Construction Update - August 2019

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE August 2019

www.construction-update.co.uk

The EASY!Force Trigger Gun.

Now on all Professional pressure washers.

Kärcher EASY!Force As Standard Global market leader for cleaning technology, Kärcher, is pleased to announce that the revolutionary EASY!Force Trigger Gun is available across all Kärcher hot and cold Professional pressure washers*, setting the new standard in high-pressure cleaning.

- The New Standard.

The EASY!Force Trigger Gun unlocks the power to comfortable cleaning, allowing users the freedom to master any high-pressured task with effortless control. This innovative Trigger Gun provides full power with zero force, letting the water do the work!

jet that automatically presses the trigger into the palm, contributing to stress-free and effortless use. The reduced force action prevents hand and finger strain and in turn muscle cramps, allowing for longer operating periods. The introduction of this new and patented design showcases Kärcher’s Whether using a compact investment into innovation cold water pressure washer to improve user experience for those on the move and health – with Kärcher, cleaning jobs where easy cleaning with high-pressure transportation is essential, has never been easier. or a hot water model for cutting through tougher Kärcher has also included grease and dirt, EASY!Force a redesign of the lance puts the power and control and high-pressure hose, effortlessly in your hands. which features the new trapezoidal EASY!Lock In-depth research was thread. This new lock carried out in real-life combines the speed of working environments into a quick release coupling the pressure and strain put with the safety of a on muscles and joints from threaded connection with repetitive and prolonged only a single turn, saving use of a pressure you time and improving washer. Following this, productivity. The EASY!Lock Kärcher made substantial screw-thread also allows improvements to the for a tight and reliable Trigger Gun, transforming connection with a single the user experience by turn, providing greater changing how the trigger flexibility when cleaning. is activated. Now located at the rear of the gun it The valve within the is the recoil of the water EASY!Force trigger gun has

also undergone significant improvement, with the ball and valve seat now manufactured in a highgrade ceramic which will ensure a long lasting and reliable seal. This improvement ensures a longer product lifetime, up to 5 times longer than trigger guns with the conventional valve.

Kärcher continues to set the cleaning standard in construction, making easy work of the toughest cleaning jobs from machinery to masonry.

Kärcher hot and cold water pressure washers featuring the EASY!Force Trigger Gun can save you time, effort and in the long run, money. With a vast range of pressure washers and accessories, Kärcher has the solution for every building site cleaning job, delivering outstanding results.

Cleaning has never been so easy. EASY!Force, THE NEW STANDARD. AS STANDARD.

*The EASY!Force Trigger Gun is now standard across all Kärcher hot and cold water pressure washers with a maximum pressure of up to 300 bar.

Building or structure out of level?

Weak foundation ground?

You need effective and efďŹ cient innovative solutions. re-level and re-support warehouses, factories, shopping centres, heritage buildings, holes and voids using our innovative ground strengthening technologies.

Contact us now

0800 975 0507 | www.mainmark.com/uk Leaders in Advanced Ground Engineering and Asset Preservation Technologies.

Construction Update August 2019

10

54 46

33 August 2019

www.construction-update.co.uk @ConstructionUpd 04| Industry News 14| Doors & windows 22| Heating & Ventilation 32| Facades, Cladding & Roofing 40| Landscaping 50| Tools & Equipment

Editorial Lucy Harris Lucy@construction-update.co.uk

Publishing Director JOdIE Little jodIE@jetdigitalmedia.co.uk 01843 595818

PUBLICATION Manager Jake Page jake@construction-update.co.uk 01843 595818

Industry News August 2019

UK construction activity moves out of the capital The latest edition of the Economic & Construction Market Review from industry analyst, Barbour ABI, highlights levels of construction contract values awarded across Great Britain. The overall outlook for June contract awards increased by 5.5% on May 2019. The infrastructure sector accounted for 37.2% of total value of contract awards, due to the SPRS Construction Programme at the Sellafield site – valued at £1.5bn, which boosted the North West’s project share.

R

egional analysis shows that the North West was the leading region for contract awards in June with a 36.6% value share. The value of all construction contract awards in June 2019 was £5.2bn, based on a three-month rolling average.

London dominated in only two of the eight sectors for June 2019 – residential with a 26.2% share and commercial & retail with a 23.7% share of total contract awards.

Construction activity has moved out of the capital for June, with a more even spread of contract awards across the UK. The East Midlands dominated the industrial sector, largely due to investment in warehousing and storage. The South West took the top spot for

hotel, leisure & sport and Scotland took the lion’s share of projects in the medical & health and education sectors.

Commenting on the figures, Tom Hall, chief economist at Barbour ABI said:

“London has dominated project awards every month in 2019. However, for the first time this year, we see a shift in the spread of project awards across the country. Likewise, for the first time this year, we see infrastructure investment overtake the residential sector which has been the most active sector of construction for more than six months.”

Download the full report here.

Build UK contractors cut average payment times to 40 days Build UK members are continuing to improve their payment performance with the average time to settle bills by contractors now 40 days.

That is an improvement of five days on the last set of data compiled by the trade body which started publishing payment details 12 months ago.

Vinci, Mace and Clugston were the quickest payers at an average of 30 days with Willmott Dixon on 31.

At the other end of the table Engie took an average of 62 days, Galliford Try 54 and Multiplex 50.

Clients were the quickest payers

04

with British Land settling bills in 14 days, Landsec 19 and Heathrow 23.

Among the specialists SSE Contracting was the fastest payer on an average of 17 days with Overbury 24 and Novus Property Solutions 29.

Meanwhile Brown and Mason took 86 days, Imtech 81, Spie 75 and Van Elle 72.

For a full interactive list of payment performance by Build UK members

click here.

Chair of the Construction Leadership Council Andy Mitchell said: “I welcome the publication of the latest payment results of Build UK members.

“Construction remains the only sector that has taken the initiative to publish its results in this way and, with Build UK’s leadership, firms in the sector are changing the culture of late payment and improving payment performance.”

August 2019 Industry News

Secure Mobile Cages www.securitycagesdirect.co.uk 01293 515762 Mesh Lockers • 1980mm height • 25 x 25 x 2.5mm • 8mm round frame • Complete with fitted brackets to enable nesting side by side and back to back.

• 150mm integral legs to allow secure fixings • Hasp & Staple fitting (Padlocks not included) • Available without doors.

• Available different colours

• Powder Coated • Comes with 2 Adjustable Shelves as standard • Fully Welded Fabrication • Double hinged lockable doors • Door opening 270 degrees • 3-point locking by 2 internal bolts and external sliding bolt lock • 500 Kg capacity • Delivery time 3- 5 working days.

BUY

Builders sought for £340m Yorkshire housing framework EN:Procure, a purchasing consortium for north of England housing associations, is advertising for contractors to bid for a place on a building works new framework.

Efficiency North’s affordable and mixed tenure new build housing schemes framework has an anticipated maximum value of £340m, with work to be predominantly carried out in Yorkshire and Humberside.

The scope of works undertaken via the framework agreement will include site preparation, site remediation, civil engineering and infrastructure works, design, new build construction, refurbishment and the development of various property types.

Efficiency North’s social housing landlord members own and manage more than 80% of the

social housing stock within the region.

The framework has been structured to make it accessible to smaller local contractors as well as majors. It is divided into four lots: •

Lot 1: Schemes up to a maximum of 10 units

•

Lot 2: Schemes of between eight and 35 units

•

Lot 3: Schemes of between 30 and 85 units

•

Lot 4: Schemes of 70 units and over

05

Industry News August 2019

Best of Both Worlds: Formaldehyde-Free and LEED v4 Architects of high-stakes structures finally have a formaldehyde-free design path.

Chapter 7 of the 2018 International Building Code puts architects on the horns of a dilemma.

Compliance with Fire and Smoke Protection Features puts an architect at odds with LEED v4 Low Emitting Materials for schools, hospitals, and other high-stakes designs. Why? Formaldehyde, a Living Building Challenge Red List item, is present in the fire perimeter control materials required to achieve Chapter 7 compliance for perimeter joints and safing.

If only there was a formaldehydefree way to manufacture mineral wool, the gold standard material for perimeter fire control. That idea has tantalized building material scientists for years: A mineral wool binding system that eliminates formaldehyde. Recently one company discovered an alternative binding method that plays nice with both 2018 IBC Chapter 7 and LEED v4.

Their surprise announcement came in the early morning hours of Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018.

“It wasn’t an easy task,” recounts Angie Ogino, LEED AP, and Engineering Lead for Owens Corning Thermafiber group, the company behind the breakthrough.

The 20-year industry veteran knows what the long-sought advance means to scores of project designers caught in the standards conflict.

06

“Life safety comes first. No other insulation material has proven its ability to contain fire at the perimeter of the building like mineral wool. Now architects and specifiers finally have a formaldehyde-free solution without compromises. No LEED v4 documentation worries. No Greenguard Gold documentation worries. No Red List worries. It’s one and done for a code-compliant, LEED-compliant exterior wall assembly,” Ogino says.

Ogino cites five other objectives that next-generation mineral wool achieves in high-stakes projects: When All Else Fails. Mineral wool is part of a passive fire containment strategy that isn’t dependent on mechanical or electrical systems that can fail during a natural or man-made catastrophe.

UL Certification. “The new mineral wool formulation is UL certified.

They provide independent verification that the new product meets the same strict fire performance standards as before,” Ogino explains.

Sustainability. The ICC-ES has certified the new mineral wool products. Thermafiber FireSpan

and Safing are composed of a minimum 70 percent recycled content.

Design Innovation and Flexibility.

“Every building is unique,” says Ogino. “With uniqueness comes different exterior façade considerations—the design, the geometry, the height of the spandrel. Our technical team has 45 years of test data as well as listed systems to assist with building design. This advisory service is available without cost to architects and has proven its value time and time again in high-stakes projects.”

Reduced Liability. Terrorism is a fact of modern life. To mitigate its impact on building design and construction, SAFETY Act designation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security provides important legal liability protection when certain designated goods are used, like Owens Corning Thermafiber Fire Performance Products. “We are the only building material manufacturer that has been awarded SAFETY Act Designation,” says Ogino.

To learn more about formaldehyde-free commercial insulation solutions for both interior and exterior wall design without compromising performance, visit https://www.owenscorning.com/ formaldehyde-free.

The terms Thermafiber and FireSpan are registered trademarks of Owens Corning. © 2019 Owens Corning. All Right Reserved.

August 2019 Industry News

NBT/SOPREMA Merger Heralds Complete Sustainable Envelope Solutions NBT, the UK supplier of Pavatex insulation and airtightness products, has completed the first phase of a merger with building products giant, SOPREMA. A global name in the construction supply chain, SOPREMA boasts 67 manufacturing sites around the world, more than 90 subsidiary companies and more than 4000 distributors. NBT first joined the group in 2016 and the legal process of creating the new UK business has been in progress in the interim, drawing on synergies between SOPREMA and NBT while ensuring that NBT retains its clear focus on delivering sustainable, robust and cost-effective solutions for the building envelope.

Andrew Mitchell from NBT/ SOPREMA explains: “We have undergone what might be called a soft merger over the past couple of years and our customers probably haven’t noticed the difference as we’ve been going through the legal, commercial and operational process of completing the new structure.

“However, the integration of NBT and SOPREMA brings with it huge benefits for specifiers, procurement professionals, contractors and endusers as it enables a joined up supply chain focused on best-fit and bestpractice solutions for the building envelope. For specifiers it means an integrated, expert approach to

delivering a project-specific solution, for procurement and construction professionals it means a rationalised, cost-effective supply chain and for the end user it ensures buildings that will perform better and last longer.”

NBT’s Pavatex range of woodfibre insulation and airtightness tapes and membranes now sit alongside a huge array of SOPREMA solutions, including waterproofing, roofing, solar energy, insulation and acoustics. NBT has already been

pioneering envelope solutions and driving take-up of sustainable, renewable building products in the mainstream construction industry and the company will now leverage the global capabilities of SOPREMA to take this vision forward.

Laurent Verheyden, MD of Soprema businesses in UK, adds: “The building envelope is becoming increasingly complex and specifiers often have to look to different suppliers for the varied elements of the build-up.

“What we can now offer is a specialism in complete envelope solutions, with hybrid systems that answer the needs of today’s construction sector, including buildability, performance and environmental goals. All of that will be backed by the warranty, technologies and expertise available from SOPREMA, for a high standard of support and quality assurance from first enquiry to final hand over.” www.natural-building.co.uk

07

August 2019

Choosing windows and doors with security in mind with Quickslide A secure home means peace of mind and safety for you and your family, so it’s important to choose windows and doors that will stand the test of time as well as providing a worthy investment for your home.

Cutting corners on your home safety could be detrimental for your family long-term if cheap materials are used to make your external fixtures, making it easy for perpetrators to gain access to your valuables. Here we will look at why you should be buying your windows and doors with security at the forefront.

Update weak fixtures

08

An obvious step to secure your home is to lock your windows and doors, but if your locks are broken or damaged, it can be easy to spot externally. Burglars will find a way to get into your home through the smallest spaces, so leaving your window ajar if it doesn’t lock will put your valuables and personal safety at risk. Window locks can be easily and quickly replaced to pin, keyed, hinged wedge or sash locks depending on the style of your window.

1

Upgrade your locking system A strong locking system is integral to deter potential burglars – many homeowners will only have one main lock on their doors, which can be easy for someone to access or break into if they wanted to get into your home. A multipoint locking system is most commonly used on garages and patio doors but can be applied to your main entrances to make your home more secure.

Other popular locks for doors are deadbolt locks that require a password and smart locks which are voice activated and alarmed.

So, if your windows and doors don’t need upgrading, be sure to make sure you have a solid and secure locking system.

Front and back doors A survey found that 73% of burglars gain entry through a door, showing just how easy it is

www.locksmiths.co.uk/4-basic-door-window-security-tips/

for people to break into unsecure homes. Ensuring both your front and back doors are good quality is key. Be sure to invest in high quality doors made of solid materials such as PVCu or aluminium as opposed to wood which can be more malleable. Quickslide windows and doors are all made from either PVCu or aluminium for the best quality possible.

Add extra deterrents Window restrictors or child safety catches are ideal for adding onto your window for some extra security and limiting the range of motion. Other ways to burglar proof your home are to include window sensors, motion lights and tempered glass on external facing windows. However, with doors and windows being the entry ways to your home, it is important to make sure these fixtures are as secure as possible in your home.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE www.construction-update.co.uk

CONSTRUCT I O N N O I E T PDAT C UPDATE U R T U S N 18

st 20

Augu

May 2018

CO

www.constr uction-upda te.co.uk

k .co.u date n-up o i t c stru .con www

THINK lowest c ost per p ick lowest c ost per c ut

K ASTOw in pro

K ASTOm icut

gn. i s e D y b t c Prote

UMAN LAR ORY POPU CATEG E MOST TH E RER IN TH N ES ZO U FACT EAN-OFF OF CL

K ASTOw in tube

✓ TO 25 M HIGH IN DOOR

OF STOR

Anze

bau-

emco

dd

RZ.in

7+3_

0x29

K_21

ual-U

yVis

7_Ke

EFFICIEN

T WAY

✓ HIGHLY PRAGODE AND HANDLING UC TIV E

W ITH ING CA PA BIL ITI ES TO PROC ESSING MACH IN IN VENTOR ERY Y CONT ROL AN D PROCES SING VIA YOUR HO SYST EM ST MI NI MU M 50% SP ACE SAVIN VS CONV G EN TIONA L ME THOD S IN TERFAC

✓

✓ s stem K ASTOun at sy icompact re ce m n g ra in vit o ent g nd in emc ifyin an a spec , cle . coG rt by safe m a t a e et to kno s o ces the from et t w NEWenD tran d at secr tem e s t 2 y a IMENSIO s e 10:3 an The cr at If you are 1.17 m is g cle NS in 27.0 e n running ig c io nin an storage an r ou s t t of e cept n w has the pe D arehouse ee k d o sp rfe p ac ct s e or saw solution fo ing capacit a be r you. w w y, KASTO KASTO Lt w.kasto .com d 01908 571590 6 m sales@uk 5644 u.co .kasto.com o-ba 01952 / 2 .emc 4) www one: (+4 h p le e T 01 ige2

AS STAN DA RD,

OR OU TD OORS ✓ HIGHESTSUP TIME GU AR AN TE ✓ SAFEST, MO E ST

sawing

1

Industry News - Commercial Design - External Works & Landscaping - Tools, Equipment & PPE - Interior Design - Windows & Glazing Systems - Floors & Flooring - Safety - Heating, Ventilation & Energy Efficiency - Education - Coatings, Sealants & Paints - Sustainability & Eco Solutions - Drainge & Plumbing - Bathrooms & Washrooms - Roofing & Cladding

Stay in the Know Subscribe for Free Now

August 2019

The Importance of Natural Light When designing both residential and commercial buildings, the provision of natural light, both for energy efficiency and wellbeing plays a crucial part in the process.

Whilst windows need to remain functional, allowing them to be opened, to safely carry glazed units and ensure thermal efficiency, the profiles need to be a slim as possible to allow as much natural light into the building space as possible.

Until recently, the slimmest profiles have only been available in steel, but now, more efficient systems designed in aluminium are available with very slim sight lines.

One of the most advanced systems is designed and supplied into the U.K. market by the leading Polish systems company, Aluprof. The ‘Industrial Window’ was developed in Poland to enable many of their historic buildings to be refurbished with similar slim window profiles.

Here in the U.K. the system has been used on both new and refurbishment projects.

10

One of a growing number of developments in the U.K. and Ireland, Valentine Place in London, is a new build development consisting of various apartments and mews style houses located in a built up area within Southwark.

The importance of using as much available light as possible, lead the design team to specify the ‘MB-60 Industrial’ system. Not only does the system offer a slim sight line appearance, but the profiled design of the components give it a truly ‘industrial’ appeal.

August 2019 Aluprof UK’s head office and extensive distribution centre is located in Altrincham, Cheshire.

Aluprof systems are increasingly being specified on a wide range of residential and commercial projects across the UK including Passivhaus projects. Systems are designed, fabricated and installed by selected, specially trained local companies,

to ensure each fabricated product meets Aluprof’s exacting standards. Further information is available on the company’s website at www.aluprof.eu and specialist advice is available directly from Aluprof’s UK offices on 0161 941 4005.

11

August 2019

BUILDERS AND ARCHITECTS CAN GO THE DISTANCE WITH A NEW STYLE OF HOMELIFT WHICH REACHES NEW HEIGHTS A nationwide homelift company has extended the distance its latest range of domestic lifts can travel by half a metre to a maximum of 4.5 metres.

Stiltz Homelifts has rolled out the product update, which meets the BS EN 81-41 European standard for lifts traveling over three metres, to the Stiltz Duo+ Homelift and Stiltz Trio+ Homelift models.

The longer travel option allows the company’s authorised partners to reach out to end users with more varied types of property, such as period buildings or homes with high ceilings.

In order for the lift to travel an extra 50cms, the homelift specialist has increased the size of the drum, while the modular, self-supporting rails can be customised to fit the size requirements of any ceiling.

12

Gino Farruggio, UK Trade Sales Director for Stiltz Homelifts, said: “We’re delighted to have expanded the capabilities of our homelifts as this means we can now offer designers, architects,

and building professionals an even greater number of installation options on projects.

“Our research and development team in Kingswinford have worked hard on extending the travel distance of our lifts following feedback from our distributors in countries like France and Germany, where properties tend to have higher ceilings than in the UK. “The new 4.5m travel option means we can provide a unique solution to homeowners with higher ceilings who have an immediate need for a homelift.”

As part of continuous investment in product development, Stiltz Homelifts has also upgraded its Classic and Vista models with a new control panel which brings them in line with the Duo+ and Trio+ models. www.stiltz.co.uk

Meeting the needs of the next generation of home buyers and occupiers

Download our research report on the future of new homes To address the housing shortage and ensure that the housing stock deficit is erased the UK needs to build 340,000 new homes every year until 2031. As such, the residential construction sector is under increasing pressure to build the volume of homes the country so desperately needs, which will require not only meeting but exceeding the Government’s current pledge to build 300,000 new homes annually. It’s also critical that these homes meet the needs and demands of future homeowners.

To gain insight into this, Eurocell surveyed 1,000 25-40-year old renters and home owners to investigate their views on the subject. Following this, Eurocell asked experts from Simpson Haugh, Hawkins Brown, BDP and The High Street Group to analyse the findings and provide insight into the trends that they are currently seeing in the market.

Download the full report at eurocell.co.uk/whitepaper

Find out about the full Eurocell range.

Call us on: 0800 988 7301 or visit us at: eurocell.co.uk

Doors & Windows August 2019

Vicaima bring an added dimension to William May development

The village of Bramcote in Nottinghamshire, has been a popular place for home owners with discerning taste since Victorian times, so it’s little wonder that is now attracting fresh interest for twenty first century living with the select Baxter Green development by William May. Envisioned by internationally recognised Leonard Design Architects and set in the former gardens of Grade II Listed St. Johns College, Baxter Green introduces outstanding low-density luxury housing surrounded by tranquil countryside. Once complete Baxter Green will have 40 residential properties varying in sizes from apartments to five-bedroom houses, with ample sized living space and all fitted with Vicaima quality interior doors.

Long established and regional house builder William May Developments have used Vicaima’s Dekordor 3D finished doors throughout, alternating within particular house types, between a textured grey face with horizontal decorative grooves and a rich Dark Cedar finish.

Dekordor 3D adds a new dimension to interior design, with highly attractive horizontal grained textured laminates in a range of on-trend and contemporary colour tones. This durable range can be further enhanced, with the addition of glass panel doors, face grooving or even metallic inlays, to create individual statements for apartments or traditional homes. All of the Dekordor 3D collection come in a choice

14

of cores and can be supplied with added performance including fire doors which are compliant with the most rigorous fire door regulations, acoustics and security doors where required as part of a complete door and door frame kit.

For further details about Dekordor 3D or one of the many other inspirational products from the Vicaima collections, visit the Vicaima website www.vicaima.com alternatively, call 01793 532333 for additional information.

Whether your project is big or small, we can help you achieve your glazing vision; you dream it, we’ll deliver it! Call us on 0208 997 2448, or email marcus@1stfoldinslidingdoors.co.uk

1ST FOLDING SLIDING DOORS

• 26 Wadsworth Road, Perivale, UB6 7JZ | 141 Hook Road, KT6 5AR • marcus@1stfoldingslidingdoors.co.uk • T: 0208 997 2448 | F: 0208 997 0611

BEAUTIFUL ROOF WINDOWS BEAUTIFULLY SIMPLIFIED

GET IT ALL ONLINE at www.RoofWindows4You.co.uk

the merchant partner website from FAKRO GB

August 2019 Doors & windows

The Invisible Corner Series The Edge of Beauty - Cantifix create a focal point at Finsbury Park Innovative architectural glazing specialists, Cantifix, install a virtually seamless 90-degree invisible corner using ground breaking new glass technology at the ‘Bird’s Nest’, a Victorian terrace project with a striking second floor rear extension.

The two-storey flat in Finsbury Park required a new bathroom that was both close to the existing bedrooms and consistent with the finishes. Given that the bathroom was inconveniently located a floor below the bedrooms, the solution involved relocating the bathroom in a bold new extension.

Due to space constraints, the bathroom was relocated to the back of the property overlooking the gardens of the neighbouring terraces, not ideal for the property owners. Their desire was for clear unobstructed views, but that achieved privacy when required.

Cantifix and architects, A2 Studio, therefore, came up with a solution in the form of the invisible UV corner, a masterpiece of glazing technology.

Charlie Sharman, CEO at Cantifix commented: “Given this UV corner is limited on space, it did present some challenges, as the film needed to be cut and applied with a high level of precision to ensure we could bond the mitred glass together.”

UV bonding allows glass to be seamlessly fixed, creating a striking invisible corner and giving that edge to a property.

Cantifix created the two small windows of this extraordinary bathroom. One being a single fixed panel and the other a small UV corner. The UV corner has a switchable interlayer - a film between the two panels of glass that effortlessly changes from clear to opaque. By simply pressing a button, the glass changes almost instantly.

Charlie added: “A UV corner is created by mitring the edges of the glass at 45 degrees and applying an incredibly thin, strong UVcured adhesive to each side and then sealing them together. The area with which to bond the glass is exceptionally small so the film had to be applied at exactly the

right position. It took immense precision.”

Architects, A2studio, created a distinctive yellow border of a stair runner winding up towards the building’s entrance revealing a vibrant, freestanding, classical bathtub that contrasts with a modern frameless oriel window to realise their vision and the owner’s desires for this refurbishment.

Innovation transcends throughout this property.

17

Doors & Windows August 2019

Wrightstyle supplies to major regeneration project in Edinburgh Wrightstyle is supplying advanced glazing systems to a major regeneration project in the heart of old Edinburgh.

The company is supplying EI60 curtainwall screens and doors to its client Abbey Glass UK for the 7.5 acre New Waverley project in the city’s Old Town.

Already partially complete, New Waverley will consist of shops, restaurants, several hotels, 148 apartment and penthouses, and almost 200,000 sq. ft. of Grade A office space.

The seven-level development, which comprises two interlinked office buildings will soon also be home to 2,900 government workers.

Wrightstyle is supplying SR60 curtain walling and WSL 60-F1 insulated profiles for this creative, cultural and innovation new city district.

“We worked closely with Allan Murray Architects to agree connection details, test certification & options for hardware,” said Chris Peters, Wrightstyle’s Chief Design Manager.

“The tricky part of the project was balancing sizes the architect required while staying within test data.

“This involved considerable input & review of structural opening sizes to ensure that the doors and screens all met test certification,” he said.

18

This isn’t the first time that Wrightstyle has been involved

in a major regeneration project in Edinburgh.

The company was also greatly involved in the development of Ocean Terminal, a waterside shopping centre designed by Sir Terence Conran.

Built on former industrial docklands on the north side of the city, it played a major role in the regeneration of Leith, and is also now home to the now-decommissioned Royal Yacht Britannia.

Ocean Terminal has some 85 shops, six restaurants, three coffee shops, a variety of bars and cafés, as well as a cinema and spa.

Wrightstyle systems comprise the entire frontage of Ocean Terminal, which is believed to be one of the UK’s largest free-span curtain walling systems.

It underlines Wrightstyle’s commitment to supply both standard and bespoke glazing solutions to the construction industry.

The overall glazed span at Ocean Terminal is over 16 metres in height, with the largest individual free span over ten metres with grid centres of four metres.

Each piece of glass accommodated within the system weighs a massive 450 kg.

In total, the company’s systems cover 1130 square metres of façade.

In addition to the large spans and huge weight of glass, the system also had to accommodate support to the canopy columns on the outside, have handrails on the inside and tolerate a high wind loading of 1950 Pa. “Working with architects and specifiers, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what our advanced glazing systems can achieve,” said Chris Peters.

£25 Amazon vouc per skyli her ght ordered

BUILDERS BONUS VOUCHER GIVEAWAY ON GLASS SKYLIGHT F100 ORDERS PLACED BEFORE 31/8/19

LAMILUX Glass Skylight F100: The flat roof window featuring a “Structural Glazing” design Structural Glazing • Flush glass to frame edge detail without visible fixings • High-quality appearance • Particularly resistant to wind loads • Maximum energy efficiency and thermal insulation

Attractive All-rounder • Seamless design ensures rainwater can drain easily • All shapes available in double or triple glazing: circles, squares and rectangles • Available fixed, opening or as a certified smoke vent

LAMILUX U.K. LIMITED UNIT 14 THE VISION CENTRE, 5 EASTERN WAY | BURY ST EDMUNDS, SUFFOLK, IP32 7AB 01284 749051 | MAIL@LAMILUX.CO.UK | WWW.LAMILUX.CO.UK

Industry News August 2019

Solarlux cero sliding doors add to high spec finish of luxurious £15m BWerkshire home Solarlux recently designed, delivered and installed a duo of bespoke cero sliding door installations to complete the external aspects of Titlarks House, a £15m, five bedroom development in Sunningdale, one of Surrey’s premier locations.

The addition of cero sliding doors to this stunning property the first collaboration between Octagon Developments and Kebbell Homes - added to the truly luxurious finish.

The sliding doors were the perfect option for the developer looking to make the most of the external aspect of the luxurious leisure suite, open planned kitchen and family room.

20

Cero - one of Solarlux’s premier brands - is a highly versatile product with limitless design possibilities, offering ceilinghigh glazing (with doors of 15m² surface area) and is the ultimate glazing option to maximise visible light transmission without

compromising on ventilation or views.

The fact that so few visible materials are used in the frame structure creates a stunning aesthetic in architectural window design.

August 2019 Industry News

The frame and threshold construction disappear elegantly into the floor, making windows appear open even when closed, creating a wonderful sense of openness and opulence.

Thames Valley Windows – a Solarlux Quality Partner – worked closely with Octagon Developments on the project to engineer the best glazing solution to encase the property’s envy-inducing leisure suite, with the indoor swimming pool is protected from the elements during the winter months.

The design – spearheaded

by Thames Valley Windows – ensures, owing to the full wall of cero sliding doors, this stunning space enjoys the most exclusive balance of indoor/outdoor living during the warmer months.

Angus McQuhae, Director at Octagon Developments, said: “Titlarks House is the epitome of modern luxury – with close to 17,000 sq ft of living space arranged over just two floors, this unique home sits in an impressive 1.4 acre south facing plot, located within one of Sunningdale’s most prestigious premier roads.

a button, become the ultimate indoor/outdoor space, ideal for entertaining during the warmer months. “ Steve Ferrie, Managing Director at Solarlux, said: “The products installed at Titlark House are specifically designed to welcome the outside

in. They are perfectly suited to this development, allowing for the glazing solutions to be as outstanding as the rest of the property.”

To find out more and to explore the full Solarlux range, visit: www.solarlux.co.uk

“Keen to show off the grounds in all their glory, we worked with Thames Valley Windows to install a full wall of Solarlux Cero Sliding Doors to both the kitchen/living area and leisure complex, with both rooms opening out onto a large rear patio.

“Combining grand traditional architecture with contemporary luxury living, the high quality and sleek, minimal design of these doors was integral to our decision to use them at Titlarks House, and the results speak for themselves.

“In the winter months, these rooms stay light, bright and warm, thanks to the thermal insulation, and, at the touch of

21

Heating & Ventilation August 2019

RINNAI - TOPS TIPS SERVICE & MAINTENANCE FOR ECONOMICAL, LONG WORKING LIFE OF HOT WATER HEATING UNITS Pete Seddon of Rinnai lists the most important points of ensuring that continuous flow hot water heating units are well serviced and maintained to ensure the longest possible and most economical working life.

There are two very distinct perspectives on the service and maintenance of continuous flow hot water heating units and systems - that of the end user and the one of the installer/ contractors. Firstly, we will look at the installer’s viewpoint.

22

•

Make sure of the exact make and model of the appliance before you attend the call.

Varying appliances require different service routines. With Rinnai appliances we recommend that a service kit for every appliance is taken and utilised for every service visit. This will also help you to plan the correct amount of time for the job in hand.

•

Obtain service and install manuals wherever possible. This goes in hand with the above.

This will allow you to see the routine that is required. You should be able to acquire this information from the manufacturer and at the same time you can also speak to a member of the technical department to get a better understanding of the servicing routine.

•

Compliance. If you have never been to the site before it is always worth checking over the

August 2019 Heating & Ventilation installation to ensure the installation complies with regulations and manufacturer’s instructions. Sadly, there are still some sites where the installation and the appliances that do not follow regulations or a manufacturer’s explicit instructions. This could have impact on the performance of the appliances as well as the longevity of the system/appliance. If you think something is not quite right, we advise that you should inform the customer and make them fully aware.

•

Water Treatment. There are a lot of areas in the UK that require water treatment for hard water. If you know the area requires Lime Scale protection check that the site has it fitted. There are still a lot of sites that do not have any protection fitted but are in hard water areas. Lime Scale is a problem that can, if not treated properly, have huge consequences with appliances, systems and health.

If you are unsure of the area you can check the Local Water Authority or call the manufacturers Technical Department for advice. At Rinnai UK our website does have a Water Hardness check and we can check the Water Authority for you as well - all we need is the area and postcode. Ultimately if there is no protection fitted, but there should be, then advise the customer of this and make them aware of the potential but probable problems that will ensue.

•

Detail your work. It is always worth noting down what work has been carried out. If gas pressures must be checked then note them down. If parts must be changed, note what parts have been changed. By just putting “Serviced the Appliance” down on the report may not constitute a proper service has been carried out in the eyes of the manufacturer and could impact on the customers warranty.

•

Technical Advice. If, after all the above, there is still something you are unsure about or you want to double check, call the Technical Department of the

manufacturer. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Rinnai UK actively encourages questions and discussion, this way you can get peace and good practise. At the end of the day we are here to help you as much as possible. And there is no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to safety and a gas fired appliance.

For the end user or owner: •

Always understand what type of equipment you have, the manufacturer of that equipment and the service requirements and frequencies. Different appliances will have different service requirements at various intervals. It is always beneficial to find this information out because it can impact on the warranty.

•

Where possible use engineers who are familiar with the appliances. It is always worth contacting the manufacturer direct. With Rinnai UK we have a list of engineers who have undertaken training and are familiar with the Rinnai products. Majority of, if not all, other manufacturers will either have the same or have their own engineers. By utilising engineers who know the appliances you will have confidence that the servicing will be carried out correctly.

•

Always plan. It is always beneficial to find out when your appliances are due and to book them in a few weeks in advance. If you leave it too late you may not be able to get an engineer when you want them. This way to can plan it around your requirements. For example, if your business was dependant on the appliance you would be best planning this in when it was the quietest period or on days when it is not so dependant.

•

Paperwork. Ensure you keep hold of all your records of servicing. You should get a service report from the company who serviced the appliance, if you don’t make sure you request one. This is your proof that the servicing has been carried out. Without this paperwork if your appliance ever developed a fault during its warranty period you might be refused the warranty without this proof of service.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.RINNAIUK.COM 23

Heating & Ventilation August 2019

RINNAI DELIVERS HOT WATER AT SCARBOROUGH CARE HOME RINNAI HOT WATER – INSTANT, CONTINUOUS, LIMITLESS AND SENSIBLY ECONOMIC FOR EVERY TYPE OF COMMERCIAL SITE Rinnai continuous flow hot water heating units have replaced a vastly oversized and close to redundant traditional style of system at the Coombe Hay Care Home in Scarborough.

Coombe Hay is situated in large, attractive and tranquil gardens on the outskirts of Scarborough, only minutes from the town centre and seafront. Coombe Hay offers accommodation which is fully en-suite and suitable for male and female residents with some larger apartments available for two people.

Coombe Hay began in 1958 when money bequeathed

by George Edward Smart established the Charitable Trust which now owns and runs the Home. Nowadays the Board of Trustees ensure that the benefactor’s vision for a home providing excellent care for its residents continues to develop, incorporating all that anyone would want from their new home, and as a registered charity all money is reinvested into the home to deliver excellent services and to keep fees and costs affordable.

Comgas Heating advised on the replacement system and chose 2 x Rinnai HD55i units - heavy duty high efficiency gas fired continuous flow water heating units with optimal fuel consumption. In like-forlike comparison to more traditional methods, the continuous flow system is proven to be more cost effective over a lifetime. Rinnai is an acknowledged global leader in the manufacture of tankless hot water heating units with group sales approaching £2 Billion.

The Rinnai HD55i is an internal wall hung, gas fired, continuous flow water heater capable of producing hot water in excess of 820 litres per hour at a 50°C rise.

The HD55i has a 125mm concentric flue which can be extended up to 15m, less 1m per 45° bend. As with the whole of the Rinnai range the HD55i is ErP A-rated.

The unit is compact, reliable and combines industry standards with innovation and quality. The HD55i operates between 1-10 bar pressure, which is suitable for mains cold water supply and systems with booster pumps and reaches water temperatures of up to 85°C, making the HD55i suitable for secondary return systems.

Rinnai Heavy Duty continuous flow gas fired water heaters feature outputs up to 58kW and water can be delivered at very precise, high volume

24

temperature control. The smart digital controller regulates to within +/- 1ºC without any variation of temperature even with additional outlets. All models have full electronic ignition with no pilot light and operate on demand only, consuming no gas when not in use.

The Rinnai HD55i is a fully modulating 52.6kW unit that can also be installed in a manifold arrangement.

This ensures that the system can and will meet any hot water demand at all peak times, no matter what the demand.

Typical applications include major restaurant chains, industry offices, hotels, sports centres, schools, sports clubs, shower blocks in holiday parks – anywhere with a need for extremely reliable supplies of hot water delivered economically and at energy efficiency levels surpassing all building regulations and European standards.

For more details on RINNAI products visit www.rinnaiuk.com

August 2019 Heating & Ventilation

Vectaire has three new models in their vertical whole house heat recovery range.

To ensure a comfortable user experience, the Midi, Maxi and Maxi Plus are now available with advanced acoustic attenuation. They are lined with superior sound deadening materials for really low sound levels (the sound pressure levels are down to 14.4, 13.2 and 14.4 dBA respectively). Efficiency, performance and economy remain the same as the standard model. All these “AT-BY” models are complete with summer bypass and frost protection, and are commissioned via an integral LCD. Functions, including trickle, purge and boost speeds for each motor, boost speed over-run time, adjusting the time delay before the boost speed kicks in, holiday mode and night-time boost - all easily adjusted.

Products are SAP PCDB Listed and manufactured in our own factory in the UK to ISO 9001.

Vectaire offers a design service to ensure that units are installed is the best possible way to provide efficient, effective, low energy and low running cost ventilation. Vectaire can also organise installation, commissioning and maintenance of these products and can supply all necessary accessories.

All Vectaire’s residential ventilation is detailed in the latest Low Energy Catalogue.

You can have it all with Speedheat Creating an airy, open space for living calls for clean lines and minimum fuss – but you also need to keep cosy.

Speedheat electric underfloor heating can help to achieve it all. Installed with minimum disruption and no noticeable build up in floor height, Speedheat’s system is invisible under your choice of final floor finish. It is ideal for new build, renovation and redesign projects and comes complete with state of the art, unobtrusive controls. Speedheat spells the end to ugly radiators or trailing cables, with nothing to spoil the view. info@speedheat.co.uk

25

Heating & Ventilation August 2019

• Up to 10 Panasonic Aquarea heat pumps (160kW) can be connected • Easy-to-use interface with integrated touch display for instant system information • Smart connectivity for BEMS with built-in Modbus

New Aquarea Cascade Control for up to Ten Heat Pumps Panasonic has introduced a new Aquarea Cascade Controller, with a highly integrated interface, to deliver increased energy-efficiency for large applications.

26

The controller can operate up to 10 Aquarea air-to-water heat pumps (160kW) simultaneously or in cascade mode, helping to meet the heating or cooling demand of commercial buildings more efficiently.

For large projects, efficiency is the key to creating a more sustainable building and reducing heating and cooling costs. Cascade control is increasingly being utilised, making use of parallelconnected heat pumps and switching on the most efficient number of these as demand is increased or decreased.

The new Aquarea Cascade Controller makes it possible to connect up to 10 Aquarea heat pumps in parallel, to

suit the needs of large-scale applications such as shops and hotels. Each heat pump within the cascade requires its own Modbus Interface (PAW-AW-MBS-H) to allow it to communicate with the Aquarea Cascade Controller.

The Aquarea Cascade Controller directly integrates with the building’s BEMS by a built-in modbus for a smart way to manage heating, cooling, domestic hot water (DHW) and monitor energy-usage. Photovoltaic solar panel functions, a 3-way external valve for cooling and up to three external heat meters can also be connected to the controller at one time, enabling facilities managers and maintenance professionals to oversee all operations and view essential information in one place.

In addition, the controller includes a touch screen display with information about each of the connected heat pumps - ideal for quick servicing and maintenance tasks.

This scale of cascade control presents a more efficient solution for commercial buildings. It helps to maximise the lifespan of the Aquarea units, which can be intelligently managed to balance the load, and offers a contingency solution if maintenance is required, minimising downtime.

For more information, please visit www.aircon.panasonic.eu

August 2019 Heating & vent

STAND ALONE’ VENTILATION SOLUTION OPTIMISES

OFFSITE CAPABIITIES

A

s offsite construction growth outstrips traditional methods, Gilberts has introduced a solution that simplifies incorporation of building services.

The company’s MFS (Mistrale Fusion) provides a stand-alone unit, requiring no ductwork or plant, to ensure a comfortable ambient environment within each space- in air quality AND air temperature.

It means one MFS delivers ventilation, cooling and heating as needed, with no external connections. Once on site, annual design consumption of just 34kw per classroom means that Gilberts’ MFS can cost as little as £5*/classroom/year to operate.

Installed through an external façade or window, Mistrale MFS mixes internal and external air to ventilate the internal space.

Each MFS unit features a mixing damper within, modulating airflow to allow the new, fresh air to mix with the warm exhaust air, thus utilising its heat without the need for an exchanger.

The integrated low energy fan energises to blend the internal air, ensuring an even distribution of airflow, with control over temperature and CO2 levels within, and maintenance of a comfortable internal environment for occupants. An optional LPHW coil delivers a heat boost, obviating the need to incorporate radiators.

27

Heating & Ventilation August 2019

ENVIROVENT PRAISES NICE GUIDANCE ON INDOOR AIR QUALITY

U

K ventilation manufacturer EnviroVent has praised the NICE (National Institute of Health & Care Excellence) draft guidance on reducing indoor air pollution and improving air quality in homes.

The guidance ‘Indoor Air Quality at Home’ is aimed at audiences including health practitioners, public health professionals, architects, property landlords, housing associations and members of the public.

The guidelines recommend that homes should have adequate ventilation – whether that be through opening windows or via mechanical ventilation or extract fans to kitchen and bathrooms. They also recommend that checks are carried out to ensure that ventilation units are working properly and have not become blocked.

Rebecca McLean, Marketing and Product Director at Envirovent, said: “It is very positive news that the NICE guidance advises using ventilation in homes, wherever possible, to improve indoor air quality. Condensation and mould has become a bigger issue in recent times due to improved insulation and air tightness of properties and, if left unchecked, this can lead to health issues for occupants.”

When it comes to factors that negatively affect indoor air quality, the guidelines recommend the use of low emissions materials to reduce people’s exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which can be polluting to the indoor atmosphere and harmful to health.

They also recommend that landlords and householders identify problems such as mould and damp and action is taken to eradicate them. The guidance

28

identifies that the most effective longterm solution is a ventilation system.

The draft guidance confirms the critical role that ventilation plays in removing pollutants and improving indoor air quality. Households are recommended to increase ventilation by using extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens when carrying out activities such as cooking, or when using open fires, candles, gas heaters, cleaning products, household sprays, as well as air drying clothes in the home.

The guidelines outline how some people are particularly vulnerable to ill health as a result of exposure to poor indoor air quality, including infants, pregnant women, the disabled and elderly. In addition to this, housing conditions that put people at increased risk of exposure to poor indoor air include living near high levels of outdoor air pollution and overcrowded properties with inadequate ventilation.

NICE identifies that poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) costs the UK over 240,000 healthy life years per annum, with 45% lost to cardiovascular diseases, 23% to asthma and allergies and 15% to lung cancer.

It therefore urges close co-operation between local authorities and existing health and social care providers who visit homes to identify poor indoor air quality and if this is found then a property should be referred for housing assessment.

Rebecca McLean continues: “Homes with poor indoor air quality can be breeding grounds for mould, which can worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions. Research has shown that indoor air can be many times more

toxic than the air outside. An effective ventilation system can reduce problems with mould and condensation and the harmful effect of toxins from chemicals in furniture and aerosols used, creating a much healthier living environment.”

For architects and builders, the NICE guidance recommends adopting a whole house approach to heating and ventilation to optimise indoor air quality and to reduce exposure to pollutants. It also recommends a balanced approach to ventilation, insulation and heating to achieve a good level of IAQ. There are a wide range of healthrelated conditions that can arise from exposure to poor indoor air quality.

If householders experience this, then having a home’s indoor air quality tested could be the start of solving the problem and improving occupants’ health.

EnviroVent offers a full range of MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) systems for new build properties as well as Positive Input Ventilation systems and Extract Fans for retrofitting into existing properties.

In addition, the company offers Home Health Checks in association with Airtopia to identify specific pollutants and allergens in the home. This involves a full Indoor Air Quality test, plus detailed laboratory tests and a bespoke report.

To book a Home Health Check call 0345 2727807 or visit envirovent.com/ healthcheck.

To book a free ventilation survey or for further advice visit www. envirovent.com or call 0345 27 27 807 to speak to a ventilation specialist in your local area.

UK Spares: your one-stop-shop for domestic and commercial electrical spares Call or email our friendly team TODAY... www.uk-spares.com or email sales@uk-spares.com Tel: 01454 620500 Twitter: @UKSpares Unit 1155, Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4TF

Industry News August 2019

The UK’s new generation of affordable luxury passive houses launched

Rising energy costs and concerns about global warming are pushing many environmentally-conscious home buyers to look for solutions to reduce their carbon footprint.

Now an award-winning new development of passive homes in Kent promises luxurious, ultraeco-friendly living at competitive prices, in a move that developer Vilasana Homes hopes will signal a step-change in housing design.

Heating homes accounts for more than 15% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

Built to stringent passive housing standards, Vilasana Homes prioritise reductions in energy consumption utilising the latest technology and innovations in insultation and ventilation.

30

The new homes reduce energy consumption by up to 80%, while all electricity is supplied by partners using 100% renewable sources.

Passive homes, which reduce energy consumption by dramatically improving insulation to reduce heat loss, have featured on programmes such as Grand Designs for many years, but have been unattainable for most home buyers due to high costs.

However, the 15-home development at Scocles Court, near Minister on Sea in Kent, approximately one hour from London, proves that a shift to low-energy living, with an additional emphasis on the health and personal wellbeing of residents, can be achievable at comparable prices to standard housing developments. Vilasana Homes has placed environmental and human wellbeing above profit margins and cost control, and launched Scocles Court with large, luxuriously

August 2019 Industry News

appointed family passive houses starting at just £550,000. The development is based on an English hamlet concept, using traditional Kent barn-style homes, giving a contemporary feel shrouded in traditional design.

Charlie Vavasour, a spokesman for Vilasana Homes, said: “For too long, eco-living with high specifications meant prices that were unaffordable to all but the super-rich. By reducing profit margins and using intelligent design and development practises, Vilasana has managed to develop top-specification, fully featured and highquality passive homes at prices that many more people can afford”.

“The development at Scocles Court represents the future of house construction and our aim is to show that eco-living, smart homes and value for money are not mutually exclusive. We have validated this ambitious home-building vision and shown that it is possible, and this bodes well for the future of sustainable house building in the country.”

All of the homes at Scocles Court have been built using long-lasting hyper-insulated cores and specialised triple glazing. The building core ensures the durability and longevity of the homes is far superior to many other forms of passive house construction. The hyper-insulated core also results in electricity bills being reduced by up to 80%.

A further innovation by Vilasana Homes is to use the air purification system to induce heating via one single, low-energy consumption heating element, rather than add underfloor heating to some rooms. Unlike underfloor heating, this immediately provides heat to the whole house, in every room, using hot (and purified) air, but with less energy consumption than the underfloor heating required for just one room.

The Scocles Court development is part of a threeyear, £20 million programme of sustainable home-building in the country.

31

Trusted Cladding Solutions

A better view on fire safety Look no further when specifying a cladding system High-performance thermal external wall insulation systems Incorporating Rockwool non-combustible stone wool insulation

A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire classification (EN 13501-1:2007+A1:2009) Compliant for use on buildings of any type / height SWIGA approved high-rise system Adhesively bonded + mechanically anchored for enhanced resistance to wind loading A choice of through-coloured renders and brick slip finishes

STONE WOOL

PermaRock Mineral Fibre External Wall Insulation Systems have an unrivalled safety record and meet UK fire safety guidance and standards.

AESTHETIC DESIGN Cert. No. 158/12

FM 13066

YEARS EXPERIENCE

EMS 580356

Specify now at permarock.com PermaRock Products Ltd. LE11 5TW | 01509 262924 | info@permarock.com

+30

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

August 2019 Facades, Cladding & Roofing

Lidl Headquarters Project Background Location: Heilbronn, Germany Market: Façades & Cladding Project Value: €238 million Main Contractor: Leonhard Weiss GmbH & Co KG Specialist Installer: Colt International Product: Lindapter Type A Girder Clamps configuration. Installation was quick and easy as each bolt is simply inserted into the pre-drilled holes with the Type A on one end and nut on the other.

The recessed top of the clamp holds the bolt captive while the nut is tightened with a torque wrench to the recommended tightening torque. This arrangement provided the necessary standoff distance between the original structure and allowed the large cladding panels to be attached to the other end of the T-shaped brackets and complete the installation.

Result Lindapter Type A Girder Clamps provided a connection that was quick and easy to install, and eliminated the requirement to drill or weld on site.

German discount supermarket chain, Lidl, has built a brand new headquarters on a 4.6ha area with a gross floor area of 130,000m2 in Heilbronn, Germany. The project involved the construction of an office building, meeting rooms, a reception facility, cafeteria, underground parking facilities, fitness centre, logistics facilities and outdoor parking facilities.

Client Requirement Part of the development included a requirement for a façade sun protection cladding system for the multi-storey staff car park. Main contractor Leonhard Weiss subcontracted this building element to Colt International, a specialist cladding designer and installer. The challenge was to find a suitable method of connecting the cladding system to the steel structure on the car park, and one that was easy to install.

Design Solution The engineers at Colt International designed a T-shaped steel bracket with an end plate incorporating four predrilled holes. Lindapter Type A Girder Clamps with M12 bolts were specified for the end plate connection to achieve the required tensile resistance and safe working load.

A hot dip galvanised (HDG) finish was also specified for the Girder Clamps to provide a high level of corrosion protection. The decision to use Lindapter Type A Girder Clamps was influenced by independent technical accreditations, which include the CE mark (ETA-13/0300), TÜV and Lloyd’s Register approvals.

Installation Secondary steel sections were fixed onto the existing concrete façade in preparation for the T-shaped brackets to be installed. The brackets were connected to the steel sections using Lindapter Type A Girder Clamps through the end plates in a four-bolt

Lindapter Type A Girder Clamps provided a drilling and weld free connection onsite that was quick and easy to install.

The clamps are fully adjustable which gave the contractor the ability during installation to manoeuvre the brackets into their final positions before fully tightening them.

Type A Benefits •

Recessed top holds the bolt captive while the nut is tightened

•

Fully adjustable onsite to provide an easy installation

•

Supports up to 78.8kN tensile in four-bolt configuration

•

HDG finish offers a cost effective and low maintenance solution

•

CE Mark (ETA-13/0300), TÜV and Lloyd’s Register approvals

Download our Façades & Cladding brochure at: www.lindapter.com/ Downloads/Market_Brochures

33

GRP COMPOSITES AND CAST COMPOSITES

“BUILDING MATERIALS FOR THE FUTURE – TODAY”

• • • • • • •

Copes Sills Mullions Dormers Chimneys Unique Architectural features Cladding and mouldings for interior and exterior design

UK’S LEADING CAST COMPOSITE MANUFACTURER

Visit us at www.capvond.com or contact us on 0141 876 9000

August 2019 Facades, Cladding & Roofing

Three brands, one objective – safe access all areas

T

hree of the UK’s leading access specialists have come together to form the Access 360 portfolio, providing a total manufacturing solution for roof, ceiling, wall and floor access products for the construction industry.

Access 360 comprises Bilco UK, Profab Access and Howe Green.

These well-established brands all have a strong reputation for delivering innovative solutions to address the challenges of safe access within a building or external environment.

The brand identities have been updated, reflecting the holistic offer that Access 360 presents to the market, to represent the synergy between the brands and the complementary nature of the products.

Bilco UK is a horizontal access specialist supplying the commercial market with standard and bespoke roof access hatches, ladders, smoke vents and floor doors. Founded in the USA in 1926 the company has been operating in the UK since 1989.

Following the acquisition of Bilco by the Tyman Group in 2016 Bilco UK became part of home security specialist ERA in April 2017.

Howe Green was acquired by Bilco UK in 2017. The company manufactures fabricated floor access covers, linear drainage, tree pit covers and bespoke metalwork from a manufacturing facility in Hertfordshire. Incorporated in 1983 Howe Green access covers are specified across a diversity of industry sectors.

In August 2018 Profab Access, a leading manufacturer of vertical access panels, riser doors and steel doors was acquired. Established in 2001 Profab employs a team of 71 and operates from a 46,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and distribution facility in Warwickshire.

The strategic acquisitions of Howe Green and Profab Access were designed to strengthen Bilco UK’s “Safe Access All Areas” proposition.

The three companies serve the same market, working with architects, specifiers and building service professionals to provide trusted, high quality, safe access solutions.

James Fisher, Managing Director of Access 360, explains the rationale behind the creation of Access 360 and the new brand identities.

“Since the acquisition of Howe Green and Profab Access we have been promoting our ability to provide an unparalleled range of access solutions. From an operational perspective it soon became obvious that we needed a name and an identity that could encompass all three companies, whilst retaining the established and trusted brand names.

“We have members of the team whose responsibilities cover the three brands, including myself, our Technical Director, Marketing Manager, SHEQ Manager, New Product Development Engineer and our sales force.

“The name Access 360 represents what we have to offer the construction sector – products that cover the complete spectrum of access solutions. We have a new brand mark for each company to illustrate how the brands, and respective products, complement each other. We are delighted to present Access 360 to the world and to announce the bringing together of three brands with one specific objective – safe access all areas.”

To find out more about the range of products available from Access 360 please visit www.access-360.co.uk.

35

Facades, cladding & roofing August 2019

ROOFING LEGACY CONTINUES – A DREAM FULFILLED

A lady with concrete roof tile manufacturing in her blood is relishing a new roof!

The daughter of the founder of what eventually became the hugely successful roof tile manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles is enjoying a new dream roof – thanks to the firm.

The Annandale Tile Company, which became Russell Roof Tiles, was founded by John Gibson, with the purchase of 11 acres in Lochmaben in Scotland 1965. The Gibsons were a family of roofers, dating back 120 years.

John’s daughter Mary shared his dream worked closely with him for many years until his sudden death at just 57. The initial tile factory started in May 1965, had only one production line, only producing 2000 tiles per day, all stacked by hand. Today John Gibson’s legacy, Russell Roof Tiles is one of the largest independent concrete roof tile manufacturers in the UK with a turnover of over £30m.

36

As the company was about to celebrate its half century, Mary and her husband Paul (a retired farmer) who who live near Milton Keynes met Russell Roof Tiles Managing Director Andrew Hayward, enabling him to understand the history and heritage of the company. This legacy continues today.

When Mary and Paul were designing a new 4 bedroomed self build property, they were offered the opportunity to specify Russell Roof Tiles. They chose, thinner leading-edge Lothian tiles in Slate Grey and were delighted that the dream of living in a house with tiles from the company founded by her father, has finally come to fruition.

Mary comments “From the Company’s humble begins, I am proud to say that John Gibson would have been more than delighted, knowing the great success Russell Roof Tiles are today. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank

Juan, Andrew, Bruce and all the staff at Russell Roof Tiles, for all their support and kindness, and know that they will continue to produce the best concrete roof tiles well into the future.”

Andrew Hayward Managing Director at Russell Roof Tiles adds: “As we were planning our 50th anniversary celebrations back in 2015 we were delighted to have the opportunity to meet Mary and learn more about the early beginnings of her father’s company. Mary helped us source some fantastic original photos of manufacturing on our Lochmaben site. We keep in touch and she continues to have a keen interest in the business today - so we’re delighted that her new home now features Russell Roof Tiles.”

For more information on Russell Roof Tiles, please visit www. russellrooftiles.com www.russellrooftiles.com Telephone 01283 517070 @ russellrooftile

July 2019 SECTION NAME

NINE-STOREY YMCA CAMPUS REACHES NEW HEIGHTS AS SIGNIFICANT STRUCTURAL MILESTONE MET WORK at the £19 million YMCA campus in Milton Keynes has now reached roof level.

Milton Keynes has welcomed the creation of the 199-apartment scheme. The flagship project will provide crucial housing, support, training and employment opportunities to local young people, creating much-needed conference room facilities and training spaces for local businesses.

John Sharp, regional director at Pick Everard said: “We are delighted to be working on this transformational project with YMCA Milton Keynes, prominent developer Peveril Securities, leading development manager Mayforth and national contractor Bowmer + Kirkland.”

Pick Everard joined the project team as architects, lead designers and principal designers after a successful planning application.

An efficient build programme was required as the new scheme will replace YMCA MK’s existing facilities. Bringing together a highly coordinated Building Information Model (BIM) of the entire scheme

has successfully accelerated delivery timescales.

John continued: “The speed of construction has been impressive due to the careful planning and coordination of the entire team, with the project benefitting from use of a hybrid modern method of construction.”

Milton Keynes has seen this flagship YMCA campus rise quickly over the past few months due to its unique construction design. The lower two storeys have been constructed with a steel frame to accommodate community areas such as office space; meeting rooms; a nursery; a café and commercial units. The upper seven storeys of housing provision have been constructed from prefabricated panellised LSF walls and floor cassettes.

Gregory Malek, architectural associate at Pick Everard added: “The new campus will transform YMCA MK’s current offering and it’s

a project we’re really proud to have been involved in. Once complete, this new campus will bring YMCA MK into closer contact with the wider community and will create affordable homes and valuable work experience and employment opportunities for Milton Keynes’ residents.”

Simon Green, CEO of YMCA Milton Keynes said: “Our new YMCA campus will create a housing pathway for young people experiencing homelessness as well as low cost housing for employed young people. Our onsite social enterprise and commercial units will provide direct employment opportunities so that we can support young people to belong, contribute and thrive.”

The scheme is being completed by Bowmer + Kirkland and is being delivered in partnership with YMCA Milton Keynes, Peveril Securities and Mayforth. It is due to complete in December 2019.

37

Industry News August 2019

How advancements in ground engineering can help reduce spend Concrete Underpinning vs Resin Injection

Since the summer of 2018, the number of subsidence claims has dramatically increased, highlighting how record temperatures took their toll on UK buildings. Reports show that subsidence is affecting both residential and commercial properties, resulting in councils and landlords needing to rehome tenants while the underlying problem is fixed. With high temperatures continuing this year, it’s likely these claims will continue.

However, with the latest advances in ground engineering, there are alternative solutions councils and private developers can consider to help alleviate these problems, saving money and reducing tenant disruption.

38

When subsidence occurs, the first solution is often traditional concrete underpinning. However, this method is slow, labour intensive and costly. As access

is required under the original foundation of the property, occupants must vacate their premises while the excavation is being completed, increasing admin time and spend for homeowners, property managers and landlords.

Advanced solutions in the ground engineering sector, such as Mainmark’s TeretekŽ engineered resin injection and JOG ComputerControlled Grouting solutions, can help mitigate these problems, offering modern alternatives to traditional underpinning.

The resin then flows into the soil and expands, compressing the surrounding soil, filling voids and strengthening the ground.

Resin injection has been used globally for over 20 years and is proven to work. The process, likened to keyhole surgery, involves injecting expanding structural resin under the existing foundations through small incisions, typically only 16mm in diameter, made in the ground from outside a building.

By eradicating the need to excavate, this process is cleaner and less disruptive than concrete underpinning. As large excavations underneath the foundation are not required, many projects are completed in hours and occupants can usually stay in the building while the work is carried out.

August 2019 Industry News

Robbie Blanchfield, commercial manager at Mainmark,said: “Restoration projects often have tight budgets that are closely scrutinised, which is why it’s vital people are aware of solutions that could save a considerable sum of money.

Additionally, minimal invasive methods reduce the need for onerous work, such as deep excavations or partial demolition, meaning these solutions can often be applied while the

property is still occupied. Our Teretek engineered resin injection solution is a cost-effective way to repair subsidence problems and a method that homeowners and property developers should consider when faced with such problems.”

For more information on resin injection and its ability to save money and disruption please visit mainmark.com/uk/ technology/teretek/

39

Landscaping August 2019

Welcoming over 200 exhibitors with a vast collection of industryleading products and services, LANDSCAPE 2019 is the trade event you will not want to miss – and the best part is, it’s all FREE! ANDSCAPE - the UK’s premier event for the industry returns to Battersea Park in central London on Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th of September 2019.

L

The landscaping industry’s leading trade event is dedicated to products, services and innovation for the design, build and management of exterior and interior landscape projects, with an array of over 200 new and returning exhibitors all under one roof!

LANDSCAPE is dedicated to bringing the industry together by introducing its visitors to the latest products, services and techniques necessary to design, build and maintain prestigious and awardwinning interior or exterior landscaping projects all over the world.

We are proud to say that 86% of our visitors are very likely to recommend and use an exhibitor for a future project, and the exhibitor list continues to go from strength-to-strength year-on-year.

Our extensive exhibitor list ensures that when we say that there is “something for everyone”, we really do mean it!

40

Between the LANDSCAPE exhibitors there are products and services for every aspect of the design and build process spanning from CAD systems and tools to plants and stone.

being announced at 4pm on the Wednesday! It’s down to our visitors to decide the winner so come along to LANDSCAPE to look through the shortlisted products and vote for your favourite!

LANDSCAPE features an endless selection of products that are available to source, exhibitors include manufacturers and suppliers of everything from living plants, trees and turf, vases, pots and flag stones to furniture and conservatories, water features and sundials. Our exhibitors also provide architectural iron work, planters, sheds, living roofs and walls, sculptures, soil, plants and paving as well as lighting, heating, trees and tools.

Be sure to visit the LANDSCAPE website to check out our preview magazine, which gives you an insight into the fantastic you can meet and more of the products you can source at the landscaping industry’s most valuable event this September.

Also, the LANDSCAPE Show is thrilled to be bringing back the Best in Show competition for another year!

Both the exhibition and all seminar sessions are free to attend.

We’re giving our exhibitors this fantastic opportunity to highlight a particular product from their innovative ranges to showcase to our visitors.

Exhibitors who have entered will be in the running to be awarded ‘Best in Show’ for 2019!

The shortlisted finalists will be displayed at the show with the winner of the competition

The LANDSCAPE Show will be open from 10am-6pm on Tuesday the 17th September, and 10am-5pm on Wednesday 18th September 2019.

To register for your free tickets to attend the show, simply visit our registration page at www.landscapeshow.co.uk/register Further information can be found online: Website: landscapeshow.co.uk Email: info@landscapeshow.co.uk Phone: +44 (0)20 7821 8221 Twitter: @LandscapeEvent #LANDSCAPE2019 Instagram: @Landscape.show #LANDSCAPE2019

Landscape THE INDUS T RY TR ADE SH O W

Tuesday 17 & Wednesday 18 September 2019

The trade event dedicated to bringing the landscape industry together by introducing its visitors to the latest products, services and techniques.

LANDSCAPE exhibitors include manufacturers and suppliers of everything from vases, pots and flag stones to furniture and conservatories, water features and sundials. Our exhibitors provide architectural iron work, planters, sheds, turf, sculpture, soil, plants and paving as well as lighting, heating, trees and tools.

Our international visitors include Garden Designers, Landscape Designers & Contractors, Architects, Facilities Managers, Groundsmen & Parks Officers, Event Florists, Creative Directors, Garden Centres, Contract Gardeners, Hotels and Interior Designers.

Register for your free tickets at www.landscapeshow.co.uk/register

+44 (0)20 7821 8221

landscapeshow.co.uk

@LandscapeEvent #Landscape2019

landscape.show

Landscaping August 2019

British manufacturer Ecodek have been producing their unique Wood Polymer Composite boards system for over 14 years.

In 2018 alone, the production of ecodek® material consumed more than 3600 tonnes of recycled plastic milk bottles and sustainably sourced hardwood fibres. ecodek® boards are available in three profiles, two finishes and five colours, so suitable for a huge range of applications both commercial and residential. ecodek® can be found across the UK and beyond, in public realm areas such as walkways, bridges, schools, care homes, stadia, restaurants – the list goes on.

With the versatility to adapt to urban or traditional design schemes, ecodek® decking systems will allow the designer to transform outdoor spaces and gardens into feature areas.

For podium decks and balconies, we have produced a range of specific screws, substructure bearers and beams that take into consideration the change in outdoor temperature and weather.

42

In addition, ecodek® is prevalent in the major housing developments across London in balconies and roof terraces. With a high material stability that has negligible expansion or contraction, ecodek® offers the perfect choice for balcony applications.

Offering bespoke lengths to suit individual projects in both their AT and HD ranges means a welcome relief on site to the usual problem of waste materials. As ecodek® material is 100% recyclable, should any waste be generated on site, the company’s buy back scheme means that this can be sent back to the factory and put back into the production of new boards.

The boards will not warp, splinter or rot, and as ecodek® does not promote mould or algae growth, only require minimal maintenance, and do not require sanding or sealing. ecodek® material comes with a 25 year warranty as standard, giving

piece of mind to both specifier and end user.

A recent life-cycle assessment considered the manufacture of ecodek® (from cradle to factory-gate) had a net effect of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere rather than adding to it – hence carbon negative - a huge achievement in modern manufacturing and one that clearly illustrates the company’s environmental credentials. ecodek® AT and HD Reversible Grooved Ribbed boards are available in bespoke lengths and five colours (Pebble Grey, Slate Grey, Black, Dark Brown and Light Brown) ecodek® Heritage Woodgrain Effect boards are available in standard 3.6m lengths and five colours

Images © Neil Kenyon @ Arkimag Cremer Business Centre ecodek® AT

August 2019 Landscaping

Images © Neil Kenyon @ Arkimag Cremer Business Centre ecodek® AT

(Pebble, Welsh Slate, Highland Basalt, Pennine Millstone and Brecon Shale).

New from Ecodek!

To improve safety and aesthetics for outdoor living and public realm spaces, Ecodek now offer DekGlo, an innovative form of lighting for the decking market, charging in daylight and glowing throughout the night.

Requiring no wiring, DekGlo is easy to install, sticking or screwing into decking or drilling a recess so the DekGlo discs lie flush with the surrounding surface.

Guaranteed for 20 years, there is no ongoing maintenance issues giving peace of mind to the enduser.

Edges of steps, decking and balustrades can be highlighted

to provide a safe outdoor area year-round, providing illumination without ongoing energy costs or damage to the environment.

Contact us to find out more about this fantastic new product, as well as our decking range.

Ecodek are members of Made in Britain, an organisation established to promote and support British manufacturers, and proudly bear the Made in Britain Marque. www.ecodek.co.uk 01978 667 840 enquiries@ecodek.co.uk

Images © Neil Kenyon @ Arkimag Cremer Business Centre ecodek® AT

43

Landscaping August 2019

Schรถck has major presence at vast Wembley Park regeneration It is anticipated that when the development is completed in the next ten years or so, the regeneration of Wembley Park, in North West London, will provide up to 7000 new homes.

44

August 2019 Landscaping Isokorb structural thermal break systems from Schöck are being supplied across a number of different sites throughout this vast scheme, but one of the largest is South West Lands, which occupies an area running alongside the Chiltern rail line, adjacent to Wembley Stadium.

This private rented sector residential-led mixed-use neighbourhood will eventually account for around 12% of the new homes on the entire Wembley Park development, which is around 900 units in total. Designed around a series of sheltered and southfacing garden squares, it is set in landscaped areas and a centralised ‘hub’ means that residents will also benefit from facilities such as a gym, cinema and concierge services.

The South West Lands development is spread across four large separate blocks, which share a communal basement car park.

They are all reinforced concrete frame buildings, which are up to 18 storeys high; and are finished using traditional brickwork and standing seam metal cladding.

There are communal roof terraces and a considerable number of private balconies throughout the development, which create valuable aesthetic amenity space at higher levels, as well as offering farreaching views across London.

The avoidance of thermal bridging is crucial As with any large-scale project involving so many balconies, minimising any possibility of the occurrence of thermal bridging is a crucial issue. Poor insulation at the many connection points will result in local heat loss. Which means that more energy will be required to maintain the internal temperature of the buildings. In addition to substantial heat loss, low internal surface temperatures around the area of the thermal bridge are very likely to cause condensation. This will lead to unwanted structural integrity problems with absorbent materials such as insulation products or plasterboard. It also encourages mould growth, which can have serious health implications for residents, particularly for older people and children, in the form of asthma and allergies, Construction dependability and freedom of design As the leading international supplier of structural thermal breaks, Schöck has almost limitless variants available in its main Isokorb range, offering planners complete construction dependability and enormous freedom of design. The hundreds of Isokorb products used on two of the phases at South West Lands have an 80mm insulation thickness and are for connecting

cantilevered steel balconies to a reinforced concrete slab. This is achieved by means of straight tension and compression bars, which are inserted into the on-site reinforcement. The steel balconies are then bolted onto the unit by means of a stub bracket.

Proven performance and unrivalled choice In addition to concrete-to-steel connectivity, the comprehensive Schöck Isokorb structural thermal break range also offers solutions for concrete-to-concrete, steel-tosteel – and even a maintenance free alternative to wrapped parapets which is both more cost-effective and more thermally efficient than conventional wrapped parapets.

All products meet full compliance with the relevant UK building regulations, have NHBC approval and offer LABC Registration.

There is also the added security of independent BBA Certification. The temperature factor used to indicate condensation risk (fRSI) which must be greater than, or equal to, 0.75, for residential buildings, is easily met by incorporating the Isokorb.

For a free copy of the Schöck Thermal Bridging Guide; the Schöck Specifiers Guide or to view the range of downloadable software, contact Schöck on 01865 290 890 or visit the website at www.schoeck.co.uk

45

Outdoor

1 Swimming Pool ‌ 4 PoolLock Automatic Covers To cover the pool surface on this very particular design of pool, PoolLock supplied one automatic slatted cover and three automatic safety covers, including a customized V4XXL safety cover system spanning an 11m width. Thanks to its many years of experience designing and producing automatic covers, PoolLock is able to work with customers and architects to create tailored solutions to cover almost any kind of pool.

P

oolLock’s unique hydraulic-drive system means that you do not need any electrical components near your pool. The electrical power pack used to operate the cover and drive the two hydraulic motors can be placed as far from the pool as required.

Opening and closing the pool is as easy as turning a key switch, which means that the cover (and the pool) are actually used once installed.

46

PoolLock safety covers provide a solid barrier between the water and surrounding area, effectively preventing

August 2019 Landscaping

any access to the water and making them the safest covers on the market. In addition, all PoolLock covers will reduce the amount of heat, water and chemicals lost through evaporation, which means pool owners can save money on electricity and chemical usage.

In addition to the standard fabric options, PoolLock also offers HeatLock Thermofoam canvas with enhanced insulation properties. Thanks to the foamed insulation layer applied to one side of the canvas, heat transfer across the membrane is reduced by a factor of 3 when compared to standard fabrics for similar

PoolLock Safety Covers

applications. HeatLock’s closed-cell foam structure ensure that PoolLock covers are not only the safest, but also the most energy-efficient available on the market.

PoolLock Automatic Covers offer you the safest, most convenient, most reliable and energy-efficient way to cover your pool.

With over 30 years of experience, and installations in over 20 countries, PoolLock is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of automatic safety and slatted covers for swimming pools.

PoolLock Slatted Covers

With over 30 years of experience, PoolLock is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of automatic and manual safety covers, automatic slatted covers and heat pumps for swimming pools. Thousands of satisfied customers in Britain over the past 10 years bear testament to the quality, service and reliability of PoolLock products.

In 2013, PoolLock opened its first UK production facility in Gatwick, London, with installation teams that are available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.

The result: even better service and faster delivery times for our UK customers.

For more information on our complete range of products, please contact us at www.poollock.com

47

Industry News August 2019

Marshalls Cromwell Walling, Miller Homes – Lindley Marshalls may be better known as the UK’s leading hard landscaping manufacturer having supplied product to some of the most prestigious landmarks in the UK but most recently the walling division has been making the headlines following the acquisition of Britain’s largest independent brick manufacturer, Edenhall. The addition of concrete facing bricks has bolstered Marshalls’ range of vertical products, sitting alongside the already popular reconstituted walling offering. he reconstituted concrete walling range consists of three ranges suitable for a wide range of project types including both residential and commercial schemes.

Cromwell, Thistlestone and Epoch walling all offer subtle differences aesthetically, and all are produced to the highest technical standards

t

48

ensuring products stand up to the test of time.

The popular Cromwell range is available in three finish types across three course heights and four colours allowing the customer greater creativity when designing a scheme.

Marshalls Cromwell reconstituted walling range was recently selected to be used on a housing scheme in West Yorkshire. The Lindley Park development near Huddersfield, is now a well-recognised landmark in the local landscape. The scheme wanted to incorporate materials that would provide a sympathetic addition to

August 2019 Industry News

the surrounding open countryside and wide horizons and given the area’s preference for a weathered sandstone aesthetic, Marshalls’ Cromwell reconstituted walling product was the natural choice.

The product was selected in the Weathered colourway which gives the buff block a slightly darker tone to ensure it blends into the surrounding Yorkshire landscape.

The pitched face also offers the naturally split sandstone look

that is so common in the region.

Manufactured using locally quarried sandstone aggregates ensures the block closely replicates the visual and textured characteristics of natural stone, and is wet-pressed for a smoother and more realistic finish.

The complementary neutral toned mortar that was used on the scheme creates a beautifully muted blend with the units to allow the characteristic exposed aggregates of the stone to be the focal point. The use of buff sandstone aggregates ensure the base colour is intrinsically maintained, replicating the appearance of natural stone at an affordable price, and as Cromwell is manufactured using a hydraulic press, it has low water absorption which guarantees a long-term,

high quality face appearance. The pressing process also ensures that each unit is of a very high density, which maintains accuracy when the product is split during secondary processing which ultimately results in a more accurate block which is easier to lay.

The overall scheme includes a superb selection of attractive, high quality modern houses and apartments into a popular residential neighbourhood. The combination of the reliability and consistency of contemporary production methods with a traditional natural stone product has created a modern yet characterful housing scheme in a delightfully rural environment.

For more information, visit: www.marshalls.co.uk/walling

49

No longer do you have to choose between protection and dexterity

Experience the ultimate in hand protection of an ultra-lightweight 18 gauge glove made using Rhino Yarn™ technology to deliver incredible touch sensitivity and tactility, level D cut protection to EN388: 2016 and a grip palm coating to suit.

Tilsatec | +44 (0)1924 375742 | info@tilsatec.com | www.tilsatec.com TILSATEC LIMITED, Flanshaw Lane, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF2 9ND, ENGLAND

Heating & Ventilation August 2019

August 2019 Heating & Ventilation

FLEXIBLE COMFORT FROM ENGEL’S ‘X-TREME’ WORK TROUSERS Recognised for its comprehensive range of stylish and practical workwear, ENGEL builds further on its reputation with the company’s ‘X-Treme’ collection which includes slimfit, stretchable work-trousers that give maximum comfort throughout the day, especially whilst working on any aspect of flooring.

The trousers feature a smooth, inner-crotch seam panel and patches of highly stretchable and ventilated material at the backs of the knees and seat areas to help keep cool and provide greatly increased flexibility whilst bending or kneeling. There are two spacious slanted pockets at the front, two back pockets and a mobile phone pocket with a flap on the right thigh; there’s a standard one on the left which has an extra inner, zipped compartment.

Engel seem to have thought of everything with yet more useful features including a ruler pocket with extra sections for tools,

tool straps and Velcro-fastened, knee-reinforced pockets with two knee pad positions for height adjustment. Reflector strips are built in behind the knees for greater visibility and the trousers have an extra deep hem so the length can be increased if required.

The Engel ‘X-treme’ Slim-Fit Stretchable Work Trousers are made from 65% polyester and 35% cotton and can be supplied with optional clip-on hanging tool pockets. Depending on the model number chosen they are available in a variety of colour combinations and in all sizes. Item numbers to look out for are: 0360-186, 0361-

186, 0362-740 and 0363-740. These and a new ‘4 way stretch’ version of the trousers, together with a comprehensive range of other ENGEL WORKWEAR clothing and accessories will be exhibited by the company in conjunction with specialist distributor Workwear Trade Centre (WTC) on stand B50 at the Harrogate Flooring Show, 1517th September 2019.

For more information contact Gareth Bladen – email: gbl@f-engel.com Telephone: +44(0) 7759 520034 or visit: www.engel.eu/en and www.wtc-workwear.co.uk

51

Tools & Equipment August 2019

WORKWEAR

52

August 2019 Tools & Equpiment

ENGEL WORKWEAR’S GALAXY SHORTS WITH HANGING TOOL POCKETS Whether it’s raining or the sun is shining, temperatures during our ‘summer’ are generally warmer than winter, so to keep cool and still have all the tools you need to hand, a pair of ENGEL WORKWEAR’s Galaxy shorts with hanging tool pockets makes perfect sense.

Designed for maximum comfort, the 290 g/m2 shorts, which are made from a 65% polyester/35% cotton mix have an inner seam crotch panel and many practical features including two spacious slanted pockets and two front hanging tool pockets. There’s a strap with a D-ring at the front for attaching an ID card, two back pockets with Velcro flaps and an especially roomy thigh pocket with two inner ones, one of which is zipped and ideal for a mobile phone.

The shorts, which are available in a wide range of sizes and suitable for industrial laundering, are offered in 4 colour combination choices White/Anthracite Grey, Black/ Anthracite Grey, Anthracite Grey/Black and Surfer Blue/ Black Further details can be found by visiting www.engel.eu/en or contact Gareth Bladen at gbl@f-engel.com or +44(0) 7759 520034.

Experts in Textile Solutions For more than 85 years, ENGEL WORKWEAR has been selected by customers from all over Europe as the first choice for all-round protection and maximum comfort no matter what a work situation may demand.

Founded in 1927 by Carl J. Engel Senior and now 4th generation family-owned, the company has 850 employees based at its Headquarters in Norgesvej, Denmark and 2 factories in Lithuania. Since it first began, with the importing of denim from the U.S. as a hard wearing fabric, the company’s aims have always been the same – to provide superior quality, value for money workwear designed for a perfect, flexible fit and to give long lasting, reliable service.

The original fabric was called Bull Denim which was made from 100% cotton. Over the years the materials and manufacturing processes have been continually developed to incorporate many new practical and beneficial design details with the versatility of the fabric improved by adding the yarn combination of polyester and cotton.New colours

have been introduced and many businesses are now recognized by the specific colour combination and design of their Engel corporate workwear where not only is it valued for its practical uses but also as a significant part of a company’s professional statement.

Development is an ongoing process as new smart colour combinations and materials are continuously created and tested, with a constant emphasis on innovation, comfort, durability, and environmental awareness. The company has an impressive seven collections (along with a large range of accessories), all of which are ‘tailor-made’ for a wide range of industries with each item of clothing designed to give maximum freedom of movement and reliability; particularly suitable for the construction industry are the X-Treme slim-fit trousers which have knee reinforced pockets and

patches of highly stretchable and ventilated material at the backs of the knee and seat areas to help keep cool and provide maximum flexibility whilst bending or kneeling.

Another popular range is marketed under the ‘Combat’ name; this durable and stylish, uni-coloured collection has contrasting and reflective piping for greater visibility on jackets and trousers, many of which are made from 100% cotton.

Almost all the trousers in the Engel Workwear collection are multipocketed and the leg-length can be extended an extra 4-6cm if required.

For more information contact Gareth Bladen – email: gbl@f-engel.com Telephone: +44(0) 7759 520034 or visit: www.engel.eu/en

53

Tools & Equipment August 2019

RSS Staff Complete JDN Air Hoist Training Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd. (RSS) has put staff through product training on JD Neuhaus’s (JDN) new range of Mini Next Gen air hoists, which it is distributing to the UK market.

The first batch of products will be delivered in mid-September.

RSS, a supplier of lifting and rigging equipment, announced in June that it had secured a partnership with JDN UK, which offers the full range of pneumatic and hydraulic hoists, crane systems, and components, manufactured at headquarters in Germany, principally for use in extreme environments.

The latest training session was conducted at RSS’s Warrington facility, but representatives from all six UK depots participated. RSS will initially stock the Mini at two of those facilities in Pyle, Wales and Grangemouth, Scotland.

The new Mini air hoist range offers longer lifetime, easier maintenance, and higher speeds, while custom options are available upon request.

The Mini is explosion-protected and available in capacities of 125kg, 250kg, 500kg, and 980kg. Other standout features include a near field communication (NFC) sensor with accompanying app.

54

The focal point of the training session was a Mini 500; attendees learnt how to strip and rebuild the unit, prior to comprehensive

sales and product training. They discovered how maintenance work, such as lubricating the motor chamber, exchanging the chain guide, and exchanging the motor unit can be carried out on the hook without dismounting the hoist.

Steve Hutin, managing director at RSS, said: “The partnership with JDN represents a significant investment, but in the month since announcing the agreement we received a healthy volume of enquiries that suggests the longterm returns will be worth that commitment. We trained up at least one salesperson and one technical employee from each depot so the whole team is fully up to speed by the time the first hoist goes out the door.”

The training class was the latest in a series of educational sessions about the new range of Mini Next Gen air hoists. Hutin was among a UK delegation that visited JDN USA’s offices in Baltimore, Maryland in mid-June to mark the launch of the range to the North American marketplace. Some of that content was duplicated in Warrington.

Further, RSS personnel will attend additional training at JDN’s headquarters in Germany in due course.

RSS will also offer JDN’s trolleys and the existing Profi air hoist range, available in capacities from 250kg up to 100t and air pressure in four or six bar. The explosion-protected series is also suited to heavy-duty industrial use and is available with various control options depending on the application. As reported, RSS is solely responsible for quoting on the Profi and Mini ranges via leads generated by its own endeavours and enquiries forwarded by JDN UK.

August 2019

The future - could technology replace engineering skill?

There’s no stopping the evolution of industry. Even in the relatively short space of just one hundred years, nearly all industrial sectors have been upgraded and updated to some degree by a rapid rise in technological advances.

From automated processes to cutting-edge efficient programmes, the introduction of technology has often proved an asset, particularly in terms of work speed.

But this rise in the use of technology has prompted questions surrounding whether or not the continued advancement of such machinery and software will, eventually, lead to the redundancy of human input. Will we get to a stage where people are simply not as fast, accurate, or efficient? Will we get to point where it is simply not needed to have people in our work spheres?

It’s highly unlikely. Computer programmes can, after all, only produce quality designs if used correctly, with human input a crucial component to success. While a good engineer can benefit from using such software, a bad engineer may find their designs worsened by the addition of technology they haven’t the skill to use

58

properly. Put simply, there’s really no replacement for genuine engineering skill.

Computer assistance should be treated as such: as assistance. The successful link between computer programmes and engineering skill varies depending on which part of the AEC industry they are being used in. To understand how this factor can impact their relationship, we should first look at the three main stages of engineering design.

1. Concept design: At this stage, the majority of the design comes from the imagination of the engineer, supported by some simple sizing elements or calculations.

2. Drafting and analysis: This stage brings the concept design into the real world more earnestly, checking that it is feasible and how

it will succeed. This stage is predominantly computer-based, using programmes such as structure design software to help engineers work to a greater degree of accuracy.

3. Detailed design: This stage is when, as the name suggests, the design becomes much more detailed. At this point, the design is almost completely computerbased, with analysis happening in the background.

Anything that needs understanding and imagination will require human input. But it’s not just the imaginative aspect that machines cannot replicate in full: fine tuning, for example, still needs a guiding human hand in order to ensure the outputs are correct.

While leaps and bounds are certainly being made in

August 2019 machine learning, whereby computers can now make decisions based on historical data and records, it is highly unlikely that this will develop to the point where human skill and judgement become obsolete.

Of course, our judgments are not always accurate. Mistakes can be made when writing the programmes designed to support design, or further along the line when inputting data into these programmes. Either error will result in an inaccurate output. For this reason, the topic of automated checking — whereby computer programmes will check the input against previous projects and their success or failure — has been a hot point of discussion within the AEC industry lately.

However, it is worth bearing in mind that the majority of engineering disasters have occurred due to something unusual; that is, something that has not happened in previous related projects. While rule-checkers help when situations where rules apply, they aren’t able to flag something that hasn’t happened in previous records, i.e. something unusual.

One example of this

is the Millennium Bridge’s infamous wobble, which was missed by the design’s code. Programmes failed to predict the wind instability of Tacoma Narrows. While engineers can make use of a value judgement, computer programmes do not. As the world changes, engineers will make a value judgement to adapt their designs accordingly.

Both machine and human judgments can be refined by formulas. There are several structures and designs that have

had formulas developed exclusively for them. For example, the original formula creation for shell structures had to be created by expert mathematicians to ensure success. Now, with Finite element Analysis, almost any form can be analysed — but that does not mean these forms are always sensible.

There’s a certain amount of tension between architects and engineers surrounding this. Where engineers are seen as wanting functionality, architects are seen as wanting novelty first. But this disparity makes for the perfect partnership towards the best designs.

59

The UK’s Best Solar & Mains LED Belisha Beacons High quality, fully Highways, EMC and CE compliant 3 year Warranty (solar) - 5 year extended available In stock for next day delivery Made by us in Somerset supplied nationwide and overseas Post Top or purpose made column versions inc. Flange Mount Illuminated Column - Belisha & Refuge (Retro-fit kit) with 2 year warranty Fully tested to all current regs.

Feeder Pillars Standard sizes in stock Made to specification - 2 weeks appox Galvanized steel, GRP, Stainless Steel range of powder coat finishes Styles and sizes for every purpose Pre-wired or shell only Fast lead times

Bespoke work a speciality - contact us for your next project, we'd love to hear from you!

Tel. 0333 666 2122 email: info@fisherandcompany.co.uk

www.fisherandcompany.co.uk