Outside Comfort Zone AUTUM N 2021
BUI L DI NG DESI GN, I DEA S & SOL UTI ONS FOR YOU A ND YOUR CL I ENTS
Above: A Tarnhow Mono-Pitch Free Standing Timber Canopy Installed at Selwyn Primary School
Welcome to the Autumn edition of Outside Comfort Zone - your quarterly dose of building solutions and news for you and your clients. We have just launched a RIBA approved CPD that is now live on the RIBA website so you can watch it and earn your core curriculum CPD points. We've also added a couple of case studies that showcases a recent curved timber cycle shelter installation and a wall mounted canopy for the NHS.
350,000 New Construction Roles by 2028 The UK?s government has committed to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and to ensure they achieve their goal; the construction industry will need to create the equivalent of 350,000 new roles by 2028. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) published last month that these roles will need to be found through a mixture of new skilled jobs, increased efficiencies in existing roles and innovation in how the industry decarbonises the built environment. The construction industry contributes approx. 40% of the UK?s total emissions according to the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) and reducing this to net zero represents a huge challenge. However, it?s a great opportunity to make those much-needed changes which will not only be better for the environment but for our companies and staff too. Apart from the obvious, working in ways that are greener, can be much more rewarding and will reduce employees and employers feeling guilt over the impact their business has on the environment, which has come to light more and more in the recent years. The UK government?s 2050 net zero target was one of the most ambitious in the world and was recommended by the Committee on Climate Change, the UK?s independent climate advisory body. Despite their ambitious goal, they released in 2019 that they had already reduced emissions by 42% whilst growing the economy by 72% which shows a great deal of positivity and hope. As a canopy or shelter supplier for the construction industry, we have always been an eco-conscience company and our ISO 14001 certification reflects this however, we are aware that there?s always more we could do and therefore will strive to make these changes where possible in the near future. www.ablecanopies.co.uk | sales@ablecanopies.co.uk | 0800 389 9072
1
Our New Fun, FreshSchool? and Fabulous Shade Sail Fabric Aberfoyle Primary Stirling, Scotland Product: Denver Timber Cycle Shelter Size: 6.2m x 1.6m Timber Frame Stain Colour: Light Oak Contractor: AKP Scotland Ltd. Architect: Wardell Armstrong Installation Date: May 2021 The Brief AKP Scotland Ltd. are an award-winning principal contractor based in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. They were working on a project at Aberfoyle Primary School in Stirling which required a complete refurbishment of their stunning gothic style, 151-year-old listed building. Part of the project included the requirement for a cycle shelter within the school?s nursery playground. The Architects, Wardell Armstrong specified our Denver Timber Cycle Shelter in the setting out drawings, which were then sent to us as an invitation to tender by AKP Scotland Ltd. The Solution Because the product had already been specified, this was a simple case of sending over our costs for the size required which was 6.2m x 1.6m.
The Installation An order was placed in December 2020 with the installation planned for May 2021 as set out in the contractors?building programme. The contractor installed a concrete base and the installation of the shelter went ahead as scheduled on 24-26th May 2021, taking just two days to install. The contractor supplied and installed the cycle hoops themselves once we had left site. The end result is a striking curved timber cycle shelter that fits in flawlessly with the recently refurbished Early Year?s playground area, finishing the project off perfectly.
The Denver is constructed from stunning curved Glulam timber beams which are manufactured by gluing together, under pressure and heat, laminates of timber that have been accurately planed. The resulting beams are strong, stable, and corrosion proof with significant advantages over structural steel and concrete. This makes the Denver Timber Cycle Shelter a great choice for this project; because the school building was a very old, listed building, the aesthetics of a curved timber structure would fit in perfectly, keeping a traditional, natural appearance.
www.ablecanopies.co.uk | sales@ablecanopies.co.uk | 0800 389 9072
2
5 Reasons to Add Canopies to Your Projects
When it comes to designing new buildings and landscapes for your clients, the ultimate goal (besides the artistic design) is to create an environment that is convenient, comfortable and enjoyable to be within. That?s why it?s well worth considering the addition of canopies in your concept design. Weather protection may not seem like a big issue however, providing cover from the weather over entrances, storage areas, outdoor dining areas and sales areas, makes the outdoor tasks much more enjoyable and enables areas such as outdoor dining benches to be used all year round and reduces congestion indoors. Here?s 5 reasons why you should add a canopy to your designs: 1. They enable your clients to make more use of their outside space Because canopies provide protection from both the sun and rain; creating cool shaded areas in the summer, and dry sheltered areas in the winter, they extend the use of the outdoors to all year round. This is particularly useful if you only have a small portion of land to work with yet, are not looking to fill it up with buildings. Canopies can provide a useable ?outdoor room?without compromising on the outdoor space. 2. Creates a specific area for certain events or activities Your clients have can a dedicated outdoor space for events or activities which adds excitement and exclusivity to the occasion, as well as creating a talking point. They can also make a stunning outdoor feature to your main design. 3. Canopies can reduce overcrowding indoors Rooms such as dining halls, walkways and entrances can become overcrowded during busy times and creating a covered
space outside where those persons can disperse, will dramatically reduce overcrowding indoors. 4. They offer dual purposes Although including a canopy within your design is for a specific purpose. Your client will have an area that can be used in a variety of ways. For example, an outdoor dining canopy can also be used as a study canopy, an outdoor classroom, a waiting shelter for parents and an events shelter. 5. They provide more opportunities for users to connect with nature Providing an outdoor space for activities or everyday routines that would usually be conducted indoors, provides the users with more opportunities to spend time outside in nature which has proven to be good for our mental health. The fresh air can also awaken us, deterring that sluggish feeling that creeps up once we?ve spent too long inside, resulting in better productivity, concentration and engagement.
www.ablecanopies.co.uk | sales@ablecanopies.co.uk | 0800 389 9072
3
Canopies with Automated Fire Sprinklers Assessing risk within schools in always top of the list when investing in new facilities and equipment. All risks are of course important, and the risk of fire is particularly paramount due to the devastation and emotional impact on all involved with the school. A fire within the building can cause the loss of school equipment, pupil?s work and teachers?resources and plans which are there as a result of years of hard work. That?s without even mentioning the risk of injury or worse, to staff and pupils.
building, it can still spread inside. However, if the fire starts outside under the canopy, the sprinklers will spring into action which greatly reduces the risk of fire spread by ensuring the fire will be controlled or extinguished in the early stages. Over the last few years, we have modified a number of our canopies so that they can be fitted with sprinklers including the canopies installed at Northstowe Education Village (pictured to the left) for Kier Contractors and Livingston Eye Associates, and the canopies at Lexden Springs SEND School (pictured below) for Morgan Sindall and Allen Scott Landscape Architecture. Because all our canopies are made to order they can be modified to suit your requirements subject to feasibility. So, whatever modification you may require, please do get in contact and we?ll work hard to find a solution.
UK schools are very good at ensuring their learning environment is safe for their pupils and staff, and fires within schools seem to thankfully be very rare. However, they are still a possibility because we simply cannot control everything, no matter how extensive our health and safety efforts are.
In addition, our canopies have excellent fire ratings; the Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy for example, features structured polycarbonate roof sheets have been tested to most European standards & meets the BS476 part 7 with a class 1 fire rating and EN 13501 B-S1, d0. They are self-extinguishing when the source of the flame is removed and will not promote fire or assist the spread of fire. The frame is constructed completely from aluminium which does not burn and has a melting point between 660° ? 380°. This makes the Coniston the perfect companion for automated fire sprinklers.
Automated fire sprinklers are therefore a fantastic addition to school buildings, but have you considered adding them outside too? Although we do not supply or install automated fire sprinklers, we are able to modify our commerical canopies to allow sprinkler companies to install them. We therefore think that adding sprinklers to canopies is a great idea because if a fire starts outside the school
Cash Boost for Apprenticeships Job security and the survival of companies in all sectors including construction have been at risk since the pandemic begun almost 18 months ago. Many companies are now starting to come out of the other end whilst some are still fighting their way through. If you are one of those companies that are seeing work pick up and find yourself needing more staff to handle the extra 3 workload, have you considered employing an apprentice? The UK Government have announced that employers of any size in England can now apply for extra funding to help them take on new apprentices. This is part of the latest drive to revolutionise the skills and training offer across the country. The apprenticeship incentive scheme, which was confirmed by Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor in March's budget is available for companies to benefit from now all the way through to the 30th September. You can claim £3000 for each apprentice you take on by the deadline date. This could be the answer you are looking for, to get your company back on track or to expand it further without dramatically increasing your overheads. It will also help you to invest in a skilled workforce in the future and contribute to helping the country bounce back better from the pandemic. www.ablecanopies.co.uk | sales@ablecanopies.co.uk | 0800 389 9072
4
New RIBA Approved CPD: Bringing the Inside Out
When it comes to working on a project, there?s so many products to specify and it helps if you know a little about each of them. That?s why we?ve created our latest CPD called ?Bringing the Inside Out? which is fully approved by RIBA. The CPD is an easy to follow 23-minute online learning video so you can watch it in your own time at your own pace. It is currently only available to watch online via the RIBA website, so you can also gain your CPD points. If you would like to watch the CPD for informational purposes only, and do not wish to gain RIBA points, you can watch the CPD on our website. The CPD is full of knowledge regarding canopies, the legal requirements within commercial settings and the materials available. It also outlines the sustainability of canopies including recyclability of materials and so forth which can help towards to UK governments goal of Net Zero by 2050. There are three learning aims within the CPD which are: - The benefits a canopy can bring to an environment - The features and benefits of the materials and finishes available - The canopy design options available Watch the CPD to: - Earn your core curriculum RIBA CPD points- The CPD falls into the design, construction and technology core curriculum - Watch online in your own time- The CPD is an online learning video so you can watch it on a date and time that suits you - Discover essential canopy and shelter knowledge Topics covered include: Canopy materials and finishes, benefits, designs, legal requirements and sustainability.
www.ablecanopies.co.uk | sales@ablecanopies.co.uk | 0800 389 9072
5
St Helier Hospital, Carshalton, Surrey Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust Product: Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy Size: 15m x 3.9m Frame Colour: Hicpa White Polycarbonate Colour: White Contractor: PG Marshall and Sons Ltd. Installation Date: August 2019
The Brief PG Marshall and Sons Ltd. were working on a project at St Helier Hospital for Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust. They were relocating the Davis (outpatient) unit which included a portable building that required weather protection over the disability access ramp and pathway leading to the unit. They also needed the canopy to connect the Davis Unit to Ferguson House (the main building), which already had a small cantilevered canopy that the hospital trust were keen to keep in place. The Solution The two buildings that required connecting via a canopy had a fairly awkward space in between due to the buildings not being equally parallel to one another. Following the original design drawings, it was clear that the perfect solution would be the popular Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy.
The Coniston is a cost effective yet, robust and long lasting canopy which is constructed from aluminium and is covered with 35mm structured polycarbonate roof panels that are 200 times stronger than glass, protect from over 98% of harmful UV rays generated by the sun and will not discolour over time unlike alternative panels on the market. In order to install the canopy within the awkward space whilst still providing shelter from both building entrances, we kept the height of the canopy low enough so that it could fit underneath the existing cantilevered entrance canopy. We were able to achieve this whilst keeping the height of the canopy more than adequate for any persons walking underneath. In addition, where the new canopy fits underneath the existing canopy, to avoid using a post which would have been an issue because the foundations would have been
too close of the building, we designed a bracket to fix the front of the canopy to the wall instead. The Installation Although the Coniston requires installation onto a suitable wall. We have been installing this popular canopy onto portable buildings for many years and have done so by designing brackets especially for installation onto these types of temporary buildings to ensure a safe and robust installation. The canopy installation went ahead as planned. The end result was a 15m x 4m Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy attached to the Davis Unit which meets the existing concrete canopy on Ferguson House. The pathway and ramps are now covered from the weather and patients, staff and visitors can comfortably move from one building to the other during the wet weather, whilst keeping dry.
www.ablecanopies.co.uk | sales@ablecanopies.co.uk | 0800 389 9072
6
Reducing Waste in a Construction Workplace
3
As the years go by, new research continues to be published that makes the need to recycle and reduce waste more and more fundamental for the sake of our environment and wildlife. Many companies are starting to make big changes, particularly those in the construction industry, partly due to the UK governments target of Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. We have therefore put together a list of ways that you can reduce waste in the workplace which will not be only be great for the environment but may save you money too. Recycling in the Office If you?re not already on this one, it?s the best place to start. Set up a recycling station a communal place within your workplace where your staff can easily access it to make recycling effortless for them. Be sure to have separate bins for each category i.e. plastic, cans (aluminium), paper & card and glass. Also, depending on the waste collection company you use, you may be able to have one for food waste too. Reuse Paper A small but effective waste reduction initiative for the office
is to reuse scrap paper instead of recycling it straight away. This way, the paper is used twice before it is recycled, and it still ends up being recycled after its second use. You will also save ££?s on buying note pads as A4 scrap paper can be stapled together to create an ?eco-friendly note pad?, you could even cut it in half to reduce the size to a regular notepad size for convenience. Asking staff to reuse paper, may also result in them thinking about other ways they can make better choices both in the office and at home. Reuse Delivery Boxes & Materials Keep any delivery boxes you receive that are in good condition and reuse them to distribute your goods. You can also reuse any plastic bubble wrap and paper alternatives to bubble wrap too. Again, not only will this reduce waste and give items a second use, it will save you money too because you won?t need to restock your packaging supplies as often. Recycling Construction Materials on site Many building materials that you use on site can be recycled including:
-
Aluminium Steel Timber Aggregates Many plastics Glass Bricks and blocks Many floor and wall coverings Insulation Packaging
For best results, contact your local waste collection company for details on what they can collect and recycle. If you are struggling to find a company that recycles certain materials, try contacting reclamation yards as they quiet often take building materials including bricks, roof tiles, paving slabs and much more. Local schools, pre-schools and community groups are often looking for items such as pallets, wooden cable reels and timber that they can reuse for their projects. They would be grateful for any donations and you can offer these for free from your company?s social media pages, they are sure to get snapped up quickly and you will save on the recycling collection costs.
www.ablecanopies.co.uk | sales@ablecanopies.co.uk | 0800 389 9072
7
AUTUM N 2021
Our Product Brochure If you would like a copy of our full product catalogue then let us know on 0800 389 9072 or sales@ablecanopies.co.uk and we will get one out in the post to you. It contains all you need to transform your outside space and keep those cycles secure. As well as our canopy systems, the brochure contains information on all our accessories and upgrades ? such as side fills, heating and lighting and colour options. You can also download your copy from www.ablecanopies.co.uk/brochures.html
Essential Information for Architects & Specifiers Our dedicated specifiers site includes all the drawings, technical specifications and recent images that you could need to help your project. These user friendly details allow you to quickly compare different systems, roofing options and materials, enabling efficient, informative specifications to be made. Our whole product range is available allowing you to decide on the best solutions for walkways, dining areas, shelter, sun shade or all year round weather protection. For your own personalised access, contact us using the details below.
Committed to Service Quality We are committed to the highest standards of customer service, which is independently audited wherever possible. - External assessment of our quality through our achievement of ISO and Acclaim Accreditation requirements means that our service is delivered to a consistently high standard - We have achieved Constructionline Gold status ? meaning our approach to health & safety, environment & waste and equalities & diversity meet recognised standards - Each project will have a thorough site survey to ensure your requirements are fully understood and the installation can be completed with the minimum disruption - At all times our expert team is available to answer questions and help you with project timing and planning
For Advice, Consultation and Information: Call: 0800 389 9072 | Email: sales@ablecanopies.co.uk Follow us on our social sites to view new product info and recent installation photos for inspiration: Twitter: @ablecanopies Facebook: @AbleCanopies
www.ablecanopies.co.uk | sales@ablecanopies.co.uk | 0800 389 9072
8
4