Home Designer & Architect - July 2020

HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT

MAGAZINE JULY 2020

Lincolnshire Wolds home shortlisted for RIBA architectural award page 36 + 37

THE TOP GARDEN INSTILLATIONS

FOR SUMMER 2020

Whilst the summer of 2020 may not be quite what we’d originally anticipated, with unprecedented circumstances and a lack of normality prevalent throughout; it is no doubt more important than ever that garden investment is done in anticipation for the long summer months. The upcoming season is expected to be high in temperature, and with so many people spending their days in the garden, now offers a great opportunity to reinvent the garden space. Here are this year’s key garden instillations for Summer 2020.

Garden Office Updating the garden to include a garden office has quickly become one of the most popular installation for this year. For many, working from home has become an essential entity, and with an office setting not always a practical option within the home itself, a garden office can provide a suitable space and productivity solution. There are various elements to consider when investing in a garden office such as the material choice, with popular options including timber and PVC-u. Roof style is also a variable option worth researching, with so many styles and variations to choose from.

The positioning of this instillation is key, as office spaces usually require electricity and WIFI connections, so it’s imperative that suitable positioning allows for easy wiring. It’s also worth noting that dependent on varying factors, planning permission may also be required, so it is important to research this prior to investing in the building itself

Summer house Thanks to their versatility, investing in a summer house can have many benefits for the home, particularly within the warmer months. For those who love an outdoor space for reading or relaxing, summer houses create an area that can be used specifically with unwinding in mind. Alternatively, these instillations are proving particularly popular as playrooms for children, something more and more families are looking to invest in.

There are many summer houses on the market in varying styles, with everything from modern buildings with a contemporary finish to corner buildings and even combination options. Different shapes and sizes are an important factor to consider when searching for the most suitable summerhouse for a given space, in order to adapt the outdoor garden areas as efficiently as possible. Much like a garden office, positioning plays a vital role, so it is important that the best location is distinguished in advance of instillation.

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Outdoor BBQ When the weather is beautiful, being out in the garden for a family BBQ is always a popular activity, however many gardens are often not set up with outdoor cooking and dining in mind. A popular instillation for 2020, the outdoor kitchen is building in momentum. Outdoor kitchens offer the opportunity to enjoy a social space throughout the summer months, away from the indoor restraints of the home.

Outdoor gardens work most successfully on patio spaces or unkept corners, when contemplating the many materials available to build such a space, ensure that they are tough, durable, and most importantly easy to clean and maintain – concrete is a popular choice and can withstand well under most weather types.

Garden bar

To create a space that brings the holiday home, outdoor bars in the garden are on the rise this year, making them the perfect spot to socialise and enjoy the outdoors. An outdoor bar doesn’t have to involve all-new materials, simply revamping an old shed or outdoor building can be an effective way to make a multifunctional garden bar.

Popular designs are usually themed; consider adding a pool table, some sports memorabilia and a television for a “sports bar” style or weave some colourful fairy lights around the building with a tall table and chair set for a contemporary cocktail bar theme.

With more garden instillations trending this year than ever before, adapting to the current circumstances by getting the most out of a garden space is a clear way to enjoy the summer. Through some simple structural changes and outdoor garden investments, gardens will be ready for the months ahead and beyond.

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HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT

CONTENTS JULY 2020 4 12 20 38 46 54

Industry News Doors & Windows Heating Bathrooms Interiors Paints

62 Sustainability 70 External Works and Landscaping 78 Recommended Suppliers

CONtact US Ben Pritchard

Publication Manager

Jenna Burridge Editor

01843 581364

ben@homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk

01843 595818

jenna@homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk

Industry news

Morgan Sindall to start £65m Salford Uni project The University of Salford has signed off a £65m contract with Morgan Sindall to deliver its Science, Engineering and Environmental Building.

Work will now start in the coming weeks on the four-storey project at the Peel Park campus that forms part of the Salford Crescent and University District wider £800m masterplan.

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Morgan Sindall Construction was announced as the preferred contractor for the SEE Building in 2018, and is working on the scheme alongside project manager Faithful + Gould, architect Sheppard Robson and engineers Arup.

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When completed the 15,550 sq m SEE Building will be occupied by the University’s departments of Robotics, Built Environment, Civil, Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering.

The SEE Building will be fully electric powered, supported by 154 roof-mounted photovoltaic panels which will provide renewable energy.

It will also feature a wind tunnel, previously located at Salford Innovation Research Centre (SIRC) and will also boast high-spec

laser laboratories.

The wider masterplan incorporates opportunities to develop 1m sq ft of educational floor space, 6m sq ft of commercial space and 2,500 new homes and apartments.

Shaun Jones, Manchester area director for Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We look forward to using our role on this landmark project to further nurture our relationship, and develop schemes and initiatives that support the wider Salford community.”

industry news

Site canteens to re-open under latest guidelines Hungry builders will once again be allowed to use site canteens.

hile a few big canteens remained open with restricted access to feed workers on remote sites like Hinkley Point, most small site canteens remained shut across the industry after lockdown.

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Now workers across England have got the all-clear to use their canteens again under revised Site Operating Procedures.

The easing of restrictions is outlined in SOP version 5, issued by the Construction Leadership Council following changes to social distancing rules.

While much has been made of wider plans to ease social distancing in places like bars and restaurants, workers are being told broadly to continue to maintain 2m social distancing on sites.

Where this is not possible, the new regime of ‘one metre plus’ social distancing is allowed with risk mitigation.

This means the frequency and time workers are within 2m of each other must be kept to a minimum.

In specific tasks where it is not possible to maintain 2m, contractors must minimise the number of workers involved in tasks.

In these instances, workers should work side by side, or facing away from each other, rather than face to face The guidance also tells contractors to lower the worker capacity of lifts and hoists to reduce congestion and contact at all times Other changes in Version 5 of Site Operating Procedures are minimal.

Entry systems can now be regularly cleaned rather than between each use.

Drivers can now have access to welfare facilities Workers are also being urged to avoid

using public transport during peak times.

This has been changed in the morning period from 05:45 - 7:30 to the new longer exclusion period of 05:45 - 8:15.

The 16:00 - 17:30 peak travel exclusion remains the same.

Trade body ECA director Paul Reeve said: “The practical implications of the latest SOP updates will come out in the wash. However, version 5 mainly reflects recent changes to government guidance to industry on social distancing, which includes ‘maintain two meters, or one metre with risk mitigation where two metres in not viable’.

“Many construction businesses are already using mitigating measures when doing essential work within two metres, and so the changes underline the need for mitigation at closer proximity, based on risk assessment.”

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Industry news

Start date for £19m Nottinghamshire blue light HQ Henry Brothers Midlands has just won a contract to build a near £19m joint headquarters for Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service. ork on the new building, which will include a control room, training centre, changing rooms, gym, canteen and shared offices, is expected to begin next month.

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The three-storey facility will be constructed on land behind the existing Nottinghamshire Police headquarters at Sherwood Lodge.

Henry Bros won the contest against a line-up of national contractors including Bowmer & Kirkland, Galliford Try, Kier and Wates. Once completed at the end of next year, it will form part of a wider joint

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campus that will also include all of the existing police headquarters.

Since planning permission was granted in December 2019, a considerable amount of work has already taken place on this multi-phase project under the direction of construction consultancy Gleeds.

The site, which will include a new access road, additional car parking and improvements to existing facilities, has already been levelled and cleared – ahead of time and below budget.

Ian Taylor, managing director of Henry Brothers Midlands, said: “As a local

company, we are delighted to have been appointed to build this new joint headquarters building for Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

“Henry Brothers has a wealth of experience when it comes to public sector buildings and we are proud to have been selected to work on such a high profile and important project for our local emergency services.”

The client team includes Gleeds for project management, cost consultancy and M&E services, YMD Boon as architect, and civil and structural engineering firm HWA.

industry news

Boris ‘new deal’ injects £5bn to speed-up infrastructure Prime Minister Boris Johnson reveals details today of his build, build, build recovery plan for the UK economy. e will reveal that the Government plans to pump £5bn into accelerating key projects across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

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Johnson’s “New Deal” puts construction in the engine room of the government’s economic growth strategy to support jobs and national renewal.

Boris New Deal •

£1.5bn this year for hospital maintenance, eradicating mental health dormitories, enabling hospital building, and improving A&E capacity.

•

£100m this year for 29 road projects, from bridge repairs in Sandwell to boosting the quality of the A15 in the Humber region. Plus £10m for development work to unblock the Manchester rail bottleneck, which will begin this year.

•

Over £1bn to fund the first 50 projects of a new, 10-year school rebuilding programme, starting from 2020-21.

These projects will be confirmed in the Autumn, and construction on the first sites will begin from September 2021.

•

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£560m and £200m for repairs and upgrades to schools and FE colleges respectively this year. £142m for digital upgrades and maintenance to around 100 court rooms this year, £83m for maintenance of prisons and youth offender facilities, and £60m for temporary prison places, creating thousands of new jobs.

£900m for a range of ‘shovel ready’ local growth projects in England over the course of this year and next, as well as £96m to accelerate investment in town centres and high streets through the Towns Fund this year. This will provide all 101 towns selected for town deals with £500k-£1m

to spend on projects such as improvements to parks, high streets, and transport.

forward – stronger and better and more united than ever before.”

To support his build, build, build ambition, in the Autumn the government will also publish its delayed National Infrastructure Strategy which will set a clear direction on core economic infrastructure, including energy networks, road and rail, flood defences and waste.

Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty Group Chief Executive said: “The Prime Minister’s commitment to accelerate the UK’s longterm infrastructure pipeline is a critical factor for the country’s recovery.

Johnson will also pledge to carry out a review to look at how best to improve road, rail, air and sea links between the four nations to create a more connected kingdom.

He said: “It sounds positively Rooseveltian.

It sounds like a New Deal. All I can say is that if so, then that is how it is meant to sound and to be, because that is what the times demand.

“If we deliver this plan together, then we will together build our way back to health. We will not just bounce back, we will bounce

“As well as stimulating regional and national economies, it will generate vast employment opportunities across the country and help provide our younger generations with employable skills. Without this, following the fall-out from COVID-19, we could see widespread structural unemployment issues.

“It is a commitment I welcome warmly, but our industry must prioritise sustainable, digital and innovative solutions in our delivery.

“In doing so, we will safeguard our future capabilities and provide certainty for the workforce of tomorrow”.

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Industry News

GETTING A HANDLE ON THE FINISHING TOUCHES Across the country, Britons are using their time during lockdown to work on home improvements and DIY projects. rom kitchen refurbs, to sprucing up the garden, the nation has taken the opportunity to review and renew their living space.

However, to get the most from these projects, it’s important not to overlook the smaller design details, such as door handles. Not just for functional purposes, these additions can help finish exciting interior design schemes, thanks to the wide range of stylised options to choose from.

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Recognising the significant impact these elements can have on interior space, the door handle market has significantly expanded in recent years. Manufacturers have upgraded their portfolios with new and wider selections of finishes, styles and designs. One such brand is the Morello range, exclusive to IronmongeryDirect, which now includes four new Lever on Rose door handles which are ideal for commercial or domestic installations.

Across the collection, Morello handles are designed in a way that conceals their internal fixings and screws. As such, the products can be used to create sleek, contemporary interior aesthetics - an increasingly popular trend in modern homes. Whether it be the polished chrome Morello Theta Lever Handle, or the gun metal coloured Morello Omega Lever Door Handle on Rose, the collection has something for everyone. What’s more, as well as looking great, the range has been designed to deliver long-lasting performance and durability.

Additionally, products from the Morello range are manufactured from aluminium, one of the world’s most sustainable materials. Despite only recently coming

to market, one product in particular has already elicited a strong reaction; the Morello Zeta Lever Door Handle on Rose in matt black. The interior door handle features a durable, low maintenance finish and a ten-year guarantee and has been designed to complement a wide-range of modern and traditional styles, particularly for those incorporating the ever-popular matt black décor trend.

To view these products and see more from our extensive range, please visit: www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk

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Bring daylight to your home office with VELUX®

Creating an area for home working is one of the first things that many people aspire to when building their own home.

nfortunately they’re also the rooms that end up being reduced in size to create larger family areas elsewhere. Box rooms or small annexes off a loft bedroom inevitably form home offices instead.

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However, for a home office space to work, the most important factor is not size and scale, but rather how much natural daylight and fresh air is able to enter the room to create a healthier working environment.

VELUX’s product manager Grant Sneddon sheds some light on home office spaces that will help self-builders develop their own efficient work space, in even the smallest of nooks: “At VELUX, we’re passionate about promoting healthier homes, and design our roof windows to help self-

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builders and homeowners across the UK create properties which provide them with healthier indoor environments.

“We know that increasing the amount of daylight and fresh air in our homes has a massive impact on our wellbeing and for those working from home, it helps facilitate learning and concentration. So considering how to achieve this in a home office is very important.”

at the touch of a button. Upgrade your VELUX INTEGRA® roof window with VELUX ACTIVE to provide the ultimate choice for fresh air and better indoor comfort – ideal for loft working.

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For those who might have a smaller budget, VELUX STUDIO includes three sashes in one frame, providing real value for money. The slimmer profile allows more daylight to enter a room and offers a panoramic view as the width is twice the roof window’s height.

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To open up a small loft space, VELUX CABRIO® balconies fit perfectly into roof spaces, and fit flush with roofs when closed. In a matter of seconds, the VELUX CABRIO® balcony brings the outside in, letting in more natural daylight and fresh air and creates the perfect spot for a coffee break al-fresco.

Grant shares his tips for those planning a home office in their new home: •

The optimal location for a desk in a traditional office is near to a window, to make the most of daylight coming in from the side. However, for nontraditional room shapes, for example in a loft conversion, installing roof windows allows you to maximise views, space and natural light.

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High ceilings in lofts can mean roof windows may be hard to reach.

VELUX INTEGRA® roof windows are available in either electric or solar powered options and open and close

VELUX’s website has a host of options for those planning a self-build project. For more ideas and project inspiration, visit www.velux.co.uk/selfbuild

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Architect Embraces the Health Benefits of Titon’s NO2 Filters Two Titon HRV10 Q Plus units with Trimbox NO2 Filters® have been installed as part of unique self-build project in East Dulwich, London.

When architect Jake Edgley began building his own six-bedroom house, he included a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system as part of the design, alongside other ‘green’, environmentally-friendly measures, including non-toxic paint and flooring.

The 400m2 house was constructed in two halves, each built around a tree, with one MVHR system covering each half of the property. As Jake designs and specifies homes as part of his job, he often experiments with different products on his own property. Having included Titon’s ventilation systems on a number of projects during the last ten years, he was already fully aware of the company’s product offering.

Commenting on the decision to have nitrogen dioxide filters added, Jake said: “We noticed if a neighbour lit a bonfire or a barbecue, the smell would still enter the house. Fortunately, I had seen the Trimbox NO2 Filter® on the Titon website, so I made enquiries into the possibility of adding one to the ventilation system.”

The bedroom area had the Trimbox NO2 Filter® added first, and the Edgley family were so impressed with the results, a second unit was installed to the other half of the house six months later.

Jake explained: “The Trimbox filters work amazingly well, they have completely eradicated any smells coming in from outside.

In fact, if we smell smoke outside, we just close all the doors and windows, and there is no trace of any odour indoors. The

MVHR unit is already a good dust filter and this is improved by the Trimbox, and we’ve also noticed the Trimbox acts as an excellent attenuator to any noise from the MVHR unit. Then there’s the added benefit of knowing the units are filtering out any pollutants so, despite being located about 60 metres from a road, the air inside the house remains clean and healthy.”

Jake now certainly practices what he preaches, as his positive first-hand experience has led him to include the Trimbox NO2 Filter® as part of every new build domestic ventilation system specified by his company, Edgley Design.

“The Trimbox is a great product, particularly in London areas,” he concluded. “Given the rise of environmental toxicity over recent years, we always encourage domestic clients to put MVHR systems into new build homes. Including the Trimbox as part of the system should make perfect sense to homeowners, especially given its capacity to remove diesel particulates and filter toxins from indoor air.”

Titon developed the Trimbox NO2 Filter® to complement its extensive range of HRV Q Plus Eco MVHR units and combat the high levels of nitrogen dioxide found in exhaust gases from diesel engines. The filter incorporates balanced flow technology to provide class leading absorption of NO2 and is available in two duty sizes (depending on the duty required).

The product is effective in reducing NO2 to an acceptable mean annual concentration level of 40µQ /m3, while vastly improving indoor air quality (IAQ). Independent tests have demonstrated the Trimbox to absorb 98% of NO2, not only in normal, continuous ventilation mode but also at ‘boost’ or higher ventilation rates.* For more information about Titon and its range ventilation systems, visit: www.titon.com For further details about Edgley Design, visit: www.edgleydesign.co.uk

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

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NEW ‘POCKET DOOR’ ADDED TO BRIO RANGE OF SLIDING DOOR HARDWARE briouk.com

Brio has extended its established range of sliding door hardware with the new Brio Pocket Slide 80. Hidden from view once installed, the universally sized pocket door kit offers a flexible, simple-to-install solution for installers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), while reducing cost and valuable inventory space for architectural ironmongers (AIs) and builders merchants.

As the only universal fitting kit, the Brio Pocket Slide 80 can cover installation widths ranging from 600 to 1000mm. Simple, efficient and customisable, the kit is easy to assemble and can be fit by a single installer – reducing time, inventory and labour costs for those working on new build projects and extensions.

Included in the pack is an adjustable stopper, forward and back spacer, a stylish black anodised track and wheels with narrow channels for a stable slide of the door. With a quality multilayer wooden beam, the Brio Pocket Slide 80 also absorbs vibrations and noise, making it the perfect fit for en-suite bathrooms.

David Newton, general manager at Brio UK comments: “The pocket door market is one of the largest door hardware markets in the UK, so it’s only logical for us to add this timeless and sleek product to our growing product portfolio.

“Designed with ease of use and practicality in mind, the biggest advantage of the Brio pocket door kit is its universal size. As a ‘one-size-fitsall’ product, it removes the headache of choosing the right-sized solution for a project – making the installation process even easier for installers, building contractors and OEMs. The customisable size also reduces the need for AIs and builders merchants to stock various sizes, helping decrease cost and extend inventory space.”

video has been produced to assist with the installation of the product, which users can view online.

Brio, part of the Allegion family of brands, is an acknowledged global leader in the sliding and folding door industry. For more details on Brio sliding and folding door hardware, visit the website: briouk.com

The Brio Pocket Slide 80 is a certified product and has been put through 100,000 slide cycles as per EN 1527, giving users the peace of mind that this is a sliding door made to last.

In line with the launch, a step-by-step

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Doors & Windows

New Specification Guide

- VEKA UK is on same page as installers, fabricators and specifiers Industry-leading PVCu systems supplier VEKA UK has launched a brand new specification guide providing manufacturers, installers and specifiers with comprehensive information on all the products within the VEKA UK portfolio. or a brand that is world renowned for both its heritage and its commitment to innovation, the timing of the launch is particularly apt; it coincides with the global VEKA Group’s 50th anniversary, and a cutting edge new www.veka.co.uk website.

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System 10 FlushSash Casement Window

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Maximum sash size Side hung: 620mm (w) x 1270mm (h) Outer frames 56mm, 72mm and 84mm outer frames Mullions 70mm or 95mm mullions Sash

Marketing Director Dawn Stockell explains: “Here at VEKA UK, we know our products are perfect for every project, because they are tested to all expected quality and safety accreditations - but more importantly - they must meet our own exceptionally high standards.

“Furthermore, as a customer-centric company, having the ‘perfect product’ is just one part of the service; the second part is presenting all that product information within the ideal package, and that’s exactly what we’ve done with both our new specification guide and the new VEKA website. These resources have made it even easier to specify our industry-leading PVCu systems.

“The guide is over 100 pages and contains everything you need to know about all systems and products within the VEKA, Halo and Imagine brand ranges. From in-depth technical data, technical drawings, and performance results, to information about our technical support services.

“And, for those that prefer a ‘pick and mix’ approach, individual pages can be downloaded by product through the new veka.co.uk site, so customers can effectively put together a bespoke reference guide for their most-used systems.

“The specification guide itself is a joy to read. I’m really proud of how we’ve managed to fit so much valuable content into such a clear and straightforward

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61mm flush sash Finishes Available in a large assortment of colours and woodgrain options from the Variations range and SPECTRAL* Glazing beads 28mm bevelled 28mm sculptured 32mm bevelled 36mm bevelled Ancillaries Frame extensions, cills and weathering trims Range of coupling options Range of bay pole options Thermal performance** Achieves U-values as low as 1.3 W/m2K using double glazing Achieves U-values as low as 1.1 W/m2K using triple glazing

Test Results * SPECTRAL is only available on bevelled or flat surfaces. ** Figures can vary dependent on specification.

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document. And, I believe the support that complements the spec guide is second to none. Our technical team are only a phone call or an email away and can assist with CAD design, as well as BIM, and wind load or energy calculations (to name just a few of our services), in order to help you specify the perfect system for your project.

“The new specification guide comes following the launch of SPECTRAL; the innovative ultramatt finish, unveiled at this year’s FIT Show and shortlisted for ‘Product of the Year’ at the G19 Awards. This means details can be found throughout the guide of all systems that can be specified with the new finish, as well as full details of SPECTRAL on page 14-15. This extraordinary product can be used to elevate the look and even feel of a window or door frame.

“VEKA UK systems offer immense yet intelligent choice. In developing the Variations colour range, we not only focused on getting the colour and texture

Window type

Max sash sizes (wxh)

Air permeability

Water tightness

Side hung reinforced

620mm x 1270mm

Class 4

Class 9A

Resistance to wind Exposure category

A4

1600

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of every foil just right, we also looked at how we could deliver these choices with swift lead times that work for your project. It may be a small detail - but one that means we carry the largest UK stock holding covering 4000 SKUs. “The guide’s combination of line drawings, photographs of products in situ, test reports and results, alongside foil options, specification and sizing - with real life case studies - mean the reader has the information and the inspiration needed to perfect every project.

“Putting together such a comprehensive guide was a challenge to say the least, but one that was well worth it; this ‘specification Bible’ is the ultimate reference guide to everything VEKA. It is both exhaustive and easy to use, and I’m looking forward to hearing what customers have to say about it.”

Sign up or log in to download your copy at veka.co.uk

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Covid-19 has impacted some plumbers and installers businesses more than others…

The current UK government advice is for everyone in the UK to practice social distancing - limiting face-toface contact with people who are not in your household and maintaining a two-metre distance between one another.

Where this is not possible - such as on public transport etc. you need to wear a face mask. The governments of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have issued their own guidance.

Plumbers and installers will, of course, be concerned about the impact that lockdown has had on their businesses.

The government has outlined several ways of supporting businesses during this challenging time including but not limited to business interruption loans, the job retention scheme and income support for the self-employed.

As the easing of lock down continues and we make tentative steps to determine our way forward, where does this leave plumbers and installers re their prospect of working? Given the present climate, many homeowners may be confused and anxious about what work can be done and how they can keep safe with tradespeople coming into or even outside of their homes.

For tradespeople who are working, there are ways to reassure and protect customers (and themselves) such as limiting their time in a house, disinfecting door handles they’ve

touched, taking drinks so as not to use the homeowners mugs and of course wearing a mask and washing their hands regularly with soap and water/hand sanitiser – or wear gloves.

Recently, The IPG ran a Facebook competition, asking plumbers and installers to answer three simple questions, with the aim of understanding; what they thought of the Government schemes to help self-employed workers, if they were still working and how Covid-19 has impacted their business.

The findings are telling (results compiled June 1, 2020), the Government support packages are

working for some plumbers and installers but not for others. 56% felt that the schemes were positive and very helpful during these difficult times, one installer said that “they were a good solution to an impossible situation”. 38% felt that they were not much help, it took too long to get any payment and they needed to be better.

3% had no opinion.

We also shed some light on the percentage of plumbers and installers who were still working and those who were not. 58% had stopped working, with one participant stating, “It has completely shut down my business, as a domestic plumber/bathroom fitter I had to completely stop working for

Industry News 05

the safety of myself and customers”.

Another said: “We have closed down as we are domestic, no one wanted us to do house calls, jobs haven’t really been coming in, I’ve only had 2 emergencies to go to in this time”.

In contrast, 42% revealed that they were still working, stating various reasons for this, one plumber commented: “As a self-employed contractor, the initial lockdown resulted in me being out of work for a while - until the building site I was on implemented Covid safety measures”.

Another remarked: “We are working but more aware of sanitising and customer interaction, we just have to adjust to suit the current situation -

keep 2 meters apart, wear masks and gloves and wash regularly, making customers aware of procedures.”

David Cairns, Head of Supplier and Commercial Strategy at The IPG supports the safe working code stating: “In the UK, heating installers and plumbers primarily work alone or in small teams in private properties, changing location on a regular basis.

Now, more than ever, safe working arrangements and practices are an important area to focus on.

“The public will become increasingly aware of the importance of not only using a tradesperson who is qualified, but one who is also fully

aware of Covid-19 health and safety measures.”

He went on to say: “IPG members are all implementing Covid-19 health and safety measures in the workplace, making their stores a safe environment to shop in or click and collect. Never has buying from an independent business been more relevant. It is a significant contributing factor in supporting local employment, boosting UK innovation, as well as increasing environmental benefits.

Support your local independent!”

For more information please visit: www.the-ipg.co.uk

Heating

Panasonic celebrates making the shortlist in the 2020 H&V News Awards Panasonic is pleased to announce that its Aquarea J-Series Air Source Heat Pump has been shortlisted in the Domestic HVAC Product category of the 2020 H&V News Awards. The winners will be announced at a glamorous dinner at the prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane on 30th April 2020.

flexibility to cater to a range of building sizes. The 3kW and 5kW capacities now have a total piping length of 25m, also providing an increased elevation difference between indoor and outdoor units from 5m to 20m. Meanwhile 7kW and 9kW units reach a higher limit up to 50m, ensuring users can adapt the system to their needs.

A 30m elevation length also increases installation options for professionals.

The Aquarea J Generation can reach an output water temperature of 60˚C and there is also a new chiller function which can provide cooling down to 10˚C – the perfect solution for flexible environmental control.

Furthermore, the new J Generation delivers optimum performance when outdoor temperatures are extremely low, even down to -20˚C. There are two new sensor positions available for DHW control, which can be selected to improve efficiency or comfort levels.

Users can select an option for improved efficiency and the most effective DHW COP when operating in part load capacity, or for greater comfort simply select an option to reduce heat-up time when operating in full load.

The H&V News Awards are highly regarded within the industry and celebrate technology and solutions designed to meet today’s environmental challenges through innovative products and projects.

Tony Nielsen, UK Marketing Manager of Panasonic commented “We are honoured to be shortlisted in these prestigious Awards. High standards and innovation are a priority within Panasonic. Reaching the shortlist confirms Panasonic’s achievements and highlights the commitment that the company has to create innovative, sustainable and resourceful solutions to meet today’s HVAC requirements.”

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To support a more environmentally friendly approach, the Aquarea J-series uses R32 refrigerant. R32 is easy to recycle, has zero impact on the ozone layer and 75% less impact on global warming[1], helping to lower the carbon footprint of a building. It is also a more economical alternative with higher efficiency2 and 30% less refrigerant used, so customers can enjoy cost savings as well as significant environmental benefits.

The design of the new Panasonic Aquarea J Generation models was an important consideration in order to enhance the range for both installers and end users.

Extended piping lengths provide further

As a global leader in pioneering product design, Panasonic has created a network of production and R&D facilities on a global level, ensuring the distribution of cutting-edge technologies that set the standard for energy efficient heating and cooling solutions worldwide.

Tony Nielsen further added “Panasonic products focus consistently on innovation, reliability, ecological respect and connectivity. It’s great for the brand to be recognised for this through the Domestic HVAC Product category at the H&V News Awards.”

For more information on the above please do get in touch with our team via email, uk-aircon@eu.panasonic.com or telephone 01344 853182.

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No.1 Choice Electric Radiator Collection EHC offer a comprehensive Range of Electric Products that are all controlled by our DSR Smart Technology which enables you to select different Heaters and mix and match them as a Hybrid Heating System for the various rooms within your property to suit your design style and budget – the choice is yours.

Hybrid Heating for the modern home Available for Android & Apple devices

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Heating & Ventilation

WET UNDERFLOOR HEATING BLOWS ELECTRIC OUT OF THE WATER When it comes to underfloor heating systems, there are two types, water and electric.

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Heating & ventilation Water UFH In contrast, hydronic heating systems deliver reduced long term running costs when compared with electric systems and homeowners can benefit from even greater savings by using more efficient heating sources and controlling it via a thermostat.

How long does it take to install?

Installing underfloor heating is often simpler than you may think, but it is recommended that systems are installed by a qualified installer who has worked with UFH before.

Electric system installations Electric systems are often very quick to fit with some products claiming they can be installed in under 30 minutes.

Water system installations Water systems do often take longer to install as time is needed to test the flow and pressure of the water.

What are the costs of installation? oth warm an area from the floor up and unlike central heating warm the people and objects in a room rather than just heating the air. Central heating is still used in millions of UK homes and causes a massive amount of energy wastage.

converts electric energy into radiant heat.

The mats use thin pre-attached electric heating wires that are rolled out under the floor finish and the heating cables can be installed directly on or within the subfloor.

Underfloor heating offers much greater freedom from a design perspective as it saves around 15% more space and eliminates the problem of visible pipes and radiators. But which one wins the race, water or electric?

Wet systems, which are also known as hydronic, involve pumping the heated water through the underfloor heating pipes/ circuits which have been laid on top of or in the subfloor, underneath the floor finish.

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Electric underfloor heating costs far more to run than warm water UFH, in fact a system like Wunda Group plc’s over floor heating system Wundatherm could save you 65% when compared. Wundatherm is a rapid response wet system that doesn’t require digging up floors and is perfect for both new and existing properties without the need for screed.

A water system

What are the financial savings?

Wet UFH uses much less energy than central heating as it is designed to run at a lower temperature whilst still providing the same level of heat. However, costs and efficiency will differ depending on construction, insulation, energy tariffs and how the heating is being controlled.

So what do homeowners need to know about electric and water UFH?

For example, a room size of 40m² would cost around £900 per annum to heat using electric UFH, whereas a wet UFH system would only cost about £180 per year.

An electric system

Electric UFH

Electric UFH is readily available as either a heated mat or as a cable system that

Running an electric underfloor heating system will cost more than a water system due to current energy tariffs.

When choosing whether a water or electric system is most beneficial, it’s worth doing some research first. Like what is the price difference between a plumber installing a wet system and an electrician wiring the electrical system to the mains?

Homeowners can expect to pay around £200 plus per day for a competent tradesperson to install a heating system, but in the case of Wundatherm, up to 150 sq. metres takes two people just two days to install and only requires a plumber when it comes to commissioning the system on completion.

Wunda prides itself on first class quality and customer service, providing free technical support six days a week, and provides the specialist service of detailed layout plans for all bespoke systems free of charge to trade customers. With these layout plans to hand, tradesmen can have complete confidence in laying the boards and installing the Wundatherm system.

For further information on the Wundatherm underfloor heating system or a free estimate, call 0800 083 2677, email plans@wundagroup.com or visit the website www.wundagroup.com Wunda Group is supported by Vantage PR

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01 Section Name

get your idea manufactured and receive a percentage of all sale royalties!

There are also two runner up prizes of £500 up for grabs * developer-update.co.uk

Section Name 01

The IPG, the largest and fastest -growing membership group for plumbing, heating and bathroom specialists, has launched an exciting innovation competition via On The Tools Facebook page.

We are searching for the most innovative and exciting ideas from trades across the UK. The competition is also open to students studying a trade and enthusiastic DIY’ers.

Have you got: • • • •

an idea for something that improves on site work life? a neat trick that makes a plumbing job easier? a good bathroom hack? a nifty tool for the van?

Whatever it is, if you have a new and exciting idea - we want to hear it!

It starts with an idea and it ends with your own product manufactured, sold and marketed by The IPG. So, what are you waiting for?

www.the-ipg.co.uk/innovation

Visit for the full details and to download an entry pack

The competition closes on Monday 17 August 2020 *subject to competition t/c’s developer-update.co.uk

Heating To alleviate the very real problems of noise, keeping sound and air pollution outside, Vectaire has three new models in its vertical whole house heat recovery range. The Midi, Maxi and Maxi Plus are now available with integral acoustic attenuation lined with superior sound deadening materials for really low sound levels and tested by BRE. Sound pressure levels are down to <5.0, <5.0 and 6.9 dBA respectively. They are easy to install – nothing extra is required other than the unit itself – they are the quietest, lightest and smallest on the market. Efficiency, performance and economy remain the same as the standard models. “BY-AT” models incorporate summer bypass and frost protection, and commissioning is via an integral LCD. Windows can be kept firmly closed while these MVHRs provide energy efficient ventilation and a comfortable environment. Products are SAP PCDB Listed and manufactured in our own factory in the UK to ISO 9001.

Vectaire offers a design service ensuring units are installed in the best possible way to provide efficient, effective, low energy and very economic ventilation. Vectaire can also organise installation, commissioning and maintenance of these products and can supply all necessary accessories.

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

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

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

The renewable heating alternative

Serious about sustainability The Ultra Quiet Ecodan range of air source heat pumps from Mitsubishi Electric are some of the most advanced heating systems available. Designed specifically for UK conditions, Ecodan provides renewable, low carbon alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-burning heating systems.

With an A++ ErP Rating label across the range, homes can be heated for less while cutting CO2 emissions.

ecodan.me.uk/hda

Heating

THE IS NO

Chris Goggin o UK with some the inevitabilit the urgent ne

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Heating

ENERGY QUESTION OW A ’TRILEMMA’

of Rinnai looks, in detail, at the future of energy supply in the e of the likely outcomes and possible scenarios in response to ity of changing consumer habits and behaviour in the face of eeds to conquer climate change.

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Heating heating industry and the UK government have a vested interest in preventing the potential impact of this macroenvironmental theme.

There appears to be an urgent need for awareness campaigns that aim to change our perception and habits of using energy in the home environment. These campaigns should be driven by the UK heating industry whilst calling for support from the UK government to assist in changing the energy consumption behaviors of consumers nationwide. There is substantiated evidence from other areas of the globe that change can happen and take effect with the strategic response of social marketing in the form of “nudge” based campaigns.

here is now a consensus that climate change must be halted now by a whole raft of changes to our behaviour and habits unless we wish to play chicken with irreversible global consequences.

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Climate change affects all of us, unless, of course, you happen to be the 45th President of the USA, in which case you can carry on Twittering.

Or maybe he has a point? Are the claimed dire consequences overplayed and overstated for wider political purposes? Well, if you accept the logic that even fake news can be genuine sometimes then we need to look at the facts. The simple, accepted facts.

This article identifies the emerging theme of the “energy trilemma within the UK” and critically discusses the three main tenets of the energy trilemma: • energy security • sustainability • affordability.

66% of energy used (officially verified figures) domestically in the UK is for heating, so both the UK

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A key element of the energy trilemma is related to the security of energy supplies which is crucially important if the UK are to produce a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (Spataru et al, 2015). It is noted by many sources that North Sea oil and gas reserves are in decline, a point highlighted by Lovell et al (2009, pg.12) who states that “the UK’s North Sea oil and gas reserves appeared to have peaked”. This statement is supported by Macalister (2010) who states that “the UK will find itself on the brink of losing its energy self-sufficiency” The UK had previously been a major exporter of energy however, it is again a major importer of fossil fuels (Pollitt, 2017). This reduction in fossil fuels is coupled with several of the existing coal and nuclear sites coming ‘off system’ in the coming decade (DECC, 2012). This is leading to significant fears over the threat of the lights going off (Abdo & Kouhy, 2016, pp 20). This point is supported by (Spataru, et al 2015, pp 95) and the UK energy regulator has stated that the statistical probability of severe power black outs would increase.

The lack of energy sustainability coupled with a loss of energy security leads to the final element of the energy trilemma - affordability. The UK energy agenda is dominated by concerns regarding affordability of energy supplies, unambiguously related to domestic heating needs as noted by (Day, Walker and Simcock, 2016, pp, 256) UK agenda has always been dominated by concerns about the affordability of heating specifically, linked with anxieties about public health. These anxieties stem from an increase in deaths during cold weather mainly due to poor insulation of UK housing stock, official statistics for the UK show every year a peak in the number of deaths during winter months that run to the tens of thousands (Office for National Statistics, 2014).

Heating This presents the government with the issue noted by (Bolton & Foxon, 2015, pp 169) UK government is reluctant to let prices rise to a level required for new low carbon investment because of concerns over the impact on the affordability. This policy hiatus is further enhancing the potential impact of the energy trilemma and presents significant potential to impact the UK heating industry as 66% of energy used domestically is used for heating and hot water (appendix.1.).

In the works of (Hamilton, 2005) on the impact of oil prices on the macro economy, he notes that a key mechanism whereby energy price shocks affect the economy is through disruption in consumer spending on goods and services other than energy (Hamilton, 2005, pp. 10). This point is further supported by (Beranke et al, 1997) who discovers that an increase in energy prices slows economic growth through its effect on consumer spending.

Industry and government action will need to focus on changing normative and social actions, a point supported by (Chan, 1999) who found that green consumption behavior is significantly related to concern for the environment and behavioral intentions, and that green consciousness and the promotion of environmental protection and green consumption by the government are both effective predictors of green consumption behavior. This points to the need for educating the consumer base to change the normative behaviors as noted by (Wu & Chen, 2014, pp. 119) education of the consumer can lead to changes in consumption behavior and the incorporation of green choices into his/her daily life.

To avoid the outcomes of the energy trilemma, the UK must transform its energy sector, this transformation is hindered by great uncertainty as to the central policy objectives and agendas which are driving UK governance (Bolton & Foxon, 2013). Therefore, it appears that one of the most rational avenues of action be that the heating industry, supported by national government, undertake a program of social based “nudge” campaigns to allay and reduce the impact of the energy trilemma by reducing long-term consumption. It is pleasing to see such “nudge” techniques happened with smart meters but more can be done.

The UK government has failed with policy approaches that have sought to incentivize energy reductions in light of the issues stemming from the energy trilemma. For example, the green deal aimed at incentivizing more energy efficient behavior. The failings of the green deal are described by (Rosenow & Eyre, 2016. Pp. 141) “poor policy design, limited financial appeal and narrow engagement with consumers.”

The heating industry, supported by national government, can utilize a social marketing agenda to reduce energy consumption and subsequent costs, through education and “nudging”. The expertise of the industry and its knowledge of the consumer supported by government regulation and incentives could create the winning formula.

The key failings of the ‘green deal’ and other government approaches was its inability to truly understand the audience benefit. These benefits need to be elicited to tap into and satisfy the underlying motivation of groups as discussed by (Lefebrve, 2011, pp.58) and these benefits may not be health, a cleaner environment, access to services or even money.

This step change away from monetary incentives towards energy reduction programs could focus on audience benefit, with an educational approach to changing and evoking social norms related to energy consumption.

Sounds drastic? Many would argue that we are in drastic times requiring drastic measures. Or we just go on Twitttering….

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.RINNAIUK.COM

‘Nudge’ techniques are described by (Thaler and Sunstein, 2008, pp.6) as actions that alter people’s behavior in a predictable way without forbidding any options or significantly changing their economic incentives.

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Heating

Combining cutting-edge radiator design with sustainability If ever there was such a thing as the perfect marriage between heating and design, then aluminium is the ideal match-maker. Vasco’s 100% recycled aluminium radiator collections: Oni, Beams, Bryce, Mono, Alu-Zen and Zaros deliver unique technical advantages including excellent heat conduction, high output in low temperature systems, light material and eye-catching designs – not to mention they’re sustainable too. asco process, melt and extrude aluminium waste to create unique new designer radiators, such as the aluminium Oni and Beams Mono collections, which are also now available as electronic versions -EL. These provide an alternative cost-efficient and user-friendly solution to traditional hydronic heating solutions and save money as they operate on a Plug & Plays-system which is not linked to a central heating installation.

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Vasco’s innovative portfolio of designer radiators, which have been honoured with internationally renowned design awards, such as the iF award, combine energyefficient heating and functionality into state-of-theart design, suitable for all rooms within the home or commercial environment. Comfortable, stylish design combined with sustainable manufacturing to deliver an innovative 360 degrees approach.

Oni remains Vasco’s thinnest radiator even in its new electric models with a depth of just 8mm, whilst Beams Mono combines all the benefits of electric heating with purity of design - a real must- have for those who love a minimalist look! During the development process of the Beams Mono-EL, Vasco designers had to pull out all the stops to be able to integrate an electrical resistance

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in the sleek vertical profiles (width 150 mm). Beams Mono-EL designer radiator can be displayed as a single profile up to three vertical profile installations. The profiles have been fitted with additional fins to increase the heat output.

Both the Oni-EL and Beams Mono-EL meet strict European Ecodesign standards for electrical appliances. Oni-EL models provide an impressive heat output of 750 watt at 1400mm height or 1000 watt at 1800mm height and the Beams Mono-EL delivers 950 Watt per 150mm wide profile.

Aluminium designer radiators save energy in 3 ways: Fast reaction time – The core of an aluminium radiator contains only two litres of water, whereas a classic radiator will easily contain ten litres. As a direct result, an aluminium radiator will react almost instantly to the heating temperature set on the thermostat, yielding a much higher efficiency.

Maximum heat output – The optimal conductivity characteristics of aluminium radiators ensure maximum heat output, even in low temperature systems. A low water temperature setting automatically reduces energy consumption.

ITALIAN MADE DESIGNER COLUMN RADIATORS Apollo Radiators is a Gloucester based independent distributor of European designer radiators and towel rails. The Apollo Roma Steel Column radiator is stocked in three colours, White, Anthracite and Silver Grey.

Available for delivery throughout the UK within 2 days at no extra cost. All colours are available in vertical, horizontal and low level; and can be floor mounted. 49 bespoke colours are available within 10 working days.

Visit www.apolloradiators.co.uk for more info or email info@apolloradiators.co.uk

heating

RINNAI HOT WATER – RELIABLY INSTANT, energy EFFICIENT and lower fuel costs FOR UK HOMEOWNERS Rinnai’s range of ErP A-rated continuous flow gas-fired hot water heaters now includes models specifically aimed and designed for the UK domestic market. he units guarantee high efficiencies and low running costs combined with consistent water temperatures seven days a week.

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Rinnai’s range of continuous flow water heating units are being specified and installed in the whole range of domestic properties – studios, flats, houses, high-end residential houses - as installers and end users become aware of the ease of installation, and the energy & cost saving benefits.

Rinnai manufactures over 2million water heaters every year and as such is at the forefront of creating unit cost advantages for installers.

Competitively priced, the units offer all technological advances and innovations, all at a similar cost to lower specification competitor models.

The reason for the increase in popularity is that continuous flow heating systems are proven to

be more energy efficient than conventional ones and are now the preferred method of hot water provision. Rinnai units meet the demands of any size of home and are ideal where high volumes are demanded at intermittent times of the day, delivering safe temperature useable hot water.

Rinnai’s multipoint 17i water heater, for example, eliminates the problem of sudden changes in water temperature, resulting in cold showers or scalding hot baths – the water temperature you set is the water temperature you get.

So, if somebody is happily showering at 42°C and a tap is turned on to draw a bath elsewhere in the property, the temperature does not vary, and there is no chance of either user running out of hot water.

The Rinnai 16i interior model measures just 675 x 370 x 139mm and weighs in at 18kg - a one-man lift. The room-sealed unit has a temperature range of 35°C to 60°C

with direct electronic ignition. Gas consumption ranges between 4.7kW6.5kW for Natural Gas and 4.9kW36.8kW when using propane. Hot water delivery flow is an impressive 16ltr max flow.

Nominal operation pressure is 1-7 bar and it uses a 230V AC 50Hz 1ph power supply with an electrical consumption of 68W. Meanwhile, where an external installation is required, the Rinnai 17e external multipoint water heater offers greater flexibility at the design stage and offers a viable solution where flue runs are problematic or internal space is not available.

Capable of flow rates of up to 510 litres per hour at a 50°C rise, the 17e is suitable for multiple applications and can be specified for use with Natural Gas or propane.

The 17e has full frost protection and is available with a range of external ancillary items, including pipe cover box – and security cage where necessary.

For smaller properties, the Infinity 11i interior unit differs from the 17i as it weighs 2kg less at 16kg and consumes 6.10kW-21.60kW of Natural Gas and has an 11-litre maximum flow.

Key features of the 24kW Rinnai 11i are: Compact & lightweight unit for easy installation; Robust, durable heat exchanger; User friendly digital controls; In-built frost protection; Ideal replacement for large obtrusive and bulky cylinder; Compact design to fit a limited space.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com

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heating

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arrow House at Hatcliffe was built

by Lincolnshirebased firm, Belvin Construction and designed by ID Architecture in Grimsby.

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The home is one of 11 properties to be shortlisted in the regional heat of the most prestigious architectural awards in the country, organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Barrow House is a bespoke, contemporary family home that’s partially subterranean. Resembling a modest, modern barn from the roadside, the lower storey is concealed beneath a wildflower meadow. When viewed from the valley however, the house opens up to reveal a contemporary glass, concrete and metal structure which seems to defy gravity.

Steve Turner, managing director of Belvin Construction said: “I’m absolutely gobsmacked. When we started our business a little over two years ago, we never would have imagined that one of our first projects would be shortlisted for a RIBA award.

“ID Architecture’s designs were stunning and we were honoured to have been chosen to bring their

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Lincolnshire Wolds home shortlisted for RIBA architectural award A family home in the Lincolnshire Wolds has been shortlisted in the RIBA Yorkshire Awards 2020.

drawings to life. Barrow House was a challenging build, making use of new materials and new techniques to create a one-of-a-kind property that’s genuinely beautiful.

“We’re very proud of Barrow House and I couldn’t be happier that it’s been shortlisted for this prestigious award alongside so many magnificent buildings.”

Andy Inch from ID Architects said: “Barrow House gave us an opportunity to work for some wonderful clients on a truly interesting site. It was our first Paragraph 55 house and we are truly grateful for the ongoing success and recognition the whole team has received for this fantastic project. For it to be shortlisted for an RIBA award is the icing

on the cake. Belvin did a great job on this project, managing the budgetary requirements and design quality on what was a very unique build.”

RIBA Yorkshire Judging Panel Chair, Peter Cartwright, said: “This year’s shortlist of potential RIBA award winners in Yorkshire covers a wide range of sectors with many schemes reinventing existing buildings rather than building new, which is great to see. We are very interested in the operation and performance of buildings, as opposed to purely how they look – their beauty must be more than skin deep. We believe awards should go to buildings which will continue to look good for years to come, taking into consideration their low carbon strategy and approach to whole life cost.”

Barrow House has already won the title of ‘Best Individual New Home’ in the LABC Building Excellence Awards 2019 and has been featured in Grand Designs magazine, which described it as: “A masterpiece of camouflage; walk around it and the house opens out into an exciting arrangement of contemporary forms that both revel in the ancient landscape and respect it... an exceptional build.”

Other properties shortlisted for the RIBA Yorkshire Awards are: Leeds Playhouse, Manor Ridge Barn in North Yorkshire, Doncaster Enterprise Market, The Longhouse in York, Park, St Albans Place in Leeds, Nexus in Leeds, The Old School in North Yorkshire, Engineering Heartspace at the University of Sheffield, Thorney Barn in Calderdale and the Barbara Hepworth Building at the University of Huddersfield.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 4th June 2020. Properties which win at the regional RIBA awards will be considered for a highly coveted RIBA National Award.

Last year’s winners in the Yorkshire region included Mercia School in Sheffield, Merrion House in Leeds, The Great Barn at Bolton Abbey, The Hollis Building in Sheffield and The Weston at Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Barrow House was designed

by ID Architecture and Belvin Construction managed the construction of the project.

Groundworks were carried out by CLS Engineering, steelwork was

by P&D Engineering, plumbing was by Andrew E Barnes, ground source and underfloor heating was installed by Trusted Energy and decorating was by Richard Betts; all of which are based in Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire and North Nottinghamshire.

Find out more about the RIBA Yorkshire Awards at architecture.com

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100% Stainless Steel Towel Rails 25 Year Guarantee 01825 722988 www.sussexrange.co.uk info@jiseurope.co.uk

n response to the recent Covid 19 outbreak Managing Director at JIS Europe, Richard Thelwell, discusses their policy of stockholding and how it is even more relevant today.

“We have recently seen an increase in demand for our powder coated black rails, and also our satin finish rails”

“On a daily basis we are answering calls from customers asking if we have stock to fulfill their orders, the simple answer is ‘yes, we do’ ”

“My customers don’t want to go to the expense and disruption of fitting out their bathroom to then 2 years down the line find an inferior mild steel rail rusts, leaks and they then need a complete re-tile when the replacement isn’t dimensionally identical to the original”

I

‘We are able to maintain the chain of supply quite simply due to our longstanding policy of stockholding providing further financial stability to ourselves but as importantly to our customers whose projects do not need to see any further delays” The Sussex Range is manufactured from 100% stainless steel including our recently introduced Black Edition of powder coated rails

“More and more people are coming round to the durability and sustainability of stainless steel”

our manufacture to our charity initiatives.

We offer 3 formats of rail throughout the range: Electric, dual fuel and central heating only and we offer both a polished and satin finish as well as the Black Edition Range.

“The cornerstones of our business are quite simply quality, stock holding and ultimately customer service. The three work hand in hand”

Stainless steel is 100% recyclable, and manufactured from over 90% recyclable material. It does not rust, flake or corrode. It is the sustainable, durable choice.

We have a large selection of gallery shots, showing the visual diversity of our rails, on our website www. sussexrange.co.uk do have a look and should you wish any further details, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01825 722988 or info@jiseurope.co.uk

We source our rails ethically and take our social responsibility seriously, from our sourcing to

“Thank you and above all else wishing health to all and their families” - Richard

Entries now open for The UK Bathrooms Design Awards 2020 UK Bathrooms, the leading online store for premium designer bathroom products, has launched its very first UK Bathrooms Design Awards and entries are now being invited.

The UK Bathrooms Design Awards 2020 is open to homeowners and professionals whether architect, interior designer or trade entry.

Homeowners can choose to enter for either best design where the prize is £500 Love 2 Shop Vouchers, best traditional bathroom or best contemporary bathroom and win Villeroy & Boch Tableware worth £500. Whilst professionals can enter to win best architect/interior designer bathroom, best hotel/guest house/restaurant bathroom or best trades bathroom and enjoy the prize of £500 worth of products from www.ukbathrooms.com.

Graeme Borchard, Managing Director at UK Bathrooms explains “As the leading online store for premium designer bathroom products we sell to thousands of homeowners and professionals and decided that it was time to give something back and to recognise some of the stunning bathrooms that are being created in homes and businesses across the UK. The UK Bathrooms Design Awards have been launched to recognise innovation in bathroom design, we’ll be looking at sources of inspiration, clever use of spaces, product choice, overall design and lifestyle features.” Graeme continues “We

are extremely grateful to our manufacturers and distributors for their help and support, these currently include Bayswater, Barwicks, hansgrohe, Keuco, Perrin & Rowe, Victoria+Albert, Villeroy & Boch and VitrA.” The expert panel of incredibly talented judges include: Amy Moorea Wong ex-Features Editor of Elle Decoration, Interior Design & Lifestyle Journalist and Writer; Darren Paxford National Sales Manager of VitrA UK Ltd; Sarah Evans Head of Channel Marketing at Hansgrohe UK and Graeme Borchard Managing Director of UK Bathrooms. Graeme added “Entries are now invited for all categories and this presents an excellent opportunity for professionals to showcase their projects in the media and build up awareness of their own brand. To enter simply visit designawards. ukbathrooms.com and complete the online entry form.”

The panel of judges will carefully consider all entries before making their decision In June 2020.

Bathrooms

Premium end shower manufacturer, Kanth, has pioneered a new way of making shower systems and accessories which will give customers more freedom than ever before to choose the shape and size of their brass products.

LUXURY SHOWER CREATOR INTRODUCES INDUSTRY FIRST INVENTION Karl Kanth — the inventor, engineer and designer behind Kanth’s 11 key product innovations — has introduced a sustainable way of creating solid brass showerheads of any shape and size, giving customers more choice, and interior designers, retailers, and architects the ability to tailor their approach.

Karl explained: “Thanks to continued research and development, I’m thrilled to now be able to offer the industry’s first bespoke manufacturing of solid brass showerheads. Previously, the only way to create a bespoke product was to first create very expensive tooling for the showerhead and rubber nozzle gasket — and once you make this, you may never use it again.

“Unique designs from solid brass have never been a viable option for manufacturers or their customers, or even for companies that use brass casting because of the very high initial cost it takes to create just one design mould.

“We’ve been able to successfully bypass this old way of working and create the opportunity to make bespoke products without the wastage and expensive tooling or stock made from that one design. So, whether it’s a hexagonal or heart shaped showerhead, we can make it once in the sustainable way that we create everything else.”

The Kanth team prides itself on innovating just 11 products which make up its core lines, with each available in either round or square, and five different finishes. Its Wall Mounted Mixer taps for example, is one of these inventions and is made from just six components — which can be used to create 28 different configurations to suit every possible taste.

Karl added: “Many business models are focused on profit first and on designing products that have no innovative qualities, which ultimately means they compete entirely on price.

“There are many reasons why competing on price is an issue but the main for me is that it’s worsening the already worrying ‘throwaway culture’. Our new invention now means that we can still continue to make products based on all eight core principles we live by, but without the wastage and consumption usually associated with creating one-off products,” he concluded.

Kanth is a principle-led business proud to create high-quality CNC machined solid brass shower systems for the architecture, retailers, interior design, sustainable luxury, and specifier and installer markets. The Kanth brand comprises three distinct companies — Kanth Manufacturing, which houses all its British-based manufacturing operations, Kanth London which is led by innovator and founder Karl Kanth, and Smiths Metal Centres, suppliers of highquality raw materials.

For more information, please visit www.kanth.london.

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bathrooms

The IPG congratulate Roman for hitting record breaking numbers at KBB 2020 Europe’s leading shower designer and manufacturer, Roman, has revealed its delight at hitting record breaking numbers at the UK’s main bathroom event, KBB, earlier this month. he IPG, the largest and fastest growing membership group for plumbing, heating and bathroom specialists was one of the first to share in their delight. Roman Showers are one of The IPG suppliers who made an impressive impact at KBB with record numbers hitting their stand. Visitors were able to view Roman’s British manufactured

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products, including new launches and a range of innovative developments, demonstrating the company’s full range of capabilities and vast experience within the UK market.

Roman were also thrilled with the news that their newly launched Liberty Fluted Glass Wetroom Panels had been selected

by Designer Magazine as one of the most innovative products at KBB 2020

and featured in the event’s Design Trail.

Glenn Fisher Managing Director at The IPG said “Roman has been designing and manufacturing showering solutions for over 35 years, and are known in the industry for their quality, precision and craftsmanship. Their stand at KBB demonstrated beautifully their diverse, versatile and innovative products which offer a

range of options for every style of bathroom. Roman’s Liberty Fluted Glass Wetroom Panels clearly deserved one of the ‘most innovative product’ titles at KBB, awarded by Designer Magazine.”

Roman also introduced Innov8 Sliders and Innov8 Curved Quadrants which have extremely clever running systems and fast fix installation design - the obvious visual aspect is their availability in a matt black finish as well as silver chrome, this shows how mainstream matt black is now becoming in the market. The range features 8mm thick glass on the sliding doors and the large one door curved quadrants.

Another featured launch on the Roman stand was their new Liberty Black Grid Hinged Door with an In-Line Panel which slots into the stunning Liberty range and is available in four colours: matt black, silver chrome, brushed nickel and polished nickel.

David Osborne, Managing Director at Roman said: “It was a tiring but very enjoyable 4-day event seeing so many customers; old and new.

We hope the event will be a great kick start for 2020.”

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Discover our 2020 collections

Novellini UK offers a full range of bathroom products; including bespoke shower enclosures, wet-rooms, steam rooms, spa baths, furniture and much more. All our products are designed and manufactured in Italy ensuring quality and availability. We have an extensive showroom facility at our HQ in Italy to support specifications and technical needs., If you are interested in talking to us about future projects or visiting us in Italy, for more details and availability, please contact our contracts manager Steve Shirley: s.shirley@novellini.com.

Products available nationwide via our merchant partners. Why not visit our website or contact us directly for more details on our products and services.

FOLLOW US

Info-uk@novellini.com tel: 01727-229922

ADV Architects Datafile 10-19.indd 1

www.novellini.co.uk www.iotti.com

16/09/19 09:34

Heating & Ventilation

P C Henderson Donates Hardware to Assist School Rebuild in Nepal P C Henderson Donates Hardware to Assist School Rebuild in Nepal ituated on a picturesque mountainside, the village of San Bhorle was left in ruins when the 7.8Mw earthquake hit, levelling every one of its 43 houses and primary school. All but one resident survived, but the community was left to rebuild their lives with no materials, tools or machinery.

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Learning Planet, a charity which helps remote communities design, finance and construct new schools, stepped in to help.

As the only communal building in the village - and the only one which would have permanent power and internet access - the local community required a school building which could also be used for other events such as village meetings and celebrations.

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In order to achieve this level of flexibility, large bi-folding doors were needed in the centre of the building. This would allow the area to be used as a classroom when closed off or put to other uses when opened up. A folding partition wall was also to be installed in one of the classrooms, allowing teachers to create a private office space when necessary.

Justin Wickham, Co-Founder and Executive Director at Learning Planet, commented “I was looking for a really solid system which would work faultlessly in a very remote location, for years, with minimal maintenance. After some research, I got in touch with the team at P C Henderson. I was really moved when they offered to donate all of the hardware free of charge. It was extremely heartening to get such a positive response”.

P C Henderson’s Securefold system was identified as the best solution for the project. Carrying ten solid hardwood doors measuring 225cm high x 50cm wide - it was important that the system could comfortably cope with a heavy load - whilst still allowing for effortless and safe opening by adults and children.

“The Securefold system works beautifully for our requirements. We opted to install

the doors in five sets of two – meaning they can be moved around in pairs to create gaps for fresh air, light and easy access. The doors can also be stacked

completely clear of the opening – creating a huge, open, covered atrium – a perfect space for performances, and for hosting all kinds of village events.

“The installation went smoothly except for a snag when we realised the Securefold bolts were a centimetre too long. We couldn’t shorten the bolts, or make/buy other ones to fit. It looked like a deal breaker until our carpenter appeared with some washers he’d made from a flip flop!

It worked a dream. In remote locations, we often rely on that kind of ingenuity, as standard materials just aren’t available”, continued Justin.

P C Henderson’s Husky Folding door hardware was also specified for the internal partition wall required in the classroom.

With only a few small pieces of building work required to get the project completely finished, the school should hopefully be in full use in the near future.

Stephanie Lee, Marketing Manager at P C Henderson, commented “Each year P C Henderson commits to supporting charities on a local, national and international scale. We were delighted to support such a fantastic cause, it’s great to see how our hardware can be used to create flexible solutions which have a huge impact for local communities”.

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Taking a leaf out of nature’s book Figurative knots and distinctive woodgrain configurations are both authentic and much loved wood characteristics, that are admired and sought after by specifiers everywhere.

This desire for irregularity and a closer affinity with nature, has led leading interior timber door manufacturer, Vicaima to introduce the new Naturdor® Heritage Oak finish. With its open grain and randomly mixed real Oak veneer, it takes a leaf out of nature’s book.

As a leading exponent in the use of trendsetting designs and with over 60 years’ experience in the manufacture of real veneered products, Vicaima’ s Heritage Oak doors present figured oak veneer that entices the senses of true rustic wood lovers. This new wood veneer treatment has been inspired by authentic influences of nature and reflects a more recent market trend towards wooden doors that embody

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materials made from more genuine and under refined materials.

Naturdor® Heritage Oak reflects the unexpected harmony of nature, with veneer mixed randomly in a choice of either vertical or horizontal designs. These can have either a matt or standard sheen surface depending on taste. Heritage Oak can be enhanced yet further by the potential collaboration of decorative face grooves, or the option of deep texturing.

Introduced for 2020, Deep textured allows real veneer to take on a more rustic feel for an even greater tactile experience.

Other combinations are afforded by a choice of available frame finishes, ranging from Naturdor® Oak and Stained Ash

to Dekordor® foil or Lacdor paint, creating a unique style to the whole door assembly. This fusion between a rustic oak veneer appearance, optional face grooves and choice of frame finishes, allows Heritage Oak to blend in and accentuate modern living and working space for a multitude of applications.

Emphasizing its commitment to the planet and to the sustainable use of natural resources, Vicaima Heritage Oak is covered by FSC® certification.

Where performance criteria are demanded, Heritage Oak is also available in fire, acoustic and security solutions. In addition to door only and door and frame assemblies, matching wardrobes and wall panels can also be provided.

Visit the Vicaima website www.vicaima.com. For further inspiration and trend-setting ideas.

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Interiors

Painting made easy with innovative new interior door The practice of painting doors on site has been getting harder over the last few years. A lack of skilled resource to carry out such finishing work is one factor, but also the spiralling labour and materials costs associated with this, not to mention the drain on time involved, all contribute to concerns for Housebuilders and Contractors throughout the industry. Now a solution has been presented by leading interior timber door manufacturer Vicaima. With the introduction of its innovative Primed 2 Go doors.

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ainting doors just got easier with new Primed 2 Go from Vicaima. With its revolutionary new surface fi­nish, Primed 2 Go reduces time on site and saves money by removing the need to sand or prime the face of doors before painting. This development has been achieved with the addition of a specially formulated ultra-smooth and opaque polymer face. The new surface means that even for less experienced painters, a professional fi­nish can be achieved more easily. Developed

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to accept a wide range of modern paints, and tested to EN ISO 2409/ DIN 53151 – grade 0-1, the surface ensures excellent paint adhesion with the majority of commercially accepted paint systems, including water based applications. The face surface of Primed 2 Go flush doors only require a wipe clean to remove particles and dust, before painting can commence, thereby saving time and money on site during the installation process.

As a Vicaima product, Primed 2 Go is manufactured to the same high standard as all of their doors.

Examples of which include: Hollow core doors with lock blocks on both sides making installation fully reversible and for performance applications Primed 2 Go doors are also available in both half-hour FD30 and one-hour FD60 fire rated. Both hollow core and FD30 doors have timber rails and are lipped on two edges, although these edges would of course require recommended treatment after fitting. Primed 2 Go doors are also available in both glazed options and with decorative grooves where desired, for added design flexibility.

Make life easy for yourself with Primed 2 Go: • Reduces site time and cost • Less materials required to complete fi­nishing • No face sanding required • Easier to achieve a professional ­surface finish • Ultra-smooth and opaque surface • New polymer face will accept wide range of paint types • Tested to EN ISO 2409/ DIN 53151 – grade 0-1 • All Primed 2 Go products are FSC® Certified For further inspiration and trend-setting ideas from Vicaima download a brochure today or visit the Vicaima website www.vicaima.com.

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Interiors

50 Shades of Grey and How to Use Them in Your Home Grey has been having a moment in the world of interiors for a long time now, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. rey is a timeless, yet modern colour which makes the perfect neutral background for almost any other colour as well as being a statement of its own accord.

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Shades of grey can be utilised alongside other colours to create a complex colour scheme, it offers a neutral, reduced glare backdrop which allows accent colours to come to life. You can pick the shade of grey based on the accent colours you plan to use; warmer greys look best with pinks, yellows and oranges whereas cooler toned greys look best when accompanied by colours such as blue and green as well as purples.

There are well over 50 shades of grey available to use in your home, but let’s

take a look at some of the most popular and how to use them.

Pewter Pewter used to be one of the most popular metals used in jewellery making.

It has a slightly darker grey tone than silver making it a great shade for interior décor. Pewter is a medium neutral grey shade, usually on the cooler side of the spectrum. It works well with any accent colour as it isn’t extremely cool toned nor warm toned making it a very versatile shade.

Charcoal Charcoal is a statement grey but can be used as a base depending on how you do it. Probably the closest shade of

grey to black, charcoal can seem scary to some, but it can look extremely chic and modern depending on how it is used.

Charcoal can be used as a statement wall or perhaps for accent pieces of furniture but is best used sparingly; it also looks great when paired with other shades of grey for a multi-dimensional effect.

Greige Greige is a fairly new shade of grey which can be seen in both interiors and clothing; the warm mix of grey and beige is a great shade for home furnishings as feels softer and less harsh than traditional shades of grey. It is much warmer than other shades and works best with warmer colours such as pink. It can be used on walls as a base for accent colours and looks great in soft furnishings.

Slate Similar to charcoal, but slightly lighter in colour; slate works great in kitchens

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Interiors

and bathrooms as the material makes a great choice for tiles and work surfaces.

Slate makes for a chic and modern colour scheme and again, can be used as a statement colour of its own or paired with another accent colour. Pair with pastel shades of pink or mustard for a contrasting colour palette.

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closest shade of grey to white, this makes a great backdrop for any accent colour and really brightens up a room whilst still being super on trend and staying clear of a more traditional ‘clinical’ white. Eggshell is also a great colour to pair with other shades of grey for a tonal look.

Steel

Going slightly lighter again, stone grey can be open to interpretation. For some, it will a cool toned grey whereas for others it could take on a warmer tint of brown or sand. Whatever you prefer, it makes a good shade for use in bedrooms and living areas as it is that little bit lighter and fresher.

Going back to the dark side, steel grey is closer in comparison to slate and charcoal but is slightly more palatable. As with the other darker tones, steel makes a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens as well as living areas; its dark and smoky look means it makes a great statement as well as being easy to pair with other colours.

Eggshell

Silver

If you’re a little wary of grey, eggshell could be the shade for you. The

Silver is probably one of the most popular shades of grey seen in home interiors. It

is bright and easy to pair with an array of other colours including pinks, purples and blues. It is an extremely versatile shade of grey and works well in almost any room; especially living areas and bedrooms as it looks great when used in soft furnishings.

As such a versatile colour, grey is bound to stand the test of time as we have already seen; therefore, integrating this chic, modern colour into your home should be no feat. Whether you choose to go all out and create a sleek, slate bathroom, invest in some new pewter bedding or add some chic silver made to measure window blinds; you can be sure that your interior will be on trend for a long time to come.

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NEOLITH® AND STOSA CUCINE: A NEW PARTNERSHIP LOOKING TO THE FUTURE OF INNOVATION Stosa Cucine, leading company in the Italian furniture industry, and Neolith® the pioneering brand of Sintered Stone surfaces, have signed an exclusive deal, demonstrating a shared drive towards innovation and realisation of excellent products with sustainable design.

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entral to the partnership will be the launch of a new range of finishes available for counter tops and kitchen doors.

This collaboration will showcase the brands’ mutual passion for expert craftsmanship, material excellence and sustainable design.

A Mutual Approach

foundation, it has looked to partner with like-minded architects, design houses and furniture makers to promote a better understanding of Sintered Stone and its potential. The alignment of Stosa Cucine with these deep-held values represented a natural fit, opening the door to collaborate.

Double Act

Stosa Cucine is a byword for excellence in kitchen design. Founded in 1964, it has established a global reputation for its unique understanding of the ever-evolving aesthetics in the culinary space.

Commenting on the partnership, Neolith CMO Mar Esteve Cortes says: “Stosa Cucine is a household name worldwide, synonymous with excellence. When the opportunity to work with them arose, it was a no brainer as our values align so perfectly.”

This is further complemented by its commitment to ongoing research and development, always innovating to offer clients the very best service, yet always aware of its heritage.

She continues, “We are both passionate about amazing design and equally uncompromising in our devotion to high quality in everything. I know everyone on the Neolith team is excited to see how

Refining its values over half a century, Stosa Cucine’s approach delivers the perfect combination of form and substance. These qualities, and more, dovetailed seamlessly with those of Neolith, forming the essential foundations for a strong, like-minded partnership.

Of One Mind Neolith’s position as a market-leading, carbon neutral surface has been built over a decade of commercial and consumer specification, particularly in professional and residential kitchens. It has become known as one of the safest and most hygienic materials available to specifiers, without compromising on performance and visual appeal.

Although younger than Stosa Cucine, it similarly remains a family-run business, placing great value on accrued experience which yields unrivalled expertise and exquisitely finessed products.

Beauty, sustainability, longevity and safety underpin Neolith’s ethos. Since its

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Stosa Cucine will use our materials, starting with the Aliant collection. Seeing a slab of the material is one thing, but to experience it in application is another. It gives essential context so potential customers can truly envisage how it might look in their own space.”

Claudio Renai, Stosa Cucine’s Purchasing Manager, discusses how the partnership came about, “In my role I’m always on the lookout for new, innovative and sustainable materials to specify in conjunction with our sophisticated designs. Fundamentally what we choose has to reflect our core values.

I recently came across Neolith at a trade event and was immediately drawn to their range of surfaces. Following discussions with their team and a visit to the factory

to see how it’s produced, I felt confident in recommending it to the Stosa team as THE partner of choice. Having seen what we’ve produced together, I’m blown away!”

David Sani, Sales Director for Italy, at Stosa Cucine adds, “Innovation, quality and attention to detail drive our material choices. We are always on the lookout for those rare surfaces which strike that fine balance between form and function. Being flexible to client requirements is also crucial which is why we need to work with brands which can offer a wide range of colours, finishes and formats without compromising on quality. We have found all this and more in Neolith.”

He continues, “Much like their slabs, Neolith’s attitude and values fit seamlessly together with ours, making it the material of choice for our new version of Aliant, combining contemporary cool with timeless elegance. Furthermore it is one of the most hygienic surfacing materials on the market, and essential requirement in the current climate.

“With green design also a growing preference, that the material is eco-

friendly and sustainably produced adds considerable value to both specifier and homeowner. We look forward to a prosperous partnership.”

The partnership with Stosa Cucine will further cement and build on Neolith’s position within Italy, following the foundation of Neolith Italy in spring 2020.

It plays an integral part of a wider strategy to bring the brand closer to the end customer and increase point-of-sale presence in this territory and beyond.

Currently operational, Neolith Italy, alongside the Stosa Cucine partnership and the Neolith Urban Boutique Milan, will strengthen the brand’s supply chain within Italy, ensuring a strong pipeline of material which can be ordered and delivered to site rapidly, whatever the size.

To find out more about Stosa Cucine and Neolith’s Aliant ranges click here.

For more information about Neoliths’ collection of patterns, finishes, formats and thicknesses click here.

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Paints Widely recognised as one of London’s most perfect villages, full of beautiful shops, prime period properties and green open spaces, Wimbledon is an idyllic location for any family. Therefore, it came as no surprise to Up Architects when they were appointed by a young family, who required more space, to deliver the full refurbishment and extension of their existing home. Kebony, a global leader in the production of sustainable modified wood, was carefully selected by the architects for the exterior cladding of the extension to create something truly beautiful without being ostentatious. fter making the decision to stay in their house, rather than moving to a bigger property in the area, or moving away from the children’s school, the family recognised their pressing need for more space. Up Architects wanted to design an extension that stood out from the run-of-the-mill extensions in the area, and started with the idea of a single large space that could be adapted to suit the family’s needs over time, incorporating dining, living, a playroom, study area, TV room and guest room into the brief. Now their hectic family life could take place in a modern, light filled open-plan living space, all with an enhanced connection to the garden.

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In keeping with the client’s brief, the design is simple, un-assuming and honest with two simple roof forms sitting over the main space, formed from an exposed glulam timber structure with Kebony cladding used for the exterior walls and roof.

The simple geometry of the twinhipped roofs breaks up the bulk seen from outside and defines the different spaces internally without a physical division. The timber Kebony cladding lines up across the walls and roof, with compound mitred joints, making the whole extension appear to be carved from one block of wood, with no visible gutters to compromise the sharp lines.

All the timber used was sustainably sourced and the Kebony cladding is guaranteed for 30 years. Developed in Norway, Kebony’s revolutionary

technology is an environmentally friendly and patented process which modifies sustainably sourced softwoods by heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol - an agricultural by-product.

By polymerising the wood’s cell wall, the softwoods permanently take on the attributes of tropical hardwood including high durability, hardness and dimensional stability. This unique process also provides Kebony with its characteristic appearance, which only grows more beautiful with time.

Marty McColl, Director at Up Architects commented: “Following our appointment for this project, it was essential that the family felt they had made the right decision in opting for an extension rather than moving house.

We were able to create substantially more space, whilst ensuring the extension reflected the brief to build something that was beautiful in design without being ostentatious; we are thrilled with the final product and loved working with Kebony to transform this traditional suburban semi-detached house into a contemporary and more practical family home.”

Adrian Pye, International Sales Director at Kebony added: “We are delighted with the growing demand for Kebony extensions, the wood is extremely versatile and can be used for both traditional and modern properties as well as detached, semi-detached or terrace houses. It is evident that Up Architects have carefully considered the brief and created the perfect living space to meet the needs of this young family and the final product is a testament to their hard work.”

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®

MAKE IT SUSTAINABLE

In order to produce a more even greying process, www.organowood.com OrganoWood has developed surface treatments info@organowood.com OrganoWood® 01 Protection & 02 Repellent. The products offer the surface extremely water repellent (superhydrophobic) characteristics that reduce the risk of the phenomenon and promotes a more even greying process. The water repellent properties result in the timber cracking less and becoming more dimensionally stable.

Paints

Mapei’s high-demand training dates revealed for 2020 Mapei has unveiled its extensive list of training dates for 2020, as part of plans to continually utilise its impressive training facility based in Halesowen, West Midlands. ollowing a successful first year of training courses at the facility situated at Mapei Academy, a total of 51 days have been dedicated to training, covering Ceramic Tiling, Resilient Flooring, EWI, Resin, Ultratop Loft, Concrete Repair and Basement Structural Waterproofing.

each tailored training course. Bookings from distributors, contractors, designers and engineers are welcomed, and can be tailored to specific needs and requirements. All training delegates will receive presentation notes, refreshments, a buffet lunch, a factory tour and Mapei goodies.

EWI: January 23, March 26, May 28, July 30, September 24, November 26

There will be 12 dates dedicated for each of the Ceramic Tiling and Resilient Flooring training courses, 6 dates for both EWI and Resin Flooring, and 5 dates each for Ultratop Loft, Concrete Repair, and Basement Structural Waterproofing.

A team made up of Chris Myatt, Adrian Jennings, Neal Perryman, Adrian Jones and Jeremy Mann, as well as relevant product line experts, will be on hand to provide information and expertise at

The dates are as follows:

Concrete Repair: March 17, May 12, July 2, September 15, November 10

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Ceramic: January 7, February 4, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4, September 8, October 6, November 3, December 1 Resilient: January 9, February 6, March 5, April 9, May 7, June 4, July 9, August 6, September 10, October 8, November 5, December 3

Resin: February 25, April 28, June 30, July 28, September 29, November 24 Ultratop Loft: January 21, March 24, June 23, August 25, October 27

Basement Structural Waterproofing: February 27, April 2, June 11, September 17, November 19 To book your place on one of Mapei’s coveted training courses, email ukmarketing@mapei.co.uk or call 0121 508 6970

Paints

BT1 - Ground-breaking technology in resisting E. coli and MRSA In time of heightened health risks and being cautious of what we put into our homes, it is now the time take a more in depth look at BT1, the latest technology from CT1 and making sure we always use the healthiest choice in our homes and new builds. n an era of uncertainty and high tension due to COVID-19, we are concerned about the health of our nation and home dwellers. Not only that, but those in clinics, schools and hospitals where the most vulnerable are.

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CT1 which is the UK’s Number 1 Sealant and Adhesive, is the healthiest choice for the home. Boasting over 25 accreditations, this makes CT1 the healthiest choice for your home.

CT1 has an EC1 certification for the lowest emissions, A+ Green which is awarded for lowest indoor emissions green rated, Green ISO standard and the most unique accreditation and highly accredited, is The Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association.

The NAAF logo is highly sought after and one of the hardest accreditations to receive. The association test and awards products on their ability to reduce asthma and allergy attacks in the home, and CT1 The Snag List Eliminator has been awarded this. CT1 is the only sealant and adhesive globally to achieve this. A label recognised globally as the highest in its authority for advising and testing of products that reduce asthma and allergy in the home.

CT1 with a unique TRIBRID® formulation has no solvents and is also the most userfriendly sealant and adhesive to use with no odour. CT1 also has an ISEGA food certificate.

But never to rest on their laurels, CT1 who lead the way in research and development for the building industry, realised a massive gap in the market for a unique product for the bathroom only. One which creates a clinically clean bathroom! But on testing and developing the product, the lab tests came back with some unique results.

BT1 Bathroom Sealant Number 1, which has been created to completely fight off bacteria, fungus and all pesticides.

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Ground-breaking technology formulated over 4-year period and vigorous testing has created the most high spec sealant on the market to date.

This has changed the way in which clinics and hospitals will now protect their surface areas and indeed for the construction of new builds!

With a guarantee of colour retention, for up to 25 years. Scientifically formulated in a manner in which bacteria/microbes cannot survive, making it easier to maintain a more hygienic surface, is free from solvents and isocyanates making it ideal sanitaryware product and a product for all public health institutions and clinics.

Hospitals such as Solihull Hospital in Birmingham, Good Hope Hospital in Sutton amongst a few other institutions are now using BT1 for facility repair and maintenance work, for creating a healthier environment.

The real breakthrough that is most prevalent at such a time of spread of infections and high risk level contagious disease, is that BT1 has also been proven to resist microbes such as MRSA, E. coli and Campylobacter.

Many factories also in food processing and handling are also now using this groundbreaking product.

BT1 from the creators of CT1.

Click Here for the BT1 Video

 R

The Snag List Eliminator

      NEW

TRIBRID®

TECHNOLOGY

 approved according to

ETAG 022

Choosing the right material for a garage Choosing the right material for a garage build takes careful consideration with numerous factors that may influence decisions. s with any build its important to weigh up the core advantages and disadvantages of different materials before finalising any decisions. The materials that are chosen can have huge effects not only on the overall appearance of the build, but also its practicality and usage abilities, so it’s important to carefully

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consider a variety of options before making a firm decision. Here we discuss the key things to consider when selecting the material from which to build a garage.

Function The purpose of the garage will determine which materials are required initially. Many garages are used for extra storage and

are not intended to be used as a living space, yet in the few instances where this is the purpose, the materials picked need to be good insulators. Concreate has a low R-value meaning that it stores transferred heat, so when a concreate garage is added on the side of a home, it will almost certainly store heat which has been transmitted from the home.

Cost The cost of the building materials is an important factor and will take prior planning in advance of the build. The budget of the build will help govern the materials being used, with some options proving more costly than others. A brick garage is going to cost substantially more than a simpler cinderblock garage, so this is something to consider when progressing with plans and designs. There are of course cheaper alternatives for more expensive

materials available, for example choosing stone cladding rather than stone, so it’s important to look out for substitutes where budget restraints require.

Appearance Garages are much more visually appealing when they appear as an extension of the pre-existing home and because of this, many look for a garage that complements the overarching architecture of their house.

By taking note of pre-existing materials utilised across the property and selecting similar ones, you’re able to create cohesion between both the garage and home. This doesn’t just apply to building materials either, details such as roofing selection or doors also need to be selected carefully in order to coordinate successfully. By taking these steps, this will ultimately result in delivering maximum curb appeal.

Time Material type can also have differential effects on the build time. It’s imperative that skilled materials, such as bricks and stone, are implemented by professional workers, which can be greatly labour intensive. If you have a tight schedule to keep to then its worth considering a prefabricated garage.

Prefabricated garages from Lidget Compton will save massively on build time and thanks to the huge variety of materials and styles that are available, there’s sure to be a look to match the home.

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sustainability

Quality in Construction - New product Development from Leaders in the Waterproofing Industry, Delta Membranes Delta Membrane Systems Limited lead the field in innovations within the waterproofing sector with the launch of the new Delta PT 3mm Membrane.

elta PT 3mm Membrane has been developed specifically for addressing the issues of damp and contaminated walls, or where fast reinstatement of wall finishes is required after chemical damp proof injection.

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Delta PT 3mm a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) low profile studded membrane with a heat welded polypropylene mesh provides a key for plasters, renders and dab fixing of plasterboards.

Air-gap membranes are particularly useful in projects that require water­

pro­ofing, damp proofing or a barrier against contamination, especially in barn conversion projects. Air gap membranes allow for the immediate rein­sta­tement of plastered finishes following treatment.

Our Delta PT 3mm membrane can be used in a variety of ways, are easy to apply and offer a long-term protection to buildings and structures.

Kevin Dodds, Director said “Achieving sustainability in manufacturing requires a comprehensive view spanning not just the product and the manufacturing processes, but also the entire supply chain, including product

lifespan. We recognise the need to provide leadership, promote quality and add value in all aspects of construction especially the waterproofing sector. We shall continue to invest in technologies and to lead the field.”

We specialise in solutions, from the smallest domestic project to high-end residential developments, commercial structures and civil projects which can be tailored to even the most challenging environment – above or below ground.

We consider the entire project process from concept to completion to the very finest of detail and can provide solutions for all project requirements.

Delta has developed a reputation for offering the best technical and customer support for waterproofing and damp proofing systems in the country.

Our technical team offer extensive expertise covering a broad range of specialist systems from concept to installation with troubleshooting and every other step along the way – contact us today on 01992 523 523 or email: info@deltamembranes.com.

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“

sustainability We asked Ecomerchant, supplier of natural and sustainable building products, to give us their take on healthy building.

The Healthy Home?

In our view, a healthy home is ‘one that incorporates healthy design elements, non-toxic building materials, and proper construction techniques. It “breathes”, emits no toxic gasses, and is resistant to mould and decay.

Here are our top tips when designing a healthy building: •

Choose a simple build system

•

Use natural and nontoxic materials

•

Make the best use of natural light

•

Ensure adequate ventilation

•

Ensure that all building elements are compatible

•

Use a breathable vapour open system

•

Make the structure do the work

•

Take a whole-house approach to design

•

Include the end user in the design and build process

Without a doubt, it is the control of moisture and the ventilation of the building that sits at the root cause of most building decay. We also have a huge issue with applying healthy principles to the biggest issue of all refurbishing existing buildings.

Often in these cases, the prophylactic

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principle should be applied, where some anticipation of problems such as damp penetration can be mitigated by choosing materials that can hold onto moisture and let it go later (drying out) or at least minimise or contain the problem. The issue with a more synthetic and hermetic approach is that such problems can often remain hidden deep within the building structure for a long time and on discovery lead to costly and extensive repairs.

To apply healthy principles to any building project you first need to appreciate that the standards by which most UK construction is governed (and built to) do not account for the ‘health’ of a building in all but the most basic ways. So don’t expect a building that meets Building Regulations to be healthy.

To describe an unhealthy home can be more effective at persuading us to adopt healthy principles. We will all recognise the description of an unhealthy building as one that fails to control the internal environment leading to partial, then increasing, early decay of the building fabric in turn leading to mould growth,

rot and a failure of the element(s) to physically perform, the description would further include the use of toxic chemicals in materials and the resulting expulsion into the air of these toxins over time, and it would include the use of materials that contain allergens.

Now most of us will recognise (and probably have experienced) the symptoms of poor building health but it is surprising how many of the houses built today have this very low on the agenda of considerations. The consequences of damp and unhealthy buildings can mean the aggravation of conditions like asthma, in the UK this is a real problem where 1 in 6 people have asthma a massive increase since the stable base in the 1970s with almost 2000 deaths per annum and 75,000 hospital admissions the cost to the state runs into £billions; most of this is directly linked to dust mite faeces which in turn is directly linked to relative humidity in houses, (as you find in an unhealthy house) other moulds, bacteria and diseases present in the same conditions are also linked to asthma.

sustainability

The main contributors to poor building health are the following: •

Water ingress

•

Condensation

•

Failure to control internal moisture

•

Poor build quality

•

The use of toxic materials

•

Poor ventilation

•

Material degradation over time leading to performance failure (e.g. air leaks)

•

Poor design

You can see that it is not only the absence of harmful environmental characteristics but also the presence of beneficial ones that define a healthy building. Designers should begin by avoiding harmful elements and attempt to incorporate supportive beneficial ones.

This is why the inclusion of items such as natural light, ventilation and acoustic

insulation is as important as layout and functionality in the whole house approach.

Real progress is only made when the builder and future occupants work closely with the building’s designer to ensure that all these issues are addressed within the context of how the building is intended to be used.

Thankfully a lot of the approach to building healthy homes is common sense and can be summarised in a few simple principles •

Choose simpler building systems they are more failsafe

•

Manage moisture by creating a breathable shell to provide a means for managing and buffering variations in moisture

•

•

Include natural materials in many applications these will outperform synthetic ones.

Be involved at every stage

As highlighted by recent events the toxicity inherent in our building materials can be a lethal problem especially in the case of fire, one of the most important materials used in the construction of a building is insulation, but can your choice of insulation really affect your health?

A well-insulated house or office will protect your health, comfort and lifestyle but how many of us know and understand how to achieve this?

How we select insulation needs to be about having a real choice and for specifiers to be equipped with the right knowledge to compare materials on a likefor-like basis.

To design a well-insulated building, you need to make informed decisions throughout all phases of a construction project to ensure your building performs as you envisage as mentioned above.

However, selecting the right insulation is about more than just reaching building regulation compliance or ‘keeping in

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sustainability the heat’. It’s about ensuring a building protects its occupants’ entire well-being and comfort in the following ways.

How well does insulation keep the heat out?

In the UK, thermal insulation to protect from the cold is essential, particularly given ever-increasing energy costs.

However, as demand for usable square footage of buildings increases, basement and loft conversions are the routes many now take. However, these parts of a home or office, are the spaces most prone to extremes in temperature. They, therefore, need more thought – i.e. how do you keep a space warm in winter but, for a loft, how to keep it cool come summer.

Compared with synthetic insulation materials, wood fibre insulation has a much higher density. This higher density means that natural insulation makes for a better heat buffer as the high midday temperature will only reach the internal side and be lost at night when the temperature is already cooler outside.

How a building’s breathability is hurting our health A breathable structure is one that allows the passage of moisture.

With 90 percent of all building construction problems associated with water in some way, breathability is essential in measuring a building’s performance and preventing the accumulation of harmful water within the building’s fabric. These are fundamental in reducing health risks from mould, mites that those suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are particularly susceptible to.

For effective breathability, there are four essential components that need to be considered: •

a moisture pathway

•

a driving force

•

a sorptive fabric

•

vapour control.

Natural fibre insulation is most effective as it suppresses potentially harmful water by binding and releasing moisture which helps regulate humidity levels as the moisture moves.

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Easy-to-fit insulation A well-designed building takes into consideration how a material performs throughout the building’s entire life cycle.

This includes ease of installation. Steico’s wood fibre insulation is simple and easy to fit (either packed or friction-fitted), eliminating installer error, keeping construction programmes, tight and costs, low.

How sustainability will save you time and money While all insulation is helping the environment by limiting energy being burnt for heat, natural fibre insulation materials are comparatively more robust. This means that when it comes to disposal, they can be composted – i.e. no specialist waste facilities or landfill. Throughout their lifecycle they will additionally have a much lower, and often, negative carbon footprint.

More than just protecting your home from fire All insulations will meet fire safety standards, but this is a minimum rating.

The key differentiator between natural and synthetic is that natural insulations will prevent the spread of fire and if burnt, will not give off toxic fumes such as cyanide as polyisocyanurates (PIR) might. See article link below to ASBP Healthy Buildings or Toxic Buildings?

Will the house be standing in 100 years?

Condensation is one of the costliest risks to buildings causing huge maintenance repairs and structural damage. Natural materials are better able to absorb and release water whilst remaining dry meaning it is better able to protect from and buffer moisture thereby becoming a key part of healthy living.

sustainability Comfort for occupants When selecting insulation for a building, there are implications for the health of the occupants, the structure of the building, its impact on the environment, its acoustic properties, durability and carbon footprint.

Cancelling out the noise for a peaceful night’s sleep The higher density of natural insulations - such as wood fibre - makes them better at reducing noise. Sounds external to the building, such as traffic or music, as well as those from within the building, through walls and ceilings are attenuated better by wood fibre than synthetic equivalents. In providing better protection from acoustic pollutants, occupants often report a building as being more restful and relaxing thereby encouraging better mental health.

When a building is well-designed and wellbuilt, occupants should be at their peak comfort. With the average person spending approximately 80% of their lives in enclosed rooms, an occupant’s well-being is imperative. Therefore, the products used to achieve this should cover all the issues affecting a building’s construction, its impact on both its occupants and nature.

Further reading ASBP Healthy Buildings Conference summary of key points, https://asbp.org. uk/asbp-news/healthy-buildings-or-toxicbuildings Read the expert’s view on healthy buildings including Professor Stephen Holgate CBE, Clinical Professor of Immunopharmacology at the University of Southampton and coauthor of The Royal College of Physicians ‘Every breath we take‘ report, who explains why poor quality air is a lethal

problem that affects us all, Consultant, Clinical Psychologist at UCL, Dr Sarah Mackenzie Ross who looks at the rapid rise in new chemical entities in our day-to-day environments and the consequences on our health, CIBSE’s Head of Sustainability Development Julie Godefroy who questions the role of Building Regulations in delivering healthy buildings and Professor Anna Stec, fire toxicity expert from University of Central Lancashire who looks at the potential fatal effects when plastics in the home burn.

Visit: www.asbp.org.uk for more on sustainable building products Visit our Protexion campaign page: Ecomerchant and Steico UK have joined forces to launch a protection campaign.

It aims to champion the benefits of using natural insulation products, see www.ecomerchant.co.uk/protexion to learn more .

Contact Ecomerchant Ecomerchant: web: www.ecomerchant.co.uk email: info@ecomerchant.co.uk tel: 01793 847 444

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COMPLETE PACKAGE OF BRETT MARTIN DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS SPECIFIED FOR FOREST OF DEAN DEVELOPMENT High performance, reliable and easy-to-install rainwater and underground drainage systems from Brett Martin Plumbing and Drainage have been specified for a new housing development in Tutshill, Gloucestershire, the village where JK Rowling spent her childhood and inspired many Harry Potter books. ocated in the stunning Forest of Dean, on the banks of the River Wye near Chepstow, Birch Grove includes 45 new three, four and five-bedroom family homes all built to a high-specification for discerning buyers. In order to achieve the desired performance and aesthetics, housebuilder ButlerWall Homes chose a comprehensive and cost-effective range of rainwater and drainage systems which met their demands

L

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for quality, durability, low maintenance and ease-of-installation.

The specification across these family homes included Brett Martin’s Cast Iron Style Cascade Rainwater System comprising a 115mm Half Round Gutter and 68mm Round Downpipe in classic black. Significantly lighter than cast iron rainwater systems, Cascade is much quicker, easier and safer to install at height,

helping to offer the developer huge savings in terms of on-site installation costs. The system also features external fixing lugs designed to facilitate the use of power tools, further speeding up installation.

In addition to the popular classic black colour specified on the Birch Grove Development, Cascade is also available in a further seven heritage colours including Anthracite Grey, Oxford Blue,

Chartwell Green, Olive Green, Graphite Grey, Sandstone and Porcelain White - all of which cater to the subtle nuances of local vernacular architecture. The complete colour range delivers the traditional appearance of Cast Iron with the convenience of modern plastic materials. Cascade is also UV stabilised for a maintenance-free system that will stay looking great and working well for years, and comes with a 10-year guarantee.

The development also saw the installation of Brett Martin’s Adoptable Inspection Chamber Assemblies available in 315mm

and 450mm diameters. Offering superior structural strength, enhanced loading capacity for long term serviceability, these cost-effective lightweight chamber assemblies are easy to install due to watertight push-fit assemblies and a solid, stable connection using the additional connection points in the form of lugs featured on both base and riser.

Brett Martin’s high-performance adoptable chamber assemblies carry the BSI Kitemark KM 635998, are tested to EN13598-1 and satisfy both the requirements of Sewers for Adoption (SfA7) and Building Regulations.

Using a reputable manufacturer such as Brett Martin offers far more than the quality and versatility of the product itself – they provide superior technical support, detailed installation instructions and maintenance guidelines to ensure rainwater systems perform exactly as promised.

With this fabulous new village development now complete, Brett Martin’s Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater System and a range of underground drainage solutions have met the aesthetic and performance requirements of the developer whilst ensuring a fast, efficient and economical installation.

To find out more about Brett Martin Plumbing and Drainage visit: www.brettmartin.com

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Bring the glamour of Chelsea to your garden with the ultimate in contemporary features and screens from Kangular Adding a stylish, architectural look to gardens that’s worthy of the Chelsea Flower Show or a Grand Designs makeover has never been easier, thanks to Kangular, the ultimate line-up of affordable contemporary features and structural screens that create instant impact. angular empowers the nation’s gardeners and homeimprovers to quickly achieve a sophisticated, designer look: a piece of instant artwork in gardens that wouldn’t look out of place in a gallery, but at a fraction of the cost.

K

The leading range of Designer Features encompass stainless steel and wooden slatted structures in Fan, Wave and Pear shapes with heights ranging from one to three metres, as well as a range of

elegant Structural Screens and Wheelie Bin Enclosures. Shapes can be modified with Kangular’s clever, adjustable slot and wedge fixing.

Unique, eye-catching focal points Kangular’s designer range provides stunning focal points for gardens, borders and driveways, while privacy screens shield gardens from overlooking properties or neighbours – perfect for hot tubs, swimming pools and al-fresco dining areas, as well as enclosing gardens from passing pedestrians or the din of traffic noise. Not only will screens add architectural structure to garden borders or increase the height of existing walls, but they will stylishly enclose driveways, shielding cars, caravans or motorhomes from view.

Owners can ramp-up the wow factor of Kangular structures with uplighters or downlighters that add a new dimension to gardens after dark, while there’s even the option of wine glass holders to safely store drinks. Kangular screens offer a fashionable way to quickly screen-off unsightly areas of gardens – from disguising ugly wheelie bins, compost heaps, water butts and sheds to hiding eyesore utility items such as oil tanks and air conditioning units.

Kangular’s Paul Raven said: “To pay a designer and builder to create and install a structure with the high-end look that Kangular offers would rack-up a bill running into many thousands of pounds, not to mention the time and hassle that’s all too often associated with tracking down reliable, trustworthy tradesmen who will turn up on time and complete the job. In contrast, Kangular structures are quick and easy for gardeners to install themselves,

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while the simple process can be completed in just two hours, creating instant impact outdoors.”

Patented Kangular systems offer countless practical and visual benefits for gardenowners. As well as creating sight lines and partitions, the contemporary designs come into their own for framing a planted area, or for shielding delicate plants from strong or drying winds. Kangular is rapidly becoming the go-to solution for injecting adventure into bland spaces by dividing gardens up into creative outdoor rooms.

Personalised to suit your style Kangular can also be treated as a blank canvass to create shapes that suit varying styles of outdoor living. Screens can be transformed into a Christmas tree design for the festive season, or an eggshape at Easter, for example. A bespoke design service offers the highest levels of customisation, while Kangular can provide Laser marking, enabling special messages

to be engraved into structures to help celebrate a special occasion.

In line with current trends for sustainability in gardens, Kangular structures are both eco-friendly and British-made. The hardwood slats that form the backbone of screens are FSC or EUTR-regulated, while structures are 100% recyclable, too.

For instant transformations, Kangular features are quick and easy to erect, requiring only a spade, spirit level and a hammer – no nails, screws or glue fixings are needed – and for additional convenience, Kangular offers a home installation service, too.

Designed and built to last Kangular structures feature angled, slotted, high-quality stainless-steel columns, strengthened by a patented wedge system, resulting in a robust structure that’s capable of withstanding the worst that the weather throws at it.

The Kangular patented column system is engineered using the latest laser tube cutting technology, while every part of the system has been designed to be aesthetically pleasing. Structures can be placed 1.8m apart and there is no requirement for planning permission. All Kangular features come with a five-year warranty and have a 20-year lifespan, while the Kangular column is warrantied for 10 years for additional peace of mind.

Prices for Kangular’s Designer Fan, Wave and Pear structures start at just £860 including VAT and delivery, while Sculptural Screens cost from as little as £460. Prices for screens that provide privacy around hot tubs and swim spas begin at £1,950.

Kangular Wheelie Bin Enclosures are available in single, double and triple sizes, with prices starting at just £1,960.

Find out more All Kangular products can be purchased directly from www.kangular.com or

email info@kangular.com to find out more.

Pull out box Installing the Kangular system is easy Each set comes with detailed, easy-tounderstand instructions, making installation a breeze. Just follow these three simple steps: (note: bolt-down fixings are available, too) 1.

Dig a hole to the correct depth. Around one third of the Kangular upright should be buried.

2.

Place the Kangular column into the hole, make sure it’s upright and level, then wait for the quick-drying cement to set.

3.

Place the Kangular hardwood sets into the column, secure the slats with a Kangular wedge and your stunning new garden structure is complete

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External works & landscaping

Take a Seat: New Season’s Trends in Garden Chairs Spring finally seems to be taking a first tentative peak from behind the winter clouds, which means attention can at last turn to the exteriors of our homes once again.

This time of year, is always a busy period in the garden furniture trade, as homeowners begin to plan for how they will make the most of their gardens throughout the longer, warmer months to come.

Jo Alexander, an online garden furniture and decor specialist based in Cambridgeshire, said this is the time for landscapers and garden design specialists to get on top of this season’s trends so they can make the best possible recommendations to clients and choose products that really help to bring their plans to life.

A spokesperson said: “It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with what’s available, what’s really catching

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the eye out there on the market, then you can add value to your clients by helping them to choose great pieces to complete their garden.”

Reclaim a seat Chairs remain a staple of garden furniture, and Jo Alexander says this summer’s stock lines offer a mix of the traditional and contemporary to suit a wide range of tastes. “We expect hardwood garden chairs to continue to be one of our best sellers,” the spokesperson continued. “They are practical, durable and look great. Wood has a special place in people’s hearts when it comes to outdoor furniture, for many it is the go-to choice.

External works & landscaping

“In terms of designs for timber garden chairs for this season, we’re seeing a focus on simple, solid, timeless pieces that are at once understated yet effortlessly elegant.

“Another really important trend in hardwood furniture this year is the use of reclaimed timber. If we look at teak, for example, which is probably the most sought-after hardwood for outdoor furniture because it is naturally weather resistant and so hard wearing, there have started to be a few concerns around sustainability centred on issues like overintensive logging in teak’s natural tropical rainforest habitat, or natural habitats being cleared for commercial plantations.

“But reclaimed teak offers a superb alternative. Pre-used teak is readily available in its native countries, places such as India, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Indonesia, where it is extensively used in construction.

Because it is so hard wearing and durable, when it is pulled off old timber frame buildings, it is still perfect for recycling to make furniture out of. A reclaimed teak garden chair makes a strong, sustainable, beautiful addition to any garden.”

At the other end of the scale from the classic teak chair, Jo Alexander is also seeing an increase in demand for a much more contemporary material for furniture - concrete. “When we think of concrete, we tend to think of tower blocks and big, imposing urban infrastructure, but in recent years some forward-thinking furniture designers have been reinventing concrete as a highly attractive material for our gardens. Polished concrete has a very appealing shine to it and makes a great choice if you want something a little more unusual for our garden.

“The concrete garden chair options we are stocking this year also show how versatile concrete can be - from industrial-looking, cubist-inspired stools to beautifully smooth giant polished ‘pebbles’ that look like they have been picked straight out of a mountain stream.”

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ROOFTOP DEVELOPMENT UTILISED ON ENFIELD’S LYTCHET WAY ESTATE Enfield Council had a pressing need for additional homes for social rent, and with no suitable land available for development, they were inspired by the solution offered by Langley Structures Ltd. This was the innovative ‘Upwardly Living’ rooftop development concept, creating new additional dwellings above existing flat roof housing stock.

Enfield Council were able to utilise the single source design and supply chain offered by Langley for rooftop extensions, flat to pitched conversions and flat roofing.

The council’s Lytchet Way estate, which has a mix of three and four storey blocks, was selected and Langley undertook an in-depth feasibility study. This identified that three of these blocks were suitable for rooftop developments to create new homes on top of existing stock. The site is incredibly well positioned to support densification, having excellent transport links.

Philip Pank Partnership were commissioned by the London Borough of Enfield to provide multi disciplinary services on the project, comprising Contract Administration/Employer’s Agent, Clerk of Works and Quantity Surveying.

“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to provide these services to Enfield and to have gained invaluable experience in the procurement and delivery of the Rooftop Development concept,” commented Sophie Redding, Associate, Philip Pank Partnership.

The rooftop developments, in this case comprising single-storey extensions with light weight pitched roofs, were installed by a Langley Approved Contractor who also carried out extensive flat-to-pitch roof refurbishments on the twelve remaining blocks on the estate.

Enfield Council wanted to avoid decanting residents to temporary accommodation, as this would be a costly logistical operation as well as being disruptive to the community. These challenges were successfully overcome to ensure that the 25 new homes were considerately developed with residents in-situ throughout the entire project.

Enabling works included extending the existing stairwells and services to the new fourth floor level. Langley’s off-site prefabricated floor, wall and ceiling cassettes were lifted into position and assembled on site. They were inspected on a weekly basis by Langley Technical Managers and the contract administrators, to monitor and ensure the quality of workmanship.

The lightweight, pitched framing system was covered with Langley Roman strip tiles and had sun tubes installed to utilise natural light within windowless kitchens. Photovoltaic (PV) panels were mounted at roof level to provide electricity for communal services.

A robust fire protection strategy included internal works to extend fire breaks at all existing party walls within the roof void to the underside of the roof membrane level. New service risers for electricity and gas were constructed at each end elevation, then distributed via the new roof void to the new flats below.

“Rooftop development represented a cost-effective way of adding to our housing stock without the need to acquire new land, which is often in short supply.”

- Project Manager at Enfield Council This project supports the Government housing objectives regarding the efficient use of space to deliver new homes by building up rather than building out, using the space above existing buildings to create new homes.

Support for this approach was re-iterated by the Housing Secretary in February 2018. (source: Fixing Our Broken Housing Market White Paper, Department for Communities and Local Government).

To discover more information about Rooftop Developments, view Langley’s video case study.

The video demonstrates the benefits of Rooftop Development for social housing landlords looking to develop their portfolio. It also showcases the award-winning Lytchet Way Estate, featuring time-lapse footage of the entire project.

Visit: www.langleystructures.co.uk Or, to book a feasibility survey for your building estate, contact enquiries@langley.co.uk

BEFORE EXPERTS IN ROOFTOP CAPITALISATION

AFTER

Langley Structures Ltd is helping social housing providers to make the most of their buildings by transforming and redefining the roofscape by providing new dwellings on top of existing flat roofs using their ‘upwardly living’ approach.

Book your in-house CPD seminar today! www.langleystructures.co.uk

T: 01327 704778 F: 01327 704845 E: CPD@langley.co.uk

Langley’s expertise can help clients exploit the space above their buildings and help deal with the chronic shortage of both affordable housing and the lack of new homes.

There is no land to acquire and no long term planning consultation process to undertake, plus, the speed of build is considerably quicker compared to conventional construction methods. The Rooftop Development also allows dwellings below to continue as homes with residents remaining in-situ during the build.

Freestanding platform lift is the ideal fit!

Invalift’s commercial screw and nut drive platform lift is the perfect solution for many different lift requirements. We’ve recently fitted one for a large retail client based in Birmingham.

The process started after the client requested a quote for a lift. The lift experts at Invalifts visited the site and discussed the requirements for the lift. The client was looking for free standing platform lift with a capacity of 400Kg and the capability to take a wheelchair user or parent with a buggy to the mezzanine floor.

The client was initially unsure which lift product would be most suitable, but after speaking to several other platform lift suppliers, the Commercial platform lift from Invalifts was chosen due to the flexibility of the free standing design, competitiveness of price and support from the Invalifts sales team.

The final location of the platform lift was discussed at length and it was agreed that locating the platform lift next to the staircase would ensure families would not be separated while getting to the mezzanine floor. Wheelchair users, those less able to take the stairs or parents with buggies could all use the platform lift without being separated.

The option of a fixed ramp at the ground floor landing was also decided on. This removed the need to dig a 50mm recess in the floor. So, all that was required from the client was the provision of a 240v, 16 amp power supply to allow Invalifts to supply and install the screw and nut drive platform lift.

Installation was completed over just two days ensuring the platform lift was handed over to the end client in plenty of time for their grand opening.

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Please contact the Invalifts team on 0845 468 2543 or email sales@invalifts.com for further information on the Commercial Platform Lift and the other products in the Invalifts range of lifts. www.invalifts.com

Platform Lifts Our range of platform lifts includes the MC2000 lift (right) - a high quality enclosed platform lift with a unique chain drive, and the option of glazing on all 4 shaft sides.

With a fantastic guarantee, and small footprints available, this is a premier platform lift.

We also offer stair platform lifts and a range of platform lifts for both internal and external use.

The Platform Lift Experts

Tel: 0845 4682543 Web: www.invalifts.com

HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT

MAGAZINE

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www.rinnai-uk.co.uk

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www.electric-heatingcompany.co.uk

With more than 30 years of experience, selling to more than 120 countries around the world, Panasonic is unquestionably one of the leaders in the heating and cooling sector.

SAiGE Longlife Decking Ltd Vicarage Barns, Lower Quinton, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom, CV37 8SG

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