Specification Magazine September 2024

SPECIFICATION Magazine

SOPREMA –Building for Life

SOPREMA takes pride in its rich history and recognises its pivotal role in helping to shape the future of the construction industry.

Established in 1908, the SOPREMA Group has remained an independent entity, consistently expanding while preserving its personalised approach and commitment to flexibility and innovation. Charles Geisen, the founder of the SOPREMA Group, revolutionised the industry with the invention of the Mammoth Membrane, a breakthrough that laid the foundation for modern waterproofing solutions.

Read more on page 22-23.

Welcome

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

The July 2024 findings show that, over the next three months, architects still expect higher workloads and staffing levels, although the outlook has mellowed since June.

In July, the RIBA Future Trends Workload Index fell by 3 points to +1, indicating that architects expect workloads to increase overall.

The RIBA Future Trends Permanent Staffing Index fell by 4 points to +2. The positive figure indicates that more practices intend to increase staff numbers than reduce them.

RIBA Head of Economic Research and Analysis Adrian Malleson said: “The profession's outlook has markedly improved over the last twelve months, but many practices continue to face a challenging environment. While the profession remains positive about future work, there’s little anticipation of a rapid upswing.

“July's Future Trends is the first since the UK elected a new government; but the profession’s response has been muted in contrast to the large but transitory uptick seen following the previous administration's 2019 Brexit-focused victory.

“Commentary received in July suggests the market is showing early signs of recovery. However, project delays, which practices blame mostly on the planning system, are holding the recovery back by restricting pipelines of work and putting pressure on cash flow. Practices also report delays with the Building Safety Regulator for higher risk buildings.

“While some practices continue to note a subdued architect's market, others are seeing increased enquiries, postelection. Overall, there is a sense that the market is slowly improving but that it will take time before this translates into significantly increased workloads.

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

Paul Groves || Group Editor

Enquiry -

T: 01952 234000 E: info@tspmedia.co.uk www.tspmedia.co.uk

Design Council empowers local authorities with new design coding resources

Local authorities in England can now access a new set of practical resources from the Design Council to enhance their design code development.

These free, downloadable materials provide step-by-step guidance to help councils create and implement design codes that reflect local character, foster community engagement, and support government priorities like home building and economic growth.

Design codes help to shape places in keeping with their local character and needs, to foster community involvement, to facilitate the building of more and better homes and public spaces, and to accelerate decision-making. By simplifying the planning process and introducing greater certainty for all involved, they are also crucial in supporting government priorities such as home building and economic growth.

The newly released resources have been produced by the Design Council as part of the latest stage of the Design Codes Pathfinder Programme, run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. This programme aims to help 25 organisations produce local design codes in line with the Government’s National Model Design Code. These latest resources complement an earlier set the Design Council produced in the Pathfinder Programme, forming a comprehensive suite of guidance.

The Design Code Pathfinder Programme is helping councils create attractive, functional, sustainable places where people are proud to live, work, study and invest. The Design Council is responsible for overseeing, monitoring and evaluating the programme, focusing on the pathfinders’ experience of producing design codes and the support they need.

New transport hub opens in Cheltenham

The second phase of the new Arle Court Transport Hub, a state-of-the-art park and ride facility in Cheltenham, has been completed.

The site now hosts a brand-new, multi-storey car park and bus terminal, which opened to the public on 29 July 2024, alongside a range of other enhanced services and facilities. Architects and engineers at global, multidisciplinary design practice BDP have delivered Phase 2 of the project alongside contractor Kier Construction on behalf of Gloucestershire County Council.

The £33m scheme is a key milestone in the county council’s ongoing efforts to deliver sustainable transport options in the county. It is an important element of the current Gloucestershire Local Transport Plan 20202041 and its Climate Change Strategy.

It has been funded by the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF), administered by Homes England, and the county council.

Arle Court Transport Hub will transform the travel experience for residents and visitors within, to and from the west Cheltenham area, as well as those arriving from the M5 via long-distance coach travel, by providing enhanced park and ride facilities that are both convenient and comfortable. The scheme has also been designed to offer improved sustainable travel choices and better connectivity to local active travel, which in turn will reduce congestion, lower CO2 emissions and improve air quality in the region.

Matt Mayes, architect director at BDP, said: “Arle Court Transport Hub provides the infrastructure and facilities needed to

Local authorities on the programme continue to draw lessons from the design coding process, particularly as many of them begin to adopt and implement their codes. The newly released materials explore these aspects of the process and how best to lay the foundations for effective implementation. They offer detailed guidance from the pathfinders to help councils develop strategies for success.

Key topics covered in the new materials include:

• Laying the Groundwork: Ensuring effective design code implementation.

• From Planning to Execution: Achieving resource efficiencies.

• Bridging Siloed Working: The importance of collaboration in design code development.

• From Policy to Practice: The role of development management officers.

Joanna Averley, Chief Planner at the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, said: “The Government wants to see high-quality, well-designed and sustainable homes and places brought forward. We believe that design codes, as well as up-to-date local plans, masterplans and other design guides, will play an important role in delivering this, enabling local areas to establish a shared vision for change and clearly set out what high-quality and good design means for them.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the pathfinders for all their efforts as part of the programme. Sharing their experiences will ensure other areas are in the best possible position to prepare and implement their own local design codes and make their visions a reality.”

bring together many sustainable transport options and significantly improve customer experience. The idea behind the project is that local people have the opportunity to use sustainable travel methods, such as cycling, scooting or walking, to travel in and out of Cheltenham with excellent travel connections to help them reach their final destination. This approach supports the 15 mintue city concept which aims to provide choice and improve people’s quality of life.”

See fire resistant glazing in a whole new light with Promat SYSTEMGLAS®. This range of high quality glazing systems enables the creation of attractive, light-filled, safe and secure internal environments without compromise.

Fully tested as a complete system, Promat SYSTEMGLAS® provides a dependable and sustainable glazing solution in four framing types, offering integrity and insulation (EI) fire protection of up to 120 minutes.

Promat SYSTEMGLAS Specified for a Reason

Promat UK Ltd 0800 588 4444 promatglass@etexgroup.com

Enquiry 4

Early positive signs for construction product manufacturing

The Construction Products Association’s latest State of Trade Survey showed early signs of recovery for the construction product manufacturing sector in the second quarter of 2024.

Both heavy side and light side firms reported a quarterly increase in product sales volumes, although concerns remain over the near-term strength of demand and labour availability. In 2024 Q2, a balance of 30% of heavy side manufacturers reported that sales of construction products increased, marking the first quarterly growth since 2022 Q2. Alongside this, 13% of light side manufacturers reported a rise in product sales.

Despite growth over the quarter, comparisons with a year earlier remained weak, reflecting two years of flatlining GDP growth and an extended period of interest rates being held at peak resulting in a significant reduction in demand from private housing new build and repairs, maintenance and improvement (rm&i).

Manufacturers’ expectations for the next 12 months were positive in Q2, with growth expected by both the heavy side and the light side. Nevertheless, the strength of demand continued to register as a concern, whilst a record-high proportion of manufacturers flagged up concern over the availability of labour.

Rebecca Larkin, CPA Head of Construction Research said: “After an extended period of declining sales, particularly on the heavy side, encouragingly we are now seeing the green shoots of recovery. For the heavy side this was the first quarterly growth recorded in two years and given this context, it is perhaps not surprising that

sales volumes were still reported lower when comparing to a year earlier given the longer-running weakness experienced by product manufacturers feeding into a slower residential construction sector.

“Whilst cuts in interest rates are expected to be the catalyst for a recovery in the two largest sectors of construction, private housing and private housing rm&i, manufacturers continue to highlight both demand-side and supply-side challenges. In common with construction, one of the industry’s biggest longer-term issues will be attracting and retaining workers.”

• A balance of 30% of heavy side firms and 13% of light side firms reported that construction products sales rose in 2024 Q2 compared with 2024 Q1, the first heavy side growth in two years.

• Comparing 2024 Q2 with 2023 Q2, 30% of heavy side manufacturers reported a decrease in sales, on balance.

• 56% of heavy side manufacturers and 23% of light side manufacturers anticipated a rise in sales over the next 12 months.

• 57% heavy side manufacturers and 49% of light side manufacturers cited ‘demand’ as the key concern for sales over the next 12 months.

• 29% of heavy side manufacturers also cited ‘labour availability’ as a concern, the highest proportion on record; this proportion was 27% for light side manufacturers.

• All manufacturers reported an increase in wages and salaries compared to a year earlier.

Ribbon cutting opens £64m development

Jubilee Square, a £64 million regeneration project in the heart of St Albans, has been completed and handed over to a housing association in a recent ceremony.

The project by St Albans City and District Council has transformed a rundown area of the City Centre with two new landmark buildings and landscaped gardens. The construction was procured through the Pagabo National Framework for Major Construction Works and delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction’s Northern Home Counties business.

The Council’s redevelopment of the area, where a former police station and NHS clinic were previously located, has created 93 new affordable homes, 5,000 square metres of commercial space and a basement car park with 101 spaces.

A new walkway, linking Victoria Street and Civic Close, was also built as part of the development, along with public gardens on the site of a former Quaker burial ground.All the flats have been bought by the housing association Watford Community Housing (WCH), which will make 33 available for social rent to people on St Albans City and District Council’s housing register.

The remaining 60 apartments will be sold on a shared-ownership basis and the first tenants are due to move in shortly.

Government hub gains planning consent

A new government office development in Darlington has been given the go-ahead by planners.

The application to construct a 5-storey, 10,000m2 government hub in Brunswick Street, put forward by the Government Property Agency (GPA), has been approved by the town planning committee.

The new office on Brunswick Street will build on the success of the Darlington

Economic Campus (DEC), currently comprising Feetham House and Bishopsgate House, both situated in the town centre.

With works on site set to begin later this year and completion earmarked for 2027, the modern, energy efficient office complex will be part of the wider DEC, anWd home to 1,400 civil servants from across a number of government departments.

GLASS EXCELLENCE

With over 46 years’ experience and UK-wide coverage, Firman Glass aims to be your number one choice for commercial and industrial glass products.

Products

• Toughened glass

• Processing

• CNC shaping

• Laminated glass

• Toughened and laminated constructions

• EVA and Vanceva coloured interlays

• Fabric and decorative interlays

• Structural interlays

Applications

• Structural glazing

• Glass floors

• Partitions

• Roof lights

• Balustrades

• Full height barriers

• Canopies

• Staircases

• Specialist insulating glass units

• Anti–slip glass

• Fire rated glass

• UV bonding

• Electric switchable glass

• Heated glass

• Decorative glass

• Sandblasting

• ColorfirmTM back painted glass

• Treads and stringers

• Shower screens

• Shelving

• Glass doors

• Acoustic reduction

• Fire rated

• Decoration

• Wall cladding

• Splashbacks

• Privacy

• Technical Support

• Nationwide Coverage

Further information is available from our sales and technical offices or visit www.firmanglass.com Firman Glass, 19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 0JH Tel: 01708 374534 Email: sales@ rmanglass.com

EPD provision leverages ambitions for a low-carbon built environment

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) provide transparent data on a product’s carbon impact throughout its lifecycle. Stewart McGregor, technical manager at dry mortar specialists CPI EuroMix, explains why EPDs are a benefit to building performance.

EPDs are becoming integral to the building process. Their relevance is in accordance with the development of digital modelling to provide an overall assessment of a building’s structural materials.

EPDs not only allow specifiers to make more informed decisions based on a product’s carbon performance, but they also allow manufacturers to gain a competitive edge, depending on their product’s rating.

Whitepaper on protecting waterways

Keyline Civils Specialist has released an in-depth report on road runoff pollution, collating the insights of experts from academic, governmental and civil engineering backgrounds to reveal damaging impacts and potential solutions to this critical environmental issue.

Road runoff pollution is the cause of 18 percent of water body failures in England: a toxic cocktail of chemicals is filtering from road surfaces into waterways through the drainage network.

Despite this, the problem hasn’t received the attention it deserves – it’s been described as the “Cinderella issue” of water quality, sitting in the background ignored. Which is why Keyline Civils Specialist identified individuals with the ability to make a difference, and arranged a roundtable event to shed light on a problem that requires cross-industry collaboration to solve.

CPI’s EPD took about six months to compile. It led to us becoming one of the first, if not the first, UK manufacturers on the market to possess an EPD for masonry mortar. Our EPD has a dedicated webpage, enabling customers to access the carbon ratings of our dry mortar product range. By providing quick, easy access to this information via our webpage improves the specification process, with the enhanced clarity designed to improve the build process.

Unlike many manufacturers whose EPDs are based on cradle-to-gate calculations, CPI’s declarations are developed using cradle-to-grave methodology. We include the emissions incurred during the raw material’s extraction, product manufacture and the CO2 emitted beyond ‘the gate’, which means including energy used in transferring the material to site and its endof-life disposal.

Including cradle-to-grave carbon calculations in our EPD not only builds greater clarity into the construction process for supply chain customers, it indicates where we can improve our CO2 footprint as a company.

For example, our EPD calculations revealed that 70%-to-80% of our products’ carbon output occurred during the raw material phase. This is an outcome we cannot

affect – without cement, there is no mortar. However, because of our EPD findings, we have exchanged CEM I cement, for a lowercarbon, CEM II solution.

CPI EuroMix is currently updating its EPD, which will take into consideration changes made across our sites, including installing solar panels to reduce our energy usage, and using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel in three of our manufacturing plants.

As well as providing core lifecycle assessment and environmental impact data within our EPDs, we offer more bespoke details in relation to our mortar range. It’s our belief that easy access to this type of performance data is crucial to providing customers with the knowledge to construct better-quality buildings that are less impactful to the environment.

EPDs in years to come will likely progress from a voluntary provision to one that is integral to properties meeting ever-stringent energy standards.

CPI EuroMix is happy to be ahead of the curve in this respect, and we hope to see other manufacturers follow suit. The direction of travel is towards a low-carbon built environment, which we’ll reach a lot sooner if we journey together with the same commitment to sustainable practices and principles.

The roundtable event brought together individuals across various industries and sectors to discuss road runoff pollution face-to-face for the first time. They collectively uncovered the impacts of road runoff, explored potential solutions, and identified the challenges faced in tackling this issue. This whitepaper is the result of those discussions, distilling all the insights

provided on the day into a comprehensive guide to help educate and raise awareness.

This is part of Keyline Civils Specialist’s Breaking New Ground approach – a commitment to finding new and better ways to support customers and drive the industry forward towards a more sustainable future.

Form, fit & finish

PENDOCK LINEA

BUILDING LININGS

Pendock Linea building linings provide a comprehensive range of decorative architectural casings and finishing solutions for interior and exterior applications.

Bespoke manufactured and formed to meet individual project requirements, the Linea range can also be installed by our experienced teams to ensure the perfect fit and finish are achieved.

Wall linings Bulkheads & fascias Lift reveals Soffit linings Rooflight linings & casings Ceiling rafts Parapet capping Pilaster linings Perimeter casings The Linea range includes:

Pendock Linea is part of our extensive casings, enclosures and decorative architectural products range, which combines aesthetics with practicality and design flexibility.

CEILING RAFTS AND LININGS

ATRIUM BEAM CASINGS

LIFT

Enquiry 6

Project: The 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize

Architects: Various

Suppliers: Various

Walk

The UK’s best architecture – 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist announced

A London Underground line, National Art Gallery, Council-led Housing, Inclusive Rural Retreat and two major regeneration projects have been recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), forming the shortlist for the 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize.

The six projects in the running for the UK’s highest accolade in architecture, are:

Chowdhury Walk, London by Al-Jawad Pike

An exemplary blueprint for social housing: Built on a plot previously occupied by garages and ad-hoc parking, these 11 homes – of which 7 are social rented - herald the development of a new generation of ambitious council housing in Hackney, East London.

A sculptural form gives a strong, confident presence to the staggered two-story terrace that weaves along a newly created public

thoroughfare for pedestrians and cyclists. Clever sequencing creates a meaningful route through the development and provides privacy from overlooking neighbours, while also supporting passive solar gain.

The Elizabeth Line, London Underground by Grimshaw, Maynard, Equation and AtkinsRéalis

A transport tour de force: A mammoth feat of construction and collaboration, The Elizabeth Line creates a familiar yet significantly improved experience for the 200 million passengers it is expected to carry each year. A slick line-wide identity manifests at

Chowdhury

platform level though the application of consistent cladding, lighting, and signage, creating a decluttered and accessible environment. The result is a major infrastructure project that sets a new standard for inner-city transport.

King’s Cross Masterplan, London by Allies and Morrison and Porphyrios Associates

A successful piece of city-making: 20 years in the making, the redevelopment of King’s Cross is the result of remarkable reintegration and regeneration of this former industrial wasteland in the heart of London. New streets, squares, offices, schools, university facilities and accommodation sit alongside thoughtfully restored historic structures, transforming the area into a thriving hub of activity. Further celebrating the site’s industrial legacy, the architects have reopened the Regent’s Canal to the public and created an ‘urban beach’ – a vibrant, valuable addition to London’s public realm and another clever thread in stitching a previously cut-off part of the city back into the wider urban fabric.

King’s Cross Masterplan

>> National Portrait Gallery, London by Jamie Fobert

Architects and Purcell

Reimagining a historic cultural institution:

A seamless blend of contemporary design and conservation of historical elements reinvigorate this Grade I* listed cultural institution. Visitor experience is enhanced by a welcoming new entrance of bronze doors featuring hand-drawn portraits by Tracey Emin, along with a light-filled learning centre and accessible public space carved from former offices. The entrance reorientates the gallery towards the bustling West End on which its back was previously turned, while crucial accessibility alterations have opened the building to all, including an entrance ramp and wider doorways. Careful interventions, such as using original windows to form new doorways, exemplify a harmony between heritage and adaptability.

palette referencing the nearby Peak District blends with the estate's original concrete, preserves its design heritage, while tree and wildflower plantings cleverly soften the exterior.

Wraxall

Yard, Dorset by Clementine Blakemore Architects

An inclusive and accessible rural retreat: A dilapidated Dorset dairy farm has been sensitively repaired and converted into highly accessible holiday accommodation, with public spaces aimed at boosting engagement with wildlife and farming. Motivated by frustration at the standard of available wheelchair accessible accommodation across the UK, the development offers extensive yet discreet accessible features, providing disabled guests – particularly wheelchair users –with a high degree of independence. Clever landscaping removes the need for ramps and obvious handrails. At the same time, a mix of polished concrete floors and exposed doorframes reduced drag and mitigate bumps for wheelchairs, widening access to this previously inaccessible site.

RIBA President Muyiwa Oki, said: "These projects demonstrate the ingenuity and diversity of architecture today. From major national infrastructure to brave and brilliant council-led housing, these varied schemes are united in making sensitive contributions to elevating everyday life.

“Whether raising the bar for social housing, upgrading city transportation or repurposing dilapidated buildings to create heritage-conscious urban and rural developments, each scheme thoughtfully adapts elements of our existing built environment.

“At a time when the need to preserve our planet’s resources is greater than ever, these projects are to be commended for placing regeneration and restoration front and centre, transforming well and lesser-known landmarks to create highly sustainable places for future generations. This is purposeful yet unassuming architecture –architecture that brings joy to people’s lives and strengthens the fabric of our society.”

Amy Bunszel, EVP of architecture, engineering, and construction solutions at Autodesk, said: “Congratulations to the 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist winners, whose projects illustrate how design brings local communities together. The architecture industry has an important role in solving the big challenges we face; to house and support growing populations with a built environment that is more resilient and sustainable. The shortlist winners are inspiring examples of how architects can design and make a more inclusive future for our homes, workplaces, and communities.”

The winner of the 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize will be announced live at London’s Roundhouse on 16 October 2024, sponsored by Autodesk.

National Portrait Gallery

Park Hill Phase 2, Sheffield by Mikhail Riches Revitalising a Brutalist landmark: The second phase of an ongoing regeneration of Europe’s largest listed structure which sits on a prominent hillside overlooking Sheffield City Centre. Internal spaces are modernised through open plan designs and the addition of balconies, while thermal imaging has allowed sustainability experts to identify and improve energy efficiency. A fresh colour

Park Hill Phase 2

Wraxall Yard

PYRAN® S

For fire resistance and protection of people and property

Now available for UK manufacture

Multifunctionality in fire protection

PYRAN® S is a pre-stressed, monolithic borosilicate single pane safety glass in accordance with EN 13024-1.

As a component in fire-resistant glazing that meets the requirements of resistance classes E 30, E 60, E 90 and E 120, it has proven its outstanding optical and mechanical characteristics over the years in a wide variety of buildings.

Areas of application

PYRAN® has been internationally approved and ideally suited for:

• Facades

• Partition walls

• Skylights and rooflights

• Doors

• Roofs

• Smoke screens

• lift door glazing

• lift shaft glazing

Facts

• Higher ability to withstand temperature differentials: In comparison to soda-lime glass, tempered borosilicate glass can better withstand temperature differentials and can therefore be glazed with normal edge covers (20±2 mm).

• Higher softening temperature: Because the glass is selfsupporting for more than 30 minutes, large panes and simple frame constructions are now possible.

• Higher viscosity: The glass flow rate is low due to the high viscosity and durability of borosilicate glass, so with more edge cover, greater fire resistance times in excess of 90 minutes can be achieved.

• NiS crystals do not form: Due to the chemical composition of borosilicate glass, nickel sulphide crystals cannot form. Spontaneous glass fracture due to embedded NiS crystals cannot happen with PYRAN®.

Further information is available from our sales and technical offices or visit www.firmanglass.com

Tel: 01708 374534 Email: Pyran@firmanglass.com

Firman Glass, 19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 0JH Enquiry 9

Covering up with Verta column casings

Decorative architectural casings are a common feature in contemporary building design as they provide a versatile, effective and stylish method of concealing structural steelwork and concrete support columns.

The combination of practicality, versatility and aesthetics are at the core of the Verta column casing range from Encasement Ltd, which have been installed on projects within most sectors, including retail, education and healthcare, as well as hotel, sport & leisure and commercial refurbishment.

Key to this versatility is the range of materials and finishes available to specifiers, as well as the option of selecting products from the available standard shapes and sizes or creating bespoke manufactured designs for specific projects.

As a result, Encasement casings have been specified and installed by many well-known brands, which includes Porsche; Premier Inn, TATA; Kia Motors; Halfords and Tesco together with a wide range of retail outlets, hospitals, universities, leisure projects and office buildings across the UK.

The Verta range incorporates six separate products, including Circa pre-formed MDF and plywood Quadra casings, 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, while the Metza range, provides up to 2 hours fire protection for mezzanine floor support columns.

Circa and Quadra casings are manufactured from pre-formed MDF and plywood respectively, using UKTR compliant and sustainably sourced timbers, 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 pre-sized infill panels to give greater design 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 and Quadra installations, are Liverpool University, Rossendale Health Centre, Gateshead International Stadium and Blackburn Markets, as well as Worksop Bus Terminal, Farnborough College 6th Form Centre and the Dame Kelly Holmes Sports Centre.

Whilst all Encasement’s column casings are suitable for interior applications, Polyma and Forma can also be used on exterior projects, due to their inherent weather resistance and durability. Manufactured from aluminium or stainless steel, Forma casings can be specified as circles, with diameters from 250mm up to 1000mm, as well as square, rectangular and hexagonal forms, or bespoke profiles.

The choice of finishes is also extensive with British Standard and RAL colour PPC options available, alongside brushed, anodised, embossed and textured surfaces.

Durability and colour choice are also features of Polyma GRP casings. As they are produced from moulds, 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 Lime Wood Primary School in Erith, Kent, The Carmine Building in London, and Cardiff’s Premier Inn, demonstrate the versatility of Forma and Polyma bespoke column casings in both exterior and interior applications.

Encasement – Enquiry 10

TATA Technology Centre

Carmine Building, London

Premier Inn, Cardiff

Dame Kelly Holmes Sports Centre

Lime Wood School, Kent

Helvar Senses is Here: Transforming Energy Efficiency and Wellbeing in Every Space!

Helvar, a leading innovator in intelligent lighting solutions, is excited to announce the official commercial launch of Helvar Senses, an advanced environmental sensing solution integrated into lighting controls.

Building on insights gained from pilot projects across various industries, including a successful trial with Rejlers in Sweden, Helvar Senses is now available to the broader market. By incorporating smart environmental sensing into its offering, Helvar’s solutions now offer even more opportunities to optimise building performance, sustainability, and occupant wellbeing.

When it comes to enhancing building performance through lighting systems, a crucial element has often been overlooked— the potential to go beyond traditional controls. Lighting systems, which already serve as one of the densest sensor networks within a building, offer a unique opportunity to provide much more than light. With the addition of environmental sensing capabilities—such as monitoring air quality, temperature, humidity, and noise levels—Helvar Senses collects actionable data that can optimise not just lighting but overall building performance.

This approach offers a scalable solution that is easier to manage and maintain compared to deploying standalone sensors. By integrating environmental sensing into the existing lighting infrastructure, building operators benefit from a unified system that reduces complexity, lowers operational expenditure (OpEx), and is simpler to maintain over time. By correlating data on occupancy and environmental conditions, building operators can make more informed decisions, leading to significant energy savings and reduced carbon emissions. For instance, integrating HVAC systems with Helvar Senses helps avoid siloed operations and enables better control over energy use by aligning air quality with occupancy patterns.

Supporting Sustainability Goals and Building Standards

In response to increasingly stringent sustainability directives such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and evolving building standards like BREEAM, WELL, and LEED, Helvar Senses offers a solution that helps minimise the “performance gap”—the difference between the predicted energy performance of a building and its actual energy usage.

By providing real-time data, building operators can adjust systems to ensure that energy consumption is optimised according to real conditions, helping to meet both regulatory requirements and sustainability goals.

Helvar Senses allows building operators to monitor key indoor environmental factors and thus better support the wellbeing of occupants. This is particularly relevant as organisations prioritise creating healthier workspaces that promote productivity and comfort.

Customer Success with Rejlers

The deployment of Helvar Senses in real-world projects has already produced impressive results. One of these projects is with Rejlers, a leading engineering consultancy who chose to expand their system at their HQ Office in Gothenburg, Sweden. The team opted to include Helvar Senses in their lighting renovation and saw immediate benefits.

Nicklas Stenberg, project manager and team leader at Rejlers, explained how the solution has improved their indoor environment: “After expanding the entire system with Helvar Senses, we now have an easy way to check temperatures and air quality inside the premises. Previously, if we felt the air was bad, we would complain without any data to back it up. Now, we can monitor the actual conditions and take action accordingly.”

Jan Bengtsson, Business Unit Manager at Rejlers, further emphasised the value of datadriven decision-making: “The advantage of realising real-time data is that you can confirm an experience or have a discussion if it’s just an experience. This is a great advantage, but you can also use data in conversation with the property owner, and the more data you have, the better you can modify the property”.

Helvar Senses is empowering buildings to achieve greater energy efficiency while improving occupant wellbeing. By leveraging data from lighting sensors, Helvar Senses not only optimises lighting and energy use but also supports a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment. As companies strive to meet sustainability directives such as the CSRD, Helvar Senses offers a smart solution that drives measurable progress toward environmental goals.

To learn more about Helvar Senses, please visit helvar.com/senses/

Helvar – Enquiry 11

Electronic Access Control: Offering convenience and compliance

Jason Boyce, Commercial Project Manager - Electronic Access Control, at Abloy UK, discusses the latest evolution of electronic access control systems that offer a convenient, adaptable and user-friendly solution.

Recent research* has shown that electronic access control systems are now the norm, with 85% of organisations operating such a solution. The shift towards electronic access control away from traditional mechanical devices signals that security is no longer the sole driver, and end-users expect additional functionality and benefits.

Convenience is now seen as a key part of the specification process, with ease of use for both operators and users now a major deciding factor. As security is seen as given, greater importance is placed on other elements such as improved user experience, flexibility, adaptability and scalability.

The study also found great importance is placed on having an access control system that can be integrated into a comprehensive security solution. Traditionally, access control, surveillance and intrusion alarm systems all operated in different ways, and therefore had to be monitored separately. When asked what technologies were desirable for integration with electronic access control, CCTV/video surveillance was the top answer (78%) closely followed by an alarm system (72%) and visitor management (68%).

The main advantages of having an integrated security system are that it removes the need to keep multiple systems updated (74%), makes compliance easier (48%) and saves employees’ time (48%).

With this in mind, what electronic access control solutions are available that offer integration, convenience and flexibility, while remaining compliant with building regulations?

Introducing Primo

Primo is the latest software platform from Abloy’s sister company, Impro Technologies, which is part of the ASSA ABLOY group. Impro’s electronic access control solution has been a very successful platform across many vertical markets for a considerable time now.

Primo is the latest evolution of the software, and the takes the solution to another level of user experience, featuring an exciting new Graphic User Interface (GUI) and several new integrations and hardware offerings.

access control software and is set

define the way security professionals interact with systems, offering a more intuitive, userfriendly, and secure solution.

It addresses a significant challenge in the security industry, which is ensuring that lifesafe doors that are equipped with electric

locks can offer the same functionality as wired access control systems.

Primo’s advanced capabilities also include the ability to link with CCTV systems, offering detailed accounts of who accessed a door using a mechanical key. It can also lock down a site in the event of an electronic failure, enhancing overall security frameworks.

Primo represents a significant step forward in

to

The system is designed to be user-friendly right out of the box. This means that there is no configuration needed, customers can simply wire it in and then the software takes over, presenting alarm functionalities immediately.

Electric locking integration and mobile credentials

Another strength of Primo is its seamless integration with Abloy UK’s renowned electric locking systems. The launch of this solution coincides with the introduction of the new iRT-EL controller, designed to support Abloy’s electric locking range. This is particularly crucial for doors classified as life-safe, where compliance and functionality are integral.

As an industry we have been talking about mobile credentials for a long time, and we are starting to see this becoming the default in terms of customer requirements. Mobile credentials offer many benefits such as high security, convenience and environmental advantages.

Primo has a key feature which allows users to natively provision and deprovision HID

Mobile Identities from the GUI with no requirement for development. This new solution will allow users to have more intuitive experiences, providing flexibility and scalability, making it a comprehensive solution for a wide range of vertical markets and applications.

Compliance and education

Although electronic access control solutions such as Primo offer enhanced functionality, the fundamental importance of specifying a complaint solution must not be underestimated.

There is no greater responsibility than specifying the correct locking solution on emergency escape and fire doors in public buildings. Most importantly, compliant fire and emergency escape door systems guarantee the safety of a building’s occupants, but also make sure that the building or facilities manager is not liable if an accident does occur.

We believe education on basic escape and fire door safety is critical and an integral aspect of access control.

Specifiers and installers must know how to ensure solutions are safe and compliant, whether that’s a mechanical, electronic, or digital product.

Our primary focus with training is educating the market regarding compliance, as many standards are harmonised, and as such no longer a ‘nice to have’ but a must. We are passionate that security sits along life safety, and standards and compliance are factored into operational requirements across all disciplines and sectors.

Abloy’s Digital Access Solutions Academy is a purpose-built facility to showcase, work with, install and test the company’s extensive range of products, with particular focus on new digital solutions and ecosystems.

The courses provided equip delegates with the knowledge and practical skills to ensure they specify and install the right digital access products in suitable applications, with hands-on experience.

With standards and technology always evolving, it’s important that knowledge is kept up to date and we advise refresher courses on a regular basis to ensure compliance to the latest regulations.

With the demand for electronic access control systems higher than ever before, specifiers and installers can futureproof their business by offering innovative new solutions such as Primo.

For further information on products and services available from Abloy, visit [UTM] call 01902 364 500, or email info@abloy.co.uk

* The Wireless Access Control Report 2023 - https://www.abloy.com/gb/en/ campaigns/2023-wac-report

Abloy UK – Enquiry 12

SOPREMA – Building for Life

SOPREMA takes pride in its rich history and recognises its pivotal role in helping to shape the future of the construction industry.

Established in 1908, the SOPREMA Group has remained an independent entity, consistently expanding while preserving its personalised approach and commitment to flexibility and innovation. Charles Geisen, the founder of the SOPREMA Group, revolutionised the industry with the invention of the Mammoth Membrane, a breakthrough that laid the foundation for modern waterproofing solutions.

Today, under the leadership of Pierre Etienne Bindschedler, the third generation of the founding family, SOPREMA has become a global leader in the development and production of innovative waterproofing and roofing system solutions.

30 Years of SOPREMA in the UK

2024 marks a significant milestone for SOPREMA, 30 years of directly operating and offering its comprehensive portfolio of products and services in the UK. Over these three decades, SOPREMA have dedicated

themselves to protecting living spaces and enhancing well-being through sustainable and innovative waterproofing solutions, thermal and acoustic insulation, and wideranging roofing systems.

A Legacy of Excellence

With over a hundred years of construction expertise, SOPREMA’s vision is to build for life by fostering entrepreneurship, driving innovation, and achieving sustainable success.

Their mission is to create a better future by prioritising respect, care, and excellence in all they do. They’re committed to pushing the boundaries of the construction industry, ensuring that every project contributes to the well-being of people and the planet.

Comprehensive Waterproofing Solutions

SOPREMA UK provides a comprehensive portfolio of advanced waterproofing solutions, including bituminous, liquid, hot melt, and synthetic options.

Their extensive portfolio of products are Broof(t4) accredited, the highest fire safety standard for roofing waterproofing systems. These innovative systems are specifically designed to withstand the most challenging waterproofing demands and the harshest environmental and weather conditions, ensuring durable and effective protection.

Bituminous Waterproofing

SOPREMA specialises in high-quality bituminous waterproofing products, such as durable bitumen membranes, known for their exceptional resistance and long service life. The comprehensive product range includes waterproofing accessories and cap sheets suitable for warm, cold, single-layer, and inverted roof systems. UK BBA certified, impact and tear-resistant, their bitumen roofing systems ensure a robust and watertight solution.

Liquid Waterproofing

SOPREMA’s liquid waterproofing systems are applied completely flamefree, offering solutions for trafficable environments, varied substrates, and complex constructions. The innovative liquid water proofing products provide hard-wearing watertight surfacing for roofs, balconies, terraces, walkways, flooring, and car parks.

Hot Melt Waterproofing

Hot melt pour waterproofing systems by SOPREMA provide exceptional versatility, durability and longevity for flat roofs. The system's hot liquid application guarantees optimal adhesion, creating a fully integrated, robust bond with the roof structure. Its monolithic, self-healing properties provide a seamless, durable waterproof barrier that can repair small penetrations autonomously.

Additionally, SOPREMA hot pour systems support fast-track and phased installations, making them perfect for projects with tight schedules.

Synthetic Waterproofing

SOPREMA's synthetic waterproofing systems provide versatile solutions for a wide range of applications, including buildings with standard or unusual waveform roofing, civil structures like basements and foundations, and potable water systems. The portfolio features PVC and TPO single-ply membranes, along with accessories designed for easy installation and top-tier performance using flame-free application methods for enhanced safety and efficiency.

Additional options include next-generation single-ply membranes, fully UK BBA (Broof t4) certified, UV-resistant, offering exceptional mechanical and fire-retardant properties. With a unique composition that provides up to a 35-year service length, they deliver significant cost savings compared to traditional two-layer systems. Ideal for diverse projects, these membranes are both versatile and reliable, especially in no-flame applications.

Innovative Green Roof Solutions

A key highlight of SOPREMA’s offering is their extensive range of green roof systems. These solutions not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also add aesthetic and functional value to any building. Whether a lightweight, low-maintenance green roof or a more intensive, customised solution, SOPREMA can provide expert advice and guidance to ensure seamless integration and reliable performance.

Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Options

In addition to traditional roofing solutions, SOPREMA UK is committed to sustainability.

Their portfolio includes energy-efficient systems such as cool roofs, which reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, reducing the energy demand for cooling in buildings.

Their SopraSolar fix system enables direct installation of rigid, modular photovoltaic panels onto waterproofing membranes using a membrane-to-membrane welding technique, ensuring the integrity of the waterproofing remains uncompromised throughout the panels' lifespan.

Thermal Insulation Solutions

SOPREMA provides a comprehensive selection of thermal insulation products designed to improve energy efficiency and comfort in buildings.

Their offerings include rigid PIR, XPS and natural wood-fibre insulation boards, as well as hybrid tapered schemes utilising PIR and EPS.

The thermal insulation solutions are suitable for a wide range of applications, including roofs, walls, foundations, and floors, in both commercial and residential projects. These products help reduce heat loss, lower energy costs, and support sustainable construction practices.

Technical Support

SOPREMA’s success in the UK is bolstered by its expert technical team. Their Technical Sales Managers and field technicians assist construction professionals from design to completion, ensuring the highest standards are met.

Design Support

Understanding that every project is unique, SOPREMA UK offers expert design advice and tailored solutions to meet specific project requirements. Their team of specialists works closely with architects, contractors, and building owners to ensure that every roofing system is designed and installed to the highest standards. SOPREMA’s technical

Acoustic Insulation Solutions

SOPREMA offer a specialised range of acoustic insulation products designed to reduce noise transmission and enhance soundproofing in buildings. Their solutions include sound-absorbing membranes, resilient underlays, and composite systems that effectively block and absorb airborne and impact noise.

SOPREMA's acoustic insulation product portfolio is ideal for both residential, educational, and commercial applications, including floors, walls, pipework and ceilings.

These products help create quieter, more comfortable environments by minimising sound disturbances, contributing to improved living, learning and working conditions.

SOPREMA also provides expert guidance and support to ensure optimal installation and performance of their acoustic insulation systems.

team is also on hand to provide CAD drawings, while their refurbishment support includes core samples, condition reports, and detailed project recommendations. They supply bespoke specification guidelines that offer contractors clear instructions on accessories, safety conditions, and project execution, all in line with prescribed codes of practice. Additionally, SOPREMA is committed to ongoing education and training, offering RIBA accredited Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses to Architects whilst also carrying out training for installers to become approved SOPREMA contractors.

SOPREMA in Summary

SOPREMA UK is committed to delivering high-performance, durable, and sustainable roofing waterproofing systems, thermal, and acoustic insulation solutions. Their products are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern construction, providing long-lasting protection against water infiltration, superior thermal efficiency, and effective noise control. With a broad range of innovative solutions, including customisable roofing systems and cutting-edge insulation materials, backed by outstanding customer technical support, SOPREMA ensures that each product not only meets but exceeds industry standards.

www.soprema.co.uk

Soprema – Enquiry 13

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

Enquiry 14

FP McCann Expands its Concrete Roof Tile Division

Following the opening in 2023 of its state-of-the art £30 million concrete roof tile manufacturing facility at Cadeby in Leicestershire, FP McCann is moving into a second phase of production which will see expansion of its concrete tile range and capacity moving up to 500,000 tiles per week. With further upgrades planned, the fully automated facility, will have the capability to produce 60 million roof tiles per annum.

Having entered the market last summer with its thin leading edge interlocking concrete roof tiles branded ”Thin Flat” and “Thin Flat Duo”, the company has recently expanded the Thin Flat tile range, adding a Rustic Red colour. This modern looking low-profile tile also available in Anthracite, Grey, Terracotta and Brown, features a smooth non-textured finish and straight cut edge.

To complement the Thin Flat tiles, FP McCann is shortly to commission a ridge tile production line. Also moving into a commissioning phase is the “Round Top” roof tile (seawave style). The standard profile concrete roof tile is a soft roll design, the classic double pantile feature lending itself to both traditional and modern style houses. Later this year, once all production line upgrades are complete, FP McCann will be launching two more tile profiles, a double Roman and a square top roof tile.

The company has installed the latest concrete tile manufacturing equipment in the new factory - The process starts with the mixing of sand, cement, iron oxide and water in controlled measures in a planetary mixer to produce a semi-dry concrete composition. The semi-dry tile mix is then conveyed to a hopper, where it is extruded onto aluminium moulds and cut to the precise tile lengths. At this point, Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a part in the manufacturing process with a camera system automatically scanning tiles for defects and discolouration. Each individual mould and quality checked tile are then automatically transferred at a rate of 140 a minute into a rotary curing system which is heated at between 40 and 50 degrees Celsius. Regulated air is circulated

to control humidity and temperature levels to achieve the optimum curing time and initial tile strength.

The second stage of the continuous curing cycle sees the tiles loaded onto a large circular rack that slowly rotates until they reach an unloader. This process takes between 6-8 hours. Once unloaded each tile passes through an automatic demoulding machine that parts the tile from its mould. The mould is then returned to the first stage of the process.

The fully cured tiles then continue through a paint booth where two coats of acrylic waterbased paint are applied to seal the tiles.

A similar rotary racking system allows the paint to dry before the tiles are stacked on top of each other to form a pack of 38. The packs are finally relayed onto a strapping and palletising line and placed on wooden pallets. Extra protection is provided with a

stretch hooding bag and a chain conveyor then transports the pallets into storage.

FP McCann also boast an extensive range of quality roofing accessories each being compliant with BS5534 and NHBC guidelines.

Commenting on the new products and ongoing development at the Cadeby roof tile factory, Jonathan Pratt, FP McCann’s National Roof Tile Manager says, “Our expanded roof tile range and increased automated production capabilities will enable us to compete effectively throughout the UK. Our concrete roof tiles and complementary tile accessories are of the highest standard, all covered by a 15-year Guarantee. This push to be a market leader in the sector extends to the modern factory itself: With solar panels powering 100% of the plant’s energy requirement, FP McCann is also paving the way in the industry’s drive for net zero carbon emissions.”

Jonathan adds, “Fast and efficient customer service is key to our growth objectives. Regardless of project size, we simply ask customers to email plans to roofing@fpmccann.co.uk and they will get a quotation back within 48 hours.”

McCann

INTRODUCING OUR NEW RANGE OF

CONCRETE ROOF TILES

Introducing the brand new FP McCann range of high quality, machine produced Concrete Roof Tiles. Now available in a variety of profiles and colour options. FP McCann also boast an extensive range of roofing accessories, each specifically chosen and designed to work in cohesion with all aspects of the FP McCann Full Roof offering and are completely compliant with BS 5534 and NHBC guidelines.

CONTACT: JONATHAN PRATT FP MCCANN NATIONAL ROOF TILE MANAGER 07740433860 | JPRATT@FPMCCANN.CO.UK

Composite – the perfect timber alternative for the public sector?

Timber has traditionally been the material of choice for councils when it comes to specifying for elements such as decked walkways, street furniture, way signage, and handrails. Whilst timber appears to offer both style and substance, it can be costly and time consuming to keep it safe and smart. This is why many councils are looking to a more cost-effective, low maintenance alternative.

Phil Marris, Managing Director of Ecodek, explores why wood polymer composite (WPC) is becoming the go to choice for many councils seeking the perfect timber substitute.

“Wood requires regular maintenance to keep it safe. It needs sanding pre-treatment, staining and treating to protect it from the elements, and constant care to prevent splintering and splitting. Over time it can warp, fade, and become unsightly. Overall, timber can cost councils a significant amount of money and hours. However, there is another option available.

“Wood Polymer Composite (WPC) has emerged as the perfect alternative to traditional timber. Its versatility means that it can be used for many applications – really, anywhere wood is utilised, wood composite can be used in its place. Ecodek WPC has been used instead of wood on many councilled decking projects, as well as for bus shelters, planters, seating and waste bins to name just a few applications. The array of benefits WPC offers can help increase efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and provide significant cost savings.

“Firstly, WPC is one of the most sustainable materials available. For example, here at Ecodek, our profiles are manufactured using 95% recycled and sustainably-sourced materials, and the finished products can themselves be recycled at the end of their lives.

“Secondly, in terms of increasing efficiency and reducing costs, WPC does not require any treatments to protect it from the weather or paints to make it look attractive. It is slip, splinter, and split resistant making it extremely safe, and its strength and durability mean it can withstand heavy, consistent use without warping, sagging, or breaking.

“Finally, as well as substance, WPC also has style. It comes in a variety of designs and colours, enabling councils to create on brand, unique, and eye-catching components,” adds Phil.

One such council which has reaped the benefits of using wood composite is East Riding of Yorkshire. The council contacted Ecodek when they needed to replace existing decking along the seafront at Hornsea. Having previously used timber, which had significantly

worn, they decided to specify composite boards to extend the life of the installation.

Being on the seafront, the decking needed to withstand tough conditions including moist sea air, salt, and sand – all of which can cause increased risk of material degradation. At the same time, the deck boards needed to be durable and hard wearing in order to cope with the demands of a busy public walkway.

Following technical guidance and advice from the Ecodek team, the Council specified Ecodek’s Signature HD boards in Pebble Grey with anti-slip inserts. These were installed on an Ecodek Supastiff composite subframe for optimum durability. The result is a picturesque yet highly practical walkway that is designed to last even in the harshest of conditions.

Phil concludes: “We appreciate that timber has been the material of choice for many years when it comes to manufacturing street furniture, walkways, signage, and other components used within public spaces. However, the many beneficial attributes WPC offers over and above wood can not be dismissed. It perfectly combines style, substance, and sustainability, offering councils a timber alternative that is truly designed to last.”

Further information about wood polymer composite and the many ways it can be utilised in public spaces, call Ecodek on 01978 667 840 or visit www.ecodek.co.uk.

Ecodek – Enquiry 17

A resilient floor installation has been completed at the new Forest of Dean Community Hospital with a sustainable Mapei system.

The installation, which featured designs from Forbo, was completed by Rotherham-based Titan Flooring for Speller Metcalfe. The Mapei specification included floor preparation products and adhesives, each featuring EMICODE: EC1 Plus formulations.

Designed by ONE, Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust’s new 24-bed community hospital is located close to Cinderford town centre. The new hospital has been designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent certification.

The Mapei application spanned treatment and consultant rooms, waiting areas, therapy and recovery rooms, x-ray and ultrasound departments, bedrooms, corridors and stairs, WC’s, nappy changing areas, stores, bays and utility, kitchens and server rooms.

All Mapei products specified benefit from very low VOC EMICODE: EC1 Plus formulations. They included two preparation products - Latexplan Trade protein-free, low odour levelling and smoothing compound and Eco Prim T Plus, a universal acrylic primer. Flooring was installed with Ultrabond Eco VS90 Plus hard set, highly shear resistant, wet-bed dispersion adhesive.

The Forbo specification included Forbo Eternal, Surestep and Surestep 12, Sphera Element and Colorex SD.

Mapei – Enquiry 18

Underfunded ventilation in schools is failing students

CIAT is joining the efforts to raise awareness about the critical need for continued school ventilation spending amidst the UK cost-ofliving crisis.

CIAT UK is part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions. Reduced investment in heating and ventilation is not just a financial issue; it's a threat to our students’ learning outcomes and overall well-being.

According to a Carrier-backed study by researchers at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, these conditions are not just uncomfortable but can lead to elevated CO2 levels and higher concentrations of harmful particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) and volatile organic compounds

(VOCs). These toxicity levels cause more than just physical complications, severely affecting mental functioning.

The study comprises three related studies into the impact of ventilation and filtration on occupants’ cognitive function and health in the lab, the impact in buildings in US cities, and in six countries worldwide.

“Lab tests revealed that cognitive function scores were 61% higher in green buildings (with low VOCs) than conventional buildings,” said Matthew Maleki, Business Development Manager and IAQ Champion at CIAT UK&I. “In enhanced green buildings with low VOCs and enhanced ventilation, they were a massive 101% higher.”

CIAT – Enquiry 19

Mapei joins net zero carbon in operation spec at academy

Mapei floor preparation and fixing products have featured as part of a net zero carbon in operation school project at Winterstoke Hundred Academy secondary school in Somerset.

Works carried out by Flortec included installation of Forbo vinyl flooring throughout the new building.

Winterstoke Hundred Academy is a coeducational secondary school and sixth form located in Weston-superMare. It was designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating.

Forbo designs specified included Sphera Element homogeneous vinyl flooring, Sphera SD anti-static vinyl flooring, Surestep Original safety flooring and Safestep R12 safety flooring.

During the flooring installation, Mapei Eco Prim T Plus universal acrylic primer was used to treat the substrates.

Mapei Latexplan Trade – a proteinfree, low odour levelling and smoothing compound – and Ultraplan Renovation Screed 3240 fibre-reinforced self levelling compound were used to prepare subfloors, along with Mapeproof One Coat surface damp proof membrane.

Two Mapei adhesives, featuring solventfree and very low VOC formulations, were used to complete the flooring installation. They included multipurpose adhesive, Ultrabond Eco Fix and Ultrabond Eco TX3 wet grab adhesive.

Mapei – Enquiry 20

Office projects set for strong rebound

A strengthening in office projects, both refurbishment and new build, is set to bolster opportunities in the next year and beyond.

The underlying value of office project starts (schemes valued at £100 million or below) fell by 19% last year but the Glenigan forecast predicts a strong rebound this year. Starts should rise by 8% then motor on to increase by 12% in 2025.

Glenigan economics director Allan Wilén comments: “A strengthening economy is expected to support a recovery in both new build and refurbishment projects over the next three years.

“While the overall office space requirement won’t reach pre-pandemic levels, the rise of hybrid working is driving demand for more modern and collaborative workspaces through refurbishments and fit-out projects. Companies are also increasingly subletting their existing space, creating further refurbishment opportunities.”

Glenigan’s construction industry research has identified more than 7,000 office-focused projects valued at £500,000 or more, where work is expected to start on-site in the next 12 months.

Many refurbishment and conversion schemes are in the pipeline. These range from smaller proposals such as a £600,000

plan to convert an existing steel barn in Bamber Bridge, Lancashire, into offices with a start expected in August (Project ID: 24099062) to a £40 million plan by Bentley Motors to revamp a car showroom in Pyms Lane, Cheshire into offices. (Project ID: 23038867). Work is expected to begin on this scheme in November.

Other proposals are in procurement. Bids from contractors have been received for the £117 million Vinegar Yard scheme in south London (pictured), where work is expected to begin in October (Project ID: 19138276).

Of the more than 7,000 £1 million-plus offices schemes set to start construction over the next year, nearly 500 are based in London.

This strong pipeline ranges from relatively smaller schemes such as a £33 million plan to demolish 56-65 St Leonard Street in Hackney, East London, and build a 10-storey office building with work starting in November (Project ID: 10417103).

Major schemes include a £477.8 million plan for a 74-storey office building in the City of London known

as 1 Undershaft – The Trellis, which will be considered by the City of London’s Planning committee during July (Project ID: 15014016). If approved, work could begin by the end of this year.

A strong pipeline of major projects was a feature of Deloitte’s recent London Crane Hire Survey, which reported work starting on 42 schemes to deliver four million square feet of space. Glenigan’s own construction industry research shows that more schemes continue to start on-site.

Multiplex Construction Europe recently secured permission from insurance giant AXA to begin work on the £480 million 50 Fenchurch Street scheme, which will provide 650,000 sq ft of office space in the heart of London (Project ID: 19410738).

Overall, the south of England is set to deliver the largest amount of office projects expected to start on-site during the next year. A total of 916 schemes will start construction in the South East, while another 570 should begin in the South West.

In the South East, these range from a £25 million office extension at Farnham Road in Guildford (Project ID: 23163564) to the Royal Agricultural University’s £100 million plan for an Innovation Village Business Park in Cirencester (Project ID: 23021988).

With more and more workers returning to the office, demand – and opportunities for the construction industry – should continue to rise. >>

CERTIFIED GLASS FOR CERTIFIED FRAMING SYSTEMS

Our fire and safety glass products are ideal for fire doors, screens, and glass partitioning systems. We offer in-house CNC work and oversized IGUs to meet your bespoke project needs.

We provide technical advice and support, and stock all major brands of fire-rated glass, as well as acoustic, laminated, toughened, and mirrored glass options. Available with short lead times and professional installations, we ensure your project is completed efficiently and to the highest standards.

THAT’S THE FIRE GLASS PROMISE TRUST THE EXPERTS

>> A world-leading workplace

The Government Property Agency (GPA) has gained a prestigious world-leading award for its office hub building in Peterborough.

It is the second time the agency has achieved Leesman+ certification – global recognition of exceptional workplace experiences which only six public sector offices worldwide have ever attained.

Quay House, in Peterborough, was opened in March 2023 as the GPA’s first newbuild hub within the Government Hubs Programme. It brought together 1,200 civil servants from several government bodies to work in one shared building as part of a £120m regeneration of Fletton Quays.

The building was aligned to the Government Workplace Design Guide across its seven floors, providing flexible, digitally-connected workspaces to support greater productivity, create cost efficiencies and enhance carbon reduction.

The survey results for Quay House showed that 70.1% of respondents agreed 'It's a place I'm proud to bring visitors to', whilst two thirds agreed the building provides an enjoyable environment to work in and enables them to work productively.

Georgina Dunn, Interim Director of Capital Projects, said: “By transforming brownfield sites into industry leading workplaces, our Government Hubs are at the heart of enabling the government’s Places for Growth programme.

"For our hubs in Peterborough and Birmingham to be given Leesman+ recognition shows that we are at the forefront of modernising the Civil Service whilst supporting economic growth across the UK, not just in capital cities.”

The GPA first achieved Leesman+ certification for its Birmingham hub at 23 Stephenson Street in 2023, which was recognised as the best amongst Leesman+ buildings.

Leesman has surveyed more than 1.35m employees across 9,300 workplaces to establish the world’s largest workplace experience database and benchmark standards across the private and public sectors. Only 269 workplaces have ever achieved its coveted Leesman+ certification.

Louis Roberts, Interim Director of Workplace Services, said: “We recognise the importance of agile and flexible workplace communities that accommodate the diverse needs of civil servants. As these needs continue to evolve, strong insights enable us to adapt our design and delivery models to ensure we are providing workplaces that our customers need, where they feel empowered to work productively.”

As well as benchmarking government workplaces against some of the leading offices worldwide, Leesman+ also provides rich insights on behaviours and priorities of building users which informs workplace design and service delivery across the GPA’s portfolio.

MERMET Technical Solar Shading Fabrics

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

Are you seeking to achieve LEED and Breeam certification?

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

New lifts revealed at Asticus building

The Asticus London building, a striking ten-storey landmark, has undergone a remarkable transformation.

Originally constructed in 2006, the office building features the addition of four new Stannah passenger lifts, one of which can be used by emergency services in the event of a fire.

Architects, Aukett Swanke, envisioned a remarkable Cat A office refurbishment design, the building prioritises inclusivity with the new lifts providing daily step-free access.

Stannah installed three passenger lifts, as a triplex, each accommodating 13 people, transporting visitors and staff from the ground floor all the way up to the new tenth floor, with one lift extending to the basement. Stannah installed the lifts using a scaffold-less method.

These passenger lifts were specified at 1000kg capacity and operated at a speed of 1.6m per second, providing a quick and efficient ride for passengers.

Stannah also installed a fourth lift which is for firefighting but can be used as a normal

Step Intoo a brighter future

Moduleo Intoo 55 is the no-hassle loose lay vinyl floor for office spaces that’s easy to recycle through the Recover programme.

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

Moduleo – Enquiry 24

passenger lift. A firefighting lift is an essential safety asset in high-rise buildings and has dedicated control features to aid the fire and rescue service.

Some of the key features included in the firefighting lift design are trap doors, ladders, an emergency intercom system, and a separate power supply used by firefighters during rescue operations.

This ensures the lift can operate efficiently even if the main building electrics are compromised. All the lifts adhere to the relevant performance and safety standards.

Additional works included a new tenth floor, extensive refurbishments featuring new Cat A and optional Cat A+ finishes.

Image credit: Our Studio and CBRE Property Management UK

Stannah – Enquiry 23

Gilberts energises the workplace environment

The expansion, reconfiguration and refurbishment of the London headquarters of a global real estate company has created a workplace fit for the future with wellbeing for people and planet at its heart.

The 1990s office block re-work has attained BREEAM Excellent and WELL Platinum- being the UK’s largest fully fitted project to achieve the latter certification for the quality of air, water and light within a building.

DBA Air Solutions supplied Gilberts’ grilles and diffusers for use across the 10 floors of the 144,500 sq ft that form the workspace.

Throughout the spaces, Gilberts GSL linear slot diffusers, predominantly in four-slot configuration, have been installed in bulkheads to deliver fresh air, directing the airflow horizontally or vertically as required by each location. Gilberts’ GECA eggcrate grilles extract the used air.

Gilberts’ GSFE circular swirl diffusers provide fresh air and extract stale air through the exposed ceiling-mounted building services into the office areas. The high air change rates achieved by the GSFE’s are integral to maintaining the indoor air quality and to the attainment of the WELL Platinum categorisation.

Gilberts’ GHV double deflection grilles complement the air distribution, providing both supply and extraction.

Gilberts – Enquiry 25

Making waves with panoramic views

Shoreline, a residential development of 84 homes on Folkestone Seafront, is designed to make a statement. The development is crescent-shaped and features an undulating white brick rainscreen façade that will sparkle in the sunlight, mirroring the water before it.

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

The system is BBA certified, demonstrating it complies with the relevant building regulations. It also gives the architect reassurance that the different elements of the wall build-up have been designed to work together and have been tested both individually and as a system.

The Knauf Through Wall System comprises all the components needed for a highperformance façade build-up, including the Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab sheathing insulation and either OmniFit ® Slab 35 or OmniFit ® Roll 34 from Knauf Insulation, and the Plasterboard, Steel Framing System and Windliner from Knauf. The system can be used with a wide range of external finishes, ensuring that the architect still has design freedom.

For this project, the external wall build-up needed to achieve a U-value of 0.12 W/m2K. So, the Knauf Insulation Technical Support Team conducted complex 3D U-value calculations to determine that 180mm of Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab together with 150mm of OmniFit® Slab 35 would achieve this performance.

Another factor was fire safety. Both products are non-combustible with the best Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification. So, they comply with legislation that bans the use of combustible material in the external walls of relevant residential buildings over 18m tall.

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

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

When it came to installation, the dramatic façade brought challenges for contractor ATJ Group. Not only is the building crescent-shaped, but the façade itself is rippled to create an undulating wave.

The steel frame system was faceted to follow the different concave and convex lines, and the sheathing boards were then curved around the SFS. The ATJ Group installers then staggered the insulation around the façade.

The flexible nature of mineral wool meant it was perfectly suited to the project because it could adapt to the profile of the sheathing board without leaving any gaps that could reduce thermal, acoustic and fire safety performance.

Shoreline was designed to create a new iconic landmark on Folkestone’s seafront - and thanks to the Knauf Through Wall System, ATJ Group were able to turn their eye-catching design for the façade into a reality. >>

>> Urban seam façade is certified Catnic’s Urban Seam Façade, the limited combustibility wall system for use on buildings over 11 metres in height, has received is delighted to announce the British Board of Agrément (BBA) certification.

This milestone achievement provides assurance for specifiers and contractors that the complete façade system is compliant, helping to simplify the overall process and de-risk projects. Furthermore, it is the result of significant investment and a long-term commitment by Catnic in independent product testing.

As part of the BBA certification, and to demonstrate the structural integrity, durability and weatherability of the Urban Seam Façade system, Catnic carried out comprehensive full-scale testing in accordance with the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT). The extensive test program included wind loading, rain penetration and hard and soft body impact tests.

Independent third-party testing and certification, such as BBA, provides those responsible for a project with reassurance on the quality and performance of a product or system. This can cover a

range of factors including mechanical resistance, safety, sustainability and energy efficiency. These certifications are more important than ever with tighter regulations and increased focus on fire safety, particularly for high-rise buildings.

Richard Price, Technical Director at Catnic said: “The independent BBA certification of Catnic Urban Seam Façade simplifies cladding specification and installation for buildings over 11 metres.

“As a tested and certified system, it eliminates the uncertainty of combining different products to create the façade. It is supplied as a kit of parts from a single supplier, making installation easy and we offer training to minimise any issues onsite and ensure best practice is followed.

“At Catnic we understand the value of independent third-party testing and certification when it comes to making informed decisions about product performance. As such, we have always invested heavily, as part of any new product development. In fact, we are incredibly proud that in addition to BBA Approval of Urban Seam Façade, Urban Wall Panel and Urban Roof Panel, Catnic also has the most extensive BBA

coverage for lintels in the UK, including the latest Thermally Broken Lintel.”

Manufactured in the UK, the Catnic Urban Seam Façade system comprises A1 fire rated Colorcoat Prisma ® pre-finished steel standing seam panels fixed to a Tata Steel Trisobuild D32s carrier sheet and supported by a ‘helping hand’ and steel framing system. With the addition of A1 or A2-s1, d0 rated insulation, sheathing boards and plasterboard, the system provides a robust and fire-safe façade solution for apartments, student accommodation, hotels, mixed-use buildings and other ‘relevant’ buildings over 11 metres in height.

Supplied with a wide range of ancillaries including colour matched flashing and trims, the versatile Catnic Urban Seam Façade system can be combined with Catnic Urban Roofing for an integrated aesthetic, and also complements a wide array of modern and traditional materials.

The pre-finished steel of the Catnic Urban range is fully recyclable, has a BRE A+ environmental rating and BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing certification. This helps to achieve maximum credits within BREEAM and LEED assessments.

INSPIRING FACADES TO BRING YOUR VISION TO LIFE

Introducing the Cedral Collections. Four unique collections designed to help bring your vision to life. Based on research into the latest colour trends, they o er a suite of stunning contemporary options, that can be viewed in situ with our Cedral Visualiser app.

Enquiry 26

EXPLORE THE COLLECTIONS AT WWW.CEDRAL.WORLD

INTRODUCING THE COLLECTIONS

PLATINUM GREY

Metalline Sets New Safety and Performance Standards

In the dynamic realm of architectural fabrications, Metalline®, a pioneering fabricator of architectural facade metalwork, continues to set new standards for safety and performance with its Ultima range of non-combustible aluminium insulated spandrel panels. These state-of-the-art panels not only showcase Metalline's meticulous craftsmanship but also boast stellar A1 and A2 – s1,d0 classifications following rigorous fire performance testing.

Seamlessly blending technical prowess with aesthetic appeal, the Ultima spandrel panels emerge as the premier choice for both new construction projects and the replacement of non-compliant cladding. With safety regulations becoming increasingly stringent, especially concerning combustible cladding for tall buildings, the Ultima Spandrel Panels offer architects and specifiers a dependable solution that meets regulatory requirements without compromising on design creativity, marking a significant step forward in safetyconscious architectural facades.

At the core of Metalline's Ultima spandrel panels lies a steadfast dedication to fire safety. Engineered to meet the most stringent standards, these panels boast a classification of A2-s1,d0 in accordance with EN 13501-1 regulations, underscoring their exceptional fire-resistant properties and ensuring optimal protection against potential hazards. Key components contributing to the panels' superior fire performance include an outer skin coating crafted from powder-coated aluminium, available in a spectrum of colours and varying thicknesses ranging from 2mm to 4mm. Complementing this is an inner skin coating, offering the flexibility of either powder-coated aluminium or mill-finish aluminium/galvanised steel, with thickness specifications tailored to meet diverse architectural requirements.

To further enhance fire resistance, the panels are insulated with Fabrock mineral wool insulation, striking an optimal balance between thermal efficiency and performance. The panel construction employs vacuum bonding technology, which reinforces structural integrity, making the Ultima spandrel panels a trusted choice for architects, designers, and building owners.

In high-traffic environments where durability is paramount, Metalline's Ultima spandrel panels excel with unparalleled impact resistance. Rigorously tested in accordance with CWCT TN75/76 standards, these panels effortlessly withstand both soft body and hard body impacts, earning the highest classification in impact tests. This exceptional resilience ensures longevity and structural integrity, even in the most demanding applications.

Metalline's Ultima spandrel panels are engineered to brave the elements, fortified with robust wind resistance capabilities. Tested rigorously according to CWCT standards for wind resistance, these panels demonstrate exemplary performance in

resisting wind load deflection and ensuring safety under varying wind pressures. With serviceability ratings of up to 2400 Pascals and safety ratings of up to 3600 Pascals, these panels provide reliable protection against adverse weather conditions, offering architects and developers the assurance of structural stability and resilience. Furthermore, the panels' ultimate wind resistance to failure, reaching up to 4500 Pascals, underscores their unwavering commitment to uncompromising quality and performance.

Every Ultima spandrel panel undergoes rigorous testing to ensure compliance with CWCT standards for serviceability and safety. These comprehensive tests validate the panels' ability to withstand specified wind pressures without compromising performance or safety. Across various sizes and configurations, the panels consistently meet or exceed stringent performance criteria, reaffirming Metalline's dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction.

The Ultima spandrel panels are the epitome of architectural innovation and excellence, offering a harmonious blend of superior fire performance, impact resistance, wind resilience, and serviceability & safety. From contemporary urban landscapes to iconic architectural landmarks, these panels are the cornerstone of cutting-edge design and construction, elevating aesthetics while ensuring uncompromising structural integrity and safety. As a trusted partner to architects, designers, and developers worldwide, Metalline continues to set the standard for excellence, shaping the built environment of tomorrow with confidence and vision.

For more information on Metalline's Ultima spandrel panels and other architectural solutions, visit www.metalline.co.uk or contact sales@metalline.co.uk.

Metalline– Enquiry 27

SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE BUILDING

Gypsotech Externa Light Carrier Boards have received an Environmental Product Declaration.

At Fassa Bortolo, we constantly seek new ways to ensure our impact on the environment is kept to a minimum and that our products have longevity.

The Gypsotech Externa Light carrier board has obtained an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). This highperformance render board has undergone a life cycle assessment and is proven to comply to the low VOC emission criteria which is widely used across Europe.

Designed to be applied both on the inside and outside of the building

Used to build walls, wall linings and false ceilings

TO FIND OUT MORE about Fassa Bortolo and its range of render systems and building products. Visit www.fassabortolo.co.uk or call 01684 218 305

Ventilated aluminium wall cladding for data centres

More and more companies are turning to external computing power for their business. Instead of in-house servers, they rent from data centres, large buildings with lots of servers. The computing capacity of the numerous servers results in a large amount of heat generation.

To protect the servers from overheating and maintaining the architectural integrity of the building, ventilated aluminium wall cladding is the perfect solution to finish of these critical buildings.

Prevent overheating

No well-functioning data centre without enough air conditioning. To conceal the essential AC’s while ensuring a sufficient supply of fresh air to enable cooling, a louvred aluminium façade is a smart

choice. Renson’s Linius system combines quality and aesthetics in a sustainable wall cladding system, around the outer shell of the data centre. With a RAL colour of your choice as the finishing touch.

Demountable façades are the future Server technology is evolving at lightning speed. When building data centres, companies are already thinking about how to replace servers quickly and efficiently in the short term. A fully demountable façade makes this complex process much faster, simpler and safer. From a deeprooted sense of innovation, Renson's CSI department develops and tests new Linius concepts to provide a ready-made answer to this challenge.

Visit our website at renson.net

Renson – Enquiry 29

AIM launches wall cavity barrier (RED EDITION)

AIM Acoustic & Insulation Manufacturing has launched a ‘Red Edition’ of its Wall Cavity Barrier range.

New product features and investment means that the Wall Cavity Barrier (Red Edition) is approved for a wider scope of applications. Wall Cavity Barrier (Red Edition) also has IFC Third Party Certification.

All Wall Cavity Barrier (Red Edition) products are tested in accordance with BS EN 13664: 2021, recognised throughout the UK and EU as an appropriate resistance to fire test standard for this type of product. The tests encompass the 10:1 ratio.

High density foil faced stone wool barriers, AIM Wall Cavity Barrier (Red Edition) products are for use vertically and horizontally to provide a fully closed cavity fire barrier along compartmentation lines in the outer leaf of a building. They are available cut to size or in slab form for on-site cutting and manufactured in 75mm, 100mm and 125mm thicknesses.

Suitable for use in all masonry cavity walls, as well as for fire stopping between a masonry wall system and a concrete floor slab, Wall Cavity Barriers (Red Edition) prevent the passage of heat, flame and smoke within cavities for 30, 60 or 120 minutes.

Third Party Certification now covers normal masonry to masonry use for cavities up to 400mm.

The Wall Cavity Barrier (Red Edition) products are also now tested for use in cavities up to 600mm, an increased void scope, in SFS substrate construction and non-standard constructions, such as rainscreen cladding systems.

‘Red Edition’ WCB products can be identified by their red foil print.

AIM – Enquiry 30

THE MOST TESTED ALUMINIUM SPANDREL PANEL ON THE MARKET

A2-s1,d0 fire classification to EN13501-1

Tested to CWCT standards for wind resistance

Design flexibility due to extensive testing and certification

Widest EN13501-1 Field of Application on the market

Impact tested to CWCT standards (hard body & soft body)

Perfect for new build and re-clad projects

Enquiry 31

Contact us today for further information or to request a copy of our EN13501 classification report.

Panels also available with an A1 fire classification

A New LEAF in Offsite Delivery

Frameclad will be launching its Lightweight Engineered Adjustable Frame (LEAF) system at OFFSITE EXPO – what’s involved and how will it change the face of light steel frame design?

LEAF is an adaptable solution developed by Frameclad that is simple in form yet revolutionary in application. A finalist in the 2024 Offsite Awards in the Product Innovation category, the four-axis adjustable light steel frame infill system can be extended and aligned in all directions to overcome the challenges associated with mainframe dimensional discrepancies.

LEAF is the result of the total Frameclad team – designers, engineers, manufacturers and technical experts –coming together to create a system that overcomes an issue that is frequently experienced once a light steel frame infill system arrives on-site.

The surrounding structure in which a frame is placed is not always aligned as intended, and it is important for frames to be as adaptable as possible to ‘fill’ the void. This issue is particularly relevant for exterior infill walling applications, where concrete can be mis-poured and adjacent structures may be deflected from the intended design.

In a Class of its Own Patent pending, LEAF is a unique innovation. As an exterior high performance infill walling system, it is typically designed to resist wind loads and is engineered to take a wide spectrum of external cladding systems.

For interior infill walling applications, LEAF can be engineered to meet design briefs and Building Regulations for fire resistance, thermal and acoustic insulation. In either application, the LEAF infill system can allow flexibility for the sill and head of the window or door to be adjusted as necessary to be level.

“Firstly, I have to say that we are delighted to reach the finals of the Offsite Awards,” said Nik Teagle, Joint Managing Director for Frameclad. “It is testament to our ‘fit first time’ approach which was the motivation behind this product innovation.

“What sets LEAF infill panels apart is that the system can be adjusted on-site in all directions with total ease. From ‘top to bottom and side to side’ without the use of any specialist tools, cutting or welding equipment. When the aperture is totally ‘infilled’ from ceiling to floor and wall to wall, the innovated light steel mechanism is just locked into place.”

Advancing Offsite Technology

With the option of A1 non-combustible boards and glass mineral wool insulation,

envelope to enhance thermal performance and help achieve net zero goals.” Saving a vast amount of time when compared to traditional on-site stick built steel frame system infill methods, LEAF has the flexibility to ensure that the project parameters such as datum levels and windows sizes are met.

This in turn reduces costs and enhances building schedules as well as reducing health and safety risks by removing cutting and hot works from the construction process.

LEAF is backed by ISO and BOPAS Accreditation, NHBC /SCI Infill, CE Certification and Constructionline Gold.

LEAF can be designed and tested to meet fire safety regulations so can be used in high-rise buildings over 18m.

With zero waste in the manufacturing process and no cutting or welding on-site, the LEAF system has a predicted design life of 250 years in a warm frame environment. At the end of life it can be adapted, reused or recycled.

“Advancing the development and reputation of offsite technology, our product innovation will increase the wider market opportunities for light steel infill frames by offering assurances to installers and contractors,” adds Nik. “Safeguarding our ‘fit first time’ ethos, LEAF offers installers the flexibility to compensate for dimensional issues. Ensuring that the aperture is totally infilled, improves airtightness within the building

Spearheading a New Era of Light Steel Solutions

Operating from two adjacent high-tech manufacturing facilities with a combined area of 50,000sqft, Frameclad has made substantial investment in cold roll-forming machinery, supported by customised Tekla software, to produce one of the largest ranges of steel sections available in the UK today from a single manufacturer. But what really sets Frameclad apart is technical knowhow and a 14-strong in-house team of outstanding designers and engineers.

To discover more about Frameclad, the company’s advanced light steel technology, products and services go to Stand B05 at OFFSITE EXPO or visit www.frameclad.com

Frameclad – Enquiry 32

Industry ‘bible’ updated

voestalpine Metsec has recently published the latest version of its Steel Framing Systems (SFS) Specification Manual, the industry’s most comprehensive resource for professionals involved in the specification, installation and use of light gauge steel framing systems.

Widely recognised as the industry bible for SFS, the new 176page manual is packed with just about every piece of information required to assure the successful design, specification, selection and application of voestalpine Metsec’s SFS, based on years of experience, expert technical knowledge and a vast library of independent testing.

The manual is a perfect example of why voestalpine Metsec’s SFS light gauge galvanized steel structural framing systems have been successfully assessed to the Code for Construction Products Information (CCPI), introduced by the Construction Products Association.

The manual covers the principles of specifying steel framing systems for a project and the typical processes involved from design, through installation to final hand-over. It includes the benefits of SFS against alternative building systems, performance standards, professional

indemnity, MetWALL Perform 30-year warranty, project timeline, BIM design, CPD presentations and installer training.

Following these broader considerations, the manual features detailed information on the major applications of SFS in infill walling, load bearing situations, continuous walling and high bay walling.

Each application area contains detailed information on relevant performance criteria and the use of SFS with popular sheathing and cladding materials, including fire performance data based on full independent testing. This is illustrated with high quality architectural drawings showing typical wall build-ups

and case studies featuring prestigious projects which demonstrate the successful application of SFS in residential, education, health, leisure and commercial situations.

voestalpine Metsec – Enquiry 33

Discover the latest innovation in home extension approaches

Guardian Building Systems has launched its first CPD exploring the benefits that modern offsite solutions can provide for single storey domestic extensions.

Home extensions are a core part of many home improvement businesses works, allowing homeowners to realise new potential in, and extract more functionality from, their existing properties. However, these projects can often be large and daunting undertakings, overshadowed by the likelihood of months of disruption, mess and hidden costs.

Aimed at a wide audience, from architects to contractors, the CPD discusses how tried-and-tested offsite methods can help to streamline project timescales whilst delivering outstanding fabric performance.

The 45 min presentation covers the key design and client management considerations for home extension projects. It then looks

at how the use of offsite methods— such as structural insulated panel walls and simple roof systems— can offer considerable time, labour, energy efficiency and aesthetic benefits over traditional masonry approaches, without compromising on key factors such as structural performance and longevity.

Guardian Building Systems has been bringing solutions to the market that simplify home improvements for decades. By considering each of its solutions from every angle— from how they will be fabricated to how they will be installed and then enjoyed by homeowners— it ensures consistent high quality, verified by independent testing and close collaboration with its Certified Installers and Fabricators Networks.

The ‘Extending project potential: advantages of modern offsite home extension systems for single storey projects.’ CPD can be delivered face to face at your premises or remotely.

Guardian Building Systems – Enquiry 34

Acoustics Matter

Our building environments are generally designed to support our wellbeing. We expect homes to provide comfort, workplaces to encourage productivity, schools and colleges to enable learning, and our medical care to foster good health.

Acoustics influence the way we experience a space or a room so controlling sound within these spaces is often vital to delivering on their intended function.

Acoustics Explained

Sound is caused when something vibrates and sends waves of energy into our ears. The sequence of the vibrations is referred to as sound waves. When we hear sound, our ears have converted the sound waves into neural impulses.

Sound is regular, with a pattern, but noise is irregular and is considered as unwanted sound. A room with good acoustics, controls the movement of sound by removing or minimising unwanted noise and ensuring that the important sound is spread out in a natural, effortless way.

Gypsum – A Sound Solution

Gypsum is a versatile material and known for its advantageous acoustic properties. Gypsum-based boards or ceiling tiles are therefore ideal for acoustically sensitive environments, helping specifiers and specialist contractors achieve the required sound quality for the room or space.

Perforated gypsum ceiling tiles absorb, reflect and diffuse sound, with the various shapes, sizes and patterns of perforations varying the amount of absorption and diffusion. Gypsum is also highly durable – lasting 50 years or more – and 100% recyclable.

Knauf Acoustic Solutions

Knauf gypsum-based acoustic solutions include a range of systems for specific applications.

Knauf’s Corridor 400, for example, is designed for buildings with long lengths of corridors such as schools, hospitals, hotels and high-rise apartments, or narrow rooms. The demountable system requires minimal components and provides full accessibility to services above the ceiling tiles while achieving Class B or Class C sound absorbency without insulation. Leading benefits compared to traditional T-Grid systems include:

• Up to three times faster to install

• Load bearing of up to 3kg per plank

• Cleaneo air-purifying technology

• Three width options, four perforation types and a plain tile

• White painted tiles so no need to decorate

• Can re-paint a different colour without any loss in acoustic performance

The simplicity of Corridor 400 means only two metal sections are needed – a Wall Angle or Shadowline Trim around the room or corridor perimeter to support the ceiling tiles, and a Flex Runner on each tile to prevent sagging over time.

The system also benefits from the Knauf full system performance warranty for complete reassurance.

Nevill Long Interior Systems is a specialist distribution division of The Encon Group and the UK’s leading independent distributor of Knauf products. Corridor 400 is available from our nationwide branches, backed by knowledgeable and experienced teams.

www.encon.co.uk

Images:

1. Knauf Corridor 400 Perforated Ceiling TileGlobe. Project: La Rodia, France

2. Knauf Corridor 400 Perforated Ceiling TileTangent. Project: Reading Contract Research Organisation, UK

Encon – Enquiry 36

Gerflor and Gradus wow visitors and staff with stunning install at Sutton Civic Centre

The London Borough of Sutton Council wanted to breathe new life into a number of communal areas in their large municipal office building.

For this iconic refurbishment, they turned to international flooring and interiors specialist Gerflor to provide an array of spectacular world class flooring that would deliver outstanding durability and incredible eye-catching designs. Gerflor supplied over 2500m2 of Creation LVT and Gradus Lunar Carpet tiles for this major renovation.

Commenting on the Sutton Civic Centre project Paul Sceats, Specification Sales Manager at Gerflor commented, “At the time the Gradus Lunar collection had recently been launched, it would be an ideal product to consider as the natural and neutral tones would blend extremely well alongside the authentic wood-effect planks of Gerflor’s Creation 70 LVT. The client Rob McNaught used these finishes to very cleverly “sculpt” a walkway through the main carpeted area of the reception.”

In supplying a superior interiors finish, the Gerflor floorings for this distinguished project would be installed by South-East Londonbased Specialised Flooring (Bromley) Limited. Ian Hook, Company Director at Specialised Flooring said,” Our client is extremely delighted with the finished result. Specifying Gerflor products, is for us, a natural choice as they offer a vast range of flooring in a fantastic array of contemporary

SPECIFY CFA MEMBERS

colours and designs, which are suitable for many demanding applications.”

For more flooring solutions, visit gerflor.co.uk

Gerflor – Enquiry 37

Specifying CFA members for your flooring projects means you’ll gain a wealth of experience from vetted contractors with the knowledge and products to fulfil your specification with a sustainability criteria.

CFA members are part of a supply chain that includes specialist contract flooring contractors, manufacturers and distributors, all promoting the highest standards and expertise.

The benefits of ceramic and porcelain tiles with Tile of Spain

The unsung heroes of the home, hallways can often be overlooked when it comes to design. As a heavily used area, choosing a hardwearing and versatile flooring solution is key to ensure longevity.

Ceramic and porcelain tiles have long been lauded for their aesthetic appeal and practical benefits.

Maria D Arráez, Director at Tile of Spain UK, and Clara Vicedo, Marketing & Communications Executive at ASCER, highlight why Spanish porcelain and ceramic tile are the most appealing flooring materials for hallways: “One of the most high-traffic areas within the home, from constant footfall to heavy use, hallways are continuously put through their paces and therefore require a hardwearing material that can stand the test of time. Made from natural materials, Spanish ceramic and porcelain tiles are

renowned for their exceptional durability. Fired at high temperatures and therefore incredibly robust, these tiles are resistant to sudden changes in temperature, humidity and chemical agents.

“Prone to dirt and scuffs, hallway floors need to be easy to maintain as they are subject to regular cleaning. Whether a classic mosaic pattern of a natural stone-inspired design, no matter the appearance, ceramic and porcelain tile are characterised by their high ease of cleaning and ability to protect against dirt thanks to their nonporous surface.

“From providing cleaner air to offering a safer environment for homeowners, Spanish ceramic and porcelain tiles have a range of health and wellbeing benefits. Customers can

opt for anti-slip tiles, an ideal solution for hallways which are prone to moisture and slippery floors. Choosing glazed porcelain and ceramic tiles for example means the tiles are impermeable and therefore antiallergenic, preventing humidity and the buildup of germs and bacteria.”

our website at www.tileofspain.com

of Spain – Enquiry 39

Solid wood floor for Scotland’s first Passivhaus primary school

Designed by Architype who acted both as Architect and Passivhaus Designer, Riverside Primary School in Perth & Kinross is the first in Scotland to be built to the Passivhaus standard.

The new building provides better thermal comfort and ventilation with lower emissions and operational costs.

All materials were carefully chosen for their performance and ability to create a warm, natural environment. Natural, nontoxic materials including Junckers’ solid wood flooring, create a high-quality finish that also enhances wellbeing for students and staff.

An ideal surface for Passivhaus buildings, Junckers SylvaSport Beech flooring carries the Danish Indoor Climate label, certifying there are no chemical substances that will adversely affect indoor air quality.

Junckers – Enquiry 40

Luxury washbasins. Style made simple.

Customisable and tileable washbasin solution

Washbasins are not just functional, but also a true eye catcher in every bathroom. It is not surprising that they are becoming increasingly popular, especially in luxury hotels. We have developed a prefabricated, yet individually customisable KERDI-BOARD element that forms part of a completely waterproof system.

It’s the details that make the difference. schluter.co.uk

DID WE PIQUE YOUR INTEREST? Find us on

SuDS – the key to future-proofing housing

Recent shifts in national leadership have undoubtedly highlighted the contentious nature of discussions surrounding housebuilding. With Labour pledging 1.5 million new homes over the next four years, along with the prospect of the 300,000 new homes needed annually, specifiers are understandably feeling the pressure to deliver.

The reintroduction of housing targets is a key statement of intent. But if our new developments are to be resilient to increases in extreme weather, the industry must urgently rethink its relationship with water. Here, Martin Lambley, Senior Product Manager for Urban Climate Resilience at Wavin, explains how future-proofing housing for the changing climate is critical.

Rethinking our understanding of water management

More than 80% of wastewater in the UK generated by towns and cities today flows back into the environment without being treated or reused.* This ‘take, make, consume, and waste’ model is not only wasteful, but is also unsustainable when we consider today’s more volatile weather patterns.

These increases in extreme weather conditions, combined with the hard landscaping associated with urban locations, is testing legacy drainage and sewer systems and leading to damaging surface-level flooding. It’s no surprise that the recent report from the London Climate Resilience Review found climate change could impact the capital’s GDP by 2-3% every year by the 2050s, with costs increasing further into the second half of the century.

The re-introduction of ambitious housebuilding targets by the new government means that it really is time for the industry to repair its relationship with water, and start using it as a resource, rather than funnelling it out of town as fast as possible.

Super SuDS

With the increase in demand, and an urgency to factor in urban climate resilience, specifiers must look to the innovative solutions available today when developing the housing communities of the future.

The UK has traditionally used drainage models designed to quickly remove excess rainwater, disregarding the natural water cycle and representing a missed opportunity in the potential of water reuse and recycling. However, today’s innovative technology aligns more closely with natural processes - with sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) effectively mimicking the natural water cycle, by releasing excess rainwater into the ground at a controlled rate.

By combining both natural solutions, like ponds, soakaways and swales, with powerful purpose-built ones, like attenuation tanks, an optimum approach to water management is achieved. Products like Wavin’s AquaCell NG, provides critical flood resilience, while also ensuring that housing developments remain in-line with sustainability legislation.

Made up of 100% recycled and recyclable plastics, AquaCell NG guarantees robustness and longevity. Manufactured with ease of installation in mind, housebuilders can also benefit from push-fit functionality, as well as its unique stackable design. This ensures that, not only are sites kept clutter free, but that crucially less deliveries are requiredreducing carbon emissions and disruptions to communities. Meaning SuDS are easier than ever to implement in new and existing developments.

The time to act is now

The growing demand for new homes requires urgent attention to sustainable water management, and specifiers must prioritise innovative solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term resilience.

By taking action now, the industry can strike a crucial balance between expanding housing supply and promoting sustainability.

For more information, visit: https://promo.wavin.com/en-gb/aquacell

*The London Climate Resilience Review | London City Hall

Wavin UK – Enquiry 42

Large houses

comes to sewage and waste water pump selection!

When specifying a pumping solution for a large house occupied by a big family, or for a large second home occupied by friends or paying guests, all using facilities such as kitchens, utility rooms, toilets and bathrooms, the demand can often be surprisingly large and often greater than originally estimated.

The well-respected Saniflo pump range is often specified for domestic use. However, because it is so extensive it is not always easy for the specifier to select the correct product. It is not simply a case of how high and how far to pump, but also how the kitchen or bathroom will be used, the number of people and who they are, owners, young children, paying guests etc.

All of these factors affect the pump choice, not only in relation to performance, but

considering factors such as reliability, blockage avoidance and breakdowns! For large houses it is worth considering the Saniflo commercial wastewater and sewage pumping range. These units are designed with arduous duties in mind and include options with a twin pump system for duty/ standby operation.

Pump Technology Ltd., based in Berkshire, is authorised by Saniflo as one of their many stockists and holds the largest stock of Saniflo commercial products in the UK, available at best market prices.

The commercial products in stock include wastewater systems Sanispeed and Sanicom 1 and 2. Sewage pumping systems included the Sanibest Pro, Sanicubic 1VX, 2 Classic and 2 Pro. Uniquely, however, Pump Technology Ltd are also specialist wastewater and sewage pump distributors for all major manufacturers, giving them an extensive and comprehensive knowledge and insight into just about everything to do with sewage and waste water pumping systems.

Saving for a rainy day...

UNI-DAM , a rainwater management system designed to prevent heavy storm rainfall from overwhelming gutter systems and flooding into buildings.

The system is fixed to the roof and once installed slows and controls the flow of rainfall into the gutter.

For more information or quote please contact our office on 01384 252777.

They are the UKs leading wastewater and sewage pump experts specialising in assisting specifiers and contractor in making the right choice first-time to ensure long lasting and trouble-free pumping for the user!

Visit our website at www.saniflo-pumpshop.co.uk

Pump Technology – Enquiry 43

How Hydro International’s adjustable inlet feature is enabling designers to stay ahead of the curve

Surface water flooding is directly linked to urbanisation and affects all cities and towns. Impermeable surfaces caused by urbanisation stop rainfall from infiltrating into the soil, resulting in large volumes of water collecting on the surface.

It’s vital that surface water is controlled at the source and kept out of drainage networks, but where this isn’t possible, it needs to be controlled and released at a rate that avoids flooding.

Flow controls are critical to the management of surface water, regulating the amount released downstream to prevent flooding, and controlling the amount of water retained upstream which can help relieve drought by providing water supplies to buildings and the natural environment. This is key, especially if infiltration into the soil isn’t possible.

Building on over 40 years of experience in developing and testing flow controls for stormwater and wastewater, Hydro International is now looking to the future and has upgraded its most popular and highest-performing flow control, the Hydraulically Efficient Hydro-Brake ® Optimum, to include an adjustability feature as standard.

Urban creep, additional developments upstream of a site or climate change could affect flow rates and volumes in a drainage system. Building-in adjustability of flow control can future-proof drainage systems against changes in flows.

This adjustable inlet allows engineers to future-proof their drainage designs with up to a plus or minus 20% change in design flow, without the need to replace the device.

Engineers can precisely design a HydroBrake® Optimum to meet site-specific requirements using Hydro International’s free Online Design Tool. Here, there are several design objectives to choose from which will determine which Hydro-Brake® Optimum will provide the best performance for a site.

These are:

a) Hydraulically Efficient (HE)

This is the default objective, which passes forward as much flow as possible early in a storm event, enabling engineers to reduce the amount of upstream storage volume required. Now with the adjustable inlet as standard.

b) Minimise Blockage Risk (CL)

This option makes the inlet and outlet openings as large as possible while still delivering the same design flow.

c) Linear Discharge Profile (CU)

This design generates a discharge as close to linear as possible, providing similar hydraulic performance to an orifice.

Ben Puddy, Product Manager for Hydro International, comments, “By providing engineers with significant savings in storage volume and a range of time-saving installation options, the Hydraulically Efficient Hydro-Brake® Optimum has earned its place as our most popular flow control.

“It’s the only vortex flow control on the market to have its performance, strength and durability approved and certified by both the WRc and BBA, and, with the adjustable inlet now standard on Hydraulically Efficient units, engineers can now add a future-proof feature to their drainage designs.”

To find out more about this forwardlooking vortex flow control visit: hydro-int.com/optimum-fp or try some designs on the Online Design Tool: hydro-int.design

Image 1: The Hydro-Brake® Optimum range shows the adjustable inlet on the Hydraulically Efficient units.

Hydro International – Enquiry 45

Using grey solutions to support blue-green infrastructure

Helping to make urban climate resilience a reality

By supporting ‘green by default’ best practice and complementing it with engineered grey infrastructure, we are helping to pioneer eff ective hybrid water management solutions that can:

• reduce the urban heat island eff ect

• boost biodiversity

• increase water circularity

• create amenity value

We work closely with our partners to create smart solutions including tree tanks, blue-green roofs, irrigation, rainwater attenuation and infi ltration tanks.

See how we could help develop your hybrid water management solutions for a more climate-resilient future.

Scan to learn more

Enquiry 46

Sometimes size matters

Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation’s Vikki Woodhouse shines the spotlight on the business’s RXL range.

It’s no secret that global warming and climate change are continuing to bring a range of challenges to modern day Britain. Unpredictable weather events are becoming more common, and there’s undoubtedly an increased need to adapt and prepare our water systems for extremities.

For over 40 years, Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation has been providing integrated water management solutions to the construction industry. Continuously championing innovation in order to meet the requirements of the 21st century climate, the business offers a range of products and solutions, manufactured to enhance sustainable and resilient development.

“Ridgistorm-XL (also known as RXL) is a perfect example of one of those solutions. Helping to manage large volumes of surface water run off that could otherwise create

urban flooding and/or affect the natural water course, put simply, RXL is a bespoke large diameter pipe and fabricated chamber/ fitting system that’s available in 750 to 3,000mm diameters,” says Vikki Woodhouse, RXL Product Manager at Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation.

“For us, RXL is all about conveying, controlling, attenuating/storing, and treating water – it can be used for combined and foul systems, too! It can be used in a number of sectors, including housing, commercial, industrial and retail, and meets the requirements of both the water sector and highways, enabling us to be the only UK manufacturer that can furnish the water company with adoptable pipework and chambers from 150mm to 3000mm.

“My role at Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation involves ensuring we understand the

requirements of every scheme and meet those needs, and I’m particularly proud of the breadth of solutions that we offer as a business – especially in terms of RXL, which is a standalone product but also beautifully compliments the wider range, whether that’s our Polystorm crates, flow control chambers, or catch pits.

“We’re a solution one-stop-shop, and collaboration and value are the two words I’d use to sum that up. Almost everything we do is project-specific, working with our project partners to provide services and support all the way from design to site. Plus, our RXL range is manufactured right in the centre of the country, in Loughborough, meaning we’re perfectly located for the practical side of things, too.”

To learn more about Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation, and Ridgistorm-XL, please visit: www.polypipe.com/civils

Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation –Enquiry 47

Hydro-Brake®

• Trust

• Keep

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Swish Building Products receives Environmental Product Declaration for its Kayflow Rainwater and Swish Specification Rainwater ranges

Swish Building Products is delighted to announce that it has received a second independently verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), this time for its Kayflow rainwater and Swish specification rainwater ranges.

This EPD covers the full suite of rainwater products from Kayflow and demonstrates that quality does not have to be compromised for sustainability. Featuring a variety of styles, sizes and colours, the ranges are manufactured using post-consumer waste as the core material, combined with a virgin co-ex skin to provide the high-quality that customers have come to expect from Kayflow.

As a business, operating sustainably is at the forefront of everything that Swish does and this latest EPD reinforces its ongoing commitment to improving its environmental performance, as Dave Osborne, Technical Manager at Swish Building Products, explains:

“Sustainability is not a concept we have adopted recently; it has been a major driver of our business for a number of years and is at the heart of every decision we make, from product development, to manufacturing, to delivery, and beyond.”

Dave continues: “As the industry becomes more mindful of the sustainability of materials, our customers need the correct information to demonstrate the origins of the products they are using. Our EPDs provide this. They supply customers with all the data

and evidence they require in a clear, concise, and transparent way, to authenticate the sustainability credentials of our products.”

To obtain this latest EPD, Swish once again approached the Building Research Establishment (BRE), whom they worked with previously. Whilst there is no obligation for manufacturers to provide EPDs, it is Swish’s continued commitment to sustainability that led them to pursue it and the company will continue to look to obtain further EPDs for its wider product ranges.

“Both EPDs are a culmination of hard work and dedication from our team and demonstrate how seriously we take the collective industry obligation of working towards a net-zero carbon future,” concludes Dave.

For further information about the EPD, please visit https://www.swishbp.co.uk/ index.php/library/environmental-productdeclarations-swish/ or call 01827 317 200

Swish Building Products – Enquiry 49

GATIC drainage solutions specified for ground-breaking Costa Rican port

Gatic Ultraslot and Gatic Access Covers from Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS) have been installed at Moin Container Terminal in Costa Rica.

The terminal, in the Limon Province of Costa Rica, is operated by APM Terminals and is the largest transportation infrastructure project in the history of Costa Rica.

Port specialist Jacobs (then trading as CH2M Hill) was tasked with the project´s design, and following their successful use of Gatic Slotdrain on previous port projects, they specified Gatic Ultraslot at the Moin Terminal.

The Gatic Slotdrain range of surface water drainage channels is capable of handling any conceivable combination of drainage demand and loading requirement. Its unique hexagonal profile was developed by Gatic to ensure optimum efficiency through varying volumes of rainfall. UltraSlot is used in external concrete areas subject to constant traffic, making it ideal for the Moin Container Terminal. The system allows sufficient depth of concrete over the main body of the channel to withstand ultraheavy-duty loads.

Also enabling the precision specification in Costa Rica, was Gatic’s hydraulic calculator: a powerful tool for designers with a userfriendly platform to accurately calculate pipe sizes and run capacity. It maximises hydraulic capacity for the lowest cost, to the full benefit of the client. At Moin, the calculations were developed by the designer in consultation with the contractor. The total quantity designed and supplied was almost 3,500 metres.

Exacting standards, uniquely sealed BAM International also purchased Gatic Access Covers for the project. Since 1928, Gatic has continued to develop its range of unrivalled access solutions, which can typically be found in airports, ports, container docks, data centres, water treatment works, gas and electricity facilities, highways and tunnels. As a modular system manufactured using ductile cast iron components, Gatic Access Covers can be assembled into virtually any size or shape of cover, to protect and allow easy access to a comprehensive range of underground services across various commercial and industrial venues.

All of the basic components for Gatic covers are cast to exacting specifications and composition of the ductile iron is tightly controlled in order to achieve the nonrocking, gas- and air-tight standards upon which the Gatic reputation is built. When correctly installed, Gatic Access Covers can be expected to perform as intended for the lifetime of the concrete surround.

For more information call the Gatic team on 01787 475151 or visit https://www. alumascwms.co.uk/products/gatic

Alumasc Water Management Solutions –Enquiry 50

Company Growth Drives New Branch Opening: Expanding Same-Day Availability of Wall Panels, Worktops, and RapidFit Toilet Cubicles

Rearo, a leading UK supplier and manufacturer of bathroom and kitchen surfaces, continues to grow with the opening of a new Aberdeen branch this autumn. Specialising in high-quality laminates and solid surfaces, Rearo offers an extensive range of wall panels, worktops, and washrooms tailored to both domestic and commercial clients across diverse industries.

Founded over 32 years ago as a familyrun business on the Shetland Islands, Rearo has evolved into a major player in the industry. Today, its headquarters is in a 67,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Govan, Glasgow, with additional showrooms and distribution centres in Northampton, Rosyth, Skelmersdale, and Washington. The latest expansion in Aberdeen responds to growing demand in Scotland, ensuring even greater accessibility to Rearo's products and services.

Rearo's flagship product, Selkie Board, debuted in 2004 and quickly redefined expectations for bathrooms, shower areas, and wet rooms. At its launch, shower panels were a relatively uncommon feature, often overshadowed by traditional tiling. However, Selkie Board's innovative design and practicality set a new standard, offering a modern, easy-to-install alternative.

After more than 20 years on the market, Selkie Board has proven its longevity and earned a reputation for trust and reliability. What was once a novel product has become a staple in homes, hotels, and Airbnb’s across the UK, solidifying Rearo's position as a bathroom and wet room solutions industry leader.

But Rearo's expertise extends far beyond shower panels. The company offers a wide array of products, including PVC ceiling and wall panels, kitchen worktops, splashbacks, vinyl click flooring, and a full range of accessories—all expertly tailored to meet the needs of modern kitchens and bathrooms.

Rearo's commitment to quality and customisations also extends to the commercial sector. The Rearo Commercial Surfaces department delivers bespoke and off-the-shelf solutions across healthcare, travel, education, hospitality, the Ministry of Defence, and housing. Rearo products are trusted on major UK projects, including airports, universities, and critical infrastructure developments. Notable clients include McDonald's, Amazon, Microsoft, Asda, Bank of Scotland, BBC, NHS, IKEA, and Glasgow and Edinburgh airports.

One of Rearo's standout commercial products is the RapidFit washroom cubicle range, designed for fast, efficient installations in time-sensitive projects. With same-day orders and collections available, RapidFit is the go-to solution for urgent projects in hospitality venues like pubs, restaurants, and hotels.

The range features nine carefully selected decors and finishes that comply with The Equality Act, ensuring contrasting colours for visual accessibility. RapidFit cubicles are available in MR MFC for light to medium-traffic areas, supported by a five-year guarantee, or in the more durable, water-resistant Impact range for hightraffic, humid environments, backed by a ten-year guarantee.

Flat-packed for easy installation, RapidFit components are sold individually for flexible setup, and matching IPS or fully bespoke cubicles can be custom-made within just 3-4 weeks. Proudly Made in Britain and FSC Certified, Rearo ensures sustainability alongside quality.

Rearo's new Aberdeen branch and its off-theshelf cubicle range offers faster access to high-quality kitchen and bathroom surfaces when needed, ensuring projects are delivered on time to the client's specifications.

For more information, call 0141 440 0800, email commercial@rearo.co.uk or visit our website at www.rearocommercial.co.uk.

Rearo – Enquiry 51

Beko extends 10 year parts guarantee

Home appliance brand Beko have demonstrated their confidence in the reliability and durability of their products by extending their 10 year parts guarantee to cover all appliances in the popular brand’s range*.

Beko products are available to housebuilders, developers and build-torent providers through Beko Appliance Partners, the company’s specialist contract supply division. Beko Appliance Partners’ dedicated and knowledgeable Specification Management team provide a tailored service, taking the time to build relationships and understand each individual project’s budget and build requirements before recommending the most suitable appliance solutions.

Beko’s parts guarantee is available in addition to the brand’s standard 1 or 2 year labour guarantee, with an option for partners to extend labour cover for up to 5 years. These extended guarantees offer reassurance to providers of new homes and their customers by increasing the lifespan of the product, thereby minimising frustrations caused by premature and potentially costly repairs. The 10 year parts guarantee aims to encourage repairs rather than the need to purchase a new appliance, reducing the impact on the environment by minimising electronic waste which can be challenging to recycle and add to landfill.

To ensure appliances are built to withstand the challenges of modern living, Beko products are stress-tested to the extreme by simulating real-life scenarios. From opening and closing fridge freezer doors up to 300,000 times, to extending the loaded lower rack of dishwashers over 100,000 times, all appliances are put through their paces. Beko Appliance Partners’

housebuilder and developer partners can therefore be confident that, by specifiying Beko appliances in their new kitchens, they are providing their customers with quality products which are robust enough to provide years of dependable service.

Commenting on the 10 year parts guarantee, Steve Clarke, Beko plc’s Head of Quality and Sustainability, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be able to offer our partners products with this excellent parts guarantee, with all registered appliances within our Beko range now eligible to be repaired with free parts for up to 10 years. We continually strive to ensure our appliances are not only highly functional, stylish and energy efficient to support modern lifestyles,

but are also reliable and exceed safety and performance standards. We are confident that our partners’ customers will enjoy years of dependable use from their appliances, and should any issue arise, we have a nationwide network of highly trained service engineers on hand to provide ongoing support.”

For more information about Beko Appliance Partners, please visit appliance-partners.bekoplc.com or email appliancepartners@beko.co.uk

*10 Year Parts Guarantee not available on cooker hoods and built-in microwaves

BEKO – Enquiry 53

Discover stylish, energy and water efficient appliance solutions designed to perform and built to last.

Revolutionising the surface of offsite construction

The UK government's ambitious pledge to build 1.5 million homes will put offsite construction firmly in the spotlight. Velstone’s modular bathroom and kitchen solid surfaces provide a quick and robust solution.

Offsite construction relies on speed and building products that can streamline the building process.

Products like Velstone’s modular bathroom and kitchen surfaces are becoming increasingly essential and as a leading manufacturer and supplier of solid surfaces, the company is setting new standards for offsite construction for durability, aesthetics, and practicality in the sector while meeting its fast-paced demands.

Sameer Sawant, Velstone's Director, explained: “One and a half million new homes will mean, at the bare minimum, same number of kitchens and bathrooms over the next five years. But hitting that target will require speed & mindful planning and offsite construction is all about speed and budgets.

“What sets us apart from others with our project services is that we specialise in supplying a precise, factory finished product at high volume. Instead of just manufacturing in sheet form, we can manufacture the bathroom panels in bulk and in the past week alone we have supplied for over 650 bathrooms for a project. It shows we are set up for offsite construction, which is all about volumes, speed and working to tight budgets.

"Quick lead times are essential in modular construction. "Our manufacturing process allows us to deliver products promptly, keeping projects on schedule, and they have been designed for precise machining, straightforward assembly, reducing installation time and complexity on-site.

“We’ve also developed our products to suit all budgets without compromising on quality. This makes them an attractive

option for developers looking to balance cost with long-term value."

Velstone's high-quality bathroom surfaces, including vanity tops, cistern panels, shower walls, and threshold panels, are engineered to withstand the rigors of daily use while maintaining their aesthetic appeal. Similarly, their kitchen surfaces, perfect for worktops, islands, backsplashes, and breakfast bars, combine functionality with style.

The solid surfaces are non-porous and hygienic, preventing the growth of mould and fungi - a crucial factor in moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms. They're also incredibly easy to clean and maintain, resistant to moisture, heat, stains, scratches, and general wear and tear.

Flexibility is another key feature. Available in custom dimensions and colours, and in standard thicknesses of 13mm and 25mm, surfaces can be tailored to fit any installation making them suitable for a wide range of projects, from bathrooms

and kitchens for a student accommodation project to a modular home build.

Perhaps most importantly, Velstone's modular kitchen and bathroom surfaces provide the ideal balance between aesthetics and functionality. "In offsite construction, it's crucial to create spaces that feel like home from the moment they're installed," Sameer added.

"Our modular surfaces achieve this by combining beautiful designs with practical features, ensuring that the end result is both visually appealing and highly functional. They have also been designed with the offsite construction process in mind and created a product that not only enhances the living experience but also streamlines the building process, making it an ideal choice for offsite construction projects."

For more information or to request a product sample, visit www.velstone.com or call 0208 861 4422

Velstone – Enquiry 55

Saniflo provides pumping power for historic river house

Cleveland Bridge over the River Avon is a Grade II listed building in the World Heritage Site of Bath. Built in in 1827 for horse drawn vehicles and pedestrians to access the city it has a toll house and three similar houses positioned at each corner of the striking structure.

Three of the temple-esque style properties are now privately owned and this includes Number 4 which is a stunning three storey house with a pretty garden and patio overlooking the river. The bathroom and living room are located at street level and the kitchen is on the lower floor and features doors out to the stunning decked area overlooking the River Avon. The bedrooms are between these floors.

To facilitate the removal of grey water waste from the kitchen, a pump was required to lift the water up 6m to the drains at street level. A Sanivite pump from Saniflo was installed in 2014 and ran without incident for a decade. When the unit came to the end of its natural life, the property’s owner, Tim Bolt, contacted Pumpmaster, a commercial partner to Saniflo, to order a replacement. The company recommended a Sanispeed+, a slighter larger model than the Sanivite, to future proof the drainage for the property.

The Sanispeed+ has four inlets and currently takes waste from a washing machine, dishwasher and sink with an inlet to spare. The quiet unit is plumbed in under the sink

and the waste water is pumped up through 32mm solvent weld pipe which is installed behind the wall. The Sanispeed+ easily pumps the waste up to the required 6 metres. This particular product can lift up to 7 metres vertically or 70 metres horizontally if needed.

Tim is delighted with the solutions from Saniflo.As he says; “With no pump options available, discharging the waste would be so much more difficult. The units from Saniflo mean that I can have all modern conveniences in the kitchen of a very old property that was built before inventions such as the modern washing machine. The new Sanispeed+ is completely unobtrusive and the spare connection point means that I have the option to add other conveniences in future if I want to.”

Pumpmaster has been a partner to Saniflo for 35 years. Stuart Wood is General Manager; “We have access to a range of exceptional products at Saniflo which means our installers can go to properties such as this beautiful river house in Bath and they know there will be something that makes the drainage work. It’s the same for commercial properties. The Saniflo range really has something for pretty much all jobs.”

Saniflo – Enquiry 56

Roof Voids Technical Article

Following on from his seminar presentation at this year’s Fire Safety Event, held in April at Birmingham’s NEC, Dr. Karthick Govarthanam, General Manager for FIREFLY®, explores some of the issues surrounding fire risk in roof voids.

Decoding roof voids

We have been assured in recent years by mainstream media that our firefighters’ main role nowadays is in educating the public as to the risks they face in their homes and installing smoke alarms.

Yet the UK fire and rescue services were called out to 627,553 incidents out of which 67,014 of those involved primary fires in the year ending 2022. Between 2006 and 2008, at least 10,000 of these primary fires originated from the attic occurring in pubs, care homes and schools. Under fire conditions, smoke can travel at an alarming rate of 120 to 420 feet per minute. It's no surprise, then, that 57% of all fire-related fatalities occur outside the room where the fire started, according to insurance giant Aviva.

It is crucial then that Building Control Officers and others responsible for overseeing alterations in premises such as care homes and apartment buildings, turn their attention to roof hazards – with the most common being faulty electrical wiring, ceiling insulation, flammable roofing materials and leaky roofs. The latter could cause electrical wirings in the ceiling or attic to malfunction. Indeed, 41% of fire-related deaths in Great Britain were caused by the victim being overcome by gas, smoke or toxic fumes – and it can take as little as 2.½ minutes for a home to be entirely engulfed in flames.

A report published by BRE identified that the four mechanisms of fire spread in roof voids were combustible materials spanning beneath the non-combustible roof covering: absent or poor installation of cavity barriers/compartmentation, fire spread along the soffit, and heat transfer through penetrations. The document goes on to point out that “not many realise that the party wall (that's the wall you share with your neighbour) should be completely intact with no gaps right up to the roof tiles.

To mitigate against these lethal risks there are of course legislative requirements governed through the building regulations which includes Approved Document 7 for Materials and workmanship, Approved Document Part B – Volume 1 & 2 for Fire Safety and National House Building Council (NHBC) Standards. These documents explain how a large property can be compartmentalised and provides the guidance for minimum fire safety requirements. For example, minimum legal requirements for smoke and flame stipulate that a cavity barrier is required to prevent these products of combustion, i.e. smoke and flame, from penetrating and/or moving within a concealed space in a fire compartment for 30 minutes and are occasionally required to perform for longer periods of up to 120 minutes.

Legal requirements for insulation, meanwhile, state that a cavity barrier, when exposed on one side, should restrict the temperature rise of the unexposed face to be below 140 C, over ambient temperatures, for 15 minutes – but are now usually fitted with a 30 minute - or greater barrier.

These regulations state that there should be a means of warning and escape, both horizontal and vertical with details on, for example, where a cavity barrier should be sited to ensure a protected stairway enclosure remains safe –especially relevant to flats and HMOs.

The technical support available to ensure compliant installation includes diagrams to illustrate the various types of cavity barriers, along with installed examples in roof voids, backed by high quality photography where appropriate as well as site supervision or inspections.

Critical Compartmentation – Under Roof Tiles

NHBC Standard’s Section 7.2.16, entitled ‘FIRE-STOPPING AND CAVITY BARRIERS,’ advises that compartment walls should

stop approximately 25mm below the top of the adjacent roof framing and a soft firestopping material should be used, to allow for movement in ceiling or roof timbers. Whereas the ADB requires that gaps between compartments should be fire-stopped, using materials which achieve the same level of fire resistance as the compartment wall and that it should extend all the way to the underside of the roof covering. Firefly’s new Roof Cavity Closers has been designed to comply to both these contradicting and still provide up to 60 minutes of fire protection.

In the wake of the Hackitt Report, construction professionals have been forced to take a more holistic approach to fire safety, both in design and execution of work, meaning we should not look at product solutions in isolation, which is why specifiers should carefully consider the ‘critical role of system components and compatible ancillaries’. Certified systems generally have a requirement for specified components to be used to maintain the integrity of the system. For example, with FIREFLY’s flexible barriers, joints would be formed using the stainless steel staples and high temperature adhesive and certain systems use stainless steel wire to stitch them together.

Finally, it is essential to acknowledge that service penetrations present an immediate and permanent threat to the integrity of any fire barrier of compartmentation strategy and that what is installed today could be compromised by new pipework of other installations at any time in the future, which is why FIREFLY® has developed and tested its system solutions to remain fully effective as long as service penetrations are correctly made and managed, using items like Collaroll which feature in many installations, wrapping pipes and isolated structural members, all helping keep occupants safe.

Wykamol-Triton

An 18-month refurbishment and reconstruction project in Kent is set to create a cavernous basement showroom to house a private car collection in stunning and pristine conditions, where a selection of fully compatible products from the Wykamol-Triton range have been specified to completely waterproof the subterranean structure, being built into steeply rising ground.

Wykamol-Triton products, including the Sureproof Ultra bentonite carpet laid across the formation level sub-soil, have been used with all of the ready-mix concrete is being batched with TT waterproofing admixture, while TT Swell Mastic and TT Waterstop will protect the joints along with Hydraflex Tanking Slurry.

Finally, when the structure is complete, the manufacturer’s renowned CM8 cavity drain

membrane will line the walls to direct any seepage into floor level channels, before the walls are covered by Gyplyner metal trays, insulation, Duplex boards and a hard wall plaster finish.

Construction Director for Cosgrove Design and Build, Dean Downs, commented: “Wykamol Group’s area manager provided us with a lot of technical advice and contacts for its approved applicators, who we then went out to tender with based on using the Triton materials.”

Wykamol-Triton – Enquiry 58

Care home roof fire protected using A1 RATED Cemgold

IPP Ltd.’s A1 rated high density cement board, Cemgold has been used as part of the flat roof build-up on a new care home complex in Southampton, due for completion later this year, in compliance with both Building Regulations and UK building insurance guidelines.

Adanac Park is being built for Hamberley Developments by Highwood Construction with North Yorkshire based sector specialist, Harris Irwin Architects tailoring the design to meet the needs of those with dementia or different neurological conditions.

The Project Manager for Highwood Construction, Paul Davies, commented: “In the case of Adanac Park, when it came to the roof the architects, Harris Irwin, specified the use of a Euro Class A2 fireproof board for the perimeters and our design coordinator confirmed with Building Control that they would be happy with 18mm Cemgold.

“The purpose is to maintain fire compartmentation in the roof void beneath the Cemgold –being a far safer alternative to plywood – and the roofers found it easy to overlay the boards with the single ply roof membrane.”

Interestingly, the 12.5 mm version of IPP Cemgold also found a slightly unusual application within the care home, being used to fireproof the rear of special Memory Boxes in each of the bedrooms.

Bauder Breaks Ground on 44,000 sq ft

Distribution Centre at Gateway 14

On 22 August 2024, the construction of Bauder’s new 44,000 sq ft distribution centre officially begun with the groundbreaking ceremony at Gateway 14, a business and logistics park near Stowmarket.

Bauder’s managing directors Yvonne Higgins and John Llewellyn, plus logistics manager, Ian Madgwick, were joined by representatives from Gateway 14, Mid Suffolk District Council, Jaynic, Freeport East, and Wilten Construction.

“This is a landmark day for Bauder,” said Yvonne Higgins, Managing Director of Bauder. “Our investment plan, to grow and strengthen our presence in the UK market, welcomes the new distribution centre to meet increasing demand, and is in line with our sustainability programme. This is the first part of a larger plan that will also see us expand our operational base in Ipswich and create further job opportunities at both our sites.”

The new facility, set to open in Spring 2025, will significantly increase Bauder’s storage capacity and enhance distribution capabilities. The warehouse will feature sustainable building design and renewable energy generation. Bauder’s UK operational headquarters will continue to be based at Landseer Road, Ipswich.

Bauder – Enquiry 60

The Relax Hybrid – combining contemporary aesthetics with innovative technology

The Radiator Company has launched the new stylish Relax Hybrid – its first ventilated radiator that can warm and cool a space.

Atestament to the company’s commitment to cutting-edge design and advancing technology, the Relax Hybrid offers the ultimate solution for contemporary homes looking to address varying temperature needs in the UK and crucially - without compromising on aesthetics.

The Relax Hybrid has advanced technology, which can heat and cool, using both radiant heat and fan coil assisted engineering. This highly efficient, contemporary radiator offers a future proof solution that is compatible with both traditional boiler heating systems and heat pump installations. The silent force of the ventilating component evenly spreads heat throughout the space to reach desired temperatures quickly whilst maintaining the ideal climate over time.

Thanks to its innovative design, Relax Hybrid can also serve as a cooling unit

Mobile hospital receives bespoke Advanced fire protection

A mobile children’s heart hospital, built in El Salvador, was recently equipped with an Advanced wireless fire safety system, ensuring top protection for children undergoing heart surgery, their doctors, and staff.

For speed and ease of setup, Advanced’s innovative solution was to create a bespoke, wireless fire alarm system. At the centre of the installation is an Axis EN singleloop panel paired with a translator and 19 devices including point detectors, sounderbeacon bases, and call points covering various rooms within the hospital. The system was pre-programmed at Advanced’s headquarters in Newcastle upon Tyne (UK) and shipped to El Salvador.

Advanced – Enquiry 62

when paired with compatible heat pump systems by automatically isolating the heating components. It is important that the system is designed with the correct insulation levels to prevent condensation from occurring on pipework.

The attention to detail when it comes to the aesthetic of the Relax Hybrid is second to none. With soft, curved edges and a smooth and slim design, the Relax Hybrid is both understated and unobtrusive.

This is the thinnest ventilated radiator on the market, with a thickness of only 107mm and it is available in both horizontal and vertical models.

Relax Hybrid can also be equipped with an LED lighting system to enhance its elegant profile even further and help to create a calming mood in the space.

The Radiator Company – Enquiry 61

Gilberts raises the bar with fire rated ventilation solutions

Gilberts has risen to the challenge of ensuring the balance of ventilation and safety with the development of its fire rated connection box (plenum).

The Fire Rated Connection Box (available in both top and side entry versions) achieves 60 minutes’ fire and thermal rating to EN1366-3-2021. It means that fire integrity of ventilation between internal compartments has never been easier to achieve.

The new plenum maintains performance integrity when tested at temperatures up to 1000°C. It ensures that the fire barrier through a masonry or plasterboard wall or ceiling or concrete floor will be retained, maintaining compartmentation.

Gilberts believes it is the only plenum of its kind in the UK tested to deliver such high performance. It gives assurance that the two relevant layers of fire safetycompartmentation and structural safety- are addressed.

“There is no harmonised European standard for fire testing of plenum boxes. However, it is the crucial element in retaining the fire compartment. The lack of a definitive Standard makes it difficult for fire officers to sign off a detail. By providing them with a tested one- hour fire and thermal rated plenum box they have the peace of mind that they have a sensible choice,” explains Gilberts’ Technical Director Roy Jones.

Gilberts – Enquiry 63

AluFoldDirect shares free guide to Part L Compliance

Fabricator AluFoldDirect is continuing its commitment to education and innovation with the release of a 10page guide to compliance with Building Regulations: Part L, 2021.

Available as a free download, the guide is a proactive response to customer uncertainty over the changing landscape of UK Building Regulations, and a demonstration of the expert knowledge, advice and aluminium solutions that AluFoldDirect can offer.

“We are hearing lots of concern over U-values and the Future Homes Standard,” explains Rhodri John, Commercial Director at AluFoldDirect. “It really is a case of ‘stay informed or be left behind’ in the glazing industry right now, and the guide is a simple, succinct round-up of what installers need to know.”

The AluFoldDirect Part L Compliance guide aims to empower customers and contacts by providing a clear picture

of current legislation, highlighting requirements for refurbishment and new build projects, specific products, regulation differentiation in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, plus key considerations that should be understood during the planning stages of a project.

The download also introduces AluFoldDirect’s Solution series of quality aluminium products.

Pioneered by the A-BiFold, A-Slider and A-Window, the Solution series is available to installers at passive performance 0.8 W/ m²K U-value, a new build-ready 1.2 W/m²K U-value, and Building Regulation compliant Solution at 1.4 W/m²K U-value – meaning AluFoldDirect now offers ready-to-fit

A window on systems for comfort and safety

GEZE UK, the UK subsidiary of GEZE GmbH, a leading manufacturer of door and window control systems, has introduced the Overview of GEZE Window Systems brochure

It offers a complete overview of the GEZE window technology range, which includes everything from manual drive systems for natural ventilation to complete solutions for smoke and heat ventilation.

The brochure offers advice and guidance on selecting the most suitable system and how GEZE UK can provide tailored solutions.

In addition, it explains the benefits of natural ventilation and indoor climate control, and what a SHEV (smoke and heat exhaust ventilation) system is.

Ensuring the right solution for a project increases the safety and comfort of those using the building.

With a comprehensive overview of all GEZE’s products in the window technology range and an easy-to use table for product comparisons outlining their applications, functions and installation options the brochure is an invaluable tool for everyone from designers and specifiers, through to fabricators and installers in the window ventilation industry.

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window and door systems that meet any thermal requirement, with delivery in two weeks.

For more information and to request the AluFoldDirect Part L Compliance guide visit: Part L Compliance: What You Need to Know (alufolddirect.co.uk)

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Garador’s tried and tested Carlton

With a classic design that suits so many different styles of property, Garador’s Carlton up & over garage door is one of the most popular garage doors on the market. The Carlton offers exceptional value for money with a tried and tested design that’s both long-lasting and low maintenance.

Constructed from high grade galvanised steel, the crisp vertical swage complements modern architecture but also sits well on traditional builds or garages in blocks. Garador’s Carlton comes in a choice of 20 standard colours and a wide range of sizes including made to measure.

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▸ Timber frame construction

▸ Spandrel panels

▸ Modular build

▸ Rainscreen cladding

▸ Render carrier board

▸ High performance dry lining

▸ Tilebacker

▸ Fire resistant floors and ceilings

▸ Passive fire protection

▸ Steel frame construction