Creative Build Magazine - August Issue

August Issue What’s on at The Flooring Show 2022.

Beautifully crafted. Built to last.

AW22 Trend Prediction: Onyx

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What’s on at The Flooring Show 2022.

The Gira Experience - From designer to system integrator

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Building safety remains on a knife edge says Wrexham Mineral Cables.

Bespoke colourful kitchens made easy with Brandt Design

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Google opens bay view campus in Silicon Valley

Bespoke Kitchen Design by The Main Company

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The 5 best windows for your remodeling project

Platinum Parade as JCB machines pay homage to Queen’s reign

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What’s on at The Flooring Show 2022.

This year’s bumper edition of The Flooring Show is jam-packed with onsite features for you and your colleagues to enjoy. Discover features that encompass education, discovery, competition and even the celebration of 60 years of flooring over the course of this three-day event.

Ball & Co. Ltd, Furlong Flooring, Hanson Plywood, Interfloor, Kellars, Lifestyle Floors, Likewise Floors, Millennium Weavers, Penthouse Carpets, and Victoria Carpets & Design Floors are already confirmed, plus many more! Click here to check out the full brands list.

With only two months to go until the Harrogate Convention Centre opens its doors to the flooring industry, find out what is in store for visitors.

Our 60th birthday celebration

250+ brands We have some of the biggest names and leading suppliers exhibiting this September, ready to showcase brand new ranges and products, from carpets, LVT, hardwood and tiles, to accessories, underlay, adhesives and tools.

Companies such as Abingdon Flooring, Associated Weavers, Ball & Young Ltd, Balta Group, Berry Alloc, Bostik Ltd, Condor Carpets, Cormar Carpet Co, F.

the show, with an open forum occurring on the third. Sessions include tile and vinyl underlaying, carpet seaming, wood floor installation, subfloor solutions, feather finishes, and more. The full timetable has just been revealed, so head to our website by clicking here to find out more.

Wool Trends Centre

This year marks 60 years of The Flooring Show, making it the longest running UK trade event dedicated to flooring. To celebrate, we are offering an exclusive feature that highlights the history of the show and looks to the future of the flooring industry. You won’t want to miss it.

The Demo Zone The Demo Zone is an opportunity for you to enhance your business by getting more insight into the latest products and innovations in flooring. Live demonstrations will be given across the first two days of

Returning to Harrogate is the Wool Trends Centre, with this year’s theme: Why Wool Carpet Matters. This will include a maze of wool carpets, showcasing a variety of ranges, colours and qualities from some of our exhibitors’ latest collections.

Visitors will be invited to explore the maze and join the discussion of wool.

Discover the history and importance of wool carpet, whilst viewing products from your favourite manufacturers and exhibiting brands.

Fitter of the Year The final of the 2022 Fitter of the Year competition is fast-approaching and the top 5 finalists have been announced.

After a close semi-final, the following fitters have been selected to compete at the Harrogate Convention Centre on the 18th and 19th September: Darren Ash – Alfrick, Worcestershire Dan Evans – Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire Ryan Hughes – Arlesey, Besfordshire Richard Long – Dundee, Angus Sam Sanders – Hessle, East Riding of Yorkshire The winner will receive the coveted title, a monetary prize, goodies and a year’s NICF Master Fitter membership.

The Flooring Show runs from 18-20 September at the Harrogate Convention Centre.

Click here to register for your free pass and fast-track entry.

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SMARTPLY PROPASSIV installed at eco-friendly development in popular Cardiff suburb As part of an exciting regeneration project in Cardiff, Lowfield Timber Frames specified SMARTPLY PROPASSIV panels alongside a supply of their timber kits for a development of 12 two-bedroom houses in Heath, Cardiff.

The homes are built to strict Passivhaus standards, offering improved health and wellbeing conditions for occupants whilst requiring very low levels of energy for space heating or cooling. Additionally, using timber frame for the construction lowers the carbon footprint of the development.

The major benefit of a Passivhaus build is the reduced energy consumption during the operating life of the structure. This will ultimately lead to reduced energy costs, heating bills, and even lower carbon emissions for the planet.

The average air test result for the 12 homes came in at below 0.5 ACH. A Larsen truss panel (a lightweight wall extension which creates extra wall space to a house insulation) was also used in the project. It was 330mm deep with the

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finished wall make-up being closer to 500mm.

Darren Jarman, Managing Director of Lowfield Timber Frames, commented: “The Highfields scheme in Cardiff was just one of several passivhaus schemes we have completed over the past 2 years. We now have an external wall build-up that not only meets the passivhaus standards, but also has extremely low embodied carbon credentials.

“The external wall has been fire tested and achieves the airtightness required, all in all, reducing the heating requirements and the running costs of the property.”

SMARTPLY PROPASSIV is an airtight OSB/3 panel with integrated vapour control and air barrier properties for use as structural sheathing in timber frame structures.

The airtightness is engineered into the OSB panel substrate, whilst the factory applied specialist surface finish technology provides increased and constant vapour resistance on the warm side of construction.

The panels are suitable for both new build and renovations.

The distinctive green layer of SMARTPLY PROPASSIV is a UV cured coating providing increased and constant vapour diffusion factor. In addition, it provides a smooth and durable surface for taping the connections.

The panels made to OSB/3 grade, are moisture resistant and can be used in humid conditions (service class 2). The hygroscopic nature of the OSB panel acts as a humidity buffer to help prevent interstitial condensation within the timber frame structure in limited cases of reverse diffusion.

Jarman concluded: “Whilst there are other products available which will achieve the airtightness, we feel SMARTPLY PROPASSIV is the most robust solution available and eliminates the possibility of accidental damage, resulting in a failed test.”

The ambitious project is part of the ‘Cardiff Living’ programme, a 10-year partnership between Cardiff Council and Wates Residential, which will deliver 1,500 new homes at sites across the city. www.lowfieldtimberframes.co.uk

NEC launches community app to bring users and practitioners closer together NEC, the construction industry’s leading procurement contract provider, has launched a podcast series and an app, which brings NEC users, communities and content closer together.

The NEC Contracts Community App is designed to support understanding of the NEC family suite of contracts and aims to connect users worldwide, whilst NEC’s newly launched monthly podcast series will take a deep dive into how its contracts are being used across the globe.

Rekha Thawrani, Global Head of NEC, said: “The construction industry can often be seen as operating within the confines of geographical boundaries, but NEC believes the sector’s future must be more collaborative if it is to tackle the industry’s future challenges.

“That’s why we’re delighted to launch our NEC Contracts Community App, which we hope will be used as a collaborative space, bringing the NEC community of users and practitioners together in a dedicated, interactive platform.

“It offers online themed discussion forums for members to join and connect with each other to share expertise, resources and best practice in their sector or market - making it accessible for the community across the globe.

“The app also includes resource hubs, which offer a diverse range of content, including papers, videos and podcasts relating to a particular NEC theme or topic. NEC Users’ Group members will have access to exclusive content, including recorded event presentations and slide decks.”

Alongside the app, NEC has also launched a new monthly podcast series. The NEC Spotlight Podcasts will feature interviews with senior project team members and NEC practitioners to show how collaborativestyle NEC contracts are helping deliver high quality built-environment projects around the world: quickly, cost-effectively and fairly.

The first episode, released in June, featured an interview with Mark Thurston and Keith Lomas from HS2, currently the world’s biggest NEC-procured project.

They discuss why NEC was chosen for the £73 billion railway, how it is benefitting delivery and lessons learned to date.

The app is free to download onto mobile devices from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. The desktop version can be reached at: www.community.neccontract.com/

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NBB Outdoors Outdoor product solutions for every budget, setting and application Optimise your outdoor areas with market-leading shelters, storage, street furniture and 100% recycled plastic outdoor seating Shelters, Canopies & Walkways

The right shelter can completely transform any unused outside space into whatever you need it to be, from recreational uses to external storage, a shelter can improve the appearance of your building’s exterior whilst creating designated areas away from building entrances and undesirable locations.

We specialise in designing shelters, covered walkways, entrance canopies and street furniture that provide structurally sound and stylish solutions for every type of external requirement. Made from top-quality materials with market-leading guarantees, every shelter comes with a service life of 25 years.

You are guaranteed to find something to suit your needs at NBB Outdoors. There is an abundance of optional extras for each shelter in the range, including multiple configurations, side panelling, roof types, lengths, colouring, and more!

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our expert team can help. From design to installation, we are on hand with advice on styles, configurations and finishes to ensure your product solution is perfectly tailored to your exact requirements.

What’s more, we offer initial quotations on custom projects completely free of charge with no obligation attached.

Cycle Parking

We also manufacture and supply a range of stylish and practical cycle storage shelters. With the Department of Transports’ increased support for improving cycle networks across the country, suitable cycle shelter options are now a must.

Our cycle shelters are available in both traditional and contemporary styles, and are designed to fit in with existing surroundings whilst providing a secure area to park bikes, protect them from the elements and promote cycle usage. The same market-leading guarantees as our canopies and walkways also apply to cycle shelters.

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With fuel prices having reached unprecedented highs, more people may turn to alternative travel options, so having suitable areas to allow for secure cycle storage is sure to become even more important over the upcoming summer months.

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LANDSCAPE - the UK’s premier landscaping exhibition, looks to showcase the industry more than ever before by bringing more exhibitors, more visitors and even more features to Hall 3 at the NEC - National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on the 28th and 29th September 2022.

Welcoming over 250 exhibitors with a vast collection of industry-leading products, services and innovations for the design, build and management of exterior and interior landscaping projects, LANDSCAPE 2022 is the trade event you will not want to miss, and the best part is - it’s all FREE! The LANDSCAPE Show is the chance of the year to network with professionals at the top of their game at the largest event the industry has ever seen!

LANDSCAPE is proud to say that 86% of visitors are very likely to recommend and use an exhibitor for a future project, and the exhibitor list continues to go from strength to strength, year on year. The extensive exhibitor list ensures that when they say that there is “something for everyone”, they really do mean it!

This year alongside the highly anticipated CPD accredited seminar programme, LANDSCAPE will be introducing some brand-new features including a Student Showcase by London College of Garden Design, and an additional program of ‘How to’ Seminars for anyone in the industry to learn, be inspired and expand their skills. Back again at the central bar area, LANDSCAPE will be hosting the incredibly popular PechaKucha 20x20 and Meet the Designer programme.

LANDSCAPE’s Women in the Industry Day was so well received in 2021 that it’s back with an additional Networking Morning running in conjunction with #Yes She Can. Also back this year is the highly anticipated design competition, which will be focused on Wildlife Friendly designs and supported by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust.

Both the exhibition and all seminar sessions are free to attend. For more information or to register to attend the show, simply visit the registration page online. Expect the biggest names in landscaping to feature in the 2022 line-up and be sure to keep an eye on LANDSCAPE’s social media channels for the latest updates and be the first to hear about even more reasons why LANDSCAPE 2022 is the show you do not want to miss.

Further information can be found online:

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Building safety remains on a knife edge says Wrexham Mineral Cables.

A leading manufacturer of fire resistance cables believes building safety will remain on a knife edge if product testing is not strengthened.

Wrexham Mineral Cables has once again called for more stringent testing standards following a spate of fires in recent months. Recently, residents were evacuated from a block of apartments in Bradford city centre following a blaze on the fifth floor of the building.

Wrexham Mineral Cables believes this once again highlights the importance of keeping buildings and the people who occupy them safe. It says that in too many cases the focus has remained largely on identified defects, but it is the unidentified issues – such as the installation of certain types of fire-resistant cables – which may not survive during a true fire scenario.

Wrexham Mineral Cables Commercial

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Manager Steve Williams says testing needs to be strengthened for all fire-resistant cables as part of the construction industry’s wider drive to improve building safety.

He commented: “Fire resistant cables play a fundamental role in ensuring that emergency and building critical systems are supported in the event of a fire. Not only do they provide early indication of a fire, but they also ensure critical circuits remain functional for longer periods. This is particularly critical in high rise buildings where evacuation times can be extensive or hindered due to the sheer size of the building. Plus, with some buildings adopting the much criticised ‘stay put’ policy, circuits such as extraction systems must remain fully functional.

“The tests which cables are subjected to need to be relevant and relied upon. It is

extremely concerning that ‘ENHANCED fire-resistant’ cables most commonly being used for critical emergency building services may not survive fire, water, and direct impact. If this remains the case, building safety will remain on a knife edge for years to come.”

He added: “We remain committed to raising industry standards. And the only way to achieve this is by introducing a standard test for all fire resistant cables - such as BS 8519, currently only applicable to Fire Resistant cables over 20mm. Regardless of size or construction, if a cable is required to function in the event of a fire, each single cable sample must have to pass a true fire scenario test, helping identify those which can survive, rather than simply resist, fire.

Wrexham Mineral Cables have recently gained approval to BS8519 on cable measuring less than 8mm proving it really is the ONLY true fire survival cable.’’

Beautifully crafted. Built to last.

Elisa launches customisable mixer shower collection

isolation valves for added peace of mind and control during installation.

Premium British bathroom manufacturer Elisa has announced the introduction of a completely customisable, modular shower collection based around Aquahub – a unique, concealed valve technology innovated in-house at Elisa. This stunning new mixer range offers a fully personalised choice of facias, shower outlets, heads and accessories, all compatible with the central Aquahub valve. Each component is available in a brushed brass, polished chrome or matt black finish.

Emilie

Machined from high quality, solid brass for extensive durability and reliability, the Aquahub valve is guaranteed for 15 years, and sits at the heart of the Elisa shower system. When updating their bathroom in the future, homeowners can select from a multitude of facias, accessories and colourways to suit their interiors, without the need to replace the Aquahub platform itself.

Built for effortless installation, Aquahub comes with both front and rear mounting options, as well as a choice of single, dual or triple outlets for maximum versatility.

Featuring safe thermostatic technology, Aquahub is also fitted with integrated

Designed to blend beautifully within any modern bathroom setting, the Emilie shower facia is available with dual or triple touch button controls. With three sleek and contemporary colourways, homeowners can select from chic polished chrome, graceful brushed brass or cool matt black. Designed with thermostatic control for optimum safety, these elegant wall plates offer full flow control, and boast the luxury of running several outlets at once.

Rosa Discreet and minimalist in design, Rosa shower facias from Elisa add a contemporary accent to any bathroom, with a selection of colour options to match individual décor. Choose from polished chrome, brushed brass or matt black, all featuring a luxury anti-fingerprint surface.

With thermostatic control and multiple outlet options, these stylish wall plates come with full flow control for ultimate comfort.

Aquahub: engineered for the future The versatile Aquahub system has been created to make life simpler for homeowners

and their installers. Meticulously engineered for resilience, Aquahub is machined from solid brass for years of reliable operation.

With eight mounting points (four front and four rear), this ingenious hub delivers outstanding accessibility and flexibility, and is equipped with reversible inlets for hot and cold water.

Allowing an array of installation options, Aquahub features a smaller minimum depth of 60mm, to allow it to fit into narrow cavity walls. With standard 22mm connections, and no cutting of bolts required, the fitting process is straightforward. Unique to this hub are the internal isolation valves, while the thermostatic control provides further safety and reassurance. Its easy-to-access design ensures quick and simple servicing and maintenance Aquahub, Emilie and Rosa products come with a 15 year manufacturer’s guarantee.

Antonella taps collection With cutting-edge styling, ultra-smooth movement and precise water flow control, these contemporary taps will blend in perfectly with all interiors to create the ultimate bathroom experience. Select from a full collection of premium single lever pillar and wall mixer taps, and a stunning free-standing bath filler with shower attachment, for a luxury look that visitors will be sure to admire.

Manufactured from high quality brass, and featuring easy-to-clean surfaces, Antonella taps come in a range of colour options to complement the Emilie and Rosa shower collections including chrome, brushed brass and a matt black finish, with a matching popup waste. These premium taps are backed by a five year manufacturer’s guarantee.

Mike Simpson, chief marketing officer at Elisa, commented, “From the very beginning, our philosophy for Elisa was to create beautiful products that are designed and constructed to last. This concept of material sustainability and durability is at the root of our product management and engineering processes.

Thanks to their customisable, modular format, the Elisa Emilie and Rosa collections can be as individual as the homeowners themselves, with the reassurance that the technology will be reliable and sustainable for years to come.”

For more information on the Elisa range, please visit: www.elisabathrooms.com

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AW22 Trend Prediction: Onyx Luxury on another level Embracing natural materials might be one of the big interior trends for AW22, but the experts at tile retailer Porcelain Superstore believe demand for semiprecious stones and minerals will shape bathroom design this winter.

Abbas Youssefi, who founded independent tile retailer Porcelain Superstore alongside his brothers Ben and Sam, believes there will be a huge appetite for opulent, onyx effect tiles as we head into the colder months.

Porcelain Superstore’s new Jewel Onyx range encapsulates the trend. Available in five colours, the tiles are crafted from exquisite Italian porcelain and look like they have been sliced from slabs of semiprecious rocks.

Abbas said: “When times are hard, we often find homeowners are more likely to invest in bold décor to boost positivity in the home. These are most definitely the tiles for the job.”

JEWEL ONYX PINK PORCELAIN TILES £69 per m2

Abbas Youssefi, Director of Porcelain Superstore, said: “Marble and marbleeffect tiles have long been a staple in bathrooms, but this Autumn I think we’ll see homeowners move beyond marble into more jewel-like realms.

If you’re a fan of pink then you’ll love these large format pink tiles.

“Tiles with a semi-precious edge and quartz-like appearance will inject opulence and class, giving homes a really luxurious finish.”

However they’re actually created from robust, low-maintenance porcelain by a top Italian manufacturer. The tiles may resemble stunning semi-precious stones

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They’re not only incredibly on-trend, they look like they’ve been cut from beautifully polished rose quartz.

but they’re hard-wearing, cost-effective and it’s easy to keep them looking great.

The drama and detail contained in every tile is offset by their delicate, pale pink tones, creating a perfect marriage of elegance and flair. They’re ideal for a chic bathroom or kitchen and add instant Instagram appeal, especially when paired with stylish brass or grey fixtures.

Available from: www.porcelainsuperstore.co.uk JEWEL ONYX AQUA PORCELAIN TILES £69 per m2 When you really want to make an impression, choose our stunning Jewel Onyx Aqua tiles.

With a multitude of shades of green in every single tile, they’ll transform any space into a jewel-like haven.

Crafted from highly polished porcelain by a top Italian manufacturer, these large

format tiles are inspired by natural onyx.

In fact they resemble the semi-precious stone in every way - except the cost.

Perhaps the most surprising thing about these tiles is their versatility. Maybe you want to enhance your bathroom with the colours and movement of the ocean?

Or you’d like to add some wow-factor to your kitchen? These tiles are suitable for floors and walls, bathrooms, kitchens, even hallways…Just add your imagination.

Available now from www.porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

Designed to resemble semi-precious stones, each tile has variations in colour, flowing patterns and realistic organic details which add layers of interest and character. As if all that wasn’t enough, the rich blue tones of the tiles are enhanced by the glossy, highly polished finish.

These large format porcelain tiles are an easy way to bring a feeling of luxury to your home while being both cost effective and low maintenance. They’re ideal for creating a sense of drama or transforming an ordinary wall into a work of art.

Available from www.porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

JEWEL ONYX BLUE PORCELAIN TILES £69 per m2 Tiles that transform your home into a work of art Our Jewel Onyx tiles in blue are truly beautiful. If you’re looking for tiles that take your decor to the next level, these are the ones for you.

JEWEL ONYX IVORY PORCELAIN TILES £69 per m2 Is it possible to improve on classic white?

We think so, thanks to these stunning ivory tiles which take timeless white and elevate it to the next level.

Inspired by the beauty of natural marble, our Jewel Onyx collection perfectly recreates the look and feel of semiprecious stones. Their beautiful multifaceted veneer contains the same detail and movement you’d expect to find in stones that have just been pulled from the earth.

Crafted from highly polished porcelain by a top Italian manufacturer, these large format tiles bring an elegant, organic quality to your home’s aesthetic thanks to their wonderfully reflective surface and subtle variations in colour. And, of course, they’re extremely versatile, suitable for both floors and walls in any number of rooms.

Available from: www.porcelainsuperstore.co.uk JEWEL BLACK ONYX PORCELAIN TILES £69 per m2 Want to tap into the trend for dark colours? But you’re concerned it will look too intense for your home?

Then our Jewel Onyx tiles in black are a great choice. Designed to resemble natural onyx, the tiles have subtle variations in colour and beautiful organic details which offer a stylish alternative to solid black decor.

The sense of drama and movement created by these large format tiles means they’re ideal if you’re looking to make an impact. And although they look like they’ve been crafted from semiprecious stone, they’re actually made from supremely polished porcelain, which means they add a luxurious feel to your home for a fraction of the cost.

Available from: www.porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

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Kaldewei turns bathtubs into modern sound boxes be it with classical music, audiobooks or rock Listening is pure enjoyment. From the gentle rustle of leaves tickled by a breeze to a virtuoso violin concerto by Mozart – music, voices and gentle sounds give us unique moments of well-being and help us to relax. Bringing together the joy of bathing with the delights of music and sound was an obvious choice for Kaldewei. SOUND WAVE is the ultimate combination of relaxing spa and unique sound experience – above and below the water.

Spa meets sound SOUND WAVE isn’t only a winner with spa lovers. Professionals like sound engineer Bryan Gallant from The Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, Canada, are big fans of this Kaldewei innovation. “We put in a Kaldewei sound bath tub for certain clients who decide they like a soak (a bath) after work, the great thing is, they can listen to the music they made while dropping the soap!” says the studio manager.

A sustainable steel enamel Kaldewei bathtub fitted with SOUND WAVE recently took up residence at The Warehouse Studio in

Vancouver. Opened by Bryan Adams in 1997, The Warehouse Studio consists of four studios of varying sizes and fit-out, housed in an historic building in the west coast metropolis. Rock greats have been regular visitors here for years: REM, Nickelback, Billy Joel, Muse, Metallica and AC/DC have all recorded tracks or entire albums at The Warehouse Studio. Bryan Adams himself has also made most of his recordings here.

After finishing work, the musicians can now enjoy the special mix of sound and relaxation and literally immerse themselves in their new songs – like in a symphony in enamel.

behind the panelling. SOUND WAVE can play every kind of audio file via Bluetooth® from a smartphone, laptop, tablet or PC. The chosen digital device then works as a remote control which is automatically recognised after the first sign-in. Up to eight devices and individuals – a biggish family, for example, or an entire band – can be paired with SOUND WAVE at the same time.

“Unfortunately a whole band can’t fit into the bathtub, but we’re talking with Kaldewei about designing one!” says studio manager Bryan Gallant with a twinkle in his eye.

How it works Suitable for any bathroom, SOUND WAVE is the acoustic innovation that turns a steel enamel bathtub into a resonant sound box. Compatible with all Kaldewei bathtub models, this bathroom audio system is installed at the same time as the bathtub.

Six acoustic panels and two transducers are attached to the outside of the bathtub; these remain entirely invisible

Bryan Adams has had a close connection with Kaldewei for some time: in 2020 the Canadian rock musician and photographer was asked

by Kaldewei to present the subject of hand hygiene in pictures. With “Naturally Connected” he created an emotional visual rendering of connectedness in turbulent times.

More info about Sound Wave here: www.kaldewei.de

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Zencha by Sebastian Herkner: A homage to mindfulness and traditional craftsmanship The outstanding design of the Zencha bathroom collection by Sebastian Herkner was inspired by traditional Japanese rituals and craftsmanship it combining as it does unusual above-counter basins with minimalistic furniture.

The basins and bathtub are striking, they have a rounded shape that opens into a graceful, outward- curving edge. These dual-walled sanitary objects made from DuraCeram® and DuraSolid® are paired with modular, geometric bathroom furniture.

The furniture is made from materials such as wood and a very tactile ribbed, textured glass, it provides plenty of storage space and is extremely pleasant to the touch.

“I’ve always wanted to develop a bathroom series for Duravit,” said the designer from Offenbach. He can now take his place in the rollcall of renowned designers such as Philippe Starck and Cecilie Manz who have designed collections for this German manufacturer.

Striking & delicate: the design The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the house and is

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increasingly becoming a place of retreat and ritual. With its balanced shapes, colours, and materials, Zencha appeals to all our senses. The inspiration for the design came from hand-made ceramic teacups that the designer discovered in Japan. Their gentle, organic shapes are designed as cambered rectangles, bulbous at the bottom and taper upwards with an elegant curve. The materials used are appealing both visually and to the touch, with basins manufactured from DuraCeram . This material enables above-counter basins to be created with an extremely thin rim which are still robust and easy to care for. The bathtubs have a pleasantly warm feel and elegant matt aesthetic and are seamlessly manufactured from DuraSolid®.

The straight lines of the furniture design creates an intriguing contrast to the organic sanitary objects; complementing the collection’s subtle material and colour concept. The outstanding design feature here is an elegant frame just six millimetres thick, creating a uniform shadow gap that lends the furniture a graceful and effortless feel. “You can only manufacture technically sophisticated

solutions like this with consistent quality if, like Duravit, you have your own manufacturing facilities, corresponding expertise and high levels of craftsmanship,” said Herkner.

Multi-faceted & functional: modular furniture elements The Zencha furniture collection is designed in a modular fashion and can be positioned in a variety of ways, as open shelves, or drawers with push-open and self-closing technology.

Combined with the above-counter basin, they create a beautiful centrepiece in the bathroom. As a storage area for everyday (bathroom) items, they offer structure to the room and imbue a feeling of gentle calm. The carcass and frame of the furniture come with an easy-to-clean surface and anti-fingerprint effect and are available in the subtle colours White Super Matt, Taupe Super Matt, and Graphite Super Matt. The cabinet fronts add a playful element and are offered in a range of variants. While the options in Natural Oak and Oak Black produce a warm and tactile effect, white plate or black textured glass introduce a degree of sensual elegance into the bathroom.

Herkner has further designed a separate mirror that emulates the contour of the round basins. Its organic form is accentuated by an all-round LED strip, and the light is turned on and off via a sensor on the bottom edge of the mirror.

Elegant above-counter basins The sanitary objects made from DuraCeram® consist of two differently shaped abovecounter basins: a curved square measuring 420 x 420 mm and a rounded rectangle measuring 550 x 390 mm – with or without a tap panel – in White, White Satin Matt, Gray Satin Matt, and Anthracite Matt. The square variant of the above-counter basin with its ceramic cover is a particular talking point in the bathroom and is covered by Duravit’s lifetime warranty. It can be combined with toilets from a range of Duravit lines.

Bathtubs with a pool-like feeling The shape of the square version of the free-standing bathtub, made from DuraSolid® and measuring 1250 x 1250 mm, is drawn from the square abovecounter basin. Bathers are invited to immerse themselves into the deep water, an experience reminiscent of a Japanese Onsen bath. The bathtub is available in two compact versions measuring 1600 x 850 mm and 1800 x 900 mm, optionally with the air whirl system integrated into the base for a gentle massage effect.

Made in Germany The Zencha collection combines delicate shapes with high-quality, sustainable materials such as PEFC-certified woods. It comes in a wide range of variants and its shapes, colours, materials, measurements, and equipment options can be individually configured for various interior design settings. Both the sanitary objects and the furniture are manufactured at Duravit’s production facilities in Hornberg and Schenkenzell in the Black Forest and are finished by hand. Surfaces and edges of the furniture are painstakingly sealed to be water-resistant and are impervious to splashes and high humidity. Optimum stability of the tall cabinets is ensured via 8mm-thick rear walls that are bonded in a milled groove. Sebastian Herkner, who spent over four years working on the project and made several site visits with his team, said: “Duravit represents tradition as well as expertise in the design and technical sectors.”

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KEUCO BLACK SECTION The deep black, silk matt finish of KEUCO products bring a touch of luxury to the bathroom; all are finished with a special lacquer coating. This not only makes them extremely durable and easy to clean, but the velvety matt surface is also extremely pleasant to the touch.

The KEUCO BLACK SELECTION offers specifiers and consumers alike the opportunity for design diversity to create extraordinary bathrooms that are individual with a more than a hint of luxury.

The IXMO range of fittings is also available in the matt black colour palette, this enables design variety and planning freedom, not only in the shower, but in other areas of the bathroom.

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The unique feature provided by IXMO enables several functions to be grouped together in one area creating a clean, chic, minimalist appearance, as only a limited number of the fitting elements are required on the wall. In combination with the extensive range of black matt shower accessories, such as an overhead shower, a hand shower with matching hose, the most desirable shower solutions can become a reality.

The design elements of IXMO in matt black continues through to the washbasin. Available in three styles: Flat, Soft or Pure IXMO provides washbasin fittings to suit different living styles, either as single-lever mixers or wall-mounted fittings. Also in the range

is a touch-free IXMO sensor fitting for the washbasin. The entire bathroom can be styled with black matt accents, as the fittings are also available to match the bidet.

BLACK SELECTION accessories Accessories can add a special touch especially when it comes to bathroom design, high-quality bathroom accessories are now part of a harmonious overall picture. The ROYAL MODULAR 2.0 mirror cabinet is now available with a black matt finish, and with matt black elements from KEUCO’s PLAN and REVA collections complete the picture, whether it be the shower basket, cosmetic mirror, lotion dispenser or toilet paper holder.

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Hunter Douglas HeartFelt range specified for award-winning university project An award-winning refurbishment at Birkbeck, University of London, has breathed new life into an almost 100-year-old building – and Hunter Douglas Architectural helped to bring it into the 21st century.

Cambridge House, a former 1920s car showroom on Euston Road, was transformed into a spectacular sevenstorey teaching and learning facility for the university, with a 180-seat lecture theatre, teaching rooms and more informal co-learning spaces, plus a café and learning hub in the basement and on the ground floor.

The building sits in a sensitive heritage area, close to the grade I-listed Holy Trinity Church, which was designed by Sir John Soane, and the results are striking, with an angular copper-coloured roof extension that cantilevers over the street.

It went on to win the Learner category of the New London Awards 2021 and was shortlisted for an AJ Retrofit Award 2022 in the Schools and Further Education category.

Architect Gibberd Partnership specified Hunter Douglas, the global architectural

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products company, to supply 568m2 of its HeartFelt range for a number of ceilings in the teaching rooms and in the reception.

HeartFelt® is a modular linear felt ceiling system with unique design qualities.

Made from Cradle to Cradle bronzecertified felt, this sustainable option is a natural and soft material with a warm appearance and excellent acoustic properties.

Available in five grey tones and five earth tones, the architect specified 7597 middle grey for Cambridge House. It was supplied as 40 x 55mm height panels with 70mm module and box-shaped panel.

tackle them without any compromises in aesthetic or quality.

“The beauty of HeartFelt is that it is not just lightweight, it is also hardwearing and attractive and looks great anywhere. It also has exceptional acoustic absorption qualities, which make it a great choice for interior designers and architects.”

The panels were installed by Lorus Projects Limited.

HeartFelt is a sustainable choice, being 100% recyclable or easily reusable, and is also easy to maintain because it is dirt and dust resistant.

Juliette Halliday, national sales manager for Hunter Douglas Architectural, said: “There were a number of complexities with this project because there were a lot of interfaces with the upstands on the bulkheads.

The linear felt ceiling panels are available in round and box-shaped panels, and can easily be clipped to the specially designed carriers. Hunter Douglas has also introduced HeartFelt® Origami, based on ancient origami techniques, which results in a rigid, highly creative ceiling with particularly attractive finish.

“Because we are well versed in dealing with even the most complicated ceiling designs, we were able to provide bespoke advice and guidance on how to

For more details about the HeartFelt range, visit: www.hunterdouglasarchitectural.eu/enGB/ceilings/textile/heartfelt

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Google opens bay view campus in Silicon Valley First campus developed by Google and largest to pursue multiple green building certifications.

Today, Google announced the opening of its new Bay View campus in Silicon Valley, representing the company’s first time developing its own major campus.

The Bay View campus was designed by architects Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and Heatherwick Studio, as well as Google’s design and engineering teams, and spans 42 acres adjacent to the NASA’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley. It totals 1.1 million square feet, with 20 acres of open space, two office buildings, an 1,000-person event center, and 240 shortterm employee accommodation units.

The interior of the buildings reemphasize Google’s vision for the future of work, designed in response to its understanding of why Google’s employees come to the office, what they need from their teammates, and what they need from the company.

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For those coming into the office, it was designed to balance Googlers’ desire to come together as teams with the need for an environment that enables deep-focus work. Team spaces are on the upper level and gathering spaces are below, separating focus and collaborative areas while still providing easy access to both.

The second floor design has variation in floorplates to give teams a designated “neighborhood” area that is highly flexible to change with their needs.

Features include: - The campus incorporates biophilic design principles, including greenery, natural daylight and views outside from every desk to improve the health and wellbeing of those inside the building.

Clerestory windows modulate direct light onto desks with automated window shades that open and close over the course of the day.

- The ventilation system uses 100% outside air. This means air flows one way,

so there is no recycled air, which is much healthier for occupants.

- To remove toxins and create the healthiest environment possible, the project team vetted thousands of building products and materials — everything from carpet tiles, paints, piping, plywood and furniture were evaluated using the Living Building Challenge (LBC) Red List as a framework.

- Nine pieces of artworks from local Bay Area artists are on and around the nine massive two-story elevators. Not only do they depict Bay Area ecology scenes, but they also help with wayfinding in the building.

Sustainability is also core to the Bay View campus.

The site is expected to achieve a LEEDNC v4 Platinum certification and become the largest facility ever to attain the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) LBC Water Petal Certification.

Features include: - The integrated geothermal pile system, which is the largest in North America, is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by roughly 50% and will help both heat and cool the campus. The massive geoexchange field is integrated into the structural system, reducing the amount of water typically used for cooling by 90%, equal to five million gallons of water annually.

- To help deliver on its commitment to operate every hour of every day on carbon-free energy by 2030, the first-ofits-kind dragonscale solar skin, as well as nearby wind farms, will power Bay View on carbon-free energy 90% of the time.

- Bay View is 100% electric where even the kitchens are electric to decrease carbon emissions.

- To help deliver on its commitment to replenish 120% of the water it consumes by 2030, the site is net water-positive with all non-potable water demands being met using the recycled water it generates on site. A series of aboveground ponds gather rainwater, combined with a building wastewater treatment system, together serve as a water source for cooling towers, flushing toilets, and landscape irrigation.

- The campus includes 7.3 acres of high-value natural areas – including wet meadows, woodlands, and marsh – that contribute to Google’s broader efforts to reestablish missing essential habitat in the Bay Area.

Local residents can also benefit from the opening of the Bay View campus, including public access to expanded trails with panoramic views of the Bay, improved bike connections to Stevens Creek and Bay trails, and expanded car lanes and new bike lanes with the widening of R.T. Jones Road.

Learn more about Google’s Bay View campus at: g.co/realestate/bayview 25

Mosaic applies to replace Princes House with £75M Magnet Mosaic Architecture + Design, one of Scotland’s most experienced practices, has submitted a planning application on behalf of Garroch Investments to demolish Glasgow’s Princes House and develop Magnet, a brand-new class-leading £75M Grade A office development with the highest environmental credentials.

Originally constructed in the mid-1960s, Princes House was formerly home to Lloyds Banking Group, and more recently Barclays. Located in a 100% prime office pitch within Glasgow’s Central Business District, it occupies a prominent corner plot on Waterloo and West Campbell Street, just a two-minute walk from Glasgow Central Station.

The development of Magnet is expected to create around 1,200 new jobs in the city and create an end value in the order of £75million.

Neil Haining, Director of Mosaic, said: “The location of the site offers the opportunity for Magnet to be a highly visible landmark within the city through the generation of a taller building than that existing on a gateway site to the city centre.

“As Glasgow needs more mixed-use developments in this part of the city, Magnet will offer a new build mixed-use commercial development with ground floor retail use with commercial office space above.”

At ground floor level the street is activated by setting back the facade at an oblique angle to the street forming a natural curved entrance which is protected by the overhanging building above. Upper levels are enhanced with the addition of east and west facing terraces providing unique amenity spaces for the building occupants.

A wide range of staff facilities will be provided to enhance wellbeing and welfare within the building, including staff gym, informal breakout spaces,

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cycle storage and charging facilities, and staff changing and clothes drying rooms.

Andrew White, development manager for Garroch Investments, added: “Magnet will be redeveloped to provide new best in class Grade A offices, of which there is a shortage in Glasgow.

“It will incorporate high quality materials throughout that have longevity and will aim to achieve the highest standards of sustainable design and construction, incorporating long term plans for effective management and maintenance.”

For further information please contact Neil Haining on 0141 554 6977

Is retrofit the way forward for sustainability?

With local councils and housebuilders under pressure to reach targets of 340,000 homes every year until 2031, there is the danger that sustainability will take a back seat. But just how can developers, particularly those working on older properties, step up and begin to make a difference? Wayne Oakes, Director at the sustainable engineering consultancy, Dice, believes retrofitting could be one solution.

Developers and local councils are under huge pressure to deliver the high numbers of housing the UK needs to solve its housing crisis.

former homes are knocked down and new ones built?

And why aren’t developers and local councils working with the property stock they have and looking at ways to improve rather than clearing the site and starting again?

The one simple answer is time. A new home can be built in as little as six months but if a developer was to look at retrofitting existing properties on a site, it could take double or triple that amount of time.

The focus has very much been on building brand new homes on brownfield or greenfield sites, and in most cases, this is the quickest way to get houses up and people in.

There is a massive need for houses at the moment and the demand for new homes can take precedence over making improvements to existing ones. However, it’s something we all must focus on in a bid to improve sustainability.

However, what happens to those sites where demolition means hundreds of

Looking at how best to retrofit an existing property is one possible solution.

It is a lot more sustainable and better for the environment to retrofit rather than to demolish and start again and it can also be a lot cheaper, depending on the project and the current state of the existing building.

However, a retrofit project won’t be suitable for all buildings, especially where there are delicate environmental and biodiversity factors to consider.

Developers will always consider whether the project is suitable as a retrofit based on the state of the existing building and the needs of the finished one.

It certainly isn’t a one size fits all approach. Residential properties are all relatively similar in their intended use and what’s required of them so these are pretty standard.

But when you consider non-residential buildings, which can span from offices to hospitals to restaurants and everything in between, it’s a different story. They may require a more bespoke approach when considering retrofitting based on use.

Retrofit can achieve as much as a 70% reduction in energy use, which has a massive impact on consumption.

And the positives don’t stop there. It’s also important to note that when you compare a retrofit to a demolish-andrebuild project, you’re also saving on the embodied carbon that would be involved in the construction process.

There are multiple reasons to retrofit rather than demolish - sustainability being the major one - but there are barriers that need to be addressed before this is considered by planners and developers.

One of the main challenges is client buy-in when it comes to sustainability.

Developers must be afforded the time and budget to focus on finding a more environmentally friendly solution, so it’s something that we all must get on board with.

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Mexico’s Luxurious Lakeside Clubhouse showcases 360° panoramic landscape Kebony completes sustainable state-ofthe-art waterfront pavilion.

In a display of modern luxury, the Valle San Nicolás Clubhouse makes use of sustainably sourced Kebony wood to complete its spectacular Mexican lakeside vision. Located on the outskirts of Valle de Bravo, the Clubhouse has been expertly designed to celebrate its surroundings with a 360-degree vista of the adjacent lake and neighbouring mountains.

The Clubhouse is the result of a collaboration between Mexican architecture studio, Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos, and developers Grupo Terraforma. Situated only two hours away from Mexico City, the Valle San Nicolás Clubhouse is perfectly positioned to offer an escape into nature, complete with a sustainable conscience and focus on wellbeing.

Decked in Kebony timber, the sustainable development offers a magnificent wellbeing experience enhanced by an intimate connection to nature, as modern architectural style meets cuttingedge environmentally friendly building technology.

The 385-hectare development features a circular floor plan which is unique in design, drawing attention to the spectacular scenery, with the open layout allowing the sun to flood through the structure from dawn until dusk. The site consists of an 800-metre water-ski lake and the showpiece Clubhouse pavilion, as panoramic views of the lake are framed by rolling hills. Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos’ emphasis on open corridors and exposed rooms allows for 360-degree views of the surrounding topography, including forests and mountain vistas, from almost every position of the Clubhouse’s interior.

A central sunken passageway feature splits the Clubhouse into two wings, each of which are fitted with a vast range of relaxation, socialisation and wellbeing amenities, framing an internal body of water. The west wing grants access to the gym, outdoor jacuzzi, spa cabins and steam room, whilst the east wing allows groups to unwind with the choice of a bar, kitchen, dining area, barbecue and firepit.

A swimming lane and sunbathing area located on a pier extension also offer a serene experience which complements the outdoor scenery.

With two ringed walkways spanning its interior and exterior, the Clubhouse makes use of Kebony Character for the decking. Developed in Norway, Kebony’s pioneering wood-processing technology sees sustainably sourced softwoods heated with furfuryl alcohol, an agricultural by-product, modifying the wood to maintain the same properties of tropical hardwoods but without the same contribution to the carbon footprint.

Kebony wood is cost effective and a rich brown colour, making it a natural choice for this state-of-the-art pavilion which embraces the environment and places an importance on sustainability.

The Valle San Nicolás Clubhouse demonstrates an awareness of the evergrowing demand for luxurious wellbeing experiences which are committed to sustainable construction and the protection of natural sites such as the local Mexican panorama. Other finishing touches serve to complement the cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure, including volcanic stone and an American red oak roof.

Nina Landbø, International Sales Manager at Kebony added: “The Valle San Nicolás development honours a strong commitment to sustainable construction with no compromise to the building’s inspired aesthetic. The installation of Kebony with its natural earthy tones promises high durability and stability, requiring little maintenance, thus making it the perfect choice for an outdoor waterfront pavilion deck.”

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The 5 best windows for your remodeling project Breathe We’ve all been there before: You look around your house and think, “Is this it?”

Or maybe you’ve been finding that your house isn’t exactly that livable.

Sure it has everything that modern living requires, but somehow, you can’t breathe.

So ask yourself: does my house have the proper ventilation? Do I have the proper windows?

Remodeling your home can prove quite a challenge. Fitting it with the proper windows is crucial to making your house a healthy space to dwell in.

That’s why if you find that its ventilation could be bettered, you need to secure the proper materials and design for all its openings.

Enlisting the services of an architect and a contractor would be helpful to the cause.

Eco-Friendly Materials With the growing climate and environmental concerns, sustainability should also be a

primary consideration. As such, the type of material you will be using for your windows plays a crucial role. Here are some of the materials you should look into: 1. Wood Not only is it a common choice, but altogether a good one when you have energy efficiency in mind. Aesthetics is also in the cards when you opt for wood to build your windows. If you are resolved with the material, you will have to ensure that you buy wood approved by the U.S. Forest Stewardship Council. You can be certain that wood that underwent its scrutiny and certification is sustainable.

2. Aluminum Durable and recyclable, aluminum is considered an eco-friendly material.

Despite using and reusing it numerous times, its value and quality will not degrade.

Recent data stipulates that 75% of the aluminum produced since the beginning is still being used today.

3. Fiberglass Fiberglass is made from glass particles bound by resin. Comprised of sand which the planet is abundant, fiberglass is not only strong but wholly energy-efficient.

4. Insulated Glass Insulated glass is friendly to the environment as it does not retain or lose much heat.

Insulated glass has a unique coating outside and is filled with gas or air that helps in reducing our carbon footprint.

For heightened effectiveness, choose to fill it with argon gas as it prevents heat transfer.

5. Composite Composite window frames are considered the most sustainable ones. These are from wood shavings and recycled plastic.

The Types of Windows You Can Explore for Your Project The materials discussed in the segment above require you to spend. But then, when you’re remodeling it is already a given. You need to pick out what you think suits your needs and decide accordingly.

So while you’re still aligning your budget and looking for the right people for the job, here are the best windows you might want to look into for your remodeling project.

1. Arched Windows If an aesthetic architectural design is what you’re after, arched windows may just be what you need. While most of these types of windows do not have the functionality of opening or closing, they are good at providing ventilation. They also work well with rectangular and square window panes.

2. Awning Windows Probably the most modern-looking of all the windows in this list, awning windows are good for rain-ridden regions. Seen

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as windows for water management, the way these open allows for smart and easy deflection of rain. Apart from being affordable compared to other window types, awning windows are also more convenient to clean.

3. Bay Windows Bay windows make a tight space look more spacious as it offers an expansive view of the outside. They are highly aesthetic and allow for an additional seating area in front of it if you are so inclined.

4. Casement Window While they share the same modern look with awning windows, casement windows swing to the side and up. Much of it is glass, which provides homeowners with more view and natural light to come in.

5. Garden Windows Yet another protruding window, garden windows create another space in your home that allow more creative interior design. But regarding the view, it can be likened more to awning and casement windows as it usually comes in solid glass. With that in the picture, generous light could come through it that would breathe life into the home.

These Windows Not Your Speed? Try Having Yours Customized If none of these windows meet your home’s needs, you may always opt to have them customized.

For example, if you want to liven up your room and create an illusion of space, try getting large windows the size of a door.

These can come as solid glass or fiberglass framed with aluminum. You can even have it like a sliding window for ease of access.

These windows may be placed beside each other for a more expansive look.

Windows to Your Home’s Soul Our homes are reflections of who we are and our current mindsets. That said, it would serve us well if we are to bless them with windows that invigorate our space. With the right window to fit your home’s architecture, making your home a place of personal sanctuary and identity could easily be achieved.

So go ahead and take your pick to start seeing the changes that you want to happen.

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Top tips to managing an ageing vehicle fleet Penny Stoolman, managing director at Prestige Fleet Servicing, shares her top tips to managing an ageing vehicle fleet, helping businesses to cut emissions, minimise downtime and streamline running costs.

fluid levels. Decide on a trigger point to schedule maintenance activity, i.e. every 5,000 miles, and create software service reminders for each vehicle. Source and follow your OEM’s recommended maintenance plan, if available.

Whether you’re taking blueprints to a client, fitting out a new venue or heading to site, you’ll know the critical importance of managing the risk of vehicle off-road (VOR) – the time businesses lose to the unscheduled repair and servicing of company or grey fleet vehicles. Indeed, VOR has the potential to significantly impact business profitability, with some estimates calculating costs of up to £1,000 for every day a vehicle is off the road. However, if the vehicles used within your day-to-day operations and activities are older, this will significantly increase your risk of business downtime.

2. Forward book MOTs

Older vehicles need more regular servicing and, on average, consume more fuel and generate more emissions. They also carry a higher risk of breakdown and may not comply with new environmental legislation such as clean air zones (CAZs).

However, older fleets are becoming increasingly commonplace, with business owners forced to hang on to vehicles for longer in response to the current supply chain challenges.

However, by taking a focused approach to preventative maintenance, the risk to your business can be mitigated, allowing you to reap the financial benefit of foregoing a vehicle upgrade in the short term. To help you manage this, I’ve pulled together my list of top tips to aid with downtime prevention planning.

1. Determine trigger points for maintenance activity Do you know how the maintenance schedule, requirements, history and fuel usage of every single vehicle used within your business, regardless of type? To build a complete picture, you’ll need to review the maintenance history of each vehicle and parts replaced. Each model should have an inspection and service record and details of current mileage and

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Pre-planning servicing and MOTs will allow you to factor in VOR time throughout the year and hopefully avoid any nasty surprises along the way. On average, a third of light commercial vehicles such as vans initially fail their MOTs, leaving businesses compromised in the event of a tight turnaround. Taking advantage, for example, of forward booking options can minimise downtime, ensuring vehicles are fully utilised for longer. At Prestige, we offer a 90-day forward booking facility, working with operators to optimise their vehicle testing schedules.

3. Plan ahead for winter Remember that your vehicles’ needs will change in the colder months. Vehicle batteries rarely last longer than five years, while heating, lights and windscreen wipers add to a vehicle’s electrical load in winter. We also recommend 3mm of tyre tread in the colder months. To ease unnecessary costs, we recommend scheduling in an annual winter vehicle check.

4. Are you responsible for your employees’ vehicles?

It’s important to remember that if a vehicle is being used for business travel, employers are responsible for ensuring that it is adequately maintained and safe even if the vehicles are not owned by the business – a term known as grey fleet. Poorly maintained vehicles can cause costly business downtime issues and, more critically, leave employers widely exposed under the Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007. Failure to properly manage service intervals, collisional damage and uninsured losses in the event of an incident can result in unplanned downtime and expense.

The impact of absenteeism also counts as business downtime, and reputational damage should also be considered.

If you’re not already doing this, it makes sense to start putting some procedures in place. You can easily find out if a vehicle has up-to-date vehicle tax or has been registered as off the road (SORN) here, although bear in mind it can take up to five working days for records to update once registered.

Businesses should also request proof of insurance, including business cover, servicing and an up-to-date MOT. Scheduling insurance, MOT and road tax reminders will help you remember key milestone dates.

5. Identify and sell older vehicles If your fleet comprises a number of vehicles, analysing the data for each one should also help you to identify if there are any models that aren’t currently being used or that are reaching end of life, allowing you to calculate the best time to sell those nearing termination point.

If you need further guidance on managing your ageing fleet, our team are ready to take away the associated stress and strains. Visit https://www.theaa.com/ business/prestige-fleet-servicing to find out what we can do to help.

Encompassing over 570 approved garages across the UK, Prestige provides service, maintenance, and repair (SMR) work, as well as MOTs, for vehicles UKwide.

Part of the AA, Prestige serves over 60% of the fleet sector, dealing with companies of all sizes across B2B, B2C and the used vehicle warranty sector.

Prestige works in partnership with motor industry standards organisations such as the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) and The Motoring Ombudsman, to make sure their garage network maintains a high standard with any issues reported and rectified quickly.

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The Gira Experience From designer to system integrator Gira, one of the world’s leading fullrange suppliers for intelligent building design and management discuss the important journey from design professional to system integrator, as it helps shape the UK housing market by answering growing demand for fully integrated smart home systems.

As end users aspire to optimise the home with style and substance, integrated technology is enabling greater levels of customization and Gira want to take the time to recognise the all-important relationship between designer and system integrator where they come together and skillfully design the homes of tomorrow.

Collaborating and sharing expertise is a massive part of the company’s success and it is keen to support and grow the design-conversation between designer and system integrator, so more end users can experience the beauty and convenience of the latest smart home solutions. In response, its network of approved installers are fully conversant in the Gira brand and product range to allow architects and designers to commission turn-key projects, which feature the very latest intelligent building design and technology.

As the design landscape continues to evolve, the boundaries between designer and system integrator are dissolving, and

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this has led to the general feeling that a much deeper understanding of each other’s skillsets is required. Helping to turn ideas into reality, Gira make it easy for designers to now specify products outside of their field of expertise with an approved network of system integrators that provide open collaboration and expert understanding that will support specific client briefs.

For example, Mosaic AV, worked closely on a project with GK Architects Ltd, whereby Gira technology was commissioned to provide a higher standard of living and save energy in a luxury residential home in Chelsea, London. The system integrator at Mosaic AV, James Tillyard, recommended and installed a KNX system over conventional electrical installation, which answered the clients brief to increase comfort and home security, as well as meet designer expectations through a comprehensive range of product styles, finishes and lifestyle enriching technology.

Designed to make living safer, more comfortable and energy efficient, Gira building technology offers convenient control of lighting, heating, and blinds, as well as door communication, multimedia solutions and security systems.

If you are an architect or interior designer working on a smart home

project that requires the expertise of a system integrator, then be sure to establish contact with the right people for the job. It is vital to find the right match for the project in hand to realise a specific design concept and achieve mutual success. To help facilitate this partnership, Gira offers a System Integrator Partnership Program so luxury specifiers have access to established experts who have completed hundreds of smart home installations. Each partner is Gira trained and certified, benefitting from ongoing training programs and professional development to maintain their professional offering.

You can find Gira System integrators http://www.gira.com/systemintegrators.

The network of Gira appointed System Integrators offer in-depth knowledge and expertise in consulting, project planning and commissioning IP products for the built environment, which gives the design community access to the many years’ experience of a specialist system integrator that is qualified by nature. By creating a culture that promotes opencommunication and mutual partnerships to benefit the client, Gira hope to remove all mystique surrounding smart home technology so that more and more designers learn to embrace and adopt smart home concepts and it becomes an integral part of the interior design process.

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Smart Home Gadgets: 5 ways to make your household smarter We are living in the technological age. It doesn’t matter where you look, people around the world are using an abundance of gadgets in their daily lives. This has manifested into the concept of a house we can control completely and remotely – otherwise known as a smart home.

Smart homes are taking the world by storm. In the UK alone, there are already 2.22 million smart homes leading the way for a technological future. Throughout Europe and North America, there are a staggering 105 million smart homes, an. the global market is expected to increase by 13.86 per cent annually.

These gadgets are the core of any smart home. Some smart devices can be controlled without a hub these days, but smart systems are convenient because they serve as a central hub for every device throughout your home.

Smart systems make your life simple. With this, you can control everything from your lightbulbs to your thermostat with ease.

You can set timers and establish a routine, whether this is running a bath after work or locking your doors at night, and you can control it all from an app on your phone.

start choosing your smart devices. Smart security systems, for example, are a great way to fortify your home with technology.

This can be something as small as a doorbell camera or as complex as an alarm system.

There are multiple benefits to having a smart security system within your home. In fact, installing a smart system can reduce home insurance costs by 13 per cent. And according to a survey by Co-Op, 89 per cent of burglars in the UK admitted that they would be deterred by a smart home.

3. Utilise smart boilers and meters

Amazon Echo, for example, is a common household product. In recent months, the senior vice president of devices and services at Amazon, Dave Limp, has claimed that Alexa can now predict and perform 25 per cent of its upcoming duties. Tech really does have a mind of its own these days!

1. The core of any smart home: choose a smart system

2. Install home security technology

As well as feeling safe and secure, being toasty and warm is another way to guarantee you will have the best night’s sleep. A smart meter will let you control the temperature throughout your home at the click of a button, they’re also very simple to use and can be controlled through a mobile app.

To start your smart home renovation, you can begin by choosing a smart system.

Once you’ve decided how you’d like to centralise your smart home, you can

Smart meters are the most commonly used smart gadgets in the UK.

Here, with the help of Northern Powergrid, we will explore five ways you can smarten up your home, this year and beyond.

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They let you see how much energy you’re consuming, so we can see why 18 per cent of UK households already have one installed. In fact, 86 per cent of users claimed smart meters helped them reduce their average spending.

The way we use smart meters is evolving.

In 2025, smart meters will be able to accurately reflect energy use from the last 30 minutes. In order to do this, users will submit a daily meter reading, but it will be worth it. This will give people the flexibility to use their home appliances with confidence.

4. Install electric vehicle charging in your smart home Electric cars are the future. They replace the need for crude oil, from petrol to diesel, and lower the amount of carbon we emit into the atmosphere.

In fact, in recent years, the average amount of CO2 emitted by new cars has reduced by 11.2 per cent for every 119.7kg driven.

To encourage more people to drive electric cars, a further 145,000 electric vehicle charging points have been installed across the nation. Also, all newly built homes will be required to have an electric vehicle charging port as of

this year, so EV charger installation will become more common than we now know.

Even electric vehicle chargers can be smart these days. A smart charger does everything we would expect it to and more. Not only can it schedule charging times and allow you to charge two vehicles at once, but a smart charger can also send you notifications and reminders.

5. Experiment with other smart devices The global smart gadget market, according to Statista, is projected to be worth $75.44 billion by 2025. There are many more smart devices that assist homeowners with their day-to-day lives, including a smart fridge. These can keep your veggies chilled while tracking their expiry dates.

And why stop there? Smart vacuums operate independently, cleaning the surfaces throughout your home with ease; smart lights can be turned on remotely and even set on a timer; smart plugs replace the need for any fault switches. Don’t even get us started on smart rings or smart egg trays.

These are some of the ways you can smarten up your home. Which gadgets are you excited to try?

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Bespoke colourful kitchens made easy with Brandt Design Leading interior design specialists, Brandt Design, shine a light on ‘colour in the kitchen’ as style and application are redefined for a new generation of homeowners.

Albeit extremely personal, colour in the kitchen is now giving way to a variety of new fashion-favourites and this is providing huge scope for contemporary and classic kitchen schemes where colour is helping to create certain types of atmospheres to suit the space and occupant.

To give you the inside track, Julia Steadman, Commercial Director at Brandt Designgives you her advice on the latest must-have kitchen colours, which are defining the UK home in 2022: PALETTE: High pigment colours are proving most popular right now, with

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greens and blues being used to modernise the classic kitchen and add depth to more modern schemes. Ultramatt shades of grey and black are the go-to in sophisticated contemporary kitchens whereas deep shades of plum and indigo blue are elevating raw materials like quartz worktops and brass hardware with a strong base colour.

Try to work with the natural day light too, as this will help to balance cool and warm colours in the room, as well as alter the mood when the space is subject to varying stages of light throughout the day and year.

I think we live in a visual age with a much-faster trend cycle than previous generations, which has led to greater interplay between interiors and fashion, and this has definitely led to popular runway colours making a strong impression in the home.

FINISH: The painted kitchen is enjoying a renaissance, as homeowners are enjoying the benefits of rich colour in the latest low VOC paints and textural effect that comes with painted wood grain. Our solid wood Heritage Furniture is a natural partner to leading paint specialists like Farrow & Ball, Little Greene and Mylands. You can also introduce colour on your appliances with the addition of a bold range cooker, or how about a striking splashback or worktop that is designed to coordinate with or contrast against the furniture. For the modernist, ultra matt contemporary colours are being used to absorb the light and provide a modern look and feel, as well as introduce and play with different patterns, prints and colour-blocking for maximum effect.

METHOD: With so many options out there, how do you pick a colour? Given

that colour is an integral part of our lives, I think that we are often drawn to certain colours in our clothes home décor, so having an expert’s eye can help you establish what colours suit your kitchen and the direction it faces.

For example, if you have a North facing kitchen, the colour grey can look bluer or more purple and it will have a completely different feel to a sunnier South facing room. Having a site visit will allow your designer to factor these outside influences and take inspiration from the rest of your home to be in keeping with your personal style and taste.

Colour has always been a pivotal part of the design conversation, and as the market is increasingly keen to explore how to create the right look and feel at home, it will always come down to the style, layout and finish of furniture when introducing colour in the kitchen.

LIGHTING: Colour is contributing to a greater understanding of how all the elements of a kitchen need to work together for optimum effect and kitchen lighting is a tried and tested way of highlighting the beauty of today’s colour palette. It can also be seamlessly integrated within the latest display furniture so that you can choose a warm or cool light to suit your mood. With so many options, materials and colours to choose from it has never been easier to create a unique tailormade kitchen which will support your family throughout every stage of life.

Brandt Design offer two furniture collections for the UK homeowner: 1) Heritage - a more classical and bespoke range of furniture, which is beautifully crafted in the UK to the highest standards, and 2) Urban - a sleek and contemporary range of furniture that offers a choice of handled or handle-less kitchen designs. Prices for either furniture collection start from £25,000 +vat. www.brandtdesign.co.uk

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Bespoke Kitchen Design

by The Main Company This colourful yet contemporary kitchen in London is the latest project by The Main Company. Located in a leafy suburb in the capital, this characterful property underwent a large glass extension to create a lighter, brighter and more spacious kitchen; ideal for the young family inhabiting it.

An example of a kitchen that just works, the space elegantly demonstrates how to mix raw materials. From reclaimed Barn Oak and beautiful aged copper to the more industrial steel and gunmetal accents, the combination of material and finishes results in a unique yet visually arresting design scheme.

Instantly drawing in the eye is the shakerstyle cabinet run. Painted in Harley Green from Little Greene, this vibrant shade exudes a hint of playfulness and works well with the matt black Crittal doors, white walls and concrete-inspired floor.

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Creating a spacious feeling throughout, the central kitchen island is well placed to offer stunning views into the garden whilst also soaking up the available natural light as it pours into the room. As the homeowners have a young family, this functional kitchen island needed to lend itself to different zones – for example, food preparation, remote working and offering a safe space for children to play whilst their parents are in the room. The introduction of a raised breakfast bar meant that the preparation area is kept separate from the entertaining area – allowing the homeowner to both cook and socialise but with their own dedicated space.

The kitchen boasts an abundance of storage, from floor-to-ceiling cupboards, pan drawers and a double larder. These intuitive storage solutions house

integrated appliances including a fridgefreezer and washing machine. The design also accommodates chopping boards and cookbooks, with dedicated slots included within the scheme for this exact purpose.

Further storage is provided by the hanging shelves placed on either side of the range. Constructed by a local metal worker, the suspended shelves create an interesting focal point along with providing a place to display plants, trinkets and other essentials.

The perfect complement to this unique fusion of materials, the homeowners have styled the space with an eclectic mix of bar stools, aged copper radiator and pendant lighting. With the help of The Main Company this colourful kitchen epitomises contemporary family living.

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Daval custom-made Mayfair & Finsbury Kitchen, Bar & Laundry Award-winning British designer and manufacturer of custom fitted furniture, Daval, sensitively fuse the very best in traditional style with contemporary living at The Quarry House, a unique renovation in rural West Yorkshire.

The combination of the ultra-luxe Mayfair furniture in supermatt Charcoal finish alongside Finsbury, in opposing Silver and Frost White gives a truly architectural finish to the ground floor while ensuring the newly fitted kitchen, bar and laundry room, is in-keeping with the rest of the property.

James Bodsworth, Design Director at Daval says, “It was an absolute delight to work with our clients on The Quarry House, a stunning detached house which has been lovingly restored and extended, complete with bespoke Daval furniture. The property is nestled in expansive grounds by the side of a working quarry and enjoys panoramic views of the Yorkshire countryside. Built using iconic Yorkshire stone from the quarry itself, the house blends heritage style and modern country.”

The design brief was for a bright, modern yet timeless kitchen that was spacious and functional. The clients wanted it to flow effortlessly into the sitting area, which

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is slightly elevated to enjoy the beautiful views. A large, functional granite-topped island was at the top of the wish list for entertaining family and friends informally and the Daval design team also needed to incorporate a mint green Aga as a main feature, alongside a conventional oven, induction hub and an integrated larder cupboard for ample storage.

James continues, “On our first site visit, we noticed there was a long and narrow corridor connecting the kitchen to the sunroom and suggested that incorporating a bespoke home bar with an integrated wine cooler and bottle storage would bring the space to life, giving it a specific purpose. We finished the back wall of the bar with an antique brass effect mirror that runs the length of the cabinetry and makes the space look and feel much larger than it actually is, which is a great design trick to trick the eye and add a luxe element.”

Simon Bodsworth, Managing Director at Daval adds, “We are always keen to bring our signature quality and service to residential projects so that we can create made-to-measure, made-to-order furniture which suits everyday life.

This is particularly helpful for character properties and conversions as there is no such thing as a standard size or shape and it is so important to complement the existing architectural structure.”

With this year’s trend for refined country living and extra texture in the kitchen, the combination of Finsbury and Mayfair furniture by Daval brings a fresh, modern dynamic to the Quarry House. Storage is a key consideration in a blended living space and personalized solutions are big news this year, with a strong emphasis on high-function larders which keep your essentials in an easy-to-access location.

The open-plan feel of The Quarry House is enhanced with handleless runs of units for clean lines in high-traffic areas and brass industrial-style handles on the island unit, the bar cupboards and the laundry zone bring an individual edge.

As wellness and hygiene are growing trends in the busy kitchen living space, the Finsbury overhead units in Silver are the ideal choice as they feature the company’s award-winning anti-bacterial finish, boosting cleanliness and adding visual depth to the grey and white scheme.

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Ford Pro reveals exciting next phase of electrification journey with all-new, allelectric e-transit custom Ford today took another major step in its electrification transformation as Ford Pro revealed first details of the all-new, all-electric, E-Transit Custom.

Following hot on the heels of the allelectric E-Transit that began production in March this year – and the first of four further all-electric commercial vehicles Ford Pro will introduce by 2024 – the E-Transit Custom is designed to set a new benchmark in Europe’s one-tonne van segment and help businesses across the region to effortlessly make the change to electrified vehicles.

The all-electric successor to Europe’s best-selling van and the UK’s best-selling vehicle 1,2 is designed from the groundup to fit seamlessly into the Ford Pro ecosystem of productivity-enhancing, value-adding solutions. E‑Transit Custom will be supported by Ford Pro software, charging, service and financing solutions via one comprehensive platform to help increase uptime and reduce operating costs.

The newest addition to Ford Pro’s electrified line-up will be a key component in Ford’s bold commitment to reach zero emissions for all Ford vehicle sales in Europe and carbon neutrality across its European footprint by 2035.

E-Transit Custom’s no-compromise all-electric architecture helps to deliver a targeted driving range of up to 236 miles, 3 DC fast-charging, and full towing capability– not to mention dynamic new styling. In addition, the new van will help take productivity to new levels using sophisticated connectivity to enable always-on relationships.

“This is a watershed moment for commercial vehicle operators in Europe, and another hugely significant realisation of our Ford Pro ambitions,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe. “Europe’s best-selling van just went all-electric and – supported by

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our unique Ford Pro one-stop-shop of productivity-boosting services – the operating benefits this will bring to business across Europe cannot be overstated.”

Among features developed using indepth insights from van users to ensure E-Transit Custom provides an unmatched customer experience, ProPower Onboard technology will provide exportable power for tools, lights and devices while on site.

With an expressive and sculptural design, E-Transit Custom is a working vehicle that companies of all sizes will be proud to have as a trusted partner for their business. Featuring rebalanced proportions, a confident stance and full LED lighting, the new model will set a distinctive new design benchmark in the one-tonne segment.

Earlier this year Ford announced that by 2024, four further new all-electric vehicles will join the E-Transit two-tonne

van as part of the iconic Transit family, including the Transit Custom and Transit Courier vans, as well as Tourneo Custom and Tourneo Courier people movers.

The all-electric E-Transit Custom will enter production in the second half of 2023 – part of the most extensive Transit Custom range ever offered to European customers. Further product details will be released in September this year.

All Transit Custom variants will be built

by Ford Otosan – Ford’s joint venture in Turkey – at their Kocaeli site, the home of European Transit manufacturing, delivered as part of Ford Otosan’s previously announced €2 billion investment in its facilities. Ford, SK On Co., Ltd. and Koç Holding also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for an industry-leading joint venture to create one of Europe’s largest commercial vehicle battery facilities, targeting a mid-decade production start and an annual capacity in the range of 30 to 45 Gigawatt hours.

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Platinum Parade as JCB machines pay homage to Queen’s reign JCB machines from the past and the present will be taking centre stage at a special pageant in London as the nation comes together to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next month.

The company confirmed today that it has signed an agreement to become a Platinum Jubilee Pageant Partner – and milestone machines spanning The Queen’s 70-year reign will be taking part in the spectacular event. The Pageant - to be held in London on Sunday June 5th - will be the culmination of celebrations to mark The Queen’s 70 years on the throne. It will involve more than 10,000 people and tell the story of the monarch’s seven-decade reign through music, dance, and fashion.

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Taking a bow will be JCB backhoe loaders from landmark years of The Queen’s reign. Leading the way will be the Mark 1 JCB backhoe from 1953, the year of Her Majesty’s Coronation. Next in line will be iconic JCB 3CX backhoes manufactured in The Queen’s jubilee years of 1977, 2002 and 2012. Bringing the parade right up to date for Platinum Jubilee year will be a 2022 JCB backhoe loader powered by hydrogen.

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford: “I am delighted that JCB is supporting the Platinum Jubilee Pageant as a Partner.

It will be a very unique occasion and a wonderful way of saying thank you to The Queen for 70 years of service to our country and the Commonwealth. We are

very proud to be taking part in the Pageant and proud of the role JCB machines have played over the course of the last 70 years in helping shape the world we live in today. We are also thrilled about a future where our machines will be powered by hydrogen and delighted to be able to highlight this technology.”

The event will culminate in front of Buckingham Palace and be watched by up to one billion people globally across multiple platforms. It will also be a rare public outing for JCB’s brand new hydrogen-powered machines, which are currently being developed by the Staffordshire-based company as it explores the potential of hydrogen as a zero CO₂ alternative to fossil fuels.

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Mecalac set to bring ‘bags of innovation’ to Hillhead 2022 Mecalac Construction Equipment UK will showcase the latest models from its compact portfolio at Hillhead 2022.

The team will be located on stand A25 throughout the event, which takes place at the Hillhead Quarry in Derbyshire between 21-23 June.

World-renowned for its unique designs and first-to-market operator technologies, Mecalac’s innovative range sets the standards in performance and capability.

A number of products will be showcased on stand, including models from its MDX cabbed site dumper portfolio, TLB backhoe loader range, MWR wheeled excavator suite, AX articulated loader and MCR crawler-skid excavator collections.

The ‘rental-favourite’ MBR-71 single drum pedestrian roller will complete the line-up.

MDX – The perfect blend of safety, comfort and performance, Mecalac’s MDX cabbed site dumper range has been designed from the ground up to deliver class-leading safety credentials for construction professionals nationwide.

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See the latest 3.5 tonne edition making it’s Hillhead debut.

TLB – Combining impressive power, efficiency and capability with heavyduty design and exceptional build quality, Mecalac’s TLB backhoe loader range guarantees the highest levels of productivity and flexibility.

MWR – Agile, versatile and productive, Mecalac MWR wheel excavators blend impressive performance with compact dimensions to provide an unmatched operator solution.

AX – Sleek, stylish and efficient, the Mecalac AX articulated loader range offers a reliable solution for every application. Thanks to its innovative design, the operator benefits from low running costs, ease of operation and simple maintenance.

MCR – Compact, capable and highly productive, Mecalac MCR crawler-skid excavators combine the speed of a

loader with the swing of an excavator to deliver a completely revolutionary operator experience.

MBR – Perfectly suited to applications including highway repair, footpaths, cycle lanes, playgrounds and landscaping environments, the proven design and bestin-class manoeuvrability of Mecalac’s MBR single-drum compaction roller guarantees optimum performance for operators.

Mark Royse, Head of Sales at Mecalac Construction Equipment UK, commented: “As a key event in the construction calendar, we’re looking forward to showcasing our full product range with visitors to the show. It provides the perfect platform to engage with thousands of industry professionals – from plant hire firms to owner-operators.

“We will have lots to share with visitors from new product showcases, finance campaigns and giveaway competitions.” www.mecalac.com/en

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Recycling asphalt waste is a solution to the material shortage problems Managing and procuring materials in the construction industry is rapidly becoming a concern, due to material shortages and rising costs. For example, let’s talk about asphalt: how many miles of new roads are being built, how many new projects need to be financed, and how many roads are under maintenance?

Suffice to say, the European’s road network has a total length of 86,992 miles (140.000km). Maintenance to repair potholes to prevent damaging vehicles is an enormous task. Building new roads and improving existing ones require plenty of materials.

The tasks behind maintaining roads involve removing the old asphalt and laying down a new layer. Recycling old materials requires taking time to crush

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everything down to usable size.

Now, the question is: how do you speed up this process?

In Austria, an earthmoving and logistics company owns a stationary plant to produce gravel and sand. Meanwhile, in their recycling centre, they collect and recycle C&D waste and asphalt from their construction sites and use it as recycled aggregate.

To get this done, they installed a BF80.3 crusher bucket on their excavator, replacing their stationary crusher for the practicality of a moving unit. Allowing the company to produce material of different output sizes independently and simplifying their maintenance also reduces costs and saves time.

Video: https://vimeo.com/703683073

If you consider that asphalt can be recycled repeatedly and that RAP is suitable for areas with heavy traffic because it makes roads more durable.

Then you can also understand this next company’s choice to use an MB-L160 crusher bucket on their Caterpillar 924G loader to process vast quantities of asphalt. If you were to run the asphalt slabs through a stationary crusher, it would jam the crusher and creates prolonged downtime. On the other hand, MB’s jaw crusher makes everything easier and simpler.

Another major problem with road infrastructure is road maintenance. How much damage can cracks or potholes create? To vehicles and can affect safety itself. For this reason, to shorten maintenance times and reduce costs, a road works company installed an MB

Crusher MB-L200 crusher bucket on its Manitou telehandler, recycled the crushed asphalt, and reused it for road maintenance.

Video: https://vimeo.com/700840222 Recycling asphalt provides the company, municipalities, and those who manage roads with several benefits: recycling materials means reducing purchasing and disposal costs and less dependency on a stationary production plant.

Moreover, recycling crushed asphalt is good for the environment as it reduces greenhouse emissions and limits the usage of non-renewable natural resources like gravel, sand and stones.

Crushing materials with MB’s units is even easier than expected. As our Austrian customer reminds us, “A great advantage is that the crusher bucket is straightforward to transport […], especially with hard-to-reach construction sites, road work in the mountains, or remote locations – and therefore, its versatility allows you to do more than what you typically could do: therefore, increasing the value of our work, of our construction sites while respecting the environment.”

Choosing the right path is often easier than you think.

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