Housing Specification May/June 2015

Specification Housing

Covering the whole UK housing sector

CAUTIOUS WELCOME FOR GOVERNMENT’S NEW HOUSING BILL

Both are commitments which were included in the Conservatives' general election manifesto. The government says the bill will increase the housing supply and ensure local people have more control over planning.

to engage with local leaders to help create communities where people want to live and work.

The National Housing Federation has welcomed news that a Housing Bill was front and centre of the Queen’s Speech and to see the Government committed to getting more homes built.

But the federation has once again voiced concern at the on-going

housing crisis in the UK and whether the Government has a long-term strategy to tackle the problems.

The Queen's Speech includes plans to support home ownership and extend the right-to-buy scheme to 1.3 million social

WIENERBERGER ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE E4 BRICK HOUSE

Wienerberger, the leading provider of wall, roof and landscaping innovations, has announced that the first e4 brick house will be officially opened on June 16 by Lord John Prescott at BRE’s prestigious Innovation Park, as part of the park’s 10th anniversary celebrations.

The home will be the first to be assessed to BRE’s new Home Quality Mark, which was launched earlier this year at Ecobuild, and the official opening will offer guests the opportunity to visit the house, which is the

first e4 brick house to be built in the UK.

The house utilises a fabric first approach using a clay building envelope and the concept can be used for a wide range of sizes and typologies. The e4 brick house is a fully costed design concept that intends to revolutionise the UK housing market. Working alongside global engineering and design consultancy ARUP, the e4 brick house was created according to four founding principles: Economy, Energy, Environment and Emotion.

housing tenants in England feature in a new Housing Bill. Under the plans, housing association tenants will be able to buy the homes they rent at a discount. There will also be help for first-time buyers, with 200,000 starter homes made available to under-40s at a 20% discount.

Henry Gregg, Assistant Director of Campaigns & Communications at the National Housing Federation: “Plans to identify and free up brownfield land, the Right to Build and Starter Homes are all moves in the right direction and will contribute to resolving the huge housing shortage we have. But we need to ensure these new homes are built where people need them and available at a price people can afford. However, the proposed Right to Buy extension and welfare reforms put these plans at risk.

“The cities devolution bill has the potential to bring an end to the housing crisis in all its different forms, grow local economies and regenerate communities. Housing associations stand ready

“Housing associations are ambitious about building the homes this country needs, particularly affordable housing. We look forward to working with Government to ensure housing associations are given the tools to deliver on their ambition and build the homes this country desperately needs.”

The Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill paves the way for powers over housing, transport, planning and policing to be devolved to England's cities as part of government plans for "a balanced economic recovery".

Cities that want them will be able to have elected mayors.

Chancellor George Osborne has said previously that Greater Manchester - which will take on the powers when electing a mayor in two years - should become a blueprint for other large cities.

BRICK MANUFACTURING RISES TO MEET HOUSEBUILDING CHALLENGE

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that the number of bricks produced in the UK during the first quarter of 2015 is 464 million bricks (provisional) a rise of 22 million bricks or 5% from the same period in 2014.

This comes on top of a rise of 17% during 2014 (to 1.8 billion bricks) compared to 2013 and demonstrates how the brick industry has reacted strongly to meet increased demand from housebuilders.

Stock levels are stable and comparable with increasing production and there are now 415 (provisional) million bricks in stock up 5% from a low point in 2014 – suggesting that manufacturing is now keeping pace with demand.

Simon Hay CEO of the BDA commented: “After a difficult few years for brick manufacturers in the UK it is heartening to see how quickly and how dramatically they have increased production to meet demand.

“It is also fantastic to see this vibrant and forward-thinking industry prepared to invest in reopening mothballed plants and the recent news of an entirely new plant further demonstrates the brick manufacturers’ readiness to respond to the increase in housebuilding volume.

“When the volume of new housebuilding starts to grow closer to the 200,000 a year target the brick industry will satisfy demand.”

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WELCOME...

Amidst the usual pomp and ceremony of the Queen’s Speech, there was a palpable sense of anticipation within the building and construction industry. After five years of coalition government, the Conservatives had promised one clear and cohesive plan of action. There has been a general acceptance that the proposals laid out by the Government are worthy of support.

A wide-ranging collection of schemes, both new and enhanced models of existing initiatives, have been broadly welcomed. And yet, the Prime Minister and his Government are still unable to dodge one of the words that came to characterise the housing industry during the coalition.

The talk of crisis within housing that dogged the coalition continues to be heard, despite the new proposals outlined in the Queen’s Speech. Indeed, the criticism of the Government’s Right to Buy scheme has intensified after it confirmed it will be extended.

Henry Gregg, Assistant Director of Campaigns & Communications at the National Housing Federation said: “This policy is not a genuine solution to our housing crisis. An extension to the Right to Buy would mean that housing associations are working to keep pace with replacements rather than building homes for the millions stuck on waiting lists. At a time when we need to be increasing the overall amount of social housing, it is like trying to fill a bathtub with the plug taken out.

“What’s more, forcing housing associations to sell of their properties under the Right to Buy sets an extremely dangerous precedent of government interference in independent business.”

The Government has invested heavily in a range of proposals and programmes it has continually said is designed to boost the building and construction industry, including a massive infrastructure programme. Yet the suspicion remains that a lot of these schemes are window dressing and will do little to aid long-term recovery. And with the Federation of Master Builders once again warning of an on-going skills crisis within the industry, the Government will need to wait a good while longer if it wants to hear a ringing endorsement of its proposals.

Britain is building again, but the worry remains about a lack of long-term planning.

Paul Groves, Group Editor

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MX’S NEW ELECTRIC SHOWER RANGE SUCCESS

MX Group’s ‘QI’ electric shower range – a ‘quick installation’ range of electric showers that sets new standards for simple installation, featuring eight entry points for water and electric – is experiencing huge success around the UK. These showers are the simplest and most effective electric shower installation option in today’s marketplace. Ideal for new build or retrofit opportunities, these attractive showers are up to 30% slimmer than other units on the market. They’re an ideal replacement product where an old shower has been removed or for shower replacement programmes for social and private landlords. Models are available in 7.5kW, 8.5kW, 9.5kW and 10.5kW models. Full details of the IQ range can be found on the comprehensive MX Group web site at www.mx-group.com.

You can get more information or brochures by calling 01684 293311 or by emailing sales@mx-group.com.

BRITISH GYPSUM LAUNCHES NEW WHITE BOOK

British Gypsum has launched its new White Book to help construction professionals in specifying internal partitions, wall linings, floor and acoustic ceiling systems.

Following extensive research with its customers, including online interviews and focus groups, British Gypsum has improved its White Book to give easier navigation and crossreferencing.

The plaster and plasterboard manufacturer has also reordered the White Book in line with specification and construction phases for a project, with key product and system benefits listed to aid the

selection of the correct system to meet performance requirements.

The White Book is available to view and download online, and is complemented by the online System Selector tool which allows users to search and download product information, such as BIM data and CAD drawing in a few, simple steps.

“We are always committed to incorporating customer feedback into our products, systems and services,” said Mike Chaldecott, Managing Director at British Gypsum.

“The updated White Book ensures specifiers have more detailed and accessible product

B&ES PUBLICATIONS LAUNCHES THE NEWLY UPDATED TR37

data to make better informed specification choices in the current time of change for the construction industry.”

The White Book, which has been in production for more than 35 years, is a comprehensive guide to everything British Gypsum does, from product selection, to expert technical advice and guidance, installation information and new construction details.

The latest edition of the White Book contains the details of all the latest British Gypsum products, including recently launched solutions, such as Magnetic plaster, Lifestyle Wall and Thistle UniFinish.

SPECIFY THE SMART SOLUTION WITH WORCESTER

Worcester, Bosch Group has unveiled the latest gas-fired combi boiler to join its market leading range.

The Greenstar i boasts enhanced performance and A-

rated annual efficiency, alongside a host of features which make it optimised for social housing schemes.

To streamline servicing and maintenance, a number of changes have been made to the internal components. The fan can now be removed for cleaning purposes without the seal on the combustion chamber being disturbed and subsequently require replacement, while the expansion vessel can be removed and replaced without needing to take the boiler off the wall mounting jig to do so.

Additionally, The Greenstar i is delivered with a pre-assembled

Prevent thermal bridging

wall frame with positive ‘click’ engagement and mounting hooks; and with the same familiar dimensions as the Greenstar i Junior, replacements will be simple.

Ahead of the forthcoming ErP Requirements, Worcester’s new addition is fully compliant thanks to a range of additions led by the inclusion of a low energy circulating pump.

Further energy enhancing features such as the established WB3 heat exchanger and optional ‘plug and play’ weather compensation kit offer the potential to enhance the collective SAP rating of an entire housing stock.

B&ES Publications has launched the newly revised TR37 – Guide to Good Practice – Installation of Combined Heat and Power (CHP), which offers a practical overview of CHP for building services engineers.

It aims to place the installation requirements in the context of the overall construction process and enable effective delivery of an efficiently functioning system and building.

The revised edition is available as an online publication, enabling quick cross-referencing to other

useful guidance. Readers of TR37 should gain a strong understanding of the technology and factors involved in the application of CHP.

Combined heat and power (CHP) is the production of both useful heat and electrical power from the same energy source. CHP is fuel neutral and promotes energy efficiency, without compromising the quality and reliability of the energy supply to consumers. Unlike the energy lost from conventional coal and gas fired power stations, CHP provides a cost-effective means of generating low carbon or renewable energy.

BERKELEY HOMES CROWNED MOST CONSIDERATE SITE

Berkeley Homes has been awarded the prestigious title of Most Considerate Site at the Scheme’s National Site Awards 2015, for its Roman House project, a luxury residential development in the Barbican area of the City of London.

Projects registered with the Scheme must demonstrate an appreciation of the impact of their work on the community, the environment and their workforce, and this year was no exception with over 9,000 sites eligible to win a National Site Award.

During April and May 2015, the Scheme held 12 ceremonies across the UK

and presented a total of 797 National Site Awards including 387 Bronze, 280 Silver and 98 Gold to an industry-wide audience of over 3,400 guests.

From the very highest performing Gold Award winners, a shortlist was produced, and this year Roman House by Berkeley Homes was deemed the overall winner for its refurbishment project to convert an existing office block into 90 high spec apartments.

A total of 31 other Gold Award winners shortlisted for this title were presented with Most Considerate Site Runners-up Awards.

Edward Hardy, Chief Executive of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, said: “I’m delighted that the UK’s sites continue to strive for improving standards and would like to thank them for their continued support of the Scheme.

“The work at Roman House is a fantastic example to the industry and truly deserves this highest award.

“Berkeley has been a longstanding supporter of the Scheme and winning 36 awards in total this year proves their commitment to considerate construction. Many congratulations to everyone involved with the site.”

PATENT GLAZING ROOFLIGHT SYSTEM

Manfacturers and suppliers of quality bespoke aluminium rooflights

Howells Patent Glazing are experts in conservatory roof design and manufacture, for both domestic application and commercial projects. Established for over 40 years, Howells are fully versed in all aspects of glazing, specialising in high performance attractive rooflight systems. They have a combined knowledge of over 100 years in design and manufacturing and offer full AutoCAD drawings and 3D graphic models.Their work has been displayed on the popular Grand Designs TV programme. The company utilises the new technology thermal properties of glass and thermally broken aluminium glazing bars to achieve previously unheard of low U value of 0.7 w/m2.

well-insulated room, can be lost this way. Thermoblock prevents that heat loss.

One of the worst areas of heat loss through a thermal bridge is where the floor meets the wall. Up to 30% of heat, in a

Without Thermoblock With Thermoblock

NEW HANDMADE CLAY TILE LAUNCHED

The Canterbury range provides a genuine handmade appearance that specifiers are looking for in today’s market. The traditional hand making process used to create the range brings random undulations and variations that give each tile a unique appearance and character. The tiles are available in three rich colours with soft edges, fully formed nibs and a sandfaced texture which is synonymous with the handmaking process.

The Loxleigh handmade clay plain tile has a subtle variation in colour, ranging from red to grey and black with a sanded finish that gives a premium antique reclaimed appearance. The Burford has a rich redbrown tone in a fully sanded texture, which adds warmth and character to the roof. Finally, the Chailey has a more vibrant orange tone with a sandfaced texture that can be used on the main roof, or as a perfect contrast tile for vertical detailing.

Canterbury clay plain tiles are also available with a complementary range of traditional handmade fittings and decorative accessories to achieve the perfect finish. Sarah Jackson, Marketing Product Manager at Marley Eternit, comments: “In recent years, homeowners, builders and architects have rediscovered the potential of natural handmade clay tiles

and there has been something of a resurgence in their use. In many cases, planners will only accept genuine handmade tiles for heritage or conservation projects and there is also a growing demand from premium house builders looking to distinguish their properties with an authentic handmade clay plain roof tile.”

Handmade clay plain tiles have been a popular roofing material in the UK since the 1100s and Marley Eternit’s new range is manufactured at its Keele factory in Staffordshire, which specialises in clay plain tile production.

The Canterbury tiles were matched with Cedral Click weatherboard on a full-sized timber framed show home to perfectly balance heritage and contemporary styles at the recent National Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the NEC. The home was built by Oakworth Homes and Benchmark Self Build.

The roof featured 2,000 clay roof tiles, while Cedral Click weatherboard was used for speedy construction with a modern look. A mix of Loxleigh, Burford and Chailey tiles were blended to create a unique patchwork of colours, giving a traditional aesthetic for the roof, porch and vertical tiling.

In addition to the Canterbury tiles, Cedral Click weatherboard featured on the show home. It is the UK’s first fibre cement tongue and groove weatherboard system and offers a contemporary flat finish. Its aesthetic appeal, ease-ofinstallation and low maintenance make Cedral Click the perfect choice for the creation of a stunning new home or a refurbishment project.

Part of the roof of the show home was tiled, leaving the rest stripped back to show would-be self builders how the property is constructed. Bracknell Roofing installed the roof at the exhibition and played an instrumental part in creating a unique patchwork of handmade blends on the show stopping installation.

For more information on the Canterbury range, visit www.marleyeternit.co.uk/handmade or call 01283 722588. To find out more about the Cedral range of materials, visit www.weatherboard.co.uk

Marley Eternit Enquiry 6

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When we launched the Mira Advance in 1995 it was a breakthrough: the first thermostatic electric shower on the UK market. Over the next 20 years, more than a million bathrooms have benefited from one. And today it’s the preferred model for Local Authorities, Housing Association specifiers and installers up and down the country – helping vulnerable people live independently and giving families absolute peace of mind.

Find out more at www.mirashowers.co.uk

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

TOUCHING A HOME’S SOUL

Our contact with homes and with their interiors is usually expressed t hr ough space and light and function. However, it is only when we physically touch something that we begin to experience the ‘soul of the building’ – a bit like a first kiss!

That first solid object is invariably the door handle, whose weight, solidness and feel immediately influence our reaction to the place. One of the second objects is often the tap. In either case, what we don’t want in a potentially lovely home/environment is for our reaction to be spoilt by plastic door handles and cheap-looking plumbing.

It’s particularly interesting that metallic inspiration is now

commonplace in home interior design, from warm gold, brass and copper accents to cool chrome, nickel and stainless. This is reflected in changes in ironmongery and taps. All this means that new well-designed and vital highly functional metal components are arriving – such as this stunning curved handle from the upmarket ironmongery range of new company I Tesori (see image).

Even the London Building Centre on www.buildingcentre.co.uk has been showing their choice of 10 exciting and quite different taps – inspired by Phillipe Starck’s Axor Starck V from Hansgrohe (see image) whose crystal glass body (easily removed for cleaning) allows you to see the unique water vortex inside.

The others are Pop by Zazzeri; V-Tondo by Savi; Triflow by Zaha Hadid; Tweet by Ritmonio, Ondus® by Grohe; Canale by Neve; Pure Touch Dispense Point by The Pure Water Company; Karbon by Kohler; Fold by Ceramica Flaminia.

It’s particularly interesting that metallic inspiration is now commonplace in home interior design, from warm gold, brass and copper accents to cool chrome, nickel and stainless. This is reflected in changes in ironmongery and taps. All this means that new well-designed and vital highly functional metal components are arriving – such as this stunning curved handle from the upmarket ironmongery range of new company I Tesori

THE PRINTED HOUSE

Sometimes it’s necessary to know what the future holds, what the lat er al thinking clever people are up to. One such development which is likely to have developers quaking – not now but in times ahead – is the potential for 3D printing of our houses . This, some say, has the potential to disrupt the construction and appearance of our townscapes.

It will certainly revolutionise the building industry and offer tailor-made housing solutions worldwide. The house comprises 13 rooms that each

The Axor Starck V from Hansgrohe

The new Manital door handle from I Tesori

Simply put, using different forms of materials uch as plastic and wood fibres, the giant printing machine converts them into exterior walls, ceilings and other components, even furniture. It’s been described as assembly like a huge jigsaw shaped and connected like giant Lego pieces and steel cabling to sew the elements together. Apparently the printer itself is extraordinary, more that filling a room and about 6m tall.

consist of several printed elements. Each room showcases a research update in shape, structure and materials. The rooms are first assembled and tested separately before finally being constructed into the complete house. This expo site is experienced as a ‘growing village of rooms’.

The Printed House project was initiated by DUS architects of Amsterdam and shows that architecture can be a catalysts for cross-sectional innovation. It is collectively funded by several partners who contribute to the project with knowledge and finance.

What they are doing is to construct a print a full size canal house in Amsterdam. At the moment the site is designed as a growing exhibition open to the public. This generates feedback that improves, intensifies and accelerates the research process.

Simply put, using different forms of materials such as plastic and wood fibres, the giant printing machine converts them into exterior walls, ceilings and other components, even furniture. It’s been described as assembly like a huge jigsaw shaped and connected like giant Lego pieces and steel cabling to sew the elements together. Apparently the printer itself is extraordinary, more that filling a room and about 6m tall.

The canal house will be built from the bottom up and take several years before completion. For the full story and details, visit www.3dprintcanalhouse.com

GRANNY FLATS AND SECONDARY ACCOMODATION

As the popularity for secondary accommodation (eg granny flats, rental space, guest rooms, home office, weekend retreats etc.) and even smaller, low cost primary residential dwellings, soars in the UK and worldwide, it’s interesting to see innovations dedicated to this market.

One such product recently presented at EcoBuild was 2nd Space™ –Number 1 in Contemporary Granny Flats (www.2ndSpace.com.au).

This creation of the Australian company, Arkistruct™, will soon be introduced to the UK market, bringing a huge rethink to global and UK housing solutions in general, and prefabricated systems in particular.

Arkistruct’s™ advanced engineering solutions are claimed to be highly versatile. There are several variations to their 2nd Space™ range, including the one illustrated.

This is a self-supporting insulated wall, floor and roof cassette system for lowrise applications, prefinished, easy to handle, rapid to assemble and low cost.

There are smaller and larger versions available, and Arkistruct™ has even developed a structural modular system to create 24 storey high residential blocks.

Housing Specification will be covering the official UK launch of Arkistuct™ in a few months’ time.

Talk specifics

with Worcester. Specify all your heating needs with confidence.

PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE

SUPPLIERS INCLUDE:

• IdealCombi windows and external doors;

• Kloeber fold/slide doors;

• Marshalls Tegular paving;

• Weinor Plaza Home awnings;

• Ibstock Ivanhoe Cream bricks;

• Weinerberger Brookhurst Yellow Multi Bricks.

ST BEDE’S BEDFORD

St Bede’s is an exemplary Independent Living scheme providing high quality mixed tenure accommodation in Bedford’s Conservation Area. Designed by PRP architects for Orbit Housing Group it won Housing Project of the Year and is being recognised as one of the best in Europe,The site is that of the former St Bede’s school where three of the existing school buildings, acknowledged as being of architectural merit, have been sensitively integrated into the design. It incorporates a variety of architectural approaches to reflect the richness of Bedford’s Conservation Area, with high quality brick detailing, rendered recessed balconies bays and areas of timber providing texture and warmth together with the all important external areas for the benefits of the residents.…(Continued overleaf)

This is a development of 15 houses near Guildford Surrey. It’s located within a disused chalk quarry which was last in active use over 100 years ago. Prior to development, there were two houses within the site sharing a self-seeded woodland as their gardens.

When Brookes Architects and the developers Latchmere Properties first examined the site, they had recently completed a very successful development of high quality contemporary houses on Whittets Ait, an island in Weybridge. The brief for The Quarry was to create a terrace of modern houses that responded to a detailed understanding of the site and its context. It takes full advantage of the landscaping opportunities provided within the scheme; planters have been used to separate units and ‘green’ roofs are used throughout, softening the scheme and allowing it to settle into the site.

The materials used for the main terrace of houses are, in essence, fairly traditional (brick / block / rendered external walls, pre-cast concrete floors) but the envelope has been highly insulated and will meet the Code for Sustainable Homes (level 3). The detached house at the front of the site differs in both its material and style, with a timber structure clad in distinctive vertical cedar boards which will turn a silver/grey colour over time. All houses have on-site renewable energy provided by way of solar hot water collectors, reducing the environmental impact of the development. Other sustainable measures include rainwater collection (used for flushing all toilets), low energy lighting (both internal and external), heat recovery ventilation and retractable canopies (to reduce solar gain to the open plan living spaces).

Fire and carbon monoxide alarms don’t have to be complicated to be clever.

A straightforward sensor choice and 10 year battery back-up for life as standard makes choosing the right type of smoke alarm simple.

Ground breaking technology now makes sensor choice straightforward. Thermoptek® technology as used by the UK’s fire and rescue services, provides a fast reaction to all types of fire in a single smoke alarm. In the heat alarm next generation Thermistek TM technology provides faster Class A1 heat detection.

The cost of safety for your tenants has also reduced with low energy use and a proven carbon footprint - Sona alarms typically use less than 10% energy of the average mains powered alarm.

Explore the world of SONA. Visit www.sonasafety.com

THE QUARRY, GUILDFORD

The development consists of 104 one and two bedroom Independent Living apartments specifically designed for the over 55s, providing a range of shared ownership (53) and social rent (51) which ensures the scheme is accessible to all, whatever their budget.

The majority of apartments have generously proportioned private amenity space in the form of an external balcony or terrace with enough space for a table, chairs and plants. The scheme meets the needs of a diverse community with generous internal space standards exceeding those normally found in Extra Care housing. The design concept at St Bede’s was to create original, elegant interiors which reflect the architectural materials found in the refurbishment of the old St Bede’s school. St Bede’s is designed to be energy efficient and achieved Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, incorporating renewable technology to provide a sustainable energy source.

The building fabric is well insulated, exceeding minimum standards, and Passive Stack Ventilation is in the main circulation areas.

The landscape design evolved simultaneously with the building plan, which began to shape a series of external areas. The intention was to give each space a distinct character and function, to provide greater variety for

SUPPLIERS INCLUDE

• Velfac - Windows

• Matthews - Buckhurst multi red bricks

• Ibstock - Ivanhoe cream bricks

•Symphony - Kitchens

• Johnson - Tiles

• Velfac - Windows

• Sika Sarnafil – Single ply roofing

• Kone – Lifts

• Desso – Flooring

• Wienerberger – Bricks (ely cream)

• Twyfords – Sanitaryware

residents. This approach led to the creation of four separate communal garden areas. These include a playing area, such as for social events and croquet, an intimate cloister garden, a sensory garden, and DIY horticultural graden for interested residents.

SHELL HOMES

56-64 Blenheim Grove in London is a development of custom-build shells on a pleasant r esidential r oad a few minutes walk from Peckham Rye station. These five houses, from custom built developer Inhabit Homes, will be available to buy off plan either as finished homes with customisable elements to suit the owner’s individual needs or as a shell to be completed as they wish. (See image opposite)

The scheme has been designed by Poulsom Middlehurst architects with the Solidspace split-level DNA inside giving the homes more light, space and volume inside than a traditional floor plate.

Each of the five has been designed around the trademarked Solidspace split-section which arranges the living-space around a double height void. It takes the light and openness of open plan and combines it with privacy zones so everyone in the house can be together but engaged in their own activities. It provides more light and space and character than a standard terraced floorplan and feels up to 50% bigger than it actually is. Sizes range from 92sqm to over 170sqm.

What’s particular interesting is that these are created as shells so that purchasers can then finish them with the materials and effects they want and at the speed and budget they can afford. There are three options. Raw finish, known as shell and core, means that you buy when watertight and have total control of how you design the interior and fit-out. Option finish is where you choose from a list of finishes (such as carpet, timber or tiled floors). Bespoke finish means a personalised one-on-one consultation with the designers who will then customise and lay out to give you want you want without you having to do all the hard work.

THE CABANON COMPETITION

Le Corbusier designed one for himself (in 1952 and in 45 minutes). At only 3.6sqm it’s a miracle of compact design. So why don’t you follow him and design your own Cabanon the RIBAJ Microarchitecture Award in association with Sterling OSB have been asking..

Its purpose is to get architects to think small - no larger than 9sqm with enough space to sleep, eat and work and have at least one door and one window. Principally, this external living shelter, as easily demountable as it is buildable, needs to express visibly the aesthetics, strength and nature of Sterling OSB from Norbord, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of engineered wood-based panel products. The results of this competition will be announced in September. Interesting, huh?

Caro Flood Protection Barriers

Never has flooding been in the news as much as it is now and never have the Caro WaterWall and WaterDoor Flood Barriers been as popular as they are now!

UK’s leading Flood Defence manufacturer is your solution to flooding.

Offering affordable, easy to install barrier systems for:

• Residential Properties

• Industrial Sites

• Commercial Sites

With many years manufacturing experience, the Caro Group can offer bespoke solutions for almost any scenario, be it for a Listed Building, an angled barrier on a slope or powder coating to a colour of your choice. A proven and successful system!

A full brochure and very informative video can be found on the Caro Flood Defence Systems, website at www.carofds.co.uk. To discuss any requirements you may have, please call 01763 244446 or email info@caro.co.uk

Photo Tim Crocker

Photo Tim Crocker

Don’t just insulate it, Celotex it.

Celotex is the UK’s leading provider of PIR thermal insulation, providing the construction industry with the widest range of PIR insulation products available.

Offering Premium performance and the broadest range of PIR insulation available, Celotex ensures you can achieve better U-values and thinner solutions.

With outstanding levels of expertise, our technical consultants will provide all the help and advice you need to specify Celotex

Call the technical centre on 01473 820850 or visit celotex.co.uk Save time, specify Celotex

DEBATE THE NEW REALITY AT THE UK’S LARGEST HOUSING CONFERENCE

This will be the fourth year at Manchester Central and with new innovative content and three new features there will be something to suit everyone. With ease of travel from all parts of the UK, with 2,500 hotel rooms on the doorstep; being in Manchester has made a real difference to a value-conscious sector.

Great speakers have been lined up including sessions from Gerald Lyons, Chief Economic Advisor to the Mayor of London and Duncan Weldon, Newsnight who will share their thoughts on future economic trends and the impact on the housing market. In addition there will be a session on the new political reality from Tim Montgomerie, Founder and Editor, Conservative Home; Miranda Green, Journalist and Former Liberal Democrat Advisor and Andrew Harrop, General Secretary, Fabian Society. Find out more about the programme at www.cihhousing.com

In addition to the main housing conference there will be three new focus areas at Housing 2015 - all under one roof.

HEALTH, HOUSING & SOCIAL CARE CONFERENCE

A NEW conference within a conference, aimed at professionals from social car e, local authorities, extra care and housing, this NEW event will be focusing on solutions around the integration of health and housing. The conference will run alongside the main programme on Wednesday and Thursday and will be fully accessible to all delegates at Manchester.

DELEGATE OF THE FUTURE

To ensure younger housing professionals from all housing disciplines have t he chance t o explore new ideas and hone their thinking, a new initiative has been launched: Delegate of the Future. This ground breaking initiative is aimed at housing staff who haven’t attended the conference before. These delegates will be able to attend the conference for FREE on Thursday 25 June.

THE OFFICIAL HOUSING FRINGE AT #THETREEHOUSE15

The tree house will be a NEW key event for a mixture of debates, launches and platf or ms for organisations to challenge views and perceptions. It will provide a platform for the housing leaders of tomorrow and with interactive state of the art sessions, it will be where great ideas start to grow. The fringe will be located on the exhibition floor and will be free for all delegates and visitors to attend. Some of the sessions planned are “Innovation Lab”, Conversations and Cocktails and the World Café.

As usual the week will be kicked off on the Monday evening with the welcome to Manchester dinner, incorporating the Housing Heroes’ awards. This year’s event will be hosted by Nick Hewer, TV presenter of Countdown and entrepreneur. In addition to programme content, the exhibition promises to be busier than ever with over 300 suppliers present and taking part in a series of informative seminars through the Ideas Exchange.

Attending CIH Housing Conference in 2015 will be the most useful three days housing professionals will spend out of the office to listen and network with leading experts to help shape the housing conversation and debate a new reality.

CIH Enquiry 20

SOLAR WINDOWS COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL INSTALLATION FOR CREST NICHOLSON

SET AND MATCH TO GARADOR

Garador has introduced a complete range of front entrance doors to complement the styles and designs of its garage doors.

These exciting new FrontGuard entrance doors have been carefully designed to match many of Garador’s popular Up & Over and Sectional garage doors, with a wide range of styles, designs and colours.

The front doors are all produced within the Garador group offering the same high end manufacturing and functionality as their garage doors including excellent security and thermal efficiency. SBD accredited doors are also available.

Voted ‘Installation of the Year’ by systems company REHAU and its customers, the recent contract completed by Solar Windows for Crest Nicholson in Colchester features more than 1,000 tilt and turn windows and open out French doors. In each of the properties, Solar Windows has fabricated and installed tilt and turn windows in the REHAU TOTAL70C PVC-U window system and French doors in the high performance REHAU GENEO composite window and door system. The emphasis throughout is on both aesthetics, with all of the frames being coloured RAL7015 light grey on the external faces.

REHAUenquiry23

HIGH-TECH AND CLASSIC HANDMADE GARAGE DOORS

Rundum Meir UK ltd specialise in high quality, standard and custom made, exterior door systems that are made in a range of beautiful materials including timber, copper, aluminium and glass. They offer a complete exterior door systems service - from survey and design to manufacture, installation and maintenance. Rundum Meir work closely with architects and clients and pride themselves in their personal service and ability to provide design solutions. Their exterior door systems have been used on listed buildings, award-winning new build, conceptual architecture, refurbishment projects and a high profile passive house. They have successfully completed hundreds of projects throughout Great Britain, Ireland and further afield. For more information visit www.rundumuk.co.uk or call 0151 280 6626.

RundumMeirenquiry25

BRAND NEW AND BANG UP-TO-DATE FOR BOWATER DOORS

Bowater Doors, a brand of the industry-leading VEKA UK Group, has unveiled a brand new Contemporary Doors range. The investment in the development of these new style composite doors, as well as a brand new showroom further demonstrates the Group's ongoing commitment to Bowater Doors. A stylish, full-colour brochure has been produced to support the launch and Bowater Doors' Head of Sales Alan Hague explains: “We're extremely proud of the new Contemporary Doors in the DUO Composite Door range. “We officially opened our new showroom recently - with VEKA Group MD Dave Jones cutting the ribbon - and the eye-catching range of Contemporary Doors certainly attracted a lot of positive attention. The demand for composite doors has been steadily rising for the last ten years thanks to their low maintenance benefits. They won't swell, rot, warp or crack and they'll never need repainting. As with our existing DUO Composite Door, the Contemporary Doors range will be covered by our ten-year guarantee, which even includes the hardware.

VEKAUKenquiry26

Garador’s FrontGuard range offers a number of additional features such as rubber sealing on all four sides of the door panel; a 5 point high security locking system and 3 way adjustable hinges for quick and easy installation.

With a choice of 14 colours and finishes, and a range of optional features, you can build a door to suit your requirements. Prices are from just £898 (excluding VAT) for a front door, offering excellent value for money.

Find out more about Garador’s garage door and front door ranges by calling 01935 443793 or visit www.garador.co.uk

Garadorenquiry24

COMAR 5P.I ADVANCED WINDOW SYSTEM

Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems has incorporated the technology from their Comar 9P.i system into the Comar 5P.i window range, and are now launching the Comar 5P.i Advanced Casement and Tilt/Turn window system which integrates seamlessly into Comar 9P.i creating the option for standalone high performance windows. The brief to Comar’s Design Team was to specifically meet architectural demands; low Uvalues, matching slim sight lines for both the casement and tilt/turn, large glazing pocket for acoustic glass, secured by design and large sizes. For their contractor and fabricator partners, performance with built in fast-track fabrication and installation.

Comar enquiry29

FUHR IS THE AUTOMATIC CHOICE

First impressions matter, so when Brian Newbon designed a new solid wood front door he wanted a locking device that would complement its style and enhance levels of security. Extensive research led him to FUHR UK and the MULTI-SAFE 833, suitable for PVC-u, aluminium and timber doors.

The 833 multipoint locking device features automatic locking to prevent unauthorised access. Simply close the door and two solid 20mm throw latching deadbolts engage automatically as soon as the door is closed. The Multisafe 833 offers security and peace of mind – but provides an extra financial benefit too.

FUHR enquiry31

LUMI SHEDS NEW LIGHT ON WINDOWS

Apeer has entered the windows market with a groundbreaking new, structurally bonded window and door glazing system. A first in its field, the radically styled new Lumi collection is set to bring the seamless sophistication of iconic glass structure to the residential housing market. The design-led range of frameless windows, doors, entrance glazing, French doors and a bi-fold door system offers a frame-free, 'wall of light profile' and is distinguished by its fused ceramic colour border. This is available in eight different exterior colours and eight further interior finishes.

FIVE STAR ACOUSTIC AND FIRE PERFORMANCE

Five of Moralt’s high quality, performance door cores are now available with the reassurance of third-party certification from the BM TRADA Q-Mark scheme - one of the most prestigious third party certification processes available in the UK for timber based products.

The door cores, which include two Moralt FireSmoke and three Moralt FireSound cores - the only high acoustic fire door cores offering BM TRADA Q-Mark accreditation - are all available nationwide and directly from stock through Moralt’s exclusive UK distributor, James Latham.

The BM TRADA Q-Mark scheme provides peace of mind to specifiers and purchasers that timber based products are

manufactured to a high standard, guaranteeing their consistent quality and performance.

In the UK, there is a legal requirement for manufacturers of fire doors to provide proof of the ability of their products to resist the passage of fire through the provision of test evidence.

Whilst this demonstrates that the door meets the legally acceptable minimum standards, the BM TRADA Q-Mark scheme provides additional reassurance that products are fit for purpose through on-going compliance to the original product specification.

JamesLatham enquiry30

CRITTALL’S STYLISH WINDOWS SOLUTION

A prestigious headquarters building has been created within the stylish Harley Street Conservation Area in central London with the help of Crittall Corporate W20 windows both inside and out. Architect Peter Merrett, of Morrow +Lorraine, said: “We selected the Crittall Corporate W20 product to re-create the slim lines of the original 1930s glazing that needed to be replaced, whilst dramatically improving the thermal performance by incorporating double glazed units.” Crittall Corporate W20 units were employed front and rear in the refurbishment and a Crittall partition in the reception area.

Crittallenquiry32

SYNSEAL’S WARMCORE LAUNCH DELIVERS TRUE INNOVATION

WarmCore is an aluminium folding sliding door system which incorporates a radically different product design approach to create a new high performance fenestration framing solution: “warm aluminium”. Precision-manufactured with a high quality surface finish and affording elegant door frame sightlines once installed, aluminium is the material of choice for folding sliding door applications today. But now there’s an even better solution. At the heart of WarmCore products is a 3rd generation thermal break which significantly outperforms the polyamide thermal breaks commonly used to reduce the threat of cold bridging on aluminium windows and doors. WarmCore’s innovative “warm aluminium” frame construction is key to offering unrivalled thermal performance with U-values as low as 1.4 W/m2K using standard 28mm double glass or 1.0 W/m2K using 44m triple glass.

Synsealenquiry34

introducing the perfect design solution- maintenance free PrimaPorcelain flooring, the stylish alternative to indoor floor tiles and outdoor natural stone paving or flagstones from Greensquares, the UK’s outdoor living experts.

PrimaPorcelain is stain, scratch and slip resistant. No sealing is needed; a wipe clean will leave tiles and paving like new. Even grease, oils and red wine spillages are easily and quickly removed.

All of our core products are in stock and available for UK delivery in a maximum of five working days.

PrimaPorcelain’s stylish 1cm specialist indoor tiles are complemented by equally good looking, hard-working, textured 2cm outdoor paving, where added grip factor helps prevent slipping and promotes use whatever the weather. They can be ably accommodated in any new builds, new extensions, open out kitchen developments or bifold door improvements.

On the one hand, ubiquitous Ceramics offer a limited, protective glaze that is simply not as hard wearing or stain resistant as fired porcelain. On the other, traditional natural stone collects and ingrains dirt and is always vulnerable to accidental staining and chipping.

PrimaPorcelain’s innovative construction looks fantastic but remains highly flexible and versatile to use. Its stylish elegance and stunning looks belie a tough character, durability and adaptability. Our Porcelain is manufactured in Italy from extremely pure clays and minerals, shaped by dry pressing and fired at a high temperature. This

EXCITING PLAY OPPORTUNITIES FROM SUTCLIFFE PLAY

produces ultra-tough flooring with film star looks that is resistant and resilient, frostproof, fireproof, weather-proof and maintenance free.

PrimaPorcelain is available in a wide range of stunning colours, hues and shades. Check out our online product selector to get a flavour of the PrimaPorcelain experience.

With an extensive, flexible range of play equipment available to suit any space and budget, Sutcliffe Play is perfectly placed to deliver exciting play opportunities for housing developments. The company installed a £100,000 playground on a 48.6 hectare housing development, Weedon Hill in Aylesbury. The play area incorporates Sutcliffe Play’s innovative multi-use games area (MUGA), swings and roundabouts along with key pieces from the Kaiser & Kühne range including embankment slides and seesaws. Log edging was used to create a sense of closure around the area without creating barriers using fencing.

SutcliffePlayenquiry36

Recycled Plastic Building Materials

Cladding

Fencing Synthetic Wood

01282

861325

GreenSquaresenquiry35 www.tobermore.co.uk | 0844 800 5736 | S e Q od an e to o t f n d o u t m o r bg r g i c k ra r n a e s www tobermor

SOUNDING - OFF

The Code of Practice for fire alarm systems in domestic premises, BS 5839 Part 6: 2013, is recognised as the authoritative guidance for all housing. Typically, for new and most existing houses up to 3 storey and individual flats, the Code recommends smoke alarms in all escape routes and any areas where fires might start, such as living rooms, plus heat alarms in all kitchens. But it fails to address the problem of occupants being able to hear triggered alarms, particularly to wake them at night.

REDUCED BED-HEAD AUDIBILITY

The drive for better acoustic privacy within housing is leading to incr eased sound r eduction from partitions and, particularly, internal doors and doorsets that can substantially reduce audibility of landinglocated alarms at the bed-head where it is needed. Fire-rated doors and smoke seals can exacerbate this issue. Smoke alarms in circulation spaces must be within 3m of all bedroom doors and generate 85dB(A) at the doorway, while Part 1 of BS 5839 recommends a sound level of 75dB at the bed-head.

But the Code itself recognises that doors attenuate sound by at least

alarm sounder – inside the bedroom. Nonetheless, it dismisses this as a recommendation, presumably on cost grounds, justified by a lack of evidence that lives are being lost. Interestingly, the Irish standard I.S. 3218:2013, which generally mirrors the BS Code, clearly recommends interconnected smoke alarms in all bedrooms, as part of Category LD2 systems.

SMART ANSWER

An innovative solution to this issue is Kidde’s unique ‘Smart Interconnect’ f eatur e which creates a comprehensive system for whole home protection, interlinking the company’s hard-wired smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms. With this feature, when a smoke or heat alarm is triggered, all the interconnected alarms – including CO alarms –activate to alert occupants of fire. When a Kidde hard-wired CO alarm is triggered by carbon monoxide, all the interconnected CO alarms activate.

Crucially, the CO alarms have different, distinct alarm sounder patterns for carbon monoxide and fire, as required by BS 5839 Part 6:2013 –supported by different display messages on the digital model. So, without

switches), Smart Interconnect automatically alerts occupants of the specific hazard that confronts them. This allows them to respond quickly, making the right choice from the very different alternative actions for either fire or the presence of carbon monoxide.

Using Smart Interconnect, Kidde CO alarms in bedrooms act as sounders for the smoke/heat alarm system as well as warning of carbon monoxide. This solves the problem of limited audibility of landing-located smoke alarms at the bed-head, resulting from sound-reducing doors. Smart Interconnect adds another benefit to both Kidde’s Firex® and Slick® ranges of hard-wired smoke and heat alarms.

For more information about Kidde, email: sales@kiddesafety.co.uk or call: 01753 766 392.

GOLDEN GATES HOUSING SPECIFIES AICO MULTI-SENSOR

Golden Gates Housing, in Warrington, has chosen to install Aico’s unique Multi-Sensor mains powered fire alarms as standard across its entire housing stock of 8,658 properties. It used quality and value for money to help determine the decision to switch to Aico’s Multi-Sensor as the alarm of choice, because it is strong on both measures. The Ei2110 Multi-Sensor contains two separate sensing technologies –Optical and Heat. Working together they can detect all fire types, providing the best response to a fire and monitor the levels of smoke and heat intelligently, which results in less false alarms.

Aicoenquiry42

PLUMIS AUTOMIST SAVES THE DAY

Truffle, a London-based property developer recently undertook the refurbishment of a 3-storey, Victorian, terraced house in Hammersmith. The project’s architect and historic building consultant, Peter Powlesland knew that ordinarily, a protected fire escape route would have been required by Hammersmith Building Control.

However, Peters client wanted an open-plan lowest floor with no separation at all between the large kitchen living room and the

staircase; in other words, without a protected route to the front door on the floor above, and thence to the street.

Building Control was, initially, adamant that a protected route would be required; however, the building control officer suggested that Peter should investigate Plumis Automist as a possible solution to the impasse.

The Automist system uses a high pressure pump to generate a fine water mist from nozzles mounted under a standard monobloc mixing tap, standalone on a worktop or on a wall that rapidly suppresses a fire and thereby provides sufficient protection to satisfy the building control requirements of many applications. It’s connected to the domestic water supply and requires no tank and much less water than traditional sprinklers.

The need for significantly less pipe-work and the prevention of potentially devastating home damage in the event of fire by suppressing flames and thus limiting smoke and heat were further compelling reasons for choosing Automist.

Elite Fire Safety are the principal accredited installers for Plumis Automist in the London area and in this case they fitted the system comprising of two pumps, associated hoses and sprayheads in an under-stair cupboard at lower ground-floor level in just one day.

Peter had never tried the innovative fire protection solution before but he says he would readily use it again. “The spray-heads were very discreet and did not impinge on our design. The District Surveyor was very happy with it and it was very good value for money.

The value of 25 New Kings Road has increased a great deal thanks to Automist which allowed us to complete the open plan design, which is currently so much in demand by property buyers. In short, Automist saved the day!”

For further information on this project or the Plumis Automist range of water-mist suppression solutions call Plumis on +44 (0) 20 7871 3899, visit www.plumis.co.uk or email info@plumis.co.uk

AICO LAUNCHES NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR ITS CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS

Aico has launched AudioLINK, a revolutionary new data extraction technology integrated into all of its Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms.

AudioLINK allows for invaluable real time data to be extracted via the Alarm’s sounder - all you need is an AudioLINK enabled CO Alarm, a tablet or smartphone and most importantly the free AudioLINK App.

This data is converted into an Alarm Status Report, which is simple to review and store.

The Report is created for the life of the Alarm, and is colour coded to identify the urgency of any issue.

Aico enquiry43

Plumisenquiry44

FIFE COUNCIL TO INSTALL 30,000 AICO FIRE/CO ALARM INTERFACES

NEW ENERGY-SAVING SMOKE & HEAT ALARMS LAUNCHED

Low energy consumption is high on the agenda for the new Firex range of smoke and heat alarms, alongside a host of other advanced features ideally suited to all types of housing.

For many years, Firex has proved itself as a popular range of costeffective hard-wired, interconnectable alarms, satisfying Building Regulations and British Standards requirements. The latest generation of Firex optical and ionisation smoke alarms, and heat alarms – available from mid-June 2015 – now offers Standard, Long Life and Rechargeable battery back-up versions of each sensing technology, giving nine options in all.

Fife Council is undergoing a programme to install 30,000 Aico Ei414 Fire/Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm Interfaces throughout its housing stock. The Ei414 is a flexible device that provides a dedicated connection between Aico RadioLINK Smoke, Heat and CO alarms with most new and existing Telecare/Warden Call Systems, enabling an emergency signal to be transmitted directly to that system if fire or CO is detected. The new Ei414 directly interacts with the different systems fitted within the properties to ensure the safety of the Council’s tenants.

Aicoenquiry47

The latest range is fully compatible with all previous Firex alarms and highlights several new advanced features. A particularly important benefit is the substantially lower, maximum mains energy consumption of less than 15mA – in the order of just 3.5W and less than many household items left on standby. This represents a 70% energy saving over previous models, ensuring significantly lower running costs and improving a building’s sustainability credentials.

Other new features include an Alarm Memory Function where a flashing LED continues after an alarm has been triggered to easily

HOT NEWS FROM APEER

New World Developments, the parent company of Apeer, has launched a new and upgraded version of its 30-minute composite fire door. Isolate2 replaces the original Isolate door, which has become a preferred choice with local authority specifiers keen to tackle fire concerns in multi-resident housing and local authority homes. Isolate2 is a 44mm thick door leaf made up of two GRP skins with an engineered timber core set into a 70mm hardwood frame which is tested to BS EN 942. Available in five styles, the door leaf comes in a choice of six colours with white frames.

Apeer enquiry49

Passive Fire Protection

Passive fire protection is constantly being reviewed to improve tenant safety in social housing and prevent the spread of fire. Most of the common fire pathways have been identified and closed off (e.g. firedoors, pipe collars etc). Other routes for fire to spread are now being discovered, such as meter boxes mounted within the internal walls.

Back in November 2012 Ritherdon carried out fire testing at Chiltern International Ltd., which is now known as BM Trada. The FireSeal and fire rated Meter Box were tested and achieved >60 minutes ‘integrity performance’ or resistance. Subsequent testing was carried out in September 2014 and there is now a FireSeal Vented and Riser FireSeal.

All these products have been installed at various locations in the country. They are quick and easy to install and reinstate the integrity of a firewall which has been compromised. All products are tested to BS EN 1363, EN 1364 and EN 1366

Ritherdon have been established since 1895, are renowned for the quality of their workmanship and innovative ideas. The products are manufactured in their factory in Darwen, Lancashire.

Ritherdon also have a standard range of doors and frames which fit over damaged meter boxes, they are simple to fit without having to disconnect the utilities, therefore, a major saving in labour but also not having to renew the whole meter box which is very costly. The Ritherdon range of doors and frames are fitted in 2-15 minutes, providing a robust solution rather than more GRP which can be easily damaged again.

To learn more please visit our website www.ritherdon.co.uk

and quickly identify the source unit. The three new optical alarms now feature dust compensation and a bug screen to help minimize nuisance alarms. All the models retain popular Firex features including a combined Test/Hush button, Auto-reset facility and a tamper-resistant locking device. Up to 23 Firex alarms can be interlinked creating a network for protection throughout the home. Firex can also form part of Kidde’s ‘Smart Interconnect’ feature which creates a comprehensive system for whole home protection, interlinking the company’s hard-wired smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms.

Kiddeenquiry48

AICO’S RADIOLINK PROVIDES COUNCIL WITH SIMPLE SMOKE ALARM SYSTEM UPGRADE

Sheffield City Council has changed its smoke alarm specification for maisonettes to feature Aico’s RadioLINK mains powered smoke alarms, which provide wireless alarm interconnection. RadioLINK allows Aico smoke and heat alarms to be interconnected using Radio Frequency (RF) signals, eliminating the need for interconnecting cabling; it saves times and disruption. Aico Ei166RC optical smoke alarms are being fitted in the escape routes (halls and landing) of all 2200 maisonettes owned by the Council over a two year period. They are replacing the current battery powered alarms, so upgrading their current BS 5839-6 Grade F system to a BS 5839-6 Grade D system. Aicoenquiry50

NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSUMER UNITS

As of the January 5 2015, the Amendment 3 to BS7671:2008 Requirements for Electrical Installation (IET Wiring Regulation) has been published, which outline new regulations that will affect all of the consumer units put in the new builds in UK. Envirograf R&D have been working hard to provide a solution that will allow for a quick and easy access to the consumer unit, whilst providing the necessary fire protection to satisfy the new regulations. Plastic units have always been a fire hazard as normally they are placed on an escape routes on flats, houses and intakes.

Envirografenquiry52

New Range

The next generation of Firex® hard-wired, interconnectable optical and ionisation smoke alarms and heat alarms – now with Standard, Long Life and Rechargeable battery back-up versions in each sensing technology – meeting Building Regulations and British Standards requirements.

New Features

70% Reduced Energy Consumption – *compared with previous Firex® models

identifies the source unit when triggered on all optical alarms minimising nuisance alarms

Saving Energy KF20 Optical Smoke Alarm KF30 Heat Alarm READER ENQUIRY 53

HM THE QUEEN HONOURS ANCON WITH A SECOND QUEEN’S AWARD

Three years after receiving the prestigious Queen’s Award for Innovation, Ancon’s outstanding business performance has been recognised again in 2015 with a second Queen’s Award, this time in the International Trade category.

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are presented annually by HM The Queen for exceptional business achievements in International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development.

Ancon exports its wide range of high integrity steel fixings to the construction industry throughout Europe, Australasia and North America, and in selected territories of Asia and Africa.

Ancon enquiry54

Mind the Gap!

BRAGGING RIGHTS ON SNAGGING

According to manufacturer Durisol UK, its building system that makes use of hollow blocks that are simply placed one above the other then filled with concrete, promise far fewer snagging issues than timber frame or traditional brick and block construction.

External walls can be built using the 500mm long by 250mm high by 365mm wide Durisol blocks which are made from softwood chippings that are mixed with a specially formulated cementitious compound before being pressed into a special mould.

Part of the formulation is incorporated to ensure the timber does not rot, and will not burn.

Clear channels are created in the block – running from top to bottom – that allow the installation of insulation at manufacturing stage (PIR or Graphite polystyrene) and, once assembled on site, the pouring of concrete to create the strong, rigid structure.

It is then simply a case of rendering on the inside and out. With this system, there is virtually no shrinkage ... reducing the risk of cracking and the need to make good.

Other block sizes include a 300mm width – also suitable for external walls – and a 170mm wide block for structural internal walls. There is also a 250mm wide option specifically designed for party walls.

DurisolUKenquiry56

BRICK MANUFACTURING RISES TO MEET HOUSEBUILDING CHALLENGE

Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal that the number of bricks produced in the UK during the first quarter of 2015 is 464 million bricks (provisional) a rise of 22 million bricks or 5% from the same period in 2014. Simon Hay CEO of the BDA comments: “It is fantastic to see this vibrant and forward-thinking industry prepared to invest in re-opening mothballed plants and the recent news of an entirely new plant further demonstrates the brick manufacturers’ readiness to respond to the increase in housebuilding volume.”

WHEN TIME AND ENERGY ARE OF THE ESSENCE

The first five homes of a substantial development for Mid-Wales Housing Association have been built at a rapid pace, with the inner leaf construction going up in just five weeks, thanks to the H+H Rå Build method and Thin-Joint System. The Rå Build method helped to achieve this delivering a U-Value of 0.18W/mK. Rå Build is an inclusive package which comprises aircrete blockwork and quicksetting Thin-Joint Celfix mortar. It creates the ground floors, exterior walls, upper floors and partitions, creating a weather-tight masonry shell, for a time-efficient, cost-effective solution.

H+Henquiry57

SWISSLAB CHOSEN FOR CHALLENGING HIGH-RISE REFURBISHMENT

Riverbank and Newbank Towers in Salford, are two highrise residential tower blocks owned and maintained by award-winning housing provider Salix Homes.

As part of the ongoing upgrade of its high-rise properties, Salix Homes specified 3000m2 of Alumasc’s industry-proven Swisslab EWI, installed by BLD Construction (Facades) Ltd using 60mm Phenolic Insulation and finished with a combination of traditional clay brick slips to the lower floors.

The product was chosen for their high levels of impact resistance –with the remaining floors completed using silicone render, specified for its lightweight properties which minimise the structural impact of the system.

Alumasc’s technical team worked closely with the Rainscreen Manufacturer and the Project Architect to accommodate the inclusion of rainscreen cladding between the windows.

To ensure the interfacing detail between the EWI and the rainscreen panels was not susceptible to water ingress, the EWI was continued behind the rainscreen system with Alumasc’s hydrophobic scrim adhesive used to provide a waterproof seal around the brackets of the rainscreen system. This detail provides continuity to the thermal performance and eliminates cold bridging.

Residents of Riverbank and Newbank Towers now enjoy warmer homes and lower energy bills with an achieved U value reduction from 1.47W/m2k to 0.26W/m2k.

Alumascenquiry63

A FRESH NEW LOOK FOR FERROB VENTILATION FERROB LAUNCHES NEW VENTILATION PRODUCT GUIDE AND WEB SITE

Ferrob Ventilation, recently acquired by Polypipe Ventilation, is pleased to announce the arrival of its new and improved website –www.ferrob.co.uk – and Ventilation Short Form Product Guide to promote its range of residential ventilation products to the social and private housing sectors. The eight page Ventilation Short Form Product Guide has been designed to provide an overview of the company’s product range, which includes intelligent bathroom and kitchen axial, centrifugal and in-line fans with features such as digital humidity displays and run time monitors through to energy efficient central extract and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems, in addition to positive input ventilation (PIV) units. The clean, fresh design and concise easy to follow layout is complemented by the clear identification of the features and customer benefits. Suitable room types are highlighted for each product range to further help customers to identify which ventilation technology best suits their needs.

FerrobVentilationenquiry65

SAPPHIRE’S BALUSTRADES ARE RIGHT ON TRACK AT NEWBURY RACECOURSE

Residential balustrades, superbly styled and intelligently engineered by Sapphire, are situated right by the track in an exciting new development at Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire. ‘Sapphire provided over two miles of balustrades to balconies, terraces and internal stairways for around 400 apartments. Terraces and balconies with beautiful clear glass balustrades are a key architectural element of the development’s track-side apartments, ensuring that residents can enjoy stunning views over the racecourse. The balconies are integrated structures, with concrete decks that form an integral part of the structural façade, rather than being bolted on to it.

SapphireBalustradesenquiry61

WICKES ROLLS OUT SETCRETE FLOOR PREPARATION PRODUCTS NATIONWIDE

An extended range of Setcrete floor preparation products are now available in all Wickes branches nationwide.

Wickes will now stock Setcrete’s Rapid Set 30 and High Performance floor levelling compounds, as well as Setcrete Acrylic Primer. The products will join Setcrete’s Universal floor levelling compound, which is already available at Wickes nationwide.

Setcrete Rapid Set 30 can be used to rapidly create a perfectly smooth, durable surface before the installation of new floorcoverings. Applicable in thicknesses of 2 – 10mm in a single application, Rapid Set 30 is walk-on hard in just 30 minutes, and can be ready to receive new floorcoverings from only 45 minutes.

Setcrete High Performance is a fibre-reinforced, flexible, fast-drying floor levelling compound, designed for use over plywood, concrete and cement screed subfloors. The product is designed to level uneven subfloors quickly and easily, allowing for the installation of new floorcoverings in as little as 4 hours.

Setcrete’s Acrylic Primer is designed to promote adhesion of Setcrete floor levelling compounds to smooth absorbent and nonabsorbent surfaces, and also to prevent unacceptably rapid drying of the levelling compound.

Setcreteenquiry62

POLYFLOR FLOORING FEATURES IN AFFORDABLE NEW HOMES AT PONTYPRIDD HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

A range of Polyflor’s high design and high performance vinyl flooring was recently installed at Rhondda Housing Association’s brand new Llys Graig Y Wion social housing development in Pontypridd, Wales. Polyflor’s Acoustix Forest fx, Colonia and Polysafe Verona flooring was installed in apartments and bungalows. A total of 520m² of Acoustix Forest fx PUR sheet vinyl flooring in European Oak 3345 was installed in communal areas. Colonia PUR luxury vinyl tile in English Oak 4435 was fitted throughout living spaces and Verona PUR decorative, carborundum-free safety flooring was also installed in apartment bathrooms.

Polyflorenquiry64

Timóleon underfloor heating - the last word in glamping

LITTLE COOMBE FARM, DOWN ON THE COAST OF DEVON, IS CONSIDERED TO OFFER THE MOST COMFORTABLE AND GLAMOROUS FORM OF CAMPING – OR GLAMPING – POSSIBLE: WITH TWO PAIRS OF CEDAR CLAD YURTS PROVIDING EVERY CREATURE COMFORT IN A WOODLAND SETTING OVERLOOKING A BEAUTIFUL RIVER VALLEY AND JUST IN CASE THE WEST COUNTRY WEATHER ISN’T WARM ENOUGH, THERE’S EVEN TIMÓLEON’S UNDERFLOOR HEATING TO KEEP THE GLAMPERS COMFORTABLE.

Owl Yurt and Pheasant Yurt each comprise an eight metre diameter main structure containing the master bedroom suite, complete with shower room, toilet and spacious lounge/kitchen/diner, leading onto a four metre diameter satellite with the second bedroom as well as a wet room and across the dumbbell shaped floorplan, Timóleon’s LowBoard system – part of the manufacturer’s well proven range - has been installed to deliver controllable warmth within accommodation where radiators would look as out of place as a staircase.

While the construction of the LowBoard panels helps keep overall floor depth to a minimum, Timóleon’s Technical Design Service created an installation layout to respect the circular floor plan of the Yurts, able to deliver maximum efficiency from minimum pipe lengths. The seven pipe runs totalling 360 metres in length are connected back to one of Timóleon’s Axios compact manifolds which measures just 615 x 415 x 100 mm; and that is able to deliver a flow of 310llitres per hour. The system is designed to have a flow temperature of 550 C and a return temperature of 450 C; optimizing boiler performance. The LowBoard system has been laid over a suspended timber floor construction that has insulation within the void depth, while 22 mm thick wooden flooring covers the pipework that still allows good thermal transmission.

POLYFLOR LAUNCHES DESIGNATEX FOR THE HOME

Polyflor has launched the latest range of beautifully designed and hard wearing flooring developed specifically for the home, the Designatex collection of textile backed luxury sheet vinyl flooring. The stylish yet practical Designatex vinyl flooring range includes 12 wood effect and 6 stone effect designs to enhance any room in the home. To complement both traditional and modern interiors, the wood collection features a variety of wood species and layouts including three classic parquet designs. These wood designs accurately replicate the warmth, grain detail and natural textures of real wood planks for an authentic finish.

Polyflorenquiry68

BOWATER PROJECTS COMPLETES FIVEYEAR £12M PROJECT WITH HOUSING ASSOCIATION MIDLAND HEART

LONDON TO ATHENS WITH FREEFLOW

Freefoam Building Products has released figures to show that if all the guttering sold in 2014 was laid end to end it would reach from London to Athens. Freefoam’s rainwater range, Freeflow, offers clever solutions to common issues giving fitters considerable benefits with the added choice both PVC and Cast Iron effect finishes. Co-extruded gutter with a white interior to minimise heat absorption and reduce expansion, highly visible red advanced longlife compressible seals which create flexible water-tight joints, and gutters and downpipes covered with protective film to survive transit and storage.

FreefoamBuildingProductsenquiry67

CASCADE TICKS ALL THE BOXES AT GARDEN CITY DEVELOPMENT

A new housing development at Waterlooville in Hampshire features the Cascade cast iron style rainwater system from Brett Martin Plumbing & Drainage to combine a heritage aesthetic, simple installation and a low maintenance solution. Manufactured with modern plastic materials, Cascade offers a traditional appearance without the cast-iron price tag. Costing a fraction of the price to buy, install and maintain, Cascade can replace an aluminium or cast iron rainwater specification to deliver projects under budget, ahead of schedule and exceeding expectations. Each element of the system has been carefully designed to replicate original features, dimensions and detailing.

BrettMartinenquiry69

GTC AND SKY PARTNERSHIP TO SERVICE NEW HOMES IN READING

A partnership between GTC and Sky, collectively offering a unique package of superfast fibre broadband (GTC) and premium TV services (Sky), is due to service homes at a popular new Bellway Homes development in Reading, it was announced today.

GTC and Sky have revealed that new homeowners will have the opportunity to benefit from a market-leading package of premium TV services from Sky and fixed-line home phone and broadband speeds of up to 300Mbps will be supplied by GTC’s fibre optic network, both services will be available to them from the day they move into the property.

SKY enquiry72

Bowater Projects, part of The VEKA UK Group, has successfully completed a five-year project worth £12m, working with one of the UK's top housing and care organisations, Midland Heart.

Over the project's five years, Bowater Projects coordinated the supply and installation of around 34,000 frames to between 5,500 and 6,000 properties in the Midlands. System 10 profile from Halo was used for the PVC-U window and door installations. Timberframed windows, double rebate composite doors and fire doors were also supplied and fitted over the course of the project.

BowaterProjectsenquiry70

SIKA PROTECTS HISTORIC FINSBURY TOWER BLOCKS

A high quality application of Sika protective coatings has helped to breathe new life into two ageing and historically significant concrete tower blocks in central London, ensuring they will remain protected from the elements long into the future. On Cruikshank Street in Finsbury, London, the Grade II Listed Bevin Court council housing block was built on the site of the bomb-destroyed Holford Square in 1954. Featuring 112 dwellings across seven floors, its 60 year old concrete exterior required a new protective coating to repair and prevent aesthetic and structural damage.

Sikaenquiry71

SAPPHIRE’S FIRST IN CLASS GLIDE-ON BALCONIES CHOSEN FOR FIRST CENTRAL

A glide-on balcony system, specially developed by Sapphire Balustrades for residential projects, has enabled faster, simpler installation of 119 projecting balconies at First Central, a striking new residential development in North West London.

Sapphire’s combination of offsite manufactured balcony units or ‘cassettes’ and innovative glide-on connectors saves time and cost for housebuilders, developers and contractors. The individual balconies, complete with glass balustrades and sub-deck, simply ‘glide’ on to pre-erected connection brackets. Fascias, soffits and drainage systems can all be built into the cassette offsite, further reducing time on site.

SapphireBalustrades enquiry74

A JOY TO BEHOLD – BRISTAN BRINGS STYLE AND VALUE TO SHOWER CARE MARKET

Bristan has launched Joy Care, a BEAB Care and RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) endorsed shower.

Available from July, Joy Care combines shower functionality and fashionable appeal. Designed for people with varying capabilities, it also boasts a sleek design to suit any bathroom setting.

As with Bristan’s Joy electric shower, Joy Care thermostatic technology regulates the showering water temperature.

Features include easy to move dials, raised markings and an audible click which bleeps when settings are adjusted, illuminated stop/start button, an LED digital setting display and a grey contrasting back box; all designed to aid any age-related usage.

For further information please visit www.specifybristan.com or, https://www.linkedin.com/company/bristan-commercial Bristanenquiry77

FREEFOAM LAUNCHES NEW STYLE DOUBLE SHIPLAP CLADDING

Freefoam has launched Fortex Pro, a new style double shiplap board, that features an increased width of 333mm and thickness of 9mm creating a stronger board through improved profile design. Colour choice is important for any exterior building product and as colour specialists Freefoam have now added four new colours to this product range, Misty Grey, Cement Grey, Slate Grey and Cappuccino, making a total of ten. The combination of all these new features and the addition of superior colourfastness and weatherability properties using advanced skin technology makes Fortex Pro the perfect choice for all building professionals.

Freefoamenquiry75

FREE CPD GUIDE TO ENERGY SAVINGS OPPORTUNITY SCHEME

Organisations facing the compulsory requirements of the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) by the end of this year will be interested to hear of a free, CPD-certified guide from Mitsubishi Electric. The guide looks in detail at the scheme which is a mandatory energy assessment mechanism for large companies in the UK. Businesses which qualify for ESOS must carry out assessments every four years, with the first to be completed by the end of 2015.

ESOS is one of the key requirements mapped out to help the EU meet its 20 per cent energy saving target for 2020. Designed to comply with the 2012 European Energy Efficiency Directive, ESOS establishes a set of binding measures to help the EU reach its 20% energy efficiency target by 2020. The independent information in the guide has been compiled to outline the measures for success in the scheme and show companies how they can comply with the legislation.

The free guide can be downloaded at Mitsubishi Electric’s dedicated document library: http://library.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/pdf/book/Energy_Savings_O pportunity_Scheme_CPD_Guide

Mitsubishi Electric is certified by the Construction CPD Certification Service and has produced a number of independent Industry Information Guides designed to enhance the knowledge of customers and provide a view of the key issues facing our industry.

Mitsubishienquiry76

NEW SMOKE AND CO ALARM REGULATIONS FOR PRIVATE LANDLORDS

The government has announced new Regulations requiring private landlords in England to install and check smoke alarms and, in some instances, carbon monoxide alarms in their properties from October 2015. Kidde’s self-contained 10LLCO range of carbon monoxide alarms and 10Y29 compact optical smoke alarm all enjoy full 10-year guarantees covering both the alarm and sealed-in lithium battery. Alternatively, landlords may choose to install hard-wired mains smoke alarms with back-up power, meeting the recommendations of the BS 5839, Part 6: 2103 Code of Practice. For this, Kidde offers a wide range of products from its Firex and Slick ranges.

Kiddeenquiry78

One of the UK’s leading suppliers of high quality accommodation to the student sector, Jon Gauld Student Lets based in Kent, has chosen Coram Showerpods as their preferred supplier for a series of prestigious new developments aimed at students looking for superior accommodation in the area. Historically John Gauld have installed standard shower units across their developments but found that they were not fit for purpose and so they looked to leading shower manufacturer Coram for a new solution.

Installing a shower tray and tiling a bathroom requires the work of a carpenter, plasterer, tiler and plumber and can take up to three days for the installation to be completed. Coram Shower Pods allow for just one labourer to successfully install a leak-proof pod in only a few hours. With a Shower Pod, there is no need for tiling, grouting and drying time. The assembly can be completed in one visit, reducing time taken to install, making it an ideal product for large scale developments where installation time is of the essence.

Adam Winton of John Gauld Lets commented “We chose Coram Showerpods because we found we were increasingly replacing the standard shower units we had fitted because the trays were suffering from high levels of wear and tear from our tenants. Coupled with tiling issues, we needed to seek out a much more durable and hard wearing solution for all of our properties and new developments.” All Coram Shower Pods are designed and built in Britain to suit British building requirements and come with a 25 year guarantee.

To view the full Coram Showerpods range visit www.coramshowerpods.co.uk or for more information call 0115 9400644

Coramenquiry79

For more information visit www.wilo.co.uk or call 01283 523000

DURABLE NO TILE SOLUTION SHOWERPOD IS THE IDEAL CHOICE FOR STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

SILENCE UNDER THE ICEBERG

fibres, their benefits are high sound absorption, high durability, natural breathability, low cost life cycle performance and sustainability. They are used to improve acoustics in many different projects, such as schools, swimming pools, commercial and public buildings.

Available in various sizes and in three grades from ultrafine to coarse, they can be left painted or painted in virtually any RAL colour.

Troldtekt sustainability has also been recognised with certification at Silver level within the Cradle to Cradle concept.

Troldtektenquiry81

EIGHTY PER CENT OF CARTREFI CYMUNEDOL GWYNEDD RESIDENTS CHOOSE MARBREX

The so-called Iceberg residential block in Aarhus is another remarkable design from celebrated Danish architects Cebra, showcasing the way in which bare basements and indoor car-parking areas can be transformed into pleasant and quieter environments by using sound-absorbent ceiling panels.

In this large and rather ‘cold area’ with hard concrete surfaces, it was considered important to upgrade by reducing noise from cars and other resident activities. The architects’ solution was to install 2000sqm of Troldtekt panels in natural colours to improve the acoustics and create a pleasant texture and warmth.

Danish manufactured Troldtekt acoustic tiles are specified throughout the UK and Europe. Made with 100% natural wood

Part of an ongoing bathroom refurbishment programme, housing association Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd has installed Marbrex as a wall covering in over 4,500 homes.

Now in its fourth year the programme has seen over 80% of residents choose Marbrex over a tiled alternative. The panels are supplied by stockist, EWE Plastics of Caernarfon, Gwynedd via Travis Perkins Group Managed Services.

Marbrex can be installed in around half the time required for tiling, it can even be fitted over existing tiles. If the walls are clean, dry and flat then little preparation is required before the panels are fixed into place. As an added bonus, no grout is needed.

Will Evans, director of EWE Building Plastics rate’s the decorative cladding, “Marbrex is a great product for both the client and the installer. The client has access to a wide range of contemporary and stylish designs.

“There are also the low maintenance benefits that come with the elimination of grout and a reduction in condensation-related issues, whether on the wall or the ceiling; it’s also easy to clean and maintain. For the installer the simplicity of the installation means that work can be carried out quickly, and often with very little disruption to the resident.”

Marbrexenquiry82

Sewage treatment solutions for

challenging sites.

Advanced Aeration Ltd offer a full range of state-ofthe-art sewage treatment systems for domestic, commercial and industrial waste water applications and also for major water utilities.