FC&A January 2023

New build development becomes

highly desirable after specifying Origin products throughout

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150 RAL

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Exceptional communication was the key to this project’s success.

When working with the Origin Commercial department, clients will receive a truly integrated service, as we offer support from concept, through to design, manufacture, delivery, completion and beyond.

ERMA TH

Origin Bi-fold Doors, French Doors and Windows were used throughout the entirety of this five plot development in Stratfordupon-Avon. Striking the perfect balance between stunning aesthetics, effortless operation and an optimised performance, the high quality products were manufactured bespoke and tailored to the client’s every need.

ANCE RM

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Red Hut Media Ltd

W E L C O M E

T O

5 Mansion Row, Brompton, Kent, ME7 5SE Tel: 01622 946150

EDITORIAL Rebecca Kemp rebecca@redhutmedia.com Hannah Woodger hannah@redhutmedia.com P R I N T & D I G I TA L A DV E R T I S I N G Sam Ball sam@redhutmedia.com Jim Moore jim@redhutmedia.com PRINT DESIGN MANAGER Jack Witcomb jack@redhutmedia.com D I G I TA L D E S I G N M A N AG E R Matt Morse matt@redhutmedia.com ACCOUNTS/ CREDIT CONTROL Rachel Pike accounts@redhutmedia.com SALES SUPPORT & S TAT I S T I C S Klare Ball klare@redhutmedia.com PUBLISHER Sam Ball sam@redhutmedia.com

A new year invariably calls for new goals, and for most working in the construction industry, these fresh objectives mean working even harder to achieve those allimportant low-emission, or even early zero-carbon, figures. With the emissionreduction-by-2030 and net-zero-by-2050 deadlines encroaching, the sector, particularly in the UK, is on the hunt for more sustainable practices that will blow these targets out of the water.

The eco-conscious habits of one Scandinavian country are widely known to pique the interests of the less eco-savvy individuals of the UK, and its building techniques, specifically its zero-emission sites, remain to inspire the British construction sector.

Norway has been universally praised for its high quality of living, world-leading status in renewable, green technologies and sustainability when it comes to resources. For years, the Norwegians have voluntarily taken on this position as Earth's caretakers, considering the environmental impacts of everything they do. Unlike many, Norway has a long-held instinct to respect its natural surroundings and adhere to more environmentally-friendly practices – all without the eye-opening emergency calls for lowering emissions and thinking more sustainably.

With so much to learn from Norway's mindset and methods, who best to explain its zero-emission demeanor than a Norwegian design specialist? In this month's issue, we talk to Gina Dinesen, a member of Boyer's design team, about the country's zeroemission sites and neighbourhoods. Turn to page 26 to read the full article.

What's more, on page 14, we look at Montreal-based architect practice, Atelier L’Abri's take on a 'Nordic farm' design that is set against Quebec's picturesque Mont-Tremblant National Park and nestled within the Devil’s River valley.

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.

RED HUT MEDIA

FUTURE CONSTRUCTOR & ARCHITECT MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2023

Rebecca

fcamagazine fcamagazine fcamagazine FC& A Magazine

Te r m s a n d C o n d i t i o n s :

REBECCA KEMP E d itor, F u ture C o ns t ructor & A r chitect

ON THE COVER:

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 Red Hut 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.

VO I D + , a res i dential s c heme deve loped by St udio Po us t i, s t rive s to offer an alternative to the conve ntional model of liv i ng in dens e urb a n s p aces .

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Yeovil • Somerset • England • UK

CAVITY TRAYS specialism • experience • service

J A NUARY CONTENTS

NEWS

06 18 20

IN DUS TRY UPDATE S :

32

T HE SUR FACE DE SIGN S HOW:

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

VOICE OF THE INDUS TRY:

Here, Ben Midwinter, Technical Director at Flex-R, looks at the EPDM advantages for refurb projects.

LEGAL & BUS INE SS:

HAVSPRO’s Managing Director, Russ Langthorne, is both knowledgeable and passionate about hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) in the workplace. Here, he talks about how best to identify, measure and monitor risk within the workplace.

The Surface Design Show is returning to the Business Design Centre from 7 to 9th February this year. Here, FC&A runs through everything you can expect from the event.

FEATURES

22

COST-O F-LIV ING CR IS IS :

24

FLOOR S , WA LLS & CE ILINGS :

26

SU STAINA BILITY:

28 30

SU RFACING:

Glenigan’s Economics Director, Allan Wilen, anticipates continued inflationary pressures impacting the construction industry through most of 2023 as the market enters a recession. Here, Allan explains what he predicts we'll witness in the industry this year.

For the conversion of Victorian railway arches, viaducts and warehouses into an award-winning shopping and dining district in southeast London, the architect required a series of brickwork solutions that reflected the site’s heritage whilst infusing the buildings with an attractive, contemporary aesthetic.

Gina Dinesen, Boyer Design (part of Leaders Romans Group), uses Norway as a model of sustainability and looks at what we can learn from its eco-conscious ethos.

Here, Anthony Millington, Creative Director at Amron Architectural, explores surface trends to look out for in 2023.

T ECHNICA L FO CUS:

Paul Barrett, Head of Product Management at ROCKWOOL UK, addresses the common questions the company receives about stone-wool insulation.

PORTFOLIOS

10

VOID+, STUDIO POUS TI:

14

FAROUCHE AGROTO UR IS M S I TE , ATE LI E R L’A B RI :

VOID+, a residential scheme developed by Studio Pousti, strives to offer an alternative to the conventional model of living in dense urban spaces.

Set against Mont-Tremblant National Park and nestled within the Devil’s River valley, the Farouche agrotourism site, designed by Atelier L’Abri, offers a singular and unique concept for the Laurentians region of Quebec.

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FC_ A JANUARY

INDUSTRY UPDATES

NE WS I N B R I E F: BOWMER + KIRKLAND AND NBS JOIN FORCES

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

Construction and development group, Bowmer + Kirkland, has beenannouncedastheßrst contractor partner working with Newcastle upon Tyne-based construction technologyßrmNBS. Innovative functionality developed by NBS on its Chorus platform will allow design managers to better collaborate with their design partners and manufacturer supply chain, speeding up the design process and reducing defects in construction.

Bowmer + Kirkland is set to make the most of these developments, using NBS Chorus to work more ecientlywithdesignpartners and better manage the design and construction phases of Ontario Place projects. Also included will be improved features to help contractors work with their approved suppliers.

JESSUP PARTNERSHIPS OPENS NEW SHOW HOME AT TELFORD DEVELOPMENT

Jessup Partnerships has opened its Beech show home at its new development in Lightmoor Village, Telford.

The Beech-style home at the Woodlands development in Lightmoor Village is perfect for families, with the open-plan kitchen/ dining area taking the best of modern living and pairing it with a traditional exterior.

Downstairs, the threebedroomhomeoœers a large living area with French doors opening to the rear fenced and turfed garden, as well as a handy downstairs cloakroom. The development, located on Wellington Road, features a mix of two-, threeand four-bedroom homes, which are perfect for families and young professionals.

Each is built with ecological and environmental living in mind and to a generous specißcation.

FC_ A JANUARY

THERME GROUP REVEALS PLANS FOR ICONIC TORONTO DESTINATION AND PUBLIC PARKLANDS Therme Canada has unveiled new visuals and updated plans as part of the project to redevelop Ontario Place as a world-class, year-round destination for all.

THERME G R OUP

M

a r k La w s o n , Vi c e Pre s i d e n t , Co m u n i c a t i o n s &

Ex t e r n a l Re l a t i o n s a t Th e r m e Ca n a d a , e x p l a i n s : “ H a v i n g s i g n e d a l o n g - te r m l e a s e a t On t a r i o Pl a c e , w e a re d e l i ve r i n g o n o u r c o m i t m e n t t o c re a t e a n i c o n i c , g l o b a l at ra c t i o n a l o n g w i t h n ew p r i va te ly- f u n d e d a n d maintained public space that w i l a l ow ev r yo n e to e n j oy On t a r i o Pl a c e y e a r ro u n d”.

T h e r m e Ca n a d a | On t a r i o Pl a c e w i l i n c l u d e s h o re l i n e re s t o r a t i o n , 1 . 8 a c re s o f f re l y - a c e s i b l e p u b l i c space, enhanced trails, a p u b l i c b e a c h , n ew we t l a n d s and aquatic habita s, 4.1 a c re s o f g re n ro f t h a t co n e c t t h e b u i l d i n g to the sur ounding natural l a n d s c a p e , re s t o re d ex i s t i n g h e r i t a g e g a t h e r i n g a re a s .

T h e r m e G ro u p w a s s e l e c t e d b y t h e G o v e r n m e n t o f On t a r i o t h ro u g h a n i n t e r n a t i o n a l

Ontario Place bid ing competi on held in 2019 and has subsequently s i g n e d a l o n g - t e r m g ro u n d l e a s e a t On t a r i o Pl a c e .

Th e r m e Ca n a d | On t a r i o Pl a c e w i l b e a f a m i ly- f r i e n d ly e x p e r i e n c e fo c u s e d o n f u n , re l a x t i o n a n d w e l b e i n g .

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Th e r w i l b e i n d o r a n d o u td o r p o l s , wa te r s l i d e s a n d a wave p o l , n a t u r a l s p a c e s t o re l a x , s p o r t s p e r fo m a n c e a n d re c o v e r y s e r v i c e s a n d b o t a n i c a l g a rd e n s .

www.thermegroup.com

INDUSTRY UPDATES

NEWS IN BRI EF: HENRY BROTHERS ACHIEVES PLATINUM STATUS IN SURVEY

Ontario Place

PERSONNEL The tatest appointments from the constru con and architectu rat indu stries:

HENRY BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION APPOINTS DIRECTOR

Henry Brothers Construction has appointed Peter Commins as Director for the company’s northern region. The move follows the opening of a Henry Brothers office in Manchester after a number of successful contract wins in the region, including the refurbishment of the University of Manchester’s Chemistry Building, Glossopdale School and work for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). Peter has a wealth of experience in both construction and civil engineering and has previously worked for a number of leading tierone contractors, including Mansell, Balfour Beatty and Kier. He has been a Director or Regional Managing Director for some 30 years, predominantly working in the North, and is a past chairman of the Construction Confederation.

NEW ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR JOINS DMWR ARCHITECTS

CHQ ARCHITECTS APPOINTS DIRECTOR OF SUSTAINABILITY

Gary Wolstenholme has joined DMWR Architects as an Associate Director based in the Manchester practice. Gary has over 20 years’ experience working for UK practices, including DLA Architects, Aedas/AHR, 3DREID and Falconer Chester Hall across a wide range of sectors, predominately focusing on residential, student accommodation, leisure, education and commercial sectors. He is passionate about architecture and the wellbeing and mentoring of the team. Gary comments: “I am very excited to be joining DMWR at an important time in the further progression of the company. I am eager to play a key part in the continued expansion of the Manchester office, building on the good work that has been done to date and increasing our presence in Manchester and the Northwest.”

CHQ Architects has appointed Aart Koning as Director of Sustainability. Aart, who has over 30 years’ experience working in the UK for awardwinning practices, joined CHQ as a Director in July. He will be heading up the sustainability side of the business, working across CHQ and DMWR Architects. Aart comments: “As a group, we have a strong commitment to sustainability and the protection of the environment, both through the buildings we design and the environmental impact of our business. Making sure this is part of our holistic approach to design, we are expanding our architectural design skills with the in-house expertise in energy and environmental engineering required to ensure that our architectural designs are informed by sustainability from the early design stages, through to delivery and completion.”

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Henry Brothers has been awarded Platinum status, the highest accolade available, in Business in the Community, Northern Ireland’s (BiTC NI) Environmental Benchmarking Survey. Recognising businesses that go above and beyond to reduce their impact on the environment, the survey benchmarks companies that drive change by integrating sustainable practices into corporate strategies. CSR Director at Henry Brothers, Ian Henry, was also named the Silver winner of BiTC NI’s George Dawson Award, which celebrates individuals that champion sustainability within their organisations. Speaking of the esteemed recognition, Ian said: “We recently made our biggest commitment to sustainability yet with the launch of our Journey to Net Zero by 2050 strategy, outlining how we will halve our CO2e emissions by 2030.”

CPW WINS INVESTORS IN PEOPLE AWARD

International M&E consultancy CPW is celebrating winning the UK Employer of the Year ‘Silver’ category at the prestigious Investors in People awards.

In a record-breaking year for entries, with more than 300 submissions, CPW won the 250+ employees Silver category and beat seven competitors to the top spot.

CPW, an international MEP consultancy that specialises in sustainable design solutions for the built environment, has more than 250 staff based across 12 offices throughout the UK, as well as India and Poland.

Dee Pardoe, Operations Manager at CPW, said: “We are so pleased to have won this award as we care about our staff and pride ourselves on giving them the time and resources to develop and upskill.”

FC_ A JANUARY

THERMAL BREAKS

Graphic of the product in situ

The two residential towers.

Courtesy of Muse Developments.

Schöck Bole up to 10 times faster Sitting adjacent to Manchester Victoria station, the £ 1 8 5 m New Victoria mixed development is a two- phase scheme, which will initially provide two residential towers of 20 and 25 storeys comprising 520 one- , two- and three-bed apartments.

SCHÖ C K

A

n eight-storey, 150,000ft² office block is scheduled for the second phase. The residential structures are solid in appearance, with profiled panel facades, which run at regular intervals from top to bottom. The panels also extend and wrap around the top of the buildings, providing shelter for the rooftop terraces. The layout of the two

structures has been driven by a need to maximise the number of apartments with dual-aspect views. As a result, there is one central core with three wings of accommodation. These are concrete frames using reinforced flat-slab construction – and, as always, with flatslab construction, the risk of punching failure is a critical issue.

Typical Bole onsite layout

The Schöck Bole shear rail system has been incorporated to prevent any such risk – and enable cost-effective installation that is up to 10 times faster than traditional loose links. The dramatically-reduced fixing time far outweighs any additional material costs that may be involved with a prefabricated system. Also, when compared with a typical stirrup reinforcement system, an increased shear force resistance of around 70% is achievable with the Schöck Bole. It is a widely trusted and popular solution consisting of doubleheaded studs and anchors with spacing bars, which enable installation after the bottom reinforcement and before the top layer. Two spacer bars are welded to the vertical studs, which ensure the correct distance between uprights. The forged stud heads guarantee a perfect finishing bond with the concrete.

Other variants in the range

In addition to the standard Bole solution, Schöck has developed two other punching shear reinforcement variants. The type U, designed for installation before the lower mat, and type O, for installation after the top reinforcement layer. All products in the range are supplied ready for installation. There is downloadable, userfriendly Schöck design software available too, which enables fast and simple dimensioning of the product to British Standards and the export of CAD drawings with DXF format.

www.schoeck.com/e n- g b FC_ A JANUARY

018 6 5 2908 9 0 8

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VOID+, STUDIO POUSTI

T

A SOLUTION FOR DENSE URBAN LIVING $_uoy_7u-v1uW0bt7bmyoWuYou7W1-7Wv7$W_u-m_-vyomW Yuol-1b|oYbmCmb|Wy-u7Wmvb|_vbmytWfY-lbt7Wttbmyv|o1b|oYbmCmb|W-r-u|lWm|0to1hv:,m-ruWtW1omolb1-ttf7ubWm 1omv|u1omruo1Wvv7|_WuWt-omv_br0W|WWm0bt7bmyv-m7 |_Wbuu0-mY-0ub1-uWtov|:vlWloubWvoYrt-1W-uWbrW7o|7lW|uorotbvb|_mov|oubWvtWw|o|Wtt|-hWvv_-rW:$_bvbv$W_u-mYv 1uuWm|1b|v1-rW:C, ‡bv-uWvb7Wm-tv1_WlW7WWtorW70 u1_b|W1|-u-lov|_-|1_-ttWmyWv|_W1b|yvWmbuomlWm|: STUDIO POUSTI

FC_ A JANUARY

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he building is located in the northern part of Tehran, Iran. It strives to oœer an alternative to conventional models of habitation and dense urban living, which has resulted in closed-up building envelopes that lack a dialogue with their context.

Situated on an extremely narrow site, VOID+ consists of 1 0 units on ßve oors. The striking feature of the project is an intimate void strategically carved into the north facade in an attempt to engage the building with its periphery. The massing of the void creates a vertical ow between the skyline of the building and its feet.

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FC_ A JANUARY

VOID+, STUDIO POUSTI

SCAN ME TO BRING THIS PROJECT TO LIFE FACT FILE: Architect: Maryam Pousti Project manager: Maryam Pousti Design team: Melika Dezvarei, Sepehr Jafari, Amir Bakhshi and Soheil Shadi Structural engineer: Sajadian Engineers Electrical and mechanical engineer: Azmayesh Consulting Engineers Photographer: ParhamTaghioœ(Persia Photography Centre) and Deed Studio

The main entrance is defined by the particular moment when the verticality of the void turns into a horizontal plain stretched 20m along the length of the building. This horizontal platform connects the street level to the back garden. The aim is to redefine the building’s territory and to assimilate a single-family house that expands into its surroundings without the interference of rigid borders.

The interior layouts of the building reveal a deep structural and volumetric connection to the facade, a vocabulary that is used throughout the project. The juxtaposed volumes of the void offer FC_ A JANUARY

playfulness through shifting perspectives and views, allowing the interior and exterior boundaries to be experienced simultaneously. The ‘hide and seek’ between inside and outside takes place through the interplay of solid and void, challenging notions of exposure and privacy.

There are two units on each floor, rendering noise and privacy as driving forces in the positioning of a rectangular stairwell, which acts as a buffer to prevent sound and direct visual contact between the units. Each unit sits around an intimate balcony, which is perceived as an interior garden.

12

There is an arrangement for materials and a hierarchy of ßnishes and textures, which celebrates the value of working with artisans. This is evident in the combed vertical cement pattern of the facade, which also acts as a conductor of rainwater, keeping the building’s skin clean. Door handles, railings, lighting ßxtures and cabinets have been skilfully integrated into the architectural detailing of the building.

Collaboration with makers of diœerent backgrounds in this project is a reminder that buildings are a product of intense engagement and time.

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FAROUCHE AGROTOURISM SITE, ATELIER L’ABRI

NORDIC DESIGN Set against Mont-Tremblant National Park and nestled within the Devil’s River valley, the Farouche agrotourism site, designed by Atelier L’Abri, offers a singular and unique concept for the Laurentians region of Quebec. Making the most of the natural and untamed qualities of the territory of almost 100 acres, the project combines a Nordic farm, a cafe-bar, four-season micro-refuges and an outdoor basecamp.

O

ATELIER L’ABRI

n the north side of the Chemin du LacSupérieur trail, a barn serves as the headquarters for the farm's activities. The route that leads to the small organic vegetable farm goes through a tunnel greenhouse, flower fields and fallow land. The hiking trails begin behind the agricultural building and allow visitors of the Farouche site to explore the mountains of the Devil’s valley.

On the riverside, to the south of the road, the cafe is at the heart of the activities offered on the site. Guests enter this welcoming building through the small market, which offers visitors seasonal products from the Farouche vegetable farm, as well as other goods such as cheeses, beers and wines from local producers. The dining area and its kitchen offer passing visitors and cabin guests the opportunity to taste meals from the farm’s production. The cafe lounge opens towards the river; its large west-facing windows offer unique views of Mont-Tremblant and sunsets behind the Laurentian mountaintops. At its centre, the wood stove’s fire invites patrons to gather together and observe the ever-changing silhouette of nature.

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FAROUCHE AGROTOURISM SITE, ATELIER L’ABRI

Nestled in the cathedral roof, a mezzanine space offers a quiet, set-back living room. The building’s materiality is sober; the charcoalcoloured steel roofs and the natural hemlock siding are reminiscent of vernacular farm buildings.

The cedar shingle microcabins' camp stands south of the cafe. Organised organically and connected by a winding path, the four small A-frame shelters each contain a king bed, sofa and gas stove within their compact plan.

FC_ A JANUARY

Minimalist in essence, the buildings recede in the landscape and allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the wild beauty of the Devil’s River.

The Farouche project was documented by photographer Raphaël Thibodeau over a 24hour period in order to capture the evolution of the site, from the sunrise over the river, to the nocturnal observation of the cabins illuminated by the moonlight.

www.labri.ca 16

FACT FILE:

Project: Farouche Tremblant Site: Lac-Supérieur, Quebec, Canada Area: 5000ft2 Client: Farouche Tremblant Architecture: Atelier L’Abri Construction: Construction Pascal Rondeau Engineering: Alte Coop Project team: Stefania Praf, Charles-Édouard Dorion, Vincent Pasquier, Nicolas Lapierre and Francis Martel-Labrecque Photographer: Raphaël Thibodeau

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s budgets and margins continue to tighten, the pressure is on for specifiers and contractors to find the quickest and most cost-effective solutions to common refurbishment challenges. When a flat roofing installation fails, it’s worth considering whether a whole replacement is necessary or whether an EPDM membrane can be overlaid on the existing roof to provide the same waterproofing effect.

Years of exposure to the sun, frost, rain and snow, combined with diurnal temperature variations, will eventually take their toll on even the most resilient of bitumen-based roof membranes. There will come a point when patching is no longer sufficient to maintain watertightness, and a more significant intervention is required.

Typically, re-roofing is seen as the default option. This would see the removal and reinstallation of the existing roofing covering.

Particularly with bitumen-based roofs, this might include the removal and replacement of any damaged timber decking in order to create a suitable flat surface onto which the membrane can be laid.

Efficiencies from the top down

A quicker and more cost-effective alternative is to use a fleece-backed reinforced EPDM roofing membrane, such as RubberBond FleeceBack, which can be laid over the top of the existing roof system. The fleece backing provides many benefits, including resilience, increased bond strength and acts as a separation layer allowing the membrane to be bonded to bitumen waterproofing materials, which would adversely affect some membranes.

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Installation simply requires the contractor to clean the existing roof – jet washing and brushing may be sufficient. When the roof is dry, adhesive is applied directly to the existing roof surface, and the new membrane is placed on top; there is no need to remove the existing roof or replace the deck. The result is a cost-effective solution to re-waterproofing a roof, requiring less time on site, fewer materials and involving considerably less disruption to the building users.

An overlay solution is, of course, only suitable where the roof’s supporting structure is sound. It is, therefore, advisable to carry out a comprehensive roof survey to establish the condition of the various elements that make up the roof before specifying an overlay solution. A site visit is also required to establish whether the existing roof covering is suitable for this treatment.

Asphalt and bitumen roof coverings, along with most liquid-applied roofing systems, such as GRP, are generally suitable for overlay, providing the existing build-up has been installed correctly.

The survey should also evaluate the existing thermal insulation and whether moisture is present. The extent of this may require isolated areas to be replaced or render the roof unsuitable for overlay. It will also establish whether the degree of thermal insulation is sucient to comply with the current requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations.

Where the survey shows the existing insulation is insufficient to meet minimum Building Regulation requirements, it must be increased. If this is the case, the existing waterproofing can often be incorporated into the new roof as the air and vapour control layer, with additional insulation placed on top

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

Cwm Mawr, an award-winning architectural development at the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

to create a warm roof. The fleece-backed reinforced EPDM is then bonded directly on top of the new insulation to form the new waterproof layer.

It is an approach that can minimise disruption and the cost of a major thermal upgrade to the roof while also maximising the lifespan of the existing roof components instead of sending them to landfill prematurely.

Strong on sustainability

The appropriate overlay system, installed correctly, will provide a service life to equal an entire roof replacement. EPDM, which has UV resistance, has proven durability across its lifespan. There are projects in which the product has been installed for over 60 years that are still providing effective waterproofing.

Putting its sustainability credentials to the test, fleece-backed reinforced EPDM was specified for Cwm Mawr, an awardwinning architectural development at the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

The EPDM solution offered superior protection from the coastal weather, long-term durability and was BBA certified as a waterproofing membrane suitable for green roofs. The membrane’s long lifespan, combined with the broader sustainable elements of the project, set it apart as a shining example of how futureproof EPDM can be.

One final consideration that is particularly relevant today is that EPDM flat roofs are suitable for use with photovoltaic (PV) systems. PV panels either be mechanically fixed or held in place with ballast, and the only additional consideration with this type of installation is the need for structural checks to ensure the roof system can withstand the weight of the PV panels.

w :flexJr:co:uk 19

FC_ A JANUARY

LEGAL & BUSINESS

RUSS LANGTHORNE " $ ! "& ! ! $ (" & &+$! e" $! $&! $ " $ ! !+ ! ! $ !$" &"$!+ * ! " + $ $ $$ $" $ $ $ " $ " &" 8 $ +6 "

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SO, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

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Across an extensive range of commercial sectors and, in particular, construction, more than two million workers are exposed daily to the risk of contracting a debilitating, life-limiting and permanent condition, hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), writes Russ Langthorne, Managing Director at HAVSPRO. HAVSPRO

H

idden in plain sight, the effects of HAVS, sometimes known as ‘White Finger’, and its associated health conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and Dupuytren’s contracture, is a debilitating and permanent condition that causes significant pain and impacts on even everyday tasks.

It already affects thousands of employees every year. Workers who use any form of hand-operated tooling – drills, electric saws, sanders, grinders, nail guns, mowers; the list is endless – run the risk of being overexposed to this danger each and every day; just six months of overuse can lead to the contraction of HAVS.

A <fix abtef probtem5

To be clear, complete elimination of this risk should always be considered in the first instance, but it is a tough ask. In reality, it is impractical without widespread automation – and the level of investment required to achieve it is beyond most organisations. However, an analysis of working practices, and the use of more modern and efficient tools, as presented in the Hierarchy of Controls model, can minimise exposure to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).

Indeed, The Health & Safety Executive’s (HSE) Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 (aka L140) and its 2019 revision states: “The only FC_ A JANUARY

way to substantially reduce the risk of somebody developing vibration-related ill health is to eliminate, or significantly reduce, their exposure to vibration.”

Nevertheless, The HSE continues to fine companies that expose workers to hazardous and excessive levels of vibrations. Yet, the organisation’s own guidance does not require businesses to continually monitor workers to assess and manage their risk of overexposure.

However, section 149 states: “There is no legal requirement under the Vibration Regulations for continual monitoring and recording of vibration exposure. Using logbooks and tooltimers, and continual monitoring, can distract you from your duties to eliminate or reduce vibration risks.”

Sod w hat can be done5

Clearly, the ideal solution is to remove the risk completely. Equally clearly, given that this is not always possible, surely the next best solution is to be able to identify, measure and monitor those who remain exposed to it, providing businesses with constant, accurate and real-time data, with which to minimise overexposure of its workers.

The HSE advice just does not cut it in this respect. Its main reason for its guidance not to continuously measure and monitor vibration levels is the impact of time and money on a business.

20

But if a cost-effective, automated and timesaving solution is available, why wouldn’t you avoid HAVS incidences with continuous measuring and monitoring of vibration exposure, especially if this technology is available at an affordable cost in terms of time and money?

HAVS risk management – a changing landscape

Today, I believe there is now no excuse for firms to ignore the ever-present risk to their workforce of overexposure to excessive vibration and take a proactive approach, whatever the HSE advice suggests. Effective, continuous monitoring systems now exist (such as Sixis Technology’s ground-breaking HAVSPRO system) that are cost effective and require only minimal managerial time commitment.

They provide continual and accurate vibration, measuring and monitoring by simply clicking the operator’s sensor onto whatever tool they are using. Then, when finished, they take it with them and click it onto the next tool, and so on.

So, as is often the case, knowledge is power, and accurately identifying the risk is the first – and best – step to reducing its impact on both workers and their employers. Now the gateway to this knowledge exists, what’s your excuse?

www.havspro.com

Now you see it Now you don’t!

Take control with Switchable www.esg.glass t: 01376 520 061 e: sales@esg.glass

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$"$(A,0,!,"," Glenigan’s Economics Director, Allan Wilen, anticipates continued inflationary pressures impacting the construction industry through most of 2023 as the market enters a recession.

GLENIGAN

D

espite confidence in the construction sector remaining relatively resilient, it’s been clear for some time the industry is entering a period of decline, with a slowdown in project starts echoing the UK’s general downward economic trend.

Post-pandemic project-starts recovery lost considerable momentum during the second half of 2022, with ongoing material, labour and energy supply chain disruption continuing to hold back construction activity.

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These external events have resulted in The situation has prompted rocketing ination, rising interest rates clients, and contractors and developers to stalled economic growth, aœecting the either pause or scale back on planned pipeline of future work. This has been further investments, further stagnating compounded by the promise of higher businesses' output. For example, taxes, utility bills and rising mortgage costs, intelligence in Glenigan’s latest UK which have constrained consumer-related Construction Industry Forecast has construction, including private housing, highlighted that the value of projects retail and hotel and leisure. securing detailed planning consent According to the Department of during the first nine months of 2022 Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, dropped by 5%, with main contract construction materials inflation has risen awards falling by 8% against the same 31% in 12 months, reaching a 40-year high. period in 2021.

22

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Housing market cool off

Private residential activity slackened in 2022 and is predicted to slow further in 2023 as developers respond to weakening market conditions.

Glenigan forecasts that project starts will drop 4% in 2022, with a further 5% decline in 2023, as lower household incomes, higher mortgage rates and a lack of affordable homes continue to afflict the wider housing market.

The end of the Government’s Help to Buy scheme has removed direct support for new builds. This, coupled with the end of Stamp Duty relief and mortgage providers significantly raising rates in reaction to the current rate of inflation, has disincentivised potential buyers and has had a knock-on effect on housebuilders and developers.

Going forward, the Government’s commitment to a 15% reduction of energy consumption from buildings by 2030 will likely have a further impact on project timelines as firms scramble to stay compliant, although it will provide an opportunity for green construction and retrofit specialists.

In the public sector, despite improved funding for social housing, increased construction costs have significantly constrained development activity, with planning approvals falling back over the past 12 months, according to Glenigan’s data. Despite a robust 16% project-starts recovery in 2021 as housing associations pressed on with schemes delayed during the pandemic, we forecast that social housing starts will continue to slip back in 2023.

A drop in shops

Industrial construction has enjoyed a strong rebound post pandemic, a rise that has been largely driven by logistics. Whilst weak domestic and overseas demand has tempered manufacturing investment in facilities, warehousing and logistics premises are predicted to remain a growth area.

This has been due in part to a long-term shift towards online retailing, resulting in continued demand for logistics space and accounting for the majority of industrial project starts’ 25% growth in 2022.

Recently, however, demand for both logistics and retail space has been dampened by weak sales as consumer confidence has fallen in response to higher inflation and reduced earnings.

In the short term, an overhang of empty retail premises, weak consumer spending and the growth in online sales’ market share are predicted to constrain retail construction starts in 2023.

Work, rest and delay

The squeeze in household budgets is likely to curb consumers’ discretionary spending in the hospitality and leisure industries. The hospitality sector is still recovering from operational restrictions during lockdown, as well as reduced revenues due to fewer overseas visitors.

Combined with spiking energy costs over the last 12 months, as well as a potential fall-off in domestic custom over 2023, the hospitality sector will be under considerable pressure. This is predicted to result in retrenchment, causing further delays to project starts as asset owners wait for confidence to return.

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Whatfs nex t for the indu stry 5

The UK construction sector will face a challenging environment in the coming year as the Russia-Ukraine war continues to hinder post-COVID recovery, exacerbating supply chain disruption, resulting in materials and energy shortages and leading to cost inflation and dented market confidence.

Going forward, it will be crucial for firms to be responsive and adaptable in order to mitigate risks in the current marketplace and exploit new opportunities as they emerge. With the construction industry working towards an ambitious net-zero carbon goal by 2050, investment in sustainable construction practices and green skills will be critical for firms looking to remain competitive for future projects.

The Government’s commitment to greater investment in the built environment, with a huge £600m package for public works – the largest backing in 40 years – should provide a boost in infrastructure as a priority area of UK growth. This will lift construction activity, supporting job creation and underpinning economic growth.

Significant investment in offshore wind, carbon capture and nuclear energy will also help to increase the UK’s energy security, softening rampant construction costs inflation for the long run. The COVID-19 pandemic proved that the construction industry is highly resilient, and there’s light at the end of the tunnel if firms can continue to adapt to challenging circumstances.

www.glenigan.com FC_ A JANUARY

FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS

BESPOKE BRICKWORK SOLUTIONS MEET AESTHETIC DEMANDS OF STUNNING CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

The challenge

o F r the conversion of Victorian railway arches, viaducts and warehouses into an award-w inning shopping and dining district in south- e ast London, the architect required a series of brickwork solutions that reflected the site’s heritage whilst infusing the buildings with an attractive, contemporary aesthetic.

IG MASONRY SU P O RT

B

orough Yards, which also includes five new buildings, as well as mixed business and cultural facilities, such as a cinema, art gallery and offices, neighbours a landmark for the capital’s food and drink enthusiasts, Borough Market.

For the new development’s complex prefabricated brickwork elements, IG Masonry Support, working in conjunction with brickwork contractor Lesterose, designed and supplied a solution in the form of its prefabricated product range that included Welded Masonry Support (WMS), Brick Slip Masonry Support and

FC_ A JANUARY

its industry-renowned B.O.S.S.+ (Brick on Soffit System).

Built by Wates Group for developer MARK and designed by London-based architect SPPARC, Borough Yards is an area that resonates with the blended work/play lives of modern urbanites.

SPPARC created an architectural typology, which started from the principle that there should be pedestrian lanes within the block linking the river to Borough Market through a series of connecting yard spaces and streets weaved through an impressive Victorian brick, arched railway viaduct.

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In this landmark conservation area, the brickwork for the new buildings needed to complement the repurposed viaducts and warehouses’ existing brickwork whilst presenting a unique character.

To meet these challenging design requirements, IG Masonry Support manufactured and supplied a range of prefabricated components that met the wider considerations around planning in this conservation area and all Fire and Building Regulations.

As part of the complex design for building four, the architect and design team required a bespoke ‘floating’ brick feature presenting a jagged design. The use of IG Masonry Support’s brick slips helped achieve the distinctive angled soffit design, offering a flawless and historic aesthetic in a modern, easy-toinstall solution.

The distinctive spearheads featured on building two were a separate challenge, but thanks to close collaboration with the contractors and architect, it enabled an accurate and sufficient design. Installed over the building’s four level points, these innovative, never-seen-before spearheads were manufactured with glass-reinforced concrete in between.

Customisable to the architect’s design wishes, the Brick Slip Systems and Masonry Support are prefabricated units manufactured off site and delivered complete with bricks mechanically fixed and bonded to them. Weight and size enabled the spearheads to be installed as one unit directly from a scaffold on site.

Due to the type of brick being used on buildings two, three and four being of weaker composition, it necessitated prepointing the brick slips in dry, controlled conditions to create a high-quality, finished surface.

FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS

Trevor Morriss, Principal at SPPARC, explained: “The use of masonry to realise our vision was a fundamental part of our design ethos. It was essential that the new buildings successfully cohabited with the heritage fabric. We wanted to ensure that each of the buildings had its own unique character whilst also harmonising with the surrounding area. Working with IG Masonry Support and their range of products allowed us to realise these features.

The detailing around the masonry is the fundamental part of this scheme.

We found their technical advice and can-do attitude essential to realising our ultimate vision.”

The solution

Building one Featuring the luxury EVERYMAN cinema, this building required Welded Masonry Support and B.O.S.S.+ (Brick on Soffit System) for the head of each window situated at the building’s level. This achieved a floating brick effect, blending seamlessly with the surrounding traditional brickwork with an easy-toinstall solution.

Building two This proved a particular challenge due to the distance between the point of brickwork and the primary structure. Significant design time and client liaison were required to create and engineer a cantilevered solution that featured on the building’s four levels. Known as the ‘Spearheads’, each comprised IG Masonry Support’s B.O.S.S.+, which was designed and bolted to its Welded Masonry Support system.

Also requiring a solution was the standout cantilevered brick soffit

at the front of the building. These high-quality, bespoke prefabricated systems offered a 70% weight saving against an equivalent concrete product, negating the need for mechanical handling and onsite labour. These benefits proved particularly significant in this mixeduse development.

Building three This was the first and smallest building in this development. It featured B.O.S.S.+ bracketry to support the soffits and fix back to the structural steel frame. Brick Slip Sills also formed the external brick facade, thus negating the need to build traditional brickwork walls. From street to roof level, the building features new interventions utilising brick construction to reference the site’s historic architecture. Being the first building undertaken by IG Masonry Support on the development, a lot of product development was completed, providing a solid foothold for the design and engineering required for the rest of the buildings. The solutions developed for this building were ultimately scaled up to feature in building two.

Building four Featuring a complex structural steel frame, thorough technical collaboration was required to design and engineer the jagged design features, which were achieved with Brick Slip Masonry Support. This ensured a solution that met the architect’s specific requirements.

Due to the complex steel frame, there were many junctions and bolt connections. As a result, Brick 25

Slip Masonry Support Systems were designed and engineered with two courses of brickwork, which easily bolted together and blended seamlessly with the surrounding brickwork.

Carl Vulgar, Project Manager at Lesterose, said: “IG Masonry Support designed, manufactured and delivered products on site to the highest of standards, offering solutions to the most technical design ideas and working collaboratively to ensure expectations were not only met but exceeded.”

Borough Yards is proof of innovative design and products being put to exemplary use to reinvigorate long-standing, long-neglected infrastructure. Since its opening in spring 2022, the development has quickly established itself as a visitor experience par excellence, fully living up to the architect’s vision for a mixed-use site comprising “beautiful, rawbrick, cathedral-scale spaces”. IG Masonry Support’s bespoke brick solutions were essential to making good that vision.

www.igmasonrysupport.com FC_ A JANUARY

SUSTAINABILITY

NORWAY’S APPROACH TO ,! "" $ Here, Gina Dinesen of Boyer Design Norway as a model of sustainability its eco-conscious ethos.

N

orway, the skiing-obsessed country somewhere close to the North Pole, usually arouses little global interest – but in relation to its long-term practice of sustainable development, there is much that other countries can learn from Norway. In fact, the term ‘sustainable development’ was invented back in 1987 by my country’s then-Prime Minister, Gro Harlem Brundtland, when the Brundtland Commission defined sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

Since then, Norway has been focused on sustainable development and, more specifically, zero-emission research.

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renovation works. In 2020, fully-fossilfree construction sites were introduced in Trondheim, Norway’s third-largest municipality, Copenhagen in Denmark and (part of Leaders Romans Group) uses Helsinki in Finland. and looks at what we can learn from Oslo achieves something similar through its Business for Climate Network.

BOYER DESIGN Today, over 130 businesses work towards Oslo’s climate goals, which includes zero-emission construction sites. The ZeroJemission constru ction sites In 2020, the construction industry businesses actively take part in the contributed 23% of the world’s CO2 creation of strategies, toolkits and emissions across its entire supply monitoring within the field of emission, chain, with approximately 5.5% coming reduction and adaption. The network also directly from construction sites. These acts as an arena for dialogue, where the emissions are predominantly a result of Climate Agency can inform the business the combustion of fossil fuels to power community about priorities and policies, machinery and equipment. As the energy and best practice can be shared. Oslo efficiency of building use has been Municipality has also developed standard climate and environment regulations ambitiously tackled over the past decade, the focus increasingly shifts to embodied for practitioners in the construction carbon; the emissions footprint of material industry, which measure any violations of extraction, production, transport and environmental regulations as a proportion of the contract value. construction works.

Oslo was the first city to launch a zeroemission construction site, using only ZeroJemission neighbou rhoods electric machinery to complete street Norway also specialises in zero-emission neighbourhoods (ZENs), which aim to reduce direct and indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, ideally to zero. This takes into account lifecycle modules, building and infrastructure.

The priorities for the ZEN neighbourhoods are: Plan, design and operate buildings and associated infrastructure towards zero GHG emissions Becomehighlyenergyecientandpowered in large part by renewable energy through a neighbourhood energy supply system Manage energy flows (within and between buildings) and also exchanges with the surrounding energy system in a smart and flexible way Promote sustainable transport patterns and smart mobility systems.

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SUSTAINABILITY

Plan, design and operate with respect to economic sustainability by minimising total lifecycle costs and lifecycle system costs Plan and locate local amenities to provide good spatial qualities and stimulate sustainable behaviour Continue to develop the area through innovative processes based on new forms of cooperation between the partners, leading to innovative solutions.

Together with public and industry partners, the FME Research Centre has developed nine test areas, which are spread across Norway, and research is tested through case studies.

One of these pilot projects is the ZEN living lab, Ydalir, in Elverum, Norway.

Ydalir is a residential development of approximately 1000 homes, with a nursery, school and additional services.

Ydalir School, completed in 2020, uses Designing and planning a ZEN is an wood as a construction material, for interdisciplinary task and is achieved by cladding and for interior surfaces. This conveying knowledge and skills within was the primary tool in reducing the a larger societal and historical context project’s total carbon footprint. and understanding. It concerns physical Research into sustainability isn’t limited science, energy efficiency, selecting to low emissions; social sustainability is of the right low-carbon building materials, equal importance. calculating energy storage capacity, An important objective in the designing energy-producing buildings and research being carried out at Ydalir is planning for green mobility and zero waste. to understand what constitutes a ‘good Most importantly, creating a ZEN life’ in Elverum. This involves collecting involves winning the hearts and minds of stories from Elverum’s population, and local residents and landowners, future research has been conducted with a residents, politicians and decision makers, variety of groups within the population on developers, architects, engineers and their experience of Elverum. builders; communicating the potential At Ydalir, arrangements are made for transformational benefits of a zeroa sharing economy, such as car sharing, emission neighbourhood is paramount. guest apartments and communal living rooms, as well as housing for a diverse mix The importance of research of inhabitants. Considerable attention is It follows, therefore, that achieving a paid to external surroundings, both from a ZEN means following the research and social and practical point of view. acting upon it. FME Research Centre, part One of the early conclusions of FME of SINTEF at the Norwegian University ZEN is that sustainable neighbourhoods of Science and Technology, researches are so much more than a collection of zero-emissions areas in smart cities. It homes constructed of four walls and a participates in the development of modern roof. Instead, they are good places to live, solutions and has identißed how a futurewhere a sustainable lifestyle is possible. focused relationship between people, With a change in mindset clearly their homes and the environment can motivating a large number of be established. S pecißcally, its visionstakeholders, in the construction industry relation to ZENs is: “To develop solutions for has a big responsibility to ensure future buildings and neighbourhoods with solutions that ‘lift’ neighbourhoods in no greenhouse gas emissions and thereby terms of both zero emissions and contribute to a low-carbon society.” social sustainability. Research bodies, 27

such as FME ZEN, demonstrate the importance of an external organisation responsible for driving the research and development of net-zero initiatives. An organisation that sets the benchmark and identifies the principles, and provides guidance on how other businesses could start to implement these changes into their projects, is imperative to its successful implementation.

Lessons learnt

Scandinavian projects have demonstrated the benefit of research, shared between the private and public sector, and that this is so much more than a tick-box exercise.

It also demonstrates the importance of lifecycle thinking; from construction to everyday living.

The real benefit of the work conducted by these bodies has been sending a signal to the market; around the world, there is a lot that we practitioners could learn from Norway’s example.

www.boyerplanning.co.uk

FC_ A JANUARY

SURFACING

Amron Architectural wall panels.

Duke Street, Norwich University.

KEEPING UP WITH THE NEXT GENERATIONarchitectural meshes (woven, expanded and perforated), powder coating is

The Instagram generation is leading the way on how to capture the beauty the most cost-effective way to apply of design. More so than ever, we are appreciating more eye-catching an almost unlimited range of colours. interiors for sharing on the gram. It’s simply the place to be to get noticed.Powder coating uses an electrostatic Visual content is particularly popular with architects and designers and charge to attract a fluidised powder the perfect place to share designs, materials and finished projects. Here, evenly across all surfaces of the mesh.

Anthony Millington, Creative Director at Amron Architectural, explores The electrostatic charge holds the surface trends to look out for in 2023. pigmented powder until it passes AMRON ARCHITECTURAL

A

s a leading metal mesh specialist for architecture and interior design, we are continuing to ensure our product offering is keeping up with the latest trends and innovations to influence choice, engage and inspire.

Creative mesh solutions

Metal 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.

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. Its inherently superior performance properties led to its adoption as the go-to material for radiator grilles the world over.

Fast forward to the present day, metal mesh is an invaluable material asset, its reach permeating every industry from agricultural to automotive. Yet, despite metal mesh’s popularity and prevalence in industrial markets, both architects and FC_ A JANUARY

interior designers alike continue to probe its potential for architectural and creative applications.

Metal mesh works well as a safety element, including balustrade infill panels and radiator grilles, but also for decorative purposes like ceilings, wall panels and partitions. It is also a great solution for smaller applications like cabinets, bars and shop displays. Metal mesh is being seen as an alternative to replace bulky, opaque materials in functional areas of restaurants, lobbies and office spaces without making the space look smaller.

Cotou r and tex tu re

With an extensive range of metal mesh and working closely with customers, we are noticing a demand for more finishing options to help create more bespoke spaces – something we know from an architectural and interior design view that colour is still a strong focus, especially when it comes to the finishing of metal mesh. And, in particular, how the mesh is coloured without it corroding. Having researched a number of finish processes that work well with the commonly-used 28

through an oven, where it melts and adheres permanently to the mesh. After curing, the mesh has a colourful and durable coating that adds to the desired aesthetic of the project.

To further educate ourselves and to deliver what our customers are asking for, we worked closely with powder coating specialist, Powdertech Corby to understand what the demand is for our metal mesh finishes. We collaborated with them on the launch of the Satellite range, which offers a metallic depth of colour, including shades of deep bronzes and golds, which give an ‘outof-this-world’ finish to the products. The collection provides a deep, long-lasting colour with a lustrous metallic sparkle and hard-wearing finish – meaning the colours are suitable for both interior and exterior applications. And, in turn, making them compatible with aluminium, mild steel, galvanised steel and cast metals.

Not only is the range suitable for facades, signage and other applications alike, but they are also a great design solution in bringing texture to life – a trend that we are continuing to see evolve in applications such as wall features and other surfacing panels.

SURFACING

Amron Architectural wall panelling. The Londoner, Leicester Square Hotel.

Wall panelling, in particular with metal mesh, can help bring character to a space and shift proportion.

And, with clever positioning, it can help give the appearance of taller ceilings.

Copper and brass in their natural form will always have their time; however, we are also seeing an increase in monochrome tones, with lots of black on white – making it a popular choice to make a bold statement.

Shape

Architects and designers are always looking at more inspirational approaches to the interiors of a space.

The demand for creating more inviting spaces and the inclusion of a variety of different applications can completely transform the character of a room.

Amongst these approaches, we are seeing an increase in the use of castellated square profiles. However, due to its challenging manufacturing technique, we are ensuring we are among one of the few companies that can meet the demands of customers.

One of the main reasons why we are seeing this specified is due to its natural light shade properties it holds. And, with natural tones also being a key theme for 2023 – this is also becoming a popular choice.

What comes nex t5

How the world communicates has become so simplified. Technology is forever evolving, and platforms, such as Instagram and Pinterest, have become a daily form of communication simply by generating and capturing images. What comes next is anyone’s guess. So, for us, as long as we are constantly evolving our product offering and continue to keep up with our customers’ demands, we can, in turn, keep up with the next generation. This is why it’s so important for us to understand what our customers’ needs are.

Satellite range

www.amronarchitectural.co.uk 29

FC_ A JANUARY

TECHNICAL O F CUS

P A U L BARRETT IS HEAD OF PRODUCT MANAGEMENT AT ROCKWOOL UK

What is stoneJw oot insu tation5

Stone wool is manufactured from naturally-occurring volcanic rock, which is a vastly abundant material. Stone-wool insulation is created by spinning molten rock and minerals with steel slag to create a cotton-candy-like wool product.

Pressed into rolls and sheets, stone wool creates effective insulation with soundabsorbing and fire-resistant properties.

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How can stone wool positively impact thermat performance5

aut arred ead of roduct anagement at !W &d addresses the common tuesons the companyreceives about stonewoot: ROCKWOOL U K

Temperature maintenance can dramatically reduce heating, cooling and ventilation costs and reduce a building’s carbon footprint. This ultimately helps make the space more comfortable to live in and reduces pressure on heating systems. As well as meeting building standards, ensuring a home has good thermal performance also directly impacts its occupiers, who stand to benefit from energy savings and reduced household bills.

Building materials naturally expand and contract over time, which can lead to the formation of gaps and voids.

Stone wool maintains its shape and properties over time across a wide range of temperatures and has the resilience to accommodate building movement when fitted under compression. It has a proven ability to provide consistent performance – even up to 55 years 1 – without a drop in its thermal properties.

Isnft stoneJw oot insu tation thicker than other sotu tions5 Wonft that impact the footprint of a bu itding5

Some stone-wool solutions might have a slightly higher thickness than other materials in order to reach the same R-value. The most important aspect, however, is that its thermal performance does not decrease over time. The R-value of stone-wool insulation will remain stable over the lifetime of the building.

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30

TECHNICAL FOCUS

Exciting new innovations also mean that some stone-wool products are available with a lambda value as low as 0.032W/ mK, along with delivering all the key strengths of stone.

Stone wool has been scientifically tested and studied more than almost any other building material anywhere in the world.

Considering the experts’ conclusions, including the World Health Organization (WHO), architects and specifiers can be sure that stone wool is safe and poses no risk to human health.

How does stone wool perform w hen it comes to moistu re5

Stone-wool insulation does not promote corrosion, and is resistant Does stone w oot offer any acou stic benefits5 to mould and mildew. A water-repellent agent is mixed with the Stone wool has excellent sound absorption characteristics, ßbres during stone wool¶s production process, making itowing able to an improved ratio of fibres to trapped air pockets due to repel water. The inherent water-repellent properties of these to their high density. The random orientation of stone-wool fibres ingredients provide stone wool with an excellent ability to resist means soundwaves get absorbed by friction, moving back and water absorption and moisture eœects. forth between individual fibres as they try to pass through the air It is also a non-hygroscopic material, meaning it does not take trapped within the structure. up and retain moisture from the air. As a result, moisture has no influence on the product’s thermal and structural performance.

What other benefits does stone w oot offer5 At the same time, there is no influence on the product’s Insulation products can have a significant impact on the fire durability either. safety of a construction, and it is, therefore, important that Stone wool is a 98% porous material, meaning it is an open the fire protection properties of insulation do not deteriorate material, unlike a closed-cell structure. This is why it is defined over time. Non-combustible stone wool will improve the fire as vapour permeable and is practically almost as permeable as resistance of construction elements, which can result in extra still air. This is similar to wearing a breathable and waterproof time for a safe escape in case of a fire. jacket instead of a regular plastic raincoat. The difference lies From a fire-resistance perspective, stone-wool insulation in the fact that if you sweat, the fabric will allow the vapour is non-combustible, can withstand temperatures in excess of to pass through and dry out. With a regular plastic raincoat, 1000°C and some manufacturers’ products can be classified as however, you will remain sweaty unless you take it off.

Euroclass A1 – meaning that the insulation will not contribute to a fire. Beyond non-combustibility, if exposed to fire, stoneIsstoneoot w asustainabtechoice5 wool insulation will not emit any significant toxic smoke.

Stonewoolcan be recycled inßnitelywithout aœecting its quality.

By recycling stone wool, the consumption of primary materials is Is there a difference in mechanicat performance reduced and replaced by recycled wool, and the waste going to between stonewoot and otherinsutaon products5 landßllis also reduced.

What is unique about stone wool is that its mechanical Furthermore, stone wool does not contain any greenhouse performance can be designed to fit different types of gases or ozone-depleting gases – such as CFCs or HCFCs. applications. High compressive strength can only be an Stone wool has an open structure, which means that there is advantage in certain types of constructions, whilst in others, simply air and no gases in between the fibres. it can lead to poor fit-ability. As an example, there are many stone-wool products that are designed and certified for flat roof How does stone wool fit with applications. In this application, the product can be subjected to heatth and safety comptiance5 higher loads from plant equipment, terrace areas or PV arrays.

Stone-wool insulation does not contain any Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC), such as certain flame retardants or www.rockwool.com plasticisers. In fact, there is no health or environment-related classification for bio-soluble stone-wool insulation, which means these stone-wool products are completely safe to FOOTNOTE: 1 manufacture, install and live with.

FIW (German test and research institute), Durability Project Mineral Wool, 2016 31

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SURFACE DESIGN SHOW PREVIEW

SURFACE DESIGN SHOW $ ( !A !F

DISCOVER THE LATEST MATERIAL INNOVATIONS AT SURFACE DESIGN SHOW 2023 Held from 7 to 9th February 2023, the Surface Design Show will once again be showcasing the best in material innovation. A well-established part of the design calendar for nearly 20 years, the show returns to London’s Business Design Centre. It provides the perfect opportunity for material experts and the architectural and design community to come together under one roof.

THE SURFACE DESIGN SHOW

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isitors to the Surface Design Show 2023 will be inspired by over 150 exhibitors, many of whom will be launching new products, plus diverse displays of surface-based installations and a comprehensive speaker programme featuring accomplished industry professionals who are passionate about the future of surface design.

Supporting emerging material designers has always been important to the Surface Design Show.

That is why the New Talent section will, for the fourth year in a row, be held in partnership with Trendease International. Its Chief Creative Director, Jennifer Castoldi, will be curating over 30 ‘New Talents’ this year. The section will inspire and excite visitors with the ‘class of 23’ showcasing a fascinating mix of biomaterials, natural materials, digital print, textiles, furniture, wallcovering, weaving and biopolymers.

Located right in the heart of the exhibition, the Surface Design Show welcomes back Surface Spotlight Live (SSL).

This area gives visitors a chance to touch and compare the latest material prototypes. Centred around this year’s theme, ‘Shaping Communities’, SSL will highlight the importance of new exchanges between surfaces, people and environments. This section of the show will again be curated by leading trend and colour expert, Sally Angharad.

The talks programme is always a particular highlight of the Surface Design Show.

The Main Stage, designed

by Emily Skinner of recycling pioneer Smile Plastics, will host 18 different presentations and feature more than 40 speakers, inspiring a professional audience of architects and designers.

Setting the tone for the live events programme will be the Opening Night Debate, hosted this year by Jonathan Smales, Executive Chairman of Human Nature, a leading proponent of sustainable development.

The debate, which has CDUK as the ocial partner, will question how architecture and interior design professionals are dealing with the show’s theme of Shaping Communities.

Over the two and a half days, the Main Stage will host a range of debates, panels, trend forecasts and insights into the latest surface design innovations. It will also be the venue for the Legends Live series of ‘in conversations’ in partnership with Mix Interiors, where industry leaders interview someone they admire.

Another popular element of the show is the Surface Design Awards. Now in their 11th year, they continue to set a benchmark for architectural and design achievements

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across the world. More than 110 projects were entered into the 2023 Surface Design Awards, coming from an impressive 24 diœerent countries.The BAFTA headquarters in London by Benedetti Architects, which scooped the Supreme Winner award in 2022, set the standard for excellence in surface design.

Following the success of its debut last year, the Architectural Photography category returns once more for 2023.

Surface Design Show 2023 builds on the success of the event, which has been running for over 15 years, as a place to encourage a meaningful exchange of ideas between manufacturers and the marketplace to further material innovation.

DOORS & WINDOWS

T

Trent Young’s School

NEW CLEMENT STEEL WINDOWS SELECTED AS REPLACEMENT WINDOWS AT WEST COUNTRY SCHOOLS Clement Windows Group has manufactured and installed new steel windows at two West Country schools. Trent Young’s CE School in Dorset and St Mary’s Calne in Wiltshire both required replica steel windows to reptace the originat fenestraon: CLEMENT WINDOWS GROUP

w . c l e m nt w i n d ows . co u k

01428 643 9

rent Young’s School, Grade II Listed and in a conservation area, was originally constructed by Reverend Turner and his wife in 1862 as the National School for girls and infants. The existing metal windows were not fit for purpose, and due to the school’s listing, it was imperative that the new replacement windows provided as close a match to the originals as possible.

The Clement Brooking range was specified because the slim, strong frames could replicate the wonderful shaped heads of the existing windows and could be fixed directly to the stone. The 16mm krypton-filled units offer much-improved thermal performance, and it was possible to fit the frames with restrictors for safety.

St Mary’s School is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18, which was founded in 1873 by local Vicar Reverend John Duncan and moved to its current site in 1907. Around 40 new steel windows were needed in this phase of work to replace the original steel windows on the front and gable ends of the Plumer Wing, which comprises classrooms for music, computing, religious education and art.

Clement EB20 windows were chosen and painted RAL 7016 (Anthracite Grey) instead of white, like the original windows.

i nfo @ c l e m n t w g . co u k

DOOR HARDWARE IS IN THE FRAME WITH BROOKLYN CRL

Sliding glass doors are a practical and attractive partitioning solution, particularly popular in open-plan rooms as a way of partitioning different areas.

The hardware chosen for the glass can have a stylish impact too, with on-trend finishes, such as matte black, ideal for a sophisticated look in the contemporary or classic setting.

CRL Brooklyn is an innovative matte black framing system for sliding doors that taps into this trend, suitable for residential and commercial use. A l lowing practical room partitioning while still retaining a sense of space, Brooklyn combines the minimalistic style of the frame with a door design that makes the very best use of natural light internally. Developed with classic lines, the system complements a wide range of interior styles. It’s perfect for use in restaurants and office environments and is an ideal partitioning solution in locations where an inviting sense of light is key. Brooklyn has many practical qualities too, not least ease of installation. The system is suitable for dropped-ceiling and fixe d ceiling applications and allows for a vertical adjustment of + / -3 m m.

01706 863600 FC_ A JANUARY

SEALING THE ENERGY CRISIS THIS WINTER ISO CHEMIE

In the midst of the current energy crisis, the need for more IœIGXMZIMRWYPEXMSRERHWIEPMRKSJ[MRHS[WERHHSSVWQYWXFIE YVKIRXTVMSVMXgWEgW&RHg[MJX EPIWERH4TIVEXMSRW2EREKIVJSV JSEQWIEPERXWWTIGMEPMWX .4(LIQMI ‚eMXL SJXLILIEXPIEOMRK JVSQEVSYRH[MRHS[W MX¶WRS[IZIRQSVIMQTSVXERXXSIœIGXMZIPg WIEPEVSYRHXLI[MRHS[XS[EPPKET *ZIRFIJSVIXLIGYVVIRX IRIVKgGVMWMW MX[EWEP[EgWEREVIEVIUYMVMRKYVKIRXEXXIRXMS RS[MXLEWFIGSQITEVEQSYRXFIGEYWIQMPPMSRWSJTISTPIEVI WXVYKKPMRKXSLIEXXLIMVLSQIWERHWXEg[EVQXLMW[MRXIVaS[IZIV FgYWMRKQSHIVRJSEQWIEPERXWXSGVIEXIEXLIVQEPERHEMVXMKLX WIEPEVSYRHXLI[MRHS[XLIEQSYRXSJLIEXPSWWEVSYRHJVEQIW MWWMKRMßGERXPgVIHYGIH .RHIIH EJXIVSRPgEJI[gIEVWEKEMRWXE PIEOgNSMRX MRZIWXQIRXMRRI[WIEPMRKXETIW[MPPLEZITEMHJSVMX dIXVSßXXMRKTVSTIVXMIW[MXLTVSHYGXWPMOIeMRJVEQIV:EVMS )ER ’c4(443*LEWFIGSQIEHMVIGXJSGYWJSVTVSTIVXgHIZIPSTIVW ERHLSYWMRKEWWSGMEXMSRWERHMWEGSWXIœIGXMZI[EgXSMRWYP I\MWXMRKTVSTIVXMIWZIVgUYMGOPg&WXLIgWEgXLIKVIIRIWXLSQIMW SRIEPVIEHgFYMPX„

www.crlaurence.co.uk crl@crlaurence.co.uk 34

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

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FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS

Type C cavity trays are available for all styles of openings

CAVITY WALL OPENINGS: "s "t mv|.-m-u7|_WvWoY1omWmom-tuott|oruob7Wruo|W1om-y-bmv|W| bmyuWvvoWubm7o-m77oouorWmbmyvbm1-b|-ttv1_-myW7: CAVITY TRAYS OF YEOVIL

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he NHBC announced there is a downward movement within its Technical of water. The announcement Guidance 6.1/38 that includes a reference to the Polythene Damp Proof Course code of practice – BS 8215:1991, made to BS 6515:1984 will not be which provides installation accepted on all plots starting, or guidance for damp course in at DPC level, on that date. masonry construction.

The NHBC announcement Many will welcome this move, aligns with the usage/ as the downside of any roll DPC restrictions stated within is the necessity to cut and form the long-established British on site, with the accompanying S tandard, which qualißes such variances, errors and DPC as not suitable where inconsistencies that can occur.

The alternative way forward is to use a preformed Cavitray.

When horizontal preformed Type C Cavitrays are used with lintels, one eliminates the variances of a site-fabricated approach. Preformed Type C Cavitrays are ready shaped to harmonise with the window head construction/lintel choice, so the build detail is always consistent and correct. Type C Cavitrays are Extract from the silent study online CPD tutorial

www.cavitytrays.co.uk FC_ A JANUARY

01935 474769 36

also self-supporting, which means they hold to profile and do not require building into the inner skin (unless you request otherwise). So, not seeking out a bedding joint at an appropriate height to hold up the protection. Full cavity width arrestment is provided by the preformed tray that is biased to take up the cavity width encountered. Both skins remain independent of each other. Adverse thermal bridging is not introduced.

Importantly, Type C Cavitrays have extended ends that project each side of the wall opening by 300mm. These extended ends serve two purposes. Firstly, they ensure adequate shelter of whatever reveal closing method is deployed. Secondly, the 300mm projection guarantees a brick perp joint beyond the opening is always located to accommodate the stopends in the optimum position.

Interestingly, if one looks at BS 8 2 1 5 , ßg 1 5 , it illustrates a perp joint naturally occurring to accommodate a stopend, 112.5mm beyond the opening.

But if a whole standard 225mm brick occurs (there’s a 50/50 chance it will), the detail depicted is not possible.

Using a preformed DPC tray with extended ends ensures appropriate perps are accessible, thus eliminating the problem.

NHBC 6.1 D6. B refers to window and door openings having an external turn-down drip lip. Whilst dicult to form using roll DPC, where a preformed tray is used, an external lip is one of many options available to the specißer/contractor.

Cavitray scheduling is straightforward – the company does it for you. Trays are delivered packaged per plot, so stock and cost are controlled.

Importantly, a consistent build detail is achievable, every time.

There’s a CPD silent study tutorial that provides more information and some interesting data. You can access this access by visiting: www. directcontactexhibitions.com, selecting CPD academy and pressing Cavity Trays 3.

enquiries@cavitytrays.co.uk

FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS

L

ZENTIA RENAMES ONE OF ITS MOST POPULAR CEILING TILE RANGES ,Wm-YvmW(bvvbomu-myWbttbm1ourou-|W|_WYoulWu$-|u-7 ou|Wy--m7(bmW(bvvuW7tWv: ZENTIA

www.zentia.com

eading UK ceiling manufacturer Zentia is bringing together and renaming three of its most popular mineral tiles.

The new Fission range will comprise Fission (formerly Tatra), Fission ND (formerly Cortega) and Fission FT (formerly Fine Fissured), which are all fire rated to Euroclass A2-s1,d0.

Despite the renaming, there are no changes to the products or their technical performance, and they are still warrantied for up to 30 years (when fitted with the Zentia grid system). Alongside this, they are manufactured with up to 51% recycled content and remain 100% recyclable.

Fission and Fission ND are white tiles available in two different edge details – Board (600 x 600mm and 1200 x 600mm) and Tegular (600 x 600mm) for greater design flexibility. The Board edges fully expose the suspended ceiling grid, while the Tegular tiles are rebated, creating a semi-bevelled visual.

Featuring directional and non-directional fissured patterns, they balance the need for sound absorption and sound attenuation in open-plan spaces, such as atria, libraries, storage facilities and warehouses.

The premium product in the Fission range is Fission FT, which is available in black as well as white and in three different edge details (Board, Tegular and MicroLook). The MicroLook edge is designed for use with Zentia’s 15mm grid range, with a vertical edge creating crisp shadowed effects. Its ultra-fine, nondirectional fissured pattern offers an optimum balance between sound absorption and sound attenuation.

All three ceiling tiles are suitable for new-build and refurbishment projects in the commercial, industrial and retail sectors.

Zentia’s Sales and Marketing Director, Graham Taylor, said: “In 2020, we began our journey transitioning from Armstrong to Zentia. It is an exciting time that will deliver opportunities for us and our customers. As part of this process, we’re renaming our products and reshaping our ranges.

But there’s no need for our customers to worry, their favourite ceiling solutions won’t disappear, and they can still rely on us to manufacture and deliver the same quality suspended ceilings we always have.”

0800 371849 37

marketing@zentia.com FC_ A JANUARY

FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS

COLOURS INSPIRED

BY NATURE Colour has a huge impact on how we feel, act and react. There are various psychological studies on how

75,000 years, when red, from ochre, was used for caveman drawings – using colours inspired by nature.

OSMO UK

N

ature provides us with everchanging beauty, the waves of the sea and the wildness of roaring rivers; these are all elements that Osmo UK has drawn upon for inspiration. With innovative design, Osmo UK has created a new product with nature in mind.

Explore the colours inspired by nature, from the ocean floor to your home.

New Country Shades

Country Shades is a stunning new wood finish to join the Osmo UK exterior range, with 120 colours inspired by nature.

Country Shades offers up to 26m² per litre with just one coat. The highperformance exterior wood finish doesn’t require sanding for future applications.

A simple re-application is recommended when signs of wear become visible.

Reduce your maintenance time and increase your wood’s longevity with Osmo UK’s quality wood finishes.

Inspired by the elements of nature

Country Shades’ new range of colours is inspired by the four elements of nature; air, earth, fire and water. Offering a collection of 120 bespoke colours, which have been carefully selected by Osmo UK’s experts. Each colour has been given a unique description that allows you to connect to the colours on a deeper level. Whether you’re looking for a bold, bright and strong colour or a subtle, calm and neutral colour, Osmo UK’s new range provides a shade for every colour preference. Give wood the colour it deserves with Osmo UK. Get in touch with Osmo UK by using the contacts below to pre-order your colour card.

www.osmouk.com FC_ A JANUARY

01296 481220 38

info@osmouk.​com

F L OOR S , W A LLS & CEILINGS

EARTHBORN COLOUR OF THE YEAR 203

O R CKSILK FLEXIBLE SLAB ACHIEVES FIRE RESISTANCE ‘FIRST’

EARTHBORN

KNAUF INSULATION

GOLDEN GIVEAWAY O F RT 05 H A R G ANNIVES R ARY F. BALL CO

CTD ARCHITECTURAL TILES GETS TO O W RK ON LATEST OFFICE REFURBISHMENT CTD ARCHITECTURAL TILES

STO INSULATION AND RENDER SYSTEM MAKES ITS MARK ON THE BOURNEMOUTH SKYLINE STO

Photo courtesy of Intersect Architects

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BU I LDING ELEMENTS

THE POWER OF COPPER: AN ESSENTIAL MATERIAL FOR EVERYDAY LIFE opperisoneofthemostersate v materiatsontheptanetandhas ptayedakeypartinbringingaboutchangedinvenonsandnew opportuniesacrosssociety: $

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Office spaces

Copper piping is just as essential in our office spaces as it has the capability to effectively heat or cool large spaces. When supplying hot water to offices, copper is chosen because of its durability and ability to reduce the risk of plumbing problems. In fact, copper is so durable that it is used in Sweden’s nuclear waste-handling technology.

Furthermore, copper is used in the wiring of computers, printers and other devices that are vital in offices. Put simply; we wouldn’t be able to work without it!

t has long been praised for its Copper is also found in the natural beauty and inherent material wiring of household electronics properties, yet most of its uses and appliances such as your kettle, remain hidden throughout our homes, microwave, oven and television. hospitals, public transport, ocesAs and a superior conductor of heat, Hospitals in renewable energy sources. copper is key to efficiently heating What’s more, copper is trusted to supply medicalhomes and is used in both traditional grade gases, such as oxygen, to patients’ bedsides So, just how essential is heating systems and sustainable with no leaks or contamination. It has anti-microbial copper to everyday tife5 heating alternatives, such as airproperties, which help to protect the health of source heat pumps. patients, with studies showing that it can reduce Homes and transport Outside of the home, it can be infection rates by 58%.

In your home, copper runs through found supporting all modes of Our hospitals use medical-grade copper to prevent your walls, supplies water from your transport. You can ßnd it in the wiring contamination and bacterial growth, and, at a time boiler to your bathroom and kitchen, of electric cars and their chargers, when hospitals are facing unprecedented demand powers your shower and provides hot vehicle brake lines and train and tram to ensure patient safety, its use is vital to keeping water to your taps and radiators. lines, to mention a few. patients safe in our places of care.

What makes copper an everyday essentiat5

Copper’s widespread usage is thanks to its ability to be infinitely recycled, which ensures it will continue to be an everyday essential for generations to come.

Copper has been recycled and reused for as long as we have depended on it, boasting a fullydeveloped scrap-collecting infrastructure, which has existed for centuries. As a result, almost half of Europe’s copper demand is being met by recycled materials, and at least 65% of all copper ever produced is still in circulation today.

From homes and hospitals to transport and offices, copper is the material of the future. Thanks to its superior quality, safety and ability to be infinitely recycled, it is playing a vital part in our everyday lives, creating a more sustainable future for everyone.

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BUILDING ELEMENTS

D

elta Membrane Systems has invested in a new Pump Distribution Hub close to its Epping headquarters to enhance the company’s ability to serve its nationwide customer base.

Delta Membrane Systems has grown rapidly over the last five years, and launching the new Pump Distribution Hub will transform key elements of its business to consistently deliver on the business’ values of being customercentric and constantly moving forward, innovating and adapting.

Having explored plans to create a new, dedicated pump and drainage warehouse, the company has now unveiled the new facilities, which are now stocked full of pumps, package pump stations, bespoke foul, surface and groundwater chambers, along with associated fixings and pipework, offices and bespoke training facilities.

The warehouse comprises 3500ft 2 of space dedicated to basement drainagerelated products, from package pump stations, high water level alarms, control panels, battery backups to pipework and fittings, supporting the team’s ability to meet the growing demand for quality basement drainage items. In addition to the increased space, the warehouse features modern staff facilities and a dedicated training and breakout space.

Kevin Dodds, Managing Director, said: “The investment will create new opportunities for Delta, our customers, and the local area. Our UK head office has been based in the area for 25 years, and we are delighted to find the perfect space to accommodate our basement drainage division just around the corner.

Delta is committed to helping customers and we’re thrilled to be able to take the lead on increasing our customer services in all things below-ground related.

“In addition, moving our basement drainage section to its own dedicated hub allows us the ability to closely monitor deliveries and improve logistics.

There is also space to further expand our training facilities to meet current and future demand and to ensure our commitment to encouraging best practice in the industry is being met.

“The new basement drainage distribution hub gives us better visibility of stock and truly represents the scale of the business to both staff and customers.”

Whatever the needs of your project, you can rely on Delta’s technical team to ensure you get the right advice, support and practical help at exactly the right time it’s required. Call the company today using the contact details below.

DELTA MEMBRANE SYSTEMS LAUNCHES NEW BASEMENT DRAINAGE DISTRIBUTION HUB The new warehouse in Harlow, Essex, will serve the firm’s customers in more than 40 counties across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

DELTA MEMBRANE SYSTEMS

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01992 523523 42

info@deltamembranes.com

BUILDING ELEMENTS

B

“NOTHING BETTER” CLAIMS FOR NEW VENTILATION WITH HEAT RECOVERY UNIT In the drive towards reduced net zero, Gilberts Blackpool claims its new MFS-HR surpasses the performance of anything comparable on the market forcommerciat and pubtic sectorappticaons: GILBERTS

w . g i l b e r t s b l a c k p o l . co m

01253 76 91

uilding on Gilberts’ pioneering MFS hybrid ventilation unit, the first of its kind to be developed in the UK, the combined hybrid unit can achieve up to 75% heat recovery.

The exceptional and market-leading heat recovery performance means that, when employed as part of a sustainable strategy, including photovoltaic arrays, MFS-HR could achieve energynegative status.

As with the original MFS and other alternative hybrid ventilation systems, MFS-HR is a standalone unit installed through the facade to ventilate, cool and warm the interior. Initial tests indicate each MFS-HR will provide up to 4kw heating and 2kw cooling capacity whilst still delivering an airflow rate of up to 470l/s. It could cost as little as £10/ annum/zone to operate.

Manufactured by Gilberts in the UK, the whole MFS range makes optimal use of recyclable materials, making it low on embodied carbon.

MFS attains air leakage better than legislative requirements – 3m 3/HR/m 2 – and a U-value of less than 1W/m 2/°C, all combining to enhance the green credentials further.

“When we launched the original MFS, there was nothing else like it in terms of performance,” says Gilberts' Sales Director, Ian Rogers. “MFS-HR will build on that, taking hybrid ventilation with heat recovery to new heights in the drive towards energy and carbon reduction and re-affirming Gilberts’ position as a technological leader.”

i nfo @ g i l b e r t s b l a c k p o l . co u k

Sconnex® Closing the last major thermal break.

SCONNEX® REDUCES THE ENERGY LOSS AT WALLS AND COLUMNS. This innovative product range represents a breakthrough to a previously unsolved problem in energy-efficient construction. Schöck Sconnex® relies on tried and tested technology, reduces vertical thermal bridges and at the same time creates aesthetic and economic advantages. www.schoeck.com/en-gb/sconnex

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COMPLETE COLOUR FREEDOM

INTRODUCING THE

INTERNAL DOOR COLLECTION Whatever the space, divide it with style. The Origin Internal Door provides a sleek and stunning solution for creating functional footprints within a home.

Product displayed: OI-30 French Door. Colour shown: Carmine Red - 3002M

With endless configurations, hardware options and colours to choose from, let Origin help you create spaces that change the way people live.

MADE IN

BRITAIN

Discuss your project with us today by visiting origin-global.com/commercial or calling 0808 168 5816

View the rest of the range at origin-global.com