As the Government continues to push housebuilding as a significant part of its construction programme, a group of leading industry bodies have called for united action to address skills pinch-points.
Nine industry federations and representative bodies have jointly called for collaboration to boost availability of occupations in greatest shortages including site supervisors, operatives and quantity surveyors.
The organisations - Association for Consultancy & Engineering, Build UK, Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Construction Plant-hire Association, Construction Products Association, Federation of Master Builders, Highways Term Maintenance Association, National Federation of Builders and the Chartered Institute of Building – want to see the industry work together to accelerate recruitment for 18 severe shortage roles in industry.
These roles range from acoustic engineers to bricklayers to production managers. The roles have been identified through research from across the members of each organisation and the wider industry as those that are hardest to recruit for. They are vital to the delivery of projects nationwide.
The groups recommend that wherever possible, steps should be taken to recruit for these roles within the UK, bringing in new workers or upskilling the existing workforce.
Where this is not possible, it is proposed that the Government add the
roles to its Shortage Occupation list as part of its current review of migration as the UK leaves the EU. Additions to the Shortage Occupation list would allow these roles to be prioritised in future migration from the rest of the world, helping industry to fill these essential roles.
Suzannah Nichol MBE, chief executive at Build UK said: “Construction projects across the UK are being held back by a shortage of suitable skills. This survey provides vital evidence of the specific roles which must now be considered by the Government for inclusion on the Shortage Occupation list ensuring that we can keep Britain building.”
And Richard Beresford, chief executive of the National Federation of Builders, said the co-operative approach had helped produce a clear picture of where the construction industry will lack skills.
“It is vital we continue to work together to improve capability in these areas and with Government to ensure that skills is part of a comprehensive immigration scheme,” he added.
paul.groves@tspmedia.co.uk
Development plans which could see more than 10,000 new homes built across England and 14,000 new jobs created by 2024/25 are to be brought forward through a £15million government project.
The One Public Estate programme was launched in 2013 to make better use of public-sector sites, free up space for new homes and create jobs.
It encourages the emergency services, local councils and government departments to work more closely together by sharing sites and creating public-sector ‘hubs’ - where services are delivered in one place.
So far, the programme has saved taxpayers £24million in running costs, created 5,745 new jobs and released land for the development of 3,336 new homes.
The latest round of the programme will see money and support given to more than 100 local public-sector partnerships across England, to bring forward proposals for a range of new projects on public-sector sites.
The One Public Estate programme is a joint initiative between the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government and the Local Government Association. It now covers 95% of all local authority areas in England.
Funding for the latest round of the programme will help with the creation of feasibility studies and masterplans for the potential development sites. It is hoped the work will bring forward savings of £37million in public-sector running costs and allow the redevelopment of a large number of brownfield sites.
A planning application for the UK’s biggest fully modular council housing and apartment scheme to date, has been submitted by Leeds City Council and national building contractor, United Living.
If approved, the scheme at Leeds Meynell (in Holbeck) will see 28 homes constructed in less than nine months, with the first residents moving in by early 2020. The average construction time for a development of this size is usually almost 24 months.
United Living has been appointed as the principal contractor for the development and
is working in partnership with Premier Modular and William Saunders Architects.
Manufacture of the new homes is planned to begin in late spring 2019 at an off-site facility in Brandesburton, East Yorkshire. The property mix will comprise 14 apartments across two blocks, alongside ten individual two-bedroom homes and four, three-bedroom homes.
Premier Modular will produce each entire module off-site, adding brickwork cladding, roofing, and placing the finishing touches to the exterior frames before transportation to Leeds.
The Minister of State for Housing, Kit Malthouse, said: “The One Public Estates programme will not only help more people find a home of their own, but also help create jobs and save taxpayers’ money. w“The latest projects to share £15million of funding will make a real difference to local communities and provide better services to residents.”
Lord Porter, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said: “This latest round will see the programme now deliver more than 650 projects in total, all of which support councils to work with the wider public sector to deliver the best public services and place for their local communities.
“The delivery of new homes remains a national priority and with 95% of councils now part of the programme. It’s clear to see that local government remains committed to building the right homes for the places they serve.”
Aico Ltd., the market leader in residential Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarms in the UK, has launched new Tenant Packs to help landlords raise awareness and emphasise how important it is to regularly test your Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarms.
The Tenant Packs are part of Aico’s #AlarmsSaveLives campaign.
Customers can now request a variety of #AlarmsSaveLives resources from the Aico website, which includes vibrant and eye catching A3 and A4 posters, a fridge magnet, a coaster, a pen and a tenant card highlighting how to test an Aico alarm.
The new #AlarmsSaveLives animation is also available for download and use across organisations’ social media channels, to help with further raising awareness of this campaign.
Housebuilders’ planning applications increased by 7% last year according to new construction industry research by Glenigan.
The study shows that detailed planning applications submitted by volume housebuilders and private residential developers in 2018 contained 178,421 units. This figure is up from 166,341 units in 2017 and a record total.
With other research by Glenigan showing that registered social landlords applied to build 24,164 social units in 2018, the overall pipeline of homes proposed by private developers and RSLs has passed 200,000 for the first time since Glenigan’s construction analysis began.
When Glenigan’s research into the number of units included in planning applications started in 2003, the planning pipeline for private homes comprised 119,005 units.
The annual pipeline grew to 164,197 units in 2004 only to crumble as the recession took hold. That 2004 figure was only finally beaten in 2016 and successive totals have been new record highs.
This may not translate into an immediate rise in private residential activity, but the results suggest
that further out housebuilders and residential developers are still looking to increase activity.
Glenigan’s economics director Allan Wilén explains: “A cooling UK housing market is forecast to hold back overall sector activity but Build to Rent is predicted to be a rapidly growing niche market.
“The value of private housing projects starting on site fell by an estimated 11% last year as
housebuilders prioritised building out existing developments and opened fewer new sites.
“A small 1% decline is anticipated for 2019, but the extension of Help to Buy to 2023 should lift housebuilders’ confidence to open up new sites despite subdued activity in the wider housing market. We predict a return to stronger growth from 2020.” Glenigan tracked a rise in all planning activity for all house-types in 2018.
An all-electric home that produces twotimes more energy than it consumes won the Project of the Year - Residential category at this year’s CIBSE Building Performance Awards.
Designed by bere:architects, Lark Rise incorporates a 12kW rooftop solar array which enables the home to import 97% less energy from the electrical grid than the average UK house.
The judges said this scheme delivered “outstanding measured building performance, energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions”.
Devised by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, the Building Performance Awards recognise completed projects which can demonstrate outstanding in-use performance, along with awards for design, facilities management and products for their contribution to delivering outstanding building performance.
A new association supporting the use of sustainable drainage within all new developments has been officially launched during the water industry’s key national trade event, Floodex 2019.
ASA, the Association of SuDS Authorities, has been created following discussion with Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) across the country, and will be the member organisation for professionals working with Local Authorities in the delivery of sustainable drainage.
Working closely alongside ADA (Association of Drainage Authorities) and the Construction Industry Research and Information Association, CIRIA, ASA will engage with government and industry bodies to provide a single voice in the delivery of sustainable drainage.
ASA is committed to promoting sustainable drainage to ensure future development can keep pace with the challenges of the changing climate, and ensuring that SuDS (sustainable drainage systems) are maintained over the lifetime of a development.
Energy generating house is a winner at CIBSE awards New association supporting delivery of SuDS
Four new commissioners have been appointed to the government’s Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission, it has been confirmed.
Established at the start of this year, the Commission will advise the government by developing practical measures to ensure new housing developments meet the needs and expectations of communities, making them more likely to be welcomed rather than resisted.
Experienced parliamentarian Sir John Hayes MP will also support the Commission, adding valuable insight from his decades of service as an MP and former government minister. An additional nine specialist advisors will also assist during the work. Communities Secretary Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP said: “This Commission will play a crucial role in ensuring the homes communities need are built, accepted and loved by those who live in and near them.
“I’m delighted Sir Roger is being joined by such a talented team of highly-respected professionals, along with a list of distinguished advisors who will bring a wealth of expertise and a range of viewpoints. Meeting once a month, the Commission will report back in due course once it has taken evidence and formulated its recommendations on how the government can improve the quality of new homes.”
Claridge Architects’ masterplan for Birmingham’s major canal-side development, Soho Wharf, has been submitted for planning this month.
The site, just over a mile from the city centre, and which was shortlisted in the 2018 AJ Awards, is a residential-led, mixed-use scheme which aims to transform a derelict industrial canal-side site and incorporate it into the city’s vibrant core.
The 4 new commissioners joining the Chair of the Commission Sir Roger Scruton are:
• Ms Gail Mayhew – a property consultant with experience in regeneration and place making; Ms Mayhew is currently advising Urban Catalyst in the regeneration of Purfleet in Thurrock; she is an advocate of community engagement in the planning process, assisting groups to change the design of major proposals to better reflect and fit in with their surroundings
• Ms Mary Parsons – currently the Chair and a trustee of the Town and Country Planning Association, Ms Parsons has over 25 years’ experience working in the development and construction sector and is a Group Director of Places for People; developments she is presently responsible for include a 10,000 home new community at Gilston in Hertfordshire, 2 new neighbourhoods on the Olympic Park and a new urban neighbourhood in Birmingham
Mr Nicholas Boys Smith – the founding director of Create Streets, which was set up to promote high density, beautiful, street-based developments that involve the community; Mr Boys Smith has also led urban design projects and studies into the built environment, publishing a number of influential books on the role of design and architecture
Mr Kim Wilkie – a renowned landscape architect and environmental planner, Mr Wilkie has sat on several bodies advising on design and beauty –including the Mayor of London’s Public Realm Advisory Group and the Royal Parks Advisory Board; he also holds an Honorary Fellowship at the Royal Institute of British Architects and is currently leading the redesign of the Natural History Museum’s historic grounds.
Claridge Architects was appointed by joint venture partners Apsley House Capital and Galliard Homes as architect on the project after they acquired an 11.7-acre regeneration site in August 2017.
The proposed masterplan, for over 750 homes set amongst green, landscaped public parkland represents Claridge Architects’ largest scheme to date and their second appointment of scale in Birmingham.
The latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show a thriving domestic manufacturing industry in bricks, with investment in new plant and production efficiencies continuing to increase supply in line with growing housebuilding numbers.
The January statistics cover the period up until the end of December 2018 and show an 8.4% increase in production compared to December 2017 – with an overall 7.9% increase over the twelve months over 2017.
Commenting on the continuing trend, Tom Farmer of The Brick Development Association, representing 95% of UK manufacturing, observed: “Continuing investment from our members is reflected in these figures and demonstrates confidence in the housing market.
Production has increased swiftly at Ibstock’s new Eclipse factory in Leicester, Forterra has announced plans to invest £95 million in doubling the capacity of its Desford plant while investment plans from Ketley and YHM will make further contributions to capacity over the next 18 months.
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Copper: Nordic Brown Light; Project: Chamberlain Hall, Birmingham Architects: Glancy Nicholls Architects; Photo: Alastair Carew-Coxindividual residential property,
special and standard Evoke
in a
Snowdrop Developments purchased the site of a former British Telecom repeater station at auction, and set about obtaining planning permission for a contemporary building, which would reflect the original rectangular, flat roofed structure and optimise the views.
The award winning ‘Rock Lobster’ positions the living accommodation on the upper storey, with four bedrooms at ground level.
Drawing on the best of the Modernist Movement, Snowdrop Developments has included large glazed openings to capture the seascape, and clad the upper floor of the building in Siberian Larch. Below, sandstone from the Denfind quarry in Angus encloses the lower elevation.
Having worked with Snowdrop Developments in the past, Marley Alutec was approached to provide two bespoke Evoke profiles to enclose not just the window ledges, but also the step between the two levels, and supply its standard coping sections for the balcony walls.
Ross Foster of Snowdrop Developments commented: “The challenge was how to create a defined separation in floor levels and create a step in width between the upper and lower sections of the building,
so it did not become a box with two separate types of cladding.
“The solution was to employ Marley Alutec to come up with a profile that would match the windows, stand up to the coastal sea air and create that clean line or step that was desired.
“This is not the first time Snowdrop Developments has partnered with Marley Alutec to deliver both standard and bespoke profiles / finishes to new build properties: the local rep in this area for Marley Alutec is very good to deal with and reliable in delivering the products as measured on site.
“The product design and installation ticked all the boxes and has helped to create the stunning design. Additional Marley Alutec products have been made to cap and finish the upper balcony walls, which look fantastic. Also the site joinery team fitted all profiles with ease.”
Offering a lead time of just three weeks from site survey to supply through merchant, GPH Stonehaven, the two special profiles took the form of a deep C-section to define the break between the two storeys, while a Z-section profile with a 40mm upstand at the rear cloaked the bottom of the window frame, then extended out and down onto the face of the building.
Both of these profiles were fixed using colour matched poly-pins secured into the frames or timber battens.
The made-to-measure coping sections are secured in place with concealed clips, while the joints between sections are hidden by cover strips. Internal and external angles were also provided for changes of direction in the balcony walls.
Ross Foster concluded: “The property is prominent and very different for the area, but the positive reactions have been overwhelming and the property has been nominated for awards before it was completed.”
Snowdrop Developments was highly commended in last year’s Scottish House Builder of the Year awards, while Rock Lobster was runner up in this year’s Innovation in Design Category.
Marley Alutec
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Legrand UK & Ireland has unveiled MyHOME_Up – the latest generation of its simple-to-use home automation system –which now benefits from app connectivity; making it even easier for housebuilders to integrate smart home technology into new-build developments.
MyHOME_Up drastically simplifies home automation for developers. Using Legrand’s connected devices programme, Eliot, MyHOME_Up integrates all essential services for a modern home – such as lighting, temperature control, shading, audio and door entry – into one system. MyHOME_Up can be installed after just one day’s training, and can be wired in a similar timeframe to a traditional domestic wiring layout.
What sets the system apart from its predecessor is the new MyHOMEServer1 server, which enables contractors to easily commission the system using the new MyHOME_Up mobile app.
The app, which is free to download and available on Android and iOS, can quickly be set up to control the home in a few easy and intuitive steps. Essentially, it is designed to act as a remote alternative to a wired control panel, whether in the home or away. Once the MyHOMEServer1 has been powered up, all actuators and dimmers will be working within a matter of minutes. All the contractor needs to do then is open
the app in ‘installer mode’, and all devices connected to the server will appear ready to be associated to a function on the app.
The same app can then be downloaded and used by the homeowner to remotely control and manage all home automation functions. It will also allow homeowners to create and customise smart actions based on their lifestyle, such as synchronised lighting, climate and audio controls for each individual room during the morning or evening, or when entertaining guests, all at the touch of a button within the app.
Crucially, the app will also allow developers to accommodate consumer trends for uncluttered wall space, as it reduces the need for several control panels located throughout the property.
The functional depth of the MyHOMEServer1 encourages scalability, and if new connected devices are installed throughout the house to accommodate system evolution, the app can easily integrate future functions in a matter of seconds. The cloud connection is managed by Legrand’s Eliot programme, and requires no complicated configuration of internet routers.
Richard Hopkins – Lead Marketing Manager, Wiring Devices for Legrand UK & Ireland, comments: “The MyHOME_Up concept is intended to facilitate easy uptake and integration of home automation systems into new build developments, at a competitive price. The beauty of the system, particularly for developers, is the level of end-user flexibility it offers. Using our connected devices programme, Eliot, the MyHOME_Up system can deliver full home automation for those who desire it. Crucially, the function of the devices and scenes can still be achieved via wall mounted controllers, if desired.
“Yet, if subsequent homeowners wish to make use of the home automation system, all they need to do is download the MyHOME_Up app, and away they go. The app effectively acts as a remote control which can be used both around the house and when out and about. Ease-of-use was central to the design process, and with effortless set-up and customisation at the touch of a few buttons, we feel it offers developers the key to delivering fully-automated, scalable homes.”
Legrand
Housebuilders are taking greater control of their supply chains as supply of materials gets stretched. This has led to a significant increase in the offsite and modular construction market, particularly in the housebuilding industry as developers seek to achieve Government targets for both private and social housing.
The Lloyds Bank annual housebuilding report revealed that 68% of housebuilders are investing in modular housing and 56% are putting cash into panelised systems of construction.
According to the Lloyds’ report, average investment in new building techniques by housebuilders now comprises 24% of turnover compared to 20% five years ago.
Glenigan’s economics director Allan Wilen commented: “These changes are because housebuilders are concerned about their margins. Skills shortages are endemic and the threat of tariffs when the UK leaves the European Union both loom large and bigger housebuilders are likely to explore similar deals going forwards.”
The long-term sustainability benefits of offsite and modular construction often mean that when specifying products and systems, the design team will look at the most energy efficient solutions available.This helps in terms of marketing offsite construction properties as more environmentally friendly.
The use of SIPS in the UK continues to grow at an accelerated rate and it’s no surprise why. The factory-assembled bespoke wall, floor and ceiling panels can be produced with foamed filled joints to further improve thermal performance too, this translates into
lower energy bills for occupants and long-term reductions in environmental impact, through lower carbon emissions.
“What’s more, as noise nuisance continues to be a major problem within the built environment, the multi-density construction of good quality SIPS can cut sound transmission by 38dB compared to traditional walls,” adds Rod McLachlan, Offsite Construction Category Manager from Marley Modular Systems. “SIPS are also an extremely cost effective choice. Although savings vary depending on client specification, the completed cost of the project can be as much as 30% cheaper than traditional buildings.
“This is achieved through the benefits of specifying a factory-produced system, with just-in-time delivery, speedy erection and virtually no waste or defects. What’s more, with less noise, dust and traffic movements, there is a greatly reduced impact on local community and residents.
“When it comes to aesthetics, SIPS also make it possible to retain complete design flexibility, whether your tastes run to the ultra-modern or a more traditional appearance. They also offer a brilliant design concept as they can be used to create elegant vaulted roof spaces. Indeed, traditional roof construction relies on a conventional trussed design to develop the
space, but often SIPS can span from ridge to eaves with the minimum of intervening horizontal beams. Undeniably, there are many benefits that come with the specification of SIPS, from the excellent performance and aesthetics to the quick and easy construction.
“However, if you choose to go down this route for your next project, it’s important you liaise with a reputable manufacturer to gain the advice and guidance required.” Manufacturers are seeing growth thanks to the suitability of their products for offsite construction.
Actis’ innovative honeycomb style insulation Hybris, one of the four products in the CE marked Actis Hybrid range, combines insulation, air tightness, moisture resistance and reflective properties and can be used to insulate timber frame or masonry walls, pitched roofs or ceilings.
The Actis Hybrid range is becoming increasingly popular with offsite manufacturers for its speed, cleanliness and ease of use. One company which has become a disciple of Actis Hybris is Berkshire based timber framer Vision Development.
Its marketing manager Lucy Karpinski explained the benefits of the products over its previous solid insulation system: “The ease of installation is attractive to us, as the main USP for timber frame is the speed of construction.
“There is also minimal waste, which again works well with our timber frame ethic of being environmentally friendly and the insulation being non-toxic. It is much quicker to use than PIR board and takes around half the labour time to install.”
In addition to being quick, clean and easy to use, the flexible nature of the Hybrid products ensure air tightness and eliminate thermal bridging.
They can be easily bent round corners and squashed into strangely shaped gaps, creating a continuous thermal blanket – something difficult to achieve with solid insulation, which has to be cut precisely to size to avoid
draught-attracting air gaps. Following its success in the manufacture and installation of high-quality kitchen furniture across a range of sectors for the last two decades, Deanestor has launched a new service to provide bespoke contemporary kitchens to developers and main contractors for studio and apartment projects for both rent and market sale.
William Tonkinson, Managing Director of Deanestor, said: “We will work with developers and contractors from the concept design and development stages to manufacture and installation.We can supply kitchens to meet the precise requirements, architectural design and layouts of major projects – whether new build or refurbishment.”
Deanestor has been awarded contracts for the supply of PRS kitchens which include a project worth in excess of £4m to manufacture and install around 700 kitchens for a private residential scheme in central Manchester and 700 studio kitchens in Canary Wharf.
Deanestor’s highly robust, preassembled carcase solutions use design principles originally developed for healthcare projects. The kitchen designs are contemporary with
The portfolio comprises 10 models with the domestic range starting at 18.2m2 single module buildings and stretching up to 93m2 three storey domestic houses.
Two volumetric module sizes are used in various layouts to create flexible accommodation solutions.
In this way, Totally Modular, is helping to address the housing crisis from different angles, providing both low-cost affordable housing in large numbers and high-quality exclusive options to take advantage of compact city opportunities.
The design of the TM line is inspired by both modern and traditional elements of British architecture with different exterior cladding options available such as redwood or cedar, render, bricks or cladding panels.
All of which provide quickly inhabitable modular living spaces for individuals, couples and families.
The modular houses are 97% complete when they arrive on site, including fitted kitchens and bathrooms, external finishes and electrical cabling.
The home is then delivered to the building site and craned into place, typically onto a slab-on-grade or concrete piled foundation, although units can be placed on traditional foundations steel frames or existing roofs with the necessary structural calculations and planning permission.
gloss or matt vinyl or laminate finishes, quality soft close hinges and drawer runners, integrated appliances, and highend work tops in materials such as granite, quartz and Corian.
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Leading volumetric modular housing manufacturer Totally Modular has enjoyed success with the TM line of modular houses.
Safety in the shower is undoubtedly a huge concern for vulnerable people – especially the elderly, the very young and the infirm – particularly prominent within the Community and Social Housing marketplace. Those who suffer with sight, hearing or dexterity issues often have difficulty when showering and are particularly at risk.
To address these challenges, Mira Showers, a leading UK manufacturer of showers, shower enclosures and shower trays has gone above and beyond in developing the latest Mira Advance range.
From research and interviews with end users, occupational therapists and installers, to working collaboratively with the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB), have ensured that this product is at the height of safety and reliability.
The Mira Advance range holds the RNIB Gold Award in recognition of its high levels of safety. It also features the patented Mira Clearscale Pro™, a market-leading antilimescale technology for a longer-lasting, better performing electric shower, making it easier than ever to fit and forget.
When sight, hearing or dexterity are limited or compromised, a simple day-to-day task that is often taken for granted, such as showering, can be very daunting. That’s why the Mira Advance is designed with high contrast graphics and raised tactile markings highlight critical touchpoints and make navigating the showering controls easier. Plus, its light-touch buttons are simple to use, even when dexterity is limited.
The features of Mira Advance aid those with hearing issues as well; it’s clear, audible beeps enable the user to know if the shower is on, off
or has reached the desired temperature. There are also audible clicks on both the showerhead, to indicate changing between the three spray patterns, and on the central dial, to indicate the changing in temperature.
For the ultimate in flexible showering, look no further than the Mira Advance Flex. This product has a central loop handle which makes changing the temperature even easier for those with limited dexterity, such as arthritis sufferers.
It also comes with an extra-long slide bar for added ease. When a wet-room installation is needed, the Mira Advance Flex Extra is compatible with the Bluetooth® Whale Pump, which is specifically designed to solve shower drainage problems, allowing you to create a level access bathroom without compromise.
The new range has integral changes and technical advancements for the professional installer, too. Mira Advance re-calibrates itself and make internal adjustments, depending on the supply conditions for a more reliable installation. Plus, the new range easily retrofits over all previous models. For complete peace of mind, Mira Advance is supported by the Mira Showers Customer Service team, based here in the UK. Their highly trained staff are on-hand for any additional support or advice.
Mira Showers
Hadley Group has confirmed its presence for Futurebuild 2019 with a 100m2 stand and the Hadley Way.
Hadley Group is planning a strong presence throughout Futurebuild 2019 including a stand within the show’s Offsite Hub and the introduction of the Hadley Way, the main thoroughfare through the exhibition halls, that will document the company’s capabilities.
Bringing together opinion-shapers, decisionmakers and product innovators, Futurebuild is a leading build environment event in the UK.
Designed to house the country’s largest gathering of offsite construction professionals, the Offsite Hub at Futurebuild offers visitors an insight into exciting full-scale builds and new system demonstrations that showcase the latest advances and innovations from the world of offsite construction.
Hadley Group has booked a large 100sqm stand for the 2019 edition and will also sponsor the main thoroughfare that runs the length of the show, which will be named the ‘Hadley Way’. The Hadley Way will trace the company’s developments as it shapes the future in metal, highlighting its sustainability benefits.
The company has exciting developments in store during the event, which include updates on its recent acquisition of EWS Manufacturing and the further integration of Hadley Steel Framing into the company’s portfolio.
Visitors to Hadley Group’s stand will discover the company’s range of high quality, light gauge galvanised steel structural framing systems and their wide range of applications across the world of construction.
Offering a lighter, easier to erect alternative to concrete primary frames, the company’s prepanelised standalone steel frame structures are ideal for medium rise buildings across the health, education, residential, leisure, commercial and retail sectors.
Hadley GroupConsort Claudgen has launched their first BIM (Building Information Modelling) objects which include panel heaters, fan heaters, recessed ceiling heaters and air curtains. Architects and specifiers can now access the BIM models for their BIM projects from Consort Claudgen’s website or the NBS National BIM Library. The objects are authored and developed to the trusted NBS BIM Objects Standard and are free to download in both Revit and IFC format. The BIM objects featured in the NBS National BIM Library also includes technical details such as dimensions, ratings, insulation standard classes and electrical specifications to aid architects and specifiers in their design process. For details, visit www.consortepl.com/bim-modelling/
A Northamptonshire manufacturer predicts a growing trend in 2019 for luxury housing developers to remove the traditional brickbuilt garage from their plans in favour of bespoke timber car barns.Scotts of Thrapston, specialists in the manufacture and installation of timber framed buildings, says it has seen considerably more activity in the last two to three years from high-end housing developers and builders. Richard Jarvis, spokesman for Scotts of Thrapston, said: “Developers are moving away from traditional brick garages to oak-fronted timber garages, car barns or car ports. It helps to differentiate their product from their competitors, as the car barns are seen as aesthetically more pleasing and a higher value product.”
Delta Membrane Systems Limited are pleased to announce that our seminar entitled Flood Resilience is now a RIBA approved CPD seminar. We are now offering Architects, Specifiers and Designers the chance to keep up to date with the latest in essential flood resilience, resistance and recoverability protection with the launch of our new and unique CPD Seminar. Our Flood Resilience, RIBA CPD accredited seminar is designed to provide practical insights in to flood resilience, resistance and recoverability technology and covers important topics such as the environmental benefits of flood resilience, resistance and recoverability, assessments of flood water entering buildings (BS85500:2015), specification considerations, design principles, how flood resilience, resistance and recoverability measures work, as well understanding the different types of flood events.
New legal requirements for Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) rainwater drainage on developments across Wales apply from 7th January, heralding wider use of concrete block permeable paving.
Meanwhile, the trade association Interpave has published the new Edition 7 of its definitive guidance to this essential SuDS technique – ‘Design and Construction of Concrete Block Permeable Pavements’ – now available to download from www.paving.org.uk.
The Welsh Government has now implemented Schedule 3 of the 2010 Flood and Water Management Act. This includes the establishment of a SuDS Approving Body (SAB) within each local/ unitary authority, alongside its lead local flood authority duty.
SAB approval will be required before construction of drainage systems can commence on new and redeveloped sites. Provided appropriate statutory National SuDS Standards are met, the SAB will be required to adopt and maintain approved SuDS that serve more than one property.
The Welsh National Standards point out that: “The SuDS approach mimics natural drainage, managing surface runoff at or close to the surface and as close to its source as practicable, controlling the flow … and providing a range of additional benefits.”
By its very nature, concrete block permeable paving is uniquely placed to meet these requirements, as an attractive, surfacebased, multifunctional SuDS technique.
Interpave’s new ‘Design and Construction of Concrete Block Permeable Pavements’ guidance covers the most recent permeable paving techniques, such as overlays to existing road constructions and enhanced, predictable water storage using flow controls. www.paving.org.uk.
Interpave
Built by Robertson Construction and designed by architect Anderson Bell + Christie for Vastint Hospitality, Havannah House is a brand new six-storey private, student housing development in Glasgow City, which offers more than just somewhere to ‘crash’ while studying.
It accommodates 458 students in stylish apartments and en-suite rooms with comfortable modern interiors. Finding the right flooring solution for the living areas within the student apartments was necessary. But one of the criteria was very precise: a contemporary, distinctive flooring design, something that would really stand out, was required. However, durability, acoustic and easy maintenance qualities were also essential requirements.
Meeting the criteria was international flooring specialist, Gerflor’s, 19db acoustic, Taralay Impression Comfort in Nest Black, which was specified by Vastint Hospitality’s inhouse design team with 1500m2 installed by MacGregor flooring.
“The reason we chose this particular product was indeed durability but also because the
overall design is rather simple with a modest colour base of white and a range of grey. We therefore wanted to introduce pattern into the floor that would give the space a bit of a twist”, said Magdalena Krzyżanowska, Architect, Vastint Hospitality.
Taralay Impression Comfort is a multi-layered, vinyl flooring with a Very High Density (VHD) foam backing and compact interlayer for where excellent sound insulation, comfort, durability and indentation performance are needed.
For more information about Gerflor solutions, order a free sample or to speak to a specialist call 01926 622600 email: contractuk@gerflor.com or visit www.gerflor.co.uk
Glidevale, the specialist building products and ventilation solutions provider, offers a range of universal roofing ventilators fitting a large number of tile profiles to help housing providers to manage the risk of harmful condensation in their properties.
Research has shown that about 20% of the air entering a dwelling, leaves via the roof.
Moisture laden air moving through the property can create condensation on the rafters which in the long term could cause serious damage, including structural weakening by wet and dry rot, reduced insulation effectiveness and mould growth staining, often seen on ceilings. Harmful condensation only increases unless controlled ventilation strategies are put in place.
Glidevale’s compact universal range can be used where a single solution is required for a number of roofs and tile matching is unnecessary. This includes the Versa-Tile G5, purpose made to match virtually all interlocking single lap tiles and also the Universal Flat Interlocking In-Line® Tile, which can be used
with a range of tile profiles. Glidevale also offers a comprehensive range of profile and colour matched slate and tile ventilators, including hundreds of dedicated profiled tile ventilators to match almost any tile available in the market, making Glidevale tile vents suitable for both new build and retrofit schemes.
When profile matched and colour blended with neighbouring slates, tiles and ridges, the ventilators are almost indiscernible once installed.
For more information, please contact Glidevale’s Technical department on 0161 905 5700 or by email at technical@glidevale.com, or visit www.glidevale.com.
To make an enquiry - Go online: www.enquire2.com Send a fax: 01952 234003 or post our free Reader Enquiry Card
Decorative casings specialist, Encasement, has added to its extensive fire sprinkler boxing range with the launch of Versa FR, which is designed for use primarily on high rise residential projects where flame retardant boxing is required to conceal sprinkler pipework installations.
Manufactured from flame retardant Euroclass B compliant board, Versa FR is also FSC© ‘Chain of Custody’ certified and has a Declaration of Performance certificate following its testing to the appropriate harmonised European Standard (hEN) technical specification.
Versa FR has a white painted finish, giving a joint-less and easy to clean surface to integrate with the interiors of flats and communal areas where sprinklers are installed.
It can be easily cut to length on site and drilled to accommodate fire sprinkler heads, whilst the boxing is secured simply by screw fixing to timber battens or aluminium angles, which also allows easy access for inspection and routine sprinkler maintenance. A range of dedicated accessories is also available including internal
and external corners, as well as stop ends. Running lengths are butted end to end to ensure the integrity of the boxing. Intumescent mastic joint sealant may also be required.
Encasement’s Managing Director, Martin Taylor, explained: “Fire sprinkler boxing is an essential element in residential fire sprinkler installations, as it not only conceals unsightly sprinkler pipework, but is also easy to install and provides an integrated finish in flats and communal areas.
“Our Versa FR products provide an extension to our existing range and enables us to meet project and product specifications that call for flame retardant boxing to be installed as part of sprinkler installation programmes.” Versa FR product and technical information is available online at www.encasment.co.uk alongside a new downloadable brochure,
while typical sprinkler boxing installation drawings in PDF and DWG format are also available for download.
Our ‘Versa’ decorative fire sprinkler pipe boxing range is the perfect cost effective, durable and easy-fit solution to conceal sprinkler system pipework, as part of tower block and high-rise residential upgrade programmes.
Manufactured from pre-formed FSC® certified plywood and pre-finished in durable white melamine, Versa ‘L’ shaped boxing is available in 5mm or 8mm thicknesses for use inside flats or communal areas, such as stairs and lift lobbies, where sprinklers are required.
Versa boxing can be used with standard sprinkler heads or concealed ‘pop-out’ units with cover caps.
• Cost effective and easy to fit
• Pre-finished – no need to paint
• Just drill and cut to length
• Range of dedicated accessories
• Manufactured from FSC® certified timber
ZED Pods, the company behind a new concept in modular low-carbon starter homes, kicks off 2019 with 65 units in planning or pre-application at sites across the UK including Lincoln, Essex and London. This exceeds the company’s planned 2018 start-up target of 60 housing units.
Manufacturing has also started on the first 11 prefabricated homes at ZED Pods’ selected manufacturing partner in Peterborough. This includes nine one-bed and two two-bed units, all designed for installation raised above the ground, normally in car parks, a key design feature for customers who intend to make use of existing parking provisions beneath.
“Hard work during the past year to explain the Pod concept and the opportunity this brings to make use of hard to use windfall sites is now starting to pay dividends,”
explains Dr Rehan Khodabuccus, ZED Pod’s Operations Director.
“Local Authorities and developers are particularly attracted to the fact that our Pod homes can be built over existing parking or on land outside the development plan to deliver rapid, affordable, low energy housing solutions for sale or rent. In this way ZED Pod housing can add to a Local Authority’s existing housing allocation, while existing car parks continue to function.
A flexible design approach with different housing styles to maximise each plot, combined with rapid installation, a design life the same as typical timber frame buildings and the fact
that Pod developments can be designed to be moved to different sites if requirements change, are also important factors for many of the councils we are talking to,” he added.
To meet expected demand, the company is continuing to refine the production process to speed up build times and deliver efficiencies. Currently it takes the team 10 days to build a single unit, ready for transportation and delivery to site. By overlapping production and further experimentation the team hopes to significantly improve this with the goal of four Pods per week.
ZED PodsProtect BarriAir, the air barrier membrane with vapour control properties has been used throughout a 68 home residential housing scheme at Saffron Acres in Leicester, achieving stringent levels of airtightness to meet the Passivhaus standard.
Used within a community-led initiative undertaken in collaboration with emh Group, Westleigh Partnerships Ltd and Saffron Lane Neighbourhood Council with consultation by Encraft, BarriAir was specified to ensure an airtight timber frame structure within a welldesigned living space.
A former derelict site regenerated to address the shortage of affordable housing, Saffron Acres is the winner of the 2017 East Midlands Residential RICS Award and also the largest Passivhaus affordable housing development in Europe. Achieving certification in 2017, all 68 timber frame designed plots were awarded the standard, creating an environmentally friendly place to live.
Protect BarriAir is a high performance construction membrane for walls and ceilings, offering a significant reduction in air leakage, helping to meet Building Regulations and airtightness standards.
Also offering vapour control properties, Protect BarriAir is installed on the warm side
of the structure, adjacent to the insulation, offering reduced heat loss and convection flows to improve thermal performance.
BarriAir is available with integrated tape and offers an effective sealant to further provide added assurance of airtight performance and
ease of installation. Other Protect products used on this development included Protect VP300 vapour permeable roofing underlay and Protect TF200 external timber frame breather membrane.
Lessons the US President needs to learn from the boy who stuck his finger in a dyke
You might be surprised to read an article from a heat pump manufacturer focusing on the wall along the US / Mexican border, but this is exactly the kind of topics we look at on our blogsite The Hub (https://les. mitsubishielectric.co.uk/the-hub)
We post 4 new articles a week on subjects as diverse as fuel poverty, indoor air quality, plastic waste, energy efficiency, and the technology such as heat pumps, that can help us all minimise the effects of climate change.
We have independent contributors, such as Housing Specification’s own Paul Groves, along with celebrities like George Clarke, who this month is blaming Right to Buy for the lack of housing in the UK.
We see our purpose as providing information that will allow people to make informed decisions on how to reduce the carbon footprints of their homes, their businesses, and their lifestyles.
In terms of the US President, who is once again all over the media talking about building his wall along the Mexican border to keep out the ‘caravan of terrorists and drug dealers’, the latest blog talks about why he should look to build a dyke, or levee, rather than worry about building a wall.
The central thrust is that the President should learn lessons from an American children’s story, about a little boy who stuck his finger in a dyke. Written in 1865, by Mary Mapes Dodge, her story probably makes him the most famous Dutch person never to have lived, as it was not based on any real Dutch folk heroes and few in the Netherlands even know the story.
It tells the tales of the little boy who sees that the dyke (or levee, or sea wall) that protects his village and surrounding lands, has a trickle of water coming out of it. He blocks the leak with his finger until someone comes to help, thereby preventing disaster.
The point about building a levee or dyke, rather than a wall, is all to do with climate change of course because if anyone thinks immigration is a problem now, wait until global sea levels have risen two metres and whole areas of land are covered in water.
Regardless of America’s issues with the Mexican border, or even our own selfimposed issue of Brexit, here in the UK, climate change is the biggest threat facing us all now, and thankfully, more people are waking up to this and it is starting to get the attention it deserves. More is needed though. And that is our central aim of our blogsite –to provide information that will help anyone understand the issues relating to the built environment, and suggest solutions to those issues that can make a difference today.
Here at Mitsubishi Electric, we are doing what we can by encouraging everyone to look at the equipment they use to heat, cool and ventilate their buildings and ensure that they are consuming as little energy as possible.
Improving efficiency could start right now for almost anyone, with something as simple as ensuring your equipment is regularly maintained or properly controlled so it is working as effectively as possible.
At the end of the day, it is all about delivering modern levels of comfort in buildings, in the most energy efficient and low carbon ways as possible.
Towering high over Linwood and overlooking Glasgow Airport, two tower blocks are the latest developments to benefit from major refurbishment works aimed at significantly improving the energy efficiency of properties in the town.
Recognising that a “fabric first” approach is the most effective way to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel bills, Linstone Housing secured funding from the government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, via E.ON Energy Installation Services Ltd (E.ON), to install external wall insulation (EWI) at Belmar Court and Asbury Court.
Wetherby Building Systems were approached by E.ON to recommend a suitable EWI solution for the two 40 metre tall buildings that would also address all fire safety requirements and regulations.
Due to the age and construction of the buildings there were some minor structural works needed and remedial cavity wall ties were installed prior to the application of EWI.
Wetherby’s technical team also worked closely with E.ON and structural engineers, A.J. Balfour Associates to ensure wind load calculations and mechanical pull out tests were carried
protecting us and developing a way forward that benefits both manufacturers and end users alike.
At Blackburn-based AkzoNobel they know that an industry recognised standard assessment which tests various common ‘problems and challenges’ faced daily by its furniture lacquers is seen as more than crucial in determining quality and longevity. This includes the contract market, which has a tough benchmark and the domestic sector, which has a slightly less rigorous pass mark.
In undergoing a Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) testing programme for a range of their products AkzoNobel can provide an unbiased, holistic and pragmatic set of results borne out of the desire to supply the highest quality of products at every opportunity.
Established in 1949, the Furniture Industry Research Association is the UK’s largest furniture association and the only organisation that provides support to the whole furniture supply train, across all sectors.
Their product and furniture testing provide reassurance for manufacturers and their customers, not only for meeting mandatory safety requirements, but as an insight into the performance and durability of a product when it is being used. FIRA’s UKAS-accredited laboratory carries out testing which simulates real-life use and foreseeable misuse for all types of furniture and related products for both the domestic and contract markets. The FIRA general product safety principles are applied to both the domestic and the contract furniture sector
They say, “A product should be suitable for its intended use and so a product should be tested to the correct hazard level for the environment.” Again, a sentiment echoed by AkzoNobel in their quest to ensure that their popular products are continually exposed to a range of independent tests by FIRA.
AkzoNobel
out detailing the correct type and number of insulation fixings to be used.
Wetherby’s 100mm non-combustible Stone Wool insulation was specified due to its superior fire performance along with its excellent thermal & acoustic properties.
The final appearance of the blocks benefited from a combination of dry dash finish in cream to all elevations to ensure a hardwearing and durable surface. This was complimented with Wetherby’s silicone ‘K’ 1.5mm terracotta render panels to create a visually striking design
On completion of the project the U-values have been improved dramatically from 1.41w/m2K to 0.29w/m2K meeting current building regulation requirements and meaning the residents will benefit from considerably lower heating bills.
Wetherby Building SystemsTo make an enquiry - Go online: www.enquire2.com Send a fax: 01952 234003 or post our free Reader Enquiry Card
We all need quality in the modern environment and rigorous testing on products that we use in every-day life is part of both
Yeoman Rainguard rainwater systems were used to help reintroduce an industrial heritage style to The Old Pump House in Warton.
Originally erected in 1923 as a water pumping station for Atherstone and surrounding villages and decommissioned in the late 1980s, the pump house was then bought in the early 90s and after a scheme for a hotel development fell through was converted into a home. The property was then sold in 2015 to current owners Ian and Karen Callender.
“Though the pump house had under gone a complete transformation into a residential property the previous owners, whilst carrying out the renovation to their own preferences, in our opinion designed out some of the industrial heritage. When we purchased the property, it was our intention to restore some of these features.” Ian explained.
Wanting to replace the white plastic gutters and downpipes at the front of the house with a rainwater system that would reflect such qualities, various avenues were searched.
The result of which was Yeoman Rainguard whose XL Aluminium range ticked all the boxes when it came to style, ease of installation and durability whilst also being cost effective.
Yeoman Rainguard 130 x 100mm deep flow half round XL Aluminium gutters were installed giving real impact to the house frontage. 100mm dia. downpipes were added below Cast Aluminium Motif Hoppers helping to further emphasise the desired effect.
Finished in a durable yet stylish black polyester powder coating the aluminium rainwater system will provide the house with 30 + years of maintenance free service.
For more information on Rainguard Rainwater Systems suitable for heritage and listed buildings go to www.rainguard.co.uk or call 0113 279 5854.
Yeoman Rainguard
When the founder of the Complete Energy Consultancy set about designing a brand new home for himself and his family, he identified Marmox Thermoblock as the ideal means of tackling thermal bridging around the floor/wall junction of the near-to-zero carbon construction solution.
The location of Richard Britten’s superinsulated four-bedroom property is only a few miles from the family’s current Gloucestershire property, but centuries away in age and technology. Not only will the Cotswold Stone clad walls offer a U-value of 0.1 W/m2K, but the dwelling’s hot water and
negligible space heating needs will be met using a ground source heat pump.
In erecting the walls, locally based MH Bricklaying is consuming a total of 184, 100mm x 600mm Thermoblocks, laid at the base of the 100 mm thick dense concrete blockwork outer
Aluminium doors and windows from Senior Architectural Systems have been used to frame the views enjoyed by the residents of the new Berry Court private rental scheme in Bournemouth.
The contract to supply the fenestration package for Berry Court is also the latest to be delivered by Senior in partnership with longterm supply chain partners Soundcraft and main contractor Morgan Sindall, with whom Senior has an established trading agreement.
The attractive façade design of the scheme, which pays homage to the Art Deco style that is evident in much of Bournemouth’s architectural heritage, has been enhanced through the specification of Senior’s attractive SPW600e aluminium tilt and turn windows.
The individual apartments also benefit from Senior’s energy-efficient PURe® SLIDE aluminium doors which incorporate a patented PUR thermal break to help achieve exceptionally low U-values to reduce both the heating costs and the overall carbon calculations of the scheme.
The attractive and highly durable aluminium sliding doors have been installed to provide access, natural ventilation and to maximise the
sense of natural light and space. To ensure safety and as a bespoke design feature, Soundcraft also designed an attractive Juliet balcony system which was subject to stringent strength and load bearing tests by Senior prior to installation.
Showcasing the company’s comprehensive range of aluminium fenestration solutions, the Berry Court scheme also features Senior’s versatile and slim line SF52 aluminium curtain walling system and Senior’s high performance automatic SPW501 aluminium doors which have been installed to the main entrance of the building.
leaf. This is separated from a similar inner leaf by a 300mm wide blown-bead filled cavity. Also, due to being supported off a concrete beam-and-block floor construction, the internal block walls will require a further 34 of the 140mm wide units, all supplied by builders merchant, Buildit in Gloucester
Richard Britten commented: “Basically we are moving from an old cottage with thick stone walls and window seats, which was hard to heat, to a very high performance property that despite the 150 mm quarried Cotswold Limestone face, will require minimal heat input. Although I hadn’t used Marmox Thermoblocks before, they are the ideal solution for tackling cold-bridging around the perimeter and where the internal block walls sit on the beam-and-block floors.”
Ram Quarter is an exciting new mixed-use development at the heart of the London Borough of Wandsworth.
One of the scheme’s most striking architectural elements is its rooftop cladding of Nordic Green Living 1 pre-patinated copper, intended to reflect the site’s intriguing industrial heritage.
The site was formerly home to the Young’s brewery and its regeneration has encompassed the restoration of historic buildings alongside the construction of stunning new-build apartments.
The three phases of Ram Quarter will deliver 713 homes, nearly 100,000ft2 of shops and community and leisure facilities over 8 acres. The development is located on the banks of the River Wandle, this section of which has now been opened to the public for the first time in centuries through the redevelopment.
Greenland Group UK, the developer of Ram Quarter, was keen that the site’s material specification should reflect its history and
deliver high-quality design and long-term durability. EPR Architects, the appointed architectural practice for the scheme, was tasked with ensuring that the development design complemented both the industrial character of the site and its transformation into a residential neighbourhood.
EPR Director Pascal Wensink explained: ‘The Brewery had evolved in line with modernisation of beer production, resulting in a wide variety of building sizes, architectural styles and materials. The older, more interesting buildings used traditional brick and most were retained within the masterplan, including the prominent brick chimney – a constant on the Wandsworth skyline for over a century.
The bricks for new buildings pick up on the tonal quality of the retained structures and other buildings within the neighbouring conservation area.
‘The oldest fermenting and brewing vessels within the old brewery were copper. It was this association that inspired us to predominantly clad the upper two floors of the tallest residential buildings in Nordic Green Living 1 copper. Here, it works well alongside our brick selection and also zinc clad elements that help differentiate the buildings visually.
‘Adjacent to the historic brewery complex we introduced a playful vertical expression to one of the new buildings – a nod to the industrial vats that once covered the site. This part of the building is raised from the ground with softer rounded corners and vertically-ribbed profiled Nordic Green copper cladding, with a GRC concrete soffit.’
The Nordic Green Living 1
at
Quarter is part of an extensive range of prepatinated
from Aurubis, developed with properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas all over the world.
Essentially, they bring forward changes that happen over time in the environment without taking away the integrity of copper as a natural material.
All these surfaces form an integral part of the copper and are not coatings or paint, and ongoing changes will continue over time depending on the local environment.
As well as the solid patina colours, ‘living’ surfaces provide various intensities of patina flecks revealing some of the dark oxidised background material. Other Nordic Copper ranges from Aurubis include Nordic Standard ‘mill finish’ and Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper, offering lighter or darker shades of brown determined by the thickness of the oxide layer.
A wide choice of Nordic Decor mechanically applied surface treatments is also available.
Nordic Copper alloys include Nordic Brass –which can also be supplied pre-weathered – Nordic Bronze and the innovative Nordic Royal, an alloy of copper with aluminium and zinc that enjoys a rich golden through-colour which remains very stable.
More information: www.nordiccopper.com or: g.bell@aurubis.com
Aurubis
•Various sized 20mm thick porcelain tiles.
•Impact resistant.
•Completely non porous.
With publication of the government’s implementation plan for delivering Dame Judith Hackitt’s recommendations, it’s time to look again at fire safety in all housing, particularly our approach to smoke and heat alarms, as well as CO alarms, with several – often conflicting –regulations and standards currently under review.
To clarify the issues involved, Kidde has launched independently accredited CPD presentations and discussion documents. The Government recently issued a call for evidence to inform a full technical review of Building Regulations Fire Safety Guidance in Approved Document B. It is also reconsidering CO alarm provision in rented homes.
Meanwhile, the Scottish government has just taken the lead, with wide ranging new proposals calling for a consistent, high level of smoke, heat and CO alarm provision to be applied across all types of housing within the next 2 years.
Effectively, this means smoke alarms in principal living rooms and heat alarms in kitchens, in addition to smoke alarms in circulation areas on each storey. In addition, a CO alarm will need to be fitted where there is a carbon-fuelled heating appliance or a flue passes through the room.
Finally, an updated edition of the BS 5839-6:2013 Code of Practice is expected shortly, potentially including changes to the minimum number and type of smoke or heat alarms recommended.
One certainty in this uncertain regulatory environment is that smoke/heat alarms and CO alarms offer the first line of defence against fire and carbon monoxide in housing, providing critical early warning at low costs.
Straightforward, hard-wired interconnected alarms provide a cost-effective solution in both new-builds and existing properties. But the right provision of alarms – to detect fire or CO, and also ensure that occupants are alerted throughout the home – is critical.
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 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.
With several – often conflicting – regulations and standards currently under review, Kidde’s new, independently certified CPD programme will help housebuilders, housing providers and other specifiers understand the issues involved.
It comprises two presentations and guidance documents covering smoke/heat alarms and CO alarms. In addition to reviewing current minimum requirements, topical issues and conflicts between the various current and proposed standards and regulations are addressed as ‘Talking Points’ to help readers question recommendations and make their own judgements.
To arrange a CPD presentation email: cpd@kiddesafety.co.uk or to download ‘Guide to regulations & standards’ documents visit: www.kiddesafetyeurope.co.uk. For more information on Kidde products, email: sales@kiddesafety.co.uk or call: 03337 722 227.
To make an enquiry - Go online: www.enquire2.com Send a fax: 01952 234003 or post our free Reader Enquiry Card
Intratone, one of Europe’s largest access control specialists, has installed 25 of its digital noticeboards in the communal areas of a number of tower blocks in Stockport Homes Group’s property portfolio supporting the group’s aim of enhancing digital communications.
Stockport Homes is an Arm’s Length Management Organisation that is responsible for managing housing stock comprising more than 11,500 homes on behalf of Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council.
Stockport Homes wanted to be able to communicate important messages to residents such as maintenance works, lifts being out of operation and fire safety information in a quick and simple way via a cloud-based system that can be accessed remotely, 24/7.
The asset managers, compliance managers and the communications team can upload PDFs, spreadsheets, word documents or design their own messages, and can manage individual boards or whole groups at a time through Intratone’s cloud-based management portal.
The noticeboards use GSM technology so wireless networks are not required, and they are
quick and easy to install. The digital noticeboards are 15in diameter; IP65 rated and made of 10mm thick glass so they are vandal resistant.
Matthew Platt, Asset Manager at Stockport Homes says they were confident that the company would provide a costeffective system that would enable them to communicate more effectively with residents: “We have been impressed with the performance of the noticeboards, and we are now undertaking a rolling programme of installations which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering excellent communication to all of our residents.”
Intratone is one of Europe’s largest access controls specialists and manufactures a range of cost-effective door-entry and access control solutions designed around the customer need. Its systems are installed across a range of Housing Association, Social
Housing and Private Properties throughout the UK and Europe.
Intratone
Garador has introduced Anthracite Metallic to its range of roller door colours, for an eyecatching look on modern homes.
The colour has a dark grey appearance with subtle pearlescent flecks blended into the surface. The overall colour portrays an impression of quality and excellence that works well with contemporary house designs.
Garador’s GaraRoll roller doors are already recognised for their precision engineering and unique design with force limitation built into the motor, meaning that the door recognises when it has an obstruction in its path and automatically stops and reverses.
The GaraRoll rolls up into a compact box at the top of the garage door opening, ensuring full access is available to the ceiling space inside the garage.
The GaraRoll curtain is made up of 77mm high foam filled aluminium laths. It is also available in an externally fitted version, where the roller box is fitted outside the garage.
The introduction of Anthracite Metallic brings the total number of colour finishes in GaraRoll’s roller door range up to 12. To view the full GaraRoll colour range, please visit www.garador.co.uk or call 01935 443708.
Garador
To make an enquiry - Go online: www.enquire2.com Send a fax: 01952 234003 or post our free Reader Enquiry Card
The Ei3018 mains powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm from Aico - the UK’s market leader in domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarms – brings together the company’s very latest technologies into one alarm for exceptional protection. At the heart of the Ei3018 Carbon Monoxide Alarm is Aico’s high performance, proven electrochemical Carbon Monoxide sensor which has a ten year life. It is precalibrated and tested in Carbon Monoxide gas to ensure accuracy. When in alarm mode, the level of Carbon Monoxide detected is indicated by the flash rate of the red LED on the unit and the sounder incorporated within it.
The heat efficiency of a Victorian mid terraced house in south-east London has been dramatically improved thanks in part to the introduction of Spacetherm® WL insulation. The challenge of dealing with heating inefficiencies, major heat loss and high heating costs are a common problem with many Victorian buildings and solid wall dwellings.
Property owner Gustaaf Houtman explains, “Previously, heat loss and maintaining comfortable levels of heat throughout the individual rooms of the property were a real challenge, adding significant costs to our energy bills.
“For example, in the mornings, the kitchen would require a long time to improve the heat level, and would often be around 16/17°C. Following the introduction of the improvements, it is now possible to achieve a much more comfortable level of 19-21°C very quickly and to maintain this as required. The front rooms too were very cold and yet now easily be brought to levels of 23-26°C and beyond even when outside temperature is sub-zero.”
“The approach taken to achieve the improvements was threefold: first, depending on requirement, either Spacetherm WL (Wall Liner) or Spacetherm Directfix were fitted to the internal surfaces of the external walls of all rooms. In some areas insulation was placed with the floors enabling the ground floor heating to become more efficient, and finally, new, more efficient radiators were fitted to each room.
“In combination with Genius Hub, the automated heating system that adjusts heat delivery to usage patterns, the improvements in heat performance have been amazing, and provide clear evidence that it is possible to transform a Victorian building into a very effective heat efficient property.”
A. Proctor GroupCircofloPro service a success for St. Neots self-builder
What started out as a bathroom upgrade for the owners of a substantial family home in Cambridgeshire has morphed into a major reconfiguration and extension project, with the installation of a CircofloPro underfloor heating system proving to be one of the simpler tasks as the plans took shape.
BoilerMag has opened a brand new testing facility to carry out sophisticated filtration analysis for central heating system filters.
Located at BoilerMag’s Sheffield headquarters, this state of the art laboratory will provide customers with performance guarantees for flow rates, contamination levels, and filter efficiency.
The quarter of a million pound investment has enabled BoilerMag to incorporate a fully automated PLC controlled test rig, including laser particle counters and digital pressures differential gauges pre and post filter, as well as real time data logging.
Strict testing criteria means that BoilerMag can provide Architects and Specifiers
with detailed data on the performance of magnetic heating system filters with regard to HVAC pressure drops, flow rates, as well as accurate contamination and particle analysis determining efficiency levels.
The rig incorporates numerous delivery pumps, each controlled via fully adjustable inverters enabling precision test flow rates between 30 to 1,500 litres per minute to be achieved.
This wide flow rate capability enables domestic, commercial and industrial sized filters to be fully put through their paces, including side stream units, strainers, and delineating systems.
BoilerMag Sales and Marketing Director Steve McAllorum said: “We are delighted to be able to offer facilities for the testing of water treatment products to the highest industry standards.
“The filtration testing facility is a huge investment for BoilerMag, allowing us to carry out extremely sophisticated, in depth testing of filter efficiency. We fully anticipate to be able to offer customers the full scope of UKAS accredited services for closed system analysis in the near future.”
01952
Ron Aylett and his wife live in a large detached bungalow in the village of Hardwick near St. Neots, and have carried out a number of changes including converting the entire loft area. However, their latest venture saw them create a bathroom in what had been a living room area, while adding a large orangery and altering the kitchen
They are now in the process of having the boiler replaced with a modern, higher output model, and are extending the heating circuits using the CircofloPro kit, specified and supplied by the branch of SDE in St Ives. This was made up to order and was all ready for Ron to lay: including the LowDeck boards, 12 mm heating pipe runs, two four-port manifolds, circulating pump, controller and thermostat.
Ron commented: “We are getting towards the end of the project now with the orangery having been built as an extension to the lounge area, and the kitchen-diner completely remodelled. When we decided to install low profile, underfloor heating, it led to our contacting SDE who we knew and they recommended the Circoflo system.
“I spoke with Brendan Hourican of Circoflo for some installation advice who was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I was really surprised how easy LowDeck boards were to fit, and even if you put the pipes down in the wrong area, you can just pull them up again and relay them without any fuss or damage.”
Although best known in the UK for its Isokorb structural thermal break range (thermal insulation), in Europe, insulating stairs and landings against impact sound (acoustic insulation) has been a high priority for Schöck as well.
This is mostly due to the historical differences in dwelling types, with only 14% of the UK population traditionally living in apartments, one of the lowest Euro percentages. However, things are changing with UK apartment living dramatically on the rise.
As a result, Schöck has developed an integrated solution for straight and winding staircases. Known as Tronsole, the system provides optimum soundproofing in apartment blocks and multi-use buildings.
Combining dependable impact sound insulation with straightforward installation.
With conventionsal solutions, such as an unsecured individual elastomer support under the stairs, displacement can result in a broken concrete edge due to incorrect support.
The Schöck Tronsole system has seven main product types that can be mixed and matched to form a fully integrated impact soundproof system either on-site, or in the prefabricating plant. It envelopes the entire staircase, totally minimising the risk of acoustic bridges.
Freefoam Building Products are delighted to announce the launch of a Luxury Bamboo PVC Composite Flooring system, KlicKer Flooring.
The newest generation of high quality resilient luxury vinyl flooring manufactured with three layers to create a solid long lasting 5.85mm board resistant to abrasion and impact.
Design software offers customers the chance to avoid costly mistakes
A revolutionary real-time design tool that delivers free quotes and detailed drawings in minutes has been launched - F.H. Brundle’s Liveconfigurator™ is designed at cutting out costly mistakes and saving fabricators, designers, installers and architects valuable time. F.H Brundle products that are currently applicable with the Liveconfigurator™ include a wide range of pre-assembled post systems, frameless glass balustrades and glass spigot systems – with more products coming online all the time. After submitting their request, customers will receive a quote and scale drawing within minutes. To find out more visit https://liveconfigurator.co.uk.
F.H. Brundle
Designed with installers in mind KlicKer flooring is quick, easy and straightforward to fit. Expertly engineered with a click and lock fitting system both short and long sides of boards or tilesmeaning no glue is required. Incredibly flexible for refurbishment purposes, flooring can be fitted over existing concrete, ceramic or wood flooring.
The 2019 edition of The Specifier’s Guide to Ceramic Tile & Calibrated Natural Stone, which explores all the latest ceramic tile design trends and advanced installation techniques is now available in print and online at www.specifiersguide.co.uk. Now in its fifth edition, this annual industry bible is an essential specification tool for architects and designers. Content includes informed analysis of global tile trends, along with reports on the latest technology, and sustainability; as well as some truly inspirational case studies. Ancillary products are also examined within the Guide, with expert comment from Joe Simpson, the Guide’s award-winning Editor.
With a base layer of 1.5mm pre-attached IXPE underlay, a middle layer of rigid 3.8mm Bamboo PVC Composite and top layer of protected vinyl KlicKer flooring is a product designed to withstand the rigors of today’s homes and commercial properties.
Suitable for use in a wide variety of situations KlicKer flooring comes with stability built in. Incorporating a top vinyl layer to give an extremely stable product with high resistance to drop loads, static loads, temperature fluctuation and guaranteed to be 100% waterproof.
To make an enquiry - Go online: www.enquire2.com Send a fax: 01952 234003 or post our free Reader Enquiry Card
Rob Holroyd, contracts manager at bathroom and tile retailer, Easy Bathrooms, worked with Armitage Developments, a house builder in Yorkshire, to create bathrooms for the target buyer.
When appointed to the development of a small, high-end, executive development in Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire, it was clear to Rob that the buyers would be discerning individuals and families.Paying attention to this target customer offered an opportunity for him to specify products which were both practical and indulgent. Talking of the project, he said: “The properties had large bathroom spaces to play with – so we went for large format tiles, either in wood or marble-effect.
“Storage space was also a big consideration for the house buyers,” Rob explained. “And there are plenty of ways to inspire potential customers with creative storage options. For example, vanity units with drawers are always a handy solution for cleaning and beauty products. We therefore chose wall-hung units to create the illusion of space in the ensuites, while floor-standing units in the master bathroom offered more storage room.”
“A number of other factors were also considered, to make the bathroom a more desirable place to spend time,” Rob continued. “Mirrors with Bluetooth speakers, for example, are growing in demand, while soft-closing, rimless toilets create a peaceful, relaxing setting. Designer towel radiators are also popular –which we installed throughout. We also offered a bespoke service for the buyers who wanted to design their own bathrooms, working with Armitage Developments to create 3D bathroom designs. This added to the customer’s overall buying experience, because they got a bathroom tailored to their exact needs.”
Offering a bespoke service can make the difference between securing a sale and losing it – because customers now demand breadth of choice. It can also pose an opportunity to earn more on the property. For example, Easy Bathrooms offers trade discounts, offering a
higher profit per unit – a win-win situation for developer and client. Open a trade account today at www.easybathrooms.com.
Easy Bathrooms
Whatever you ask of it, a JJI-Joist has the answer every time. No ifs. No buts. No matter how complex or awkward the job, we have built the ultimate can-do joist. By manufacturing to the highest specification our I-Joists are light, strong, thermally efficient, BIM compatible, FSC and PEFC certified and PAS 2050 accredited (to cut a long list short). But it’s also the back-up we offer that no one can equal. Our expert team of designers, engineers and regional technical support is always there to say ‘yes we can’.
WEB: www.jamesjones.co.uk/ewp EMAIL: jji-joists@jamesjones.co.uk
