Specification Magazine August 2015

SMART OSB OPENS THE DOOR TO LOW ENERGY BUILDING

Low environment impact, cost efficiencies and aesthetic appeal make wood a natural choice in low energy and passive construction. With an airtight building envelope and high levels of insulation integral to this building concept, high performance OSB (oriented strand board) panels are fast becoming the specification of choice for architects and designers. www.enquire.to/spec - ENQUIRY 1

Promoting a sad race to the bottom? Welcome

hen it comes to innovation and enterprise, the one thing industry demands of government is stable policy and regulation.

Yet time and again, just as an industry sector appears to be making an important breakthrough, the rules are changed. By doing so, the rug is seemingly pulled from under the feet of those who have been making the running with the innovations the policy levers were designed to promote.

The latest example is the scrapping of the zero-carbon homes target – that all new homes are zero-carbon from 2016. This was originally introduced to help meet the 2008 Climate Change Act’s mandate of an 80% CO2 reduction by 2050.

The Government says scrapping the targets will reduce regulation and increase productivity in the sector. But housebuilders, planners, energy companies and green groups alike have condemned the move.

Julie Hirigoyen, chief executive of the UK Green Building Council, says the decision is “the death knell” for the zero carbon homes policy.

“It is short-sighted, unnecessary, retrograde and damaging to the house-building industry, which has invested heavily in delivering energy-efficient homes,” she adds. “Britain needs more housing but there is no justification for building homes with a permanent legacy of high energy bills.”

At the nub of the argument is the widely held misconception that creating sustainable homes takes longer and is more expensive. This doesn’t need to be the case, particularly for those who invest in innovation.

In a bitter-sweet irony, the government’s decision coincided with the announcement of the successful completion of the UK’s first “carbon positive” house in Bridgend, Wales.

The Solcer House is said to require no input of energy for 70% of the year, and to export much more electricity to the national grid during the summer than it needs to import during the winter.

Four Welsh universities were involved in the project, which was headed by Cardiff University’s Welsh School of Architecture. Other partners include Tata Steel, NSG Pilkington and BASF.

The house took just 16 weeks to construct and cost £1,000/m2that’s within the range for social housing of £800 to £1,000/m2. In future, its owners will make money from selling excess energy.

Professor Phil Jones, who led the project, says: “Using the latest technology, innovation and design, the cost of our carbon-positive house is similar to that of the social housing benchmark, making it an affordable option for house builders.”

The chancellor’s reason for dropping the zero carbon homes commitment was because zero carbon builds could not be achieved within £1,000/m2. The Solcer House suggests the Treasury’s rationale is deeply flawed.

DAVID STILES // PUBLISHER

Geo range of street furniture and Saxon textured paving were used at 151 Rosebery in London to create a well-lit, elegant, functional and aesthetically pleasing area with a bright modern identity and appropriate cycle facilities that was fully let before completion.

The amazing world of engineering

The shortlist for The Structural Awards 2015 has been released by The Institution of Structural Engineers.

Structures from 13 nations are recognised, including the tallest observation wheel in the world, a bridge modelled on a Japanese hand fan, a memorial to victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks, and an ‘amphibious’ house. The winners will be announced at The Structural Awards ceremony in London on Friday 13 November 2015.

Martin Powell, Chief Executive of The Institution of Structural Engineers, said: “This year’s shortlist illustrates the extraordinary scope and beauty of great structural engineering, and the amazing range of abilities engineers have: designing everything from practical, affordable housing for developing nations and spectacular showpiece structures to vital infrastructure solutions and projects to mitigate the effects of climate change. This Structural Awards shortlist really recognises the outstanding professionalism and creativity of structural engineers and the profound effect they have in helping to shape our world.”

Ray of light yet to pierce election gloom

The latest Glenigan Index shows that starts have still not recovered after an election related hiatus.

While reflecting a short term shock rather than a change in the industry’s growth trajectory, the recent dearth of new projects will hold back output over the next 12 months. The underlying value of construction starts fell by 27% during the three months to July compared to a year earlier.

The decline over the period impacted on all construction industry sectors tracked by Glenigan, and on all but one part of the UK. North East England was the only region to see an upturn in starts compared to a year earlier. Private housing was the least disastrous area

The grand final of The

during the latest period; starts fell by 8% compared to a year ago, well above the -27% average overall and sufficient to keep the private housing sector in growth mode when viewed over 2015 so far.

Social housing however saw a steep decline in starts. Housing associations are now digesting a new set of challenges to their business and funding models as a result of the policies of the new Conservative government, such as a mandated reduction in rent levels and the mooted extension of the right to buy to their tenants.

Non-residential activity suffered an even sharper 26% decline during the three months to July.

Golf Classic

The 23rd year of the Golf Classic tournament is well underway and the competition is intensifying before the winning team is decided at the Grand Final, which this year is held at the Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club.

The Golf Classic is the national golfing tournament for the UK construction industry. For many, the Golf Classic continues to be a relevant and vibrant social and sporting event.

Many players return each year to enjoy their golf, and build business relationships. The competition attracts talented and

2015 is in sight

enthusiastic golfers of all abilities from a wide variety of professions.

The 10,000-acre Championship Arden Course, designed by renowned golf architect, Donald Steel, has played host to a number of international tournaments including the British Masters and the English Open.

The Golf Classic is proud to be supported by Marley Plumbing & Drainage who’ve been a sponsor of the tournament since it started 23 years ago. Marley Plumbing & Drainage is a leading manufacturer and supplier of above and below ground drainage.

Once in a while a product comes along and changes everything, from the way it’s crafted to the way it works. Products are often copied and many are great ideas that never really see true success in their application. Many years are spent searching for a product that will ultimately surpass expectations, stand the test of time and become recognised as the leader in its field.

We created one of those successful products nearly two decades ago and still today it has never been equalled.

Why?

Because we have never compromised on quality.

www.enquire.to/spec - ENQUIRY 9

UNIFOLD® Unrivalled excellence in gutter lining technology. www.gutterliners.com

It takes a long time to create perfection.

Luxury development features Hueck systems

Situated in the heart of Chelsea, the Cheyne Terrace residential development is amongst the most luxurious pieces of real estate in London, and features high performance aluminium windows and doors, from Hueck’s Lambda product range.

The elegant building was designed by MSMR Architects, who specialise in prime central London residential property, with Hueck UK’s involvement in the design and specification of the windows and doors.

The apartments benefit from thermally insulated Lambda 77 L IF side hung and fixed casement windows, many of which provide floor-to-ceiling glazed areas. The Lambda 77 L French door sets offer smooth and effortless operation, and enable each apartment’s access to its own impressive terrace-garden.

With a frame U-value as low as 1.0 W/(m²×K) for the windows, and 1.6 W/(m²×K) for the doors sets, and a Burglar Resistance level up to RC3, and WK3 respectively, Hueck’s Lambda range met all the performance requirements for this project.

Demand for construction staff remains strong in

July

Job vacancies for construction staff continued to rise strongly at the start of the third quarter, according to the latest Report on Jobs, published by KPMG and the REC.

The sector was in joint-first place out of nine in the table of demand for permanent staff, and top in the rankings for temp staff.

At 68.3 in July, the index measuring demand for permanent construction employees was up from 58.6 in June, and pointed to a strong rate of expansion that was above the UK average (63.2).

The equivalent index for temporary/contract construction workers came in at 69.6, up from 61.0 in June and indicative of a marked and accelerated rate of growth. The UK average for short-term workers was 62.2.

Richard Threlfall, Head of Infrastructure, Building and Construction at KPMG, said: “It is clear we are in the grip of an industry wide skills shortage, which shows no signs of abating. Businesses are struggling to find

the talent they need and this will have long term implications for their growth plans and potentially impact the wider performance of the UK’s economy. In July over two fifths of recruiters reported a fall in the number of people looking for work, the steepest decline seen in eight months.

“The construction industry in particular is struggling to keep pace with demand, with businesses heavily recruiting both permanent and temporary workers. This is driving significant pay growth in the sector of almost 5%, even outstripping Britain’s surging services industry which in comparison saw pay increases of just over 3%.

“The risk is that a shortage of skilled labour in this sector could impede Britain’s major building projects and put the brakes on the country’s booming real estate market.

“The likelihood is we will see no immediate improvement to this situation. We are already seeing hints of a summer slowdown, as both businesses and candidates put their jobs plans on hold and take holiday over August.”

NBS releases BIM Toolkit updates

NBS has released a series of further updates to its BIM Toolkit - the classification system and digital plan of work that will sit at the heart of the Government’s Level 2 BIM suite of documents and guidance.

Since release of the initial BETA version of the Toolkit in April, NBS has been collating feedback from users which it has now used to inform a series of enhancements. Primary amongst these are updates to the Uniclass 2015 tables and updates to the Level of Information (LOI) and Level of Detail (LOD) templates. In addition, new features include the ability to define specific Employer’s Information Requirements (EIRs) at each stage of a project and refer these back to the original ‘plain language questions’. This means that the process of defining EIRs and generating a task information delivery plan in line with PAS 1192:2 is straightforward for any client or client advisor and was something requested by many early adopters.

NBS has also incorporated the single most requested change, the ability to invite other members of the project team to access the project on the BIM Toolkit. Now, the owner of a digital plan of work can invite named users to view the project via their PC, Mac or mobile device. Whilst these users cannot amend data such as tasks and responsibilities, they are able to post comments and suggestions.

David Philp, Head of BIM for the UK BIM Task Group commented: “The BIM Toolkit is the final piece of jigsaw to complete the Government’s BIM Task Group Level 2 programme. The complete level-2 BIM package of documentation and tools will enable the industry to greatly improve the procurement process through the use of data and data verification. This will assist the UK construction and operation industry to operate more efficiently, increasing productivity and reducing waste.”

Shortlist for Brick Awards 2015 announced

The Brick Development Association has announced the shortlist for the 39th annual Brick Awards showcasing innovation, sustainability and architectural design in brick.

After another hugely successful year in 2014, the Brick Awards is back and on an even grander scale at The Hilton, Park Lane, London on the November 18 2015.

The Brick Awards has become one of the most established and prestigious awards ceremonies in the construction sector.

One of the finalists is Seven Pancras Square designed by Studio Donnie Architects and stands at the gateway to King’s Cross. The stunning brick façade wraps around the iconic Stanley Building, an existing listed Grade ll building built in 18641865. The project is up for three awards; Best Commercial Building, Best Urban Regeneration Project and Innovative use of Brick and Clay.

Categories include: Best Housing Development 1 – 5 Units, Best Housing Design Award, Best Commercial Building, Best Urban Regeneration Project, Best Refurbishment Project, Innovative use of Brick and Clay, Best International and Worldwide, Best Outdoor Space, Volume Housebuilding Award, Best Craftsmanship Award and Specialist Brickwork Contractor of the Year.

Rigidal and SpeedDeck unite to form Omnis Roofing

& Cladding

Two industry pioneers have joined forces to become the roofing and cladding division of Omnis.

With a combined 50 years’ experience, plus projects such as the famous Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, the stunning Conference Centre in Hong Kong, the prestigious London’s Wembley Stadium and big brand supermarkets like Aldi, Asda and Morrisons under their belt, the union is set to make a big impact.

Both companies have been well-known for their high performing, UK manufactured roofing and metal facades systems such as; SpeedDeck, ZipLok, Lokfold, LokRoll, Cladscreen and ACM Panels.

John Fahy, Omnis Managing Director says: “It’s about bringing together good people and great products, then dusting off the cobwebs and interjecting some new life into the business. The heritage that SpeedDeck and Rigidal bring with them is not to be ignored and we don’t want to; we want to ensure people know the origins of Omnis and the passion that it brings with it. Going forward we want to bring the very best to the roofing and cladding market by way of quality, choice and mutually beneficial partnerships.”

Omnis also provides complete rainscreen solutions including its very own UK manufactured reconstituted stone panel ‘Petrarch’ and the well-respected Downer Framing solutions.

The UK’s largest modular build project underway

Premier Interlink, a leading manufacturer and supplier of modular buildings, has been appointed as the preferred bidder for the construction of a modular building complex.

The project comprises offices and site welfare facilities, required for the proposed construction of the new EDF Nuclear power generation plant at Hinkley Point C in Somerset.

This vast £40 million, 38,000 sq m, impressive range of buildings will house all the management and technical personnel required during the scheduled 10 year

construction stage of this much needed new nuclear power plant.

Almost 1000 steel framed modules will be constructed ‘off site’ at Premier’s stateof- the-art manufacturing facility in East Yorkshire, before being transported to the HPC Site for final assembly and fitting out – a process that will take only 16 months from manufacture to hand over.

The proposed EDF HPC will provide reliable, low carbon electricity to meet 7% of UK demand. During its 60 years of operation, it will avoid around 9 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

Innovation provides you with roofing and cladding solutions that are as ground-breaking as they are practical and as valuable as they are cost-effective. Put simply we innovate to provide products that are relevant and useful to you.

Our commitment to innovation delivers high quality, cutting edge manufacture and a raft of new products that provide added value through the combination of better performance and lower costs. Some of our recent product innovations include Vieo, Opus, sinusoidal cladding, Quattro, integrated solar panels, transpired solar collectors, and a more efficient stainless steel halter for standing seam roofs. Innovation also provides the highest levels of product performance and technical support, such as low U-values, CE Marking and BIM compatibility.

A culture of innovation is present throughout our supply chain, with Elite Systems using only Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® and Colorcoat Prisma® from Tata Steel. These Colorcoat® products come with the Confidex® Guarantee offering extended cover for up to 40 years on Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® and up to 30 years on Colorcoat Prisma®. Colorcoat® products are certified to BES6001

Responsible Sourcing standard.

Our two most recent innovations are the new Opus panel and sinusoidal profiled sheet.

Innovation

Investment in state-of-the-art manufacturing machinery enables us to provide the increasingly popular sinusoidal profile on a short lead time and at a competitive price.

Opus is the new plank panel that is available as part of an Elite system, a LINEAR Rainscreen and a LINEAR Rainspan system, as well as being ideal for use as a soffit plank.

Hörmann provides executive style for luxury car company

igh-end car hire company

Platinum Executive Travel (PET) has completed a significant new build project at its headquarters in Birmingham.

Established in 2006, PET now houses its impressive portfolio of luxury, 4x4 and super cars in its stylish new premises located on Coventry Road in Yardley.

The family-run company is owned by entrepreneur, Saleem Iqbal, who successfully project managed the commercial build within two years from July 2013 to April 2015.

Prior to the recent development, Saleem sold second-hand cars from the same site, while growing the prestigious PET side of the business.

For eight years, Saleem and his family showcased an increasing number of premium vehicles for hire at their nearby home address. As the fleet grew, it became apparent that larger facilities were needed in order to purchase further vehicles and reach into new markets, all while fulfilling existing client contracts.

The plot, which is 10,000sq.ft, accommodates PET’s office space and showroom, with 20 models of Rolls Royce, Bentley, Lamborghini, Ferrari and Mercedes, available for weddings, events and corporate use.

Saleem worked very closely with his architects on a modern design that expressed his vision, so that the building stood out from its neighbouring premises.

But when it came to sourcing tradesmen and materials for the three front showroom doors, Saleem needed something eye-catching that would be complementary to the cars, yet in keeping with their surroundings.

Paul Harrison, central area sales manager at industrial door manufacturer Hörmann suggested the ALR F42 Vitraplan doors, due to the exclusive appearance they can achieve. With flush-fitted mirrored glazing and concealed, matching frame profiles, nothing detracts from the elegant look of the continuous grey glazing.

“My favourite aspect of the structure is the way in which the doors sit perfectly with the

overall design of the building,” commented Saleem. “Now that the ALR Vitraplans are installed, they are even better than I expected.”

The family-run company employs more than 6,000 staff and is renowned for its quality and innovation for up-and-over, roller, sectional and side sliding garage doors and operators, as well as entrance and internal doors for the home.

All Hörmann doors are produced adhering to multiple environmentally-friendly procedures, from the colour coatings and foam infills used in its products, to the company’s regenerative exhaust filter systems that are in operation in its factories.

THE HÖRMANN GROUP IS A LEADING DOOR MANUFACTURER BASED IN GERMANY WITH ITS UK HEADQUARTERS IN LEICESTERSHIRE, WHICH SUPPLIES TO A MULTITUDE OF PRIVATE AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES ACROSS EUROPE, ASIA AND NORTH AMERICA.

Hörmann

Standing the test of time

MICHAEL RIDING, DIRECTOR AT ELTHERINGTON, LOOKS AT HOW SPECIFIERS IN THE RETAIL SECTOR ARE USING ARCHITECTURAL METALWORK TO CREATE A SUITABLE ROBUST YET VISUALLY INSPIRING FIRST IMPRESSION WITH SHOPPERS.

ince the emergence of superstores in the 1960’s, designers have been searching for better ways to make a store appeal to shoppers.

The facade, because it is the most visible element, has always been an area of focus and the newly completed Tesco store in Rotherham illustrates how this can be achieved by careful choice of material and use of architectural proportion.

The structural steelwork contractor on this project, Billington Structures, initially approached us when they were looking for a supply and installation service for the column casings around the entrance. We had recently invested and expanded our capabilities in this area and after exploring a number of different options, the specifiers chose full height circular column casings in stainless steel with polished satin finish. This was considered the most complimentary to the other materials – cedar cladding, perforated steel and glassused on the entrance area.

We knew that the most efficient way of approaching this work was to supply the

column casings in two halves, which ensured quicker installation of the four-sections-percolumn. They were fixed to the steel substructure using a secret fix system combined with infill strips to retain the perfectly circular, smooth shape and were engineered for extra rigidity to withstand impact by heavy wheeled shopping trolleys.

As a material, stainless steel, when used in as a facade solution, offers numerous benefits. Principally, it is corrosion resistant and that means that it won’t be affected by the surrounding environment, which in the case of the store was near a main road and open to the elements.

However, it is the aesthetics of stainless steel that has resulted in a resurgence of

use in the retail sector. The material’s pure design quality conveys a timeless modernity to any building and is one of the reasons why it is now preferred by store designers throughout the world, and who are exploiting the possibilities it offers in terms of aesthetics and performance.

Some of the most stunningly designed retail stores we have supplied use stainless steel as the central visual theme. When this is combined with complementary materials such as glass and timber, like at the Rotherham store, it creates some very pleasing architectural forms. These aesthetic qualities have been used to great effect, to such an extent that the attention to detail on the exterior store has become as noticeable for the right reasons as the internal design scheme.

The use of stainless steel as an architectural element of modern buildings continues to grow. Many more prestigious buildings are now using the material for internal fittings as well as for facade and roofing elements.

From the Chrysler Building in New York to The Sage at Gateshead, stainless steel is one of the most striking and versatile materials around. When used as a facade and column casing solution it offers physical as well as aesthetic benefits and provides clients with a purity and longevity of design rarely found in other materials.

Prestige Johannesburg office development stays cool with SE Controls

A NEW PRESTIGE OFFICE DEVELOPMENT IN SANDTON, JOHANNESBURG IS USING A COMBINED SMOKE AND NATURAL VENTILATION SYSTEM, INVOLVING AUTOMATIC WINDOW VENTS IN THE BUILDING’S ELLIPTICAL GLAZED CENTRAL TOWER, WHICH IS ACTUATED AND CONTROLLED BY AN INTEGRATED SOLUTION FROM SE CONTROLS AFRICA.

Located in the Sandton business area, which is regarded as one of South Africa’s prime commercial locations, the R208 million (£10.7 million) Capital Hill development combines seven floors of office space with residential apartments, as well as covered parking for almost 400 vehicles.

Designed by MWLF Architects, the building not only provides high quality business facilities and residential accommodation, but is also highly energy efficient and is constructed to achieve a ‘Four Green Star’ rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa.

As part of this process, the building’s 12 storey elliptical central tower features a fully glazed external facade within an aluminium

lattice structure, which incorporates an automatic window and vent opening system to provide natural ventilation and overnight cooling, as well as smoke ventilation in the event of a fire.

To achieve the necessary level of versatility and control required for the automated vent system, SE Controls supplied 49 SECO N 24 25 twin chain actuators with a 350mm stroke length together with 7 SHEVTEC® control panels and manual control points (MCP), which were networked using the company’s OSLink network cards. An external weather station was also installed to provide an information feed on ambient conditions into the system.

In normal operation, the windows open and close automatically, to provide cooling and a

supply of fresh air, but in the event of a fire this is over-ridden and vents are opened to allow smoke to be vented, enabling escape routes to be kept smoke free.

Further information on SE Controls’ products, solutions and projects can be obtained by visiting www.secontrols.com or calling +44 (0) 1543 443060.

SE Controls – Enquiry 15

Rooflights & Canopies

A brand new angle for joined up solutions…

Marlon Clickfix 1040 provides a standardised solution for rooflights and canopies with pitches as low as 5°. Featuring the cleverly designed Marlon Clickfix RL frame, the modular polycarbonate panels simply click into place to create a seamless glazing aesthetic for unlimited runs with no visible fixings, providing the complete architectural glazing system.

See the installation video www.marlonclickfix.com

For more information call 024 7660 2022 or email daylight@brettmartin.com www.marlonclickfix.com

Armstrong Ceilings prove just the tonic for patients and the environment in Glasgow

THE NEW SOUTH GLASGOW UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AND ROYAL HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN, WHICH WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED BY HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN ON JULY 3 AND CONSEQUENTLY RENAMED THE QUEEN ELIZABETH UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, IS A BENCHMARK PROJECT FOR MANY REASONS.

ne is its size – being the largest hospital building project in Europe to date, and another its design for client NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde by specialist healthcare architects IBI Group (formerly Nightingale Associates) – which is colourful and brave in its use of internal “floating” cantilevered pods, among other elements.

First impressions aside, it is equally groundbreaking in the background, being the largest off-cut recycling project to date by Armstrong Ceilings who diverted more than 10,000m2 or 35 tonnes of mineral ceiling tile off-cuts from landfill.

It was also the largest project to date featuring elements from Armstrong Ceilings’ service and systems portfolio – not just tiles for acoustic and healthcare purposes but

also a variety of suspension and Dry Wall Grid systems with bespoke Axiom perimeter solutions - backed by the company’s industry-leading 30-year systems warranty.

James Bailey, senior quantity surveyor (construction) for Brookfield Multiplex, said the Armstrong wall-to-wall ceiling systems specified by the architects had met all the required SHTMs (Scottish Health Technical Memorandum), were a “suitable product range for a major hospital” and had been used extensively as a major internal fit-out component throughout both the adult and children’s elements.

He also added: “Armstrong’s commitment to recycling damaged tiles and off-cuts was a key factor in their selection for this project.”

Ceilings – Enquiry 17

CPD FOCUS

LOW CARBON GRP DAYLIGHT SOLUTIONS CPD FROM HAMBLESIDE DANELAW

Hambleside Danelaw is pleased to announce the latest CPD seminar, Low Carbon GRP Daylight Solutions for the Metal Building Envelope. The RIBA approved seminar delivers an understanding of how rooflight configuration choices can impact on the overall contribution rooflights can make to the metal building envelope with particular focus on: light transmission; thermal performance and insulation values; embodied carbon; and non-fragility. The seminar identifies the performance and environmental benefits of GRP, and covers the Design and Build it, and Climate areas of RIBA core curriculum. For more information please contact cpd.seminars@ hambleside-danelaw.co.uk

GEZE’S CPD PROGRAMME ALLOWS ARCHITECTS TO LEARN AT ALL HOURS

Chartered RIBA architects can now learn at any time of day thanks to a new series of breakfast and tea-time CPD seminars from GEZE UK. Traditionally GEZE UK offered lunch-time training, but has now increased the sessions available to give chartered architects the flexibility to fit compulsory learning around their working day. The presentations offered are designed to give invaluable advice and guidance. They include EN 16005 - Safeguarding Pedestrians from Accidents at Power Operated Doorsets; Glass Door Assemblies - Selection and Specification; Designing Effective Natural Heat and Smoke Ventilation and Removing Barriers to Access. CPD Presentations can be arranged for between 7am and 10am, at lunch time or between 4pm and 7pm. To find out more or to book a CPD seminar, email cpd@geze.com

Armstrong

Marshalls Street Furniture & Paving at 151 Rosebery Avenue, London

151 ROSEBERY AVENUE IS A 33,000 SQUARE FEET OFFICE BUILDING IN THE HEART OF ONE OF LONDON’S MOST PROMINENT COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS. FOLLOWING THE DEPARTURE OF TENANTS THE ARCHITECT’S JOURNAL AND THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW, DERWENT LONDON, ONE OF THE CAPITAL’S MOST CREATIVE DEVELOPERS, COMMISSIONED HUGH BROUGHTON ARCHITECTS TO REFURBISH AND EXTEND THE BUILDING.

Part of this refurbishment included creating a bright, modern identity to the courtyard garden and carpark. Located near Sadler’s Well Theatre, and overlooked by most of the offices in the refurbished building, the brief was to create a visually interesting and distinctive break area and vista for staff, as well as an area that would complement the design led architectural building.

The Solution

Marshalls supplied a range of street furniture products and paving to this project. The side-road leading into the courtyard area is flanked by 12 Geo bollards, four of these have added illumination. The main courtyard area itself is lit by an array of three symmetrical Parklight lanterns. The light from their 150W ceramic metal halide lamps, hidden inside the top of each column and bounced back from upper reflectors, creates a soft, uniform lighting effect within the entire space – while avoiding discomfort glare when viewed from surrounding offices.

The area has a number of attractive shrubs and trees in white planters, accompanied by a number of Geo products in stainless steel and aluminium.

The new occupiers of the building have a policy of encouraging staff to cycle to work,

so the courtyard is also equipped with 10 Geo Hoop cycle stands.

Using the Geo range has created a unified area both pleasant and inspiring to look at, ambiently lit and including appropriate facilities to encourage cycling to work.

The use of Marshalls Saxon paving in Charcoal perfectly complements the surrounding buildings as well as the timber that is a central feature to the space.

Marshalls Saxon Textured Flag Paving is blended with a hard Yorkstone aggregate to deliver a unique surface finish, the consistency of the textured surface ensures superb durability and non-slip properties.

The Result

The design and use of products on this project has created a well-lit, elegant, functional and aesthetically pleasing area with a bright modern identity and appropriate cycle facilities that was fully let before completion at an excellent rent.

The UK’s leading hard landscaping manufacturer. Inspiring and innovating since 1895. www.marshalls.co.uk/commercial www.enquire.to/spec

Timber Cladding – the flexibility to create unique designs

This ventilated void between the battens ensures the moisture content remains stable across the boards, making them less susceptible to “cupping”, or curving across its width, where one side absorbs more moisture than the other, swelling at a different rate.

Different species of wood can have dramatically varying durability, quantified according to BS EN 350-1. This specifies five classes, from “very durable” class one (mainly exotic tropical hardwoods, demanding careful sourcing to ensure sustainability) to class five, succinctly described as “not durable” (this includes species like Ash, Sycamore and Beech).

Used untreated, only classes 3 and up are suitable for cladding (excluding the sapwood), however impregnated with an appropriate preservative, all classes can be used. Once we apply preservative, the species and durability class become less relevant than the characteristics of the treatment used, helping simplify the specification process.

Fortunately most coated cladding uses high pressure factory applied finishes (with the use of a paint brush limited to touching up cut ends) usually offering long warranties, but alternatively, various high temperature and chemical processes can be used to enhance durability. In these cases care must be taken

that the processes used are sustainable, and that the treatment hasn’t altered other properties of the wood, such as making the cladding more brittle, or affecting the colour.

We must also consider some potential environmental hazards. Ultraviolet light from the sun can break down pigments and preservatives, but the issues this causes are mainly with appearance rather than durability, where shaded areas end up a different colour from those in full sunlight. This is avoided mainly by minimising details such as overhangs, helping ensure sunlight falls evenly across sections of cladding.

Moisture issues are partly resolved by some of the measures we’ve discussed above, but detailing and fixings also require careful consideration to accommodate the movement in the finished timber. To begin with, we need to accept that some timber movement will occur, and properly account for this. We do this by leaving expansion gaps (typically 8-10mm) wherever boards abut a solid vertical surface (usually something like a window or door frame), and by cutting board to board joints at an angle (to allow adjacent boards to slide, rather than buckle). These precautions should allow most species of timber to expand and contract without affecting the overall appearance, but we still need to work at minimising it if possible. A common problem here is caused by horizontal surfaces such as paved areas, which can

elevate the boards’ moisture content either due to splash back, or by causing ponding which in extreme cases means the base of the boards actually sit in water, with predictably disastrous consequences. Fortunately this is easily avoided by leaving a suitable gap (generally regarded as 200mm) between the lowest edge of the boarding and anything solid and horizontal.

Now while we can’t claim that’s all you will ever need to know about timber cladding, the simple rules above should cover most common designs and features. To further reduce the likelihood of any problems occurring, the A. Proctor Group’s Canjaere Classic and Silverwood Inspire ranges of cladding use proven and warrantied treatments and coatings to ensure both the performance and appearance of the cladding are maintained, whether bright solid colours or natural timber shades are required. You can find out more about both of these, and see some example of how they’ve be used, at www.proctorgroup.com .

LIKE BUILDINGS THEMSELVES, GOOD CLADDING REQUIRES GOOD FOUNDATIONS, WITHOUT WHICH ALL MANNER OF WARPING, TWISTING AND DEFORMATION WILL OCCUR. WITH TIMBER FRAMES, THIS MEANS FIXING INTO STUDWORK NOT SHEATHING, AND FOR MASONRY, SOLIDLY DRILLED AND PLUGGED FIXINGS.

The A. Proctor Group can take care of the external cladding choice of your school, providing a portfolio of products with low maintenance programmes and guarantees to suit refurbishment of the old and building of the new.

Since entering the timber cladding market, the A. Proctor Group have focused on providing high quality and durable cladding systems, combining superior aesthetics with reduced maintenance requirements. This combination of beauty and robustness led Staffordshire County Council to specify the Canjaere Classic cladding system on Rocklands Primary School in Lichfield.

The project was aimed at co-locating a facility for pupils with special needs alongside a mainstream primary school. The redevelopment of the former infants block at Charnwood has allowed improved facilities for the Rocklands pupils including additional classrooms, external play areas and car parking facilities.

Installed by contractors Thomas Vale Construction, the 368m2 of Canjaere Classic Golden was chosen due to the standard 30 year warranty against rot and decay, leading to reductions in both time and cost

for maintenance, particularly important in school applications where durability is a major concern.

After installation in 2009, the A. Proctor Group was invited to use the project as a showcase for the aesthetics of the Canjaere Classic System and has now returned to revisit the project in 2014. After 5 years of service, including several of the harshest winters in recent memory, appearance of the hard wearing Canjaere Classic system is virtually unchanged from when it was installed.

The unique treatment used in the Canjaere Classic system gives the softwood base timber physical properties closer to those of hardwoods, increasing the water resistance and stability, thereby enhancing durability even in the most demanding applications. This enhanced base wood provides a solid base for the coloured finish, ensuring the system

remains as beautiful long term as it does on day one. Available in a range of colours and profiles, the Canjaere Classic system provides a cost effective, low maintenance alternative to natural timbers where a rustic, grained appearance is required. FR grades are also available for use on boundaries, or in projects with specific fire classification requirements.

Alongside Canjaere Classic, the A. Proctor Group also offers the Silverwood Inspire system, with a highly durable solid colour factory applied paint finish. Silverwood Inspire is available in a wide range of colours across two classic profiles, giving a number of options for adding a unique splash of colour to any project.

You can see more example timber cladding projects at www.proctorgroup.com

A Proctor Group – Enquiry 25

We’ll look after the outside While you look after the inside

Smart OSB opens the door to low energy building

LOW ENVIRONMENT IMPACT, COST EFFICIENCIES AND AESTHETIC APPEAL MAKE WOOD A NATURAL CHOICE IN LOW ENERGY AND PASSIVE CONSTRUCTION. WITH AN AIRTIGHT BUILDING ENVELOPE AND HIGH LEVELS OF INSULATION INTEGRAL TO THIS BUILDING CONCEPT, HIGH PERFORMANCE OSB (ORIENTED STRAND BOARD) PANELS ARE FAST BECOMING THE SPECIFICATION OF CHOICE FOR ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS.

Designed and manufactured for a variety of structural and nonstructural applications, SmartPly OSB panels are suitable for flooring, roofing and timber frame sheathing. As one of the most environmentally efficient building materials on the market, SmartPly OSB has been installed as a structural timber panel at the University of East Anglia’s (UEA) The Enterprise Centre – the UK’s first commercial building designed to achieve Passivhaus and BREEAM Outstanding certification.

Textbook OSB application

Delivered by main contractor Morgan Sindall alongside UEA’s Adapt Group, architects Architype, BDP Engineers and Churchman Landscape Architects, The Enterprise Centre sets the standard for sustainable developments with its innovative use of natural materials. Widely regarded as the world’s most renewable building material, timber has been integral at the landmark project.

As well as Corsican Pine from nearby Thetford Forest, some 9,400m2 of SmartPly OSB3 was used in the floor and roof sheeting. To keep thermal bridging to a minimum and to achieve a U-Value of 0.11 W/m2k, the timber frame’s external walls were carefully designed by timber frame specialist Cygnum to include a twin frame system with an insulated gap.

The build-up of the wall panels features 18mm taped SmartPly OSB3 on the inside for racking and airtightness, followed by a 140mm cellulose insulated structural stud, a thermal break cavity filled with cellulose insulation and a second 63mm insulated stud. A breathable wood fibre board was then added to the outside to complete the system and allow moisture to leave the panel – protecting against interstitial condensation and ensuring the thermal insulation of the timber met the requirements.

Manufactured using zero added formaldehyde, SmartPly OSB3 met the client and contractor’s strict requirements for proven performance and extremely low environmental impact.

In addition, the system offers a fully certified alternative to softwood plywood and boasts FSC Chain of Custody certification – a key requirement for this exemplar of low carbon construction.

Passive action

As Passivhaus construction continues to grow in popularity, SmartPly has developed a new structural panel that meets low energy and passive requirements. The result of three years of rigorous development by SmartPly and extensive testing at the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics, SmartPly VapAirTight is recommended by the Passive House Institute as a product for providing airtightness.

Each panel features alternating layers of wood strands coated with a high quality formaldehyde-free binder system to deliver outstanding levels of airtightness. Utilising an in-house speciality surfacing technology, SmartPly VapAirTight’s smooth and durable surface has been specially developed to provide superior bonding of airtight tape at panel joints whilst providing consistently high vapour resistance, eliminating the need for a separate vapour control membrane.

With the increased use of engineered wood in modern construction projects, the evolving SmartPly product range presents the specifier, timber frame manufacturer and contractor with high performance, environmentally friendly systems that make them a natural choice for low energy and passive developments.

SmartPly – Enquiry 26

A matter of taste…

DESIGN PRACTICE THE VAWDREY HOUSE HELPS REIGATE DELI AND FOOD RETAILER CULLENDERS SORT ‘THE WOOD FROM THE TREES’

n 2008 husband and wife team, Marc and Joelle Cullender, gave up careers in advertising, along with their daily commute to London to fulfil a long-held dream of running their own delicatessen.

Soon after they opened the doors to their first shop, a small deli in Redhill, Surrey. Designed by The Vawdrey House, the first Cullenders Deli offered top-level customer service, alongside detailed product knowledge and great coffee.

The response was so positive, that a year later they opened their second shop in Reigate town centre. This was also designed by The Vawdrey House.

More recently, the Cullenders decided to consolidate their two take-away businesses by opening a delicatessen/kitchen with 40 covers. This popular new business offers everything from morning coffee, cakes, hot and cold lunches, plus a wine bar in the evening – while also still functioning as a deli counter and general store.

The Vawdrey House has worked with the Cullenders from the start, helping to realise their dream of opening this successful fullscale, eat-in cafe, deli and food store. The new venture has gone from strength to strength, offering monthly pop-up restaurant evenings featuring popular guest chefs such as Maxwell McKenzie. They’ve also teamed up with a local wine vendor to open in the evenings as a wine bar. Cullenders also offer private bookings for events and parties, which are proving very popular.

The design brief was to create a relaxed, homely feel, but with a contemporary edge. It was also important that the cafe reflected its locality – “to be ‘Reigate’ not ‘London’,” Marc Cullender explains. “Our aim was to create a highly personalised, contemporary space, that was not in any way ‘provincial’, but which firmly reflected our local area.”

Cullenders occupies a prominent high street location. Bold graphics, signage and an eye-catching striped awning gives the deli a

strong street presence, but with a sense of establishment.

The interior is flexible and welcomingtransforming effortlessly from the morning hustle and bustle of a general store to a relaxed space for afternoon tea or lively evening drinks.

Visitors are greeted by a light-filled space, where warm timber floors combine with shelves and panelling in shades of slate green and grey, to create a strong backdrop for the products.

Local photography submitted by customers lines the walls, “adding interest and a sense of community”. Carefully sourced items, such as the reclaimed church pew below the front window, provide quirky elements and a relaxed feel.

Clearly defined by dramatic pendant luminaires, the main counter is designed to work as a shop counter and lean bar at busy times, while converting to a drinks bar in the evening. Behind the counter shelving provides display space, while the materials palette of oiled timber and metro tiles is reminiscent of continental cafes or tapas bars.

“Central to the design is the food and produce itself - shelving runs from floor to the ceiling, providing varied spaces to neatly display deli-groceries – including wines, cheese, charcuterie, olives and chutneys –while emphasising the full height of the shop,” explains Jennifer Hamilton, director of The Vawdrey House.

“Cakes and pastries are displayed on cake stands and baskets on the counter and shelves, with olives in Mediterranean bowls and cheeses on slates within the fridge counter.”

A change in ceiling height at the rear of shop delineates the more cosy dining area. Here leather banquette seating and inset wall lights tucked into the produce display, add warmth, while warm timber tables and a mix of chairs combine with a large gilt edged mirror and wall tiles to create an eclectic, domestic ambience, in contrast to the fresher and brighter front part of the shop.

Project: Arrest Hotel Architect: Van der Valk Design

The open kitchen at the back of the cafe adds further activity to the scene, as chefs produce tasty evening tapas and fresh soups, homemade cakes and sandwiches throughout the day.

“We like to ensure that the atmosphere created is welcoming, and enticing from the street - putting customers at ease as soon as they arrive,” says Hamilton of her practice’s designs for Cullenders.

“Occasionally, you get a brief where this is not what the client is after, for example if they want a minimal, stark environment where customers will feel in awe of the product - some very high end brands do this very effectively. However, currently, I think most retailers are looking for a relaxed environment, a home away from home, where shoppers will feel they belong, and hopefully spend a bit more in the process!”

In terms of what constitutes good retail design, Hamilton adds, this depends hugely on what is being sold: “Every setting and product is different and requires a different approach, but I would say the key element with all retail design has to be wear and tear, as the environments get very heavy use, more so than any other sector.”

Colour, Hamilton says, is often steered by the brand and products: “When you have a very colourful product on display, it is good to have a unified or neutral backdrop to offset it. If your products are quite simple - the retail environment can provide the colour and texture needed.

“With space it is important that there are a variety of settings, so that everyone can find a space which makes them feel comfortable. In Cullenders, this is reflected in the use of the banquette seating to the rear, with lower ceiling and cosier lighting, set against the looser cafe

tables and chairs, or church pew at the front. And also by the range of different displays, some on high shelving like an old fashioned grocer’s shop, and others much more ‘touchy feely’ where you can fill your own pots with olives and help yourself to bread and vegetables.”

Summing up the experience of collaborating with The Vawdrey House, Marc Cullender says: “Working with The Vawdrey House on all of our design projects has been an absolute joy. Jennifer has great ideas and vision and can see how things should be when I can’t see the wood for the trees!”

Smart Design Superior Performance

QuadroClad® Façade systems have been tested for over 40 years to blend form and function effortlessly with outstanding performance.

From complex shapes to exciting colours and finishes, experience unparalleled design freedom with a façade system that will withstand the toughest conditions

Take control of your next external façade project with Hunter Douglas Architectural Projects Tel: 01604 766251 l Email: info@hunterdouglas co uk l www hunterdouglas co uk

Project: Sanmenxia Cultural and Sports Centre Architect: Liu Peng

Purlins and side rails allow high street retailer to take the Next step in distribution

Specialist structural steel manufacturer, voestalpine Metsec plc, has supported construction of the new Next distribution centre in Doncaster through supplying its specialised, rolled to order, steel purlins and side rails.

The distribution centre, which is located at the West Moor Park site, is joining Next’s existing centre at the same location, and will boast a huge 915,848 square feet of floor space including warehouse, office space and mezzanine levels. The new centre will stand alongside the existing distribution centre, with the two structures being linked via a bridge. The project is expected to cost around £55 million, with work having commenced in April of this year.

Contracted by the design team at Billington Structural Steelwork, Metsec’s team of experienced design and sales staff added value through providing design and engineering expertise, technical support and advanced resources such as software. This led to Metsec designing an economic purlin solution which optimised the use of steel, without compromising on performance, resulting in lower costs.

Leigh Hardy, Project Buyer at Billington Structural Steelwork, commented: “The Next distribution centre has been a fantastic project to work on. It’s a huge structure and carries real prestige, due to the end client being a brand as renowned as Next. As part of the project, it was important that we added value in all aspects of the build, so Metsec’s work supplying designed purlins and side rails to the project was hugely important.”

Kevin Jones, Sales Director for Metsec’s Purlin Division, commented: “Here at Metsec, we ensure that our systems are designed to provide optimum levels of structural performance in roof constructions, however it is often the added value we provide to the engineer via our expert staff that they’re most appreciative of. Having been specified on this prestigious project really was a compliment to the technical competence of our whole team of design and sales staff. Providing excellent technical advice is a forte of our team and we pride ourselves on supplementing the engineer’s design needs with load tables, literature and software to support the specification process.”

Expona Flow helps RSPB visitor centre prepare for summer

Vinyl flooring from Polyflor’s new high design and high performance Expona Flow range was recently installed in the refurbished visitor centre at RSPB Bempton Cliffs nature reserve near Bridlington, East Yorkshire.

Designed by East Yorkshire based Salt Architects, the new RSPB Bempton Cliffs visitor centre opened in April 2015 and is expecting a busy summer of visitors coming to see the 200,000 seabirds who nest in the towering chalk cliffs every year. Around 240m² of Expona Flow heavy commercial sheet vinyl flooring in Honey Beige was installed throughout the visitor centre’s exhibition area and gift shop by Paul Hood & Son flooring contractors of Hull.

The Expona Flow PUR collection of heavy commercial sheet vinyl floorcoverings includes 50 wood, stone and abstract designs in a 2 metre wide sheet format with a 2mm gauge and a 0.7mm wear layer. The Honey Beige design is from the Infinity collection in the Expona Flow range and was chosen to complement the surrounding coastal environment of Bempton Cliffs. This striking linear design features beige, gold and brown tones blended together to create the effect of endless wood. For superior cleaning benefits, Expona Flow flooring is cross linked and cured with Polyflor PUR polyurethane reinforcement for a simple polishfree maintenance regime.

Polysafe Verona PUR decorative, carborundumfree safety flooring was also installed in stairwells, corridors and bathroom areas to provide sustainable wet slip resistance. The installed Cookie Cream shade features virtually invisible safety particles and tonal decorative chips to give the look of smooth vinyl with the performance of a safety floor.

Polyflor – Enquiry 30

Emergency response for Tesco Express and store opens just four weeks after its arrival on site

Just weeks after a severe fire destroyed the Tesco Express store in Heywood, Greater Manchester, the Portakabin Group had constructed a new store in its place which is now open and serving customers. The emergency response project involved the use of a Yorkon off-site solution which allowed the rapid construction of a new Tesco Express store. The building was installed on site in just one day and opened less than four weeks later, despite challenging ground conditions on the petrol filling station site. Yorkon off-site solutions from the Portakabin Group have now been used to construct 242 projects for Tesco in the last 15 years. The Group has delivered a wide range of buildings for the food retailer – from convenience and petrol filling station stores to award-winning 10,000sqft interim supermarkets and a 28,000sqft eco-store.Commenting on the Heywood project, Daniel Frith, Tesco Development Manager for Convenience Stores, said, “Modular construction is an ideal solution for disaster recovery because of the rapid speed and value for money it can offer. We are really pleased with the finished Express store at Heywood and would certainly recommend Yorkon building solutions to other retailers in similar circumstances. The project delivery team from the Portakabin Group performed fantastically well and was very fast to respond to the crisis situation we had. The site transformation in such a short time was phenomenal and is a credit to everyone involved.” Other emergency projects carried out by the Portakabin Group include a 13,300sqft purpose-built, interim supermarket to help Tesco ease some of the problems faced by the flood-hit community of Workington in Cumbria after thousands of residents were cut off north of the River Derwent. This store was delivered and installed on a brownfield site in an unprecedented 18 hours, and open and trading just 13 days after start on site. For further information about Yorkon off-site solutions from the Portakabin Group see www.yorkon.info.

Portakabin Group – Enquiry 31

Lobby adds to sense of community at Sheriff Centre

When the vicar of St James’ Church decided to open

The Sheriff Centre to house improved community facilities, GEZE UK was commissioned to install a sleek new purpose-designed glass lobby that allows members of the community to safely access the facilities in West Hampstead. The lobby features biparting AP glass doors to create a visual connection between the inside and outside spaces. ECdrives were chosen because they have been specifically designed for use in busy areas, allowing people to enter and exit a building quickly and safely.

GEZE – Enquiry 33

A one stop shop solution to the building envelope

CHRIS OATRIDGE, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR FOR THE LAKESMERE GROUP, LOOKS AT HOW A SPECIALIST CONTRACTOR OFFERING A ONE STOP SHOP SERVICE CAN BRING MULTIPLE BENEFITS TO A PROJECT.

As one of the biggest markets outside of housebuilding, retail construction has historically been dominated by the supermarket chains but as the big names start to reign back on their investment, activity is being fuelled by new schemes that provide consumers with the ultimate convenience store.

A recent example from our own order book is the new First Street development in Manchester, a vibrant new neighbourhood in the heart of the city centre. The Lakesmere North team completed various roofing and cladding work as part of the creation of First Street’s new retail block, four-star hotel and multi-storey car park, successfully overcoming the challenges of working on several different elements simultaneously.

On such urban projects that have a very small site footprint, increasingly main contractors are realising the benefits of working with specialist contractors that can deliver more the one package of works. By limiting the number of subcontractors so there are fewer trades to coordinate, the project can not only benefit from faster construction programmes but there is also the increased reliability and reassurance of having all work and warranties with the one supplier.

Mixed-use schemes also present complex design challenges and coordination between the difference interfaces can be problematic.

The building envelope needs to be cohesive and yet meet the technical requirements of the scheme’s individual elements and this is particularly important if the project features residential or hotel accommodation alongside retail and leisure areas. Although the increasing use of BIM will help to better coordinate the design and installation of the different interfaces, this can also be achieved by working with one specialist that can solely deliver the full building envelope as efficiency is improved and there are greater opportunities for value engineering.

A recent example of how the Lakesmere Group’s full range of services have been employed is at the new Resorts World Birmingham at the city’s National Exhibition Centre. This major development is set to be the UK’s first integrated destination leisure complex, featuring various facilities including a hotel, shopping malls, conference suites, spa and casino. Here, Lakesmere is delivering the cladding and curtain walling package and McMullen Facades is designing and fabricating the glazing elements.

Multi-sector experience is also vital as retail construction is no longer limited to superstores and shopping centres but is increasingly becoming part of other infrastructure. At Canary Wharf’s new Crossrail Station for example, as the Lakesmere team completed the station box’s attractive buttress and sloped cladding, the McMullen team was delivering an innovative glazing package, including the shop front glazing to the station’s four storeys of retail space, two levels of which are underwater.

The needs of the customer are at the heart of the retail sector and this is just as true for the retail construction market. Specialists must be able to demonstrate their adaptability and those that are able to perform in difficult site locations and provide main contractors, architects and clients with the comprehensive range of services and sector experience that they demand will ultimately make the sale.

Kemperol protects and preserves Tectons at Dudley Zoo

AS ROOFING PROJECTS GO, THEY DON’T COME MUCH MORE UNUSUAL THAN A BEAR RAVINE AT A ZOO!

t Dudley Zoological Gardens (DZG) it’s not just the buildings’ use that made a recent Kemper System project so remarkable, but the heritage of the structures in question too.

Tecton Heritage

The Tecton buildings at DZG - 12 of them in total - were designed by Bethold Lubetkin and his Tecton practice. They are the world’s largest single collection of Tecton buildings and some of the few remaining UK examples of this innovative architectural movement from the 1930s and 1940s.

Tecton was a radical architectural movement that used pre-stressed concrete to create striking curved structures that enabled the architects to work with the challenging slopes and underground limestone caverns on the site.

Over the years, trends in zoo best practice have meant that some of the structures are no longer in use as viewing enclosures. Time has also taken its toll on their wear and tear too: DZG’s Tectons were put on the World Monuments Fund’s watch list of world class buildings threatened by neglect, demolition or disaster in 2010.

As a result, a lottery-funded project is now underway to preserve and protect the structures for future generations.

Sensitive Specification

Among the Grade I and Grade II* Tecton structures that have so far been refurbished at DZG, under the watchful eye of English Heritage, are the entrance canopy and ticket kiosks, concession stands, and the impressive ‘Bear Ravine’ which was once used to allow zoo visitors to view the bears from above at close range.

One of the main priorities of the refurbishment programme is to protect the structures from water and environmental damage due to rainfall, which led to specification of Kemper System’s Kemperol cold liquid-applied waterproofing systems.

Impact on Entrance

The entrance canopy consists of five horizontal ‘S’ shapes, each overlapping the one before to create a wave like ripple that announces the word ‘ZOO’ in big white letters below.

The curved shapes catch rainfall, which makes the structure vulnerable to standing water and the damage it can cause. The Kemperol 2K-PUR waterproofing system was ideal as it is impervious to standing water and able to follow the exact contours of each curve to protect the structure.

Bear Ravine

The design of the Bear Ravine includes a central bear pit with a raised walkway and viewing platform - accessed by a set of concrete stairs - that also forms a partial roof to the largely open building. There is also a viewing pier that extends out at a right angle beneath the main walkway. Explains Stuart Hicks from Kemper System: “The Kemperol waterproofing products

from Kemper System can be applied to the exact contours of the existing prepared concrete substrates in a single process. They cure to form a monolithic membrane that is chemically bonded to the structure, providing an ideal base for the decorative and slip-resistant quartz aggregates chosen to match the look of the original structures.

“As a result, the Kemperol system and aggregates used for the entrance canopy, kiosks and Bear Ravine provide the least obtrusive solution to ensuring long-term protection for the structures without any significant changes to their appearance.”

Phase change plasterboard –thermal mass

without the weight

Knauf Comfortboard

Knauf Comfortboard, with built-in phase change material, is a revolutionary new plasterboard which significantly reduces or completely avoids the energy consumption of conventional air conditioning and heating in new and existing buildings.

And because it’s plasterboard, Knauf Comfortboard is lightweight and quick and easy to install, giving all the benefits of thermal mass but at a fraction of the weight.

So for long-term energy savings and a more comfortable interior environment, use Knauf Comfortboard.

www.knauf.co.uk

Range of colours and finishes mean Hunter Douglas façades stand out from the crowd

CHOOSING A HUNTER DOUGLAS FAÇADE ENABLES ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS TO SELECT THE EXACT LOOK AND FEEL FOR THE EXTERIOR OF ANY BUILDING PROJECT.

s an international leader in architectural building products, Hunter Douglas has long led the way when it comes to providing innovative and eye-catching aluminium façades that are both durable and stylish.

Specially engineered to withstand even the most severe weather conditions and created using technology developed for the aircraft industry, the façades come in a wide range of shapes, joint options, and material.

However, it is Hunter Douglas’s extensive range of finishes and colours that makes its premium quality Quadroclad and Multiple Panel façades stand out. Thanks to its use of fascinatingly coloured mica pigmentations, architects and designers now have the ultimate freedom to unleash their creativity, transforming any building by choosing from

finishes in matt through to high gloss and selecting from the most subtle of shades to bold and bright colours.

The company, which has been creating and manufacturing bespoke façades for more than 40 years, can replicate the appearance of other metals such as zinc, copper, titanium, Cor-Ten steel and stainless steel and is able to reproduce anodised finishes, providing a real alternative and better consistency of colour over traditional anodised treatments.

Metallic finishes help to catch the light, while semi-translucent and tinted clearcoats can be applied to smooth and brushed aluminium surfaces, creating a strong aesthetic finish. The unique Hunter Douglas Luxacote® finish for façades is specifically designed to withstand even the most challenging external conditions.

This groundbreaking product, which Hunter Douglas brought to market after extensive research and testing, improves the durability of exterior aluminium building applications, thanks to its three-layer system that comprises an anorcoat pretreatment, a colour coating, and a transparent topcoat.

The topcoat contains a solid UV filter, which guarantees perfect colour and gloss stability, while also providing resistance against scratches and abrasion. The alloy and pretreatment ensure corrosion resistance.

The colour options are also wide ranging in the Luxacote system, from subtle shades to bold, colourful palettes and metallic.

There is also the choice of PVF2, which is resistant against weathering and strong solar radiation and is ideal for any modern look, dual tone, look-a-like finish or anodised aluminium.

Benefitting from a long tradition of product innovation, Hunter Douglas is the company of choice for those seeking high quality architectural solutions, working closely with architects, designers and builders from specification to installation.

All Hunter Douglas products have been subjected to extensive laboratory and realworld testing to ensure the highest quality every time.

Hunter Douglas – Enquiry 40

Freefoam launch new style woodgrain shiplap cladding

AS PART OF THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF ITS CLADDING RANGES FREEFOAM HAS NOW LAUNCHED A NEW SMOOTH STYLE 150MM WIDE SHIPLAP CLADDING.

Available in bright white and an attractive range of traditional woodgrain shades including Mahogany, Light Oak, Rosewood and Black. Freefoam has also added a new more contemporary colour finish, Anthracite Grey, to meet the demands of a developing market.

New Colour

PVC-U woodgrain cladding is a popular low maintenance option often used for dormer extensions and detailing on external areas. Freefoam monitor trends in the marketplace and have responded to the growing popularity of grey windows and doors by adding a new Anthracite Grey woodgrain option.

Minimise stock holding

The new 150mm Shiplap cladding features a modified right angle leg designed to fit perfectly with the new generic standard range of cladding trims launched earlier this year. Freefoam recognise the capital investment

in stocking items with multiple trims so have developed an innovative generic range of cladding accessories that are designed to work with the complete range of cladding products from the narrow 100mm wide Open V cladding right up to the Fortex Pro 333mm wide double shiplap board.

Protected to last Freefoam work with world leading foil provider Renolit using the Exofol PVC film for all woodgrain products to provide a durable fade resistant product.

Manufactured with two layers, the colour pigments in the base film use Solar Shield Technology to protect the cladding against excessive heat build up and the upper transparent layer prevents against fading caused by UV radiation or other weathering effects. This technology allows Freefoam to offer a ten year guarantee on all woodgrain cladding products.

Freefoam – Enquiry 42

VMZINC compact roof for Wyre Forest Crematorium

A

It consists of a series of ‘floating’ roof forms separated from walls with frameless clerestory glazing.

Acoustic considerations were a prime concern due to the proximity of an adjacent industrial estate, major road and rifle range. Zinc, with its Green Guide A rating and compact roof build-up, was selected to deal with the complex geometry of the main chapel and used alongside green roofs on the site maintenance building.

VMZINC – Enquiry 43

The flexible façade with ultimate strength and durability

The unique Hunter Douglas aluminium QuadroClad® system is the perfect façade for any building.

Based on aircraft technology, the open-jointed bespoke system offers unparalleled flexibility, strength, durability and is low maintenance.

Suitable for high-rise or single storey buildings, sloping façades, external soffits, and ceilings, the system encompasses flat, large format and durable panels in aluminium, zinc, copper and stainless steel that can be folded or curved to produce undulating façades.

Hunter Douglas – Enquiry 44

Energy saving refurbishment with Remmers iQ Therm system

The listed 19th Century former Schoolhouse overlooking the Dublin mountains was renovated and extended to create a new energy efficient residential family home.

Due to the build-up of condensation behind conventional insulation when applied to single leaf construction, it became apparent that a “breathable insulation system” would be required. Remmers IQ Therm was chosen. The original U-value of the wall was approx 3.3W/m2K and was improved to 0.33W/m2K. Remmers IQ Therm is a complete system of fixing/insulation and finishing available in 3 board thicknesses.

Remmers – Enquiry 45

standing seam roof in VMZINC QUARTZ-ZINC PLUS has been used in Howl Associates’ design of Wyre Forest Crematorium in Kidderminster.

Refresh roofline with antrhacite grey woodgrain

WITH THE INCREASING POPULARITY OF GREY WINDOW FRAMES AND COLOUR COMPOSITE DOORS FREEFOAM, A LEADING MANUFACTURER OF A WIDE RANGE OF INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS FOR THE BUILDING INDUSTRY IN UK, IRELAND AND MAINLAND EUROPE, ANNOUNCE THE ADDITION OF ANTHRACITE GREY WOODGRAIN TO ITS EXTENSIVE ROOFLINE RANGE.

Six widths of Fascia and eight widths of Soffit along with matching Corners, Joiners and Trims in RAL 7016 equivalent gives specifiers, property developers and installers a comprehensive product range with an attractive contemporary woodgrain finish.

Freefoam woodgrain products are manufactured using Exofol PVC film provided by leading supplier Renolit. This robust exterior grade film consists of two layers, the woodgrain finish in the base film uses Solar Shield Technology to protect the cladding against excessive heat build-up and the upper transparent layer prevents against fading caused by UV radiation or other weathering effects.

This technology allows Freefoam to offer a ten year guarantee on all woodgrain cladding products.

These additions underline Freefoam’s position as the colour specialist. In addition to foiled products, Freefoam manufacture an industry leading range of co-extruded fascia, soffit and trims in ten colours using its patented ColormaxTM technology. Featuring built in

colourfastness, colour variety, and reliable colour matching, all with a ten year guarantee, the range offers choice to architects, specifiers, property developers and homeowners.

Freefoam – Enquiry 47

Icopal’s scaffold sheeting solution for prestigious central London development

Aquarian Cladding celebrates Built Environment Awards

The Apley House administration building at the Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath has scooped two awards at this year’s South West Built Environment Awards, winning the ‘Innovation’ and ‘Value’ award categories. The building’s brick façade is clad in the Gebrik Insulating Brick Cladding System, supplied by Aquarian Cladding Systems Ltd. Bath-based SRA’s design incorporates the panel-based Gebrik system into its own innovative Öppen building method, delivering a staggering 40% reduction in build time and 15% reduction in capital costs when compared to traditional construction methods. Öppen has provided the hospital with a durable, flexible and cost effective building that elegantly responds to both its current and future purpose. The project has also been selected as a Cabinet Office Trial Project for 2025, reflecting the exceptional value in time and investment that has been delivered by the design and construction team.

Aquarian Cladding – Enquiry 48

Icopal has supplied 9,000m2 of its market leading flame retardant scaffold sheeting for Embassy Gardens, a prestigious new residential development close to the River Thames in Battersea. Providing a protective and secure enclosure to the scaffold for the site team, the sheeting solution also offers a valuable advertising opportunity with it being such a prominent central London site. Located adjacent to the new U.S. Embassy, the development will create a total of 2,000 new homes comprising a mix of luxury suites, one and two bedroom apartments and three bedroom penthouses. With the complex shapes of the residential buildings, its proximity to the River Thames and the potential for strong winds, the site’s traditional tube and fitting scaffold design had to be clad effectively with high performance flame retardant sheeting during construction. Icopal’s Monarflex Scaffband Flamesafe scaffold sheeting was secured to a purpose-designed scaffold screen framework to ensure it remained in place. This provided a flush finish, whilst extending the life span of the product. The sheeting was supplied to Millcroft Scaffolding who is providing independent access scaffolding to six blocks of the development, some of which rise to 55m high. Sam Jones, Director at Millcroft Scaffolding commented: “Monarflex is a high grade of scaffold sheeting that is less likely to fray or tear, a benefit that was key due to the development’s proximity to the Thames. What’s more, with the development’s prime location, we felt that the product we used to weatherproof the scaffold needed to be of the highest durability and quality as ultimately its an advert for our company and the main contractor, Ballymore Group. For this, its crisp visual appearance is ideal. In fact, being on Nine Elms Lane, where there is a large amount of traffic, it is actually one of Millcroft’s main adverts during this current period.

Icopal – Enquiry 49

Green VMZINC for Perthshire designer home

VMZINC PIGMENTO Green Double and Single Lock standing seams have been used on the roof and facades in Leadingham, Jameson, Rogers and Hynd’s design of East Bankhead Farm, Monikie.

Set in the open landscape of Meigle, Perthshire the house was designed as a contemporary barn with a distorted roof that responds to the gently rolling landscape. The subtle zinc colour complements the rural environment while blending seamlessly with other envelope materials and has led to a Scottish Design Award for housing in a rural context and a RIBA Design Award.

VMZINC – Enquiry 53

Office block ProTects its future with Triflex

Simpson House is a modern office block within the centre of Croydon. The building had an existing mansard roof with a copper sheet covering; despite various repairs over time, there was increasing levels of water ingress into the building below.

Due to its unusual design and in an effort to limit disruption to the businesses within the building, the copper pitched roof, mansards and dormer windows were overlaid with Triflex ProTect®, a cold liquid applied, seamless waterproofing solution.

The BBA and ETA certified, fully reinforced Triflex ProTect® is applied in one single process and cures at an exceptionally rapid rate, even at low temperatures.

Due to the thixotropic formulation of Triflex ProDetail®, there was little difficulty waterproofing details such as the large pitched mansards and vertical standing seams. Not only was the roof made completely watertight, with a full warranty, but the quality of the workmanship from Concept Roofing and Cladding Services Ltd and choice of system resulted in the overall appearance and finish of the building being greatly improved; clearly visible from the ground, the 650 m2 roof now looks completely refreshed.

Triflex – Enquiry 55

Feature preview

Prater’s expertise and workmanship helped address the logistical challenges of installing an inverted roofing system and waterproofing package for the complex building.

Designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, 20 Fenchurch Street is home to London’s highest public park at 525ft above street level and is one of the most striking new buildings to appear on London’s skyline. The building has an outdoor viewing deck, a bar and seating area, two restaurants and an extensive Sky Garden, which consists of drought resistant Mediterranean and South African flowers, shrubs and ferns.

Prater began work on the site in 2013 and was responsible for the inverted roofing system and 2,000sqm of waterproofing on the ground floor, which helped to form the construction of several huge planters. The majority of materials used were liquid applied Radmat Building Products including Paraflex and Permaquick. Glass internal cladding systems were also installed over the concrete decks from ground up to the second floor level, and then further to levels 30, 34, 35, 36, 37 and 38.

Gavin Hamblett, Managing Director of Prater said: “Prater was appointed due to our proven track record in delivering complex projects to a strict deadline

and to an exceptional standard. The execution of our remit at 20 Fenchurch Street was no different. By the nature of its multi-layered top-heavy design, the shape and inventiveness of the building posed many roofing challenges.

“The roof’s steep 45 degree angle meant that installing the waterproofing required precise measurements, an uncompromising approach to health and safety as well as a high level of skill from our delivery team.

“The project to deliver the roofing package and waterproofing was completed in 18 months – on time and on budget. We are extremely proud of the work from our team however collaboration is always the key to a successful project, and the close relationship throughout the process with Canary Wharf Group and Land Securities was a complete success.”

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

A new wooden age?

ARCHITECTS AND SPECIFIERS ARE REDISCOVERING THEIR LOVE OF WOOD

s wood a material whose time has come? In recent months several national newspapers have been talking of “the urban landscape turning from a concrete jungle into a wooden forest”. It’s all to do with a new-found fondness for building with wood.

In Hackney, London, the UK’s tallest timber residential building, at 10-storeys, is now under construction. In Finland, architect OOPEAA’s eight-storey Puukuokka housing block already adorns the Jyväskylä suburb of Kuokkala. And these are nothing compared to proposals for a 120m-high, 35-storey timber building in Paris and 34-storey building in Stockholm. Timber, it seems, is having something of a resurgence.

Wood is, of course, one of the oldest building materials. It has long been acknowledged as an incredibly versatile, flexible and strong material that is suitable for many different applications - from structural elements, through to hard-wearing joinery products, and down to the smallest finishing elements and the finest furniture.

But it is wood’s sustainability credentials, combined with recent technological innovations, that is driving the renaissance in timber construction.

When harvested responsibly, wood is one of the best materials architects and engineers have for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and storing carbon in buildings.

Alex De Rijke of dRMM architects says: “It is more than just viable, it represents the future. Engineered timber, from managed forestry,

will be the material that defines 21st century architecture.”

While David Hopkins from Wood for Good believes “Timber is changing the face of modern architecture and design. For professionals, it is now the prime material for sustainable urban modernism.”

Embodied carbon is key to the argument. This is carbon dioxide emitted during the manufacture, transport and construction of building materials, together with end of life emissions. Attention is increasingly turning to the fact that embodied carbon currently contributes up to half the carbon emissions of a new building through its lifetime; and that using more sustainable and renewable materials – especially timber – can drastically reduce this.

Additionally wood lends itself well to offsite manufacture. Many timber frame-based structures now use factory manufactured wall, floor and roof panels.

But it is the advent of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued-laminated timber (glulam) that is proving the game changer in terms of achieving scale and height with wood.

Case study: Dalston Lane, Hackney

More than 3,000 cubic metres of timber will be used on a record-breaking cross-laminated timber (CLT) residential structure, which will become the tallest of its kind in the UK.

The 121-unit development is estimated to use more timber than any other project in the world, making it, by volume, the largest CLT project globally.

Lead architect Andrew Waugh describes the most exciting aspect of the project as the sheer size of the structure and its completion without the use of thousands of cubic metres of concrete.

Unlike steel and concrete, wood “sequesters” carbon dioxide, storing it away for the life of the building it is in. Waugh claims that by taking sequestered carbon into account the structure “can definitively be considered as carbon negative”.

At 10-storeys high the structure is surpassed in height by just one 14-storey glulam and CLT hybrid structure in Bergen, Norway. Upholding its material integrity, says Waugh, Dalston Lane’s external, party and core walls, floors and stairs will be made entirely of CLT.

Designed by architect Waugh Thisleton with engineer Ramboll, for developer Regal Homes, the building is calculated to save 2,400 tonnes of carbon, compared to an equivalent block with a concrete frame.

WOOD PROTECTION FROM NORWAY

In Norway the weather can be extreme, with temperatures as low as -40°C in the winter. The Demidekk range of waterborne translucent and opaque stains provides long lasting decoration and protection to exterior timber around the home and garden. Available now across the UK from our network of stockists who can offer advice and tinting to the colour you require.

Demidekk from Jotun – the paint company the world trusts to protect its iconic structures such as the Eiffel Tower.

Contact Jotun on 01724 400000 or visit jotun.com for details of your local stockist.

Case study: Boabab – one that got away Michael Green Architecture of Vancouver, Canada, along with architecture, design and engineering agency DVVD of Paris and real estate developer REI France have proposed a audacious project called Baobab that would feature the world’s tallest wood building at 35-stories.

The scheme was submitted for Reinventer Paris, a design competition which sought new ideas for revitalising architecture in the city.

Some commentators have compared the Boabab concept to the Eiffel Tower, which

had a huge impact in inspiring architects to build with steel when it became the world’s tallest structure in 1889.

According to Green: “Eiffel’s vision redefined the skylines of the world, eventually starting the race for height in places like New York and Chicago in the 1920s and 30s. We love the idea that a wood tower in Paris, however modest in some respects ... will help champion a new global wave of building with more sustainable, renewable and beautiful materials.”

Sadly though, the proposal was not shortlisted for the next phase of the

Reinventer Paris competition – principally, claims the team behind it, “because the city was not ready to consider another high-rise for its skyline”.

Green told Specification: “At MGA, we are strong advocates for the use of wood to build tall buildings. We believe it is not a matter of if a project like this will be built, but when. We also believe that density is an important discussion in cities around the world. We love Paris and the traditions of its lower density core. We also believe that affordability, sustainable transportation, accessibility for younger residents and most importantly reduced carbon impact are important parts of future urban development.“

Jargon buster

Glued Laminated Timber

Glued laminated timber, or glulam for short, is a high specification engineered timber beam, fabricated by bonding together stress-graded planed timber laminations, with their grain in the direction of the member. This forms a structural unit of excellent strength and dimensional stability.

Cross-laminated timber Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a solid panel product, formed in a similar fashion to glulam beams. It is manufactured in panels made up of softwood plank layers laid on top of each other at right angles, which are glued together under pressure. The resulting material is much stronger and more rigid than normal wood, providing the potential to go much higher than traditional timber frame. It also has good fire resistance.

Timber industries speaking with one voice

Earlier this summer saw the launch of the Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI), a new umbrella organisation representing the UK’s timber supply chain “from forest to end of life recycling”.

CTI’s primary aim is to improve the business landscape to grow the use of timber and develop a vibrant and increasingly prosperous industry. Speaking at CTI’s launch at the Building Centre in London, Dr Peter Bonfield, chief executive of BRE, said: “This Industry has needed a stronger joined up voice for a very long time. This is one of the biggest things to happen to the timber sector in about 30 years.” Timber, he added, needs to move to the “top of the agenda with specifiers, designers and constructors and becomes a first choice construction product.”

New CTI chief executive Dirk Vennix pointed out that the timber supply chain contributes substantially to UK construction and manufacturing industries, providing jobs across the skills spectrum and adding value of around £20bn to the UK economy.

CTI, he said, will focus on a number of key projects to influence the development and growth of construction, housing and interiors using wood based products and growing the UK’s low carbon economy.

“This is where the timber supply chain starts to speak with one voice,” said Vennix. “We need a collective sense of vision; growing the links in the supply chain and joining forces where it matters on issues such as skills, education and sustainability.”

MGA

James Latham supplies western red cedar for luxury holiday homes in Cornwall

THE UK’S BIGGEST INDEPENDENT TIMBER AND PANEL PRODUCT DISTRIBUTOR JAMES LATHAM, HAS SUPPLIED 880M2 OF WESTERN RED CEDAR FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FOUR LUXURY HOLIDAY HOMES IN TALLAND, SOUTH EAST CORNWALL.

The timber was machined to a special tongue and groove cladding profile and was used for the exterior cladding of the impressive properties. It was specified for its durability and low maintenance qualities as well as its ability to retain an attractive appearance when weathered.

Award winning London architectural practice, Mador Architects were commissioned to design these luxury properties which have been sold to individuals for second homes and investment opportunities. The team wanted to create prestige holiday homes that have a natural appearance and likeness to a modern alpine lodge. To achieve this look they designed the building to incorporate wooden cladding in its construction, surrounded with large terraces to take advantage of the views over the bay.

It was important that the timber length was over 3.3m as they wanted to avoid butt joints which would spoil the façade’s natural look and feel. This was a hurdle that James Latham was able to advise on as Western Red Cedar produces long lightweight lengths of timber with a fine straight grain making this specie easy to cut, saw, machine and fix. It was also essential that the wood used for the cladding was durable and would cope with the South East of England’s varied and unpredictable climate, requiring little maintenance, while at the same time providing a quality and natural looking finish. With natural resistance to moisture, decay and insect damage (fibres in the timber contain natural preservatives that are toxic to decay-causing fungi) Western Red Cedar is one of the world’s most durable species and remains the premier choice for timber cladding.

James Latham – Enquiry 58

BM TRADA Marine Plywood Q-Mark scheme demonstrates product quality

Unilog Pro landscaping timbers from M&M Timber

Unilog Pro has been the choice of landscaping and commercial professionals for decades and features in some of the most ambitious landscaping projects in the UK. A natural, good looking building resource, Unilog Pro machined round timbers are available with a choice of 15 or 30 years desired service life. Standard Unilog Pro timbers are available direct from stock but can be supplied in any number of different sizes, machining options and finishes. Unilog Pro is ideal for a variety of landscaping projects including earth retaining walls, palisading, raised flower beds, border edging, pathways and steps, ornate bridges and playground amenity projects. M&M Timber

From September 1 2015, the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) will require all Marine Plywood contracts placed by its members to be accredited to an independent third party certification scheme, such as BM TRADA’s Marine Plywood Q-Mark scheme. Accreditation will provide independent verification that the plywood fully complies with the exacting standards of BS 1088: 2003: Marine Plywood. The move by BM TRADA, part of the Exova Group, is in response to rising concerns in the industry that as the high quality, durable veneers required for BS 1088: 2003: Marine Plywood become more difficult to source, some of the Marine Plywood on the market may not be of the superior quality claimed. BM TRADA’s Q-Mark scheme for Marine Plywood will enable manufacturers to demonstrate to customers and specifiers that their products are fit for purpose, having satisfied the most rigorous of quality processes. Marine Plywood was originally intended for the manufacture of marine craft but is increasingly used in building construction, in extreme climates, and in general building work where a high standard of durability is required. Certification is valid for three years and is maintained through a programme of periodic factory audits, periodic audit testing of the product and a recertification audit in the third year. Dr Hugh Mansfield-Williams, BM TRADA’s Technical Manager (Structural and Timber) explains: “Developed in support of the Timber Trade Federation’s initiative to require independent verification of Marine Plywood, the Q-Mark Scheme will enable manufacturers to demonstrate that their product complies with BS 1088 and has been manufactured to exacting quality standards. It will also offer appropriate information to specifiers and regulatory and inspection authorities to help them identify suitable products.”

Mark Cheriton, Chairman of the National Panel Products Division of the TTF says: “This is an excellent initiative from BM TRADA to bring clarity to many of the issues surrounding the quality of Marine Plywood, and we would urge all members to consider the benefits this scheme can bring to their business.”

BM TRADA – Enquiry 60

JJI-Joists, the versatile choice

JJI-Joists are the versatile answer for construction whether it’s for floors, walls or roofs.

FSC or PEFC certified, they o er the UK’s biggest range of standard sizes from stock, come with free design software and the best engineering and technical back up in the UK. On site the solid timber flanges and OSB web make them easy to work with, as they can be cut, nailed and screwed and service holes easily made.

They are increasingly used in structures, either individually or in cassettes, where a high degree of insulation is required as the 9mm web allows maximum insulation and avoids cold bridging. In roofs their light weight and strength allow for large spans, ideal in public buildings such as schools.

No wonder they are the UK’s best-selling I-Joist and the joist most specified by architects and engineers. Visit www.jamesjones.co.uk/ewp

Suppliers of British grown timber products

As one of Britain’s largest hardwood sawmills, we offer a range of sustainable timber products including:

• Structural oak beams

• Oak, sweet chestnut & cedar cladding

• Solid English hardwood flooring

• Naturally durable timber decking

Please visit our website for the full range.

Long life protection of decks and cladding

Vastern Timber Wootton Bassett

Wiltshire T 01793 853 281

E sales@vastern.co.uk

Studley, Wiltshire T 01249 813 173 vastern.co.uk

Create a City-Scape for the Future with Tobermore

TOBERMORE, THE WORLD CLASS PAVING AND WALLING MANUFACTURER, HAS HELPED TRANSFORM THE LANDSCAPE OF PEDESTRIAN AREAS ACROSS THE UK AND IRELAND WITH THE INCORPORATION OF THEIR QUALITY PAVING PRODUCTS.

redevelopment of Olympic Way will act as a catalyst for the broader regeneration of the Wembley area.

Tobermore’s Fusion block paving has also recently been installed on the streets of Wolverhampton. Constructed by Fitzgerald’s, the redevelopment of the landscape is part of a £1 billion public and private investment regeneration programme to transform the city. Building a city for the future, Wolverhampton City Council selected a striking combination of Tobermore’s Fusion in Graphite, Mid Grey and Rose to create a fresh, contemporary look.

For more information on Tobermore’s world class paving and walling collection, or to request a copy of the NEW Tobermore Product Specification Guide, please call 0844 800 5736, email sales@tobermore. co.uk or visit www.tobermore.co.uk

Tobermore – Enquiry 64

The manufacturer, who supplies products for the commercial and domestic markets, has been involved in various urban renewal projects, including the London Borough of Southwark, Olympic Way at Wembley Stadium, Wolverhampton city, Solihull Gateway and Darlaston town centre, to name only a few.

Tobermore’s innovative City Pave VS5 block paving was the perfect product for the streets within the London Borough of Southwark. Boasting some of the city’s greatest landmarks and tourist attractions such as Tower Bridge, London Bridge and the Tate Modern, to name a few, this is an incredibly busy area.

Inevitably, the borough experiences heavy vehicular traffic and subsequently, Southwark Council encountered issues with pavement shifting as the traditional 200x100mm paving products previously installed did not possess optimum interlocking capabilities. For this reason, the paving had to be renewed frequently.

However, thanks to the strong interlocking capabilities of Tobermore’s City Pave VS5

block paving in sophisticated Silver, Mid Grey and Graphite, pavement shifting is a thing of the past for Southwark Council. City Pave VS5 offers shift protection on five sides of each block, including the special profile on the bottom surface which produces a clawing effect in the pavement bed. This ensures continuous protection against pavement shifting.

The regeneration of Olympic Way, the main pedestrian route connecting Wembley Station and Stadium, has earned much acclaim across the construction industry and was shortlisted for a New London Award and is a scheme Tobermore are very proud to have been involved in.

The manufacturer supplied a vast expanse of fabulous Fusion block paving in sparkling Silver and Graphite for the landscape. Emulating traditional natural granite, the coarse textured surface of Fusion exposes striking granite aggregates, creating a modernistic look. Hydropave Tegula 240, a permeable product that allows the creation of beautiful landscape designs whilst reducing the risk of flooding and pollution, is also featured in muted Charcoal. Designed by HTA, it is envisaged that the

Greyfriars Conservation Area

ST MARTIN’S SQUARE AND THE LANES IN LEICESTER CITY CENTRE IS A CONSERVATION AREA, HOME TO A FASHIONABLE COLLECTION OF INDEPENDENT SHOPS, CAFES AND BARS. THE HISTORIC OLD TOWN IS WELL-KNOWN FOR STREET ENTERTAINMENT AND LIVE EVENTS WHICH MAKES IT POPULAR WITH LOCAL RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ALIKE.

n February 2013, the city came under the world’s media spotlight when an archaeological project discovered the friary of Grey Friars and the battle-scarred skeleton of Richard III.

After securing funding from The Heritage Lottery Fund, and as part of Leicester City Council’s rolling street regeneration programme ahead of the high profile reburial of Richard III at Leicester Cathedral, the Greyfriars conservation area of the city was

set to be transformed with new paving and walkways. The overall objective was to make it more attractive and inviting to residents and visitors, whilst also appealing to commercial investors.

Thanks to its rich industrial heritage, paving within Leicester’s city centre traditionally used Leicestershire granite, providing a blend of warm reds, pinks and charcoals.

The Highways team of Leicester City Council wanted to replicate this colour palette throughout the Greyfriars conservation area

with a series of high-quality, durable, colourmatched block paving products, which would offer aesthetic value and longevity in equal measure.

The highways design team needed to find a hard landscape paving supply partner who could deliver on the required product specification in a sustainable way and also add value to the project through its advanced technical capabilities and expertise.

Charcon – Enquiry 67

CED Stone Group are proud finalist for the SGD Product of the Year Award 2015.

THE SGD IS AWARE THAT NEW AND INNOVATIVE

ED’s Emperor Porcelain Paving has been short-listed for this award. Recently launched, Emperor is a high strength porcelain paving, which has been specifically designed to inspire and create beautiful spaces, both internally and externally.

Manufactured in Italy, Emperor is produced to the highest standards, providing a surface that will require very little maintenance. Emperor has been modelled on ten natural stones and two woods and is made from natural low lime clays, quartz and felspar which is then formed using intense heat and pressure, similar to the formation of natural stone.

Emperor not only looks good but also offers a range of practical benefits. It’s hard, nonslip surface makes it hard wearing but also contributes to its ease of cleaning, coupled with its resistance to weather, frost and acid, Emperor is virtually maintenance free.

PRODUCTS

ENHANCE, DEVELOP AND COMPLETE SOME OF THE WORLD’S BEST GARDENS.

Emperor is extremely easy to lay and at just 20mm thick, it can be used on a variety of projects including: roof terraces, balconies, patio areas and even internal spaces.

Due to Emperor’s composition sealing is not required and each panel has conical edges, specifically unique to Emperor. The conical edges offer two key benefits; once laid, Emperor porcelain paving looks just like natural stone and provides extra

stability to each piece, making them more resistant to cracking and helps to prevent the edges being damaged. Initially the SGD encouraged manufactures and suppliers to submit one (or more) of their products. Members of the SGD were then given the opportunity to view all entries and vote for those who they believe should make the short list.

CED – Enquiry 68

Alvaston Glass complete stunning new showroom featuring CRL Glass Hardware and Fixings

ALVASTON GLASS HAS RECENTLY FINISHED THEIR SPLENDID NEW SHOWROOM AT THEIR HEADQUARTERS IN DERBY.

The modern showroom contains an extensive collection of beautiful glass installations using CRL glass hardware and fixings. From shower enclosures; support bars, hinges and sliding doors, Glass railings using structural glass stand offs, and frameless glass balustrades installed with the innovative TAPER-LOC system, internal sliding door systems, patch fittings, door hardware and glass canopy systems and much more. The showroom also features the sleek Hydroslide sliding shower door system, available in 90 degree wall-to-glass installations and 180 degree wall-to-wall installations.

Paul Hughes, Managing Director, Alvaston Glass commented: When we were thinking about creating our new showroom the obvious choice to us was to use CRL products, because of the depth of their product range, the quality, and availability… We’ve tried to give our customers examples of as many of our installations as possible whilst maintaining a modern and ‘clean look’ showroom.

Paul Hughes, Managing Director, Alvaston Glass commented further: Alvaston Glass have been using CRL’s products for quite some time, our relationship with them is great. CRL’s customer service team are always on hand to answer any questions or enquiries we have.

Alvaston Glass is a family owned business that prides itself on providing good oldfashioned personal service using state-ofthe-art equipment. Alvaston’s showroom is open to trade and the public Monday to Friday 08:00 to 17:00pm, situated on Haydock Park Road (off Ascot Drive), Derby, DE24 8HT. Based in Derby, Alvaston operate throughout Derbyshire and the East Midlands. For further information please visit http://www.alvastonglass.co.uk

CRL

C.R. Laurence (CRL) is the leading supplier to the glazing, railing, architectural, and construction industries. Offering more than

50,000 products, the company serves the industry from locations throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. The company designs, engineers, and manufactures a wide variety of architectural hardware, including commercial and residential architectural railings, hardware for “all-glass” commercial entrances, transaction hardware, and frameless shower door hardware.

CRL has been manufacturing quality products for over 4 decades, and has over 600,000 ft² of dedicated manufacturing space at our headquarters in Los Angeles, as well as over 400,000 ft² of warehousing area. Using progressive QS-9000 manufacturing processes in services such as engineering, machining, assembly and packaging, CRL are able to produce the highest quality products and the widest selection in the market today. The European head office in

Rochdale stocks CRL’s extensive product range, and also features a large product showroom area. Here, visitors are able to view high quality glazing hardware and accessories, for example glass balustrades, railing systems, locking ladder pulls and shower door hardware. Additional to the product display area, there is a large trade counter and will call area, where customers can visit to collect their orders. Architects and designers alike are all welcome to visit, to view the facilities and the fantastic product range in the display area.

For further information regarding C.R. Laurence and or any other product from their extensive range, contact them on Freephone: 00 800 0421 6144, email crl@crlaurence.co.uk, or refer to www.crlaurence.co.uk

C.R. Laurence – Enquiry 72

MAKE A VISUAL STATEMENT

Modern, minimalist first class design provides maximum transparency with outstanding safety. Easy Glass®, Q-railing’s glass balustrade systems, are fully modular enabling components to be interchanged in endless combinations. Installation is simple and fast. 800 metres of Easy Glass Slim were built as a showpiece in the new Volkswagen electro mobility campus in Wolfsburg, Germany. For further information, to request a visit or to arrange a CPD presentation, please call: 01782 711 676 / 0800 781 4245 or email to sales@q-railing.co.uk.

SEE US AT THE BUILD SHOW 2015 | 6-8 OCTOBER, HALL 4, STAND B4/220 – NEC, BIRMINGHAM

The Ultimate Glazed Balustrades

Architectural glazing specialist, D R Services, is well known for the production and installation of glazed balustrades. The company helps architects and interior designers to create visually dramatic staircases, balconies, bridges and atrium elevations.

Thanks to the availability of its patented DR-yR SHOE, the company cannot only create glass balustrades that are elegant and unobtrusive, but is also able to meet the highest level of barrier load condition at 3 Kn. Furthermore, thanks to D R Services’ extensive experience across all the sectors, the balustrades can also be specified to comply with the fullest extent of DDA legislation.

The shoe can be bolted to either the face or edge of the floor slab and even onto other sections of laminated glass in order to create a totally transparent bridge structure, often up to 1400 mm in width.

While such fabrications were once the reserve of top end hotels and restaurants, D R Services is now regularly fitting them in retail and office developments.

Director of D R Services, Julie Jarvis, comments: “As with most of our work all of our glass balustrades are bespoke to suit the customer’s requirements, though they tend to feature 32 mm thick laminated glass with three sheets of toughened glass and two interlayers. At a 1100mm high, retained by our DR-yR SHOE system, that can withstand the heaviest barrier loads that people design to - 3Kn - without the need for a capping rail to provide additional rigidity.

“The glass itself is held in the plastic Iso-Shoe (spelling) extrusion with a tapered aluminium wedge being used to secure it - while this can be demounted again if required. The shoe is normally covered by a brushed stainless steel cap, but it can be cloaked with any metal, either coloured or with an architectural finish. There is virtually no limit to what we can offer customers in terms of glass balustrades.”

Fast curing cold liquid systems provide Blitz waterproofing solution

Morris Blitz Court is a residential housing estate located in Hackney that has recently undergone an extensive amount of refurbishment.

Included within the approved scheme was the refurbishment of all of the building’s balconies and walkways, as well as the transformation of the 1,000m2 concrete podium deck located above the car park into an aesthetically pleasing social space.

The only drainage and protection board suitable within the system was Bauder’s Versicell 20, which is just 20mm in height but can withstand extremely high loading. The LiquiTEC system also incorporated 140mm of Bauder’s JFRI insulation in sunken areas of the podium, ensuring a level surface across the deck and combining thermal efficiency with environmental friendliness.

The cantilever style balconies and communal walkways were waterproofed with Bauder’s LiquiBALKON system; demanding a high degree of workmanship from Bauder approved contractor Armour Group due to the amount of intricate detailing requirements. This waterproofing system features PMMA resin technology that provides exceptionally fast curing times and can in fact withstand foot traffic within an hour of being installed. All waterproofing and landscape works were completed on time and to budget much to the delight of all project stakeholders.

Bauder – Enquiry 74

developments

As part of Tulloch Home’s latest housing development projects, Richard Burbidge’s Fusion Outdoor Commercial range and Juliette Balconies have been fitted to create stylish and secure balconies to enhance the outdoor appeal of their properties.

The Bay at North Kessock, Inverness by renowned property developer Tulloch Homes is an exclusive collection of executive detached homes from Tulloch Homes luxury collection. The prominence of this unique location extends to the specification of these distinctive homes, providing a luxurious finish throughout.

The second development, at High Burnside boasts panorama views over the historic natural woodland, with a choice of spacious 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes built to Tulloch Homes’ superior specification.

Richard Burbidge’s FUSION Outdoor Commercial range and Juliette Balconies have been installed at Tulloch Home’s recent housing developments, opting for striking glass infill panels to reflect light and make the balcony appear more spacious and light. Exuding luxury, FUSION creates a stunning and secure outdoor centrepiece in keeping with the houses’ stylish, modern appearance.

Andrew MacMaster at Tulloch Homes said: “Richard Burbidge stairparts provide that allimportant first impression for potential buyers, offering buyers high-end interior design as soon as they pull up to the property. It was also very important to us that we also provide a secure, functional balcony for our customers and we felt confident the Richard Burbidge would deliver on style and performance.”

Balcony balustrades by Sapphire showcase riverside views at the wharf

The projecting balconies form an integrated part of each buildings’ structure, with balustrades fixed into the concrete deck with resin anchors. The use of clear toughened glass infill panels provides the perfect balance of light, visibility and safety, whilst also being low maintenance. The glazed panels are combined with flat baluster uprights, manufactured by Sapphire in hot zinc protected mild steel with a polyester powder coating to resist corrosion. Balusters were specified in a Dark Grey finish to match window frames and doors, creating a coordinated look to the facade.

Sapphire – Enquiry 77

Richard Burbidge adds stylish addition to Tulloch Home’s

Richard Burbridge – Enquiry 75

Regulations governing acoustics of schools have changed

BACKGROUND TO BUILDING BULLETIN 93

ver the years, the Department for Education has issued a number of Building Bulletins on school design. The need for good acoustics in education was recognised as long ago as 1975 with the publication BB51, “Acoustics in Education Buildings”, but this was guidance rather than a mandatory standard.

However, acoustic conditions in schools are now mandatory and are regulated through Building Regulations, School Premises Regulations, Independent School Standards and the Equality Act. Since 2003 the numerical standards and guidance used to determine compliance with these regulations are set out in DfE Building Bulletin 93 “Acoustic Design of Schools” as revised recently in 2014 and re-issued in February 2015.

Approved Document E in support of the Building Regulations states: “In the Secretary of State’s view the normal way of satisfying Requirement E4 will be to meet the values for sound insulation, reverberation time and internal ambient noise which are given in Section 1 of Building Bulletin 93.”

School Premises Regulations and Independent School Standards

The School Premises Regulations (SPRs) and Independent School Standards (ISSs) apply

to both new and existing school buildings, including the refurbishment of existing teaching and learning spaces. The School Client Body is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Regulations. The School Client Body consists of both the Commissioning Authority (which can be central government, a local authority or the School itself) and the School Entity, which is the entity having day-to-day control of the School and may be represented by the Head teacher or Governor.

The Equality Act 2010 and new BB93 SEN provision

The Equality Act 2010 requires all schools to prepare and implement an accessibility strategy to improve the physical environment of the school for pupils with disabilities and special educational needs (SEN). This should include consideration of their particular health and safety needs on the school premises and how these can be met.

BB93:2014 Section 0.4 now provides for a wider range of Special Educational Needs other than just a hearing impairment: “Provision for children having special hearing or communication needs”. This summary is reproduced verbatim below.

“For the purposes of this document, children with special hearing or communication needs may include, but are not limited to, children with permanent hearing impairment; or with

severe or complex needs including:

• speech, language and communication difficulties

• visual impairments REGULATIONS

• fluctuating hearing impairments caused by conductive hearing loss

• attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD)

• an auditory processing disorder or difficulty

• being on the autistic spectrum

This includes acoustic improvements which would benefit hearing impaired and other pupils. The classroom reverberation time must be at 0.4 seconds or below, over a wide frequency range, 125Hz – 4000Hz (although it may rise to 0.6 seconds in just one third octave band). Meeting this new requirement at the lower frequencies is a challenge all specifiers should be aware of.

For a list of BB93 roadshow dates or further changes for example sports hall standards, contact: shane.cryer@ecophon.co.uk

Yeoman Shield add sparkle to wall protection

WHEN A LOCAL COFFEE SHOP, OWNED BY MOTHER AND DAUGHTER TEAM, TRACY AND REBECCA, FOUND THAT THEIR NEWLY DECORATED WALLS WERE QUICKLY SHOWING SIGNS OF DAMAGE THEY TURNED TO YEOMAN SHIELD WALL & DOOR PROTECTION FOR HELP.

pen since April 2014 with business being strong, The Coffee Block at Drighlington, Leeds which serves barista coffee, tea, sandwiches and cakes found that the wall between the kitchen area and the front of house was quickly looking grubby, worn and damaged.

“We obviously took a lot of time and consideration in choosing décor and colours which will enhance our customers visit. However after all this effort we were

quite dismayed at the speed the wall to the kitchen area was showing the wear and tear,” commented Rebecca.

Yeoman Shield (whose staff use the coffee shop regularly) when hearing about this problem suggested installing Yeoman Shield HessianEx wall protection panels in a Silver finish.

“We had just launched our new metallic colour range and thought due to the style

and colour scheme of the coffee shop, Yeoman Shield HessianEx textured wall panels in our new Silver metallic finish would be just the ticket,” explained Sally Moores from Yeoman Shield.

The durable wall protection panels were installed to a metre high, by Yeoman Shield’s directly employed fixing operatives, along the main wall and also around the entrance to The Coffee Block to prevent unsightly damage whilst keeping the shop looking on trend and enticing to customers.

“We are thoroughly happy with the result and the metallic colour looks great. The panels are easy to clean with the added benefit of not having to touch up with paint or re plaster the walls for some time to come,” concluded Rebecca.

For more information on Yeoman Shield’s new metallic finish contact the sales office on 0113 279 5854 or email sallyann@ yeomanshield.com

Acoustic Ceilings

Saint-Gobain Ecophon has always had a complete commitment to delivering sustainable solutions. So we’re happy to present an entire range of acoustic solutions made with a plant-based binder, the latest development in our journey towards complete sustainability, encompassing both eco-friendly raw materials and guaranteed recycling. It all helps to deliver our promise of an ever growing sound effect on people.

For more information on Ecophon’s commitment to sustainability visit www.ecophon.co.uk/evolution

Fire protection, structural strength and adaptability

STRUCTURAL FIRE SAFETY IS ACHIEVED EITHER BY WHAT IS CALLED ‘PASSIVE PROTECTION’ FOR EXAMPLE FIRE RESISTANT LINING BOARDS AND/OR ‘ACTIVE PROTECTION’ THROUGH THE USE OF SMOKE VENTILATION, ALARM SYSTEMS AND SPRINKLERS. FOR THE STRUCTURAL ENGINEER, THE MATERIAL CHOICE WITHIN THE STRUCTURAL SOLUTION WILL INFLUENCE THE PASSIVE AND ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION STRATEGY.

an Quinton, Managing Director of RCM - suppliers of building boards and facade solutions to such high profile structural timber developments as the University of Hertfordshire – discusses the benefits of RCM’s solutions relating to fire regulations and technical specifications for structural timber buildings:

“The Structural timber association recently published the document – 16 Steps to Fire Safety. The document states that structural timber construction processes can reduce the risk of fire through good design, taking simple precautions and ensuring good site security.

A1 Non-Combustible

RCM’s Y-Wall is an adaptable calcium silicate based fibre cement building board, offering excellent fire properties as well as high levels of dimensional stability. Y-Wall is A1 Non-Combustible - used as a fire rated sheathing board and is applied extensively on both metal and timber frame structures, the product is applied behind all types of facade solutions, as well in floors and roofs, offering a non-combustible classification. RCM’s Y-Wall is also BBA approved. This offers full technical approval for construction products and systems and is recognised by building control, government departments, architects, local authorities, specifiers and building insurers.

Product Testing and Certification

• Y-Wall is tested to BS 476 Part 4

• Y-Wall conforms to BS EN12467

• Y-Wall tested by Warrington Fire research

• Fire rated throughwall solution to BS 476 part 21 BS 476 part 22

• Fire Rating A1 Non-Combustion Classification

RCM Y Wall has also been tested within the new BS8414 test and is suitable for buildings over 18 metres

Multipurpose TF - Tried and Tested for Timber Applications

Tested by BRE Global, our new Multipurpose TF Board has been specifically designed for the structural timber sector. With BBA Certification

pending, the A1 Non-Combustible Multipurpose TF is a cellulose fibre cement 8mm board. Offering the complete solution, Multipurpose TF delivers exceptional racking, adaptability, strength and fire protection. Multipurpose TF also has excellent weather properties and is very easy to cut and fabricate.

Product Testing and Certification

• Meets EN ISO 1716: 20101: Reaction to fire - determination of the heat of combustion

• Meets EN ISO 1182: 2010: Reaction to fire – non-combustibility

• Meets EN 13501-1:: 2007: Classification of Reaction to fire – A1 Non-Combustible

• BBA Certification Pending

• EN594 Racking Resistance

And Finally…

As Managing Director of RCM Building Boards and Facades, I would just like to stress that we are committed to developing products, applications and services to meet the needs of the structural timber sector

and invest further in developing bespoke products. We would be interested to hear from companies who have specific building board requirements and are unable to source a solution.”

Informative CPD Events

For those interested in finding out more, RCM provide informative CPD sessions including: a guide to materials, applications and specification considerations for building boards, internal and external linings and rainscreen facades, covering:

• What a specifier needs to consider

• Board materials and benefits

• Board applications

• Work on site

For more details call 0845 1303725 or visit www.buildingboards.co.uk

Also please watch out for our launc h of our air stop and airvent systems!

RCM – Enquiry 84

Adding a new dimension through glazed brick

WITH THE HOUSING MARKET CONTINUING TO GROW, ARCHITECTS AND SPECIFIERS ARE INCREASINGLY LOOKING FOR WAYS TO CREATE STANDOUT DESIGN AND ENHANCE THE KERB APPEAL OF THEIR BUILDS. AS A RESULT, THE UK’S LARGEST BRICKMAKER, IBSTOCK, IS SEEING A RISE IN DEMAND ACROSS ITS INNOVATIVE GLAZED BRICK RANGE.

bstock’s portfolio features real ceramic glazes in a huge variety of colours, sizes and finishes - such as frosted, gloss and satin. By using glazed brick, specifiers are able to use depth and colour to create impressive façades and add innovative and striking design elements to any build.

Suitable for most masonry applications and elevations, Ibstock’s glazed range has already been applied to a host of striking commercial and residential builds across the UK.

One building project to realise the design potential of glazed bricks is Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge. Used to create an exciting and colourful design, whilst seamlessly integrating new and existing buildings, the architect specified the innovative glazed slip for the creation of a series of ‘lecture pods’ - a number of modern and welcoming areas for students to relax or study between lectures, which have been strategically placed to break up the façade.

A number of internal circular walls were installed to create the new lecture pods before the rainbow assortment of glazed slips in blue, red, orange, yellow and grey were applied. Against a contrast of timber cladding, the bricks delivered a fresh and modern finish to enhance the building’s environment.

As well as its ease of use, a major advantage of glazed brick is its ability to speed up construction without sacrificing visual appeal. For example, to minimise on-site construction at Anglia Ruskin University, the circular walls were built using blockwork before being clad with the glazed slips, which removed the need for traditional brickwork.

Ibstock’s glazed range has also been used to great effect in the regeneration of the Acton Housing Scheme in Ealing, West London. The latest phase of the

development involved creating an elegant gateway to South Acton, which is comprised of 8 to 10 storey residential blocks arranged around a south facing courtyard.

To break up the perceived mass of the buildings, the architect used large panels of glazed brickwork to create a striking façade in a palette of sky blue, white and a bespoke pale mint. The use of the large panels of glazed brick creates simple yet effective variations between the residential blocks.

To provide a comprehensive overview of the design possibilities achievable through the use of glazed brick, Ibstock recently launched its new edition of ‘Design’ magazine, which is dedicated to this exciting range.

Andrew Halstead-Smith, Group Marketing Manager at Ibstock, comments: “As demonstrated through the success of these two very different projects, the glazed range responds to the need to set buildings apart and achieve striking designs by offering specifiers a varied and vibrant selection of brick solutions.

“The wide choice of colours and finishes, coupled with the ease of installation, means those tasked with creating stand-out design can do so with minimum effort.”

Ibstock – Enquiry 86

One building project to realise the design potential of glazed bricks is Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge. Used to create an exciting and colourful design, whilst seamlessly integrating new and existing buildings, the architect specified the innovative glazed slip for the creation of a series of ‘lecture pods’

FP McCann precast concrete Flooring systems and Stair units installed at University Sports Facility

A NEW £10.8 MILLION SPORTS FACILITY IS NEARING COMPLETION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF DERBY’S MAIN KEDLESTON ROAD CAMPUS. THE BREEAM STANDARD CENTRE IS BEING CONSTRUCTED USING LOW CARBON HEAT AND LIGHT TECHNOLOGIES TO MAKE IT HIGHLY ENERGY EFFICIENT, COMPLEMENTED WITH THE USE OF WALLING AND FLOORING PRODUCTS THAT OFFER EXCELLENT THERMAL AND ACOUSTIC PROPERTIES.

FP McCann has supplied in total some 2,150m 2 of precast concrete fl ooring consisting of 80mm deep pre-stressed solid fl ooring units with exposed soffi t (1,105m 2) and 200mm deep 200mm deep pre-stressed hollowcore fl ooring units (1,049m 2).

The solid 80mm flooring has been manufactured at the company’s Grantham depot and the 200mm hollowcore panels at Weston Underwood, a short distance from the site.

The fair-faced finish to the concrete flooring slabs was critical to allow paint to be applied direct to the exposed surfaces.

Additional to the precast concrete flooring, FP McCann has designed and supplied both the internal and external stair cases and integral landings cast at the company’s specialist facility at Littleport, Cambridgeshire. No finishing screed is required and the vinyl flooring will be applied direct to the internal stair surfaces.

Main contractor GF Tomlinson has worked closely with both the client and all design and supply partners to ensure best value engineering and environmental solutions have been used on site.

The building includes a green roof and is set into an 8.5 metre embankment supported by a stone gabion wall to allow it to sit naturally into the site. Excavated material has been used to shape and contour access ramps and planting areas.

Commenting on the McCann precast products, Andy Morris, Tomlinson’s project manager says, “The concrete solid floors, hollowcore panels and stairs specified as part of the design were supplied to the highest standard.

“In all cases and with little preparation, we have been able to apply the finishing paints and vinyl floors direct to the surfaces.”

Once finished, the new complex will house an eight badminton court sports hall, gym, dance studio, squash courts and a climbing wall. It will also include a sports analysis lab as well as social and office space.

Enquiry 88

FP McCann –

Giving you even more design choice with over 100 long Linear bricks, from the UK’s biggest brickmaker.

To view the complete range or to order literature or samples please visit www.linearbrick.co.uk

You won’t believe the lengths we go to...

Andover Washed

Andover Washed is a premium quality washed block. Available in Silver Grey and Anthracite Charcoal, the pale colours form a contemporary backdrop for either modern or traditional projects. Containing a minimum of 53% recycled or reclaimed material in the back mix, it can be used to create different patterning effects in adjacent areas while retaining overall texture and colour consistency. Featuring a pencil chamfer profile for smoother riding surface, Andover Washed is available in long aspect paving. The range also includes Andover step riser units plus an Infilta concrete block permeable paver.

Charcon – Enquiry 90

Service is key to building excellence

Excellent service provided by H+H staff has made building a breeze for the team at Sherborne Homes Ltd during the company’s first development for a housing association. High quality service and additional benefits from using the Thin-Joint System, allowed for a speedy delivery of the project for Severn Vale Housing Association. The project specified H+H Thin-Joint System using Celcon Foundation Blocks and Celcon Plus Blocks with Celfix Mortar. Technical assistance given by H+H staff prior to, and during, the build process is the subject of high praise.

Northcot Brick launches new yellow handmades

Northcot Brick, one of the UK’s foremost independent brick manufacturers, has launched a new range of classic yellow bricks as part of the planned extension of its well-established handmade range.

The three new blends: Woodstock Weathered, Wellacre Antique and Marlborough Mellow add variation to the already much sought after rich warm reds and orange hues often associated with the historic brickworks.

Handmade using traditional bench mould methods and burnt in a coal-fired kiln, these distinctive yellow bricks offer subtle variations in tone and texture and a character designed to complement the architecture of the south and south east of England, being reminiscent of the traditional stock bricks often found in London and the South East.

“In order to keep pace with market demand for our handmades, we have increased our production capacity and broadened our range with new colour variations. Although new to the market, our Woodstock Weathered, Wellacre Antique and Marlborough Mellow blends will have a certain familiarity that resonates with much of the architecture in the south of England,” said Michael Brown, Managing Director of Northcot Brick.

Ideal for new build and commercial projects, the range is available in 65mm, 68mm and 73mm sizes and a range of British Standard special types is also available.

As with all Northcot first quality bricks, the handmade yellow range is manufactured to British and European standards, including F2 rating for Frost Resistance BS EN 771-1: 2003 and is hand checked to ensure consistency of quality throughout before dispatch.

Northcot Brick – Enquiry 91

Forticrete launches new range of blue blocks

IG Masonry Support Systems win top UK Construction Industry Award

The Keystone Group is delighted to have won a top UK award for its patented IG Brick Slip Masonry Support System, receiving the ‘Commercial Innovation of the Year’ award at the Construction News Awards.

The award was presented by TV personality Gabby Logan to IG Masonry Support Systems General Manager, Owen Coyle at the glittering awards ceremony which took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 30th June 2015 in front of over 1300 Construction Industry professionals.

Owen Coyle stated that the awards process included a grueling face-to-face finalist’s interview with members of the esteemed judging panel, including senior figures from the government, contractors, consultants and major clients to discuss the Brick Slip Masonry Support System in more depth

The Awards are hotly contested by the UK’s leading construction companies. The Keystone Group were particularly pleased by the judges response who stated “The winner demonstrated an exceptional innovation culture developing a product that provided a step-change in the approach to tackling a particular challenge.”

The revolutionary new product provides simple onsite installation of complex brick detailing, offering up to a 90% reduction of on-site labour and a 70% weight saving against alternative traditional methods. The product is highly flexible, with architects already designing new shapes for brick soffits not possible under old installation methods.

The Keystone Group – Enquiry 92

Forticrete, the UK’s has extended its range of Dense Concrete Masonry with the addition of a highly unusual new Blue block, developed to create non-distracting internal finishes within sports halls. As part of the company’s ECOBLOCK range of masonry, these machine manufactured decorative concrete facing blocks are manufactured using up to 45% secondary aggregate content. Finishes featured in the Sports Blue block range include Fairfaced, which provides a structural product and finish in one, Shot-blasted, which provides a weathered appeal, the popular Burnished Venezia and Polished Florentine which is used to create expanses of reflective walls.

Forticrete – Enquiry 94

The 76-page guide, which can be ordered free-of-charge is a compilation and celebration of Keymer’s history, products and installation techniques, utilising hand drawn images that call back to the company’s founding in 1588. The images within the guide are the same that featured in the original brochure, which was previously launched to critical acclaim. This re-release of the guide has seen the content updated to be exclusively available to architects and specifiers working on current projects, and can be requested from Wienerberger.

To request a copy of the Keymer specification guide please email info@keymer.co.uk.

For more information on Wienerberger please visit www.wienerberger.co.uk.

Follow Wienerberger on Twitter at twitter.com/wienerbergeruk.

Inside products insight

THE EXPERTISE AND PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE OF SPECIALIST MANUFACTURERS IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT WHEN IT COMES TO DEVELOPMENT OF LANDMARK NEW BUILDINGS.

Brookfield Place, formerly known as the World Financial Centre, is a collection of six large buildings that dominate the iconic lower-Manhattan skyline in New York City.

It includes The Courtyard, a shopping and leisure arcade located between the towers of 200 and 250 Vesey Street, previously known as Three and Four World Financial Centre respectively.

The buildings’ owner, Brookfield Asset Management, wanted to upgrade the space, giving it towering glass façades on two sides to open the interior to natural light and also maximise sight lines.

The walls of glazing required were of significant height – the façade facing the marina is 12m high and 27m wide, while that on the Vesey Street side of the building is 17m high and 21m wide.

The sensitivity of the location, right in the heart of Manhattan’s financial district, made safety and security a high priority for the glazing.

Phil Savage, commercial contracts sales manager at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, said: “A major challenge was achieving a design with a high level of mechanical resistance to loads while maintaining the desired aesthetic of an uninterrupted wall of glass.

“The solution was an innovative design using thick, laminated glass mullions or fins as the

glazing support system, as opposed to the traditional approach using steel framing. These were securely combined with the face glass using a custom-designed fixing system with horizontal stainless steel internal transoms.

“Both the client and the consultant had very high expectations for the performance and aesthetics of this system. We and W&W worked closely with the design team to deliver the quality of façade demanded by such a high-profile location”

Pilkington Optiwhite low-iron glass was used in order to deliver exceptional clarity to the glazing and further enhance the almost uninterrupted views delivered by the innovative fixing system.

The double-glazed units making up the face glass featured an outer 10mm-thick pane of glass with a solar control coating to assist with climate control inside the building, a 12mm argon-filled cavity to help deliver excellent thermal insulation, and an inner pane comprising two sheets of 6mm toughened, heat soaked glass laminated together for extra structural strength.

An advanced low-emissivity coating was applied to the laminated glass, enhancing the level of thermal insulation delivered by the glass by reducing outward radiation of heat energy.

The fins were constructed from three sheets of 12mm-thick glass bonded together with high-performance interlayers.

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

Pushing the boundaries with light steel frame

AS THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO SET AMBITIOUS GOALS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, THERE IS A GROWING DEMAND TO CONSTRUCT FASTER, MORE SUSTAINABLY AND AT A LOWER COST. BUT HOW CAN THIS BE ACHIEVED?

ight steel frame (LSF) has been revolutionising the construction industry for years, however recent technological advances in Building Information Modelling, and lean manufacturing means that LSF now offers an unparalleled freedom to construct faster and more accurately. The combination of strength, durability and precision engineering ensure light steel frame offers broad parameters to explore innovative solutions and optimise value engineering.

There are many ways in which light steel frame is perfectly positioned to meet the objectives.

Target 1: Faster Delivery

Time is a critical factor in construction – as every project manager well knows. That is one of the reasons why light steel frame has become the preferred construction method for forwardthinking property designers and builders.

Offsite construction projects can be delivered in up to half the time compared to traditional construction, delivering radically reduced build times, leading to less time onsite and ultimately, a faster return on investment.

Target 2: Lower Emissions

A major benefit is a minimised impact on the environment, with national targets for housebuilding, carbon emission reductions and the push for ‘zero carbon’ buildings –light gauge steel is perfectly positioned to play a crucial role in meeting and delivering these targets. Steel is notorious for its longevity and ability to be multicycled –providing no onsite waste and thus enabling for a more sustainable future.

Target 3: Reduce Costs

Light steel frame provides a lower cost option, whilst still maintaining a superior quality.

Cost savings are made due to the speed of construction, the frame is installed very quickly once onsite and resource efficiencies are also made due to the reduced site labour requirement.

Factory controlled manufacturing conditions eradicate the risk of onsite variability, delivering safer construction and improved health and safety onsite – all reducing the risk of unexpected costs during the build.

Furthermore, the longevity of light steel frame minimises costs in the long term. Steel is unaffected by shrinkage unlike materials such as timber, resulting in dramatically reduced repair costs down the line.

Companies such as EOS Facades have been driving light gauge steel within modern offsite manufactured solutions, providing the industry with quality products through precision manufacturing whilst delivering accurate results on time and on budget, resulting in high performance construction that is energy efficient and supports greater construction targets.

This year, EOS Facades are offering allinclusive fixed price packages that are supplied with proprietary brackets and fixings required. Plus they are now offering all Double Studs/Opening Jambs and DSL Lintels dispatched from the factory pre-assembled. This is a flexible service and should the client require the product to arrive unassembled, EOS will pre-punch in the factory, ghost assemble and supply, together with all the necessary screws and special drill bits, for assembly and installation onsite.

EOS Facades welcome enquiries of all types. Please feel free to contact the team direct, they will be very happy to assist in any way! Simply visit the company contacts page: www.eos-facades.co.uk/contact-us/

Safety and savings with new advances to Crown Trade Timonox

FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS, CROWN TRADE’S TIMONOX FLAME RETARDANT SYSTEM HAS PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN FIRE SAFETY – SLOWING DOWN THE SPREAD OF FLAMES AND ‘BUYING’ PRECIOUS TIME FOR BUILDINGS TO BE EVACUATED.

The system can help bring premises up to the required safety standards of relevant legislation including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRFSO) in England and Wales and The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005.

Now a major advance in research and development has seen Crown Paints improve the Crown Trade Timonox upgrade system, which is used on walls and ceilings to achieve the class 0 status required by legislation.

Only one coat of Crown Trade Timonox Upgrade Basecoat, followed by two coats of Crown Trade Timonox Emulsion topcoat, is all it takes to offer protection against the rapid spread of flames and improve a Class 4 surface to a Class 0. Previously four coats were required.

David Spicer, Crown Paints’ Specification Technical Manager, said: “All surfaces painted with conventional paints have the potential to cause fire to spread very quickly throughout a building.

“Even previously non-combustible surfaces, such as plasterboard covered in layers of old paint, can become a mass of flames in seconds.

“This is a particular problem in common access and circulation areas.”

The technological advances mean that, as well as offering the trusted level of protection that Crown Trade Timonox is renowned for, the system retains its excellent application qualities.

Crown Trade – Enquiry 99

New LED lighting time switch from Sangamo

Sangamo’s range of digital time switches now offer the widest range of lighting compatibility ever. Two new ‘Astro’ timers, switches that track dusk and dawn automatically, have been released which are fully tested with all modern lamps including LED and CFL lighting. The Sangamo 72101 (one channel) and 72201 (two channel) Astro time switches, designed to fit on DIN Rail, use latitude and longitude or the nearest city to give accurate sunrise and sunset times exactly where you need them - times can be offset by up to 90 minutes to ensure light is switched on before daylight gets too low. The switches have a wide range of applications from car parks, stairwells and retail displays to modern LED decorative lighting and seasonal festive lighting control.

Sangamo – Enquiry 100

A bespoke fire safety solution from FDS Consult has provided the first phase of a £250m mixed-use development in Brighton Marina with significant cost and space savings. FDS Consult was tasked with justifying a number of design considerations while maximising safety for the occupants of the site’s commercial spaces and 195 apartments. Through the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modelling, FDS Consult was able to demonstrate the effectiveness of its proposed designs for the development’s residential, retail and parking areas, while meeting all relevant British Standards and regulation documents.

FDS Consult – Enquiry 101

Securikey introduces cost effective Key Tracking solution

Combining tried and tested reliability with brand new features, the Key Safe 80 provides a robust facility where keys can be safely stored and managed, incorporating a solution that offers effective key tracking capabilities. In addition to 81 key hooks, the Key Safe 80 also features 15 closed loop hooks, located on the rear of the door, and is supplied with 20pcs tamper resistant seals that are used to fasten selected keys to the closed loops, ensuring they cannot be removed without detection. This advancement enables the customer to isolate up to 15 individual keys that may need to be easily accessible in an emergency but that must be monitored to ensure they are not removed and replaced without authorisation, allowing for complete accountability. Effective management for the majority of keys is made easy with the inclusion of an index card, key tabs, rings and numbers.

Securikey – Enquiry 102

FDS Consult provides substantial savings for £250m Brighton development

BASF support for zero carbon house

BASF has played a significant role, both as funding partner and as product manufacturer, to the SOLCER house, opened by the Welsh School of Architecture at Cardiff University. Highly insulated external walls are created from SIPS panels, utilising BASF’s Neopor insulation material. The South facing aspect of the roof is constructed of solar PV panels, the North facing aspect is of coated steel panels and the upper story is formed by a Transpired Solar Collector. Coil coatings from BASF, applied to the steel used in these areas, is critical to the performance of each element.

BASF – Enquiry 103

New Aico 160e Series: The next step in alarm evolution

Aico, UK’s market leader in domestic mains powered Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detection, unveils the latest in Smoke and Heat Alarm technology with its new 160e Series. Components within the alarms provide improved performance in response time and resistance to false alarms. The Ei164e Heat Alarm has a new thermistor giving a faster alarm response when the trigger temperature is reached. The Ei166e Optical Alarm has a new cylindrical sensor chamber encapsulated by a bonded protective mesh to keep out potential contaminates such as dust and insects whilst still allowing the free flow of smoke.

Aico – Enquiry 105

Bauder strikes gold once again with Investors in People

Flat roofing specialists Bauder have once again been awarded the prestigious Investors in People (IiP) Gold status, which recognises high performing organisations that put their people at the heart of their success.

This is the second time that the company, based in Ipswich, has been awarded the highest accreditation of Gold, an accolade that is awarded to only 7% of applicants each year; which is particularly impressive considering over a third of the UK’s workforce used IiP this year.

To achieve this standard, Bauder was rigorously and objectively assessed against a framework of 10 criteria to determine performance; Business Strategy, Learning and Development, People Management Strategy, Leadership and Management, Management Effectiveness, Recognition and Reward, Involvement and Empowerment, Learning and Development, Performance Measurement and Continuous Improvement.

Bauder delivers flat roof, green roof and photovoltaic solutions, possess a workforce of over 130 employees located throughout the UK and Ireland; however they are all frequently brought together to participate in many employee engagement and personal development initiatives. Earlier this year, the company also achieved, for the third time, a place in the Sunday Times Top 100 Best Small Companies To Work For, together with a 3 star status accreditation for outstanding workplace engagement.

Bauder – Enquiry 106

Johnstone’s Trade’s EPD portfolio continues expansion

Johnstone’s Trade continues to set the standard for sustainable paint solutions after a further six of its products received verification from BRE Global. Johnstone’s first received the EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) verification for three of its products earlier this year, with that total now rising to nine. Johnstone’s is the first decorative coating manufacturer to receive certification which complies with the European Standard EN 15804. An EPD is a standardised way of assessing the full environmental impact of a product through its lifespan from raw materials and manufacturing to application, use and disposal.

Johnstone’s Trade – Enquiry 107

TraffiGlove aids the task at hand

VolkerFitzpatrick, one of the UK’s premier rail engineering and construction companies, has turned to TraffiGlove to help kit out some 250 engineers with appropriate hand protection. Working on the Thameslink Hornsey project in London, VolkerFitzpatrick required appropriate PPE, namely safety gloves, to ensure that those working on site would be adequately protected. As such, TraffiGlove’s TG122 Agile, TG142 Traction, TG385 Grafter and TG595 Glaze were selected, providing various levels of cut protection. Franz Lorenschitz, Marketing Manager of TraffiGlove said: “All of our gloves are tested in accordance with EN 388 standards, which tests gloves on a scale of 1 to 5 for blade cut resistance and 1 to 4 for abrasion resistance, tear resistance and puncture resistance. By performing these tests, we know we are providing the industry with reliable, hardwearing gloves, designed specifically for a wide range of tasks.”

TraffiGlove – Enquiry 104

Abracs new Diamond Blades

range a cut above the rest

Leading abrasives supplier Abracs has launched a new and improved range of high performance, innovative diamond blade solutions spanning consumer, construction, automotive repair, and industrial needs. The range comprises three quality grades of blade aimed at Expert, Professional and Trade users. It has been designed so that the correct blade for specific applications is easily identifiable at a glance. Abracs’ top of the range diamond blades are constructed using premium quality diamonds and feature an all-important 10mm segment that gives a longer product life and ultimate performance. Precision manufacturing methods and modern quality control processes allow Abracs to control and regulate the variables that affect blade life and quality of cutting.

Abracs – Enquiry 108

More than 8,000m2 of Gerflor’s Tarasafe range of specialist slip-resistant vinyl safety flooring was specified for a £37.1m flagship of a Scottish school building programme. Architects Cooper Cromar specified the hard-wearing safety flooring for The Lasswade Centre, along with Eastwood School in Renfrewshire. Both have utilised Gerflor flooring for its aesthetic appeal and hardwearing durability. All the Tarasafe flooring at Lasswade and Eastwood was impregnated with Sanosol fungistatic and bacteriostatic treatment and incorporated Gerflor’s unique SparClean treatment, which eliminates dirt traps and cuts overall maintenance costs by reducing the need for cleaning materials.

Gerflor – Enquiry 110

Achieving the eternal look with Forbo

FORBO’S NEW-LOOK ETERNAL GENERAL PURPOSE VINYL FLOORING COLLECTION FEATURES DESIGNS RANGING FROM CHIC METALLIC AND BRIGHT SPARKLE EFFECTS TO SOPHISTICATED NATURAL WOOD AND STONE LOOKS.

This new collection captures a fresh and vibrant look and feel, whilst retaining all the practical performing elements that have made Eternal a hugely popular flooring choice and set the benchmark in heterogeneous flooring design.

A key element is the digital print offer where there are no limits to what can be created, enabling specifiers to deliver truly standout features. Within a wide range of intriguing designs, reproduced with exceptional colour clarity and print quality, are impressive Geodes depicting cross-sections of crystalline rock and a spectacular Rainbow design.

Eternal’s brand new gradient designs add depth and interest to any application area and are complemented by the new Sparkle collection where the use of particles rather

than chips delivers a subtle, compelling effect against solid colour.

The collection sees a new and improved colour palette and stunning new effects such as painted, patched and striped wood designs. The realism of the natural wood options is enhanced by the authentic ‘plank’ widths and lengths offered. Colour fastness and unique PUR Wood Pearl embossing on selected designs deliver without compromising ease of cleaning and maintenance.

With strong environmental credentials - 50% recycled content within the backing, and installation wastage fed through Forbo’s ‘Back To The Floor’ recycling schemeEternal exemplifies the manufacturer’s ethos of striving to create better environments in the production process of all its products.

FORBO Flooring – Enquiry 109

Polyflor creates a bespoke Expona Flow design for Preston nursery

Polyflor’s new Expona Flow range of high performance commercial flooring was used to create a fun and functional flooring design at Quwwat Islam Education Centre in Preston. Seven designs from the Expona Flow range were selected to create the bespoke floor. The grey Luna and Storm colours were chosen for the base and border of the design floor, whilst the circular designs with striped, spotted and swirl patterns inside were created using the brighter Burnt Orange, Flaxen, Steel Blue, Meadow and Plum shades. The Expona Flow range features 50 heavy commercial sheet vinyl flooring designs. The Expona Flow range features 50 heavy commercial sheet vinyl flooring designs in a 2 metre wide sheet format with a 2mm gauge and a 0.7mm wear layer.

Polyflor – Enquiry 111

Finsa SuperPan specified for prestigious office development in Holland

Ebano Luxury, Richmond Plum, Cerezo Luna and Galileo Blanco from Finsa’s Superpan décor range have been specified by designer HEMELS in Holland for the Otravo offices in Amsterdam. The SuperPan décor colours have been used for the desks, wall panels and doors to help create a fresh, modern and distinctively designed office environment. Finsa SuperPan is an advanced panel substrate for furniture manufacturing that offers superior machining, finishing and cost saving benefits. The range offers 40 decors comprising 7 plain colours, 14 woodgrains, 5 fantasy designs, 9 glossies and 4 in-line registered embossed woodgrains called Jazz. SuperPan is exclusively available from IDS in the UK with all products held ex-stock for 24-48 hour delivery.

IDS – Enquiry 112

Vinyl flooring is exclusively specified for multi-million pound school project

Heckmondwike FB leads the way in Cornwall office

Striking orange fibre bonded carpet from Heckmondwike FB has been specified for an office in Cornwall to enhance its ‘customer experience’. Supacord carpet was chosen by Premier Carpets to create a striking ‘think bubble’ design to highlight the company’s new creative area which will be utilised by its customers. Array tiles in Copper, alongside complementary Broadrib from Heckmondwike’s range, were also specified for the remainder of the open plan office and Dreadnought tiles in Black were chosen for the office’s entrance area. Available in a choice of 42 colours, Supacord is a popular choice for commercial carpet projects.

Heckmondwike FB – Enquiry 113

The Reclaimed Flooring Company has surface and

materials live

Deep in the Forest with Gerflor Creation

Interior designers Houseology recently moved offices, taking over a space in a converted mill, and the Creation range from international flooring and interiors specialist Gerflor was the perfect choice for its reception, social hub, circulation spaces and meeting rooms. The Creation range is immensely versatile, and as the client Houseology specified is very authentic looking. The different technical aspects of Creation offer looselay or stick down which really assisted the client with the actual fit that was required. Creation from Gerflor in a sense really provides an ‘application to suit all’.

Gerflor – Enquiry 115

Surface & Materials Live, part of UK Construction Week, has announced that the Reclaimed Flooring Company will be joining its exhibitors at the show. The Reclaimed Flooring Company is the latest in a multitude of suppliers to confirm attendance at the event this October. Offering a variety of authentic reclaimed, replica reclaimed and specialised new wood flooring solutions, this is a stand worth visiting for anyone involved in the specification and installation of truly design-led flooring. With an innovative range of patinas, incorporating antique and contemporary designs, the Reclaimed Flooring Company’s products blend rich history and new technology with a real flair for creativity and craftsmanship. The Reclaimed Flooring Company will be bringing its Natural Modernist Collection to the show. Blending urban design with the great outdoors, the subtle yet striking tones of this collection create an array of natural motifs and organic hues. A trade-only product range, it offers a pertinent solution for both large-scale commercial and residential properties where premium wood is desired at a competitive price. Surface & Materials Live not only offers visitors interesting innovations and beguiling design ideas, an exciting seminar schedule will provide debates, workshops and panel discussions too. Bringing together nine shows under one roof, UK Construction Week will be the biggest construction trade event the UK has seen in years. Taking place at the Birmingham NEC from 6 – 11 October (with the trade only days from 6 – 8 October) the event will unite 1,000 exhibitors with an expected audience of 55,000 visitors.

UK Construction Week – Enquiry 116

New bespoke matting makes an entrance for Glossop charity retreat

A new bespoke entrance carpet design should now help to bring a smile to the faces of beneficiaries at Reuben’s Retreat in Glossop. Heckmondwike FB donated the bespoke entrance area mat after the company was approached by local flooring contractor Manchester Flooring. The personalised entrance mat, which was manufactured in Heckmondwike FB’s Diamond range and features the charity’s name and logo in an eye-catching design, will be used for the welcome porch of The Lodge at Reuben’s. Heckmondwike FB’s versatile Diamond entrance mat provides a 100% polypropylene cobbled effect surface which will not ravel or fray.

Heckmondwike FB – Enquiry 117

floor heating

Tuscan Elite engineered flooring is the first multiply engineered flooring to be independently tested by Exova BM TRADA using common industry protocols and the Contract Flooring Association industry guidelines. Tuscan Elite offers 24 effects in a choice of fashionable woodgrains, surface textures and board widths. It is exclusively distributed by IDS and comes with a 25 year residential warranty against manufacturing defect. Detailed test data evidenced outstanding performance by Tuscan Elite meaning it can be specified with confidence over water-based systems encased in concrete, the most popular type of underfloor heating system in the UK.

IDS – Enquiry 114

Eye-catching Expona flooring helps tattoo studio stand out from the crowd

A bold and dramatic flooring design from Polyflor’s Expona Commercial range of luxury vinyl tiles was chosen for the refurbishment of Vida Loca Tattoo studio in Bolton. The Dark Recycled Wood design from Expona Commercial PUR range fits in with the studio’s contemporary style. The Expona Commercial luxury vinyl tile collection features 55 eye catching wood, stone and effects design options for use in heavy commercial environments such as the retail sector. Its 2.5mm gauge and 0.55mm wear layer means this range is ideal for high traffic spaces such as cafés, bars and restaurants.

Polyflor – Enquiry 118

The first multiply engineered flooring to be independently tested and validated for use with under

Alumasc Group launches new joined-up water management solutions brand

ALUMASC GROUP PLC, THE LEADING UK SUPPLIER OF PREMIUM BUILDING AND PRECISION ENGINEERING PRODUCTS, HAS CREATED ALUMASC WATER MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS (AWMS). THE NEW BRAND SPEARHEADS A NEW BUSINESS STRATEGY PROVIDING CUSTOMERS WITH INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS IN WATER MANAGEMENT.

aunched on 1st July 2015, AWMS becomes the first joined-up rain-to-drain brand in the industry to harness the expertise of four trusted brands in water management. The four are: Skyline Fascias, Soffit & Copings; Alumasc Rainwater Gutters & Downpipes; Harmer Building Drainage; and Gatic Civil Drainage.

For over 70 years Alumasc has promoted the efficient use, retention, recycling and disposal of water in the built environment. But increasingly, the market is calling for more integrated solutions. So AWMS has brought these four brands together to provide one simple, complete solution in proven water management: from rain-to-drain. AWMS can design products and measure performance on all water management projects.

AWMS Managing Director, Steve DurdantHollamby, says: “Skyline, Alumasc Rainwater, Harmer and Gatic are all big names in their own right. They’re renowned for innovation, quality and outstanding support. But under the new AWMS banner we’re combining their strengths to provide customers with an unrivalled breadth of expertise and skills from brands they know and trust. Our specialist knowledge and extensive range of industryleading products will help our customers

manage water originating inside or outside the building,” continues Steve, “protecting structures and providing rain-to-drain solutions, delivering water safely to discharge into water course, sewer or ground.”

Visit www.alumascwms.co.uk or call 0808 100 2008. To keep up to date with our new and exciting developments follow @AlumascWMS

Alumasc – Enquiry 119

PT is an all-rounder

Capable of waterproofing and damp-proofing internal and external walls and vaulted ceilings, above and below ground, in new construction of existing buildings over a contaminated or damp background. Delta-PT is a versatile product that is one of the most popular from the extensive Delta Membrane Systems range. It is a high performance polyethylene membrane which is extruded into a series of studs which create a continuous air gap behind the waterproof membrane. On the face of the membrane is a welded mesh that allows plasters and renders to bond efficiently to achieve dry and durable finishes. Delta-PT is watertight, resistant to high and low temperature extremes, chemically resistant to acids, alkalis, oil and solvents, and is approved for use in potable water applications. It also provides an effective barrier to the transmission of salts or other contaminants from the substrate.

IKO’s Appley Bridge achieves ISO 14001

IKO

With Appley Bridge achieving ISO 14001, all three of IKO’s factories now comply with environmental standards. Its Clay Cross plant in Chesterfield and site at Grangemill Quarry have both achieved the accreditation.

“As a company we’re focused on recycling raw materials, reducing packaging, cutting energy and water consumption and monitoring logistics to minimise environmental impact,” explains Group Managing Director, Andy Williamson. “IKO’s continued investment in environmental and energy performance across all sites will remain a priority.”

Group Safety Health and Environmental Manager, Jon Pickup, adds: “Achieving ISO 14001 across all three UK sites is a great achievement for IKO and an acknowledgment of the hard work that everyone has put in to achieve it.”

For more information on IKO and its investment in environmental and energy performance visit www. ikogroup.co.uk.

Evinox Energy future proof Heat Interface Units

Your choice of Heat interface Unit (HIU), for dwellings connected to a communal or District heating network, is a crucial element of the system design. Installing the best solution from the outset can provide a more efficient and easy to manage scheme. With advances in technology and growing experience in system design, improved methods of controlling HIU’s and the primary network are available.

ModuSat units use an advanced Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control logic, in combination with PICV’s and a fast acting actuator, which modulate the primary flow rate to match the DHW or HTG demand, and respond instantly to the changing loads. This ensures that end user comfort is achieved by providing consistent, safe hot water at the tap, as well as guaranteeing the low return temperature to the primary network at all times. The use of PID controlled PICV’s in HIU’s means that only one valve is required for differential pressure control, flow modulation and full energy shut off. This reduces the size and weight of the unit, keeps maintenance costs to a minimum and increases functionality.

In addition, Evinox Energy HIU’s are supplied prepayment ready as standard, with a room controller for the end user, meaning there is no requirement for additional controls, sensors or equipment to switch the end user to a debt free Pre-Payment system. The integrated technology also enables remote monitoring for diagnostics and improving the efficiency of the system.

Evinox Energy are confident that the future of HIU’s lies in electronically controlled units that provide full comfort to the end user, whilst also delivering important information regarding the operation of the system, which can be monitored, adjusted or regulated remotely over the internet.

Energy – Enquiry 122

Converting rainwater into energy

Intelli Heat electric system gives homeowners and specifiers full control

For many years electric heating has been seen as the last resort for homeowners and specifiers. Intelli Heat UK, have been striving to change this preconception with the market leading advanced thermodynamic electric heating systems which offer a cost effective and incredibly attractive alternative to all other ‘traditional’ storage heating systems.

Intelli Heat Electric Heating system gives you FULL CONTROL when and where you need it, saving you up to 35% on other systems. The Home Automation APP enables users to fully wireless automate their heating and lighting, roller shutters, hot water, alarm, gates and garage door. Setting up 4 zones and 16 electric radiators from their tablet, Mobile or PC.

Intelli Heat is one of the first company to introduce such a complete Home Automation system to the UK, and still lead the market on our continued product development.

Customers can set up individual rooms or specific zones to be pre-programmed through our app, so that electricity is only being charged where it is being used. Featured on Brand New Series 60 Minute Makeover ITV1 - Voted ‘Best Heating Product’ – Build It Awards 2012NEEDO best design brands for RADIATORS in Archiproducts.

Intelli Heat – Enquiry 123

A successful British trial that converts rainwater into the ultimate renewable resource could alter the entire international picture. The trial is a joint exercise between Clean Power Solutions and Giacomini, the Italian inventors of the world’s first hydrogen burner. The system gathers renewable energy via a 48kW photovoltaic solar panel network and a 20kW wind turbine, which is then converted to an AC current to meet the energy demands of the site. Excess energy is then stored in a synthetic grid of 250ah deep cycle batteries that has many purposes, one being to power the hydrogen electrolyser.

Giacomini – Enquiry 125

Titon launches new dMEV range: Solitude and Solace

Titon has launched two new decentralised mechanical extract ventilation (dMEV) units for use in small to medium sized dwellings. Suitable for either new build or refurbishment projects, both the Solitude and Solace are ideal for bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms. Solitude is a constant flow dMEV fan, which can be wall, ceiling, panel or window mounted. Solace, is available in three different versions: ‘Basic Fan’, where boost is manually activated via a remote switch; ‘Overrun Timer’, which has boost with overrun timer adjustable between 0-30 minutes; and ‘Humidistat & Timer’ version has a humidity sensor.

Titon – Enquiry 124

Top marks for

installers

heat recovery

Vortice has given top marks to Barratt contractor Linkwood Services for heat recovery system installation excellence. Linkwood is installing Vortice HR200 Evo heat recovery units in 189 new homes in the heart of Harrow. Vortice Technical Manager Andrew Dickinson said: “Our technical team had worked hard to specify the most energy efficient ventilation design possible for Artisan Place and Linkwood kept our master drawings on site so that their team could refer to them at all times. Their use of self seal ducting has also made the job easier to install and the householders will be rewarded by great energy efficiency.”

Vortice – Enquiry 126

Evinox

Accessible Guidance

With the growing trend towards domestic bathroom adaptation, new guidance is aiming to help get it right.

‘Design Guidance & Considerations for a Domestic Accessible Toilet/Wetroom’ has been produced and published by Clos-o-Mat. The white paper gives advice to ensure that all aspects affecting the functionality and practicality of a bathroom adaptation are duly considered, and implemented where appropriate and practical.

“Bathrooms are the most common form of home adaptation. One Council alone reported that last year, 56% of its home adaptations were bathrooms. Some 1/2million households without but in need of adaptation said they needed either a special toilet seat or aid to use the toilet,” explains Robin Tuffley, Clos-o-Mat marketing manager.

“Sometimes, basic considerations are overlookeduse of colour is a big help to someone with visual impairment; changing a door from swinging to sliding can give valuable extra space inside to aid manoeuvrability….Then there are the bigger issues: will a particular shower chair fit over the toilet, what height is the toilet and can that be adjusted, to cite just a couple of examples. Our white paper covers all the details to think about to ensure a successful adaptation, which meets the user’s needs and so achieves best value for the provider.”

The white paper can be downloaded free of charge at www.clos-o-mat.com. It is the latest in a series of guidance documents produced by Closo-Mat designed to ensure good specification of accessible toilet provision in domestic and public/ commercial environments.

Clos-o-Mat was the first supplier of automatic wash and dry toilets in the UK; its Palma Vita was the first WC of its kind developed specifically for disabled people. Now, the company provides a range of toilet/bathroom equipment to optimise accessibility and independence.

Products are complimented by the most comprehensive support service available, covering design advice, project management, supply, install, commissioning and in-house service & maintenance.

The changing face of public leisure

Washroom design and manufacturer, Washroom Washroom has completely refreshed the changing areas at a busy public leisure centre, delivering on practicality as well as style.

Brixton Leisure Centre, a vibrant family friendly leisure centre run by charitable enterprise, Greenwich Leisure Limited, has been refurbished to provide some of the best facilities in London. It boasts a swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym, special children’s gym, squash courts, climbing wall and conference suite.

Working with interior fit out specialist, RJ Interiors of Essex, Washroom installed new male and female changing areas on the fourth floor of the building as part of the extensive refurbishment. Cubicles from Washroom’s Forte range were installed for both the WC and changing cubicles. Impervious to water and with a satin anodised aluminium headrail, Forte is the perfect choice for wet area changing cubicles providing an aesthetic, affordable and long-term solution. Manufactured in Solid Grade Laminate (SGL) for extra durability, the cubicles were finished in a distinctive dark wood effect.

Legato benching, an integrated benching system which consists of an aluminium support construction, profiled seating and complementary hookrail, was installed and complemented by Washroom’s Forza lockers, which offer exceptional strength and durability. Both the benching and lockers were manufactured from SGL with the same dark wood finish to complement the cubicles and add to the high specification design. Completing the look are the Corian vanity units and grooming shelves, which were manufactured specifically to tone in with the colour palette used throughout the changing areas. Corian is highly durable and hygienic and creates a luxury finish yet is durable and easy to maintain, making it the ideal partner for a public leisure centre.

Washroom Washroom – Enquiry 127

Twyford launches a brand new Specification Manual

Twyford has launched a brand new Specification Manual that provides an easy reference guide to the entire Twyford product portfolio. It supercedes the previous Commercial Guide. Hard copies are available on request and a digital version can be downloaded online from www.twyfordbathrooms. com which will be available from September 1st.

Newly re-designed around the company’s vibrant identity, the 450 page guide is a neat A5 size making it ideal to have at hand on the desk, or to carry around. and is spiral bound for easy referencing, flipping between sections and page marking.

The manual lists products by categories, with each page containing full technical details, associated products and unique features of the product. Each product is also categorised by simple visual logos helping the user to specify it for healthcare, commercial, less able, education, hotels and residential uses.

Further logos are used to highlight Twyford’s benefits of Rimfree, Flushwise, Odourwise, Total Install and Proclean technologies, together with references to the European Water Label and DEFRA.

The guide complements Twyford’s Specmasteronline, the company’s online specification tool for architects, designers, specifiers and contractors. It is the only specification tool to allow its specifications to be imported into a fuller project spec in either NBS Create or NBS Building. Log onto www. specmasteronline.com.

Twyford – Enquiry 128

Methven taps design with additions to Aio range

The new tapware range is manufactured from Eco Brass® - a revolutionary high quality, high strength material which is lead and heavy metal free, providing enhanced corrosion resistance and therefore preserves water quality. Aio tapware is characterised by sophisticated simplicity, with an integrated lever and body design combined with precision engineering. The tapware collection features a variety of models, designs and sizes suitable for all water pressure systems. The Aio basin mixer features a directional aerator, which streamlines the water flow and minimises splash back making it perfect for both domestic and commercial use. To suit more compact bathrooms, a mini version of the basin mixer is also available.

Methven – Enquiry 130

Comar 5P.i Advanced Window System produce the next generation of solutions

The technology in Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems’ market leading Comar 9P.i Framing system has been incorporated into the Comar 5P.i window range. The Comar 5P.i Advanced Casement and Tilt/Turn window system integrates seamlessly into Comar 9P.i creating the option for standalone high performance windows. The brief to Comar’s Design Team was to specifically meet architectural demands; low U-values, matching slim sight lines for both the casement and tilt/turn, large glazing pocket for acoustic glass, secured by design and large sizes. For their contractor and fabricator partners, performance with built in fasttrack fabrication and installation.

Comar – Enquiry 131

DORMA unveils stylish space saving folding door

DORMA has launched the new the FFT Flex Green folding door. Stylish and contemporary, it also provides specifiers with a market leading 2.4 maximum width making it an ideal solution for applications where space is restricted. In addition, the FFT Flex Green folding door offers excellent thermal separation efficiency and is certified for escape routes. The FFT Flex Green offers a modern and appealing aesthetic, featuring elegant frames that can be specified up to 2.5 metres in height and 2.4 metres width. Suitable for both external and internal applications, it adheres to EN 16005 standards.

DORMA – Enquiry 132

Quick and easy fit with Garador steel frames

Perfect fit, quickest time – Garador’s precision engineered steel frames provide the best possible solution for fitting garage doors.

Purchasing a Garador Up & Over garage door with a steel frame makes the installation quicker, as you simply need to fit the frame straight to the brickwork with as little as 7 fixings for a canopy gear door and 11 fixings for a retractable gear door. The frame can be fitted either between or behind the opening.

As with all Garador products, the steel frame and garage door have been developed with longevity in mind. The use of a Garador steel frame which is galvanised to protect against rust, eliminates the need for a timber sub-frame, which will often warp or rot over time.

“Without doubt, Garador steel frames offer the fastest and most accurate way to fit a garage door,” said Garador’s managing director Simon Hipgrave. “Thanks to their quick and easy fit, they also help installers and are a great option for homeowners looking for a door that is precisely fitted with care and attention.

The steel frame also results in a more accurate installation, without the need to fill in any unsightly gaps with strips of PVC as is often the case with a timber sub-frame. In addition, the steel frame is supplied factory painted to exactly match the colour of your Up & Over garage door, with no additional painting required.

Simon continues “Along with the rest of our Up & Over doors, steel frames are also made right here in our UK plant to help ensure we offer the very best door at good prices with easy delivery.”

Find out more about Garador at www.garador. co.uk or call 01935 443708.

Garador – Enquiry 133

Ark flood defence develops flood door in REHAU profile

Ark Flood Defence Network has developed an innovative flood door system which has achieved the essential ‘Zero’ leakage score in the PAS1188:1 2014 test for flood defence products using REHAU TOTAL70 outer frame profile. The Ark Flood Defence door uses a high specification multi-point locking mechanism which creates a tight compression seal between the door sash and the frame, making it more watertight than a standard door – even when faced with water at a height of up to 600mm. The door is available in a wide range of designs and colours, with a choice of different panel and glazing options. It has the look of a conventional panel door but with the added security of flood protection.

TORMAX access for expanding housing association

Improving access for visitors and staff to their offices, the arm’s length management organisation, Derby Homes Ltd has recently upgraded four key entrances with TORMAX iMotion automatic sliding doors.

“We used our standard procurement route in selecting TORMAX against two other similar companies,” explains Mario Preite, Senior Project Surveyor for Derby Homes. “We found TORMAX to perform well in all areas of quality, price and service and went on to contract them to upgrade the entrances to three additional office buildings.” Designed for reliability, the TORMAX door operators deliver an exceptionally long lifespan thanks to the Swiss engineering combined with cutting-edge technology. This reduces total cost of ownership, allowing for effective financial planning with reduced ongoing budgetary expenditure.

Derby Homes Limited is a non-profit making organisation created by Derby City Council to manage, maintain and improve its council houses and estates. Mario Priete has successfully managed a number of initiatives, a Reception Refurbishment project as well as a wider investment and regeneration of office facilities, encouraging more efficient working practices and improving availability of staff to the public. “Equality and accessibility are key concepts for Derby Homes and that extends to ensuring that, wherever possible, all our buildings can be easily accessed by everyone, as well as supplying a good level of security for our staff,” confirms Preite.

At Derby Homes, two TORMAX 1301 iMotion operators drive internal and external swing doors whilst a iMotion 2202 bi-parting operator was installed to provide sliding door access to newly refurbished open-plan office space. Extremely cost-effective, TORMAX iMotion door drives feature low-energy operation as standard. In addition, their unique internal design means that the high-torque motors have none of the usual working parts that wear out, such as gears and brushes, ensuring an above average working life and outstanding reliability.

IMotion also ticks the sustainability box too, with over 95% of the operators being manufactured from recyclable materials. The extended life expectancy of the system reduces waste in the long-term, another plus for a cost-conscious organisation such as Derby Homes.

NORTHERN POWERHOUSE Enquiry 136

The extension of devolution deals to Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield and the Midlands announced by Chancellor George Osborne have been given a mixed reception by industry figures, according to UK Construction Week. Several industry commentators have welcomed the increased power over planning this will bring, while others have pointed to challenges in transport infrastructure that must be addressed. Taking place at the Birmingham NEC from 6 – 11 October. UK Construction Week will unite 1,000 exhibitors with an expected audience of 55,000 visitors. Please visit www.ukconstructionweek.com

LED ‘PREFECT FOR THE JOB’ Enquiry 138

EasiLume recently fitted its fully controllable LEDs into the Universal Business Team’s (UBT) new conference centre, Exchange Place, in Warwickshire. EasiLume, the expert in LED, was set the challenge of finding a long lasting, low maintenance light which could be centrally controlled, making the room usable as a lecture theatre, dining hall and exhibition space. Duncan Lindsell, EasiLume Head of Lighting Design, said: “We were given a strict set of parameters and simply asked: ‘can you do it?’.” EasiLume’s high quality LEDs can last up to 100,000 hours, which is the equivalent to 11½ of constant running. They are fully controllable, fully versatile and can save up to 80% on energy bills compared to their fluorescent and incandescent alternatives. “People generally understand the energy efficiency benefits of LED and often give that as the reason for switching,” continues Duncan. “But for a venue like this, with well over 100 lamps at 7 metres up, changing a light bulb isn’t easy and the maintenance bills can quickly rack up. “LEDs are perfect for this job. They are long lasting, reliable, fully dimmable and fully controllable. ade our case to UBT and the result is fantastic.”

LED REFIT SHINES A SPOTLIGHT Enquiry 140

Howarth Timber and Building Supplies’ branches across the country are being refitted with LED lighting after the company successfully secured funding from the Department of Energy and Climate Change. The Electricity Demand Reduction pilot scheme was established by the Government department in order to encourage businesses across the UK to reduce electricity consumption at peak times by providing funding for new installations or improvements to current facilities. Howarth Timber and Building Supplies was one of 18 successful bidders for funding from the pilot scheme.

BUILT ENVIRONMENT AWARDS

Enquiry 142

The new Apley House administration building at the Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath has scooped two awards at this year’s South West Built Environment Awards, winning both the ‘Innovation’ and ‘Value’ award categories. Designed by architects SRA, the building’s brick façade is clad in the Gebrik Insulating Brick Cladding System, supplied by Aquarian Cladding Systems Ltd. The panelbased Gebrik system helps deliver a staggering 40% reduction in build time and 15% reduction in capital costs when compared to traditional construction methods.

SECOND ROYAL RECEPTION Enquiry 137

Ancon has again been honoured at a Royal Reception following the company’s second Queen’s Award for Enterprise. The reception was hosted by Her Majesty The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. Other members of the Royal Family in attendance included, The Duke of York, Princess Eugenie of York and The Princess Royal, underlining the importance attached to these prestigious industry awards. Ancon’s Managing Director, Stuart Maxwell and Marketing Manager, Annabelle Wilson, who attended at the personal invitation of Her Majesty, were joined by representatives from other award-winning companies for the reception held in the magnificent state rooms of Buckingham Palace. Ancon’s success in the 2015 Awards comes in recognition of its International Trade and acknowledges the company’s outstanding achievements in growing sales across new and existing export markets. It follows success in 2012, when the company was honoured with a Queen’s Award in Innovation, for the development and commercialisation of a unique Lockable Dowel, a system that has revolutionised post-tensioned concrete construction.The reception was a proud moment for the Ancon representatives, who were each presented to HM The Queen and had the opportunity to discuss at length the company’s on-going business success with members of the Royal household.

SUCCESS OF SEMINAR

Enquiry 139

The huge success of REHAU’s recent Passivhaus seminar illustrated just how much interest there currently is across the construction industry in the practical application of the technology. As new members of the Passivhaus Trust and with a number of Passivhaus certified products in its portfolio, REHAU hosted the event to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to the concept. Over 70 delegates were at the seminar with a mix of architects, engineers and clients attending. The response exceeded all expectations with thirteen spaces booked within five minutes of the event going live on the REHAU website.

AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR Enquiry 141

The MD of Europe’s largest independent cold rollforming manufacturer has received recognition for his outstanding contribution to the business sector and West Midlands’ economy. Stewart Towe CBE, MD of Hadley Group, was awarded the coveted title of Ambassador of the Year at the West Midlands Business Masters Awards at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. The awards run by TheBusinessDesk.com seek to recognise excellence, entrepreneurship, growth and enterprise amongst the region’s businesses. As well as steering the helm of Hadley Group, Stewart is a passionate advocate of manufacturing.

SENIOR ADDS STRENGTH TO TEAM Enquiry 143

As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to meeting and exceeding the needs of its clients, leading fenestration designer and manufacturer Senior Architectural Systems has invested heavily in a new specification team and technical services department. Andrew Cooper has been appointed to the newly created role of national specification manager and will head up Senior’s new specification division with support from a team of architectural advisors operating on a regional level. Senior’s existing technical sales teams is also set to benefit from the appointment of David Stephens.