Home Designer & Architect - June 2021

HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT

MAGAZINE June 2021

UK REGIONAL PROGRESSION INTO ACCEPTANCE OF HYDROGEN AS FUEL FOR THE FUTURE

The North West is viewed as ideal for the project owing to its existing industrial infrastructure, current technical skill base and alternative rugged landscape which maximises energy capturing potential.

The main objective in pursuit of a carbon neutral industrial zone is to create a regional hub of hydrogen production and distribution that replaces fossil fuels as the dominant source of energy in the North West of England. This potential hub has been identified as an oil refinery in Cheshire, North West England.

The hydrogen production plant will be located on the oil refinery and will be capable of delivering all commercial and domestic hydrogen needs. Additionally, the North West is home to various chemical industries which provide a foundation of knowledge and experience capable of attracting wider political and financial support to the scheme.

The scheme will support and contribute towards plans that include the construction of a new hydrogen pipeline and the creation of the UK’s first carbon capture storage (CCS) facility as well as all supporting infrastructure.

UK regional progression into acceptance of hydrogen as fuel for the future Chris Goggin of Rinnai looks around the UK regions and their progress with using new fuels, hydrogen in particular.

Fossil fuels are being taken off the global energy menu and are being replaced with alternative and cleaner fuel supplies that power communities and industries.

A shared global acceptance in hydrogen is increasingly apparent in all forms of international media.

As hydrogen looks likely to be a new source of global and national energy, it invites the question as to what preparations are being made in all

regions of the UK to integrate hydrogen into consumer’s everyday lives. Here’s a snapshot from the main regions:

NORTH WEST The North West of England aims to introduce a fully decarbonized industrial zone, to be powered by hydrogen with the specified aim of reducing harmful emissions from industry, domestic heat and transport.

The HyNet North West scheme will provide the development and deployment of hydrogen technologies along with carbon capture storage, offering further experience and skill advancements.

Hynet is targeting the supply of 20% blended hydrogen with natural gas by 2023, this blend is estimated to provide fuel for 2 million domestic properties and commercial buildings across the north of England.

NORTH EAST The UK government is currently researching and approving plans for other large scale hydrogen production plants. BP has publicly declared proposals to construct a blue hydrogen production plant in Teesside, North East England.

BP believes the plant could produce as much as 1 gigawatt of blue hydrogen by 2030, contributing towards the 5 GW low-carbon hydrogen capacity set by the UK government as a target. BP estimates that 2 million tons of metric carbon dioxide will be captured stored and converted inside the plant every year.

Like the North West scheme, the North East blue hydrogen plant will provide cleaner energy supplies to domestic and commercial customers as well as fuel for heavy transport.

These plans are however indicative of the increased application towards hydrogen by the public as is additional financial investment from within both the private and public sectors.

SOUTH EAST: This region contains a number of oil and gas works that are sprinkled across the South Eastern counties.

These oil and gas works are ideal for the manufacturing and distribution of hydrogen.

An independent UK oil and gas exploration company and an American based supplier of modular systems capable of generating hydrogen on site, have signed a memorandum which intends to identify former oil and gas work sites that can be converted into hydrogen production and distribution hubs.

Although the sites are yet to be named, the locations thought to be considered are Weald Basin, Albury, Stockbridge, Singleton and Palmers Wood in southern England. These are either gas or oil sites.

SOUTH WEST: The South West of England is endowed with long stretches of coastline. Cornwall has the longest stretch of any English county – 400 miles. Early analysis of the Cornish coast suggests that more than 80% of the seabed is suitable for wind generation installations, a renewable energy conversion that can be used to create green hydrogen.

Last year grants of over £70,000 were made to researchers attempting to develop projects in green hydrogen.

More specifically the project will concentrate on enhancing next generation coatings for PEM water electrolysers.

If research is successful the energy efficiency and life span of the electrolyser will be increased, this will reduce the cost of electrolyser manufacturing increasing availability and therefore supporting the growth of a green hydrogen industry within the UK.

WALES The Welsh Assembly is working to prepare for transition in domestic and commercial energy supply. The South of Wales is introducing its own scheme, The South Wales Industrial Cluster (SWIC) deployment project.

This project aims to provide a cleaner industrial environment and has been recently awarded £20 million for decarbonisation schemes that will help introduce a hydrogen economy to South Wales and additional regional industries.

North Wales is developing plans on its own hydrogen hub in Holyhead which could cut 1,700 tonnes of harmful emissions per year by delivering in their place 400kg of hydrogenised fuel per day. Holyhead is seen as ideal for the location of a hydrogen hub as it is the UK’s biggest second roll on and roll off port, a major contributor towards national carbon emissions.

The discussion of a Holyhead hydrogen hub is further supported by generous offshore renewable potential, both tidal and wind, and both contributing factors in generating processed hydrogen. The North Welsh coast has a seemingly unlimited amount of high winds and swelling tidal movement which adds another point of beneficial motivation to the discussion.

SCOTLAND The Scottish government plan on publishing a hydrogen action plan next year and pledges to invest £100m over the next five years to support its delivery. The Scottish government aims to supply 5GW of low carbon hydrogen by 2030 and at least 25 GW by 2045. It is believed 5GW is a sufficient amount to power 1.8 million homes.

Scotland’s coastline and waters possess the raw offshore ingredients needed to generate renewable sources of power that can be converted into lowcost hydrogen blends of fuel. A large concentration of offshore engineering expertise and experience will be used to develop Scotland’s potential for harnessing tidal wind and wave power.

25% of Europe’s renewable wind recourses sit off and inside Scotland’s coastline. Using Scotland’s abundant off and onshore wind provisions can potentially see the creation of 33,000

new jobs and provide an additional £25 bn of GVA by 2045. Previous experience in Scotland’s large renewable energy market will be used to combine captured renewable wind and wave resources and converting these resources into hydrogen.

It is worth mentioning that due to the landscape of the country, centralized southern and Midland areas tend not to maintain the same renewable capabilities that northern landscapes maintain and therefore are seen as ideal for distribution hubs considering the vast populations and huge industrial areas each cover.

All coastlines and coastal waters around England are to be used to maximise potential for renewable energy recourses, as are all current and former gas and oil works which can be converted into hydrogen processing and distribution hubs.

However, a regional overview of hydrogen plans fails to mention smaller projects, like the two houses in Gateshead being fitted with boiler, hobs and all other attachments that allow for hydrogen to be used as its main fuel supply. These houses are being funded by the governments Hy4Heat scheme who have supplied a grant of £250,000 towards the project. Nor does it mention the studies being carried out off the Norfolk coast to discern the viability of regional green hydrogen production that its large coastal line can supply.

An internet search which carries the noun “hydrogen” within it will fire up multiple stories from big name companies which have recognized change is here and who want to play a leading part in that change. Further searches reveal that all regions of England are preparing themselves for a switch in attitude and habits towards energy consumption, meaning that it will not be soon until individual attitudes and habits will have to change also.

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HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT

CONTENTS June 2021

4 Industry News 12 Coatings & Paints 18 Bathrooms & Washrooms

24 Doors & Windows 32 Outdoor Living 42 Recommended Suppliers

CONtact US Ben Pritchard

Publication Manager

01843 581364

ben@homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk

Jenna Burridge

Editor

01843 595818

jenna@homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk

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20/04/2021 13:17

industry news

Love To Rent Launch Uk’s First Build To Rent Awareness Week While the industry has been talking about build to rent (BTR) for years, the many benefits of renting in a professionally managed, purpose-built development are not necessarily well known by consumers. To help raise the profile of BTR and demonstrate what sets it apart from renting from the traditional private landlord, the UK’s first BTR customer awareness week – www.LoveToRentWeek.co.uk – takes place 24-28 May. The campaign is supported by the British Property Federation and the UKAA as well as a host of operators; including Allsop, Simple Life, Folio, Greystar and Fizzy Living. ove to Rent is the only online portal exclusively designed to market build to rent developments and aims to create an established marketplace for rental homes that customers can have confidence in. A dedicated website has been created for Love to Rent Week creating a hub of information about build to rent as well, as giving BTR operators the opportunity to promote their developments and feature case studies, incentives and events.

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The tenant agenda is in the spotlight currently with the government promising a better deal for renters in the recent Queen’s speech and announcing longer notice periods will be preserved[1] as Covid restrictions ease. The narrative around tenants’ rights has focused on protecting renters in the private rented market, but there is a big opportunity to change perceptions of renting and Love to Rent Week aims to highlight a different side of the market that promises security, flexibility and high levels of service.

The recent HomeViews National Build to Rent Report[2] found sentiment remained strongly positive in 2020 with tenants rating the BTR experience higher than BTS in every category.

Strong community, excellent management, considered design and facilities were key to sustaining the overwhelmingly positive experience enjoyed by BTR residents.

Commenting on behalf of the British Property Federation, Ian Fletcher said: “Renting is about people. It is about giving customers a great experience through inspiring and conscientious employees and good suppliers. The Build to Rent sector has happy customers. We know from customer feedback that people love their Build to Rent homes, the range of services they offer, sense of community, and great customer service. With an ever-increasing number of homes being delivered for a variety of needs and budgets access to the Build to Rent has never been easier. We hope the sector will therefore illustrate and celebrate what it can offer to its customers during Love to Rent week.”

Peter Sloane, Chair of Love to Rent comments: “The build to rent sector has been gathering momentum for years but now with over 50,000 units now occupied and record investment into the sector last year, we have reached a tipping point where it has become a mainstream consumer market. Love to Rent Week aims to make build to rent more customer friendly, providing a platform to engage and create a positive buzz

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around renting, so people have a better understanding of what is on offer and feel comfortable and secure when looking to rent a home.”

“The key selling points of build to rent including great customer service, longer tenancies, on-site amenities and a sense of community are what set this type of living apart.

Renting has never managed to shake off that image of a slightly unreliable private landlord, but we want to dispel those myths and show there is a different way to rent.”

Lesley Roberts, President of the UKAA and Partner at Allsop, comments: “We’re excited to be involved in Love to Rent’s Customer Awareness Week 24-28 May and wholeheartedly support the ethos of raising awareness of choice and quality in the rental sector. We look forward showcasing quality places to rent with superb service, great amenities and friendly communities.”

Jamie Ratcliffe, Executive Director of People and Partnerships at Network Homes said: “2020 was a terrible year from which I’m sure we’ll draw many lessons. One of them will undoubtedly be the importance of flexibility and space in your home. Love to Rent is showcasing quality and real choice to people in choosing a home to rent. Their customers can be assured that the developments on Love to Rent are managed by reputable landlords who deliver high-quality homes with great services. “ Visit the dedicated Love to Rent Week www.LoveToRentWeek. co.uk website for case studies, videos and much more, and check out #LoveToRentWeek across social media for all the latest updates.

industry news

Elica launches WiFi-connected cooker hoods for use with Amazon Alexa Elica has launched three new WiFi-connected extractors that can be controlled via the Elica App on a smartphone or tablet or using “voice assistants” like Alexa.

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he new facility enables homeowners to remotely control extraction speeds and lighting functions, whilst the extractors themselves can advise homeowners when grease filters need cleaning or high-performance charcoal filters needs regenerating.

The new connected models include Super Plat, an ultra slim wall-mounted cooker hood with multi-directional fume capture. Designed in keeping with the trend for minimalism and clean lines Super Plat perfectly fits the linear kitchen style. It is available in two distinctive material finishes: cast iron and grey glass, and black glass.

Its Multi-d Capture function ensures extraction takes place from all round the hood’s perimeter and gives it a maximum airflow of 730 m3/h. Super Plat is also equipped with a dimmer to adjust the lighting to create the optimum environment in the cooking area.

Lullaby@ is a range of ceiling hoods from Elica that is ideal for islands or peninsulas in contemporary in kitchens and, unusually for a ceiling hood, that can also be installed in duct-out or recirculating mode without additional outlets. With its natural oak or soft white finish, it works especially well in kitchens featuring materials such as wood, brick or natural stone. The large, illuminated panel has 30 watts of dimmable LED lighting to illuminate the cooking and surrounding area which, thanks to Elica’s “Tune White” feature, enables the warmth of the light to be matched with other lighting in the room.

air flow is 770 m³/h in the duct-out version with a noise level of only 53 dB(A).

All features can be operated from Elica’s slim remote control, that is easy and intuitive to use, or via the Elica app and Voice Assistants using WiFi connectivity.

Those who prefer their cooker hoods built-in to a cabinet should consider

new SLEEK2.0@. The latest version of Elica’s Sleek models is now Energy Efficiency Class A but has an increased maximum airflow of 700 m³/h. Its elegantly simple design offers a beautiful aesthetic, and being a single piece, there are no joints to impede a perfect flush installation. SLEEK2.0@ also has a dimmer and Elica’s “Tune White” feature.

More at elica.com

Lullaby’s powerful and efficient motor provides very high and quiet extraction:

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industry news

GMI appointed on major new 604-bed student scheme in Leeds

Building will be 15 storeys high at its highest point and is designed to provide affordable student living within an environment to support health and well-being.

MI Construction, a leading main contractor to a growing portfolio of public and private clients throughout the UK has announced that it has been appointed as the main contractor to construct a new 604-bed purpose-built student accommodation scheme in Leeds.

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The development situated on Carlton Hill in Leeds will see the demolition of a 20 year-old, 239 -bed student accommodation block to make space for the new development.

The new building, which will be 15 storeys at the highest point, has been designed to provide affordable living, with a strong emphasis on an environment to support students’ mental health and well-being.

It is planned for students to move into the new building during September 2023.

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The £40M project is the culmination of several years of planning and dialogue between Pickard Properties and Unipol Student Homes who will lease the building for exclusive use by students attending the University of Leeds.

It will incorporate several fully landscaped three-storey “sky gardens”, allocated to clusters of apartments. The open-air theme also extends to ground floor level with its own courtyard, providing a combination of natural and interactive spaces for student studying and socialising.

Commenting on the project Lee Powell, Divisional Managing Director of GMI, said: “This is a significant project win for GMI and we are looking forward to working with Pickard Properties, Fox Lloyd Jones and the rest of the team in changing the landscape of the Leeds City skyline.

“The scheme enables GMI to enhance its successful track record of delivering student residential living and we are proud to be involved in a ground-

breaking design that caters for students’ mental wellbeing.”

Also talking about the project Miles Pickard Director of Pickard Properties said: “We recognise there has been a huge change to students’ needs, and therefore a considerable amount of thought has been given to the design, social circulation and interaction for the wellbeing of students.

“We are really looking forward to developing Carlton Hill for the students of Leeds to enjoy this modern, cutting-edge addition to the accommodation available to them in the city.

Martin Blakey of Unipol added: “We are looking forward to 2023 when we will take delivery of what will be an exciting new living environment, available at an affordable rent providing value for money, for students of the university.

“Everyone involved in this development has worked hard to ensure this building will be a home from home and a great place to live.”

industry news

Domus Ventilation’s Latest CPD Course Covers Important Changes to Residential Ventilation Domus Ventilation, part of the Polypipe group, is pleased to announce the arrival of its newly updated and revised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accredited course on “Residential Ventilation Principles and Building Regulations”.

The CIBSE accredited course from Domus Ventilation focuses on the importance of ventilation in the residential new build industry, and lays clear the considerable changes to Part F - Ventilation of the Building Regulations.

The aim of the short course is to clearly explain why ventilation is so important, not only for the health of the occupant but also for the fabric of the building. Topics covered include why ventilation is necessary, with an increased emphasis on pollutants and indoor air quality; the types of ventilation available, along with supporting ductwork and installation practices; and the pertinent regulations / directives. New Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) guidelines and best practice also features within the course.

As well as featuring changes to Part F - Ventilation of the Building Regulations, the revised CPD course looks at Part B - Fire Safety for the first time. It addresses the changing requirements, which differ across the nations, when it comes to the use of combustible material in cavities.

The Domus Ventilation “Residential Ventilation Principles and Building Regulations” CPD course runs between 45-60 minutes, and can be conducted on a customer’s premises or at one of Domus Ventilation’s two training centres. To book a course, contact megan.bennett@domusventilation.co.uk

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ur experienced team of architects and designers will work closely with you and your client to translate your drawings into one of our timber-frame or SIPs designs. We offer an Architects’ Pack to make your life easier, which includes SAPs, thermal calculations, fire calculations, and fire mitigation reports alongside the timber-frame drawings and structural calculations. Once the planning phase is complete, we will give you a full quotation of the full build system and carry out the structural engineering. Our expert Contracts Managers will be on hand throughout the build to supervise all stages of our construction process.

The offsite nature of our timber-based systems’ construction allow speedy build times of just a handful of weeks and excellent dimensional precision. This will also slashes your client’s labour costs and allows them to set out a much more accurate build schedule. Our marketleading insulation technologies allow our build systems to attain exceptional levels of thermal performance, and our SIP build system can even be designed to reach the Passivhaus Standard. Our build systems frequently outperform the requirements of Building Regulations for both thermal and fire performance. In fact, we use 12.5mm plasterboard rather than the 15mm industry standard, which is not only a more economical alternative but also frees up more internal space for your clients.

We also now offer a Weathertight Package, so we can take on all the responsibility of organising the right trades at the right times to deliver a build to that crucial stage. This entails all the windows, external doors and roof fittings, meaning your internal fit out can begin earlier too.

Click here for more information.

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When you choose to work with Kingspan Timber Solutions, you’ll experience the benefits of more than 50 years of our experience with timber-frame and structural insulated panel (SIPs) build systems.

Peace of mind, come wind, rain or more rain... with our new Weathertight Package Kingspan Timber Solutions Weathertight Package delivers your superstructure to a secure stage, protected from anything that British weather might throw at it. Internal works can also begin much earlier, allowing you to move into your timber-frame or SIPs home sooner rather than later. We won’t be beaten on a like-for-like quote – send us your architectural drawings today and get your FREE quote.

Self-build with built-in peace of mind kingspantimbersolutions.co.uk Call | 01767 676400

Timber frame construction brings many benefits to the housebuilding industry, including quicker build times, quieter assembly, fewer deliveries to site, cost savings and a reduction in defects. Underpinning these advantages, Norbord’s engineered wood-based panel products are an integral part of many timber frame systems. They are regularly seen as the number one choice for all aspects of home building, be it the structure, flooring or interior. orbord’s high quality boards are available in a wide range of grades and, with minimal finishing required, speed up construction.

The products are incredibly versatile, offer value for money and have good environmental credentials with a low carbon footprint as all are made in the UK. In fact, all Norbord panel products are net carbon negative and so can help the builder achieve sustainability targets.

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Ideal for structural applications and offering great value, Norbord’s SterlingOSB Zero is stronger and tougher than ply, with no knots, voids or de-lamination. It is the first OSB product to be made in the UK with zero added formaldehyde, so it is a ‘greener’ board that meets all standards with ease. The range comprises panels specifically designed to fulfil the full range of timber frame applications, including structural use in dry or humid load-bearing conditions.

When it comes to dry lining applications, SterlingOSB Zero StrongFix is precision engineered with a custom groove for metal C-studs at 600mm centres. The consistent density of OSB means fixtures and fittings of up to 400kg can be attached anywhere on the panel and achieve secure anchorage.

Fire protection during the construction phase is a crucial area where Norbord products can help. SterlingOSB Zero Fire Solutions builds on the inherent benefits of the company’s other OSB products. Its development was in response to the Structural Timber Association’s guidelines for reducing fire spread in large timber frame buildings when fire resistant dry lining finishes are not yet in place.

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For flat roof decking and flooring applications, SterlingOSB Zero Tongue & Groove is the go-to solution. Advanced, high-strength flooring is provided by the CaberFloor system, the most specified moisture-resistant P5 flooring.

Versatile, stable, durable and designed to be easy to lay, the CaberFloor range includes CaberShield+ and CaberDek. CaberShield+ offers a permanent waterproof coating on both sides while CaberDek has a strong, waterproof and slip-resistant peelable film that, when removed, leaves a clean, finished floor.

They are enhanced by CaberFix, a range of specially developed powerful sealing and fixing systems.

When it comes to quality finishing and architectural details, CaberWood MDF is the ideal solution. This versatile range is designed as an economical alternative to hardwood but without the inherent defects of knots or grains. The boards are engineered with consistent density for multiple uses, including mouldings.

As with other Norbord ranges, there are products for all applications.

Norbord strives to offer the panel products required to meet the exacting needs of timber frame construction.

Support on a product and technical basis is provided as and when required through dedicated product support and technical advice teams.

Samples of SterlingOSB Zero, and Norbord’s other construction panels, can be ordered on the website, www.norbord.co.uk. Head to the housebuilder page on the website to download a selection of tools including a fully-interactive guide to all Norbord products and a checklist to make sure you have everything you need for your build.

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit www.norbord.co.uk.

Timber frame construction the Norbord way

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Coatings & Paints

Colour with a Gentle Touch With so many paint finishes available these days, it can be tricky to know which product is right for your project. And when it comes to babies and children’s rooms, choosing the right paint finish is especially important!

Choosing an eco-friendly paint is just one of the little steps you can take towards a greener world.

even toys, our paints are gentle on your home and everyone who lives in it.

We’re happy to say that our eco-friendly paints meet the Toy Safety Standard. This means all Earthborn interior paint finishes are suitable for use on children’s walls, woodwork, furniture and toys. They’re even safe to use when pregnant!

To help you decide which Earthborn paint finish is best for your child’s room, we’ve put together this simple guide:

They contain no hidden nasties and are fume free, so you can effortlessly create a safe nursery, bedroom or playroom, without compromising on beautiful colour.

Our signature product, Claypaint is made from over 40% natural clay and is suitable for walls and ceilings. It’s highly breathable, making it perfect for older properties and lime plaster.

It’s beautiful over previously painted walls and can help to even out the humidity in a room by contributing to a more comfortable living environment.

Earthborn paints create the perfect backdrop of playful colour, for children to grow, create and play with. Bring friendly flourishes of colour through your nursery; from the walls, to furniture and

Walls and ceilings Claypaint

Lifestyle Designed for busier areas of the home, Lifestyle is a hardwearing emulsion suitable for walls and ceilings. An extremely practical choice for nurseries and playrooms as well as kitchens, bathrooms and high traffic areas

Interior woodwork, furniture and toys Eggshell No. 17 For interior woodwork such as skirting boards and door frames, Earthborn’s Eggshell No.17 offers a durable finish with a flattering silk sheen. It’s hardwearing and wipeable, perfect for playrooms and bedrooms.

Eco Chic For perfectly painted cots, wardrobes and chests of drawers (or anything else you fancy turning your hand to!) Earthborn’s Eco Chic paint finish is hard to beat! Based on our thick, creamy clay formulation, Eco Chic is ideal for creative projects and can be used in conjunction with our Crackle medium for a truly unique finish. earthbornpaints.co.uk/child-safe-paint

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For vertically structured exterior surfaces Very water and dirt resistant Reduces wood swelling and shrinkage Resists the growth of algae, mildew & fungal attack Microporous, breathable finish No sanding necessary for future applications

www.osmouk.com

Coatings & Paints

ISO-CHEMIE is BIM-READY

Andy Swift, ISO Chemie’s sales & operations manager, UK & ROI, said: “Systematically maintained building data helps the operator throughout the structure’s life cycle with the knowledge of what has been installed and where. If a window has to be replaced in 30 years’ time, it will be clearly identifiable which products were used and which component connections are affected. So renovations can be planned efficiently and carried out under controlled conditions.”

As one of the leading manufacturers in the field of sealing technology, ISO-Chemie is now able provide architects and specialist planners with BIM-ready product data for its sealing and in-front-of-wall installation solutions.

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uilding Information Modeling (BIM) is playing an increasingly significant role in the implementation of large and complex planning tasks. The first step was to create a range of BIM data from the “joint sealing tapes”, “multifunctional joint sealing tapes” and “in-front-of-wall installation systems” product families; these are available for downloading as BIM-ready objects.

More products are at the planning stage.

The BIM data can be used free of charge, either via the in-house ISO-PORTAL at portal.iso-chemie.eu or using an external BIM database. It can also be used in CAD software such as Autodesk Revit. An electronic CAD product catalogue will be available as a supplement to this.

The BIM model-based planning method is intended to facilitate planning, execution and management of buildings across all the trades involved using a common data model for all participants. The important factor is that all the relevant building data is digitally recorded, combined and interlinked in a model.

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With the future-focussed project BAUFUGE 4.0, the building sealing solutions manufacturer is providing important support for architects and specialist planners by digitising processes, thus ensuring a high level of reliability in terms of predictive planning, efficient implementation and a smooth workflow.

ISO-Chemie is one of Europe’s main producers of impregnated foam sealants, specialising in the manufacture of foam products from polyethylene (EPE), polypropylene (EPP) and polyurethane (PUR) using the latest production techniques. With hundreds of pallets in UK stock for next day delivery, the company can service the whole industry.

More at https://www.iso-chemie.eu/en-GB/home/

Coatings & Paints

Terrazzo Trend for Mastic Asphalt Flooring by the Mastic Asphalt Council (MAC) Although mastic asphalt is one of the world’s oldest construction materials, it can sometimes be perceived as a one-dimensional waterproofing product that is only available in a standard black finish.

But like many long-lasting, tried and tested materials, mastic asphalt is being re-imagined as a highly relevant building material for today. astic asphalt is an ideal building material for a whole range of construction applications, both new build and refurbishment projects, where a seamless, durable surface is required. It is commonly associated with roofing, tanking, paving and screeding projects due to its ability to offer total waterproofing protection, but several contractor members of the Mastic Asphalt Council (MAC) have noted an increase in mastic asphalt being specified for flooring projects.

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Able to be laid over many different structural bases such as concrete, metal flooring and timber boarding, mastic asphalt offers a dust-free, seamless surface ideal for high traffic flooring applications.

MAC has seen a trend emerging of the use of mastic asphalt flooring incorporating terrazzo.

Modern interpretations of terrazzo have been created by combining decorative stone chippings with mastic asphalt, which is then polished to create infinite possibilities in any design situation.

Other finishes can also be created - matt or smooth - as opposed to the highly polished effect normally associated with terrazzo.

Mastic asphalt terrazzo offers the durability and distinctive features of terrazzo and consists of a traditional mastic asphalt base with a modern finish. Slip and skid resistance can be incorporated into the wearing course of the mastic asphalt.

Bell Asphalt has carried out an impressive mastic asphalt terrazzo flooring application at a multi-million pound private residence in London’s Mayfair. Mastic asphalt terrazzo was specified for a 120m2 refurbishment of the garage floor, due to its exceptional waterproofing properties and decorative terrazzo finish.

The existing floor was uneven so Bell Asphalt levelled the floor with a waterproofing mastic asphalt layer applied at 10-25mm and silver grey terrazzo was incorporated at 30mm, resulting in a highly decorative, hard-wearing finish able to withstand impact and abrasion from vehicles in the garage. Aside from the decorative finish, mastic asphalt terrazzo was specified by architects Nord Studio of Berlin due its exceptional

durability, optimum fire rating and non-flammable properties (BroofT4 according to BS EN 13501-1).

As well as being low maintenance, seamless and easy to clean, mastic asphalt flooring is moisture and rodent resistant, rot proof and a proven radon and methane barrier. Mastic asphalt is also carbon neutral and 100% recyclable at the end of its useful life.

The Mastic Asphalt Council (MAC) is the trade association for the mastic asphalt industry in the UK. Representing more than 80 companies, MAC members include mastic asphalt manufacturers, specialist application contractors and associated suppliers of equipment and services. MAC can recommend experienced contractors to carry out mastic asphalt projects.

Further information is available at www.masticasphaltcouncil.co.uk, e-mail: info@masticasphaltcouncil.co.uk or on Tel: 01273 242778.

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Dornbracht CYO - a new form of elegance

Dornbracht CYO: creative freedom and imposing presence

• With the new CYO bathroom fitting series, Dornbracht combines the brand’s design history with the current zeitgeist.

• CYO reinterprets the archetypal C-shaped spout. It becomes the central design element and provides the extravagant contour and sculptural quality.

• The combination of exclusive finishes and inspiring handle variations opens up a wide scope for creativity and a high degree of individuality.

• Product design: Sieger Design / Creative Direction: Mike Meiré ornbracht, the leading supplier of high-quality fittings and accessories for the bathroom, spa and kitchen, is introducing CYO, its new bathroom fittings series. CYO combines the brand’s origins and future, its clearly recognisable design claim with the current zeitgeist. Inspired by a design from the company’s archive from 1969, the fitting becomes a sign of this time – with a design language that seems familiar and yet appears new and forward-looking.

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With CYO, Dornbracht reinterprets the archetypal C-shaped spout and finds the perfect combination of form and function. The striking basic shape of the circle defines the extravagant contour and sculptural quality of CYO. It defines the spout and handles and thus characterises the design right down to the water jet, which follows the shape of the spout.

The design concept is distinguished by extraordinary details. Bi-structural finishes combine glossy and matt surfaces. They skilfully emphasise the lines and – as a particularly subtle form of contrast – lend the design additional sophistication.

An innovative handle concept, which is operated by a rotating outer ring with finely tuned click-stop, reflects the high precision and quality of workmanship with its special function. Interchangeable handle inserts in a wide range of finishes and styles that can be combined individually and are easily replaced, offer unique options for individualisation. With six exclusive special surfaces made of precious natural stones and extravagant structures, and the x-tra service offer that goes beyond this, Dornbracht is expanding the possibilities of individual and particularly creative design concepts with CYO.

The many possibilities for individualisation and the adaptability of the design can be seen in the architectures of the CYO bathrooms “Metropolitan” and “Oasis”. Here, the bathroom becomes a living space, opening up to the inside and outside.

Formally, the architectures adopt the circle and the curves of the design language. The desire for something authentic, genuine and natural is reflected in the use of materials, the touch and the feel of the bathrooms.

At times, the CYO design blends in with confidence and at other times it determines the ambience.

The basic shape of the circle defines the complete product range of washbasin, bath and shower. Combined with the matching accessories, a harmonious overall picture of the bathroom applications is created.

Balanced proportions and uncompromising precision make up the progressive and unique character that gives CYO a strong personality. The design follows the defined Dornbracht design principles, which are the basis of every design and constitute the lasting quality of the products.

Stefan Gesing, CEO of Dornbracht AG & Co. KG: “With CYO, Dornbracht is once again demonstrating its high level of design expertise and its understanding of creative, individual architectural concepts, thus underpinning the brand’s claim to leadership, which is also expressed in our new claim: ‘Leading Designs for Architecture’”. www.dornbracht.com

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Bathrooms & Washrooms In answer to the continuing market demand for matt black coated towel rails, we successfully introduced the Black Edition by JIS Europe into the Sussex Range.

What stands the Black Edition Towel Rail apart from the competition is that it is, as always, manufactured from 100% stainless steel.

The rail is then powder coated matt black.

Although it may at first seem unnecessary to manufacture a coloured powder coated rail from stainless steel, the properties that set the non-coated rails apart from their mild steel counterparts still stand. They will not rust or corrode, you are buying into a product that will endure the entire life of the bathroom itself.

This is not only a sustainable choice as detailed below it is a sensible choice, should a mild steel rail leak you cannot always replace it with identical fixing spacings, tiles are often one of the main spends in a bathroom, you try and replace a couple of tiles and maintain a polished finish, you will end up paying far more for this than you ever will be for the difference in price between a mild steel rail and a Sussex range stainless steel one, and that’s before you factor in labour costs.

We should also take the time to point out we hold stock of our rails, where the chain of supply is now largely disrupted we hold stock and are still operating a 1-2 day turnaround on all orders.

Stainless steel is the durable, sustainable choice, manufactured from over 90% recycled material and 100% recyclable in itself.

In order to maintain the ethical sustainability of all of our products across the range, we chose to powder coat the stainless steel.

Powder coating is highly protective of the environment, it contains no solvents and emits negligible, if any, polluting VOCs into the atmosphere.

Powder coating is a clean process, allowing exhaust air from the coating booth to be returned to the plant.

Powder overspray can be retrieved and reused and there is no costly waste disposal equipment as unused powder can be reclaimed and returned to a hopper.

We have designed the range with our satin finish valves as the perfect complement and for electric only rails we supply an element cable cover in exactly the same finish.

There are now twelve of our most popular selling rails in the black edition please do visit www.sussexrange.co.uk for further details or call us on 01825 722988 Wishing all our customers well The team at JIS

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Black Edition Stainless Steel Towel Rails by JIS Europe 100% stainless steel towel rails 01825 722988 www.sussexrange.co.uk info@jiseurope.co.uk

bathrooms & washrooms

Roman’s Apprentices The UK and Europe’s leading shower designer and manufacturer, Roman, has welcomed its four newest apprentices into different departments within the company.

oman has recruited four new apprentices to add to the nine already working at Roman who are at different stages of an apprenticeship.

The leading shower designer and manufacturer have had an ongoing student apprenticeship scheme running for over 20 years and understand the value and benefits apprentices bring to the company. Apprentices are also a great foundation for someone to go on to a successful career in industry and there are many examples of this within Roman.

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Roman has always supported apprenticeships, as the company feels it is very important to help young people gain the skills they need to succeed in future employment – more now than ever before following all the disruption to the education sector as a result of the ongoing global pandemic.

The new apprentices are based in different areas of the business covering different skill sets, Leah, 16, and Connor, 18, are doing an apprenticeship in Design Engineering; whilst Adam, 22

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and Joe, 18, are doing an apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering after choosing to pursue their chosen careers at Roman following college.

Leah Scott, Design Engineer Apprentice at Roman, commented: “I’m developing invaluable skills and knowledge at Roman by gaining experience in over 7 departments which have allowed me to gain a full rounded understanding of the company, and I feel prepared to kickstart my ambition to become a Design Engineer. Whilst gaining practical and experience, I am thoroughly enjoying the balance between learning whilst learning and studying towards my Level 2 Qualification.”

“I am commencing my Design career at Roman and I have already gained some necessary skills to help further my progress in this sector. I have also used my prior experience in the Roman assembly process to widen my knowledge of the products I now design and I’m very excited for my prospects in the future with the company,” says Design Engineer Apprentice, Connor Gillard.

Joe Wilbraham, Mechanical Engineer Apprentice, commented: “I started at Roman in October 2020 and since then I have been able to experience different departments in depth and understand how they work.

“This has helped me to understand the production process much better rather than just staying in one department.

“I have also been trusted with my own projects which has helped me to grow and made it much more enjoyable. I am excited for the future ahead and to see how far I can go and what I can achieve working for Roman.”

“I started Roman working on line 5 and wanted to progress so when an Apprentice Engineer role became available, I applied.

Since I started my apprenticeship, I have loved every minute of it. I have enjoyed learning new skills in work and in college, also working here I have been given freedom to design and create my own projects,” says Mechanical Engineer Apprentice, Adam Barnes.

WHARF SEAMLESS MAKEOVE Solid Surfaces for the here and now

Wharf Seamless Makeover® | Designed to futureproof the home and revolutionise your kitchen surfaces One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of solid surface products, Wharf Worktops, lead the way with its exclusive range of seamless acrylic overlay worktops and unique end to end customer-centric practices.

evolving with a rising demand for smooth, hygienic, food-safe and watertight surfaces to make light work of cleaning and ensure a germ-free environment for the whole household: including our visitors and family pets.

Combining its patent-pending strengthening technology with its own brand of made-to-measure solid surface worktops, Wharf is able to deliver an efficient turnaround so you can experience a new-look kitchen in no time and answer the UK’s busy multifaceted lifestyles in the 2020s!

Rob Bullen, Managing Director, Wharf Worktops says, “Having a kitchen which is uniquely tailored to your family’s requirements is becoming increasingly important in every household. We are therefore very pleased that we can help customers refresh their kitchen in a speedy, efficient and eco-friendly way with a high performance surface that is precision engineered to fit over your existing worktops with no seams or joins. Customer service and rigorous quality control are at the heart of our business from the moment that an accredited Wharf designer talks

A huge trend for the 2020s and 2030s is optimisation, as the home becomes the ultimate vehicle for self-expression and a container for all aspects of work, life and play. This means that the importance of the kitchen as a hyperfunctional living area is constantly

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your through the options available to installation day when our specialist team members will ensure that fitting goes smoothly and so you can have a kitchen refresh without the upheaval and inconvenience of a major renovation project.”

ER®

The measurements are sent straight to the technical design team so that they can use specialist software to create your new worktops with ergonomic features such as sink drainer grooves, as well as custom-made surfaces to make-over tired splashbacks, upstands and even window sills. As soon as the plans are finalised your local Wharf specialist will be in touch to talk them through with you and ensure you are happy, then your worktops will be made to order within the next 12 working days.

So, how do you get your very own Seamless Makeover®? With a network of suppliers nationwide, your first step is to head to the Wharf website to find your nearest stockist so you can see and feel the quality of the product in a reputable showroom and explore the range of 35 contemporary colours available from on-trend neutrals to vibrant hues to match your décor. The colour and textured effects run right through the surface so you will have a smooth and attractive finish on end units and island units. Once you’ve chosen the appropriate colour, it’s time to make an appointment for one of Wharf’s qualified experts to digitally measure the dimensions of your existing worktops at home so that the sleek 12mm thick Seamless Makeover® will fit like a second skin.

Once complete, Wharf will arrange an appointment for your new worktops to be fitted in under a day so you’ll be able to enjoy your new and improved kitchen with minimal disruption to family life and your daily routine. After an expert fitting with full protection for your kitchen units and appliances, your new worktops will be fully secured over your original surfaces so no trace will be visible and there’s also no waste to go to landfill. Rest assured that your Wharf worktops will be covered by a 10-year warranty and going forwards, no expensive aftercare, re-sealing, treatments or maintenance is required, just give them a wipe with a damp cloth and a gentle cleaning product to keep them looking great.

possible without compromising on our high standards. Every single order is quality checked before being sent to production in our purpose-built factory and our installation experts will take the utmost care of your kitchen during the fitting process. Attention to detail, quality control and proactive product development to meet and surpass homeowners’ expectations are the cornerstones of our business.”

With a growing network of retailers at premium showrooms nationwide, Wharf Worktops is expanding its UK presence due to rising demand for kitchen makeovers which are ecoefficient, quick and value for money as every worktops comes with a warranty lasting a decade for added peace of mind.

If you would like to transform your kitchen with Seamless Makeover® worktops, you can find your nearest retailer here or contact Wharf Worktops and start the conversation.

01730 812 822 sales@seamlessworktops.co.uk www.wharfmakeover.co.uk

Rob Bullen, Managing Director, Wharf Worktops, says “We believe in investing in leading–edge technology so that we can create the best-inclass products for today’s kitchens and deliver them to you as quickly as

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Black Barn: Former Cotswolds Grain Store captured by Handover Photography studio, Handover, share their captures of Black Barn – the 6,500 sq ft development situated north of the Cotswolds, completed in 2020 by multidisciplinary architecture, interior design and delivery studio Rigby & Rigby.

All images: Handover

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eveloped as a holistic scheme which is utilitarian in design, a key consideration was referencing Black Barn’s former use as an agricultural grain store.

The residence comprises accommodation in the main house with a Dutch Barn running in parallel, framing an inner courtyard space.

By carefully respecting the buildings original form, the property was punctuated symmetrically with largeformat windows to provide lots of natural light and ventilation.

“Black Barn was a unique opportunity for us to work on such a large scale residential photography project.”

Explains Daniel Tuck, co-founder of Handover. “Whilst capturing the traditional architectural elevations was key, we often work to capture the more abstract perspectives when documenting such a visually striking property. Having seen the concept develop from drawing to completion, we gained an in-depth understanding of how Rigby & Rigby wanted to showcase this home and how their talented design team fully deserve their esteemed worldwide reputation.”

A central staircase and fireplace run along the length of Black Barn, reflecting the scale and depth within the double-height void. This provides circulation onto the mezzanine seating area from where a glass walkway provides access to private bedrooms with en-suites. At the southernmost part of the upper storey, a library is located with far-reaching views across the countryside.

Externally the architecture was simplified by enhancing the detailing around the cladding with a contrast of materials used from black liner multi-width timber and sheet aluminium, both materials being honest to the building’s former aesthetic.

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The Nordic style interior design scheme was developed from its minimalist background to create the multifunctional and open plan living area for family living, entertaining, dining, breakfast whilst relaxation is found in the media room with pool table and bar overlooking the courtyard. The interior is comfortable with design classics from Flexform and Poltrona Frau and the new Rimedesio range for coffee tables. A custom ‘Skyfall’ rug designed

by Rigby & Rigby in collaboration with Colbourns surrounds the fireplace and informal seating area.

One specific outstanding feature of Black Barn is the Dutch Barn which creates an inner shelter adjacent to the Japanese inspired courtyard space to the main house. The Dutch Barn features an annexe with a mezzanine bedroom, bathroom and kitchen/living facilities.

Also, Black Barn comes with a fully equipped gym, workshop garage - to house a classic bike and car, a covered BBQ area for the summer months and an adjacent kitchen garden for vegetables and herbs with an orchard to the rear nestled into a wild meadow.

DOUBLE SIDED, ACID ETCHED DECORATIVE GLASS We are pleased to announce this new product coming into stock during April

LATTICE

FROST • • • • • • • • •

Balustrades Walls / partitions Office enclosures Shower screens Interior / exterior doors 10mm thickness Low iron Toughened Laminated

MIRAGE

Call us for more information 01708 374534 email sales@firmanglass.com or visit www.firmanglass.com Firman Glass, 19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 0JH

Doors & Windows

P C Henderson Expands its Range of Pocket Door Systems with New Bi-parting Fire Rated System riginally launched for single doors back in February 2019 – this latest release of the comp any ’s p opular Pocket Door Pro system caters for bi-parting fire doors weighing up to 120kg and is fully certified to FD30 British and European standards.

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Andrew Royle, Sales and Marketing Director at P C Henderson, commented, “Since launching Pocket Door Pro just over two years ago – the system has quickly grown to become one of our most popular products. Post launch market research quickly told us that demand for a bi-parting fire rated version was high – we listened to this feedback and are delighted to be able to bring this new variation to the market”.

The new system is available in standard and soft closing options, seven different kit sizes, for two different finished wall

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P C Henderson has further expanded its range of pocket door systems with the launch of a brand new fire rated system for bi-parting doors. thicknesses, self-closing and non selfclosing variants and a simultaneous action kit available as an optional extra.

“We designed Pocket Door Pro with one key aim in mind – to create one of the most flexible and versatile range of pocket door systems on the market. As the popularity of pocket door systems continues to rise – it’s important that designers and developers have access to a system which can cater for virtually any type of application and in a number of different operation types. We believe we have achieved this through the development of Pocket Door Pro”, continued Andrew.

A detailed and innovative design is what P C Henderson attributes to the products

success – features such as push together parts, pre-assembled components and a wide range of optional extras has seen the products popularity soar over the past two years.

The system is designed using a robust aluminium frame making it ideal for new builds and areas of heavy use such as educational buildings, hospitals, hotels, office blocks and disability access areas.

The fire rated version comes complete with intumescent seals and is made out of FDC Finger Jointed Laminated Redwood – providing a knot and defect free system – guaranteeing product reliability and longevity.

Find out more at www.pchenderson.com.

PRINTED DECORATIVE GLASS STAINED GLASS GOES DIGITAL

Marries traditional styles with new 3D printing techniques.

Period influenced contemporary design styles including Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco to Modern Digitally printed glass is more cost-effective than using traditional stained glass methods.

We can print on toughened, laminated and security-rated glass

Call us for more information 01708 374534 email sales@firmanglass.com or visit www.firmanglass.com Firman Glass, 19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 0JH

www.firmanglass.com

Doors & Windows

Driving security forward with the complete package If you were selecting a car for security reasons, would you be looking for one that just had 4 wheels, an engine and a door you could lock? No, of course not! You would rightly be interested in its overall performance, verified roadworthy tests, the quality of its components, not to mention other safety features and naturally its appearance and stylish kerb appeal.

Selecting the right Secured By Design (SBD) Doorkit is not dissimilar. It’s not simply a case of meeting the minimum requirement, with a piece of paper that says SBD Tested, anything will do! After all there is so much more to consider in the modern build environment, from fire rating to life cycle expectations and installation to design flexibility.

Portaro SBD Interior timber Entrance Doorkits from Vicaima provides just that scope, with ease of assembly, quality materials, outstanding performance and design appeal as standard, all encased in one of the most comprehensively certificated products on the market.

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Of course, one of the first considerations for any project or

development is how will it look and will it fit in with the project design theme.

Here the Portaro SBD system provides a rarity in today’s somewhat limited market. With matching door, frame and architrave in a myriad of veneered, foil, laminate, paint lacquered and even special finishes, the Portaro system offers complete design freedom, so that performance does not equate to compromising aesthetics.

Beyond the finish itself, design configuration also offers flexibility, with a choice of either a conventional architrave or for a seamless face the Inverse system, where door sits flush with its surroundings. All door systems incorporate a 3-Point locking system, handle and security escutcheon, together with an automatic dropseal.

Returning to our choice of car for a moment, another prerequisite in any purchasing decision, would be to lift the bonnet for a peak at the engine. Obviously a little harder to do with doorkits, however it should be remembered that the important performance of any security door assembly is often not visible to the naked eye. Here again no ‘cutting corners’ or ‘good enough’ criteria are employed when manufacturing a Portaro SBD Doorkit. The doors themselves are constructed with heavy duty and high-density cores, surrounded by double timber rails on all sides, complete with hardwood lippings.

Furthermore, the frames are made from hardwood and come pre-fitted with fire, smoke and acoustic seals.

From the installers perspective, the Portaro SBD System really is the complete package. Supplied as

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doorkits for ease of fitting on site, the carefully and separately wrapped doors come pre-machined with all primary components, alongside the boxed and matching frame / architrave sections with simply connecting parts and screws. All designed for easy and rapid assembly.

There are so many reasons why Portaro SBD Doorkits offer the ideal entrance security solution, of which these are just a few: • Certified Secured by Design with dual scope Fire and Security certification • Sound reduction performance with Acoustic AC35 and AC36 options • Completely matching door and frame surround • Ease and speed of assembly on site • Quality components and construction • FD30 to FD60 Fire Rating • SBD Inverse Model For anyone looking to move out of first gear when it comes to security standards, then Portaro SBD Doorkits really are worth a test drive.

For further details download your copy of the new Portaro Brochure or visit the Vicaima website: www.vicaima.com or contact info@vicaima.com or Tel: +44 (0) 1793 532333f

www.firmanglass.com

Shopspec_glazingexcellence-2018:Firman 01/03/2018 17:04 Page 1

Established in 1975 Firman Glass is one of the leading

www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com

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Small but Mi-T

Jacksons Fencing launches brand new T-shaped steel posts for timber fence panels. encing and security solutions manufacturer Jacksons Fencing has responded to industry demand and expanded its range of premium quality products by launching a brand new metal post product, Mi-T. These new posts reflect emerging market trends and offer a sustainable alternative to tackle the destructive nature of concrete posts.

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Available in lengths of 2.7m, Mi-T posts can be used with Jacksons framed timber fence panels. They’re constructed from hot-dip galvanised steel, to protect them from rust and corrosion, and they can

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also be powder coated in anthracite grey for a stylish finish.

From the rear of the panels, a narrow strip of steel is visible where the panels are fixed to the post. However, from the front, the post can hardly be seen, creating a seamless fencing run with no posts to interrupt the continuity.

Currently, all timber posts produced

by Jacksons Fencing hold a 25-year guarantee against rot and insect attack. This is possible thanks to the implementation of kiln dried and pressure treated processes. The Mi-T posts will also hold a 25-year service life guarantee and offer an alternative option for those who usually opt for concrete fence posts.

Nick Bishenden, Senior Marketing Manager, Jacksons Fencing says: “There is a traditional audience in the UK who remain wary of using timber posts, as they have been bitten by inferior products to ours that rot after only a few years. This audience generally opts for concrete posts.

“As one of the largest UK garden fencing manufacturers, we feel it is our responsibility to help the fencing industry become more sustainable by moving away from concrete posts. This was one of the key motives for the development of our metal Mi-T post. It provides an alternative to concrete that work with our framed fencing panels and will appeal to the audiences that currently opt for concrete posts.”

The new Mi-T post is lightweight and easy to handle. As such, our vehicles can transport more at once, making our delivery more efficient.

Chris Hone, Approved Installer Manager, Jacksons Fencing says: “Sustainable business practices are given due consideration at each stage of all of our manufacturing processes, and these are regularly reviewed to ensure continual improvement.

The Mi-T posts work seamlessly with several of Jacksons Fencing bestselling panels, including:

“As a result, we are proud to announce that the Mi-T posts are 100% recyclable, meaning they have an extremely low carbon footprint and environmental impact.

“Beyond the manufacturing process, we ensure that the installation of all of our products is as eco-friendly as possible.

“As the Mi-T post is lighter than concrete and timber, it is easier to install on-site. This benefits contractors who work alone, as it can be fixed in place easily from one side and doesn’t involve any lifting.”

Tongue and Groove: This popular, timeless panel is available in horizontal and vertical styles, and can be convex (arched) or level topped. It’s a solid panel that offers ultimate concealment and privacy.

Venetian: A slatted panel that allows light and air to flow through. This panel also works exceptionally well as a screen or partition.

Hit and Miss: A semi-solid design with a hit and miss pattern that allows some light and air through while maintaining a high level of privacy.

Woven: Comprised of interwoven pales that creates a decorative screen that casts dappled light across the garden.

Peter Jackson, MD Jacksons Fencing says: “For years we have flown the flag for reliable timber posts.

We’re very proud to say, they have more than proven themselves, often lasting many more years than our 25-year guarantee.

“The launch of the Mi-T posts will broaden our range, respond to customer demand and offer a new alternative for those looking for a more sustainable option than concrete.

“In situ, these posts are subtle, ensuring the overall aesthetic is not deterred away from the attractive natural timber panels they’re fixed to.”

To take a closer look at Jacksons Fencing’s Mi-T posts click here.

Compare different panels using the Jacksons Fencing comparison tool click here.

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Outdoor Living AquaVeil® has been created to provide new inspiration for interior and garden designers, landscapers and architects, working in a range of settings. Every AquaVeil® is a refined work of art, and, like an extraordinary painting or sculpture, the bespoke water wall enhances its surroundings, creating an indescribable feeling for all those who experience it. We can’t wait to see all of the innovative uses for the water feature in beautiful gardens, buildings and spaces across the UK and further afield.”

Go with the flow: new water feature injects innovation into interior and landscape design Introducing a fresh wave of inspiration to the world of interior and landscape design is a new style of water feature, the AquaVeil®. Launched by Tills Innovations Ltd, one of the UK’s leading water feature specialists, the AquaVeil® has a mesmerising waterfall-like design – the water flows over an architectural wall of metal mesh, appearing to cascade seamlessly through the air, creating an embossed water effect. he AquaVeil® offers an innovative way to create an atmosphere of relaxation, and boost people’s wellbeing whether they are in an urban or private setting. While much research has been conducted into the benefits of green spaces in supporting psychological wellbeing, it is also thought that water features have the ability to lower people’s stress levels and boost their mood.

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Every AquaVeil® can be tailor-made to any size or shape and is suitable for a range of indoor and outdoor settings – whether it’s a peaceful addition to a small and intimate garden, or a grand feature in a large, bustling venue. The water wall can be a free-standing structure positioned against a wall,

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integrated into the wall, draped floor to ceiling, or even shaped to the curvature of the a building or space.

Due to the translucency of the water feature’s metal mesh, wherever it is installed, lighting in the space will not be greatly diminished. In addition, the design of the AquaVeil® allows for a tailored lighting system to be included in the top and bottom of the feature, meaning the water effect can be experienced during both the day and night.

Mike Tillett, Director, Tills Innovations Ltd, comments: “Since my brother and I founded Tills Innovations Ltd over 20 years ago, we have been driven to make a long-lasting contribution to water feature design; striving for flair, creativity and individuality in all we do. The unique nature of the

The AquaVeil® has been carefully designed to not only look beautiful, but to incorporate engineered solutions which enable straightforward and effective aftercare of the water wall. This includes an advanced filtration system, specially-created water treatment solutions, and options for automatic water top up and drain down for maintenance.

In addition, due to the foldable nature of the metal mesh, the AquaVeil® can be easily transported, and large features can be installed in tight-access locations. To support architects and interior designers in their design process, Tills Innovations Ltd will provide easy-to-apply design specification documents which can be added to architectural drawings.

The AquaVeil® is categorised into three styles, each of which can be tailored to different spaces: The Enigma, The Paradox, and The Quantum. For more information, and to make an enquiry about the AquaVeil®, visit: www.aquaveil.co.uk or call 01284 834 834.

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PoolLock Safety Covers

PoolLock Slatted Covers

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With over 30 years of experience, PoolLock is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of automatic and manual safety covers, automatic slatted covers and heat pumps for swimming pools.

Thousands of satisfied customers in Britain over the past 10 years bear testament to the quality, service and reliability of PoolLock products.

In 2013, PoolLock opened its first UK production facility in Gatwick, London, with installation teams that are available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. The result: even better service and faster delivery times for our UK customers.

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

Outdoor Living his is good news for companies like H M Garden Rooms in Buckinghamshire.

Having searched for garden offices for themselves, and finding a limited choice of well-priced, good quality options, Jordan Hickson and Jordan Marsh, both with over 20 years’ experience in the construction industry, set up H M Garden Rooms. Using quality materials, they produce a range of built-to-last, aesthetically-pleasing garden buildings that their clients have put to a multitude of uses.

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Garden rooms made beautiful with SterlingOSB Zero With more and more people working and studying at home, the need for extra space has grown enormously. Whether it’s somewhere to make Zoom calls in peace, or to chill after a long day juggling home-schooling, or to get on your bike, a garden room has become a much-sought after addition to many homes.

One of the top-quality materials the company relies on for these structures is Norbord’s SterlingOSB Zero. As Director Jordan Hickson explains “SterlingOSB Zero is easier to use and lighter but just as strong as plywood.

It throws up no challenges so we are able to get the job done with no fuss.

It’s also cheaper than ply and readily available so it ticks a lot of boxes for us and we’ll continue to use it in our builds”.

All of H M Garden Room’s buildings are clad in a variety of beautiful materials but Jordan has found that clients are increasingly asking for the SterlingOSB Zero to be left exposed on the interior as part of the design finish. “A recent client wanted the printed side of the OSB left bare inside their mud room as they really like the utilitarian feel of the material”, Jordan explained.

H M Garden Rooms purchases SterlingOSB Zero from local builders’ merchants Travis Perkins and Grant & Stone branches in the Home Counties, depending on the project location.

To find out more about Norbord’s full range of carbon negative panel products visit the website and you can download a product guide and can even order free samples.

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit www.norbord.co.uk.

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Outdoor Living •

Equinox warm tiled roof for conservatories now with added upgrade options

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New overhang soffit ring beam and external downlighter features add choice and appeal to the Equinox range

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Envirotile – the recycled polymer tile – is now available for specification with the Equinox system helping to deliver a greener roofing solution

New Additional Options For Equinox Range From Eurocell

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Outdoor Living

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urocell’s high quality and market leading Equinox warm tiled roof solution that delivers all yearround comfort and useability for conservatories, has been enhanced with new upgrade options to meet homeowner demands and help drive sales for installers.

New soffit ring beam for traditional overhang appearance A new 25° fixed angle soffit ring beam option provides a traditional overhang soffit appearance that can match homeowners’ properties to create seamless integration. Soffit ring beams fully complement fascia boards and guttering to suit the home. They can be fitted with one of the four current tile options: SlateSkin, steel, composite slate, and Envirotile and are available in a broad range of colours.

External downlighter option now available for a stunning light-led experience The additional soffit surface area now provides the option to be specified

with external downlighters. The lights can be installed as either a cool or warm white and can be matched with a twilight sensor, which turns the lights on automatically as natural light fades. Downlighters can add atmosphere and a sense of mood to spaces and enhance the appeal of the conservatory ‘outside, inside’ effect.

The greener choice without compromise The Equinox warm tile roof range can now also be paired with Envirotile - Eurocell’s precision manufactured recycled polymer tile that provides a solid tiled roof solution with reduced environmental impact. Manufactured in the UK using 75% recycled content, Envirotile is a sustainable choice, and the lightweight composition means roofs can be transformed without delay.

Sean Bunyan, Head of Commercial Operations, Eurocell says: “Our highly popular Equinox solid tiled roof range allows consumers to enjoy their conservatories all year round, remaining cool in summer and warm in winter. Equinox is helping transform additional conservatory spaces into an integral part of the house, while still enjoying the added light a conservatory provides. The new additional upgrades to Equinox are designed to provide greater choice for homeowners, whether they’re looking for an overhanging soffit ring beam to enable them to have downlighters or for a more sustainable tile option. The ongoing enhancement of the Equinox range enables our installers to widen their offering to their customers.”

For more information about Eurocell visit www.eurocell.co.uk

Envirotile is available in two finish effect options - a textured finish and a slate-effect finish. Extremely simple to fix with exceptional performance characteristics, it locks into adjacent tiles to form a fully integrated roof covering and can be used on roof pitches as low as 12.5 degrees.

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Outdoor Living

Taggart Homes begins construction on innovative new outdoor multifunctional work pods Taggart Homes has commenced works on the first phase of 100 high spec outdoor work pods suitable for home working and a range of small businesses including beauty salons and gyms.

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£10,000 + vat.

he pods will come in a variety of sizes and designs and will be available to the public in the UK and Ireland, as well as buyers of Taggart Homes properties this week, at a starting price of

With the rising trend in home working due to the COVID-19 pandemic and many business closures causing economic uncertainty, the pods will offer customers an outdoor office option, and a dedicated outdoor space, from which many sole traders and small business owners such as personal trainers and beauty therapists can run their own businesses away from the rest of the house, with room for supplies and equipment.

There is also scope to be creative with the pods for personal use – as a personal gym, bar, or a place to rest and relax, or to indulge in a hobby.

The first phase of garden pods by Taggart Homes will be available to purchase from this week, and existing Taggart homebuyers will be offered the opportunity to have a pod installed on their property.

Selling agent Pygott and Crone has been appointed as the UK agent to launch the garden rooms.

Michael Taggart, CEO of Taggart Homes, said: “As living and working habits continue to shift for many given the present circumstances, there is a growing movement to home working and as people look to optimise their living environment, and they are looking to upgrade properties.

“With this trend for home working and many businesses having to close their doors – the outdoor work pod is a versatile asset and can work as a home office, or a space for small business owners – adding value and versatility to homes.

“We are excited to introduce these pods to the public and will be offering our existing Taggart homeowners the chance to snap one up for their property. This is just the first phase and we plan on creating more in the future as we believe they will continue to be a desirable and valuable

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addition to any home.

“At Taggart Homes, we always put ourselves in the mind of the customer and we have a duty of care to the buyer. Practicality, aesthetic and energy efficiency are all key aspects that we try to incorporate into all of our homes to guarantee value for money and quality that will last several lifetimes of wear.”

Tim Downing, director at Pygott & Crone, said: “With a change in people’s working practices and a shift to working from home - the Taggart garden rooms offer an ideal solution and the team at Pygott and Crone are receiving an incredible number of enquiries.”

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PEACE AND QUIET FOR 25 YEARS Timber acoustic barriers with a 25 year guarantee. For security, privacy, and noise reduction you can rely on.

Call 0800 408 4763 or visit www.jacksons-security.co.uk

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Flooded Vets Need Lift Replacement Valley Vets, based in Gwaelod y Garth in South Wales is a state-of-the-art, hightech facility providing animal care with ten consulting rooms and six operating theatres, plus hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and two x-ray suites.

They already had an existing platform lift, but during the recent heavy rainfall, unfortunately the building flooded, leaving the lift unit under 3 feet of water. After a visit from the insurers, the loss adjusters agreed to have the existing platform lift removed and replaced with the Optimum 100s from Ability Lifts.

Travelling between two floors, and with a lifting capacity of 410 kilogrammes, the Optimum 100s was a perfect fit. As well as a compact footprint, and being self contained, the lift has a one touch call button on each landing and a generous standard platform size of 1100mm wide x 1480mm deep.

The removal and disposal of the old lift was completed on Monday, whilst installation of the new lift was completed within just one and half days and handed over fully completed on Thursday of the same week to a very happy client.

Please contact the Ability Lifts team on 0845 006 8803 or email sales@abilitylifts.co.uk for further information on the Optimum 100s and the other products in the Optimum range of lifts.

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Platform Lifts Here at Ability Lifts, we offer solutions for many different access requirements, from platform lifts and stair platform lifts, to external lifts, access lifts and much more. We aim to offer top quality service and highly competitive prices.

All of our access lifts are in compliance with the Machinery Directive MD 2006/42/EC, EN8141 and Part M, and we’re happy to advise you with any questions you may have about access requirements.

The Optimum 100s - Our best selling enclosed Platform Lift ◌

410kg / 5 persons capacity

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Standard platform size of 1100mm wide X 1480mm long

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Landing doors 900mm wide X 2000mm high (Alternative special size are available)

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Hidden door closers

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One touch call button on each landing

Please call us for a chat, we have a range of platform lifts to suit your requirements.

Tel: 0845 006 8803 Email: sales@abilitylifts.co.uk Web: www.abilitylifts.co.uk

HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT

MAGAZINE

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www.rinnai-uk.co.uk

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