Specification Magazine August 2024

SPECIFICATION

This month’s features:

Sector Reports:

• Retail Construction

• Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Features:

• Ceilings, Partitions & Boards

• Lifts, Stairs, Balconies & Balustrades

• Bricks, Blocks & Pavers

• External Works & Landscaping

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Welcome

New Towns Taskforce can be a planning blueprint

The Government has appointed Sir Michael Lyons as Chair of the newly established ‘New Towns Taskforce’, and Dame Kate Barker serving as Deputy Chair.

Sir Michael noted that the taskforce “will work closely with local leaders, communities as well as the wider development and investment sectors to make sure these new towns are built in the right places.”

Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “We applaud the Labour government for reviving the new towns policy. From stimulating regional growth and boosting construction worker capacity, to creating affordable housing in unaffordable regions and designing the places of the future, new towns are a strategic policy mechanism.

“There are considerable opportunities to involve local employers, investing regional contractors and SME builders in the process, particularly as policies, such as the subdivision of large sites, already exist to achieve that in practice.”

The new towns programme will include the creation of largescale new communities built on greenfield land and separated from other nearby settlements, as well as numerous urban extensions and urban regeneration schemes. Each new settlement will initially contain at least 10,000 homes but will be able to deliver more in the future.

All new towns will be well connected, well designed with all necessary infrastructure, and aim to deliver 40% affordable housing. The final shortlist of locations will be announced before the end of August 2025, with the first taskforce meeting scheduled for September.

The TCPA’s chief executive, Fiona Howie, said: “The detail of the ‘New Towns Code’ will be important in setting expectations for these new communities from the start. They need to be well-connected and well-designed, and this must include being exemplars in relation to net zero, nature and supporting health and wellbeing.

“Making sure new development is in sustainable locations will therefore also be a key to success. Infrastructure that is delivered upfront is vital – and this needs to include social infrastructure if we are to create thriving communities in the long term.”

Paul Groves || Group Editor

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A natural roofing material forged over 500 million years ago, Riverstone phyllite continues to be sought-after by architects worldwide. Today, phyllite offers brand new possibilities for contemporary construction. Now you can choose Riverstone for your cladding, flooring and roofing projects. PLUS create a seamless finish with our NEW matching block ends, hip ends, ridge tiles and caps.

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• Accessible alternative to indigenous slate

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• 100-year weathertightness guarantee

• Non-combustible

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Enquiry 3

Architects expect higher workloads and staffing levels

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published the findings of its latest Future Trends Survey, a monthly report of business and employment trends affecting the architects’ profession.

The June 2024 findings show that, over the next three months, architects anticipate higher workloads, and, with the RIBA Staffing Index hitting a two-year high, practice staff recruitment is expected to increase. This suggests that practices are preparing for long-term growth.

RIBA Head of Economic Research and Analysis Adrian Malleson said: “The

profession’s outlook is positive for a third consecutive month - a welcome recovery after the the negative outlook that characterised the second half of 2023 through to the start of 2024. Nevertheless, the recovery in the architects’ market is tentative, and significant numbers of practices remain pessimistic.

“We are yet to see the effect, if any, of Labour's widely anticipated general election victory – stay tuned for next month’s report. Commentary received in June indicates an improving market for some but a mixed picture overall. The general election, while bringing a sense of change, also brought

Airport extension opens to the public

The new extension at Marseille Provence Airport welcomed its first passengers in June this year.

Designed by Foster + Partners in association with Rougerie + Tangram, the landmark project establishes an overall masterplan for the future by restoring the clarity of Fernand Pouillon’s original 1960s terminal and Richard Rogers' airside development.

The design significantly improves the travel experience by reorganising passenger flows through a set of simple, bright, and easy to

navigate spaces. It features a new Coeur –heart in French – that rationalises arrival and departure sequences within a single building, creating an intuitive progression through the terminal for passengers.

Norman Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman, Foster + Partners, said: “Our terminal extension in Marseille is inspired by the clarity of Fernand Pouillon’s original work – we continue the main space of the concourse and the structural rhythm of the façade to future proof the airport for the decades to come.”

a level of uncertainty. While practices continue to report that the planning system is dampening workloads and hampering project delivery, a small number of practices report an improvement in planning application progression.

“Some relay fewer enquiries and downward pressure on public sector work, while others describe a growing order book and steadying private housing workloads.

“We will continue to report our findings to the Government and work with other built environment bodies to monitor these trends.”

New government hub given green light

Plans for a state-of-the art government office development in York have been given the go-ahead.

The application to construct a six-storey, 195,000 sq ft government hub, put forward by partners the Government Property Agency (GPA), Homes England and Network Rail, was approved by the City of York Council Planning Committee.

Earmarked for completion in 2027/2028, the hub will be home to up to 2,600 civil servants. Building features include solar panels, air source heat pumps and a green roof, as well as 230 cycle spaces and a planted pedestrian area.

The development includes 135,000 sq ft of flexible office space, with ground floor retail and ancillary space.

The hub is the first part of York Central – a major initiative to redevelop a substantial area of land close to York city centre and boost the regional economy.

Enquiry 4

Construction product manufacturers are not prioritising digitisation

The Construction Leadership Council has published a research report into the views of senior managers in construction product manufacturers about digitisation.

The research consisted of telephone interviews with C Suite individuals in manufacturing companies who supply products into the UK construction supply chain.

It shows that:

• Most manufacturers do not see digitisation as a major concern.

• Over half see no need to digitise.

• Most provide product information largely via pdf or hard copy only.

• Only 8% have ever made or commissioned a BIM object, yet

• A considerable majority think digitisation increases profitability.

• The research shows that the requirement for digitised product information set out in the Building Safety Act and the Golden Thread guidance is not reaching product manufacturers.

Cala completes net-zero home

Cala Homes has completed its first net-zero-carbon enabled home at its Hampton Lakes development in Peterborough.

Residents will soon move into the fourbedroom property, offering the opportunity for the business to learn about the technical viability and user experience of sustainable

Manufacturers face a challenging journey to digitise and will require specific support and motivation to make the necessary changes.

Richard Robinson, President, UK & Ireland at Atkins Réalis said: “Eighty per cent of the 80 manufacturer leaders interviewed for this research understood the importance of digitisation, however only a few placed digital highly in their priorities, well behind other pressing concerns.

“We also found that digital transformation journeys are fragmented, and our investment into digital is sometimes misplaced due to a poor understanding of what is possible and what it means to digitalise. I urge you to read this report and consider how it can influence your policy decisions.”

The research was carried out by the Plain Language Group, the author of several other publications aimed at understanding manufacturers’ role in the digital transformation of the construction industry and assisting in the process of digitising construction product information.

UK’s progress towards a Passivhaus standard in new homes

The NHBC Foundation has published a new report; The UK’s progress towards a Passivhaus standard in new homes.

A follow-up to research it undertook more than ten years ago examining whether Passivhaus could address climate change objectives, this report considers why the delivery of Passivhaus at scale remains a considerable challenge, as well as highlighting where progress has been made.

technology in a ‘lived in’ home. Through monitoring data, including qualitative feedback from the residents gathered throughout the summer and winter months, Cala will gain valuable insights into the practicalities of implementing these technologies and, importantly, the user experience of sustainability features in an occupied home.

Importantly, the report also considers the cultural shift needed to construct homes to this standard alongside the end user and what they need to know about living in a low energy home. The original research, published in 2012, was undertaken in the context of the Government’s commitment to deliver zero carbon homes from 2016 onwards. A decade later, however, homeowner concerns have markedly shifted; recent energy price increases have made them more aware of the running costs of running their homes and a need to reduce energy consumption. This means the benefits of Passivhaus are potentially more important than ever.

Despite the benefits, this report reveals the progress of Passivhaus development in the UK has been slow, with only 2,900 fully certified buildings constructed in the UK. Yet there has been a notable shift in how building regulations incorporate key Passivhaus principles to enhance existing standards.

The report explores the concerns raised by house builders about the feasibility of developing homes at volume to Passivhaus standards. It also looks at the barriers to adoption and highlights the opportunities being brought forward through government policies across the UK.

CIC makes recommendations for a better built environment

CIC has published a set of policy recommendations for the new Government.

The recommendations are contained in a new publication, ‘Building A Safer, Healthier and More Sustainable Future for All’, which outlines some of the actions the new Government can take to empower the country’s economic growth, as well as enhance the nation’s health and wellbeing by ensuring a better built environment for everyone.

The Government has set out its legislative priorities for the upcoming Parliamentary term and CIC is urging it to consider the exceptional benefits a well thought out plan for construction and the built environment can bring.

The recommendations have been formulated with the individual assistance of CIC members as well as collectively through CIC committees. As the representative forum for the professional bodies, research organisations and specialist business associations in the construction industry, CIC has drawn from its wide experience and direct engagement with government on a wide range of areas including planning, housing, building safety, net zero and future skills.

Plans to revitalise the iconic Stirling Building

The University of Cambridge, working with BDP, has announced ambitious plans to restore the Grade II* listed History Faculty Building by James Stirling, which is also the home of the Seeley Library.

This landmark project will restore and revitalise one of the iconic ‘Red Trilogy’ – the triumvirate of highly significant university buildings designed in the 1960s by prominent, post-war architect, James Stirling.

It presents a once in a generation opportunity to provide a new range of enhanced learning and working environments at the heart of the University’s Sidgwick site while improving the building’s accessibility, safety and comfort and provide a new range of learning and working environments at the heart of the University’s Sidgwick site.

The comprehensive refurbishment will safeguard the use and enjoyment of the building; repairing and upgrading building fabric and replacing services to improve thermal comfort, while introducing a range of carbon saving and climate resilient measures.

CIC members collectively represent approximately 500,000 individual professionals and 25,000 firms of construction consultants.

CIC Chair, Dr Wei Yang commented on the publication saying: “With buildings meant to last generations, we need a highquality built and natural environment that benefits everyone.

"A long-term mission-driven commitment will bring improved energy, food, and water security, provide safe and sustainable homes, enhance local amenities, foster healthier families, and protect against global heating and biodiversity loss through blue and green infrastructure.”

CIC Chief Executive, Graham Watts said: “As the new government looks to hit the ground running on planning, infrastructure and housing, we would urge them to consider the broader advantages our industry can provide. Construction is a vital tool for growth and there are clear benefits to the public purse of addressing our climate obligations early, working with industry to improve building safety and getting a skills plan in place to deliver on national objectives for housing and infrastructure.”

Sensitive Victorian retrofit wins at SWA Awards 2024

West Leigh has won the Best Commercial Project category at the Steel Window Association (SWA) Awards 2024 for its sensitive and painstaking work on the restoration of a former Victorian wallpaper factory in West London.

Voysey House in Chiswick had previously been refurbished in the 1980s with the work featuring the ever-popular W20 window, in the large pane format. All the architecturally important curved heads had been panelled to save money, severely detracting from the period styling of the property, which the client wanted to renovate as offices.

Voysey House will now be re-occupied by one of the most renowned interiors brands worldwide who originally built the manufacturing facility extension in 1902.

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Project: Shoreline, Folkestone

Architects: ACME

Suppliers:

Knauf Insulation; Leviat; Ancon; Uform; CEF

Shoreline marks the first phase of a spectacular beachside masterplan

Occupying a prominent position on the Folkestone beachfront, Shoreline is a contemporary take on the traditional Edwardian curved terrace and the first phase of an impressive masterplan, designed by ACME architectural practice.

This impressive residential building is the first step in creating a vibrant new community along the historic seafront for the Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company.

Situated at the foot of the historic Leas Lift and coastal park, Shoreline’s 84 luxury homes benefit from a prime position with uninterrupted views onto the beach and across the sea, stretching as far as the French coastline on a clear day.

It is the first phase of a landmark project that will provide up to 1,000 new homes, shops, bars and restaurants as well as attractive public and green spaces, including Leas Square and Marine Parade along the seafront in Folkestone.

Overcoming a multitude of challenges along the way, this incredibly beautiful, unique building sits upon robust foundations of over 200 piles, driven to a depth of 27 metres making the foundations as deep as the building is high.

Constructed with a reinforced concrete frame, Shoreline’s flowing curved form echoes the shape of the waves, pebbles and coast. Built to endure the ever-changing weather patterns experienced on the UK’s coastline, every detail of Shoreline has been meticulously considered.

The facade’s white glazed bricks, sourced from La Paloma in Spain, reflects the changing colours of the sea and sky according to the weather and the time of day.

‘Standardised’ was never going to be an option and as such over 24 different specially designed bricks were required to achieve the complex geometry. Metal used on the exterior of the building is rust-proof, whilst wall ties beneath the facade are made from the same marine grade materials found on deep sea oil rigs, ensuring longevity and sustainability. With the design of the balconies proving problematic in terms of their load bearing weight, engineers implemented lighter-weight aluminium support systems that seamlessly integrated into the building's curved design.

There were also five different balcony designs each bespoke to mirror the shape and curve of the structure.

The coping stones on the parapet walls were individual in size and shape requiring special moulds.

The curved structure also demanded bespoke windowsills; each unit scanned as a 3D image. The bespoke finish is most certainly not limited to what the public eye can see with communal areas clad with acoustic walls and terrazzo floors to ensure quality radiates throughout.

Shoreline Crescent

Shoreline Crescent

Shoreline Crescent

Private roof terraces are included for the beach houses and penthouse apartments and all units have the exclusive use of a private communal garden above the undercroft car park that promotes natural daylight through carefully placed openings to provide a secure and pleasant environment with EV charging points and sufficient headroom for all modern vehicles.

Martin Sandall, Managing Director of Jenner, who completed the project, said: “As a Folkestone based main contractor, we are delighted to have been able to deliver the initial phase of the transformative Folkstone seafront development.

“Shoreline Crescent is a truly spectacular interpretation of an English seaside crescentshaped apartment building. Whilst its coastal location presented a number of construction challenges, from ground engineering through to the selection and installation of materials, the exceptional quality of the finished building stands as testament to the remarkable work of the entire project team.”

From initial concept through to articulation of its architecture by utilising stateof-the art construction techniques and products of the highest specification, the project serves as a prime example of how the built form positively impacts upon a region.

Helping Shoreline to make waves

While it’s designed to look spectacular, it’s also important that the façade delivers the performance required of modern buildings. With this in mind, the architect specified the Knauf Through Wall System for the rainscreen façade.

The system is BBA certified, demonstrating it complies with the relevant building regulations. It also gives the architect

reassurance that the different elements of the wall build-up have been designed to work together and have been tested both individually and as a system.

The Knauf Through Wall System comprises all the components needed for a highperformance façade build-up. The system can be used with a wide range of external finishes, ensuring that the architect still has design freedom.

Another factor was fire safety. Products are non-combustible with the best Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification. So, they comply with legislation that bans the use of combustible material in

the external walls of relevant residential buildings over 18m tall. In addition to thermal and fire safety performance, mineral wool has an open structure, so it is highly effective at absorbing sound. This means the insulation will also contribute to the acoustic performance of the external wall build-up.

Both products are manufactured with ECOSE Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally friendly.

Knauf Insulation

Revolutionising Retail Flooring: Design-led, Fast Track, High Performance Solutions for Dynamic Retail Environments

In the ever-evolving realm of retail, attention to detail is paramount, with every element contributing to the overall customer experience. Among these elements, flooring holds a unique position, silently shaping the ambience and aesthetics of a retail environment.

Gerflor, a pioneer in innovative flooring solutions, has a number of design-led, fast-track, high performance solutions that are transforming the way retailers renovate their front of house locations.

The Creation 70 Connect collection, allows retailers to refresh or replace their floors without disrupting their operations, with no need to close their premises. Whether it's a luxury boutique, a busy supermarket, or a cosy convenience store, this advanced superior technical tile enhances the overall shopping experience. It provides exceptional comfort underfoot, delivers outstanding acoustics, is extremely hard wearing, it can cope well with rolling loads and the collection is available in striking & contemporary finishes.

A remarkable aspect of the Creation 70 Connect range is its commitment to sustainability. The flooring is 100% recyclable and incorporates 55% recycled

content, aligning perfectly with the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions in the retail industry. Retailers can effectively enhance their brand's image by opting for flooring that reflects their dedication to a greener future.

Within Gerflor’s fast-track flooring portfolio, you can also find the GTI Max and Attraction collections, that offer a range of unique benefits. These products can be effortlessly installed over many types of existing surfaces, making the process fast and hassle-free. Moreover, their quick and simple maintenance routine ensures that the floors remain immaculate, allowing retailers to concentrate on their core focus: delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Gerflor's design-led, fast-track solutions have genuinely redefined the concept of retail flooring. By eliminating the need for store closures during flooring refurbishments, retailers can seamlessly continue serving their customers with minimal disruption on site.

As the retail landscape continually evolves, Gerflor remains a steadfast partner, providing cutting-edge flooring solutions that adeptly keep pace with changing trends, while unwaveringly maintaining a focus on quality and innovation.

Gerflor – Enquiry 7

JOIN THE LARGEST GATHERING OF EDUCATION SPECIFIERS IN THE UK!

Education Estates® is the UK’s leading learning environments event - bringing the whole community together: from policy makers and responsible bodies to specifiers and the supply chain.

The event comprises a two-day conference over 7 themed stages, an exhibition showcasing some of the most innovative solutions around and an awards ceremony celebrating excellence in the sector.

The exhibition is free for all to attend or register as a private sector delegate to attend the conference.

Design, Construction, Delivery

Good Estate Management

Policy & Funding

Refurbishment & Retrofit

Special Educational Needs & Disabilities

Sustainability

Book now at educationestates.com to ensure you don’t miss out on your opportunity to join the largest gathering of education specifiers in the UK!

“Education Estates® is the national conversation around the education estate.”

Crawford Wright, Head of Architecture and Design: Schools and Colleges

at the Department for Education

SPONSOR PARTNERS

Advances in post-installation anchoring challenge cast-in’s dominance

LIEBIG Ultraplus heavy duty anchors have demonstrated in a project to create a new lifting bridge over the River Yare in Great Yarmouth that post-installation anchoring can offer performance equivalent to that of cast-in anchors, whilst also being better suited to the complexities of modern construction processes.

The £121m Herring Bridge project is an excellent example of how the application of innovative products is enabling major civil engineering projects to be delivered more efficiently in a shorter timescale.

The twin bascule bridge’s construction process involved building cofferdams on both banks of the river. These house the machinery and mechanism required to lift, hold and lower each leaf of the bridge, all of which had to be securely anchored to the concrete.

As with many major civil engineering projects involving the kind of ‘design and build’ process used here by main contractors BAM Farrans, the team did not have the luxury of the ‘ideal world’ approach where anchors are cast-in to the concrete. Construction of the cofferdams had to commence as soon as the project received the green light, which meant there was no scope for the extended design time that cast-in anchors would have demanded.

The design team, therefore, explored the potential for a post-installation anchoring solution to attach the baseplates of the bridge’s operating mechanism. Crucially, any anchors would have to be suitable for the concrete conditions within the cofferdam design and offer a very high load capacity.

Yorkshire-based engineering specialists

Qualter Hall were consulted to help identify a post-installation anchor that would meet this demanding criteria, which they found with LIEBIG Ultraplus anchors.

For the Herring Bridge project, the design required EJOT to produce and deploy possibly the largest post installed mechanical anchors ever used in a civil engineering project. Two lengths of M36 size Ultraplus anchors were produced, with the longest being 1.45m in length and the shortest 1.09m, with both lengths being used on the same baseplates in an unconventional yet successful design approach.

It was an approach that, despite being incompatible with the product’s ETA (European Technical Assessment), satisfied the requirements of the globally respected ACI (American Concrete Institute) Building Code.

The Ultraplus anchor’s design is unique in the way that it transfers stress into the concrete extremely effectively. It also does this in a way that differs significantly from ‘normal’ postinstalled anchors and other undercut anchors, including those intended to work like cast in anchors.

Demonstrating compliance with the ACI Building Code enabled Ultraplus anchors to be deployed in this bridge construction project with confidence and ensure a post-installation approach could be utilised. The advantages that stemmed from this meant the bridge’s design and construction time could be reduced, with subsequent cost benefits.

Find out more at www.ejot.co.uk/ cast-in_vs_post-install_anchors

Images:

1: How three common anchoring approaches compare – left to right: a standard undercut anchor provides compression of the concrete by partial expansion forces being created at the bottom of the anchor. A typical cast-in place anchor allows compression of the concrete to be achieved between the cast-in washer plate and the concrete. With a LIEBIG Ultraplus Anchor, compression of the concrete is achieved between the undercut and the concrete surface.

2: LIEBIG Ultraplus anchors securely angled to support the hydraulic mechanisms of the bridge decks as well as the tail locks that hold the Herring Bridge in its raised and open position.

3: LIEBIG Ultraplus undercut anchors are manufactured by EJOT UK to a consistently high standard at its Yorkshire facility.

The role of GRP in creating energy-efficent homes

Energy efficiency has become a crucial aspect of modern home design and construction. With rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, there is a significant push towards building homes that use less energy for heating, cooling, and powering appliances. Energy-efficient homes not only reduce utility bills for homeowners but also contribute to a lower carbon footprint, supporting global sustainability efforts.

Nick Worrell, Marketing Manager at Stormking, a UK designer and manufacturer of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) building components, explores the role GRP can play in creating more energy-efficient homes: “Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) is a composite material made of plastic reinforced with fine glass fibres. Known for its durability, lightweight nature, and versatility, GRP has become an increasingly popular material in construction. Its unique properties make it an excellent choice for creating energy-efficient homes. GRP provides superior thermal insulation, reduces heat loss, and improves overall energy efficiency in buildings.

“GRP’s thermal insulation properties are one of its standout features. The material's structure helps to significantly reduce heat transfer, maintaining stable indoor temperatures regardless of external weather conditions. This insulating capability means that homes built with GRP components require less energy for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, resulting in substantial energy savings.”

Leading the GRP revolution

Stormking has been at the forefront of developing innovative GRP products that enhance energy efficiency in homes. Some of their notable products include GRP Bay Window Roofs, offering superior insulation and weather resistance; GRP Dormer Roofs, providing effective thermal insulation and aesthetic appeal; and SmartStack Chimneys, reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency.

Bespoke Solutions

for

Energy-Efficient Building

Stormking works closely with builders and architects to create bespoke GRP solutions tailored to specific energy efficiency goals. Their custom-designed GRP components are engineered to meet the unique requirements of each project, ensuring optimal performance and sustainability.

These bespoke solutions not only improve energy efficiency but also contribute to the overall quality and durability of the buildings.

The Future of Home Building with GRP

Nick concludes, “As the demand for energyefficient homes continues to grow, the use of GRP in construction is set to increase. Ongoing advancements in GRP technology will likely enhance its insulating properties and expand its applications in home building. Stormking’s commitment to innovation

and sustainability positions them as a leader in this field, driving the future of energy-efficient home construction with cutting-edge GRP solutions.”

Further information about Stormking and its range of GRP building solutions can be found at www.stormking.co.uk or by calling 01827 311 100.

Swish – Enquiry 10

“Made in Germany” alone is no longer enough

Dirk Stefan Polte, Managing Director of FIEGER GROUP, explains whether he still promotes the former seal of approval with his customers - and what this has to do with a policy of “driving with the handbrake on”.

Dirk Stefan Polte has been in charge of FIEGER Group since 2019 and with his team is striving for growth within the strategy >>FIEGER – Next Level<<.

Polte’s career began over 30 years ago as a reserve Army Officer and led him to train and study in all three world regions: EMEA, The Americas & Asia Pacific.

Question: On your company’s homepage you write FIEGER Louvre Windows are what people imagine Germany Engineering to be from the phrase “Made in Germany”. What characteristics were you referring to exactly?

Answer: Our values of quality and reliability are recognized across the world and are strongly embedded in our company. FIEGER louvre windows stand for iconic design, durability and quality.

We’ve been in business for almost 25 years and our first louvre windows are still working perfectly. Standardised endurance tests confirm the extraordinary reliability of our products. Our engineers always strive to achieve a greater degree of precision and often higher than the required test standards.

German punctuality builds confidence in our delivery and product promise. All this is achieved by setting clear objectives, hard work and a high level of staff involvement.

Q: What is “Made in Germany” worth today?

A: Previously at international exhibitions our products would virtually be snatched out of our hands.

Today we have to meet the challenges of a new more volatile and uncertain world. Business development and sales necessitate more red tape, European and international certification, knowledge of supply chains as well as trading conditions regarding customs and statistics.

International competition doesn’t sleep, products from areas such as Shenzhen are available at a fraction of German prices. That complicates international competition, where the entry-level price is often still what decides matters.

We argue for the Total-Cost-of-Ownership as well as promoting the use of CO2 reduced aluminium, production in Germany simply means ever-increasing administrative effort and costs. The “Made in Germany” label alone isn’t sufficient to compensate for these disadvantages.

Q: How are worldwide events and changes making themselves felt?

A: Let’s take Brexit as an example. Previously I could export directly from my despatch department in Germany to our subsidiary in the UK. Today I have to use an export agency who on each occasion takes 50 to 100 Euros extra as well as an import agency who also takes between £50 to £100 a time. That best illustrates the obstacles we face. Brexit, as well as other rapid global changes, has had a considerable effect on our business.

Q: What other hurdles do you face?

A: When we consider the area of product licences and certification, they play a particularly important role. In spite of our European certification, we had to obtain American certification for a large project in Boston for Harvard University, which incurred even greater expense.

In this case, the scandal surrounding exhaust gas emissions involving the German motor industry didn’t help to instil confidence. Compliance with regulations still varies greatly around the world. Perhaps Germany should not always be at the forefront until the same rules applies to everyone.

This article was first published in the magazine of the Industrie und Handelskammer (Chamber of Commerce) for the Rhine Main Neckar region in Germany. Written by Matthias Voigt, translated by Lindsay Eccles.

Join the National Conversation around the Education Estate!

7 Conference Stages | 150+ Exhibitors | 3000+ Attendees | 700 Awards Guests

Education Estates® is an annual event that brings together the education community: from policy makers and responsible bodies to specifiers and the supply chain. The event showcases the best educational projects over the last year - the concepts behind them, the expertise employed in creating them and the real-life experiences of learners using the space.

Held in partnership with the Department for Education, Education Estates® is the UK’s leading learning environments event and the only event of its kind focussing on the funding, design, build, maintenance and management of schools, colleges and universities. Designing for learners requires a collaborative approach and a special skill set - the ability to balance functionality, technology, sustainability and inclusivity. This is the fundamental principle behind Education Estates®

• Learn: a 2-day conference over 7 themed stages

• Explore: an exhibition showcasing some of the most innovative solutions around

• Celebrate: an awards ceremony celebrating excellence in the sector

Event Director of Education Estates®, James Lee, is excited for the upcoming event: “This year is the biggest and best yet! Each stage is a conference in its own right, enabling delegates to focus 2 full days on 1 key area of interest or select sessions across all 7 stages and gain a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the sector. The event is particularly poignant this year and interest in the event is at an all-time high, generating the highest ever number of registered attendees.

With record numbers of exhibitors across many exhibitor types including architects, contractors, consultants and the supply chain, you can be sure to meet specifiers in their abundance at Education Estates® 2024. Be part of the conversation – join us on 15-16 October!”

The Education Estates® Awards sells out every year. The shortlist has been released and the winners will be announced on the night by popular comedian, Hugh Dennis. New for this year is the Education Estates® People’s Awards, recognising incredible talent and passion in education.

Programme Highlights:

• Climate adaptive school grounds: a new frontier - Matt Robinson, Learning through Landscapes

• Acoustic Design Watchlist - What the Building Bulletins don't cover! - Emma Greenland, Anderson Acoustics

• Building Quality from design to handover - Nick Coke, WT Partnership, Linda Stevens, CIOB & Jo Marchant, The Boxing Academy

• Does Design Review Deliver for Education Development? - Matthew Blythin, DHA & Catherine Ward, HLM; Enhancing Higher Education Spaces Through Data-Driven Insights - Becky Hayward, Buro Happold

• The integration of academia and community and commercial spaces

- Robert Hopkins, AHR & Tim Hosker, University of Huddersfield

• Education in the Secure Environment

- Dave Clark, Lincolnshire County Council & Lorna Crowther - Managing/ Regional Lead Architect, Kier Design

When: 15-16 October 2024

Where: Manchester Central How do I register: Register at: www.educationestates.com How do I book a stand: Call 01892 351626

Private sector attendees can register to attend the exhibition for free or book as a delegate for access to all 7 conference stages – book before 6 September to benefit from the early booking rate. Public sector attendance is free*

Education Estates® 2024 Sponsor Partners: Arcadis, AtkinsRéalis, Clevertronics, Galliford Try, iAM Compliant and TG Escapes modular eco-buildings.

*This includes those directly employed in schools, colleges, universities, government and local authorities (including governors and independent schools).

Education Estates® – Enquiry 12

Schöck proves more than equal to Passivhaus challenges

Custom House is a major regeneration scheme in Newham, East London. A project which Schöck has been heavily involved in from the outset; initially providing full design support and installation training.

The project is designed to Passivhaus standard, so the need to effectively eliminate any risk of thermal bridging at various points of the design detailing was crucial.

As Europe’s leading supplier of innovative load-bearing insulation products, this is where Schöck really came into its own –with high performance solutions for the columns, balconies and parapets. Known as the Custom House kickstart project and designed by Adam Khan Architects and Haworth Tompkins (for which they received a Housing Design Award) it is part of a wider masterplan by Adam Khan Architects.

The main delivery partner is The Hill Group and the scheme overall consists of three mansion blocks, ranging in height from four to eight storeys. This first stage though will deliver 95 affordable homes, along with commercial space, community growing space, communal gardens and a high-quality accessible public realm.

The columns presented a special challenge It is estimated that around 40% of all structural thermal bridges in buildings are caused by walls and columns; and these are calculated to be responsible for at least 10% of the heating energy loss. The recently introduced Schöck Sconnex range is a unique solution to this problem, allowing walls and columns to be directly and permanently insulated.

There are three product variations, the type W, type P and type M. Specifically, the Sconnex type P is the product used at Custom House. It consists of a thermal insulation element and a reinforcement element, both of which are required to withstand the bearing load. The thermal insulation element has a pressure resistant support structure, made of light weight concrete and polypropylene fibres, all in a 100mm thick insulation layer.

Its performance significantly reduces heat flow, but importantly, also eliminates the need the for the traditional solution of using cumbersome flanking insulation. On this occasion though, quite apart from effectively isolating the rectangular columns from the rest of the building, there were challengingly high load requirements. To meet these demanding loads, it was necessary to incorporate multiple Sconnex type P units at the head of each column – the first time this particular design solution has been used in a UK project.

Parapets are as prone to thermal bridging problems as balconies

Preventing thermal bridging at the Custom House parapets was also a critical consideration for such a high performance development, because as with balconies, parapets can allow conductive materials to transfer energy through the thermal barrier. Conventionally, in the majority of cases, the method of insulating parapets and parapet walls is to wrap the perimeter of the wall with an insulation barrier.

However, the Schöck Isokorb XT type A used here offers a solution that is both more costeffective and more thermally efficient than conventional wrapped parapets. Its 120mm insulation thickness results in low psi-values and therefore significantly reduces heat loss – and there is no wrapping required. An added benefit being there is no risk of any additional thermal bridging through balustrade fixings. Other key factors are durability –and significantly water impermeability – so there is no risk of expensive maintenance or restoration due to waterproofing problems.

High performance solution for the concrete balconies

For the concrete balconies at Custom House the tried-and-tested Schöck Isokorb XT Type K has been incorporated to meet Passivhaus standards. The XT type K with compression module HTE-Compact and 120 mm insulation thickness, is a load bearing thermal break element for free cantilevered balconies. It is the company’s most efficient thermal break ever, offering 30% more thermal performance than the standard Schöck Isokorb T type K.

The widest range in Europe

All of the Schöck products used at Custom House (the Sconnex type P, the XT type A and the XT type K) are certified by the Passive House Institute in Germany. With the Sconnex type P being the only column connection certified by the Institute.

The fully compliant Schöck Isokorb range, whether for Passivhaus or standard solutions, offers the widest selection of structural thermal break solutions from any European supplier. In the UK, the range enables projects to meet full compliance with the necessary Building Regulations (and the impending Future Homes Standard criteria where relevant).

There is also the security of independent BBA Certification, which provides NHBC approval.

Contact Schöck on 01865 290 890; or for full details of the entire product range visit the solutions page on the website at www.schoeck.com/en-gb/solutions-uk

Images:

1. Custom House – courtesy of Adam Khan Architects.

2. To meet these demanding loads, it was necessary to incorporate multiple Sconnex type P units at the head of each column – the first time this particular design soluti-on has been used in a UK project.

3. Graphic of a conventional Sconnex type P unit in position.

4. Graphic of the XT type K in position.

5. Graphic of the XT type A in position.

– Enquiry 13

Schöck

Ansell unveils upgraded Raptor Twin Spot

Delivering improved illumination and durability, Ansell Lighting has upgraded its popular Raptor Twin Spot emergency light.

Offering superior performance and reliability, the newly enhanced version ensures optimal safety and visibility in emergency situations.

Ideal for large open spaces such as warehouses, open plan offices and retail environments, the compact, modern Raptor Twin Spot now offers an impressive 500 lumen output on standard models or 700 lumen output on high output models. Ingress protection (IP) standards have also been upgraded with Raptor now delivering IP65 across all models.

Solid maple the perfect backdrop at flagship showroom

British furniture company Ercol has selected Junckers solid maple flooring for its flagship showroom in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire.

Adding a natural element to the space, Junckers hardwood flooring is a durable option with a polished appearance - the perfect backdrop the many iconic designs Ercol is known for. Installed throughout the 1,300 m2 display showroom, Junckers’ solid maple flooring has an elegant, light colouring in an even tone and a subtle grain pattern. Maple is one of the hardest wood species available, capable of withstanding the wear and tear of heavy footfall, a critical characteristic for retail interiors.

Junckers – Enquiry 15

Available in both black and white finishes, Raptor’s two moulded polycarbonate heads can be individually adjusted for complete versatility and controlled direction of light. To aid installation side conduit entry positions have also been added to enhance flexibility and ease of wiring.

Powered by a long-lasting LiFePO4 lithium battery, which protects against short circuits, over-charging, and mechanical damage Raptor is a highly reliable emergency light. Its pulse charging nature enhances product lifetime, whilst the low parasitic load of the lithium battery reduces power consumption, leading to lower costs and a reduced carbon footprint. Raptor also comes with a five-year product and battery warranty.

which includes a self-test feature as standard. This ensures reliable operation and easy maintenance, providing peace of mind and enhanced safety in emergency situations.

Alongside standard and high output options, Raptor is also available with DALI emergency

StoVentec glass meets unique design brief

A glass rainscreen system manufactured by Sto in four different designs has been used as part of the £21m transformation of an indoor entertainment centre.

Located in Manchester city centre, the Printworks is home to bars, restaurants and leisure facilities including a cinema, gym, bowling alley and indoor golf.

Ansell – Enquiry 14

Working in partnership with specialist contractor Craft Interior, Sto helped architects CDA bring their design vision to life using the StoVentec Glass A rainscreen system. This cladding system comprises tempered safety glass which is bonded to a carrier board to produce bespoke composite panels, available in any size, shape, colour or finish. The panels are secured to Sto’s bespoke hidden-fix subconstruction, combining both stainless steel and aluminium components. “Originally, we just wanted to use a metal cladding system throughout, but for

various reasons, couldn’t find a viable product,” explains David O’Connell, Senior Architect at CDA. “We then began speaking with Sto about what we were looking to achieve aesthetically. We soon realised that StoVentec Glass could open up more creative options allowing us to use glass cladding on a much wider scale.”

In addition to meeting the aesthetic design brief, the StoVentec Glass A rainscreen system provides significant safety benefits.

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Ensuring each specification is pitch perfect

Roof pitches are integral to both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of buildings. Ardit Strica, Technical Manager at Onduline Building Products, offers insights into low-pitched roofs, their challenges, and the benefits of sub-roof systems.

Apitched roof, per British Standard BS 5534, has a pitch between 10° and 75°. Roofs under 20° are generally low-pitched, while those below 10° are considered flat. The choice of roof pitch is influenced by material availability, cost, aesthetics, construction ease, weather conditions, and local building codes. Client preferences and architectural designs also play crucial roles as the pitch affects the building's exterior look.

Practically, roof pitch must handle various loads, including snow, wind, and dead and live loads, making it essential to adapt to local weather. The roofing material, such as concrete, clay, or slate, further dictates the pitch. Low-pitched roofs face specific challenges, especially regarding effective water drainage.

Low-pitched roofs, commonly used in extensions, offer aesthetic advantages but come with challenges like slow water runoff and limited tile options. Unlike steep roofs that easily shed water, low-pitched roofs can experience water pooling, leading to leaks and potential damage. The limited availability of suitable tiles also challenges designers and builders.

Recent changes in permitted development rights have increased the appeal of lowpitched roofs, allowing homeowners to

renovate and extend properties more freely. Lowering roof pitches can create additional ceiling space, aligning with the trend of property extensions. While flat roofs save space and offer contemporary aesthetics, pitched roofs that match the main property enhance visual cohesion. Low-pitched roofs in extensions enable the use of matching tiles, ensuring uniformity.

Sub-roof systems address the tile limitation for low-pitched roofs, revolutionising roofing design and functionality. Acting as the primary waterproofing layer under the tiles, sub-roofs allow for using tiles below their minimum pitch. British Standard BS 5534 highlights the need for weatherproof sub-roof systems when recommended pitches can't be met.

Sub-roof systems shift the traditional roofing dynamics, making tiles a secondary defence against water ingress. This innovation permits using various tiles, including concrete, slate, and clay,

at pitches as low as 10°. Options like flat sub-roofs with non-breathable felt on a rigid sarking board and corrugated sub-roofs with bituminous sheets offer different solutions, with the latter enhancing ventilation to minimise moisture build-up and timber rot.

The popularity of sub-roof systems stems from their flexibility in roofing projects. They allow the use of different roof tiles, improving both aesthetics and functionality. These systems are particularly beneficial for heritage sites and older properties, enabling the use of existing or reclaimed tiles while providing additional water protection.

An example of an innovative sub-roof system is the ISOLINE LOW LINE solution. It's the only sub-roof system in the UK BRE tested and BBA accredited for pitches as low as 10° with a 30-year guarantee. Made from approximately 50% recycled material, this lightweight bituminous underlay sheeting fits under roof tiles, shielding them from elements like wind and rain, offering a durable waterproofing solution.

As the construction industry evolves, innovations like sub-roof systems are crucial in addressing roofing challenges and expanding design possibilities. Creating visually appealing, functional, and watertight low-pitched roofs opens new avenues for architectural creativity and sustainable construction. Understanding these concepts allows professionals to make informed decisions, ensuring the success and longevity of their projects.

Double-curving roof structure

Designed by the world-renowned Hopkins Architects, a new facility has been created to provide The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon with a dozen new courts: six indoor and six outdoor clay courts; as well as new facilities for members and players competing in the annual Grand Slam tournament.

Replacing the existing facilities opposite the main site in SW19, the new courts have been constructed with a hybrid structure featuring a steelframed, double-curving roof which represents an early adoption of the revolutionary new Flexicon sub-structure and fully formable XT panels developed by Kalzip.

These very versatile new systems have the capacity to offer architects far greater

freedom of expression in terms of roof geometry than conventional standing seam and other commercial roofing solutions. In fact, they make possible the use of roof geometry which would previously have been confined to leadwork or PVC mouldings.

Kalzip can take the initial design from the architect or engineer as a Revit model and import/convert it into the industry standard Rhino surface modeller. The basic roof deck along with its supporting beams and purlins is then taken as the sub-structure upon which to design the tubular Flexicon 80/2.5 0mm members, which will in turn carry the different options of XT sheets.

The particular challenges presented by the long, double-curving roof to Wimbledon’s indoor courts – aside from the complex geometry – were the need to roll all of the different sheet lengths and types on site; and the requirement to create a mock-up in the All England Club’s corporate colour and finish which could be used as part of the

process to gain planning approval. Liaison with the project architects during the precontract period, based on their original aspirations regarding the tightness of the roof curves, resulted in some smoothing of the spherical shapes in order to respect the minimum radii which can be practically rolled on site by the manufacturer’s Portable Rollformers.

Kalzip also carried out a value engineering process whereby the use of the more expensive XT profiles was confined to the dome-like centre section, thereby introducing lap joints which then allowed the lower levels to be formed from standard profiles. The colour was a PVF2 finish in RAL 6007.

The Flexicon sub-structure creates an insulation zone that is nominally 225 mm deep, though this varies due to the structural deck being faceted, and therefore not actually parallel to the XT and other capping sheets.

Natural

slates provide a striking, sustainable and fully warrantied solution for domestic project

CUPA 12 has been installed as part of a roof refurbishment project at Parkstone, a stunning Edwardian residence on the edge of Roundhay Park, Leeds. The natural Spanish slate was specified as it's a high-quality product with more than one hundred years of lifespan.

Situated on the prestigious Park Avenue alongside Roundhay Park and next to Soldiers Field, where battalions mustered during the First World War, Parkstone is a striking Edwardian residence converted into five luxury apartments.

The original plan for the roof was to reuse the existing tiles; however, this was not feasible as the 100-year-old tiles had incurred too much wear and tear. Siobhan Atkinson, the main client on the project commented: “We had to make a very big decision about what we were going to replace the roof with. In the end we selected Spanish slate from CUPA PIZARRAS as Yorkshire Heritage Roofing were able to advise us on the product’s environmental impact, the variations in colour available and how it would be in-keeping with the other properties located nearby.”

Roofing contractor Ian McCarthy from Yorkshire Heritage Company presented the management company with five slate options from CUPA PIZARRAS. Ian wanted a natural slate that would provide a smooth, flat finish and always recommends CUPA PIZARRAS slate over other companies’ products.

"When I trained as a roofer, we used CUPA PIZARRAS products, so it is my go-to company for roof slate," explains Ian. "The quality is excellent, and there are different gradings, sizes and colours to choose from. It's great to be able to go to a customer and say, 'I have exactly what you're looking for.'"

CUPA 12 e was chosen for the project as it met the high standards demanded by the client. Tested and certified to T1 (thermal cycling), S1 (sulphur dioxide) and W1 (water absorption) levels, CUPA 12 won’t discolour, split or crack and as such can be guaranteed for 100 years, offering excellent piece of mind for the building’s residents. The dark grey slate is widely known as being among the highest quality natural slate on the market today. The slates feature thin laminations and a smooth matt surface split to an average thickness of 3.5mm, 5mm and 6mm. Furthermore, the slate requires minimum maintenance.

The re-roofing work was a complex challenge. Although all CUPA PIZARRAS slate comes precut and pre-holed, there were areas where the slate had to be cut to size to accommodate dormer windows, as well as the building’s distinctive chimneys. In addition to CUPA 12, the extensive work included upgraded insulation throughout, hydraulic lime mortar pointing and flaunching to the chimney stacks, new leadwork and clay capped angle ridges to finish the roof. While initially sceptical about Yorkshire Heritage's proposal to introduce a striking red clay ridge to contrast the grey slate, the apartment owners all agree that the aesthetic blend is fantastic.

"I have used other Spanish slates before, but the quality is often poor. CUPA 12 is easy to cut and lay, with minimal breakages or wastage," concludes Ian. “The uniform thickness of the slate makes them easier

to install, while the dark grey, even colour, provides a striking, decorative finish.”

For more information about the CUPA PIZARRAS range of products, including its CUPA 12 roof slate, please visit: https://www. cupapizarras.com/uk/roofing-slate-cupa-12/

CUPA PIZARRAS – Enquiry 18

Fassa Bortolo provides impressive design solution for award-winning scheme

Renowned Italian render manufacturer, Fassa Bortolo, has recently finished work on ‘Neyland’ a collection of residential properties developed by JG Hale Construction Ltd. This project, which won the ‘LABC Best Social Housing Development’ Award, was specified in collaboration with Fassa’s National Specification Manager, Stephen Gore.

The former Neyland School development encompassed the construction of 33 residences over three phases, including 8 one-bedroom flats, 2 bungalows, and a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes. Additionally, the development integrated car parking, landscaping, living wall retaining structures, drainage systems, and associated engineering for highways.

Our client, JG Hale Construction Ltd, sought a cost-effective design solution for the project. Fassa Bortolo worked closely with Tom Bevan, Construction Manager, to achieve this goal while ensuring the development remained visually appealing.

The products used in this project were carefully selected to meet the specific requirements of new developments. Fassa Bortolo’s system, designed with this purpose in mind, included an initial base coat of KC 1, followed by FX 526, a universal pigmented primer undercoat. Additionally, Fassanet 160 mesh was incorporated to reinforce the structure, effectively reducing hairline cracking and enhancing overall durability. The system was completed with PX 505, an acrylic siloxane finish, known for its excellent weather resistance and long-lasting

protection against environmental elements. The colours were specifically chosen by the team from Fassa’s 365 topcoat range. BT 04, EP 36 and LR 19 were selected for their harmonious blend and ability to complement the architectural aesthetics of the Neyland development.

FASSA BORTOLO – Enquiry 19

Proctor Air delivers performance for the future in historic roof renovation

Proctor Air, the roofing membrane for the future developed by A. Proctor Group, is being installed as part of the renovation of Manchester Town Hall.

Once construction work on the historic building, which is nearly 150-years old , is complete it will benefit from Proctor Air’s combination of vapour permeability and air permeability.

The scheme to redevelop the Grade 1-listed Town Hall is one of the biggest heritage projects in the UK.

At roof level, the restoration efforts include dismantling and rebuilding 30 of the 34 chimneys, and replacing 140,000 roof tiles. Removing the roof finish has afforded the opportunity to install a new pitched roof underlay.

The project architects specified Proctor Air, with Mac Roofing & Contracting Ltd carrying out installation. As an historic building, the Manchester Town Hall roof features many intricate details. The complexity of the roof forms, combined with the age and heritage value of the building fabric, means opportunities to provide modern roof ventilation are limited.

Catnic’s Urban Seam Façade receives BBA certification

The British Board of Agrément (BBA) has certified Catnic’s Urban Seam Façade, the limited combustibility wall system for use on buildings over 11 metres in height.

This provides assurance for specifiers and contractors that the complete façade system is compliant, helping to simplify the overall process and de-risk projects. As part of the BBA certification, and to demonstrate the structural integrity, durability and weatherability of the Urban Seam Façade system, Catnic carried out comprehensive full-scale testing in accordance with the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT). It included wind loading, rain penetration and hard and soft body impact tests.

A key advantage of Proctor Air, as an air permeable low-resistance (APLR) membrane, is that it removes the need for separate roof ventilation. In fact, it provides a more uniform flow of air in the roof space than normal vents, ensuring there are no ‘dead zones’ where the complexity of the roof form could otherwise have restricted air movement.

Air permeability performance is important, but must work alongside good vapour permeability performance. With an Sd value of 0.015m and a vapour resistance of 0.075MNs/g, Proctor Air is one of the highest performing vapour permeable membranes on the market.

A.Proctor Group – Enquiry 20

‘Massive’ improvement in heat retention, comfort and aesthetic

The Mapetherm Mineral Wool External Wall Insulation (EWI) system from Mapei, has been installed as part of a Bristol City Leap (BCL) pilot retrofit scheme.

The EWI system was installed by Bristol-based ESW Construction Services Ltd. Following installation of a cavity fill system combined with the Mapetherm EWI, a u-value of 0.22 W/m2K was achieved, compared with a pre-retrofit rating of 2.06 W/m2K, demonstrating greatly improved heat retention and comfort.

Each of the 16 Easiform homes in Brentry features a non-standard concrete cast-in-situ construction. The scope of renovation works included replacement of roofing elements, renovation of chimney stacks,

insulation of cold roof space, internal ventilation works, cavity wall extraction, fenestration installation, cavity wall fill and a wide range of enabling works.

As part of the energy efficiency improvements, Mapetherm Mineral Wool - BBA 13/4977 certified high-density rock wool insulating panels for thermal insulations systems – were installed throughout the properties external walls, totalling over 1400 m2

“The Mapetherm system has been tried and tested on many of our projects. Mapei’s products are high quality, easy to use and the final results speak for themselves. The service we get from Mapei’s sales and technical team has always been first class and the support they offer on site is second to none,” commented Carlo Bonomini, ESW’s Commercial Manager.

Mapei – Enquiry 22

Catnic – Enquiry 21

MERMET Technical Solar Shading Fabrics

MERMET manufacturers of technical solar shading fabrics for internal and external use, helping you achieve your LEED & Breeam goals.

Are you seeking to achieve LEED and Breeam certification?

Did you know SOLAR SHADING is a critical component in achieving this?

Sound absorption, style and sustainability with OWA’s latest ceiling canopy

Acoustic ceiling systems manufacturer OWA has extended its range of OWAtecta metal ceiling solutions with the introduction of the new S14 acoustic canopy.

Suitable for use across the sectors, including education, hospitality and commercial offices, S14 has been designed to enhance any contemporary open-plan interior space while offering class A sound absorption.

The standard rectangular-shaped 2m by 1m canopies come in one piece to create stunning ‘floating’ ceiling designs and have an integrated acoustic pad and suspension rods which make them easy to install and relocate. S14 can also be made to order to meet bespoke design requirements, including a variety of different sizes, shapes, colours, perforations and mesh patterns.

Offering a stylish metal alternative to glass or mineral wool, the S14 acoustic canopies are practical to handle, durable and easy to maintain. Sustainability has been considered throughout the product’s development, with OWA manufacturing the metal S14

The ambassador for quiet acoustics

Architects Common Ground Workshop completed a new hospitality development at 6 Embassy Gardens in Nine Elms, London.

Troldtekt wood wool acoustic panelling with a black finish was specified throughout the space, punctuated by a bespoke lighting track with drop-down custom-made LED light battens further emphasising the urban and industrial aesthetic look. Troldtekt panels were specified for their excellent acoustic properties and ability to dramatically reduce sound reverberation as well as their superior environmental credentials. The range is available in various sizes and structures, from extreme fine to fine. They can be supplied as natural wood or finished in almost any RAL or NCS colour.

Troldtekt – Enquiry 25

acoustic canopies using low carbon steel which is produced using cleaner, electric arc furnace technology. By reducing the amount of embodied carbon generated during the manufacturing process, and thanks to its simple construction which uses minimal metal suspension, OWA’s S14 acoustic canopy has the lowest carbon footprint of all of the company’s metal ceiling systems.

OWA is also committed to reducing waste on projects where the standard S14 acoustic canopies are specified as part of the initial Cat A fit out. Should the canopies no longer be required, OWA is offering a take back scheme so that the products can be re-used on other projects.

OWA – Enquiry 24

Premier League specifies first class moveable walls for offices

The London offices of Premier League have recently benefited from a refurbishment which included the installation of three, high specification, Dorma Hüppe moveable wall systems.

Style, the sole UK distributor for Dorma Hüppe, improved the flexibility of the main boardroom by installing a single glazed Variflex moveable wall down the entire length of the room, intersected with two solid Variflex moveable walls. This configuration allows the area to be divided into either one large room with a separate meeting room, or three individual rooms. For larger events, all three walls can be neatly stacked to one side, opening up the entire space.

The Premier League has responsibility for the football competition, its rule book and the centralised broadcast and other commercial rights. At its offices at the Brunel Building in London, Style worked with Minifie Architects and contractors, Parkeray, to create adaptable meeting space. The three Dorma Huppe walls all come with semi-automatic operation, ensuring the seals are applied to the correct pressure every time to optimise acoustic performance. The glazed moveable wall system offers a 52dB acoustic rating, and each solid wall a 57dB rating.

Style – Enquiry 26

Hunter Douglas’s metal exterior ceilings –quality you can trust

When only premium materials and construction quality will do: Hunter Douglas’s range of superior metal exterior ceilings will complete any project.

The vanguard of quality, they are designed to withstand even the harshest weather conditions and are ideally suited to environments such as car parks, stadiums, airports and office blocks. They are all ISO9001 and TAIM certified, providing assurance they are of the highest standard when it comes to production processes, material, machinery and finished product.

David Harris, general manager of Hunter Douglas Architectural UK, said: “Our systems are manufactured from a highperformance exterior grade aluminium alloy, with our exclusive protective exterior paint. We can provide large panels that are capable of enduring harsh conditions and high wind loads, typical of exterior applications.

“Our exterior systems are available in several different size profiles and in a range of standard colours, which makes them ideal for use in external canopies, soffits, car

parks, airports and stadiums. Both the panel and carrier systems are Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Bronze and can be fully recycled.”

The Linear system has a range of styles and applications that are suitable for a variety of settings. There are three closed systems:

• The Luxalon® Closed Ceiling system. Available in three widths – 75mm, 150mm and 225mm, they can all be combined and easily clipped on a universal carrier to create multiple designs possibilities.

• The Luxalon® wide panel system. The panels are 300mm wide and are designed for larger spaces, with panels manufactured up to 6m long to minimise the number of joints, while still being lightweight and easy to handle.

• The Luxalon® 84C Closed Ceiling system. There are box panels that are clipped on the carrier. The 84mm wide panels feature a flange that closes off the

16mm joint between the panels, while the 12.5mm deep recessed joint gives a linear direction to the ceiling plane.

Developed as a façade, but suitable for exterior applications, the Luxalon® MultiPanel Façade features neat closed joints, which give a smooth and uninterrupted appearance. Designers can combine the 150mm and 200mm panels to produce different effects.

Our three linear open ceilings enable architects and designers to create innovative and striking looks:

• The Luxalon® 70U ceiling system, for developments that need a stronger and impact-resistant finish, is a box panel with 70mm wide aluminium panels. These enable gaps between the panels, creating a directional effect.

• Our Luxalon® Linear Open 80B features slender box panels that are ideal when a directional ceiling is required. The joints between the panels can be open or closed.

• The Luxalon® Exterior 84R, which has 84mm round edged panels with 16mm joints that enhance the linear appearance. Combining the panels with join profiles provide a visually closed ceiling.

The V100 exterior ceiling is suitable for lightweight and open ceiling requirements. Ideal for reducing the room height while retaining original room volume, the V100 screen ceilings are engineered to dimensionally define the ceiling plane. They comprise vertically hung ‘floating’ panels and create unique visual patterns and lines. Our exterior metal ceilings are available in a wide range of colours and are finished in Hunter Douglas’s exclusive Luxacote® Exterior Coating. Comprising three layers – pre-treatment, primers and a UV and scratch-resistant topcoat – the coating enhances the ceilings’ strength and durability.

Creating inclusive public spaces one step at a time

There’s a lot of consideration taken when designing public spaces, with small changes making a huge difference for those visiting the areas. Whilst these changes might not appear obvious to everyone; to those with impairments, they make day-to-day life much easier. With this in mind, the experts at Marshalls have revealed what stair nosing is and the difference it makes to public spaces.

Stair nosing is a safety feature installed on the edges of stairs. It is typically made of durable materials, such as metal or rubber, and is a contrasting colour to the stairs to enhance visibility. This contrast helps individuals, especially those with visual impairments, to identify a step and reduce the risk of falls.

Many falls on stairs result from someone misjudging the step tread and riser when climbing up and down the steps. So by creating a contrast between the step nosing and the colour of the step, people, particularly those with visual impairments, can differentiate between the tread and riser.

The sizes of external steps are tightly controlled, helping individuals form a habit when climbing steps as they know how

high they need to step. By maintaining consistency amongst external steps, people will be able to correctly judge the height of steps, creating an inclusive and accessible environment. With this in mind, stair-nosing enhances the visibility of steps to help people build a consistent habit and approach to climbing the stairs.

Regulations and guidance around stairnosing derive from the BS8300 standards and Building Regulations Part M. However, these requirements differ slightly when it comes to the width and positioning of the nosing strips. So, how can consistency and compliance be achieved?

Marshalls has recently developed a range of external concrete steps to incorporate a durable, permanently contrasting visibility

strip that meets the requirements of both Part M and BS8300 standards.

Light Reflective Value (LRV) is also an important consideration when designing external steps and choosing the correct materials for their construction. For those with visual impairments, the contrast between the step and the nosing must be at least a 30-point difference to create that visual differentiation. This means that no matter the sun’s intensity on the steps, there will still be a distinct colour variation between the steps and their nosing.

Mark King, a paving engineer at Marshalls has shared the following about the future of public spaces: “As we age, our eyesight naturally deteriorates - impacting how we interact with and experience the world around us. The population is undoubtedly living longer, therefore we can assume that a large number of people are living with visual impairments of varying severity.

“Steps are a very common landscaping method, creating transitionary spaces between indoor and outdoor environments and creating access between different heights in a space’s natural infrastructure. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge how this might impact an ageing population and ensure we are doing what we can to future-proof public spaces across the country.

“As there are over 2 million people in the UK currently living with sight loss, this isn’t limited to only those of an older age. Therefore, creating accessible and inclusive spaces for everyone is crucial.”

Stonework that stuns

As a long-established and well-respected manufacturer of high-quality cast stone, Haddonstone has created some of the most stunning stone structures for inspirational buildings past and present.

Haddonstone has always ensured its diverse range of standard products, as well as its continuous output of bespoke items, are manufactured to exceed industry standards, whilst also respecting the environment.

In fact, over 80% of the Building and Construction team's components are produced bespoke to meet their clients' precise requirements: involving the unique skillset of Haddonstone's CAD technicians, craftsmen in their moulds workshop, constant

monitoring of the mixes which fill them, and rigorous testing of the finished products.

The latter includes water absorption rate, compressive strength and tensile strength, as well as visual inspections and regular independent testing.

Haddonstone was commissioned to produce a large volume of high-quality architectural cast stonework for this stunning Georgian-style new build property in Henleyon-Thames, Oxfordshire.

With the help of Haddonstone's experienced team's help, the homeowner client integrated a number of beautiful façade stonework elements to the front elevation of the design. This included a smart portico featuring four smooth columns with Tuscan capital detailing and Juliette balcony to the front, and a further balcony to the rear featuring a balustrade.

Each component was manufactured in Haddonstone's TecStone (wet-cast limestone) in Portland colour.

The Housing Forum has welcomed the long-awaited technical guidance on second staircases in tall buildings.

The consultation on this guidance was released in December 2022, and the delay in publishing the response and technical guidance has led to uncertainty across the housing sector.

The Forum has been aware of many sites that have stalled because of the lack of information around what exactly is required (such as the maximum distance permitted between flat entrances and the staircases). It raised these concerns previously on behalf of members across the housing sector.

Publication of the technical details was therefore extremely welcome and will allow many stalled sites to resumefollowing redesign.

Clarity over the purpose of the second staircase and explicit statement from government that there may be situations when the ‘Stay put’ advice may need to be over-ridden is very helpful.

The transitional arrangements in theory allow buildings to be built to the current single-staircase requirements until September 2026. However, in practice this is unlikely to happen as planning permission is not being granted on single staircase buildings.

Elevating safety and accessibility inside a well-loved global landmark

UK designed and manufactured lifts take pride of place in the Elizabeth Tower restoration project. By Dave Saunders, Head of Major Project Division at Stannah Lifts and John Newbold, Director at SVM Associates

For many decades, the Elizabeth Tower, the world-renown historic landmark adjacent to the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, has been displaying signs of age and exposure to pollution.

While the clock tower is often affectionately referred to as ‘Big Ben’, this is actually the nickname of the Great Bell located atop the Elizabeth Tower. The neo-gothic tower was officially unveiled during Queen Victoria’s reign in 1859. It was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1987 and named Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

Throughout the clock tower’s 162 years of existence, it has been subjected to weathering from the elements, heavy pollution, and Second World War bomb damage. Although there have been several projects undertaken to clean and refurbish the tower in the past, 2017 marked the beginning of the first complete restoration of the tower from top to bottom.

Sir Robert McAlpine Special Projects (SRM), appointed main contractor to the restoration of the iconic building, had to repair the building’s external fabric, renovate the clock, improve internal areas, add energy-efficient lighting, and oversee the installation of two lifts.

Finding space for a lift Building a lift within a Grade 1 listed building is no simple task. Modernisations must be as inconspicuous as possible, and the addition of new building materials should under no circumstances damage the existing historic fabric of the building. Prior to 2017, the only way to reach the top of the tower was by walking up a narrow spiral stone staircase. The 334 steps have posed a daunting deterrent for clock keepers, and the lack of lift access meant that it was extremely challenging for maintenance teams to carry equipment and parts up to the belfry.

There was an existing ventilation shaft measuring just 4.9m by 2.4m, running all the way from the base of the tower to the belfry at the very top. The challenge was to design a lift that would fit into this extremely narrow ventilation shaft, which had not been accessed since the tower’s original construction in Victorian times. Not only did the teams have to contend with very restricted space and limiting any intrusion into the fabric of the building, but the whole tower has a slight lean of 0.23 degrees to the north-west. This means that at the top of the tower it is out of alignment by 0.22m, a crucial consideration for the design team who have had to work with millimetre clearances.

Collaboration and detailed planning

The complex and precise engineering of the lift project required close collaboration between Stannah as the lift suppliers and an independent lift consulting engineering firm, SVM Associates (SVMA). Established in 2004, SVMA design, manage, problemsolve and quality check all aspects of a lift or escalators life with clients in all sectors across the UK including high rise, commercial, healthcare, transport, education and government. SVMA has overseen lifts on behalf of Parliament’s Strategic Estates since 2013.

SVMA is employed by mechanical design engineers SI Sealy, which in turn is employed by Lendlease as the construction management company. SVMA’s role in the Elizabeth Tower lift project included lift and platform design, technical tender evaluation, involvement with design development and technical quality control.

With a legacy nearly as long as Elizabeth Tower, Stannah was founded on the banks of the Thames in London in 1867, not far downstream from Westminster. Today Stannah continues to be a family run and owned business supplying a wide range of commercial and domestic lifting products.

Due to the site complexity this was a task for Major Projects - our specialist division who work on technically complex or long-period construction projects, typically in heritage sites or infrastructure, such as our extensive work for Network Rail. The Stannah Major Projects Division’s role in the Elizabeth Tower Lift Project included detailed manufacturing design of the lift and platform, installation, commissioning, and lift warranty maintenance.

Two custom built solutions

Within the 11.7m2 ventilation shaft space, a bespoke energy efficient, gearless, traction drive passenger lift was built. The lift is contained within its own structural skeleton to minimise any penetrations to the historic fabric of the building. The engineering interface between the new lift equipment and the existing historic features of the ventilation shaft, such as the original Victorian tie-rods, has been designed and installed with millimetre tolerance.

The physical constraints of the tower mean that the main lift stops two floors below the Belfry. From here, along a narrow corridor, neatly tucked into incredibly limited space, a smaller 500kg hydraulic lift platform that services the final 4295mm, between the last two floors and giving lift access to the Belfry. Due to the belfry environment the lift has been built to an external specification with 316 grade stainless steel and hot-dipped galvanized steel, chequer plate floor and IP54 rated buttons.

With a top speed of 1.5 meters per second, the main lift travels 57 meters from the ground to the eleventh floor. The lift car has strengthened, hard wearing walls and floors to ensure the lift can be used for maintenance goods as well as passengers.

The horizontal ride quality of the lift meets or surpasses the British Council for Offices Specification Guide’s requirements for passenger lifts which is testament to the lift’s precise manufacture, alignment and accurate installation and, in particular, the guide rails. Furthermore, the lift drive machinery is located away from the top of the shaft so as not to disrupt the BBC’s live recording of Big Ben’s chimes.

The Elizabeth Tower 13-person passenger lift also has a multitude of advanced energy efficient features. For instance, the regenerative drive acts as a generator whenever gravity assists the lift, thereby returning power back to the mains. The mass of the counterweight is optimised to match the likely load in the lift car, thereby saving energy, and when it is idle, the lift also turns off

its non-essential power loads. Pulleys for the ropes are made from polymer, rather than steel, so they are lighter and have less inertia, making them easier to spin – and thus are more energy efficient. Lastly, the lift is driven directly by a motor without a traditional gearbox, thereby reducing power losses from mechanical inefficiency. Additionally, the lift incorporates all of the accessibility features required of new lifts, including controls, dimensions and enhanced audio-visual passenger information. Dual power supplies to the lift enable passengers to vacate safely if required, even if the mains power is cut off.

As for maintenance, the lift’s machinery is housed in a conventional motor room, thereby enabling maintenance personnel to access the machine and control equipment readily and safely. The lift also features advanced technology that ensures maintenance downtime is kept to a minimum. The mechanical systems such as the machine, pulleys and compensation system are virtually maintenance free. Individual rope tension is monitored by electronic transducers. Service engineers are notified when rope adjustment is required, thereby prolonging rope life. The control system is also equipped to regularly report its status and performance to a remote monitoring system.

Designed safe for improved accessibility

The result of this incredibly complex and challenging project is energy efficient and precisely engineered lift systems that will make the work of the clock engineers significantly easier and could one day save lives in a medical emergency – all while preserving the historic environment of the clock tower.

The designers, installers and construction teams, all of which are UK based, have inclusive and sustainable employment practises which have given a range of skilled workers a chance

to work on returning a British cultural icon and symbol of democracy to its former glory. Despite the many overriding constraints of building lifts within the 160 year old iconic structure, everything possible has been done to provide the best level of step-free maintenance access from the ground floor to the top of the tower.

“The installation of the lifts in the Elizabeth Tower restoration project has been a true feat of precision engineering and ingenuity,” said Nick Sturge, Project Manager, Sir Robert McAlpine Special Projects. “This project was enhanced by the diversity of skills and trades that made it possible and had a clear focus on sustainability, championing the use of energy efficient technologies. The passenger lift is an essential modernisation component of the overall restoration project,” said John Newbold, Director at SVM Associates.

“These UK designed and made lifts will ensure improved access for maintenance crew for many years to come, bringing a safe and much needed alternative to the 334 steps, especially in the event of a medical emergency.”

“This was an exceptional engineering project, made all the more challenging by site restrictions due to the COVID pandemic and stringent security requirements,” said Dave Saunders, Head of Major Project Division at Stannah Lifts. “In addition, the high profile of the Elizabeth Tower means that the eyes of the world were on us to deliver this project on time and on budget. At Stannah, we are always true to our word – we go the extra mile to deliver something we can be proud of for years to come.”

Find out more at www.stannahlifts.co.uk

Stannah – Enquiry 28

JUWO Smartwall Monolithic Building Systems to meet the Future Homes Standards 2025

Future Homes Standards 2025 are all about improving the thermal efficiency of new homes in the UK and to ensure lower running costs, which in turn will reduce the carbon footprint of a new home.

The changes proposed in the Future Homes Standards consultation are to look at the Notional Dwelling specification for carbon emissions, Primary Energy and the Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard closely considering U-values, thermal bridging values (Psi Values), as well as the thermal mass of the structure, which affects internal and solar gains as well as airtightness of the property.

the insulation requirements within the structure of the blocks and to reduce thermal bridging (Psi Values) eliminating mortar or adhesive on the interlocking vertical joints and using a thin bed adhesive bond to the horizontal plane.

No Cavities. No Wall Ties. No Additional Insulation. Resulting in a quicker and subsequently less expensive construction to build.

Future Homes Standard in 2025 is suggesting that the heating demand of a dwelling should be limited to 15-20 kwh/ m2/ year, which would require far higher thermal efficiency in the fabric of the building, in particular the U Value of the walls as well as using materials that can offer better Thermal Mass with potential target U Values being circa 0.15 W/m2K.

Using traditional masonry cavity wall construction to reach these types of U values would need to have wall thickness to be as high as 430-450mm wide with cavities being more than 200mm wide using a full fill insulation system which has implications on the foundation widths used as well as requiring more robust wall ties with design consideration in the structural performance against wind and sway. The answer is to design external walls using the Juwo SmartWall systems as a Monilithic Single Skin structure incorporating

The Juwo SmartWall Monolithic Single Skin clay blocks are manufactured to include all the insulation values required within the system, using one of three main products. The “S” system is our standard aerated product. The “MZ” system which includes mineral wool within the structure, and our “RX” system which uses our PoroTec insulation bead, again bonded within the block.

All our Juwo SmartWall systems do not require a wall tie for structural stability nor a cavity to provide the required U values from 0.18 to as low as 0.11 W/ m2K.

Manufactured with a tolerance of 1mm in height, the Juwo SmartWall range of systems reduces the Thermal Bridging (Psi Value) by over 15% as well as having a high Thermal Mass being a masonry clay based product. In addition, the Juwo SmartWall system comes as a complete package that

includes lintels, corner and shapedblocks, insulated mortar, adhesive and applicators. Juwo SmartWall systems are structural blocks which can be used to any height required and have been used in the UK and Europe for many years for load bearing and non-load bearing walls, for external & internal applications.

They have full approval and comply to BS EN 771-1 and carry both a UK CA & CE mark with an A1 fire rating, making them the ideal building system for low and high rise developments as well as for the self-builder.

JUWO SMARTWALLTM BENEFITS:

• Excellent Thermal Performance can offer U Values as low as 0.11 W/m2K

• Meets & Exceeds Building Regulation requirements

• Quick Construction Time

• Single solid wall construction

• Modern Method of Construction

• Thin bed mortar technology

• Complete Building System

• >85% less water in construction

• Completely Vapour permeable

The Juwo SmartWall systems are manufactured from Clay therefore possibly one of the most sustainable materials used in construction. It is a natural material that it easy to work with and provides a comfortable living environment.

Juwo SmartWall system delivers a much faster build time. The thin joint adhesive allows you to continually work without being restricted to the number of lifts in a day, on average, up to 40+ sqm can be achieved per day.

Juwo SmartWall being a monolithic building system, means that you have just one skin for your building structure, no cavities, therefore minimising areas for complicated detailing and areas for insulation to be missed.

The Juwo SmartWall system provides a thermal bridge free method of construction without the need for complicated detailing.

For more information, call 0808-254-0500 or visit the website www.Juwo-SmartWall.co.uk

Juwo SmartWall – Enquiry 29

JUWO EVOLVED SMARTWALL ™

THE CLAY BLOCK BUILDING SYSTEM

OF THE FUTURE

JUWO Evolved SmartWall™ is a Monolithic clay block building system for External Wall Construction that’s easy to build with, reduces construction time, has excellent thermal insulation qualities and requires no cavities, no additional insulation and no wall ties, to meet current and new Future Home standards.

The system offers a full array of block types and sizes to meet any thermal requirement from 0.18 U Value through to 0.11 U value, all in a single block.

Thin bed mortar technology

Single solid wall construction. Wide range of block sizes.

Breathing wall construction. Completely vapour permeable

Easily cut to size

No cavities, no wall ties, no additional insulation needed

The JUWO Evolved SmartWall™ system comes with all the necessary ancillary items such as Insulated Steel Box lintels, fixings and finishing plasters, renders and brick slips options.

Full ‘on site’ training can be provided if required.

Marshalls launches new, easy-fit solution for patios and driveways

Landscaping specialist Marshalls has launched Infinia, a new range that uses the latest in concrete printing technology to create a premium look with easy installation and the durability of traditional concrete.

Harnessing over a decade of innovation, Infinia is a stylish printed concrete paver for both patios and driveways. As it is made from concrete, Infinia can be cut without specialist blades and laid in the same way as ordinary concrete or block paving, according to application.

With its easy installation, Infinia offers important time and labour-saving benefits for landscapers, but it also brings big advantages for the homeowner, particularly in terms of maintenance. Thanks to its printed surface-coated design, Infinia has a protective layer that shields the surface from stains, fading from UV light, frost and abrasion. It also protects against the possible risk of efflorescence which is sometimes experienced on the surface of concrete products and provides a slip resistance to an R11 rating.

To give homeowners choice, the Infinia range includes a collection of nine curated designs which can be used independently or together.

Each option has a minimum of 16 variations to prevent design repeats and provides a more authentic appearance.

The range also benefits from excellent colour consistency between batches due to its innovative printing technology.

“Traditionally, concrete can be seen as an unattractive, budget option – especially for patios – but Infinia changes the game,” said Alice Turner, Head of Product and Campaign Marketing at Marshalls.

“With nine versatile designs the INIFINIA range offers homeowners a variety of

styles to suit their project and taste. At the same time, professionals benefit from easy laying as it can be installed using everyday equipment. It’s truly a win-win for everyone.”

Marshalls is one of the first manufacturers in the UK market to adopt the specific concrete printing technology behind Infinia, which has undergone a decade of development to ensure reliability, quality, and durability.

Infinia has also endured extensive testing, including controlled and in-situ applications, to assess ease of installation and maintenance.

For more information about Infinia, please visit https://www.marshalls.co.uk/infinia-paving

Marshalls – Enquiry 31

Making brickwork lightweight

The clay brick façade and aluminum bracket system offer an A1 non-combustible rating.

Tested to the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT) standards and BS 8414-2 tested in accordance with BR135.

Easier and quicker, non-weather dependent on-site installation.

BBA certification of the CMS40 system, covers both Parex lime based mortar and Instamac cement based mortars.

Accuracy of installation when using pre-spaced mortar joints and mechanically fixed slips.

Lightweight framework system reduces structural load.

CMS40

The advanced brick façade system

Website: www.mbhplc.co.uk/cms40-facade-system

Email: sales@fabspeed.uk

Telephone: 0330 1222 123

Socials: @mbhplc

Slim system allows for reduced wall thickness for external retrofit applications or increased floor space.

In conjunction with industry leaders Cladmate, FabSpeed has co-produced the CMS40 Façade System. CMS40 uses mechanically fixed non-combustible brick slips, in a lightweight, easy-toinstall, cost-effective product. Suitable for volume high or low-rise applications, newbuilds or retrofit projects, internal and external use, CMS40 fuses traditional brickwork façade aesthetics with the latest advanced rainscreen cladding systems. Speak to FabSpeed today.

A wide selection of clay bricks of varying textures, styles, sizes and colours can be cut into slips by FabSpeed and used on CMS40.

The system components and facing brick slips can be re-used and recycled.

Enquiry 32

Banksy artwork helps fund award-winning Wellbeing Hub for UHS

Following the sale of Banksy’s Game Changer artwork in 2021, the proceeds were used across the UK for a number of healthcare projects, including a new Wellbeing Hub at University Hospital Southampton (UHS).

Record-breaking Banksy sale

Completed in 2023, the Wellbeing Hub at UHS was funded by some of the proceeds from the sale of street artist Banksy’s Game Changer artwork. The artwork was gifted to Southampton Hospitals Charity by Banksy in May 2020, during the height of the Covid pandemic, and was then sold at auction in 2021 for a record-breaking £16.7m. The proceeds from the auction were distributed to over 40 healthcare organisations and charities across the UK to be used for mental health and wellbeing projects.

The Wellbeing Hub design

UHS wanted to use their funding to create a new space for their NHS staff, providing them with modern facilities including a gym, kitchen, lounge, meeting rooms, shower and changing rooms.

Leading brick slip systems supplier Eurobrick, based in Bristol, has been providing Integra Buildings, a modular building company near Hull in East Yorkshire, since 2010. Eurobrick provide flexible brick slip cladding solutions for all types of projects offering a quick, easy and robust solution. Brick slip cladding is lightweight, durable and will weather and age like conventional brickwork, requiring little to no maintenance.

The design of the Wellbeing Hub is made up of 20 modular bays which were manufactured at Integra’s headquarters and then delivered to the site for assembly. As part of a mixed palette of finishes, Eurobrick supplied their 50mm thick insulated X-Clad system and two slips from their Britannia range. Rustic Orange Multi 687 slips and corners were primarily fitted at ground floor level, and Smooth Anthracite 700 slips and corners were used to create the plinth detail.

Award-winning success

The project was a great success with Paul Stansfield, Principal Project Manager, Estates Facilities and Capital Developments at UHS saying, “The finished product speaks for

itself and is now enjoyed by our 14,000 staff, providing a modern, relaxing and essential wellbeing environment.”

In May 2024 Integra Buildings won ‘Project of the Year – Healthcare’ for the UHS Wellbeing Hub at the MMC Awards, which celebrate excellence and achievement in the modular construction sector.

For more information on Eurobrick, please visit www.eurobrick.co.uk. You can also visit the showroom at its Bristol office which is open 9am-4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Eurobrick – Enquiry 33

Enquiry 34

Marshall's First Lunar Case Study at Memoria Memorial Park and Crematorium, Doncaster

Memoria Memorial Park and Crematorium in Barnby Dun, Doncaster, offers a sanctuary of peace and solace for grieving families. This modern facility was developed to meet the increasing demand for bereavement services in the area. A collaboration between Marshalls and subcontractor MPave resulted in a thoughtfully designed space that enhances capacity and offers a serene environment.

Project Overview

The need for a new crematorium arose as existing facilities reached their limits. Memoria Memorial Park and Crematorium were envisioned as a tranquil garden of remembrance. The project involved constructing a new crematorium building, landscaped gardens, and a serene round pool designed to create a calming environment for visitors.

Sustainability:

A Core Principle

Sustainability was central to the project's development. Memoria Memorial Park and Crematorium house the UK's first electric cremator, significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional methods. This innovative approach reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility, ensuring the facility serves the community while contributing to environmental preservation.

In alignment with this ethos, Marshalls' products such as Lunar®, Keyblok®, and Tegula® were chosen. These products, manufactured in Britain, minimize the carbon footprint associated with transportation. This choice underscores the project's dedication to reducing environmental impact while maintaining high-quality standards.

Innovative Paving Solutions

Marshalls' Lunar® paving played a crucial role in the crematorium's design, both aesthetically and functionally. Inspired by the timeless beauty of granite, Lunar® paving offers a unique concrete aesthetic that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Each block features Lunar's® patented colour technology, contributing to the facility's distinct character.

The Rosa palette introduces a calming pink tone, enhancing the Garden of Remembrance's tranquil atmosphere. This colour choice adds serenity to the space, providing a comforting environment for visitors. Additionally, Lunar ® paving's MaxiMix ® Technology ensures enhanced durability and colour retention, making it more resistant to UV fading and weather damage.

Dependable Infrastructure

For essential infrastructure elements such as entry roads and car parks, Marshalls' traditional Keyblok® paving was

chosen for its robustness and reliability. Keyblok® ensures that high-traffic areas can withstand the test of time while maintaining visual appeal.

Complementing the Lunar ® paving, the aged-look Tegula® paving surrounds the crematorium building, contributing to the overall aesthetic harmony. The combination of Keyblok® and Tegula® paving provides functional benefits and enhances the facility's visual appeal, creating a cohesive and inviting environment.

Explore Marshalls' Product Range

Experience the transformative power of Marshalls' paving solutions and see how they can enhance your project's aesthetic and functional appeal.

Visit our website to explore the digital visualiser tool and discover the endless possibilities Marshalls' products can offer. Marshalls' Product Visualiser.

To learn more about our new Lunar product, please visit our website Lunar Product.

Marshalls – Enquiry 35

BETOCONCEPT dry-build for vertical landscaping

Grass Concrete offer retaining walls for road highways or the simplest garden or boundary walls.

The Betoconcept range brings different shapes and styles to accommodate planting on high or low walls.

With individual interlocking blocks and drybuild interconnectivity the range offers the ability to free-form wall layouts in single or terraced wall format. Interlocking units enable a quick and easy construction process even with complex curves, ground embankments and weight surcharges with various wall heights.

Sustainability-focused Mapei’s EPD’s total over 50

Mapei now has EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) certification for over 500 products throughout its range - spanning adhesives, admixtures, coatings, floor preparation products, grouts and surface care products.

The certification reflects Mapei’s commitment to whole life cycle sustainability, from raw materials, through manufacturing and packaging and reducing the amount of CO2 associated to the product itself. All EPD products are included within Mapei’s Product Information Library; an online resource and specification tool which lists all certifications including TDS’, SDS’, DoP’s, GEV’s and more. All Mapei solutions are specifically designed to reduce energy consumption and emissions of volatile organic compounds, promoting sustainable and quality construction.

Mapei – Enquiry 37

Dry built blocks interlock to form the required face angle and provide adequate soil pockets for all types of plants, shrubs and climbers.

Good drainage and water capture with the stepped bank helps keep landscape maintenance to a minimum. Retaining wall range bringing together both structural integrity and landscape design options.

Grass Concrete – Enquiry 36

Grasscrete Sustainable Permeable Paving

With increased demand for permeable paving to address issues of SUDS, many driveways, access roads and car parks are now adopting grass paving alternatives.

With more than 50 years of grass paving installations, the Grass Concrete policy is to guide clients to the most appropriate system: in-situconcrete, pre-cast concrete or plastic systems. This strict fit for purpose policy is the key to achieving sustainability in any construction project, with careful consideration of grass paving types, particularly when likely to be subjected to frequent traffic and weights of vehicles.

For regular trafficked areas and load bearing both Grasscrete or Grassblock can be utilised. Grasscrete is a cast on-site system and Grassblock comes in prefabricated blocks, both offering the heavy-duty concrete under structure necessary for regular trafficking in cap parking areas.

Grasscrete and Grassblock help mitigate the implications of handling surface water run-off and its implications for the local storm water network, as well as introducing the prospect of rainwater harvesting for ecological design.

With the notion that grass reinforced systems can permeate at up to 90% the rate of natural grass a safe lag time can be achieved. Storing water within the system with low risk of ponding, until the ground can naturally re-charge is a significant benefit but requires a system that can offer a sufficient storage head to avoid surface flooding from “quarts into pint pots” issues.

Lag time is beneficial in the prevention of flooding and can be extended by introducing an underlying drainage blanket across the full extent of the paved area. The drainage blanket can be used to either attenuate permeation to the water table or be a vehicle for rainwater harvesting.

Sustainable grass cover is best achieved by a system that promotes permeability. The depth and shape of the soil pockets therefore has a critical part to play. Both Grasscrete and Grassblock offer substantial capacity for soils and root systems to promote maximum grass coverage.

As a supplier of grass paving systems with more than 50 years of industry experience, our policy is to guide our clients to whichever system is most appropriate to their need: concrete, pre-cast concrete or plastic systems. This features a tailored fit for purpose solution for a greener permeable solution.

Talk to the experts of 50 years to find out more.

www.grasscrete .com Tel 01924 379443

Next generation paving

Lunar, Marshalls’ groundbreaking concrete paver introduced last year, utilises cutting-edge technology for lasting beauty and resilience.

Developed in collaboration with UK designers, Lunar offers a versatile range of granite-inspired blends for both commercial and domestic use.

Its patented colour process creates a multi-hued, elegant appearance, with four complementary colours inspired by the moon’s surface variations.

Lunar blocks feature a smooth finish with pencil-chamfered edges for a modern yet timeless look suitable for various applications.

Incorporating MaxiMix® Technology, Lunar boasts enhanced durability and colour retention, resisting UV fading and weather damage. Explore Lunar’s potential to elevate your project conveniently from your desk using our new digital visualiser tool.

https://www.marshalls.co.uk/productvisualiser

Marshalls – Enquiry 40

Yondr Data Centre Selects Emseal Fire Resistant Structural Movement Joints

Yondr is developing a UK hyperscale, 3-story datacentre campus development consisting of three new and identical adjacent buildings in Slough, to the West of London, with a total combined capacity of 100MW.

The first phase of site infrastructure has been finished, along with the first 20MW building, which is now being commissioned and going into service, the second building will be nearing completion shortly in 2024, with the third 30MW datacentre building due for completion in 2025.

The campus is being built on the site of the former Gas Works and Akzo Nobel paint factory, in Uxbridge Road, Slough. This new build, high tech data hall floor slabs required a CE marked, high performance movement joint sealing solution with EN1366 4-hour fire integrity and thermal insulation certification, which could also accommodate a high degree of multidirectional movement, with 100% watertight sealing and detailing, to be installed with a recessed cover plate system to withstand frequent and sometimes heavy vehicular traffic. These requirements were essential to maintaining fire compartmentalisation and ensuring structural integrity in the event of fire, as this is key to protecting assets and life, which is why there is now an increasing focus on ensuring adequate fire ratings, insulation and integrity certification for all structural movement and expansion joints.

The solution proposed by NCC (Movement Joints) Limited uses Emseal’s Emshield DFR System recessed into the joint, with the CPG cover plate system installed over the top. The installation was carried out professionally by Getjar Limited to leave a clean, flush finish.

Emshield DFR/WFR is a CE marked, high performance movement joint sealing system with EN1366 4-hour fire integrity and thermal insulation certification that also provides:

• +/- 50% movement (total 100% joint movement capability)

• 100% watertight joints

• No potentially damaging mechanical fixings into the structure

• Can accommodate changes of direction in both the horizontal and vertical plane, including 3-Dimensional movements (shear,

vertical & lateral expansion/ contraction)

• Acoustic insulation / STC barrier

• High Thermal Insulation

• Fast and cost-effective installation

Images:

1: Yondr Data Centre Development, Slough, West London

2: Emshield DFR - Fire Resistant, Watertight, Structural Floor Slab Expansion Joints

3: CAD Details - Emshield DFR - Fire Resistant, Structural Expansion Joint System

AG launches EPDs for over 370 products

Paving and building products firm, AG, has reinforced its position as a market leader in sustainable construction through the publication of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for over 370 of its products.

The firm, which has manufacturing locations in Fivemiletown, Toome, and Carryduff, already has one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry and is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its operations to an absolute minimum.

Created to encourage transparency across the construction industry, an EPD is a standardised formal document that quantifies a product’s environmental impact. It is based on a detailed life cycle assessment and verified by an accredited third party.

Recently awarded Sustainable Manufacturing Business of the Year at the prestigious Business Eye Awards, AG’s EPDs reflect the company’s dedication to innovation and its ongoing carbon reduction efforts.

Michael Davies, Head of Innovation and Carbon Reduction at AG said: “For many years, we have worked tirelessly to reduce our environmental impact and we are delighted to publish our Environmental Product Declarations.”

“A reflection of the continuous innovation we’ve employed to date, our EPDs will provide our customers with essential data that

will enhance the sustainability credentials of their projects and provide them with a comprehensive overview of their scheme. We are extremely proud to be able to say that our facilities and products boast some of the industry’s lowest embodied carbon statistics.”

From 2019 to 2023, AG reported a 47.8% reduction in its Scope 1 and 2 emissions, a significant achievement considering the firm’s extended operational hours and the construction of a new £3 million factory in 2023 to meet increased product demand. Additionally, AG reduced its Scope 3 emissions by 4.67% from 2021, underscoring its commitment to a greener future in construction.

Verified by EPD Hub, AG's Environmental Product Declarations represent the latest in the firm's series of sustainability initiatives. These efforts include a longstanding commitment to producing a significant portion of their product range using recycled aggregate and locally quarried materials.

AG's commitment to energy efficiency is reinforced through regular reviews of its systems and procedures, driving continuous improvement. As part of its CSR strategy, the company has recently made a significant

investment of over £5.4 million to modernise its plant, equipment, and technology, underscoring its dedication to sustainable practices and cutting-edge innovation.

AG’s CEO, Stephen Acheson commented: “At AG, sustainability isn't merely a responsibility but a guiding principle that fuels our innovation and shapes our operations. Our EPDs mark a major milestone in our journey to reduce carbon emissions, providing transparent and comprehensive insights into the environmental footprint of our products. These documents and the data they contain underscore our commitment to creating highquality, sustainable products, solidifying AG’s reputation as a leader in low-carbon solutions.”

For more information about AG, please visit ag.uk.com, call us on +0121 796 3022 or email us at specifications@ag.uk.com

AG – Enquiry 43

Birkdale launches new DuraPost SLEEK aluminium fence panel range

The new DuraPost® SLEEK aluminium range from Birkdale is a contemporary and durable fence panel solution that is incredibly easy to install thanks to its modular structure.

It is available in two high-quality design options, the SLEEK Privacy Panel and the SLEEK Screen Panel, with a matching SLEEK Aluminium Gate also available.

The DuraPost® SLEEK Privacy Panel is a contemporary take on the classic tongue and groove timber panel, while the SLEEK Screen Panel emulates a classic slatted fence panel design. Unlike timber, the SLEEK panels are highly durable and low-maintenance, extruded from 6063 aluminium and powder coated Sahara Black as standard to ensure longevity of finish.

EV-compatible outdoor consumer units proven with contractor

Luceco’s best-selling outdoor IP65 consumer units, branded BG Sync EV, are designed for the easiest, and quickest professional installation.

Fully compliant to IP65 external standards, the BG consumer units are the perfect solution for security lights, pond accessories, garden decorative and drive lighting, outdoor DIY, and gardening appliances as well as EV charging points. Backed by Luceco’s technical services team, not only do installers have all the support they might need just a call away, but so do the end customers, ensuring an unrivalled ‘fit and forget’ opportunity for contractors.

For added peace of mind, the Jotun façade coating provides SLEEK with a Class A fire rating (ASTM E84).

In terms of installation, both SLEEK panels are supplied in 1825mm x 600mm pre-assembled panels with all the required fixings. As such, a single bay of DuraPost ® SLEEK panelling can be quickly erected between DuraPost ® fence posts, traditional timber posts or even slotted into existing concrete fence posts, using two or three panels depending on the required height. An infill profile is required to house the panels effectively within the DuraPost ® system or concrete posts and when fitting to timber posts.

As part of the range, Birkdale has also launched the complementary SLEEK Aluminium Gate, which is pre-assembled and utilises the SLEEK Privacy Panel design to help ensure a professional and uniform finish for gardens. It is supplied with a modern pull handle, high strength adjustable hinges and a key lockable, double-locking gravity latch.

Birkdale – Enquiry 44

EverEdge create perfect finish at Blenheim Palace

The landscape at Blenheim Palace has undergone a transformation to include a large state of the art adventure playground for visiting children.

ASA Landscape Architects led the project, overseeing the preparation and install. Playground specialists CAP. Co provided the apparatus while we were asked to fabricate the CorTen steel retaining walls and landscape edging.

Within the design are various winding, sloping pathways and we were tasked with providing long lasting and durable edges of varying heights. EverEdge Titan heavy duty steel edging was specified for use on the pathways alongside EverEdge Custom 3.0mm thick CorTen steel retaining walls supported by buttresses bolted into a concrete base. The fabrication was especially tricky on this job as the retaining walls required curves, a taper and a 30mm wide flat top edge.

We worked closely with Radcot Groundworks to ensure the product met with a demanding set of specifications and, once installed, the steel walls have become a beautiful feature in the design of the play area.

The finished product is long lasting, hard wearing and maintenance free making it ideally suited to the site and the CorTen finish sits attractively within the landscape.

EverEdge – Enquiry 46

Luceco – Enquiry 45

Emseal Fire Resistant Movement and Expansion Joint Systems

With Emseal you can easily design and install movement and expansion joints to be: Watertight, Fire Resistant (CE/EN Certified up to 4 hours), Insulating (EI 90-180 mins), and with a Joint Movement Capability up to 100% of the joint width (+/- 50%)

Recent Projects Using Emseal Fire Resistant Joints

Emseal provide unique fire-resistant solutions for sealing all types of vertical and horizontal movement / expansion joints, and in both new construction and refurbishment or retrofit applications. Emseal fire resistant systems are watertight, airtight, thermally and acoustically insulating, and can be trafficable where required. Emseal fire rated expansion joint sealing solutions are available to suit both internal and externally exposed joint sealing applications.

These innovative Emseal solutions do not require any potentially damaging mechanical fixings, and are suitable for use on most building substrates, plus they are quickly and easily installed with access from only one side. Typical applications are in facades, internal walls, head of walls, floor slabs, decks & podiums, as well as special solutions for roofs, basement slabs, and other below ground and submerged structures - Everywhere that durable and secure, cost-effective, fire resistant, wide and/or higher movement joint sealing is required.

Exclusively available from NCC Movement Joints Ltd With full technical support throughout the UK and ROI

UK/ROI: www.EmsealServices.co.uk North America: www.Emseal.com UK Office: 01257 266696

One Mayfair Manchester Airport Tottenham Stadium

Battersea Power Station Riverside Walk, Popular Castle Redevelopment, Bristol

More choice, more PACE

GEZE UK is delighted to announce several new products have been added to their range of pedestrian traffic control systems, PACE, to give even more choice when selecting solutions that offer safe and efficient control of pedestrians in and out of buildings.

All products are supplied and installed in accordance to EN 17352:2022 –the standard for powered turnstiles and speed lanes that was harmonised in August 2023.

New to the range are the SL 550 and SL 900 speed gates with stylish folding high gates and a reliable, robust design that guarantees effective protection of the building making them ideal for banks and offices.

The popular SW 100 range has been extended to include two extra wide options. The SW 100 Wide and SW 100 High Glass Wide both offer a passage of 1200mm perfect for ease of carrying luggage and wheelchair access. OX S, OX M and OX XL are a new series of aesthetically pleasing

turnstiles with ergonomic design and efficient control – ideal for high traffic flow locations.

In the full height category, the HW G / NG with glass leaves and side panels perfectly combine modern aesthetics and functionality for even greater security with high visibility. More cost effective than manual checks and providing round the clock control in buildings that are operational 24 hours a day, pedestrian access control is ideal for controlling access to any part of a building that requires it, as well as the main entrance.

The PACE range can be tailored to the needs of any specification, compatible with many control devices - push button, card

reader – available as single or bi-directional use, and different lane widths. To complement the design or match automatic doors different finishes can be specified –brushed stainless steel, polished stainless steel, or RAL powder coating.

Where security is a high priority, options include high panels and anti-tailgating functions. IRIS readers, and finger-print or face recognition devices can also be integrated. But whatever the demand for security, the visual aspect of the building is never compromised.

Controlling large numbers of people entering or leaving a building ensures their safety but, in an emergency, or power failure, all motorised systems can be used freely in both directions.

GEZE UK offers a complete package of pedestrian control that includes access control and automatic doors. Said Andy Howland, Sales and Marketing Director for GEZE UK “These new products offer even more choice, several of which are like nothing else in the market. Together with GEZE automatic doors and the PACE range of access control we offer specifiers a complete package to control the flow of people in and around a building ensuring safety and security at all times for those using the building”.

UK – Enquiry 48

GEZE

Communication is key for large scale care home project

Leading manufacturer of engineered timber components, Donaldson Timber Engineering (DTE) recently completed a large-scale project with Carter Lauren Construction on the development of a new care home in Great Shelford, Cambridge.

The DTE team began an early-stage collaboration with the developers in March 2023 to complete a site visit and understand the building and the site’s requirements. The team then undertook a two-month design cycle to create the plans for the building’s roof trusses and ensure that the roof system would align with the care home’s design features and performance requirements.

The 1330 square meterage masonry building required over 530 prefabricated trusses and panels. The overall roof structure incorporated attic and flat-top trusses; vaulted areas; walkways through the trusses; party walls; gable panels, and numerous steel components. Therefore, extensive modelling was necessary in the design stage to highlight clashes with mechanical and electrical works, and where some of the building’s steel areas and units were going to interfere with truss landing points. The design team also had to incorporate split panels as the fire breaks ran perpendicular to the trusses.

The designers also took installation into serious consideration, as the site itself was small in comparison to the scale of the building. With design for erection in mind, a matching bracing line was incorporated throughout. Due to the large size of the trusses, they were split into two parts for delivery, with the lower-level trusses installed first to ensure access.

Delivered in three phases between August and December 2023, there were no issues with installation thanks to the collaboration and communication between the Donaldson team and Carter Lauren.

Lauren Brister, Design Engineer at DTE, led the design of the care home. She said: “The building had a great team of architects and engineers, which made collaboration easier. Getting involved early also meant that we could provide advice and guidance and iron out any issues right away, so the whole process was much more efficient.

“In terms of scale, this was the largest project I have ever worked on. Communication was key and I learned the value of picking up the phone and maintaining regular contact to ensure that everyone was on the same page and moving in the right direction.

“A project of this size really demonstrates the depth of experience and expertise we have across DTE. Although it was my biggest project, my colleagues had advice for every question that arose and from design

through to manufacturing and delivery, we had a solution to ensure quality and efficiency. It’s a great building with exceptional features, and I’m proud of the roof system we designed.”

The first truss phase began delivery at the start of August 2023 and the last phase was delivered at the end of November 2023.

DTE is the UK’s leading and longestestablished manufacturer and supplier of roof trusses, open web joists and I-joists, with a regional network of nine branches across the UK.

To find out more, visit www.donaldsontimberengineering.co.uk

Donaldson Timber Engineering – Enquiry 49

A.Proctor Group collaborates with park home manufacturer to deliver fire safety

The introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022 was focused around higher-risk residential buildings, defined as being above a certain number of storeys or a certain height.

But a culture of taking fire safety seriously applies to buildings of all types – and park homes designed for short-term holiday rentals are no exception.

For Lissett Homes, a manufacturer of premium park homes and lodges, one customer’s request to use a different style of cladding had ramifications beyond the aesthetic appearance of the building.

Meeting fire safety regulations for park homes Minimum heights and distances are a key feature of fire safety regulations, and it is no different for park homes and lodges.

For the two ‘Bainland’ homes under construction, they could make no assumptions about how the buildings would ultimately be positioned.

Specifying a wall membrane for the worstcase scenario The typical Lissett Homes specification features A.Proctor Group’s Proctorwrap Reflect® behind the timber cladding. However, that is based on the external cladding achieving a classification of Class 3 when tested to BS 476-7:1997 Fire tests on building materials and structures.

Method of test to determine the classification of the surface spread of flame of products. For the new ‘Bainland’ homes, the customer requested a type of vertical cladding, treated with linseed oil, which only

Carrier’s Life Cycle Asset Management event series continues

Carrier HVAC Service recently welcomed building owners and operators to its second HVAC asset management-focused event in London to learn how to maximise HVAC system performance and create healthier, more efficient indoor environments.

Carrier is part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.

Held at The Gherkin in central London, guests from various sectors, including real estate management, hospitality, healthcare, education, banking, energy, transport, and local authorities, explored how market trends are driving Carrier’s proactive performance upgrades, modernisation strategies, and predictive maintenance to enhance equipment efficiency and lifespan.

“With HVAC systems, traditional maintenance alone is no longer sufficient,” said Ralph Davies, Head of Sales, Carrier Service. “Around 80% of the buildings we have today will still be in use in 2050. In order to optimise HVAC performance, enhance energy efficiency, and drive decarbonisation efforts, organisations need to shift to a total asset management approach.”

Attendees also had the opportunity to hear about a number of recent projects where Carrier’s life cycle asset management provides substantial improvements in energy efficiency, reduced CO 2 emissions and cost savings to its customers. The asset management-focused series aims to equip professionals with the knowledge to unlock their HVAC system’s full potential.

achieves Class 4 when tested to the same standard. Combined with the uncertainty over the siting of the buildings, Lissett Homes opted to “design and build for the worst-case”.

That meant looking at incorporating a firerated vapour permeable membrane behind the cladding.

A.Proctor Group – Enquiry 50

Grant Westfield hires new Specification Manager

Grant Westfield, the UK’s manufacturer of leading wall panel brand Multipanel and sister brand, Naturepanel, has hired Jay Finch as Specification Manager for Scotland.

Jay joins the team with over 15 years’ experience in the construction and flooring specification sector, having worked in both the domestic and commercial markets. With a growing specification team and presence, the new hire by Grant Westfield will spearhead their offering across the whole of Scotland in sectors including housebuilding, social housing, hotels and the A&D community.

Grant Westfield – Enquiry 52

The Encon Group expands into North Wales

The Encon Group, the UK’s leading independent distributor of building materials, expands into North Wales with a new branch in Wrexham.

British Gypsum, part of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, has launched a groundbreaking digital construction tool that enhances the use of its Building Information Modelling (BIM) objects.

BIMlocker is a digital solution that provides an additional layer of security and support within British Gypsum systems. BIMlocker is a free plugin security wrapper that enables users to increase accuracy and accountability across projects. It seamlessly integrates with Revit software, offering enhanced data validation capabilities to mitigate potential risks of specification data corruption, without compromising the design process. Architects, specifiers, and quality controllers will benefit from BIMlocker's design preservation features.

British Gypsum – Enquiry 53

The development represents the latest investment in Encon’s national network, strengthening its distribution capabilities and service offering in the region. Encon & Nevill Long Wrexham offers the full range of specialist solutions from across the company’s four distribution divisions: Encon Insulation, Nevill Long Interior Systems, Encon Technical Solutions and Encon Construction Products. New and existing customers, from main and specialist contractors through to housebuilders and builders’ merchants, can access a wide range of building materials from leading

brands to fulfil their project requirements. Investment in a new on-site operations team and dedicated vehicle fleet ensures frequent and flexible deliveries direct to site or yard for optimal service and reassurance.

Regional Director Steve Clarke comments: “Our new Wrexham branch not only represents the latest expansion of our branch network, but also provides opportunities for customers and suppliers to grow their own operations in the region, working with a trusted and valued distributor partner. With a full specialist range and delivery service available from the branch, we can supply all the solutions our customers need, on time and to specification.”

Encon – Enquiry 54

Oyster and Burgundy provide the perfect PVD finish

New and exclusive to the luxury BAGNODESIGN brand from SANIPEX are two beautiful PVD finishes, now available on many of its popular mixers, accessories and showering ranges.

PVD Oyster is a luxurious and soft finish that perfectly complements softshaped mixer designs. Highly sought after by bathroom designers looking for a finish that elevates the entire space in a sophisticated way, PVD Oyster responds to what is a growing trend at the top end of the market.

The new finish is available on BAGNODESIGN brassware ranges including Bristol, Orology, M-Line, Corsair and the newly launched Nara collection.

In stunning contrast, BAGNODESIGN PVD Soft Burgundy is a modern and distinctive finish with a rich colour and soft brushed metallic texture. It caters to the increasing demand for warm-toned brassware, a popular trend in bathroom design.

PVD Soft Burgundy now features on two of BAGNODESIGN’s popular and contemporary mixer ranges, Vitesse and Mezzanine, giving even more creative freedom and design flair for bathrooms and washrooms

Both PVD finishes are not only beautiful, but they are also highly durable, resistant to finger marks, tarnishing, corrosion and wear. For complete peace of mind, the finish comes with a 10-year guarantee.

– Enquiry 55

Specialist insulation manufacturer recruits Simon Mayes

Acoustic, fire and thermal insulation product manufacturer AIM has appointed Simon Mayes as Specification Manager, as part of a major investment in sales and marketing.

The company produces bespoke and standard insulation products to customer specification. Simon will work with specifiers and main contractors to determine the appropriate products to help them design high quality buildings and is available to give CPD presentations. “The majority of my experience has been within specification, working with architects and main contractors,” Simon explained. “I enjoy the technical side of sales where I can help clients understand and comply with the building regulations.”

AIM – Enquiry 56

British Gypsum launches innovation in BIM

Sanipex

Characterful cast iron radiator –meet the Henley

Elaborate and stylish in its design is the new Henley from The Radiator Company, one of the largest suppliers of designer radiators in the UK and Ireland.

This ornate gothic-style cast iron radiator adds traditional elegance to any interior scheme, with all the contemporary benefits of a modern radiator. Featuring a gently curved top detail, intricate embellishment and footed ends, with the option of cast feet, Henley is a 3-column radiator that offers a sectional design approach. This means it can be made to fit non-standard spaces. Available as 81mm sections and in three heights; 470mm, 570mm and 765mm, the Henley offers true flexibility.

The Radiator Company – Enquiry 57

Carrier opens new training academy

Carrier has officially opened a new training academy at its Bracknell service and rentals depot.

The new state-of-the-art facility reinforces Carrier's dedication to training and inspiring the next generation of engineers and technicians while helping to address the skills gap in the HVAC sector. Carrier is part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.

The training academy offers trainee engineers and technicians hands-on experience with Carrier’s commercial

product portfolio, including heat pumps, chillers, and air handling units. To enhance their learning and understanding of total life cycle asset management, trainees can also gain skills in service repairs and upgrades, such as VFD (Variable Frequency Drives), refrigerant, compressor overhauls and controls, as well as modernisation and preventative and predictive maintenance.

Opening the academy is an important step towards Carrier’s Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) goal to support its customers’ shift towards sustainable solutions and avoid more than 1 gigaton of greenhouse gas emissions from their carbon footprint by 2030.

Hamworthy Heating expands low carbon range

Hamworthy Heating’s new CO2 and CO2Q range of Tyneham monobloc heat pumps with natural refrigerant help future proof investments. Designed to achieve high temperatures of up to 70°C with ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) of just one thanks to the use of R744 (CO2) refrigerant, the latest CO2 and CO2Q Tyneham heat pumps are the perfect fit for both new build projects needing an efficient and low carbon solution. Featuring a co-efficient of performance (CoP) rating of up to 3.4, the latest range also includes an invertor-controlled compressor to match the heat demand of the building accurately and efficiently.

Ideal apprentice wins ICOM award

Ideal Heating Commercial is delighted to announced that one its apprentices, Emily Wright, has won the prestigious Industrial & Commercial Heating Equipment Association ICOM Apprentice of the Year Award 2024. This is the second consecutive year the award has been handed to an Ideal Heating apprentice. Emily is currently three years in to an Engineering Design and Draughtsperson Apprenticeship Standard (NVQ), which she is undertaking alongside a Higher National Certificate (HNC) Level 4 in Mechanical Engineering. As part of her learning experience Emily has spent time in other departments within the business from procurement, engineering changes and industrial engineering.

Ideal Heating – Enquiry 60

Andrew Paddock, Managing Director Carrier Commercial HVAC UK and Nordics, said: “We recognise that a future without new talent and continual skill enhancement makes it difficult to fully embrace the electrification of heating systems and to meet net zero targets.”

Carrier – Enquiry 58

Gaia to install more underfloor heating

Underfloor heating experts – Gaia – are expecting to install even more underfloor heating in new-build developments as the new Chancellor announces plans to “get Britain building again.”

“With 1.5 million new-build homes on the way, we’re predicting that even more developers will choose to install underfloor heating as the energy efficient heating system for their projects – particularly as these homes will be built in adherence with recently changed Part L regulations and the upcoming Future Homes Standard,” states Steven Rooney, Director of Gaia Underfloor Heating. Industry experts have identified underfloor heating as a key solution to low carbon heating.

Gaia – Enquiry 61

Hamworthy Heating – Enquiry 59

Forbo helps primary school achieve Passivhaus accreditation

Architype specified a range of Forbo Flooring Systems’ environmentally conscious floor coverings to meet these important objectives on the new Riverside Primary School.

Marmoleum was supplied, with Architype also specifying a range of Forbo’s Step safety flooring and Tessera carpet tiles. Another key component for this project was safety, with the wellbeing of students and staff extremely important. As a result, Architype turned to Forbo’s Surestep and Safestep safety vinyls and Colorex SD ESD solutions. Forbo’s Coral Duo entrance flooring was used across all external doors and passageways, stairs and toilet entrances.

Forbo Flooring Systems – Enquiry 62

Supacord, Heckmondwike’s best-selling carpet celebrates over 50 years of success

Supacord is a renowned contract carpet synonymous with exceptional durability and longevity. Its palette of 42 colours and availability in both sheet and tile offers maximum versatility.

Make your tile installation more Regal

The updated Regal collection exclusively from Parkside Architectural Tiles brings a complete high performance porcelain tiling solution.

Designed for exceptional performance, Regal is the complete tiling solution from Parkside Architectural Tiles. Made up of wall and floor tiles, mosaics alongside coordinating grouts, thresholds and trims, the new-look Regal collection introduces a palette of neutral tones and different surface effects making it suitable for a large array of projects. Nine sophisticated neutral colours including tones of vanilla, grey and ash, are all available in a range of sizes so that projects can enjoy a beautifully coordinated tile installation from floor to ceiling.

Plus, Supacord has an acoustic tile backing option, ideal for reducing impact noise in schools. For over 50 years, Supacord has been considered the number one carpet for schools, colleges and universities. It is easy to clean, will not ravel or fray and it has low installation and maintenance costs. Made in the UK by Heckmondwike FB and available from stock.

Order a sample card today: www.heckmondwike-fb.com.

Heckmondwike – Enquiry 63

Make your project perform with IVC Commercial

Iperform 70 is the all-round heavy duty heterogeneous vinyl floor from IVC Commercial.

Made with the new Performance Barrier integrated protection layer, IVC Commercial’s Iperform 70 is the pinnacle of heavy duty heterogeneous vinyl. Making Iperform 70 stronger and more stable than the brand’s previous Concept 70 heavy-duty floor, Performance Barrier also enhances appearance retention for a surface that stays looking good for longer under intense use. Iperform 70 is also equipped with other features that make it ideal for areas that come under intense use but that also need a design-focused flooring solution.

IVC Commercial – Enquiry 64

Moduleo Roots Heringbone brings the vibe touch

Moduleo Roots Herringbone wood-effect luxury vinyl has given a new look to offices designed by Vibe Business Interiors, a commercial interior design and build, fit out and refurbishment company.

Used throughout the teapoint and breakout areas, as well as a border to frame Mohawk Group carpet tiles in the boardroom, the striking floor brings the outdoors in with a finish that’s durable and easy to maintain. Vibe Business Interiors opted for Moduleo Roots Herringbone in Classic Oak because of its hardwearing and practical nature, and its ability to be both professional and refreshing.

Moduleo Roots – Enquiry 66

Step Intoo a brighter future

Moduleo Intoo 55 is the no-hassle loose lay vinyl floor for office spaces that’s easy to recycle through the Recover programme. Made to be installed with tackifier rather than fully bonded, Intoo 55 is fitted in exactly the same way as carpet tiles and compatible with raised access flooring for a no-hassle vinyl floor in receptions, working areas, breakout spaces, canteens, kitchens and tea stations. Fully bonding to the subfloor is not only more hassle, but it also makes it harder to remove the vinyl floor at the end of its life and much more difficult to recycle.

IVC Commercial – Enquiry 67

Parkside – Enquiry 65

Higher Design. Lower Energy.

Introducing Sovereign; energy efficient designer radiators.

Elevate your space with a stylish and modern heating solution that delivers on energy efficiency. Perfect for schools, colleges, universities, offices, care homes and other commercial settings. Make a statement or subtly enhance the design aesthetic with Sovereign designer radiators, the perfect balance of style and sustainability.