PSBJ July 2017

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July 2017

A DESIGN-INTENSIVE HEALTHCARE PROJECT BakerHicks completes civil and structural design for phase B of Ulster Hospital

Health facilities for Hart

A change of plan

A potential solution

Hart Leisure Centre has recently opened its doors to the residents of Fleet

Eric Wright Construction's Burnley School refurbishment project makes a U-turn

Can infill developments provide an answer to the UK's ever-evolving housing crisis?

Drexus XL is Marshalls’ high capacity linear drainage system tested and certified to F900 loading suitable for light commercial to heavy duty schemes where large hydraulics are required.

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Welcome Note Editor

Rebecca Kemp

rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com

Editorial Assistant Paige Smith

paige@mixedmediainfo.com

Print & Digital Advertising Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Print Design Manager Jack Witcomb

jack@mixedmediainfo.com

Digital Design Manager David Perry

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Production Assistant Sofia Franchi

The Ulster Hospital is one of Europe's largest hospital redevelopment projects. See page 28.

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Accounts

Simone Jones

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Charlie Ivy

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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 ww.psbj.co.uk

Welcome to the July issue of PSBJ...

June 9th’s snap election outcome came as a shock to many within the UK. After failing to secure a majority Government, falling short of eight seats – acquiring only 318 out of the 326 necessary – the Tories intend to form a Government with the Democratic Unionist Party in Northern Ireland (DUP), and, as I write, it is understood that Theresa May is in talks with the DUP. The unforeseen election result has spurred a number of divided opinions across all industries, and the construction sector’s opinion is no different. Many look to the inconclusive outcome of last week’s result as increasing further uncertainty within the construction industry over a hard or soft Brexit, whilst many architects see the result as an opportunity to form a better trade deal with the EU. Amidst these mixed emotions, it’s difficult to picture what’s in store for the UK over the next few years, only time will tell. One thing that is certain is that final Brexit negotiations must address the skills shortage in infrastructure and construction, and construction will have to take a front seat within these negotiations.

Politics aside, in this issue Nicolas Maari, Head of Architecture at Pellings, addresses how councils can take a strategic approach to infill developments, Hart District Council unveils its £23m leisure centre and one of the largest hospital developments in Europe welcomes its first patients.

PSBJ is a proud supporter of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

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

The Publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

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

Rebecca

Rebecca Kemp | Editor | rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com Follow us on Twitter:

@psbjmagazine

Download the PSBJ app for iPhone, iPad & Android Search 'PSBJ'

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Contents

06 News A round up of the latest industry updates including charity events, awarded contracts, completed projects and much more.

08 Upfront Stirling Council has turned to smart energy software company, PassivSystems, to assist with its solar programme for social housing.

14 Talking Point Security system supplier, Appello, looks into the Internet of Things and addresses how it can support retirees’ health and social care.

16 Leisure The Hampshire town of Fleet has welcomed a second leisure centre to its district, Hart Leisure Centre. Here, Willmott Dixon reports on the build.

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18 Technical Focus

22 Education

26 BIM

Safeguard’s Director, Hudson Lambert, looks at alternatives to traditional plasters when seeking to re-cover damp walls.

Kevin Burgoyne from Eric Wright Construction talks through the firm’s most recent, far from straightforward project for Burnley High School.

Mark Penny, Construction Manager at ISG, explains how Asta Powerproject assisted in the work at Lulworth & Winfrith Primary School.

20 Legal & Business

24 Housing

28 Healthcare

Lynn Gibson, Director at Gibson Hewitt, explains why the practitioner is warning construction firms of businesses operating as an SPV.

Nicolas Maari, Head of Architecture at Pellings, reports on taking a strategic approach to infill developments to meet the UK’s housing needs.

BakerHicks has completed its part in the latest phase of one of the largest hospital redevelopment schemes in Europe – the Ulster Hospital.

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30 Paints

36 Perimeter Fencing

Crown Paints has secured a five-year contract with Derby Homes’ properties for its flame-retardant coating.

Zaun’s Sales Manager, Mo Ali, addresses the importance of perimeter fencing for school projects.

32 HVAC

38 Security

Kensa Contracting’s retrofit pump project for Hanover Housing Association completed in just 10 weeks and has been commended within the industry.

Deceuninck examines the very specific security considerations that are required when installing windows and doors in care homes.

34 Balustrades

40 Product Showcase

Delta Balustrades’ Orbis system has contributed to Bolton Interchange’s open and light-filled scheme.

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

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News

INDUSTRY UPDATES

Each month PSBJ rounds up the latest public sector construction updates, from new contracts to industry awards.

Wavegarden Scotland reports positive public feedback Wavegarden Scotland, the company which hopes to develop Scotland’s first artificial wave park, has submitted its planning application after receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from public consultation events held earlier this year. The planning application proposes to redevelop Craigpark Quarry near Ratho, Edinburgh, into a worldclass surf and leisure facility offering a variety of water sports on its manmade loch. The 23-hectare wave park has been masterplanned and designed by landscape architect firm, HarrisonStevens, with engineering and technical consultation provided by WSP, and planning and development advice by Colliers International. Wavegarden Scotland held two public consultations in February where over 260 people attended with more taking part online and via the company’s social media channels. In an unprecedented scenario for a major application, zero objections were raised.

Wavegarden Scotland will be an ecologicallyresponsible and diverse space for the surrounding communities and visiting public, with a large country park for walkers, runners and cyclists to enjoy.

New building gets set to accelerate energy research Work has started on a new building at the University of Nottingham which will be a centre for world-leading energy research in

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the UK. Known as the Research Acceleration and Demonstration (RAD) building and costing £5.4m to construct, the 2500m2 centre is being developed by Robert Woodhead on the university’s Jubilee Campus. When completed it will provide state-of-the-art facilities for research and testing as part of the Energy Research Accelerator initiative. The Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) is an Innovate UK-funded initiative, which combines the research expertise of the six Midlands Innovation universities and the British Geological Survey (BGS) with the know-how of industry, to deliver a step change in energy innovation. The ERA partners are working together to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the UK. ERA is also a key pillar of the Government’s Midlands Engine agenda, helping to create new jobs and providing a platform for productivity for the region and the wider UK.

Green light for student accommodation development in Newcastle Nixon Property has received planning permission from Newcastle City Council for a new 10-storey student accommodation development on St James’ Boulevard in the city centre designed by tp bennett. The 8350m2 building will replace a group of single and two-storey, L-shaped buildings currently on the site and provide 246 bedrooms in a mix of studios and cluster apartments of three, five and six bedrooms. A number of open space areas will be provided together

with an improved hard and soft landscaped public realm located along the St James’ Boulevard frontage and a terrace area on the first floor overlooking the open space to the rear. There is also a gym on the first floor alongside a cinema room, study room and laundry facilities. The scheme forms part of the Science Central masterplan, a 24-acre prime city centre development in Newcastle upon Tyne, designed to support a thriving community, rewarding jobs and groundbreaking scientific advances. Shane Loughran, Head of Operations at Nixon Property, says: “We are delighted with the outcome of our recent planning application. tp bennett and the team have worked extremely hard with the local authority over the last year to alleviate the local authority concerns.”

Hillingdon Council shortlisted for industry award for Northwood Secondary School Hillingdon Council has been shortlisted for a prestigious award at the London Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence Awards for its rebuild of Northwood Secondary School. The £35m project will offer 1080 school places for pupils in Hillingdon, and has been shortlisted for an award for ‘Best Educational Building.’ The school building has three storeys, measures 9800m2 in size and promotes an academic focus on performing arts. The building features 53 classrooms, specialist design and technology rooms, a sports hall and a sixth form study. A stage area with retractable seating sits at the heart of the school, and additional arts facilities include an outdoor amphitheatre and performing arts specialist rooms. The project was delivered in partnership with Farrans Construction and the Education Funding Agency, which contributed £7m to the project. The construction company has created a timelapse video which shows the school being built from start to finish. Councillor David Simmonds, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “We are delighted that Northwood School has been recognised by the LABC, and the school’s exceptional new facilities will provide young people in Hillingdon with high-quality education.”

Conlon Construction completes Weeton Primary School Preston-based Conlon Construction has completed a £3.8m school project for the children of army personnel. The constructor began work on the new primary school at Weeton Barracks near Blackpool in January 2016. Now completed, the single-storey building replaces the old Weeton Primary School on nearby Grantham Road. As well as seven classrooms, it boasts a new playground and all-weather sports pitch.

The new site also has a library, a ‘Rainbow Room’ for children who need extra support and a sports hall. The project, commissioned and fully funded by Lancashire County Council as well as designed by the council’s design and construction team, adds additional school places increasing the capacity of the former building from 160 to 210 children. Weeton Primary School was originally built in 1958 to provide education for the children of service personnel. Since then it has welcomed over 5000 pupils from countries including Singapore, Gibraltar, Australia, Ceylon and Bahrain.

Lanes Group wins major Transport for London FM contract Lanes Group has won a contract to provide facilities maintenance services for the London Underground. The five-year contract, with an option for a three-year extension, is the third maintenance contract awarded by Transport for London (TfL) to Lanes Group in four months. The contract covers all building maintenance work along underground lines, as well as depots, train crew accommodation, engineering works and power sites. The contract award is part of TfL’s new approach to facilities management. It is consolidating 50 contracts into just six, delivering £34m in savings, while supporting the Mayor of London’s plans for improving transport.

Lanes Group Managing Director, Wayne Earnshaw, said: “These contract wins are just rewards for the excellent work our rail division is doing to support London Underground. They also reflect the success of our strategy to grow the volume of business we do in the rail industry across all our operations. We are delighted to be part of TfL’s drive making its supply chain more efficient and cost-effective.”

IBI Group appointed to progress plans for state-of-the-art wellness centre The City and County of Swansea Council, in partnership with Abertawe BroMorgannwg University Health Board, has commissioned specialist healthcare advisor, IBI Group, to work on the feasibility of a new wellness centre that aims to address future trends in healthcare. In a move to place as much emphasis on citizens’ wellbeing as on healthcare, the partners are seeking to examine how to create a state-of-the-art ‘wellness centre’ that also makes full use of the opportunities afforded by healthcare technology. The forward-thinking proposal will mean local residents can combine a trip to see their GP with the use of a wide range of nonclinical services that can support health and wellbeing in a drive to encourage individuals to take greater care of their health. The local community will benefit

Yorkshire batch of Priority Schools Building Programme complete Yorkshire Learning Partnership is pleased to announce that the first three schools in the Yorkshire batch of the Priority Schools Building Programme have been completed to programme. The three schools to open are Beckfoot Upper Heaton and Samuel Lister Academy,

both in the Bradford Metropolitan area, together with Harrogate High School in north Yorkshire. The Yorkshire batch of schools comprises seven schools in west and north Yorkshire, and has been procured by the Education Funding Agency. The project will deliver circa 63,283m2 of new teaching accommodation which will benefit in excess of 7000 students. The learning environments have been designed around double- and triple-height community spaces, such as halls and dining areas, to provide an abundance of natural light throughout the buildings. Each school also has a new standalone sports hall. Laing O’Rourke Construction has been contracted

by Yorkshire Learning Partnership to carry out the construction of the buildings and provide the FM service.

News

from a new, integrated development which could include facilities such as a GP services, community healthcare, services from the third sector, an ‘Institute of Life Sciences’ satellite facility and an education and skills development centre.

Nicholas Hare Architects appointed by UCL Nicholas Hare Architects has been appointed by UCL to overhaul and renew the Bloomsbury Theatre. Built in 1968 to the designs of James Cubitt & Partners, the theatre’s 550-seat auditorium will be entirely but sensitively refurbished as part of the project, with new technical and services infrastructure that will help drive a more inclusive and far-reaching programme. Construction is expected to start later this year, with the theatre due to reopen in autumn 2018. “This cutting-edge revamp will give student societies and productions the full benefits of a 21st century theatre and create the opportunity for collaboration between academics, artists, performers, directors and companies,” stated a spokesperson for UCL Culture. “We enjoy engaging with forward-thinking clients, the challenge of tricky existing buildings and extending our expertise in successful theatre projects.

For us, working with the UCL team to reinvigorate the Bloomsbury Theatre is an ideal opportunity,” commented James Eades, Partner at Nicholas Hare Architects.

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Upfront Residents who have solar arrays on their properties save around £270 per year with solar switch devices being installed in off-gas areas

MAXIMISING SOLAR RETURNS FOR SOCIAL HOUSING

In pursuing their efforts to address fuel poverty, many social housing landlords face some unique challenges in tackling the pressures to keep rental and energy costs as low as possible while complying with increasingly stringent energy efficiency standards.

Council is a case S tirling in point. Scotland has introduced higher energy efficiency standards – the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH), to which social landlords must comply by 2020.

“Solar PV is the only viable technology that will get us over the pass mark,” said Gregor Wightman, Property and Private Sector Housing Manager at Stirling Council. “Our aim

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is to roll-out solar PV to as many properties as possible – although we are limited by the challenges, we face mixedtenure tenements and stock located within conservation areas.”

Stirling has already installed over 1500 systems, giving it a portfolio of almost 4.8 MW to manage. The council is planning to install PV to another 2000 of its properties, funding the project by supplementing its

solar PV capital investment budget with the feed-in tariff (FIT) payments it receives.

Residents who have solar arrays on their properties save around £270 per year with solar switch devices being installed in offgas areas and battery storage being trialled in a number of properties.

Minimising downtime Stirling Council launched its solar programme in 2012, and

was clear at the outset that it would need to implement remote monitoring to maximise returns and minimise maintenance costs. It is crucial that the solar arrays work at peak efficiency to recoup the council’s expenditure.

From the outset of the solar PV programme, Sterling Council's appointed contractor at the time recommended PassivSystems’ products and services, and Stirling has used

Upfront its smart meters and associated services on all installations since then.

“We depend on the PassivPro service to alert us to when a PV array goes offline so that we can fix problems with minimum downtime. Using its automated metering facility removes the cost of having to send staff to each property every three months to get a meter reading,” continued Gregor. “We also depend on the automated weekly reports we generate to verify that individual systems are performing to our expectations and, with the use of PassivPro Dual Element Generation meters, we can also remotely monitor the self-consumption rates in each property.”

As a result of using automated monitoring, Stirling Council now includes response times in the service levels it agrees with its O&M partners.

and how much energy is exported and calculate on site consumption.

Using the dual element meter – predominantly on its new properties – allows Stirling to provide feedback to its tenants about self-consumption levels

The council is planning to install PV to another 2000 of its properties, funding the project by supplementing its solar PV capital investment budget with the feed-in tariff (FIT) payments it receives

and can aim to maximise their benefit from the free solar power they receive.

Because of the wiring implications, Stirling can’t

physically fit the dual element meters to some of its older properties – there simply isn’t enough wiring room within the distribution board. 

Advanced metering PassivSystems offers Stirling a choice of meters, with its latest dual element meter able to measure the power generated

As a result of using automated monitoring, Stirling Council now includes response times in the service levels it agrees

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Upfront “As a social housing provider we’re more accountable than private housing developers,” stated Gregor. “Having accurate information from the smart meters enables us to report back to our tenants and explain how they are benefiting from our solar investment – that’s a significant benefit to us.”

Stirling has already installed over 1500 systems, giving it a portfolio of almost 4.8 MW to manage

submission dates, read failure resolution and financial reconciliations was taking a significant amount of time and resource each month; switching to arto.energy has almost eliminated this burden.

The system ensures that copies of all documentation for new registrations are stored securely and are verified. Furthermore, meter reads are submitted completely automatically without the need for intervention from

the council each quarter. Potential failed reads are communicated to the council for remedial works.

This ensures that at the end of each quarterly levelisation period, the maximum FIT revenue can be claimed. 

FIT automation services Stirling Council has also benefited from the feed-in tariff automation services delivered by PassivSystems and sister company and FIT licensee, arto.energy.

The benefits of the service were clear from the beginning to Stirling Council. It enables both a simplified cloud-based registration process for new solar PV installations and fully automated quarterly FIT meter read submissions for its entire portfolio.

The results – a significant reduction in workload by alleviating the administration of managing FIT claims and registering new systems – have been quite tangible. Managing multiple FIT licensees, read

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PassivSystems offers Stirling a choice of meters, with its latest dual element meter able to measure the power generated and how much energy is exported

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Upfront Stirling Council has also benefited from the feed-in tariff automation services delivered by PassivSystems and sister company, arto.energy

Measurable results Solar PV incorporates inherently reliable technology; systems rarely break down. Where automated monitoring really helps is in identifying issues brought about by tenants.

Common faults include tenants letting their prepayment meters

run out, or not resetting trip switches after a circuit fault, or sometimes turning off the isolator switch in error.

“As a result of using PassivSystems’ platform we’re probably getting another 5% out of our whole portfolio,” claimed Gregor. “That’s a

Solar PV incorporates inherently reliable technology; systems rarely break down

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financial benefit on top of the cost savings we get from automating the meter reading and streamlining the FIT process.

“We’re very happy with what PassivSystems gives us. As well as providing good products, it also offers excellent technical

support. We can pick up the phone and immediately talk to an expert who will be fully up to speed with the product.

PassivSystems also understands the commercial pressures that we work to and have come up with a volume-based business model that suits our needs.

“PassivSystems is constantly developing the product to improve its feature set – and it has shown that it clearly understands the unique challenges we face as a social landlord. Investing in these technologies and services is essential if we are to get the best out of our microgeneration portfolio.

It also gives us a platform to develop new approaches in the future. For example, going to market with a power-purchase agreement model where we forego the diminishing FIT and instead sell power back to the grid on the open market.”

Stirling Council has over 5600 social housing properties of which 7% are located in rural areas with no access to the gas network. 

 www.passivsystems.com

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Talking Point

A high-speed internet connection will, within a relatively short space of time, be a utility that’s expected by people of all ages, including the post-60s

THE GOLDEN YEARS FOR IOT AND THE POST-60 HOUSING MODEL The new model of housing for the post-60 market in the UK is the perfect environment for the Internet of Things (IoT) to make a difference, and house-builders and providers are waking up to the advantages. a recent research study, I n'Fast Forward to Digital Care', conducted by Appello, some 86% of housing providers and builders said that digital and internet-connected technology was critical to the future success of their business.

Using connected devices to augment the lifestyles of retirees and support their health and social care will make a difference to quality of living. Appello believes that smart devices, which support mobility, social inclusion and independence, will become as indispensable as inbuilt appliances are today. We’re entering the golden years for the IoT. The retirement housing market is still in significant supply shortage. Figures from the University of Reading suggest that 2% of current housing stock in the UK is purpose-built

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retirement property. 2016 research from Knight Frank, however, shows that around 25% of over-55s said they wanted to move into some sort of retirement housing in the future.

The IoT is going to enable house-builders and investors to produce competitive offerings to support this market demand.

In fact, 65% of those Appello spoke with in its Digital Care report suggested that the improved customer benefits from going digital were one of the key reasons they were looking into digital and the IoT.

post-60s. In purpose-built new homes, including retirement living communities, apartments and even care homes, superfast broadband will be pre-available, installed and part of the package.

Carl Atkey is Chief Technical Officer at Appello – a company that partners with housing, health and care organisations to provide technology-enabled care and life safety services that help housing, health and social care organisations to deliver better outcomes – ones that improve the lives of their customers, patients and residents.

The IoT will then be enabled, and can layer smart devices on top of the connection, to attract buyers to developments by demonstrating life-supporting and enhancing features.

What’s going to drive the change?

In short, a high-speed internet connection will, within a relatively short space of time, be a utility that’s expected by people of all ages, including the

Using connected devices to augment the lifestyles of retirees and support their health and social care will make a difference to quality of living

Talking Point

Appello’s top five IoT developments to watch Appello is developing IoT capable services and solutions for its retirement living customers.

Here are its top five technologies it believes are going to bring these golden years of the IoT to life for post-60s residential developments: The personal monitoring device: Fitbits, Jawbones and Apple Watches and all similar smart devices can be worn more comfortably and discretely by older adults than care bracelets and alarms. These wristbands can collect vital health data, such as heart rate and number of steps completed, which can be gathered and monitored as part of a healthcare support package.

The white goods with smart capabilities: the IoT makes many headlines by promising smart ovens that cook the perfect dinner for your return from work.

However, a more immediate and practical application would be to enable the fridge, oven or microwave to carry sensors which record their use. Opened fridge doors suggest food is being prepared and eaten, a water jug emptying suggests a person is drinking. A toilet flush sensor suggests that a person is using the bathroom. When monitoring many long-term health conditions, this information can prove vital,

Appello believes that smart devices, which support mobility, social inclusion and independence, will become as indispensable as inbuilt appliances are today

and monitoring in this fashion negates the need for invasive visits and embarrassing questions.

Improved customer experience: stepping up from the ability to ‘pull a cord and know that help is on its way’, the IoT will focus more on social inclusion and the creation of community. This would feature the construction of apps such as a Facebook-style social tool, available via reliable

digital access. Door access and calling for assistance would be delivered via video interaction rather than speakerphone, increasing social interaction and the personal experience.

The smart TV experience: just as at many luxury hotels, your stay is navigable, and activities bookable through your in-room television, the TV becomes a community access point in the retirement

property. Group activities can be booked, meal plans viewed, video chats with family and friends enabled and property repairs booked with a video call to your service provider. A person to talk to face-to-face, via your television screen, becomes 24/7 accessible, and normal.

The digital smart key: house keys will become intelligent key cards, which contain community currency, secure entry to communal rooms and facilities, and are swiped at meal times, or for access to essential medication so that, for example, a diabetic can be remotely monitored. The cards collect data which can be analysed by the care and healthcare providers to monitor where necessary. All the information on the card is stored centrally to ensure security and manage possible loss of the physical card.

For a businesses to remain competitive, adapting to technology innovation is a logical path. For those designing and building retirement living property, and properties to last a lifetime, it’s going to become an essential path. The Internet of Things’ golden years are on the next page of the calendar. 

The IoT is going to enable house-builders and investors to produce competitive offerings to support market demand

 www.appello.co.uk

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Leisure

To construct the new Hart Leisure Centre, the council picked one of the UK’s largest builders of leisure facilities, Willmott Dixon

Project: Hart Leisure Centre Location: Hitches Lane, Fleet Cost: £23m Client: Hart District Council Architect: GT3 Main contractor: Willmott Dixon Leisure centre operator: Everyone Active

HEALTH FACILITIES FOR HART

Building a new leisure centre can be a gamble for a local authority, particularly when the council already has one in operation and suggests a costly alternative on a site in the countryside.

District Council had a H art leisure centre at Hitches Lane in Fleet, but proposed building a new one nearby, adjacent to Edenbrook Country Park.

The plans were not taken lightly and the council spent time visiting other leisure centres to view good and bad examples of the components of a successful leisure centre.

It was noted at one centre, for example, that a narrow corridor between the outdoor pitches and the changing rooms created a bottleneck. This type of information was fed back to the design team led by architect practice, GT3.

To construct the new Hart Leisure Centre, the council picked one of the UK’s largest builders of leisure facilities, Willmott Dixon, using the SCAPE public sector framework.

The plans continued to be tweaked before the first designs were unveiled at the end of 2014, when the cost was put at £23m. Willmott Dixon broke ground at the beginning of September 2015 and from then on progress was relentless.

Keeping close to the community, during the construction period, members of the public were allowed access

to the scheme as part of ‘Open Doors Week’. Richard Weaving, Senior Site Manager for Willmott Dixon on the project, said: “Open Doors lets the community see what they are going to get, we had a fantastic response!”

The community focus continued; during construction, 88 work experience placements were created for local 15-17 yearolds, while three quarters of the local labour was sourced from within a 40-mile radius of the site.

Best in class facilities Hart Leisure Centre, which is operated on behalf of Hart District Council by sports and

GT3’s design aimed to create a pavilion-type building and was designed as three interlocking pavilions

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leisure provider Everyone Active, opened in spring 2017. It hosts three indoor swimming pools: a 25m eight-lane pool, a 25m four-lane intermediate pool with moveable floor and a 20 x 8.5m teaching pool. Consultant, FT Leisure, which is a regular supplier for Willmott Dixon, designed all three pools.

Also included is an eight-court sports hall, an 8m-high climbing wall, a wet changing room village, plant rooms and store rooms, administration offices, a reception, a ‘grab and go’ cafe, a 130-station gym, four exercise studios and sauna and steam rooms.

Externally, there are four 3G pitches, one full-size 4G pitch and two grass pitches with external changing rooms.

Sustainability has been key to the project, which features PV solar thermal panels, natural ventilation to the sports hall, landscape planting to encourage biodiversity, PIR lighting and a combined heating and power (CHP) system to reuse the waste heat from the pool hall.

GT3’s design aimed to create a pavilion-type building and was designed as three interlocking pavilions. The two sweeping curved roofs accommodate the pool hall and sports hall, and

Leisure

the fitness suite and climbing wall sit between the two wings with the curved roof framing this central space.

The distinctive exterior roof is clad with weathered standing seam roof sheets. Inside, the pool hall has a tied arch roof featuring aluminium perforated acoustic deck and suspended African ayous timber, with the latter specified by the client.

Render has been used on the walls but not at low levels as Willmott Dixon changed this element of the design due to concerns that these blank open spaces could attract vandals.

The building sits within a seven-acre site bordering on fields, so landscaping has also been important and Willmott Dixon shifted 20,000m3 using cut-and-fill. Nothing went to landfill with levels to accommodate the excavations.

With concerns over building in a greenfield area, 4800 trees and 50,000 shrubs were planted around the site.

Willmott Dixon handed the project over in April 2017 and during the opening ceremony the chairman of the council said: “The project is one of the biggest investments the council has made and it reflects our commitment to health and wellbeing in the district.”

Also included is a reception, a ‘grab and go’ cafe, a 130-station gym, four exercise studios and sauna and steam rooms

Olympic reception The Hart Leisure Centre was opened on 1st April 2017 by double Olympic champion Swimmer Rebecca Adlington and Alex Danson, who won a gold medal as part of Team GB’s winning women’s hockey team at Rio 2016 and grew up locally.

More than 5000 customers visited the centre on its opening weekend to get a taste of the state-of-the-art facilities on offer. In addition to users from the old sports facility, the new leisure centre will also pick up new users from a major residential development on its doorstep. Berkeley Homes is building 237 units at Edenbrook and a further 116 homes opposite to the leisure centre.

With a guaranteed clientele and praise from two Olympic gold medallists, Hart Council’s new leisure centre looks a guaranteed winner. 

 www.willmottdixon.co.uk

Inside, the pool hall has a tied arch roof featuring aluminium perforated acoustic deck and suspended African ayous timber

Hart Leisure Centre hosts three indoor swimming pools: a 25m eight-lane pool, a 25m four-lane intermediate pool with moveable floor and a 20 x 8.5m teaching pool

17

Technical Focus While a plaster skim is usually applied over the plasterboard, using a ‘dry jointing’ method allows the fastest results

IT’S A COVER UP Hudson Lambert, Director of Safeguard Europe, looks at the alternatives to traditional plasters when seeking to re-cover damp walls; while considering the possibilities of impervious coverings – along with hybrid and insulated plasterboards. plasters have T raditional been used on internal

There is a need for internal plastering systems that are impervious to damp damage

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walls for thousands of years to create smooth, decorative surfaces. For instance, limebased plasters were being used in Jordan as long ago as 7500 BC; while clay and gypsum plasters were used in ancient China and India.

In the UK, lime plaster – either applied directly to walls or onto timber laths – was used until the middle of the 19th century, until ceding a dominant position to gypsum plasters and then, since WW2, gypsum plasterboards.

These are all quality systems and quite durable when applied to dry walls. However, in the face of rising or penetrating damp, gypsum boards and lime or gypsum plasters can start to fail. This is especially the case where the dampness introduces salts into the plasterwork.

Consequently, there is a need for internal plastering systems that are impervious to this sort of damp damage. Previously, the solution would have been sand: cement plasters, based on strong mixes (typically 3:1)

of sharp sand and cement and often with a waterproofing additive incorporated.

There is no doubt that these are very effective at holding back damp and salts, yet have formed their own downsides such as condensation risk, poor insulation qualities and a cold feel that is unpopular with building occupants. Also slow and expensive to apply, they are not suitable for traditional buildings (because they can’t flex), don’t breathe and can damage underlying brickwork.

Alternatives were seen in the first generation of refurbishment plasters, typically composed of cement, lime, perlite and calcium stearate; yet their resistance against damp and salts was relatively poor compared with sand: cement versions.

More recently, new ‘second generation’ plastering systems were introduced that are more resilient to dampness and salts than traditional plastering methods. These are intended to replace existing plaster that has already deteriorated (having already also tackled the cause

Meshed cavity drainage membranes Other properties include a low compressive strength, ensuring that the plaster can easily be removed later without damaging underlying brickwork; high water vapour diffusion (breathable) and conformity for the EN998-1 CE standard as ‘Renovation Mortars’.

Impervious coverings come in a few varieties, yet easily the most popular are meshed cavity drainage membranes. These are attached to walls using special fixing plugs, and then can be plastered over using traditional gypsum, lime or other plasters.

Effective as they are, it should be remembered that despite a notional air gap behind the membrane, these systems are not breathable and will drive rising damp further up the wall unless controlled at source using a high-specification remedial damp-proofing cream or rod.

More recently, fleeced DPMs are a natural development from meshed cavity drainage membranes. First, a flexible waterproof adhesive is applied to the wall, then the fleeced DPM applied over adhesive and, finally, traditional plasters can be applied on top.

These have the same disadvantages as meshed cavity drainage membranes; yet are

faster to apply and their lower profile makes it easier to blend them in with existing plaster finishes.

Beyond these two types of membrane are new systems based around ‘hybrid’ plasterboard. The design intention of these is to utilise the convenience of plasterboard, yet enhance it to reliably allow it on walls susceptible to damp. This is especially useful in situations where speed is important (e.g. tenanted properties where decanting may be inconvenient) and decoration can take place as soon as the system is installed (when using dry joints rather than a plaster skim).

Although they are not suitable where wall surfaces are particularly uneven, they are breathable (except where foil-backed or insulated plasterboard is used) and BBAapproved types are available – which acts as reassurance to clients such as local authorities.

Installation is relatively straightforward: waterrepellent/salt-disrupting silane cream is applied to wall and plasterboard, applied in the traditional way (although water/ salt-resistant MS-polymer adhesive is used instead of traditional gypsum-based plasterboard adhesive).

Internal plastering systems for damp walls – plasterboard

Technical Focus

of the damp); or for use in newbuild and conversion projects to limit potential damage caused by minor ingress of dampness during the lifetime of the building.

These modern replastering systems are capable of being applied to walls while they are still damp and can resist high levels of moisture and salt ingress. The suitability of these for a given project will depend on several factors such as the age of the building, the required speed of application and whether it is possible to fully deal with the underlying cause of dampness.

The make up of these plasters means they have large pores and a high pore volume.

This allows salts to form within the plaster rather than on the surface; and the high pore volume results in higher thermal resistance, reducing the risk of condensation.

Internal plastering systems for damp walls – plastering

High strength bond ‘Synergistic’ chemistry ensures a high strength chemical bond between the silane cream and the MS-polymer adhesive (due to covalent bonding between the silane components of both materials).

While a plaster skim is usually applied over the plasterboard, using a ‘dry jointing’ method allows the fastest results – and means walls can be re-plastered and re-decorated in less than 24 hours.

If required, the system can be used in conjunction with insulated plasterboard.

However, as is always the case when using internal wall insulation, certain precautions are required to minimise condensation risk and it will hinder drying out of the wall compared with when standard (porous) plasterboard is used. 

 www.safeguardeurope.com

19

Legal & Business

BUILDERS BEWARE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE

Research is key before taking on any contract, no matter how lucrative or straightforward it may seem

Award-winning business recovery and insolvency specialist, Gibson Hewitt, is warning construction businesses to be cautious about the relationships they build with businesses that operate as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). companies are T hese often a subsidiary company of a larger business created for one-off projects.

They have a liability structure and legal status that makes their obligations secure even if the parent company goes bankrupt.

However, these types of businesses are increasingly used by developers to hide debt or to remove liability from a project if it doesn’t meet the budget, which often results in the liquidation of the SPV, leaving construction companies and contractors out of pocket.

The experienced team at Gibson Hewitt are now warning businesses to be on the lookout for these types of arrangements, as they

20

have seen a growing trend of developers using SPVs as a way of avoiding liability.

In fact, they point to the fact that SPVs are now coming under increasing scrutiny by Government departments in the form of new tax rules and legislation, which demonstrates that these business practices are coming under growing suspicion by the authorities.

Lynn Gibson, Director at Gibson Hewitt, said: “The use of SPVs in construction has long been common practice and it is not unusual for a developer to operate multiple SPVs to cover each site they are developing.

“In one way it makes sense as the funding for each site is then protected if another site suffers.

For the employer, SPV can make

sense as one project does not put others at risk but for the builder it can increase the risk, as the SPV may not be adequately funded.

Some employers have a history of inadequately funded SPVs.” She said while this remains a fairly rare practice it was something that construction firms and contractors needed to be aware of before starting any job.

“Research is key before taking on any contract, no matter how lucrative or straightforward it may seem,” said Lynn.

“Ask around and do background checks online on the business behind the SPV to try and find out whether they have previously liquidated any other companies, as this could prove invaluable.

“If there appears to be a

Lynn Gibson formed Gibson Hewitt & Co in 1988 with Robert Hewitt. She is a Fellow of the Association of Business Recovery Professionals and a qualified Insolvency Practitioner. trend of liquidations then it may be best to walk away or at least give yourself time to ensure that the contract is watertight before signing on the dotted line.

“When SPVs liquidate, construction firms can find it very difficult to get paid and recover any debts, expenses or costs they may have incurred during the project.” 

 www.gibsonhewitt.co.uk

Education

FLEXIBLE APPROACH OVERCOMES COAL SEAM HURDLE AT BURNLEY SCHOOL BUILD Here, Kevin Burgoyne from Eric Wright Construction discusses the company’s newly-completed Burnley High School project in Lancashire. more than two A fter years in temporary accommodation, students from Burnley High School started the summer term in their new school

building this April, following a construction project that may not have followed the original plan but has delivered an outcome far beyond the trust’s expectations.

A new free school delivered for the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and Chapel Street Community Schools Trust, which has 450 student

The original plan for a refurbishment was replaced with a new-build scheme, while a local business centre was remodelled as temporary accommodation for the students

Project: Burnley High School Location: Lancashire Construction firm: Eric Wright Construction

capacity with a 200-student sixth form, was initially planned as a refurbishment of the disused Habergham High School in Burnley. Due to start on site in April 2015 to be ready for students in September of that year, the original project was a straightforward upgrade of the existing building within a fivemonth programme.

As there was an existing 1960s school on the site, no one envisaged any significant issues when the Eric Wright Construction team commissioned searches and ground investigations but, below ground, existing shallow worked coal seams forced the ESFA to put the project on hold.

It was no longer viable to refurbish the existing building as neither the construction works nor future occupation of the building were safe. The original plan for a refurbishment was replaced with a new-build scheme, while a local business centre was remodelled as temporary accommodation for the students.

Preparing the site

The construction scheme included a full FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) package, along with transferring legacy furniture and equipment across to the new building from the temporary accommodation

22

Eric Wright Construction started on site with remediation and demolition works in October 2015. Development of the specification for the design and build project was carried out in

Varied facilities

By January 2016, the site was ready for construction to begin and the scheme was fully designed. The unusual ground conditions on site made it impossible to use piled foundations, so, instead, a reinforced concrete raft slab was used, onto which the steel frame for the three-storey building was erected.

The three-storey building is designed around a central atrium which forms the assembly hall at ground floor level; a multi-use space with terraced seating, a demountable stage and a large matrix screen that can be used for performances and community events in addition to school assemblies.

Balconies at first and second floor level overlook the open and light-filled space of the atrium, leading off to an enviable range of teaching facilities, which include a full teaching kitchen for food tech students, a bank of fullyequipped science labs with piped gas services along one side of the building at first floor level and ITC suites fitted with the latest laptops and smart boards.

Teaching facilities built into the new school also include a design and technology suite, a large music room, dry and wet art rooms, a learning resource centre and a science exhibition space. A double-height sports hall has also been integrated into the main

Education

parallel with this pre-construction phase, with the team working closely with the appointed architects, structural engineers and building services designers.

Asbestos from the existing building was surveyed and safely removed, enabling demolition to take place. All the original materials from the existing building were then crushed on site and used as infill for the project, reducing the cost of the scheme and diverting waste from landfill to reduce the project’s environmental impact.

With the building demolished, Eric Wright Construction brought in drilling and grouting specialists to drill into the coal seams and inject grout into them to fill the voids and stabilise the site. Three test bores were drilled to ensure that the voids had been filled effectively before construction could begin.

Balconies at first and second floor level overlook the open and light-filled space of the atrium, leading off to an enviable range of teaching facilities

school building with facilities for basketball, volleyball, badminton and five-a-side football, along with a separate fitness suite with gym equipment.

The change of scheme to a newbuild project has also enabled the specification of excellent back of house facilities including a full commercial kitchen and dedicated dining room, a reception and administration areas and pastoral one-to-one facilities.

The construction scheme included a full FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) package, along with transferring legacy furniture and equipment across to the new building from the temporary accommodation and installation of all lab equipment, kitchens and IT.

An external works package of hard and soft landscaping was also delivered as part of the scheme, including creation of a new MUGA pitch, outdoor social spaces, a car park and extensive tree planting.

On time, on budget Despite the challenges of re-programming the project, Burnley High School was delivered on time within a revised budget, with the students returning to school in their new building after the Easter break.

Indeed, the focus on completing on time to enable the school to occupy the building was such a priority that, at one stage, the project was six weeks ahead of programme. This time

was used towards the end of the works to ensure all final fix and snagging was completed to the highest standards prior to handover.

Close communication with the trust and local residents ensured that the project ran smoothly throughout, with all stakeholders remaining up-to-date with progress.

It’s an approach that paid dividends, with the school’s Principal, Miss Vicky Povey, commenting: “Although we have faced some tough challenges in getting this project pulled together, we are delighted with the resulting design for our new school.” 

 www.ericwright.co.uk

Despite the challenges of re-programming the project, Burnley High School was delivered on time within a revised budget

23

Housing

The challenges in bringing infill sites into operation are certainly greater than on greenfield sites

TAKING A STRATEGIC APPROACH TO INFILL DEVELOPMENT The housing crisis in the South East has many armchair commentators keen to give their view on how it should be fixed and how ‘infill’ development is a potential solution without having to build in the green belt, says Nicolas Maari, Head of Architecture at Pellings.

January, the I nConservative

Where infill sites are not close to bus routes or train/tram lines, there will be the need to provide more car parking

A good place to start is for the council to examine its database of property and landholdings

24

Government’s long-awaited White Paper, ‘Fixing Our Broken Housing Market’, indicated that it would give greater support for infill development.

In practical terms, a good place to start is for the council to examine its database of property and landholdings, if it has one, or in the absence of that, to identify vacant land through a GIS system.

The next hurdle is for the council to ascertain whether it is even viable for them to be developed. There is often a good reason why a site hasn’t been developed in the first place, such as utilities running under the ground, and why they may have been used for parking or garages instead.

In areas on the edge of town, they may form part of Metropolitan Open Land where planning consent is likely to be refused or where woodland is affected by Tree Preservation Orders.

Site capacity may be affected by the Public Transport Accessibility Level studies.

Where they are not close to bus routes or train/tram lines, there will be the need to provide more car parking which will restrict the number of dwellings that can be built on the site.

Housing

From a strategic point of view, consideration needs to be given on whether an infill scheme would provide a shortterm solution but block a wider comprehensive redevelopment of the area a few years down the road.

Density and space Any development in an urban context must bring the existing community on-side and confront social and cultural attitudes towards density and space.

The average density of Metroland is said to be around 25 dwellings per hectare which – when compared to the density of residential parts of, for example, Hong Kong, at 2500 dwellings per hectare – is a difference of a hundredfold.

However, London is not Hong Kong, and therefore community concerns have to be addressed and taken into account.

Often residents may not be happy about children’s playgrounds and garages being redeveloped even if they have been underutilised. However, if they are offered additional benefits in an S.106 agreement, such as improvements to the public realm, a new community centre, or better street lighting, then there may be a greater incentive to accept infill development. These will come at a price and may impact on the viability of a scheme.

Once planning hurdles have been overcome, the most important criteria for assessing viability even where there is occupier demand, which one assumes is mainly the case in and around London, is whether it is possible to procure construction contracts.

A council may need professional help from asset management and procurement strategists at this point.

Unsurprisingly, many of these sites may be scattered across a borough and may therefore be unappealing to one larger contractor. Many medium to larger contractors have a healthy order book and whilst a £10m contract may be attractive if it is located in one area, if spread out in £1m to £3m bite-sizes they won’t benefit from economies of scale.

Infill development provides a great opportunity to deliver a significant number of new homes and contribute towards repairing the ‘broken housing market’

Handling management If a council is to procure contracts on several smaller sites, it is worth considering whether they have the expertise and manpower to handle the added management aggravation. After all, a site with potential for three dwellings can be just as management-intensive as one that could accommodate 20 properties.

The obvious solution is to decide on a strategy of packaging sites to make them attractive to contractors, perhaps putting closer sites

together and procuring separately for sites that are further apart.

Of course, where a decision is made to put a site on the smaller end of the value scale out to tender, it may be less attractive to the larger contractors. There will then be the need for a risk assessment, but including smaller contractors in tenders can bring greater competition.

Another consideration is local authority financing as it is easier to allocate funds to one project than it is to several projects, where timing of scheme delivery will be more uncertain. If the funds cannot be allocated in one

financial year then the entire process of allocating them in the next will have to take place all over again.

Infill development provides a great opportunity to deliver a significant number of new homes and contribute towards repairing the ‘broken housing market’, but the challenges in bringing them into operation are certainly greater than on greenfield sites and so they require the skills and resources that may have been lost through local authority cutbacks, which the wider industry can provide. 

 www.pellings.co.uk

The challenges in bringing infill developments into operation are certainly greater than on greenfield sites

25

BIM

Mark looked very closely at the programme in Asta Powerproject to identify which key activities would affect local residents and businesses most

ISG PLOTS A CRITICAL PATH PAST SENSITIVE RESIDENTS When ISG won the contract from Dorset District Council to build Lulworth & Winfrith Primary School, it knew that some local community concerns were inevitable. Not only would this be the largest construction project in the village of Lulworth for many years, the village is located on a jurassic stretch of coastline designated as a World Heritage Site. However, as the project moved forwards, these would not prove the only hurdles to overcome. was to be T hetheproject first time that Construction Manager, Mark Penny, took the lead project management role, in sole charge on site. He utilised Asta Powerproject, which would prove invaluable in helping him control the programme, communicate with the community and cope with changes and issues. He succeeded and was rewarded by a gold medal in the Construction Manager of the Year Awards.

Tight access management “The main challenge was clearly going to be one of logistics,” comments Mark. “The only access was via a narrow school lane, with residential housing on either side, a youth hostel next door and an existing school to take deliveries past every day.”

He used maximum diplomacy with the landowner and succeeded in creating an alternative access route across the Lulworth estate which would minimise the volume and frequency of delivery nuisance

26

for local residents and the nearby school.

“We looked very closely at the programme in Asta Powerproject to identify which key activities would affect local residents and businesses most. We had one resident who opposed planning from the start and he would actually count the lorries in and out.”

Access up the school lane became particularly critical with the delivery of large elements such as the steel frame, or site accommodation. The latter required eight flatbed lorries, very tight timing of the arrival and departure of the crane.

Exact timing was required – both to ensure parking restrictions were minimised for residents and to avoid drop-off and pick-up times for parents at the nearby existing school.

lowered by 600mm, adding an activity that would take two weeks and extra resource to remove more than 2500m3 of soil off site. Mark explains: “We had to manage the timing; we decided to do it over the Easter holidays to minimise the disruption. We had to take the initial programme and feed in the requirement to remove the soil, while keeping all the other activities going on. We also had to make sure we had enough materials on site to keep going throughout.”

Keeping a crystal clear view of the critical path while this activity was going on was essential, as it would significantly delay certain activities. Mark continued: “Though the critical path itself didn’t change, we looked at everything that wasn’t on it that we could juggle around.

We started some activities earlier to take advantage of the period when we would be confined on site. As we changed activities, the software proved that it wouldn’t alter items on the critical path. We prioritised getting all the external works well ahead of the schedule, while we were taking the muck away. In Asta Powerproject, we could clearly see things that we had to maintain progress with.”

Collaborating on every front Being quite used to working with Asta Powerproject, Mark was able to work collaboratively with the ISG planner. “Our planner would do the overall programme on Asta Powerproject and update it weekly, but I would dissect the critical path to create shortterm programmes and focus right down to daily events.

That meant I could juggle these activities, to hit all the main programme’s critical events.”

The client’s needs could be incorporated with some careful planning, using Asta Powerproject to help communicate the implications. 

 www.elecosoft.com

Let nothing spoil progress An unwelcome condition of planning permission had dictated that the roofline of the building must be significantly lowered. That meant that the entire site level had to be

In Asta Powerproject, Mark could clearly see things that he had to maintain progress with

Healthcare

The Inpatient Ward Block (IWB) saw the first patients move into wards at the start of April

CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL DESIGN COMPLETES AT IRELAND’S LARGEST HOSPITAL BakerHicks, the multi-disciplinary design and engineering business, has completed its part in the latest phase of the redevelopment of Ulster Hospital, taking one of the largest hospital redevelopment projects in Europe one step closer to completion.

Ward Block T he(IWB)Inpatient saw the first

The design of the 30,000m2 IWB focuses on patient comfort, with 12 wards across four levels comprising 100% single, en-suite bedrooms

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patients move into wards at the start of April. The sevenstorey, 288 single-bedroom facility is part of the Phase B Redevelopment programme, which will provide the Ulster Hospital with two new ward blocks. BakerHicks is providing the civil and structural design for Phase B, which began in 2013 and has attracted £232m of investment.

The history of the project dates back to 2005, when building work commenced on site for the Phase A redevelopment.

The hospital environment provided a number of unique

challenges that BakerHicks’ structural engineers had to take into account. Work had to be carefully coordinated and conducted without impacting ongoing acute services and access for the public and blue light routes.

There was a particular focus on vibration analysis, with strict criteria that hospital buildings have to meet for patient comfort, operating theatre environments, and for sensitive imaging equipment such as the cardiac cath lab image intensifier.

BakerHicks used Finite Elements software to determine the critical vibration modes, their vibration frequency and modal mass. From

Meticulous, detailed planning and sequential implementation was critical throughout

this it was able to calculate the response factor of the floor slab and then compare its findings against the response factor required, which in the case of operating theatres is particularly strict.

To achieve the required response factors, BakerHicks designed the structural frame as a 400mm-thick reinforced concrete flat slab, liaising closely with the project architect to develop an efficient structural arrangement in particularly sensitive areas. Unlike a steel frame, which would have been too lively for the sensitive environments in the ward block, concrete’s inherent mass allowed BakerHicks to reduce the vibration levels within the building. A concrete flat slab also had other benefits including its inherent fire resistance, high thermal mass and ease of service distribution.

Meticulous, detailed planning and sequential implementation was critical throughout.

Workshops were held with the design team and a construction design and management (CDM) coordinator to help identify potential challenges that might not have surfaced until much later in the process.

Also vital was a close working relationship with the client and associated construction partners. Information sharing was key, supported by the use of 3D modelling. BakerHicks also provided an on site engineer as a

dedicated point of contact. This meant that any problems that did arise could be dealt with swiftly.

The design of the 30,000m2 IWB focuses on patient comfort, with 12 wards across four levels comprising 100% single, en-suite bedrooms, which provides patients with maximum privacy levels. The IWB also features four operating theatres, an endoscopy suite, cardiac cath lab, aseptic suite, a pharmacy department and a cafe.

Robbie McKillop, Director for the Public Sector at BakerHicks, said: “Hospitals are very designintensive projects, with very specific requirements that need close collaboration and coordination with regards to planning and delivery. They also tend to be heavily serviced buildings in terms of M&E provision, which demands the highest levels of skill, expertise and experience in terms of design.

“This complex and largescale project was particularly challenging as it had to be completed in a live acute hospital environment, whilst maintaining access to essential clinical services.”

Speaking at the opening of the new Inpatient Ward Block at the beginning of April 2017, Naomi Dunbar, Assistant Director, Strategic and Capital Development at South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust, praised the work of the teams involved: “What has been

absolutely critical has been the planning. We’ve had a masterplan for this site since 2002, which has been essential for the success of the project. We have a very good relationship with the design team, the contractor and the 200

Healthcare

service users – all of which has been critical in getting us to the point of opening to our patients” Work on the next element of the capital redevelopment programme, Phase B3, commenced in April 2016.

This will see the design, construction and completion of the new Acute Services Block (ASB) which will house a new emergency department, inpatient imaging and specialist wards. A temporary link bridge connecting the IWB to the Critical Care Complex has also been erected, allowing patients and staff continued ease of access between the two buildings while the ASB is being constructed. BakerHicks is also helping to support the delivery of a relocated laundry building under a separate contract.

BakerHicks, formerly Morgan Sindall Professional Services, was awarded the civil and structural design contract by the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT). 

 www.baker-hicks.com

BakerHicks provided an on site engineer as a dedicated point of contact

29

Paints

Crown Paints Specification Services supported the project with a range of activities, including site surveys and colour schemes

Supporting the project

HOUSING SCHEME CROWNS FIRST ANNIVERSARY A bench made from recycled paint containers has been donated by Crown Paints Specification Services to celebrate the first year of a safety partnership with Derby Homes and Bell Group.

U

nder a five-year contract, more than 200 Derby Homes’ properties across the East Midlands’ city are being painted with the flameretardant coating, Crown Trade Timonox Vinyl Matt, by a team of 20 from Bell Group.

To mark the first year of the works, Derby Homes received the recycled bench at its headquarters in the city, which hosts a range of community facilities and meeting points for tenants.

Peter Howell, Senior Surveyor at Derby Homes, said: “The bench will be well-received by our tenants, staff and visitors.

It’s a fitting way to mark the important safety works being carried out in the community under this project.

“This is a landmark year for us from a safety perspective, as we are being awarded the President’s Award from RoSPA after holding their 'Gold Medal' consecutively for 10 years.

“Fire prevention is an important part of our work and using the Crown Trade Timonox system on the communal stairways helps us meet our

30

duty of care requirements and at the same time achieve a durable finish for these busy areas.”

Sharon Smith, Crown Paints’ Brand Manager, said: “Crown Trade Timonox has played a key role in fire safety for more than 40 years – slowing down the spread of flames and ‘buying’ precious time for buildings to be evacuated.

“The system can help bring premises up to the required safety standards of relevant legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRFSO) and the Fire (Scotland) Act. “All surfaces painted with conventional paints have the potential to cause fire to spread very quickly throughout a building.

“Even previously noncombustible surfaces, such as plasterboard covered in layers of old paint, can become a mass of flames in seconds. This is a particular problem in common access and circulation areas.

However, providing the existing coatings are sound, Crown Trade Timonox can restore a

surface to the Class 0 rating required by the legislation and can help by slowing down and limiting the spread of flames throughout a building, giving invaluable time for occupants to get to a place of safety."

Crown Paints Specification Services supported the project with a range of activities including site surveys and colour schemes.

This five-year contract is the second term of works between Crown Paints, Derby Homes and Bell Group.

Crown Paints and Bell Group have supported the partnership with Derby Homes with a range of activities, including involvement with its charity golf day, which was organised to support Derby Homes' 2017 charity partner, Macmillan Cancer Support.

Earlier this year it has also carried out a voluntary project to paint the sports hall of The Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre, based in Skegness, which has been supported by Derby Homes since 2005.

Timonox Upgrade Basecoat upgrades Class 4 surfaces to Class 0 in an easy-to-use system. It is formulated to produce a thick insulating char layer in the event of a fire and therefore protects the underlying combustible substrate. 

 www.crownpaints.co.uk

Crown Trade Timonox has played a key role in fire safety for more than 40 years

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w w w. r a i n g u a r d . c o . u k 31

HVAC

RETROFIT HEAT PUMP PROJECT A WINNER FOR INDUSTRY AND TENANTS

As a result of the scheme’s innovation and contribution to carbon and fuel poverty reduction, the partnership has won the title ‘Most Innovative Retrofit Scheme’

An ambitious ground source heat pump retrofit scheme completed in just 10 weeks by Kensa Heat Pumps and Hanover Housing Association has been applauded by tenants and the industry, resulting in an award win. a result of the A sscheme’s innovation and contribution to carbon and fuel poverty reduction, the partnership has won the title ‘Most Innovative Retrofit Scheme’ at the Housing Innovation Awards.

Ashfield Court, a two-storey block of 22 flats in a hard-toreach cul-de-sac in Ipswich, replaced electric night storage heaters with Kensa ground source heat pumps connected to 12 shared ‘micro district’ ground

arrays. The work has received a 100% ‘Totally Satisfied’ result in subsequent customer satisfaction surveys.

The system’s micro district design – where two flats share one borehole – suited the restricted site, and also ensured eligibility for ECO funding provided by Kensa’s unique partnership with EDF Energy, along with 20 years of income through the non-domestic renewable heat incentive.

Utilising Hanover Housing Association’s approved M&E framework contractor, SSE Contracting, a Kensa 6kW Shoebox heat pump was installed inside the airing cupboard of each flat

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Peter Phillips, Technical Manager at Hanover Housing Association, comments: “The residents now have an affordable heating system that should be low-maintenance for at least 20 years. Along with that, over the lifecycle of the systems’ installation, there should be an income benefit to Hanover; a win-win for all.

“For Hanover, being an organisation that specialises in housing for the over 55s, the low surface temperate of the radiators is a real positive. The controls are also accessible and really easy to use. The installation took approximately 10 weeks and, despite the drilling, four weeks after completion the grass and landscaping has recovered and there is barely any visible sign of any previous groundwork.”

The project was delivered

by Kensa Contracting, the contractual services division of the Kensa Group. Utilising Hanover Housing Association’s approved M&E framework contractor, SSE Contracting, a Kensa 6kW Shoebox heat pump was installed inside the

airing cupboard of each flat along with a new hot water cylinder and radiators in place of the old night storage units.

Each Shoebox heat pump is connected to a shared borehole.

This design avoids the need for a plant room, and provides complete heating independence to the tenants who are free to switch energy providers and pay only for the heat they use.

Simon Lomax, Managing Director at Kensa Heat Pumps, added: “We are delighted that Hanover Housing has recognised the unique strengths of our ground source heat pump technology and invested in systems which will benefit their tenants and themselves. Too often, landlords are fearful that any installation will be too expensive or disruptive yet the Government is willing to offer attractive subsidies and we have developed working methods which are very considerate of the tenants and their surroundings – reflected in the 100% satisfaction rating.” 

 www.kensaheatpumps.com

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Balustrades

BALUSTRADE INSTALLATION BOOSTS BOLTON’S REGENERATION JOURNEY

Delta Balustrades worked closely with main contractor, Kier, to develop the specification and ensure that safe loading requirements were delivered across the installation

Sergio Paldino from Delta Balustrades outlines the installation of the company’s Orbis system at Bolton Interchange, the new integrated transport hub in the Greater Manchester town. need to B alustrades be robust enough to withstand everyday wear-andtear and provide effective edge protection in any environment.

In a transport hub setting, however, they have to be particularly durable due to high occupancy levels and constant use throughout the day and at weekends.

Funded by Transport for Greater Manchester, the multimillion-pound Bolton Interchange scheme is part of Bolton Council’s regeneration plan to create a new gateway to Bolton town centre and integrate bus and rail travel in a single location. Incorporating public realm improvements, the scheme has created a new bus station which is now connected to Bolton’s existing railway station by a futuristic ‘Skylink’ bridge, and incorporates an integrated ticket office and a new cycle park.

The scheme has been designed to maximise natural light and create a feeling of openness. The main bus station building is characterised by curtain walling on all elevations and a triangular glass ceiling, while extensive glazing to the

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Skylink provides views across Bolton.

The specification for the balustrades continues this theme of natural light and openness with toughened laminated glass infill panels complementing the stainless steel Orbis balustrade system throughout.

More than 800 linear metres of Orbis balustrades and handrails have been installed across all the internal waiting areas at Bolton Interchange, and Orbis handrails have also been used for all the concourse ramps and steps along with the Skylink staircases, which will take passengers from ground floor level to the glazed walkway above the railway tracks.

and high-quality appearance of the balustrade system by protecting the handrails from graffiti, scratches and solvents.

The coating is also London Underground-approved and flame-resistant with a Class 1 fire rating. It also contains an anti-bacterial ingredient to protect against harmful bacteria such as listeria and E.coli.

Delta Balustrades worked closely with main contractor, Kier, to develop the specification and ensure that safe loading requirements were delivered across the installation, with loading of 0.74kN/m at ground level, which increases to 1.5kN/m on the Skylink walkway to address the

occupancy levels at height.

Glass infill panels were secured to the balusters using BS6180-compliant bolt-through lugs and the baluster posts for the waiting areas were grouted into pockets, while on the staircases they were top-fixed using chemical anchors.

This balustrade installation builds on Delta Balustrades’ experience in the transport sector, which includes projects for Transport for London (TfL).

Managed by our in-house team, the installation is now complete, ready for Bolton Interchange to open to the public in summer. 

 www.deltabalustrades.com

Safe and durable The Orbis system’s tubular balustrades and handrails with a Sigma stainless steel finish were used for a total of 12 locations across the Bolton Interchange development, with 11.5mm toughened laminated glass infill panels. All handrails were treated using nDura, a protective, warm-to-thetouch handrail coating which will extend the service life

More than 800 linear metres of Orbis balustrades and handrails have been installed across all the internal waiting areas at Bolton Interchange

Perimeter Fencing

The calls to beef up school security become ever shriller with every attack

HOW TO SECURE SCHOOLS AND FOSTER LEARNING Recent random terrorist atrocities in the UK – even deliberately targeting school-age children at the initial Ariana Grande concert in Manchester – has upped the stakes on keeping schools safe without turning them into fortresses, says Mo Ali, Sales Manager at Zaun.

dreadful events at the T heManchester Arena in May suggest terrorists will stoop that low to target even the most vulnerable in our society – our children.

Even without that, sadly, mass school shootings are all too commonplace the world over.

Remember Columbine in the USA, Anders Breivik shooting 69 mostly teenagers dead on the island of Utøya and Thomas Hamilton gunning down Teacher Gwen Mayor and 16 of her pupils in the Dunblane school massacre 20 years ago.

Three months later, in an attack more reminiscent of the recent killings in London and Manchester, Horrett Campbell launched a machete attack on a teddy bears’ picnic at St Luke’s Infants School in Wolverhampton – only a couple of miles from our factory.

The calls to beef up school security become ever shriller with every attack. But, contrary to this pressure, research increasingly points to the positive impact well-designed environments can have on people’s productivity and happiness.

In response, architects and manufacturers have become increasingly innovative in making the design of physical security both aesthetically appealing while also contributing to public security.

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As Oxford University’s physical security policy says “physical security requires appropriate layering of physical and technical measures and involves a balance between prevention, detection and response”.

The skill of making sites secure without seeming fortified, thus contributing to the fear and intimidation within, while sticking to ever tighter public sector budgets, requires delicate balance.

Everything from aesthetics, security and the environment to access needs, site footprint and budget must be considered before devising bespoke solutions.

After all, every school is unique so ensure you get your design team together with the physical perimeter specialists at the earliest opportunity to ensure they can work out the best way to deliver what can often be conflicting priorities.

Ask whether they provide initial site surveys, inhouse design services and manufacture themselves, so can accommodate bespoke solutions and even install.

This approach has enabled us, for instance, to design and make fencing designed in the shape of the letter Z to match an award-winning Zaha Hadid

concept built around Zs for the Evelyn Grace Academy in Brixton.

The installation won the Stirling Prize, whose judges praised the way the “imaginative” design was “expertly inserted into an extremely tight site” with the architects accommodating four schools under a single academy umbrella.

On another prestige development across London, the Chobham Academy, which emerged from the former athletes’ village after the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics were over, had rather different requirements.

The ‘Olympic legacy’ academy was anxious about the impact of excess noise from the Tube line that runs alongside the school boundary. So we recommended our DBS acoustic fencing, an innovative fencing system made from recycled mixed plastic waste that deflects noise.

As well as ‘high-tech’ options, you can create secure perimeters that also make a learning environment more inviting, with the use of colour, through visibility, incorporation of logos or lettering and other aesthetic touches. 

 www.zaun.co.uk

As well as ‘high-tech’ options, you can create secure perimeters that also make a learning environment more inviting

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Security

In such an important area, experience and knowledge of the various standards, legislation and product solutions available are paramount

SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR CARE HOMES Rob McGlennon of Deceuninck examines the very specific security considerations that are required when installing windows and doors in care homes. to the latest A ccording Crime Survey of England and Wales, domestic burglaries fell 8% in the year October 2015 to September 2016 and are down 71% since 1995. In part, this reduction is thanks to the tighter legislation and higher performance of security

products such as windows and doors being installed into our homes. When it comes to residential, nursing and care homes, the issue of security can be even more complex as specifiers and manufacturers need to achieve the balance between internal and external

security, while being mindful that the majority of residents and end-users are vulnerable and often physically or mentally impaired. Here are some points to consider that will help keep unwanted burglars out, but also keep residents safe.

Keeping intruders out (external security) Well-made windows and doors from reputable companies who adhere to current legislation now provide excellent security against intruders. However, due diligence must be carried out to ensure the most up-to-date legislative measures have been followed by potential suppliers. Looking for windows and doors that are Secured by Design-approved or carry PAS 24 certification is a good place to start.

PAS 24:2016 and SBD

Depending on the sensitivity of the establishment, windows and doors might also need to prevent residents getting out

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In 2016, the PAS 24 security standard was updated to make it more difficult for windows and doors to pass the necessary testing. However, Approved Document Q for new-build properties still accepts the previous PAS 24:2012 for the time being. Another wellrecognised stamp of security is Secured by Design, the UK Police flagship initiative that is founded on the principles of designing out crime and crime prevention.

Security

Lifetime Homes compliance The requirement for security in care homes also needs to be balanced with comfort and ease of use. According to Lifetime Homes* windows in the principal living space should be approachable and usable by a wide range of people – including those with restricted movement and reach. This means windows should have handles/controls no higher than 1200mm from the floor.

Protecting residents – internal security Depending on the sensitivity of the establishment, windows and doors might also need to prevent residents getting out, in addition to preventing intruders getting in. Homes caring for those with a mental illness may also have a requirement for anti-ligature measures. All of this falls under the requirements of the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England.

Restrictors According to the national independent watchdog and non-departmental public body, the Health and Safety Executive, there are three broad categories of falls from windows: 1) Accidental, 2) Falls arising from a confused mental state, and 3) Deliberate self-harm or suicide.

Where there is a risk from residents falling from windows, window restrictors should be specified. With window restrictors in place, openings can be restricted to 100mm or less. The restriction can only be disengaged using a special tool or key to ensure residents or staff don’t accidentally disengage them.

Anti-ligature hardware Anti-ligature measures are a consideration in facilities that care for patients with mental illness and eliminate any points where a cord, rope or even bed sheet can be tied to any fixture to create a point of ligature which may result in self-harm or in the worst-case scenario, loss of life. The ligature risk in windows and doors is eliminated by using specifically designed hardware called anti-ligature hardware.

Well-made windows and doors from reputable companies who adhere to current legislation now provide excellent security against intruders

Additional considerations In addition to these varied security considerations, we must not lose sight of the other performance elements required from windows and doors in care homes. For example, the solar control to ensure rooms don’t become too hot when in sunlight and low threshold doors for ease of use.

Deceuninck has a trusted network of fabricators that carry out work on projects ranging from sheltered homes to newbuild retirement apartments with warden facilities, to high security establishments – each with a very specific set of security requirements. In such an important area, experience and knowledge of the various standards, legislation and product solutions available are paramount and the company is proud to be delivering this to such a worthwhile sector.

with detailed designs and specifications. Their support doesn’t stop there – they follow through on the initial design and specification stage by ensuring the full supply chain is performing as I require and are quick to react when things need addressing.

Thankfully, this isn’t often. They have also gone above and beyond by introducing me to other quality suppliers of non-competitive products, enabling me to work with some wonderful companies and professional people. Each

individual care home needs its own specification and by using Deceuninck windows and doors, I’ve found I can have a continuous standard of quality but with the necessary flexibility in design elements. Deceuninck products are now in over half of our care homes and residents have commented on how much they enjoy them and how easy they are to operate.” 

 www.deceuninck.co.uk/ specification

Trusted relationships In order to deliver safe and secure environments for residents, specifiers need suppliers they can trust. Deceuninck’s experience in the care home sector includes work with BUPA and the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution Care Company.

Rob Murray, National Project Manager with the RMBI Care Company, said: “I have been working with Deceuninck for a year now and have received huge support with extremely responsive personal solutions

Where there is a risk from residents falling from windows, window restrictors should be specified www.lifetimehomes.org.uk/pages/15-glazing-and-window-handle-heights

@DeceuninckComm

39

Door Security

High-security revolving doors can benefit from added security features

THE EMERGING TREND OF INTEGRATED SECURITY FOR INTELLIGENT BUILDINGS Geoff Firth, Specification Manager at Boon Edam, a global market leader in entry solutions, discusses how increased security requirements for commercial buildings has impacted the development of access control systems over the past decade; leading to the emerging trend of integrated, intelligent buildings. access control H istorically, security systems would predominantly be found in banks or Government buildings, however, over the last decade this has changed dramatically.

It’s very rare to now walk into a building that does not have any form of security system installed. This has stemmed from the ability to integrate the physical barrier with many other systems, such as card readers, lift call and CCTV systems. By integrating these components, we can provide or receive more information than ever before. Dependent upon what the key reason for the system is, either a ‘soft’ or ‘hard’ security access control system is selected.

Soft security Most corporate buildings now have at a minimum, soft security measures in place. An individual’s access activity can be constantly monitored and recorded, with systems able to block unauthorised access

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attempts. This enables an audit of personnel within the building to be conducted, safeguarding against security and fire threats. Access control systems are not solely used for security purposes. The information they provide can help a company to establish its own access trends, such as peak times and they can also track employees’ time spent within the building and specific areas of the building for attendance purposes.

Soft security measures can provide a company with assurance that unauthorised access will be denied, and access granted solely to approved individual’s identity devices. Proximity cards are making access and security more seamless than ever, providing the solution to the heightened demand for personnel access control in corporate buildings. Card systems that integrate security, privacy and convenience allow the organisation to achieve a new level of security assurance.

Hard security There has been a growing trend in the demand for high-security access control systems within the last decade. More and more clients are seeing the value in installing hard security access systems.

One of the main reasons behind the development of access control systems in commercial buildings has been the gradual move away from the typical 9-5 working hour day. The ability to work anytime, anywhere

has led to a move from manned entrances, to fully automated, secure entry systems to allow freedom to work unrestricted hours. When we talk about biometric security, we are no longer just referring to a standard thumbprint reader, this has now evolved to incorporating retinal scans and facial recognition within access systems.

High-security revolving doors can benefit from added security features, such as ceiling sensors to prevent tailgating, contact mats to detect the presence of a user or a weight system to assess the load imposed by the user. The revolving door can also be secured, so that rotation only begins following a signal from an integrated access control system.

Innovation It’s a really exciting time for the industry, as technology incessantly develops. Boon Edam is at the forefront of entrance technology, and I think that as we continue to collaborate with our clients and technology partners on innovative solutions, even more capabilities become possible. Besides offering a number of security and access features, revolving doors provide the advantage of reducing the entrance of draughts to the building, therefore reducing the heating energy demand and the building’s CO2 emissions. Futureproof entry solutions remain front of mind for us at all times, and I am looking forward to seeing how soft and hard security technology develops in years to come. 

 www.boonedam.co.uk  contact@boonedam.co.uk  01233 505900

There has been a growing trend in the demand for high-security access control systems within the last decade

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easily fitted by the Debonair Design and Fitting Company and the Hadrian claims of longterm durability have been fully justified. Two years on, they are looking as good as new.

Packed with design features, the Hadrian Elite range includes an ingenious honeycomb core, laminated under pressure to a sheet-steel envelope. This envelope is coated with a dry powder coating which is cured at high-temperature to provide a smooth, continuous finish that is attractive, durable and easy to clean and maintain. All corners of the cubicles are mitred, welded and ground for superior strength.

Privacy is ensured by the use of continuous stop and hinge sightline fillers together with a minimal 150mm gap from the floor to the underside of the door and panels. The visual appeal of the design is enhanced with chrome hardware fittings, such as the lock indicator and hinges.

Due to their steel construction, Elite toilet partitions are fire-

resistant and will not give off toxic smoke if exposed to heat or flame. The manufacturing process and innovative features of the Elite cubicles combine to make a product that will not warp, flake, chip or delaminate.

On top of all that, they also have excellent green credentials as Hadrian’s products feature a high recycled content.

Putney Arts Theatre traces its roots back to an afterschool theatre group formed in Battersea in 1959. In 1968, it moved into the old Union Church in Putney. In 1998, a Lottery award via the Arts Council enabled the theatre to purchase the freehold and refurbish much of the building.

Putney Arts Theatre General Manager, Marie Thackwell, said: “I’m very happy we made the right choice by selecting Hadrian cubicles for our washrooms.

While it was initially the colour options that attracted us, they have proved to be very hardwearing and still look as good as new. Relcross have also been very supportive.” 

KBB

The steel construction of the cubicles was ideal for the typical theatre usage where long, relatively quiet parts of the day are followed by intense activity during performances

 www.hadrian-cubicles.co.uk  sales@relcross.co.uk  01380 729600

HADRIAN STARS AT THE PUTNEY ARTS THEATRE Hadrian toilet cubicles starred in the refurbishment of both the ladies and gents washrooms at the Putney Arts Theatre. theatre is run by a T hecharitable incorporated organisation, so the new washrooms had to be good value for money as well as bringing the right dramatic style to the venue. Online research brought the theatre to the Hadrian Cubicles UK website, and it was attracted by the complete choice of a powder-coated finish in over 200 RAL colours.

The steel construction of the cubicles was also ideal for the typical theatre usage where long, relatively quiet parts of the day are followed by intense activity

during performances with very high demand at the start, end and during the intervals.

UK distributor, Relcross, supplied the three cubicles for the ladies washroom and one for the gents. The design committee chose RAL 4007 purple/violet for the main colour scheme and the finished cubicles exactly matched the paint finish in other aspects of the washroom decor. The overall effect is very attractive and is an important addition to the theatre’s operating style and image. The floor-mounted, headrail braced system was

The design committee chose RAL 4007 purple/violet for the main colour scheme

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Upgrade your housing stock with polyurethane for superior insulation With new house-building firmly on the agenda, this is definitely a step in the right direction in a bid to provide a home for everyone. However, 20% of homes in England still do not meet the Decent Homes Standard.

Many of these homes may be classed as hard-to-treat and cannot be insulated in the normal way. The use of injected polyurethane foam can provide the best solution for these properties.

Where the primary purpose is energy efficiency, then the closed cell option is normally preferable. Closed cell foams offer superior energy performance and are resistant to driving rain, meaning that the material stays dry with no loss of thermal properties. The insulant can help act as a barrier to prevent flood waters from entering the building through the walls.

A closed cell sprayed polyurethane can also be used to insulate roofs to superior insulation standards – it has one of the

highest insulation values commercially available. It also helps to achieve excellent structural stability for a building, adhering to the building substrate and setting quickly to form a rigid layer.

Conversely, open cell polyurethane foams do not have the high insulation properties associated with the closed cell materials. They do not have the same fire performance as closed cell, so they should never be left exposed; they have no structural strength to stabilise roofs or walls. However, they are better suited for their enhanced sound attenuation properties. Open cell foam is also useful in situations which require more air and vapour into a building’s interior.

 www.bufca.co.uk  info@bufca.co.uk  01428 870150

Report highlights Actis Hybris insulation’s environmental credentials Insullite chooses YBS insulation Insullite, a Manchester-based manufacturer specialising in the upgrade of existing conservatory structures, is making extensive use of high-performance multi-foil insulation from YBS in the construction of its replacement roofs. Since the company was set up, Insullite has grown its business serving trade as well as private domestic customers, enabling property owners to make use of their outdoor rooms all year round. The manufacturer achieved this by developing a lightweight, timber-framed replacement roof structure featuring the use of the YBS SuperQuilt multi-layer insulation.

The choice of the well-proven, BBAaccredited product, enables the Insullite conservatory roof to achieve Building Regulation approval while maintaining the elegantly low profile appearance complementary to existing conservatories.

 www.ybsinsulation.com  sales@ybsinsulation.com  01909 721662

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The global warming potential of Actis Hybris insulation is just a quarter of that realised by a traditional alternative, while its entire ‘cradle to grave’ energy consumption is just two-fifths of that used by conventional alternatives.

The figures were revealed by comparing the findings of an Environmental Product Declaration on Hybris with those other insulation products using the French construction product INIES database. The study – covering all thicknesses of the honeycomb-style insulation, one of three products in the Hybrid range – looked in minute detail at raw material extraction, product and packaging manufacture, transportation, installation and end-of-life waste disposal.

 www.insulation-actis.com

 solutions@insulation-actis.com  01249 462888

Aluminium glazing systems by Kawneer feature on Spire Healthcare’s flagship hospital Architectural aluminium glazing by UK manufacturer Kawneer was a “first point of call” for Halliday Meecham Architects for the £65m new flagship Spire Hospital in Manchester. Kawneer’s AA100 SSG (structurally silicone glazed) mulliondrained curtain walling, some of it curved on plan, features on the third-storey conference suite and is complemented by the AA100 zone-drained capped system used elsewhere including internal screens around the reception areas. These are additionally complemented by Kawneer’s AA720 top-hung casement windows as courtyard windows, AA720 doors as internal doors at upper levels and series 190 heavy-duty entrance doors at ground level.

 www.kawneer.com

 kuk.kawneer@alcoa.com

 01928 502500

Abet shelters the rescuers Abet Laminati’s MEG exterior grade laminate has been used to clad the exterior of the new offices and crew rooms of the RNLI Station in Brighton Marina.

Designed and supplied by Aliva UK, MEG 414 was chosen to match the ceramic facades of the surrounding buildings and was face-

fixed with colour-coded rivets. The cladding envelopes the station, keeping staff and crew warm and dry in the harshest of weathers.

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

This scheme is a perfect example of high-performance MEG in action where the need for incredibly high performance and durability is married up with low life-cycle costs and aesthetic design.

Carrying a BBA Agrément certificate, MEG is a self-supporting high-pressure laminate (HPL) for cladding the exterior of buildings, balconies and other applications. It features high resistance to temperature, climate shock, weathering, UV light and impact.

Furthermore, its chemical-resistant nature and closed structure do not allow paint in spray cans, various inks, emulsion paints, lipstick or pastel paints to penetrate into the decorative layer negating the need for any anti-graffiti treatment and making the surface easy to clean.

The range is available in over 91 colours in a mix of traditional plain colours, wood finishes, simulated concrete colours and metal. MEG is also able to incorporate Abet’s digital printing technology. This means that almost any design, photograph or pattern can be reproduced in stunning detail to give architects and designers unparalleled freedom to create unusual and dramatic building facades.

 uk.abetlaminati.com  sales@abet.ltd.uk  0207 473 6915

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HVAC/HVP

overall efficiency of the network.

The seminar entitled 'Next Generation Heat Networks – Key Considerations' is accredited by The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and provides credits towards consulting engineers’ Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

The seminar includes topics such as: Regulations and guidelines Heat network design principles Heat interface units (HIUs) Network pipework sizing Central plant – capacity calculation Metering, billing and revenue management Remote surveillance.

Heat network seminar accredited by CIBSE With the introduction of a new UK test standard for HIUs and advances in technology, the district heating market is progressing rapidly.

Evinox has updated its CIBSE-accredited CPD seminar, to provide the opportunity to explore the topic in depth. Here, Evinox

Omnie MVHR systems specified for Suffolk eco-homes Consultants designing a development of highly energyefficient homes in Suffolk have opted to incorporate Omnie mechanical heat recovery ventilation systems, as well as the manufacturer’s well-proven TorFloor underfloor heating to help maintain optimum indoor conditions. The architects acting on behalf of Mainline Properties have drawn on the expertise of Omnie to ensure a comfortable indoor living environment is created by fitting the MVHR. In operation, the warm, moist air extracted from the kitchen and other wet rooms will pass through each unit’s high efficiency heat exchanger to temper the incoming fresh air. Alternatively, during warm weather, the system can simply supply cooling ventilation to the living spaces.

 www.omnie.co.uk  projects@omnie.co.uk  01392 363605

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The seminar is ideal for M&E consultants, developers and housing associations, and can be held at client’s premises or at the Evinox Energy offices in Chessington, and at a time convenient to you. The speakers are highly experienced in heat networks with relevant professional qualifications. A certificate will be provided to all attendees for obtaining CIBSE CPD points and refreshments will be supplied.

identifies some of the key technical considerations that are fundamental to improving user satisfaction levels, and the

 www.evinoxenergy.co.uk  info@evinoxenergy.co.uk  01372 722277

Dutypoint launches new Element heat interface units In response to the growing demand for high-quality heat interface units (HIUs), manufacturer of fluid, heating and pump systems, Dutypoint, has launched the new Element range. The Dutypoint Element range of solo-source HIUs is fully WRAS-approved and uses the latest high-quality purpose-built components to ensure safe, reliable, consistent hot water and heating in individual dwellings. With no gas supply necessary, Element HIUs also provide greater energy and environmental efficiency through eco-friendly temperature control from a centralised heating plant which can be powered by renewable energy sources. This also negates the need for ventilation routes, reducing installation time and cost and enabling a more aesthetically-pleasing building exterior and better use of valuable interior space.

 www.dutypoint.com

 dutypoint@targetgroup.co.uk

 01242 633100

Big Foot Systems provides extensive Safe Access system to German University Big Foot Systems has supplied an extensive custom Safe Access solution to the Zemos Research Building at the Ruhr University Bochum in Germany. Rooftop plant included four heat pumps and three dry air coolers, which are located on the research building’s flat roof. Big Foot Systems has been able to provide a unique maintenance path that has been perfectly adapted to the local conditions and which gives efficient, safe and reliable access to all installed equipment.

With a total of 21 platforms, a walkway height of up to 2m and a length of up to 9m, Project Zemos is one of the largest and most comprehensive Safe Access projects in Germany.

 www.bigfootsupport.com

 enquiry@bigfootsupport.com

 01323 844355

HVAC/HVP

Oldham Council improves heating efficiency with Remeha boilers Oldham Council has installed five Remeha boilers as part of a major refurbishment of the heating plant serving its Civic Centre complex. Initial indications from the council are of energy savings in the region of 20 to 25%.

The key requirements for Oldham Council, when replacing the 43-year-old failing boilers, were to improve the reliability of the heating service and reduce operating costs.

The original low temperature hot water (LTHW) heat generating boiler plant was located in the tower basement plant room. An in-depth survey revealed that the mild steel flues that had been built into the building during construction had deteriorated to the point of becoming dangerous. Due to structural, planning and financial constraints, the decision was taken to decentralise the boiler plant.

The location of the new plant rooms in two internal car parks – one on the ground floor, the other in the basement – presented

a number of challenges for specifier, Unity Partnership.

“Flueing, delivery access and positioning of the new plant, as well as distribution of the services to serve the existing sub-plant rooms, all had to be addressed,” said John Schofield, Senior Mechanical Engineer at Unity Partnership.

Four Gas 310-10 section Eco Pro boilers were installed in the plant room serving the Civic Centre with one Gas 610-10 section Eco Pro boiler installed in the second plant room serving the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

“The Gas 310/610 boilers are conveniently mounted on wheels, which helped overcome the site access restrictions on this project,” John continued.

“The boilers were simply unloaded at the entrances to the car parks and rolled about 100m into position. The adjustable feet then levelled and effectively fixed the boilers in place.”

 www.remeha.co.uk  info@remeha.co.uk  0118 978 3434

NATURALLY FEELING GOOD...

Invisivent® EVO AK

The most discrete window ventilator • Self-regulating flap: i-Flux technology guarantees maximal comfort and minimal energy loss • Natural supply of fresh air • Discrete installation on top of the window frame • Easy to maintain • Different acoustic versions available • Water- and insect proof

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FC&A_185x122_0317.indd 1

28/03/17 08:13

47

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

FILANO RUST wins TTA ‘Best Ancillary Product’ Award

The prestigious industry awards were presented at the annual ceremony held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in central London’s Portman Square. FILA beat off competition from two other finalists, Instarmac and Norcros Adhesives, to win the category, and was also shortlisted for the ‘Best Environmental Initiative’ Award.

The winning product, FILANO RUST, is designed to safely remove old and new rust stains from all types of natural stone, agglomerates, porcelain and ceramic and concrete. It has a non-acid formula, which makes it particularly suitable for delicate surfaces, including polished marble and acid-sensitive limestone. A highly viscous ‘gel-like’ formulation optimises performance and avoids wastage. It can be applied onto horizontal as well as vertical surfaces – indoors and outside – where it ‘stays put’ and acts directly on the stain, turning from a clear colour to deep purple, which indicates a reaction with the rust.

FILANO RUST demonstrates FILA’s innovative product development and the breadth of its range, which spans from pregrouting protectors, detergents and sealants, to maintenance solutions. The range is recommended by over 220 surface brands.

FILANO RUST has been awarded ‘Best Ancillary Product’ in The Tile Association Awards 2017.

 www.filasolutions.com  filaUK@filasolutions.com  01584 877286

Designer Contracts invests in designer shades

New Hanson technical service meets customer needs Hanson Cement has increased its technical team to offer customers bespoke support on all cement and cementitious issues.

Headed by National Technical Manager, Simon Chudley, the team will provide a bespoke service as well as offering advice, information and technical support ranging from product data and case studies to lab trials and product testing. “Research has demonstrated how important technical support is to our customers,” said Simon Chudley, who has worked in the industry for more than 20 years. “Our new, enlarged team sets us apart and is a great example of our commitment to continually improving the service we offer.”

 www.hanson.co.uk  cement@hanson.com  0330 123 2074

48

Flooring contractor, Designer Contracts, has invested more than £30,000 in specialist blind-making machinery to manufacture blinds through the new arm of the business – designer shades. The machinery to produce Venetian and roller blinds is now set up and in operation at the company’s national distribution facility in Kettering. The company offers a complete curtain and blind package. The curtain ranges start with an entry-level Classic range, and is designed with buy-to-let customers in mind, offering affordable fabrics and accessories. Select presents a wide variety of fabric designs to suit buyers looking for exceptional value but plenty of choice. And finally, the Supreme collection features lavish fabrics and accessories.

 www.designercontracts.com  enquiries@designercontracts.com  01246 854577

Knauf AMF is the educated choice for Joseph Swan Academy

Having undergone a refurbishment programme to improve the building interior, Joseph Swan Academy in Gateshead has been transformed into an eco-friendly school. Knauf AMF THERMATEX ceilings were installed throughout, offering bespoke solutions to help reduce the school’s energy consumption, provide durability and acoustic control in areas with differing requirements. The AMF THERMATEX ceiling range offers 88% light reflectance and full light diffusion which maximises the use of natural daylight, producing the optimum lighting conditions for a comfortable learning environment, reducing the need for artificial light. THERMATEX Fine Stratos ceilings were installed in the classrooms, offices and in the main hall.

 www.amfceilings.co.uk

 info@knaufamf.co.uk

 0191 518 8600

New Altro Wood Safety offers design possibilities inspired by nature Altro has launched the new Altro Wood Safety collection, inspired by nature and combining functional performance with modern design to create spaces that really work for the people who use them.

Choose from two wood-look safety flooring ranges: 2mm Altro Wood Safety and 2.85mm Altro Wood Safety Comfort.

NATURAL WOOD FINISHES YOU CAN RELY ON

Both give the performance and slip resistance you’d expect from an Altro safety floor (PTV ≥36).

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

The new collection retains many of the most popular current Altro Wood colours alongside exciting contemporary shades.

Stylish options include a bamboo-look fineline pattern as well as wide plank classic and rustic designs.

Altro Wood Safety is ideal for environments such as hospital and care home corridors and patient rooms, retail, schools and universities and is an ideal choice for areas that need to look good while helping to give comfort underfoot. Its 14 dB sound reduction makes it well-suited for noisy environments. The collection gives designers the freedom to create warm and homely aesthetics or to transform spaces into cool contemporary feature areas. Matching colour and design options across the two ranges gives the flexibility to select products with the right technical performance required for different areas yet still achieves a consistent look.

The ranges are designed specifically for environments with a high slip risk, and drastically reduce the risk of slipping on water to one in a million, and also meet the highest standards of slip resistance around the world.

Furthermore, the ranges come with a lifetime sustained slip resistance guarantee and are also durable and stain-resistant.

 www.altro.co.uk  enquiries@altro.com  01462 707604

01296 481220 | osmouk.com

DECKING-OIL: Highest quality colour and protection for wood

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49

Focus & Innovation

Pop Up Power Supplies provides a range of retractable service units for outdoor spaces UK leisure destinations are increasingly looking for innovative ways to improve their facilities for their visitors, whether it is a new and exciting ride at a theme park, new or upgraded facilities at caravan parks, or a new family attraction at a leisure park. However, a common feature which all leisure facilities share is the requirement for a power source for their outdoor areas.

Pop Up Power Supplies offers a range of innovative retractable service power units for outdoor areas, in the form of pop-up units, in-ground/flip lid units and power bollards. The pop-up and in-ground units are particularly popular for businesses and facilities within the leisure sector due to a number of factors, including their retractable nature, so they can be raised or lowered easily for when they are needed; they provide a safe and silent source of

electricity and their lids can accommodate various paving and landscaping materials, e.g. turf, which means when they are lowered or closed, they blend into the local environment providing seamless aesthetics.

The pop-up electric units provide power sockets ranging from 16A to 125A power supply in both single and three-phase, all with RCBO protection. The unit covers are made up of stainless steel AISI304

and offer significant protection to the power units when they are fully retracted.

Operating the pop-up electric sockets is easy – they are simply raised and lowered using a detachable handle.

 popuppower.co.uk  info@popuppower.co.uk  0208 227 0208

Stairway safety solution for Stoke City FC Eurocell adds to the spectrum of design possibilities

Coloured PVC-U profiles represent a high demand design opportunity as homeowners now seek more differentiation in their choice of windows.

To help meet this demand, Eurocell has expanded its standard colours range to include new ‘on-trend’ finishes such as Anteak and Cream White. New made-toorder colours include a taupe, Windsor, and the greys Kensington, Balmoral and Buckingham. The entire colour selection can be viewed in ‘Grow With Colours’ from Eurocell which showcases the wealth of possibilities offered by the enhanced range of coloured profiles across market-leading products. The new colours have been added to selected items within the Eurocell range, such as Modus and Eurologik window profiles, roofline and finishing trims.

 www.eurocell.co.uk  chris.coxon@eurocell.co.uk  0300 333 6525

50

As one of the Premier League football clubs committed to complying with the requirements for disabled access set out in 'Accessible Stadia', Stoke City has chosen stairway evacuation chairs supplied

by Evac+Chair to provide safe means of exit for supporters unable to use stairs in an emergency.

The Evac+Chair model range offers a universal solution for safe stairway descent during an emergency. The model chosen by Stoke City is the 300H which has a 182kg carrying capacity and is designed for one-person operation, avoiding the need for heavy lifting or manual handling. British-made, all Evac+Chairs carry the CE Mark (class 1 medical device) and also undergo independent type testing.

 www.evacchair.net

 info@evacchair.co.uk

 0121 706 6744

New life to intimate care

The new and improved Vita range of wash and dry toilets give people a stylish solution to retaining independence and dignity in the bathroom. Clos-o-Mat, a UK leader in helpful toileting at home and away, has applied its 56 years' experience of working with people to optimise their hygiene and independence in the bathroom to the new-look Vita range.

The new Vita toilets can be fitted with accessories to enable the user to toilet, feeling safe, secure and in control –­­­­­­­­­­­­ integrated arm supports, body supports, different seats, operating mechanisms and douche options are available across the range.

 www.clos-o-mat.com

 info@clos-o-mat.com

 0161 969 1199

Gilberts Blackpool, a leading air movement specialist, has developed a new version of the pioneering Mistrale Fusion System (MFS) taking the same concept from facade to roof, with MFS-V (Vertical).

MFS-V incorporates two Fusion MFS128 units placed vertically into a rooftop penthouse turret, with a shaft up to 1500mm2 ensuring effective standalone ventilation of the space below.

By routing the ventilation through the roof, then internal spaces that have no external facade can still be efficiently ventilated. The standard MFS-V includes a mixing damper within modulates airflow to allow the new, fresh air to mix with the warm exhaust air, thus extracting its heat without the need for an exchanger.

 www.gilbertsblackpool.com

 info@gilbertsblackpool.com  01253 766911

Franke launches new developer brochure Franke has launched a dedicated new brochure strategically aimed at the developer and contract market, including social housing. Significantly, all of the products in the brochure have a BIM (Building Information Modelling) code with Franke being the first kitchen sink manufacturer to offer this benefit. The Housebuilder Range encompasses products drawn from Franke and Carron Phoenix to cover all kitchen styles and price points, shaped around the needs of house-builders. In the brochure there is a choice of 22 sink models that span inset, undermount and flushmount installation in stainless steel, granite and ceramic and 25 taps designed to complement the various sink styles.

 www.franke.co.uk

 ks-info.gb@franke.com

 0161 436 6280

Apollo Fire Detectors celebrates first educational installation for its SOTERIA range

Focus & Innovation

Hybrid solution hits the roof

Marchwood Junior School, near Southampton, is benefiting from the reliability and innovation of the new SOTERIA range from Apollo Fire Detectors in an installation which marks the range’s first educational application. In 2016, Southern Fire Alarms (SFA) was awarded the tender by Hampshire County Council (HCC) to specify and install a new fire detection system at the school. The old system was obsolete and non-compliant and was due for renewal as part of the HCC Schools’ refurbishment programme. A total of 90 SOTERIA devices were installed at the school, with a panel from Advanced.

The installation had to be completed during term time when the building was occupied.

 www.apollo-fire.co.uk/soteria  enquiries@apollo-fire.co.uk  0239 249 2412

the world world leader leader in in timber timber preservation preservation technology technology the

the durable durable choice choice the celcurised timber, timber, the the trusted trusted timber timber protection protection celcurised for long long standing standing preservative preservative performance performance for FOR MORE MORE INFORMATION INFORMATION FOR FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit: www.kopperspc.eu

Call: +44 +44 (0)1628 (0)1628 486644 486644 Protim Solignum Solignum Limited, Limited, Fieldhouse Fieldhouse Lane Lane Marlow, Marlow, Visit: www.kopperspc.eu Call: Protim Visit: www.kopperspc.eu Call: +44 (0)1628 476757 486644 Protim Solignum Limited, Fieldhouse Lane Marlow, Email: Fax: Buckinghamshire SL7 1LS Email: kpc@koppers.eu kpc@koppers.eu Fax: +44 +44 (0)1628 (0)1628 476757 Buckinghamshire SL7 1LS Email: kpc@koppers.eu Fax: +44 (0)1628 476757 Buckinghamshire SL7 1LS *Registered Trademarks of Koppers Performance Chemicals Inc. Protim Solignum Limited is a Koppers company trades as Koppers Performance Chemicals. Koppers is a registered Trademark of

*Registered Trademarks of Koppers Performance Chemicals Inc. Protim Solignum Limited is a Koppers company trades as Koppers Performance Chemicals. Koppers is a registered Trademark of Koppers Delware, Inc. Allofproducts are produced by independently owned and operated wood processing facilities.

Allas other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. *Registered Trademarks Koppers Performance Chemicals Inc. Solignum Limited isis aa Koppers company trades Koppers Performance Chemicals. isis aa registered Trademark Koppers Delware, Inc. Allofproducts produced by independently owned and operated processing facilities.

All as other trademarks are trademarks their respective owners. *Registered Trademarks Koppersare Performance Chemicals Inc. Protim Protim Solignum Limitedwood Koppers company trades Koppers Performance Chemicals.ofKoppers Koppers registered Trademark of of Registered England - Reg. 3037845 Koppers Delware, All Registered EnglandInc. - Reg. 3037845 are Koppers Delware, Inc. All products products are produced produced by by independently independently owned owned and and operated operated wood wood processing processing facilities. facilities. All All other other trademarks trademarks are are trademarks trademarks of of their their respective respective owners. owners.

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by Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen by Appointment to Her The Queen byMajesty Appointment to Manufacturers Of Wood Preservatives Her Majesty The Manufacturers Of Wood Preservatives Her Majesty The Queen Queen Protim Solignum Ltd Manufacturers Wood Preservatives ProtimOf Solignum Ltd Manufacturers Of Wood Preservatives Marlow, Buckinghamshire Protim Solignum Ltd Marlow, ProtimBuckinghamshire Solignum Ltd Marlow, Marlow, Buckinghamshire Buckinghamshire

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51

Focus & Innovation

History colours design Dramatic wall design at the refurbished Tottenham Court Road Underground Station is reminding the public just how stunning centuries-old terrazzo materials can be when specified for walls and floors. Here, TRI Contracting has used terrazzo to restore the iconic Eduardo Paolozzi mosaic work and it is a stunning example of how the material can brighten everyday life.

One of the greatest changes in architectural design in recent years has been the resurgence and use of colour to avoid

For the architect and designer, colour has now become a key component of design rather than a finishing touch.

Colour has become another tool with which to enhance the character and ambience of a building. For example, changes in metal manufacture have enabled intense panels of colour to brighten facades. Similarly, a recognition of the qualities and durability of traditional terrazzo craftsmanship has provided designers with yet another choice of material and a palette of colours.

Terrazzo flooring is extremely hardwearing and will outlast almost all other types of floor coupled with the lowest possible cycle costs. It offers pattern and shapes with varying levels of finish from honed to polished or designed with decorative graphics by waterjet cutting.

Leading suppliers of terrazzo, as well as marble and other coloured stones are all members of the National Federation of Terrazzo Marble and Mosaic Specialists.

The aims of the federation to maintain standards of craftsmanship and technical control together with detailed information about the history and specification of the products, are detailed on the website.

 www.nftmms.co.uk  bjames@nftmms.org  0845 609 0050

the drabness of post-war buildings and to exploit the potential of what both traditional and modern materials can offer.

Remmers sets sail at Red Wharf Bay

Martinique host to latest Zaun prison project The Caribbean is the exotic location of Zaun’s latest prison job. The high-security steel mesh manufacturer has supplied its prison-standard 358 fencing to secure the penitentiary centre of Ducos on the island of Martinique. Ducos is located 14km from Fort-de-France in a town of 16000 inhabitants. Zaun shipped three gates, 582m of HiSec mesh panels to heights of three and five metres and fence posts, clamp bars and fixings to fencing contractor, DIRICKX Groupe, an international specialist in perimeter protection. Zaun is on the UK Ministry of Justice-approved supplier and installer list of fencing materials and recently supplied the Wrexham super prison, HMP Berwyn.

 www.zaun.co.uk  sales@zaun.co.uk  01902 796699

52

Red Wharf Bay Sailing & Watersports Club is set in an area of outstanding beauty at Traeth Bychan on the Isle of Anglesey, north Wales. The members’ clubhouse has been sited here for over 50 years due to its suitable sailing waters.

The members of the committee decided that the exterior of the building was looking a little tired and a refresh was needed before the new season started at Easter. Remmers' Compact Opaque PU topcoat was selected for the job due to its performance characteristics and suitability to coastal locations.

 www.remmers.co.uk

 sales@remmers.co.uk

 01293 594010

Offsite Solutions launches demountable bathroom pods Offsite Solutions, a leading bathroom pod manufacturer, has developed an innovative demountable pod solution where there is insufficient access for fully assembled pods.

Originally developed for military refurbishment projects, the demountable pod option is now available in the complete range of GRP bathroom designs from Offsite Solutions. This level of design flexibility is unprecedented and a UK industry first. Demountable pods radically reduce work on site and offer the superior and consistent quality of factory-built bathrooms. Eight pods can be reassembled on site in just one day with a three-person team. This compares to site-built bathrooms on a typical scheme, which can take six to 12 weeks to complete.

 www.offsitesolutions.com

 info@offsitesolutions.com

 01278 780807

Superb metal finishing benefiting from supply chain partnerships Powdertech Corby’s work can be seen at the exciting Rathbone Market regeneration scheme in Canning Town, east London.

Powdertech’s work completed the element which gave the final building in the development its name – ‘Lumire’.

The balustrade across all four sides of the building glows golden, a physical

representation of the ‘light of regeneration’ in the heart of Canning Town.

Rathbone Market is a £160m regeneration mixed-use development with over 650 dwellings, retail and community facilities

Focus & Innovation

and two open spaces, one of which is now the permanent home of the revitalised Rathbone Market itself. The stylish apartments have 1900 linear metres of galvanised steel balustrade, coated

by Powdertech in a high-performance AkzoNobel power coating Y2217F, matt gold/green.

The fabricator, galvaniser and Powdertech worked as a team from the project outset, with close involvement from the architect.

All stages were reviewed by the team throughout the project duration and the initial completed assemblies were inspected by the architect at the fabricator’s premises. The success of the project as a whole is recognised as being largely due to the shared vision and collaboration of all parties involved.

“Making the time to meet together and discuss design, fabrication and metal finishing at the outset created a close working relationship which endured throughout the project. This meant that all project stages had a successful outcome leading to overall time efficiencies and cost savings. We are keen to develop similar working partnerships for future projects,” concluded Richard Besant, Sales Director at Powdertech Corby.

 www.powdertechcorby.co.uk  pcl@powdertech.co.uk  01536 400890

Snickers LITEWork working clothes for summer A change of season means a change of focus on what you wear on site. Snickers LITEWork garments can help you keep your cool when the heat is on. The newest LITEWork trousers, shirts, shorts, T-shirts and jackets have all the features and functionality of Snickers’ other Next Generation working clothes, but without the heavier weight fabrics. Just like high-performance sportswear, they are super-light, quick-drying garments – with mechanical air flow and moisture transport features – that keep you feeling cool wherever you are on site in warm weather.

After all, keeping a balanced work temperature is not just about staying cool, it’s a matter of your wellbeing and job safety.

 www.snickersworkwear.com  info@snickersworkwear.co.uk  01484 854788

Concord cuts lighting energy consumption at University of Southampton The University of Southampton has cut its energy bills by up to 20% at its Avenue Campus by switching to energy-efficient LED luminaires from Concord. As part of the Feilo Sylvania company, Concord has provided a bespoke lighting solution featuring a range of energyefficient, high-performance luminaires suited for the university’s varied requirements. A range of Concord LED luminaires with occupancy detection sensors have been installed at the campus, dramatically improving the building’s lighting scheme and increasing energy efficiency. The work included creating a new lighting scheme in the circulation spaces, lecture theatres as well as additional work at the library on campus.

 www.concord-lighting.com

 info.uk@feilosylvania.com

 0800 440 2478

Jacksons Fencing’s guide to managing noise pollution is out Jacksons Fencing has issued its latest guide, 'Managing Noise Pollution', for landscape architects, urban planners, exterior designers and others involved in the specification of external physical perimeters. Noise pollution has a huge effect on populations causing people stress, fatigue and poor sleep quality. Jacksons Fencing has developed a range of acoustic fencing barriers with the modern urban landscape in mind. Working with independent sound engineers, the team of technical and engineering experts can assist those involved in the design and construction of external spaces by providing tailored advice, guidance and expertise every step of the way, from design support to manufacturing and installation.

 www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk  sales@jacksons-fencing.co.uk  01233 750393

53

Focus & Innovation

Studor shows the way to health and hygiene in the bathroom Whilst unpleasant, a bad smell in the bathroom is not in itself dangerous. However, it may well be indicative of a more serious and potentially life-threatening issue. The smell can indicate that the water trap seal – the only barrier between the drainage system and the living space – has been lost, potentially posing serious health risks.

Water trap seals started being fitted on bathroom and kitchen fixtures after the 1854 cholera outbreak in London. Today, cholera is not a risk in the UK, but within all our drainage systems' sewer gases and pathogens such as SARS, legionnaires', norovirus and others are always present.

For the last 40 years, drainage ventilation expert, Studor, has been solely focused on developing products that maintain the water trap seals in buildings.

Studor’s Trap-Vent solution, the combination of a water trap and air admittance valve (AAV), can easily be retrofitted to an existing bathroom, and is also ideal for small group venting in, for example, hotels, care homes

and hospitals. It protects the water trap seal between the drainage system and the room, stopping bad odours and pathogens escaping from empty traps.

Studor’s UK Managing Director, Stephen Taylor, comments: “The Trap-Vent comes with a lifetime guarantee and also reduces siphonage noise, providing a 20 dB noise reduction compared to conventional traps.

Furthermore, it allows freedom of design for engineers and architects to enable multiple drainage fixtures to link together.”

The Studor Trap-Vent is a combined trap with a 50mm water seal and an integral AAV. It reduces the need for secondary ventilating in small fixture groups and

replaces conventional S traps and P traps. It is height-adjustable for fully flexible installation, has integrated self-cleaning and is suitable for bath and shower rooms, providing an excellent solution for problem-solving in newbuilds as well as the retrofit market.

 www.studor.net/trap-vent  info@studor.net  0845 601 3292

Vulcathene helps create state-of-the-art labs at University of Chester

Charcon to showcase awardwinning product at cycle events

Charcon, the commercial hard landscaping division of Aggregate Industries, will be exhibiting at a number of cycle events across the country throughout 2017. The events form part of a series of groundbreaking conferences and exhibitions for all those working to encourage and implement safer cycling. Charcon will be exhibiting its Eco Countryside Cycle Kerb Segregation system that was developed specifically for the Mayor’s flagship Cycle Superhighway 2 (CS2) in 2016. Charcon will be exhibiting on 29th September at Healthy Streets 2017, London, and in November at Transforming Britain’s Streets, Leicester.

 www.charcon.com  landscaping@aggregate.com  01335 372222

54

Vulcathene chemical drainage pipework has been integral to a major refurbishment project to upgrade three science laboratories at the University of Chester. The new facilities needed a reliable chemical drainage system for use throughout the laboratories and ICR Group selected the complete Vulcathene Mechanical system, including pipework, fittings, waste and bottle traps, due to the system’s proven track record in education environments. Vulcathene was fitted to carry chemical waste from the sinks in each laboratory to the building’s main drainage system for disposal off site. Available in sizes from 38 to 152mm, Vulcathene is a purpose-designed chemical drainage system available in two easy jointing methods; Mechanical for demountable joints and Enfusion for welded joints.

 www.durapipe.co.uk

 enquiries@durapipe.co.uk

 01543 279909

An integrated approach to motorway design from Brett

A combination of specialist kerbs and a roadbase of cement-bound granular material (CBGM) has provided the Channel Tunnel approach from Junction 11a of the M20 with an effective pavement construction and a safe carriageway thanks to the integration of engineering and products from the Brett Group. Brett Aggregates was initially approached by contractor, BAM Nuttall, to provide a CBGM roadbase for the carriageway and a foundation for Brett Landscaping’s Trief containment kerbs, running adjacent to the roadbase. This was a highspecification application as the carriageway has to be able to cope with the movement of over a million articulated lorries a year on the approach to the very busy Channel Tunnel entrance.

 www.brettpaving.co.uk/trief  landscapinginfo@brett.co.uk  0345 608 0577

LEVATO MONO porcelain paver system The Levato Mono porcelain paver system is the pinnacle of external raised flooring technology; enabling the specification of lightweight, slip resistant and attractive raised flooring solutions, combining incredible technical properties with uncompromising aesthetics; making them the ideal choice for commercial and domestic use alike.

20mm porcelain pavers 40x80 45x90 60x60 75x75 30x120 40x120 60x120 ‘Floating floor’ – installation over single ply membranes Eternal product - zero maintenance required – offering massive over-life savings

Highly abrasion and stain resistant Highly slip resistant ; R11 and achieved up to +65 wet in the BS pendulum test Lightweight – 45kgs per m2 High load bearing and impact resistance Timber & stone effects; 40+ finishes available

www.thedecktileco.co.uk t: 0845 2700 696

e: info@thedecktileco.co.uk

Completely non porous Ideal for balconies, roof terraces and piazzas, for both commercial and residential use Fire & frost proof Height-adjustable supports from 9mm up to 550mm