Home Designer & Architect - July 2014

HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT

MAGAZINE JULY 2014

Find your perfect footstool.

Technogym offers complimentary CPD training in Wellness Design Designed to help professionals in architecture and design to create stunning and effective Wellness spaces for clients; both commercial and private.

Whether you’re designing a home gym, hotel spa or installing into a yacht, Technogym’s Wellness Design CPD will give you the grounding you need to understand better your clients’ needs, and deliver a more accurate solution.

Technogym’s in house Wellness Design specialists are on hand to help you with more complex projects, particularly where clients have specific fitness goals. We can support with 2D and 3D renders, walkthroughs and share years of experience in overcoming challenges in design and installation.

Book your CPD Training Call us FREE on: 0808 250 1354

visit us online at: www.technogym.com

CONTENTS Publishing Director Tony Little 01843 595818 tony@homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk Editor Jenna Burridge jenna@homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk PublicatioN Manager Dean Perry 01843 570944 dean@homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk Publishing House Jet Digital Media Ltd The Mill Spratling Court Office Spratling Court Farm Manston Kent CT12 5AN

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Industry News Editors Choice Kitchen Essential Furniture Interior News Home Automation Timber

www.homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk

Fontana Corian® Sinks Fontana Sinks combine Corian® with the highest quality stainless steel base, available in all of the Corian® kitchen colours

Contact CD UK 0113 201 2240 www.cdukltd.co.uk

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Industry News NEW HOUSING PLOTS LAUNCHED AT LAS COLINAS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB TO SATISFY DEMAND A World Apart ownership opportunity at award winning Spanish resort Following sell-out success of 137 properties since 2010 and 63% of the recently launched Olivo and Palmera communities, Las Colinas Golf & Country Club has unveiled the latest set of plots for sale; The Adelfa Community.

The resort’s success to date and recent recognition by International Hotel and Property Awards, demonstrates the continued confidence consumers have in the investment security Las Colinas residential communities offer and the appeal of the region for travellers and second home owners.

THRIVING HORTICULTURAL EDUCATION IN BATTERSEA PARK Pedder & Scampton have completed a new landmark building for national charity Thrive in Battersea Park, London.

The new purpose-built training building will greatly enhance the activities of Thrive, a charity that has been working within Battersea Park for 25 years, teaching gardening and life skills (horticultural therapy) to those with learning, physical, sensory impairment and mental health disabilities.

The design responds to a brief for a stronger visual identity for Thrive in the park, enhanced facilities that are economic and efficient to run, and excellent sustainability credentials.

The distinctive design replaces a collection of ramshackle huts and portacabins, and establishes a two-element building that curves to a radius centred on the large plane tree that dominates the site.

REKINDLING ART DECO HERITAGE Aukett Swanke’s extensive £30 million renovation of the Adelphi, central London’s Art Deco landmark, is underway and on track for completion at the end of Summer 2015.

The refurbishment, carried out on behalf of Blackstone, will upgrade and modernise the 190,000 sq ft of open office space shared across the first six floors of the grade II-listed building.

Aukett Swanke’s design concept was to introduce extensive natural light to the floorplates, enhancing the Adelphi’s working environment. The building’s original lightwells are to be reinstated while the existing tinted glazing will be replaced with high-performance clear units, transforming the façade.

The main entrance foyer onto John Adam Street is being restored and the design includes dramatic new interior elements reflecting the Adelphi’s Art Deco heritage. A new double height reception area has been introduced to Savoy Place which, together with the reopened entrance to Adelphi Terrace, reinvigorates the building’s original street entrances.

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IBI DESIGNS UNVEILED FOR DUBAI RESEARCH CENTRE

This will be the first standalone medical research centre in the UAE and will focus on five regional health challenges: diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and mental health. Once established, the new AED 100m centre will undertake medical research programmes in purpose built facilities.

The new 10-storey building is to be co-located with a major new academic health science centre within Dubai Healthcare City. It will have three floors of research laboratories, as well as clinic spaces, administration and spaces for other partner organisations.

IBI Nightingale has been assisting Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, and his team establish the vision for the project, and will shortly be progressing with a fast track programme of design development as part of a multi-disciplinary team headed by GHD. Tony Burley, Project Director at IBI Nightingale, commented: “This is an exciting opportunity for us to develop a high quality landmark project, designed to embody the vision and values of Al Jalila Foundation. The curved form and elegant external treatment of the new Medical Research Centre is intended to give a focus to the Heart of the Dubai Healthcare City Masterplan and complement the massing that will complete the campus”.

Industry News

WAITROSE DESIGN ROLLOUT FOR FARRELL & CLARK Award winning architects, Farrell & Clark’s new outlets for British supermarket chain Waitrose have recently opened in Bedford, Wootton and Oundle to great success.

and the John Lewis Partnership over a period of 20 years.

The London based team started their journey into retail in the 1980’s when they were contracted by Kimberley Planning applications for several Developments Plc to work on a shell more new local Waitrose stores project for Waitrose. Over the years, across the country have also been the office has worked on more than submitted by the practice.

15 Waitrose outlets with Kimberley, moving into general fit out projects Based in London and Leeds, Farrell & direct with Waitrose as well as Clark have a reputation for delivering continuing to build shells. Farrell & quality architecture in the public Clark now provide a full service to and commercial sectors. Strong and Waitrose whilst retaining Kimberley as lasting business partnerships are at a client on other projects. the heart of their success, none more More recently, in 2012, Farrell so than those forged with Waitrose

& Clark were appointed lead consultant on the very first Waitrose and John Lewis at Home. This 100,000ft2 outlet in Ipswich Cranes was the first time Waitrose and John Lewis at Home units were designed to be adjacent to each other. As the layout requires less floor space per unit, this flexibility has allowed John Lewis to move into more locations across the country and there are now currently five food and home stores.

ALVAR AALTO MUSEUM IN DENMARK TO BE MODERNISED Is it possible to make an extensive restoration of a listed building without destroying the original architecture? This is the tough challenge facing a Danish art museum, which was designed by the world-famous architect, Alvar Aalto.

KUNSTEN, Museum of Modern Art houses a unique collection of contemporary art by Danish and foreign artists. But it is not only the collection that is unique; so is the building. It is the only museum outside of Finland to be designed by the worldrenowned architect, Alvar Aalto.

In 1957 he conceived the design of the museum in collaboration with Elissa Aalto and Jean-Jacques Baruël. The result was an art museum which is a work of art in itself. The building was designed in a light, organic, modernist style with an entirely unique distinctive inflow of light. Throughout the building, the choice of materials is unique: ranging from the custom-designed copper Aalto lights to the marble on the floors and outer walls.

Today, this museum building is listed. So it is no wonder that the building’s imminent and radical restoration and modernisation have caused quite a stir.

The renovation will be carried out by Erik Møller Arkitekter, whose previous renovation projects include such famous Danish buildings as the Royal Danish Theatre and Amalienborg, the principal residence of the Danish monarch. The architects’ mission is to create a modern, highly efficient museum within the existing framework.

Trine Neble of Erik Møller Arkitekter, commented, “We want to maintain Aalto and Baruël’s architectural vision for the building, both inside and out. That means that all surfaces and details will be retained or recycled, wherever possible.

Cambridge Forum medical and education centre given go-ahead The Forum, designed by architects NBBJ, is the product of a pioneering joint venture between John Laing and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUHT).

Consisting of a post-graduate medical education centre, 900 delegate conference centre, 90-bed private hospital, and fourstar hotel, The Forum will bring together local, national and international medical professionals, researchers and academics from around the world all focused on the development of lifechanging treatments.

The scheme has been privately funded but allows CUHT to retain freehold ownership of the site. Forum Cambridge LLP (a joint venture between John Laing and CUHT) will operate the new building which will contain a Ramsay Health Care UK private hospital and a Crowne Plaza hotel.

Dr Keith McNeil, Chief Executive of Cambridge University Hospital, commented: “Achieving planning permission is a key step in bringing better treatments to patients. It will provide a fantastic opportunity for research professionals and clinicians from Cambridge and around the globe to work closely together on new research and practices in healthcare. The addition of a new post-graduate education centre, hotel and conference centre and other facilities will further cement our reputation as one of the world’s leading medical cities.”

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Industry News

LAS COLINAS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB WINS INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & PROPERTY AWARD

Las Colinas Golf & Country Club, Alicante, Spain – Las Colinas Golf & Country Club has fought off strong competition to be crowned with the Golf Resort accolade in the International Hotel & Property Awards, hosted by Design et al. & the Design Society. Voted for by the public and announced at Spanish resort fights off global competition to collect prestigious award a glittering ceremony in Venice, the awards recognise outstanding standards quality intrinsic to the design of Las Colinas and is credit to the hard the back of our recently launched plots in hospitality, interior design and work of all members of the team and the commitment to delivering and villas within the Olivo, Palmera and architecture from across the globe. the A World Apart vision.”

Enebro communities, and complements the outstanding architectural design of our “Being voted best Golf Resort by the The Golf Resort category not only rewards world-class golf facilities properties and unique leisure experiences.” general public is a fantastic endorsement but considers additional attractions and services that seamlessly for the Las Colinas brand, particularly integrate with cutting-edge property.

The Spanish resort, located south of within an enormously competitive Alicante in 330 hectares of Mediterranean category,” said Antonio Montoro, Vice “The quality of the golf course and adjoining facilities have been central woodland, has become a leader in President, Las Colinas Golf & Country to attracting international visitors to Las Colinas and instrumental in the attracting international leisure visitors Club. “This tremendous honour reflects early real-estate success of the resort,” said Las Colinas Golf & Country and second-home owners to the region the high standards and exceptional Club Managing Director, Cristobal Guerrero. “This accolade comes on since its opening in 2010. Selling all 137 properties built in the first phase of construction, international interest in the newly released villas and plots has validated the growing appeal of Las Colinas’ tranquil setting and the measured vision of its owners.

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In addition to giving rise to one of Continental Europe’s Top 100 Courses, the tranquil setting is also home to the International School of Falconry, a Golf Academy, tennis and paddle tennis courts, an ocean front beach club, gymnasium, enso sushibar, nature trails through 200,000 square metres of natural space, and new Las Colinas Experiences that emphasise the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding region.

SIMPLE SMOKE ALARM CONTROL FROM AICO AICO LAUNCHES UNIQUE RADIOLINK ALARM CONTROLLER Aico, one of the UK’s market leaders in domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detection, has launched an innovative new wireless Controller for its RadioLINK Professional alarms. RadioLINK allows Smoke, Heat and CO alarms to be interconnected using Radio Frequency (RF) signals, eliminating the need for interconnection wiring.

As with previous Aico Alarm Control Switches, the new Ei450 Controller allows residents to simply test and silence all the alarms on the system and quickly identify and locate the exact unit which has triggered the system (visually identifying if the source is a

fire or CO leak), all from one convenient location.

With best practice supporting larger alarm systems, more frequently with CO alarms, improved control functions are vital to ensure the system is simple for residents to use. The new Controller has a single button for ease of use, guiding you through the actions to take in the correct order; for example, if the alarms are in normal standby state, pressing the Controller will Test the system. If the alarms are sounding, pressing the Controller will firstly locate the source of the alarm; pressing it again will silence the system.

Powered by a built-in ten year Lithium battery, the Ei450 Controller communicates with alarms using RF signals. This means that there is no wiring whatsoever, enabling it to be installed with minimum expense and disruption.

other’s unique serial numbers in order to communicate, they are placed into ‘House Code’ mode during installation. The Controller will flash to indicate the number of alarms the Controller is coded with – a useful check for the installer.

The Controller has a unique advanced memory feature that can be used to check if an alarm has triggered when the occupant has been away from the property.

Ideal for troubleshooting and exceptionally easy to use, simply access the ‘Engineering Mode’ of the Controller; if an alarm has been triggered the Memory section of the Controller’s button on the front will flash and the Fire or CO indicator will light accordingly. Pressing the button will then identify the exact alarm that has previously triggered the system.

The Ei450 Controller is stylish and sleek in design, making it suitable for an exceptionally wide range of properties, both modern and traditional. It has been designed for use with Aico’s Ei2110 Multi-Sensor, 160RC Series and 140RC Series alarms when fitted to RadioLINK bases, plus its 200 Series and Ei262 RadioLINK CO alarms.

The Controller also comes with a House Coding indication feature to assist with installation.

As devices on a RadioLINK system need to ‘learn’ each

Aico is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics and is the first name in residential fire protection in the UK. All alarms are designed and built in Europe specifically to meet UK standards and regulations.

For more information, please visit www.aico.co.uk t7t

Is your business data protected?

I usually write these insurance articles in order to promote insurance, and the services of professional insurance brokers, such as my firm.

However, this time I am going to write about good business practice, and to point out where insurance is probably not going to help.

First of all, I wish to explain about “book debts” cover. This is found in most office policies – as well as many other types of policies – and covers the loss of money owed to you by customers in the event that your financial records are destroyed in an insured event, and you have lost track who actually owes you money!

If you still use actual books for your accounting records, then this cover is still relevant. But, if you keep all of your records on a computer, it is very unlikely that you can make a claim. Of course, if you do have a back-up, there would be no need to make a claim….

The reason for this, let’s say after a theft and your computer has been stolen, is that the insurers will ask where your back-up is. If you cannot produce one without good reason (and off-hand, I can’t think of one), your claim will almost certainly be declined because you have not followed good business practice.

Additionally, you may lose computer records due to a virus, Trojan, or simply due to a faulty hard drive. If you study the wording of your business insurance, you will probably find that this is not covered.

With this in mind, it is vital that all of your records are regularly backed up. This is not as difficult as it used to be, with some excellent software available free on the internet. You can back up to a USB flash drive which only cost a few pounds or, for bigger back-ups, portable hard drives cost just a little more.

There is also “cloud” back-up which is where your data is kept online, and some companies offer some storage for free.

If you wonder what we do at Versatile Insurance, each hard drive within our server has a “mirror” hard drive which is a back-up and will take over seamlessly in the event of a failure. As well as this, our server backs-up to network storage, this copies data to portable hard drives which are rotated and removed from the building each day – and then finally, overnight, everything is backed-up to the Cloud!

And the reason we do this, is because insurance can never cover everything, or replace the need for responsible business management.

Ray Colenutt DipCII, the writer of this article, has over 30 years of arranging insurance in the construction industry and is the managing director of Versatile Insurance Professionals Ltd 01837 658955

Editors Choice

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Our market leading Ecodan air source heat pumps are perfect for areas where there is no gas, providing domestic heating and hot water for much less than Oil, LPG or Direct Electric. Recognised as a renewable technology, Ecodan is MCS approved and now qualifies for the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, making it even more viable.

To find out how Ecodan can lower running costs and cut carbon emissions, and for more information on the RHI:

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CREOGLASS www.creoglass.co.uk

Kitchen Glass Splashbacks Specialists CreoGlass is Kitchen Glass Splashbacks London Specialists.

Looking for Standard Colour Splashback, Exclusive Splashback, Mirror Splashback, Printed Splashbacks, Ice Cracked Effect Splashback, Bespoke Splashback, Bulk Buy Splashback? – We do it all!

“CreoGlass Design Ltd is a team of passionate professionals specialised in design, measure, manufacture and installation of unique Italian design glass splashbacks. We are determined to provide exceptional customer service and value for the best quality product.

Unlike our competitors, CreoGlass Design Ltd Specialises in InHouse Manufacturing and Fitting of Glass Splashbacks”

Why choose Glass Splashbacks ? companies across the UK. The glass has exceptional resistance to impact, water, stains, scratches and heat, and can be Splashbacks London Kitchen Glass Splashbacks unlike traditional tiles that have to be grouted and maintained with care, our glass kitchen splashbacks are easy to maintain and will look fantastic long into the future, not to mention the extreme versatility of design and style the glass provides.

Key facts Heat resistant glass up to 400 degrees Celsius Water resistant Toughened-Impact resistant Lead time of 2-4 weeks, depended on the manufacturing process of the design.

5 year warrantee on glass Easy to clean antibacterial surface Available in 4mm, 6mm (highly recommended for splashbacks),8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 15mm and 19mm.

Suitable for splashbacks, glass paneling, worktops, wall art, table tops and many more products Mounted with silicon adhesive, wall clips or screws new glass splashbacks blend perfectly with your planned design scheme

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INDUSTRY Essentials

Furniture All Wrapped Up With Kite Packaging Kite Packaging, one of the UK’s leading packaging distributors, has worked with a number of furniture retailers and manufacturers via its main accounts business and online. This area of expertise has been utilised on the website to create a one stop shop for furniture retailers, as well as other industries looking for packaging products.

Kite knows that damage to furniture is a huge problem and one of the biggest cost implications for the sector. The nature of the products mean damages can be incredibly costly in terms of shipping costs and re-selling, and the quality of high-end products needs to be of the highest calibre.

One of the easiest to damage areas of furniture is corners and edges, as they are prone to being scraped or knocked during handling. Kite supply a range of corner and edge protection, the foam range includes L-profile, U-channel and specially designed corner protectors. Foam is a brilliant material for corner protection because it is made from polyethylene, which offers high density and is a brilliant shock absorber. These easy to use products also speed up the packing process as they can easily fit over most corners and edges - from tables and flat surfaces to chests and beds, and grip on for a comfortable fit.

U-Channel edge protection is available in a variety of different thicknesses and the material is easy to manipulate, designed so that it will grip an edge whilst being pushed around an odd shape or round corners (around a kitchen top for example).

As well as edges, surfaces, particularly ones that are highly polished, are prone to being scratched or imprinted on. For this, Kite offers a range of non-abrasive foam protection available in rolls so they can be cut to size on a packing bench. For more specific uses Furni-Guard and Furni-Soft may be a more suitable option, as they have a layer of bubble protection for surfaces prone to indentation and a waterproof layer to protect from damp.

visit

Kite also stocks a range of air cushion protection, picture frames boxes, bubble wrap and furniture bags. For more information and to purchase with free standard delivery please

www.kitepackaging.co.uk or call 02476420065

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Cubbins new range of Luxury Interior Accessories have been received extremely well by the hospitality and interior design industry. Our three new collections consist of accessories for bathrooms, bedrooms and general hotel areas. painted to match a client’s colour scheme. Useful accessories such as tissue box covers, waste paper bins, laundry bins and amenities trays can all be completed with a clients own branding.

hotels in the Caribbean.�

Accessories covered in clients own fabrics are proving to be a big hit with interior designers For further details please visit the Cubbins website where you can download our latest brochure and

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while the larger 5 star luxury hotels are preferring to design their own range of wooden hotel accessories, complete with their own branding.

Solar Slate’s Planning friendly and roof matching Roof Slate matching natural whilst giving unobtrusive free Solar PV Electricity and 20 Years Government Feed-in-Tariff earnings.

Solar Slate is changing the face of solar Photovoltaics Electricity generation.

Our planning-friendly range of technologies provide solar power from an innovative roof covering that blends seamlessly with traditional slate giving: No planning headaches, No complaints from the neighbours and No unsightly solar panels.

The larger format has reduced costs and allowed faster installation and all round better value.

The panel is manufactured to and is effectively 4 slates in a single panel. with new Solar Slate Multi and said;

Even homes in historic or conservation areas can now tap into an endless supply of free, clean energy, with the added long-term Feed-In Tariffs.

British-designed and European-manufactured, all of our products Start your journey with solar PV. Every project is a journey so we support our customers every step of the way, from supply and design through to installation and warranty. Start your journey today and allow: Green energy to be generated at the property No hard visual impact Energy cost protection long term Free electricity at the property, whilst Earning from the Government feed in Tariff Whilst protecting your property.

“It is the ideal solution for generating electricity without affecting the aesthetics” Solar Slate is ideal for use in in conservation areas, on historical buildings, new builds, sites where standard solar panels are not in gaining planning approval.

This project, being a grade II listed building in a conservation area and an area of outstanding natural beauty, challenged Planners.

Standard solar panels were refused by the LPA so samples of Solar Slate were submitted by the homeowners, which gained approval.

We have a permanent display at the National Self Build & from free and we will be at a number of shows this summer

For 6 years the Solar Slate Traditional product is designed to colour match to many types of natural slate, particularly Welsh blue-grey.

Now joined by the Solar Slate Multi, offering the same superior aesthetic that the Solar Slate Traditional boasts but in a larger format.

website for a new s update regularly.

For more information: please visit www.solarslate-ltd.com email info@solarslate-ltd.com,

West London AV Solutions West London AV Solutions are specialists in high-end cinema design.

At the recent Essential Install Awards their team won a Highly Commended Award for their Loft Cinema installation.

The project involved working closely with the interior design team from PASK London to design a multifunctional cinema experience in an awkward loft space.

An initial survey of the room to produce a ‘sound isolation and construction’ report highlighted the need for a full CinemaTech ARS system installed to the walls and ceiling to optimise the performance of the cinema system. This consisted of acoustic underlay to the floor and fixed panels covered in acoustic transparent fabric for the walls and ceiling.

The projection screen was an IMAGE 2-way masking screen with a custom made Batman image for when the screen was not in use. The projector itself was from Digital Projection, the M Vision CINE260L with a Lumagen scaler and switcher in order to switch between aspects.

In order to conceal the projector when not in use it was installed in the ceiling using an Audipack Mirror kit system automated by Crestron. The system is operated by lowering a mirror which reflects the image onto the screen with no distortion.

The lighting scheme was designed to be controlled by Crestron and included a star effect ceiling, perimeter LED coffer lighting and LED lit skirting effect.

A Leon Speaker solution was chosen to provide a 5.4 surround sound setup for the room. All the speakers and subwoofers were installed in the wall and ceiling and hidden behind the ARS fabric.

The whole room was controlled by the Crestron system either through a handheld controller or an iPad. ‘The design and execution were faultless and the cinema has become the centrepiece of the house. From the innovative star light ceiling to a sound proofed roof that can be used without disturbing the rest of the house it has been a triumph’ Tim Pask, Pask London

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Smart thinking for smart homes We are award-winning specialists in high-end cinema design, whole house control and integration.

We strive to provide a custom design and bespoke solution for each and every client. westlondonav Contact us for advice on 0844 692 1001 www.londonavsolutions.co.uk

Home Automation

BOSE

BOSE BUILT

The adapt IQ home theater software will calibrate your media room to provide the highest quality of surround sound today.

Whether you are interested in a home theater system or whole house audio Secur-Tek, Inc. Purchasing a Bose Built-Invisible Music System is an investment that will has the system for you using outlast your home – and maybe even you! With a BOSE Music System the latest Bose technologies you have the capability of listening to different music sources in separate and custom installations. Our rooms while conveniently controlling your music selections with a Two-way showroom has a home theater LCD readout Radio Frequency remote from any location in your home. No with projector and a 106 inch need for large speakers cluttering up your home or extra control switches diagonal screen for your viewing filling up your wall space. A BOSE Built-Invisible Music System is custom- pleasure. designed for your home and to your listening pleasures.

The whole house music displays The Av48 media center allows you interface your IPod with your Bose have a variety of Bose indoor up to 340 hours of CD storage that music system. The amplifiers are and outdoor speakers to listen can be edited and has learning installed in a remote room and the to all available between 8-5 software to play selected music speakers including the bass box are Monday-Friday and after hours from the CD library. If you have built into the walls, floors or ceilings by appointment. Call now at your music stored on an IPod the to give the appearance of a Built- 919-387-1800 to schedule an appointment with a Secur-Tek, Bose V25 or V35 will allow you to Invisible sound.

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Home Automation

The surround sound of Bellevue The emotions felt when watching an event or a film at a cinema is enhanced by a full surround sound experience. Hearing the rubber squealing from the tire of a formula 1 car screaming around the track or the bullet emptying from a gun causing explosions from all around through a high end audio system makes the viewers experience come alive. Even better when the surround sound in the living room cum media room is invisible leaving the interior design as relaxing and natural as desired.

This beautiful home in Kent (South-East England) has achieved just that with Amina speakers installed into the living room to accompany the 65 inch television screen. The installer, Angus Murray (New Wave AV) spoke about the request for audio integration, “On this project the client came to us with a very clear design objective. The Amina hidden speaker range allowed us to ensure that the result was a 5.1 media room that sounded stunning whilst not impacting on the design vision that he had.” The images show how beautiful this interior is and why the homeowners didn’t want any blemishes on the walls and the ceilings of this room, the centre piece of their home.

To understand how VPT (Vibrational Panel Technology) loudspeakers propagate sound which is different to how conventional loudspeakers work, it is easiest to consider how an acoustic musical instrument such as a violin fills a space with sound. Like a VPT loudspeaker, the violin creates sound through vibrations generated in the light weight rigid wooden sound box from the energy transferred from the strings through the action of the bow.

Musical instruments radiate spherically right across the frequency range and provides high clarity sound and works well in reverberant spaces. Similarly, VPT loudspeakers radiate effectively, hemispherically from the wall or ceiling right across the frequency range and do not get more directional with frequency as it does with a conventional loudspeaker.

Using VPT loudspeakers provides a wonderful surround sound experience to those enjoying the experience and the extended listening sweet spot means the position of the listener in relation to the speakers is not as crucial. For this installation the speakers were installed behind a 2mm final skim of plaster, then wallpaper was applied to complete the decoration. The end client explained his delight and the reaction of his friends and family at how wonderful the invisible speakers are, not just because of the sound quality or the invisibility but their friends thoughts on them, “Seeing peoples reactions to the totally hidden 5.1 speakers in my living room is great fun.”

www.amina.co.uk

Bathroom Audio Mirror DAB/FM radio

LED lighting

Wall hung or fully recessed

streaming

Touch sensitive controls

Heated mirror (no misting)

love your music!

Music In Every Room Ltd Tel: 01943 870395 sales@musicineveryroom.co.uk www.musicineveryroom.co.uk/mirror

The EIS 400 Series is designed with the user in mind – easy to operate, highly functional, stylish and it won’t break the bank.

An intuitive, multiroom audio system for the distribution of multiple audio sources throughout a home, the EIS 400 Series is ideal for both new-build and refurbishment projects.

This Series is designed with you in mind, providing clear and easily accessible menus for intuitive operation. The great thing about this Series is that we have created several interfaces that allow you integrate it with automated home systems, entryphone intercoms, telephone switchboards or a PC. Yes, you can answer you door-phone from any of our Audio Contol Units installed thoughout the home or building and you can control and program the installation from your PC. So let the show begin… Distribute any audio source throughout the different areas of your home and at the same time control them independently at each location. You can have up to 8 audio channels.

You can choose a Central Unit that incorporates an FM tuner and an audio input for a 3.5mm jack, you can add 4 further Stereo Audio Inputs at any convenient point along the wiring run and then select an Audio Control Unit for each location that comes with its own FM tuner and audio input. Yes, an amazing 8 audio channels. The Stereo Audio Inputs can be placed anywhere, close to the TV or near your PC giving you that flexibilty you always desired. No need for central racks or having to put everything in the same room.

And then of course we include the intercom system allowing room to room paging and a handsfree auto response. Each Audio Control Unit includes a sensitive microphone for this purpose. The same intercom system also provides you with a baby monitoring mode. It activates when a sound is detected, alerting parents to a crying infant or when someone needs assistance.

Our 400 Series can do more for you than you could ever imagine.You will be able to listen to what you want, wherever you want. The TV piped to your bathroom, the iPod in your kitchen, listen to the hi-fi system in your lounge in your bedroom, switch over to the FM tuner in your study and be independent from the rest of the home. Now you can stop dreaming, it’s for real.

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Next Generation Wood Protection from Sweden

Protecting the earth with proven technology

Sioo is a safe, natural and sustainable technology for the protection of wood both outdoors and indoors.

Water based and free of biocides Sioo uses environmentally friendly silicon technology. It gives long life and a beautiful UV-proof smooth natural surface finish free of splints.

Sioo provides an active and preventive effect against algae, mould, rot and wood eating insects.

High durability is established with a minimum of maintenance – it is no longer necessary to oil wooden surfaces every year.

Sioo solves traditional problems related to wood protection.

You will find more information at www.sioo.co.uk

Friendly to Environment

Sioo Wood Protection AB Tel: +44 (0)1325 350453 E: sioouk@icloud.com www.sioo.co.uk

A DESIGN ON THE FUTURE FROM GARADOR The choice of garage door is one of the most vital aspects of a modern build. After all, they account for around a third of the front of most buildings.

Britain’s leading garage door manufacturer Garador is famous for its great designs. All its doors, from the ever popular up & over to its sectional and roller doors, come in a range of styles and designer colours to complement every build.

Garador offer an exceptional range of materials including steel, timber, GRP and have also recently introduced some subtle new shades to their extensive steel door and Cathedral steel doors.

Find out more about Garador at www.garador.com or call 01935 443799.

A range of brochures are available.

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www.minus7.co.uk info@minus7.co.uk 01922 419405

Minus 7 The Minus 7 system is a truly innovative, renewable energy product. It’s extremely effective and very efficient, it helps to reduce fuel costs and makes homes look fantastic, says Mark Wozencroft, Managing Director, of Minus 7. “It’s our mission to make renewable energy a sensible investment that will be beneficial to customers, provide affordable warmth, cut carbon emissions and reduce negative impact on the environment.”

The Minus 7 hybrid energy harvesting system is made up of an endothermic roofing system, a solar energy processor and a large thermal store. The system uses endothermic tile planks to form a weather-tight interlocking roofing system, made from a uniform profile, aluminium extrusion, dressed in a powder-coated, hardwearing finish. The endothermic tile planks are flooded with a heat transfer fluid which absorbs heat energy and solar thermal energy. It is classified as a solarassisted heat pump technology, within the National Calculation Method (Standard Assessment Procedure).The identifier for this product is Minus 7 SEP3G10 1/2/3. For an average 50m2 apartment operating at a constant temperature of 23.5°C during the

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winter months, heating and hot water bills would cost as little as £6 a week throughout the year.

The system can provide heat and hot water for up to four dwellings from one system which reduces the proportionate capital outlay making it highly suitable for housing developments.

Top Energy Saving Attributes

Harvests energy 24 hours of the day Insensitive to orientation System sized to give maximum efficiency, even in worst case scenario of midnight in mid winter Thermal store gives consistent supply of heat and hot water – reducing peaks and troughs

Thermal store has 200mm of insulation, minimising heat loss to just 2.5kWh per 24 hours Pumps that run the system are ultra efficient – just 70W The operation of the heat pump is decoupled from the heat demand of the building It does not suffer from the UK’s winter humidity issues – no need to defrost No unsightly bolt-on panels ‘Smart grid’ ready

The system has recently been used by property developer, David Lomax, in Norfolk, where his renovated Victorian school building was converted into eight, 2 bedroom, apartments. “I like the idea of an inexpensive form

of heating. The benefit of this for a house builder, or landlord is that I can charge a higher rate of rent for my properties, but include heating and hot water within the costs to the tenants. My running costs are greatly reduced but the tenants benefit from set rates and increased levels of comfort. The average weekly cost of £6.00 per week, per apartment, is excellent,” says Lomax. “The outlay for the Minus 7 systems including install was £80,000. It’s a large investment but the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme really swayed me to go down that route.

Over 20 years the RHI will pay out £100,000 and I’m very happy that this means that the system will pay for itself, which made the decision to use it more simple,” says Lomax.

Heating and Hot Water from your Roof The True Hybrid Energy Harvester: The system is made up of an endothermic roofing system, a solar energy processor and a thermal store. It is designed to keep a five bed house at a comfortable temperature of at least 21oC even in the worst case scenario of mid-winter.

Manufactured in the UK, to the highest commercial quality standards, the roofing component is expected to last for more than 50 years and the solar energy processor will last for more than 20 years. t Harvests energy 24 hours of the day t Insensitive to orientation t Heat pump decoupled from heat demand of the building t No issue with UK winter humidity - no need to defrost t No unsightly bolt-on panels

Contact details: Contact details: t: 01922 419405 e: info@minus7.co.uk w: www.minus7.co.uk

Timber Door Canopies Our door canopy range comes in many designs to suit the style of your property and improve the appearance of your house – from flat roof canopies to ‘A’ frame door canopies and mono pitch. Our canopies are suitable for front doors, porches and windows and are made from high quality timber by our highly skilled craftsmen. All door canopies are quick and easy to fix. If you are looking for something a little different from our standard range or just need to alter the dimensions please contact Sally and discuss your requirements, all bespoke designs are considered.

Please browse our site to view the standard range of canopies hand made by the tradesman at ‘George Woods’. As well as the standard range of traditional porches you will see on the ‘standard range/buy online’ page, George Woods also offer a service to design and build bespoke canopies, to find out exactly what is on offer please send us your details and criteria via the contact form.

George Woods have replicated as closely as possible the patterns created in the last century to enhance the visual impact of your home. Being that George Woods was founded in Devon it felt right that the beautiful surrounding villages play a part in the make up of the canopies hence the names ‘Ashcombe’, ‘Branscombe’, ‘Chilcombe’ etc.

Being a mail order product allows for the beauty of the local devon cottages to spill out over the countryside with canopies being delivered anywhere from Landsend (Cornwall) to John O’Groats (Scotland). *This does not mean we will not deliver further afield it simply means this is our ‘standard’ UK delivery area*.

View our newest design: the Kingsbridge!

Kept simple for a more modern look, the kings bridge canopy is the least expensive in our range. With it’s simple lines it suits both modern and older properties. The standard size suits a normal 940mm door, bespoke price available on request.

Ashcombe £318

Branscombe £306

Chilcombe £306

Dunscombe £306

Eastacombe £306

Filcombe £306

Gittisham £306

Harcombe £220.80 GEORGE WOODS

Ilfracombe £256.40

Kingsbridge £200

Shiplap £318

4D Yeo Vale Industrial Estate Lapford Crediton Devon EX17 6YQ TEL: (01363) 884218 FAX: (01363) 884228 WEB: timberdoorcanopies.co.uk

It’s all in a day’s work with Schlüter® DITRA-HEAT-E Underfloor Heating Cutting installation time by up to 70%, boasting an extremely low assembly height (5.5mm) and providing one unique underfloor heating system all available from a market leading innovative manufacturer - Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-E has arrived! chlüter®DITRAHEAT-E leaves other conventional systems out in the cold as the perfect all-in-one integrated solution for use under tiles and natural stone flooring.

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Ideal for refurbishment and renovation projects thanks to its uncoupling and crack-bridging properties, Schlüter®DITRA-HEAT-E is unlike anything else available due to its loose heating cables which are fixed down to the uncoupling mat free of tape as a result of its unique studded design.

Offering optimum freedom

for creating concentrated heating zones, as well as providing uniform spacing without the need for measuring and marking, the new system will dramatically cut installation time by up to 70%.

Time-saving benefits include: Easy press to lay cable – no tape or glue No self-levelling layer or primer laying – time saved on application Loose heating cable greater flexibility Uniform spacing of every three studs – no measurements Integrated and balanced packages - all from one

trusted manufacturer Can be tiled immediately – no waiting time Joachim Backes, Managing Director at SchlüterSystems, commented, “Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-E makes the installation of underfloor heating simpler and easier than ever before.

Its distinct studded look and loose cabling make it an installer’s dream system, providing flexibility in size and layout and extensive time saving benefits. Its low assembly height is also ideally suited for renovation projects and it’s even suitable for installation over problematic substrates. The

end result is an underfloor heating system that really does tick all the boxes whether you’re the specifier, installer or the homeowner.”

Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-E is now also available in complete box sets, to fit all common UK room sizes.

The sets contain everything needed for optimal underfloor heating including a thermostat, uncoupling mat and heating cable.

Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-E is available from SchlüterSystems stockists, for more information and your nearest stockist contact us on 01530 813396 or email sales@schluter.co.uk With over 10,000 products in its range, SchlüterSystems has an essential role to play in every professional tiling project. To find out how it can help you to create more beautiful and longer-lasting installations, please telephone 01530 813396 or visit the website at

www.schluter.co.uk

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Andrew Kornat Designs Ltd

NEW Side Table and Table Lamp from Andrew Kornat Designs Ltd Andrew Kornat Designs Ltd is proud to announce the launch of a new side table and table lamp. The Layered Leaf lamp and the Hexagon side table are new this year, launched at London Design Week in March. The Layered Leaf lamp is made of solid cast brass and available in a combination of Matt and Polished finishes including Gold, Nickel, Black, Bronze, Copper – shown is the Polished and Matt Nickel. The Hexagon table is made of hexagonal section legs, finished with ball feet and Hexagonal Bronze detail to the top or the legs, available in many different finishes – pictured in Nickel with Bronze detail.

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Andrew Kornat has been in the interior supply industry for nearly 20 years, establishing his own company three years ago. The business acts as the exclusive distributor of a selection of established overseas lighting manufacturers, including Jonathan Browning Studio, Bagues Paris, Cinabre Gallery, Ciani Firenze, Casadisagne & Mazzuccato Murano. Over the last year, Andrew has developed and launched his own capsule brand collection of lighting and furniture, made by hand in Europe, utilizing the skills of experienced craftsmen he has known and worked with for many years.

These pieces are on a rotating display at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour in Andrew’s showcase on the 3rd Floor, South Dome - next to the Design Club.

A bespoke service is also available, drawing on Andrews experience of being in the supply industry for so many years and realized by his network of European and English manufacturers.

Recent commissions include a 3.5Mt long dining table made of solid brass in a cloud like formation and an 8Mt high Murano glass ceiling light installation for the centre of a spiral stairway. andrew@andrewkornatdesigns.com

YEOMAN RAINGUARD RAINWATER SYSTEMS - AN ALL ROUND SUCCESS

With over 40 years’ experience of supplying and fitting rainwater systems we have a product to suit your unique requirements.

ALUMINIUM . GRP . CAST IRON . COPPER . ZINC

T: 0113 279 5854 W: www.rainguard.co.uk E: sallyann@rainguard.co.uk CI/SfB (52.5)

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David Buffery to lead Benoy’s Global Hospitality Team

Benoy, international award-winning Architects, Masterplanners, Interior and Graphic Designers, has welcomed renowned hospitality designer David Buffery to its Hong Kong studio to lead the firm’s Global Hospitality Team.

‘We are delighted to welcome David to Benoy in the capacity of Global Head of Hospitality Design to strengthen our presence and portfolio within the sector,’ commented Peter McCaffery, Global Director and Head of the Hong Kong Studio.

and has delivered high-profile schemes for Intercontinental Hotels, Galaxy Resort Casinos, Starwood Hotels, Hilton and The Peninsula.

Well known for his leadership within the sector and his work on a diverse collection of projects, David is also regularly commissioned for stand‘Hospitality is one of the fastest alone restaurant outlets and private growing industries internationally clubs across Asia. and David’s appointment confirms our commitment to contributing ‘I am honoured to take up this global leading and forward-thinking design. role for Benoy. For me, the most David’s diverse project experience important aspect of Hospitality across the industry and his ability to Design is working with the Architect develop successful design teams is an and Interior Architect to ensure a invaluable asset for Benoy.’ strong design language reverberates throughout a scheme. This is a For over 20 years David has been core philosophy I can already see in involved in the Interior Design industry Benoy’s work’, says David. t34t

‘Benoy’s model for promoting multidisciplinary design teams and their balance of commercial acumen alongside creative and locally sensitive design gives me a very strong platform to launch the Global Hospitality Team. The opportunity for our clients and what Benoy will offer to the sector is very exciting.’

Currently based in Benoy’s Hong Kong office, David will commence a tour across the firm’s global studios in Asia, India, the UAE and the UK to drive, develop and manage Benoy’s Hospitality portfolio which already includes the award-winning EAST Hotel in Beijing.

Fondis woodburning inset stoves provide a window of fire in your home Counter balanced vertical lift doors slide up and into the wall They can also be used as an open fire Efficient and elegant

www.firepowerheating.co.uk 01803 712 735

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uality, function and appearance were all major factors when it came to choosing the right Rainwater goods to renovate Wayout Lodge, a listed mini chateau styled property in Cobham, Surrey, which has recently undergone a major transformation from rundown and tired to a shining example of a successfully renovated period property, having been taken under the wing of new owner and interior designer James Gostelow.

The comprehensive renovation included a facelift to the exterior of the property and the replacement of existing plastic drainpipes with Yeoman Rainguard XL Aluminium pipes and gutters. James explained: “The plastic drainpipes served a purpose but were hideous looking.

It was a high priority to finish the external design at high end spec, which is just as important as the interior design as first impressions are massively important to me and as a designer I always aim to achieve this.”

Yeoman Rainguard’s Aluminium range of rainwater products grabbed James’s attention after he came across them at a listed property show. Being durable and cost effective, the Aluminium system also

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PLASTIC RAINWATER GOODS MAKE THEIR ‘WAY OUT’ FOR ATTRACTIVE ALUMINIUM REPLACEMENTS boasts strong aesthetics – just a few of the reasons James selected it for his own project. “In my eyes aluminium guttering was the most cost effective way of achieving a solid material and a great look,” he said. “It’s so important to choose a quality material and stay in keeping with the age of the property.”

Within days of his initial enquiry, James met with Yeoman Rainguard representative, Nick White who was able to assist with the quantity required. “Working with Yeoman Rainguard certainly proved their worth and I had expertise advice to succeed in what I had set out to achieve, which was a rainwater product that would serve its purpose, look good and do away with the hideous plastic drainage system,” said James.

Dating back to 1830 it was also important to complement the historic appearance of Wayout Lodge and James knew that the hopper design was something that was hugely important.

“I wanted a design which would fit in with the era of the lodge and gave that dramatic effect, something which the property deserves.” The Yeoman Rainguard Victoria GRP Hopper was able to fit the bill exactly.”

Headache free fitting was also a key factor and the quick and easy jointing technology of the Rainguard XL Aluminium range

guaranteed a speedy installation process by the company’s accredited installers without any problems along the way.

“Having a design company of my own, it is important to me, and my staff to build relationships with suppliers In order to achieve customer satisfaction. I would without doubt include Yeoman Rainguard as one of my company’s approved suppliers.”

“Although it’s not the most glamorous element of design, it still massively important to achieve those minor finishes,” concluded James.

Andrew Kornat Designs Ltd andrew@andrewkornatdesigns.com 07738080098

The latest in woodburning stoves The picture of a woodburning stove is changing. We used to imagine a black square box with a couple of doors sitting in the fireplace. Now we are moving into something altogether more elegant and contemporary. Their hallmark is big glass windows to show lots of flame, minimal frames and a door that discretely slides up and away into the wall above.

There can’t be many people designing their new home who don’t want to include a fire of some sort to bring that warmth and cosiness into their living room. For some people a gas effect fire is sufficient but for many that primal need to sit around a crackling log fire is only satisfied by the sights, sounds and scents of the real thing. With energy efficient airtight homes a traditional open fire is out of the question and that’s where the new breed of insert fires comes in.

down counter-balanced door. A light lift with one finger is sufficient to have the door slide up and disappear into the wall above.

And don’t forget that having your secondary heating as an eco-friendly stove, designed to burn a renewable fuel, will immediately boost your SAP rating.

Its enough to make you look forward to winter!

It might be installed like a window of fire part way up the wall or it may be more traditional looking within a fire surround. Either way what is at its heart is a highly efficient closed system stove, with the combustion air drawn directly from the outside, that won’t compromise an air tightness test. It is a real fire and yet safe, clean and efficient.

Most of the warmth from an inset stove is convected rather than radiant heat, giving a more gentle and evenly spread warmth around the house. As a closed stove it is highly controllable, allowing you to decide how much or how little heat you want, so that even a well insulated house won’t be overheated. And if the hankering to sit by an open fire still kicks in occasionally then go for a model with an up and

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“

It is the ideal solution for generating electricity without affecting the aesthetics.

Design guru and Grand Designs presenter, Kevin McCloud

PERM

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Y AT NATI ONA L SEL & RE F BU NOV ATIO I N CE LD NTRE SWIN DON

SOLAR SLATE Generating Clean, Green Photovoltaic electricity whilst blending in with Roofing Slates unobtrusively Solar Slate presents its solution for Architects, Conservation and Planning Officers or the Discerning for Electricity generation and an Integrated Roof covering with Discrete Visual compliance.

This is Photovoltaics unlike anything else available on the market.

Traditional and Multi variants have an unrivalled track record in gaining Planning Approval.

The established Traditional is now joined by the Multi which offers: • • •

Same superior aesthetic appearance Reduced cost and better value Simpler and faster installation.

Typical applications include Conservation areas, Listed and Historical building, New Build and Renovation projects including Off-grid sites.

With the aid of an MCS approved Electrician Solar Slate installations are eligible to receive the government Feed in Tariff reward for the next 20 years so securing the Property owner’s electricity supply.

SOLAR S L AT E

For more information or to join our CPD briefings please contact our team by: T 01454 627841 E info@solarslate-ltd.com W www.solarslate-ltd.com

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Building in Flood-Risk Areas With summer officially here, it would be easy to forget the destruction and devastation caused by flooding earlier in the year as a result of changing weather patterns. We should remind ourselves of what climate change can lead to, and the necessity for the Government to create a new long term planning policy, and for architects and house builders to adopt new building standards and design strategies in flood-risk areas.

There is a need to improve our knowledge of climate change, understand the effects of flooding and manage the consequences, which means evaluating methods of design and construction. For example in existing properties there are a series of measures in place, such as door guards, which can improve the resilience of houses to flooding.

New housing developments in flood prone areas should always be designed for flood resilience. In the 2007 guide “Improving the Flood Performance of New Buildings: Flood Resilient Construction” published by

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the Department of Communities and Local Government, resilience is defined as sustainable measures that can be incorporated into the building fabric to reduce the impact of floodwater to the property. One such measure would be to use an anti-flood air brick cover. The self sealing cover which can only be used with clay air bricks, is made from aluminium and incorporates a closed cell EPDM foam. Simple to install, once flood waters subside, the cover can be easily removed. Without the protection of an air brick cover, air bricks can allow over 5000 litres of water per hour to enter a property.

In this perspective the construction material, along with other factors, acquires a primary role in contrasting flooding effects.

Laboratory tests (CIRIA 2006) and experiential evidence (CIRIA 2007) demonstrated that clay bricks offer a high performance in terms of resilience (the best among the different construction materials considered). They were highly rated for water penetration, drying ability and retention of pre-flooded dimensions and structural integrity.

The Brick Development Association upholds a very clear message that: even after a long period of being submerged, clay bricks do not show any damage.

In fact clay bricks have the capability to regain their original moisture condition, form and appearance.

Brickwork bridges offer a clear example of the ability of clay bricks to resist water. There are around 100,000 highway carrying bridges in the United

Kingdom and about forty percent of these are brick or stone masonry arch bridges.

Most of these masonry arches were built in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries during the construction of the canals and railways. Arch bridges are exposed structures and so many of the potential durability concerns are due to the effects of water, either rain water, flood water, ground water or water from burst pipes within the structure. Damage to the brickwork may occur due to cycles of freezing and thawing but this does not concern flooding.

Moreover bricks with improved and more consistent properties are now available than when most existing arch bridges were built. In the case of buildings, it is important to protect the brickwork from water as far as possible but as an external cladding material, clay bricks offer good resistance and resilience in flood risk areas, reducing the amount of time until a building can be reoccupied.

Real-time dust and noise measurement system with rapid configuration and delivery.

Casella’s pioneering BOUNDARY Guardian will reduce occupational health and environmental risks across several major construction, demolition and rejuvenation projects throughout London this summer.

businesses can take advantage of modern instrumentation to monitor conditions and protect the local environment as well as the business and its workforce from the negative effects of exposure.

Noise and dust from construction have a significant impact on the local environment and as such can result in a headache – both literally and figuratively in financial and legal terms – for the contractor. Improving the regulation and enforcement of environmental monitoring provisions in the sector therefore needs to be a higher priority.

Casella’s BOUNDARY Guardian is the first simultaneous multiparameter dust, noise, wind speed and direction monitor from a single manufacturer in the UK. This innovative, web-based, remote system offers a powerful tool to aid the UK construction industry by ensuring compliance with regulatory limits, including Section 61 restrictions and PPG24.

On-site noise and dust monitoring should be an essential part of site planning as well as an ongoing process throughout the construction project. Fortunately,

The BOUNDARY Guardian utilises proven measurement with accuracy and sensitivity. It can report on noise parameters LAeq, LAmx,

LA10 and LA90, particulate levels PM10, PM2.5 or TSP to a sensitivity of 1ug/m3 and wind speed and direction accuracy of +/-2%. It requires minimum maintenance and features a unique filter that allows for on-site calibration of dust.

Recognising the nature of construction projects, orders for Casella’s BOUNDARY Guardian can be configured from stock to suit individual requirements at very short notice. Installation and commissioning are equally rapid subject to an appropriate mounting and 110/240V power being available.

Learn more about the BOUNDARY Guardian and Casella’s full range of innovative dust and noise monitors at www.casellasolutions.com

PearsonLloyd scoop Focus Open Awards Industrial Design Studio PearsonLloyd has received three coveted Focus Open awards in the Baden-Württemberg International Design Awards.

The Business Class Seat and Cabin project for Lufthansa was awarded the Focus Gold, Docklands for Bene received a Focus Silver and Bay chair for Bene received a Special Mention.

Awarded by the Design Center Stuttgart, the Focus Open is considered as one of Germany’s top design accolades, attracting hundreds of entries from companies and designers across the world.

The studio, led by founding members Luke Pearson and Tom Lloyd, were commissioned by Lufthansa to deliver the airline’s first fully flat bed whilst maintaining passenger numbers across the fleet. In the fiercely competitive world of business class seating among global airlines, PearsonLloyd developed a pioneering seating configuration for Lufthansa Business Class Cabin: the V configuration. The new seating offers passengers both privacy and at the same time easier means of communicating. This is thanks to its angled position which spaces passengers further apart at the shoulder to offer a greater sense of personal space, while also angling passengers towards each other, facilitating more interaction.

PearsonLloyd have been collaborating with workplace furniture brand, Bene, since 2007. Docklands is a series of products offering a more flexible and social office landscape. The goal for PearsonLloyd was to find a new type of temporary workspace

that could be used as a shared resource and provide staff with an alternative space to do focused individual work.

Like the design studio’s Docklands range for Bene, the Bay chair stems from the observation that workers are increasingly using shared touch-down and informal team work areas for short periods of time, to exchange ideas and work on collaborative tasks. PearsonLloyd recognised that over-engineered task chairs aren’t necessary in these settings, and sought to develop a new typology of chair for shared workspace seating. Bay merges great ergonomic performance within a softer more open and friendly aesthetic.

The projects are being presented as part of the awards exhibition which will run until 1st December 2013 at the Kulturzentrum Ludwigsburg, Germany.

Urban sanctuary wins RIBA award Slip House, a remarkable translucent glass house on a terraced street in Brixton, has won the RIBA prestigious Manser Medal 2013 for the best newly designed private house. The presentation of the award to the winning architects, Carl Turner Architects, took place at a special event at Central Saint Martins in London.

Built on a small patch of land in Brixton, the architects have made a simple and sculptural addition to a street of Victorian terraced houses. Slip House is made up of three ‘boxes’ which sit on top of one another, creating a studio work space downstairs, with living quarters above, above which is a walled roof garden covering the entire footprint of the building. The boxes are carefully placed to maximise light and outlook from inside while not intruding on its neighbour’s outlook.

Speaking about Slip House, the RIBA Manser Medal judges said “Slip House demonstrates an admirable commitment to the creation of an exemplary low-energy house, with a suite of sustainable enhancements that are integrated effectively into the building design. However, at no point do the sustainable ambitions of the project crowd out or dominate the refined quality of the spaces that are created. Little wonder then the project was one of Kevin McCloud’s favourite ‘Grand Designs’, one he described as an ‘urban sanctuary’.”

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Ksr Architects Win Planning Battle For St John’s Wood Tower KSR Architects maintain their position as the preeminent architects working in exclusive St John’s Wood, North London where they currently have nine active projects. Westminster City Council recently granted planning permission for the redevelopment of a site opposite Lord’s Cricket Ground and next-door to KSR’s own award winning Pavilion Apartments.

The sensitive site on St John’s Wood Road has been released for development by UKPN and is one of the few remaining major residential development sites in Westminster and St John’s Wood. The site still includes some infrastructure relating to UKPN, which is carefully integrated into the proposals. KSR has incorporated an impressive 84 private apartments and 47 affordable/ intermediate units into their design, which totals 24,000sqm.

An iconic tower facing Lord’s incorporates 300sqm of lateral apartments and a double volume penthouse, based on the New York model. Each has their own private lift stop and with views to the cricket ground.

The southern apartment building on Lodge Road is lower and includes a flagship 600sqm penthouse complete with private pool on a south-facing terrace with expansive views over London.

Evac+Chair International announce new division – Sigma Fire & Security Birmingham based Evac+Chair International, leading manufacturer of emergency equipment, has announced they will be

launching Sigma Fire & Security; a new part of the Emergency Solutions products and services, which will be headed up by Ges Wallace who has over 30 years’ experience within the industry.

Evac+Chair International is the original manufacturer of the evacuation chair, a universal solution that delivers smooth stairway descent for the mobility impaired during an emergency evacuation. The business has recently expanded its product portfolio to offer a wider range of emergency products and solutions including training and aftersales servicing.

Ges Wallace, Divisional Director at Sigma Fire & Security said: ‘Using my knowledge and experience within the industry, together with Evac+Chair’s infrastructure and extensive skills, we have formed SIGMA Fire & Security which will be a specialist fire & security, product manufacturing and distribution division under the umbrella of Evac+Chair International.

Mark Wallace, Managing Director at Evac+Chair International said: ‘The launch of Sigma Fire & Security is designed to enhance our existing product range and it will also enter us in to a new market sector that will provide us with new opportunities.

We are in the process of securing exclusive distribution agreements for a number of exciting new products. Over the coming months Sigma will continue to expand its product offering by designing new and innovative products, targeted specifically for the fire, safety and security markets.

Exciting times are ahead with the introduction of Sigma Fire and Security and we welcome Ges on board with his wealth of experience and knowledge of the industry’.

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