INDUSTRY news
Age of the Energy Efficient Pump
Small circulating pumps are a key component of all wet heating systems in the UK, whether traditional boiler driven systems or new renewable systems. They are responsible for a high percentage of overall household electricity usage, which is why old uncontrolled pumps were targeted by European legislation as a key way of reducing energy usage in the home. From January 2013 high efficiency pumps were demanded by EU Legislation – the much vaunted ErP Legislation. Now, high efficiency pumps have been accepted and are being installed in their thousands across the UK. Wilo’s series of glandless pumps, WiloYonos PICO, Wilo-Stratos PICO and Wilo-Stratos, are seeing increasing popularity across the board. They are relevant for nearly all applications for heating, air-conditioning and cooling in the building services area – from the family home to a small commercial or industrial building. Vastly improved electronics and the arrival of electronically commutated motors (ECMs) for small circulating pumps – provide high efficiency and huge savings over a ten or fifteen year operational lifetime. The age of the energy efficient pump is very much here. www.wilo.co.uk
Folds Bureau de Change A three storey period terrace house in North London, appealed for a scheme that would open up views to the adjoining Parkland Walk conservation area. The focal point of the project is a pleated roof at the back of the house, which appears to be formed from a flat surface, forced to crinkle up into a faceted structure, as it is pushed up against the exterior wall. From the garden, the pleats are purposefully sunk from view, creating the impression of a simple flat roof, which allows the character of the original building to stand out. Forming a side and rear extension, the roof expands the existing kitchen and creates a new dining and work area. The roof pleats are replicated along the party wall, concealing a home office which can be opened up when required. The boundary of the kitchen is marked assertively by the end of the pleated ceiling, which is capped by a midnight blue surface that emphasises its ample
peaks and troughs. The poise of the roof offers natural points for the placement of generous skylights, bringing light into the living area and fulfilling the owners’ desire to see the nearby woodland whilst relaxing in the space. The scheme is characterised by a rich palette of colours, materials and textures, which create a different experience in each space. Large terrazzo slabs, encaustic tiles and tonal parquet, complement the complexion of the original building, whilst enhancing the graphic impact of the angular extension.
Splash of colour for student digs A city-centre student block for Liverpool University has been clad in more than 5,000 m2 of high performance laminate cladding, creating a clean, modern exterior, which echoes the facades of nearby historic buildings. Crown Place is a 1,500-bed student accommodation project in three blocks grouped around a central courtyard. Popular with students because of its proximity to the city centre and the University’s main teaching blocks, it welcomed its first intake last September. Drawing on a materials palette of the surrounding University buildings, Manchesterbased architect Lewis and Hickey opted for Meteon Unicolour cladding panels from Trespa UK for the inner elevations of the blocks which face onto two central plazas that act as communal areas from which the buildings are accessed. “The facades of the three blocks facing outward onto the street were to be in a GRC, reflecting the stonework of the nearby Metropolitan Cathedral and the Reilly Building. The courtyard facades were also to be of the
same tone, maximising the light reflectance to illuminate the courtyard bedrooms,” says architect Philip Daniels. “Trespa panels were the logical choice for the internal courtyard facades, offering a cost-effective option that maintained dimensional and aesthetic stability over time, and would weather well.” Trespa Meteon is a decorative, high-pressure compact laminate with an integral surface manufactured using Trespa’s in-house technologies that utilise dry-forming and electron beam curing. The panels, in 8 mm thickness, were specified for the Liverpool University project. Trespa says they perform exceptionally well outdoors, with neither sun nor rain having any significant effect on the
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