The Essential Building Product Review May 2017 Issue 2

review

May 2017 - Issue 2 www.ebpr.co.uk

The Essential Building Product

Shedding Light On Education At Ayrshire College Page 9

Red Elm Is On The Menu At Itsu Page 25

Neaco Products Featured At Gold Page 65

Archaus Receives A Facelift From Remmers Page 64

Contents 04 InsideView

A closer look at two key building product groups and industry news

34 OverView

Opinions from the industry

40 The Product Review

News, developments, product and project information for the building designer

68 RearView Front cover: Solving The Fleur-De-Lys Challenge At Jamie Oliver’s Barbecoa Piccadilly Full story on page 20/21 Visit www.cravendunnill.co.uk Page 2/3 photo: A Burning Passion For Firel Full story on page 18 Visit www.spartherm.com

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 ‘EBPR17/2’ in the email title, include the article title of interest and your contact details. If you’d prefer to fax the information, it’s 0845 862 8639, or you can even post it to us!)

Some of the colour photography used in The Essential Building Product Review is provided and paid for by contributors. The publishers do not accept liability for errors that may appear in the publication. The views expressed are not necessarily the views of the publisher. Published in association with Jasper (Mr Angry), Muz (Bunnyboy) and Kenny (the suede grenade) . 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.

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InsideView This months special features: 6

Doors, Windows & Glazing

18 Interiors

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Latest Version Of Schueco’s ASS 77 PD.HI Sliding Door Has New Innovations Schueco UK has announced a new, updated version of its manually operated panoramic sliding door system, the Schueco ASS 77 PD.HI. Innovations include an integrated, fullheight handle that improves the appearance of the door and makes it easier to open and close. The system is also equipped with an optimised locking concept. There are new designs, in particular a 90o all-glass corner without a mullion, and new bi-parting four-pane versions with two sliding leaves and two fixed or four sliding leaves. The overall level of thermal insulation has been improved, with Uw values from 0.96 W/m2K with triple glazing now being delivered as standard. www.schueco.co.uk

Crittall Acquires High Security Glazing Specialist Fendor Crittall Holdings has announced the acquisition of the Trade and Assets of Fendor – a leading UK company with expertise in the provision of high security, ballistic and bombproof fenestration. The Newcastle-based company is also a major supplier of windows used in custodial and mental health institutions and the petrochemical industries.

The acquisition creates Crittall Fendor that will complement the Essex-based Crittall Group of companies in a number of significant ways. It expands the range of products and markets served, and offers geographical benefits in assisting Crittall Windows with its North of England and Scottish operations. www.crittall-windows.co.uk www.fendor.co.uk

Reynaers Promises Bigger, Better, Breathtakingly Beautiful This FiT Show Leading aluminium systems company Reynaers has given a sneak preview of its stand for the forthcoming FiT Show at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in May. Marketing Manager Rebecca Cope said: “We’ll be showcasing some exciting new additions to our comprehensive range of aluminium window and door products on our stand N10. The theme of the first ever appearance for Reynaers is ‘bigger, better, breathtakingly beautiful’ so stop by and have a look for yourselves.”

Reynaers is a key sponsor of FiT 2017 and the company intends to push the boundaries to show the trade just how big the potential for Reynaers’ products is. Rebecca Cope added: “Our impressive stand definitely ties in with this year’s theme of the show, Think Big, and we will certainly be making our mark. We can’t share all the details just yet, but you can expect to see some spectacular applications of patio doors – sliding, folding and open corner – as well as windows in a range of design variants.”

“We will also be bringing along some curtain walling, as well as some European-inspired product exclusives. Pay a visit to our stand to learn more about our comprehensive choice of systems from our knowledgeable team, as well as how we can provide the tools to market and sell our top of the range products.” www.reynaers.co.uk

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

A Model Company; VEKA UK Invests In BIM For Commercial Convenience The VEKA UK Group has demonstrated its commitment to the commercial sector again. They have invested a significant amount in creating highly intelligent, data rich, parametric, three dimensional models of its most popular systems for the Building Information Modelling (BIM) sector in order to benefit architects, specifiers, engineers, designers and developers. These new models are hosted on bimobject. com. This makes them easily accessible along with the relevant, up-to-date technical spec information, meaning that a commercial user can drop these products into designs and plans quickly and simply. bimobject.com/en/veka and bimobject.com/en/halo

innovation delivered

10 Innovation is often spoken about but very rarely delivered Comar 10 offers a new departure; a Passivhaus Certified “B” product with U-values as low as 0.66 coupled with processes that cut manufacturing costs by up to 70%.

The main features of Comar 10:

Comar 10 Windows are available as inward opening, tilt & turn and fixed lights and are internally glazed and beaded.

• Future-proof & energy saving

• U-values as low as 0.66 W/m2K • Cut manufacturing costs by 70% • Certified by Passivhaus Institute for cool temperature areas

For more information about comar10 please contact us: Tel: 0208 8685 9685 Email: projects@parksidegroup.co.uk Web: www.comar-alu.co.uk

• High thermal insulation with ground breaking technology • 90mm deep outer frames • Minimal care & maintenance • 100% recyclable ARCHITECTURAL ALUMINIUM SYSTEMS

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A Rethink On The Balustrade

The demand for outdoor space in urban developments has led to a rapid rise in balcony installations, with close to 11% of new-builds now enjoying an outdoor extension in one form or another.

Traditional iron balustrades have given way to glass-walled balconies, but until now the choice has been restricted to systems needing frequent upright support pillars, or to premium structural glass.

A new engineering design now entering the market is opening up a third option, one that could make it much easier for builders to achieve the high-end look at an affordable cost.

More view - Designers who want to maximise the effect of a balcony usually favour open, uninterrupted glass with a minimum of intrusive hardware.

Expense, however, is often a consideration when it comes to construction, since this look requires the use of toughened and laminated structural glass. Frameless systems also usually require either a countersunk, fascia mounted, or floor mounted structural support to a depth of around 100mm.

Post-supported glass is a considerably cheaper option that is also easier to install, but the maximum width between supporting pillars is usually about 1 metre. The systems are less favoured and thought to lack the Wow factor that comes with an uninterrupted, expansive view.

Hybrid® view - The new category of balustrading now on the market promises the best of both worlds: high-end aesthetics

at an affordable price. Called the Hybrid®, the system is based around innovative engineering that requires only standard toughened glass and few, or no, upright supports.

The Hybrid® system hides the structural work inside selfsupporting handrail profiles, using a longitudinal concealed cantilever to support long runs of glass without upright supports.

Manufacturers Balconette, based in Surrey, say the system is both user and budget friendly, with an aesthetic that might prove even more popular than the expensive frameless systems.

The Hybrid® system can achieve up to four-metre straight runs of glass and for a three-sided balustrade square, up to 12 metre postless spans can be achieved. Where curves are included the postless length can be extended well beyond that. The system’s handrail is attached at its ends to a wall or structural element, with the glass secured by a thin floormounted track.

Handrail profiles for the Hybrid® system come in two styles: Orbit and Aerofoil. Orbit has a circular handrail which allows up to 3.3m runs without posts. The Aerofoil handrail provides the longest post-free spans of up to 4m with the added benefit of providing a comfortable surface to lean on.

Balconette owner Effi Wolff says the Aerofoil system is proving to be the most popular: “The system’s unique and aesthetic aerofoil shaped handrail gives both the feeling of sturdiness but also a distinct architectural statement not available with any other handrail on the market. Being made of anodised aluminium, the handrails are corrosion-free and easily outlast even marine grade stainless steel”.

Architects Skidmore, Owings and Merrill Inc., were an early adopter of the system. Having originally wanted structural glass for 377 residential balconies in the $150 million Baltimore Wharf development, built by Ballymore Group, they decided the Hybrid® design achieved a similar aesthetic effect at a substantially lower cost. www.hybrid.balconette.co.uk

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Shedding Light On Education At Ayrshire College Metal Technology supplied a comprehensive suite of architectural aluminium systems which complemented the creation of a futuristic look to the world class educational facility for Ayrshire College, Kilmarnock.

The design places two legs of teaching accommodation around a central atrium, creating a mature, open series of interconnected spaces. Working with main contractor McLaughlin & Harvey and the project design team, Metal Technology supplied two variants of its System 17 Curtain Walling (capped and silicone pointed) allowing light filled spaces to become a real feature of this project.

System 10 commercial doors were used in the main thoroughfares with System 5-20D Hi+ doors and 4-20Hi+ casement windows from the [THERMAL] range used extensively throughout the building. These systems feature bespoke gaskets, cellular foams and polyamide thermal isolators, delivering impressively low U values.

Developed with an ethos of sustainability, the exceptional structural, thermal, acoustic and security performance of the Metal Technology systems used also contributed to the Colleges BREEAM Excellent rating, as well as the building’s Secured by Design status. The £53million campus was built on the former Diageo site and will be used by 5,000 students each year. www.metaltechnology.com

On Track For Success: Glassolutions Employs Unique System To Complete One Bedford Avenue Structural Glazing Installation A truly innovative approach to structural glazing installation has enabled industry-leading commercial glazing specialists GLASSOLUTIONS to overcome a series of stringent health and safety limitations on a high-profile commercial project in central London. Using a specially designed sliding track system, GLASSOLUTIONS was able to reduce the glass installation footprint for the site, safeguard the installation team from the risks associated with working at height, and advance the speed of the installation at One Bedford Avenue by a very considerable margin.

Working with project managers Mace, GLASSOLUTIONS delivered a semi-bespoke window system, with window profiles designed specifically for the project to meet the design intent and to accommodate associated building movements.

Wicona curtain walling provided aesthetic benefits as well as well as superior U-values and air tightness ratings; GLASSOLUTIONS’ unique VS-1 structural glazing system also formed an integral part of the installation, with the building’s main entrance and reception area using the system to achieve an attractive aesthetic effect.

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

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Saint-Gobain Building Glass Launches Advanced Solar Control Glass

Saint-Gobain Building Glass has announced the launch of its most recent product innovation for the commercial glazing market with a new addition to its popular SGG COOL-LITE XTREME solar control range.

SGG COOL-LITE XTREME 50/22 II is a high-quality solar control glass, with the unique positioning of being the most selective triple silver product available on the market.

With a selectivity of 2.24 – the best available in Europe SGG COOL-LITE XTREME 50/22 II enables designers and specifiers to create comfortable working environments with high levels of natural daylight but without the overbearing heat of the sun. It also reduces the need for costly and energy-hungry air conditioning systems and can therefore reduce a building’s carbon footprint.

The product delivers a high light transmittance (47%) to allow a good amount of natural daylight to illuminate a room, combined with an extremely low solar factor of only 0.21, which blocks 79% of the sun’s heat. It also delivers a low centre pane thermal insulation of 1.0W/m2K, maximising heat retention within the building.

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

Exhibition Centre Liverpool is the first UK project to fully utilise the high-performance coating and features the product across the full length of its glass façade.

Saint-Gobain Building Glass Commercial Market Manager, Adrian Adams said: ‘’SGG COOL-LITE XTREME 50/22 II is a fantastic addition to our range of solar control products.

The coating has a good level of neutrality and low external reflectance, giving the glass excellent aesthetics. This new product provides architects with another tool in their design armoury to produce striking facades for their clients without compromising on high performance solar control protection.

“We believe that we have pushed the boundaries again with the product’s market leading selectivity and are sure it will have a substantial impact on the architectural concept and design of the façade due to the fact that architects may not have to work with external shading devices.” www.saint-gobain.com

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Wrightstyle In Theatre Land Wrightstyle, the advanced glazing systems supplier, has completed another prestigious London project, this time in the heart of the capital’s West End theatre land. The contract is significant because it demonstrates how fire-rated steel glazing systems can work alongside non-fire rated systems, but without any discernible difference between them.

The substantial Shaftesbury Avenue contract was for the supply to JPJ Installations Limited, Braintree of fire-rated curtain walling for a refurbished office building.

Wrightstyle supplied some 280m2 of its SR60 system, for over 95 different frame assembles, comprising fire rating specifications of either EI60 or E60.

The contract was complicated by having large radius heads on the ground floor arches, and with Wrightstyle’s advanced systems having to seamlessly match with other non-rated aluminium areas.

Wrightstyle is currently completing a residential project in Wigmore Street, with further contracts underway on London’s bus and Underground network. Last year the company completed a major refurbishment of Carlow House, a large residential project that was featured in Lord Sugar’s The Apprentice.

“Our systems ranges give us enormous flexibility in being able to accommodate different thicknesses of glass in different configurations,” said Tim Kempster, Wrightstyle’s managing director.

“It means that we can design, fabricate and install complete facades, or integrate advanced glazing areas with non-fire areas,” he said. www.wrightstyle.co.uk

A University Of Firsts The University of Birmingham was awarded a Royal Charter in 1900, making it one of the first redbrick universities in England. In 1901, Aston Webb and Ingress Bell began work on a great hall and a semi-circular block of buildings for the mechanical engineering department.

Aston Webb Great Hall and the Quadrant Range was granted Grade II* Listing in 1970.

Associated Architects was commissioned to sensitively refurbish the exterior and to redesign and renovate the interior of Block C. Although restored, the original single glazed units were still inefficient, so Selectaglaze was specified to provide a solution with its secondary glazing.

Over 200 units were installed, many of which were curved to suit the building. In the lecture theatre there is a series of large 2.3m wide 3.8m high openings which were treated with a combination of fixed lights from the Series 42 range and horizontal sliders from the Series 80 heavy duty range.

All of the secondary glazed units ensure the tightest fit and match sight lines wherever possible to make them virtually unnoticeable.

Royal Warrant Holder since 2004; Selectaglaze has 50 years’ experience designing, manufacturing and installing secondary glazing for all building types from hospitals to Listed museums ensuring they are warmer, quieter and safer.

Contact Selectaglaze on 01727 837271/e mail: enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk or visit: www.selectaglaze.co.uk

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Glassolutions Reaches New Heights In Greenwich Peninsula’s Latest Development GLASSOLUTIONS has completed an extensive project for Kier Construction as part of the latest transformational development on east London’s Greenwich Peninsula. Called The Fulmar and Teal, the project is a residential-led mixed use development on the Lower Riverside district of Greenwich Peninsula.

through the incorporation of a uPVC thermal break. Integrated with the curtain wall structure are windows created using the Wicline 75 Evo concealed sash system.

This slim profile helped to maximise natural light transmission into individual properties and outward views, without compromising thermal performance.

GLASSOLUTIONS was appointed to deliver all curtain walling, windows and doors for the external envelope of The Fulmar’s three blocks. In proposing a combination of Wicona aluminium systems integrating with high performance insulating glass units (IGUs), spandrels and sandwich panels, GLASSOLUTIONS was able to meet the brief to provide superb aesthetics whilst meeting a number of key design factors.

A variety of door types were required, with Wictec 50 and Wicstyle 75 evo systems applied to manufacture hinged doors and swing doors accordingly. Lifting sliding doors feature throughout the development which GLASSOLUTIONS manufactured using the Wicslide 160 system.

These included a maximum pressure in ‘general wind zone’ of 1,200 kN/m2 and air permeability of 3m3/hr/m2 at a test pressure of 600 Pa. The ‘stick’ curtain walling was fabricated using the range of Wicona Wintec 50 systems, which provide a slim 50mm face width and ensure excellent thermal insulation

Concealed Door Automation From Tormax A grade II listed building, No.7 Savoy Court has been sympathetically refurbished to provide contemporary office space in the heart of London’s West End. Contributing to an elegant and sophisticated façade, TORMAX worked with fabricator, Stewart Fraser to install a Bronze Metal Antique finish entrance screen and set of automatic swing doors to the main entrance. Impeccable aesthetics are maintained thanks to the in-house designed TORMAX iMotion 1401 door operator that is cleverly concealed within the floor space. This Swiss-engineered motor features none of the working parts that tend to need replacing, such as gears and brushes, delivering exceptional reliability and minimum maintenance requirements.

No.7 Savoy Court occupies a commanding and prominent position on the Strand and the recent high quality refurbishment, carried out by main contractor Scott Osborn Ltd, complements the building’s architectural heritage. The stylish reception features a tasteful communal seating area and is maned 24hrs a day whilst the upper floors have been comprehensively refurbished to provide grade A, flexible, efficient office space with excellent natural light suitable for a wide range of occupiers.

TORMAX has been designing and installing automatic entrance systems worldwide for nearly 60yrs and their technologically advance iMotion range of operators is totally unique in the marketplace. Located just opposite the world-renowned Savoy Hotel, this prestigious building is now managed by Workman FM. Office employees and their visitors immediately appreciate the high quality of the refurbishment as they enter the building through the silently opening set of automatic entrance doors and take in bespoke polished plasters walls that contrast with a feature reception desk clad in liquid metal bronze. www.tormax.co.uk

GLASSOLUTIONS’ IGU specification accommodates the requirements for safety, security, thermal insulation and solar control. It also addresses sound reduction to help keep homes quieter. The building’s design also required sandwich panels with a bronze anodised finish and punched mesh in matching colour for specific elements – all of which were installed by GLASSOLUTIONS too. www.glassolutions.co.uk

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

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True Energy Efficiency From Jack Aluminium’s TruEnergy Window The TruEnergy Aluminium Window delivers true energy efficiency and impressive performance with fewer components.

Developed by Jack Aluminium Systems, the PAS 24 window system is easy to fabricate and install. The thermal breaks are positioned in the most efficient way possible, with thermal infills that slide within the section chambers, to achieve a U-value of 1.4 W/m2 or lower with a double glazed unit, and 1.2 when triple glazed. This is backed by PAS 24 testing, dual cleat options and compatibility with PVCu hardware.

“Too often, thermally enhanced means that the system only works if lots of fiddly bits are inserted, or stuck on,” says Jeff Pearson, Sales Director at Jack Aluminium. “Customers told us they want something simpler, so we developed the TruEnergy window with their needs in mind. The TruEnergy Window makes it really easy to produce an efficient and high performance window. The slimline aluminium profile can be fabricated using either crimped or mechanical Monticelli cleats. That gives an element of design flexibility, so fabricators can choose their preferred method of assembly.’

“Another way in which the TruEnergy Window makes life easy is that it can use PVCu hardware. Energy efficiency shouldn’t be at the expense of manufacturing efficiently. Simplifying the design to create better aluminium systems is at the heart of what Jack Aluminium does.” www.jackaluminium.co.uk

Commercial | Domestic | Listed & Heritage | Special Projects

Bespoke Garage Doors Tim Crocker ©

Quality - Innovative - Proven since 1968

Solid Timber | Aluminium | Brass | Glass T: 0151 280 6626 | E: info@rundum.co.uk | W: www.rundum.co.uk

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Let It Shine With New Vicaima High Gloss

The characteristics of a High Gloss finish have long been valued by interior designers. Its ability to reflect light, the perception of luminosity and the illusion of space, all present a comfortable feeling of openness and elegance.

The latest Vicaima finish, "High Gloss", is now available as an option across many of their popular veneered and painted door, frame and wall panel products, allowing specifiers to achieve a premium finish for interior decoration without the burden of premium cost.

Luxurious appeal is a term that best describes the new Vicaima High Gloss finish. Enhancing the natural beauty of real wood veneer or taking lacquered paint finishes to new levels of quality, are the hallmarks of this latest innovation from the Vicaima brand. Once the preserve of a select few, this new high gloss finish enables a touch of refinement to be attainable for many more applications, and all with the superior quality you would expect from a Vicaima product.

The new High Gloss finish can be applied to the wide range of Vicaima product components, including door and frame solutions, wardrobes and wall panels, creating sophisticated elements that connect with each other to fashion environments with character and personality.

When it comes to the requirement for high gloss on a paint finish, the array of colours is almost endless.

However to make life simple Vicaima use the RAL Color palette, one of the most widely used universal catalogues in the world, so specifiers can easily specify the tone that best suits their desired dĂŠcor.

For more information simply download a copy of the new High Gloss brochure from the Vicaima website. For other innovative designs and products from the many Vicaima collections, visit www.vicaima.com

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Ahmarra Supply And Install Doors For COMO Metropolitan London

Ahmarra have completed a fit-out sub-contract for the bedroom and corridor doors for this stunning 5 star hotel which overlooks Hyde Park. The 5 star COMO Metropolitan London combines sophisticated design and a vibrant prime position on Park Lane.

Ahmarra manufactured and installed bedroom doors for the 144 bedrooms and suites. Pale sycamore veneers were carefully selected by the interior designer, Forme UK, for the bathroom and bedroom entrance doors to complement the light and clean interior of the hotel.

The entrance doors also featured a striking bespoke design incorporating a separate matching side panel separated with a band of quarter cut American Black Walnut veneer, which uniquely also have the room numbers inscribed into it. The cool, sophisticated design balances the contemporary and the timeless—a rare achievement for a London modern luxury hotel. The understated style is clean and simple yet warm— light woods and sun-soaked whites with accents of vibrant yellow.

Light floods all through floor-to-ceiling windows whilst the uncluttered design and intuitive technology create a haven of calm. COMO Metropolitan London is also home to renowned restaurant, Nobu for Japanese-Peruvian cuisine and the lively Met Bar. Ahmarra also manufactured

and installed doors in American black walnut for the corridors and staircase entrance doors as well as cross corridor doors with vision panels and duct doors.

“We have a long association with the Metropolitan, having completed a fit-out contract for the hotel previously. We are delighted to be associated with one of London’s most prestigious hotels and long may the relationship continue” commented Richard Panrucker, Ahmarra Installation’s Director. As one of London’s premier joinery contractors, Ahmarra have completed a number of projects for iconic luxury hotels including such brands as InterContinental, Mondrian, Hilton, Apex, Grange, Mandarin Oriental and Sol Melia. www.ahmarra.co.uk

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What’s New At Aluprof Key to success for any business today is the ability to be flexible and meet customers changing requirements, this is particularly relevant in the rapidly moving UK construction industry. Over the last few years Aluprof have grown significantly in UK by meeting this need whilst completing all the necessary standards and regulations.

Aluprof’s extensive stock of complete systems are based in Poland, where various powder coating and anodising lines quickly coat to Qualicoat or Qualinod standards. Once finished, profiles are thermally broken and insulated with the latest of materials including aerogel, one of the most insulative materials known for use in thermal fenestration design.

With Aluprof’s advanced logistics, despatch, direct to the UK fabricator, takes an average of just 24 hours, door to door.

Furthermore, add to this an option of an in-house fabrication service, and it is understandable why many UK fabrication and installation companies are quoting Aluprof systems.

One of the latest developments at Aluprof is the groups recent acquisition of a hardware company; making Aluprof just one of only a handful of systems suppliers worldwide, who can now develop enhanced hardware for a range of standard and bespoke systems.

Wojciech Brozyna, Managing Director of Aluprof UK, comments, “It is the needs of today’s project designers that has driven Aluprof to meet the demand for bespoke system solutions. Increasingly we are being specified on numerous projects, often with some of the most well known brands across the globe. In 2016 alone, we designed and cut over one thousand new profiles to meet our customer’s needs.”

With a two fold increase in visitors over the last couple of years to Aluprof’s head office and production facility in the picturesque town of Bielsko-Biała in Poland, the company has recently completed a new showroom which ensures visitors can experience the wide range of systems the company now offers.

It should come as no surprise that Aluprof systems are increasingly being specified on a wide range of residential and commercial projects across the UK. All systems are designed and installed by selected, specially trained companies to ensure each product meets the Aluprof exacting standards. aluprof.co.uk

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A Burning Passion For Fire

The German premium manufacturer of firing technology Spartherm proudly presents an exclusive range of bioethanol fireplaces branded ebios-fire® which are now also made available for the discerning customer in Great Britain. Made And Tested In Germany - in order to provide an optimum of customer service, the expansive range of ebios-fire® models comprises both standard and made to measure built-in fireplace models in almost any thinkable layout.

Great versatility, product safety and outstanding German quality are key values at Spartherm's production facilities where all ebios-fire® models are originally designed, crafted and tested by passionate, skilled craftsmen. Test certificates issued by TÜV Germany further underline the outstanding safety of ebios-fire® bioethanol fires, which feature a wide choice of manual and automatic bioethanol burners.

Versatility Is key - The ebios-fire® range of products is available in a vast variety of finishes meeting the requirements of architects and interior designers on an international level.

Spartherm – The Fire Company www.spartherm.com

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ImagesŠ Ella Millar

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Solving The Fleur-De-Lys Challenge At Jamie Oliver’s Barbecoa Piccadilly Jamie Oliver has opened his second Barbecoa restaurant, in the heart of Piccadilly. The restaurant is accommodated on two floors with seating for 285 diners and a sizable liquor bar. The design style draws on that of the1920s, blended with rustic glamour and luxury. The dining area boasts striking, tiled faience walls, bespoke-manufactured by the tile specialist Craven Dunnill Jackfield, which are focal points of the restaurant.

Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS) was lead designer for the project, taking it from concept through to completion. The company approached Craven Dunnill Jackfield June 2016, having already been in discussions with two other manufacturers which had expressed doubts over their ability to manufacture the magnificent, three dimensional tiles which were to adorn the top of 13 decorative pillars.

Craven Dunnill Jackfield is acclaimed for its ceramic expertise and specialist hand-made tile production and was convinced a solution could be found. Its commitment and significant contribution to the project is acknowledged on the Barbecoa website.

“In our opinion, the tiles in the dining room are the real showstopper. They started life as a simple 15cm inspiration image on a moodboard and were reproduced and scaled up to the size they are now

by Craven Dunnill Jackfield – the only UK company willing to have a go.”

The building is steeped in history. It dates back to around 1881-83 and when built was officially opened by the then Prince and Princess of Wales. Today, Barbecoa is located on the two

floors which were the home of the former Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours, which occupied the space up until 1970. Two restaurants were housed in the public gallery: the Princes’ Restaurant and, subsequently, the New Princes’ Hotel and Restaurant. In the early 20th century these were converted to offices and part of the building became the Pigalle Club, where artists including Shirley Bassey and The Beatles performed in its heyday. Work on the design of Barbecoa commenced August 2013 and building started August 2016.

Constructing the restaurant proved to be quite a journey. The discovery of human remains dating back to the mid 1600s and mid 1800s required archaeological investigation and re-homing. In the process of opening up a chimney, a time capsule dating back to 15 January 1925 was discovered.

It contained a menu and reservation card for the New Princes’ Hotel & Restaurant, which was subsequently used as inspiration for the interior design of Barbecoa.

The 285 cover dining area is located on the lower ground floor and features a striking 2.8 metres high by 11 metres long faience tiled wall on either side, created in jewel-green and white tiles, interspersed with thirteen imposing, ornately decorated, tiled columns. Each of the columns is crowned with a 500 x 600mm, intricately moulded fleur-de-lys, likewise made in ceramic. This motif is reminiscent of the 1920s, along with other features such as antique mirror detailing, chandeliers, art deco wooden floors and leather and mohair furniture.

Gemma Ball Senior Sales Manager at Craven Dunnill Jackfield reveals it was the fleur-de-lys tiles which proved the biggest challenge, as anticipated. “At 500 x 600mm the size was the largest, hand-made, 3D tile we had ever attempted to produce and manufacturing 13 matching ones was always going to need innovative and exacting skills. Initially, the plan was to manufacture them hollow and therefore lighter for installation. However, this technique was abandoned when trials resulted in sagging and cracking. We had to re-think the manufacture and decided to make them from solid clay. During

trials, several changes to the specialist moulds were required, to accommodate the extraordinary size and phenomenal weight. The final mould when filled with the liquid casting slip weighed more than 100kgs and required several people to lift it!”

Once biscuit fired, each fleur-de-lys was then dipped in glaze, using specially made glaze trays, and then fired once again to create the vibrantly coloured, crackle finish.

The ultimate weight of each fleur-de-lys had implications for fixing as standard methods would have been insufficient. In consultation with the Contractor Tekne Shopfitters, a solution was arrived at which involved drilling holes in the back of the fired piece, a highly skilled process, and attaching each tile to the wall with mechanical fixings. For each of the thirteen pillars, Jackfield also produced 92 upright and dado tile pieces, which were then fixed together on site.

One tile was even custom-made to encase a light fitting. More than 6,000 green and white field tiles were dust pressed in two different sizes and then glazed at Craven Dunnill Jackfield’s second manufacturing facility in Stoke-on-Trent. The alkaline based glaze was specifically created to produce the desired crackle effect, specified colour and vibrant tone.

Craven Dunnill Jackfield has an enviable portfolio of successfully completed, bespoke tile projects to its name. These include period restoration work, such as that for The Palace of Westminster and London Underground, in addition to a growing number of hospitality projects, including venues such as The Blues Bar at Shoreditch and Brixton, Newcastle Theatre, St. George’s Hall in Liverpool and the Crown Bar Liquor Saloon which is a National Trust property.

For further information about Craven Dunnill Jackfield: www.cravendunnill-jackfield.co.uk T: +44 (0)1952 884124

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Decorative Casing Solutions – The Inside Story

The interiors of many buildings, as well as some exteriors, would be considerably less attractive and practical, if it wasn’t for column casings and interior wall lining solutions. A bold statement perhaps, but column casings are an essential part of contemporary building design and perform a vital function by providing an effective, stylish and immensely versatile method of concealing structural steelwork, concrete columns and in some cases, building services.

The use of column casings has grown dramatically since the early 1980s where their primary role was purely to cover structural supports with comparatively little consideration as a method of adding visual decoration to a building.

Since then, the demand for wider choice and increased aesthetics from design conscious architects, interior designers and specifiers has been a key influence on Peterborough based decorative casing specialist, Encasement, whose range has expanded and diversified considerably over the past ten years to become the most comprehensive available in the UK.

The company’s complete range includes ‘Circa’ and ‘Quadra’ which are manufactured from pre-formed plywood, alongside its ‘Forma’ metal casings, ‘Polyma’ GRP and ‘Gypra’ GRG product ranges. ‘Metza’, a specialised solution that provides mezzanine floor columns with up to 2 hours fire protection is also available.

Versatility is a key feature behind a diverse range of projects where the column casing’s design has been used to accent an interior or provide a unique aspect to a building. This high degree of freedom enables major brands, particularly in the retail sector, to specify colours that not only adhere to their brand guidelines but also add to the customer experience.

Encasement’s ‘Forma’ metal casings, for example, provide specifiers with a diverse range of options and can be specified with diameters from 250mm up to 1000mm or as square, rectangular and hexagonal forms, as well as unique custom profiles.

While all of Encasement’s column casings are suitable for interior use, its ‘Polyma’ GRP products and ‘Forma’ range, which can be manufactured from aluminium or stainless steel, are also widely used on exterior projects due to their inherent weather resistance.

Recent projects, such as Tetrosyl’s new head office reception, Birmingham Dental Hospital and Winchester College, together

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laminates, which not only resist damage, scuffs and scratches, but also provides the specifier with a diverse palette of finishes including plain colours, wood grain and metallic, as well as textured and real wood veneers, to name but a few.

Both ‘Circa’ and ‘Quadra’ are manufactured from FSC® certified plywood and Encasement is the UK’s only supplier and manufacturer of pre-formed plywood pipe boxing and decorative casing products that holds an FSC® ‘Chain of Custody Certification’ from the Forest Stewardship Council. This makes the products compliant with sustainability codes and environmental procurement policies.

Designed solely for interior applications, ‘Circa’ and ‘Quadra’ are used in almost every building type from education, retail, hotel, sports and leisure to health sector and commercial office buildings. As a result, the choice of sizes available is also wide, allowing specifiers to choose not only circular and square, but also extended circles and rectangular profiles, which use additional infill panels to give greater flexibility while ensuring they are still easy to install.

Recent Quadra projects include Farnborough’s 6th Form Centre and the Dame Kelly Holmes Sports Centre, while among the many Circa installations, Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal, Manor Lodge School in Hertfordshire, Liverpool University and Gateshead International Stadium are major installations Alongside the company’s column casings, its ‘Vecta’ system provides a high quality solution for interior wall linings, bulkheads and reveals. Launched just a few years ago, the system has been widely used in retail, education and commercial buildings, such as Tesco, South Bank University and Prêt a Manger, as well as prestigious office developments, including Wellington House and the Carmine building in Paddington, London. with Porsche West London’s prestige showroom and Kia’s recently opened flagship premises on London’s Great West Road, perfectly illustrate the versatility of ‘Forma’ column casing solutions.

At Tetrosyl, the casings have a unique aerofoil profile, Birmingham’s Dental Hospital uses a 25 metre high semi-elliptical design, whilst at Porsche, Kia and Winchester College, the casings are circular, but use distinctly different finishes to meet individual project specifications. In addition, at Winchester, the casings are used on the building’s exterior, as well as its interior.

Alongside ‘Forma’, Encasement’s ‘Circa’ and ‘Quadra’ pre-formed plywood column casings ranges were the first to be introduced by the company and are still among the most popular, as they provide specifiers and contractors with an unrivalled selection of finishes While ‘Circa’ is available as a plain casings for on site painting and decoration, by far the most popular are those finished with decorative

Encasement’s Managing Director, Martin Taylor, commented: “Column casings provide a perfect mix of practicality and aesthetics and we’ve taken a lot of care to ensure our range meets both of these key criteria while also ensuring that we always remain competitive and deliver high quality products. Our entire range has been configured to provide the widest possible choice as well as being easy to specify.”

He added: “The Vecta interior cladding system enhances our building interiors offer and allows specifiers to source a range of specialised interior finish products from a single company with high levels of expertise and experience in this sector. We also have our own contracting arm, which enables us to offer a full supply and install service to support contractors.”

A full range of, literature, case studies, project galleries and detailed product information is available online from the company’s website, www.encasement. co.uk. In addition, detail drawings in DWG and PDF formats are available for download alongside specification clauses and product brochures covering Encasement’s full range. Information is also available by calling 01733 266889 or e-mailing technical@encasement.co.uk.

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Concreate: A Smart Approach To Achieving The Concrete Look

The strong appetite for unadorned natural materials in contemporary interior design, such as wood, stone and concrete, is driving the development of innovative products which enable on-trend designs to be achieved without the headaches often associated with these natural materials.

grey and mineral white colours, Concreate floor panels are installed in the same was as a parquet floor using a simple tongue and groove design. What’s remarkable here is that the floor panels are tongue and grooved on all four sides so no grouting is needed.

Concrete, in particular, is extremely popular today as designers and clients seek to achieve that Le Corbusier inspired Brutalist look. However, as stylish as it looks, it is a finish that is not without its drawbacks, not least the sheer weight of concrete when used in wall surfaces and flooring applications.

A seamless wood and concrete floor combination is also possible so different surfaces can be used to demarcate areas, such as in open plan spaces. This is achieved through a panel design which features a European oak top layer bonded to a mineral cement tongue and groove base.

With a perfect fit to the concreate panels, this eliminates the need for ugly transition strips between floor surface types.

Innovation in material design and composition by one UK product manufacturer ensures concrete can have its place in contemporary design in an authentic yet easy to specify and install way. Concreate® pre-finished floor and wall panels give designers the defining material aesthetic, whilst being simple and economical to apply with the added benefit of having a much smaller carbon footprint.

Crucially, the authenticity is achieved because Concreate panels are manufactured using Portland type cement, which is poured and pressed in a mix reinforced with natural fibres. They are air cured to give each panel its own unique patina, rich with blemishes and mineral deposits, and further distinctive marks can be added before the surface is sealed using high solid Danish oil.

Take the floor - The appetite for concrete floors is not always the easiest to satisfy using traditional floor application methods or pre-cast panels, so the ability to achieve authenticity in a 300mm x 1200mm panel form is appealing in all kinds of new build and refurb projects.

Concreate floor panels feature a top decorative layer made using micro-fibre Portland type cement, which is applied to a magnesium oxide cement base layer reinforced with recycled textile sheets. This achieves a honeycomb structure in the base layer to minimise thickness of the overall panel to just 14mm. Available in natural grey, dark

Wonder-wall - With a manufacture process delivering excellent authenticity in the concrete, Concreate wall panels give architects the scope to achieve an industrial look and feel regardless of the building structure or wall materials. Weighing just 7kg per square metre, they are a practical alternative to large format concrete wall tiles which are cumbersome, excessively thick and require fixing to load bearing walls or reinforced structures.

Concreate wall panels are 600mm x 1200mm x 4mm and are easy to work with, shape and install. They are bonded using an adhesive and can be drilled and screwed without cracking – this makes them suitable for many other applications, including ceilings, furniture and counter tops.

Rich Osbourn, Marketing Manager at Concreate says: “Concreate floor and wall panels are rapidly gaining popularity in both the residential and commercial markets because they allow designers to achieve their aesthetic goals in a simple way, with a very authentic end-result. It’s a modern way to combine the benefits of a unique finish with a consistently high manufactured standard – all done sustainably in a factory controlled environment.” www.concreate.net

Red Elm Is On The Menu At Itsu

James Latham, the UK’s biggest independent distributor of timber and panel products, has recently supplied American Red Elm for the new concept booth seating found in Japanese restaurant ITSU. The American Red Elm tables can now be found in ITSU outlets at Victoria, Camden, Heathrow T5 and Bristol. And following the success of the new concept booth seating there are plans to re-fit more restaurants across the UK later in the year.

ITSU as a company pride themselves on providing “beautiful” high quality food, so it was imperative for them to find “beautiful” high quality materials to reflect their company ethos. American Red Elm is known for its attractive appearance, boasting a smooth texture and distinctive visible grain so it was the perfect choice.

However, American Red Elm was not only chosen for its aesthetic qualities but also its sustainability credentials as well as its hard-wearing attributes.

James Latham often recommended American Red Elm for furniture projects such as this due to its excellent shock resistance and flexible bending properties, enabling joiners and furniture makers to produce superior craftsmanship.

To add a modern twist to the traditional material, one of ITSU’s specifications for the booth area incorporates USB chargers inside the wood so that customers can re-charge their phone with ease whilst enjoying a delicious, nutritious meal with friends.

Mitch Jackson, Timber Sales at Latham’s Leeds depot said “Our customer was delighted with the overall finish which American Red Elm created, these new concept booths really do stand out and give the ITSU restaurants the wow factor.

“American Red Elm is great for furniture projects such as these as it is a light and porous species of wood. Plus, as well as being fantastic at absorbing noise, which is useful in a busy restaurant such as ITSU, it is also resistant to moisture.

And with its elegant and distinctive finish showing visible grains, American Red Elm is simple to work with and stain, making it an ideal material for commercial dining tables such as these.”

To find out more about this and James Latham's full range of products please visit www.lathamtimber.co.uk , email marketing@lathams.co.uk or call 0116 257 3415

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Why Hydrogen Rich Water In Your Home?

Over the last few hundred years, hydrogen gas has demonstrated a therapeutic effect on over 150 human diseases, as well as enhanced health and wellbeing. As revolutionary as this may be, what exactly is hydrogen?

Furthermore, why should hydrogen be included in your water?

The people of Japan have been bathing in Hydrogen Rich water for centuries, their natural hot springs, known as Onsens, are sought after for their salubrious and

popularity among scientists until 2007, when an article on the benefits of hydrogen was published in the prestigious journal of Nature Medicine.

Hydrogen is colourless, odorless, tasteless and nonmetallic. It is the lightest and simplest element in our known universe, expressed as the symbol ‘H’.

It is comprised of just a single electron and proton.

Under regular conditions it exists primarily as molecular hydrogen (H2 gas). In this form, hydrogen has been shown to exert an extensive range of therapeutic effects.

When H2 gas is present in water it is referred to as Hydrogen-enriched water and is simply conventional water (H2O) that contains dissolved hydrogen gas (H2).

For example, there are carbonated soft drinks such as sodas and sparkling waters that contain dissolved carbon dioxide gas (CO2). In contrast water that contains dissolved hydrogen gas, is the best bet for a longer, healthier life.

Footnote: * Aquatiere does not recommend those types of beverages for improving health.

invigorating effects. It is well documented that dissolved Hydrogen gas is what gives the waters of Nordenau, Germany and Tlacote, Mexico, their medicinal prowess.

1978 marks the earliest record of hydrogens’ medicinal properties, where cases of inflammation were successfully treated. The topic did not gain true

Hydrogen is the smallest molecule in the universe; this minuscule proportion allows for a smooth diffusion into the sub-cellular compartments of the mitochondria and other locations in the human body. www.aquatiere.co.uk

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. Fax. 01923 818280 . Email. sales@shopkit.com . www.shopkit.com

MADE IN THE UK

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Marmox Multiboards Pivotal To Grosvenor Place Project A high specification refurbishment and conversion project in one of the capital’s most desirable areas has seen the specialist fit out contractor making extensive use of Marmox Multiboards, chosen for their outstanding stability and ease of use as a tile backer board.

Much of the work within the period property located in South-West London’s Grosvenor Place, is being carried out by a Kent based building contractor, which has employed Multiboards for a variety of challenges in both commercial and residential developments, going so far as switching specifications where inferior alternatives had been proposed by the design consultant or main contractor. In this case the 6 and 12 mm Multiboards were secured down across new and existing sub-floors to take out differences in level, prior to laying ceramic floor tiles in bathrooms, wetrooms and cloakrooms.

The managing director of the company, who did not want to be named due to his blue chip clients’ desire for privacy, and himself a time served tradesman, explained: “We have used Marmox Multiboards for a number of years – especially where tiles are going to go on top, because they provide such a stable background – but they have a lot of different applications.

These include in office reception areas where all of the cabling is laid between the pedestals of a raised access floor system and the architect is concerned about very heavy loads being imposed, say by pallet trucks.”

“We screw the Multiboards down over the metal floor pans instead of using plywood because it doesn’t move, it doesn’t shrink and you get a perfect key for adhesive. Multiboard is a really good product and when we find something which works we stick with it.” www.marmox.co.uk

Armourcoat Acoustic Creates A Calm And Inviting Environment Decorative specialists Armourcoat have introduced a new Acoustic Plaster system designed to optimize the acoustics of interior spaces. From large theatre halls, offices, classrooms, hotel receptions and private residences the use of hard sound reflective surfaces such as glass, wood and stone can cause excessive sound reverberation which leads to unpleasant noise levels.

The Armourcoat Acoustic Plaster System offers a clean and smooth mineral surface that can be applied seamlessly over large expanses to both flat and curved surfaces. The correct control of sound can create a calmer and more pleasant environment.

Comprising of a special mineral wool composite panel that is bonded onto the substrate and finished with a seamless layer, the Armourcoat Acoustic Plaster System offers an elegant marble based plaster finish while allowing sound energy to pass through the surface. The zero VOC system, which consists of 80% recycled material, achieves class '0' fire rating and a class 'A' Noise Reduction Coefficient rating.

An array of global projects for an impressive list of international blue chip clients in the residential, hospitality and boutique retail sectors have established Armourcoat as a leading supplier of high quality surface finishes. www.armourcoat.com

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Investment In New Wards At County Hospital Stafford Protected By Yeoman Shield

County Hospital, Stafford, have invested in 4 new wards which are to be opened throughout the year, offering more patient beds and spacious areas conducive to patient care and staff wellbeing.

The first of such wards to be opened is Elderly Care, Ward 15, which - now containing 28 beds with 12 single en-suite rooms, four, four bedded bays, a dedicated rehabilitation/therapy space, counselling and day room – is a great improvement on what was previously available.

Corner protection angles and protection strip were also added to ensure a comprehensive protection system was in place.

All were supplied in complementing shades of Grey, dovetailing into the décor scheme, contributing to a clean and attractive appearance throughout the unit.

The ward refurbishment work, run by main contractors Kier Construction, included wall & door protection products from Yeoman Shield which were installed by their own fixing team.

The 12, bright and airy, en-suite rooms, colourfully painted, have Yeoman Shield bed head protectors installed on the walls at the head end of the patients bed. This area can be extremely vulnerable to damage caused by beds, drip stands and other medical equipment being wheeled up, too close, to the wall.

To ensure that the investment of time and money made

by County Hospital in the re decoration and layout of the new ward was preserved for many years to come, Yeoman Shield Guardian Twin Handrail was fitted to the walls along the bed bay corridor.

Yeoman Shield’s stylish Guardian Bedhead protectors at 900mm long in Cream or Grey, were fitted on spacer brackets, standing slightly away from the wall to ensure full protection was given to the plaster painted wall behind.

This dual purpose product not only acts as a handrail support for those requiring it but the integrated lower protection rail provides protection against wear and tear to the walls and the upper handrail also.

Ward Manager, Julie Woodworth commented “I am extremely proud to be the first ward manager to move in the refurbished ward. The reaction from the patients and the staff has been absolutely fantastic.”

The nurses’ station area and connecting corridor walls are now thoroughly protected with Yeoman Shield 125mm protection rail on a solid timber core, affording a robust yet attractive defence against wheeled equipment, trolleys and cleaning machines.

For more information on Yeoman Shield wall & door protection products and how they can save on maintenance budgets go to www.yeomanshield.com or call 0113 279 5854.

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Interior Film From David Clouting Proves A Success In Demanding NHS Environment

Rainforest Inspires Latest Francis Pegler Tap Design

The Weybourne Day Unit, part of the NHS Norfolk & Norwich University Hospitals Trust, provides a nurse-led oncology and haematology service. The inspiration for the artwork on its interior walls was the flora and fauna of the surrounding area of Weybourne. Emma Jarvis, Environmental Arts Manager, said “Our decision to use a film to cover the walls and as a base for the artwork was determined by a number of factors including; infection control, cleaning and fire safety. We selected LG Hausys Interior Film from David Clouting because it not only passed the bleach test but the quality of the white colour of the film was also significantly better than the others we tested.” www.davidclouting.co.uk

Pegler Yorkshire has launched a new range of stylish taps. The ‘Waterfall’ epitomises style and elegance and offers consumers with another high end range of brassware from leading brand Francis Pegler. The design led Waterfall Tap range offers an undeniable elegance and panache to any bathroom. Its wider than average spout allows a lavish flow of water to cascade into the bath or basin, offering a sense of splendour. Inspired by deluges often experienced in the rainforest this tap provides a controlled and comfortable flow of water for any bathroom. www.pegleryorkshire.co.uk

Yegin Industries Designs New Floor To Score Sales And Employee Satisfaction

Kemmlit Lockers Specified For Brighton’s £3.5 Million Premier Office Refurbishment Project

Flowcrete has created a floor that will help Yegin Industries bounce, dribble, volley and dunk its way to success! The sports ball manufacturer Yegin Industries selected high performance resin flooring solutions from Flowcrete throughout its brand new office in the Long Giang Industrial Park in Vietnam. 1,750 m2 of Isocrete K-Screed was first applied in a 50mm layer so that the substrate would deliver a high-strength platform for the resin coating. The designer specified 100 m2 of FlowSport with Deckshield UV Linemarker for the showroom and gym room, as it would provide the bright colours and clear patterns necessary to create sports-court style finishes. www.flowcrete.co.uk

Mocatta House, Brighton, has been extended vertically by developers Faithdean to provide high end office accommodation including a new sixth floor and roof terrace. Kemmlit R2Z lockers with electronic locks were specified by architects Morrow & Lorrainne for one of the main office suites. The Type R2Z Locker System, which has a 20-year guarantee, utilises high quality 100% corrosion resistant aluminium for the locker carcass with a choice of two high quality door options. www. kemmlituk.com

Acoustic Panels Connect History London’s so-called Loom building is full of stories that unravel and offer glimpses into its rich history. It is not often that architects, in this case Duggan Morris, have the opportunity to design a perfect link between both modern and ancient.

This is exactly what has happened in their innovative solution converting one of East London’s old buildings from its original purpose as a wool warehouse into a modern office space.

This includes the relocation of its main entrance and provision of offices plus staff breakout areas and a café, together with unique features such as woven metal welcoming gates to bespoke artworks which dominate the multi-storey atrium.

Another of the architects’ solutions was to use Troldtekt 2000 x 600mm natural wood wool acoustic ceiling panels. These provide an attractive link between the different spaces in this 1000sqft building, together with reusing many original old materials to restore attractive life into this previously neglected space. Existing brick dividing walls have been cut through and original steel supporting stanchions left in place.

Troldtekt natural wood wool ceiling panels are used to tie spaces together with a visually attractive textured surface which has superior acoustic performance and can incorporate different forms of lighting and speakers. In an inexpensive and eco-friendly way, occupiers benefit from a host of physical benefits such as high sound absorption, durability and natural breathability coupled with sustainability as documented by Cradle to Cradle certification at silver level. Troldtekt panels, used mainly for ceilings and sometimes on walls, are vital where good acoustics and quiet performance atmosphere is essential. www.troldtekt.co.uk

R

burning passion

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Howe Green Makes A Splash At East Riding Leisure, Bridlington Howe Green Ltd supplied access covers for a new £25 million Leisure Centre - East Riding Leisure in Bridlington.

The contractor, BAM Construction Ltd North East, appointed tiling specialists P.Plunkett Tiling Contractors to carry out the installation of the ceramic tiling to the outside of the pools and the tiling and mosaic to the inside of the new centre’s three pools.

Nine of Howe Green’s Medium Duty 7500 316 Grade Series Stainless Steel Floor Access Covers were fitted into the ceramic tiled floor around the pool surround in the main pool hall area.

The access covers were infilled with anti-slip porcelain floor tiles to provide a flush finish, both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The seamless fit ensures the reduced risk of slips and trips in an inclusive swimming pool environment designed for a variety of end users.

The floor access covers ensure that access for the maintenance and upkeep of the pool sumps and pool balance tanks located beneath the tiling is quick and easy resulting in minimum disruption to the operation of the facility.

All Howe Green access covers are available with a double sealed option which ensures the highest levels of security and hygiene and helps to prevent the ingress of water. Suitable for internal and external use the Medium Duty 7500 Series 316 grade stainless steel option is non-corrosive and will not rust, even in a swimming pool environment where it is constantly being exposed to water, chemicals, and varying humidity and pH levels. www.howegreen.com

Pendock Boxes Clever On Children’s Ward Middlesex Ltd. has specified six column casings from Pendock, the British casings and enclosures specialist, for a ward in the Newham University Hospital, on behalf of main contractor VINCI Construction.

The sub-contractor was looking to create a calming and minimalist environment for Rainbow Ward, which specializes in paediatric and adolescent services including oncology, surgical and medical care.

Pendock’s initial involvement was to recommend and then supply six column casings of varying sizes, which the company advised should be laminated for ease of cleaning and assist with infection control.

To create the two 300x400mm casings positioned against one wall of the reception area, three sided, 8mm thick profiles were specified in Super White, with the inner collars at the top and bottom of the 2700mm tall structure being finished in brushed aluminium to offer visual contrast.

The full columns – of the same height but using 10 mm thick material - were manufactured in an identical finish, though all are slightly different in shape; this very much being the advantage of specifying casings from Pendock, which is able to create bespoke solutions thanks to its dedicated design team.

It should be stressed, however, that Pendock is also able to provide a wide range of off-the-shelf products and accessories that installers can access on a next day basis if required. The column casings for Rainbow Ward were manufactured as pre-formed semi-circles and other sections, which are then laminated at Pendock’s factory. As well as being easy to keep clean, the highly durable construction is also well able to withstand knocks from trolleys and beds. www.pendock.co.uk

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Kaldewei Puro Set Wide: Maximum Flexibility For Bathroom Design

Yeoman Shield Keeps Walls Fit And Healthy At Fife Leisure Centres

The new Puro Set Wide from Kaldewei is a real all-rounder in which comfortable bathing and showering are both possible. It is a classic singleperson bath with an ergonomic backrest and extra steep walls on three sides.

The Puro Set Wide offers not only great reclining comfort with optimum legroom while bathing, but also plenty of freedom of movement and excellent underfoot safety while showering. The generous standing space without intrusive waste cover can also be fitted with an extra large anti-slip coating on request. www.kaldewei.com

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

Unique Calacatta – Combining Beauty And Elegance With Innovation

New Guidance On Washroom Legalities And Good Practice

Unique Calacatta from COMPAC has a stunning grey veining design running through pure white quartz that looks and feels like real marble. The striking contrast of pure white with the powerful grey veins will give any space clad with Unique Calacatta a truly magnetic personality. The natural hardness of quartz comes hand in hand with a waterproof, hygienic finish offering even greater resistance to heat and scratches. This means that Unique Calacatta is especially appropriate for intensive use areas such as kitchen and bathroom worksurfaces, floor tiling or wall cladding. Visit www.uniquecalacatta.com or www.compac.es

By law, venues need to make anticipatory ‘reasonable adjustments’ to the built environment to prevent disabled people being put at a ‘substantial’ disadvantage - that includes suitable toilets! To help all involved in the decision-making process get it right, Clos-o-Mat - leading provider of toilet solutions to restore dignity to people who need help to ‘go to the loo’- has produced a white paper.

‘Accessible Toilets, Washrooms & Bathrooms - The Provisions Beyond Building Regulations Approved Document M’ explains why Approved Document M type toilets do NOT meet the needs of up to 14million people, and outlines the relevant British Standards and guidelines for compliance. It is available free of charge for download from www.clos-o-mat.com

Bright And Colourful Learning On Laminate Bold and striking Rosso high pressure laminate from Abet Laminati is making a splash in a children’s washing and breakout area at St Helen’s Catholic School in Westcliff-onSea, Essex.

As part of a beautifully-designed first floor extension by local architects SK Architects, six new classrooms, a studio and a central breakout area has been added in bold and bright colours more than doubling the school’s capacity.

Specialist furniture manufacturer Benchmark FF&E Solutions was employed to create the innovative scallopshaped wash and utility stations which were cleverly moulded around yellow columns housing sunpipes. Abet’s bright red Rosso colour in a high gloss HR-LAQ finish was used to clad the sides of the stations while compact grade was placed on the top coupling high performance with an attractive appearance.

The compact grade on the surface was carefully routered out to allow for under cabinet sinks and drainage lines to be created.

HR-LAQ is a high gloss finish available in 28 bold and bright colours. Its unique finish comes from a unique formula applied to the surface layer that can maintain the level of glossy shine while offering long life cycle performance in terms of durability, scratch and impact resistance; perfect for this kind of heavy use environment where children are playing.

Abet Laminati’s compact grade High Pressure Laminates is also popular for other types of heavy duty application, such as lockers, table tops, vanity units and cubicles. Their finish provides a tactile, hardwearing and attractive surface coupled with excellent resistance to impact, scratches and abrasion. The compact grade’s solid core construction in 6mm, 10mm or 12mm thickness makes it a perfect choice for areas prone to high moisture and humidity because there is no risk of peeling, cracking or delamination. www.uk.abetlaminati.com/.

Benchmark can be found at www.benchmarkproducts.co.uk

OverView 36 Light From Above

Chris Chaney, Managing Director of Sunsquare

37 Hot Water Heating Continuous Flow Systems Shows Dramatic Savings – Says Independent Report

Tony Gittings, Managing Director of Rinnai

38 BIM Level 2 – Are You In The 90% That Believes The Industry Is Not Ready?

Nigel Blacklock, Technical Director of Bauder

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Light From Above Daylighting has become a real trend in the building world in its pull towards more environmentally sound technologies. Here Chris Chaney, Managing Director of Sunsquare, explains how natural light is also linked to health and wellbeing.

Incorporating wellbeing into our buildings is not just a bonus, it is a social and economic obligation. After all, we spend an average of 20 hours a day inside buildings and, believe it or not, sick building syndrome has its own page on the NHS Choices website costing UK businesses a whopping £30 billion a year in employee absences. Of course, delivering healthy homes for the future has long been a talking point among industry experts.

roofights provide three times more light than the same area of vertical glazing. They can also provide a much more even distribution of light, particularly in larger structures.

And it is not news that the quality of the built environment around us has been proven to have dramatic effects on our happiness, health and how our children perform in school.

Not only does it tick the box for providing the occupants of the building with the benefits of a vitamin D boost, it can also be used to maximise light in dark spaces, allow for elegant changes in a conservation area, help negotiate tricky planning permission rules and provide a solution if you are unable to have a traditional window due to the wall forming the boundary of the property.

But while there has been a lot of focus on thermal, audio, visual, economic and indoor air factors to promote health and wellbeing in construction, it was acknowledged at the EcoBuild event last year that there were also innumerable psychological benefits to flooding homes and offices with daylight.

The WELL building standard supports this move – an idea that embeds wellbeing into our buildings and exclusively focuses on human health. WELL focuses on seven categories of building performance: air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind. Thanks to Building Regulations and legislation, we already design buildings to high standards in the UK. But addressing wellbeing is no longer being considered an optional extra.

Light it up - Studies prove that daylit environments increase productivity and comfort, and provide the mental and visual stimulation necessary to regulate human circadian rhythms.

As a result, daylighting is now regularly referred to in new build projects. The controlled admission of natural light into a building is about reducing reliance on electrics and creating a visually stimulating environment.

And the National Association of Roofight Manufacturers (NARM) – of which we are a member – has revealed that

After all, where vertical glazing exists, the effective area for natural lighting will only be within 6m of the wall containing the window. This means a rooflight can provide the answer to many daylighting problems.

Rooflights also serve to create different living zones within a property - demonstrated in our project at Chestnut Lodge in Hertfordshire where we highlighted from above the central island, framing and separating the areas for cooking and eating. And they can prove to be stand-out features of a build – as seen with our bespoke glass box at Rose Valley. www.sunsquare.co.uk

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Hot Water Heating Continuous Flow Systems Shows Dramatic Savings – Says Independent Report A recent independent report emphatically concluded that continuous flow water heating systems have a clear advantage in terms of initial capital costs as well as life cycle costs over 20 years, when compared with traditional stored hot water systems*. The study** shows that continuous flow water heating systems can be up to 7% more economical than equivalent ‘traditional’ stored hot water systems but that capital costs can be 41% less than indirect systems and a whopping 49% less than direct systems.

“In terms of maintenance you need to be realistic and not theoretical,” says Rinnai managing director Tony Gittings. “If a site has direct or an indirect system then it has to effectively shut down for maintenance. There’s no way around this problem.

Not so with Rinnai continuous flow units as we cascade them together so that the demand for hot water can be met without closing down the whole site.”

AECOM, the world’s biggest building services consultants, was commissioned to carry out a totally independent life cycle study on continuous flow water heating systems, and to provide a comparison with conventional storage systems.

Two case studies were provided on projects using continuous flow water heating systems.

AECOM then determined an equivalent storage based system for each case study and compared operational and capital costs.

For the life cycle comparison, the analysis period was 20 years, based on the expected service life.

The net present value (NPV) calculation is based on a discount rate of 3.5% (The GREEN BOOK HM Treasury), an inflation rate of 2% for servicing costs and projected retail fuel costs from DECC1.

In both case studies the continuous flow system showed a clear advantage in terms of initial capital costs, as well as life cycle costs over 20 years, with the continuous flow system consistently lower in energy use than the two storage systems.

Case study 1 - This was a system for a typical, small, pre-fabricated fast food restaurant. It is assumed the system only serves the hot water demand. The life cycle analysis includes the initial capital costs, projected annual fuel costs, and estimated annual servicing costs which are assumed to increase by 2% each year. The annual fuel cost assumes the same daily fuel consumption over the whole year.

The servicing cost is based on £130/year per boiler, and £160/year for a boiler and cylinder. The resulting net present values of the three showed that the continuous flow system is 6 - 7% lower than the two storage systems based on that 20year analysis period.

Case study 2 - This was a system for a shower block in a holiday camp, with six showers and four basin taps. For the continuous flow option, the analysis is based on a configuration of 4 continuous flow water heaters that each have a nominal output of 48 kW, which, for this particular application, because there is a very short run of pipe work between the water heaters and the fixtures, it is possible for the water heaters to generate water at 40°C. The risk of legionella is overcome by the regular turnover of the system. For the energy required to deal with the instantaneous hot water demand the analysis assumes that the bulk of the hot water demand would be due to the showers.

Each shower would typically have a flow rate of around 9 litres per minute, which if mixed to 40ºC would equate to an instantaneous load of around 19 kW each, so even if there was only one shower running, the load on a single continuous flow water heater would equate to an efficiency of 95% based on the performance curve.

As the hot water demand increases, the modular nature of this particular configuration would allow the 95% efficiency to be maintained for the bulk of the demand. The difference in daily fuel costs between the three systems is around 7%. The

usage profile for this case study is particularly suited to continuous flow systems (i.e. high but infrequent demand over the day), which is why there is an advantage in fuel consumption over the storage systems.

SYSTEMS EMPLOYED IN THE STUDY * Indirect fired storage systems - This consists of separate heat source and storage cylinders, where for this study the heat source will be gas fired boilers running on 80ºC flow and 60ºC return with gross efficiency of 89%. As the hot water is stored at 60ºC in insulated cylinders there will be standing heat losses. The standby electricity is assumed to be 15W per boiler, and 60W when operating to cover fan and controls.

Direct fired storage systems - This is where the hot water storage cylinder has an integral gas burner to directly heat the water, and the key difference with indirect fired storage systems is that they are designed to operate in condensing mode and generally achieve gross efficiency up to 96%. A disadvantage of direct fired storage systems is that the standing losses are around 3 times higher than indirect storage cylinders.

Continuous flow systems - This is essentially a gas boiler that is designed to instantaneously heat mains water for supply directly to water fixtures without any storage. The key advantages with this type of hot water heating, is firstly saving in space needed for hot water cylinders and the associated standing heat losses. The challenge is that instantaneous hot water demand can vary hugely for most systems and therefore the continuous flow heating system needs to have a wide modulation range as well as maintaining efficiency over that range. **The AECOM ‘Life cycle study of continuous flow water heating systems’ www.rinnaiuk.com

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BIM Level 2 – Are You In The 90% That Believes The Industry Is Not Ready?

government’s standardization document PAS11922:2013.

BENEFITS OF BIM The adoption of new technology and processes are always going to be met with a certain degree of resistance, however if BIM delivers all that it promises to, regardless of what your role is in the construction of buildings, it will benefit you. The fundamental benefits outlined by the government are lower costs (through the reduction of waste), faster delivery and lower emissions; but beyond this is the opportunity for greater levels of quality control, collaboration, efficiency, asset and risk management, maintenance, sustainability and exploration of ‘what-if scenarios’.

Back in April last year the UK government’s BIM mandate came into force, requiring all centrally procured public sector building projects to be BIM Level 2 compliant, which represents a significant milestone on the journey towards the digitalisation of the built environment.

However, despite BIM being very much the industry ‘buzzword’ many people still do not fully understand BIM, its capabilities or where we are on the roadmap towards Level 3.

This was highlighted in the results of NBS’ 2016 National BIM Survey, which revealed that: 41% of respondents are still unclear on what they need to do to comply and 90% perceiving the construction industry as not ready for BIM. So what does Level 2 compliance actually mean, what are the benefits of it and what challenges does BIM face now and in the future? Nigel Blacklock, Technical Director at flat roof manufacturer Bauder investigates…

INTRODUCTION TO BIM LEVEL 2 Until now most organisations have been operating at BIM Level 1, which involves them publishing and maintaining their own data. Level 2 distinguishes itself from this with the introduction of collaborative working, not in the way in which 3D models are shared but how the associated information is exchanged between various parties throughout the delivery of a project. Design information about all the key components of a building are shared through a common file format in order to make a federated BIM model, encouraging people to consider the needs of others involved in the design process. This is the method of working set as a minimum target by the UK government for all publicly funded construction work from April and is defined in greater detail in the

These benefits will be experienced throughout the supply chain from designers, surveyors and engineers through to suppliers, contractors and main contractors, but arguably the greatest beneficiary of BIM will be facilities managers who will not only be better informed about the composition of their buildings but also have the opportunity to become more involved in a project earlier on and influence design decisions. Using data provided in the standardised ‘Construction Operations Building Information Exchange’ (COBie) spreadsheet format, the UK government’s chosen exchange for BIM object data, clients and project teams will now be able to compare and select products based on value and life cycle costing rather than just price, which is obviously a far more sustainable approach to construction and something that fully matches our ethos at Bauder.

CHALLENGES FOR BIM The UK is undeniably at the forefront of BIM development and adoption, much thanks to the lead and support of the government, however for BIM to realise its transformative potential further investment and change must occur.

One of the key challenges that needs addressing is the broad gap in BIM knowledge and skills across the industry, with 28% of NBS’ survey respondents describing themselves as not confident in their BIM understanding or capabilities. BIM is currently being led by the design and construction community, however it is the responsibility of all us in a position of knowledge to help educate and encourage those who are yet to embrace BIM, so that we as an industry can move forward.

Another significant challenge is the sheer lack of BIM objects currently available and more specifically the lack of bespoke objects available, which may explain why, according to NBS, only 37% of people use the models from project inception through to completion, suggesting that for most people BIM is restricted to design stages.

Generic models definitely serve a purpose and for some products are sufficient, however for companies such as ours where many system permutations exist it is paramount that as the project progresses through to construction the objects are entirely accurate and therefore have all the relevant COBie data, which can only be delivered as part of a bespoke model. Obviously specifiers can easily alter the objects themselves, however this may have a detrimental effect on associated guarantees unless verified with the manufacturer and also defeats one of the main objectives of BIM, which is to reduce the amount of time and resources needed to complete designs and projects.

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BAUDER AND BESPOKE BIM At Bauder we fully acknowledge these challenges, which is why we actively support our clients and suppliers with the development of their own BIM knowledge and objects, as we realise that this can only be beneficial for everyone involved. This is also why we have created a comprehensive library of BIM objects that includes models for all of our bituminous, single ply, cold liquid applied, hot melt and green roof system options, which can easily be dropped into 3D models and plans. These objects follow the specific standards set out by NBS that support best design practice and are available for free download in Revit format both on the National BIM Library and our own website.

Last year we extended our BIM offering with the launch of 19 new generic waterproofing system objects and we can now also provide totally bespoke objects, which incorporate full model data in COBie format and can be accessed in many of the other popular software programmes, such as Vectorworks and Bentley, via a plug in.

In fact, our ever-evolving BIM object library now includes well over 100 models for our single ply waterproofing systems alone, covering every possible build-up permutation. In order to receive a bespoke object and the associated guarantee you will need to register your project with us so that we can in turn provide you with the required technical support to ensure that the object is most suitable to meet the exact requirements of your building. An example of this is providing project specific wind uplift calculations, as they can obviously differ significantly based on a building’s location and surrounding environment.

FUTURE OF BIM Despite the various challenges highlighted, it is clear that while BIM continues to have the backing and financial support of the UK government it will continue to grow in popularity and adoption both in the public and private sector; with there already being significant evidence of BIM implementation in private housing, offices and leisure. This forecast is supported by the findings of NBS, where 86% of respondents stated that they expect to be using BIM on at least some of their projects in a year’s time.

Now that the Level 2 mandate has been enforced it is natural for early adopters to want to race ahead towards Level 3, which involves full collaboration between all disciplines through a shared project model, however Level 2 should first be consolidated before we as an industry look to take on additional complexities. BIM is still very much in its developmental phase and with 65% of NBS’ respondents believing it is not yet sufficiently standardised this will clearly be one of the industry’s initial focuses.

This standardisation relates not only to BIM objects but also the development of Product Data Templates (PDTs), which give manufacturers of less complex products that may not warrant the creation of an actual BIM object the opportunity to provide the necessary information in a standardised format that is required for Level 2 projects.

Another key area of potential development will be in the refurbishment sector, with the focus to this point having been very much on new build projects. Old building stock is the main contributor of energy loss in the built environment so it seems logical that people will soon look to BIM to help facilitate solutions towards this pressing issue.

What’s more, with there already being laser scanning technology available that can create digitized models of existing buildings it seems reasonable to expect significant growth in this sector to occur sooner rather than later. Realising all of the benefits of BIM may not quite be on the horizon, but with the way that the industry is now wanting its data BIM clearly represents the future of how people will be constructing buildings, and it may well get to a point where if you cannot provide data in the required format you simply will not be able to trade. www.bauder.co.uk

The Essential Building Product Review 42 News 44 Environmental Control 51 Floors 54 Roofs 60 External Works 62 Projects

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Paint Away – The Ultimate Paint Stripper!

Stripping paint and varnish from surfaces can be a difficult and laborious task, requiring time, patience and a lot of elbow grease. Everbuild – A Sika Company now have the answer to this age old problem with the arrival of Paint Away® - the ultimate paint and varnish stripper.

The new triple strength, non-drip formula of Paint Away can remove up to 3 layers of paint or varnish from masonry, wood, metals and most common building substrates in just one easy and fast application.

Simply brush the gel on to the painted area, leave for 20 minutes and watch as the paint begins to blister and crack, before scraping the area to fully remove. Paint Away can be used with most paints and varnishes on vertical and horizontal applications. www.everbuild.co.uk

Latest Schöck BBA Certification Raises The Bar The latest BBA Certification awarded to the Schöck Isokorb is the culmination of an unprecedented standard of assessment by the BBA. It has resulted in a much more demanding new generation of Agrément Certificates for thermal break products and the emergence of a new ‘Leader Certificate’.

This new ‘Leader Certificate’ incorporates significantly more detailed content on structural stability and performance of the balcony connector.

The rigorous assessment by the BBA involved tests for structural stability, fatigue stresses and fire. As a result, the enhanced Certificate includes a full description and specification of each component. Specification of threaded steel bars to connect the system to steel balcony; limitation for deflection of the concrete slab and steel; the requirement for fatigue stresses due to different temperatures and for natural frequency of the external concrete slab and steel balconies; thermal bridging at the junction between the balcony and the wall. In addition, it covers behaviour in relation to fire.

The BBA’s Project Manager, Seyed Tajallifar, emphasises that: “All future Agrément Certificates of this sort will follow this format. The items covered in the Schöck Certificate will be included in any other balcony connector Certificate when they are due for Reissue.”

Chris Willett, MD at Schöck comments: “We have always welcomed our collaboration with the BBA, which dates back over several years.

This new generation BBA Agrément Certificate takes a huge step in providing the highest level of assurance to the construction industry and we are certain that it will lead to further specifications of our product in the future”. www.schoeck.co.uk

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

Innovation Wins Out As Knauf Airless Finish Light Wins At Housebuilder Product Awards 2017 After winning plaudits for its fine finish and time-saving properties, Knauf Airless Finish Light has been recognised by industry experts as the Best Site Product in the Housebuilder Product Awards 2017. Knauf Airless Finish Light is a ready-to-use, spray-applied alternative to traditional plaster providing an exceptional quality finish 2-3 times faster than conventional plastering methods, with little snagging required. Knauf Airless Finish Light will now be considered in the Product of the Year category at the prestigious Housebuilder Awards 2017 on Thursday 2 November at the InterContinental in London. www.knauf.co.uk

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UKDN Waterflow (LG) Ltd Achieves Full PCL Status

Lanes Group Plc Wins 8th Prestigious RoSPA Gold Award

UKDN Waterflow (LG) Ltd has been granted full PCL status and has marked the occasion by winning an extension to a multi-route infrastructure maintenance contract. The company, part of Lanes Group plc, achieved a provisional PCL (Principal Contractor Licence) 12 months ago.

With full PCL status, UKDN Waterflow (LG)'s rail division hopes to scope, design, plan and implement even more types of drainage related rail maintenance and asset rehabilitation projects. Network Rail has also extended a COOM multiroute contract with UKDN Waterflow (LG) to provide drainage maintenance services across seven rail routes. www.ukdnwaterflow.co.uk

Double Success For Vent-Axia Winning Two Major Awards On One Night Leading British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia is celebrating winning not one, but two categories in the prestigious H&V News Awards 2017. Within the Air Movement category the company scooped the award for its Lo-Carbon Revive, designed for social housing ventilation. Meanwhile, in the Domestic Ventilation Product of the Year category, Vent-Axia collected the award for its innovative Sentinel Kinetic Advance Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery unit. The Sussex-based company received the accolades in April at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, London. www.vent-axia.com

Lanes Group plc has is won a RoSPA Gold Health and Safety Award for the 8th year in a row. The achievement means the UK's largest independent drainage and wastewater maintenance specialist retains its RoSPA Gold Medal, awarded for achieving multiple consecutive RoSPA Gold Awards. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents annual award scheme, now in its 61st year, is one of the most rigorous and prestigious tests of health and safety in the UK. The RoSPA Gold Award relates to all core business activity within Lanes, including services provided by its 21 regional depots, as well as Lanes Utilities, and Lanes Rail. Detailed evidence and data was submitted to RoSPA about every aspect of occupational health and safety, including leadership, training, staff engagement, risk assessment, incident monitoring and investigation.

Lanes could point to a range of health and safety initiatives implemented over the last 12 months, some of them significant innovations within the drainage and utilities industries. They included the launch, by Lanes Utilities, of a 360-degree Igloo video theatre to train teams working on its wastewater network maintenance contract for Thames Water, the first facility of its kind in the UK. A digital health and safety app has also been rolled out across the Lanes depot network to support more effective auditing of services and sharing of health and safety information. www.lanesfordrains.co.uk

Offsite Housing - the fast, high volume and quality solution with design flexibility as standard It’s true that the country as a whole needs more homes but one thing is now becoming clear: off-site construction is the fastest, most effective way to solve the nation’s housing shortage.

We are not talking the ‘prefabs’ of the post war years, Premier Modular's housing product offers robust stylish homes and apartments up to 7 storeys high. Built to the very highest standards, in a factory controlled environment which delivers easy-to-maintain homes incorporating cutting edge, energy-saving innovations to reduce carbon footprint and overall running costs.

Premier's modular housing solutions ✔ Achieve BRE Green Guide Rating of B or above ✔ Designed to achieve a Code for Sustainable Housing Level 3 or above ✔ Meet the requirements of Life Time Homes ✔ Fully warranted under insurance backed warranty schemes

This is a much greener, more environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional brick-built houses - with the bonus of reduced build time and on site time We work in close partnership with construction firms, housing associations, local authorities and universities to produce high quality social and private housing through to student accommodation.

The answer to the housing crisis is plain to see -

offsite construction ticks all the right boxes.

Call - 0800 3160888 or e-mail - sales@premiermodular.co.uk Why not follow us too? @premier_modular

visit our website at - www.premiermodular.co.uk

Linkedin.com/company/premier-modular

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Thermostatic Showers From Showering ‘One Stop Shop’

New Easyfit All-In-One High Flow Kit

MX Group’s impressive ‘one stop shop’ range of shower and bathroom products continues to be welcomed by those looking for high quality, reliable products.

Shower trays, electric showers, thermostatic showers, shower enclosures, taps and mixers and shower accessories – it’s a huge range of products. MX has launched an impressive new range of thermostatic mixer shower valves, offering its usual combination of quality, great looking product, excellent warranties and keen pricing.

From stylish and modern to the more traditional single lever options, they are all fully thermostatically controlled and suitable for both high and low pressure systems. www.mx-group.com

The new Tapworks EasyFit all-in-one kit has been launched offering a clip on integrated bypass and push fit hoses to the already simple to install Tapworks water softener range. The kit is available only to Tapworks installers and their customers.

It’s good news for homeowners living in hard water areas. But even better news for installers looking to build on the income stream offered by water softener installation across the 60% of the UK that has hard water problems. The new bypass connector fits straight on to copper pipe and fits all ¾” valves on the Ultra 9 Easyflow, AD11 Easyflow and Infinity Easyflow softeners in the range. www.tapworks.co.uk

New, Free Network Event And Exhibition At Iconic London Velodrome

New Wilo-Stratos Maxo Launched

Mitsubishi Electric has announced a new, major supply chain exhibition at the Lee Valley Velopark, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London on May 18th 2017. The company is inviting any business involved in the construction industry along with building owners, to attend what promises to be a highly informative and rewarding event.

“In addition to an exhibition of the latest solutions for air conditioning, heating and ventilation, we have an excellent line-up of speakers,” explains Gemma Lakin, who is co-ordinating the event. The event starts at 10am, but attendees are invited to drop in to suit, once they have registered online. For more details and to register, visit https://meet2017.powervote.com

Wilo has launched the new Wilo-Stratos MAXO, the world’s first true smart-pump.

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

Rinnai System Thinking For Gyms Rinnai has developed a new and innovative concept of economical and efficient hot water delivery specifically for gyms and fitness centres. The concept brings together all the components of a system in one handy, bespoke pack for any operation, large or small, local and national. Rinnai recently supplied a growing High Street gym estate with a custom-built ‘gym pack’ that includes everything from design to delivery of a complete hot water system in one easy to install, fully specified and energy efficient ‘pack’ delivered direct to site.

The site has reported excellent results from the systems which have been installed in multiple sites over the UK. Says Rinnai’s Chris Goggin, “Simply supplying a water heater unit (or multiple units) has become an antiquated notion that simply is not good enough. ‘System’ thinking, where we deliver to site the complete package, is what is going to give the gym chain the edge over the competition. The Rinnai system virtually guarantees endless amounts of hot water at useable temperatures, all on demand."

The inaugural site was keen to have a fully reliable system with the slimmest of running costs, and, at the same time it was paramount that the showers never ran out of hot water even at the busiest of times. The Rinnai total gym solution includes water heaters, flues, scale protection, unvented cylinders, valves, prefabrication racks, advanced BMS controls – even water sampling equipment – specified, designed and delivered by Rinnai. When ErP labelling went live on 26 September 2015, Rinnai scored A-ratings on all its water heaters and achieved best in class energy and running cost figures following independent testing by a notified body.

“The heat generator on the system is Rinnai’s HD1500i which offers 95% gross efficiency which is maintained for the lifetime of the system due to the design principles and controls. Therefore, the design, combined with the system-thinking approach, promotes best-in-class energy efficiencies.” Rinnai HDC1500i regulates water temperature to within +/- 1ºC via a ‘smart’ digital controller without any variation of temperature at the outlet even when water is drawn off elsewhere. All models have full electronic ignition, no pilot light and operate on demand only, so there is no gas consumption when the unit is idle. www.rinnaiuk.com

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Coast & Country Housing Choose Multi-Sensor Alarms For Their Enhanced Features

New Close Control Adiabatic Humidifier

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

The new Condair DL in-duct adiabatic humidifier offers the accurate humidity control normally only available from steam humidifiers, but with the low energy performance and evaporative cooling benefit of a cold water system.

It also incorporates many anti-microbial features that make it one of the most hygienic humidifiers available. The Condair DL is a hybrid humidifier that combines spray and evaporative technologies to maximise moisture absorption and provide humidity control at ±2%RH. A water treatment system provides pure water to a grid of nozzles located inside the duct. www.condair.co.uk

Andrea Leadsom MP Is VIP Visitor To Johnson & Starley

Aspen Launches Best In Class Tank Pump

Andrea Leadsom, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, was a VIP visitor to the headquarters of Johnson & Starley in March, 2017. Managing Director Chris Yates hosted a visit that demonstrated the company's commitment to environmentally product development and marketing initiatives. Johnson & Starley is a member of the BEAMA Ventilation Group that promotes the importance of indoor air quality and the need for efficient ventilation. The roles of BEAMA and the government in underlining the concept of indoor air quality and providing financial incentives for the installation of effective ventilation in existing homes were major topics of positive discussion. www.johnsonandstarley.co.uk

Aspen Pumps, the UK’s market leader in condensate removal pumps, has launched the MAX Hi-Flow tank pump. An evolution in tank pumps, the MAX Hi-Flow offers best in class performance and build-quality, as well as being the safest and quietest tank pump on the market. Making specification simple, the MAX Hi-Flow replaces all Aspen Pumps’ existing tank pumps, the 0.5l, 1l and 2l Hi-Flow. As the only pump on the market with IP24 rating the MAX Hi-Flow improves installation safety since it is splashproof. www.aspenpumps.com

Aquatiere Launches New Website With A Special Page For Architects Aquatiere is a supplier of domestic and commercial water filters and water treatment units. Aquatiere blends its own patented filter media with traditional filter medias to produce the best possible filtered water in the UK. Aquatiere’s redeveloped website includes a page tailored for architects where a hand picked selection of products for architect specifications is displayed.

To make specification as easy as possible, content is aaranged into a specific format following architectural advice. The product image is followed by concise text about the products and their features together with installation diagrams and specifications.

Then, so that you can easily add the content to your ownspecifications, all the product information is available for download in PDF or MS word format for easy attachment or copy and paste into your document. www.aquatiere.co.uk

DUDLEY SAVING TIME, WATER AND MONEY NEW

* Wave S3

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

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®

* Vantage ™

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

3

year Reassuring warranties*

Touch Free

Easy to fit and service

Made in the UK

* Terms apply, see website for details

Essential Building Product Review.indd 1

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Wave S3 and Dudley Resan

Save Time, Water And Money With Dudley’s Range Of Bathroom Products

Thomas Dudley Ltd has been manufacturing in the West Midlands since 1920. The market-leading Dudley range of bathroom products is BIM compliant and are the products of choice for specifiers.

Ideal for domestic bathrooms and commercial washroom, Dudley’s new flush plate, Wave S3™, is attractively styled, simple to install and set-up and has been designed to reduce water consumption while offering a modern, advanced touch-free alternative to traditional flush plates. The new flush plate displays interactive icons and is available with square or soft edges. Dudley’s flush plate range also includes Reef™ and Coral™ which present a chrome plated finish and are compatible with furniture and tiles. Dudley also offers dualflush pushbuttons such as the round Dio and square Piazza which can be positioned up to 750mm from the cistern.

Dudley’s popular Electroflo range encompasses infra-red WC flushing, urinal controls and taps which have been developed to save water and maintain hygiene. The WC sensor comes in either stainless steel or chrome plated finishes, is interactive and indicates when full or reduced flushes are being delivered and when the cistern is refilling.

To add, it provides a perfect solution to areas whereby a hygienic touch-free sensor may be required. ®

Recently launched, Kinetic® is an intelligent water-saving ‘all-in-one’ electronic urinal control, offering quick and easy installation. With digital precision set-up and guaranteed accurate water-savings, Kinetic® is suitable for any washroom environment. The innovative product offers a choice to be installed onto pipework, wall or ceiling. The contemporary urinal flushing valve has been designed to save up to 80% of water in comparison with traditional petcock and automatic cistern installations. It is aesthetically pleasing and comes in both glossy white and grey finishes. It can be powered by mains or battery and is suitable for water pressures of 0.1 – 10 bar.

The UK based manufacturer’s extensive portfolio of watersaving products under the Dudley brand also includes Vantage® and Miniflo® concealed cisterns that offer 6/4, 5/3 or 4/2.6 litre dualflush to maximise water efficiency.

Both products are approved by the European Water Label Scheme.

Dudley’s Vantage® is a high-quality cistern, designed specifically for use in bathroom furniture. It comes with WRAS approved Dudley Niagara flushing valve and Dudley Hydroflo quiet inlet valve which only allows the cistern to start refilling once flushing is complete. To add, it comes complete with a polystyrene insulation jacket and provides easy servicing with front and top access. Whereas the Miniflo® is more compact and is ideal for use behind tiles and partitioning and in most other concealed applications. With top access only, it also comes with the Niagara flushing valve and Hydroflo quiet inlet valve.

Dudley Resan™ provides a range of damage resistant sanitaryware and controls, suitable for the most challenging environments. Styled like ceramic, this aesthetically pleasing product is shatterproof, dent proof as well as chemical resistant. Resan™ products are best suited in the following sectors; hospitals, mental health facilities, prisons, hotels and leisure, sports stadia and more. A full range of WC pans, basins, urinals and accessories are available.

For more information please visit www.dudleybathroomproducts.co.uk and for Dudley Resan™ visit www.dudleyresan.co.uk.

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Omnie Renewable Heating Selected For Church Hall Following years of fundraising and planning consultation, the congregation members of a Church near Plymouth in Devon are witnessing the construction of a stylish new hall, complete with a TorFloor underfloor heating system linked to an advanced eco-friendly heat pump, supplied by Exeter based Omnie.

The project to build the oak-framed meeting and function hall alongside the stone and slate All Saints Church in Sparkwell is being led by the locally based design practice of Le Page Architects, with AD William Building Contractors carrying out the main construction work. Rod Smith Plumbing & Heating, meanwhile, is the specialist sub-contractor undertaking the installation of a LWD70A/SX Air Source Heat Pump as well as the high efficiency TorFloor pipe and carrier panels.

These are being laid within a 'sports floor' buildup, which features oak boards fixed down over 45 mm square timber battens and height adjustable Junkers New Era cradles. Celotex PIR boards provide a layer of insulation beneath the TorFloor system, ensuring the maximum amount of heat rises to create an even temperature profile throughout the occupied space.

Le Page Architects Director and project leader, Simon Crosbie, commented: “We have used Omnie before on a couple of projects because the company offers a great system with very good technical back up.

In the case of the All Saints Church Hall project in Plymouth it just made economic and design sense to utilize the TorFloor in combination with one of Omnie’s air source heat pumps. The green oak frame by Carpenter Oak has been up for four or five months and the underfloor heating is being installed now by Rod Smith, who we have also worked with before and things are getting on well.”

Specifying the award winning TorFloor underfloor heating system instead of conventional radiators can not only offer greater efficiency in terms of heat delivery, reducing energy bills by as much as 30%, but also improves the SAP rating required for Building Regulation compliance. TorFloor panels are suitable for use in all suspended and batten floor installations with the 22 mm thick, pre-routed flooring grade particleboard being fixed down across the timber supports in the same way as standard flooring. The unique pattern is profiled to accept the 12 mm Omnie pipe that is then connected back to the utility or plant room, normally via one or more of the manufacturer’s custom made manifolds.

For the Plymouth project there is a 12-port manifold distributing low temperature water from the Omnie LWD70 heat pump.

Impressively, an output of just 7kW will be enough to create a warm environment in the worst of the winter weather, still offering high COP figures and low running costs. The new All Saints Church Hall is expected to be used for wedding parties and social functions, as well as for committee meetings and by other groups, all of whom can be assured of a warm and comfortable environment for their activities. www.omnie.co.uk

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Studor Develops Unique Solution For Unique Building It was local council concerns of the perceived risks from SARS and other airborne viruses that resulted in an innovative, new drainage solution at the iconic O2 arena. Once Greenwich Council dismissed the option to use open stacks within the tented area of this iconic London landmark, it was down to the UK’s best plumbing engineers to resolve the issue. Studor, with their deep knowledge of drainage ventilation systems, worked together with ME Engineers and a team at Heriot-Watt University.

The Studor System solution incorporated Studor Air Admittance Valves (AAVs) coupled with P.A.P.A. (Positive Air Pressure Attenuator) units. The P.A.P.A. acts like a shock absorber, dissipating pressure waves and stopping them bouncing around the plumbing system, thereby eliminating the need for roof penetrations at the O2.

“The O2 was a difficult project because it was breaking new ground and no typical model existed,” explained Studor expert Steve White. “The data we produced included flow calculations, flow rates and pipe sizing to deal with air and transient pressures.”

The university team which worked alongside Studor, determined that any gas build-up would follow the water flow. By placing all urinals on a twelve-hour flush cycle they greatly alleviated the potential of any gas build-up problem.

This resulted in the world's first sealed drainage system, totally without the need for any open vents. While inside the O2 the full drainage and ventilation system is sealed, the outside pump stations are on pillars with open vents that are spaced 300 metres apart to dispense any odours are generated within the complex. www.studor.net

Inta Launches ActivFlo Range Of Water Conditioners British heating and plumbing product manufacturer Inta has introduced its ActivFlo range of domestic and commercial water conditioners to the market.

With 60% of the UK being affected by hard water, there is a significant market for reliable and effective water conditioners.

ActivFlo and ActivFlo Pro provide an efficient solution to hard water issues and limescale buildup without requiring the addition of a chemical limescale inhibitor, the removal of any waste product, or regular maintenance. ActivFlo extends the service life and improves efficiency of heating equipment, as well as preventing costly equipment failure.

The addition of an ActivFlo to an existing water system will also reduce existing limescale. Using a unique alloy that changes the chemical structure of limescale-forming calcium carbonate in water, ActivFlo converts calcite, a form of calcium carbonate that causes hard water, into aragonite.

These aragonite crystals do not build up or form deposits and remain suspended in the water, flowing harmlessly through the system and out to the drain.

ActivFlo’s clean ‘in-line’ design allows for quick and

easy installation in new build and retrofit applications.

Its patented fitting system incorporates a collar at either end of the device, allowing it to be removed from an in-line installation without modification of the existing pipework.

Conforming to Part L building regulations, the WRAS-approved ActivFlo catalytic water conditioner is available with 15mm to 2” connections with a class-leading 15 year warranty. For commercial installations, the ActivFlo Pro is available with connections from 22mm to 10” and boasts a lifetime warranty. ActivFlo Pro also features optional building management system connectivity for remote monitoring and integration with smart building solutions.

Stuart Gizzi, managing director at Inta, said: “We’re excited to be bringing the ActivFlo range to the

market for the first time. It uses proven technology to remove and prevent the buildup of limescale, and helps prevent blocked pipes and damaged components, while boosting efficiency and reducing environmental impact. In hard water areas, it will also help reduce stubborn deposits on taps and showers.”

“With no ongoing maintenance costs, it is a desirable option for installers looking for a reliable water conditioner that is a true fit-and-forget product.

We’ve designed it be clean and simple, and have matched it with premium packaging and superb aftercare support. We’re offering a 15 year warranty with the domestic ActivFlo, and a lifetime warranty and money-back guarantee with the commercial ActivFlo Pro.” www.intatec.co.uk

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Energy Saving Is A Walk In The Park Lane For Trend

Right in the middle of London’s Mayfair, 49 Park Lane is one of the capital’s most sought after commercial locations. In an effort to maximise its energy efficiency, a Building Energy Management System (BEMS) from Trend Control Systems is used to make on- going cost savings, while enhancing comfort conditions. In charge of the facilities management of the premises is London based KCE FM, which took over the maintenance contract in January 2016. David Smith is Technical Supervisor at KCE FM, and comments, ‘We were delighted to win the contract for 49 Park Lane and one of our immediate tasks was to reduce the amount of energy the building was using and enhance comfort conditions within it.’

Smith had already surveyed the premises, so knew that a Trend BEMS was in-situ. He also recognised that achieving the objective of lowering energy consumption would depend upon this technology working as efficiently as possible. A BEMS requires frequent monitoring and fine-tuning in order to be fully optimised. When it is first commissioned it is configured around an existing building layout and occupancy patterns. However, these can change over time and incorrectly configured time clocks and setpoints, new layouts, repartitioning, and the addition or relocation of equipment can all have a detrimental effect on energy consumption.

In order to ascertain what could be done to improve the performance of the BEMS, Smith called in the services of Gemco Environmental Control Services. Chris Thorne, the company’s Strategic Development Director, takes up the story and states, ‘As an approved Trend Systems Integrator we recognise the importance of energy usage optimisation and we configured a plan of action that would meet his

objectives.’ The Trend BEMS was originally installed when the building was refurbished just a few years beforehand, so its various components were generally in good condition.

However, bad operational habits had crept in – for example, at weekends the whole building would be heated simply to keep security staff warm!

‘We went back to basics by correcting the previous VSD settings,’ comments Chris Thorne. ‘That alone made an immediate difference and so we then evaluated the occupancy settings, changing the air handling unit (AHU) demand strategy for varying supply and extract pressures at different times. The system was running at a given hertz (Hz) level on the drive instead of using pressure feedback. This meant that it provided a constant supply of heat that was not determined by occupancy. We have reprogrammed it so that the speed of the motor on the AHU varies at specific times.’

A BEMS is not a ‘fit and forget’ solution and constant monitoring and management of energy use is vital in order to identify on-going savings. A Trend 963 Supervisor, which is a real-time user interview, enables KCE FM to monitor specific activities and make any necessary changes.

After just a few months, the savings achieved are highly impressive. David Smith says ‘Looking at the last quarter we have made an electricity saving of 13.87 per cent on units used against the same period last year. This represents a total cost saving of 21.45 per cent, which equates to many thousands of pounds. The BEMS has been a major factor in this achievement, as we can make adjustments quickly and easily.’ www.trendcontrols.com

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Altro’s First Adhesive-Free Flooring For Low Slip Risk Areas Is Tough Time-Saving Solution At Warrington Hospital

New Altro Cantata™, the company’s first adhesivefree flooring for areas with a low slip risk, is already demonstrating its capabilities at Warrington Hospital, providing a tough time and cost saving solution in a busy non-clinical corridor.

Lee Bushell, the hospital’s Acting Head of Capital Projects, says: “The service corridor is an area that gets an enormous amount of traffic. It looked tired, scruffy and we needed to find a hard wearing, affordable long term solution that could be laid with minimal disruption in this busy area.”

“We have a very good relationship with Altro, so we asked them to have a look at the corridor and give us some guidance. They suggested we use their new Altro Cantata flooring, because it could be laid straight down onto the existing flooring, without adhesive, which would mean a fast installation.

New Altro Cantata is a decorative, adhesive-free flooring that creates maximum impact with minimum downtime.

It can be welded and walked on the same day, and at the end of its life removed easily, allowing it to be reused or recycled. It can handle the traffic of busy areas and is a long-term solution that will look good for years to come.

It is ideal for busy public spaces where disruption needs to be minimal, such as hospitals, schools and general circulation areas, with the durability needed for medium to high traffic areas. Plus there are no associated

adhesive odours. Altro Cantata’s 16 soft-look shades, which range from subtle naturals to beautifully vivid, allows you to create just the right colour scheme or tone.

Lee Bushell continues: “A flooring that needs adhesive would have taken 3 to 4 days to fit. Altro Cantata has delivered a massive saving in cost, and the corridor was back in full use the next morning. It’s standing up to the demands well with no signs of movement, bubbling or rippling, which proves it truly is a long term solution and not just a temporary fix. Because Altro Cantata is an adhesive-free flooring it means that in the future, if we need to make repairs, we can simply cut out a section and replace it, without having to re-lay the entire area.

And the product is 100% recyclable as well.”

Altro Cantata was installed at Warrington Hospital by Cheshire Contract Flooring Ltd. Director Dave Hunt says: “The beauty of Altro Cantata is that it can be laid straight down on to the subfloor, or existing flooring, with minimal preparation. It’s an ideal product for busy areas with heavy traffic where quick installation is paramount.” www.altro.co.uk

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Dural Cross Joints – A New And Innovative Solution For Connecting Crossing Movement Joints Subfloor movement is a significant consideration in any tiled floor installation. In almost all build projects the surface layer of tiled flooring will expand and contract at different rates to that of the subfloor beneath it. Because of this it is essential for flooring installations to have some sort of movement protection which comes in the form of movement joints.

Incorporating movement joints into tiled flooring installations means any heavy stresses and vertical movement will be effectively absorbed, protecting the surface tiles. However, a common problem that arises is where the expansion joints need to cross over each other.

These junctions are technically demanding to install and produce, time consuming and expensive for installers.

As a result, Dural has recently introduced a new and faster way of creating these junctions, compared to traditional methods, in the form of their new Cross Joints.

These pre-formed junctions provide an effective connection between crossing expansion joints.

Benefits of Dural’s Cross Joints for tiled flooring installations - Dural’s Cross Joints will ensure tiled flooring installations conform to BS5385, and are a new and unique solution for creating a four-way junction. The joints allow movement accommodation in all directions simultaneously and absorbs the stresses created by vertical movement from expansion and contraction across the four surface areas at the junction. This means the stresses are not transferred into the surface tiled flooring, preventing cracks, loose tiles and ‘tenting’ or ‘popping’ of the tiles. www.colouredmovementjoints.co.uk

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Looking For A Whitewashed Floor?

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

This was achieved by the application of two coats of Bona White under two coats of Bona Traffic HD lacquer.

The works were part of a complete renovation of a Victorian town house in Bath and were carried out by Bona Certified Contractor, TWF Bath Ltd, who specialise in the restoration and fitting of traditional wood floors.

Before treatment, the TWF team filled large gaps using reclaimed pine wedges and then sanded the floor to 100 grit abrasives.

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

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

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

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

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Sarnafil Plus Has Market Roof Covered

The roof refurbishment of Kirkgate Market in Leeds is a story of problem solving and partnership. Rising to the challenge, Protech Roofing and Sarnafil Plus delivered an exemplary solution, which allowed the market to remain open throughout.

The nine-month project saw a team of between eight and 10 people working on the roof through all four seasons, including rain showers and temperatures of over 27°C., without the project or waterproofing ever being compromised.

Europe’s largest covered market, Kirkgate has 800 stalls attracting over 100,000 visitors a week. As part of a £14m refurbishment to improve the market for the stallholders and the public, the leaking roof, extending over both the 1976 and 1981 halls, needed renewing while the building was fully operational.

Being such an important and iconic city landmark, viewable from many of the surrounding buildings, attention to detail and aesthetics were also incredibly important to the final result.

Sarnavap 5000E SA a cold applied, self-adhesive vapour control layer was used to ensure temporary waterproofing for the market while the roofing work was being carried out.

The SarnaTherm insulation boards were mechanically fixed into the existing roof and installation of Sarnafil S327-15EL Light Grey membrane with stainless steel fixings created a durable, weathertight and aesthetically pleasing finish. Sarnafil membranes are certified by the British Board of Agrement to have a service life in excess of 40 years, giving the client confidence in the durability and longevity of the roof.

The Sarnafil Plus team did the groundwork to secure the tender with the architect, asserting the benefits of a Sarnafil system, Sarnafil Plus technical support and guarantee. Following this, Protech Roofing, a registered Sarnafil contractor, spent many hours visiting the site and attending meetings, gaining the trust of all parties.

Eamonn Cahill, Interserve senior project manager, said: “Protech showed outstanding levels of proactive problem solving and integrity throughout the project. The Sika Sarnafil membrane has given the market hall roofs a smart, clean finish with the durability to keep the building weatherproof for years to come.”

The original design specification called for the existing felt waterproofing to be removed back to the metal decking.

However, as this would cause massive disruption and with no guarantee of a watertight building. To combat this issue, Protech recommended a mechanically fastened Sarnafil system that could be overlayed onto the existing substrate.

A full Sarnafil Plus survey and moisture mapping revealed the worst areas for water ingress before the project started to assist with planning the work.

A further feature of Sarnafil roofing systems that appealed to the client was that the Sarnafil S327-15EL Light Grey membrane is cold applied – welded together using hot air rather than with a naked flame. The system can be used without restrictions as it meets the fire performance requirements of BS476-Part 3:2004 and BS EN 13501-5:2005. This was an important safety consideration as the market had suffered a terrible fire back in 1975.

Six rooflights over 51m long were replaced with SarnaLites, situated close together in rows, making sure that the market continued to benefit from natural daylight. This part of the refurbishment was carried out at night to limit any disruption to the market below. Sarnafil Plus visited the site regularly and a successful final inspection resulting in the issuing of a Sarnafil Plus guarantee.

For more information on Sika Sarnafil’s products and services, call 01707 394444, email sarnafilroofing@uk.sika.com or visit http://gbr.sarnafil.sika.com.

Maximum Protection, Minimum Effort

KeeLine®Horizontal Life Line provides fall arrest/restraint protection where guardrails are not suitable or when a virtually invisible solution is required. The system can be fitted to most standard roof types including membrane, standing seam, metal profile and composite panel roofs. KeeLine®provides users with complete and continual ‘handsfree’ protection throughout the system and incorporates an Inline Shock Absorber to minimise the loads to an acceptable level for both the user and structure in the event of a fall.

•Suitable for use on multiple roof types •Conforms to EN 795:2012 •Allows spans up to 12m and 3 users •Designed for horizontal or overhead applications Fragile Roof Access Solutions / Mobile Man Anchor / Demarcation / Rooftop Walkways / Mobile Valley Frame / Kee Anchor Beam / Ladder Restraints / Self Closing Gate / Guardrails

www.safesite.co.uk

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Kemper System Takes Centre Stage At Greenwich Theatre

When the roof of a popular London theatre was no longer watertight, cold-applied liquid waterproofing specialist, Kemper System, provided the ideal solution.

Roofing contractors, Capitol Roofing Co Ltd of Blackheath in Greenwich, specified Kemperol 2K-PUR to refurbish the existing 500 sq. m asphalt roof at the Greenwich Theatre, south-east London, to stop water ingress into the four-storey building.

Thanks to its solvent-free and odourless qualities, Kemperol 2K-PUR was an obvious choice for refurbishment works on the occupied building. In addition, its quick installation benefits meant Capital Roofing Co Ltd, were able to meet their tight project deadline, and the works on the theatre were completed in time for the start of the festive show season.

Once Capital Roofing Co Ltd carried out extensive repairs and cleaned the surface they primed the existing roof surface then applied the Kemperol 2K-PUR resin in a single wet-on-wet process. The cold-applied resin was rolled onto the roof with a reinforcement fleece laid directly in to the wet resin, immediately followed by more resin to ensure complete saturation of the reinforcement fleece. Once cured, the resin formed a seamless, elastomeric waterproof membrane that cannot delaminate, is UV stable and bonds directly to the substrate.

Because the Kemperol 2K-PUR system is ideal for complex detailing, this meant a new, up-and-over staircase was able to be installed whilst still providing a seamless liquid waterproofing solution. A Kemperdur

anti-slip walkway for safe maintenance traffic was added to complete the waterproofing works. The installation team at Capitol Roofing Co Ltd completed the refurbishment of the Greenwich Theatre roof on time, to budget and specification.

Chris Shulver at Capitol Roofing Co Ltd, said: “The existing roof at the theatre was failing resulting in water leaking through onto the seats inside. We had some very tight deadlines to adhere to, which is why we choose Kemperol 2K-PUR because of its quick and easy installation system.

“The fact that the waterproofing solution is eco-friendly as well as odourless was an added bonus for the client, as work was able to be carried out whilst the building was still occupied. The theatre could carry on as normal with minimal waste removal or nuisance odours to disrupt employees or guests to the theatre, and without the fire risk of hot works. With a BBA accredited 25-year service life, Kemperol 2K-PUR provided the ideal solution for the Greenwich Theatre refurbishment.”

Greenwich Theatre is a popular, local playhouse located in Croom's Hill, close to the centre of Greenwich in south-east London. The theatre first came to Greenwich at the beginning of the 19th century during the famous Eastertide Greenwich Fair at which the Richardson travelling theatre annually performed. Since then, it has seen the likes of Mia Farrow, Charles Dance and Susannah York perform. www.kempersystem.co.uk

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Roofing Contractor Keeping Quiet About The Advantages Of Magply A Colchester based roofing contractor has been using Magply Recovery boards as part of a high specification build up, which provided its operatives with a relatively quiet as well as safe means of carrying out re-roofing works to school classrooms during lesson times.

RT Roofing Services specialises in the education sector and carries out up to 20 large scale upgrade projects for premises across London and the South-east each year, with its current contract focussing on Herts and Essex High School in Bishops Stortford.

While much maintenance work around school and college campuses has to be scheduled for the long summer holidays, the pressure this puts on the re-roofing works means some operations have to carry on during term time, as long as noise and disruption are kept to an absolute minimum.

As a result, instead of scabbling smooth the old covering of asphalt and chippings on the Bishops Stortford buildings, RT Roofing proposed to simply sweep away any loose material and then begin the over-roofing with a layer of 6mm thick Magply, bonded down in hot bitumen. This then offered a sound flat surface on which to install a Langley built-up felt system.

The owner of RT Roofing Services, Richard Tebbutt commented: “We wanted to avoid the noise and dust of scabbling the existing asphalt surface and chippings, so instead the team just brushed off the loose material and thoroughly prepped the surface before bonding the Magply sheets down in hot bitumen. Because Magply is non-combustible, any excess bitumen can simply be burned off before the vapour barrier is installed.” www.magply.co.uk

Slimline Aluminium Roof Lantern From Alufolddirect The Technic-AL Roof Lantern from AluFoldDirect gives architects and specifiers an aluminium roof lantern with a beautiful, slimline appearance and excellent thermal performance.

With no plastic trims, the 100 percent aluminium system uses only a square-cut profile with a thermal break. There are no bulky details, just a simple, clean, attractive roof lantern design with a beautiful finish and slim sightlines.

Two design options are available – the contemporary four-pane RL1 lantern and the multi-pane RL2 for wider roofs. Features of the TechnicAL system include slimline curtain walling-style roof rafter bars, and clever verge overlap details that mask flashings or flat roof coatings.

It is available within two weeks on bespoke sizes and colours. For projects requiring a fast turnaround, AluFoldDirect is supporting installers and contractors with next day delivery on roof kits in three stock sizes and four stock colours. The kit can be fitted in under 40 minutes.

“Homeowners are turning to aluminium for its beautiful aesthetics and slim profile. The Technic-AL Roof Lantern is designed with a clean, square style that is very modern and makes installation easy,” says Craig Miller, Managing Director of AluFoldDirect.

Developed in-house by AluFoldDirect, the Technic-AL Roof Lantern is the second Technic-AL product, following the 2016 launch of the successful RD1 Entrance Door.

“Technic-AL products are created by AluFoldDirect’s aluminium experts who understand what architects want in style and performance. They’re also designed to help installers to save time and money and keep projects on schedule.” www.alufolddirect.co.uk

E 58 Easi-dec Half vertical Roof ad 258x96.5.qxp_Layout 1 20/01/2015 10:39 Page 1 Rockwool Goes Back To School With Hardrock® Multi-Fix (DD) Roof Boards

Looking for safe rapid access?

then get our easi-dec systems

Thanks to the installation of ROCKWOOL flat roof insulation products, teachers and students at Stopsley High School in Luton are benefitting from a learning environment that has been acoustically treated to reduce noise disruption. Approximately 600m2 of the 150mm ROCKWOOL HARDROCK® Multi-Fix (DD) boards were adhesively applied on the roof of the building. The thermal, acoustic and fire resistance properties of ROCKWOOL products have helped Stopsley High School to provide effective teaching and learning environment. www.rockwool.co.uk

Yeoman Rainguard Rainwater Systems Chosen By Persimmon Homes For Luxury Renovation Nestled in the foothills of the South Pennines near Rochdale, is the restoration and conversion of the old Birch Hill Hospital into stunning apartments and town houses.

Yeoman Rainguard’s XL Aluminium rainwater systems, with traditional style, textured finish and colour, were chosen to mirror the grandeur and luxury of the renovation scheme. A bespoke GRP fascia detail, skilfully manufactured by Yeoman Rainguard, sits stylishly below the gutters. www.rainguard.co.uk

Glendyne Complements Prestigious New Property

Easi-Dec is the cost saving alternative to scaffold, because it’s quick to erect, with a minimal amount of parts, to get people working sooner after arriving on site.

The basic system includes a standard platform, but our full range offers solutions for both solar panel and window installation. With health & safety being at the core of the system, Easi-Dec is EN tested, with full training provided on request.

For further information call 01767 691812 or email info@easi-dec.com.

Don’t forget to check out our videos at www.easi-dec.co.uk

easi-does it

Cembrit Glendyne, a top of the range natural roofing slate from Canada, has added distinctive style, character and impressive performance to a newly built private house in Northop Hall village, Flintshire. Builder’s merchants, Jewson, supplied 240m2 of Cembrit Glendyne to the project. Flintshirebased roofing contractor, Daniel Crossley selected 500x250 blue-grey Cembrit Glendyne natural slates for the project and installed approximately 4,000 slates on the roof of the house and 500 on the garage roof. www.cembrit.co.uk

Redland Backs Young Blood With Support For Roofing Students Redland is investing in the future of the pitched roofing sector with the launch of a pioneering programme to support young roofing students. The high-quality programme provides a range of support items to ten selected colleges and training groups – delivering technical training from the company’s National Training Centre team, alongside complimentary tiles and accessories to practice with; through to plant tours and access to Online Learning modules. The programme is a part of a wider company strategy to upskill the industry. After becoming the first dedicated pitched roofing industry training centre in the UK, the Redland National Training Centre has trained over 45,000 people. www.redland.co.uk/student

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Hotter Shoes Start Off On The Right Foot With Moisture Mapping

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

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

One of the major challenges for this project was the quantity of intricate detailing requirements, which is understandable given the sheer scale of the roof. As part of the necessary works redundant vents and associated frameworks also needed to be removed and replaced prior to new cladding being added to the perimeter and 69 of Bauder’s structural glazed units being expertly fitted to give essential daylight to the building’s interior. Moreover, asbestos was found within the redundant vent apertures and therefore required specialist disposal.

Because the factory workers have variable shift patterns it meant that the roofing works programme had to be regularly changed and all deliveries needed to be timed as not to conflict with vehicles moving in and out of

the facility. However, despite the logistical challenges encountered all works were completed on time and to budget much to the delight of the client. Upon completion an additional moisture mapping survey was performed to confirm to the client that the overlay was performing as specified and the roof was now completely watertight.

Andy Glover, Health Safety & Facilities Manager at Hotter Shoes, stated, “The readings from Bauder’s moisture mapping survey provided us with objective information and a visual representation of the exact condition of the roof; enabling us to take the best remedial action and save money in the process. The resulting overlay solution was expertly installed, without causing any disruption to ongoing work at our facility. We are delighted with our refurbished roof and the expert technical support we received throughout.”

To learn more about Bauder’s flat roof technical diagnostic methods visit: www.bauder.co.uk/roof-systems/refurbishment-projects/ roof-survey-and-diagnostics

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Kee Systems Keeps Rail Safety On Track

Geoceramica® A Game-Changer For Gardens And Driveways

Kee Klamp® guardrail fittings and BoxBolt® fixing solutions have been installed along a new railway line to provide safety along the train track. This installation forms part of a project to improve commuter times into London from Bicester and Oxford.

Kee Systems supplied 8,000 metres of Kee Klamp® fittings and 10,000 units of BoxBolt®. They were installed to prevent pedestrian and vehicles from straying into off limit areas and to provide safe access to maintenance teams on either side of the railway line. The installation met Network Rail’s design requirement for 1250mm high guardrail achieving a 400 n/m design load for the project. www.keesystems.com

Brett Landscaping has introduced GeoCeramica®, a new product range which integrates porcelain with an innovative pre-bonded drainage mortar base. This brandnew development in paving vastly increases the ease-of-installation and long-term durability of porcelain paving in the UK market.

Inspired by nature, GeoCeramica® is available in four beautiful variations, each coming in several colours to provide maximum design flexibility from the driveway through to the garden. www.brettpaving.co.uk

Introducing The Metropolis Grating

Railway Repainting On Right Track With Bradite

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

It was full steam ahead for repainting the cast iron Tanybwlch Bridge on the Ffestiniog heritage railway in Wales’ Snowdonia National Park, thanks to products and technical advice from Bradite.

Following a green and yellow colour scheme similar to that on the original bridge, Bradite ‘Fastrac’ was applied. Fastrac is a modified silicon and polyurethane alkyd product that features rust inhibiting pigmentation.

With better opacity and longevity properties, ‘Fastrac’ will maintain its sheen level for longer. Seen in full daylight the final result is even brighter and more impressive than anticipated by the client. www.bradite.com

Meet The New SL25 Lightweight Flood Barrier From IBS Worldwide leaders in demountable flood protection systems, IBS, have just released their smallest, lightest system to date.

Called the SL25, the new lightweight system is targeted at the property sector of the flood protection market and aims to capitalise on the company’s strong brand and product reputation in the wider flood risk management industry.

Drawing on all their experience from more than 2 decades in the global flood defence sector, IBS have designed the SL25 to be as easy as possible to install and more importantly, to require minimum effort to deploy before floodwater arrives. Major advantages of the new SL25 lightweight system include the ability to use it without intermediate posts for widths of up to 2.5m and for heights of up to 1m, as well as not requiring a ground rail* or recess along the bottom edge.

With a patent applied for and pending, this new system will allow IBS to continue leading the way in the provision of innovative new solutions for those people, businesses and communities that find themselves at risk of flooding. To request a brochure for this system or the company’s other products, please get in touch with the sales office on 01302 630015. The SL25 lightweight barrier will be available for delivery from June onwards. * Max. +/- 5mm ground unevenness

Latham Latham

Live, work and play...

Live, work and play...

We offer one of the largest and most varied ranges We offer one of thehardwoods largest and and mostsoftwoods varied ranges of joinery quality available of quality hardwoods and softwoods available in joinery the UK. in the UK.

With eight nationwide timber depots, we carry more than 20 species of certified

With nationwide timberfrom depots, we carry more than America, 20 species of Far certified and eight legally verified timber Europe, Africa, North the East and and legally verified timber from Europe, Africa, North America, the Far East and Scandinavia as well as modified wood and our own engineered product, WoodEx, Scandinavia as well as modified wood and our own engineered product, WoodEx, all available directly from stock. all available directly from stock.

Whatever your budget or project requirements, why not allow

Whatever your budget or project requirements, why not allow our extensive range of timber to provide the inspiration. our extensive range of timber to provide the inspiration.

out more‌.

FindFind out more‌.

Call 0116 257 3415 Call 0116 257 3415 email marketing@lathams.co.uk email or visitmarketing@lathams.co.uk www.lathamtimber.co.uk

or visit www.lathamtimber.co.uk

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Office Building Made Of Baubuche Next To Unesco World Heritage Site, The Fagus Factory In Alfeld, Germany

Architects BIWERMAU and Wilfried Köhnemann have erected an office building made of timber in Alfeld, Lower Saxony, Germany. The medium-sized company Fagus-Grecon's new customer centre offers 1,200 m² of floor space for 60 employees. The entire loadbearing structure and large parts of the interior have been constructed using the laminated veneer lumber BauBuche.

It was on this site in 1911 that Walter Gropius and Adolf Meyer erected their world famous factory.

The Fagus factory is considered a landmark in the development of modern architecture and industrial design and, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a listed building.

At the time of its erection at the beginning of the 20th century, the historic Fagus factory was unique in offering modern industrial workplaces geared to the needs of the employees, in that they were clean, dry and well-lit.

Fagus has since expanded, and its range of goods now includes measurement electronics and spark extinguishing systems for the timber industry. A steady growth in sales and increasing demand for training and other professional services meant that by 2013 the company needed more office space. The company has opted for contemporary architecture and state-of-the-art building materials.

With a respectful nod to the Fagus factory's centurylong production of shoe lasts made of beechwood, the load-bearing structure and interior of the now finished construction have been made using BauBuche from Pollmeier. The new building was designed by the architecture office BIWERMAU (Hamburg) in cooperation with Wilfried Köhnemann, an experienced Hamburg architect who has acted as consultant to the company for more than 30 years.

The focus for the architects was to reconcile the wishes of the clients with all aspects and requirements of a listed building, of the UNESCO World Heritage and of the town of Alfeld. Finished at the end of 2015, the new building annexes two existing flat buildings and, in terms of urban development, now completes the ensemble of historic and contemporary production

and office buildings running alongside the road to the south east of the premises. With its striking façade made of cedar wood and openings rising vertically across both storeys of the building, the new customer centre is now as much a landmark of the factory premises as the distinctive chimney.

Accommodating 60 office workplaces over two storeys, the slightly slanting floor areas are accessed via a central corridor area running lengthways through the building. The second storey is designed as a recessed top floor, housing a conference room and two training rooms and an all-round roof terrace for the al fresco enjoyment of all visitors.

The erection of the new building as a timber construction was based on the wish to incorporate various GreCon products, many of which have long-standing affiliations with timber, such as fire protection and measurement systems. For the client, it was crucial to use innovative construction materials that GreCon customers manufacture using plants and systems made in Alfeld. "Pollmeier is also one of our customers", said Jörg Hasener, Client Project Manager.

"When they launched BauBuche on the market, we immediately thought to ourselves, that's just the perfect material to build with" he continued, reflecting on the planning phase.

The laminated veneer lumber from Pollmeier was deployed in a multitude of ways, such as for the loadbearing structure, which was constructed in a skeleton design using columns and beams made of BauBuche.

This was Thomas Mau's first time using BauBuche and the Hamburg architect was certain that it had been such a positive experience as a result of the excellent material quality.

The clients and the architect also chose BauBuche for a range of internal components, thus creating a harmonious overall look to complement the visible timber frame structure. The window soffits were given a distinctive BauBuche cladding and even the office partition walls, the large conference tables and various desks were made from this robust and attractive material. www.pollmeier.com

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Regional Developer Relying On YBS Roof And Wall Membrane Solutions A property developer constructing an enclave of detached properties in an east Hertfordshire village is making extensive use of products from the portfolio of YBS Insulation, to ensure the exterior elevations offer excellent thermal performance while controlling moisture movement.

The five new homes are being built by Land & County Development Ltd., at Furneux Pelham near Bishop’s Stortford. After originally considering rigid foam insulation and a conventional vapour check for the walls, the builder is employing YBS Insulation’s SuperQuilt within the timber frame construction. This is combined with the manufacturer’s Breather Foil FR externally.

The founder and Managing Director of Land & County Developments Ltd., Seb Vallance, commented: “We had in the past used high performance, rigid foam insulation boards to cover our timber frames but switching to the YBS Quilt offered a number of advantages.

Not only is the multilayer product cheaper and an easier install than the boards, but it also saves applying a separate polythene vapour barrier. It is nicer to work with and offers a very neat finish: where it is fully wrapped. Very importantly it also reduces the overall wall thickness of the property. Saving 50 mm right around the building envelope over two floors adds up to a significant extra habitable space for the occupants.”

Recognised by the NHBC and compliant with the current version of Approved Document L to the Building Regulations, SuperQuilt comprises 19 layers including reflective foil, expanded polyethylene and polyester wadding to provide a cost effective and user-friendly alternative to much thicker insulation materials. Installed with a 25mm cavity it controls not just radiated energy but thermal conduction and convection. It creates an effective vapour control layer and will also combat thermal overheating in the summer months. This fully certified, fire rated product is not only waterproof and fully breathable, but can also increase the thermal performance of wall constructions. www.ybsinsulation.com

Sweet Taste Of Success For SE Controls At Former Terry’s Chocolate Factory The £38 million conversion of the former Terry’s chocolate factory in York into ‘The Residence’, a development of 173 luxury apartments, is using a SHEVTEC® smoke control system from leading smoke and environmental ventilation specialist, SE Controls, to help keep residents safe in the event of a fire.

As the 1 - 3 bedroom apartments, together with penthouses, are located over five storeys, it was essential that a smoke ventilation system was installed to comply with building regulations and other key legislation, including BS7346, BS9991.

The system uses staircase ventilation and four smoke shafts to ensure smoke can be vented effectively from escape routes, including corridors, the main lobby and communal spaces, allowing residents to evacuate safely. At the head of each smoke shaft, a SHEVTEC automatic opening vent (AOV) louvre allows smoke to escape when triggered by the smoke and fire system sensors. A similar approach is used in each stairwell where the end staircases use AOV windows, and central staircases are vented using roof access doors fitted with automatic actuators.

Designed to operate on a floor-by-floor basis, the detection of smoke within any of the protected corridors or lobbies directly triggers the system, which automatically opens smoke doors and AOVs to allow smoke to be removed from the affected area and keep escape routes clear.

The system is controlled by a series of SE Controls OSLoop smoke vent zone controllers together with OSLoop Co-ordinators and alarm monitoring modules, dedicated to each smoke shaft.

Tamper proof manual control points (MCPs) on every floor allow the system to remain active with the head of shaft and head of stair vents staying open until fire service personnel reset the activated floor via the MCP. A full back up battery system is also incorporated to ensure that it can operate, even in the event of a power failure. www.secontrols.com

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Aico Donates Alarms To Scottish Veterans Charity

Park Regis Hotel Specifies Comar

Aico has donated Heat and MultiSensor Fire Alarms to the Scottish Veterans' Garden City Association (SVGCA), a charity that has been housing disabled veterans in Scotland for over a century.

Operating as a private not for profit Scottish charitable landlord, SVGCA houses the greatest number of disabled veterans in the UK. It works closely with Scottish Local Authorities, Legion Scotland and the Army Personnel Recovery Centre to help those transitioning from the Armed Forces due to injury. www.aico.co.uk

International hotelier Park Regis have opened their first European hotel in Birmingham and Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems were selected to provide the façade with curtain walling, windows and entrances. The key element of design for the Rofuto Sky Bar was to allow diners to enjoy clear uninterrupted views across the city, a double height Comar 6EFT Curtain wall was selected as it offers strength with a sleek 50mm sight-line. The profiles where finished in RAL 7016 Matt Grey which seamlessly blends into the mahogany, cream and gold interior. Moving to the base of the building, Comar 6EFT capped curtain walling was used. www.comar-alu.co.uk

Archaus Receives A Facelift From Remmers

H+H And SIG Collaboration Helps Meet Housing Demand

The exterior of this iconic building was suffering with high levels of damage, including salt ingress and excessive cracking to the render and brickwork.

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

H+H UK Ltd and SIG Offsite have worked together to create the SIG I-House – an innovative housebuilding system incorporating Celcon Elements from H+H. The SIG I-House provides all the speed of offsite construction with the familiarity of a traditional build, from foundations to roof in just five days. The system is intended for the construction of domestic houses of up to two storey height, replacing the structure of the inner leaf of external cavity walls, separating walls and internal partitions with storey height Celcon Elements. Installed by the SIG Offsite team, Celcon Elements are craned into place and fixed using H+H element mortar. www.hhcelcon.co.uk

Marmox Thermoblock Separates Surrey House From Its Super Basement The technical challenges of tackling linear heat loss at the interface of a very large, traditionally built house from its fully subterranean precast concrete “Super Basement” have been addressed through the inclusion of Thermoblock units, from Marmox (UK) Limited. The exclusive individual property offers its purchasers a stunning 17,000 square feet of usable space.

However, despite utilising a proprietary precast concrete, sectional system with integral waterproofing and insulation measures, the contractor’s architectural consultants still had to specify an effective means of controlling heat loss at the ground floor perimeter.

The detail would not only be required to satisfy Part L of the Building Regulations, but also be able to carry the weight of the outer elevation. The answer came in the form of 267 Marmox Thermoblocks – measuring 100 mm wide by 65 mm high and 600 mm in length - and each one of which incorporates small cylindrical columns of high strength concrete within their low lambda value insulation.

The loadbearing composite product has been developed to be incorporated into various wall constructions as a horizontal layer, equivalent to a course of bricks, in order to address a critical area of heat loss, thereby reducing energy bills and making a significant contribution to SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) calculations. Each Thermoblock is comprised of ultra-high performance XPS insulation, encapsulating miniature columns of concrete, while the top and bottom are covered by alkali resistant glass-fibre mesh, retaining a surface of fibre reinforced polymer concrete to facilitate bonding. www.marmox.co.uk

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Kalwall® Brings Light And Security To Gatwick Airport Good lighting is always essential but sometimes a well-lit interior also needs to be discreet when viewed from outside. This is the case with the very long Pier 1 which runs alongside the baggage system and gates at Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal Building. The two stringent requirements of privacy and security have been neatly solved using Kalwall®, with the added benefit of enhancing the long walkway by creating a pleasant interior ambience.

Kalwall offers complete line-of-sight protection, maintaining privacy for building occupants while bathing the interior with diffused daylighting regardless of the weather. It can also be manufactured for blast resistant applications such as in airports and other sensitive public environments, or to protect workers in areas at risk from explosions. Apart from providing visual protection, its inherent strength makes it ideal for secure locations. With heavy duty impact resistance properties, access through wall or rooflights can be denied while fire and most chemicals will not affect its surface Aesthetically, Kalwall will eliminate shadows and glare and the stark contrasts of light and shade. The system also enhances simplicity by doing away with the need for blinds, curtains or solar control. Even on cloudy days, the interior is flooded with natural daylight, which means less artificial lighting and, because Kalwall is highly insulating, energy costs are reduced. The standard Kalwall 70mm thick panel offers insulation up to 0.28W/m2K - equivalent to a cavity filled solid wall. www.structura-uk.com/kalwall

Neaco Products Featured At Gold Standard Care Home Neaco have supplied a contemporary balustrade specification for a new 60-bed residential care home in Barrow. The £7m Parkview Gardens care home has replaced four older Cumbria Care homes as part of a wider modernisation programme of care for older people in the Barrow area.

Cumbria County Councillor Beth Furneaux described the home as “the gold standard for dementia care and central to how we will deliver services in Barrow in the future.”

Architects Alston Murphy Associates specified Neaco’s powder coated aluminium balustrade with glass infill panel. In contrast to many care homes, the building was designed to provide outdoor space on every floor, including first floor terraces featuring Neaco’s glazed balustrade installed to an extended height to provide additional safety.

The terraces also include Neaco’s Techdek aluminium grille systems as terrace decking.

Neaco’s Spectrum balustrade systems are available stainless steel or aluminium in a wide range of power coated finishes, including woodeffect. Techdek grilles are also suitable for use as sunscreens, modesty screens, mezzanine floors, stair treads, balustrade infills, staging and suspended ceilings. Neaco also manufactures a wide range of mobility aids for the bathroom.

Further information is available at www.neaco.co.uk

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Council Planners Opt For Flip Lid Power Units To Power Their Market Days In Stamford Pop Up Power Supplies® supplied their range of Flip Lid Power Units to the town of Stamford, Lincolnshire, to provide a safe, secure and discreet outdoor power supply for market stalls.

An important consideration for Council Planners for Stamford was that they required a stable, effective power source for outdoor stalls on market days which then could be lowered back into the ground to preserve the beauty and integrity of the historic town.

Pop Up Power Supplies® were contacted, and recommended their range of In-Ground Power Units.

Manufactured in high-grade mild steel, and hot dip galvanised to BS EN:ISO1461, these outdoor power units were perfect for the market days at Stamford. Prior to these units, outdoor stalls were embroiled in unsightly trailing cables that were a hazard to not just the workers but the general public as well, not to mention the risk of electrocution too. The new Flip Lid Units can power the outdoor stalls safely as the lids are closed and locked down, preventing any public access.

Another benefit of the Flip Lid Power Units provided by Pop Up Power Supplies® is the fact they have such a limited impact on the surroundings. The covers of the power units are recessed so they can accommodate various paving and other surface material infill. They are also tested unfilled to FACTA Class B loadings. The Council Planners were pleased with the performance of the In-Ground Units, as not only did they benefit from a safe source of outdoor electricity for the local market stalls, but also there was minimal impact on the integrity and beauty of the local area. www.popuppower.co.uk

Advanced Axis EN System Protects Students At Sofia University An industry-leading fire system from Advanced has been selected to protect the world-renowned Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy at Bulgaria’s Sofia University.

A recent upgrade of the fire systems at the Faculty was specified and installed by long-time Advanced partner FireTech Engineering Ltd. The project saw Advanced Axis EN panels installed in the building at the core of a network that includes smoke detectors, call point and a conventional zone module.

Stoyan Grozdanov, spokesperson for FireTech Engineering Ltd, said: “We selected an Advanced system for the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy as we consider Axis EN one of the most up-to-date fire systems on the market. Due to the usage of the building, we needed a high level of protection and reliability, with assurance against false alarms and an intuitive interface for programming and monitoring.” In total, 491 field devices, including photoelectric smoke detectors, wall sounders and call points have been installed at the faculty on a high speed panel network. The system has been designed so it can be expanded and upgraded as needed in the future.

Axis EN is one of Advanced’s highest performing analogue systems, and fully compliant with EN54 Parts 2, 4 and 13. The panels can be used in single loop, single panel format or easily configured into high speed, 200 panel networks covering huge areas and tens of thousands of field devices.

Advanced’s Axis EN fire systems support two new technologies, the TouchControl touchscreen repeater and AlarmCalm complete false alarm management system. TouchControl is a 10” HD touchscreen that offers dynamic reporting and control via a unique interface that includes Active Maps and zone plans. AlarmCalm uses Advanced’s fast hardware, updated config software and optional loop verification devices to deliver a system that allows the false alarm strategy for a building to be quickly and easily programmed and managed. www.advancedco.com

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Klober Membranes In Grand Designs Project

Klober membranes have been used in a couple’s zero carbon eco-home which featured in the latest series of Grand Designs. The five-bedroom, 4,300sq ft timber frame building on the West Pennine moor has WallintŽ 50 on the warm side of the insulation to provide an air barrier and vapour control layer.

Permo forte vapour permeable underlay has also been installed on the cold side of the insulation to enable moisture within the building to escape while providing a weatherproof barrier behind the timber cladding. Its vapour resistance value of 0.15 MN/sg is considerably below the 0.6 MN/sg requirement for walls.

Wallint 50 has a vapour resistance of 250MNsg to meet the requirements of BS9250 (Code of Practice for design of the airtightness of ceilings in pitched roofs). In addition to being used on the inner face of insulated walls it is also suitable for cold and warm roof applications.

In energy-efficient designs it is used with specialist Klober airtightness accessories such as Permo TR Universal and Tacto double-sided tapes. Permo forte SK2 is an extremely strong, 4-layer vapour permeable underlay with a built-in safety mesh. It has integral lap tapes which enable a strong, airtight seal to be provided. www.klober.co.uk

Engineering excellence for 150 years

In 1867 Joseph Stannah began engineering lifts and cranes for London’s dockyards.

Five generations on, this family owned, British business continues to use its engineering expertise to keep people and goods moving 24/7. Read the remarkable story at www.stannahlifts.co.uk/150

Meet some of the family