Housing Specification October/November 2018

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Welcome

Among the numerous challenges being faced by the housing industry is how to adapt to an ageing population.

Our green and pleasant land is turning grey as rural England, with its beautiful countryside, fresh country air and peace and quiet, proves more popular than ever with the over-55’s.

A recent guide by the NHBC Foundation shows the number of 55-74 year olds living in rural areas increased by 30% between 2001 and 2015 – a percentage increase almost matched by the over-75’s age group.

Steve Wood, NHBC Chief Executive said: “The figures show an increasing proportion of 20-54 year olds settling in urban areas and more over55s are choosing to live in the country. It’s imperative that the industry considers these changes when deciding which types of houses should be built, and where, to meet the shifting needs.”

The facts about UK households come from the NHBC Foundation publication, ‘40 facts: homes, housing and house building today’. Steve Wood added: “We have gathered together some interesting facts about UK housing and house building to give you a picture of the homes we live in today. As our population changes so does the need for a broader range of products and tenures.”

Thousands of extra homes, specially designed for older people who need extra support, will be created over the next three years with an additional £76 million a year, government announce today.

The fund is run in partnership with Homes England for schemes outside London, and the Mayor of London for London-based schemes, who implement the programme. Providers can bid for money through Homes England and the Mayor of London’s office to build these specially designed new homes.

To streamline the process and enable as many schemes to get off the ground as possible, local authorities and housing developers will now be able to apply on a rolling basis, until all the funding has been allocated for the year.

Homes England Executive Director, Gordon More said: “Bidding for this important fund remains open with a further £125 million available through Homes England over the next three years. We urge all specialist housing providers to consider how they can access this funding to provide new homes for vulnerable people.”

Paul Groves Group Editor paul.groves@tspmedia.co.uk

Housebuilders are seeking economic and policy stability

Planning permissions, a strong indicator of future housing supply, continue to be granted at record high levels HBF/Glenigan’s latest Housing Pipeline report shows.

Permission for more than 350,000 new homes were granted in the year to June, as housebuilders continue to invest. Housing supply climbed to 217k in 2016/17, a 74% increase in just four years, but still well short of the 300k new homes a year target set by Government.

The Pipelinereport shows that for the year up to June 2018, the picture was very positive with 354,646 plots granted planning permission on 20,076 sites. This is the first time for a decade that more than 20,000 sites have been granted planning permission in a 12-month period.

Over the course of the past 10 years, the average permissioned site has increased

in size by 58% from 19 units to 30. Today’s figures reflect the first fall in average site size for annualised planning permissions for almost five years (Q4 2013).

The confidence in the market, supported by Help to Buy, has enabled builders to invest in the land, material and people needed to deliver further increases in supply – but a decision on the future of the Help to Buy scheme, that has played a key part in supporting new build sales, is urgently needed.

Whilst the industry welcomes the continued high level of permissions being granted, it needs to be recognised that it will take months or years for many of these permissions to be processed by Local Planning Authorities to the point where builders are actually allowed to start building.

Stewart Baseley, executive chairman at HBF said: “The fact that permissions are now

Developers embracing modern methods of construction

A new report from the NHBC Foundation highlights how trailblazing developers are exploring the use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).

The new report, ‘Modern methods of construction: who’s doing what?’, found that developers at the forefront were investing significantly in MMC and that a majority had plans to expand the number of homes they build using such methods.

Among the house builders, housing associations and developer/manufacturers included, the report details high levels of adoption of different, advanced forms of MMC such as volumetric modules and panelised systems. Better quality, improved efficiency, accelerated delivery and increased

productivity are cited by these developers as key factors driving their uptake of MMC.

Neil Smith, NHBC Head of Standards, Innovation and Research, said: “The study explores the current levels of interest in MMC from a range of developers of different sizes and types and provides a useful benchmark to gauge future trends and patterns in the uptake of innovative forms of construction.

“Overall, the findings demonstrate a clear commitment by developers to delivering highquality new homes through the adoption of MMC. As this confidence in MMC grows and more technologies become proven, we will begin to realise the full potential for MMC to build more, and higher-quality, homes.”

running at over 350,000 a year shows that builders are investing in the land, and people needed to deliver more homes. If we are to get to 300,000 homes a year, we need to see consistently high levels of permissions being granted, and then crucially, processed efficiently.

“We also need to see the new planning system implemented by Local Authorities as intended and more sites, of all sizes, coming forward. Providing certainty over the future of the Help to Buy scheme, that has been central to the increases in output we have seen, is also key.”

Glenigan’s Economics Director, Allan Wilen, commented: “The residential development pipeline remains strong, despite a second quarter dip in residential unit approvals from the historically high levels seen over the last year. Indeed, the number of projects securing approval was up 17% on a year ago as permission was granted for more smaller sites.”

New working models for developers and councils

In the last two decades the number of council houses in Britain has halved according to government statistics released in November 2017, which show total stock in Britain of two million homes. In Glenigan’s ranking of the construction industry’s top 100 clients, 22 entries are local authorities but residential work is having little impact. Unlike the provinces, social housing work in London is booming.

In the three months to August 2018, housing starts in London surged 145% as work began on 5,774 units according to the National HouseBuilding Council. In the capital, an emerging trend is seeing big commercial housebuilders to form joint ventures with councils to develop unused land. This gives housebuilders access to land and local authorities a share of profits. Housebuilders are increasingly willing to accept this arrangement as these agreements unlock large sites, where their JV partner is also the local planning authority.

New NBS survey to map digital technologies

NBS, the leading provider of technical information, specification and BIM tools, has released a new survey looking into the use of digital technologies across the industry.

Available to complete now, the survey aims to understand the current attitudes and adoption of various technologies as well as predicted use and trends in the future.

“As we develop and lead on our own digital transformation within the industry, we also see the need for different technologies to work together within the same process,” said NBS CEO, Richard Waterhouse.

“In the past few years, we’ve highlighted and progressed a number of partnerships with technology vendors such as Autodesk, Graphisoft, and Vectorworks and developed a number of plug-ins to compliment various NBS tools with other leading technology platforms in order for our customers to be able to access and collaborate across different tools, getting the results they need and not limited by technology.

“With our customers in mind, we want to be able to see what technologies the industry is using day-to-day, understand the attitudes and adoption process when it comes to new

technology and perhaps look at what the industry is currently missing.”

The survey looks into how digital technology is changing how you work, business processes, specification writing, using documents and spreadsheets, design tools, models and objects, project extranets and common data environments.

NBS will also be looking for case studies to promote as part of the report.

RIBA publishes new placemaking report

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published a new set of recommendations ahead of the final publication of Sir Oliver Letwin MP’s Independent Review of Build Out.

The final Review, which is expected to be published next week, will look at the cause of the gap between housing completions and the amount of land allocated or granted planning permission in areas of high housing demand.

The RIBA’s report identifies the necessary political conditions for building more highquality housing. It makes recommendations for

how quality and supply can be increased through better placemaking, with a greater diversity of tenures and types of homes alongside improved planning, delivery and maintenance.

The report sets out ten characteristics of housing developments where people want to live, illustrated with valuable case study evidence demonstrating the relationship between design quality and the rate of supply in the delivery of much needed, well-built affordable homes.

RIBA President Ben Derbyshire said: “The first stages of Sir Oliver Letwin’s Review provided a

Investment to tackle inefficient heating

An £8.5m investment has seen Kensa Heat Pumps appointed as the preferred ground source heat pump (GSHP) supplier to Together Energy.

As part of Together Housing Group, Together Energy is dedicated to improving the lives of residents through investment into low carbon energy efficiency programmes.

Together Energy has taken the decision to remove the expensive systems in 709 of its

properties in a planned programme of change. This sets to benefit the back pockets of those customers through the supply of green energy via shared loop Kensa ground source heat pumps.

These systems are up to three times more efficient than the cumbersome storage heaters. Not only will this investment save the residents of Together Housing on average £195 per year on heat and hot water, it provides the organisation with an income through the Renewable Heat Incentive.

The survey closes at the end of November. NBS will make the findings available before the end of the year

NBS’ research team recently released NBS’s fourth National Construction Contracts and Law Report and completed a report on behalf of Microsoft and the RIBA, Digital Transformation in Architecture, which explores the benefits and challenges of the innovative technologies that are changing the way architects work.

refreshing re-examination of the housing market and I look forward to seeing the conclusions.

“Unlocking housing supply through improved design quality is essential to ensure we build places that will last, and where people want to live. I hope the RIBA’s recommendations will inform the Letwin Review and reinforce its impact.

“With the lifting of the housing borrowing cap, the onus is now on local authorities and their partners to rise to the challenge and ensure that the next generation of housing developments raises the bar when it comes to quality and sustainability.”

The investment follows a successful pilot scheme with Kensa in Halifax, featuring the upgrade of two blocks of 60 flats.

To make an enquiry - Go online: www.enquire2.com Send a fax: 01952 234003 or post our free Reader

BBA and LABC’s rallying call for 100% Hackitt

100% Hackitt – an industry initiative to encourage the government to deliver all of the recommendations contained within Dame Judith’s report – has been launched by Local Authority Building Control (LABC) and the British Board of Agrément (BBA).

These two influential organisations have united to bring focus to industry calls for a full adoption of Dame Judith’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety; together they are launching a new website www.100-hackitt.co.uk, producing ‘pledge cards’ for supporters to sign up to the initiative and pushing for an Early Day Motion debate in the House of Commons.

Their message is clear and unequivocal – the Hackitt review recommendations must be implemented in full.

Dame Judith attended the launch, delivering a keynote speech to a large number of cross-

party politicians, policy advisors and industry body representatives, telling them there was ‘massive need’ for culture change throughout the industry, with responsibilities clearly defined at every stage of a building’s lifecycle. “Much remains to be done to bring the construction industry up to the standards of other industries in terms of accountability, transparency and record keeping,” she said. “Don’t tinker, don’t tweak, it has to be fundamental.”

Claire Curtis-Thomas, BBA Chief Executive, described the 100% Hackitt initiative as ‘the best thing for the British construction industry in a generation’, adding: “The BBA is backing this initiative as strongly as we possibly can because we want to see bad practices in the industry eliminated and protection for the public and companies that are fully committed to high standards of delivery.”

Her comments were echoed by Paul Everall, LABC Chief Executive: “The LABC and the BBA

Ibstock Brick makes Mission Possible pledge

Ibstock Brick, the leading manufacturer of bricks in the UK, has made a pledge to install a solar plant at its Leicestershire headquarters by the end of next year as part of the Government’s Green GB Week.

The pledge, posted on the Mission Possible Pledge Wall - co-ordinated by leading environmental publisher edie.net - was made by Michael McGowan, Ibstock Brick’s Quality, Environmental & Energy Manager and is part of the company’s commitment to more efficient methods of manufacturing. The Mission Possible Pledge Wall is encouraging businesses of all sizes and across all sectors to be bold and make new commitments to achieving a sustainable future.

The pledges were made as part of the Government’s Green GB Week – a week-long series of content and events that showcases the benefits clean growth will bring to all parts of society.

share the same outlook and are determined to make a difference in our industry. But we’re not waiting, we’re getting on with building a safer future together – right now. The 100% Hackitt initiative is a space for everyone who wants to see systemic change in the construction industry and I hope the whole industry gets behind it.”

The launch event was facilitated by crossparty think tank Policy Connect through its parliamentary forum for the built environment, the Westminster Sustainable Business Forum. The initiative has the support of senior figures across the construction and fire safety sector including the Fire Sector Federation.

100% Hackitt unites those who wish to see cultural change in the construction industry, promoting safety and public trust via a forum which provides on-going opportunities to discuss cross-discipline issues whilst keeping pressure on Ministers to adopt all of the Hackitt review recommendations.

PENDOCK HAS HIGH-RISE FIRE PROTECTION COVERED

Growing concern regarding the speed with which fire can spread between high rise flats and through other HMOs is leading to the retrofitting of sprinkler systems within many building types: leading to an accompanying need for their protection from interference or concealment for aesthetic reasons.

As a result a number of social/private Housing Authorities and sprinkler installers are turning to a specialist British manufacturer, Pendock, for the supply of suitable solutions.

The Pendock lightweight 5mm preformed two sided ‘L’ shaped MX range provides easy handling for fitting at height, which increases the speed of installation where access to an accommodation is limited. The boxing has a durable white melamine finish, which reduces fitting time and maintenance costs (such as painting and cleaning).

MX accessories include internal and external corners, as well as stop-ends, butt joints and access panels. Importantly the Pendock profiles can fit closely around the typical circular sprinkler heads. Mid-wall locations,

including bulkheads, can be address using the three-sided version of the MX profiles, encompassed in Pendock’s CH range of channel casings.

The preformed boxing system ensures installation is hassle-free and is screw fixed to two timber battens so that it can be easily demountable for maintenance/inspection of the sprinkler system. Battens are typically fixed to the wall and ceiling, however where there is a false or asbestos ceiling Pendock have a new bracket system. This new system means that the asbestos does not need to be removed thus providing environmental benefits to residents and further cost saving, further details can be provided on request.

The need to contain fires is clear to all, while the availability of easy to install and maintain

casings from Pendock will make the siting of sprinklers both low cost and low impact for building owners and occupants alike.

Pendock

ALARM SYSTEMS RAISED TO TOP CATEGORY PROTECTION WITH AICO

Watford Community Housing has completed the installation of Grade D, LD1 fire detection systems in two 16 storey tower blocks using Aico Multi-Sensor Fire Alarms and accessories, wirelessly interconnected with Aico’s award winning RadioLINK+ RF technology.

Aico’s Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm uses two sensor types, optical and heat, to constantly monitor smoke and heat levels which are processed through intelligent detection software to provide the best response to all fire types, as well as reducing potential false alarms; the latter is enhanced through a dust compensation feature.

The Multi-Sensor comes with two types of data extraction technology. The award winning AudioLINK enables real time data to be extracted from each alarm directly to a smartphone or tablet via a free App to create an Alarm Status Report.

RadioLINK+ can extract total system data from a property, for a valuable record of the alarm system in each and every property managed, which is useful for both asset management and maintenance purposes.

As an added bonus RadioLINK+ data extraction doesn’t even require access to the property, thus avoiding disturbing tenants.

A further Aico product – the Ei414 Fire/ CO Alarm Interface - has been installed to provide a dedicated connection between the Aico Part 6 Fire Alarms in each property

and the Part 1 system in the communal hallway.

Aico

To make an enquiry - Go online: www.enquire2.com Send a fax: 01952 234003 or post our free Reader

WATERPROOF ROOF SYSTEM PROVIDES LONG-TERM PROTECTION

Sika-Trocal supplied the waterproof solution for a multiple roof installation at a high-end care home development which was stunning in appearance, performance and complexity.

The Hawthorns is a new, all-inclusive, luxury retirement community complex designed to encourage activity and independence in its residents.

The four-storey building located in Northampton is an exemplar in style and practically, hence the need for a high-quality roof which enhanced the property’s aesthetics and offered optimum, long-term waterproof protection.

In order to achieve this, contractors, Ithaca Roofing, installed Sika-Trocal’s Type ‘S’ system to the building’s two main roofs which covered a 2,300m2 area.

Aided by the membrane’s light, easy-handling ability, installers worked quickly and concisely to minimise disruption to other nearby trades and avoid project delays. This required implementing the highest safety standards to eliminate the potential for on-site injury. Initial waterproofing works involved the installation of “loose laid” Sika-Trocal S-VAP 500E, a vapour control layer based on Polyethylene, to the building’s substrate.

As well as installing waterproofing to the roof’s main body, Ithaca fitted its 1.5-metre parapets. This presented a challenge, as each huge section had to fit precisely in order to create a crisp, uniform finish to the building’s edges.

A man-safe rail was also installed to ensure future roof inspections or maintenance can be carried out without incident.

The project’s complexity was enhanced with the inclusion of six balconies, two terraces and a car park podium. Each required a highquality waterproof system in the form of SikaTrocal SGmA, ballasted roof waterproofing membrane build-up and paving finish.

Lee Dunking, Single Ply Manager at Ithaca Roofing, said: “The retirement community complex is a superb, high-end development. It therefore required a quality waterproof roof system to match.

“With its easy-handling ability and wellfounded reputation for offering long-term weathertight protection, Sika-Trocal’s Type

‘S’ system proved the ideal solution for this project. Our installation team enjoyed working with this excellent system; our clients are delighted with its look and performance.”

In total, 3,000m2 of waterproof roofing was installed during the Hawthorns project. The installation - despite its complexity - was competed ahead of the client’s deadline; with Ithaca’s workmanship, combined with the quality of the Sika products used, ensuring the retirement community complex opened on schedule in summer 2018.

Sika-Trocal

LG HEATING LAUNCH SEES ARRIVAL OF AIR TO WATER HEAT PUMP RANGE

Wembley Stadium was the impressive backdrop for the recent LG renewable heating event that saw the announcement and introduction of the new Therma V R32 Monobloc air to water heat pump range – the first full range of R32 Monobloc heat pumps available.

Andrew Hooper is LG’s UK & Ireland Heating Manager in the Air Conditioning and Energy Solutions business: “As a package for the installer and the end user, this is a game changer in the air to water air source heat pump marketplace,” he says.

“The market for air source heat pumps is set to explode in the UK and this new range puts LG in pole position to take advantage of that increase in popularity.

“This new range of LG Therma V R32 Monobloc units puts us in a very good place, able to provide a high quality solution to the developers and end users in the UK looking for an energy efficient, cost efficient, eco-friendly source of heating and hot water that is ready and able to challenge the stranglehold of the traditional boilers that we have a love affair with here in the UK.”

LG has developed a high quality air to water heat pump range over many years under its Therma V branding.

Thousands of these units have been installed up and down the country. The latest introduction to its popular range, operating on the low GWP R32 refrigerant available in 5kW to 16kW 1Ø and 12kW to 16kW 3Ø, in a wide operating range of between 10-135Hz and water temperatures up to 65°C without an electric backup heater, is the LG Therma V R32 Monobloc range. It comes with an energy label rating of A+++ (ready for September 2019 erp changes).

The new version of the Therma V Monobloc contains a plate heat exchanger, expansion tank and a Grundfos water pump. The new units have a higher capacity due to the choice of refrigerant. The electric heater can be installed as an optional accessory as this is

LG also announced its new partnership with Pacifica Group to provide the new 0800 Repair service available nationwide for LG equipment operators and owners and warmed the attendees of the launch to the prospect of the soon to arrive Metering and Monitoring Service Package – the MMSP – a new tool for servicing and diagnostic procedures for installers developed with Regin.

The MMSP will help to grow interest in installing heat pumps in the UK with a

not always required. The latest units have a 5 to 6dB lower sound power level than previous models and incorporate a number of additional new features including a new revolutionary scroll compressor, designed and manufactured by LG Electronics with ‘wet vapour’ injection. The unit has excellent performance at low ambient temperatures – 100% at -7°C.

LG units offer quicker response times for the provision of heating and cooling, by sensing not only the temperature but also pressure – a pressure control sensor provides a faster and more accurate response, reducing the time delay for implementing heating or cooling commands significantly. The addition of pressure control enables the Therma V R32 Monobloc to take less time to reach the desired temperatures, with up to 30% quicker response in cooling and 44% quicker response in heating, with a high level of accuracy and stability built in.

financial incentive to do so alongside the RHI payments from the Government for generating renewable energy, and provide solid, meaningful information for Government that will enable it to back the installation of heat pumps across the country.

LG is also stepping up its training provision with additional training courses for installers via GRE Energy Training in Chesterfield.

The new offering from LG comes with a revolutionary new scroll compressor combining high efficiency and low noise characteristics of the scroll compressor with the stable compressing structure of a rotary compressor in one unit.

LG equipment has always benefitted from exceptional controllers. The new series comes with an intuitive controller, with a 4.3” coloured LCD display which is perfect for installers and end users alike.

LG

Natural

stone for

From our vertically integrated British sandstone production, to our well established international supply chains, Marshalls is the construction industry’s indispensable partner for projects in the built environment.

MERCHANTS DELIVER SUMMER SURGE AS EXTERNAL WORKS ENJOY A BOOM

Builders’ merchants have reported an increase in August sales of 3.5% compared to August 2017 on a same day basis. Timber & Joinery and Landscaping led with 9.5% and 6.9% growth respectively.

Total merchant sales in the three months were up 5.9% on last year on a same day basis. With Timber & Joinery and Landscaping also seeing an increase in threemonth on three-month (June – August) performance from last year, with Timber & Joinery up by 10.1% and Landscaping up 10%.

Total sales so far this calendar year January –August 2018 have grown on a same day basis by 3.9%.

All the data is contained in the Builders Merchants Building Index which tracks builders’ merchants’ actual sales using GfK data supplied by the UK’s leading merchants.

Builders merchants supply materials to the construction industry and directly to consumers for interior and exterior building and home refurbishments projects.

Brett Landscaping’s GeoCeramica paving has quickly become one of the company’s most popular products.

GeoCeramica is a new product range which innovatively combines porcelain paving with a pre-bonded drainage mortar base. Traditionally porcelain paving had to be installed using bound methods which can be time consuming, costly and complex.

With GeoCeramica, the combined porcelain and drainage mortar allows the paving to be

installed using unbound methods. This allows the benefits of porcelain paving to be enjoyed whilst also offering the speed, ease and cost benefits from unbound installation methods. Overall, this is a simple way of adding value and long-term benefit to the hard landscaping of someone’s new home.

The product is available in thicknesses of 40mm for patio paving and pathways and 60mm for driveways. A 10mm ‘tile-only’ option is also available for internal spaces. These options allow flowing designs and layouts, between the inside and outside, to be created and achieved.

With 14 colour options, this gives specifiers maximum design flexibility.

Perfect the rustic look and feel of individual cobble stones in your garden with Bradstone’s ingenious Carpet Stones.

With their unique design and intricate detailing, Carpet Stones give the illusion of a timely, skilled installation.

Arriving pre-laid on an underlying flexible mat, which can simply be cut and shaped with a pair of scissors to suit your patio requirements, it couldn’t be easier to bring a sense of period charm to your outdoor space.

Ideal for pathways, patios and driveways, and available in two colours - charcoal and rustic red – they are the perfect solution for awkward shaped areas or elaborate designs.

Such innovation and new product development has also been evident in drainage.

EASE THE PRESSURE ON HIGH-RISES

Polypipe Terrain is to supply ventilation, drainage, soil and waste systems to the colossal £385 million Deansgate Square development in Manchester city centre.

The 2.7-acre site, designed by award-winning architect Simpson, Haugh and Partners, will comprise 1,508 luxury apartments and across four high-rise blocks, including the 200m, 65-storey South Tower – the UK’s tallest residential building, surpassing the 50-storey St George Wharf Tower in Vauxhall, London, which stands at 181m.

Main contractor Renaker selected Terrain to design the vent piping. Polypipe devised a system that incorporated its exclusive P.A.P.A. (positive air pressure attenuator) and Pleura Vent system, which work in harmony to regulate air pressures within pipework and eliminate the need for a secondary vent.

Jonathan Greenwood, technical sales manager at Polypipe Terrrain, said: “The height of the development posed a unique challenge for the designers. The drainage stacks throughout the building had to manage huge amounts of pressure so a robust solution was required. Polypipe Terrain was able to supply a system that limited the pressures placed on the base of the stacks.

“By installing P.A.P.A. valves we were also able provide the developer with significantly more space in each individual apartment within the tower.”

Terrain also provided FUZE HDPE drainage stacks to minimise cost, installation times and resources, and a tailored PVC piping system. The stacks also have fewer joints to reduce the risk of leaks.

MASONRY PROTECTION

Safeguard Europe has augmented its market-leading Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream by introducing three additional, aligned products that deliver solutions from anti-graffiti coating to crack bridging and mortar repair.

The new range now comprises Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream, Stormdry XR Mortar, Stormdry AG Coat and Stormdry CB Coat.

Stormdry CB Coat is a water-resistant coating that bridges small cracks in walls, creating a waterproof barrier against rain. Being semibreathable, it can be used as a top coat for the company’s market-leading Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream when fine cracking is present – or in areas subject to extreme weather. Its high density initially results in a

ACO Building + Landscape has announced the launch of its new slimline doorway drainage system, Threshold Drain.

Designed to enhance property entrances leading onto driveways and patios, the system offers contractors and landscapers a unique way to add a subtle yet highly effective aesthetic finish to an installation.

One of the key attributes of Threshold Drain is its ability to prevent water ponding, which can diminish the overall appearance of the threshold and degrade masonry if the water is allowed to collect over a long period of time.

The body of the Threshold Drain system is made from extruded plastic that is compliant

very slight visual ‘satin’ change to the surface that fades with time.

Stormdry AG Coat anti-graffiti protection is a permanent water-resistant coating that allows for easy removal of aerosol paint, ‘permanent’ markers and fly posts. Applicable over already decorated walls, Stormdry AG results in a glossy surface that prevents paints adhering to the substrate and renders them easy to clean. So effective is the coating that, in the case of fly posters, the posters will ‘selfdetach’ after rainfall.

When used in conjunction Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream, it can also form part of a

‘water exclusion’ flood mitigation specification up to 0.6m above ground level. By applying Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream to masonry first, then Stormdry AG, an even better bond to the substrate is facilitated –enhancing the former’s already powerful water repellent properties.

The final new introduction is Stormdry XR Mortar. It is a polymer-modified mortar than cab be used to seal cracks or repair pointing to prevent water ingress, and reduce the possibility of further damage. The perfect wall preparation prior to the application of Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream and able to fill cracks between one and 15mm, it is directly applied to damaged areas using a cartridge gun and cures in about two hours.

The foundation of the range is Safeguard’s best-selling Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream. BBA approved, Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream is a breathable remedial masonry water-repellent barrier for use on brick, mortar, sandstone and concrete.

It prevents both rain penetration and boosts the thermal resistance of walls. This is because masonry insulates more effectively when dry: bricks have twice the thermal resistance dry than when wet.

with Part M of the Building Regulations for England and Wales and Section 4 of the Scottish Building Standards. The channel is also CE marked, and fully certified to load class A 15 BS EN 1433:2002.

Providing a slimline, discreet, and stylish finish to exterior projects, Threshold Drain is easy to install and can be connected to domestic soakaways and drainage systems. The system also features a removable aluminium ACO Heelguard grating, to prevent footwear from getting caught in the product.

The grating is available in silver or black, allowing contractors to offer a threshold drainage system that is aesthetically pleasing and suits a wide variety of paving finishes.

SmartSecure adopted by social landlord

As the result of a successful tender, Carl F Groupco is supplying hardware to Tai Tarian, one of the largest social landlords in Wales with responsibility for over 9,000 properties.

The prestigious contract which supports all Tai Tarian’s hardware needs for maintenance, renewal and new build across its full housing stock includes SmartSecure, Carl F Groupco’s electronic door locking and access control technology.

Carl F Groupco’s Smart solution is being used by Tai Tarian for independent living accommodation and the adaption of properties for social needs. A major advantage of SmartSecure reported by the social landlord is in the area of access: where tenants have

mobility constraints, the ability to control who enters the property is a practical solution that gives peace of mind.

Commenting on the adoption of SmartSecure, Steve Meredith, Tai Tarian’s PVCu Production Manager said: “The technology is empowering. Tenants find it easier to use than traditional locking systems because they don’t have to move to open the door. Carers and family members also benefit from ease of access.”

A range of fittings is supplied by Carl F Groupco from the distributor’s catalogue of door/window products and accessories.

REHAU introduces new guide to help M & E contractors

As high-rise buildings become more of a commonplace in congested urban areas, polymer specialist, REHAU has introduced a new guide that promises to help M&E Contractors tackle the mounting challenge of acoustic drainage. The Sound of Silence is the M&E contractor’s essential guide to acoustic drainage is a 12-page guide which discusses the need for high performance internal drainage in multi-storey buildingssuch as apartment blocks, hospitals and universities – to mitigate noise and keep building users happier. The guide introduces REHAU’s RAUPIANO PLUS multi-layer pipe and accessories which can be used to combat drainage acoustics.

REHAU

Originally launched in 2014, the AWS 70 SC outward-opening aluminium window from Schueco UK delivers Schueco’s renowned ‘build quality’ at an economical price, a formula that has led to it being widely specified for domestic projects right across the country. Its versatility and excellent performance in use means that many specifiers now view the Schueco AWS 70 SC window as the ‘go-to’ solution for projects where high quality is paramount but budgets are tight. The Q Mark product certification that it was awarded in 2017 has further boosted its popularity. The system is now widely specified for new and replacement windows in homes and apartments.

Schueco

Cistermiser Ltd and sister company Keraflo Ltd are jointly presented in a brand new corporate website www.ourworldiswater.co.uk which reinforces a shared commitment to producing smart, efficient water management solutions that optimise control and deliver savings. The Keraflo brand is renowned for top quality Aylesbury delayed-action mechanical float valves and Tanktronic systems for management of cold water storage tanks. The Cistermiser name is synonymous with proven and reliable products that control all water outlets in commercial washroom environments, as well as Combimate limescale prevention devices for domestic applications.

Cistermiser

Vectaire has three new models in their vertical MVHR range

To ensure the user experience is as comfortable as it possible, the Midi, Maxi and Maxi Plus are now available from Vectaire with advanced acoustic attenuation. With extremely low noise levels, all these “AT-BY” models are complete with summer bypass and frost-stat, and commissioned via an integral LCD. Functions including trickle, purge and boost speeds for each motor, boost speed over-run time, the time delay before the boost speed kicks in, holiday mode and night-time boost are easily adjusted. The products are SAP PCDB Listed and manufactured in our own factory in the UK.

Vectaire

Schueco’s outward-opening window viewed as ‘go-to’ solution

Cistermiser and Keraflo launch new corporate website

Carl F Groupco

DOOR CLOSERS CREATE SAFER

SOCIAL HOUSING

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry has placed the spotlight on fire safety measures in high-rise flats and apartments.

Whilst much of the focus has been on the cladding used in the building’s refurbishment, reports suggest that there was also a failure in compartmentation which contributed towards the spread of fire and smoke within the lobbies, lifts and stairwells. This has been attributed to failure of the fire doors which were fitted as main entrance doors to individual flats.

The pressures to provide safe, secure and comfortable accommodation in the social housing sector will only increase with proposals put forward in the post-fire reports now appearing and future improvements will undoubtedly see a greater emphasis being placed on the performance, quality and reliability of products used.

Samuel Heath, the original manufacturer of jamb-mounted door closers, has seen an increase in demand for Powermatic door closers from local authorities and social landlords seeking to update fire safety

measures in high-rise and other properties. The controlled, concealed door closers deliver many benefits that other door closing devices cannot match, not only meeting regulatory performance requirements in the areas of fire safety and accessibility, but also helping to assure reliability in service, minimise maintenance costs and enhance the comfort, safety and well-being of residents.

Carrying the CE Mark, Powermatic door closers are suitable for use on one-hour and half-hour fire doors and have been independently tested to the BS EN 1634-1 fire test standard.

Fitting neatly between the door and frame, Powermatic jamb-mounted door closers are completely invisible when the door is closed, and particularly unobtrusive when the door is open.

CHALLENGING PROJECT SHOWS SHELFORCE CAPABILITIES

When Birmingham City Council needed a company to design, supply and install energy efficient windows and doors for the refurbishment of seven high rise tower blocks they knew who to turn to for help.

Shelforce have been providing high-quality products to local authority building projects around the country for a number of years, including for Birmingham City Council, so they were the perfect fit for what was a hugely challenging project.

The Birmingham-based window and door manufacturer had to replace windows and doors for 238 flats on a site with very limited access and busy public highways on all sides.

However, thanks to Shelforce’s logistical management, the project ran smoothly without any lost build time and the project was completed in just 18 weeks.

Shelforce provided the structures with RAL 7016 grey external/white internal windows and doors and balcony infill’s for the 238

flats and supplied “A+” rated energy efficient windows to provide a unique and highly efficient solution to meet the Council’s requirements.

While Shelforce makes it their mission to help provide quality housing for the wider community, it will come as no surprise that the company is also aware of its social responsibility.

In fact, when it comes to training and employment opportunities in the glass and glazing industry, the full Eurocell systems supplier is leading the way in inclusivity by employing and training people with a range of disabilities, thus ensuring equal opportunities for all.

Shelforce

Samuel Heath

New-build alone is not enough

When you consider that we are building less than 1% of our housing stock each, it is clear that we cannot simply ‘build’ our way to a sustainable future.

The nation needs to be 80% cleaner by 2050 in terms of carbon reduction but about 80% of our current buildings will still be in use by 2050, so this is a massive issue that we all need to tackle.

Which brings us to a new Manchester development, which uses eight commercial Ecodan air source heat pumps as a community heating system to provide heating and hot water to 105 apartments.

This has helped the developers meet environmental planning requirements by achieving strict carbon reduction targets (more than 35% above Standard Assessment Procedure) to gain planning permission.

The Aaben is a modern development of 105 homes, all available for market rent, on Leaf Street in Hulme. Located just south of Manchester’s city centre, Hulme boasts a creative art scene, independent restaurants and cafes and a thriving local community.

The original design was based on a ground source heat pump (GSHP) but the cost proved beyond the required budget, so design consultant Engineering Design Partnership (EDP) was tasked with value engineering the scheme.

This led to Mitsubishi Electric’s involvement, as Dan Martell, Design Engineer at EDP, explained: “Following the successful installation of a Mitsubishi Electric air source heat pump (ASHP) system on a previous residential scheme we recommended the Ecodan ASHP system as we felt it would be a well performing, cost-efficient solution ideal for The Aaben.”

The Aaben was completed in the autumn of 2017 and thanks to the Ecodan system is eligible to benefit from the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

Proline installed a multiple unit Ecodan system on the main roof of the development. Consisting of 8 x CAHV-P500YA units, the community heating system provides hot water to a heat interface unit located within each dwelling for hot water and heating within that dwelling. Each tenant is charged accordingly via a heat meter measuring how much heat energy is taken from the network.

BRINGING BUILDINGS BACK TO LIFE WITH EUROBRICK

There are many older buildings around the UK that just need a little care and attention, and a touch of creativity, to bring them back to life. Eurobrick has been leading the brick slip cladding sector for nearly 30 years and has extensive experience of supplying its systems to redevelopment projects that aim to rejuvenate these older properties.

Federated House on London Road in Dorking is a prime example of how a little creativity, along with the right building products, can give a run down office block a new lease of life.

Formerly a 6-storey office, planning permission was granted to change the use of the building to residential apartments. It has now been converted into a striking development with a total of 71 new one and two bedroom apartments.

The dated building was given a complete facelift with a mixed finish of Eurobrick and Trespa cladding. Approximately 550m2 of our 17mm X-Clad was installed and finished with a red multi stock brick and Sandstone colour Europoint mortar.

After

X-Clad is an external wall insulation (EWI) brick slip cladding system that is suitable for both new build and retrofit projects and includes the option to add different thicknesses of insulation to help meet the U-Value targets of a project while maintaining a lightweight, slim profile.

With a wide variety of brick slips available, and the flexibility to use alongside other finishes, any number of traditional or contemporary finishes can be achieved.

The cladding installation was completed last year by LB&F Ltd for Skillmaster Ltd and the building is almost unrecognisable from its former design with a distinctive, contemporary new look.

Over recent years, the market for brick slips has grown significantly and there is now a large selection of slips available, from traditional characterful styles to smooth, crisp edged contemporary ones. Eurobrick’s brick slip ranges allow for most design aspirations and palettes.

Brick slip cladding is versatile and durable. It will weather and age in the same way as conventional brickwork, requiring little to no maintenance Eurobrick’s systems are BBA certified and they also offer a 25 year product guarantee.

For more information please visit www.eurobrick.co.uk.

Eurobrick

After

Before Image courtesy of Allsops LLP.

With a wide variety of brick slips available, and the flexibility to use alongside other finishes, any number of traditional or contemporary finishes can be achieved.

“ ”

AN EASY WAY TO DESIGN A CHIMNEY IN A RENOVATION OR NEW-BUILD

When considering renovation or new build, then Isokern’s Pumice Double Module system is highly recommended. The easy, put-together blocks provide a zero distance to combustibles due to their volcanic insulation and different range of diameters suitable for any project.

The lightweight blocks are easy to handle. The outer and inner blocks are laid at the same time but with staggered joints for safety and stability. The double layer of pumice separated by an air gap maximises the chimney insulation.

This has been used in a number of renovations as well as new build projects throughout the UK.

The features of the Isokern DM include:

• Unique Features of the Isokern DM system

Zero distance to combustibles on straight rendered chimneys (when using top ring terminal)

• Quick and easy to assemble Lightweight materials, easy to handle Highly insulating pumice for better draw and minimum heat loss

• Staggered joints for maximum safety and stability

Air gaps between outer casing and flue prevents surface staining

• Good resistance to temperature variations gives the maximum performance for your appliance.

• CE Certified to EN1858 with the designation T450, NI, D, 3, G (00).

For more information on our Isokern range, please feel free to email us on info@schiedel. co.uk or give us a call on 01202 861650 – you can also visit our website, www.schiedel.co.uk which has a wealth of information, including a number of video instruction guides.

Schiedel

Marmox soundboard supplied for stunning apartment building

A development of 55 luxury apartments in one of the capital’s most fashionable districts is making full use of the acoustic and other performance benefits offered by Marmox SoundBoard, coupled with the manufacturer’s ubiquitous Multiboard product, in completing the floor construction.

The specification being employed for the 12-storey Ordnance Building in Dock Street, Aldgate, by the principal building contractor on site, Canbury Construction, features 12mm thick SoundBoard, covered by a 20mm thick layer of Multiboard.

This high performance build-up has been installed over composite concrete structural floors and carries a finish of engineered oak in the living areas, while the bathrooms use just the SoundBoard and ceramic tiling.

The Site Manager for Canbury Construction, Joe Hogarty, confirmed: “It was the decision of our in-house M&E consultant, Steve Jones, to specify Marmox SoundBoard and Multiboard for the floor build-up in order to achieve the necessary sound insulation between levels

“While in the living rooms the 12mm SoundBoard is covered by 20mm thick Multiboards, in the bathrooms the tanking for the ceramic tiling is installed direct on the SoundBoard.

“It’s the first time we have used Marmox but the work has gone well and the operatives have found the boards very easy to cut and lay.”

Fibo wall panels win over Powys County Council

Fibo bathroom wall panels were recently specified by Powys County Council for a long term maintenance programme that will involve installing Fibo’s panels as part of their bathroom programme. The refurbishment programme, which is the first of its kind where wall panels are being offered as a choice over traditional tiles, is going down well with tenants and installation teams alike. The decision to specify panels follows complaints from tenants who were experiencing problems with their bathroom tiles. Powys County Council is extremely happy with Fibo’s range, service and support and plan.

Fibo

CUSTOM BUILT ZURICH HIU’ s SUPPLIED FOR CAMBRIDGESHIRE APARTMENTS

A residential conversion project completed in a small Cambridgeshire town with the mechanical services contractor undertaking the installation of custom built versions of GF Piping Systems’ Zurich range of heat interface units (HIU’s): delivering both very efficient space heating and continuous hot water for the occupants of the apartments.

The W2 Building in Great Cambourne was formerly an office block, but has been refurbished and reconfigured by developer, Aspens, to create 18 high specification dwellings across the three floors.

Gowing & Hunt has undertaken the installation of the property’s building services, which includes a centralised boiler system with modern HIU’s – tailored to suit the property’s special requirements, providing the ideal delivery solution.

The twin plate heat exchanger units had to be customised because the utility cupboards where they are fitted are compact, the standard Zurich design was re-engineered to provide top primary connection and

incorporated the flushing bypass valve within the casing. With the cover fitted the special Zurich HIU’s measure 672mm wide by 790mm tall, while they are just 250mm deep. They offer 10 kW output in heating mode and 45 kW for direct hot water supply to the apartments’ kitchens and bathrooms.

Richard Vincent, the contracts manager for Gowing & Hunt, commented: “The project was originally specified by ourselves –including the decision to make use of a central boiler plant heating system, with three condensing gas boilers plus a booster set in the plant room and featuring the use of twin plate HIU’s.”

George Fischer

QuietAir Fan from Airflow

The quietest bathroom fan meeting regulations*

ROOFSHIELD SAVING FOR SEA VIEW PROPERTIES

The superior quality and breathability of Roofshield has delivered significant savings in time and cost to a series of sea facing properties in northeast England.

The 35 semi-detached properties at Sea View, Berwick form part of a wider programme of housing stock upgrades to over 200 homes across the region on behalf of leader developer Bernicia Homes.

Matt Rowley, Operations Director for contractor Spring Roofing commented on the reason for selecting Roofshield for the project: “when the initial exploratory examinations were undertaken we identified that the roof structure was fully boarded and that the original specification for a traditional membrane would not have worked without the need for additional roof vents. Roofshield was selected because of its superior quality and breathability.

It has an extremely high degree of vapour permeability, as well as air permeability, without the need for additional ventilation. The use of Roofshield provides savings in time and cost and eliminates the need to incorporate a large number of roofing vents.

It is also more pleasing from an aesthetical perspective, with no need for penetrations to the roof and felt, and also avoiding the potential for future weaknesses in the performance of the roof.”

Roofshield is recognised as one of the highest performing roofing membrane solutions, and has become the preferred choice of architects, developers and contractors.

Many vapour permeable underlays use an airtight VP film layer to achieve their performance, whilst Roofshield’s patented SMS (Spunbond Meltblown Spunbond) structure allows high levels of airflow, in addition to the transport of moisture vapour, making the formation of condensation in the roof space virtually impossible. It has an extremely high degree of vapour permeability, as well as air permeability, so will still perform in conditions in which air tight alternatives will not.

Since 2012 NHBC has issued technical guidance which acknowledges that there are some vapour permeable roof underlays that permit both vapour and air to pass through them. Where an underlay can be shown to provide suitable ventilation, i.e., at least the equivalent of a continuous 5mm high-level slot, NHBC will accept that underlay without the need to provide any further ventilation.

Now, reputable roofing contractors and leading housing developers backed by the NHBC, and independent industry research, agree that some underlays perform at an exceptional level, providing a failsafe option, without the need for additional ventilation.

A. Proctor Group

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Freefoam highlights the updates and additions to its whole product range that have taken place over the last six months.

The roofline range has had a boost with the addition of Anthracite Grey to the Round

Rainwater system. With the continuing growth in grey across the window, door and roofline market this new product means suppliers can now offer both the Deep and Round gutter options to customers. Perfect for new build and RMI.

The phenomenal demand for cladding shows no signs of slowing. Freefoam added a beautiful subtle grey green shade to its 170mm Weatherboard range called Sage Green.

Appealing to those who want to achieve a traditional ‘heritage’ look but with the benefits of low maintenance PVC this product adds additional colour choice, augmenting the existing cladding range, bringing the total number of colour options to an impressive eleven.

Freefoam extended the Geopanel interior cladding range adding new designs and colours including tile, slate and concrete effects. It has also added to its internal panelling range, launching Acrylic Panels. High quality, high specification panels suitable for kitchens and bathrooms in a contemporary colour range.

Freefoam Building Products

Dublin apartments use offsite system featuring Magply performance

The full range of performance benefits to Magply boards have been utilised in the specification of an advanced offsite system being employed in the construction of a new apartment building standing alongside a famous central Dublin landmark on Amiens street.

Freefoam Building Products X-Wood Cladding has been used as a sleek contemporary feature to the front and rear elevation of a stunning new home on the outskirts of York.

With such an individual design and high specification the owners wanted to ensure all exterior components were robust, stylish, long lasting and hard wearing.

X-Wood is an innovative PVC-U exterior cladding that looks and handles like wood but without all the usual maintenance issues associated with timber.

Freefoam have used their manufacturing expertise to design and produce a 16mm

attractive high performance cladding board comprised of three different layers - a heavy duty through coloured plastic foam core, covered with a durable plastic skin and then coated with market leading Renolit film which creates a hard wearing, stable material with a beautiful subtle woodgrain effect finish.

The range is available in a choice of six contemporary colours from subtle White, Cream and Greyed Cedar to traditional Oak and more dramatic Anthracite Grey and Wine Red all with an impressive ten-year guarantee. It is suitable for both commercial and domestic new build or renovation projects.

Freefoam Building Products -

Linham Construction is the main contractor and developer for the Five Lamps project, which is creating ten single bedroom apartments plus a two-bedroom, duplex property. The structure has been designed and specified by Building Surveying consultants, Merriman Solutions, to achieve an A1 Building Energy Rating under Part L of the Building Regulations. Edge structural engineers provided structural engineering for the LGS frame. 9mm Magply boards are being used to walls and 12mm to ceilings of construction for their strength, fire performance and overall durability as well as their excellent weather resistance during the build period.

The five storey building is being clad across different elevations with either the Permarock exterior wall insulation system or the Dutch manufactured Brickworld brick slip system. Both are on Rockwool material fixed to an outside layer of 9mm Magply sheathing which also provides an additional 1 hour fire protection to the structure from the outside. This solution for the envelope will not only achieve a U-value of 0-15 W/ m2 K, but the inherent airtightness of Magply is also helping the project team target an air permeability figure of less than 2.0 m3 /m2 / hour.

Magply

X-Wood Cladding

– a natural choice for stunning new home

Freefoam product roundup – here to help customers grow

CONSTRUCTION MEMBRANE DELIVERS THERMAL EFFICIENCY AND INSULATION COST SAVINGS

Protect Membranes, UK producer of roofing and construction membranes, has introduced Protect TF InterFoil, a CE marked, highly reflective insulating breather membrane designed for use within a timber frame wall panel to enhance its overall thermal performance.

Ideally suited to offsite and modular construction, Protect TF InterFoil features a low emissivity, vapour permeable reflective surface, using the tried and tested technology of TF200 Thermo, which can be installed either side of the insulation in conjunction with a 20mm air cavity. This means the building developer and fabricator can move from more expensive, rigid high-density boards to fibrous or EPS insulants without increasing panel sizes, thereby achieving material cost savings.

When Protect TF InterFoil is used with Protect TF200 Thermo insulating breather membrane on the external face of the sheathing board and Protect VC Foil Ultra insulating vapour control layer on the warm

side of 100mm 0.032 lambda insulation within a typical 140mm deep timber stud section, the overall wall construction can achieve U-values as low as 0.18W/m2K. This meets the more onerous Fabric Energy Efficiency requirements detailed in Building Regulations Part L1A.

John Mellor, Product Manager comments, “With the ongoing material supply and price instability of PIR rigid board insulation, using Protect TF InterFoil as part of a timber frame or modular wall system offers opportunities to make meaningful material savings whilst retaining low U-values, without increasing the size of their panels.

BPD

INTEGRATING SAFETY

There are convincing arguments for combining smoke, heat and CO alarms systematically to ensure that occupiers are properly alerted to fire or carbon monoxide, wherever they are in the property.

Kidde’s well-established Smart Interconnect facility was developed to meet this very need. This important feature enables all the company’s Firex smoke and heat alarms, and also its 4MCO and 4MDCO mains CO alarms, to operate as a comprehensive domestic system. Here, all the alarms sound when one is triggered with different, distinct alarm sounder patterns for either carbon monoxide or fire – an essential facility – supported by different display messages on the digital CO model.

So, without the need for any other hardware, Smart Interconnect automatically alerts occupants to 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. This approach is reflected by wide-ranging new regulatory proposals, recently confirmed by the Scottish Government. They consider that: “it makes practical sense to combine installation programmes for … smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms together”.

BEDROOM ALERTS

Smart interconnect provides particularly cost-effective solutions to audibility issues for both new-builds and existing properties. Here, alarms can be deployed to create comprehensive systems, not only to detect but also to ensure that occupants are awoken and alerted to fire or carbon monoxide, wherever they are in the property.

In particular, there are convincing arguments in favour of alarms or sounders in at least the

principle bedroom, if not all of them, to make sure that adult occupants are awoken. Kidde CO alarms in bedrooms can act as sounders for the smoke/heat alarm system, as well as to alert sleeping occupants of carbon monoxide in the room. This can resolve the issue of inaudibility of landing-located smoke alarms resulting from sound reducing bedroom doors.

FIREX FEATURES

Kidde’s Firex range offers cost-effective smoke and heat alarms in Standard, Long Life and Rechargeable battery back-up versions of each sensing technology. An Alarm Memory Function, where a flashing LED continues after an alarm has been triggered, allows identification of the source unit and other features include a combined Test/Hush button, auto-reset facility and a tamperresistant locking device.

Long-term performance is also at the heart of Kidde’s carbon monoxide alarms. Whether

hard-wired or battery, all Kidde CO alarms are BSi Kitemarked. Kidde also manufactures its own sensors, allowing tighter quality controls to be applied. The 4MCO and 4MDCO hardwired mains CO alarms are easily installed with Firex alarms, particularly in new-build homes or as part of refurbishment and re-wiring projects. The 4MDCO model has a digital display to provide early warning of intermittent and low levels of carbon monoxide, and a ‘Peak Level’ button can help identify CO problems occurring when the property is not occupied.

CPD AND GUIDANCE

To request an accredited CPD presentation or guidance document on smoke and heat alarm or CO alarm provision in housing, email: Alan.Dick@kiddesafety.co.uk. For more information on Kidde products, email: sales@kiddesafety.co.uk or call: 03337 722 227.

Kidde

Council upgrades sheltered housing with Aico alarms

Sheffield City Council has completed a programme to upgrade its fire safety throughout its 1,134 sheltered housing properties using Aico’s Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm for an enhanced level of safety; this will enable residents to live safely in their homes for many years to come, even should their health or mobility deteriorate. Aico’s Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm contains two sensor types, optical and heat, to constantly monitor smoke and heat levels, sending and receiving information via its intelligent detection software. This sensor information provides the best response to all fire types and reduces potential false alarms.

Aico

Garador offer full range of door sizes

There are lots of reasons why people today are requiring larger garages.

Vehicles can be bigger; and garages are often used to keep fitness equipment or for general storage. Larger garages can be built without problem thanks to the range of extra wide garage doors available from Garador.

Leading British garage door manufacturer Garador offers a selection of its popular Up & Over garage doors in especially large sizes all the way up to 5000mm wide and sectional garage doors up to 5500mm wide.

“Larger garages are becoming especially popular in new builds and in conversions,” said

Neil Discombe, Managing Director of Garador. “We offer a range of door sizes, with both sectional and up & over garage doors in sizes over 10 feet wide, all produced within our own manufacturing group to maintain product quality.”

Garador’s expertly engineered double Up & Over doors are quick and easy to install and come in a wide range of materials and a great choice of styles and colours.

The larger doors can easily be fitted with a GaraMatic electric door operator for a quiet, smooth and fast automatic opening.

Intratone opens all the right doors

At Intratone we provide the complete all-in-one door entry solution – from the door entry panels to HF receivers, all the way down to our colourful key fobs. Our systems can be remotely managed from our cloud-based management portal, making life much easier for residents and facilities managers alike.

To find out more go to intratone.com

Garador

SETTING THE STANDARD – SE CONTROLS BECOMES THE FIRST SCA IFC SDI 19 CERTIFIED COMPANY

SE Controls has become the first company to be approved under the new SDI 19 certification scheme, which has been developed by the Smoke Control Association (SCA) in partnership with IFC Certification and has been introduced to help raise standards across the industry.

Developed to ensure a suitable level of competency is maintained in all aspects of smoke control systems, the scheme also covers a contractor’s ability to provide appropriate levels of service and maintenance following installation and commissioning, in line with a building’s type, size and use.

Such is the importance of the recently introduced initiative that it is now mandatory for any SCA member involved in the installation of smoke control systems to achieve the accreditation as a condition of membership.

To become certified under the scheme, businesses must demonstrate their experience in fire strategy verification together with the design, installation and commissioning of smoke control systems in accordance with the relevant standards and industry guidance documents, including Approved Document B and BS7346 Parts 4, 5, 7 and 8. SE Controls is the first company to complete the IFC SDI 19 certification process including detailed internal office and external site audits.

SCA Chairman, David Mowatt, explained: “The independent review of building regulations and fire safety supports clear cultural changes in the procurement, design, construction and maintenance of buildings and building systems in order to deliver safer buildings. Contractors should be responsible for the systems they install and end users should always look to use a capable, experienced contractor.”

IFC Director of Certification, Ian Woodhouse, said: “Since the launch of this scheme in June of 2018 we have already received a number of applications and companies are currently progressing through the certification process. This is not only encouraging, but also underlines the importance that the industry assigns to raising competency standards and improving the quality of companies involved in installation activities. We’re proud to be a key part of this initiative in partnership with the SCA.”

Will Perkins, Group Managing Director of SE Controls, is delighted with the company’s new status and commented: “As a longstanding member of the SCA, we have always maintained high quality standards in all aspects of our business, as well as supporting

the SCA’s efforts to raise the standards across the industry. This new scheme raises the bar for the smoke control industry and ensures that competence, credibility, quality and skill levels are not only improved, but recognised through the auditing and certification process.”

He added: “For over 35 years we have been at the forefront of our industry. Our expertise combined with our range of ‘Tested Solutions’ enables us to provide compliant products and solutions to the highest level, whilst also underlining our commitment and responsibility for the reliability of our life safety systems. Helping to improve industry standards has been a long-term commitment for us so it seems fitting that SE Controls has become the first company to achieve IFC SDI 19 and we hope many more will follow.”

For more information visit: www.secontrols.com, tel: 01543 443060 or email: info@secontrols.com

SE Controls

STILL AT ITS BEST, JOHNSON & STARLEY WARM AIR HEATING

Johnson & Starley’s WarmCair condensing warm air heating range is suitable for a wide range of applications including private residential and social housing as well as smaller commercial applications such as schools, sports facilities, nursing homes and community centres.

With rapid warm up times and low noise levels, models are suitable for new builds and the direct replacement of existing warm air systems.

Designed for simple and quick installation, the WarmCair warm air heating system offers many space saving and room layout advantages over wet heating systems. There is a choice of upflow or downflow models available with or without hot water and incorporating a stainless steel heat exchanger and other first class component to ensure long life and low maintenance costs.

Compliant with Building Regulations Part L, WarmCair heaters produce up to 36kW heat output and are up to 98% thermally efficient. Savings in gas consumption can be as much as 28%. An optional ‘Cleanflow’ electronic air filtration system provides the added benefit

Pegler introduces thick wall steel pipe press fitting range

As the momentum for using an integrated piping system for HVAC applications gathers pace, leading manufacturer Pegler is thrilled to launch a press thick wall solution to its ever increasing portfolio. VSH PowerPress is a range of fittings and valves for use on thick wall steel pipes particularly in the HVAC market. The VSH PowerPress range is set to rival competitors by its innovative design and engineered credentials. Suitable for a range of applications including heating, cooling, sprinkler, air and oil the range will connect steel systems including black steel, epoxy coated and galvanized.

of filtered air with the ability to filter 95% of airborne pollutants as small as 1 micron including pollen, dust and cigarette smoke.

Another option which will provide all the advantages of warm air heating would be to install a Johnson & Starley Aquair water to air space heater together with another suitable heat source such as the Johnson & Starley QuanTec boiler. This can replace any existing warm air heater in a single dwelling using the existing ducting and with the benefit of being able to add extra radiators for additional rooms or loft conversion.

The installation of an Aquair linked to any other heat source can be ideal for installers who do not hold a DAH1 certificate as it is not needed for this type of warm air installation.

Johnson & Starley

No more false alarms following northern Ireland housing association’s switch to Aico alarms

Grove Community Housing Association in Northern Ireland has replaced its existing Smoke Alarms with Aico’s Multi-Sensors and Ei164e Heat Alarms in more than 80% of its properties.

Established in 1977, Grove Community Housing Association manages 218 properties in North Belfast, which are a mixture of new builds and renovated existing dwellings. With the Smoke Alarms in these properties coming to the end of their ten year life, Grove looked in to the market for mains powered alarms that are reliable and could reduce false alarms.

Denis Bleakley, Grove Community Housing Association General Manager, explains: “We wanted 10 year life rechargeable batteries so neither tenants nor the Association would be troubled by battery replacement. Being rechargeable also means that if for some reason the electricity supply is off for an extended period, the batteries still do not need to be replaced and the alarms function safely. We liked the Multi-Sensor technology to reduce false alarms for us and our tenants, which we found was backed up by BRE [Building Research Establishment] research.”

The Multi-Sensor Fire Alarms contain two sensor types, optical and heat, to constantly

monitor smoke and heat levels, sending and receiving information via its intelligent detection software, for fast response and reduced false alarms; the latter is enhanced through a dust compensation feature.

Since the new Aico alarms have been installed, Denis states that he has not had any false alarms reported. Furthermore, the installer confirmed there were no faulty alarms which is testament to Aico’s quality control.

An Ei company, Aico is the market leader in residential fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) protection in the UK. All alarms are designed and built in Ireland specifically to meet the UK standards and regulations. For more information please go to www.aico.co.uk or contact Aico on 01691 664100 or enquiries@aico.co.uk.

Aico

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Pegler

PAVING FOR TRANSFORMATION

The trade association Interpave has published a new case study exploring the transformative power of inspired hard landscape design with precast concrete, highlighting its robust long-term performance.

Covering a 6-year period, Interpave’s case study revisits the phased regeneration of Orchard Village in east London, masterplanned and designed by PRP. Previously known as the Mardyke Estate, it was a typical 1960s social housing estate which experienced major deprivation. Nearly 1,000 people lived in 509 dwellings, generally in 12-storey tower blocks or 3 to 5-storey smaller blocks, and the estate was ranked within the 20 most deprived wards in England.

Residents Consultation

Comprehensive consultation proved critical in developing a master-plan for the area, with the residents having a key role in the regeneration process. The master-plan consisted of:

• Phased demolition of the original Mardyke Estate buildings

• Provision of up to 555 new dwellings

• Open space improvements

• A new Local Square with new local shopping facilities and office accommodation.

Key to the overall design is a clear and legible hierarchy of roads, streets, paths and cycleways permeating throughout the site. This includes a main vehicular and bus route, secondary roads and shared surfaces. Paving materials, street furniture and planting vary with each different road type. The provision of tactile surfacing, dropped kerbs and smooth, even, well-drained paving throughout the estate – to encourage inclusivity for all – was particularly important.

Simple Paving Palette

A simple palette of hard landscape materials defines the road hierarchy and creates a

language that unifies the whole site. Simple and ‘clean’ materials predominate, so that an open feel to the site is maintained. The precast concrete block paving was carefully selected to complement the buildings, with a silver-grey granite finish. Concrete kerb units are also used extensively – both raised and flush with the paving – as well as concrete flag paving, granite setts and buff bound gravel.

The Beam River runs along the western boundary of the site, bounding a multi-awardwinning wetland park, Beam Parklands –home to a variety of wildlife including Great Crested Newts. As part of a general approach towards improving ecology and biodiversity – bearing in mind the site’s sensitive location – water management using SuDS techniques was considered important and extensive areas of concrete block permeable paving are included throughout.

Long-term Precast Paving

A substantial amount of the precast concrete paving was installed early in the project, although also serving more recent phases, and has now been in use for over 6 years Interpave has regularly visited and photographed the project, most recently in June 2018, and observed the longer-term robust performance of the paving over time - as highlighted in the new case study

The case study is available on Interpave’s new website - an essential resource covering all aspects of design with precast concrete products, including permeable paving for SuDS.

www.paving.org.uk

Interpave

Recently photographed precast concrete paving after over 6-years use.

Peter Booth @pbplumber

Fahim Karim is new Specification Sales Manager for Saniflo

Saniflo has appointed Fahim Karim as Specification Sales Manager for the South, which will focus predominantly on the Kinedo range of cubicles, enclosure and trays. Having graduated from Brunel University in Uxbridge with Masters in Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research, Fahim was subsequently attracted to a career in sales and has since spent over seven years in Specifications. He has excellent experience in dealing with architects, designers, developers, contractors and house builders; precisely the professional contacts required in this newly created role.

Saniflo

Imperial Bricks launches new Brick Tile range

Imperial Bricks has launched a range of traditional and contemporary Brick Tiles as an addition to their ever-growing range of traditional handmade, pressed, waterstruck and wirecut bricks. The Brick Tiles are suitable for DIY enthusiasts looking to create feature brick walls without the need for a bricklayer, as well as commercial installations such as retail, restaurants or hospitality interiors. The Brick Tile range is suitable for use on internal feature walls, kitchen splashbacks, decorative fireplaces or externally as cladding. The tiles are produced from full-sized bricks which are made in the traditional way, replicating the character and unique appearance of each individual brick.

Imperial Bricks

Easy Bathrooms launches accessible range of products

Easy Bathrooms – the bathroom and tile supplier – has launched a range of quality, affordable accessible baths and accessories for house developers.

Six baths have been introduced as part of the firm’s new ‘Easy Living’ range, alongside complementary accessories and parts.

The Vestra bath is 945mm x 170mm, including a screen and an electronicallyoperated glass door, which remains locked until all water has been drained, providing peace of mind for the buyer that leaks will be avoided. The low-threshold height also gives the user easy access.

The Truo unit has similar features, but is also available in high gloss black, allowing buyers to match their bath to the rest of their room choices.

Munro is the smallest unit in the range, at 650mm x 900mm, with an inward-opening door and a moulded seat, allowing the user to sit down while they bathe.

The firm also offers thermostatic showers, which reduce the risk of scalding; and textured floor tiles, which minimise the possibility of slipping.

Neil Bell, head of retail at Easy Bathrooms said: “Choosing products with the end user in mind will show potential customers that every inch of the room has been carefully considered – and that the builder understands their needs as a buyer.”

Easy Bathrooms

Titon acoustic vents set the tone for development

Over 2,000 SF Sound Attenuator (SFSA) Xtra 2500EA vents and canopies from Titon have been installed throughout a variety of Fairview New Homes’ newly built houses and apartments in Greater London. Titon’s products were incorporated into the windows fabricated by Dungiven-based Compass Windows & Doors, Ireland’s premier manufacturer of PVCu windows and doors. Throughout the various projects, a combination of different Titon products were used, including SFSA Xtra 2500EA Vents, SF418 Canopies, SFSA Xtra 2500EA Sound Attenuator Vents (25mm and 75mm versions), and SFSA 2500EA 75mm Sound Attenuator Canopies.

Titon

Paint with added protection

from Crown Trade Specifiers looking to minimise maintenance requirements yet maximise cleanliness need look no further than Crown Trade’s innovative Clean Extreme Anti-Bacterial Scrubbable Matt paint, which has been specifically developed to inhibit bacterial growth and withstand rigorous cleaning and scrubbing without any detriment to the finish. Formulated to help create hygienically clean walls and ceilings, Crown Trade’s Clean Extreme Anti-Bacterial Scrubbable Matt offers high quality anti-bacterial protection, making it ideally suited for use in the healthcare and care home sector, as well as in food preparation facilities and other areas that are subject to stringent hygiene and cleaning requirements.

Crown Trade

IT’S ALL IN THE FACTORY FINISHING WITH AKZONOBEL

It’s a situation that global coatings manufacturer AkzoNobel Wood Coatings, with its UK headquarters in Blackburn, are very familiar with, and is one key factor that determines their stance of strongly endorsing the fully factory finished concept in conjunction with their extensive range of timber joinery and cladding coatings.

This range includes their Sikkens Cetol WP562 - a translucent base stain with resistance to the effect of blue stain fungi through to their Sikkens Rubbol WF3310 - a water borne acrylic topcoat for use over 1K or 2K primer systems.

Like the first daffodil in Spring, our fond memories of the recent long and mild British Autumn are now, like bubbles in a cold bath, rapidly disappearing. The chill winds of Winter are now upon us, making on-site decoration of newly installed timber joinery and cladding items, at best, an uncertain process.

It’s a situation that global coatings manufacturer AkzoNobel Wood Coatings, with its UK headquarters in Blackburn, are very familiar with, and is one key factor that determines their stance of strongly endorsing the fully factory finished concept in conjunction with their extensive range of timber joinery and cladding coatings. Fully factory finished timber joinery and cladding ensures that the primer, base stains, mid and topcoats are applied under climate controlled factory conditions, no matter how challenging the weather is outside.

The 70’s and 80’s produced some feel-good news stories such as flares, punk rock and some very wild haircuts but also heralded some bad-news stories when considering build, installation and decoration practices vis a vie on-site timber joinery. Regrettably, it became the norm to see base stained or

primed only timber joinery delivered to sites and stored very badly, often unwrapped and in fully exposed ground contact situations. These were then installed and built around leaving them unprotected in adverse weather conditions for long periods. Only when the exterior build was mostly complete would the on-site decorator have a chance to begin, often having to cope with the added problems of already saturated timber, mortar, render or general building debris and damages and an impending dropped scaffold deadline. It was inevitable that it became a practical necessity to cut corners. It’s a situation that’s happily improved…a little like wearing those flares, but sadly not to the point where it’s under control by any means…a little like the haircuts!

By only using on-site coatings to bare or primed only timber joinery the project manager is opening-up a myriad of possible wounds that can haemorrhage a host of unnecessary problems. AkzoNobel know that fully factory finished timber joinery products have a better performance expectation and a greater resistance to the challenges of a modern building site based on a modular ready to fit concept than similarly produced bare or primed only timber joinery items.

This level of certainty is gained not only from the ‘uncertainty’ of on- site decoration but also from the advantages of using dedicated coatings, applied under factory controlled conditions to joinery items prior to assembly, glazing and fitting.

Consider a glazed and assembled timber window or door and the amount of areas where on site coating is simply not possible once installed. There are many vulnerable points subject to potential moisture ingress that are reliant, at best, on a primer coat for protection.

At AkzoNobel, the factory coating systems are designed with the user in mind and they liaise with timber joinery manufacturers to produce a full coating specification to suit production processes and equipment. A typical specification begins with the application of base stains or primers containing impregnation through a ‘Dip or Deluge’ process allowing sufficient product to be absorbed into the timber, especially through end grains with all surfaces easily accessed prior to assembly. After drying, the coating process continues with specialised sealers designed to offer added protection to vulnerable areas such as joints and end grains and is usually completed with the application of one or two topcoats, sprayed at considerably higher film builds that wouldn’t be possible with using brush or roller application.

Full drying is carried out at each relevant point of the operation, often using climate control systems which can control the movement, temperature and humidity of warm, dry air, even recycling cold wet air where necessary. This ensures effective curing at each stage is achieved within a typical 4-6-hour period. After the coating stage is complete that the final assembly and glazing of the timber joinery item begins, with handles, locks, hinges and glass units being fixed to a fully coated and sealed all around surface.

To contact Akzo Nobel Industrial Coatings directly for further details on their products, specifications and to see the list of UK and Ireland distributors follow the link www. sikkens-wood-coatings.co.uk/en/ home.html and www.akzonobel.com/en/uki

AkzoNobel

01952

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With their natural slate appearance, Edgemere interlocking slates are 40% thinner than standard interlocking tiles. In three authentic finishes, Edgemere is easy and cost-effective to install, with a low pitch of 17.5° for a variety of installations and coverage of 10 slates per m2 Discover our Edgemere range (and order free samples) at marleyeternit.co.uk/edgemere Or call us on 01283 722588

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