Specification Magazine April 2023

Airtightness simplified for residential development in Dublin new town

Wraptite® the only self-adhering vapour permeable air barrier certified by the BBA is at the heart of an innovative mixed-use town centre development in south Dublin.

The Cherrywood project is a Strategic Development Zone that will create a new town including over 7,700 new homes, six schools, three major parks, and retail and leisure facilities. The Cherrywood TC4 scheme consists of 520 residential units with ground-floor retail and private communal areas with a total area of circa 48,550sqm.

TC4 residential project design was by architects Henry J Lyons on behalf of clients Hines and APG. The main contractors for the project are Sisk.

Partition and ceiling specialist contractor Platt Reilly installed the Wraptite System as an external air barrier and alternative to a traditional standard breather membrane. The use of conventional membranes require mechanical fixing and add to the overall installation time. In this case, the Wraptite self-adhesive membrane was applied externally, quickly and easily to the external steel frame in continuous pieces. The self-adhered nature of Wraptite and its high level of water resistance and simplified detailing made it an ideal choice.

Wraptite is designed as an effective vapour permeable air barrier to maximise the energy efficiency of buildings, combining the critical properties of vapour permeability and airtightness in one self-adhering membrane.

There are significant benefits to incorporating the Wraptite System within the facade design. First, the use of Wraptite helps ensure “as-designed” performance, narrowing the gap between as-designed and actual energy performance and reducing the likelihood of potential failures to meet required airtightness levels.

Wraptite is applied externally, quickly and efficiently as part of the cladding system. Traditional internal air barriers will need to accommodate building services such as electrical, lighting, heating and drainage systems, increasing the gap between as designed and built. However, installing the Wraptite membrane allows bonding to virtually any substrate and requires no mechanical attachment, seals or tapes to suppress air leakage around junctions or penetrations.

The high vapour permeability of Wraptite means that the substrate beneath will dry quickly, and moisture vapour can escape, reducing the likelihood of mould, mildew, condensation, timber distortion and metal corrosion.

Wraptite is Class B1,s1,d0*, compliant with Part B regulation changes, and can be used in the external wall systems of buildings over 18m in height, both as a continuous layer on sheathing board, behind fire classified insulation, and for use to tape joints in insulation behind rainscreen.

Wraptite, a strong robust external air barrier designed to keep buildings airtight and dry. Easy to install, it combines the best properties of a vapour permeable membrane and an airtight membrane in one affordable, self-adhering product.

Industrial Roof Safety Solutions. Safe roof access & fall protection from Bilco.

Our standard range of simple, permanent roof safety products enable safe and easy access on to the roof.

Companionway ladders and fixed vertical ladders offer solutions for access via roof access hatches or smoke vents.

For added safety and fall protection ask about our Ladder Up® safety post and Bilguard® railing system.

Manufactured to the highest standard, they comply with National Building Regulations.

So the next time you need safe roof access, make sure it’s a Bilco.

Coalition calls on Government to take bolder action on building safety

RIBA and seven built environment bodies, fire safety organisations and disability rights groups have signed a joint letter to Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Rt Hon Michael Gove MP.

The united call urges the Government to reduce the height threshold for more than one staircase in new residential buildings to 18 metres (approximately six storeys), from the government’s current proposed 30 metres (approximately ten storeys).

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has written to the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State at the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities. The letter, signed by eight organisations representing the built environment sector, fire safety and disability rights, urges him to reduce the proposed 30 metre height threshold for an additional staircase in new residential buildings.

The coalition are calling on government to reduce the height threshold for more than one staircase to 18 metres –implementing what we believe to be best practice, improving safety for occupants, and harmonising standards with the wider regulatory environment. This would also align with rules in Scotland, where an additional staircase from 18 metres has been required for four years.

RIBA President Simon Allford said: “Five years have passed since the fire at Grenfell Tower, and still we must make the case and take bolder action to help prevent further avoidable tragedies. Decisive action to make buildings as safe as is reasonably possible is long overdue. We urge the Government to improve fire safety standards - and clarity on appropriate staircase design and provision is essential.

“We know that greater numbers of people are evacuating rather than ‘staying put’ during fire incidents post-Grenfell and we must ensure occupants have access to a safe, smoke-free evacuation route.

“The Government’s current proposal fails to address our shared concerns. We stand ready to support government action on addressing all our concerns.”

A fresh angle on decorative casings from Encasement.

Decorative architectural casings can address a number of issues, often simultaneously, including improving aesthetics and concealing structural elements, as well as providing protection to the fabric of a building.

Also, the diverse range of finishes available, makes them highly adaptable and able to integrate with a building’s design scheme, for both new build and refurbishment projects.

This combination of aesthetics, versatility and practicality are key characteristics of the Vecta building linings and Verta column casings ranges, manufactured by Peterborough based specialist, Encasement Ltd.

See pages 18-19 for more information.

Enquiry - 5

TSP Media Ltd, Grosvenor House, Central Park, Telford, TF2 9TW

T: 01952 234000

E: info@tspmedia.co.uk

Bespoke parabolic casings at Birmingham Dental Hospital.

Inaugural conference for new building safety regulator

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has held its first national annual conference to support industry and dutyholders in preparing for new building safety regulations in England.

The event, held at the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster, saw more than 900 practitioners come together including architects, landlords and building control professionals – all keen to raise their awareness and understanding of what the BSR will expect from them over the next 18 months.

This is the largest event held by the regulator since being established, and as such it provided the first opportunity for representatives from across the industry to engage with those leading the regime.

The conference featured a topical programme of information, learning and interactive Q&A sessions with senior BSR policy leads, and key industry representatives, who offered delegates valuable insights into the robust regulatory regime and guidance on the legal duties and requirements under the Building Safety Act 2022.

A notable session was headlined by Dame Judith Hackitt on the Industry Safety Steering Group’s third report in which she discussed culture change in the built environment industry.

The conference comes at a ‘milestone moment’ for building safety as the registration process for high-rise residential buildings (HRBs) is set to begin in April.

Owners and managers of approximately 12,500 HRBs in England will have until the 1 October 2023 to register with the Building Safety Regulator or face investigation and prosecution.

Key information around this crucial registration stage was covered in detail throughout the event to help dutyholders better understand how to comply. Other sessions that proved popular with delegates included presentations on the HRB planning, design and construction gateways and the drive to increase competency across the industry.

In his keynote speech, Minister for Building Safety, Lee Rowley MP set out the importance of collaboration to delivering better standards: “We need to ensure that those working in the building industry have the knowledge and confidence to properly engage with this new regime and make it a success.”

HSE Chief Executive Sarah Albon said: “Over the past 18 months, we have been talking directly to residents and to resident groups – listening to their concerns, trying to understand what would give them the reassurance they need, and to make sure we take the steps needed to get this right.

“People must be safe in their own homes –and they must feel safe too.

“You all have a really important part to play in ensuring that we can set up this new regime successfully and that HSE can continue, through the BSR, to protect people and places.”

Chief Inspector of Buildings Peter Baker said: “The regulatory reforms that will start from April will ensure that you all lead the behaviour change that is needed and do what is required to protect residents. They also introduce a new regulator ‘with teeth’ to hold to account those who chose not to learn the lessons and improve.”

Spending watchdog urges rethink on HS2’s plans for Euston

The government should use the two-year pause on new construction work at HS2 Euston to develop a design that is affordable, deliverable and value for money, according to a new National Audit Office report.

In March 2023, following an announcement by the Transport Secretary, the Department for Transport (DfT) deferred work on HS2 Euston and Phase 2a (Birmingham to Crewe) due to inflationary pressures.

At Euston, HS2 Ltd also reported in March 2023 that the latest cost estimate for the 10-platform design is £4.8 billion, £2.2 billion more than its budget.

In January 2020 the NAO reported that the work at Euston was more complex than originally anticipated and that there was uncertainty over the HS2 station design.

Gareth Davies, the head of the NAO said: “Government is once again having to revise plans for Euston HS2. Clearly, the 2020 reset of the station design has not succeeded. DfT and HS2 Ltd have not been able to develop an affordable scope that is integrated with other activity at Euston, despite their focus on costs and governance since 2020. Recent high inflation has added to the challenge.

“The March 2023 announcement by the Transport Secretary pausing new construction work should now give DfT and HS2 Ltd the necessary time to put the HS2 Euston project on a more realistic and stable footing. However, the deferral of spending to manage inflationary pressures will lead to additional costs and potentially a more expensive project overall, and that will need to be managed closely.”

Versatile, hygienic & durable

PENDOCK WASHROOM SOLUTIONS

The Pendock Washroom range provides architects and specifiers with a comprehensive range of cubicle and washroom solutions for single and multicubicle installations, including IPS duct panel systems, solid surface wash troughs & vanity products.

From the bespoke ‘Ultimate’ cubicles, which use BioCarbon® zero carbon compact laminates, to the durable ‘Robust’ for wet and high traffic environments, and the versatile ‘Classic Plus’ range, Pendock Washroom systems combine practicality and aesthetics.

Material options: Melamine faced chipboard (MFC); High pressure laminate (HPL); BioCarbon® zero carbon compact laminate (CL) Product range:

Pendock Washroom is part of our extensive range of casings, enclosures and decorative architectural solutions.

CIOB and RIBA publish guide on high-risk elements of buildings

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have jointly published a free guide to managing Safety-Critical Elements (SCEs) in building construction, for their members and the wider built environment sector.

The Guide to Managing Safety-Critical Elements in Building Construction helps to identify high-risk elements in and around buildings. It outlines systems that should be adopted to ensure that SCEs are properly incorporated and will serve as an important tool to ensure good practice and deliver safe, high-quality buildings.

The joint guide recognises the cross-industry need for a rigorous and structured approach to the design, construction and inspection of safety-critical building elements.

The guide highlights elements that, if omitted or installed incorrectly, can pose significant risk to people in and around buildings, including:

• Safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters

• Combustibility of cladding and insulating materials

• Effective fire compartmentation including smoke control, firestopping, cavity-barriers and fire doors

• Structural integrity of masonry cladding panels and the proper incorporation

Glenigan maps out success

Glenigan, a leading provider of UK construction market intelligence, announces the launch of its new mapping enhancement.

A new feature within Glenigan’s powerful projects and prospects data platform, the mapping tool makes it easier than ever for users to identify opportunities across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Importantly, customers can see opportunity hotspots, presented at scale on an accurate, interactive map of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Users can pinpoint opportunities by drawing bespoke areas directly on to the map, easily defining sales territories or highly-specific search zones. The mapping feature even offers a search by radius, which can be user-defined.

It also presents the ability to search by drive time from a specified location, helping customers to develop more precise sales and promotional strategies within their locality or further afield.

of necessary brick accessories into them including fixings, bed-joint reinforcement, wind posts and ties

• Structural integrity of balconies

CIOB past President Paul Nash, who chaired the Safety-Critical Elements working group, said: “At its heart, this guide is about ensuring that the buildings we create are safe for those who use them. That means ensuring every element that goes into a building is designed and installed correctly and this is independently verified before a building is occupied.

“The guide is another step towards creating a safer built environment.”

Former President of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) and current member of RIBA’s Expert Advisory Group on Fire Safety Professor John Cole CBE said: “This guide is a spur to the industry. We have seen much evidence showing how poorly SafetyCritical Elements have been installed in too many buildings. We all have to stand up, be serious and take appropriate responsibility.

“We want to push the industry to ensure that, on every project, all SCEs that could potentially impact the safety of future building users are properly designed, installed and inspected, with supporting evidence of compliance.”

Foster + Partners designs seafront masterplan

Foster + Partners is working closely with Petrolina Group to design a masterplan that will transform Larnaca’s seafront into a thriving and sustainable community for the city’s residents, future generations and new visitors.

The Land of Tomorrow masterplan gives back to Larnaca by enhancing the land’s ecological value and doubling the length of the waterfront that is accessible to the public.

The new development is carefully stitched into the existing urban fabric and acts as a catalyst for expansion towards the north of the city.

That’s not all, building on Glenigan’s unrivalled reputation for correct and comprehensive built environment data and information, the enhancement goes even further.

An industry first, the tool enables customers to target key decision-makers where they work, by searching for offices to help build

an intuitive target list, perfect for regional sales teams. It provides yet another layer of intelligence to better identify project opportunities and leads.

Searches can be saved, to be analysed, revisited at a later date, or exported to add into presentations, reports, and printouts.

applications

Our 5000 Series aluminium floor access covers are designed for hard floor finishes, suitable for pedestrian only traffic.

For flexible floor finishes our Visedge® product with its unique double seal is ideal for environments where cleanliness, hygiene and durability are paramount.

Quick and easy to install in single or short duct run configurations they ensure safe access to services concealed beneath the floor.

Given the choice, why would you specify anything less?

Embodied carbon –does your insulation specification add up

Changes to Approved Document mean the industry is focused on building energy efficiency. But Vanessa Rae, Marketing & Sustainability Director at Knauf Insulation warns, there can be no path to net zero unless embodied carbon is also considered.

Approximately 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the construction and maintenance of buildings. Architects are already reducing operational carbon through energy-efficient design. But this doesn’t affect embodied carbon – the carbon produced during a building’s lifecycle from construction through to demolition, as well as from the production and the construction process.

While there’s no legislation yet, it’s widely anticipated. RIBA has set the 2030 challenge, which includes targets for reducing embodied carbon by at least 40% depending on the type of building. But it also states that architects should already be aiming for the 2030 figure. Embodied carbon is also a factor in the BREEAM and LEED assessment criteria.

This means embodied carbon must form part of the design strategy and specification process now.

The amount of embodied carbon in a building quickly adds up, especially when some construction products have exceptionally high levels. So, it makes sense to look for the ‘low-hanging fruit’ – products where compromise is unnecessary.

Products, such as insulation, that deliver the performance you need for a modern, sustainable building but are also low in embodied carbon.

How it’s made counts

Every construction product has a different carbon footprint, including those that perform the same function such as mineral wool and rigid board insulation. So, the key to this ‘quick win’ is to understand the factors that contribute to embodied carbon.

Rigid board insulation products are manufactured using oil-based ingredients while mineral wool insulation is made from materials that come from naturally abundant sources or are recycled, reducing the use of virgin materials and waste to landfill.

Another consideration is how the product obtains its thermal resistance. Rigid boards contain Pentane, which has a global warming potential (based on levels of embodied carbon) that is 5 or 10 times more harmful than CO2. In comparison, mineral wool insulation simply uses trapped air which has a global warming potential of zero.

Embodied carbon can also vary between products made from the same material. For example, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder ECOSE® Technology, is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders. It is also made from natural, rapidly renewable raw materials.

Then there’s transport. As well as choosing a UK manufacturer, consideration should also be given to the packaging. Unlike rigid boards, glass mineral wool insulation can be compressed during packaging process, so there’s more product per pack and packs per pallet. This means more insulation can be transported in one go, reducing the number of trucks on the roads and transport-related carbon emissions.

Accurate information is essential

Of course, architects and specifiers can only calculate the embodied carbon of their projects if they have accurate product data.

There are a variety of sources available including the manufacturer’s Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)

to EN 15804 or Life Cycle Assessments (LCA). Other accreditations include BES 6001 for responsible sourcing within the construction supply chain and the DECLARE label, which brings transparency to sustainability claims. It lists a product’s ingredients and life expectancy, as well as verified responsible sourcing.

Architects’ legacies are the buildings they design. By specifying products such as mineral wool insulation that are low in embodied carbon, they will ensure their buildings perform in the real world and create a legacy that will deliver for many years to come.

Knauf Insulation – Enquiry 8

Project: Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen

Architects: MVRDV

Suppliers: Pyroguard; Jansen; Rolflex; Silo

Creating a unique facility that mirrors its environment

Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, the world’s first publicity accessible art storage facility. A stunning ovoid shaped building standing 40m tall, with reflective mirrors covering its surface, the depot receives anywhere from 150,000 to 250,000 visitors a year.

With 1,664 mirrored panels all the way round its circumference the building reflects back the sights and scenery of the Museumpark.

With the ground-level footprint being small, the building curves upwards and outwards and features an expansive rooftop forest, further integrating the project into the surrounding environment.

While most museums only showcase around six to seven percent of their collections, visitors to the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen can see the result of 173 years of collecting, with more than 151,000 objects housed together in 14 storage compartments, totalling 15,000 m2 of space.

insulation makes the building energy neutral with regards to building-related energy consumption.

Rainwater will be stored in the basement and used for irrigation and toilet facilities, reducing the building’s water consumption.

This water storage, combined with the green roofs, makes water run-off minimal, with any remaining run-off directed into the pond of Het Nieuw Instituut, which is converted into a water basin for the surroundings. In this way, the Depot can be disconnected from the sewage system for rainwater.

Safety first

Based in historic Rotterdam in The Netherlands and next door to the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen is designed to complement its surroundings.

Sustainability is an important feature in the design. The building includes many features to reduce the use of energy and water during its operation.

A combination of geothermal heat exchange, solar panels, LED lighting, and high-performance

To ensure the protection and safety not only of the artwork, but also the infrastructure of the building and its staff and visitors, Pyroguard’s expertise and technical knowledge were key in helping to develop specific products, which would enable the project requirements to be properly met. >>

Howells Patent Glazing, experts since 1973 in manufacturing, supply and installation of unique roof glazing systems for the private, public and commercial sectors.

• Northlights, double and single pitch rooflights, patent glazing, canopies, vents & guttering

• Auto CAD drawings

• U values of 0.4w/m2 (under specialist conditions)

• Weather tightness tested to current British standards

• Quality assurance to ISO 9001:2015

• Members of council for aluminium in building

• Railway stations, shopping centres, schools, heritage buildings, industrial & commercial buildings, together with domestic applications, swimming pools and conservatories

• Prebuilt range rooflights, 14 day turnaround

>> In collaboration with ZNR (Zuid-Nederlandse Ramenfabriek), Pyroguard Protect fire safety glass was installed throughout the building’s internal partitions, providing a high-performance 1B1 impact protection and EI60 fire resistance.

An Attackguard counterpane of the highest rating was also used, creating a unique multifunctional composition providing additional security to the valuable museum contents.

With some of the glass panes weighing over 1000 kg, the project presented some unique challenges. On top of this, the requirement for high levels of fire protection and burglary resistance resulted in a glazing system that had not been tested before the time of specification.

As a result, Pyroguard worked closely with ZNR to design the glazing system and co-ordinate project specific fire tests with Efectis, France to ascertain its performance. These tests were successful, and with certification granted the team could proceed with the installation.

Speaking about the project, Jorn Jochems, Commercial Director at ZNR, said “When it came to working on a project of this scale we knew Pyroguard would be the perfect fit, their extensive expertise in the field of fire safety glass and the multi-functionality of their products gave us the reassurance we needed to achieve the unique requirements set out in this project.

“With the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, it was essential that we had a glazing system that was not only fire resistant but also burglary resistant too, Pyroguard Protect ticked both of these boxes.

“Pyroguard’s professional and collaborative approach throughout the project proved instrumental in helping us to get the result we wanted and we look forward to working with them again in the near future.”

Opened in November 2021 by King WillemAlexander, the Depot is multi-award winning, including the Rooftop Award in 2020, the Glass Award in 2021 and the Rotterdam Architecture Prize in 2022, among others.

Versatile decorative casingsEncasement’s complete solution

Specifiers have an immense array of options available to them when creating interior and exterior designs that are both attractive and practical, yet some of the most adaptable, versatile and widely used decorative solutions are column casings and building linings.

already used in a wide range of projects in the education, health, commercial, hotel & leisure sectors, as well as application in transport, retail and public buildings.

Although usually specified for interior applications, some Vecta metal solutions, such as soffit linings and bulkheads, are also suitable for exterior projects, as they are inherently weather resistant. All Encasement’s building lining solutions are bespoke manufactured to meet individual project requirements and can be grouped into three broad categories.

Wall linings

Suitable for use in both interior and exterior applications where decorative or protective solutions are required, Vecta wall linings are ideal for environments where there are high levels of pedestrian traffic, such as transport hubs, retail or commercial buildings, to resist damage to internal walls.

Architectural casings are a common feature in building design as they can address a number of issues, often simultaneously, such as improving aesthetics and concealing structural elements, as well as providing protection to the fabric of a building, a particular strength of building linings.

In addition, the diverse range of finishes available, makes them highly adaptable and able to integrate with a building’s design scheme, for both new build and refurbishment projects.

This combination of aesthetics, versatility and practicality are key characteristics of two core product ranges manufactured by Peterborough based specialist, Encasement - Vecta building linings and Verta column casings.

Vecta building linings

The Vecta building linings range is a comprehensive bespoke interior finishing system, designed for use on stand-alone projects, as well as easily combining with the company’s Verta column casings where an integrated solutions is required.

Building linings can be specified to perform several functions, but are chiefly centred on their ability to improve aesthetics or provide a practical solution to a specific requirement, such as protecting interior walls in high traffic areas.

Also, by using different finishes and materials, they can also indicate separation between interior zones or act as colour coded signalling for exterior applications to highlight building entrances or access points, for example.

To meet these requirements, Vecta incorporates high quality wall linings and lift lobby linings, as well as reveals, soffit linings and bulkheads. As the lining specification will depend on factors such as the intended use of the space, aesthetics, and the performance requirements of the building, a choice of materials is available within the range.

Vecta metal wall linings are available in natural, brushed, anodised and PPC coated aluminium, stainless steel and textured materials, including Rimex, while compact laminate options can be specified in a wide palette of colours or incorporate custom images and graphics for unique interior designs.

As a result of this combination of materials, finish options and design versatility, both metal and compact laminate wall linings are

Aluminium and stainless steel are commonly specified, although compact laminates are also widely used, as the almost limitless choice of laminate colours and textured finishes provides an extensive range of specification options. However, the material specification is highly dependent on each application and whether it is an interior or exterior location.

Lift lobby linings

A fundamental part of many commercial interiors, lift lobby linings help convey the character and style of a building by integrating with its overall design scheme. Similar to wall linings, a wide range of materials and finishes can be specified to provide increased design versatility for projects where aesthetics are a primary consideration.

Bulkheads, soffits & reveals

Whether the requirement is for extensive services bulkheads, practical and decorative soffits or stylish lift reveals, Vecta provides a range of versatile and adaptable solutions.

Stainless steel lift lobby linings - Carmine Building, London

Textured stainless steel soffit linings - Twickenham

Compact laminate wall linings - Oakham

Manufactured primarily from brushed or PPC aluminium as well as stainless steel, they are widely used to combine durable and decorative finishes with practical functionality, such as concealing building services, pipework or mechanical and electrical components.

Verta column casings

The Verta range is widely specified and installed on a range of projects across various sectors, including retail, education and healthcare, as well as hotel, sport & leisure, commercial refurbishment and building re-purposing.

A key factor behind this project diversity is the number of options available to specifiers, which include a choice of materials and a broad palette of finishes, together with the ability to select standard shapes and sizes or to specify bespoke manufactured designs.

The Verta range incorporates six separate products, including Circa pre-formed MDF and plywood Quadra casings, manufactured from UKTR compliant and sustainably sourced timbers, together with the Forma metal range.

Alongside these, the Polyma GRP and Gypra GRG casings are moulded from glass reinforced polymer and glass reinforced gypsum, respectively. The range is completed by Metza, a specialised solution for use with mezzanine floors that provides up to 2 hours fire protection to the floor support columns.

While all Verta column casings are suitable for interior use, Forma and Polyma are also widely used for exterior projects, due to their inherent weather resistance and durability. Available in aluminium or stainless steel, Forma casings can be specified as circles, with diameters from 250mm up to 1000mm, in addition to square and rectangular or unique custom profiles.

British Standard and RAL colour PPC finishes are available, alongside brushed, anodised, embossed and textured options.

Durability and colour choice are also features of the moulded Polyma GRP casings. This manufacturing method allows a high degree of design versatility with shape; size and colour options all open to specification to meet bespoke project requirements.

Projects, such as Winchester College and Premier Inn’s Cardiff Bay hotel, plus the main reception at Tetrosyl’s corporate HQ in Rochdale and the unique parabolic profiles at Birmingham Dental Hospital, all demonstrate the versatility of Forma and Polyma bespoke casings in both exterior and interior applications.

As Circa and Quadra casings are manufactured from pre-formed MDF and plywood respectively, they are designed purely for interior use. Within each range, circular and square profiles can be specified in a wide range of sizes, as well as extended circles and rectangular profiles that use additional presized infill panels for even greater versatility.

Like other column casings in the range, a wide choice of finish options is available, with decorative high-pressure laminate (HPL) being the most popular for both Circa and Quadra. In addition to resisting damage, scuffs and scratches, HPL offers an extensive range of finishes, including plain colours, wood grains and metallics, as well as textured and real wood veneers. Circa is also available as an unfinished plain casing for on-site painting and decoration.

Among the many Circa installations, are Liverpool University, Gateshead International Stadium and Gatwick Airport South Terminal while typical Quadra projects include Worksop Bus Terminal, Farnborough College Sixth Form Centre and the Dame Kelly Holmes Sports Centre.

Encasement – Enquiry 5

Bespoke elliptical aluminium column casings - Tetrosyl HQ

Polyma GRP casings - Premier Inn, Cardiff

Forma metal column casings - Porsche West London

How modular anchors provide greater flexibility in concrete applications

Anchoring into concrete need not be constrained by convention. In the past shallow concrete depth, spacing restrictions and edge distances have been major hurdles to cost effective anchoring because it has resulted in the need for custom-made solutions with lengthy lead times.

Today, however, modular concrete anchors from EJOT are redefining the possibilities. Its LIEBIG Superplus BLS is an innovative type of anchor which is selfundercutting and requires no special setting tool during installation.

Importantly, this gives the anchor excellent performance characteristics with a relatively small diameter, making it particularly effective for applications where only a shallow embedment depth is possible or where there is a need to either anchor at reduced spacings or close to the edge of the concrete.

This enables savings to be made on baseplates which can be smaller than usual when anchoring with Superplus.

Two embedment depths in one anchor

The Superplus BLS is a unique heavy duty anchor because it enables two embedment depths per anchor diameter. This gives far greater flexibility to the designer to enable the embedment depth necessary to satisfy the design criteria to be met without a need to change baseplate design.

By increasing the anchor length, as defined by both the effective embedment depth and thickness of the member to be fastened, a greater volume of concrete can be activated by the anchor, increasing the concrete capacity and thus the tensile resistance of the anchorage.

So, for example, if the baseplate is manufactured with a given hole diameter, but in some areas of the project a greater resistance is required, then the option is there to use the same Superplus BLS anchor for both.

The diameter will be the same, but the longer embedment depth achieves a higher tensile strength, and the ultimate benefit is a saving on extra manufacturing costs.

How the cone of influence is key to performance

This anchor’s versatility comes from the utilisation of a larger cone of influence that is created, resulting from embedding the anchor deeper in the concrete. Increased embedment depth = increase cone volume = increased cone surface area = increased tensile resistance.

Crucially, this cone of influence also has an impact on the spaces permissible between anchors and how close they can be used to the edge of the concrete. Being able to use anchors at closer points is beneficial in situations/applications such as tunnel ventilation fans and overhead catenary supports where the position of the support may be close to the edge of a precast tunnel segment.

With any mechanical anchor, the size of the cone is dependent not only on the embedment depth, but also on the way the anchor engages with the concrete.

Expansion anchors, for example, require larger cones of influence compared to undercut anchors. Whilst cones are allowed to overlap, the minimum anchor spacing for undercut BLS anchors is significantly less that it would be for a normal heavy duty expansion anchor.

Easy to tailor to the application

The modular design of Superplus BLS adds to its flexibility further because bespoke lengths of the main threaded bolt and simple adjustments to the distance sleeve, which relates directly to the base plate thickness, can be made by EJOT with relative ease. So, for example, where a stand-off is required from the concrete, such as to allow for anchor testing to be conducted after the anchor is installed, this can be accommodated simply by using a longer threaded bolt length. And all this is achieved without the cost and long lead times normally associated with custom-made solutions.

This customisation flexibility was one of the reasons behind Superplus BLS being specified for the attachment of thirty concrete silos on a major construction site for HS2. The silos were needed during the construction of Old Oak Common station in west London where six sub-surface platforms are being created by forming an 850-metre long, 750,000 cubic metre concrete box.

This concrete is being cast on site from a large batching plant where engineers had to ensure silos could be securely attached to a concrete slab of varying thicknesses quickly, and to a structurally reliable standard. Superplus BLS was able to meet this brief and accommodate the wind loads and variable loading conditions due to filling and emptying of the silos.

Another very different example of the flexibility offered by Superplus BLS is its specification within a jet engine testing facility. Here Superplus BLS-P anchors –which feature a hex nut, washer and threaded stud – were produced with an extended threaded rod. This met the specification for providing a way to remove and replace the test machinery as required without loss of performance from the anchors.

Offering the best of both worlds

In reality, however, most applications by nature are non-standard. So what better an approach than that of Superplus BLS which is highly configurable to the client requirements, rather than expecting the application to be designed in a way that suits what the anchor demands.

That is why Superplus BLS offers the best of both worlds – a standard size range of products that will suit application ranges ‘off the shelf’, as well as the flexibility to modify in a high percentage specifications to deliver the right solution.

Superplus BLS is part of a wide range of LIEBIG and EJOT anchoring solutions which also includes advanced chemical based systems, concrete screws and through-bolts to cater for every type of concrete and solid base application.

For technical, specification and installation support for anchoring systems, contact EJOT UK on 01977 687040 or email liebig@ejot.co.uk. Find out more at www.ejot.co.uk/LIEBIG_BLS

EJOT – Enquiry 14

Performance assured through UKTA and ETA approval

When the LEIBIG Superplus BLS range of self-undercutting heavy duty anchors received UKTA (UK Technical Assessment) certification last year, it became one of the first products of its kind to be able to demonstrate compliance with UK standards and those set by the European Union.

Despite an extension to the validity of the CE mark in the UK until June 2025, the UKCA is here to stay, and it will be required for any building products used in the home market after that date.

For non-harmonised products including anchors, this makes a UKTA certificate essential. Products which have this marking already, like the Superplus BLS, can therefore be specified and used with confidence in light of the transition from CE marking to the UKCA mark.

The UKTA effectively futureproofs the Superplus BLS anchor, which is widely used in nuclear power plants due to its extended seismic approvals, including those beyond the existing ETA.

EJOT UK worked with the BBA (British Board of Agrément) to complete the independent assessment, checking its performance data against British and European standards.

3 3 3

Blue and Green roofs are recognised by DEFRA* as Sustainable Urban Drainage Solutions (SuDS), providing storm water attenuation and reducing surface water run-off.

*The review for implementation of Schedule 3 to The Flood and Water Management Act 2010, January 2023

Seven pillars to safer spaces

Given the recent consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), there has been much conversation on ‘well-designed’ and ‘beautiful’ public spaces. At present, the NPPF requires spaces to be ‘safe, inclusive and accessible’ while promoting ‘health and well-being…and where crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine the quality of life or community cohesion and resilience.’

For those responsible for planning and creating such spaces, the practicality of achieving such objectives while also delivering on factors such as biodiversity and budget is a complex and multifaceted challenge.

To help, we recently conducted research into public perceptions of safety in shared spaces. Responses revealed that 77% of people think about their safety when out and about in public at least some of the time, and at night, people are nearly four times more likely to be concerned about their safety and wellbeing in certain locations.

Taking insight from the research, we have then created a set of guiding design principles to help people feel safer in public spaces, whether day or night, all of which should be considered during the inception of any public realm project to ensure safety is seamlessly integrated.

• Eyes on the street, vision, wayfinding and acoustics

Our research revealed that 64% of people walk a longer route that is busier or better lit when it’s dark. In contrast to home life, the feeling of being overlooked by ‘eyes on the street’ can be a welcomed factor towards safety.

How much someone can see or hear has a big impact on how safe they feel in a space. Under the design pillars of vision, wayfinding and acoustics, our Creating Safer Spaces white paper considers practical adjustments that can be made, such as the height of shrubbery, or the use of materials that better absorb sound. The strategic positioning of lighting is another example of a solution that can improve the safety perceptions of a space by giving the impression the area is well-looked-after and possibly monitored.

• Accessibility, familiarity, technology and maintenance

Accessibility is a design pillar to promote inclusivity, but also to reduce feelings of vulnerability, a key consideration given 80% of our research respondents with disabilities stated that they feel vulnerable in spaces after dark.

Familiarity is a further principle exploring how we can create feelings of safety by designing with recognisable features and local area characteristics in mind.

The Creating Safer Spaces white paper also considers that when you combine familiarity with technology such as CCTV cameras, and good maintenance, it can act as a deterrent for crime.

• Designing for dark

Perceptions of safety at day and night differed enormously in our research, with respondents 12 times more likely to avoid certain areas than in daylight hours.

Often overlooked, designing for dark is a critical principle explored in the white paper, not only for its impact on feelings of safety but financial implications too. >>

Johanna Elvidge, Head of Design at Building Materials Specialist Marshalls, shares best practice principles that are critical to safer, well-designed spaces.

Marshalls

Marshalls

ULTIMA SPANDREL PANELS

Our ULTIMA range of spandrel panels are engineered so that each layer of the panel’s composition works together to produce a spandrel with outstanding mechanical properties, thermal efficiency and durability.

Each layer of the composite product has been tested to EN ISO 1716 in order to ascertain its GHC value.

ULTIMA A2 spandrel panels have been tested to EN 13501-1 standards and achieved an A2-s1,d0 reaction to fire classification.

Panels are tested as a full unit to EN 13823 to determine their rate of heat release and production of smoke and flaming droplets.

Achieving an A2-s1,d0 rating requires the adhesive to be administered under strict regulations, within a factory environment and in a precisely calibrated manner.

The ULTIMA A2 range of spandrel panels are vacuum bonded within a temperature and humidity-controlled factory. This ensures the thickness of adhesive is controlled to within the limits allowable under the ULTIMA A2 EN 13501-1 classification.

>> Stadium takes shape

The primary concrete structure in all four stands at Everton Stadium is now complete.

The final roof slab on top of the east stand marks another major milestone in the development. Work on both the east and west stands now turns towards completing the upper bowl of the stadium.

The progress of this is already clearly visible in the west stand, where upper tier steelwork on top of the concrete structure has led to the ongoing installation of terracing units and a retaining wall to the rear.

The east stand will soon begin to mirror that pattern, with the steel raker beams next to be installed ahead of the terracing.

Roofing work on the west stand is due to commence in late April, or early May, while the first of the three planned lifts that will lead to the final, full-span roof truss in the south stand should take place this coming week, weather permitting.

Meanwhile, another major change will see the first of the four tower cranes - in the south west corner - dismantled in the next few days.

The cranes, ranging from 60m-80m high, were initially installed during June of 2022, to help pull together the steel structure that forms the skeleton of the new 52,888-seater stadium. With that now in place, the heavy lifting work is nearing completion, leading to a planned programme of removal.

Externally, excavations have also begun, at ground level, in the space between the east stand and Hydraulic Tower, for the installation of two giant underground tanks which will be used to harvest rainwater.

Sheet piling is being driven into the ground, which will create a working space to eventually house the subterranean tanks, which will sustainably collect rainwater to be used across the stadium, for example in flushing toilets.

On the Western Terrace, work is also continuing to develop the outside area for broadcasters, along with the installation of an electricity sub-station to serve the stadium.

Everton Stadium

Everton Stadium

Tamlite’s

CITY Range

creates a balance between light and darkness. Tamlite recognises that the objectives of exterior lighting are to make buildings more secure, make people feel safer and to enhance and protect outdoor spaces, shielding the natural world from light pollution and glare.

The Tamlite CITY range of urban luminaires delivers high quality lighting for a wide variety of applications, and addresses the key requirements of exterior lighting.

CITY OS

LOW PRESSURE? NO PROBLEM.

AQUABOOST COLD WATER BOOSTING SYSTEMS

Experience optimal water pressure with Aquaboost! Our water boosting sets are designed to provide a quiet, space-efficient, and hassle-free installation for both homes and businesses. Our high quality pumps with variable speed controls expertly solve low water pressure problems for a wide range of applications. Don’t settle for weak water pressure - upgrade to Aquaboost today!

Explore the range at stuart-turner.co.uk/aquaboost

Baroque grandeur and millennial aspiration at hospitality venue

One of only three Radisson RED hotels in the UK is due to open after a £20m refurbishment of an iconic 150-years old Grade II listed building.

Helping create the perfect atmosphere for the brand’s target guest base of millennials are ventilation diffusers designed and manufactured by Gilberts Blackpool.

Now, a combination of LG linear bar grilles, GECA egg crate grilles and GSJA swirl diffusers deliver effective ventilation throughout the seven-storey former North Western Hall Hotel in Liverpool’s iconic Lime St.

Finished in either matt black or pure white with a 20% gloss finish, some 400+ LG fine line linear bar grilles fitted with TCB top entry plenums to deliver a balanced, continuous

airflow have been fitted predominantly in the 201 bedrooms.

LG grilles in runs up to 3m long, and including a couple of bespoke versions, have been fitted to supply air to public areas; Gilberts’ GECA egg crate grilles with side entry plenums fulfil air extract.

In the double-height atrium reception area and restaurant, Gilberts’ thermally-actuated GSJA swirl diffusers deliver omni-directional, rotating warm air in the vertical, and cool air in a horizontal direction, thereby eliminating draughts whilst providing rapid and efficient initial warm up and eliminating potential cold spots at low level.

Streamlined automatic access for spa guests

At the new £4.3m luxury spa, Breedon Priory in Derbyshire, access specialist TORMAX was contracted by Smart Aluminium Ltd to install their sophisticated bi-parting automatic sliding door system to the rear of the building, giving guests effortless access out onto a well-appointed sundeck.

Delivering an unobtrusive solution, TORMAX recommended their Windrive 2201 door operator. Housed in a neat casing measuring just 142mm x 100mm, the discreet Windrive blends seamlessly with the contemporary yet sumptuous interior décor of the spa.

“It is always great to be involved in a high-end project such as The Spa at Breedon Priory,” comments Simon Roberts, MD for TORMAX.

“The view out through the set of double automatic doors to the outdoor terrace and tranquility gardens will be an obvious enticement to spa guests, who would expect nothing less than for the doors to slide soundlessly open as they approach.

It is essential that the ambient temperature inside the spa is maintained, keeping guests warm and comfortable.

Helping reduce heat-loss from the building, simple twokey programming of the TORMAX operator allows staff to easily change the speed at which the automatic doors open and close, efficiently helping to keep the warm air in on chillier days.

TORMAX – Enquiry 20

An extensive tiling project - completed by G F Holding Tiling Ltd using a Mapei preparation and fixing system – features at Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village.

Totalling over 2,000 square metres, the installation spans the main reception area and rest rooms at the iconic hotel and includes a range of porcelain tile designs.

G F Holding Tiling Ltd’s installationwithin the reception area, and ground, first and second floor rest rooms - was completed with Mapei preparation products, adhesives and grout.

The specification included Latexplan Trade smoothing compound – a protein-free, low odour leveller with high compressive strength which was used to level the existing screed - and anti-fracture membrane, Mapetex, which was bonded with Keraquick S1 – a quick-setting, very low VOC deformable cementitious adhesive - and mixed with Latex Plus, an admixture which increases flexibility to S2 classification.

Tiles were installed with Keraflex Maxi S1 – a deformable standard setting cementitious adhesive which provided benefits including an extended open time.

The installation was completed with Ultracolor Plus grout - an antiefflorescence, quick-setting and drying polymer-modified formulation which features water-repellent DropEffect ® and mould-resistant BioBlock ® technologies.

Mapei– Enquiry 21

G F Holding Tiling completes ‘highest hotel’ install with Mapei

Gilberts – Enquiry 19

ACO designs The Londoner’s unique underground grease separator

At the deepest underground point in London, ACO Building Drainage, the global specialist in building drainage solutions, is keeping The Londoner hotel’s kitchens ticking over through its uniquely designed grease separator.

Opened to the public in 2021, The Londoner is the world’s first super boutique hotel located on Leicester Square.

A key component that keeps the hotel running like clockwork is its state-of-the-art grease separator. Installed six floors below ground level, ACO’s bespoke-engineered LipuJet P-RAP NS 15 system ensures that fats, oils and grease (FOG) produced from The Londoner’s 1,500 meals a day are managed and separated from wastewater.

A critical challenge of the project was the need to locate the large separator six floors below ground level. This was overcome by supplying ACO’s Lipujet system in sections, which was then assembled on-site once the parts were in place.

The grease separator has a capacity of 4,000 litres and is capable of dealing with approximately 15 litres of wastewater per second. Once a month, the whole separator

Pyroguard Protect for art depot

Pyroguard’s fire safety glass was recently specified for The Netherlands’ Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, the world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility. In collaboration with ZNR (Zuid-Nederlandse Ramenfabriek), Pyroguard Protect fire safety glass was installed throughout the building’s internal partitions, providing a high-performance 1B1 impact protection and EI60 fire resistance. An Attackguard counterpane of the highest rating was also used, creating a unique multi-functional composition providing additional security to the valuable museum contents. Pyroguard co-ordinated project specific fire tests with Efectis, France to ascertain its performance. These tests were successful, and with certification granted the team could proceed with the installation.

Pyroguard – Enquiry 24

is emptied, and the wastewater (including the separated FOG and food particles) are pumped up to ground level using a twin pump arrangement for disposal. The emptying process is completed by a fully automatic cleaning program, using a high-pressure water jet to clean the inside of the cylindrical tank. Once cleaned, the tank is refilled with potable water.

Grease management is a highly topical and important issue, with London’s sewers

regularly under threat from FOG and ‘unflushables’ like wet wipes leading to socalled ‘fatbergs’.

ACO Building Drainage – Enquiry 23

Visitors benefit with new Changing Places Toilet

F. Ball products make grand entrance

Products from F. Ball and Co. Ltd., including the company’s Stopgap 700 Superflex fibrereinforced levelling compound and Styccobond F3 and F40 adhesives, were used at Heythrop Park as part of a £40m renovation following its acquisition by Warner Hotels. Contractors from Carter’s Flooring (Leisure) Ltd, based in Derbyshire, installed a range of high-spec floorcoverings throughout more than 6,000m2 of the site’s public areas, including in the 300-yearold, Grade II-listed stately home and adjoining hotel complex, which are set in a 440-acre country estate. The project included work in the entrance and atrium, state rooms and orangery, as well as multiple restaurants, bars and corridor.

F. Ball and Co. Ltd. – Enquiry 25

A new Changing Places Toilet facility has recently been installed at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, within the National Forest. Delivered with grant funding from the Government’s Changing Places Toilet Fund with support from Lichfield District Council, in association with Muscular Dystrophy UK, the new toilet facility will help improve the visitor experience for people who require additional support that is not met by standard accessible toilets. Changing Places Toilets provide more room than a standard accessible toilet and are fitted with specialist equipment such as an adult-sized changing bench and a hoist system.

Astor Bannerman– Enquiry 26

Offsite Construction

Transparency is everything

When you’re specifying building materials, transparency and trust in your supply chain counts. Whether it’s construction and roofing membranes, ventilation or damp proofing solutions, reliance on technical data is key. Glidevale Protect provides the technical support specifiers need.

See page 34 to find out more.

Glidevale Protect provides a clear route to compliance

With specifiers facing even stricter rules on the performance of building products, from the uplifted Building Regulations to the new Building Safety Act, manufacturers have a critical role to play in ensuring a safe and sustainable specification process. That’s why Glidevale Protect is launching a new campaign to highlight the importance of technical transparency that ensures the accuracy, and clarity, of all product information.

independent verification from UKAS accredited certification bodies such as BM TRADA.

Robin Dodyk FCIAT, Head of MMC at CALA Group Ltd has specified and used Glidevale Protect reflective membranes for many years and comments positively about the company’s data transparency: “I have always been impressed with the high quality of the aluminium used on Glidevale Protect reflective membranes which ensures strong thermal resistance. For example, Protect TF200 Thermo is an industry standard product installed externally on a timber frame wall and its technical data is clear and transparent, with the thermal resistance R value of 0.77 m2K/W being correctly based on aged performance, incorporating printing in an unventilated cavity and being backed up by a UKAS accredited third party certifier.”

Glidevale Protect, itself one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of construction and roofing membranes, as well as airtightness products, has invested in the development and testing of its membrane product range to provide reliable technical information that is fully supported by thirdparty accreditations. This not only ensures that all performance claims can be checked and verified but also provides specifiers with a clearer view of how the products can help achieve compliance.

For example, the current STA Advice Note 18 guidance for external wall breather membranes has brought transparency into sharp focus by highlighting the need for all manufacturers to clarify and verify technical data, including for reflective wall membranes to be tested to the required thermal and emissivity performance standards, claiming aged thermal resistance ‘R’ value figures which are fully independently certified by a third party, UKAS accredited body.

Glidevale Protect fully supports specifiers by providing aged thermal resistance values on external and internal reflective membranes to accurately reflect real life performance figures. As well as providing full transparency on the testing of its products, Glidevale Protect’s own best practice ensures all its thermal resistance results take into account any logo printing on the low-emissivity surface and are based on the membranes being installed with the appropriate maximum horizontal fixing centres of 600mm as recommended in STA Advice Note 18.

Helping specifiers identify how best to achieve compliance with all relevant regulations, standards and guidance, by providing substantiated technical information is also vital to bridging the ‘performance gap’ so that buildings are as energy efficient in operation as they were designed to be. To navigate this potential risk, Glidevale Protect ensures that all its product information is regularly updated when required and easily accessible via its website, with all specifications written to be both comprehensive and clear.

The need to create buildings that achieve the correct balance between thermal efficiency, airtightness, ventilation and condensation control is another challenge that Glidevale Protect believes can be successfully overcome through early engagement and close supply chain collaboration. To support this, the company has invested in its own in-house resources, from ensuring the continuous development of its product range to comply with the ISO 9001 quality standard and meet the requirements of both the UK and Irish construction markets, to obtaining

To access Glidevale Protect’s product information or to discuss how the technical team can assist you with your next project, please visit https://glidevaleprotect.com/ technical-resources/

More information can be found at glidevaleprotect.com or follow Glidevale Protect on LinkedIn.

Glidevale Protect – Enquiry 27

Twinfix introduces Alu-Link-Panel, a solid aluminium roofing system

Twinfix, a leading manufacturer of polycarbonate and glass roof glazing systems, has launched a new product - Alu-Link-Panel. The solid aluminium roof system is designed to provide a modern, sleek and robust roofing solution for a variety of applications.

Alu-Link-Panel is made of high-quality aluminium and provides exceptional strength and durability. The panels are available in a range of standard sizes and can be customised to fit specific requirements. The system is designed to be easy to install, reducing the time and labour required for roofing projects.

The system’s sleek and modern design makes it an ideal choice for a variety of applications, including commercial buildings, schools, sports facilities and hospitals.

The Alu-Link-Panel system has been extensively tested to ensure it meets or exceeds industry standards. It is wind and weather-resistant, and has been designed to withstand heavy snow loads.

“We are thrilled to introduce our new Alu-Link-Panel solid aluminium roof system,” said Vicky Evans, Director at Twinfix. “This system provides an exceptional roofing solution that is both robust and stylish. We have worked hard to develop a product that meets the needs of our customers and we are confident that it will exceed their expectations.”

Twinfix is a leading manufacturer of polycarbonate and glass roof glazing systems. The company has been providing high-quality roofing solutions for over 30 years and has a reputation for delivering exceptional products and services.

Twinfix is committed to providing safe, innovative and sustainable roofing solutions that meet the needs of its customers.

Twinfix – Enquiry 28

Wraptite® partners with Hadley Frame for an airtight performance

The Wraptite external air barrier system from the A. Proctor Group has enhanced the performance of a considerate inner city development of retirement living apartments working in partnership with the market-leading Hadley Group.

The Lichfield’s Bonds retirement living development for Pegasus Life consists of three apartment blocks in the heart of the cathedral city. Constructing on a compact site and nestled against local residents and businesses required a sensitive building approach and a considerate program design. An essential requirement for the client was ensuring that traffic was not disrupted and that the project positively contributed to the city.

The Wraptite external air barrier system from A. Proctor Group was installed in combination with the innovative, unique pre-panelised and fully loadbearing Hadley Frame offsite system, which is ideal for developments of low to medium rise structures.

The Hadley Frame system is designed to be installed off a structural concrete slab or transfer structure and provides a high strength-to-weight ratio and relative weight saving. In some cases, savings of 20-25% in weight can be achieved compared to traditional methods of construction.

Adam Salt, Business Development Manager of the A. Proctor Group explained, “one of the key benefits of installing the Wraptite air barrier system in the factory for the Hadley Group was minimal on-site disruption. Minimising disruption on site provides significant benefits to local residents, particularly in the case of compact inner city sites like the one at Lichfield.”

“The Wraptite air barrier system offers a safer and simplified membrane system. It provides a fully selfadhered vapour permeable air barrier certified by the BBA and combines the critical properties of vapour permeability and airtightness in one selfadhering membrane. The self-adhesive membrane is

easily applied in the factory, bonded externally to the substrate, positioning the airtightness line away from the internal service penetrations ensuring a superior performance on the project.”

Joseph Sargeantson, Technical Director of the Hadley Group, explained. “The efficiency of the Hadley Frame system is significantly enhanced by the use of the Wraptite membrane from the A. Proctor Group. Combining Wraptite with Hadley Frame has enabled us to improve the air tightness and building performance and to achieve test results of 1.24m3/hr/ m2.

“Wraptite is applied in the factory under controlled conditions for higher quality control and enables us to reduce on-site activity. This was particularly important on the compact site at Lichfield, where a key requirement was to minimise disruption in the local area.

“In addition to the enhanced air tightness performance, the self-adhesive design of Wraptite is ideally suited to offsite manufacture, easy and quick to apply, and provides valuable weatherproofing allowing follow-on trades to start to work much sooner.”

The superior airtightness performance of the Wraptite membrane from the A. Proctor Group delivers significant benefits to projects combining in-factory manufacture and on-site construction. The self-adhesive design ensures that the membrane is held firmly in place, even during transportation, maintaining the system’s quality from installation to build and completion.

Using metal mesh in interior design

Designers are always looking at more inspirational approaches to the interiors of a space. Jonathan Reed, Managing Director at Amron Architectural, discusses a sustainable solution.

The demand for creating more inviting spaces and the inclusion of a variety of different applications can completely transform the character of a room.

Amongst these approaches, we are seeing an increase in the use of metal meshes both from a point of view that they are generally made from recycled material in the case of aluminum and steel – but also the style and look of them has that upcycled feel that we are all trying to be more conscious of.

Metal mesh is an extremely versatile product and has a functionality like no other. It works well as a safety element including balustrade infill panels and radiator grilles, but also for decorative purposes like ceilings, wall coverings and partitions.

It is also a great solution for smaller applications like cabinets, bars, and shop displays. Metal mesh is also being seen as an alternative to replace bulky, opaque materials in functional areas of restaurants, lobbies, and office spaces without making the space look smaller.

Colour is one of the main attractions when it comes to the finishing of metal mesh and in particular, how the mesh is coloured without it corroding. Having researched a number of finish processes that work well the commonly used architectural meshes (woven, expanded, and perforated), powder coating is the most cost-effective way to apply an almost unlimited range of colours.

Powder coating uses an electrostatic charge to attract a fluidised powder evenly across

all surfaces of the mesh. The electrostatic charge holds the pigmented powder until it passes through an oven where it melts and adheres permanently to the mesh. After curing, the mesh has a colourful and durable coating that adds to the desired aesthetic of the project.

Product in practice

The Royal Society for Blind Children has opened a new centre in Tower Bridge, London. The charity, which was first founded by Thomas Lucas in 1938, supports blind and partially sighted children, young people, and their families. Initially, the charity was set up with the intention of teaching blind children how to read, but it has since expanded to help those who are visually impaired gain employment. >>

Amron Architectural

SUSTAINABLE | QUALITY ASSURED | INNOVATIVE | TESTED

Our Skyeline balcony systems feature cutting-edge technology, which is focused on setting new standards in balcony design. Designed by Architectural Facades and manufactured by thyssenkrupp Materials UK, our teams have strived to remove problems previously associated with balcony systems, including water drainage, water penetration and stagnant water issues.

>> The RSBC also provides homeworker schemes and workshops to assist in the development of confidence and skills through activities and education.

Moving into the new Richard Desmond Life Without Limits Centre in the heart of London, the RSBC is known for vibrant colours and playful interiors to create an uplifting environment for staff and visitors.

The new centre does just that, transforming an old car park into an engaging activity hub for users while also providing a modern and flexible workspace for volunteers and visitors to meet, play, and learn.

Working alongside Tsunami Axis and Force Five Engineering, we were asked to supply perforated metal sheets in raw mild steel for the balustrading surrounding the staircase.

The metal sheets were then powder coated by the client and given a pastel green finish. Alongside the flower-printed walls and bright, earthy colours, the pastel green perforated sheets gave an optimistic, calm, and fresh feel to the hub.

Whether you choose to use metal mesh for its functional or decorative virtues, the material comes in a variety of thicknesses, patterns, and shapes to inspire you for your interior design.

Lifting up access at new school

Stannah was faced with the challenge of supplying and installing a space-saving passenger lift in a new extension to

Completed in 2019, the new building houses supplementary classroom facilities vital for this thriving, voluntary aided C of E school with 548 pupils in the 3-11 age bracket.

The Stannah 4-person hydraulic-drive passenger lift was chosen as the ideal solution.

This good-looking, reliable lift welcomes people of all mobilities to the new extension’s teaching facilities—delivering a safe, smooth ride, maximising the building’s efficiency and minimising environmental impact.

The lift is wall mounted in a purpose-built lift shaft with headroom of 2500mm and a pit depth of 150mm. A lifting beam wasn’t required which made installation faster and easier, with the minimum of builder’s work.

The lift exterior is in brushed stainless steel which complements the school's neutral aesthetic whilst providing a tough exterior built to withstand the knocks of daily use. The doors are 2-hour fire-rated.

The car interior continues the theme with durable grey vinyl skin plate walls and a black non-slip floor contributing to user safety. The lift travels a distance of 3400mm at a smooth speed of 0.15 m/s.

As with all Stannah products, this lift meets all safety standards and legislations.

At the Sighthill Bridge across the M8 in Glasgow, BAM Nuttall has become the first contractor in Scotland to make use of 3D concrete printing – installing the staircase which will provide access to the new structure. It is believed to be largest printed concrete construction in the UK to date.

When complete, the iconic new pedestrian and cycle bridge will connect Glasgow City Centre to the Sighthill area in a new sustainable transport corridor.

Printing the bridge components allows for precise and intricate shapes, which can be tricky with traditional formwork, creating a truly unique structure. The removal of moulds and materials reduces waste by 40% compared to traditional methods, keeping costs down and improving carbon efficiency.

The steps were printed by Weber Bemix in their factory in the Netherlands before being shipped to Scotland. BAM has a sustained relationship with the concrete printing experts, previously creating the world’s longest 3D concrete printed bridge with them in 2019 in Nijmegen, Netherlands.

St John The Baptist Primary School in Penistone, a market town and civil parish in South Yorkshire.

Stannah

BAM Nuttall

PareauLux: bringing visual, acoustic and thermal comfort together

Unique in its versatility, the PareauLux Climate ceiling has been a top-selling system for Hunter Douglas Architectural in the Netherlands for some time.

Introducing this successful line into new markets marks an exciting new chapter in its history. PareauLux is a result of collaboration between Hunter Douglas and Inteco, two leading players in the climate and ceiling industry. While Hunter Douglas brings distinctive design and material use of the panels to the table, Inteco stands out for its innovative climate systems with extremely high cooling capacity.

PareauLux’s built-in climate system’s highcooling power makes it truly one of a kind.

Pieter van Rees, Business Development Manager at Hunter Douglas Architectural, said: “Its highly efficient cooling system of 130 W/ m2 is more powerful than other systems on the market, with up to 80% more capacity.

Three different versions

The beauty of this unique collaboration lies in its versatility. PareauLux is available in three versions, each adjustable to the client’s specific needs and aesthetic wishes, and the system comes in several colours and panel sizes:

PareauLux 30BD Climate Ceiling

The original application, made of durable rollformed aluminium, it is finished with a coating for a long lifespan with little maintenance.

PareauLux HeartFelt®

A modular, linear felted panel made of nonwoven thermoformed PES fibres, which gives a room a wonderful warm and cosy touch.

- PareauLux Veneered Wood Grill Wooden grill ceilings are timeless.

Due to the stability of natural wood, there is a wide choice of width, thickness and dimensions.

High Tech Climate ceiling technology

PareauLux’s built-in climate system’s highcooling power makes it truly one of a kind. With the PareauLux climate system that Inteco designed, this capacity is more than a standard climate ceiling.

For Pieter van Rees, Business Development Manager at Hunter Douglas Architectural, introducing PareauLux into new European markets was a logical next step. “For several years, we have seen its popularity rise in the Netherlands,” explains Van Rees. “Its highly efficient cooling system of 130 W/m2 is more powerful than other systems on the market, with up to 80% more capacity. That effectively means less ceiling surface is required for cooling. It’s more energy efficient than standard air conditioning systems and efficiently achieves the highest possible performance. Another fantastic feature is that it does all this completely silently. This makes PareauLux an excellent choice for many buildings.”

Aesthetic possibilities and perfect acoustics

Thanks to Hunter Douglas Architectural, there are many myriad aesthetic options, providing designers with great artistic freedom to design PareauLux to meet their specific needs. The underlying climate technology can also be aligned throughout an entire building.

The acoustics of PareauLux are also noteworthy because excellent acoustics are the secret to a

comfortable indoor environment. Exceptional acoustic values can be achieved with the HeartFelt® felt system. The absorption values (aw) of this climate ceiling are between 0.45 (module 100) and 0.70 (module 50). For additional absorption (approx. 0.95), a mineral wool blanket in black PE film can also be applied above the climate element. This also applies to PareauLux Wood Grill. The PareauLux 30BD ceiling panels can be perforated with a soundabsorbing membrane, which improves the acoustic comfort of a room significantly.

When it comes to sustainability and safety, both HeartFelt® and the 30BD ceiling system are Cradle to Cradle™ level Bronze certified, with the aluminium panels being made from more than 90% recycled aluminium. The panels of the PareauLux Wood Grill are fully recyclable, even after many years of use. All versions of PareauLux contain minimal combustible materials, in line with current marketplace standards.

pareaulux.hunterdouglasarchitectural.eu/ en_gb/

Hunter Douglas Architectural United Kingdom

Tel. +44 (0) 1604 648 229

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PareauLux Climate Ceilings: Bringing visual, acoustical & thermal comfort together

Unique in its versatility, the PareauLux Climate ceiling is being introduced to new European markets after its success in the Netherlands.

A collaboration between Hunter Douglas and Inteco, this versatile system is available in three versions – durable roll-formed aluminium, HeartFelt® and veneered wood grill – is fully adjustable to the client’s specific needs and comes in several colours and panel sizes. For more information visit: pareaulux.hunterdouglasarchitectural.eu/en_gb/

Integral blinds provide a future-focused solution for healthcare buildings

Making early specification decisions regarding window and door shading and privacy in hospital and other healthcare building projects can deliver far-reaching benefits that save money, improve hygiene and make the environment far more pleasant for patients and staff. Ian Short, Managing Director of Morley Glass explains why.

Investment in NHS buildings is at the core of modernising and improving the way healthcare is delivered in the UK. Through a continuous process of renewal, buildings can be designed to enable healthcare professionals to take advantage of new technologies and new ways to provide care and treatment – providing every element is carefully specified.

The government’s Healthcare Infrastructure Plan sets out the vision clearly. This five-year programme of investment in the UK’s health infrastructure includes the building of new hospitals, modernising the primary care estate, improving mental health facilities, investing in new diagnostics and technology and helping to eradicate critical safety issues in the NHS estate.

But the new buildings, as well as refurbishment projects, will only be able to play a key role in delivering the plan’s targeted efficiency gains and improvements in the patient experience if products fit for the 21st century are identified and specified early in the design phase.

One of the product areas that is often an afterthought or left to chance is window blinds and curtains. Design priorities may not usually include how shading and privacy is going to be provided, perhaps because traditional blinds and curtains are typically installed late in the fit-out process.

However, by taking an integrated approach with the specification of integral blinds for the healthcare building’s windows and doors, there is an opportunity to unlock a host of benefits.

Reduced heating and cooling costs

Integral blinds are designed to be easy to operate – manually or automated – and they can be linked to a building management system. This means they can be raised or lowered to respond to changes in the weather, preventing overheating risks in bright sunshine or keeping heat inside the building on cold days and nights.

Uni-Blinds® integral blind units, which are manufactured by Morley Glass, also allow for the glass specification to be upgraded to offer higher thermal performance and enhanced solar control. These types of glass, in conjunction with the blind unit, ensure heating and cooling demands can be better managed with the potential for cost savings.

Fire safety assured

Uni-Blinds® can also be specified as part of a passive fire protection strategy. Fire rated integral blind units are in a specification to offer protection in the event of a fire for 30, 60 or 120 minutes, which are fully certified to give complete peace of mind to specifiers, hospital managers, staff and patients.

Reduced glare

Excessive daylight can cause glare which is not only a nuisance but dangerous when it comes to patient monitoring. Too much light makes it difficult to read screens and digital displays, so it is extremely important that it is controlled.

© Photo: S.Chalmeau

Patient comfort and satisfaction will also be affected by glare.

Specifying integral blinds for each window or door that could be susceptible can help to design-out this issue. For example, with pleated Uni-Blinds® the fabric allows for a soft diffusion of light which can alleviate this problem without completely darkening the room.

In these systems, a knob is mounted on the glass to tilt the slats, which can be anti-ligature too, making operation of the blind easy without being a risk to vulnerable patients.

Improved cleanliness and better infection control

Being permanently sealed inside the glass unit, integral blinds never attract dust, dirt or germs so have zero cleaning requirements on the main blind units. The only cleaning that is required is for the control system, such as the magnetic slider or knob, which can be included as part of a normal cleaning regime.

This can also help with infection control as it takes away the risk of dirt and germs building up on the blind, as they could do on blinds that are mounted to the wall or window frame as well as curtains.

Smart building compatible

The Uni-Blinds® MB motorised integral blind system has the potential to be integrated into a building management system which means the blind could be operated automatically to maintain a stable temperature and according to levels of light.

How to specify integral blinds

Optimised patient privacy, comfort and wellbeing

Cutting glare and maintaining a stable temperature inside the hospital are key to maximising comfort and wellbeing for both patients and staff, but so too is instant privacy. With a Uni-Blinds® integral blind, patient privacy is provided with ease as all five control systems are designed to be simple to use. This includes a solar powered system – W Smart – and magnetic slider controlled systems, SV and SV+.

A balance of privacy and the need for monitoring in areas such as door vision panels can also be accommodated with integral blinds. The ScreenView® system is ideal for such applications, with a design featuring wide 35mm slats that open and close in a ladder arrangement to allow light transmission and vision as required.

Maximum safety and anti-ligature options

Uni-Blinds® integral blinds can also be specified without cord operation.

Visual appeal maximised

Integral blinds are not only clean from a hygiene perspective but aesthetically too. Both Venetian and pleated blind options in the Uni-Blinds® range sit neatly within the glass unit which makes for clean sightlines and a modern look. This can be important to create an environment that matches patient expectations and reflects the quality of care and treatment being provided.

Durable, reliable and long service life

Wall and frame mounted blinds and curtains will be subject to the wear and tear of the healthcare environment. As a result their service life will depend on how much use they get and whether their positioning makes them prone to impacts or accidental contact.

Integral blinds have the benefit of largely being protected from these risks by the glass, which means they can offer a long virtually maintenance-free service life. This can save money in the long run as they will not need to be replaced as often as standard blinds or curtains.

As this article has outlined, there are numerous reasons why integral blinds represent an ideal choice in healthcare buildings. The key to maximising their potential, however, is to specify them at the same time as the window and door package.

In the case of Uni-Blinds® there are five different control systems to choose from, a wide range of colours for both Venetian and pleated options, a pleated blackout and now a rooflight integral blind. These can all be specified and offer the assurance of quality as they are all manufactured in the UK using ScreenLine® integral blind systems from the global market leader Pellini S.p.A.

Comprehensive technical support and specification guidance is available from Morley Glass too and samples are available on request.

To find out more visit www.morleyglass.co.uk.

Morley Glass– Enquiry 35

©

Photo: S.Chalmeau

Owatrol PCD 91 - end grain protection for pressure treated wood

Owatrol PCD 91 is a water-based, end grain preservative for wood that has been pressure treated to classes 3 and 4.

Applying PCD 91 to any exposed cut, bored or notched ends will maintain the integrity and preservation of the wood due to its high wetting properties. This helps to prevent the wood from warping, cracking, and splitting.

PCD 91 also protects against insect and fungal attacks, even in humid environments, making it perfect for use on exterior wood projects.

PCD 91 can be used on: cladding; decking; garden furniture; and fences.

As PCD 91 is a highly saturating product, it works by protecting the wood from within and therefore is non-film forming – this means nothing is sitting on the surface of the wood and so it will not peel or flake.

This also helps to improve the adhesion of any 1 or 2 pack finish.

Available in 3 colours; Green, Brown, and Clear, PCD 91 is ready to use on site, or in a workshop environment and is easy to apply with just a single liberal coat.

Using PCD 91 will save you both time and money as the wood is completely protected without the need for costly further applications.

Owatrol UK produces a range of high quality, long-lasting coatings which offer exceptional protection and superior finish. The company prides itself on a reputation for being “the professional’s choice”.

Owatrol UK – Enquiry 36

Donaldson Timber Systems secures verified PMV

Leading UK offsite frame manufacturer, Donaldson Timber Systems (DTS), has become the first timber frame manufacturer to offer a verified Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV) score of 55% or more.

Following a six-month material and labour cost analysis completed by specialist construction consultancy, Cast Consultancy, the DTS Sigma® II build system has been verified to achieve a minimum of 55% PMV, increasing to 58% for a detached home.

In conjunction with the Stewart Milne Group, the DTS timber system was tested on a live project, on a range of building typologies, including a 2-bed mid terrace, a 3-bed end-terrace and a 4-bed detached home.

In these tests, the DTS Sigma® II build system achieved a verified PMV of 55.7%, 55.8% and 58.4% respectively.

PMV is a way of calculating the proportion of a building’s construction that takes place offsite or near-site using any of the seven categories of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). It can be achieved through a combination of off-site, near site and on-site manufacturing techniques, as well as through materials innovation and sitebased process improvement and technology.

The PMV value of Sigma® II is achieved by a combination of offsite elements of the build, including: traditional strip footings and in-situ suspended floor slabs; conventional brickwork external cladding; external doors installed on site; conventional felt, batten and tiled roof installed on site; services and internal linings to walls and ceilings installed on site; sanitaryware and kitchens installed on site; and pre-fabricated doorsets and stair flight, with handrail components installed on site.

Donaldson Timber Systems – Enquiry 37

Mulberry’s MMC first with off-site roofing

Mulberry Homes has made its first foray into the world of modern methods of construction (MMC) with a hybrid approach that combines an off-site roofing solution with traditional builds.

Acollaboration with Roofspace Solutions will see 37 i-Roof™️ units installed at a new residential development in Rugby – Mulberry Homes at Houlton – which will comprise two, three, four and five-bed homes. Mulberry Homes’ ambition to modernise and increase the efficiencies of its build program led them to approach Roofspace Solutions, which has been pioneering MMC housebuilding systems as part of the Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions division.

The i-Roof is a room-in-roof solution for 2.5-storey homes and was selected to be the first solution trialled across the Houlton site thanks to its ability to save time, minimise waste, reduce reliance on on-site labour and provide cost certainty.

Manufactured at Roofspace Solutions’ ‘specialist manufacturing site in Alcester, the i-Roof system helps accelerate construction by reducing the roof element to a one-day install and providing the developer with enhanced preliminary savings. When built traditionally, the roof element can often take up to seven

weeks – a timeline which can slip further with labour shortages or bad weather.

With most of the build taking place in a controlled factory setting, this reduces risk to workers on-site. For example, the danger of unsupported blockwork and gables collapsing in adverse weather conditions is replaced with a secure timber-engineered solution which works alongside traditional build methods. The factory environment also adds a layer of additional quality control, with inspections and audits ensuring that the MMC components are compliant with all regulations and standards.

Further time savings are achieved during installation as the system is delivered to the site ready for assembly. This also improves the development’s sustainability credentials, as it negates the need for multiple deliveries and minimises on-site waste.

Combining expertise

Simon Yates, Business Development Manager at Roofspace Solutions, said: “i-Roof is an ideal MMC solution for property developers as it accelerates the room in the roof construction

considerably, allowing the developers to deliver quality homes faster. Our goal is to make life better on-site by taking things offsite, and that includes managing the process from factory to installation. Doing it this way reduces carbon emissions and waste, while also increasing the speed of the project and the standards of on-site health and safety.”

David Morris, Associate Commercial Director at Mulberry Homes, said: “We’re working to strengthen our vision for the future of housebuilding. Working with the Roofspace Solutions team was a pleasure. They’ve shown us how MMC brings consistency to the build pattern and the manufacturing methods. It is also clear that they put health and safety first.

“The UK has a desperate shortage of housing, so anything that speeds up delivery is important. We saw how i-Roof could increase the quality of our homes and help us to build them faster, we knew we wanted to work together. I’m confident that MMC will become a common sight on Mulberry Homes’ developments in the future.”

Graphenstone collaborates with Meta Open Arts

Graphenstone collaborates with Meta Open Arts for a specially commissioned mural titled ‘Excess of Elsewhere’; a vibrant and impactful artwork that now adorns the reception area of Meta’s head office in London.

In line with the World Health Organization’s three pillars of sustainability, this partnership marries innovative ideas around the use of colour to positively affect environmental performance, engage people in co-creation, enhance a sense of wellbeing and bring tangible social value.

A PhD painter and artist from the Royal College of Art’s School of Arts and Humanities, Kyung Hwa Shon worked closely with Graphenstone on the scheme.

Graphenstone – Enquiry 39

Windmill restoration turns to Bradite

A 300-year-old windmill that now provides luxury accommodation for short-break holidays has been refreshed with Bradite paints.

The structure sits atop Blackthorn Hill at Bicester in Oxfordshire. The Grade II-listed building is a stone-built tower mill that was first converted into a house in 1999. In recent years it has been transformed into a luxurious holiday let by its new owner, Alan Chapman. “The Bradite team recommended using Bradite One Can for external walls, due to its quick-drying abilities and longevity”, Alan explains. Both were important considerations, especially as Alan painted the external window frames at the top of the tower himself.

Bradite – Enquiry 40

The renovation and conversion of a former workshop and car storage facility, into a stylish basement space as part of a high-spec residential property, is making extensive use of fully compatible products from the range of Triton Systems.

The work to remodel the one-time purpose-built motor garage and independent car dealership at Lytham St. Annes in Lancashire is being led by Elite Basements Ltd., whose highly experienced team of ground-workers, joiners and other tradespeople are reconfiguring the upper floors as well as transforming half the old undercroft into habitable space.

In doing so the Preston-based specialist is employing Triton’s anti-lime coating to treat the newly laid basement slab, followed by a layer of the manufacturer’s TM20 profiled membrane to remove water to the floor perimeter, where it is conducted to a sump using Aqua Channel.

This PVC-U profile also takes run-off from the Triton Platon P8 lining the basement walls, with a pair of Triton’s 240 volt Aqua Pump Pro Plus units and 24v battery back-up, ready to remove the water to mains drainage.

Triton Shield – a formable tape product – was stretched around the bottom end to form a waterproof and vapour proof barrier.

Triton Systems – Enquiry 41

Triton Systems shields showroom basement conversion

Clare College Cambridge regenerates accommodation with Vandersanden

Located on the edge of Cambridge’s De Freville Conservation Area, Clare College’s St Regis site has provided accommodation for postgraduate students of the University of Cambridge for over fifty years.

In recent times, the need for regeneration became clear and Freeland Rees Roberts Architects was appointed to design a new scheme. The practice worked closely with Vandersanden, selecting brick as the principal element of the attractive new facades.

Clearly of a confident, contemporary design, the buildings respect their surroundings, repairing and maintaining the rhythm of the street scene. In large part, this is due to the choice of bricks and the splitting of the facades into separate gables with slopping roofs. Vandersanden’s Majestic and Luna Apollo facing bricks were selected and contribute to the detailing of the facades.

The bricks act to soften the appearance of the facades and link the context of the new and neighbouring buildings. The yellow grey Majestic brick predominates with the darker grey Luna Apollo providing detailing. It forms the plinth that anchors the buildings while a soldier course of Majestic bricks above

provides the transition to the main body of the walls.

At the junction with the zinc roof, the detailing is subtle with the transition provided by stepped courses of the Luna Apollo. Panels of projecting brick headers are a further feature, introduced to add a textural quality that brings light and shade to the facades.

Another contributory factor to the look is the

When it’s all downhill to comply

Fire cavity barriers are commonly rectangular in profile and compressed when incorporated between masonry skins of a cavity wall.

choice of mortar. This was specified to create a natural, lime mortar-like appearance and was achieved by fully pointing and, after the initial set, brushing back; there are no struck joint lines.

Vandersanden – Enquiry 42

Penetrating water can pool and reservoir on top of an unprotected barrier, as it effectively acts as a bridge, linking the two skins. A bridge provides a route over which water can track.

An alternative approach is to use a cavity barrier that is shaped. The sloping top ensures water is always directed forward – away from the inner skin. No top surface pooling can take place. The bottom of the barrier also slopes.

Adjoining lengths can either be butted together to form long runs, or lapped above or below each other.

The fire integrity, acoustic integrity and the sloping benefit are continuous. Cavi 60 Type SAF Barrier indicates a sixty minute fire rating and SAF stands for sloping + acoustic + fire, from Cavity Trays of Yeovil

www.cavitytrays.co.uk

Cavity Trays – Enquiry 43

What makes a good paving choice?

There has been a rise in the popularity of resin bound, due to the environmental requirement of sustainable urban drainage systems for managing water runoff to prevent flooding.

SureSet Resin Systems have over 26 years knowledge and experience in the resin bound industry, proven to supply a superior paving product with a trusted installation service backed by a 21 Year Guarantee.

If the surface requires differentiation or inclusion of a design element adaptability and ease of application, resin bound paving is the ideal choice for a variety of different types of sites; from custom features forming the centrepiece to prestigious landscaping or housing development project; to more extensive areas of hard surfacing on pathways, tree pits, pool surrounds, driveways, access roads and car parks.

Normally resin bound is specified to be laid on a sound asphalt or concrete base, which acts as a structural layer with sufficient strength for its intended use. Some resin bound materials can be installed on other bases (speak to supplier), if circumstances dictate that a traditional base is not appropriate or possible, by increasing the depth of resin bound and using a base alternative like SureCell - a 100% recycled plastic grid structure, is another consideration.

Lastly, look for a supplier that offers a substantial guarantee, which doesn’t diminish over time and find out if maintenance guides and technical support is provided post installation.

Many established suppliers will be recognised by organisations such as BALI and NBS Source or adhere to national quality standards such a BBA and ISO 9001.

SureSet Resin Systems – Enquiry 44

Refurbished services create a green haven for motorists

As part of the final stages to the long-running A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon improvement scheme, Cambridge motorway services, run by Extra MSA, underwent a complete refurbishment scheme that was completed summer 2022.

The landscape improvements included re-contouring of the land, new EV charging points, and double the parking capacity for all vehicle types, from cars, motorhomes and caravans, to coaches and HGVs.

The project included both hard and soft landscaping, with the large outdoor seating area in front of the main entrance featuring four trees set within a block paving and resin bound mixed surface. It makes for a pleasant area to sit and relax or eat.

Green-tech has been manufacturing its range of Green-tree soil for nearly twenty years, and 270 tonnes of sub-soil and ArborRaft topsoil was supplied for the tree pits.

In order to use a friable, organic topsoil underneath the paving, Green-tech supplied ArborRaft geo-cellular tree pit support system that acts as a sub-base replacement, supporting the paving above from pedestrian, or vehicular traffic, whilst protecting the soft soil below from risk of compaction. Each tree pit contains a strap anchor system to keep the trees stable

during the all-important establishment phase, along with a mona irrigation ring.

The tree planting in the soft landscaping scheme creates a buffer between the main services and the lorry park, as well as the surrounding area. Green-tech supplied 1,687 tree shelters to give protection from the local wildlife, along with nearly 500 tree stakes with rubber belts and ties and 220 Mona Grand Aria irrigation rings.

Green-tech – Enquiry 45

Contract surface care covered with ECOPROTEC®

Developed for the landscape sector, the ECOPROTEC ® range includes best-selling surface treatments for all types of tile and stone.

A new updated website - at www.ecoprotec.co.uk – presents the exterior range as a separate category from ECOPROTEC ® interior treatments and includes a comprehensive library of supporting technical resources for the landscaper and contractor.

With over 30 years’ experience in the tile and stone market, LTP’s ECOPROTEC ® brand has become established within the contract sector since its launch in 2016.

All treatments are made in the UK, are predominately eco-friendly, low odour and low VOC, and the entire range benefits from the most advanced research in waterbased technology.

Neaco introduces Adjustable Pedestals to its product range

New treatments to join the range include ECOPROTEC ® Black Spot & Algae Remover and Iron Stain Away.

Black Spot & Algae Remover targets organic residues, including black spot, lichen, moss and algae, restoring natural stone, concrete, brick and porcelain in as

little as two hours. The second treatment, Iron Stain Away is a professional treatment that safely removes rust outbreaks from ferrous hard stones, including sandstone, slate and granite, as well as cement and mortar stains.

ECOPROTEC® – Enquiry 46

Neaco has added a new product to its range with a Fire-Resistant Adjustable Pedestal supporting the company’s aluminium decking on balconies, terraces and high-rise apartments.

Designed to aid the installation of raised flooring, avoiding the need for a sub-frame on uneven or unstable groundworks, the product is available for buildings which have balcony elements that do not have the Euroclass A1 or A2-s1, d0 fire rating necessary to meet compliance with the Building Safety Act.

Manufactured from recycled aluminium and zinc-coated steel, the A1-rated pedestal is ideal for use with Neaco’s Neatdek aluminium decking.

Neaco – Enquiry 47

The range meets growing demand for both retaining walls that combines reduced noise levels with attractive vertical landscapes, offering a real variety of planting options as an alternative to what would be otherwise dull and uninspiring structures.

Retaining walls on road highways or the simplest garden or boundary walls now feature: planting, colour, shape or textured finish. The Betoconcept range brings different shapes and styles to accommodate planting on high or low walls with; Betoatlas, Betoflor, Betotitan, Leromur, Betojar, Betoplus and Betonap products.

With individual interlocking blocks and drybuild interconnectivity the range offers the ability to free-form wall layouts in single or terraced wall format.

These interlocking units enable a quick and easy construction process and can cope with complex curves, ground embankments and weight surcharges with various wall heights right up to 22m with Betotitan blocks with different types to suit small domestic applications or large infrastructure projects.

The Betoconcept range has interlocking blocks made from high strength machine pressed concrete, offering dry build solutions and noise absorption.

Dry built blocks interlock to form the required face angle, they are easy and quick to construct with a choice of plantable or stone-faced finishes. The contemporary colours include : natural, buff and red will fit in with a variety of environments and tone with natural landscapes.

Betoconcept blocks provide adequate soil pockets for all types of plants, shrubs and climbers.

Dry-Build Solutions for earth retention or noise absorption

Wakefield based Grass Concrete has a line-up of vertical landscaping products, the Betoconcept range.

Good drainage and water capture with the stepped bank also helps keep landscape maintenance to a minimum. Using the depth for landscaping means significant growth can benefit both sound suppression and help get quick landscaping results across a wide walled area

Contact us on: 01924 379 443, www.grasscrete.com info@grasscrete.com

Grass Concrete –Enquiry 49

Series of changes at Renson UK sees increased product demand

Ventilation louvre specialist Renson UK has seen an influx of demand for its market-leading products following a series of changes at the Maidstone company.

Implemented to drive business growth and development, the company has seen both internal re-structuring to ensure better customer service, and wider price adjustments put into place in order to be more compatible with the wider louvre market.

National Sales Manager Martin Daniels comments: “Renson opened its doors over a century ago as a manufacturer of window and door hardware, and for the past 50 years, has specialised in the design, development and production of high-performance ventilation products, supplying fully tested, high-quality louvres for every application.

“Renson has always had a reputation for being the premium option within the louvre market, providing customers with the finest bespoke products, alongside our vast range of standard products.

“Over the past year, I was joined by the team to have a careful look at all our offerings, and following changes in personnel, system changes, and streamlining of production processes, we are now able to offer the high-quality and market-leading products associated with Renson, at competitive prices.”

Renson specialises in high-quality, fully tested louvre systems, mechanical ventilation products, fans and window vents, while also providing design support, and NBS specifications to ensure compliance and technical performance.

The company also specialises in integrated ventilation solutions (IVS), a complete, one-unit airtight and rain resistant

ventilation system that includes blanking panels, insulated blanking panels, bespoke plenums and factory-fitted dampers.

Martin concludes: “Myself and the wider senior management team are very excited to be ushering in a new era for Renson UK, which builds on the decades-old reputation of premium quality and now combines competitive pricing in order to deliver the full package to our customers. For market-leading louvres at a price you wouldn’t expect, get in touch with Renson UK today.”

For more information, visit www.renson.net/en-gb

Renson UK – Enquiry 50

For market-leading louvres at a price you wouldn’t expect, get in touch with Renson UK today

Keylite offers free resources to help with the specification of roof windows

Keylite has created a video advising architects, specifiers and housebuilders on how to choose a quality roof window that prevents cold bridging. Topics covered include thermal performance, solutions for new homes, technical detailing and Keylite innovations.

In addition, Keylite is offering a free CPD addressing thermal performance in roof windows. With a focus on assured thermal efficiency, the CPD will cover condensation and cold bridging, heat loss in roof windows and specification support.

Research shows that up to 97% of roof windows are installed without a proprietary thermal collar. Keylite prides itself on developing innovative, quality solutions, and that’s why it is the only manufacturer to offer a thermal collar as standard in all its roof windows, at no extra cost.

This feature ensures the thermal integrity of the window and roof is as designed, thus removing the reliance on an additional thermal collar, and helping achieve Approved Document L recommendations concerning

Saniflo Sanispeed facilitates workshop change

An FE college in Nottinghamshire called on DL Mechanical’s expertise to advise on a change of use project that would improve the facilities for mechanics apprentices.

Changing a classroom to a workshop required the installation of a wash down area. A Saniflo Sanispeed+ grey water lifting station was specified to discharge the water from the new washdown area. With its robust 400-watt motor and low activation level of 95mm, the unit was connected to a Zip water heater and the washdown areas to discharge hot and cold waste water through small bore pipework up 3m to an adjoining pipe.

Saniflo – Enquiry 52

thermal performance. It also improves airtightness, Psi Values for SAP, making it a huge hit with architects, specifiers and housebuilders across the UK and Ireland.

Specifiers are also choosing Keylite due to its other multiple award-winning innovations. Pre-fitted flick-fit brackets enables installation in under two minutes, while sash finger spring technology allows installers to refit the sash into the frame in one easy motion. These features help contribute to a more cost-effective and efficient installation process, which housebuilders and contractors value highly.

To watch the video, book a CPD presentation or to upload architectural plans, visit www.keyliteroofwindows.com/architects

Keylite – Enquiry 51

Make the natural choice

Granorte manufacturers cork floors and other products in Portugal, where it has been finding new ways to use the waste cork from wine stopper production since 1972. The cork used in Granorte’s flooring ranges is originally harvested from the bark of trees within Portugal’s protected forests.

Garador introduces improved side-hinged door range

Garador have introduced a new and improved range of side-hinged garage doors. These good looking doors have been specifically designed and engineered for modern homes where garages are often used for storing gardening items, bicycles and other tools and equipment.The Garador side-hinged range includes two outward opening door leaves and a lever handle to provide easy opening. New features include an upgraded 2-point locking system for extra security and built in weatherproof rubber seals to prevent drafts. Garador’s side-hinged doors are supplied pre-framed for a quick installation and are available in a wide range of designs, colours and materials.

Garador – Enquiry 53

Portugal produces around 50% of the world’s cork supply and its forests are strictly protected by the government. In fact, the first regulations protecting the country’s cork forests date back to the 13th Century. This strict protection, which includes government approval for the removal of trees, ensures that Granorte cork floors come from a sustainable natural resource.

Granorte – Enquiry 54

A. Proctor Group introduces new U-value calculator and members area

The A. Proctor Group, synonymous with technically advanced thermal, airtightness and condensation control membrane solutions for the construction industry, has introduced a new online U-value calculator, Condensation Risk Analysis and members area with an impressive range of technical support available to architects, contractors, and customers.

The changes to ‘Conservation of fuel and power: Approved Document L’, which came into effect in June 2022, are intended to increase further the standards for the energy performance of new and existing buildings.

In addition to the focus on the target of reducing carbon emissions, further performance improvements impact the approach to airtightness, thermal bridging, and insulation.

To assist architects, designers, developers, and contractors to accurately carry out

assessments to ensure compliance with the latest requirements of the Part L building regulations the A. Proctor Group has introduced dedicated U-value and Condensation Risk Analysis software that will help.

The software is an essential online tool for meeting the new standards and improving the energy performance of new and existing buildings. U-value calculations are carried out in accordance with BRE443:Conventions for U-value Calculations and can be submitted with your building control applications to demonstrate compliance.

Housebuilder specifies Marmox Showerlay360 across its developments

A Kent based housebuilder has specified the versatile Showerlay360 trays for its latest development, located near Tunbridge Wells in the Weald, continuing to employ a design solution which has featured across many of its timber framed and traditionally built properties in recent years.

Clarendon Homes is currently nearing completion on nine high specification private homes – together with five affordable homes for a major social housing provider - on a site in the town of Cranbrook.

The work is making use of both the 1500 x 800mm and 1850 x 900mm Showerlay bases, together with the manufacturer’s infinitely adjustable, 360 degree outlets, as the housebuilder’s own plumbers fit out the master en-suites and main bathrooms; with the design of the trays creating the necessary falls within the shower enclosures.

The Site Manager for Clarendon Homes, Andy Butcher, commented: “Our in-house architects pretty much specify the Marmox Showerlay for every project we do: because of their versatility and because they avoid the problem of cracking, with the resultant leaks.

“At Cranford we’re building nine properties. The bathrooms and en-suites are all luxury spec. and as normal we are laying porcelain tiles - with 600 x 600mm being laid across the floors and 900 x 300mm ones on the walls.”

Marmox – Enquiry 56

In addition to this new assessment tool, a new Members Area has been introduced to the A. Proctor Group website that enables architects, designers, contractors, and clients to access a comprehensive range of technical resources. Registered members will have access to highquality webinars on critical topics, with personalised CPD certification for each. A full suite of brochures and product documents including technical properties and characteristics is available for download from the Members Area.

A. Proctor Group – Enquiry 55

Forbo’s integrated flooring aids refurbishment

Forbo Flooring Systems’ contemporary range of floor coverings were specified to create a warm and vibrant hybrid working space for Newydd Housing Association. Forbo’s Tessera carpet tiles, Allura Luxury Vinyl Tiles, Coral entrance flooring system and Surestep safety flooring were all used. Rhian Worgan, Interior Designer at Momentum, explains: “We really wanted to make this a space that employees could explore their creativity and problem solving in and not a traditional, bland workspace. This was part of the reason I specified Forbo’s flooring, there’s such a wide range of products, I knew there would be something that would fit what we were looking for.”

Forbo Flooring Systems – Enquiry 57

BAL Micromax3 ECO - performance, control, sustainability

With all the qualities of BAL Micromax2, the new BAL Micromax3 ECO grout delivers enhanced product performance, improved useability and added eco-benefits.

Now available in stores across the UK, BAL Micromax3 ECO grout provides everything an installer needs, to easily provide a perfect finish. Available in 36 colours, with a range of matching silicone sealants.

With longer-lasting and improved Microban® antimicrobial protection providing nonhazardous protection against black mould and mildew, as well as an efflorescence-free

formulation and locked-in colour consistency, Micromax3 ECO provides the ultimate longlasting finish for your tiling project.

BAL Micromax3 ECO is OPC-free and sets in 2 to 3 hours for fast-track project completion. The new grout is now also suitable for swimming pools and can be used up to 30mm joints widths with no shrinking or cracking.

Despite the market-leading position of Micromax2, for the development of the new technology, further improvements were made to provide even greater control for fixers –including easier clean-off, even on textured tiles and less haze after initial clean-off.

BAL Micromax3 ECO is a lower dust formulation relative to conventional, OPC-based grouts –reducing waste and mess for the fixer, as well as being a safer product to use.

BAL –Enquiry 58

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The Principle collection, from Parkside and Alusid, represents a huge step forward for the ceramic tile industry as the world’s first mass produced 95% recycled content tile. With a tile body made entirely from by-products (post-consumer recycled glass and ceramic) of other manufacturing processes, Principle is based on technology that has taken a bold leap from a small batch production to a fully scalable process. Made by adapting the tile body to work in standard ceramic production facilities, Principle achieves a similar like-to-like cost as some other twice-fired tiles. Principle enters the world of scalable production with current output of 1,000m2 per day.

The Faculty of Arts building at University of Warwick designed by FCBStudios is a light-filled, timber-lined space formed around and imposing staircase clad in Junckers’ solid ash flooring. The stair rises from a base of amphitheatre seating to connect areas for teaching, social learning, public exhibition, and departmental spaces which all branch off the central staircase. The staircase forms the main route through the building and provides inviting and flexible spaces. Junckers’ solid ash has excellent strength properties and makes a hard-wearing, long-lasting floor. The unique grain structure of ash makes it a characterful floor with distinct colour tones. With its capacity to reflect an abundance of natural light, it is an ideal flooring choice for the project.

Junckers

– Enquiry 61

Carpet Tiles and loose lay Luxury Vinyl Tiles from IVC Commercial have transformed the Derby offices of Alliance Medical, supporting a feeling of openness and transparency. As part of the Cat A fit-out of Alliance Medical’s new Derby offices, IVC Commercial’s Rudiments Basalt carpet tiles and Matrix 70 Loose Lay LVT floors were installed to meet the need for a cost-effective and easy to maintain floor that looked great. Bringing comfort and good acoustics to the open plan desking and meeting rooms with Rudiments, and natural looks and practicality to social spaces with Matrix 70 Loose Lay, the flooring design supports the openness and transparency of the office space.

IVC Commercial – Enquiry 59

Make hero spaces with Hive

Hive is the striking 3D decorative surface panel made with 90% post-consumer wood by UNILIN Panels for ‘instagrammable’ hospitality backdrops to smart workspace finishes in offices and merchandising areas in retail. Hive’s 3D geometric structure captures the light to create a subtle hexagonal pattern. Now available from UNILIN Panels, the decorative panel brings a cost-effective, durable and easy to maintain finish suitable for commercial interiors. Hive panels are available in a range of solid colours and decorative effects. Everest White and Elegant Black are classics, with Dusty Coral, Oatmeal Beige and Sage Green providing a palette of uplifting natural tones.

UNILIN Panels – Enquiry 62

Texture and tone for a bespoke look

Principle of mass production

Timber-clad stair connects university

Parkside – Enquiry 60

Remember Me

The Remember Me memorial portico at St Paul’s Cathedral is a physical memorial to all those that died as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Entered via the cathedral’s North Transept entrance it is home to the online book of remembrance.

Designed by Caroe Architecture with Connolly Wellingham, the portico is a beautiful, elliptical structure crafted in the UK and featuring several GEZE doors.

As a visitor enters the cathedral from the North Transept they pass through a pair of swing doors powered by GEZE Powerturn automatic swing door operators.

These doors take the visitor into the memorial and were chosen as they can open large or heavy doors and offer the flexibility of allowing the doors to be used both manually and automatically due to GEZE’s Smart swing function.

Above the doors, etched in to the structure in gold are the words ‘ Remembering all who died as a result of the coronavirus pandemic’.

Once inside the portico, visitors can view the online Remember Me memorial, search for and view the tribute to their loved one, light a candle and take a moment to pause and reflect in this tranquil space. The online book is open to all people, whatever their faith or none.

From the memorial portico the main entrance into the cathedral is through GEZE’s TSA 325 NT, a manual revolving door with 4 leaves. The revolving door was chosen as it minimises air flow into the cathedral as only one quadrant is open at a time.

To ensure access for all a GEZE Slimdrive SCR curved automatic sliding doors was

installed opposite the revolving door enabling those who are less able, or people with children in buggies, can still visit the memorial and access the cathedral. The Slimdrive SCR is controlled by wave sensors to ensure the doors only open when requested. This is part of the portico’s design to minimise air flow.

Across all the glass in the doors are beautiful phrases such as ‘we will always remember’ and ‘never forget’.

The Remember Me memorial portico is a poignant tribute to those who died as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and is the most significant change to St Paul’s Cathedral in 300 years.

Following the public response to the online memorial, and in partnership with the Daily Mail, over £2million was raised to give the Remember Me memorial a physical home within the Cathedral.

Said GEZE’s National Specification Manager, Richard Richardson-Derry, ‘We were honoured to play a part in the construction of the Remember Me memorial. The combined challenges of minimising air flow, ensuring equal access and creating a beautiful structure to recognise those lives lost has been successfully achieved’.

Additional information: For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk

GEZE UK – Enquiry 63

CUPA 12 selected for beautiful Grand Designs project

As showcased on a recent episode of Channel 4’s Grand Designs, CUPA 12 natural slate has been specified for a spectacular new build project in Chichester.

Selected to enhance the property’s modern aesthetic, the slate roof also complements the rural surroundings, which include a wildlife pond along with a variety of plant life.

Property owners Daniel and Nina Rowland both work professionally within the construction sector; Daniel heads up architectural firm Studio Fuse, while Nina is an interior designer. Combining their skills, they decided the time was right to embark on a new adventure; leaving London to design and build their own home on the South Coast of England.

Darren Stigant, Director at NJS Roofing, the roofing contractor on the project made the product recommendation: “Although this project looks quite simplistic, the different roof pitches added a certain amount of difficulty to aligning the mitred hips.

“Having sourced products from CUPA PIZARRAS many times in the past, I suggested the company’s CUPA 12 slate which was available in 400 x 250mm palettes. Utilising this smaller size, as opposed to the usual 500mm x 250mm, helped us to achieve the finish we required on the mitred hips.

Wraptite partners with Hadley Frame for an airtight performance

The Wraptite external air barrier system from the A. Proctor Group has enhanced the performance of a considerate inner city development of retirement living apartments working in partnership with the Hadley Group. The Lichfield’s Bonds retirement living development for Pegasus Life consists of three apartment blocks in the heart of the cathedral city.

The Wraptite external air barrier system from A. Proctor Group was installed in combination with the innovative, unique pre-panelised and fully load-bearing Hadley Frame offsite system, which is ideal for developments of low to medium rise structures.

The Hadley Frame system is designed to be installed off a structural concrete slab or transfer structure and provides a high strength-to-weight ratio and relative weight saving.

Adam Salt, Business Development Manager of the A. Proctor Group explained: “The Wraptite air barrier system offers a safer and simplified membrane system. It provides a fully self-adhered vapour permeable air barrier certified by the BBA and combines the critical properties of vapour permeability and airtightness in one self-adhering membrane.

“The self-adhesive membrane is easily applied in the factory, bonded externally to the substrate, positioning the airtightness line away from the internal service penetrations ensuring a superior performance on the project.”

“I really like the way CUPA 12 lays, and it requires minimal sorting and grading, which simplifies the process significantly.

“What’s more, it’s very good value for money, providing a really impressive finish.”

CUPA 12 is a non-carbonated slate that is formed by tectonic compression, giving the product a smooth, matt surface.

The dark grey colour provided an effective contrast with the timber and glass.

CUPA PIZARRAS – Enquiry 64

Welsh

Slate reopens one of its quarries

Welsh Slate is bucking the trend and reopening one of its quarries to meet exceptional demand for its roofing, architectural and hard landscaping/aggregate products. Its quarry at Blaenau Ffestiniog, which originally opened in 1818 but ceased production of roofing slates 10 years ago, will now re-start, leading to the recruitment of more than 20 staff. They will help produce 25,000 roofing slates per week, rising to an anticipated 30,000 in the near future. Roofing slates from Ffestiniog Quarry were used on such prestigious projects as Kings Cross and St Pancras railway stations, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and Westerloo Town Hall in Belgium.

Welsh Slate – Enquiry 66

A. Proctor Group –Enquiry 65

FIREFLY APOLLO Lite specified for hospital refurbishment

A leading passive fire protection contractor has been involved in the installation of fully compatible products from the range of TBA FIREFLYTM for the creation of half hour fire barriers within ceiling voids to a major general hospital undergoing extensive refurbishment work in the north of England.

Birmingham based Cubic FM is the specialist sub-contractor carrying out all of the passive fire protection work at the Royal Stoke University Hospital in the city’s Newcastle Road.

The work is making use of FIREFLY’s well proven APOLLO LiteTM 30:30 barrier system in combination with the equally widely specified Collaroll across areas featuring cable trays, water pipes and other building services.

All of the barrier and ancillary products are being supplied by the Birmingham branch of Encon, one of FIREFLY’s main distributors.

APOLLO LiteTM 30:30 has been developed for use in vertical separation or compartmentation situations, offering 30 minutes integrity and insulation and is able to be sealed around penetrations.

It is widely specified to form fire barriers within roof voids and floor voids in many different property types, including tower blocks and other HMOs.

The flexible woven material is easy to cut and fix and is treated with a proprietary coating to improve its cooling properties and therefore prevent temperatures rising in adjoining areas.

The system has been fully tested to BS 476 Parts 20 & 22 and is third party certified by IFC.

The six metre long rolls of APOLLO Lite TM 30:30 have a minimum thickness of

6mm and are installed using stainless steel staples as well as high temperature adhesive.

TBA FIREFLYTM – Enquiry 67

Groupe Atlantic invests in Clade Engineering Systems

Clade Engineering Systems (Clade), the UK’s leading manufacturer of natural refrigerant CO2 heat pumps, is partnering with Groupe Atlantic’s UK, ROI & North America Division.

Clade manufactures natural refrigerant CO 2 heating and refrigeration solutions for the UK, offering a turnkey solution from design and manufacture through to aftercare.

National Ventilation helps meet new Building Regulations

National Ventilation, a leading UK-based ventilation manufacturer and supplier, is helping architects, developers, and contractors with developments of less than 100 plots to comply with amended Building Regulations. The new 2021 edition of Part F (Means of Ventilation), L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) and O (Overheating) came into force on 15th June 2022 in England, but there is a 12-month grace period, which ends June 2023. National Ventilation offers a free whole-house ventilation design service for design and build projects to ensure the ventilation systems will both work within the buildings and meet the Building Regulations.

National Ventilation – Enquiry 68

Shaun Edwards, CEO, Groupe Atlantic, UK, ROI & North America Division: “As part of our strategy and commitment to offer the most advanced technologies for all our customers, we are delighted to be investing in Clade.

“By strengthening our expertise and portfolio in CO2 heat pumps, Groupe Atlantic will be able to give its commercial customers even more choice when it comes to paving the way for a sustainable and greener future.”

This partnership reinforces Groupe Atlantic’s strategy to be at the forefront of low carbon heating solutions, offering the largest portfolio of heating products in the UK. Clade will join forces with the marketleading commercial brands from Groupe Atlantic, including Ideal Commercial Heating, Hamworthy, ACV and Keston.

A specialist in helping customers reduce carbon emissions, their range of energyefficient heat pumps can generate from 50kW to >1MW, offering extensive choice for customers in the retail, commercial, industrial and public sectors.

Groupe Atlantic –Enquiry 69