atb THE ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGISTS BOOK
March 2015 edition | www.at-b.co.uk page 8 | York Handmade built on strong foundations page 13 | FAKRO’s ten tips on how to select a roof window page 19 | Architectural Copper update page 53 | Daylighting school sport page 60 | A touch of glass for luxury forest cabins page 64 | Timóleon saves 18th century barn from the sledgehammers
THE ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGISTS BOOK
page 15 | at:first - news and announcements
page 20 | at: source
page 30 | at:large - the BIG pictures
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. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of the publisher. 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 Link2Media Ltd, The Moat House, 133 Newport Road, Stafford ST16 2EZ Tel: 01785 240883 Fax: 0845 862 8639 info@ link2media.co.uk www.link2media.co.uk @Link2Media www.link2media.co.uk/facebook pinterest.com/ link2media issuu.com/link2media
CONTENTS page 25 | at:length - manufacturers have their say
latest product news
reader enquiry e-service: If you would like to receive further information about any of the products and services featured in this issue, just email us at info@link2media.co.uk, type ‘atb115’ in the email title, include the enquiry numbers of interest and your contact details. We’ll do the rest! (If you’d prefer to fax the information, it’s 0845 862 8639, or you can even post it to us!)
page 44 | at:work - latest project news
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ISG Is Preferred Contractor On £41 Million York Stadium Scheme ISG has been confirmed as the preferred construction partner as part of the successful consortium bid led by GLL for the circa £41 million York Community Stadium and Leisure Complex scheme. The project comprises a new home stadium for York’s professional football and rugby teams, as well as including leisure, retail, office and community facilities. The new mixed-use stadium development is set to become a leading leisure destination for the North of England. In addition to creating a new 8,000 all-seater stadium with high-quality hospitality and conferencing facilities, ISG will also deliver a new 25m six-lane swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness and active play facilities, as well as a community hub, providing health and wellbeing services for local residents and visitors. The stadium’s East Stand is home to a threestorey community hub – the first of its kind in the city, providing accommodation for key partners, including York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, York Against Cancer, York St John University and Be Independent (CIC). The Trust will use space to provide training and development services, while Be Independent will offer face-to-face advice from its new stadium offices. A new high-specification linked leisure facility will replace the outdated Waterworld and Courtney’s Gym buildings, providing a main pool, with separate teaching and fun pools with fun water features for children. A multi-use sports hall for netball, basketball and badminton will have viewing for up to 250 spectators. The scheme also includes a 100-station gym with dance and spinning studios and an extreme adventure sports zone. ISG will also deliver three external floodlit 3G sports pitches, provide significant car parking provision and extend the Monks Cross Park & Ride facility. To the rear and separate from the South Stand, ISG will build a series of new retail units and a first floor cinema complex. The project is expected to commence on site in summer 2015, with completion scheduled for autumn 2016. Danny Murray, ISG’s Northern regional managing director, commented: “Our involvement in the York Community Stadium project extends back to 2012 and we have worked closely with GLL and our consortium partners to bring the vision for this keynote regional leisure scheme to reality. ISG has exceptionally strong leisure sector credentials, delivering iconic sporting venues like the Olympic Velodrome and the National Football Development Centre in Newport, and we are looking forward to working with our consortium partners to create superb new facilities for York.” www.isgplc.com 5
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New Brochure Highlights That York Handmade Is Built On Strong Foundations
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The award-winning York Handmade Brick Company is the largest independent brickmaker in the north of England. Founded in 1988 by chairman David Armitage, the company has gone from strength to strength. Based at Alne, near Easingwold in the heart of the Vale of York, York Handmade specialises in bespoke bricks for both the public and private sectors, helping to create magnificent new buildings as well as conserving historic buildings and restoring them to their former glory. To celebrate the company’s history and its recent achievements, York Handmade has just published a brand-new brochure, entitled Handmade Bricks To Inspire. The brochure describes how the company’s Alne headquarters is located in a rich seam of Lacustrine clay, a mudstone laid down in the Triassic era. This natural resource has been utilised by brickmakers in the Vale of York since Roman times. This type of clay is very malleable, easily worked and fires to produce a rich palette of colour – ideally suited to fashioning detailed shapes and sizes which are the hallmark of York Handmade Brick. David Armitage explained: “This is our first comprehensive new brochure since 2007 and reflects our growing optimism in a recovering market. It provides a complete snapshot of all we do from our popular Maxima bricks to terracotta floor tiles. “The photographs in the brochure, which feature a number of award-winning projects, have been taken by accomplished York photographer Jeremy Phillips and showcase our work brilliantly. It is also importance to mention, as our brochure does, our loyal workforce of 30. We pride ourselves on employing local labour, all trained in the skills to help them become master brickmakers,” said Mr Armitage. One of York Handmade’s most interesting projects during the past few years has been the stunning de Grey Court, a new York St John University building, next to the City Walls. The company supplied 50,000 bricks to form an integral part of the project. The
£8.9 million, four-storey, development houses a new graduate centre and research, academic, administration offices. Architect Charles Thomson of Rivington Street Studio, based in Shoreditch, east London, said of York St John: “Brick was an obvious choice of material: it is durable, modular and traditional and it could be built to the curves we had designed. York Handmade were the obvious choice of supplier, making brick nearby using local clays and traditional moulding and firing techniques”. “We chose the 'Old Clamp' blend of four different bricks, which gives a beautiful warm and richly textured quality to the elevations. The curved wall has deep, recessed openings which required the manufacture of a variety of 'special' corner pieces and brick 'slips' to clad the lintels. These were all supplied by York Handmade. We are delighted by the results,” said Mr Thomson. Meanwhile a leading firm of Yorkshire architects has praised the “unique” York Handmade Brick Company for providing the perfect bricks for sophisticated new buildings and classical renovation projects. Digby Harris, a partner with the Bridlington-based architects Francis Johnson Associates, commented: “We are immensely lucky to have the York Handmade Brick Company in our region. In an age when bland uniformity so often prevails, it is very refreshing to have a company such as York Handmade which provides such innovative and attractive bricks.” Mr Harris continued: “Due to the specific, traditional and classical nature of our work, we use high-quality bricks which recreate a very special and distinctive look. Since the demise of Wrays brickworks in the East Riding, York Handmade are the only suppliers of the specialized bricks we need. In addition, York Handmade created some superb bricks for an awardwinning terrace house development in St Mary’s, York, which demonstrated their expertise and craftsmanship beautifully.” www.yorkhandmade.co.uk Enquiry 1
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Type B Concrete Waterproofing – A New On Line Resource Triton’s new ‘Type B’ waterproofing website has been designed as the perfect resource for specifiers of watertight concrete structures. Triton supplies a complete range of products for structural waterproofing but this new site focuses purely on the company’s BBA approved watertight concrete system that conforms to BS 8102 (2009). Used primarily in the construction of basements, underground car parks, swimming pools and lift pits etc, the system comprises a unique chemical admix, products for sealing construction joints and products to make repairs. There are direct links on the site from individual product sections to technical data sheets, detail drawings and case studies on Triton’s main website. The enquiry form lands directly on the desk of technical staff who can help you with your project. Triton offers full system support, including liaison with the concrete batching plant, mix design, construction joint detailing, site monitoring as well as concrete repair systems and a warranty when required. Visit www.typebwaterproofing.co.uk
Make a Statement. Surfaces for your home. Comprised of 93% natural quartz - one of nature’s strongest minerals, Caesarstone quartz surfaces offer the ultimate combination of form and function, allowing for a diverse, durable, and practical surfacing material with its stain, scratch, and non-porous properties.
www.caesarstone.co.uk
Enquiry 2
Bianco Drift 6131
Enquiry 3
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Securikey Appoints New Account Manager Ian Elverson has joined Securikey in the role of Account Manager for London and the South East. Ian is responsible for all accounts in the South East area, acting as their first point of contact, updating them on the latest product developments and point-of-sale tools and ensuring all queries are dealt with as quickly as possible. He is also responsible for identifying new business opportunities so that Securikey’s comprehensive high quality security product range is available to even more potential customers in the industry. www.securikey.co.uk
Glassolutions Supports Quality Ethos For Midlands Housebuilder
Enquiry 4
Edenhall Rebrands Cast Stone Under GreconUK GreconUK is the new brand name for the architectural cast stone business of building materials group Edenhall. The rebrand aims to highlight the company’s position as an architectural cast stone specialist on a national scale, derived from over 60 years experience in the sector. Producing from four sites across Britain, GreconUK combines an unrivalled product range with all the efficiencies, economies of scale and continuity of a national supplier, while simultaneously satisfying local and regional preferences for product styling and demand. www.greconuk.com Enquiry 5
GLASSOLUTIONS is helping Leicestershire family-owned housebuilder Jelson Homes to deliver on its promise of superior quality as discerning homebuyers and industry regulators push for ever greater thermal and comfort standards. The housebuilder has built its reputation for quality by employing direct labour and selecting high quality products for every element of the 350 homes it currently builds every year. GLASSOLUTIONS manufactures and supplies over 300 sealed units to Jelson Homes every month to help it maintain its build programme across its fifteen active developments. All sealed units are manufactured using the Planitherm series of low-e glass products, with Planitherm Total+ providing an effective solution for the majority of Jelson’s plots. www.glassolutions.co.uk Enquiry 6
Access All Areas For Howe Green At Construct Canada Leading UK access cover manufacturer Howe Green is following up new opportunities in the Great White North having exhibited at Construct Canada for the first time in December. Over 30,000 people attended Canada's largest construction exposition and conference at The Metro Toronto Convention Centre, giving Howe Green access to key buyers and decision-makers from the country’s building, construction and design industry. Exhibiting alongside its US distributor FF Systems Inc, Howe Green showcased an extensive range of high quality stainless steel and aluminium floor access panels. Furthermore, the show provided occasion to demonstrate the firm’s unique ability to design bespoke solutions and solve specific access issues for some of the world’s most demanding projects. Canada’s construction industry accounts for more than 7 percent of gross domestic product. It is one of Canada’s leading and fastest growing industries with the City of Vancouver reporting $2.83-billion worth of commercial and residential permits issued in 2014, a 28 per cent jump compared to 2013. “This was our first tentative step into the Canadian market,” commented Richard Centa, Howe Green’s Sales and Marketing Director. “It was a very busy show with plenty of activity and lots of genuine interest in our products. We are working closely with our US distributor and will maintain our focus there throughout 2015, as well as on several other new global markets. More information about Howe Green’s access covers can be found at www.howegreen.com Enquiry 7 10
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Hauraton BIM Family Now Online Vent-Axia Welcomes New Indoor Air Quality Research Vent-Axia has welcomed new research which highlights issues with indoor air quality in UK homes. According to a new YouGov consumer survey, conducted on behalf of BEAMA, over half of respondents had experienced mould or condensation in their homes. BEAMA’s recommended approach to a balanced refurbishment involving internal or external insulation improvements is to specify continuous ventilation at low cost and low risk. For new build homes there are continuous whole house Mechanical Extract Ventilation and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) solutions, such as Vent-Axia’s Sentinel Kinetic MVHR system which boasts an impressive 94% thermal efficiency. For refurbishments, there are continuous Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation (dMEV) systems, such as Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon Response. In addition, there are also dMEV single room heat recovery units available, such as Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon Tempra. www.vent-axia.com
The most specified Hauraton surface drainage channels are now available as Building Information Modelling (BIM) objects for free download via www.fastrackbim.co.uk and www.hauraton.co.uk The new BIM family includes FASERFIX® KS channels, RECYFIX® STANDARD, PRO, PLUS and SLOTTED channels. A full range of Hauraton Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings are also available on www.fastrackcad.co.uk and www.hauraton.co.uk In addition, utilising the latest responsive technology software, a fully integrated DRAINAGE PROJECTS website featuring interesting Hauraton UK case studies, www.drainage-projects.co.uk can be accessed via smartphones and tablets. Enquiry 9
Enquiry 8
Practical Advice On Offer As Mitsubishi Electric Joins Practical Installer At Ecobuild Leading heat pump manufacturer, Mitsubishi Electric brought its renewables experts to Ecobuild 2015 (3-5 March) as part of Plumb Center’s Practical Installer arena. The company worked alongside a selection of renewable solution providers to deliver tailored business advice to the seasoned MCS- accredited installer and gas installers keen to break into the green energy market. www.mitsubishielectric.co.uk Enquiry 10
New Air Source Heat Pump And Biomass Boilers Launched At Ecobuild
Crittall Announces Significant Capital Investment
Viessmann launched three new renewable heating products at Ecobuild alongside other examples of its current products and future innovations. The Vitocal 300-A three-phase air source heat pump, in 10.5 or 12 kW outputs (up from 8.6 kW for the single-phase version), is designed for commercial properties requiring a maximum flow temperature of up to 65 °C. A new compact, biomass, pellet boiler Vitoligno 300-C is ideal for spacerestricted areas inside the home such as utility rooms. The 300C has an output of between 2.4 kW and 12 kW and a high efficiency of up to 95.3 per cent. www.viessmann.co.uk
Significant capital investment in advanced production equipment and renewable energy has been announced by Crittall. Heading up the programme is an order for an advanced £140K Gianos CNC Machining Centre, which will boost production efficiency and flexible machining operations at Crittall’s factory in Witham, Essex. Also Crittall is installing a Solar Photovoltaic Array onto its main factory roof. The electricity produced will contribute to reducing the overall energy expenditure of the business with all the power generated being consumed during normal production operations. www.crittall-windows.co.uk Enquiry 12
Enquiry 11
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350th Anniversary Celebrations Drive Further Commitment To Customer Service For Glassolutions A video detailing the complex installation of glass floor walkways at London’s Tower Bridge has heralded the start of a momentous year for GLASSOLUTIONS as it celebrates its parent company Saint-Gobain’s remarkable milestone of 350 years in business. “The focus of our celebrations is exploring how we continue to deliver real advantage to our customers and our partners,” says Mike Butterick, marketing director at GLASSOLUTIONS. “The new glass floor at Tower Bridge is a great example of how we collaborated with our sister companies in Europe to meet this technical challenge – and help create a fabulous new dimension to one of the world’s most iconic tourist attractions. The video shot over the two day installation really captures the design and innovation involved in the project and the excitement of the general public as they experience the breath-taking views looking down from 42 metres above the Thames for the first time.” One of the commitments made by GLASSOLUTIONS in its anniversary year is to continue to invest in innovative materials, new ideas and new techniques for those involved in creating a better built environment. It will also continue to put customers first and has just released the results of a 12 month customer research programme. Says Mike: “We’re implementing a cultural shift – instilling a culture throughout the entire organisation of customer focus to ensure that the team always goes the extra mile to achieve customers’ needs – and that our systems and processes allow that to happen. For more information about Saint Gobain’s 350th anniversary visit www. glassolutions.co.uk/saint-gobain-celebrates-its-350-years-anniversary To view the video detailing the complex installation of glass floor walkways by GLASSOLUTIONS at London’s Tower Bridge visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=MegwQt_mFo4&feature=youtu.be Enquiry 13
Leading London Property Company Selects Advanced One of London’s most high-profile commercial property management companies has selected fire systems from Advanced to protect its landmark buildings as part of a multi-million pound investment programme. So far 13 buildings managed by Broadgate Estates have been fitted with Advanced’s MxPro panels, ranging from simple three-panel networks to far more complex installations with 60 panels or more. Every fire system is linked to the local Building Management System (BMS) and monitored from a central control room. MxPro is Advanced’s flagship range of multiprotocol panels, offering customers a choice of two panel ranges, four detector protocols and a completely open installer network that enjoys free training and support. MxPro panels can be used in single loop, single panel format or easily configured into high speed, 200 panel networks covering huge areas. Advanced’s legendary ease of installation and configuration and wide peripheral range make it customisable to almost any application. The 13 buildings equipped so far include 159 MxPro panels, twinned with detectors, sounders and other peripheral devices from Apollo and Hochiki, both long-standing partners of Advanced. Advanced MxPro 5 panels are one of the few systems that are fully approved to EN54 Part 13. This is a compatibility and integrity standard that constantly checks all transmission paths for loop, sounder and network loading. It is capable of indicating partial short and partial open conditions for all possible loads, which might otherwise remain hidden until a fire occurs. This means that the fire system will continue to perform to its maximum capability during a fire incident. A dvanced has also provided custom-built panels and control units for several buildings through its AdSpecials division. The company’s Advanced360 customer support and service is legendary, ensuring customers get exactly what they need from specification through sales, installation and maintenance. www.advancedco.com Enquiry 14
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LSE Building Designed In Brick Is Selected For Shortlist At Design Of The Year Awards 2015 London School of Economics’ Saw Swee Hock Student Centre, by award winning architects O’Donnell + Tuomey, is a stunning example of a contemporary building designed in red brick. It joins a host of impressive nominees from around the world in the shortlist for Design of the Year 2015, hosted by Design Museum in London. Winning would mean another award for the building having won the Supreme award at the Brick Development Association’s 2014 Brick Awards. The project was also nominated for the RIBA Stirling Prize. Design of the Year 2015’s Architecture category represents the fullest range of the built environment from small scale domestic to public parks. www.brick.org.uk/2014-award-winners/ Enquiry 15
New Comar Website: Mobile, Social Media & BIM Ready
The latest launch from Comar is their BIM ready website. The new Comar website delivers information to supply chain partners as fast as possible by reducing clicks, this is achieved by making navigation easy. A clear menu allows one-click information on project references, aluminium system selection, BIM access, environmental credentials, CPD and latest news. Comar’s current connections and followers of their Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn pages will be kept up to date with new information as it is posted on the News Page. On the move the website allows mobile and tablet users access to the same concise, quick to use information. BIM information is available through logging into the Comar Partner Website. The BIM section easily identifiable with a landing page that offers a quick selection into the main system categories: curtain walling, windows walling, windows, doors and ground floor framing. www.comar-alu.co.uk Enquiry 16
Axim Website Launch – New Design & Mobile Ready Axim Architectural Hardware launch a new website which guides users through the process of selecting the correct door hardware solutions. For users on the move Axim’s responsive content aims to deliver optimal viewing together with easy and fast navigation; the site is fully compatible with mobile, iPad, android devices. The new website includes a News blog which will feature their latest announcements, product updates and direct links to Axim’s social media sites Twitter & LinkedIn. www.axim.co.uk Enquiry 17
‘Protecting The Building Envelope’
FAKRO’s 10 Tips On How To Select A Roof Window
The 2015 edition of ‘Protecting the Building Envelope’ (volume 27) from Cavity Trays Ltd of Yeovil, is a full colour A5 manual of 147 pages containing the latest best practice building details. This latest edition includes more than 168 enhancements plus additional construction solutions and numerous upgraded products. Readers might also wish to secure a copy of an accompanying handbook in the Best Practice series called ‘The Latest Book of Wise Decisions’. Both are essential reading for all industry disciplines. www.cavitytrays.co.uk
With the gap between manufacturers increasing in terms of product quality, FAKRO’s new brochure ‘10 tips on how to select a roof window’ helps builders and roofers choose which designs are likely to suit interior styles and budgets. Over 80% of the market is still accounted for by the standard centre pivot window, yet the choice of window design, size, glazing and accessories continues to grow. There is also considerable variation in thermal performance, FAKRO having the only quadruple-glazed window which has achieved Passivhaus certification. The company also routinely manufactures bespoke products to meet specific project requirements, both in terms of style and aspects of technical performance. www.fakro.co.uk
Enquiry 18
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Secure Your Home Valuables During The Summer Months www.securikey.co.uk Jeremy Cassady, Managing Director of Securikey, examines why it is important for housebuilders to be aware of low cost methods of home security that will provide greater peace of mind for the homeowner or tenants, and looks at how a ‘one key solution’ can provide convenience as well as low cost physical security that will deter and prevent would-be thieves.
security suppliers have developed a ‘one key solution’ that shows how a comprehensive home security system does not have to be expensive or overcomplicated. One Key, No Fuss A ‘master key’ solution offered by leading physical security suppliers makes securing the home an easy and straightforward process, as it allows homeowners and/or tenants to open the front and the back door, for instance, using the same key.
From Heatwave to Crimewave The unpredictability of the sun’s appearance in the UK, even during the summer months, and the increase in budget airlines means that many families decide to fly abroad at least once during the year in search of guaranteed ‘beach holiday’ weather. However, the relaxation of spending a week in the
sun can be quickly counteracted if the holiday maker returns to find their house has been broken into and irreplaceable valuables stolen. Although security is of paramount importance to ensure belongings in the home are kept safe, any system installed by the housebuilder should also be convenient enough for the homeowner to carry out security procedures on a regular basis with little or no effort, as well as being low cost to meet a variety of budgets. In order to meet these requirements, leading physical
Leading suppliers extend the possibilities still further to the safekeeping of valuables, with the same key being used to open security devices. This is due to the Euro Profile Cylinder, which can be installed in physical security products such as cash safes, high security post boxes, emergency key holding boxes and key cabinet ranges, solving the issue of numerous individual keys potentially being lost whilst providing the owner with easy, convenient access to their valuables. Safeguarding Cash and Jewellery Cash safes are one of the more commonly used home security units. As a result, there are products available that are specially designed for home use in terms of size and cost, whilst still being manufactured to the same build
quality as those designed for the commercial market. Housebuilders should always source products that are badged to show they have been independently tested as testament to their durability. Reliable security safes such as the Euro Vault by Securikey, for instance, can offer protection against theft for valuables such as jewellery, passports, electronics and cash while offering ease of access for the owner, especially when part of a one key solution. Manufactured with hardy components and
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materials such as a 2mm body and 20mm hardened steel locking bolts, valuables are kept safe from prying hands. Another security solution that can be easily integrated with the Euro Profile Cylinder is the high security post box, which prevent thieves accessing private mail that could enable them to commit identity theft. Suitable for mounting to any flat surface, the tough structure of high security post boxes protects from unauthorised access, whilst offering easy access to the owner when needed.
When moving into a new house, homeowners and tenants want a refuge where they feel comfortable and secure, both when they are at home and when they leave the house unoccupied. A one key security system is the ideal solution for the housebuilder, as it is a straightforward way of delivering added security and convenience at minimal cost, leading to increased customer satisfaction.
If other devices are desired by the homeowner, such as strongboxes and under-floorboard safes, leading suppliers of security hardware can offer robust, high quality options that are all capable of incorporating the Euro Profile Cylinder for a convenient ‘one key’ solution. Easily Fitted, Not Easily Replicated This effective ‘master key’ system also minimises the risk of key duplication. When moving into a new home, homeowners and tenants can face the risk of strangers accessing their house via key copies as conventional keys are easy to duplicate.
Author: Jeremy Cassady, Managing Director, Securikey
With the one key solution, a robust, high quality lock is delivered in every instance, as the Euro Profile Cylinder Lock is manufactured to extremely high standards and can only be duplicated by approved dealers, offering a high security solution in a product that is also straightforward to install in the hands of a professional locksmith.
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ARCHITECTURAL COPPER UPDATE www.aurubis.com/finland/architectural
The latest developments in copper and its alloys for cladding and other architectural applications are discussed by copper producer Aurubis Architectural. Copper was one of the first metals used by man and is one of our oldest building materials, with unique properties and characteristics. We have witnessed its transformation from an historic role as a durable roofing material to a flexible architectural skin over any surfaces including façades. The malleability of copper allows it to be used as a covering for architectural elements of all shapes with minimal constraints. Architects continue to exploit this capability, fired by the complex shapes made possible by CAD and BIM techniques. One fascinating example is a 8,500 m2 university research building addition, located about halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole - just 600 miles away. Unsurprisingly, temperatures as low as -50°C are encountered during fierce winter storms. The whole building is raised up on steel posts to avoid melting the permafrost and it almost seems to float above the ground. An insulated copper-clad skin is wrapped around the complex spaces demanded by the brief, creating an outer shell defined by the flows of wind and snow passing through the site and informed by climatic 3D simulations. The long-strip copper installation system was used with copper trays up to 10m in length. Consistent Workability Architects Jarmund/Vigsnæs design is an organic form derived from a lobstershaped plan and faceted cross sections using sloping facades and shallow pitched roofs up to 60m long. At first sight, the long, low profile of the building seems arbitrary - almost like some alien structure sat in the snow or perhaps an echo of the angular faces of the surrounding mountains. But the geometry is driven by essential practical considerations such as the effects of the flows of wind and snow through the site. Unlike many other materials, the outer copper cladding retained consistent workability even at low temperatures, allowing construction to continue well into the cold season. Designers today are also exploring different copper surfaces and forms with a real sense of design freedom. The natural development of a patina is one of copper’s unique characteristics. Within a few days of exposure to the atmosphere, the surface begins to oxidise, changing its colour from the ‘bright’ mill finish to a chestnut brown, which gradually darkens over several years to a chocolate brown. Continued weathering can eventually result in
the distinctive green or blue patina seen on older roofs. The patina film provides impressive protection against corrosion and can repair itself if damaged, defining the exceptional longevity of copper cladding and roofing, counted in hundreds of years. Factory Applied Surface Treatments Some rainwater is needed for the patina to form and its rate of development will depend on the water ‘dwell time’ on a surface. So, vertical cladding and sheltered surfaces will take much longer to patinate naturally than exposed roofs and a complex combination of factors determines the nature and speed of
development of patina. Not surprisingly, factory applied surface treatments have been popular for some time to provide straightaway oxidisation and patination of copper surfaces, particularly for facades. Some of the processes involved are very similar to those taking place over time in the environment and utilise copper mineral compounds, not alien chemical actions. Essentially, they bring forward the environmental changes without taking away the integrity of copper as a natural, living material. All these surfaces form an integral part of the copper and are not coatings or paint, and ongoing changes will continue over time depending on the local environment. Living Surfaces They include pre-oxidised copper, where the thickness of the oxide layer determines the degree of lightness or darkness. Pre-patination processes have also moved on and can now enable designers to determine both the colour and intensity of patina for each project with ‘living’ surfaces. As well as
solid green or blue patina colours, other intensities can be created revealing some of the dark oxidised background material. This technique played a key role in the transformation and extension of the redundant central Post Office building in Gothenburg, Sweden – a listed national monument - into a 500-bedroom landmark hotel. Architects Semrén & Månsson’s selected three different intensities of green pre-patination and their combination enabled the creation of rich, animated copper surfaces. The most common compound found in natural patinas all over the world is the copper sulphate mineral brochantite and factory-applied patinas have
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“The malleability of copper allows it to be used as a covering for architectural elements of all shapes with minimal constraints.”
been developed with properties and colours based on the same mineralogy. Brochantite is a light blue colour but in many locations impurities and other components in the air add a yellow tint to give the naturally developed patina a green hue and this can be replicated with pre-patination processes as well. In marine climates, the natural copper patina contains some copper chloride giving it more of a blue colour and this can be emulated using 100 % brochantite. Copper Alloys Of course, copper alloys have also been used throughout history and coils
architectural surfaces - and copper is well suited to this. Designers are now working with embossed and pressed shapes, as well as profiled sheets, to add texture and modulation to facades. And transparency adds an extra dimension with perforated or expanded copper sheets and mesh. A demonstration of this approach is Pollard Thomas Edwards architects’ scheme for a state-of-the-art public library and school building in Deptford, London. Another Dimension The complex houses facilities shared between a new primary school and the whole community via the Deptford Lounge, including a rooftop sports pitch, a flexible suite of assembly spaces and a dining hall and kitchen. For the ‘wrapping’ applied to the facades, rigid folded cassettes of golden copper alloy provide sharp, clean joints between clearly defined panels which are setout in a stretcher bond pattern, referencing historic timber hull construction in ship-building associated with Deptford. Different levels of perforation are used so that the transparency of the wrapping adds another dimension with the play of light. Author: Graeme Bell, Sales & Marketing Manager, Aurubis
or sheets of Bronze and Brass - which can also be pre-weathered – are available for architectural applications. In addition, a recently developed alloy of copper with aluminium and zinc gives a rich golden through-colour. Its surface retains the golden through-colour and simply loses some of its sheen, as the oxide layer thickens with exposure to the atmosphere to give a protective matt finish. This golden alloy behaves differently to other copper products over time and does not develop a blue or green patina. One of the most exciting developments in metals generally today is experimentation with new forms of the material for cladding and other
Other forms of copper include discreet elements such as slatted or louvred systems and there are more installation systems available today as well - in addition to traditional and long-strip fully supported techniques - including prefabricated and self-supporting sheets, cassettes, panels and shingles. These systems give an extra visual ‘grain’ and structure to the external skin of a building, helping to define its character.
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Mapei Introduces New Ultratop Loft For Floors, Walls And More! Mapei UK has launched Ultratop Loft F and Ultratop Loft W, a highly decorative cementitious product that can be used on walls, floors, staircases and ramps to complement its existing Ultratop range of products. Ultratop Loft F and Ultratop Loft W are one-component, trowellable, cementitious products available in two different aggregate sizes; either coarse (Ultratop Loft F) or fine (Ultratop Loft W) offering two different appearances depending on the ultimate finish required. Both products are ideal for creating aesthetically pleasing and original floors and walls, with a classic trowelled or mottled effect. The product can be used in both new build or refurbishment projects and helps to produce a variety of contemporary stylish walls and floors, ideal for creating a distinctive designer appeal. Ultratop Loft should be applied as a system, installed over Eco Prim Grip on vertical surfaces and Primer SN and 0.5mm Quartz on horizontal surfaces, and sealed using either Mapefloor Finish 53 W/L, 54 W/S, 58 W or 630, depending on the type of finish required.
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Each product is supplied in 20kg bags and is mixed with water to achieve the paste-like consistency required for application. The product is ideal for professional users, to be trowel applied onto a number of different floor and wall substrates to provide a finished system that is around 2mm thick. Ultratop Loft is available in two colours, Standard and White. However, if required, Ultratop Color Paste (a special coloring agent for Ultratop Loft) can be added to create an extensive colour pallet that can perfectly fit in with any desired colour scheme. With its excellent resistance to abrasion and rapid drying time, Ultratop Loft is suitable for both commercial and residential areas subject to intense pedestrian traffic which can include shops, restaurants, reception areas, private homes, cafes, hotels and showrooms. For more information on any Mapei products please visit www.mapei.co.uk, email info@mapei.co.uk or tel. +44 (0)121 508 6970. Enquiry 20
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New LokFaçadePlus From RigiSystems RigiSystems original LokFaçade is designed to provide a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing cladding solution for soffits, fascias, canopies and external walls. LokFaçadePlus now takes that concept to a new level. Based on Centria’s common-lock joint design, LokFaçadePlus offers all the advantages of LokFaçade in a premium product. Featuring concealed fasteners for a clean, unbroken appearance, the most striking feature of LokFaçadePlus is the range of 12 different panel designs, all of which are interchangeable, to provide completely unique visual effects. In addition, LokFaçadePlus is available in smooth or stucco embossed finishes and in a variety of substrates including steel, aluminium, zinc and stainless steel. LokFaçadePlus is installed in the same way as standard LokFaçade. The first panel is fixed in place to the substrate. Subsequent panels are then simply pushed into place together with mineral fibre insulation in the void behind the exterior façade depending on thermal requirements. The trailing edge of the panel is then fixed in place before adding the next panel. www.rigisystems.org
Everbuild – A Sika Company Hold Schönox Distribution Rights Everbuild – a Sika company - are pleased to announce that they now hold exclusive distribution rights to the leading Schönox brand. A leading supplier to the German market for many years, Schönox develops and manufactures quality products for installing all types of floor tiles and coverings. The Schönox brand is exclusively available to order through Sika Everbuild. The new range includes Schönox ZM Rapid, a rapid setting self-levelling compound; Schönox iFloor System, a revolutionary new system that incorporates a unique rollable adhesive and Schönox Durocoll a multipurpose, high quality, reinforced dispersion adhesive, ideally suited for use with problematic, high movement soft floor coverings in internal areas. A Schönox catalogue has been designed featuring the full product range as well as including some complementary products from the current Sika and Everbuild brands. www.everbuild.co.uk Enquiry 22
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Image © Quantum Immobilien AG
Design is in the detail Lindapter Hollo-Bolt® Flush Fit The unique steelwork fixing is concealed within hollow section, preserving clean architectural lines. • Aesthetically pleasing • For SHS and conventional steelwork • Fast, cost effective installation • Tensile loads up to 10.5 kN per bolt • Shear loads up to 15.0 kN per bolt • JS500 coated for corrosion resistance • Available in stainless steel Project: Brooktorkai, HafenCity, Germany Application: Secures the steel frame of the glazed roof and façade
T: +44 (0)1274 521 444 F: +44 (0)1274 521 130 E: enquiries@lindapter.com
www.lindapter.com Half Page FF ad.indd 1
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Rod Glen Joins Mark Kelly In Glasgow To Cater For Growth At Metrotile Area sales manager Rod Glen (l) has joined lightweight steel roofing firm Metrotile UK, with the aim of helping to continue the company’s 30 per cent growth from 2014 into 2015. More than half of Metrotile UK’s growth last year, 18.3 per cent in all, came in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England, under the eye of Glasgow-based regional director Mark Kelly (r). Mr Kelly’s performance contributed to sales of 1.16 million tiles nationally by the end of last year, with record turnover figures of £7.1 million with forecasted nett profits of £679,000. www.metrotile.co.uk Enquiry 25
True To Tradition: New Handmade Clay Tile To Launch In Early 2015 A new range of premium handmade clay tiles is due to launch from Marley Eternit at the beginning of 2015. The Canterbury handmade range acknowledges Marley Eternit’s heritage of previous handmade clay tiles, which were available until the early 1990s. Marley Eternit is bringing back traditional skills to provide a genuine handmade tile that architects are looking for in today’s market. The new Canterbury tiles will be available in three colours; Chailey (orange), Loxleigh (antique) and Burford (brown) with its own handmade fittings range. The new range is manufactured at Marley Eternit’s Keele factory, which specialises in clay plain tile production. www.marleyeternit.co.uk/handmade @MarleyEternit Enquiry 24
Give Your Flat Roof The Bauder VIP Treatment Flat roof manufacturer Bauder launched its state-of-the-art vacuum insulated panel at this year’s Ecobuild. Designed to provide high thermal performance in areas with limited height, Bauder VIP is ideally suited for terrace and balcony applications. The Bauder insulation panels are 60mm thick, certified under a European Technical Approval (ETA-13/0493) and can be used in conjunction with other Bauder insulation boards to enhance U-valves. On a dense concrete deck with a suspended ceiling, Bauder VIP needs to be just 60mm thick to achieve a U-value of 0.18W/m2K compared with 120mm for a PIR equivalent, meaning a staggering 50% reduction in thickness. The exceptional insulating properties (calculated value of thermal conductivity = 0.0063 [W/mK]) achieved by Bauder VIP is due to its high performance vacuum silica core. This silica is encased by a multi-layer composite aluminium foil, then the air is removed from the silica to create a vacuum where only radiation can pass through it. The insulated panel is protected on the underside with a 3mm thick rubber granulate mat and on the upper surface with 17mm Bauder PIR insulation. Unlike any other vacuum insulated panel in the market both protective layers are bonded to the vacuum core to provide one complete encapsulated panel, making it incredibly quick, easy and cost-effective to install. www.bauder.co.uk Enquiry 26
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Floating The Idea Of A Perfect Solution For Houseboat Hulls airpop®, the new Europe-wide name for EPS (expanded polystyrene), is providing the perfect solution for twenty-first century living on water. airpop® – which is 98% air bound in a polymer matrix - has proved the perfect solution for manufacturing modern houseboat hulls because it can be easily shaped and offers economy, light weight, exceptional thermal and flotation performance and does not rot, mould or decay. One of the latest airpop® hulls known as “Dragonfly” has been constructed at West Sussex Yacht Club by Mark Salanson who has built hulls for large two-storey houseboats as well as smaller projects. Kay-Cel EPS 70 from Kay-Metzler was used in the construction of “Dragonfly”. The material offers excellent thermal performance, with a thermal conductivity of 0.038w/mk. airpop is non-toxic and chemically inert – no CFC’s or HCFC’s are used in its manufacture and it has a summary rating of A+ in the BRE Green Guide. Further information is available at www.airpop.com or the launch video can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SsjTsRs9N8 Enquiry 28
At Last! A Saltless Water Softener That Actually Softens Water The Pureau range uses traditional ion exchange resins to produce superb, soft water for household or commercial use. The 3 models (Eau 1, Eau 2 and Eau 3) range from 20 litres per minute to 70 litres per minute and are suitable for both gravity and pressurised water systems. As the systems are cartridge based maintenance is simple. The main cartridge lasts an incredible 36 months, the carbon pre filter cartridge lasts 12 months and the post filter cartridge will last for 2 to 3 months depending on hardness levels. The Pureau Range has been specifically designed to meet the demands of providing a water softener without the use of salt that provides softer water to the touch. Pureau water treatment systems remove a high percentage of scale forming minerals. Water readings of under 100ppm is considered soft. Magnesium and calcium in the water is essential for good health so Pureau systems do not remove it all, just enough to bring it down to accepted soft water levels. The systems do not waste water or require a power source or drain. The range is suitable for gravity fed and pressurised water systems, they are also suitable for combination boilers. As the units do not add sodium to the water they can be used on properties with septic tanks. Purea systems incorporate a raw water feed which ensures trace minerals are left in the water for health, they also provide the perfect water for ice making, tea and coffee. www.aquatiere.co.uk Enquiry 27
Pressalit Care’s Remote Flush At The Simple Touch Of A Button Pressalit Care has developed a remote flush facility for inclusion with its height adjustable toilet, adding to the independence that the toilet already offers those with limited mobility. The remote mechanism, which is positioned on an adjustable arm within easy reach, allows users to flush the toilet after use without needing to turn or twist their body. The remote flush operates on a dual three or six litre flush capacity, each button differentiated by colour, and linked to the cistern that is installed in the wall mounted, height adjustable toilet unit. The University of Kent has installed the remote flush in two new fully accessible bathroom facilities in its Tyler Court accommodation. The adjustable height toilet is a valued addition to the facilities in the bathrooms, with the University of Kent selecting the remote flush facility for the huge difference it can make. www.pressalit.com Enquiry 29
Clever Biomass For The Home! Natural energy company, Euroheat has unveiled a new range of high performance pellet boilers for domestic properties, which qualify for tariff payments under the government’s Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). The PNA Thermocomfort features four models ranging from 15kW to 30kW, designed for maximum efficiency and minimal user maintenance. There is a choice of pellet storage systems including a 170 litre hopper located on the side of the boiler, to a variety of different bulk storage solutions featuring either vacuum or auger transfers. www.euroheat.co.uk Enquiry 30
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Five-Star Cleanliness, Comfort And Luxury From Geberit At The Chedi Andermatt Hotel
Shower toilets offer guests the chance to experience spa-like cleanliness and give hoteliers the opportunity to raise the comfort levels above their five-star status. That is why Geberit AquaClean 8000plus was the natural choice for the bathrooms in the luxurious Chedi Andermatt Hotel located in the beautiful Swiss Alps. With luxury and comfort being at the heart of the hotel’s design, the bathrooms feature high quality fittings throughout, with large bathtubs, natural stone floors with underfloor heating and separate rain showers. Completing the spa-like luxury for guests are Geberit’s top-of-the range shower toilets, fitted in each of the hotel’s 106 rooms and suites. Offering the ultimate in wellness for guests, the Geberit AquaClean 8000plus combines the functions of a toilet and a bidet in one compact unit. At the touch of a button the shower toilet washes the user clean with a gentle, airy water spray at body temperature. The WC also features an integrated warm-air dryer and an automatic odour extraction function, which fills the room with fresh, clean air addressing the important issue of ventilation in the hotel bathroom. “For us, luxury primarily means ensuring personal comfort for our guests,” explains Senior Vice President of General Hotel Management Lt, Hansjörg Meier. “It goes without saying that the shower toilet is a standard feature in our bathrooms. Our guests are made up of international clientele that are used to a certain lifestyle. Most also have shower toilets at home and certainly won’t want to have to live without them when on vacation. “The shower toilet from Geberit perfectly fulfils all our requirements with respect to quality, hygiene and comfort. We can therefore rest assured that we are offering our discerning guests the very best.” Geberit – 0800 032 9629 www.geberit-aquaclean.co.uk Enquiry 31 26
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Unlimited Wood Floor Patterns With Kährs New Bloc Collection Kährs has introduced its new, creative Bloc Collection. Bloc is an on-trend patterned wood floor created using individual oak staves, in three different sizes and shades. Sections are easily joined using an oak tongue to create unlimited geometric designs – from traditional herringbone to modern brick - in single or multi-colours. Staves can also be used to create eye-catching borders around patterned or traditional plank floors. All Kährs Bloc staves have an even timber grain, a lightly brushed surface and a beveled edge along all four sides. Natural Bloc has a clear, satin lacquer prefinish, whilst White and Grey Bloc each have a stained lacquer finish, which creates an elegant washed hue. All Kährs finishes are solvent-free, exceptionally durable and promote easy care. www.kahrs.com Enquiry 32
New Rusteel® - Decorative ‘Rust’ Effect Armourcoat, the decorative surface specialists, have introduced a new metal rust finish. The Rusteel® finish offers an authentic rusted iron or patina effect, creating an aged, weather- beaten, metal surface. This time-worn finish similar to weathering (or Corten) steel is created from a water-based paint with metal particles which naturally tarnish when activated. A sealer coat is used once the desired effect is achieved and provides a further protective layer. The finish is available exclusively through the ArmourFX modular panel system. The ArmourFX range of panels has evolved from Armourcoat’s renowned applied seamless wall finishes. Armourcoat's specialist designers and artisan plasterers can create integrated custom wall panel systems or design statement single artwork pieces. The prefinished panels offer a rapid installation with ease of handling, and are ideal for projects under tight deadlines for completion. For more information visit www.armourfx.com Enquiry 33 27
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New Thermostatic Mixer Shower Ranges – From MX
Dramatic Transformations Revitalise furniture, feature walls and doors with Interior Film from David Clouting, a unique range of self-adhesive, decorative films manufactured by LG Hausys. Rooms can be dramatically transformed in hours with minimum disruption. Interior Film is versatile too and can be adhered to most substrates including: wood, metals, plaster board, plastics and melamine. A bubble free finish is achieved utilising air free technology. Interior Film is CE Certificated so can be specified with confidence. Available in a range of designs and finishes including: Exotic woods, Leather effect, textured metals and Natural stone, Interior Film is part of a wide range of innovative interior surface products offered by David Clouting Ltd. www.davidclouting.co.uk
MX Group has unveiled its latest offering to the bathroom sector, 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 22 showering choices in the Atmos and Options ranges with most Atmos options complying with TMV2 regulations. www.mx-group.com Enquiry 35
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Add A Touch Of The Caribbean To Your Kitchen With The Latest Tap From Francis Pegler Following the successful launch of the Araya bathroom brassware range, from the iconic Francis Pegler brand, comes a brand new addition in the form of a stylish kitchen tap. The design led ‘Araya’ range shares its name with, and is inspired by, the dramatic landscapes of a Caribbean peninsula. Its full bodied pillar is emphasised by its curvaceous lines which flow effortlessly into an easy to operate lever handle, evoking images of the undulating shoreline. The eight-piece Araya collection offers sleek contours and minimalistic styling that will have endless appeal to design conscious consumers. www.pegleryorkshire.co.uk Enquiry 36
COMPAC Delivers The Perfect Quartz Finish COMPAC have introduced a new glacé finish for eight of their popular quartz worksurface colours including: Absolute Blanc, Botticino, Carrara, Cool Grey and Perlino and it’s also available on one of their latest quartz worksurfaces – the New York Collection. This innovative glacé finish, exclusively developed by COMPAC, not only delivers the same porosity as the traditional gloss finish making it hygienic and easy to clean, each worksurface also has a beautiful silky smooth and sensuous feel to the touch. The colour and grain of the worksurface is more enhanced creating a magical 3D appearance. www.compac.es Enquiry 37
Only The Best For Tekne’s High Profile Hospitality Fit-Outs Established over 40 years ago, Tekne have built a reputation as one of the UK’s leading hospitality, commercial and retail space fitters. Working on projects such as ‘Jamie’s Italian’, ‘Wagamamma’, ‘Selfridges’ and ‘Tramshed’, Tekne only use suppliers who are able provide the service and product quality required for such high profile, bespoke projects. For every job specification, stock availability, price and speed of delivery are carefully considered. When it comes to hardwood timber and veneers, Timbmet are always on the list. www.timbmet.com Enquiry 38
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With its distinctive pattern perhaps taking inspiration from one of the more imposing fences at the famous show-jumping venue, the Hickstead heated towel rail from JIS Europe’s Sussex collection is suited to both top end residential and many commercial applications.
JIS Hickstead Towel Rail Raises The Bar For Elegance And Performance
The Hickstead's six arms are square, but are fashioned from the same highly durable grade of stainless steel and as with the rest of the Sussex collection, the Hickstead is available in central heating, dual fuel or electric only options. The open sided rails with their twin carrier pillars are intended to facilitate either left or right sided installation. However, architects, interior designers and property owners who might prefer to choose the electric only version should be aware that these are supplied in right arm format as standard, with the left arm needing to be specifically ordered. Depending on the heat source used, the Hickstead offers an output
of 378 Watts or 1291 BTU, so can provide occupant comfort when sited in a properly insulated bath or shower room, as well as keeping towels warm and dry. Overall the Hickstead measures 1010 mm in height by 500 mm wide, while the half dozen arms are evenly spaced on the uprights; giving it a stylish as well as functional form. Whether the towel rail is plumbed into a home's main central heating system or it is powered by electricity for all or part of the year, the Hickstead's clean lines, high build quality and excellent performance characteristics ensure it will suit many types of property and decor. Meanwhile purchasers of this prestigious product also benefit from a 25 year guarantee. www.sussexrange.co.uk Enquiry 39
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CR Laurence’s CABO System Is The Softly, Softly Approach Back in the day, when showering enclosures had a tendency to resemble tardises, few would have foreseen a time when frameless would become the norm. And yet, in a relatively short space of time, showering enclosures have evolved into the most minimal of bathroom structures. Today, the majority of consumers aspire to bathrooms that are spatially unrestricted – and from compact ensuites to family wet rooms – just about everyone wants the simplest, most understated showering enclosures. As a result of this trend, shower door hardware has become increasingly sophisticated. And global brands such as CR Laurence have pioneered a new generation of systems and components – handles, hinges, channels, clamps and door knobs – that whilst being super-sleek, have also been designed to facilitate exceptional functionality. CABO – new from CR Laurence, is one such system. Genuinely unique – there is currently no other product that equals CABO – the system is an innovative, double soft-close solution for frameless sliding shower doors. Of course, frameless sliding door systems have been available for some time. But most users will know from experience that they can be rattly and that movement can feel far from smooth. Often specified for smaller showering enclosures, sliding shower doors can also take a real pasting in terms of wear and tear – especially when kids are involved! CABO, however, with its superior double soft-close design, makes everything – from the showering enclosure’s aesthetics to its functionality – look a whole lot better. So how does it work? All of CR Laurence’s CABO soft slide systems conceal a double softclose mechanism within their header sections. This gently cushions the shower door as its slides back, making for a perfectly smooth and quiet action. CABO systems will work with 8mm, 10mm or 12mm thick glass and will support doors/panels weighing up to 80kg. Systems are versatile – they can be mounted wall-to-wall or wall-to-glass and each system is supplied complete with a header, two top clamps, a bottom guide, a wall seal and a half-round threshold. CABO systems are manufactured from anodized aluminium and there is a choice of rounded or square clamps and there are three finishes – chrome, satin anodised and brushed nickel. Chris Pepper, Marketing & Business Development Manager for CRL Europe says, “When it comes to showering enclosures, no one wants bulky, obtrusive structures anymore. But achieving the minimalist look requires the right sort of hardware and for sliding doors, features such as the double soft-close system offered by CABO, can make a real difference to the consumer’s experience, not to mention the overall look and functionality of the showering enclosure.” www.crlaurence.co.uk Enquiry 40
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MAST SCREENING + SHELVING
PAT.2274974
Standard & custom made items, design & build services, quick lead times Tel. 01923 818282
. Fax. 01923 818280 . Email. sales@shopkit.com . www.shopkit.com
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MADE IN THE UK
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Striking Modern Contrasts The Q-railing headquarters is one of the largest trade organisations in Emmerich am Rhein, Germany. For over a decade Q-railing has achieved rapid growth, resulting in the need for several office and warehouse expansions. In 2011 Q-railing acquired an additional office building adjacent to its existing site. Both the interior and exterior were fully renovated, matching Q-railing’s vision on quality, design and innovation. About the project Q-railing’s management team and designers selected the Easy GlassŽ block adapter railing system to accommodate the stairs and first story balcony in the spacious, modern, full glass lobby. The fascia mounted glass railing system with adapters copes wonderfully with the complex angles of the construction and different size glass infill panels. These elegantly shaped adapters provide the ideal balance between high-end design and functionality teamed with complete transparency of a glass balustrade. To add extra support without compromising on transparency the handrail was mounted to the glass. The result is an elegant transparent entrance where light and dark colours make for a striking contrast. About Q-railing Q-railing is known worldwide for its unique railing systems. The design ethos of the company is: safety, simplicity, quality and the ability to be quickly and easily installed. Whether you are designing a striking public space or an intimate private residence, the architectural details always have a significant impact on the end result. With Q-railing systems you can bring your vision to life. www.q-railing.co.uk Enquiry 42
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Portakabin Group Expands Range Of Floor Solutions For Yorkon Modular Buildings For Even Greater Flexibility In Design And Performance The Portakabin Group has expanded the range of floor solutions available for buildings constructed using Yorkon off-site solutions, giving specifiers and customers even greater choice and flexibility. A wider range of floor specifications is now offered to meet the performance criteria for a host of building applications. Specifiers can choose from a suite of precision-engineered solutions that will accommodate standard loadings as well as heavy plant, sensitive equipment, increased floor stiffness and enhanced acoustics if required. The options allow building specifiers to tailor the floor design to individual project requirements whilst also avoiding over-specification. These include: • A base specification using an 18mm particle board suspended floor on steel joists, which is suitable for single and multi-storey applications with standard load bearing requirements, such as classrooms and office accommodation. • A more sophisticated beam construction with additional points of support if required and the flexibility to increase the thickness of particle board to 36mm and add steel sheeting for a higher level of floor performance and increased load capabilities. • The use of a plywood deck for factory-installed terrazzo tiling. • The Yorkon factory-installed 50mm concrete floor solution which has been widely used in the health, education and commercial sectors. Suitable for both ground and upper floors, this robust option is ideal for high traffic areas and to accommodate heavy point loadings and sensitive equipment, for example in operating theatres. • Site-poured concrete slab to suit floor loading and performance requirements.
Commenting on this latest development, Simon Ambler, Director of the Portakabin Group, said, “There is still a lot of misinformation about modular construction even though there have been huge technical advancements in off-site technology in recent years. Our aim is to offer the widest choice of floor solutions available for modular buildings to allow specifiers to balance cost and performance – avoiding overspecification whilst having the flexibility to achieve enhanced floor stiffness and heavy loadings that are easily equivalent to that of sitebased construction.” “It is essential that the anticipated use, loadings, and stiffness criteria are determined early in the design process. Our engineers can then model the building to meet that specification – allowing construction to a tight budget, maximising the speed and quality benefits of off-site construction and where required, providing advanced, high performance floor solutions for the most demanding applications.” Yorkon modular buildings can be finished in an extensive range of colours to complement or contrast with adjacent schemes – or multiple shades and colours can be specified for a single façade to create a lively, vibrant and impactful exterior. For further information about Yorkon modular buildings from the Portakabin Group, call 0845 2000 123, email contact@yorkon.co.uk or see www.yorkon.info Enquiry 43
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The four elements you must provide to win. The modern window and door market is increasingly competitive. The expectations of every client, from architect to consumer, are becoming more demanding. Are you offering your customers these four vital elements?
COMFORT. How does a handle feel when you grip it? How well is the temperature maintained within a home? What about noise reduction? With Roto, windows and doors bring comfort in all these ways and more. Making windows and doors easy to use, with comfortable handles and smooth-moving mechanisms is a key priority for Roto. But just as important are the longer term benefits of reliable lifetime operation and firm, even weather sealing. These aspects of hardware are just as important as glazing and frame profiles in making sure homes and offices remain free from water ingress, draughts and unwanted noise from outside.
DESIGN. How does a building look? How does it make you feel when inside it? By enabling a wide variety of sizes, shapes and opening formats for doors and windows, Roto hardware increases the possibilities for design, and can even be a design element in itself. For the fabricator, Roto designs hardware that is as easy as possible to transport, store and process. For the homeowner, choices such as styles and colours of handles and options like concealed Tilt&Turn hinges all contribute to interior design. Architects worldwide take advantage of the greater design freedom provided by Roto systems. Product groups such as PatioLife enable sliding doors to be taller, wider and heavier than was possible in the past, without compromising on ease of use. For unusual requirements, Roto consultants help design special hardware solutions, such as those on the Leadenhall ‘Cheesegrater’ Building in London and the Reeperbahn development in Hamburg,
SAFETY. Is your child safe from falling from their room? What if you had to open the front door quickly to escape a fire? How accessible is a home to people with disabilities? Safety and accessibility are paramount – which is why Roto has so many ways to provide it. A Tilt&Turn window that prevents children from being able to open the sash fully and fall out is an obvious safety advantage, and one that is generating a lot of interest for Roto. But there are other ways in which Roto systems can help make people feel safer. Think of front doors with electromechanical locks, which can be opened quickly and easily without having to spend time on the doorstep finding a key. Then there is the issue of quick escape in a fire. Roto door locks offer this without compromising exterior security. People feel safe within their homes, but there can be silent dangers. Condensation encourages the growth of mould, especially in bathrooms, and this can be a health hazard. With Roto hardware, you can open your bathroom window for ventilation knowing the hardware is protected from corrosion by the most modern coatings. Or you can take it further, with a smart, electromechanical window that opens automatically when the air is moist and closes again after a period of time.
SERVICE. Can you order your hardware from anywhere? How reliable is your delivery service? Do you need assistance with manufacturing challenges, or help with a special project? Service is the reason most customers stay with Roto. With the RotoCon Orders application, fabricators can generate a list of hardware components for windows according to their sizes, and order everything online from their desktop, smartphone or tablet. In terms of service, Roto provides much more than reliable next day delivery. For example, the RotoLean consulting operation is helping manufacturers around the world to revise and streamline their factory operations, speeding up their processes, reducing waste and ultimately helping them make more profits.
Safety Comfort Comfort Design Design Service Safety Service Roto Frank SA Rue du Bosquet 1, 1400 Nijvel +32 67 89 41 40 info.west@roto-frank.com 34
Roto Frank SA
Rue du Bosquet 1, 1400 Nijvel
+32 67 89 41 40
info.west@roto-frank.com
The The four four elements elements you you must provide to win. must provide to win. The modern window and door market is increasingly comThe modern and market is competitive. The window expectations of every client, from architect to The modern window and door door market is increasingly increasingly competitive. The expectations of every client, from architect consumer, are becoming more demanding. Are you offerpetitive. The expectations of every client, from architect to to consumer, are demanding. Are ing your customers thesemore four vital elements? consumer, are becoming becoming more demanding. Are you you offeroffering ing your your customers customers these these four four vital vital elements? elements?
COMFORT. COMFORT. COMFORT.
How does a handle feel when you grip it? How well is the How feel you it? well is temperature maintained within home? What How does does a a handle handle feel when when youagrip grip it? How How well about is the the temperature maintained within a noise reduction? With Roto, windows and What doors about bring temperature maintained within a home? home? What about noise With windows comfort in all these waysRoto, and more. noise reduction? reduction? With Roto, windows and and doors doors bring bring comfort comfort in in all all these these ways ways and and more. more. Making windows and doors easy to use, with comfortable Making and to handles and smooth-moving mechanisms is acomfortable key priority Making windows windows and doors doors easy easy to use, use, with with comfortable handles mechanisms is for Roto.and Butsmooth-moving just as important are the longer termpriority benehandles and smooth-moving mechanisms is a a key key priority for But as are the longer term benefits of reliable lifetime operation and even weather for Roto. Roto. But just just as important important are thefirm, longer term benefits of reliable lifetime operation and firm, even weather sealing. These aspects of hardware are just as important fits of reliable lifetime operation and firm, even weather sealing. These of are important as glazing and aspects frame profiles in making sureas and sealing. These aspects of hardware hardware are just just ashomes important as glazing and frame profiles in making sure homes offices remain free from water ingress, draughts as glazing and frame profiles in making sure homes and and offices remain water unwanted noise free fromfrom outside. offices remain free from water ingress, ingress, draughts draughts and and unwanted unwanted noise noise from from outside. outside.
DESIGN. DESIGN. DESIGN.
How does a building look? How does it make you feel How building look? make feel when insidea By enabling wide does varietyit sizes,you shapes How does does ait? building look?a How How does it of make you feel when inside By a of and opening formats for doors andvariety windows, Rotoshapes hardwhen inside it? it? By enabling enabling a wide wide variety of sizes, sizes, shapes and formats for windows, ware increases the possibilities for design, andRoto can hardeven and opening opening formats for doors doors and and windows, Roto hardware increases the for be a design element in itself. ware increases the possibilities possibilities for design, design, and and can can even even be be a a design design element element in in itself. itself. For the fabricator, Roto designs hardware that is as easy For the Roto is easy as possible to transport, store andhardware process. that For the homeFor the fabricator, fabricator, Roto designs designs hardware that is as as easy as to store For the owner, choices such as styles and process. colours of handles and as possible possible to transport, transport, store and and process. For the homehomeowner, choices such as styles and colours of handles options like concealed Tilt&Turn hinges all contribute to owner, choices such as styles and colours of handles and and options like interior design. options like concealed concealed Tilt&Turn Tilt&Turn hinges hinges all all contribute contribute to to interior interior design. design. Architects worldwide take advantage of the greater Architects worldwide take advantage of greater design freedom provided Roto systems. Architects worldwide take by advantage of the the Product greater design freedom provided by Roto systems. Product groups such as PatioLife enable sliding doors to be taller, design freedom provided by Roto systems. Product groups such as enable sliding to taller, wider and heavier than was possible in doors the past, without groups such as PatioLife PatioLife enable sliding doors to be be taller, wider than was possible in past, compromising on ease use. For unusual wider and and heavier heavier than of was possible in the the requirements, past, without without compromising on ease of For requirements, Roto consultants hardware solutions, compromising onhelp easedesign of use. use.special For unusual unusual requirements, Roto design hardware such consultants as those on help the Leadenhall ‘Cheesegrater’ Building Roto consultants help design special special hardware solutions, solutions, such as Leadenhall ‘Cheesegrater’ Building in London and on the the Reeperbahn development in Hamburg, such as those those on the Leadenhall ‘Cheesegrater’ Building in in London London and and the the Reeperbahn Reeperbahn development development in in Hamburg, Hamburg,
SAFETY. SAFETY. SAFETY.
Is your child safe from falling from their room? What if you Is from falling from room? you had to child open safe the front to escape fire?if Is your your child safe from door fallingquickly from their their room? aWhat What ifHow you had to open the front door quickly to escape a fire? How accessible is a home to people with disabilities? Safety had to open the front door quickly to escape a fire? How accessible is to disabilities? Safety and accessibility are paramount which is why Roto has accessible is a a home home to people people –with with disabilities? Safety and accessibility are paramount – which is why Roto so many ways to provide it. and accessibility are paramount – which is why Roto has has so so many many ways ways to to provide provide it. it. A Tilt&Turn window that prevents children from being A window that prevents from being able to open the sash fully fall outchildren is an obvious A Tilt&Turn Tilt&Turn window that and prevents children from safety being able to the sash fully fall safety advantage, generating lotobvious of interest for able to open openand the one sashthat fullyisand and fall out out is isa an an obvious safety advantage, and one that is lot interest for Roto. But there in whicha advantage, and are oneother that ways is generating generating aRoto lot of ofsystems interestcan for Roto. But there are other ways in which Roto systems can help make people feel safer. Think of front doors with Roto. But there are other ways in which Roto systems can help make feel Think doors with electromechanical which can of befront opened quickly help make people people locks, feel safer. safer. Think of front doors with electromechanical locks, which can be opened quickly and easily without having to spend time on the doorstep electromechanical locks, which can be opened quickly and easily without spend on doorstep finding a key. Then having there isto issuetime of quick escape in a and easily without having tothe spend time on the the doorstep finding a Then there is issue of escape fire. Roto door locks offer this without compromising finding a key. key. Then there is the the issue of quick quick escape in in a a fire. Roto door locks offer this without compromising exterior security. fire. Roto door locks offer this without compromising exterior exterior security. security. People feel safe within their homes, but there can be People feel within homes, there can silent growth of Peopledangers. feel safe safeCondensation within their their encourages homes, but but the there can be be silent Condensation encourages the growth of mould,dangers. especially in bathrooms, and this can a health silent dangers. Condensation encourages thebe growth of mould, especially in bathrooms, and this can be a health hazard. With Roto hardware, you can open your bathroom mould, especially in bathrooms, and this can be a health hazard. Roto you can open windowWith for ventilation knowing is bathroom protected hazard. With Roto hardware, hardware, youthe canhardware open your your bathroom window for knowing the from corrosion by the most modern coatings.is you can window for ventilation ventilation knowing the hardware hardware isOrprotected protected from corrosion by the most modern coatings. Or take it further, with a smart, electromechanical window from corrosion by the most modern coatings. Or you you can can take it with window that opens automatically whenelectromechanical the air is moist and closes take it further, further, with a a smart, smart, electromechanical window that automatically when again after a period of time. that opens opens automatically when the the air air is is moist moist and and closes closes again after a period of time. again after a period of time.
SERVICE. SERVICE. SERVICE.
Can you order your hardware from anywhere? How Can order your from How reliable service? Do youanywhere? need assistance Can you youis your orderdelivery your hardware hardware from anywhere? How reliable is your delivery service? Do you need assistance with manufacturing challenges, or help with a special reliable is your delivery service? Do you need assistance with manufacturing challenges, or help a project? Service is the reason most with with manufacturing challenges, or customers help with with stay a special special project? Roto. project? Service Service is is the the reason reason most most customers customers stay stay with with Roto. Roto. With the RotoCon Orders application, fabricators can With Orders fabricators can generate list of hardware components for windows With the the aRotoCon RotoCon Orders application, application, fabricators can generate of hardware components windows according a their and order everythingfor online from generate atolist list ofsizes, hardware components for windows according to sizes, everything their desktop, smartphone ororder tablet. according to their their sizes, and and order everything online online from from their desktop, smartphone or tablet. their desktop, smartphone or tablet. In terms of service, Roto provides much more than In of Roto provides much than reliable day delivery. example, themore RotoLean In terms termsnext of service, service, Roto For provides much more than reliable next day delivery. For example, the RotoLean consulting operation is helping manufacturers around the reliable next day delivery. For example, the RotoLean consulting operation helping around world to revise and is streamline their factory operations, consulting operation is helping manufacturers manufacturers around the the world and factory operations, speeding up their processes,their reducing and world to to revise revise and streamline streamline their factory waste operations, speeding up processes, ultimately helping them make morereducing profits. waste speeding up their their processes, reducing waste and and ultimately ultimately helping helping them them make make more more profits. profits. Enquiry 44
Safety Safety Comfort Comfort Design Design Service Service Roto Frank SA Rue du Bosquet 1, 1400 Nijvel +32 67 89 41 40 info.west@roto-frank.com Roto Roto Frank Frank SA SA
Rue Rue du du Bosquet Bosquet 1, 1, 1400 1400 Nijvel Nijvel
+32 +32 67 67 89 89 41 41 40 40
info.west@roto-frank.com info.west@roto-frank.com 35
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Automatic And Industrial Entrance Design Made Easier ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems has expanded its BIM Library, with models for Crawford industrial doors and docking equipment joining the complete range of Besam automatic door objects, on their free to download ‘BIM cloud’. In May 2014 BIM objects were unveiled for Besam revolving, sliding and swing doors and operators, providing a high-level of detail in REVIT and ArchiCAD compatible formats. In December objects were added for Crawford overhead sectional doors, dock levellers, dock shelters and Loadhouses. The ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems BIM cloud – http://assaabloyentrance.bimobject.com – offers BIM objects free of charge. All models include the features of the actual products such as standard colors, size variations, different profile systems and panel configurations. Corresponding hardware like locks, handles, and ironmongery are options. The objects retain a high level of detail in order to produce a complete bill of materials and documentation. Tutorial videos, demonstrating how best to use these objects, are available to watch at www.assaabloyentrance.co.uk “By developing our BIM library, we aim to facilitate the specification and building process when it comes to entrance automation. As a leading entrance automation supplier, we strive to offer the best possible support and to recommend the best products and solutions for any set of client needs,” says Juan Vargues, President of ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems. Enquiry 45
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ESG Are Continuing To Lead The Way In 2015
ESG, the UK’s leading manufacturer of switchable LCD privacy glass, are continuing to lead the way in 2015 with an impressive, ever expanding product range. The new products which were added to the range in the latter part of 2014 includes:• ESG Switchable™ iD allows for the inclusion of words, logos and simple images inside the film, which can be switched independently from the rest of the panel. • ESG Switchable™ Shutter is a panel that is designed to mimic the slat design of a venetian blind and switches from top to bottom as if it were being lowered and raised. It also allows for a selectable height on the amount of glass switched to opaque to be chosen, in the same way as you choose blinds heights. • ESG Optic is a fusion of LED lighting and glass, where the LEDs are laminated within the glass creating a product that allows the creation of unique lighting effects that enhance any interior. With the most important inclusion to the range is the ESG Switchable™ HD Control box. This patented* control box has been developed with a host of features that means that is does more than simply powering the glass. The new controller is fully CE certified with inbuilt software that is designed to optimise the performance of the LCD film with a colour code plug and play connection system that makes ESG Switchable™ glass quicker and easier to install. As the product range expands and offers different applications for their switchable glass, so does the interest in their product. This year has seen the glass installed in some of the most prestigious locations in the UK from the most famous shop in the capital to Londons newest ‘must have’ apartment block. To find out more about ESG Switchable glass please visit www.esgswitchable.glass or call direct on 0845 6195092. Enquiry 47
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Instant Attraction With Vicaima The moment they entered the room one look was enough, they could tell that it was love at first glance and that without doubt there was an instant attraction. Your design and build quality is often assessed by first impressions and what better way to set the right note than by your choice of interior door and door assemblies. By choosing Vicaima products, with a reputation for design flair and innovation, it can speak volumes about your own values and specification and demonstrate the passion you have for quality products. Vicaima offers Housing designers, developers and contractors real scope to put their own stamp on things with imaginative options in quality veneered and laminated finishes. Design and performance solutions are constantly evolving to meet the needs of an ever changing market and to inspire fresh ideas that present real differentiation for interior living standards. Two recent examples where Vicaima’s contemporary design ideas has drawn plenty of admiring glances, is in the introduction of the Dekordor 3D and the Naturdor Oak stained ranges. Vicaima’s Dekordor 3D embossed face finished doors have really made a big impression, with their highly tactile yet surprisingly durable face finish. Its striking horizontal embossed surface cries out to be touched and yet it offers excellent abrasion and moisture resistance and is
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so easy to clean. Used widely in apartments and luxury living accommodation, Dekordor 3D presents a modern door option with real uniformity of colour and texture. Available in 5 popular finishes including Grey and a recently introduced Oak. For specifiers keen to reflect the recent trend for stained Oak floors and kitchens, Vicaima have also developed an exciting selection of real Oak veneered doors with the added charm of staining to bring out the natural beauty of wood in new and less common hues, such as chocolate, hazel and grey, in addition to limed oak, wenge and walnut. The faces, which are available in either a textured or smooth finish, have been enhanced with a matt lacquered stain finish which requires no further treatment once fitted. Truly different, this range will add charm to both modern and traditional homes. No matter which design you choose, it is worth remembering that door and frame go hand in hand. So a completely matching door assembly like the Vicaima Portaro system avoids the need for oddly painted frames and ensures you have perfect harmony. www.vicaima.com Enquiry 48
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New Addition To Schueco Range Of Passive House Certified Systems
Premdor Speedset Plus Internal Doorset System - Now Available To Watch Online
Newly available from Schueco UK Limited, is the Schueco AWS 90.SI+ window, one of a growing number of Schueco window, door and façade systems to have received full Passive House Certification. The window’s outstanding thermal performance – it delivers a U value of 0.8 W/m2K with 0.7 W/m2K triple glazing – is the result of advanced insulation technology. Schueco AvanTec concealed fittings impart an impressive degree of security, helping the Schueco AWS 90.SI+ system to deliver either RC 2 or RC 3 levels of burglar resistance to EN 1627. Two other windows in the AWS 90 window range, the Schueco AWS 90.SI+ Green and the Schueco AWS 90 BS.SI+, have thermal insulation to Passive House levels.The Schueco AWS 90.SI+ Green is part of Schueco’s new generation of ecologically friendly window systems. The Schueco AWS 90 BS.SI+ offers a complete and elegant solution for concealed vent windows. www.schueco.co.uk Enquiry 50
Unique to the Building and Construction sector is SPEEDSET PLUS, a factory prepared door and frame package designed by Premdor to be installed quickly and simply. With the ability to be adjusted by +/- 10mm to compensate for variances within wall thicknesses, the versatility of the system means it can be installed in less than 20 minutes with no expensive specialist joinery skills. SPEEDSET PLUS is delivered to site in plot lots as a complete preassembled package, with almost any choice of door from the Premdor internal door range, pre-hung and with factory fitted door latches or locks and complete with pre-mitred architraves for on site assembly. Due to the sheer flexibility of the system SPEEDSET PLUS can be fitted much later in the build programme thereby drastically reducing possible damage risk. Now available for use with wall widths of up to 300mm, the system is highly cost effective with an improved quality of finish. To learn more about this unique system send for a Premdor Product Brochure or visit You Tube, key in Premdor SPEEDSET PLUS and enjoy the dedicated video. For full details call 0844 2090008 or visit www.premdor.co.uk Enquiry 49
Concealed Closers Are An ‘Open And Shut’ Case With GEZE UK! GEZE’s range of concealed door closers, the Boxer, comes in a number of versions and is installed within the door leaf leaving only the guide rail visible when the door is open. The Boxer 3-6 accommodates doors up to 180kg in weight with a maximum leaf width of up to 1400mm in a single action configuration, whilst the lighter duty Boxer 2-4 offers single and double action functionality. www.geze.co.uk Enquiry 51
Elegance Is Back Italian hardware company AGB has brought Imago Lift & Slide to the UK, a luxury wide span timber door that oozes elegance. The sheer luxury of wood is combined with componentry from Italian hardware specialists AGB. The incredible engineering of Imago means frames are just 2 centimetres slim to give the emphasis on what’s beyond the door. Imago’s technical credentials are more than a match for its beauty. The Imago Lift & Slide door is highly energy efficient. www.chooseimago.co.uk Enquiry 52
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Affordable Unitised Facade Solutions
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Glazed unitised facades have long since been the preserve of high rise multi-million pound projects. A relatively simple concept, these systems consist of fully glazed, aluminium framed, unitised elements being delivered and assembled on site. This solution often shortens the time required to complete the building envelope and can save weeks on a building programme. Despite its simplicity, these systems rely on sophisticated aluminium profiles, detailed planning arrangements, strict logistics and accurate setting out. Today, finding a company that is set up with enhanced manufacture and logistics - unitised facade solutions can be very effective and affordable solution on medium sized projects. Many of the very large facade companies in the UK and Europe specialise in unitised systems, but due to the nature of fabrication and logistics, will not consider projects under a certain value. These companies often hold the designs to the profiles and initiate weather testing on a ‘per project’ basis. In the UK for small to medium sized buildings we have normally resorted to ‘stick’ curtain wall systems which are installed on site from premachined profiles and bracketry. Whilst these systems can be cost effective, they can take time to complete on site, often relying on wet sealing solutions in their construction, so program progress is often subject to damp weather conditions, which is not ideal given the British weather! The most competitive stick systems comprise of 50mm mullion and transom sigh lines which suit most construction requirement, but care is needed when calculating for allowable thermal and building movement. Unitised systems are complete elements which span from floor to floor and are often in standard module widths that allow for greater movement around their perimeter than that of their stick system counterparts. Today, supplying the gap between the large facade installations and the smaller to medium sized projects are the aluminium ‘systems’ companies. These companies supply ‘off the shelf’ profiles and hardware to fabricators. These systems are manufactured to strict guidelines, which then perform to approved weather tests. Until a decade or so ago, no systems companies provided unitised solutions. Windows, doors and stick curtain wall systems can easily be produced on a typical fabrication line, as the completed products are of reasonable size which can be manually handled and easily delivered. Unitised construction requires a significant investment in new plant and machinery, as well as experience in manufacture, logistics and installation. Manufacturing often requires a new production line with mechanical lifting equipment. Unitised systems are factory glazed and elements are typically up to 3.0 m in height and 1.2 m or more in width which weigh upward of 150kg once glazed. It is this glazing requirement for unitised construction which is not normally considered in a aluminium fabrication shop. Logistics are also much different to normal commercial aluminium work. Whilst stick curtain wall systems, unglazed windows and doors can easily be packaged and loaded onto a flat bed lorry for transport, unitised modules are usually placed in racks which are either lifted off in
their entirety on site, or when possible unitised elements can be lifted off individually and installed direct from the delivery vehicle. As unitised elements take up little space and can be installed quickly, they are ideal for where site access is very tight and storage limited. Where racks of complete elements are loaded to the floor where they are being installed, special plant is used for installation. These specialised machines pick up units from the rack, take them beyond the floor edge, then turns the unit vertical and places it upon the fixing brackets, where the unit aligns with the edge seals of adjacent units. Scaffolding is not required when the glazed facade is constructed of unitised elements. No applied ‘wet’ sealing is required on installation, so units can be installed in inclement weather, the only issue that does require monitoring is that of high winds. Being able to install without scaffolding and in damp weather ensures that the building envelope is watertight in the shortest space of time and importantly, to programme. This leads us onto the third crucial element of unitised facade installation, that of setting out. As stated, a unitised element sits on two brackets fixed to the building structure, these brackets need to be set out accurately around the building on all floors prior to any units being delivered on site. Between the units there is a least two seals which link units together on all sides allowing for building and thermal movement whilst creating excellent weathertight and good thermal insulation properties. As unitised systems are manufactured off site in a controlled environment, it is often claimed that such fabrication is conducted to a much higher standard. Due to the more specialist manufacture, logistics and installation, unitised systems are more expensive than traditional stick construction. Given that scaffolding is not required, the additional costs can be completely offset but with the added benefit of almost a 50% reduction in time to install on site. Aluprof’s MB-SE75 unitised curtain wall system has been extensively tested and used on many European and Worldwide projects. Our philosophy is one of bespoke design when in consultation with specifiers. Project details and solutions can be developed by our technical department in the UK before the project goes to tender to ensure that detailed solutions are both robust and covered by Aluprof’s warranty. All Aluprof systems are designed, fabricated and installed by selected, specially trained companies across the UK. Further information is available on the company’s website at www.aluprof.eu/en/ and specialist advice is available from Aluprof on 0161 941 4005. Enquiry 53
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A Building With Positive Energy Exploiting The Resources Of Two Key Materials: Corian® To The Façade And Tyvek® As The Weather Barrier
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Resembling a sleek white ocean liner, the new Regional Environmental City building makes a striking impression at 90 avenue du Général Leclerc in Pantin. The building is much more than merely beautiful, however. The combination of a gleaming facade made from Corian® in Glacier White and Tyvek® breather membrane fitted behind maximises the multiple benefits of these two high-performance DuPont materials to create an original, durable and sustainable architectural project. Specified for a building which claims to produce more energy than it consumes, 2200 m² of Corian® and Tyvek® were installed to enhance the thermal efficiency of the structure and contribute significantly to this objective. By virtue of its unique, high quality composition, Tyvek® is naturally vapour-open but air and water tight. Robust, easy to install and UV resistant to Tyvek® advanced breather membranes provide exceptional protection for the building, both during the construction phase and over the long term. The white colour of the Tyvek® 45 membrane makes the rain barrier completely invisible behind the open joints between the Corian® panels of the facade in rebates and sash rebates. The versatile and hi-tech properties of Corian® allowed for complex specifications and precise tolerances to be achieved on this project, including forming to five different angles. A total of 584 panels of 3 different sizes (up to 4.10 metres long), and 12 mm thick were machined off-site to keep material waste to a minimum. A.E.A, certified fabricators of Corian® within the internationally renowned Quality Network, is a specialist in the construction of Corian® facades (with a dozen projects to their name), undertook the highly skilled and valuable work to realise the architectural vision for this ground-breaking project. Expert techniques included thermoforming large angled panels, seamless bonding and digital cutting. A.E.A. also worked on site when necessary to make adjustments to the pre-cut panels to meet certain constraints specific to the site (for example, the slope of the street) and also to allow for the assembly of rebates and sash rebates. For Patrick Péberay, manager of A.E.A, the key challenge was the thermoforming the panels, particularly to achieve the variety of radii required: “For this project, we had to produce both flat construction and curved elements. To fit the panels to the structure, we used Etanco aluminium frames (with KEIL inserts) allowing us to obtain a thermal break between the fixing points of the façade (flexible aluminium profiles) and its concrete structure, according to the express request of the architect and so that this system would provide the building with positive energy.” Corian® is the solid surface with the broadest range of international certification for facade applications and has passed a series of fundamental tests for its application to the exterior of buildings. These include freeze/thaw cycling resistance, standards proving the material’s resistance to exterior environmental substances, and fire performance tests, and tests for abuse resistance. Further information about these tests and certificates are available on request from DuPont. Currently, Corian® is the only category of solid surfaces to have received a technical evaluation CSTB (no. 02/11 1472) for its facade work. It has also obtained European Technical Approval (ETA-13/0377) and a seismic additive is in the final stages of processing at the CSTB. www. tyvek.co.uk Enquiry 54 45
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Vertical Access Success In A Listed Rail Station As part of Network Rail’s £25m revamp of Haymarket Station in Edinburgh, the Stannah Major Projects team has installed three 16-person passenger/goods lifts to help bring step-free access to the travelling public, whatever their mobility level. Haymarket Station is a Category A listed station located near the city centre. It is the second largest railway station in Edinburgh and the fifth busiest in Scotland. With a footfall of over 2 million, it is one of the most congested stations in the Scottish rail network. The refurbishment forms part of the Edinburgh to Glasgow Improvement Programme, a £650m comprehensive package of improvements to Scotland's railway infrastructure being delivered by Network Rail. Combining function and style for scenic travel and sense of space, the fully glazed, hydraulic passenger/ goods lifts travel at a speed of 0.63m/s between the platform level and the footbridge, a distance range of 5645mm – 5765mm. Each lift has been tailored to fit shaft constraints of 2100mmW x 2675mmD. The lift cars have also been customised from single entry to through car, with NICEIC electrical 240v installation, testing and certification offered as an optional extra. The machine rooms are separate.
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To optimize design and performance in a demanding environment, the lifts feature vandal-resistant lighting, a durable finish, and remote monitoring by a Central Management System via a dedicated phone line, for fault analysis.
Stannah’s Major Projects team supplied the passenger/goods lifts with a 12-month partsand-labour warranty included, complete with a fully comprehensive maintenance contract. www.stannahlifts.co.uk Enquiry 55
All works are in accordance with BS EN81, BS 7255, Network Rail specification NR/SP/ ELP/27228, CDM, Stannah Lifts Services H&S policy, PUWER and LOLER.
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Wood-Effect Balustrade Chosen At College Project neaco’s Timberline wood-effect aluminium balustrade is providing high aesthetic value to an impressive new extension at Oldham Sixth Form College. Designed by AA Projects, the scheme required an extension to the main entrance and internal remodelling of other existing buildings. Combining a tension wire infill with metallic-finish stanchions and wood-effect handrails, Timberline is featured on an internal stairway, a mezzanine floor and external steps at the entrance. neaco’s UK Business Development Manager, Peter Melia, said: “Timberline has become one of the most popular specifications in our Spectrum balustrade range. Its powder coated reproduction of oak grain is impressively detailed with a durable non-chip finish providing the rich aesthetic of real wood without its high maintenance and vulnerability to surface damage or hygiene problems. The Oldham Sixth Form project is an example of how timber’s traditional style can be complemented by contemporary features – in this particular specification, the contrasting stanchions and tension wire add a modern touch which combines superbly with the oak-finish handrails.” Available in powder coated aluminium or stainless steel - or a combination of both – neaco’s Spectrum balustrade and balconies range is characterized by smooth, clean lines and a durable, maintenance-free finish. Balustrade is available with a comprehensive choice of infills, from toughened glass and rails to mesh and perforated panels. Structural glass balustrade is free-standing and requires no supporting uprights. Modular assembly is achieved with internal fixtures requiring no welding or hot works. Further information is available at www.neaco.co.uk Enquiry 56
Making History A homeowner in Cambridge selected the Redland Rosemary Clay Craftsman roof tile due to its heritage look on a complete re-roofing job done on his mansion house. Cambridge is a town of quintessential English charm, famous for its top university and frequented by scholars from all over the world. Both Latham Road and Chaucer Road, the oldest streets in Cambridge, were put under a conservation order in 2000. This means that any external work carried out on the buildings in these streets, including this property must fit in with the traditional aesthetic. Craftsman tiles have the rustic appearance of an old tile teamed with the strength and durability of a new tile, offering the best of both worlds to history conscious homeowners who want to maintain an authentically dated appearance for their property. www.redland.co.uk Enquiry 57
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Sound Learning At New Academy Apart from the quality of teaching, good acoustics is a prime requirement for schools which can be very noisy environments. Simple solutions are available and London’s new UCL Academy is a good example where Troldtekt acoustic panels have been specified by architects Penoyre & Prasad. These also contribute towards the school achieving its BREEAM rating of Excellent. At six storeys high, the Academy fulfils its role as an important civic landmark in the community. It curves around a large south facing outdoor space which is the circulation hub for arriving staff and students and from which they disperse to the five ‘households’ which make up the Academy. Each of the five has its own social and pastoral centre and a ‘superstudio’ as the centre of its learning resource. The upper floors offer fine views and roof terraces are provided wherever possible to facilitate additional learning and social opportunities on the tight site. Any potential noise pollution from open spaces or classrooms has been solved by installing Troldtekt acoustic panels on the ceilings. Made from 100% natural wood fibres, their benefits include high sound absorption, high durability, natural breathability, low cost life cycle performance and sustainability. Troldtekt panels are widely specified throughout Europe to improve acoustics in many different projects, such as schools, swimming pools, commercial and public buildings. Available in various sizes and in three grades from ultrafine to coarse, they can be left unpainted or painted in virtually any RAL colour. Their sustainability was recently recognised with certification at Silver level within the Cradle to Cradle concept. For samples and comprehensive technical information tel 01978 664255 or visit www.troldtekt.co.uk Enquiry 58
Super Low Energy SIPS House ‘Riding’ On Marmox Thermoblock A regional developer specialising in very low energy and PassivHaus projects is making use of the ThermoBlock structural insulation for the first time as part of a bespoke SIPs construction for a client in the East Riding of Yorkshire. RM Developments concentrates on building eco-friendly, mainly residential properties for individual clients using modern methods of construction with very high insulation standards and featuring renewable energy technologies including heat pumps and PV panels. On its most recent project near York, RM Developments is creating a spacious two storey family home where instead of blockwork or timber frame, the main loadbearing walls are all formed of SIPs- Structural Insulated Panels – or Structural Insulated Panels. These are located on top of the beam and block oversite whose ends are carried by a course of the Marmox ThermoBlocks in order to prevent heat loss at the critical wall/floor junction. Since Fabric Energy Efficiency Standards (FEES) were incorporated in Part L of the Building Regulations, ThermoBlock is increasingly being used by specifiers to tackle thermal linear losses at both the ground floor and upper level junctions. Its composite construction does this by surrounding micro-columns of concrete with high performance insulation to create a horizontal barrier to heat loss. Using the ‘default value’ in Building Regulations incurs a heavy penalty under SAP which is why specifiers are routinely adopting Approved Construction Details (ACD or Enhanced Construction Details (ECD). Significantly switching from an ACD to using ThermoBlock can reduce carbon losses by some 90 per cent: offering a very rapid pay-back on using the product. A 9 N/mm strength version of ThermoBlock is being introduced in addition to the existing 6.5 N/mm product in order to support higher loads in multi-storey structures. www.marmox.co.uk Enquiry 59 51
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Tormax Unfolds The head offices of housing association Plus Dane in Ellesmere Port, welcomes staff and visitors with a smart TORMAX automatic folding entrance system. It was important that the refurbished facility was fully DDA compliant. A space-saving solution that can be installed in opening widths of just 90cm, the TORMAX TOP FOLDOR was specified for the existing narrow entrance. Where lack of space dictates that neither a sliding nor a swing door can be considered, an automatic folding door provides an ideal solution. Its particularly compact construction makes this type of door the complete space-saver which is also perfect for retro-fitting during conversions or renovations. Maximising opening space, the four-leaf folding principle of the TORMAX TOP FOLDOR, effectively reduces the swivel range to just half of that of a conventional two-leaf swing door. Sophisticated engineering ensures the FOLDOR opens smoothly from the centre, quickly and silently, every time. Fitted with both vertical and horizontal threshold sensors, as well as a sensitive auto-reverse feature, which comes into operation when any obstacle is encountered during opening or closing, the FOLDOR delivers outstanding safe operation.
Humidification On Ice The British Antarctic Survey has recently fitted two Condair MK5 steam humidifiers into the sleeping modules of its new Halley VI research station, located on the Brunt Ice Shelf, Antarctica. The extreme Antarctic environment is very dry and so humidification is needed to provide a healthy environment for the scientific team stationed there. The Condair steam humidifiers are helping to suppress electrostatic shocks and reduce drying of the skin, eyes and the mucosa of the nose and mouth. This helps maintain the health of the BAS personnel through reducing the risk of airborne infection. www.condair.co.uk Enquiry 61
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‘Green’ Natural Ventilation From SE Controls At New King’s Cross Central Development The London Borough of Camden’s new multi-storey office and leisure complex within the 67 acre King’s Cross Central development, is using a highly energy efficient natural ventilation system from SE Controls to maintain a comfortable indoor environment while contributing to the building’s BREEAM outstanding rating.
Kemmlit’s Cubicle Systems Firm Favourite At Cheltenham As part of the £45-million development of Cheltenham Racecourse, the bars’ refurbished washroom facilities, Kemmlit’s Cronus and Apex Cubicle Systems were specified by the Racecourse project management team. Cronus is a fully framed and versatile cubicle system that can be used for dry or wet areas. The panels are made from 13mm solid grade laminate (SGL) with a special overlay to protect them against abrasion, wear and scratches -making them the ideal solution for this type of demanding environment. www.kemmlituk.com Enquiry 62
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A total of 204 SCCO 24 30 concealed tandem and single chain actuators are installed on Schüco AWS 102 SK glazed projected top hung vents, which are controlled by 68 NVLogiQ 6Amp power supply units (PSUs) and actuated by the building’s central BMS, which also triggers window opening and closing for night purging. Within the North atrium, SE Controls also installed 12 SECO N 24 40 twin chain actuators and a 30 Amp PSU panel, incorporating a maintenance key-switch and linked to the BMS, to provide additional control over ventilation, indoor air quality and building energy efficiency. www.secontrols.com Enquiry 63
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Daylighting School Sport The Maelor High School, a mixed comprehensive school for pupils between the ages of 11 and 18, is located in the small village of Penley near Wrexham. It has recently acquired a large sports hall which is also used by the local community. Designed by Wrexham Council architects, this stunning facility uses modern building technology to create the ideal playing conditions. This is achieved by cladding the sports and entrance areas with Ice Blue Kalwall which not only diffuses natural daylight but also creates perfect playing conditions by eliminating glare and shadows. This solution also means that there is no need for blinds, curtains or external shading. With increased natural daylight and resistance to solar gain, energy-consuming artificial lighting and air-conditioning costs will be dramatically reduced. The clerestory daylighting, along the sides and gable ends, has been shaped to follow the lines of the curved roof, technically, the translucent panels are highly insulating, with U-values as low as 0.28W/m2K. Apart from being specified for all types of new build, Kalwall is increasingly used for the refurbishment of cladding or rooflights on aged buildings. Case studies and technical information are available from Structura UK Ltd, Tel: 01233 501 504 or visit http://tinyurl.com/kalwall
Fila Provides Surface Protection At Transformed IWM London A Fila floor protection system has been specified, alongside Mapei Ultratop cementitious flooring, at IWM London, the flagship branch of the Imperial War Museums. Recently transformed to mark the centenary of the WW1, the London museum attracts around one million visitors each year. Fila products chosen for the heavy traffic environment included high performance FILAFOB stain protector and FILA Cleaner; part of the eco award-winning Fila Green Line range. All site works were coordinated by Construction Manager, Lend Lease and Fila systems were applied by Polished Concrete Designs, for Trade Contractor, ITC Concepts Ltd. Following the floor installation, Mapei Ultratop was sealed with oil and stain proofing FILAFOB; a non film-forming treatment that protects against stains without altering surface appearance. Fila Cleaner was chosen to maintain the cementitious floor; the bio gradable detergent is pHneutral and cleans without damaging the sealant or leaving a film. www.filasolutions.com Enquiry 65
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BREEAM ‘Excellent’ Rating For Defining Community Hospital Finchley’s new Memorial Hospital and Walk-in Centre achieves a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating, meeting environmental and sustainability targets central to the development of a community hospital. On the site of the former hospital it features Reynaers façade and fenestration systems throughout, contributing to the energy efficiency of this primary and social care facility for Barnet NHS Trust. A new community hospital designed by Murphy Phillips Architects it fully embraces and sets the standard for the new Department of Health guidance for flexible and adaptable healthcare facilities. The layout is based around generic modular clinical rooms and clusters reflecting the Health Building Notes for Primary and Community Care. Developed as part of a health campus, in conjunction with SHINE, the hospital delivers an environmentally responsible and sustainable contribution to the local surroundings and community. Bespoke louvre and vent panel arrangements feature Reynaers ES 50 (Eco System) windows combining aesthetic design with energy efficiency. Three variants of CW 50 curtain wall were used including capped, structurally clamped and sloped with attic window inserts included. This ensures that central areas make the best use of natural light while automated openers aid ventilation and air circulation throughout the hospital. Reynaers fire rated internal screens CS 77-FP E130/E160 are installed throughout key areas with access fire doors delivering safe emergency corridors should the building have to be cleared in the event of an emergency. Vision 50 doors, ideal for high usage, are installed on the main entrance and on busy thoroughfares providing
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excellent performance with low maintenance. It is also used effectively on internal screens throughout the hospital. The four-storey development also contains examination and consultation rooms, 49 ensuite bedrooms and administration areas, pharmacy, GP practices, outpatients and rehabilitation departments and an infusion suite. Completed on time and within budget the hospital has won a number of building accolades including a ‘Highly Commended’ at the 2014 CIBSE Awards and ‘Commended’ in the 2014 Civic Trust Awards. “On its completion this was the largest hospital procured under the NHS Local Improvement Finance Trust,” said Paul Duffy, Reynaers UK Sales Director. “It is now seen as a model development for similar facilities throughout the country with its exemplar sustainability and environmental credentials in which Reynaers systems played a significant role.” Fabricators on the project were Deepdale Solutions who are also a Reynaers Fire Partner and main contractors were Galliford Try South East. www.reynaers.co.uk Enquiry 66
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Mapei’s Mapetherm System Provides Eco-Solution At Berwick
An External Wall Insulation and protection system – The Mapetherm System, has been installed throughout an eco-funded refurbishment project in Berwick-upon-Tweed, on the Scottish Borders. The 175-house refurbishment, by Berwick Housing Association, occupies multiple sites across the Borders and includes Cruden and Blackburn-style ‘system-type’ non-traditional housing. During a two-month time frame over the winter period, the Mapetherm System was installed on all external walls by Lime Technology Ltd, the total application amounting to 25, 000m2 throughout the mix of social and private dwellings. The system provided a fast, cost-effective method of improving the existing thermal performance of the properties, whilst enabling the occupants to remain in their own homes at all times. The Mapetherm System not only offers protective benefits to the structure, but gives the whole estate a fresh, modern, low maintenance decorative finish coat. Meeting the demands of a steady supply of materials around a residential estate was made possible through UK manufacturing by Mapei, facilitating the demanding fast-track requirements and intense program time frame. The complete Mapei system included Mapetherm EPS+ expanded polystyrene insulation panels, which were bonded to the external walls using Mapei Mapetherm ARI GG one-component cementitious mortar. The polystyrene panels then received a leveling coat of Mapetherm AR1 GG which was reinforced with Mapei Mapetherm Net alkali-resistant glass fibre mesh, prior to the application of a water-repellent silicone base coat primer. All surfaces received a protective and decorative coating of Mapei Silancolor Tonachino textured silicone finish, to the client’s individual specification. For more information on Mapei wall protection systems, please visit www.mapei.co.uk email info@mapei.co.uk or tel. +44 (0)121 508 6970. Enquiry 67
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Qualplas Manufactures VEKA Door And Window Order For Challenging West African Beachfront Development St Helens-based VEKA fabricator, Qualplas, has recently fulfilled one of the more unusual contracts of its 25-year history by manufacturing windows, doors and French doors for a residential project in Ghana! The new development iwill consist of 24 serviced apartments, office facilities, a bar and restaurant area overlooking the seafront and a bathing area / swimming pool. Qualplas received an order comprising around 40 Matrix 70 windows, 19 sets of French doors and additional residential doors. VEKA door and window systems are therefore used exclusively throughout the development. www.vekauk.com
Top Designer Choses Ecosmart Fires For Luxury Penthouses
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Colourful Hardware Scheme For Welsh Care Home A newly refurbished care home near Abergavenny features nylon door hardware from HOPPE UK to great effect. Different coloured hardware has been used on each floor of the Glaslyn Retirement Home to help residents orientate themselves. As part of the refurbishment, HOPPE nylon pull handles, kick and finger plates plus door stops and escutcheons were fitted on more than one hundred doors. www.hoppe.co.uk
Leading interior designer Maria Rice turned to EcoSmart fires to achieve a focal point for the stunning penthouse rooms of the Wyndham Grand Hotel, Chelsea Harbour. The hotel went through a dramatic restoration and rejuvenation programme, including the creation of four luxury penthouse suites offering spectacular views of the river Thames. Maria and her team were tasked with creating four very different styles of penthouse apartment for one of the capital’s premiere five star hotels. The main challenge faced by Maria and her design company, Dublin based adi studio, was the lack of a gas supply to the suites. Maria recalled that she had seen bio-ethanol EcoSmart fires demonstrated at an exhibition and seeing as they needed no gas, she saw them as the perfect alternative. The fireplaces have been designed to be the penthouses focal point in the living area and Maria has used marble and other natural stone for the fireplace surrounds. Enquiry 70
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Raise A Glass To PV The new Hungry Horse pub in Brislington, Bristol achieves a ‘very good’ BREEAM rating and a reduction in carbon emissions from the notional building design having opted for Redland Ministonewold Solar PV tiles. Harnessing solar energy is one of the most sustainable means of generating zero carbon, renewable energy for use in buildings and as Solar PV tiles are integrated into the whole roof system, they allow for a relatively unobtrusive appearance. www.redland.co.uk Enquiry 71
Astra Closers To The Fore! Hundreds of Astra 3000 Series door closers have helped make newly refurbished homes in London’s Enfield safe and practical for tenants. New flat entrance doors are part of a major facelift and improvements at Fore Street Estate in Edmonton by ALMO Enfield Homes. The closers were selected for their ability to close these fire-rated doors efficiently while at the same time being unobtrusive, hard wearing and reliable. In addition, there is a closer in the 3000 Series for any size of door. www.astradoorcontrols.com Enquiry 72
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Klober Airtightness Products For 17th Century Barn Conversion Klober roofing airtightness accessories have been specified by Danks Badnell Architects for the conversion of 17th century Brettenham Barn in Betchworth Surrey. A steel frame was fitted within the structure, with Wallint 50 air barrier used to ‘wrap’ the property. Permo TR and Easy-Form tapes were used to seal laps and joints of the building which was re-roofed using Permo air underlay. www.klober.co.uk Enquiry 73
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Affordable Luxury At BLOC Hotel A range of Roca’s bathroom products, including the luxury, Armani/Roca range, have been used at the BLOC hotel in Gatwick, helping owner, Colin Graham, create a new concept in affordable accommodation; something which he describes as ‘pared-down chic’. Offering a high-end look and luxurious experience at prices that won’t break the bank, at BLOC the very best materials are used but in a way that’s focused on utilising space to the maximum. This approach allows BLOC hotels to be stylish and comfortable, in prime city-centre locations, but at room rates more akin with budget competitors. With products ranging from functional to high-end, and everything in between, Roca offered the ideal levels of versatility Colin needed to create usable, yet luxurious wash rooms. Sanitaryware and furniture was chosen to meet the individual needs of each space BLOC’s rooms are priced on three levels; basic, executive and luxury. “Throughout the project, my priority has been to work with major brands that are genuinely enthusiastic about what we are trying to do,” said Colin. “Roca has been fantastic in that regard, offering a range of options for every room type.” Roca’s Element brassware has been used in BLOC’s ‘Snug’ and ‘Vista’ rooms, with the innovative watersaving W+W, which re-uses water from the basin to fill the cistern, featuring in the midpriced, ‘Aspire’ bedrooms. For the ‘Presidential’ and ‘VIP’ rooms Armani/Roca adds the perfect finishing touch. www.armaniroca.com www.uk.roca.com Enquiry 74
International Law firm Chooses Skyfold Delivering functional yet aesthetically impressive space to the new UK head offices of international law firm, Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co, Style has installed six, fully automatic Skyfold partitioning walls to the meeting rooms, restaurant and conference/seminar suite. Only available in the UK through Style, Skyfold is a revolutionary vertically rising, acoustic moveable wall system that is housed discreetly in the ceiling cavity and which glides quickly and silently into place at the push of a button. "The speed at which the Skyfolds allow us to divide the various areas is invaluable,” confirms Penny March, Director for Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co. “There is no fuss and in fact, they are actually rather impressive as they descend from the ceiling.” Style was specified to install six Skyfold moveable walls, to allow the firms’ conference and meeting facilities, as well as the restaurant, to be divided into smaller areas as required. Installed in countless high profile offices across the UK, Skyfold not only delivers practical, flexible space, but is an impressive showcase for client areas. For example, in the training rooms Style provided a white board finish, allowing the wall to be written on freely during brainstorming sessions. In the seminar suite, meeting room and conference area a sophisticated fabric finish creates a chic interior. Functionality remains high with all Skyfold’s delivering acoustic privacy of up to 56dB Rw. www.style-partitions.co.uk Enquiry 75
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Dedo Lights Light Up Phillips’ Mayfair Headquarters Last year, international auctioneer Phillips moved from their Victoria premises to a new purposedesigned headquarters in London’s prestigious Berkeley Square in the heart of Mayfair. The move represents another important step in the evolution and growth of the business. As part of the move they commissioned two new high-spec gallery spaces and, following a comprehensive study of other manufacturers’ products, they turned to Dedo Weigert Film GmbH, Munich to supply state of the art lighting fittings. The innovative lighting system was specified inhouse by Phillips Gallery Manager Ian Bell working closely with Ossie Jung of Prolight Direct. The fittings were customised by Dedo and delivered and installed on time and on budget. Major advantages of using the Dedo DLAD9.1BI in galleries and museum spaces include delivery of the full light spectrum- from tungsten to daylight allowing perfect reproduction of colour. The optical precision of the beam produces an evenness of light with no fall off at the edges or hotspots in the middle and a continuous focussing range from 4° – 50°. The system offers a comprehensive array of fine adjustment and light shaping options – barndoors, museum barndoors, wide-angle 80° and projection attachments producing every gradation from soft edge focus to razor sharp edging. Full intensity and colour control is via DALI or DMX systems as well being controlled manually. Recognising sustainability concerns, the longlasting LEDs produce a much higher lumen per watt than metal halide or tungsten fixtures and with significantly reduced heat output. For technical information about the DLAD9.1Bl LED light and other Dedo fittings, please contact John Coppen of Cirro Lite (Europe) Ltd who are the UK distributors: www.cirrolite.com or call 020 8955 6700 Enquiry 76
Stertil Dock Products Help Support Port Of Tyne Importer Following the successful use of loading bay equipment supplied and installed by Stertil Dock Products, a leading importer and distributor has recently specified an additional two bays to support its operations at the Port of Tyne. Specified to help sustain the company’s impressive growth, the two new bays are located alongside two identical installations supplied by Stertil Dock Products almost 20 years ago. Within each bay, the equipment comprises a Stertil HP700-12 pit-mounted dock leveller, a WS574 dock-mounted fixed dock shelter, a roller shutter door, PE750 yellow dock bumpers, wheel guides plus LED dock and traffic lights. Featuring a high-visibility yellow finish, the bays are used to simplify the loading and unloading of a range of road transport including articulated lorries, trailers and container vehicles. The HP700-12 dock leveller is the perfect, heavy duty solution to meet the importer’s demanding requirements. A 2700mm long platform, incorporating a hydraulically-operated swing lip, ensures safe access to vehicles for fork trucks during loading and unloading duties. www.stertil.co.uk Enquiry 77
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Apartments In The Market For Design-Led Bathrooms From Laufen Examples of urban living don’t come much greater than Markthall Rotterdam, an iconic new marketplace with apartments above, each of which are fitted with Laufen bathrooms. The first of its kind in Europe, Markthall Rotterdam integrates living and shopping in a unique way, this hybrid between market hall and housing is designed in a distinctive horse shoe shaped arch, consisting of housing from the third to the eleventh floor. For the project’s architects, MVRDV, Laufen Pro was the ideal choice for a design that caters for the needs of contemporary living in the Netherlands. The collection is characterised by a clean, timeless design, combining form with function to create bathroom spaces that are stylish and practical. Products chosen for the residential apartments in Markthall Rotterdam include the Pro corner basin, 60cm washbasin and Pro wallhung WC. Eric Meijer, Managing Director for Laufen Netherlands, comments: “Markthall Rotterdam is an iconic project, bringing residential living right into the heart of the city. “Laufen Pro sanitaryware is the ideal fit for the bathrooms in each of the rental apartments, maximising on space and giving designers the freedom to be creative in what is a truly urban setting.” For details on the complete range of bathroom solutions available from Laufen visit www.uk.laufen.com or call 01530 510007. For more information on Markthall Rotterdam visit www.markthalrotterdam.nl/en/ Enquiry 78
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A Touch Of Glass For Luxury Forest Cabins New luxury holiday cabins at three woodland sites across the UK have been installed with energy efficient windows and doors and a range of interior glass accessories from Glassolutions. Forest Holidays is extending three of its nine UK holiday retreats in response to demand from customers enjoying high quality accommodation in natural woodland settings. The new cabins at Cropton in North Yorkshire, the Forest of Dean and Sherwood Forest will benefit from double glazed windows and doors incorporating SGG SECURIT PLANITHERM Total+, a thermally toughened safety glass offering high energy performance, for ultimate occupier comfort. The kitchens have also been enhanced with Vitrio back painted glass splashbacks. www.glassolutions.co.uk Enquiry 80
UZIN Quality At The Royal Northern College of Music UZIN systems were used to install the new floors at The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester, as part of a £7.1m redevelopment to support higher student numbers and provide professional learning. The flooring sub-contractor, iFloor UK Limited conducted a considerable amount of mechanical subfloor preparation across 1500 square metres and installed new floor coverings across two floors. iFloor chose UZIN due to their fail safe systems and ability to provide solutions for the installation of several different types of floor coverings. www.uzin.co.uk Enquiry 79
Howe Green’s Tree Grilles Give Greener Access At Education City Remmers Industrial Flooring System Earns It’s Stripes
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Remmers Industrial Flooring Systems have been used extensively as part of an expansion project to double the size of the manufacturing area at the Promat BD warehouse. The flooring needed to be durable, non-slip and resistant to oils whilst the warehouse floor required a hard-wearing, smooth finish suitable for fork-lift traffic and incorporating a DPM as it was being laid over freshly applied concrete. www.remmers.co.uk
UK access cover specialist Howe Green has supplied a bespoke solution for greener landscaping in one of the world’s most arid environments. Over 130 made-to- measure stainless steel tree grilles have been supplied to Doha based contractor Redco for a new phase of soft landscaping at Education City, Qatar. The grilles provide easy, stylish and reliable access to tree pits along the Western Green Spine, an area planted with 8 different tree species to create a network of lush and colourful routes for vehicles and pedestrians. Sized to exact specification and designed to house light fittings, Howe Green’s high quality frames and panels not only give easy access to root chambers for easy maintenance, they also reduce risk of soil compaction and contamination. From a design perspective, the grilles also enable a monolithic effect to be created in paved areas and stylishly frame tree trunks along the way. www.howegreen.co.uk
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Mega Protects Historic Museum Floor Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean Museum is the most significant museum of art and archaeology in the UK and welcomes more than a million visitors each year. Oxford based flooring firm, ACH Flooring, regularly recoats the original herringbone floors in the City’s Ashmolean Museum with Bona Mega. Cleverly formulated to use oxygen as a crosslinker, Bona Mega delivers the performance of a two component lacquer in the convenience of a one pack product and is designed to offer high wear and chemical resistance in domestic, commercial or public environments. A sustainable, NMP free lacquer, Mega provides the museum’s maintenance team with a durable, easy to clean surface. Bona Cleaner and Bona Polish are used for ongoing maintenance of the floors. ACH’s Kevin Smith said “We have been using Bona lacquers since the 1980s when the company’s core products included Pacific One and Pacific Stong. Today we like using Bona Mega for commercial and domestic projects because of its fast drying times, it has no smell, and for the finished look. Also our mops and brushes can be easily cleaned.
We’ve been using it now for many years and have never had any problems with it.” The museum team wanted a soft sheen to the surface so Kevin recommended using one coat of Bona Prime Classic followed by three coats of Bona Mega Silk Matt to achieve this. Bona Mega is available in four sheen levels including Extra Matt that combines a hard wearing surface with a very natural, almost ‘invisible’ finish to the surface. Bona’s technical team is available for support on site or over the telephone to assist you with your wood flooring project and to ensure the surface meets your client’s aesthetic and performance criteria. The company is also a RIBA approved CPD provider and offer a seminar on how to specify finishes for wood floors. Further information is available at bona.com Enquiry 83
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Brio, the leading manufacturer of interior and exterior folding door and window architectural solutions has provided architects CGT Works with the solution for opening up a Georgian interior in a flexible manner. CGT Works describes itself as an architectural and construction service company operating in London and Italy with over 10 years' experience specialising in residential buildings and retail premises looking for high-level design solutions. “We are a team of architects and specialised professionals that enjoys the challenge of designing and constructing innovative buildings and interiors alongside more traditional projects,” says CGT Works director and project manager Enrico Trolese.
Brio Brings Flexible Space And Style To A London Apartment
A recent project for the company involved converting a two bed flat in a Georgian terrace in London’s Earls Court into a more flexible living space. It involved knocking down the wall between the living room and the second bedroom to open up the space and let in more light. The owner still wanted the option of closing it off so the decision was made to install custom 3.4m x 8m panel doors – three sliding and one pivoting. The doors were made by a local joiner and installed using Brio’s top hanging Single Run Zero Clearance hardware system. According to Enrico: “Brio was the only manufacturer that provided kit that suited the requirements for such heavy doors – they weight 100 kilos a panel. You can see the tracks but they are very discreet, set into the ceiling and the floor. It has been so successful we are now using the system on another project in the same building”.
Enrico found Brio when researching the project online. Because these floor to ceiling door projects can present their own challenges when it comes to sliding door hardware, Brio has designed and manufactured its Single Run top hung system with a Zero Clearance option. The Zero Clearance option, available across Brio’s Single Run 80 – Single Run 250 product portfolio, successfully achieves the modern minimalist look with hardware that is discreetly hidden from view. Single Run Zero Clearance hardware allows minimal gaps between the door panel and hardware, offering a pleasing aesthetic finish to floor to ceiling installations. With no hanger plates or screws protruding above the top edge of the door, Single Run Zero Clearance has been designed to achieve clearances of 3mm between the track and the top of the door. And, to go with the discreet top, the new spring loaded guide and bottom rail can also be concealed within the bottom edge of the door thereby extending Zero Clearance to floor level. www.briouk.com Enquiry 84
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Fire Safety Makes An Entrance The Atria Building adjacent to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) has a stunning glass atrium which has been created using CONTRAFLAM by Vetrotech Saint-Gobain. CONTRAFLAM has a class A safety rating consisting of two sheets of toughened safety glass which are separated by a transparent advanced intumescent interlayer. When exposed to fire, the interlayer turns opaque and expands to form a fully insulating heat shield. This effectively reduces the transmission of radiated and conducted heat. The layers also provide an integrity barrier against smoke, flames and hot gases for maintained integrity in excess of 120 minutes. The opaque insulating interlayer blocks the view of the fire helping to minimise panic and acts as a guide for emergency services to indicate the presence of fire. CONTRAFLAM can be used for internal and external applications, for installation into steel, aluminium or timber frames, partitions and doors. Manufactured by Vetrotech, at its dedicated Coventry production facility, two types of CONTRAFLAM were supplied for the EICC project to suit the different requirements within the new atrium. Installed by leading facade designer and contractor Charles Henshaw & Sons, the fire rated glass atrium provides a light and spacious reception point to allow access to the venue’s 1,600 m2 multi-purpose Lennox Suite which accommodates up to 2,000 people. Henshaws installed 1,500 m2 of EI30 CONTRAFLAM (30 minute integrity and insulation) in screens within the main atrium and 250 m2 of EI60 CONTRAFLAM (60 minutes integrity and insulation) in screens on the ground floor areas. Graham Chung, Sales Director at Henshaws, said: “The EICC was already a landmark Edinburgh building, but the impressive new Atria building makes it very special and it’s a project we’re proud to have been involved with. CONTRAFLAM has enabled us to meet the demanding brief extremely well thanks to working with Vetrotech.” The
£85m extension to one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings was designed by BDP Architects and completed by main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine, with project management by Mace Group. Vetrotech is a leading producer of fire resistant glass products. Being a member of the Saint-Gobain Group, Europe’s biggest producer and processor of glass, Vetrotech knows all aspects of this material. With innovative research and development and state-of-the-art production technologies, solutions of the highest level of quality and complexity can be created. Vetrotech products comply with the strictest impact safety requirements and are also suitable for multi-comfort applications and meet the aesthetic demands of modern architecture. CONTRAFLAM is one of three product ranges in the Clear Fire Resistant range by Vetrotech. PYROSWISS, VETROFLAM and CONTRAFLAM STRUCTURE make up the portfolio of products. Vetrotech also provides blast, bullet and attack-resistant glass with its PROTECT range.
All Vetrotech UK-manufactured products are UV stable and carry a Class A safety rating as standard. Available as single-pane or double-glazed units, they can incorporate acoustic or solar control options for added comfort, safety and practicality. There are also additional aesthetic options, including patterned, tinted and acid-etched glass. Since July 2013, it has been mandatory for all UK construction products placed on the EU market to carry the CE mark and Vetrotech products are CE marked as standard. Additionally, all Vetrotech products come with a Declaration of Performance (DoP) – an official document that contains the data relating to the performance of the product. Enquiry 85
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Timóleon Saves 18th Century Barn From The Sledge-Hammers Craven Dunnill Cracks Tile Challenge Of Kings Cross Curved Tunnel The newly opened King’s Cross pedestrian tunnel in London features a tiled floor of interlocking triangles, set along a sloping curve. The conceptual design of the floor complements the other key elements: the canopy, the fin section and the integrated art-wall of LED lights. Craven Dunnill successfully solved the geometric and mathematical challenges created by the irregular floor, providing the required technical CAD expertise and supplying the water-jet cut tiles to an accuracy of 0.1mm. The project brief stipulated a floor tile for the 90m tunnel with a Low Slip Potential for Pendulum Slider 96, in two shades of grey, which needed to fit onto a curved floor, in line with the LED light panels. Additionally, the floor tiles needed to be over 1200mm wide, to modulate with the faceted LED lightwall. Craven Dunnill sourced the high quality, Italian-made tiles which are unglazed, rectified and are PTV 40+. In addition, floor tiles were supplied for the escalator hall and steps. The CAD plans for the tiled floor were created life-size and included allowances for the 3mm wide joints, intermediate movement joints and site construction joints. The plans were then tailored to an accurate site survey of the enclosed tunnel, to achieve the pinpoint accuracy required. It was this critical site survey which revealed that the floor curve varied slightly, unnoticeable to the naked eye but crucial when calculating the water-jet cutting calculations. The tunnel links St Pancras International and King’s Cross St Pancras Underground stations to the King’s Cross’ public area, via One Pancras Square and was opened summer 2014. www.cravendunnill.co.uk Enquiry 86
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Property programmes such as Grand Designs or Restoration Man frequently show scenes of building owners or their contractors taking sledgehammers to demolish the internal walls and floors of old properties, but the reasoning behind such drastic action is normally due to their being in the wrong place or rotten beyond repair. Imagine though, the feelings of the family in Cambridgeshire, who were told that their immaculately restored, Grade II listed home had to be virtually gutted due to a problem with the heating system. It might sound extreme, but when the owners of the old brick built barn conversion in its idyllic rural setting dating from 1765, discovered that, the underfloor heating circuits beneath their feet needed to be replaced. Indeed the building services contractor they had called in to investigate problems of noise, pressure drop and damp spots was adamant that the only way to replace the pipework was to take up the ground and first floor, including the majority of the internal partition walls.
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What is more, the timescale for the repairs was uncertain with the occupants being required to move out into hotel accommodation while the work was carried out with no prospect of any recompense from their buildings’ insurance providers. Overall the case is a nightmarish example of a situation many householders find themselves facing: in so far as the cost of fixing plumbing or heating leaks is grossly inflated by inaccessibility of the pipework or connections involved. Thankfully, however, the owners decided to seek another opinion, subsequently calling in Pure Plumbing and Heating of Cambridge. Although the company’s director, Steve Dunn, was of the same opinion that the existing underfloor heating system needed to be replaced, he had also got past experience of the underfloor heating range manufactured by Timóleon and believed the manufacturer’s systems offered a far more convenient as well as a considerably more economic alternative. As a result, the owners of the elegantly restored barn did not have to watch the place being ripped apart and were actually able to remain in residence while Pure’s engineers completed the installation of an overlay system in just three weeks. In fact, Pure Plumbing and Heating’s approach was to tackle the upstairs to the beautifully timbered barn first; although this did involve bringing in a carpet specialist and a small team of carpenters to lift the floorboards on the upper level. Ingeniously, the carpet fitters took up the existing high quality carpets and suspended the rolls from the ornate trusses which divide the tall living space. Then with the 8 x 2 inch joists exposed the engineers were able to insert insulation batts between them ready to begin installation of Timóleon’s ToronFloor system. As a key element to the Timóleon’s Underfloor Heating Products range, ToronFloor presents a rapidly laid and versatile approach to fitting pipework which can be fitted floating over a concrete base as well as across joists or battens. The high quality moisture resistant particle board panels feature routed channels to take the 12 mm diameter heating pipes and were glued as well as screwed over the existing joists to prevent any squeaking in use. Then with the continuous lengths of pipe in place and connected back to the first floor Axios manifold, the surface was covered by the special foil diffuser layer. 6mm thick plywood was secured over this and the carpets re-laid. Back on the ground floor, the specification switched to the use of LowBoardTM a system sitting within the Timóleon range which offers a total installed depth of just 15 mm and is therefore suitable for overlaying existing floors in most refurbishment situations without loss of headroom or the need to take more than a shave off internal doors. While the upstairs installation consumed a length of 660 linear metres of pipe, this figure nearly doubled downstairs and prompted Pure to utilise a pair of the Axios manifolds. Nine circuits totalling 600 metres of pipe were connected to the first manifold and a further 400 plus metres completed the seven circuits linked to the second. This arrangement enabled the various ground floor rooms, including bedrooms, to be effectively zoned and controlled via thermostats and valves, while more plywood sheets covered the 12mm diameter pipe runs prior to the floor finishes being laid. Steve Dunn of Pure Plumbing and Heating comments: “In this instance the pipe in the original system featured a seam, which was perished, leading to leaks and replacing it would have meant dismantling the partition walls across the ground floor. The client was initially quite apprehensive about what the contract would involve and it was originally planned that there would be a break between our carrying out the work on the first floor and then the ground floor. However they were so impressed with the speed and lack of disruption – which was in part down to the Timóleon system’s ease of installation – that this was reviewed and we carried straight on. “There had never been any insulation between the upstairs joists, so we packed the spaces with Rockwool to offer acoustic as well as thermal performance and then laid the ToronFloor chipboard panels in that position. On the ground floor the LowBoard was an easy fit, creating no issue where it met the staircase.” www.hydronik.co.uk Enquiry 87
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Metal Technology Products Showcase Fire Service In Omagh
A wide range of Metal Technology products has been installed at The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service's (NIFRS) new Community Fire Station and District Headquarters in Omagh, Northern Ireland. The station represents the first of a series of innovative stations. It is equipped with an incident command room that will be used during major incidents or as a multi-agency facility where a co-ordinated response is required. The station will also be used for multi-agency resilience planning and emergency training exercises and has a dedicated transport and engineering workshop that is utilised by all 20 Fire Stations in Western Area Command. Integral to the design brief, Metal Technology’s System 17 Latitude curtain walling system delivered a strong aesthetic appeal to the expansive all-glass façade that combines structural integrity with weather performance and thermal enhancement. Interior comfort and environment management is enhanced by Metal Technology’s System 22 Brise Soleil and System 23 louvres. The glass facade is further complemented by System 4-35 Hi casement windows, System 10 commercial doors and System 5-20DHi + high performance doors. www.metaltechnology.com Enquiry 88
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Sika Sarnafil Chosen For Walkie Talkie’s Curved Walkways At a dizzying 160m (525ft) tall, London’s distinctive Walkie Talkie building required an exceptional roofing solution. Fenland Roofing and Sika Sarnafil single ply were up to the challenge. Designed by architect Rafael Viñoly and costing over £200 million, 20 Fenchurch Street is a 34-storey commercial skyscraper in London, known as the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building due to its top-heavy form. A large viewing deck, bar, restaurants and Sky Garden are included on the top three floors. Awarded the project in February 2014, Cambridge-based contractor Fenland Flat Roofing was required to provide a lightweight walkable roof area for the access walkways and perimeter edges of the glazed roof to the garden and restaurant. The roofing product had to be carefully selected as it needed to curve in two directions due to the unique design of the building. Sarnafil G410-12EL single ply provided the perfect solution to this design criteria, thanks to its excellent flexibility and weldabilty, while offering outstanding resistance to weathering, including permanent UV irradiation. This was installed in Lead Grey to the BMU Track and covered with SarnaTred walkway tiles, allowing durable and slip resistant access for maintenance workers – a vital safety consideration. The second part of the project was to provide a flexible high performance waterproofing membrane to the bespoke Shoulder areas in white, to match in with the steelwork structure colour. Again, Sarnafil had the product to suit the application, Sarnafil G410-15EL Traffic White. The Walkie Talkie project stands out due to its sheer size and height, creating challenging access issues. As there was no scaffold available, the Fenland team had to work off harnesses and safety lines on a leading edge and had to traverse the glass roof of the building to access the work area. All tools and equipment had to be properly secured at all times. To maintain the most stringent health and safety standards required diligence and planning, rewarding workers with stunning views across London. High skill levels were required to overcome the various tricky details on the roof and the team had to interface with multiple trades. Fenland completed the project in August 2014 on time and to budget. Internally the Walkie-Talkie provides a mixture of 13,000sq ft of retail space and 680,000sq ft of top quality offices with panoramic views of London. It is designed to have a BREEAM excellence rating. For more information on Sika Sarnafil’s products and services, call 01707 394444, email sarnafilroofing@ uk.sika.com or visit www.sarnafil.co.uk Enquiry 89
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The softness of touch The warmth of fire The attraction for something beautiful The new Glacé Finish
Perfect in every sense Enquiry 90 Discover more about Glacé Finish at:
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