FC&A August 21

FUTURE CONSTRUCTOR & ARCHITECT

ISSUE 138

AUGUST 2021

For vertically structured exterior surfaces Very water and dirt resistant Reduces wood swelling and shrinkage Resists the growth of algae, mildew & fungal attack Microporous, breathable finish No sanding necessary for future applications

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EDITOR’S NOTE

W E L C O M E

T O

30 The Shoreway, St Mary’s Island, Chatham, Kent, ME4 3SL Tel: 01622 946150

FUTURE CONSTRUCTOR & ARCHITECT MAGAZINE EDITORIAL Rebecca Kemp rebecca@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Hannah Woodger hannah@crossplatformmedia.co.uk P R I N T & D I G I TA L A D V E R T I S I N G Sam Ball sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Jim Moore jim@crossplatformmedia.co.uk PRINT DESIGN MANAGER Jack Witcomb jack@crossplatformmedia.co.uk D I G I TA L D E S I G N M A N A G E R Matt Morse matt@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

AUGUST 2021

Despite skyrocketing COVID-19 cases, last month’s ‘Freedom Day’, as it was dubbed, went ahead as planned. With all restrictions lifted, it was rechristened ‘disaster day’ by businesses across the nation, who had to reduce hours or shut entirely due to a lack of staff – either from isolating or from catching the dreaded virus. The response from 19th July has undoubtedly confirmed the long-term change that we’ve all been examining of late, and things certainly aren’t looking ‘normal’.

In this month’s issue, we look at the leisure sector and how interiors are set to change in a post-COVID world. On page 24, David Rhodes, Managing Director at Paragon Carpet Tiles, shares his predictions of how leisure interiors will alter after the pandemic. In this article, he enlightens: “Coronavirus will always be around, so spaces must adapt accordingly.” David also discloses why many public buildings will continue to make use of movable carpet tiles and talks about the “very real concern” of ‘reopening anxiety’.

Elsewhere in this month’s issue, Radical Materials Director, Nick Corlett, explains how the pandemic has called for “effective, robustly-tested products that are capable of delivering a genuinely meaningful level of efficacy against harmful microorganisms”. On page 32, he explains: “The soaring demand for antimicrobial materials over the past 18 months has seen a significant number of non-compliant products enter the market,” and voices what architects and specifiers need to consider.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, you can also access all of the magazine’s features, product news and supplier information on FC&A’s user-friendly and engaging website. Fully responsive, the website allows you to read all the latest stories on-the-go either on your phone or tablet. Simply search www.fca-magazine.com.

ACCOUNTS/CREDIT CONTROL Rachel Pike rachel@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

PUBLISHER Sam Ball sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Te r m s a n d C o n d i t i o n s : 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 editor’s hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Cross Platform Media 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.

CROSS PLATFORM MEDIA

SALES SUPPORT & S TAT I S T I C S Klare Ball klare@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

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fcamagazine fcamagazine fcamagazine FC&A Magazine

Rebecca

REBECCA KEMP Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

ON THE COVER: The Global Flora Conservatory was designed by the American architecture firm Kennedy & Violich Architecture (KVA Matx) in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team at Wellesley College.

SEE PAGE 16.

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AUGUST CONTENTS

NEWS

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VOICE OF THE I N DU S T RY:

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LEGAL & BU SINE S S:

The current housing shortage, and how we tackle it, is an ongoing hot topic within the industry – but should new build alone be the answer? Carl Yale, Refurbishment Director at leading house-builder Lovell, believes there is great potential in empty or under-utilised buildings around the country.

The fallout from the pandemic also means that some current and future projects will not be delivered on time or on budget. The industry is, therefore, bracing itself for an elevated number of disputes. The question is: how best to resolve them? Sam O’Callaghan, a Lawyer at Capital Law, investigates.

FEATURES

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K BB:

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BU ILD FOCU S: L eisu re:

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MODERN METH ODS OF C ON S T RU C T I ON:

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TECHNICAL FO C U S:

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GLASS & GLAZI N G:

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SU R FACING:

As the nation’s water supply continues to face significant stress, Martin Walker, CEO of Methven, explores the opportunity architects, specifiers and designers have to help protect the UK’s diminishing water supply by improving the water and energy efficiency of upcoming residential and commercial developments.

In this article, David Rhodes, Managing Director at Paragon Carpet Tiles, shares his predictions of how leisure interiors will change after the pandemic.

Rebekah Bishop, Marketing Manager for Taylor Lane Timber Frame, explores the versatility of timber frame and explains how it enabled Acorn Property Group to realise a striking and complex design and meet stringent environmental demands on its Cubis Bruton development.

How can we make sure our infrastructure is prepared to cope with more rain- and stormwater? Martin Lambley, Stormwater Management Product Manager, North West Europe, UK and Ireland at Wavin, discusses the benefits of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and how they can help protect against urban flooding.

Since the turn of the millennium, interest in glass balustrade systems has boomed. But architects need to be aware of the regulations that govern their use. Paul Smith, Marketing Manager at F.H. Brundle, explains more.

Nick Corlett, Director at Radical Materials, looks at the demand for effective, robustly-tested products that are capable of delivering a genuinely meaningful level of efficacy against harmful microorganisms.

PORTFOLIOS

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SANYA FAR M LAB , C LOU ARC H I T E C T S :

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THE GLOBAL FLORA C ONS E RVATORY, K ENNEDY & VI OL I C H ARC H I T E C T U RE :

Sanya Farm Lab is a 4000m 2 four-storey exhibition space, located in Nanfan High Tech District of Sanya, the southernmost city on tropical Hainan Island. The design focus of this project was to combine the climate characteristics of Sanya, integrate the regional scientific and technological agricultural elements and create a multi-functional research compound and commercial display space.

The Global Flora Conservatory was designed by the American architecture firm Kennedy & Violich Architecture (KVA Matx) in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team at Wellesley College.

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FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

INDUSTRY UPDATES

NE W S I N BR I E F: STEPNELL CEMENTS CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS WITH NEW BUILDS Stepnell has made progress on four commercial schemes for long-standing clients throughout the East Midlands. These projects include a scheme for MHR – an HR, payroll and analytics software and services firm. After recently completing works on the business’ car park, Stepnell has been appointed to build its £9m two-storey office building, which includes a Grade A fit-out, associated mechanical and electrical installation and hard and soft landscaping.

Tom Sewell, Regional Director at Stepnell, said: “By establishing solid relationships with existing clients, we’ve been able to pick up commercial projects that will expand our portfolio and contribute towards the Government’s ‘Build Back Better’ initiative.”

FIRST-EVER NET-ZERO CARBON INTERIORS PLEDGE ON TRACK 10 months since the launch of the net-zero carbon interiors pledge, which ensures the internal fit-out of offices and commercial buildings will be net-zero embodied carbon, the London studio of architecture and design firm Perkins&Will has shared its first progress update. A major outcome since the report launched in October 2020 is the new Now Database, a searchable directory of products that enables the studio’s designers to specify products that support its net-zero interior pledge. It has been developed collaboratively with suppliers to capture products from suppliers of all sizes, large or small, and to ensure Perkins&Will measures contributions in a fair and equitable way.

FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

INDUSTRY UPDATES FC&A ROUNDS UP THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS AND APPOINTMENTS.

SIR ROBERT MCALPINE SUPPORTS ‘CONSERVATION ON THE ROAD’ WITH ENGLISH HERITAGE Sir Robert McAlpine has announced a three-year partnership with national charity English Heritage to support its ‘Conservation on the Road’ programme.

The scheme aims to engage visitors at sites undergoing conservation projects around the country and inspire all generations to consider careers in the heritage and construction industries.

SIR ROBERT MCALPINE

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nglish Heritage cares for over 400 of England’s most important historical buildings, monuments and sites, and over the next three years, the ‘Conservation on the Road’ van will travel up and down the country to showcase the charity’s vital conservation work.

Recently, the van helped visitors at Marble Hill House in Twickenham learn about working with historical gardens, stonework and artefacts.

The public will also be able to see it this year at Dover Castle, Bishop’s Waltham Palace in Hampshire, Lincoln Medieval Bishop’s Palace, Bristol Temple Church and Belsay Hall, Castle as well as Gardens in Northumberland.

The hands-on workshops offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the care of historical masonry, such as re-pointing, and the chance to repair a miniature wall section.

Other sessions include learning about how English Heritage staff care for their historical building interiors and collections in the ‘artefacts and interiors’ workshop series.

Paul Heather, Sir Robert McAlpine Managing Director, London, commented: “I am thrilled that Sir Robert McAlpine is supporting the ‘Conservation on the Road’ programme. As a leading voice in the industry for the promotion of apprenticeships and skills training, especially in the heritage sector, Sir Robert McAlpine is proud to lend this initiative its support. It represents our 6

commitment to the advancement of traditional skills: inspiring the younger generation of craftspeople is crucial to preserving our built heritage for years to come. This is the beginning of a very treasured partnership.”

The programme will be delivered by trained facilitators and volunteers between April and October each year.

INDUSTRY UPDATES

PERSONNEL The latest appointments from the construction and architectural industries.

DMWR ARCHITECTS MAKES PROMOTIONS

MCS APPOINTS CHAIR OF STANDARDS

DOUBLE HIRE CEMENTS INVESTMENT

DMWR Architects has made two senior promotions and a new appointment within the practice. Paolo Di Gennaro, based in the London office, and Chris Lenehan, based in the Manchester office, have both been promoted to Directors.

In addition, Adam Blacker has been appointed to the role of Director. Paolo joined DMWR London in January 2014 as an Associate Director. His promotion is in recognition of his consistent success in delivering successful projects and his contribution to the growth of the group over the past seven years. Chris joined the Manchester office in 2019 as Associate Director, and in the past two years, his commitment and dedication continue to help successfully grow and expand the Manchester office. Adam is a Design Architect with over 25 years’ experience, having previously worked for BDP and Benoy. He will be heading up and growing the design side of DMWR across the group.

MCS, the national standards organisation for domestic renewables, is pleased to appoint David Heath CBE as Independent Chair of MCS Standards. David brings more than 18 years’ experience as a Member of Parliament, where he served as a successful chair in a variety of Government roles, at national and local levels. He was also a member of numerous policy and regulatory boards, including the Privy Council.

He has joined MCS to bring an independent oversight for its standards maintenance and development and will lead the MCS Approvals Committee to help protect the integrity of MCS documents. Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, said: “We are delighted to welcome David on board. He brings a wealth of experience and interest in regulation and high standards in governance, which will work to support our aim to ensure our processes are adhered to, and the impartiality of the scheme is protected.”

Couch Perry Wilkes (CPW) has boosted its track record of training the next generation by taking on two graduates, Charlie Davis and Jack Pascoe, bolstering its East Midlands team and investing in training young people. Jack and Charlie join with degrees in architectural technology and mechanical engineering respectively. They join a host of other engineers that have excelled at CPW. Jack said: “The CPW name has cropped up a lot in my previous work experience. It’s a company that I’ve always known of as professional, highly skilled, and, ultimately, as somewhere I wanted to work one day. You can imagine how pleased I am, therefore, to have started my new role here! Charlie added: “It’s an exciting time to be working in the engineering field, with Government incentives for zero-carbon technologies offering lots of opportunities for CPW to continue its sustainability work.”

DICE WELCOMES NEW TALENT WITH HIRES

HLM ARCHITECTS GROWS TEAM

LANDSCAPE PRACTICE EXPANDS WORKFORCE

Multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy, Dice, has welcomed three staff members to its team following a number of wins. Mehmet Ertay, Jenni Littlehales and James Brant have joined the firm as a Senior Civil Engineer, Marketing and Content Manager, and Civil Engineering Technician respectively. The arrival of the trio follows several new project and client wins since the start of the year for Dice, which has grown rapidly since being set up in 2018 by Wayne Oakes and Raj Somal. Wayne says: “We’re delighted to welcome Mehmet, Jenni and James to the team.

The past year has been busy with a number of exciting project wins – particularly within the residential sector, with several MMC schemes underway – so they have joined at an exciting time. We’re certain that Mehmet, Jenni and James will help us to continue delivering a fantastic service to our clients and help push the business forward.”

HLM Architects has grown its management team after expanding its board of directors with two additional members and appointing four new associates. The new board members include Marcus Earnshaw, who has worked at the practice for over 26 years, and Simon Chenery, previously a Board Director at Sidell Gibson. The four new Associates are Anne Daw, Karl Brown, Stuart Beaumont and Luke Riggall. Anne joined HLM in 2009 and has worked predominantly in the education sector. Karl, who has worked for the practice since 2015, has focused primarily on the higher education sector. Following 10 years of military service as a Submariner, Stuart redirected his career in 2006 to qualify as a Chartered Architect. And, Luke, who is based in the London studio, has worked cross-sector over the years within education, justice, residential and defence.

Nottinghamshire- and Londonbased landscape architect Influence has bolstered its team with the appointment of Olli Wheeler as a Senior Landscape Architect. Influence provides specialist landscape architecture, urban design, environment planning and expert witness and, alongside the Wildlife Trust, is the practice behind the bold green vision for Nottingham’s now redundant Broadmarsh, which was shared last year and achieved national acclaim.

A chartered member of the Landscape Institute, Olli will work alongside the established team delivering landscape planning and design projects at the Newark practice and will undertake Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA) and produce technical planning reports. Olli brings seven years of industry experience to Influence, having started as a Landscape Designer in Sydney, Australia.

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NEWS IN BRIEF: HUB FOR SOUTH LONDON CYCLISTS IS REVEALED A project, designed to encourage more people to take up cycling and walking, is now complete.

A new station plaza, cycle hub and cycle/pedestrian bridge, part of Kingston’s Go Cycle scheme (funded by the Mayor’s MiniHolland programme), has been created by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects and Buro Happold. The project represents a significant redevelopment of a busy transportation hub in the heart of Kingston Upon Thames to enable more people to walk, cycle and use public transport, reducing carbon emissions and in turn improving health and wellbeing for residents and visitors. The project consists of a trio of new interventions, including, a station plaza, cycle hub and new cycle/ pedestrian bridge.

CIBSE LAUNCHES WITH REINVIGORATED ENTRY PROCESS The CIBSE Building Performance Awards 2022 have launched with a difference. A new standardised data entry format for categories will allow data from buildings entered to be included in the CIBSE Energy Benchmarks. Hywel Davies, CIBSE’s Technical Director, said: “The new forms make clear what we’re asking for and make it easier to provide. Sharing data is optional, but for those that are willing to, they ensure that the accumulated understanding around each building adds to industry knowledge.” The awards lead the way in recognising and rewarding the proven performance of buildings in use. The deadline for entries is 1st September, and the awards evening will be held on 24th February 2022.

FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

INDUSTRY UPDATES

CONTRACTOR IN PROFILE 30-year-old James Brett is Managing Director of family-owned firm Edgeley Construction. Having spent a considerable amount of time on sites throughout his life, he leads from the front and drives growth with investment in digital construction and training. Here, James talks to FC&A about his journey to becoming the Managing Director of Edgeley Construction.

EDGELEY CONSTRUCTION

All images: Walton Lodge Laundry project in Brixton

JAMES BRETT IS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF EDGELEY CONSTRUCTION

Please tell us a bit about your career background.

I was more or less born and bred on a building site. Like many people who grow up in a family with a business, I was involved from an early age, and you might say I began my training while still at primary school. By the time I was 21, I was leading at least four projects with contract values in excess of £1m from the conceptual stage through to completion, with hands-on skills, management capabilities and design and buildability knowledge.

Being involved in projects since I was a teenager has not only provided me with the skills I need to project manage and run the business now, but it has also given me genuine respect for what it takes to design and construct something well and for the heritage we’re building on now.

My father built Edgeley Construction, and I’m taking forward that legacy along with the extraordinary buildings created by generations before us.

www.edgeley.co FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

Had you always wanted to pursue a career in construction?

I always wanted to be a builder and saw myself working ‘on the tools’ on site when I was younger. But the more experience I gained, the more I grew to love the complexities of delivering the right solution for the site, the client and the project. As my career has progressed, it’s the creative problem-solving process that goes into designing and delivering buildings that really inspires me. As construction professionals, I think we have a responsibility to build on the 8

heritage and innovation in our built environment and to consider how what we do can help to make people’s lives better and deliver social value.

My goal is to preserve the character and traditional craftsmanship previous generations left behind and embrace new materials and methods to create buildings that future generations will admire and protect.

What has been your greatest influence and source of inspiration?

I live and work in south London, where we’re surrounded

by Victorian design, construction and engineering. Even modest homes built during that period are packed with attention to detail and finely-crafted features. That commitment to quality and creativity inspires me to aim for the same high standards on every project while leveraging contemporary advances in sustainability and digital construction.

What has been your most notable project to date?

Our Walton Lodge Laundry project in Brixton is a career highlight for me. It involved the conversion of a former industrial laundry into a mixed-use development and included the demolition of a former factory building, refurbishment of a locallylisted building and construction of a large newbuild addition with a basement to the full building footprint. The project required complex design coordination with a curved, four-storey zinc facade, incorporating dormers and inset balconies and a part steel, part concrete frame.

It was a challenging project involving a fully constrained site adjacent to a live railway line. We were able to preserve the heritage building and combine it with a contemporary extension, utilising both traditional skills and modern materials. The result is not only a landmark building that has been repurposed for future generations but also a new community, brought together across apartments, a bar and offices.

INDUSTRY UPDATES

How do you approach your projects?

I believe collaboration is central to successful construction; delivery partners have to work together with an understanding that the best outcome for the project is the most important factor in everyone’s remit. We all have skills to bring to the table which, together, are greater than the sum of their parts.

At Edgeley Construction, we see ourselves as an integral part of our clients’ teams and provide a single point of contact to ensure effective communication, cost management and quality assurance. We like to be involved in projects as early as possible because we can often add value and prevent unnecessary costs, delays and buildability challenges if we are able to advise the developer at pre-construction. Our ethos is to make decisions that reduce risk and are best for the project, not our pockets, which means offering the best solutions for buildability, sustainability, operational management and occupier comfort.

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

I think the biggest challenge is that it involves a change in mindset. We still have a construction culture that focuses on the build cost rather than whole-life costs, and there is a tendency to select materials and methods that are proven rather than pioneering. As a result, not enough projects take advantage of materials and construction techniques that use renewable resources or have the potential to drive down energy costs, maintenance requirements and replacement intervals. We need to get back to designing buildings that aim to last for centuries, not just decades.

I believe occupiers are helping to drive change in this regard; the more they push for more sustainable buildings, the more the market will shift to answer that demand.

a slightly bonkers and completely ingenious idea for making the most of an industrial urban development to create leisure facilities and a landmark, while contributing to Denmark’s lowcarbon goals. It’s a building with the potential to inspire us all to think more creatively about design and construction.

What can we expect to see from you over the next year?

My aim is to build on the company’s traditional strengths and reputation for quality, while preparing to scale up with investment in digital construction, systems and people. We have integrated our processes in Procore and are continuing to explore how we can use digitisation to drive efficiency, accuracy and collaboration. We’ve also been investing in training, particularly in RICS qualifications, and this will continue alongside a programme of recruitment.

What is your favourite building and why?

I really admire the CopenHill building in Copenhagen, which combines a power plant capable of converting 440,000 tons of waste into clean energy every year, with a ski slope, a cafe and an observation point with breathtaking views of the city. It’s 9

FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

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BRICKS & BLOCKS

EUROBRICK AT THE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM Parkside is a new 1500m 2 building designed and built as a collaborative and creative space for the Imperial War Museum’s staff in Southwark, London.

The three-storey building provides a flexible workspace for 180 staff with formal and informal meeting areas, a cafe and breakout spaces.

EUROBRICK

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arkside is designed to support the Imperial War Museum (IWM) in fulfilling its vital mission to improve public understanding of war and conflict through its exhibitions, events and programming. The new space will also support IWM’s commitment to developing smarter working practices across the whole organisation.

Architect firm Jestico + Whiles developed IWM’s vision into a striking design, and Reds10 delivered the building using the latest offsite construction techniques.

Eurobrick has over 30 years’ experience working with offsite construction companies to provide a flexible, real brick finish that allows for some creativity in the finished design.

It offers brick and stone slip systems to suit any project and supplied its popular P-Clad system for the IWM project, having worked with Reds10 on a number of projects already.

Approximately 890m 2 of the P-Clad system was supplied, along with Wienerberger Marziale bricks, which were specially ordered and cut. Marziale is a brick with bright buff tones and distressed features that give it a weathered, traditional look. Eurobrick supplied whole Marziale bricks for the construction of a boundary wall, along with specially cut brick slips, headers and corners.

The design of the brickwork was technically challenging, with a mixture of vertical and horizontal stretcher bond and bespoke brick soffits and sills, which Eurobrick also supplied.

The recessed bays were laid in vertical stretcher bond with alternating thicknesses of brick slips to create a relief effect in the brick courses. The

www.eurobrick.co.uk

narrow brickwork columns between the windows were detailed with corner brick returns into the reveals. The columns were laid in horizontal stretcher bond, with bespoke vertical stretcher bond window heads and soffits and bespoke vertical stretcher bond angled sills.

It was a challenging layout and one of Eurobrick’s most experienced approved installers, Façade Install, fitted all of the brick cladding. Some of the brick slip installation was completed in the factory and some in-situ, once the modular building had been delivered to site.

Using P-Clad helped this complex design become a reality and assisted with successful project delivery.

Eurobrick’s systems are adaptable and ideal for the demands of contemporary modular architecture.

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“The IWM project used brick slips as the external finish throughout but incorporated a number of challenging details. Eurobrick helped develop and deliver solutions to enable these details to be constructed.

Reds10, the architects and client are delighted with the new facility. We have worked with Eurobrick on a number of projects and found them very helpful and responsive, providing excellent service,” says a representative from Reds10.

The project brought together offsite and traditional construction techniques to deliver a complex modular build, with difficult site conditions in Central London.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was successfully completed in 2020. The end result is an impressive building with a level of detail that proves the versatility of P-Clad perfectly.

info@eurobrick.co.uk FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

SANYA FARM LAB, CLOU ARCHITECTS

NEW LATTICE LANDMARK FOR HAINAN ISLAND Designed by CLOU architects, Sanya Farm Lab is a 4000m2 four-storey exhibition space, located in the Nanfan High Tech District of Sanya, the southernmost city on tropical Hainan Island. The design focus of this project was to combine the climate characteristics of Sanya, integrate the regional scientific and technological agricultural elements and create a multi-functional research compound and commercial display space.

CLOU ARCHITECTS

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Not just an exhibition centre

he Nanfan District of Sanya is transforming into a tropical agriculture scientific research hub. The local Government is investing in research on environmental change, land/ water scarcity and food production issues, as well as the growing demand of middle-class Chinese’s desire to return to the natural field and rural area tourism.

The completion of the Nanshan Farm Lab is based on the modern organic agriculture display and the upgrading and evolution of lifestyles. It blurs the traditional boundaries between nature and the city and narrows the distance between technology and life.

FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

The Farm Lab integrates and covers high-tech exhibitions, such as agricultural robotics, indoor vertical farming, etc. It brings a brand-new ‘farm-to-table’ experience. The aim of the design is to present the advanced technologies in front of the public in real-time, highlighting the progress which agricultural techs made in lifestyle and education territory.

And its key point is to blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, maximising visitors’ communication and interactions inside and outside the building.

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SANYA FARM LAB, CLOU ARCHITECTS

Platforms, stairs and shade The structure was developed in three steps. Firstly, CLOU architects set up an outdoor public space with clear scales and rich levels through strategically combining the four storeys’ functional massing. The cantilever on the second storey has created a semi-outdoor shelter from the rain for the first floor and a relaxing outdoor public platform for outdoor dining and children’s playing for the third floor.

Secondly, CLOU architects knitted outdoor public spaces together through outdoor circulation. By using a spiral staircase and large stairs in the multi-functional theatre, the

practice has created a connection with the indoor and outdoor areas, which encourages users to go outside more frequently.

Lastly, the firm enhanced the comfort level of the outdoor space.

The 800mm-deep roof grid structure has reduced sunlight absorption by 70%. It provided a shelter for the outdoor platform, and at the same time, ensured natural ventilation and an open view. The grid structure is inspired by the traditional house of Hainan Li nationality, which is a modern performance of the longestablished architecture context.

FACT FILE: Project name: Sanya Farm Lab type: Exhibition, retail Architecture/design: CLOU architects Concept: CLOU architects Design team leaders: Jan Clostermann, Lin Li Design Team: Na Zhao, Sebastian Loaiza, Julien Douillet, Yaxi Wang, Tianshu Liu, Tiago Tavares, Principia Wardhani, Javier Peláez and Yiqiao Zhao Construction drawings/MEP/structure: Urban Architecture Design Co. Facade consultant: China Building Technique Group Co. Interior design construction drawings: G-Aart design Lighting consultant: Fuzhou Bovs Lighting Design Co. Photography: Shining Laboratory

www.clouarchitects.com 13

FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

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RCI Another Panattoni development nearing completion

JONATHAN DORE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AT CA GROUP

‘NO-FOAM-ON-SITE’ POLICIES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Jonathan Dore, Business Development Manager at CA Group, discusses this growing trend.

CA GROUP

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he construction industry is witnessing a significant and understandable shift in almost every sector towards using non-combustible insulation materials. For some, this is a continuation of policies that have reduced risk in building portfolios. For others, it is a low-risk approach, using products with genuine passive protection in the face of ongoing regulatory reform. For all, the question of insurance is an important aspect – both for building insurance and for professional indemnity.

Fergie Taylor, Head of Development Delivery, Panattoni, Europe’s largest logistics real estate developer, said: “For our investors, tenants and clients, it is essential that buildings’ insurance premiums are kept to a minimum, and we have driven

www.cagroup.co.uk

a policy of reducing risk. The use of non-combustible building materials is not a new innovation; it is an essential feature for a modern logistics facility.”

It is common to see a built-up cladding and roofing system with non-combustible insulation specified in favour of a foam-insulated composite panel; however, foam insulation might still be used in sundry items such as insulated gutters and insulating behind flashing details. In turn, this has led to some developers having to reinforce their specifications with a ‘no-foam-on-site’ policy to emphasise the need for mineral (rock) fibre insulated gutters and details.

Architects regularly specify a complete non-combustible building envelope to meet the client’s requirements, yet

this needs to be policed to ensure compliance with the specification. It is essential that this applies to all materials on site, not just the main roof and wall systems, including products such as insulated gutters, fascias and soffits, to ensure they adhere to a nofoam policy. Often an architect’s PI cover may not permit them to specify foam insulation, in particular for cladding products.

For insulated gutters, these are widely available with a mineral fibre core, supplied with a minimum 1.2mm gauge outer steel and 1.2mm gauge textured membrane, in line with the recommendations of the MGMA*. By using a mineral fibre insulated gutter, a continuous level of protection at the junction between roof and walls will offer compliance with a

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foam-free specification, reduce risk and contribute to a ‘futureproof’ construction.

The findings of the BRE and Grenfell Public Inquiry identified the gaps around the windows filled with PIR insulation as a significant contributing factor**. A well-designed and detailed junction should be installed to correct tolerances to enable continuity of insulation, fire protection and airtightness, and use non-combustible insulation. The use of untested, unproven details with substituted products is likely to invalidate testing and certification, and this could compromise compliance with the specification and even affect insurance for the designer and the building.

A ‘no-foam-on-site’ specification policy will reduce risk, improve standards and ensure that a low-risk, high-quality construction, fully compliant with all available testing, certification and validation, is achieved. The emphasis on ‘competence’ within the supply chain is a significant aspect of ongoing regulatory reform. Making buildings safer by removing materials that could present a risk is a goal that we should all be responsible for. *Metal Gutters Manufacturers Association Guidance Document GD17 April 2016 **Dr Barbara Lane report Phase 1 Grenfell Public Inquiry

enquiries@cagroup.co.uk FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

THE GLOBAL FLORA CONSERVATORY, KENNEDY & VIOLICH ARCHITECTURE

BUILDING ON BOTANICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH The Global Flora Conservatory, an internationally-renowned botanical collection at Wellesley College, was designed by the American architecture firm Kennedy & Violich Architecture (KVA Matx) in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team at Wellesley College.

KENNEDY & VIOLICH ARCHITECTURE

T

he Global Flora project reimagines the ‘standalone’ typology of the greenhouse as an interlinked and synergistic set of wet and dry biomes that are heated and cooled using renewable resources. The design integrates a curved building form that follows the eastwest sun path and engages the hillside topography of the Wellesley Campus. The iconic Durant Camellia tree, which is over 140 years old, is exhibited in a transparent pavilion linked with the new facility. The new Global Flora is one of the first public conservatories in North America that is clad with a transparent ETFE building skin that enables the direct visual comparison and study of plant forms across biomes, FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

advancing public education and scientific research on plant adaptation and the ecology of climate change.

Kristina Jones, Ph.D., Professor of Botany and Director of the Botanic Gardens, says: “Global Flora builds on the rich history of botanical education and research at Wellesley College, which was established in the 1920s by Dr. Margaret Ferguson, who advocated for interdisciplinary botanical education as a centre for the college’s intellectual life. The new space will be an amazing platform for student engagement with nature and with the system’s thinking that underpins progress in sustainability.”

The architecture integrates innovative passive and active sustainable systems 16

to meet the net-zero-water criteria of the Living Building Challenge, the most rigorous contemporary standards for measuring sustainable design. The elegant, curved form of the Global Flora Conservatory follows the east-west arc of the sun to maximise solar heat gain in winter, which is captured through the thermal mass of a wall. In summer, the architecture’s environmentally-responsive ETFE skin allows the biomes to be cooled entirely through natural ventilation.

“The Global Flora project is the first contemporary conservatory that is designed in a vertical section,” says Architect Sheila Kennedy, FAIA, a Principal of KVA Matx. “The need to accommodate

THE GLOBAL FLORA CONSERVATORY, KENNEDY & VIOLICH ARCHITECTURE

different tree heights produces a dynamic and varying interior space which works together with the configured ground of the site’s topography. This offers diverse spatial experiences of plant form that are slowly revealed as people move through the biomes.” Public education and scientific research in the Global Flora project are enhanced by an interactive sensor platform integrated into the conservatory design that provides real-time air, water, soil and energy data, expanding knowledge of natural and architectural systems and public access to the collection for onsite and online users around the world.

The Global Flora Project has recently been selected as the 2021 Architizer A+ Awards Jury Winner for Architecture + New Technology. It has also won the prestigious Lafarge Holcim Design Award and has been selected as ‘Building of the Week’ by World-Architects.

FACT FILE:

Architect: Kennedy & Violich Architecture Managing principal: Frano Violich, FAIA Principal consulting on design: Sheila Kennedy, FAIA Project architect: Ben Widger, AIA Project designers: Shawna Meyer, AIA LEED AP, Kyle Altman, Bob White, Nick Johnson, Daniel Sebaldt, Michael Bennet, Diana Tomova, Peteris Lazovskis, Mark Bavaso, Lynced Torres and Noam Saragosti Structural, MEP and envelope engineering: Buro Happold Consulting Engineers, PC Civil engineer: Nitsch Inc. Landscape architect: Andropogon Associates Lighting designer: Tillotson Design Associates Code consultant: Jensen Hughes Associates Inc. Climate consultant: Transsolar KlimaEngineering Exhibit consultant: Small Design Firm Energy consultant: ReVision Energy

www.kvarch.net 17

FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

HIDDEN HOMES: THE PART REFURB HAS TO PLAY IN NEW HOUSING PROVISION The current housing shortage, and how we tackle it, is an ongoing hot topic within the industry – but should new build alone be the answer? Carl Yale, Refurbishment Director at leading house-builder Lovell, believes there is great potential in empty or underutilised buildings around the country.

LOVELL

W CARL YALE IS REFURBISHMENT DIRECTOR AT LOVELL

ith the latest estimates of new homes required in England at more than 300,000 per year, it is easy to think that housing provision is all about first-time buyers and new-build developments to meet the shortage.

However, this isn’t wholly accurate. We need to be aware of the local housing need in any specific area, including the demand for affordable homes, temporary and emergency accommodation – and of how we can intelligently and effectively meet these needs.

Councils are commonly challenged with how to make the best use of their building stock.

Classing empty buildings that need redeveloping or refurbishing or buildings that can be improved as ‘hidden homes’ begins to hint at the value that refurbishment can add to local authorities, through two major methods: building conversions and rooftop extensions.

Ultimately, these homes can be delivered at pace, meaning that we are able to feed into Government promises to work towards current housing shortages and create much-needed affordable and social homes – all while protecting valuable greenbelt land.

The benefits outweigh the challenges There will be redundant, under-used or underperforming buildings within any local authority portfolio that must be managed within disposal strategies – i.e. decisions will need to be made about what to do with these buildings. However, this provides the opportunity to think creatively about how these buildings can be revamped whilst also meeting the specific needs of local people.

FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

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There are, of course, challenges that come with these types of projects: from site constraints and community buy-in to existing plant equipment and service utilities that may cause obstructions or need diverting or relocating.

The obvious benefit is that the buildings are already there, alleviating the need for land acquisition. Reforms to the planning system support this approach, allowing us to make the most of these hidden homes in months rather than years.

Revitalising these buildings does not just remove potential eyesores and put under-utilised spaces back into effective use, but it also revitalises spaces prone to anti-social behaviour and can also act as a multiplier effect – leading to further regeneration in the area.

As well as building conversions, we can create hidden homes through rooftop expansions to existing stock.

When we are ‘building up’ with these rooftop additions, the whole building benefits. The facade of a building may be upgraded, leading to increased kerb appeal. Communal spaces, such as play areas and facilities like parking, may be added or upgraded – for example, a building that previously did not have a lift may have a new one fitted as part of the work.

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

We are also afforded the opportunity to improve building safety and security, ensuring that the latest guidance and fire regulations are met. Plus, we can look at how to improve the energy efficiency of any building, helping to create overall savings and work towards the UK’s net-zero-carbon goal.

Meeting specific local requirements Another key thing we must examine is the suitability of homes. Housing need manifests itself in a variety of ways, such as an increased level of crowding and acute affordability issues. What is needed on a local level varies greatly, not just from region to region, but from borough to borough.

It may be that housing provision is there but is no longer fit for purpose, whether it’s no longer performing well from a rental perspective, outdated and dilapidated, or simply not an archetype of residence in demand. We have the opportunity to improve the efficiency of existing stock, ensuring better returns.

These types of properties lend themselves perfectly to conversions, such as a scheme we worked on in Kettering. The existing building housed 11 three-bedroom flats that had no significant upgrade since being built in the 1920s, leaving them undesirable, difficult to let and making them a hub for anti-social behaviour.

A full, collaborative refurbishment project created 18 one- and two-bedroom flats suitable for modern-day standards, which are much better suited to the needs of the local housing market. With ground-floor flats being fully accessible for wheelchair users, with ramped access, disabled parking and scooter storage, this also increased the availability of high-quality homes within the area for those with accessibility requirements.

The opportunities ahead We must also consider the impact of the pandemic too. It is widely expected that businesses will cut down on their corporate stock in the coming years as they move to more flexible – or even fully remote – ways of working.

Many blue light organisations are also looking to rationalise their stock to create central hubs. This will leave some unique properties vacant for a new lease of life – and the potential to use what we have to add to local housing provision quickly and creatively, without the need for long land acquisition or planning processes.

We have recently completed – and fully sold – a conversion scheme to revitalise Stourbridge’s former police station, which saw the transformation of the existing building into 31 one- and two-bedroom apartments, including unique mezzanine and penthouse apartments.

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This landmark scheme is a prime example of the creative and bespoke approach that refurbishment and conversion schemes provide for new home design. The elegant homes all make use of the original police station features from the 1900s, including striking blue external doors, the fullheight ceiling of the old courtroom, and even the former cells, to create one-of-a-kind properties that offer the best in modern living.

Ultimately, councils need to work out what to do with some of their existing stock to help meet the ever-increasing need for housing provision – and including refurbishments and rooftop developments to build hidden homes as part of their plans for housing development is a no-brainer.

www.lovell.co.uk FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

LEGAL & BUSINESS

THE BEST WAY TO RESOLVE CONSTRUCTION CLAIMS AND DISPUTES ARISING FROM COVID-19?

Construction is a litigious industry – with complex operations, multiple moving parts and high project values yet relatively-low profit margins. The fallout from the pandemic also means that some current and future projects will not be delivered on time or on budget. The industry is, therefore, bracing itself for an elevated number of disputes. The question is: how best to resolve them? Sam O’Callaghan, a Lawyer in Capital Law’s Construction, Energy & Projects team, investigates.

CAPITAL LAW

SAM O’CALLAGHAN IS A LAWYER IN CAPITAL LAW’S CONSTRUCTION, ENERGY & PROJECTS TEAM, WITH EXPERTISE IN COMPLEX, CONTENTIOUS CONSTRUCTION MATTERS

Negotiation

Mediation is also relatively cheap, quick and potentially protects the commercial relationship between the parties. With the fallout from COVID-19, it’s likely that more parties will turn to mediation for a quicker resolution to assist with cash flow.

By far the best way to avoid and resolve disputes, negotiation can be swift and has minimal expense compared to formal processes. It also can allow both parties to understand each other’s positions and reach a common ground. If the escalating costs from COVID-19 are a concern, and there are programme delays, a resolution may involve extending the programme with a cost-neutral approach to delay, or risk share on any additional costs.

Adjudication Adjudication is a rough and ready form of dispute resolution that is implied into all qualifying construction contracts. It’s a swift process, with only 28 days from a dispute being referred to adjudication before a decision is made (subject to exemptions).

Although the adjudication process is technical, its best quality is perhaps that once a dispute has crystallised, a party may refer that dispute to adjudication at any time.

This means that the timing for commencing adjudication can often be used tactically.

Unlike negotiation and mediation, with adjudication, the parties will receive a decision from the adjudicator. That decision is temporarily binding – which means they should

Mediation Mediation allows the parties to have confidential communications and settlement discussions with an independent third-party facilitator. It means the parties can settle disputes however they choose, rather than being confined to the decisions made by adjudicators, arbitrators, or the courts, so creative solutions can be used to unlock a settlement.

FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

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comply with the decision until final resolution of the dispute is reached (if at all), in the form of an arbitration or litigation.

Arbitration/litigation Arbitration and litigation are the heavyweights of dispute resolution. Both processes are similar in that they are lengthy, expensive, process heavy and a final determination of the dispute will be awarded or handed down as a judgment. The ‘winner’ of the claim will often be awarded their costs in the action. Given the time and expense involved in both processes, they are best suited to more complex, highervalue disputes.

So, what is best?

Avoiding and resolving disputes requires a multi-faceted approach. There will never be a one-size-fits-all response.

The only constant across all disputes is that negotiation should form a core part of the strategy – and all options should be continually reviewed at all stages of the dispute.

www.capital-law.co.uk

The new Ultimate 2

In hindsight we wouldn’t have called it the Ultimate.

Because we just made it better.

High Heat Output ‘Screed heat diffuser’ improves contact with the pipe, which has a higher heat output and faster warm up than typical low build-up castellated screed systems, as well as minimising thermal striping.

Ultimate 2 High Performance Panel

Impressively thin 18mm highcompressive strength insulation provides an excellent substrate for the 9mm thin levelling screed, giving an overall system height of just 27mm – including insulation.

One panel Unique pattern minimises hand-routing and eliminates the need for separate ‘straight’ and ‘loop’ panels.

Generic Low Build Up Screeded Panel

Peel & Stick 50% faster to install with our self adhesive panel. Simply peel and stick to the subfloor and pour the levelling screed over.

Pre-Primed Pre-primed at the factory to save you time and cost.

Got a project in mind?

Call 01392 36 36 05 or visit omnie.co.uk

MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN

© OMNIE Limited 2021. All information correct at time of publication. Product information and performance characteristics are subject to change without notice. Please see omnie.co.uk for the latest information or contact your local representative.

OMNIE Limited, Unit 18, Apple Lane, Exeter, EX2 5GL 01392 36 36 05 customer.service@omnie.co.uk www.omnie.co.uk 21 and OMNIE® and the OMNIE logo are registered trademarks.

FC&A – AUGUST – 2021 LowBoard®, TorFloor®

KBB

EFFICIENT YET EFFECTIVE BATHROOM DESIGN Throughout the UK, showers account for the largest use of water within domestic properties, totalling over 840 billion litres per year*. As the nation’s water supply continues to face significant stress, Martin Walker, CEO of Methven, explores the opportunity architects, specifiers and designers have to help protect the UK’s diminishing water supply by improving the water and energy efficiency of upcoming residential and commercial developments.

METHVEN

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n 1960, each person used around 85 litres of water per day.

Fast forward to the present day, and on average, 150 litres are being consumed per person, per day, with this figure continuing to rise. This increasing consumption is placing significant pressure on the UK’s outdated water infrastructure, with the latest predictions estimating that between 2025 and 2050, the UK will need more than 3.4 billion additional litres of water per day to meet future demand for public water supply.

As showers use the greatest proportion of water throughout a residential development, architects and specifiers should use the bathroom and en-suite as the starting point when looking to minimise the overall water usage of a property. By achieving this, professionals can also subsequently reduce the amount of energy used, as the Energy Saving Trust estimates a staggering £2.3bn is spent each year heating water for showers.

A radical approach to residential Currently, residential properties must adhere to Part G requirements, which stipulate the maximum water usage of a property must be no more than 125 litres per person, per day. The regulations also outline an optional requirement of 110 litres per person, per day, which architects and specifiers should look to consistently achieve to ensure the property is as water efficient as possible. However, this shouldn’t have to be achieved by compromising on the quality of performance or aesthetics.

When the first water-efficient showerheads entered the market over a decade ago, they set the precedence that sustainable showering practices could only be attained by radically impacting the overall showering experience. Typically housed within a cheap white plastic construction, the point of delivery for the reduced water usage was so poor that many individuals reverted to their usual showerheads.

FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

This combined experience set a bad reputation for water-efficient showers, with many turning to the overhead drencher showers to deliver an immersive, full-body shower that they could enjoy, every single time. However, whilst the overall showering experience was increased, so too was the water consumption, as these types of showers often use at least 15 litres of water per minute.

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To overcome this, the latest technological advancements have analysed the point of delivery to identify how the showerhead can achieve varying spray patterns to deliver full-body skin contact whilst simultaneously using a reduced frequency of water.

For example, twin-jet technology delivers over 300,000 droplets per second, generating optimum water droplet size and pressure

KBB

as this, architects and designers can achieve the very highest standards in efficiency, without negatively impacting the overall showering experience. By also specifying tapware that features flow regulators, professionals can effectively reduce the level of water used, down to just four litres per minute.

Key learnings for commercial

to rival the experience of a power shower. The difference is that this technology can operate at just 5.7 litres of water per minute, a fraction of the 15 litres typically used.

Other technologies, including Aurajet, produce 20% more spray force when compared to a conventional shower and twice the amount of skin contact whilst using as little as five litres of water per minute. This is due to invisible

It’s important that these approaches to sustainable bathroom practices are also applied to commercial and hospitality projects, as the UK’s hotel industry and wider tourism sector have a significant impact on water and energy usage.

According to the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, water accounts for 10% of utility bills for the average hotel. However, they believe it is possible to reduce the amount of water consumed per guest, per night, by up to 50%, by choosing sustainable technologies, such as showers, that use less than 10 litres per minute and tapware that operates at under six litres per minute.

By specifying these types of technologies for all types of residential and commercial developments, architects and specifiers can proactively set the standard for a new generation of bathrooms, en-suites and cloakrooms that have been designed upon the principles of functionality without compromising on form or finish.

This can be achieved by choosing technologies that are combined with on-trend finishes, such as matte black or brushed brass, and are supported by a complementary range of additional products and accessories to create a cohesive and effective visual appeal.

nozzles generating individual jets of water colliding against precisely angled surfaces hidden within the contours of the showerhead to create a dense fan of droplets.

As the level of water is substantially reduced, so too is the energy required, supporting potential occupiers in effectively reducing their long-term water and energy bills. By specifying the latest showering technologies such

*https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/reports/ AtHomewithWater%287%29.pdf

www.methven.com/uk/specifiers 23

FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

BUILD FOCUS: LEISURE

BUILD FOCUS:

LEISURE

How can we continue to deliver a safe leisure experience that’s also welcoming? Paragon Carpet Tiles looks at how flooring can help with 2m social distancing, acoustics and zoning in a post-pandemic leisure sector.

HOW LEISURE INTERIORS WILL CHANGE IN A POST-COVID WORLD As the world ‘opens up’ again and we return to work, be that in an office or leisure space, we all have different priorities.

While many will align with Government guidelines and legal compliance, they all fit under the broader umbrella of health – physical and mental.

PARAGON CARPET TILES

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rom social distancing to wellness, leisure interiors are undergoing a period of seismic change. If you’re in the midst of a remodel or planning to change your leisure space, bear these considerations in mind. It is said that coronavirus will always be around, so spaces must adapt accordingly.

In this article, David Rhodes, Managing Director at Paragon Carpet Tiles, shares his predictions of how leisure interiors will change after the pandemic.

Flexibility comes first With Government guidelines turning on a dime almost daily, the leisure sector has learnt the hard way to be adaptable. Some businesses maintained the no-nonsense approach, cordoning off areas ‘out of bounds’ with hazard tape and no entry signs, such as intimate reading spaces in libraries.

FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

Others adapted to cater for different needs and group sizes, a trend which will continue in a postCOVID world. For example, sales of ‘flexible furniture’ have shot up throughout the pandemic, giving businesses, such as restaurants, the freedom to move in and outdoors, or scale up and downsize as needed.

Likewise, furniture is not the only thing that’s flexible. Many public buildings, such as community centres, will continue to make use of movable flooring tiles. These can be easily installed and removed without expensive labour costs. While this provides a simple visual for segmenting spaces, it also benefits from a hygiene perspective.

Porous surfaces, such as carpet tiles, are far less likely to provide habitable conditions for airborne viruses. Plastic and vinyl, meanwhile, can support the coronavirus for up to 72 hours.

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Changing direction Almost all retail spaces have recently seen the introduction of one-way systems. These are now common in shopping centres, sports stadia and community buildings. This comes with support from the Health and Safety Executive, helping to reduce crowding and stop the spread.

This has been instrumental in keeping visitor numbers as high as possible, ensuring more people adhere to the 2m social distancing rule. Community centres in Wales have noted that one-way systems have helped them to follow the Government’s maximum-of-30 regulations.

Due to the success of these systems during the pandemic, they will be used in years to come to monitor traffic in retail spaces. In the long term, we can facilitate this with appropriate colour schemes.

For example, mix and matching neutral-shaded carpet tiles with brightly-coloured tiles, such as those in our Workspace Loop range, can help to segment areas for distinct walkways.

Putting functionality first But while aesthetic values are always nice to have, the long-term view of leisure interiors also needs to consider function. Research shows that UK leisure facilities lost £90m a week at the turn of 2021 due to winter COVID restrictions.

Procurement and financial teams need to consider the long-term value of their flooring options, including: Hygiene Acoustics Durability.

For example, a hard-wearing nylon carpet tile will provide years of protection with low maintenance costs. Those in our Vapour range provide all of the above values and more, with the added bonus of a striking crushed velvet appearance.

BUILD FOCUS: LEISURE

Carpet tiles may also help staff transitioning back into the office after several months on furlough. The soft finish of carpet tiles provides better acoustic absorption, helping workers to avoid extraneous noise. This is particularly important in the leisure sector, which is likely to have distractions from loud music to groups of children.

Likewise, these sectors are riskier to operate due to their clientele.

Children may pose the risk of unknowingly spreading the virus through contact with non-porous surfaces. A functional, porous carpet tile helps to maintain a safe environment while looking the part.

Welcome back Since 30th May 2021, the number of searches for ‘reopening anxiety’ has skyrocketed in search engines, peaking at 100% in Google’s Trends index. This is a very real concern that the leisure sector needs to address – continuing to welcome people back safely.

So, how can we continue to deliver a safe leisure experience that’s also welcoming? In response to the pandemic, the leisure sector is now embracing a ‘biophilic’ style that brings the outdoors inside. This helps visitors feel more at one with nature, and ready to reintegrate once again.

Of course, not everybody can make the switch to offering their services outside, but many leisure businesses are experimenting with this new, natural style. The latest innovations, such as the flora- and fauna-themed carpet tiles in our Inspiration Collection, help to create a welcoming and relaxing space. With the added assurance of following Government guidance, the future of the retail sector will continue to put the safety of staff and visitors first.

A change for the better?

While the world collectively looks forward to ‘opening up’ again, some of these changes have been a force for good. We’re now living in a world that prioritises mental health, in tandem with the hygiene considerations of COVID-19.

Thankfully, the flooring and furniture spaces have responded.

With more colourful, functional and comfortable designs than ever before, these industries are helping the leisure sector bounce back.

www.paragon-carpets.co.uk 25

FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

MODERN METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION

THE VERSATILITY OF TIMBER FRAME Rebekah Bishop, Marketing Manager for Taylor Lane Timber Frame, explores the versatility of timber frame and explains how it enabled Acorn Property Group to realise a striking and complex design and meet stringent environmental demands on its Cubis Bruton development.

TAYLOR LANE TIMBER FRAME

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imber frame construction provides a host of benefits for the supply chain. The modern construction method enables architects and designers to realise the full potential of their creativity; builders, contractors and developers benefit from the speed, ease and accuracy of the factorymanufactured kits while homeowners and residents enjoy the financial and wellbeing rewards of living in an energy-efficient, comfortable home.

The joy of timber frame is that these benefits can be realised regardless of the building design. From standardised housing on large developments to design-led properties in exclusive communities and unique, individual homes; timber frame provides the scope, scale and capability to build them all.

Standard homes When designing and building with timber frame construction, setting standard room sizes on similar-sized plots is an easy win. Standardisation generates speed throughout the process, from estimation to design; manufacture to delivery; erection right through to fit-out. This is particularly popular on highvolume housing developments.

And don’t think that standardisation means losing individuality; when it comes to the exterior, variation is infinitely possible. The timber frame structure can be ‘wrapped’ in any number of external finishes, including traditional brickwork, cladding and render.

On housing developments where millimetres matter, it’s timber’s naturally-insulating properties that provide valuable space on restricted plots. It is far simpler to achieve a low U-value with timber frame than traditional build methods. To achieve a U-value of 0.19W/m 2K, a traditional build would FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

usually need a wider wall construction than that of a factorymanufactured timber wall panel. It would require a bigger cavity with more insulation and would have a negative impact on room size. With timber frame, the savings soon add up.

Exclusive homes Where creativity and innovation take precedence, it is worthwhile engaging with the timber frame supplier early in the design process. This can help save time and money later. Most timber frame suppliers will work with the architect to realise their design and ensure that the timber frame solution is practical, economical and structurally sound, seeking advice from structural engineers when required.

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MODERN METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION

While 80% of the properties featured flat roofs, several had sedum roofs. The weight of these affected the centre and size of the joists required. Taylor Lane utilised Posi-Joists as the engineered metal web joists can span further and bear additional load over standard timber joists whilst accommodating services.

The contract also included a penalty clause if a room size was reduced. When a steel post encroached into the room on one unit where the first floor stepped back, Taylor Lane designed the steel post to be more square so it would retreat into the wall structure. Additional strength was then designed elsewhere in the building, e.g. sheathing walls etc.

Thermo-efficient homes Early engagement is particularly important when drawings incorporate big rooms with large spans. These larger spans require a bigger structure, often with steel supports and more complex roof structures.

With building height set by planning, bear in mind that increased structural support, e.g. steel, may impact ceiling height.

This was one crucial consideration on Acorn Property Group’s landmark development, Cubis Bruton, in Somerset.

Landmark development Comprising three- and four-bedroom houses and two-storey apartment blocks, Cubis Bruton is both striking and architecturally innovative. Combining sustainability and environmentally-aware technology with compelling design, the properties offer flexible, future-proof living.

Timber frame was specified because of its ability to achieve the complex design, meet the stringent thermo-performance criteria and speed of construction.

Due to the demands and design complexity of Cubis Bruton, it is highly unlikely that this scheme could be achieved using traditional masonry construction.

Timber frame design challenges Cubis Bruton is unique, requiring complex design and product engineering. Large, open-plan internal spaces with modern lines combine with a distinctive roofscape of geometric shapes, cantilevers and green roofs. The number of variations (up to three) per house type (x 11) added to the timber frame design challenge.

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“Green features are employed throughout the development to ensure high-performing thermoefficient new housing within a setting where enhanced biodiversity has been encouraged,” said Robin Squire, Regional Managing Director of Acorn’s Bristol region. “Timber frame construction has contributed to the environmentallysensitive nature of the scheme.”

The Taylor Lane 140mm pre-insulated timber frame, plus a continuous layer of 50mm insulation on the inside face, achieves an exceptional U-value of 0.15W/m 2K. The added continuous layer prevents cold bridging and improves the U-value enormously. This level of thermal performance could not be achieved with masonry construction without a negative impact on room size and build costs.

www.taylor-lane.co.uk FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

TECHNICAL FOCUS

Surface-based SuDS components manage water within an area by adding to green and blue infrastructure in the surrounding environment. They could come in the form of retention ponds, swales and soakaways. They are known for being relatively simple-to-maintain systems that operate on the surface and can blend into surroundings. However, they do require space to be effective, meaning that they aren’t always easily integrated into development plans.

These surface components are often supported with other engineered elements, including systems like geocellular attenuation tanks and permeable paving solutions. These are a highly effective way to manage cases of extreme rainfall, as they hold back large amounts of water before releasing it at a more controlled and sustainable rate than more traditional drainage.

To achieve a truly effective system, it’s recommended that you use a holistic design on projects, combining natural filtration systems with large underground attenuation tanks, which help to release the surface water back into the ground at a steady rate. With both the purpose-built green infrastructure of soft SuDS and the large capacity of hard SuDS, there is plenty of space to store excess rainfall.

SUDS: A SMARTER, MORE SUSTAINABLE WAY TO MANAGE STORMWATER When we look at how frequently extreme weather events are recurring, it’s clear that climate change is having a significant impact on the country. In recent years, there has been a drastic increase in heavy flooding across the UK. Data suggests that northern England and southern Scotland are set to suffer an 11% increase in flood levels per decade. So, how can we make sure our infrastructure is prepared to cope with more rain and stormwater? Here, Martin Lambley, Stormwater Management Product Manager, North West Europe, UK and Ireland at Wavin, discusses the benefits of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and how they can help protect against urban flooding.

WAVIN

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Added benefits

n urban areas where rainfall is steadily increasing, traditional stormwater drainage isn’t always the best solution. To prevent large volumes of surface water from being transferred into surrounding rivers and waterways too quickly, potentially overwhelming them, SuDS are a fantastic, sustainable alternative for urban planners to turn to, and can help future-proof projects.

So, how do they work? Rather than relying on traditional pipebased drainage, SuDS aim to mimic the natural water cycle, supporting soil percolation and bio-filtration. There are two distinct elements of these specialist drainage systems working together as one system.

FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

SuDS not only mitigate the impact of flooding, but also positively contribute to biodiversity and deliver amenity to the community. A good SuDS design delivers purpose-built green landscape that creates flood-free habitats where flora and fauna can thrive.

These habitats are an increasingly crucial addition as the Government is seeking to impose a biodiversity net gain requirement for all new developments. This means that they must have an overall positive impact on an area’s biodiversity.

SuDS are a great way to help meet any upcoming requirements.

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TECHNICAL FOCUS

These systems also have a positive impact when it comes to water quality. In traditional drainage systems, pollutants and contaminants, such as animal waste, litter and fertilisers, can rapidly end up in quick-moving and uncontrolled surface water runoff.

A robust SuDS solution is able to lower flow rates and increase natural filtration, which controls and separates surface water runoff and sewage.

By separating rainwater at this stage, it maximises efficiency in the water treatment process. This, in turn, helps lower costs for local authorities, as excess water isn’t piped directly into the existing sewage network and processed unnecessarily. Using a SuDS solution also helps to reduce the transportation of pollution to the local water environment, helping to improve natural water bodies such as lakes, rivers and streams.

The future of stormwater management Installing smarter, more effective and sustainable drainage systems like SuDS will prove crucial in our efforts to make our built environment more resilient to extreme weather events. With additional benefits that promote healthy and sustainable environments, these solutions are set to be the future of effective stormwater management, and we’re already seeing a large increase in interest from those responsible for designing urban areas. If you’d like to find out more about SuDS and how they could work in your next project, get in touch with the Wavin team for more information and guidance.

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FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

GLASS & GLAZING

GLASS BALUSTRADES – WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BEAR IN MIND? Since the turn of the millennium, interest in glass balustrade systems has boomed. But architects need to be aware of the regulations that govern their use. Paul Smith, Marketing Manager at F.H. Brundle, explains more.

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t’s hard to think of anything that epitomises the sleek, minimalistic aesthetic that characterises much of modern design more than the glass balustrade. They’re an elegant, visually-pleasing solution to an age-old problem – providing safety at height. No more need for ugly, oppressive barriers that block out natural light and spoil scenic views – now there’s a much more seamless alternative. But balustrades – not glass types, but ones made of wood, stone, marble and so on – are anything but modern. In fact, they’re one of the oldest architectural elements there is. There are murals from the ancient kingdom of Assyria – encompassing parts of Iraq, Turkey and Syria, as we know them today – that depict buildings with balustrades from over 3000 years ago. There’s also evidence of their use in India and China in ancient times – although interestingly, none whatsoever that they were ever used in Greece and Rome, despite their reputation for impressive architecture. However, they didn’t come into their own until over 2000 years later in Renaissance Italy, where their use became widespread. In the 1500s, they featured on landmark buildings like the Villa Medici and in designs

by Michaelangelo – and it was also in Italy that they first got their name.

FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

As everyone reading this will know, a balustrade essentially consists of a horizontal ‘rail’ section, held up by many vertical balusters. In the architecture of the day, these balusters were often a bulb-like shape, which locals thought looked like pomegranate flowers – balaustra, in Italian.

Unsurprisingly, it’s from here that the name ‘balustrade’ was derived.

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Adhering to Building Regulations Today’s sleek and stylish glass balustrades might not look all that much like something you’d find on the Villa Medici, but they serve fundamentally the same two key purposes. They exist to keep people safe – allowing them to admire the view in high-up places and prevent accidents. And they exist to look good.

GLASS & GLAZING

However, one thing Michaelangelo – and the architects of ancient Assyria – didn’t have to contend with is the large and often complex amount of regulation governing balustrade use that we do in 2021. In residential settings in the UK, Building Regulations require that balustrades, or similar barriers, be used in spaces with a height difference of more than 600mm. In nonresidential applications, they

have to be used on staircases with more than two risers, and spaces where the height difference is over 380mm.

There are also strict regulations governing the height of glass used, which varies depending on the setting. According to Approved Document K in the Building Regulations, when used in conjunction with stairs, landings, ramps and edges of internal floors, the balustrade must be 900mm in height. For

external balconies and the edges of roofs, they have to be 1100mm. In public sector buildings, offices and retail settings, similar rules apply – balustrades must be 900mm for flights of stairs, 1100mm for all other settings.

Safety performance In addition, there are several key performance markers balustrade products have to meet to ensure they’re offering 31

optimum safety performance.

The first concerns ‘line load’ – the amount of horizontal force a balustrade can withstand on the top, as if someone was leaning against it. Another is ‘uniformly distributed load’, or the amount of force a product can withstand being applied to its midsection – while a third concerns ‘concentrated load’, or the sort of sudden impact that occurs if someone falls against a product, or some other accident occurs. In all three cases, products have to demonstrate a certain level of performance, laid out in Part B of Building Regulations and BS EN 1991-1.

Particular attention has to be paid to the type of building, as different structures with different uses and occupancy levels have different requirements.

Speak to F.H. Brundle At F.H. Brundle, we stock a range of exceptional glass balustrade products. If you’d like to find out more, please visit the website below.

www.fhbrundle.co.uk FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

SURFACING

Versital

THE FUTURE OF SURFACING MATERIALS: CONSIDERATIONS FOR ARCHITECTS AND SPECIFIERS Antimicrobial surfaces have been available for decades, but their large-scale use has mostly been limited to mitigating the unsightly effects of mould or bacteria, rather than combatting illness-causing pathogens. While the technology has been adopted to good effect in the healthcare and food processing sectors, in consumer products it has often been utilised as a marketing tool, rather than to provide a tangible benefit. COVID-19 has challenged that approach and resulted in a demand for effective, robustly-tested products that are capable of delivering a genuinely meaningful level of efficacy against harmful microorganisms, including viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, writes Radical Materials Director, Nick Corlett.

RADICAL MATERIALS

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FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

hen selecting antimicrobial materials, one of the most important considerations, other than performance, is regulatory compliance. The number of active substances which can legitimately be used in the UK or Europe is strictly limited to those with UK and EU BPR (Biocidal Product Regulation) support. Any active substance must be sourced, directly 32

or indirectly, from an Article 95 supplier. Unfortunately, the soaring demand for antimicrobial materials over the past 18 months has seen a significant number of non-compliant products enter the market utilising unsupported active substances, such as nano-scale copper. If the active substance is not listed in Article 95, the product should not be used.

SURFACING

©We Are Covert

The restrictions imposed by UK and EU BPR can be frustrating, particularly since the pool from which actives can be selected is so limited. Until last year, the focus for most antimicrobial products was efficacy against bacteria, such as MRSA, VRE, E. coli, Pseudomonas, Listeria Salmonella and Legionella. With COVID, came the demand for antiviral performance, which – for many companies – was new territory. As testing was conducted, mostly using SARS-CoV-2 surrogates, and data published, it became evident that some of the commonly-used active substances, which performed very well against bacteria, were of limited use against viruses. Since then, extensive research has led to interesting discoveries, particularly as to how the properties of the surface itself will influence the efficacy of the active it contains, and it is now feasible to produce surfaces, or surface treatments, with worthwhile levels of antiviral performance.

So, genuinely antiviral surfaces are possible, but should they be used? There is evidence that surfaces are not a key vector for viral transmission, but this does not necessarily mean antiviral materials should be discounted.

There are a number of considerations to bear in mind, such as: what is the nature of the product being treated? If it is regularly touched by multiple people, like door handles, handrails and lift buttons, then what reason would there be not to employ an antiviral option? Provided the material is safe and effective, is there a downside?

Probably not. Where is the product being deployed? In a busy office building, hightouch areas are an obvious choice for

antiviral treatment, but they can deliver more than just a potential reduction in transmission. Employees have become used to working from home, and for many, there is a natural reluctance to return to a typical office environment. Measures must be put in place to ensure their ongoing safety, and the importance of the visibility of these measures should not be underestimated. If staff are unaware of the steps being taken by their employer, then a notable part of the benefit is lost.

The same is true for businesses catering to the general public: shops, restaurants, bars and pubs, railway stations, airports and hotels are all ideal candidates for antiviral surfaces where, realistically, the primary reason for deployment is to improve customer confidence.

Finally, a frequently overlooked aspect of antimicrobial active substances is the effect on the material into which they are incorporated. Whether it is a decorative paint, a moulded or extruded plastic or a cast resin, it is essential to consider any critical properties of the material and ensure they are re-tested after the introduction of the antimicrobial active.

Some actives cause discolouration. This can manifest quickly but may take weeks or months. Others will affect physical properties, leading to embrittlement or loss of tensile strength. Most concerning, not least because it is so poorly understood by many antimicrobial suppliers, is the reaction between certain active substances and flame retardants, leading to the potentially catastrophic scenario of a material carrying a UL yellow card, that is neither antimicrobial nor flame retardant.

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SteriTouch film on handrail ©We Are Covert

At the time of writing, the COVID-19 situation in the UK has improved. The vaccine roll-out has been impressive, and as a country, we appear to be suffering less than many others. However, it is here to stay, the Delta variant is concerning, and we are only a small step away from further lockdowns. Antiviral surfaces are available and, if chosen carefully, can be effective, so why not use them?

www.radicalmaterials.com FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

BUILDING ELEMENTS

DR. SCHUTZ PU SEALER – MAKING LONGER-LASTING FLOORING Dr. Schutz, the German floor care company, offers PU Sealer, an innovative solution that quickly and easily transforms tired, damaged or old floors, at a fraction of the time and cost of an entire floor replacement.

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s well as renovating any floor with a fresh and lasting finish, PU Sealer offers added protection for flooring areas prone to heavy traffic.

Such areas with a high foot volume tend to wear very quickly when they don’t have a hard-wearing product applied. Not only can this cost money, but it can be a time-

www.drschutz.co.uk FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

consuming issue to fix. By applying the PU Sealer, flooring can be kept in a great condition for many years.

The water-based, eco-friendly PU Sealer can be applied to most types of flooring, including vinyl, tiled and epoxy resin.

Adding 40 microns of protective thickness to floors, PU Sealer extends the lifespan

by up to six times and provides a lasting, clear matt finish. Thanks to the permanent sealing, it protects against friction and discolouration from chemical spillages.

Due to the product’s special waterbased substance, the PU Sealer also reduces dirt adhesion and the time needed for day-to-day maintenance.

01296 437827 34

BUILDING ELEMENTS

ISO-CHEMIE WINS INTERNATIONAL INNOVATION AWARD ISO-CHEMIE

ISO-Chemie has won an international innovation award. The company, which manufactures the ISO-TOP WINFRAMER thermal insulating and load-bearing bracket systems and ISO BLOCO multi-purpose joint sealing tapes among other sectorleading products, has won the ‘SME Innovation Award 2021/2022’, presented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Verbraucherstudien mbH market research institute.

The organisation is based in Berlin, Germany, and provides technical product advice and analysis to international consumers and businesses. The many innovative developments and applications of ISO-Chemie’s products are recognised by the award, which sees the company rank in the top 10% of small and medium-sized construction and transport enterprises across the country. Andy Swift, ISOChemie’s Sales and Operations Manager – UK & ROI, said success reinforced the products’ wide variety of applications and energy-efficiency benefits, ensuring they are suitable for a host of energy-efficiency installations. He added: “We have a strong commitment to providing customers with high-quality, innovative product solutions, so this international award is another significant achievement for us. We’re now an awardwinning company to match our award-winning products.”

07837 337220

NEW ROCKWOOL SOLUTION SIMPLIFIES RAINSCREEN FIRE-STOPPING ROCKWOOL

Responding to the market’s need for simplified specification of fire-stopping solutions in rainscreen systems, ROCKWOOL has streamlined its range of open-state cavity barriers (SP Firestop OSCB) to provide a two-hour performance rating for both 25 and 44mm open cavities. Designed for use in conjunction with ROCKWOOL RAINSCREEN DUO SLAB*, SP Firestop OSCB is fully tested to ASFP TGD-19 and is proven to provide up to 120 minutes fire integrity and insulation. ROCKWOOL SP Firestop OSCB is now available for cavity widths up to 600mm, inclusive of a 25mm open air space (OSCB 25), or cavities up to 425mm with a 44mm air space (OSCB 44). To learn more about SP Firestop OSCB, visit the website below. *

SP Firestop OSCB is only compatible for use

in conjunction with ROCKWOOL RAINSCREEN DUO SLAB

www.iso-chemie.eu/en-gb/home a.swift@iso-chemie.co.uk

01656 868400

www.rockwool.com/uk/pfp-cpd customersupportcentre@rockwool.co.uk

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For more details, call our specialised team to discuss your particular project on:

01252 645534

sales@sunraytimberdoordivision.co.uk www.sunraytimberdoors.co.uk

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BUILDING ELEMENTS

SALTO XS4 ONE ELECTRONIC LOCK NOW AVAILABLE IN DARK BRONZE FINISH With a large variety of models designed to fit any building’s needs, the XS4 One electronic escutcheon fits virtually any door, including wooden and PVC doors, as well as those with narrow metal frames.

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ntil now, the Dark Bronze finish was only available for the XS4 ANSI models, but this attractive contemporary finish has now been extended to the XS4 One family as well.

The new Dark Bronze option for the XS4 One product range complements today’s design trends and blends perfectly with both white and dark doors, modern style and decoration.

With a large variety of models, XS4 One electronic escutcheons are all totally wire-free and networked through SALTO Virtual Network (SVN) and BLUEnet Wireless network for access control in real-time and compatible with smartphone mobile access.

They are simple and fast to install without having to replace or drill the door. High-security protection is provided via high resistance, hardened anti-drill plates to protect the wiring and reader area. Hardened axes and floating steel balls provide additional protection in the handle area.

www.saltosystems.com

The new Dark Bronze Finish option has also been added to the SALTO MyLock online configuration tool, allowing users to now visualise this stunning finish for the XS4 One, XS4 One DIN and XS4 One Deadlatch (DL) models on any type of door.

01926 811979

info.uk@saltosystems.com

WINDERMERE MUSEUM PRIORITISES ACCESSIBILITY TORMAX

Blending seamlessly with the beautiful lakeside setting, the £20m development Image © that is Windermere www.leejohnmannphotography.com Jetty Museum tells the 200-year story of boating in the region. Enhancing the native aesthetics of the main entrance building, TORMAX was contracted to install a double set of full-height, automatic sliding doors, giving clear access for all visitors. Encouraging unhindered movement of pedestrians throughout the elegant new cafe, TORMAX also installed two, full-glass automatic swing doors. Delivering minimalist automation, the swing doors are invisibly powered by in-house-designed iMotion 1401 operators. Neatly concealed within the floor spacing, the 1401 door drives feature none of the working parts that commonly wear out, ensuring exceptional reliability and a long lifespan.

Architectural glazing and design company UKTOP specified TORMAX to supply the automatic doors throughout the museum. “We are immensely proud to have been involved in this award-winning project,” comments Simon Roberts, MD for TORMAX. “The interior decor of the cafe has an emphasis on clean lines and natural materials, so the use of invisible automation for the swing doors was essential to maintaining architectural integrity.”

01932 238040 FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

ROCKWOOL HARDROCK MULTI-FIX GETS BBA APPROVAL ROCKWOOL

ROCKWOOL HARDROCK Multi-Fix (DD) and Tapered have been certified by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) following rigorous testing of their durability, thermal and fire performance.

The independent accreditation gives specifiers and contractors additional confidence in the flat roof insulation solutions, validating their ability to meet Building Regulation requirements. The BBA certification is the latest in a series of accreditations for HARDROCK Multi-Fix (DD) and Tapered, which were developed to provide thermal, as well as fire and acoustic, protection for flat roofs.

Alongside achieving European Reaction to Fire Classification of A2-s1,d0 non-combustible, HARDROCK Multi-Fix meets the highest LPCB standards: (LPS 1181: Part 1 Ext A). “HARDROCK Multi-Fix is a robust flat roof solution that’s tried and trusted throughout our industry, but this additional independent validation gives specifiers and contractors even greater confidence in selecting the system for their projects,” explains Will Wigfield, Product Manager – Building Envelope, ROCKWOOL UK.

www.tormax.co.uk sales@tormax.co.uk

www.rockwool.com/uk/flat-roof-hub 01656 868400 customersupportcentre@rockwool.co.uk 36

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BUILDING ELEMENTS

EXTERIOR OSMO FINISHES Most homes have wood of some sort in their garden, be it decking, door and window frames, sheds, cladding and fencing. Wood has the ability to shrink, crack, peel and discolour – all things that will leave the surface looking old and tired. External wood requires a finish to provide UV protection in the summer and protection against wind, rain, frost and snow in the winter months.

OSMO

Sun protection for wood Suitable for cladding, summer houses, fences, windows, doors and furniture UV-Protection-Oil Tints is essential for exterior wood as it provides 12 times the UV protection in comparison to untreated wood. Designed to protect, maintain and restore all types of wood from the effects of the environment, it not only protects the wood surface, but also enhances the natural look of the wood and will prevent damage. It is moisture regulating and reduces swelling and shrinking of the wood. This product overcomes the need for a heavy stain or a flaking varnish to keep wood looking natural.

mould, algae and fungal decay, as well ensuring the wood doesn’t crack, flake, peel or blister. Osmo also offers an ‘effect’ range to provide attractive silver/metallic tones. Meeting modern architectural demands, these finishes are designed to give the natural greying effect, added silver metallic pigments.

Pop of colour Suitable for cladding, balconies, windows, fences, pergolas, garden furniture and summer houses Available in 19 shades, Country Colour promises premium durability and a rich colour, hiding the natural colour and grain of the wood yet maintaining the wood’s natural texture. The solution not only rejuvenates the wood but leaves it protected against the unpredictable British weather. It can be applied to a range of wood species, including oily and exotic materials. Requiring only two coats, it can be applied using a roller or brush and has an approximate drying time of eight to 10 hours.

It’s only natural Suitable for cladding, summer houses, fences, doors, windows, carports and decking Natural Oil Woodstain provides a decorative and protective finish for all exterior wood. It offers a high-quality finish that allows the wood to breathe and reduces the risk of swelling and shrinkage.

Acting as a protection against all weather conditions, it prevents

www.osmouk.com FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

01296 481220 38

info@osmouk.com

BUILDING ELEMENTS

GLASS – CLEAR ADVANTAGES Glazing has long been recognised as a highly versatile option for the external envelope of many buildings and, increasingly, for prominent internal features too. Susan Sinden, Commercial Manager of ESG Group, looks at the advantages which laminated glass can bring to the aesthetics and security of a property.

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hen toughened glass was first introduced, it brought a lot of immediate safety advantages. The way in which untreated annealed glass breaks into large, sharp fragments had long been a safety problem. Toughened glass, on the other hand, shatters into small granular fragments, which fall to the ground without causing much harm.

Toughened glass was also an advantage in building design, especially as architects began to favour larger expanses of glass for its aesthetic qualities.

However, it was the introduction of toughened laminated glass that allowed us to push the boundaries of design in the building envelope.

By laminating two layers of toughened glass, safety can be taken a stage further, but so can security. This security aspect can now be enhanced still further, by

www.esg.glass

laminating specially-processed security glass with specialised interlayers which, when used together, form a high-security glass that will withstand multiple blows from heavy objects or weapons. Highsecurity glass either prevents the external envelope from being breached altogether or extends the time that it would take to breach the glass panel sufficiently to deter the wouldbe intruder. Laminated security glass can now pass the standards for EN356 manual attack-resistant glass.

We can use interlayers to introduce some other properties to glass. Depending on the interlayer used, we can add sound attenuation.

This can benefit those outside the building by muffling the noise of a manufacturing process, but it can also help to provide a more tranquil indoor environment for the building’s occupiers, whether in an office or a domestic setting.

Interlayers can also be used to introduce colour. This is a favourite with architects who like to provide a completely white interior, but to introduce a wash of colour as the light shines through the translucent coloured interlayer. This process can be used to incorporate corporate colours in commercial settings, and company logos can also be inserted during the laminating process. Opaque-coloured interlayers can be used, or we can back-paint individual panels, to introduce colour blocking. This is increasingly popular in public buildings such as train stations, libraries and hospitals.

Fire safety is essential in many domestic and public settings, and for this, we can now use laminated fire-resistant glass. Fire resistance is assessed in accordance with the amount of time that it can delay the spread of fire and rating given for glass than can pass the 30-minute or 60-minute tests.

Glass processing technology has advanced by leaps and bounds in the past decade and, thanks to the use of specialised interlayers, it is now possible to provide a tailored solution for almost any application that you can imagine.

Given that glass is also a product with an exceptionally long lifespan, one of the oldest building materials on the planet is also destined to be one of its most sustainable.

01376 520061 39

sales@esg.glass FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

BUILDING ELEMENTS

‘GREEN’ FABRIC FOR SKYFOLD VERTICALRISING PARTITION STYLE PARTITIONS

Imperial Bricks has announced an exclusive partnership with a brick manufacturer in Turkey, providing assurance of quality and year-round capacity for seven of its most popular brick colours and styles. The plant meets all of the internationallyrecognised standards for ethical and quality manufacturing.

The new ‘sole supply’ contract covers bricks made to Imperial’s unique specification, which are designed to match authentic regional brickwork found across the UK. The brick blends include Country Blend, Farmhouse Orange, Imperial Blend, Olde Reclamation Clamp, Reclamation Shire Blend, Urban Weathered and Tudor Multi. These can now be identified as Imperial’s by a ‘stamp’ of its crown logo, found in the frog of the brick. These ranges were first launched in the UK by Imperial and formerly manufactured at another Turkish factory.

The original product development manager has moved to the new plant to work with Imperial.

Style Partitions is offering a new range of recycled fabric finishes thanks to its exclusive UK partnership with Skyfold.

This fullyautomatic, vertical-rising partitioning system is now available with a Marin 1300 or Resolve 1301 fabric finish, both of which use between 90 and 100% post-consumer recycled polyester. The sustainable fabric is available in a wide range of colourways.

This green initiative is yet another huge leap forward in Style’s ability to offer the most sustainable movable wall solutions in the UK. Many years ago, Style was the first supplier to secure a UK Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certification for movable walls. The Resolve fabric selection uses an incomparable, 100% post-consumer recycled polyester fabric, solving the root cause of the problem by helping to keep plastics out of oceans and landfill.

Taking sustainability to the next level, during the yarn-extrusion process, a biocatalyst is added to enable anaerobic digestion of the Resolve fabric should it ever end up in landfill or a wastewater treatment plant in the future.

www.imperialbricks.co.uk

www.style-partitions.co.uk

IMPERIAL BRICKS SIGNS ‘SOLE SUPPLY’ DEAL WITH TURKISH FACTORY IMPERIAL BRICKS

01746 330994 sales@imperialbricks.co.uk

01202 874044 sales@style-partitions.co.uk

Latest Schöck BBA Certification raises the bar.

Thermal break technology you can trust.

No need to compromise on performance, quality or service.

Schöck products meet full compliance with relevant UK building regulations, are approved by the BBA, LABC registered and classified as fire resistance class REI 120.

www.schoeck.com

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19.02.21 08:04

BUILDING ELEMENTS

THE IMPACT OF GOOD ACOUSTICS

Image: ©Felix Gerlach

Light, air, acoustics and spatial organisation are well recognised as essential elements when designers work on medical and healing facilities. This is because they have an impact on the treatment of body and mind. Now a wealth of information is available from Troldtekt, a leading developer and manufacturer of acoustic ceiling and wall solutions.

This is available in an online series of articles that focuses on visions and practices’ opportunities and pitfalls within healing architecture.

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nterestingly, the internationally-acknowledged MIPIM Awards have in recent years started celebrating outstanding healthcare design. The award is an acknowledgement of the role architecture plays in healing and treatment of both physical and mental illnesses. The UK’s recent Mental Health Awareness Week also reinforces the severity of the issues around mental health.

Right design is especially critical for people suffering from mental illness or feeling unwell. According to Swedish architect firm White Arkitekter, a good example is its design for the Ostra Hospital psychiatric facility, where traditional conventions have been replaced by an open and unrestricted environment characterised by tranquillity and light. The area is also not isolated from the rest of the building.

www.troldtekt.co.uk

Another key aspect has been specifying superior acoustics, such as in the psychiatric ward in its design for the Södra Älvsborg Hospital in Borås. Recently shortlisted for the European Healthcare Design 2021 Awards in the Mental Health Design category, the firm’s starting point was that the architecture must cater for people’s need to feel safe and to improve their wellbeing.

“Sound is an environmental factor that we’re very careful to incorporate correctly in psychiatric buildings,” explains White Architect Peter Johnstone. “Creating subdued and comfortable acoustics helps to counteract stress and anxiety that can otherwise be triggered by a noisy environment.”

01978 664255

info@troldtekt.co.uk

F. BALL DELIVERS VOGUE AT THE V&A F. BALL AND CO.

MALMO STICKDOWN LVT ANSWERS MARKET DEMAND WITH 13 NEW DESIGN-LED DECORS MALMO

The Malmo luxury vinyl tile (LVT) collection has undergone a major design update with 13 brand-new additions to its stickdown offering, further enhancing its creative scope and installation flexibility for domestic and commercial interiors. The complete Malmo collection now offers a total of 57 designs; 25 stickdown designs and 32 rigid, including the award-winning Senses range.

Fashionable and functional, the 13 new stickdown decors comprise seven planks, five tiles and a herringbone style and, with their warm colour palette, are on-point for traditional and contemporary interiors.

www.malmoflooring.com 08457 298298 info@malmoflooring.com

Subfloor preparation products and adhesives from F. Ball and Co. have helped to deliver style and performance at the world’s largest museum of design, the V&A, in Kensington, London. Olivers Contracts applied F. Ball’s Stopgap F77 solvent-free, two-part epoxy resin waterproof surface membrane, which isolates residual construction moisture or rising damp where subfloor relative humidity levels are up to 98%, with a single application. The area was then primed using F. Ball’s Stopgap P141 primer. F. Ball’s Stopgap 1200 Pro levelling compound was then applied. Commenting on the project, Steve Lampkin, Director of Olivers Contracts, said: “Everything went according to plan, and there were zero problems or snagging issues. Fasttrack products meant that work could be completed quickly, in stages, allowing access to other trades when required, so the entire project could be completed on time.”

www.f-ball.co.uk

01538 361633

mail@f-ball.co.uk

IG MASONRY SUPPORT ACHIEVES CARBON-NEUTRAL STATUS IG MASONRY SUPPORT

IG Masonry Support is the first masonry support manufacturer to achieve carbon-neutral status and is on its way to becoming a net-zero-energy company; the latest stage in IG Masonry Support’s sustainability journey. A manufacturer of innovative brickwork support systems, IG Masonry Support is leading the way in the Keystone Group, becoming the first company within the group as well as its sector to achieve carbon-neutral status. As a group committed to reducing the environmental impact of all operations, other companies within Keystone are now taking the necessary steps to achieve carbon-neutral status. IG Masonry Support’s achievement feeds into the wider Keystone Group’s commitment to becoming increasingly environmentallyresponsible and sustainable organisations, through the reduction of carbon emissions.

www.igmasonrysupport.com 41

0128 320 0157

support@igmss.co.uk FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

BUILDING ELEMENTS

DOMUS VENTILATION LAUNCHES NON-COMBUSTIBLE SOLIS AIR BRICK DOMUS VENTILATION

FAST VALVE RESPONSE KEEPS FOWEY DRY T-T PUMPS

The South West Water sewer upgrade project at Fowey needed a supplier of specific, unique recoil non-slam check valves. T-T Pumps was the only supplier that could meet its requirements. Gareth Reece from T-T Flow explains: “T-T Pumps were the ideal supplier as these valves are ready to go from stock. The time constraints and circumstances involved – due to low tide, access to the public areas, harbour master accommodating the installation and a trailer full of safety equipment already set up – meant that we had to react quickly and efficiently to hit tight deadlines. Due to our flexible approach and constant customer communication, we were able to arrange dedicated transport to ensure they arrived on time.”

www.ttpumps.com 01630 647200

Domus Ventilation, part of the Polypipe group, has launched the new Solis Air Brick range of low-resistance, non-combustible metal air bricks that are fully compliant with the revised Building Regulations Fire Safety Approved Document B. Changes to the Building Regulations, which came into force in November 2020, requires “ductwork penetrating through the external cavity including termination to be non-combustible” when above 18m in England and 11m in Scotland, although it is expected the more stringent 11m rule will eventually be applied throughout the UK. The new Solis Air Brick is made from 1.5mm galvanised steel (fire class A1) non-combustible material to meet these changes to the regulations and ensure compliance.

www.domusventilation.co.uk 03443 715523 vent.info@domusventilation.co.uk

PREMIER MODULAR AWARDED MULTIMILLION-POUND CONTRACTS FOR HS2 PREMIER MODULAR

Premier Modular has been awarded multi-millionpound contracts to provide project offices and welfare facilities for 15 sites that form part of the first phase of HS2 – the high-speed line which will deliver much-needed rail capacity across the UK. Awarded by Skanska Costain STRABAG Joint Venture (SCS JV), the contracts are for sites along the final 26.4km of HS2 to the southern terminus at London Euston. Premier is delivering more than 15,000m 2 of buildings made up of over 500 modules configured to SCS’ precise requirements and specification. The facilities will accommodate open-plan offices, meeting rooms, breakout spaces, showers, drying room, toilets, first aid room and canteen.

www.premiermodular.co.uk

0800 316 0888

info@premiermodular.co.uk

KALDEWEI FIRST BATHROOM SUPPLIER WITH HIGHEST RATING OF THE MARRIOTT SUSTAINABILITY SEAL KALDEWEI

Kaldewei has been a key partner of Marriott International for many years. Its enamelled steel bathroom solutions are represented in many of the bathrooms of the hotel group; it is the first bathroom supplier to receive the best possible rating in the Leader Level of the Marriott Sustainability Assessment Program (MSAP) from Marriott International Inc. In 2020, Kaldewei was assessed by the MSAP programme with which Marriott International aims to achieve 100% LEED status (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in 650 hotels worldwide by 2025. With the MSAP programme, the hotel group wants to highlight products and processes that meet the sustainability goals in line with the ‘Marriott Serve360’ strategy. In doing so, social and ecological aspects, including the furniture and fittings in hotel rooms, are taken into account throughout the entire lifecycle – from raw materials and manufacture through to distribution to the end of the lifecycle.

The focus is on the use of renewable energies and the reduction of waste, water and carbon consumption.

01480 498053 FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

TN INTERNATIONAL DEBUTS ROOF INSTALLATION VIDEO TN INTERNATIONAL (TNI)

Global waterproofing specialist TN International has launched the first in an expected series of roof installation videos. Entitled ‘Innovations in bituminous roofing – self-adhesive and torch-safe systems’, the new video focuses on TN International’s (TNi’s) engineered roofing systems, manufactured by Börner in Germany, and its correct methods of application to ensure a safe, watertight installation. Featuring key products from TNi’s specification portfolio, which was designed with safety and performance in mind, the video takes architects and contractors through priming the deck substrate and installing DACO KSD-B self-adhesive vapour control layer, to the spraying of insulation adhesive and laying of insulation boards and angle fillets where the horizontal substrate meets vertical upstands.

The installation video is broken down into key chapters to provide an exceptionally user-friendly experience and enable each of the waterproofing system components to be easily found and viewed.

Lasting eight minutes, the full video can be viewed within the video section of TNi’s roofing website below.

www.kaldewei.co.uk linda.skelton@kaldewei.com

01786 451170 42

www.tnroofingsystems.com info@tnroofingsystems.com

BUILDING ELEMENTS

WINVIC AWARDS £1.2M CONTRACT TO OFFSITE SOLUTIONS OFFSITE SOLUTIONS

Offsite Solutions was awarded a £1.2m contract

by Winvic to supply 238 bathroom pods for a new four-star-plus corporate hotel in the centre of Milton Keynes. All the bathroom pods are floorless to minimise floor build-up. Each steel-framed pod has a feature wall tiled from a colour palette of different shades of grey according to the hotel room type. Showers have larger trays with a defined square wet area, a circle overhead rain shower, handheld wand shower and full-height glass shower screen.

Other features of the contemporary shower rooms include a square wall mirror with halo backlighting, and a round vessel-style countertop basin on a floating vanity shelf with an integrated black towel rail underneath.

www.offsitesolutions.com

01278 780807

info@offsitesolutions.com

SETCRETE EXTERIOR CREATES SHOWROOM FINISH FOR GARAGE FLOOR SETCRETE

Setcrete Exterior levelling compound proved to be the perfect choice to smooth and prepare the floor of an industrial building, prior to the application of an epoxy resin finish, during the building’s conversion into a car mechanics’ garage. Designed for smoothing and levelling outside areas that are subject to varying climatic conditions, Setcrete Exterior is also suitable for semi-external spaces, such as garages, that are partially exposed to the elements. Commenting on Setcrete Exterior, Builder Tim Ireland said: “Setcrete Exterior is a fantastic product; it’s easy to work with, flows superbly and delivers a super-smooth surface.”

www.setcrete.co.uk

01538 361633

DEANESTOR COMPLETES FIRST PHASE OF £4M BUILD-TO-RENT SCHEME IN MANCHESTER DEANESTOR

Deanestor has completed the first phase of a £4.3m contract for the manufacture and installation of more than 600 kitchens for one of the biggest build-to-rent schemes in Manchester. Developed by Vita Group and built by John Sisk & Son, 266 luxury apartments have been handed over at Circle Square and construction of the second phase of 417 apartments is well advanced. Deanestor is manufacturing and installing 683 kitchens and around 2000 fitted wardrobes for the high-specification one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments for modern private residential living. The bespoke fitted wardrobes are supplied in four sizes and finished in contemporary cashmere with a sleek metal edge handle.

www.deanestor.co.uk 01623 420041 enquiries@deanestor.com

contact@setcrete.co.uk

FLOORING SYSTEM CHOICES FOR ALL APPLICATIONS FROM WEST FRASER WEST FRASER

KNIGHTSBRIDGE PILES UP LIGHTING IDEAS WITH NEW BRICK LIGHT KNIGHTSBRIDGE

From the purely functional to more creative applications, the new BL5 brick light from Knightsbridge offers a multitude of lighting solutions for outdoor walls. The IP65-rated, surface-mount brick light, which is available in black or grey, offers a choice of warm white or cool white via its energy-efficient LED light source. Made from weatherresistant polycarbonate, it measures a compact 100mm (h) x 235mm (w), with the slimmest of projections: a mere 32mm.

However, should a flush-fitting installation be required, there is an optional kit available for converting the unit to recess mounting, making it the perfect addition to dwarf walls or low brickwork.

www.mlaccessories.co.uk 01582 887760 sales@mlaccessories.co.uk

Choosing the most suitable flooring system for a project makes an enormous difference to the quality of the finished floor; and will cut costs and save problems later.

This is why West Fraser’s versatile CaberFloor system offers an advanced range of flooring products designed to fit all applications, including new build, replacement, domestic and commercial. Leading the field in the popularity stakes, CaberFloor P5 is the UK’s most specified moisture-resistant P5 flooring. The high-strength particleboard is ideal for domestic and most other floors and removes the need for intermediate noggins. The boards are moisture-resistant, stable, durable, easy to lay and, with a tongue and groove or square-edge profile, provide an excellent surface for subsequent floor laying operations.

uk.westfraser.com

01786 812921

VORTICE HELPS IMPROVE AIR QUALITY AT CLEVELAND ROAD SITE IN WOLVERHAMPTON VORTICE

74 apartments and 18 houses in Wolverhampton, fitted-out by GA Nicholas, will benefit from excellent indoor air quality thanks to ventilation manufacturer VORTICE. Situated opposite the iconic Royal Hospital building on the former bus depot in Cleveland Road, the site is part funded by Homes England and will benefit from a range of continuous mechanical extract and heat recovery units. The units create a constant air path by continuously extracting at a trickle rate from the wetrooms and boosting when needed. The range of heat recovery units go a stage further and not only extract, but temper the warmth from the air back into the living rooms and bedrooms.

www.vortice.ltd.uk 43

01283 492949

sales@vortice.ltd.uk FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

No More SLips!

IDEAL FOR PET OWNERS! The kit contains everything you will need to treat your floors with an anti-slip treatment. Ideal for pet oweners who have animals prone to slips.

www.drschutz.co.uk FC&A – AUGUST – 2021

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