PSBJ December 2015

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December 2015

Teacher-led design Successful collaboration helps transform Willow Dene School

Building for success

Lighting the way

The right approach

– Flagship BIM project takes off for Nottingham

– Brighter white tiles for enhanced aesthetics

– How to make your facilities accessible for all

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Editor

Hannah Frackiewicz hannah@mixedmediainfo.com

Print & Digital Advertising Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Steve Gull steve@mixedmediainfo.com

Studio Manager

Willow Dene is an innovative use of architecture tailored to pupils’ needs following in-depth consultation with school staff. See page 08.

Chris Lilly chris@mixedmediainfo.com

Production

Jack Witcomb jack@mixedmediainfo.com

Artworker/Sub-editor

David Perry david@mixedmediainfo.com

Accounts

Simone Jones simone@mixedmediainfo.com

Managing Director

Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Publisher

Mixed Media Information Pear Platt Woodfalls Industrial Estate Gravelly Way Laddingford Kent ME18 6DA T: 01622 873229 F: 01622 320020 www.mixedmediainfo.com www.psbj.co.uk

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Welcome...

In-depth consultation with building users is the first step to achieving a successful collaboration in construction. In the public sector environment, those working in services such as healthcare or education, rely on a finely tuned series of processes and utilise a unique set of skills. If the building does not cater for these effectively, problems will arise.

In this month’s Upfront focus, PSBJ showcases the newly-built Willow Dene School. The building is the impressive result of teacher-led design, which Neill Werner of Pellings believes to be integral to the success of education projects.

He explains within the article: “Teacher-led design is key to creating successful educational environments for pupils. This applies to all schools, but particularly to schools that are undergoing complex remodelling or expansion, an activity that has increased rapidly in line with the soaring demand for pupil places, and the scarcity of affordable land for the development of new schools.”

The £12.5m BREEAM Excellent, 179-pupil school, comprises 26 classrooms including a preschool playgroup, and was built for the Royal Borough of Greenwich. 80% of the school is new build, replacing older school buildings that were no longer fit for purpose. For more information on this striking project, visit page 08.

Elsewhere in this edition, we bring you the latest high profile case studies and talking points on Paints, Coatings & Finishes, Kitchens, Bathrooms & Washrooms, Refurbishment, Roofing, Cladding & Insulation, Health & Safety and BIM. You will also find a dedicated focus on each of the four key areas of the public sector build market – Healthcare, Housing, Leisure and Education.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget you can also access all of the magazine’s features, product news and supplier information at your fingertips via PSBJ’s state-of-the-art app. To download your version free of charge, simply search ‘PSBJ’ on Google play or the App store.

Hannah Frackiewicz Hannah Frackiewicz | Editor | hannah@mixedmediainfo.com Follow us on Twitter:

@psbjmagazine

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Public Sector Build Journal 3

Contents 16 08

06 News A round up of the latest industry news, including charity events, awarded contracts, partnerships and event updates.

08 Upfront Neill Werner, Head of Architecture at Pellings LLP explains why delivering good educational space is a collaborative effort.

14 Housing Over 100 new homes across two sites in Nottingham are set to rise as flagship BIM project begins for Nottingham City Council.

16 Technical Focus ROCKFON highlights the benefits of its ultrawhite ROCKFON Blanka tile for public sector environments.

18 Talking Point

26 Education

30 Leisure

Richard Livingston at CRL discusses the process to obtain relevant housing insurance and what to expect from your structural defects insurance provider.

Remaining flexible was key in the successful refurbishment of Westminster University, says David Claughton, Sales Director at Claughtons Office Equipment.

Lewes District Council's Big Parks Project incorporates 30 acres and includes a central activity cafe, children's playgrounds, new cycle paths, skate park and sports facilities.

20 Legal & Business

28 Healthcare

32 Paints, Coatings & Finishes

Tim Morozgalski of Salix Finance looks at interestfree, invest to save opportunities to help manage current budget cuts in the public sector.

The 5 Boroughs Partnership has launched plans for a new development of a £40m mental health facility.

Every new public building that is constructed or converted must be the subject of a rigorous fire engineering process, as Nullifire explains.

The all-new psbj.co.uk

Your revitalised and purpose-built portal for public sector building specification PSBJ unveils the new-look online resource for building products designed for the public sector built environment.

Offering more content in an easy-to-navigate format, this refreshing, tailor-made new portal delivers the right content to the right audience in the shortest time possible.

Search ‘psbj’

4 Public Sector Build Journal

www.psbj.co.uk

26

34 Kitchens, Washrooms & Bathrooms

30

36

40 Health & Safety

38

Mark Fielding, Regional Manager for Portaloo, provides some practical advice for the specification of accessible toilets.

Bull Products’ Cygnus wireless fire alarm system is playing a part in the construction of one of the most exciting projects in England, RE:NEW Chester.

36 Refurbishment

42 BIM

Pupils at Bolton School Girls' Division returned to a brand new kitchen and dining hall this term after a renovation project completed during the summer.

Why is the building service sector lagging behind in BIM? Steve Hunt, Managing Director of building services engineering consultancy, Steven Hunt & Associates, explains more.

38 Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

43 Product Showcase

Green roofs offer a unique design opportunity to meet standards such as BREEAM, which was the case for Welland Primary School.

A dedicated focus of industry news, products and case studies to help architects and specifiers make informed decisions.

Read the latest issue online Gain insight from industry experts Source products and suppliers Keep up to date with industry news Discover new innovative technologies Browse the archive of features and issues Manage your subscriptions Download the PSBJ app for your iPad, iPhone or Android

Public Sector Build Journal 5

News

Green light for Technology Entrepreneurship Centre Bond Bryan’s latest project at the University of Nottingham has now received planning permission, which means work on site is expected to start in the next month.

After completion, which is envisaged for Summer 2016, the Technology Entrepreneurship Centre will house key local businesses as well as national enterprises, such as Big Data & Digital, Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace and Energy. Companies based in the new Centre will be able to take advantage of the University’s leading centres of excellence in these areas and the ready supply of high quality postgraduate students.

Matt Hutton, Lead Designer and Associate director at Bond Bryan Architects said: “Our brief was to create a building that encourages and supports innovative forms of collaborative working and learning. We envisaged that this would increasingly require more adaptive and flexible spaces that offer a range of potential working, meeting and learning environments ranging from structured group discussions and facilitated presentation areas, through to more informal self-study areas.

“A key element of the building proposal has therefore been to develop a concept that offers the ability to create a diverse mix of spaces, from large open plan areas to more cellular offices and specialist practical zones.”

New start for school destroyed by fire Construction and infrastructure company Morgan Sindall plc has celebrated the completion of work to rebuild John Ray Infant and Junior School with a special

6 Public Sector Build Journal

handover ceremony. The company has now completed work on the project to rebuild the school after the original building was destroyed by a fire in 2013.

The £5.8m project for Essex County Council saw Morgan Sindall construct a new school with 12 spacious classrooms, a library, an assembly hall with adjoining kitchen, a smaller hall, and an ICT room. The project also included an extension to the existing junior school, which has increased its capacity by 30 pupils per year group.

The scheme was particularly close to the project team’s hearts, as Morgan Sindall project manager Daniel Morrish’s son is a pupil at the school, while one of the Morgan Sindall apprentices on the scheme is a former pupil.

The handover of the new school was celebrated with an exciting event, a funfair for pupils and staff. The funfair included bouncy castles, an ice cream van, a bungee run and a fire engine from the local depot that assisted with tackling the original blaze back in 2013.

The guide demonstrates how adaptation can be delivered in practice by: l Taking a broad view of the local context and how it is changing over time l Engaging and empowering local communities l Working in partnership l Working with nature rather than against it l Planning for the long term, using flexible adaptation pathways l Enabling changes in land use and making provisions for moving vulnerable communities and infrastructure l Building the right kind of development in the right place l Investing intelligently in infrastructure which provides multiple benefits

The face of future care

Local authorities urged to plan for long-term change A new report calls for local authorities and others involved in planning, decision-making and infrastructure investment to work together to adapt to long-term sea level rise and climate change. While the challenges are significant, the report demonstrates that by taking the right approach, adaptation can be affordable, achievable and beneficial for local communities, the economy and the environment.

The report, entitled ‘No Regrets: Planning for Sea Level Rise and Climate Change and Investing in Adaptation’, was sponsored by the Southern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee as a follow-up to the Coastal Communities 2150 project. It was produced by independent design, environment and sustainability consultancy LDA Design with input from Lindsay Frost Consulting.

A new £2.5m health and wellbeing centre in the heart of Rugby has opened its doors to patients as it sets a benchmark for future health care facilities across the region.

The Rugby Health and Wellbeing Centre – part of a major mixed-use development on the old cattle market site – has been built in accordance with the latest NHS Guidelines and designed by Bournville Architects in partnership with developer GPI and the Coventry and Rugby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

Responsible for delivering services to around 9000 patients, the centre brings together two GP surgeries – Market Quarter and Beech Tree medical practices.

It will include a range of other facilities – in line with the growing ‘one-stop-shop’ approach – such as an on-site pharmacy, minor operations suite and additional consulting rooms, which means patients can see a range of hospital consultants and other clinicians in their own surgery.

The centre will also become the main ‘training hub’ for medical students in the area, with state-of-the-art facilities to facilitate learning and practical skills.

News

Landmark scheme in Bristol granted planning consent Developer Fifth Capital London has been granted planning consent by Bristol City Council following an extensive process of engagement, which has been recognised as exemplary. The scheme proposes to redevelop the derelict Carriageworks and Westmoreland House in Stokes Croft, Bristol providing 112 new homes and community and commercial space for independent businesses. At the heart of the scheme will be a new open space, opening up the site to the public for the first time.

After three decades of being derelict, the Grade ll* listed Carriageworks – listed on the Heritage at Risk register by English Heritage – will be sensitively restored with reinstated period features including historic roof and arches. Westmoreland House and No.4 Ashley Road are set to be replaced with a residential-led, mixed-use scheme which is being designed by Assael Architecture to bring the entire site back to life, making a positive contribution to and retaining the vibrant character of the area.

The new homes will comprise a mix of private and affordable housing and private and communal gardens, with at least 20% family-sized homes. Sustainable design will be utilised throughout the scheme, incorporating biodiversity from public realm to green living, with opportunities for sustainable food production, wildlife refuges and roof gardens.

HA calls on agency to resolve anti-social behaviour Pennine Housing 2000, recently resorted to calling in leading nationwide commercial investigation agency Expert Investigations, when residents reported a series of escalating anti-social behaviour incidents that had to be dealt with.

With 15 years of experience and a team of 38 investigators – mostly former Police Detectives and elite Special Forces Military Officers – the company was a natural choice to assist Pennine Housing 2000 to carry out a covert operation and gather vital evidence for the police. This then lead to the arrest of two men, later sentenced for supplying drugs.

Tackling anti-social issues from public disorder, to theft, prostitution, drug abuse and tenancy fraud, Expert Investigations act with initiative, intelligence and integrity to proactively support councils and housing associations in dealing with challenges, which can aid the police in the arrests.

Darren Burton, Anti-Social Behaviour and Interventions Manager of Pennine Housing 2000, said: “We are committed to taking a strong stance against drug dealing within our communities in conjunction with other partners such as West Yorkshire Police and Calderdale Council. In terms of this case, Pennine Housing 2000 took a proactive approach to resolving a serious issue in the local community, which was affecting the lives of our tenants.”

(Multi-Use Games Area) pitch, gym and fitness studio.

The school will accommodate 840 secondary and Sixth Form pupils and the project is scheduled for completion in June 2016.

Conlon Construction was appointed to complete the project after the previous contractor went into administration in March 2015.

Mr Lerston, principal at King’s Leadership Academy, said: “I am delighted that the project is back on track and that Conlon Construction have made massive strides in a relatively short period of time, with the build rapidly approaching completion.”

The Gym Group muscles in to Talbot Gateway Muse Developments and Blackpool Council have revealed The Gym Group to be the national low cost gym operator to have secured 17,233ft2 at Blackpool’s Talbot Gateway Central Business District (CBD).

The popular gym chain has secured all remaining units underneath the Talbot Road Car Park in a 15-year lease. Providing 24/7 access, The Gym Group is scheduled to launch in Q2 2016 by which time the rapidly-expanding group will have more than 90 gyms operating in the UK. Jonathan Spaven, property director of The Gym Group, said: “Talbot Gateway CBD has revitalised Blackpool town centre and seemed like the perfect location for us.

“We look for sites with excellent transport links and retail and leisure facilities in the immediate locality and the area provides just that.

“Our aim is to make health and fitness accessible and affordable to all. We want to attract a whole new leisure market and provide the local community with a high quality, 24/7 access, no-contract gym that does not compromise on quality, at an amazingly affordable price.”

School project is fit for a king Conlon Construction is underway with a multi-million pound project to create an independent free school in Warrington.

The project was awarded as part of the Education Funding Agency (EFA) Regional Contractors Framework and will see the Preston-based contractor build a 6800m2 state-of-the-art facility for the King’s Leadership Academy.

Designed by Pozzoni Architecture, the ‘finger block’ facility features a central glazed atrium to maximise natural light into the 50 classrooms. The development, which is sited on Greenfield land, also comprises a double height colonnade, feature entrance, sports hall, MUGA

Public Sector Build Journal 7

Upfront

The £12.5m BREEAM Excellent, 179-pupil school, comprises 26 classrooms including a pre-school playgroup

Learning lessons in architecture

Neill Werner, Head of Architecture at construction and property consultancy Pellings LLP explains why delivering good educational space is a collaborative effort, and verifies his claim using the team's recent redesign of Willow Dene School.

T

eacher led design is key to creating successful educational environments for pupils. This applies to all schools, but particularly to schools that are undergoing complex remodelling or expansion, an activity that has increased rapidly in line with the soaring demand for pupil places, and the scarcity of affordable land for the development of new schools. For existing schools to be remodelled successfully, architects must work closely with teachers to understand how they approach their curriculum, and the design solutions that will support it.

Teachers often have specific ways of working and using space that is specifically relevant to their school and which has been built up over many years. They know what works, and their style helps form the characteristics that

8 Public Sector Build Journal

make the school individual and enables successful education. A failure to have input from important teachers during a school’s redesign can risk eroding these benefits to the detriment of pupils and staff. However, this needs to be balanced against the local education authority’s need to have flexible space to deliver a range of teaching styles.

Government, teachers and architects need to ensure that standardised design does not threaten teacher led design. The Education Funding Agency’s base line design for schools guidance was introduced in 2014. It promotes standardised design specifications across a range of educational facilities, providing guidelines on how the Priority School Building Programme’s PFI facilities can be met within specific cost and area allowances.

All lower level Key Stage 1 classrooms have immediate access to inspiring outdoor learning and play areas

Although well intentioned, the guidance encourages rigid design, is unsuited to complicated school redesign projects, and often leaves little room to incorporate the individual school’s approach or teaching methods. The guidance focuses on cost, rather than involving teachers in the design process.

What should be remembered is that bespoke educational space designed with teachers input, is more likely to get nearer to falling within The Education Funding Agency’s guidelines (£1113 per square metre). Teacher led design can improve efficiency and use of space because  teachers want to get the most out of

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Upfront

The architectural language of the pavilions references woodland to the south and west of the site

their school’s floor area. Teachers are often imaginative, and can creatively plan the teaching day around the flexible use of space and effective pupil circulation. They know how space should be used in their school. For example, with the advent of multiple meal sittings teachers can provide intelligence that helps designers to create more efficient dining spaces.

Delivering good educational space is a collaborative effort. Architects’ skills lie in teasing a brief out of teachers, and working with them to deliver teaching space that is cost effective, but importantly works for the individual school.

Whilst BB103 may be praised for being a significant improvement on its predecessor BB99, because it allows the overall space allocation to be used more flexibly and is not so prescriptive, it does this by focusing on priority space that supports the curriculum as well as flexible space that works within the curriculum in order to meet prescribed area reductions. However, this is sometimes at the expense of social or circulation spaces.

Therefore a school project designed under BB103 guidance can only be successful with the considered input of a teacher led design body and a thorough investigation of curriculum needs together with a creative approach to compromise.

10 Public Sector Build Journal

Upfront

Considered input A pioneering example of a modern Special Educational Needs (SEN) primary school, Willow Dene is an innovative use of architecture tailored to pupils’ needs following in-depth consultation with school staff.

The £12.5m BREEAM Excellent, 179-pupil school, comprises 26 classrooms including a pre-school playgroup, and was built for the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

80% of the school is new build, replacing older school buildings that were no longer fit for purpose. An array of new ancillary space caters to children with a range of learning difficulties and further complex needs. The internal accommodation includes a warm water pool, sensory rooms, a rebound room together with medical and physiotherapy facilities.

The existing school comprised a number of dilapidated buildings on a steeply sloping site, connected to one another via a series of external uncovered timber ramps, which provided access on fine days but limited use of the site otherwise. They defined external amenity space but often led to awkward and difficult to use spaces.

The existing buildings did not provide the services the school required to operate successfully, and children and staff had been travelling to other sites to access facilities such as a warm water pool.

Prior to construction, in-depth consultation was undertaken with the local community who were largely in favour of the school’s redesign. However, some local residents raised concerns that the new school could have interrupted the identity of the local area. In response the school was designed as a series of pavilions, promoting a small village feel while ensuring its scale was not overwhelming. The architectural language of the pavilions references woodland to the south and west of the site, and cedar cladding is combined with coloured HPL planks to create a woodland motif along the building’s facade.

The school’s village design and palette of materials used references the surrounding residential vernacular, while still allowing for its own identity.

Rendered panels and pitched roofs refer back to the domestic architecture of the local housing, while the school’s composition and range of colour and materials used present an animated frontage to the public side of the school, reinforcing its place in the community.

An array of new ancillary space caters to children with a range of learning difficulties and further complex needs

Overcoming complex architectural challenges, particularly relating to accessibility, were key to the development of Willow Dene School. Significant level changes across the site and the requirement to retain an existing central building led to the development of a largely two storey building. It is arranged with Key Stage 1 accommodation at lower ground, and Key Stage 2, shared

teaching, therapy and medical facilities at ground floor level. Key Stage 2 pupils are purposely placed on the higher level to provide a sense of progression as they move up through the school.

A central ramp connecting the two levels is installed for pupils unable to use stairs or lifts, although the use of stairs is encouraged throughout to enhance  mobility. Classrooms are paired and

Canopies for coaches and cars adjacent to the school entrance ensure that children remain dry when they are dropped off

Public Sector Build Journal 11

Upfront

Willow Dene School offers a secure but welcoming environment

share a centrally located bank of hygiene facilities, and are accessed via a wide central corridor, which provides easily accessible storage space for mobility equipment. Canopies for coaches and cars adjacent to the school entrance ensure that children remain dry when they are dropped off.

Large elements of glazing to classrooms enable a strong visual link with outdoor spaces, providing a sense of calm for pupils. Throughout the school glazing maximises natural light, creating a sense of openness and reinforcing links with the outdoors. Playgrounds and external spaces are easily accessible, with all lower level Key Stage 1 classrooms having immediate access to inspiring outdoor learning and play areas. An innovative external glazed bridge spanning over the Key Stage 1 playground connects Key Stage 2 children to their own playgrounds.

All outdoor space meets pupils’ needs.

Colourful vegetation and newly planted trees connect with play areas with bespoke external play equipment for learning and fun. A stimulating sensory garden, funded by the school, is calming and benefits the children with activation points for fountains, musical features, and other installations that heighten the children’s senses.

Willow Dene School needed to be fully operational as quickly as possible, and modern construction methods and techniques were used. A steel frame and modular hybrid solution was employed with several elements manufactured offsite, which significantly accelerated the construction process.

12 Public Sector Build Journal

The school remained fully occupied during the construction period, and the programme of works was devised with the school’s input to minimise disruption. Site access and building work were separated from operational areas of the school, and considered precautions were agreed to ensure pupils were not subject to distress, and that there was no impact on site access for school staff and emergency medical services. Carefully designed entrances and hoardings hid construction work, while noisy building work was undertaken outside of school hours.

Sarah Jones, the architect of Pellings, commented: “Willow Dene School offers a secure but welcoming environment.

Ironically, the topography of the site

Classrooms are paired and share a centrally located bank of hygiene facilities

enabled us to explore the opportunities offered by the considerable gradient from north to south and create a range of lively indoor and outdoor spaces in line with the school’s requirements.”

Co-head teachers Carolyn Vagg and Rachel Harrison said: “This stunning modern, purpose-built school affords great opportunities for teaching and learning. Its up-to-date facilities closely reflect the diverse and complex needs of our growing school population. Whenever we walk into our new building we have a daily reminder of the aspiration we hold for our children – seeing possibilities,  realising dreams.”

 www.pellings.co.uk

Housing

NCH recognised an opportunity to adopt new Building Information Modelling technology as part of the development

Housing clients empowered by BIM Nottingham City Homes is currently undertaking the biggest council home building programme in Nottingham for 40 years. More than 100 brand new council homes are set to be built across two sites in Nottingham as part of the latest phase of Nottingham City Council (NCC) and Nottingham City Homes' (NCH) Building a Better Nottingham council housing programme.

T

he ÂŁ9.9m scheme, being delivered by community regeneration specialist Keepmoat, will include 48 new homes in Cranwell Road, Strelley, and 54 new properties across four sites in The Meadows.

3D models built in a digitised environment promotes a full understanding of the project that will be delivered

14 Public Sector Build Journal

NCH recognised an opportunity to adopt new Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology as part of the development and embarked on a project to undertake the use of BIM on The Meadows development, with the following key objectives:

Improve the communication process with residents allowing greater engagement and understanding Accelerate the design and planning process through ease of 3D modelling manipulation Provide more detailed tender information to support prospective contracting partners to submit the best and most competitive tender possible, provide greater, cost certainty and produce a library of core house types for use on future schemes The project is the first pilot scheme nationally supported by the Home and Communities Agency (HCA) looking to achieve a BIM Level 2 mandate and is being supported by the Cabinet Office BIM4Housing Task Group.

Using BIM has already achieved huge outcomes for Nottingham City Homes. As BIM produces a much more comprehensive 3D model of the designs for both the homes and the streets that link the community together, it has meant that the planning and consultation process has been much more interactive as the team at NCH have been able to walk local residents through the plans and even show them round the proposed layout for each home.

The level of information produced by the system has enabled a much more comprehensive tender process with the first and second scoring contractors only being separated in price by 1%.

Justin Martin is working on the BIM project team for contractor Keepmoat and has been involved in the project since the start of the tender application. He said: “The level and quality of information that was supplied, enabled a much quicker and more accurate pricing process. The

Housing work invested by Nottingham City Homes and Arcus Consulting as part of the BIM process produced a level of detail we don’t usually see as part of a tender.

“Looking at standard drawings and information, some things are often open to interpretation. The 3D modelling and the individual material and cost schedules BIM produces have minimised the potential for variations and has meant that we, as well as our partners and subcontractors have a much reduced level of risk for the duration of the project.”

BIM has also enabled dynamic asset management as it is able to forecast life cycle costs for each property and will directly feed into the NCH asset management system. Providing greater cost certainty for the entire build project.

Richard Whittaker, Head of Development for NCH, believes that BIM will change the client contractor relationship in the future, he said: “BIM lessens the reliance on the contractor for delivering social housing projects. It has in effect empowered Nottingham City Homes and Nottingham City Council to take more control of the design and build process. It has also enabled us to have a better understanding of the cost of a project and the long term maintenance programme. We can use a working model to make small or large changes instantly and can look at how that will impact on our tenants and our budgets over the next 30 years.”

BIM lessens the reliance on the contractor for delivering social housing projects

BIM allows issues to be explored and communicated more easily with local communities, commercial developers, asset managers and wider stakeholders such as the city council planners and elected representatives. Moving away from technical drawings to 3D models built in a digitised environment that shows a full size replica of the proposed project, promotes a full understanding of the project that will be delivered.

Nottingham City Homes is currently working with other local authorities and arms length management organisations to share the findings from the BIM tender process for The Meadows and will continue to do so for the build duration and beyond.

NCH aims to be the benchmark for best practice for BIM within the social housing sector. The savings and improved working practices achieved as part of the process

represent a smarter and more cost effective way of working both within housing and construction.

Nottingham City Homes’ investment in terms of time and expenditure – which has the potential to revolutionise the way in which social housing is designed, communicated, procured and built – puts them at the cutting edge of current technology, communication design and delivery standards to ensure projects deliver cost effective solutions that meet the requirements of their tenants.

Without investing in new innovations and technologies and see what benefit they can have, social housing will never move forward.

BIM is still in its infancy in terms of its application within social housing but already the outcomes are apparent: Community and resident involvement has been improved due to the standard of information and ease of understanding due to having 3D models

The level of information produced by the system has enabled a much more comprehensive tender process

15% saving on design cost already being realised More comprehensive tender information issued to contractors Tender submission prices submitted had less that a 1% difference in cost between the first and second contractor Tender quality submissions had less than 3% difference between the first and second contractor Cost variations post tender award have been reduced by 14% when compared to similar schemes BIM has been used as a tool to bring diverse technical disciplines together forming a common understanding at the early, critical stages of design. Information produced on The Meadows project will be replicated on future schemes. 

 www.nottinghamcityhomes.org.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 15

Technical Focus Housing

ROCKFON Blanka improves the light reflection and light diffusion of the ceiling

The future's bright In public buildings, the interior design and level of specification will have a profound effect on the user's experience.

Contemporary white surfaces denote clean, professional environments and are therefore being increasingly specified and introduced for both new builds and refurbishments.

H

ospitals and schools are among the key public sector buildings that need to ensure their surfaces are in tiptop condition. In classrooms, for instance, acoustics play a major part in learning quality. Any outdoor disturbances or poor sound absorption will, without doubt, hinder pupils’ attention and interfere with performance levels.

Meanwhile in hospitals, the appearance

Sound absorption

αw:1.00 (Class A)

of dull, unclean surfaces could regrettably be linked to the facility’s hygiene standards and ultimately could affect the patient’s perception, confidence and speed of recovery.

One sure-fire way to be guaranteed a truly white surface is to start with the ceiling. Supplier of stone wool acoustic ceiling and wall solutions, ROCKFON recently carried out extensive market

research into what specifiers require from a ceiling tile. The response was unanimous – the brightest white.

This inspired ROCKFON to develop ROCKFON Blanka, as Jenny Brookes, Marketing Manager, explains: “Our engineers were on a mission to develop the whitest stone wool ceiling tile ever.

Smooth whiteness is what architects want from a ceiling. Its uniform surface perfectly showcases the details and nuances of interior architecture. It sends a message of purity and elegance and immediately makes occupants feel like they’ve walked into a special place.”

ROCKFON Blanka is the company’s whitest ceiling tile available with an L value of 94.5. The tile is treated with a special super-white coating that delivers an incredibly smooth matt surface. Thanks to the outstanding level of dirt and stain

1.0 0.9 0.8 0.7

αp

0.6 0.5

250 Hz

500 Hz

1000 Hz

2000 Hz

4000 Hz

αw

Absorption class

0.4

NRC

0.85

1.00

0.95

1.00

1.00

1.00

A

0.95

0.3 0.2 0.1

Thickness (mm) / Suspension (inc. tile - mm) 20-25 / 200

16 Public Sector Build Journal

0.0 125 Hz 0.45

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M

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2.3

50 / 100

ROCKFON System T24 A/E ECR ROCKFON System XL T24 A/E

600 X 600 X 20

2.3

50 / 100

1200 X 600 X 20

2.3

50 / 100

ROCKFON System T24 A/E

1200 X 600 X 20

2.3

50 / 100

ROCKFON System T24 A/E ECR

1800 X 600 X 20

2.3

50 / 200

ROCKFON System T24 A/E

1800 X 600 X 20

2.3

50 / 200

ROCKFON System T24 A/E ECR

1800 X 600 X 20

2.3

50 / 200

ROCKFON System XL T24 A/E

2400 X 600 X 20

2.3

50 / 200

ROCKFON System T24 A/E

2400 X 600 X 20

2.3

50 / 200

ROCKFON System T24 A/E ECR

600 X 600 X 20

3.4

20 / not demountable

1200 X 600 X 20

3.4

20 / not demountable

600 X 600 X 20

3.4

70 / 70

ROCKFON System T24 Stepped Z D

600 X 600 X 20

3.4

70 / 70

ROCKFON System XL T24 D

1200 X 600 X 20

3.4

70 / 70

ROCKFON System B adhesive

1800 X 600 X 20

3.4

70 / 70

1200 X 1200 X 25

4.1

70 / 70

600 X 600 X 20

2.8

60 / 100

ROCKFON System T15 A/E

600 X 600 X 20

2.8

60 / 100

ROCKFON System T15 A/E ECR

1200 X 600 X 20

2.8

60 / 100

ROCKFON System T15 A/E

1200 X 600 X 20

2.8

60 / 100

ROCKFON System T15 A/E ECR

600 X 600 X 20

2.8

60 / 100

ROCKFON System T24 A/E

600 X 600 X 20

2.8

60 / 100

ROCKFON System T24 A/E ECR ROCKFON System XL T24 A/E

ROCKFON System T24 Stepped Z D

600 X 600 X 20

2.8

60 / 100

1200 X 600 X 20

2.8

60 / 100

ROCKFON System T24 A/E

1200 X 600 X 20

2.8

60 / 100

ROCKFON System T24 A/E ECR

1800 X 600 X 20

2.8

60 / 100

ROCKFON System T24 A/E

1800 X 600 X 20

2.8

60 / 100

ROCKFON System T24 A/E ECR ROCKFON System XL T24 A/E

1800 X 600 X 20

2.8

60 / 100

1200 X 1200 X 25

3.4

60 / 150

ROCKFON System T24 A/E

1200 X 1200 X 25

3.4

60 / 150

ROCKFON System T24 A/E ECR

600 X 600 X 20

3.4

62 / 62

1200 X 600 X 20

3.4

62 / 62

600 X 600 X 22

3.7

30 / 30

1200 X 600 X 22

3.7

30 / 30

1800 X 600 X 22

3.7

30 / 30

ROCKFON System T24 M

ROCKFON System T24 X

MS = Minimum Suspension Other dimensions are available on request. Please contact ROCKFON

For projects with tight deadlines, the installation is quick and simple

resistance, the tiles can withstand everyday wear and tear, ensuring building owners a long product lifecycle and a 15-year warranty. What’s more, in achieving this bright white, ROCKFON hasn’t compromised on performance, such as the renowned acoustic and fire safety properties inherent from stone wool.

The whiteness of ROCKFON Blanka offers more than just aesthetic benefits.

It improves the light reflection and light diffusion of the ceiling. With a light reflection index independently tested above 87%, ROCKFON Blanka can contribute to energy savings by using the most economical source of light: the sun.

A ceiling with the right combination of high light reflection and good light diffusion leads to a uniform and regular spread of light in a room and can minimise the need for artificial light.

For projects with tight deadlines, the installation is quick and simple. Due to the unique smooth finish of the tiles, they can be installed in any direction, saving installation time and reducing waste.

Available in many different sizes and edge details, there is no compromise between aesthetics and performance when choosing ROCKFON ceiling tiles. 

 www.rockfon.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 17

Talking Point

Trust in providers, speed of application and cost-effective solutions are key to safeguarding the schemes

A guide to structural insurance for housing associations Finance and security is a crucial element of any new build project, and it is especially the case for housing associations that are answerable to several public and private stakeholders.

Richard Livingston, President of sales at CRL explains more.

W

ith a range of regulatory benchmarks that housing associations have to meet before and throughout housing projects, trust in providers, speed of application and cost-effective solutions are key to safeguarding the schemes.

Structural warranties or ‘defect insurance’ are one such security measure, and it is important to understand the complex challenges that can be faced to minimise risk on a building project investment.

In addition to gaining planning permission and complying with building regulations, it’s also necessary to ensure your property development has sufficient latent structural defects insurance to cover possible issues.

In this guide we will explore the process to obtain relevant insurance and what to expect from your structural defects insurance provider.

What is Latent Defects Insurance?

Latent Defects Insurance provides cover against structural defects and water ingress for up to 10 years from the

18 Public Sector Build Journal

property’s practical completion.

The traditional method of dealing with structural and weatherproofing risks is contractual, through collateral warranties. Latent defects insurance impacts significantly on the scope of such warranties. Once the property has been completed, the liability for building, developing or designing the property does not cease. Latent defects insurance is designed to transfer the ongoing defect risk to an insurer rather than being retained by the parties involved.

New homes present some significant risks, which usually appear in the first two years after completion, in most instances the builder will provide a rectification service to dealing with these and ‘snagging’ issues within this period, with the Structural Insurer covering risks from the beginning of the third year for the balance of the property’s 10-year cover.

Providers, like CRL, undertake an inspection process during the building programme as the build reaches certain milestones, which are similar to the inspections carried out under Building

Richard Livingston is President of Sales for Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Northern England at CRL. Prior to joining CRL, Richard worked in the auction business for about 20 years selling items ranging from cars, trucks, quarry machinery, and property. He still carries out many auctioneering engagements for many local charities.

Regulations but in some instances go into much more depth in ensuring that risks are identified and rectified before completion.

Some insurance providers often require more demanding technical standards than Building Regulations.

Latent defects insurance can also be granted retrospectively after the completion of a project, but a detailed survey and inspection will have to be conducted and in general, it’s much easier to arrange these before the project commences.

You might expect this to be covered under general buildings insurance, but there are usually exceptions on this front and latent defects insurance offers an added layer of cover, in addition to providing peace of mind in terms of the integrity of the property.

Talking Point In the event that something does go wrong, like malfunctioning drains, damp or cracked walls – having a latent defects insurance policy in place means the provider will address the problem and pay for it, saving you from having to commission and pay engineers or builders to fix the issue.

What’s covered?

Cover can differ, depending on the provider you opt for. In general you can expect cover for major faults, such as: Drainage issues Water penetration Structural issues However, you shouldn’t expect cover for internal issues, such as creaky floorboards, internal plumbing and heating as these normally come with their own guarantees and would typically fall within a general building insurance policy. Principal benefits of this important cover include: 10 or 12 year cover No requirement to prove negligence in order to recover repair costs Unlimited assignability to future owners Additional security for funders and owners

Structural Warranties and other insurance Structural Warranties and other types of insurance are usually handled separately and shouldn’t be confused with one another. Some other types of insurance you may want to investigate include: Public liability Insurance for existing structures Contractors risk policy Employer’s Liability (if you’re employing sub-contractors directly) Legal expenses cover (in case of disputes with contractors).

2. Quote: Once the provider has all the required details, they’ll be able to put together a quote. This is linked to the size and complexity of the project and you’ll usually pay your premium in a single lump sum.

3. Initial meeting: Once you’ve signed off on the quote, an inspector from your provider will arrange to visit your project for an appraisal.

4. Documentation: Before, during or after the appraisal, you’ll be issued with a technical manual and accompanying checklist (or log). This will set out what you need to do to meet your provider’s required specifications and help you document the process as it proceeds.

You’ll also be given any other policy documentation at this point.

5. Inspections: As the build progresses, you’ll be visited by an inspector from your provider at pre-agreed stages. These inspections will ensure you’re building to the specifications outlined in the technical manual. The final review will take place once the project is completed.

6. Certification: If no issues are uncovered during the inspection process, all requisite stage certificates, as well as a completion certificate, will be issued and the warranty cover will commence.

Inspections

The Process

As with most aspects of your warranty, the inspections process can differ, but to give you some idea of what to expect, the schedule we operate to, and some of the things we look at each stage, is as follows: 1. Foundations: Ground conditions, type and depth of foundations, proximity of trees and sewers and any engineer’s reports.

2. Substructure: Type of floor structure, ventilation, load-bearing walls and separation of floors.

The process of securing a warranty can be broken down into six stages.

Secondary Inspection

1. The application: In the first instance, you’ll need to get in touch with a warranty provider, who will take some details about the project. You’ll also need to submit plans, specifications and information on the contractors experience, construction cost and reinstatement values.

3. Ground floor superstructure: Type of wall construction, insulation, mortar droppings, wall ties, shear walls and expansion joints 4. Upper floors superstructure: Type of wall construction, type of insulation, mortar droppings, wall ties, cavity barriers, perimeter noggings and staircase.

Latent defects insurance can be granted retrospectively after the completion of a project, but a detailed survey and inspection will have to be conducted

5. Roof structure and covering: Type of roof construction, ventilation, materials, detail of chimney stack construction lead trays, roof decking and wind bracing.

6. Pre-plasterboard: Service ducts, superstructure elements, staircases, loadbearing floors, stud walls, tank stands, air admittance values, insulation and fire stopping.

Final Inspection 7. Roof space, drainage, all finishes are to a reasonable standard. Sealing of windows and apertures, gas and electrical safety certificates, health and safety risks, smoke alarms, chimney and parapets and fireplaces. 

 www.c-r-l.com

Public Sector Build Journal 19

Legal & Business

A number of public sector bodies across the UK have already installed energy efficient technologies into their buildings

Focused financing in the public sector Tim Morozgalski of Salix Finance looks at interest-free, 'invest to save' opportunities to help manage current budget cuts in the public sector.

I

n the face of reduced budgets, public sector bodies are struggling to provide the high-quality services that the public need.

In many cases it is becoming more difficult to maintain the same level of service and delivery on reduced funding and both policy-makers and finance mangers within the public sector face challenging decisions.

There is however, financial support available for energy efficiency improvements, which can be completely cost-neutral in the short term and make significant carbon and financial savings in the medium to long-term. This is where public sector estates managers can make a major contribution to meeting the financial challenges the sector faces.

Lowering fuel bills in hundreds of thousands of buildings across the country – whether schools, council buildings, Universities, or emergency services – represents a huge opportunity for the public sector to improve its overall

20 Public Sector Build Journal

financial position without impacting on frontline services.

A number of public sector bodies across the UK have already installed energy efficient technologies into their buildings to reduce energy bills and bring real benefits to front-line services and there is scope for others to do the same.

The lack of up-front capital amid stringent budgeting can often act as a barrier to many otherwise eager authorities. However, solutions do exist.

Government interest-free funding in the form of Salix Finance provides the upfront capital needed for necessary energy efficiency adaptations to public buildings.

Once the loan is repaid, the net benefit to an organisation’s balance sheet can be ongoing and very significant. This enables most public sector organisations to install new, innovative and energy efficient technologies which are proven to make significant reductions to energy bills.

To date, Salix has funded over 13,000 projects with 1121 public sector bodies,

Tim Morozgalski is a Programme Manager for Salix Finance. He has been working in energy and carbon reduction for a number of years as an Energy Consultant, Carbon Reduction Officer and Programme Co-ordinator. valued at over £375m. This is saving the public sector an estimated £98.4m annually; providing over £1.4b worth of estimated savings over the lifetime of the equipment. The accumulated savings enable public sector buildings to benefit from focused financing while meeting service requirements.

There is increasing pressure on the country as a whole to reduce its carbon footprint. With the public sector representing a substantial proportion of energy consumption within the UK, there is opportunity for positive change. 

 www.salixfinance.co.uk/loans

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HVAC/HVP

The Memorial itself inspires quiet reflection on the bravery and sacrifice shown by the aircrew

LG supplied at iconic memorial building The National Memorial to the Few at Capel-le-Ferne, on the famous white cliffs between Dover and Folkestone in Kent has been redesigned and updated with a stunning new building, shaped like an iconic Spitfire aircraft with its sweeping wings.

M

aintained by the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, the site at Capelle-Ferne is dedicated to Churchill’s famous “Few” who fought in the skies overhead to keep this country free from invasion. The Memorial itself inspires quiet reflection on the bravery and sacrifice shown by the aircrew – fewer than 3000 men – who flew, fought and sometimes died in probably the most crucial battle fought by this country in the whole of the 20th century.

The Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall lists the names of all those who took part in the Battle of Britain, while a replica Spitfire and Hurricane stand nearby as a reminder of the iconic machines they flew to victory. At the edge of the car park, greeting visitors to the site is a low wall bearing Churchill’s famous quotation: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed, by so many, to so few”.

The original plan for the memorial was on a bigger scale than the visitor will see today.

Many would argue that the final design,

by Harry Gray of the Carving Workshop,

22 Public Sector Build Journal

Cambridge, is moving through its simplicity.

It features a striking sculpture of a seated airman looking out to sea, surrounded by the badges of the Allied squadrons and other units that took part in the Battle of Britain.

Independent LG distributor LGCC has had the privilege of supplying the air conditioning and heating services for the new state-of-the-art centre, bringing together the latest Variable Refrigerant Flow technology and Heat Recovery Ventilation units in a unique energy saving combination.

Using the LG Multi V Series 4 heat recovery VRF system LG, through distributor LGCC, has supplied a 32HP (89kW cooling/ 100kW heating), two module, inverter driven outdoor unit connected to 10 large ducted internal units and two four-way air discharge cassettes, connected through five heat recovery distribution boxes. LGCC has also supplied cooling for the server room.

In addition there are three LG Heat Recovery Ventilation units (ECO V) installed for the supply and extract of fresh air.

These are supplied with CO2 sensors.

Remote zonal control is included but overall building control is achieved by LG’s AC Smart Intelligent Centralised controller.

Remote return air sensors are also installed in zones to ensure accurate control of space temperature.

All LG outdoor unit coils are treated with LG’s Gold-fin epoxy coating as standard to inhibit corrosion. This will be particularly relevant at this site due to the air’s salinity and the memorial’s proximity to the coast.

“We’re delighted that we were able to supply the air conditioning and heating equipment to this wonderful building, with its extremely moving links to the brave airmen who were so hugely responsible for deterring Hitler from invading this country at a pivotal moment in the Second World War,” says LGCC Director Jez Smith. “We hope that LG’s equipment will make the visits of the thousands of visitors in the years ahead, that bit more comfortable – whatever time of year they choose to visit – to pay their respects to the quite extraordinary men and women who kept the invaders at bay and showed extreme bravery – up to and including giving their lives for this country.”

 partner.lge.com/uk

 hvac.marketing@lge.com  01932 331400

LG distributor LGCC has had the privilege of supplying the air conditioning and heating services for the new state-of-the-art centre

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Health & Safety

The MCIAT Professional Assessment

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

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

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

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

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

Who can apply for the MCIAT Professional Assessment?

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

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

How much does it cost?

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

For further information email our Membership Director, James Banks via james@ciat.org.uk or call us on +44(0)20 7278 2206 Public Sector Build Journal 23

Building Access

A half-height, glazed-panel gate allows easy access to and from the 1st floor gallery

Stannah makes all the moves A Stannah Midilift GL vertical platform lift is busy moving visitors between two floors of facilities in The Warren Centre at Micheldever Station, a brand new, multi-purpose community and recreation hub in Hampshire.

I

t’s a popular venue used by clubs, businesses, sports teams and children, so access for all is vital, with the Midilift GL opening up the facilities to everyone, whatever their mobility level – meeting/ presentation rooms, outreach clinics, computer suites, kitchen, cafe, changing rooms and showers.

Designed by architect, Derek Phillips, The Warren Centre was built by contractors, JF Building Ltd. Director, John Finan, specified the Stannah Midilift and comments: “Stannah is a recognised name in the UK lift industry and we have specified their lift products on previous projects. As such, on reviewing the requirements for The Warren Centre, we had no qualms in specifying their Midilift platform lift as it matched the project’s requirements exactly.”

Located next to the stairs in the entrance foyer, the Midilift GL presents a minimalist, glazed, structure-supported framework exterior finished in white.

At ground level, the full-height, fully glazed panoramic hinged door opens to

24 Public Sector Build Journal

reveal an uncluttered interior and a roomy 950mm x 1400mm platform. The waistheight satin stainless steel operation panel features simple push-button controls, with a grab rail and grey non-slip floor offering stability to ambulant or wheelchair users.

Further reassurance is supplied by an intercom.

After travelling at an easy.150m/s over a distance of 2600mm, a half-height, glazedpanel gate allows easy access to and from the 1st floor gallery.

As with all Stannah lift products, the Midilift vertical platform lift is covered by Stannah’s comprehensive service plan, which includes 24-hour breakdown and service visits, with continued lift maintenance by the Southern England branch of Stannah Lift Services, part of a nationwide network providing comprehensive lift servicing and support.

 www.stannahlifts.co.uk 

liftsales@stannah.co.uk  01264 339090

The Midilift GL presents a minimalist, glazed, structuresupported framework exterior finished in white

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Education

Ocee's FourCast Auditorium fixed seating range

Freshening up facilities Remaining flexible was key in the successful refurbishment of Westminster University, says David Claughton, Sales Director at Claughtons Office Equipment.

W

estminster University’s Regent Street Campus, opened as The Royal Polytechnic Institution, has stood in the same imposing building in the heart of London’s busy shopping district since the early 1800s.

Over the years the building has aged well, but many of the original lecture theatres were becoming dated, and at a time when

Ocee's Den Spoke 90 Range with bespoke anthracite oak work surfaces

26 Public Sector Build Journal

British universities are battling to attract the best students from both home and abroad, something had to be done.

Some universities regard such challenges as an opportunity to start afresh, drawing up plans to flatten old buildings and build new facilities that feature contemporary designs.

Westminster University, however, decided to give this much loved asset a second lease

of life. Indeed, when the Regent Street campus reopened in September, following a six-week-long refurbishment, students and staff would likely have been pleasantly surprised by an ambitious facelift that has created spacious new lecture theatres, brought loads of natural light into the building, and recast its gloomy interiors with wood surfaces and brighter colours.

Claughtons Office Equipment, based in Hull, was awarded the contract to supply the university with bespoke fixed and loose fittings, with the Regent Street campus being one of four sites involved in the £300,000 furniture renewal program.

“This was one of the biggest projects we had embarked on this summer in central London. When we were awarded it, we were really pleased and eager to get started, because the brief gave us room to showcase products that we hadn’t featured in educational buildings before,” says David Claughton, Sales Director at Claughtons, which recently merged with British Thornton ESF Ltd and EME Furniture Limited to become the biggest educational furniture supplier in the UK. The project was put to tender through the London University Purchasing Consortium framework, which exists to generate savings and better value for members through the collaborative procurement of goods and services. Claughtons successfully pitched for the work by proposing to use bespoke furniture designs intended to combine old and new by matching the building’s timber interior with modern work surfaces.

But while refreshing older buildings may be less costly, the challenges of projects like the Regent Street’s ambitious modernisation plan can be formidable.

Education

Westminster University's sound studio with bespoke fittings supplied by Claughtons

With furniture being supplied from multiple sources from across the globe, Claughtons had to coordinate its suppliers as well as working closely with the architect and other onsite contractors, which presented its own unique challenges.

“At any one time, we had consultants working at four sites, some in the centre and some on the outskirts of London. When deliveries came in, vans would go from stop to stop dropping off furniture and team members, who would then have to get on the Underground to return to the main site.

The logistics of this project were a huge challenge; working with so many different trades at once meant that we all relied on each other’s work being done on time, but that made it all the more satisfying when it was completed.”

David said that the most interesting thing about this project was the range of furniture Claughtons was tasked to fit.

“In one lecture theatre we installed multiple rows of Ocee’s FourCast range fixed to the floor. Now fixed seating might sound old fashioned, but each seat shell is ergonomically developed to provide maximum comfort and they even have tablet holders attached.”

The project included Steelcase’s Node Chair, with its flexible design for quick, easy transitions between room configurations.

These chairs allow conference rooms to switch to a more collaborative environment, making them a popular choice for Universities.

Claughtons also installed sound studio furniture, IT suite work surfaces and Ocee’s Den Range, which gives students an isolated area to work without distraction. All of the fittings included bespoke dark wood work

surfaces designed to match the timber interior of the building.

In 2012 the Government increased the price of tuition fees by £6000 per year from £3000 to £9000, and as a result, universities are going ahead with more expensive building projects secured by the extra income.

“The whole education marketplace is becoming more competitive. Choosing a university can be a confusing time for students and one thing always taken into careful consideration is the look of the campus and its facilities.”

David believes Claughtons, now called British Thornton, has learnt that the most important way to ensure a project like this one is successful is to remain flexible and open minded.

“The success of this contract has really opened up new potential for us in London and the South of England because we have proved that we have the skills to be able to implement a large scale and logistically complicated project on time and to a high standard.”

British Thornton is already in talks with the London School of Economics and has other projects in the pipeline that have come out of its Westminster University refurbishment.

David continues: “We are in a great position to benefit from the campus construction boom, which will only continue to grow now that the cap on university placement has been lifted.” 

 www.british-thornton.co.uk

Four low back single seat chairs with twotone fabric from Ocee's Henry Range

Public Sector Build Journal 27

© Image courtesy of Kier

Healthcare

A £40m mental health facility is being designed to accommodate up to 48 patients

New facility receives the TEK treatment The 5 Boroughs Partnership - an organisation that provides specialist mental health and learning disability services to the residents of Wigan - launched plans for a new development of a £40m mental health facility, designed to accommodate up to 48 patients. The key driver for the project was to provide local people access to mental health services in one convenient location at the heart of the Leigh East Community.

T

he build is situated on what was formally Leigh East Amateur Rugby League ground. The 3.9 hectare site has been split into two separate buildings, providing a hub for the local community

Both TEK systems were specified by the architect from the outset due to their many benefits

28 Public Sector Build Journal

and high quality inpatient services for adults suffering from mental ill health, as well as dementia and memory conditions.

As well as providing much needed jobs throughout the construction phase – with

three in every four subcontractors working on the project living with a 30 mile radius.

The project is also designed to boost the local economy by providing work for not only mental health staff but also supporting roles.

Working with main contractor, Kier Construction, Kingspan Timber Solutions was selected to provide its Kingspan TEK and Kingspan TEK Cladding for the project.

Kingspan TEK was used as part of a hybrid structural frame solution for the first phase of the project. The Kingspan TEK Building System comprises 142 or 172mm thick structural insulated panels connected with a unique jointing system for walls and roofs.

The second phase of the project comprised a combination of steel frame and Kingspan TEK cladding panels. This cladding panel solution is an innovative Structural Insulated Panel System (SIPs) – capable of cladding any structure, not just steel but also timber and concrete. The panels were manufactured to suit the individual project needs. Each panel has a standard dimension of width of 200mm (minimum), 1220mm (maximum) and a length of 7500mm (maximum) – pre-assembled prior to delivery in the factory using Kingspan TEK’s unique jointing system.

The panels – consisting of a high performance rigid urethane insulation core, sandwiched between two layers of 15mm oriented strand board (OSB) –

Healthcare were assembled in the Kingspan Timber Solution’s factory to form large elements for efficient crane erection and deliver key benefits including: Exceptional thermal performance with wall and roof U-Values of 0.21 – 0.10 W/ m2K with typical Y-Values ranging from 0.05 – 0.01 Highly airtight construction can achieve air permeability of less than 1m3/hr.m2 at 50 Pa. Panels are PEFC and FSC Chain of Custody certified The proprietary jointing system used with the Kingspan TEK Building System creates an incredibly airtight structure which can achieve 1.0 m3/hr.m2 @ 50 Pa. Kingspan TEK Building System is a Passivhaus Institute Certified Building System British Board of Agrément (BBA) Approval Inspection Testing Certificate NSAI Agrément Certification Both TEK systems were specified by the architect from the outset due to their many benefits. One of the reasons that the Kingspan TEK cladding panels were selected was their lightweight structure that enables a fast track building process – helping to reduce construction time. A three man team can typically install 150m2 of Kingspan TEK Cladding Panels per day, allowing follow-on trades to commence work sooner, once panels are erected and wrapped with a breathable membrane.

Both systems also offer excellent thermal and airtightness performances which were ideal for this build.

There were a number of challenges during the build for Kingspan Timber Solutions, these included the integration of M&E work, coordination of the detailing and achieving the erection of the scheme in such a tight timescale. Kingspan Timber solutions were able to overcome these challenges though leasing closely with the design time as well as using 3D modelling which ultimately helped coordination of the detailing. Thorough communication with the onsite contracts team to maintain the build flow and react positively to any issues arising.

5 Borough Partnership wanted to ensure service users and carers were involved in the design of the build, in order to achieve this, regular meetings were held to look at ongoing plans and where appropriate, 5 Borough Partnership made changes in line

Kingspan Timber Solutions was selected to provide its Kingspan TEK and Kingspan TEK Cladding for the project

with the feedback.

The finished site allows adult patient services to be moved from Leigh Infirmary to the new building where men and women are able to have separate areas.

Each patient staying in the hospital is also provided with their own bathroom – something that is not able to be offered in their current accommodation in Leigh Infermary.

The highlights of this project for Kingspan Timber Solutions was achieving successful site operation and delivering the finished building to programme and as designed.

Ian Loughnane, Business Unit Director of Kingspan Timber Solutions said: “It was rewarding to be involved with such a landmark building that is now a world leader in providing the best quality mental health care, learning disability support and

community services, with a reputation for innovation and excellence.”

Kingspan Timber Solutions is project and performance centric. Through an extensive product portfolio, the company’s focus is firmly on value engineering and performance. With a collaborative culture, Kingspan Timber Solutions is a dependable construction partner that, by using a combination of the highest performing, most sustainable materials and components, design, manufacturer, assemble and project manage the construction of cutting-edge timber solutions. Its systems also include timber frame, structural insulated panel systems (SIPs), glued laminated timber (glulam) and cross laminated timber (CLT). 

 www.kingspan

timbersolutions.co.uk

The lightweight nature of TEK cladding panels enables a fast track building process

Public Sector Build Journal 29

Education Leisure

This project is designed to educate and be enjoyed by all sections of the community

Council thinks big Lewes District Council's Big Parks Project provides a gateway to exploring the South Downs National Park. The £2.1m community-led project incorporates 30 acres and includes a central activity cafe, children's playgrounds, new cycle paths, skate park and sports facilities.

Fact File: Client:

Lewes District Council/ Peacehaven Town Council

Architects:

Kaner Olette Architects

Consulting Engineer: Crofton Design

Landscape Architects: Allen Scott Landscape The archeological interpretation inside really sets the scene for visitors to the park

Skate Park provider: Canvas Spaces

Playground provider: Playsafe Playgrounds

F

unded by Southern Water and Bovis Homes, The Gateway Interpretation Café designed by Kaner Olette Architects recently won the Leisure Category of the Architects’ Journal Retrofit Awards 2015, and Crofton won the 2015 Constructing Excellence Sustainability award category for London and the South East, for its role in the project.

In response to public feedback and the design team’s aspirations, this project is designed to educate and be enjoyed by all sections of the community, using a mix of highly visible renewable energy technology and durable low-maintenance construction materials.

30 Public Sector Build Journal

Leisure

Lewes District Council's Big Parks Project provides a gateway to exploring the South Downs National Park

The cafe also reflects and embraces its natural and historic surroundings.

By using the existing footprint of the building, it meant that disturbance of existing archaeology was avoided. The archeological interpretation inside really sets the scene for visitors to the park and the large windows frame a beautiful view of the downs.

Long-term economic viability The Gateway Café – previously an old Groundsmans maintenance building – is the Big Park’s main visitor attraction and its long-term economic viability is key to the client’s vision and success of the project.

Even with a tight budget, Crofton agreed that integrating sustainable technologies was fundamental to meeting the project targets and these were given priority during the value engineering process.

Both the M&E and architectural solutions ensure the cafe benefits from low running costs, energy efficiency and longevity and incorporates: a biomass boiler, fuelled with locally sourced pellets – a key visual feature to support learning, PV panels, a solar panel, LED lighting and solar shading with external canopies.

The original structure is externally insulated and over-clad with locally sourced sweet chestnut – a naturally durable, fast-growing, replaceable timber that optimises the natural thermal mass in the high-density masonry. All materials were chosen to not only reduce the carbon footprint of the construction process, but for their durability, reduced maintenance costs and potential for recycling.

Crofton agreed that integrating sustainable technologies was fundamental to meeting the project targets

Learning opportunities

“We worked closely with the whole team at Crofton Design and Kaner Olette Architects to produce a cafe that is attractive, benefits from low running costs, is energy efficient and has longevity built into it. The award is recognition for all involved in an outstanding community facility,” Smith continued.

Shaun Barkshire, the Crofton engineer in charge of the project, commented: “The project provided good learning opportunities for the whole team and Crofton ensured that a junior engineer played an important role in delivering the project, developing experience and skills for the future. Representatives from other councils are visiting Big Parks to understand how to build similar sustainable schemes and acknowledge that it is a considerable achievement for Lewes District Council.

Councillor Andy Smith, Lead Member and Project Board Chair at Lewes District Council, said: “The fact that an incredible 5000 people attended Big Parks opening earlier this year further demonstrates the overall success of the project that involved many people.

Retrofit excellent The cafe has an EPC rating grade A. This grade is given to buildings achieving 0 – 25 points (the lower the better) – the cafe was awarded just 10 points. This is impressive for a retrofitted building, which would typically achieve a B rating, and is a testament to the integration of sustainable design and renewable energy technology with the original structure. 

 www.crofton-design.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 31

Paints, Coatings & Finishes

Utilise a modern high performance intumescent coating system capable of providing 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes fire protection

Fire safety in public buildings Accessibility and openness are concepts at the heart of the design process for almost all types of property used by the general public; from libraries and theatres through to leisure centres and shopping complexes. Jeff Dyson of Nullifire talks to PSBJ about maintaining the integrity of escape routes in these vast open spaces.

P

eople like space and light, while architectural consultants are, in general, just as keen to make dramatic visual statements: often expressing the building structure in their interior treatment and avoiding the creation of compartments. All of which is fine on an aesthetic level, though it can pose significant challenges in terms of building services, security and keeping the building occupants safe from fire.

Fire disasters have become relatively rare occurrences in this country as we have learned terrible lessons over such risks as allowing rubbish to build up beneath escalators and sports stadia, or allowing fire exits to be kept locked. Our construction codes of practice and fire regulations have also played a pivotal role in reducing the levels of risk. Further to this, consultants today have a huge selection of ‘passive’ or non-combustible materials at their disposal, as well as the availability of active fire protection measures.

Nevertheless, each new publicly accessible building that is constructed or converted must be the subject of a rigorous

32 Public Sector Build Journal

fire engineering process, with all elements being considered both in isolation and as part of an integrated assembly that must be capable of both safe evacuation, and also facilitating the work of the fire and rescue services should it become necessary.

Maintaining the integrity of escape routes and staircases will be integral to this strategy, but just as important is safeguarding the stability of the main building structure, so that there is no chance of premature collapse.

Although steel remains our strongest and most versatile material, it will always be vulnerable to the extremely high temperatures which occur in blazes, particularly if accelerants or combustible substances are present in any quantity.

By far the most acceptable approach is to utilise a modern high performance intumescent coating system capable of providing 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes fire protection. Thanks to their advanced formulation, a system which is normally applied in three coats, not only creates an attractive finish – available in a full range of RAL colours – but when subjected to high

temperature starts to expand rapidly in a charring process. This then insulates the steel and prevents it from softening and distorting.

Although reputable systems come to market after exhaustive research and development programmes, and are backed by independent accreditations, their performance remains very much reliant on the standard of workmanship. Therefore specifiers and building owners must only appoint approved applicators who have been trained in the use of the system selected.

Significantly some systems are also capable of being applied to structural steelwork before the erection process is fully completed and prior to the external envelope being made weather-tight.

This means the building structure can be protected against the risk of fire during the vulnerable construction phase, often when welders and other trades are employing hot processes which might cause an outbreak of fire.

Another advantage to utilising a modern water-borne system such as Nullifire’s S707 range is the absence of solvent smells.

Whereas the original solvent based products typically contained 200g/litre of VOCs and would give off fumes for a long time after application, the water based option is down around 20g/litre, and can therefore be sprayed in quite close proximity to where other trades are working. 

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Some systems are capable of being applied to structural steelwork before the erection process is fully completed

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Kitchens, Bathrooms & Washrooms

Organisations providing toilets or washrooms for public use must include facilities that are accessible for people with disabilities

Approaching accessible toilets In this article, Mark Fielding, Regional Manager for Portaloo, part of the Portakabin Group, provides some practical advice for the specification of accessible toilets.

A

ny organisation that supplies toilets or washrooms for use by the public has to ensure that provision is made for people with disabilities.

There are two types of accessible toilet: Standard accessible toilets – with access for a standard-sized wheelchair, and designed for independent use by an individual, usually with space for one

An adult-sized changing bench should be provided and be height-adjustable to the correct height for the carer

carer. Fixed-position handrails should allow transfer from wheelchair to the toilet.

Fully accessible toilets – for people with severe disabilities who cannot use the facility independently. These should be large enough to accommodate a powered wheelchair or one fitted with extra head and leg supports; up to two assistants; a ceiling-mounted track hoist, and heightadjustable adult changing bench.

Legal obligations Organisations providing toilets or washrooms for public use must include facilities that are accessible for people with disabilities. If new facilities are being procured and there are not currently sufficient accessible toilets on the site, they must include a standard accessible toilet or washroom.

Under the Equality Act 2010 all providers of goods and services have a legal requirement to make reasonable adjustments to their premises to allow people with disabilities to make use of their services.

This includes adjustments to toilets and washing facilities, and to steps, kerbs and gates to make the entrance accessible.

Changes to doors, floors, lighting and ventilation should be considered to enable people to move around with ease.

If building work is being carried out on new or altered buildings, they must be Building Regulations-compliant to make them safe and accessible. In addition to making reasonable provision for people with disabilities at the entrance and approaches to buildings and dwellings, Part M (Access to and Use of Buildings) also covers the provision of sanitary conveniences. Suitable toilet facilities should be available for wheelchair users and ambulant disabled people.

Key considerations 1. Size and layout Allow sufficient space for wheelchair users to manoeuvre freely to access the toilet and washbasin with enough room for a carer. Layouts should comply with BS 8300:2009 for optimum positioning of facilities for easy access. For

34 Public Sector Build Journal

Kitchens, Bathrooms & Washrooms allows the toilet to be used in privacy by the disabled person or the carer.

7. Design Fittings and grab rails should be in visually-contrasting colours to the background walls. There should also be a visual contrast between wall and floor colours.

8. Floor Floor coverings should be hard-wearing and slip-resistant. Select a ‘hydrasafe’ floor covering with a floor drain for the shower/changing area.

9. Alarms An assistance alarm with internal pull cords and an external indicator will enable the user to call for assistance.

Allow sufficient space for wheelchair users to manoeuvre freely to access the toilet

people with a wider range of disabilities, consider a larger space to accommodate a powered wheelchair and two carers.

2. Toilet Specify a peninsular toilet and position it with sufficient space for one assistant and a standard-sized wheelchair.

Fixed-position handrails with one dropdown grab rail allow transfer from wheelchair to toilet. Consider a back rest and colostomy changing shelf.

3. Washbasins Low-level sinks are a standard accessible feature. Consider a height-adjustable washbasin for use at the correct comfortable height whether the user is seated or standing. Waste pipes should not impede access to the washbasin for wheelchair users. Automatic sensor taps or manual lever taps allow easier operation.

4. Adult changing table An adult-sized changing bench should be provided and be height-adjustable to the correct height for the carer, and lowered for self-transfer from a wheelchair or for assisted transfer using a hoist. A shower will make washing easier but ensure the detachable shower head is located close to the head of the changing bench, with a floor drain. A dispenser roll for wide disposable paper to cover the changing bench for each new user and large sanitary disposal bins are essential.

10. Access A ramp may be required or the building positioned so the entrance threshold is level with the ground. Ramps must have anti-slip handrails and colourcontrasting steps, landings and kick plates for visually-impaired users. Doors should be wide enough for wheelchair access and be outward opening.

An experienced toilet building supplier should advise on the equipment required and the design and layout to meet all regulatory requirements and user needs.

New accessible facilities

5. Hoist A ceiling track hoist should cover the whole room allowing safe transfer between wheelchair, changing bench and toilet.

Existing building conversions: Is there sufficient space to meet the size recommendations for accessible washrooms? The minimum size for a fully accessible toilet is 3 x 4m. Existing buildings may need to be extended or the facility located in a separate building.

6. Privacy screen A curtain or screen between the toilet and the rest of the room

Does the door have a 1000mm clear width for wheelchair access and is it outward opening? Check for narrow corridors.

Suitable toilet facilities should be available for wheelchair users and ambulant disabled people

Can the ceiling support a hoist system?

New accessible toilet buildings: Will the facility be stand-alone or linked to an existing building?

Does the site have access to mains water, waste and electricity? If not, could self-contained units be installed with effluent tanks and water bowsers?

Is the location convenient for users and with sufficient space for a regulationscompliant ramp, if required, with a maximum 1.12 gradient? 

 www.portaloo.co.uk

/accessible-guide

Public Sector Build Journal 35

Refurbishment

The aim was to make best use of the space and refurbish to a high standard

Fine dining Pupils at Bolton School Girls' Division returned to a brand new kitchen and dining hall this term after a renovation project completed during the summer.

D

esigned by Preston-based architectural and planning consultancy practice, Cassidy + Ashton, the £800k revamp, delivered

by Conlon Construction, included a full refurbishment of the existing 600m2 facility to provide capacity for a further 270 pupils.

Commissioned by Bolton School, the 11.5 week project has improved the pupils’ overall dining experience, with the awardwinning catering department serving more than 2300 meals each day across five eating halls.

The works form part of a multi-phase improvement programme at Bolton School, with Cassidy + Ashton previously designing the new £5m Girls’ Junior School, £5.2m Infants’ School and award-winning £7m Riley Sixth Form Centre, as well as refurbishing and extending the Junior Boys’ School.

Lawrence McBurney, Associate Architect at Cassidy + Ashton, said: “The aim was to make best use of the space and refurbish to a high standard. The end result is the provision of a better dining experience for both pupils and staff.”

“It has been a pleasure working with Bolton School once again, with the

36 Public Sector Build Journal

project not only building on our excellent education credentials but forming a greater lasting legacy between the practice and the independent school.”

Michael Conlon, Chairman at Conlon Construction, added: “Bolton School is one of the most well-known and highly respected schools in the North West. That, along with the heritage of the buildings and fixed-time constraints, made this one of the most challenging yet prestigious school projects we have delivered this year.

“Rather than working whilst the school was operational, the whole refurbishment was undertaken during the summer holidays meaning a nice surprise for pupils

The design by Cassidy + Ashton gives the perception of more space and fills the room with light

as they returned to a superb new dining facility for the autumn term.”

Mrs Cathy Fox, Clerk and Treasurer at Bolton School, concluded: “I really like the light and perception of more space it has brought to what was previously a dark, long and thin room.”

Bolton School is regarded as one of the leading education establishments in the North West and is a significant historical landmark on a key gateway into Bolton town centre.

The existing Grade II-listed buildings at Bolton School were the result of an architectural competition in the 1900s and governors were keen to ensure that any designs followed the same high standard of the existing Neo-Gothic facade and turrets.

Pupils moved into the new girls’ dining hall on the first day of the autumn term and JP Commercial Kitchens supplied the catering and refrigeration equipment. 

 www.cassidyashton.co.uk

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Public Sector Build Journal 37

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

An extensive sedum roof was chosen on the basis of its associated benefits to the school and surrounding environment

Embracing sustainable design techniques Recent and ongoing urban regeneration programmes bring with them new developments and projects in housing, infrastructure, and public sector buildings to accommodate the growing population in the major UK town and cities.

T

he resulting reduction in soft landscaping means an increased urban heat island effect, and given that construction, occupation and operation of buildings is responsible for half of all the country’s carbon emissions, improving the thermal and energy efficiency of new and existing buildings is a major priority.

Green roofs not only cut carbon emissions from energy use by improving building insulation, but also reduce local flood risks by slowing rainwater run-off rates, encourage urban biodiversity, enhance air quality, and often create pleasant spaces that add to people’s sense of wellbeing.

38 Public Sector Build Journal

In its current form, green roofs were originally invented in 1970s Germany to create green space in otherwise barren urban areas. As the number of green roofs increased and their environmental and energy benefits became better studied and understood, the movement spread to other parts of Europe and then to North America.

One of the main reasons for the triumphal advances of the green roof is the excellent way it improves the thermal performance of a building and provides greater roof insulation. While preventing heat loss during winter, the combination of plant processes (photosynthesis and evapotranspiration) and soil processes (evapo-transmission) help to reduce the amount of solar energy

Green roofs are a great way to communicate the ecological concerns of the building inhabitants

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

The glazed green roof is supported by a series of columns and beams that connect back to the main structure

absorbed by the roof membrane. This leads to cooler temperatures beneath the surface during summertime.

The construction industry is now required by the Government to embrace sustainable design techniques to meet the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which will require the UK to deliver ‘nearly zero energy buildings’ from 2021, and from January 2019 in the public sector. Altogether, green roofs offer a unique design opportunity to meet standards such as the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM, which was the case for Welland Primary School.

When Peterborough City Council initially sought to build the school, they were determined it should achieve a BREEAM Very Good rating. Realising early on that meeting the council’s requirements can only be accomplished through value engineering, contractor Kier Eastern turned to architects Woods Hardwick.

During the initial stages of the design development, a simple palette of materials was specified on the basis of their ecological, sustainable and ‘Green Guide’ credentials. An extensive sedum roof (living green roof) was chosen on the basis of its associated benefits to the school and surrounding environment. The key features for its specification were the decreased carbon dioxide output, its bio-diversity, the reduced speed of storm water run-off, and its insulating qualities which provide a low ‘U’ value (the lower the u value, the better the insulation provided by the material).

Comprising of facing brickwork, render,

aluminium, glazing and the green roof, the aesthetic of the materials was also a significant factor in the selection process as it was important the school had a strong visual appearance. By combining the random and organic growth of plants with rectilinear architecture of the school, the hard edges were softened and the building could be visually incorporated into its surroundings. Green roofs are also a great way to communicate the ecological concerns of the building inhabitants with the surrounding communities.

Externally to each classroom, the glazed green roof is supported by a series of columns and beams that connect back to the main structure. This design feature offers perhaps the most eye-catching aspect of the build since it means the roof lights enhance the natural daylight and brighten the internal ‘street’ which forms the backbone of the school, and some of the internal rooms.

Creating a definitive break between roof and wall, the edges of the ‘green roof’ are finished with a deep profiled polyester powder coated aluminium fascia and verge detail finished in dark grey. Across the elevations, a homogenous colour scheme is provided as a result of the colours of the external fabric complementing the hues of the sedum plant mix.

In tandem with the natural ‘living’ green roof, the project also included other sustainable initiatives including a rainwater harvesting system, photovoltaic panels, sun pipes, wind catchers and a biomass boiler using recycled pellets.

In order to provide a suitable environment for the florae of the green roof, a series of functioning layers were installed which, while retaining the necessary water to support the plants, allow excess water to drain off the roof. The layers also protect the roof surface from plant roots and mechanical damage, which increases the roof’s life span to up to 50 years, 2-3 times longer than an ‘average’ roof. 

 www.woodshardwick.com

This design feature offers perhaps the most eye-catching aspect of the build

Public Sector Build Journal 39

Health & Safety

The construction programme is complex, involving the complete re-building of the inside of the Odeon cinema

Renewed confidence in site safety RE:NEW is the name of the development project transforming Chester’s 1936 Art Deco Odeon building into a new worldclass theatre, library and cinema. In order to meet all the necessary regulations, the local authority’s insurance provider made strict stipulations about the fire safety and safety measures it wanted on site.

T

he £28m two year project, which is scheduled for completion in November 2016, is to convert and extend the building to house the new theatre, library and cinema areas in a cultural centre and performing arts space.

The local council appointed an awardwinning team which include architects, Bennetts Associates and main contractor Kier, to design and construct the project.

The construction programme is complex, involving the complete re-building of the inside of the Odeon cinema and demolishing an adjacent seven storey office block to make way for the new build extension.

To cater for health and safety requirements, main contractors Kier specified the Cygnus wireless fire alarm system from Bull Products to safeguard the construction workers on the site.

This provides comprehensive fire safety and first aid protection all through a fully

40 Public Sector Build Journal

linked wireless network of detectors, call points and first aid alerts. There are some 62 smoke detectors installed around the 12,000m² site, 36 call points and 10 combined call points and first aid alerts, all of which are carefully positioned for use when emergencies arise. These modules and detectors are linked back to one Cygnus control panel, and there is also an Auto Dialler GSM Communicator installed which provides out-of-hours protection by auto-dialling up to ten phone numbers of responsible persons in an emergency.

The Cygnus alarm system can link as many as 480 alarm and detector units in different zones on a site, and individual units can be fire alarm call points, first aid alerts, combined call points and first aid alerts, smoke detectors or heat detectors.

Designed for use on construction sites, the CE marked Cygnus system has been developed for use in dense concrete and steel structured buildings and areas where

there are many other radio frequencies in operation, and so particular attention has been given to achieving an impressive connection range. Where there are multiple sites within range of each other, the Cygnus system has been designed to operate on different site addresses in order to keep each system separate and free from interference.

The optional control panel is a major feature of the Cygnus system and provides a very sophisticated capability with an event log function which records any events such as an alarm activation, low battery warning, and signal faults, all of which can be viewed if necessary in the history folder held on the panel. The system also has the ability to test all units and has an evacuate function which will act as a call point to the rest of the alarm units.

Each unit in the system can provide the panel with information at regular intervals.

This explicit information confirms the unit is still present and what the battery status of each device is. Known as the ‘heart beat’ this message is monitored by the control panel where fitted and if the ‘heart beat’ is not heard for several intervals, the control panel logs a full status for that unit. 

 www.bullproducts.co.uk

The Cygnus alarm system can link as many as 480 alarm and detector units in different zones on a site

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Public Sector Build Journal 41

BIM

BIM presents opportunities and challenges across the delivery chain

Behind in BIM

Why is the building service sector lagging behind in BIM? Steve Hunt, Managing Director of building services engineering consultancy, Steven Hunt & Associates, explains more.

W

ith Government BIM targets now less than a year away, the urgency with which the construction sector is addressing the practical realities of BIM has stepped up a gear. Levels of BIM-readiness still vary, however.

When it comes to building services, there is a common perception that engineers are lagging behind in delivering BIM. To a degree, that perception is correct. But many of the reasons why it’s true are technological rather than cultural and are a consequence of the position of building services in the project delivery process.

The good news for building services and BIM is that, culturally, building services engineers are used to working collaboratively both with the upstream architectural team and the downstream installation team.

The bad news is that BIM fundamentally challenges the traditional roles and responsibilities within a building services consultancy and there has been no definitive response – either from the sector or from training providers – to realigning existing skills and knowledge with the demands of new technology and processes.

The established roles in a building services consultancy involve design of the services by an engineer and

42 Public Sector Build Journal

visualisation by a CAD designer but there is a massive appetite for a move to Revit because engineers can see the benefits of designing straight into the 3D software. And who can blame them when the software can build and visualise the specification with ease in a single process based on a few engineering parameters.

However, the question remains; do we train our engineers to use the software or train our CAD designers to engineer? With Revit design skills running so far behind aspirations and a lack of credible training provision to bridge the skills gap, that question becomes even harder to answer.

Then there’s the fact that so many architects are still designing projects in

AutoCAD rather than Revit. Around 85% of the architects we work with are still working with 2D software and we simply cannot then crowbar in a 3D building services design, so the building services sector cannot work in BIM if the project has not been designed in Revit by the architect.

Further issues are experienced downstream due to the varying BIMreadiness of suppliers. This is a problem of both under- and over-preparedness: while many haven’t inputted their products into Revit and cannot, therefore, be considered for specification on BIM jobs; others have provided too much information, which means that a single component involves a huge data file, slowing down the software and the design process.

The bottom line here is that BIM presents opportunities and challenges across the delivery chain and those challenges vary for different parts of the design and construction process.

However, in order to make collaborative working BIM viable, we must also take a collaborative approach across the sector to addressing the obstacles to implementation.

Building services engineers are being tasked with a change in working practices equal to moving from manual drawing to computer-aided design: without greater consistency from both upstream and downstream delivery partners and a skilling process that starts by asking what skills are needed and then provides the mechanisms by which they can be delivered, that transition will be slow and arduous. 

 www.stevenhunt.com

Building services engineers are being tasked with a change in working practices

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Public Sector Build Journal 43

Doors & Windows

TORMAX opens doors to rail passengers One of the UK’s busiest stations outside of London, Newcastle Central has a staggering annual footfall of around eight million people. The main entrance is the centrepiece of an £8.6m refurbishment which included the glazing of the external arches, transforming a gloomy space into a customer-friendly area.

More than capable of delivering continued performance year after year, even under these challenging conditions, a TORMAX automatic bi-parting sliding door system has been installed to the station entrance. Powered by the inhouse designed Win Drive 2201 operator, the drive is discreetly located above the all-glass doors, offering incomparable reliability combined with low-energy operation.

A Grade I listed Victorian building, Newcastle Central has been brought up to modern standards of accessibility, with better passenger information and a brighter environment. Inside the main station an upgraded Travel

Centre provides an improved customer experience, along with a refurbished ticket office and the addition of a number of popular retail outlets. Now fully operational, the station is managed by Virgin Trains.

Main contractor on the project, GallifordTry, specified North Eastern Glass Ltd to work with TORMAX to entirely glaze the spaces within the arches and automate relevant access points throughout the station. In addition to the main entrance, TORMAX installed its technologically advanced iMotion 1301 operator to the single swing door at the entrance to the new ticket office, as well as automating the sliding doors to

Boots and Paperchase.

“We have worked with TORMAX on previous projects,” confirms Cliff Thompson of North Eastern Glass, “and have found their automatic door systems to deliver on all fronts – reliability, performance, adaptability and sustainability.”  www.tormax.co.uk 

sales@tormax.co.uk  01932 238040

New guide to REHAU Polytec 50 In response to growing market demand for its CWCT approved and Passivhaus certified REHAU Polytec 50 composite curtain walling system, REHAU has produced a new brochure for specifiers and architects. The 16 page guide is packed with technical details about the system and lots of stylish case studies showing successful installations in a range of contemporary commercial applications.

REHAU Polytec 50 is REHAU’s alternative to conventional aluminium curtain walling. It offers superior strength and better thermal performance, thanks to a system which combines the structural capabilities of steel reinforcement, the design and finish of aluminium on the exterior and the warmth and low maintenance benefit of PVC-U on the interior.  www.rehau.co.uk



irene.smith@rehau.com



01989 762600

Origin announces winners of its trade agent awards Winners have been announced for the Origin Trade Awards, an initiative that champions trade agents in the glass and glazing industry. The awards, hosted by leading British manufacturer of bespoke aluminium bi-folding doors and windows, Origin, acknowledge window and door companies throughout the UK that have achieved impressive growth and sales success over the last year. The 13 winners, who will receive the coveted Origin Trophy and certificate framed in aluminium profile, included those with the Best Showroom, Best Customer Case Study and the Best Sales Figures in six key regions. Recognition was also given to the agent with the best figures on a national scale.  www.origin-global.com

44 Public Sector Build Journal



enquiry@origin-global.com

Eurocell Modus maxes UK’s top energy ratings Modus is one of two leading systems from Eurocell to achieve the BRFC’s Window Energy Rating (WER) of A++. This landmark award is further recognition of Modus’s market-leading energy efficiency characteristics. The company’s Eurologik system has also been similarly recognised.

Modus designs with the new A++ rating include casement, reversible and tilt and turn; together with the Eurologik 70 casement. These windows are among the very first to achieve the ‘A++’ band in England & Wales for WERs since the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) launched the new rating in May 2015. A++ is only given to those windows with an energy index value equal to or greater than +20. 

 0808

168 5816

 www.eurocell.co.uk chris.coxon@eurocell.co.uk  0800 988 3049

design, manufacture and install high quality bespoke replicas of original steel windows.

We offer several window ranges and our skilled craftsmen will make by hand to your specific requirements. The steel windows available can also meet modern performance criteria by complying with current Building Regulations.

We understand traditional buildings as the Clement family have been producing superb steel windows for more than 100 years.

Clement House, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 1HR Telephone: 01428 643393 www.clementwindows.co.uk info@clementwg.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 45

Doors & Windows

Relcross opens more doors The Leonard Cheshire home at Greenacres in Sutton Coldfield has just installed its 20th Relcross REL 1000 automatic door operator. The home has 32 single rooms and provides a range of services – including nursing care – for adults with physical and sensory disabilities.

T

he door closers have all been installed over a number of years

by Rowsman Ltd and supplied

by Relcross via BM Architectural Ironmongers.

The 1000 series is an electrically powered low-energy swing door operator. It provides easy access for people with disabilities, the elderly or the frail and is designed for doors where automated opening is available by default for all users. Opening and closing speeds are adjustable and the microprocessor controller ensures reliability.

The latest installation is for a resident’s room and is operated by a wheelchair mounted proximity sensor or wall mounted push buttons. There is also a key override. The REL 1000 operator is wired to the home’s fire alarm system and automatically closes the door after a timed delay in the event of an alarm.

This state-of-the art system is suitable for medium to low traffic

The REL 1000 operator is wired to the home’s fire alarm system

interior and exterior doors. Standard features include a switchable “push and go” facility for automation without additional activation devices. There is also an automatic safety stop mechanism that is activated immediately if the door makes contact with an obstacle. The operators are designed to accommodate one way and two way traffic flow for low energy or powered doors as necessary.

All commands are performed directly and positively via intelligent microprocessor control with none of the delays associated with some other mechanisms. The all electric operation simplifies installation via a single mains connection and a battery back-up allows up to 10 full cycle operations in the event of a mains power failure. Integral ports are provided for additional activation and sensor units and accessories such as electric strikes, access control systems, electrified locks and card readers may be easily retro-fitted.

The 1000 series is an electrically powered low-energy swing door operator

When two units are fitted to a pair of doors the “master and slave” setting ensures correct sequenced opening and closing of each door leaf.

Leonard Cheshire Disability is the UK’s leading charity supporting disabled people. Every year it supports thousands of people in the UK and around the world with physical and learning disabilities to fulfil their potential and live the lives they choose. It has over 100 care homes and care homes with nursing in the UK and internationally it is part of a global alliance of Leonard Cheshire charities that work to improve the lives of disabled people in 54 countries.

 www.relcross.co.uk 

46 Public Sector Build Journal

sales@relcross.co.uk  01380 729600

Doors & Windows

Soft stop sliding gear system from P C Henderson P C Henderson, a leading designer and manufacturer of sliding gear systems, has introduced a new soft stop mechanism to its Velaro range. This latest innovation ensures the hardware system gently glides the door into its final closing position. This new glass door hardware system option provides optimum performance as well as the ability to handle single sliding glass doors up to 80kg. Velaro has been designed and tested for interior applications and features a concealed, smooth and quiet operating system thanks to its purpose built polymer rollers and brush strip within the track.  www.pchenderson.com

 sales@pchenderson.com

 0191

Door closer assures safer schools Powermatic controlled, concealed door closers deliver a host of benefits to the education sector. Meeting all relevant fire performance and accessibility requirements, Powermatic door closers reduce risk in two key areas; vandalism and self-harm. Being totally invisible when the door is closed and having few parts on show, Powermatic is less likely to be vandalised, thereby reducing maintenance costs and, more importantly, reducing the risk of a fire door being rendered ineffective by a damaged door closer.

Concealment also helps to reduce the opportunity for self-harm, something that at least one local authority is believed to have recognised by switching to Powermatic.

377 0701

EN 16005 compliance is a click away There’s no need to worry about lost or damaged log books again thanks to a new innovation from manufacturer GEZE UK. The company has developed logbooqr, a new online logbook for automatic doors.

Currently, an asset tag, detailing a unique reference code, is fitted to the door itself and a physical logbook is issued. This is then completed by service and maintenance engineers as soon as any work is carried out. The problem is that logbooks, that need to be kept with the automatic door, are frequently lost or misplaced. logbooqr allows this information to be recorded on a secure website which is accessed via a QR code printed on the asset tag.  www.geze.co.uk



info.uk@geze.com



 www.concealeddoorclosers.com  

01543 443000

sales@samuel-heath.com 0121 766 4200

Public Sector Build Journal 47

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Enhanced sustainability of Britain’s greenest services A Mapei decorative floor system has been installed at Gloucester Services Southbound, which is an environmentally-friendly service station on the edge of the Cotswolds.

T

Around 1800m2 of screed containing Mapei’s Topcem fast-drying hydraulic binder was laid over insulation and underfloor heating

Designed by AFL Architects, all floor works were carried out by Polished Concrete Designs

48 Public Sector Build Journal

he main building is constructed from local stone and timber, and features an arched grass-covered roof set to receive BREEAM excellent rating. Three individual Mapei products were specified, alongside porcelain tiles and vinyl sheeting, throughout a 1324m2 area. Designed by AFL Architects, all floor works were carried out by Polished Concrete Designs for main contractor, Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd. Gloucester Services Southbound is the second phase to the Gloucester Services Northbound known as ‘Britain’s greenest motorway services’. This joint project was delivered by Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and Westmorland Limited (Westmorland Family are also behind Tebay Services in Cumbria).

The charity, Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, has already generated income from its Northbound service station and will further generate income and support for nearby target communities and charity partners in Gloucestershire and Stonehouse. The site includes extensive landscaping along with electrical vehicle charging stations and capacity to switch to bio-fuel pumps. A farm-shop also features at the site, stocked with local produce, in place of fast food outlets.

Within the main building, around 1800m2 of screed containing Mapei’s Topcem fast-drying hydraulic binder was laid over insulation and underfloor heating. The screed was then overlaid with Mapei’s Primer SN to provide a key for Mapei’s Ultratop in anthracite, a decorative coloured flooring system designed to give a polished concrete appearance. The petrol station was also completed using Mapei’s Ultratop system, again in Anthracite.

Gloucester Services Southbound opened its doors to the public in May 2015, is located on the M5 Southbound – between junctions 11a and 12.

 www.mapei.co.uk

 info@mapei.co.uk  0121 508 6970

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Colour, style and performance from Tessera Teviot Tessera Teviot, one of the most widely used ranges in Forbo Flooring System’s extensive carpet tile portfolio, has received a stylish colour refresh to maintain its leading position.

Forbo has updated and extended Tessera Teviot’s attractive colour palette with new classic, contemporary and high impact shades, all designed to enhance the versatility of this practical yet high performance floor covering. This new and more diverse colour palette makes Tessera Teviot the ‘go-to’ collection for commercial,

educational and public sector applications.

With over 10 million square metres already installed, Teviot is the most popular low-level loop pile carpet tile in the Tessera collection. Manufactured from 100% Aquafil polyamide, the quality and durability associated with this trusted brand remains unchanged. A high castor chair rating and hardwearing resilience ensures Tessera Teviot copes effectively with heavy traffic conditions in busy environments.

Now featuring 48 colours, in contemporary solid and the more traditional mottled designs, the new range offers

greater design scope and a wider appeal.

Alongside 29 best sellers from the original range, there are now 19 new shades.

Modern neutrals, such as Sable and Mercury, along with blue tones, like new Neptune and Duck Egg, provide a revitalised palette for office applications, whilst a brighter primary colour palette creates the option of bringing in fresh colour pops such as Skyblue, Raspberry and Mandarin – perfect for education interiors.  www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/teviot 

info.flooring.uk@forbo.com  0844 822 3928

Interface creates foundation for biophilic design

Countdown begins for 2016 TTA Awards The 2016 TTA Awards will be held on Saturday 14th May. The prestigious Awards, this year with a Brazilian Samba theme, will recognise the cream of the industry’s people, projects and products across 18 categories. Sponsorship packages will again provide a perfect opportunity for companies to give their brand pride of place at the industry event of the year. Packages include a large number of benefits, including complimentary tickets, numerous Awards night branding opportunities, extensive post-event PR and the chance to present an award at the event. Awards entries are open at the dedicated 2016 TTA Awards website – www.ttaawards.com – with a closing date of 31st December.  www.ttaawards.com  

awards@tile.org.uk 0300 365 8453

When refurbishing the Water Sciences Department at Cranfield University, Interface’s Concept Designer, Amy Farn, suggested Interface’s Human Nature collection for the 100m² area of floor space in the coffee shop and breakout space. Inspired by the varying colours, textures and patterns in nature, the range was used to delineate the area from surrounding offices and create a space for students to relax, interact and study communally.

Skinny plank shaped, nickel coloured tiles with a pebbled pattern (Human Nature 810, 840 and 850), were used alongside a kiwi accent tile, which mimics the tones and variation in grass (Human Nature 830).  www.interface.com

 interface.uk@interface.com

 020

7490 3960

Fresh shades added to Polysafe Wood fx collection Polyflor has announced the relaunch of its popular Polysafe Wood fx PUR sheet vinyl safety flooring with the addition of brand new high clarity wood effect designs. Building on the established success of the classic designs within Polyflor’s Wood fx range, a new series of six on-trend wood styles have been introduced, some featuring a wider plank format for more contemporary look. The fresh additions to Polyflor’s enlarged collection of 12 Wood fx designs are Oiled Oak, Sun Bleached Oak, Roasted Limed Ash, Tropical Pine, Aged Oak and Nero Oak. Wood fx is suitable for heavy commercial areas, including healthcare, education, housing, retail, leisure and office environments.  www.polyflor.com



info@polyflor.com

 0161

767 1111

Public Sector Build Journal 49

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

The ComfortFloor Pro system offers the perfect surface for intensive therapy work taking place at the facility

A rainbow of colour Sika has donated its ComfortFloor Pro to provide a high-quality and attractive flooring system to support the treatment of children with disabilities at the new charity-funded Rainbow House facility in Lancashire.

W

orking with children who have a brain injury, children with multiple disabilities and those with complex health needs, Legacy Rainbow House regularly hosts physical therapy sessions so the correct specification of facilities, and in particular flooring, was vital. The floor surface had to be slippery enough to assist crawling and rolling, whilst having some slip resistance so as not to cause a health risk. It also had to offer comfort to users, durability to cope with constant use and be easily cleaned.

Consisting of a soft polyurethane resin combined with a rubber crumb matting which gives added cushioning underfoot, ComfortFloor Pro from Sika proved ideal for the children and staff at Rainbow House. The system’s chemical composition and texture absorbs impact and offers the perfect surface for intensive therapy work taking place at the facility, while also providing a high degree of comfort for the children.

Due to its durable and hygienic qualities, the flooring also had significant practical benefits for the application. The liquid applied system was quickly and easily installed in the therapy areas by Crown Flooring as one seamless piece, meaning no

50 Public Sector Build Journal

joints which can harbour bacteria. In addition, the floor’s constitution means that it resists the growth of bacteria or fungus and is very easy to clean.

ComfortFloor also provides an aesthetically pleasing finish and seamless colour, with an attractive warm yellow chosen for Rainbow House. Three colours were used in the main areas of the facility to create a rainbow effect – Sika Sun Fire,

Sika Wild Orchid and Sika Spring Grass.

For the cleaners’ room, an office and a kitchen, Umbra Grey was selected with an additional aggregate added to complement the rooms’ functionality.

Sika has also donated its Sikagard Hygienic Wall coatings for the whole interior of Rainbow House. The coatings complement the flooring system by offering the same seamless properties as ComfortFloor, aiding cleaning by providing a surface that is hard-wearing and free from joints, seams and other features that provide a hiding place for dirt and bacteria.

The coatings are single component water based products that are easy to apply by brush, roller or airless spray.

Offering far more than traditional paints, Sikagard hygiene coatings are designed to provide exceptional durability as well as an enhanced resistance to cracking, splitting and flaking. In demanding hygiene environments like Rainbow House, standard paints are no match for this range of specifically developed hygienic coatings.

With the flooring and wall systems in place, Legacy Rainbow House will provide exceptional comfort, minimise maintenance costs and provide a safe environment for the children’s therapy sessions. Sika’s ComfortFloor system and Sikagard Hygienic Wall coatings have helped to deliver a high performance and visually stunning solution for this challenging and innovative application.

 www.sika.co.uk/flooring 

enquiries@uk.sika.com  01707 383872

Providing cushioning underfoot, ComfortFloor Pro from Sika proved ideal for the children and staff at Rainbow House

Floors, Walls & Ceilings tough areas. It meets current EU Directives on health and hygiene.

AltroScreed Quartz is a solvent-free system in which blended decorative quartz is bound with clear epoxy resin and finished with clear seal coats. The product provides a high-strength, chemically resistant decorative floor surface that can be coved and laid to drainage falls. It is available in nominal thicknesses of 4 to 6mm. It has low slip resistance and is ideally suited to medium-duty production areas, entrance lobbies, offices, shops, circulation areas and laboratories. It has a closed surface texture that reduces dirt retention, making it easy to clean and maintain. The floor was sealed with Altro Screed Seal Rapicure Plus, providing additional slip resistance.

Altro Designer 25 is a 2.5mm thick hard-wearing safety flooring that includes coloured quartz crystals in striking base colour to enhance any interior scheme.

Easy to lay, it can be hot welded to produce an unobtrusive and impervious floor, minimising the ingress of dirt and helping to maintain hygiene standards.

Altro flooring and wall cladding on cutting edge of excellence Altro flooring and wall cladding are providing a total, high-level solution of hygiene, safety and contemporary style at a new state-of-the-art science and engineering centre at the University of Wolverhampton.

Designed and equipped to offer cuttingedge teaching and research facilities to future scientists, the new £25m Rosalind Franklin Building has been fitted with Altro Whiterock hygienic wall cladding, AltroScreed Quartz resin flooring, and Altro Designer 25 safety flooring.

Altro Whiterock hygienic wall cladding

is a cost-effective, durable, grout-free, water-tight smooth hygienic wall cladding system designed for building environments that are required to meet strict hygiene standards. The panels provide a stain resistant, wipe-clean surface with no gaps or cracks for bacteria to hide in. It is extremely impact resistant and ideal for



 www.altro.com enquiries@altro.com  01462 489516

Heradesign’s acoustic control reaches new heights

Karndean Designflooring updates specification tool A market leader in luxury vinyl flooring, Karndean Designflooring has released its newly updated interactive Commercial Floorstyle tool for architects and interior designers looking for inspiration online. Mobile and tablet friendly, and available for free – www.karndean.com/ commercialfloorstyle - is a one stop, online design lounge for architects, interior designers and contractors to use when sourcing floor designs at the point of specification. With Karndean’s full catalogue of wood and stone effect designs to search, users can select a space from a sophisticated catalogue of commercial and residential room set images, and then choose a floor to see how it will look.  www.karndean.com/commercialfloorstyle

commercial@karndean.co.uk   0845 605 5330

City of Glasgow College opened the doors to its new £228m city centre Riverside Campus this autumn. The campus houses teaching accommodation for the Nautical and Engineering departments and a new halls of residence for the College. Heradesign from Knauf AMF is installed in the state-of-the-art Engineering Hall. This large expanse includes lathe workshops, welding areas and a dedicated working ships engine room. Heradesign ceiling panels were chosen because they comply with Building Regulation BB93: acoustic design of schools and provide outstanding acoustic control in this potentially noisy space.  www.amfceilings.co.uk/heradesign

 info@knaufamf.co.uk

 0191

518 8600

Mapei launches Ultrabond Eco VS90 Plus Mapei has announced the launch of Ultrabond Eco VS90 Plus to its range of Ultrabond Eco Adhesives.

Ultrabond Eco VS90 Plus is a ready to use, light beige paste, which benefits from a fast, strong initial grab, allowing traffic after only 3-5 hours.

This universal high temperature acrylic, wet-bed dispersion adhesive, bonds vinyl/rubber sheet and tile, PVC-backed carpet and luxury vinyl tiles with ease.

The adhesive can be used with underfloor heating systems. Ultrabond Eco VS90 Plus is extremely easy to apply with good peel strength with high resistant to shear stresses, with the added advantage of being a high temperature adhesive.  www.mapei.co.uk



info@mapei.co.uk

 0121

508 6970

Public Sector Build Journal 51

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Civic supermarket An elegant, contemporary colonnade clad in Nordic Bronze from Aurubis adds a sense of civic permanence to this city-centre supermarket, taking retail architecture to a new level.

On a key route into the heart of Chester, the flagship Waitrose store is fully integrated with a new public realm including a pedestrian bridge across the canal. As part of a master-plan for the area, alignment of the supermarket and the adjoining walkway enhance views of the historic ‘shot tower’, adding to its role as a landmark.

Nordic Bronze was selected at an early design stage for the colonnade and other facade elements. The building’s designer Matt Brook, Director of architect Broadway Malyan, said: “We wanted to use a material for the expressed frame that would reference the area’s industrial heritage, particularly of metalworking.

In addition, the strong, natural colour of the gradually weathering bronze complements the surrounding historic brick and sandstone buildings.”

The colonnade and primary structural elements expressed on the exterior of the building are set out on a 7.9m structural grid and clad in sheet Nordic Bronze, with the principal elevations being clad in either perforated Nordic Bronze or glazed with a curtain wall capped with perforated Nordic Bronze fins. Both are set out vertically on a 1.128m grid sub-module of the primary structural grid.

Nordic Bronze is produced by Aurubis, part of the world’s leading integrated copper group and largest copper recycler. Other copper alloys include Nordic Brass – now also available preweathered – and the innovative Nordic Royal with a long-lasting golden colour.  www.aurubis.com/finland/architectural 

g.bell@aurubis.com  01875 812144

ROCKPANEL helps make station a shimmering success Commuters in Dartford now enjoy a much more vibrant and uplifting start to their mornings thanks to their new £9m railway station; clad in the everchanging hues of ROCKPANEL Chameleon. The new station, designed by Robinson Kenning & Gallagher Architects, features a sweeping canopy which projects out over the double height, glazed main entrance, bathing the main foyer in natural light whilst ROCKPANEL Chameleon wraps the rest of the building in a stunning embrace. With their unique crystal layer, the ROCKPANEL Chameleon boards shimmer and seamlessly flow from light blue to rich green and deep purple depending on the time of day, effect of the sunlight and angle of view.  www.rockpanel.co.uk



info@rockpanel.co.uk

 01656

863210

Xtralite offers extra light to British Airways A leading UK manufacturer of rooflights, Xtralite, has supplied a range of bespoke glazing units to the British Airways Flight Training base at Heathrow. During a recent refurbishment it became apparent the existing Georgian wired glass rooflights did not meet thermal requirements and were leaking into the hall. The unique aluminium framed polycarbonate glazing system designed by Xtralite incorporated Lumira technology which offers excellent light transmission and diffusion for shadow lesslight quality. Additional to this, the system offers substantial insulation performance due to the limited heat conduction of the Lumira translucent aerogel granules.  www.xtralite.co.uk

52 Public Sector Build Journal

 sales@xtralite.co.uk

 01670

354157

Mike Goodhead appointed to head new ISD division ISD Solutions, a leader in specialised composite panel construction and cladding solutions, including retail and distribution warehouses, cold store facilities and data centres, has launched a new division targeting the massive industrial and structural waterproofing sector. ISD Industrial Waterproofing Division will complement existing projects and enhance the range of technical construction services offered to clients, architects and main contractors. The company has appointed Divisional Manager Mike Goodhead to head up the new division. Goodhead brings over 32 years’ expertise in the waterproofing industry, 10 years as Contracts Director at Brindley Asphalt, and has worked on some of the UK’s largest projects.  www.isd-solutions.co.uk 

sales@isd-solutions.co.uk  01452 520649

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Safeguard’s Stormdry preserves handmade terracotta The terracotta facade of a landmark listed building in Leeds has been protected from penetrating damp using Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream developed by Safeguard Europe.

Apsley House was designed by George Corson, the architect who built many of the distinctive Victorian buildings in the city such as the Grand Theatre and the Central Library. The property features extensive handmade terracotta decoration that was suffering rain penetration after many years exposed to atmospheric pollution. When it came to protecting that terracotta, Safeguard’s Stormdry met all the criteria: the treatment could be applied easily without disturbing its tenants, it is durable and it could not be detected once it had cured.  www.stormdry.com

 info@safeguardeurope.com

 01403

IKO roofing solution for major acute teaching hospital IKO PLC, a global leader in waterproofing and roofing products, was recently specified to supply a new roofing solution for Wythenshawe Hospital, a major acute teaching hospital in South Manchester.

The refurbishment of the 13,000m2 roof included the Maternity Wing and several other areas of the hospital. IKO recommended its Ultra PrevENt overlay system – Ultra PrevENt and Polimar EC/ UV, all with tapered insulation. Ultra PrevENt incorporates Graphite Firewall Technology which was ideal for the hospital. It acts as a fire retardant which slows penetration of external fires and also forms a heat shield, slowing the spread of smoke and stopping melted bitumen from dripping into the building.

210204

CCF invests in first-rate service Leading insulation and interior building products distributor CCF has introduced a new range of flat roof products, which includes an extensive choice of membranes and fixings, offering a complete one-stop-shop to contractors and roofing specialists.

With the addition of solutions from Kingspan, EcoTherm and ROCKWOOL, plus its already established insulation expertise, customers can save time and money by choosing CCF for all their flat roofing needs. In addition to thermal and acoustic solutions for a wide range of applications CCF has partnered with Building Innovation, offering a complete tapered insulation service.  www.ccfltd.co.uk

 ccfinsulationteam@ccfltd.co.uk

 0844

 www.ikogroup.co.uk 

info@ikogroup.co.uk 412 7224

 0844

892 2563

Public Sector Build Journal 53

Disability

Changing Places toilets include as standard a hoist, adult-sized height adjustable changing table, and privacy screen

Changing Places for equality Architects and designers could be exposing their clients to risk of breaking the law if they do not include a specific type of accessible toilet in new build or refurbishment projects.

U

nder the Equality Act, which replaced the Disability Discrimination Act, service providers (including shops, tourist attractions, restaurants) are required to make reasonable changes – including to the built environment – where a disabled customer or potential customer would otherwise be at a substantial disadvantage. The Government’s own easy reference guide further states: “You should not wait until a disabled person experiences difficulties using a service.”

For hundreds of thousands of the UK’s 11 million registered disabled, those who need a carer to help with personal care, conventional wheelchair-accessible toilets are unsuitable. “That means either having to lie on a toilet floor, often with the door open so anyone else can see you, or to go home, or not go out at all,” says Margaret Clough. “That puts my family, with my daughter Julie, at a substantial disadvantage, to use the Government’s terminology, as Julie is a severely disabled adult, in a wheelchair.

Surely making one toilet bigger, and including a couple more pieces of equipment, is a reasonable change?”

Margaret, her family and other similar

54 Public Sector Build Journal

families are petitioning venues as diverse as motorway services, hospitals, and tourist attractions to install Changing Places toilets. With more space than current wheelchair-accessible toilets, these also include as standard a hoist, adult-sized height adjustable changing table, and privacy screen.

“You wouldn’t today expect to have to

change a baby on the toilet floor, so why a child or adult?” asks Margaret. “There are over 8000 public toilets in the UK, excluding ones we use in cafes, bars, at hospitals, tourist attractions. Yet there are fewer than 800 Changing Places toilets. There are at least 1.5 million wheelchair users in the UK. One in 10 people suffer from bladder or bowel incontinence. There is clearly a need, and we would maintain adding these toilets on top of existing accessible facilities is a reasonable alteration.

“Beyond the moral obligation, it has financial benefits too. 20% of the average business’ customer base is disabled.

Disabled people spend some £80b a year.

Research shows people choose not to use somewhere they believe does not have suitable toilets.”

To help architects and facilities managers get their accessible toilets right, and meet Changing Places campaigners needs, a leading disabled toilet solutions company, Clos-o-Mat, has developed the most comprehensive and a unique ‘one-stop-shop’ solution.

In-house, the company can provide design advice, then supply all the equipment, if necessary install and commission it, and subsequently service and maintain it. Full project management can also be provided. This is reinforced with support services including CAD blocks, and sector-specific advisory white papers available for free on its website.

 www.clos-o-mat.com 

info@clos-o-mat.com  0161 969 1199

Clos-o-Mat, has developed the most comprehensive and a unique ‘one-stop-shop’ solution

Disability

Gainsborough Specialist Bathing unveils new range Gainsborough Specialist Bathing has introduced a brand new range of assistive baths. Launched at the Care & Dementia Show, the latest range of baths promise to deliver impressive clinical and operational advantages for care providers. Gordon Farmiloe, Managing Director of Gainsborough Specialist Bathing commented: “We were delighted to unveil our new bathing range at the Care & Dementia Show. We believe it was the perfect platform to showcase how these world-class Gainsborough products will redefine assisted bathing. These baths, along with our comprehensive maintenance and service programmes, will ensure healthcare providers have the capability to continue delivering high quality care for many years to come.”  www.gainsboroughbaths.com

 info@gainsboroughbaths.com

 0808

Hoisting compliance with lifetime homes With the continuing emphasis on giving people the ability to remain in their homes for as long as possible, housebuilders are being offered a new resource to create lifetime homes-friendly bathrooms. Under updated design criteria for lifetime homes, bathrooms should be designed to be accessible, and provision should be made for the structure to be able to accommodate any future provision of a ceiling hoist, particularly between bedroom and bathroom. To help architects and builders get it right from the outset, Clos-o-Mat has produced a new white paper, Design Guidance & Considerations for a Domestic Accessible Toilet/Wetroom.

163 6845

InterAction of Bath secures MoD contract InterAction of Bath, a leading Bath-based consultancy specialising in ergonomics and human factors, has secured a major contract with the Ministry of Defence that will see the company embarking on a programme to measure and provide anthropometric data on 1400 male and female military personnel, including Royal Marines, Parachute Regiment, and Brigade of Gurkhas.

The project will focus on the use of 3D scanning to measure the size and shape of the personnel. Speaking about the contract success, Dr Dave Usher of InterAction of Bath said: “We are delighted to once again be working with the Ministry of Defence. We have vast experience of measuring and providing anthropometric data for a range of clients and sectors.”  www.interactionofbath.com

 info@interactionofbath.com

 01225

 www.clos-o-mat.com 

info@clos-o-mat.com 969 1199

 0161

482882

Public Sector Build Journal 55

Focus & Innovation

Pugin’s Nottingham gem receives paving update In the City Centre, Brett Landscaping has supplied materials for redeveloping two highway facilities – one on Derby Road – serving the Augustus Pugin-designed Nottingham Cathedral Church of St Barnabas, as well as the centrally located Heathcote Street.

At Derby Road, 3500m2 of indigenous Fens Moss Yorkstone flag paving has been supplied by Brett and laid to replace the existing, degenerated concrete, with supply management for the project overseen by Kevin Jones, who explains what was required, provided, and successfully achieved with the help of Brett and its materials: “The original footpath was in need of replacement, creating an ideal opportunity for a new hard-landscaping design to be implemented; one which would be an aesthetic improvement as well as a mechanism to offer priority to buses and pedestrians.

“Fens Moss seemed a sound

choice for the heritage area installation and was favoured by Nottingham City Council for, among other reasons, its finegrain and colour palette of predominantly blue and grey with elements of buff, which together form an attractive alternative to the original concrete.”

Adam Sherratt, Senior Engineer, Highway & Energy Infrastructure at Nottingham City Works Department adds: “We regard regeneration work, such as that completed on Derby Road, as essential to maintaining a vibrant, safe and functioning City Centre, so making sound choices with relation to materials that are purposefully designed to perform for years-to-come is a key consideration and one relevant to the

second urban project that involved supply from Brett, at Heathcote Street.”

Here, a carriageway which experiences heavy vehicular use and footfall was chosen for regeneration, and refurbished using 1200m2 of the same Fens Moss Yorkstone paving; once again presenting an attractive alternative to the concrete which was there before. 

 www.brettpaving.co.uk landscapinginfo@brett.co.uk  0845 6080 577

3D design prepares Zaun for BIM future An innovative steel mesh manufacturer is promising speedier, more user-friendly and more accurate design and the ability to deliver Building Information Modelling (BIM) through its move to parametric 3D design. Zaun, which offers an extensive range of perimeter fencing, high security fencing, sports equipment, automatic electric gates, security bollards and hostile vehicle mitigation products, has taken its entire research, development and product design across to 3D modelling. Zaun is using AutoDesk Inventor Professional 2016 to give customers 3D renderings of all designs, which provide clearer visualisation and are easier to understand.  www.zaun.co.uk



sales@zaun.co.uk

 01902

796699

Level up with Mapei’s new and improved screed Mapei’s Ultraplan Renovation Screed 3240 is a fibre reinforced self-levelling compound, specifically designed for the renovation or refurbishment of existing subfloors.

The high coverage, low VOC screed can now be applied to a thickness of 3-40mm, in one application, and is suitable for prepared concrete, screed, stone, ceramic, timber and terrazzo. Suitable for both commercial and domestic applications, Ultraplan Renovation Screed 3240 is ideal for smoothing and levelling floors ready to receive tiled finishes, resilient floor coverings or wood flooring. It can also be used alongside capillary underfloor heating and electric undertile heating systems.  www.mapei.co.uk

56 Public Sector Build Journal



info@mapei.co.uk

 0121

508 6970

Zaun opens gates to Thames Water Perimeter fencing expert Zaun has installed trackless bi-folding automatic speed gates at a Thames Water administration building. The vehicle gates – which incorporate live-monitored safety edges, dual height safety photocells and manual-disengaging vertical infill bars – have replaced old rising arm barriers at Kemble Court, Thames Water’s Operations Management Centre in Reading. Zaun also installed an adjacent pedestrian turnstile with a passage for bicycles and integrated the installation into existing fencing with 1.8m high HiSec fencing.  www.zaun.co.uk 

sales@zaun.co.uk  01902 796699

Focus & Innovation floor levels. Lorenz Linnhoff, whose firm carried out the work, comments: “The optimum solution for fastening the giant flowers to the building envelope was the Isokorb KST, which transfers the load of the flower installation via the steel beams to the load-bearing building.”

The KST creates thermal breaks in steel structures and transfers tensile forces and pressure/shear forces. On this occasion the product is used only for the latter, as it has to perform a structural function rather than ensure thermal partition.

Each flower is connected by two KST modules near the top of the stalk and their modular capability meant that offsite pre-fabrication was possible. Two head plates were welded to the stalks off site and another two head plates attached to the main steel structure, with the KST modules bolted to them.

Then flower stalk was then lifted into position and the two plates simply bolted to the exterior connections of the KST units.

Schöck solution combines architecture with horticulture The striking facade of this Berlin building is the concept of Sergej Dott, a pop art painter who chose medicinal herbs to represent the building’s use as a major medical centre.

The Treptow Medical Centre is a 19th century listed building and refurbishment work has transformed the interior into 12 surgeries and a pharmacy. The final flourish of the restoration activity is the addition of

the pop art herbs grouped around three sides of the building, each up to 12m high and weighing 600kgs.

To incorporate them into the structure, steel beams had to be installed inside the building at varying

 www.schoeck.co.uk 

design@schoeck.co.uk  01865 290890

Councils save money on street lighting with Venture

Portakabin Hire announces investment in new fleet Portakabin Hire has announced a £22m investment in new modular buildings available for hire. This is in response to the rising demand for accommodation for interim use in both the commercial and public sectors and will make the Group’s hire fleet among the newest in the UK. The £10m first phase of the investment has already been completed and included £3m for new double classrooms which are already helping schools and LEAs to address the urgent shortfall in teaching accommodation for primary education across the UK. The second phase will be manufactured and in stock before the end of 2015.  www.portanews.co.uk  

information@portakabin.co.uk 0845 401 0010

Venture Lighting Europe has supplied to a number of street lighting projects throughout the UK as a cost-effective replacement of previous lamps. The company has seen many successful applications of its lamps across London with over 2000 of Venture’s street lighting solutions supplied, and another 1000 in Aberdeen. Success for Venture’s CM City street lamps around the country is reflected in no less than 26,000 lamps installed across the town of Dudley. The high-performance lamps have also been used for schemes in the London Borough of Bexley and in Aberdeen.

The energy efficient ceramic metal halide lamps save typically 30% of energy when compared to standard metal halide light sources and have double the life expectancy.  www.venturelightingeurope.com  01923 692600  info@venturelighting.co.uk

Waterproofing simplified with Remmers Multi-Tight 2K Multi-Tight 2K is a new, flexible, mineralbased waterproofing product which has all the performance properties of older technology polymer-modified thick bitumen emulsions, whilst being ‘bitumen free’. Using unique rubber granulate filler technology Multi-Tight 2K has a crack-bridging capacity which is five times more effective than standard flexible mineral-based waterproofing systems. The versatility of the product allows it to be used to waterproof below ground externally and internally offering excellent resistance to ground or water pressure as well as frost and salts.  www.remmers.co.uk



sales@remmers.co.uk

 01293

594010

Public Sector Build Journal 57

Focus & Innovation

Nullifire introduces Premier Contractors’ Scheme Underlining the importance of correct application techniques for crucial fire protection systems, as well as its long term support for its network of contracting partners, Nullifire has launched a new contractor training and benefits programme. Participants can undertake the one-day courses either at Nullifire’s headquarters in Coventry, or within the manufacturer’s new purpose-designed facility in Wigan. The manufacturer’s staff will deliver detailed presentations on the performance and application characteristics of products including the now well-established SC902 system and the recentlyintroduced SC801 which complements it. Supervision of preparation and application will be carried out in multiple booths to offer contractors’ operatives valuable hands-on experience.  www.tremco-illbruck.com



info.uk@tremco-illbruck.com

 01942

251400

UK’s largest ever off-site education contract awarded The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham has awarded what is believed to be the largest ever off-site contract in the education sector, to the Portakabin Group – a £44m project to deliver an innovative three-school campus. The 23,000m2 Riverside Schools scheme is one of the largest school projects now under construction and will provide additional places for one of the fastest-growing school-age populations in the UK. Constructed using a Yorkon off-site solution for the curriculum areas, the scheme will accommodate a 10-form entry secondary school, a 630-place primary school, a special educational needs (SEN) school, and a nursery. It will also offer extended provision outside school hours.  www.yorkon.info



info@yorkon.co.uk



0845 2000 123

‘Intelligent Secondary Guarding’ system launched Nationwide Platforms has become the first access hire company to develop and introduce a secondary guarding system designed to prevent a trapping or crushing incident before a collision can occur. SkySiren PCS (Pre-Crush Sensing) represents a major step forward in powered access safety. It automatically stops a mobile elevating working platform (MEWP) boom before the operator comes into collision with an object that could lead to a trap or crush incident. The system is the first in the UK to offer a double protection barrier against trapping and crushing incidents, creating a new level of guarding, which its designers have called ‘Intelligent Secondary Guarding’.  www.nationwideplatforms.co.uk  marketing@nationwideplatforms.co.uk  01455

206713

Enhanced assurance with Fire Rating specification

Trouble free parking at Tondu Primary School Parking for school buses and cars can be a problem outside many rural schools but not at Tondu Primary School near Bridgend, South Wales. An extensive asphalted parking area has been created next to the school with surface water drainage channels supplied by Hauraton Limited. 150m of FASERFIX KS 100 Fibre Reinforced Concrete channels fitted with Class E600 ductile iron gratings were installed by Churngold Construction in the school bus drop-off area with a further 50m of RECYFIX PLUS 100 Class D400 channels in the adjacent car park. RECYFIX channels are made from tough, 100% recycled polypropylene. Both channels have galvanised steel reinforcement housings that take the gratings.  www.drainage-projects.co.uk  

janine.kennedy@hauraton.co.uk 01582 501380

58 Public Sector Build Journal

For projects where an FR rating is required, Showerwall, the versatile bathroom wallpanelling range, can be specified with confidence. The product has recently undergone rigorous testing and achieved the European standard BS EN 13501-1:2007 for Fire Retardancy with a rating of Ds1, d0. This guarantees a strong performance level against, flammability, smoke generation and speed of generation. It is currently the only bathroom panelling product on the market to offer FR credentials. Showerwall is available with a choice of MDF or plywood core, giving cost flexibility for different projects, and both options achieve the FR specification.  www.showerwall.co.uk



info@showerwall.co.uk

 08457

298 298

Snickers launches new Product and Price Catalogue This full colour brochure is now available free to those professional tradesmen and women who want the very best in working clothes. Snickers’ newest Product and Price Catalogue has full details of the new ‘Next Generation’ range of working clothes. There’s also other information on all the other garments and accessories you can get for working effectively in the coming autumn and winter months wherever you are on site. You’ll find quality, innovation and top class functionality in every garment – trousers, winter jackets, toolvests, gloves, jumpers and fleeces – the sign of a brand that knows what it takes to get the job done properly.  www.snickersworkwear.co.uk



info@snickersworkwear.co.uk



01484 854788

Focus & Innovation

Arco urges the UK to ‘clean up’ this winter Over 600,000 people in the UK catch the ‘winter vomiting bug’ each year. Prevention is key and Arco is urging businesses to review their cleaning practices to help reduce the spread of norovirus which can survive for several days on surfaces and objects touched by an infected person. Arco stocks a comprehensive range of cleaning and sanitising products that kill the virus on surfaces, from Magic Safeguard Virucidal Disinfectant Cleaner to Jeyes Cleaner Sanitiser. Arco also offers a fogging machine to fumigate entire rooms that have been infected; it only takes minutes and prevents the norovirus from spreading any further.  www.arco.co.uk/norovirus

 sales@arco.co.uk

 01482

Lumicom specified for major lighting project Work is currently underway by Ringway/ Island Road Lighting of Ryde, Isle of Wight, to replace all council owned street lighting on the Island working in conjunction with Lumicom’s luminaire disposal infrastructure. Ringway was specified to replace approximately 12,000 old street lighting fittings which will be disposed of via Lumicom, to replace them with a more efficient and modern LED light source. The new lighting will also be operated via a central management system so lighting levels and switch on times can be adjusted to allow for the individual needs in the area, whilst improving energy consumption and reducing carbon emissions.  www.lumicom.co.uk

222522

KI’s Maestro - the preferred choice for iSTEM Centre KI has supplied Preston’s College with 265 Maestro chairs in six colours, along with 84 removable tablet arms for their brand new iSTEM Centre. Working with independent interior architecture & FFE specialists SpaceZero, the College required robust, good looking chairs available in colours that would match their interior scheme. David Hales, Supply Manager at SpaceZero comments: “As ever KI delivered the right product, at the right time, at the right price. The Maestro chair is one we often specify where high density stacking, allied to a good aesthetic, is needed. The tablet option, used here, is another reason why Maestro was the preferred choice.”  www.kieurope.com



sales@kieurope.com

 

info@lumicom.co.uk 643 0304

 0845

020 7404 7441

Learning in style

Flowcrete’s flooring formula wows the crowds At last month’s Education Estates, Flowcrete UK demonstrated how its comprehensive range of resin solutions can be used to create fully optimised, fit-for-purpose floors for both new build and refurbishment projects. Flowcrete UK has developed a pioneering flooring package, the Floorzone solution, to provide every element of the floor area required to create attractive, robust and easy to clean finishes.The Floorzone features a number of environmentally friendly options including resin floor finishes and self-levelling screeds made using recycled materials, as well as an energy saving underfloor heating system and noise reducing acoustic layer.  www.flowcrete.co.uk  

ukweb@flowcrete.com 01270 753000

Working in collaboration with Knauf – the UK’s leading manufacturers of lightweight building materials and systems – Associated Architects were able to refurbish a wood-panelled university lecture theatre to a tight budget while remaining sympathetic to the original design. Arthur Thomson Hall is the principal medicine lecture theatre at the University of Birmingham. According to Rav Kumar, the Project Architect, Knauf’s technical input made a substantial contribution to the final outcome. “We wanted a material that was flexible, simple, and offered a range of finishes. The panel’s ability to be laminated by almost any product, with little impact on the overall cost, was a significant plus point for us.”  www.knauf.co.uk



kd@web-response.co.uk



01795 424499

Knauf know-how accelerates primary school build Innovative fixing systems combined with top class design and technical support from Knauf, the manufacturer of lightweight building materials and systems, has accelerated and simplified the construction of Hampshire’s first ‘all-through’ school.

The drylining sub-contractor, MTEC Walling, believes that using Knauf’s Linear fixing system to install Cleaneo Akustik perforated plasterboard shaved around 15% from this element of the construction schedule. Simon Alford from Hampshire County Council property services comments that Knauf’s simplified the specification using the same board throughout for the walls and partitions and Cleaneo Akustik for the ceilings to achieve the robust finish and to meet the acoustic standards set out in Building Bulletin 93.  www.knauf.co.uk



kd@web-response.co.uk



01795 424499

Public Sector Build Journal 59

Safe, Durable, Ecological

UPM Grada New thermo-formable wood material ®

Pure production efficiency like no other New UPM Grada 2000 sets a new benchmark for form pressing.

A single UPM Grada component can be formed in less than one minute. Moreover, the panel does not contain any harmful compounds.

Spectacular design opportunities UPM Grada opens a whole new world for design. Pre-machining, multi-stage forming and the ability to form only a selected part of the component allows for design innovation previously considered impossible or unfeasible.

Simple process – just heat and form!

1. Select and lay-up the surface, if needed.

1. Select and lay-up surface, if needed 1. Select and lay-up surface, if needed 1. Select and lay-up surface, if needed

2. Heat-press the panel to 95°C.

2. Heat and press the panel to 130 °C 2. Heat and press the panel to 130 °C 2. Heat and press the panel to 130 °C

UPM Grada is readily available from stock at:

Call 0116 257 3415 email marketing@lathams.co.uk or visit www.lathamtimber.co.uk

PEFC/02-31-112 Promoting Sustainable Forest Management www.pefc.org

3. Form-press and cool to 70°C. 3. Form press and cool in mould 3. Form press and cool in mould 3. Form press and cool in mould