the floodlit arena of a football stadium. Light possesses absolute functionality with the power to change ambience and transform mood. However, although we receive the majority of information through our eyes, we can still take light for granted. Too often, particularly in the workplace, its primary importance is still undervalued both in new build and renovation projects.

longer just go to an office to move paper from one horizontal in-tray to another horizontal out-tray. The laptop and desk-top computer, with their horizontal keyboards and vertical screens, have seen to that. Building design has certainly evolved to take the computer into consideration with, for example, raised floors and large open-plan spaces. However, what is still not fully recognised in many older buildings – and some new ones - is that the lighting requirements of the computer operator have also changed. A computer terminal, apart from being vertical, is glossy and luminous. Studies show that many office workers say that eyestrain is still a serious health hazard in the office. Not surprising as many workplaces still incorporate lighting systems that were designed for the paper-based office. Simply, poor lighting coming from overhead sources are reflected off computer screens and into the operator’s eyes. Modern regulations say that the employer has a responsibility to provide “satisfactory light conditions and an appropriate contrast between the screen and background, taking into account the type of work and the vision requirements of the user. Furthermore, possible glare and reflection on the screen shall be prevented by co-ordinating workplace and workstation layout with the positioning of the artificial light sources.” It’s all part of what has become known as sick building syndrome (SBS), a catch-all phrase to describe illness, or illnesses, brought on by the buildings we work in. The National Health Service says: “Anyone can be affected by SBS, but office workers in modern buildings without opening windows and with mechanical ventilation or air conditioning systems are most at risk. The likelihood of experiencing SBS symptoms can be higher if you’re employed in routine work that involves using display screen equipment.” Importantly, there is a correlation between light and Sick Building Syndrome, because a lack of daylight is regarded as one of the most important contributors to it. Making better use of daylight is the obvious solution, particularly when it comes to designing new buildings or refurbishment projects, because daylighting is dynamic and changes throughout the day, providing natural variation and connecting us to the outside world. Most building designers now understand the properties of light, and how a well-designed working environment can boost productivity and morale. But the advantages of using glass in the building environment go further: from reducing heating costs to solar control and, using photovoltaic Author: Jane Embury, Marketing Director, Wrightstyle

It’s why in March the USA marks Workplace Eye Wellness Month, to raise awareness of eye strain in the workplace, what can be done by employers and individuals, and how good building design has a fundamental role to play. Good building design balances form and function in a finished article that looks good from the outside and performs well on the inside. However, having excellence in both the exterior envelope and the interior lay-out doesn’t necessarily mean that the building will work to optimal effect for its human inhabitants. It needs light to function – both natural and artificial - and it needs the right kind of light to function properly. One reason is that the nature of work has changed in recent years. We no

(PV) cells, converting photons into electrons and, therefore, generating electricity. Modern glazing systems, with their optical brilliance and safety characteristics, have become as fundamental to good building design as light has always been fundamental to life. After all, it’s why God created it first. A Health and Safety guide to Display Screen Equipment (DSE) can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg36.pdf

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THE GREEN EYED MONSTER www.lumenrooflight.com

It stands to reason that consuming vast amounts of natural resources to produce the raw materials of a product negates the environmental benefits further down the chain, regardless of what the product becomes. This has often been overlooked in the rooflight industry because of the low maintenance and long life that aluminium and PVC can offer the end user. For decades these two materials have been unrivalled and it was widely accepted that flat rooflights should be manufactured from one of these materials; until now. There is now a real alternative in the flat rooflight market that not only offers exceptional thermal performance, but is also a genuine environmentally friendly product in every sense. The Lumen Planus is manufactured in the UK using Accoya® wood which is a material that has been thoroughly tested for dimensional stability, durability, paint retention and in-ground conditions to ensure optimal performance. It offers a new standard in high performance, sustainable and low maintenance applications. In addition to the outstanding performance, Accoya® wood is one of the very few building products to have acquired Cradle to CradleSM Certification on the elusive Gold level. Cradle to Cradle (C2C) provides a means to tangibly and credibly measure achievement in environmentally-intelligent design including the use of environmentally safe and healthy materials and instituting strategies for social responsibility.

Open any trade magazine or visit supplier websites and you will find numerous articles and products offering exceptional ‘green’ credentials. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in the glass and glazing industry as each manufacturer attempts to outperform the next by offering astounding figures for thermal performance. What is surprising however, is the regular use of terms such as ‘environmentally friendly’ or ‘green’ simply because a product offers a low u-value. As more buildings are constructed to Passivhaus standards there appears to be a blurring of the lines between what is good for the environment and what is thermally efficient. Whilst there is no doubt that increased thermal efficiency contributes to a reduction in burning of fossil fuels; this alone should not be the deciding factor in whether a product is actually environmentally friendly.

A carbon footprint assessment was executed for Accoya® wood by Verco in line with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and World Resources Institute’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Protocol best practice guidelines, based on a cradle to factory gate scenario. This includes sourcing, harvesting and processing of the input timber, as well as all energy and raw material consumption and waste production. The results are shown in the graph below. Greenhouse Gas Emissions (kg C02 eq per m3 of material)

The majority of flat rooflights on the market today are manufactured from either PVC or aluminium and both of these require an exceptional amount of energy to produce and extract a lot of resources from the planet without putting anything back.

While most companies will adopt some sort of environmental policy, telling customers that their products use a percentage of recycled material, this is more likely to be about cost rather than any real environmental intentions.

Today there are some exceptional flat rooflight products available for specifiers to choose from. It is a fact that both aluminium and PVC are very good at providing superb thermal performance and that modern technology has reduced the end of life environmental impact. That said, if your project requires a truly environmentally friendly product then Accoya® provides compelling environmental advantages in every stage of the life cycle.

Author: Paul Trace, Lumen Rooflights

After all recyclables are recycled because it is the cheapest available option and it makes more financial sense to do so rather than to send them to a landfill – with Landfill tax currently over £84 per tonne, plus the gate fee on top.

For more information on the right products for your project information contact Lumen Rooflight on 0330 300 1090, email info@lumenrooflight. co.uk or visit www.lumenrooflight.com 41

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Rubik’s Cube Roof Solved By Contour Roofing And Sika Sarnafil Following last year’s NFRC Roofing Awards win, Sika Sarnafil Registered Contractor Contour Roofing, has again been recognised for its outstanding work, making the shortlist in the Single Ply category. With the success of its previous award-winning project, Ewart Grove, a London residential new build, Contour was called on again by client Paul Simon Homes to offer a premium waterproofing solution for Cheltenham House. Another new build project in London, comprising of 11 luxury apartments, the entire roof and vertical works are shaped like a Rubik’s Cube – a puzzle that was no match for Contour Roofing’s problem solving skills. Originally specified with metal cladding, the client wished to replicate this look for less cost. Jonathan Woods, Managing Director at Contour, once more proved that Sarnafil’s single ply membranes can accommodate the most complex builds, while offering the client one of the most robust extensive product guarantees on the market. Contour worked closely with Sika Sarnafil to generate a bespoke specification with Sika Sarnafil’s recently launched Self Adhered membrane in lead grey, and décor profiles to emulate metal seams. Custom-made Sarnametal details were cut and fabricated to accommodate the various angle changes on the

roof, including vent grills to the base of the cube. Sarnafil’s new spray-applied adhesive Primer 610 was quickly and carefully applied to all the vertical areas, to accommodate the application of the Self Adhered Membrane. The weight of each drop (over 18kg) proved extremely challenging, and had to be secured with a peelstop, and fixed at every point with stainless steel SFS fixings. The décor profiles were installed with upmost precision and careful measurement, creating symmetry and uniformity on all four sides of the building. Jonathan Woods explained: “Every single detail on this project has been carefully planned before application of the products. Coupled with the wealth of experience invested by our contract manager and award-winning fitters, the project was finished to perfection.” “Sarnafil advised us to use the new Primer 610 and Self Adhered membrane and helped us to understand the product with demonstrations at its training academy and our offices. Change is always tough, certainly with experienced fitters, but we insisted that the Self Adhered membrane was paramount for the success of the roofing works at Cheltenham House. The product is quick and easy to use and leaves a beautiful finish to any application it’s used on.” Commenting on the delivery of the project, Carly Tang of Paul Simon Homes said: “After the huge success of Ewart Grove, we reached out once more for the services and expertise of Contour and again they did not disappoint. We were able to offer a project well under budget and on time, thanks to the hard work of the team and the innovative Sika Sarnafil Self Adhered product.” http://gbr.sarnafil.sika.com.

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Spacetherm® Wallboard Mitigates Thermal Bridging For Grade II Building Spacetherm Wallboard has been supplied by the A. Proctor Group to mitigate thermal bridging for the historic Electricity House building in Bristol, recently converted by Crest Nicolson into a series of luxury flats. The renowned architect, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the creator of the iconic Battersea Power Station, designed the original Grade II listed building. Used in this instance as a Window Reveal Board, Spacetherm Wallboard was developed to prevent thermal bridging through a component or element of a structure. Spacetherm Wallboard is a high performance laminate, which consists of Spacetherm Aerogel insulation blanket bonded to plasterboard, and is ideal for use in applications where low U-values are required, and space is at a premium. Planning requirements stipulated that the original window opening aperture sizes had to be maintained, and to alleviate thermal bridging on the existing window reveals, a thin insulation solution was crucial. Spacetherm offers superior thermal performance, which enabled the contractor to insulate the existing window reveals with just 17.5mm overall thickness, whilst still providing a high performing thermal conductivity of only 0.015 W/mK. www.proctorgroup.com

Archaus Receives A Facelift From Remmers

The exterior of this iconic building was suffering with high levels of damage, including salt ingress and excessive cracking to the render and brickwork. Salt Inhibitor was used as a ‘masonry salt blocker’ and applied to the exposed brickwork. Large areas of the render were repaired with Restoration Render and the deep section repairs were completed with Remmers Betofix R2. OS Concre Fill and Impregnation Primer were also applied prior to the application of the final protective coating system. Remmers Elastoflex system with reinforcement was applied throughout, giving a high degree of finish to the exterior of this 1930’s landmark building. www.remmers.co.uk

Fawcetts Yard Taps Into Rich Seam Of Neaco Style Neaco’s glass balustrade and aluminium grille systems are once again proving their value in contemporary design schemes following a specification at Fawcetts Yard, a new development of luxury homes in Harrogate. Designed by Bramhall Blenkharn and built by HACS Construction, the select development comprises four stylish three-storey homes alongside a workshop/studio. The balconies on the upper floor of each home feature Neaco’s Techdek aluminium grille decking as well as their Elan semi-structural balustrade system with aluminium stanchions and handrails in a grey powder coated finish. The result is an attractively minimalist aesthetic in keeping with the development’s modern design and finish which incorporates distinctive Terracotta cladding. Most balustrade designs secure glass infill panels in place by attaching them to the stanchions with a clip, but Elan’s glass panels are secured by a top rail above and a subtle floor channel below. The result is a sleek appearance, an economical use of materials and an easy-to-install solution. Designed for nonraked installations, Elan is often specified as a balcony solution complete with Techdek aluminium grille flooring. Elan offers all the classic characteristics that define Neaco’s Spectrum balustrade and balcony range. To complement its aesthetics virtues, the system offers many practical qualities, including maintenance-free durability, exceptional design versatility and fast, low-energy installation with no welding or hot works required. The powder coating applied to Elan handrails provides a non-chip, warm-to-touch finish and the glass is toughened with tinting options available. www.neaco.co.uk

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Vent-Axia Helps The UK Green Building Council Beat Records

Image by Morgan Lovell

Vent-Axia, a leader in low carbon ventilation, has supplied its Lo-Carbon T-Series fan as part of a new office fit-out for a renowned green building charity requiring improved ventilation. The UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC) has refurbished its London headquarters, with the aim of challenging industry thinking as to what is achievable in a small scale fit out. The Lo-Carbon T-Series has been installed in windows and a partition wall and was selected as UK-GBC wanted CO2 control for occupancy comfort. Energy efficiency was also key so a low carbon unit, such as the Lo-Carbon T-Series, was essential. Now completed, the project has achieved the lowest embodied carbon footprint ever recorded for an office refurbishment in the UK, with the embodied carbon footprint 22% below a comparable “standard” fit-out. Wellbeing measures were another important element of the project and were incorporated into the design in order to improve staff satisfaction, productivity and overall health and wellness. For further information on the Lo-Carbon T-Series and Traditional T-Series, as well as other products and services offered by Vent-Axia, visit www.vent-axia.com or telephone 0844 856 0590.

UZIN Flooring Fit For Purpose! The Grade one listed Boringdon Hall Hotel in Plympton, near Plymouth is a former medieval Manor House where style and luxury meet the Elizabethan architecture. The hotel aimed to create luxurious fitness and spa facilities, therefore a high quality finish was paramount. Approximately 900 square metres of new flooring needed to be installed throughout the new Gaia Spa including treatment areas, gym, boutique, restaurant as well as the reception and interconnecting corridors. The builders had used an anhydrite screed for the installation and the moisture levels were over 75% relative humidity (RH). After flooring contractor, Russells Flooring Ltd, learned about UZIN’s new system to protect calcium sulphate screeds against residual moisture up to 95% RH, they decided to specify the system for the project. Firstly two coats of UZIN PE 425 primer was applied to the anhydrite screed. Two coats of UZIN PE 404 resin DPM were then installed, followed by a coat of UZIN PE 280 rapid drying primer. A flat and smooth finish was achieved by installing UZIN NC 150 water mix smoothing compound. Finally a variety of different floor coverings including luxury vinyl tiles, vinyl and safety flooring were installed using UZIN KE 2000 S pressure sensitive adhesive. www.uzin.co.uk

Remmers Sets Sail At Red Wharf Bay Red Wharf Bay Sailing & Watersports Club is set in an area of outstanding beauty at Traeth Bychan on the Isle of Anglesey, North Wales. The member’s clubhouse has been sited here for over 50 years due to its suitable sailing waters. The members of the committee decided that the exterior of the building was looking a little tired and a refresh was needed before the new season started at Easter. Remmers Compact Opaque PU topcoat was selected for the job due to its performance characteristics and suitability to coastal locations. Over two weekends of good weather, the clubhouse was transformed and the new colour gave the clubhouse the refreshed look it deserved. www.remmers.co.uk

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Rooflight Specified For RIBA Short-Listed Courtyard House Occupying a plot in East Dulwich measuring just 17.1m x 11.5m, this stunning private residence is testament to how meticulous design and planning can maximise both space and light. Glazing Vision’s Flushglaze rooflights bring much needed daylight into the property’s open-plan interiors and provide added dimension to its internal layout.

and 2 precision-engineered, Flushglaze rooflights from Glazing Vision. With their lack of visible internal framework these rooflights have not only added to the sense of airiness and height inside the property, but also enhanced its modern aesthetic. The glazing brightens the interior spaces below and negates the need for artificial light during the day.

Project challenges with a restricted plot size - Stephen Blowers, co-founder of Designcubed Architects and himself the client, encountered a number of challenges once work commenced on the site. As both project manager and co-builder, Blowers had to prioritise the design aspirations for this ecofriendly house. Unable to build upwards and restricted by the planners to respect the building line and brickwork of the surrounding neighbourhood, Blowers decided on a clever, geometric courtyard concept. The exterior walls, composed of traditional blockwork and brick, were built to the outer perimeter of the plot, with courtyard areas created in the 2 corners diagonally opposite one another. These inner courtyard areas provide a quiet, private oasis and are enclosed by the flanks of the living quarters.

One rooflight runs the length of the wide, entrance hallway, providing a subtle bridge to the open-plan kitchen-diner at the centre of the house. The other rooflight is strategically located to one side of the adjoining, “sunken” living room, bringing much needed natural daylight to the rear wall of this space. A valuable added benefit of these Glazing Vision Flushglaze rooflights is that they also provide excellent access to solar heat gains.

Solution for maximising natural daylight - Of critical importance to the design of this single-storey courtyard property was the need to maximise the access to natural daylight. Blowers heavily invested in large amounts of glazing in the form of bi-fold doors out to the courtyards, floor to ceiling windows elsewhere,

Courtyard House RIBA short-listing - The Courtyard House is an outstanding example of the effective use of space, light and beautiful material finishes. It successfully achieves that delicate balance of privacy and seamless integration into its surroundings and was unquestionably worthy of its RIBA shortlisting in 2014. For more information on specifying fixed Flushglaze rooflights for your project, visit glazingvision.co.uk/request-cpd

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ESG Helps Give Estée Lauder The Beauty Treatment Over the years ESG has used its skill in glass processing to turn the designs of high profile architects and companies into the glass at the heart of many spectacular modern work spaces. One such company was MCM Architecture who won the Best Workspace Interior Award at the World Interiors News Award 2016, for the design of the relocation space of The Estée Lauder Companies UK & Ireland to One Fitzroy. ESG had the pleasure of producing the glass on the dramatic statement staircase, linking the ten floors together. Architectural fabricators Robert Stevens and Sons did an amazing job of installing the staircase and glass, turning MCM’s vision into reality The staircase creates a ‘dedicated entrance to the training suites from the building reception, offering a glamorous welcome to the many visiting Beauty Advisors attending training’, writes worldarchitecturenews.com. MCM wanted to create a head office that ‘works like an office, but does not look, or feel like an office’ and with clever design features and by using glass products we feel that they went above and beyond the brief. The judges said the project had ‘lovely detailing, and generally a very strong design ethos throughout.’ www.esg.glass

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Tormax Access For Top Hotel TORMAX was recently contracted by Regency Homes Ltd, to install a prestigious 3-wing revolving door system to the main entrance of the restored and refurbished Georgian Manor of Groves hotel. Giving access to a contemporary new reception area, the revolving door system enhances the external façade and is also highly functional, providing clear and easy access for guests whilst also minimising energy costs by reducing heat-loss from the foyer and helping maintain an ambient internal temperature, whatever the weather. “The main hotel is truly beautiful now it has been refurbished,” comments Sarah Ward, Business Development Manager at Manor of Groves. “Constructed primarily in glass, the new hotel reception sits between two wings of the original building, with the revolving door system setting the standard of the hotel right from the start.” The Manor of Groves hotel, golf and country club is located in 150 acres of idyllic Hertfordshire countryside, within easy reach of major motorways and airports. In addition to 80 elegantly restored bedrooms, guests can enjoy using the state-of-the-art 300sq ft leisure club and well as an 18-hole championship golf course. A market leader in bespoke entrance design, TORMAX offers a comprehensive range of options including sliding, swing, revolving and folding door systems to suit almost any location. Cutting-edge iMotion technology ensures low-energy solutions when circumstances demand advanced door automation. “We have over 60 years of experience in the manufacture, design, installation and maintenance of both manual and automatic entrance solutions,” confirms Simon Roberts, MD for TORMAX UK Ltd. “Our iMotion operators have been developed in-house at the Swiss HQ and represent one of the most technologically advanced solutions available today, with reliability that really is second-to-none. www.tormax.co.uk

Studor Develops Unique Solution For Unique Building It was local council concerns of the perceived risks from SARS and other airborne viruses that resulted in an innovative, new drainage solution at the iconic O2 arena. Once Greenwich Council dismissed the option to use open stacks within the tented area of this iconic London landmark, it was down to the UK’s best plumbing engineers to resolve the issue. Studor, with their deep knowledge of drainage ventilation systems, worked together with ME Engineers and a team at Heriot-Watt University. The Studor System solution incorporated Studor Air Admittance Valves (AAVs) coupled with P.A.P.A. (Positive Air Pressure Attenuator) units. The P.A.P.A. acts like a shock absorber, dissipating pressure waves and stopping them bouncing around the plumbing system, thereby eliminating the need for roof penetrations at the O2. “The O2 was a difficult project because it was breaking new ground and no typical model existed,” explained Studor expert Steve White. “The data we produced included flow calculations, flow rates and pipe sizing to deal with air and transient pressures.” The university team which worked alongside Studor, determined that any gas build-up would follow the water flow. By placing all urinals on a twelve-hour flush cycle they greatly alleviated the potential of any gas build-up problem. This resulted in the world's first sealed drainage system, totally without the need for any open vents. While inside the O2 the full drainage and ventilation system is sealed, the outside pump stations are on pillars with open vents that are spaced 300 metres apart to dispense any odours are generated within the complex. www.studor.net

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Redland’s Fontenelle Provides The Finishing Touch At Finningley

Eurocell Modus Fills Bath With Light

As the director of housebuilding company Mell Homes, Natalie O’Connor wanted something rather special when she built her own home, so she chose the Fontenelle Interlocking Clay Plain Tile, supplied by Redland, the UK's leading supplier of concrete roof tiles, clay tiles, roof slates, roofing product accessories and fittings. “This is a one-off house for me and I intend staying in it for a long time and I knew I wanted a flat, neat profile and when I looked at all the tiles Fontenelle really stood out for me,” Natalie explains. “I’m very pleased with the result.” Roofing with Fontenelle tiles will also distinguish the four bed detached house from other houses that Mell Homes has constructed and is about to construct nearby, as the new house will be in the orchard that used to belong to her father, who started the family business 35 years ago. All the company’s developments are within the region straddling the borders of South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and North Lincolnshire, where it employs BC Tiling as its roofing contractor. Director Neil Barron recalls: “I had seen Fontenelle when it was launched and thought it would be ideal for this project but I gave Natalie a number of samples to choose from, including Postel, DuoPlain and Cambrian.” As well as its attractive appearance, Fontenelle is also a less expensive means of achieving a clay plain tile roof because being an interlocking tile means only 19.6 tiles are needed per square metre, compared to 60 for traditional clay plain tiles. www.redland.co.uk

Heritage colours and kerb-side appeal were among the factors that persuaded the planning authorities of Bath that Modus PVC-U windows from Eurocell – the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of window, door, conservatory and roofline products – were the appropriate alternative to timber on a prime, exposed location near the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Consisting of 136 upmarket homes selling at up to £1 million apiece, the Ensleigh estate is being developed by Bloor Homes along with another major housebuilder on a former MoD site dating from WW2 that overlooks the Georgian city and is near to its raceand golf course. Bloor Homes South West Iworked with the Eurocell New Build division, which supplied four samples to show the various colours that might work on site and to demonstrate the slim, timber-like sight lines of the Modus. Coming with a 12-year guarantee, the Modus system is available in nine solid and woodgrain-effect colours, all of which are available with white internal finishes to create a light and airy living environment. A further range of more than 40 solid and woodgrain effect finishes is available, including colour both sides. www.eurocell.co.uk

Introducing The Metropolis Grating Ductile iron gratings on surface water drainage channels don’t necessarily need to be utilitarian in appearance with geometric slots or meshes. Inspired by the patterns made by water flowing down a stream, the surface design of the Hauraton METROPOLIS grating is reminiscent of the ART NOUVEAU style and later ART DECO period. Planners and landscape architects can now choose this grating to add a touch of class to their schemes in historic and pre-modern townscapes or any surface drainage project where an aesthetic, more decorative look is desired. www.drainage-projects.co.uk

Solving The Fleur-De-Lys Challen Oliver’s Barbecoa Piccadilly

Kee Systems Keeps Rail Safety On Track Kee Klamp® guardrail fittings and BoxBolt® fixing solutions have been installed along a new railway line to provide safety along the train track. This installation forms part of a project to improve commuter times into London from Bicester and Oxford. Kee Systems supplied 8,000 metres of Kee Klamp® fittings and 10,000 units of BoxBolt®. They were installed to prevent pedestrian and vehicles from straying into off limit areas and to provide safe access to maintenance teams on either side of the railway line. The installation met Network Rail’s design requirement for 1250mm high guardrail achieving a 400 n/m design load for the project. www.keesystems.com

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rooms reshaped

nge At Jamie

BROUGHT TO LIFE Commercial use for walls, decorative panels, doors, architrave and furniture. A range of superbly styled interior films which will bring any room to life.

interior film Call: +44 (0)1376 518037

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Acoustic Panels Connect History London’s so-called Loom building is full of stories that unravel and offer glimpses into its rich history. It is not often that architects, in this case Duggan Morris, have the opportunity to design a perfect link between both modern and ancient. This is exactly what has happened in their innovative solution converting one of East London’s old buildings from its original purpose as a wool warehouse into a modern office space. This includes the relocation of its main entrance and provision of offices plus staff breakout areas and a café, together with unique features such as woven metal welcoming gates to bespoke artworks which dominate the multi-storey atrium. Another of the architects’ solutions was to use Troldtekt 2000 x 600mm natural wood wool acoustic ceiling panels. These provide an attractive link between the different spaces in this 1000sqft building, together with reusing many original old materials to restore attractive life into this previously neglected space. Existing brick dividing walls have been cut through and original steel supporting stanchions left in place. Troldtekt natural wood wool ceiling panels are used to tie spaces together with a visually attractive textured surface which has superior acoustic performance and can incorporate different forms of lighting and speakers. In an inexpensive and eco-friendly way, occupiers benefit from a host of physical benefits such as high sound absorption, durability and natural breathability coupled with sustainability as documented by Cradle to Cradle certification at silver level. Troldtekt panels, used mainly for ceilings and sometimes on walls, are vital where good acoustics and quiet performance atmosphere is essential. www.troldtekt.co.uk

Bright And Colourful Learning On Laminate Bold and striking Rosso high pressure laminate from Abet Laminati is making a splash in a children’s washing and breakout area at St Helen’s Catholic School in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex. As part of a beautifully-designed first floor extension by local architects SK Architects, six new classrooms, a studio and a central breakout area has been added in bold and bright colours more than doubling the school’s capacity. Specialist furniture manufacturer Benchmark FF&E Solutions was employed to create the innovative scallop-shaped wash and utility stations which were cleverly moulded around yellow columns housing sunpipes. Abet’s bright red Rosso colour in a high gloss HR-LAQ finish was used to clad the sides of the stations while compact grade was placed on the top coupling high performance with an attractive appearance. The compact grade on the surface was carefully routered out to allow for under cabinet sinks and drainage lines to be created. HR-LAQ is a high gloss finish available in 28 bold and bright colours. Its unique finish comes from a unique formula applied to the surface layer that can maintain the level of glossy shine while offering long life cycle performance in terms of durability, scratch and impact resistance; perfect for this kind of heavy use environment where children are playing. Abet Laminati’s compact grade High Pressure Laminates is also popular for other types of heavy duty application, such as lockers, table tops, vanity units and cubicles. Their finish provides a tactile, hardwearing and attractive surface coupled with excellent resistance to impact, scratches and abrasion. The compact grade’s solid core construction in 6mm, 10mm or 12mm thickness makes it a perfect choice for areas prone to high moisture and humidity because there is no risk of peeling, cracking or delamination. www.uk.abetlaminati.com/. Benchmark can be found at www.benchmarkproducts.co.uk

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Polished Plaster For Leathersellers’ Hall Armourcoat polished plaster has been specified for the Leathersellers’ Hall in the City of London by Eric Parry Architects. The new Leathersellers’ Hall was completed in 2016 and is the seventh Hall for the Leathersellers’ Company, one of the ancient Livery Companies in the City founded by royal charter in 1444. The new Hall is a total new build, apart from its early 20th century façade and a number of features preserved from the earlier Halls.

These have been incorporated in the new Hall, providing a contemporary feel but with some reminders of the Company’s long and illustrious history and heritage. A central feature of the new Leathersellers’ Hall is the complex spiral ovoid staircase and finely- crafted scagliola pilasters in the central Stair Hall. Originally from the old Hall, the architect has imaginatively scattered the pilasters, seemingly at random, around the ceiling and walls of the stairwell. The pilasters are placed between raised panels of Armuralia polished plaster, set as a collapsing weave – a reference to the history of the Company’s seven Halls. The underside of the stair itself is also finished in Armuralia polished plaster which complements the original leather collar by the Bill Amberg studio. Christopher Burton, Associate at Eric Parry Architects, commenting on the project said “the Leathersellers Hall presented the opportunity to work with and explore materiality, craft and making, to create a series of finely crafted spaces of exquisite quality”. Armuralia is an exquisite silky smooth polished plaster finish with subtle tonal variations. An entirely natural product made from aged lime putty and crushed Bianco Carrara marble, Armuralia is trowel applied to create smooth or finely textured finishes which resemble polished stone in their appearance, hardness and touch. www.armourcoat.com

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Marmox Multiboards Pivotal To Grosvenor Place Project A high specification refurbishment and conversion project in one of the capital’s most desirable areas has seen the specialist fit out contractor making extensive use of Marmox Multiboards, chosen for their outstanding stability and ease of use as a tile backer board. Much of the work within the period property located in South-West London’s Grosvenor Place, is being carried out by a Kent based building contractor, which has employed Multiboards for a variety of challenges in both commercial and residential developments, going so far as switching specifications where inferior alternatives had been proposed by the design consultant or main contractor. In this case the 6 and 12 mm Multiboards were secured down across new and existing sub-floors to take out differences in level, prior to laying ceramic floor tiles in bathrooms, wet-rooms and cloakrooms. The managing director of the company, who did not want to be named due to his blue chip clients’ desire for privacy, and himself a time served tradesman, explained: “We have used Marmox Multiboards for a number of years – especially where tiles are going to go on top, because they provide such a stable background – but they have a lot of different applications. These include in office reception areas where all of the cabling is laid between the pedestals of a raised access floor system and the architect is concerned about very heavy loads being imposed, say by pallet trucks.” “We screw the Multiboards down over the metal floor pans instead of using plywood because it doesn’t move, it doesn’t shrink and you get a perfect key for adhesive. Multiboard is a really good product and when we find something which works we stick with it.” www.marmox.co.uk

A Former Cattle Market Gets A Sustainable Overhaul With Selectaglaze Secondary Glazing With the first stone laid in 1926, Braintree Town Hall has been in constant use since its construction. The Town Hall needed to make its building more energy efficient, which was not easy due to it being Grade II* Listed. Selectaglaze was specified to tackle issues with the windows, which allowed cold air in and heat to escape. After a positive demonstration, Selectaglaze installed 20 vertical sliding units. All products were finished with a timber grain effect that matched seamlessly with the wood panelling of the room. The installation of secondary glazing significantly reduces heat loss and all units are bespoke to achieve airtightness to virtually eradicate draughts as well as dramatically reducing outside noise. “The Council researched a modern secondary glazing system that would complement the oak panelled interior of the Town Hall. A colour matched oak print with raised wood grain has been applied to the visible parts of the aluminium frame achieving an exact match to the existing oak surround. The windows contain modern thermally efficient low emissivity glass that retains heat and the frames have been measured and manufactured to achieve an airtight fitting. They also provide excellent sound proofing, blocking the noise of the regular traffic.” Councillor Robert Mitchell, Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment and Place Royal Warrant Holder since 2004; Selectaglaze has 50 years’ experience designing, manufacturing and installing secondary glazing for all building types to make them warmer, quieter and safer. Contact Selectaglaze on 01727 837271 enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk or visit www.selectaglaze.co.uk

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Hotter Shoes Start Off On The Right Foot With Moisture Mapping The waterproofing on the roof of footwear manufacturer Hotter Shoes’ head office and manufacturing facility in Skelmersdale, West Lancashire had exceeded its serviceable life and begun experiencing significant water ingress, requiring urgent remedial work.

being added to the perimeter and 69 of Bauder’s structural glazed units being expertly fitted to give essential daylight to the building’s interior. Moreover, asbestos was found within the redundant vent apertures and therefore required specialist disposal.

Prior to any work commencing on site, Bauder undertook a comprehensive condition and moisture mapping survey of the roof area to help identify the exact extent and locations of water ingress, so that a fully informed decision could then be made to best suit the client’s needs. As a result, the optimal solution was for approved contractor BBR Roofing to strip off the existing deteriorated and delaminating, oxidised bituminous capping sheet and overlay the underlayer with 12,500m2 of Bauder’s high quality, two layer bituminous system Bauderflex. This partial strip allowed for a quick and undisruptive installation, which was important to the client as they wanted the factory below to remain fully operational throughout.

Because the factory workers have variable shift patterns it meant that the roofing works programme had to be regularly changed and all deliveries needed to be timed as not to conflict with vehicles moving in and out of the facility. However, despite the logistical challenges encountered all works were completed on time and to budget much to the delight of the client. Upon completion an additional moisture mapping survey was performed to confirm to the client that the overlay was performing as specified and the roof was now completely watertight.

One of the major challenges for this project was the quantity of intricate detailing requirements, which is understandable given the sheer scale of the roof. As part of the necessary works redundant vents and associated frameworks also needed to be removed and replaced prior to new cladding

Andy Glover, Health Safety & Facilities Manager at Hotter Shoes, stated, “The readings from Bauder’s moisture mapping survey provided us with objective information and a visual representation of the exact condition of the roof; enabling us to take the best remedial action and save money in the process. The resulting overlay solution was expertly installed, without causing any disruption to ongoing work at our facility. We are delighted with our refurbished roof and the expert technical support we received throughout.” To learn more about Bauder’s flat roof technical diagnostic methods visit: www.bauder.co.uk/roof-systems/refurbishment-projects/roof-survey-anddiagnostics

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Redland Craftsman Albury Crowns Eco-Home With Period Twist As experienced self-builders Richard and Jo Collings had high standards for their final project – a four-bedroomed energy efficient house in rural Warwickshire – so they chose the Albury tile from the Rosemary Clay Craftsman range developed by Redland, the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of pitched roof systems. The Albury tile is one of three tiles in the Rosemary Clay Craftsman range and, in common with the Hawkhurst tile, has a fine orange-red sanding over the surface and random black patterning to recreate a weathered look. The latest addition to the range, Victorian, has a darker and grittier texture to give roofs a greater depth of texture and character. All three tiles are versatile and can be laid on a variety of roof configurations, as there is a full range of compatible fittings and accessories.Combining the look and feel of an aged handmade tile with 21st century performance, the Rosemary Clay Craftsman range has textured surfaces, irregular distortions to the front edge and varying hanging lengths. www.redland.co.uk

Yeoman Shield Keeps Walls Fit And Healthy At Fife Leisure Centres With the responsibility of 14 leisure centres in the region, Fife Sports & Leisure Trust need to keep their venues damage free and presentable whilst keeping a close eye on maintenance budgets. so looked to Yeoman Shield for a solution to the continual marking and damaging of walls. Yeoman Shield’s 2.0mm thick FalmouthEx wall protection panels were installed to walls in corridors, sports halls, gyms and changing areas in 5 of Fife Sports & Leisure Trust Gyms, complemented with the fitting of Yeoman Shield Corner Protection Angles to vulnerable corners. The leisure centres were also able to choose colours that fitted in with the environment. www.yeomanshield.com

Regional Developer Relying On YBS Roof And Wall Membrane Solutions A property developer constructing an enclave of detached properties in an east Hertfordshire village is making extensive use of products from the portfolio of YBS Insulation, to ensure the exterior elevations offer excellent thermal performance while controlling moisture movement. The five new homes are being built by Land & County Development Ltd., at Furneux Pelham near Bishop’s Stortford. After originally considering rigid foam insulation and a conventional vapour check for the walls, the builder is employing YBS Insulation’s SuperQuilt within the timber frame construction. This is combined with the manufacturer’s Breather Foil FR externally. The founder and Managing Director of Land & County Developments Ltd., Seb Vallance, commented: “We had in the past used high performance, rigid foam insulation boards to cover our timber frames but switching to the YBS Quilt offered a number of advantages. Not only is the multilayer product cheaper and an easier install than the boards, but it also saves applying a separate polythene vapour barrier. It is nicer to work with and offers a very neat finish: where it is fully wrapped. Very importantly it also reduces the overall wall thickness of the property. Saving 50 mm right around the building envelope over two floors adds up to a significant extra habitable space for the occupants.” Recognised by the NHBC and compliant with the current version of Approved Document L to the Building Regulations, SuperQuilt comprises 19 layers including reflective foil, expanded polyethylene and polyester wadding to provide a cost effective and user-friendly alternative to much thicker insulation materials. Installed with a 25mm cavity it controls not just radiated energy but thermal conduction and convection. It creates an effective vapour control layer and will also combat thermal overheating in the summer months. This fully certified, fire rated product is not only waterproof and fully breathable, but can also increase the thermal performance of wall constructions. www.ybsinsulation.com

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Omnie Renewable Heating Selected For Church Hall Following years of fundraising and planning consultation, the congregation members of a Church near Plymouth in Devon are witnessing the construction of a stylish new hall, complete with a TorFloor underfloor heating system linked to an advanced eco-friendly heat pump, supplied by Exeter based Omnie. The project to build the oak-framed meeting and function hall alongside the stone and slate All Saints Church in Sparkwell is being led by the locally based design practice of Le Page Architects, with AD William Building Contractors carrying out the main construction work. Rod Smith Plumbing & Heating, meanwhile, is the specialist sub-contractor undertaking the installation of a LWD70A/SX Air Source Heat Pump as well as the high efficiency TorFloor pipe and carrier panels. These are being laid within a 'sports floor' buildup, which features oak boards fixed down over 45 mm square timber battens and height adjustable Junkers New Era cradles. Celotex PIR boards provide a layer of insulation beneath the TorFloor system, ensuring the maximum amount of heat rises to create an even temperature profile throughout the occupied space. Le Page Architects Director and project leader, Simon Crosbie, commented: “We have used Omnie before on a couple of projects because the company offers a great system with very good technical back up. In the case of the All Saints Church Hall project in Plymouth it just made economic and design sense to utilize the TorFloor in combination with one of Omnie’s air source heat pumps. The green oak frame by Carpenter Oak has been up for four or five months and the underfloor heating is being installed now by Rod Smith, who we have also worked with before and things are getting on well.” Specifying the award winning TorFloor underfloor heating system instead of conventional radiators can not only offer greater efficiency in terms of heat delivery, reducing energy bills by as much as 30%, but also improves the SAP rating required for Building Regulation compliance. TorFloor panels are suitable for use in all suspended and batten floor installations with the 22 mm thick, pre-routed flooring grade particleboard being fixed down across the timber supports in the same way as standard flooring. The unique pattern is profiled to accept the 12 mm Omnie pipe that is then connected back to the utility or plant room, normally via one or more of the manufacturer’s custom made manifolds. For the Plymouth project there is a 12-port manifold distributing low temperature water from the Omnie LWD70 heat pump. Impressively, an output of just 7kW will be enough to create a warm environment in the worst of the winter weather, still offering high COP figures and low running costs. The new All Saints Church Hall is expected to be used for wedding parties and social functions, as well as for committee meetings and by other groups, all of whom can be assured of a warm and comfortable environment for their activities. www.omnie.co.uk

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Investment In New Wards At County Hospital Stafford Protected By Yeoman Shield County Hospital, Stafford, have invested in 4 new wards which are to be opened throughout the year, offering more patient beds and spacious areas conducive to patient care and staff wellbeing. The first of such wards to be opened is Elderly Care, Ward 15, which - now containing 28 beds with 12 single en-suite rooms, four, four bedded bays, a dedicated rehabilitation/therapy space, counselling and day room – is a great improvement on what was previously available. The ward refurbishment work, run by main contractors Kier Construction, included wall & door protection products from Yeoman Shield which were installed by their own fixing team. To ensure that the investment of time and money made by County Hospital in the re decoration and layout of the new ward was preserved for many years to come, Yeoman Shield Guardian Twin Handrail was fitted to the walls along the bed bay corridor. This dual purpose product not only acts as a handrail support for those requiring it but the integrated lower protection rail provides protection against wear and tear to the walls and the upper handrail also. The nurses’ station area and connecting corridor walls are now thoroughly protected with Yeoman Shield 125mm protection rail on a solid timber core, affording a robust yet attractive defence against wheeled equipment, trolleys and cleaning machines. Corner protection angles and protection strip were also added to ensure a comprehensive protection system was in place. All were supplied in complementing shades of Grey, dovetailing into the décor scheme, contributing to a clean and attractive appearance throughout the unit.

The 12, bright and airy, en-suite rooms, colourfully painted, have Yeoman Shield bed head protectors installed on the walls at the head end of the patients bed. This area can be extremely vulnerable to damage caused by beds, drip stands and other medical equipment being wheeled up, too close, to the wall. Yeoman Shield’s stylish Guardian Bedhead protectors at 900mm long in Cream or Grey, were fitted on spacer brackets, standing slightly away from the wall to ensure full protection was given to the plaster painted wall behind. Ward Manager, Julie Woodworth commented “I am extremely proud to be the first ward manager to move in the refurbished ward. The reaction from the patients and the staff has been absolutely fantastic.” www.yeomanshield.com

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Blockley Brick Manufacturer Uses Marmox Boards To Speed Production Cycle One of the country’s oldest established brickworks has updated its production facilities saving not only time and money but significant amounts of energy – thanks to the use of Marmox Multiboards for the refurbishment of its drying chambers. Ten separate drying kilns have now been upgraded at Northcot Brick’s premises in Blockley, Gloucestershire, with two different thicknesses of the high performance, moisture resisting insulation boards having been employed to infill their walls and roofs. Northcot’s Maintenance Manager, Tim Nicklin, sought an alternative to the use of metal panels with a rock mineral wool core for the chambers’ roofs and walls as they typically lasted little more than a year. While Marmox Multiboards are typically utilised in building work as a floating floor beneath tiles and other finishes or as the lining to shower rooms and other wet environments, Northcot identified their rugged long life potential as potentially offering a solution to its persistent problems. Tim Nicklin explained: “The drying chambers are some 2.7 metres tall to the roof and vary in width up to 6.5 metres depending on the design, but had all caused us something of a maintenance headache. Our works manager discovered the Marmox Multiboards on line and the switch to their use has allowed us to operate the driers in a more controlled environment.” Marmox Multiboards are manufactured from extruded polystyrene or XPS and offer a range of positive physical characteristics in addition to being fully waterproof. Multiboards are proving to offer a greatly extended working life compared to the old rock mineral wool based panels and are making it far easier to control humidity levels during the drying process and to maintain the required temperature. The overall temperature has been reduced by five degrees to 750 C and the total drying period by a whole day while they can be switched off at weekends without affecting the cycle, leading to an overall 25% reduction in energy costs. www.marmox.co.uk

Howe Green Makes A Splash At East Riding Leisure, Bridlington Howe Green Ltd supplied access covers for a new £25 million Leisure Centre - East Riding Leisure in Bridlington. The contractor, BAM Construction Ltd North East, appointed tiling specialists P.Plunkett Tiling Contractors to carry out the installation of the ceramic tiling to the outside of the pools and the tiling and mosaic to the inside of the new centre’s three pools. Nine of Howe Green’s Medium Duty 7500 316 Grade Series Stainless Steel Floor Access Covers were fitted into the ceramic tiled floor around the pool surround in the main pool hall area. The access covers were infilled with anti-slip porcelain floor tiles to provide a flush finish, both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The seamless fit ensures the reduced risk of slips and trips in an inclusive swimming pool environment designed for a variety of end users. The floor access covers ensure that access for the maintenance and upkeep of the pool sumps and pool balance tanks located beneath the tiling is quick and easy resulting in minimum disruption to the operation of the facility. All Howe Green access covers are available with a double sealed option which ensures the highest levels of security and hygiene and helps to prevent the ingress of water. Suitable for internal and external use the Medium Duty 7500 Series 316 grade stainless steel option is non-corrosive and will not rust, even in a swimming pool environment where it is constantly being exposed to water, chemicals, and varying humidity and pH levels. www.howegreen.com 59

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Yeoman Rainguard Rainwater Systems Chosen By Persimmon Homes For Luxury Renovation Nestled in the foothills of the South Pennines near Rochdale, is the restoration and conversion of the old Birch Hill Hospital into stunning apartments and town houses. Yeoman Rainguard’s XL Aluminium rainwater systems, with traditional style, textured finish and colour, were chosen to mirror the grandeur and luxury of the renovation scheme. A bespoke GRP fascia detail, skilfully manufactured by Yeoman Rainguard, sits stylishly below the gutters. www.rainguard.co.uk

P C Henderson’s Flexirol Multidirectional Adds Flexibility To Open-Plan Offices P C Henderson’s Flexirol Multidirectional door hardware proves to be the ideal solution for adding flexibility to today’s open-plan workspaces. Research suggests that productivity and employee wellbeing actually diminishes in many of these surroundings due to an increase in distractions, noise levels and sickness. Glass partitions also maintain the natural light transmittance present in an existing workspace. They only occupy a small bit of space when not in use, maintaining the open plan feel desired. These partitions also aid with noise reduction and provide privacy elements that can boost productivity. Multidirectional door hardware systems can help meet the aesthetic, regulatory and practical elements required in a commercial office setting. From a safety perspective, the hardware is top hung, meaning that the floor area is clear and free of trip hazards. P C Henderson’s Flexirol Multidirectional hardware can help create bespoke styles and zones to suit a wide range of open office layouts. Moveable glass walls are an innovative way of creating distinct working areas whilst providing employees with the benefits of open-plan and spacious working environments. P C Henderson’s Flexirol Multidirectional hardware systems are used extensively to create glazed or solid wood sliding and folding stacking wall applications. www.pchenderson.com

Thomas’s Dream Bathroom Becomes Reality A teenager with quadriplegic cerebral palsy has had his dream bathroom fitted out with adjustable products from Pressalit Care. Thomas Dixon, who lives with his mum and dad in Darlington, is delighted with the new bathroom – especially the lime green colour he selected for the shower chair and arm supports. To allow Thomas the freedom to move around the house with the space and ease of access he requires, his parents bought a new bungalow, and for the last 18 months have been adapting it with three extensions to suit their needs. One of the extensions is a new wet-room, which has been fitted with specialist products supplied by Pressalit Care, the leaders in flexible bathroom products. The lime green height adjustable shower chair with arm supports, and a hinged arm support alongside the WC, chosen by the Dixon family, are part of Pressalit Care’s Plus range. “My new bathroom is so nice,” says Thomas, “Its bright and funky – it’s a kid’s bathroom, not for adults!” Thomas has the support of Vito, his companion dog, for tasks in the bathroom such as opening the door, getting the towel and helping get undressed. Pressalit Care’s shower chair is fitted onto a vertical track which makes adjusting the height of the chair simple and straight forward as Thomas’s needs change. www.pressalit.com

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Reynaers Systems Unite Form With Function At Barco One The new headquarters of Belgian technology giant Barco utilises an innovative design concept with aluminium window and curtain walling systems from Reynaers. Alternatively known as ‘The Circle,’ the project uses transparency as a key theme. The glass facade was designed by Jaspers-Eyers Architects to form a skin around the circular building’s open plan central atrium space, where daily activities are illuminated with a full 360 degrees of natural light. The interior functions of the building correspond to its exterior, bringing the facade to life. Strong horizontals to the upper levels provide solar control for the interior, while a grand staircase in the atrium makes itself apparent on the exterior as a dynamically sloping line. Further emphasising exterior connections, a water feature flows from indoors to out, blending the building into the landscape. Architect John Eyers explains that the circular form of Barco One contributes to its social function, and making it a centre point between other buildings on the campus in Kortrijk, Belgium. “The unique rounded shapes and the internal connections ensure that employees bump into each other more often and create an active ambiance” he said. “The oval-shaped ‘meeting decks’ stand out, appearing to float in space. Passerelles to the fixed core of the building balance the structure and ensure a constant level of activity.”

Accounting for almost half the facade, a custom-made CW 50 reversed solution with slim profiles from Reynaers allows for a maximum entrance of daylight and adds complexity to the design. This means that the structural element of the wall is positioned to the exterior of the building, with only the narrow trim caps of the curtain wall itself visible to the interior. Rebecca Cope, Marketing Manager at Reynaers, said: “This bespoke variant of our CW 50 curtain walling system improves transparency and outward sightlines to match the architect’s design goals. The addition of a glass roof means that The Circle is filled with light, reducing shadows in the atrium. Whilst an all-glass building makes energy-efficiency and temperature control a challenge, Reynaers’ systems offer a thermally efficient standard. “Challenging projects can be the most fulfilling, and this is a fantastic example of how we can produce bespoke solutions to make architects’ creative ambitions a reality. Barco One has achieved iconic status by combining clever design with ease of usability for staff and visitors that matches the Barco brand.” A 360 video and tour of the Barco One campus is available here: www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=93&v=RnZ27wKHTWM www.reynaers.co.uk

The facade was also designed to reflect Barco’s brand and allow its technological innovations to be demonstrated. These include an entertainment room showcasing its beaming equipment, as well as a cinema for its audio tech. Internal walls are finished with a taut, sleek appearance to become projection screens, immersing visitors in Barco’s products. A total of 7,900 square meters of glass and aluminium systems were installed across Barco One in close collaboration between not only the architects and Reynaers, but also Cordeel as the contractor and aluminium construction experts Belgo Metal BV.

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Roofing Contractor Keeping Quiet About The Advantages Of Magply A Colchester based roofing contractor has been using Magply Recovery boards as part of a high specification build up, which provided its operatives with a relatively quiet as well as safe means of carrying out re-roofing works to school classrooms during lesson times. RT Roofing Services specialises in the education sector and carries out up to 20 large scale upgrade projects for premises across London and the South-east each year, with its current contract focussing on Herts and Essex High School in Bishops Stortford. While much maintenance work around school and college campuses has to be scheduled for the long summer holidays, the pressure this puts on the re-roofing works means some operations have to carry on during term time, as long as noise and disruption are kept to an absolute minimum. As a result, instead of scabbling smooth the old covering of asphalt and chippings on the Bishops Stortford buildings, RT Roofing proposed to simply sweep away any loose material and then begin the over-roofing with a layer of 6mm thick Magply, bonded down in hot bitumen. This then offered a sound flat surface on which to install a Langley built-up felt system. The owner of RT Roofing Services, Richard Tebbutt commented: “We wanted to avoid the noise and dust of scabbling the existing asphalt surface and chippings, so instead the team just brushed off the loose material and thoroughly prepped the surface before bonding the Magply sheets down in hot bitumen. Because Magply is non-combustible, any excess bitumen can simply be burned off before the vapour barrier is installed.” www.magply.co.uk

Kemperol Keeps London’s Silos Functional Kemper System’s Kemperol 2K-PUR solvent-free and odourless waterproofing membrane has been used to refurbish an 85 metre high food silo on London’s River Thames. Working in conjunction with Capitol Roofing Co Ltd of Blackheath in Greenwich, the client, ADM UK, needed a swift refurbishment of one of its silos containing linseed, as water was leaking in. Capitol Roofing Co Ltd chose Kemperol 2K-PUR to refurbish the roof and expansion joints around the perimeter of the silo because of its ease of application and difficult to access project location. The contractors were able to install Kemper’s liquid system on top of the existing felt roof. After cleaning and priming the substrate, the Kemperol 2K-PUR resin was then applied in a single, wet-on-wet process. Reinforcement fleece was laid directly onto the first application of wet resin, immediately followed by more resin on top to ensures complete saturation of the reinforcement fleece. Once cured, the system forms a seamless, elastomeric waterproof membrane that cannot delaminate, is UV stable, and creates a strong bond directly to the substrate. Because of the exposed location of the silo, contractors were faced with high winds during installation. The handling and laying of sheet membrane materials would have increased the health and safety risk, so Kemper’s two-component liquid applied system was ideally suited to the conditions. Chris Shulver at Capitol Roofing Co Ltd, said: “This tricky project required a durable waterproofing solution that was quick and easy to apply given the location of the silo. Operatives had to work at greater heights than normal on this project, facing the elements as well as strong winds. Application of Kemperol doesn’t require any hot works needing gas bottles or boilers so it was easier to transport product to site, and we could complete the job quickly and to the full satisfaction of the end client.” www.kempersystem.co.uk

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On Track For Success: Glassolutions Employs Unique System To Complete One Bedford Avenue Structural Glazing Installation A truly innovative approach to structural glazing installation has enabled industry-leading commercial glazing specialists GLASSOLUTIONS to overcome a series of stringent health and safety limitations on a highprofile commercial project in central London. Using a specially designed sliding track system, GLASSOLUTIONS was able to reduce the glass installation footprint for the site, safeguard the installation team from the risks associated with working at height, and advance the speed of the installation at One Bedford Avenue by a very considerable margin. Working with project managers Mace, GLASSOLUTIONS delivered a semi-bespoke window system, with window profiles designed specifically for the project to meet the design intent and to accommodate associated building movements. Wicona curtain walling provided aesthetic benefits as well as well as superior U-values and air tightness ratings; GLASSOLUTIONS’ unique VS-1

structural glazing system also formed an integral part of the installation, with the building’s main entrance and reception area using the system to achieve an attractive aesthetic effect. However, the tight specification was not the only issue the GLASSOLUTIONS Installation team had to resolve. With extremely limited external access and a site perimeter not much greater than the building’s footprint, a high priority for the project was to create a safe method of working that could be completed from the inside of the building. Additionally, with other building work taking place concurrently, it was essential that as much as possible of the floor slab area could remain operational and safe throughout the installation process. To meet these challenges, the GLASSOLUTIONS project team created an innovative sliding track system to move the glass units across the floor plate, and place them on to the façade at the place of installation. As well as removing the need for floor cranes, this installation method allowed the installation team to remain safely behind perimeter protection at all points in the process whilst also freeing up the floor slab for other trades to operate safely. www.glassolutions.co.uk

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Engraved VMZINC For Brussels Shopping Centre 19,340 VMZINC® scales in AZENGAR®, Europe’s first engraved rolled zinc, have been used to create façades at Docks Bruxsel. 6,650 m² of zinc was used in a design by Art & Build Architects which has transformed an industrial wasteland, with VMZINC prefabricating the scales to save time on site. To follow the curvature at every level varying dimensions from 0.25 to 0.5 m² were used. This ultimately enabled the entire envelope to be completed in ten months. Materials were used to create continuity between interior and exterior areas while respecting the district’s industrial history. The sustainable approach achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating through use of canal water, recovery of heat from a nearby incinerator, harnessing solar gain and photovoltaic panels installed on green roofs. Architect Lilia Popcheva explained. “We wanted a texture that was matt, heterogeneous and luminous and loved AZENGAR for its bright, naturally pre-weathered appearance.” www.vmzinc.co.uk

Abet Shelters The Rescuers Abet Laminati’s MEG exterior grade laminate has been used to clad the exterior of the new offices and crew rooms of the RNLI Station in Brighton Marina. Designed and supplied by Aliva UK, MEG 414 was chosen to match the ceramic facades of the surrounding buildings and was face fixed with colour coded rivets. The cladding envelopes the Station, keeping staff and crew warm and dry in the harshest of weathers. This scheme is a perfect example of high performance MEG in action where the need for incredibly high performance and durability is married up with low life-cycle costs and aesthetic design. Carrying a BBA Agrément Certificate, MEG is a self-supporting high pressure laminate (HPL) for cladding the exterior of buildings, balconies and other applications. It features high resistance to temperature, climate shock, weathering, UV light and impact. Furthermore, its chemical resistant nature and closed structure do not allow paint in spray cans, various inks, emulsion paints, lipstick or pastel paints to penetrate into the decorative layer negating the need for any anti-graffiti treatment and making the surface easy to clean. The range is available in over 91 colours in a mix of traditional plain colours, wood finishes, simulated concrete colours and metal. MEG is also able to incorporate Abet’s digital printing technology. This means that almost any design, photograph or pattern can be reproduced in stunning detail to give architects and designers unparalleled freedom to create unusual and dramatic building facades. www.uk.abetlaminati.com.

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FAKRO Roof Windows Used In The UK’s Greenest Commercial Building The £11.6m University of East Anglia Enterprise Centre has been described in the media as the greenest building in the UK. Built to Passivhaus principles using natural and bio-renewable materials sourced through local supply chains, it was the region’s first to achieve a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating. The 3400m2 building exemplifies use of low embodied carbon materials so windows were required to demonstrate exceptional thermal insulation. Architects Architype, twice winner of the ‘Sustainable Practice of the Year’ and specialists in designing education buildings, found that the triple-glazed FAKRO DEF DU6 flat roof window offered unparalleled performance with a U-value of 0.88W/m2K. Its triple-seal TPE system was chosen because it limits scope for formation of air leakage paths and thermal bridges. Seven 120 x 220cm windows were installed. In addition to the use of renewable technologies such as MHVR and photovoltaic panels, walls are timber frame and have thatched cassette panels which were manufactured off-site. Ventilation and air handling were at the heart of the design and a range of scenarios were simulated in ‘PHPP’ (Passivhaus Planning Package). This identified the most robust solution over an 87 year period taking particular account of glazing ratios and using sensitivity analysis for both warming and cooling. The practice also carried out a design study which assessed the requirements for adaptable shading and solar gain.

The building exceeds a local planning requirement for 10% of its energy to be from PV panels and the design far exceeds ‘best practice’ with embodied carbon between 1/5 and 1/4 of many new university buildings. To ensure that user needs were met a DQI (Design Quality Indicator) process was used to record consultations in conjunction with BSRIA’s ‘Soft Landings’ framework. The Enterprise Centre has won a host of accolades including: • The 2016 BREEAM Award for ‘Best Education Building’ • The AJ Reader’s Choice Award for ‘Building of the Year’ • The2016 BCO National Awards - 'Best of the Best' and 'Best Corporate Workplace' • The 2016 Constructing Excellence National Awards –‘ Innovation Project of the Year’ • The 2016 Structural Timber Awards - 'Best Use of Timber' and 'Best Low Energy Project' • The 2016 Construction News Awards – ‘Sustainable Project of the Year’ • The 2016 Guardian Sustainable Business Awards - Winner , ‘Built Environment’ Category • The 2016 LABC East Anglia Awards – ‘Best Education Building’ The Centre will perpetuate the Passivhaus principle by providing a base for sustainable businesses set up by graduates and those involved in the Norwich Research Park. www.fakro.co.uk

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Kalwall® Brings Light And Security To Gatwick Airport Good lighting is always essential but sometimes a well-lit interior also needs to be discreet when viewed from outside. This is the case with the very long Pier 1 which runs alongside the baggage system and gates at Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal Building. The two stringent requirements of privacy and security have been neatly solved using Kalwall®, with the added benefit of enhancing the long walkway by creating a pleasant interior ambience. Kalwall offers complete line-of-sight protection, maintaining privacy for building occupants while bathing the interior with diffused daylighting regardless of the weather. It can also be manufactured for blast resistant applications such as in airports and other sensitive public environments, or to protect workers in areas at risk from explosions. Apart from providing visual protection, its inherent strength makes it ideal for secure locations. With heavy duty impact resistance properties, access through wall or rooflights can be denied while fire and most chemicals will not affect its surface Aesthetically, Kalwall will eliminate shadows and glare and the stark contrasts of light and shade. The system also enhances simplicity by doing away with the need for blinds, curtains or solar control. Even on cloudy days, the interior is flooded with natural daylight, which means less artificial lighting and, because Kalwall is highly insulating, energy costs are reduced. The standard Kalwall 70mm thick panel offers insulation up to 0.28W/m2K - equivalent to a cavity filled solid wall. www.structura-uk.com/kalwall

Saint-Gobain Building Glass Celebrates Royal Opening Of Oastler Building Saint-Gobain Building Glass looked on proudly last month as a £27.5m university building it helped to design and create was opened by the University of Huddersfield to provide a new home for its Law School and the School of Music, Humanities and Media. The prestigious new Oastler Building was officially opened by The Duke of York on Monday 24 April at a VIP ceremony that celebrated the success of apprentices and trainees, via numerous subcontractors and manufacturers, that were involved in the project. Occupying a prominent site on the Shorehead side of the campus, the six-storey building is BREEAM Outstanding rated thanks to the use of SGG COOL-LITE SKN 165 II collar control glass in its curved frontage and a 3.5m cantilever. This dramatic design feature helps to self-shade the building’s glass façade to reduce solar gain and energy costs for cooling. During the project, Saint-Gobain Building Glass worked closely with commercial sealed unit manufacturer Dual Seal Glass to ensure the correct technical glazing specification was provided and ensure that project deadlines and demands were met on time and in full with an excellent quality finished product. Nigel Meredith, Managing Director of Dual Seal Glass, commented that the project was a success thanks to the collaborative effort between Dual Seal Glass and Saint-Gobain Building Glass “The partnership created between our two businesses is invaluable and it helps to ensure that we can meet the ever increasing demands in the commercial building sector.” Adrian Adams, facades market manager at Saint-Gobain Building Glass, commented: “The team at Saint-Gobain Building Glass is proud to have been part of a project that was made possible by the involvement of many fantastic local businesses. It has been incredibly inspiring to see this project take shape and we look forward to seeing it become an established part of the Huddersfield skyline.” The new building is a tribute to Richard Oastler, the 19th century reformer who campaigned to curb child labour and improve conditions for all workers in the new factories of the Industrial Revolution. www.saint-gobain-glass.com

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Early Specification Provides Time Savings With Knauf Aquapanel® Exterior Early specification of Knauf AQUAPANEL® Exterior at the design stage of a 60-bed care home in Winnersh has provided both speed and cost savings for specialist care home developers Castleoak Group. By utilising the lightweight performance of the Knauf AQUAPANEL® Exterior panels, compared to brick and block construction, designers were able to reduce the size and weight requirements of the foundations.

“With inhouse timber frame design and manufacturing, Castleoak was able to offer our customer a really innovative build solution,” Neil said. “The design was challenging, but we weren’t daunted. We knew we had to try something different. Our solution was to prefabricate all panels, floors cassettes, and for the first time, apply external render panels at the Castleoak factory for this build.”

Castleoak turned to Knauf to create an imaginative faceted façade in Winnersh near Wokingham for care operator Abbeyfield. The Abbeyfield Winnersh care home is formed of four striking circular clusters that create a unique community to deliver innovative dementia care. Knauf AQUAPANEL® Exterior cement boards were used as a substitute façade system to brick and completed with a rendered finish.

This strategy offered a great quality solution – and enabled us to better control the build programme with less dependency on subcontractors.” The decision to use Knauf AQUAPANEL® was made easier due to its characteristics as a directly applied render carrier board. The cement board combines the benefits of brick and block and, because it consists of aggregated Portland cement with coated glass fibre mesh embedded in the back and front surfaces, provides the ideal key for render.

Castleoak deployed lean construction techniques to optimise the build process. Work began on site in March 2015 and was completed in April 2016. Facing cost pressure and difficulty securing brick and block supplies, Castleoak Operations Director Neil Robins and his colleagues were charged with designing a build strategy without the use of brick.

Knauf AQUAPANEL® was introduced very early in the design stage allowing for further time saving. Knauf’s Specification Team assisted at the design stage where the decision was made to assemble much of the external façade system offsite. Exterior panels were constructed at the Castleoak factory before being delivered to site to be installed by Sequoia Joinery. Morgan Palmer, Operations Manager at Castleoak was satisfied with the performance of the Knauf products on the Abbeyfield Winnersh project. “The installation of the Knauf AQUAPANEL® Exterior panels went to plan. The design and materials were well specified and performed. The programme remained on track.” www.knauf.co.uk

Engineering excellence for 150 years

In 1867 Joseph Stannah began engineering lifts and cranes for Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dockyards. Five generations on, this family owned, British business continues to use its engineering expertise to keep people and goods moving 24/7. Read the remarkable story at www.stannahlifts.co.uk/150

Meet some of the family