Creative Build Magazine - Issue 43 by Ryan Leon Media

Issue 43 Mecalac Launches A Range Of Electric Machines

Makita Updates Impact Driver Range With New Dual Spring Technology

Mcmullan Studio designs garden room as “restorative haven”

Pages 6

Pages 14

Pages 24

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Contents

Mecalac Launches A Range Of Electric Machines

Makita Updates Impact Driver Range With New Dual Spring Technology

Devon Based Specialist Sends Floodgate to Los Angeles

Aluprof at the Passivhaus Conference

Mcmullan Studio designs garden room as “restorative haven”

Decarbonisation of buildings – what does it mean in reality?

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Editor - Katie Sirdefield katie@creativebuildmagazine.com

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Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London instals innovative solar tech to decarbonise heating • Iconic London hotel furthers its journey to net zero with innovative solar heat installation • Project partner is Naked Energy - the British business leading global innovation in solar heat and solar PVT technology • Installation expected to cut the hotel’s carbon emissions by 7.3 tonnes each year

Iconic British hotel Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London has partnered with Naked Energy to instal its worldleading solar heat technology on their rooftop to decarbonise their heating. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is the first British hotel to use Naked Energy’s cutting-edge VirtuHOT technology. The installation will comprise 120 of Naked Energy’s solar collectors across the roof space and will provide sanitary hot water for the hotel’s 181 luxury guest rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants and spa. Naked Energy’s technology is expected to cut the building’s carbon emissions by 7.3 tonnes each year - equivalent to the annual carbon sequestration of over 292 mature trees. It will also generate 39,747 kWh of energy per year, displacing natural gas consumption and resulting in a reduction of scope 1 emissions for the hotel. The collectors can generate solar heat up to 120°C and have received the gold standard TÜV Rheinland certification. Its unique modular design makes it the world’s highest energy density solar heat technology, estimated to reduce more than three times the greenhouse gases per square metre, compared to traditional solar PV (photovoltaic) panels. Hotels are well known for requiring a high amount of energy to operate, and it is estimated that nearly 70% of a hotel’s energy consumption is spent on heating and hot water. The Virtu installation at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London marks an innovative approach to decarbonising the hotel’s high heating demand and delivers a clean energy benchmark for hotels across the country.

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One of the city’s most recognisable hotels with a 120-year history, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London reopened in 2019 following an extensive multi-million-pound restoration. The unique low-profile design of Naked Energy’s collectors offers minimal disruption to the building’s architecture, circumventing an ongoing challenge for other buildings surrounding Hyde Park. Christophe Williams, Co-Founder and CEO of Naked Energy said: “It’s an honour to instal our collectors on such an iconic London hotel as Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. The building has a long and storied history, and we’re delighted to now help them to meet their sustainability goals and control energy costs. “The urgent need to decarbonise heat has long been underrecognised in the discussions over the UK’s move toward net zero. This project is an exciting step forward for the solar heat industry in the UK - we hope other hoteliers will follow in Mandarin Oriental’s footsteps to move away from fossil fuels and change their energy consumption for good.” Torsten van Dullemen, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London said: “Naked Energy’s remarkable solar technology aligns seamlessly with our hotel’s core commitment to the wellbeing of our planet, of our community, and our staff and guests, “I’m delighted to bring such an innovative solar heating system to our hotel - we’re designing a cuttingedge hotel experience that is built for the future we want to live in. We hope this installation serves as a blueprint to inspire other hoteliers in London to prioritise their renewable goals and join us in creating a cleaner, more sustainable tomorrow.”

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Mecalac Launches A Range Of Electric Machines The French manufacturer Groupe MECALAC, which designs, manufactures and distributes machinery dedicated to urban worksites, has established itself as a leader and pioneer in offering compact, powerful and versatile machines that meet the demands of the sector.

Mecalac has always been committed to innovation, and is proving this once again with the introduction of its first range of electric machines. Mecalac is revolutionising urban worksites and paving the way for more optimised, cleaner and quieter worksites. Climate change and the need to reduce CO2 emissions have become a major global challenge. Mecalac is the first manufacturer to develop a complete range of larger electric machines (midi range) than previously available on the market. Produced in Annecy in the HauteSavoie region of France, these machines can be used all day long thanks to their unrivalled autonomy (more than 8 hours of a real working cycle) on a worksite, equivalent to a full day’s work. There are many advantages to switching to electric vehicles: less vibration, less noise pollution, less maintenance, less risk of accidents on worksites and lower maintenance costs. In addition to these technical advantages for drivers, these machines contribute to the decarbonisation of worksites and help to improve the air quality in cities, thanks to a total absence of CO2 emissions and other polluting particles on site. 6

Three machines for three different functions. An excavator, a loader and a dumper. Thanks to these complementary products, all earthmoving operations (digging, loading and transport) can now be carried out emission-free and on a scale never before possible. “We are proud to have launched an electric range. For example, three Mecalac zero-emission machines working together on the same urban site save an average of 64 tonnes of CO2 that their combustion engine equivalents would have emitted over the year,” explains Alexandre MARCHETTA, Chairman of the Mecalac Group.

autonomy of 8 hours. •

The first zero-emission loader ES1000

Mecalac’s Swing loader is a fast, efficient performer on any site. The stability of the rigid chassis and the ability to manoeuvre and swivel the arm simultaneously are the key to its productivity and enable efficient use of space on worksites. The new eS1000 takes the Swing concept to a new level, with its 100% electric transmission and power supply. •

The electric dumper - EMDX

“Mecalac’s zero-emission offer is also a response to the need to limit noise pollution, and now offers new working capacities”.

Compact, manoeuvrable and at ease on all types of terrain, the Mecalac eMDX is an efficient solution for transporting materials on construction sites. It now incorporates all Mecalac’s expertise and technologies in terms of zero-emission solutions.

•

As easy and quick to recharge as a car

The first zero-emission excavator - E12

Any electric machine has to meet three major challenges: autonomy, performance and compactness. The Mecalac e12 is the first 10-12t 100% electric excavator to meet all three of these requirements. The key to this machine’s autonomy and performance lies in its architecture. The power source, separate from the turret, enables a record capacity of 150 kW.h to be installed, offering an unrivalled

Interior Design

Like cars, these machines can be recharged in just a few hours at the same charging points. Between 4 and 8 hours of recharging, depending on the model, for a real working range of 8 hours: •

Or a Type 2 socket, like a car socket in an urban environment.

•

Or via a 5-pin socket (3P+T+N), industrial type on a worksite charging station for example.

Builders Merchant Building Index round table

November 2023

Leading figures share their thoughts on key challenges facing the industry

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Facade Platform Design to Reduce Carbon By Wojciech Brożyna - MD Aluprof UK Platform Design, better known in the construction industry as ‘A Platform approach to Design for Manufacture and Assembly’ or ‘P-DfMA’. It is a specific subset of DfMA, which is the general term for using prefabrication and automation applied project by project basis. P-DfMA is a solution that is designed to be used more programmatically across a range of projects or assets. So, what is ‘P-DfMA’ and how does it help to reduce construction costs and reduce carbon? In this short article, we aim to explain the basis of this innovative approach to construction and suggest how it could revolutionise our future construction requirements. Initiated by the UK Government in 2017 in their drive to cut costs for new buildings, such as schools, hospitals, offices and social housing, the construction approach takes its lead from the automotive and aerospace sectors. Defining the construction product requirements, such as internal spaces, storey height, access requirements, to name but a very few of these parameters, the aim is to standardise these requirements and begin to create a ‘list of standard parts’ that creates those spaces. Doors are a very good example of this approach, available in a range of materials, sizes and hardware options, once adopted as a standard product across many projects, costs can be significantly reduced. Including offsite construction to this, whether delivering the product to the site as a kit or in a pre-constructed form, not only lowers costs but also minimises on-site labour, expedites construction on site, and reduces site defects. The same approach can be used in facades and fenestration products. To be fair, aluminium fenestration has seen much of its construction being undertaken off-site for many years, 8

Interior Design

but much more can be done. Window construction can easily follow what has been done with door sets by adopting standard sizes and hardware options. Windows can be supplied to the site already glazed and installed within panel construction. Curtain wall requirements adopt an off-site unitised construction approach which we know already reduces time on site by approximately 50% whilst further improving quality. A review of five recent projects supplied by Aluprof UK shows the supply of special lengths alone has reduced material supply by an average of 27.5%. Not only does this save on costs but has a significant impact on carbon reduction. But this can go even further. Using a standard product size, profiles can be designed that work nearer to their safety limits over a given size or length which can further optimise aluminium content. Adopting a specification of a low-carbon content, usually high in recycled aluminium with low-carbon prime aluminium, further reduces carbon content of these assemblies. It is not just about cost and carbon saving, it is about getting better buildings. From the government’s own analysis under their current construction framework, for every £1 spent just 51% is retained in residual asset value. Reducing time to install on site, reducing wastage, reducing deliveries to site by adopting off-site construction, reducing ‘on site design’, all of which reduce overall site time and programme and all have a big impact on carbon reduction as well. Using a standard kit of parts reduces the need for bespoke designs which can go hand in hard to improve overall quality. It is also an iterative process, what is learnt on one project leads to a fine tuning of the ‘kit of parts’ which in turn leads to even better future construction and a continuation in the reduction of carbon. As a result, the P-DfMA approach increases productivity, while reducing

carbon, construction time and cost. In a world first, a major project completed under the P-DfMA is The Forge, located just south of the Thames in the city of London. The building is also the first to adopt the UK’s Green Building Council’s definition of a net-zero carbon building in both construction and operation. With regard to the development of the facade, Aluprof were invited to take an early design role in developing a unitised facade system that meets the P-DfMA specification pioneered by architects and engineers Bryden Wood. Construction was led by Sir Robert McAlpine and Mace, working together in an innovative joint venture partnership. Jaimie Johnston of Bryden Wood comments, “The collaboration with Aluprof was fantastic. It was great to have a partner with such a depth of manufacturing experience who really understood and amplified the benefits of a platform approach. We hope that others will learn and build on the success that was achieved at The Forge and we’ll start to see platforms adopted at scale.” Padraig Delaney, London Regional Manager for Digital Construction at Sir Robert McAlpine, in his role working with the construction team, sees The Forge as a model for how future projects should be delivered: “The innovation-led approach taken by Landsec has allowed us to push the boundaries with our use of technology. The more data we have, the better our decision making. It is also important we have the right tools to help us get the most from the data. By driving these digital solutions, as we have done at The Forge, we’re transforming the way we will deliver future projects, identifying the value to each stakeholder and ultimately providing the best value for our clients.” Tom Cherowbrier, Aluprof’s Major Projects Manager comments: “The bespoke

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system from Aluprof is finished in three shades of bronze anodising which will offer a sustainable finish and an aesthetic appearance for many decades to come. The new system was designed with a standard +/-15mm stack joint for to accommodate the building movement, as well as an impressive non-standard stack joint for the 7th floor which had to accommodate a +20/-30mm movement. The project also has a range of external feature fins with concealed fixing to provide the building with sight-lines of 120mm and 170mm that project 125mm or 225mm from glazing line.” The unitised curtain wall system, designed in close collaboration with Bryden Wood, allowed Aluprof to develop a highly-efficient facade unit. The full-size mock-up unit was rigorously tested in Aluprof’s own Research and Innovation Centre in Ogrodzona where it passed air leakage, impact, wind resistance, and water penetration tests. These units were transported in purpose designed, reusable stillages which were then lifted to the floor plates using a combination of large material hoists and tower cranes for installation by specialist installers NACWL. A key feature of the stillage design was to protect the units from any stress and impact during transportation and lift. The new bespoke system was named MBSE120 with a Uw value of <1.3 W(m2K). Aluprof are proud to be one of Europe’s largest aluminium systems companies. Specification support is available through the company’s website at aluprof.co.uk, directly from their UK head office in Altrincham or from their London office at the Building Design Centre by phoning +44 (0) 161 941 4005. 9

Why Investing in Your Bathroom Makes Sense Revamping your bathroom isn’t just about sprucing up your living space; it’s a smart decision with lasting advantages that go beyond looks.

UK Bathrooms explores why a bathroom makeover is a wise investment, benefiting both your home and your lifestyle. Boosting Home Value Upgrading your bathroom isn’t just for your comfort; it adds significant value to your property. A modern, well-designed bathroom leaves a lasting impression on potential buyers. Use top-notch materials and the best your budget allows in stylish cabinetry to enhance your home’s perceived value. Staying updated on design trends and new bathroom fixtures adds to your home’s appeal in the competitive housing market. Environmentally Friendly Choices A bathroom renovation can be environmentally conscious. Switching to energy-efficient fixtures like low-flow 10

toilets and water-saving faucets helps reduce water consumption. Choose eco-friendly materials like recycled glass or bamboo to show your commitment to the environment. Consider renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and energy-efficient LED fixtures, to decrease your home’s carbon footprint and attract eco-conscious buyers. Optimising Functionality

Beyond aesthetics, focus on making your bathroom functional. Consider the flow of space and invest in smart storage solutions like built-in shelves or recessed cabinets. Incorporate technology, such as sensor-activated taps, in-built speakers or underfloor heating, for a touch of luxury and practicality. A well-designed bathroom becomes a personalized sanctuary catering to both style and functionality. Aesthetic Appeal The appeal of your bathroom goes beyond tiles and fixtures. Consider the overall design, including colour palette, lighting, and ambiance. Choose a cohesive colour scheme that complements your home. Experiment with lighting options for a visually pleasing atmosphere. Natural elements like plants

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or stone finishes add warmth. Personalise the space with carefully selected artwork and accessories. Prioritising Safety Safety is crucial in a wet environment like the bathroom. Choose slip-resistant flooring and strategically place grab bars for support without compromising design. Opt for a walk-in shower to enhance accessibility and reduce tripping hazards. Explore smart technologies, like mirrors with built-in safety features, for added protection. Prioritising safety positions your home as family-friendly and thoughtful, appealing to a wider range of buyers. Your bathroom renovation is a comprehensive investment that goes beyond cosmetic improvements. It adds tangible value, enhances energy efficiency, improves functionality, boosts aesthetics, and prioritises safety. Whether you’re selling or enhancing your living experience, a well-planned bathroom renovation promises long-term dividends for your property’s value and daily quality of life. So, when considering your next home improvement project, think about the bathroom—a space where strategic investments yield remarkable rewards.

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Intrepid JCB Employee Takes The Plunge To Boost NSPCC Funds TEN days, ten locations, ten open water swims, each less than a chilling ten degrees. That was the challenge JCB employee Georgina Williams set herself to raise vital funds for the NSPCC.

And the intrepid open water swimmer has now completed her UK-wide adventure with a ten-minute dip in the stunning JCB World Headquarters’ lake at Rocester, taking her fundraising total to more than £5,400 for the company’s NSPCC Appeal. JCB Backhoe Training and Demonstration Manager Georgina, 32, who works at JCB’s World HQ, set off on the mammoth tour on December 4th. She took to the water each day near key JCB dealers in Dorset, Essex, Norfolk, Manchester, Yorkshire, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Irish Republic before heading home to JCB World HQ.

Having initially set a £2,000 fundraising target, Georgina was overwhelmed by the support of JCB’s dealer network, who joined her in the water at each location and helped boost funds – with highlights including plunging into the middle of a five-degree Loch Lomond in Scotland and swimming alongside seals in the North

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Sea at Norfolk.

She said: “I feel incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved. The cold-water swimming has been an amazing experience, I knew it would be very special but also that it would be a real challenge to get in the water each day. Raising money was always the key focus of this swim challenge but I’m delighted that the experience has also allowed me to build relationships with our dealers by sharing in this absolute madness. I’m grateful to all of our UK and Ireland dealers who have shown up and got involved to support the NSPCC.” Georgina’s fundraising total will go towards the JCB NSPCC Appeal, which is raising £2 million for the charity over the next two years. Donations in recognition of Georgina’s open water swim challenge are still open at www.justgiving.com/page/georginawilliams-1698234478434

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ISO Chemie’s WINFRAMER specified for MK residential window upgrade

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ISO Chemie’s thermal insulating and load bearing bracket support system has been specified for a major South East housing refurbishment programme.

The move sees dozens of WINFRAMER units being retrofitted by Sandy-based Potton Windows on pre-fabricated residential properties on a Milton Keynes housing estate over the next two years as part of a window upgrade investment project. The use of WINFRAMER will help to provide improved standards of thermal insulation, eventually bringing the properties up to zero carbon ready standards and delivering energy efficiencies for home owners together with long-term cost savings. Passivhaus certified and fire rated to up to 30 minutes, WINFRAMER is a prefabricated installation frame, manufactured to accommodate cavities up to 250mm that allows windows to be supported independently from the face of the wall regardless of any external cladding being in place. Quick and easy to install, the product’s application alongside the new window units is already reaping benefits for some homeowners, who are seeing a reduction in their heating usage with ‘huge’ energy cost savings. The Potton Windows Milton Keynes project comes as a wider Government strategy continues to push to reduce carbon levels in housing that has single skin, cavity or non-cavity walls - these buildings have a reputation for losing considerable amounts of energy, heat and sound. Tom Ray, contracts manager at Potton Windows, which manufactured and installed the original windows back in the late 1980s and is now replacing

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them supported by ISO Chemie’s sealing technology, said: “As window system designers and developers, we are always looking at smarter ways to deliver low carbon units. ISO Chemie’s fit and forget products offer solutions for effective window sealing, delivering measurable airtight, acoustic and thermal sealing benefits in the process.” Andy Swift, country director at ISOChemie, said: “As new building regulations continue to bite, property owners and window contractors require smarter ways to deliver refurb projects through sustainable technologies. By working in partnership with ourselves, we are helping Potton create highperformance windows with a highly efficient installation.” The composite WINFRAMER brackets can bear heavy windows loads, including bi-fold doors, to provide a reliable, strong and high-performance support frame. Installation is quick with windows attached directly and secured mechanically using either standard fixing screws or fixing lugs in the usual manner. A hinged insulation core combines with the composite wood structural bracket to become an integral part of the overall wall structure, providing compliance with window energy saving regulations (EnEV) and the RAL quality assurance association. Photocaption: ISO Chemie’s WINFRAMER thermal insulating and load bearing bracket support system has been specified for a housing refurbishment programme in Milton Keynes.

Makita Updates Impact Driver Range With New Dual Spring Technology Makita has introduced a new Impact Driver to its powerful XGT range.

Offering the same benefits as its predecessor, the leading manufacturer has introduced new dual spring technology and enhanced anvil stability for less bit wobble with its new TD002G 40VMax XGT Brushless Impact Driver. Powered by a 40VMax XGT Li-Ion battery, the heavy duty TD002G 40VMax XGT Brushless Impact Driver delivers a maximum fastening torque of 220N/m, a noload speed of up to 3,700rpm and up to 4,600 impacts per minute. Notably, Makita has developed a new dual spring mechanism for this impressive tool, consisting of two types of springs with different load capacities to adjust impact power according to the workload whilst helping to reduce recoil and vibration. This enables more comfortable operation across a wider range of applications, from light-duty screw tightening to heavy-duty metal fastening where the second spring is utilised. Furthermore, an increased screw tightening speed enables greater working efficiency – between 10% and 25% faster, depending on the type of screws being used. Users will also appreciate the one-touch bit installation which has been refined to remove resistance when inserting the bit. As such, screwdriver bits can be inserted easily with one hand without needing to pull back the chuck collar. With variable speed control and multiple operation modes; 4-speed power selection plus 6 assist modes (2x T-modes, 1x Wood mode, 3x Bolt modes), the tool can be used for precise work across a wide range of applications. The LED lights on the front of the tool head aid visibility for poorly lit conditions. As with all cordless impact drivers produced by Makita, a range of accessories are also available to accompany this model. These include an eight-piece socket set, six-piece nutsetter set, and 33-piece screw bit set. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK commented: “We pride ourselves on making continuous improvements to our range of power tools – this ethos has been central to Makita’s longevity and success over the past 100 years. What may seem like small improvements can make a big difference, and this is certainly the case with the new dual spring system in the TD002G. Users can expect greater comfort thanks to the introduction of a second spring to support heavier duty applications.” To find out more about Makita and its range of products visit: www.makitauk.com.

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Global Satellite Services Provider Specifies Trenwa Fibrelite Trench & Cover System This large multinational satellite services provider has specified the Trenwa Fibrelite partnership trench and cover system for their latest satellite earth station antenna facility in the U.S.

The Fibrelite Trenwa trench and cover system installed at mission-critical satellite facility 18

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The partnership system combines Fibrelite’s lightweight GRP composite lids and Trenwa’s heavyduty road crossing precast trenches. This facility provides mission-critical commercial satellite communication services to the U.S. government, other select military organisations (and their contractors), airline and marine operations, television and telecom service providers. Key Requirements •

Protecting and allowing safe, fast access to cables running from antennas to control rooms

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Running cables across road crossings

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A long-term solution

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Safe manual access to cables for monitoring and maintenance

The Fibrelite Trenwa trench and cover system protects and allows safe, fast access to cables running from the antennas to the control roomssystem installed at missioncritical satellite facility

Fibrelite’s lightweight GRP trench covers can be safely and quickly removed by 2 people (image used for illustration purposes and shows a different installation)

The Fibrelite & Trenwa Solution •

Trenwa BHF precast trench with integrated Trenwa/Fibrelite LHF26-60 composite trench covers

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Trouble-free lightweight durable monolithic structure

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Safe walking & driving surface wet or dry (anti-slip/skid)

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Safe manual cover removal by two people at all load ratings

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Long term solution – chemically inert, noncorrosive, and freeze/ thaw cycle impervious

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Tried and tested since 1980 (Fibrelite covers) and 1961 (Trenwa precast trenches)

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Excellent insulation against heat

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True HS20 load rating

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The trench and cover system provide a solution which is; chemically inert, noncorrosive, freeze/thaw cycle impervious

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Devon Based Specialist Sends Floodgate to Los Angeles Global flood defence specialist, Flood Control International, based in Tavistock, has played a key role in the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant Berm Improvements project, undertaken by the City of Los Angeles, California Department of Public Works Bureau of Engineering.

Global flood defence specialist, Flood Control International, based in Tavistock, has played a key role in the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant Berm Improvements project, undertaken

by the City of Los Angeles, California Department of Public Works Bureau of Engineering.

Flood Control International provided a cutting-edge steel sliding floodgate, measuring an impressive 8.5m in length and 1.5 metres in height, showcasing its exceptional design capabilities.

engineered to meet project requirements, while utilising significantly less steel. This innovative design not only makes the gate lighter but also streamlines the installation process, resulting in remarkable cost savings for the client, the City of Los Angeles.

Collaborating closely with their local supply chain manufacturing sector in Plymouth, supporting local jobs and the regional economy in the process, this partnership underscores Flood Control International’s dedication to both excellence in flood control technology and commitment to strengthening local communities.

Speaking about the contract, Tim Collingwood, Managing Director of Flood Control International, said: “Yet again, we’re able to co-ordinate the design, manufacture and shipping of one of our floodgates from the South West of the United Kingdom to the United States, in this case the West Coast. This exemplifies Flood Control International’s global reach and commitment to delivering high-quality flood control solutions worldwide.”

One of the standout features of this project for Flood Control, is the acceptance by the client of an alternative gate specification, meticulously

For more information about Flood Control International, visit: www.floodcontrolinternational.com or email: enquiries@floodcontrolint.com

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Stanhope and Cadillac Fairview appoint Morgan Lovell to build new lab space at White City Place for life sciences companies Stanhope and Cadillac Fairview today announce the appointment of Morgan Lovell to construct 24,000 sq ft of grow-on lab space in the MediaWorks Building at White City Place, due for completion in May 2024.

The construction of new grow-on labs for expanding life sciences companies and start-ups involves delivering private fully fitted CL2 laboratory and office space with sizes ranging from 5,170 sq ft to 9,680 sq ft with tissue culture rooms, lab prep, glass cleaning facilities, external exhausted fume cupboards, eye wash stations, and waste and gas store spaces.

White City Place, Cadillac Fairview, we are delighted to announce the construction of new Grow-on laboratory space for immediate occupancy with Morgan Lovell on our established life sciences campus at White City Place. White City Place has rapidly become a leading life sciences hub for London.”

Stanhope and Cadillac Fairview have already attracted to White City Place numerous major and fast-growing life science occupiers, Novartis, Autolus, Engitix, Synthace and Vivan Therapeutics, totalling over 130,000 sq ft.

The latest development in transforming office space to Cat B labs reflects the increasing need for new lab space in the growing life sciences cluster in White City, including Imperial College London, Scale Space and White City Place.

David Camp, CEO of Stanhope, said: “Together with our partner and owner of

The Grow-on Labs will be let by agents Cushman & Wakefield and Knight Frank.

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Heating Interior & Venitlation Design

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Company director found guilty of fire safety offence in Leeds WEST YORKSHIRE Fire and Rescue Authority has brought forward a successful prosecution against Michael Gubbay, director of Tuscola (109) Limited, for failing to provide requested information to the Fire Authority in relation to a premises in Leeds.

During a hearing conducted at Leeds Magistrates’ Court (pictured) on 14 September, Gubbay (aged 63, who lives in Israel) pleaded guilty to failing to respond to an Article 27 request for information in relation to the fire safety management arrangements at premises known as Austin Hall, located at Servia Road, Woodhouse in Leeds. Gubbay, who was present in court for the hearing, was prosecuted under Article 32(2)e of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and subsequently received a fine of £666, with a £266 surcharge, as well as being ordered to pay costs of £1,878. Article 27 enables Fire and Rescue Authorities to request specific information in relation to the safety of a given premises.

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Chris Kemp, senior fire protection manager for the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, commented: “This case highlights how important it is for people with fire safety responsibilities to take them seriously. The maximum fine for this type of offence was £1,000. From 1 October, though, amendments brought in through the new Building Safety Act 2022 removed that cap, providing courts with the ability to apply unlimited fines.” Kemp concluded: “Where individuals or organisations persistently ignore formal and legal requests for information, and notably so those relating to public safety, we will continue to use our powers under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to safeguard the communities of West Yorkshire.”

Interior Design

Mcmullan Studio designs garden room as “restorative haven” Wooden shingles clad this pod-like garden room by London practice Mcmullan Studio, which has been created for spinal-injury charity Horatio’s Garden. The small space was conceived by Mcmullan Studio as a “beautiful, immersive, restorative haven” for patients with spinal injuries at a hospital in Sheffield. It has large openings and a central circular skylight to create a close connection to the outdoors, informed by the Japanese concept of forest bathing. “Our design addresses the issue of monotony and lack of stimulation experienced by patients who are confined to staring at hospital ward ceilings, particularly those who cannot move or lift their heads due to spinal injuries,” director Andrew Mcmullan told Dezeen. “We all know how good being in nature can make us feel,” he added. “We have known it for centuries. The sounds of the forest, the scent of the trees, the sunlight playing through the leaves, the fresh, clean air — these things give us a sense of comfort.”

“The structure frames a glazed rooflight that invites daylight into the space while providing ever-changing views of the overhanging tree canopies,” he added. Wooden finishes have been used inside and out, with space for seating and a bed beneath the central skylight and a pattern of circular ceramics mounted on the walls. Ease of transportation was central to the structure’s design, allowing it to be easily lifted as a single unit for its transportation from London to Sheffield. Once in place, it will be accompanied by two additional garden rooms and a larger communal garden building, all of which will also be designed by Mcmullan Studio. Other garden rooms featured on Dezeen include an artichoke-shaped workspace by Studio Ben Allen and a writer’s shed by WT Architecture.

The wooden pavilion was originally created for Horatio’s Garden’s exhibit at the 2023 RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London, for which Mcmullan Studio worked with landscape designers Harris Bugg Studio. The pavilion is now being transported to the Princess Spinal Injuries Centre in Sheffield as a permanent space for the charity, due to open in 2024. The garden room’s skylight sits at the centre of a reciprocal roof – a twisting circle of interlocking beams that requires no central support, allowing the interior to be as open and unobstructed as possible. “Apart from the technical aspects, the reciprocal frame also has intrinsic beauty. The nest-like character of this structure creates a visually intriguing and comforting atmosphere,” described Mcmullan. 26

Interior Design

Schluter-Systems’ Waterproofing Solutions For Beautiful Bathrooms Tucked away in Sutton Bonington in Nottinghamshire sits a beautiful Grade II-listed home which was carefully brought back to life with a stunning renovation. Andrew Hindes Interiors was tasked with renovating two small rooms and turning them into one large bathroom. Preserving the history of the building was a key aspect of this renovation which came with several challenges due to its age. Working with Schlüter-Systems products for over three years, Andrew and his team knew just what they needed when selecting a reliable solution to protect their client’s bathroom. The existing plumbing and pipework were removed and replaced with new pipework. New electrics and plastering were followed by the installation of a selection of SchlüterSystems products, all with the aim of maximising the lifespan of the new room. Starting in the shower area, the SchlüterKERDI-TS complete set was adhered to the shower tray to create a sound waterproof connection between the tray, made of stone resin and the adjoining wall. This solution was particularly important as the two different components could potentially create a weak spot which would allow water ingress. Further products from the Schlüter-KERDI waterproofing range were used, including the KERDI-200 membrane, SchlüterKERDI-KEBA sealing band and SchlüterKERDI-COLL sealing adhesive, supporting the overall protection of the bathroom. For functional and aesthetic purposes, a

prefabricated Schlüter-KERDI-BOARD-N niche was installed. This was perfect for the client as they needed storage that was convenient whilst remaining stylish. In terms of installation, it was far from challenging as it was easily integrated into the Schlüter-KERDI waterproofing system as a bonded waterproofing assembly. Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-DUO Peel & Stick was the answer when deciding what underfloor heating to install. Andrew commented on how using this product reduced installation time; installing in just one hour compared to the typical installation time of up to a day. Not only does DITRA-HEAT-DUO-PS offer advantages of a quick heat-up response and sound insulation, its peel and stick technology means time and material is saved when installing. Another standout benefit of using DITRA-HEAT is the minimal height build-up of the membrane and cables, which is approximately 7.6mm. Ensuring build up is kept to a minimum is important when it comes to a renovation project, particularly when dealing with the sensitive restoration of a property like this one. Once the room was waterproofed, 120 x 60 mm stone-effect

porcelain tiles were fitted on the shower wall and behind the wash basin, with 120 x 20 mm wood-effect porcelain tiles on the floor. When Andrew and his team began the work, they quickly realised the main challenges were down to the age of the property, with typically unlevel walls and dated plumbing and electrics. Ensuring this bathroom has a long lifespan and could meet the homeowners’ needs was important to Andrew and his team, and they remarked how nothing was too much trouble for Schlüter’s Area Sales Consultant, Stuart Gillson who was brilliant in offering support throughout the project. Andrew also received additional support from the technical team at Schlüter-Systems to help deal with some of the intricacies of the project. It was clear that preserving the building’s history through the installation of new system solutions, whilst creating a modern touch within this new bathroom, was a key focus for the homeowners in making this their long-term dream home. For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit www.schluter.co.uk

Interior Design

ILIV Interior Textiles introduce exquisite new fabric collection Alchemy ILIV are delighted to introduce their beautiful new collection, Alchemy. ILIV are delighted to introduce their beautiful new collection, Alchemy. Launched at HIX Autumn 2023, Alchemy is an exquisite fabric collection that epitomises relaxed luxury, effortlessly blending flowing geometric shapes with captivating organic textures. With an appreciation for the character and beauty of the natural world around us, Alchemy is inspired by characterful imperfections of natural materials, embracing the grains, curves and irregular lines presented through earthy and organic patterns. The warm interior aesthetic embraces an appreciation of ecological and resourceful living, where every fabric’s texture encourages you to explore each surface, drawing inspiration from the sensory charm found within nature. Each of the six colour palettes are influenced by the earthy tones of alpine landscapes and the tactile allure of the natural materials found there, inviting a sense of rustic elegance along with a connection to the natural world. Vibrant and rich jewel tones of Sapphire, Dijon and Sunset, harmonise with Warm Putty and Terracotta, providing a colourway for every taste and interior scheme. Alchemy combines an array of indulgent and carefully crafted qualities featuring recycled yarns, exuding an aura of sophistication. Intricately woven, soft lustre jacquards and textured chenille’s pair with opulent velvets, providing a sense of luxury and a tactile aesthetic. What sets Alchemy apart is its inherent flame-retardant properties, ensuring practicality and safety without compromising on style. For more information about ILIV Fabrics, visit www.iliv.co.uk 30

Interior Design

L U X U RY H A N D M A D E CA R P E T S A N D R U G S

w w w. c o n c e p t h a n d t u f t i n g . c o . u k Fo l l o w u s o n I n s t aInterior g r a mDesign @concepthandtufting

Decarbonisation of buildings – what does it mean in reality? Decarbonisation and net zero carbon have become buzzwords in the construction industry and beyond, with many keen to express their green credentials but what does it all mean? There are many similar sounding terms with slightly different meanings, and it is important to distinguish between these when discussing a route forward.

Carbon neutral is probably the easiest to achieve, particularly if you have deep pockets. Carbon neutrality simply means that all calculated carbon emissions have been offset to effectively neutralise the impact of them. The problem with this is it does not necessarily require any actual carbon reduction and carbon offsets can be purchased for as little as 10 USD per tonne. The term net zero expands the definition to include all greenhouse gases usually expressed as a CO2 equivalent value. Furthermore, net zero is typically understood to require a reduction in carbon emissions first, with offsets only being the final step in the greenhouse gas mitigation hierarchy. The differences are important as there are clear differences in outcomes. A company or building can claim to be carbon neutral by simply purchasing offsets. This often does nothing in the immediate term to reduce the emissions being emitted and contributing to climate change. For example, one of the preferred schemes is to plant trees. On face value this is a perfect initiative; trees absorb CO2 as they grow, they create habitats for wildlife and can reduce the ‘heat island’ effect which occurs when cities replace natural land cover with dense concentrations of buildings that absorb and retain heat. The problem with this is that the typically quoted value of around one tonne of CO2 per tree is not realised until the tree is fully grown. This can take over 100 years, by which point, the damage has already been done. “Carbon offsets – avoidance and removals | Vertree” All of this is not to say that carbon offsetting should not be part of the solution. It can be an excellent funding mechanism for decarbonisation projects that may otherwise never see the light of day. Carbon offsets should still be utilised but only as a last resort, after all other avenues for active carbon reduction have been considered.

Interior Design

Putting Fabric first, second Given the delayed carbon sequestration from planting trees, the construction industry is facing an urgent need to prioritise immediate carbon emissions over annual emissions from building operations. This new focus is vital to align with global climate goals and to understand the true environmental impact of construction projects. The traditional “fabric first” approach has been an industry standard in reducing a building’s energy demand by focusing on the building’s envelope to minimise heat loss. This approach has led to strategies like increasing insulation to levels seen in passive house standards. However, with the ongoing shift towards a decarbonising grid, this emphasis on insulation may need to be reevaluated. Carbon emissions from building operations are continually decreasing as energy production becomes cleaner. Consequently, the added insulation’s impact is diminishing, sometimes leading to diminishing returns. A prime example is the move from double to triple glazing, which requires up to 50% more glass and thicker insulation, resulting in an inherent increase in embodied carbon. These increases in embodied carbon can take decades to pay back through operational energy savings and may never be achieved in some buildings’ lifespan. This brings forth a need for a more nuanced approach that doesn’t solely focus on U-values but also accounts for the whole life cycle impacts of the building. For instance, the construction industry can explore alternative materials like aerogels made from construction waste or wood fibres, which provide insulation with lower embodied carbon. Such innovative solutions can maintain high levels of insulation while reducing the overall carbon footprint. The traditional hierarchy of design, which consists of reducing demand, improving efficiency, and incorporating renewable energy, also needs to be re-

evaluated. The problem lies in its lack of consideration for the building’s whole life carbon perspective. Different buildings have different needs. For example, an old building with a gas-based system may still benefit significantly from insulation improvements, while a new, airtight building heated by high-efficiency heat pumps may not and such improvements are likely to increase the embodied carbon with minimal impact on the operational energy. This variance emphasises the importance of life cycle carbon assessments early in the design process. Such assessments should inform major design decisions through construction, considering not only the building’s operational phase

but also its construction, maintenance, and end-of-life stages. By shifting the focus from solely operational carbon to a more comprehensive life cycle view, the industry can better align with global sustainability goals. The case for whole life carbon assessments is clear and assessing a building from cradle to grave is the only way to truly assess its impact, while designing with cradle-to-cradle principles in mind allows the design to consider the future and ensures that at the end of a building’s lifecycle, building materials can repurposed for future use as part of a circular economy. To do this, the industry will need to rethink not only the design of the

Interior Design

buildings, but the approach to design by incorporating the necessary expertise much earlier in the design process. It requires a major shift where shortterm energy efficiency measures are balanced with long-term considerations of embodied carbon. The move towards considering immediate carbon emissions as more critical is not just a technological challenge but also a cultural one, requiring collaboration, innovation, and a willingness to redefine traditional practices. Only by embracing this holistic approach can the construction industry genuinely contribute to a low carbon future and reduce the greenwashing implications that can arise from only focusing on the more visible aspects of a building. 33