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FUTURE CONSTRUCTOR & ARCHITECT

ISSUE 127

SEPTEMBER 2020

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EDITOR’S NOTE Cross Platform Media LTD

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SEPTEMBER 2020

FUTURE CONSTRUCTOR & ARCHITECT MAGAZINE

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Following last month’s ‘build, build, build’ focus, RIBA Architect Christopher Sykes returns to the pages of FC&A with another exclusive article on the significant changes that are happening in the sector as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. In this piece, he explores how modern methods of construction (MMC) will be the salvation the construction and architectural industries will desperately need to meet Government housing targets.

And, how priority must also be given to decarbonisation, climate resilience, design and beauty, connectivity and accessibility, wellbeing and public health, as well as economic growth. Turn to page 20 to read the full article.

In another FC&A exclusive, we’ve talked to Architect, Barry Wark, about his stunning, biophilic proposal for the Glasgow School of Art. Comprising new educational studios, public spaces and gardens, Wark’s design forms a block-wide strategy in response to the series of fires that have destroyed Mackintosh’s national icon. With

CROSS PLATFORM MEDIA

EDITOR Rebecca Kemp rebecca@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

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biophilia at the heart of his work, Wark explains how the concept of merging nature into the built environment goes beyond the simplicity of living walls and aesthetically pleasing plants. To read the full Q&A and find out more about the concept and Wark’s work, turn to page 16.

Elsewhere in this month’s edition, Chris George – Business Development Manager at Howe Green – explores the wide-ranging benefits tree pits and grilles offer, MAD Architects releases the design of the Wormhole Library and Richard Hyams – former Architect at Norman Foster and Founder of astudio – discusses how urban planning can design pollution out of cities.

Rebecca REBECCA KEMP Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

fcamagazine fcamagazine fcamagazine FC&A Magazine

ON THE COVER: In an FC&A exclusive, we’ve talked to Architect, Barry Wark, about his stunning, biophilic proposal for the Glasgow School of Art.

SEE PAGE 16.

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FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

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SEPTEMBER CONTENTS

NEWS

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INDU STRY U PDAT E S :

20

ON SITE WITH S YK E S:

21

LEGAL & BU SINE S S:

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VOICE OF THE I N DU S T RY:

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

RIBA Architect Christopher Sykes returns this month with an exclusive article on the construction and architecture industry’s response to Boris’ announcement to ‘build, build, build’. Here, he explores how other countries are tackling the housing crisis with innovation and modern methods of construction (MMC).

Here, Santtu Kottila, Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Founder of Leadoo Marketing Technologies, offers his advice to construction SMEs on finding new leads at this crucial time in order to survive and thrive.

In this article, Richard Hyams, former Architect at Norman Foster and Founder of award-winning architecture practice astudio, discusses how urban planning can design pollution out of cities to make for a healthier, more sustainable community.

FEATURES

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TIMBER :

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DR AINAGE & LA NDS C A PI N G :

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FIR E SAFETY:

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BU ILD FOCU S: Refurb & Retrofit:

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TECHNICAL FO C U S:

Justin Hayward, Technical Timber Manager at Lathams, explores the versatility of engineered wood and its increasing popularity in both contemporary and heritage projects.

In this article, Chris George, Business Development Manager at Howe Green, explores the wide-ranging benefits tree pits and grilles offer, and the key elements specifiers should consider.

After working together for nearly two decades, CFS employed Victaulic’s grooved couplings, valves and fittings for the fire protection system in retail giant B&M’s new £100m distribution centre in Bedford.

In this two-part feature, Safeguard Europe’s MD asks if a new standard is enough to encourage the surge in retrofitting to hit carbon targets, and Chisholm & Winch’s MD discusses a recent high-end phased hospitality refurbishment.

Roland Jackson, Commercial Director at Soprema, discusses alternatives to copper and why they should be considered to create stunning design features.

PORTFOLIOS

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W ORMHOLE LI BRARY, MAD ARC H I T E C T S :

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GLASGOW SCH OOL OF A RT, BA RRY WARK:

Led by Ma Yansong, MAD Architects has released the design of the Wormhole Library, which sits on the coast in Haikou, Hainan Province in China. The sensuously curved pavilion appears to be a ‘wormhole that transcends time and space’.

In an FC&A exclusive, Editor, Rebecca Kemp, talks to Barry Wark about the Glasgow School of Art concept and discovers the inspiration behind his eyecatching, biophilic proposal.

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FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

INDUSTRY UPDATES

NE W S I N BR I E F: SGP COMPLETES FINAL PHASE OF ST. MODWEN BUSINESS PARK

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

Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP) has overseen the completion of the third and final phase of St. Modwen Park, Doncaster. Having masterplanned the whole 27-acre site, SGP successfully designed and delivered the last £7m phase, comprising more than 108,000ft2 of industrial space, in February 2020.

Working with St. Modwen and Lindum Construction, SGP designed the three units of 34,464ft2, 21,614ft2 and 53,072ft2 to complete the 247,000ft2 development, which was granted outline consent in March 2016. SGP designed and delivered the first two phases of the park in 2016 and in 2017, and the speculative units were quickly occupied by Bosch Automotive, DB Schenker and Thornhill Engineering.

GRAHAM TO REFURBISH GENERAL PROJECTS’ LASER HOUSE IN CLERKENWELL GRAHAM has won the contract to refurbish Laser House, a former printing press and gin distillery in London’s Clerkenwell that is being redeveloped by General Projects to provide almost 88,000ft2 of office space.

Located near the Barbican, Laser House will be refurbished to provide office floor space across the ground and four upper levels with provision of four SME starter units at lower ground floor. The building will be largely retained, with only partial demolition of the structure and construction of extensions to the existing building fronting Goswell Road and Pear Tree Street with plant enclosures above. Works are to include external alterations to the facades, windows, doors, improvements and upgrades to the office accommodation internally, provision of cycle storage, shower and changing facilities, waste and recycling facilities in addition to updated access arrangements and ancillary works.

FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

ZAHA HADID ARCHITECTS REVEALS XI’AN INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL CENTRE The new Xi’an International Football Centre will be 60,000-seat stadium for national and international matches as well as domestic league games, youth training academies, entertainment performances and cultural events.

ZAHA HADID ARCHITECTS

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he centre will be located in Xi’an’s Fengdong New District with its stations on the city’s expanding metro network.

With a population of nine million people and two professional football clubs, Xi’an will be a host city of the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup in China. Taking its legacy mode of operations as the starting point of the design, the stadium has been designed to provide optimum conditions for football and maximise its use by generations after the 2023 tournament.

Integrated within the orthogonal urban grid of Fengdong’s business district, the stadium’s open facades invite the city into the heart of the building to enjoy its public spaces, recreation and dining facilities 6

throughout the day. Located in a series of shaded south-facing garden terraces with views over the city to Qing Mountain, these amenities will also serve spectators visiting the stadium during football matches, cultural events and performances.

The sweeping lines of the facade protect the stadium from northerly winds and convey the fluid forms of the roof that shelters the saddle-shaped seating bowl which maximises the spectator seating provided at midfield.

The design employs an ultra-lightweight long-span cable-net roof structure, resulting in a minimum load and material footprint

INDUSTRY UPDATES

NEWS IN BR IEF: DMA WINS PLANNING IN THE HEART OF VICTORIA FOR BOUTIQUE HOTEL Dexter Moren Associates (DMA) has won planning permission for a new, 137-key boutique lifestyle hotel on Vauxhall Bridge Road in the heart of Victoria. The hotel, featuring a unique facade design, will become the latest addition to client 4C Hotel Group’s growing portfolio of high-quality central London hotel developments. The eight-storey, 6224m2 (GIA) hotel includes a relaxing bar, food retail, cafe and formal restaurant, available to the public as well as guests.

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that; in turn, reduces the stadium’s primary structure.

Wide perimeter roof overhangs shelter facilities within the building’s envelope while the large, shaded, open-air terraces and public concourses incorporate extensive planting on all levels, providing comfortable conditions in Xi’an’s hot continental summer climate.

Supported by the tensioned cable-net structure, a translucent membrane over the seating protects spectators

from inclement weather and direct sunlight while also allowing the most amount of natural light to reach the playing surface, promoting the growth of grass on the pitch to provide playing conditions of the highest standard.

Digital modelling has defined the geometry of the spectators’ seating bowl to optimise proximity and views to the field of play from all 60,000 seats, generating the most exciting atmosphere

for football and ensuring an outstanding match experience for all players and spectators.

China’s ancient capital and core of the Silk Road, Xi’an has a long history of welcoming visitors from around the world.

In the global arena of football, the Xi’an International Football Centre continues this tradition and builds a lasting legacy of new civic spaces, sports and recreational facilities for the city.

Leading national engineering specialist, SES Engineering Services’ (SES), reputation as an innovative MEP services provider continues to grow as the contractor announces its latest significant contract win in the student accommodation sector.

Working on behalf of main contractor, Kier, SES has been appointed to the design and build of 491 student bedrooms for Manchester Metropolitan University on the latest phase of works at its multi-million-pound Birley Fields campus, which was opened in 2014. This latest phase is located on Bonsall Street and will be constructed over three accommodation blocks standing at five, 10 and 15-storeys tall and all linked at ground floor level where there will be communal areas consisting of work/teaching spaces, gym, reception and administration areas as well as the associated MEP plant required to service the buildings.

www.zaha-hadid.com 7

FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

INDUSTRY UPDATES

ARC H IT EC T I N P RO F I LE Suzanne Blair studied architecture at Newcastle University, graduating in 2008 before qualifying in 2010. She spent her year-out placement at Ryder Architecture and then formally joined the practice after graduating. Suzanne worked there for 11 years, progressing through to Associate before joining GT3 Architects in 2016. Here, FC&A talks to Suzanne about her successful career in architecture.

GT3 ARCHITECTS

SUZANNE BLAIR Associate Director at GT3 Architects Had you always wanted to pursue a career in architecture?

I didn’t spend my childhood dreaming of being an architect – I am not sure I knew what one was.

However, I became more aware of architecture as a potential career path in sixth form as I developed an interest in design and art but also technical subjects.

IMAGE: Central Station in Newcastle

What has been your greatest influence and source of inspiration?

I love to travel and find different cultures, places and people fascinating. Architecture in Scandinavia tends to be wonderfully simple and uses natural materials beautifully. Dutch architecture is often innovative and does urban planning extremely well, and the Chinese have some impressively quick construction methods. Pull out all the best bits, and we would have an impressive built environment and industry.

What has been your most notable project to date?

Working on Central Station in Newcastle was an honour as it’s a Grade I Listed station and incredibly iconic in my home city. It has gone through a continual change throughout its history, so to be part of its next chapter was fantastic.

How do you approach your projects?

People first. A building needs to be intuitive to use, easy to navigate and perform properly for the functions it contains. You have to put yourself in the position of every person using a building. That’s one of the reasons I joined GT3; its ‘people architecture’ vision fit perfectly with my own values.

www.gt3architects.com FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

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

Cost and lack of legislation. Sustainable buildings generally cost more in terms of capital costs but save money over the life of the building. A developer or house-builder won’t benefit from that lifecycle cost reduction, so why do it? That is where legislation is needed to ensure that buildings meet better minimum standards.

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What is your favourite building and why?

I wrote my university dissertation on Gerrit Rietveld and the Schröder House in Utrecht.

While it’s not the most impressive of buildings to look at, the whole house is built on the concept of flexibility, with moving walls and adaptable furniture. It was very much people-focused and designed around the owner, Mrs Schröder, and her lifestyle – very topical for today as everyone is trying to create workspaces at home.

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

There is definitely a lack of understanding around the design process and the role and skills of an architect. Architects are under constant pressure over fees and take on a lot of responsibility, liability and workload in coordinating and managing the wider team. Often, we aren’t valued for what we bring to a project and have to explain ourselves and why we need to carry out certain parts of our service.

What advice would you give to newly qualified architects?

Be a sponge! Although you spend a ridiculous amount of time at university, you still come out with a lot to learn – recognise that and absorb knowledge, experience and ideas from everywhere and everyone. Be willing to ask questions, listen to the answers and do not be afraid to mess up.

What can we expect to see from GT3 Architects over the next year?

Firstly, we’re looking forward to getting out of our sweatpants and back into the studio, but beyond that, we’ve spent a lot of time and effort refining our business structure and offering. A new operational structure, to ensure everything runs as smoothly and effectively as possible, alongside new skill, sector and geographical leads will come into fruition this year, and we’re all pretty excited!

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FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

COATINGS & FIXINGS

CONTEMPORARY PANELLING AND EVOLUTION FINISH MAKE A PERFECT COMBINATION Powdertech Corby has recently used its popular Evolution ‘Peat Fire’ powder coating finish on the refurbishment of a Greggs store at the Glasgow Fort shopping and leisure destination.

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www.powdertechcorby.co.uk FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

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his is one of Scotland’s leading retail centres with an array of wellknown retail brands, a Vue Cinema and numerous eateries and restaurants competing with one another for business.

The facade of the Greggs store was updated with 2mm aluminium cassette panelling with feature perforations, and a suitable powder coating finish was chosen from Powdertech’s Evolution range to enhance this ‘industrial look’. Evolution ‘Peat Fire’ is similar in appearance to Corten with a natural-looking inconsistency emulating that of weathered, rusted steel but there is no run-off or staining of surrounding material. The facade will look smart for years with a guarantee of up to 25 years for gloss, colour and adhesion.

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Using RMIG ImagePerf, the facade depicts a cloud formation – a very appropriate motif for an airline office which also happens to be located on Cumulusroad. The perforated sheets manufactured and

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FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

WORMHOLE LIBRARY, MAD ARCHITECTS

MAD’S WONDROUS ‘WORMHOLE’ Led by Ma Yansong, MAD Architects has released the design of the Wormhole Library, which sits on the coast in Haikou, Hainan Province in China. The sensuously curved pavilion appears to be a “wormhole that transcends time and space”.

MAD ARCHITECTS

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he Wormhole Library serves as a multi-functional building that allows visitors to read, enjoy views of the sea, and attend open-air performances, temporarily removing themselves from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The building is now under construction and will be completed in 2021.

Located in southeast China, Haikou is the capital of Hainan province. It once served as an important port along the Maritime Silk Road, and today has become a key area of the Hainan freetrade island initiative.

In 2019, the local Government launched the Haikou Bay rejuvenation plan in an effort to enhance the use of public space along the Haikou coastline.

A series of pavilions by both domestic and international architects is under planning, and the Wormhole Library will be the first one to be completed.

Facing the South China Sea, the Wormhole Library is located in Century Park along the Haikou Bay coastline. The intimately scaled structure is cast of white concrete as a unit. The curved concrete walls not only serve as organic architectural structure but also connect the ceiling, the ground and the walls together. Holes of varying sizes allow the architecture to breathe and meanwhile let natural light flood the interior. The grey spaces of the exterior corridors provide shady spots for passers-by to stop and rest.

FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

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WORMHOLE LIBRARY, MAD ARCHITECTS

FACT FILE:

Renderings: SAN

Site area: 4397m2

Design team: Qiang Siyang, Sun Feifei, Dayie Wu, Shang Li, Alan Rodríguez Carrillo, Xie Qilin

Building area: 1380m2 Principle partners in charge: Ma Yansong, Dang Qun, Yosuke Hayano

Client: Haikou Tourism & Culture Investment Holding Group

Associate in charge: Fu Changrui

Executive architect: East China Architecture Design and Research Institute

Construction contractor: Yihuida Shimizu Concrete

Facade consultant: RFR Shanghai

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FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

WORMHOLE LIBRARY, MAD ARCHITECTS

The interior is composed of two parts: a 690m 2 (7430ft 2 ) reading space that can store approximately 10,000 books, a cafe and a terrace; and a 300m 2 (3230ft 2 ) public rest area that is equipped with a bicycle parking system, public bathrooms and shower areas.

FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

To ensure accuracy and seamlessness across the curved surfaces, the building is being cast using both a CNC and 3D printed model. All MEP has been designed to be hidden within the concrete cavity to minimise its appearance and create visual consistency. Curved sliding doors and retractable glass curtain walls not only 14

provide views of the sea but also enhance overall airflow and ventilation. In response to local weather conditions, the roof on the sunny side is cantilevered to achieve comfortable temperatures, realising a sustainable and energy-saving building.

www.i-mad.com

WORMHOLE LIBRARY, MAD ARCHITECTS

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FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, BARRY WARK

CONCRETE JUNGLE Barry Wark’s project for the Glasgow School of Art proposes the creation of new educational studios, public spaces and gardens, forming a block-wide strategy in response to the series of fires that have destroyed Mackintosh’s national icon.

BARRY WARK

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he building’s existing facade is retained and restores key interiors that allow the building’s tour routes to be replicated. The studio spaces are moved into the extension creating a void in the former art school for events, gatherings and exhibitions.

The extension is composed of studio spaces as well as zones reserved exclusively for plant colonisation that aim to bring notions of the wilderness into the city. Its folded geometry characterises the building’s facade with multiple seams on every element. This intricacy exists to encourage the propagation of vegetation from seeds dispersed there by the wind. The result is plant growth in a wild and indeterminate manner inspired by the urban cliff hypothesis.

The design is inspired by the megalithic architecture of the city, historical Scottish castles and makes further references to the original building.

The proposal looks to encourage future conversation about the building two years after the second fire. It takes the position that a new blockwide development, offering new forms of public spaces and gardens in Glasgow city centre, could be more preferable than a total restoration.

FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

Here, in an FC&A exclusive, Editor, Rebecca Kemp, talks to Barry Wark about the concept and inspiration behind his eyecatching proposal and finds out more about his career as an Architect.

Please tell us a bit about your career background.

I undertook my education in Glasgow and at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, where I specialised in bio- and 16

digital design and fabrication. I knew upon graduating that I wanted to explore a more experimental form of practice combining both academic and professional endeavours.

I spent 12 years working for reputable London firms before establishing my own architectural practice in 2015. Although rooted in buildings, the work also operates collaboratively in the set design and installation industries. I combine this work with ongoing teaching and research activities at Bartlett, exploring biophilic design and aesthetics to challenge an anthropocentric view of the built environment.

GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, BARRY WARK

That said, as you mature into your own position, you tend to gravitate to those you view as kindred spirits or exploring topics that are more aligned with your interests. At present, I am more inspired by ancient structures by unknown architects, exploring notions of architecture that have existed for a relatively long period in a natural, unmanaged state.

What was the inspiration behind the Glasgow School of Art proposal?

The design is inspired by the work of Mackintosh, particularly his artwork and drawings. It is also inspired by the city’s stone architecture and that of Scottish castles and ruins, much like the original building. The motive for the proposal was to offer alternative visions for the site, beyond a full restoration which will cost a lot of money and could end up feeling like an odd reproduction.

Had you always wanted to pursue a career in architecture?

I was always interested in design and drawing. At school, we had quite a few tasks and visits to Mackintosh buildings to explore his work. At the time, I did not perhaps realise the influence it had on me, but upon reflection, it did.

Who has been your greatest influence and source of inspiration?

As mentioned, the earliest was Mackintosh, but I am sure there were many subconscious influences from my childhood. As you go through your education, you are influenced by your heroes – typically it’s who is building the most novel buildings or producing images that resonate with you.

What were the main requirements for the design?

It was essential that it used the opportunity to explore 17

more radical ideas for the site whilst still maintaining a tangible proposal for how to address the existing building.

The design strives for integrity in the treatment of the existing building, restoring its best spaces; whilst simultaneously creating new spaces that do not exist in the city.

In what ways did you merge historical architecture with the design?

If you evaluate the extension element of the proposal in its form, mass and materials, it is a very Glaswegian building.

The city-centre grid creates a forced perspective of many buildings where you predominantly experience it at an angle; thus the sense emerges that the stone buildings are monolithic with almost no windows as you never see a true elevation. The design builds on that notion by creating the appearance of a solid facade, through deeply recessed windows and balconies and bringing light in through the central atriums.

FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, BARRY WARK

What was the essential element of the design?

Firstly, to hollow out most of the existing building, creating a new public art space for the city that connect to down to Sauchiehall Street.

This space would show the building as it is and bring awareness to its history, good and bad.

The second is the facade of the extension. It is experienced not as a sealed envelope to the external environment but as a deep, textured zone where both building users and plants (and other non-humans) can cohabit.

How important do you believe it is to integrate biophilia into our built environment?

I think the integration of biophilic design principals in our cities is essential for a myriad of reasons. That said, there is a danger that the effort to bring what is commonly referred to as ‘nature’ into our cities, simply translates into ‘greenwash’ design. We are becoming all too familiar with the lime green facades of speculative proposals claiming to be biophilic or ‘sustainable’.

We need to go beyond thinking of integrating ‘nature’ or biophilic design as green walls or simply plants – instead thinking about all the things we bundle under the term nature and if integrating these into architecture can also be biophilic.

What innovative biophilicfocused features did you integrate into this proposal?

The proposal is inspired by Lundholm’s 2006 ‘Urban Cliff Hypothesis’ comparing similarities between cities and the habitat templates of cliff faces. As cities and cliffs both have suboptimal growing conditions and yet plants, moss and other living organisms grow there. The facade creates a thick and textured threshold for water retention and natural seed distribution from the wind to take hold. It is intentionally encouraged to stain, drip and for some areas to become overgrown – and others not. It is meant to be seasonal and ever-changing.

The building is designed for ‘non-humans’ (i.e. plants, insects, dirt and moss) to take hold and become integral to its appearance, synthesising with the building’s geometry and materials, and creating new bioaesthetics in architecture.

What biophilic designs and proposals can we expect to see from you over the next year?

Moving forward, the work will explore notions of larger time scales in the proposals, perhaps even towards geological timescales rather than societal. This will investigate ideas of assembly and disassembly; the irrelevance of programme when architecture is viewed in these timescales; and the appropriate acceleration of patina and other displays of natural phenomena to bring ecological awareness into our consciousness.

www.barrywark.com FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

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KØGE NORD STATION, COBE AND GLASGOW DISSING+WEITLING SCHOOL OF ART, ARCHITECTURE BARRY WARK

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FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

COLUMN

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

Rochester Riverside Phase 1B. The flagship regeneration scheme in Medway, designed by BPTW architects, has been crowned the Winner of Winners at the 2020 Housing Design Awards. It was also awarded the Building for a Healthy Life Award, in recognition of the high-quality green open space being created.

(Photo: ©Robert Greshoff).

The autonomous off-grid, sustainable Ecocapsule could soon be an integral part of future urban planning as a new video from www.ecocapsule.sk dramatically illustrates

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD

isn’t considered more deeply, it could be ‘fail, fail, fail’. This is why the RTPI has launched its new ‘Plan the World’. The wish is to address 21st-century issues together with long-term strategy planning to integrate economics, infrastructure and environmental priorities. Housing may be key, but priority must also be given to decarbonisation and climate resilience, design and beauty, connectivity and accessibility, wellbeing and public health, as well as economic growth.

The RIBA has also announced the shortlist for ‘Rethink: 2025’ – an international design competition for our post-pandemic world. The judging panel – made up of five design leaders and radical thinkers – have selected a shortlist of 12 proposals. They are inviting us to respond to one or more of the following areas on the future of healthcare spaces, remote learning, highdensity living, public transport, high streets vs online shopping, international travel and the use of technology to monitor and control populations.

Now the National House-Building Council (NHBC) has launched their new modern methods of construction (MMC) acceptance service for the UK construction industry. Called NHBC Accepts, it is an all-inclusive end-to-end service that will help to build confidence in innovative construction and enable MMC to be fast-tracked for NHBC warranty.

The most significant ever-repeating words in all this are ‘innovation’, closely followed by ‘modern methods of construction’. Not before time, the house-building industry is being fundamentally shaken to rethink, redesign itself and recognise powerful external forces.

Finally, and rarely mentioned, are three social solutions which could dramatically help the housing crisis. Firstly, stem immigration, secondly discourage divorce, and lastly, reduce breeding – just as China did! Interesting, huh?

Writing in the Times last month, Architect Norman Foster relates how he was asked in a BBC documentary to name his favourite building. Without hesitation, he cited the now disappearing Jumbo 747. Six storeys high at the tail, with about 3000ft2 of space, five lavatories, three kitchens and room for 367 guests, he believes the 747 is genuinely architectural both in its design and its thinking. And, what’s more, it flies!

E

ven Nice Architects, a firm based in Bratislava, Slovakia, has just issued a vision of their affordable housing crisis solution, with their famous Ecocapsule. This autonomous off-grid, sustainable house can be an integral part of new urban planning in the soon future. It’s a ready-made product that can create horizontal skyscrapers with multi-use – as flats, offices and delivery units at the same time, powered by green energy only and contributing to the shared economy by providing extra energy for city electric network. They reckon it is a true consideration challenge for developers as an alternative to classical buildings.

These are extreme examples of the torrent of reaction from all sectors of the construction industry following the Government announcing what are reckoned to be the most radical reforms for building better homes since WWII. They recognise that COVID has created major changes to life, and this is now a priority.

This outpouring of reaction is unprecedented. For example, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is deeply concerned – not only on behalf of their industry but also on behalf of every single community. They say that if ‘build, build, build’ FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

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LEGAL & BUSINESS

SMES IN CONSTRUCTION: FINDING NEW LEADS AT THIS CRUCIAL TIME TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE There is no predicting what the UK will look like by the time this piece is published so here’s a reminder of the UK in mid-June: consumer lockdown is easing, queues for non-essential stores re-opening were featured on the news, the weather is good, property viewings are up, and houses are selling. You’d be tempted to think that life is getting back to normal, says Santtu Kottila, Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Founder of Leadoo Marketing Technologies.

LEADOO MARKETING TECHNOLOGIES

SANTTU KOTTILA IS THE CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER AND CO-FOUNDER OF LEADOO MARKETING TECHNOLOGIES. LEADOO MT WORKS WITH MANY COMPANIES IN AND AROUND THE CONSTRUCTION SPACE, BOTH B2B AND B2C AND FROM SMES TO LARGE CORPORATES INCLUDING TRADESPEOPLE, SUPPLIERS, ARCHITECTS, MERCHANTS AND ASSOCIATED SERVICES.

B

ut for businesses, the question is, what is this ‘new normal’? We know consumer and business habits will have shifted, so take stock of what has changed and predict what might change for your business in the future. Whether you mainly sell to other businesses or direct to customers (or a mix of both), it’s time for a fundamental re-assessment of how your business interacts with customers. Here is my advice focused around lead generation.

Think creative Start by asking yourself whether your business changed at all during lockdown either deliberately or by accident? Is there something you need to continue doing?

Or something to stop? Take a look at what others in your sector (and beyond) did, as well as how they are recovering in countries that came out of lockdown before the UK. Can you learn something from a different sector serving customers like yours (think food delivery; for example, if your customer base is local)? Did you see them generating business in a different way? Could you do something similar?

Embrace digital When Twitter and Facebook talk about how much of their workforce will work from home in the future, we know things are changing. This could have a major impact on your lead generation because if events, shows, exhibitions and face-toface networking are scaled-back, then you are going to have to find a new way of generating leads. Back in May, we undertook some research which revealed 21

that just 15% of the construction industry agreed they had invested more in online sales and marketing, and only 24% had taken action in digitalising due to COVID-19 – both these scores were the lowest of any sector we surveyed. Now could be a good time to learn something new to help future-proof your business.

Use your existing resources – by this I mean, for example, your website. Companies, particularly SMEs where budgets are not huge, spend an enormous amount of time, money and energy attracting visitors to their sites, but for every 100 visitors, less than one typically convert. Don’t overlook the importance of visitor experience on your website. Your new buyer’s journey will often start on the internet, and a lot of companies lose potential customers because they do not supply the right help or information online. You need to serve your customer exactly at that point in time, otherwise they will simply move elsewhere. Could your website be more engaging, is the content up to date, do you have recent testimonials or reviews to add? The same goes for your social channels, whether that’s more B2B, like LinkedIn or Twitter, or more consumer-focused, like Instagram or Facebook. Look at what your analytics are telling you. Where are you most successfully engaging with potential customers?

Take a long-term view Finally, take the time to talk to your customers – let the conversation inform your future thinking. Ring them, ask how they are or how their business is doing. Is there anything you can do to help? Any new service that you could offer?

66% of the construction sector agreed that having been forced to be more virtual/online due to the pandemic and lockdown, this would change the way their company does business in the future. The question each business needs to answer now is how.

www.leadoo.com FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

DESIGNING POLLUTION OUT OF OUR CITIES Some 5% of all deaths in the UK’s largest towns and cities are linked to toxic air exposure1. Now, with air pollution thought to exacerbate the symptoms of COVID-19, there is an even greater need to review infrastructure, improve sustainability and meet our carbon-zero goals. Richard Hyams, Founder of astudio, investigates.

ASTUDIO

RICHARD HYAMS PRIOR TO FOUNDING ASTUDIO, RICHARD SPENT 12 YEARS AT FOSTER + PARTNERS, WHERE HE WAS A PROJECT DIRECTOR ACROSS MULTIPLE PROJECTS SPANNING THE CULTURAL AS WELL AS OFFICE AND RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS. IN 2007, HE OPENED UP HIS OWN PRACTICE TO BE INNOVATORS IN THE ARCHITECTURE SPACE. RICHARD IS CHAMPIONING THE DEBATE ABOUT AND PIONEERING THE DESIGN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF EFFICIENT BUILDING, COST-EFFECTIVE HOUSING AS A WAY TO TACKLE THE UK ’S HOUSING CRISIS.

FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

T

he pandemic has shown us that we can drastically improve the quality of our air – according to data collected by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, levels of dangerous pollutants fell by as much as 40% across the UK’s towns and cities during the lockdown period2.

We must now consider how best to redesign our urban spaces, and use modern design and innovation to make them improvements permanent.

Increased city living According to the World Health Organization (WHO), many of the world’s biggest cities expose citizens to pollutants that exceed acceptable levels by more than 500%3. Dense cities, in particular, are prone to poor air quality. Yet, the issue cannot be solved simply by dispersing urban populations.

It may seem counterproductive, and yet increasing densification in cities could help to reduce emissions and improve sustainability.

As research conducted by the New Climate Economy has shown, there is often a negative relationship between population density and CO2 emissions. Sprawling cities, constantly expanding outwards with little regard for effective urban planning, force residents to turn to vehicles – one of the biggest sources in pollution in the UK – to get around.

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In Barcelona, trials are underway to form hundreds of new ‘superblocks’, miniature neighbourhoods that will house thousands of residents and provide necessities in the vicinity, while limiting traffic in the surrounding area. This change is expected to prevent more than 650 premature deaths in the city annually 4.

Effective transport planning Similar plans are being considered in Paris, with hopes of creating ‘15-minute cities’ by placing shops, parks, eateries, healthcare and wellness cities, schools and workplaces nearby. With everything within walking distance or a short cycle away, these self-sufficient communities would have little need for high polluting vehicles.

As cities begin to recognise the role of effective transport planning in reducing emissions, similar changes are being planned, implemented and tested in cities such as Milan and Seattle. A little closer to home, York is pushing to become the UK’s first car-free city centre, while even London is set to pedestrianise busy parts of the city.

There will, of course, be times when residents must travel outside of their communities. With train travel having a lower carbon footprint than road travel, planners can utilise data such as Greater London’s Public Transport Accessibility Levels (PTAL) scores and advancing technologies such as artificial intelligence to organise and maintain viable modes of transportation in and around the city.

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

Turning cities green Barcelona’s superblock plans intend to reclaim almost 70% of the city’s streetspace from vehicles and turn it over to its citizens5.

By shifting public realm design to favour community living, space can be repurposed to create better conditions for both people and the environment.

City planners should take this opportunity to increase the green space available to residents. Such spaces have a natural ability to filter harmful pollutants out of the air, and subsequently improve health. Likewise, by providing inviting footpaths between local amenities, green spaces also encourage travel by foot or bike, further reducing carbon emissions.

In areas that lack available space, city planners should look upwards. Additional green space can be made available in the form of rooftop gardens or platforms.

Such spaces would provide vital support in overcoming the city’s struggle with pollution, with just 100m2 of green roof capable of reducing greenhouse gases by 1.8 tonnes per year6.

Retrofitting the sprawling city Reducing air pollution in cities isn’t just about the city space, however. We must also consider the impact of the buildings that occupy it.

London is a prime example of a city full of outdated buildings with inefficient energy infrastructure. Retrofitting would allow these buildings to be stripped back and refitted with systems and components that help to improve efficiency. astudio’s recent RIBA award-winning building with ‘Excellent’

BREAM rating, 70 Wilson project, for instance, uses motion-activated lighting, designed to only activate when somebody is nearby, to ensure that carbon emissions are always relative to the number of users of a space.

Likewise, with indoor air often up to five times worse than that outdoors7, retrofitting would allow for the installation of advanced ventilation systems designed to safeguard against pollutants. In a recent project for Twickenham Academy, for example, we installed a new air displacement system that allows fresh air to enter from the floor and exit at the top of the room, ensuring that inadequate air isn’t recirculated around the building.

With the development of new, pollutionfighting materials, there will be further potential to design buildings to counteract pollution in our cities. Algae facades – capable of absorbing CO2 and providing bio-fuels from the additional algae grown – is one example of innovations that are likely to see greater use as we move towards a greener future.

Designing pollution out of our cities With underlying health conditions significantly worsening the impact of COVID-19, the pandemic must serve as a wake-up call to take environmental issues seriously and reduce the impact pollution has on our health.

With a people-first approach to city planning and an overhaul of our indoor spaces, we can begin to design pollution out of our cities and create healthier, more sustainable communities.

1

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/

jan/27/one-in-19-deaths-uk-cities-air-pollution 2

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/02/huge-

drop-air-pollution-first-month-coronavirus-lockdown/ 3

https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/02-05-2018-9-

out-of-10-people-worldwide-breathe-polluted-air-butmore-countries-are-taking-action https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/sep/10/

4

barcelonas-car-free-superblocks-could-save-hundreds-of-lives 5

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-09-09/

how-many-lives-could-car-free-superblocks-save 6

https://www.urbanespora.com/en/5-reasons-for-

creating-urban-green-spaces/

www.astudio.co.uk 23

https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/indoor-air-quality

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FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

TIMBER

THE CLEAR BENEFITS OF ENGINEERED WOOD

All images: Corfe Castle in Dorset

Justin Hayward, Technical Timber Manager at Lathams, explores the versatility of engineered wood and its increasing popularity in both contemporary and heritage projects.

JAMES LATHAM

I

n recent years, there has been huge growth in the engineered wood market as the value proposition has become better understood.

At the most basic level, engineered wood provides increased yield and reduced wastage as it can be supplied in standard sizes with minimal need for trimming. From the outset, it is saving manufacturers of joinery products money.

Another key driver behind the growth of engineered wood is its inherent predictability through every stage of its life.

In the workshop, manufacturers of staircases, doors and windows have a steady and reliable supply of highquality timber with fewer defects compared with standard timber. Once installed, it not only provides better thermal performance than natural wood but is more resistant to warping and twisting, helping to mitigate the age-old issue of timber expanding and contracting due to changes in temperature and airborne moisture.

FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

And while the upfront cost will often be more than natural timber, the savings begin in the manufacturing process and continue throughout the product’s lifespan, with lower ongoing maintenance requirements.

The fact that engineered wood produces less waste makes it an incredibly sustainable option with the leading products sourced from approved suppliers all over the world. It is also FSC- and PEFC-accredited, so its production is guaranteed to meet the highest environmental and social standards. Additional testing in laboratory conditions against quality standards such as KOMO provide extra peace of mind.

It is these aspects that have seen high-quality engineered wood products such as WoodEx become increasingly popular in the residential house-building market with both bespoke and volume developers embracing the benefits.

Its versatility also means that it can be used in a wide range of projects, whether the restoration of a listed building or the creation of a state-of-the-art commercial scheme.

Manufacturers and suppliers like George Barnsdale, which have been providing bespoke timber windows and doors for architects, contractors, developers and restorers for 24

generations, are increasingly turning to engineered wood, even for their most sensitive of projects.

A number of their recent projects highlight the opportunities offered by the product, such as replacing the windows and doors in a Grade II Listed property dating back to 1677. Overlooking the ruins of Corfe Castle in Dorset, the project saw the installation of a range of hand-finished flush casement windows manufactured from FSCcertified engineered softwood that were both highly functional but completely in tune with the historic surroundings.

Borough Market’s 16 Winchester Walk is a former Victorian fruit warehouse near to London Bridge that has been converted into loft-style apartments, office space and a restaurant.

TIMBER

Stringent planning regulations required sympathetic replacements of the flush casement windows and doorsets, which were manufactured from engineered Red Grandis and incorporated modern stainless-steel hardware to provide an added contemporary feel.

The aesthetic premium that comes with using an engineered product such as WoodEx means that the appearance is the same as solid timber, but the visual face and two sides are clear of defects so that it can be painted in the knowledge that knots won’t bleed through.

In this instance, the windows and doors were painted in bespoke RAL colours coupled with acoustic glazing units to give incredibly high levels of thermal and acoustic performance with minimal need for long-term maintenance.

When it came to the choice of windows for Number One Queen Anne’s Gate in London,

a prestigious development of 27 luxury apartments situated adjacent to St James’s Park, the planners specified likefor-like replacement with single glazing in the oldest parts of the building.

The solution was to create bespoke box sash windows and flush casement windows manufactured from engineered Redwood with single and double glazing and putty glazing, supporting the intent to create a modern and contemporary development that retained the historic charm of the building.

As well as the increasing use of engineered wood in joinery products, its benefits are also being embraced in other aspects of construction with facade specialists Pacegrade using an engineered European oak curtain walling solution for one of their current highprofile projects.

The new Watford headquarters building for TJX Europe, the operator of retailer TK Maxx and

Homesense, has been designed by architect firm Sheppard Robson as a series of interlocking glass forms with series of striking facades.

Pacegrade has more than 40 years’ experience delivering exciting architectural facades, and it has chosen engineered timber for the curtain walling on the TJX Watford scheme. It will be clad with aluminium externally, but the high-quality timber finish will be retained internally, offering a decorative feature within the building.

The engineered wood market is one that will continue to grow and evolve, driven by a desire to embrace more sustainable options but also through an understanding of the clear benefits it can bring to any construction project.

www.lathamtimber.co.uk 25

FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

DRAINAGE & LANDSCAPING

SHOUTING FROM THE TREETOPS: THE BENEFITS OF TREE PITS The specification of trees within an urban area can provide many benefits, including improving inhabitants’ mental and physical wellbeing, to filtering urban pollutants and aiding the offset of carbon emissions.

HOWE GREEN

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owever, the planting of trees within landscaped or paved exterior public spaces can also present a range of potential complications that must be considered at the very initial design stages.

Here, Chris George, Business Development Manager at Howe Green, explores the wide-ranging benefits tree pits and tree grilles offer, and the key elements specifiers should consider.

Whilst the planting of trees in urban locations can contribute to the reduction of the city or town’s carbon footprint; it is essential any trees or saplings are planted within the provision of a healthy and secure environment.

This will ensure the successful nurture and facilitation of the tree’s longterm growth, with adequate root management, access to water and the condition of the soil; all essential elements that must be considered.

External tree pits and tree grilles present a popular choice as they can successfully alleviate the potentially FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

negative effects an urban environment can have on a living organism, whilst simultaneously providing inconspicuous access to electrics, valves, pumps and water features.

Tree pits and tree grilles also prevent any potential damage to the urban environment as the tree roots are securely managed within the tree root ball. This eliminates the opportunity for the roots to spread up and across the landscape, where they could cause damage to the flooring and present a dangerous trip hazard.

When specifying tree pit covers for upcoming landscaping projects, professionals should consider solutions manufactured of stainless steel as they provide long-term resistance to rust and corrosion. The addition of a top edge seal also prevents dirt, grout or grinding waste ingress for increased longevity and resilience. This style of tree pit also aims to eliminate the requirement for slither cuts of stone, which often leads to recurrent and often costly breakages.

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DRAINAGE & LANDSCAPING

However, the structural integrity and design of a stainless-steel tree pit shouldn’t hinder safe access to the tree root ball. Here, specifiers should consider solutions that utilise lifting keys, facilitating easy ongoing maintenance of the tree root ball without any additional budget, time or resources.

As each urban landscaping project is different from the next, so too must be the approach to the tree pits or tree grilles installed. Custommade specifications will best meet the specific requirements of each individual project, rather than a standard ‘offthe-shelf’ offering. A bespoke offering will also ensure the type of stone used and the modules or pattern formations featured within the hard landscaping are seamlessly integrated into the covers, providing the highest quality finish available.

The orientation of the tree pits, whether single, multiple or in a duct formation, should be adapted to meet the bespoke requirements of the project, providing a desired

visual style without impacting on the long-term growth and success of the trees.

Tree grilles also offer the opportunity for the installation of electrical elements such as uplighters, creating an enhanced visual effect. If using tree grilles, stone thickness must also be considered, whilst loadbearing for both grilles and pits must be addressed at the specification stage. For example, will the solutions be installed in a high footfall pedestrian area, or will there be vehicles regularly travelling through? This is essential to ensuring the solution is fit for purpose throughout the duration of its lifetime.

By working closely with a manufacturer from the very initial specification stages, landscaping professionals can not only achieve the successful implementation of trees into hard landscaped areas, but also ensure their long-term growth and maintenance whilst achieving the desired visual aesthetic.

www.howegreen.com 27

FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

FIRE SAFETY

B&M WAREHOUSE: HOW PREFABRICATION DELIVERS SPEED AND EFFICIENCY The B&M group is the fastest-growing variety goods value retailer with stores operating in the UK, Germany and France. It has recently injected £100m in investment to create a new distribution centre in Bedford that is expected to create 1000 new jobs. The distribution centre will become B&M’s third in the UK and will support its southern operations. Started in April 2019, the project took just over eight months to complete.

VICTAULIC

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very installation project faces its own challenges – but when the project is one of the largest in the UK and involves a warehouse measuring 1 million square feet and 22m up to the apex, the challenges inevitably become amplified.

Fire protection systems in warehouses, storage facilities and distribution centres are extremely important: ensuring structures, assets, and most importantly, people are safe and protected should a fire start is a number one priority. To ensure the B&M warehouse is adequately protected, Compco Fire Systems (CFS) – the UK’s largest national fire engineering provider – was trusted to install the fire protection system. CFS understood that quality products and a trustworthy partner were essential to make the project a success. After working with Victaulic for 18 years, CFS knew that the firm possessed all the qualities to be the evident choice.

Preparation is the key Before a project begins, it is essential to create a strong design that allows the installation process to be visualised, with each step of the procedure accurately mapped out. In the 17 weeks prior to the project’s inception, CFS prepared drawings of the fire protection system with Victaulic products in mind, adhering to strict regulatory standards.

FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

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In the construction industry, standard practice typically involves the delivery of products at the start of a project to be assembled onsite. This can create significant and unnecessary challenges: time is often wasted, and mistakes are made as contractors search for pieces and try to prepare the correct volume of material for the specified work zone.

However, this is not the only option: contractors can instead opt for prefabrication (premodulisation), where pieces are prepared and preassembled in the required quantities off-site.

For this project, which had a limited timeline for completion, CFS opted to prefabricate much of the fire-proof system – with special attention to the alarm valve modules – leading to their choice to partner with Victaulic, whose grooved, easy-to-install solutions lend themselves perfectly to pre-modulisation.

FIRE SAFETY

This method allows products to be delivered when they are needed rather than in one go, which was essential for B&M’s warehouse installation as there were close to 72,000 rack heads and 54 valve sets involved.

As required pieces arrived as part of 54 prefabricated alarm valve modules, CFS was able to maintain programme onsite by increasing the efficiency of the install.

Boosting efficiency Victaulic’s Style 009N FireLock EZ Rigid Coupling was an essential component to prefabrication during the installation. The product is extremely economical: its single-unit design solution required fewer steps to install and its Installation-Ready technology minimised loose parts, reducing the typical job site inventory by 75%. This facilitated quick and consistent installation and boosted the productivity of contractors.

CFS also decided to employ Victaulic’s Series 705 FireLock Butterfly Valves and Series 717 FireLock Check Valves which, besides being well-known in the industry for their quality and reliability characteristics, are also the only fully LPCBapproved valves available.

Other products chosen to boost efficiency included Victaulic’s Series 751 FireLock Alarm Check Valves, preventing the reverse flow of water from the system piping to the water supply; Series 768N FireLock NXT Dry System Check Valves, often used in unheated warehouses where piping might freeze due to its ability to separate system water supplies from drypipe sprinkler systems; and Series 769N FireLock NXT Pre-Action Valve, an essential component controlling the water supply entry into the deluge system piping and open sprinklers.

By choosing Victaulic, CFS benefitted from a simpler, lighter valve. Victaulic’s focus has been to offer solutions which will reduce the amount of time needed for installation, so by partnering with Victaulic, CFS and subsequently B&M, were able to complete the project with maximum efficiency.

In addition, Victaulic’s team further increased efficiency of the installation by providing CFS’ onsite workers with ongoing training sessions.

This sped up progress and ensured products were fitted correctly.

Think about the future In construction, even highquality and reliable parts might require replacing at any point in time due to continuous reimagining and development of technology or unforeseen circumstances. The use of grooved solutions allows components to be dismantled and fittings to be interchanged with ease, ensuring maintenance is cost-effective and quick. CFS’ maintenance engineers, who travel the country supporting their clients’ operations, enthuse about the ease with which they can install or uninstall Victaulic products.

The B&M warehouse is a significant installation challenge – one that relies upon strong communication, well-chosen products and efficiency. CFS understood that the quality and reliability of its long-time partner Victaulic would be vital.

The effective collaboration and prefabrication strategy, combined with regular training and support from Victaulic, ensured much-needed efficiency that is spearheading a successful installation.

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Commenting on the B&M installation, CFS Construction Manager, Kevin Jinks, said: “The B&M installation was one of the largest projects of its type in the UK. We; therefore, needed an installation partner we could rely on and with 18 years’ experience working with Victaulic, they were an obvious partner.

“The maintenance engineers we work with are always familiar with Victaulic products and know exactly what they are getting. They enjoy the ease of Victaulic’s interchangeable solution: it’s the simplicity of the product which is the real bonus.

“As well as providing a high-quality and reliable solution to an installation of this scale, Victaulic provided comprehensive onsite training across all elements of the installation process.

The effective collaboration between Victaulic and the onsite engineers meant that significant time installation savings were achieved, and products were fitted correctly and consistently.”

www.victaulic.com FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

BUILD FOCUS: REFURB & RETROFIT

BUILD FOCUS:

REFURB & RETROFIT

In this two-part feature, Safeguard Europe’s MD asks if a new standard is enough to encourage the surge in retrofitting to hit carbon targets, and Chisholm & Winch’s MD discusses a recent high-end phased hospitality refurbishment.

and will require any of its members carrying out energy efficiency retrofits to comply with the standards, whether publicly funded or not.

There is potentially a huge amount of work for those firms who invest the time and money to go through the certification process. However, a question mark remains over where the equally huge amount of funding needed to do such work will come from.

HUDSON LAMBERT IS DIRECTOR AT SAFEGUARD EUROPE

CAN RETROFIT MEET THE CARBON CHALLENGE?

Why retrofit?

A new standard will ensure that energy efficiency retrofits are carried out properly. But is that enough to encourage the surge in retrofitting we need to hit our ambitious carbon targets?

Hudson Lambert, Director of Safeguard Europe, investigates.

The driving force behind this desired surge of domestic retrofit projects is the UK Government’s 2019 commitment to achieving a Net Zero Carbon economy by 2050. According to data from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS)1, residential buildings accounted for 13% of the UK’s carbon emissions in 2017 – so that’s a sizeable chunk to tackle.

The silver bullet would be to de-carbonise our energy supply. But since the chance of that happening is extremely slim, the policy of reducing the energy used by homes remains a priority.

Aside from carbon reduction commitments, there are other compelling reasons to improve the energy efficiency of homes.

The latest statistics from BEIS2 estimate that there were 2.53 million households in fuel poverty in 2017, with only 10% of fuel-poor households in homes with an Energy Efficiency Rating of C or above.

Since we know that cold and damp homes create and exacerbate health problems, improving these homes would also lead to better health for those living in them.

Work has been underway to tackle fuel poverty. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO), which require energy companies to invest in energy efficiency improvements to reduce carbon emissions, was launched in 2013 with most elements aimed to help the poorest households. There have been three waves, with differing focuses each time, but these have only really scratched the surface of the problem.

SAFEGUARD EUROPE

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he goals of the new energy efficiency retrofit standard, PAS 2035 Retrofitting Dwellings for Improved Energy Efficiency, are good: to ensure that any works are carried out properly, by competent people so that all the measures complement each other and deliver overall improvements.

Although it is referred to as PAS 2035, the new Publicly Available Standard comprises two documents: PAS 2035:2019 and PAS 2030:19. The former is a framework for project delivery, setting out how works should be carried out, and introducing new roles including a retrofit coordinator and a retrofit assessor. The latter gives specification and guidance on the installation, testing and handover of energy efficiency measures and is an update of a 2017 version.

Both were published in June 2019, but there are transition periods in place. From June 2021, any contractor carrying out publicly funded energy efficiency retrofit works will have to be certified to PAS 2030 and carry out works in line with PAS 2035. TrustMark will be monitoring compliance FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

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BUILD FOCUS: REFURB & RETROFIT

More harm than good?

There has been a raft of problems with energy retrofit projects to date – which is why the new PAS 2035 was written. Some have been down to poor installation: for instance, nearly 8% of solid wall insulation installation carried out during the first wave of ECO funding, between January 2013 and March 2015 failed, according to technical monitoring by Ofgem3.

Critics also talk about ‘shallow funding’: grants made available for one type of energy efficiency upgrade only which led to them being installed in situations where they didn’t make sense. For instance, a new energyefficient boiler installed in a draughty property with single glazing.

There have also been many cases where the measures installed have made things worse rather than better. Safeguard has advised on problems such as external wall insulation installed on top of damp walls, exacerbating the issue; damp and mould growing behind internal insulation; poorly installed cavity wall insulation that has caused damp; and rotting floorboards as homes have been made airtight leaving no way for condensation to escape.

A big challenge According to Sir Peter Bonfield’s BEIS-commissioned report into what was going wrong with energy efficiency upgrades, Each Home Counts4, around 65% of England’s homes would benefit from energy efficiency improvements. Assuming the same proportion around the UK need upgrades, that accounts to around 19 million homes.

How much would all that cost? A pilot project involving five semidetached houses for Moat Homes in Maldon, Essex (by the Dutch Energisprong programme), which were D-rated for energy efficiency, cost £75,000 per home. Measures to reduce energy use by 80% include external wall insulation, air source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and photovoltaics5.

Certainly, many billions of pounds will be needed, and at this point, it is not clear where it will come from. There is still money in the ECO3 pot, which has been quite difficult to access for some due to its tight constraints – but this is a drop in the ocean.

Social housing, accounting for 4.5 million homes, has been mooted as a good testing ground. But upgrades are not a funding priority for most providers who are instead focused on building new homes.

As for homeowners, that has always been a hard nut to crack, without legislative pressure. The Green Deal tried and failed to tempt people to make energy efficiency improvements, and it is difficult to see how the PAS 2035 framework will be persuasive. The code talks of an assessor sitting down and setting out a schedule of works stretching over decades – and costing tens of thousands of pounds – which may act as more of a deterrent than an encouragement.

The other issue is that, since privately funded retrofit doesn’t have to comply with PAS 2035, many homeowners would plump for a cheaper, unregulated contractor.

The best approach would be to focus firmly on the very first steps needed, that is improving the fabric of the building. This means first repairing what is there and then making a pragmatic choice on how to improve insulation; for instance, choosing internal rather than external wall insulation. After that, we need both regulatory sticks and carrots to move swiftly onto the next stages, in order to create demand for lowercarbon technology and systems.

Over time, our definition of exactly what net-zero carbon looks like will change – possibly, several times between now and 2050. More value will be given to embodied carbon that has already been spent – the carbon used to create buildings in the first place – and how reusing and repurposing existing buildings prevents more carbon emissions today.

www.safeguardeurope.com 1

https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/net-zero-technical-report/

2

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/

uploads/attachment_data/file/829006/Annual_Fuel_Poverty_Statistics_ Report_2019__2017_data_.pdf 3

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/docs/eco1_tm_report_

final_0.pdf 4

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/

system/uploads/attachment_data/file/578749/Each_Home_Counts__ December_2016_.pdf 5

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/

uploads/attachment_data/file/656866/BEIS_Update_of_Domestic_Cost_ Assumptions_031017.pdf 31

FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

BUILD FOCUS: REFURB & RETROFIT

that construction work did not disrupt day-to-day activities within the building. This required extensive out-of-hours and weekend working for the Chisholm & Winch team and adjustments to the programme, often at short notice, to work around the client’s commercial and operational needs, while delivering each phase to mission-critical deadlines.

SIMON CASTLE IS MANAGING DIRECTOR AT CHISHOLM & WINCH

Ground and basement improvements The basement was reconfigured to create a new sound-proofed restroom for the firm’s head of security, a new air-conditioned gym, an upgraded canteen and a new security office.

On the ground floor, the reception and post room were refurbished, and the security arrangements were upgraded.

The ground floor programme also included the creation of a high-end art cafe area and refurbishment of former office areas as an American diner-style breakout and informal meeting space, all of which was carried out under businessas-usual conditions.

COMBINING QUALITY WITH LOW KEY Simon Castle, Managing Director of construction and fit-out contractor, Chisholm & Winch, discusses a phased refurbishment which was delivered while the client retained business-as-usual operating conditions.

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Bespoke and high-end

elivering any project in the heart of London’s financial district would be challenging; but this refurbishment had to be delivered in a programme that minimised disruption to the client and, in some areas, even avoided any indication that construction work was taking place at all.

Meanwhile, front of house facilities, the directors’ offices and the new brokers’ lounge had to be built to the highest standards of corporate fit-out, in line with the client’s brand and reputation.

The broker lounge on level one was one of the key elements of the project. Design development of the bespoke interior design, including identifying the artisan materials to deliver the project, fell within Chisholm & Winch’s remit. Attention to detail was critical and fit-out involved specialist elements such as extensive bespoke joinery and fire screens. This was one of the few phases where the team had vacant possession of the accommodation, but business-as-usual activities on the remainder of the floor and the floors above and below still called for sensitive scheduling of works.

The directors’ floor on level five and the senior management floor on level six were also carried out to a very high-specification, under business-as-usual conditions. Here, the project had to remain ‘invisible’ during operating hours, which often extended late into the evening due to international trading.

Finally, level nine was transformed to create a large conferencing facility, with a complex M&E fit-out to enable sophisticated A/V services, along with prestige client dining areas.

Thanks to the calibre of work delivered during the project, Chisholm & Winch has been involved with further projects for the same client.

Collaboration and flexibility The phased refurbishment project involved changes to every floor of the nine-storey building, which remained occupied throughout. This included remodelling works to all office floors, including revisions to the layout and M&E services, new fixtures and finishes, bespoke joinery and upgrades to decoration, tea points and toilet facilities.

Chisholm & Winch’s remit included design development, procurement, and project management, along with delivery of all construction and fit-out elements.

Close collaboration between the Chisholm & Winch team and the client’s facilities management department was essential to planning and procurement. An agile approach to scheduling and sequencing works was also critical to ensure FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

www.chisholmandwinch.co.uk 32

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FC&A – AUGUST – 2020

TECHNICAL FOCUS

CREATING A NEW AESTHETIC WITH AN INNOVATIVE TAKE ON TRADITIONAL MATERIALS Roland Jackson, Commercial Director of roofing, waterproofing and insulation specialist, Soprema, discusses alternatives to copper and why they should be considered to create stunning design features.

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cross all aspects of building design, architects constantly face the challenge of balancing the creative with the practical. Their work needs to combine aesthetic appeal and some level of context with the local built environment. It may also need to make a statement, create a landmark or articulate the prestige of its purpose. Meanwhile, practical considerations not only include cost and length of programme, but also buildability, ease of maintenance and length of service life.

As buildings become more complex, sustainability considerations take higher priority and legacy costs and management increasingly influence design choices. It’s the role of the construction supply chain to develop new products that fuel creativity, practicality and sustainability for architects. By re-thinking traditional materials to pioneer practical alternatives with a comparable aesthetic, the supply chain can open up new design possibilities for architects to transform roofs into jawdropping features.

Copper vs synthetic Copper has been a versatile and prestigious building material for centuries. Eye-catching, hardwearing and recyclable, it ticks lots of boxes for both aesthetics and practicality. But amongst its many advantages, there are some significant issues with specifying copper as a construction material in any sizeable quantity. Indeed, when it comes to designing a roof, the pitfalls of specifying copper can sometimes outweigh the benefits.

FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

The first – and often biggest – issue is cost. Copper is a material that will offer excellent longevity, but it can substantially increase the build costs of a project. Using a synthetic alternative costs 50 to 60% less per square metre, which, for a larger roof area, equates to a saving of thousands of pounds.

The high monetary value of copper also creates risk for the building owner following completion. Like lead, copper is often stripped from buildings to be re-sold. For example, at Leigh Road Baptist Church in Leighon-Sea, thieves stole the copper used to refurbish the spire just before the scaffolding was removed. It was a devastating blow to the congregation, who had raised £20,000 to pay for the project. To protect the church from further incidents of theft, the spire and cupola were then refurbished using Soprema’s Flagon Copper Art. The synthetic waterproofing membrane has provided high performance and the appearance of copper at a lower cost and risk.

34

Collateral damage The potential for copper theft not only has an immediate financial impact; it can also have longer-term consequences too.

When copper is stripped off by thieves, the building may suffer additional damage and, with the copper gone, water ingress can cause more costly issues with the substrate and the internal areas.

Alongside the cost of replacing the copper is the impact on insurance premiums. Following one incident of copper theft, a premium is likely to rise. If the theft recurs, it may become uninsurable. By comparison, a synthetic membrane is more difficult to remove and, as it has no value as a scrap material, it is not attractive to thieves.

TECHNICAL FOCUS

Comparing performance For many architects, copper’s natural ageing over time is one of its attractions, but for the building owner, the patina that develops and changes the appearance of copper features is not always considered a benefit. If the client prefers a copper appearance that will retain its freshly-built aesthetic for decades, a synthetic membrane, impregnated with copper particles for a genuine copper appearance, provides a durable and highperformance alternative.

A synthetic membrane is also more temperature-stable than traditional copper.

The natural expansion and contraction of copper can result in distortion to the roof or copper feature in hot or cold weather conditions. During the summer months, copper’s natural property as a conductor can also increase the building’s solar gain, which may affect indoor temperatures and cooling load requirements.

Buildability and design potential While copper is a soft and malleable metal, it cannot provide the flexibility of a synthetic roofing membrane, which will flex to any shape, including complex curves. The membrane can also be cut to accommodate the contours of any building design.

What this means for architects is limitless design possibilities for using ‘copper’ as an exterior feature of the building, while providing a high-performance and durable waterproof surface with an extended service life. Flagon Copper Art is suitable for either fully-adhered or mechanically-fixed installations, and can be installed as a standing seam roof with joints hot-air welded onto the membrane following installation. For example, the cupola at the Baptist Church in Leighon-Sea was installed as eight triangular pieces of membrane with standing seam joints installed to complete a perfectly symmetrical feature.

Looking to the future, referencing the past Whether the design ambition is a complex structure, copper-clad vertical surfaces, a wave-form roof or a conceptual building that plays with form and materials, a synthetic alternative can be used to offer all the aesthetic advantages of copper, combined with the versatility of a flexible, durable waterproof membrane.

There will always be a place for traditional construction materials but, just as architects are pushing the boundaries of traditional building form and function with innovative design, the construction supply chain must innovate to provide versatile new materials.

www.soprema.co.uk/en 35

FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

RCI

NORDIC COPPER BRISTOL FASHION A major new residential building in Bristol is defined by its 170m-long facade, clad in Nordic Brown Light pre-oxidised copper, complementing its modern, listed neighbour.

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esigned by Ferguson Mann Architects (FMA), the Copper Building is the second phase of Bristol’s Lakeshore residential development for Urban Splash, set in 10 acres of established landscape surrounding a lake.

It follows FMA’s redevelopment of the iconic Grade II Listed former headquarters of Imperial Tobacco, designed during the 1970s in the International Style by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM).

The new Copper Building replaces the SOM-designed factory, demolished in the 1990s, and provides 136 apartments for rent or for sale, including purchase through shared ownership. FMA Project Architect, Nick Brown, explained: “The form and language of the Copper Building were always intended as a reference to its Cor-ten steel-clad predecessor.

We sought a more friendly and economical material to speak of the industrial heritage of the site, yet in a warmer and more refined way – a material with some life, that would patinate subtly over time.

“The warm colour of the Nordic Brown Light pre-oxidised copper, along with the longevity, sustainability and natural credentials of copper made it the perfect choice. The new Copper Building still maintains a dialogue with the neighbouring Cor-ten clad Lakeshore building and they both sit comfortably together, just as the original factory and office did.

Importantly, local feedback has been really positive.”

Nordic Brown Light is part of an extensive portfolio of architectural copper surfaces and alloys from Aurubis, with an unrivalled lifespan, no maintenance and full recyclability. With an ‘A1 (non-combustible material)’ fire classification to EN 13501-1, copper is suitable for cladding tall buildings, using appropriate constructions.

The range includes Nordic Standard ‘mill finish’ and Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper offering lighter or darker shades of brown determined by the thickness of the oxide layer. The extensive Nordic Blue, Nordic Green and Nordic Turquoise

www.nordiccopper.com

FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

ranges have been developed with properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas all over the world. As well as the solid patina colours, ‘living’ surfaces are available for each with other intensities of patina flecks revealing some of the dark oxidised background material.

Copper alloys include Nordic Bronze and Nordic Brass,

01875 812144 36

which can also be supplied pre-weathered. The innovative Nordic Royal is an alloy of copper with aluminium and zinc, retaining its golden colour.

A wide choice of Nordic Decor mechanically applied surface treatments is also available.

Nordic Copper is produced

by Aurubis, part of the world’s leading integrated copper group and largest copper recycler.

g.bell@aurubis.com

RCI

RAVATHERM XPS X 300 SB SPECIFIED FOR R-WALL INSULATED CONCRETE FORMWORK (ICF) SYSTEM Ravago Building Solutions’ Ravatherm XPS X 300 SB high-performance extruded polystyrene (XPS) thermal insulation boards are being used in the construction of R-WALL, a new innovative, Government-supported build system, revolutionising how houses are constructed in the UK. RAVAGO BUILDING SOLUTIONS

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-WALL is a type of insulated concrete form (ICF), meaning two panels of insulation are installed and the cavity filled with concrete. The majority of ICF systems use EPS; however, R-WALL uses Ravatherm XPS X 300 SB XPS boards supplied by Ravago.

Ravatherm XPS X 300 SB is a flame retarded XPS board with exceptional thermal performance and a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than five. This

is important to R-WALL’s objective of not only building an energy-efficient future but doing so in an environmentally conscious and sustainable way.

Natalie Sutton, Account Manager at Ravago Building Solutions, said: “Our range of high-performance XPS insulation products offer exceptional thermal performance and they are produced at our plant in King’s Lynn, ensuring a three- to four-day lead time for delivery

to site. Ravatherm XPS X 300 SB combines high compressive strength, low moisture uptake and exceptional lambda values into a product ideally suited for a range of applications.”

Lisa Trewin, Director at R-WALL, said: “We chose to work with Ravago for its highquality products, continuous dedication to development and innovation within the industry, and its environmentallyconscious production methods.

www.ravagobuildingsolutions.com

“The Ravatherm XPS X 300 SB board delivers outstanding thermal performance as demonstrated by its lambda values which enables us to provide our customers with the most energy-efficient system on the market.

R-WALL is currently the leading ICF company for the lowest U-value to wall widths, whilst being able to maintain that all-important maximum four-hour burn rating.”

info@ravago.com

WOODEN ROOF OF MACALLAN DISTILLERY RESONATES AUTHENTICITY AND HONESTY The Macallan Distillery and visitor experience centre in Craigellachie, Speyside in Scotland is a stunning sight. Five meadow-covered hills hide the undulating roof of the distillery. The contemporary building combines a wooden roof with glass and steel. Fast, light and green Kerto LVL (laminated veneer lumber) was used as part of the prefabricated roof.

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he building includes a visitor experience centre, three still houses and a mash house with a common roof and fully glazed wall.

This reflects the wishes of the Macallan Distillery, a premium brand, whose single malt whisky production dates back to 1824. The goal was a contemporary facility celebrating phasing, authenticity and honesty.

“Enthusiasts can see how whisky is produced because the machinery can be viewed from the fully glazed visitor experience area. The architecture elevates the beautiful copper stills into something special,” says Toby Jeavons, Project Architect at Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, a renowned international architectural practice responsible for the architecture. “We wanted to celebrate the honesty of materials rather than hide the roof structure with a ceiling,” continues Jeavons.

Prefabricated roof structure The roof consists of a wooden waffle structure, supported by a steel structure. The wooden parts were manufactured at the Wiehag factory in Austria. The glulam beams feature Kerto LVL used as cheeks on both sides, and triangular Kerto LVL panels have been used as roof panels.

“Kerto LVL is a very good engineered wood material because you can trust the material dimensions,” says Johannes Rebhahn, Sales Director International Timber Projects at Wiehag, which was responsible for the roof construction.

www.metsawood.com ​uk@metsagroup.com 37

The construction of the Macallan Distillery and visitor experience centre took only six months. It was a carefully coordinated operation because the roof contains some 3600 beams and 2500 roof panels.

“In general, offsite construction is a great way to save construction time. When prefabrication such as cutting is done in the factory and connections have been designed to be simple, the easier, safer and more cost-effective life on the site is,” Rebhahn continues.

0800 004444 FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

DOORS & WINDOWS

SELECTAGLAZE CREATES QUIET, COMFORTABLE AREAS FOR PLUMSTEAD LIBRARY Plumstead Library is located on the busy A206, so noise was of great concern. Also, the single glazed metal-framed windows did little to prevent heat loss or draughts. As the building is Grade II Listed, the original windows could not be changed, so a reversible adaptation had to be found.

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econdary glazing posed the most effective solution to improve thermal efficiency as well as dramatically reduce the noise ingress. Wellsealed secondary glazing significantly improves the performance of the original windows. If used in conjunction with metalframed openings, U-values of 1.9 and reductions of 45 dB can be achieved.

A total of 63 Selectaglaze units were installed, including Series 10 three-pane horizontal sliders, Series 80

three-pane horizontal sliders and more.

Each sweeping bay overlooking the high street was built up with seven Series 20 vertical sliders, transom coupled to seven Series 45 side hung casements. This configuration complemented the sightlines of the primary windows and allowed full access for cleaning, maintenance and natural ventilation if required.

After months of highly skilled refurbishment works, the library re-opened in early 2020. It is set to become a

www.selectaglaze.co.uk

sustainable and cultural destination in the Plumstead area and a great legacy for one of the remaining Carnegie libraries in the UK. Established in 1966 and Royal Warrant Holder since 2004, Selectaglaze offers a free technical advisory service and RIBAapproved CPD seminars.

01727 837271

enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk

VICAIMA LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE STRENGTHENING THE USER’S EXPERIENCE Always aiming to build the perfect online experience for its customers and partners, Vicaima has launched a new website, which aims to improve the ease of navigation for its users, providing spontaneous and differentiating interaction with all features and tools. Yet another innovation, from a company which is continuously investing in a close, modern and intuitive digital footprint.

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mong the new features, Vicaima highlights the speed of the platform and the contemporary, functional and responsive redesign, strategically created to facilitate the search process for users, in line with their intentions, needs and desires.

Thus, the new website is characterised by dynamism, accompanied by carefully selected content, as well as a wide range of products, performance and solutions, with a view to boosting the digital presence of the brand in the national and international arena.

This redesign includes aesthetic improvements allowing for more immersive experimentation and improved navigation, which allows visitors to easily find the information they need.

www.vicaima.com FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

“After many months of work and dedication by our entire team, we are very pleased with the launch of the new Vicaima website. This latest step reflects the company’s ability to anticipate trends, innovate, propose complete and exciting to the market. With the new website, the user can easily and intuitively access the commercialised products, news, catalogues, technical information, projects and news, as well as request the download of BIM solutions from Vicaima, quickly and effectively. We believe that we will

info@vicaima.com 38

strengthen our position as one of the dominant players in the market.

“With the new design, we expect an increase in the number of visitors and consumption of content on our page. We look forward to feedback and the new and exciting developments to come,” stresses Antonio Moutinho, Director at Vicaima Group.

01793 532333

DOORS & WINDOWS

CLEMENT STEEL WINDOWS, DOORS AND SCREENS FEATURE THROUGHOUT EAST SUSSEX VINEYARD Clement Windows Group has manufactured and installed a series of steel windows, doors and screens at the fabulous Sedlescombe Vineyard in East Sussex.

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edlescombe is England’s oldest organic wine estate comprising 22 acres of organically certified vineyards. It is one of the main tourist attractions in the ‘1066 Country’ region in and around Hastings, attracting approximately 5000 visitors per year to its Vineyard & Woodland Nature Trail.

After more than 35 years of pioneering awardwinning organic wine production, the previous owners decided it was time for a change, so they sold the vineyard to local couple, Sophie and Kieran Balmer, who were excited to invest in an established, independent business.

The new owners have totally transformed the vineyard shop and tasting room with a stunning combination of steel and glass incorporated across the whole building design. The enormous pair of radius head door screens provide a magnificent feature both internally and externally and are in keeping with the natural surroundings, providing a stunning backdrop to the shop. Inside, there are further Clement EB24 door screens and doors which are used to beautifully partition rooms and allow light to flow through the building.

The owners are delighted. Sophie commented: “The dark metal frames of our new Clement steel windows and screens, which were recently installed at the newly refurbished shop and tasting room, bring the premises up to date while keeping some of the

www.clementwindows.co.uk

original charm. We are thrilled with how much natural light floods in through the windows and the way that the sky and trees are reflected in the glass making the building blend in as part of this historic landscape.”

01428 643393 39

info@clementwg.co.uk FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS

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AliClad Decor soffit cladding on a balcony underside

ALIDECK’S OFF-THE-SHELF NONCOMBUSTIBLE ALUMINIUM BALCONY SOFFIT CLADDING OPTIONS Decking manufacturer AliDeck continues to grow its range of extruded aluminium products for balconies with the launch of two new soffit cladding solutions.

ALIDECK

The AliClad Decor profile

www.alideck.co.uk FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

ollowing hot on the heels of the recent release of its AliClad Flow balcony underside watermanagement system, AliDeck has announced the addition of two further soffit cladding products to its range; AliClad Decor and AliClad Lite.

Manufactured from 100% aluminium, these new AliClad products deliver off-the-shelf, quick-fit, cost-effective specification solutions for steel balcony undersides.

Richard Izzard, AliDeck Managing Director, said: “We have worked very closely with steel fabricators as we’ve developed and grown our decking line and those conversations have helped us understand how an off-the-shelf balcony soffit system would really simplify the process of balcony construction. By removing the need for expensive, bespoke sheet metalwork in the soffits, fabricators are able to manufacture balconies quickly and more cost-effectively.”

The previously launched AliClad Flow system neatly encapsulated this philosophy of simplifying balcony design and manufacturing and has seen a great early response from architects, being specified on projects within days of its launch. The two new AliClad products are sure to be similarly well received.

AliClad Decor is, as the name suggests, a decorative product, with an attractive box profile providing excellent visual impact as it seals the soffit, with drainage managed in the balcony deck above.

Finally, AliClad Lite is a simple, cost-effective, freedraining soffit cladding option that neatly conceals the steel framework of the balcony underside.

“We believe that AliClad will help change the way that fabricators approach balcony construction and have been delighted to see it specified into projects already,” remarked Richard. “By removing the need for bespoke folded steel and providing an entirely off-the-shelf cladding solution, architects can be sure that cost, compliance and design concerns are satisfied from the moment of specification.”

Crucially, the AliClad range has been designed to be fully compatible with the already wellestablished AliDeck range of balcony decking products. Consisting of decking boards, support joists, pedestals and a wide range of accessories, the AliDeck decking system is the most complete aluminium decking range on the market and has seen excellent take-up by specifiers and developers since its launch as a standalone brand in spring 2019.

With the combination of AliDeck and AliClad, balcony design and integration into schemes has just become markedly simpler. It also fully resolves questions of compliance, as all components of the three systems have undergone independent fire testing to achieve the EuroClass A Rating required by Building Regulations.

It is this guaranteed compliance that is perhaps the most impactful element of the AliDeck and AliClad proposition. Against a backdrop of turmoil in the leasehold mortgage market due to issues surrounding the External Wall Fire Review/EWS1 scheme, the value of the certainty of the balcony specification exceeding legislation requirements cannot be understated.

01622 534 077 40

info@alideck.co.uk

FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS

ALUMAFLEX FLEXIBLE MULTI-FOIL GAINS LABC RECOGNITION FOR MAGPLY

WINTER GARDENS UTILISE STYLE’S PARTITIONING SOLUTION

MAGPLY

As a slim and highly efficient thermal multi-foil insulation for use in roofs, walls and floors, Alumaflex is ideal for barn or loft conversions and in general timber frame construction. The proven, high-performance product has UKAS accreditation and thanks to further investment by IPP (Magply), was also awarded LABC Certificate No EW 1045 in July. Alumaflex comprises four components in 14 layers which include aluminium foil bubble, aluminised foil, fibre wadding and polyethylene foam. It was assessed by LABC for ‘Energy Economy and Heat Retention’ with the registration meaning Alumaflex is recognised by Building Control for use in England, Wales and Scotland although the product is normally used in conjunction with additional insulation such as PIR or mineral wool, to achieve the required U-value. Manufactured in the UK by IPP, Alumaflex is very versatile and installer-friendly, being initially fixed with stainless-steel staples, before normally being secured with battens to create a cavity.

www.magply.co.uk

01621 776252

STYLE

The newly built Waterson Building is home to a boutique collection of luxury residential accommodation located in the heart of Shoreditch, E2. Aiming to maximise floor space in the stylish lofts, apartments and penthouses, elegant glass-enclosed winter gardens are accessed from both the bedroom and lounge areas of many of the properties.

Successfully delineating the winter garden from the rest of the interior, a Dorma Hüppe Varitrans glass moveable wall system has been installed by sole UK distributor, Style. “The high-quality Varitrans internal partition can be effortlessly moved into position, instantly creating versatile indoor-outdoor space that is suitable for all year-round use, as required by some planning authorities and developers,” said Julian Sargent, Group Managing Director at Style.

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

john@magply.co.uk

20% RISE IN SMOKING-RELATED FIRES DEMONSTRATES NEED TO REPLACE COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS ALIDECK

London Fire Brigade (LFB) has published figures showing a startling rise in smoking-related fires in the capital since the start of the UK lockdown. Richard Izzard, MD at AliDeck, said: “We are seeing balcony fires all around the UK with worrying regularity, most of which have been started either by the use of barbecues or carelessly discarded cigarettes. Short of an apparently unlikely change in smokers, the only way to reduce the risk of fires on balconies being caused by discarded cigarettes is for all combustible materials to be removed and replaced with non-combustible options, such as aluminium decking which is A-Rated for fire-safety. Removing combustible materials will result in safer buildings.”

www.alideck.co.uk

01622 534 077

info@alideck.co.uk

STO BRICK SLIPS USED TO COMPLETE FACADE OF BIRMINGHAM TOYBOX BUILDING STO

A combination of external wall insulation and brick slips from Sto were specified for a major new landmark building in Birmingham. The StoTherm Mineral K insulation system and StoBrick were chosen for the city’s new Toybox student accommodation building for their ability to combine outstanding thermal performance with a traditional brick appearance and blend with other construction materials. The StoTherm Mineral K insulation system uses mineral fibre boards which were adhesively fixed to the substrate. This allowed for fast and easy installation, and the accommodation of the curved surfaces found on the building’s facade.

F. BALL HELPS INFECTION CONTROL AT LONDON HOSPITAL F. BALL AND CO.

Products from F. Ball and Co., including its Stopgap 300 HD levelling compound and Styccobond F46 pressure-sensitive adhesive, have been used to create a high-quality flooring finish as part of the transformation of a former car showroom into a sterile and decontamination unit for the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. F. Ball’s Stopgap F78 one-component waterproof surface membrane was applied in two coats, the second 30 minutes after the first. Once the membrane had cured, F. Ball’s Stopgap 300 HD levelling compound was then applied to provide a smooth, hard-wearing base for the receipt of new floorcoverings.

www.f-ball.co.uk 01538 361633 mail@f-ball.co.uk

www.sto.com 41

FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

HVAC & ELECTRICALS

POTTERTON COMMERCIAL LAUNCHES NEW PREFABRICATED SIRIUS THREE WH RIG SYSTEMS POTTERTON COMMERCIAL

Potterton Commercial has introduced new prefabricated rig systems for its flagship Sirius three 90, 110, 130 and 150 stainless-steel, wall-hung condensing boilers to provide installers, contractors and end-users with a safe, rapid, quality solution to multi-boiler installation within four to five weeks of order. Potterton Commercial’s new turnkey heating solutions consist of pre-assembled Sirius three WH boiler cascades supplied on a modular boiler framework with insulated pipework set, pumps, a dosing pot, pressurisation unit, and customised controls and panel. There is additionally the option to integrate either a Low Loss Header or Plate Heat Exchanger into the rig, either left- or right-handed. Dan Martindale, Commercial Sales Director at Baxi Heating, commented: “Our Sirius three WH boilers have been designed to offer exceptional environmental and efficiency benefits with ultra-low NOx levels from 17mg/ kW, a modulation ratio of up to 9:1, advanced controls and above-average season efficiencies of 97.3%. Now, with our new Sirius three WH rig systems, we can offer the same benefits in a turnkey solution.”

FTSE 250 TECH-FIRM CHOOSES ADVANCED FIRE PROTECTION FOR UK HEADQUARTERS ADVANCED

A network of fault-tolerant MxPro 5 fire panels from Advanced, have been installed at the UK headquarters of Computacenter. As a leading independent provider of IT infrastructure services, having robust fire protection measures in place at Computacenter’s UK logistics and distribution centre is crucial to ensuring smooth operations. As part of a fire system upgrade and move towards a more open-style protocol, Advanced was selected as the preferred solution at Hertfordshire-based Computacenter’s headquarters which, at over 220,000ft2, are some of Europe’s largest and most sophisticated purpose-built warehousing and operations facilities. Advanced partner, Controlled, was responsible for the complete replacement of the fire system, including installation, configuration and commissioning of one eight-loop, one five-loop and two one-loop MxPro 5 panels that form the core of the site’s active fire protection. Controlled integrated the new Advanced control panels alongside several third-party systems in the warehouse and operations building, including auto conveyors, sprinklers, gas suppression, aspirator systems and fire doors and shutters.

www.advancedco.com

0345 894 7000 jmountain@advancedco.com

www.pottertoncommercial.co.uk

0345 070 1055

REVOLUTIONARY PRODUCT RECEIVES SAP RECOGNITION SIME

UK-MADE INFRARED HEATING SOLUTIONS FROM JIGSAW INFRARED JIGSAW INFRARED

Infrared heating panels are sleek, stylish and highly efficient. The clever thing about infrared heating is that, like the sun, it heats the people and objects in the room as it touches them – rather than heating the air. Jigsaw Infrared heaters are incredibly smart – they are at least half the cost to run versus other heating systems and are also very efficient and emission-free, meaning they’re a whole lot better for the planet.

They are easy to install and maintenancefree – so no annual service contracts.

With their minimalist design, they are also incredibly thin so don’t take up valuable space – and can even be ceiling mounted which actually increases the heating coverage of the panels.

www.jigsawinfrared.com 0121 794 2081 FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

Sime, the Yorkshire-based boiler manufacturer, is pleased to announce that its Murelle Revolution 30 hybrid boiler is now recognised in SAP. This means that the product satisfies compliance with Part L of Building Regulations.

Sime has been working closely with the Building Research Establishment (BRE) over the last two and a half years as part of the Hybrid Working Group to help define the methodology for SAP calculations for hybrid air source heat pump and boiler appliances. The Murelle Revolution is the first completely integrated boiler and heat pump in a single cased product and the first product of its kind to receive SAP recognition.”

www.sime.co.uk

0345 901 1114

enquiries@sime.co.uk

VORTICE LAUNCHES NEW VORT QUADRO DMEV VORTICE

Vortice has announced the launch of a new de-centralised continuous mechanical extract ventilation (dMEV) system complying with system 3 of the Building Regulations.

This sleek and stylish new fan comes in four models, a standard and a timer with humidity control (T-HCS), both available in a surfacemounted and a recessed design. Units are equipped with a trickle and boost function, with one of four trickle functions (ranging from 5 to 12 litres per second). The timer function allows the user to programme the boost mode to come on immediately or after 45, 90 or 120 seconds selected at the time of wiring.

www.vortice.ltd.uk 42

01283 492949

sales@vortice.ltd.uk

HVAC & ELECTRICALS

A UK-FIRST AS CLARKE INFINITY STRETCHES WHAT IS POSSIBLE IN A HOME CINEMA The home entertainment specialist has been shortlisted for a CEDIA award for its cinema installation featuring the first-ever deployment of a Barrisol Clim stretch ceiling in the UK. CLARKE INFINITY

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larke Infinity has been shortlisted as a finalist within the EMEA Home Cinema category of the 2020 CEDIA Awards for its unique El Padrino home cinema installation, featuring a Barrisol Clim stretch ceiling – a first for the UK. The Essex-based outfit designed the bespoke cinema room to include a one-of-a-kind stretch ceiling to deliver perfect acoustics and provide a sumptuous, luxurious finish.

The specialist perforated stretched fabric evenly distributes the air, ensuring the ceiling becomes a diffuser for any sound coming from the air conditioning – as well as keeping any unsightly equipment out of view. The Barrisol Clim ceiling ensures you cannot see or feel the HVAC; you cannot feel it because the velocity in the occupied area is around 0.2m/s (and human beings cannot feel the air movement when the velocity is less than 0.3m/s) and you cannot hear it due to the unique design – yet it delivers an aesthetically pleasing finish and allows the air conditioning to keep the room at the perfect temperature.

Simon Clarke, Owner and Founder of Clarke Infinity, said: “The CEDIA Awards spotlight the best the industry has to offer, and it is exciting to be part of it. The awards are a great way for us to showcase big projects and the great things that Clarke can achieve with their clients’ needs in mind. We’re delighted to have been shortlisted, especially with a project as unique as the El Padrino cinema.”

The winner will be announced at the 2020 CEDIA awards ceremony this October.

www.clarkeinfinity.com

01277 624444 43

info@clarkeinfinity.com FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

OFFSITE & MODULAR

WERNICK DELIVERS SECOND MODULAR BUILDING FOR SWANSEA UNIVERSITY Swansea University procured a £4.9m teaching facility from Wernick Buildings for its Bay Campus.

With the use of modern methods of construction, the two-storey, 2600m² building was completed over an end-to-end build programme of just 28 weeks.

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ituated on Swansea University’s prestigious Bay Campus, the H-shaped structure offers eight spacious teaching areas for up to 2000 students and space for the Student’s Union. The comprehensive interior fit-out includes folding partitions to create flexible spaces, lecture suites, PC labs and quiet zones.

The building, officially named ‘Y Twyni’ (meaning The Burrows), was procured through Fusion 21’s Education and Modular Buildings Framework and was built ‘offsite’, using the latest innovations in modular design and build.

Modules were manufactured in a quality-controlled factory environment in six weeks, with groundworks on campus taking place simultaneously.

The modules were then craned into place to form a complete building.

While the principal driver of a modular solution is time,

www.wernick.co.uk FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

the method presents a range of environmental benefits too. For example, up to 90% fewer vehicles arrive on site, and less waste for landfill is produced at each stage of the build. Concrete and plaster use are significantly reduced, as are CO 2 emissions from onsite generators.

Wernick utilised its latest modular system – Swiftplan.

As well as ensuring building efficiency, the system allows for greater versatility for the addition of architectural features.

In the case of Y Twyni, these include curtain walling, which provides open, sun-drenched areas and rainscreen cladding, which gives the exterior a contemporary feel.

Swiftplan’s industry-leading non-combustible wall panelling system will ensure an extra level of safety, and a hybrid natural ventilation system will provide a comfortable environment for occupants.

The innovative structure sits alongside a range of pioneering buildings on the campus, including the UK’s first energy-positive office – the ‘Active Office’, delivered by Wernick in 2018. Like the Active Office, manufacture of the new teaching facility took place at the Wernick Buildings factory in Port Talbot – 13 miles from the Bay Campus.

Swansea University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Martin Stringer, said: “Y Twyni represents the university’s commitment to developing

flexible learning spaces, sustainable building methods and working with local manufacturers.”

Stuart Wilkie, Managing Director at Wernick Buildings, added: “We are delighted that our local university is embracing modern methods of construction and all that modular buildings have to offer. Higher education institutions such as Swansea University are leading the way by providing innovative and inspiring spaces to enhance the student experience.”

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0800 112 4640

OFFSITE & MODULAR

WHAT TG ESCAPES’ CUSTOMERS SAY: “The buildings have a very ‘tranquil’ feel to them,” – Assistant Head.

“This building has a real ‘wow factor’ that lifts the whole school. I am over the moon with the final result.

It is a great building, and we are incredibly proud of it,” – Bursar “You are, in effect, getting a permanent building for half the cost of bricks and mortar. We were intrigued

by TG Escapes’ different approach to learning environments, and after visiting their other projects we were blown away,” – Head of Finance

TG ESCAPES PROVIDES TIMBER FRAME OFFSITE SOLUTIONS FOR SCHOOLS There are occasions when schools need extra space quickly, cheaply and with minimal disruption. TG Escapes’ modular offsite process means it can work with main contractors to deliver projects that would not normally be achievable.

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ather than temporary or volumetric solutions, TG Escapes’ designs are bespoke and provide inspiring learning spaces that have a real impact on a school setting. Smaller buildings can be completed on site in as little as six weeks, and the construction areas are selfcontained with deliveries managed to minimise disruption to the school.

TG Escapes offers a free site survey and bespoke building design to all customers in education. This service helps schools to explore ideas and visualise what can be achieved with a timber frame building without obligation.

From single classrooms or breakout rooms to chapels, canteens, sports pavilions and performing arts studios, all buildings are completed to an A+ energy rating using sustainable materials on a timber frame. They enhance wellbeing by following biophilic design principles, including: Incorporate natural elements Provide easy access to the outdoors Use materials and textures that reflect those in nature Maximise penetration of and exposure to natural light Provide a healthy level of interior air quality Provide views of the natural world outside.

Schools benefit from energy savings in the long-term as well as an eco-friendly addition to the school estate.

Buildings can include living roofs, sun pipes, covered decking for easy outdoor access, flexible partitions, multiple access points and separate security.

www.tgescapes.co.uk

Customers like that these ecobuildings use natural materials and provide fantastic naturallylit interiors and views of the outside. Customer feedback shows that they become very special spaces in an educational setting. The calming, natural buildings are good for student and staff wellbeing and enhance educational outcomes.

The fully inclusive fixed price turnkey service also includes: Planning permission/ Building Regulations Foundations and clearance Service connections.

0800 917 7726 45

TG Escapes’ eco-buildings are fully compliant, its sites are managed with safety first, and more than half their business comes from recommendations.

A Construction Line Gold member, an approved partner of the Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL) and a member of the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA), TG Escapes has built over 700 eco-buildings country-wide, and customers score them 4.9 out of 5 based on 142 reviews.

Buildings range in price from £60k to over £2m, and larger sizes can cost from as little as £1500 per m2.

info@tgescapes.co.uk FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

BUILDING ELEMENTS

100% ISO SUCCESS FOR EOS Quality, testing and certification are central to the Etex business.

It is therefore, with great pride, that EOS announces that the team has successfully completed three quality badge audits with 100% success and zero non-conformances.

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teve Thompson, Managing Director for the advanced light steel frame design, engineering and manufacturing specialist, said of this accomplishment: “I would like to congratulate the EOS team for this outstanding achievement and acknowledge the work and dedication that went in to ensuring all procedures, records and management systems were in first-class order providing the auditors with all the necessary information to award EOS total compliance with zero non-conformances.

“With EOS becoming part of Etex New Ways, there has been significant

www.eosframing.co.uk FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

changes since the last full audit, all documentation has been re-branded, and all processes have been reviewed and updated. I would like to offer thanks to Lee Allison, our Quality Control Officer, and our Factory Manager, Gary Wedgewood – a special mention goes to our Operations Manager Lisa Mcgill, who managed the entire process.”

The EOS team successfully passed the five-day re-certification

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audit against ISO 9001:2015 quality management systems, ISO 14001:2015 environmental management systems and ISO 45001:2018 health and safety management with no non-conformance issues or even any opportunities for improvement or areas of concern. EOS was also able to incorporate the SSIP Assessment into the audit, which will allow the company to obtain Gold Membership of Constructionline.

eosenquiries@etexgroup.com

BUILDING ELEMENTS

TIMBER FRAME: ACCOMMODATING THE DIFFERENTIAL

STATE-OF-THE-ART HOSPITAL BENEFITS FROM P C HENDERSON’S SIROCCO SYSTEM

ISO-CHEMIE

P C HENDERSON

The UK Timber Frame Association’s ‘Differential Movement Calculator’ document suggests that even on a two-storey dwelling, the first-floor windows will move by upwards of 16mm while second-floor windows on a three-storey house can move by almost as much 30mm. The quality of the window installation is paramount because any problems are usually laid at your door. It also means that using a silicone solution to provide a seal, which gives a MAF (movement accommodation factor) of between 15% to 50% to accommodate the timber frame movement, could be largely ineffective – unless extremely large gaps around the window are required to accommodate movement. Alternatively, the use of advanced foam sealing tapes can be beneficial, adding value to the quality of the final finish. The current generation of tapes, such as ISO-Chemie’s ISO BLOCO T-Max, can accommodate up to 36 mm of movement (MAF = 257%) while remaining weatherproof to Storm Force 10.

Sliding and folding door hardware manufacturer, P C Henderson, has been specified for a state-of-the-art hospital build in Breda, Holland.

Covering 128,000m2, the new ultra-modern Amphia Hospital was officially opened in November 2019. The design brief focused on creating a new world of medical care – aiming for increased one-to-one patient contact, shorter waiting times, the highest level of healthcare and a peaceful and comfortable environment. A key solution in achieving this was through the specification of a sliding door system to separate the main room from the bathroom. P C Henderson’s Sirocco system was identified as the best solution for the project. Rene van den Biggelaar, Business Unit Manager at P C Henderson Holland, commented: “Our Sirocco sliding door system is extremely popular in healthcare applications due to its integrated hydraulic self-closing feature which ensures the door always comes to a safe and gentle close”.

www.iso-chemie.eu/en-gb/

www.pchenderson.com

07837 337220 a.swift@iso-chemie.co.uk

0191 377 0701 sales@pchenderson.com

FILTERING THE OPTIONS TO REDUCE CONTAMINATION RISK GILBERTS

There is an innovative way to make air as fresh as possible within educational buildings, and thus achieve compliance with Government guidelines. Gilberts, the UK’s leading independent air movement specialist, has developed a range of modular filter boxes to integrate with its innovative stand-alone hybrid natural ventilation unit, the Mistrale Fusion System (MFS). Added during initial installation or retrofitted to the MFS through-wall or through-window unit, the filter units help minimise ingress of unwanted and/or harmful airborne particulates into the internal space. Gilberts’ core MFS unit comprises a box fitted through the external facade with louvres that mixes internal and external air to ventilate the internal space.

www.gilbertsblackpool.com

01253 766911

info@gilbertsblackpool.com

SENIOR PROVES A SAFE BET AT DONCASTER RACECOURSE HOTEL SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS

With a successful track record of working in the hotel and leisure sector, Senior Architectural Systems has supplied the full aluminium fenestration package for the new Hilton Garden Inn hotel located at Doncaster’s famous racecourse. Designed by KKA Architecture, the new hotel features Senior’s slimline aluminium curtain walling, thermally-efficient windows and robust commercial doors which have been installed by supply chain partner Danum Windows for main contractor Galliford Try. With both Senior and Danum Windows being based in South Yorkshire, the use of a local supply chain has helped reduce the financial and environmental cost of the build and contribute to a timely delivery.

www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

01709 772600

info@sasmail.co.uk 47

SEVEN ECO-FRIENDLY ROOFS IMPROVE HEALTH IN HATTERSLEY BMI

NHS Property Services chose to replace the roof of the Hattersley Health Centre in Hyde, Greater Manchester, with a roof system that reduces the effects of pollution, by converting nitrous oxides that are present into benign nitrates.

Working in collaboration with the BMI technical specification team, Urban Design & Consult (UDC) developed the remedy for the failing roof. The new roof was the Icopal Noxite Classic built-up felt system, in which the Noxite Capsheet reduces the effects of traffic pollution.

Developed by BMI, Noxite torch-on roofing membrane turns harmful nitrous oxides produced by traffic into benign nitrates, a depolluting effect that lasts as long as the waterproofing membrane.

www.bmigroup.com/uk 01908 015760 marketingukandi@bmigroup.com FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

LUX Manufacturer

of the Year 2018

Manufacturing Lighting for Education across universities, colleges and schools for over 50 years.

Explore our education offering Visit tamlite.co.uk/sectors/education

Talk to us about how lighting can improve:

Environmental

Wellbeing

#BritishManufacturer Est. 1967 FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020

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Safer Buildings