Specification Magazine January 2018

Education joins housebuilding as construction hotspot for 2018 and beyond Welcome

lthough the focus of the construction industry remains on housebuilding given the Government’s priority for new homes, a new report shows another significant challenge is starting to bite.

New research from Scape Group, the public sector procurement specialist, has revealed that an additional 435,646 pupils will be joining the UK’s secondary school system in 2020, which would require over 14,500 additional secondary classrooms across the country.

Scape’s report, The Secondary School Places Challenge, shows the equivalent of 14,522 secondary school classrooms would need to be built over the next three years to ensure we have enough school places, which would equate to over 400 brand new 1,050 pupil secondary schools across the country.

The report provides a timely warning as many are already claiming a skills crisis, the rising cost of raw materials and on-going problems with investment and planning are jeapordising efforts to meet the Government’s housebuilding targets.

Although the greatest school building requirement will be in England (13,337 classrooms), 527 classrooms would also be required in Scotland, 340 in Wales and 318 in Northern Ireland, to meet the projected growth in secondary school pupils.

Mark Robinson, Scape Group Chief Executive, comments: “Secondary school pupil numbers are set to rise significantly and there is a real

risk that if we do not increase the output of new secondary school classrooms there will be significant pressure on places across the UK. “Such is the scale of the projected increase in secondary school pupils that the Government should now seek to develop a National School Building Strategy that brings together the Department of Education, local and regional government, and industry.

“We must ensure there is a joined-up approach that embraces modern methods of construction such as modular and offsite techniques, which can deliver schools quickly and cost-effectively. The Government must view this situation as a priority - it is critical that we do not fail our children by not providing enough new secondary school places.

“A collaborative approach between public and private sectors and Local and Central Government is key to bridging the school capacity gap –and a cohesive national strategy on modular for new schools could go a long way in reducing the amount of time it would take to provide areas with much-needed school places. However there needs to be significant investment behind this for it to have the desired effect.”

PAUL GROVES // GROUP EDITOR

Peter Booth @pbplumber

Tony Dumble @unequaled_heating

Drew Styles @stylesplumbing

James Lawrence @plumberparts Ryan Mills @rdmills88

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PAM is launching a new range of cast iron low connection multiwaste manifold connectors to suit its’ Ensign and EEZI-FIT sanitary systems to BS EN877 from the end of January. The new manifolds are designed with an internal baffle and offer up to 6 - 2” BSP waste inlets and extended spigots that can penetrate floor slabs of up to 400mm. Read more on pages 26-27. Saint-Gobain PAM - Enquiry 4

Willmott Dixon tackles Mental Fitness with ‘All Safe Minds’

One of the UK’s largest contractors, Willmott Dixon has launched its new All Safe Minds campaign, encouraging mental fitness across the UK construction sector. All Safe Minds makes it as easy as possible for vulnerable workers to tap into a variety of resources, and will instil the ‘3 Rs’ into its daily work culture:

• RECOGNISE - Be aware if you or someone you know is struggling to cope.

• REACH OUT - Start the conversation. If you are struggling, talk to someone you trust. Or if you know a colleague is struggling, offer your support –simply lending an ear can make all the difference.

• REBUILD - Use the resources available to you to start taking back control. For more information, please visit www.willmottdixon.co.uk/how-we-do-it/all-safe-minds

Voice of Colour unveils its colour of the year

Launching in the UK for the first time, Voice of Colour has unveiled its 2018/19 Colour of the Year, Black Flame, along with its inspirational new colour palettes.

Created by its global colour experts, the Voice of Colour collection exclusively brings the latest colour trends to Johnstone’s Trade paint coatings and its customers, following its success in North America.

Voice of Colour offers a full colour palette that is ideal for architects, interior designers, and facilities managers. Featuring a range of colour themes and stories, the collection has been designed to reflect the personality, interests and décor elements of their client’s space and help them achieve the right atmosphere in any environment.

As part of the launch, Voice of Colour has also introduced its 2018 trends guide, Corelation, which reveals Black Flame as its Colour of the Year. Blending two classic hues, black and indigo, the statementmaking colour evokes privacy, hope and classic modernism.

Black creates the silence we crave in an information-heavy world, while the indigo offers possibility and a deep hopefulness.

“Black Flame’s flexibility means it’s perfect to use in a variety of spaces - from a statement wall, to a matt finish on a ceiling. It can also be used with a high gloss finish on a naturally-lit staircase for example, or on cabinets, interior and exterior doors.

“Creating a fantastic backdrop, Black Flame allows other décor elements to take centre stage. It is a truly versatile shade and adds a contemporary look to any interior space.” said Donna Taylor, Principle Colour Consultant for Voice of Colour.

Housebuilders look to the regions for new year cheer

The industry’s prospects are inevitably clouded by uncertainties over Brexit and the economy but some positive trends emerged towards the end of 2017 which bode well for the outlook in 2018.

One key industry forerunner, private housebuilding, ended the year with a flourish, encouraged by the Budget extension of Buy to Let to 2021 and, for now, continuing strong demand. An upturn in private residential building work helped create a modest rebound in overall output in November, according to the latest purchasing managers index from IHS Market/ CIPS. It recorded new residential project orders in November at the strongest since June.

Private housebuilders’ prospects for 2018 inevitably hinge on whether purchaser demand will hold up. On the upside, near-full employment and continuing low interest rates – which economists expect to reach 0.8% by the end of 2018 - should help to maintain purchaser interest. The development pipeline in the sector also remains healthy. The latest Glenigan forecasts point to a 21 per cent rise in planning approvals in the first nine months of 2017 with rises in most English regions. The promising outlook for Build to Rent should also help to maintain industry volumes. But the pace at which housebuilders start work on new sites will continue to depend on the health of the overall housing market.

Here, the latest evidence points to a cooling, if relatively stable, national market. Although new mortgage approvals fell for the third month running in October, this was largely due to a shortage of houses for sale, according to the Halifax, and which may in turn augure well for sales of new build. The latest Halifax index showed house prices up 2.4% in the

September- November quarter on the previous three months and 3.9% up on a year ago.

But the picture varies between regions and for housebuilders, areas further from London may continue to show more promise in 2018. Stronger private housing markets are among the key drivers behind Glenigan’s latest forecasts for an upturn in the value of underlying construction starts in key regions in 2018 including the East Midlands (where starts are forecast to rise by 31%), the North East (+7%), North West (+18%), South West (+13%), West Midlands (+12%) and Yorks & Humber (+17%).

Recent industry news also reflects a healthier housing market in the regions. Bellway’s latest full year results showed that the firm’s private house sales in the north increased by 7% to 3,897 whilst its sales in the south dipped slightly. The firm’s Yorkshire division increased output by 75% to 467 homes. One trend which is also likely to help keep the industry busy in 2018 is the growing number of new dwellings created by converting larger houses into smaller units and flats and as well as shops and offices into homes.

According to the Nationwide, these changeof-use units have more than doubled in the past decade to 37,000 in 2016/17, of which around 18,000 were granted under permitted development rights. If these are included using the broader measure, it says the number of dwellings now being created each year is only 3% below 2007 levels.

Ibstock Brick’s popular Tradesman Range is extended

Ibstock Brick has extended its popular Tradesman Range to include the Windsor Regent, which will be manufactured at its Walsall-based Atlas factory.

The range has been specifically designed to blend in with bricks manufactured from distinctive Lower Oxfordshire clays which were widely used on UK housing developments from the 1930s onwards.

Tradesman bricks have excellent durability and strength, meaning they can be used in almost any location, such as boundary walls and wall cappings or to match existing brickwork for extensions and other refurbishments.

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A fourth company has been accredited to install ArmaWeave, an approved high-security perimeter fencing system manufactured by Zaun.

Specialist fencing installers JB Corrie has committed to training its site operatives in the installation methods for ArmaWeave developed by Zaun over time to make best use of its unique high-security woven fabric.

With their new accreditation, JB Corrie now brings the number of approved installers of ArmaWeave to four, alongside expert installers Allen Fencing Limited, systems integrator Crime & Fire Defence Systems and premier prison fencing installer Binns Fencing, a Zaun subsidiary.

Zaun established the installer scheme after increasing requests from customers to recommend contractors with suitable installation, quality and safety standards.

ArmaWeave is produced on the world’s largest steel loom at Zaun’s West Midlands manufacturing base. It has unique properties that give it distinct advantages against more traditional welded mesh systems, such as panels that can be raked to accommodate slopes. Therefore, installers require the necessary skill sets to set this up.

The wire of the panels has a tensile strength typically more than double welded panels so special methods are needed for cutting the panels during installation.

With its partners, Zaun hopes to increase the adoption of ArmaWeave as the standard for secure sites of Critical National Infrastructure –such as utilities, data centres and nuclear sites – while ensuring consistent installation quality.

Construction output growth eases slightly in December

UK construction companies indicated an uneven recovery in business activity at the end of 2017.

A robust rise in residential building contrasted with falling work on commercial projects and stagnating civil engineering output. There were positive signals for the near-term business outlook, with new order growth reaching a seven-month high and job creation the strongest since June. However, intense supply chain pressures continued across the construction sector, while input cost inflation picked up from November’s 14-month low.

The seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) posted 52.2 in December, down from 53.1 in November but above the 50.0 no-change threshold for the third month running. As a result, the latest reading signalled a moderate expansion of overall construction output at the end of 2017.

Survey respondents indicated that house building remained a key engine of growth, with residential work expanding for the sixteenth consecutive month in December. In contrast, latest data indicated a moderate fall in commercial construction, thereby continuing the downward trend seen since July. Civil engineering work stabilised during the latest survey period, which ended a three-month period of decline. The prospect of greater workloads ahead resulted in

stronger rises in employment and purchasing activity during December. Yet strong cost pressures persisted across the construction sector, driven by rising prices for a range of inputs. In particular, survey respondents noted higher prices for blocks, bricks, insulation and roof tiles, alongside continued rises in the cost of imported products.

Tim Moore, Associate Director at IHS Markit and author of the IHS Markit/ CIPS Construction PMI said: “The UK construction sector achieved a moderate expansion of business activity at the end of 2017, although the recovery remained uneven and slowed overall since November. Construction companies indicated that another strong contribution from house building helped to offset subdued civil engineering activity and reduced volumes of commercial work.

“Total new orders picked up at the fastest pace for seven months in December, which provides a positive signal for construction workloads in the short-term. Resilient demand and forthcoming project starts also led to greater job creation and the strongest increase in input buying for two years.

Vivalda Group sets new quality standards with latest cutting technology

Vivalda Group plc, the UK’s largest distributor of high performance facades, has successfully completed an investment project that brings the benefit of digitallycontrolled cutting technology to all eight of its locations across the UK and Ireland.

As part of its strategy to increase its pioneering offsite fabrication capacity, the £250,000 investment comprises the acquisition of an additional seven beam saws, supplied by Schelling and Mayer, with Magi-Cut computer controls ensuring total accuracy. Minimal wastage through better template design and off-site fabrication are core elements of Vivalda’s added-value offer and this investment will reinforce the company’s leadership position in the high-performance cladding sector.

Ben Jayes, managing director of Vivalda Group plc, said: “While terms such as construction 4.0, BIM and DfMA are becoming part of the industry’s new vocabulary, accuracy, quality control and offsite fabrication have been part of our DNA for nearly two decades. This major investment demonstrates Vivalda Group’s core strategy to set new quality standards for the off-site fabrication sector. Contractors and specifiers are demanding total accuracy and zero defects on site. This technology ensures we continue to operate at the highest levels of performance in the industry.”

Products supplied by Vivalda include Marley Eternit, Cembrit, Rockpanel, Trespa and Fibre C. Vivalda also owns the PURA Facades brand.

JB Corrie accreditation means four approved to install ArmaWeave

Architects want review to go further

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has welcomed the publication of Dame Judith Hackitt’s Interim Report but has highlighted the need to go much further, specifically in terms of making real and meaningful change to the core building regulations guidance covering fire safety, which is needed as a matter of great urgency.

Immediate Past President of RIBA and Chair of the RIBA’s Expert Advisory Group on Fire Safety, Jane Duncan says: “The RIBA’s Expert Advisory Group on Fire Safety strongly recommends that the final review should require a named person or organisation to hold prime responsibility for the oversight of fire safety in the design and construction of any building project.

“It is disappointing that the interim review has not called for an immediate prohibition on the use any combustible materials in the external wall construction of high-rise buildings. This means we continue with this grey-area in regards to fire-safety.”

She also said it is also good to see a recognition by Dame Judith of the importance of the ‘golden thread’ of original design intent, the integrity of which must be maintained in any building project or subsequent refurbishment – in order to avoid fragmentation of design responsibility which risks poorer quality outcomes.

However, RIBA said it is disappointing that whilst the report recognises the complexity and lack of clarity in the current building regulations guidance, it shies away from introducing immediate and effective changes to the current fire safety guidance, Approved Document B. The RIBA would like to see:

• An immediate prohibition on the use any combustible materials in the external wall construction of high-rise buildings

• A greater role for sprinklers as an active life safety measure in residential buildings

• Requirements for at least two staircases, offering alternative means of escape in high-rise residential buildings.

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Universal shift in culture required in approach to building regulations

The Chair of an independent review into building regulations and fire safety has found that a “universal shift in culture” is required to rebuild trust amongst residents of high-rise buildings and significantly improve the way that fire safety is assured.

Dame Judith Hackitt, who was appointed by government to lead an Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety following the Grenfell fire, has published her interim findings.

Alongside her interim report, Dame Judith is calling on the construction industry, building owners, regulators and government to come together to address the ‘shortcomings’ identified so far.

The interim report finds that:

• A culture change is required - with industry taking greater responsibility for what is built - this change needs to start now

• The current system for ensuring fire safety in high-rise buildings is not fit for purpose

• A clear, quick and effective route for residents to raise concerns and be listened to, must be created.

Chair of the review, Dame Judith Hackitt said: “I have found that the regulatory system for safely designing, constructing and managing buildings is not fit for purpose. The current system is highly complex and there is confusion about the roles and responsibilities at each stage. In many areas there is a lack of competence and accreditation.

“While this does not mean all buildings are unsafe, it does mean we need to build a more effective system for the future. That is why I am today calling for the construction industry, building owners, regulators and government

to come together to identify how to overcome these shortcomings together.”

Dame Judith has consulted widely in developing her interim report and will continue to do so in the coming months before making her final recommendations.

She continued: “I have been deeply affected by the residents of high rise buildings I have met and I have learned so much from them. These buildings are their homes and their communities. They are proud of where they live, but their trust in the system has been badly shaken by events of the last few months. We need to rebuild that trust.”

The independent review will now undertake its second phase of work – including targeted work in partnership with the sector and other stakeholders. A summit involving government and representatives from the building industry will take place in the New Year and a final report will be published in spring 2018.

The interim report sets out six broad areas for change:

• Ensuring that regulation and guidance is risk-based, proportionate and unambiguous

• Clarifying roles and responsibilities for ensuring that buildings are safe

• Improving levels of competence within the industry

• Improving the process, compliance and enforcement of regulations

• Creating a clear, quick and effective route for residents’ voices to be heard and listened to

• Improving testing, marketing and quality assurance of products used in construction

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Introducing The Ultimate Guide to Ceilings & Walls

Hunter Douglas, the global architectural products manufacturer, has published its latest comprehensive guide to ceilings and walls, covering its entire metal, wood and felt ranges.

Aimed at architects, designers and specifiers it provides technical data, colour finishes, material characteristics, applications and acoustic performance data in easy-to-read form. Colourful photographs of the systems in situ enable you to see exactly how they look on schemes across the world.

For a presentation on our Commercial Guide to Ceilings and Walls and to obtain your personal copy please email: info@hunterdouglas.co.uk or use the reader enquiry service.

Focus on flooring and the correct insulation specification for ground floor design

KAREN EVERITT AT RAVATHERM UK - MANUFACTURER OF POLYFOAM XPS INSULATION –DISCUSSES INSULATION SPECIFICATION BEST PRACTICE FOR GROUND FLOORS.

uring the design of any new build or major refurbishment project, careful attention must be paid to the ground floor insulation specification. As well as contributing to the thermal efficiency of the finished building, it must also provide a durable and robust solution.

The recent shortage of polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation has impacted many construction projects. Caused by insufficient supply of Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI), the main constituent of PIR, severe production delays have resulted in a market-wide shortage and extended lead times – not to mention price increases – leading specifiers and installers to seek viable alternative insulation products.

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation can be a good alternative material for many new build and refurbishment projects. However, there are some key considerations for specifiers and installers if XPS is specified for ground floors. For instance, slightly thicker XPS board will likely be required, meaning a little more digging out at the start of construction in a new build project.

As when using any unfamiliar construction product, it is recommended that specifiers liaise with a reputable XPS insulation manufacturer with a knowledgeable technical team to ensure the key differences of an alternative material against the original specification can be explained.

During design stage, consideration needs to be given to the applied floor loading and the position of the installed insulation. Ground bearing floors can include insulation either

below or above the concrete slab, depending on the choice of the designer. Insulation installed below the slab increases the thermal capacity of the building, helping to maintain steady internal temperatures. If insulation is installed above the slab, the building responds more quickly to an intermittent heating system – ideal on domestic properties for example.

Insulation materials used under slabs, screeds and chipboard should be capable of accommodating the applied loads with the minimum of compression. It’s best practice for specifiers to refer to the guidance and recommendations contained within BS EN 1990:2002 +A1:2005 and BS EN 1991-1- 1:2002, which should be followed when making sure the insulation is able to accommodate the designed loads.

XPS insulation for example delivers a durable solution thanks to its compressive strength and low moisture absorption. RAVATHERM UK’s floorboard range has a moisture absorption of 0.6% by volume when tested in accordance with EN 12087 and can be laid in standing water or up against wet concrete with negligible impact on the performance of the product. The material is also available with 200, 300 and 500 kPa (Kilopascal) compressive strength.

Unlike insulation specified for walls and roofs, the heat loss through a ground floor depends on the size and shape of the floor, as well as the soil type.

The calculation methodology in BS EN ISO 13370 should be followed, which uses the ratio of the exposed floor perimeter to the floor area because more heat is lost at the edges of a floor than in the centre.

The measurement of the perimeter and area should be to the finished inside surfaces of the perimeter walls that enclose the heated space; however, unheated spaces such as porches or garages should be excluded.

During the design of any building, it’s important to liaise with a trusted XPS insulation manufacturer, such as RAVATHERM UK, offering technical and specifi cation advice during design stage, will ensure the building performs as per the specifi cation.

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Panelised or modular, do you know the difference?

MENTION MODERN METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION AND OFTEN THE NEXT WORD IN THE SENTENCE IS ‘MODULAR’. THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE WORD TO COVER ALL FORMS OF OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION IS ACTUALLY CREATING A MISUNDERSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE INDUSTRY. MIKE FAIREY OF LIGHT GAUGE STEEL OFFSITE MANUFACTURER FUSION BUILDING SYSTEMS, EXPLAINS.

probably need to start by backtracking a little and explain what offsite manufacturing (OSM) is.

There’s nothing new about OSM – it’s been used as a construction method for decades, the only reason more people seem to be talking about it now, is because it offers so many benefits over traditional building methods, for example:

• Safer working conditions

• Improved quality and standard of build

• Shorter and predictable build times

• Fewer materials and deliveries to site.

The OSM process starts with design. Architects and offsite design technicians need to work together to incorporate the vision and integrity of a building into a structure which can be engineered and manufactured in a factory. This is where the modular/panelised conversation begins.

There are two types of OSM - 3D volumetric modular and 2D panelised. Volumetric refers to entire units or rooms being built to a ‘finish’ in offsite factories and craned into place on site, while panelised refers to individual walls and floors being built at offsite facilities and then erected on site. But why might you specify one over the other?

We make panelised systems at Fusion and they offer developers and contractors a number of benefits:

• They’re very flexible in terms of design, meaning bespoke architectural features can be incorporated relatively easily

• Their overall weight is low and they can be easily stacked for transport, meaning you can get multiple rooms or units on a single lorry resulting in very few lorry loads to and from site

• And if design changes do need to be made during a build programme, it’s much cheaper and easier to make them when working with individual panels, giving total cost control to the developer.

Volumetric solutions offer the same benefits as panelised in terms of the OSM process – they’re built in a factory-controlled environment and their manufacture is not impacted by the weather etc. , but the main difference beyond that, is they come as a complete structures. This can mean the internal fit-out, finishes and building services are already installed - leaving the connection of services and their commissioning, external façades and roofing to be completed on site.

But watch this space…at Fusion, we’re developing our panelised system into a

‘Smart Modular’ solution. We start by taking our factory-assembled wall and floor components, together with our patented, pre-insulated external wall system and quickly erect them on site to create a rapidly-weathered shell.

The next step is to apply manufacturing principles to complete the building – a true Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) process. Using BIM, this will mean the precision with which our system is designed, manufactured and assembled on site will integrate seamlessly with other supply chain components – creating a step change in construction processes.

This is an exciting step forward and demonstrates the potential for OSM systems to evolve. Who knows, 10 years from now we could have even more options to talk about, but for 2018 at least the offsite conversation should be broader than just a cursory mention of modular.

Fusion – Enquiry 11

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A Bronze Garden

DOW JONES ARCHITECTS’ RECENTLY COMPLETED GARDEN MUSEUM PHASE 2 USES NORDIC BRONZE CLAD INTERVENTIONS TO CREATE A FRESH YET GENTLE IDENTITY FOR A HISTORIC CHURCH AND GRAVEYARD, DIFFERENTIATED FROM THE NEIGHBOURING LAMBETH PALACE.

ondon’s Garden Museum is housed in the deconsecrated grade II* listed church of St Mary at Lambeth. Dow Jones Architects’ first phase in 2008 involved a two-storey gallery inside the church, creating new galleries, an education room and storage, and consolidated the nave as an events space.

The competition-winning second phase extends the museum both within the existing building and out into the churchyard, creating a new public face. New garden pavilions provide education rooms for a range of learning and community activities, and a café. They are connected by a glazed cloister that frames a new Dan Pearson designed garden and are clad in Nordic Bronze copper alloy from Aurubis.

Interlocking Nordic Bronze shingles with concealed fixings are set out in a distinctive, plate-like pattern conceived as being reminiscent of the flaking bark of the surrounding plane trees. The shingles wrap tightly around the façade, meeting the windows and slim warm roof construction to

form a crisp outline. Mechanical extract vents are integrated into the cladding with custom bronze cowls that protrude outwards.

The architects chose Nordic Bronze as “a lightweight material that weather from a bright copper colour to an even earthy chocolate brown. This colour will allow the building to sit quietly within the graveyard, allowing the garden and church the strongest presence”.

Nordic Bronze is produced by Aurubis, part of the world’s leading integrated copper group and largest copper recycler. Other copper alloys include Nordic Brass – now also available pre-weathered – and the innovative Nordic Royal, an alloy of copper with aluminium and zinc, giving it a rich golden through-colour and making it very stable.

The Aurubis architectural range also includes Nordic Standard ‘mill finish’ and Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper, offering lighter or darker shades of brown determined by the thickness of the oxide layer. Various Nordic Green, Nordic Blue and Nordic Turquoise factory-applied patinas have also been

developed with properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas all over the world.

For more information visit: www.aurubis.com/finland/architectural or email: g.bell@aurubis.com

Aurubis – Enquiry 13

There’s a story behind all our rooflights

Sunsquare Limited offer a range of Rooflights including solutions for fixed units, hinged with electrical opening mechanisms, electric rooftop access and walk-on Rooflights.

For more information telephone 01284 848 798, email sales@sunsquare.co.uk or visit www.sunsquare.co.uk.

The first and only Rooflight manufacturers to be BSI verified and awarded a Kitemark.

Innovation helps Sunsquare to remain market leaders

SUNSQUARE HAVE BEEN MARKET LEADERS IN THE ROOFLIGHT INDUSTRY FOR MANY YEARS NOW. IT’S HISTORY IS ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY BASED AROUND INNOVATION. FOR 14 YEARS THE COMPANY HAVE BEEN LEADING THE WAY IN THE INDUSTRY BY NOT ONLY DESIGNING AND MANUFACTURING THE BEST PRODUCTS IN THE INDUSTRY, BUT CHANGING THE FACE OF THE INDUSTRY TOO.

unsquare were the first company to use heat soaked glass as standard in their products to avoid inclusions in the glass. Sunsquare were the first, and only company to gain a Kitemark for their product range in an otherwise unregulated industry. Sunsquare were the first to supply Up-stands with their products to make installation easy and recently, the first company to offer laminated inner panes as standard on their range. All that is done is not only to improve the product range, but improve safety, integrity and the client experience.

More recently the company have been concentrating on improving the electronic element of their award-winning skylights. One of the issues with wiring has been that a qualified electrician is required to wire the skylight in and, even with instructions, occasionally this can go wrong if the incorrect voltage is applied and can be costly.

Sunsquare have designed a new “plug and play” system which not only negated the need for an electrician, but ensures that everything works perfectly straight out of the box.

It also means that the addition of rain sensors, remote controls and any other accessory is fool-proof too. Most impressive is that the whole thing just plugs

into the mains like any other household appliance. We’ve even printed a template for drilling on the instructions to make it even more simple…

There are times in an industry when the game is changed, and this is one of those moments.

Even though it looks like a simple piece of equipment, the 2 years of testing with the BSI to gain the CE marking means that this now changes the customer experience when buying a skylight. The rest of the industry will have to play catch up again.

“The more we can do to assist the client at our end, the smoother the whole experience will be. We are often asked what makes our skylights different to the competition, and the answer gets simpler. We have always started with client needs and worked backwards. I think that is what has made us the most accredited and award-winning company in our industry. We have always just wanted to be the very best.” Said Justin Seldis, Managing Director.

The new plug and play electronic package is available on all Aero Vent model skylights form Sunsquare. For further information please call us on 0845 2263172 or www.sunsquare.co.uk.

Sunsquare

Simplifying waterproofing specification for all

WHEN INVESTIGATING AND SPECIFYING WATERPROOFING DESIGNS FOR A PROJECT, A FREQUENT COMMENT THAT WE HEAR FROM SPECIFIERS IS THAT THE SHEER MYRIAD OF POTENTIAL WATERPROOFING PRODUCTS AND COMBINATIONS IS ALMOST OVERWHELMING. IN THE FACE OF INFORMATION OVERLOAD SPECIFIERS DO NOT NECESSARILY HAVE THE TIME OR ENERGY TO RESEARCH THE MOST RELEVANT PRODUCT FOR THEIR PROJECT, AND ARE MOST LIKELY TO STICK WITH THE PRODUCT THEY ARE MOST FAMILIAR WITH RATHER THAN THE PRODUCT THAT IS BEST FOR THEIR PROJECT.

Aimed exclusively at assisting with this, the Newton Waterproofing Index® represents a revolutionary new methodology that scores each and every type of waterproofing design by considering the required Grade of waterproofing (as defined by British Standard 8102:2009), the type and quality of the proposed structure, the type of waterproofing protection being used, and the competence of the installation.

The result is an intuitive scoring system for specifiers that provides a consistent measure across the industry by which different designs can be directly compared, and which acts as a guide through the multitude of product and design options.

Newton Specification Sheets are therefore a key tool as part of the Index and as a part of any specifier’s armoury of resources.

The Newton Protected Basement Guarantee

For specifiers looking for the ultimate level of guaranteed waterproofing protection, projects that achieve the very highest score on the Newton Waterproofing Index also qualify as Newton Protected Basements, supported by the industry-leading 10-year Newton Protected Basement Guarantee.

Underwritten by an A-rated UK insurer, the Guarantee is a bespoke latent defects policy that includes:

• 10 years latent defects cover

• Zero defects liability period for the contractor

• Up to £100,000 of cover per project for consequential loss

• Cover for product, design and installation failures

• In-house design assistance and on-site quality assurance

• Independent auditing included where required, to ensure continued quality

Revolutionising UK Waterproofing

By combining new and revolutionary concepts with their decades of waterproofing expertise and experience, the introduction of the Newton Waterproofing Index and the Newton Protected Basement Guarantee mark a significant advancement over other waterproofing suppliers in the UK.

Furthermore, both new services are geared towards making the life of the modern-day architect as simple as possible, whilst still enabling them to effectively protect their buildings. Not only can architects now assess their waterproofing specifications with a simple scoring system, they can also protect qualifying projects with the most comprehensive guarantee in the UK waterproofing industry.

Using The Index For Specification

The starting point for any specifier wishing to utilise the Index is Newton’s new library of Specification Sheets, covering many of the most common waterproofing designs.

Each Specification Sheet acts as a complete and independent resource for one design, providing the specifier with everything they need to know by drawing together product information, NBS Clauses and 3D drawings into one place.

As part of the Index’s scoring system, each Specification Sheet is also attributed with a score on the Newton Waterproofing Index that is tailored to that design.

The Newton Protected Basement Guarantee is a major upgrade from other industry guarantees, with a level of cover that easily outstrips all other material guarantee or product warranty offerings that currently exist in the UK waterproofing market.

For more information on any of the services mentioned, please contact Newton Waterproofing Systems or take a look on their website: 01732 806 893 tech@newtonwaterproofing.co.uk www.newtonwaterproofing.co.uk

Newton Waterproofing – Enquiry 16

The Benefit of Experience – Roof Window Considerations

THERE ARE MORE ROOF WINDOW MANUFACTURERS THAN EVER IN THE UK TODAY. BELOW ARE SOME OF THE KEY CONSIDERATIONS YOU SHOULD BE THINKING ABOUT WHEN SPECIFYING A ROOF WINDOW.

U-Values

Manufacturers must be able to declare a whole unit (Uw) value for their roof windows. Being aware of what companies are promoting will ensure you are comparing the right type of information. Any pitched roof window manufacturer is required by law to CE mark their roof windows. If a manufacturer is unable to provide this information it is recommended that you speak with other companies who can provide it.

Humidity Levels

It is imperative that at the point of specification you let the manufacturer know where the roof window is going to be installed. Manufacturers should be able to provide you with the minimum temperature factor which will allow you to analyse the risk of condensation as well as compare the condensation potential from different roof window providers. Having a roof window that is made from steel does not mean the roof window will be prone to condensation. It is a combination of the humidity level and

temperature of the room which dictates the dew point.

Window Loads

Window load requirements can vary by region – for example roof windows installed in the North of Scotland are at a far greater risk of a heavy snow load than those installed in the Southern counties. You should always check which size the load testing has been carried out on as it must be the largest standard size; as wind loading test data can only be applied to the tested window size or smaller. If you have any doubts then the roof window manufacturer should be able to offer support for specific project calculations.

Client Operation

One of the most overlooked aspects of roof window specification is how the end-user is going to use it. For example, if the roof window is specified as fixed shut can it be made openable in the future? How has the manual opening distances been calculated? Is it in line with British Standard BS82131:2004 which looks at safe opening distance for windows, doors and rooflights? All of

Specifying rooflights is not something that should be taken lightly. Whilst the above points are not an exhaustive list of considerations, we believe they are some of the key things you should be looking at. If you would like to request a copy of our full considerations guide, email tomarketing@ therooflightcompany.co.uk and we will be happy to email you a PDF.

The Rooflight Co. – Enquiry 17

these should be considered at the point of specification to avoid further costs to the end-user after hand over of the scheme.

CPD FOCUS

MODULYSS RELEASES WELLNESS CPD

Carpet tile manufacturer, modulyss, deals with one of the biggest issues in today’s work places with its RIBA approved CPD presentation, ‘Introduction to Wellbeing’.

Revealing a more holistic approach to sustainability that encapsulates people, profit and the planet; the CPD compares BREEAM and SKA to see which is preferential for wellness. It also investigates the WELL standard from the International Well Building Institute. ‘Introduction to Wellbeing’ can be presented at offices, or in venues, by request. Contact modulyss to arrange your presentation today. Discover modulyss at www.modulyss.com, info@modulyss.com, 0800 096 2702

NEW CPD HIGHLIGHTS FASTER METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION

Pre-wall systems are a great example of how modern methods of construction have progressed considerably.

However, the knowledge supporting these types of methods has not advanced at the same level so in answer to this, Viega has launched a new RIBA approved Continuous Professional Development (CPD) on designing pre-wall bathroom systems. The hour-long presentation explores the professional approach to designing, specifying, constructing and operating a modern bathroom and washroom. To find out more about Viega’s full range of product solutions visit www.viega.co.uk.

FLOWCRETE UK ENHANCES SELF LEVELLING SCREED SYSTEMS

Flowcrete UK has reformulated a number of popular, high-performance screed systems to provide enhanced benefits for both applicators and clients. The resin flooring manufacturer is relaunching several of its polymer cement, self-levelling screed systems after undertaking a detailed process of analysis and testing, in order to create products that not only make it easier for applicators to install but which will create superior screed systems. Already a firm favourite of many large-scale industrial and commercial developments, the new formulations utilise robust technology to offer application properties that include good flow characteristics, improved dimensional stability and being less sensitive to elevated application temperatures, which eliminates the tendency to separate.

New year, new products

FREEFOAM BUILDING PRODUCTS HAVE GOT OFF TO A CRACKING START IN 2018 WITH THE LAUNCH OF TWO NEW PRODUCTS RANGES – ANTHRACITE GREY ROUND GUTTER SYSTEM AND AN ACRYLIC INTERIOR PANELLING RANGE.

Colin St John, Commercial Director, explained: “New Year is always a time for new opportunities. We’re delighted to launch these new products at the beginning of the year. It shows our commitment to creating new openings for our customers giving them the range to enter new markets and meet demand from both the housebuilder and the refurbishment sector.”

Acrylic panels

Following the growing success during 2017 of the PVC interior panelling products Freefoam has now added a new range of Acrylic panels to augment the product offering. The ultimate modern wall panel giving the perfect balance of style and convenience and the ideal alternative to tiles - saving time and money.

Designed to be easy to fit the Acrylic panel range features a unique tongue and groove

fitting system, only available from Freefoam, and finished with attractive strong aluminium trims to give a robust and lasting installation. Panels are 1000mm wide, 2400mm long and 7mm thick to give coverage per panel of 2.40sqm.

Featuring a luxury translucent effect finish Acrylic panels are available in a wide range of stunning solid colours, from statement shades of aqua and red sparkle to more subtle contemporary mocha and brushed steel, panels give any bathroom or kitchen a smart modern low maintenance look.

Anthracite rainwater range

The popularity of Ral 7016 Anthracite Grey for windows and doors has been phenomenal over the last few years, featuring on many new housing developments around the county. Freefoam has consequentially seen sales of its Deep rainwater range in Anthracite Grey increase over the last 18 months. The addition of a round gutter system is the next

logical step to give Freefoam customers more choice and the flexibility to meet demand from housebuilders and specifiers. The Freefoam grey rainwater system is manufactured exactly to Ral 7016 allowing customers to create a truly co-ordinated design with matching fascia, soffit and guttering, doors and windows.

Freefoam – Enquiry 23

As the UK’s No. 1, we’ve got more products and more solutions, making us the experts in helping you get the job done.

We’ve even made some new product modifications to reduce noise and give you easier maintenance access. It all adds up to a range of products designed to give you everything you need to succeed.

Anything’s possible. Visit saniflo.co.uk to see how.

Cast Iron – A Modern Material for Modern Drainage Solutions

GRAVITY DRAINAGE SYSTEMS FOR HIGH-RISE DEVELOPMENTS DEMAND STRENGTH, ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE, FIRE SAFETY AND LONG, MAINTENANCE-FREE LIFE, WHILE WALK-IN SHOWERS AND WET ROOMS REQUIRE NEW SOLUTIONS. MIKE RAWLINGS, MARKETING MANAGER FOR SAINT-GOBAIN PAM OUTLINES A NEW LOW CONNECTION MULTI-WASTE MANIFOLD AND EXPLAINS WHY CAST IRON SHOULD BE THE MATERIAL OF CHOICE FOR SUCH DEVELOPMENTS.

Young, aspirational professionals are moving back into city centres and, with spatial limitations, urban skylines are transforming with the development of more high-rise buildings. These are often mixeduse developments with shops or commercial space on lower floors and residential above. People are paying huge sums to live luxurious lives high above noise and disruption.

Spatial pressure is having another there’s simply less space for the

Spatial pressure is having another effect on building design. Squeezing more floors into a building can result in less space between floors and smaller ceiling voids in which to fit services. Combined with the trend towards walk-in showers and wet rooms and there’s simply less space for the necessary waste water connections.

Manufacturers are developing new solutions to meet such demand; cast iron has always met the functional and safety requirements of high-rise living, and having invested in 3D printing, PAM can now quickly develop solutions for changing specifications.

Rapid prototypes can be developed in a matter of days, by producing a resin model, then using it for a cast iron prototype. This was instrumental in the development of Saint-Gobain PAM’s new low connection multi-waste manifold, which will be launched in late January.

The new low connection multi-waste manifold are available initially in 100mm diameter, closely followed by 150mm diameters by the end of March. The fittings offer up to six 50mm/2” BSP waste inlets and have been flow rate tested by CRM Rainwater Drainage Consultancy. The 100mm unit has been tested to a vertical flow of 1.8 l/s, consistent with a 6 l/s WC flush, and all six 2” waste inlets at a flow of 1 l/s at the same time. The manifold has an internal baffle to eliminate cross flow.

Designed for easy installation, the 2” waste inlets comfortably fit in without the need to make connections. The

Designed for easy installation, the 2” waste inlets comfortably fit in the ceiling/floor area and an extended spigot accommodates a floor slab of up to 400mm without the need to make connections. The spigot has 10mm cut marks to make it simple to cut to length. Both the 100mm and 150mm diameter manifolds minimise the core hole diameter, fitting into 200mm or 225mm holes

respectively.

The new cast iron low-waste in both the Ensign range with mechanical joints and the fast

The new cast iron low-waste connection manifold is available in both the Ensign range with mechanical joints and the fast installation EEZI-FIT range with pushfit connections to product standard

BS EN 877.

High-Rise Choices

Given that cast iron systems meet all the requirements of high-rise living, it should be the first-choice material for a drainage system.

Acoustically, cast iron is by far the quietest material for drainage when tested to BS EN 14366:2004, by up to 8dB(A) compared to the best acoustic plastic systems. Further

Saint-Gobain PAM cast iron systems are A1 fire rated for EN 13501-1:2007+A1:2006. It won’t fuel a fire, emit toxic smoke or sooty smog and unlike HDPE won’t drip molten droplets – a vital consideration, particularly in high-rise buildings.

Cast iron systems have always provided a greater level of comfort thanks to superior acoustic performance and being safer in the event of a fire. With the development of new mechanically-jointed or push-fit fittings, cast iron should be the material of choice throughout the high-rise, from basement to penthouse!

Saint-Gobain PAM – Enquiry 25

independent tests by TVVL Consultants in Holland – which better mimic real-life situations where the pipe offsets or changes direction – support this.

Shackerley’s SureClad creates union between old and new

SINCE IT WAS CONSTRUCTED IN THE 1950S, THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER’S STUDENT UNION BUILDING HAS ALWAYS BEEN MORE THAN THE TRADITIONAL BAR AND SOCIAL HUB, CONTAINING MULTIPLE ENTERTAINMENT VENUES AND STUDENT SERVICES TOO. TO ENHANCE ITS FACILITIES, THE UNIVERSITY IS INVESTING IN AN AMBITIOUS ‘FUTURE UNION’ REFURBISHMENT AND EXTENSION AS PART OF ITS £1 BILLION CAMPUS IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME.

The project includes two extensions constructed as infills to the rear courtyards. To ensure that these façades complement the original building’s Portland Stone, Shackerley’s SureClad ceramic granite ventilated cladding system has been specified in a creamy beige colourway with a natural, stone-like finish.

meant we were able to specify a Portland stone colour with a natural finish that ensures a strong visual connection between the new elevations and the original building frontage.”

Due to the prominent location of the building and its cultural importance, the plans for the student union had to meet with strict planning considerations and Shackerley provided samples of the SureClad ceramic granite panels to help the architect secure consent. These large format samples were temporarily fixed to the existing building’s external brickwork to clearly demonstrate the aesthetics and quality of the proposed system in situ.

Explains Adrian Cowell from the project’s cladding installer, Task Contract Services Ltd: “Not only did Shackerley expertly prefabricate every panel in their ISO 9001 accredited production facility to meet the project requirements and deliver the installation-ready panels to site, they also responded promptly when the original plans did not accurately meet site conditions, helping us to keep the installation on track.”

The design concept was to create a contemporary representation of the existing building, simplifying the existing elevations with a limited palette of materials that respect the materiality of the legacy building. Designed by architect, Wilson Mason, the project comprises three main phases, beginning with the extensions to the building, to enable the existing Students’ Union to remain operational throughout the programme.

The project began with construction of the new extensions in 2016 and, while completion of the project is not expected until summer 2018, the external envelope has now been completed.

Explains the project architect at Wilson Mason: “Both a high quality appearance and high performance materials were key elements of the design brief from the University.

“The SureClad façade system from Shackerley answered those quality requirements in terms of both aesthetics and performance. As an impermeable material, ceramic granite will resist both discolouration from pollutants and graffiti damage. Moreover, the wide choice of colourways and finishes offered by Shackerley

While the majority of the SureClad panels were provided in the standard 1198 x 598 format, some of the panels had to be cut to different sizes to accommodate the specific layout of the elevations. The project also involved bespoke design and prefabrication work by Shackerley to provide sections needed for the intersections with windows and abutment to the existing brickwork.

Shackerley prefabricated a total of 476 SureClad panels and 366 reveals at the company’s production facility in Lancashire, along with capping details for the steps leading to the new entrance in a dark grey/black colourway to create a contrast with the creamy coloured façade and hard landscaping.

Construction of the new infill extensions has now been completed. The remaining refurbishment and remodelling work completes in 2018.

Shackerley – Enquiry 27

Taplanes offers customised solutions to meet all requirements

WITH INCREASED PRESSURE TO SOURCE COST EFFECTIVE, SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS THAT MEET REDUCED PROJECT TIMESCALES, THIS MIGHT SEEM AN UNSURMOUNTABLE TASK; BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE. TAPLANES LTD PROVIDE CUSTOMISED SHOWERING SOLUTIONS THAT MEET THESE CHALLENGING REQUIREMENTS AND OFFER AN EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL SHOWER, SEALANT, TILE & GROUT OFFERINGS.

key factor for refurbishment projects is meeting the challenges of limited timescales, accuracy of the solution supplied, the need for easy & efficient implementation and overcoming potential issues of restricted access. Taplanes provide the perfect solution for this as our polypropylene sectional pods are ideal for limited spaces and are quick & easy to install, thereby reducing labour costs and project lead times.

With a Taplanes prefabricated bathroom pod, there is precision in design, guaranteed quality and long-term value. Our design build shower cubicles and pods mean we offer bespoke product solutions to suit specific location and specification requirements. No wet trades are needed as our products do not require or rely upon silicone sealant and mastic and as a result are extremely low maintenance.

Maintaining the highest standards for almost 40 years, has enabled us to become the preferred partner of many high-profile organisations throughout the UK and Ireland. Working across various sectors, including education (universities, colleges and independent schools), hostels, hotels, MOD, housing associations and other public sector organisations; we specialise in refurbishment and supply to many listed building projects.

Over recent years our presence in Europe has grown significantly, supplying to more hostels and we look forward to this

continued European expansion. We never shy away from exciting or unusual projects either; supplying oil rigs in the North Sea to a research station in Antarctica! Building strong relationships with our clients we offer free site surveys and CAD drawings, customised product design, installation guidance & after sales service. We are proud to offer this flexible approach, ensuring we offer solutions that meets our clients’ precise requirements.

Taplanes demountable pods are 100% watertight, thereby overcoming the inherent problems of leaks, sealant replacement, mould and cracked tiles & trays. Our polypropylene material is fully recyclable, sustainable, provides thermal insulation and with minimal cleaning or maintenance required, reduces ongoing costs.

Being UK manufactured and offering a 25yr guarantee, we are proud that clients still have our shower cubicles and pods in situ and in use more than 35yrs later. With our product longevity, sustainability, the flexibility to relocate the pods or showers and reduced ongoing costs; it is clearly an efficient, costeffective and beneficial long term solution.

Taplanes Ltd - offering sustainable showering solutions to high use environment with a minimum 25yr guarantee.

For more information please visit www.taplanes.co.uk or call (01423) 771 645

Taplanes – Enquiry 29

Long-lasting legacy with Gerflor

ENSURING THAT OUR ELDERLY HAVE A DECENT LEVEL OF COMFORT IS CLOSE TO THE HEART OF INTERNATIONAL FLOORING SPECIALIST GERFLOR.

he Orchard Grove Care Home is a care centre for the elderly, located in Prospecthill Circus in the Toryglen area of Glasgow. This 120bed residential unit was named by the residents and has eight units. Each unit has been named after a fruit to reflect the name of the home.

A crucial element of the final flooring choice for the end user would have to respect that many of the residents have dementia and the flooring would need to empathise with this.

The facility required some 2000m2 of flooring that could deliver the perfect solution for their halls, en-suites, in-house hairdressers, staff changing facilities, cleaner’s cupboards and kitchen areas. Providing a long-lasting result would be paramount for Gerflor in supplying the correct balance of flooring products which included; Taralay Impression Comfort, Tarasafe™ Standard and their outstanding Mipolam Cosmo. Nearly four years on and in ‘situ’, the overall specification has been delivering fantastic results all round.

As a true healthcare, multi-specialist and with over seventy years’ healthcare experience, Gerflor has grown and developed to become an expert in the care home field by creating, manufacturing and marketing innovative, decorative, durable, hygienic and environmentally-responsible flooring for a host of healthcare-related solutions. Providing the UK nursing home sector with a

range of products that deliver comfort, safety and durability is perceived to be pivotal by Gerflor in addressing this developing market and needs of the residents and staff alike. Delivering a host of contemporary, classical, stylish flooring solutions is seen as vital by Gerflor for supplying this growing sector.

The Tarasafe™ vinyl safety flooring range is available in over 80 finishes and is reinforced with a glass fibre grid, suitable for use in all areas of heavy traffic where slip-resistance, durability and hygienic conditions are required. Using mineral crystal particles, rather than the industry standard carborundum, Tarasafe™ with its improved performance, is easier to install, lighter and more flexible to handle. The range has a maximum hygiene rating meeting the EN Standard 22196 for anti- bacterial activity (E. coli - S. aureus - MRSA) (3) returning >99% levels of growth inhibition and comes with a 12-year warranty. Tarasafe™ is stain

and chemical resistant and comes with the unique SparClean® surface treatment thus no polish for life. Tarasafe™ is a hugely popular choice for a host of environments; education, healthcare, leisure, hospitality, housing and in any applications, that require slip resistance to be maintained.

Mipolam Cosmo from Gerflor is ideal for heavy traffic areas in healthcare, education and other busy environments. Mipolam Cosmo also offers low potential for slip (≥36 wet) when tested to BS 79762:2002. It’s also easy to maintain and provides outstanding stain resistance. By combining the renowned hard-wearing Mipolam Cosmo with its revolutionary, patented Evercare™ surface treatment, Gerflor has redefined the standards for smooth homogeneous calendared flooring.

Also, specified and perfect for a vast swathe of nursing home applications Taralay Impression Comfort from Gerflor is an acoustic multi layered vinyl floor covering available in 2m wide sheet, with a group T wear rating.

Gerflor UK – Enquiry

Longworth chooses SFS fasteners for Birmingham’s new tallest building

BUILDING ENVELOPE CONTRACTOR LONGWORTH IS WORKING WITH SFS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO ICONIC TOWERS IN THE HEART OF BIRMINGHAM, ONE CLAD IN BRASS, THE OTHER SILVER.

The striking Left Bank development in the city centre’s popular West End is the brainchild of Regal Property Group, with finance by Aprirose, and designed by Glancy Nicholls Architects.

Longworth worked closely with main contractor Wates Construction and the architects for over a year in the pre-construction phase of the project. This allowed for expert building envelope input during a period in which there were numerous specification changes and as well as the overall design for the first tower. The final choice of surface finishes for the envelope demanded high quality fastening solutions that would stand the test of time and perfectly complement the crucial aesthetic goals.

The partnership agreed on the supply and installation of an Alucoil Larson ACM FRBrass Brushed panel with a fire-rated mineral core. This drained and back-ventilated rainscreen cladding system for Tower 1 was

fitted with an Nvelope bracket and rail system and powder-coated SLA3 frame fasteners, SLA 5 fasteners, as well as SX3 and SX5 A4 (grade 316) stainless steel fasteners from SFS.

Ben Parker, Business Development Manager at Longworth, said they used self-drilling fasteners from SFS. “Firstly, these fasteners enabled us to overcome the architect’s concerns regarding the colour match of the fixings to the ACM panels.”

“We collaborated with SFS at an early stage to produce a number of fastener samples to get the closest match possible. Despite the challenge of the panel board’s marble effect which shimmers in different light, the tenacity and determination of the SFS team to deliver the right powder coated fastener result was impressive, and on the sixth version we knew we’d achieved the perfect match.

SFS – Enquiry 32

Lifting paediatric services to new heights

Youngsters in Kent are experiencing a ‘real difference’ in the way they can access health services, through an integrated approach to how all involved use the facilities.

NHS Property Services, on behalf of Medway Community Healthcare, Medway Council and Medway Foundation NHS Trust, has converted a former school into a state of the art Child Development Centre- Snapdragons Centre.

who are using the Centre to be cleaned and changing in an hygienic environment.

Clos-o-Mat – Enquiry 34

Pendock covers for rebuilt primary school

Pendock has recently supplied MX and CH pipe boxing profiles to cover pipe work at Sevenoaks Primary School, rebuilt as part of the ‘Priority Schools Building Program.’ MX profile is a two-sided pipe casing, suitable for high or low levels and can be installed vertically, horizontally and at corners to cover pipework and heating services, soil, vent and rainwater pipes. Pendock’s CH is a three-sided channel casing, offering a smart solution to the encasement of pipework and structural elements at midwall vertical or horizontal locations, including bulkheads and available in white melamine or laminate finishes.

Part of the £3m project has been the installation of six ceiling track hoists in treatment rooms and care facilities, plus a mobile changing bench and height adjustable basin in toilet facilities, all supplied by Britain’s leading deliverer of intimate independence, Closomat.

The hoists mean that children and young people who are not mobile can be moved easily, safely, and with dignity, without exposing their families, carer and Centre staff to risk of injury through manual handling.

The height adjustable basin and changing bench ensure that the whole ambit of toileting requirements are addressed: the washbasin can be set to suit wheelchair users, adults and children, whilst the changing bench enables young people with continence issues

Dekton® Chosen for Exterior Façades on Erlangen University Hospital, Germany

THE ULTRA-COMPACT SURFACE, DEKTON® IN THE COLOUR EDORA HAS BEEN SELECTED FOR USE ON THE EXTERIOR FAÇADES ON THE RECENTLY COMPLETED ERLANGEN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL IN GERMANY. THE ORIGINAL BUILDING WAS EXPANDED DUE TO A NEED FOR ADDITIONAL SPACE, WITH THE TWO-FLOOR ADDITION DESIGNED SENSITIVELY TO FIT IN WITH THE EXISTING ARCHITECTURE.

Above all, a uniform colour palette was required for the façade, in addition to meeting the high functional requirements as expected from exterior cladding. Thanks to its excellent aesthetic qualities and numerous advantages as a material, Dekton® was chosen for the building’s panels, enabling the project to sit harmoniously next to existing structures.

An especially important aesthetic consideration the architect, Sabine Rossdeutscher (ByAK), faced was the medieval city wall remains, which run just past the building. Due to the project being in such close proximity to this respected historical feature, there was a need to source an external material that would integrate well into the surrounding environment, whilst also combining perfectly with the main building

and meet the advisory board’s aesthetic specifications.

In total, 550m2 of ultra-compact Dekton® by Cosentino surfaces were applied to the façade in the colour Edora from the Natural Collection. Its colour palette of warm and neutral greys in addition to its uniform texture results in a modern, pure and natural look. The two-floor addition connects directly to the east side of the existing building and offers a new and attractive entrance to visitors and patients. The combination of pearl beige window frames, pastel blue ventilation flaps and bright bronze protective window films create a harmonious colour scheme, giving the addition a timeless elegance.

In addition to its aesthetic value, the large format Dekton® slabs also offer practical benefits when used for building cladding. The design of the façade, which is suspended

and ventilated from behind, comprises a concrete wall 240mm thick, a layer of thermal insulation 160 mm thick, rear space for ventilation and a sub-structure to which the façade panels are anchored. Thanks to the material’s exceptional qualities, the façade slabs fit perfectly on the hidden aluminium supports of the substructure made by Keil Befestigungstechnik GmbH, allowing the weight of the design’s cladding to be safely transferred to the concrete walls.

Cosentino – Enquiry 35

Part of Birmingham City University, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is a £57 million teaching and performance facility that attracts internationally renowned performers and teachers, as well as the highest calibre students.

Delivering contemporary access solutions to this significant new development, TORMAX was contracted to install prestigious automatic revolving doors to the two main entrances as well as an automatic swing pass door and set of sliding doors.

New workspace furniture feels ‘Snug’

The Snug range of self-contained workbooth furniture from Komac by Boss Design has been enhanced in a bid to satisfy spaces where privacy is a must with Snug Plus. Snug Plus is almost identical in style to Snug, with the exception of an additional panel that creates superior visual, acoustic, and territorial privacy wherever and whenever required by the user; making it the ideal place to focus without distractions. With the option of integrated monitors, power, and data points, it provides a bridge between the digital and physical worlds of learning.

Boss Design – Enquiry 36

Working with main contractor Galliford Try, this project clearly demonstrates the full scope of the TORMAX range of technologically advanced automatic door operators. Tried and tested in busy locations worldwide, TORMAX 5251 door drives power the two revolving doors.

Deliberately high torque, the TORMAX 5251 is designed for reliability, with sensors automatically adapting performance to take account of external factors, such as a build of dirt or strong winds, for example.

The 1301 swing door drive is from the technologically advanced iMotion range of Tormax operators. The internal set of bi-parting sliding doors are driven by two

TORMAX 2201 operators which are housed in a particularly slim casing, offering an unobtrusive automation for the minimalist entrance.

TORMAX – Enquiry 37

Harmonious access from TORMAX

Aggregate Industries urges housebuilders to take a concrete look

AGGREGATE INDUSTRIES IS URGING HOUSEBUILDERS TO LOOK MORE CLOSELY AT THE TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE INSTALLING BLOCK AND BEAM FLOORING, AS THE NEW NATIONAL HOUSE BUILDING COUNCIL’S (NHBC) TECHNICAL EXTRA 20 STANDARD IS NOW IN EFFECT.

The new standard states that when installing a block and beam type system the use of micro fibres, as an alternative to steel mesh reinforcement, is now no longer acceptable to the NHBC.

Instead, approved macro structural fibres or steel fibres are deemed acceptable for use as reinforcement. According to the guidance, structural toppings on insulating block and beam systems requiring approval by the NHBC must use one of the following reinforcement options; macro ‘structural’ synthetic fibres, steel fibres or steel mesh reinforcement.

Chris Hudson, Managing Director for Asphalt and Readymix at Aggregate Industries, said: “There is no doubt that the methods used to construct new floors have come on in leaps and bounds in the last decade. However block and beam floors still remain the most

popular solution for housebuilders when building a ground floor – and so it’s important that they are in-tune with the latest guidelines.

“In order to stay ahead of the game and iron out teething problems housebuilders should already be well underway in adopting these changes.

“However, there are a number of considerations that must be taken into account – and housebuilders must be aware of the implications – which is where starting conversations early doors with suppliers will come in handy.”

Aggregate Industries – Enquiry 38

Sto helps new heatlh

Armstrong Ceilings feature in university’s striking new library

A mix of metal and mineral ceiling and wall systems from Armstrong were specified for a new development at Royal Holloway, University of London, one of the top 30 universities in the UK.

Some 1,000m2 of RAL 9010 Armstrong custom Metal B-H 300 ceiling planks, Metal R-H 200 ceiling tiles and custom Metal W-H 1100 wall panels, as well as Armstrong’s Cradle to Cradle® certified Perla OP mineral tiles on a Prelude 15 TL grid were specified by Associated Architects for the £57 million new Davison Building at Royal Holloway.

were used for the soffit of the triple-height atrium at the core of a series of wings and for three link bridges at first and second floor levels, while the Metal R-H 200 Hook-On tiles and Perla OP mineral tiles (which perform to sound absorption class A and are 85% light reflectant) on a Prelude 15 TL grid feature in offices.

care

centre win architectural awards

A palette of different materials provided by Sto has helped transform a successful architectural design competition entry into an award-winning community healthcare centre. The company’s superior StoTherm Classic external wall insulation system, StoRend Cote render and StoLotusan render finish were used on the Banbridge Health and Care Centre in County Down, by Kennedy FitzGerald Architects in association with Avanti Architects. “The highquality Sto finish ensures that the building façade provides a strong first line of defence which will resist weathering and require minimal maintenance over the building’s lifespan,” adds Damien Day of Kennedy FitzGerald Architects.

The Metal B-H 300 perforated linear planks with acoustic fleece on a 300mm C-profile

Project architect Joe Belcher said: “We were especially pleased with the way the Armstrong product has been coordinated to align with other features such as the large feature rooflights.”

Armstrong Ceilings – Enquiry 40

Hotel, Sport & Leisure

Sector Report

As there are many acoustic design factors that need to be considered, it is highly recommended that specifiers liaise with a reputable manufacturer early on in the design process, to ensure that the correct acoustic solution is specified for each area of the venue.

Acoustic performance should

a vital consideration during design and construction stages

POOR ACOUSTIC DESIGN CAN LEAD TO A MULTITUDE OF PROBLEMS. MATTHEW SEXTON, COMMERCIAL SECTOR MARKET MANAGER AT BRITISH GYPSUM EXPLORES THE IMPORTANCE OF ACOUSTIC DESIGN AND THE SPECIFICATION OF HIGH QUALITY ACOUSTIC CEILINGS FOR LEISURE OR SPORTS VENUES, IN ORDER TO POSITIVELY IMPACT THE END USERS’ EXPERIENCE

Leisure and sport venues are typically designed with hard reflective building materials, such as concrete, metal and glass to reflect the latest interior trends and provide durability.

But unfortunately, this construction isn’t good for the acoustics of a building –especially when they will be filled with hundreds of people socialising, shopping, playing sport or even in some cases, enjoying music concerts. These venues often produce echoes and reverberations that will diminish sound quality and impair the end users’ enjoyment of the spaces.

The best defence against unwanted noise/ noise levels is to ensure that proper precautions are taken during the design stage and during the construction of the building. By ensuring that the measures for each room are compatible with the building’s future usage, expensive and inconvenient retrofitted remedial measures installed postoccupation can be avoided.

Indeed the acoustical performance of any venue will depend on its shape, volume and the materials specified, but there are three key aspects of acoustic design that should to be considered: sound insulation, quality of sound and controlling noise levels.

Sound insulation is obtained by the careful design of all of the building elements that surround a space. The quality of sound refers to the design of rooms within the building, so that the acoustic environment supports the intended use of the space. And lastly, when it comes to controlling noise, you will need to ensure that spaces where noise levels may be higher have been designed accordingly. For example, in atrium spaces or large sports venues, noise levels can become unbearably loud and uncomfortable – even to the point where people are unable to speak and be heard by the person next to them. Therefore, specifying a solution that can provide appropriate reverberation times within these spaces will control the noise levels and ultimately, improve the end users’ experience.

To improve acoustic comfort in buildings acoustical engineers and consultants traditionally use a method called “the A, B, C’s”. This convenient acronym describes the three factors that need to be controlled to achieve good speech privacy: Absorption of sound waves, such as by using high performance acoustic ceiling tiles; Blocking by installing high performance sound reduction partitions, walls and windows for example, and Covering, such as adding a source of low-level background sound to counter the noise. British Gypsum offers a wide range of solutions for both absorbing and blocking noise.

It is without a doubt that building acoustics can be a complicated matter, but by liaising with a reputable manufacturer you will be able to benefit from expert advice and guidance from its technical team – making the subject a lot easier to tackle!

Alternatively, you can refer to literature such as British Gypsum’s White Book, which contains comprehensive guides to help you find the most suitable solutions for any project you are working on.

be

We are celebrating

We’ve built a temple to it.

Still going strong.

As part of our centenary year we have been delving into our archive. This advert is from the 1970s and is still relevant today. Discover how our products have made a di erence over the past 100 years.

www.enquire2.com - ENQUIRY 41

The newest go-to destination looks to Karndean Designflooring

A new premium bar and nightclub in the heart of Glasgow, Tuxedo Nightclub, is successfully attracting a sophisticated clientele, thanks to its vibrant and bespoke luxury vinyl flooring by Karndean Designflooring. Located within Glasgow’s iconic Merchant City neighbourhood, the underground venue features Karndean’s Knight Tile Carrara Marble and Kaleidoscope Pennon in Opus Luna, Urbus and Ombra throughout the large bar and club area with deluxe booth seating, dance floors and VIP suites. Designed by Tuxedo’s in-house team and Kabe Design, Tuxedo is inspired by New York’s neo-speakeasy scene and includes a statement company logo inserted into the floor, cut from Karndean’s Knight Tile Carrara Marble and a gold block colour.

Karndean – Enquiry 43

Smart door handle that sanitises hands launched

PullClean, an innovative door handle that sanitises your hands, triples the rate of hand sanitisation rates and provides feedback on usage through a monitoring system, has today launched in the UK.

Invented by Altitude Medical UK co-founders, Dr Alex Oshmyanksy and Dr Jake McKnight, when they were students at the University of Oxford, PullClean encourages people to clean their hands every time they enter and exit a room, making hand hygiene simple and trackable.

It was developed to reduce the spread of viruses and infections in any high-footfall setting such as hospitals, care homes, schools and universities, as well as leisure and hospitality venues such as hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and airports.

To mark its UK launch, PullClean can be seen at the Science Museum as part of a new exhibition, ‘Superbugs: the fight for our lives’,

which explores how society is responding to the enormous challenge of antibiotic resistance and bacteria evolving into superbugs. The exhibition is on until Spring 2019.

Altitude Medical – Enquiry 42

World-class facilities enable health & wellbeing

People in the West Midlands wanting to improve their health and fitness can benefit from new, state-of-the-art facilities that deliver optimum accessibility in all aspects.

University of Birmingham’s £55m sports club, Sport & Fitness, has, from the outset, been developed as a world-class venue for everyone, inlcuding students, staff, alumni, and the community, from elite athletes to people with disabilities, injuries or other specific access requirements.

University of Birmingham Sport & Fitness therefore features two, fully-accessible hygiene rooms, each giving plenty of space for a wheelchair user and up to two carers, and equipped, by Clos-o-Mat on behalf of Interserve, with a Palma Vita wash & dry toilet, ceiling track hoist and adult-sized height adjustable changing bench. One is on the ground floor in the swimming pool changing area, the other on the second floor, which can be reached by lift, near to the gym.

and appropriately cleaned and changed whilst at Sport & Fitness. For users who are more capable in addressing their own toilet needs, the Clos-o-Mat Palma Vita in effect combines a toilet, bidet and drier in one.

Clos-o-Mat – Enquiry 44

Kingspan OPTIM-R drives success at new golf clubhouse

Golfers at Centurion Club in Hemel Hempstead have found their performance matched back at the clubhouse, following the installation of the Kingspan OPTIM-R Balcony & Terrace System. The next generation insulation solution features vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) with a microporous core which is evacuated, encased and sealed in a thin, gas-tight envelope. With a declared thermal conductivity 0.007 W/m.K, Kingspan OPTIM-R VIPs can deliver an insulating performance up to five times better than that of commonly available insulation materials. The 20 mm Kingspan OPTIM-R Balcony & Terrace System was installed on the terrace below Kingspan Thermataper TT47 LPC/FM.

Kingspan Insulation – Enquiry 45

The changing benches and hoists mean users who have continence issues can be safely

Concord embraces rest and relaxation

Concord has helped Kenwick Park Hotel and Spa create a relaxing and inviting experience for guests in its new leisure facilities with a variety of lighting solutions. Concord Myriad round accent downlights have been installed in general areas of the leisure centre as well as in changing rooms while Concord Myriad square accent downlights have been installed in the treatment rooms. The Myriad Pendant fixtures feature around the reception desk. Concord Ascent 150 downlights feature in the gym and Lumiance InVerto luminaires have been installed to highlight the features in the reception area.

Feilo Sylvania – Enquiry 46

K & D Joinery Ltd

THE COMPLETE BESPOKE JOINERY MANUFACTURER. FOR RESIDENTIAL, HISTORICAL AND COMMERCIAL BUILDING PROJECTS.

Whether it’s a large scale refurbishment or smaller project, requiring traditional joinery, including windows, doors, staircases or interior cabinetry.

For over 30 years K & D Joinery has provided the quality and reliability, experience and flexibility your project requires. We would welcome the opportunity of working with you to provide all the bespoke joinery products and services you require.

Contact: K & D Joinery: Joinery House, 69 Chequers Lane, Dagenham, Essex RM9 6QJ Web: www.kandd.org Email: info@kandd.org Tel: 020 8526 7020

K & D Joinery – Enquiry 48

Boutique ten-pin bowling, restaurant and bar operator, All Star Lanes, has installed flooring solutions from Moduleo’s Impress collection for the refurbishment of its Holborn and Brick Lane branches.

A total of 600 sqm of Scarlet, Country and Mountain Oak, in a selection of light and dark shades was utilised in entrance, eatery, bar and bowling areas.

afforded the guarantee that this floor will last for many years to come, without the need for costly and regular remedial renovations. Properly maintained, these floors will look as good years from now as the day they were first installed.

Concord embraces rest and relaxation

Concord, the architectural lighting specialist and part of the Feilo Sylvania group, has helped Kenwick Park Hotel and Spa create a relaxing and inviting experience for guests in its new leisure facilities. Kenwick Park Hotel and Spa is situated in the Lincolnshire countryside an idyllic location offering beautiful views and tranquillity. Undertaking the M&E design and energy assessment for the project was Nottinghamshire based M&E Specialists, EP Consulting. In all aspects of the design, the owners of the hotel wanted to create an exclusive spa experience whilst ensuring all relevant lighting standards were met, both general and emergency to ensure the safety of its users.

David Bigland, managing director of Moduleo UK and Eire, explains: “Moduleo’s outstanding benefits, as well as design-led finish, makes it the perfect choice for such a busy venue.

“Interior specialists and end users alike are

“We’ve spent a great deal of time researching and developing to create products like our new Impress range, for example, that not only look great, but are proven to be safe, long-lasting and an excellent insulator of heat and sound.”

Moduleo’s Impress collection offers unrivalled durability and a wide variety of realistic woodeffect designs.

Moduleo – Enquiry 50

All Star Lanes bowled over by Moduleo

HeartFelt®

Inspired by a generation of designs HeartFelt® is a new creative and attractive linear ceiling system that generates a warm ambience, offers exceptional acoustic control and is sust ainable by design

The HeartFelt® ceiling system offers architects, Inst allers and building owners an advanced budget friendly ceiling system with optimal acoustic control in a material that is 10 0% recyclable

Feature preview

DRAINAGE AND WATER MANAGEMENT REMAINS A KEY CONSIDERATION FOR MOST NEWBUILD AND REFURBISHMENT PROJECTS FROM BOTH A PRACTICAL AND AETHETIC POINT OF VIEW.

A brand-new Community Sports Centre in Crick was built recently on the back of a ‘village needs’ audit to improve the sporting facilities available in Crick.

The purchase of land and building costs for the various pitches, courts, car park and changing areas were fi nanced by grants and fundraising activities by Crick Athletic Football Club and Crick Parish Council.

AMJ Construction was the main contractor for the sports centre build and they were using their local Travis Perkins branch to purchase materials.

When it came to the rainwater system, Travis Perkins, Northampton, an existing customer of ARP asked Nigel Hancock, Area Sales Manager if there was an alternative system to the one specified.

ARP were not only able to provide an equivalent quality product, but were also able to offer a saving against the original specification, in addition ARP were able to turn the order round in a week, thus enabling AMJ Construction to meet their completion deadline.

Sentinel Beaded Half Round Snap-fit gutter is quick and easy to install, durable and can be polyester powder coated to a colour of your choice.

Made from aluminium, it is non-corrosive and non-combustible, as well as needing little or no maintenance during its lifetime.

Colonnade Swaged Aluminium Downpipes are also made from aluminium and are perfectly compatible with the Sentinel Gutter system.

Working together they provide a high quality, low maintenance rainwater system that will last for more than 30 years.

Both Sentinel and Colonnade products are made from recycled aluminium, which can be further recycled once they reach the end of their useful life, with no loss of material properties, making it a very environmentally friendly choice.

Mark Rigby, Sales Assistant at Travis Perkins commented “quality product at an affordable price and delivered on time”.

Paul Groves reveals what this month’s articles have in store

Rethinking construction with innovative new methods

THE HOUSING INITIATIVES OUTLINED IN PHILIP HAMMOND’S AUTUMN BUDGET APPEAR TO HAVE GAINED VIRTUALLY UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. POLITICAL INTENTION IS CLEAR - HOWEVER THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CANNOT POSSIBLY DELIVER THE ANNUAL TARGET FOR NEW HOMES BY USING TRADITIONAL BUILDING METHODS.

Steel Framing Systems (SFS) make up a substantial part of the offsite solutions portfolio - from structural panels to complete frames, plus a variety of roofing, volumetric modular options and infill walling applications.

Steve Thompson, Managing Director of EOS Facades, shares his perspective on how the industry can meet the specified target of 300,000 homes per year by 2025.

“The digital age is evolving,” he says. “We are constantly adapting technology in order to enhance all aspects of the modern world. We have changed the way we socialise, the way we travel and the way we work in order to integrate the latest technology into our everyday lives.

“These advancements also involve CAD/ CAM systems that control this new manufacturing machinery to produce the light gauge steel sections required for optimised frame or cassette design. By manufacturing offsite for onsite installation - we are able to create much of the

finished product in the factory - ultimately minimising onsite labour.”

Across the year to date, the housing projects EOS have been involved in have delivered circa 8,000 homes. Considering that residential is just one of the sectors that we operate in, these numbers illustrate the potential of Steel Framing Systems (SFS) to help resolve the housing crisis.

“But what the industry needs now is strategic planning to usher in this ‘revolution’ to improve productivity and explore new opportunities, technologies and processes,” he continues.

“The manufacturing environment is far different to the construction environmentthe lack of traditional skills in certain parts of the construction sector is a problem easier solved in the offsite sector - that is within the factory controlled environments rather than on construction sites

“Training is also required further afield. We can co-ordinate and design system solutions

with ease in the factory. But the efficient offsite process needs to keep running when the system is handled and installed. It has to be an end-to-end continuation. Rather than a process of offsite methodology to the factory gate before arriving onsite and being subjected to a traditional approach.

“A way to combat this post-factory handling and installation, is via engagement between the project teams and a collaborative approach between all those involved at an earlier stage. Manufacturers have a lot of knowledge and we need to get involved at the start of the project not halfway through. Certainly ‘education’ is required at all levels of the process - not just the commonly understood long-term benefits but throughout the supply chain and construction cycle.

“There has never been a better time to capitalise on the raft of benefits that factorybased solutions deliver. As an advanced high performance offsite solution, Steel Framing Systems are perfectly positioned to meet housing industry demands - they are future proof and future ready.”

A concrete decision

Aggregate Industries is reminding the industry that making informed concrete choices and embracing new innovations is vital to pushing boundaries in intelligent, beautiful and sustainable building design.

Aggregate Industries asserts that now is the perfect time for architects and developers to stand out from the crowd and look beyond the standard application for concrete. Leveraging the latest array of options can help construction professionals realise challenging design schemes and drastically improve the green credentials of a build.

David Porter, business development manager for Aggregate Industries, commented: “Historically, concrete, as the most widely used manmade material in the world, has been viewed as an everyday, standard construction commodity – meaning developers have tended to choose the same tried and tested products that they’re used to. However, the reality is concrete has come a long way in recent years, with an explosion of new products and bespoke options, designed to provide enhanced design freedom and improved sustainability.”

Shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize, the most prestigious accolade in British architecture, the ‘Outhouse’ is a shining example of how concrete can push the boundaries of design and construction.

High security modular panel manufacturer Securiclad has developed an enhanced version of its innovative modular construction system, which is designed to offer an increased level of protection for data centres, Government and utilities infrastructure, and other at-risk locations.

The Securiclad system is now certified up to Loss Prevention Standard (LPS) 1175 Security Rating (SR) 5, which means that it is designed and manufactured to resist attack by circular saws and reciprocating saws, as well as tools including drills, sledgehammers and disc grinders.

Securiclad’s modular composite panel systems, which also hold certification to Loss Prevention Standards (LPS) 1175 Security Rating (SR) 2, 3 and 4, are used to create secure environments in sites including data centres, water utilities infrastructure, hazardous waste storage facilities, healthcare facilities, financial institutions and retail units.

Conceived in 2014, the ‘Outhouse’ is a purpose-designed concrete home for two artists, who commissioned local architects Loyn & Co to replace their existing house in the Forest of Dean with a new low-impact, low-energy, single-storey home.

Aggregate Industries, working with main contractor Forest Eco Systems, was tasked with supplying concrete that would deliver against the rigid aesthetic specifications of the project, which saw the layout of the new building incorporate the ‘shells’ of the old structure as external courtyards.

As an incredibly complex structure with sustainability at its heart, Aggregate Industries

invested a significant amount of time and expertise in creating a bespoke suite of concrete mixes that replaced 33% of the cement with Fly Ash (PFA). This involved a careful process of mix optimisation in order to bring down the CO2 calculation on the majority of mixes without compromising the product durability, strength and workability.

Stepping up to the unique design challenges, Aggregate Industries opted for a selfcompacting pigmented concrete, customdesigned so that the decorative dark grey pigment offered a striking contrast to the conventional concrete used to build the

Securiclad can be used in new buildings or retro-fitted to an existing site, and is pre-finished, negating the need for wet trade requirements.

It has both internal and external applications and can be used to form a standalone ‘room’, kiosk or partition. As the system is modular, it is quick and easy to install. It is also entirely bespoke and can be designed to specification.

Internal and external walls. Aggregate Industries also provided technical support throughout the project, which took 19-months to complete, in order to ensure the consistency and finish of the concrete was optimised to enhance the visual impact.

As the first private house to feature on the RIBA Stirling Prize for 15 years, the end result saw the ‘Outhouse’ achieve the client’s vision of creating a beautifully original, energy efficient and sustainable dwelling. It has since won a string of regional and national architecture awards including the prestigious Manser Medal, RIBA Award and RIBA South West Building of the Year 2016.

David Porter adds: “With our technical investment and solution-focused approach intrinsic to the success of the project, the ‘Outhouse’ demonstrates perfectly how the clever choice of concrete can be used to meet aesthetic and sustainable requirements, no matter how challenging.

“Pushing boundaries is the cornerstone of pioneering design and, in turn, maintains our status as one of the most inspirational construction industries in the world.”

Alsecco selected for Leeds Wellington Place Hub

FACADE MANUFACTURER ALSECCO SELECTED TO WORK WITH SPEEDCLAD, WATES, SHEPHERD ROBSON AND MEPC IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW ICONIC WELLINGTON PLACE IN LEEDS.

The eight-storey office building fronting Whitehall Road, the completed project offers 377,215 square feet of office space, with an additional 22,125 square feet devoted to ancillary use as shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. 182 basement car parking spaces will also be available on-site.

Shepherd Robson specified the innovative Airtec rainscreen cladding system for the stone elements of the facade. Finished in a “Gascoigne Blue” limestone, the impressive results fulfilled both the design and budgetary demands of the scheme.

Airtec is a unique lightweight stone system. Available in a wide range of continental and indigenous stones including limestone, sandstone, granite and marble, the finish options available are guaranteed to meet your design aspirations.

Available in storey height panels with mitred corners, fins and spandrals, Airtec facades give a monolithic presence that is not achievable with other similar rainscreen systems. Fire resistance class A2 delivers

optimum protection to the building occupants and gives peace of mind to the building owner.

Alsecco – Enquiry 55

Cool deals for wheels in texas

A new 300,000 square foot BMW dealership has been completed in Grapevine, Texas, with an eye-catching external solar shading solution, courtesy of Levolux. To shield staff, visitors and vehicles from direct sunlight, a solar shading or Brise Soleil element was required for the showroom. As a world-renowned solar shading and screening specialist, Levolux was invited to develop a cost-effective solar shading solution applied externally. The solar shading solution comprises an imposing high-level canopy that extends across the two-storey showroom. The impressive horizontal structure stands 12.5 metres in height, supported by 600mm diameter steel columns, and measures almost 100 metres long by 21 metres deep.

External wall insulation by

is talk of the town in stevenage

High performance webertherm XM External Wall Insulation (EWI) by Saint-Gobain Weber has been specified for the showcase Skyline regeneration scheme in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. This landmark building, once occupied by HM Land Registry and known as Brickdale House, has been carefully redesigned and converted by Chase New Homes, of Waltham Abbey, Essex. A variety of 150 contemporary, well-proportioned residential suites and apartments designed to appeal to first time buyers and investors has been created. Skyline is superbly positioned in the town, close to all shopping and leisure facilities, and just two minutes from the main line station to London’s Kings Cross.

Designed by architects Corstorphine & Wright, Stourbridge, for Chase New Homes, the refurbishment work has dramatically transformed the building with major internal and external improvements. Visually, aesthetics have changed for the better with the application of webertherm XM, a lightweight render protected external wall insulation system, which has created a striking and stylish appearance that has modernised the building from a grey and tired-looking mid-1900s commercial block. Weber’s EWI has also improved the thermal performance of the building to a comfortable

and sustainable 0.27W/m2K U-value. The application of webertherm XM EWI was carried out by Build-Therm Services of St Albans, Hertfordshire, a company familiar with Weber’s EWI systems.

57

Saint-Gobain Weber

Saint-Gobain Weber – Enquiry

York Hill Estate

he York Hill Estate is situated to the north east of Spennymoor town and is predominantly social housing with a high level of unemployment and/or low income families. Significant needs for improvements were identified and with many of the households being welfare dependant and isolated from the local economy through long term unemployment it was essential the issues were addressed to restore the community.

With this in mind an ambitious plan to regenerate the whole estate was crucial and with the community behind the project it was important to ensure that their needs were kept at the forefront of the developments. DKS Architects prepared plans which would aim to create a sustainable, safe and desirable place to live through a series of external and internal environmental improvements to the existing housing stock.

Mears Construction and Wetherby approved installers; Sykes Specialist Contracting sought to deliver this project using Wetherby’s Epsibrick-7 system combined with their 1.5mm Silicone K Render. Wetherby’s Premium EPS insulation, Epsitherm was selected due to the composition of expanded beads of polystyrene and a layer of graphite meaning it offers enhanced thermal performance. In order to accommodate the

new external designs of the properties a dual approach in insulation was installed consisting of 90mm for the main areas and 180mm for the areas behind the cedral cladding. This was to ensure thermal performance could be maximised without having to compromise on design.

Completing the system was Wetherby’s Hermosa 7 brick slips and White silicone K 1.5mm render. This combination of finishes has provided a refreshing contemporary result which has transformed the estate which is now almost unrecognisable.

These changes have given the community a new sense of spirit as they are now proud to call York Hill there home. As well as the dramatic changes to the aesthetic appearance, the residents are also seeing huge improvements in there quality of life thanks to improved energy efficiency and reduced energy bills.

Spennymoor’s Town Mayor, Cllr Ian Machin said “The regeneration at York Hill is a tremendous achievement. It is hard to overemphasise the changes and has really delivered residents with quality accommodation, transforming the community in the process”

Alan Boddy, executive director of housing and business development, said: “The properties are already generating interest and the estate has already improved. We hope that by continuing to work alongside local community partners and community groups we can create a thriving and sustainable community.”

WETHERBY’S BBA APPROVED SYSTEM HAS TRANSFORMED THE YORK HILL ESTATE IN COUNTY DURHAM AND THE RESULTS ARE OVERWHELMING.

Yeoman Shield help keep interiors looking good at care centre

FULWELL COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE OPERATED BY SUNDERLAND CARE AND SUPPORT, OFFERS A WIDE RANGE OF DAY OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES.

Opening their doors to up to 100 people each week, some of whom have multiple and profound learning disabilities, Fulwell’s facilities include a wellness suite comprising of a gym and hydrotherapy pool, amongst other services.

Due to the busy footfall in the Resource Centre and with sporting and social activities taking place as well within the within the building, the walls and doors were starting to look worn with damage occurring from everyday footfall and the movement of equipment. There was also a requirement for protection to the walls of the hydrotherapy pool room.

David Thompson Sunderland Care and Support Supplies Manager commented “We have used Yeoman Shield products in our other care services and have always been happy with their services and products, and therefore we were happy to use them again as part of our refurbishment of Fulwell.”

A Yeoman Shield Area Sales Manager carried out a free site survey of the areas that required attention which was then translated into an itemised quotation for the client.

Installed by Yeoman Shield’s directly employed fixing operatives was door protection to a selection of doors throughout the centre. This included fire rated door edge protectors to leading edges, protection panels at half height to door faces and PVCu clad hardwood glazing bead units - all suitable for half hour rated fire doors.

The fixing of the fire rated door protection products not only improved the look of the doors but will ensure protection from damage well into the future, helping to preserve the working condition of the allimportant fire doors.

The hydrotherapy pool room received Yeoman Shield wall protection panels to 1250mm high around the walls of pool side.

With the walls of the pool being of brick construction it was necessary for the Yeoman Shield fixing operatives to first board out the wall with marine grade ply to which was adhered the 2mm thick Falmouthex protection panels complete with a top edge trim to reduce water ingress.

To find out more about Yeoman Shield wall & door protection systems go to www.yeomanshield.com or call 0113 279 5854.

Yeoman Shield – Enquiry 59

“We are very pleased with the quality of work and items installed by Yeoman Shield and the products have certainly given a lift to the décor whilst helping to reduce future maintenance costs.” David Thompson

Hunter Douglas creates perfect harmony at £57m Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

THE NEW £57M ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE IS A WORLD - CLASS TEACHING AND PERFORMANCE BUILDING, PROVIDING MUSIC STUDENTS WITH UNEQUALLED FACILITIES IN THE UK.

he impressive development, which opened in September 2017, is the latest part of Birmingham City University’s £260 million investment in upgrading and creating new campuses.

Hunter Douglas was proud to play its part in the creation of the Conservatoire, which includes state-of-the-art recording facilities, concert hall, recital hall, organ studio, and 100 rehearsal rooms.

The leading architectural products company was specified to design and manufacture a 281m2 engineered solid wood (ESW) grill ceiling for the spacious foyer.

David Harris, general manager of Hunter Douglas, worked closely with the architect at Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios to create the ceiling, which comprised individual slats 26mm wide with a gap of 224mm, making it ideal for a large space. To provide a flat underside finish, even where there was a downstand in the soffit, he advised using slats in both 100mm and 200mm depths.

The slats were finished in American Ash veneer to meet the client’s design brief and were coated with a UV-cured clear lacquer. The suspension system consists of rails and clips, which are easily fixed to the carriers, while the light fittings were independently suspended between the vertical slats.

David said: “The foyer is a remarkable entrance for this most striking of developments and it gave Hunter Douglas the opportunity to demonstrate why our expertise is trusted the world over on prestigious schemes.

“Our grill ceilings are developed to maximise efficiency and minimise installation costs because each slat is individually made to measure, which removes the need for on-site cutting.”

Matthew Morrish, of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, said the Hunter Douglas ceiling system is a good visual and colour match for the hardwood joinery used to line the walls, stairs and balustrades to the main entrance foyer.

“The system is accurate, level and true, which is important for viewing up close from the first floor level because any deviations would become apparent and look amateurish,” he said.

He said it specified Hunter Douglas because the profile sizes come in a variety of dimensions, which provides designers with a high degree of choice and flexibility. He also pointed to the company’s excellent technical support and CAD details.

Douglas – Enquiry

Hunter

Corrosion on Steel Profiles for Wall and Ceiling Suspension –Is resistance futile?

PROTEKTOR UK – COATED PRODUCTS AND FIXINGS GIVING C5 CORROSION PROTECTION.

ith current heightened awareness of materials and fixings being not only compliant to current regulations, but also ‘future proof’, Architects, Contractors and clients are re-evaluating what is accepted as giving ‘sufficient’ protection, particularly in environments which attack metals and coatings.

Traditional galvanised finishes on stud and track give some degree of protection, but offer limited protection against corrosion from exposure to salt water, reactive acids, and various forms of alkalis and their compounds. The high conductivity of chloride based environments also increases the risk of corrosion by converting the coated zinc to water-soluble zinc chloride.

PROTEKTOR UK are the only company in the UK to manufacture and supply these products with a C5 rated anti-corrosion coating, ideal for areas where the atmosphere either has

the inclusion of chemicals ensuring hygiene and limiting bacterial growth (eg swimming pools/Spa’s), or a high alkaline content. With products assured for 15 years (adherence to fitting guidelines). We also produce a wide range of standard BS, DIN, metal stud, track, drywall metal and PVC for wall and ceiling linings/partitions.

We are able to offer on-site visits prior to quotation, staged visits throughout the project term, technical support, and confirmation that fitting meets the terms of the guarantee on specially coated products, as well as comprehensive ‘Project Packs’ giving full specification, approvals and fitting guidelines.

We would be happy to discuss how our range of coated products can help maximise the life of your ceiling and wall substructure.

PROTEKTOR UK t: +44 (0)1562 515200│ f: +44 (0)1562 515116│ www.protektor.com

PROTEKTOR

UK – Enquiry 62

From west to east with Howe Green access covers

Howe Green has supplied over 400 access covers to Tier 1 contractors working on Europe’s largest construction project – Crossrail. The new Elizabeth line will comprise 118 kilometres of track running through London and the South East and is set to reduce average journey times significantly.

Tier 1 contractor Laing O’ Rourke has specified over 60 of Howe Green’s 7500 Series Multipart Stainless Steel Floor Access Covers for Tottenham Court Road station.

Bespoke Solid Wood Flooring For New Luxury Hotel

Architects Dexter Moren Associates specified 4500m2 of Junckers solid oak flooring in a dark grey stain and textured surface with a rich patina, for The Curtain Hotel’s luxury interiors. The elegant, dark grey wooden floor is perfectly suited to the hotel’s luxe warehouse living style. Fitted in all bedrooms and suites, Junckers solid wood flooring has natural acoustic qualities and ensures a comfortable indoor climate for guests.

The large 4 part units were precision made to order to ensure that they would be a perfect fit. Installed by specialist stone contractor Vetter UK, the covers have been infilled with granite to match the surrounding area. Supplied with barrel lifting points the covers fit flush with the flooring to reduce the risk of slip and trip hazards.

The 7500 Series can withstand up to a 5 tonne pneumatic wheel loading and can be supplied as a single cover, in duct runs or as a multipart. Options are available for a 3 hour fire rating BS 476: Part 20 1987 on stainless steel single covers or 2 hours on duct and multipart covers.

Howe Green – Enquiry 64

the ultimate defensive line up

Two greaT new producTs from BaL

BAL tiling solutions have further expanded their range with two new preparation products to help ensure your tiling lasts the test of time.

BaL Board is a lightweight, water and mould resistant alternative to plasterboard and timber when fixing tiles in internal environments. Moisture and water resistant, it is easy to cut and install and provides a strong base for tiling.

BaL dpm is a multi-purpose Damp Proof Membrane, Waterproofer and Primer to protect from damp, moisture or chemical attack. Perfect for use on walls and floors, in both internal or external installations. We know tiling inside + out. www.enquire2.com - ENQUIRY 65

find out more at: bal-adhesives.com/newproducts

bal-adhesives.com

A Winning Wetroom Solution from Schlüter-Systems

INNOVATIVE AND PRACTICAL, SCHLÜTER-SYSTEMS’ INTELLIGENT WETROOM SOLUTIONS ALLOW YOU TO MEET THE FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF WETROOM SUBSTRATE PREPARATION WHILST RETAINING FREEDOM FOR DESIGN.

All the components of a Schlüter®WETROOM system are manufactured to complement each other, resulting in a long-lasting solution for a demanding area. The Schlüter®KERDI range provides an extensive selection of products to create a CE marked bonded waterproof installation— including installation boards, membranes, drains and more.

Thicker versions of the multi-functional installation board Schlüter®-KERDI-BOARD can be used to construct major features such as seats, vanities and partition walls, and are suitable for natural stone and large format tiles.

For contractors, Schlüter products save time, hassle and manpower, ensuring a quick installation process and minimising material wastage. With your entire solution obtained from one source, troubleshooting is easier and there is a clear point of contact for any advice.

The guarantees provided by manufacturers can make or break the decision to specify. Schlüter-Systems Ltd stands by its complete system solutions, and provides advice, specification, and product warranties where required. Where a member of the Schlüter Approved Installer Network has been used, product and application warranties can be extended, for even greater peace of mind.

Use of the right system at the point of specification pays off in the long-term,

preserving reputations and avoiding costly remedial works. Full product specs and comprehensive sets of NBS Clauses and BIM assets are available from the company website, allowing for quick specification time after time.

With Schlüter-Systems you’re in safe hands; for more information call 01530 813396, email pr@schluter.co.uk or visit www.perfectwetroom.co.uk.

Want to see our products in situ? Next time you’re in London, take a wander to Clerkenwell, the scene of one of our latest collaborations—49 Leather Lane. Here you can experience a complete Schlüter®WETROOM system, book out meeting rooms and explore the Porcelain Gallery, which features a multitude of Schlüter products, both installed and in sample form. For booking enquiries, please email specifier@schluter.co.uk

– Enquiry 66

Rockfon

Pixel perfect pattern at Clark Thomson Brokers

Pattern and Pixel carpet tiles from modulyss have been used to striking effect at the offices of Clark Thomson Insurance Brokers. Chosen in functional grey colourways, Pixel and Pattern are designed to mix and match; a flexible response to the needs of the space and the requirement for dynamic layouts. Made from 100% Imprel polyamide, the tufted 1/10th gauge loop pile carpet tiles are suitable for use in demanding office space. A total of 555m2 of modulyss performance carpet tiles were installed at the Perth offices of Clark Thomson.

Modulyss – Enquiry 67

throughout the new Islwyn High in Caerphilly school to control

and harmonise with the contemporary interior. Rockfon Scholar 40mm and Rockfon Tropic dB40 ceiling tiles are installed on the school’s top floors in part to reduce the noise generated internally by rainfall on the external metal roof. Rockfon Scholar, with its Class A sound absorption and durable, impact resistant surface, is ideal for education buildings as it helps lower the level of reverberation in classrooms.

Rockfon – Enquiry 68

Comprehensive guide from Hunter Douglas

Hunter Douglas, the global architectural products manufacturer, has published its latest comprehensive guide to ceilings and walls, covering its entire metal, wood and felt ranges.The hardback, 394-page Commercial Ceilings & Walls Product Guide 2018/2019 is aimed at architects, designers and specifiers and provides technical data, colour finishes, material characteristics, applications and acoustic performance data in easy-to-read form. Colourful photographs of the systems in situ also enable them to see exactly how they look on schemes across the world. A resources section focuses on BIM, perforation patterns, acoustic test results and sustainability.

Hunter Douglas – Enquiry 69

Schluter-Systems

New wall protection brochure

from Intastop

Intastop, leaders in the manufacturer of protection products for the healthcare and public building sector has launched its latest Wall Protection brochure showcasing just how the company can support the ‘Protection of Places’. Intastop is now the official UK distributor for Inpro IPC® Door and Wall protection. Intastop offers a range of featured protective products such as handrails, wall guards, corner and even bed head protectors. All are made from world-class Inpro IPC® and offer a plethora of benefits including impact resistance, compliance with DDA, supports patients with limited vision and maintains a clean and hygienic environment.

Intastop – Enquiry 70

Event space experts specify Style again

Partitioning specialist Style, recently installed a comprehensive solution for another new etc. venues event facility in Piccadilly, Manchester. This is the eighth time Style has worked with etc.venues and Synergy architects, having previously developed partitioning wall systems for seven prestigious room hire amenities in central London.

A total of nine DORMA Variflex moveable walls were installed, providing exceptional acoustic privacy of 55dB between the divided areas.

Style recommended DORMA Variflex for Manchester as it is a highly adaptable system that can be finished in a wide variety of designs to reflect the etc.venues individual look. “The panels feature a stunning wood

effect laminate,” explains Andy Gibson, Style’s director for the north. “Spectacular, site-applied graphics of iconic Manchester landmarks complete the design, making for truly eye-catching partitioning walls.”

The comprehensive combination of nine DORMA Variflex moveable walls allows room configuration to be quickly and easily changed, creating small meeting hubs as necessary, or opening out the space as required.

An added advantage of Variflex is that the panels are manufactured separately to the frame. Style is the UK’s exclusive partner to DORMA.

Style – Enquiry 71

Trailflex leads the way to historic school

NEW HALL SCHOOL, A LONGESTABLISHED CATHOLIC BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL, AND FORMER TUDOR PALACE, HAS RECENTLY INSTALLED A NEW 1.5KM ENTRANCE PATHWAY USING LANGFORD DIRECT LTD’S SPECIALIST TRAILFLEX FLEXIBLE POROUS PAVING SYSTEM.

Located near Chelmsford in Essex, the New Hall estate was the Palace of Beaulieu - home to Henry VIII and Mary Tudor. The school has occupied this magnificent site since 1799.

The idyllic location, surrounded by an immaculate landscape and protected trees, was an important consideration for the school when choosing the right material for the main pathway. Trailflex was specified for the project due to its ability to adapt to the contours of the terrain, whilst requiring very minimal disturbance to the landscape.

Nigel Floyd, Estate Manager at New Hall School, commented, “Having considered many different products, we decided to use Langford Direct’s Trailflex material to create our new foot and cycle path. It not only looks good, but the application did not come into contact with the protected trees that surround it. We were impressed with how fast and environmentally-friendly the application was.”

He continued, “Since the new path was created it has been regularly used and this hasn’t compromised the performance or appearance of the surface. By using Trailflex we have been able to provide a durable, hazard-free foot and cycle path for our students that also benefits the landscape of the school.”

Applied in a Silver Stone finish, the compact resin bound material also presents a surface that complements the aesthetics of the historic site, whilst giving the illusion of a natural gravel path.

Trailflex was applied to the 1.5km pedestrian and cycle path which runs parallel to the school’s main road entrance. The tree-lined pathway carries a preservation order requiring the trees to be untouched or undisturbed during any groundwork carried out. Requiring just 150mm of digging, the application was able to avoid all damage or contact to the tree roots.

Another key benefit of Trailflex for the school is its flexible qualities, which will allow the material to flex with any movement of tree roots without creating any damage to the surface. The material is created using recycled car tyres to give it the flexibility, if needed, to bend to 90° and cover any tree roots that may rise to the surface, for a solid and seamless finish. This not only eliminates the trip hazard of

large cracks to pedestrians, but ensures the pathway will not deteriorate and compromise its appearance.

Trailflex is also SUDS compliant and offers a porous alternative to standard asphalt surfacing material. The rubber aggregate is bound using a specialist resin binder to create an unrivalled porous paving solution that can filter up to 50,000 litres of water per square metre of surface per hour to offer the fast and efficient natural drainage of rainwater.

With full 360° attenuation Trailflex allows rainwater to percolate naturally back to the water table to replenish the groundwater that is needed for the tree roots and surrounding plants to thrive, which will ultimately prevent them from rising to the surface in search of moisture. As all rainwater is quickly absorbed into the ground, the likelihood of water build up and puddles is eliminated to make the pathway a generally more pleasant route all year round. The tight rubber and stone mix used to create Trailflex requires virtually no maintenance and is clog free to ensure the drainage system remains fully efficient.

Trailflex is a one-part cold pour system and can be applied to new or existing landscapes using minimal equipment and a time efficient process. The material’s properties help it to set quickly once applied so that the surface area can be reopened and used within 16 hours to keep public and business disruptions to a minimum.

Further information on Trailflex is available from the company on 0161 2121617 or 0330 900 2288, by emailing: info@sudstech.co.uk or by visiting the company’s website at www.trailflex.co.uk

Saint-Gobain PAM launches modular solution for high

flow

Saniflo shower pumps to suit all shower scenarios

powerful shower waste pump and a choice of gully designs so that it can be used to achieve a totally flat floor surface with either a tiled or vinyl wet room floor, depending upon the base surface used and a further third choice of gully works with low level shower trays of just 2cm. It can handle the most powerful rain heads and power showers thanks to its higher flow rates.

Saniflo Sanishower + is a pump designed to discharge waste from a standard electric or gravity mixer shower and can be used with traditional shower trays of 12 cm and over in height. With a second inlet it can also take water waste from a wash basin. The Sanishower Flat is a version designed to be used with lower level shower trays of 8cm and above and is supplied with a gully and waste. Both pumps feature low level activation to ensure all water is evacuated.

Saniflo – Enquiry 75

drainage applications

Saint-Gobain PAM UK has added a modular solution for applications that need to drain high volumes of waste water and trap or filter any silt or debris from a floor area to its Vortx range of floor drainage solutions. The modular cast iron deep sump, bell trap and brewery trap solutions are ideal for drainage in applications such as plants rooms, car parks and loading bays. The deep sump and brewery trap can remove water at 10 litres per second, while the bell trap achieves 6 litres per second at 20mm head.

Saint-Gobain PAM – Enquiry 74

A world of innovation for a world of change

Following the success of last year’s theme, Future, kbb will continue to forecast forthcoming trends and challenges facing the kbb community – in partnership with AMA research. Bringing you a world of innovation for a world of change, kbb Birmingham will manifest four challenges and trends in each feature across the four days – providing innovation, inspiration and insight to help businesses grow in a world of change.

The four trends are:

1. Society: evolving customer behaviours alter the meaning of lifestyle design, e.g. DIY conscious early adopters outsource cutting edge design and smart space innovations fuelling the installer skills shortage.

2. Smart technology: ‘smart’ is creating new possibilities for those on both sides

of the debate, e.g. virtual reality transforms showroom buying behaviours and voice recognition modifies our use of space –reactionaries revert to traditional kitchen and bathroom design.

3. Disruption as opportunity – ‘Disruptors’ change the construction landscape, heralding new design opportunities, e.g. uncertainty surrounding Brexit stimulates house price stagnation, driving a growing refurbishment market by equity rich homeowners.

4. Materiality: UK consumers demand higher quality products and materials, e.g. worktops continue to dominate the market, driving diversification in the surfaces sector.

The Innovation Awards, in partnership with blum, aim to discover and celebrate brands producing products, methods and ideas that align with our theme’s trends. Entries will be judged by an esteemed panel of judges, including kbb’s Brand Director, Joel Butler. Winners will be announced at the show.

This year’s Retail and Design conference will provide practical advice for businesses to grow in a world of change. Combining topics such as; how to survive a recession and come out stronger, how to design a 4G

bathroom, and keeping up with the latest material and colour trends.

kbb Brand Director, Joel Butler commented “I’m really looking forward to another successful year at kbb Birmingham, and particularly how the community will explore and learn from this year’s theme. We’re welcoming a range of new and returning exhibitors, all of which will showcase a high calibre of products, methods and ideas.”

Kbb Birmingham 2018 sees the return of great British companies along with new international exhibitors including, Smeg, Dansani, Crosswater, Nobilia, Scavolini, Rot Punkt, Abacus and Fetim.

Join the conversation with 16,000 industry buyers on 4th – 7th March at NEC Birmingham. Visit www.kbb.co.uk to register for your ticket, and more information on the show. Stay in touch with us on Twitter at @kbblive and #futurekbb.

kbb Birmingham – Enquiry 77

CELEBRATING AN IMPRESSIVE 32 YEARS, KBB BIRMINGHAM, THE LARGEST AND MOST ESTABLISHED KITCHEN, BEDROOM AND BATHROOM EVENT IN THE UK, WILL RETURN TO THE NEC, BIRMINGHAM FROM 4TH-7TH MARCH 2018.

magrini baby changing units

Magrini baby changing units provide a hygienic and safe place for changing your smallest customers. The contemporary style incorporates extra-deep sides providing an intrinsic safety barrier and the units have a unique hinge system preventing small fingers from being trapped.

Magrini baby changing units are available in a choice of colours to suit modern commercial washrooms.

Saniflo shower cubicles offer a clear environmental benefit

WITH THE RACE ON TO REDUCE LANDFILL, IT’S IMPORTANT THAT WE CONSIDER THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE BUILDING PRODUCTS WE CHOOSE. OPTING FOR GLASS AS A REPLACEMENT FOR TILES WHERE POSSIBLE IS ONE WAY TO REDUCE THE WASTE YOU CREATE.

lass wall panels and splashbacks can be used in bathrooms and kitchens. Glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without loss in quality or purity. Plus glass wall panels and splashbacks are quicker and easier to fit and much easier for the end user to maintain, clean and keep looking pristine.

When it comes to showering, Sanifl o shower cubicles offer a great alternative to shower enclosures that require tiles and grouting. More industry professionals are switching on to the numerous benefi ts of shower cubicles, recognising for one, that shower cubicles with glass panels and doors offer a great environmentally-friendly bathroom solution.

In most cases it’s possible to have a new Sanifl o shower cubicle up and running in less than a day and many shower cubicles fi t into the exact space where an old bath was. Shower cubicles are easy and swift to fi t. The glass panels and doors simply slot into the frame, completely eliminating the need to remove and/or replace old tiles and grout.

Not only do shower cubicles offer a more environmentally-friendly solution, but fi tting a shower cubicle also saves time, money, hassle and waste. Another massive bonus is that, unlike tiles and grout, shower cubicles are leak-free and require minimal maintenance long-term. And for the end user, a shower cubicle is much easier to look after than tiles and grout, especially Sanifl o shower cubicles that feature Cristal Plus coating for a longlasting clean sheen.

In addition, shower cubicles are packaged in recyclable cardboard and on wood pallets from sustainable sources, making the whole cycle as sustainable as possible.

So next time you’re deciding on options for a new bathroom, think about glass wall panels, glass splashbacks and shower cubicles with glass panels and doors and you’ll be on your way to reducing what you have to send to landfill.

Bespoke Impey wetroom solution for Nine Elms Point Development

BARRATT LONDON’S FLAGSHIP NINE ELMS POINT DEVELOPMENT IN SW8 WILL OFFER 645 STUNNING HOMES INCORPORATED IN SEVEN ATTRACTIVE BUILDINGS, INCLUDING TWO ICONIC TOWERS.

Residents of Barratt London’s Nine Elms Point will be able to take advantage of the extensive range highspecification options within their home, including spectacular modern wetrooms.

Barratt London worked in conjunction with Impey’s R&D team on a bespoke wetroom solution, which would give the top-of-therange shower rooms at Nine Elms Point a stylish and contemporary finish, with supreme functionality, ideally suited to the look and feel of the development.

The elongated width of the linear wetroom channel, meant that a standard ‘off the shelf’ product would be far too short, so Barratt London commissioned Impey’s experienced R&D team to create a bespoke product, which would enhance the look of the wetrooms, as well as effectively draining away excess water from the powerful rainforest showerheads.

The team came up with an attractive design, incorporating a functional and robust floor

channel drainage moulding which could be installed first and screeded in place.

The polished stainless steel linear wetroom drain top, produced in three parts for ease of installation, could then be fitted on completion, to prevent any accidental damage happening on site.

The company had the option to choose from several finishes, including glass and tiled inserts, and decided upon highly polished stainless steel tops to coordinate with the

contemporary wetroom design schemes at the development.

In addition, all the development’s wetrooms were waterproofed with Impey’s elite tanking product, WaterGuard.

Contact us for more information on 01460 256 080 about specifying bespoke wet room solutions, or request a CPD at impeyshowers.com/request-cpd

Impey – Enquiry 81

Franke launches new Omni Contemporary 4-in-1 tap

Franke has launched the new Omni Contemporary 4-in-1 tap in four fashionable new coloured PVD finishes of Gold, Copper, Black and Gunmetal in addition to solid stainless steel. The premium quality, high performance PVD coating offers consumers a stylish and robust tap that is easy to clean, will not discolour and is resistant to wear and to corrosion. The distinctive tap is 345mm high and offers modern, angular styling with a U-shaped spout. The Omni Contemporary’s compact 4.2 litre stainless steel tank and filter fit neatly into the under-sink cupboard.

Franke – Enquiry 82

Showerwall relaunches at kbb with exciting range update

Showerwall will unveil an exciting range update and new brand identity at kbb, signalling the design strides this laminate surfacing material has made. Reflecting the industrial trend and the desire for earthy materials in the bathroom, the 100sqm stand will showcase Showerwall’s newest décors and texture innovations including concrete, brick and woodgrain designs. In addition, a new acrylic collection will offer standard or bespoke digital print options. Showerwall is a 100% waterproof system, available in a choice of panel sizes that are fast and easy to install and come with a 15-year guarantee.

Showerwall – Enquiry 83

Franke at kbb 2018 –Stand H80

It’s all about style, quality and innovation for Franke at kbb as the company unveils a raft of new products including super-metallic sinks, coloured PVD taps and statement hoods.

Franke is also re-affirming support for its specialist showroom retailers by bringing together its More in Store initiative and sister brands Carron Phoenix and premium tap manufacturer, KWC. A dedicated area will house the new 2-in-1 and 4-in-1 models and the four fashionable coloured PVD finishes. More in Store retailers visiting Franke’s kbb stand will benefit from exclusive, exhibition-only special offers.

Franke – Enquiry 84

Back to nature for CRL Stone at kbb 2018

STAND F85 AT KBB 2018 WILL HAVE A DISTINCTIVE NATURAL FEEL, AS CRL STONE LAUNCHES A RANGE OF NEW COLOURS INTO ITS CRL QUARTZ AND CERALSIO COLLECTIONS.

isitors to the NEC in Birmingham from 4-7 March will be among the first to see 11 new colours in the manufacturer’s popular Ceralsio ceramics and CRL Quartz ranges, all influenced by striking natural materials including marble and granite.

The Ceralsio collection is enhanced with Ceralsio Statuario which has a distinctive grey veining on a crisp white background, Carrara Vagli with a grey and gold vein that emulates the look of marble from the Tuscany quarries, Pietra Grey with subtle white veining and Ossido which replicates the industrial look of oxidised steel.

With just as much versatility and the same high-functioning qualities, the CRL Quartz range is also set to be extended at kbb 2018, with the introduction of seven new colours in two thicknesses. Taking its influence again from the trend towards natural stones, these new additions to the

collection offer all the beauty of materials such as marble and granite while being extremely simple to care for and designed to last a lifetime. Highly durable, non-porous and easy to care for, both CRL Quartz and

Ceralsio are ideal materials for the kitchen and bathroom making them certain to be a highlight of kbb 2018.

CRL Stone – Enquiry 85

Inside products insight

When heating contractors D&K Heating Services were asked to supply a new system for a familyowned four-star hotel, they turned to Andrews Water Heaters for a solution that would reduce gas consumption and maximise efficiency.

The need to replace the boilers gave the hotel the opportunity to overhaul the whole system. Firstly, radiators which were fed from the boilers were replaced with combined air conditioning and heating units. Next, it had to decide on a new hot water system. Knowing that the hotel already had four other Andrews Water Heaters units which were reliably serving its conference and spa facilities, the contractors did not hesitate in recommending award-winning MAXXflo units to replace the old boilers.

Replaced in Summer 2016, the three new units has not only ensured the water is safe for the hotel but also has delivered significant levels of energy efficiency compared to the old boilers.

Neville Radford, area sales manager at Andrews Water Heaters, explains, “In the old system, water was stored in a large feed tank. This meant that it had to be regularly chlorinated and tested to reduce the risk of Legionella. Because MAXXflo water heaters are direct-fired units, the hotel no longer needs a big water tank, making maintenance easier and reducing the amount of space taken up by water heating equipment.”

John Pette agrees, “Now, all we have to do to sterilise the water is to use the built-in anti-legionella program, and turn the temperature up at a time when there is little or no demand for hot water. The timings and temperatures are all programmed into the control panel, so the process is automatic.”

In addition to making it easier for the team to maintain maximum water hygiene at the hotel, the MAXXflos are also saving time and money when it comes to maintaining other aspects of the system.

Previously, additional booster pumps in the building were vital to deliver the hot water to where it was needed.

Thanks to the new pressurised system, hot water can reach the guest rooms and kitchen quicker without booster pumps. Their absence also means guests aren’t disturbed by the noise of the pumps.

Paul Groves takes a look at this month’s product news

IDENTIFYING THE RIGHT SOLUTIONS FOR THE RIGHT PROJECT CAN BE DIFFICULT. BUT CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN MANUFACTURER, CONTRACTOR AND CLIENT CAN HELP IDENTIFY THE RIGHT PRODUCTS.

When you need hot water and need it fast, Andrews always does the job. As the UK’s leading supplier of commercial water heaters, we’re top of the league for quality, reliability and customer service. Our products are built to perform, and keep on performing in the most demanding environments, time and time again.

Call our sales team on 0345 070 1055 or visit andrewswaterheaters.co.uk

Andrews. Built to perform.

“Our pitch is a bit hit and miss, luckily the showers aren’t.”

Service team growth for GEZE UK

GEZE UK has expanded its service division and created six supervisor positions to work across its regional offices. The field operations supervisors’ key role will be to support engineers in the field – ensuring continuity of service and setting quality standards to further enhance the customer experience.

The new field operations supervisors include: Julio Meneses (formally South West engineer); Chris Boult (formally Midlands North engineer); Matthew Lovatt (formally Midlands South engineer); Gary Wootton (formally London South engineer); Ian Fletcher (formally South West engineer); David Yearnshire (formally Besam / Assa Abloy field technical/ operations supervisor).

GEZE UK – Enquiry 90

Polypipe Ventilation evolves into Domus Ventilation

Polypipe Ventilation, manufacturer of market leading energy-saving domestic ventilation systems, has been reborn as Domus Ventilation, with a move to new premises in South Wales, new management and customer services teams, an expanded sales network and new branding and identity.

Before being purchased by the Polypipe Group in 1998 Domus was a company name synonymous with quality ventilation ducting for the domestic and light commercial markets. The Domus name lived on as a brand for Polypipe’s ducting products, whilst other product lines were developed with their own distinct branding.

With the first stage completed in a major re evaluation and restructuring of the company, the decision has been made to re launch the company under the new name of Domus Ventilation.

“Following extensive research, we have come to understand the genuine value of the Domus name” states Sales Director, Stephen Smith.

“It is well known and directly associated with many positive attributes in the domestic ventilation sector, including quality product, which suits the direction we are taking for new products and services moving forward.

These are exciting times for the newly emerged company, Domus Ventilation, and we have invested considerably in its future.”

Domus – Enquiry 89

Electrorad takes electric radiators to new heights

As well as expanding its Vanguard range of aluminium electric radiators, Electrorad has launched a new state-of-the-art Vanguard Eco-smart range that is one of the first to have voice control compatibility with the marketleading Amazon Alexa. Both ranges are fully compliant with Lot 20 legislation that took effect on January 1 2018. Vanguard and Vanguard Eco-smart offer a wide choice of outputs in 750w, 1200w, 1500w and 2000, and being fully Lot 20 compliant, they feature a number of energy saving controls. Going beyond Lot 20 compliance, all models also boast an in-built energy monitor.

Electrorad – Enquiry 92

Highly efficient Spirotech vacuum degassers are helping Scotland’s oldest university with its ambition to become carbon neutral for its energy usage.

The units have been installed in the former 19th century Guardbridge Paper Mill, now transformed into an ultra-modern energy centre serving the North Haugh campus of the University of St Andrews in Fife. The degassers remove dissolved gasses in the system’s installation fluid by temporarily subjecting a portion of the water to underpressure, or vacuum. The released air is then separated and expelled. By continuously repeating the process 99.9% of the gases are released and removed.

If left to circulate the air would adversely affect the system’s efficiency, impacting on flow rates and causing corrosion. In turn, this could lead to dirt build-up, maintenance problems and higher energy costs. In the long-term even system breakdown. The energy centre is at the heart of the £25 million University of St Andrews Biomass District Heating Project,

which was designed, built and is operated by energy generation and district heating specialists Vital Energi. Spirotech vacuum degassers are designed for use in large commercial systems with many branches and low flow rates, where ‘ordinary’ dearators are not sufficient.

Spirotech – Enquiry 91

British Ceramic Tile appoints new commercial director

British Ceramic Tile has made a strategic new appointment it its Board, announcing John Chater as commercial director. John will assume responsibility for the company’s sales, marketing, design and product development departments, with a focus on driving forward the company’s impressive portfolio and brand across the housebuild and specification markets. John added: “The company has some big goals to achieve, but our focus is firmly set on supporting our specification customers bringing them products that meet their needs and a service level which is second to none.” BCT – Enquiry 93

Spirotech vacuum degassers help university become ‘carbon neutral’

Flowcrete UK enhances self levelling screed systems

Flowcrete UK has reformulated a number of popular, high-performance screed systems to provide enhanced benefits for both applicators and clients. The resin flooring manufacturer is relaunching several of its polymer cement, selflevelling screed systems after undertaking a detailed process of analysis and testing, in order to create products that not only make it easier for applicators to install but which will create superior screed systems. Already a firm favourite of many large-scale industrial and commercial developments, the new formulations utilise robust technology to offer application properties

that include good flow characteristics, improved dimensional stability and being less sensitive to elevated application temperatures, which eliminates the tendency to separate. Both applicators and end users will benefit from the fact that the new systems are able to quickly deliver a high strength screed that will dry very quickly even at maximum thicknesses. The application and curing time of the screeds allow for floor coverings and coatings to be laid on the same day, significantly speeding up the overall programme of a flooring project.

Flowcrete – Enquiry 94

Gambling retailer bets on Novus

Charcon wins contract to supply cycle superhighway

Charcon, the commercial hard landscaping division of Aggregate Industries, has been awarded the contract to supply materials for Leeds City Council’s new Cycle Superhighway between Leeds and Bradford. Work is due to begin in February 2018, with 4,500m2 of Charcon’s Moordale Textured flag paving, Woburn Original block paving and Charcon’s British Standard Kerb specified for the project. Offering consistency in colour and texture, Moordale Textured flag paving incorporates Yorkstone and Limestone aggregates to maximise performance and durability and is ideal for creating large areas of warm solid colour. Complementing Moordale Textured paving, Woburn Original block paving is subtle and stylish with a chamferless profile which creates a smoother riding surface. Charcon’s British Standard Kerb is designed to provide edge restraint in pedestrian vehicular application and complies with British standards, as well as offering a cost effective kerb for all applications. Mike Davies, Sector Marketing Manager for Charcon, comments: “West Yorkshire already has some of the country’s leading infrastructure, and the Leeds Cycle Superhighway will add to that. We have

a proven track record in cycleways and our range of cycleway segregation solutions is already proving successful in London, on the Cycle Superhighway 2, as well as Cambridge, Oxford, Bristol and Nottingham.”

Charcon – Enquiry 95

The benefit of experience in roof windows

There are more roof window manufacturers than ever in the UK today, the Rooflight company has outlined key considerations when specifying a roof window. Manufacturers must be able to declare a whole unit (Uw) value for their roof windows. Having a roof window that is made from steel does not mean the roof window will be prone to condensation. You should always check which size the load testing has been carried out on as it must be the largest standard size; as wind loading test data can only be applied to the tested window size or smaller.

Rooflight Company – Enquiry 97

Novus Property Solutions has completed an extensive refurbishment project for global online gambling retailer, bet365. This summer Novus Property Solutions undertook a 12week refurbishment project for bet365, which saw two industrial units near the company’s new office transformed to create one large warehouse area with adjoining workshops. The project was designed by Stoke-on-Trent based architects Wood Goldstraw Yorath with Novus employed as the main contractor and a strict specification to adhere to. Novus reconfigured the layout of the existing buildings to create one large usable space.

Novus – Enquiry 96

for buildings

weberend protect by Saint-Gobain Weber is the perfect solution for invisibly protecting external renders and other building substrates from water and liquid ingress. This hydrophobic coating prevents absorption of most types of surface contamination including water, oil and graffiti and reduces the risk of algae, moss, lichen and mould. Easily applied by roller, brush or spray, this protective coating keeps the building exterior clean and dry, providing permanent protection against the elements while allowing the substrate to breathe, ensuring the façade looks better for longer.

Saint Gobain Weber – Enquiry 98

New weberend protect provides hydrophobic coating

Redland’s

works in Wisbech

Carpenter Steve Jackson chose Westminster Slate, the latest tile from Redland when he built his own four-bedroomed house on a plot at Christchurch in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. A large format interlocking clay tile, the Westminster Slate has a hidden cut-back interlock and a finely tapered leading edge that makes it appear exceptionally slim. It’s raised nail holes and custom-engineered head enables it to be installed on roofs with pitches as low as 17.5o. Thanks to its size and interlocking design – only 10 tiles are needed per square metre, rather than 60 traditional clay plain tiles.

Redland – Enquiry 101

F. Ball floor preparation products now available for BIM

Market-leading subfloor preparation products and flooring adhesives manufactured by F. Ball and Co. Ltd. are now available as Building Information Modelling (BIM) objects to download for free from RIBA’s NBS National BIM Library. RIBA members can download the objects, in Revit compatible and IFC formats, in order to specify F. Ball products when designing structures using BIM software. The wide range of products listed features some of the most popular high-performance levelling compounds and flooring adhesives for installing floorcoverings. These include F. Ball’s Stopgap Fast-Track 30 rapid-drying levelling compound and Styccobond F46 pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive.

F.Ball – Enquiry 99

Third of workers have never received first aid training

Almost 30% of workers have never received first aid training, according to a recent survey carried out by Bull Products. Bull Products, a manufacturer of life-saving fire protection equipment, carried out a first aid survey to address the issues within the construction industry, and what preventative measures companies need to put in place further to ensure a safer site all year round. The survey was rolled out across the UK with responses from a range of job professions including health and safety managers, health and safety officers, site managers and supervisors.

Bull Products – Enquiry 103

U-Tack from UZIN is a superior method of installing skirting compared to solvent-based adhesives. The double-sided multi-purpose adhesive tape allows you to install skirting, capping and coving easily, quickly and cleanly. UZIN U-Tack is odourless and solvent-free so there is no explosion risk unlike some solventbased adhesives. Compared to solvent based adhesive UZIN U-Tack does not produce harmful emissions making it safer for you and your customers when using. It has been awarded EC1 Plus certification providing the highest possible protection against emissions and guarantees excellent indoor air quality.

UZIN – Enquiry 100

IP65 rated toilet alarm kit announced

Baldwin Boxall has announced the availability of IP65 rated toilet alarm products.

Fully tested and certified, users can connect the units to the manufacturer’s four-way toilet alarm panel or one of their EVC systems

– Omnicare or Care2. The new IP65 rated disabled toilet alarm products are ideal for installation in areas that are unsuitable for traditional style units; such as shower rooms, wet rooms and other places where moisture and humidity are present.

There are four products in the range: a ceiling pull cord, reset button, call button and call & reset point.

The units can be combined with the UK manufacturer’s toilet alarm products. This makes it possible for installers to fit the IP65 rated items where required, such as the pull cord and reset button in a shower with a standard overdoor light outside the room.

The new products are believed to be the first of their kind and provide a long-awaited solution.

Users of standard toilet alarm kits have historically faced the problems of failed units in humid areas with frequent replacements or inoperative systems.

Baldwin Boxall – Enquiry 102

Titon MVHR systems add high efficiency to London’s latest high rise

A combination of highly efficient HRV Q Plus units and ducting from Titon has been installed throughout 514 newly-built one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, penthouses and townhouses in The Residence, Ponton Road, London. Located within the Vauxhall Nine Elms Opportunity Area, The Residence comprises nine multistorey buildings. The ventilation products fitted include a range of HRV1.25, HRV1.35, HRV2 and HRV2.85 Q Plus Eco HMB MVHR units, as well as Titon’s straight and flared ducting covers.

Titon – Enquiry 104

Westminster Slate

UZIN U-Tack for the quick, clean and safe installation of skirting

What’s the story? A full house (of toilets)…

A new multi-arts centre heralded as transforming the cultural landscape is already reaping the results of its inclusive approach.

Storyhouse in Chester is a £37million facility, mainly funded by Cheshire West & Chester Council, combining library, two theatres, a cinema, restaurant and bars, in what was the city’s Grade II listed art deco style Odeon. One of the core aims has been to create a venue for community and diversity, reaching audiences

who wouldn’t otherwise even consider visiting the theatre.

And to help ensure people who wouldn’t otherwise visit can do so, the building has been designed to be fully accessible on all levelsthrough to the toilets! Ramp access facilitates entry, a lift covers every storey, wheelchair spaces are available in the theatre, studio and cinema, there is a low level counter in the café, standard accessible toilets are available on every floor, with the ground floor having one of Closomat’s stateof-the-art Changing Places toilet facilities.

The Changing Places means anyone who needs extra support to go to the toilet can do so, safe in the knowledge there is the space and equipment: bigger than a conventional wheelchair accessible toilet, Closomat’s Changing Places at Storyhouse includes a WC, ceiling track hoist, adult sized height-adjustable changing bench, privacy screen and heightadjustable wash basin.

Clos-o-Mat – Enquiry 105

Hydrotech waterproofing from Alumasc: the highest recycled content on the market

Independently verified by Underwriters Laboratories, Alumasc’s Hydrotech MM6125 Hot Melt contains 30% post-consumer recycled content, making it the choice of responsible professionals working in increasingly sustainable environment.

The event was the fourth in a series of sessions designed to educate heating engineers on the importance of deaeration

and showcase Spirotech’s range of system protection products.

The day was divided into different sessions; the morning was dedicated to presentations delivered by some of Spirotech’s most experienced engineers and sales personnel on the various aspects of air removal, including busting the common myth that an AAV and deaerator perform the same job. After a lunch break, the installers were divided into three groups to observe live demonstrations of Spirotech’s deaeration products in action, using specially-designed demo units.

The workshops gave Spirotech valuable insight into the way installers feel about the current state of the market and, in particular, Spirotech’s product offerings.

Rob Jacques, National Key Accounts and Technical Sales Manager at Spirotech, said: “The sessions act as a forum for installers to voice their opinions, which allows us as a manufacturer to keep a finger on the pulse of the industry.”

Spirotech – Enquiry 106

Sliding and folding door hardware manufacturer, P C Henderson, is pleased to announce the release of new all-inclusive product range brochure. Designed to replace its existing literature collection, the 136 page brochure is a valuable resource for distributors, architects and specifiers. The document features the company’s entire product range including new products and a wider range of accessories as well as technical and component drawings. To request your printed copy or download a digital version of P C Henderson’s new product range brochure visit www.pchenderson.com/

P C Henderson – Enquiry 107

Along with the basic bituminous element, Hydrotech is a unique combination of recycled materials, including rubber crumb from used tyres, process oil and inert fillers – products typically disposed of via landfill.

REACH Compliance

Hydrotech is also fully compliant with the REACH legislation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals), which originated as a mandatory regulation of the European Union and was implemented to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by some materials.

Sustainability

Not only does Hydrotech contain sustainable raw materials, the primary energy source used in its manufacture is hydro-electric power.

These manufacturing procedures are independently audited to the ISO9001 Quality Management Standard, and Hydrotech – which has over 50 years of proven zero project failures worldwide on projects of all types and sizes - is imported under Alumasc’s ISO14001 Environmental Management system.

This ensures that upstream production processes are monitored for their environmental impact and careful consideration is given to the packaging, transport and disposal, in order to deliver as sustainable a construction product as practicable.

Further details about Alumasc’s full range of waterproofing systems are available from www.alumascroofing.co.uk, or by calling 0333 5771 500.

Alumasc – Enquiry 108

support/brochures

Spirotech, global leader in HVAC system protection and water conditioning, held a training workshop at its UK headquarters.

Spirotech holds deaeration training workshop for forward thinking installers

P C Henderson release new product range brochure

Redland tiles and Innofix Clips top off award-winning development

The award-winning Crossway development in Widnes, Merseyside employs the revolutionary Innofix Clip developed by Redland and two of its tiles to achieve a weatherproof envelope in the shortest time possible. Developed for the entire range of Redland’s concrete interlocking tiles, the Innofix Clip needs no tools at all and meets the increased fixing requirements set out in BS 5534, the British Standard Code of Practice for Slating and Tiling. The only tile clip that needs no hammer, Innofix is the fastest and easiest fixing on the market and up to 40% quicker than using traditional nailed clips.

Redland – Enquiry 109

Sika

Cembrit is proud to announce the addition of two new sizes to its Glendyne range of natural slates, 60x30 and 50x30, offering roofers larger slates and more versatility when working on lower pitched roofs. The larger sized Glendyne natural slates, 60x30 and 50x30, can be pitched at a minimum of 25° and 20° in moderate exposure zones and 30° and 22.5° in sever exposure zones respectively. The slates exceed the common 2:1 length width ratio, allowing for specification on greater range of roof pitches.

Cembrit – Enquiry 110

Klober air-open roofing underlay for heritage restoration

Liquid Plastics wins project of the year accolade

Sika Liquid Plastics is celebrating its success in winning the Liquid Roofing Project of the Year (under 1000m2) Award at the inaugural Liquid Roofing & Waterproofing Association (LRWA) Awards & Gala. The company’s involvement in the roof refurbishment of Lancaster University’s iconic Chaplaincy building secured the coveted award, beating strong competition from a number of shortlisted projects.

Sika Liquid Plastics’ Pinewood Film Studio and West Suffolk Hospital projects made the final for the Liquid Roofing Project of the Year at the LRWA awards, alongside contractors Central Roofing and Allard Construction, respectfully. Sika Liquid Plastics training manager, Mark Monk was also nominated for Trainer of the Year.

Vertical Access and Permicoat, Sika Liquid Plastics’ Quality Assured Contractor, delivered the roof refurbishment at Lancaster University Chaplaincy involved the use of the Decothane Ultra system on the building’s three circular roofs and the distinctive three-pronged spire, which makes the building so recognisable as

part of the University’s logo and a landmark building on entering the campus. The virtually odourless Decothane Ultra system is applied without the need to use a flame torch allowing the Chaplaincy to remain fully operational throughout the project.

Sika – Enquiry 112

Klober Permo® air HT roofing underlay has been used in the restoration of Marble Hill near Adelaide. Having been destroyed by a bush fire it had not been restored despite being in the care of the National Trust and Department for Environment and Heritage until 2009. The restoration is being undertaken without public funding with work focussing on the revival of artisan trades and use of sustainable materials under the supervision of a heritage architect. Permo air’s exceptional breathability has seen it used for a number of similar high profile projects.

Klober – Enquiry 111

Wienerberger has further increased its product offering with the launch of a new Kassei KTF clay paver. Measuring at 150 x 150 x 65mm, the Kassei KTF clay paver can be laid on both a rigid and flexible bed allowing for a versatile build whatever the scheme design. With the appearance of natural stone, the new clay paver is available in four different colours including Astra, Caron, Lotis and Orion, all of which are available in a tumbled design for a more traditional aesthetic or an un-tumbled design for a smoother, more uniformed appearance.

Wienerberger – Enquiry 113

Kingspan provides premium solution for community housing

Residents of two community housing blocks in Ashton-under-Lyne are enjoying the benefits of a more energy efficient home, thanks to a major insulation retrofit featuring the premium performance of Kingspan Kooltherm K5 External Wall Board. Installed by The Casey Group, 60 mm Kingspan Kooltherm K5 External Wall Board was specified within the Alumasc Swisslab External Wall Insulation (EWI) System to create a highly-insulated envelope and reduce thermal bridging. It is designed to be installed behind lightweight polymer modified renders, such as the dry dash render applied to the flat blocks.

Kingspan – Enquiry 114

Wienerberger expands its range with new Kassei KTF clay paver

Cembrit expands its Glendyne natural slate range

Hammersley House refurbishment features underfloor air conditioning

AET FLEXIBLE SPACE, UNDERFLOOR AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTS HAVE JUST COMPLETED ANOTHER WEST END PROJECT IN

LONDON

AT HAMMERSLEY HOUSE, 5-8 WARWICK STREET.

M&E Consultant, MTT specified the mechanical services design for the refurbishment and AET Flexible Space worked in conjunction with the appointed M&E Contractor, WBS Mechanical Services to deliver the underfloor air conditioning system specified for the 11,000 sq. ft. of Grade –A office accommodation on floors 1-4.

With underfloor systems, fully conditioned air is fed into the plenum by zonal downflow units (CAM), which is then supplied into the workspace via fan terminal units (Fantile) recessed into the floor. Systems can be either chilled water or direct expansion, configured with either floor level or high level return and they can easily integrate with passive or other ventilation systems.

The final system specification at Hammersley House is a CAM-V direct expansion (DX) system, with underfloor supply air and return air at high level. The high level return air option is often preferred as it can offer

greater flexibility for positioning Fantiles for future and speculative tenants as there is no air segregation baffle dividing the underfloor plenum. A total of seven CAM-V downflow units provide conditioned air to the four floors, with two zones on floors 1 to 3 and a larger single unit for the smaller 4th floor. These each are connected to

respectively sized, high efficiency Daikin VRV4 heat pumps located on the rooftop. The underfloor void is 400mm, more than adequate to accommodate the standard TU4 Fantile unit which all have additional 500W heaters for additional performance.

AET – Enquiry 115

A lesson in flooring from Itec Contract Floors

sheet vinyl flooring from Itec Contract Floors can provide a solution across a broad range of applications found in education environments.

Primarily, all Itec Contract Floors sheet vinyl delivers a hard-wearing and low-maintenance surface that requires minimum fuss to keep looking good.

covering home-like wood effects through to architectural looks like granite and concrete, as well as a broad array of abstract and unicolour looks. Many designs are available across categories, with popular oak looks in acoustic, safety and decorative options making it possible to create a uniform aesthetic regardless of function.

Quadrant demonstrates depth at offices

Carpet tiles, planks and woven vinyl from Quadrant have transformed the London offices of insurance broker, Integro, to help create a bright and contemporary working environment. In working spaces, carpet tiles from Quadrant dominate, providing underfoot comfort and acoustic absorption along with long-term wear resistance thanks to a highquality 12th gauge construction. Elsewhere, cut-pile Zephyr Heliotrope and Shimmer Moonlit carpet planks, working as area rugs, add luxury beneath relaxed seating in striking purple velvet. Quadrant’s influence is rounded out with Ntgrate woven vinyl, Brave tiles in Sam selectively used to add elegant textural pattern.

Quadrant – Enquiry 116

Equipped with Hyperguard+ PUR technology; all acoustic, safety and decorative floors need no specialist maintenance and resist scuff and marks. This ensures that classrooms, corridors, congregation areas, kitchens, studies and student bedroom flooring can be maintained under normal regimes, making Itec Contract Floors economical in care. Secondly, Itec Contract Floors deliver exclusive designs,

The aesthetic principles of these designs can be enhanced with Itec’s four-metre wide option and proprietary Invisiweld technology. Allowing for fewer and stronger seams that are almost imperceptible to the eye; this is a combination favoured in a growing number of education and higher education environments.

Itec

Contract – Enquiry 117

TECTUS Hinges - Concealed Perfection

SIMONSWERK TECTUS - A COMPLETE SOLUTION AND EXTENSIVE RANGE, MULTI AWARD WINNING ICONIC DESIGN AND PRECISE ENGINEERED FUNCTIONALITY.

TECTUS hinges allow for three dimensional adjustments to obtain perfect door alignment, contain maintenance free bearings and present a flush fitting clean line design.

Created for safety, with minimum pivot gaps to prevent finger injury, these hinges are available in an unrivalled range of high quality surface finishes and size options carrying up to 300kg door weights.

The TECTUS A8 versions accommodate door fascias and claddings up to 8mm, allowing for glass or laminate door designs and the TECTUS “Energy” option integrates permanent power transfer.

E:sales@simonswerk.co.uk T:01215222848 W:www.simonswerk.co.uk

SIMONSWERK – Enquiry 118

FD30 fire doors from bespoke timber experts West Port have been proven to withstand fires for 40% longer than the legal requirement.

To achieve an FD30 rating, products have to hold flames at bay for 30 minutes. Subjected to rigorous testing by both Cambridge Fire Research and BRE, West Port’s door managed to withstand temperatures in excess of 800 degrees Celsius for 42 minutes 7 seconds, or 40% longer.

Ken Mercer, West Port Commercial Sales Director commented: “It’s clear that for far too long, attitudes towards fire safety have been too lax, and it’s the responsibility of everyone in the

construction industry to help ensure nothing like this happens again.

“It’s frighteningly common for manufacturers to test their fire door components separately, rather than testing the completely assembled door set.

“At West Port, we treat fire safety with the utmost seriousness – and our fire-rated products are among the most robust and reliable in the industry. We treat 30 minutes as a bare minimum, not a target – and because of that, we’re delighted, but not surprised, to see our product perform so well in testing.”

Westport – Enquiry 120

More information with new Mighton catalogues

Choosing and using Mighton products has been made easier than ever with two new, product-dedicated catalogues.For 2018 the company has launched separate catalogues for its core ranges, making each more focussed on each customer’s needs, as well as adding new product ranges and much more technical and how-to information. Chairman Mike Derham said: “Now, with these new catalogues, we have not only packed in more of everything, we have also made them quicker and easier to choose the products – and to learn how to make the very most of them.”

Mighton – Enquiry 119

West Port doors last 40% longer in rigorous FD30 testing