FC&A August 2016

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August 16 Issue 78

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Greenhouse At The Hub, it’s the unseen features that are pioneering future workplace development

Voice of the Industry Why small shifts in outlook are creating a big impact on our approach to sustainability

Sustainability in Development Reynaers helps drive sustainability at Greenwich Square – an award-winning regeneration scheme

Editorial Comment FC&A is a proud supporter of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

Mixed Media Information Pear Platt, Woodfalls Farm, Gravelly Way, Laddingford, Kent, ME18 6DA Tel: 01622 873229, Fax: 01622 320020 www.fca-magazine.com www.mixedmediainfo.com

Editor in Chief Hannah Frackiewicz hannah@mixedmediainfo.com 01622 873229 Editorial Assistant Rebecca Kemp rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com Print & Digital Advertising Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com 01622 873229 Steve Gull steve@mixedmediainfo.com Rebecca Stratten ree@mixedmediainfo.com Studio Manager Chris Lilly chris@mixedmediainfo.com Production Jack Witcomb jack@mixedmediainfo.com Artworker/Sub-editor David Perry david@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts Simone Jones simone@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Magazine August 2016

Welcome

to Future Constructor & Architect...

O

ver 2014/2015, the UK had approximately 27 million working days lost due to work-related illness, costing an estimated £13.4bn to the economy.This astounding figure begs the question: what is being done to improve the wellbeing of employees in office environments?

Newly-completed office developments are a far cry from those we have become accustomed to. Comfortable working temperatures through advanced heating, ventilation and cooling technologies, biophilic design to allow staff to feel closer to nature, and flexible pods and break-out zones to improve productivity – these are all features that are becoming standard in the development of today’s workspaces. In this issue of FC&A, we have collated some of the latest workplace schemes that have put wellbeing at the core of their designs.

On page 28, FC&A pays tribute to New Ludgate, a new development by Land Securities designed by Fletcher Priest Architects and Sauerbruch Hutton, which was named as The City of London Building of the Year 2016 last month. The building has been recognised for delivering a world-class working environment and praised for the impact it has on the city’s street scene.

Comprising a multitude of aesthetic and energy-efficient features, New Ludgate really has set a benchmark for innovative design in working environments.

Meanwhile, on page 10 we explore another workplace that has gone to great efforts to enhance the wellbeing and productivity of its staff members. At Broadgate Estates’ new HQ ‘The Hub’, the team stipulated an exacting ‘boardroom to yoga class’ design, execution and evaluation brief, to create a natural working environment that balances wellbeing and organisational effectiveness in equal measure.

Elsewhere in this issue, EeStairs showcases its stunning staircase installation at top law firm CMS, Resonate Interiors unveils a new interior scheme for quantity surveying practice Core Five and Knauf Technical Support Officer, Fiona Tullett, discusses the mistakes being made in the specification of fire resistance panels.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, you can also access all of the magazine’s features, product news and supplier information at your fingertips via Future Constructor & Architect’s state-of-the-art app. To download your version free of charge, simply search ‘fc&a’ on Google play or the App Store.

Front cover: Nestled in the busy South East London district, Greenwich Square is an award-winning, striking regeneration scheme.

See page 14.

Terms and Conditions: Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and return addressed envelope. No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editors hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Mixed Media Information Ltd.The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher.The Publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

Hannah Frackiewicz Editor in Chief, Future Constructor & Architect

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Contents News 06 Industry Updates:

FC&A rounds up this month’s industry news, including awarded contracts, completed projects and much more.

26 Legal & Business:

Why the Build to Rent sector requires a change of mindset among designers and specifiers to look at the lifecycle of a building and its elements.

18 Voice of the Industry:

Gavin Napper,Area Director at Morgan Sindall, discusses the changing approach to long-term sustainability and usability.

Features

24 Technical Focus:

A spokesperson from British Rigid Urethane Foam Manufacturers’ Association (BRUFMA) explains how PU can be used in Passive House projects.

32 Roofing, Cladding & Insulation:

Simon Wild, European Category Marketing Manager at Formica Group, discusses how cladding can contribute to improving employer branding and workplace productivity.

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34 Modern Methods of Construction:

Steve Newell, General Manager at Portakabin, looks at its latest industrial project and the drivers which moved construction off site.

& Lifts: 36 Stairs CMS’ new workspace is brought together with a bold cantilevered steel staircase fitted with LED lighting.

38 Interiors: Resonate Interiors unveils the design of a new home for growing quantity surveying practice, Core Five.

40 Specification Spotlight: In this focus, FC&A pays tribute to specialist fabricator of bespoke staircases, CANAL, with a comprehensive specification guide.

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Portfolios 10 Greenhouse:

At Broadgate Estates’ The Hub, it’s the unseen and the unheard features that are pioneering future workplace development.

14 Sustainability in Development:

Nestled in the busy South East London district, Greenwich Square is an award-winning, striking regeneration scheme. Reynaers explains more.

28 Design & Desire: Having recently scooped the award for City of London Building of the Year 2016, New Ludgate has set the benchmark for innovative design.

Health & Safety: 46 Fire, Knauf Technical Support Officer,

Fiona Tullett, discusses the mistakes being made in the specification of fire resistance panels.

Focus: 48 CPD Actis unveils its CPD seminar, focused on tackling the performance gap.

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Industry Updates

NEWS

CONTACT US Submit your news and comments to: hannah@mixedmediainfo.com @fcamagazine

FC&A rounds up the latest industry news

In Brief

Harris CM secures new Leeds contract Yorkshire-based construction company Harris CM has started work on a £3.6m contract for Gregory Property Group that will see the company construct a mixed-use scheme on Regent Street, just outside Leeds city centre. As part of the contract, Harris CM is building an 18,500ft2 building for Pure Gym as well as two retail units that will cover 16,500ft2 and 7500ft2 which will be occupied by Aldi and Poundworld respectively.

Over 200 new buildings at Open House London 2016

HLMGreenBuild wins Passivhaus award Sustainability consultant HLMGreenBuild, alongside its architect HLM, has won the rural category at this year’s UK Passivhaus Trust Awards for its design of Tigh na Croit. Tigh na Croit, located in the Scottish Highlands, is one of the most northerly certified Passivhaus schemes in the UK. The white rendered, three-bedroom home achieves an 80% reduction in energy through considered orientation, simple architectural form, simple crisp detailing, high levels of airtightness and a super insulated building fabric.

Wolff takes on £10m Kensington hotel makeover Architecture firm Wolff Architects has been commissioned with the redevelopment of the historic Kensington House Hotel. The practice won the project to internally renovate the hotel in Kensington and Chelsea. The instruction is the latest in a series for Wolff in the hotel and leisure industry, and is the firm’s 11th project win this year. The luxury boutique 41,000ft hotel is an amalgamation of four substantial 19th century townhouses and sits in Kensington and Chelsea’s Courtfield conservation area.

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This year, Open House is intending to bring visitors over 200 brand new awe-inspiring projects, from beautifully designed residences to innovative infrastructure projects and hightech health facilities.

This year’s new entries range from Salters’ Hall – a rare example of a brutalist livery hall recently refurbished – a sneak preview of Here East, to a walk exploring Brentford’s Floating High Street, which links to the newlytransformed industrial sheds.

There will also be a chance to win a competition to the top of ArcelorMittal Orbit, in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Open House will be a unique opportunity to see, explore and learn about amazing architecture and design in your area and across London over one weekend. More than 750 buildings of all kinds will open their doors across London, alongside a programme of walks, engineering and landscape tours, cycle rides and experts’ talks – all for free.

In addition to the many buildings, highlights of the Open House programme include:

Personnel Scheme appoints new Executive Chairman

New Chair of the Architects Registration Board

The Considerate Constructors Scheme has announced the appointment of Isabel Martinson as Executive Chairman. Isabel has had a hugely successful career including senior positions in the trade association sector.As well as her role as Chairman and Company Director of Trade Association Forum, she was also Chief Executive of The Giftware Association.

Peter Coe has been elected as the new Chair of the Architects Registration Board.

Board members conducted their annual election of chair and vice chair in accordance with the general rules. The Chair’s role involves leading the board to deliver on ARB’s statutory remit in accordance with the principles of good governance.

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Wolff hires two new Architects Wolff Architects has announced that it has taken on two new hires.The practice recently appointed Faisal Ali and Rachel Bremner as Chartered Architects within the London office. Prior to joining Wolff, Ali worked at Russell Taylor – an architectural practice based in Cornwall specialising in classical architecture. Meanwhile, Bremner joins the firm from the Bailey Partnership in Devon.

Industry Updates Celebrating an open equitable city highlighting developments such as Silvertown, St John’s Hill, Stirling Prize Winner Derbyshire Place and a behind the scenes tour at King’s Cross London’s iconic towers including Tower 42 and 30 St Mary Axe (aka the Gherkin) London’s infrastructure revealed with the Institute of Civil Engineers – including engineering walks and site visits to major construction and engineering sites Nearly 80 projects with landscape at their heart with the Landscape Institute Eco, zero carbon and retrofit buildings, with the chance to talk to experts, see measures in action and discover how you can implement changes in your home Speak with planners, architects and engineers on how they create successful buildings and cities Activities for kids and families, from architectural model-making to quiz trails as part of Open House Junior Speaking about the event, Rory Olcayto, Open-City’s new Director, comments:“Open House gives Londoners the chance to explore the city’s great buildings and places that are usually off-limits.

From super-contemporary private homes to super-tall skyscrapers as well as hidden gems you didn’t know were there, nothing is off limits during this celebrated, annual weekend festival.”

In Brief Royal London’s development in Victoria tops out Royal London’s development at 25 Wilton Road in London Victoria has topped out. The MAX Architects-designed scheme is being built by Kier Construction and will complete in spring 2017. The nine-storey scheme is a highly sustainable and bold transformation of an existing office building into 14 high-quality PRS apartments offering panoramic views, over 100,000ft2 of prime office space, with an active ground floor housing retail and a hub of shared office amenity.

Construction firm achieves BRE BIM Level 2 certification

What is Open House?

Open House is a concept that was created in London 20 years ago by Open-City, London’s leading independent architecture education organisation.The Open House model invites everyone to experience, explore and understand the value of a well-designed built environment.This successful concept has been extended to events in other cities around the world including New York, Dublin & Galway,Tel Aviv & Jerusalem, Barcelona, Rome, Helsinki, Slovenia and Chicago. www.openhouselondon.org.uk

Trending on Twitter CITY OF LONDON BUILDING OF THE YEAR

“#DailyDose of #yellow – One New Ludgate by @FletcherPriest #architects.

We’re big fans of the #facade!”

“v happy + proud: New Ludgate *The City of London Building of the Year* #2NL #twonewludgate”

- @yeloarchitects

“INTRAform Heavy Duty Entrance Matting sat pride of place on the 1 New Ludgate entrance floor”

“Congrats to @FletcherPriest on award for 2 New Ludgate. We made Portland Stone feature wall”

“We built The City of London Building of the Year 2016! Congrats to @LandSecurities @FletcherPriest & @SHA_berlin on the New Ludgate success”

- @INTRAsystemsUK

- @stone_circleUK

- @SkanskaUKplc

- @SHA_berlin

McLaughlin & Harvey has become the first construction company in Scotland to be awarded BRE Global BIM Level 2 Business Systems certification. Barclay Chalmers, Managing Director at McLaughlin & Harvey Construction, comments: “Being able to formally demonstrate Level 2 compliance not only allows us to expand our engagement with centrally procured Government contracts, but also gives new and existing clients firm assurance that our processes and procedures deliver best value to a project, including capital and operational predictability.”

Planning consent for historic civic buildings in Fraserburgh Planning permission has been granted for the inventive reconfiguration of two historic civic buildings in the Aberdeenshire town of Fraserburgh, designed

by Moxon Architects and Conservation Architect Alan Marshall.The designs form part of Aberdeenshire Council’s Fraserburgh 2021 regeneration project, which recently secured final funding to progress.The £5.7m Fraserburgh 2021 project aims to support the regeneration of the town’s built heritage and the reconfiguration of the two civic buildings in Saltoun Chambers is key to this.

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Industry Updates

Architect in Profile Cambridge-educated Luke Tozer set up Pitman Tozer Architects in 2002 with Tim Pitman. Here, he talks to Future Constructor & Architect about his earliest memories of wanting to pursue a career in architecture and his most notable project to date. of driving construction costs down as low as possible. In housing, it’s tended to mean a rush towards airtight and highly insulated homes which rely on mechanical systems that residents often don’t understand.

Mint Street, Bethnal Green, is a new housing block and public street for Peabody in London’s East End, adjacent to a noisy railway

What is your favourite building?

The Monadnock building in Chicago is high up there. It’s actually designed in two parts by two different architects.

The north part by Burnham and Root was built in loadbearing brick and the south by Holabird and Roche was steel frame. When completed in 1893, it was the largest office building in the world.

Please tell us a bit about your career background I studied at Cambridge, where I met Tim Pitman and, following a year studying and working in Japan, I went on to study at the Mackintosh School of Architecture in Glasgow. I worked for Julyan Wickham in London and Amsterdam alongside Munkenbeck & Marshall and Wright & Wright before setting up Pitman Tozer Architects with Tim in 2002.

Luke Tozer is the Director of Pitman Tozer Architects

www.pitmantozer.com

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Had you always wanted to pursue a career in architecture?

No, whilst I’m the son of an architect and art teacher they passively, rather than actively, discouraged me from following either of them. I initially wanted to be a mathematician or a cyclist, until I realised I had the legs of a mathematician and the brains of a cyclist. Then I saw the light; it had to be architecture.

Who/what has been your greatest influence and source of inspiration?

My environment. I grew up in interesting houses, including a 12th century priory. I remember early on sitting reading in arrow slit windows within 6ft thick stone walls. In Glasgow, Isi Metzstein was an inspirational figure and is still quoted in the office.

What has been your most notable project to date?

As a completed project, it’s Mint Street, Bethnal Green, a new housing block and public street for Peabody in London’s East End, adjacent to a noisy railway.

What do you think is the greatest challenge for designing in sustainability?

A combination of an unclear and moving regulatory framework and the challenge

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What do you think is the greatest challenge for architects today?

In terms of practice, enjoying the benefits of computer technology in terms of design and translating that into practice on site. So often, that is seen as a press of the button, when it is anything but.

These tools should allow more time and give design and cost certainty within the design process prior to construction and yet it’s usually seen as a drive to cut the time for the project.

What can we expect to see from Pitman Tozer Architects over the next year?

Further projects for Peabody and new private rented sector housing in Newham for Red Door, a housing company owned by LB Newham, as well as housing and a bus station in Croydon for Brick by Brick Croydon.

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Greenhouse

The building’s existing BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and EPC rating of C was a great starting point for the design

Putting people first at The Hub When your company wins a praiseworthy star in the 2016 Sunday Times ‘Best Companies to Work For’, it’s certainly something to shout about. But at Broadgate Estates’ new central office in London, known colloquially as The Hub, it’s the unseen and the unheard features that are pioneering future workplace development.

The Broadgate Estates had experienced radical growth and expansion necessitating more space for its people

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he leading property consultancy and management company, a subsidiary of British Land, moved to Two Kingdom Street at Paddington Central, a mixed-use scheme developed on the site of the old goods yards to the northwest of Paddington Station. This ultra-modern building is set between the busy elevated Westway and, to the south, the quieter environment of Paddington Basin, the landscaped spine of the development. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the stunning atrium and West London beyond.

Broadgate Estates, which manages and creates value for its clients’ assets across a portfolio of mixed-use developments, prestigious commercial buildings and shopping centres, had experienced radical growth and expansion necessitating more space for its people and its operational divisions. The new office also needed to reflect the company’s capabilities in quality and service delivery.

Connectivity was a key factor in selecting Paddington Central, with its exceptional position as a focus of travel into London and out to the rest of the UK. It also offered proximity to outdoor spaces including Little Venice and Hyde Park.

The Hub occupies 2429m2 on the second floor of the eight-storey building, and is naturally sub-divided into three zones for meeting, working and socialising,

Greenhouse CO2 sensors were installed both to monitor wellbeing and to monitor the building’s central system; and postoccupancy evaluation was supplemented with post-completion air testing to prove air quality compounds were much lower than permissible levels.

Commitment to sustainability

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The Hub’s design has delivered strong social infrastructure to bring people together, namely activitybased working, informal seating pods and social space

Commented Anna Scally, Senior Project Manager at GVA Acuity real estate advisory business: “We tried to push the boundaries on this project. With the encouragement from Broadgate Estates, we looked closely at air quality.

Recently published studies have revealed the effects of materials that contain formaldehyde in the air and how this can affect productivity and the working environment. As a consequence we looked at everything from laminates and panelling to glues and paint finishes.

“It’s not often that you encounter a client that is completely committed to building a better working environment for all their people.”

Undergoing BREEAM certification was key to demonstrating the company’s sustainability credentials

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which formed the canvas for the company’s refurbishment and fit-out plans.

The team at Broadgate Estates stipulated an exacting ‘boardroom to yoga class’ design, execution and evaluation brief, to create a natural working environment that balances wellbeing and organisational effectiveness in equal measure.

The building’s existing BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and EPC rating of C was a great starting point for the design. Working with architects Magnus Associates and services engineer Edward Pearce, the Broadgate Estates team stipulated the reuse of existing CAT A installations. The metering strategy addressed power, heating and cooling services to maintain low energy use, or where possible, reduce it.

Indoor air quality was addressed by stipulating the requirement for all finishes having low or no VOC or formaldehyde.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that have a high vapour pressure at ordinary room temperature and include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short and long-term adverse health effects. Paints, varnishes and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing and hobby products.

Breathing formaldehyde vapour can irritate the eyes and nose, which can cause burning, stinging or itching sensations, a sore throat, watery eyes, blocked sinuses, a runny nose and sneezing. Not great in an office environment.

The Hub occupies 2429m2 on the second floor of the eight-storey building

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Greenhouse

The team at Broadgate Estates stipulated an exacting ‘boardroom to yoga class’ design, execution and evaluation brief

CO2 sensors were installed both to monitor wellbeing and to monitor the building’s central system

productivity. We’ve successfully recruited talent from major multinationals, attracting some of the industry’s ‘big hitters’ to join us, including surveyors and senior directors.

“We’ve also seen an increase in employee satisfaction, which has taken Broadgate Estates to our first One Star rating in The Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For. In short, we have brought our company’s vision to life within our own workplace.”

Added Anna Scally: “We’re starting to see some environmentally-driven initiatives such as low VOC or formaldehyde exclusion being applied to commercial environments. So much of this is unseen but the result can be a tangible improvement in office performance and the wellbeing of people who occupy them.”

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The brief reflected Broadgate Estates’ own experiences and was communicated early in the process, allowing all team members to take ownership of the project.

Undergoing BREEAM certification was key to demonstrating the company’s sustainability credentials and commitment to looking after its clients and employees.

Even the procurement stage encouraged a wider view. Added Anna Scally: “Local sourcing is always a challenge as is finding suppliers of environmentally-healthy products, which makes preparing ahead in the procurement process vital.”

Exacting execution standards included requirements for zero project waste to landfill. Early inclusion of a waste contractor meant strictly controlled product purchasing and supply chain management to minimise waste around carpet offcuts, pallets, and plasterboard.

Each piece of wood was certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

The Hub’s design has delivered strong social infrastructure to bring people together, namely activity-based working, informal seating pods and social space, all alongside conventional desking and formal meeting areas.

Speaking about the project Steve Whyman, CEO at Broadgate Estates, said: “Since our move to The Hub, we’ve seen a positive impact on wellbeing and

www.breeam.com

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Sustainability in Development

Sustainability at the core of vibrant development The site of the old Greenwich District Hospital has not only been transformed into one of the most desirable postcodes in London, but has also been credited with creating hundreds of jobs and affordable new homes. Nestled in the busy South East London district, Greenwich Square is an award-winning, striking regeneration scheme.

The design of the modern complex of homes and community facilities echoes traditional street patterns

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ore than 600 new homes are part of the phased residential development of the three-hectare site, which marks London’s first major carbon neutral development.The design of the modern complex of homes and community facilities echoes traditional street patterns with a beautifully landscaped public square surrounded by cafes, restaurants and shops.

Curved, swooping facades and curtain walling work together with undulating islands of woodland landscaping and meandering paths in harmony with a variety of contemporary, high specification housing.

Next year Greenwich Square will provide a total of 645 modern new apartments, town houses and maisonettes, which have been steadily unveiled over a five-year period in several phases.

Nearly 50% of the residential homes on the site are allocated as affordable housing and will be offered through London & Quadrant’s shared ownership scheme.With a project that’s all about giving back, the developers were keen that the scheme delivered ancillary benefits for the local community through local employment.Training opportunities and apprenticeships have been set up with National Apprenticeships Service (NAS) and Greenwich Local Labour and Business to engage young people and foster an interest in the construction industry.

The development is on track to deliver much-needed communal facilities for existing and new residents on the brownfield site,

Sustainability in Development

Greenwich Square has utilised multiple Reynaers aluminium systems, including CS 86-HI, CS 77, CW 50 and Vision 50

Nearly 50% of the residential homes on the site are allocated as affordable housing

Reynaers CS 86-HI aluminium windows and doors incorporate a unique insulation that ensures extreme stability and enhanced water and airtightness

Greenwich Square has utilised multiple Reynaers aluminium systems, including CS 86HI, CS 77, CW 50 and Vision 50.These cuttingedge aluminium windows and doors are wellinsulated to control heat and air permeability, thereby reducing costs for residents.

Used throughout the £215m development, Reynaers’ CS 86-HI and CS 77 include robust flush door and

window systems, which meet the highest requirements with regard to safety, thermal insulation and stability.

Reynaers multi-chamber, high insulation aluminium doors and aluminium window system CS 86-HI benefited from a recent upgrade to accommodate larger glass panes, including triple glazing and pivoting window options.

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including an impressive square with a range of shops and cafes.The Greenwich Centre has just celebrated its first birthday and houses a public library, gymnasium, swimming pools, a crèche and GP practice.

The result is a model mixed-use development that caters to all different types of people, positioned between Blackheath, Greenwich Village and the Greenwich Peninsula, with its world-famous O2 Arena.

From the market to a beautiful park, Greenwich is well known for being a dynamic and vibrant area, with unique personality and a strong sense of place.

Greenwich Square was designed by Make Architects, fabricated by Fleetwood Architectural Aluminium and contracted

by Mace Plc. In 2014, the scheme won Best Residential Development at The Wharf Awards.The build has now started, using sustainable materials and techniques, including the incorporation of on-site energy technology. Greenwich Square will be complete in 2017 and the aim is to deliver a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rated development and to meet Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 standards.

Greenwich is one of 14 inner London boroughs going to great lengths to develop the area and provide a better community for all.

Following a greater investment than any other London borough, previous improvements to the local area already include a major new transportation infrastructure, the development of new parks, open spaces, river walks, cycle ways and leisure centres.

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Sustainability in Development

A special modification to CS 86 now allows the installation of glazing panels from the outside. This allows the use of larger and heavier panels, including triple glazing up to 500kg, and avoids the need to transport glass through buildings.

Pivoting openers with hinges fully integrated into the profiles have also been introduced. Depending on the position of the hinges, the pivot window can be supplied as tilting windows, pivoting around the horizontal axis (max. 200kg), or pivoting around the vertical axis (max.

160kg). The new system helps create a more flexible building design, allowing glass panes up to a maximum height of 2500mm.

Used extensively on energy-efficient and BREEAM-rated buildings, Reynaers CS 86-HI aluminium windows and doors incorporate a unique insulation that ensures extreme stability and enhanced water and airtightness. The performance of the system for air and watertightness has subsequently been upgraded to 300Pa. Several of the CS 86-HI window and door configurations achieve the Minergie and Minergie-P component labels. When it comes to safety, the system is fully compliant with burglar resistance classes 2 and 3, offering an ultimate level of security.

Head of Marketing at Reynaers, Hugh Moss, said: “Not only do we try to reduce

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the company’s energy consumption and its emissions of greenhouse gases with our architectural glazing; we also contribute to limiting the energy consumption of new and existing buildings through the development of energy-efficient windows and doors. The overall insulation value of the system’s HI+ variant makes it one of the most energyefficient systems available.”

With unlimited design freedom and maximum transparency, CW 50 is a curtain wall facade and roof system that

When it comes to safety, the CS 86-HI system is fully compliant with burglar resistance classes 2 and 3, offering an ultimate level of security

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This fantastic development maximises glass and aluminium structures by contrasting them against light, space and greenery

has been used as part of the buildings in the public square.

Reynaers has also launched an improved aluminium Concept Wall 50-HI (high insulation) system, which offers better thermal insulation properties than ever before.

This new variant of CW 50 benefits from improved insulation profiles, which can achieve an impressive insulation value (Uf) down to 0.56 W/m2K with a glass thickness of 60mm. Previously this was 0.73 W/m2K, while the standard CW 50 system has a Uf value of 1.7 W/m2K. As the CW 50-HI is now provided with standard glazing gaskets, the aluminium curtain wall system is suitable for even heavy-duty triple glazing, up to a maximum of 61mm.

A further advantage of the new CW 50-HI system is the ease of production and installation. The insulation profile used in the HI system consists of a pre-cut part, so that drainage canals can be incorporated easily. Installation is made even more convenient because the glass doesn’t require waterproof taping to the pressure plate area.

Vision 50, used in the retail elements of the development, is a non-insulated flush door system designed for ground floor and shopfront constructions.

Hugh Moss added: “This is yet another impressive project which showcases the design freedom, sustainability credentials and functionality of our aluminium systems.

“This fantastic development maximises glass and aluminium structures by contrasting them against light, space and greenery. Sustainability has been integral to the design of Greenwich Square and we are proud that our systems have been chosen, thanks to our excellent credentials.”

www.reynaers.co.uk

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17

Voice of the Industry

The straw was sourced locally, then used to fill timber cassette modules off site in barns across Norfolk

Adapt and thrive Gavin Napper, Area Director of Morgan Sindall, explains why small shifts in outlook are creating a big impact on our approach to sustainability.

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dapting and evolving is key to remaining ahead of the game, and while change can sometimes be uncomfortable, we need to embrace transformation in order to propel innovation and adaption in our industry forward.

Developing a culture committed to continuous improvement is key to the long-term success of the industry. One

particularly crucial aspect that continues to evolve and develop is our approach to sustainability. We’ve grown from looking at sustainability in a rather onedimensional and linear format, to developing a much broader outlook that looks at the environmental and social impact of the buildings we’re developing in a more comprehensive and inclusive way.

The vision for the centre was developed by the Adapt Low Carbon Group and delivered by Morgan Sindall

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Gavin Napper is the Area Director for Morgan Sindall in East Anglia; and responsible for the strategic direction of project delivery across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.

This is more than a change in process, it’s a cultural shift within the industry that touches on and impacts each stage of the project life cycle, from pre-design to occupation management.These are exciting times for the industry – we’re raising our ambitions for environmental standards, pushing boundaries and changing the way we approach sustainability.

Adopting BSRIA’s (Building Services Research Information Association) Soft Landings programme, which provides a holistic approach to managing building performance, has proved pivotal in this journey.

The Soft Landings cycle, which covers five key stages: inception and briefing; design development; review pre-handover; initial and extended aftercare; and post-occupancy evaluation is focused on delivering an outstanding end-user experience.

In order to create a truly ‘soft landing’ for clients, collaboration is key. Delivering a high value engineered building, which exceeds users’ expectations requires a highly-integrated team drawn from across all elements of the scheme – from planning to handover and beyond, working closely together.

This model of collaboration, open innovation and knowledge sharing is not one that comes naturally to the industry.

Historically, we have tended to work in a somewhat modular manner – with silos of responsibility, but the industry is increasingly embracing a more holistic model.This

Voice of the Industry

The building features a number of ‘world-firsts’; key among these is the use of prefabricated and vertically hung straw thatch panel cassettes

At the Enterprise Centre, our Soft Landings initiative was led by a dedicated senior design manager from Morgan Sindall, who worked closely with the university’s estates team on the building’s ventilation strategy and other key aspects which would affect user experience.

This interaction was key because estates will need to be proactive in managing the operation of this highly value engineered, innovative building.

There is often an industry assumption that people will know how to use a building as it is designed to be used. Unfortunately, people often don’t get asked how they will occupy and use a building. Or if they do get asked, there’s no consideration of how their behaviour and use will affect the building’s performance. By appointing a dedicated Soft Landings lead on the scheme who was able to interrogate the brief, we were able to ensure that the building users were able to feed into and contribute to the planning, design and delivery process and create a building that really worked for them – from an aesthetic to a functional perspective.

Overall the embodied carbon of the building has been calculated to be 443kg/ CO2/m2 across the 100-year life cycle.

This equates to a quarter of the lifetime emissions of a conventionally constructed university building of equal size and scale.

Other innovations used to achieve this

include the use of a recycled sub-base from a local demolition project and a 70% ground granulated blast furnace mix as a cement replacement for the building’s ground floor slab.The building also features 480m2 solar panels, which are predicted to generate 43.58MWh in the first year.

Underpinning all this has been a commitment by the whole team to create solutions that have been complementary to the rigorous requirements of Passivhaus as well as a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating.

A three-year post-occupancy and building performance evaluation programme has been implemented with contributions from all team members to assist the occupiers to operate their building optimally and ensure the building performs as designed.

Soft Landings is not a prescriptive approach – instead it’s a cultural shift that ensures all aspects of asset performance are considered throughout the design and build process; creating a collaborative, holistic model that delivers an unbeatable experience for building users. This shift in outlook is creating a positive ripple effect that signals the start of a revolution in how we look at sustainability and I look forward to seeing the industry continuing to adapt and evolve.

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encourages collaboration across the project and client team – drawing on specialist insights and expertise to ensure the best possible results.

The Enterprise Centre at the University of East Anglia is a great example of how we’re adapting and improving on existing practices to deliver best-in-class buildings.

The building, which received its Passivhaus and BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ accreditation earlier this year, is the greenest commercial building in the UK. Completed in 2015, the centre – which achieved unprecedented initial Passivhaus airtightness readings – is a paragon of sustainability that brings together people, product and performance to create something truly special.

The building features a number of ‘world-firsts’; key among these is the use of prefabricated and vertically hung straw thatch panel cassettes, which have been used to clad the building, creating a striking and highly innovative sustainable envelope.The straw was sourced locally, then used to fill timber cassette modules off site in barns across Norfolk.

Contributing to the building’s low carbon environmental credentials is the corsican pine stud work, locally sourced from Thetford Forest, situated 30 miles from the site.

Working closely with Cygnum Timber Frame, The Forestry Commission and Thomson Saw Mill, the design and construction teams worked tirelessly to prove the suitability of the timber, generally not used in construction, for structural elements of the building.

The multi-award winning building exemplifies the use of low embodied carbon materials and is designed to achieve a 100year lifespan.The vision for the centre was developed by the Adapt Low Carbon Group and delivered by Morgan Sindall, with a team including architects and Passivhaus designers Architype, structural and building services engineers BDP, and Churchman Landscape Architects.

A key element in delivering the highly sustainable centre involved looking at how it would perform once occupied.We weren’t satisfied with just delivering a sustainable building using locally sourced, environmentallyfriendly materials, this building had to live and breathe sustainably – operating at peak performance and delivering a brilliant occupier experience, without compromising on its lowcarbon credentials.

The only way to develop the knowledge needed to create positive outcomes for both hard metrics like carbon emissions and water use, but also the soft metrics like the quality of light and ease of use – is to talk, in detail, to the people who will be occupying, using and visiting a building.

www.morgansindall.com

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19

Modular Buildings

Wernick Buildings worked closely with Acivico to create a modular building that held true to the original architectural concept, but at a more economical price

Wernick realises architect’s vision for Edgbaston Community Centre Until recently, Edgbaston Community Centre operated from the local junior school, but thanks to the school’s expansion the centre has needed to find a space of its own.

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purpose-built facility was required, and with support from Birmingham City Council they approached architectural firm Acivico for a new building to be designed.

The building promised multifunctional rooms; changing facilities, a spacious hall, a working kitchen and cafeteria. The exterior was to be finished with brick

and render and topped off with a stylish butterfly roof.

But when the council approached a traditional ‘on-site’ construction firm, they found the cost quoted to be far too high for their intended budget. When the construction firm discovered this, it recommended Wernick Buildings to provide a cost-effective, off-site solution.

Wernick’s new design reduced the cost of the building by 30%, bringing it within the range of the council’s budget

Wernick Buildings worked closely with Acivico to create a modular building that held true to the original architectural concept, but at a more economical price.

Wernick’s new design reduced the cost of the building by 30%, bringing it within the range of the council’s budget.

Managing Director of Wernick Buildings, Andy King, was involved in the design of the new building. He comments: “We wanted to stay close to the aesthetic concept used by Acivico, but at a much lower cost. We used an optimised modular design for maximum manufacturing efficiency, and this ultimately brought the cost into the desired bracket for Birmingham City Council.”

Once designs were approved, the centre was built off-site at Wernick’s main manufacturing site in Kenfig, South Wales, in two weeks. The building was installed in just two days, a substantially quicker and thus more cost-effective process than that of a traditional build.

Wernick managed to deliver everything requested in the original brief, including the butterfly roof which perfectly matches the building’s original aesthetic design.

The new building has all the amenities community centre users could ask for; the hall, with its sliding partitioning, is particularly popular for community classes and events; like baby ballet, clubbercise and concerts performed by local choirs. Since opening, the centre has already hosted over 4000 people and accommodated 21 bouncy castles – a testament to its spacious modular design.

Tony Bailey, the Centre Manager, says that staff and visitors alike were impressed with the new building. “It’s spacious, airy and light, it’s really got the wow factor. It’s a much nicer working environment for the staff, and our visitors have nothing but compliments for the building.”

8 www.wernick.co.uk * sales@wernick.co.uk ( 0800

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Fire Protection

Coopers Fire’s FireMaster Concertina fire curtain comprises technologically-advanced fire-resistant fabric barriers encased in a compact steel housing

FireMaster Concertina fire curtain allows open-plan designs Ensuring fire safety without compromising an intended architectural open-plan design can be problematic, especially when protecting stairwells, atria and escalators. The FireMaster Concertina fire curtain is a unique folded vertical fire curtain barrier system developed to provide a bespoke alternative to fixed non-load-bearing walls, partitions and fire shutters.

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oopers Fire’s FireMaster Concertina fire curtain comprises technologicallyadvanced fire-resistant fabric barriers encased in a compact steel housing. The barriers remain invisibly retracted until activated by an alarm or detector signal, at which time they descend safely to their operational position.

It provides the same protection as a steel fire shutter, but at a fraction of the size and weight. With no need for columns, corner posts, side guides and intrusive ceiling interfaces, it offers a revolutionary approach to building design, maximising floor space and increasing rental income.

System

Bespoke design Available in closed shapes, the FireMaster Concertina ‘closed’ system is manufactured on a bespoke basis. It is the first fire curtain available in circular format without side guides and columns.

A range of ceiling interfaces are available, ensuring the barrier is totally concealed in the ceiling whilst still allowing access for service and maintenance. The unique patented SLAT (Self Levelling Access Trim) system can be utilised with suspended ceilings.

The system can be provided in any width with a maximum drop of 8m (5m if 240 minutes of integrity is required). It complies with BS EN and AS standards Fire resistance

Maximum drop

FireMaster Concertina closed polygon with no side retention system

E180 EW60 (240 minutes fire resistance)

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FireMaster Concertina open polygon with side retention system

E60 EW60 (240 minutes fire resistance)

Unlimited m (w) x 5m (h)

FireMaster Concertina either open or closed polygon

120 minutes fire resistance

Unlimited m (w) x 8m (h)

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and is certified to PAS 121: 2007 as offering up to 240 minutes of integrity and 120 minutes of radiation resistance.

The system features Coopers’ patented Total Gravity Fail-Safe (TGFS) system, which ensures the barriers are deployed by controlled descent upon initiation or during any power or system failure. In the event of mains power failure, the barriers remain retracted using their own battery back-up power supply for a predetermined period (nominally 30 minutes). If signalled to descend during this period, they failsafe by gravity in a controlled manner to their fire operational position. The unique VarioSpeed function enables site-specific adjustable deployment at synchronised velocities from 0.06-0.15m/s.

The FireMaster Concertina uses EFP 4/1000 glass fibre, stainless steel wire reinforced fabric, coated with a micronized aluminium-filled, fire-retardant polyurethane. The fabric complies with the requirements of Class 0 to meet the statutory guidance in Building Regulations (E&W) Approved Document B (Volumes 1 and 2).

Advancing technology Coopers Fire is dedicated to advancing fire and smoke barrier curtain technology and improving ways to safeguard life and property. This commitment has meant that Coopers has become the benchmark used by regulators, architects, engineers and other fire professionals worldwide.

Coopers Fire is the only fire and smoke curtain manufacturer and installer to be regulated and approved as an Independent Third Party Certification body, the IFCC Installers Certification Scheme.

8 www.coopersfire.com * info@coopersfire.com ( 02392

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Glass writing boards from Casca www.cascaglass.co.uk 0845 519 4995

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Technical Focus

Polyurethanes are ideal for Passive House construction because they provide very high levels of insulation thanks to low thermal conductivity

Insulating to the Passive House standard

Polyurethane insulation materials are often used by architects and designers to create a highly-insulated building fabric

Passive House principles have been adopted and proven across Europe and are increasingly being employed in the UK to deliver buildings that are energy efficient, comfortable and affordable at the same time.

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hat was once a niche approach to building, but now proven on a whole raft of building types from houses to schools, offices to apartment buildings, a key feature of this tried and true construction concept is that it incorporates very high standards of insulation. But then does an energyefficient building with a very well insulated building fabric provide its occupants with a comfortable and healthy indoor air environment throughout the year?

Polyurethane insulation materials are often used by architects and designers to create a highly-insulated building fabric and are compatible with maximum levels of energy efficiency required for Passive

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House certification. For an ongoing project launched in Belgium in 2011, the potential of using polyurethane materials has shown the environmental and economic benefits of this method.

Developed by ISOPA, the European trade body for diisocyanate and polyol producers, the end-of-terrace four-storey family house was completed in Evere near Brussels in 2013. It is now occupied and working as a low-energy test bed; its running costs and energy use closely measured to show the savings possible for homeowners.

One of over 12,000 new build Passive House certified buildings across Europe, the ISOPA house is unusual in using a high proportion of PU to achieve its highly

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insulating fabric first design which reduces the need for heating and saves around 80% of the energy used by a normal house.

PU insulation has been used wherever possible, including in the cavity between the brick and block wall at a depth of 18cm achieving a 0.124 W/m²K U-value.

A similar depth has also been applied in two PIR board layers at a depth of 25cm between the concrete ground floor and the screed, which has underfloor heating embedded in it. Windows are highlyinsulated PVC frames with a PU core and the roof is also insulated using PIR board.

Furthermore, all concrete slabs on the first and second floor are insulated using PUR spray foam as they also have radiant heating.

Technical Focus

Creating practical ‘near zero energy’ houses are essential if we are to meet the Climate Change Act and reduce our carbon emissions 80% by 2050

very high levels of insulation thanks to low thermal conductivity, meaning they provide reduced thickness, increasing their affordability and reducing the impact on building footprints. As well as requiring fewer adjustments to be made to the design of buildings and less aesthetic compromises, such as with deep window reveals, further cost savings on depth of eaves, joists, rafters or studs, lengths of fixings can be achieved. In short, the extremely low U-values required for Passive House projects can be much more easily achieved with PU than with other materials as far fewer changes to design detailing are required.

Rigid PIR insulation boards are also light but strong, moisture-resistant and easy to install, and they, as well as spray foam PUR insulation, retain their insulating properties for the life of the building. Last but not least, PU materials contribute to preservation of natural resources by reducing the need for energy, which assists their sustainability credentials in Passive House projects.

Creating practical ‘near zero energy’ houses are essential if we are to meet the Climate Change Act and reduce our carbon emissions 80% by 2050. With houses accounting for 40% of energy consumed across Europe, achieving the

The extremely low U-values required for Passive House projects can be much more easily achieved with PU than with other materials

means of constructing new Passive Houses affordably using PU, which can deliver the results while saving homeowners money, is the realistic way forward, as demonstrated at the Polyurethanes Passive House.

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The house has been designed so that all of the construction elements work together in an integrated way, from the solar panels on the roof to the geothermal heat pump and the MVHR system which ensures that warm fresh air circulates internally despite the high air tightness levels. The University of Leuven has been evaluating the house’s overall performance, energy use and indoor comfort levels, which would verify whether the PU products as installed were really achieving the calculated performance levels.

Leuven University performed a coheating test on the empty building, which measured the heat input necessary to keep the house at a constantly elevated set temperature. By plotting the energy use against indoor-outdoor temperature differences, an estimate of the heat losses through the building fabric was made. The analysis of the data yielded an estimated heat loss coefficient of 60.0 W/K, with a standard deviation of 3.0 W/K. This indicates that the thermal performance of the building fabric meets the very high standards expected, which was instrumental to the project reaching the performance levels required for Passive House certification.

Polyurethanes are ideal for Passive House construction because they provide

www.brufma.co.uk

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25

Legal & Business

The cost and frequency of maintenance is a vital consideration since it impacts directly on the return on investment

The burgeoning Build to Rent sector requires a change of mindset among designers and specifiers to look at the lifecycle of a building and its elements, says Chris Coxon, Head of Marketing at Eurocell.

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he Build to Rent sector is the only part of the UK’s new build housing market which is on the up. Property specialist Savills predicts that this sector will grow by 1.1 million households between now and 2021.

This is exciting news for those companies and institutions looking to invest in this new property class. And it’s an exciting development for product suppliers too, because in Build to Rent the cost of a building element over its entire lifecycle becomes a vitally important consideration for developers.

According to the British Property Federation, which has created a live map to plot the spread of Build to Rent, at the time of writing there were 57,085 (updated 13/06/15) Build to Rent units completed, under construction or with planning permission in the UK. And this isn’t just a London phenomenon: around half of those schemes are outside the capital with Savills pinpointing Manchester, Reading, Edinburgh and Bristol as good locations for would-be investors.

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Given the nature of Build to Rent, it’s perhaps not surprising that housing associations are playing a significant role in this growing sector. Fizzy Living, a wholly owned subsidiary of Thames Valley Housing, with backing from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, already has five developments under its belt. Developer Stanhope has joined forces with Network Housing Group, announcing two schemes recently.

Another big player is Newcastle-based Grainger, the UK’s biggest listed residential landlord, which has pledged to invest £850m in Build to Rent between now and 2020.And Legal & General generated lots of headlines recently with news of a house factory in West Yorkshire and a £600m Build to Rent fund, created with Dutch pension fund PGGM. There are lots of characteristics which make a Build to Rent development different from a build to sell one. Brands such as London-based Essential Living and Willmott Dixon’s be:here make a big play of the importance of community and concierges; be:here provides equally sized bedrooms, all en suite, to cater for younger sharers.

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But a linking theme, whatever demographic is being targeted is build quality with longevity.When it comes to selection of the building’s elements and systems, designers and specifiers must consider whole life costs – as well as initial capital outlay.The cost and frequency of maintenance is a vital consideration since it impacts directly on the return on investment.

Energy efficiency is of major importance too. Not just because the environment is of particular interest to younger householders: would-be renters will be looking at running costs when making a decision on where to live. Elements, such as windows, must require little, if any, maintenance and they must offer high levels of energy efficiency.

So the Build to Rent sector is booming – despite fears from some that the Chancellor’s unexpected decision in March budget raise stamp duty for on the sale of rented dwellings would slow things down.The news on deals and developments just keeps coming. Exciting times indeed.

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Build to Rent, build to last

Chris Coxon has been Head of Marketing at Eurocell for nine years. With a career in construction marketing spanning 20 years, he has trained at the Cranfield University School of Management and Vlerick Business School; and is a member of the B2B Marketing Leaders forum and awards judge.

www.eurocell.co.uk

It takes a long time to create perfection.

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Design & Desire

The building uses a facade concept of a masonry grid that keeps off direct sunlight and throws light onto the floorplates

Fact File

New Ludgate transforms an outdated 1980s city block into a generous and lively new quarter for London Images © Tim Soar

Spirit in the sky Having recently scooped the award for City of London Building of the Year 2016, New Ludgate has set the benchmark for innovative design in working environments.

Here, Future Constructor & Architect explores further.

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rganised by The Architects’ Company, projects across the City of London were nominated by city organisations. New Ludgate was selected on the basis that it supports the ambitions of the City of London in delivering

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a world-class working environment, and the impact it has on the city street scene.

Paul Finch, Chairman of the Judges at the City of London Building of the Year Award 2016, comments:“In respect of the winner, the judges felt that an area of the city where

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Client: Land Securities Local authority: City of London Structural engineer: Waterman Structures Services consultant: Waterman Building Services Quantity surveyor: Gleeds Landscape consultant: Gustafson Porter Main contractor: Skanska you would not have wished to walk or linger has been transformed.An eyesore had been removed and a destination created, which through the skilful deployment of colour lifted both the eye and the spirit.”

Completed in April 2015, 1 & 2 New Ludgate, EC4 comprises two distinct buildings united by a new public piazza.Together they comprise 355,000ft2 of office accommodation and 26,000ft2 of restaurant and retail facilities.

New Ludgate transforms an outdated 1980s city block, which had a dull sunken arcade at the lower level, into a generous and lively new quarter for London.The masterplan sets up a dialogue between two new buildings whilst reinstating and improving the public

Design & Desire

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realm around it. A new passageway forms an open space at the east that catches the lunchtime sun.This space has been designed with as little of a ‘corporate’ feel as possible. It is, in essence, a new piece of city.

It is a site redolent with history located on the old city wall. It was formerly home to some outdated 1980s office buildings, the tallest element of which breached Primrose Hill viewing corridor height restrictions, and which offered little in the way of public amenity, with a dull sunken arcade at its lower levels.

Fletcher Priest was asked to masterplan the site in collaboration with Sauerbruch Hutton

by Land Securities, separating it into two headquarter-sized office buildings – Two New Bailey to the north, designed by Sauerbruch Hutton with Fletcher Priest as Executive Architect, and One New Ludgate designed by Fletcher Priest.

Around the site, street lines, grades and views are repaired and improved, such as the processional route to the western entrance of St Paul’s.This, along with much of the massing of the scheme and the curve of the street, was generated by the St Paul’s view corridor, while the main design idea was to reinstate the connection of old city lanes from Farringdon, building on a site that is steeped in history and where the Fleet River used to flow.

ONE NEW LUDGATE FLOORPLAN

GOODS

OBICA

RESTAURANT

OFFICE RECEPTION CHARLES TYRWHITT OLD BAILEY

ASSOCIATION COFFEE

COJEAN Ret ai l

Fletcher Priest was asked to masterplan the site in collaboration with Sauerbruch Hutton by Land Securities

LUDGATE HILL

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Design & Desire

One New Ludgate Specification New Grade A office specification Occupational density of one person/8m² Four-pipe fan coil air conditioning 2.7m floor-to-ceiling height 150mm raised floor LED lighting Cycle, shower and changing facilities Standby generation and critical cooling BREEAM ‘Excellent’

The 165,000ft2 One New Ludgate building itself comprises nine storeys plus ground floors. It is animated by bars and retail outlets under fixed white glass awnings. The building uses a facade concept of a masonry grid that keeps off direct sunlight and throws light onto the floorplates and, when viewed obliquely from the street’s wide pavements, gives a solidity to the building. “We wanted something quite cool and modern, whereas the other building may be more playful,” says Steve Barton, Partner at Fletcher Priest Architects.

White precast concrete frames, simply detailed, respect their neighbours and set off the floor-to-ceiling low-ion glazing, while vivid amber ‘Kathedral’ glass fins are used on the piazzetta ‘accent’ facade in the new public space, where a mature tree provides shade and visual link for Belle Sauvage.

A floating plane of photovoltaic cells lines the roofscape along with plants and a green roof, while both buildings flank a still-operating two and a half-storey city electrical interchange, which allows light into the heart of the site.

One New Ludgate also boasts extensive private external space, accessible from every office floor. This includes setback loggia and balconies and a substantial south-facing terrace with uninterrupted views of St Paul’s which is capable of accommodating 300 people at the fifth floor setback level, landscaped as

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elsewhere by Gustafson Porter.

Retail and restaurants line the ground floor, reinstated at grade, while the passageway’s York stone paving morphs from standard York stone into dark granite to draw pedestrians through. In terms of sustainability, both buildings on the site

A floating plane of photovoltaic cells lines the roofscape along with plants and a green roof

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White precast concrete frames, simply detailed, respect their neighbours and set off the floor-to-ceiling low-ion glazing

are rated BREEAM ‘Excellent’, influenced mainly in One New Ludgate’s case by the amount of daylighting it has been designed to achieve, reducing the need for artificial light on the office floors.

The collaboration helped the planning and letting process with both teams of architects appearing at committee and helping to achieve a relatively straightforward passage through the planning system. There were a lot of gains for the city including the repair of the public realm, wider pavements, the new element of public space and the reinstatement of the St Paul’s viewing heights so that the breach was taken away.

www.fletcherpriest.com

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21.07.2016 16:25:31

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Encourage workplace productivity with design Simon Wild, European Category Marketing Manager at Formica Group, discusses how cladding can contribute to improving employer branding and workplace productivity.

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any building owners are requesting high-end fit-outs to attract top calibre tenants.

In turn, employers benefit by being housed in brilliant workspaces that contribute to attracting the best talent.

A defining trait of employer branding is creating an office space that projects a company’s brand identity and ethos; typically achieved via brand colours and by creating a working environment that supports and enhances occupant comfort.

The ultimate aim is to deliver a friendly, professional and attractive workplace conducive to increased productivity.

With employment rising since the recession, top quality employees, especially millennials, are looking for happiness in the workplace as well as at home. According to Capita Resourcing’s new Workforce Horizons report, employer branding is critical to attracting millennials and to getting candidates invested in the brand so that they are motivated to go through the recruitment process. Millennials have come to expect employer branding from today’s workplace.

Holistic design and the layout of offices are tangible factors that contribute to impressing both client and potential employees. When focusing on internal workspaces, details such as ergonomics and distance from computer screens have value,

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but it is also important not to neglect the outdoor spaces of the office. Building exteriors create first impressions, while courtyards and break areas can impact heavily on the wellbeing of employees.

Instances where an employer can brief towards the layout and exterior of their building presents the opportunity to deliver further employer branding; the creation of relaxing outside spaces being a prime example.

VIVIX by Formica Group was specified for the facade due to its rainscreen properties, ability to limit excessive moisture and ease of maintenance

Reflecting branding One company that has taken employer branding outside is the ING office in Madrid.

Here, an oasis of calm was created with trees, plants and a pond in an enclosed conservatory garden, complete with bespoke cladding adorning the walls, featuring patterns reflecting ING brand colours.

SP Architecture Engineering was responsible for transforming ING’s weathered courtyard garden into a stylish space for the staff and visitors.

The 15m2 covered area, complete with patio, showed weathering due to insufficient ventilation, resulting from the moisture caused by the pond and plants that help create the calming area. Furthermore, excess humidity and inefficient ventilation caused condensation on the steel structure and polycarbonate sheets of the covered ceiling. With

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nowhere for excess water to escape, this caused oxidation of the structure, also causing premature ageing of the painted brick facade which required maintenance.

To tackle the problem, the truss structure was replaced, a moisture detector was added, and large plywood beams were used to cover the photovoltaic glass panels.

The newly-installed cladding and improved ventilation was instrumental in creating a garden in keeping with the rest of the building and work atmosphere. As part of the renovation, the office facade surrounding the garden interior was replaced with 500m of 8mm thick panels in Porcelana.VIVIX by Formica Group was specified for the facade due to its rainscreen properties, ability to limit excessive moisture and ease of maintenance. Selected facade panels featured a perforated pattern

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

SP Architecture Engineering was responsible for transforming ING’s weathered courtyard garden into a stylish space for the staff and visitors

Complementing architectural design Advancements in technology present a wider choice of cladding materials, colours and finishes than ever before, from traditional materials such as wood and stone to modern composites like high pressure laminate and fibre cement.

Cladding systems allow the combination of materials to complement and accentuate architectural design, with various fixing methods both visible and concealed to complement the overall building look and employer brand.

Additionally, exterior cladding solutions, that use an external insulation, reduce loss of internal floor space and minimise any internal building disruption for occupants during the refurbishment process; they are also extremely quick to install. Wellengineered cladding will maintain its appearance and give consistent performance for many years, requiring little maintenance.

Having outside spaces such as the ING garden, complete with sleek, on-brand cladding, gives employees break-out spaces for impromptu meetings or socialising whilst benefitting from natural light and fresh air.

Some companies have taken this further.

GlaxoSmithKline, Hertfordshire, has integrated its internal and external spaces so workers can move from outdoor pods for small meetings to large courtyards equipped with whiteboards and other props to support meetings and networking among colleagues.

The intrinsic link between nature and humans suggests that we need contact with the natural environment to sustain our health and wellbeing. Research by the World Green

Building Council indicates the benefits of biophilic design on physical and mental health is becoming increasingly well understood. Little wonder that many of today’s designers are replicating biophilia in internal environments.

Research and insights from neurosciences, endocrinology and other fields are helping to evolve the scientific basis for biophilic design. Due to such research, companies are beginning to make these basic changes as essential tools for productivity. The medical organisation, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, also published in 2015 guidelines highlighting the link between employee wellbeing and productivity.

By including outdoor spaces, employees potentially gain from the long-term benefits of having an aesthetically-pleasing relaxation and meeting area complete with colour, plants, and ideally a body of water. This not only raises overall morale and productivity in the workplace, but also helps minimise sick days which in turn benefits employers with higher profits. Finally employers are listening to this research which means both workers and bosses are happy. Candidates are also becoming more drawn to employer brand culture, seeking the benefits of being housed in offices sporting enjoyable internal and external settings to work and relax in.

By creating buildings with tranquil outside spaces, offices with gardens like the ING building can help play a part in improving wellbeing, happiness and therefore reducing sick days. In order to ensure such areas are able to maintain integrity over time, both structurally and in terms of supporting employer branding, it is imperative that the material specified is of a durable nature suitable for the demands of the environment in question.

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containing Clementine from the Formica collection; thereby accentuating employer brand through the incorporation of ING brand colours.

At the ING office, an oasis of calm was created with trees, plants and a pond in an enclosed conservatory garden, complete with bespoke cladding

The truss structure was replaced, a moisture detector was added, and large plywood beams were used to cover the photovoltaic glass panels

www.formica.com

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Modern Methods of Construction

The building has been finished in anthracite grey with striking chilli red stripes to reflect Totally Wicked’s strong corporate image

Increased demand for off-site construction The Portakabin Group is seeing a significant rise in demand for buildings in the manufacturing sector as more organisations look to expand their facilities using off-site construction. Here Steve Newell, General Manager at Portakabin, looks at its latest industrial project and the drivers which moved construction off site.

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hether the requirement is for offices, support facilities, process areas, control centres or laboratories, off-site construction and its standardised designs for modular buildings can provide significantly shorter construction periods, allowing manufacturers to make investment decisions at a later stage and achieve faster project implementation and return on capital spend.

A scheme for Totally Wicked has been constructed using Yorkon off-site solutions from the Portakabin Group to create the first purpose-designed fluid production and technical facility for e-cigarettes to be built in the UK. The project has increased

the company’s capacity to over 10 million bottles of premium quality e-liquid every year for the UK, USA and worldwide markets.

The facility was constructed off site to radically shorten the programme time and reduce disruption to the local community and to the company’s operations on the Totally Wicked site in Blackburn.

Finished in anthracite grey with striking chilli red stripes to reflect Totally Wicked’s strong corporate image, the scheme accommodates a new production facility, complete with test room, fluid mixing area, bottling plant and a highly insulated cold room. Offices are located on the upper floor.

Project challenges This was a challenging, sloping site which required complex excavations and the construction of a 5m high gabion stone retaining wall to meet planning restrictions for the building height.

The building has a cold room which had to meet stringent standards for the storage of nicotine solutions, including a high level of insulation.

The site was very constrained and immediately adjacent to a main road requiring detailed logistical planning for the building installation phase.

Ensuring as little disruption as possible to Totally Wicked’s operations and the surrounding residential community were key project requirements.

The client’s perspective Stuart Mercer, Operations Director at Totally Wicked, said:“We needed this building to help us meet the growing demand for our products both in the UK and for export markets. It is a cutting edge facility for e-liquid production.

“We chose an off-site solution because the brownfield site we wanted to develop is very constrained and it was critical to have as little interruption to our operations and to neighbouring properties as possible.The benefits of off-site construction far exceeded those of site-based construction – we could have much less plant and equipment on site, the programme was much shorter, and disruption was minimised.

“Following completion we are now ideally placed to take the business to the next level, increasing production in a very clean, modern environment.The finished building fits in really well with our corporate image and we would definitely recommend the approach and the Portakabin Group to other businesses looking to expand their facilities.”

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Totally Wicked is now ideally placed to take the business to the next level, increasing production in a very clean, modern environment

The use of a Yorkon off-site solution reduced the build time for the facility to just four months to give Totally Wicked the benefit of earlier occupation.This also allowed production capacity to be increased and facilitated the company’s expansion at an earlier stage.

Portakabin was principal contractor for the project and managed design, foundations, building manufacture and installation, and landscaping.

The building has a high performance preinstalled concrete floor at ground floor level to provide a robust, lasting and clean finish for the production areas.The landscaping included tree planting and an external break-out space for staff.

www.yorkon.co.uk

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Relieve the pain of rising patient numbers

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Modular buildings from Wernick provide a modern, spacious, energy efficient environment for patients and medical staff which are fully HTM and HBN compliant. What’s more, while the building is being manufactured, the foundation is being prepared on-site. This makes it possible for us to deliver a building of exceptional quality very quickly and with a saving of up to 50% when compared to a traditional building.

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Stairs & Lifts

CMS’ forward-thinking approach is characterised by sparing splashes of colour, modern furniture and striking staircases

Freedom of movement CMS’ new workspace has been brought together with a bold cantilevered steel staircase fitted with LED lighting.

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The staircases have been fitted with LED lighting that trace the edges of each staircase

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recent collaboration between top 10 global law firm CMS, MCM Architecture and KKS has resulted in an innovative working environment, centred around creating exceptional client areas and open-plan collaborative work spaces.The ‘business lounge’ style of the new CMS office space in London’s Cannon Place includes everything an employee in a modern office could need including: video conferencing rooms, bookable and non-bookable meeting rooms, alongside a cafe and breakout spaces to encourage mobility and cross-team collaboration.

Jon Race, Managing Director of MCM Architecture, explains: “Mobility was an extremely important concept at every stage of this project. It was vital that the space allowed, and encouraged, employees and clients to move freely. CMS wanted the new office to be as comfortable as possible for clients and flexible for staff, not making them feel ‘pigeonholed’ to a certain space.”

This forward-thinking approach is

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characterised by sparing splashes of colour, modern furniture and striking staircases that encourage movement and add to the sense of fluidity in the office.The breakout areas make it possible for fee earners to work in the space that suits them most.

To encourage the sense of mobility further still, the new office has a full wireless infrastructure and each of the staff has a tablet-based computer and mobile phone so that their work is not limited by desk space and cables.Traditionally, partners and fee earners in legal practices are often separated by cellular offices, but MCM Architecture and KKS have moved away from this traditional layout to create a cohesive office space that encourages collaboration.

Despite being spread out over three large floors, the office space has been brought together with the clever use of modern staircases from renowned manufacturer, EeStairs. Rather than being enclosed in a stairwell, the staircases are as much of a feature of the office as the chairs and tables,

Stairs & Lifts positioned in plain sight and surrounded by a TransParancy glass balustrade for uninterrupted views of the interior.

In contrast to the furniture, walls and floors which are for the most part finished in modern block colours, ranging from muted greys to striking orange, the staircases have been constructed from steel and finished with timber treads, adding a natural element to the interior.The gentle rise of the straight staircases makes them appear longer and extremely inviting to walk up and down.

The combination of straight flights of stairs and plateau areas add to the sense that the stairs wrap around the wall that they are positioned against.

In keeping with the way that CMS has embraced modern technology and working practices, the staircases have been fitted with LED lighting that trace the edges of each staircase.The light appears to flow from the top to the bottom of the staircases and reflects the brief to create a mobile workspace.

“During the design stages for the staircases we wanted to create an exciting staircase that would provide a stunning feature in the client suite on the first floor,” explains Katrina Kostic Samen, Managing Partner at KKS. “By adding a bronze mirrored wall to conceal the structural supports for the staircase, and recessing the handrail, we have made the space seem larger, building on the role of the staircase as a focal point. The mirrored wall also reflects the curvilinear forms of the technology hub and bar, creating a bright and welcoming space for clients to enjoy.”

The gentle rise of the straight staircases makes them appear longer and extremely inviting to walk up and down

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CMS’ new office has resulted in a wonderful environment for all staff

“Staircases are often overlooked as a necessary element of a building rather than an aspect of interior architecture that can reinforce a company’s ethos or value.We wanted to create something extraordinary that would add to the experience of staff and clients and found the ideal partner in EeStairs,” adds Race.

“It is always exciting for us to work with teams looking to take a fresh approach to the creation of an interior,” explains Steve Bray, Senior Creative Advisor, EeStairs UK.“With an open-plan office design there is the scope to create a staircase that is wonderful to use and just as exciting to look at, which is what has been achieved in the new CMS office.”

CMS’ office has resulted in a wonderful environment and has challenged the concept of legal practice architecture to create a future-proof design.The exceptional amenities have brought CMS to the forefront of workplace design.

www.eestairs.co.uk

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Interiors

The Core Five logo, positioned behind the desk, is set into an Armourcoat panel symbolising concrete

Core Five, a quantity surveying practice, approached Resonate Interiors to design its new HQ situated at 230 Blackfriars Road.

The open-plan space was deliberately repetitive to allow a sense of rhythm and capitalise on the square footage of the floor plate

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he relatively new quantity surveying practice has grown from strength to strength since it was set up four years ago.The business name, Core Five, was inspired by five previous partners from Davis Langdon, who decided to make the brave move to set up their own practice.The firm has since worked on some of the most prestigious projects in Central London and Copenhagen.

The team has also expanded employing 80 members of staff, including an impressive turnover that is in excess of £7m.

The client required an informal and not overtly corporate office interior. Core Five briefed Resonate Interiors to create a homely and comfortable environment, where the whole team could occupy one floor and where transparency was created throughout.

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Responding to the brief, Resonate has designed an office interior that has real character, charm and a slightly eclectic scheme that allows for the practice to continue maturing but supporting its business’ needs.

The reception is an integral part of the office design, acting as a warm welcome whilst setting the tone of the floor. On entering the floor, visitors are greeted by a skyline of London, representative of the many projects Core Five are running in our capital.Wide plank timber flooring, made of a specialist oak, has been used throughout this space, evoking a sense of solidity and stability.The copper reception desk provides a striking contrast against this setting, whilst adding warmth and a contemporary hue.

The Core Five logo, positioned behind the desk, is set into an Armourcoat panel

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Interior scheme cements business’ ethos

symbolising concrete and again, a solid backdrop to the business.The reception space also has a dual functionality acting as a lounge and meeting space for visitors and staff alike, creating a buzz throughout the office.

A deliberate connection has been created between the open-plan office space and the reception with a large cut-out around the bar and glazed panels allowing light to penetrate throughout the space.Views out to the Shard were maximised from the boardroom and reception area.The open-plan space was deliberately repetitive to allow a sense of rhythm and capitalise on the square footage of the floor plate.To break this up, a wide walkway carpet design called ‘the waterfall,’ was created out of 30 different Milliken carpet tiles, and has been laid in the middle of the office, adding a unique direction and interest to the floor.

Meeting rooms are situated at the various corners and supporting workplace but are kept deliberately transparent.A kitchen pantry, open for all to utilise and break away from the office floor environment, is situated to one end and allows seating with views to the Shard and beyond.

The project was delivered extremely quickly, to a tight budget, with a short lease in mind; it is an example of contractor and designer working well hand-in-hand.The space offers Core Five a new home to be proud of and a cohesive floor plate that presents diverse settings allowing this successful and exciting business to grow even further.

Resonate Interiors is born out of Pernille Stafford’s desire to create memorable environments, special spaces that engage with the occupant at many levels, with the primary focus on commercial interiors, offices, hospitality, retail and education environments.

Resonate offers innovative crafting of space in three dimensions, from the juxtaposition of materials to the manipulation of light and shade.

www.resonateinteriors.com

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Specification Spotlight CANAL set out to achieve the optimum construction by using an open tread, suspended staircase design

Connecting people and office space With a long standing relationship in place and a portfolio of prestigious commercial office staircases, CANAL was the premium choice for the new Modus Group offices situated in Central London, up The Shard.

The design enables light to pass through the structure

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rom a company which has a simple mission: to create extraordinary places to work for businesses relocating or refurbishing their offices, it was only fitting that they received the same treatment on their brand new office space high in the sky.

Modus Group offers its clients the complete package for their workplace fit out projects including strategic advice, space planning, 3D design, project management and construction. Similarly, when it came

CANAL at a glance: Product/Service areas: Staircases, Balustrades, Handrails Sectors: Commercial, residential, hospitality, retail Contacts: Website – www.canal.eu.com Phone – Nottingham office & manufacturing site: 0115 986 6321 London CANAL architectural showroom: 07881 582487 General enquiries email – canal@canalengineering.co.uk

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Specification Spotlight to choosing a British staircase company to adjoin its two floors of workspace CANAL Architectural was able to reflect the values of Modus Group and provide the company with the same complete package.

Whilst The Shard is a spectacular addition to the London skyline, it also came with some unique engineering challenges.

These were faced early on, incorporating features on the staircase to allow for the movement of the entire building (+/- 20mm), in particular the floors directly above and below the new staircase. CANAL benefitted from being involved in the project from the beginning, allowing many prior issues to be resolved at the design stage together with the main contractor and the architect.

CANAL finished the feature staircase by fabricating and installing a mirror polished stainless steel flat bar handrail

The primary decision about the design of the feature staircase was to incorporate the necessary strength and durability required for a commercial environment. The secondary decision was to enable light to pass through the structure as it was situated in front of floor to ceiling windows with stunning views across ‘The Big Smoke’.

CANAL set out to achieve the optimum construction by using an open tread, suspended staircase design. The initial installation of the steel framework, which was hidden behind the mirrored wall, provided the necessary platform for the steel channel treads to be welded to. In addition, multiple 25mm mirror polished, solid stainless steel, support bars were installed from the floor above to their perpendicular tread below. In turn, these bars provided the majority of the staircase structure as well as catering for the possible building flex, creating the carcass for the suspended staircase.

Complementary features

Now standing proud on the twenty something floor of The Shard, the combination of reflective materials and open space allows the light to flow throughout the contemporary space, cascading from the windows and floor above, whilst upholding the prestigious brand of The Modus Group.

A spokesperson for the Group comments:

“Canal Architectural are intrinsically involved in the design from the beginning of every project, and provide invaluable advice in respect of the design, specification and engineering.We are yet to be let down in terms of quality, aesthetics or programme and would not hesitate to work with them again, or to recommend them as a contractor.”

Solid stainless steel, support bars were installed from the floor above to their perpendicular tread below

To complement the existing office space features, the wide steel channels were enclosed with beautifully handmade, solid oak, timber box treads, which were stained to match the existing wooden floor. To accommodate the vertical support bars, the oak tread ends were precisely cut and drilled, down to the millimetre, and sleeved onto the end of the steel channels encompassing the mirror polished spindles for a seamless finish.

To comply with building regulations, CANAL finished the feature staircase by fabricating and installing a mirror polished stainless steel flat bar handrail to both sides of the staircase, and inserted extra detailing in the treads using elegant stainless nosing strips in a double, parallel design.

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Strength and durability

Specification Spotlight 3D VISUAL OF CANTILEVER STAIRCASE AND FIRST FLOOR BALUSTRADE INSTALLATION

3D VISUAL OF TIMBER TREAD AND BALUSTRADE FIXING METHOD

One design fits all: The Cantilever staircase With an ever increasing population of houses being erected, developed or refurbished all over the world, it has become increasingly common for people to play an active role in designing different aspects of their home by integrating their own personality and character into the features and surroundings of their property.

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ne of the main features within a property that often gets neglected, but when given attention can transform even the most standard house into one to be desired, is the staircase. With limitless design possibilities a staircase can be transformed from a plain structure into one that demands admiration.

Over recent years one particular design has emerged, which has increasingly grown in popularity among architects, designers, property developers and owners – the cantilever ‘floating’ staircase.

The word cantilever might sound elaborate, but it is merely a beam anchored at only one end allowing the protruding construction

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to overhang without any external bracing.

Cantilever structures are most commonly found within building structures, towers, bridges and aircrafts but the concept can be incorporated into staircase design by applying the same principles.

The simplistic design of the overhanging tread has allowed designers to create some very interesting design concepts to date.

The transformation from a standard stair into one that needs no support underneath or between the treads, has created a vision of open space and demonstrates a particular ‘floating’ appearance that is aesthetically pleasing.

A cantilever staircase is a design that is incredibly reliant on the structure. Due

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to the nature of the stair, it is a necessity that an existing or new wall is capable of taking the load. The cantilever structure is dictated by the wall in question. There are various fixing methods for this type of staircase design meaning it is virtually impossible not to install it within a property; new or existing.

The concept of the cantilever stair and its structurally sound properties creates the ideal base suitable for any application.

The stair design is not restricted to a straight flight style, only by the walls within a property. Helical, curved styles and even tight spirals are possible, releasing the staircase’s original modest design to unbounded design possibilities.

Specification Spotlight

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finer details where a staircase can become a great one.

A previous cantilever project CANAL was involved with was for a three floor penthouse in Victoria, London.Two identical staircases were specified, the main entrance stair to be wide and welcoming and with the second stair leading up to the top floor terrace.

Once the metalwork structure was installed and hidden behind the wall finish only to show the protruding steel channels, CANAL sleeved over solid American white oak timber box treads, which matched the existing floor throughout the property.

The unique design of the staircase integrated an LED strip into the underside of every tread, shining down on the one before and lighting the way. In addition, the staircase was dressed with low iron glass balustrade panels and topped with a satin polished stainless steel square handrail producing a minimal, contemporary look.

Achieving the correct performance of this particular staircase design is about more than its aesthetic appeal. With various technical considerations and design possibilities it is imperative to select the right manufacturer and installer with experience and expertise. CANAL provides the complete package from concept to completion and ensure every staircase project is installed to the highest standard as this will determine its future performance, durability and appearance.

CANAL Architectural produces structural calculations of the staircase, which provide imposed loadings to the building. CANAL then issues these to the Building Engineer for approval before any further work is carried out. This ensures that the correct structural design is chosen for your property and relieves future problems.

Along with the standard bare construction, the material choice can be broken down by each aspect of a staircase.

The treads, riser bars, balustrade, handrail and other detailed fixings can be fabricated from a number of materials to produce a unique design or complement an existing environment.

Material choices are subject to norms, similarly to the ever changing fashion trends throughout the world. Recently, CANAL has seen a sudden rise in demand for brass and leather or other animal skin, which has been incorporated into handrail systems and intricate balustrade detailing.

More commonly, a timber and glass combination is chosen to display a contemporary, modern feel. On many occasions a previous design is adaptable to a new CANAL project, however it is in the

GENERAL ARRANGEMENT DRAWING OF THE FLOATING TREAD PATTERN AND GLASS

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Specification Spotlight STAIRCASES CANAL specialises in the fabrication of bespoke staircases at its manufacturing facility in Nottingham, UK. The ethos has always been to push the boundaries of what is technically possible through design and material choice, while always complying with building regulations.

In practice this means CANAL offers a bespoke service in which feature designs are harvested from an initial concept or specification. Using the latest 3D CAD technology and producing drawings for manufacture, CANAL can fabricate bespoke staircases in straight, spiral and

helical form. In addition to creating a practical staircase without compromising on a feature design, CANAL installs its staircases in both residential and commercial properties.

Although most work undertaken by CANAL Architectural involves the design, manufacture and installation of a complete staircase with balustrade; balustrades can be installed onto existing staircases, balconies, terraces, mezzanines, bridges, walkways or atriums.

CANAL offers the complete balustrade package including initial site survey, specification advice and assistance with material choice, dimensions, fabrication, loading and conforming to British Standards (BS6399).

Balustrade material choice can define

the overall look and feel of a property. For a contemporary feel the popular choice is glass, which comes in a variety of options for different environment loadings and suitable for both interior and exterior applications.

CANAL will work with you to design, build and install the most innovative balustrade for your project – bringing their wealth of experience, a reputation for design innovation and a commitment to quality that has made them the first choice for many architects and main contractors for over 15 years.

Whether part of a feature staircase or simply as a standalone item, handrails play an important role both in terms of safety but also aesthetically by making this practical item part of the design concept.

Due to building regulations, handrails are normally required on staircases in commercial and domestic properties, unless a structural balustrade is sufficient enough for the loading regulations. Therefore, CANAL place great emphasis on handrail design, creating bespoke pieces that add to the overall design rather than diminish them. Handrails can be complementary to

an existing design by choosing a matching or contrasting material or finish.

Design options • Straight staircases • Spiral staircases • Helical staircases

BALUSTRADES

HANDRAILS

Material options • Stainless steel • Galvanised mild steel • Capping • Brass • Raw mild steel • Timber • Cladded • Painted mild steel • Acrylic • Leather ARCH

ITECT

The latest CANAL Architectural brochure is available to download or by post: it is an impressive catalogue of projects we are proud to be associated with. www.canalengineering.co.uk/brochure.asp CANAL, 11-12 Great Sutton Street, London, EC1V 0BX T: 0115 986 6321 E: canal@canalengineering.co.uk

Conn ec Peop ting le & Spac es

canal. eu.co m

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URAL

Fire, Health & Safety

The construction interface between the wall, floors and external envelope must be coordinated to maximise fire compartmentation

Conform on fire with Knauf Attempting to achieve high fire resistance often leads to the mis-specification of drylining products. Knauf Technical Support Officer Fiona Tullett discusses the mistakes being made in the specification of fire resistance panels and the best ways to avoid them.

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he correct specification of gypsum plasterboard is essential for new buildings. Inadequate product specifications carry a real danger of non-conformance, which in turn can lead to an increased risk from rapid fire spreading within buildings. At Knauf, we are frequently asked about fire specifications, especially

regarding fire compartmentation using drywall products. Compartmentation – the dividing of a building into individual – is one of the most common techniques for building fire resistance.This means the specification of internal drylining plays a significant role in reducing the rate at which materials ignite and the fire spreads.

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Designers can incorporate plasterboard into their systems to help meet building requirements

Section 2 in Approved Document B of the Building Regulations indicates that considerations must be made during the selection of building materials to account for fire spreading at the wall and ceiling elements. Internal linings may in fact be the point at which fire spread can be fastest, and can also prevent occupants from escaping. In fact, the junctions between the wall partition and the ceiling is the area where the risk of fire spread is greatest, due to the inherent nature of heat and fire rising.

The Building Regulations state that a building must fulfil two clear fire objectives; to provide spread over the internal linings and to prevent the spread of fire between separating dwellings. Designers can incorporate plasterboard into their systems to help meet building requirements.This is achieved by creating compartments that limit the progress of smoke and flames whilst simultaneously maintaining structural integrity.

The amount of resistance required is a common misconception. For residential developments, fire resistance of at least 30 minutes is required for storeys that are no more than 5m from ground level. Any storeys that are between 5 and 18m require 60 minutes of resistance, and this rises to between 90 and 120 minutes for storeys above 18m.

Although Building Standards state that the wall and ceiling both require the same minimum fire resistance for residential dwellings, the actual specification of these elements differs because of the nature of firespread and the associated testing methods for the constructions. A collaborative approach to construction is essential, as it is impossible to fully meet Building Regulations without adopting an approved system. The construction interface between the wall, floors and external envelope must be coordinated to maximise fire compartmentation.

The Knauf Technical Services team are able to offer assistance on system design, product selection, specification and installation, meaning they are well-placed to assist with improving specifications for fire resistance.

Knauf Firepanel offers up to 60 minutes fire resistance with a single layer of 15mm plasterboard either side of a non-loadbearing Knauf Performer partition. This rises to 120 minutes when two layers of 12.5mm Knauf Firepanels are used. Knauf Performance Plus offers this same fire resistance performance, in addition to having excellent acoustic, moisture and impact resistance properties for use in commercial projects.

www.knauf.co.uk

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ed ed! lifi is ua gn t q co Ge et re g &

The MCIAT Professional Assessment

– a new qualifying route What is the MCIAT Professional Assessment?

The MCIAT Professional Assessment is a flexible, rigorous, robust and quality assured qualifying process, based on performance and designed to recognise the diversity of Architectural Technology.

Candidates must provide an in-depth critical analysis clearly summarising their professional experience. This should be a reflective report and should refer to challenges and successes encountered whilst working on projects and how any issues were resolved.

Applicants should also undertake a self-evaluation highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in relation to their area(s) of practice.

The Professional Assessment process is based on four core competencies: • Designing • Managing • Practising • Developing (self)

Who can apply for the MCIAT Professional Assessment?

Any applicant working in or on, for example, academia, general practice, component design, refurbishment, small residential projects, large commercial projects etc within Architectural Technology, should be able to apply their own experience to the Professional Assessment process, but they must hold one of the following membership grades: ACIAT, TCIAT or profile candidate.

Each application will be assessed on its merit. However, each applicant will need to demonstrate a sufficient level of knowledge and understanding and professional competence/experience in relation to their sphere/s of practice and demonstrate to the Institute they can meet the expectations of a Chartered Architectural Technologist, MCIAT.

How much does it cost?

To apply for the Professional Assessment, applicants are required to pay £300 for the assessment of the application and the Professional Assessment Interview.

For further information email our Membership Director, James Banks via james@ciat.org.uk or call us on +44(0)20 7278 2206

CPD Focus

The CPD explains the benefits of multifoil products such as the CE marked Actis Hybrid range in addressing thermal bridging issues

How to address thermal bridging A CPD seminar on tackling the performance gap which gives delegates the chance to raise insulation queries face to face with experts has been described as good or excellent by every local authority building control officer surveyed after taking part in one of the sessions.

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he Construction CPD Certification Service certified module devised and delivered by insulation specialist Actis has been presented to nearly 200 LABC officers across the UK since its launch over 18 months ago.

The one hour module, which focuses on how to address thermal bridging, is also delivered to other construction industry professionals, as well as building control officers, from specifiers to site managers and operatives to SAP assessors.

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Architect and Actis Technical Manager, Thomas Wiedmer, devised the CPD programme

The module looks at why the performance gap exists, the effects of external factors on the fabric efficiency of a building, air tightness and thermal bridging and how reflective insulation can address these issues.

It explains the benefits of multifoil products such as the CE marked Actis Hybrid range in addressing thermal bridging issues.

The fact that the three-in-one mix and match range has achieved LABC registered details, enabling the products to be accepted by LABC surveyors across England and Wales when used according to the certification, means it’s vital that all building control officers have a full understanding of the system and its merits.

Many of the seminars see the building officers inviting partner architects to join them, with larger architectural practices then choosing to arrange their own events as well.

Ian Tuck, Senior Technical Building Control Surveyor at Swindon Borough Council, found the seminar he attended immensely helpful.

“It was very informative and I have already had positive feedback from some of the attendees regarding its excellent presentation and content. It has certainly given us in Building Control plenty to think about when carrying out site visits,” he said.

Chris Holland, Project Manager at JHAI, said: “I found the presentation very interesting and informative. I have a site of 16 timber frame houses in Newport.

They are using your products, so to receive up-to-date information and then to see it being installed on site was very helpful.

Both the owner and installer are very happy.”

Camden Building Control officers described the seminar variously as “very interesting, concise presentation with no unnecessary detail”, “exactly the presentation I was hoping for – really clear and well presented” and “well detailed and informed, full of useful info for future refurbs and upgrades”.

The format involves a 40 minute presentation followed by a 20 minute Q&A, a chance to inspect insulation materials at first hand and talk to the Actis experts about thermal bridging issues.

The free events are organised at venues and times to suit the audience and can include buffet, snacks or breakfast.

Building control officers and other construction professionals can book by email at solutions@insulation-actis.com.

www.insulation-actis.com

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CPD Focus

Munters encourages all to learn about humidity Munters is offering free CPD seminars to architects, consultants, end users and anyone interested in learning more about the effects of humidity. Munters aims to educate participants on how moisture can impact a wide range of industries and applications, including buildings, bridges, museums, ice rinks and many more.Accredited by CIBSE, these seminars are tailored to participants’ needs and held at their own premises to make them as convenient as possible.The seminar covers a wide range of topics which include: an overview of humidity, sources of moisture, an introduction to psychrometrics, calculating moisture loads and the different methods of dehumidification and its benefits. * dryair@munters.co.uk

( 01480 410211 8 www.munters.co.uk/ukseminars

Fila launches new porcelain and ceramic-focused CPD In response to industry demand, Fila has launched a new RIBAapproved CPD seminar.The new seminar, entitled ‘Cleaning, Sealing and Maintaining Porcelain and Ceramics’, will examine the impact of maintenance regimes and solutions used. It will also discuss how surface care specifications can

be adjusted to maximise aesthetics and performance. Seminars will have a standard 30-minute duration and will be available throughout the UK.With a strong practical focus, Fila’s seminar will examine the various cleaning stages – from initial builder’s clean, to ongoing maintenance. It will discuss the various issues that can arise as a result of adopting an incorrect regime or using unsuitable products. * filauk@filasolutions.com

( 01584 877286 8 www.filasolutions.com

Wetroom Design and Specification CPD from CCL Wetrooms The Wetroom Design & Specification CPD from CCL Wetrooms guides architects through the process of designing and specifying a watertight wetroom.The free, 45-minute technical presentation can be organised at a time and venue to suit attendees and covers the key considerations of designing and specifying a wetroom.This includes wetroom design and layout, waterproofing, drainage, floor build-up and installation.

To complement these sessions, CCL has recently unveiled a new contemporary website, designed to provide architects, specifiers and house-builders with comprehensive technical information to aid the wetroom specification process for their clients. * cpd@ccl-wetrooms.co.uk

( 0844 327 6002 8 www.ccl-wetrooms.co.uk

Arrow Valves is launching Arrow Academy. Its technical CPD seminars on the subject of the Water Regulations explores how these can affect system design, and provides delegates with an insight into selecting appropriate backflow prevention devices. * enquires@arrowvalves.co.uk

Polyflor refreshes vinyl flooring CPD offering for 2016 Polyflor has announced the launch of three new CPD seminars approved by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Society of British and International Design (SBID).

The three informative seminars on the subject of specifying vinyl flooring can be delivered

by Polyflor representatives throughout the UK free of charge. Polyflor’s CPD offering includes updated sessions on the Specification of Vinyl Floorcoverings, Specification of Safety Vinyl Floorcoverings and a new seminar – the Specification of Dementia-Friendly Flooring.

The hour-long SBID and RIBA-approved CPD seminars cover the different types of vinyl floorcoverings and their applications, relevant industry standards, installation and maintenance. * cpd@polyflor.com

( 0161 767 1111 8 www.polyflor.com/cpd

Arrow Valves CPD Arrow Valves manufactures and distributes a range of innovative water-associated products and services, all designed to conform with the latest Water Regulations.

As a manufacturer of backflow prevention devices,Arrow Valves has a thorough understanding of the new Water Regulations and how the water supply industry is interpreting them.As the company is always keen to share its expert knowledge and product innovation,

( 01442 823123 8 www.arrowvalves.co.uk

CPD acoustics training for architects gets CIBSE seal of approval With acoustics being a crucial element of a building’s design, the RIBA-approved Geberit CPD training module now also has CIBSE seal of approval.

CIBSE promotes the career of building services engineers in a number of ways, such as approving work-based training programmes, including the Geberit CPD ‘Embedding acoustics into design’. Providing a technical insight and definition of ‘noise’ and its causes, the CPD covers current British Standards relating to limiting bathroom sound.The CPD also gives insight into Geberit’s thorough approach to noise reduction, which starts with good design and ends with appropriate product choices and correct installation techniques. ( 01926 516800 8 www.geberit.co.uk

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49

Paving

The paving was installed using Ultrascape’s BS 7533 compliant Pro-Bed HS fine bedding concrete, Flowpoint rapid setting grout and Pro-Prime slurry primer

Ultrascape helps to deliver world-class transport hub Ultrascape’s BS 7533 compliant mortar paving system has played a major role in helping to transform one of the UK’s busiest train stations. The long-awaited redevelopment of Birmingham New Street Station has transformed what was previously a dark, overcrowded site with poor access for passengers, into a prestigious gateway to the UK’s second city.

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ighlights include more space and better facilities for passengers, brighter and clearer platforms, a stunning new station facade and a grand concourse enclosed by a lightfilled atrium.

Work was carried out by one of the UK’s premier concrete frame contractors, MPB Structures. It included reinstating existing station platforms, as well as installing new structures, hardscaping around the station perimeter and the

Ultrascape Flowpoint grout was ideal as its rapid setting properties enable areas to be open to foot traffic in just one hour

creation of Birmingham’s version of the ‘Spanish Steps’. The paving was installed using Ultrascape’s BS 7533 compliant ProBed HS fine bedding concrete, Flowpoint rapid setting grout and Pro-Prime slurry primer.

Construction was carried out in difficult circumstances as the station was fully operational throughout the project. It is the busiest interchange station in the UK with trains departing every 37 seconds and over 140,000 passengers passing through daily.

Ultrascape Flowpoint grout was ideal as its rapid setting properties enable areas to be open to foot traffic in just one hour, keeping down-time and disruption to a minimum. Simple to use, requiring only the addition of water on site, it is poured over the area and washed clean, filling all joints evenly, without staining.

Ultrascape Pro-Bed HS provided a perfect bound base for the pavers. It can be laid up to 75mm in one pass, with greater depths achievable using successive layers.The fast strength gain of Pro-Bed HS allows pedestrian areas to be trafficked in as little as 12 hours.

Ultrascape Pro-Prime was applied between the paving elements and bedding mortar.The addition of a slurry primer is essential to yield a bond strength compliant with BS 7533 and helps prevent costly failures.

Flowpoint and Pro-Bed HS are also available in ‘ECO’ which is ideal for use on schemes looking to achieve distinctive environmental performance in their work and recognition from the CEEQUAL award scheme.

Projects incorporating BS 7533 compliant materials benefit from a reduction in failures and considerable whole life cost savings. The materials have been independently and rigorously tested by UKAS-accredited laboratories to assess their performance capabilities.

This method removes the uncertainty of site-batched mortars and offers a minimum construction life of 40 years.

The stunning new station opened its doors in September 2015 and has already become a destination in its own right.

Ultrascape is proud to have been specified and involved in a project that has delivered a station fit for Britain’s second city.

For further information on Ultrascape’s BS 7533 compliant mortar paving system, please visit Ultrascape’s website. A RIBAaccredited CPD, ‘Paving the Way’, is also available from Ultrascape, for bookings please email Instarmac.

8 www.ultrascape.co.uk * cpd@instarmac.co.uk ( 01827

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871871

Paxton

Smart, Integrated Security Solutions from Paxton • Leading

• Straightforward

Market leaders, over 30 years’ experience

Simple to specify and easy to use solutions

• Scalable

• Efficient

Access control and building intelligence systems for a variety of sites

Manage electrical utilities and control lifts, saving energy and money

• Integrated

• Supported

IP ready solutions integrating with CCTV, door entry, intruder & fire alarms

Free design & specification help and advice

http://paxton.info/2550 01273 811011 Paxton protects Manchester United Football Club, Michelin, Foyles Bookstore and many more

Sign Up For Our Free CIBSE Approved CPD Programme www.paxtonspecifier.co.uk

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51

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Incorporating Kaleidoscope shapes – Apex and Pennon – and bespoke Karndean cuts, Simple Simon Design split the restaurant and bar into four key areas

Aqua brings geometric designs to life with Kaleidoscope flooring Aqua Restaurant Group looked to one of the UK’s market leaders in luxury vinyl flooring Karndean Designflooring when creating a truly unique floor design for its latest refurbishment.

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ased in the heart of Bristol’s bustling Harbourside,Aqua appointed Simple Simon Design to undertake its interior design and Bath Contract Flooring to complete its flooring installation.With shapes and patterns in mind, Simple Simon Design specified Karndean’s new Kaleidoscope throughout the 100m2 space.

Incorporating Kaleidoscope shapes – Apex and Pennon – and bespoke Karndean cuts, Simple Simon Design split the restaurant and bar into four key areas, each with its own individual floor design.To meet the technical specification required, Karndean’s Art Select and Da Vinci were specified in the main bar and restaurant, with both offering R10 slip

ratings and 0.7mm PU coated wear layers.

With various wood and stone designs from Karndean’s established Art Select, Da Vinci and Knight Tile ranges also featured, the restaurant includes the clean, pale stone effect of Art Select Fiore to the striking dusty pale brown tones of Knight Tile Mid Limed Oak, to name but a few.

“Although we had to accommodate high traffic when specifying the right floor, we ultimately wanted the decision to be designled,” explained Simon Jones, Designer at Simple Simon Design.

He said:“Karndean offered us the wide ranging product portfolio, flexibility and intricate shapes required to bring our geometric design to life.The result is a striking

With shapes and patterns in mind, Simple Simon Design specified Karndean’s new Kaleidoscope throughout the 100m2 space

floor design, which not only captures the imagination, but also offers opulence.”

Kaleidoscope by Karndean Designflooring pays tribute to the theme, the only limit is your imagination. Designed specifically to offer unparalleled flexibility for interior designers and flooring contractors looking to create a unique floor design, Kaleidoscope features six designs as standard including Cubix, Pennon, Apex, Pyramid,Tripoint and Hexa.

It contains popular shapes and patterns, such as hexagons, chevrons and cubes to name but a few, that can be cut in a number of colour combinations across Karndean’s established wood and stone designs.The collection also introduces block colourways, giving designers the ability to specify bright colours against wood and stone for added visual interest in commercial and residential spaces.

Matthew Speck, Head of Commercial Sales, said:“With the floor design being an integral part of the concept, it’s no surprise it’s being talked about as much as Aqua’s modern AngloItalian cuisine.Aqua is the perfect example of how our Kaleidoscope can achieve a new level of floor design, allowing complete freedom for unique shapes, sizes, colour combination and patterns.”

8 www.karndean.com * commercial@karndean.co.uk ( 01386

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820104

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Fila range tackles all surface cleaning needs Fila’s surface care range includes cleaning solutions, designed to care for all types of tile and natural surfaces. Suitable for post-installation cleans and ongoing maintenance, the range spans pH-neutral detergents, to epoxy grout and grease removers. All production is supported by Fila’s ISO 14001:2014 certification and the range is recommended by over 220 leading flooring brands.

Bestselling ‘core’ cleaning products include FILA Deterdek, FILACR10, FILA Cleaner and FILAPS87. FILA Deterdek is a concentrated acid detergent, with a fume-free buffered formulation for safe application. It’s ideal for the removal of building site dirt, including cement and adhesive residues, from acid-resistant surfaces.

FILACR10 is also ideal for post-installation cleaning, safely removing epoxy grout residues from non-porous materials including porcelain, glazed ceramics and glass mosaics.

For deep cleaning and ongoing maintenance, FILA Cleaner provides a universal, pH-neutral option and can be used on all surfaces including polished and porous stone, and wood.Three-in-one degreasing, stain removing cleaner, FILAPS87 then caters for porcelain and unpolished stone, especially heavily soiled, stained and textured surfaces where it can restore original aesthetics and slip ratings.

Fila’s range also includes protectors, finishing products and troubleshooting treatments. Many solutions form part of Fila’s award-winning Green Line, offering a solvent-free treatment with very low or VOC-free concentrations.

8 www.filasolutions.com/en * filauk@filasolutions.com ( 01584 877286

Inaugural installation of Mapei’s Comfort Floor system Quik Drive first for DeckMark

Simpson Strong-Tie’s Quik Drive collated screw system has become the first ever tool to be awarded DeckMark Plus accreditation from the Timber Decking and Cladding Association.The construction connector manufacturer has previously also achieved DeckMark Plus for its range of CE Marked decking and cladding fixings. DeckMark Plus is a quality assurance and performance scheme run by the Timber Decking and Cladding Association, the recognised authority on all matters that relate to creating high-performance timber decking and cladding structures.With a huge range of applications, from decking to drywall and modular homes, to mezzanine floors, the Quik Drive is the world’s most advanced screw system.

8 www.strongtie.co.uk * sgreenway@strongtie.eu ( 01827 255600

International architect practice BDP has recently refurbished the floors within its Bristol office using new Mapecomfort Floor AR/X system in grey; the first project completed worldwide using the new system. Mapecomfort is a polyurethane based system that reduces impact noise and is low VOC; the attractive matt-effect finish can also be colour tinted to incorporate a logo or brand colour.After removing carpet and vinyl tiles, Mapecomfort flooring was laid to the floor sub base at BDP and sealed with flexible resin-based adhesive Mapefloor Pore Filler.A 2-3mm coat of flexible self-smoothing Mapei Mapefloor PU 460 was applied once cured, with two coats of Mapei Mapefloor Finish 58 W to complete the project in a matt finish. * info@mapei.co.uk

( 0121 508 6970

8 www.mapei.co.uk

F. Ball launches Stopgap SRS surface reinforcement system

Stopgap SRS is designed to rapidly stabilise and reinforce weak or poorly compacted screeds, providing a quick, simple and cost-effective solution. Stopgap SRS rapidly penetrates weak and friable screeds, filling gaps and cracks, and binding loose particles together.This creates a stronger, more stable surface. In most applications, the product can overcome the need to remove and replace the entire screed, which can be costly and time-consuming. Stopgap SRS has a fast setting time, which means that screeds can be reinstated overnight.This allows contractors to minimise the disruption that can be caused by a badly weakened screed; a particularly useful feature for when deadlines are tight. * mail@f-ball.co.uk

( 01583 361633

8 www.f-ball.co.uk

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53

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

The slip-resistant design and visual prominence of Schlüter-TREP stair nosing profiles improves safety on staircases

Protect tile and stone installations Steps are a feature of everyday life, yet making them safe, protected, and maintaining tiled staircases and turning them into a focal point is a different matter altogether.

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he edges of stairs, especially in commercial applications, are often exposed to heavy mechanical stresses and represent a high risk for injuries through slips and trips.

The slip-resistant design and visual prominence of Schlüter-TREP stair nosing profiles improves safety on staircases, maintaining and protecting installations to keep the edges of the tile or natural stone covering intact.

Although it is often the best way, the inclusion of stair nosing profiles is not always a consideration during an initial design stage of a project. One benefit of the Schlüter-TREP profiles is that, where this has happened, they can be retrofitted to enhance the safety of a stairway at a later date.

One of the latest features of the SchlüterTREP profile is its aesthetical and practical presence when combined with SchlüterLIPROTEC illuminated profile technology; not only providing a modern stainless steel finish, but also lighting the way, turning the staircase into a stunning focal point with an

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illuminated subtle accent.

One feature that is imperative to consider at design stage is that of movement, expansion and control joints. Unlike the stair nosing profiles, movement joints in the tile field need to go through the tile and need to follow British Standards BS5385 Part 3 and 4 for tiles, and Part 5 for stone, and therefore need to be designed at specification. The Schlüter-DILEX range offers maintenancefree and functional solutions for all relevant movement, expansion or control joints in tile and stone coverings.

Perimeter movement joints are used to create flexible connection joints with fixed components in the adhesive bed.

The Schlüter-DILEX-KSA and -BWA range have been designed to complement the intermediate movement joint range Schlüter-DILEX-KS and -BWB by matching their design to create a flawless finish.

Along with these, Schlüter is also offering profiles such as Schlüter-DILEXHKW and -HK, a range of movement

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and connection profiles for internal wall corners and floor-to-wall joints – the range extends to include coving and connection profiles offering options to fit anticipated movement or design.

The Schlüter-DILEX range of movement joints offer complete protection and are available to specifiers in a wide selection of materials, colours and movement capability.

If you would like to find out more about any of these products, or host Schlüter’s CPD Seminar ‘Movement Joints and Uncoupling Membranes for Tile and Stone Coverings’ at an architectural practice, please contact Schlüter. For priority bookings, quote FC&AMJU08.

8 www.schluter.co.uk * pr@schluter.co.uk ( 01530

813396

The Schlüter-DILEX range offers maintenance-free and functional solutions for all relevant movement, expansion or control joints in tile and stone coverings

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Industry votes Kährs best wood flooring range for 15th time Kährs’ wood flooring range has been voted ‘Hardwood Flooring Product of the Year’ by the flooring industry for the 15th year. The annual awards, which are jointly sponsored by the Contract Flooring Association and Contract Flooring Journal, celebrate ‘the best’ in the industry and include 17 categories. Award winners are voted for by readers of CFJ, who register in an independent ballot.

Renowned for its design-led range, which combines quality, style and performance, Kährs offers over 140 different wood floors. Designs are presented throughout 25 collections and offered in nine different sustainable wood species and numerous patterns. Tactile surface treatments and on-trend coloured finishes, as well as traditional, natural designs, provide a myriad of styles to suit all interiors.

All floors have a multi-layered or ‘engineered’ construction, based on the original parquet design invented and patented by Kährs in 1941. As well as providing optimum stability, the method also uses resources in the most naturefriendly way. During installation, Kährs’ glueless Woodloc joint promotes speed and accuracy and eliminates gapping throughout the lifetime of the floor.

New designs for 2016 include Kährs Chevron and Domani collections, with the vintage Gotaland collection joining the range this autumn/winter.

8 www.kahrs.co.uk * sales@kahrs.com ( 02392 453045

Wall-to-wall inspiration with MATCH panels Rarely can we say that a new product changes the face of interior design for professionals in the commercial world. However, with MATCH, that statement is entirely true. This new designer panel range from Vicaima removes the limitations experienced with more commonly used decorative finishes and allows limitless design possibilities with multiple applications, ranging from wall panels to furniture.

MATCH is a revolutionary decorative panel that uses innovative H2P technology and advanced production processes to create tailor-made graphic or pictorial solutions directly onto veneered and other base layers. In this way, a collection of decor elements can be brought together to create synergy to a theme or chosen style, such as wall panels, integrated door systems, displays and furniture.

Depending upon the desired application, Vicaima MATCH is available in a selection

of panel types with differing physical and mechanical properties, appropriate to their desired performance and covered by EN Standards. These include plywood and MDF with improved resistance to fire or moisture, among others. The combination between the composition of the product and the advanced manufacturing technology used with the surface materials allows Vicaima to achieve unparalleled results.

MATCH panels have been designed to

provide a flexible answer to a broad scope of commercial project requirements with an offering that includes: a choice of base materials and a selection of surface layers and coatings all in a choice of industry applicable dimensions.

8 www.vicaimamatch.com * match@vicaima.com ( 01793 532333

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55

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Forbo’s Create Space carpet tiles were installed as part of an integrated floor scheme at the Matalan HQ

Forbo’s floorcoverings add style at Matalan HQ An integrated range of Forbo’s floorcoverings have been specified and installed throughout Maro Developments’ prestigious, bespoke new office headquarters for Matalan at Knowsley. Forbo worked collaboratively with the developer, the main contractor, Morgan Sindall, and Manchester-based Project Architect Fletcher Rae to agree the final specification.

Allura Luxury Vinyl Tiles in an oak wood effect were ideal for the staff canteen

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he key objective for office areas was to deliver a high-quality finish with a ‘wow factor’.The Create Space collection of plain and linear patterned Tessera carpet tile ranges met all construction and performance demands and was selected for its quality, overall finish and the design flexibility offered.

Forbo’s Surestep and Safestep safety vinyls were installed in shower rooms, kitchens and other back of house areas where clean, crisp, slip-resistant finishes were needed. For more public spaces and common front of house areas such as stairwells, where durable, resilient flooring with a more prestigious feel was required, linoleum from the Marmoleum Piano and Fresco collections was used.

The combination of performance, value for money and realism made Forbo’s Allura luxury vinyl tiles, in an oak wood effect, an ideal solution for the staff canteen.

Completing the integrated floor scheme, Eternal general purpose vinyl was fitted in one of the meeting rooms and 12mm grey Nuway Tuftiguard was installed at the main entrance to the headquarters.

Commenting on Forbo’s products and service, John Schofield, Morgan Sindall’s Senior Design Manager, said: “The Forbo materials met Maro’s brief in terms of quality and life expectancy plus ease of maintenance and cleaning requirements. Forbo put a lot of time and effort into the project in terms of providing numerous samples and alternative colours. Over the last 10 years or so, whenever I have worked with Forbo on various projects, they have always provided exemplary customer service and have been great to work with.”

8 www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/offices * info.flooring.uk@forbo.com ( 0844

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822 3928

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Troldtekt acoustic panels enhance pop-up NOMA restaurant The design of the NOMA pop-up restaurant at Barangaroo near Sydney, Australia, was most unusual because it was designed to operate for only 10 weeks.

It was the initiative of famous Chef René Redzepi and his Danish team, designed and built in a few months by the Australian Design and Planning collaboration, led by Lendlease and Principal Architect Darren Kindrachuk.

The restaurant covered about 500m2 including the main kitchen, serveries and the dining area as well as an outdoor preparation space and guest lounge.

With space for only 56 diners, 27,000 disappointed visitors were left on the waiting list.

References to elements of the Australian landscape, as well as René’s in-depth investigation and sourcing of natural Australian ingredients, also provided the foundation for the underlying design theme

of ‘Land and Water.’ Materially, ‘Land’ was interpreted by the use of rammed earth, charred/charcoal surfaces and dark colour selections, deep within the restaurant. The notion of ‘Water’ was suggested in the control of natural light and shadows, glass surfaces and spatial volume expressed on the frontages of the restaurant.

References to NOMA Copenhagen and the Danish origin of the restaurant and its chef were subtly incorporated in the restaurant design. In this context,

the review of materials and furnishings included only a limited number of selected Danish sourced options, chosen for their outstanding quality, performance and aesthetics. For example, the dining furniture was designed by Carl Hansen, while the ceilings were lined with acoustic panels from Troldtekt, widely specified in Denmark and worldwide to reduce noise and create a quiet and peaceful environment.

8 www@troldtekt.co.uk * info@troldtekt.co.uk ( 01978 664255

Designer Contracts launches new website

Designer Contracts has launched a new website, giving its customers an easy-to-use portal for up-to-date information on its huge range of both domestic and commercial products.

The website details the infrastructure and services that back up its position as an established and experienced national flooring contractor. The latest online content features information on the sectors in which the company operates, from new build, social housing and housing associations, public sector and local authority, to healthcare and education. It also gives the company the opportunity to showcase its most current product ranges, including floorcoverings, curtains and blinds, furniture and lighting and its Showhome design service. * enquiries@designercontracts.com

( 01246 854577

8 www.designercontracts.com

Tennis on tour with Judy Murray and Sport Court PowerGame The tennis world has sometimes been criticised for not making the sport available to children. It’s a situation that Andy Murray’s mother, Judy Murray, is keen to change. Judy Murray decided that she wanted to do something about tennis at the grass root level in Scotland and ‘Tennis on the Road’ was born.The programme would need the best playing surface and the choice would be PowerGame from Sport Court – a Gerflor-owned company. At Saracen Primary School, Glasgow, the school would benefit from playing on 11.4 x 6m of Sport Court PowerGame outdoor tiles in evergreen and purple, which is a perfect match to the Wimbledon colours. * contractuk@gerflor.com

( 01926 622600

8 www.gerflor.co.uk

Hunter Douglas works on £7m refurbishment at Enfield Civic Centre

Hunter Douglas was commissioned by architectural consultancy Pellings LLP to create bespoke solid timber grill ceilings, totalling 480m2, in breakout areas over eight floors as part of a four-year programme to update Enfield Civic Centre. Using CAD drawings, Hunter Douglas created an Ayous grill ceiling in 7-40-15-55 module.

The timber was impregnated with Hunter Douglas’ standard fire treatment, which meets the European Fireclass B-s2-d0, and was complemented with an acoustic backing, sprayed black to maintain a warm look.“The use of Ayous offers designers the ideal solution because it is hard-wearing and has a lovely grain to it,” said Kevin Taylor, Hunter Douglas’ Technical Sales Manager.

8 www.hunterdouglas.co.uk * info@hunterdouglas.co.uk ( 01604 766251

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Green Roofs How it works

ZinCo has developed the new Stormwater Management Roof in two separate parts, the retention volume and the actual green roof build-up

The new ZinCo Stormwater Management Roof The increase in rain events, flooding and a lowering of the water table are clear indicators that the ecology of the water cycle has been severely impaired as a result of climate change and the consistently high level of soil sealing. This is where green roofs come into play, providing additional green space in densely developed urban areas.

E

ach green roof stores a certain quantity of stormwater and then allows it to run-off in a time delay or to evaporate on the roof.

The new Stormwater Management Roof from ZinCo expands this retention effect and in so doing effectively balances out precipitation peaks.

Each individual green roof contributes to the alleviation of the public sewerage system. For example, a standard extensive green roof stores between 20 and 40 l/m² of water in its green roof build-up, and an intensive green roof stores between 50 and 100 l/m², in some cases even more. With regard to the risk of flooding, a green roof should store as much water as possible.

Otherwise, the excess water available to plants can result in a transformation of the vegetation and therefore lead to a requirement for increased maintenance and

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care or even to waterlogging and root rot.

For this reason, ZinCo has developed the new Stormwater Management Roof in two separate parts, the retention volume and the actual green roof build-up.

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In the new ZinCo Stormwater Management Roof, an element referred to as a ‘spacer’ is used beneath the green roof build-up. The height of the spacer can be varied, as required. For example, a 10cm high spacer allows for the storage of about 80 l/m² of rain, based on a zero pitch flat roof with the required loadbearing capacity. The retention capacity of the green roof can therefore be increased by a multiple. During a predefined period of time (between 24 hours and a number of days), the retained stormwater runs off slowly through a throttle element inserted into the gully and on into the sewerage system. In order to ensure that these parts continue to work perfectly, the gully and the throttle element are located for their protection inside the inspection chamber, where the fine slits prevent foreign particles from being washed in.

The green roof build-up over the spacer contains all elements that are required for the green roof to function properly, for example, air-water household in the root area and drainage and water storage for the plants. An intensive green roof naturally requires a greater level of water than an extensive roof that has drought-resistant sedum plants. Each green roof build-up, is therefore adapted to suit the relevant vegetation.Virtually all types of green roof and roof utilisation are possible, even pathways and driveways.

Developing the Stormwater Management Roof in two parts allows for a lot of water to be stored regardless of the level of water required by the green roof itself and without any risk of vegetation transformation or waterlogging.

8 www.zinco-greenroof.co.uk * office@zinco-greenroof.co.uk ( 01223

853843

The new Stormwater Management Roof from ZinCo effectively balances out precipitation peaks

Pr o v e n S y s t e m S o l u t i o n s for L a n d s c a p e d Ro o f s

ZinCo Green Roof Systems Ltd. office@zinco-greenroof.co.uk . T: 01223 853843 www.zinco-greenroof.co.uk

Follow the lead of the architects and use Dryseal Dryseal eradicates the need for a root barrier making it an ideal waterproofing membrane for green roofs. Non pollutant, impact resistant, durable and ‘zero falls’ accredited by the BBA. Installed complete with a 20 year ‘leak free’ insured guarantee through a network of Approved Contractors - Dryseal is the ideal choice for your project.

A product of Hambleside Danelaw Ltd Long March, Daventry, Northamptonshire NN11 4NR 01327 701900 | dryseal@hambleside-danelaw.co.uk www.dryseal.org

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Castle Roofing cut out sections of the Alice in Wonderland existing felt roof where it had split, filling these areas with a repair mortar made of Kemper System’s D Primer and quartz sand, before installing the Kemperol V210 system as an overlay

Blackpool Pleasure Beach thrilled with Kemper System solution Two of the popular rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach have been upgraded to ensure they continue to thrill families of visitors for another generation thanks to Kemper System’s Kemperol V210 liquid waterproofing membrane.

O

pened in 2000 at a cost of £15m, indoor log flume ‘Valhalla’ is one of the 120-year-old most popular rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, offering visitors a thrilling Viking-themed journey. The external facade features a ‘waterfall’ that dispenses 12,000 gallons of water per minute, splashing the covered waiting area below. It was this area of the ride that was upgraded with an overlay of Kemperol V210, a cold liquid applied waterproofing system that bonds directly to the substrate and forms a reinforced monolithic membrane that cannot delaminate and offers a BBAaccredited service life of 25 years.

Comments Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s Construction Manager, Tim Currey: “The volume of water constantly pouring on the queue shelter roof for Valhalla is far in excess of what any roof would normally have to deal with, so it needed a robust waterproofing membrane with no vulnerable seams and no risk of water penetration.”

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The Kemperol V210 cold liquid resin system was applied by roofing contractor Castle Roofing in a single wet-on-wet process, applying resin immediately followed by a flexible reinforcement fleece and then more resin to ensure complete saturation of the fleece before the membrane was allowed to cure.

The same system was used to overlay the roof of the theme park’s Alice in Wonderland family ride, which was originally constructed in the 1950s and was suffering water ingress in some areas. Here, Castle Roofing cut out sections of the existing felt roof where it had split, filling these areas with a repair mortar made of Kemper System’s D Primer and quartz sand, before installing the Kemperol V210 system as an overlay.

Tim adds: “The Kemperol V210 enabled the contractor to work on small sections of roof at a time and manage the programme around the operational demands of the business, while providing a robust, durable and flexible waterproofing solution.”

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Valhalla’s shelter roof was upgraded with an overlay of Kemperol V210

8 www.kempersystem.co.uk * enquiries@kempersystem.co.uk ( 01925

445532

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Uplifting architecture The new Maggie’s Cancer Centre in the grounds of The Christie Hospital in Manchester is roofed in Nordic Bronze, one of a palette of materials giving Foster + Partners’ design its essential sense of warmth.

The new Maggie’s Centre’s Nordic Bronze clad roof rises in the centre to create a mezzanine level, naturally illuminated by triangular roof lights, and is supported by lightweight timber lattice beams.

Darron Haylock, Partner at Foster + Partners, said: “In keeping with the domestic character of the building, the entire palette of materials at Maggie’s exudes a sense of warmth, not just inside the building, but

throughout the exterior as well – this is one of the primary reasons we chose bronze as a roofing material. A long-term roofing solution that requires little maintenance, it has a durability that few other roof materials can match. It is a material that ages beautifully, complementing perfectly the timber frame of the building.”

Nordic Bronze is produced by Aurubis, part of the world’s leading integrated copper group

and largest copper recycler. Other copper alloys from Aurubis include Nordic Brass, also available pre-weathered, and Nordic Royal, an innovative alloy of copper giving a rich golden through-colour that is very stable. In addition to Nordic Standard copper, Aurubis architectural surfaces include Nordic Green and Nordic Blue factory-applied patinas – developed with properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas. Nordic Brown preoxidised copper gives either light or dark brown oxidisation that otherwise takes time to develop in the environment.

8 www.aurubis.com/finland/ architectural * g.bell@aurubis.com ( 01875 812144

Cavity wall window and door openings – better protection Incorporating a level of protection that works regardless of the site exposure categorisation makes sense. It provides for the worst scenario. Any approach that promises less than ‘high exposure’ protection must prompt the question of whether it will always be adequate during the lifetime of the structure.

Conventional roll DPC is commonly used to provide horizontal protection against wet ingress over window and door openings within cavity walls. The downside is roll DPC cut on site can be inconsistent in shape and length and have difficulty in satisfying NHBC/LABC recommendations.

A solution is to use a preformed Cavitray.

When horizontal preformed Type C Cavitrays are used with lintels, one eliminates the variances that occur when roll DPC is cut and shaped on site.

Preformed Type C Cavitrays are readyshaped to harmonise with the window head construction/lintel choice, so the

build detail is correct and consistent. Type C Cavitrays are self-supporting which means they hold to profile and don’t require building into the inner skin to hold in place.

Type C Cavitrays project beyond the wall opening to a greater extent than alternatives. 300mm extends into the masonry on each side of the cavity wall opening. So doing, serves two purposes: Firstly, adequate shelter of whatever reveal closing method deployed is assured and secondly the 300mm projection ensures a brick perp joint beyond the opening is always located to accommodate the stop

end in the optimum position. When lintels have only 150mm bearings, the 300mm extension ensures the stop end can be naturally accommodated despite the first perp being 75mm beyond the lintel end – because bricks are 225mm long.

8 www.cavitytrays.com * enquiries@cavitytrays.co.uk ( 01935 474769

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61

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Having seen Trespa Meteon used for offices in and around London and major apartment buildings, David Grainger decided to use the product on the house

Trespa Meteon chosen for private dwelling A startlingly modern private dwelling in Steeple Morden, Cambridgeshire, has been designed and constructed by its owner using Trespa Meteon architectural cladding panels over the entire external, non-glazed surface.

T

he two-storey dwelling, totalling some 10,000ft2, is of steel frame construction set on concrete pads enclosed in SIPP wrapping. 635m2 of Trespa cladding in a Loft Brown matt finish and a further 243m2 of Nordic Black in a matt finish were used on the external elevations, installed by means of the TS200 secret fix invisible fixing system.

The form of the building was created

by Owner/Developer David Grainger with Trespa in mind. He says: “Having seen this material used for offices in and around London and major apartment buildings, I decided to use the product on the house.” He adds: “It was well worth doing, particularly in respect of the lowmaintenance requirements of the product.”

The property is designed with energysaving very much to the fore. It features triple glazed window and door units, an air source heat pump, underfloor heating and solar tiles for lighting, which produce 15kVA

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output. The building also boasts a water reclaim system by which all rainwater is captured for reuse within the home.

Trespa specialises in decorative, highpressure compact laminates with an integral surface manufactured using Trespa’s unique in-house technologies that utilise dry-forming and electron beam curing.

The panels perform exceptionally well outdoors with neither sun nor rain having any significant effect on the surface.

Trespa offers a 10-year conditional product warranty on the entire range and with a broad range of colours, finishes and tactile effects available, Trespa Meteon brings compelling aesthetic and nearly limitless design possibilities to the next generation of architectural claddings.

8 www.trespa.com * info.uk@trespa.com ( 0808

234 0268

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635m2 of Trespa cladding in a Loft Brown matt finish and a further 243m2 of Nordic Black in a matt finish were used on the external elevations

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

From a uniform facade to an expressive decoration RMIG ImagePerf makes it possible for you to use perforated metal cladding as a canvas for art, photos and graphics.

to create a distinctive lighting feature.

Use RMIG ImagePerf to emphasise the aesthetics of architecture. Use it as a decorative element in the cityscape, or let the facade on the outside reflect what is going on inside. RMIG can reproduce all kinds of original material and looks forward to hearing your ideas and requirements.

Perforated metal is available in a multitude of materials with various surface treatment options. RMIG ImagePerf goes a step

8 www.city-emotion.com * info.uk@rmig.com ( 01925 839600

further and lets you recreate photographs or an artist’s vision to produce a completely unique design with the option

Firestone tackles roofing challenge at Wessex Archaeology HQ Firestone’s RubberGard EPDM membrane has been used to refurbish the roof of Wessex Archaeology’s HQ in Salisbury.

Contractor Saul Bros worked with Firestone Building Products to devise the best approach to refurbishing the roof. Firestone’s ISOGARD HD cover board was laid onto the roof to create a smooth and durable surface and the Saul Bros team then laid the RubberGard EPDM membrane onto the ISOGARD HD cover board as a fully adhered system with a 50mm overlap at each seam.The membrane was terminated 300mm up the side of the parapet wall to ensure a watertight seal before being finished with lead flashings around the perimeter. * info@fbpl.co.uk

( 01606 552026

8 www.firestonebpe.co.uk

Unifold solution for Basingstoke MOT centre Ampteam’s Unifold gutter lining system was chosen as the solution to line the leaking gutters at an MOT centre on Wade Road, Basingstoke. Manufactured from the highest quality materials, with a lifespan in excess of 50 years, Unifold is manufactured from an EPDM membrane. Manufactured in 2.8m lengths for easy handling, Unifold is quick and easy to install. Completing the job on time and within budget, Ampteam-approved contractor Epsombased Blenheim Roofing laid 43m of Unifold, including two stop ends and three outlets.

Designed for concrete gutters, cast iron gutters, steel and aluminium gutters and stepped lead gutters, Unifold is completely versatile. * unifold@ampteam.co.uk

( 01384 252777

8 www.gutterliners.com

Klober Easy-Form Solar Sealing Collar for panel hooks

The Easy-Form Solar Sealing Collar provides the ideal means of waterproofing penetrations made in concrete or clay tiles for solar panel fixing hooks. It has a stretchable, self-adhesive aluminium facing and a butyl adhesive backing which enable the material to be moulded to any profile and applied to most dry surfaces without priming.The tapered EPDM collar can be cut by scissors to suit the hook size, defined points having been designed to suit most common hook sizes. It is available in red, brown, anthracite and black to ensure the finished installation remains unobtrusive.

8 www.klober.co.uk * klober@yourresponse.co.uk ( 01332 813050

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63

Doors, Windows & Facades

Taking inspiration from the industrial style of venues in New York, Mission Mars’ Director Joel Wilkinson opted for a creative solution to the lack of outdoor space by installing two glazed sectional doors that could be opened up in summer

Sectional doors look princely at Manchester’s Albert’s Schloss Until recently, the Albert Hall was one of Manchester’s forgotten gems. With baroque and gothic features, the Grade II Listed former Wesleyan Chapel was in need of renovation. Having established Manchester venues Trof, the Deaf Project and Gorilla, the Trof Group had a vision for the Albert Hall. Teaming up with the co-founders of the Revolution bar chain, the group formed new company Mission Mars to transform the building.

A

fter considerable work, the Albert Hall music venue was opened in 2012. The team at Mission Mars then looked to redevelop the lower floors, with a view to turning them into a modern, Bavarian-inspired bar and eatery called Albert’s Schloss.

Based right in the heart of the city, the bar has no outdoor space. Taking inspiration from the industrial style of venues in New York, Mission Mars’ Director Joel Wilkinson opted for a creative solution to the problem, installing two glazed sectional doors that could be opened up in the summer. These doors would bring extra light into the bar during the winter months, as well as helping it to feel bright and airy during spring and summer.

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DSI, the company supplying the glazing for Albert’s Schloss, recommended ABi Garage Doors in Leeds as a certified installer of Hörmann doors. As a German brand with a reputation for quality, Hörmann seemed the obvious choice for Mission Mars Group’s Bavarian beer palace.

ABi suggested Hörmann’s ALR glazed doors for the project, as these would be a perfect match to the ground floor’s new windows.A member of the Hörmann team took Joel to see a similar door installed elsewhere.

Joel comments: “After seeing one of these doors installed, I was sure it was the right choice for Albert’s Schloss. We wanted something unique; I’ve seen places with a similar look in the USA, but nothing like it in the UK or Europe.”

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After deciding on the two ALRs, Joel and the ABi team had to work out the practicalities of installing them. While the visual appeal of the bar was particularly important to Mission Mars, this couldn’t come at the expense of customers’ comfort. After advice from ABi and Hörmann, Mission Mars opted for the 67mm thick versions of the ALR door, which offer excellent insulation values, minimising potential draughts when closed.

By this stage in the project, Mission Mars had already installed a beautiful ventilated ceiling made of reclaimed wood.

This posed a challenge for ABi as the tracks for the two doors would need to be hung from the ceiling.

What’s more, with the venue designed to hold around 2500 people, ABi had to ensure that the weight of the doors wouldn’t affect the structural integrity of the building when at full capacity. After consulting with an engineer, it was agreed that an additional steel framework would be built to support the doors.

ABi, DSI and Hörmann worked closely to ensure that the doors would match the colour and dimensions of the aluminium door system. The result is a stunning, contemporary look that complements the building’s historic features.

8 www.hormann.co.uk * info@hormann.co.uk ( 01530

513000

ABi suggested Hörmann’s ALR glazed doors for the project

Doors, Windows & Facades

New slimline telescopic door automation from TORMAX

Further extending its comprehensive range of technologically advanced automatic door drives, TORMAX has launched a telescopic option of the versatile iMotion 2302 sliding door operator. With an incredibly narrow installation height of just 150mm, the new telescopic version allows an automatic entrance to be installed in almost any location, even in the narrowest of spaces.

Encompassing all the advantages of the iMotion range including whisper-quiet operation, long service life, dynamic door motion, low-maintenance demands and integral safety features for pedestrian protection, the new telescopic 2302 is capable of automating door leaf weights of up to 2 x 120kg and 4 x 100kg.

The high torque synchronous motor that powers all iMotion door drives has none of the parts that usually need replacing, such as brushes and gears, significantly reducing maintenance

requirements and down-time. In addition, a comprehensive health and safety selfmonitoring system automatically makes necessary alterations in performance or signals an alert to ensure reliable operation at all times.

All TORMAX iMotion operators are manufactured almost entirely using recyclable materials which, coupled with exceptionally low-energy operation, makes them a sustainable solution in the longterm.

Modular by design to allow for easy

expansion of an entrance as needs change, the iMotion 2302 telescopic has been TÜV tested to DIN EN 18650/EN16005 and meets current CE and RoHS requirements.

Drives employing two-motor technology for escape routes and emergency exits are also available.

8 www.tormax.co.uk * sales@tormax.co.uk ( 01932 238040

Timbmet launches new Engineered Timber brochure A new brochure explaining the benefits of Timbmet Engineered Components (TEC) compared to timber underlines is why the company is at the forefront of innovation in the largely traditional timber industry.

Manufacturers and installers will find that Timbmet’s multilayered construction of TEC offers stability and stress performance far in excess of timber. These highly engineered wood products, available in four key species, are made by joining/gluing multiple pieces of material together. TEC is designed to provide uniform performance – a flawless appearance free from knots, splits and staining – reduced levels of waste and savings on material yield costs and labour costs. * marketing@timbmet.com

( 01865 860350

8 www.timbmet.com

Schueco’s revamp of Network Centre successfully completed Schueco UK has announced that the refurbishment of the Schueco Network Centre in Milton Keynes is now complete. The revamp represents a major capital investment for the company. A number of new exhibits have been installed, the most significant being the massive parametric facade. Systems on display have been rearranged and new products have been added. Of particular interest are two new facade systems, Schueco FWS 60 CV and FWS 35 PDA, plus a newly-created area with a mezzanine floor which has been given over to a number of different exhibits of Schueco’s residential range of products including Schueco AWS windows, ASS sliding and sliding/folding door systems and entrance doors. * mkinfobox@schueco.com

( 01908 282111

8 www.schueco.co.uk

New Berkeley steel window from Crittall

The newly-developed Berkeley from Crittall Windows provides architects and designers with minimum sightlines, maximum daylight and fine detail. Created initially to replace existing 1920s and 1930s steel windows, it’s equally acceptable for high-end new builds as it is for restorations.Where predominantly single pane leaded glass fenestration is to be replaced and upgraded, the Berkeley offers a new series of hot rolled profiles in a window where a solid steel chamfer replicates exterior putty. Hot-dip galvanized for durability, and in-house Duralife polyester powder coated for exceptional performance and minimal maintenance, the Berkeley window is available in a wide variety of sizes and configurations to suit any building.

8 www.crittall-windows.co.uk * hq@crittall-windows.co.uk ( 01376 530800

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Doors, Windows & Facades Clement’s innovative range of steel windows, doors and screens

Clement provides a complete service from the provision of technical drawings through to manufacture, installation and after-sales support – whether your project is a traditional restoration project, one involving listed buildings or conservation areas, or a new build. Crafted to your bespoke design in its ISO 9001-approved factory, produced entirely from 100% recycled steel and generally Part L compliant, Clement’s windows are environmentally-friendly and meet the latest performance requirements for insulation, weatherproofing and security.With Clement Windows, you can expect technologically advanced, yet low-maintenance steel windows, which will last for many years. Clement also manufactures conservation rooflights, available from stock in either a tile or slate profile. * info@clementwg.co.uk

( 01428 643393

8 www.clementwindows.co.uk

PatioMaster member supplies doors for llandudno house remodel An architect called on the services of PatioMaster North West recently when remodelling his home.The project, a modern garden room extension with an atrium rooflight, was at the home of Matthew Jones, who owns his own practice. PatioMaster North West fabricated the four-pane patio doors in slate grey on white sliding doors, while local installer company,A55 Plastics, completed the installation.As Matthew explains, the results are stunning:“We are really pleased with the finished results, the doors met our expectations in terms of fit, finish and quality and the project was completed on time and within budget; one of the reasons why we chose PatioMaster North West.” * info@patiomaster.co.uk

( 0808 178 3370

8 www.patiomaster.co.uk

Mumford & Wood is a supply partner for Trump Turnberry Resort

Mumford & Wood was chosen as supply partner to replace over 1000 windows and doors as part of the major £200m restoration project at Trump Turnberry Resort.This refurbishment has included the remodelling and upgrade of all 103 bedrooms and public spaces within the existing hotel alongside the construction of a grand ballroom. Exterior enhancements at the hotel included the replacement of all the windows with high-performance, double glazed, timber Conservation windows.The specification of Conservation products includes top-hung casements, large fixed sashes, decorative curved header sliding sash windows, double and single French doorsets and special bullseye-shaped windows.

8 www.mumfordwood.com * sales@mumfordwood.com ( 01621 818155

PVC-U wins over aluminium in prestigious new build Steve Purcell joins Lomax + Wood Lomax + Wood is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Purcell as Regional Sales Director who will be based at the company’s Essex showroom and administrative offices. Purcell, who worked for Mumford & Wood for over 14 years as Regional Sales Director, and more latterly as New Business Development Manager, was also responsible for setting up the southern regional office of Allan Bros. Chris Wood, Managing Director at Lomax + Wood, comments:“I am delighted to have Steve back in my team. He brings great experience and has a wide knowledge of our products and systems. I know our customers and my team will value his contribution.”

8 www.lomaxwood.co.uk * enquiries@lomaxwood.co.uk ( 01277 353857

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More than 500 PVC-U windows were chosen for an 11-storey residential new build, X1 The Exchange, close to the prestigious Media City in Salford Quays, after the developer was presented with specification and costings that showed the material to be an economic alternative to the aluminium frames originally specified.The windows, as well as 100 doors, were made and installed by Spectusapproved window contractor Jade Windows using the Spectus Elite 70 bevelled system with 8.8mm laminated acoustic glass and additional EPDM seals.An untextured Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016) foil was specified by planners as a close visual match when replacing aluminium. * marketing@spectus.co.uk

( 01952 283344

8 www.spectus.co.uk

Spectus challenges aluminium with new PVC-U Flush Tilt & Turn

Spectus has issued a direct challenge to aluminium windows in high-rise with the launch of its Flush Tilt & Turn PVC-U system, that has a similar look to the metal with significant benefits including thermal performance and cost.With U-values as low as 0.8 W/m2K (WER A++) achievable, window openings up to 1450mm wide x 2300mm high, and many other features, the Spectus Flush Tilt & Turn is ideal for new build apartments, housing, hotels, health, education and public buildings, where aluminium or composites might otherwise have been first choice. Its sleek external flush styling and square edge appearance gives it a close visual match to aluminium. * marketing@spectus.co.uk

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( 01952 283344

8 www.spectus.co.uk

Doors, Windows & Facades Eurocell Modus doors and windows get BBA quality backing Jewers Doors speeds response for Wrexham’s new emergency centre Jewers Doors put the finishing touches to the £15m Ambulance and Fire Services Resource Centre (AFSRC) at Wrexham with the installation of 14 pairs of Swift fast-acting, bi-fold doors. Safety, reliability and speed of operation were the prime factors of this installation. Each door comprises four panels, with two leaves folding to each side of the exit. Fire and ambulance vehicles need to exit rapidly and the FAAC 560 drive units fitted to the Swift doors ensure they take less than seven seconds to automatically fully open.

In the event of power failure, each door can be instantly and effortlessly opened manually via low-level disengage handles.

8 www.faac.co.uk * sales@faac.co.uk ( 01256 318100

After a rigorous testing programme, the British Board of Agrément (BBA) has given its backing to the market-leading Modus system of PVC-U doors and windows developed by Eurocell.The BBA considered key product features, including: thermal properties, weathertightness, ventilation, resistance to intrusion, access and durability. Its tests concluded that the PVC-U profiles would continue to function satisfactorily for more than 35 years and confirmed a U-value across the Modus ranges of 1.2 W/m² using 4/20/4mm sealed double glazed units.The BBA Agrément Certificate covers Modus single leaf and double leaf door systems, glazed in white, cream or woodgrain finishes, for use in replacement and new build applications. * chris.coxon@eurocell.co.uk

( 0800 988 3049

8 www.eurocell.co.uk

Automated doors hit the right note at Liverpool Philharmonic Built in the 1930s, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall’s structured, clean lines encompass interior detail. So, when it came to a £14.5m refurbishment, it was vital to fuse functionality with sensitivity within the Grade II Listed building.The solution was found in GEZE UK’s TSA 160 UFO automatic underfloor operator for swing doors. GEZE UK was the immediate choice for building contractor Gilbert Ash, which had to incorporate the new with the old – a bank of timber-leaved doors with etched glass insets that front the imposing building.The TSA 160 UFO not only powers the heavy doors with ease, but has the added bonus of being virtually silent in operation. * info.uk@geze.com

( 01543 443000

8 www.geze.co.uk

It’s a silver for ISD Solutions The P & M Group, whose major trading division is Gloucester-based ISD Solutions, has successfully met the Investors in People Standard accreditation at silver level, which is only achieved by 6% of organisations. With a progressive outlook, the management of ISD is committed to continuous improvement, involving all its employees in the company’s development and setting a benchmark for competitors. The new Investors in People VI Generation includes an online survey in which all ISD employees were invited to take part. 92 employees out of 110 participated and 86% of staff affirmed that the company is “a great place to work and has a bright future”. * sales@isd-solutions.co.uk

( 01452 520649

8 www.isd-solutions.co.uk

ISD expands bespoke cold room manufacturing ISD Solutions is beefing up its manufacturing capability with a £300,000 investment to reduce outsourcing and improve total company efficiency. Investment in machinery and more personnel means that ISD will no longer need to import modular cold rooms from Europe, but will champion UK expertise and design. Improvements in manufacturing quality will also lead to greater thermal accuracy and more competitive pricing. The Gloucester Growth Hub, as part of its support to local businesses, has approved up to £35,000 assistance for this project which will go towards funding a new CNC punching machine, two new CNC folders for the Metal Shop and a roll former. * sales@isd-solutions.co.uk

( 01452 520649

8 www.isd-solutions.co.uk

Levolux gets the all clear in Cardiff The new £44m Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC) building is equipped with an attractive timber fin screening solution from Levolux.The design of the building is similar to the recently completed Hadyn Ellis Building, which is situated alongside. In line with the previous project, IBI Group architects again specified a Levolux external solar shading and screening solution, this time incorporating vertical timber fins in addition to ventilation and acoustic louvres.The most visual aspect of the solution is the timber fin screening structure that is located at the centre of the development, accommodating the main reception, a staircase and circulation areas.

8 www.levolux.com * info@levolux.com ( 0208 863 9111

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67

Kitchens, Bathrooms & Washrooms

Weston Homes and RAK partner to create stunning bathroom concept Weston Homes has partnered with RAK Ceramics to create a new stunning bathroom concept that features throughout its Southpoint project. Located in Southendon-Sea, the new high-spec development includes 97 one and two-bedroom apartments. A combination of RAK sanitaryware, surfaces and bespoke furniture reflect the project’s meticulous design, bringing a balance of luxury and practicality to the bathrooms.

RAK products specified at Southpoint include RAK Resort sanitaryware, featuring the Hygiene+ rimless design in a wall-hung format. Harmony countertop basins sit on bespoke furniture, which incorporate a RAK Lounge polished porcelain countertop and splashback, and oak or walnut front panelling. RAK Lounge tiles continue throughout the bathroom areas, with polished tiles on walls and unpolished tiles

on floors in light and dark grey tones. RAK’s wide contemporary mirrors, with clock, backlighting and demister pad features complete the specification and the chic look created.

“At Weston Homes, we’re extremely proud of our product and the superior finish that features throughout all of our collections. Our relationship with RAK Ceramics and the superb products they

offer have provided us with a commercially viable option to continue the Weston Homes ethos. The Lounge range fits our needs for design and price perfectly and is now our staple for bathroom tiling. Through collaborative design, RAK Ceramics and Weston Homes have also developed a superb modular vanity unit system that’s our biggest specification uplift, and will continue to keep our product ahead of the curve for years to come,” commented Shaun Weston, Executive Associate at Weston Homes.

8 www.rakceramics.co.uk * marketing@rakceramics.co.uk ( 01730 237850

Bathroom furniture with additional storage space Optimising space to attract custom 20% of business’ customers are disabled – who spend £80bn a year. Many people with special needs can’t spend that money where they want because they can’t go to the toilet.Yet, many wheelchair-accessible toilets in those locations have the space needed (7.5m2) and only require a couple of fixtures.“People with disabilities need a carer to help with their toilet requirements and often need a changing bench and hoist,” explains Campaigner, Samantha Buck.“It’s surprising how many wheelchair-accessible toilets already have that space. Making better use of facilities and turning them into Space to Change toilets by including an adult-sized changing bench and hoist is an acceptable compromise.”

8 www.clos-o-mat.com * info@clos-o-mat.com ( 0161 969 1199

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Spacious two or four-leg bathroom furniture is now available for Duravit’s Vero, X-Large and Happy D.2 ranges. Bathroom furniture links to ceramics and determines the overall look of the bathroom through design, materials and colour and provides additional practical storage space to accommodate bathroom essentials. Following the success of the floorstanding models in the L-Cube furniture series, design-conscious customers can now benefit from floorstanding options in the additional series of Vero, X-Large and Happy D.2. The collections’ designs offer more storage capacity at the bottom of the units than their wall-mounted counterparts and elegantly integrate into any bathroom scheme. * info@uk.duravit.com

( 0845 500 7787

8 www.duravit.co.uk

Eco and safety credentials combine with Twyford X120 shower valve

Made from WRAS-approved materials and designed to fit a standard 1/2" BSP hose connector, the new Twyford X120 Thermostatic shower valve is easy to install and packed with user benefits. Ideal for projects where eco credentials are key, the X120 has a water-saving feature to control flow without compromising on performance, while a number of safety features make it the perfect choice for installation in family bathrooms too. The X120 Thermostatic shower bar valve has a temperature preset to 380°C, with a push-button override to 460°C, while its Cool touch technology helps to prevent scalding to increase user safety. ( 01926 516800

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8 www.twyfordbathrooms.com

Kitchens, Bathrooms & Washrooms Hansgrohe Talis Select voted ‘Product of the Year’

Mira adds BioCote to enclosure seals Mira Showers has enhanced its Leap enclosure range with the incorporation of BioCote into all of its door seals. BioCote is an anti-bacterial, anti-microbial additive that stops discolouration and reduces bacteria and mould growth by up to 99.9%.This improves lifetime enclosure appearance while reducing the need for choresome cleaning and maintenance.The finish, based on silver ion technology, is integral to the seals and will not wear off or wash away – so they retain their anti-bacterial properties for life.The incorporation of BioCote into Leap means the Mira ‘BioCote family’ now extends to Flight Low and Safe shower trays as well as Flight Modular Wall preformed tiling panels.

8 www.mirashowers.co.uk * kohlermira@linney.com ( 0844 571 5000

On Thursday 23rd June at the annual Mixology Awards, held in Old Billingsgate in London, Hansgrohe was delighted to scoop the award for ‘Product of the Year Interior Accessories’, for its Talis Select basin mixers.The awards recognise the very best in the interior design industry and after a record number of entries and an overwhelming standard on the shortlist, Hansgrohe successfully took home the award. Now in its 11th year, a record 1100 guests attended the Mixology Award ceremony and summer ball to celebrate the best achievements in projects, products, companies and individuals from across the dynamic interior design sector. * enquiries@hansgrohe.co.uk

( 01372 465655

8 www.hansgrohe.co.uk

Mira range supports independent showering in style Mira Showers has developed a range of inclusive showering and bathroom products so house-builders and specifiers can select them in the confidence that they will meet the needs of vulnerable users.The collection has the trademark features that have made Mira a UK market leader – ease of installation, low-maintenance, unbeatable performance, proven reliability, innovative technology and after-sales support.All the products will enable those that are less able to wash and shower independently, whether they are from the showering, bathing and hand washing ranges that can be installed in new properties, to the adaptive products that can be fitted on existing shower and sanitaryware. * kohlermira@linney.com

( 0844 571 5000

8 www.mirashowers.co.uk

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69

HVAC/HVP

Comfort cooling at Tricorn House achieved with Under Floor Air Conditioning Under Floor Air Conditioning has proved to be a flexible and modular approach for a phased refurbishment running over a 12 year period. The iconic Tricorn House building, constructed in the 1970s and situated on the Hagley Road in Birmingham, dominates the local skyline and features a highly unusual floor plate.

Floor-based air conditioning was specified in 2004 for the eighth floor to bring cooling to the inner areas of each deep space floor area, whilst maximising headroom in the building.

AET Flexible Space has continued to work with Commercial Estates Group for over 12 years to provide low-energy air conditioning to the multi-tenanted, 12-storey building.

The AET Flexible Space system utilises the plenum as the ventilation duct, eliminating the need for ceiling-based duct work. The conditioned air is introduced via floor recessed fan terminal units, which are easily relocated with the 600 x 600mm raised floor tiles and feature integrated controllers allowing users to adjust temperature and fan speed settings.

Switching from the redundant perimeter fan coil system to plenum air conditioning increased headroom in the height restricted building. By eliminating ceiling-based services, the ceiling void was reduced from 600mm to approximately 80mm. BCO-recommended floor-to-ceiling height levels of 2.5m were therefore achievable.

Another feature of Tricorn House’s system is the addition of fresh air modules, which introduce untreated fresh air at floor level of each of the three wings. The CAM downflow units are therefore handling the heating and cooling of the fresh air in winter and summer, as well as normal solar and internal space loads, thereby reducing plant space riser and maintenance requirements.

8 www.flexiblespace.com * lucy@flexiblespace.com ( 01342 310400

New website from district heating experts Omnie heats social services Underfloor heating systems from the Omnie range have been employed in the refurbishment of the Wat Tyler building in Exeter, providing energy efficiency and helping to create a healthy indoor environment. The main floor of the Wat Tyler building, where Omnie Foilboard underfloor heating panels and other equipment have been installed, is divided up into two consultation rooms, a treatment room, waiting rooms and a circulation space. The five areas are served by a five-port Axios manifold.

In total, 400m of the high-performance heating pipe was laid across the Foilboard floating panels, installed on top of the building’s existing sub-floor.

8 www.omnie.co.uk * projects@omnie.co.uk ( 01392 363605

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Evinox Energy has announced the launch of its new company website, which has been redesigned and updated to make it easier for housing developers, M&E consultants and social housing providers to find information specific to their needs. The website provides comprehensive information about communal and district heating systems, including products, services and the market. Whether you’re looking for the facts about the Heat Network (Metering & Billing) Regulations, or technical information to use in your design and product selection, Evinox’s site can help.You can also find out about smart metering and communication networks, the options available and how to provide a resident-friendly, future-proof system. * info@evinoxenergy.co.uk

( 01372 722277

8 www.evinoxresidential.co.uk

Vortice launches energyefficient commercial heat recovery units Vortice has announced the launch of the NRG EC and NRG ECR commercial heat recovery units.These energy-efficient units offer a choice of thermal wheel or horizontal cross flow heat exchangers, are quick and easy to install and have low power consumption.With a flow rate from 0.028 cubic metres per second to 2.22 cubic metres per second, their backward curved centrifugal impellers work hard to ensure fresh and efficient indoor air quality.There are EH versions of both ranges which come complete with wired control panels and an LCD screen, which allows for integration into Building Management Systems – free heating and night cooling functions are also provided. * technical@vortice.ltd.uk

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( 01283 492949

8 www.vortice.ltd.uk

HVAC/HVP

Rinnai gives heating and hot water to new office block Rinnai, manufacturer of the energy-efficient range of Infinity continuous flow water heaters and a complete range of gas-fired wall heaters, is providing a brand new heating and hot water solution to offices in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales.

Building services engineer CST Renewables was keen to get to grips with installing a new system. This included a bespoke boiler and hot water heating package. CST Renewables was established by Control

and Service Technology in response to growing interest in the renewables market from clients looking to improve energy efficiencies and dramatically reduce running costs.

The first UK installation of the Rinnai system was at a large office building where CST had been called to assess the best energy-efficient replacement for a failing forced draught, flued modular boiler set up. The old system was low efficiency and costing the client a substantial amount in repair bills annually.

Mark Hillier-Rees of CST, said: “It was obvious the site needed to move on to something more energy-efficient. We removed the old boiler and replaced it with two new Rinnai boilers on a cascade system. The redundant flue was removed and we put in place the Rinnai co-axial flue.

This new Rinnai system is highly efficient and due to its lack of moving parts and easy maintenance has very low annual service costs.”

The large 100kW condensing heating boilers are ideal for providing heating to buildings and are extremely flexible as they can also provide hot water when placed in a cylinder. The Rinnai boilers are also available in 50kW and 75kW sizes.

8 www.rinnaiuk.com * info@rinnaiuk.com ( 01928 531870

Waterloo’s Standard range continues to grow Waterloo Air Products, a UK manufacturer of advanced air distribution and ventilation devices, is adding two more products to its Standard range to grow its already huge range of air terminal devices that meet both engineering and architectural requirements.

One of these products is the GC5-NS Eggcrate Grille.The grille is manufactured with fresh thinking so that it not only satisfies air flow and distribution requirements, but also looks good.

It is particularly useful for terminals, shopping centres and other projects which have a large space where the ceiling void would usually be visible, but the design of the GC5-NS keeps the ceiling void out of sight, maintaining the architect’s vision.

Waterloo has also added the Curved Grille to its Standard range. Coming in five curved formats, the grilles can be manufactured to any required radius over 1.75m.

“We always look to add further products to our Standard range to give customers

wider choices to suit their vision,” explains Ron Edmondson, Managing Director at Waterloo Air Products.“These two products were already available to customers, but are now part of our Standard range.This means we already have the test data and drawings for these products, creating fewer processes between order and delivery to help meet the flexibility needed for complicated and changing ventilation systems.”

Waterloo Airline Curved Linear grilles are designed to satisfy air diffusion and engineering requirements as well as architectural specifications.Airline grilles may be used in modular or continuous (ALN,ALM) situations for ceiling, sidewall, cill or bulkhead applications.

8 www.waterloo.co.uk * amie.hill@waterloo.co.uk ( 01622 711500

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71

Building Elements

The escalators are to NR specification with some additional features bespoke to the Leeds Station project

Stannah lift products star in Leeds Station Opened on 3rd January 2016, the new southern entrance to Leeds Station features four Stannah escalators and two passenger lifts.

F

ollowing multiple escalator and lift installations at the Midlands hub of Birmingham New Street and Grand Central for Network Rail and Mace, Stannah was again the chosen supplier and installer of all vertical transport within the southern entrance building (known as the LSSE scheme), this time working with main contractor Carillion to fulfil the brief.The work was completed by the Stannah Escalator & Moving Walkway Department and Stannah Major Projects team in just 12 weeks.

Funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Leeds Council, the Department for Transport and Network Rail, the new extension provides an attractive new accessible entrance and additional concourse built in the River Aire. The building was created to diminish congestion at this busy commuter station into and out of West Yorkshire and the North of England, making it an attractive route for tourists again. Up to 20,000 passengers (or 20% of current footfall) are estimated to benefit from using the new entrance, shortening commute times and providing easy access from the south of Leeds.

The four escalators provide continuous vertical transportation for ambulant people.

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Those travellers with heavy luggage, child buggies or wheelchair-users are well provided for with two bespoke 13-person traction passenger lifts located just inside the entrance.

The tight restraints on the site meant some of the features of the lift equipment had to be modified to achieve the design and vision without compromising safety.

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The escalators are to NR specification with some additional features bespoke to the Leeds Station project. These features were based on the tight restraints of the site and the designer’s risk assessment required to mitigate those risks.

This included special software so that all the machines operate to a special design philosophy when stopped in an emergency situation, including installing an additional stop button on each machine during mid travel. Bespoke manufacture of the machines at 35° instead of the standard NR specification of 30° degrees, and the reduction of the speed of the machines from the standard NR .65m/s to .05m/s all result in safe, efficient travel within the constraints of an unusual and stunning building design. With no room for housing external controllers, these became an integral part of the escalators.

The lifts had restricted space so machine room-less traction equipment was installed to enable the largest capacity possible within the tight footprint of the new building.

The new pedestrian entrance will be a great benefit to people living and working south of the river, and will open up new travel opportunities providing a further stimulus to redevelopment and expansion of the city centre, and will support the continued regeneration of the southern quarter of the city.

Stannah continues to add to its portfolio of high-profile rail projects, helping Network Rail achieve its target of ‘step-free access’ across the rail network.

8 www.stannahlifts.co.uk * liftsales@stannah.co.uk ( 01264

339090

The lifts had restricted space so machine room-less traction equipment was installed to enable the largest capacity possible

Building Elements

Argent Alu: invisible integration of doors Thanks to the invisible door frame argenta invisidoor DL, of Argent Alu, the door closes perfectly in line with the wall, without any door frame or hinge being visible. This argenta invisidoor DL is supplied with a magnetic lock, a seal around the frame – which absorbs door closing impact – and invisible adjustable hinges, argenta invisible Neo, all as standard.

Invisible swinging doors Combined with the invisible Neo S-5 or M-6 hinges (or the Neo L-7), that are recessed into the door frame and the door panel, this provides a total package for swinging interior doors that correspond to the demand for aesthetic living.

Pivoting doors recessed just as seamlessly Combined with a pivot hinge, the invisible aluminium door frame allows pivoting doors of up to 100kg to be built in just as

tightly. With the pivot system recessed into the door, the invisidoor AX Pro system is the ideal solution for new construction and renovation projects. The door can open in both directions and remain open at 90°.

Built-in track for room-height sliding doors barely visible in the ceiling A new built-in track ensures equally discreet integration of sliding doors in a minimalist interior. The invisidoor SDX125 package already included the door frame to be plastered over and sliding door hardware.

But now, there’s also a built-in track profile to recess discreetly into the ceiling.

New invisible skirting boards These invisible skirting boards are available in two models: a thin adhesive board and a recessed board that can be plastered over.

These are grooved at the back for glue and have a dovetail profile for proper adhesion.

8 www.rensonuk.net * info@rensonuk.net ( 01622 754123

Ashdown agreement announces recycling results The Ashdown Agreement, a ground-breaking, voluntary initiative

by UK plasterboard manufacturers on plasterboard recycling and sustainability, has announced the results for its final year. Since signing the agreement in 2007, the manufacturers have made significant progress in reducing plasterboard waste to landfill and increasing recycling. Figures for 2015 showed the overall total of recycled waste from production and construction activities was 45.9% to new plasterboard, cement and agricultural use, which is just short of the agreement’s 50% target. According to the Gypsum Products Development Association, which represents plasterboard manufacturers in the UK, figures for the agreement’s final year reflect the great efforts that the industry continues to improve its sustainability. * admin@gpda.com ( 0207 935 8532

8 www.gpda.com

Pressing for the pier Geberit Mapress and HDPE have played a part in the restoration of the iconic Hasting’s Pier. Until recently, the pier had remained derelict for many years, withstanding a fire in 2010. Following a £14m renovation, the newlyopened pier now boasts a stylish makeover. Installed by Commercial Hydronic Systems, all gas pipework is Geberit Mapress stainless steel, offering a versatile solution that is quick to install.The off-pier waste system utilises Geberit HDPE, made from polyethylene – environmentally-friendly and completely recyclable, with no toxic emissions released during its processing or in case of fire, fitting in with one of the redevelopment’s key remits of being sustainable. ( 01926 516800

8 www.geberit.co.uk

Safeguard Drybase simplifies swimming pool vapour barrier

A partly underground swimming pool has been installed with a vapour barrier and a damp-proof membrane using Drybase Liquid Applied DPM. Drybase was the preferred option as an air and vapour control layer because of its adhesion properties. Dampproofing specialistYorkshire Dampcourse was called to advise at a home in Bardsey where the owner wanted to install a swimming pool in the lower ground floor.This required the installation of air vapour control layers, as recommended in BS5250: 2011. Matt Tucny, Director ofYorkshire Dampcourse, recommended Drybase Liquid Applied DPM rather than a sheet vapour barrier because it’s a simple to apply, seamless system.

8 www.safeguardeurope.com * info@safeguardeurope.com ( 01403 210204

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73

Building Elements

Comprehensive Schöck range meets Embassy Gardens’ demands Stretching along the Thames from Battersea to Vauxhall, Nine Elms will see 20,000 homes built over the next 10 years. The heart of this huge development is Embassy Gardens, London’s new diplomatic riverside precinct, alongside the new US Embassy.

The first release of apartments is the Ambassador Building, comprising six distinct cores of differing heights, which house residential apartments with high ceilings and abundant natural light. A key feature being the wide variety of balcony types. Each is governed by unit size and orientation – and the minimisation of any possible thermal bridging problems at these points is crucial.

Schöck has the ideal solutions to these differing demands with its comprehensive range of Isokorb load-bearing thermal insulation products. Each thermal break

has totally verifiable performance standards, meets full compliance with the relevant UK Building Regulations and offers BBA Certification and LABC Registration. Specifically, the products used at the Ambassador Building involved firstly the Schöck Isokorb type K, for concreteto-concrete connectivity. The units were incorporated into cast in situ cantilever balconies on the road-facing external elevation. Where a shear force transfer element was required, also involving concrete-to-concrete loggias or supported balconies, the Isokorb type Q was installed.

A further variation, Isokorb type K-WU units were used as slab-to-wall thermal breaks. The Isokorb type KS for concrete-to-steel were used on the internal courtyard balconies; and to assist the structural engineer in keeping the transverse beam continuous between the external columns, Schöck SLD dowels were also used to support the propped cantilever walkway externally.

8 www.schoeck.co.uk * design@schoeck.co.uk ( 01865 290890

Major style boost for premium Hanex solid surface portfolio

Portakabin constructs ‘pop up’ learning hub for UCL in two days

Portakabin has constructed an innovative ‘pop up’ learning hub for University College London (UCL), Central London, in just nine weeks from receipt of order to handover.

The two-storey modular building was installed in just two days ready for the start of the academic year.The learning hub accommodates a lecture theatre for up to 100 students and three smaller seminar rooms. Portakabin supplied decking around the building, an access ramp, stairs up to the entrance, air conditioning, emergency lighting and data communications.The building has a striking finish, created using a vinyl wrap with strong graphics that reflect and communicate UCL’s programme.

8 www.portakabin.co.uk * information@portakabin.co.uk ( 0845 401 0010

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With 34 new decors, the premium Hanex solid surface range is a toolbox of creativity for design professionals. Mainlining the trends for comfortable neutrals in organic colours and stones, there are two new ranges of Nativo and Therapy together with a significant style update to the flagship collection, including the Bellassimo range. The Nativo range includes four unique decors featuring asymmetrical, atypical chips and tone-on-tone colours. The eco-friendly Therapy range is manufactured from recycled resources and boasts six decors. While the updated luxury Bellassimo range captures the look and feel of natural stone with random veining in four new decors of Flaxen, Silkwood, Sedimentary and Slate Grey. * info@hanex.co.uk

( 0845 603 7811

8 www.hanex.co.uk

The Golf Classic is stepping up the pace The Golf Classic 2016 is nearing the final. This year’s grand final is at Hanbury Manor’s acclaimed England championship course. Now in its 24th year, this national golf competition has become the must-attend event for professionals working in the UK construction industry. Winners of the tournament take home an impressive trophy and Pro Shop vouchers each. The Golf Classic is proud to receive the continued support of Marley Plumbing & Drainage which has sponsored the tournament since its inception. The tournament is also supported by a wide cross section of the specialist construction press and media, further proof of its position as a flagship event in the industry’s calendar. * info@thegolfclassic.co.uk

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( 01892 752300

8 www.thegolfclassic.co.uk

Building Elements TREMCO’s single-source solution ensures quality and performance It’s never too slate to buy into Redland Cambrian

Cambrian Slate from Redland constitutes over 60% recycled Welsh slate, so not only delivers the aesthetics of natural slate, but also proves a more sustainable alternative to virgin quarried products. BBA-certified, Redland Cambrian Slates are designed with a unique three-point fixing, making them secure on the most exposed sites.

Manufactured to be lightweight with a thin leading edge and surface patterning taken from impressions of real natural slates, and proven on pitches as low as 15°, they are suitable for a wide range of projects.

When installed with recommended fixings under the Redland SpecMaster service, the whole roof is backed by a 15-year weathertightness, durability and design liability guarantee.

8 www.redland.co.uk/cambrian * marketing.redland@monier.com ( 01293 666775

When it comes to structural waterproofing,TREMCO is leading the way with a single-source package for car parks that combines state-of-theart membrane technology with a comprehensive range of high-quality movement joints. Specifying a single-source car park deck waterproofing solution from TREMCO ensures system compatibility, as well as peace of mind thanks to the back-to-back system warranty.There is no confusion regarding where accountability might lie in the event of a problem occurring.TREMCO has four systems available to suit the specific requirements of different car park areas.All of the systems help a building structure remain functional for longer by preventing water ingress. * info.uk@tremco-illbruck.com

( 01942 251400

8 www.tremco-illbruck.com

Dickies launches multipurpose two-tone trousers Dickies has introduced a number of exciting new products and ranges for 2016, with style and functionality offering unsurpassed value for money. Even if you are just starting out, you can still turn up to the workplace looking trendy while wearing the right kit without breaking the bank. The new two-tone ED24/7 everyday trousers have a 245gsm fabric that ensures they are tough, but light enough to retain agility. Most importantly they are free of any exposed metals such as zips and buttons, so no inadvertently scratching surfaces or paintwork. Their handy cargo pockets give easy access to your tools. * sharron@chicanemarketing.co.uk

( 01923 269490

8 www.dickiesworkwear.com

Eurocell adds time-saving slate-effect tiles to Equinox tiled roof range

Providing swift installation and a realistic slate-effect, SlateSkin is the latest enhancement Eurocell has developed for Equinox.

Together, SlateSkin and Equinox create the most advanced system currently available with an AA* fire rating.With multiple tile courses built in to each sheet, the SlateSkin GRP tile system reduces the time spent positioning and nailing tiles. SlateSkin has fewer gaps than separate tiles to prevent any moisture getting into the roof space causing condensation. Its lightweight construction allows the pitch to be set anywhere from 50 – a pitch that no other tile system can achieve – to 350; making it ideal for a range of conservatory styles. * chris.coxon@eurocell.co.uk

( 0800 988 3049

8 www.eurocell.co.uk

Safeguard renovation plaster central to Sussex restoration Dryzone Damp-Resistant Plaster has been deployed in the restoration of a 500-year old property in West Sussex.

Surrey Hills Preservation was asked to tackle a section of the building where it appeared the previous contractors had replastered the wall using a very dense and hard sand and cement render which was not suitable for heritage structures. Dryzone DampResistant Plaster was chosen to carry out the replastering. This highly effective renovation plaster can be applied to walls while they are still damp and has a porous structure which controls salt migration, allows walls to dry out by evaporation and results in higher thermal resistance, reducing the risk of condensation. * info@safeguardeurope.com

( 01403 210204

8 www.safeguardeurope.com

Sto helps keep the heat in for exotic zoo residents Sto UK has provided a comprehensive external wall insulation (EWI) for Chester Zoo’s ‘Islands’ exhibit area.The concrete building, which houses endangered species, requires a constant internal temperature, so the StoTherm Mineral EWI system had a vital role to play in achieving the correct U-value of 0.23W/m²K.With many curves and changes of levels in the external concrete surfaces, the use of different thicknesses of insulation and a high degree of on-site problem-solving was required.An adhesivelyfixed system was used, suited to the high wind loadings caused by the height of the building.The EWI system was then finished with Sto’s water-repellent and weatherresistant Stolit K multipurpose render.

8 www.sto.co.uk * info.uk@sto.com ( 0141 892 8000

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75

Building Elements

Monolithic drainage system with high attenuation volume Hauraton has introduced RECYFIX MONOTEC into the UK, its new high capacity channel system for the surface drainage of pavements, bicycle routes, car/van parks and roadways in and around residential, commercial and light industrial areas where the channels need to have high lateral strength, are capable polypropylene (PP), formulated to be very of withstanding continuous resistant to temperature fluctuations, including the ultra violet (UV) spectrum. compressive loads and Complying with the requirements of EN where ease of installation is 1433, the PP is given its UV resistance by adding carbon black as a stabiliser so that a major consideration.

The RECYFIX MONOTEC one metre long channel component is of a sturdy monolithic design where the grating and tongue and groove linking system are integral to the channel moulding.The unit is made of

the structural strength is unaffected and a consistent appearance is maintained.

MONOTEC channels are offered in two nominal grating widths of 100 and 200mm, both suitable for a loading category of up to Class D400. The 100mm channels are

available in three heights: 230, 280 and 380mm and provide channel cross sections of 190.5, 245.5 and 355.5cm2 respectively.

The 200mm channel has a cross section of 746.1cm2, so has an attenuation volume in excess of 74 litres per meter.

The three sizes of 100mm channels can be arranged in a step fall arrangement with different channel heights connected by special transition adaptors that ensure the water drains away smoothly and quietly with the increased flow velocity playing a considerable role in cleaning the channel run.

8 www.drainage-projects.co.uk * janine.kennedy@hauraton.co.uk ( 01582 501380

Universally challenged?

Call Serge Ferrari for a speedy solution TTA promotes high hygiene characteristics of tiled surfaces

The Tile Association and its members are promoting the hygiene advantages of correctly installed tiled surfaces, especially in commercial kitchens and food preparation environments.Tiled surfaces are entirely safe to install and use in hygiene-sensitive installations, particularly if large format porcelain tiles are used with epoxy grouts.

Brian G Newell, Chair of the TTA’s Technical Committee, points out that porcelain tiles are in fact to all intents and purposes impervious, with less than 0.5% porosity, and that epoxy grouts are also impervious, to the extent that they can have an approval for use in nuclear power stations since they are not porous to radioactivity.

8 www.tiles.org.uk * info@tile.org.uk ( 0300 365 8453

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The new building for Scape forms part of a wider multicampus education facility in East London. Stamisol Color, a product from Serge Ferrari, was used on this particular project. Intended to be seen, Stamisol Color is versatile in working with a huge range of other building materials and provides a contemporary finish for statement projects. Jess Paull, Project Architect, says:“We used the Stamisol Color membrane on a recent project behind areas of perforated aluminium cladding panels. Because the panels were 50% perforated, we needed a membrane that was waterproof and UV stable.We were unable to find any manufacturer other than Serge Ferrari who made such a membrane.” ( +33474 974133

8 en.sergeferrari.com

UVEX phynomic gloves eliminate skin irritation Darren Cooper is Site Manager of Rydon Construction. Darren has suffered from eczema since childhood.The condition flares up if his hands are in contact with certain products and the condition can be inflamed through wearing gloves.“It started as a rash on my hands, but became worse,” he explains.“I stopped wearing the gloves and my eczema improved.” Upon hearing of Darren’s problem, a UVEX regional sales manager went to visit him, taking samples of UVEX’s phynomic range. UVEX’s phynomic glove range has passed the OekoTex 100 standard and has been dermatologically tested and approved by proDERM. Darren’s eczema cleared up very quickly once he had changed to the phynomic gloves. * safety@uvex.co.uk

Find this issue plus much more on the fc&a app and fca-magazine.com

( 01252 731200

8 www.uvex-safety.co.uk

Building Elements

Video puts Crown Trade’s Historic and Classic shades in the picture Crown Trade has produced a new video to help specifiers looking for inspiration for projects with a classic or historic theme.

Available to view at www.youtube.com/user/ CrownTradeTV, the short film showcases beautiful hues from both the Crown Trade Historic and Classic collections.The video builds on Crown Trade’s new style guide, which brings together shades from the two collections into one 14-page booklet.

Noted for its historical accuracy and authenticity, the Crown Trade Historic Colours collection is a selection of 120 shades influenced by eight distinctive architectural and design styles including Palladian and Neo-Classical, Regency, Arts & Crafts, Gothic Revival,Victorian Eclectic, Art Deco and Post-war ‘50’s Sketchbook.

A more recent introduction is the Crown Trade Classic collection – a selection of 30 beautiful, timeless shades in classic neutral colours, which have been hand-picked from an extensive range of palettes.

Both collections are produced in a variety of high-quality Crown Trade products, enabling specifiers to choose authentic, accurate colours with confidence, without compromising on performance.

One of the most popular choices is Crown Trade Clean Extreme. By choosing Historic and Classic shades in this highperformance coating, there’s the double benefit of achieving stunning colour and the reassurance of a super scrubbable finish, which allows surfaces to be repeatedly returned to their pristine condition whilst still retaining the beautiful, dead-flat, matt finish desired in classic and historical shades.

Along with Crown Trade Clean Extreme, most Historic and Classic colours are also available in finishes including Crown Trade matt vinyl, silk vinyl, mid sheen, satin finish, eggshell, acrylic eggshell and full gloss.

8 www.crowntrade.co.uk * info@crownpaintspec.co.uk ( 0330 024 0310

F. Ball holds first ‘Women in Flooring Course’

F. Ball and Co. recently held its first training course specifically designed for women working in the flooring industry. The course aimed to equip women with a deeper understanding of flooring systems.

The ‘Women in Flooring Course’ included a tour of F. Ball’s manufacturing facility, presentations on products, problem diagnosis and flooring systems and experience with F. Ball’s training officer. Participants were drawn from the biggest names in the flooring sector and represented a wide range of roles. As the first course of its kind conducted at F. Ball’s facility, it is hoped that it will be the first of many. * mail@.f-ball.co.uk

( 01583 361633

8 www.f-ball.co.uk

‘One man with one screwdriver’

BJ Waller has launched a service with a leading UK door manufacturer for fully integrated commercial doorsets for commercial internal doors, including fire-resistant, acoustic, X-ray and many more. As well as ensuring accurate specification for high usage applications, delivering slabs with pre-prepared hardware will speed up timelines for contractors by making doorset installation a job for ‘one man with one screwdriver’. Each doorset schedule is tailored to the project. Options include BJ Waller’s new Quick-Fit Plus system which offers easy and precise assembly of the whole door handle set in a few seconds, without the need for screws, bolts or grub screws. * luke@bjwaller.co.uk

( 01353 647111

8 www.bjwaller.co.uk

Celebrating 100 years of Scottish architecture GEZE UK was delighted to sponsor the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) Centenary Awards Dinner, in Glasgow, and to present one of the awards which recognised a host of architectural achievements in Scotland.

Andy Howland, Sales Director for GEZE UK, presented awards to the joint winners in the category for Commercial/Industrial.

It was the third year running that GEZE UK has been one of the key sponsors for the event. Said Andy:“It was a real honour to again support the RIAS Awards Dinner.

It’s a remarkable event which illustrates the wealth of talent which has made its mark on the architectural landscape of Scotland.”

8 www.geze.co.uk * info.uk@geze.com ( 01543 443000

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Building Elements

The perfect pollinator living wall Scotscape Landscaping, Bug Life and Wildlife World have worked together to create the ‘Perfect Pollinator’ living wall in support of Defra’s Pollinator Campaign, directed at bringing pollinating insects back into our urban areas.

Using a range of plants which are perfect for pollinating insects, the Scotscape Living Wall system supports large architectural growth, making pollen more abundant and also enabling the easy incorporation of Wildlife World’s bug homes within the wall.

Facts about bug homes on living walls Solitary bees, which the bug homes are designed for, do not sting as they lack the ability to do so.

8 out of 10 wildflowers in the UK would disappear without pollination.

Pollinators are worth over £0.5bn per annum to the UK farming sector, to replace them would cost around £2bn in manual hand pollination.

Over 97% (an area the size of Wales) of all flower-rich grasslands have been lost in Britain since the 1930s, reducing pollen and nectar sources and leading to a serious decline in the wildlife dependent on wildflower-rich habitats.

Our pollinators are at risk due to loss of habitat, both in terms of nesting sites and food. There are a number of causes including paving over of the urban environment, change to modern cement mixes that they can’t burrow into, largescale farming including extensive use of herbicides that is creating monoculture in the countryside lacking in food sources.

The urban environment is now relatively pesticide-free and therefore with the right planting and home provision it can provide the oasis needed to sustain our pollinators.

8 www.scotscape.net * sales@scotscape.net ( 0208 254 5000

Cembrit slates provide natural finish to development Manage solar shading devices with P C Henderson hardware Access to natural light has been linked to improved occupant productivity and reduced energy usage. However, elements such as solar gain and glare can negate the benefits. Utilising sliding hardware from P C Henderson when installing solar shading systems such as shutters and louvres can help manage the need for natural light and views.

For interior applications, P C Henderson’s Flexirol Multidirectional hardware is ideal for internal door shutters.The system can meet a multitude of applications from traditional windows, to floor-to-ceiling apertures. P C Henderson’s Husky and Soltaire systems are perfect for moving louvre systems. Made from anodised steel, the components are ideal for external applications, including in coastal areas.

8 www.pchenderson.co.uk * sales@pchenderson.com ( 0191 377 0701

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Jutland smooth and Zeeland textured BBA-certified fibre cement slates from Cembrit have demonstrated their versatility, design and performance features on a housing development in Weymouth. Having installed Cembrit slates in the past, the roofer specified Jutland and Zeeland fibre cement slates for the new build properties. “We have experience of working with a number of different roofing materials, and this allowed us to make an informed decision that fibre cement slates would be the best option for this project,” comments Simon Coleman, Contracts Manager of Weatherbury Roofing. “Cembrit fibre cement slates are lightweight and pre-holed; two features that were beneficial to us.” * sales@cembrit.co.uk

( 0208 301 8900

8 www.cembrit.co.uk

Polyrey enhances Compact grade knowledge with new tool

Polyrey is introducing a comprehensive guide for its Compact range, designed to give clarity on the different products and their usage.

The informative book is the first of its kind and gives details on the three Polyrey Compact ranges, Reysipur, Reysitop and Monochrom, their respective qualities and how they can be used to meet a variety of needs, such as wallcoverings, cabinet fronts, furniture and worktops. Designed to save time, their features are highlighted and explained with technical information, real samples and images of applications. Polyrey’s Compact guide is ideal for architects, designers and specifiers looking for realistic and natural solutions for hospitality, residential, commercial, retail, healthcare and school applications. * polyrey.uk@polyrey.com

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( 01923 202700

8 en.polyrey.com

LEVATO MONO porcelain paver system The Levato Mono porcelain paver system is the pinnacle of external raised flooring technology; enabling the specification of lightweight, slip resistant and attractive raised flooring solutions, combining incredible technical properties with uncompromising aesthetics; making them the ideal choice for commercial and domestic use alike.

20mm porcelain pavers 40x80 45x90 60x60 75x75 30x120 40x120 60x120 ‘Floating floor’ – installation over single ply membranes Eternal product - zero maintenance required – offering massive over-life savings Highly abrasion and stain resistant Highly slip resistant ; R11 and achieved up to +65 wet in the BS pendulum test Lightweight – 45kgs per m2

High load bearing and impact resistance Timber & stone effects; 40+ finishes available Ideal for balconies, roof terraces and piazzas, for both commercial and residential use Completely non porous Fire & frost proof Height-adjustable supports from 9mm up to 550mm

www.thedecktileco.co.uk t: 0845 2700 696

e: info@thedecktileco.co.uk