This month’s features:
Sector Reports:
• Public Sector Projects
Features:
• Roofing, Cladding & Insulation
• Lifts, Stairs, Balconies & Balustrades
Enhanced energy efficiency with Beko EnergySpin technology
• Ceilings, Partitions & Boards
• Metal In Architecture
• Hard Landscaping & Pedestrianisation
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), has published its global sustainability report for 2024.
The publication outlines the state of the world's green and sustainable real estate, while also highlighting essential policy recommendations, to help drive the UK’s built environment sector towards decarbonisation.
While the UK has made some strides in carbon reduction across buildings and infrastructure, RICS stresses in the report that further action is needed to meet national and global climate goals.
To accelerate progress, RICS advocates for a comprehensive sustainability approach that includes evidence-based targets, mandatory carbon assessments (such as WLCA) for all new projects, and enhanced training for built environment professionals. The report also recommends that policymakers set clear, national targets to aid decarbonisation, alongside the enforcement of minimum energy performance standards, building codes, and climate resilience benchmarks.
RICS President, Tina Paillet, commented: "Last year, I described the RICS Sustainability Report as a wake-up call to our industry, pointing out that our progress on sustainability was lagging behind what is required. Despite that, I expressed confidence that the 2050 net-zero target was still within reach, if we pursued it wholeheartedly. This year’s report, however, suggests that the level of commitment necessary to meet these goals is still lacking, presenting a mixed but underwhelming picture overall.
"Credible policy interventions are essential, and regulation remains a significant factor driving green real estate investment and shaping construction practices. RICS will continue to champion effective regulation and the adoption of common standards across jurisdictions to simplify processes, ensure a level playing field, and ultimately drive meaningful progress on climate goals."
Senior Public Affairs & Policy Officer, Robert Toomey, commented: “RICS continues to publish relevant standards related to sustainability and decarbonisation, for both our members and the wider industry.
“The environment that our industry operates in is set to become more uncertain, with increased global political instability and continuing economic challenges. Nevertheless, a greater resolve is needed by business, government and industry to ensure these challenges are met”.
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Beko Appliance Partners, the dedicated contract specification division of the UK’s number 1 best-selling large home appliance brand, have introduced a new selection of A-rated energy-saving washing machines to their contract supply range for new homes projects, featuring Beko’s new EnergySpin technology.
Read more on page 16 & 17.
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T: 01952 234000
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The Architects Registration Board (ARB) has published new research on the workplace culture experienced by architects and how this shapes the quality of the work they deliver.
The research was conducted by the independent agency Thinks Insight & Strategy in 2024 through a survey of 898 architecture professionals across different career stages and further detailed interviews with 15 of the research participants.
ARB commissioned the research to support the development of a new Code of Conduct and Practice for architects, and following concerns professionals raised through ARB’s education survey and wider engagement events about mistreatment and misconduct in the sector. The research is also informing the work of the Professional Practical Experience Commission, that will make recommendations to ARB in early 2025.
Alan Kershaw, Chair of the Architects Registration Board, said: “Architects play a vital role in society. The public rely on their competence and need them to behave ethically, to treat people with respect, and to raise concerns should they have any. The vast majority of architects are good professionals who behave ethically. But we are appalled to learn that many of them suffer higher levels of discrimination and sexual misconduct than some other professions. There is a clear need for leadership here; all professionals in the built environment sector need to support a better culture for a better built environment.”
In response to the research findings, ARB will set firmer professional standards for architects through a new Code of Conduct and Practice with supplementary guidance on leadership and inclusion, provide tools to support them in raising concerns and challenging unethical behaviour, and collaborate with other sector leaders to promote changes in behaviours and conduct.
Morgan Sindall Construction has successfully completed the restoration of West Bromwich Town Hall and Library, restoring the significant building to its former glory for the community to enjoy.
As part of the project, the Grade II listed West Bromwich Town Hall and Library, originally built in 1874-1875 by Alexander and Henman, has undergone extensive external refurbishment to preserve the building and restore its strong presence on West Bromwich High Street.
From the heritage stonework through to the timber sash windows, the Morgan
Sindall team worked hard to ensure that the public will be able to make greater use of the reinvigorated building and to secure the future of the important civic building by preserving many of the original features, creating a watertight envelope to allow the building to be used by the local community once again.
Appointed by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council through the Constructing West Midlands Framework, this refurbishment highlights Morgan Sindall’s ongoing commitment to added value within the local community, generating over £4.5 million in social value.
Muyiwa Oki, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), said: “RIBA is deeply concerned by the findings of ARB's research, which reveals widespread discrimination and sexual misconduct in the profession.
“This type of behaviour cannot—and will not—be ignored. While some practices are already leading by example, encouraging inclusive and respectful cultures, the evidence is clear that the entire profession must act.
“Championing changes to improve workplace wellbeing is a priority for RIBA, and we recognise both our unique, important role in achieving this, and the work it will take.
“As we prepare to publish the findings of our own investigation, we are ready to take bold steps. We continue to work with ARB and others to enable a profession that is rooted in safety, respect, and inclusion for everyone.”
The Structural Timber Association have released their ‘Guide to Commercial Viability’ to illustrate and quantify the true commercial benefits of building with a structural timber system.
This guide is the first of a series developed to support the commercial teams within construction and housebuilding industries to generate an accurate project appraisal. This will aid housebuilders and contractors to adopt structural timber build systems so that the UK can meet its target to build 1.5million homes over the next five years.
The guides are structured to provide knowledge and support on a range of key topics in the industry.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published its annual Business Benchmarking report.
Using data submitted by UK-based RIBA Chartered Practices, it tracks business trends in the twelve months to 1 May 2024, including revenue, expenditure, profitability, salaries, types of work and global areas of growth. The full report is exclusively available to RIBA Chartered Practices.
The findings show a resilient profession that continues to grow revenue and secure international work, particularly in the EU. However, it also shows that practices continue to face tighter profit margins amid rising costs.
Key findings from the RIBA Business Benchmarking 2024 report include:
• Total revenue from RIBA Chartered Practices has increased by 13%, topping £4 billion for the first time. This follows 2023’s remarkable 17% increase in revenue.
• Average practice revenue has grown, with the biggest boost for mediumsized practices (10-50 employees).
• Despite increasing revenues, a steep rise in overheads caused profits as a percentage of revenue to fall by 2%.
• Payroll made up 54% of total practice expenditure. For most practices, payroll grew faster than revenue, squeezing profit margins, with large practices feeling the squeeze the most.
• Practices are optimistic about the coming year, predicting 8% growth in revenue.
• While private housing work was responsible for 27% of revenue overall, it remains vital to small practices, making up over 50% of revenue for practices with <10 staff.
• Revenue from international work surged by 25%, building on last year’s strong growth.
• The EU accounted for nearly half of all international work, while work in traditional markets such as Asia and the Middle East declined.
• Large practices (100+ staff) were responsible for 81% of international revenue.
• The overall contribution of international projects to total practice revenue has almost doubled in two years.
• Staff numbers increased by 8% to over 40,000 people.
• Improvements in Diversity and Inclusion are slow. 39% of staff identified as female and <1% non-
The University of Hertfordshire has celebrated the completion of its new state-of-the-art building, Spectra, home to the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science (SPECS).
Designed by BDP, Spectra marks a significant milestone in the University's commitment to advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and research. The £63 million building, located on the College Lane campus, has officially opened its doors for the 2024-2025 academic year.
binary/other. 84% of staff were white. The gender pay gap was 16% and the ethnicity pay gap was 13%.
• RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said: "Our annual Business Benchmarking report captures the pulse of UK architecture and stands testament to its status as a global success story.
“This year’s findings demonstrate the resilience of RIBA Chartered Practices who have increased overall revenue in a challenging year and remain optimistic about near-term prospects as they recover from economic and political instability.
“One thing is clear: architecture remains a powerhouse of the UK’s creative economy and global trade.
“Despite the fact that higher revenue has not necessarily brought higher profits, architecture has proven it can overcome considerable external challenges, from delays in the planning system to raised interest rates.
“Thank you to all those who contributed. Monitoring trends and opportunities allows us to build an accurate picture of the health of our profession so that we can continue to offer the relevant support to help all our members thrive, no matter where they live or work.”
Spanning five floors and standing as the largest structure on campus, Spectra is a cutting-edge facility that consolidates the University's departments of physics,
engineering, and computer science under one roof for the first time. The 15,000 sq m building offers worldclass resources, including high-tech laboratories, collaborative workspaces, and industry-leading equipment. These features are set to significantly enhance the University's teaching and research capabilities, allowing staff and students alike to explore new boundaries in STEM disciplines.
New facilities include dedicated robotics and cyber security laboratories, the latest in aeronautical and automotive simulators, wind tunnels and areas designed to accommodate destructive testing of experimental structures.
From autonomous vehicle design to cyber security challenges, the building is designed to provide hands-on experience, preparing students for real-world careers.
NBS (powered by Hubexo) has revealed further findings from its ‘Sustainable Futures’ report – a study aimed at understanding sustainability attitudes and protocols within the construction sector.
The research found that despite motivation from most construction professionals to deliver sustainable outcomes – less than half manage to achieve them within a project.
The study, which surveyed almost 600 people working within the built environment, found that fewer people are reporting achieving sustainability targets on projects, compared to those in its 2014 Sustainability Report.
Respondents were also quizzed on the number of projects that had received clear sustainability targets within the past year. Promisingly, almost 90% had worked on at least some projects where sustainability goals had been included, whilst almost half (48%), said projects had
Foster + Partners’ Bilaj Al Jazayer Beach masterplan will create a dynamic new destination on Bahrain’s southwest coast.
Spanning 3.5 kilometres of beachfront, the walkable mixed-use district provides new homes, hotels and retail, alongside public green spaces and state-of-the-art amenities.
Drawing inspiration from Miami’s low-rise Art Deco buildings and Bahrain’s traditional vernacular, the masterplan puts forward a multi-layered and human-centric approach to architectural design.
sustainable outcome targets ‘most of the time’. However, drilling into the figures, just 16% said they work on projects with set sustainability targets ‘all of the time’, showing a need for improvement when goal-setting at the start of each build.
As part of the study, NBS (powered by Hubexo) also wanted to explore some of the barriers to achieving sustainability to find out how standards can be improved.
When identifying the main barriers to success, two-thirds stated that the cost of achieving sustainability was the main cause (63%) and that a lack of client demand (50%) was a major driver. Another concern was the view that sustainable products are being ‘value engineered’ out, suggesting a suspicion around value for money – 41% said this was a barrier. 36% also stated that lack of government policy and regulation was an issue.
Interestingly, there were some differences of opinion when it came to responsibility
and project roles, depending on the audience in question. For architects, lack of government regulation is a particular barrier.
There were also some surprises in terms of the sustainability ‘priorities list’. ‘Embodied carbon’ ranked fourth, with ‘Net zero operational carbon’ taking the top spot. However, this is likely due to legislation covering operational efficiency but not embodied carbon. When asked to rank the importance of the life cycle analysis stages from environmental product declarations, embodied carbon took first place.
The report also touched on the role manufacturers play in helping architects achieve low-carbon outcomes. Nine in ten (93%) agreed that a robust specification is important for achieving sustainable outcomes. Within that, nearly all architects (94%) agree that manufacturers should supply digital information on the green credentials of their products to boost their chances of specification.
Protecting unique architectural elements, one of London’s Grade II listed buildings has undergone a condition and sustainability survey to preserve its 140-year-old heritage.
Situated at the heart of the Knightsbridge conservation area adjacent to the Royal Albert Hall, Queen Alexandra’s House operates as a women-only accommodation for students at the Royal Colleges of Music, Art and Science.
Built in 1884, the building required an indepth assessment to evaluate its current condition and identify opportunities to improve its sustainability. Specialist heritage surveyors at multi-disciplinary consultancy, Pick Everard, were appointed to deliver a detailed condition report, ongoing maintenance and capital works plan, a costed schedule of works, and proposals for enhancing the property's environmental sustainability and energy performance.
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Project: Brighton Dome Corn Exchange & Studio Theatre
Architects: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
Suppliers: Coopers Fire; Sunsquare; Surespan; Clark Door Limited; Allgood; Ascent Lift Services
A ‘remarkable’ retrofit of Brighton’s timber-framed landmark arts centre by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange & Studio Theatre has secured the Gold Award at the 2024 Wood Awards.
Set within historic Regency gardens and adjoining the famous Royal Pavilion, the Grade-I listed Corn Exchange and Grade-II listed Studio Theatre buildings have been thoroughly restored, strengthened and remodelled – revealing a rich timber heritage to visitors fortunate enough to visit.
As well as improving connection and accessibility with the introduction of a new foyer space and café, the project has seen the careful repair and restoration of the UK’s longest single-span timber frame through phenomenal effort and incredible engineering by the project team.
By re-analysing the whole structure, meticulously understanding every joint and size, the project team brought the building up to modern design standards with a solution that preserves and enhances the original timber roof – repairing rather than replacing damaged parts.
Through the matching of old timber with new, the team has created a stunning space with an inherent warmth in its colour, which acts as an ode to the UK’s timber heritage. Working closely with theatre and timber experts, this project has brought major technical and operational improvements to the South Coast’s leading arts venue and extended the lifespan of this unique timber building by over 100 years.
The construction for Brighton Dome Corn Exchange & Studio Theatre was completed by R. Durtnell & Sons and Westridge Construction Ltd, with wood supplied by Neil Burke Joinery and Weitzer Parkett. The structural engineers were Arup and the building services and sustainability consultants were Max Fordham.
“This project highlights two important criteria for the Wood Awards. Firstly, it has retained and carefully restored an historic structure and secondly, the new work has been sensitively designed to fit within it. This team has put heart and soul into this endeavour, and we are happy to recognise that,” said Jim Greaves, lead judge of the Wood Awards and Principal of Hopkins Architects. >>
>> “Every aspect of design has been considered within the interior of this building. The historic roof, stripped bare, sits atop a newly restored interior that recalls the earlier use of the building as a riding school. A space that historically was given over to the horses is now given over to the public.
“The Brighton Dome Corn Exchange & Studio Theatre stands as an excellent example of restoration and reuse which we can all learn from. The building demonstrates that advanced engineering and skilled craftmanship allied with a sensitive approach to design can deliver a newly restored and repurposed building fit for the 21st century.”
The Wood Awards building judges, a team of world-leading professionals, visited all 18 buildings shortlisted in the Wood Awards before deciding the winner, in one of the UK’s most rigorous assessments for any competition.
Brighton Dome Corn Exchange & Studio Theatre won out over more than 150 buildings in the UK to claim the Gold Award. It was a triple winner, as in addition it took out the awards for both the Restoration & Reuse, and Structural categories.
“Congratulations to the team behind the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange & Studio Theatre, and all entrants in this year’s Wood Awards,” said David Hopkins, CEO of Timber Development UK (organisers of the Wood Awards).
“Timber - and retrofit - have crucial roles in decarbonising construction, and as an organisation we spend a lot of time campaigning, promoting and educating about the role of timber. But there is no substitute for showing examples in practice.
“All of the winners and the shortlisted projects are incredible examples of British architecture and design, and I know the judging gets more difficult every year – with so many wonderful timber buildings in the UK continuing to emerge.
“We are seeing climate conscious architects, engineers, and other designers increasingly choosing to use wood as the primary material in their projects – recognising its low-carbon nature, warmth, and beauty –which has so brilliantly been put on display this year.
“Every single one of the entrants were remarkable, and we hope that the 2024 awards will inspire even more designers to work with wood.”
As a not-for-profit competition, the Wood Awards can only happen with collaborative industry sponsorship from The Carpenters’ Company, American Hardwood Export Council and Timber Development UK.
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• Higher viscosity: The glass flow rate is low due to the high viscosity and durability of borosilicate glass, so with more edge cover, greater fire resistance times in excess of 90 minutes can be achieved.
• NiS crystals do not form: Due to the chemical composition of borosilicate glass, nickel sulphide crystals cannot form. Spontaneous glass fracture due to embedded NiS crystals cannot happen with PYRAN®.
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Firman Glass, 19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 0JH Enquiry 8
Beko Appliance Partners, the dedicated contract specification division of the UK’s number 1 best-selling large home appliance brand, have introduced a new selection of A-rated energy-saving washing machines to their contract supply range for new homes projects, featuring Beko’s new EnergySpin technology.
The technology has been designed to reduce energy consumption by up to 35%* across the machine’s most frequently used programs compared to traditional machines, without compromising on performance. This innovative technology provides energy saving not only on the machine’s ‘Eco’ settings but also for other daily programs, promoting a more sustainable, efficient and cost-effective lifestyle for homeowners and renters.
Beko’s EnergySpin technology is available within the brand’s unique RecycledTub® range, where each tub is made of up to 60 recycled plastic bottles transformed into high-performance materials, further enhancing the sustainability credentials of the product. Available in 8kg and 9kg models, EnergySpin machines use faster-than-usual drum movements to enable detergent to dissolve more quickly than ever before, meaning less heat is required to achieve the same quality clean.
To ensure their products are built to withstand the challenges of modern living, Beko appliances are stress-tested to the extreme by simulating real-life scenarios. Washing machine doors are opened and closed 20,000 times to ensure products are durable and robust enough to provide years of dependable service.
In addition to Beko’s optional extended 5-year labour warranty, EnergySpin washing machines further benefit from the brand’s generous 10-year parts guarantee, reflecting
Beko’s confidence in the durability and quality of its appliances.
As well as providing ongoing peace of mind for developers and their customers alike, this extended guarantee encourages repair rather than the need to purchase a new appliance, offering cost savings to home owners as well as reducing the impact on the environment.
In recognition of the quality of the brand’s products, Beko was recently named ‘Best Value Appliance Brand of the Year’ at the Which? Awards 2024. Consumer champion Which?, well known for its independent reviews, performed lab tests on 32 of the brand’s products from 10 different home appliance categories, with Beko’s models performing outstandingly whilst maintaining the competitive pricing synonymous with the customer-favourite brand. Beko’s award-winning appliances are available to housebuilders and developers through the company’s contract
supply division, Beko Appliance Partners, whose experienced and dedicated team specify bespoke solutions with an end-toend service tailored to individual project and budget requirements.
The company have recently enhanced their website with the addition of a new product catalogue, which allows visitors to explore the brands’ innovative technologies, energy ratings and product features which have been designed to save customers time, energy and money.
Find out more: appliance-partners.bekoplc.com
Beko – Enquiry 9
*The energy consumption of Beko EnergySpin programmes are up to 35% less compared to the Beko WTB1041R4A washing machine, without compromising washing performance.
2025 has been a year of sustainability milestones for Swish Building Products. It’s continued commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, has seen the company obtain two EPDs; the first for its cellular co-extruded profiles, covering a broad range of products including fascias, soffits, cladding and trims, and the second for its Kayflow rainwater and Swish specification rainwater ranges.
The aim of an EPD, which is based on data gathered through the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a product, is to communicate the environmental performance and impact of that product in a concise, transparent, and comprehensible way.
This enables a broad range of stakeholders to make more informed decisions when specifying and procuring.
As a business, operating sustainably is at the forefront of everything that Swish does and both these EPDs reinforce its ongoing commitment to improving its environmental performance, as Dave Osborne, Technical Manager at Swish Building Products, explains:
“Sustainability is not a concept we have adopted recently; it has been a major driver of our business for a number of years and is at the heart of every decision we make, from product development, to manufacturing, to delivery, and beyond.”
Dave continues: “As the industry becomes more mindful of the sustainability of materials, our customers need the correct information to demonstrate the origins of the products they are using. Our EPDs provide this. They supply customers with all the data and evidence they require in a clear, concise, and transparent way, to authenticate the sustainability credentials of our products.”
Swish approached the Building Research Establishment (BRE) to independently verify
both EPDs. Whilst there is no obligation for manufacturers to provide EPDs, it is Swish’s commitment to sustainability that led the company to pursue them, and it will continue to look to obtain further EPDs for its wider product ranges.
“Both EPDs are a culmination of hard work and dedication from our team and demonstrate how seriously we take the collective industry obligation of working towards a net-zero carbon future,” concludes Dave.
For further information about these EPDs, please visit https://www.swishbp.co.uk/ index.php/library/environmental-productdeclarations-swish/ or call 01827 317 200
Swish – Enquiry 11
The UK rail industry is gearing up to deliver a significant boost to the infrastructure sector over the next 12 months.
Glenigan’s latest analysis has pinpointed 71 rail schemes with detailed planning permission, all set to start within the year but still awaiting contractor appointments.
From the ongoing High Speed 2 (HS2) to a range of other critical projects at various procurement stages, these developments present a valuable opportunity for construction firms to secure major contracts and drive growth.
It comes after the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has named the Elizabeth Line – London’s new transport network –designed by Grimshaw, Maynard, Equation and AtkinsRéalis as the winner of the 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize.
Named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, the Elizabeth Line runs from Reading and Heathrow to Essex and South East London.
Accommodating 700,000 passengers every weekday and spanning 62 miles of track and 26 miles of tunnels, it is an extraordinarily complex architectural feat masked by an elegant simplicity.
The construction of the Elizabeth Line was a monumental achievement. The network navigates through centuries of untouched history buried deep beneath London, while carefully avoiding both new and ancient underground footings and sewage systems. The excavation project became part of Britain’s largest-ever archaeological dig, uncovering a wealth of historical artefacts – from a Tudor bowling ball to 55-millionyear-old woolly mammoth remains. Six million tonnes of earth were excavated to create room for the network’s tunnels, which was repurposed to create a nature reserve in Essex.
In contrast to much of the old network, the Elizabeth Line provides a quietly calm environment. Its scheme-defining muted palette of perforated cladding, sensitive lighting and coherent wayfinding systems create an intuitive, frictionless experience.
Curvaceous, fluid lines converge and diverge, carefully guiding passengers to flow around corners, down cavernous vaulted tunnels and onto wide, open platforms. The lighting subtly shifts between warmer and cooler tones to highlight different levels and
junctures, with a warm, softly-diffused band of indirect lighting spanning the platforms above the train doors and direct, cool lighting in smaller cross-passages.
The network is an exemplar of inclusive design, not only through the application of step-free access throughout, but through sensitive considerations to each sensory experience.
Interventions such as hiding acoustic mats behind cladding to absorb excess noise, removing unnecessary fixtures and fittings and employing a restrained colour palette help to create a sense of calm for those who find underground travel overwhelming.
Environmental considerations help to futureproof the network and range from passive cooling at platform level to reduce the need for mechanical heating, to escalator motion sensors that minimise energy waste. Space has also been created for further air conditioning and temperature control, enabling the network to evolve with the challenges of climate change.
Speaking on behalf of the RIBA Stirling Prize jury, Muyiwa Oki, RIBA President and Jury Chair, said: “The Elizabeth Line is a triumph in architect-led collaboration, offering a flawless, efficient, beautifully choreographed solution to inner-city transport.
“It’s an uncluttered canvas that incorporates a slick suite of architectural components to create a consistent, line-wide identity –through which thousands of daily passengers navigate with ease.
“This is architecture of the digital age – a vast scheme that utilises cutting-edge technology to create distinctive spatial characteristics and experiences.
“It rewrites the rules of accessible public transport, and sets a bold new standard for civic infrastructure, opening up the network and by extension, London, to everyone.”
Work on the HS2 tunnel between Old Oak Common and Euston was paused last year by the previous government due to rising costs and other factors (Project ID: 17142792). Glenigan economics director Allan Wilén says: “HS2 will remain a significant contributor,
with Phase 1 work continuing. An early decision from the new government is needed to restart tunnelling work from Old Oak Common to Euston.”
The new Labour administration could kick-start the plans in the October 30 budget, which would be a major boost for the construction industry.
Other major rail projects have continued unhindered, such as the £2 billion TransPennine rail upgrade to improve train travel between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York which is continuing apace (Project ID: 24264556).
Packages of work continue to be awarded on this upgrade with the TRU West Alliance comprising Amey, Royal BAM, and Arup on board for the latest stage to deliver upgrades to six stations between Huddersfield and Leeds and build nine new bridges and a viaduct.
England is the beneficiary of much of the planned investment but there is also spending on rail construction work coming up in the devolved countries of the UK.
A £1.3 billion investment in Scotland’s railways is due to start in November with several contractors signed up for the work (Project ID: 23213005).
In Northern Ireland, Translink has received expressions of interest in contractors wanting to work on the £150 million FW122 Permanent Way major projects framework (Project ID: 24249192).
The first packages of work on the framework should be released early in the New Year.
The major revamp of Darlington station have been unveiled, as work continues to breathe life back into County Durham’s historic transport hub, as part of a wider £140 million masterplan.
New visualisations released by the project’s design team – consisting of AECOM, the world’s trusted infrastructure consultant, contractor BAM, Network Rail, the Tees Valley Combined Authority, Darlington Borough
Council and LNER – show more clearly how the station will look once complete. The regeneration will preserve the heritage design of the station, including its iconic Victorian roof.
Additions designed by AECOM’s architects and engineers include a striking new footbridge, which will connect two new platforms to the renovated entrance hall, as well as offer previously unseen views of the historic station clocktower.
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Rising to the challenge of future-proofing historic building
A “once in a generation” opportunity to reconceive the concept of a museum is entering a new phase of realisation with the completion of crucial enabling works, supported by leading air movement specialist Gilberts.
The iconic, historic Smithfield Market is being redeveloped as a new Museum of London, due to open in 2026.
Principal contractor PAYE Conservation approached Gilberts to design and manufacture bespoke louvred lantern lights to replace the existing eight glazed louvred lights along all four sides of the main building which had failed beyond economic repair.
Gilberts’ technical experts designed and engineered the 288 louvres based around its WHF high performance louvre with 50mm blades in RAL7022 ombra grey to integrate with the specific existing centres and align with the roof rafter above for the exterior. Gilberts’ VN75 natural ventilation damper with modulating motor behind each WHF50 louvre will control the airflow when connected to the BMS.
Internally, the louvre arrangement is finished with a further bespoke design of Gilberts’ WG louvre, powder coated to RAL7044 silk grey, inverted and set at 75mm pitch and featuring a flange top and bottom with flangeless sides to create a shadowline appearance mimicking the original architectural aesthetic.
Gilberts –
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Rearo – Enquiry 14
Nelson Place enhanced with Gerflor
The Nelson Place development in Belfast, the city’s largest purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), showcases Gerflor’s high-performance flooring solutions across its 774-bedroom facility. The development includes premium accommodation, sports hall, gym, and training areas. Gerflor supplied 2,600 m² of flooring, featuring Olympic-standard Taraflex sports flooring in the sports hall for superior shock absorption, safety, and comfort. Gym areas were fitted with PowerShock 300 rubber tiles and GTI Max Technical Tiles for durability and acoustic performance. Wet areas utilised Tarasafe Ultra H2O slip-resistant vinyl, while reception areas featured Tarasafe Impression for its striking design and safety.
Gerflor – Enquiry 16
INCA has announced the publication of the second in a series of three best practice guides on the installation of external wall insulation designed to ensure that EWI systems are fit for purpose and installed to the very highest standards.
Following on from the best practice guide for EWI systems incorporating a render finish which was published in April of this year this second guidance document focusses on external wall insulation systems finished with brick slips and defines the installation process, standardises common details, and provides useful information on the materials and components that make up a finished system.
It covers all aspects of EWI incorporating brick slips including:
• System types, materials, and components
• Statutory bodies, accreditations, and approvals
• Overview of different construction methods
• Installation methods and processes
• Standard detail drawings
• Condensation and damp
• Project completion
• Post installation maintenance
Designed to support all sectors of the industry (new build, refurbishment, domestic and non-residential), the new INCA best practice guide for EWI with brick slip finishes defines the recognised standards required to achieve optimal thermal performance and to ensure the highest quality of installation and aesthetically pleasing results. It is also intended to help and inform specifiers, main contractors, and clients in the correct choice of system for their projects.
John Sparrow, Executive Director of INCA, said: “Across the UK the traditional style of building with brick retains its popularity with around 70% of new homes being built with a brick façade. There’s little wonder then as to why EWI systems featuring a brick slip finish are increasing in popularity to the extent they are. Innovation means that brick slips need not merely be represented by thin cuts of actual clay bricks these days, instead a traditional brick finish can be accurately represented by ceramic slips, mineral based products or the more flexible and lightweight acrylic or synthetic brick slips. All these different systems are covered in this new guidance documentation.”
Jane Wiltshire, Company Secretary for INCA added: “INCA and its members are committed to improving standards in EWI through the development of technical guidance and the sharing of best practice. The publication of this second in a series of three new external wall insulation best practice guides scheduled for 2024 further reinforces the fact that INCA members are leading the way in EWI standards and innovation and remain uniquely placed to represent
the industry by delivering the highest quality and service for clients.”
The development of this second best practice guide further demonstrates how INCA are leading the way as the recognised trade association for the EWI industry in the UK. It’s an essential resource for everyone involved in external wall insulation and represents a huge step forward at a time of significant opportunity across many sectors of the market.
Completing the set of three, the INCA best practice guide for EWI systems incorporating a drained cavity is currently work-in-progress with publication scheduled before the end of Q1 2025. >>
Introducing the brand new FP McCann range of high quality, machine produced Concrete Roof Tiles. Now available in a variety of profiles and colour options. FP McCann also boast an extensive range of roofing accessories, each specifically chosen and designed to work in cohesion with all aspects of the FP McCann Full Roof offering and are completely compliant with BS 5534 and NHBC guidelines.
CONTACT: JONATHAN PRATT FP MCCANN NATIONAL ROOF TILE MANAGER 07740433860 | JPRATT@FPMCCANN.CO.UK
>> Knauf adds to rainscreen range
Knauf Insulation has launched Rocksilk RainScreen Slab EE, the UK’s first noncombustible rainscreen sheathing insulation with an enhanced water-repellent facing. The facing reduces the risk of water damage when the insulation is left exposed to preserve the intended thermal, fire and acoustic performance of the building.
Best practice for installing insulation in rainscreen façades is to use a ‘rolling front’, but a survey of façade contractors by Knauf Insulation suggests that this is only achieved in approximately 50% of projects. If insulation is left exposed to the elements for too long during construction, it could be damaged, and its performance compromised.
“We designed Rocksilk RainScreen Slab EE to give specifiers a solution to the exposure problem,” explained Luke Davies, Product Manager at Knauf Insulation, “Rather than rely on best practice on site, specifiers can now proactively protect building performance by selecting a product engineered for the real world.”
Rocksilk RainScreen Slab EE has been extensively tested to deliver proven performance. It is non-combustible, with a Euroclass A2-s1,d0 reaction to fire classification and the black facing provides an aesthetic solution for behind perforated façades.
To further simplify specification and support compliance, Rocksilk RainScreen Slab EE has been added to the new Rocksilk RainScreen Cavity Systems range, launched earlier this year. Specifiers will be able to meet challenging fire safety requirements with a complete, tested system that includes the sheathing insulation, fixings and cavity barriers.
Alongside the launch of the new product, Knauf Insulation will be releasing a new CPD on using rainscreen insulation to achieve real-world performance. “Specifiers are under greater pressure than ever, particularly when designing high-risk buildings with rainscreen façades”, said Davies. “This launch is part of our wider plan to support specifiers with the products, services and resources they need, to have confidence in their insulation choice.”
Topping the heights and the menu London's latest luxury hotel, and the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels' first in the UK, has opened to much acclaim, and with Welsh Slate at its very heart.
With architecture conceived by Hopkins Architects to gracefully harmonise with the heritage buildings of Belgravia, The Peninsula London also embodies a sleek, spacious aesthetic that floods its exquisite Peter Marino-designed interiors with natural light.
The world-class 190-room hotel, along with 25 opulent luxury residences, centres around an expansive entrance courtyard off Grosvenor Place, landscaped in the style of a classic English garden with hand-crafted granite paving, cascading ivy, wisteria vines and two 120-year-old Japanese maple trees.
It is here that Welsh Slate's own heritage probably
makes its most obvious mark, as the courtyard columns are faced with Cwt-yBugail cladding. This cladding also features as individual slabs measuring up to 2.2m long x 900mm high x 40mm thick on the facades of the two storeys of penthouse apartments which top the multiple storeys of Portland stone below. Welsh Slate also tops the menu in the upper-level restaurant terraces where Cwt-y-Bugail features on the waiters' stations.
Cwt-y-Bugail Honed slate is a premium Welsh slate known for its natural beauty and durability. Its rich, dark grey colour, and smooth, Honed finish complements the timeless elegance of The Peninsula London perfectly.
We are proud to announce that Fassa UK has achieved an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for our versatile A96 Fibre Reinforced Skin Coat, available in grey and white. A96 is a cornerstone of our Fassatherm External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) and is already certified by both the BBA (British Board of Agrement) and Kiwa BDA. This new EPD further solidifies its reliability and sustainability credentials.
What is an EPD, and Why Does it Matter?
An EPD is an independently verified document that provides transparent and comparable information about the environmental impact of a product throughout its lifecycle.
It’s a vital tool for construction professionals looking to make informed decisions that align with sustainability goals.
By achieving this certification, Fassa is demonstrating our commitment to reducing environmental impact and supporting greener building practices.
Sustainable Solutions with Fassa Gaining the EPD for A96 reflects our dedication to developing environmentally conscious solutions that meet the demands of modern construction.
By choosing A96, you are not only selecting a reliable, high-performance product but also contributing to a more sustainable future.
A96: Versatility in Thermal Insulation Systems
A96 is an essential building product in external thermal insulation systems, offering a range of applications:
• Bonding and smoothing: Ideal for moulded or block-cut EPS panels and mineral wool panels.
• Embedding reinforcing mesh: Ensures durability and performance within Fassatherm systems.
• Superior performance: Its fibrereinforced formula enhances strength and longevity in thermal insulation projects.
Certified, Reliable, and Sustainable Already certified by leading bodies like the BBA and Kiwa BDA, A96 is a trusted choice for insulation systems. Now, with the addition of an EPD, it’s clear that this product not only meets industry standards for quality but also addresses growing demands for sustainability.
Fassa UK remains dedicated to innovation, reliability, and environmental responsibility. With A96 and our full range of Fassatherm solutions, we are building a better, greener future – one project at a time.
Fassa UK - Enquiry 19
CUPA PIZARRAS natural roof slate has been specified by developer Andas Homes for a number of barn house renovations in Wetherby, West Yorkshire.
With ambitions to make the renovations as sustainable as possible, the team at Andas Homes wanted eco-friendly building materials and felt that CUPA R18 would be ideal due to its natural properties.
The architect, Dormer & Co., suggested CUPA PIZARRAS natural slate, having
Bauder’s biomass-based insulation for flat roofs
Bauder is on the path to lowering the embodied carbon of its PIR insulation for flat roof construction.
Bauder is known for their sustainable flat roof solutions that incorporate green, blue, and photovoltaic roofs. With the introduction of BauderECO FF PIR insulation, comprised of 80% biomass and renewable inorganic materials, Bauder is continuously making progress when it comes to sustainability at the product level by adopting the biomass balance approach. The biomass balance approach enables more sustainable production and manufacturing processes, these include, minimising the consumption of energy and natural resources.
Bauder – Enquiry 21
attended a CPD with the slate producer previously. The Andas Homes team met with the local CUPA PIZARRAS sales representative to find out more about the company and the sustainability credentials of its natural roofing slate.
CUPA PIZARRAS slate is 100% natural and as such has the lowest carbon footprint of any
roofing material. Its production process is also highly efficient, using minimal amounts of water and energy, and no chemicals.
CUPA PIZARRAS has achieved a Net Zero certification, EcoVadis Gold Medal and BRE Global verification of its EPD.
Furthermore, the CUPA PIZARRAS slates also have impressive performance credentials, withstanding any weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, UV light and acid rain. The product is also durable and will last for 100 years and requires no maintenance.
Michael Simpson from Andas Homes commented: “We loved the finish of the CUPA PIZARRAS natural slate. We specified the use of the slate due to its sustainable properties and found that it was perfect fit for our desired aesthetic.”
Cousin’s Roofing’s Phil Marson said: “The product is a great natural slate to use and always looks amazing when it is laid correctly.”
CUPA PIZARRAS – Enquiry 20
Ecological Building Systems has launched a new flexible insulation product for roofs, walls, ceilings and floors, called IndiBreathe Flex, as part of an exclusive partnership with IndiNature.
IndiBreathe Flex is a breathable, natural high performance thermal and acoustic insulation that helps to regulate humidity within a building structure for better indoor air quality. The innovative insulation material has also received BBA Approval Inspection Testing Certification (24/7266) for Timber frame, pitched roof constructions and suspended timber intermediate floors and ground floors.
Ideal for use in new builds and retrofits and particularly for timber frame constructions, IndiBreathe Flex provides superior thermal performance with a low thermal conductivity of 0.039 W/mK. It also offers excellent overheating protection for buildings during summer, thanks to its combination of high density and exceptional specific heat capacity (2370 J/kgK) which helps keep indoor temperatures stable both in warm and cold weather.
As part of a sustainable build, IndiBreathe Flex helps to reduce energy consumption and lower heating and cooling costs.
Niall Crosson, Technical Director at Ecological Building Systems, explains: “The BBA Certificate provides reassurance to self-builders, architects and contractors that this natural insulation product will perform effectively over the long term when installed according to guidelines.”
You may just see a roof. But by specifying a complete Marley Solar Roof System, you can be sure of a secure and robust solution, that also delivers more desirable, energy efficient homes. It’s more than a roof, it’s building to make a difference.
The reimagined Creamery building at the heart of Castle Cary railway station now boasts a striking, all-glass passenger lift from Stannah.
Originally established by brothers G&C Prideaux as a milk factory, the creamery processed milk delivered by local farmers into cheese, then transported to London via the railway. Today, The Creamery is open to the public and has been transformed into a community hub, featuring a restaurant and shop, and offering a range of delightful food options to travellers, visitors, and train passengers while reviving its cheesemaking heritage.
The Creamery is owned by Koos Bekker and his wife, who also owns The Newt in Somerset, which was recently awarded the World’s Best Boutique Hotel at The World's 50 Best Hotels 2023. Ken Biggs Contractors were appointed as the principal contractor on this project and made contact after being impressed by Stannah’s distinctive refurbishment of a vintage passenger lift at the YMCA in Bristol.
Working with architects Stonewood Design, and Ken Biggs Contractors, Stannah Lifts worked to deliver a lift that was both modern and harmoniously integrated with the early 20th-century aesthetic of the building.
The project’s vision was to blend the 1912 style with contemporary elements, which also resulted in Ken Biggs Contractors reconstructing the entire Creamery. Stannah Lifts collaborated with architects to incorporate the new lift into the design of the re-imagined Creamery. The project commenced with the installation of vertical rail guides to keep the lift aligned within the
elevator shaft, followed by the mechanical first fix in 2023 and the completion of the mechanical package. Shortly after, works commenced on the glass lift shaft and car.
The lift shaft and car featured bespoke glass sourced from Gemtec, a specialist German company. Stannah Lifts facilitated a 24-hour visit to Germany for Ken Biggs Contractors and Stonewood Design, allowing them to review the glass and how it would integrate with the lift design before shipping it to the UK, which minimised the need for additional modifications.
To ensure the glass was installed without any issues, Gemtec provided helpful support throughout this stage. Meanwhile, Stannah Lifts supplied and fitted custom trims and a glass panel to fill the gap adjacent to the glass car doors.
A CTV mechanical lift car package was fitted as part of the overall lift components and snagging works meant full lift completion in April 2024.
One particular challenge was aligning with the client’s design vision while maintaining the lift's structural
integrity for safe and efficient operation. As a result, the design and concept of the lift evolved during the project to better address customer needs and project requirements.
Precision was crucial as several design elements, including lighting and fitting locations, were adapted throughout the project. Stannah Lifts collaborated closely with the client to balance their needs with practical and mechanical feasibility, such as incorporating shaft lights underneath the lift structure for a minimalistic look, creating an illuminated effect.
The custom-designed passenger lift features a minimalist approach with discrete fixings and fixtures. All Stannah lifts are certified according to the Lifts Regulations 2016 (2016 No. 1093).
Visit our website at www.stannahlifts.co.uk for more information.
Stannah – Enquiry 24
Sensitively layering together old and new timbers, this tiny Victorian Mews House by Tuckey Design Studio has taken the top prize for interior design at the 2024 Wood Awards.
AKnightsbridge home has been stripped back to its bare bones, revealing the tactile character of its timber lattice structure and offering intriguing insight into the building’s history.
The existing gnarled and textural timber structure has been married with a series of new solid timber interventions which transform the space allowing it to feel ‘generous and dynamic’.
The thoughtful juxtapositions between the exposed gnarled old timbers and the sharp and precise contemporary additions, including a curving staircase, stained midnight blue, create a rich celebration of timber in colour, texture, age, form, function and structure.
Built by bespoke shipbuilders, the prominently positioned sculptural staircase is crafted from hand-folded plywood. Cleverly masking its fixtures, the stair seems to levitate away from the wall, allowing shafts of light to enter the space and creating a dramatic transition to the upper floor, where dark roof trusses contrast strikingly with a plywood canopy ceiling.
Committed to retaining as much of the existing timber structure as possible, the
design team incorporated new structural timber only where necessary, and reused existing material that was stripped away during renovation.
Excess pitch pine rafters, for example, have been reinterpreted to form the body of a bespoke bench, supported by new Douglas fir legs.
Bough Terrace was built by Imperial Building, with joinery by Cube and wood supplied by Elliotts. The structural engineers were BC Structural Design.
Jim Greaves, lead Buildings judge of the Wood Awards and Principal of Hopkins Architects said: “This small house is full of exquisite juxtapositions between lovingly restored historic fabric and sensitively designed new insertions.
“A hand folded, curved plywood staircase, in striking dark blue, winds sinuously up to a world of new and restored walls and roofs. A similar but concealed staircase leads down to the basement.
“A clear design principle visually delineates new work from old throughout the house. All in all, it is a tour de force of restoration work on a simple domestic interior.”
The Wood Awards building judges, a team of world-leading professionals, visited all 18 buildings shortlisted before deciding the winners, in one of the UK’s most rigorous assessments for any competition.
With Promat SYSTEMGLAS®, you don’t have to choose between fire protection and sustainability in your glazing specification – you can achieve both in one system.
The fully tested fire resistant glazing system is ideal for energy-efficient, naturally lit buildings, offering a durable, long-term solution with between EI30 and EI120 protection. Manufactured in highly resource-efficient facilities using environmentally responsible processes, the system is optimised for sustainability too.
Promat UK Ltd 0800 588 4444 promatglass@etexgroup.com
One of the most notable infrastructure projects to be completed in Northern Ireland over recent years is nearing completion with the specialist roofing contractor involved installing a PVC system across an intermediate level deck, where originally marine grade plywood had been specified for the deck, but Thornton Roofing changed this to achieve A1 fire performance by recommending A1 non-combustible Magply boards from the range of IPP Ltd., thereby complying with the province’s fire regulations and mirroring those in the rest of the UK.
The development, whose value is projected to reach £340m, is being undertaken for Translink by Farrans Sacyr JV and has created a major new transport interchange for the city, featuring eight railway platforms and 26 bus stands, together with multiple public facilities. The specialist sub-contractor, Antrim based, Thornton Roofing in fact works across all of Ireland and the UK and carries out large scale private as well as public sector contracts, including on commercial office buildings, schools and hospitals.
All of the 20mm Magply boards have come from merchant JP Corry, one of Thornton’s regular suppliers and a leading distributor for the manufacturer. The five metre wide roof deck actually extends around two sides of the building to cover a total area of 850 square metres, bounded by the safety balustrade and a section of standing seam aluminium roof. The 20 mm Magply boards are screw fixed into the steel purlins that span the deck, with no requirement for thermal insulation in the build-up.
The Contracts Manager for Thornton Roofing, Gareth Simpson, commented: “We have been involved on the project since early in 2023 and have installed all of the Kalzip standing seam roof decking and other systems for the project, but this final section of roof required a substantial fire rating, 20mm Magply was chosen because of its A1 rating.”
“It has proved very straightforward for our people to cut and fix before the Armorplan single ply PVC membrane was installed, screw fixed at 200mm centres along the laps and hot air welded to form a watertight surface. Since the specification for this demanding high profile project, we have opted to use Magply for some further work on the Hub where an A1 fire rating is required.”
With a Class 1 fire rating and backed by BBA Agrement certification, Magply MOS boards present a fire-safe and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plywood or OSB products. Additionally, the unique
production process enhances both the boards’ stability and long-term durability, while they create an ideal substrate for installing the full spectrum of waterproofing systems. This includes their use in recovery applications and as a temporary protection layer.
The different thicknesses of panel are also widely used as a substrate board for the direct application of proprietary render systems, as well as for flooring and pitched roof build-ups.
Additionally, for the conversion or construction of apartment buildings where fire performance is a top priority, Magply is not just being used as part of the cladding build-up, but also internally to form pattresses behind plasterboard drylining to support the weight of cupboards and bathroom fittings, where the material’s excellent pull-out strength is a real advantage.
Magply recovery and protection boards have been developed to meet the roofing industry need for a cost-effective, lightweight and fireproof board that will provide an inert and stable separating layer for all types of waterproofing overlay applications. It can also be used as a tough, durable and reusable protection layer over completed installations.
Available in 6mm, 9mm and 12mm thicknesses, to suit both light and heavy traffic applications, the board can be easily cut to fit around penetrations and at abutments and can either be mechanically fixed or bonded into position when used in overlay applications.
6mm Magply can achieve B-roof T4 18mm and 20mm also available for roofing.
De Stadswinkel in Tilburg, once an unremarkable city office, has undergone a stunning transformation and is now a beacon of sustainability and circular design. At the heart of this new story is Hunter Douglas Architectural's HeartFelt® Linear.
Spanning three floors and covering 2,840m2, the linear panels are alternated with different heights, creating an eye- catching design.
The overall aesthetic is warm, with positive acoustic experience.
HeartFelt® also aligns with the circular vision of the project. The system is recyclable, minimising environmental impact and emphasising responsible resource use.
With a total score of 8.7 on the Circular Building Performance (CPG) rating system, on a scale of 1 to 10, De Stadswinkel demonstrates Tilburg's unwavering commitment to sustainability.
HeartFelt® Linear also emerges as a key player, not just in aesthetics and acoustics, but also as a symbol of responsible manufacturing and material use.
Hunter Douglas Architectural – Enquiry 30
When architects Haworth Tompkins relocated after over a decade in Kentish Town – the move allowed the studio to combine their main office and nearby satellite office into one new larger space close to the Barbican.
The move provided the perfect opportunity to make the new office a showcase of the latest materials and digital infrastructure.
As a result, Troldtekt wood wool acoustic panels were used to control the acoustics and help acoustical performance. Specified in a natural finish, they blend in well with the existing substrate of concrete, wood and tiled floors.
Troldtekt wood wool acoustic panels excel at mitigating the problems stemming from long reverberation time and reflected sound. They are available in a variety of different structures and colours, combining superior sound absorption with an award-winning design. The Troldtekt range has a minimum expected life cycle of 50 years coupled with excellent resistance to humidity and tested to meet ball impact standards. The
range is available in various sizes and structures, from extreme fine to fine. They can be supplied as unpainted natural wood or natural grey Futurecem®, alternatively they can be finished in our standard colours or almost any RAL or NCS upon request.
Depending on the panel specified, reaction to fire is classed in accordance with EN 13501 as B-s1,d0 or A2-s1,d0 respectively. Cradle to Cradle Certified® at Gold level, Troldtekt wood wool acoustic panels are manufactured using wood from certified forests (PEFC™ and FSC®C115450) and can
contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, WELL or LEED points.
Troldtekt – Enquiry 31
Gypsotech Externa Light Carrier Boards have received an Environmental Product Declaration.
At Fassa Bortolo, we constantly seek new ways to ensure our impact on the environment is kept to a minimum and that our products have longevity.
The Gypsotech Externa Light carrier board has obtained an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). This highperformance render board has undergone a life cycle assessment and is proven to comply to the low VOC emission criteria which is widely used across Europe.
Designed to be applied both on the inside and outside of the building
Used to build walls, wall linings and false ceilings
TO FIND OUT MORE about Fassa Bortolo and its range of render systems and building products. Visit www.fassabortolo.co.uk or call 01684 218 305
A specialist roofing system from Kalzip has been chosen for two of Aberdeen’s newest schools and community hubs as part of an investment of over £40million.
Greythorpe School & Community Hub and Countesswells Primary School’s will cater for a total of 1,028 pupils and feature everything from housing, nursery services, cafe’s and a 3-G seven-a-side football pitch, amongst other resources.
Delivered by Hub North Scotland with Morrison Construction Building North East as the main contractor and Halliday Fraser Munro as architects, the Kalzip system was specified as the roofing system on both schools. The system was chosen for its incredible sustainability benefits, along with its speed of installation. Kalzip 65/400 with a Dark Grey/Anthracite Grey finish was selected for the project, but with a key
specificity – the panels were provided as part of a whole solar panel package for the schools.
First approached by Aberdeen City Council, the brief was to provide a roofing system that incorporated solar panels as part of a commitment to address carbon emissions with the new facilities. Initially, the design plan was to source and specify the solar power system separately, but as Kalzip provide bespoke solutions for each project, a system that packaged the roofing and the solar components with a laminate protecting finish was pitched. Following a series of information sharing regarding the schematics of installation and power output,
the package was accepted and specified for the project.
Chris Goldie, Regional Sales Manager Scotland at Kalzip, said: “One of the challenges of installing solar panels as an additional product following the installation of the roofing, is the added traffic on the surface during the application of the panels. While durable and rigid, this can lead to imperfections on the finish and even small areas of aesthetic damage on the roof surface.
“Being able to provide this solution as a package for the project provided a number of benefits to the client such as the costeffectiveness and time saving through not specifying separately, along with a fully integrated system that was installed and completed in a far quicker time.”
Both Greythorpe School & Community Hub and Countesswells Primary School was completed on time and within budget which was attributed to the collective effort of the subcontractors involved.
Ewen Fowlie, Operations Director for Hub North Scotland, said: “Countesswells has been a brilliant school project and the result is a fantastic building which has been completed early and defect free. It will be a popular landmark for generations to come as this community continues to grow.”
Mike Bruce, Managing Director of Morrison Construction Building North East, said: ‘It’s very satisfying to see all the hard work of our team and our local subcontractors being so well received.
“We are extremely proud of the high-quality learning environment that we’ve played our part in delivering, and seeing the smiles and excitement amongst all the pupils today makes all our efforts worthwhile.’
Kalzip – Enquiry 33
A2-s1,d0 fire classification to EN13501-1
Tested to CWCT standards for wind resistance
Design flexibility due to extensive testing and certification
Widest EN13501-1 Field of Application on the market
Impact tested to CWCT standards (hard body & soft body)
Perfect for new build and re-clad projects
Enquiry 34
Contact us today for further information or to request a copy of our EN13501 classification report.
Panels also available with an A1 fire classification
The construction industry is coming under increasing pressure to become more sustainable and to minimise the carbon emissions and environmental impact of projects.
The major building materials used today, and likely to be used for centuries to come, all have some impact on the carbon content of a building project. This is true of concrete, bricks, steel, plastics and timber.
Steel’s sustainability credentials make a compelling case for its use in construction, with light gauge steel framing systems, such as Metsec SFS and Metframe, delivering additional benefits. These include:-
• Steel is easily recoverable and is 100% recyclable - SFS has a reuse and recovery rate of 85%, compared to just 13% for timber
• Reduction in a structure’s embodied carbon by using less steel
• Accurate design and manufacturing processes result in virtually zero waste
• SFS is a lighter material, reducing the environmental impact of transportation
Steel manufacture is moving away from fossilfuelled processing by using less carbon-intensive electric arc furnaces which are powered by renewable energy to create a reduced carbon steel, such as Metsec Decarb.
Available for Metsec SFS, Metframe, Purlins and internal non-loadbearing dry lining studs, Metsec Decarb is a true move towards a reduced carbon future for the construction industry, containing less than half the amount of carbon dioxide per tonne for the same quality of steel (accurate in July 2024).
achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2035, with a focused effort throughout the company, which includes energy saving, process optimisation, sourcing green electricity and even generating its own renewable energy.
The reductions in CO2 achievable with Metsec Decarb can be balanced against the 30-year London Plan offset charges or to help achieve other, ever-increasing sustainability targets.
There seems little point in a building materials/systems manufacturer offering a reduced carbon product if the same manufacturer is not committed to reducing the carbon dioxide emissions of its own operations.
Again, voestalpine Metsec is stepping up to the plate; the company is committed to
Faced with a design brief to minimise a building’s carbon footprint, steel might not be the first building material which comes to an architect’s mind. But on closer inspection, steel, and reduced carbon steel in particular, offers a viable solution.
Specifiers can take added assurance of product/system credentials from verified manufacturer statements and EPDs which can be included in the final project’s carbon assessments.
The Grass Concrete range of Betoconcept retaining walls combine reduced noise levels with attractive vertical landscapes. Offering a variety of vertical planting options to increase the overall green envelope of a development.
The Grass Concrete range of Betoconcept retaining walls combine reduced noise levels with attractive vertical landscapes. Offering a variety of vertical planting options to increase the overall green envelope of a development.
The Betoconcept range delivers shape and style for vertical landscaping on high or low walls, feature: planting, colour, shape or textured finish. The range combines reduced noise levels with attractive vertical landscapes, offering a real variety of planting options as an alternative to what would be otherwise dull and un-inspiring structures.
With individual interlocking blocks and drybuild interconnectivity the range offers the ability to free-form wall layouts in single or terraced wall format. These interlocking units enable a quick and easy construction process even with complex curves, ground embankments and weight surcharges with various wall heights.
Dry built blocks interlock to form the required face angle and provide adequate soil pockets for all types of plants, shrubs and climbers.
Betoconcept blocks provide adequate soil pockets for all types of plants, shrubs and climbers. Good drainage and water capture with the stepped bank also helps keep landscape maintenance to a minimum. Using the depth for landscaping means significant growth can benefit sound suppression. Grass Concrete’s retaining wall range bringing together both structural integrity and a variety of landscape design options. For the architect and landscaper Betoatlas retaining walls can be transformed into planting opportunities offering alternatives for the garden design.
Through carbonation, Marshalls’ low carbon compared to clay alternative bricks capture atmospheric CO2 turning it into calcium carbonate. This reduces your project’s carbon impact and boosts the bricks’ durability. Choose our bricks for a stronger, sustainable future one brick at a time.
Birchwood Business Park is owned by Warrington Borough Council, and it is one of the largest business parks in the Northwest, with many nationally important companies on the site. The park layout uses an interconnected network of paved pathways and pedestrian areas, linking communal seating areas with planting zones and water features. These are predominantly paved with butt-jointed, reconstituted granite stone blocks, together with some highlight areas of natural sandstone slabs.
The paving was originally laid as unbonded, flexible paving, meaning the granite blocks and sandstone slabs, were laid, butt-jointed, in sharp sand over compacted sub-base (e.g. MOT type-1), and the narrow joints (~ 5mm), were filled with ‘jointing sand’. However, over longer periods of time, this is not particularly durable, as the sand can be washed out, and unsightly weed growth starts from seeds that are wind-blown and from bird droppings, germinating in the joints. After a few years at Birchwood Park, this weed growth needed to be removed, toxic weedkiller applied, and the joints refilled with sand, at least once or more every year, to keep the areas looking their best, and this was obviously increasingly expensive.
Additionally, people working at Birchwood Park were not happy when their access and relaxation areas became unsightly, plus the necessary restrictions on their access and use of the areas whilst these noisy and dirty works were carried out, was very disruptive, generally in the Spring and Summer months when use of the paved areas was most popular. They were also not happy with the repeated use of the toxic chemicals in their environment.
These cleaning and refurbishment works were becoming more extensive, disruptive and the costs were increasing significantly every year, for the owners and their Facilities Maintenance Contractors, J.M. & M. Scanlon from Warrington. Therefore, back in 2017 they decided to see if they could find an alternative, less disruptive and non-toxic solution, to prevent plant growth in the joints, and to eliminate or reduce the need for such disruptive and expensive annual refurbishment works.
Several solutions were proposed and trialled, to find the most effective, durable, and costefficient solution, including one from NCC Streetscape, the paving jointing specialists, who J.M. & M. Scanlon had found online at the very informative NCC Streetscape website (www.nccstreetscape.co.uk). The NCC recommendations, were to thoroughly clean the surfaces, completely remove any residual sand, dirt, and weed growth from the joints, by using high-pressure jet-washing, then to permanently fill the joints by repointing them using wet-slurry techniques with the unique, GftK vdw 850+ paving jointing mortar.
GftK vdw 850plus is unique and the ‘state-of the-art’ in paving jointing. This is a very highperformance, 2nd-generation, 2-part, epoxy resin-based paving joint mortar, which is easily wet-slurry applied across the pre-wetted, clean paved surfaces, where it very effectively selfcompacts into the joints, with no additional tooling or finishing required. After allowing 24 hours to harden, the areas can be reopened to the residents – Job done - permanently!
Within the first year after the trials that were carried out in 2017 by specialist paving contractors, CR Services, it was already very clear to everyone involved that this alternative solution, was also by far the best option, which provided the owners and their facility managers with the ideal long-term solution. Since 2018, C.R. Services have continued to work with J.M. & M. Scanlon to undertake the refurbishment and repointing of the paving in this way, and now, some seven years later, in 2024, the team have completed the refurbishment and repointing of the more than
8,000 m2 of this natural stone block paving, which was carried out in six annual phases.
As a result, the Birchwood Business Park owners and their tenants are already benefitting from less disruption, and significant cost savings, as the progressively completed areas of paving have required none of the previously essential annual weed growth removal, weedkiller application, joint cleaning and waste disposal, then resanding, as required in their previous routine maintenance treatments, for the past 6, 5, 4, 3 and 2 years respectively now.
Also, very importantly, these savings will continue to grow, as the joints in this paving will not now need any further treatment for many more years; the paved surfaces will just require normal paved surface cleaning as and when required. Incidentally, this GftK jointing solution also makes future surface cleaning much faster and easier, as the materials are fully resistant to jet-washing, even to the use of mechanical street cleaners. The Project Leader from Scanlon recently commented: “The first phase of the GftK jointing that we installed as a trial back in 2018, actually still looks good as new.”
Also visit our specialist paving repointing pages: https://nccstreetscape.co.uk/type-ofarea/paving-repointing.html
Visit our Repointing Unbound ‘Flexible’ Block Paving page: https://nccstreetscape.co.uk/ paving-jointing/flexible-jointing-unbondedblock-paving.html
Buzon Pedestal International has announced that its PB, BC and DPH pedestal ranges have recently achieved British Board of Agrément (BBA) certification.
Distributed through Buzon UK, these are the first adjustable pedestals to have achieved BBA certification. The accreditation demonstrates their suitability for projects covered by UK building regulations and eligibility for NHBC warranties through independent 3rd party testing.
These versatile pedestal systems are designed for a wide range of external flooring applications from large commercial installations to smaller residential spaces like balconies and terraces. The ranges are compatible with finishes such as porcelain, natural stone & concrete paving, timber & composite decking as well as GRP grating. As a supplier and installer of highly specialised products, Buzon UK is also a keen advocate of third-party accreditations that support the performance claims of its products, driving industry safety and providing client confidence throughout the whole supply chain.
Further illustrating the commitment to proven performance, the same BBA-certified pedestals have been tested with leading roofing products and finishes, achieving BROOF(T4) with specific build ups. This standard represents the highest fire performance rating for roof terraces giving architects, specifiers and contractors total confidence in meeting fire regulation standards.
In addition, the same ranges have been independently assessed by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, achieving a Cradle to Cradle Certified® Bronze rating for their commitment to environmental and social sustainability in manufacturing.
Buzon UK Managing Director Mike Wilderink is delighted with this new level of certification: “We are proud to be supplying the only pedestal systems to have achieved BBA certification. Not only does this provide the assurance of credibility and safety for our customers but solidifies Buzon UK as
the leading supplier of pedestal systems.” Through a combination of certification and rigorous testing methods, the PB, BC and DPH pedestals meet the industry’s most stringent standards.
Buzon – Enquiry 40
Thorn Lighting's Dark Sky-approved Urba lanterns have been selected to enhance the safety and usability of the Aykley Heads footpath, a popular nature trail near the Durham Police Headquarters.
Active Travel is about connecting people with their communities. One of the biggest inhibitors to Active Travel at night is the feeling of safety.
The Aykley Heads footpath, a nature trail through a wooded area, required a safe level of lighting during hours of darkness to encourage use. NightTune from Thorn is the latest technology in lighting that meets the needs of the delicate night ecosystem and the safety of people.
Durham County Council installed 31 of Thorn Lighting's Urba NightTune lanterns along the Aykley Heads footpath. These lanterns, approved by the International Dark-Sky Association, offer unique features like colour temperature adjustment,
With funding secured from the GLA Good Growth Fund, Westway Trust embarked on this ambitious project to transform the landscape, boost community wellness, and increase the usage of the Westway Sports Centre and surrounding areas.
The strategy, developed by DK-CM Architects and informed by extensive co-design and engagement with local residents, focused on enhancing connectivity along the Westway, addressing pedestrian difficulties, and improving visibility and perceptions of safety. TRILUX's innovative lighting solutions were instrumental in achieving these goals, providing visually pleasing and compliant
dimming regimes, and precise light control. These features not only minimise environmental impact but also benefit nocturnal ecology with their 2200K warm white light during most of the night.
Cllr John Shuttleworth, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for highways, community safety, and rural communities, said: "As a council, one of our priorities is providing safe and accessible Active Travel Routes to encourage people to choose healthier and more environmentally friendly modes of transport. We’re also committed to tackling climate change and protecting the county’s ecology and biodiversity.
“NightTune has supported both of these ambitions by allowing us to create well-lit areas for walking and cycling in a way that saves energy and respects the nocturnal ecosystem.”
Residents appreciate the improved safety and usability of the footpath, and the sensitive approach to lighting that respects the natural environment.
Thorn Lighting – Enquiry 42
As the heart of North Kensington evolves, the Westway Community Street project emerges as a beacon of community enhancement complemented by TRILUX lighting.
lighting that met the diverse needs of this dynamic community space.
TRILUX's commitment to innovation and sustainability shone through in the development of bespoke and customised products and turnkey solutions. The lighting interventions focused on key areas of pedestrian difficulty and poor visibility, providing good visibility and feelings of safety in dim or after-dark conditions. The TRILUX luminaires, known for their highefficiency LED technology and resistance to extreme weather conditions, provided both functionality and style, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the urban space while promoting safety and orientation.
The lighting project covered four key areas across a site slightly over half a mile long, primarily pedestrianised. The scope included luminaire design, manufacture, supply, and installation.
Westway Trust, Community Street Project Manager, praised the outcomes, stating, "The new lighting solutions provided by TRILUX have significantly uplifted the evening landscape, making the area more desirable and secure for community activities."
TRILUX lighting– Enquiry 43
• Keep jointing in cold (> 3oC)
• Keep jointing in wet weather
• No delays - No waiting to joint
• No concerns over water in joints
• No waiting to clean off
• No washboy required
• No haze & No efflorescence +
• Easy wet-slurry application
• Very high flow & self-compacting
• No tooling or finishing required
• Fast curing & hardening +
• No shrinkage cracks
• Highest joint performance
• Optimum strengths & flexibility
• Fully resistant to traffic, de-icing salts, and jet-washing
An award-winning property, the Blackwood residential project is a modern self-build home that champions contemporary and ecofriendly design from the inside out.
Working closely with Charlie Luxton Design, Havwoods supplied its Blanco Character 1-strip flooring to help transform the former bungalow into a wonderfully minimalist, pared-back home suitable for modern living.
Characterised by a clean, calm and contemporary aesthetic, Scandinavianinspired décor is celebrated throughout the home, where wood takes centre stage. From triple glazed windows and doors to a carefully considered exterior and solar blinds, sustainability and natural materials were at the forefront of the design of this property.
Displaying exquisite knots and natural details, Havwoods’ Blanco Character 260mm 1-strip planks complement the home’s neutral colour palette perfectly. Adorning the upstairs bedrooms and hallway, the subtle
Samsung Electronics Air Conditioner Europe (SEACE) announces a new member to Samsung’s DVM S family, the DVM S Mini R32.
This heating and cooling solution comes with R32 refrigerant with a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) compared to the previous refrigerant R410A. Moreover, the DVM S Mini R32 integrates the latest technologies like Active AI functionality and it’s compatible with our building management software b.IoT. This supports streamlined installations, optimized energy management, and efficient operations, all while maintaining a comprehensive oversight of integrated systems. The safety devices integrated guarantee maximum flexibility with the IEC 60335-2-40 standard.
Samsung
detailing of the platinum colourway adds both depth and texture, helping to reflect light in each room.
Complete with cream and taupe furnishings and contrasting black window frames and accents, the flooring sits beautifully alongside the wood panelled walls of the master bedroom, creating a bright, airy and sleek appeal. With a vast array of flooring to suit any interior, Havwoods’ varied collection combines
the very best in style and functionality offering both traditional and contemporary designs in a range of colours and patterns.
From virtual appointments to experts located in five showrooms, the dedicated and highly knowledgeable team works closely with every customer to ensure every detail of their project is met.
Havwoods – Enquiry 45
launches NICEIC training facility in decarbonisation hub
Indoor air quality and ventilation manufacturing specialist Nuaire officially launched its new NICEIC approved training facility at Tŷ Gwyrddfai in Penygroes, north Wales with a morning of presentations and activities attended by over 50 invited guests.
Tŷ Gwyrddfai is the first decarbonisation hub of its kind and has been created to ensure that north Wales will be at the forefront of the decarbonisation agenda. The facility is a collaborative project between Adra, north Wales’ largest social housing provider; Bangor University; and Busnes@LlandrilloMenai’s Centre for Infrastructure, Skills and Technology (CIST) that manages the specialist on-site training pods at Tŷ Gwyrddfai.
In one of these new pods, Nuaire has installed a fully working MRXBOX Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system ducted to valves, to provide customers with the opportunity for hands-on domestic ventilation system training. Other Nuaire products installed within the Tŷ Gwyrddfai pod include a Drimaster-Eco Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) system for curing and preventing condensation dampness, and a Cyfan extract fan which has been specially designed for the social housing market.
In the longer term, Tŷ Gwyrddfai will lead to a more qualified and skilled workforce, which will support the local construction sector and ensure that any value generated through decarbonisation and related capital investment will be retained locally.
Enquiry
Nuaire – Enquiry 47
Nationwide distributor of insulation and interior building products CCF has passed the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) Assessment for Merchants and Distributors.
The CCPI was created in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the construction industry’s subsequent need to improve the way product information is managed and communicated.
The CCPI aims to raise standards in the management, marketing and advertising of product information and facilitate a culture of transparency, with specific criteria for best practice set out for manufacturers, merchants and distributors.
CCF was assessed and found to have the necessary product information processes and systems in place to uphold the CCPI, and that the company is committed to diligently adhering to the CCPI and to proactively promoting and supporting the adoption of the CCPI with its suppliers.
The CCPI Mark for Merchants and Distributors does not indicate that any particular product information conforms with the CCPI or constitutes any statement as to a product's compliance with any standards of quality or safety.
SFS CPD
As part of the CCPI Assessment for Merchants and Distributors, CCF also had to demonstrate that its employees are fully supported and aware of what needs to be done to continuously improve product information and to keep the distributor’s product information upto-date and unambiguous.
CCF’s managing director Catherine Gibson said: “Through collaboration within
CCF’s different internal departments, headed up by our product category, technical and marketing teams, and by providing relevant colleague training, we are now in an even stronger position to support our customers with reliable product information to help them select the right products for their projects.”
CCF – Enquiry 48
Groupe Atlantic’s Darren Finley appointed Chair of ICOM
SFS Group Fastening Technology has created a comprehensive selection of CPD seminars embracing key issues such as sustainability, safety and structural stability. The RIBA approved presentations have been compiled to ensure participants gain a better understanding of the topics which range from fall protection systems to the fixing of warm roofs. Each seminar normally runs for 40 minutes with the opportunity for questions afterwards, while RIBA Chartered Architects will qualify for double CPD points. There is also the choice of having seminars delivered by the manufacturer’s Specification Team at offices and at the SFS Academy.
SFS Group – Enquiry 49
Saniflo has played a crucial role in converting the historic Sula Lightship into a unique, high-standard accommodation facility, recently awarded a ‘Highly Commended’ distinction in the Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards’ Unique Stay of the Year category. This project demonstrates Saniflo’s effectiveness in supporting non-traditional properties where reliable waste management solutions are essential. Saniflo supplied a range of macerators and pumps to manage on-board black and grey water waste, including a Sanimarin WC, explicitly designed for marine applications, and a long-standing Sanishower unit to discharge grey water waste into former freshwater tanks repurposed as storage.
Darren Finley, Managing Director for Commercial Products at Groupe Atlantic UK & ROI Division, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Industrial and Commercial Heating Equipment Association (ICOM) - a not-for-profit trade association, representing and promoting the interests of the nondomestic heating sector since 1933.
He said: “This long-standing trade association has contributed to the success of the commercial heating industry time and time again and, as it’s latest Chair, I intend to continue the excellent work it has done. Now, more than ever, we need to come together as an industry and drive decarbonisation forward.”
Ideal Heating – Enquiry 51
Make more with Moduleo Moods
Moduleo Moods brings freedom to create a unique floor for your project. In retail, hospitality, housing and offices, Moduleo Moods lets you explore the creative potential of flooring and bring a unique dynamic to your project’s interior.
Designers have used the shapes and designs of the Moods collection to create extraordinary flooring in receptions and lobbies, bars, meeting spaces, store fronts and more. Updated with more original patterns and natural wood and stone effects, Moduleo Moods is now ready to bring a whole new range of dynamic looks to commercial spaces. There are 15 patterns for a total of more than 70 different standard floor designs to choose from.
Moduleo – Enquiry 52
Junckers has introduced a competitively priced new plank floor in Oak or Oak Nordic with a natural and authentic look.
Oak Nature is an expressive floor that features a wide spectrum of colour tones and variations between individual planks with lighter tones and a prominent grain pattern. The 140 mm wide solid hardwood plank floor is delivered prefinished, is guaranteed for use with underfloor heating, ideal for commercial and residential installations. Oak Nature holds Indoor Climate certification for low emissions of organic substances and has FSC® chain of custody documentation.
Junckers – Enquiry 55
IVC Commercial uses Social Plastic
Comfytex Deluxe Pro from IVC Commercial is a textile-backed vinyl floor for housing projects that features Social Plastic®
Comfytex Deluxe Pro from IVC Commercial provides an easy to install, durable and easy to look after floor suitable for housing projects. Fast to install without glue thanks to its textile backing, it provides a costeffective choice in housing. The textile backing on Comfytex Deluxe Pro is made with Social Plastic®, a material that comes from recycled post-consumer ocean plastic. An initiative of Plastic Bank, Social Plastic® is a global bottle deposit programme that supports communities in vulnerable coastal areas across the world.
Commercial – Enquiry 53
Karndean Commercial partners with university
A trusted supplier of luxury vinyl flooring, Karndean Commercial has partnered with Oxford Brookes University to build a vibrant and sustainable student community in harmony with its woodland setting.
Richard Allen, sales director at Karndean Commercial said: “Our designs are all inspired by the wonderous beauty of nature and the precious woods and stones we source from around the world so we understand the benefits of connecting our living spaces to the healing power of the natural world and the need to minimise our impact on the environment.” With a click-locking mechanism, Knight Tile is easy to install over most hard subfloors.
Karndean – Enquiry 54
Alusid Mas from Parkside Architectural Tiles is the first mass-produced floor and wall tile made from 98.5% pre-consumer recycled content. Mas, a new sustainable tile form Parkside Architectural Tiles that’s been developed by Alusid®, has achieved exactly this. Made from between 95% and 98.5% recycled materials (depending on the colour), Mas transforms an abundant volume of material that would otherwise likely end up in a landfill using a unique low-energy dry granulation process. Alusid has unlocked a unique low impact manufacturing process to create a vitrified tile that has the performance for commercial use as a wall or floor surface.
Flex Pro self-adhesive underlay makes it possible to achieve a floating installation for Moduleo® Pro dryback luxury vinyl floors. Cutting down on installation complexity, using Flex Pro is the faster and simpler way to a high quality luxury vinyl floor in commercial projects. With the ability to absorb minor imperfections, Flex Pro can also help to reduce time and money on preparation. Because there’s no permanent bond to the subfloor when it’s time to replace the floor, it is simply lifted and carried away without damage to the surface beneath, turning around refurbishments faster.
Moduleo – Enquiry 57
Did you know the biggest threat to life in an indoor fire is the smoke produced rather than the fire itself? It's estimated that smoke causes 50% to 80% of all fire-related deaths. But why is smoke so deadly?
The smoke produced by an indoor fire is highly toxic. All combustible materials cause poisonous smoke when burning, and the more manufactured materials set alight, the more toxins are emitted. And as a significant two-thirds of fabrics are now made from petrochemicals and most homes and business premises contain increasing amounts of synthetic materials, the smoke from a fire today poses a serious threat.
Today’s fires are more dangerous
Besides being more toxic, indoor fires develop five to ten times faster than they would have done in the 1950s due to us having more manufactured materials, the popularity of open-plan spaces and the closer proximity of premises.
Smoke inhalation injury
Some of the 150 toxic compounds found in smoke include superheated carbon monoxide (CO), phosgene, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide (HCN), sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), formaldehyde, and acrylonitriles. Inhalation of these harmful vapours and particles can cause thermal damage to upper airways and chemical damage to the whole respiratory tract.
According to the BJA Education journal, smoke inhalation injury causes respiratory complications in 73% of fire-incident survivors and 20% suffer from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). After only minutes, smoke inhalation injury quickly becomes a more complicated medical issue than dealing with burns alone, increasing the mortality rate of burn patients by 30% to 40%.
Smoke seals save lives
Preventing the passage of smoke is crucial in a fire; the critical role of fire and smoke seals can’t be overstated.
While many intumescent seals have a minimum fire resistance of thirty minutes, not all meet the additional Building Regulation’s smoke classification. To achieve the BS EN 1634-3 standard, smoke seals undergo a stringent air leakage test to
ensure that toxic smoke can’t spread beyond the door for at least thirty minutes.
To help reduce the 50% to 80% of firerelated deaths caused by smoke inhalation and provide the highest level of fire safety, your seals should meet the additional smoke classification. At ZEROplus, we’re proud to stock a vast range of door seals that have achieved the BS EN 1634-3 smoke standard, and we have a wealth of knowledge and experience with fire-rated door hardware. Call us today on 01785 282910 or visit zeroplus.co.uk.
ZEROplus – Enquiry 58
MERMET manufacturers of technical solar shading fabrics for internal and external use, helping you achieve your LEED & Breeam goals.
Are you seeking to achieve LEED and Breeam certification?
Did you know SOLAR SHADING is a critical component in achieving this?
