FC&A February

FUTURE CONSTRUCTOR & ARCHITECT

ISSUE 132

FEBRUARY 2021

EDITOR’S NOTE Cross Platform Media LTD

W E L C O M E

T O

Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 5BZ Tel: 01622 232725

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

FEBRUARY 2021

This time last year, I spoke of the ubiquity of construction activity across the nation.

One whole year, a pandemic and a last-minute Brexit deal later, and here we are – a European Union divorcee with three lockdowns and a quartet of tiers under our belt.

Suffice to say, it’s been tough, and together, we’ve been through a lot and witnessed substantial change. The construction sector; however, does remain active and has been a more resilient industry throughout this period of anxiety and uncertainty.

As creatives, the architectural and construction sectors have a habit of responding to worldwide crises and impending challenges with quick thinking and first-class innovation. Take, for example, the housing crisis. Collaboration within the industry has seen professionals create original, affordable housing concepts and design housing schemes from the most unlikely materials. Two prime examples are shipping containers being used for large-scale housing developments or self-build projects, and point-based systems where residents trade services for the monetary value of rent (an award-winning idea, which was explained by Perkins&Will London’s Hala ElKhorazaty in the November 2020 issue of FC&A).

The coronavirus pandemic is certainly not exempt from this reflex of creativity. Architects, designers, builders and engineers have responded to the challenges that have arisen from the pandemic with the more creative ideas. This month, our regular columnist and RIBA Architect, Christopher Sykes adds a positive spin to COVID-19 and looks at how it’s sparked inspiration within the industry. Turn to pages 22-23 to read his full article.

Meanwhile, on pages 06-07, we caught up with Hala ElKhorazaty from Perkins&Will London again to find out more about her decade of architectural experience.

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-thego either on your phone or tablet. Simply search www.fca-magazine.com.

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 & A D M I N I S T R AT O R Klare Porter 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 landscape hotel 48° Nord – designed

by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter – reinterprets the traditional Scandinavian hytte, a place of retreat and reconnection with wild nature.

SEE PAGE 12.

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FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

FEBRUARY CONTENTS

NEWS

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VOICE OF THE I N DU S T RY:

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ON SITE WITH S YK E S:

Given the recent reports that building products used in Grenfell should never have been specified, Chief Strategy Officer at NBS, Richard Waterhouse, explains why the construction industry has many more lessons to learn before it can regain its integrity.

This month, our regular Columnist and RIBA Architect Christopher Sykes looks past the negativity of COVID-19 and explores how it’s sparked innovation within the construction and architectural realms.

FEATURES

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TECHNICAL INS I G H T: Waterproofing:

24

DOOR S, W INDOW S & B A L U S T RA DE S :

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ROOFING, CLA DDI N G AND I N S U L AT I ON:

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SU R FACING:

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

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BU ILD FOCU S: House-Building:

Hudson Lambert, Director at Safeguard Europe, answers some of the most common queries arising from waterproofing basements – whether new or refurbishment.

This month, we’ve talked to Anthony Millington, Business Development Manager at Amron Architectural, about how using metal mesh for balustrades or panel railings is not only an excellent option for safety but also pushes the design boundaries.

Brian G Newell, Founder and CEO of cladding specialist, Shackerley, discusses the need for cladding specification decisions to be made based on a full understanding of all safety criteria, rather than ticking a box for compliance.

Failing to undertake proper subfloor preparation before the application of new floorcoverings can result in an unsightly finish or even complete floor failure, leading to costly remedial work. Fortunately, this can be avoided by adhering to just a few basic principles of subfloor preparation.

COVID-19 has impacted the industry and its prospects, and modern methods of construction (MMC) is key to both our post-pandemic recovery and success in meeting sustainability goals.

Martin Walker, CEO of Methven, explores how architects can help to significantly reduce the water usage on new-build developments, specifically within the bathroom.

PORTFOLIOS

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48° NORD, REI U L F RAMS TA D ARK I T E K T E R:

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SHENZHEN SHUI WAN 1 9 7 9 L I F E PL AZA , CLOU ARCHITEC T S :

Perched on the heights of the Alsatian village of Breitenbach, the landscape hotel 48° Nord – designed by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter – reinterprets the traditional Scandinavian ‘hytte’, a place of retreat and reconnection with wild nature.

Shenzhen Shuiwan 1979 Life Plaza is nestled within the leafy streets that neighbour Shekou’s South Mountain. At the heart of this new development is a ‘secret garden’ floating over three floors of retail space that sits at the summit of a grand atrium and offers visitors a pleasant retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

DESIGNER IN PROFILE

DESIG N ER I N P RO F I L E Celebrating a decade of working within the architectural industry, Hala ElKhorazaty, Senior Interior Designer at Perkins&Will London, looks back on her past 10 years in the sector and describes when her interest in architecture and design began.

PERKINS&WILL LONDON

HALA ELKHORAZATY IS SENIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER AT PERKINS&WILL LONDON

www.perkinswill.com FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

Please tell us a bit about your career background.

I grew up in Cairo, Egypt, and as everyone who has been there would know, it is steeped in history; every stone has a story, and every building defines an era. You will find so much has passed from thousands of years ago – the rise and fall of civilisations. As the ages pass and the people perish, architecture is what remains to tell these stories. To me, architecture has always been the unbiased historian, and the designs that shape it are the stories that have passed.

Growing up, I had no doubt that I would join this field. As I completed my undergraduate degree in interior architecture, it was yet another chapter in all the stories I had learned about. The year I graduated was the year of the Arab spring. As one of the largest revolutions of our age took place in Cairo, and as the people fought for their hopes and dreams of a better future, I felt the need to be that historian. My graduation project revolved around the concept of freedom and how such a pure and straightforward idea can lead to a collision of forces around it. This project became my own freedom of expression, and it won multiple awards.

This led me to start my professional career with the Dar Group, and I went on to work for their sister firms around the world. Starting at Dar in Cairo, I worked on various science and technology, transportation and healthcare projects. Then I joined Perkins&Will Atlanta, where I specialised in healthcare and obtained my master’s in healthcare interior design. I’m currently with Perkins&Will London, where I specialise in corporate interior projects. I now see London as my home, and I am staying here on a ‘Global Leader & Exceptional Talent’ VISA granted to me by The RIBA, which is a real honour to have.

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1: Who has been your greatest influence?

My most significant influence throughout my career has been the women I have met in leadership. I know this might sound like a simple answer but growing up in Cairo and seeing my mum’s struggles to have a successful career was always something I looked up to her for. In taking my own path in the design industry, I met the most exceptional women throughout my career, and have learned different things from each of them. I would love to mention Angela Kunz, who leads the interior design practice at Dar. She taught me to be vigilant, concise and always have a clear head and open eyes. More importantly, she told a young designer with many self-doubts that I could do anything in the world, and only I could hold me back. Amy Sickler, who leads the healthcare interiors practice at Perkins&Will Atlanta, taught me how to think with my heart and head, always approaching designs with a lot of empathy and love. Finally, Linzi Cassels, the Global Interiors Design Director and a Principal of the Interiors Studio in London, taught me that our vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength in a business-savvy world. It grounds us and reinforces us with the right tools to design genuinely inspirational work.

What has been your greatest influence and source of inspiration?

I always look at a building from the inside out; therefore, my source of inspiration – which connects how I viewed architecture as a child – comes from the stories of those who inhabit the space. We are all heroes in our own stories, and it is the same with clients. I feel an absolute thrill when we start a new project and work with clients to define their story. So, to help clients see and define this vision in a tangible way is quite the honour.

DESIGNER IN PROFILE

“An outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic is the clarity of how connected we are, and through that vital connection, every action has significant consequences. The results of what we design today have an integral role in creating a healthy future.”

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

Carbon-neutral designs are quite challenging in the current state, but with every challenge comes an innovation opportunity. There will be a lot of changes in the way we design. For example, designing for disassembly means everything needs to be mechanically fixed and can be taken apart and re-used. This is not always available in the market and may need to be designed from scratch. Other challenges can be finding carbon-neutral materials (with zero embodied carbon) and using demolished buildings as material banks instead of new products. This all needs to fall under a common umbrella of health and wellbeing by only using materials with valid HPDs and EPDs (Health and Environmental Product Declarations).

What has been your most notable project to date?

Three projects come to mind when I think of this. One that falls close to my heart was a nuclear medicine clinic for a confidential client, which is due to open this year. We were able to take a genuinely human-centric approach to the design, applying many neuroscience concepts that can support patients’ and staff’s wellness throughout.

Another project is Dar Group’s new headquarters in London, 150 Holborn. It is a project in which I deeply connected with its vision of ‘togetherness’ – a new home for all the sister companies to come together for the first time in the world. Since I have worked for both Dar and Perkins&Will, I found myself designing the home that would bring members of my own professional families together, with a primary focus on sustainability, wellness and collaboration.

Last is the Phil Freelon Design Competition, where we were asked to design a co-living building that can respond to the city centre housing issues. This was a firm-wide international competition in which we were only given a weekend to come up with the design.

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

An outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic is the clarity of how connected we are, and through that vital connection, every action has significant consequences. The results of what we design today have an integral role in creating a healthy future. Therefore, general concepts of sustainability need to be our starting point and not our end. Designers need to focus on achieving a carbon-neutral outcome. The methodology may seem simple and is defined in steps – like design for disassembly, material passports and circularity – but it is a bit more complicated. The whole industry needs to change, including factories, procurement and site models. This will take time, and we need to continually collaborate between all sectors to achieve a common carbon-neutral goal.

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What do you think is the greatest challenge for architecture students at the moment?

I think a big challenge may emerge from the current shift in the market. We are now more aware and sophisticated as an industry on what not to do regarding health and carbon footprint. But, with this increased awareness, there is a huge need for change. This will take time to adjust, and the students graduating soon will start their professional careers in the middle of a shifting, dynamic industry. This may be confusing, but I am immensely proud of the new generation of emerging designers.

There is great talent, and their awareness about the world and their role will be vital.

What advice would you give to newly-qualified architects?

I advise them to educate themselves on health and sustainability and always dare to challenge the ideas and concepts that are already available. I also urge them to try different design sectors before settling into one; there is a lot of strength from these synergies.

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

We have recently launched our ‘Net-Zero Now’ report, a carbon-neutral design commitment for interiors, so I am looking forward to working on projects that push the boundaries of what we can achieve through design. I hope to be able to share these as they develop. I have to say I am grateful for the team and clients’ enthusiasm to make this happen.

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A new team at materials supplier James Latham will connect architects, designers and specifiers with the most innovative and exciting products on the market today.

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ringing together expertise and insight from around the company, the Lathams Specification Team has been launched as a one-stop solution for materials specifiers.

There is a strong focus on products with unique benefits, including solid surfaces, hard-wearing laminates, anti-microbial acrylics and robust exterior cladding.

Aesthetics are well catered for too, with the team able to recommend a range of surfaces, finishes, colours and styles suitable for any project. These include products that mimic other materials, such as decors that replicate the look and feel of various stones, woods and linens.

“There are many high-quality, advanced products being brought to market all of the time. It’s easy for specifiers to lose track of what’s available or just stick to what they know,” said Rob Goodman, who leads the team.

“What they are often unaware of is the broad range of options available to achieve that final finish that a customer has requested. By creating a single point of contact, we can better support the A&D community and help them to find the right solution for their client’s brief.”

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The team’s knowledge incorporates a broad product portfolio including solid surfaces such as HI-MACS and Avonite, and decorative laminates and veneers from manufacturers including Egger, Xylocleaf, Kronospan and Decospan.

While currently offering consultancy via video conferencing, the team will support customers throughout the UK, corresponding with the locations of Lathams’ various showrooms and depots.

The specification team comprises Debbie Northall (London), Joe Sepede (Yate, Thurrock and Hemel Hempstead), Natasha Smith (Dudley and Leicester), Mark Robinson (Leeds, Ireland and North West England) and David Schofield (Leeds, Gateshead and Scotland).

To coincide with the announcement of the new team, a solid surfaces website has also gone live, providing an additional detailed product resource for specifiers and customers.

Featuring product information, case studies, videos and inspirational images from HI-MACS, Avonite and Studio Collection brands, it offers guidance and support on the specification of solid surfaces for a range of architectural applications, both internally and externally.

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James Latham is drawing attention to some of its highest-performing products and the new innovations for 2021 as part of its latest ‘Think You Know Lathams?’ campaign.

From decorative panels to external cladding, timber mouldings to acrylic sheets, Lathams has responded to customer demand to increase its product portfolio even further.

Look out for its new animated character, d.zen, and a free prize draw to win a £1000 voucher to spend on Lathams products by 31st March 2021. There are also two runner-up prizes of £500.

Enter today at: https://bit.ly/ LathamsPrizeDraw-FCA

marketing@lathams.co.uk FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

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FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS

ISOCRETE FLOOR SCREEDS – DELIVERING EXCELLENCE UNDERFOOT FOR OVER HALF A CENTURY Modern construction programmes place great demands on products, and today’s floor screed systems are no exception, needing to be fast, strong, safe – and able to cope with the rigorous techniques and methods undertaken throughout the UK. FLOWCRETE

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or more than 50 years, Flowcrete’s Isocrete Floor Screeds have been the product of choice for architects, specifiers and contractors on some of the world’s largest and most prestigious projects.

Proud of its heritage and with a clear focus on innovation now and in the future, Isocrete Floor Screeds offer the level best where quality and performance count.

Products in the range ensure a fitfor-purpose solution for all types of projects, with semi-dry cementitious, self-levelling and accelerated (fastdrying) screeds available, as well as pumped and hand-applied methods.

These screeds have been used extensively across a broad range of developments, including airports, hotels, hospitals, residential sites, offices, shopping centres, schools, colleges and universities.

David Black, Construction Products Group (CPG) UK’s Flooring Sales Director, said: “Screeds are hidden away and less visible than many other building products, but nevertheless have a vital role to play within the construction sector, in both new-build and refurbishment developments.

“Isocrete Floor Screeds have been a market leader in the UK since 1969 and are still going strong due to their ability to deliver the level best in floor screeds.

www.flowcrete.co.uk

01942 251400 11

“Key to this success is their high strength, rapid installation and excellent moisture control, making them a timeproven and trusted choice that can be relied on.”

Isocrete Floor Screeds are also engineered to be installed with subfloor systems, including underfloor heating and acoustic installations.

They are an integral part of Flowcrete’s Floorzone concept, supporting Flowcrete’s other products, including underfloor heating and acoustic layers.

Ideal for new-build and refurbishment projects, this single-source, singlewarranty floor build-up programme features a number of flooring options including choices in resin floor finish and screed, as well as an energy-saving underfloor heating system and noise reducing acoustic layer.

David Black added: “Floorzone combines a wide choice of fast-drying or self-smoothing Isocrete Floor Screeds with high-performance resin finishes and additional components such as dampproof membranes, Isowarm Underfloor Heating and Isocrete Acoustic K Insulation, for maximum performance.

“The variety of systems and the different combinations, effects and outcomes that can be created means that this simple specification solution can be utilised to create high-quality floor areas tailored to the precise functional, aesthetic, budgetary and construction requirements of each site.

“It drives efficiencies in the supply chain of any project, regardless of scale, scope or sector, by sourcing every element of the floor direct from one supplier, with one point of contact and under one manufacturer’s warranty.

“All products also arrive on site from a single source, with little wastage, and just one contractor responsible for the entire installation.”

Flowcrete is one of Construction Product Group (CPG) UK’s portfolio of leading construction product brands, which also includes Tremco, illbruck, Vandex, Nudura and Dryvit and Nullifire.

These high-performance building materials – including roofing and waterproofing solutions, as well as sealing, bonding, insulation, fire protection systems and modern methods of construction – together provide one point of call for specifiers and contractors.

As well as exceptional products, CPG customers also have access to enhanced resources, including technical support from industry experts, new product development opportunities and access to pioneering technologies.

Full training, including CPDs, application training (both practical and theory) and on-site support such as surveys, complete the service package.

flooringuk@cpg-europe.com FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

48° NORD, REIULF RAMSTAD ARKITEKTER

THE MEETING OF TWO CULTURES Breitenbach Landscape Hotel proposes a holistic and a true ecotourism experience in Alsace, inspired by Scandinavian traditions and building on the region’s culinary, wellness and nature opportunities. Perched on the heights of the Alsatian village of Breitenbach, the landscape hotel 48° Nord reinterprets the traditional Scandinavian hytte, a place of retreat and reconnection with wild nature. At the heart of a protected Natura 2000 site, the project was designed to fit into a preserved setting without ever disturbing it.

REIULF RAMSTAD ARKITEKTER

T

he project is born from the meeting of two cultures (France and Scandinavia), two passions (nature and architecture), two men (Emil Leroy and Reiulf Ramstad) and an enthusiastic and very supportive local community from the village of Breitenbach.

Breitenbach is a unique hamlet, located between Vosges and Alsace, with a very dynamic community. It is strongly politically committed to an eco-responsible approach through various activities like an ecological brewery, beehives, dairy and cheese production to name a few. The mayor himself, an enthusiastic vegetarian, initiated ecological farming in the village, constantly encouraging new sustainable and ecological business.

A Franco-Danish client, a Norwegian architect and a common attraction for design and natural materials; it was from this exceptional meeting that the 48° Nord project was born.

The Breitenbach landscape hotel encapsulates daring architecture and design, a spirit of wellbeing and a sharp culinary culture. By uniting local identity with the landscape through forms still unseen in the region, the architect gave 48° Nord a unique architectural expression.

FACT FILE: Location: Breitenbach, France Client: Private Type: Landscape, commercial Programme: Landscape hotel with the main building for the reception, restaurant, wellness facility and the director’s housing, as well as 14 hytte for hotel guests

FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

Size: 20,000m2 total planning area hytte from 20m2 to 60m2 Commission type: Direct commission (2015) Status: Completed (2020) Design team: Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter in collaboration with ASP Architecture Photo credits: Florent Michel @11h45, Yvan Moreau

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48° NORD, REIULF RAMSTAD ARKITEKTER

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FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

48° NORD, REIULF RAMSTAD ARKITEKTER

The project goal was not to build a hotel per se, but creating a place to live, a habitat to welcome people and take them on a sensual journey by experiencing a new universe in natural surroundings. A place where guests come to meet people and have a moment, whether to share a meal, a weekend of rest, or to hike the Vosges hills and valleys. The architectural approach of 48° Nord echoes this philosophy. The project’s clean design and signature lines inevitably evoke the Nordic countries. However, the vision is also to disseminate an art of living in harmony with the landscape. Despite its simplicity, Breitenbach hotel 48° Nord does not go unnoticed, but surrounded by nature, sobriety guarantees integration within its landscape.

Amidst the trees, natural hedges and wild grasses, and heirs to the Norwegian ‘hytte’, 14 cabins dot the hillside like boulders on a slope, balancing privacy and outlook. Small, light and discreet, they are simply placed on the hillside.

Built on stilts, they are even removable, so that the landscape stays preserved and natural; untouched. The untreated and locally-sourced chestnut tree (cut on the hill opposite the hotel) clads all volumes, combined only with large glass openings.

Four distinct typologies compose a family of forms with diverse qualities. The ‘Grass’ hytte, on one level and universally accessible, are grouped near the main building. The ‘Tree’ and ‘Ivy’, towering thin and slender, combine verticality and panoramic views. Lastly, the ‘Fjell’, atop the hill, welcomes families with protected outdoor spaces. Interiors are minimal and rustic, qualified by the light-coloured wood, snug built-in furniture, framed views, and spatial contrasts – perfectly embodying the Nordic concept of ‘hygge’.

When entering the site, you meet the main building dedicated to hospitality, catering and wellness. Its volume is wrapped in Alsatian chestnut shingles fashioned in an integration workshop in Saverne.

Responding to the Passivhaus construction label, this intimate setting padded with dark-stained wood and finely detailed opens widely onto the landscape and offers a unique place of meeting, exchange and contemplation. The culinary experience, a meeting between Scandinavian inspiration and local ancestral techniques are seasonrelevant tastes from nature – all sourced from nearby organic producers and the hotel’s own vegetable garden.

At 48° Nord, luxury is redefined. Space, privacy, calm, sobriety, nature and fresh air is a new luxury. Perhaps the antithesis of the traditional luxury; the pomp, the superfluous. Alone, facing the landscape, guests are enabled to find another essence of beauty and comfort in the shifting colours of the season, lights and shadows, the very essence of nature’s qualities.

www.reiulframstadarkitekter.com FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

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SHENZHEN SHUIWAN 1979 LIFE PLAZA, CLOU ARCHITECTS

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX Shenzhen Shuiwan 1979 Life Plaza is nestled within the leafy streets that neighbour Shekou’s South Mountain. At the heart of this new development is a ‘secret garden’ floating over three floors of retail space that sits at the summit of a grand atrium and offers visitors a pleasant retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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20m tall, the Shenzhen Shuiwan 1979 complex is nestled between a network of tree-lined streets and directly connects to the Shuiwan subway station. The project attained its name from its site wherein in 1979 Deng Xiaoping announced the reform and opening of China. Today, factories that have been converted into ‘lifestyle areas’ stand side by side with the real factories, old residential neighbourhoods, banking headquarters and touristic theme parks. Due to its close proximity to rivers and mountains, Shuiwan 1979 becomes a building that interacts with the city.

The clear and concise facade texture of the office floor portrays the overall image of the project, giving the building a landmark identity in the area. The podium contains ample commercial retail space, and the FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

CLOU ARCHITECTS

commercial space of the plaza has a large atrium that runs through three levels of retail space. The floating ‘secret garden’ on the top offers visitors a fantastic view of the city and an enjoyable respite from the urban hustle.

The tower is designed as an interlocked stack of smaller boxes relating to the scale and diversity of today’s Shekou. Gaps rising between the boxes are filled with green terraces and public space from the raised retail podium’s roof landscape. Halfway up the tower, between the offices below and residences above, cantilevering terraces invite the neighbourhood to its restaurants and bars, swimming pool and art gallery. Meanwhile, public spaces also split up the building allowing a dialogue with its surrounding buildings of different scales.

www.clouarchitects.com 16

FACT FILE: Project name: Shenzhen Shuiwan 1979 Type: Office, clubhouse, apartment, shopping mall Client: Shenzhen Arco Real Estate Location: Shenzhen, China Construction area: Apartment: 64380m2; office: 40000m2; retail: 29550m2; others: 2950m2 Design director: Jan F. Clostermann Design team: Mingyin Tan, Wu Jian Yun, Lu Wei, Alejandro Cirugeda, Kek Leong Seow, Gao Qing, Andrew Ng, Carmen Sanchez, Andrew Lo, Filipa Castelao, Alexandra Georgescu, Haiyan Wang, Jacky Chang, Renjie Li, Javen Ho, Ying Wu and Weiqing Wang Construction drawings/MEP/structure: Kehao, CCDI Photography: Shining Laboratory, Shuhe Architect: CLOU Architects

SHENZHEN SHUIWAN 1979 LIFE PLAZA, CLOU ARCHITECTS

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FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

TECHNICAL INSIGHT: WATERPROOFING

DIGGING FOR ANSWERS Hudson Lambert, Director at Safeguard Europe, answers some of the most common queries arising from waterproofing basements – whether new or refurbishment.

SAFEGUARD EUROPE

1. What are the main problems you tend to face when waterproofing a basement?

The approach is to use tanking to keep as much water out of the basement as possible and use a cavity drainage membrane system to redirect any water that manages to seep in towards a sump and pump.

There are those that would argue that combined systems are over-engineered and that either tanking or cavity drainage used alone would provide sufficient protection against water ingress.

However, the reason that warranty providers require the use of a combined system is that levels of claims have historically been high where reliance has been made on a single waterproofing system due to inevitable errors in design or installation.

Water ingress into basements has historically been a problem in the UK, largely because adequate attention has not been paid to waterproofing design, together with a desire to cut costs to allow funds to be used in other areas of the building.

In response to a high level of claims for water ingress into basements, NHBC conducted a study into the main areas of failure. Summarising their findings in an article, NHBC wrote: “In our experience, the main causes of failed waterproofing are simple.

Often, systems are poorly designed and/or poorly executed. At the heart of both these issues is a basic lack of appreciation that even the smallest defect can lead to problems that are both difficult to trace and expensive to repair.”

4. What is the typical step-by-step process for waterproofing a cellar or basement?

There is a five-stage process to a successful basement waterproofing project:

2. How do water table levels affect the process?

In theory, the British Standard that covers basement waterproofing (BS 8102) allows for the use of less robust waterproofing systems in situations where there is a permanently low water table. However, the high cost of the hydrogeological surveys necessary to justify such a decision means that in practice, virtually all domestic basements are constructed on the assumption that the water table will reach the full height of the basement at some point during its design life. NHBC’s guidance on basement waterproofing (Chapter 5.4) advises to “generally assume exposure to the full height of water during the design life of the building”.

1) Design a resilient basement structure

3. Is tanking or are cavity drain membranes the most effective option?

A Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing (CSSW)qualified waterproofing design specialist should be employed to draw up a detailed design. You can either pay an independent basement design specialist to do this or work with a specialist basement waterproofing company that can provide a detailed design as part of their service.

Ideally reinforced concrete in a simple shape with minimal service penetrations.

2) Choose a suitable waterproofing system Choose an outline waterproofing design suitable for the type of basement structure you wish to waterproof. Waterproofing product manufacturers can provide outline designs for different situations – e.g. piled walls, refurbishment of existing basement, ‘dig out’ basement under existing house, etc.

3) A waterproofing design specialist

This used to be a big debate in the industry. However, today, both systems tend to be used together. NHBC Chapter 5.4 calls for the use of “combined systems” to minimise risk, and most commonly this entails a combination of tanking and cavity drainage.

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TECHNICAL INSIGHT: WATERPROOFING

4) A specialist waterproofing contractor Although it can be tempting to use a general contractor to carry out the basement waterproofing, there are good reasons for using the services of a specialist contractor. For example, they will have a good understanding of correct sequencing of works, experience in liaising with following trades to prevent damage or piercing of the waterproofing system, and an understanding of how to correctly prepare surfaces prior to the application of tanking systems. Above all, qualified and insured contractors are able to take liability for design and installation.

5) Handover and maintenance Such a suitable contractor should be able to provide a handover package to the building owner, providing evidence of the waterproofing system performance and a planned maintenance schedule. This might comprise photographic/video evidence of a ‘flood test’ of the system including the sump and pump as well as advice for following trades to avoid any damage before a final ‘wash out’ is carried out.

Detailed plans of the system should be provided showing the location of access points, pumps and alarm and control panels along with operator manuals and guarantee documents. There should be clear advice on the action to take in the event of an alarm activation.

It should be noted that an ongoing maintenance plan will likely be a fundamental condition of any insurancebacked guarantee, especially where a cavity drainage system forms part of the waterproofing design.

5. What waterproofing solutions should people look out for when carrying out this process?

Increasingly, environmental concerns are guiding people’s choices when designing and waterproofing basements. For example, a study carried out for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea found that embodied carbon in materials used for basement extensions was considerably higher than for above-ground extensions – largely due to the large quantity of concrete required. The study suggested that a 20% reduction in carbon could be achieved by using recycled coarse aggregate in the concrete.

The optimum combination of waterproofing systems will largely depend on the methods and materials that have been used to construct the basement.

For example, the waterproofing approach would differ considerably between a basement formed using concrete piles from one constructed from standard reinforced concrete which is then backfilled.

Safeguard’s CPD seminar on basement waterproofing provides a good overview of the most common scenarios.

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VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

WHY THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY STILL HAS A LONG ROAD AHEAD TO ENSURE BUILDING SAFETY Given the recent reports that building products used in Grenfell should never have been specified, Chief Strategy Officer at NBS, Richard Waterhouse, explains why the construction industry has many more lessons to learn before it can regain its integrity.

NBS

RICHARD WATERHOUSE IS CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER AT NBS

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eports in the press have seen the building industry receive yet another blow to its already tarnished reputation. The Grenfell inquiry, now well underway, has begun to lift the lid on some of the major failings still haunting the construction industry today. In particular, the lack of necessary procedures in place to prevent such an event from ever occurring. These are warnings that have been reinforced by Dame Judith Hackitt, who has talked at length of a ‘broken industry’, yet these latest findings have revealed just how broken these processes have become.

Most worryingly is the idea that building products that were not up to spec have slipped through the net, sidestepping fail-safes and making it into the final build. More worrying still, is the revelation that products were knowingly pushed through, with a small minority of manufacturers playing fast and loose with testing standards and product safety comms. So, with such a long road ahead before specifiers and end-users can regain their trust with manufacturers, how does the industry go about picking up the pieces?

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Stringent testing certifications as standard One of the main areas the construction industry is lacking is the independence and transparency of stringent testing regimes. It’s clear that processes currently in place are no longer serving the safety of end-users and improvements need to be made. As well as independent testing on products from labs, care also needs to be taken with the enforcement of standards. A more thorough inspection regime by third-party assessors may be the answer, ensuring that specified products are as ‘watertight’ as they claim. Until this happens, manufacturer integrity will not be restored. Yes, it’s true that governing safety bodies such as the BSI and ISO already exist, but for some products, these safety standards still remain ‘nice-to-haves’ and are not always a legal requirement. This leaves far too much wiggle room in the hands of unscrupulous manufacturers who can, as we’ve seen, easily brush over product failings with cleverly conceived marketing or through strong business relationships able to navigate policy procedure. For real change to take place, industry-wide levels of testing and certifications must be reinforced to avert sub-par products from entering the market and being used incorrectly. This will be helped by the introduction of the new safe product register and the work of the Marketing Integrity Group of the Construction Products Association.

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

A tougher stance What’s apparent from recent proceedings is that current rules aren’t tough or robust enough to act as proper deterrents to the small number of companies looking to skirt policy and procedure.

For this to happen, change must come right from the top with more severe consequences in place for those that choose not to comply. Without the proper enforcement of preventative laws, there will remain little incentive to do things by the book. As it stands, progress is being made, although there’s still work to be done. The Government’s recent Social Housing White Paper and Building Safety Legislation is a step in the right direction to ensure it can keep residents safe, and it’s only through stricter guidelines that safety can be guaranteed.

It’s also clear that a further separation between the testing bodies and product manufacturers should be enforced. As we’ve seen, the ‘rigging’ of fire safety tests proves only to endanger the lives of those that occupy buildings and must be stamped out. The only way the construction industry can move forward is if further distance is created between these two factions.

Without it, we could see history repeating itself.

Universal safety agreed and understood by all An interesting development in the fallout of Grenfell has been the response by the IFSS Coalition (International Fire Safety Standards). Fundamentally, the group’s purpose cannot be called into question – after all, safety should always be paramount. Yet, the recent guideline announcements have raised some questions. Whilst it notes that it has no intentions to replace national building codes, the terminology used during the consultation process appears to reflect the opposite. The overlapping of both existing international standards and national code development also creates confusion – undermining exactly what the IFSS has set out to achieve; clearer guidelines and less room for error.

It also misses the point that many of the recent tower fires have occurred in nations with ‘advanced’ buildings codes already in place, such as the UK, Spain, South Korea and UAE. Without a more granular approach as to what these guidelines should achieve, the result is that new measures will simply muddy the waters further, rather than delivering clarity for all. Unless these details are addressed, the opportunity to create universallyagreed safety guidelines will have slipped through our fingers, once again jeopardising the future safety of building tenants in the years to come.

The buck stops with us Whilst there are still major lessons to be learned in the wake of the disaster, ultimately, it’s the responsibility of the construction industry to recognise these errors and implement new ways of working. Essentially, the buck stops with us, and as Dame Judith Hackitt said, we all have a moral duty to build safe buildings. Basic policy and procedure are there for a reason and need to be followed at all times. Now is also the time to raise our voices around the future of changing safety guidelines to make sure we’re all singing off the same hymn sheet, if we don’t, this will be a momentous opportunity missed, and we owe it to the survivors of Grenfell and future generations to do so.

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COLUMN

ON SITE WITH SYKES CHRISTOPHER SYKES I S A N A R C H I T E C T W H O T R A I N E D AT T H E B A R T L E T T S C H O O L O F A R C H I T E C T U R E AT U N I V E R S I T Y C O L L E G E LO N D O N . A F T E R H E Q U A L I F I E D , H E W O R K E D I N B O T H LO N D O N A N D S W E D E N . H AV I N G W I D E N E D H I S W R I T I N G A N D J O U R N A L I S T I C S K I L L S , H E S U B S E Q U E N T LY S TA R T E D H I S O W N P U B L I S H I N G C O M PA N Y S P E C I A L I S I N G I N B U I L D I N G M A G A Z I N E S A N D E V E N T S . A S A H O B B Y, H E U S E D T O W R I T E S I T C O M F O R T H E B B C .

With its hundreds of straw panels, the UEA Enterprise Centre is considered to be the largest exterior thatched building in Europe.

Image ©Nick Caville/BDP.

ONE YEAR LATER COVID-19 has created problems in every sector of life, and the building industry is no exception. However, it is also true that with a crisis like this, people think differently, and lateral thinking certainly creates new ideas and opportunities.

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ne significant advantage that COVID-19 gives to building industry professionals is a new motto to remind them what it’s all about: C for climate, O for opportunity, V for vision, I for innovation and D for development.

Other influences include new thinking about adaptable layouts, new home office models, and public space forms that certainly change things. Another is increased interest in modular construction, as proved by the Chinese in creating two hospitals with 2600 beds in just two weeks in Wuhan.

This showed how modular construction’s quick and flexible nature could have far-reaching uses outside the medical world. Another FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

influence is that the move away from large town and city offices will decrease car reliance. To make the point, BBC Future reported that, after lockdown, Milan would transform over 21 miles of its streets for just cycling – Paris will follow.

Another ‘advantage’ of the epidemic is that it provides the time that is not ordinarily available to read, research and absorb new information.

A good example is Architizer, the New York website founded with a mission to empower all with the knowledge to build better buildings, better cities and, ultimately, a better world. It is how architects, manufacturers, builders and others search for, evaluate and share building products and projects across teams.

Apart from cassettes of straw panelling inside the UEA Enterprise Centre, glulam beams make up the main timber frame.

Image ©Darren Carter/Morgan Sindall.

Winning products With climate change, we have been encouraged to experiment with new materials. We must keep abreast of emerging materials and products that help reduce the environmental impact of construction. Last year’s A+Award winners included acoustic panels made from coffee sacks and shingles crafted from plastic waste. The latest programme is set to showcase even more material innovations.

This is also a good reminder of the Enterprise Centre’s fifth anniversary at the University of East Anglia. Dubbed the UK’s greenest building, it is undoubtedly one of the most sustainable.

It was also the first large-scale project to target both Passivhaus certification and BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, and meets the highest energy and environmental standard. Designed by sustainable architect firm Architype, in collaboration with contractor Morgan Sindall, it is an excellent signal to innovative thinkers and designers to be equally inspired by COVID-19 in this challenging period.

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The natural and recycled materials used are an extraordinary palette. Interior glulam beams make up the main timber frame. The thatch for wall panels is an innovative system of hundreds of straw cassettes, making the centre the largest exterior thatched building in Europe.

Continually research these fascinating (and often beautiful) materials, and make sure to impart this newfound wisdom on to your clients.

The more they are informed of their project’s environmental impact and the options available to them, the easier it will become to convince them to break with convention and build with something new.

We are also encouraged to look closer at how buildings are working. For example, ASSA ABLOY Door Group, a manufacturer of door closers, encourages landlords and building managers to take a more proactive role towards fire door inspections in support of the upcoming new Building Safety Bill. The new bill will introduce an

‘accountable person’ and a building safety manager for each residential building, to eradicate any confusion regarding responsibility and ensure direct liability for a building and its assets.

Last October, Construux in Canada highlighted new materials they believe are changing commercial construction. These include self-healing cement, which ensures that engineering and building structures last longer without significant repairs or replacement. Mass timber makes a comeback – essentially solid wood laminated and panelised to increase strength and durability.

ASSA ABLOY is encouraging a more proactive role towards fire door inspections in support of the upcoming new Building Safety Bill Manipulate the purpose of rooms and make them multifunctional. Create overlapping zones to give the illusion of more space. Think about lighting. Convert dead space into storage. Consider how you could convert a loft or basement to maximise existing space. Source compact and flexible furniture. Remove non-load-bearing walls and partitions. Add levels to the room when high ceilings permit. Plan an extension if extra land exists.

Changing the house Back to the UK, the Simply Construction Group, one of London’s leading house extension specialists, reminds us how COVID-19 means people have had to adjust their home for work, family and leisure. Not all domestic clients know there are many solutions to make the most of space and give a home and people a new lease of life to live, create and enjoy.

Example of better use of space by Simply Construction Group

Counter-balanced for easy operation

Highly insulated hatch (U value of 0.60 W/m K)

High strength wooden ladder (load rating of 180 kg/tread)

6-point latching system for an airtight seal (class 4)

Learn more about the Designo loft ladder...

www.premierloftladders.co.uk/designo 0345 9000 195 | sales@premierloftladders.co.uk

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DOORS, WINDOWS & BALUSTRADES

UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS Staircases are one of the most vital transition elements in architecture; they are designed to connect two spaces, whether it is interior to exterior or different internal levels. The positioning of a staircase in a multi-level building will always be vital, but now it is just as essential to create a design visual and consider the staircase as a main feature.

Using metal mesh for the balustrades or panel railings on the staircase is not only a great option for safety but also pushes the design boundaries, writes Anthony Millington, Business Development Manager at Amron Architectural.

AMRON ARCHITECTURAL

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meshes in steel or brass used for balustrade infills and later lift surrounds. This gave way to perforated metals and latterly expanded meshes followed suit. Unlike the woven meshes, these two products could now be used in both the balustrade and tread, with expanded metal being particularly popular in more industrial environments due to its nonslip properties for external use.

The popularity of metal meshes in stairs has seen it be used in almost every construction sector – from the hardest industrial environs such as oil rigs where the mesh needs to be durable, non-slip and anti-corrosive, to the most delicate of installations in luxury hotels where aesthetic is everything.

So, it is not surprising that architects and designers are coming up with new ways to use metal meshes in stairs and balustrades.

etal mesh has a long tradition of outdoor use spanning hundreds of years. Over time, metal mesh has earned a reputation as a practical, durable yet surprisingly versatile product thanks in part to its uncanny ability to meet a wide range of specifications. The reason then is the same as it is now, metal mesh is such a versatile product, it has inherent strength, it can be shaped, it is strong and most of all it is attractive.

With a variety of practical exterior applications, including vent panels, cages and baskets, it is little wonder that metal mesh was eventually introduced to the world of interiors.

Metal mesh has been used in stairs since its inception hundreds of years ago either as balustrading or treads.

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DOORS, WINDOWS & BALUSTRADES

Image ©Charles Hosea & Thomas Sinden

Orchardson Street, London Externally, metal meshes have been hugely popular, where large areas are needed to be enclosed whilst allowing airflow. Woven meshes offer a perfect solution with the ability to be able to span huge heights and widths of up to 2m. Due to their nature, effectively being metal fabrics woven on looms and then produced on the roll, the mesh can be hung from the top of the stair core and rolled down and fixed and tensioned at the base. This means install is very quick and efficient, giving the client time and cost savings, whilst delivering a stunning bright metal fabric finish.

These large drop metal fabrics are also beginning to crop up in stair core centres and again offer both the safety and the aesthetic aspect.

We worked directly with the designers Thomas Sinden and M&M Architectural to develop a unique stair core clad entirely in metal mesh as part of a pilot for City West Homes, who were creating sustainable homes within restricted inner-London sites.

Alpine metal mesh was chosen due to the panel widths and

heights available, enabling a full-height balustrade system to be installed. Suitable ventilation is still achieved in the stair core due to the openness of the mesh.

The versatility of mesh goes on to lend itself to curves and straight lines, with both perforated and expanded having the ability to be formed to a radius for use in a spiral staircase either internally or externally. Woven meshes and spiral meshes also can form and wrap to curves like a piece of fabric as Eva Jiricna demonstrated with the Miles stairs at Somerset House.

Image ©Charles Hosea & Thomas Sinden concrete walls, pillars and ceilings, our gratings were used to create the coloured balustrades which were central to the visual design adding a modern and vibrant feel.

Used for internal meetings as well as events and industry meetups, the office is now a highly creative hub for those working within the print and design industry.

Whilst colour can bring a project to life, we are also seeing new patina finishes coming through from companies like Powdertech Corby, which give a modern industrial look and feel but with the performance of a modern material underneath, whilst offering the fire rating that is required. We have seen materials being mixed such as stainless and copper or stainless and brass on the woven meshes. This, of course, gives a beautiful look to the mesh whilst still giving a nod back to the heritage of woven meshes in balustrades.

It is clear that meshes and balustrading will remain synonymous for the given future, and hopefully, we will continue to see designers and architects being creative with these meshes and pushing the boundaries of what we can do.

Print colour brought to life in stunning office refurbishment When it comes to the finishing, most meshes can be powder coated to almost any colour. Incorporating the print CMYK formula’s clever use, the former printworks in Clerkenwell, London, had been refurbished into a visually stunning HQ for the Photobox Group.

The four-print colour-coded floors surround a stunning industrial atrium with a central events space at the design’s core. Using exposed original

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ROOFING, CLADDING & INSULATION

LOOKING BEYOND COMPLIANCE TO 360º SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY IN CLADDING SPECIFICATION Brian G Newell, Founder and CEO of cladding specialist, Shackerley, discusses the need for cladding specification decisions to be made based on a full understanding of all safety criteria, rather than ticking a box for compliance.

SHACKERLEY

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t’s now more than three and a half years since the tragic events at Grenfell Tower, but the issue of building safety and, in particular, cladding safety is still making headlines. Recent reports about the number of buildings where occupiers have to pay huge sums for fire watch patrols while they continue to wait for the cladding on their building to be replaced indicate the ongoing impact of historic specification choices.

Grenfell was a catalyst for change. It is now two years since legislation was passed making it mandatory for cladding used on high-rise residential buildings (HRRBs) of 18m and above to be certified to A1 or A2-S1-d0 to BS EN 13501-1. This means that homebuyers and investors purchasing a recentlycompleted apartment or a development currently on site can rest assured their cladding is noncombustible. The question remains, however, does compliance with legislation mirror cladding safety specification best practice?

The Hackitt inquiry and the subsequent legislative process have certainly done much to raise awareness of safety issues in the cladding specification process.

There has been increased vigilance throughout the delivery chain – from client and architect through to main contractor and cladding installation specialist – as a result. However, the safety focus for

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many involved in the specification and procurement of cladding remains firmly centred on compliance rather than a true consideration of all the safety implications of their product choices throughout the building’s service life.

Focus on maximum fire safety One of the consequences of the continuing investigations into the Grenfell disaster is an anticipation of further legislative change. Developers want to ensure that their building will be compliant following completion, and fire safety has become an essential marketing message for residential projects, along with a duty of care to future residents.

Architects and other consultants are also keen to future-proof the specification by ensuring optimum fire safety certification levels are embedded in product choices.

For many projects, this has resulted in a performance requirement of A1 certification – even though A2-S1-d0certified materials also currently comply with requirements for residential buildings above 18m.

ROOFING, CLADDING & INSULATION

This belt and braces culture when it comes to fire safety is good news for future residents and the building’s longevity.

However, it is starting to have an unintended safety consequence, which could result in increased safety risks for the building, expensive remediation and even liability for accidents.

The vital role of mesh The side effect of the widespread insistence on the use of A1-certified cladding materials tends to omit the anti-fragmentation mesh, which is sometimes necessary for pre-fabricated cladding panels, to maintain A1 classification. Most mesh and mesh bonding adhesives used in cladding panel fabrication do not meet A1 or A2-S1-d0 classification requirements, so, once this has been adhered to the rear of the panel, the panel can no longer be classified as A1.

The safety emphasis on noncombustibility is such that an A1 certification is prioritised above the inclusion of antifragmentation mesh.

However, anti-fragmentation mesh has a vital role to play in the safety of any brittle cladding material, so most responsible specialist stone and ceramic granite suppliers recommend it, particularly for installations at a high level. In the unlikely event of a highlevel impact, the mesh prevents large fragments of the cladding panel from falling from the facade. Without it, falling pieces of cladding material have the potential to land on pedestrians or vehicles below, and the higher the location of the panel, the greater the velocity of the fragment when falling.

fragmentation for all brittle cladding materials. This is bonded to the cladding material at our ISO 9001 factories in Lancashire using specially-developed mesh and bonding methodology. Where the specification is for an A1-certified panel, the A1 mesh should be used. Under no circumstances should any brittle cladding material be installed at a high level with no anti-fragmentation mesh at all.

Combining fire and fragmentation safety

Safety innovation

For these reasons, Shackerley has developed an A1-certified bonded mesh, enabling A1 materials within the Shackerley SureClad range (ceramic granite, natural stone and terracotta) to provide an A1-certified system without compromising on any aspect of safety. As part of a rigorous approach to building safety, for both occupiers and the general public, Shackerley always advises the inclusion of anti-

The Grenfell disaster consequences have led to significantly enhanced safety awareness for a whole range of building elements, not just the building envelope materials implicated in the rapid spread of fire. Attention is now being focused on compartmentation and the combustibility of other building materials too. Hopefully, this focus will lead to much less risk of catastrophic fires in the future, but we must not let it cloud our vigilance in other areas of safety. The goal for all involved in the cladding sector should be for those awful events to be a catalyst for innovation that makes our built environment safer and more robust across all aspects of hazard and risk.

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SURFACING

SUBFLOOR PREPARATION TO AVOID FLOOR FAILURE Failing to undertake proper subfloor preparation before the application of new floorcoverings can result in an unsightly finish or even complete floor failure, leading to costly remedial work.

Fortunately, this can be avoided by adhering to just a few basic principles of subfloor preparation, including the need to guard against excess subfloor moisture – the leading cause of subfloor failure. Stephen Boulton, Technical Service Manager at leading manufacturer of subfloor preparation products, F. Ball and Co., goes through these processes.

F. BALL AND CO.

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lthough it should be standard practice, there is still a lack of awareness regarding the need to undertake certain procedures before installing floorcoverings and often this results in lost time and unforeseen expenditure. Ensuring a longlasting, visually attractive finish involves following a few other basic steps, including making sure the subfloor is in a suitable condition before work begins, applying a levelling compound to ensure a perfectly smooth base for the receipt of floorcoverings and remembering to prime beforehand.

Subfloor preparation The first step in any flooring installation is to make sure the subfloor is suitably sound and smooth. If the subfloor is a newly-installed screed, contractors will need to ensure that any laitance – the crust of cement and fine aggregates that form on the screed’s surface as it dries – is ground off.

The typical method of removing laitance is using a rotary sanding or abrading machine.

If the project is part of a refurbishment, the subfloor’s condition will need to be assessed once old floorcoverings have been removed. You may discover that the subfloor is cracked or damaged, in which case, it will require extra preparation. In most cases, you can fill cracks as deep as 50mm with a floor repair compound.

Subfloors may also be contaminated with oil, grease or other chemicals, necessitating mechanical preparation by grinding or abrading before applying other floor preparation products.

Old adhesive residues will need to be removed mechanically unless a levelling compound suitable for use over old adhesive residues is used.

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Moisture test Contractors need to be particularly aware of the problems posed by excess subfloor moisture in the base. Whether the result of rising damp or residual construction moisture, unmanaged subfloor moisture can attack adhesives and floorcoverings, possibly causing complete floor failure.

For these reasons, F. Ball and Co. recommends that a moisture test is conducted to determine subfloor relative humidity (RH) levels as part of any flooring installation.

The only method of measuring subfloor RH levels with certainty and compliance with British Standards is to use a calibrated digital hygrometer.

Where a moisture test indicates that subfloor RH levels are above 75% (65% if a wood floorcovering will be installed), a moisture management solution will be required to suppress excess subfloor moisture levels and prevent floor failure.

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Levelling compound selection

Dealing with damp The application of a waterproof surface membrane is the typical solution for effectively controlling damp.

The best-performing epoxy waterproof surface membranes will isolate excess subfloor moisture where relative humidity values are up to 98%, with a single-coat application, which will fully cure in as little as three hours.

Quicker, two-coat systems are available that will create an effective barrier against residual construction moisture where relative humidity values are up to 95%. The first coat cures in 15 to 20 minutes and a further 30 minutes curing time is required for the second coat.

Once satisfied that the subfloor is dry – or an appropriate moisture management solution is in place – you should apply a suitable floor levelling compound to ensure the subfloor base is smooth and level, free from imperfections that could, otherwise, spoil the aesthetic appearance of the finished floor.

General-purpose levelling compounds are available for many situations, as well as products with a wide variety of specialist applications. When contractors are working to tight timescales, the fastest-drying levelling compounds on the market will be walk-on hard from just 30 minutes and ready to receive floorcoverings in as little as 45 minutes after application.

Flexible levelling compounds that are fibre-reinforced are recommended over flexible subfloors, such as steel and plywood, to cope with these subfloors’ natural movements. Levelling compounds with high compressive strength should be used where floors will be subject to heavy loads or high foot traffic, while calcium sulphate-based levelling compounds provide optimum compatibility with calcium sulphate screeds.

In most cases, it will be essential to prime a surface before applying a levelling compound. This promotes the optimum performance characteristics of the levelling compound and, when used over absorbent subfloors, such as concrete, prevents moisture being drawn from the levelling compound, which can cause it to dry too quickly and result in floor failure. For time-saving purposes, levelling compounds are available that can be applied directly over old adhesive residues without the need to prime beforehand.

Compatibility check Once the levelling compound has cured, contractors can proceed to install floorcoverings using an appropriate adhesive. At this stage, particular floorcoverings and adhesives’ compatibilities should be checked to further ensure against floor failure. To do this, contractors should consult the adhesive manufacturer’s recommended adhesives guide or see the floorcovering manufacturers’ instructions.

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MODERN METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION

COVID-19 PANDEMIC TO SUPERCHARGE THE USE OF MMC IN COMMERCIAL PROJECTS Modern methods of construction (MMC) represents the future of the industry and has never been more vital – COVID-19 has impacted the industry and its prospects, while productivity, lagging before the pandemic, must be ramped up. The UK is also targeting ambitious sustainability targets, with construction playing a key role in driving emissions down. MMC is key to both our post-pandemic recovery and success in meeting sustainability goals, explains Mark Lowry, CEO at The McAvoy Group.

THE MCAVOY GROUP

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he Government has been a vocal proponent for the increased use of MMC, but more policy direction is needed in order to deliver the transformation we need in the commercial sector.

The public sector – particularly education and healthcare – has adopted MMC more readily and on a much greater scale, with a large proportion of new buildings now delivered wholly offsite or in part.

In contrast, commercial projects have seen a much slower adoption of MMC. Often, lenders and investors take a conservative approach to building techniques, conjuring a misguided and incorrect correlation between the speed of delivery and quality.

There is a huge amount of innovation and R&D taking place within the offsite sector – the industry is constantly pushing the boundaries on what is possible, honing existing processes and improving new techniques, supported by cutting-edge digital tools and technology.

Our business is focused heavily on supporting innovation and collaborating on learnings, even with competitors. The Seismic Consortium is an excellent example of what can be achieved via collaboration and sharing of expertise – the first project

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transformed the way education projects are delivered; learnings which can now be applied to commercial projects.

The fact is, countless commercial projects could be delivered more efficiently, more quickly and at less cost – and to the same standard of design and build – using offsite techniques.

Yet, while the benefits of offsite are proven, it is often still considered a radical approach.

There is undoubtedly a job to be done in making sure that offsite is at least considered for every project – even if traditional methods are subsequently deemed more appropriate.

While the pandemic has created significant difficulties for the construction industry, resulting in site closures and increased build timelines due to social distancing and workforce pressures, I expect that the recovery process will support the MMC agenda, with growing uptake in offsite for commercial projects.

MODERN METHODS OF TECHNICAL CONSTRUCTION FOCUS

A recent survey carried out

by Gleeds revealed that 65% of contractors plan to incorporate a greater percentage of MMC into their projects as a result of the pandemic.

From a practical perspective, offsite allows contractors to limit the number of people on site at one time, not only during the build phase but also during the fit-out work, with individual modules arriving complete with M&E and, in some cases, even furniture and fixings.

The speed of delivery will also be an even greater consideration, with many projects already delayed due to the onset of the pandemic.

The use of offsite allows a significant amount of time to be shaved off the construction timeline – it can often be reduced by up to 50%.

MMC is also a real benefit on tight city-centre sites, where social distancing is not the only concern, but also the impact on traffic and pedestrian thoroughfares. By using offsite, the reduction of disruption will be a significant benefit for numerous stakeholders.

Beside the project benefits of MMC, we also need to look at the bigger picture – there’s no getting away from the fact that the construction industry is a major contributor to UK carbon emissions and the Government has committed to achieving zero-carbon status by 2050.

MMC will be key to reducing our emissions – not only in reducing the transport of materials to and from sites, but in the way buildings are designed and built. Research from the Seismic Consortium found that schools can be delivered with up to 50% lower emissions – those same learnings can be transferred to the commercial sector.

As the construction sector recovers from the pandemic, efficiency, productivity and quality are more important than ever – it’s important that the benefits of MMC and offsite technology are 31

understood and considered as the first port of call. With just 29 years to achieve zero-carbon status, there is a great deal of work to be done, with construction leading the way.

While the impact of the pandemic on the construction industry has been significant, it has placed the importance of MMC in sharp relief – it may well prove to be the shock the industry needs to transform the way buildings are designed and delivered, instead of simply relying on traditional construction methods simply because that is what has always been done.

www.mcavoygroup.com FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

BUILD FOCUS: HOUSE-BUILDING

BUILD FOCUS:

HOUSE-BUILDING

With water usage on the rise across the nation and architects and specifiers striving to design and produce more water-efficient projects, Methven’s CEO, Martin Walker, talks through some new bathroom technologies that are helping today’s building and architectural professionals to achieve water efficiency targets.

MARTIN WALKER IS CEO OF METHVEN

SUSTAINABILITY, STYLE AND SUBSTANCE Latest research from Waterwise estimates that over 2 billion litres of water are used each day across Britain through showering, the equivalent to almost 800 Olympic-size swimming pools. With the Environment Agency predicting an extra 3.6 billion litres of water will be required each day by 2050 to meet the nation’s rising demand, here Martin Walker, CEO of Methven, explores how architects can help to significantly reduce the water usage of new-build developments, specifically within the bathroom.

METHVEN

A

s national water usage continues to rise at an alarming rate, architects and specifiers are under increasing pressure to improve the water and carbon efficiency of new-build properties. With the bathroom presenting the biggest source of daily water output, professionals have the opportunity to FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

take a fresh approach to the technologies and products specified throughout these rooms to support the overall water efficiency of the property, without compromising on quality or aesthetics.

In 2016, the Government updated Approved Document G, requiring all new dwellings to achieve water efficiency of 125 32

litres per person per day, with an ‘optional’ requirement of 110 litres per person per day.

As conversations throughout the industry continue to address the potential for the optional 110 litres obligation to become the new legal requirement, architects have the opportunity to take a proactive approach to the showering solutions specified by choosing products that feature a flow rate of 8 litres or less.

This will not only ensure the property is compliant with current and future regulations, but simultaneously futureproof it, supporting the new homeowners in actively reducing their water and energy usage, and most importantly, their ongoing bills.

Historically, some water-efficient showerheads, particularly those at entrylevel that are commonly constructed of white plastic, have gained a negative reputation with consumers for having poor performance and forcing compromise on the overall bathroom aesthetic.

BUILD FOCUS: HOUSE-BUILDING

While many of these products may have significantly reduced the flow rate of water used per minute, the overall function was so limited that individuals had to shower for up to twice as long, resulting in the same water usage level as a standard showerhead.

As a result, Methven research concluded this led to a proportion of homeowners being sceptical of waterefficient products and ultimately replacing the showerhead with their original, or less efficient, model to gain better performance and visual appeal.

So, how can architects help to minimise the overall water output of the bathroom, without compromising on the showering experience for future homeowners?

Latest advancements in showering technology deliver a new generation of highquality, visually appealing chrome showers that feature a contemporary construction while also providing the lowest flow rates available.

This includes systems that offer a flow rate as low as 5.7 litres a minute, without compromising the overall showering experience for the homeowner through the development of twin-jet technology, which creates optimum water droplet size and pressure, delivering over 300,000 droplets per second.

The result is a full-body showering experience that provides individuals with the highest performance standards, whilst simultaneously using less water.

Whilst the quality of the overall showering experience is essential; aesthetics are also a key priority for architects when specifying water-efficient showering solutions for new residential developments.

Taking the place of ordinary white sanitaryware is a new era of showering and wider bathroom solutions that offer both style and performance.

This is showcased with the current popularity of matte black and metallic finishes, as potential homeowners search for monochrome bathrooms and en-suites that feature sleek, streamlined aesthetics combined with eye-catching highlights.

By choosing a complementary range of high-quality showers, tapware 33

and accessories from a single manufacturer, professionals can create an effective and cohesive appearance throughout an entire bathroom that creates a first-class finish, whilst actively reducing water usage, yet increasing overall functionality.

Whilst the requirements outlined in Approved Document G may not be updated soon; architects have the ideal opportunity throughout next year and beyond to proactively improve the overall water efficiency of new developments by specifying innovative showering technologies that work to actively reduce flow rate, without also reducing performance levels.

www.methven.com/uk FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

DRAINAGE & LANDSCAPING

FLOODS, SUDS AND PERMEABLE PAVING This winter’s flooding is a timely reminder of the importance of sustainable drainage systems – or SuDS – in reducing the damaging impacts of rainwater runoff. The latest developments in SuDS and concrete block permeable paving are featured in a new webinar and guidance from the trade association Interpave.

INTERPAVE

O

ver 25 years of use, concrete block permeable paving has demonstrated unique capabilities as a multifunctional SuDS technology.

It combines a structural pavement with an inherent drainage system and needs no additional land take for water conveyance, attenuation and storage. This technology also eliminates pipework, gulleys and manholes, and therefore costs less to install or maintain than conventional drainage and paving.

Clean water Permeable paving is specifically designed for a dual role, acting as the drainage system as well as supporting people and vehicles. At the same time, many pollutants are substantially removed and treated within the paving layers before the water leaves it. As a result of this unique capability, permeable paving offers a gradual supply of treated water that can be integrated within landscape design, promoting biodiversity and green infrastructure.

It also provides clean water at the head of the ‘SuDS management train’ enabling safe open SuDS features on the surface, downstream.

Concrete block permeable paving can be laid level and still avoids puddles without the need for drainage gulleys.

It provides a safe, firm surface for

everyone – including wheelchair users and people pushing prams – unlike gravel and other loose materials. It is therefore the preferred option around trees, rather than tree grilles, according to BS8300-1 (2018).

Planning requirements National and local planning policies call for SuDS, encouraging techniques such as permeable paving. For example, the Draft London Plan says that “development proposals for impermeable paving should be refused where appropriate, including on small surfaces such as front gardens and driveways”. This stance is supported by the 2019 National Planning Policy Framework.

There is a growing choice of concrete products available from Interpave manufacturers, designed specifically for permeable paving. Essentially, they have the same impressive performance as conventional modular concrete paving products, being slip-resistant, durable, strong and sustainable.

And today there are more shapes, styles, finishes and colours than ever to give real freedom of choice. The difference with permeable paving is enlarged joints, filled with a permeable aggregate, and the materials used below the blocks, which are specifically selected to accommodate water.

www.paving.org.uk/home/permeable-paving/ FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

0116 232 5170 34

New webinar A new CPD webinar – presented by Bob Bray of Robert Bray Associates, with over 20 years’ experience in SuDS and landscape design – explores how straightforward flow controls can optimise permeable paving and SuDS. It covers techniques including water storage in paving compartments deployed around a site, to integrate SuDS within development and avoid land-take.

The webinar is supported by the latest edition of ‘Understanding Permeable Paving and SuDS’, an essential introductory guide to all aspects of concrete block permeable paving for SuDS – and much more. Its benefits include potential for ‘cool pavements’ helping to reduce the urban heat island effect, making our cities more comfortable in summer. Another important innovation – set to play a major role in the post-pandemic public realm – is the retrofitting of concrete block permeable paving as an overlay to existing streets.

This low-intervention technique enables transformation of the public realm in response to the raft of recent active travel and open space initiatives.

info@paving.org.uk

Introducing Pilkington SaniTise™, a world-first in glazing. Coated with a layer of titanium dioxide, the glass provides antimicrobial properties. Tested by leading universities it helps protect against enveloped viruses.

Pilkington SaniTise™. For a healthier, cleaner, safer world.

For further information visit pilkington.co.uk/sanitise

FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS

RAPID WATERPROOFING WITH MAPEI’S MAPELASTIC AQUADEFENSE TANKING KIT The new Fast Track Ready tanking kit from Mapei provides rapid waterproofing of bathrooms, wetrooms and showers without the loss of Mapei’s emblematic quality.

Mapelastic AquaDefense Tanking Kit components are supplied ready to use, and areas can be ready to tile after just four hours without the need to prime.

MAPEI

T

he tanking kit comprises Mapelastic AquaDefense and Mapeband PE 120, which is used to form waterproofing layers before applying ceramic, stone and mosaic coatings to areas in contact with moisture and running water. The former’s

second coat can be applied one hour after the first coat, and three hours after the second coat; when applied on a suitable substrate, such as dry screed with less than 3% residual moisture, tiles may be bonded after four hours. The kit is also suitable for

www.mapei.com/gb

application on concrete; cementitious screeds and screeds made using special binders – including Topcem, Topcem Pronto, Mapecem and Mapecem Pronto; internal applications to plasterboard; to existing coatings in ceramic, terrazzo and stone, and cementitious render.

Mapeband PE 120 is a waterproof tape made from polyester mesh and PVC fabric; elastic and deformable, it is used to waterproof corners between adjacent walls, and between walls and floors to be treated with Mapelastic AquaDefense. When working together, the kit creates a highly waterproof system.

For use on substrates that have been well-cured, and are sound, clean and free of substances which could compromise the bond.

Tiles installed on floors waterproofed with Mapelastic AquaDefense Tanking Kit can be opened to foot traffic within 12 hours from the start of installation.

0121 508 6970

info@mapei.co.uk

F. BALL PRODUCTS LIE AT HEART OF COMMUNITY PROJECT F. BALL AND CO.

High-performance subfloor preparation products and adhesives from F. Ball and Co. have been used to install floorcoverings as part of a refurbishment to transform a 19th-century school into a community centre. A&H Flooring was commissioned to install floorcoverings as part of the project. Work commenced with a moisture test for the stone subfloor. As results found RH levels to be above the 75% maximum threshold for installing floorcoverings without a moisture management solution, F. Ball’s Stopgap F77 waterproof surface membrane was chosen to provide a barrier to stop excess subfloor moisture, thereby preventing potential floor failure. To facilitate this, contractors used F. Ball’s Stopgap 1200 Pro, a high-performance, fast-setting, fast-drying levelling compound, to create a smooth base for the application of the waterproof surface membrane.

www.f-ball.co.uk

01538 361633

mail@f-ball.co.uk

STO BRINGS ACOUSTIC BALANCE TO A MAJOR LONDON LANDMARK STO

A major new landmark on the London skyline now benefits from a balanced acoustic environment thanks to the use of the StoSilent Distance system from Sto. The main lobby and Mezzanine Club area of The Stratford (formerly Manhattan Loft Gardens) have been fitted with StoSilent Distance. The StoSilent Distance system allows architects and interior designers to create efficient, sound-absorbent walls and ceilings in situations where they must be suspended to reduce room height, accommodate services or to achieve a certain visual appearance. It can be used to create seamless surfaces of up to 200m², including inclined planes or curved vaults, along with sharp joints and creases wherever they are required.

Image ©Hufton+Crow

QUADRANT’S SALTO LVT COLLECTION FEATURES SLEEK FLOORING WITH IN-BUILT DURABILITY QUADRANT

Quadrant has launched its Salto LVT (luxury vinyl tile) collection, providing elegance and stability by mixing sleek, versatile and sustainably-focused design with high durability. The new collection balances beautiful form with function. Beneath sleek finishes, unique multi-layered architecture ensures the loose-layer LVT requires minimal upkeep and remains hard-wearing; with all surfaces including a fibreglass strengthened core, water resistance and ceramic nanobeads that help prevent scuffing and scratching. Giving the look of natural materials without installation complications, the flooring comes in two grades to accommodate diverse needs. Salto 55 features a 0.55mm wear layer appropriate to class 33 heavy commercial use and tougher 0.70mm PU layer, suitable for class 34 intensive use areas.

www.quadmod.com www.sto.co.uk FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

0141 892 8000

info.uk@sto.com 36

01622 719090 info@quadmod.com

FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS

SUSTAINABLE AND ETHICAL DESIGN There is, rightly, a continuing trend towards sustainability and sustainable design being spearheaded by forward-thinking architects and designers and building product manufacturers all keen to minimise waste in the construction industry.

TROLDTEKT

I

nitiatives and schemes from PEFC and FSC certification through to Cradleto-Cradle design, circular economy LEED, BREEAM and DGNB are all leaders in the fields of sustainability.

This is helping drive manufacturers and specifiers to think about how they

work and the products they use. One of the manufacturers which has been championing this is Danish wood-wool panel manufacturer Troldtekt. Both FSCand PEFC-certified, the company has set strict environmental targets for its manufacture and products culminating

www.troldtekt.co.uk

01978 664255

in a transparent roadmap in its 2013 CSR report. This has led the company to be one of Europe’s most vociferous advocates for sustainable design and one which contributes positively to BREEAM, WELL, LEED and DGNB certifications. It was recently awarded the prestigious Danish Industry Award for Green Transformation presented by HRH Crown Princess Mary.

The company’s green stance has not gone unnoticed among designers and ethical designers such as Sibley Grove, which pioneers strategies that deliver sustainable interior schemes. For example, when it was appointed to re-design The Chamberlain Hotel’s public areas, sustainability was paramount. The studio’s unique approach to design assesses the environmental and social impact of every design decision, from the origin of the materials to where they end up at the end of their lifecycle. As a result, the design studio specified as many sustainable and Cradle-to-Cradle-certified materials as possible, including Troldtekt’s panels Cradle-to-Cradle certified to ‘Silver’ level.

By specifying these, the environmental impact is minimal. Troldtekt is circular, and the material can go back to nature as a nutrient in the biological circuit or be included as a raw material in the production of cement in the technical circuit.

info@troldtekt.co.uk

NEW LEISURE CENTRE ‘TONES UP’ WITH CROWN TRADE

ECO-FRIENDLY MOVEABLE WALL AT KPMG’S ‘GREEN’ BUILDING

CROWN TRADE

STYLE

The refurbishment of a community leisure centre in Wiltshire has been given a paint finish that is more than fit for purpose, thanks to leading paint manufacturer Crown Paints. The creation of the new Calne Community Campus will provide a variety of new facilities for the local area, including a new fitness suite and refurbished swimming pool and sports hall. Working alongside main contractor MD Group, the Crown specification team helped devise a high-performance paint specification to extend future maintenance cycles and keep the decor in perfect shape, both inside and out. With cleanliness a top priority, Crown Trade’s Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt was the ideal choice for use throughout the centre, and has been applied in the fitness suite, sports hall and servery, as well as high-traffic areas such as corridors and reception. The advanced formulation of Clean Extreme enables the painted surface to be repeated and rigorously cleaned without diminishing its flat matt appearance.

Leading the way in environmental efficiency, KPMG’s Ignition Centre, in the heart of Canary Wharf, aims to maximise the use of a large meeting area with the installation of two Dorma Hüppe Variflex moveable walls. Available from sole UK distributor and marketleading partitioning expert, Style, the Variflex system is certified with an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804, reflecting KPMG’s commitment to sustainability. Style worked with MCM Architects and Mace interiors to deliver a contemporary solution that would bring greater flexibility to the main meeting room. The individual elements of the two Variflex systems can be quickly manoeuvred into place, efficiently dividing the space into smaller working areas – which is particularly relevant given current social distancing requirements. Semiautomatic operation ensures the substantial rubber seals expand to exactly the required level to create an impressive 55dB acoustic divide, allowing employees to work undisturbed, at all times.

www.crownpaintspec.co.uk 0330 024 0310 info@crownpaintspec.co.uk

www.style-partitions.co.uk 01202 874044 sales@style-partitions.co.uk 37

FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

GLASS & GLAZING

HARD-WORKING GLASS Increasingly, in the modern construction industry, glass fulfils a number of essential roles, in addition to allowing clear sightlines and the influx of natural light. From privacy and sound-proofing to security and fire resistance, it has become one of the most versatile construction materials, as Susan Sinden, Commercial Manager of ESG Group, explains.

ESG GROUP

W

e used to see glass simply as an effective transparent glazing material, and of course, it still is. However, with advances in glass processing technology, it can now also provide a raft of other vital functions as well.

Glass in its single form is normally used in low barrier scenarios such as ground floor balustrading and glass doors, as well as in a variety of interior applications such as shelving, worktops, splashbacks and shower doors. Toughened glass is four times stronger than annealed glass and is also safer to use. Whereas annealed glass will break, if damaged, into large shards which can cause serious injuries, toughened glass will shatter into small, granular fragments which pose far less threat of injury.

As well as being available in numerous tints and finishes, glass can also be made decorative, using a variety of processes from sandblasted designs to screen-printed logos.

One of the most valuable advances in glass processing was the advent of toughened laminated glass, such as ESG Tufflam, which makes larger expanses of glazing safer, in almost every setting.

In the lamination process, two (or more) sheets of toughened glass are sandwiched together using a specialist PVB (polyvinyl butyral) interlayer, which forms a bond, creating a single, very strong glass pane.

In the event of damage to a toughened laminated pane, not only will the glass naturally shatter into small fragments rather than large dangerous shards, the interlayer to which it is bonded will actually hold most of those fragments in place. This greatly reduces the risk of falling glass fragments, and also means that the pane, if held in a frame, although damaged, will stay in place. This damaged pane can often remain in place, preserving the property’s envelope temporarily, until a new pane can be fitted, without the need for boarding with wood.

If a structural interlayer is used in the lamination process, the function of staying in place as a barrier is enhanced even more by the rigidity of the panel. This makes it an obvious choice for glass doors and balustrades, and also, increasingly, for larger windows, where there could be a risk of a fall if the barrier were removed due to damage.

www.esg.glass FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

These inherent properties also make toughened laminated glass a candidate for use in far more construction features, such as walls, lift shafts and even floors. By laminating several toughened glass sheets together, we can create stair treads, beams and other structural features. Advances in glass processing means that we are able to create lighter, stronger panels, which, in turn, means that we can now make larger panels than ever before, giving even more scope to the architect and the designer.

But modern glass is even more versatile. The use of technically-advanced interlayers enables us to introduce other features and properties.

One of the most popular new products is privacy glass, such as ESG Switchable. For this, we use an interlayer through which a small electric current is passed. With the current switched off, the glass pane appears opaque, but with the current passing through it, the glass becomes optically clear. This is increasingly popular for partition walls and door panels, allowing you to choose privacy or openness, literally at the touch of a button.

01376 520061 38

sales@esg.glass

Speak to our audience directly...

With our new

FCA and PSBJ Magazine Webinar series and magazines are determined to support the industry during this difficult period, and with a huge uplift in our online training and promotional areas, we are launching a new initiative that can involve you.

It’s your chance to speak to our audiences - directly!

Featuring a range of topics including: industry training, technical expertise, solutions for projects and more.

30/60-minute webinars and live Q&A sessions.

Your brand and your expertise listed on the registration page.

Delivering interesting, topical and educational content in the most accessible manner.

This campaign is launched to over 30,000 architects, specifiers and contractors for FC&A magazine and 14,000 housing associations, local authorities, heads of estates for education and healthcare buildings.

Your own dedicated brand and webinar promoted exclusively through FCA / PSBJ channels.

All opt-in GDPR-compliant attendee data from your session given to you.

If you are interested in taking part or would like to know more about our webinar series, please contact Cross Platform Media via telephone or email.

39 01622 232719

FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021 sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

ROOFING, CLADDING & INSULATION

KALWALL SHEDS LIGHT ON CARGO HANDLING Air services provider dnata has opened a new £30m high-bay facility at Manchester Airport to help its expanding cargo handling business in the UK. Designed by architect firm RPS, the 13,500m 2 BREEAMrated building includes an innovative mix of flexible Grade A office accommodation, workspaces and meeting facilities along with a dedicated gym and fitness centre.

STRUCTURA

F

or part of the scheme, the architects specified Kalwall translucent cladding to provide natural

daylighting for the offices and gym. This building’s tall ceiling space required the 100mm self-supporting Kalwall panels to

www.structura-uk.com/kalwall

span freely across 4.8 x 2.8m apertures.

While it is unusual to have such a tall span with no support, the inherent strength of Kalwall in a lightweight frame meant it could be achieved and add to the overall aesthetic appeal of the design.

Furthermore, the integration of higher density insulation within the Kalwall panels means they are achieving an impressive U-value of 0.83W/m2K – half that of traditional double glazing. Kalwall panels can achieve a U-value of up to 0.28W/m2K for the most demanding of applications. This reduces the reliance on HVAC systems and artificial lighting.

Kalwall was also specified because it offers complete line-of-sight protection, maintaining privacy for people in their offices and others in the fitness studios and gym, a particular importance as its located adjacent to the main entrance and car park servicing the building. It throws diffused daylighting deep into the interior space regardless of the weather and helps combat problems of hot spots and solar gain. The cladding throws an even balance of light through the interior space, eliminating stark contrasts of light and shade. This makes it safer for occupants, is more restful on the eye and prevents computer screen glare and other issues, providing a comfortable, usable space throughout the year.

01233 501504

mail@structura.co.uk

GREEN ROOF MANUFACTURER ADVISES CAREFUL PLANNING TO AVOID BREXIT SUPPLY ISSUES WALLBARN

Construction managers overseeing domestic and commercial projects incorporating green roofs are being reminded to plan especially carefully over the coming months. “Maintaining close contact with your green roof supplier or manufacturer will be critical over the coming months for two reasons,” said Julian Thurbin of Wallbarn. “Firstly, the sedum element of roll-out green roofs is usually delivered to site on a ‘just-in-time’ basis because the plants are delicate and should not, we believe, be left rolled up for longer than 72 hours. Secondly, many British producers, such as ourselves, are already seeing higher-than-normal levels of enquiries. We don’t foresee demand outstripping supply, but we are advising customers to plan well ahead.”

www.wallbarn.com

0208 916 2222

sales@wallbarn.com

TRAINING BY DESIGN AMPTEAM

An Ampteam-approved contractor installed this high-quality Unifold Gutter System. Following training, this is the level of quality that Ampteam has come to expect from its installers. As a company policy, the Dudley-based manufacturer decided some time ago not to “just supply a consignment” and expect those on site – who have previously never worked with Unifold – to undertake installations. Like many system suppliers, the company provides a free-of-charge comprehensive training programme to Unifold Gutter System’s potential installers – which involves practical training and a theory presentation followed by multiple-choice questions. This supports the product’s 25-year guarantee – which includes installation and quality of the materials and manufacture.

STO INSULATION SOLUTION ACHIEVES EXCELLENT MARKS ON CARDIFF SCHOOL PROJECTS STO

A trio of Welsh schools have received upgrades to their thermal insulation thanks to a package of products provided by Sto. Ysgol Glan Morfa, Howardian Primary School and Ysgol Hamadryad in Cardiff have had the company’s StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system applied to significantly improve their thermal performance.

StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system features mineral fibre insulation boards and combines unrivalled fire protection and high thermal performance with excellent impact resistance, making it ideal for both new-build and refurbishment projects. It was installed using Sto-Rotofix Plus, a unique and easily adjustable spiral fixing which can accommodate any unevenness in the substrate to create a perfectly smooth outer finish.

www.sto.co.uk www.ampteam.co.uk FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

01384 252777

unifold@ampteam.co.uk 40

0141 892 8000 info.uk@sto.com

Change the Process...

...Not the Solution You’re always looking to improve.

Every concept and design you produce is informed by the latest thinking. There’s always a better way to do things, and you’re determined to provide the best service you can for your clients.

It’s a shame, then, that when your project gets to site it’s the same old story. The delays, the cost overruns, the fight to keep the quality high.

You can’t blame your clients for wondering when this project is going to start making them money instead of losing it, and even you might start to wonder how much of your design will make it into the finished building.

With a modular solution from Wernick® Buildings most of the construction is done offsite, and out of the rain, so the chances of delays are reduced. It isn’t just quicker, though. Building in a factory reduces waste, improves quality and reduces cost. So if you’re designing modern buildings, why not try a modern method of construction?

www.wernick.co.uk/healthcare 0800 18 18 22 buildings@wernick.co.uk Specialists in the design and build of modular buildings 41

FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

BUILDING ELEMENTS

Oxford Brookes University

Ridgeway Views

Greenwich Design District

MODULAR THERMAL BREAK IS ‘GO-TO’ SOLUTION FOR STEEL-TO-STEEL DETAILING Steel has a very high conductivity when compared with other construction materials. In structures where steel elements are connected to other steel components, or where they penetrate the insulated envelope, careful design consideration is required if thermal bridging is to be avoided. The acknowledged method of reducing thermal transmittance in these situations is by incorporating a structural thermal break.

SCHÖCK

A

product offering multiple benefits is the versatile Schöck Isokorb T type S – a load-bearing thermal insulation element for connecting cantilevered steel girders to steel structures in new construction or renovation projects.

Penetrating support structures, such as balconies, canopy roofs, or frame system crossbars, can be reliably separated

and thermal bridges minimised. It is the only thermal break product for steel construction that satisfies the load-bearing and thermal insulation requirements of steel design. And being a modular unit, it can be adapted to all profile sizes and loadbearing capacity requirements. The T type S has been incorporated into a number of high-profile projects throughout the UK and three of them are highlighted here.

The T type S product

www.schoeck.com FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

01865 290890 42

The redevelopment of the Sir Kenneth Wheare Hall at Oxford Brookes, creates an elegant, multi-use space for teaching, graduations and other key university events. Support for the external cladding was provided by cantilever connections to the universal columns; and it was critical to provide a structural thermal break at strategic connectivity points. By thermally separating the exterior steel structure from the interior steel structure, the modular thermal insulation elements with their stainless steel components, reliably mitigate the risk of condensation, mould formation and corrosion.

Greenwich Design District provides 14,000m 2 of affordable creative studios and workshops. The 16 buildings throughout the site incorporate a variety of Schöck solutions, but it is Building C1 that utilises the T type S Isokorb. This three-level workshop and studio has a basketball court on the roof. The external staircase and concrete cantilevered walkway; and also where the walkway encloses the staircase, involve particularly large cantilevers. Here, the walkway slabs, supported by a main beam, enclose cast-in steel beams and three cross-beams, which are bolted back to the structural slabs using the modular Isokorb units.

Ridgeway Views The former site of the National Institute for Medical Research on The Ridgeway at Mill Hill, in North London, is being redeveloped as a major new residential development. When complete, there will be around 460 residential units, with apartments across 19 buildings of three to nine storeys and 12 three-storey houses. Also new offices, leisure facilities and a cafe. There are a variety of thermal breaks used throughout the scheme, but there was a special requirement involving a steel balcony needing to be bolted down to a precast plank. To achieve this, an L-shaped bracket was first fixed to the slab, then a stub bracket and balcony attached to the bracket using the modular Isokorb.

design-uk@schoeck.com

Saving for a rainy day...

UNI-DAM, a rainwater management system designed to prevent heavy storm rainfall from overwhelming gutter systems and flooding into buildings.

The system is fixed to the roof and once installed slows and controls the flow of rainfall into the gutter.

For more information or quote please contact our office on 01384 252777.

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

Weatherproof your gutters at a cost you can afford.

ECO-LINER from Ampteam. Another clever but cost effective product designed to last. Ampteam have created a family of innovative products that combat the ever increasing deluge of bad weather we have in the UK.

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

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FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

BUILDING ELEMENTS

THE SUPREME LOFT LADDER PREMIER LOFT LADDERS

The ‘Supreme’ from Premier Loft Ladders sets the standard for loft ladders, combining heavy-duty performance with lightweight operation. It features a high-strength retractable ladder, suitable for ceilings as high as 4.6m. Furthermore, it offers superb thermal insulation and an airtight seal, therefore, helping to maintain warmth in the home and reduce energy costs. The sophisticated counter-balance system makes using the Supreme very easy. However, it is also available with fully-automatic electrical operation for ultimate convenience. Visit Premier Loft Ladders’ website to learn more about the Supreme loft ladder.

www.premierloftladders.co.uk/supreme

0345 9000 195

sales@premierloftladders.co.uk

DRAKA CONNECTIVITY RANGE LAUNCHED IN ENVIRONMENTALLYFRIENDLY PACKAGING DRAKA

Draka, a brand of Prysmian Group – the world leader in power and telecommunications cables and systems – is pleased to launch a new, improved connectivity range of products for use with its copper Draka Universal Cabling System. The new connectivity products are supplied in plastic-free, environmentallyfriendly packaging. The new Draka Cat5e and Cat6 unshielded copper connectivity range has been completely revised and updated for increased quality and performance, whilst also maintaining its competitive edge in the market. Designed with the installer in mind, the connectivity products come with several new features for quick and simple installation.

mms.drakauk.com

0238 029 5555

draka.mms@prysmiangroup.com

ADVANCED SELECTED AS INSTALLER’S PREFERENCE FOR LUXURY APARTMENTS

BBA APPOINTED AS AN APPROVED BODY FOR UKCA MARKING THE BRITISH BOARD OF AGRÉMENT

The British Board of Agrément is pleased to announce that it has been appointed as an approved body, technical assessment body and notified body (NI) by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) Marking is a new UK product marking used for certain goods being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). It has been introduced to replace the current CE Marking. An additional mark, UKNI, will be used in Northern Ireland. As an assessment body, the BBA will support manufacturers with conformity assessment tasks for their UKCA and UKNI Marking across a wide range of construction product areas.

www.bbacerts.co.uk 01923 665300 marketing@bbacerts.co.uk

FLOOR FITTERS – FED UP WITH SQUEAKY FLOORBOARDS? SIMPSON STRONG-TIE

An Advanced fire alarm control panel has been selected to protect Marsham House, a high-end apartment building in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire.

Installed to ensure the safety of the 50 luxury apartments at Marsham House is a four-loop MxPro 4 panel covering all public areas and the underground car park of the six-storey building. Hertfordshirebased Amida Fire – responsible for the installation, integration, programming, commissioning and handover of the fire system – specifically sought approval from the main contractor to use an Advanced solution. In designing the system, Amida Fire has focused on ensuring false alarms are minimised. The MxPro 4’s confirmation filter has been used in the basement areas of the building so that both heat and smoke need to be detected before an alarm is confirmed as genuine, thus avoiding unnecessary evacuation. Helping to ensure residents’ safety, the MxPro 4, with built-in printer and zone indication, was integrated with the building’s AOV system, BMS, basement air intake and extract control system.

Time after time the culprit is the fasteners; nails working loose over time, leading to expensive callbacks.

While it’s well known that screws provide a tighter grip power by pulling the boards together, fitting 6mm plywood to underlay has long presented a dilemma. Conventional 25mm timber screws risk damaging underfloor electrical cables or puncturing water pipes, with potentially dangerous and costly consequences, however, the alternative use of 19mm nails causes the plywood subfloor to lift over time. Now Simpson Strong-Tie has the answer, as Fasteners Sales Manager, Natalie Dixon, explains: “Our ground-breaking new 19mm MTHZ19E underlayment screw for the Quik Drive collated screw system allows fast and secure underlayment to subfloor installations. This new, shorter length alternative prevents the tip from protruding through the floorboards, making it a safer way to fix 6mm plywood to timber or steel subfloors up to 0.9mm thick.”

www.advancedco.com

www.strongtie.co.uk

ADVANCED CO

FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

0345 894 7000 jmountain@advancedco.com 44

01827 255663 ndixon@strongtie.com

BUILDING ELEMENTS

S

A NEW BRAND IDENTITY AND LOGO FOR SCHÖCK Schöck has a new look for 2021. Innovation has always been a key part of the company’s philosophy, and the new branding is intended to represent a more authoritative and contemporary look going into the new decade. The ‘Schöck seal’, represented by two interlocking brackets, combined with the use of uppercase type, symbolises even more strongly the promise of delivering reliable, consistent quality; at the same time maintaining strong relationships between the company, its customers and its employees. The strapline will continue to be: ‘Dependable by design’.

SCHÖCK

www.schoeck.com

01865 290890

chöck’s primary focus is on the development of structural components that make a substantial contribution to building physics – minimising thermal bridges, preventing impact noise in buildings and reinforcement technology solutions. Mike Bucher, CEO of Schöck AG, comments: “Schöck has developed very successfully over the last 30 years. Our company is now more innovative and international than ever – and we want to present this to the outside world.”

The most striking feature of the new design is the logo. The blue used in the logo is darker and becomes the leading brand colour, and the Schöck name is now presented in uppercase type.

“The new Schöck seal stands for a clear promise. It is a symbol of quality and value, of reliability and security,” explains Mike Bucher.

“These are values that are at the core of our actions, even in times of digital transformation.”

For a free copy of the Schöck ‘Thermal Bridging Guide’; the Schöck ‘Specifiers Guide’ or to view the range of downloadable software, visit the below website.

design-uk@schoeck.com

KÖNIGSTONE CONTINUES TO IMPRESS WITH THE SEAMLESS KÖNIGSINK IN THE STUNNING VENUS KÖNIGSTONE

Königstone, the high-quality, family-run kitchen worktop company, continuously proves deserving of its leading position within the kitchen industry by being fully dedicated to trends and quality. Königstone is continuing to flourish and progress from its foundations and has recently introduced the Königsink in the stunning Venus. Venus is a delicate green Quartzite intertwined with shades of emerald, cream, gold and grey and is part of the KönigNaturals range. This exciting leap promises to deliver all the benefits of visual appeal and high quality that homeowners enjoy from the other items in Königstone’s product lines.

www.konigstone.co.uk

0333 577 2903

info@konigstone.co.uk

TBA PROTECTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

The fire protection of critical movement joints within the main floor slabs of the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Birmingham has consumed some 1000 linear metres of Titan Lite 120/60. In this instance, the specification of the adaptable high-performance TBA Firefly system for passive fire protection has come about as the result of consultation between the main contractor, Balfour Beatty and IFC (International Fire Consultants), in conjunction with the NHS Trust’s senior fire officer. Manufacturer TBA Protective Technologies duly provided its standard details and other certifications to the project team and delivered on-site training for the specialist package contractor, Flynn Interiors.

01706 758817

PREMIER MODULAR

Premier Modular has announced a strong financial performance with a 23% increase in turnover to £65.3m and a 35% rise in profit to £10.6m, according to its latest accounts which have just been released.

Premier’s financial performance is one of the strongest in the offsite sector, and the business has grown year-on-year for both bespoke offsite construction solutions and temporary modular buildings for hire.

Premier has committed to invest £12m in its modular hire fleet – making it one of newest fleets in the sector. Operating cashflow has increased by nearly 400% to £5.5m, providing a solid platform for growth.

TITAN LITE PROTECTING MOVEMENT JOINTS IN MIDLAND METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

www.tbafirefly.com

PREMIER MODULAR ANNOUNCES STRONG PERFORMANCE IN LATEST FINANCIAL RESULTS

technical@tbafirefly.com 45

www.premiermodular.co.uk 0800 316 0888 info@premiermodular.co.uk FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

BUILDING ELEMENTS

DOMUS VENTILATION LAUNCHES NEXT-GEN HIGH-PERFORMANCE MVHR SYSTEMS DOMUS VENTILATION

Domus Ventilation, part of the Polypipe group, has launched its next-generation, improved performance HRXE Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) units for a wider range of residential properties than ever before. HRXE-HERA and HRXE-AURA highperformance MVHR systems combine supply and extract ventilation in one system. They efficiently recover the heat typically lost in waste, stale air and use it to temper the fresh air drawn into the building via a heat exchanger. The filtered, pre-warmed air is distributed to areas of the home such as living rooms and bedrooms, effectively meeting part of the heating load in energy-efficient dwellings.

ON-TREND COLOUR CHOICE FOR ALUK WINDOWS AND DOORS ALUK

www.domusventilation.co.uk

03443 715523

vent.info@domusventilation.co.uk

OFFSITE SOLUTIONS RELEASES STRONG RESULTS FOR LAST FINANCIAL YEAR OFFSITE SOLUTIONS

Offsite Solutions has announced a 73% increase in pre-tax profits on a turnover of £33.3m, according to its accounts for 2019 which have just been released. These results have put Offsite Solutions in a stronger position to minimise the impact of the current pandemic. All of its factories remained open throughout the coronavirus lockdowns, operating with COVID-secure processes and procedures in place and at reduced levels as a number of construction projects were delayed. However, by maintaining production, all pod deliveries were made to the dates required for every customer, which is a major achievement.

With Ultimate Grey and Illuminating Yellow declared as the Pantone Colours of the Year for 2021, AluK is showcasing a recent installation which showed how the combination can be used in windows and doors. The owners of a luxury refurbishment in Whitstable, Kent, chose AluK products on the basis of the contemporary sightlines, quality and proven durability in a coastal location, as well as the vast colour choice. They chose windows in AluK’s slim sightline 58BW system throughout, four tested, tried and trusted BSF70 bi-folding doors and a structurally-bonded aluminium panel front door in a suited AluK 58BD frame.

uk.aluk.com www.offsitesolutions.com

01278 780807

info@offsitesolutions.com

NEW ISO-CHEMIE FACTORY INVESTMENT BOOST FOR UK OPERATIONS

TAPPING INTO CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN DESIGN WITH METHVEN

ISO-CHEMIE

ISO-Chemie is investing in its international infrastructure to accommodate expansion and growth plans this year. In a new move, which boosts customer service, the company is constructing an additional warehouse at its factory HQ in Aalen, Germany, as part of a multi-million-pound project to double current capacity and enhance green production processes. New investment will allow UK customers to continue to benefit from rapid deliveries of new foam sealant tape products from the European facility.

Customers will also continue to be able to collect UK stock and receive next-day deliveries while architects and window and door product specifiers can tap into expertise around the benefits of using specialist technology to secure energy-efficient solutions.

Andy Swift, Sales & Operations Manager – UK & ROI, says: “We are seeing strong demand for our products from all sectors of the market. By making these investments now to support operations, we will remain well-placed to provide customers with a fast, efficient and cost-effective service.”

METHVEN

www.iso-chemie.eu/en-GB/home/ 07837 337220 a.swift@iso-chemie.co.uk

www.methven.com

FC&A – FEBRUARY – 2021

01291 639739 info.uk@aluk.com

Setting the standard for style and performance, Methven’s latest kitchen tapware range has been designed to provide the ultimate blend of form and function, successfully meeting the demanding requirements of every modern kitchen. As part of Methven’s longstanding commitment to sustainability, the five new models are suitable for all plumbing systems and have been optimised to operate at six litres per minute, delivering the highest standards in water efficiency, without compromising on functionality or aesthetics. The high-quality, durable tapware has been created to support retailers, designers and installers in successfully enhancing each client’s unique kitchen space and requirements. Every model features an accessible pull-down nozzle for quick rinsing of kitchenware and utensils. Offering an impressive 20-year warranty across all chrome-plated designs, the WRAS-approved tapware is available with next-day delivery if ordered by 4pm, combined with dedicated technical and service support including spares requests.

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0800 195 1602 specifier@uk.methven.com

WITH YOU FROM START TO FINISH

We don’t just work with natural stone; we have a passion for it and our natural stone range has been carefully selected to ensure it combines versatility with aesthetics to enhance your outdoor environment.

Whatever your needs, our team of natural stone experts are always on hand to ensure your project gets finished to a premium standard. You’d expect nothing less from the leading natural stone supplier in the UK. Discover the potential of natural stone for yourself www.marshalls.co.uk/naturalstone 47

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