Go Public Issue 4 2012 September/October

GO!PUBLIC

S e pte m b e r / O cto b e r 2012

modern public sector architecture & design

GO!PUBLIC Welcome to the digital edition of September/October’s 2012 Go!Public magazine.

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Contents PUBLIC/PROPERTY – Educational Buildings PUBLIC/PROPERTY – Healthcare Buildings PUBLIC/PROPERTY – Leisure Buildings PUBLIC/OPINION – Manufacturers Have Their Say PUBLIC/ANNOUNCEMENTS – News PUBLIC/MARKET – Product News PUBLIC/IMAGE – The Bigger Picture PUBLIC/WORK – Project News

Yeoman Rainguard Fitted To Iconic Worthing Pier www.rainguard.co.uk

www.go-public-mag.co.uk Published by Link2Media Building Publications Ltd Editorial Office Barn 3, Dunston Business Village, Stafford Road, Dunston, Stafford ST18 9AB Tel: 01785 711591 Fax: 0845 862 8639 info@link2media.co.uk www.link2media.co.uk

6 [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

Photographs by: Andrew Heptinstall

Transformational Primary School Opens In Hartlepool ADP’s approach to school design emphasises that the design should be centred on the needs of the pupils and teachers and this philosophy ran parallel to the school’s own strongly articulated vision for their school. ADP considered it essential that the aspirations of the school were fully understood from the start of the project. The school’s ultimate goal for the new building was to be ‘the best possible place for children to flourish and be successful life long learners and ready for their journey into adulthood.’

Key to Headteacher Jane Loomes’ passionate commitment to the scheme was that pupils were to be taken on a journey of self-discovery and independent learning, facilitated and guided by the teachers. To accommodate this, it was important to create a fluid learning environment where teachers could adapt and respond to different approaches and the individual needs of children.

Flexible learning and teaching spaces were therefore fundamental, enabling the rapid reconfiguration of large groups of children into smaller and/or more specialist teaching groups.

EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS [ 7

www.adp-architecture.com ADP designed ‘class bases’ fitted with acoustic curtains that can be easily drawn, dividing a group of up to ninety children into smaller configurations as required. This allows pupils of similar abilities to be taught collectively, helping to achieve more personalised learning. The learning areas are open, welcoming and airy, created by natural daylight and high quality furniture. The school wanted a facility that would offer pupils more immersive learning experiences and opportunities for them to grow in their own way. This has been achieved through the integration of state-of-the-art technology throughout, and includes interactive teaching walls and the extensive use of wireless technology.

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www.southstaffs.ac.uk

2012 Development At Cannock Campus Marks A New Chapter In South Staffordshire College’s Vision For A People’s College Plans for the complete refurbishment of South Staffordshire College’s Cannock Campus are on track heralding another exciting development at what, according to official figures, is the county’s most successful college. Major changes to what was originally a mining college include both structural and architectural improvements, the net result of which will be a more welcoming, stimulating and “open” environment.

South Staffordshire College’s vision is to increase its role as an organisation at the heart of the community, and to attract even more local people in to learn new skills and to benefit from a range of services offered by talented students.

The refurbishment will offer improved public access to the ground floor facilities including a café, the popular hair and beauty salons and the much-loved Gordon’s Restaurant where students prepare and serve a superb range of meals. Cannock Campus is currently home to thousands of students and following the refurbishment will have even greater capacity for the vibrant student community.

The College actively promotes entrepreneurial activities, encouraging learners to consider business start-up, and the plans include provision for housing fledgling businesses launched by learners and support to them will be provided through the College’s entrepreneurship programme.

Deputy Principal, Mark Robertson comments “One of our greatest contributions to the people of Cannock and the surrounding area is to enable them to access a wide range of courses that meets their needs.

Whether it’s one of our local 16 year olds embarking on a career path, an older student progressing towards higher and degree levels or someone who wants to acquire a new professional or personal skill, we pride ourselves on offering a dynamic and responsive range of options. When completed our new building’s architectural features will be enhanced, giving it a contemporary look to reflect the modern curriculum taught at the Campus.”

During the refurbishment period courses will still be delivered in Cannock to the thousands of local people attracted by the College’s successful track record, either at the nearby Progress Centre, at the White House or at Crown House in Beecroft Road.

EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS [ 9

Resucoat HB Gains A First Class Honours From A Manchester University Resin Surfaces Limited (RSL) have been supplying Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) with one of their bestselling products, Resucoat HB for over 10 years and are still getting regular orders for new areas of the University. MMU is the largest campusbased undergraduate university in the UK and operates across five different locations.

RSL have supplied flooring for a number of different workshop areas.

Resucoat HB is a low odour epoxy resin coating and when laid at a thickness of 200-500 microns provides a heavy duty seamless surface with excellent abrasion resistance. Antislip properties can be achieved with the addition of aggregates.

RSL supplied MMU with Resucoat HB for just one area over 10 years ago and due to its successful performance and the satisfaction of the customer, they have been approached over the years to provide flooring for several other areas.

Rescuoat HB has been installed within woodwork, textile, pottery and metal workshops and was chosen due to its excellent adhesion properties and the seamless Anti-slip finish.

As with many educational environments many of the technology workshops at MMU University already had Granwood tiled floors and it was imperative to find a solution that could be installed on top of the tiles to avoid extra cost and installation times incurred by the removal and surface preparation which would have been required.

Resucoat HB was successfully applied directly onto the tiles to form a new surface.

Some of the workshops also had an existing concrete sub base and Resucoat HB was also directly applied to provide a successful coating.

The floors have only been cleaned using a basic cleaning regime, including sweeping and mopping but they are still looking great years later. This makes Resucoat HB a very economical solution for education and similar environments which may have smaller refurbishment budgets.

Enquiry No 1

Premier Interlink Awarded Prestigious Inner City Building Contract For University College London Premier Interlink (Waco UK Ltd) has been awarded part of a £multi-million student accommodation project for University College London (UCL), in partnership with main contractor Mansell Construction, to design and build a complex rooftop extension to the John Dodgson college building in central London.

This 2-storey extension supported on a structural steel grilleage with steel columns sprung from new piled pad basement foundations – the first of its type – will consist of 64 bedrooms clad in composite panels, encased with a facade of solar panelled, non-reflective glass and topped with a green roof. www.waco.co.uk Enquiry No 2

10 [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

A £48M Education Scheme In Hull Is The First Academy To Use Technal’s Revolutionary New Low Rise Façade System Sirius and Ganton Academy is a dynamic 21st century learning environment created to accommodate state-of-the-art facilities in Hull. It is also the UK’s first academy to be constructed using Technal’s revolutionary low rise glazing system. Designed by Aedas and built by Balfour Beatty Construction, this Hull National Academies Framework project has replaced Pickering High School and Ganton Special School.

This visionary new education campus provides an inclusive, studentcentred community that includes a 1,650-place academy, specialist support for 40 pupils with visual and hearing impairments, and a special school for 88 pupils with special needs. Around 4,000sqm of Technal’s MODAL aluminium low rise façade system have been used across the campus – the largest application of this innovative new product in the UK to date.

Finished in grey with grey glass and contrasting white windows, MODAL features on every elevation of this oval-shaped building, both as fixed lights and with a slim integral opening vent to minimise sight

lines. Vertical aerofoil caps provide shade from the sun and Technal’s robust GXi balcony door which is fully integrated with MODAL, was also specified.

Commenting on the use of MODAL, Chris Le-flohic at architects Aedas said, “The MODAL system is an exceptionally good product for the application and has proved to be faultless on this project. Our specification was for a glazing system that would maximise natural light, and accommodate large floor-to-ceiling spans of glass without bulky frames. It also had to co-ordinate with the rainscreen cladding.”

“The system is highly versatile, has accommodated the shape of the building well, and has helped us to achieve a high light ratio. It is sufficiently robust for a demanding secondary school environment, has effective thermal performance to minimise heat loss and gain, and has delivered high levels of acoustic protection, which are important as the site is located near a busy road.”

EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS [ 11

www.technal.co.uk/MODAL

John Cowie, Design Manager at Balfour Beatty Construction, said, “The MODAL system allowed us to keep the frame weight and size to a minimum for both aesthetics and natural light. It has the benefit of a fully integrated opening vent that reduces the visible aluminium as an effective alternative to inserting a window into curtain walling.”

MODAL is a rapid-build façade system – and is the first in the UK to offer integral opening vents. It has an innovative modular design, which reduces work on site, installation time, and gives specifiers a much wider choice of configuration options.

The scheme achieved a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating for the design stage. Features designed to minimise its impact on the environment

include biomass boilers, a wind turbine, rainwater harvesting, an air source heat pump, natural ventilation and highly glazed elevations to maximise natural light.

The new academy is set to make a lasting impression on the local community, with its creative design for a bright and modern learning environment. Its diverse facilities include performing arts and dance studios, a hair and beauty salon, external construction workshop, industrial-standard food technology rooms, and ICT-rich specialist rooms.

Enquiry No 3

12 [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS [ 13

www.crlaurence.co.uk

TAPER-LOC - The Easy Choice At Essa The TAPER-LOC System was recently used to create a striking staircase at ESSA Academy, Bolton. TAPERLOC is the simple way to install glass railings and balustrades.

It is 50% faster to install than traditional alternatives and as it is a totally dry glaze system there is no need for wet cement. The product is completely unique because it uses a horizontal TAPER-LOC design, which allows the system to be adjusted, dismantled and re-set easily and efficiently. This also makes the TAPERLOC System ideal for replacing scratched and broken panels in existing applications.

The staircase is located within the ‘inside outside’ space at the academy, which exhibits a clinical blend of stylish interior design features together with the spaciousness and open-air feeling of an outside area.

Steven Gill, of Webber Engineering - steelwork specialists who constructed the staircase, commented, “CRL’s range of Architectural Hardware is first-rate. In particularly, their TAPER-LOC™ System enabled a fast and efficient installation, which not only makes our job easier but keeps costs to a minimum. Their products are also backed up with an excellent Technical Support division.”

CRL’s Cap Rails were used throughout the staircase and balcony area, in a 51mm diameter. These premium cap rails are manufactured by bump-forming to ensure reduced spring back. The Cap Rails have a standard wall thickness of 3.2mm and are available in diameters ranging from 38.1mm to 101.6mm, as well as oval and square profiles in a wide range of architectural finishes.

CRL’s Aluminium Base Shoe was also used in the staircase installation at the Academy and is designed to be used with the 13.52mm laminated toughened glass.

Enquiry No 4

14 [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

www.hochikieurope.com

Hochiki Protects The Wellcome Trust Centre For Human Genetics Against Fire The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics (WTCHG) is a research institute of the University of Oxford, funded by the University, the Wellcome Trust and numerous other sponsors. Since 1999 the WTCHG has been based in the Henry Wellcome Building of Genomic Medicine, which is located on the University of Oxford's Old Road Campus. The WTCHG houses more than 400 occupants spread over three floors. The original fire alarm and detection system installation, which was more than 10 years old, was in need of replacement. This was driven not only by the age of the system, but by the dwindling availability of spares, very significant costs involved with all maintenance and attendance issues, all of which was brought about by the need for full reliance upon a particular manufacturer because the system was closed protocol.

The University of Oxford Safety Office insists upon open protocol systems, together with commonality of equipment. The reason for this requirement is to be able to have a central maintenance contract with a competent contractor for the whole of the University estate, negating any problems with accessing software or equipment availability. The use of Hochiki devices and Kentec control panels for all replacement and new systems has been the norm for the past twenty years.

Oxfordshire based Pyrotec Services was asked to look at the existing system with a view to total replacement, which included renewing all existing devices and control panels, the retention wherever possible of all existing wiring, the provision of loop powered sounders, the enhancement of detection coverage, and improvement of access for maintenance purposes in certain areas, particularly within ceiling voids and lift shafts.

Following detailed proposals and costs the installation of a new analogue addressable fire alarm and detection system was agreed and funded by the University Safety Office. It was agreed that the new system be based around the Enhanced Systems Protocol (ESP). Stuart Davies, Hochiki’s marketing manager, comments, ‘ESP is a robust total communications solution for intelligent fire detection and fully

integrated systems. It has a multi-purpose structure that provides the flexibility and expansion to accommodate simple addressable systems through to integrated building management and safety systems. It is a robust system and perfectly suited for organisations such as WTCHG, where maximum reliability and minimum disruption from unwanted alarms are essential.’

The project involved installing a 12 loop, 96 zone, analogue control panel and associated devices utilising the existing cabling infrastructure. Approximately 1,000 devices were installed including nearly 500 ACB-E analogue multi-sensors, which incorporate a variable temperature heat element and a rate of rise heat element – both of which are controlled from the control panel, allowing either one or both elements to be active in making the fire decision.

Asked why multi-sensors were the preferred option, Pyrotec’s Paul Slater comments: “Due to the diversity of work being carried out at WTCHG, it was important to have the option of being able to switch between detection modes on a daily basis. This provides versatility without compromising on safety.

“Access for visual inspection and the maintenance of smoke and heat detectors is essential. The University of Oxford Safety Office specifies that if point detection cannot be installed within a lift shaft in a manner that allows safe access (without the need to stand or ride on the lift car roof) a single zone air-sampling detector is to be installed outside the shaft with a short run of pipe work into the shaft. Consequently this requirement resulted in the installation of a Hochiki FIRElink aspirating system”.

As a result of careful planning the installation went very smoothly and was completed with minimal disruption to the activities within the building. Fire detection cover was maintained 24/7 during the installation by carefully interfacing between the new and old systems as the work progressed.

Enquiry No 5

EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS [ 15

Parallel Plus Chosen For Exeter University

Kingspan Access Flooring For London School Renewal Project

Securistyle’s Parallel Plus Hinge System was used in a £450m capital investment programme at the Mood Disorder Research Centre at Exeter University for its excellent ventilation and aesthetic benefits. “The hinge system was incorporated into aluminium windows manufactured by MPS using Smarts aluminium profile,” says Ken Evans, Specification Manager at Securistyle. “One of the key design elements of this entire project was ensuring that the finished building was in keeping with its surroundings as much as possible. For example working with natural features of the site, a ‘green’ corridor connects the Forum with the wider landscape and an undulating Limber gridshell roof ensures it fits in respectfully with the surrounding area and key views across the city to Dartmoor.” www.securistyle.co.uk

Kingspan is installing over 14,000m2 of access flooring in five new buildings that are part of a £29 million renewal scheme by Wandsworth Borough Council at Burntwood School in London to serve over 200 additional pupils. The steel encapsulated Kingspan RG3 and FDEB floor panels are being installed in the Maths & Science, Skills Centre, Arts & Technology, Communications, and Dining, Drama & Music buildings.

The panels will Photo credit: Allford Hall Monaghan Morris generally have a Finished Floor Height of 150mm to allow for under floor services. As part of Kingspan’s commitment to the environment and waste reduction, the company is recycling all panel off-cuts from the project. The steel and particleboard in the panels are being separated in a £250,000 shredder at the company’s Hull site and then recycled so they can be put back into the manufacturing process. The design team is being led by architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris. www.kingspanaccessfloors.co.uk Enquiry No 7

Enquiry No 6

SRS Is The Sound Choice For Collingwood School Collingwood School in Morpeth is a wonderfully diverse school that integrates a wide variety of children of different abilities to give them a head start in life. Sound Reduction Systems were asked about the possibility of improving the acoustics of their dining room to make lunch time more pleasant for the children and of course keep their dinner ladies happy.

Although Sound Reduction Systems can also provide accurate quotations via e-mail, using the ‘Three Step Estimator’ on this occasion, qualified acoustician Toby Makin was able to pop by and have a chat with the head teacher and assess the problem.

Taking the measurements of the room, and in particular the spacing between the concrete beams that support the ceiling structure, Toby was able to calculate the extent of the reverberation problem and then suggest the most appropriate amount and configuration of absorbers to achieve a worthwhile improvement.

Sound Reduction Systems arranged for their friendly, CRB checked installer to take a van full of Sonata Vario acoustic absorbers up to Morpeth which he fitted in one day and impressed the caretaker of the school because of the cleanliness of his work. Sonata Vario’s are raft absorbers that can quickly be fitted via a simple suspension kit that also allows the panels to be easily removed when the dining hall needs to be redecorated. Another bonus is that these panels are made from a very efficient acoustic foam, there is no risk of fibres falling from the panels. Sonata Vario panels are available in a wide range of sizes so in this case Toby’s measurements allowed us to specify panels to fit around the existing light fittings.

Sound Reductions Systems are delighted to have cured the acoustic problems at Collingwood School, which has conveniently coincided with a quick refurbishment of the dining room over the summer holidays. info@soundreduction.co.uk www.soundreduction.co.uk Enquiry No 8

16 [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

www.kempersystem.co.uk

Kemper Keeps Kids Safe And Dry Without Razing The Roof Redhills Primary School in Exeter is safe from leaks and more energy efficient thanks to the installation of a warm roof and waterproofing system from Kemper System.

The existing three-layer felt roof on the 30+ year old building was widely failing and needed to be replaced so Devon County Council’s appointed consultant, NPS, specified Kemper System’s solvent-free 2K-PUR cold liquid applied system along with the company’s Kempertherm PIR insulation board.

Main contractor, Skinner Construction Ltd, appointed Stormforce Roofing to install the roofing system, in a project that was carried out both during the school holiday and within term time.

Andrew Sturgess from Skinner Construction Ltd explains: “Obviously having children on site while the work was on-going presented some health and safety challenges. The Kemperol 2K-PUR system was the ideal choice in this regard: as a cold-applied wet-on-wet system it is quick to install and avoids the need for any hot works on site. What’s

more, the choice of the solvent-free product which is based on a castor oil formulation means that there are no unpleasant odours during or after the project, allowing staff and pupils to get on with school life on a business-as-usual footing.”

Stormforce installed the new roofing system on top of the old substrate with minimal preparation, effectively recycling it as a vapour control layer. The insulation board was cut to shape and laid directly onto the existing roof before installation of the Kemperol 2K-PUR system in a single process. The result is a monolithic, seamless, durable yet flexible waterproof membrane which can not delaminate and will keep Redhills’ children dry for at least the next 25 years.

Stuart Hicks, marketing manager at Kemper System said: “Kemperol 2K-PUR is the first solvent-free, odourless, cold liquid applied, weton-wet waterproofing system available in the UK. This makes it ideal for school roof refurbishment, which is traditionally carried out during school shutdown periods, or for construction projects where environmental considerations are important or where buildings are occupied and work needs to continue without the disruption caused by the heavy fumes and strong odours from solvent based products.”

Enquiry No 9

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www. tyvek.co.uk

Advanced Building Membranes From Dupont Are A Study In EnergyEfficiency And Reliable Protection At Ben Wyvis Primary School The construction of the new Ben Wyvis primary school in Scotland has been undertaken by Barr Construction on behalf of the Highland Council with the objective of meeting the highest standards of teaching accommodation, site facilities and sustainability. As part of the build, close attention has been paid to the envelope structure and to issues such as insulation, air-tightness, greater energyefficiency and optimum comfort.

Several high tech membranes from DuPont have been specified for a variety of applications, from ceilings and walls to roofs and facades.

These include the advanced breather membrane DuPont™ Tyvek® Supro Plus as a protective roof underlay and also a wall ‘wrap’ in certain locations, DuPont™ AirGuard® Reflective air & vapour control layer to interior walls and DuPont™ Tyvek® UV Façade behind the rain screen cladding on the sports hall.

This ten-classroom primary school will have the classrooms arranged in two wings perpendicular to the main wing of the building, creating the external courtyard and playground spaces. The main wing acts as part of the secure barrier to the playgrounds and the rest of the school. Contained within this wing are the nursery, library, admin, community, dining, kitchen and sports facilities.

The corridors and class rooms have maximised glazing to enhance the views in and out of the building as well as external breakout spaces which open to the secure playground and courtyard areas, allowing interaction between internal and external environments.

The building has been orientated to allow the playground and courtyard spaces to take advantage of the inspirational outlook and to ensure the teaching spaces make good use of the sun paths throughout the day.

It was also crucial that this building be conscious of public resources and energy use, while also protecting the structural investment and ensuring occupant well-being by carefully considering interior comfort and thermal performance.

Richard Jack, Chartered Architectural Technologist for the Highland Council, comments, “It was imperative that the renovation observed the highest standards of sustainable building practice and a holistic and reliable membrane solution in the envelope was a key part of this overall ethos. However, it was also important that as well as being energy efficient, the interior climatic environment remains comfortable for the children and staff, to enhance well-being and productivity. This combination of DuPont membranes offered the optimum solution.”

Enquiry No 10

18 [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

Portakabin Helps To Meet Rapid Growth In Demand For Primary School Places Figures from the Department of Education have suggested that more than 450,000 extra primary school places will be needed by 2015, even though many schools are already at or over capacity. As a result, more local authorities across the UK are turning to Portakabin modular solutions to deliver high quality teaching accommodation as a fast response to these demographic changes.

Commenting on the issue, Robert Snook, Director and General Manager of Portakabin Hire said, “High levels of international migration and increasing birth rates are putting acute pressure on primary school places nationwide, with particular rises in demand being seen in London, the South East and in the major cities such as Bristol and Birmingham.”

“The provision of teaching accommodation using modular construction is a highly effective solution that more LEAs are turning to, allowing them to react very quickly to an increase in demand for places, which can be very difficult to predict. However, if a child is learning in an interim building for two years that could be one third of their time at that school – so the quality of the education environment has to be of the very highest standards.”

Portakabin completed a complex project to deliver a range of permanent and interim classroom solutions for Bristol City Council.

It provided a series of buildings to create an additional 630 primary places in 12 schools across the city, which were all delivered on budget and on time.

The buildings ranged from single classrooms hired for up to two years, to a permanent two-storey brick clad building with a lift and suspended

EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS [ 19

www.portanews.co.uk

ceilings. All the classrooms were supplied to tight timeframes and with features such as toilets, climate control, access ramps, security and alarm systems, children’s sinks, finger guards on doors and projector mountings. Portakabin also undertook all planning requirements, project management, foundations, landscaping, services and fitting out.

Commenting on this challenging project, Mike Bosdet, Principal Building Surveyor at Bristol City Council, said, “We expect to need at least 3,000 more primary places across the city by 2015. To accommodate the increased demand for places, Portakabin successfully delivered a range of buildings to the programmes we needed. A rapid response is always critical to help us address place planning issues and we simply could not have built classrooms conventionally in such a short timescale.”

“The performance of the Portakabin team was excellent throughout and we have total confidence in them. They are technically excellent and their ability to project manage and organise the different requirements of each school is second to none.”

“Whilst there may still be a perception issue around modular classrooms, particularly for interim use, our experience has shown Portakabin buildings to be excellent – light, warm, modern and

comfortable. We are also impressed with the size of the classrooms, which is often superior to the school’s existing classrooms.”

Rob Worsfold, Head Teacher at Air Balloon Hill Primary School, said, “We have five other interim buildings on our site but the Portakabin building is by far the best. It is more modern, spacious and warmer through the winter. It allowed us to increase the number of reception classes from three to four and will remain in use until our new permanent building has been completed. I am pleased to report that we have not had one negative comment about the interim classroom and the teacher was over the moon with it.”

Portakabin modular teaching accommodation can be configured and fitted out to the exact requirements of the school and the site. The approach is also completely flexible – classrooms can be linked to the existing school, the floor area can be increased or reduced in line with local needs, and the building can remain in use for as long as it is needed.

Enquiry No 11

Photos: ©Norking Aluminium Ltd.

20 [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

www.shackerley.com

‘Reflections’ On Shackerley’s Ceramic Granite Facades The availability of highly polished Sureclad ceramic granite facade panels in a wide range of colourways and formats is providing architects with new ways to give buildings a luxurious standout appearance, says Shackerley, the UK’s market leading supplier of ceramic granite ventilated cladding systems.

Shackerley CEO Brian Newell says “Ceramic granite is an exceptionally versatile building material that can be produced in a vast array of styles and colourways to meet any aesthetic brief. Our ‘mirror finish’ Sureclad facade panels in traditional rectangular and contemporary square formats are increasingly popular because they deliver sustainable, external ventilated cladding with the appeal and natural appearance of highly polished stone such as marble or granite, but at a fraction of the cost, and with much lower loadings on the building.”

The luxurious aesthetics are exemplified by a recently completed project at Grimsby Institute, where Ryder Architecture has delivered a new £10 million University Centre on the campus. Externally the new building makes a strong visual statement thanks to Ryder’s specification of a white polished ceramic granite ventilated facade panel from Shackerley’s Sureclad Collection.

Ryder Architect Mark Clasper said: “Our client wanted us to create a clear distinction between the new University Centre and the existing Further Education buildings. Our brief was to create a flagship building... somewhere aspirational that students could progress towards. We chose Shackerley’s white polished ceramic granite cladding primarily for its aesthetics. We wanted a premium material that would help add a ‘sense of grandeur’ to the University Centre within its surroundings.

The building is set amongst dense mature trees, so the reflectivity of the material was an important factor. Depending on the time of day

the elevations appear to have a mirrored finish, allowing them to take on the colours of the surrounding trees, landscape and sky.”

Appearances, although critical, were not the only reason why Shackerley’s Sureclad ceramic granite ventilated façades were installed, as Mark Clasper explained: “As the primary envelope cladding for the University Centre, it was important that the material we selected was sustainable. The ceramic granite scored an A rating in the BRE Green Guide to material specification, contributing to the credits we achieved under MAT1.” The building subsequently attained a BREEAM rating of Very Good.

Over 3000m2 of Shackerley’s Sureclad ceramic granite cladding was installed by total building envelope contractor Norking Aluminium Ltd. All panels were prefabricated at Shackerley’s ISO 9001 accredited production facilities in Lancashire and supplied to the Grimsby campus ‘installation ready’ - predrilled and bracketed using a patented undercut anchorage system to provide a secure mechanical fix to the Sureclad aluminium substructure (compliant with BS 5385 Part 2).

The panels had been specified in an optimal 1200 x 600mm format to minimise cutting and material waste and Shackerley also supplied ceramic granite pieces cut to bespoke sizes for corner detailing.

Norking completed the facades on schedule, successfully creating interfaces with the external glass balustrading and Shueco glazed windows, delivering sleek streamlined elevations interrupted only by the deeply grooved and brightly coloured window reveals.

Enquiry No 12

EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS [ 21

www.selectaglaze.co.uk

Selectaglaze Helps The Ages To Work Together Built on the site of the former Lewisham Bridge Primary School, the new Prendergast Vale College has opened for the start of the 2012/2013 academic year. The College is intended for all ages, from nursery though to age 16, with a capacity of 835 made up of 25 full-time nursery, 210 primary and 600 secondary pupils. The complex consists of 6 separate units designed to facilitate the integration from nursery through primary to secondary whilst providing separate and secure spaces both inside and outside.

The original school building which received Grade II Listing “as an outstanding example of Edwardian school architecture”, with English Heritage particularly praising its interior, has been carefully incorporated into the overall design and now provides the College’s imposing main entrance, Reception, Library, Art Department and Sculpture Garden, linking seamlessly with its contemporary surroundings.

The building needed sympathetic refurbishment and adaptation for the present day and the imposing single glazed windows presented a significant challenge for the College’s energy efficiency targets.

As secondary glazing is a reversible adaptation acceptable to heritage bodies and can markedly improve window insulation levels, HKR Architects together with main contractor Costain’s sub-contractor Lucas Fit Out, consulted with Selectaglaze, the UK’s leading designer and manufacturer of secondary glazing systems.

Selectaglaze proposed a range of treatments that complemented the designs of the existing windows whilst providing access for ventilation and cleaning. Low emissivity glass was recommended as it can reduce heat loss through traditional windows by up to 60%. High performance seals were also recommended in order to markedly reduce drafts.

Selectaglaze installed nearly 200 secondary windows, mostly vertical sash, some with arched heads.

All were finished in white powder paint. An additional bonus from the installation of secondary windows is the high levels of noise insulation, typically 40-45dB. The large airy rooms now provide a comfortable, draft-free, quiet environment, conducive to learning.

Enquiry No 13

22 [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

www.howegreen.com

Green School Chooses Howe Green Howe Green’s 7500 Series access covers provided St Bernadette’s Primary in Antonshill, near Stenhousemuir with an easy and reliable solution to accessing essential under-floor building services.

The energy-efficient building design was the work of Falkirk Council Architects with the construction delivered by Kier Scotland.

Featuring solar-paneled water heating, recycled newspaper insulation and many other green initiatives, the new school is set to meet BREEAM’s Very Good sustainability objectives.

A glass-roofed central atrium spanning 85 metres in length forms the backbone of the building. Providing a versatile activity space, it also serves to maximize the natural use of light and its raised floor houses the school’s sprinkler network, hot and cold water supplies and electric and data cabling. Council architects needed an easy and reliable solution to accessing these essential services for the lifetime of the building and Howe Green’s 7500 Series aluminium access

covers were chosen because of their excellent quality and the firm’s reputation for first class service support. A. Andrews & Sons installed 79 of Howe Green’s aluminium access panels to cover a continuous run of 75 metres of floor space with additional multipart units also fitted onto adjoining legs. Capable of tolerating heavy pedestrian traffic, the access covers are designed to be in-filled with a floor finish to match the surrounding area, which in this case was an industrial grade carpet.

For optimal hygiene, the covers are double sealed to ensure that no dirt or grease can penetrate them and they are also resistant to rust and corrosion. Offered in a range of sizes to meet the needs of different applications, 7500 Series panels have a standard depth of 75mm with a minimal show-edge for a seamless look. Fire rated covers are also available in line with BS476:Part 20 1987 and Howe Green manufactures bespoke sizes to order with no additional lead times required or price premiums to pay.

St Bernadette’s cost £7.1m in total and the new school serves over 10,000 households in the Larbert, Stenhousemuir, Torwood, Carron and Carronshore areas. It opened its doors for the first time this term providing the area with a progressive learning environment for up to 217 primary and 80 nursery children.

Enquiry No 14

EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS [ 23

New Slide 2000 Door From Smart

Metrotile Lightweight Roofing - The Rooftop Has Evolved Metrotile Lightweight Steel Roofing is a versatile, durable solution that has surprised many public sector specifiers with its traditional materialbeating benefits. More specifiers are discovering Metrotile, from Housing Associations looking for the ideal solution to refurbish housing stock, to Local Authorities needing a roof for newbuild school building projects. Whatever your project size, our roof tiles are complemented by a full range of bespoke accessories, including rooflight systems by Velux and the Metrotile Photovoltaic System. Everything your rooftop needs can be sourced directly from Metrotile, and the icing on the cake is every Metrotile roof comes with an industry-leading forty year weatherproof guarantee. www.metrotile.co.uk

Slide 2000 is the latest system in Smart’s popular series of elegant sliding doors and windows. An evolution of the original Slide system using continental style construction, Slide 2000 features the signature slim line profiles and minimal sightlines associated with the range, coupled with modern thermal break technology that provides consumers with both enhanced thermal performance and the option of dual colour profiles in a wide choice of colour finishes.

The system is designed for use as sliding patio doors in residential applications for both new build homes and refurbishment projects. Slide 2000 is also suitable for use as horizontal sliding windows for light commercial use such as external serving hatches in restaurants. Sliding windows are also ideal for applications where increased ventilation is required. The window offers a solution where applications, such as schools and hospitals, require an open sash that does not project creating an obstruction. www.smartystems.co.uk Enquiry No 16

Enquiry No 15

Innovative Solution For Natural Ventilation In Schools Control Launched By SE Controls The need to maintain precise control over carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature and energy consumption is essential to create quality learning environments in classrooms and educational buildings and SE Controls’ new compact NVLogiQ room controller provides an innovative solution to meet these demands. NVLogiQ constantly monitors indoor air quality, temperature and humidity and uses innovative algorithms to control the automatic operation of windows, vents and heating. A manual over-ride option is also incorporated to provide additional versatility and direct control. Capable of being used as a stand-alone classroom controller or networked throughout schools and educational buildings, NVLogiQ also incorporates integrated data logging to allow detailed analysis against pre-defined design and performance criteria.

As NVLogiQ is compact and unobtrusive, with a footprint of just 160mm x 105mm, it can be located close to desks and work areas, allowing the precise monitoring of carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature and humidity to maintain good indoor air quality and comfort levels.

CO2, temperature and relative humidity readings are continuously displayed on NVLogiQ’s integral LCD screen while a red, amber and green ‘traffic light’ display gives a constant indication of indoor air quality. A manual over-ride capability is also built in to the room controller, allowing staff to temporarily open or close windows, louvres or other ventilation devices. NVLogiQ’s versatile and powerful control structure has been designed to enable it to be used in a range natural ventilation strategies including cross ventilation and single sided ventilation as well as managing passive ventilation and night purging. www.secontrols.com Enquiry No 17

24 [ HEALTHCARE BUILDINGS

Great Expectations For Yeoman Shield As part of a £1m refurbishment of a maternity unit carried out by main contractor E Manton, Yeoman Shield wall and door protection has been supplied and fitted into the new Midwife Led Unit (MLU) at New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton. Corridors of the unit have been fitted with Yeoman Shield ‘FalmoutEx’ wall sheet along with 200mm Protection Rail and Strip. Other products installed include door frame protection and kickplates.

Lyndsay Durkin, midwifery led unit manager, said: “We are delighted with the way the unit looks and having Yeoman Shield fitted has given us an attractive finish which will help us to keep it looking pristine for many years to come.” www.yeomanshield.com Enquiry No 18

Easy-Clean Stretcher Features On The New Pressalit Care Nursing Bench 2000 A new easy-clean, perforated stretcher is featured on the latest addition to the Pressalit Care range of nursing benches and tables – the Nursing Bench 2000. Designed for both changing and showering, the Nursing Bench 2000 has a wide range of applications in bathrooms, washrooms and hygiene rooms. Meeting the requirements of BS8300:2009, the Nursing Bench 2000 is ideal for Changing Places facilities, as well as home adaptations, schools, day centres and care homes.

The stretcher, which can be unzipped for washing, allows water to pass through into the water collection tray below. An integrated water outlet prevents water from splashing on carers or onto the floor, while a flexible hose connects to either an outlet in the floor or on the wall.

As with all Pressalit Care’s nursing benches, ease of use is paramount for both user and carer. The 2000 model has a low starting height of 300mm, enabling easy transfer onto the bench from either a seated or standing position. The electrically operated hand control raises the bench up to a maximum of 1000mm off the ground. Up and down buttons are clearly marked on the control, which comes with a convenient wall mount.

Its attractive, ergonomic design provides high standards of user comfort, while its smooth, hygienic surfaces make for easy cleaning. The Nursing Bench, which can be neatly folded up against the wall when not in use, is produced in white, powder-lacquered stainless steel. A maximum weight of 175kg is advised. The Nursing Bench 2000 is part of a full range of high quality, fixed height or power adjusted changing benches and tables from Pressalit Care. www.pressalit.com Enquiry No 19

HEAlTHCARE BUILDINGS [ 25

www.bbesl.com

Balfour Beatty Engineering Services On Target To Deliver Sustainable Health Centre Following the demolition of the Victorian baths in Warrington Town Centre, a new £7million primary care health resource is currently being created with Balfour Beatty Engineering Services (BBES) on track to deliver sustainable initiatives and new technology as part of the mechanical and electrical (M&E) package.

Being built by Galliford Try for Renova Developments, a Public Private Partnership between the Fulcrum Group and the NHS, on behalf of client Warrington Primary Care Trust (PCT), the scheme forms part of the Halton & St Helens, Knowsley and Warrington LIFT Project. Once completed, the new building on Legh Street will replace the existing Garven Place site and will accommodate two GP Practices servicing 9,000 registered patients and a pharmacy. The development, designed to provide a more efficient and all encompassing health service to the local community, will also provide breast screening, child health and dental services.

As part of the project BBES will be supplying and installing all of the building services including gas, power, lighting and water. As one of

the UK’s leading M&E contractors, BBES has a clear focus on delivering schemes that offer low environmental impact. As such sustainable initiatives such as temperature monitoring, solar hot water and rainwater harvesting have also been integrated. The building will also feature an intelligent lighting system which incorporates PIR presence and daylight detectors designed to further increase energy efficiency.

“The new facility has been planned in close liaison with Warrington PCT using a tried and tested mechanical and electrical design,” commented Andrew Wightman, BBES Project Manager. “Combined with a sustainable approach, the building will not only offer a reduction in carbon emissions but will provide Warrington PCT with significant cost savings in both delivery as well as the building in use.”

The development is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ accreditation for sustainability. The building is set for completion in Autumn 2012.

Enquiry No 20

26 [ leisure BUILDINGS

New Parkour Site Proves Popular

Hauraton New SPORT Catalogue 2012

With the Olympics still fresh in the nation’s minds, a new parkour site has opened to inspire young people to take up a different kind of sport. The £42,000 site in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, was built by Lappset, a leading designer and manufacturer of sports and playground equipment, and funded

by Fenland District Council.

Also known as freerunning, parkour originated in France in the early 90s and is one of the few non-competitive sports. The aim is to travel from one point to another, negotiating obstacles along the route as efficiently and nimbly as possible. The facility includes equipment known as a spider cage, climbing wall, gibbon swing, precision bars, vault box and vault balls, all surrounded by rubber surfacing. The Lappset Parkour Solutions range will help develop skills such as vaulting, balancing, under-bar and over-bar movements and cat leaps. The range currently comprises 37 products, including five pre-designed courses, and is designed for unsupervised use with accompanying signage to educate users on the basic parkour movements. www.lappset.co.uk

In coming years it can be expected local sports facilities will be more intensively used and need to be designed to meet higher safety and performance criteria. Designers will have to ensure optimum condition for those actively participating and for their supporters.

Hauraton is highly experienced at providing advice about reliable surface drainage and auxiliary components for running tracks and playing surfaces. Their new 68 page, SPORT catalogue features a comprehensive range of products designed specifically for modern sports venues. Hauraton supports designers with project specific proposals, including expert specification and technical advice from the initial survey through to completion.

The new catalogue, available digitally on www.hauraton.co.uk also features drainage and other essential components for IAAF (International Association of Athletic Federations) approved venues.

Enquiry No 22

Enquiry No 21

Sporting Success For Tormax Benefiting from a recent refurbishment, the new automatic sliding entrance to the Sports Centre at Rugby School delivers DDA-compliant access for all pupils, staff and members of the public. The double set of two-leaf sliding doors were designed and installed by Norman and Underwood and are powered by reliable TORMAX Win Drive 2201 door operators.

A leading co-educational facility, Rugby School has a rolling programme for upgrading the buildings, many of which are listed. In addition to replacing the original timber and glass manual swing doors at the main Sports Centre entrance, the lobby area has been refurbished with new ceilings, floor and lighting.

Neatly compact a TORMAX Win Drive 2201 door operator measures just 142mm x 100mm, allowing an automatic entrance to be installed in almost any location. However it is surprisingly powerful and can automate either a single-leaf sliding door of up to 120kg or a double set of doors weighing 100kg per leaf, delivering an impressive opening width of up to 2000mm.

There is no compromise on reliability or functionality either. Tested well in excess of current industry requirements of one million cycles, the door drives are ideal suited for this busy school sports facility, delivering ongoing performance well into the future. Simple two-key programming allows users to quickly adapt opening speed, hold open time and opening width in response to foot traffic levels and weather conditions, helping minimise heat loss from the building without creating bottlenecks. www.tormax.co.uk Enquiry No 23

leisure BUILDINGS [ 27

Fastlane Playing Its Part At The London Olympics 2012 West Midland based Fastlane Ventilation, the supplier of air handling equipment, heating and heat recovery systems, was part of the team looking after the media at the London Olympics, 2012. A Fastlane air handling unit (AHU) provided the supply ventilation specifically for the kitchens - part of the 12,000m2 catering village serving 50,000 meals per day to the broadcasters, photographers and journalists that brought the Games to a worldwide audience. The 24-hour media hub, the International Broadcast Centre/Main Press Centre (IBC/MPC), was one of seven permanent venues located within the Olympic Park. It housed the very latest IT facilities, along with a 200m-long ‘High Street’ with banks, newsagents, travel agents and a post office, as well as a transport mall providing a drop-off facility and car parking. The air-handling unit was supplied to national ductwork contractor, Boyd & Co (Metal Workers) Ltd via distributor Angus-Air. www.fastlaneventilation.com

Axter Structural Waterproofing Installed On Mixed-Use Schemes Axter provided New South Quarter main contractor, Barratt Kent, with inverted, warm and intensive green roof waterproofing specifications for this Croydon urban village.

Axter approved contractor Tilbury Contracts installed an Axter tapered thermal insulation scheme and Excel/Spot self adhesive system. Axter’s Wilotekt-Plus structural waterproofing was used for inverted podium decks and green roof areas. Axter supplied 10,450m2 of similar inverted roof waterproofing for two Plots in the Olympic Athletes Village (now to be transformed into mixed-tenure housing). The residential blocks centre on a courtyard greened as an intensive green roof with hard surfacing where robust waterproofing is required. www.axter.co.uk Enquiry No 25

Enquiry No 24

Mapei Bring Cutty Sark Back To Life Mapei has assisted to bring London landmark and national icon of British maritime history, Cutty Sark, back to her prime after being badly damaged by fire in May 2007. Mapei’s high performance, flexible cementitious adhesive; Keraflex and Mapei’s flexible, versatile, multi-purpose grout; Ultracolor Plus in new Limestone colour were utilised in the project to complement Domus’ 1200x600, 600x600 and 600x300mm modular format Porcelain Creta Beige tiles.

The installation involved cutting the Domus Porcelain Creta Beige tiles to form a tiled floor to the entire dry berth beneath the famous ship extending over some 1,000m2 plus viewing area and reception at the bow and stern of the ship The floor installation was expertly completed by stone, marble and ceramics contractors - Stone Concepts. Keraflex and Ultracolor Plus were ideal for the heavy amount of foot traffic anticipated at the tourist attraction. Ultracolor Plus is also mould resistant and water-repellent with BioBlock® and DropEffect® technologies respectively, which assist in the prevention of mould and the reduction of surface water absorption. Mapei’s Keraflex and Ultracolor Plus were also used to fix tiles in the reception area and new cafe.

Alongside these areas Stone Concepts were responsible for restoring the floors within the historic tea clipper’s galley within one of her deck houses. After three months of searching, tiles were finally sourced to match the original tiles used on the ship. Again a combination of Mapei’s Keraquick adhesive and Ultracolor Plus grout (this time using Jasmine shade) were utilised to install the tiles. www.mapei.co.uk Enquiry No 26

28 [ leisure BUILDINGS

Sika Watertight Concrete On Bilston Swimming Pools

Bond Timber Scores With Tanalised Clear At Plymouth Argyle

Sika® Watertight Concrete was chosen to ensure that the two swimming pools at the recently opened Bert Williams Leisure Centre in Bilston were watertight. The swimming pool and training pool, plus the surrounding slab, were constructed using 500m3 of Sika® Watertight Concrete, supplied by Bardon Concrete. This innovative product ensures total watertightness by incorporating Sika admixtures to prevent water penetrating through the concrete. To complete the system, construction joints were sealed with the SikaSwell® jointing system.

The use of BBA certified Sika® Watertight Concrete system together with Sika’s hydrophilic joint profiles, ensures not only dependable, leakproof swimming and competition pool facilities, but also protects any basement or below ground structures from water ingress.

Bert Williams MBE, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers and England goal keeper, officially opened the centre. www.sikawatertightconcrete.co.uk

Bond Timber, main sponsors of Plymouth Argyle football club, has delivered real support with the design and manufacture of brand-new dugouts at the club’s Home Park ground. The two stunning structures have been built with high performance timbers including Tanalised Clear pressure-treated Western Red Cedar shiplap cladding.

Tanalised Clear treated timber is protected with Tanalith M, an innovative waterborne, metal free wood preservative from Lonza Wood Protection. Designed to protect outdoor timbers used in above ground situations, the treatment has proven performance against fungal decay and insect attack, and also retains the natural colouration of the timber, allowing it to remain cleaner and fresher for longer. www.whbond.co.uk

Enquiry No 27

Enquiry No 28

Mobilane Helps Make The Games Green Sustainability was a central theme in the build-up to the London Games – and Mobilane was delighted to be able play its part in making the Olympics as green as possible by supplying a living wall outside the main stadium’s athletes’ entrance.

Specified by HED Landscape Architects and installed by Willerby Landscapes of Kent, the 135 sq m ivy wall is set back at a 70o angle and took just two weeks to install. The Mobilane living wall will prosper for many years to come, encouraging biodiversity and absorbing microscopic pollutants around Stratford in London.

The living wall uses the Mobilane WallPlanter system, which was chosen for its proven reliability. WallPlanter consists of aluminium planters into which fully matured plants are grown.

The system is able to tolerate harsh conditions and requires minimal maintenance, as vividly illustrated by the magnificent living wall on the harbour front at Monaco.

Like the rest of Mobilane’s products, the WallPlanter is designed to enhance the built environment by simultaneously making it more aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly.

Mobilane’s vision dovetailed neatly with that of the Games’ organisers.

The Olympic Delivery Authority made sustainability a key aspect of its planning for the Games, focusing on climate change, waste, biodiversity, inclusion and healthy living. The living wall at the athletes’ entrance is one of many green features at the Olympic Stadium. Its roof truss is made of unwanted gas pipelines and its river banks from recycled granite from King George V Dock. www.mobilane.co.uk Enquiry No 29

leisure BUILDINGS [ 29

www.reynaers.co.uk

Reynaers Airmax Parallel Openers Solve Natural Ventilation Requirements At Leisure Centre When it was discovered that standard opening windows were not offering sufficient ventilation at Downham Health & Leisure Centre, Lewisham, the decision was taken to find an alternative, cost-effective solution with Reynaers Airmax parallel opening windows providing the answer.

Combining local health and leisure services centred on a council local access point, Downham Health & Leisure Centre was completed and operational in 2009, as a state-of-the-art development incorporating the latest in building technology.

The centre, a one-stop facility, includes a 25 metre swimming pool and training pool, gym and fitness suite, community hall, multipurpose studios, youth IT facilities, library, health centre, functions rooms, crèche, etc., in addition to outdoor sports facilities.

However, in operation the standard, top hung windows at the centre were just not delivering the anticipated ventilation levels. An extensive study into the use of parallel opening windows found that their use promoted improved airflow with the air movement at almost twice the

volume. Because of the design, the upper open edge of the window facilitates greater air movement compared to top hung windows.

Replacing the 79 standard openers with Reynaers Airmax parallel opening windows solved the problem. Each provides high efficiency ventilation having the ability to allow air to circulate around the entire perimeter of the window, significantly increasing the natural ventilation levels throughout the building.

“We worked closely with the fabricators on the project, Fleetwood Architectural Aluminium,” explained Richard Jekiel of Reynaers Aluminium. “There is a significant amount of data available on the airflow characteristics of the parallel opening windows. It clearly demonstrates the consistent change of air within an internal space.

This not only provides for a fresher environment it also reduces the levels of C02 offering a far healthier environment and making it ideal for leisure centre applications.

“An additional benefit of the system is that it affords greater security with the ability to restrict the opening, generally to around 100mm, without affecting the ventilation capability of the window.”

Enquiry No 30

30 [ leisure BUILDINGS

Southend Pier Cultural Centre Opens To The Public The construction of Southend Pier Cultural Centre has completed and is now open to the public ahead of an official inauguration this Autumn.

Measuring 1.34 miles and featuring its own train line, Southend Pier is the world’s longest pleasure pier. The new 376 sq m cultural centre is sited at the end of the Grade II listed pier. The challenge of the project has been to construct a dynamic new building onto a listed and fragile structure in an offshore environment.

The new building, designed by Scandinavian practice White arkitekter in partnership with UK-based architects Sprunt and structural engineers Price & Myers, was the winning scheme in an international design competition organised by the Landscape Institute in 2009. The design ‘Sculpted by Wind and Wave’ was favoured for responding to the conditions of the site whilst presenting a radical deviation from the traditional Victorian architecture of the town.

Originally constructed in the Victorian era, the pier has survived fires, boat crashes, two world wars and economic decline, as well as undergoing a series of design alterations and amendments since it opened in 1830.

The cultural centre is the first structure added to the pier head since 2000 when a new lifeboat station was built and it is hoped that the centre will revitalise the historic pier’s fortunes following the fire that devastated it in 2005. Unlike most British piers, which are populated by amusement arcades and rides, the new cultural centre aims to

reinstate Southend’s most famous landmark as a continuation of the seafront town onto the water by creating a vibrant public space on the pier from which to enjoy the landscape of the Thames Estuary.

The building’s sweeping geometric form and harmonising palette of materials celebrate the topography of the windswept site integrating it into the scenic landscape. The dynamic roof shape, which measures up to 9 metres from floor level, houses a large multi-purpose events space with floor to ceiling glazed elevations. Orientated South facing, the entrance façade is set back beneath the roof forming a sheltered entrance and café terrace from which to enjoy views out onto the water.

The building has sloping walls and a twisting hyperbolic paraboloid roof form. Modeled in 3D using Catia, software more commonly used in the design of planes or cars, the geometry of the structure gives the building its signature sweeping profile.

The complex modular arrangement of triangular frames makes efficient use of material. A system of supporting trusses gives the building the stiffness it needs to spread its weight evenly over the pier’s 100-year old cast iron piles.

Due to the challenging conditions of the site, contractors Kier fabricated the building off site at Tilbury Docks and craned it into place in one piece.

The 170 tonnes steel frame structure was transported from the docks on a barge along the Thames Estuary and craned in at high tide using

leisure BUILDINGS [ 31

A short film produced by Apricot Productions documenting the craning in of the structure is available for online streaming and can be viewed here

www.white.se/en www.sprunt.net a 400-tonne marine sheer leg crane. The structure itself was strong enough to be hung from only four points without twisting or damaging itself in the exercise, which required careful planning and precision and was successfully achieved in just 24 hours.

Salt corrosion, wind and wave loads are some of the elements that combine to make the pier head a hostile environment for building.

Durable materials have been specified throughout to help achieve a long expected lifespan under these conditions.

The roof and wall panels are built of insulated marine plywood decking covered with a waterproof membrane. The walls are clad with Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) panels, whilst the roof is treated with a nonslip textured top coat which is colour matched to the GRP walls to give the building a unified expression.

Working in consultation with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) the team has specified a roof surface treatment to sustain the Turnstone birds that roost on Southend Pier. Similarly the facade glazing is tinted green to discourage the birds from flying into it.

The new cultural centre boasts some impressive environmental credentials: the superstructure is built of recyclable steel; the building envelope achieves a high level of insulation and air tightness; and the building achieves 10% renewable energy with the provision of air source heat pump technology, mechanical ventilation and a heat recovery system.

Flood proofing strategies include raising the building 1.5 m from the deck of the pier. Reclaimed decking from underneath the building

provides a datum at the base of the building and a ramped timber walkway made of the same FSC-certified tropical wood provides access.

The main space, with its dynamic waveform ceiling, has been designed to accommodate a range of cultural activities and events programmed

by Southend Council, including art exhibitions, theatre and music performances, film screenings and private events such as weddings.

The triangular panels of roof, which anchor to the long wall of the building create unexpected oblique views out. Floor-to-ceiling glazing on the North and South elevations gives a clear view through the entire building and frames a panoramic view back to the shoreline.

Adjoining the main space is a 40 sq m artist’s studio, a café which opens onto the entrance terrace, public toilets, a kitchen and store.

During the day the GRP cladding has a translucent quality which changes tone, appearing white in bright sunlight and greenish grey when the sky is overcast. At night luminaires delineate the building’s sculptural profile. photographs supplied by ©Luke Hayes

32 [ OPINION

Article By: Jeff House, Applications Manager, Baxi Commercial Division

STRATEGIC THINKING

Jeff House, Applications Manager, Baxi Commercial Division considers the advantages offered by the extended use of BIM.

In its Construction Strategy published in May 2011, the Government expressed its belief that full value is not being received from public sector construction projects. At the time, these projects accounted for some 40% of construction sector activities and the strategy document outlined a series of cost cutting measures designed to achieve savings of 20%, or some ÂŁ8.8bn per annum. In particular, and central to the success of the strategy, is the overriding inclusion in procurement projects of fully collaborative 3D BIM (Building Information Modeling). The Government is realistic and acknowledges that the entire building supply chain is not yet ready to deliver this key requirement, therefore implementation of the Construction Strategy is being phased in over five years. When fully in place from 2016, delivery of information in accordance with specific BIM protocols is intended to form part of the project procurement process.

As far as the contribution of construction supply chain organisations to procurement projects is concerned, at whatever stage involvement takes place, there will be a requirement to integrate into the BIM process and provide information or content in specific formats; this may be in the form of a 3D parametric design model or key specification data in a Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) spreadsheet. As a concept BIM is not new, as software tools to aid model creation and design processes have been available for over a decade, but it is fair to say that BIM is not currently in everyday use throughout the entire supply chain. Where it is not, the message could not be clearer.

Buy in to the Government’s desire for full collaboration by adopting BIM working practices or be left behind. However, where already understood and appreciated, BIM processes can be found in the standard requirements of construction industry clients and the processes of supply chain organisations. Where this is the case, its inherent advantages provide the opportunity for efficiency and development cost savings together with ongoing building performance benefits.

The existing level of awareness has been quantified. A market wide survey in 2011 showed that some 80% of construction practitioners are aware of BIM, with some 90% of practitioners expecting to be actively using BIM within five years. It could, of course, be said that these numbers merely reflect awareness of the objectives of the Construction Strategy, rather than perceptions of BIM, but there are more telling results. The market survey already mentioned reported that over 30% of construction practitioners are using BIM processes, with a recent poll targeting consultants and contractors showing that 60% are applying BIM procedures.

Far from being a new concept, introduced as a key future requirement of procurement clients, BIM has an established presence in construction client thinking and supply chain practices. Importantly, as BIM has originated and grown as an industry initiative, any change in political views or attitudes will not affect its ongoing relevance or development.

THE MODEL SOLUTION Conceptually BIM can be defined as an integrated process of designing, engineering, constructing and maintaining a building based on a collaborative model including both graphical and non-graphical information. Simply put, BIM enables all of the design disciplines involved in a project to work together to construct a fully co-ordinated, virtual representation of the finished building.

This model is enriched with key specification data about each of the building components, thereby allowing much simpler exchange of information and a more controlled project outcome.

As the contract progresses the information contained within the model grows, with input from main contractors, specialist contractors and commissioning engineers eventually leading to a wholly accurate digital representation of the asset being handed to the client. The BIM process does not finish at hand over stage, as building operators can continue work with the information model to inform planned maintenance regimes, manage building extensions or change of use with more certainty and, using dynamic simulation tools, derive estimated versus actual in use energy consumption or CO2 emission data for reporting purposes.

OPINION [ 33

BIM is not just a software tool.

Adoption of fully collaborative BIM working practices can deliver significant benefits all through the supply chain. At design stage, ease of information retrieval, co-ordination and clash detection can increase productivity.

It is possible to virtually construct the building many times over and assess the impact of modifications to structure or systems much more quickly. Up front visualisation can improve client understanding of what the project is intended to deliver. At construction stage, the information model can be used to fine tune both the build programme and co-ordination of trades on site, simplifying the estimation of materials, with more accuracy resulting in less site waste. BIM lends itself well to pre-fabrication and off site assembly with the potential to use co-ordinated design models to feed directly into production drawings for such components. Ultimately BIM can help deliver a more predictable project outcome with greater cost and programme control.

PUBLIC LIBRARY If these benefits are to be maximized, the quality of data incorporated into the information model is key. Each building and system component will require embedded data in order to inform the various BIM processes. For more complex items such as boilers, water heaters and low to zero carbon heating technologies this is particularly true. Such plant items typically form the heart of a building services system and are an integral part of the system design calculation process. It is possible for designers to create models of such plant items, although time and accuracy of data can be a concern and there are generic libraries available for building services equipment.

However, forward looking UK manufacturers provide specific “libraries” of their products with 3D models and embedded data included. By importing and using these libraries, designers can not only save time and effort in the drafting process but can also be assured that the embedded data provided is robust and accurately represents the item in question.

It is inevitable that BIM will have an increasing future role to play in public sector construction projects following the publication of the Government Construction Strategy and this is already having an effect. Although Government requirement is for projects with a value in excess of £5 million to use BIM by 2016, a number of local authority contracts of lesser value are implementing BIM requirements now. www.baxicommercial.co.uk

34 [ OPINION

Article By: Sneha Mashru, Project and Design Manager, Electrolux Professional

Laundry Design Service

Sneha Mashru, Project and Design Manager for Electrolux Professional looks at the importance of correct laundry design to achieve effective hygiene and infection control.

When it comes to planning and designing healthcare facilities, whether it is for new build or upgrading existing premises, the laundry function should be a primary consideration at the beginning of the process. Equipment manufacturers, often with their own in house design teams, are keen to work with the architect and specifier at the design stage and carry out a laundry audit to determine the overall requirements. The size of the laundry, different levels of care being offered and the functions of the equipment to be installed are all important factors which will maximise client benefits and the cost savings a well designed laundry can offer.

And with the new code of practice for the prevention and control of infections introduced in 2010, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration requirements include points for the proper use of laundry facilities.

Location and Design An ideal location for a laundry is the ground floor as this minimises vibrations and excessive noise from the equipment.

The laundry room should preferably have at least one external wall to terminate the exhausts to the atmosphere and to be able to bring in fresh air for the dryers. This will eliminate the extra installation cost of mechanical fan systems.

The termination of the exhaust outlets should be to the customer’s specification, but try to have the external wall away from visual sight, due to the aesthetics.

Make sure that the access route to the laundry room has sufficient openings to be able to bring in the machines. It is essential to keep an access route in place due to the option of exchanging or buying new machines in the future.

Windows for natural light are recommended in order to improve the working environment in the laundry room.

Trapped foul drains are required for the washing machines as the waste water contains chemicals. Where possible, avoid locating a laundry in the basement due to the requirements of the machines, i.e. ducting and drains. The access availability in a basement is usually very limited. The floor should be solid concrete and wooden flooring avoided.

The dirty and the clean work should be kept apart in the laundry room to eliminate cross contamination. It is therefore

OPINION [ 35

good practice to have a dedicated sorting area for the dirty items and then a storage area for the clean linen.

The room should ideally be designed so that a 1/3 of the space is dedicated for the dirty side and 2/3 for the clean side.

If possible, one door should be dedicated for the dirty linen entering the laundry room and another for the clean linen leaving the laundry room.

The air flow should be from the clean side to the dirty side. Try to retain an area for the detergents in the “dirty area”.

If possible increase the distance at the rear of the washers to accommodate them or dedicate a specific area. A minimum 500mm at the rear of the machines is required for service access. Shelves and tables should be stainless steel and not wooden. Tables and trolleys are recommended to be mobile.

Barrier Laundry Systems The Barrier concept represents the optimal way to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and avoid the risk of recontamination. It has been developed to clearly define the segregation between the dirty work entering the laundry room and the clean work exiting the laundry room. The barrier washing machines have one dedicated door to load the dirty work and another door for unloading the work once the cycle has been completed.

The washers are built into a partition wall (barrier wall) to separate the dirty area and the clean area. Before entering the clean area an “air lock” (small room with a hand basin) is designed to be passed through to add to the hygiene procedures of washing hands, changing overalls and footwear. Most commercial washing machines need to be raised, this is usually done via a plinth that is bought from the washing machine supplier, or built on site by the builders.

The machines require a three phase or single phase electric supply depending on the machine model and the electricity available in the laundry room. A hot and cold water supply is required at the rear of the washing machines. If hot water is not available, the laundry can be run with cold water only, but the heating time and the utility costs will increase.

The barrier wall should be assembled before installing the machines. The machines drain outlet is usually located underneath the machine. It is good practice to connect a duct with a diameter of 60mm for the air ventilation at the top of the machine. The exhaust should be running outside the laundry room and be discharged in accordance with current legislation. www.laundrysystems.electrolux.com Tumble Dryers There are three types of tumble dryers available, standard, low energy and condensed, each with different requirements, so it is important to discuss these with the client and laundry equipment provider at the design stage reducing the need to make good the facilities at a later date.

All tumble dryers require a large amount of fresh air for drying and for combustion. This is usually bought in from the outside, either via a grill or with direct air intake. The size of the ventilation grill for the makeup air depends on the model of the tumble dryer. By ducting the required fresh air directly in to the tumble dryers, it reduces the requirement to provide working area heating, saving on utility costs and improving the working conditions.

Checklist Electrolux Professional has created a basic checklist to try and highlight the most relevant information to consider before and whilst developing a laundry room.

• • • • • • • • • •

Is the laundry located on the ground floor?

Are there any external walls?

Is there a clear level machine access route from the drop off point in to the laundry room?

Are there any windows to provide any natural light?

Ensure that trapped foul drains are available in the laundry room Floor to be solid concrete floor Keep a dedicated area for the dirty laundry and a dedicated area for the clean laundry.

Keep space for ancillary items, for example sluice sinks, sinks, stainless steel tables, trolleys etc.

Keep space for the air intake and for the exhaust duct(s) Keep space at the rear of the machines for service access

A specific Laundry Design Guide for Architects and Specifiers is now available.

36 [ OPINION

Article By: Robert Snook, Director and General Manager of Portakabin Hire

PLANNING PERMISSIONS AND TEMPORARY BUILDINGS – ADDRESSING THE MISCONCEPTIONS Do you need planning permission for a temporary building? In this article, Robert Snook, Director and General Manager of Portakabin Hire, offers some practical advice to address some of the common misconceptions. In the UK, the planning system controls the use of land and what is built on it, helping to achieve the balance between the need for property development and protecting our environment.

There is a clear misconception that temporary buildings do not require planning permission. This could be due to a lack of awareness, insufficient training for managers responsible for procuring temporary buildings, or suppliers just not being clear – but planning requirements state that regardless of size, any building or structure in place over a 28-day period has to have planning approval. There are some dispensations, for example for some domestic structures and for construction site accommodation, but the general rule is that all temporary and permanent buildings need planning permission if they will be in place for more than 28 days.

If planning permission is not sought, an enforcement order could be placed by the local authority to remove the building with immediate effect. Planning approval can be sought retrospectively but we would never advise that.

Is it Worth Getting Professional Input for the Planning Process?

Every planning application is different, some are more complex than others, and local policy will vary region to region.

However, we would always advise having professional input to help ensure every project goes to plan and the building installation is not delayed. An architect or planning agent can be appointed to manage the process or a good modular supplier should have a dedicated department who can obtain planning approval on your behalf.

OPINION [ 37

Portakabin has a dedicated team in place to manage the planning approvals process for our clients if they require it – and we have a 98 per cent success rate, which we believe is unprecedented in the modular sector.

The UK planning system can be time intensive and specialist experience is essential. Make sure your modular building supplier has the resources to help if required, so delays to your project are avoided and that you are correctly advised and represented to prevent any future issues.

How to Improve the Likelihood of Planning Approval For every application, the planning officer will be looking to minimise impact of the building or structure on the surrounding area and on neighbouring properties. This means that approval for a temporary building in an industrial area, for example, will be easier to obtain than for a similar facility in a residential area. A two-storey building can be seen from further away so a single storey structure could be a better solution in planning terms, again depending on the building’s location. Our buildings are colour-neutral which workswell on most sites – but if you want to procure a bright yellow building because it fits with your organisation’s identity, for example, be aware that may not achieve planning approval.

Does the Timeframe for the Building’s Use Impact on Planning?

The hire period could make a difference to the conditions imposed on your project. A building which will be in place for six months is likely to have much less stringent conditions applied to it than for a facility in use for five or 10 years. The latter may be required to blend in more closely with the surrounding environment and may need to be clad, for example. In the application, be specific about the purpose of a building, provide as much information as you can, and be as clear as possible about the timeframe. Rather than simply requesting permission for a temporary building, it is better to say, for example, that ‘Decant teaching accommodation is required for a 12-month period while our existing classroom block is being refurbished’. That way the planners know there is a finite end to the use of the temporary building.

Whilst modular buildings have improved radically over the years and now provide genuinely clean, modern and attractive accommodation solutions – internally and externally – there is still an understandable degree of reservation that a temporary building won’t remain on site for many years to come. Reassure the planning authorities that the building really is an interim solution.

And if you end up needing the building for a longer hire period, you can re-apply for planning permission at that time, in which case the planners will inspect the building and see how it is looking before they will grant an extension.

Some Practical Tips to Avoid the Pitfalls Here is some further advice to help you overcome the most common pitfalls when submitting a planning application: Assess the planning requirement. Check with your local authority exactly what planning permission is needed for the work you wish to carry out. The council will provide you with an application form and guidance on the information you are expected to provide. For further clarification, it may be worth meeting a planning officer for an informal discussion but you will need to be prepared to describe your proposals in detail and show plans.

You can also submit your application online using the Government’s planning portal – www.planningportal.gov.uk This website allows you to register your application, create a site location plan, attach supporting documents and pay for the application fee, all online.

Which type of planning permission do you need? Define whether you need outline or full planning approval. In most cases you will need to make a full application, and if granted, work should start within three years (or within the period specified in the permission) or you will need to re-apply.

>

38 [ OPINION

> Planning Permissions And Temporary Buildings – Addressing The Misconceptions

Consider professional input. A good modular building supplier should have the resources to write, submit and manage your application for you. This is a specialist process so make sure they have the skills and experience to manage the application in your best interests, whilst reducing your own time input and resources.

Are Building Regulations a consideration? The Building Control department of the council will need to check that your building proposal complies with all relevant Building Regulations. This will ensure the design and construction of the building meets health and safety requirements, uses fuel and energy efficiently, and provides access for people with disabilities.

Be aware that: Building Regulations approval is granted in two stages – the first stage is the approval of your plans for the building, and the second involves inspections of your project during the construction process.

A good modular building supplier will already have Local Authority Building Control approval in place for its system which confirms compliance with all relevant Building Regulations and standards.

Draw up plans and proposals. Plans for simple projects can be drawn up by a draughtsperson. Plans for more complex buildings should be prepared by an architect or qualified engineer. All technical drawings must be to scale and of a reasonable standard. Your modular building supplier should be able to assist with this.

Research your application. Prepare answers and solutions to the issues planners are likely to look for, such as: Do your plans reflect or conflict with the council’s local development strategy?

OPINION [ 39

What is the size, layout, siting, external appearance and height of the building?

What is the proposed use, access and landscaping?

What is the availability of infrastructure such as roads and water supply?

Is there any impact on parking and traffic?

What is the current use of the land?

What is the impact on neighbouring properties and the wider area?

It may be worth checking your plans in advance with anyone who could be affected by the building, such as local residents or businesses.

Their views will be taken into account when your application is considered by the council.

The parish council, Environment Agency or Department of Transport may need to be informed in certain circumstances – and in more complex cases you may have to commission a flood risk assessment, conservation area appraisal or tree survey.

What should you include with the planning application? When the application is submitted, make sure the following are in place: Scaled drawings of the site Details of the building’s location A detailed plan and elevations An agent’s brief describing the proposed works For modular buildings, supporting brochures and BBA certificates are worth including Payment of the Council’s planning permission fees, which are based on the floor area of the proposed building, and Building Control fees which are based on a percentage of the building cost.

How long will a decision take? In most cases a decision will be made within eight weeks. Large or more complex projects could take longer, in which case your local authority will advise on the likely timescale and seek your approval for an extension.

What do you do if your application is refused? If you are refused permission or are unhappy with the conditions imposed on the permission, you can ask your planning authority if your proposal can be modified to help it gain acceptance.

If your application is refused you can pursue your right of appeal by appealing to: The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in England The National Assembly for Wales The Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals in Scotland.

You can appeal if: Your local authority does not make a decision within eight weeks and fails to agree an extension in writing with you You think the council’s refusal is unreasonable You are granted permission but with conditions you find unreasonable.

Appeals can take several months to resolve so it is worth exploring other options first. There is also a six-month time limit within which an appeal must be made. www.portanews.co.uk

40 [ OPINION

Article By: Jane Embury, Director, Wrightstyle

FIRE, HOTELS AND EVACUATION

Jane Embury is a director of Wrightstyle, the Devizes-based supplier of steel glazing systems.

Wrightstyle has an international reputation for innovative glazing solutions to mitigate against fire or ballistic or bomb attack. In June this year the We Found Love singer Rihanna was evacuated from a hotel in London after fire broke out in a lift shaft. The fire was quickly detected and the hotel’s evacuation procedures worked smoothly. There was only limited damage and nobody was hurt.

The London incident followed a similar lift shaft fire only weeks earlier in an hotel on the Isle of Wight. While both fires were easily dealt with, they underline how lift shafts provide a ready pathway for smoke and fire to travel upwards in multi-storey buildings. Buoyant fire gases in a lift shaft can quickly fill upper floors, and there is much evidence to suggest that the majority of fatalities in such fires occur on higher floors significantly removed from the seat of the fire.

That was certainly true in 1980 MGM Grand Hotel fire in Las Vegas which claimed 84 lives, the worst disaster in Nevada history. In that incident, while the fire primarily only damaged the second floor, most of the deaths occurred on the upper floors, with elevator shafts and stairwells allowing toxic smoke to spread upwards. Indeed, much of our understanding of the dynamics of vertical fire movement and how to deal with fires in tall buildings come from the USA, the original home of the skyscraper. The first such fire, which entirely rewrote building regulations, was the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York in 1911. It’s hard to overestimate the impact this fire had on both our understanding of vertical fire movement and on the building regulations to mitigate against fire risk.

The New York fire in a garment factory in a tall building claimed 146 lives, and directly led to new laws on building access and egress, fireproofing requirements, the availability of fire extinguishers, the installation of alarm systems and

OPINION [ 41

automatic sprinklers. Last year, at precisely 4:45 PM EST, the moment the first fire alarm was sounded in 1911, hundreds of bells rang out in cities and towns across the USA. For this commemorative act, the Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition organized hundreds of churches, schools, fire houses, and private individuals in the New York City region and across the nation – underlining its significance in the annals of fire history. The basic rule in a fire situation has always been to avoid using the lift. However, as our understanding of fire dynamics has progressed, even this is being rethought. For example, in London’s Canary Wharf, the use of both lifts and emergency stairs in simultaneous evacuation exercises has significantly reduced evacuation times.

And in the investigation into the World Trade Center 2 collapse it was found that in the 16 minutes before the impact of the second aircraft, 27% of those who evacuated WTC2 used the lifts for part of their escape route. In addition, the investigation found some evidence that the flow rate from WTC2 during these 16 minutes was approximately twice that for WTC1 where only stairs were available for evacuation. Fires involving lift shafts pose particular risk in hotels where there can be large numbers of people, some of whom may be elderly or infirm, and in an unfamiliar place. In 2007 alone, it’s estimated that one in 12 hotels and motels in the USA suffered a structural fire. In the same year, there were 1,800 fires in the UK affecting hotels, hostels and boarding houses.

Under current fire safety legislation it is the responsibility of the person(s) having responsibility for the building to provide a fire safety risk assessment that includes an emergency evacuation plan for all people likely to be in the premises, including disabled people, and how that plan will be implemented. Such an evacuation plan should not rely upon the intervention of the Fire and Rescue Service to make it work.

The 1977 Hotel Polen fire in Amsterdam is the example that stands out in recent fire history. In that conflagration, 33 people died. The fivestorey hotel, built at the end of the 19th century, was almost entirely made from wood, including load-bearing elements. At about 6.20am a member of staff saw smoke coming from a freight elevator but, rather than call the fire department, the night porter instead poured some buckets of water down the shaft. Because of the building’s wooden construction, by the time he did call the emergency services it was too late.

By 7.00am the building had started to collapse, with guests on the upper floors jumping from their rooms. By 8.30am the main part of the building had collapsed. The cause of the fire was never established, but the likely explanation is that a fire had been smoldering undetected, and which was brought to life by the opening of the lift shaft – providing an inflow of oxygen and allowing fire and hot gases to spread vertically. Lifts can therefore be both friend or foe and modern building regulations require lift shafts to be properly protected, to ensure that any fire is contained within the shaft and not allowed to spread smoke and hot gases upwards and into guest areas – as happened in Las Vegas.

Containing fire is also what Wrightstyle glazing systems are designed to achieve. Indeed, we are a key UK provider of integrated fire-rated steel and glass glazing systems for both the domestic and international markets. We understand fire and how to deal with it, and our products and systems have UK and EU certification, with further accreditation in, for example, the USA, Hong Kong and Singapore. Not only do we provide external glazing elements for lift shafts, turning a functional lift into an architectural feature, we can also protect everywhere else in a building - from external curtain walling to internal fire screens and doors.

That’s something to sing about. www.wrightstyle.co.uk

42 [ NEWS

Chiltern Fire Invests £250K In Latest Facility Upgrade Chiltern International Fire (CIF) has invested £250k refitting one of its fire testing laboratories to include a new combination furnace, completing the company’s four-year development programme of its fire testing facilities. The four-year investment now sees CIF positioned as a centre of excellence in its specialist service area, offering clients state-of-the-art, versatile and cost-effective facilities backed up with high-calibre technical expertise. This most recent upgrade complements previous investment, which includes a new vertical fire resistance test furnace, and a horizontal 3mx2m test furnace.

Installed within its own purpose-built facility, the new combination furnace provides testing flexibility to allow multiple testing of firestopping products, such as pipe penetration and linear joint seals and offers about twice as much test area as its predecessor.

Features of the new facility include an overhead crane, installation area, comfortable viewing area with internet access and control room, enhanced extraction system and video recording facility. Remote viewing opportunities are also available for clients unable to visit the test site. The new furnace is designed to comply with all relevant standards, including EN 1363-1, BS 476 Part 20, Hydro-carbon curve, ASTM E119 and UL 10c. It has a bespoke monitoring and 120-channel data logging system with fully automatic temperature and pressure control. www.chilternfire.co.uk Enquiry No 31

Autumn TV Campaign From Beko Supports Trade Customers Beko, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of kitchen appliances, returns to UK TV screens this autumn with a new Ad campaign designed to boost brand awareness for its built-in range and promote sales for the company’s many trade partners. Due to launch on ITV during X Factor, this latest creative will again feature the popular ‘Billy’ character and his mum.

With a voice over by the popular Caroline Quentin, the ad shows Billy and his mum playing a game of make believe in which they are running an imaginary restaurant. Billy’s mum is calm and in control, easily juggling preparing the family meal whilst keeping Billy entertained, thanks to her Beko built-in induction hob, multifunction oven and integrated dishwasher.

The Ad promotes the fact that all Beko built-in appliances come with a two year warranty covering parts and labour, another reason why Beko is the number one MDA supplier in the UK. Teresa Arbuckle, Marketing Director at Beko Plc, comments: “This new campaign is the latest in a series of highly successful TV spots for Beko.

The 9kg ‘Excellence’ washing machine ad which aired earlier this year resulted in a 65 per cent volume sales uplift of Beko large capacity washing machines. The spot was seen at least once by 9.4 million women in the UK, which meant we reached approximately 70% of our target female ABC1 market.

“Our latest creative provides us with the opportunity to build upon the success of the previous TV campaigns while focusing on the Beko built-in range. This is a portfolio of products that we are extremely proud of. They not only look great, but genuinely make life easier for consumers with innovative, time-saving features. As with all of our ranges, the Beko built-in offering highlights our intuitive and helpful appliance solutions. www.beko.co.uk Enquiry No 32

NEWS [ 43

www.permarock.com

PermaRock Lead The Way With Green Deal Compliant External Wall Insulation With the on-going uncertainty surrounding the Government’s new flagship energy efficiency initiative, the Green Deal – due for launch in October 2012, it is good to hear that at least one company is geared up and ready to supply fully compliant external (solid) wall insulation systems, a key measure under the Green Deal and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO).

PermaRock, one of the UK’s longest established and leading external wall insulation system suppliers, has continued to focus investment to ensure that all their key external wall insulation systems are fully Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) compliant and meet all the requirements set out in the Draft Code of Practice.

This investment has led to the recent award and publication of a new certificate (No. 158/12) by UKAS-accredited body the Building Research Establishment (BRE). BRE Certificate No. 158/12 reflects PermaRock’s constant commitment to the quality of it’s lead products and expands on their previous scope of accredited external wall insulation and render systems, placing PermaRock in a strong

position to supply external (solid) wall insulation systems under Green Deal and ECO. The certificate provides accreditation for mineral fibre, phenolic, EPS and EPS-premium (Grey) based external wall insulation systems with acrylic and silicone-based through-coloured renders, traditional dashing stone, brick effect render, brick slips and lime-based render decorative finishes.

Under the requirements set out under the Green Deal, Green Deal Providers and Installers will only be able to apply products and systems as defined within the scope of their certification. In the case of external wall insulation, ETA or UKAS certificated systems can be installed only onto the wall construction types for which they are accredited. They must also comply with all applicable European and domestic legislation relevant to the testing, performance, and quality of the system.

For PermaRock, BRE Certificate 158/12, permits installation of their key external wall insulation systems onto nearly all traditional and non-traditional substrate types, including, masonry (brick / block), dense and no-fines concrete (PRC) and sheathed light gauge steel frame and timber frame constructions.

Enquiry No 33

44 [ NEWS

Brett Landscaping Demonstrates Flood-Mitigation Qualities Of Permeable Paving With Tanker Test Leading paving provider Brett Landscaping illustrated how effectively concrete block permeable paving can absorb a sudden deluge of water by conducting a test involving the depositing of 400 gallons of water from a stationary tanker.

Brett demonstrated the flood-mitigation qualities of its permeable paving with some assistance from former England footballer Tony Cottee. The ex-striker now acts as a brand spokesman for Rudridge, a client of Brett's which specialises in the distribution of groundwork and civil engineering products. Cottee turned the tap that released hundreds of gallons onto the 52,000 sq m Sixfields site in Northampton. The site, which is on a river floodplain, Footage of the test can be seen by visiting was laid with Omega Flow permeable paving from Brett Brett Landscaping’s YouTube page Landscaping eight years ago.

Cottee was joined for the testing by Rudridge director Alan Betteridge, who watched as the water was fully absorbed. All that was left as soon as the final drops had fallen was a damp circle just 2m in diameter. The result was all the more impressive given that it had been raining for several days in the run up to the test. Sixfields was built in 2004 on top of an old refuse site which had to be capped to seal it. Brett Omega Flow was laid on top of a Type C (zero infiltration) system of permeable pavement which had to be used to prevent old site pollutants from leaching out and into the watercourse. www.brettpaving.co.uk Enquiry No 34

Lonza Launches Tanalith E 8000 Next-Gen Wood Preservative Lonza Wood Protection (formerly Arch Timber Protection) has launched Tanalith E 8000 wood preservative, the company’s next generation timber treatment, throughout the UK and Ireland.

Tanalith E 8000 is the culmination of extensive research, technological evolution and rigorous testing, and will provide an innovative and improved performance for construction and outdoor treated timbers. It answers market demands for proven protection with improved quality, value and performance.

Pressure treatment with Tanalith E 8000 combines the benefits of the unique and proven core Tanalith E product that now has over 20 years of proven performance around the world, with an extra patent pending blend of ingredients, known as BARamine technology, to boost its performance.

This cutting-edge technology provides improved activity against standard fungi and various copper-tolerant organisms, along with a more consistent and deeper penetration of the preservative into the timber. These are all key elements in achieving the very best protection against decay and insect attack, particularly for the home grown species used in the UK and Ireland.

The resulting next generation Tanalised timber is now available from leading treatment companies and stockists throughout the UK and Ireland. Further details on this high performance treated timber is available from a new web site – www.lonzawoodfamily.com Enquiry No 35

NEWS [ 45

www.retro-expo.co.uk

Retro Expo – Get The Retrofit Knowledge At the end of October this year, Retro Expo will host the Green Deal Summit. The conference will be a central attraction of Retro Expo and the definitive statement to date on The Green Deal.

Delivered in partnership with DECC and BRE, it will bring together leaders from across the value chain, from clients to installers and will address key issues such as finance, generating demand, ensuring high standards of workmanship and achieving affordable technological solutions. It will also see several of the UK’s leading city councils – Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Bristol and Greater London Authority – come together to talk about their future retrofit plans.

The Green Deal Summit will comprise of seven modules including: Module 1: Green Deal Finance Module 2: Green Deal Demand Module 3: Retrofit at Scale Module 4: Retrofit Learning and Innovation Module 5: Social Housing Sector Module 6: Green Deal Skills Module 7: Retrofit for SMEs – Retail & Offices Knowledge Hubs The exhibition floor also plays host to four free of charge seminar and demonstration areas. Dr Peter Rickaby, from Rickaby Thompson Associates, who cochairs the Retro Expo Editorial Board says: “We have strived to make it as comprehensive, relevant, practical and timely as possible and have secured an exciting line up of speakers. Whether you’re new to low carbon retrofits or an old hand, there will be something for everyone.” The programme is divided into four Knowledge Hubs: Stream A – Building Fabric Retrofit Masterclasses These Masterclasses will show how you can save energy through fabric improvements. Rickaby Thompson Associates, AECB, STBA and others will be looking at insulation solutions, Travis Perkins Sustainable Building Solutions on thermally efficient retrofit and Peabody on dealing with the overheating risk.

Stream B – Building Services Retrofit Masterclasses sponsored by EAL Guidance on how you can generate efficiencies and cleaner energy through building service upgrades will be given in these Masterclasses.

The agenda covers retrofitting communal heating and PV systems, to ventilation and heat recovery options. Speakers include Viridian Solar, Peabody, Devon & Cornwall Housing Association, 1 World Solar, Wattbox and United House.

Stream C – Whole Building Retrofit case studies sponsored by The Technology Strategy Board Real life results from exemplar retrofits across the UK will be presented during these sessions. The Technology Strategy Board and the EST will also be launching their Retrofit for the Future online database providing detailed insights into the design, construction and operational performance of some 100 homes which have been retrofitted with a wide range of innovative technologies in order to cut carbon emissions by 80%.

Stream D – Retrofit Journeys These sessions provide an introduction to The Green Deal and other Retrofit Drivers. PRP Environmental, AEA, Energy Efficiency Partnership for Buildings, Toriga Energy and the National Housing Federation are some of the speakers that will be looking at planning and monitoring retrofit projects; Green Deal models; building the retrofit supply chain, Green Deal Certification plus much more.

The Green Deal Summit’s seven modules can be purchased by delegates individually or in any combination up to and including a full conference pass. Delegate prices range from £75 to £289.00 + VAT per person. For more information visit: www.greendealsummit.co.uk Retro Expo will take place at the Birmingham NEC from 30th October – 1st November 2012. To attend these seminars all delegates need to do is pre-register for FREE at www.retro-expo.co.uk Enquiry No 36

46 [ NEWS

Dow’s Marco Victorious In Channel Windsurf Challenge “An amazing crossing which was far tougher than I originally thought” – that was the reaction of European marketing director for STYROFOAM™ manufacturer Dow Building Solutions, Marco ten Bruggencate, as he reflected on his successful crossing of the English Channel by windsurf in mid-September. Marco Take a look at the video to share in embarked on the ambitious challenge Marco’s experience to raise money for a charity called KiKa, which funds research into treating children’s cancer. He not only achieved the crossing unscathed, but managed to raise an impressive €8,500 at the same time. Marco took on the brave challenge after being diagnosed with cancer himself back in 2000. It wasn’t until August 2011 that he was finally told he had beaten the disease. KiKa’s aim is to increase chances of recovery for children suffering from cancer from 75% to 95% by 2025. To find out more about KiKa and make a donation visit www.surf4kika.com building.dow.com Enquiry No 37

Premium Wood Protection From Remmers Whether skin or wood – protection is important and what counts is the sun protection factor. Remmers have developed a new product called Long Time Stain UV that provides considerably better and longer lasting protection from UV-Rays that destroy wood. Whether fences, facades, windows and shutters, doors or garden furniture, the solvent based, medium solid, translucent coating is designed for universal use on wood outdoors and is a joy to apply. It is drip inhibited and therefore makes overhead work a lot easier. The silk gloss finish repels soil, is easy to maintain and, as the name indicates, the coating protects for a long time. www.remmers.co.uk Enquiry No 38

CPD Update Of Selectaglaze’s ‘ Understanding And Specifiying Secondary Glazing’ New CPD notes 16_05_12_Layout 1 17/05/2012 08:46 Page 1

Selectaglaze has produced a completely new version of its RIBA Approved CPD. Secondary glazing is extensively used to enhance window acoustics, improve thermal performance and raise security levels within all types of existing building. The presentation offers guidance on standards for noise insulation, conserving energy and security and deals with a full range of design issues. Small product samples are made available and detailed seminar notes provided to all participants. There are a large number of existing buildings which need to be improved or adapted for changed use and this presentation will be of great relevance to Specifiers and conservation specialists involved in this type of work. www.selectaglaze.co.uk/literature/index.php Enquiry No 39

By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Manufacturer and Supplier of Secondary Glazing Selectaglaze Ltd. St. Albans

SELECTAGLAZE secondary glazing

CPD Seminar Notes

Professional solutions for enhancing window performance

acoustics

thermal insulation

security

Foremans Publishes New White Paper – How To Implement An Environmental Policy Foremans Relocatable Building Systems, the UK’s largest supplier of recycled and refurbished modular buildings, has published a new white paper – a practical guide to implementing an environmental policy. The new industry report provides organisations in both the public and private sectors with a comprehensive guide to delivering an environmental policy which can bring real and immediate benefits. The new paper, which can be downloaded from the Foremans website, offers nine practical steps to help more organisations and their employees reduce their carbon footprint.

The recycling and refurbishment of relocatable buildings is one of the most sustainable methods of construction – helping to further reduce an organisation’s carbon emissions, waste sent to landfill, and improving a building’s carbon footprint. www.foremansbuildings.info/reports Enquiry No 40

Mapei RIBA Accredited CPDs At Domus Clerkenwell Specification Home Mapei’s five RIBA assessed and accredited CPDs are now available to book at Domus’ New Specification Home in Clerkenwell, London. Mapei and Domus are delighted to invite you to the first seminar in this state-of-the-art facility, titled Avoiding Ceramic Tiling Failures on Tuesday 23rd October at 8:30am and 12:00pm. The informative, free of charge seminars cover the topics: Effective Waterproofing; Epoxy Resin & Cementitious Flooring; Fast Track Screeds; Avoiding Ceramic Tiling Failures and Subfloor Preparation.

Each CPD covers up-to-date building standards, best practice, technical and current issues in addition to successful projects. Each seminar lasts around 40 minutes. A certificate for 1 hour’s CPD can be provided once attendee names have been supplied, which contributes to Continuing Professional Development requirements. To book a place for the 23rd October or enquire about further dates email cpd@mapei.co.uk or phone +44 (0)121 508 6970. www.mapei.com/GB-EN/ Enquiry No 41

NEWS [ 47

www.americansoftwoods.com

American Softwoods Repeat Success At Timber Expo 2012 As part of its European promotion strategy, American Softwoods again exhibited at Timber Expo with a larger stand and more exhibitors.

American Softwoods UK director Charles Trevor said, “Last year our stand was busy for the entire show and we’ve repeated that success.

Many members of the Southern Forest Product Association (SFPA) members attended again, coming from all over the U.S. to meet with buyers and UK importers to help develop their business and the wider market.”

American Softwoods exhibition at Timber Expo featured a Southern Yellow Pine deck along with samples of all the main US softwood species and the brand new Guide to American Softwoods Species.

“Our purpose is to ensure that both industry and specifiers are fully aware of the advantages and benefits of American softwood species in a wide range of applications - commercial and domestic, internal and external,” said Mr. Trevor. “Timber Expo is becoming a really important show for the industry to promote its products to an increasingly receptive audience. UK buyers can be unaware of the versatility and value of American softwoods, and Timber Expo is a great platform for getting our message out there.”

American Softwoods is a promotional partnership formed by three major U.S. softwood trade associations, the Southern Forest Products Association, the Softwood Export Council and APA – the Engineered Wood Association. The campaign is working to increase awareness of America’s commercially available species. American Softwoods also works with the timber industry, providing technical information and assistance to develop the market for American softwood species.

Renowned for their strength and beauty, American softwoods have been exported for almost 200 years. Harvested from sustainably managed forests, the success of forest management and conservation in the USA has ensured that forested land is now greater than it was 75 years ago, and is increasing year on year.

Enquiry No 42

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www.iqview8.com

Trend Controls Introduces Next Generation Monitoring With IQView8 Trend Controls, the UK market leader in Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS), has announced the latest addition to its IQView range of touchscreen displays. IQView8 builds on the success of previous models with a whole host of additional features and benefits. IQView8 is a major breakthrough in making energy management as simple and accessible as possible. Its enhanced design and intuitive display means that users can access and act upon energy management information instantly – which can have a significant impact on the reduction of energy and therefore money savings.

Currently there are no regulations controlling how much energy a building can consume once it’s occupied. Even when a building is designed to be highly efficient, it doesn’t follow that it will be used efficiently. 50% or more of the energy consumed within a building is directly influenced by the way occupants use it. Their actions have significant impact on the amount of energy consumed by lighting, heating and cooling. An IQView8 positioned in a high visibility area will enable building occupants to see the negative effect that actions such as opening windows, adjusting thermostats and switching heaters on has in terms of energy efficiency. Displaying live information will help to educate and improve behaviours.

It enables the user to view and adjust operating times, monitor alarms and make adjustments to controller parameters. However, the most noticeable feature of the IQView8 is its ability to display schematics that provide real time information such as temperature, humidity, setpoints etc. from the system. Specifications are increasingly calling for the use of schematics on displays in order to make them simple to use and easy to understand, allowing even inexperienced users to quickly find the information they are looking for.

IQView8 can also receive alarms sent from other Trend devices, where they appear on a special display, and an audiovisual indication of the

alarm is given. Access to information can also be restricted to certain personnel and the screensaver can even be customised to feature a logo, a message or even a particular schematic page.

IQView8 has an 8” full colour 16:9 touchscreen display that provides a self-configuring user interface to a Trend BEMS. The screen offers superb resolution, contrast and clarity and visibility is further enhanced with a viewing angle of almost 90°. The IQView8 software presents the user with a familiar, intuitive environment with visual access to all of the controllers and devices on a site connected by Ethernet, Trend LAN or via the supervisor port on an IQ controller.

Other features include enhanced efficiency via an energy saving mode.

This allows the screen to be programmed to switch off when not in use.

When in this mode, the unit’s LED goes green to indicate that it is still powered on and will illuminate again as soon as it is touched. Stylishly designed in order to complement modern office layouts, IQView8 requires minimal set up and commissioning - re-using existing Trend 963 schematic pages or IQ3xcite webpages can reduce engineering time and provide a consistent user interface for the user. Installation is also straightforward and the unit can either be flush, surface or panel mounted almost anywhere. With an IP65 dust and water ingress protection it can even be located in areas such as kitchens and plant rooms and with a temperature rating of between -10°C and 60°C it can maintain its operation in a wide variety of environments.

Enquiry No 43

PRODUCT NEWS [ 49

Dow Extends XENERGYTM Insulation Range After Launch Success Dow Building Solutions has extended its range of XENERGY extruded polystyrene (XPS) products in response to industry interest. XENERGY XPS combines the features of STYROFOAMTM XPS – durability, reliability and strength – with improved insulation performance, thanks to the addition of infra-red blocking particles to scatter and reflect heat radiation within the foam board. XENERGY SL - designed for insulation of inverted flat roofs – was launched in spring 2012 as an extension to Dow’s well-established ROOFMATETM SL-A product range. Initially available in single extruded thicknesses of 100mm, 120mm, 140mm and 160mm, two more thicknesses have been added to the XENERGY SL range in response to interest from building designers and roofing contractors: 180mm and 200mm. With a declared U-value of 0.032 W/ mK, 4mW thermal conductivity gains are possible at 140mm,160mm, 180mm and 200mm thicknesses, an 11% improved insulation performance compared with ROOFMATE SL-A. XENERGY XPS is blown with CO2, giving it a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than five.

It offers low water absorption and excellent freeze/thaw performance - important attributes in inverted flat roof applications – as well as durability and high compressive strength. www.dowxenergy.co.uk Enquiry No 44

New Condensate Traps From Dallmer The latest products to be introduced to the UK market by Dallmer Ltd is a range of Condensate Traps specifically designed to drain the condensed water created by air conditioners, chiller cabinets, dehumidifiers and other heating and cooling appliances. The new trap range utilises the STOP technology developed by parent company Dallmer GmbH that is already proving very popular in mainland Europe since it prevents foul air infiltration even in the absence of condensate water by use of a ball valve cut-off.

The new Dallmer Condensate Traps, manufactured in polypropylene and conforming to DIN 19541, consist of two models, the 138 and the 136 although the latter has a further variant, the 136.3. The 138 is a built-in trap that can be recessed or wall mounted and has a drain body and inspection cover housing a transparent trap cartridge to allow simple inspection of the condensed water if present and the cut-off action of the otherwise floating ball if the trap is dry.

The horizontally mounted 136 trap is swivel jointed to allow flexible fitting and has a cleaning eye/tray and a 1.1/4” back-nut on the inlet tube and the 136.3 is similarly designed but for vertical fitment. There is also a swivel-jointed Dallmer 136.2 trap already on the market, in this case with a transparent inlet tube that may be filled via a built-in hose connector in case of water deficiency.

All Condensate Traps are suitable for positive or negative pressure up to 2800 Pascals. www.dallmer.com Enquiry No 45

50 [ PRODUCT NEWS

A Fresh Look For Firex The popular and cost-effective Firex range of hard-wired smoke and heat alarms, manufactured and supplied by Kidde, now has a new modern look for today’s interiors.

Kidde is the world leader - manufacturing over 30 million smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms every year. Kidde’s acquisition of Firex created a new force in smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms. Now, the Firex cable-harness range is available alongside the Kidde Slick® fastfit smoke and heat alarm (featuring wireless interconnect capability with remote Test/Hush accessory), and hard-wired CO alarm ranges. All these products are BS Kitemarked to demonstrate consistent quality.

For many years, Firex has proved to be a popular range of cost-effective smoke and heat alarms in the UK, particularly with its 6-year guarantee.

Its acquisition by Kidde gave the added benefits brought by the world’s largest manufacturer. The new-look, 2012 Firex range offers a choice of sealed-in rechargeable (three Panasonic lithium cells) or loose battery backup products.

All models have cable harness type connection, are interconnectable up to 24 units, supplied with base-plate and feature a single ‘Hush’ and ‘Test’ button. Accessories include a wired, remote Test and Hush unit, surface pattress and relay pattress for operating remote devices. www.kiddefirex.co.uk Enquiry No 46

Enquiry No 47

PRODUCT NEWS [ 51

Metal Roofing Group Achieves ETA For Spacer Bar System CA Group Limited, metal roofing and cladding systems manufacturer, has achieved a European Technical Approval (ETA) for its innovative Matrix Spacer System.

The company worked with BM TRADA Certification towards attaining the ETA, which provides a technical specification for CE marking for product manufacturers where there is no harmonised standard. The procedure involves writing and assessing a Common Understanding of Assessment Procedure, including a rigorous test programme looking at mechanical resistance, reaction to fire, safety in use, health, hygiene and environmental implications. The Matrix Spacer System comprises a bar and bracket assembly which has been developed to meet the latest changes to Part L of the Building Regulations. The system offers simplified, and stronger construction, creating deeper voids for installing insulation material than in previous systems and allows continuous insulation. For further information on BM TRADA Certification services, visit www.bmtrada.com www.cagroup.ltd.uk/matrix

RigiSystems introduces Rainscreen Panel range RigiSystems has developed a range of rainscreen cladding panels, using Alubond ACM. RigiSystems has the exclusive rights to distribute Alubond products throughout the UK and France, and the new range of rainscreen panels offers unlimited opportunities for creative, innovative and individual designs, using the wide palette of colours and finishes available.

In addition to the aesthetic properties, the high formability, durability and excellent weather resistance of Alubond, combined with the low panel weight, make the rainscreens suitable for any application. There are three basic panel systems – hook-on, face fix and adhesive – designed to cover most cladding situations. The addition of rainscreen cladding to the RigiSystems product portfolio further enhances the company’s position at the forefront of metal cladding solutions. www.rigisystems.org Enquiry No 50

New Videx Videophones Introduced For Door Entry Systems Videx Security has introduced new versions of the 3600 Series Videophone. Based on the popular 3000 Series, the new variants include both “Standard” and “High End” models that incorporate the latest technology, voice switching techniques as well as an elegant and robust design with a white impact resistant ABS plastic housing. The new Standard 3600 Series improves on many of the functions of the 3000 Series and is also now a more cost effective solution. The High End Series offers additional functionality provided by hands-free speech and an on-screen display (OSD) for on screen programming and adjustment menus to cover, for example, selection of preferences for privacy time, call tone type, speech volume and other functions. All 3600 Series models feature a colour 3.5” TFT LCD display and three large buttons on the front to manage the system’s operation. www.videx-security.com

Enquiry No 48

Enquiry No 51

Smart Launch Single Track Sliding Door Slide Mono Rail is a single track residential sliding door system that provides consumers with an attractive slim line sliding door that has all the advantages of modern thermal break profiles. The doors are ideal for use as an economic replacement for yesterday’s aluminium sliding doors with traditional UK style construction whilst upgrading thermal performance for today’s regulations.

The slim sight lines are also ideal for contemporary new build applications. Slide Mono Rail offers the option of 2 or 4 pane doors. The 2 pane mono-track option provides a single opening sash sliding over a fixed pane.

The 4 pane option allows for two opening sashes in the centre sliding over fixed panes on either side. The doors are fitted with a multi-point locking mechanism that locates into a one piece stainless steel keep offering enhanced security and ease of fabrication. www.smartystems.co.uk Enquiry No 49

On The Deck Or On The Wall - Woozen Is The Sustainable Solution Surface material specialists David Clouting Ltd now offer Woozen - a unique cladding & decking system manufactured by LG Hausys from high quality wood flour derived from recycling the waste elements of tree thinning from managed conservation forests. The wood flour is extruded with a mixture of eco-friendly olefin resins to create Woozen - the ultimate in truly sustainable products.

Woozen offers all the aesthetic values of wood combined with high performance features. It is extremely hardwearing, it will not rot, is highly resistant to weathering and insects, requires no painting, varnishing or cleaning and is easy and quick to install.

Requiring virtually no maintenance, Woozen delivers excellent whole life costings in comparison to timber based products. Its impressive carbon footprint in contrast to other cladding and decking materials ensures that Woozen will deliver on performance and sustainability issues. www.davidclouting.co.uk Enquiry No 52

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Seniors Scotland Supports Scottish Design Dedicated to supporting good design in Scotland, Senior Architectural Systems operate a division of their company based at Livingston in the West Lothian Region. The office and warehouse facility is ideally located between Glasgow and Edinburgh and serves to support both specifiers and fabricators in the regions construction industry.

The division has seen steady growth over the last few years, despite the recession, and Seniors insist that this is down to the experienced and dedicated staff who run the region.

From design guidance through to supply, the West Lothian office offers support across the complete Supply Chain, ensuring projects are both delivered on time and are value engineered to ensure cost effective solutions.

One such project is the recently completed Bathgate Partnership Centre designed by the Building Design Partnership and installed by CMS Enviro Systems of Cumbernauld. The project uses Seniors’ Hybrid system, a combination of timber internally and aluminium externally which provides a high performance composite curtain wall system. Stephen Anderson, General Manager of CMS Enviro Systems comments, “We have a long standing and close working relationship with the Seniors’ team here in Scotland. We can always rely on systems support both in technical terms and product delivery and are proud to one of their largest fabricators in Scotland.” www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk Enquiry No 53

Dimplex Tackles The Heating Hype Dimplex is setting out some cold hard facts on heating to help throw some light on the confusing claims currently made for some electric appliances. Any electric resistance heater can only ever be 100 percent efficient, and it’s not possible to improve on that. 1kWh of electricity will transfer 1kW of heat into a room for one hour – it comes down to physics. It’s certainly true that not all electric heaters operate in the same way. A fluidfilled radiator transfers the heat uniformly around the radiator, giving more radiant than convected heat, compared with a convector heater. A slower warm-up and continued release of heat after switch-off are also characteristic of the fluid-filled design. But they both release exactly the same amount of energy to the room. Some electric radiators, filled with so-called ‘thermodynamic’ oil or water-based fluids, claim to be more efficient and even more economical to run than either storage heaters or panel convector heaters. Neither the European Commission nor the government’s SAP system of energy ratings recognises the claims of these ‘thermodynamic’ appliances, with both quite correctly stating that the efficiency of all electric room heaters is 100 percent. And as for running costs, storage heaters that use low-cost, off-peak electricity to heat a given property will always be cheaper to run over a 16 hour day than direct-acting heaters which use day-rate electricity – whether these are fluid-filled or convector heaters. Dimplex’s wide range of electric heating and hot water products offers appliances for a wide range of customer requirements – all backed up by 60 years’ experience of selling UK-manufactured products, and a name that’s trusted by installers, specifiers and users alike. www.dimplex.co.uk/trusted Enquiry No 54

PRODUCT NEWS [ 53

www.shopkit.com

Introducing Mast Screening And Shelving Systems From The Shopkit Group Mast is a versatile range of screens and partitions available in different heights, materials and with various fixing options to suit most interior applications including retail, exhibitions, offices, receptions, café’s and domestic installations.

It is elegant and adaptable and has the unique concept of combining the strength and simplicity of rigid posts to support tensioned cables.

This then allows The Mast System to provide an easy, cost effective and durable way to create fixed, freestanding and temporary screening/ room dividers with a virtually limitless range of shelving and accessories.

The Mast posts are available in various heights and can support single or double cable set ups on one or both sides, allowing for sophisticated combinations of screening, graphic panels and shelving that can be used

as stand-alone units or as part of a multi display system and can easily incorporate Shopkit’s TZ low-voltage lighting range. Retail units / Shop in Shops can be produced from the different Mast systems, with display shelves available in a variety of materials and finishes to co-ordinate with other elements within the retail environment.

Made to Measure and Installation options available Mast offers a wide standard product range to meet most requirements and Shopkit also offer a custom design / manufacturing service to meet all other individual needs. Delivery and installation is possible on all elements - quotations will be supplied on request.

Enquiry No 55

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Shower Tray ‘Anti Slip Kit’ Launched The significant dangers of people slipping over in the shower, in the bath or on wet tiles and bathroom floors has been addressed by the launch of the new MX Anti Slip Kit. Launched by the MX Group, the new product offers a complete kit to make a shower or bath ‘anti slip’.

The specially formulated and easy-to-apply no-slip surface instantly creates safety in wet showers and bath tubs and can be applied to tiles and floors as well. It’s hygienic and low maintenance, solvent free, environmentally friendly, colourless, durable but easily removable. The MX Anti Slip kit is ideal for retrofitting to baths and showers in retirement homes, nursing and care homes, sheltered housing, hospitals, clinics and rehabilitation facilities, swimming pools, sports centres, saunas, steam baths and homes. www.mx-group.com Enquiry No 56

Ancon Thermal Breaks: Proven Through Thermal Modelling To Reduce Heat Loss Brick support systems from Ancon can now be supplied with Thermal Breaks to minimise heat loss through cold bridging, and improve the energy efficiency of a building. Thermal bridging occurs where the insulation layer is penetrated by a material with a relatively high thermal conductivity.

Although heat loss through a stainless steel support bracket is not significant – just 17W/mK compared to 50W/mK for carbon steel fixings - it should be considered as part of the overall thermal performance of the structure.

Ancon Thermal Breaks work by inserting a material with a very low thermal conductivity between the brackets and the frame. They are proven through thermal modelling to reduce heat loss and can typically enable details to comply with BRE IP1/06 floor junction. Shaped like a standard Ancon key-hole shim, these Thermal Breaks are designed to locate quickly and easily on site. They are manufactured from a durable fibre-reinforced thermoset plastic which combines high compressive strength with a thermal conductivity of just 0.3W/mK. www.ancon.co.uk/Thermal Enquiry No 57

Cinder For Small Places JIS EUROPE of Haywards Heath has introduced another heated towel rail to its Sussex range named The Cinder. The towel rail is manufactured for places with restricted space with only three horizontal rails. The Cinder is ideal for the smaller bathroom, wash room, downstairs cloak room or the kitchen. The measurements are a compact 370mm high by 520mm wide. It can be used in dual fuel formats or electric, which will allow the rail to be heated when the central heating is turned off. The Camber towel rail is manufactured in 100% stainless steel, with satin finish available to order, making this radiator durable and hygienic and it is covered by a 25year guarantee. www.thecoastalrange.co.uk Enquiry No 58

PRODUCT NEWS [ 55

www.coram.co.uk

Coram Showers Bathscreen Collection... Sui Generis British shower enclosure manufacturer Coram Showers is pleased to announce its market leading portfolio of bathscreens, whereby each model is specially designed with highly exclusive and innovative features, as standard. Being experts in the design and manufacture of market leading bathroom solutions, Coram Showers claim its range of Bathscreens is “the best designed screens you can buy”. Setting itself aside from the competition, Coram has created a multitude of exclusive designer features that guarantee to improve the overall bathing experience, as well as installation process.

So, what makes a Coram Bathscreen so unique?

Exclusive Features: Unique Levelling System to accommodate out-of-true walls With a single screw, the end user can adjust the bathscreen to ensure it fits perfectly inline with the rim of the bath. This unique levelling system provides lasting benefits as you can simply remove the push-fit screw cap and re-adjust, should the need arise.

Optional Fixed Side Panel for added protection against waterspray and leakage…

Each bathscreen has the option to be installed with an extra fixed panel. This extends the overall length of the screen and therefore provides added protection against waterspray which is ideal for high performance showers. By extending where the bathscreen’s waterproof seal effectively starts will guarantee any water that may collect will drain directly into the bath. There are two width options available; 800mm or 1050mm.

Polymer Seal to ensure watertight installation Each ingenious Bathscreen from Coram guarantees a completely watertight feature, as its push-on transparent Polymer Seal features

a deflector built within the inside edge. This will allow any droplets of water that come into contact with the screen to automatically flow straight into the bath, rather than collect at the rim.

- High Quality corrosion resistant aluminium frame compliant with Building Regulations BS6496 - 5mm Toughened safety glass to EN12150 & EN12600, all glass is marked with European Standard to comply with Building Regulations When installing a bathscreen it is important that the bath edge has a flat rim as this will guarantee efficient water drainage and prevent leaks.

Standard Features: ALL Bathscreens are; Plain Glass / 1400mm in height / Guaranteed for 10 years in addition to given statutory rights, Designed and manufactured in Britain.

Model options: Four Panel & Five Panel / Sail / Square / Curved / Compact Curved / Hinged D / Hinged Sail / Hinged Square / Hinged Curved / Frameless Sliding / Shower Curtain Screen Designed and built in Britain, Coram’s market leading bathroom solutions are becoming the known choice for merchants, specifiers and professional installers. Dedicated to producing an extensive, high performance range, Coram presents nothing but state–of-the-art design and engineering, all developed in Britain.

Enquiry No 59

56 [ PRODUCT NEWS

www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/moreinfo

Metro Takes Flotex In A New Direction Forbo has launched Flotex Metro, a stylish and versatile range of flocked floor coverings available in 50 x 50cm tile and 2m sheet format, with a bright palette and understated pattern designed for wide appeal, conveying colour and texture without definite form.

Metro’s textile-like aesthetic lends itself perfectly to heavily trafficked reception areas, corridors and lobbies in hotels, offices and leisure facilities and fits easily within integrated modular floor schemes. The palette of 24 colourways includes 14 contemporary trend shades, confirming the collection as a design-led choice for a wide range of interiors.

Adopting a “4-R’s” approach – “Reduce, Renewable, Reuse, Recycle” - to all product development, Forbo manufactures Flotex Metro tiles with a recycled content of 59% by weight. Flotex designs in sheet format are the only flocked floor coverings to have been assessed under BREEAM, and they achieve an A+ rating.

Made from millions of electrostatically flocked fibres, Flotex combines the looks, warmth, comfort and acoustic properties of a carpet with the hard wearing washability of a resilient. This unique construction has earned Flotex the prestigious Seal of Approval from Allergy UK. Thanks to the highly effective anti-microbial treatment Sanitized®, Flotex also offers constant protection against bacteria, including MRSA, E-coli and the development of moulds and odours.

These unparalleled benefits combined with the introduction of new trend colours and a versatile, textile like aesthetic, makes Flotex Metro the right choice for a wide variety of interiors.

Enquiry No 60

PRODUCT NEWS [ 57

www.neaco.co.uk

Neaco’s Spectrum Range Becomes A Church Regular A combination of contemporary performance and a design versatility which can meet the aesthetic of traditional buildings has made Neaco’s Spectrum balustrade and structural glass range a popular specification for church developments. In recent years a variety of major church refurbishments and redevelopments have featured Spectrum, a preengineered modular system with a huge range of design options and finishes.

These projects required Spectrum to integrate within buildings which are centuries old, demanding the ability to adapt to their distinctive ecclesiastical style and structurally restrictive features. Neaco’s national sales manager, Richard Richardson-Derry, commented: “Church developments invariably involve the sensitive refurbishment of an historic listed building with a design scheme which refreshes its interior yet works in harmony with its original character and layout.

It’s a difficult balance to achieve but I’m pleased to say that our Spectrum range has been very successful in doing so across a number of extensive redevelopment projects, including Holy Trinity Church in Ripon, Norton St. Phillip Church in Somerset and St. Peter’s Church in Arnesby. The recent launch of Timberline, our wood-effect aluminium balustrade system, means that we are now better equipped than ever to meet the aesthetic demands of traditional church buildings.”

At Holy Trinity Church in Ripon, Spectrum Clearline structural glass was specified by RBA Moody Bros (Contractors) Ltd for balustrading on a mezzanine floor. A spokesman for RBA Moody Bros said: “Neaco worked diligently and pro-actively with ourselves and the project engineers to ensure that all the 'tricky' detailing relative to the facetted balustrading was investigated and practically resolved in a manner that in no way compromised the aesthetic aspirations of the client.”

At Norton St. Phillip Church, Chedburn Design and Conservation designed new facilities for the Grade II listed building in Somerset, winning Country Life’s Village Church for Village Life Award as the finest example of a church being adapted to serve the 21st century needs of its village. Neaco’s stainless steel balustrade with glass infill was selected to complement traditional oak paneling.

Angela Dudley of Chedburn said: “we were very happy with Neaco’s contribution to the project. They produced a balustrade design which was ideally suited to our requirements and their team of installers completed the work to a very high standard.”

At St. Peter’s Church in Arnesby, Neaco worked from a brief which required unobstructed access to the church bells above the balustrade for occasional maintenance purposes. They produced a solution in which the whole unit, including glass panel infills, could be easily lifted from its anchoring set into the floor.

Jason Edwards of Corporate Architecture said: “We’ve used Neaco’s Spectrum balustrade on previous projects and knew it was a system of proven quality, but Neaco helped us to make a modification to its usual specification - rather than using permanent wall fixtures, everything is secured in place with a base in which the removal of a few key fixings allows the balustrade to be removed, thereby allowing easy access to the church bells. The design works superbly and we also specified Neaco’s flat-bar stanchion option to maximize visibility for the view of the church’s stained glass.”

Enquiry No 61

58 [ PRODUCT NEWS

The new building system incorporates a host of innovations including: • Columns that are no longer visible either internally or externally, for a seamless façade that can be specified with or without cladding • The facility to fit any building footprint, including those designed for traditional site-based construction – reducing architects’ design time and resources • Module lengths from 6m to 18.75m that give even greater flexibility and the option of using larger but fewer modules to reduce cranage, transport costs and site works • Two module width options of 3m and 3.75m; three height options for single-storey buildings, and seven different heights for ground and intermediate floors on multi-storey schemes to facilitate linking to existing traditionally-constructed buildings • All connections between modules will now be carried out from inside the building – which is more efficient, quicker and safer on site • The option of angled corners for further architectural variety • A system built to engineering rather than construction tolerances for even greater accuracy and build quality • A new wall construction which offers improved insulation and acoustic performance, and an even wider choice of window and fenestration options • A new insulation production system to further improve quality and consistency • A new 30-year structural warranty for even greater peace of mind.

PRODUCT NEWS [ 59

Yorkon Launches Revolutionary New Building System – Offering The Widest Range Of Modules From Any Off-Site Manufacturer In The UK Award-winning off-site specialist, Yorkon, has launched a new building system which is set to revolutionise modular construction in the UK. Yorkon now offers the widest range of building modules currently available from any off-site manufacturer in the UK – giving architects, contractors and construction clients the unrivalled design flexibility to meet almost any building footprint.

This revolutionary building system, which has thousands of configurations and permutations, will realise the full potential of off-site construction as a more efficient alternative to site-based building methods but with absolutely no compromise on design, aesthetics or layout.

The Yorkon system has been launched following a three-year development and testing programme which has included significant investment in new state-of-theart production facilities in York – now the most advanced facility of its kind in Europe.

Yorkon also offers the widest choice of cladding, glazing and roofing options to create outstanding architecture and landmark buildings – or bespoke facilities which complement existing schemes – with all the advantages of an off-site construction solution. These include programme times reduced by up to 50 per cent; 99.9 per cent recycling of waste material in the factory and 92 per cent recycling on site; less disruption during construction; improved thermal efficiency for lower running costs and reduced carbon emissions, and much greater assurance of delivery on time and on budget.

Commenting on the new building system, Joe Biggs, Managing Director of P+HS Architects, said, “We have worked with Yorkon for a number of years and have found its off-site solutions offer significant quality, site and programme benefits to our clients. Yorkon also recognises the importance of offering unrivalled flexibility in design and layout to suit individual project requirements, as well as a fast and efficient response. The new system is a tremendously exciting development which could potentially revolutionise the use of off-site construction and the design possibilities of the approach.”

Simon Ambler, Director of Yorkon said, “The launch of the new system follows extensive research with our customers and construction partners. It has been developed specifically to meet their needs and particularly the requirement for a more flexible off-site solution that offers genuine freedom of expression in terms of layout, footprint and aesthetics.”

“As a Group we have invested in new state-of-the-art production facilities, which further demonstrates our commitment and the scale of this R&D process – particularly in the current challenging economic climate. This is a major milestone for the business and we are delighted to have scored yet another industry first for Yorkon by offering the widest range of configuration options of any off-site manufacturer in the UK. The design potential is simply limitless.”

The new Yorkon off-site building system has many applications, ranging from teaching facilities for schools and academies; hospital buildings and health clinics; laboratories; to control centres and amenity buildings in the power and utilities sectors; superstores, retail kiosks and convenience stores; and passenger and operations facilities for railways and airports. www.yorkon.info/newsystem Enquiry No 62

Lighting The Past Light Projects helps illuminate a giant sculpture of Mongolian Genghis Khan that has been erected in Marble Arch by Westminster Council as part of its ongoing City of Sculpture Festival.

Sculpted by Dashi Namdakov and loaned by the Halcyon Galleries as part of their international public art programme, a 16ft sculpture of Genghis Khan celebrates his 850th anniversary. Halcyon Galleries approached lighting designers DHA Designs to conceive an innovative lighting scheme for this exciting project.

Simon Marks of DHA Designs, comments; “There is a lot of light pollution in the surrounding environs including a large 60 foot horse head sculpture opposite so we didn’t want the sculpture to be lost. We also needed to design a scheme that would not only light the statue but also provide depth and definition.”

Following in-depth planning, the finished scheme uses two defined areas of lighting; fittings set into the base of the plinth to uplight the belly and underside of the horse and a separate plinth, designed by DPS Guard, set several metres back with fittings to illuminate Khan.

DHA Designs approached Light Projects to help supply suitable fittings. It was decided to use Lumascape’s 343 in-ground uplighters for the plinth and Light Projects’ Minor 4 Remote spotlights on the additional plinth. A specially designed cage was installed over the fittings to prevent damage or removal.

The Lumascape uplighters are used with 70w CDM-T lamps complete with 60° ‘Pure Optic’ reflectors and prismatic lenses. Manufactured from 316 Marine-Grade Stainless Steel and with an IP68 rating and integral wicking barrier, the fittings are fully resistant to the ingress of water, dust and other contaminants. This provides a heavy-duty surface with a vandal-resistant external face capable of withstanding point loads of up to 4200kg. The Pure Optics reflectors add maximum illumination, efficiency and beam control to uplighting while the elliptical reflector produces a crossover beam capable of wall-washing to very low angles, and almost to ground level, when used with a tilt lens.

The Light Projects Minor 4 Remote spotlights were supplied in a black finish with 35W 25° flood GX10 CMH lamps to pick out points of interest within the sculpture as well as more general illumination.

“These fittings are very durable and require no maintenance, which is important on this scheme as there is no one with specific responsibility to monitor them” explains Marks. “In addition they are adaptable, which is of added benefit as they can easily be adapted for future installations with only minor adjustments and lamp changing.”

Marks concludes; “Light Projects bent over backwards to help us get these fittings to us within a tight, two-week, turnaround period.”

Company: Light Projects Product: Innovative Lighting Scheme Location: Marble Arch, London More information: www.lightprojects.co.uk Enquiry No 63

Stannah Lifts Enhance Travel Experience At Kings Cross Station There is no denying the refurbished and extended Kings Cross Station looks spectacular, but the successful flow of people and goods around the station is making life easier for everyone too. Stannah won the contract for a total of 24 new and refurbished lifts in all three areas of Kings Cross Station; The Train Shed, The Western Concourse and The Western Range building.

Eighteen months of challenging work later and the lifts are really improving accessibility for everyone at this worldclass London station. The refurbished train shed has three layers. The train platforms at ground level, a spectacular new bridge above the platforms for additional access and the essential service tunnels below ground level where on-board services (OBS) and refuse collections are constantly on the move.

The first noticeable passenger lifts within the historic train shed are 5 x scenic, 2-stop, 8-person mobility impaired persons (MIP) lifts installed to provide easy travel from the bridge to each of the platforms below. The one-way downward travel of these lifts is part of the overall design of people-flow around the station which aims to keep an open, relaxed feel to a very busy environment.

At platform level, 4 x OBS 24-person goods/passenger lifts provide direct access to and from service tunnels to

individual trains. These lifts enable the quick, efficient delivery of OBS directly to individual trains and the clearing of refuse from trains at the end of their journey.

The lifts are finished to Network Rail specification, with ‘bumpers’ low on solid walls to add additional protection in a busy, demanding environment.

All work to install the lifts in the train shed had to be completed during service blockades as these platforms were operational throughout most of the working period.

Machine rooms are housed in pits beneath the platforms, 1400 deep, covered by a pair of heavy steel shutters set into the platform walkways.

The service tunnels are home to many additional lifts, the workhorses that assist in the movement of goods to and from all areas of the station. These include: 2 x 2,500kg 33 person 2-stop goods/passenger service lifts for staff use only – from delivery area to service corridor.

2 x 2,000kg, 26 person 4-stop goods/passenger service lifts for staff use only - from level -2, main delivery area to -1, service tunnel, Ground floor – main concourse and level 1, the retail mezzanine

Company: Stannah Product: 24 New And Refurbished Lifts Location: Kings Cross Station, London More information: www.stannahlifts.co.uk Enquiry No 64

Within the Western Range Building are seven further passenger lifts: 1 x 630kg 8-personlift that played a big part in moving contractors during all the building work and now with a final lift interior for public use.

2 x 3100kg, 40 person goods/passenger lifts for service personnel only provide robust movement of goods over 4 floors. These lifts were installed in existing shafts that were extended to travel further. Both lifts provide backup for OBS and one provides access directly into the Fullers Pub on the concourse.

4 x 1200kg 16-person goods/passenger lifts, one of which was particularly challenging to install tight to a low pitched roof at the top of the shaft.

The lifts were designed and installed by Stannah’s Major Projects Team reporting to main contractor, Vinci and Network Rail.

1 x 2000kg, 26-person travelling 7 stops from the basement to the rooftop and features a very wide lift car for the easy movement of goods.

All 24 lifts will be maintained by the Dartford branch of Stannah Lift Services as part of their contract to look after Network Rail stations in London and the South East.

1 x platform lift within the First Class Lounge approach on the first floor. This lift helps people with restricted mobility and wheelchair users avoid a flight of steps that lead on to the bridge area in the Train Shed where further passenger lifts provide access to the platforms below.

Stannah Lift Services maintain more than 83,000 lift products nationwide, all types of lifts from all manufacturers. Within this number are more than 800 lifts on Network rail stations right across the UK. In additional to maintenance Stannah carry out lift refurbishments , install new bespoke lifts, escalators and moving walkways, sometimes in the most challenging environments.

Within the spectacular new space of the Western Concourse four more lifts complete the project: 2 x 1200kg, 16 person, finished in brushed stainless steel with York stone floor and special lighting. Both lifts are for public access to and from the mezzanine food court, one travelling 3 stops to London Underground. These public use passenger lifts were specified by Arup.

Kings Cross Station will see its final phase of refurbishment to the station and Kings Cross Square completed in 2013.

64 [ PROJECT NEWS

www.wicona.co.uk

Wicona Façade Solutions Specified For First Business Centre In Goriska Region Of Slovenia The first business centre in the Goriska region of Slovenia has been completed, creating a new ‘vertical city’. This ambitious project, which is set to bring new life into the town of Nova Gorica, features a range of aluminium façade solutions from Wicona. Both Wicona’s unitised and stick curtain walling systems, and concealed windows were specified for the 15-storey scheme, to form a highly glazed, contemporary building envelope. The developer, Euroinvest, had used Wicona’s curtain walling for an earlier project for Vodafone Milano.

Eight storeys of the tower, which provide 8,000sqm of prime office accommodation, have a double skin façade constructed using the WICTEC 50 unitised curtain wall. This solution allowed work off site to be maximised so construction was less affected by the weather, helping to reduce the overall build programme for a faster return on investment for the developer, whilst creating a strong visual and architectural statement for the building.

The prefabricated 226mm thick aluminium and glass units were combined with an inner layer of 10mm safety glass to deliver a high performing U value of 1.1W/m2K. The space between the double skin is naturally ventilated with opening vents based on Wicona’s WICLINE window system.

The 97mm wide curtain walling profiles were used to express the horizontal and vertical grid across the façade and to construct the 3.6m by 1.3m unitised panels. Two different geometric patterns were applied to the safety glass, providing a degree of solar control for the vision areas and concealing services between floors – to stunning effect. To achieve the sharp corners to the façade, Wicona engineered four different corner profiles, which were installed at varying angles.

The lower three floors of the business centre, which accommodate retail units, bars and restaurants, are enclosed in Wicona’s WICTEC 50 ‘stick’ curtain walling.

Located in the heart of the town, the EDA Centre was completed following an investment of 40 million euros. In addition to the office accommodation, this mixed used urban development provides 33 luxury apartments with panoramic views, a hotel-style spa, 5,000sqm of retail space, a tourist information centre, below-ground car parking, and a conference hall. It is symbolic of the significant rebirth of business, leisure and culture and a spirit of regeneration in the new republic of Slovenia.

Unitised curtain walling applies the principles of off-site construction to the building envelope. The units are fully glazed and sealed in a controlled factory environment, and the complete units are moved to site for fast installation on to pre-prepared fixings. This reduces time on site by up to 70 per cent and improves precision and installation quality.

Wicona offers one of the most widely used and technically advanced unitised façades in Europe, which is particularly suited to high rise, complex and bespoke façade designs. The panels can accommodate any combination of profiles, external feature caps and glazing, and can carry stone cladding; metal, composite or polycarbonate panels; windows, doors and fixed light glazing; brise soleil solar shading and photovoltaic panels.

Enquiry No 65

PROJECT NEWS [ 65

JS Air Curtains ‘At Home’ In John Lewis Leading retailer John Lewis has selected JS Air Curtains as its air curtain supplier for four new build ‘at home’ shops. The four recently opened shops all have Zen air curtains from JS helping to maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature for customers and staff. The air curtains also minimise the energy consumption of the stores’ heating and cooling systems by preventing cold air entering during the winter and warm air during the summer. The new ‘at home’ shops at Tamworth, Chester, Chichester and Newbury each feature totally white Zen air curtains above their main entrances and, in some shops, additionally above their customer collect entrance.

The Zen is part of JS Air Curtains’ Designer Range and is decorative with a contemporary architectural style. Smart and minimalistic, the unit can be fitted with bespoke fascia panels of different materials and any RAL colour, and also carry signage, branding or even elements such as clocks. The air curtain comes with anodized aluminium covers and a black inner section as standard but the units selected by John Lewis had totally white covers and inner sections, seamlessly tying-in with the white interior design of the stores’ entrances. The Zen is offered with electric or water heaters and as a non-heated, air only model. The discharge vents have airfoil shaped vanes to direct the airflow creating a tighter seal across a doorway. Low noise, double inlet centrifugal fans with external rotor motors can provide up to 2,775m³/h of airflow per metre of air curtain making the Zen ideal for doorways up to 3.5m high. www.jsaircurtains.com Enquiry No 66

Portakabin Delivers Sustainable Modular Solution For A New Network Rail Waste Management Facility Portakabin has delivered a highly sustainable solution to provide Network Rail with a new waste management facility at its leadership training centre near Coventry. The building at Westwood accommodates state-of-the-art waste processing equipment, including advanced food de-watering, composting and general waste handling.

A Portakabin building was commissioned to accommodate the waste handling equipment without compromising the site’s strong sustainability credentials and aesthetic appeal. Supplied as a single steel-framed module, the building features wide double doors to the front and side that facilitated the installation of the specialist equipment. The floor was specially reinforced to achieve a 5Kn loading to support the heavy composting plant, and the complete building was wrapped in vinyl sheeting overprinted with images of trees and plants to help it blend into its surroundings.

The new facility has a green sedum roof that provides additional thermal insulation, is low maintenance and encourages wildlife and biodiversity. A modular solution was also ideal for this site because it is enclosed on three sides by protected trees and so was very constrained. Applications for Portakabin modular solutions are diverse and include open plan office accommodation, security buildings, canteens, training suites, teaching blocks, shower and changing rooms, clinics and ward buildings, for both interim and permanent applications. Facilities can be supplied and installed just days from receipt of order complete with fire and security systems, access ramps and furniture, and can remain in use for as long as required. Modular accommodation can also be easily extended, reconfigured or relocated to meet an organisation’s changing needs. Portakabin has the resources to deliver both bespoke projects and standardised accommodation solutions to organisations in public and private sectors, in the most challenging timescales, with less disruption and less impact on the environment. www.portanews.co.uk Enquiry No 67

66 [ PROJECT NEWS

Yeoman Rainguard Fitted To Iconic Worthing Pier

Comar And K2 Pool Talent

Yeoman Rainguard, the market leader in rainwater systems, has been fitted to Worthing Pier as part of a major external improvement project carried out by the main contractor, Full Metal Jacket.

Yeoman Rainguard supplied the contractor with special Cast Iron products – 210 x 150mm MOG Cast Iron Gutter and 150 x 100mm cast iron pipe, supplied ready for them to paint in their choice of colour.

Paul Rawlinson, managing director of Full Metal Jacket, said: “We were very pleased with the service we received from Yeoman Rainguard.” www.rainguard.co.uk

Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems, with their approved fabricator K2 Aluminium Systems, recently completed the £12M showcase Harborne Pool & Leisure Centre in Birmingham which has achieved a BREEAM rating of “excellent”.

Comar 6 curtain walling is a versatile thermally efficient system designed to integrate panels and glass of different widths into the façade with special profiles to include opening vents and doors. Comar 6 was selected due to its slim 50mm profiles which maximised the glazed area for natural day lighting. www.comar-alu.co.uk

Enquiry No 68

High Street’s Footing Restored With Ultrascape Altrincham’s high street has recently been re-paved using the Ultrascape mortar paving system. The project was secured by Williams Tarr Construction who used the specified Ultrascape Pro-bed HS in bulk, Pro-Prime and Flowpoint.

The three products are proven to be BS 7533 compliant under UKAS testing methods. What’s more, because the system was used the street was opened to pedestrians just one hour after grouting. Ultrascape Pro-Bed HS is a fine bedding mortar that can be laid from 10mm to 75mm. The product creates the ideal foundation for laying paving elements where a rigid or bound base is required.

Ultrascape Pro-Prime slurry primer provides an exceptional bond of greater than 2N/ mm2 between all types of stone. It only requires the addition of water before it can be applied to the stone elements. Ultrascape Flowpoint, a rapid setting flowable grout, is fast and efficient to apply. Flowpoint can accommodate joint widths of 5-50mm and depths of up to 200mm in a single pass. www.ultrascape.co.uk

Enquiry No 71

Enquiry No 69

Ventrolla Helps Restore A Precious Piece Of Ireland’s History Sash window renovation specialist Ventrolla has helped to preserve the heritage of an iconic 200 year old building in Dublin. In a large renovation effort to restore the General Post Office (GPO), headquarters of the Irish postal service, Ventrolla was enlisted to tackle many of the deteriorating sash windows after office workers experienced draughts, leaks, rattles and operational issues. Ventrolla began by removing decaying timber and filling the cavities with its unique epoxy resin VR90, moulding it to match the existing timber profile. This was followed by a service of the pulleys and sash cords to ensure smooth operation. The windows then received a performance upgrade with the installation of Ventrolla’s unique Perimeter Sealing System, eliminating draughts and rattles. www.ventrolla.co.uk Enquiry No 70

VMZINC For King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery A standing seam VMZINC roof in a natural finish has been used on the new £16 million home of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. The 5.4 acre site has achieved a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating. The zinc complements timber cladding on buildings which provide stabling for 170 horses as well as a museum, veterinary clinic, workshops and the most modern blacksmith's forge in the British Army. Zinc was chosen for its sustainability in a design which is ‘carbon minus’ and will generate surplus energy by running entirely on bio-fuel derived from horse manure and bedding. The zinc roof incorporates solar chimneys which provide natural stack ventilation to the stables together with rainwater harvesting and S.U.D.S systems. www.vmzinc.co.uk Enquiry No 72

PROJECT NEWS [ 67

Yorkon Awarded £3M Contract To Provide 5 Buildings For New Network Rail Train Depot At Reading Station As part of the £850m redevelopment of Reading Station, construction of a train care depot is now underway by contractor VolkerFitzpatrick in a £36m contract. Off-site specialist, Yorkon, is to provide five buildings for the new depot.

Yorkon is providing a three-storey depot administration building, two ancillary buildings for train maintenance and cleaning staff, a security gate house, and a further train care accommodation building. The steel-framed modules for each building are being manufactured and fitted out off site at the Yorkon factory in York to minimise disruption on site. The off-site approach will also reduce the programme time as the depot construction project affects the critical path of the overall station redevelopment. Each building will have a mono-pitch roof and has been designed to stringent Network Rail standards. www.yorkon.info Enquiry No 73

Handling Airside Safety Underfoot Vynagrip slip resistant matting, manufactured in the UK by Plastic Extruders Ltd, has been extensively installed airside in the baggage handling area of George Best Belfast City Airport.

To improve comfort and safety underfoot, the airport management approached safety products specialist Arco who recommended anti-fatigue and slip resistant Vynagrip matting as ideal for this application. Scientific tests prove the matting not only reduces the stress and fatigue for workers standing on hard surfaces but its deeply etched surface achieves a high rating for slip resistant performance. In addition, the matting contours over uneven surfaces while its 15mm open grid height means it straddles pools of water and efficiently dissipates any surface liquid thereby keeping workers safe, comfortable and dry. www.vynagrip.com Enquiry No 74

‘Curtains Up’ On Encasement’s Column Casing Solution At Cardiff Theatre The dramatically re-modelled reception foyer of Cardiff’s recently refurbished Sherman Cymru Theatre is using bespoke ‘Forma’ stainless steel column casings, which were supplied and installed by Encasement to conceal structural steelwork and enhance the venue’s new contemporary interior design. The £6.5 million transformation project, which was part funded by a £3.9 million capital lottery grant from The Arts Council of Wales was designed by Capita Symonds Architecture’s Jonathan Adams.

The extensive project involved the modernisation of public areas and installation of new seating in Sherman Cymru’s two theatres, together with the redevelopment of the foyer and the refurbishment of backstage areas, the theatre reopened in early 2012. The curved design of the theatre’s main entrance and expansive new foyer area is contrasted with the angular lines of Encasement’s eight square brushed stainless steel column casings, which range in height from 4.0 to 5.6 metres to meet the curved lines of the ceiling inside the entrance.

Encasement worked closely with main contractor, Dawnus Construction, to supply and install the bespoke casings, which are manufactured from 2mm thick 304 grade stainless steel in two different sizes, measuring 305mm and 450mm to cover the differing dimensions of the internal structural supports. www.encasement.co.uk Enquiry No 75

68 [ PROJECT NEWS

www.betacalco.com

Great Yarmouth Town Hall Sees The Light Great Yarmouth Town Hall was built in 1880 and was designed by architect JB Pearce. In 2007 a project to replace the roof and decaying brick and stonework was started, with funding from English Heritage.

In 2010 planning began for the refurbishment of the interiors.

Beta-Calco worked with Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Jeremy Stacey Architects and Kevin Boast Building Services to design a sustainable lighting scheme for a number of rooms within this historic building.

Fluorescent luminaires have been used in most rooms and corridors. Axalis, Trilogy and Windsor luminaires were installed to complement the 19th Century building, utilising modern technology to incorporate dimming and self test emergency lighting which is controlled by the building management system. BetaCalco’s new innovative Xacara LED pendant has been used in the assembly room, which has been completely redecorated, including

new flooring. 18 of these luminaires have been installed around the hall to give general illumination, with dimming facilities and self test emergency lighting being integral in the luminaires. The assembly room ceiling height is in excess of 6m and by using the LED luminaires lamp changes have been avoided and therefore no need to use motorised lifting gear, thus saving the client money both on installation costs and on ongoing maintenance.

The specification of the Xacara used 6 x 26W 4000K yielding an efficacy of more than 70 lumens per watt. Combined with a life of over 50,000 hours. The client has been complimentary and enthusiastic as to how the Xacara has blended in to the re-decorated Assembly Room, complementing the colour scheme and ambience of the space.

Beta Manufacturing was established in 1942 in Bradford by the current President’s grandfather. In the early 90’s, with increasing energy costs, the low energy lighting market started to expand in North America. At that stage a decision was made to set up a facility in North America and ‘Beta-Calco Inc’ was born. In June 2004 BetaCalco took over what was originally its own parent company Beta Lighting Ltd., the company has evolved with the times, and is now a leading manufacturer of innovative, uniquely designed luminaires.

Enquiry No 76

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www.bis.fm

BSRIA Wi5 Monitoring For Barratt’s Hanham Hall Project The Hanham Hall development by Barratt Homes on the outskirts of Bristol has created great interest nationwide for its potential contribution to and, perhaps even more important, its long term monitoring of domestic energy efficiency. Barratt’s is determined that its homes should be practical and affordable to run, coinciding with the goal of creating a situation where tried and tested energy efficiency can be replicated elsewhere in time to meet the Zero Carbon Building Regulations in 2016.

In addition to a total refurbishment of the Grade II Listed Hall itself, the Hanham Hall development will consist of a deliberately varied selection of over 180 one, two, three, four and five bedroomed homes.

It is set in twelve acres of open landscape with an area of green space running through the heart of the estate and will be a truly pleasant environment in addition to its importance to the Construction Industry.

The first houses are already nearing completion and an official opening of the show-home area is expected within the next month.

The project’s importance however will not end with the completion of the housing for of equal value will be the constant monitoring of energy efficiency in an unobtrusive manner that will not interfere with

the daily life of residents. It is here that the Wi5 wireless monitoring systems supplied by BSRIA Instrument Solutions will prove invaluable.

Barratt Homes has ordered a total of 185 Wi5 systems from BSRIA for Hanham Hall. They will undertake a monitoring period of three years commencing as each dwelling is completed and inhabited.

Each home will be checked for utilities consumption and in addition a random selection of houses will be monitored for internal environmental living conditions. These include temperature, humidity and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions as well as the energy used for hot water, the quantity of water used domestically from rainwater harvesting and photovoltaic generation sold into the Grid. The data will be invaluable in assessing the development’s total energy efficiency and also the accuracy of energy predictions for the project.

BSRIA Instrument Solutions supply of effective and affordable testing equipment to the construction industry is a service that becomes ever more essential as Building Regulations criteria become increasingly stringent. The wireless Wi5 kits supplied to Barrett for Hanham Hall are typically suited to the task in hand, fully supplying the information required via equipment that is easily concealed and designed to be largely unnoticed by the householders being monitored.

Enquiry No 77

MAPEI www.mapei.co.uk