LOCAL AUTHORITY BUIL DING& MA INT ENA NCE
SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS & PUBLIC BUILDINGS
ROOFING, CLADDING & INSULATION
KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & DISABILITY NEEDS
MODULAR & OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION
Our continuing series looks at the fuelling of carbon emissions through the use of plastic in construction.
How retrospective digitisation can transform building maintenance in a backlog crisis
THE LEADING MAGAZINE FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY AND HOUSING ASSOCIATION SPECIFIERS
REGULARS
5 Comment
A tough act to follow?
6 News
New solar panels for Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre - Housing Minister tours development in Oxford north districtbelieve housing reaches £1m community grants milestone
8 Industry comment
Matthew Warburton, Policy Advisor at the Association of Retained Council Housing (ARCH) discusses implementing Awaab’s Law
12 Reducing Plastic in Construction in association with Changing Streams and the University of Liverpool. Continuing our series of articles looking at how the construction industry can reduce its dependence on plastic
SPECIAL REPORT
10 Digitisation of maintenance
Ryan Donoghue of AJ Digital investigates how retrospective digitisation can transform building maintenance in a backlog crisis
Modular wall panel systems the hygienic solution for social housing
19 Inspirational doorsets for education How choosing the right doorset can help create an inspiring environment for students 22 Preparing for the PSTN switchover Why lift owners with old PSTN technology should review their current lift communication systems
Designing Safe and Stylish Shower Spaces for Your Residents The benefits of level access showering spaces 39 Can offsite finally help tackle the affordable housing crisis?
Saint-Gobain has developed a new offsite system that can build more high-quality homes, faster 41 How to protect modular units in transit The practicalities of modular construction and how to protect the units during transportation from factory to site
Round Up
Editor
Dave Jones
labm@hamerville co uk
Advertisement Manager
Matthew Boase
mboase@hamerville co uk
Group Advertising Manager
Craig Jowsey
Digital Manager
Jasmine Smith
JSmith@hamerville co uk
Digital Assistant
Lydia McFarlane
lmcfarlane@hamerville co uk
Design Adeel Qadri
Production Assistant Claire Swendell
Group Production Manager Carol Padgett
Circulation Manager
Kirstie Day
Printed by Stephens & George
Published by Hamerville Media Group
Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF 01923 237799
Email: labm@hamerville co uk
© 2025
Subscriptions to LABM are available at the following rates:
UK: 1 year £30 00 post paid Europe and Overseas: 1 year £70 00 post paid
Airmail: 1 year £99 00 post paid
12,317 (1 July 2023 30 June 2024)
To be removed from LABM’s circulation please call 01923 237799 or email: circulation@hamerville co uk
The Procurement Act 2023 entered into force on 24 February 2025 The Act creates a new public procurement rulebook in England, Wales and Northern Ireland Government spends around £380bn each year on buying goods, works and services from suppliers
The hope is that the Act will improve and streamline the way procurement is done, and benefit prospective suppliers of all sizes, particularly small businesses, start-ups and social enterprises
The Act simplifies the bidding processes and makes commercial frameworks more open, so prospective suppliers are not shut out for long periods of time It removes bureaucratic barriers for smaller businesses and requires public bodies to provide consistent feedback for suppliers
This should create greater transparency across the contract lifecycle, with a broader range of notices published from pre-market engagement through to contract termination
Certain types of contracts are exempt from the competitive tendering rules prescribed by the Act These will be known as a “Direct Award” However, in most cases, contracting authorities will be required to carry out a competitive procurement
The Procurement Review Unit has been established, being responsible for oversight of public procurement and engaging with contracting authorities across sectors and suppliers to raise standards in public procurement
The PRU will also build on the current Public Procurement Review Service (PPRS) to allow concerns with public procurement to be addressed, specifically with matters of procedure and late payment
The Act’s implementation is supported by the launch of a new central digital platform The aim is to streamline the existing patchwork of portals and reduce administration by bringing this information together in one place This, in turn, will increase transparency and accessibility, making it easier for suppliers to identify opportunities
There will of course be challenges as the Act is implemented There will inevitably be upfront costs associated with getting the Central Digital Platform up and running and there will be a period of transition
This period of adjustment presents an opportunity to embrace the Act’s underlying principles of transparency, efficiency, and value for money
The true impact of the Procurement Act 2023 will only become apparent as it is applied in practice As it comes into force, central government must liaise with suppliers and organisations across the public sector to understand what is working well, and what is not If it delivers what it promises, then it shouldn’t be a hard act to follow
Construction begins on multi-million pound SEN school in Greenwich
Marking a key development milestone, work has begun to construct a brand-new secondary school for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) in Greenwich
Located on Hargood Road, Rowan Wood School will provide 128 places for children aged 11-19 with autism (ASD) and complex needs It is set to complete later this year
The two-storey SEN facility will be situated on the site of former primary school Kidbrooke Park, which has been demolished to make way for the new purpose-built school
Wyre Forest DC complete block of 20 apartments for people affected by homelessness
A new development providing highquality, short-term accommodation for 20 people affected by homelessness has been completed in Kidderminster
The new residential block, called Mill Pond House, means Wyre Forest District Council can reduce the number of people affected by homelessness put in emergency bed and breakfasts and hotels and instead provide purpose-built accommodation and professional support to help people get back on their feet
The council believes the highly energy-efficient new development, built on an underused car park at Castle Road, will help even more people living independently in the coming years
Dacorum Borough Council, in partnership with Leisure Energy and Everyone Active has successfully completed the installation of 762 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels at Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre.
The project was funded through a £630,000 grant from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund, a government fund designed to help keep pools open in the face of financial challenges and provide assistance for longer-term projects to help reduce the future cost of energy
Leisure Energy played a key role in securing the funding and overseeing the installation process as the principal contractor at the site
The solar panels are projected to deliver substantial environmental benefits by saving approximately 57 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually and reducing the electricity consumption from the grid by 294,030 kWh a year, equivalent to the planting of over 2612 trees
This installation highlights considerable progress in the Council’s commitment to achieving net zero as an organisation by 2030 and net zero as a borough by 2050
These improvements will allow Everyone Active, who operate Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre on behalf of Dacorum Borough Council, to provide a more sustainable and efficient facility and continue to support the health and wellbeing of the community
Cllr Caroline Smith-Wright, Portfolio Holder for Transformation (People & Climate and Ecological Emergency) at Dacorum Borough Council, said: “The successful installation of 762 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels at Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre marks an important phase in our efforts to reduce our facility's carbon footprint This impressive achievement aligns with our climate emergency declaration and represents another significant step toward towards meeting our net-zero ambitions
“The installation of these solar panels will enable our partner, Everyone Active to continue to maintain our public swimming services, which positively contributes to our residents' health and wellbeing, and provide local school children the chance to learn how to swim ”
Steve Cox, Everyone Active’s Area Contract Manager, said: “It is great news that these investments will reduce the centre’s carbon footprint going forward Everyone Active is proud to work alongside Dacorum Borough Council, as part of our Net Zero Strategy, to help achieve our company ’ s Net Zero ambitions ”
Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook MP, has visited Canalside Quarter, the first residential phase of the new Oxford North innovation district Developed by The Hill Group, Canalside Quarter is providing much-needed sustainable homes in the centre of this key strategic location As part of the Oxford North masterplan, it is set to become a key catalyst for unlocking future growth in the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor, to support the government’s vision for housing, employment and investment in the region
This visit follows the government’s latest announcement to help build the next generation of new towns across England, to help create the largest housebuilding programme since the post-war era
Designed by architects Pollard Thomas Edwards, this impressive collection of 317 energy-efficient homes, includes 111 affordable homes for Oxford City Council, through its housing company, OX Place
Contemporarily designed, these energy-efficient homes include one, two and three-bedroom apartments centred around a publicly accessible park, alongside desirable three, four and fivebedroom houses, many with views over
the canal These new homes sit within easy reach of the new amenities being created in the Oxford North innovation district, including new workspaces for start-ups to global companies, a cafe, a two-acre public park and in the future, a hotel and a nursery
Oxford North’s 64-acre masterplan, led by Thomas White Oxford, will transform the area into a dynamic hub for science and technology Alongside new homes,
the district will deliver world-class research space, parks and community amenities, creating a vibrant and sustainable neighbourhood and generating an estimated 4,500 new jobs to the local area Ideally located just off the A40 and close to Oxford Parkway station, Oxford North is laying the foundation for improved infrastructure, sustainable transport and economic development in the OxfordCambridge growth corridor
A housing association has marked a funding milestone, distributing a million pounds in grants to enhance communities and improve wellbeing across County Durham
Since 2017, believe housing and its predecessor County Durham Housing Group have awarded more than 700 grants of £500 to £30,000 to not-for-profit organisations
The community funding scheme has adapted over that time to address different social issues, from tackling inequalities resulting from the Covid pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis to celebrating the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
But its aim has always been to support grassroots initiatives that make a positive difference to people’s lives
L
s , a s w e
Howden-le-Wear Village Friends, a group focused on reducing social isolation among elderly residents in the Howdenle-Wear and Crook area
The millionth pound was awarded to
It received £6,893 to fund a Men’s Supper Club and the Connect Group for bereaved women
I m p l e m e n t i n g
On 6 February, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced that Awaab’s Law will come into effect from October this year It will initially require social landlords to investigate and fix damp and mould hazards within set time periods, as well as repair all emergency hazards within 24 hours. But from October 2026, the same requirements will apply to a wider range of hazards, including excess cold or heat, risk of falls, structural collapse, fire, electrical and explosions, and hygiene hazards. A year later, it will be extended again to include all hazards covered by the Housing Health and Safety rating system except for overcrowding
The Government has also announced its intention to extend the Law to the private rented sector and to temporary accommodation.
Named after two-year old Awaab Ishak, who died after exposure to damp and mould in his Rochdale home, the new law must be welcomed as a laudable attempt to ensure that all tenants and their families are safe in their homes No-one could disagree with this aim But the Government’s responsibilities do not stop with making the law and defining the requirements landlords must meet It must also consider the practical and financial implications of the new requirements and whether landlords have the capability and the resources to respond
Councils will, of course, do their best to meet the new requirements But many will only be able to respond by diverting staff
and money from other less urgent, but in the long run no less important, repairs and improvements Some cases of damp and mould are caused by problems unique to a particular home; others are caused by structural problems common to a whole block or estate It will usually be much more expensive to deal with the latter piecemeal in response to tenant requests than as part of planned major works programme And while the latter may be capitalised, piecemeal repairs will have to be met directly from revenue
Meanwhile, the vultures are circling, waiting to pick off any who stumble in meeting their new legal obligations
Claims harvesters are already advertising their help to take landlords to court if they fail to meet their obligations But their primary aim is not to make sure hazards are dealt with, but to win compensation, nominally for the tenant, but of which they will take a disproportionate share Some
councils are already handing over enormous sums to settle claims: money paid as rent by other tenants which could otherwise be spent on repairs It could get much worse. There is a vicious circle of failure lying in wait for landlords who struggle to respond to the new law
My last piece for this magazine detailed the parlous financial state of council housing finances In all probability we will have to wait for the outcome of the Spending Review to hear how the Government plans to respond But in setting a firm timetable for the introduction and roll-out of Awaab’s Law it has reduced its room for manoeuvre; having willed the end, the Government cannot but be aware that it must now will the means – councils must be given access to the resources they need to respond.
www.arch-housing.org.uk “
H o w r e t r o s p e c t i v e d i g i t i s a t i o n
c a n t r a n s f o r m b u i l d i n g
m a i n t e n a n c e i n a b a c k l o g c r i s i s
The recent National Audit Office (NAO) report paints a stark picture as to how the UK gover nment deals with a staggering maintenance backlog exceeding £49 billion, primarily concentrated in Ministry of Defence properties, schools and NHS buildings. This raises a critical question - how can we effectively address this challenge and ensure the longevity and functionality of these vital public assets? Ryan Donoghue of AJ Digital investigates
Ret r os p ect i v e d i g i t i s a t i on of f er s
a p ow er f u l s ol u t i on f or t a ck l i n g
t h e m a i n t en a n ce b a ck l og , b u t
i t ' s eq u a l l y i m p or t a n t t o
i n t r od u ce p r oa ct i v e s t r a t eg i es t o p r ev en t f u t u r e p r ob l em s f r om a ccu m u l a t i n g – a n d i t a l l s t a r t s w i t h s t a n d a r d i s ed d i g i t a l i n f or m a t i on
Tr a d i t i on a l l y, b u i l d i n g m a i n t en a n ce
h a s r el i ed h ea v i l y on f r a g m en t ed , i n com p l et e a n d s om et i m es p a p er -b a s ed
d ocu m en t a t i on A s a r es u l t , f l oor p l a n s ,
m a i n t en a n ce s ch ed u l es a n d a s s et
i n f or m a t i on a r e of t en s ca t t er ed a cr os s
p h y s i ca l f i l es , m a k i n g i t d i f f i cu l t t o
a cces s , u p d a t e a n d s h a r e cr i t i ca l d a t a
T h i s l a ck of cen t r a l i s ed , r ea d i l y
a v a i l a b l e i n f or m a t i on h a s ov er t i m e
cr ea t ed a s i g n i f i ca n t b a r r i er t o ef f i ci en t
m a i n t en a n ce p l a n n i n g a n d execu t i on
T h e N A O r ep or t s u g g es t s t h a t t h e
t r u e b a ck l og i s l i k el y t o b e h i g h er t h a n
r ep or t ed d u e t o a l a ck of s t a n d a r d i s ed
d a t a T h i s i s s u e i s p r ev a l en t a cr os s ou r
i n d u s t r y, m ea n i n g i t i s d i f f i cu l t t o
q u a n t i f y m a i n t en a n ce r eq u i r em en t s ,
cos t s or b en ef i t s a cr os s p or t f ol i os T h i s
a l s o m ea n s t h a t b u i l d i n g ow n er s a n d
op er a t or s a r e u n a b l e t o r es p on d ef f i ci en t l y i n s i t u a t i on s s u ch a s r eca l l s on u n s a f e p r od u ct s
R et r os p ect i v e d i g i t i s a t i on b r i d g es
t h i s g a p b y t r a n s f or m i n g ex i s t i n g
r ecor d s i n t o a s t a n d a r d i s ed , a cces s i b l e
d i g i t a l f or m a t f or Op er a t i on a n d
M a i n t en a n ce M a n u a l s a n d H ea l t h a n d
S a f et y f i l es T h i s p r oces s ca n b e t a k en
f u r t h er b y ca r r y i n g ou t l a s er s ca n n i n g , a
t ech n ol og y w h i ch cr ea t es a h i g h l y a ccu r a t e 3 D p oi n t cl ou d of t h e b u i l d i n g ,
ca p t u r i n g i t s ex i s t i n g g eom et r y a n d
l a y ou t
S u ch a cen t r a l i s ed d i g i t a l p l a t f or m
f a ci l i t a t es s ea m l es s com m u n i ca t i on a n d
col l a b or a t i on b et w een m a i n t en a n ce
“T h e N AO r e p o r t s u g g e s t s
t h a t t h e t r u e b a ck l o g i s
l i ke l y t o b e h i g h e r t h a n
r e p o r t e d d u e t o a l a ck o f
s t a n d a r d i s e d d a t a ”
t ea m s , b u i l d i n g occu p a n t s a n d ex t er n a l
con t r a ct or s , b eca u s e a l l s t a k eh ol d er s
a l w a y s h a v e a cces s t o t h e l a t es t
i n f or m a t i on , en s u r i n g ev er y on e i s on
t h e s a m e p a g e
T
h i s ca n b e t a k en f u r t h er a g a i n b y
g en er a t i n g d et a i l ed 3 D m od el s u s i n g
t h e l a s er s ca n d a t a , p r ov i d i n g a v i r t u a l
ob j ect -b a s ed r ep r es en t a t i on of t h e
b u i l d i n g E x i s t i n g b u i l d i n g d ocu m en t s ,
m a i n t en a n ce r ecor d s a n d a s s et
i n f or m a t i on ca n t h en b e i n t eg r a t ed w i t h
t h e 3 D m od el , cr ea t i n g t h e b a s i s f or a
com p r eh en s i v e d i g i t a l t w i n
W i t h a n a ccu r a t e d i g i t a l m od el ,
m a i n t en a n ce t ea m s ca n t h en p l a n
r en ov a t i on s , u p g r a d es , a n d r ep a i r s w i t h
g r ea t er a ccu r a cy C l a s h d et ect i on
s of t w a r e ca n f u r t h er i d en t i f y p ot en t i a l
con f l i ct s b et w een ex i s t i n g b u i l d i n g
el em en t s a n d p l a n n ed m od i f i ca t i on s ,
m i n i m i s i n g r ew or k a n d d el a y s A d i g i t a l
t w i n s er v es a s a v i r t u a l r ep l i ca of t h e
p h y s i ca l b u i l d i n g , of f er i n g a w ea l t h of
b en ef i t s f or m a i n t en a n ce a n d
op er a t i on s I t p r ov i d es a cl ea r a n d
com p r eh en s i v e v i ew of t h e en t i r e
b u i l d i n g , en a b l i n g f a ci l i t y m a n a g er s t o i d en t i f y p ot en t i a l i s s u es , p r i or i t i s e
m a i n t en a n ce n eed s a n d a l l oca t e
r es ou r ces ef f ect i v el y
B y a n a l y s i n g h i s t or i ca l m a i n t en a n ce
d a t a a n d b u i l d i n g u s a g e p a t t er n s , t h e
d i g i t a l t w i n ca n a l s o p r ed i ct p ot en t i a l
eq u i p m en t f a i l u r es a n d r ecom m en d
p r oa ct i v e m a i n t en a n ce i n t er v en t i on s
T h i s d a t a -d r i v en a p p r oa ch m i n i m i s es
d ow n t i m e a n d op t i m i s es m a i n t en a n ce
cos t s I n a d d i t i on , t h e d i g i t a l t w i n
p r ov i d es a p l a t f or m f or r u n n i n g
s i m u l a t i on s a n d a n a l y s i n g v a r i ou s
m a i n t en a n ce s cen a r i os T h i s a l l ow s
f a ci l i t y m a n a g er s t o m a k e i n f or m ed
d eci s i on s b a s ed on r ea l -t i m e d a t a a n d
p r oj ect ed ou t com es
A l i g n i n g w i t h s u s t a i n a b i l i t y g o a l s
T h e N A O r ep or t h i g h l i g h t s t h e
g ov er n m en t ' s com m i t m en t t o a ch i ev i n g
n et -z er o ca r b on em i s s i on s b y 2 0 5 0 A
d i g i t a l t w i n ca n s i g n i f i ca n t l y con t r i b u t e
t o t h i s g oa l b y en a b l i n g en er g y
m od el l i n g a n d p er f or m a n ce a n a l y s i s
T h i s i s a p r oces s w h er e t h e d i g i t a l
m od el ca n b e u s ed t o s i m u l a t e t h e
i m p a ct of d i f f er en t en er g y -s a v i n g
m ea s u r es , s u ch a s u p g r a d i n g H VA C
s y s t em s or i n s t a l l i n g r en ew a b l e en er g y
s ou r ces T h i s d a t a -d r i v en a p p r oa ch
h el p s i d en t i f y t h e m os t ef f ect i v e
s t r a t eg i es f or r ed u ci n g en er g y
con s u m p t i on
B y i n t eg r a t i n g s en s or d a t a w i t h t h e
d i g i t a l t w i n , f a ci l i t y m a n a g er s ca n a l s o
m on i t or u s a g e p a t t er n s a n d i d en t i f y
p ot en t i a l i n ef f i ci en ci es T h i s a l l ow s f or t a r g et ed i n t er v en t i on s t o r ed u ce w a s t e
A J D i g i t a l h a s a l w a y s p u t t h es e k i n d s
of p r oces s es i n t o p r a ct i ce T h ei r r ecen t
w or k w i t h a l ea d i n g co-w or k i n g
com p a n y, i l l u s t r a t es t h e t r a n s f or m a t i v e
p ow er of r et r os p ect i v e d i g i t i s a t i on
T h ei r cl i en t f a ced ch a l l en g es w i t h a n
ou t d a t ed b u i l d i n g i n f r a s t r u ct u r e,
i n ef f i ci en t cl i m a t e con t r ol s y s t em s a n d
a l a ck of r ea d i l y a v a i l a b l e b u i l d i n g d a t a
T h e s ol u t i on i n v ol v ed l a s er s ca n n i n g
ex i s t i n g b u i l d i n g s t o cr ea t e a ccu r a t e 3 D
m od el s , d ev el op i n g a d i g i t a l t w i n
p l a t f or m f or cen t r a l i s ed d a t a
m a n a g em en t a n d i m p l em en t i n g d i g i t a l
O&M m a n u a l s a n d h ea l t h a n d s a f et y
f i l es t o d el i v er s t r ea m l i n ed op er a t i on
T h i s a p p r oa ch en a b l ed t h e cl i en t t o
s i m p l i f y r en ov a t i on p l a n n i n g w i t h
p r eci s e 3 D m od el s , i m p r ov e op er a t i on a l
ef f i ci en cy w i t h d i g i t a l m a n u a l s a n d
r ea d i l y a cces s i b l e d a t a a n d m a k e d a t a -
d r i v en d eci s i on s f or op t i m i s i n g en er g y
a n d w a t er u s a g e
R et r os p ect i v e d i g i t i s a t i on ca n p l a y a
v i t a l r ol e b y a n a l y s i n g h i s t or i ca l
m a i n t en a n ce d a t a a n d i d en t i f y i n g
r ecu r r i n g i s s u es T h i s p r oa ct i v e
a p p r oa ch m i n i m i s es d ow n t i m e, ex t en d s
t h e l i f es p a n of b u i l d i n g a s s et s a n d r ed u ces ov er a l l m a i n t en a n ce cos t s T h e
d i g i t a l t w i n w i l l a l s o en a b l e f a ci l i t y
m a n a g ers t o con d u ct l i f ecy cl e cos t
a n a l y s es f or v a r i ou s b u i l d i n g
com p on en t s a n d s y s t em s T h i s a n a l y s i s h el p s d et er m i n e t h e m os t cos t -ef f ect i v e
m a i n t en a n ce s t r a t eg i es ov er t h e l on g
t er m , con s i d er i n g f a ct or s s u ch a s r ep a i r cos t s , r ep l a cem en t cos t s a n d en er g y ef f i ci en cy
T h e f u t u r e of b u i l d i n g m a n a g em en t
l i es i n a d a t a -d r i v en a p p r oa ch , w h er e
d i g i t a l t w i n s s er v e a s t h e cen t r a l h u b
f or a l l b u i l d i n g i n f or m a t i on B y u s i n g
t h e p ow er of d a t a a n d t ech n ol og y, w e ca n t r a n s f or m h ow w e m a i n t a i n , op er a t e a n d m a n a g e ou r b u i l t en v i r on m en t
T h e N A O r ep or t s er v es a s a s t a r k
r em i n d er of t h e cr i t i ca l n eed t o a d d r es s
t h e g r ow i n g m a i n t en a n ce b a ck l og i n
p u b l i c s ect or b u i l d i n g s – a n d w e ca n
s ee t h a t r et r os p ect i v e d i g i t i s a t i on of f er s
a p ow er f u l s ol u t i on f or t a ck l i n g t h i s
ch a l l en g e a n d t r a n s f or m i n g b u i l d i n g
m a n a g em en t p r a ct i ces
Publicity around the reduction of single-use plastic is generally in the context of packaging used for food and high street retail goods
Most readers of this magazine will be familiar with the collection points now in most large supermarkets for ‘recycling of soft plastics’. How is this in any way relevant to construction materials?
The UK Plastics Pacti, established in 2018, set targets for 2025 to eliminate problematic or unnecessary single-use packaging through redesign, innovation or alternatives
These targets were:
100% of plastics packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable
70% of plastics packaging effectively recycled or composted
30% average recycled content across all plastic packaging
This was in line with the UNEP Global commitment in 2018 and EU targets on recycling packaging and packaging waste
In the UK, approximately 50,000 tonnes of plastic waste is generated every year in the construction industry, of which around 70% is from packaging materials The majority is not recycled but sent to landfill or for incineration
What are the barriers to reducing plastic packaging?
It is important for building materials to arrive on site in good usable condition If wet this can cause delays to building plans and cause problems with sequencing of work on site Packaging may reduce damage or loss in transit and provides an easy way of identifying components and manufacturers Plastic packaging is useful for these requirements, but use comes at a cost to the environment
Significantly, there is no customer demand for reduction of plastic packaging, or even to understand whether the packaging that materials and components are delivered in is recyclable or recycled Practices for disposing of plastic packaging vary from site to site, but it
seems that there is a lack of knowledge as to whether plastic packaging (e g from bricks) is recyclable As with supermarket packaging, there is an element of ‘wishcycling’, with people believing that if they put materials in the recycling skip they will be sorted further downstream and recycled However, heavily contaminated or mixed materials are too expensive to sort and will be sent directly to landfill At most building sites packaging goes into a general waste skip: builders’ merchants sometimes have separate skips for plastic, although this still needs to be sorted if any is to be recycled, due to the different types of polymers used to make specific items There may be a large proportion of polyethylene (flexible wrapping), and the bands that hold flexible packaging in place may be made of polypropylene and/or polyester while padding of items may be done with polystyrene (that annoying white stuff that flies all over the place) Bulk bags are made of polypropylene – often containing a proportion of recycled
material Although not guaranteed for reuse manufacturers may recommend that they can be repurposed or sent for recycling It is not known what proportion have a ‘second career ’ There is currently no mechanism for manufacturers of building products to control what happens to packaging Often components sent to trade merchants in bulk packs are re-packed into smaller quantities for end use, either using original or additional packaging
Recyclable, recycled or repurposed?
Just because a material is recyclable does not mean it will be It would be helpful if all packaging was recyclable and clearly designated as such and by type, to be segregated before being sent to waste management
■ If you are interested to discuss reduction or minimising the impact of plastic packaging, then please go to www rdr link/law002
M o d u l a r
Ti m b e r b u i l d i n g
As the UK strives to meet its legally binding net zero targets by 2050, the construction industry faces mounting pressure to reduce both operational and embodied carbon emissions Timber construction offers multiple benefits that align perfectly with these environmental goals. Here we look at one case study: The Paper Lane Nursery at Paulton in Somerset delivered by modular timber building specialist and Structural Timber Association (STA) member, TG Escapes.
As com m u n i t i es a cr os s t h e U K
ex p a n d a n d ev ol v e, t h er e i s
g r ow i n g r ecog n i t i on t h a t t h e
b u i l d i n g s w h i ch s er v e t h em
m u s t n ot on l y m eet i m m ed i a t e n eed s
b u t a l s o con t r i b u t e t o a s u s t a i n a b l e, l ow -ca r b on f u t u r e T h e d ev el op m en t of n ew r es i d en t i a l a r ea s , a l on g w i t h t h ei r s u p p or t i n g i n f r a s t r u ct u r e of s ch ool s , n u r s er i es , a n d com m u n i t y f a ci l i t i es , p r es en t s a u n i q u e op p or t u n i t y t o em b r a ce m or e s u s t a i n a b l e con s t r u ct i on m et h od s T i m b er con s t r u ct i on s t a n d s
ou t a s a n i d ea l s ol u t i on f or cr ea t i n g t h es e i n t eg r a t ed com m u n i t y s p a ces , of f er i n g b ot h en v i r on m en t a l b en ef i t s a n d t h e a b i l i t y t o d el i v er p r oj ect s q u i ck l y a n d ef f i ci en t l y
B ey on d i t s en v i r on m en t a l cr ed en t i a l s , t i m b er ' s v er s a t i l i t y a n d a d a p t a b i l i t y t o m od er n m et h od s of
con s t r u ct i on ( M M C ) m ea n s i t ca n b e
p r eci s el y m a n u f a ct u r ed of f -s i t e, l ea d i n g
t o f a s t er i n s t a l l a t i on t i m es , r ed u ced
w a s t e, a n d m i n i m a l d i s r u p t i on on s i t e
T h es e a d v a n t a g es a r e p a r t i cu l a r l y
v a l u a b l e i n s en s i t i v e s et t i n g s s u ch a s
ed u ca t i on a l f a ci l i t i es , w h er e t i m e
con s t r a i n t s a n d en v i r on m en t a l i m p a ct
m u s t b e ca r ef u l l y m a n a g ed
U t i l i s i n g t h e b en ef i t s of t i m b er a n d
M M C , t h e n u r s er y b u i l d i n g TG E s ca p es
h a s d el i v er ed i s h i g h l y s u s t a i n a b l e a n d en er g y ef f i ci en t C om p l et ed i n j u s t 1 2 w eek s , i t i s d es i g n ed t o b e n et z er o i n op er a t i on
T h e com p a n y ’ s ex p er i en ced i n -h ou s e
t ea m u n d er t ook t h e d es i g n a n d
s p eci f i ca t i on of t h e b u i l d i n g i n
col l a b or a t i on w i t h t h e d ev el op er, K en n i n g h a l l , a n d t h e a r ch i t ect s , D K A , w or k i n g on t h e w i d er r ed ev el op m en t
T h e n u r s er y, f u n d ed u n d er S ect i on 1 0 6 , w a s d es i g n ed t o h a v e t h e s m a l l es t p os s i b l e en v i r on m en t a l f oot p r i n t I n
a d d i t i on t o t h e ex t en s i v e u s e of t i m b er, t h e b u i l d i n g w a s d es i g n ed t o m a x i m i s e en er g y ef f i ci en cy a n d f ea t u r es a n a i r -
s ou r ce h ea t p u m p t o p r ov i d e h ea t i n g
a n d a r oof t op s ol a r P V a r r a y t o
g en er a t e el ect r i ci t y
T h e s i n g l e s t or ey b u i l d i n g f ea t u r es
m od u l a r p r e-i n s u l a t ed t i m b er f r a m e
p a n el s f or t h e ex t er i or a n d i n t er i or w a l l s
w i t h s t r u ct u r a l el em en t s m a n u f a ct u r ed
f r om g l u ed l a m i n a t ed t i m b er ( g l u l a m )
a n d t i m b er p os i -j oi s t s f or t h e r oof
T h es e el em en t s w er e m a n u f a ct u r ed i n
t h e TG E s ca p es f a ct or y i n C ov en t r y a n d
t r a n s p or t ed t o s i t e on a J u s t i n T i m e
( J I T ) b a s i s a n d a s s em b l ed T h e ou t s i d e
of t h e b u i l d i n g i s com p l et el y cl a d i n
h ea t t r ea t ed t i m b er ( t h er m ow ood ) ,
w h i ch p r ov i d es a n a t u r a l a p p ea r a n ce
t h a t h el p s t h e b u i l d i n g b l en d w i t h t h e
g r een p u b l i c s p a ce t h a t f or m s t h e ot h er
h a l f of t h e r ed ev el op ed s i t e T h e
t h er m ow ood a l s o d el i v er s excel l en t
d u r a b i l i t y a n d w ea t h er r es i s t a n ce
U s i n g m od er n m et h od s of
con s t r u ct i on i n t h e f or m of t h e m od u l a r
of f s i t e m a n u f a ct u r ed el em en t s m ea n t
t h a t t h e t i m e r eq u i r ed on s i t e w a s
m i n i m i s ed a n d d el a y s a v oi d ed D es p i t e
t h e con s t r u ct i on t a k i n g p l a ce b et w een
F eb r u a r y a n d A p r i l 2 0 2 4 – t h r ee
m on t h s m a r k ed b y p er s i s t en t r a i n f a l l –
p r og r es s w a s n ot i m p a ct ed b y t h e
w ea t h er W i t h g r ou n d w or k s com p l et ed ,
t h e s u p er s t r u ct u r e w a s w ea t h er t i g h t i n
u n d er 3 w eek s w i t h t h e b u i l d i n g
f i n i s h ed i n j u s t 1 2 w eek s – ex a ct l y i n
“ B y e n s u r i n g ma t e r i a l s
a r r i ve o n l y w h e n n e e d e d ,
J I T m i n i m i s e s wa s t e ,
r e d u c e s s t o ra g e c o s t s ,
a n d p r eve n t s d e l a y s ”
l i n e w i t h t h e p r og r a m s et ou t d u r i n g
p l a n n i n g
T h e u s e of t i m b er -b a s ed M M C a l s o
h a d f u r t h er b en ef i t s f or t h e p r oj ect
F i r s t l y, t h e con t r ol l ed en v i r on m en t i n
t h e f a ct or y a l l ow ed i n cr ea s ed a ccu r a cy
a n d i m p r ov ed q u a l i t y con t r ol , h el p i n g t o
a ch i ev e t h e h i g h l ev el s of en er g y
ef f i ci en cy T h e s w i f t on -s i t e
con s t r u ct i on a n d r ed u ced m a t er i a l
d el i v er i es a l s o h el p ed t o m i n i m i s e
d i s r u p t i on t o t h e w i d er s ch em e w h er e a
s econ d p h a s e of t h e h ou s i n g
d ev el op m en t w a s b ei n g com p l et ed a s
w el l a s s of t a n d h a r d l a n d s ca p i n g
w or k s i n t h e s u r r ou n d i n g a r ea s
TG E s ca p es ’ m et h od of
con s t r u ct i on of f er s a s m a r t er a n d
m or e ef f i ci en t a p p r oa ch t o t h e
b u i l d i n g p r oces s B y en s u r i n g
m a t er i a l s a r r i v e on l y w h en n eed ed , J I T m i n i m i s es w a s t e, r ed u ces s t or a g e
cos t s , a n d p r ev en t s d el a y s T h i s
s t r ea m l i n ed a p p r oa ch n ot on l y en h a n ces p r od u ct i v i t y b u t a l s o
i m p r ov es p r oj ect t i m el i n es a n d cos t
con t r ol A s t h e con s t r u ct i on i n d u s t r y con t i n u es t o em b r a ce i n n ov a t i on , J I T
s t a n d s a s a k ey s t r a t eg y i n d r i v i n g
s u s t a i n a b i l i t y a n d op er a t i on a l
ef f i ci en cy, en s u r i n g t h a t p r oj ect s a r e com p l et ed on t i m e a n d w i t h i n b u d g et TG E s ca p es i s a m em b er of t h e STA
a n d h ol d s STA A s s u r e Gol d s t a t u s ,
s h ow i n g t h e b u s i n es s d em on s t r a t es
t h e h i g h es t l ev el s of q u a l i t y,
com p l i a n ce a n d b es t p r a ct i ce a s a
p r ov i d er of s t r u ct u r a l t i m b er b u i l d i n g s
STA A s s u r e, t h e a s s oci a t i on ’ s q u a l i t y
a s s u r a n ce s ch em e, i s r ecog n i s ed b y a
r a n g e of i n d u s t r y -l ea d i n g s t r u ct u r a l
w a r r a n t y a n d b u i l d i n g con t r ol b od i es
a s w el l a s ot h er s t a k eh ol d er s s u ch a s
i n s u r er s
■ You can
Scolmore Group is a leading manufacturer of electrical accessories, circuit protection, lighting, home automation, security and cable accessory products The company designs, develops and manufactures an ever-expanding range of innovative, energy-efficient and time-saving solutions for commercial and domestic projects.
The group ’ s highly experienced team members work with specifiers and contractors to deliver quality, reliable and compliant solutions for an array of building and refurbishment projects Products from across the group of companies are specified and installed in a range of settings including residential developments, hotels, hospitals and schools
Following considerable success with the introduction of its Elucian range of single phase consumer units and protective devices in 2021, Scolmore has made a significant investment to launch the Elucian three Phase distribution Board collection designed to deliver reliable performance, safety, and flexibility for commercial and industrial installations, the comprehensive new range will ensure compliance with the latest industry standards
Elucian’s distribution boards are meticulously designed and engineered to deliver consistent, high-performance results, making them a trusted choice for professionals Each board undergoes rigorous testing to meet and exceed BS En 61439-3 standards, ensuring compliance with safety, durability, and functionality requirements this thorough process guarantees that the products will provide dependable, long-lasting solutions for even the most demanding electrical installations, whilst offering peace of mind to installers and ensuring compliance with BS 7671
the full Elucian three Phase range consists of distribution boards, extension boards, circuit protective devices, energy meters and accessories
Three Phase Distribution Boards the range comprises seven distribution boards – 4, 6, 8, 12,16, 20 and 24 Way designed with a modern finish, they boast a number of key features:
● 4 and 6 Way boards – developed specifically to only work with a 125A incomer, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility for safe and efficient power distribution they are supplied with gear tray and busbars pre-installed
● 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24-way boards - offer versatile configurations, allowing the installer to choose between any Elucian RCCB, 125A Isolator, or 250A Isolator
● device Alignment - the boards will maintain device alignment when fully installed, ensuring a neat and organised appearance
● Quick Release doors - fitted with spring clips, making them quick and easy to remove
● SPd Installation - SPd for the 4 and 6 way boards can be installed on additional phase connectors on 8 way and larger boards, it can be integrated into the main switch or busbar
other features include:
● Ventilation Slot
● trunking Entry
● Stacked Boards
● double Stacked terminals
● Cable tie mounts
● Space for Cables
● Internal Earth nut
● Additional Connection to Phases
Circuit Protection
the Circuit Protection devices are designed to populate the three Phase distribution Boards and Extension Boxes the move into three Phase calls for larger sized devices (3 Pole and 4 Pole), higher rated / breaking capacity devices (10kA) and d Curve devices these devices are ideal for safeguarding complex electrical systems while ensuring seamless operation and compliance:
● Mains isolator switches – 3 and 4 pole 125A and 250A
● Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) - type A and B
● Surge Protection device (SPd) - type 1 and 2 and type 2
● Arc Fault detection device (AFdd)available in B and C curves (AFdd+MCB in B Curve only)
● Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) – 1 and 3 pole B, C and d Curve (6A to 63A)
● Residual Current Circuit Breaker with overcurrent Protection (RCBo) –available in B and C Curve
● three Phase Multi-Function Energy Meter Kit - designed for seamless integration into all the distribution boards Supplied as a complete kit
● Blanks - Single and three Way din Rail Blank Module with 125A & 250A Adaptors
■ For more on the Elucian range from Scolmore please visit www.rdr.link/law004
Here, Lisa Ward,
Product Line Manager at JELDWEN UK & France,
explains how the custom specification of inter nal doorsets can match functional features with impactful aesthetics, and help create an inspiring environment for students.
The education setting is evolving, as the traditional classroom makes way for a more inclusive learning environment With a more nuanced understanding of how young minds respond to different teaching methods, it’s equally important that the physical school setting continues to adapt to learners’ changing needs Today, a design approach focused on function alone no longer makes the grade for a truly engaging educational space
In the education sector today, there is a deeper understanding of the evolving needs of students, with a focus on creating positive and inclusive learning spaces that are fit for all The once standard ‘functionfirst’ design approach will no longer suffice, thanks to an increasing appreciation of how the physical fabric of a school can shape the way it feels for students Most importantly, this can have a significant impact on their engagement with learning
A key report from The University of Salford revealed how differences in the physical characteristics of classrooms, such as air quality, colour and light, can
together increase the learning progress of primary school pupils by as much as 16% in a single year
To achieve the best outcomes for students, we must take a holistic view in the design, build and specification of an education project Products such as internal doorsets - which could be considered a wholly ‘functional’ build element - can not only deliver the
necessary standards in safety and security, but they can also play a vital role in the overall aesthetic of a learning environment and, in turn, help create a space in which young learners can thrive
Urjala Comprehensive School, a state-ofthe-art educational development in Finland, is a prime example of how
learning environments can effectively balance the need for functional practicality and inspiring design built for around 400 students, urjala School accommodates children across a wide range of ages and abilities - from preschoolers, up to high school seniorswhich demanded a flexible and versatile approach to the building’s design it was essential that the architects chose a door supplier that could fulfil the multi-purpose function of the school, whilst ensuring they could create a learning environment that was engaging and inspiring for students Swedoor, part of the global JEld-WEn group, was able to respond to these unique requirements, providing an interior
doorset range that hit the mark on practicality, functionality and safety, whilst complementing the building’s bold visual aesthetic
typical of any education project, where doors are in constant use and often subject to high impact, a key consideration was ensuring a lasting and low maintenance finish to the doorsets the choice of laminate-surfacing
offered enhanced durability, compared to painted and veneered finishes, for premium resistance against wear and tear in busy areas completed with birch door edging, the laminate design is also easy to keep clean, ensuring low maintenance and high performance for years to come to further enhance the students’ dayto-day environment, the doorsets included acoustic insulation to ensure classrooms were quiet and pupils could focus on their learning glass panels were also added as part of the customisation, to increase natural light and heighten the sense of space and help keep students alert and engaged throughout the day design flexibility was also an important part of the brief, to ensure that the chosen doorsets complemented the wider aesthetic of the school environment From an extensive range of laminates to choose from, varying in colour, patterns and wood grains, a neutral grey was selected to offset the vibrant colours of the walls throughout the building in any education setting, the safety and security of every individual is of paramount importance, and doorsets play a critical role within a school’s wider fire safety strategy all Swedoor doorsets are independently tested and certified to uK standards (bS476: part 22 & part 31), providing complete assurance that the doors are fully compliant and fire resistant
With unmatched technical standards, enhanced durability and design flexibility, Swedoor products offer a complete doorset solution for education settingsfrom nurseries and schools, to colleges and universities - with a customisable specification to meet the specific requirements of a build project as the needs of the sector - and students - continue to evolve, it’s vital that education settings keep up the pace, with the specification of products and design features that can help to establish a learning environment that is supportive, inclusive and stimulating
ESP has been developing and supplying security related products to the UK electrical industry for more than 20 years. Part of the Scolmore Group, ESP offers a comprehensive range of electronic security and fire detection products. The range comprises CCTV, Access Control, EVAC, Fire Protection, Smart Security, Emergency Lighting and Sangamo specialist time switches and heating controls.
ESP has invested significantly to introduce a new name to the fire and safety alarm sector with the launch of Espire, a comprehensive range of high-performance fire and CO alarm products that has at its core quality, reliability and innovation
Compliance and sustainability
The range will help specifiers meet the recommendations of BS5839-6: Code of Practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises, and BS EN 50292: Electrical apparatus for the detection of carbon monoxide in domestic premises
All Espire products have undergone a meticulous design, development and manufacturing process at the dedicated factory All alarms have been tested by third party test houses and certified by LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board) and TUV, to meet the relevant product standards – BS EN 14604 for smoke alarms: BS 5446-2 for heat alarms and BS EN 50291-1 for CO alarms All products come with a five year warranty
ESP has taken a proactive stance on sustainability by integrating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs The company has used recyclable packaging material across the entire range, opting for
brown card packaging that is fully recyclable and 100% biodegradable
The Espire fire and safety alarms are suitable for Grade D1, Grade D2 and Grade F1 installations The comprehensive range comprises five alarm types:
● Optical smoke alarms
● Heat alarms
● Smoke and heat alarms
● Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms
● CO and heat alarms
The optical smoke alarms and heat alarms are available in the following options:
● Powered by mains with a sealed tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery
● Powered by mains with 9v replaceable battery
● Powered by a sealed tamper-proof 10year lithium battery
The smoke and Heat alarms, CO Alarms, and CO and heat alarms are available in the following options:
● Powered by mains with a sealed tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery
● Powered by a sealed tamper-proof 10 year lithium battery
The range offers a number of innovative features, some unique in the market:
● Auto-Dimming Power LED (patent pending)
● Stainless Steel Insect Mesh Barrier (patent pending)
● RF Link
● Lock-in base
● Responsive thermistor
● 24-hour memory function (patent pending)
ESP has also launched a collection of accessories These include RF modules; relay bases; red IP65 strobe with selectable sounder; remote control switches; multi-tool – RF pairing and lockin base release tool; and flame-retardant alarm masking plate
Fire protection you can rely on
With a strong focus on reliability, compliance, innovation and sustainability, ESP believes it is poised to make a significant impact on the fire and CO alarm sector with its Espire range As safety standards and technology continue to evolve, this new name is set to lead the way in protecting lives and properties
■ For more information on the Espire range from ESP, please visit www.rdr.link/law006
P r e p a r i n g f o r t h e P S T N s w i t c h o v e r : W h a t l i f t
o w n e r s n e e d t o k n o w
The UK is transforming its telecommunications infrastructure, moving from the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to moder n digital networks, which has important implications for lift owners and operators. Dan White, Service Director at Stannah Lift Services, looks at why lift owners with old PSTN technology should review their current lift communication systems and upgrade to digital networks sooner rather than later.
Wh a t d o e s t h e P S T N
s w i t c h o v e r m e a n f o r
l i f t o w n e r s ?
T h e P ST N s w i t ch ov er
m ea n s t h a t l i f t ow n er s m u s t u p g r a d e
t h ei r l i f t com m u n i ca t i on s y s t em s t o
d i g i t a l a l t er n a t i v es , a s t h e t r a d i t i on a l P ST N l i n es a r e b ei n g p h a s ed ou t Op en r ea ch , w h i ch m a i n t a i n s t h e t el ep h on e i n f r a s t r u ct u r e, a n n ou n ced
t h a t t r a d i t i on a l cop p er -b a s ed
t el ep h on y l i n es , i n cl u d i n g P ST N l i n es , w ou l d b e p h a s ed ou t a n d
d ea ct i v a t ed , w i t h t h e p r oces s
com p l et i n g b y 3 1 J a n u a r y 2 0 2 7
D a n ex p l a i n s : “ T h e r ev i s ed d i g i t a l
s w i t ch ov er d a t e, w h i ch h a s b een
ex t en d ed b y 1 3 m on t h s , i s m i s l ea d i n g
a s i t i m p l i es a s i n g l e n a t i on w i d e
s w i t ch t o d i g i t a l n et w or k s , w h en i n
f a ct t h e r ol l ou t b eg a n i n 2 0 1 8 a n d
h a s b een p i ck i n g u p p a ce ev er s i n ce
M a n y p r ov i d er s h a v e a l r ea d y s h u t
d ow n t h ei r P ST N l i n es a n d m i g r a t ed
cu s t om er s ov er t o d i g i t a l n et w or k s
a h ea d of t h e d ea d l i n e W e ’ v e s een
ca s es w h er e p r ov i d er s h a v e g i v en
t w o w eek s ’ n ot i ce of t h e s w i t ch , p u t t i n g l i f t ow n er s i n a d i f f i cu l t
p os i t i on , a s u p g r a d i n g t o a n ew GS M
l i n e ca n t a k e l on g er d ep en d i n g on t h e
a g e a n d t y p e of t h e l i f t ”
T h e p h a s ed P ST N s w i t ch -of f a i m s
t o s u p p or t t h e d ev el op m en t of op t i ca l
f i b r e n et w or k s f or h i g h -s p eed
b r oa d b a n d a n d m eet t h e
g ov er n m en t ' s t a r g et of d el i v er i n g
g i g a b i t -s p eed b r oa d b a n d t o a t l ea s t
8 5 % of U K p r em i s es b y 2 0 2 7
D a n con t i n u es : “ L i f t ow n er s n eed
t o b e s p ea k i n g w i t h t h ei r l i f t
m a i n t en a n ce p r ov i d er t o u n d er s t a n d
w h a t com m u n i ca t i on s y s t em t h ey
h a v e i n p l a ce a n d w h et h er t h ey n eed
t o u p g r a d e t h ei r h a r d w a r e a n d p h on e
l i n es t o d i g i t a l a l t er n a t i v es a h ea d of
t i m e E a ch l i f t ’ s u p g r a d e
r eq u i r em en t s a r e d i f f er en t a n d r a n g e
f r om m i n or a d j u s t m en t s t o m or e
ex t en s i v e m od i f i ca t i on s T h os e w h o
d el a y t h es e u p g r a d es r i s k t h ei r l i f t s
b ei n g s h u t d ow n , a s t h ey m a y n o
l on g er b e s a f e t o op er a t e i n t h e ev en t
of a n en t r a p m en t ”
U p g r a d i n g t o d i g i t a l GS M ( Gl ob a l
Sy s t em f or M ob i l e C om m u n i ca t i on s )
l i n es i s cr u ci a l f or en s u r i n g t h a t
em er g en cy a l a r m s i n l i f t s , w h i ch r el y
on t h es e l i n es f or t w o-w a y
com m u n i ca t i on , con t i n u e t o f u n ct i on
p r op er l y
S i n ce 1 9 9 9 , E N 8 1 -2 8 h a s r eq u i r ed
a l l l i f t s t o h a v e em er g en cy a l a r m s
w i t h t w o-w a y com m u n i ca t i on v i a
a u t o-d i a l l er s , w h i ch d ep en d on
a n a l og u e d i a l t on es a n d d i a l -t on e
m u l t i -f r eq u en cy ( DT M F ) s i g n a l s
ca r r i ed b y t h e P ST N l i n es T h i s
h a r d w a r e i s i n s t a l l ed on t op of t h e l i f t
ca r a n d h a s t r a d i t i on a l l y r el i ed on
P ST N l i n es , w h i ch con t i n u e t o
op er a t e i n t h e ev en t of a p ow er
f a i l u r e
T h e s w i t c h o v e r t o t h e G S M
p h o n e l i n e
W e u n d er s t a n d t h e i m p or t a n ce of t h e
d i g i t a l t r a n s i t i on a n d s i m p l i f y i n g
p h on e l i n e m a n a g em en t a n d k n ow
t h a t GS M i s a cos t -ef f ect i v e a n d
r el i a b l e a l t er n a t i v e t o P ST N To
en s u r e con s i s t en t p er f or m a n ce, i t i s b es t u s ed w i t h a r el i a b l e, m a n a g ed
S I M s er v i ce, w h i ch g u a r a n t ees s t r on g
s i n g l e cov er a g e, w or k s w i t h 3 -d a y
a u t o-d i a l l er ch eck s a n d p r ev en t s
i s s u es l i k e r u n n i n g ou t of cr ed i t w i t h p a y -a s -y ou -g o S I M s
D a n a dded: “ W e ’ v e been h el pi n g l i f t
ow n er s m ov e t o ou r M a n a ged SI M
Ser v i ce, en su r i n g a sm oot h t r a n si t i on a cr oss a l l l i f t t y pes a n d of f er i n g a com pl i a n t a n d open pr ot ocol sol u t i on f or em er gen cy l i f t com m u n i ca t i on s
Th e M a n a ged SI M Ser v i ce of f er s m a n y
ben ef i t s f or l i f t s n eedi n g t o m a k e t h e
sw i t ch t o di gi t a l a n d pa r t i cu l a r l y f or f a ci l i t y m a n a ger s i n sch ool s, h ospi t a l s a n d pu bl i c bu i l di n gs ”
W i t h a GS M m od u l e, t h er e ’ s n o n eed f or p h y s i ca l p h on e l i n es I t ca n
b e i n s t a l l ed w i t h a b a t t er y b a ck u p ,
en s u r i n g r el i a b i l i t y ev en d u r i n g p ow er ou t a g es Ou r M a n a g ed S I M S er v i ce
p r ov i d es 2 4 / 7 con n ect i v i t y,
g u a r a n t eei n g t h a t t h e em er g en cy
com m u n i ca t i on l i n e i s a l w a y s
op er a t i on a l , of f er i n g p ea ce of m i n d i n ca s e of em er g en ci es
D a n ex p l a i n s : “ L i f t ow n er s ca n a l s o
b en ef i t f r om r em ot e m on i t or i n g T h i s
m ea n s t h ey w i l l r ecei v e n ot i f i ca t i on s
i f t h er e a r e a n y i s s u es w i t h t h e S I M ,
s i g n a l or b a t t er y b a ck u p , a l l ow i n g f or
p r om p t a t t en t i on t o a n y p r ob l em s ”
W h a t ’ s n e x t ?
I f y ou h a v en ’ t s w i t ch ed t o d i g i t a l
n et w or k s y et , n ow i s t h e t i m e t o a ct
b ef or e i t ’ s t oo l a t e L i f t ow n er s s h ou l d
con t a ct t h ei r m a i n t en a n ce p r ov i d er t o
u n d er s t a n d w h i ch p h on e l i n es t h ei r
l i f t s y s t em s u s e a n d w h a t u p g r a d es
a r e n eces s a r y t o en s u r e f u l l
f u n ct i on a l i t y a f t er t h e s w i t ch ov er
Marshalls launches ‘one of a kind’ modular rain garden kerb
Landscaping specialist Marshalls has launched the industry’s first off-the-shelf rain garden kerb system, creating an easy way to develop sustainable, biodiverse rain gardens to mitigate increasing flood risks
EDENKERB® combines a purposemade left-hand inlet and right-hand inlet with an integrated kerb gradient to promote water entry to the rain garden, and a complementary diffuser flag to slow incoming water flow Produced in a modular design, it reduces the margin for error and time constraints usually associated with manually cutting and installing rain kerb features on-site, and is compliant with sustainability, SuDS and flood mitigation legislation
Ventilation solutions are top of the class
Passivent has supplied a combination of Hybrid Plus2 Aircool ventilators and Hybrid Plus Airstract roof ventilation terminals for a new London primary school to help create a healthier, more comfortable learning environment for children and staff to thrive in
Greatfields Primary School in Barking and Dagenham is a three-form entry school which will eventually serve 630 pupils
Passivent supplied 58 Hybrid Plus2 Aircool wall ventilators, each mounted behind an external weather louvre, to ventilate the classrooms with fresh air from outside The team also supplied several of its Hybrid Plus Airstract roof terminals for ventilation of the school’s main hall Passivent provided temperature and CO2 sensors in each space along with a 35-zone iC8000 controller to regulate the internal environment and the whole system was linked back to the Building Management System (BMS)
Currently available in a standard grey finish, EDENKERB is available in two sizes and two profiles, offering the design flexibility to suit a range of schemes, whilst also meeting highway engineers’ requirements EDENKERB is also designed to work seamlessly alongside Marshalls’ existing kerbs, enabling the development of rain gardens with any configuration and perimeter, creating further efficiencies for users ■ For
■ For more information please visit www rdr link/law008
Passivent’s Hybrid Plus2 Aircool and Hybrid Plus Airstract units both operate on three modes of use for ventilation provision or extraction depending on the needs of the building and outside conditions By drawing on both natural and mechanical ventilation techniques, the system is designed to be more energy efficient and therefore cost effective The Hybrid Plus2 Aircool units are perfect for classrooms and can be mounted in a wall or window, and they are also available as a ducted version for installation in a ceiling void The roof-mounted Hybrid Plus Airstract terminals come with a 15 Year No Leak Guarantee and are particularly suited for large open spaces such as school halls and sports halls
JELD-WEN signposts sector-specific standards to support ease of specification
Leading UK manufacturer of high-quality timber doorsets, JELD-WEN UK, has launched a new brochure to support easier specification across a range of market sectors – and to highlight its commitment to sustainability
The brochure has been designed to provide specifiers and contractors with all the information they need in one place across a range of sectorspecific uses, including education, hospitality, healthcare, residential settings, student accommodation and offices
Recognising the increased importance of a demonstrated ESG policy in the supply chain, the brochure also clearly sets out the company ’ s commitment to sustainability
Taking a top-level view, the brochure sets out all the key factors needed to specify doors in each setting, clearly signposting performance testing for standards including acoustics, fire resistance, durability and security – as well as guarantee details and fire door data tagging capability
New RIBA accredited CPD for optimal school acoustics
SOPREMA, a market leader in waterproofing and insulation solutions, has announced a new RIBAaccredited CPD, `Design Guide for Optimal School Acoustics’
Created to offer architects and specifiers a rounded overview of optimising acoustics in educational environments, this new CPD highlights the importance of sound insulation in schools to improve working environments and reduce the negative impacts of unwanted noise on child development and education
As well as explaining the technicalities behind sound and how we hear, this CPD covers vital specifications architects must meet to match acoustic requirements in schools Studies have shown that unwanted noise has numerous negative impacts on children’s ability to learn, so the CPD looks at solutions to deal with the two main acoustic challenges: excessive noise and reverberation
E W I i n s t a l l e d a s p a r t
o f S o c i a l H o u s i n g
D e c a r b o n i s a t i o n
F u n d i m p r o v e m e n t s
In the drive towards reaching net zero carbon emissions, one of the greatest challenges facing local authorities and housing associations is how they are going to retrofit social housing. This comes at a cost, and many are leaning on gover nment schemes, such as the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (formerly Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF)), to help upgrade housing stock below Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C. Here, with the help of SaintGobain Weber we look at Cheltenham Borough Council’s approach.
C l os e, a n d K i n g s m ea d R oa d – i n C h el t en h a m T h es e con s i s t ed of ei g h t
b l ock s of f ou r m a i s on et t es , a n d t w o
s i n g l e h ou s es – on e t er r a ce a n d on e
t r a ct ed t h e J oy n er Gr ou p t o r et r of i t 3 4 p r op er t i es on f ou r s t r eet s –
H a w t h or n R oa d , Or ch a r d A v en u e, L ee
s em i -d et a ch ed p r op er t y ( n on -t r a d i t i on a l
con s t r u ct i on ) – t h a t w er e or i g i n a l l y b u i l t i n t h e 1 9 5 0 s
A f a b r i c - f i r s t a p p r o a c h
T h e r et r o f i t p r o g r a m m e o f w o r k s t o
u p d a t e t h e f a b r i c o f t h e p r o p er t i es
w i t h i n t h i s p r o j ec t c o m m en c ed w i t h
t h e r ep l a c em en t o f r o o f s , w h er e
r eq u i r ed , a n d l o f t i n s u l a t i o n
i n s t a l l a t i o n To f u r t h er i m p r o v e
t h er m a l ef f i c i en c y, a n ex t er n a l w a l l
i n s u l a t i o n ( E W I ) s y s t em w a s f i t t ed o n
ea c h p r o p er t y F o r t h i s , t h e r et r o f i t
t ea m – C B H a s t h e c l i en t , t h e J o y n er
G r o u p a s t h e i n s t a l l er, p l u s a r et r o f i t
c o o r d i n a t o r a n d d es i g n er – s p ec i f i ed
S a i n t -G o b a i n W eb er ’ s w eb er t h er m X M
s y s t em
T h e w eb er t h er m M F D i n s u l a t i o n
w a s m ec h a n i c a l l y f i xed t o t h e w a l l a t a
t h i c k n es s o f 1 1 0 m m A f t er t h i s , o n e
c o a t o f w eb er en d L A C r a p i d w a s
a p p l i ed i n t w o p a s s es , b et w een w h i c h
m es h c o a t r ei n f o r c em en t w a s p l a c ed
T h i s f o r m ed t h e b a s e c o a t u p o n
w h i c h w eb er s i l T F – a s i l i c o n e t h i n
c o a t r en d er – i n a v a r i et y o f c o l o u r s
w a s a p p l i ed E a r t h w a s s p ec i f i ed f o r
ea c h g r o u n d f l o o r, w h i l e O c r e R o s e,
O y s t er S h el l , I c ed W a t er, a n d C o o l
M i n t w er e c h o s en f o r t h e f i r s t f l o o r s
P r o v i d i n g a h i g h l y w ea t h er r es i s t a n t
f i n i s h , w eb er s i l T F p r o v i d es a r el i a b l e,
l o n g -w ea r i n g r en d er s o l u t i o n –
p a r t i c u l a r l y f o r h a r s h o r ex p o s ed
c o n d i t i o n s T h e 1 5 m m a g g r eg a t e
c o n t en t p r o v i d es a n ev en , t ex t u r ed
f i n i s h , a v a i l a b l e i n m o r e t h a n 1 0 0
c o l o u r s t o a c h i ev e a m o d er n l o o k
S u b s eq u en t l y, t h e U -v a l u es o f t h e
h o m es w er e i m p r o v ed f r o m 1 7 9
W / m ²K t o 0 2 8 W / m ²K
S u p p o r t f r o m W e b e r
P r i or t o t h e E W I s y s t em b ei n g i n s t a l l ed ,
W eb er con d u ct ed p u l l ou t t es t s t o
en s u r e t h e cor r ect s y s t em w a s s p eci f i ed
a n d t h a t a n y t h i n g f i xed t o t h e b u i l d i n g s
w ou l d r em a i n s a f el y s ecu r ed u n d er
d u r es s I n t h e ca s e of E W I , t h e cor r ect
l en g t h , t y p e a n d m a t er i a l of f i x i n g a r e
a l l r el ev a n t t o en s u r i n g t h e i n s u l a t i on i s
r el i a b l y f a s t en ed t o t h e s u b s t r a t e
A 2 5 -y ea
r g u a r a n t ee f r om t h e S ol i d
W a l l I n s u l a t i on Gu a r a n t ee A g en cy
( S W I GA ) w a s s ecu r ed , w h i ch i s a
“D o m e s t i c h o m e s t y p i c a l l y
l o s e a ro u n d 3 5 % o f h e a t i n g
t h ro u g h t h e i r wa l l s ”
r eq u i r em en t of PA S 2 0 3 5 – t h e
s t a n d a r d w i t h w h i ch a l l p r oj ect s f u n d ed
b y t h e S H D F m u s t com p l y
B e n e f i t s o f E W I f o r r e s i d e n t s
D om es t i c h om es t y p i ca l l y l os e a r ou n d
3 5 % of h ea t i n g t h r ou g h t h ei r w a l l s ,
w h i ch n ot on l y i m p a ct s p eop l e
p h y s i ca l l y, b u t m en t a l l y F r om f eel i n g
col d i n y ou r ow n h om e t h r ou g h t o t h e
m en t a l s t r a i n ca u s ed b y w or r y i n g a b ou t
r i s i n g f u el cos t s , l i v i n g i n a n en er g yi n ef f i ci en t h om e ca n s ev er el y i m p a ct
h ea l t h a n d w el l -b ei n g P oor l y i n s u l a t ed h om es ca n a l s o l ea d t o p r ob l em s
f or m i n g i n t h e b u i l d i n g i t s el f , w h i ch ca n ca u s e s er i ou s l on g er -t er m h ea l t h p r ob l em s s u ch a s a s t h m a
E W I i s on e of t h e k ey el em en t s of
r et r of i t t i n g a n d ca n s i g n i f i ca n t l y r ed u ce
h eat l oss f r om a bu i l di n g, h el p t o m i t i gat e
d a m p a n d m ou l d , a n d p l a y s a b i g r ol e i n k eep i n g ou t ex t er n a l p ol l u t a n t s a n d
t h er ef or e i m p r ov i n g a i r q u a l i t y
T h e r et r of i t w or k on t h es e p r op er t i es
a l l ow s r es i d en t s t o en j oy t h e cool i n g
b en ef i t s t h r ou g h ou t s u m m er a n d
w a r m i n g b en ef i t s d u r i n g w i n t er
Stuart Moore, Contacts
Manager at Durkan Regen
explains how they’ve been using inter nal wall insulation to decarbonise L&Q’s
Victorian housing stock
Vi ct or i a n h om es a r e a n
i m p or t a n t a n d m u ch -l ov ed
p a r t of t h e U K ’ s a r ch i t ect u r a l
l a n d s ca p e T h ey h a v e a
t i m el es s a p p ea l a n d s h a p e t h e
ch a r a ct er of m a n y, i f n ot m os t , of ou r
t ow n s a n d ci t i es T h er e a r e m or e t h a n
ei g h t m i l l i on V i ct or i a n p r op er t i es a cr os s
t h e U K , w i t h m a n y ow n ed a n d
m a n a g ed b y l oca l a u t h or i t i es a n d
h ou s i n g a s s oci a t i on s A n d w h i l e w e
v en er a t e t h e V i ct or i a n p er i od a s a n er a
of i n n ov a t i on a n d en g i n eer i n g , t h er e i s
n o g et t i n g a r ou n d t h e f a ct t h a t m a n y of t h es e h om es n eed m od er n i s i n g E v en w h en w el l m a i n t a i n ed , a n or i g i n a l
V i ct or i a n h om e ca n of t en b e col d ,
d r a u g h t y a n d p r on e t o p r ob l em s s u ch
a s d a m p a n d m ou l d F or r es i d en t s , t h i s
m ea n s h i g h er en er g y b i l l s – ev en f u el
p ov er t y – a n d a p oor er q u a l i t y of l i v i n g
T h e n eed t o i m p r ov e t h i s ca t eg or y of h ou s i n g s t ock a s i t a g es i s t h er ef or e
cl ea r f or l oca l a u t h or i t i es a n d h ou s i n g
a s s oci a t i on s , w h o a r e i n cr ea s i n g l y
l ook i n g f or t h e b es t s ol u t i on T h e k ey
r es t s w i t h a h ol i s t i c a p p r oa ch
Du r k an Regen dr aw s on ov er 50 y ear s ’
ex per i en ce i n su ppor t i n g l ocal au t h or i t i es
an d h ou si n g associ at i on s i n t h i s w ay, i n
ar eas r an gi n g f r om asset r egen er at i on
an d pl an n ed m ai n t en an ce, t o com pl i an ce
s er v i ces i n cl u d i n g d a m p a n d m ou l d , f i r e
r em ed i a t i on , a n d g en er a l r ep a i r s , a s
w el l a s r et r of i t , d eca r b on i s a t i on a n d
cl a d d i n g r em ed i a t i on
W e ’ v e en t er ed i n t o a 1 5 -y ea r
f r a m ew or k w i t h L &Q s p eci f i ca l l y
t a r g et i n g t h e d eca r b on i s a t i on of i t s
V i ct or i a n h ou s i n g s t ock T h i s i n cl u d es
f i t t i n g ea ch p r op er t y w i t h a f u l l y
r ef u r b i s h ed k i t ch en a n d b a t h r oom a s
w el l a s i n s t a l l i n g i n t er n a l w a l l i n s u l a t i on
( I W I ) A s i s t h e n a t u r e of t h es e
p r op er t i es , h ow ev er, ou r w or k of t en
u n cov er s ot h er ch a l l en g es s u ch a s
d a m p a n d m ou l d , w h i ch ou r t ea m
w or k s t o r em ed i a t e
T h i s p a c k a g e o f s er v i c es ea s es t h e
p r es s u r e o n h o u s i n g a s s o c i a t i o n s a n d
l o c a l a u t h o r i t i es A n d f o r r es i d en t s , a
w h o l e h o m e a p p r o a c h t o r eg en er a t i o n
i s m u c h m o r e a p p ea l i n g W e ’ r e
f i n d i n g t h a t t h ey a r e m o r e l i k el y t o
a g r ee t o t h
t o c a l l h o m e c o m p l et e w i t h a n ew k i t c h en a n d b a t h r o o m
c
O n c e c o m p l et e, ea c h r et r o f i t
p r o v i d es L & Q w i t h a n E P C C r a t ed h o m e f o r t h ei r r es i d en t s t h a t i s u n l i k el y t o n eed f u r t h er w o r k f o r
u p w a r d s o f 2 5 y ea r s
I n s u l a t i n g t h e r i g h t w a y
I n s u l a t i n g ol d er V i ct or i a n p r op er t i es i s
cen t r a l t o m a k i n g t h em f i t f or t h e f u t u r e
a n d en er g y ef f i ci en t I t ca n a l s o p l a y a
cr i t i ca l p a r t i n b r i n g i n g r es i d en t s ’ en er g y
b i l l s d ow n
E x t er n a l w a l l i n s u l a t i on i s of t en t h e
d ef a u l t f or s oci a l h ou s i n g p r ov i d er s t h a t
h a v e r es i d en t s i n s i t u a s i t d oes n ’ t
t y p i ca l l y r eq u i r e con t r a ct or s t o en t er t h e
p r op er t y W h en i t com es t o V i ct or i a n
p r op er t i es h ow ev er, ex t er n a l w a l l
i n s u l a t i on i s f a r f r om i d ea l I t of t en
r eq u i r es p l a n n i n g p er m i s s i on d u e t o t h e
a r ch et y p a l b a y w i n d ow s , a n d a l m os t
a l w a y s n eed s s ca f f ol d i n g a n d
a l t er a t i on s t o t h e r oof , s of f i t s a n d
d r a i n s , w h i ch i n t u r n ca n r es u l t i n
ex p en s i v e g r ou n d w or k s N ot on l y d oes
t h i s m a k e i t a cos t a n d t i m e i n t en s i v e
op t i on f or t h i s h om e t y p e, i t a l s o m i s s es
a cr i t i ca l op p or t u n i t y t o p i ck u p a n d
a d d r es s w i d er i s s u es s u ch a s d a m p a n d
m ou l d i n t h e p r oces s
I n t e r n a l w a l l i n s u l a t i o n i n a c t i o n
Th e w or k st a r t s by f i r st a ppl y i n g a v a pou r
ov er t h e i n t er n a l w a l l s Th i s a l l ow s t h e
pr oper t y t o br ea t h e w i t h ou t l et t i n g a n y
da m pn ess i n , h el pi n g pr ev en t m ou l d a n d
con den sa t i on Th en , 7 5 m m i n su l a t i on
pa n el s a r e f i t t ed w i t h i n a n a l u m i n i u m
f r a m e I m por t a n t l y, a l l pa n el s a r e pr e-cu t
t o si ze a w a y f r om si t e, w h i ch m a k es f or
ea si er i n st a l l a t i on on ce i n t h e pr oper t y
Th ese pa n el s a r e t h en pl a st er ed t o a sm oot h f i n i sh a n d decor a t ed Ca r e i s
t a k en w h en m ov i n g a n d cov er i n g
f u r n i t u r e, t o m a k e su r e t h a t t h e h om e i s
f u l l y pr ot ect ed w h i l e w e w or k
To f i n i s h t h e i n s t a l l a t i on , el ect r i ca l
s w i t ch es , s ock et s a n d r a d i a t or s a r e
ex t en d ed f or w a r d t o m eet t h e p a n el l i n g
A l l com p on en t s a r e t es t ed i n l i n e w i t h
el ect r i ca l i n s t a l l a t i on g u i d el i n es , f or
s a f et y a n d com p l i a n ce
On ce com p l et ed , r es i d en t s a r e
n ot i ci n g a b i g d i f f er en ce T h ei r h om es
a r e cool er i n t h e s u m m er a n d , t h r ou g h
i m p r ov ed h ea t r et en t i on , m u ch w a r m er
i n t h e w i n t er I n t u r n , t h i s m ea n s l ow er
en er g y b i l l s t h r ou g h ou t t h e y ea r T h e
i n cr ea s ed a i r f l ow cr ea t ed b y
D ecen t r a l i s ed M ech a n i ca l E x t r a ct
Ven t i l a t i on ( D M E V ) f a n s , w h i ch a r e
d es i g n ed a n d f i t t ed a l on g s i d e t h e I W I
s y s t em , a l s o i m p r ov es a i r q u a l i t y,
con t r i b u t i n g t o m or e com f or t a b l e l i v i n g
T h e com b i n a t i on of k i t ch en a n d
b a t h r oom r ef i t s a l on g s i d e t h i s i n s u l a t i on
p r oces s i s n ot a n i n s i g n i f i ca n t u n d er t a k i n g , b u t D u r k a n R eg en ’ s
ex p er i en ced r es i d en t l i a i s on of f i cer s
w or k w i t h t en a n t s t o com m u n i ca t e t h e
b en ef i t s of t h es e w or k s a n d k eep t h em
u p d a t ed a t ev er y s t a g e
A c c e s s i n g f u n d i n g
D ec a r b o n i s i n g a g ei n g s t o c k i s a
s i g n i f i c a n t i n v es t m en t a n d i t ’ s
t h er ef o r e i m p o r t a n t t h a t l o c a l
a u t h o r i t i es a n d h o u s i n g a s s o c i a t i o n s
m a k e u s e o f a v a i l a b l e g o v er n m en t
f u n d i n g w h er ev er p o s s i b l e
I n t h i s ca s e, w or k i n g w i t h L &Q, w e
f u n d ed ou r d eca r b on i s a t i on w or k
t h r ou g h t h e W a r m H om es S oci a l
H ou s i n g F u n d – a d ed i ca t ed
g ov er n m en t f u n d f or l oca l a u t h or i t i es
a n d h ou s i n g a s s oci a t i on s t o h el p t h em
i n cr ea s e t h e en er g y ef f i ci en cy of t h ei r
h ou s i n g s t ock i n E n g l a n d
H ou s i n g p r ov i d er s a cces s i n g t h es e
f u n d s w i l l n eed t o w or k cl os el y w i t h
r eg en er a t i on s p eci a l i s t s t o en s u r e
i n v es t m en t i s u s ed t o i t s b es t p os s i b l e
ef f ect i f t h e U K i s t o en s u r e s a f e, w a r m ,
a n d d ecen t h om es f or t h e f u t u r e A
w h ol es a l e, h ol i s t i c a p p r oa ch t o
d eca r b on i s a t i on , l i k e t h e on e w e h a v e
em p l oy ed w i t h L &Q, ca n h el p en s u r e
ev er y op p or t u n i t y i s m a x i m i s ed
R e t h i n k i n g f l a t
r o o f r e f u r b i s h m e n t :
W h y o v e r l a y s y s t e m s a r e t h e s u s t a i n a b l e c h o i c e
The global shift toward sustainable practices has placed increasing emphasis on resource efficiency, waste reduction, and long-term environmental responsibility across all sectors, including construction and infrastructure. Waterproofing membranes, a critical component of building envelopes, play a key role in ensuring durability and protection from water ingress. The lifecycle management of these membranes, particularly in refurbishment projects, presents an opportunity to align with sustainability goals. With the help of Triflex, LABM investigates.
Tr a d i t i on a l l y, t h e r ep l a cem en t of
a g ed or d a m a g ed f l a t r oof
w a t er p r oof i n g m em b r a n es
i n v ol v es com p l et e r em ov a l ,
of t en g en er a t i n g s i g n i f i ca n t w a s t e a n d
r eq u i r i n g t h e u s e of n ew m a t er i a l s T h i s
p r a ct i ce n ot on l y d ep l et es n a t u r a l
r es ou r ces b u t a l s o i n cr ea s es t h e ca r b on
f oot p r i n t of s u ch p r oj ect s
B y a d op t i n g ov er l a y s ol u t i on s , w h er e
a n ew w a t er p r oof i n g s y s t em i s a p p l i ed
ov er t h e ex i s t i n g m em b r a n e,
s t a k eh ol d er s ca n r ed u ce w a s t e a n d
m i n i m i s e t h e en v i r on m en t a l i m p a ct of con s t r u ct i on a ct i v i t i es , a n i m p or t a n t
con s i d er a t i on f or ou r p u b l i c b u i l d i n g s
R a i s i n g t h e s u s t a i n a b i l i t y p r o f i l e
o f f l a t r o o f r e f u r b i s h m e n t
W i t h s u s t a i n a b i l i t y a t t h e f or ef r on t of
m od er n con s t r u ct i on p r a ct i ces , t h e
d ef a u l t a p p r oa ch s h ou l d b e t o con s i d er
ov er l a y op t i on s f i r s t W i t h t h e r i g h t
ex p er t i s e t h i s ca n b e a ch i ev ed w i t h
m od er n , r ei n f or ced P M M A l i q u i d a p p l i ed
w a t er p r oof i n g s y s t em s A n ov er l a y w i t h
P M M A col d l i q u i d r oof i n g s y s t em s ca n
r a i s e t h e s u s t a i n a b i l i t y p r of i l e of f l a t
r oof r ef u r b i s h m en t s b y :
● E l i m i n a t i n g en er g y i n t en s i v e h ot
w or k s : C ol d l i q u i d a p p l i ed s y s t em s
a r e q u i ck l y a n d ea s i l y a p p l i ed on t o
p r ep a r ed s u b s t r a t es N eg a t i n g h ot
w or k s , t h ey n ot on l y s a t i s f y i n s u r er s
b u t a l s o r ed u ce a n y ( of t en h i g h )
en er g y ex p en d i t u r e a s s oci a t ed w i t h
t r a d i t i on a l m a t er i a l s B u i l d i n g s ca n
r em a i n occu p i ed , m i n i m i s i n g
d i s r u p t i on t o t h e b u i l d i n g s f u n ct i on
● Ou t s t a n d i n g s u b s t r a t e a d h es i on :
P M M A r es i n s r ea d i l y a d h er e
ef f ect i v el y t o a w i d e r a n g e of
s u b s t r a t es i n cl u d i n g s i n g l e p l y s , a s p h a l t , f el t , t i m b er a n d g l a s s
S p eci a l i s t m a n u f a ct u r er s k n ow l ed g e
m ea n s t h a t a l m os t ev er y t y p e of
w a t er p r oof i n g m em b r a n e i n t h e U K
ca n b e ov er l a i d w i t h t h es e m od er n
m a t er i a l s w i t h cor r ect p r et r ea t m en t
a n d p r ep a r a t i on
● R ed u ce w a s t e t o l a n d f i l l R et a i n i n g
t h e ex i s t i n g b u i l d -u p i n s i t u r ed u ces
w a s t e g en er a t i on a s m a t er i a l s a r e
r eu s ed r a t h er t h a n d i s p os ed of I n
ca s es w h er e s om e d a m a g e h a s
occu r r ed , p a r t i a l b u i l d u p r em ov a l f or
l oca l i s ed r ep a i r s i s p os s i b l e, a v oi d i n g
t h e n eed f or com p l et e r oof s t r i p -u p s
● I n cor p or a t i n g t h er m a l i m p r ov em en t s
C on s i d er a t i on of T h e B u i l d i n g
R eg u l a t i on s A p p r ov ed D ocu m en t L
( C on s er v a t i on of F u el a n d P ow er ) i s
es s en t i a l f or r ef u r b i s h m en t p r oj ect s ,
es p eci a l l y i n p u b l i c b u i l d i n g s t h a t
a i m t o a ch i ev e en er g y s a v i n g s
Ov er l a y s ol u t i on s ca n i n cl u d e
t h er m a l en h a n cem en t s , s u ch a s
t a p er ed i n s u l a t i on s ch em es , w h i ch
i m p r ov e b ot h t h er m a l p er f or m a n ce
a n d d r a i n a g e
● A ch i ev e s h or t er p r oj ect t i m es y ea r -
r ou n d A v oi d i n g t h e n eed f or a f u l l
r oof s t r i p u p n a t u r a l l y r ed u ces t h e
t i m e on s i t e W i t h P M M A r es i n s t h a t
a r e r a i n p r oof i n 3 0 m i n u t es a n d f u l l y
cu r e i n 6 0 m i n u t es , ev en i n w i n t er
t em p er a t u r es , l a r g e r oof a r ea s ca n b e
q u i ck l y w a t er t i g h t Ov er a l l , t h a t
m ea n s l es s d i s r u p t i on a n d l es s d a y s on s i t e I n a n i n cr ea s i n g l y
u n p r ed i ct a b l e cl i m a t e, w ea t h er
w i n d ow s a r e m a x i m i s ed , h el p i n g t o
k eep p r oj ect s on s ch ed u l e I n t u r n
t h a t cou l d m ea n f ew er ca r b on
i n t en s i v e j ou r n ey s f or v i s i t i n g
w or k er s a s w el l a s r ed u ct i on i n p ow er
f or a n y a s s oci a t ed a ct i v i t i es
● D u r a b i l i t y a n d l on g ev i t y T h e l on g -
t er m p er f or m a n ce of t h e b u i l d i n g
en v el op e i s a n i m p or t a n t
con s i d er a t i on i n t h e w h ol e l i f e ca r b on
“stakeholder s can reduce waste and minimise the environmental impact of constr uction
activities
”
b en ef i t of t h e b u i l d i n g B B A
cer t i f i ca t i on f or w a t er p r oof i n g
s y s t em s d el i v er s con f i d en ce, w i t h
s om e m a n u f a ct u r er s f or P M M A
s y s t em s cer t i f i ed f or 2 5 y ea r s
ex p ect ed l i f e
B u t i t ’ s n ot on l y a r eu s e of m a t er i a l s
t od a y t o con s i d er W i t h P M M A
w a t er p r oof i n g s y s t em s t h a t r ea d i l y
a d h er e t o t h em s el v es , a f u t u r e ov er l a y
w i t h a P M M A l i q u i d r oof s y s t em ca n
p r ov i d e a l on g -t er m d u r a b i l i t y a n d
w a r r a n t y r es et A l l of w h i ch h el p t o
r ed u ce t h e ov er a l l en v i r on m en t a l i m p a ct
of t h e p r oj ect w i t h l i f e cy cl e b en ef i t s
K e y c o n s i d e r a t i o n s f o r a s s e s s i n g
o v e r l a y s u i t a b i l i t y
To ev a l u a t e t h e s u i t a b i l i t y of a n ex i s t i n g
w a t er p r oof i n g s y s t em f or a n ov er l a y
s ol u t i on , s ev er a l f a ct or s m u s t b e
con s i d er ed T h i s i n cl u d es t h e t y p e a n d
cu r r en t con d i t i on of t h e i n s i t u
w a t er p r oof i n g s y s t em , a n d t h e a b i l i t y of
t h e p r op os ed s y s t em t o a d h er e t o t h e
i n -s i t u m em b r a n e S om e w a t er p r oof i n g
s y s t em m a n u f a ct u r es of f er a s u i t e of
f r ee s er v i ces t o t h e p u b l i c s ect or t o a s s es s t h e s u i t a b i l i t y f or ov er l a y a n d p r ov i d e b es p ok e p r oj ect s p eci f i ca t i on Th or ou gh a ssessm en t s sh ou l d i n cl u de
cor e t est i n g t o est a bl i sh t h e t y pe a n d
st a t e of t h e ex i st i n g r oof bu i l d u p, a s w el l
a s st r en gt h a n d a dh esi on t est i n g of t h e pr oposed sy st em on si t e A ddi t i on a l l y, con den sa t i on a n a l y si s a n d w i n d u pl i f t
ca l cu l a t i on s sh ou l d be pa r t of t h e pr oj ect
speci f i ca t i on t o en su r e a r obu st sol u t i on
D el i v er y of h i gh -qu a l i t y pr oj ect s w i t h
m ea n i n gf u l w a r r a n t i es ca n be en su r ed t h r ou gh m a n u f a ct u r er t r a i n ed a n d
su ppor t ed l oca l a u t h or i sed con t r a ct or s
■ For more information about overlay solutions for flat roof waterproofing from Triflex, please visit www.rdr.link/law014
ROCKWOOL releases Technical Bulletin on the durability of its stone wool insulation
Recognising the importance of insulation’s long-term thermal performance in the energy efficiency of buildings, insulation manufacturer ROCKWOOL® has released a Technical Bulletin on the durability of its stone wool insulation
Summarising the results of several studies and realworld testing, the Technical Bulletin concludes that ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation can retain its insulating properties for more than 65 years in external wall systems
The Technical Bulletin outlines the definition of durability when it comes to the as-built performance of insulation and how ROCKWOOL products were assessed Evidence includes the findings of an independent study conducted by the European Mineral Wool Manufacturers’ Association (Eurima) on mineral wool insulation, including real-world testing for ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation specifically
■ The ROCKWOOL Durability Technical Bulletin can be downloaded at www.rdr.link/law015
Mapei is now an official member of the Solid Wall Insulation Guarantee Agency (SWIGA) Membership demonstrates that Mapei systems are now officially approved and recommended for every type of project, meeting the latest industry standards and delivering the highest quality SWIGA is a not-for-profit promoter of quality and best practice, and a guarantee provider for solid wall solutions It was established to encourage ongoing quality improvements, by way of its industry-recognised quality framework through which it delivers guidance, support and robust consumer protection through an independent guarantee The SWIGA guarantee provides cover for external wall insulation systems (EWI), internal wall insulation systems (IWI) and hybrid systems combining both It is available for all forms of traditionally constructed solid wall properties, as well as the many forms of non-traditional properties, and it covers the refurbishment of both low-rise dwellings and high-rise apartments
Roof Systems Manufacturer, Marley, has further extended the portfolio of colour options for its popular Acme Single Camber clay plain tile range
Founded on the warmth and character of clay, the all-new Ashurst clay plain tile adds another specification colour choice for roofing projects, helping to deliver a beautiful, rustic aesthetic for both traditional and contemporary low pitch roof designs Through a colour and sanding process, the Ashurst tiles offer an eye-catching appeal that depicts the natural ageing of a traditional clay roof
Suitable for retrofit and new build roofing projects, the Marley Acme Single Camber clay plain tile range is manufactured using the high-quality natural clay, Staffordshire Etruria Marl The addition of the new Ashurst colourway means Marley’s Acme Single Camber clay plain tile range is now available in 11 colour options
The entire range is also accredited to the BES 6001 Framework Standard for Responsible Sourcing, which provides environmental reassurance for specifiers and means that projects using the clay tiles can get additional credits under BREEAM
More information can be found at www.rdr.link/law017
flexible
Ecological Building Systems has launched a new flexible insulation product for roofs, walls, ceilings and floors, called IndiBreathe Flex, as part of an exclusive partnership with IndiNature
IndiBreathe Flex is a breathable, natural high performance thermal and acoustic insulation that helps to regulate humidity within a building structure for better indoor air quality The innovative insulation material has also received BBA Approval Inspection Testing Certification (24/7266) for Timber frame, pitched roof constructions and suspended timber intermediate floors and ground floors
Ideal for use in new builds and retrofits and particularly for timber frame constructions, IndiBreathe Flex provides superior thermal performance with a low thermal conductivity of 0 039 W/mK It also offers excellent overheating protection for buildings during summer, thanks to its combination of high density and exceptional specific heat capacity (2370 J/kgK) which helps keep indoor temperatures stable both in warm and cold weather
Kingspan launches A1-rated flat roof insulation
Kingspan Insulation has in Roof Slab 70/039, a Euroc rated insulation slab that is fully compatible with most mechanically fixed single-ply waterproofing systems
The rock mineral fibre insulation has a thermal co 0 039 W/mK and is available through specialist insulation distributors and selected roofing merchants across Great Britain The product can be installed above new or existing metal, concrete and plywood decks and is compatible with most green roof systems Its A1 Euroclass reaction to fire performance has been assessed under Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP) System 1
It forms part of Kingspan Insulation’s full spectrum of insulation solutions for flat roofs This includes the popular Thermaroof range of PIR flat roof boards, Thermataper tapered roofing systems and the OPTIM-R Roofing System which features vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) with a thermal conductivity of just 0 007 W/mK – providing a solution for applications where available depth is at a premium
M o d u l a r w a l l p a n e l
s y s t e m s – t h e h y g i e n i c
s o l u t i o n f o r s o c i a l
h o u s i n g b a t h r o o m s .
Local authorities and housing associations face the challenge of balancing durability, hygiene, cost-effectiveness, and ease of maintenance when designing and maintaining bathrooms in social housing Here, with the help of Kinedo, LABM investigates if modular wall panel systems could be the answer.
Tr a d i t i on a l t i l i n g ca n b e t i m e-
con s u m i n g t o i n s t a l l , p r on e t o
m ou l d a n d g r ou t d et er i or a t i on ,
a n d ex p en s i v e t o r ep a i r i n
con t r a s t , K i n ew a l l , a n a d v a n ced
m od u l a r w a l l p a n el s y s t em f r om
K i n ed o, of f er s a p r a ct i ca l , h y g i en i c
s ol u t i on a n d i s p er f ect l y s u i t ed f or
s oci a l h ou s i n g en v i r on m en t s
T h e H y g i e n e F a c t o r : A B a t h r o o m
S u r f a c e D e s i g n e d t o S t a y C l e a n
on e of t h e p r i m a r y con cer n s i n s oci a l
h ou s i n g i s m a i n t a i n i n g a h i g h s t a n d a r d
of h y g i en e, es p eci a l l y i n b a t h r oom s
w h er e m oi s t u r e ca n l ea d t o m ou l d
g r ow t h , m i l d ew , a n d b a ct er i a l b u i l d -u p
U n l i k e t r a d i t i on a l t i l es , w h i ch r el y on
g r ou t l i n es t h a t ca n h a r b ou r b a ct er i a
a n d g r i m e, p a n el s of f er a s ea m l es s ,
n on -p or ou s s u r f a ce t h a t i s ea s y t o cl ea n
a n d r es i s t a n t t o m ou l d
m a n u f a ct u r ed w i t h a n t i -b a ct er i a l a n d
w a t er -r es i s t a n t p r op er t i es , K i n ew a l l
s i g n i f i ca n t l y r ed u ces t h e r i s k of
m i cr ob i a l g r ow t h t h i s i s a cr u ci a l
b en ef i t a s m a i n t a i n i n g a cl ea n a n d
h ea l t h y l i v i n g en v i r on m en t f or t en a n t s
i s a t op p r i or i t y r ou t i n e cl ea n i n g
r eq u i r es m i n i m a l ef f or t , m a k i n g i t ea s i er
t o u p h ol d h y g i en e s t a n d a r d s w i t h l es s
r el i a n ce on cos t l y m a i n t en a n ce a n d
d eep cl ea n i n g s er v i ces
A C o s t - E f f e c t i v e A l t e r n a t i v e t o
T r a d i t i o n a l T i l i n g
s oci a l h ou s i n g p r oj ect s op er a t e u n d er
s t r i ct b u d g et con s t r a i n t s , m a k i n g
a f f or d a b i l i t y a n d l on g -t er m s a v i n g s k ey
con s i d er a t i on s m od u l a r w a l l p a n el s
of f er s i g n i f i ca n t cos t a d v a n t a g es ov er
t r a d i t i on a l t i l i n g m et h od s i t s q u i ck
i n st al l at i on r edu ces l abou r
l a b ou r ex p en s es a n d a l l ow s s oci a l
h ou s i n g p r ov i d er s t o com p l et e
r ef u r b i s h m en t s f a s t er, m i n i m i s i n g
t en a n t d i s r u p t i on
on g oi n g m a i n t en a n ce cos t s a r e
con s i d er a b l y l ow er U n l i k e g r ou t , w h i ch
d et er i or a t es ov er t i m e a n d r eq u i r es
cos t l y r ea p p l i ca t i on , K i n ew a l l p a n el s
m a i n t a i n t h ei r a p p ea r a n ce a n d f u n ct i on
w i t h s i m p l e r ou t i n e cl ea n i n g
F a s t a n d D i s r u p t i o n - F r e e
I n s t a l l a t i o n o n e o f t h e b i g g es t c h a l l en g es i n s o c i a l
h o u s i n g m a i n t en a n c e i s c a r r y i n g o u t r ef u r b i s h m en t s a n d r ep a i r s w i t h
m i n i m a l d i s r u p t i o n t o t en a n t s
B a t h r o o m s a r e es s en t i a l s p a c es , a n d
p r o l o n g ed d o w n t i m e c a n c a u s e
s i g n i f i c a n t i n c o n v en i en c e K i n ew a l l ’ s
r a p i d i n s t a l l a t i o n p r o c es s h el p s
m i t i g a t e t h i s i s s u e
cost s, an d i t s l on g-l ast i n g
du r abi l i t y m i n i m i ses t h e
n eed f or f r equ en t r epai r s
an d r epl acem en t s
tr a d i t i on a l t i l es r eq u i r e
t i m e-con s u m i n g
p r ep a r a t i on , i n cl u d i n g
p l a s t er i n g , g r ou t i n g , a n d
d r y i n g p er i od s P a n el s , on
t h e ot h er h a n d , ca n b e
i n s t a l l ed i n a f r a ct i on of
t h e t i m e, w i t h n o n eed f or
g r ou t or s p eci a l i s t t i l i n g
s k i l l s t h i s r ed u ces ov er a l l
U n l i k e t r a d i t i on a l t i l i n g , w h i ch ca n
t a k e d a y s t o i n s t a l l a n d r eq u i r e t i m e f or
g r ou t t o cu r e, p a n el s ca n b e f i t t ed i n
h ou r s t h e l i g h t w ei g h t m od u l a r p a n el s
a r e d es i g n ed f or a s w i f t a n d
s t r a i g h t f or w a r d i n s t a l l a t i on p r oces s , r ed u ci n g l a b ou r h ou r s a n d r eq u i r i n g
m u l t i p l e t r a d es p eop l e t h i s m ea n s t h a t s oci a l h ou s i n g b a t h r oom
L o n g - T e r m D u r a b i l i t y f o r H i g h -
U s a g e E n v i r o n m e n t s
S oci a l h ou s i n g b a t h r oom s a r e
s u b j ect t o h ea v y u s e ov er t i m e,
r eq u i r i n g m a t er i a l s t h a t ca n
w i t h s t a n d w ea r a n d t ea r K i n ew a l l i s
en g i n eer ed f or h i g h -p er f or m a n ce
d u r a b i l i t y, f ea t u r i n g i m p a ct -r es i s t a n t
a n d w a t er -r es i s t a n t p r op er t i es f a r
exceed i n g t r a d i t i on a l t i l i n g I t s r ob u s t
con s t r u ct i on en s u r es i t ca n en d u r e
f r eq u en t u s a g e w i t h ou t
d et er i or a t i n g , m a k i n g i t a l on g -
l a s t i n g a n d r el i a b l e ch oi ce f or
h ou s i n g p r ov i d er s
I n a d d i t i on t o b ei n g r es i s t a n t t o
s cr a t ch es a n d d a m a g e, K i n ew a l l p a n el s
a r e a l s o d es i g n ed t o b e s t a i n -r es i s t a n t ,
en s u r i n g t h a t b a t h r oom s r et a i n t h ei r
f r es h , cl ea n a p p ea r a n ce f or y ea r s t o
com e T h i s d u r a b i l i t y en h a n ces t h e
t en a n t ex p er i en ce a n d r ed u ces t h e
n eed f or cos t l y r ef u r b i s h m en t s a n d
em er g en cy r ep a i r s
A S t y l i s h a n d M o d e r n S o l u t i o n
I n a d d i t i on t o i t s p r a ct i ca l b en ef i t s ,
w a l l p a n el s p r ov i d e a s t y l i s h , m od er n
f i n i s h t h a t en h a n ces t h e ov er a l l
a es t h et i c of s oci a l h ou s i n g
b a t h r oom s T h e s l eek , g r ou t -f r ee
d es i g n con t r i b u t es t o a
con t em p or a r y l ook w h i l e s er v i n g a
p r a ct i ca l p u r p os e b y el i m i n a t i n g t h e
m os t com m on a r ea s w h er e m ou l d
a n d d i r t a ccu m u l a t e
M e e t i n g t h e N e e d s o f H o u s i n g
A s s o c i a t i o n s a n d L o c a l
A u t h o r i t i e s
S oci a l h ou s i n g p r ov i d er s a r e
r es p on s i b l e f or en s u r i n g t en a n t s h a v e
a cces s t o s a f e, h y g i en i c, a n d d u r a b l e
b a t h r oom f a ci l i t i es w h i l e k eep i n g
m a i n t en a n ce cos t s m a n a g ea b l e
K i n ew a l l a l i g n s p er f ect l y w i t h t h es e
n eed s , of f er i n g a s ol u t i on t h a t i s :
● H y g i en i c: S ea m l es s , n on -p or ou s , a n d
r es i s t a n t t o m ou l d a n d b a ct er i a
● C os t -E f f ect i v e: R ed u ces i n s t a l l a t i on
a n d m a i n t en a n ce cos t s
● Qu i ck t o I n s t a l l : M i n i m i s es d i s r u p t i on
t o t en a n t s
● D u r a b l e: L on g -l a s t i n g a n d r es i s t a n t
t o d a m a g e
● A es t h et i c: P r ov i d es a m od er n , s t y l i s h
f i n i s h
F or s oci a l h ou s i n g p r ov i d er s l ook i n g
t o m od er n i s e b a t h r oom f a ci l i t i es
w i t h ou t i n cu r r i n g exces s i v e cos t s or m a i n t en a n ce b u r d en s , m od u l a r w a l l p a n el s p r es en t a n i d ea l s ol u t i on B y
p r i or i t i s i n g h y g i en e, d u r a b i l i t y, a n d ef f i ci en cy, t h ey h el p h ou s i n g
a s s oci a t i on s a n d l oca l a u t h or i t i es
d el i v er h i g h -q u a l i t y l i v i n g s p a ces t h a t en h a n ce t en a n t s a t i s f a ct i on a n d s t a n d
t h e t es t of t i m e
■ For more on the Kinewall range please visit www.rdr.link/law020
M o d e r n A c c e s s i b i l i t y : D
e s i g n i n g
S a f e a n d S t y l i s h S h o w e r
S p a c e s f o r Yo u r R e s i d e n t s
A well-designed bathroom is an essential part of a home for residents with accessibility requirements. A level-access shower room, also known as a wetroom, is a practical solution that makes showering safer and more convenient while reducing the risk of trips or falls. Gary Major, from leading wetroom manufacturer Impey, explains the benefits of level access showering spaces and why they are a must-have for local authorities and housing associations to cater for residents with mobility requirements or disabilities
Wh a t a r e A c c e s s i b l e
S h o w e r S p a c e s ?
a cces s i b l e s h ow er i n g
s p a ces a r e d es i g n ed t o em p ow er r es i d en t s b y p r ov i d i n g s a f e, com f or t a b l e, a n d p r a ct i ca l s h ow er i n g en v i r on m en t s U n l i k e t r a d i t i on a l s h ow er en cl os u r es , t h es e s p a ces a r e
b u i l t w i t h l ev el -a cces s f l oor i n g , a l l ow i n g
f or s ea m l es s en t r y a n d ex i t t h ey m a y
a l s o i n cor p or a t e a d d i t i on a l el em en t s
s u ch a s g r a b r a i l s , h a l f -h ei g h t s h ow er s cr een s , a n d s h ow er s ea t i n g t o s u p p or t i n d i v i d u a l s w i t h m ob i l i t y ch a l l en g es
t h es e a d a p t a t i o n s a r e p a r t i c u l a r l y b en ef i c i a l f o r el d er l y a d u l t s , i n d i v i d u a l s w i t h d i s a b i l i t i es , o r
a n y o n e ex p er i en c i n g t em p o r a r y o r
l o n g - t er m m o b i l i t y i s s u es t h e g o a l
i s t o c r ea t e a s p a c e t h a t i s n o t o n l y
f u n c t i o n a l b u t a l s o a es t h et i c a l l y p l ea s i n g , p r o o f t h a t a c c es s i b i l i t y a n d
s t y l e c a n g o h a n d i n h a n d
K e y C o n s i d e r a t i o n s f o r A c c e s s i b l e
S h o w e r S p a c e s
W h en d es i g n i n g a cces s i b l e s h ow er
spaces, i t 's i m por t an t t o m eet t h e n eeds of a var i et y of u ser s con si der at i on s i n cl u de:
● W h eel ch a i r a ccessi bi l i t y : i f t h e u ser
r el i es on a w h eel ch a i r, t h er e n eeds t o
be a m pl e t u r n i n g spa ce th e l a y ou t
sh ou l d a l l ow f or ea sy m a n oeu v r a bi l i t y
a n d a ccess t o a l l essen t i a l f i x t u r es
● c a r er -a s s i s t ed s h ow er i n g : i n ca s es
w h er e a ca r er i s r eq u i r ed t o a s s i s t
w i t h s h ow er i n g , t h e s p a ce s h ou l d
a ccom m od a t e b ot h i n d i v i d u a l s
com f or t a b l y
● W ei g h t s u p p or t : t h e s h ow er f l oor
m u s t b e ca p a b l e of s u p p or t i n g
a d d i t i on a l w ei g h t i f n eces s a r y
i m p ey ’ s a q u a -D ec e a s y F i t f l oor
f or m er i s d es i g n ed t o w i t h s t a n d u p
t o 4 7 s t on e ( 3 0 0 k g ) w i t h ou t t h e
n eed f or u n d er b oa r d i n g , m a k i n g i t a
d u r a b l e a n d p r a ct i ca l ch oi ce
● s a f et y f ea t u r es : Gr a b r a i l s p r ov i d e
cr u ci a l s u p p or t , r ed u ci n g t h e r i s k of
s l i p s a n d f a l l s m a x i -Gr i p P l u s Gr a b
r a i l s , f or i n s t a n ce, a r e d es i g n ed t o
of f er s t a b i l i t y w i t h ou t t h e n eed f or ex t en s i v e s t r u ct u r a l m od i f i ca t i on s
● s ea t i n g op t i on s : a w a l l -m ou n t ed
s h ow er s ea t p r ov i d es com f or t a n d
secu r i t y, par t i cu l ar l y f or i n di vi du al s w h o
ca n n ot s t a n d f or ex t en d ed p er i od s
● h a l f -h ei g h t s h ow er d oor s : t h es e a r e
p a r t i cu l a r l y u s ef u l f or t h os e w h o
r eq u i r e a s s i s t a n ce w h i l e s h ow er i n g
t h ey a l l ow ca r er s t o p r ov i d e s u p p or t w h i l e m a i n t a i n i n g t h e u s er ’ s d i g n i t y a n d p r i v a cy
W h y I n s t a l l a L e v e l - A c c e s s
S h o w e r i n g S o l u t i o n ?
U n l i k e t
On e of t h e m os t p op u l a r ch oi ces f or
cr ea t i n g a n a cces s i b l e w et r oom i s t h e
A q u a -D ec E a s y F i t f l oor f or m er I t ’ s i d ea l
f or n ew b u i l d s or r et r of i t t i n g T h i s
p r ef a b r i ca t ed op t i on i s l i g h t w ei g h t y et i n cr ed i b l y s t r on g , m a k i n g i t s u i t a b l e f or
b ot h w ood en a n d con cr et e f l oor i n g F or
a d d ed s a f et y, i t ca n b e i n s t a l l ed w i t h
s l i p -r es i s t a n t v i n y l f l oor i n g , en s u r i n g a
s ecu r e a n d ea s y -t o-m a i n t a i n s u r f a ce
F or n ew -b u i l d h ou s i n g , t h e A q u a -
Gr a d e s cr eed t em p l a t e of f er s a f a s t a n d
ef f i ci en t w a y t o cr ea t e a d r a i n a g e
g r a d i en t , r ed u ci n g i n s t a l l a t i on t i m e
w h i l e en s u r i n g a h i g h -q u a l i t y f i n i s h
W h et h er y ou ’ r e
a d a p t i n g a n ex i s t i n g
p r op er t y or b u i l d i n g
f r om s cr a t ch , t h es e
s ol u t i on s m a k e i t
ea s y t o a ch i ev e a
p r a ct i ca l a n d
a cces s i b l e s h ow er i n g a r ea
F u t u r e - P r o o f i n g Y o u r H o u s i n g
S t o c k
M od er n , i n cl u s i v e b a t h r oom s a r en ’ t j u s t
a b ou t m eet i n g i m m ed i a t e n eed s , t h ey
a r e a l s o a s m a r t i n v es t m en t f or t h e
f u t u r e B y i n cor p or a t i n g a cces s i b l e
f ea t u r es , l oca l a u t h or i t i es a n d h ou s i n g
a s s oci a t i on s ca n a d d l on g -t er m v a l u e t o
p r op er t i es w h i l e en s u r i n g t h ey r em a i n
p r a ct i ca l a n d a d a p t a b l e
A c c e s s i b l e D e s i g n W i t h o u t
C o m p r o m i s e
C on t r a r y t o ou t d a t ed p er cep t i on s ,
a cces s i b l e b a t h r oom s ca n b e j u s t a s
s t y l i s h a s t r a d i t i on a l d es i g n s W i t h a
w i d e r a n g e of f i x t u r es a n d f i n i s h es
a v a i l a b l e, s p eci f i er s n o l on g er h a v e t o
ch oos e b et w een f u n ct i on a l i t y a n d
a es t h et i cs
C r e a t i n g S a f e a n d C o m f o r t a b l e
H o m e s
A s a cces s i b i l i t y con t i n u es t o b e a
p r i or i t y i n b a t h r oom d es i g n , m od er n
w et r oom s p r ov i d e a n i d ea l s ol u t i on t o en h a n ce s a f et y a n d i n d ep en d en ce
W h et h er a d a p t i n g a n ex i s t i n g s p a ce or
f u t u r e-p r oof i n g , l ev el -a cces s s h ow er s
of f er a v er s a t i l e ch oi ce t h a t ca n
i m p r ov e ev er y d a y l i f e f or r es i d en t s of a l l m ob i l i t y l ev el s
■ For more information on accessible wetroom solutions for all kinds of property, visit www.rdr.link/law021
There is a critical lack of social and affordable housing in this country – and this is causing profound social harm. Lauren Arthur, Solutions Manager, Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions looks at one potential solution.
Ar ecor d 1 5 9 , 0 0 0 ch i l d r en i n
E n g l a n d a r e h om el es s i n
t em p or a r y a ccom m od a t i on
L ow -i n com e f a m i l i es a r e
s u f f er i n g f r om u n a f f or d a b l e r en t s a n d
i n s ecu r i t y i n p r i v a t e a ccom m od a t i on ,
a n d t h er e a r e i n cr ea s ed r a t es of
ov er cr ow d i n g i n b ot h s oci a l a n d
p r i v a t e r en t ed h om es On t op of t h i s ,
h ou s eh ol d s a r e s t r u g g l i n g w i t h h i g h
en er g y b i l l s a n d t h e cos t -of -l i v i n g
cr i s i s
To t a ck l e t h e s h or t a g e of
a f f or d a b l e h ou s i n g , t h e Gov er n m en t
h a s s et a g oa l of b u i l d i n g 1 5 m i l l i on h om es ov er t h e n ex t f i v e y ea r s A t t h e
s a m e t i m e, t h e con s t r u ct i on i n d u s t r y
i s w or k i n g t ow a r d s n et z er o b y 2 0 5 0,
a g a i n s t a b a ck d r op of m or e ex t r em e
w ea t h er con d i t i on s i n cl u d i n g
h ea t w a v es , f l ood s a n d s t or m s ca u s ed
b y cl i m a t e ch a n g e A cr i t i ca l s k i l l s
s h or t a g e i n t h e h ou s eb u i l d i n g s ect or
a d d s t o t h e ch a l l en g e
To h el p a d d r es s t h es e i s s u es ,
S a i n t -Gob a i n h a s d ev el op ed a n
i n n ov a t i v e n ew of f s i t e s y s t em
com b i n i n g s ol u t i on s f r om f i v e of i t s
b r a n d s t h a t ca n d el i v er a w ea t h er -
t i g h t h om e 1 2 -1 5 w eek s f a s t er t h a n
t r a d i t i on a l b u i l d s T h i s s u p p or t s s oci a l
h ou s i
h ou s i n g s h or t a g e Tr a d i t i
b u i l d s t a k e a r ou n d 1 2 -
1 6 w eek
s t o con s t r u ct
a w i n d -a n d -w a t er -t i g h t
s h el l B u t w i t h a n
of f s i t e s ol u t i on l i k e
E n v eoVen t f r om S a i n t -
Gob a i n , w a l l p a n el s a r e
m a n u f a ct u r ed i n f a ct or y
con d i t i on s a n d d el i v er ed
t o s i t e t o b e cr a n ed i n t o
p l a ce a f t er t h e con cr et e
s l a b i s l a i d T h e i n t er n a l
a n d ex t er n a l f i n i s h es a r e
a l s o d el i v er ed i n p r i or i t y
l oa d ed ‘ p l ot p a ck s ’ , i n cl u d i n g f i x t u r es a n d
f i t t i n g s r eq u i r ed f or ea ch
s t a g e of w or k T h i s r es u l t
f a s t er a n d m or e ef f i ci en t
s ch ed u l es t h e f l oor s , w
a n d r oof ca n b e er ect ed i
l i t t l e a s s i x d a y s
C om p r i s i n g a p r ef a b r i c
t i m b er -f r a m e w a l l s y s t em
com p l et e w i t h i n s u l a t i on
v en t i l a t i on , i n t er n a l p l a s t
a n d ex t er i or w a l l f i n i s h ,
E n v eoVen t w a s d es i g n ed
s oci a l h ou s i n g p r ov i d er s
s m a l l a n d r eg i on a l h ou s e
a cces s t o of f s i t e s ol u t i on
f i r s t com p l et e, f u l l y t es t e
t h e-w a l l s ol u t i on f r om a s i n g l e
m a n u f a ct u r er
M e e t i n g f u n d i n g d e a d l i n e s
A c c es s t o f u n d i n g i s a c r i t i c a l
c h a l l en g e f o r h o u s i n g a s s o c i a t i o n s t o
b u i l d m o r e o f t h e s o c i a l h o m es
p eo p l e d es p er a t el y n eed – b u t
s ec u r i n g p u b l i c f u n d i n g o f t en m ea n s
t i g h t t i m el i n es
Th i s w a s k ey f or M i dl a n d H ea r t , on e of t h e l a r gest h ou si n g a ssoci a t i on s i n t h e M i dl a n ds, w h en con si der i n g i t s dev el opm en t of 1 2 h om es a t
B a r n esv i l l e Cl ose, i n B i r m i n gh a m
En v eoVen t w a s k ey t o bei n g a bl e t o
bu i l d qu i ck l y en ou gh t o m eet t h e dea dl i n e f or t h e H om es En gl a n d
Af f or da bl e H ou si n g Gr a n t Th e dev el opm en t i s on t r a ck t o be com pl et ed by t h e en d of M a r ch 2025
h ou si n g t o del i v er l ow er en er gy bi l l s f or r esi den t s on l ow i n com es W i t h a Uv al u e of bet w een 0 1 6 t o 0 1 3 W / m 2K , depen di n g on w al l t h i ck n ess, t h i s m eet s an d exceeds t h e 0 1 8 W / m 2K t h er m al
per f or m an ce r equ i r ed by t h e n ew F u t u r e
Hom es St an dar d, an d t h e 0 1 3 W / m 2K
r equ i r ed f or t h e P assi v h au s st an dar d
P i l ot ed i n S a i n t -Gob a i n ’ s eH om e2 , a t h r ee-b ed r oom h om e w a s
con s t r u ct ed a s p a r t of T h e U n i v er s i t y
of S a l f or d ’ s E n er g y H ou s e 2 0
r es ea r ch p r oj ect , r es u l t s s h ow ed
h om es b u i l t w i t h E n v eoVen t ca n b e
h ea t ed v i a a n a i r s ou r ce h ea t p u m p
f or j u s t £ 1 8 4 p er d a y *
T h i s s u p p or t s h ou s e b u i l d er s a n d
h ou s i n g a s s oci a t i on s ’ cl i m a t e g oa l s ,
a n d t h e t r a n s i t i on t o n et z er o b y
r ed u ci n g en er g y d em a n d f or h ea t i n g
a n d cool i n g
Q u a l i t y a s s u r a n c e a n d
c o m p l i a n c e
T h e B u i l d i n g S a f et y A ct 2 0 2 2
r eq u i r es a Gol d en T h r ea d of
a ccu r a t e a n d a cces s i b l e
n f or m a t i on a b ou t a l l p r od u ct s
u s ed i n a b u i l d i n g
D et a i l ed s t r u ct u r a l ca l cu l a t i on s
a n d com p r eh en s i v e f i r e, t h er m a l ,
n d a cou s t i c p er f or m a n ce t es t i n g
n t h e f u l l s y s t em of p a r t s a r e
i t i ca l f or of f s i t e s ol u t i on s
eci f i er s n eed con f i d en ce i n t h e
a l i t y of t h e p r od u ct a n d p r oof of
or ou s t es t i n g t o con f i r m r eg u l a t or y
p l i a n ce F or a r ch i t ect s , m eet i n g
A cr i t er i a a n d i n t eg r a t i n g i n t o
a l d es i g n s of t w a r e i s a l s o k ey
s w el l a s m eet i n g t h es e
u i r em en t s , h a v i n g a s i n g l e p oi n t of
a ct , on e t r a n s a ct i on a n d on e
r a n t y, a l s o m ea n s E n v eoVen t h el p s
a m l i n e t h e p r ocu r em en t p r oces s
i n g on e t r u s t ed s u p p l i er r a t h er
n a com p l ex s u p p l y n et w or k
v i d es a b et t er cl i en t h a n d ov er ces s a n d r ed u ces r i s k s w h i l e
r ov i n g a ccou n t a b i l i t y a n d i s s u es
a g em en t
p eci f i er s n eed t o b e a b l e t o
u s s t h ei r r eq u i r em en t s w i t h a ca t ed con s t r u ct i on m a n a g er, s o
t -Gob a i n a l s o en s u r es t h e s ol u t i on
f i t s t h ei r p r oj ect
I n n o v a t i n g f o r t h e f u t u r e
To b u i l d t h e n u m b er of h i g h -q u a l i t y,
a f f or d a b l e, a n d s u s t a i n a b l e s oci a l
h om es t h i s cou n t r y n eed s ,
b r ea k t h r ou g h i n n ov a t i on s a r e n eed ed
C ou p l ed w i t h s t r et ch i n g
h ou s eb u i l d i n g t a r g et s a n d a m i s s i on -
cr i t i ca l N et Z er o 2 0 5 0, s oci a l h ou s i n g
p r ov i d er s a n d s m a l l -t o-r eg i on a l
d ev el op er s a n d con t r a ct or s a l s o n eed
w or k a b l e s ol u t i on s
* R es u l t s b a s ed on a s t ea d y s t a t e ex t er n a l t em p er a t u r e of 5 C °
■ For more on Enveovent go to www rdr link/law022
Barry Kirkham, Commercial Manager at Tufcoat, explains the importance of modular wrapping, including the critical role of shrink-wrap
Th e U K ’ s m odu l a r con s t r u ct i on
m a r k et i s gr ow i n g f a s t
B oos t i n g ef f i ci en cy,
s u s t a i n a bi l i t y a n d q u a l i t y
con t r ol , t h e p r oces s i s p l a y i n g a k ey r ol e
i n a ddr es s i n g con s t r u ct i on ch a l l en ges
A s t h e Gov er n m en t a ccel er a t es i t s ‘ get
B r i t a i n bu i l di n g ’ a gen da , m odu l a r
con s t r u ct i on w i l l be cr u ci a l i n del i v er i n g
m or e h om es a n d i n f r a s t r u ct u r e
W i t h g r ow t h s et t o con t i n u e,
a t t en t i on t u r n s t o t h e p r a ct i ca l i t i es of m od u l a r con s t r u ct i on a n d h ow t o en s u r e p r oj ect s a r e d el i v er ed
s u cces s f u l l y A v i t a l con s i d er a t i on i s
h ow t o p r ot ect t h e u n i t s d u r i n g
t r a n s p or t a t i on f r om f a ct or y t o s i t e
T h e r i s k o f d a m a g e a n d d e l a y
Tr a n s p or t i n g m od u l a r u n i t s s a f el y i s cr u ci a l t o en s u r e t h ei r s t r u ct u r a l i n t eg r i t y, q u a l i t y, a n d ov er a l l p er f or m a n ce on ce i n s t a l l ed W i t h ou t
s u i t a b l e p r ot ect i on , s ev er e w ea t h er,
d u s t or r oa d d eb r i s ca n com p r om i s e
i n s u l a t i on , j oi n t s a n d ot h er cr i t i ca l
com p on en t s , p ot en t i a l l y a f f ect i n g
f u n ct i on a l i t y
F i t t i n g s a n d f i n i s h es a r e a l s o
v u l n er a b l e St r on g w i n d s ca n exer t exces s i v e f or ce on el em en t s s u ch a s
cl a d d i n g , i n cr ea s i n g t h e r i s k of
d et a ch m en t P r ol on g ed h ea v y r a i n m a y
ca u s e a es t h et i c d a m a g e, p a r t i cu l a r l y t o w ood en or p a i n t ed s u r f a ces
A n y d a m a g e i n cu r r ed d u r i n g t r a n s i t
ca n r es u l t i n cos t l y r ep a i r s a n d
s u b s eq u en t d el a y s t o con s t r u ct i on
p r og r a m m es I f t h e i s s u es a r e s ev er e,
u n i t s m a y ev en n eed t o b e r et u r n ed t o
t h e f a ct or y or r ep l a ced en t i r el y
L i m i t a t i o n s o f t r a d i t i o n a l
s o l u t i o n s
A l t h ou g h t h er e a r e v a r i ou s op t i on s of f er i n g p r ot ect i on , m a n y f a l l s h or t of p r ov i d i n g t h e cov er a g e a n d r el i a b i l i t y n eed ed d u r i n g t r a n s p or t a t i on Ta r p a u l i n , f or ex a m p l e, m a y s eem l i k e a cos t -ef f ect i v e s ol u t i on b u t h a s
“Transporting modular units safely is crucial to ensure their structural integrity, quality, and overall perfor mance once installed”
s ev er a l l i m i t a t i on s t h a t ca n a f f ect t h e m od u l es ’ s a f et y a n d i n t eg r i t y A s i t i s
i n cr ed i b l y d i f f i cu l t t o f i t t a r p a u l i n t i g h t l y, t h e cov er i n g ca n f a i l t o p r op er l y s h i el d
t h e u n i t s f r om r oa d v i b r a t i on s , d i r t or
d u s t H a r s h w ea t h er a n d m ot or w a y
w i n d s p eed s of t en ca u s e t a r p a u l i n t o
t h r a s h , r i s k i n g d a m a g e t o t h e m od u l es or d et a ch m en t
C u s t om -m a d e r eu s a b l e t a r p a u l i n s m a y s eem econ om i ca l , b u t t h er e a r e d r a w b a ck s To r em a i n ef f ect i v e, s i g n i f i ca n t m a i n t en a n ce i s r eq u i r ed t og et h er w i t h s t or a g e s p a ce T h er e i s
a l s o t h e r i s k of l og i s t i ca l ch a l l en g es w h en r et u r n i n g t h e cov er s s u ch a s
d el a y s i n s h i p p i n g a n d a d d i t i on a l cos t s
N e x t l e v e l p r o t e c t i o n
To a v oi d t h es e i s s u es , s h r i n k -w r a p
p r ov i d es a r ob u s t a n d s ecu r e s ol u t i on
U n l i k e t r a d i t i on a l cov er i n g s , w h i ch a r e
s ecu r ed w i t h r a t ch et s t r a p s t o t h e
t r a n s p or t v eh i cl e, a s h r i n k -w r a p cov er i s h ea t s h r u n k
T h i s en s u r es a d r u m -t i g h t s ea l a r ou n d
t h e m od u l e t h a t w i l l n ot f l a p ev en a t
m ot or w a y s p eed s , el i m i n a t i n g t h e r i s k
of d a m a g e or ch a f i n g
A s sh r i n k-w r ap sh eet s ar e av ai l abl e i n w i dt h s u p t o 1 4 m an d can be h eat w el ded
t oget h er, m odu l es of an y si ze can be accom m odat ed F or l ar ger m odu l es or i r r egu l ar sh apes, t h e sh r i n k-w r ap can be appl i ed di r ect l y f r om t h e r ol l t o pr ov i de cu st om -f i t pr ot ect i on W h i l e t h i s m et h od
t akes sl i gh t l y l on ger com par ed t o al t er n at i v e t ech n i qu es, i t i s a cost -ef f ect i v e w ay of pr ot ect i n g t h ese t y pes of u n i t s
I f u n i t s n eed t o b e s t or ed p r i or t o
i n s t a l l a t i on or t r a n s p or t a t i on , s h r i n k -
w r a p ca n b e t a i l or ed t o p r ov i d e p r a ct i ca l p r ot ect i on t oo Z i p p er d oor s of v a r i ou s
s i z es r a n g i n g f r om s m a l l i n s p ect i on h a t ch es t o f u l l -h ei g h t a cces s p oi n t s ca n
b e i n cor p or a t ed t o en a b l e ea s y a cces s
f or w or k er s On ce t h e m od u l es a r e
r ea d y f or i n s t a l l a t i on , t h e s h r i n k -w r a p
cov er i n g ca n b e ea s i l y r em ov ed a n d
r ecy cl ed , el i m i n a t i n g w a s t e a n d
s u p p or t i n g en v i r on m en t a l ob j ect i v es
F l a m e r e t a r d a n t p r o p e r t i e s
F i r e s a f et y i s a n ot h er v i t a l con s i d er a t i on
w h en p r ot ect i n g m od u l a r u n i t s i n t r a n s i t
or s t or a g e W h en s el ect i n g s h r i n k -w r a p ,
i t s h ou l d m eet E N 1 3 5 0 1 , a E u r op ea n
s t a n d a r d t h a t cl a s s i f i es t h e f i r e
p er f or m a n ce of con s t r u ct i on m a t er i a l s
To m a x i m i s e s a f et y, m od u l a r w r a p p i n g
w i t h a d d i t i on a l cer t i f i ca t i on s s h ou l d a l s o b e con s i d er ed U K A S -a ccr ed i t ed
cer t i f i ca t i on f r om W a r r i n g t on f i r e f or
ex a m p l e, m ea n s p r od u ct s h a v e b een
i n d ep en d en t l y t es t ed t o m eet m or e
r i g or ou s s t a n d a r d s t h a n E N 1 3 5 0 1 a l on e
S h r i n k -w r a p t h a t i s W a r r i n g t on f i r e
cer t i f i ed t o T S 6 2 a n d T S 6 3 of f er s
s u p er i or f l a m e r et a r d a n cy a n d a l l t es t s
ca n b e cl ea r l y t r a ced t o en s u r e
a ccou n t a b i l i t y a n d q u a l i t y a s s u r a n ce
M a i n t a i n i n g t h es e cer t i f i ca t i on s a l s o
r eq u i r es t h e m a n u f a ct u r er ’ s p r od u ct i on
p r oces s es t o b e a u d i t ed a n d i n cl u d e f u l l
t r a cea b i l i t y of a l l r a w com p on en t s u s ed
i n t h e p r od u ct i on
I n s t a l l a t i o n c o n s i d e r a t i o n s
Th e i n st a l l a t i on of sh r i n k-w r a p m odu l a r
cov er s i s u su a l l y ca r r i ed ou t by t h e
su ppl i er To m a i n t a i n t h e h i gh est
st a n da r ds, t h e pr ocess sh ou l d be
ov er seen by ex per i en ced m a n a ger s w i t h
r el ev a n t h ea l t h a n d sa f et y qu a l i f i ca t i on s
su ch a s t h ose pr ov i ded by t h e Si t e
M a n a gem en t Sa f et y Tr a i n i n g Sch em e
( SM STS) , I n st i t u t e of Occu pa t i on a l Sa f et y
a n d H ea l t h ( I OSH ) a n d t h e N a t i on a l
Ex a m i n a t i on B oa r d i n Occu pa t i on a l
Sa f et y a n d H ea l t h ( N EB OSH )
Of f s i t e m a n u f a ct u r er s ca n a l s o a d d
t h i s s er v i ce i n t o t h ei r p r od u ct i on p r oces s w i t h b es p ok e s h r i n k -w r a p
t r a i n i n g f or i n -h ou s e t ea m s r es p on s i b l e
f or m od u l a r b u i l d i n g p r oj ect s T h i s i s
t a i l or ed t o t h e t y p i ca l ob j ect s t h a t n eed
t o b e p r ot ect ed a n d cov er s t h e p r a ct i ca l
t ech n i q u es r eq u i r ed , i n cl u d i n g h ow t o
s et ou t t h e s h eet i n g a n d op er a t e t h e
h ea t t ool t o s h r i n k a n d cr ea t e w el d s
On ce ca n d i d a t es a r e com f or t a b l e a n d com p et en t w or k i n g w i t h t h e h ea t t ool ,
t r a i n i n g i s p r ov i d ed on t h e w r a p p i n g
m et h od ol og y a n d p r od u ct s el ect i on
A s t e p a h e a d
T h e i n cr ea s ed a d op t i on of m od er n m et h ods of con st r u ct i on r equ i r es equ al l y
i n n ov at i v e pr ot ect i on sol u t i on s A s t h e m ar k et ex pan ds, en su r i n g t h e saf e t r an si t of u n i t s i s cr i t i cal t o m ai n t ai n i n g qu al i t y
a n d m eet i n g p r oj ect t i m el i n es
W h en s el ect i n g a cov er i n g , l oca l
a u t h or i t i es m u s t con s i d er s ol u t i on s t h a t p r ov i d e r ob u s t p r ot ect i on t h r ou g h ou t
t h e j ou r n ey a n d b ey on d I n v es t i n g i n
s h r i n k -w r a p ca n p r ot ect a g a i n s t d a m a g e a n d f i r e r i s k s en s u r i n g m od u l es a r r i v e i n p er f ect con d i t i on a n d p er f or m a n ce i s n ot com p r om i s ed
■ For more information please visit www.rdr.link/law023
Modular homes company
Boutique Modern has revealed an innovative product called ModernHome which will build homes quickly for people on the social housing waiting list and help local authorities save significant money at a crucial time
As well as providing comfortable, safe and stylish homes for residents, the ModernHome product offers a rapid to deploy, innovative and cost-effective financial model that will transform council and housing association land into vibrant communities, alleviating the costly top-up requirements currently plaguing councils around the UK
This product launch comes after recent data from the Local Government Association (LGA) revealed the number of households in temporary accommodation has surged by 89% over the past decade
With many councils now allocating more than half their housing budgets to emergency accommodation, ModernHome presents a financially viable alternative which can be delivered in a fraction of the time of a traditional council housing scheme
Donaldson Timber Systems recognised for bringing skills to West Herts College
Leading UK offsite timber frame manufacturer, Donaldson Timber Systems (DTS) has been awarded ‘Skillmaker’ status by West Herts College
This accolade is in recognition of the ongoing commitment by DTS to the development of sustainable construction skills, specifically by supporting West Herts College’s Level 2 Site Carpentry & Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) apprenticeship programme
The Skillmakers network comprises over 80 businesses, which are leading the way by shaping education, developing workforce skills and generating employment opportunities
DTS has been working with West Herts College since 2018, when it was appointed to the Hertfordshire Off-Site Manufacturing (OSM) framework This included supporting a regional consortium of housing providers and Local Authorities to improve the delivery of affordable housing at a local level and to develop local enterprise partnerships
Since the start of the partnership, DTS has provided regular timber frame workshops to the apprentices and constructed a timber frame demonstration training facility within the college to showcase MMC
r l i n k / L AW 1 0 0
E l i t e S e c u r i t y P r o d u c t s ...................................... ( p a g e 2 5 )
w w w r d r l i n k / L AW 1 0 1
E l i t e S e c u r i t y P r o d u c t s ...................................... ( p a g e 2 1 )
w w w r d r l i n k / L AW 1 0 2
F u s i o n 2 1 L t d .............................................. ( p a g e s 1 4 , 1 5 )
w w w r d r l i n k / L AW 1 0 3
H o r n e E n g i n e e r i n g C o L t d ( p a g e 3 7 )
w w w r d r l i n k / L AW 1 0 4
K i n g s p a n I n s u l a t i o n L t d ( p a g e 9 )
w w w r d r l i n k / L AW 1 0 5
P r o B u i l d e r L i v e ( p a g e 3 8 )
w w w r d r l i n k / L AW 1 0 6
S a m u e l H e a t h & S o n s .............................. ( p a g e 4 4 / O B C )
w w w r d r l i n k / L AW 1 0 7
S c o l m o r e I n t e r n a t i o n a l ...................................... ( p a g e 1 8 )
w w w r d r l i n k / L AW 1 0 8
S c o l m o r e I n t e r n a t i o n a l ...................................... ( p a g e 2 4 )
w w w r d r l i n k / L AW 1 0 9
S u p e r g l a s s I n s u l a t i o n L t d .................................. ( p a g e 2 8 )
w w w r d r l i n k / L AW 1 1 0
T h e E l e c t r i c H e a t i n g C o m p a n y ( p a g e 2 / I F C )
w w w r d r l i n k / L AW 1 1 1
W a r m a U K ( p a g e 4 )
w w w r d r l i n k / L AW 1 1 2
W a v i n L t d ( p a g e 1 3 )
w w w r d r l i n k / L AW 1 1 3
