The new Home range of boilers from Vaillant were designed and engineered exclusively for the new build market. Not only are they the perfect fit, they have achieved the highest ever SAP rating. Which means their amazing in-built efficiency will actually help you reduce your overall build costs. Don’t take our word for it, ask your SAP assessor to check the PCDB numbers. They’ll confirm that Home is perfect for the homes you’re building.
To find out more about the Vaillant Home range of boilers, visit www.vaillant.co.uk
The good feeling of doing the right thing.
vaillantuk vaillantuk vaillantuk Hot water Heating Renewables
CONTRIBUTING
EDITOR
Christopher Sykes RIBAcomments@tspmedia.co.uk
GROUP EDITOR
Paul Grovespaul.groves@tspmedia.co.uk
EDITORIAL CO-ORDINATOR
Devan Morgan - devan@tspmedia.co.uk
Charlotte Wall - copy@tspmedia.co.uk DESIGN
Kat Jones - kat@tspmedia.co.uk
CIRCULATION
Becki Everitt - becki@tspmedia.co.uk
Martyn Smith - martyn@tspmedia.co.uk
James Hastings - james@tspmedia.co.uk
Mike Hughes - mike@tspmedia.co.uk
Nicky Vandesande - nicky@tspmedia.co.uk
PUBLISHER
David Stiles - david@tspmedia.co.uk
The resurgence in the housing sector has provided a significant boost to the UK’s construction industry, albeit we have experienced something of a roller-coaster ride in the last few years.
To reflect this upturn, we have completed a significant redesign of our Housing Specification title that reflects the sector’s importance. We will be looking to look across every aspect of housing, with a focus that is still primarily on products and innovation but which will also reflect the rich diversity of the sector.
As part of this revamp, we want to involve those who work in this vibrant sector and showcase the different opinions, issues and approaches to the numerous challenges that housing continues to face.
We kick off the Last Word feature this month with a look at BIM and how the major technological advancement it signals shouldn’t mask one very important feature that has helped create a resurgent housing sector – the people behind the pixels.
Let us know whether you agree with Profile 22’s Andrew Reid’s take on BIM and which issues you believe the industry must focus
on in the months to come. Indeed, according to Glenigan, we can expect to endure yet another roller-coaster ride in the next 12 months.
Glenigan predicts that housing construction will contract in the quarter of 2016 before rebounding strongly in the final three months of this year. Housebuilders have secured permission on sites across the country in anticipation of a broader based upturn in demand. There are also continued concerns surrounding social housing, with Government policies such as a cut in social rents over the next three years and the extension of Right to Buy discounts to Housing Association tenants having a major impact.
We will look at these issues, plus the others affecting the housing sector, online and in print.
More importantly we will continue to focus on the key ingredients to a successful housing sector – the products.
Sika-Membran has enabled thousands of windows to be installed at a spectacular London dockland development with an airtight seal to ensure its residents enjoy the perfect living environment.
The versatile joint sealing system was specified for New Providence Wharf, a stylish
residential complex in Canary Wharf, the heart of the capital’s dynamic business and financial district.
Contractors, Lindner Facades, specified SikaMembran for two blocks - a 44-storey private residential tower and a 12-storey affordable housing, mixed-use development – using the
The subdued start to the year continued for the construction sector throughout February, as the industry struggled to regain the successful form amassed in the third and fourth quarter of 2015.
According to the latest Economic & Construction Market Review from industry analysts Barbour ABI, total construction contract value for February totalled £5.6 billion, a slight increase of 4.2 per cent on January’s figures but still way down on the £7.9 billion recorded in November, resulting in a 29 per cent decrease.
On a more positive note though, renewable energy continues to thrive. The sector shows no sign of slowing down after the recent subsidy cuts, with the £1.8 billion East Anglia One offshore wind farm being given the go-ahead – which is easily the biggest construction project awarded in February.
The value of this project is so great that it propelled the East of England to the top spot for the location of contract value in February, which is usually exclusively occupied by London.
Commenting on the figures, Michael Dall, lead economist at Barbour ABI, said: “Even with residential increasing its total contract value compared to January, it is still well below the figures of the fourth quarter in 2015. However, steady improvement from the Infrastructure and Commercial & Retail sectors could significantly help remove the reliance the industry has on housebuilding contracts. Overall consensus is that construction activity remains on track to grow, with a solid pipeline building up over the spring and summer months. The industry is still growing at a steady enough pace, but as previously stated, more growth from the infrastructure and commercial & retail sectors would provide a substantial boost.”
system to create an air and weathertight seal around an estimated 22,000m2 of façade.
Sika-Membran, from global building product manufacturer Sika, is a versatile EPDM synthetic rubber waterproofing membrane, designed to provide an efficient method of sealing construction gaps in building façades.
An extension to create a spacious kitchen and dining area has used steel windows and door solutions to avoid the ‘chunky’ aesthetic that would come with other material.
Manufactured from W20 sections, the door screen is over 3.2m wide, more than 2.3m high, and contains full height double doors.
The window screen includes two horizontal pivoted lights and is just under 3m wide and over 1.3m high. These were hot-dipped galvanised and are finished with a factoryapplied polyester powder coating in RAL 9011 black matt. The 16mm double glazing units have Low ‘E’ glass and achieve a centre pane U-value of 1.2 W/m2K.
Novus Property Solutions has upgraded the energy efficiency of 37 terraced properties in Skelmersdale as part of the Salvation Army Housing Association’s eco projects in the North West. As well as increasing the energy efficiency of the terraced houses, the improvements Novus carried out have helped to ensure that the properties comply with the Decent Homes Standard, which is a programme aimed at improving council and housing association homes to minimum standard of safety and repair.
Zero Carbon Hub has announced it will cease operations with immediate effect.
The Hub was established as a public/private body in 2008 to help translate the then Government’s target for all new homes to be zero carbon from 2016 into practicable regulation, and to remove the barriers to its implementation.
Over the past eight years the Hub has supported the new homes’ industry in the delivery of the zero carbon homes’ programme and overseen the successful introduction of higher energy efficiency standards.
Following the decision by the Government not to pursue the zero carbon target at this time, industry funding has been withdrawn. The Zero Carbon Hub website containing all the work carried out in the past eight years will remain available at www.zerocarbonhub.org.
Andrew Orriss, Head of Business Development at SIG360 – a key contributor to the research carried out by the Zero Carbon Hub – expressed his disappointment.
“Unfortunately, the closure of Zero Carbon Hub (ZCH) was inevitable given that the
current Government has a very weak carbon agenda,” he said. “As well as the scrapping of the Green Deal and the time extensions to the Energy Companies Obligation, there is clear lack of commitment to improve the energy efficiency of UK homes.
“In 2000, the government proposed to eliminate fuel poverty by 2016, however this target is far from being achieved. The use of fit and forget systems such as insulation could have helped them achieve that target, as supported by ZCH, without the need for expensive renewable energy systems.
“The intelligent approach ZCH has given to the industry in providing solutions on key issues such as the much talked about variances between as design and as built buildings – known as the performance gap –will be much missed.
“We are extremely disappointed by this lack of government support which has lead to the closure of ZCH, however we hope that the industry can continue to deliver the first class work that was carried out by the organisation in improving the energy efficiency of homes and raising building standards.”
The supply of new-build properties – widely thought to help stem an unsustainable growth of house prices – may make owning a home in the UK more unaffordable, research by Nottingham Trent University shows.
A market behaviour study by Dr Alla Koblyakova, of the university’s Real Estate Economics and Investment Research Group, shows that for every one per cent growth in the supply of new homes, mortgage payment to income ratios in the UK worsen by nine per cent.
“The Government thinks that by increasing the supply of new homes, the overall cost of owning a property will come down,” says Dr
Koblyakova, from the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment.
“But this research shows us that the mortgage market behaves differently. When new housing comes on to the market, lenders relax their conditions and lend more money. And when consumers are more able to buy a property for a higher price, the price of property doesn’t come down.
“This is a significant finding and is the opposite of what’s generally expected. It’s important, therefore, that future affordability programmes focus not only on the supply of affordable housing, but also on the supply of housing finance.”
Historically low housebuilding levels are thanks to an “over-reliance on private sector output” according to a report, which calls for a large public sector housebuilding drive to ease the country’s housing shortage.
In its report, The Housing Question –Overcoming the shortage of homes – think tank Civitas states that over the years, the private housing sector has been unable to deliver all of the homes the country needs and that housing shortages “have only ever been overcome when private output has been supplemented by substantial public sector agency and investment”.
The report states that a one-off government capital investment of around £15 billion to £20 billion – a National Housebuilding Fund - could yield 100,000 houses and flats, with 25,000 built in London. Civitas proposes a statutory duty on local authorities to acquire enough land to “top up” private sector housebuilding to the levels needed. “The assumption should be that these homes are sold into owneroccupation on the open market, with the proceeds of sales reinvested into the fund and used for future housebuilding, in perpetuity,” Civitas’ paper explained.
Rooflights must maintain their integrity over a number of years, but common wear and tear and subsequent roof leaks are inevitable.
Lonsdale Metal offers a variety of solutions designed to meet traditional aesthetic demands, stringent planning restrictions and contemporary Building Regulations.
From SpanGard self-supporting aluminium lanterns and skylights; neat box bar design of ThermGard thermal glazing bars, and low cost, high performance rooflight for flat roof applications, EcoGard; Lonsdale’s expertise ensures high performance specification and glass combinations for every domestic and commercial project.
Specifying the glass type is a key element to successful rooflight installation. With a huge range of infills available – including clear, translucent and opaque panels in glass, polycarbonate or GRP – the designer must consider the height of the building, the size of
the rooflight and the use of the space below. Although laminated glass is breakable, it is actually a little stronger than in its original form, and simply cracks and remains in place due to the bonded interlayer. Commonly used in the motor industry for car windscreens, the glass is also used as single glazing for canopies, walkways, railway platform glazing and other unheated spaces.
Toughened glass is manufactured through a heating process that uses controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength compared with normal glass. When broken, it crumbles into small granular chunks of similar size and shape instead of splintering into random, jagged shards.
Wired safety glass enables classification to BS6206 Class C Safety Rating, while normal ‘wired glass’ is not suitable. As a superior version of wired glass, the safety version provides fire resistance but care must be taken to ensure the system provides the required
VELUX Group has launched a new whitepainted roof window to match contemporary tastes for bright and light interiors.
The white-painted roof window has been developed in response to increasing demand from homeowners, installers and suppliers for an alternative to the traditional pine roof window. The white-painted surface reflects more natural light than darker surfaces and matches other interior colours better.
With the usual thorough development and testing, the VELUX Group has created a roof window that lives up to the brand’s reputation for quality and reliability.
Offering a new matt white finish, the roof windows are triple coated with water-based lacquer and a high quality UV resistant white paint which does not discolour or deteriorate over time,
ensuring that the windows remain low maintenance. Every component of each frame is individually painted to ensure a consistent and resilient finish. All new
half-hour or one hour protection. Leading rooflight manufacturers can be found via NARM the National Association of Rooflight Manufacturers who hold members to the highest industry standards.
Good maintenance is also crucial for effective roof glazing. A periodical inspection of the roof will uncover evidence of leaks into or around the glazing unit. As a result, rooflight designers should ensure any glazing system can be safely cleaned throughout its life cycle.
It is important to clean the glass and aluminium system to prevent build-up of grime and debris in order to maintain good light transmission. Architectural finishes should also be cleaned in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure any warranty validation.
A high quality rooflight system will combine a long design life with low maintenance to deliver a rooflight that is built to stand the test of time.
VELUX roof windows will now come with 70 pane - the highest standard of safety glazing - featuring a laminated inner pane and a toughened outer pane.
With at least 30,000 extra homes needed every year and critical skill shortages evident within the housebuilding industry, Specification asks “is off-site prefabrication of key building components the answer?”
According to the findings of a recent industry think-tank, after planning issues, the shortage of skills and labour were the leading challenges facing the construction industry in meeting government targets for housebuilding over the next five years.
The aim of the think-tank was to find solutions to the challenges of increasing new home supply to accommodate the Government’s keenly awaited Housing and Planning Bill, aimed at boosting housebuilding to levels not seen for almost a generation.
With a target of 1.0m homes built by 2020, the industry will need to find the resources, materials and skilled labour to achieve an increase in productivity of around 30% to lift completions from their current levels of 152,000 new homes per year, [2014-2015 Private and Public Sector completions. Source Dept. Communities & Local Government.], to the 200,000 needed to reach this goal.
Along with this, the UK population is forecast to increase by some 7 million over the next 25 years so the demand for housing, especially low cost, affordable housing, is an opportunity that the construction industry has to face. At the same time, housebuilding is under huge pressure to reduce costs and find ways to build more efficiently and economically.
But how can this increase in productivity be achieved by an industry that can still remember the boom-and-bust problems of the economic rollercoaster ride of the last eight years?
Ten years ago, Modern Methods of Construction [MMC] was the favourite industry buzz-concept – often used as a euphemism for prefabrication and assembly on site.
For Barratt Homes North, Stormking provided a complete, three-sided dormer unit including plain-tile effect roof, simulated natural lead side cheeks and painted timber surrounds all in GRP, to replicate a traditional detail common to the site close to Aberdeen.
Time has moved on since then and one company that has championed the principles of off-site fabrication of construction components is Stormking Plastics, part of the midlands based Epwin Group.
Stormking specialises in the fabrication and supply of GRP [Glass Reinforced Plastic] building components such as one-piece roof dormer units, chimney stacks, door and
Stormking’s authentic door and window surrounds look like they could sprinkle Georgian-style stardust on almost any building.
window surrounds, porticos and a wide range of other unlikely but wonderfully authentic looking feature items.
According to Design Manager Paul Oldham, shortage of specialist skills is not quite as recent an issue as you might think. “We recognised the opportunity to supply prefabricated components nearly 30 years ago. When it comes to a conventionally constructed dormer window unit for example, you need joinery, roofing, lead work and glazing skills on site together with materials, all of which have to be co-ordinated to get the job installed. It can take two or three days from start to finish” He said.
“With our prefabricated units, it’s a straightforward job to crane the component in and fix with basic joinery skills. A good team can install a Stormking dormer in about a tenth of the time it takes to construct a comparable unit from a stack of raw materials, with the confidence of consistent quality, time after time” added Mr Oldham.
Stormking has developed moulding techniques that replicate natural materials like brick, stone and timber in incredible detail. Paul Oldham takes up the story again. “With our SmartStack, GRP Chimney unit, we are able to reproduce an exact colour and texture match of the customer’s brick type. This, together with the depth of texture we can achieve with specialist moulds gives us a product that’s hardly discernible from a traditional brick built chimney. All flashings and lead apron are incorporated into the unit and positive ventilation is included to prevent any condensation build up inside.”
According to Mr Oldham, Barratt Homes North Scotland had a tricky issue on their development in Ellon on the north east coast near Aberdeen, where planners asked them to construct a complicated but locally traditional, three sided dormer window design.
Stormking’s solution was a complete unit including GRP, plain-tile effect roof, simulated natural lead side cheeks and painted timber surrounds. The dormers sit in perfect harmony with the local vernacular and satisfied planning requirements for a development that blends seamlessly with the style of the town.
He went on to explain that many clients ask for feature components that add instant, high-value kerb appeal to their house designs, but at minimal cost. Typical of this are their extremely authentic door and window surrounds which look like they could sprinkle Georgian-style stardust on almost any building.
The SmartStack GRP Chimney unit reproduces the exact colour and texture match of the brick type used in the body of the building.
“Durability and low maintenance are also features that our clients demand together with straightforward dry-fit installation for both domestic and commercial applications”, said Paul.
So where does the industry go from here? The Government is championing big increases in house building to satisfy strong demand from new-home buyers. The materials and manufacturing side is responding positively with innovative products from companies such as Stormking, all helping skills-starved housebuilders rise to the challenge of building more new, affordable and stylish homes that customers want to buy. Sounds like a pretty positive plan.
Paul Oldham is Design Manager for Stormking Plastics. www.stormking.co.uk sales@stormking.co.uk 01827 311100
Stormking – Enquiry 7
The Swedish green tech company Parans Solar Lighting AB launched the fourth generation Paranslight (SP4) at EcoBuild. With new 100m cables the system is able to deliver natural light to skyscrapers and deep tunnels alike from receivers on the roof. It is
capable of reaching 30 floors into a building and can be used systematically throughout.
The high quality of the cables allows the light – the healthy full spectrum solar light – and luminosity to be retained all the way. The system is modular which means that it can easily be adapted and expanded in order to provide the desired room with sunlight, no matter whatever floor it is on.
You can choose between 4-20 cables per system, start in a small scale and expand to cover more areas and rooms. For example, the largest system has a receiving panel of only 2m2 but it supplies more than 200m2 with sunlight. There are not many ordinary windows that could handle that! For more information, visit www.parans.com
Yorkshire based e-tailer Electric Radiators Direct has released the all new Haverland Smartwave. This intelligent, adaptable electric radiator range uses advanced motion sensor technology in order to learn your weekly routine and revolutionise the way you control your heating to conserve energy.
Essentially ‘getting to know you’ - the SmartWave’s innovative built in infrared sensor technology registers and records activity, learning when it needs to be heating your property and when it doesn’t. The SmartWave monitors movements
and is intelligent enough to adjust itself according to your changing routine. The radiator will start heating your property 30 minutes before you are scheduled to arrive and switch itself off when you leave.
And if it wasn’t already smart enough, you can make your SmartWave even smarter with the optional addition of the SmartBox. This enables full heating control throughout your property whenever you want, wherever you are in the world via a free, user-friendly app. For more information; www.electricradiatorsdirect.co.uk
The only company in the UK to make a complete modular ‘roof raise’ loft conversion system has chosen to use Actis Hybrid insulation for the majority of its projects.
Trussloft UK Ltd, trading as Moduloft, has created around 2,000 loft conversions around the UK and has devised a unique tailor-made factory built replacement modular loft which can be lifted into place for minimal disruption for the homeowner. The solution
offers an alternative to months of disruption and instead takes around two to three weeks. This means that the bulk of the work, including electrics and plumbing, are carried out at the factory, with just the removal of the old roof and connection of services and staircase taking place on site.
Moduloft began using the Actis Hybrid system two years ago after deciding to broaden its insulation product portfolio. It has been so successful it now uses honeycomb insulation Hybris and vapour control layer H Control Hybrid in the bulk of its modular attics. Apparently, this insulation is particularly good in its ability to minimise thermal bridging. For more information, visit www.insulation-actis.com
Earlier this year, another Swedish company, world lift producer Aritco Lift AB, entered the home and launched its unique Aritco HomeLift. Designer and innovator Alexander Lervik was assigned to develop a lift from the same perspective as a piece of furniture. This was challenging because there were also laws and security aspects to consider.
This ‘design object’ requires no more space than an ordinary closet and is a very sound investment for those who wish to spend their old age in their own homes. The idea has been to provide the greatest possible flexibility and to give the consumers a chance to personalise through a wide choice of materials and colours. The inner walls are adapted to their wishes with a choice of tinted glass and a multitude of wall decorations, including a backlit surface for projected patters and images.
The main source of inspiration for the ergonomics and advanced design of this came from the car industry. For example, the new control panel which replaces the traditional one is based on a handle, rotated to the desired floor before being pushed.
Artico has over 140 partners in about 40 countries. For more information, visit www.articohomelifts.com or www.artico.com
Christopher Sykes spotlights some fascinating innovations which caught his attention.
With the constant pressure on public sector budgets, Encasement’s Managing Director, Martin Taylor, believes local authorities should investigate modern and more cost effective methods of concealing boiler pipe work.
As energy efficient heating system upgrade programmes in social housing is important to reduce emissions and energy consumption, there is also a need to ensure that the updated system is not only safe, but also looks good.
However, just by deciding on which method to use when boxing in heating system and boiler pipework, LAs and HAs can save thousands of pounds on their annual repair, maintenance and improvement budget.
By saving time or removing cost from key stages in the pipe casing process, then this will have a positive effect on reducing the overall budget required to achieve the end result.
Essentially, savings can be made in each of the following four sections:
• Manufacture – How is the boxing made?
Materials – What materials are used in their manufacture?
Methods – How is the boxing installed and secured?
Maintenance – How easily can the boxing be removed & replaced?
The traditional and still widely used approach for concealing pipework, is for boxing to be fabricated on site using wood or MDF with nails, screws or adhesive, followed with
painting. Inevitably, this is a time intensive and costly solution.
The Encasement solution is much simpler, quicker and cost effective. Manufactured from pre-formed plywood to exact boiler dimensions and pre-finished with durable melamine or laminate, there’s no fabrication or painting required, which provides a consistent finish and saves even more time.
As a result, typical cost savings of around £20 could be made on every casing installed, which equates to a budget reduction of £10,000 on every 500 properties.
Often the materials used to manufacture pipe boxing and boiler casings aren’t a major consideration, yet they should be, as there is a need to comply with the sustainable procurement policies that many local authorities now have in place. Encasement has already addressed the issue. Only FSC® certified timber is used in the manufacture of our boxing and boiler casings. Also we are the UK’s only manufacturer and supplier of pre-formed plywood boxing and casings that holds a Forest Stewardship Council FSC® ‘Chain of Custody’ certification.
Typically, where site made casings are used, the heating engineer will move on to the next
flat once the boiler installation is done, leaving the fabrication and fitting of site made pipe casings to a joiner. As two trades and different skills are required, this inevitably adds time and cost.
By using a pre-formed boiler casing, which has already been supplied to the correct dimensions, there’s no need for fabrication and the freestanding casing just slides into place underneath the boiler, which can be done by a heating engineer.
The ‘whole life’ cost for site made casings escalates significantly, when routine maintenance visits are factored in to the equation, as they’re usually damaged or destroyed during their removal. This necessitates their replacement or remanufacture, as well as re-fitting, all of which, increases budget.
In contrast, pre-formed casings are self-supporting, allowing them to be easily removed and replaced in seconds, dramatically reducing the time maintenance engineers need to be on site, and the corresponding cost.
Case closed!
When evaluating pre-formed boiler pipe casings against site made alternatives, the comparative fitting costs alone should ensure that the decision to use pre-formed casings is an easy one to make. Yet, when the FSC® compliance and maintenance aspects are also factored in, it becomes, to quote one of our customers, “…a no-brainer.”
Christopher Sykes casts his regular eye over some recent housing projects which exhibit a variety of concepts and give us interesting information about some of the methods and products used in their design and construction.
This 84m2 extension by architectural practice Alma-nac is one of the finalists to be judged in this year’s 2016 AJ Small Projects Awards. A scheme about small interventions - this extension in the leafy suburb of East Dulwich evolved around a 3m tall glazed pivot door which connects the house to the garden.
The door defines the house’s central axis and protrudes out from the sloped roof of the new extension. The exaggerated door offers a simple element which creates a vista and a focus for the space. Created from timber the doors and windows contrast with the grey fibre cement-clad walls of the extension.
A newly formed dining room with a footprint of just 10m2 is filled with light from a
Swisspearl Cement Board Cladding: CEP Claddings
Pivot door, window and specialist glazing: Dask Timber Products
Polished concrete floor and steps: Steyson Concrete Floors
Concrete worktops within kitchen: Paul Davies Design
Kitchen cabinetry: Howdens
Underfloor heating: Polypipe
Architrave free concealed doors: Ezy Jamb
Telescopic sliding door: Eclisse
projecting glazed lantern. This room steps down from the main house creating a lower level with a polished concrete floor and stairs and a level threshold out onto the garden space beyond.
The Circular House
Developers Simone Kreutzer and Tommy Wesslund have recently completed work on an eco-home in Sweden. Known as Villa Circuitus, this spacious circular 175m2 passive house contains four bedrooms and open plan kitchen and dining area. It was built to meet passive house requirements, with strict environmental demands in terms of design and construction materials.
The house has a 35m2 veranda on the second storey, surrounded by a balustrade with integrated solar panels which make the home
self-sufficient for most of the year. The round shape is carefully designed to expose the smallest surface possible to the outdoor air and thereby reduce heat loss. Each of the large windows is custom made to retain twice as much heat as normal windows and the air circulating through the house is kept at a steady temperature by a two stage heat exchanger which passes the air through a ground based water heater then a post-heater. This two stage process efficiently warms the air in winter to a temperature of 18.5°C – 20.5°C and cools it in summer so the air circulating is 16°C - 17°C.
Alongside these high-tech elements is the widespread use of natural, environmentally friendly construction materials. Recycled paper and glass are used throughout the structure and the whole house is built on a wooden frame with Kebony cladding. Kebony is a modified softwood that acts as a sustainable alternative to tropical hardwood. Developed in Norway, the Kebony technology is an environmentally friendly, patented process, which enhances the properties of fast growing sustainable softwood with a bio-based liquid. By impregnating the wood with furfuryl alcohol, the wood’s cell wall is polymerised resulting in greatly improved durability and dimensional stability. Kebony therefore offers the performance qualities of a tropical hardwood, such as teak or mahogany, without the environmental damage. Its colour mellows over time from a rich brown to a silver grey patina.
The Flatiron House FORMstudio’s Flatiron House makes a virtue of a redundant and impractical office building in central London, transforming it into a home described as ‘a staircase with rooms’.
The house is located just off Oxford Street in London’s Fitzrovia district. Its small triangular footprint means that only one principal room occupies each of the house’s five floors, which is topped by a roof terrace. Each space is vertically linked by the signature staircase. Its white acrylic balustrade falls through the house like a twisted ribbon, framing the 14 m
Joinery: Abbey Upholsterers Ltd
Aluminium windows: Dribond Timber sash windows: Dask Timber Products Ltd.
Planters: Ermine Engineering
Acrylic solid surfaces: LG Hausys HiMacs
Lighting: LED downlights AlphaLED; LED slit wall lights ACDC; Under-shelf lighting Hafele; Low level bathroom;The Light Corporation www.lightcorporation.com; Exterior wall Aurora Backlit LED panels (wine store) Electroluminate; Bedside flexi-lights Aktiva; Lighting control system
Lutron
Oak flooring: Barham & Sons
Concrete’ porcelain floor tiles: Grestec
Bathroom marble floor tiles: Domus Tiles
Bathroom wall tiles: World’s End tiles
Kitchen splashback: Glaverbel - Lacobel
Carpet: Westex Carpets
Ironmongery: Lever handles FSB by Allgood; Flush pulls SDS London; Door closers Perko Powermatic
view from the glass roof to the basement and giving an unexpected sense of scale.
At street level, the previous shopfront has been replaced with a curved window which follows the prow-like shape of the building. Above it, a curved perforated white acrylic screen allows light into the interior space while maintaining privacy. The previously damp vault has been transformed into a wine cellar and media room beneath the street.
The Timber Pods Along the canal in New Islington, Manchester,
customers are now being offered bespoke, architect-designed homes where they can select their own layout. The first 43 hoUSes adopt a traditional terraced approach but internally layouts can be configured to tailor one to five bedroom homes with an open plan or more traditional feel. The hoUSe project represents an alternative to the established mass house building schemes across the UK in terms of design and delivery.
These are made of volumetric timber pods that are delivered to site with minimal disruption to neighbours. The benefits of building homes in this manner is that all standards and tolerances can be monitored in a factory-controlled environment, meaning they are warm and incredibly energy efficient, as well as flexible to plan and adapt. With a striking modern design, featuring familiar pitch roof motifs it’s not just the method of construction that is revolutionary but also the manner in which hoUSe is conceived.
Here, the cladding is Equitone Tectiva and the roofing SIG. The grey exteriors are broken up by thick-banded black window bays that offer occupants views over Manchester, while inviting an abundance of sunlight to enter. Internal configuring means that owners can select between ‘loft’ or ‘garden’ living, which means that you can opt for the communal areas to be located at the base or top of the house. This approach to upside down living was pioneered by shedkm and Urban Splash at Chimney Pot Park, where gardens were located at first-floor level to create parking spaces below and best use the space available of a tight urban site. This development is now regarded as an exemplar housing scheme in the area.
This very interesting project in Revelon Road is a two double bedroom house in Brockley south-east London. Developed and designed by Maack Architects, it’s on a narrow tapering infill site 3.6-3.3m wide. The contractor was The Eco Refurbishment Company which is at the forefront of environmental construction and refurbishment, delivering sustainable construction solutions together as one complete package.
The house has been designed with sustainability as an essential element. It aims as far as possible to include only materials and products that minimise negative impact on the environment, are highly energy efficient and reduce levels of water consumption. It contains many features that will significantly benefit the home and wider environment. The materials and construction are designed to be as healthy and robust as possible whilst also reducing the energy consumption through high levels of insulation, good construction, good natural ventilation and natural light.
It was designed to meet Code for Sustainable Homes level 4 - and exceeds this in many areas. The target was for over 20% energy from renewable sources as the following show:
• Timber framed construction using responsibly sourced timber: This also creates a lower carbon footprint by using a low embodied carbon construction methods and reducing the amount of cement.
• The walls are designed as a certified fully breathing construction system. The NBT Pavaclad system is a BBA certified system that uses natural low carbon renewable materials to create durable, toxin free and very low waste external walls and roof.
• Walls are clad in UK grown FSC certified Douglas Fir. This is a responsibly sourced durable timber cladding. It has a non-toxic ebony OSMO wood stain to further protect it.
• External walls and roof have minimal thermal bridging to reduce conductive heat loss.
• The external walls and roof are taped and sealed to provide a high level of airtightness, exceeding Building Regulation requirements, to prevent convective heat loss.
• The walls are well insulated to provide excellent acoustic insulation. The dense insulation improves the thermal mass of the construction and helps control overheating potential. The high levels of insulation (above current Building Regulation requirements) and good airtightness reduce the energy requirements of the house.
• The House also avoids synthetic materials as far as possible and uses non-toxic construction materials internally such as Zero-formaldehyde MDF, Low toxicity paint finishes and Natural carpeting.
• The Fully certified Wood fibre, Sheep’s wool and Hemp natural insulation has a zero GWP (Global Warming Potential).
• The breathable wall construction and use of low-toxicity materials helps to control naturally moisture and humidity to improve internal indoor air quality.
• In terms of energy usage, good natural lighting reduces need for electric lights.
Project architect Richard Asbury told Housing Specification that the practice is now developing another two houses on similar infill sites.
NBT assisted the design details stage and provided on-going site-support to the contractor and architects of the above Stealthly Healthly House. This included specification of insulation systems, including WUFI calculations and SAP calculations The materials recommended by NBT were: Pavaflex between the studs and rafters, Isolair roof sarking board and Pavatherm Plus boards over the timber studs before the external cladding was applied.
For interest, MD Andrew Mitchell, from leading providers of natural building materials NBT, recently discussed at one of the Green Register bite-size sessions a range of innovative, breathable building materials and how they perform compared to the more conventional materials commonly used. Innovations in natural fibre technology have produced materials that outperform synthetic insulation, as they can ‘breathe’, wick moisture and regulate building temperature in both the summer as well as the winter. They are also 100% natural and can lock up carbon over their lifetime.
Andrew explained all the advantages of using natural materials such as wood fibre, cellulose, sheepswool, hemp together with technical research that illustrates how they can manage moisture including how they can deal with the inevitable moisture generated within buildings - to produce healthy, long lasting, low impact buildings
Anssi Lassila co-founder of OOPEAA wil be talking about this project on 7 June at the Vision Exhibition London. Completed in November 2014, Puukuokka One is the first eight-story high wooden apartment building in Finland; two more in the complex will be finished soon, offering 150 flats with a combined floor area of aproximately 10,000m2. The project explores the potential of modular prefabricated CLT construction to meet the goal of providing high quality, environmentally
Completed in November 2014, Puukuokka One is the first eight-story high wooden apartment building in Finland; two more in the complex will be finished soon, offering 150 flats with a combined floor area of aproximately 10,000m2
The project explores the potential of modular prefabricated CLT construction to meet the goal of providing high quality, environmentally responsible and affordable housing. Commissioned and built by Lakea, it is an energy efficient and ecological trio of multi-story woodframed apartment buildings in the Jyväskylä suburb of Kuokkala. It was designed by OOPEAA.
Here, the goal was to find a solution that makes the best possible use of the technical and aesthetic qualities of CLT and to create a wooden building in large scale with a distinct architectural character of its own. It was to create a building that combines the sense of warmth and privacy of a single-family dwelling with the semi-public character of the shared spaces of an apartment building. It served as a pilot case to develop and test a CLT based system of volumetric modules. Working with CLT enabled several important aspects in the project:
The use of CLT made it possible to create a spacious hallway and atrium space with a lot of light realised in an energy efficient manner as a semi-warm space.
Thanks to the insulating qualities of massive wood, the use of CLT allows for controlling the temperature of the individual apartments independently from that of the shared hallway space. In addition, the use of prefabricated volumetric CLT modules made it possible to integrate the piping for heat, water, electricity and ventilation in the wall structure in the hallway making it easily accessible for maintenance and repair.
This arrangement also allows for an efficient organization of the plan and making it possible to maximize the space allotted for each apartment. The entire load bearing structure and frame is made of massive wood and
composed of prefabricated volumetric CLT modules. The prefabricated modules are made of spruce. Each apartment is composed of two modules, one housing the living room, the balcony and the bedroom, the other housing the bathroom, the kitchen and the foyer area.
The use of prefabricated modules made it possible to cut the construction time on site down to six months and to reduce the exposure to weather conditions. It also made it possible to create a building with a primary load bearing structure and frame fully made of wood. They are prefabricated in a local factory in Hartola less than two hours away from the site of Puukuokka. Also the facade elements that are prepared separately and brought to site ready for assembly are entirely of wood. Spruce has been used in the facades facing the street, and untreated larch had been used in the interior courtyard side. The spruce has been treated with a coat of dark paint and the larch in the interior courtyard will turn silvery grey over time.
In the interior spaces, the wooden CLT structure has been left exposed in the ceilings and in the floors and staircases of the hallways. However, the walls have been covered with gypsum board partly to avoid an appearance of too much wood in the interiors as well as to fulfil the regulations mandated by law for fire safety. The apartments have parquet flooring. The flooring of the hallway areas is made of bridge-like CLT elements.
Following on from the PassivHaus journey, here’s another selection of interesting things which could contribute to influencing planning, design and the future.
Explore Offsite in the Housing Sector was declared a huge success by over 400 construction clients, architects, engineers and contractors who attended the event last month in Birmingham. The professionals gathered to share their views on how offsite construction technology could play a vital role in the delivery of new houses and in combating the current housing crisis.
Tom Ground CEO Legal and General said Explore Offsite Housing was “an enjoyable event with interesting discussions”. Whilst James Pickard Director of Cartwright Pickard commented: “It’s a great turnout with some really interesting questions from the audience.”
The conference left delegates interested to find out more, with many saying that they will be sure to attend the other Explore Offsite events later in the year. The next event in the Explore Offsite calendar is Explore Offsite Futures Birmingham NEC on 24-25 November, 2016.
A great example of offsite construction is the revolutionary concept at Manchester which we feature on Products in Practice page 13
A trio of UK universities are currently testing technologies that will be used to develop selfhealing concrete Cambridge and Bath
Imagine a structure that could repair itself without human intervention.
Apparently that goal has become closer to reality thanks to research and major site trials into self-healing concrete technologies, currently being developed at the University of Cardiff, through a project called Materials for Life (M4L). This research marries the two fields of civil engineering and marine biology.
In addition, Hendrik Jonkers, a microbiologist at Delft University and a finalist at the recent 10th annual European Inventor Awards, has a plan to increase the lifespan of concrete. His innovation, which embeds self-activating limestone-producing bacteria into building material, is designed to decrease the amount of new concrete produced and lower maintenance and repair costs.
Visions of the future
Vision London returns to London Olympia on 7-8 June. It’s worth reporting that the educational programme, exhibition and networking sessions are all free to attend when you register in advance.
These will cover a range of diverse topics including: Building Heath & Wellness; Building Information Modelling; Innovation in Architecture & Design; Smart Buildings; Offsite & Modular Construction (already mentioned our Products in Practice pages in relation to that interesting CLT Finnish apartment project).
In addition, the Future Materials & Systems seminar will cover such topics as: Innovations in concrete; Textiles and hybrid materials for the built environment; The future for materials
co-operation and hybrid buildings; Bioresponsive facades.
More retirement villages?
McCarthy & Stone has commissioned a report, Generation Stuck: Exploring the Reality of Downsizing in Later Life. The findings are surprising. Contrary to the myth of people ‘hoarding’ their family homes, the research found that one in three homeowners aged 55+ are considering, or expect to consider, downsizing.
Another asked 2500 retirees what living life in retirement today is really like. The Colour Report aims to dispel the myths of retirement, to uncover the truths about growing old and to encourage society to move on from stereotypical views about chronological age. It makes for fascinating reading.
Does all this beg the question about whether we shouldn’t consider more Retirement Villages, particularly on the lines of the USA ones?
And finally...
I agree - at first glance (when you look up here) you have to be astounded at this walk-on balcony, this pathway to enjoy the view. Of course, it’s only a concept at this stage but may well be constructed later in Poland. So nice to see something so bizarre yet serious to get us thinking about reaching for the sky in overcrowded offices or high density apartment blocks and so much more fun that walking on a flat roof. Thanks to the Zalewski Architecture Group for this.
Why did one of the largest housing associations in the south east choose PassivHaus and what is its approach to energy efficiency? Damien Carr of BRE’s building4change newsletter shares with Housing Specification a shorter summary of the answers from Will Routh, SHG’s head of sustainability.
Last September, Southern Housing Group (SHG), one of the largest housing associations in the south east of England, delivered its first ever PassivHaus scheme on the Isle of Wight. Built on a 1.5 acre site, the £4.2m Cameron Close development comprises 16 semi-detached family houses and 12 sheltered apartments for the over 55s. Each home has 500mm thick external walls, triple glazed windows, a ventilation system with heat recovery, and low capacity condensing boilers to provide hot water and minimal top-up space heating.
Why has SHG opted for PassivHaus?
We decided to go for PassivHaus because it meets the Group’s sustainability objectives, focussed on providing affordable warmth and creating a low carbon housing association. It also meets the Isle of Isle of Wight’s drive for more sustainable housing. What really appealed to us was the fabric first approach that PassivHaus offers and the benefit is that it doesn’t have a need to provide potentially expensive and difficult to maintain renewable technologies.
Is SHG considering PassivHaus on all schemes?
It’s only six months since resident’s moved in and we’re just getting into the two year post-occupancy monitoring to understand the benefits to residents in terms of their energy bills, comfort and usability of the properties.
In the meantime, where possible we’ll ask for PassivHaus quotes alongside standard designs so we can understand what the cost differential is in the construction market.
What have the challenges been in terms of delivering Cameron Close?
It was our first PassivHaus development and also that of the contractors so we both had a stake in learning. They developed processes and training for their staff which helped smooth everything going forward.
Also because PassivHaus is still an emerging market in the UK, another slight challenge was getting hold of the materials.
Aside from meeting PassivHaus standards, did SHG have any other targets?
Fuel reduction for our residents was the key target, estimating that energy use would be 45% lower than a house we built at Code for Sustainable Homes 3. For residents of a three bedroom house that means £900 per annum off their electricity and gas bills. and elimination of the need to put on heating during winter.
What is SHG’s approach to making existing stock energy efficient?
We have 28,000 properties and are currently in the process of reviewing our 10 year old sustainability strategy, which includes retrofit and energy efficiency.
We’re going to adopt fabric first for all our stock, getting them properly insulated to reduce heat loss and get rid of draughts and therefore the energy demand. Our Home Energy Advice Team provides face-to-face energy advice to residents, so far helping over 700 residents to save an average of £230 per household.
How does SHG fund energy efficiency and sustainability?
For the Cameron Close development we asked architects and contractors to price up Code Level 3 verses PassivHaus to see what the over and above costs would be, which was about a 7% difference. Isle of Isle of Wight Council helped us bridge that funding gap, as the development fitted within their strong ‘Eco Island’ strategy, which includes sustainable housing.
In terms of retrofit generally, we fund it largely through our general upgrade budget within our re-investment programme, which includes insulation and window upgrades. We’re always trying to build in efficiencies within our general programme. We’re currently carrying out our first external insulation project at a scheme in East Grinstead, which self-funded through our re-investment programme.
For more information, visit the March news from Building4change@bre.co.uk
Despite the government’s drive to improve building performance, the gap between designed and built performance remains. Rob Warren, head of technical at Celotex looks at how increasing consumer engagement with energy efficiency benefits is crucial to ensuring our buildings are performing not only as predicted, but as the end user wants them to.
With 43% of all UK’s carbon emissions coming from the built environment, there are very good reasons for the Government to focus on improving energy performance of new and existing building stock. Unfortunately, in many cases a gap exists between the energy efficiency performance of buildings as-designed and their actual performance in use.
The Performance Gap was highlighted in a 2014 report by The Zero Carbon Hub which pinpointed a variety of causes within the design, procurement and construction process which were likely contributors. Notwithstanding the quality of the products or building design chosen, there were a number of issues which were leading to buildings not living up to their claimed energy performance
Key priorities for action which the report identified included issues around the use of U-value and thermal bridging calculation procedures, procurement of the correct skills in terms of labour to carry out fabric installations, and substituting products on site without due consideration of energy performance.
In the light of the combined challenges of our national carbon targets and this widely acknowledged Performance Gap, urgent measures are required to address the problems and drive substantial, robust improvements in the energy efficiency of buildings in a concerted way. Energy Performance Certificates were introduced for domestic buildings in 2010 and stand alone as the only mandatory UK energy efficiency accreditation for buildings. However they have not led to a widespread change in homeowners’ mindsets in terms of focus on how efficient their houses are, and at the same time consumer demand remains central to achieving an uplift in building standards. Whether buying or selling a property, and for a variety of reasons including continued falling energy prices, end users’ priorities are still not likely to be the running costs or CO2 emissions of their property.
Despite the relative ease of achieving improvements in energy efficiency, such as correctly designed, specified and installed highperformance PIR insulation, the industry is facing a disconnect between the wider goals and current levels of consumer engagement. The overarching expectations of energy efficiency improvements which government and society want from buildings will not be met unless homeowner demand can be leveraged in numbers from a narrow focus on resale value and local amenities to a genuine demand for better buildings.
To achieve the targets, it is essential that we look to design homes which don’t just comply with regulation, but which perform beyond regulation; again, this requires consumers’ expectations to be raised which will in turn force the supply side to deliver. One possible solution may be to apply the Soft Landings procurement approach successfully used in the commercial sector to engage end users and allow them input in a formal way which could reverse the trend of consumers feeling unengaged.
Bringing them in at an early stage of the project helps to ensure that their performance expectations are communicated and their feedback is expressed as the project progresses. This feedback is integrated fully into the brief, and monitored throughout the project.
A change of mindset would be required in the industry to move to a more client-focused method of designing and developing houses, giving greater involvement to homeowners and allowing them to feed into the design and construction process. The challenge is that while such an approach would be likely to appeal to those consumers who are currently sceptical about the performance of new build housing, it also needs to be formulated in a way which will be meaningful for a wider population for whom energy efficiency is not currently high up the priority list.
With the requirement remaining to achieve nearly Zero Energy buildings across Europe by 2020, there is a pressing need for housebuilders to focus on fostering and nurturing consumer demand for better buildings. Following the withdrawal of the Zero Carbon Homes 2016 requirement and the recent demise of the Zero Carbon Hub, the industry has to come together in a major effort to ensure that the benefits of buildings’ energy efficiency, both globally and for individual households, are communicated in order to increase consumer buy-in.
The construction industry has the products and construction methods needed to achieve the high performance homes for the UK’s future. With a boost in demand from homeowners we will deliver the simple and cost-effective solutions that will deliver regulation-beating performance and make a significant contribution to addressing our energy goals.
Celotex - Enquiry 11
In the light of the combined challenges of our national carbon targets and this widely acknowledged Performance Gap, urgent measures are required to address the problems and drive substantial, robust improvements in the energy efficiency of buildings in a concerted way.
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If you are responsible for the flat roofs on housing association properties, schools or other local authority properties then take a look at Topseals state-of-the-art GRP flat roofing solutions, which are all highly cost effective, reliable and long lasting.
The Topseal systems use Glass Reinforced Plastic (aka fibreglass) technology, which provides excellent strength, durability and can be installed with insulation for a warm roof and this will help the property remain as energy efficient as possible. They are also completely watertight, ensuring that moisture stays out and the interior remains dry. Our specially formulated Topseal resin and topcoats gives you an attractive, seamless finish and best of all it is BBA certified and is extremely durable. The Topseal range of flat roofing systems is a desirable roofing system for local authorities due to the expected life span, proven pedigree of waterproofing materials and it also has fire retardant properties to BS476 part 3 EXT.F.AA,
Topseal flat roofs are protected under a 20, 25, 30 or 40 year materials and workmanship guarantee. The 40 year guarantee is only available on Topseal DoubleTop, which is the perfect system where extreme durability is required. Once you’ve selected the Topseal system you require you will then be able to choose your preferred colour. Our available
colours include grey, black, cherry red, dark grey, green, brown and navy blue but it can also be matched to any RAL or BS4800 colour. The third step is to select your finish. Go for a smooth finish, coated aggregate or an anti-slip coating, which is recommending for areas of roofing designed for foot traffic.
The final stage is to get in touch with us to arrange a survey and quotation, both of which are completely free of charge and are carried out by Topseal approved installers. Topseal also has a dedicated technical team that will work with you every step of the way, so that your project meets all of your requirements.
Find out more about why Topseal roofs are ideal for local authority flat roofs by calling our friendly team on 08000 831 094 or if you are interested in a presentation on the Topseal systems, and how they can benefit your housing stock or school buildings then email us at info@topseal.co.uk
Powermatic controlled, concealed door closers tick all the right boxes when it comes to meeting the legislation, regulations and product performance standards that govern fire safety and accessibility.
They also deliver a number of practical benefits that make them particularly well-suited to housing applications.
Where fire performance is concerned, the door closer meets the requirements of BS EN 1154 and, as such, carries the CE mark. It has also been independently tested and proved to meet the requirements for one hour and half-hour fire doors under BS EN 1634-1.
Powermatic also offers operating efficiencies that enable it to assure a door’s compliance with Approved Document M of the Building Regulations
In addition, Powermatic is particularly suited to housing situations thanks to the fact that it is totally concealed when the door is closed. This ensures that high-end interiors retain their looks, but can also reduce the risk of the door closer being damaged through vandalism, which could render a fire door useless. It also means less maintenance call-outs and enhanced reliability.
Samuel Heath - Enquiry 15
Polypipe Ventilation’s highly efficient, Silavent CMX Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) units with Domus Radial duct systems, have been specified for a new retirement housing development in Fleet, Hampshire. The installation of Polypipe Ventilation’s Silavent CMX and Domus Radial ducting is being carried out by building service engineers Heatcare Limited. The Silavent CMX MEV system is one of the most compact and lightweight MEV units on the market, enabling it to be easily installed into a central location such as a loft, cupboard space or even small ceiling voids.
Polypipe - Enquiry 17
Working in public sector housing and a sales career of over 13 years, provided Gerflor’s new recruit, James Derry, with the experience that the global vinyl flooring manufacturer was looking for in a Public Sector Housing Specialist. James joins Gerflor’s housing team in a social housing sector role focused on the specification of dedicated products for new build and refurbishment projects. This includes Gerflor’s ‘tried and tested’ flooring innovations for kitchens and bathrooms and floorings for communal areas and hallways in a ‘one-stop’ shop of contract and residential floorings for housing.
Gerflor - Enquiry 16
Red Kite Community Housing in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, has specified Aico’s new 160e Series of mains powered smoke alarms for its entire housing stock of 6000 properties.Aico’s new 160e Series alarms are being used for the Grade D, LD2 installations – in compliance with BS 5839-6:2013, the British Standard for domestic smoke alarm installation. The LD2 Category requires alarms in escape routes and high risk areas to occupants. The alarms will be installed during Red Kite’s ongoing programme of electrical testing, which initially covers voids and mutual exchanges, and during major works such as kitchen and bathroom refurbishments. Heat alarms from the 160e Series alarms, Ei164e, are being fit into the kitchens and Optical alarms, Ei166e, are being fit in escape routes and high risk areas. The smoke and heat alarms are being interconnected within each property using Aico’s RadioLINK+ technology which removes the need to hard wire them together; instead the alarms are interconnected using Radio Frequency (RF) signals. This reduces disruption to properties, is quicker and more cost-effective to install and allows for greater system flexibility as alarms can be easily added or removed depending on different tenants’ needs. The wireless interconnectivity was enabled in this 160e Series system by plugging in a RadioLINK+ module (Ei100MRF) directly into the alarm head of each alarm at installation before House Coding them together.
Red Kite Community Housing made the decision to install 160e Series alarms following the launch event held by Aico in 2015. Tom Roper, Assistant Compliance Manager for Red Kite, comments: “We always use Aico as they are the industry leader. In fact our contractors insist on it! They won’t use other manufacturers’ alarms as they don’t compare in quality, which for our customers is a priority.”
A wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics, Aico is a market leader in residential fire and CO protection in the UK. All alarms are designed and built in Ireland specifically to meet the UK standards and regulations. With more mains powered domestic smoke alarms installed in the UK’s social housing than any other manufacturer, Aico is tried, tested and trusted. For more information please go to www.aico.co.uk or contact Aico on 01691 664100 or enquiries@aico.co.uk.
Aico - Enquiry 18
Sudstech is one of the latest porous paving products introduced to the SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Solutions) market, with the impressive ability to transfer up to 50,000 litres of water per square metre per hour.
The highly porous, low-maintenance material is created using sustainable products and is designed to allow the natural infiltration method of the water cycle for an easy and environmentally-friendly drainage system.
Suitable for all private and public applications, including domestic driveways, public footpaths, golf clubs and car parks, Sudstech can be used as an alternative to standard asphalt hard landscaping materials, whilst offering the same aesthetics and durability as some of the most established products in the market, with the added benefit of a costeffective water management service.
The porous material is created using natural stones sourced in the UK and can be specified in a wide range of colours and finishes, offering a solution to complement or contrast with any architectural colour scheme.
The coloured stones are combined with a specially developed resin, which allows rainfall to evenly saturate through the surface into the ground and eventually finding its way to the water course. The material also uses three recycled car tyres per square metre to form the sub base layer of the surface. This not only makes the product an environmentally-friendly solution, but it can also be taken up and reused to form a base layer for future projects.
Sudstech uses varying grades of angular aggregates to deliver maximised strength and durability for a sleek, porous surface that can withstand all usages without compromising the quality of the material. Sudstech is also unaffected by severe weather conditions, with the rubber sub base layer designed to allow any expansion and contraction caused by the constant freeze/thaw process of water within its voids, so eliminating delamination that can occur in other porous paving.
Following many years of research, development and testing, Sudstech conforms to the latest SUDS legislations created alongside the Water Management Act 2010, which requires porous materials to completely prevent surface water run-off and build up.
With its large water capacity, Sudstech can contribute to the control of flooding caused by climate change in domestic areas and other environmental impacts of hard paving water build up.
Sudstech has been used for many commercial and domestic schemes, including the new Canary Wharf Crossrail Station’s ‘Living Roof’, as well as sites for the London 2012 Olympics, housing associations, NHS properties, golf courses and landscapes for World Heritage sites.
All applications of Sudstech can be modified to meet each specification requirement, such as colour variation and weight loading capacity and can provide up to 9 BREEAM accreditations.
Due to its SUDS compliancy, applications of Sudstech do not require planning permission.
Further information on Sudstech is available from Langford Direct Ltd. on 0161 2121617, by emailing: info@sudstech.co.uk or by visiting the company’s website at www.sudstech.co.uk
When specifying a new garage door for an opening, it can be all too easy to make a mistake.
So Garador, the UK’s leading manufacturer of garage doors, has come up with a solution – a new pricing and specification service called EasiQuote.
Thanks to this brand new service, obtaining quotes for Garador garage doors will be really quick and easy. Garador’s Managing Director Simon Hipgrave said the company had been working hard to ensure they led the industry in good service and customer care, and has setup a dedicated EasiQuote team to handle these calls and enquiries.
“We believe creating this EasiQuote system will be of real benefit to merchants, both the larger national chains and also the smaller independents, and are delighted the process is now available and ready for 2016,” he said.
The builder visits their local merchant to buy a garage door where they can fill out an EasiQuote form, which is sent to Garador and the team provides an accurate .
The great thing is the form provides a clear format for the builder to follow, so the
alsecco and Gale & Snowden Architects have joined forces to provide a complete PassivHaus solution for the residential, commercial, refurbishment and new build sectors. Having worked together on a number of PassivHaus projects, alsecco and Gale & Snowden have recognised that combining their expertise and experience offer’s client’s unique synergies, ensuring a complete building solution.
The key to the partnership is that clients will be supported throughout the project in an integrated and coordinated way ensuring specific requirements are addressed and included.
All project components are sourced and supplied for both exterior and interior installation.
alsecco - Enquiry 23
merchant has all the information they need to provide the right door, at the best price possible.
Simon Hipgrave argues “We wanted to take all the ambiguity out of ordering a new garage door from your local builder’s merchant. We believe EasiQuote will help our customers to get the best possible door size and price for their project.”
The new service will simplify the ordering process and also ensure more accuracy in the specifications required and the final quote.
It is a win-win situation for both the merchant and his customer.
Garador - Enquiry22
ROCKWOOL has launched its new online U-value calculator which incorporates BIM objects for downloading, with users able to calculate the thermal performance of walls, floors and roofs with over 2,500 calculations available. All calculations have been certified under the BBA/TIMSA U-value competency scheme, providing accurate and industry informed results. Users are able to tweak the results by altering the U-value or the thickness of the insulation specified. Believed to be unique to the construction industry, users are also able to download BIM (Building Information Modelling) Objects for the whole build-up.
ROCKWOOL - Enquiry 24
Cembrit UK has introduced a completely new visual identity, including new website, logo, and strapline to mark the beginning of a new era for the nearly 90-year-old building materials group. Since the new owners took over Cembrit last year, the Danish building materials group has undertaken a comprehensive, strategic shift from its origins. As part of this shift the Cembrit group has also launched a new, international identity that unifies the group’s 17 subsidiaries across Europe and focuses on supporting users of Cembrit in addition to its extensive product portfolio.
Cembrit - Enquiry 25
Crittall Windows has introduced a new enhanced steel window aimed at the residential market, the HomelightPlus range.
An enhanced version of the company’s successful Homelight steel window first made during the 1920s, it features contemporary styling and window profiling, plus higher energy-savings, performance and improved security.
The authentic ‘like-for-like’ steel window offers significant energy savings - thermally improved to meet Part L of Building Regulations by achieving either a window energy rating Band B or a centre pane U-value of 1.2w/m2k.
The window has been made especially secure through an improved, robust, security multi-point locking option. It is also dual double-finned weather-stripped and features high performance double glazing.
Its slim frame gives minimal sight-lines allowing for larger areas of glass to maximise daylight.
www.crittall-windows.co.uk Tel: +44 1376 530800
Trailflex Flexible Porous Paving
• SUDS compliant
• Completely porous - 50,000 ltrs per m2 per hr
• No standing water, non slip and virtually maintenance free.
• Impervious to frost and ice.
• Cost effective - quick installation
• Minimal ground works - approved by arborists.
• No need to lay to falls - hydro break - no run off on steep gradients.
• 18 tonne straight line weight loading.
• Perfect for car parks, pathways, access roads and cycle tracks. Web - www.sudstech.co.uk/trailflex Email - info@trailflex.co.uk T - 0161 212 1617
The ranges combine state of the art technology which creates consistency in grain pattern and colour whilst still allowing natural variation.
Delivering attention to the finest detail in finishing with co-ordinating lips, glazing beads and the use of the highest quality materials.
Available in 35mm and 40mm solid core, 44mm (FD30) and 54mm (FD60) fire door options.
For a copy of our Portfolio brochure, or to request samples, please call 0844 209 0008
Birthwaite Business Park, Huddersfield Rd, Darton, Barnsley, S75 5JS Email: ukmarketing@premdor.com www.premdor.co.uk/portfolio
info@sudstech.co.uk www.sudstech.co.uk 0161 212 1617
The Solid Wall Insulation Guarantee Agency (SWIGA) is a not for profit guarantee provider for solid wall solutions.
Set up by industry to encourage continuous industry quality improvements through the use of its unique quality framework.
SWIGA provides direct support to the customer through its extensive network of member’s expertise.
The SWIGA guarantee offers cover for; external wall, internal wall and hybrid systems for traditional solid wall properties, non-traditional properties such as no-fines concrete and frame buildings. As well as providing cover for low and high rise apartments.
Andrew Champ, Executive Director of SWIGA, commented: “SWIGA’s Contractor and System holder membership has to meet stringent entry criteria prior to joining to ensure they are trained correctly, understand the systems and installation techniques needed to fit the systems correctly as well as ensuring the companies that join are financially viable as business’s to carry out solid wall insulation work.
The SWIGA warranty is backed by a robust 25 year guarantee with an industry-leading Quality Assurance framework and at a cost of £79 per standard house; we believe this represents fantastic value for money.”
SWIGA - Enquiry 29
An ultra-slim solar control system has been created by Hunter Douglas to meet the demands of the most modern of building designs. At just five millimetres thick, the minimalist Flat Bar shutter is at least 50% thinner than existing alternatives on the market. The powder-coating treatment means that only the S and Z fins are suitable for use with Flat Bar; if hollow fins were used, the coating would seep in, which would affect the system’s quality. It is available in all standard RAL colours to mother of pearl.
Hunter Douglas - Enquiry 31
A recent housing development by Bellway Homes in Sheffield is one of the latest projects to use Bituchem’s specialist Natratex Cotswold landscaping material. Over 700m of the product in 6mm buff was applied to the new Bluecoats housing estate’s footpaths to complement the natural stone finish of the houses, whilst standing out from the surrounding tarmac roadways. Natratex Cotswold proved the perfect solution for the application due to its ability to withstand constant pedestrian usage without damaging the appearance of the natural stone.
Bituchem - Enquiry 30
The latest range extension of RAINBOX Attenuation Solutions by JDP aims to minimise the risk to localised flooding and provide best practice SuDS.
Through its technical design department JDP provides expert design, advice and support for projects involving Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) and ensures house builders and developers can maximise operational efficiency and effectiveness, comply with legislation and deliver solutions which are capable of dealing with the extreme volumes of rainfall, groundwater and surface water run off. Getting it right at the design stage can not only lead to significant savings on installation, but also prevent failure and the additional costs associated with putting it right at a later date.
The full flexibility of Rainbox creates bespoke and hybrid solutions to help protect homes, and the local environment from the effects of flooding and extreme rainfall. JDP - Enquiry 32
The latest innovation in solar control
New homes use Natratex for footpathsSWIGA Guarantee provides peace of mind
Yeoman Rainguard’s XL Aluminium rainwater systems were chosen for Bridge House, a stunning new build property in Norfolk.
The owners of the home, David Dunnett and Geoff Wainwright, originally saw Yeoman Rainguard rainwater systems at a London building exhibition.
“We were impressed by what we saw on the Rainguard exhibition stand and we were certainly attracted to the XL Aluminium range because of its traditional appearance which was ideal for the style of house we were building,” explained Mr Dunnett.
XL Aluminium 75mm diameter downpipes along with 125 x 100mm MOG gutters, finished in a black textured polyester powder coating, were installed on the property. The powder coating finish ensures that the pipes and guttering will offer years of maintenance free service. Not being susceptible to colour bleaching the coating eliminates the need for any re painting and keeps the system looking pristine many years down the line.
Style was not the only criteria on the shopping list. An easy to install rainwater system was also a consideration on this new build project. The XL Aluminium gutters with the push fix joint technology which requires no mechanical fixing, proved easy to fit and importantly helped to speed up the installation time on site.
Choosing the XL Aluminium range will also get the thumbs up when considering the environment and having to asses green credentials. 95% of the materials used to manufacture the Aluminium gutters, downpipes and accessories are recyclable
making it an ecologically sound choice for new build, extension or renovation projects.
Yeoman Rainguard pride themselves on first class customers service, delivery and quality of products and offer their clients free services such as samples, site surveys and take offs from architect drawings, helping them to make an informed choice when it comes to purchasing the right rainwater system for their particular needs.
“We found the customer service offered by Yeoman Rainguard faultless and have been so pleased with the products and services that we are going to use them again on our next building project Broomhill Cottage,” concluded Mr Dunnett.
For more information on the whole range of Yeoman Rainguard’s rainwater systems and accessories go to www.rainguard.co.uk or call the sales team on 0113 279 5854
Hydro International is launching The Hydro-Brake Flow Control Series, a versatile toolbox of precision-engineered devices for surface water, watercourse, foul and combined sewer network control.
Building on Hydro International’s leadership in flow control technology for more than 35 years, the launch unites each product in the series with the reputation for quality and repeatable, high performance embodied in Hydro-Brake brand name.
Comprising Hydro-Brake Flood Alleviation, Hydro-Brake Optimum, Hydro-Brake Agile and Hydro-Brake Orifice, the Hydro-Brake Flow Control Series provides sustainable, performance-optimised water attenuation and control, whatever the project.
Alex Stephenson, Market Development Director for Hydro International said: “The name HydroBrake has always been synonymous with rigorous research and continuous product development. The Hydro-Brake Flow Control Series now offers designers, developers and contractors scalable, precision flow control performance for every site and budget – from flows of just a few litres per second up to major flood defence schemes of many thousands of litres per second.
“In all parts of the UK, new regulations and technical guidance are driving forward the implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and improved flood defences, while water and sewerage providers are finding their networks stretched beyond the capacity for which they were first designed and constructed. Choosing from the Hydro-Brake Flow Control Series will help problem-free progress though planning consents, construction and adoption.
Scotland’s first external façade made from DuPont Corian
“Choosing a Hydro-Brake flow control means you can be sure of a device that is optimised for through-life value, to deliver buildable, predictable and maintainable projects.”
Hydro-Brake Flow Controls can be supplied pre-fitted in precast, reinforced concrete chambers for quick and easy installation, with the potential to significantly reduce CDM (Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015) risks on site.
Designers and developers need to adapt their drainage designs to meet increasingly varied planning and environmental stipulations. Hydro International’s technical team is available to advise on correct flow control selection and design and ensure flow rates and upstream storage requirements are balanced to provide the best-possible drainage performance over the duration of a storm.
Hydro - Enquiry 38
CMS Window Systems has completed a project with Fife Council to deliver high quality new homes for elderly residents in a pioneering ‘care village’ concept in Kirkcaldy. CMS installed lowmaintenance PVCu casement windows with a sophisticated grey and white finish. Attractive Masterdor composite doors were also installed, featuring patterned glass panels and an appealing textured finish. With all hardware and glazing already in place, the doors arrived onsite pre-finished and ready to fit. CMS’s PVCu units are rated ‘A’ for energy efficiency, with reliable longterm performance.
CMS Window Systems - Enquiry 39
In the first application in Scotland of DuPont Corian as a rain screen façade, architectural practice Chambers McMillan has created an elegant exterior ‘shell’ as part of an architecturally sympathetic extension to a much-loved period home. The addition creates a small garden room with a canopy covering an external area and connecting it to the house, including a linear workbench which continues through the glazing to the outside area beneath the canopy. Maximising the multiple benefits of DuPont Corian hightech surface, this high-performance rain screen has an enduring beauty.
CD UK - Enquiry 40
A luxury self build project in Warwickshire has used an innovative mixed brindle clay plain tile to give the roof a traditional, high quality aesthetic, in keeping with the home’s rural surroundings. Self builder Martin Hayward chose the Acme Mixed Brindle single camber clay plain tiles from Marley Eternit to give a weathered, aged appearance to complement the mixed blend of bricks used for the construction of the house.Roofing contractor Shire Roofing also used matching valleys, half round ridges and inline vents from Marley Eternit to complement the Mixed Brindle colour.
Marley Eternit - Enquiry 41
CMS creates fresh outlook for residents
Innovative clay tile brings quality to rural self build
New measures in Scotland demanding carbon monoxide alarms for private rented housing are in line with the latest building regulations there – and both go much further than their equivalents in England, as Kidde Safety explain.
Statutory Guidance took effect on 1st December last year requiring private landlords in Scotland to install CO alarms in all properties with fixed combustion appliances, other than for cooking. Issued by the Scottish Government, it sets out what private landlords must do to meet the Repairing Standard – a legal obligation throughout a tenancy. The guidance is in line with the 2015 building regulations Technical Handbooks, already applying to new and replacement combustion appliance installations – whether in new build or existing homes.
They all require a CO alarm in any space, including inter-connected spaces such as integral garages, containing a combustion appliance.
Appliances include a boiler, fire, heater or stove – whether using gas, oil, wood or other fuels. A CO alarm is also required where a flue passes through ‘high risk accommodation’ such as a bedroom or main living room. House-builders and landlords should also consider potential CO risks to and from adjacent properties or shared spaces.
These sensible measures go much further than recent regulations in England where ‘The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015’ only require a CO alarm with solid fuel heating appliances, in line with Building Regulations Part J. The continuing toll of deaths and illness resulting from carbon monoxide incidents associated with other fuels and types of appliances highlights the urgent need for a better benchmark than the 2015 English Regulations.
Long-term reliability is also key and all Kidde CO alarms are BSi Kitemarked. Kidde also manufactures its own sensors, allowing tighter quality controls to be applied. These use safer, environmentally friendly de-ionised water rather than acid-based electrolytes as well. Battery-powered alarms should incorporate a battery designed to operate for the working life of the detector. With this in mind, Kidde’s self-contained 10LLCO and 10LLDCO carbon monoxide alarms enjoy a full 10-year guarantee covering both the alarm and sealed-in lithium battery, helping landlords meet their obligations for working alarms at the start of each tenancy, costeffectively over the longer term.
Alternatively, mains powered hard-wired (but not plug-in) alarms, fitted with a sensor failure warning device, can be used. Here, Kidde’s 4MCO and 4MDCO hard-wired CO alarms can not only be interlinked with each other but also the company’s hard-wired smoke and heat alarms, using the unique ‘Smart Interconnect’ feature. This creates a system for whole home protection.
Crucially, these hard-wired CO alarms have different, distinct alarm sounder patterns for carbon monoxide and fire, as required by BS 5839 Part 6:2013 – supported by different display messages on the 4MDCO. So, without the need for any further operation of the system (such as remote switches), Smart Interconnect automatically alerts occupants of the specific hazard that confronts them. This allows them to respond quickly, making the right choice from the very different potential actions for either fire or carbon monoxide.
For more information, call: 01753 766392, email: sales@kiddesafety.co.uk or visit: www.kiddesafetyeurope.co.uk
Fire damage in buildings can be devastating and as a result, flame retardant products are being specified in construction to help reduce this impact. Latham’s extensive collection of fire retardant products includes; CE marked Birch Plywood, Timber Cladding, Chipboard, MDF, MF/MDF, OSB, and Decorative Products for interiors including Valchromat, MFC, HI-MACS solid surface, Laminate and Fire door blanks.
All products are certified and independently tested to Euroclass B or Euroclass C and copies of these reports and the Field of Application are available to download from www.lathamtimber.co.uk
These fire tests are carried out for the manufacturer by an approved third party and measure readings such as; rate of fire propagation, lateral fire spread, total heat release and smoke production.
Andrew Wright, Director of Lathams Limited said, “The number of projects where Fire Retardant products are being specified is increasing. When the correct fire retardant product is specified and installed in accordance with the Field of Application, they can provide the first line of defence in a fire, helping to protect
lives in both commercial and residential properties. We are continually reviewing our range to ensure we have the most up-to-date offering available for all our customers and our team of knowledgeable and experienced staff can provide information and samples for all these products.”
For more information on Latham’s full range of surface materials: Phone; 0116 257 3415, e-mail; marketing@lathams.co.uk or visit; www.lathamtimber.co.uk
Latham - Enquiry 46
Electricity House, Crest Nicholson Homes’ stylish city centre apartment development in Bristol is using an advanced smoke ventilation system from leading smoke and natural ventilation specialist, SE Controls, to help keep residents safe if a fire should occur.
Originally designed by acclaimed architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in the 1930s, the six-storey Grade II listed building has being converted into 85 luxury apartments, while ensuring that many of the original design features are retained or reinstated to enhance its art deco style.
The building’s main atrium is at the heart of the SE Controls solution, as the smoke ventilation system is designed to vent smoke from the atrium in the event of a fire to ensure escape routes are kept clear.
To achieve this, SE Controls designed, installed and commissioned the system, which comprises 37 SHEVTEC automatically controlled louvres, which are manufactured and tested in accordance with BS EN 12101: 2.
The SHEVTEC louvres also incorporate ‘fall protection’ to increase safety, as well as using IP rated external motors, which are essential to allow easy access for future maintenance. A further 21 low level air inlet louvres and
linear door actuators also form part of the system, all of which are controlled by a series of OS2 control panels with integral battery back up and fully compliant with the relevant sections of the BS EN 12101 standard.
SE Controls’ Business Development Manager, Stuart Coote, commented: “Electricity House is a landmark building designed by an iconic British architect, so we’re delighted to have played a part in this project.
“Smoke control and fire safety is not only a core part of our business, but also an area we’re very actively involved with via organisations such as the Smoke Control Association, FIRAS and British Standards, to ensure that design, manufacturing, installation and maintenance standards are constantly being maintained. Although this is important for the industry, the real benefit is for residents who rely on our systems for failsafe performance, if a fire should occur.”
Further information on SE Controls’ products, solutions and projects can be obtained by visiting www.secontrols.com or calling +44 (0) 1543 443060.
SE Controls - Enquiry 47
Fire Design Solutions (FDS) has been appointed to provide a number of its tailored systems for the first phase of a new £250 million mixeduse development in Brighton Marina.
Predicting the movement of smoke and heat in the event of a fire, FDS will utilise CFD modelling to justify the detailed design of mechanical smoke ventilation systems.
FDS has now received a further appointment from ARK M&E Ltd to supply and install the smoke ventilation and environmental systems to ensure the development meets all of the required Building Regulations.
Over the coming months, FDS will design, install and commission a number of systems, including a corridor environmental system that will mitigate heat in the building’s common areas during day-to-day use to maximise comfort for residents, and a mechanical smoke ventilation system to provide safe escape route for occupants and clear access for firefighting.
The specialist contractors have also been appointed to provide a car park ventilation system for the three storey parking area to further enhance safety for future residents.
Work on site started in January 2014, with the development set to be completed by July 2016.
Fire Design Solutions - Enquiry 48
Expert industry training provider, Exova BM TRADA, will be re-running its popular free Fire Protection Measures training programme during 2016. The format includes a number of short seminars over a half day which provides participants with critical guidance on how to meet the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO). The course will run 12 July at Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield; and 1 November at the Watershed, Bristol with breakfast provided. For more information go to: http://www.exovabmtrada.com/en-gb/ training or contact 01494 569 750 or courses@exova.com
BM TRADA - Enquiry 49
FDS secures £250m marina development
Delivering the right amount of ventilation to the right rooms in the right location.
The Posi-Joist open web floor system will allow you to deliver the right amount of ventilation to the right rooms in the right location in the simplest of ways.
The advantages are clear:
• Open web design provides easy access for the design and installation of services
• Improved quality of service fitting, eliminating costly remedial work
• Greater clear spans for design flexibility
• Clear profit from savings in labour, time, materials and call-backs
• The largest network of licensed manufacturers throughout the UK and Ireland
Peter haynes, product manager at envirovent, looks at improving indoor air quality in new homes.
It is estimated that over a quarter of new homes are being fitted with Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems, according to NHBC, and this is set to increase over the next few years.
Building Regulations updates in 2010 placed greater importance on the effective design, installation and operation of ventilation systems, along with the introduction of the Domestic Ventilation Compliance Guide. These revisions to Part L and Part F have paved the way towards ventilation becoming more of a ‘controlled’ service, which focuses on energy efficiency and correct installation. The aim of these updates was to maximise carbon reduction through correctly specified systems that are installed by competent engineers, therefore minimising energy losses.
The guidance also stated that instruction must be given to the homeowner as to how a ventilation system should be operated effectively.
To achieve Part F requirements, the most favourable options are arguably either MVHR or Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) to deliver the best returns in SAP.
PIV systems work by drawing in fresh, filtered, clean air from outside and gently ventilating the home from a central position usually in the loft, above a landing in a house, or a central hallway in a flat or bungalow. They dilute moisture laden air, displacing it and replacing it to control humidity levels between 45 and 60 per cent.
The requirement for new dwellings to improve performance by an extra seven per cent to meet the 2013 edition of Part L1A (energy efficiency for new building), further reinforced the prominence of PIV systems, which can give savings on the Dwelling Emission Rate (DER).
Where housebuilders are looking to build to greater levels of air tightness (of 3m3/h/ m2@50Pa or below) Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) is often specified to achieve a larger percentage reduction between the DER and TER (Target Emission Rate). A high performing MVHR system through SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) may lower the DER.
Building designers are recognising that MVHR helps them to cost effectively contribute towards the improvements in CO2 emissions required by Building Regulations. With MVHR, the incoming air is filtered, improving internal air quality and it also negates the need for window trickle vents.
We responded to the rise in demand from the new build sector by introducing MVHR systems that are even more efficient and take advantage of the latest technology. Recovering over 90 per cent of the heat that would normally be lost to the outside vie trickle vents or extract fans, and supplying
it back into the house as warm fresh air, ensures that developers are able to reduce the overall energy requirement of the building. There are obvious benefits to homeowners looking to reduce their energy bills.
Installing mechanical ventilation systems is the most effective way that the new build sector can meet the increasingly stringent legislation in order to be able to provide a constant supply of clean air and reduce humidity levels. The trend towards fitting MVHR systems into new homes therefore looks set to continue as its efficiency and performance become more widely recognised.”
Xpelair’s family of Simply SilentTM Contour fans also includes the Constant Volume (CV) range, which delivers a highly intelligent solution for bathroom and kitchen ventilation, particularly in affordable housing. The Xpelair Simply Silent Contour CV and CVLV (low voltage) fans incorporate Intelligent AdaptiflowTM Sensing, a smart technology which senses changes in airflow and adapts the fan speed intuitively to maintain a constant volume of extracted air.
A unique sensor in the duct airflow calculates and records the flow rate continuously, recognising consistent changes in airflow to adapt performance accordingly. Intelligent AdaptiflowTM Sensing works cooperatively with the fan’s active humidistat, increasing the flow rate when humidity increases rapidly.
It means homeowners and tenants can rest assured that the desired airflow will be achieved for the lifetime of the dMEV fan, whilst landlords and social housing providers can avoid damage to their housing stock through condensation and mould. An integral datalogger also records the fan’s daily use so that data can be gathered and interpreted by a technician. This provides the property owner with information on whether a fan has been in operation or if a tenant has switched it off - which would, of course, increase the potential of condensation and mould growth in damp areas.
Xpelair - Enquiry 52
BSS adds new pump to range
BSS is now offering a comprehensive selection of quiet, reliable and robust pumps from Salamander. Whether mains- or gravity-fed, for individual items or for a whole system; the new range provides pumps to boost water pressures for both light commercial and domestic installations. The Salamander range from BSS will contain the full suite of Salamander products including: HomeBoost Mains Water Pump; ESP Super Boost Packs; CT Force Pumps: and the CT Xtra Shower Pump. The entire range can be provided next day from stock via BSS’s Magna Park 150,000ft2 distribution centre in Lutterworth, Leics.
BSS - Enquiry 54
Electric Radiators Direct have announced the release of the all new Haverland Smartwave; an intelligent, adaptable electric radiator range which uses advanced motion sensor technology in order to learn your weekly routine and revolutionise the way you control your heating to conserve energy.
The SmartWave monitors movements and is intelligent enough to adjust itself according to your changing routine. The radiator will start heating your property 30 minutes before you are scheduled to arrive and also switches itself off when you leave.
Electric Radiator - Enquiry 53
Creda has launched a new range of extremely competitively priced electric ladder towel rails, offering costeffective, year-round towel warming without compromising on style or safety.
The new Creda CLR range includes four different sizes – with five, seven, ten or twelve rails. Each is available in a high quality chrome or white finish and outputs range from 60W to 250W, according to the model.
Easy and quick to install, the Creda towel rails are fluid filled for even heat distribution and offer safe surface temperatures of below 60°C. These rails provide quick and convenient towel drying without the need to turn the wet central heating system on, or extend pipework from an existing system.
The Creda CLR range is also compatible with the FSCC and FSCW runback controls, giving extra control and efficiency. For added peace of mind, all models are IPX5 rated and come with CE Mark and BEAB approval, tested to the highest possible safety standards in the UK.
Creda - Enquiry 55
A refurbishment project has incorporated two of underfloor heating ranges manufactured and distributed by Timóleon Limited. The Omnie’s FoilBoard floating floor system was chosen for installation across the ground floor slab while Omnie’s LowBoard is used upstairs. The project also made use of Omnie’s precisely engineered five port manifolds to feed the various zones on both the ground and first floors. Not only do the various Omnie systems - which also includes one for retrofitting between timber floor joists – offer comfort and convenience, but underfloor heating is also a proven way of bringing the optimum performance from renewable technologies, particularly
Speak to the award-winning experts to take the hassle and complication out of ventilation system design. We ensure that the most suitable and effective solution is correctly specified and installed to comply with Building Regulations. We have an extensive range of ventilation solutions to meet every kind of new build project.
Change in the H&V industry over the past decade has been accelerated and the rate is going even faster as pressure builds to find better and more efficient ways of heating and conserving hot water.
The way to future proofing against rising energy bills and new legislation, both of which are inevitable, is to concentrate on the best available technologies for heating and hot water design and avoid the inertia that exists around simple direct replacement.
Progressively, standards have decreed that building envelopes must be insulated to create greater ‘air tightness’ so that thermal insulation is much improved.
Conversely, the demand for instant hot water has markedly increased and this means we need to adopt a new mindset that separates space heating from hot water provision. Consideration has to be given to best available technologies and how they can augment hot water supply.
However, if we take the domestic setting as a marker, even though demand has changed significantly, eight out of 10 installers will still want to install the biggest combi unit they can find to ensure hot water needs are met with the payback being heat generated for heating. It is not the best and most efficient way forward.
A North Wales Council is currently in the process of replacing its stored hot water systems with continuous flow set-ups. The council has done its sums and is set to make considerable savings on running costs. When the water isn’t running the continuous flow system is not using gas which makes it an ideal solution for schools for example that shut for holidays.
Even when a continuous flow system is chosen, more efficiencies can be built in by ditching the established mindset that always goes for overkill on hot water capacity just in case it is needed.
Litres of stored hot water just isn’t necessary when designing a gas fired storage system the mind set more often than not is to design in a 15% overcapacity buffer.
Controls are also a major step forward in achieving best efficiencies whether local or integrated into a building maintenance system.
Finally, the implementation of the Energy Labelling Directive (ErP)* last year means for the first time there is transparency for buyers looking for the best energy efficient range of water heaters.
In practice an A-rated continuous flow water heater has even more to offer in terms of efficiencies in operation as the A-rating applies only to when a unit is in use – ie when fuel is being burnt.
Being caught out is never a good thing. Deadlines approach and some of us are prone to burying issues or stalling on the inevitable. Never a good idea.
In 2014 formaldehyde was reclassified as a Carcinogen Category 1B. As a Category 1 carcinogen, the use of formaldehyde is now about to be regulated by the Carcinogen and Mutagen Directive in EU workplaces. The central concept of this prime directive is ‘protection of workers against risks to their health and safety, including the prevention of such risks, arising or likely to arise from exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work’. The Commission responsible expanded the transition period until 1st January 2016. It begs the questions, are we ready to fully comply with the new classification and are the products out there?
AkzoNobel is a leading global paints and adhesives company and a major producer of specialty chemicals. They supply industries and consumers worldwide with innovative products and sustainable technologies designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet. Bearing in mind the EU workplace changes that are about to be foisted on a host of manufacturing sectors, AkzoNobel are more than ready to meet the challenge head-on with a range of products that addresses the impending deadline, providing a range of solutions to meet and surpass the new industry-wide standards.
FF from AkzoNobel is a new series of acidcuring products delivering high-quality results without the use of formaldehyde. It’s a system that’s Formaldehyde-Free, and isocyanate-free with no odor to the end user on either coated furniture or fittings. FF has all the same high-quality attributes as traditional Acid-curing and PU Alkyd products with
no yellowing. It provides excellent adhesion, drying, and stacking properties together with providing simple cleaning routines for the production line and equipment. FF has good spray application and an extended pot-life of five days and is compatible with the AkzoNobel tinting system. FF also has excellent adhesion to wooden substrates including UV primed surfaces. Drying, viscosity and gloss can easily be adjusted with different additives.
LignuPro™ Free, a new bonding system from AkzoNobel is also formaldehyde and isocyanate free. This new bonding technology has hard glue line properties similar to the thermosetting Urea Formaldehyde adhesive and offers a system aimed directly at furniture manufacturers.
LignuPro™ Free veneering offers great benefits to strengthen competiveness for furniture manufacturers by supplying a formaldehyde and isocyanate free glue line, together with high-bonding performance, reducing veneer to board delamination and edge to edge glue line opening during the gluing process providing an optimal result. LignuPro™ Free can also offer “bonding process monitoring” which ensures relevant process parameters by measuring and logging the flow of glue and hardener, for optimal glue amounts together with measuring and logging the lamella and glue temperature. An alarm also gives an early warning if any pre-set value deviates.
LignuPro™ Zero from AkzoNobel is a new ultra-low emitting system for furniture
production that has outstanding bonding performance coupled to high moisture resistance and provides a transparent glue line. LignuPro™ also delivers high levels of wood fibre tear. The content of free formaldehyde is below 0, 1%, no label declaration is needed for this thermosetting amino adhesive. The system is isocyanate free and has extremely low VOC. Performance is in line with existing formaldehyde based adhesives and the system has ability to pass ANSI test with a high resistance to moisture. LignuPro™ Zero complies with EN 12765, class 3 and offers high performance to a competitive price compared to other adhesives.
AkzoNobel also has a range of solutions for structural adhesives and finishes to help your business meet these new challenges and has been ranked number one on the influential Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for the fourth consecutive year. For AkzoNobel it’s all about doing more with less.
The mantra as we move towards the looming deadline and on into 2016 must be one of replacement, reduction and prevention to reduce exposure. With FF, LignuPro™ Free and LignuPro™ Zero, AkzoNobel can deliver a raft of formaldehyde free product solutions right now.
After all, you wouldn’t want to be caught out would you?
To see the list of UK and Ireland distributors www.sikkens-wood coatings.co.uk
AkzoNobel - Enquiry 63
TOUPRET UK have launched the first range of DECONTAMINATING skimming fillers which contain the active Toupret registered SANEO formulation.
Planeo G wit SANEO
The first product /tools combination that successfully achieves perfect finishes when manually skim filling walls and ceilings prior to painting or wallcovering. Perfect for renovation and new work. Especially useful for the trades man who needs to quickly patch areas where traditional plastering is not cost effective.
• Quick to apply
• Quick to recoat
• Quick to paint
• Can be applied over painted surfaces/ plasterboard
Airspray finish with SANEO
The first airless spray product with SANEO that requires no trowelling! Also its machine flow of 2.6 litres per minute combined with a tip size of 4.19 means it can be put through smaller cost effective airless spray machines than most other ready to use or powder skimming fillers.
• Very white
• Very easy to sand
• No trowelling required
• Paint after 24 hours
• Can be applied over painted surfaces/ plasterboard
Toupret skimming fillers with SANEO are unique in their ability to capture and destroy formaldehyde molecules that are present in the air in your home, work place, schools and other common areas.
Toupret SANEO products take up to 24 hours to effectively start purifying the air inside, thereafter releasing clean air back into the environment.
This process continues for the life of Toupret skimming filler. The benefits of SANEO go further because it still works after being painted by any normal paint system or wallcovering. If combined with a decontaminating paint it reinforces its effectiveness.
Toupret UK’s Jim Newark goes on to explain: “Formaldehyde is the N0.1 indoor pollutant recently classified as CMR in Europe and classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organisation. Formaldehyde is used in many manufacturing processes that end up in the home and workplace. Surprising to many of us normal folk, chemicals given off by scented candles, plug in scented devices
and household cleaning products give off limonene. Unfortunately although smelling fresh and pleasant its chemical reaction with normal air in your house etc. can produce molecules of Formaldehyde.”
A recent article in The Daily Mail by Jaya Narin reported on recent tests carried out by Professor Alaistair Lewis of The National Centre for Atmospheric Science at The University of York who explained the problem and the research that they did. The bottom line of these tests was made very clear in that Formaldehyde causes cancer particularly in the nose and throat. Many of the tests conclusions are in line with what TOUPRET external test laboratory [EUROFINSJ have ratified in accordance with ISO 16000 Standard on the claims made by Toupret SANEO and the benefits of acting to reduce this pollutant.
The two new TOUPRET SANEO skimming fillers are now available to be ordered through most professional trade builders’ merchants,
independent trade paint stores, brewers and all the national paint manufacturers outlets Johnstone Paints, Dulux Decorating Centres and Crown outlets. Enquiries Toupret office 0203 6916747 or email toupretuk@toupret.com
Toupret UK - Enquiry 64
Made from natural waxes and oils, Osmo’s cleaning and maintenance wax-oils help keep wooden floors looking as good as the day they were first installed. Osmo’s Liquid Wax Cleaner is designed for occasional intensive maintenance and reconditioning which revitalised, maintains and enhances wooden floors. This product is specifically developed to take care of stubborn stains on oil and wax treated flooring.
For a more regular cleaning regime, Osmo’s Wash and Care is a highly effective and water-soluble for quick, easy and thorough floor maintenance.
Osmo - Enquiry 66
Scolmore’s innovative new Locating Plug Socket, targeted at the growing assisted living sector, is now available in visually contrasting versions to meet with Part M regulations.
Designed to assist people with impaired vision or poor hand to eye coordination to more easily insert a plug into a socket, the Mode Part M Locating Plug Socket features a contoured front plate which guides the earth pin into position.
The product is available in one and two-gang options. Part of Scolmore’s Mode wiring accessories range, the sockets benefit from anti-microbial properties and a 20-year guarantee.
Scolmore - Enquiry 67
Gerflor
By impressing the judges of the Housebuilder Product Awards 2016 with two of its residential, luxury vinyl Gerflor Fibre Technology (GFT) floorings, Gerflor has been announced as a finalist in not just one, but two categories, of the Awards.
Gerflor therefore has two chances of scooping a coveted award when the winners are revealed at a ceremony on June 29 at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham.
In the running for ‘Best Internal/Interior Product’ is Gerflor’s HQR high quality, loose-lay flooring and acoustic Home Comfort is a contender for ‘Best Brand New Product’.
Gerflor - Enquiry 69
Primetex is Gerflor’s new loose-lay, luxury vinyl flooring for residential housing. Great value and extra tough yet cushioned for comfort, it caters for the aesthetic needs of all housing projects. As Primetex is a loose-lay flooring with a patented, Gerflor Fibre Technology backing system it enables fast, cost-effective installation and lowers remedial work for post-installation issues such as lifting, curling and bubbling. One hundred per cent recyclable Primetex is 2mm thick, 15db acoustic, R10 slip resistant, tear and stain resistant and its 0.25mm wearlayer has a Pureclean surface finish.
Gerflor - Enquiry 68
Designer Contracts has launched new ranges into its extensive product portfolio.
The new products include Castle Twist, an affordable and great looking wool-rich range crafted from 50% wool and 50% polypropylene that comes in six traditional colourways.
Made from 100% stain resistant polypropylene are Symphony, Elements and Riviera. All of these ranges are naturally stain resistant and bleach cleanable, making them an ideal choice for family living and pet owners.
Symphony is an affordable structured loop pile range in four neutral shades and Elements, a traditional twist with a wool look and feel, comes in 10 stylish colours.
Saxony carpets continue to grow in popularity and huge volumes are now being sold when offered in the new build market. As a result, the company has updated and relaunched New Sumptuous, which now comes in seven exciting contemporary tones including more greys which are more popular than ever.
Also available is Riviera, another plush Saxony which is available in eight modern shades. With a luxurious feeling underfoot and distinctive styling these highly fashionable luxury pile ranges are an ideal choice for all around the home.
Designer Contracts - Enquiry 70
has two chances of scooping an award
BIM may well be the biggest ever step forward in building design and specification but, as Profile 22 commercial sales director Andrew Reid is quick to point out, it is not a substitute for skilled technical support.
It is not often that any innovation can be said without exaggeration to have revolutionised an industry but few could argue that Building Information Modelling, or BIM, is doing no less than that in the arena of architecture and construction.
The onset of BIM Level 2 mandatory compliance for all centrally sourced government projects has been know about for quite some time, though it has still managed to catch many unawares.
As a supplier of PVC-U window and door systems, Profile 22 took steps at an early stage to be fully BIM ready, both in terms of the objects available via BIMstore but also in the human element of technical and specification support.
The visible face of BIM may seem to be all about CGI and building with pixels but, seen as a whole of course, it is far more than and this is why the importance of the human element must not be underestimated.
If anything, creating and sharing these BIM objects is actually the easy bit. It is far more important to have the right support resources, including the appropriate skills, in place and readily available to advise on any tender or contract. We recognised this as an integral part of our BIM service from the very beginning and, according to the feedback from our fabricator partners and their customers, they very much appreciate that philosophy.
That human element for Profile 22 includes three Specification Managers backed up by an experienced technical team, all ready to work with either BIM or conventional specifications, as well as surveying and technical design services. Also, as the company is quick to point out, its design service is completely free. Many clients make full use of this service, especially on more complex projects such as tower blocks or those with large expanses of curtain walling.
Any commercial fabricator/installer already knows the value of working with the system supplier’s resources, especially when those resources are augmented by something like the Profile 22 Approved Window Contractors networks and the BIM service is another facet of that support.
Under the current system, Approved Window Contractors are given access to tender invitations by Profile 22’s with the support of its commercial team, including technical analysis, design drawings etc; now the
With something as useful, versatile and cost-effective as BIM, why should Housing Associations, ALMOs and even the private sector wait to be told to do something? Rather than concentrating on this one deadline, wouldn’t we be wiser to look to the bigger picture and think how many others will be choosing to get on board, because they want to, not because they have to.
We know of many that are already making use of BIM and many others that are giving it
serious thought. We at Profile 22 are ready for them all, with both the technology and the human resources; we can only suspect that any suppliers that are not ready may live to regret it.
Tell us what you think of the views expressed here. Also, if there any issues you want to showcase, contact us today.
Paul Groves, Group Editorpaul.groves@tspmedia.co.uk
