PSBJ September 2014

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September 2014

Textbook case of engagement Flexible library building creates sustainable legacy

Balancing act -

Fire protection -

Raising spirits -

reviewing clinical capacity against local need

important changes in regulations and standards

the calming nature of hospital landscaping

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Editor

Hannah Frackiewicz hannah@mixedmediainfo.com

Managing Director

Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Advertising Sales

Steve Gull steve@mixedmediainfo.com

Studio Manager

Chris Lilly chris@mixedmediainfo.com

Production

Ben Bridgeman ben@mixedmediainfo.com

Cover Image: The refurbishment of Exeter Library has shown how an excellent relationship with the client and local community engagement can leave a sustainable legacy. See Page 20

Artworker/Sub-editor

David Perry david@mixedmediainfo.com

Accounts

Simone Jones simone@mixedmediainfo.com

Publisher

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

Welcome...

Show season is officially upon us. Last month, we unveiled the highlights of the upcoming Leisure Industry Week (30th September – 2nd October) and SALTEX beginning in early September. With focused debates, seminars and a whole host of specialist exhibitors, it seems there really is a show for all professionals in the public sector building arena. In this month’s issue, we continue with further event news, this time for those specialising in the healthcare and timber industries.

Timber Expo is the most important event on the UK construction calendar dedicated exclusively to timber, its associated technologies and many applications. For two days in October, Timber Expo will be a hive of activity and a showcase of products, innovations and developments. To find out why you should attend this valuable tribute to timber, turn to page 30.

Also in October, the Healthcare Estates Exhibition & Conference addresses the need to create high quality patient environments. To achieve the very best facilities, estate managers and heads of institutes are being urged to attend in order to meet with over 190 exhibitors and take advantage of the packed programme of industry-led debates and discussions. Turn to page 38 for more information on this timely congress.

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.

Elsewhere in this issue, we bring you the latest high profile case studies and talking points on Doors & Windows, Landscaping, Disability and Fire Protection – as well as coverage on the four key public sector areas and a dedicated HVAC focus found on page 44.

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

Hannah Frackiewicz Hannah Frackiewicz | Editor | hannah@mixedmediainfo.com

Public Sector Build Journal

3

Contents 08 06 News A round up of the latest industry news, including charity events, awarded contracts, show partnerships and responses to timely construction announcements.

08 Upfront Redlynch Ward at Salisbury District Hospital comprises two separate units, and having been in use for over 20 years they were due for modernisation.

PSBJ profiles the first phase of the refurbishment programme.

14 Healthcare In sensitive healthcare environments it is important for physical security systems to not appear intimidating to its patients or the public. Here Zaun explains how to achieve the right balance.

18 Talking Point Wayne Ashton, head of strategic planning at the Eric Wright Group discusses the over capacity that’s being built into NHS estates.

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Public Sector Build Journal

20 Leisure

24 Doors & Windows

Balfour Beatty has demonstrated its

Elements of the whole portfolio of Kawneer

commitment to leaving a sustainable legacy with the completion of the

systems have been used on the new Spires Academy in Canterbury with indoor and

£4.1m refurbishment of Exeter Library.

outdoor teaching spaces that achieved a BREEAM “Very good” rating.

22 Door & Wall Protection

28 Landscaping

Intastop, a specialist in door and wall protection products, is set to launch a revolutionary concept that will provide its customers with solutionsbased options.

Outside of healthcare environments, it is important to have a space to enjoy and raise spirits. The landscaping plays a major part in the success of these areas, as Ronacrete demonstrates.

18

20

28

30 Timber Expo Preview

36 Education

Timber Expo is the most important

Mark Appleyard, Director of architect

event on the UK construction calendar dedicated exclusively to timber, its

practice Woods Hardwick talks to PSBJ about the collaborative approach

associated technologies and its many applications. Find out more here.

throughout the development of Welland Primary School.

32 Disability

38 Healthcare Estates Preview

44 HVAC/HVP Focus

Sesame Access unveils two applications

PSBJ profiles the upcoming Healthcare

User comfort is a top priority when

of its bespoke wheelchair access lifts.

Hidden under a set of retracting stairs, the lifts can blend seamlessly to match existing staircases.

Estates exhibition and conference, which brings together suppliers and customers in the largest gathering of the UK healthcare sector.

specifying HVAC systems. However those looking to install or upgrade need to factor in a whole host of considerations.

34 Fire Protection

40 Housing

Leading manufacturer Kidde reviews the latest Regulations and Standards for smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms in housing.

When embarking on major refurbishment works, local authorities must demonstrate that a reasonable approach to repair and replacement solutions has been adopted.

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50 Product Showcase A dedicated focus of industry news, product launches and case studies to help public sector building professionals make informed choices when planning their project.

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Public Sector Build Journal

5

News

Carillion scoops top industry award Leading support services company Carillion, has won the major Project of the Year (over £50m) category at the Construction News Awards, for the groundbreaking Library of Birmingham.

The Construction News Awards are among the industry’s biggest and most prestigious, showcasing the best ideas and achievements from the past 12 months in construction.

The £188.8m Library of Birmingham project is an ambitious new landmark for the Birmingham skyline. With an imposing glass and metal facade, Carillion was responsible for bringing to life the design by Francine Houben of Dutch firm Mecannoo Architecten.

Recognising the potential for the project to stimulate local employmet regeneration, Carillion also committed to creating 250 local employment opportunities and 25 apprenticeships for people not in employment or training within its tender proposal – targets that were far exceeded.

Visitor centre fit for a king Leicester-based architects Maber had a number of design challenges when working on the new world-class £4m King Richard III Visitor Centre.

The project, delivered for Leicester City Council, saw the former Alderman

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Public Sector Build Journal

Newton’s School on St Martin’s Place transformed into a state-of-the-art visitor centre telling the dramatic story of the king’s life, his brutal death at Bosworth Field in 1485, and the fascinating rediscovery of his grave.

The Victorian Gothic school building was refurbished to create two floors of exhibition space and a new covered area allowing visitors access to the grave in which Richard’s remains were discovered.

The project includes the construction of a new courtyard garden, glass entrance hall, viewing balcony, cafe and visitor entry from Peacock Lane.

Contractor appointed to re-build fire-damaged school John Turner Construction Group is underway with work to refurbish and re-develop Leyland St Mary’s Catholic High School having been appointed by architectural and planning consultancy practice and area surveyors for Liverpool Archdiocese, Cassidy + Ashton.

The school was partially destroyed during an arson attack in September 2013 and the £7.5m project has been designed in such a way to restore lost teaching spaces and enhance the overall school environment, providing classrooms, new science and technology departments, extended dining areas, car parks and outdoor space.

The new buildings, covering 3500m2, will provide high-quality new facilities for the benefit of staff and pupils. The existing frontage will be enhanced with a new extension to the dining room together with new main entrance, associated landscaping and car parking.

The design has created two secure courtyard areas at the heart of the development allowing both social and teaching outdoor spaces.

Construction work is expected to complete in time for pupils to move in by September 2015.

Building futures in construction Young people are thriving in apprenticeships and vocational experience as part of Nottingham City Council (NCC) and Nottingham City Homes’ (NCH) Building a Better Nottingham programme.

NCH’s contractor partner, Wates Living Space and its subcontractors currently employ over 60 people on the site in Radford with five apprentices, including three apprentices placed through youth charity The Prince’s Trust, as well as on-the-job training referred through the Nottingham City Council Employer Hub. Wates offered apprenticeships to three young people who had completed The Prince’s Trust Get into Construction programme. Youth charity The Prince’s Trust helps disadvantaged young people get the skills and confidence to find a job.

Three in four young people supported

by The Trust move into work, training or education.

Joanne Jamieson, Regional Managing Director of Wates Living Space commented: “Through our partnership with Nottingham City Homes, we are in a position to change the lives of local people for the better. Together, we believe that the delivery of much needed new homes in Radford as well as the creation of training and employment opportunities will leave a lasting legacy.”

Regional Framework appoints Shepherd Construction National contractor, Shepherd Construction has been selected as a Preferred Tenderer for the North West Construction Hub (NWCH) High Value Framework for use by Local Authorities and other public sector organisations in the North West region.

One of only seven contractors appointed to the NWCH, Shepherd Construction was selected for its collaborative working ethos and ability to positively influence the Constructing Excellence agenda. Centred around

News public sector construction procurement in the North West, the hub will deliver key projects with a total value of up to £1bn over the next four years.

The hub will be used on individual schemes worth more than £9m for public sector clients including Local Authorities, further education establishments, and the health sector across the North West of England.

Shepherd Construction’s appointment to the framework recognises the company’s ability to deliver a range of efficient and cost-effective solutions, for example, through its use of BIM. In addition, credentials including offering apprenticeships, maximising local supply chain involvement and carbon and waste to landfill reductions, all combined to ensure Shepherd Construction met the strict criteria for entry to the NWCH.

Launch of international competition Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Competitions and Bristol City Council are delighted to announce the launch of an international competition to design a new arena for Bristol.

The Bristol Arena project is a large indoor multi-purpose arena, to be located on the former diesel depot site close to Temple Meads railway station in central Bristol. It is anticipated that the Arena will open in the summer of 2017.

Multi-disciplinary teams will have the opportunity to design the 12,000 capacity entertainment arena. The successful experienced design team will have architectural, structural and building engineering capabilities as well as experience within the performance venue field and significant knowledge of the creation and development of urban spaces.

For further details and to enter please visit www.architecture.com/competitions.

The closing date for receiving completed applications is Thursday 18th September 2014.

New affordable homes for Berwick Not-for-profit housing provider Four Housing has secured an £8m investment

in Northumberland making 63 new homes available across the county, with 56 of them in Berwick. When completed early next year the properties will be available to customers under the organisation’s affordable rent and shared ownership schemes.

Grants for the two Berwick projects have been received from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) totalling over £1.2m, with the remaining £6.8m funded by social housing provider Four Housing.

Dawn Keightley, Group Director of operations at Four Housing said: “This is a significant investment for Four Housing which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the Berwick area. There is a real housing need for affordable homes in Berwick and wider Northumberland, and we’re committed to addressing the housing shortfall – we strive to provide a range of homes that meet the needs of our customers at different stages of their lives.”

Preparations underway for world record attempt Work is well underway to prepare the ground for a special world record attempt set to take place later this year in North Birmingham.

750 residents of Stockland Green, Birmingham, will attempt to beat the current record of 636 for the most people planting flower bulbs simultaneously at an event at Brookvale Park in November to commemorate the centenary of World War I. The event is being organised in partnership between the local police,

Birmingham City Council and Glendale, a green services company, alongside Interserve and Friends of Brookvale Park. It will see participants attempt to plant five Narcissi bulbs each in an allotted time. To set the record, the task must be completed within an hour and verified by the Guinness Book of Records.

Tod Hale, Contract Manager at Glendale said: “This event is a fantastic way of bringing the community together as well as commemorating World War I as a lasting tribute. Our experts began the preparations well ahead of time to make sure that the ground is in the best condition for the bulbs to thrive once they are planted. Our plan is to then rotavate the land in the autumn and make sure the area is tidy ahead of the event.”

Profile 22 shortlisted for Sustainable Housing Awards Profile 22 has been shortlisted in the Transformation category of the Sustainable Housing Awards 2014, organised by Inside Housing magazine and its sister publication Sustainable Housing.

These awards put the spotlight on the best green social housing projects constructed in the UK, and the organisations responsible for them. The trophies will be presented at a ceremony hosted by one of the world’s greatest living explorers, Sir Ranulph Fiennes on Friday 17th October at the Lancaster London Hotel.

Emma Maier, Editor of Inside Housing, said: “Housing accounts for 25% of UK carbon emissions, so reducing emissions from new and existing homes is vital if the UK is to meet its carbon reduction targets.

Social housing landlords have been at the forefront of responding to that challenge.

“The Sustainable Housing Awards recognise and reward social housing providers that are playing a pioneering role in greening the UK’s housing stock – and tackling fuel poverty.”

Public Sector Build Journal

7

Upfront

The improvements to Redlynch Ward are the first phase of a wider programme for Salisbury District hospital

New lease of life Redlynch Ward at Salisbury District Hospital comprises two separate units, and having been in use for over 20 years they were due for modernisation. Phase one of the project was to refurbish one of the units, and specifying the walls and floors to meet the variety of complex requirements was the task of the hospital’s ArtCare design team, headed up by Lesley Meaker.

T

he improvements to Redlynch Ward are the first phase of a wider programme that will see Altro products used for future modernisation work on general wards at Salisbury District Hospital, where patients with dementia may need to be treated.

Altro has developed product ranges and colours specifically designed for use with people who have dementia. This has come about through close co-operation with the University of Stirling’s renowned Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC), to gain a greater understanding of how the physical environment impacts on those with dementia.

“Life for dementia patients can be frustrating, confusing and distressing,” explains Lesley. “It was our aim to create

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Public Sector Build Journal

an environment tailored to their needs – a truly dementia-friendly ward – one that would help to minimise the stresses that they suffer and make their lives more manageable.

“In refurbishing this first unit we also wanted to set a standard, a universal principle – a template – that we could replicate elsewhere in the knowledge that it is the best possible environment for mental healthcare.

“The parameters for dementia healthcare environments are wide and varied and we had a whole raft of considerations. The layout of the ward is complex and potentially confusing, so our overarching aim was to improve orientation for patients and create a clear, uncluttered and easy to navigate space.

“Floors must to be very safe underfoot – especially when wet – slip-resistant and sparkle-free, so as not to confuse people with dementia. Colours need to be neutral, with no patterns or ambiguous designs that can potentially upset patients, and finishes must be matt 

The ward has four sub-wards, and each one has a theme – beaches, meadows, spas and woodland

Upfront

Public Sector Build Journal

9

Upfront and muted. There also needs to be good contrast between floors and walls.

“But to make the space look less clinical and more welcoming we wanted to bring nature inside, by using naturallooking designs and products, wood effects, images of trees and flowers etc.

And of course all the products need to be easy to clean and maintain long-term.

“There was a lot to think about in our product selection, but one thing we were sure of right from the start was that it had to be Altro. We have used their products very successfully for many years and we were confident that their superb product quality and choice would be perfect for this project.

“Before we made our final choices we shortlisted some ideas, held staff consultations, created mood boards, and generally talked to a lot of people and gathered opinions. The end result was very carefully thought through and comprised five different Altro products – each one selected for its specific qualities and strengths.”

Sustainable flooring For the ward’s main corridor, Lesley and her team specified Altro XpressLay safety flooring. The world’s first adhesive-free, truly sustainable safety floor, Altro XpressLay contains recycled material, can be lifted and reused and is 100% recyclable after installation, and at the end of its life.

Altro Wood Smooth flooring was specified for the ward’s main circulation area

This highly durable, slip-resistant flooring is ideal for high-traffic areas and comes in a range of 42 colours, with plain or chipped options. Altro Easyclean Maxis PUR Technology ensures the product stays looking good, long-term.

“We chose Altro XpressLay because it was so quick to install, just a few hours, and this meant we didn’t have to close the other ward while the corridor was out of action,” says Lesley. No adhesives means a much quicker time to install Altro XpressLay, perfect for busy areas

like corridors where you need to use the floor as quickly as possible. Like all Altro safety flooring, Altro XpressLay has lifetime sustained slip resistance, giving peace of mind for safety for years and years to come.

Altro Wood Smooth flooring was specified for the ward’s main circulation area. This new wood-look smooth flooring brings warmth to any environment. It is easy to maintain and can be welded to provide a hygienic surface, making it ideal for areas where infection control and high standards of cleanliness are required.

“Altro Wood enabled us to create a wood-effect flooring to add a natural, warm touch to the surroundings,” explains Lesley. “We selected two colours – Flaxen Oak and Classic Cherry – to delineate a staff area within the ward using the flooring rather than walls or barriers. It is very effective.”

Meeting complex needs

Digiclad designs featured nature scenes and local landscapes

10 Public Sector Build Journal

The ward’s six en suite bathrooms were fitted with Altro Whiterock Satins wall cladding and Altro Aquarius safety flooring. Together they have created wet rooms that offer the ultimate in safety and hygiene and an environment best suited to the complex needs of dementia patients.

Altro Whiterock Satins is a durable, grout-free, water-tight smooth wall cladding system designed for building environments that are required 

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Upfront to meet strict hygiene standards. The panels provide a stain-resistant, wipeclean surface with no gaps or cracks for bacteria to hide in. It is extremely impact resistant and ideal for tough areas. The collection of 26 solid, matt colours, delivers colour schemes for all types of interiors, particularly healthcare.

Altro Aquarius is an innovative safety flooring for combined barefoot and shoe use in wet and dry environments. It is suitable for any type of shoe, including hard and soft soled, rubber and trainers.

Ideal for use in hospitals and care homes, Altro Aquarius has a palette of warm and friendly colours. The nonsparkle finish and chipped/non-chipped variants are ideal for dementia sufferers and the visually impaired.

Patient safety “For dementia patients, bathrooms can be very confusing and dangerous areas, so it is essential that they are safe, clearly defined and easy to use,” says Lesley.

“Using Altro Whiterock Satins for plain, non-reflective walls and Altro Aquarius for the floors – which is slip-resistant for both bare feet and shoes – we have wet rooms that are ideal for patients and staff.

“In addition, we have used Altro Whiterock to replace the windowsills, to make them easier to clean, and because

For the ward’s main corridor, Lesley and her team specified Altro XpressLay safety flooring

The effect of Altro Whiterock Digiclad is superb, colourful and very original

of the pale and neutral colours of the products, the bathrooms are very light.”

Lesley Meaker and her team chose Altro Whiterock Digiclad wall cladding to turn a single room on the ward into a communal living space. “We wanted to create an area that was welcoming, homely and appealing, and we realised that we could put a range of images and designs directly onto Altro Whiterock Digiclad to achieve the desired effect,” Lesley says.

“We chose two images; the first was similar to wallpaper – in an abstract design. The others were nature scenes, local landscapes. The ward has four sub-wards, and each one has a theme –

beaches, meadows, spas and woodland.

We also used the same design in three single bedrooms. Overall the effect is superb, colourful and very original.”

Altro Premier Installer Rudge Brothers & James were awarded the contract to install the Altro products. Director Jim Heal said: “This was a great project – it took four of us six weeks on and off to complete, working around other contractors on site.

“There was a bit of problem-solving involved as well. The hospital has suffered from drainage problems in their bathrooms because the floor is too flat.

We suggested that for this refurbishment we trial a method we have developed to create a false drop in the floor using latex around the edges of the bathroom, so that water drains into the middle.

“We completed one bathroom to see if it worked, and it was completely successful, so we used the same method on the remaining five bathrooms. We then installed Altro Aquarius on the floors and Altro Whiterock on the walls.

We also used Altro Whiterock Chameleon as splashbacks around sinks.”

Lesley Meaker adds: “We have had some fantastic feedback about the new unit. Staff have commented that it’s lovely to see patients congregating and chatting happily in the new communal area, rather than sitting alone on the ward.

“Patients have also emailed us to say how amazing the environment is now, and VIPs and visitors have responded very positively. We are delighted with the results – we achieved exactly what we set out to do.” 

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12 Public Sector Build Journal

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Healthcare The Ardenleigh secure mental heath unit in Erdington has moved into a new £3.5m state-of-the-art building for up to 18 young adults suffering from complex mental health problems

Safe and secure Healthcare security managers could learn from their counterparts in education and prisons in designing physical security systems that are cost-effective and do the job, but avoid turning hospitals into fortresses, suggests Chris Plimley, Sales Manager of Zaun.

T

here was a fascinating interview published prior to IFSEC earlier this summer with Peter Finch, the president of the National Association for Healthcare Security (NAHS), who said managing security in medical facilities was much like doing so in other sectors and industries.

He is better placed than almost anyone to know. He became NAHS president

One branch of the NHS which has adopted far tighter security is mental health units

14 Public Sector Build Journal

following 14 years in the NHS, most recently as security adviser at Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust where he experienced the 2011 Handsworth riots first hand.

But he began his long career in security in 1978 in the Royal Air Force as an RAF Policeman – and he has just taken on the top security job at the Coventry Building Society.

He argued in the interview that the theory of security and security management was pretty much the same in all his roles. Firstly he said crime prevention was pretty much the same, having looked after nuclear weapons in the RAF and harmful pathogens and toxins in NHS pathology departments that could be used for bio-terrorism.

He also said all industries have people and equipment to protect from damage and theft. And he said during the Handsworth riots three years ago, they had to protect and defend the hospital pretty much in the same way as a military base to keep it operating.

Protecting facilities It got me thinking what were the similarities and differences from the perspective of physical security measures, such as fencing and perimeter protection, CCTV and access control.

And it made me wonder why healthcare security managers don’t look to other security professionals in the public sector and beyond to innovate in how to protect their facilities better.

Our experience at Zaun mirrors Peter Finch’s in healthcare, military installations and banking, but also encompasses education, utilities, prisons and manufacturing, to name but a few.

And I realise that, by their very nature, hospitals and health centres exist for the wellbeing of the community and need to be accessible, open and welcoming – so intimidating security measures might 

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Public Sector Build Journal 15

Healthcare be frowned upon.

Perhaps the best parallel here is schools. But where most new schools and academies built under the Building Schools for the Future programme have incorporated the Full Monty of physical security, with perimeter security fencing, CCTV and access control at entrances, hospitals rarely use more than trees, bushes and shrubs to mark their boundaries and screen access.

Both are subject to the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act of 2006, which made it a legal requirement to protect children and other vulnerable adults from harm or risk of harm by preventing those individuals who are deemed unsuitable from gaining access to them through their work.

Education faces no less a squeeze on its budgets than the NHS, yet has mastered the skill of making sites secure

Designing in security And both face similarly well-publicised safety and security threats. Hospitals are increasingly prone to challenging and abusive behaviour from patients and relatives. Equally school security has been at the top of the agenda ever since the 1996 Dunblane school massacre and Horrett Campbell’s machete attack on a teddy bears’ picnic at St Luke’s Infants School in Wolverhampton three months later.

In my view, healthcare security managers should take a leaf out of their education counterparts’ books and get efficient physical security designed in at the beginning.

A briefing note from Gloucestershire Constabulary says: ‘In order to teach

Security managers and their advisors need to consider the specifics of aesthetics, security, the environment, the site footprint and budget

and to learn, staff and pupils must feel safe and secure. Criminal and anti-social behaviour can cause disruption to the work of the school, physical and mental damage to people and damage to buildings. Worse, fear is created amongst pupils, staff and parents, which is out of all proportion to the actual crimes committed.’

Its first recommendation is to provide a substantial secure boundary and limit access points for vehicles and pedestrians, which has now become a key part of Ofsted inspections.

And education faces no less a squeeze on its budgets than the NHS, yet has mastered the skill of making sites secure without seeming fortified, to remain open, welcoming and contributing to the wellbeing of its users.

Considering the specifics One branch of the NHS which has adopted far tighter security is mental health units, which perhaps mirror more the approach adopted in prisons than in hospitals.

We have recently fitted out mental health units in Scotland, Wales and England, the most recent being one of only six adolescent forensic psychiatry inpatient units in England.

The Ardenleigh secure mental heath unit in Erdington, run by Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, has moved into a new £3.5m stateof-the-art building for up to 18 young adults suffering from complex mental health problems.

16 Public Sector Build Journal

As inpatients, they receive assessment and treatment of mental health issues – such as depression, bi-polar disorder, psychosis and schizophrenia – and many arrive with or acquire Autistic Spectrum diagnoses as well.

Ardenleigh houses some of the country’s most mentally disturbed teenagers, who have been detained under the Mental Health Act and have usually committed a criminal offence, and was opened in 2003, so was due for upgrading.

Security was paramount given the nature of the young people on site, who might pose a significant risk to themselves or to others. So we installed aluminium sheeting on some of the boundary fencing to provide privacy to the inpatients and to prevent them from being distracted by events beyond the hospital.

And what such different security challenges at such varying sites tells us is that security managers and their advisors need to consider the specifics of aesthetics, security, the environment, the site footprint and budget before working out the best way to deliver what can often be conflicting priorities.

However unusual your requirements, it pays to involve the security specialists right at the start of the design process to build the securest and safest medical facilities that achieve the best rehabilitation and wellbeing outcomes – even if the lessons come from outside the healthcare community. 

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Public Sector Build Journal 17

Talking Point time was much lower than 28, which meant that providing so much specialist provision would represent wasted use of square footage and budget.

Ready for change

The key to balancing capacity and need is for clinical commissioners and user groups to communicate effectively throughout the planning stages of a project

Is over capacity the wrong treatment?

Wayne Ashton, Head of Strategic Planning at the Eric Wright Group discusses the over capacity that's being built into NHS estates and what needs to be done to address the balancing act between clinical capacity and local need across Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) boundaries.

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s you might expect from an organisation with the size of estates and level of purchasing power wielded by the NHS, there is a high level of strategic planning that goes into deciding the level and type of healthcare provision that’s required across the country. However, between planning and delivery, the brief for investment in the NHS estate often evolves, based on feedback from practitioners and clinicians. Such changes to the original brief can lead to wasteful over capacity, creating physical environments that may reflect levels of patient need but are not aligned to local delivery resources.

It’s a complex strategic planning issue.

The involvement of clinical user groups in providing frontline feedback on facilities required is essential to creating modern, technically-advanced healthcare facilities that are both efficient in

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terms of workflows and design and geared towards the needs of the local demographic.

However, that localised thinking does not usually benefit from bigger picture strategic input that considers how services connect across different facilities, Trusts and local authorities.

Neither does it take a practical approach to balancing capacity and resources, which can lead to overcapacity in terms of physical space due to limited staffing resource or specialist provision.

For example, I once worked on a scheme where the user group requested that provision be made for 28 physiotherapy bays; a requirement that was based on the level of patient need and potential future capacity. However, the number of physiotherapists available at any one

It’s a problem that’s exacerbated by the pace of change across the NHS. Not only are there future political, structural and managerial changes to anticipate, but NHS estate development schemes must also be delivered against a backdrop of advances in medical technology and treatment methods, changes in demographics and clinical need, operational cost and resourcing challenges.

What this means in practice is that we must balance the need for specialist facilities with the imperative to create flexible environments that can be adapted quickly, easily and costeffectively to meet current and future conditions related to capacity, demand and specialist provision.

The issue of capacity is still paramount and the key to balancing capacity and need is for clinical commissioners and user groups to communicate effectively throughout the planning stages of a project. The good news is that CCGs are now maturing and, as a result, there is a much more holistic understanding across local area boundaries of what’s required.

Maintaining these parameters aligned to budgetary constraints while working

With more than 20 years’ experience in the healthcare sector, Wayne has successfully developed strategic estates plans across Hampshire, Liverpool, Essex, North London and Coventry for the NHS and private healthcare providers.

Talking Point closely with user groups to improve facility design, efficiency and flexibility should result in future-proofed schemes that manage resources and improve standards of care/provision.

There is an added bone of contention, however. While the most cost-efficient way to manage NHS estates would be to create capacity where there is resource and need, the income generation structures that sit at the heart of NHS Foundation Trusts create competition for procedures and, therefore, specialist facilities. As a result, it is in the interests of Foundation Trusts to ensure that any development schemes include specialist facilities for high value procedures – even if neighbouring hospitals already have those facilities on site.

Once again, this can lead to overcapacity on a local or regional basis, which undermines the strategic spending focus of the CCGs. It is vital therefore that the business case for each area of provision within a healthcare scheme is built on the needs and capacity of the entire catchment area rather than simply on the individual hospital or Trust.

Collaborative thinking The good news is that there is significant progress in this regard. Best practice sharing and best value have already become embedded in NHS procurement and delivery cultures and the squeeze on budgets is driving an even keener

Best practice sharing and best value have already become embedded in NHS procurement

Forward planning will always be a challenge in the healthcare sector because there are so many variables

appetite to leverage this at all levels.

Initiatives such as Procure 21+ and the success of NHS LIFT (Local Improvement Finance Trust) are creating a new era for collaborative procurement best practice across the NHS schemes for primary and community care, out of hospital care and hospitals has created a funding model that can now be rolled out at a macro level.

The other major step forward is the development of the Strategic Estates Groups, which combine the knowledge and agendas of local authorities, CCGs and providers to plan services and facilities in a more integrated way across local areas. This co-operative approach

and knowledge sharing will not only prevent capacity from being duplicated in the future but will also ensure that forward planning is informed by genuine data outlining socio-demographic changes in the local area. For example, local authority input can provide valuable insights into housebuilding strategy, which will impact on the number of service users and the types of services they require.

It should also help to inform capacity planning, enabling more effective resourcing to ensure that the clinical routes available within a specific location keep pace with the level of need.

Team work Forward planning will always be a challenge in the healthcare sector because there are so many variables.

However, with NHS budgets under such pressure and scrutiny, it’s essential that all delivery partners and users work together to square the circle of need vs capacity.

For architects and contractors, that means designing and delivering healthcare environments that are flexible enough to meet both future and current requirements and for CCGs it means being advised rather than guided by clinical user group feedback.

Most importantly, the managerial structures that are needed to address the financial and administrative boundaries of the NHS must not be allowed to create barriers to effective strategic capacity planning. 

 www.ericwright.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 19

Leisure client and local community engagement can leave a sustainable legacy.

Fit for the future

The refurbishment of Exeter Library has shown how an excellent relationship with the client and local community engagement can leave a sustainable legacy

Textbook community engagement Sustainability has become so deeply embedded in the construction sector that low environmental impact is now a standard requirement of each system and material used.

Manufacturers, suppliers and contractors have all embraced the 'green' concept, but there are many more opportunities on the doorstep of almost every construction site.

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nvironmental performance can be improved even further with careful consideration of how the building and its construction processes affect the local community – both in the short and long term. By building positive relationships with customers and communities, contractors can leave positive and lasting legacies that continue long after each project has finished.

But with sustainability traditionally measured on cold hard facts, has a lack of quantifiable benefits for community engagement ensured it remains a low priority? One company bucking the trend is Balfour Beatty, whose £4.1m refurbishment of Exeter Library has shown how an excellent relationship with the

One of Devon’s main libraries, the original 1960s Exeter Central Library had become outdated and required modernisation. In partnership with Devon County Council and their agent NPS, Balfour Beatty was appointed to complete a range of muchneeded improvements to create a firstclass contemporary facility for information, learning and culture.

Designed to offer better accessibility, revamped meeting and performance spaces and increased space for children plus a new cafe, the project required careful collaborative thinking before construction works could even begin.

Listening to the views of the residents, an initial design was created that met changing local needs, maximised use of space and made the building as flexible as possible.

The new library boasted a new entrance area and passenger lift, new learning and study areas and upgraded toilet facilities.

Balfour Beatty also introduced the latest environmental controls and relevant sustainability features to reduce the use of heating and air-conditioning and address its historical issue of being too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer.

One of the most innovative additions was the introduction of the new ‘Fab Lab’.

Believed to be the first of its kind in a UK public library, the ‘Fab Lab’ is a digital workshop equipped with laser-cutters, 3D printers and scanners, 3D milling machines, electronics bench and programming and design tools – allowing local businesses, schools and the public to ‘make almost anything’.

Leisure

The library has been designed to offer better accessibility, revamped meeting and performance spaces and increased space

Despite the rise of the digital age, libraries are still regarded as places where individuals can gather to explore, interact and imagine. With many local authorities striving to build sustainable library services fit for the future – it’s important that 21st century facilities are not only shaped for the community but shaped by them too.

Opening new doors With better links to the city’s Cultural Quarter crucial to an increase in library users, Balfour Beatty created an additional entrance from Rougemont Gardens.

Transforming the whole rear wall of the library into glazing, this new entrance improves connections to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Phoenix Arts Centre and Exeter Castle and ensures the local landmark is used to its full potential.

Connecting with local places and people

Balfour Beatty was appointed to complete a range of much-needed improvements to create a first-class contemporary facility

can often prove the difference between construction success and failure. In September 2013, Balfour Beatty opened the site to the public as part of its Open Doors Day. Run in partnership with the UK Contractors Group (UKCG), this aimed to showcase the world of construction and offer a unique opportunity to look behind the scenes of a live construction site.

Following the success of Open Doors Day, the site was open once again in January 2014 for a visit by councillors from Devon County Council. All were impressed with the work and Cllr Hart said: “I think this is a fantastic resource for the people of Exeter and Devon and brings the library into the 21st century. Linking the library to Rougemont Gardens, as well as the cultural quarter, will make such a difference and will really open everything up.”

“At every project we strive to build positive relationships with local people and businesses,” said Stuart Smith, Balfour Beatty Project Manager. “Thanks to the individual efforts of Site Manager Robbie Cloak and Senior QS Heath Powell, as well as their close working relationships with the Client’s team, the Open Doors Day and council visit proved extremely successful and helped to further integrate this project – and construction team – into the community.”

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Balfour Beatty maximised engagement of local labour by appointing local suppliers in the construction and operation stages. Committed to employing locally wherever possible, 90% of trades were sourced from Balfour Beatty’s Devon-based supply chain partners.

The company continues to invest time and effort into teaching, developing

and retaining young people – protecting its future by building a sustainable, high quality workforce. A series of apprenticeships were offered to carpenters and tilers through the supply chain partners, whilst the gateman was trained and supported through CSCS, Asbestos Awareness and Security Courses.

Building and working together Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the library, Councillor Roger Croad, said: “The long awaited and much anticipated Exeter Library, our third Devon Centre, is now open to the public, offering a wider range of services than ever before. I’m very pleased with its content and design, which has brought a new energy into the building while keeping many of the original features that people loved about the original building.”

Andy McAdam, Balfour Beatty Delivery Unit Managing Director, said: “We have thoroughly enjoyed delivering this transformation at the heart of the city for our customer, Devon County Council.

We trust that the people of Exeter will enjoy using it as much as we have enjoyed creating it.”

With new facilities and thousands more books on its shelves, the revamp proved a huge success with almost 2500 visits every day in the first two weeks after it re-opened in May 2014. Signalling a 50% increase in visitor numbers compared to before the refurbishment, the project demonstrates the clear benefit of designing and building for the community. 

 www.balfourbeatty.com

Libraries are still regarded as places where individuals can gather to explore, interact and imagine

Public Sector Build Journal 21

Door & Wall Protection “We recognise that there is an ever increasing requirement for environmentally friendly products both in terms of their production and their recyclable properties,” continues Sarah.

“We are delighted to be supporting existing and new customers by adding the non-PVC sheet as an environmental solution.’’

High level finish Door protection - whether it be new or retrofit - delivers many solutions to address the challenges faced by maintenance managers

Solutions for dual protection Intastop, a leading manufacturer of door and wall protection products, is set to launch a revolutionary concept that will provide its customers with solutionsbased options rather than a product list.

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arketing Director Sarah Barsby says: “We are a company that continually strives to exceed our customers' expectations and have identified that solution-based options are far more useful to our customers than a list of products.

“Hence the impending launch of ‘Protecting the door and the people who use it’, this concept is distinctly categorised into two sections. Protecting the actual door from damage and the people who use it from getting hurt, either through entrapment or ligature risk. They cover all aspects about doors within a public building environment and provide products and solutions to address requirements.”

‘Protection of the door’ – whether it be new or retrofit – delivers many solutions to address the challenges faced by maintenance managers such as; reduction in maintenance costs, increasing the lifespan of the door and frame, retention of fire integrity and aesthetics.

‘Protecting People’ primarily focusses on key issues such as entrapment or ligature risk, Intastop’s solutions via its range of renowned products, such as the Continuous Hinge, Double Swing Hinge,

22 Public Sector Build Journal

patented Door Top Alarm or Privacy Vision Panels, include; safety, reduction of ligature possibilities, increased strength and abuse resistance, privacy and access control and compliance with build regulations.

Intastop’s non-PVC protection sheet is ideally suited to the healthcare and public sectors and can be used on walls, to clad a door, for kick/push plates, as well as bespoke projects.

Intastop has also developed a range of adhesives for the application of their full impact protection products. The range includes water-based contact, hygienic cladding and spray contact adhesives. To ensure a high level finish, Intastop has a range of coloured sealants that perfectly match both the standard and non-PVC impact protection sheet colours.

For further information on the Intastop product range, visit the website.

Alternatively visit the team on stand D30 at the Health Estates exhibition, held at Manchester Central 7-8th October. 



 www.intastop.com marketing@intastop.com  01302 364666

Enhance eco-credentials Intastop is keen to address other prevalent issues found within the industry such as sustainability and the environment, it is with that in mind that the company has increased its range to include non-PVC door protection sheet.

The sheeting is 100% recyclable and is produced without any harmful chemicals (Halogen free, no PBTs, no BPA) making it environmentally friendly.

“The non-PVC version of our popular protection sheet is perfect for specifiers who either wish to, or are obliged to, fulfil environmental credentials when sourcing their products,” comments Sarah. “It looks identical to our standard PVC Impact sheeting with the same impact benefits and the advantage of being environmentally friendly and has the added benefit of being easily cut to differing size and shapes.

Intastop has increased its range to include non-PVC door protection sheet

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Public Sector Build Journal 23

Doors & Windows

Kawneer's AA 110 and AA 100 (sloped) curtain walling were used on the main entrance and corridors of the Spires Academy

Inspired learning Spires Academy is a two- and three-storey building that caters for 600 students aged 11-16 (4FE), with Business & Enterprise, and Visual, Creative & Performing Arts as the specialisms. The academy is sponsored by Kent County Council and co-sponsored by two companies: Crown Products and Holiday Extras, both of which are local companies with extensive links in the community.

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he Academy’s vision is for all children, whatever their ability and background, to have the opportunity to enhance their life chances through an excellent school education.

Both sponsors support the Canterbury 4 Business initiative and see the Academy being central to regeneration of the local area through the development of a strong local knowledge-based economy.

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Spires Academy has been operating as an Academy since September 2007 in the buildings of the former Montgomery School.

The building design is two and three storeys, which ensures that the new building has the least impact on the setting and neighbouring residents, but also strongly preferred educationally. The building has a radial diagram, which came from early discussions about the preferred nature of the school. The school’s desire for a central space, or heart, which

symbolises the coming together of the school community, was established from the outset. The layout allows access to each Learning Area from this central space which itself functions as the assembly hall and cafe/dining area.

The Academy is approached from the main entrance to the site for vehicles and pedestrians from Bredlands Lane.

There is a single main entrance to the Academy building, which is accessed off the new pedestrian plaza at the end of the vehicular and pedestrian approach. Coach drop off is curbside on the pedestrian approach to ensure that students arriving in the school buses egress without crossing the car park area. There are 

The building features a new fourcourt indoor sports hall

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Public Sector Build Journal 25

Doors & Windows

Visitors and students enter the building through a doubleheight glazed screen, which creates a prominent entrance

also a number of parent drop-off bays. Car parking for staff and visitors is off to the right.

Visitors and students enter the building at the same location through a doubleheight glazed screen, which creates a prominent entrance. Visitors are received on the left-hand-side where a reception desk and soft bench allow them to wait to be met in a secure area, whilst students can proceed into the Academy through double sets of doors. The reception connects directly back to the administration office behind.

Kawneer’s AA 110 and AA 100 (sloped) curtain walling were used on the main entrance and corridors of the predominantly naturally-ventilated Spires Academy. These systems, with 65mm and 50mm sightlines respectively, are complemented by AA 541 casement windows with both manual and automatic top-hung ventilators and by series 190 heavy-duty commercial entrance doors and AA 605 low/medium-duty swing doors. The windows and entrance doors were designed where necessary to Secured by Design standards.

Humanities (second floor), Sports (ground floor) and Performing Arts (first floor) and finally Support and Guidance. Each learning area is accessed from this central heart, and not through each other. There is direct access to the external curriculum courtyards from the heart space.

Integrated masterplan The form of the building and organisation internally are designed to be simple and cognitive. Externally the materials are intended to create a landmark, but are also sympathetic to the rural context while providing robust and durable finishes appropriate for use. The materials include: grey architectural blockwork at low level; coloured insulated acrylic render to the first and second floors (dark grey and bold green), aluminium windows and curtain walling. The simplicity of the building diagram – two interlocking forms – is reflected in the architectural composition, with each of the primary components expressed with their own identity in terms of colour selection.

The colour palette simply expresses the

Central gathering The Kawneer systems were installed by approved specialist sub-contractor APiC UK for main contractor Carillion PLC to a design by architects Jestico + Whiles.

Upon entering the Academy through the main entrance one immediately enters the Heart space, which forms the central gathering and assembly place of the school. This space is used for assembly, performance, exhibition, informal dining, meetings etc. From this space, four learning wings can be accessed containing: Enterprise (ground floor), Art and Music (first floor), Science (second floor), Maths (ground floor), English (first floor) and

26 Public Sector Build Journal

The form of the building and organisation internally are designed to be simple and cognitive

two interlocking forms by mirroring the dark grey and green, with the continuous lighter grey blockwork band uniting the ground floor plane. Each of the principal pieces in the composition are separated by extents of curtain walling. Window frames are powder-coated aluminium in a dark grey colour.

An integrated masterplan and landscape proposal has been formed as part of the overall strategy for the new building. The architectural proposals place the Academy building at the centre of the site where the building works to divide the external area between the front of Academy which includes the welcome plaza, cycle parking and disabled parking spaces and the rear of the Academy which includes informal social areas, sports facilities and spaces for external learning.

The structure of the building also works to further define the exterior areas with the wings marking out open courtyards on four sides of the structure. The courtyards form the basis of the Academy’s relationship to the landscape, with external space flowing out from these courtyards, which also provide a variety of opportunities for formal and informal learning as well as for socialising.

To the front of the site is parental drop off, car parking and a bus set down area. Informal soft and hard spaces act in conjunction with the entrance plaza. The central band, which bisects the site from east to west, provides a structure to the site, which fits the topography. While the southern band is on the upper level and provides sports pitches and habitat areas. 

 www.jesticowhiles.com  www.kawneer.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 27

Landscaping around a hospital or other healthcare building; it can be used in a variety of hospital applications including car parks, steps, footbridges, pathways, drives and ramps.

Contribution to well being

The contractor laid 880m2 of RonaDeck Resin Bound Surfacing to the paths leading up to Cockermouth Hospital's entrance

Supporting surfaces RonaDeck Resin Bound Surfacing has been used at a number of healthcare sites nationwide including hospitals, health centres and specialist health care units. It provides a hard wearing slip-resistant surface that is easily cleaned. The elasticity of the resin means that there is a 'give' to the surface, this makes it more comfortable to walk on for patients, visitors and busy hospital staff who are continually on their feet.

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onaDeck Resin Bound Surfacing is designed to comply with SuDS regulations when part of a permeable construction, allowing rainwater to permeate through the paving into natural water courses or ground drainage systems. Its porous design ensures water can quickly and easily permeate the surface, preventing surface ponding.

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RonaDeck Resin Bonded Surfacing is a slip-resistant, durable, fast curing surfacing available with a range of kiln-dried aggregates. RonaDeck Resin Bonded Surfacing makes life much easier for wheelchair users than loose gravel surfaces without compromising the appearance. Very effective on ramps, it is particularly suited to the trolleys and wheelchairs that are inevitable used

Trees are important for both patients and visitors in a healthcare setting as they are beneficial to their general well being by providing shade, attracting wildlife and creating a green and pleasant environment, they can raise spirits, morale and even have a calming influence. The RonaDeck Eco Tree Pit System is a porous resin bound tree surround surfacing which allows the passage of water to roots, keeping trees nourished and healthy.

It is ideal for use in public areas such as hospital grounds where trees are enclosed by hard landscaping. The other benefit of the RonaDeck Eco Tree Pit System that is particularly important in a healthcare environment is that it is easy to keep clean, as it does not provide a trap for hazardous and unsightly litter, such as cigarette butts and discarded syringes, which often accumulates around tree roots or within tree grilles.

The porous structure of RonaDeck Eco Tree Pit is beneficial to the environment as it allows water to permeate through to the earth beneath and can therefore be used as part of a SuDS compliant system.

RonaDeck Eco Tree Pit is available in a variety of aggregate shades.

The ÂŁ11m Elliott Chappell Health Centre was developed on behalf of the NHS Hull. The new building provides îš…

The Wolfson Cystic Fibrosis Centre features an exercise space and gardens where patients can relax and spend time with family and friends

Landscaping

The entrance at Basildon Hospital is heavily trafficked 24 hours a day so a durable surfacing was needed

better quality facilities for GPs and the community. The centre houses a Lloyds Pharmacy and a range of community and voluntary services.

RonaDeck Resin Bound Surfacing was laid to a 700m2 area directly in front of the building to make an attractive public space. Seating was included to make the area more welcoming and to create a focal point. A Golden Harvest aggregate blend was specified to give a warm appearance to the health centre entrance.

The contractor mixed the two-part resin with a drill and paddle and then mixed it with the aggregate in a forced action mixer prior to the surfacing being trowel applied to the macadam base. The surfacing was ready for foot traffic after just four hours.

surface can be easily swept clean, creating a pleasant environment and a feeling of well-being for members of the community visiting the health centre.

A new community hospital was opened in Cockermouth in January 2014. It houses Castlegate and Derwent GP surgeries, a pharmacy, a physiotherapy department and an in-patient ward. This replaced the 100 year old building which had been hit by severe flooding in 2009, resulting in GP services having to operate from temporary buildings.

The contractor laid 880m2 of RonaDeck Resin Bound Surfacing to the paths leading up to the hospital entrance and those providing access to the landscaped gardens. The porous surface allowed rainwater to quickly and easily drain as part of a SuDS compliant system. By reducing the rate of rainwater run off SuDS compliant paving can reduce the risk of flooding. This is particularly beneficial during extreme weather when drains are overwhelmed by the water flow – this was particularly important to the design of this project.

The RonaDeck Resin Bound Surfacing System was supplied as a two-component UV stable polyurethane resin; the two components were mixed with a slow speed drill and paddle before being added to a forced action mixer containing the aggregate blend. The RonaDeck Resin Bound Surfacing was spread to level at a depth of 15mm and the surface was smoothed with a steel float. The

aggregate blend Choc Chip Harvest was chosen for this project, this blend includes a variety of aggregate shades.

Durable surface Over 1000m2 of RonaDeck Resin Bound Surfacing was laid to the main A&E roadway entrance and turning circle at Basildon Hospital. The entrance is heavily trafficked 24 hours a day so a durable surfacing was needed; the aggregate blends selected were Midnight and Terracotta. Several tree pits were installed using RonaDeck Eco Tree Pit to protect the trees which enhance the area.

The Wolfson Cystic Fibrosis Centre at Nottingham City Hospital opened to patients on Monday 14 April 2014.

Because Cystic Fybrosis patients can be in hospital for long periods of time the aim was to make the 16-bed unit a comfortable 'home in hospital' for the young patients who stay there.

Outside the centre is a Garden Zone which includes an exercise space and gardens where patients can relax and spend time with family and friends.

The Garden Zone was laid with 190m2 of RonaDeck Resin Bound Surfacing providing an aesthetically pleasing, safe and comfortable surface for patients to walk on and to do the exercise which is so important for the maintenance of their health. 

 www.ronacrete.co.uk

The £11m Elliott Chappell Health Centre provides better quality facilities for GPs and the community

Porous system Established trees growing around the building were retained and protected with raised beds containing RonaDeck Eco Tree Pit System on loose aggregate. The porous SuDS compliant system allowed water to penetrate to the trees’ root system aiding the health of the tree. The tree pit

Public Sector Build Journal 29

Timber Expo Preview

Timber trends Timber Expo is the most important event on the UK construction calendar dedicated exclusively to timber, its associated technologies and its many applications. It is two days brimming with the latest products, innovations and developments. This year Timber Expo will be taking place from 7-8th October 2014 at the NEC, Birmingham.

T

imber Expo will again this year deliver an unrivalled collection of high calibre speakers from all corners of the built environment.

From niche areas to leading trends, the Timber Focus seminar sessions will be characterised by big issues, hot topics, architectural gems and inspirational projects. Timber is grabbing the headlines for all the right reasons – clients want to learn more about it, architects appreciate the adaptability and customers love to be closer to it.

Organised by TRADA, the free to attend Timber Focus seminars are spread over two days of the show and will be mostly case study-based to offer real life examples on how and why timber is performing across a wide range of sectors and applications.

The 2014 content has largely been informed by feedback from previous shows and research – for the full programme visit the website.

Key session themes Pushing Boundaries: stretching imaginations – this will examine the opportunities for innovation in timber around the world and new possibilities in the UK. Speakers will be drawn from top

Seminar content has largely been informed by feedback from previous shows and research

engineering firms including Arup, Ramboll UK and Buro Happold and will focus on ‘boundary-pushing’ initiatives.

Training and Talent: growing your business through people – the future success of your organisation rests on recruiting, developing and retaining the best and brightest people. Here speakers will discuss the importance of apprenticeships, training and mentoring.

Resource: Directors’ briefings – new for 2014. Aimed mainly at timber industry leaders and executives, these short, concise updates will cover pressing strategy and policy areas affecting timber business.

Innovation: designing the future – this will include sessions from the winners of two categories in this year’s TTJ Innovation Awards – the Innovative Market Development category and the Innovative Product Development category.

Engineers and Timber: ingenious structures and Architects and Timber: striking designs – these will highlight shortlisted entries from the Wood Awards 2014.

Timber Focus offers real life examples on how and why timber is performing across a wide range of sectors and applications

From Blueprint to Building: a client and contractor perspective – a chance to hear from some of the bigger contractors and clients in the UK on how they have been using timber to its maximum potential.

Speakers from Willmott Dixon, Sir Robert McAlpine and BAM will share case studies and thoughts.

Sense of Space: creating places to live, work and play – much of what we build is functional but not always an aesthetic experience. Timber has much to offer with its myriad textures, grain patterns, colours, finishes and organic warmth – arguably more so than any other material.

At the heart of Timber Expo each year, is the Timber Buyers and Specifiers Forum – a purposeful environment for building business networks. This focused approach has proved to be highly successful in creating new business relationships, facilitating meetings and most importantly, generating business.

With a busy schedule and not enough time to meet new suppliers – the Buyers & Specifiers Forum provides a solution to extend networks and meet with innovative companies from the UK and beyond. By facilitating ‘one-to-one’ supplier business meetings the Forum enables Buyers and Specifiers to have private meetings without leaving the comfort of the Forum lounge, but also still providing access to the exhibition. 

 www.timber-expo.co.uk

30 Public Sector Build Journal

17–20 September Earls Court

Register for the UK’s largest design event and see the Design Kaledeidoscope • www.100percentdesign.co.uk

Disability

Chulmleigh Academy Trust wanted a modern and reliable disabled access solution for their students and visitors

Bespoke access Sesame Access is a UK company which designs, builds and installs bespoke wheelchair access lifts. The lifts are 'invisible' as they are hidden under a set of retracting stairs, until they are required for use.

S

esame’s clients include Kensington Palace, Institution of Civil Engineers, Tate Britain and Sotheby’s Paris. In addition, Sesame has installed lifts in many public sector buildings. These include Wandsworth Town Hall, where a member of staff – who is a wheelchair user – uses the Sesame lift to get into work every day, Oxford, Cambridge and Westminster Universities, Chulmleigh Academy Trust and The Guildhall, Salisbury.

Chulmleigh Academy Trust is a progressive school in the heart of Devon that celebrates technology. The school wanted a modern and reliable disabled access solution for their students and visitors.

The brief was to provide wheelchair access for students within the college, without losing vital stair space for the intensive footfall for students between lectures.

Sesame Access offered a nine step retracting staircase that reveals a platform lift to safely transport disabled students between floor levels. The Sesame stairs were clad with timber to match the existing staircase.

The Guildhall is one of Salisbury’s most historic buildings. It dates back to

32 Public Sector Build Journal

1795 and still houses the magnificent Oak Court, which provides a unique and historic setting for weddings and conferences The requirement was to replace an unreliable wall mounted disabled lift, with a Sesame retracting stair lift. This is to ensure disabled staff, residents and visitors could enter the building and be an included member of society. The Guildhall was particularly keen to ensure disabled people’s voices are heard in Council

Meetings.

The solution was a seven step retracting stairlift, clad in carpet, fitting into an internal corridor of the Guildhall.

The past Mayor, The Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City of Salisbury, Councillor Mrs Penny Brown said of the new installation: “The Sesame Access lift will really benefit disabled users of the building ensuring greater ease of access for all. I was delighted to officially open the lift and welcome all users to The Guildhall, Salisbury whether they are attending a wedding or council meeting.”

Each Sesame lift is designed bespoke for every building. Therefore Sesame can work with architects to overcome challenges in buildings such as I Beams, historic pillars and limited pit space availability. English Heritage has approved Sesame lifts in many Listed Buildings, including Grade I Listed. Sesame has installed over 100 lifts in the UK and Europe, so has received planning approval from many Local Authorities.

Sesame is passionate about British engineering and manufacturing. Steven Lyons, Managing Director says: “I believe Sesame Access is at the forefront of engineering Innovation, and we constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible in the field of wheelchair access. We enjoy working with architects to realise their vision regarding access, to ensure the architectural significance of buildings is protected. We need to protect historic buildings for the next generation, but I am proud that we are using cutting edge technology to make buildings accessible for all.” 

 www.sesameaccess.com

The Sesame stairs were clad with timber to match the existing staircase

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Public Sector Build Journal 33

Fire Protection

Safe as houses Leading manufacturer Kidde reviews the latest regulations and standards for smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms in housing.

T

he latest edition of the Code of Practice for fire alarm systems in domestic premises – BS 5839:2013, Part 6 – now recommends smoke alarms in all escape routes and any areas where fires might start, including living rooms and heat alarms in all kitchens. Unfortunately, Building Regulations Part B, covering England and Wales, only calls for smoke alarms in escape routes, plus heat alarms in kitchens not separated from circulation spaces by a door. In contrast, Regulations elsewhere around the UK and Ireland largely follow the latest Code.

One area where all the Building Regulations and the Code are agreed is in demanding Grade D hard-wired, interconnected smoke and heat alarms with back-up power. Battery-only smoke alarms are not permitted where Building Regulations apply and, with another important change, this latest edition of the Code now excludes them from all rented homes as well. Interconnect

cabling can be avoided – particularly in older or occupied properties – with wireless interconnection. For example Kidde’s Slick Wireless Alarm Base simply replaces the standard base plate and is used to interconnect Slick smoke or heat alarms, with each alarm separately powered from a lighting circuit nearby.

Curbing the silent killer Recent regulations designed to combat carbon monoxide poisoning vary as well.

Most recently, new requirements in the Republic of Ireland call for CO alarms to be fitted in rooms where combustion appliances (not designed solely for cooking purposes) are installed. But it goes further, also requiring a CO alarm in every bedroom or near the bedroom door, and also in bedrooms where a flue system passes through.

This follows action in Northern Ireland last year with regulations demanding a CO alarm fitted in the same room as a new or replacement combustion appliance or just outside boiler rooms.

Similar requirements apply in Scotland too. All these regulations apply to existing and new-build properties, irrespective of fuel or flue type. And they contrast with the 2010 Building Regulations Part J applying to England

BS 5839:2013, Part 6 now recommends smoke alarms in all escape routes and any areas where fires might start

and Wales, which is limited just to fixed solid fuel heating appliances. Housing providers increasingly go beyond the requirements of Part J, installing CO alarms more responsibly.

Performance guaranteed

Kidde's Slick Wireless Alarm Base simply replaces the standard base plate

All the Regulations and BS EN 50292:2002 – the guide on selection, installation, use and maintenance of CO alarms – allow use of either hard-wired mains or battery-only units where the battery must be designed to operate for the whole working life of the alarm.

Fitting a battery-only CO alarm may be the simplest solution and, of course, battery quality is key to long term, problem-free performance, addressed by the latest generation of alarms. For example, Kidde’s 10LLCO range offers a full 10-year guarantee covering both alarm and sealed-in lithium battery.

Manufacturers that produce their own CO cells – the key component – rather than buying them in, can apply tighter quality controls as well. 

 www.smoke-alarms.co.uk

34 Public Sector Build Journal

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Education A simple palette of materials was established early in the process comprising facing brickwork, render, aluminium, glazing and a 'green roof'

Linear arrangement Winner in the Peterborough Development and Environment Awards' Construction category of Best Technical Innovation/ Sustainability project, Welland Primary School for Peterborough City Council has been well received by the client, parents and pupils.

Mark Appleyard, Director of architect practice Woods Hardwick talks to PSBJ about the collaborative approach throughout the build.

T

he school provides facilities for the growing population of the city and is a two-form entry school taking approximately 60 children each academic year, providing a total of 420 places for children from Reception to Year 6.

Although the initial design work was complete and planning approval had been sought, it was clear that the initial costing exercise for the project was over budget and value engineering

36 Public Sector Build Journal

options would need to be considered to bring the project budget back in line.

The Peterborough Development and Environment Award was won in part to the sustainability initiatives employed on the project, but also because of the “high standards of design, construction and workmanship” is a testament to how this was resolved in a successful final outcome.

structured design team meetings, a rigorous examination of all aspects of the school requirements so they could be met in the most cost-efficient way.

This approach also allowed the project to move forward efficiently.

Working closely with the main contractor and BREEAM Assessors, the detail design was developed. A simple palette of materials was established

Design and sustainability Woods Hardwick’s principal role was to act as lead designer and work with the main contractor and design team, the client team, education authority and representatives from the school to interrogate the original design and prepare a revised scheme.

As part of the funding agreement there was a requirement for the building to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.

One of the principle criteria placed on the Woods Hardwick team was to ensure as many of the original sustainable initiatives were retained, or more cost effective solutions employed in the revised scheme to achieve the target rating.

A collaborative, team working approach to this whole process was implemented. This allowed, through

As part of the funding agreement there was a requirement for the building to achieve a BREEAM 'Very Good' rating

Education early in the process comprising facing brickwork, render, aluminium, glazing and a ‘green roof’. These options were chosen for their ecological, sustainable and ‘Green Guide’ credentials, as well as providing a strong visual appearance.

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

Project overview The new school needed to accommodate the increased demand for school places as a direct result of increasing birth rate in the locality. The school comprises a total of 14 classrooms to take children from Reception to Year 6.

The classrooms are arranged in pairs with two class bases for each year group and dedicated cloakrooms and WCs located between the two bases.

There are also two school halls, a food technology room, staffroom, a dedicated activity space and library.

Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 classrooms are accommodated as independent spaces and the school also accommodates several group rooms, stores and offices.

The plan form is a simple linear arrangement based on standard room layouts agreed with Children’s Services.

It incorporates a main ‘street’ which forms the backbone of the school, with classrooms and other teaching, non-

Along with the natural 'living' green roof, other sustainable initiatives included a rainwater harvesting system, photovoltaic panels and sun pipes

The school features a food technology room, staffroom, a dedicated activity space and library

teaching and ancillary spaces accessed off the street and arranged in a manner that best support the school’s operation.

Externally to each classroom a glazed veranda roof is supported off a series of columns and beams connected back to the main structure. Roof lights enhance natural daylight along the internal ‘street’ and some of the internal rooms.

The edges of the ‘green roof’ are finished with a deep yet simple profiled polyester powder coated aluminium fascia and verge detail finished in dark grey creating a strong definitive break between roof and wall. The colours of the sedum plant mix complement the other colours of the external fabric providing a homogenous colour scheme across the elevations.

The materials used in the building are arranged and used in a way that

allows it to take on its own language. For example the entrances to the class-based cloakrooms are finished in a smooth through-coloured insulated render system. This provides a visual break along the brickwork of the principal facades and gives the entrances their own significance. To link this further, the render finish has been continued above the curtain walling.

Occupancy feedback Inclusion was an important part of the process with Woods Hardwick maintaining a relationship with the school’s headmaster throughout. This also included a presentation to staff and children on the project’s design philosophy, construction and sustainable initiatives.

Giles Civil, Head Teacher, Welland Primary School, said: “As end users and clients we have found Woods Hardwick to be open, honest and practical in their design approach. Their designs show clarity of purpose, practicality and flexibility, essential aspects to a modern primary school building.”

For Woods Hardwick, Welland Primary School was an exciting project to work on.

The close working relationship with the main contractor and design team coupled with the interactive approach taken by the head teacher allowed the team as a whole to deliver an education project which has been well received by the school.

The project has also received an Award at the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) East Anglia Building Excellence Awards in April 2013 for ‘Best Education Building’. 

 www.woodshardwick.com

Public Sector Build Journal 37

Healthcare Estates Preview

With 200+ exhibitors and key organisations, just one day at the event could help in many ways

Quality in care The Government’s pledge to plough more than £8b into health and social care infrastructure is helping to keep the construction industry afloat as other sectors struggle, according to a new report.

B

arbour ABI has published its latest Economic & Construction Market Review, which shows that the total value of all new construction contracts awarded in May this year in the UK increased by 5.3% compared to the previous month. However, the total value of construction contracts in May was 3.7% lower than in the same month last year. Economists believe this indicates that the recent high levels of growth are beginning to slow.

But the health sector is expected to weather the storm, with the value of projects up on last year, pointing to an increase in activity. The Barbour ABI report states that while activity was down 1.1% in May 2014 compared to in March, the total value of contracts awarded was £222m, 3.5% higher than in March 2013.

This optimism was supported by the Government’s unveiling of its National Infrastructure Plan 2012, which committed £4.6b in health and social care capital in 2014/15 and £4.7b in 2015/16, including an investment of £1.4b in hospital upgrades and redevelopments.

The commitment to continue to protect health budgets in this year’s Budget speech reiterated that spending,

38 Public Sector Build Journal

paving the way for a number of new developments.

The report also breaks down projects by type, with public hospitals the mostcommon development, accounting for 60% of construction spend. Surgeries, health and medical centres accounted for 15% of the value of projects, a 13% increase on May 2013 due to the switch in activity from acute to primary and community care infrastructure.

Leading architects in the field are currently HKS International, NBBJ, Devereux Architects, HOK International, Oxford Architects, IBI Taylor Young, Llewelyn Davies, Murphy Philipps, Archial, and P+HS. The most-active contractors are Interserve, Carillion, Kier Group, Skanska, Willmott Dixon, Coffey, Vinci, Galliford Try, BAM, and Morgan Sindall.

Many of whom attend Healthcare Estates in October.

A spokesman for Glenigan commented that while large hospital developments were becoming more rare, cash was being ploughed into other areas. He added: “Research and laboratories starts have

increased by 24% this year, and nursing homes saw a 3% rise.”

Healthcare Estates 2014 will look at the impact this spend on new and existing stock is having in four key sectors; Energy, Estates & Facilities, Planning Design & Construction and Engineering. In line with the event theme of ‘Quality in the Patient Environment’, the opening address by Julian Hartley, Chief Executive at Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust promises to be insightful.

Other speakers confirmed for the conference, which takes place in Manchester on 7th & 8th October include on day one: Alexandra Hammond, Essentia, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust who presents in the Energy stream on ‘Transforming the way the NHS cuts energy costs and carbon emissions’. And Martha McSweeney, IBI Group and Catherine Zeliotis from Stantec who are both presenting in the Planning, Design & Construction stream on ‘Mental health design to support recovery’ and ‘How thoughtful healthcare design is transforming the experience of cancer patients’.

On day two, the keynote will be given by Kim Ormsby, National CSR and Sustainability Manager, NHS Property Services. Kim was previously Facilities Manager for 3 PCTs and responsible for sustainability and waste management for 6 PCTs giving her a valuable insight into her talk on ‘Improving quality in the patient environment through sustainability’. 

 www.healthcare-estates.com

The organisers and IHEEM have announced this year’s after dinner speaker and presenter of the 2014 awards is ex pro footballer, Fabrice Muamba

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Housing Clearly, there is the need for a much better relationship between many local authority landlords and their leaseholders especially, as it seems, they are coming off worse. Research by Inside Housing magazine found that landlords often come out worse where cases go to tribunals; in 89 separate tribunals in 2013 landlords wrote off at least some costs following 45 of those cases with the total touching £300,000.

Due to the complexity of the project a residents’ sub-group was established to deal with the regeneration of the estate

Lack of awareness

Open consultation Nigel Goddard, Director of Building Surveying, Pellings LLP talks to Public Sector Build Journal about the responsibilities of social housing landlords, and the requirement to provide clarity when embarking on major refurbishment works.

T

here is nothing more emotive than stories about leaseholders receiving bills totalling tens of thousands of pounds for repairs and renovations to former council housing blocks that they neither expected nor can afford.

Yet this has become headline news in recent years as former council housing estates, including properties sold off under “Right to Buy” legislation during the Thatcher Government, are being upgraded under the “Decent Homes” programme which councils or ALMOs as freeholders seek to carry out.

40 Public Sector Build Journal

The case of Florence Bourne who died at the age of 93 believing she owed Newham Council almost £50,000 was widely publicised because her constituency MP happens to be community secretary Eric Pickles.

This was the precursor to a consultation document called Protecting Local Authority Leaseholders from Unreasonable Charges published by the Department for Communities and Local Government last autumn which would put a cap of £10,000 on leaseholder works on homes outside London and £15,000 on homes within London.

Inevitably there are always going to be challenges where there is a confusing pattern of ownerships in mixed-tenure blocks ranging from first to third generation “right to buy” owners, investors who care little about up-keep providing the rent keeps coming in, to those who continue on as tenants.

While there has been the inevitable lack of awareness from leaseholders on what they were getting themselves into during the boom times where mortgages and subsidised purchase were readily available and, perhaps, a wilful disregard for repairs clauses in leases, there should still be a duty of care responsibility by landlords to ensure clarity and management of expectations when dealing with leaseholders.

Where the costing of works are concerned, leaseholders will require clarity and the ability to become involved in seeking fairness in the tendering process. Also, they will have little regard for long term local authority 

Where the costing of works are concerned, leaseholders will require the ability to become involved in seeking fairness in the tendering process

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Local authorities must demonstrate that a reasonable approach to repair and replacement solutions has been adopted

HARCA also consulted with the wider estate using a variety of consultation techniques. As a first step they set up a drop-in session to inform the residents on the proposed works and used this as an opportunity to weed out any potential issues that might arise and any initial concerns.

Open dialogue Langdon house has seen an exceptional internal and external refurbishment

Fact file Langdon house, London Architect: Pellings LLP Developer: Poplar HARCA LPA: Tower Hamlets Contractor: Fairhurst Ward Abbotts

framework agreements covering borough wide contracting, unless they can see how costs directly affect their specific properties, and ‘value’ can be demonstrated beyond lowest price wins.

Quality execution Langdon house was built in the late 1950s and is situated on the Brownfield Estate in Poplar comprising 66% tenants and 33% leaseholders. Refurbishment works to the main building and the associated public realm comprises the first major upgrade scheme on the estate, and sets a high standard for further

42 Public Sector Build Journal

projects planned over the next 10 years.

The design has been led by extensive consultation with residents and has not only delivered an exceptional internal and external refurbishment, but has also created a high-quality public space that incorporates many features out of the ordinary within an inner city open development.

Planning permission was granted in 2011 for the external refurbishment consisting of the provision of new entrance doors, installation of cladding on facing elevations, new aluminium windows, handrails and balustrades, new paving, planting, and parking facilities and external lighting and landscape features.

An Estate Board was established comprising tenants, leaseholders, and local stakeholders to ensure robust consultation throughout the project and beyond. Due to the complexity of the project a residents’ sub-group was established to deal with the regeneration of the estate.

In addition to the core groups Poplar

Separate drop-in sessions were held specifically for leaseholders to address their concerns. Alongside this

Housing

The design has created a high-quality public space that incorporates many features out of the ordinary within an inner city open development

presentations were also made to the Estate Board. Display boards were used to present proposals and provide colour choices before carrying out internal refurbishment works to tenants’ homes.

Drop-in sessions were then used to obtain feedback, log orders and programme the works. Very high satisfaction levels were achieved from all residents for works undertaken in their homes. 

 www.pellings.co.uk

Best Practice Guide for local authority landlords and ALMOs Each new home at Guldrey Lane has been sensitively

• Be guided by relevant documents and appropriate robust legal advice (e.g. designed to complement the local landscape Leasehold Advisory Service – Consultation for Council and other Public Sector Landlords S20).

• Develop a robust written consultation strategy with clear lines of responsibility and accountability and time lines for agreed actions, and have this signed off by leaseholder representatives.

• Have clear simple, ‘plain English’ guidance notes and fact sheets to suit the tenure and cultural profile of the occupiers. Use websites to have any unambiguous processes clearly explained to all residents.

• Be clear that any required consultation with correctly constituted and officially recognised Recognised Tenants’ Associations (RTA) follows due process. Check the status of all estate RTAs in advance.

• Be aware of the challenges faced by mixed tenure, ownership status and affordability of service charge recovery, and consider a wide range of payment options beyond those enshrined within the original leases.

• Have works appropriately scoped by suitably qualified independent surveyors, based on repairs history validation, robust surveys and good photographic evidence and presented in clear unambiguous technical reports. Evidence the need and demonstrate that a reasonable approach to repair and replacement solutions has been adopted. Have a fully priced risk schedule where works cannot be fully scoped due to access restrictions, and ensure that these can be priced appropriately within specifications etc. Undertake additional surveys as appropriate.

• Ensure procurement and contracts are not overly complicated or complex, have clear lines of responsibility for design and validation of pricing and which can demonstrate both best value and ‘market price’. Pain/Gain, value engineering mechanisms and design and build procurement can be problematic in getting through successful Leaseholder consultation or indeed in getting a level of understanding at LVTs/First-tier Tribunals.

• Adequately resourcing the consultation activities, any interim billing, and issuing of notices so they are accurate, reflect the scope of works to individual dwellings and describe the need for the works. Ensure timescales for responses are measured and that the ‘duty to have regard’ to leaseholder observations is robustly managed.

• Enshrine ‘quality delivery’ in the works on site, ensure photographic records preand post-works, quality benchmarks and pilot works are inspected by residents, and have transparent and documented works sign off procedures.

Langdon house was built in the late 1950s and is situated on the Brownfield Estate in Poplar

• Have all documentation easily accessible, using SharePoint or similar, to ensure a full audit trail at all times.

Public Sector Build Journal 43

HVAC/HVP Focus Salford University’s Energy House consists of a full size house built within an environmental chamber. It is fully furnished and fitted as a typical working home with a conventional heating system with an A-rated condensing boiler and radiators. Controls’ tests showed how the application of TRVs, providing independent temperature control in every room, significantly improves both comfort and efficiency for occupants by providing satisfactory heat distribution around a dwelling. The tests showed this is not achieved without TRVs, even if the system is balanced.

Summary of tests Danfoss TP7001 Programmable Room Thermostat

Test 1 – The heating system was operated with no temperature control other than the internal boiler thermostat.

Controlling comfort and efficiency It has long been known by members of the association BEAMA Heating Controls, of which heating controls manufacturer Danfoss is a member, that fitting basic, standard controls to UK heating systems will improve comfort and greatly enhance the efficiency of the system.

T

o further investigate this, BEAMA Heating Controls’ members supplied a range of controls to a research project conducted by Salford University into home energy consumption.

Independent tests carried out in the University’s Energy House showed that energy consumption in a typical UK house can be reduced by up to 40% by installing a room thermostat and a full set of TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves), which is far more than previously assumed, and payback is typically 9 to 18 months.

44 Public Sector Build Journal

Test 2 – The heating system was operated with temperature control by a room thermostat (with interlock) located in the living room.

Danfoss Marketing Director, Bjorn Sejr Nielsen, says this latest evidence shows that all homes with a conventional hydronic heating system should be fitted with a room thermostat and a full set of TRVs. He comments: “As far as social housing tenants are concerned this will bring the benefits of a heating system that delivers both comfort and energy efficiency.”

Test Results

The top line results from the tests are shown in the table below. Additionally, the results were used to estimate the annual cost, and therefore the cost-effectiveness of installing heating controls, where they are not currently present:

Estimated cost effectiveness of controls

Tests carried out

24 hour heating cost

Reduced cost from controls

1: No temperature control

£5.31

0%

2: Control by room thermostat only

£4.68

12.0%

3: Control by room thermostat & TRVs

Test 3 – The heating system was operated with temperature control by a room thermostat (with interlock) in the living room and TRVs on all radiators other than the one in the living room. The tests were conducted using TRVs with the ‘keymark’ (also known as CEN approval) which independently guarantees reliability and performance.

£3.15

40.7%

Type of upgrade

Potential annual saving

Estimated payback

Install a room thermostat

£120.49

18 months

Install a room thermostat and TRVs

£409.86

15 months

Install TRVs to a system with an existing room thermostat

£289.37

14 months

Install TRVs when replacing boiler (in addition to a room thermostat)

£289.37

9 months

HVAC/HVP Focus MAKING MODERN LIVING POSSIBLE

Heating Efficiency Packs A handy new way to buy heating controls Installing Danfoss Thermostatic Radiator Valves is one of the most cost-effective ways to create homes that are both comfortable and affordably warm

Available in a choice of eight product combinations to suit different applications and budgets.

Each pack contains six TRVs, matching lockshield and wheel head and a room thermostat.

Give your customers better control of their room temperature and energy use.

Summing up, Bjorn Sejr Nielsen, says: “This new research proves that installing modern heating controls, specifically ‘keymark’ TRVs from leading manufacturers like Danfoss, is one of the most cost-effective ways to create homes, whether they are privatelyowned or social housing, that are both comfortable and affordably warm.”

Danfoss is a leading manufacturer of world-class heating controls, from programmers and thermostats to TRVs and motorised control valves, with factories in the UK and Denmark. The company’s extensive product range is supplied through a national network of  stockists.

 www.heating.danfoss.co.uk 

ukheating@danfoss.com  01234 364621

Latest evidence shows that all homes with a conventional hydronic heating system should be fitted with a room thermostat and a full set of TRVs

40% potential energy savings Based on the independent tests carried out by the University of Salford on the performance of TRVs and room thermostats in their full scale Energy House facility.

www.heating.danfoss.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 45

Housing Focus HVAC/HVP area. Their warmth can be felt within just a few minutes of switch-on, even on very cold days. Mounted at high level, the heaters are well out of the way of sports equipment and can be covered with safety grilles to protect them from high flying balls, for example.

A switch to energy efficient space heating systems like this can reduce fuel consumption without affecting comfort levels, producing long-term and sustainable fuel cost savings.

No other heating system currently used in sports halls can match the energy efficiency of radiant tube heating

Flagship sports hall

The perfect warm-up routine Schools, colleges and other educational establishments in the UK spend more than £400m a year just on heating.

It’s a costly yet essential outgoing, but that doesn’t mean that cost savings can’t be made and even the most complex of heating needs can be met without breaking the budget according to Nick Winton of AmbiRad.

I

t’s the sports hall which usually offers the greatest heating challenge.

Increasingly multi-purpose, with many sports, examinations, drama and more taking place inside, comfort and concentration and balancing the needs of both stationary and active users, can be a major problem.

Traditional sports hall design presents particular challenges when it comes to maintaining a comfortable atmosphere.

In one vast, open space, the comfort requirements of all users, from athletes to spectators, must also be fully satisfied.

Conventional boiler and distributed radiator systems frequently fail to provide the flexibility or speed of response needed in today’s multi-use halls. It is here where the most efficient, economical heating is required. However, this doesn’t

46 Public Sector Build Journal

mean a reduction in comfort levels. The task is to find a balance between cutting costs and providing the perfect conditions for every circumstance.

Achieving universal comfort and low energy consumption demands a heating system that: • Has rapid response to changed conditions • Has frugal energy consumption • Can be ‘zoned’ to heat only those areas in use • Operates at low noise levels • Will not compromise the fabric of the building EU and UK legislation must have a say too. Becoming ever stringent, it requires modern heating systems to optimise fuel efficiency and produce lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Highly economical radiant tube heating is one effective answer for sport halls.

No other heating system currently used in sports halls can match its energy efficiency. This system works like the sun, emitting infrared rays that warm only people and objects in their path. No energy is wasted heating the volume of air in the building – which in a hall is vast – yet occupants (whether active or sedentary) feel comfortably warm.

Radiant tube heaters burn fuel at the point of use, eliminating heat distribution losses or the need for a separate plant

Potential stars of the 2012 London Olympics, together with university students and local school children, are taking advantage of the flagship £7m indoor sports facility at Brunel University, equipped with Nor-Ray-Vac continuous radiant tube heating.

Nor-Ray-Vac heaters positioned approximately 6m above floor level warm the 3168m2 athletics hall. Controlled centrally from the University’s building management system, they maintain a constant temperature of around 14-16 degrees.

Paul Gibbins, architect at Sport England, designers of the Optimum Sports Hall, comments: “Radiant heating is economical to install and effective in its distribution of heat. It is an effective generator of heat – both economical and aesthetic. It provides quick warm up and easy control in different circumstances – for example,  active sports or spectating.”



 www.ambirad.co.uk ambiradsales@tnb.com  01384 489700

Radiant tube heaters burn fuel at the point of use, eliminating heat distribution losses or the need for a separate plant area

HVAC/HVP Focus

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HVAC/HVP Focus Ideally, the CHP system should be sized to around 15% of the maximum heat demand

offer a versatile solution for various sized applications, particularly as they can be used in cascade to meet the demands of larger properties when required. The closer you can match the user’s demands to the capabilities of the CHP, the better the efficiencies achievable.

Do your homework

Sizing up CHP There is no doubt that using combined heat and power (CHP) technology delivers substantial energy savings for UK businesses.

However, some companies who invest are not reaping all the benefits, due to incorrect specification and sizing. Here, David Shaw, Business Development Manager at Baxi Commercial offers his top tips on specifying CHP. Consistency is key CHP works best in applications with continuous heating or hot water loads – the longer it runs to meet heating demand, the more efficient it is. To get the best return on investment, CHP should run for at least 4000 hours per year.

Size matters Specifying the correctly sized unit for installation is crucial. This will ensure that the CHP engine runs for as long as possible, which in turn generates valuable low-carbon and low-cost electricity. Ideally, the CHP system should be sized to around 15% of the maximum heat demand, so that it is capable of meeting a building’s base load requirements on its own or can meet daily hot water requirements when there is no heating load, to maximise its electrical generation potential.

There’s no such thing as ’10% for luck’ One of the main issues with underperforming CHP is over-sizing, leaving users with a larger plant than necessary.

This inhibits the engine from continuously working to generate low cost electricity.

A bigger plant does not mean better performance. On the contrary, it can actually reduce savings. Oversized units do not have the demand to run continuously and therefore the amount of electricity

48 Public Sector Build Journal

produced will be well below the customer’s expectations.

Small is beautiful To work effectively, CHP needs to be as small as possible. Multi-module CHP units

 www.baxicommercial.co.uk 

Ensuring that you cover off all of these points effectively relies on making sure a building’s energy and power audit is correct in the initial stages. Determining the specific energy load and demand of each individual building is key to specify and install the correctly sized CHP. It is important to remember that there is no straightforward way to size CHP and it is always better to get advice from the CHP supplier at an early stage of design.

Check for incentive schemes Installations which deliver good paybacks and substantial CO2 savings are likely to comply with the CHPQA Quality Index (http://chpqa.decc.gov.uk) which will qualify them for incentives such as Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA), to further improve their returns. It’s always worth checking this on installation to help deliver even greater savings for  your customers.

geri.clegg@baxicommercialdivision.com



0845 070 1055

Multi-module CHP units offer a versatile solution for various sized applications

HVAC/HVP Focus

Evinox adopts a combined approach Evinox is excited to announce the launch of the ModuSat CHHC Combined Heating & Cooling Interface Unit range.

Perfect for homes connected to a communal scheme that require both heating and cooling throughout the property.

The ModuSat combined heating, hot water and cooling unit provides simultaneous heating and cooling and the instantaneous production of hot water. Designed to simplify apartment installations where cooling and heating is required; the CHHC unit features a small footprint that minimises required cupboard space, with easy access for service and maintenance.

The heating, DHW & cooling plate heat exchangers are housed within a single cased unit with high quality fully insulated separation between the hot and chilled zones. The unit can be provided in either floor standing top connection or wall mounted bottom connection orientations making it suitable for a wide number of installation configurations.

The ModuSat CHHC is available with a number of plate size options to meet a range of cooling, heating and DHW requirements and can be supplied complete with a ViewSmart room controller featuring humidity control.

Evinox combines the expertise and independence to deliver lifetime communal heating packages for any project brief. It provides a complete Communal Heating solution including Central Plant Room Equipment, Modusat Heat Interface Units Service and Maintenance Packages and Energy Metering, Billing and Remote Surveillance.  www.evinox.co.uk 

info@evinox.co.uk  01372 722277

School benefits from duo of green technologies NPS Property Consultants recently worked with Hamworthy Heating and their agent, Mike Crouch, to design a tailored renewable solution for Fairstead Community School in Kings Lynn, Norfolk. The chosen scheme combined solar thermal and a biomass boiler to offer an ecologically efficient heating and hot water system. Eyre Building Services installed a Hamworthy Herz Firematic 199kW biomass boiler operating on wood pellets to provide the heating for the school. A Hamworthy Trigon solar thermal system was installed alongside to satisfy the hot water needs of the school. Six flat plate solar collectors fitted to the roof on A-frames feed two Powerstock PS500 calorifiers.  www.hamworthy-heating.com



sales@hamworthy-heating.com



0845 450 2865

Thermaskirt warms elderly through winter ThermaSkirt from Discrete Heat has been chosen to provide cost efficient and effective heating for 32 brand new extra-care flats at Cowan Court in Penicuik, just outside Edinburgh, funded by Midlothian Council. The development will benefit from ThermaSkirt’s LST heated skirting board with easy to use controls to create a safe and comfortable environment for the elderly requiring care and assistance. ThermaSkirt conveniently replaces the skirting board and radiators in one neat package to free up wall space and allow easy cleaning while comfort and well being of the occupants is un-compromised. The rapid response time allows temperatures to be easily adjusted ensuring residents are kept in optimal conditions.  www.discreteheat.co.uk



martin@discreteheat.co.uk



0845 123 8367

ATAG Heating sponsors charity yacht race The 13th St Wilfrid’s Hospice ‘Nab’ Challenge, sponsored by boiler distributors, ATAG Heating UK, is to be held on Saturday, September 6, 2014 and the Inn-Shore Cruising Club, organisers of this popular and unique event, will be aiming to add to the magnificent amount of £162,000 already raised for this worthy charity. The race offers competitors a fantastic day’s racing, which is fun, safe and something the whole family can enjoy. The Challenge takes place over a 12 nautical mile course from a start line just outside Chichester harbour, around the Nab Tower and back and attracts entrants from sailing clubs throughout Sussex and beyond.  www.atagheating.co.uk  

info@atagheating.co.uk 01243 815770

Public Sector Build Journal 49

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Shackerley secures BBA certification for Sureclad For the first time, thanks to Shackerley, architects wanting to use some of the very largest ceramic granite panels available in their ventilated facade cladding projects can now specify an offsite prefabricated system, designed and manufactured in the UK, that also offers the reassurance of British Board of Agrément (BBA) certification.

Shackerley, the UK’s leading manufacturer and prefabricator of ceramic granite ventilated cladding, is in the unique position of having attained BBA certification for its Sureclad Access and Hang On systems that specifically covers the use of larger format ceramic granite facade panel formats measuring up to 1200 x 1200mm.

The Lancashire manufacturer’s patented systems have been assessed by the BBA not only for compliance with current Building Regulations but also for meeting all the more demanding guidelines set out by the Centre for

Window and Cladding Technology.

Shackerley Chief Executive Brian Newell who received the certificate from BBA Client Accounts Manager Richard Tamworth comments: “Having invested heavily in our own bespoke and highly specialised engineering facilities at our ISO 9001 certified factory in Lancashire, we have the in-house capability to fully prefabricate exceptionally large ceramic granite slabs and transform them into installation-ready Sureclad facade panels.

“Sureclad is already specified on a regular basis by the UK’s leading

Overwhelmed masonry?

Can masonry really be overwhelmed? This was the question posed by the owner of a recently built house that became rather damp during storms in the early part of this year.

Apparently he had never considered a masonry skin might become saturated, and never considered to what extent following saturation water could free-flow from it down the cavity. It had never crossed his mind, until now.

Consider masonry manufactured and tested to BS 4315. This involves spraying water onto a given area at a rate of 2.5 litres per minute. The test takes place over 48 hours. Upon completion of the test it is not unusual

50 Public Sector Build Journal

to read the ‘bricks indicated very low levels of rates of rain penetration.’ It is often not realised the spraying is not continuous. It lasts just one minute, followed by an approximately half-hour pause, after which there is another minute of activity.

So over 48 hours the extent of water spraying can amount to less than 1½ hours. If the rain in your district only ever falls for one minute and is always followed by half an hours’ drying time, then perhaps the Standard is meaningful, albeit not realistic of the climate experienced in the UK? Especially when one remembers the continuously wet

architectural practices and our facades have been used to enhance and protect landmark buildings right across the health, education, retail, hotel, residential and general commercial sectors. BBA certification across our diverse product offer, including the latest 1200 x1200mm panels, can only help to convince those who remain unfamiliar with Sureclad to specify our systems for their future cladding projects.”  www.shackerley.com 

info@shackerley.com  0800 783 0391

winter months with the accompanying high winds.

This is no criticism of the masonry, but accompanying effective DPC control are essential. Controlling water migration through masonry requires arrestment and evacuation. It is interesting that once an average brick becomes saturated, its conductivity can double. So the thermal behaviour of the outside skin is less helpful to heat conservation and thermal integrity during the wetter and colder months of winter.

Bearing in mind fabric energy efficiency, controlling water and evacuating it out of the structure as swiftly as possible makes good sense.

Water retention within the wall is not helpful – it can contribute to the masonry being overwhelmed, but a wide range of approved cavitrays are available from Cavity Trays of Yeovil to ensure protection and evacuation integrity. 

 www.cavitytrays.com enquiries@cavitytrays.co.uk  01935 474769

Saving Time, Saving Money Giving roofing contractors an easier way* to notify for Building Regulations on roofing refurbishment work for all types and for all sectors within England and Wales.

Call 020 7448 3189 or visit www.competentroofer.co.uk Reg. No. 7717

7717

* the alternative is through LABC. Failure to notify can result in a fine.

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 • Ideal for balconies, roof terraces and piazzas, for both commercial & residential use • Completely non porous • Fire & frost proof

t: 0845 2700 696

e: info@thedecktileco.co.uk

• Height-adjustable support from 9mm up to 550mm

www.thedecktileco.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 51

Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Warm oak solid grade laminate and Thunder solid surface look stylish, are extremely hard wearing and easy to maintain

Washrooms to stand the test of time In the 1850s Hugh Owen led a small group of patriots in a mission to raise a large enough sum of money to establish an educational environment of university level status. In 1872 on Aberystwyth seafront, the university was opened with a tiny group of 26 students and an even smaller teaching staff of three.

T

hese days Aberystwyth University is a thriving hub of activity with a student body of nearly 12,000 and a teaching staff of 900-300 times more than the early days of 1872.

Multiple achievements The university has worked hard to gain multiple achievements including the accolade of being the fourth best place to study teaching and learning, the fifth best place in the world for student satisfaction and is also voted the safest place in the UK to be a student.

These are just some of the things that make Aberystwyth University great, and so when Amwell was chosen to provide its new university washrooms at the Llanbadarn Centre it was delighted to be part of something so special.

Aberystwyth University clearly wants to ensure that its establishment is reflected in the best light possible and a daily facility such as the washroom and changing areas are a big part of this. The

52 Public Sector Build Journal

washroom cubicles need to be strong and long lasting but they also need to look smart and reflect the modern aspirations of the university’s thriving student body.

With this in mind Splash toilet cubicles and solid surface vanity units were chosen. Warm oak solid grade laminate and Thunder solid surface not only look stylish and contemporary but they are extremely hard wearing and easy to maintain; universities are busy places and with a potential traffic volume of 2500 Aberystwyth needed something to stand the test of time.

“We have been working with Amwell now for nearly three years with some outstanding results. The Amwell product range is excellent, backed up by customer service of the highest standard.”

University life is an “all round” experience and ensuring that building works are completed to the highest standard makes such a difference to an establishment. Amwell systems and Real Contract Services are certainly proud to have been part of the difference at  Aberystwyth University.

A quality installation A quality finish is not only determined by a quality product but also a quality installation. Real Contract Services did a fantastic job installing Amwell’s Splash cubicles, duct panels and vanity units and were a thoroughly professional, reliable and skilled company to work with.

Managing Director Alan Britten had this to say about his experience with Amwell:

The washrooms need to reflect the modern aspirations of the university’s thriving student body

 www.amwell-systems.com 

sales@amwell-systems.com  01763 276200

Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Easy fit drinking fountains Franke Sissons, also known as Franke Washroom Systems, has launched a new range of drinking fountains for schools, colleges and commercial premises. Made in high grade stainless steel, the fountains have an attractive round shape and are easy to install, thanks to a clever wall bracket fixing system, making them the ideal solution for replacement or new fit.

There are two water-filtered models in the range. The basic wall hung design has a bubbler and slides on to wall brackets.

The next model up has the added benefit of a bottle filler.

Both have a chlorine water filter that is easy to change via an access panel which also provides protection against vandalism. The water fountains are easy to maintain and the bottle filler is a thoughtful extra that will be appreciated.

The new models join an existing range that includes chilled water options which are BREEAM compliant.

“Drinking plenty of water is essential for health,” comments Victoria Himsworth, Product Marketing Manager.

“The bottle filler means that children and students can keep their supplies topped up during the day which is well documented to help with concentration and, they should be less tempted to buy expensive sugary drinks and unlike many drinking fountains, the range includes a chlorine filter as standard.”



 www.franke.com ws-marketing.gb@franke.com  01246 450255

Inex-online.com Interior and exterior design inspiration

The comprehensive online specification portal for interior and exterior design professionals. in+ex takes visitors on a virtual journey, inspiring the design community with the latest news, on-trend products and high-profile interviews.

www.inex-online.com

Search ‘inex’

Public Sector Build Journal 53

Disability Kirroughtree is the first venue in the area to offer a Changing Places accessible, assisted toilet

Forest facilities provide access for all Britain’s largest forest park is now achieving optimum accessibility and exceeding expectations through its new flagship visitor centre.

F

orestry Commission Scotland has just opened the new, ecofriendly centre at Kirroughtree, the gateway to the Galloway Forest Park. It is the first venue in the area to offer a Changing Places accessible, assisted toilet, supplied by Clos-o-Mat, and installed to address outcomes from the Commission’s equality analysis,

which highlighted the need for more toilet accommodation, including that for disabled people.

“Galloway Forest Park is growing in popularity as a destination: visitor numbers now top 1 million a year, increasing at 4% per annum. Provision of a Changing Places toilet makes the whole of Galloway Forest Park and surrounding area accessible to a range of the population we have been unable to cater for,” explains Sarah Wilson Assistant Project Manager for Forestry Commission Scotland. “We want to meet, and exceed, customer expectations with all aspects of the visitor experience.”

Provision of a Changing Places toilet makes the whole of Galloway Forest Park and surrounding area accessible to a range of the population

Larger than conventional, wheelchairaccessible toilets, the Changing Places toilet also has additional equipment (eg a hoist, adult-sized height adjustable changing bench) to accommodate the needs of anyone who needs the help of at least one carer. It is open throughout Kirroughtree Visitor Centre opening hours and needs no special access requirements.

The Changing Places toilet is just one element of an enhanced visitor experience at the Centre. New showers, changing facilities, catering, better differentiation between mountain bike and walking trails, and a children’s play park have also been implemented.

Over 500 Changing Places toilets are now open across the UK, the majority of which have been supplied by Closo-Mat. The company is unique in being able to offer, in-house, design advice, supply, install, commissioning and ongoing service/maintenance, backed up by in-house project management of a Changing Places toilet or hygiene room. Clos-o-Mat has used its expertise in the field to produce a white paper on Changing Places toilet provision in the healthcare sector, available for download on its website. 

 www.clos-o-mat.com 

54 Public Sector Build Journal

info@clos-o-mat.com  0161 969 1199

View our new website

www.popuppower.co.uk

Retractable Service Unit at Wembley Arena Square Our projects include installations for: • Markets • Heritage • Parks • Town Centres • Universities • Sports Stadiums

Pop Up Power Supplies Safe, secure, silent power: retractable utility points supplying electricity, water and air to public places

Pop Up Power Supplies Ltd Telephone Fax Email Web

020 8551 8363 020 8220 8838 info@popuppower.co.uk www.popuppower.co.uk

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Green Partnership Scheme T: 01422 242880 @KBIUKLtd www.kbiuk.co.uk

Public Sector Build Journal 55

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

The transformed IWM London includes new worldclass First World War Galleries, a newly-configured atrium and temporary events space over six floors

Mapei provides first line of defence A Mapei system of flooring products has been specified as part of a major redevelopment at IWM London. IWM London tells the stories of those whose lives have been shaped by war through the depth, breadth and impact of its galleries, displays and events.

V

isitors to IWM London can explore what life was like at home during the Second World War in A Family in Wartime; delve into the world of espionage in Secret War; visit the awardwinning Holocaust Exhibition; discover stories of bravery in The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes; see work by some of Britain’s most significant 20th Century artists in its art galleries or take in the latest major temporary exhibitions.

Low maintenance solution Part of the Imperial War Museums, the historic museum has been transformed to mark the centenary of the First World War; the design – created by architects Foster + Partners – improves access, circulation, as well as creating new vistas to the park outside.

Mapei’s high performance cementitious flooring system, Ultratop, was chosen to complement the exhibits and provide a low maintenance floor coupled with resistance to heavy

56 Public Sector Build Journal

pedestrian traffic. All works were co-ordinated by IWM’s Construction Managers, Lend Lease, and Mapei systems were installed by Polished Concrete Designs for ITC Concepts Ltd. The transformed IWM London includes new world-class First World War Galleries, a newly-configured atrium and temporary events space over six floors displaying iconic large objects, new retail outlets and a cafe opening into the adjoining park. Alongside permanent exhibitions and galleries, new centenary features include Truth and Memory – the largest exhibition of British First World War art for almost 100 years – and a major family exhibition, Horrible Histories.

Mapei’s flooring system was specified throughout a 5000m2 floor area. The specified system included Mapei Topcem rapid-drying screed, which hardens within 24 hours and dries in approximately four days, thereby reducing installation times.

Mapei Primer SN, a two-component epoxy pre-filled primer, was applied to

Grounds for success Founded in 1937, Mapei is a leading manufacturer of adhesives and chemical building products – and a specialist in the production of adhesives and preparation products for the installation of wall and floor coverings. Its extensive product range includes products for the preparation of all types of substrates used in construction: surface membranes, levelling compounds, primers, waterproofing, ready mixed mortars, special products for the repair of concrete, admixtures for mortar and concrete, adhesives for floor and wall coverings, ceramic tiles, natural stone, soft flooring and wood, grouts and flexible sealants, mortars and binders for the restoration of period buildings, resin flooring, soundproofing systems, protective finishes for exterior walls and special hydraulic binders for screeds. 

 www.mapei.co.uk 

info@mapei.co.uk  0121 508 6970

Mapei’s Ultratop was chosen to complement the exhibits and provide a low maintenance floor

© Nigel Young Foster + Partners

© Nigel Young Foster + Partners

both existing and new substrates, and technologically advanced self-smoothing cementitious floor, Mapei Ultratop, was then installed. The system provides an anthracite-toned abrasion-resistant surface, ideally suited to the heavy traffic environments.

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Tarkett chosen for NHS Teenage Cancer Trust unit A pioneering unit for treating teenagers and young adults with cancer has been colourfully fitted out with Tarkett flooring. The unit at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust was funded entirely by the Teenage Cancer Trust and designed to create a space as comfortable as possible.

Featuring six en-suite bedrooms, a four bed day unit, social space and support facilities, the bright and engaging decor of the centre was created using a variety of Tarkett flooring.

Representing the Trust and leading the project was architect Mark Maffey from Studio Mode.

“Suddenly finding yourself in hospital can be a disorientating experience, particularly for young people, so for that reason creating a safe and welcoming space was essential,” said Mark. “To do this we consulted directly with the young

people who would be using the centre to help create a space that represented who they were – no longer children, but not quite adults. They were deeply involved in every aspect of the design and layout.

Key to the scheme was the use of easily identifiable areas that clearly demarcated the differing functions of each space.”

Bright and colourful flooring was chosen for the treatment areas and calmer, wood effect flooring chosen for areas of rest and relaxation.

The Tarkett flooring used included iQ Optima in Yellow, Medium Blue and

Green, iQ Eminent in Turquoise and Acczent Excellence 80 in Bamboo.

Tarkett’s iQ range is a hard-wearing, durable floor with a huge spectrum of colours, patterns and effects that allows designers and specifiers the opportunity to get creative in a variety of environments.

It’s also a sustainable choice being made of 25% recycled content and 100% recyclable.  www.tarkett.co.uk 

uksales@tarkett.com  01622 854040

Stormdry keeps water out and energy bills down Delivering two major benefits in just one convenient product, Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream from Safeguard Europe – a leading UK specialist in damp- and waterproofing, and masonry repair solutions – not only stops rain penetrating external walls; but also boosts their thermal efficiency. The two benefits are closely linked simply because dry walls have better insulating qualities than wet ones – dry bricks have twice the thermal resistance of wet. Safeguard has scientifically and independently proven this link so definitively that Stormdry classified under VAT Notice 708/6 as an energy-saving measure that qualifies for a reduced VAT rate of 5%.  www.stormdry.com



info@safeguardeurope.com



01403 210204

Sika provides top grade repair solutions In a conservation area at the University of Cambridge, global building product manufacturer Sika has supplied a comprehensive system to return five ageing buildings to the highest standards of aesthetics, performance and weather resistance.

Contractor Concrete Repairs applied Sika Monotop – a cementitious one-component system consisting of polymer modified mortars – to make primary repairs to the concrete frame. Designed to extend the service life of aesthetically valuable concrete surfaces, Sika Ferrogard 903+ was then spray-applied to all refurbished external elements. Approved to adhere to the area’s strict application requirements, two clear protective coatings – SikaGard 680S Cleargaze and SikaGard 700S – were applied to provide the final layer of weather protection.  www.sikaconstruction.co.uk



technical@uk.sika.com



0800 112 3863

Ultra Floor features at famous waterfront attraction Ultra Floor’s Level IT TWO and Prime IT AR have been used to refurbish office premises at Liverpool’s famous waterfront attraction, Albert Dock.

Existing floorcovering and adhesive residue was removed before Prime IT AR was applied to the concrete substrate.

Prime IT AR is a water-based acrylic primer suitable for absorbent subfloors and as a barrier primer, prior to applying a smoothing underlayment. It was used to prepare the area prior to levelling with Level IT TWO. Level IT TWO is Ultra Floor’s recently enhanced two-component smoothing underlayment.  www.ultra-floor.co.uk  

ultrafloor@instarmac.co.uk 01827 871871

Public Sector Build Journal 57

Doors & Windows

Opportunity knocks for James Latham With the Government’s Code for Sustainable Homes Scheme (CSH) target for all new houses to be zero carbon by 2016 now less than two years away, James Latham is now offering a complete door kit solution which has been certified as passive house compliant by the renowned Passive House Institute in Darmstadt (Germany).

A passive house is a building in which a comfortable interior climate can be maintained without active heating and cooling systems, hence the term “passive”. The house heats and cools itself by generating external heat gains from the sun as well as internal gains from appliances and the occupants.

It also achieves significantly notable levels of airtightness and insulation with minimal thermal bridges and delivers a high level of internal air quality provided by a mechanical ventilation system that recovers heat efficiently and doors have a big part to play in achieving this.

The door kit being offered by James Latham includes a door leaf which is 98mm thick and is available in three

decorative facing options. The passive house door blank has a U-Value of 0,54 W/m2K; and the door – as supplied in kit form – has a U-Value of ≤ 0,80W/ m2K (with and without glazing).

The kit is also CE certified (EN 14351-1 External Doors and Windows 2010) and attains the best results in all mandatory aspects of this standard.

Eg, wind-load resistance; EN 12210, security classification; WK2 (door blank resistance classification 3) ENV 1627 and airtightness classification; EN 12207.  www.lathamtimber.co.uk 

marketing@lathams.co.uk  0116 257 3415

Reliable Free Swing door closer Powermatic Free Swing is the latest controlled, concealed door closer to be introduced

by Samuel Heath. The door closer offers normal automatic door closing or can allow a door to be operated manually and left open as desired until the door closer is activated by fire alarm or power failure, when automatic closing is initiated. Powermatic Free Swing complies with two harmonised European performance standards, BS EN 1154 (controlled door closing devices) and BS EN 1155 (electrically powered free swing and hold-open devices), and is manufactured in the United Kingdom under processes and systems that comply with BS EN 9001, thereby allowing it to carry the CE mark.  

0121 766 4200  www.powermatic-freeswing.co.uk sales@samuel-heath.com

Architectural landmark showcases Metal Technology systems Metal Technology environmentally-friendly curtain walling, window and door systems have been installed on the recently opened Community Hub in Somerstown, Portsmouth. The rugby ball shaped structure makes it a perfect showcase for Metal Technology’s ultra-flexible, aesthetically appropriate System 17 Capped Curtain Walling. This has been used to fully glaze both gable ends of the two storey glue-lam tubular structure. Consistent with the curtain walling systems, Metal Technology System 5-20 Hi+ thermally enhanced tilt and turn windows, rooflights and 5-20D door system were installed, which, with the System 10 Commercial Door combined to contribute to the building’s BREEAM Excellent rating.  www.metaltechnology.com

58 Public Sector Build Journal



sales@metaltechnology.com



028 9448 7777

The powerful performance of Comar Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems; with its approved fabricator Formes Alutek Ltd recently completed a new build office building which forms part of ‘The West of Duddon Sands Offshore Windfarm’. A striking curved facade was installed and Comar 6EFT 4sided SG with concealed vents was selected as it provides a structurally glazed curtain walling solution with EPDM or Silicon seals which creates facets at 7.5° increments convex or concave. For safety, Comar 7 swing doors were fitted with anti-finger trap stiles and Axim concealed transom closers which were hung directly from the Comar 6EFT curtain wall again enforcing the reduced the sight lines.  www.comar-alu.co.uk  

projects@parksidegroup.co.uk 020 8685 9685

Doors & Windows

New website for fire rated windows www.firewindows.co.uk is the new website from specialist REHAU fabricator Hart & Co telling clients, specifiers and contractors all they need to know about the company’s range of fire rated windows. Hart & Co, based in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, is one of only a small number of accredited fabricators of fire resistant PVC-U windows using REHAU’s patented RAUFERNO technology. The www.firewindows.co.uk website answers all the most frequently asked questions about specifying and installing fire rated windows and gives details of Hart & Co’s free window design and technical advice service.  www.rehau.co.uk



irene.smith@rehau.com



01989 762600

City of Liverpool Library opens up with Reynaers Reynaers curtain walling and architectural aluminium systems played a significant role in the recent £50m PFI restoration and redevelopment of the historic Liverpool Central Library. The complex task of remodelling the Grade II listed library as well as retaining its historic facade was carried out by Shepherd Construction as part of the Inspire Partnership. The expansive curtain wall, utilising Reynaers CW 50 thermally improved system, gives clean unhindered views and opens up the interior to the historic areas of the library bringing them into renewed public use.

Main entrance doors on the project feature Reynaers Vision 50 system designed to accommodate heavy usage in public places.  www.reynaers.co.uk



reynaersltd@reynaers.com



0121 421 1999

Total Glass windows improve security Liverpool-based social housing fenestration specialist Total Glass supplied PVC-U vertical sliding and casement windows for a property in one of the city’s key Conservation Areas. The property, close to Newsham Park, is owned by the Riverside Group. The white sliding box sash windows were installed on the front elevation of the substantial semi-detached dwelling in Denman Drive, Tuebrook, which has been converted into five flats.

A-rated PVC-U casement windows were fitted at the rear of the building. The new windows replace old timber single-glazed ones, greatly improving security and thermal efficiency for residents.  www.totalglass.com  

sales@totalglass.com 0151 549 2339

Public Sector Build Journal 59

Focus & Innovation

Faith in Brett’s bus boarding Kassel kerb continues Major public transport improvements, designed to span the entire length of Lewes Road in Brighton, have served to underline the confidence of Brighton and Hove City Council in the quality of Brett Landscaping’s market-leading Kassel bus boarding kerb.

The Brett solution has been installed as part of an ongoing programme now in its 15th year, which has improved road infrastructure in the city to support progressive efforts to make public transport efficient and accessible for all. The Lewes Road project, at 3.6 miles, represents the council’s biggest single installation of Kassel and will service this vital route along Brighton’s academic corridor.

Kassel kerbs have been considered must-have materials by the council, since research conducted at University College London in 1998 concluded that it was the most ‘fit for purpose,’ especially when used with modern low-floor buses.

Richard Johnson, Public Transport Officer at Brighton and Hove City Council has been instrumental in the decision to utilise Kassel from Brett Landscaping over the course of a decade and a half.

By working with the UCL Institute of Transport Studies, he anticipated how low-floor buses would shape the future of public bus transport.

“The decisions we made 15 years ago based on this research have helped to save time and money in the long term, by improving the travel experience for passengers and driving conditions for bus drivers.”

In particular, the combination of lowfloor buses and Kassel kerbs improves access for those with mobility needs, such as the disabled and passengers with young children, while also speeding up journey times – all of which add to an improved public transport experience, and achieving the goal of encouraging more people to use public transport rather than drive private cars.  www.brettpaving.co.uk 

landscaping@brett.co.uk  0845 608 0570

Gear up to autumn and winter The latest full colour brochure is now available free to discerning professional tradesmen and women in print or as a digital edition. It features the world’s leading range of working clothes, one that works hard on site all year round for you, whatever the working environment or weather condition. In it, you’ll find all the latest styles and designs – the ultimate in modern workwear, from work trousers, work jackets, tool vests shirts, underwear, hi-vis and painters, through to accessories and tool carriers. Plus the right kind of working clothes to keep you working comfortably in the cold and wet weather.  www.snickersworkwear.com

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info@snickersworkwear.co.uk

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01484 854788

Portakabin Group publishes guide to procurement The Portakabin Group, the UK’s leading modular building specialist, has published a new guide to help schools and academies procure new teaching facilities – from self-contained permanent classroom blocks to complete purpose-designed schools. Many schools have an urgent requirement to expand existing teaching accommodation and others need to upgrade or rebuild ageing building stocks simply to maintain education standards. This latest in a series of reports, ‘Get The Most From Your Next School Building Programme’, aims to help schools and academies avoid some of the most common pitfalls when procuring new buildings, ensure the facilities meet both current and future requirements, and are delivered on time and on budget.  www.portanews.co.uk/reports

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information@portakabin.co.uk

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0845 401 0010

Hammering home the quality Power and precision are the hallmarks of quality that you’ll find in every Hultafors Tools’ Hammer. In this new generation of tools you’ll find Ball Hammers, Carpenters’ Hammers, T-Block Hammers, Electrician’s Hammers, Dead Blow Hammers and even Copper Hammers. They’re tools that can handle the toughest work, delivering the best possible levels of performance and safety, whatever the job in hand. With vibration damping features as well as reduced recoil and even an anti-sparking feature in one of the models, you can rest assured that Hultafors Tools Hammers will be the perfect addition to your toolbox.  www.hultafors.co.uk  

info@snickersworkwear.co.uk 01484 854788

Focus & Innovation

Saint-Gobain Weber EWI for L&Q flagship project In the London Borough of Lewisham Saint-Gobain Weber External Wall Insulation (EWI) has been specified for the extensive refurbishment and thermal upgrade of apartment blocks on selected estates across the Forest Hill and Sydenham areas.

Following a stock transfer of 3500 homes from Lewisham Homes to L&Q, the housing association’s stock investment team has worked with British Gas to secure installation of Saint-Gobain Weber’s EWI

system to eight 1960s blocks of flats. There is a potential to gain a further 15 blocks, equivalent to another 357 homes and an estimated total of 31,500m² of EWI. Consultants Faithorn Farrell Timms

(FFT), specialists in large volume improvements and major refurbishment projects, specified Saint-Gobain Weber EWI. weber.therm XM EWI, a lightweight system incorporating thin-coat polymer render and mesh cloth reinforcement, has been specified and applied to the larger portions of the buildings while other areas have been refurbished and painted either white or a specific colour.

The application of weber.therm XM has significantly rejuvenated the appearance of the properties and dramatically improved the thermal performance of these homes. Calculations prepared by Saint-Gobain Weber identified that a target U-value of 0.3W/m²K, from the original estimated U-value of 2.13W/m²K, could be achieved using 90mm thick grey expanded polystyrene (EPS). A decorative finish of weber.sil TF150, a synthetic, even textured finish coat, has achieved a durable and weather resistant, vapour permeable surface.  www.netweber.co.uk 

mail@netweber.co.uk  08703 330 070

VIVIX panels used for Etone College building

Insulation wins LABC ‘Registered Details’ All three products in the Actis Hybrid range, which was specifically designed to address the performance gap, have been granted ‘Registered Details’ by the LABC – which means they can be accepted instantly by all LABC building control surveyors in more than 300 local authorities across England and Wales. The three Hybrid solutions comply perfectly with revised Part L regulations. They can achieve the best U-value requirements, meeting or even exceeding current building regulations in roofs, walls, floors and ceilings and they provide both insulation and air tightness properties.  www.insulation-actis.com  

solutions@insulation-actis.com 01249 462888

VIVIX by Formica Group exterior façade panels have been used to clad the new facility at Etone College in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. Baily Garner LLP specified VIVIX in Hunter Green to add a vibrant colour to the building, offering a fresh, welcoming environment. VIVIX in Hunter Green was specified for the building detailing, including the wings, fascias and soffits, creating a striking contrast with the rest of the building that is rendered in white. High traffic educational buildings such as the Etone College demand not only functionality and practicality, but also a wide variety of design options to create the right look.  www.formica.com/en/uk

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samples.uk@formica.com

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0191 259 3512

Rehau appoints Commercial Sales Manager in Scotland Leila Robertson has been appointed as Rehau’s new Commercial Sales Manager for Scotland. She replaces wellknown figure Jim Thow who has recently retired after more than 20 years in the role. Leila herself has extensive experience in commercial sales and specification, having worked in Rehau’s heating and plumbing division for more than 10 years before most recently working in the roofing sector. Based at Rehau’s Glasgow sales office, Leila is liaising with architects, specifiers and contractors to provide technical and design advice on Rehau’s range of windows, doors and curtain walling systems, and is helping to increase the number of Rehau specifications on commercial projects.  www.rehau.co.uk

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irene.smith@rehau.com

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01989 762600

Public Sector Build Journal 61

Focus & Innovation

HD video recording solution for any application The Vectis iX family of IP-based video recording solutions, just launched by Security Products from Siemens, includes self-contained network video recorders (NVR) as well as network video software (NVS) for server-based systems.

Both are capable of recording full-HD images from up to 48 cameras simultaneously at 25 frames per second and support resolutions of up to 20 megapixel.

The Vectis iX products feature a modular design that allows them to be accurately matched to the user’s precise requirements. This makes them an ideal and cost-effective choice for use in IPbased CCTV applications of all types – from small retail installations to campus-wide surveillance systems.

All products use the latest H.264 video compression standard to ensure minimum network bandwidth usage. They are compatible with the MPEG4 and MJPEG standards for the convenience of users with existing cameras. In addition, they

support the latest ONVIF Profile S standard, which allows them to be used not only with cameras from Siemens, but also with those from approximately 90 thirdparty manufacturers.

The built-in VSS_SDK (software developer kit) interface allows Vectis iX systems to be integrated easily with the Siemens MM8000 access control and fire safety system. In addition to object detection, the on-board video analytics functionality also offers object removal.

All models feature people counting, which is a major benefit particularly in retail and

sports venue applications.

NVR models are available in 6, 16, 32 and 48 channel versions. They support an internal recording capacity of up to 24 TB (2 TB for the 6 channel model); additional recording capacity can be added externally.

The NVS software solution is available in 8, 16, 32, 48 and 64 channel versions, with storage capacity determined by the configuration of the server.  www.siemens.co.uk/securityproducts 

sam.lord@siemens.com  01291 437920

Essential guide to timber preservation If you’ve ever wondered why you need to treat timber, the level of protection required for where, the difference between brush-on and factory-applied timber fire retardants or simply curious about a product which is critical to timber within the construction industry then come and visit Osmose, the timber preservation specialists at the 2014 Timber EXPO show at the NEC, stand B14. Visitors will have a chance to learn about the causes of decay, understand the preservative treatment process and discover innovative preservative treatments such as Stabilising oils and MicroPro, the latest in preservative technology offering improved aesthetics and environmental benefits.  www.osmose-europe.com

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info@osmose.co.uk

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01628 486644

Complete Weed Control urges visitors to reduce costs at SALTEX Always a popular stop on the SALTEX stand tour, Complete Weed Control on stand C70, is urging visitors to book a time slot into its ‘Weed Clinic’ to not only keep up-to-date with the demands of legislation but also find out ways of being more cost effective when it comes to controlling problem weeds. Following last year’s announcement that the company was set to make the Weed-IT technology available to councils and contractors, the company are now looking to appoint suitable dealers.

The Weed-IT machine uses a very accurate and rapid weed detecting technology to spot spray weeds in a highly efficient manner.  www.completeweedcontrol.co.uk

62 Public Sector Build Journal

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cwcheadoffice@cwc.uk

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01325 324277

Postura+ lands at Orion Primary School KI has supplied 1368 Postura+ chairs in a variety of colours and sizes to the classrooms of The Orion Primary School based in Graham Park, Northwest London. There are specific colours for each year, for instance Year 3 has a colour coordination of blue whilst Year 1 uses lime green. A block of colour has been painted on the outside of the classroom wall with oversized numbers and uses the same coloured chairs all of which assist the children with way finding. The Postura+ stackable chairs are ergonomically designed to promote good posture and provide exceptional comfort.  www.kieurope.com  

sales@kieurope.com 020 7404 7441

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