FC&A October 2014 supplement

Supplement

Glass, Glazing & Balustrades

October 2014 www.fca-magazine.com

FIRE-RESISTANT GLASS

SECURITY GLASS

ELECTRONICALLY TINTABLE GLASS HIGH-PERFORMANCE GLASS BY VETROTECH: ELEGANCE, COMFORT AND FUNCTIONALITY COMBINED. Vetrotech safety and comfort glass offers the ultimate protection for people and property, while providing the aesthetic and multicomfort qualities you expect from architectural glass. More than 30 years of experience means we are able to deliver solutions for virtually any application, worldwide. Visit www.vetrotech.co.uk to learn more about our factory in Coventry and our comprehensive product range, or call 0247 654 7620.

Vetrotech Saint-Gobain UK distributes SageGlass©, electronically tintable glass for improved comfort and energy efficiency.

In association with

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

Editor Hannah Frackiewicz hannah@mixedmediainfo.com 01622 873229 Print & Digital Advertising Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com 01622 873229 Steve Gull steve@mixedmediainfo.com Studio Manager Chris Lilly chris@mixedmediainfo.com Production Ben Bridgeman ben@mixedmediainfo.com Artworker/Sub-editor David Perry david@mixedmediainfo.com

Welcome

...to our Glass, Glazing & Balustrades focus

A

rchitecturally stunning, glazing in construction is specified not only for its aesthetic impact but also to give the impression of vast open spaces. However, as buildings – particularly those in city regions – become more occupied, thermal efficient, fire resistant and safety glass is more frequently a high priority.

With that in mind, FC&A has sourced the leading players in the marketplace and combined them in a dedicated supplement, offering an insight into their best-selling products and most recent installations.

For more information on our contributors or if you wish to comment on anything featured within this edition, please do not hesitate to get in touch at the usual address.

Hannah Frackiewicz Hannah Frackiewicz Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

Contents

Accounts Simone Jones simone@mixedmediainfo.com

5

Smart choice:

Managing Director Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com

7

Seamless blend:

9

Beautiful balustrades:

Terms and Conditions:

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

Front cover:

Commercial systems specialist Smart Architectural Aluminium profiles a number of its new products introduced to the market this year.

Timber windows and doors by Mumford & Wood have been architecturally specified in the restoration of a 16th century private home.

SHS Products talks FC&A through its most successful year to date following the success of two new, innovative market-leading products in the UK.

10 Complete solution:

Schueco fire-protection systems benefit from the continuing upturn in activity in the UK building industry.

11 Automatic entry:

A new automatic sliding door system from Gilgen Door Systems helps to maintain a more comfortable environment for users.

12 Sustainable development:

Tormax profiles the installation of a bespoke 360° glass, curved-sliding automatic door system as part of a significant refurbishment programme.

14 Railing upgrade:

New balustrades from Q-railing have been installed on a high-end residential development in West Bay, Dorset, giving the balconies a new lease of life.

16 Solid reputation:

Vetrotech Saint Gobain explains why it can be trusted to deliver the perfect solution to meet customers’ fireglass needs.

18

The science of curtain walling:

Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems announces the launch of additional new mullions and transoms for its innovative Comar 6EFT Curtain Wall system.

Schueco is constantly refining its offering to ensure that, whatever the application, it can offer a complete solution at a competitive price. See page 10

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

3

West Bay Apartments, Dorset, UK.

EASY GLASS速 SLIM. Easy Glass速 Slim is a practical and affordable frameless glass balustrade system, designed to withstand a maximum load of 1.5kN. The aluminium base channel features a stainless steel effect finish, whilst the head of the glass can be capped using a stainless steel cap rail for both internal and external applications.

Stunning design Test Certification Easy Installation Fully modular components

For further information on Easy Glass速 products and to order your new 2014/15 product catalogue call: 01782 711 676 / 0800 781 4245 or email: sales@q-railing.co.uk

Glass, Glazing & Balustrades

Commercial systems specialist Smart Architectural Aluminium has launched a number of new products to the market this year, further enhancing the company’s door and window ranges and providing even greater scope in both design and performance for architects and designers.

T

Images: Left: Commercial systems specialist Smart Architectural Aluminium has launched a number of new products to the market this year Above: Smart Architectural Aluminium looks forward to bringing the benefits of its new systems to both new-build and refurbishment construction projects

of a triple-track format, with three sliding panes allowing an opening aperture of up to 75%.

Finally, the new Smart Wall rebated door provides an anti-finger trap solution. Still delivering excellent U-values and weather protection, this option is the perfect choice for public buildings such as schools, hospitals and libraries.

Commenting on the product innovations, Smart’s Managing Director, Eddie Robinson said: “We are delighted to have brought such a significant collection of new products to market this year. We look forward to continuing to work with architects and contractors, as well as our fabricator and installer partners, to bring the benefits of these new systems to both new-build and refurbishment construction projects.”

■

Smart choices

he upcoming addition to the Alitherm Heritage range will provide a pivot window option, specifically designed to fit into very traditional openings such as stone mullions. In line with all Alitherm Heritage systems, this new option will offer a modern, thermally-broken solution to the problem of replacing traditional steel-framed doors and windows, the elegant lines of the new system perfectly replicating the slim profiles of traditional steel windows and doors. The system is ideal for sensitive planning areas and for heritage, renovation and refurbishment projects where traditional steel doors and windows have to be replaced.

The Alitherm 700 range also benefits from new introductions, with both parallel opening and top-swing reversible windows having been launched. The innovative Alitherm 700 system offers an ideal solution for increasing levels of natural ventilation, delivering a balanced and effective airflow without compromising security or safety. The system works perfectly with curtain wall facades for low- and high-rise projects.

Completing the new window introductions was the latest addition to the Eco Futural range of high performance commercial windows, with the launch of a tilt-turn system to complement the existing options. In line with the rest of the range, the profile of each of the tilt-turn products features a chambered polyamide thermal break to deliver excellent thermal performance.

Two new door systems have also been launched this year, with both the Visoglide Plus and Smart Wall rebated doors providing further highperformance options for specifiers.

With a distinctive, slim profile, the Visoglide Plus sliding door combines contemporary styling and robust performance, with exceptional thermal performance. Designed specifically for large commercial and high-end residential projects, the door is available in a range of sizes (within design limitations) of up to 2.6 metres by 7 metres, and with the option of auto-slide gearing, provides the perfect solution for applications where large opening apertures are required.

The flexibility and versatility of Visoglide Plus is further enhanced with the option

8 www.smartsystems.co.uk * sales@smartsystems.co.uk

( 01934 876100

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

5

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

STUNNING Glass & Metal Architectural Balustrade

British engineered stairs and balustrade for residential and commercial environments now presented in our new London showroom located in the heart of | By Canal Engineering Limited Clerkenwell. Visit us today.

Tel: +44 (0)115 986 6321 www.canal.gb.com 8 Find this issue plus much more on the fc&a app and fca-magazine.com

Clerkenwell Architectural Showroom 11-12 Great Sutton St. London EC1V 0BX Ecobuild 2015 Exhibition Stand S4026

Glass, Glazing & Balustrades

Seamless blend of old and new Conservation timber windows and doors by Mumford & Wood have been architecturally specified in the restoration of a beautiful 16th century private home in the Breckland area of rural Norfolk. storey extension in red brick has been thoughtfully and sympathetically added to one side of the property from front to back. In this new addition Mumford & Wood’s double glazed Conservation box sash windows have been installed.

A beautiful Conservation French doorset with fixed glazed side panels bathes the generously proportioned hall with light and provides easy access to the attractive landscaped gardens. An open plan, curved timber staircase leads to the galleried landing above, an attractive and open space from which all bedrooms and bathrooms lead off. Here a series of six coordinating side hung Conservation casement windows are featured.

Gradual upgrade “The original property has been restored and many feature elements such as grand, historic fireplaces, have been recovered,” comments the surveyor and homeowner.

“Work is still ongoing and, over time, we plan to replace all the single glazed period box sash windows which are attractive but thermally inefficient. Our only choice would be to upgrade with new Mumford & Wood Conservation box sash windows as these are virtually indistinguishable from the originals whilst offering 21st century standards of comfort and performance.”

From the front facade, which features six box sash windows, four are the single glazed originals and two are Mumford & Wood Conservation double glazed box sash windows which are operated by traditional cords and weights.

“We live in a Conservation area but we had no problem in achieving planning permission for the vision we wanted to create,” continues the homeowner, “and by many standards permission was granted almost immediately. There was

no objection to installing double glazed windows or to upgrading the single glazed windows with highly functional and beautifully designed products by Mumford & Wood.

“Both old and new presently sit side by side in the new facade and to us it is a seamless join; visually it is difficult to identify which are which. Who wouldn’t be sympathetic to upgrading the thermal performance of this property when the period features have been retained?”

It is also the family’s intention to replace the modern roof light, which would have once sat above the original staircase and had been boarded over, with a traditionallystyled timber roof lantern.

“My grandfather had great insight when he purchased this property which at that time was half open to the elements and quite uninhabitable.This building has been here for many years and we are proud and privileged to be, as we see it, the guardians of this elegant building for future generations to enjoy.”

Doors and windows in the Conservation range form a collection of thermally efficient products with superior aesthetics.

A combination of modern manufacturing technology combined with authentic period detailing has earned the brand award-winning status.

■

K

nown to date back to 1532 the property was originally thatched but tiled around 1880 when a major enlargement was made.

The property was being demolished in the early 1950s following its use by the army during WWII which had taken its toll and the post war depression had deemed it worthless.

It was during this demolition that the Rectory was purchased privately and the property ‘patched up’. Since then it has been passed down through the generations and now remains in the care of a young professional family. A huge restoration has been undertaken and a large two-

8 www.mumfordwood.com * sales@mumfordwood.com

( 01621 818155 Images: Left: Doors and windows in the Conservation range form a collection of thermally efficient products with superior aesthetics Above: Both old and new presently sit side by side in the new facade of this Norfolk rectory

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

7

Excellence in Glass

Glass, Glazing & Balustrades

Firman Glass, experts in architectural glazing, have established a reputation as the heavyweights in their field through accomplishment of ambitious briefs in glass which other companies simply weren’t willing to take on. In short, unrivalled capabilities for toughening, laminating and processing glass have set Firman Glass apart from the competition.

Challenge us with your project today!

www.firmanglass.com

Decorative anti-slip glass For use in glass floors, stair treads, bridges and walk-on roof lights

Colour-backed glass For use in splash-backs, sink tops, wall cladding etc.

Sandblasting to any design For manifestation and anti-slip protection

Toughened glass For architectural uses, retail and domestic

Find out more at firmanglass.com Email: sales@firmanglass.com Telephone: 01708 374534

8

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

www.firmanglass.com

Glass, Glazing & Balustrades

SHS Products goes from strength to strength SHS Products, one of the UK’s leading designers, manufacturers and suppliers of both domestic and commercial stainless steel and glass balustrade solutions, based in the West Midlands, has enjoyed its most successful year to date following the success of two new, innovative market-leading products in the UK.

Versatile systems A uniquely simple but beautiful balustrade system, the Infinity topless railing system offers strength, style and versatility while eliminating the upper and lower rails, in turn, providing clients with unobstructed, million pound views.

Meanwhile, Key-Link is a unique, maintenance-free, weather-resistant,

aluminium railing system suitable for any home or garden decking area. Using this stunning and sophisticated system, customers can create a unique design that is both radiant and strong.

With commercial customers already including the likes of Barclays, Marks & Spencer, Audi, Selfridges,Virgin Active and BMW and with thousands of satisfied domestic customers all over the country, the new ranges have helped open the door to a plethora of new clients with wide and varied balustrade requirements.

No compromise on style Mark Busby, Director of SHS Products says: “We have seen with confidence that these new products have revolutionised what is currently available to specifiers in the UK market, providing our clients, and theirs, with attractive, durable, maintenance free, aluminium railing options which provide style and strength in equal measure at a very affordable price.

“We expect the success of these products to carry on throughout the remainder of 2014 and well into 2015 and we look forward to the exciting new projects which come our way because of that continued success.

“We are delighted to be providing the UK with some of the most attractive balustrade systems on the market that don’t sacrifice style or safety.”

Mark continues: “Having such stylish products as part of our service allows us to work with all manner of creative companies and individuals that are looking for proven safety railings and

balustrade solutions that seamlessly fit into the overall theme of their projects.”

The two additions to SHS Products’ portfolio complement the West Midland firm’s already comprehensive range of railing solutions which includes glass balustrade systems (utilising both toughened and laminated glass), frameless glass balustrades, wire rope infill systems, stainless steel balustrades, plus many more.

SHS Products is also able to manufacture bespoke railing systems for clients to give them the perfect safety solution for their projects, as well as provide them with components and complete systems.

The new, innovative, market-leading products have been on show during recent months, most recently at Spatex 2014 – the leading wet leisure industry trade show where they received rave reviews from the thousands in attendance. Infinity and Key-Link are a hit with specifiers everywhere. With exhibitions planned for 2015 these systems will be on show across the country very soon but those wishing to see more should visit the website.

■

T

he new products, Infinity Railing and Key-Link Railing both launched during 2013, are a range of aluminium railing systems for current and future clients that have filled the current void which exists from a lack of quality, innovative products in the UK market between the more traditional stainless steel and glass balustrades and wooden/plastic balustrades.

8 www.shsproducts.co.uk * sales@shsproducts.co.uk

( 0800 068 6363 Images: Above: Infinity Aluminium Railing – exclusive to SHS Products & the UK Left: Stainless Steel & Glass as seen on ITV’s ‘Love Your Garden’ programme

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

9

Glass, Glazing & Balustrades

■

The doors are offered with a variety of tested side and top lights including radiused and angled shapes, allowing a wide range of approved design options.While more commonly employed internally, Schueco fire doors can be supplied for external applications as well. All types of doors can be specified with either face-fitting or barrel hinges and standard or EN 1627 burglar-resistant locking options.

In addition to fire doors, Schueco UK also offers aluminium fire protection facade systems (designated FW 50+ BF and FW 60+ BF) and skylight systems with 30- and 60-minute protection, all tested to EN 1364. Also available is a Schueco AWS fire window offering up to 30-minute integrity/ insulation (EI).

To complement its fire products offering, Schueco UK runs specialist training courses at its Milton Keynes HQ. On completing the SAFE course, a successful trainee gains official certification as a Schueco-Approved Fire Expert.

8 www.schueco.co.uk

Schueco responds to industry demand The continuing upturn in activity in the UK building industry – particularly in respect of commercial properties – has led to an increasing demand for all types of its fire-protection products according to leading aluminium systems supplier Schueco UK Ltd.

O

ne of the few companies in the UK with a truly comprehensive range of fireprotection systems for facades, doors and windows, Schueco is constantly refining its offering to ensure that, whatever the application, it can offer a complete solution at a competitive price.

Independent tests All but indistinguishable in appearance from standard products, Schueco fire-protection systems have been independently tested to EN 1364/1634, meeting all the necessary criteria for Integrity (E) – the prevention of the spread of flame – and Integrity/

10

Insulation (EI) – the prevention of the spread of flame and the provision of a barrier to heat.

The Schueco fire protection range includes single and double Schueco ADS 80 FR doors which can be specified with either a 30-minute integrity or 30/60 minute integrity/insulation rating and, like every system in the range, they meet the performance classification of EN 13501.To upgrade from a 30-minute to a 60-minute specification, special heat insulation material is introduced into the aluminium profiles and the glazing is uprated accordingly.

Doors and screens that meet an EI90 rating (90-minute) are also available.

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

* mkinfobox@schueco.com

( 01908 282111 Images: Above left: Schueco fire-protection systems have been independently tested to EN 1364/1634, meeting all the necessary criteria Below: Schueco AWS 70 FR 30 Fire Resistant Window

Glass, Glazing & Balustrades

‘Green-Wings’ entry system saves energy automatically A new automatic sliding door system from Gilgen Door Systems helps buildings to retain more energy, reduce noise levels and maintain a more comfortable environment for users. toughest of environments.

The system incorporates a powerful Gilgen SLX door operator which is strong enough to operate even heavyweight insulated doors with speed and efficiency.

The drive is easy to install, efficient and incorporates advanced safety features to ensure compliance with BS EN16005 safety standards.

Enhanced facade Of high-quality Swiss design the system acts like and looks like a standard automatic door, with high quality components that that only enhance the appearance of building facades. The elegantly designed motion sensors are

built into the header profile for a sleek finish and activate the doors quickly and efficiently as persons approach.

PSW is tested for protection against driving rain and highly wind resistant making it suitable for exposed building entrances. Each door incorporates a special runner surface and rubber damping for quiet operation and the insulation also helps to reduce noise levels, for example, from busy roads.

■

T

he Gilgen PSW ‘Green-Wings’ system consists of a state-ofthe-art door automation drive, thermally sealed door profiles and insulated glazing that helps to significantly reduce building heat loss. Ideal for externally facing doors in a number of public buildings such as hospitals, colleges and offices, the system reduces utility bills and contributes to the achievement of Breeam sustainability standards.

Rigorously tested and certified by ift Rosenheim to provide class leading U-values, air permeability, wind and rain resistance, Gilgen PSW delivers U-values as low as 1.5 and is designed to provide reliable long term operation even in the

8 www.gilgendoorsystems.co.uk * info@gilgendoorsystems.co.uk

( 0800 316 6994

The auTomaTic way To save energy Gilgen PSW ‘green wings’ automatic door system delivers high levels of insulation, retains more energy and reduces building utility costs:

• Low u-values of 1.5-1.9w/(m2K), double glazing to 1.0 • sound insulation to 30dB • highly resistant to wind and driving rain • Powerful door operator • stylish appearance to suit different facades • wide range of configurations and options Contact us today for further information: 0800 316 6994 info@gilgendoorsystems.co.uk www.gilgendoorsystems.co.uk with gilgen Psw

PSW-HalfPage-Horizontal.indd 1

• automatic Doors • industrial Doors • security Doors • service & Parts 30/07/2014 15:08:55

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

11

Glass, Glazing & Balustrades

Delivering a contemporary, sustainable entrance at AmicusHorizon, the head offices for one of the largest housing associations in the South-East of England, TORMAX UK has installed a bespoke 360° glass, curved-sliding automatic door system as part of a significant refurbishment programme.

A

cost-effective and low-energy solution, staff and visitors are welcomed on approach by an outer set of glass doors which slide smoothly apart to give access to a small lobby, from which the second set of doors automatically open into a stunning new reception area. This ingenious configuration encourages the smooth flow of pedestrian traffic whilst efficiently minimising heat-loss from the building.

Working closely with commercial fitout specialist Cube Interiors Solutions and glass and aluminium specialists Openwood Group, the TORMAX entrance is set within a full-height glass facade to create a visually impressive frontage and a light and vibrant interior. The new Croydon AmicusHorizon offices have received a Gold RICS Ska Rating. Contributing to the sustainability of the development, the TORMAX entrance is manufactured from 95% recyclable materials whilst the curved-sliding doors are powered by

12

the efficient TORMAX 2201 low-energy operator.

This deliberately high torque door drive is powerful and reliable, delivering exceptional performance even under

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

â–

A curve on the horizon

near constant use. As with all TORMAX operators, the 2201 is tested to well in excess of current industry requirements and has proven to require minimal maintenance over its long lifespan.

Ideal for glass facades such as AmicusHorizon, the 2201 operator is extremely compact and requires only a 100mm installation height by 142mm installation depth. This ensures the aesthetics of the entrance are maintained without any compromise to functionality of the entrance.

Operating nationwide, TORMAX UK Ltd offers a professional service from site survey, design of the most appropriate automatic door system, through to manufacture and installation. The company incorporates nearly 60 years of experience into its ability to create perfect bespoke or standard solutions for every application and budget.

TORMAX UK is constantly researching and developing new ideas to enable it to meet the ever changing needs of its customers and the architectural demands of modern building.

8 www.tormax.co.uk * sales@tormax.co.uk

( 01932 238040 Images: Above left: Contributing to the sustainability of the development, the TORMAX entrance is manufactured from 95% recyclable materials Below: The TORMAX entrance is set within a full-height glass facade to create a visually impressive frontage

Notes from the Comar design team...

Glass, Glazing & Balustrades

Standard profiles range allows Capped, 2 or 4sided Structural Glazing.

High span profiles keep same box sizes throughout the facade with greater spanning ability.

BIM ready Models.

Comar keep all profiles in stock = market leading delivery.

Highest Ix and Iy values in the industry.

Concealed vent for discrete ventilation.

Facetted options 7.5 o convex or concave.

Reassurance: CWCT Tested, Audited and Certified to 3600Pa Sequence B.

comar 6EFT Curtain Walling - Capped, 2sided SG and 4sided SG Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems have designed additional mullions, transoms and feature cover-caps to Comar 6EFT to launch the most comprehensive 50mm curtain wall system available today. After extensive research with our architectural and fabricator network we are pleased to offer additional high span mullions and transoms with the highest Ix and Iy values in the industry, allowing you to span further or keep the same flush box size throughout glazed areas.

For more information about comar6EFT please contact us: + 44(0) 20 8685 9685 Tel: Email: projects@parksidegroup.co.uk Web: www.comar-alu.co.uk

From one range of profiles Comar 6EFT offers capped, 2sided structural glazing with vertical or horizontal capping and 4sided structural glazing. Comar 6EFT 4sided SG offers the slimmest structural glazing joint available today and can be either silicon or EPDM gasket sealed.

For details and downloads, take a look at www.comar-alu.co.uk today.

We are pleased to offer BIM families to our architectural and contractor colleagues, please email projects@parksidegroup.co.uk for further information.

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

13

Glass, Glazing & Balustrades

Quayside safety for residents The specialist supplier of high quality designer balustrade and railing systems, Q-railing, was recently called upon to upgrade the existing balustrades on three seperate residential blocks within a modern apartment development in the seaside village of West Bay, Dorset. Situated on the Jurassic coast line, the development at its closest is not more than 50 metres away from the sea.

W

Q-railing, by Morgan Sindall who had been appointed by Zurich Insurance to come up with a specification to replace all of the existing Mild steel powder coated frameless balustrades that were badly corroded. The balustrade specialist worked with the BSSA and the Aluminium federation to develop the specification and give not only the insurance company, but the existing residents, the assurance that they required to commit to using its products.

The client wanted assurance that Q-railing’s products and more specifically the materials that they are made from would withstand the extreme coastal environment that they would be subjected to.

The company worked very closely with the residents to provide them with a

life size sample of the products it would be using. Q-railing retrieved written statements from material professionals to satisfy the insurance company that its products would be the most suitable within the environment. The installers WM Ironwork had to also work very closely with Morgan Sindall to coordinate the removal of the existing balustrades with the reinstatement of the new balustrades to not disrupt the residents as little as possible.

Q-railing used Easy Glass slim top mount which was clad in 316 grade mirror polished flashings. It also used off-set handrail brackets with a mirror polished stainless steel tube. The balustrade specialist also upgraded the glass specification from 15mm Monolithic toughened glass up to 19mm Monolithic toughened glass and tied the handrail back to the structural columns as the residents were worried about the extreme winter storms.

The project went to time and even WM gained a Considerate Contractor Award from the scheme.

â–

est Bay, also known as Bridport Harbour, is a small harbour settlement and resort on the English Channel coast in Dorset, England. The harbour at West Bay is not a natural landscape feature and it has a long history of having been silted up, blocked by shingle and damaged by storms, and each time repairs, improvements and enlargements have subsequently been made.

Despite being prone to harsh coastal conditions, the harbour has been a hotspot for developers. As part of its early regeneration, a new housing development, Quay West, was built on the west side of the harbour, on part of the old shipyard area.

The initial enquiry was made to

8 www.q-railing.co.uk * sales@q-railing.co.uk

( 0800 7814 245 Images: Left: The harbour at West Bay has a history of being damaged by storms, and each time repairs, improvements and enlargements have subsequently been made Above: Q-railing used Easy Glass slim top mount which was clad in 316 grade mirror polished flashings

14

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

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

Energy Efficiency

The MCIAT Professional Assessment

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

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

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

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

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

Who can apply for the MCIAT Professional Assessment?

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

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

How much does it cost?

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

For further information email our Membership Director, James Banks via james@ciat.org.uk us onon 7278 2206 Find this issueor plus call much more the +44(0)20 fc&a app and fca-magazine.com 15

Glass, Glazing & Balustrades

Meeting full safety compliance Vetrotech Saint-Gobain is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of fire glass for the building sector. With over 30 years of specialised experience, the company has built a solid reputation for delivering cost effective, multifunctional glass of exceptional quality and effectiveness.

Vetrotech understands that every project has a unique criteria and if required the company is able to discuss every application case by case to ensure compliance to fire and building regulation.

Ranging from special toughened base glasses to intumescing interlayer products, the optimal glass can be offered for every fire-protection demand imaginable whilst perfectly blending with adjacent non-fire glass types.

Robust quality Vetrotech products comply with the strictest impact safety requirements.

All of its products provide accidental human impact ‘break-safe’ safety glass characteristics. More robust products mean less chance of damage or breakage during transportation and handling. The company prides itself on the toughened glass advantage.

Vetrotech operates its own ISO 17025 accredited test laboratory, and its international team of fire testing technicians are standing by to support customers locally. They are tested and certified within all leading fire-rated framing systems including timber, steel and aluminum to a wide range of international standards and national market requirements. As a result, its solutions span a range of fire-resistant classifications from E30-EI120 minutes and beyond.

All products are also suitable for multi-comfort applications and meet the aesthetic demands of modern architecture meaning the potential field of application is limitless. Available in single, double and triple glazing, incorporating solar control or low-emissivity coatings, all products comply with even the most demanding

16

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

Images: Above: All of Vetrotech’s products provide accidental human impact ‘break-safe’ safety glass characteristics Left: Solutions of the highest level of quality and complexity can be created

energy legislation (U-values as low as 0.5 W/m2 K; EN 673). These solutions are UV stable and allow high light transmission.

The base glass used within its fireglass products is Saint Gobain float glass, which offers the highest possible optical qualities available on the market.

Fire rated glass floors, all glass doors, butt jointed applications, curved on plan and double glazed units containing integral blinds are just some of the products that can be offered. Should further assistance be required Vetrotech’s network of local sales offices and regional production facilities ensure local proximity and impeccable service. As a world leading international company, with dedicated local presence Vetrotech Saint Gobain can be trusted to deliver the perfect solution to meet your fireglass needs.

■

B

eing a member of the SaintGobain Group, Europe’s biggest producer and processor of glass,Vetrotech knows all the aspects of this material.

With innovative research, development and state-of-the-art production technologies, solutions of the highest level of quality and complexity can be created.

8 www.vetrotech.co.uk * vetrotech.uk@saint-gobain.com

( 02476 547620

Glass, Glazing & Balustrades

P B S SBP RY A R LIB

sustainable-buildingproducts.com sustainable-buildingpr sustainable-buildingproducts.com

LIBR

ARY

sustainable-buildingproducts.com Your essential new reference for sustainable building product information web | mobile | tablet Find this issue plus much more on the fc&a app and fca-magazine.com

17

Glass, Glazing & Balustrades or vertical capping, concealed vents where a feature and bespoke finish can be achieved through a variety of cover caps • Concealed vents all systems can include side or top hung opening vents • Facetted glazing options for all systems are available in 7.5° increments both convex and concave

Due to demand from its architectural and fabricator clients, Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems is pleased to launch additional new mullions and transoms for its innovative Comar 6EFT Curtain Wall system, with the highest Ix and Iy values available on the market today.

A

s Comar 6EFT has developed to be the specifier’s preferred system in the UK, demands for larger transom spans in excess of 3000mm and unsupported multi-storey mullions are a possibility. Where there are different glazed areas in the same envelope Comar has also extruded high span mullions and transoms in the most popular box sizes, which mean that the same box size can be used throughout the project to ensure that all fixing and plaster lines throughout the facade are continuous.

Today’s design complexity, requirements for aesthetics and complex building shapes are key considerations. Aluminium offers the unique advantage of easily being extruded and manufactured into almost any custom shape with ease. With the current focus on energy efficiency, designs must also take into account ‘thermal’ criteria and thermal breaks are incorporated. These breaks provide a significant decrease in the thermal conductivity of the curtain walling.

The science of curtain walls now means

18

that aspects such as thermal expansion and contraction, building movement, water diversion and thermal efficiency for cost effective heating, cooling and the lighting of a building are in-built to the system and its design.

To provide a flexible approach to aluminium facade engineering Comar’s 6EFT Curtain Walling System utilises European wide design and extrusion expertise with Comar’s market leading supply, support and delivery. With its exceptional design flexibility, Comar 6EFT provides high performance solutions for both new build and refurbishment facades.

It is a flexible standardised system that provides bespoke solutions. Comar’s 6EFT delivers capped curtain walling with 50mm standardised sightlines and includes options for: • 4 sided structural glazing which achieves a cutting edge facade with no visible aluminium sight lines • 2 sided structural glazing with horizontal

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

■

Flexible approach to facades

The system is pressure equalised, mullion drained ensuring water drains freely to the outside.

Comar 6EFT has undergone rigorous tests for the latest BS and EN standards at Taywood Engineering Ltd., with exceptional results: Air Permeability - Class AE 750, Water Tightness - Class RE 750 and Wind Resistance - 2400 Pa, Safety 3600 pa.

Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems is the largest British, privately owned aluminium systems company in Europe. Comar designs, extrudes and distributes over 700 integrated profiles to a Nationwide approved fabricator network for use in aluminium ground floor treatment, window, door and curtain walling applications.

8 www.parksidegroup.co.uk * projects@parksidegroup.co.uk

( 020 8685 9685

Images: Above left: Today’s design complexity, requirements for aesthetics and complex building shapes are key considerations when specifying curtain walling Above: Aluminium offers the unique advantage of easily being extruded and manufactured into almost any custom shape with ease

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

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

23