Refurb Renovation News - End of Year Review 2020

End of Year Review 2020

Caudwell Collection partners with TH2Designs to style penthouse

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SECONDARY GLAZING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE RECEIVES THE PLAUDITS AT RENOWNED VICTORIAN VENUE

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WICKES LAUNCHES NEW INSTALLATIONS APPRENTICESHIP FOR 2021

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VICAIMA: THE TIMELESS ELEGANCE OF WHITE DOORS

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SECONDARY GLAZING ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE RECEIVES THE PLAUDITS AT VICTORIAN VENUE

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£3.5M EXTENSION WORK COMPLETES AT DE MONTFORT UNIVERSITY

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CAUDWELL COLLECTION PARTNERS WITH TH2DESIGNS TO STYLE PENTHOUSE

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£16M GRADE II LISTED STUDENT ACCOMMODATION COMPLETES IN COVENTRY

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FORMER ART HISTORIAN CONVERTS 200-YEAR-OLD CHURCH WHERE SHE MARRIED INTO HOLIDAY LET

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CHAMELEON GOES ‘BACK TO SCHOOL’ WITH LATEST INTERIOR DESIGN TRANSFORMATION

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OCCUPANT HEALTH: YOUR RESPONSIBILITY?

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SHACKERLEY’S SURECLAD® BRINGS QUALITY AND VARIETY TO GRAND CENTRAL SQUARE LEICESTER

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REHAU SUPPORTS TRADES BY RAISING PROFILE WITH HOME RENOVATORS

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EXCITEMENT BUILDS AS LANDMARK CONSTRUCTION WORKS ARE COMPLETED AT NOTTINGHAM CASTLE

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PANASONIC WELCOMES THE EXTENSION TO THE GREEN HOMES GRANT TO 2022

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WORKS COMPLETE ON PHASE TWO OF £3.9M KING EDWARD VI SCHOOL RENOVATION

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PROJECT: THE MILL, WATERSIDE VILLAGE, LOUGHBOROUGH, LEICESTERSHIRE

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FLOORING FEATURE: HOW TO USE FLOORING TO ENHANCE INTERIOR SPACES

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MUST-HAVE HOME IMPROVEMENTS FOR COVID WORKING AND LIVING

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PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2021 IS ANNOUNCED AS TWO COLOURS

Contents Lapthorn Media Ltd

End of Year Review - 2020 Editor Maria Lapthorn editor@rrnews.co.uk

Designer Laura Whitehead laura@rrnews.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Francesca Amato editorial@rrnews.co.uk

Website Content Russel Goldsmith russel@lapthornmedia.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Georgina Baxter georgina@rrnews.co.uk

Circulation Manager Leo Phillips subs@rrnews.co.uk

Tel: 01843 808 102

Sales Manager David Valentine david@rrnews.co.uk

Accounts Richard Lapthorn accountsdept@rrnews.co.uk

www.rrnews.co.uk

Sales Assistant Jane Parker jane@rrnews.co.uk

Publishing Director Paul Attwood paul@rrnews.co.uk

5-7 Ozengell Place Eurokent Business Park Ramsgate CT12 6PB

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very effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in Refurb & Renovation News however, the publishers accept no responsibility for the claims or opinions made by advertisers, manufactures or contributors.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic (including photocopying) or stored in any information retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher.

Latest News UK’S FIRST HYDROGEN HEATING DEMONSTRATION TAKES PLACE First houses heated by hydrogen gas are showcased, with the use of innovative prototype boilers.

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oiler manufacturers Baxi Heating and Worcester Bosch have installed hydrogen burning boilers at ‘HyStreet’, in specially built demonstration houses at DNV GL’s specialist test site at Spadeadam in Northumberland.

The site has been used to complete over 200 tests, researching and proving the safety of converting homes and gas networks to hydrogen.

The project is part of H21, a Network Innovation Competition project sponsored

by Ofgem. Northern Gas Networks is leading the project with partners Cadent, Scottish Gas Networks, Wales & West Utilities, National Grid, DNV GL and the Health and Safety Executive’s science division. H21 is demonstrating how existing natural gas networks can be repurposed to safely carry 100% hydrogen.

For the first demonstration both Worcester Bosch and Baxi Heating have installed combi boilers into the houses on HyStreet. The boilers have been developed as part of the UK Government-funded Hy4Heat programme, which is also supporting the development of hydrogen-ready gas cookers, fires and gas meters.

KICK START A CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION - AGGREGATE INDUSTRIES LAUNCHES ITS KICKSTART PROGRAMME 2020 Committed to supporting the government’s pledge to provide skills and training for young people, Aggregate Industries has launched its brand new Kickstart Programme 2020, having been approved as an official Kickstart Employer.

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nder its Plan for Jobs launched in July, the Government introduced its Kickstart Scheme in September 2020 - a £2bn initiative to create thousands of high-quality six-month job placements for unemployed 16–24 year olds.

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Helping to equip young people with the skills needed to move into sustainable long-term employment, leading construction materials supplier Aggregate Industries is throwing its weight behind the scheme by launching its Kickstart programme. The scheme will aim to retain as many of the ‘kickstarters’ as possible and continue their education, with some candidates potentially offered the possibility of joining the company’s popular apprenticeship or graduate schemes.

The Programme will include 30 placements specifically designed to help young people to gain some work experience in

the construction industry - earning whilst learning, with the government paying National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week for each placement.

During their six-month placement, ‘kickstarters’ will gain invaluable on-the-job experience, working at some of the UK’s largest quarries, biggest road improvement schemes or state-of-the-art asphalt plants - as well as in departments such as finance and HR. The applicants will also be required to complete their Kickstart development programme - a curated curriculum created by Aggregate Industries consisting of practical skills essential for everyday working life, as well as virtual learning on specific subjects taught by the Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC) and the company.

James Roberts, Human Resources Director at Aggregate Industries UK, comments: “It’s no secret that young people, especially those aged 16-24, have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus pandemic in terms of employment and training opportunities.

“Recognising the vital role we can play in supporting the next generation of talent to emerge during this difficult time, we welcome the government’s Kickstart scheme and we’re proud to be an approved Kickstart Employer 2020.

“Successful applicants to our Programme will be exposed to a wide range of roles within the business and will learn valuable skills, and may even potentially be offered the unique opportunity to move onto our apprenticeship and graduate schemes. We look forward to welcoming our new ‘kickstarters’ and helping them reach their full potential in the future.”

Latest News “Eight out of ten homes in the UK use a gas boiler to heat their homes and provide hot water and replacing all gas boilers with electric alternatives could be extremely costly. Both of the boiler manufacturers have developed options with their hydrogen ready prototypes to assist the switch to a lower carbon alternative.

As around 85% of UK homes currently rely on natural gas for heating and hot water, repurposing the natural gas grid for use with hydrogen would mean a low disruption option for householders to decarbonise their heating without the need for extensive changes to their existing system.

Tackling carbon emissions resulting from home heating is utterly essential and one of the most difficult challenges in achieving net-zero emissions, given the need to make adaptations in almost every home. A growing library of studies and reports conclude that all viable scenarios for the UK to hit net-zero include hydrogen as a vital component. That is why Government and industry are working on various projects across the UK. Tim Harwood, Northern Gas Networks’ Project Director for H21 said: “Seeing the boilers in situ at Spadeadam is an exciting step in the journey to realising our goal of a gas network transporting 100% hydrogen to customers. The hydrogen boiler looks and feels just like the natural gas version we all have today and is just as user-friendly, showing that a transition could cause minimal disruption to customers.”

Dan Allason, Head of Research and Innovation, at DNV GL’s Spadeadam Research and Testing said: “Eight out of ten homes in the UK use a gas boiler to heat their homes and provide hot water and replacing all gas boilers with electric alternatives could be extremely costly. Both of the boiler manufacturers have developed options with their hydrogen ready prototypes to assist the switch to a lower carbon alternative.

“Having these fitted to the HyStreet demonstration project at Spadeadam gives gravitas to the proof of concept and public acceptability of appliances such as these. The boilers are one of the first important steps” Karen Boswell, Managing Director of Baxi Heating, said: “This is an important step forward on our hydrogen journey and we are delighted to be able to demonstrate this innovative new technology in a real life setting in the UK”

“It proves that hydrogen gas has great potential as a zero-carbon alternative to natural gas for heating and hot water in the UK and beyond. These initial tests are incredibly encouraging and will hopefully give key decision makers confidence to deploy hydrogen gas as a fuel for the future.”

Toolstation partners with Time to Change to support mental health amongst customers as a recent survey reveals the impact of the pandemic on tradespeople.

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recent customer survey* by Toolstation reveals:

• 27% of all those surveyed stated that they have experienced a mental health illness, citing career (36%) and finances (41%) as main concerns • 43% of customers surveyed revealed they don’t feel comfortable reaching out to friends or family to talk, despite technology providing the opportunity to catch up during lockdown • 35% of tradespeople feel like they are missing out on chances to support other men with their mental health since the pandemic hit • Over half of under 35’s stated career and finances as the main worries, indicating concern of the impact on younger tradespeople during the pandemic • Over half under 35’s highlighted they’re missing out on meaningful conversations, with 39% struggling with the lack of face to face contact Toolstation is furthering its work with Time to Change to support the ‘Ask Twice’ initiative today, (Thursday 19th November) to mark International Men’s Day. The campaign sets out to spread awareness of mental health issues, offering advice and guidance to encourage people to ask twice if they suspect a friend, family member, or colleague might be struggling with their mental health.

Recent findings by Toolstation highlight the devastating impacts of the pandemic on tradespeople. 27% of all those surveyed stated that they have experienced a mental health illness, citing career (36) and finances (41%) as main concerns, with a noticeable spike in over half of respondents under 35 echoing these reasons. Indicating the lack of support amongst young people in the trades around mental health as they continue to worry about the insecurity of their jobs.

A large contributing factor to this is the lack of ‘safe space’ to have face to face discussions (64%) as a result of lockdown restrictions, with all respondents highlighting the pub (42%) and doing an activity together (30%) as preferred places.

To support its customers, as part of the campaign and its work with Time To Change to raise awareness of mental health, Toolstation is providing important and necessary practical guidance and digital resources through its dedicated hub on its website (toolstation.com/headfirst) and social channels.

Internally, Toolstation is also active at promoting positive mental health amongst colleagues. Its dedicated Wellbeing Centre on its internal intranet provides health and advice on all topics across mental health, movement, food and money. The retailer also provides a code for colleagues to subscribe to an app called Thrive for free – a useful app offering a huge range of mental wellbeing resources, including cognitive behavioural therapy, through to meditation and mindfulness. In addition, Toolstation provides a link to the Employee Assistance Programme which is an independent resource run by Care First, which helps with work based or personal issues and can offer counselling.

Greg Richardson, Head of Marketing at Toolstation said the ‘Ask Twice’ initiative is needed now more than ever: “We’re happy to be supporting this initiative as part of our wider work to support the mental health of both our colleagues and customers during particularly testing times.”

To support men, Time to Change has compiled five tips to help get their friends to open up.

1. Ask Twice: Sometimes we say we’re fine when we’re not. To really find out, ask twice.

It shows you’re willing to be there and listen – now or when your friend is ready.

2. It doesn’t have to be a video call. It can feel intense to speak or chat over a video call. Text, send a meme, or try a virtual activity together. However you check in, it will mean a lot.

3. It’s easy to say “that sounds tough” Show you care and that you’re taking in what they’re saying.

4. An open ear reduces fear. Listen – it is often more important than talking.

5. Be a friend, don’t mend. You don’t have to fix it, just being there will mean a lot.

Jo Loughran, Director of Time to Change, said “The world has changed but being a good friend doesn’t have to. 2020 has been tough for everyone and while the full impact of the pandemic on our mental health is still unknown, our research shows that many men are struggling. With fewer chances to see each other face-to-face, we could be missing signs that our friends are struggling. Even if someone says they’re fine, they might not be.

So if there’s a friend who’s gone a bit quiet on the group chat – reach out. Ask how they are and ask twice. If there’s a friend you usually only see at the gym, or at the pub – check-in.”

For more information on this campaign visit: https://www.toolstation.com/news/article/ if-your-mates-acting-differently-ask-twice

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Carl Arntzen, CEO of Worcester Bosch commented: “It is fantastic to see our prototype hydrogen boiler running successfully at this demonstration site. The boiler has operated seamlessly in its first month of operation and continues to provide both heating and hot water.

ALMOST A THIRD OF TRADESPEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED A MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESS DURING THE PANDEMIC

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Latest News WICKES LAUNCHES NEW INSTALLATIONS APPRENTICESHIP FOR 2021 Responding to the skills gap and demand for trade, retailer announces apprenticeship programme to help build pipeline of small UK businesses

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ome improvement retailer Wickes, has officially launched its first Installation apprenticeship scheme following a successful pilot, supporting trade and investing in the local job market.

People investment The Installation apprenticeship taps into life and trade skills, together with mentoring support. Partnering with its Approved Installer Network for kitchens, small trade businesses have voluntarily opened up their operation to an apprentice.

There are 48 apprenticeship places available with funded salaries from Wickes, the programme will be split into cohorts of eight, the first of which goes live on 25th January 2021; applications remain open for further groups that will launch throughout 2021. In addition to the creation of 48 apprentices, Wickes will recruit for new team leaders’ roles to manage each cohort’s learning and development.

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New careers in the trade sector With a recent rise in unemployment, together with people taking stock of how they want to develop their careers, this new programme is not just directed at young adults but provides an opportunity for those looking to explore the trade sector. With recent research from Wickes identifying that 77%[1] of

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tradespeople have more or the same amount of work as they did before COVID, it is clear the job pipeline and sector remains healthy.

Created to invest in the industry, supporting an ageing trade population and changes to EU legislation that may impact availability of tradespeople; the Installation programme is a clear indication of the retailer’s commitment to the future, and the development and nurture of local talent.

Lessons learnt with Wickes Apprentices will embark on an 18-month programme; 80% of time spent will be on site with their installer, with 20% in formal training. The formal training spans across seven block weeks with Nottingham based WEBS Training Ltd, focusing on the technical aspects of fitting a kitchen, behaviour, customer services and setting up your own business. On top of this Wickes will work with its suppliers and industry regulators to provide in-depth product knowledge in relation to all aspects that make up a kitchen, together with the importance of waste disposal as a responsible tradesperson.

The longer term view of the programme is to have provided tools for the apprentice to look to set up their own business within fitted furniture (carpentry). Whilst understanding how it connects to other trades within the

construction in order to provide a wellrounded and compelling local installation proposition for customers.

Tony Brown, Installations Director, at Wickes, said: “We’re giving back and supporting the industry we know well through our Approved Installer Network. Installation of kitchens is a very skilled job and we want to invest in people to help close any skills gap. There are many great careers to be had in this industry and opportunities for people in a sector that can be flexible around them or give them the opportunity to create a small business. I am really proud that we’re able to offer such a unique programme like this, we know the industry needs more skilled tradespeople and we hope this is just the beginning of a very successful and long running programme.”

Michael Hales, Installation Apprentice (Pilot Cohort), at Wickes commented: “I’m currently halfway through the scheme, and I can say that this apprenticeship is truly one of a kind. It’s allowed me to gain new skills and confidence for my future career. I feel privileged to be part of this scheme, it has given me an opportunity of a lifetime to be hands on. Everything from the course, including the onsite WEBS training centre is outstanding, I had never heard of an apprenticeship like this before, even my friends are jealous of what I am doing and how supported I am through the programme. I feel excited to see what the future brings as I can see myself with my own van, tools and apprentice - carrying on kitchen fitting for the rest of my career. I really appreciate the opportunity that’s been given to me by Wickes.”

For more information on the Wickes Apprenticeship Scheme and for applications forms, visit https://www.wickescareers. co.uk/Apprenticeships.

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Doors, Windows & Fittings NATURAL STONE AWARDS – SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED LOGO OPTIONS WITH Stone Federation are delighted to announce the shortlisted projects for the 2020 Natural Stone 4 COLOUR BLUE 100/88/45/50 Awards. In spite of the challenges that this year has FAWN 40/45/50/5 presented, it was incredibly encouraging to see that LIGHTER BLUE 74/44/21/24 both the quantity and quality of entries was equal GREY 40% BLACK to that of our previous Natural Stone Awards.

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ue to the evolving and unpredictable nature of the restrictions on events, we made the decision to host the Natural Stone Awards online. While we would have cherished the opportunity to gather with you all in person, this is simply not possible at this moment in time.

The winners will be announced at our online Natural Stone Awards ceremony on Friday 19th March 2021.

To view the 2020 Natural Stone Awards shortlist, go to www.bit.ly/NSAShortlist.

UTILITY BY DESIGN Our STANZA range is designed to be both elegant and modern with the affordability to suit both consumer and contractor.

For further information on this range visit our website or call one of our friendly sales team.

A range of designer zinc levers available on rose and backplate, chrome plated to achieve long performance and great aesthetic appeal.

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The Clement Conservation Rooflight Crafted by experts in steel fenestration and building restoration.

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The Clement Conservation Rooflight is a replica of a Victorian original. Designed to lie flush with the roofline and in keeping with the character of your property, it is the only conservation rooflight that is available from stock in two profiles – for slate or clay tiles - to ensure the best finish.

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superb conservation rooflights

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Secondary glazing acoustic performance receives the plaudits at renowned Victorian venue Discussions about the construction of Tamworth Assembly Rooms began in 1887 to mark the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria and it was subsequently opened in 1889.

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fter a long service the 130-yearold venue had fallen into a state of disrepair and finally closed its doors to the public in 2016.

It was clear that a substantial refurbishment was needed, and this came in the form of a multi-millionpound scheme to create a new Enterprise Quarter in the heart of Tamworth.

Much work was required to rejuvenate the large curved casement windows in the main theatre area which had been boarded up since the early 1970s to

Novus made contact with Selectaglaze to discuss the most sympathetic but practical secondary glazing options, ensuring function and aesthetic stipulations were met, along with the required levels of acoustic insulation.

The Series 41 side hung casement was specified to 17 of the clerestory windows in the main theatre. With the openings measuring around 2.5m h x 1m w a robust solution was needed. Glazed with 6.4mm laminate glass, the units weighed 93kg each and with the clerestory windows sitting 4m from the ground, scaffolding was erected to facilitate the safe and secure installation.

Once all the windows were repaired and ready to house the secondary glazing, the timber sub frames were fixed back to the brick masonry. These were specially

designed with a 300mm wide flat surface at the centre of the soffit to allow for the positioning of motorised blinds which were to be used to black-out the theatre during performances.

The much-loved theatre can now embark on a new chapter in its history having sympathetically enhanced and restored the historic features which make it such a special building.

With fifty years’ experience, and Royal Warrant Holders since 2004, Selectaglaze has vast experience of working with the intricacies of Listed buildings.

Contact Selectaglaze on 01727 83727, email: enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk or visit: www.selectaglaze.co.uk

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Main contractor, Glasgow-based Novus Property Solutions was tasked with the extensive rebuilding of the Grade II Listed Victorian venue’s internal layout. The theatre was substantially refurbished and updated with its ornate historic features conserved.

With the openings measuring around 2.5m h x 1m w a robust solution was needed. Glazed with 6.4mm laminate glass, the units weighed 93kg each and with the clerestory windows sitting 4m from the ground, scaffolding was erected to facilitate the safe and secure installation.

not only create black-out for theatre productions but also to provide some form of acoustic control.

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uxury property developer, Caudwell Collection, has teamed up with top London interior design studio, th2designs, to style and fully furnish one of its extraordinary Parc du Cap penthouses. The fourbedroom show penthouse at the South of France development has a 332sqm rooftop terrace which has been crafted into unique zones to maximise outdoor living in the idyllic Riviera climate.

Vast roof terraces areas The 10 penthouses at Caudwell’s Parc du Cap each come with a private rooftop pool, spectacular terraces and panoramic sea views of either the ocean, the mountains or both. This lateral four-bed penthouse selected as the new show apartment presented a challenge to th2designs; namely, how to style the extensive roof terraces. At double that of the interior space, the penthouse’s splitlevel terraces are one of Parc du Cap’s most exquisite offerings.

CAUDWELL COLLECTION PARTNERS WITH TH2DESIGNS TO STYLE PENTHOUSE New show penthouse at Parc du Cap has a terrace so spacious, designers have zoned it

To maximise the unique outdoor space, th2designs divided the generous area into zones for different uses at various times of the day, depending on the position of the sun. These include a bar and sunset terrace for evening cocktails; a relaxed seating area to enjoy a morning coffee and read the papers; a private siesta space off the master bedroom; and comfortable areas around the rooftop pool to relax and sunbathe. th2designs worked with a local landscaper to source plants for screening and zoning the various outdoor spaces, ensuring these complemented the local vegetation and beautiful main gardens of Parc du Cap. Interiors fit for a penthouse In styling the Parc du Cap penthouse interiors, th2designs carefully considered the locality when designing the schemes and finishes. Luxurious yet practical fabrics and materials were chosen to ensure they worked with the warm Mediterranean climate.

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As a result, each room is fully furnished with its own personality, focal point and flow of space, complementing the incredible views. th2designs selected a colour palette that was inspired by both the local natural landscape and the landscaped gardens at the heart of the development. The interior design team devised distinct schemes made up of natural, tonal palettes: Olive for the living spaces, Lavender for the master suite, Almond, Rose and Pamplemousse for the three further bedrooms, and Cerise for the roof terraces.

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Gail Taylor, Managing Director of th2designs, says: “Parc du Cap is undoubtedly one of the top luxury residential developments in the Côte d’Azur. With such a generous amount of outdoor space, we wanted to make these gorgeous roof terraces functional yet memorable at the same time. Zoning was the ideal solution and we’re thrilled with the results.

“Inside, we wanted to craft a furnishing scheme that complemented and enhanced the already stunning penthouse

apartment. This meant creating all the luxury expected in the very best hotel whilst feeling welcoming and comfortable. The interior had to be contemporary and high-end but also calming and relaxed. A true home away from home where anyone walking in would want to kick off their shoes and settle in!”

Reynald Lapitz, CEO of Provençal Investments (the French subsidiary of Caudwell), comments: “Gail and the team have really grasped the essence of what makes our penthouses so special.

Inside, the luxurious yet relaxed interior design delights all the senses. Outside, the zoning of the terraces into multifunctional spaces cleverly maximises the space. We’re delighted with the end results.”

Parc du Cap is undoubtedly one of the top luxury residential developments in the Côte d’Azur. With such a generous amount of outdoor space, we wanted to make these gorgeous roof terraces functional yet memorable at the same time. Zoning was the ideal solution and we’re thrilled with the results.

Parc du Cap is one of the most luxurious property developments located in the exclusive yachting community of Cap d’Antibes. Set within beautiful landscaped gardens surrounding an outdoor swimming pool, Parc du Cap comprises of a selection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom penthouses with private rooftop pools and spectacular terraces with panoramic views.

For more information please visit parcducap.com

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Parc du Cap is a gated development and comes with 24-hour security, secure underground car parking and a 24/7 concierge service. Properties start from €590,000 for a one-bed apartment, €850,000 for a two-bed and €4,500,000 for a four-bed penthouse.

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Events & Awards News GROHE Bau Cosmopolitan E infra-red bathroom tap wins Gold Award at Designer Kitchen & Bathroom Awards 2020 GROHE’s Bau Cosmopolitan E infra-red bathroom tap has been announced as a Gold Award winner in the Innovation in Commercial Product Design category at this year’s Designer Kitchen & Bathroom Awards.

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he highly coveted Designer Awards are revered in the kitchen and bathroom industry for shining a spotlight on the designers, projects and manufacturers that are setting the bar for what is achievable in design, and the Innovation in Commercial Product Design category specifically recognises those innovating to an exceptional standard in the commercial sector. In light of Covid-19 restrictions, this year’s ceremony and the winner announcements took place virtually on Wednesday 18th November.

Ebru Bircan, Head of Activation at GROHE UK comments: “Sensor-activated, infra-red product solutions that enable a touchless experience have been in high demand within the commercial bathroom space for several years. However, this year hygiene has become a permanent and essential fixture in the interiors and design landscape like never before, and the demand for high-quality infra-red products has risen significantly as a result. With our Bau

Cosmo E tap, we have been able to create a high-quality tap design which optimises hygiene and is available at an affordable price point. The launch of the Bau Cosmo E tap has been met with unprecedented demand and praise from our customers and has enabled the infra-red market to be accessible across the entire spectrum of commercial projects. Therefore, we are really honoured to be announced as the winner of this award and to have our product design acknowledged by key figures in the industry.”

GROHE was also recognised for its strides in residential bathroom product design at this year’s awards, making the roundup of ‘Highly Commended’ products in the Innovation in Bathroom Product Design category for its Rainshower SmartConnect 310 head shower.

Designed to provide a unique offering to the retrofit shower market, the Rainshower SmartConnect 310 uses Bluetooth technology and smart controls to allow consumers to enhance their shower experience without the need to replace their entire system.

Managing Director of Fisher & Paykel wins Designer’s Editor’s Award Fisher & Paykel’s Managing Director David Woollcott has been recognised by the Designer Awards for stepping above and beyond the line of duty in doing something remarkable for the industry. David was given the Editor’s Award at a virtual ceremony on 18th November 2020.

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avid Woollcott is well-known in the industry for being the Managing Director at premium appliance brand Fisher & Paykel. However, this week Designer has recognised the outstanding work of Woollcott’s new not-for-profit organisation, SaddleUp!. In the wake of over three million job losses and the onslaught of recession, Woollcott is determined to help business professionals facing redundancy get back on their feet, or ‘saddle up’.

With the help of high-level volunteers from an array of industries, including leading companies from within and outside the kbb industry such as BMW, Barclays, Fisher & Paykel, Caesarstone and Aldi, David wants to

London South Bank University students win RIBA Master of Architecture awards Two students from London South Bank University (LSBU) School of Architecture and Built Environment have won prestigious RIBA Master of Architecture (MArch) awards in two categories.

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ostgraduate students, Michael Crook and Sarah Nottet-Madsen both won the awards for their excellent design work, tutored by Onur Ozkaya and Dele Olubodun from Studio 20.

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LSBU also excelled in the commendations, with postgraduate student Jack Biggerstaff, receiving a commendation for his work, tutored by the University’s former Head of Architecture Professor Lilly Kudic and the current Interim Head of Architecture, Luke Murray, together with colleagues, Monika Jociute and Teoman Ayas from Studio 23.

At undergraduate level, student Dola Moni

Mukta received a further commendation for her final design project, tutored by Todor Demirov and Daniel Tang from Studio 04.

Luke Murray, LSBU’s Interim Head of Architecture, said: ‘’Winning the RIBA London Student Awards 2020 is a great achievement for our students and a very great honour for LSBU’s School of Architecture and Built Environment.”

“Our students’ success in this competition shows how well LSBU has prepared and equipped them for employment in the profession.’’

change the way that redundancy is viewed by offering support from those in senior positions.

Martin Allen-Smith, Editor, Designer magazine comments on David’s win: “David’s efforts to reach out and help those who, through no fault of their own, have seen their careers badly affected by the events of the past few months, has grown into a fantastic initiative which has already given hundreds of people much needed help and advice. We are pleased to be able to recognise David’s efforts in stepping forward and making a real difference with his SaddleUp! Initiative. This award is a small thank you from us on behalf of the people help so far, and for going the extra mile to support so many across the wide business community.”

Woollcott comments: “I feel honoured to be awarded Designer’s prestigious Editor’s Award and I am amazed at the support SaddleUp! has received since its launch. Redundancy is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through both professionally and personally.

SaddleUp! is born from an urgent and immediate need to restore employees’ worth and help them refocus so they are ready to re-enter the jobs market in a positive frame of mind. We MUST change the way redundancy is viewed - it is not a personal failure.”

FORMER ART HISTORIAN CONVERTS 200-YEAR-OLD CHURCH WHERE SHE MARRIED INTO BOOMING HOLIDAY LET Anne Monroe, a former art historian and curator, decided to buy the church next to her home in Tarset, near Kielder Water, when there was talk of it being sold – after all, it had played a significant role in her family’s life.

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he Greystead Church, St Lukes, which dates back to 1818, - it was where Anne and her husband married, where they christened all four of their children and where Anne visited as a child with her parents. It took the Monroe family 4 years to get the church commissioners and LPAs on board, but in 2012 they were able to buy the church for a nominal sum as it was hardly worth anything after being deconsecrated in the 1990s.

Anne and her husband have completely overhauled the property, turning it into a popular holiday let and have had it valued at £400,000, as well as earning them over £35k a year.

1. When did you buy the property?

We bought the property from the Church of England in 1998 after it had been closed as a church and deconsecrated.

2. Did you know it was listed?

Yes, I grew up at the Old Rectory next door, and then my husband Bill and I moved back here with our own family in 1989. So, we’d always known that both the church and rectory were Grade 2 listed.

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When the church was put up for sale, we

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Our four children were all christened at the church, and I have fond memories of going to church there with my parents when I was a child.

were able to buy it for a relatively small amount due to a number of restrictive covenants placed on the building by the Church of England, which meant that it could be used only for household storage.

3. Are there any interesting stories relating to the history of the property?

Yes, there are tons!

The Old Church and Old Rectory form one of a group of churches in the North Tyne valley that were originally built

by Greenwich Hospital, which owned much of the land in the area that had formerly belonged to the leading Jacobite James, 3rd Earl of Derwentwater. He was executed after the 1715 Jacobite rebellion, and his lands were confiscated by the crown.

Later, the churches and rectories were used by the Royal Naval College to accommodate former naval chaplains who had served on battleships in the Napoleonic wars, but who were surplus to requirements after the victories at the battles of Trafalgar and then Waterloo.

However, Greenwich Hospital had built these churches in remote and sparsely populated rural areas about as far from the sea as possible, and the first rector of Greystead ended his days in an asylum.

A neighbouring rector suffered a similar fate. It seems likely that they had found the solitude difficult to cope with after a life on busy British warships. The first rector of Greystead’s memorial still stands in Greystead Old Church.

We also have a special personal history with Greystead Old Church, as we were married there 1987. Our four children were all christened at the church, and I have fond memories of going to church there with my parents when I was a child.

We live in the Old Rectory, next door to the church, and our family own and run two other holiday lets on the same site, Greystead Coach House, the original Coach House and stables for the Rectory, and Greystead Institute, a Victorian church hall built in 1895 to provide religious education for the children of Greystead parish.

We purchased this in 2017 after it had lain redundant for over 40 years and restored and converted it during 20182019 in a heritage project similar to the one at the Old Church, opening it as a holiday let in May 2019.

4. What condition was it in when you bought it?

When we bought the church, it needed extensive renovations, and by the time we were able to begin the restoration, several of the lancet windows had become very damaged, with cracked and broken panes of glass. There were even birds nesting inside some of them! And areas of damp.

The renovations were extensive, involving a complete restoration of the exterior and interior of the building, including the tower crenellations and roof, the neo-Gothic windows, and the original hair plaster ceiling.

A key aspect of the project was to give the building a proper, eco-friendly heating system via a biomass boiler, and to provide proper lighting for the first time (the converted gas lamps were kept and converted to electricity). All of this was in addition to the works to convert the church into a holiday let, and we worked with our architect and heritage specialists to restore its historic charm for holiday guests. The works began in 2013 after a long period of consultations with heritage bodies and took a total of six months to complete.

5. Did you have to do any structural alterations?

In terms of structural alterations, we tried to keep as many of the original features as possible, as we wanted to showcase the church’s historic past. The conversion’s project’s key principle was therefore that everything we did would be reversible, so our architect designed a new mezzanine floor, with bedrooms below, which would fit inside the original space, retaining as much of the original spatial flow as possible, but which could be reversed without any damage to the building if a new use was ever found for the church in the future.

The east end altar area, and west end of the church around the entrance door, retained their full-height, and we preserved the axial view of the stained-glass window from the west end entrance via a newly created central corridor. Other original features we’ve kept include a fully-restored Victorian stained glass window, all the other lancet windows (we obtained Listed Building Consent to replace some of the frosted panes with clear glass so as to allow light into the building, and provide views of the very picturesque churchyard), the Gothic archway, as well as the Georgian

stonework and original panelling, and Victorian tiling.

None of this would have been possible without a major grant towards the restoration and conversion from Northumberland Uplands Leader, as well as a grant from the Northumberland National Park’s Sustainable Development Fund towards the restoration of the stained glass and other lancet windows.

As well as restoring and renovating the interiors, we also created a new access and parking area in the churchyard, as well as forming a garden for the Old Church in a quiet area of the Old Rectory garden next door. We’ve also installed a stargazing platform in the grounds for guests, who also have the use of the tennis court in the original Rectory Walled Garden.

We currently have plans to open the interior of the tower (the only part of the building that was not converted in 2013), via a spiral staircase. This will enable visitors to see the original bell, which dates back to 1817, and enjoy the panoramic views looking out from across the bell tower. As we live in a Dark Skies area, we also hope our guests will have a star-gaze from the top of the tower!

We were lucky enough to be supported brilliantly by our architect Tristan Spicer of Kevin Doonan architects in nearby Hexham, and we had a fantastic team of builders from the Northumbrian firm, Historic Property Restoration Ltd, who work on a large number of English Heritage buildings, including churches and abbeys, and have huge expertise in this area.

7. Did any works require planning permission and how did you find the process?

Yes, this part of the project was by far the longest and most complex, taking around four years of discussions. The stakeholders were not only Northumberland National Park Planning and Listed Building Officers, but the Church Commissioners, the Diocese of Newcastle, and the Rector and Parish Church Council, as well as, most importantly, our local community.

Our first discussions were with the Church Commissioners, to ask them to release some of the restrictive covenants placed on the church when it was sold, so as to enable a use to be found for the building that would provide enough ongoing income to enable it to be restored.

Also, because we live in a national park, we were governed by rules relating to redundant buildings that would not permit the church to be converted into a house, and that allowed business use only.

A holiday let therefore seemed an ideal solution, acceptable to both the Church Commissioners, and to the planners.

Continued >

6. Did you do much in the way of DIY? Bill and I have no skills at all in DIY! However, we are both art historians, and I worked as a museum curator, including for English Heritage, for many years, so we do have considerable experience of working with architects and other experts on historic buildings.

We were lucky enough to be supported brilliantly by our architect Tristan Spicer of Kevin Doonan architects in nearby Hexham, and we had a fantastic team of builders from the Northumbrian firm, Historic Property Restoration Ltd, who work on a large number of English Heritage buildings, including churches and abbeys, and have huge expertise in this area.

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As we already ran one holiday let at Greystead Coach House, we felt enthusiastic about this use of the building.

The Diocese of Newcastle and the Rector and PCC were involved as owners of the churchyard, and we needed a Church of England ‘Faculty’ to allow us to route service pipes for heating, lighting etc through the churchyard. We also negotiated to rent, on a long lease, an area of the churchyard near the entrance gates to provide essential car parking and access to the church itself, since, when we purchased the church in 1998, the sale had included only the footprint of the building itself, and no accompanying land.

So, the process was both time-consuming and lengthy, but we were fortunate to be able to reach agreement with all the stakeholders involved in a constructive and positive way. The release of the covenants, however, meant that we had to pay for the uplift in value that would result from the fact that the church could now be used for holiday lets, not just storage, so all of this took time to negotiate. The legal agreements at the end of the process were highly convoluted and took months to complete!

8. What restrictions were imposed on any improvements, if any, and how did you cope with them?

As we were keen to preserve as much of the original fabric as possible, there were no real issues here, as we were very much in agreement with what the Listed Building Office proposed. The only thing I remember regretting was that, in the east end altar area, we had to raise the floor to avoid a change in level where

As we were keen to preserve as much of the original fabric as possible, there were no real issues here, as we were very much in agreement with what the Listed Building Office proposed

the original altar rail had been, and, because of this, we were required to leave the very beautiful Georgian flagstones buried beneath the new floor level in their original position, whereas we’d have liked to raise them to the new level so that visitors could enjoy them. However, they are still there for future generations, we hope, to enjoy!

We also found a good solution to this problem by extending the original Victorian tiling under the stained-glass window into the newly raised floor area, sourcing an exact match of tiles, so we were very pleased with the result.

Because of the planning restrictions, the Old Church was always intended as a holiday home, and residential use would not have been possible 9. Is there anything you regret and would you have done anything differently?

Apart from the issue with the flagstones (see 9 above), I don’t think we have any major regrets. We wish we’d been able to leave a bit more space for storage – especially given the building’s use as a holiday let, not least during Covid-19, when we need extra cleaning equipment - but we wanted to give as much space as we could to the new bedrooms and bathrooms/en suites, so this really wasn’t practicable.

10. Have you lived in the property or was it always intended as a holiday home?

Because of the planning restrictions, the Old Church was always intended as a holiday home, and residential use would not have been possible. As we live next door, we already have a home on the same site – although we did hold a party there for our twins on the occasion of their 21st a few years ago by booking the holiday let out to ourselves for a few days!

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11. Finally, could you please confirm your profession?

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Prior to managing our holiday lets, I worked as an art historian, lecturer and museum curator for over 25 years, and my area of expertise is the Georgian period, so moving into heritage management projects felt very much like a natural progression.

To book a stay at Greystead Old Church, visit www.sykescottages.co.uk or call 01244 617683.

Robin Mackenzie Partnership

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The Crescent, Donaldson’s College, Edinburgh, courtesy of CALA Homes

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OCCUPANT HEALTH: YOUR RESPONSIBILITY? 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.

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ndoor air quality can be worse than outdoor air quality. Here are our top tips when designing a healthy building.

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Choose a simple build system Use natural and non-toxic 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

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The toxicity of construction materials in our homes is a serious issue, our homes do not have to contain potentially damaging materials. Mitigating this should be considered right at the start at the design stage.

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Without a doubt, it is the control (or lack of ) 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 principle should be applied, where some anticipation of problems such

ABOVE Our wellbeing is directly affected by material choice and the quality and design of the building which in turn leads to better indoor air quality. Those responsible for construction, maintenance and repair of building must avoid the use of harmful chemicals and pollutants. This needs to be supported by clear labelling and a national system for control. Attention should be paid when substituting materials or changing ventilation levels during construction and maintenance to ensure they meet the same, or higher, performance standards.

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.

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. Choosing materials that are sympathetic to the original structure of the building is essential for example using impervious materials on a vapour open substrate or cement products (such as render) on old masonry or brick walls built with lime will often result in failure which can lead to the ingress of damp and a consequential reduction in comfort and the possibility of mould and decay.

For almost all construction applications there will be a sympathetic material available, many of these materials are natural such as lime or wood fibre that are highly engineered, tested and proven and compatible with modern construction practices and skills.

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.

Defining what we mean by ‘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 a colder damper building, 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.

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

There are various mooted changes to the building regulations in part due to the concluding Hackitt Report and the proposed changes to Parts L and F that may help improve the indoor air quality and health of our buildings but others are seeking to influence the regulations

that would make considering indoor air quality and building health mandatory.

‘The Inside Story: Health Effects of Indoor Air Quality on Children and Young People’ a report published in January 2020 by The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health highlighted how this might be incorporated into the regulations.

The report’s recommendations included that Local Authorities should have the power to require improvements where the air quality fails to meet minimum standards in Local Authority-controlled schools and wherever children live. This should be extended beyond damp and mould (where powers already exist) to include other pollutants. To do this the report recommends that the building regulations should be revised to include setting legally binding performance standards for indoor air quality that include ventilation rates, maximum concentration levels for specific pollutants, labelling materials and testing of appliances. To conduct air quality tests when construction is complete and before the building is signed-off and to check compliance after construction stages and

ABOVE Damp problems are often first seen as a ‘bloom’ of household mould often triggered by warm wet air coming into contact with a cold surface, one that is poorly or insufficiently insulated.

The consequences of damp and unhealthy buildings can mean the aggravation of conditions like asthma.

BELOW Whole house refurbishment where the client specified the use of natural materials to avoid potential toxicity issues.

Image shows flexible wood fibre insulation used internally and rigid wood fibre boards used externally on the roof and timber frame extension.

Wood fibre is vapour open, has high density, insulates and buffers moisture.

assess buildings once they are occupied and in-use. This may require greater, ringfenced resources for Local Authorities to take effective enforcement actions.

Furthermore the Report strengthens its recommendations advising that local authorities should follow the recommendations in the NICE guidelines for ‘Indoor air quality at home’, include indoor air in Air Quality Plans that specify how they meet the needs of low-income households and homes in areas of high outdoor pollution, update existing instruments, such as the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, to include more comprehensive and periodically updated evidence on a wider range of indoor pollutants and lastly to provide greater support for environmental health officers for the evaluation of indoor air quality risks in homes and schools.

When considering refurbishment of a building there are a few key areas where material choice can have a significant impact on the future health of the occupants, two main areas stand out, insulation and the management of moisture. Many health related issues are caused or aggravated by cold and damp, a well-insulated house that is warm and dry will mitigate many problems when coupled with minimising air leakage and supported by adequate ventilation either mechanical or passive.

Considering the impact of refurbishment on occupant health should be a top priority, if doing so is not achieved through a sense of responsibility to those who we build for then we should all fully support making building and occupant health standards mandatory through the legal mechanism of the Building Regulations.

Online www.ecomerchant.co.uk Contact: info@ecomerchant.co.uk Call: 01793 847 444

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Ecomerchant are an independent employee owned builders merchant supplying a wide range of natural and sustainable building materials direct and online.

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Company News DEESIDE’S DURA PRODUCTS EXPANDS INTO EUROPE WITH NEW SUPPLY DEAL British construction manufacturer Dura Products has announced a new partnership with Gridiron Spa, a global player in the manufacture and supply of surface drainage products, which will distribute its ecofriendly products to Italy, Switzerland and Slovenia.

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he Italian based construction company Gridiron will expand the selection of drainage systems it offers to its clients, supporting the company’s expansion and increasing the use of sustainable kerbing and drainage solutions in Europe.

Dura Products, based in Deeside, North Wales, has been manufacturing environmentally friendly road kerbs and drainage systems from recycled plastic since 2003, diverting waste from landfill and reducing carbon emissions. Its Duradrain product is a combined kerb and drainage (CKD)

system that provides efficient drainage from any surface through the fast and continual collection of run-off.

Gridiron will be stocking Dura-Products as part of its product portfolio, noting its unique design and environmental benefits.

Dura Products are also designed and manufactured in accordance with the relevant Harmonised European standards and so can be installed in all countries of the EU without restriction.

REHAU SUPPORTS TRADES BY RAISING PROFILE WITH HOME RENOVATORS With OnePoll recently reporting that homeowners are now spending twice as much time on home improvements than they did before the lockdown, REHAU has launched a new campaign to educate home renovators on window materials.

your lifestyle? explores the demands of modern life and how they relate to homeowners’ choice of windows. It will then be amplified via a digital marketing campaign to capture homeowners at specific points in their research journey.

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Homeowners commonly seek a number of different things from their homes, including aesthetics, security and sustainability – all at the same time as wanting to save their hardearned cash. In response to these requirements, the guide considers a number of key issues regarding window profile materials, to ensure it is best-suited to their lifestyle.

Launched this week, the downloadable guide from REHAU titled Which window material suits

“When developing the guide, it was important for us to consider what homeowners want out of their window solutions, while also trying to change some perceptions of PVC,” says Clare Higgins, Product Manager for Window Solutions at REHAU UK. “Within the guide, we share all of the

ith many lockdown savings potentially being directed towards home renovations, REHAU aims to help its fabricators and installers take advantage of this buoyant market by making the modern-day case for PVC compared with traditional materials.

options available to consumers, and ask questions that should be considered when selecting a window frame solution.”

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In the past, homeowners have opted for aluminium and wooden frames for a visually attractive, durable and dependable solution.

However, innovation within PVC now means that it has become a better alternative within the fenestration industry, that exceeds purchaser expectations, both visually and in terms of performance. The guide delves into how the technology has moved on.

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The campaign forms part of a wider strategy to connect the consumer with tradespeople.

REHAU Connect is a bespoke platform that supports installer planning, selling and quoting for REHAU’s Authorised Partners. By creating more awareness around the merits of PVC for modern life, REHAU ultimately aims to grow the sales pipeline for businesses across the country.

To register your interest to become a REHAU Authorised Partner, visit: www.rehau.com/ uk-en/authorised-partner-registration

Company News Filippo Secolo, Export Manager at Gridiron Spa, commented: “Gridiron is committed to offering high quality, innovative solutions for drainage systems (CKD) in Italy, Switzerland and the Balkans Region, so we are delighted to be named the first distributor of Duradrain units in these countries.

Dura Products have a reputation for being carefully designed, providing an efficient and sustainable way to drain hard surfaces, so I have no doubt that they will be a hit with our customers.”

Steve Bennett, Managing Director at Dura Products, commented: “We are delighted to collaborate with a leading company such as Gridiron Spa, and are looking forward to a long and successful partnership. We are certain that it will grow Duradrain’s prominence in Europe and improve the sustainability of the continent’s construction projects.”

BAXI HEATING COMMITS TO NET ZERO OPERATIONS BY 2030 AND TO MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS THAT ONLY USE LOW CARBON FUELS BY 2025 Leading boiler manufacturer, Baxi Heating UK and Ireland, part of BDR Thermea Group, has today promised to revolutionise the way we heat our homes and buildings. The announcement coincides with the Prime Minister’s 10-point plan for a Green Industrial Revolution and places Baxi Heating at the heart of the ‘heating transformation’ that is required to achieve the UK’s climate targets.

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aren Boswell OBE, recently appointed Managing Director of Baxi Heating, said: “Future generations will judge us by our actions. Our pledge is to be carbon neutral in all our operations by 2030, and to lead the phase-out of carbon intensive heating by ensuring every product we make from 2025 will work with low carbon energy.”

The company has committed to a portfolio of cleaner, greener products, that will work with low carbon fuels by 2025, either directly such as hydrogen boilers, heat pumps, smart electric water heating and heat networks or hydrogen ready boilers than can be converted after installation.

Baxi Heating plays a prominent role in the residential and commercial heating market, providing heating and hot water solutions to UK homes and businesses. As such, it has a huge responsibility to drive positive change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Heating is responsible for 37% of the UK’s total contribution to greenhouse gases today.

To tackle that figure and decarbonise existing homes by 2050, all new heating installations must be low carbon by 2035 at the latest according to the UK’s official climate advisor, the Committee on Climate change (CCC).

New builds will also have to have low carbon heating from the mid-2020s.

It has also recently introduced a new range of low-carbon heat pumps to its portfolio of sustainable heating products, which will be targeted towards a wide range of markets.

These include new build and rural properties, supporting a UK wide aspiration for 600,000 annual heat pump installations by 2028.

“We have a responsibility to tackle climate change not only for ourselves, but for future generations. This doesn’t stop at our products, but also how we operate as a more efficient and environmentally conscious business.”

Karen Boswell continued: “It is our vision to be a sustainable leader in the heating and hot water sector, today and tomorrow. We have a responsibility to tackle climate change not only for ourselves, but for future generations. This doesn’t stop at our products, but also how we operate as a more efficient and environmentally conscious business.

“Delivering cleaner and greener heating systems is fundamental to achieving net zero and it will also be central to the growth of our business over the next ten years. The bottom line is that our customers desire sustainable, affordable and reliable warmth – particularly during this period of economic uncertainty.”

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Baxi Heating is committed to delivering low carbon solutions to homes and businesses and to driving down costs through innovation and product evolution - building on its ambition to make the world a better place for future generations.

As part of the Green Industrial Plan, the Prime Minister has committed to create the first hydrogen heated neighborhood by 2023, the first village by 2025 and the first entire town by the end of the decade. Baxi Heating and BDR Thermea Group intend to be at the vanguard of this mission and are currently developing and testing one of the UK’s first 100% hydrogen boilers. The boiler manufacturer has been working closely with Government to trial hydrogen and other low-carbon heating technologies. To date, Baxi Heating has been involved in the UK’s hydrogen taskforce, Hy4Heat, HyDeploy and USER projects.

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Latest News Half of Brits Set to Spend £47 Billion on Home Improvements in 2021 • Each British household is set to spend an average of £6,531 on home improvements • Grey revealed as top home improvement colour in 2021 • Safety is biggest issue stopping Brits from buying new home • Attic Self Storage launches Mover or Improvers Expert Advice Booklet

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021 is set to be a year of transformations for British homes, with more than half of Brits (59%) claiming they will be making home improvements, with the average spend at £6,531 per household. Decorating is revealed as the top home improvement (69%), with grey being named as 2021’s colour of choice, followed by cream and blue, according to new research by Attic Self Storage.

The new research uncovers that more than two in five (43%) Brits are looking to upgrade their garden and outside areas; 34% are buying new furniture; almost a fifth (18%) are looking to extend or build an outhouse and 14% a work hub.

On the contrary, only one in five Brits is looking to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday - with 61% believing it’s a bad time to sell their property, with safety (43%) being the number one reason not to buy. 35% said it’s too challenging viewing properties with the current restrictions; 29% think the market is too confusing and 16% believe they would lose too much money on their current home.

It’s no surprise with lockdown that space was the top obstacle for both movers and improvers, with it being the number one reason (46%) for Brits opting to move over the next year; and for improvers one in three is planning on creating more space by reworking a room (33%); and more than one in five (22%) are looking to create more storage space.

Top Home Improvements

Top Colour for Home Improvements

1. Decorating / painting

1. Grey

2. Garden spruce up

2. Cream

3. New furniture

3. Blue

4. Rework / create space

4. White

5. Extensions / out house

5. Green

MOVERS: Safety is the biggest issue stopping Brits buying

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Looking at the property market, 61% of Brits believe it’s a bad time to sell a property; 43% say they would rather stay put for safety reasons while 35% said it’s too challenging to view properties with all the restrictions. Moreover, 18% are put off by banks not lending like before; 29% think the market is too confusing; and 16% think they would lose too much money on their current property.

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Frederic de Ryckman de Betz, Founder and CEO of Attic Self Storage, comments: “With lockdown returning and space being a key motivator for both movers and improvers, to help, we have worked with experts from all over the UK including interior stylists, estate agents, space savers and financial advisors, to create a free downloadable booklet with top tips for those making home improvements or buying a new property.”

Free Movers and Improvers Expert Advice Booklet: To download your free Movers & Improvers booklet for top tips from experts all over the UK, please visit: https://www.atticstorage.co.uk/blog/home-movers-improvers

REHAU COMMENT ON THE PM’S 10 POINT PLAN Comment from Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical for REHAU Building Solutions.

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he Government’s plans to bring forward the Future Homes Standard from 2025 to 2023 is excellent news for our transition away from fossil fuel heating.

“The Future Homes Standard, which would ban gas boilers in new builds, has a vital role to play in the UK’s efforts to hit net zero carbon emissions targets by 2050. If it comes into force two years earlier, as we currently understand is the case, this would represent a major step toward reducing carbon emissions in heating. We therefore look forward to finding out more information on this in due course.

“The Government’s pledge to install 600,000 heat pumps annually by 2028 – 20 times more than the current deployment – is also an encouraging sign that we are moving toward a low-carbon future. This technology has already been proven to reduce emissions in both individual and district heating applications, and provides specifiers and developers with a way to take immediate steps to decarbonise in line with net zero legislation.

“There is no denying that the net zero emissions targets are ambitious, but by implementing proven solutions in the short-to-medium-term, we can set a solid foundation from which exciting future innovations can build. This includes hydrogen production, which is still very much in the research and development stages, and new generations of heat pumps and district heating schemes. All technologies will play their part in making net zero a reality, but tried-and-tested solutions should be prioritised in the short term if we are to achieve our goals.

“Finally, the Prime Minister’s announcement of £1 billion in funding starting next year to decarbonise domestic and public buildings is also welcome.

It is very positive to see reducing building emissions as one of the 10 commitments and the desire to create 50,000 jobs in this sector by 2030.

However, it must be stressed that there are a significant number of buildings that require action to reduce carbon emissions from heating.

Consequently, the Government needs to take a more long-term view on this topic, and not rely on short-term incentives. While we understand that the Green Homes Grant will be extended until March 2022, we need more concrete plans on what will happen in the medium to long-term if we are to hit the Government’s own net zero targets.

“Simply put, this is a long-term issue, and it requires a long-term response to ensure the sustainable, warmer and more energy-efficient buildings we need in the future.”

For further information on REHAU’s pre-insulated pipework systems, and their use in renewable heat pump and district heating networks, visit: www.rehau.uk/districtheating.

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Stone built wood fired stoves Store heat for up to 12 hours after the fire has gone out providing clean, natural heat while through much more of thedistributing balanced heat. home than traditional stoves.

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RRN720011 ECCO Stove HP.indd 1 NIBE ENERGY SYSTEMS RESPONDS TO SIXTH CARBON BUDGET: GOVERNMENT ADVISED TO SCALE UP THE HEAT PUMP MARKET OVER THE NEXT DECADE

The Committee on Climate Change has recommended that the heat pump market is scaled up over the next 10 – 15 years in advance of a fossil fuel phase out of boiler installations in 2033. By 2030, heat pump sales must reach over 1 million per year in new and existing homes.

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his advice forms part of the CCC’s Sixth Carbon Budget, which calls for a 78% reduction in emissions between 1990 and 2035.

The Budget also sets out the world’s first pathway for a fully decarbonised economy, tackling all sectors. Its Net Zero Balanced Pathway calls for building emissions to fall by 45%-65% by 2035.

Heat Pumps, as expected, have been highlighted as a critical technology for decarbonising homes and buildings while maintaining quality; the Government has advised that while some important decisions need to be made carefully over the next decade, ‘low regrets’ options, such as heat pumps in off-grid homes should be accelerated with urgency. This will require action from the Government to address the skills gap for heat pumps and energy efficiency installers.

01/07/2020 11:59:50

● Heat Storage

PANASONIC WELCOMES THE EXTENSION TO THE GREEN HOMES GRANT TO 2022

In a surprise announcement this week, the UK government has announced an extension to the Green Homes Grant. The grant will now run until March 2022, this bridges the gap to the Clean Heat Grant and aligns with the end of the RHI timeframes.

The move was welcomed by Panasonic as Tony Lathey, UK Pre Sales Manager for Heat Pumps at Panasonic said: “We are delighted that the government is showing commitment to the green agenda, offering homeowners very real incentives to switch to renewable energy technologies. We are fully behind the new green 10-point plans for the Prime Minister’s ‘Green Industrial Revolution’. We have seen strong interest in our air source heat pumps for heating and hot water provision but extending the grant programme will ensure that more homeowners can access funding for their home energy improvement schemes and we anticipate this will greatly assist the market.”

Green Homes Grant The Green Homes Grant came into effect in September 2020 and was due to end on 31 March 2021. It has come under much scrutiny from those within the industry, as it soon became evident that there is a need for more qualified accredited installers to carry out heat pump installations for UK homeowners.

This is despite manufacturers, such as Panasonic, stepping up and increasing available training. This additional financial support will enable more homeowners to take advantage of the scheme to March 2022.

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NIBE Energy Systems is ready to support the Government in scaling up the supply chain and supporting installers and is committed to delivering heat pumps to homes across the country in preparation for net zero.

Looking to the future, as the road to recovery begins, manufacturers, such as Panasonic, are stepping up to the challenge to meet the net zero emission targets by 2050. For example, Panasonic is increasing its offering of sustainable energy solutions as well as increasing online training availability for installers by offering specific and accredited training courses to help installers become more efficient and knowledgeable in correctly installing air-to-water heat pumps.

RRN1120012 Panasonic QP.indd 1

Panasonic’s Aquarea range of air-to-water heat pumps is among the widest on the market, with systems available to suit all sizes of property and capacity requirements. For more information on Panasonic Air Source heat pumps or current training, please visit www.aircon.panasonic.co.uk.

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Phil Hurley, Managing Director at NIBE Energy Systems, said: “Today’s Sixth Carbon Budget provides the Government with the route map it needs to develop its policy pathway to net zero. It is critical that this is provided as soon as possible to provide certainty and direction to industry. Installers and the wider supply chain are key to delivering on these recommendations; this must be recognised and acknowledged with urgency. We have already seen some positive announcements from Government in recent months, including the target to deploy 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028, and an emissions reduction of 68%.

Today’s Budget sends a signal, however, that more must be done.”

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25/11/2020 15:09:09

Project: The Mill, Waterside Village, Loughborough, Leicestershire Saved from the brink, catalyst for change

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former hosiery mill, a pinnacle of historical commerce dating from 1889 that faced dereliction, has been beautifully restored and elegantly redeveloped into luxury apartments as part of an exciting waterside village development. The Mill is once again deeply interwoven into the community; becoming a gateway hub into Loughborough, fusing the area with the town centre, as well as facilitating neighboring business expansion and being a catalyst for regeneration.

in the wondrous double height atrium lobby. The Gate will house the private swimming pool, with canal side moorings and private gardens completing the perfect living experience.

Rich history respected The magnificence of the building and its industrial past has been captured

by HSSP Architects. The iconic chimney is now seamlessly entwined into the new wing. The rugged industrial feel is present throughout internally and externally. The desire to preserve the history and traditional materials within the building yet incorporate these with modern interventions is a real blend of striking styles.

Successful collaboration between all parties has been a necessity throughout the project, especially in light of the coordination and integration of new modern methods of construction with building methods over 100 years old. Bespoke extraordinarily complex technical systems, non-standard structural elements and significant design development were necessary.

Beautiful, exposed brick work, bullnose brick detailing and decorative stops, high ceilings, splendid original iron, oak, and bow string beams, as well as cast iron columns have been retained as a nod to the mill’s yesteryear.

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Community living The Mill has been designed for living, working and playing in. Its ideal placement and close proximity to the town centre, train station, and canal towpath, encourage active travel options. A gym, communal workspaces, a conference room with kitchen facilities are present, as well as a concierge service based

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Sustainability The repurposing of this culturally significant building rather than it face demolition and ultimately become landfill, is a tremendous sustainability achievement. The measures that could be implemented in the building itself were to a certain degree restricted by its 130 year age, but the majority of the existing fabric of the building has been able to be saved and repaired at great cost rather than covered with nonsustainable materials.

For the two new storeys added at roof level, fusion frame was selected for its light weight and high-tolerance, however it is also

Successful collaboration between all parties has been a necessity throughout the project, especially in light of the coordination and integration of new modern methods of construction with building methods over 100 years old.

Bespoke extraordinarily complex technical systems, non-standard structural elements and significant design development were necessary..

an environmentally conscientious material in that steel is 100% recyclable and is the easiest material to recycle. Sustainably sourced FSC registered timber was selected for the new partitions for its renewable properties. The majority of the original slate roof was removed to allow for the additional storeys; some of the slates were used to touch up a remaining roof, with the rest being sold and upcycled onto the next stage of their life.

Sedum roofs have been incorporated which bring a host of benefits from encouraging biodiversity, to reducing the carbon footprint by its very nature of improving insulation, to the absorption of carbon dioxide in the air and converting it to oxygen, thus improving the surrounding air quality. A communal heating system has been installed throughout which is far more energy efficient than individual

boilers in each apartment. The radiant heating nature of underfloor heating in the apartments also enables the system to be run on lower temperatures.

Architects HSSP Architects Limited, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire RIBA Chartered, multi-award-winning architecture practice Lead Architect: Richard Cooper Developer Solus Homes Limited, Leicestershire Phase 1: Completed Spring 2020 Phase 2: Expected completion early 2022 Image Credits External: James Botterill, HSSP Architects Internal: Sara Reynard Photography

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MUST-HAVE HOME IMPROVEMENTS FOR COVID WORKING AND LIVING Homeowners looking to adapt spaces for optimal home working during the COVID-19 pandemic can look to suggestions from property experts.

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ith government guidelines tightening restrictions, it is important that homeowners and potential buyers consider the viability of home working and adapt in the best ways they possibly can to be safe and comfortable at home.

From converting unused spaces, to developing outdoor areas, the property experts at North Sands Developments, share top considerations for adapting homes for COVID working and living.

James Hartley, director at North Sands Developments, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has tested everyone, and with government restrictions tightening, there are many important learnings that we can take away from this time, to safeguard our futures in terms of creating a more comfortable, secure and optimised living and working environment.

“From zoom-proof rooms, to pet proofing, good internet connection and ensuring access to open plan and outdoor spaces - whether you are looking to purchase a new home or have an existing home that requires improvements, we have compiled a list of considerations for reference, to help homeowners and potential buyers thinking about living arrangements during the pandemic.”

“From zoomproof rooms, to pet proofing, good internet connection and ensuring access to open plan and outdoor spaces - whether you are looking to purchase a new home or have an existing home that requires improvements, we have compiled a list of considerations for reference, to help homeowners and potential buyers thinking about living arrangements during the pandemic.”

LEFT Photo by Mikaela Shannon

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BELOW Photo by Martin Kníže

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1. Outdoor space When spending large amounts of time at home, outdoor space is vital for health and wellbeing, whatever the weather. To make the most of outdoor spaces - home and garden improvements such as extending the size of the garden, improving decking and patios, adding a fire pit for use during the cooler weather, adding a balcony to bring fresh air into the home, and swapping patio doors for new ones such as bi-folds, to connect the home with the garden to accentuate the space is worth the investment.

2. Zoom-proof rooms and spaces Working from home and juggling family life isn’t always easy and it can be disruptive when important virtual meetings are interrupted with noise.

Creating a zoom-proof space in the home is very much an essential when it comes to peaceful working. The ideal zoom space will be as sound proof as possible, with a simple fuss-free backdrop, away from busy areas of the house to avoid any disturbances. If in an open plan home, organise a space in a quieter area of the room, with a divide to hold calls.

3. Convert unused spaces Converting unused spaces in the home such as a garage, loft or cellar, can provide much needed extra room in the household. The spaces can be used for a new home office, relaxation zone, utility area or a play room, but it is important to ensure that a property possesses comfortable living areas, should another lockdown be enforced. Extra

spaces can also significantly boost the value of a property, especially if extra bedrooms and bathrooms are added.

Most conversion projects do not require planning permission as it qualifies as a ‘change of use’ to the property, which is another great reason to consider a home improvement of this kind.

4. Add an annexe or garden Increasing the space in your home with a build project is a great alternative to moving house completely. Adding an annexe or extension to a property, is a larger investment and one that could significantly improve a living environment and add value to a property. Adding a room that is completely separate from the rest of the property, can create the ideal environment for undisturbed home working, or a quiet and tranquil space for relaxation. It will also be a place for extra family or members of a support bubble to stay and visit that isn’t in the main home. If not an annexe, it’s worth converting any loft space to ensure all space in the home is utilised.

5. Divide your open plan spaces A cost-effective way to create separate zones for different functions is to divide existing open plan areas.

Installing partition walls or sectioning off areas with the careful placement of furniture are just two ways to create segregated space, allowing members of a household to live together without getting on top of one another.

Freestanding shelves act as great temporary partitions that also provide storage space for any home office essentials.

6. Good internet connection A commonly overlooked home improvement is a stronger and more efficient internet connection and good WIFI is essential when working remotely for virtual meetings and conferences.

This can be as simple as installing extenders to boost internet signal, or may mean changing internet providers altogether for a connection that supports working activity and home living. Before switching provider, it’s sensible to do research online to check which company has the best service in the area.

7. Get a pet and pet proof your home In terms of overall happiness and wellbeing – pets can certainly provide comfort and company for the long term.

Getting a pet is a great life choice for lockdown and beyond, but furry friends need appropriate flooring and space to run around, so it’s important to ensure a home is pet proof by opening up spaces if possible and replacing carpet with floor tiles which can make managing a regular house clean easier.

THE TIMELESS ELEGANCE OF WHITE DOORS Simplicity in design is often thought to be the secret to creating timeless fashions and one way to achieve that desired blank canvas, is by using flush white doors.

Bringing together some truly distinctive finish options in white, the collection demonstrates that this fundamental hue is not actually a single colour, but has in fact a myriad of sheens, surfaces and shades to suit every application. In addition, doors can be customised to allow even greater decorative freedom, with the inclusion of face grooves and inlays, together with many glazed patterns.

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his opportunity to rejuvenate and add a fresh clean look to interiors has now been given new impetus and inspiration with the introduction of the White Collection from Vicaima, a selection of quality interior doors for home, hospitality and commercial projects.

Bringing together some truly distinctive finish options in white, the collection demonstrates that this fundamental hue is not actually a single colour, but has in fact a myriad of sheens, surfaces and shades to suit every application.

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Dekordor SD White Woodgrain

BELOW

Lacdor Satin White with PG2H decorative grooves

The White Collection includes Lacdor in White and Pure White shades, with its ultra- smooth lacquered paint finish; Dekordor SD in White Smooth and Woodgrain finished foils; Dekordor HD White, a continuous pressure laminate for demanding areas and for those who still prefer to paint their own doors, Primed 2 Go, with its revolutionary surface that requires no face sanding or priming and which will accept paint straight onto its smooth face to achieve an excellent end result.

Where performance criteria is demanded, The White Collection is also available in fire, acoustic and security solutions. And as care for the environment is paramount in our minds, everything is covered by FSCÂŽ certification. Products can be supplied as door only, door and matching frame assemblies or even as corresponding wardrobes.

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For a copy of the new White Collection brochure or for further inspiration and trend-setting ideas, Visit the Vicaima website www.vicaima.com or contact info@vicaima.com Tel +44 (0) 1793 532333

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WATER SUPPLY PIPES REPLACEMENT IN UNDER 2 HOURS‌ NO MAJOR EXCAVATIONS, MINIMAL DISRUPTION Whether its an unreliable or leaking supply or discovery of lead supply pipes, water supply pipe replacement is not undertaken lightly.

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ater suppliers can insist on leaking pipes being repaired or replaced, and lead supply pipes are surprisingly common. Although the use of lead in plumbing has been banned in the UK for over 50 years, there are still many properties where lead contamination of water is a risk.

Properties built before 1970 would have been constructed with lead water supply pipes, with up to a third of these older properties in the UK still receiving their water through these original lead pipes.

Awareness of the potential health problems caused by lead in the water supply, particularly in infants and children is growing and the only totally secure method to

reduce lead levels in the water supply is to replace the original supply with modern plastic pipe.

Whilst Grant aid may be available to assist lead pipe replacement programmes, and some water suppliers, such as Welsh Water are providing fully funded lead replacement programmes, the disruption to the householder is enough to deter many from water supply pipe replacement.

INSUduct is the only option to provide a fast and effective solution where total supply replacement is required. It can be completed in under 2 hours and with minimal impact on the householder.

INSUduct is the only option to provide a fast and effective solution where total supply replacement is required. It can be completed in under 2 hours and with minimal impact on the householder.

Unlike traditional methods, INSUduct allows the new water service to be routed up the external face of the building and connected to the internal plumbing above ground level, whether this is the ground floor or upper storey. INSUduct is carefully fabricated to provide long lasting and effective thermal protection to water pipes and fittings outside the thermal envelope of a building. There is little impact on the exterior appearance of the property, as the INSUduct system provides a neat, clean finish to the job.

An INSUduct supply replacement requires one simple core drilled hole through the wall, at an appropriate point to connect with the internal plumbing, this enables most lead replacement operations to be completed within a couple of hours, without undue disruption to householders/occupiers.

INSUduct is also ideal for projects where new multiple supplies are required as it allows for up to three 32mm OD water supply pipes to be installed to the exterior of the building. Combined with the Groundbreaker water management system, it provides the most efficient solution to installation on new water services, saving both time and money.

For more information please see our web site www.groundbreaker.co.uk/INSUduct or search “Watersafe/lead in water� or your local water company.

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INSUduct is carefully fabricated to provide long lasting and effective thermal protection to water pipes and fittings outside the thermal envelope of a building. There is little impact on the exterior appearance of the property, as the INSUduct system provides a neat, clean finish to the job.

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Project News 20M HEBBURN HOUSING SCHEME PROGRESSES AT PACE

NEW SOCIAL HOUSING PLANS GIVE HOPE TO ICONIC NOTTINGHAM BUILDING Fresh plans to bring much needed social housing to Nottingham and breathe life back into a historic pub, that has laid empty for a number of years, are now being considered thanks to a joint venture between Bmor and Carlton Street Trading.

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he Grove, located on Castle Boulevard, Nottingham, was built in 1886 and is included on the list of Local Heritage Assets for its aesthetic and townscape value. The plans, which were submitted last week, include the conversion of the iconic building, as well as the addition of an extension over the current car park, to create 27 one-and two-bedroom social housing apartments for key workers.

Nottingham-headquartered Leonard Design has devised the scheme to preserve the existing character of the building while adding contemporary architectural points of interest. For instance, new brick and glazing will sit sympathetically against the traditional Victorian style to add a modern twist to the development.

James O’Brien, head of planning at Bmor, said: “A key milestone has been achieved with the planning submission for The Grove and we’re delighted to have reached this stage.

“The site is quite challenging in terms of the

space available and protecting its heritage.

This has meant that the plans have been through many iterations so we’re hopeful that this design will not only get the green light but also provide much needed social housing in Nottingham city centre.”

Sam Burt, director at Carlton Street Trading, said: “Developments such as The Grove are prime examples of how we can bring derelict heritage buildings back into use for the benefit of the community. The building has been boarded up for many years with the external facades starting to show signs of decay, so we really hope we’ll soon be able to give it a new lease of life. The redevelopment is essential to the building’s survival and its regeneration will be an essential part of injecting new life into this part of Nottingham.”

Bmor is a privately owned development company with a diverse portfolio of mixed-use, regeneration, and restoration projects. Its joint venture with Carlton Street Trading, a family-owned Nottingham based developer, spans across a number of projects in the Nottinghamshire area.

Work to build much-needed homes by leading energy, services, and regeneration specialist ENGIE in South Tyneside is ramping up a gear after the granting of planning permission for the final section of the project.

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he company is building 139 two, three, four and five-bedroom homes – as well as 18 two-bedroom apartments – on behalf of leading housing provider Persona Homes over a number of phases which are expected to be finished in 2023.

Being built on land on Hebburn’s Victoria Road West which used to be an industrial site, the £20million scheme began in October 2019 after initial planning was granted, with additional permission for the full site granted in September of this year to allow the final phases of homes to be slotted into the scheme.

The project is in partnership with Persona Homes, which is part of Home Group, with the properties being delivered for private sale, affordable rent, and shared ownership. ENGIE has worked alongside the company to ensure the phased handover of properties, so they can be put on the market, as well as closely working with the company to build two show-homes showcasing the quality of the project.

In addition to the new homes and apartments, ENGIE is also working to improve the landscaping of the new estate with attention being paid to transform the brownfield land into a more harmoneous environment which complements the wider community.

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Louise Buckton, New Build Director at ENGIE, said: “ENGIE is delighted to be working with Persona Homes to transform land that had laid derelict for a number of years, into a vibrant new estate, complementing the wider Hebburn community.

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“ENGIE is delighted to be working with Persona Homes to transform land that had laid derelict for a number of years, into a vibrant new estate, complementing the wider Hebburn community. “

Project News £3.5M EXTENSION WORK COMPLETES AT DE MONTFORT UNIVERSITY The Yard, a brand-new multimillion-pound extension that will significantly increase the capacity of De Montfort University’s Business and Law Faculty, has now completed.

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he four-storey building, which has been designed by CPMG Architects and constructed by principal contractor Clegg Construction, is an extension of the existing Hugh Aston building.

The ground floor is home to a Student Advice Centre and 24-hour self-study space while conferencing facilities and an external terrace can be found on the second floor, which will also be used for breakouts and activities as well as external meetings.

Tom Rigley, associate at CPMG Architects, said: “We’re delighted to have worked with De Montfort University again on their latest development, having designed the Vijay Patel and the Hugh Aston buildings over the last few years. It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase our expertise in educational buildings and create something special from a highly constrained site.

“As well as the social purpose of the organisation, we’re also trying to do things differently when it comes to building the right homes in the right places. We want to provide houses that fit the needs of local people and enhance the existing communities around them.”

“The variety of house sizes, and methods of ownership, will allow local residents the opportunity to either make their first steps onto the housing ladder or allow growing families to expand into a bigger home. Thanks to the granting of planning permission for the full site, we can put our plans into reality and help to provide much needed housing for South Tyneside.”

Joe Cook, Executive Director of Development at Persona Homes, said: “We want to be different to the other large housing developers across the UK. All profits from our new build sales are reinvested into

the provision of multi tenure developments and tackling housing shortages.

“As well as the social purpose of the organisation, we’re also trying to do things differently when it comes to building the right homes in the right places. We want to provide houses that fit the needs of local people and enhance the existing communities around them.

“I’m delighted to see work progressing in Hebburn as the North East is really close to our hearts. I can’t wait to see people enjoying their new homes.”

“We wanted to keep the design of the extension consistent with the Hugh Aston building as it nestles within its existing courtyard. This will allow the university to increase its Business and Law School capacity and create an inspiring working environment for the students to benefit from.”

The building has been designed to provide students with a user friendly and comfortable space that can be easily navigated. For example, students are able to use the building 24/7 via automatic doors, a lift and two main stair routes, which provide access to all the floors with a central spine at each level to create a split between the learning facilities and the teaching areas.

Umesh Desai, director of estates and facilities at DMU, said: “The Yard is a real asset for the university, giving us much more valuable teaching space and student service areas. The way the design makes the most of the space and continues the style of the Hugh Aston Building is a real enhancement to our campus.”

Simon Blackburn, managing director at Clegg Construction, said: “Higher education has always been a key sector for us, so we are really pleased to have been appointed by De Montfort University as the principal contractor. The new extension is located in the heart of the campus and will provide valuable additional learning and teaching space for its students and staff.”

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The project team for The Yard also included Mace as the project managers, Ares as landscape architects, MDA acted as cost consultants, the M&E consultant was Pick Everard and Elliot Wood undertook the structural and civil engineering works.

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Project News £16M GRADE II LISTED STUDENT ACCOMMODATION COMPLETES IN COVENTRY

BEARD WINS SIGNATURE CONTRACT FOR TWO CARE HOMES WORTH £25MILLION Beard has increased its presence in the care home construction sector, after being awarded contracts worth a combined £25million with Signature Senior Lifestyle, to build two of its new developments in the south east.

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he sites in Caversham Berkshire and Farnham Common Buckinghamshire, are both expected to be completed in 2022, providing luxury care homes and assisted living communities for seniors in need of nursing, respite or dementia care.

Beard was chosen to carry out the work due to its track record for innovation, excellence and quality in all stages of the building process. Added to that is the commitment to prompt and faultless delivery on all projects, prompt payment of all of its suppliers and creating a safe, Covidsecure working environment on site.

Caversham will comprise 86 apartments, including a number of deluxe units, built over four floors, split across a sloping site with views across to the Caversham lakes.

Communal facilities will include a café, restaurant, cinema, lounge areas, activity room, a pub, spa bathrooms, hair salon and therapy room.

Farnham Common will also offer luxury assisted living and nursing in 74 studio-style

bedrooms with private wet rooms, with the same range of facilities on hand to residents.

Pat Hughes, director of Beard, said: “It’s a real privilege to be able to work with Signature Care Homes on these two developments, and to be able to deliver on their vision for the highest quality living spaces for their residents.

The excellence in design of the buildings and their positioning in their surroundings at both sites makes these homes particularly attractive. In terms of the care sector it’s an important market for Beard, as we understand there is increasing demand for the kind of high-quality home and care that Signature provides.

“We’re confident we can help to meet that demand, bringing the quality of construction honed over more than 120 years that Beard is renowned for. While we’re all living and working during this Covid-19 period which is likely to be with us some time to come, we will continue to operate to the highest possible standards. We will ensure both sites are run in line with best practice and government guidance on how to keep all who work there safe and well.”

A brand new multimillion-pound student accommodation, which includes the conversion of Grade II listed buildings alongside two new builds, has been completed by principal contractor Clegg Construction for developer Kier Property.

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ocated on the former Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital site, Eden Square has been designed by DLA Architecture.

The £16m project involved the conversion of two existing Grade II listed buildings - a former nurses’ home and outpatient’s clinic - into bedrooms and communal space with a further two new built blocks comprising further bedrooms and ancillary space.

The new eco-friendly development contains 344 bedrooms across the four buildings and incorporates a wide range of facilities including a courtyard, cycle store, gym, common room, cinema, private dining suite, shared study room, launderettes, office space and more.

Dave Swift, contracts manager at Clegg Construction, said: “This was a really interesting project thanks to the combination of Grade II listed buildings and brand-new construction, so we’re delighted to have completed the project and see students moving in.

“Working with listed buildings provides its own challenges, particularly as the project was largely built during lockdown, however we’re really proud of the end result and we’re sure that Eden Square will be a place that its residents are thrilled to live in.”

The four accommodation blocks are built around a central courtyard and the design of the two new buildings takes inspiration from the listed facades. The exterior sees distinct bays of red brickwork and tall generous glazing with inset feature panels to create a cohesive overall feel for the development.

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The project was forward funded by AIG Investments ready for completion in time for the 2020/21 academic year.

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Leigh Thomas, managing director at Keir Property, said: “This scheme has been a great success for all parties involved and I am delighted with the finished product.

“This scheme is the filth for Kier Property in the last five years bringing our total number of student rooms delivered to 2,727.”

TRANSFORM YOUR PROJECTS WITH TREND CNC SMARTBENCH Here’s How:

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ame Changing: Most refurbishment and renovation projects will need one-off and bespoke carpentry for panelling, items of furniture, cabinetry, boxing-in, decorative items/carvings and much more.

This work can not only be slow and expensive but also needs to be highly accurate. It is often highly complex in shape and large in size.

A CNC routing machine is the best way to turn such designs into reality - They are simple, extremely quick, accurate and can handle complex designs with ease. Traditionally prohibitively large and expensive, now with Trend’s SmartBench, full CNC technology is ready for the refurb and renovation market.

Adaptable: SmartBench allows you to adapt as you go. Changes on a project are inevitable: New client requests, unforeseen issues and new ideas mean that you need to be able to adapt the work. If you’re subcontracting bespoke work, this can add time and expense. With SmartBench changes are simple. They can be easily sent directly to the machine via WiFi or USB. SmartBench allows you to cut accurately and quickly, straight from the designs.

Portable: Work can be produced in situ on site. Another unique feature is that SmartBench CNC fits into a large car or van, meaning it can be taken to the property where a single person can set it up, ready to run in 3 minutes. Of course, this also means it can be quickly dismantled and stowed away when not in use to free up valuable floor space.

Efficient: SmartBench can increase efficiency. Whether complex or simple, once a project is loaded and set in motion, SmartBench can be left to its own devices to perform, freeing you up to work on other tasks, increasing productivity. CNC reduces wastage as you can optimise your cuts giving greater utilisation from sheets of material.

Creative: SmartBench is perfect for multi-material projects including softwood and hardwood, timber based composite boards, composite work surfaces, Corian, Polycarbonate, Acrylic and other forms of plastic, plus sheet aluminium. Three dimensional 3D relief carving, lettering and similar design work can be achieved as well as flat stock cutting and profiling.

Simple: Smartbench is simple to use – with no CNC experience needed at all. An icon driven touchscreen interface is provided to set up and control the parameters for an easy to use experience, minimising the learning curve required to begin simple or more complex projects. A number of industry-standard file types can be used to feed Smartbench, but easy-to-use V Carve Pro Software can be included as a package.

Technically Impressive: Accurate, Fast, Versatile.

Accurate: The router head has an 1100 watt variable speed motor for working different materials and has precision that offers accuracy of +/-0.5mm (0.019’’) or better over a 2.5m distance.

This maximises the SmartBench’s potential for any project; from identical components to complex interlocking constructions, this accuracy ensures professional, repeatable results every time.

The three way ‘X,Y,Z’ axis allows stock up to 2500mm x 1250mm to be worked so standard sheet materials are well within its capabilities and with a 150mm depth capacity, depth is impressive.

Fast: The SmartBench is also fast with a maximum ‘X,Y’ speed of 6 meters per minute and a ‘Z’ axis speed of 2 metres per minute - so even the most complex project can be swiftly achieved.

Left: Layering artwork can create detailed 3D sculptures (Image courtesy of Darren Young)

Creating bespoke interior fittings and cabinetry

Versatile: The Trend SmartBench offers huge potential to any renovator, designer, woodworker, designer, furniture maker and beyond, with quick and easy assembly, superb capacities and capabilities, it’s ideal for building bespoke furniture, specialised panelling, carving, infills, signage and unique, signature designs that set your work apart.

Want to know more?

The Trend CNC team are now running live on-line demonstrations. In about an hour, they are able demonstrate the machine and the software, setting up and packing away and showing what it’s truly capable of.

Interior fixtures such as bespoke radiator covers are quick and simple

The Trend SmartBench is available from selected Trend Stockists or via www.trend-uk.com

More info can be found and introduction sessions can be booked on line at www.trend-uk.com/smartbench or by phone 01923 249911

The Trend Yeti CNC SmartBench prices start from £4695+VAT and packages are available which include software and dust extraction.

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Over the weeks since lockdown it has been amazing to see what people can use CNC for… from fitting out van interiors, making signage, bespoke furniture, crafts, to making PPE

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People On The Move MISSION ACCOMPLISHED AS BUSINESSMAN RESTORES WW1 MEMORIAL A patriotic businessman’s painstaking, two year quest to restore a World War One Memorial in Leicestershire to its former glory has finally been achieved – fittingly on Remembrance Day!

Months of research and enquiries resulted in the discovery that the Memorial had originally been erected in memory of 380 members of the now defunct Natsopa printers’ union, who were killed in WW1.

drian Burr, chairman of award-winning developers Springbourne Homes, marked the occasion with a small, socially distanced service to lay a wreath and observe a two minute’s silence at the newly refurbished Memorial in Wellsborough, near Market Bosworth.

Further investigations subsequently uncovered all the names of the men who had died in the conflict between 1914-18, which will now be honoured and recorded at the Memorial Peace Garden.

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It was the fulfilment of his promise to renovate and relocate the historic Memorial into a new Peace Garden alongside the firm’s prestigious Hornsey Rise development in Bosworth Road.

Burr explained: “I first found the Memorial in a sorry and neglected state in the overgrown and neglected grounds of a former care home in Wellsborough, which I’d bought to re-develop into a site for new homes.

“It had been damaged and desecrated with heartless thieves having stolen the brass plaque

which commemorated the war heroes who’d made the ultimate sacrifice. I was disgusted by that and was determined to do the right thing by totally restoring the Memorial and then give it pride of place in a new Peace Garden to ensure those heroes would never be forgotten.”

Burr, whose thriving business is based in Market Bosworth, immediately launched a nationwide search to find out more about the Memorial and the brave men to whom it had been dedicated.

He appeared on BBC TV and Radio, and in numerous newspaper articles, to broadcast his appeal for information as far and wide as possible.

The Springbourne boss also commissioned leading, Leicestershire historian Nigel Palmer and top journalist Robert Beasley to join the hunt for information.

Burr added: “As soon as we had the information it was full steam ahead to try and make this happen in time for an inaugural commemoration service on November 11th. I’m delighted we succeeded and it was certainly an emotional and moving moment as we gathered in the garden to lay a wreath and observe a two minute’s silence at 11am on the eleventh of the eleventh.

“We had originally planned a much bigger and grander event to mark the occasion but unfortunately Covid-19 and lockdown prevented that, although those restrictions actually made this inaugural event feel all the more personal and poignant for the Springbourne team.”

Those feelings were heightened as Burr read out the emotive “For the Fallen” poem by Robert Laurence Binyon, which includes the famous lines “At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.”

The resplendent Memorial stands alongside Bosworth Road at the end of a newlyconstructed pathway which cuts through an avenue of trees and leads to the Peace Garden.

The enclosed Garden, which is open to the public, can also be entered through a set of custom-built, wrought iron gates bearing the inscription “Lest We Forget” which the Springbourne chairman also commissioned.

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A special QR code will be displayed in the Garden allowing visitors to access the full history of the memorial, the names of the fallen and the long, regal history of the Hornsey Rise site.

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People On The Move ELECTRICIAN REANNA GETS FIRST STEP ON CONSTRUCTION LADDER THANKS TO ENGIE An aspiring electrician has been given the opportunity to get her first taste of the world of construction thanks to leading energy, services, and regeneration company ENGIE.

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eanna Wilson is currently studying to become an electrician at Sunderland College and has been given the opportunity to put her training into practice on one of ENGIE’s newest developments.

The 18-year-old will be joining the site team at the Keelman Rise development in Downhill, Sunderland, on a long-term placement until summer 2021, where she’ll be supporting the development of 56 new-build houses and bungalows.

The project is being constructed by ENGIE for housing association Gentoo, who will also be supporting Reanna’s development throughout the year.

Her placement is part of a pilot for the upcoming ‘T-Level’ courses – recently launched by the government and due to start in 2021 – which places students with employers like ENGIE for one or two days a week, to gain work experience whilst studying.

Throughout her time at Keelman Rise, Reanna will be supported by both the site team and BA Electrical Contractors which will be helping her gain valuable experience as she looks towards pursuing a full-time career in the construction industry.

She said: “I was buzzing when I got the placement with ENGIE! I was really excited to be able to work on site and get the experience. It’s absolutely crucial because if you don’t have the experience, it makes it a lot harder to progress.

I’m really excited to get going. I’m doing electrical engineering at college. It’s something I’ve liked from the start and it’s something I’m really interested in and I can really see myself progressing a career as an electrician.”

“I am also pleased that we at ENGIE are helping more women get into the construction industry through opportunities like the one Reanna is pursuing. Our objective is to show that there are no barriers for anyone wanting to pursue a career in the industry.”

we are committed to supporting our students to get career ready and develop the technical and work based skills which employers are looking for.

Meaningful industry work placements give our students both the edge in the jobs market and an exciting insight into their potential future careers.

Joanne Gordon, Development Director at Gentoo Group, said: “As an organisation rooted in Sunderland we’re delighted to be able to support a local student like Reanna’s training and development through both hands-on working opportunities and off-site training thanks to our exciting new affordable development site. It’s an absolute priority for us to give something back to local communities through our developments in the city and as a predominantly female affordable homes team here at Gentoo we’re especially excited that by supporting Reanna we can also help change the face of construction by supporting career progression of a women in the sector.”

“The new T-Level qualifications offer students the knowledge and experience required for skilled employment, further study or higher apprenticeships, while the industry placements provide real life, hands on industry experience allowing learners to put into practice the skills developed in college and make a meaningful contribution to employers.”

Victoria Moyse, Senior Employment Team Manager at Education Partnership North East, said: “We are so proud of Reanna and delighted to have had the opportunity to partner with Engie on co-ordinating this amazing industry placement. At Education Partnership North East,

“At Education Partnership North East, we are committed to supporting our students to get career ready and develop the technical and work based skills which employers are looking for. Meaningful industry work placements give our students both the edge in the jobs market and an exciting insight into their potential future careers.”

Her placement, and the experience it brings, is a key part of ENGIE’s programme of encouraging women into construction which gives opportunities for women to learn more about the industry through talks and organised events, as well as programmes of work placements like Reanna’s.

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Amy Porter, CSR Manager at ENGIE, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Reanna in her training by giving her the opportunity to get real, hands-on, experience at one of our newest developments. What she’ll learn by being part of the team, and learning from her colleagues, will be invaluable to her in the future.

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SCHOOL IS NOW IN SESSION! CHAMELEON GOES ‘BACK TO SCHOOL’ WITH LATEST INTERIOR DESIGN TRANSFORMATION Chameleon Business Interiors – the interior design, fit-out and furnishing specialist – has transformed a 19th century building at Hull’s oldest independent school - Hymers College – balancing contemporary and classic design to create a fresh, welcoming new space.

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he sixth form common room, headmaster’s office and reception area with accompanying offices were in need of a significant refresh, so Hymers enlisted Chameleon to provide full design, fit-out, refurbishment and furniture services.

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Fiona Thornham, interior designer at Chameleon said: “The spaces just weren’t appealing, they were looking

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The sixth form space has seen the biggest transformation and looks absolutely fantastic. There’s now a contemporary kitchen area with vibrant tiles and a high bench area – perfect for students to gather at lunch or break times.

a little tired and needed a new lease of life – so that’s exactly what they’ve been given! We’ve worked hard to create a bright, modern feel, celebrating the heritage and character of the Grade II listed building while also bringing in comfortable, practical and aesthetically pleasing elements that ‘lift’ the spaces.

“The sixth form space has seen the biggest transformation and looks absolutely fantastic. There’s now a contemporary kitchen area with vibrant tiles and a high bench area – perfect for students to gather at lunch or break times. We’ve broken up the space with a variety of workspaces and collaboration areas, as well as a selection of different industrial-inspired lighting designs, flooring and partitions. This has added real dimension to the space and makes it feel really young and modern.

“We incorporated screening to breakdown the space but also maintain visibility. Additional power points were added to provide the extra space needed to charge students’ all-important devices – such as mobile phones, iPads and laptops.”

“We started the project in July, so were careful to negotiate all that lockdown threw our way! But we always design for people first, keeping ‘proxemics’ in mind at every step of the process. So all of our decisions are made to create timeless spaces that ‘work’ whenever they’re developed – whether that’s pre, mid or post-pandemic!

We’re incredibly pleased with the outcome.

Students will be wanting to stay at school for longer!”

Justin Stanley, headmaster of Hymers said: “The students were blown away when they first saw the new common room. It’s been completely transformed and we’re delighted with the new look. My new office and the revitalised reception area now feel refreshed and fit for purpose, as we reopen for a new academic year.”

Chameleon has been designing and creating people-inspired workspaces for over 20 years. For more information visit: chameleon-business-interiors.co.uk.

Shackerley’s SureClad® Brings Quality and Variety to Grand Central Square Leicester Constructed by Morgan Sindall, Charles Street Buildings’ Great Central Square development in Leicester is a mixed used scheme comprising two hotels, prestigious office accommodation and a leisure destination, all set within pedestrianised public realm improvements.

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hackerley’s SureClad® Ceramic Granite ventilated façade system enabled Charles Street Buildings to specify various colourways and finishes for the two hotels and the office development from a single supplier.

A Site with Significance The development’s 100-room Adagio Apart Hotel sits side by side with a 152-room Novotel, and the choice of Shackerley’s SureClad® Ceramic Granite as the façade system helps to differentiate the two hotels while offering consistency of quality and materiality.

The design for both hotel buildings was delivered by architects, Leach Rhodes Walker, who had previously specified Shackerley’s SureClad® Ceramic Granite system for a number of hotel projects.

“The site visits to Italy and Shackerley’s headquarters in Lancashire provided us with reassurance in a quality product and a reliable supply chain. Using a system that was fabricated in the UK was a big plus for us and the specification process gave us confidence that Shackerley’s SureClad® system would provide buildability, aesthetics and durability benefits, along with a smooth-running programme.”

Gary Darby from Leach Rhodes Walker explains: “We needed a façade system that would offer a stone-like appearance, while offering a cost-effective solution for the lifespan of the assets. With its durability and low maintenance credentials, Shackerley’s SureClad® system was ideal.”

An impervious material that will not be damaged by the effects of freeze/thaw conditions, Shackerley’s Ceramic Granite is resistant to both graffiti and algae growth, which reduces the need for routine cleaning and maintenance. The SureClad® Ceramic Granite system’s resistance to discolouration due to U/V or pollution will also help the façades retain their high-quality appearance over time, and the system is also certified as an A1 noncombustible material to BS EN 13501-1.

Meticulous Specification Shackerley’s SureClad® Ceramic Granite system was specified in a mid-grey ‘Riven’ colourway with a natural finish for the Novotel building and a ‘Travertine’ honed beige colourway for the Adagio apart hotel.

Richard Frape, Project Director at Morgan Sindall Comments: “The scope of the SureClad® system allowed the client to select from a vast palette of materials, whilst detailing was standardised throughout.”

Shackerley’s SureClad® Ceramic Granite system also offered buildability advantages, enabling a lighter structural frame for the building and answered local planning requirements for a high-quality building for such a prominent location.

Gretta Murphy from Charles Street Buildings explains: “We were looking for a façade system that articulated quality but

As part of the specification process, Shackerley provided fully-mounted samples to enable the client and project team to experience the SureClad® system in combination with the company’s Queens Award winning Access support system. The project team also visited Shackerley’s ISO 9001 accredited production facility in Lancashire and material supplier in Italy before making a final decision.

Gretta Murphy adds: “The façade is the first thing a visitor sees when arriving at a development so it’s important to get it right. The site visits to Italy and Shackerley’s headquarters in Lancashire provided us with reassurance in a quality product and a reliable supply chain. Using a system that was fabricated in the UK was a big plus for us and the specification process gave us confidence that Shackerley’s SureClad® system would provide buildability, aesthetics and durability benefits, along with a smooth-running programme.”

www.shackerley.com Tel: 01257 273114

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Charles Street Buildings and Morgan Sindall, also took an active role in selecting the façade material.

also answered our cost requirements for the project. Leach Rhodes Walker suggested a number of options and we invested time in researching the product. We were also looking for quality and consistency of product and the level of service and technical support the supplier could offer us.”

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Project News EXCITEMENT BUILDS AS LANDMARK CONSTRUCTION WORKS ARE COMPLETED AT NOTTINGHAM CASTLE Nottingham Castle is a step closer to becoming a worldclass visitor destination and heritage site following the completion of major improvement works. As part of the £30m transformation of Nottingham Castle - specialist restoration works and a brand-new visitors centre has now been handed over by Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson.

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unded by the National Lottery through the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF), D2N2, Nottingham Castle Trust and Nottingham City Council, the works involved an extension to the Ducal Palace, significant mechanical and electrical works, specialist restoration, improved access to the underground cave network and the construction of the new visitors centre.

The completion of the construction phase of the overall transformation, is a significant landmark and keeps the project on track for the castle to re-open early next year.

The improved destination is expected to attract more than 400,000 visitors a year, celebrating the last 1,000 years of Nottingham’s heritage.

The regional contractor, G F Tomlinson, was appointed by project lead, Nottingham City Council, due to its established history of delivering heritage sector projects across the region.

“After two years, we are incredibly proud and honoured to be handing over this project which has been a big part of our lives. It has brought much joy to our hardworking team to provide works for such a pivotal, historic landmark site – promoting and enhancing the rich heritage of Nottingham.”

Preservation of the site was paramount throughout the project, and one of the key and most complex elements of the build was work to the Grade I listed Ducal Palace, which will house the new Robin Hood and Rebellion galleries, telling stories of the city’s legendary outlaw.

Working closely with Historic England, stonework and lime plaster restoration was undertaken to bring the building back to its former glory. A particular focus of the sensitive restoration was ensuring repairs remained in line with the heritage of the original building.

Externally the Ducal Palace, which dates back to the 1660s, with the museum opening in the 1870s, now benefits from extensive roof repairs including the refurbishment of roof tiles and the addition of new slate, roof lights and lead gutters.

The scaffolding and temporary roof required to safely carry out the restoration works was designed to be free standing, with the structure ballasted with water butts, ensuring the scaffolding didn’t touch the building preventing damage to the masonry.

New to the site is the contemporary visitors centre, which will house the ticketing office and café with an outdoor seating area. This was constructed using a steel frame and timber core insulated walls, with the external oak cladding chosen due to its association with Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest.

For future tours, access to the caves within the castle rock has also been improved with new

handrails and lighting for increased safety and accessibility.

The history and heritage of the site, which dates back to Norman times, meant any excavations had to be carefully considered. Extensive surveys were carried out to ensure areas of archaeological interest were identified, and the unique archaeology of the site was preserved, recorded and protected.

Whilst on site, G F Tomlinson recycled 97% of its construction waste, contributing positively to the local environment and the climate change agenda. The contractor also provided many opportunities for local people including 27,000 hours of employment, training and social value initiatives.

Further opportunities included local school and college site tours, graduate work experience placements, apprenticeships and employment opportunities, alongside support for local charity Framework - which focuses on housing, health, employment, support and care for people across the Midlands.

Nottingham Castle is set to open to the public in early 2021, once all internal fit-out works including state of the art digital installations in the Robin Hood and Rebellion Galleries, and landscaping of the grounds including a new play area are complete.

Chris Flint, director and general manager for G F Tomlinson, said: “After two years, we are incredibly proud and honoured to be handing over this project which has been a big part of our lives. It has brought much joy to our hardworking team to provide works for such a pivotal, historic landmark site – promoting and enhancing the rich heritage of Nottingham.

“Whilst on site, we’ve been able to offer some amazing opportunities for people in the local vicinity and we are proud to have provided over 27,000 hours in social value initiatives. 97% of local labour was also sourced within 40 miles of site, with many Nottingham SMEs employed, including scaffolding company, Empire Scaffolding and mechanical and electrical specialist, Amptron.

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“I’d like to thank the entire project team, which includes the core G F Tomlinson team and our supply chain of specialist contractors. Despite the challenges that 2020 has presented with the COVID-19 pandemic, the project team has shown ambition and adaptability, quickly adhering to the government health and safety procedures implemented onsite.

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“This is a flagship project for any contractor, particularly a regional SME like ourselves, and we are pleased that it will be a part of our legacy for many years to come.”

Nottingham City Council Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Dave Trimble said: “The completion of this part of the castle works on such a historic site and despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and periods of adverse weather is a big achievement.

Project News “The completion of this part of the castle works on such a historic site and despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and periods of adverse weather is a big achievement. I’d like to thank G F Tomlinson for its commitment and dedication during the period they have been working for us on this project. The impact of these works will have a lasting impression on the city, bolstering tourism with the restoration of fascinating buildings which lie on an iconic cave network and the construction of the new visitor centre.”

“I’d like to thank G F Tomlinson for its commitment and dedication during the period they have been working for us on this project.

“The impact of these works will have a lasting impression on the city, bolstering tourism with the restoration of fascinating buildings which lie on an iconic cave network and the construction of the new visitor centre.

“We are now well on track for completing the final redevelopment work including brand new digital installations featuring Robin Hood and Rebellion as the excitement builds towards the castle reopening early next year.”

G F Tomlinson worked alongside Purcell as lead designer, Mace Group as project manager and Gleeds as quantity surveyor. Other specialist contractors within the supply chain include Messenger, Martin Brooks, Trent and Peak Archaeology, Amptron, Standard Patent Glazing, Jericho Joinery, Van Elle, MJ Robinson, Cantifix and Diomet.

WORKS COMPLETE ON PHASE TWO OF £3.9M KING EDWARD VI SCHOOL RENOVATION Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has completed the latest phase of works on the expansion and renovation of King Edward VI School in Lichfield, Staffordshire.

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omprising two phases of works led

by G F Tomlinson for Staffordshire County Council under the Staffordshire Construction framework, the project involves the delivery of a new extension to an existing building, as well as the construction of a new modular building to provide essential replacement teaching spaces at the co-educational comprehensive for pupils aged 11 to 18.

Phase one, which is progressing well, is expected to be complete in spring 2021, and involves the construction of a new threestorey extension on the site of a former swimming pool, which has been closed for over ten years.

The extension will provide the school with enhanced teaching and auxiliary spaces, as well as an administration area on the lower ground floor, which will be the location of the school’s new student services area.

Phase two started in spring this year and is now complete - works involved the demolition of the existing accommodation buildings, replacing them with a brand new standalone modern modular structure to provide enhanced science laboratory teaching facilities.

This is the second contract secured by G F Tomlinson through the Staffordshire Construction framework for Staffordshire County Council, led by Entrust Property Services, and follows the successful delivery of the £5.2m Poppyfields Primary School in Cannock last summer, as part of a major housing development in the area.

Building on a winning collaboration following Poppyfields Primary School, G

F Tomlinson once again appointed Arc Partnership to provide architectural and engineering services for works at King Edward VI School. Ideal Modular, part of G F Tomlinson’s existing supply chain, was also appointed to deliver the modular element of this project.

During the course of the construction works, G F Tomlinson has been looking to engage with both staff and students at the school.

Once COVID-19 guidelines allow, the site management team will perform virtual live site tours for the school to report project progress and allow them to raise any queries they have.

Chris Flint, director of G F Tomlinson, said: “We are pleased to have completed the latest phase of this project for our client Staffordshire County Council. The works are providing the school with a much-needed renovation, by removing older buildings and replacing them with brand new, optimised teaching spaces and facilities. These important changes to the school will maximise the space and have a positive impact on the overall experience of both the pupils and the staff.

“We continue to enjoy productive partnerships with Staffordshire County Council, Arc Partnership and Entrust Property Services, as well as all of our local supply chain partners on the framework, and look forward to seeing the next phase of the renovation at King Edward VI School progress over the coming months.”

County Councillor Jonathan Price, Cabinet Member for Education said: “Ensuring we can meet the needs of local parents and provide enough school places to accommodate increased demand is incredibly important.

Once finished, the work to King Edwards will enable the school to expand by 150 pupils by September 2021. It’s really good to see this stage of the construction completed, and it has already transformed the look of the school whilst creating extra space for staff and pupils.”

John Doherty, CEO of Entrust Support Services, said: “We are delighted to have project managed the construction of the new teaching facilities at King Edward VI School.

This has been a complex project which we are proud to have worked on alongside our partners G F Tomlinson, Staffordshire County Council and the school. We are confident these new spaces will support pupil’s learning for a long time to come.”

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Staffordshire County Council is leading this project, with project management from ENTRUST, G F Tomlinson acting as main contractors and Arc partnership acting as architect and structural engineer.

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HOW TO USE FLOORING TO ENHANCE INTERIOR SPACES Charles Taylor, sales director at Composite Prime, discusses how flooring can be used to enhance the look and feel of an interior space.

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ttractive and functional flooring can transform the visual appearance of an interior space. The overall look and feel of a room starts with its foundations and the chosen material is essential for creating a unique and personal design that remains in harmony with the rest of the home.

Selecting a material for high traffic areas can be challenging, especially if the areas are prone to water exposure, high footfall or UV damage; but choosing the correct material will ensure the flooring remains pristine years after use.

When selecting a suitable material for indoor flooring, the shade, texture and quality of the material should be considered; these elements will not only affect the appearance, but also the functionality of the room.

To achieve a sleek look, homeowners in the past have made the mistake of choosing materials that are often impractical. Solid wooden flooring has been a popular choice for decades, however it can be very expensive and prone to wear and tear.

When selecting a suitable material for indoor flooring, the shade, texture and quality of the material should be considered; these elements will not only affect the appearance, but also the functionality of the room.

The flooring material selected for a home needs to be suitable for its environment, not just in look and feel, but also in it’s durability.

This is especially true since lockdown began in March this year, people are now spending an increasing amount of time in their homes; looking to upgrade their interiors and achieve their dream space. Historically, flooring has not always been given the importance it deserves, but when it comes to designing interior spaces, the right flooring will make interiors stand out from the bottom upwards.

Room to room symmetry is key when looking to make the space look and feel larger. Looking for flooring that can be installed across an entire level of a home, can extend the area and give the house a greater sense of spaciousness.

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If there are dark furnishings in the room, consider using a lighter colour flooring, this will give it a more open and “natural feeling” making the space appear larger. There are a range of colours and finishes available to make full use of a space whilst also ensuring high quality and longevity. Textured 3D surfaces can also deliver the aesthetics of solid or engineered wood flooring and are suitable for kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms. Many tiles now come with an integrated UV layer to protect from fading and discoloration.

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Rugs are a great option for smaller rooms, if the right shape and size is chosen. One large rug in the centre of the room with floor space around it, will make the room appear much larger. A lightweight rug in a solid colour is an excellent choice for a small room.

Maintaining quality in look and usability is important when choosing a suitable material for flooring; waterproof credentials are important and will enable it to be used in damp spaces, without encouraging mildew or ‘blow’ unlike traditional wood flooring.

Also be careful to check the warranty on the product as this will ensure it is covered for many years to come; some products include up to a 25 year residential and 15 year commercial warranty.

Avoiding busy patterns on flooring will also open up an interior space; these often give a disturbing illusion of too much going on in a small floor area.

The same rule can be applied to tiles; there must be plenty of blank space to create the illusion that the room is larger than it is.

Rugs are a great option for smaller rooms, if the right shape and size is chosen. One large rug in the centre of the room with floor space around it, will make the room appear much larger. A lightweight rug in a solid colour is an excellent choice for a small room.

It is also useful to consider a material that provides easy installation; some flooring materials provide a drop-lock installation system and the ability to score the surface and easily snap each tile to cut, therefore eliminating the need for specialist tools. This allows the material to be cut to size and laid on top of any material, uneven surfaces and gradients; removing the need to detach pre-existing flooring and speeding up the fitting process further.

To find out more about Composite Prime or where to buy it’s flooring products, please visit https://www. composite-prime.com/compositeproduct/touchstone-flooring/

Specify CFA members and

Specifying a CFA member for your next flooring project could mean the difference between success — or a flooring failure. Most of the UK’s largest and best known Manufacturers, Distributors, Contractors and Consultants are CFA members — and for good reason.

• CFA members promote high standards, knowledge and expertise • Specifying CFA members will maximize your investment and minimize costly flooring failures • All members have to pass a vetting process

Image kindly supplied by Gerflor Ltd

Tel: 0115 941 1126

Image kindly supplied by Junkers Ltd

www.cfa.org.uk Email: info@cfa.org.uk

Image kindly supplied by Interface

BOSCH BITURBO CORDED TOOL POWER AND PERFORMANCE – WITHOUT THE CORD Trade professionals can work much more easily and efficiently without the inconvenience of power cords, but are cordless tools powerful enough for your more challenging tasks? Thanks to the BITURBO 18V range from Bosch Professional, the answer is yes.

BITURBO cordless technology is revolutionising the workplace with power and performance equal to that of mains-powered tools rated up to 1800W. BITURBO products can replace large angle grinders, saws and rotary hammers, for example, in jobs once thought to be beyond the reach of battery-powered equipment.

Bosch describes BITURBO as its most innovative and powerful range of 18V cordless power tools yet.

That’s really saying something, when you consider the reputation of its products to date. To understand the significance of this advance, and its benefits, let’s take a closer look at what BITURBO is, how it works and what it achieves.

Feel the Extreme BITURBO tools offer revolutionary performance levels that give the feeling of extreme power. As the name BITURBO suggests, they combine two key elements to turbocharge the user’s working life: a high-performance brushless motor and the highpowered Bosch ProCORE18V Professional Battery System. Importantly, these two parts are designed to work together in a way that maximises each other’s performance.

Brushless motors start with major advantages over traditional DC units, whose brushes generate friction and heat. This reduces energy efficiency and power, wears out the brushes – which then need to be regularly replaced – and ultimately damages the motor itself. A brushless motor is more efficient and powerful, gives a longer runtime per charge, needs virtually no maintenance and has up to twice the lifespan.

The BITURBO brushless motor boosts power even further by maximising airflow to reduce resistance, and using a high-strength neodymium magnet (the strongest commercially available) to provide the necessary magnetic field.

A New Dimension of Power To unleash the full potential of that motor, it is teamed with an 8Ah or 12Ah ProCORE18V battery.

These advanced batteries drive and maintain the higher levels of current needed for power-intensive applications. As well as extra power, they offer longer runtime and lifetime.

include Bosch connectivity modules, allowing functionality such as remote adjustment and data transmission, and most of them feature onboard interactive displays. There are also electronic safety systems, like Kickback Control. Some examples of the products are shown here.

Bosch GBH 18V-45 C Professional BITURBO Rotary Hammer

By the same token, the BITURBO motor’s qualities bring out the ProCORE18V battery’s full potential.

A tool powered by one ProCORE18V battery can perform equally to some competitors using two batteries – which add significantly to a tool’s overall size and weight. Highly compact size is yet another benefit of the ProCORE18V system.

ProCORE18V batteries feature Bosch Coolpack 2.0 technology, with intelligent heat management which maximises efficiency – for greater power and runtime – and prevents damage from overheating – for longer life.

Ultimate Performance.

Maximum Freedom.

Importantly, BITURBO tools and ProCORE18V batteries are part of the Bosch Professional 18V System, which ensures 100% compatibility. It means that any Bosch Professional 18V tool, battery or charger added to your collection since 2008 can be used with any other. There’s no need to buy and carry different batteries and chargers for each one.

It should be noted, however, that BITURBO tools and ProCORE18V will only give their absolute best when used together.

For highest charging performance, look for the Bosch GAL 18V-160 C Professional Charger – the world’s fastest 18V charger. With a 16A maximum current it will, for instance, charge an 8.0Ah ProcCORE18V battery from 0 to 80% in 32 minutes.

Its many convenient functions include Bluetooth connectivity, enabling battery checks and charging mode selection via smartphone.

Top-class, heavyduty all-rounder for concrete drilling and chiselling Bosch GKS 18V-68 GC Professional BITURBO Hand-held Circular Saw Quicker than a corded saw – blending top performance with great flexibility Bosch GKT 18V-52 GC Professional BITURBO Plunge Saw Outstandingly compact with superior mobility and performance Bosch GCM 18V-216 C Professional BITURBO Mitre Saw Corded power, compact size, classleading cutting depth and unmatched application range Bosch GWX 18V-15 SC Professional BITURBO Angle Grinder High performance and high specification including X-LOCK keyless accessorychange system

The BITURBO Range As you would expect from any Bosch Professional product, BITURBO tools are built to a high quality for professionals who take a pride in their work and their equipment. In addition to their exceptional power, they offer lightweight design for easy handling and control. Their high specifications

Of course, compared to normal products the BITURBO tools aren’t cheap – but they are costeffective. You will immediately save time and energy on every job, and in the longer term their extended tool and battery life will mean less spending on replacements. Visit https://www.bosch-professional. com/gb/en/biturbo/ to find out more, and watch out for new BITURBO product releases in the coming months.

WINTER WEATHER IS NO BOTHER WITH NORBORD We all know this year has been especially challenging for construction.

As the country battles to recover, Norbord is on hand to ensure the weather isn’t going to stop the nation’s resilient builders getting on with the task of producing new homes.

The CaberFloor range of panels can speed up the build process and cut down on the time spent cleaning up ready to hand the finish homes over at the end of the project.

Market-leading CaberDek has a tough, waterproof and slip-resistant film which protects the panels for up to 42 days from laying the flooring to fixing the roof when laid in accordance with fitting instructions using CaberFix Pro. The heavy-duty film protects against spilled paint and plaster and the effects of wet weather and muddy work boots.

When peeled off, the film reveals a clean surface ready for further floor covering.

For a panel with a permanent waterproof coating on both sides, CaberShieldPlus flooring is BBA-approved for 60 days’ exposure to the weather when used with CaberFix D4 adhesive. The tough, non-slip coating on the upper side provides a safe non-slip working platform even during wet weather, while the smooth coating on the underside makes the panels easy to slide into place.

As the winter temperatures continue to fall, CaberFix Pro can be use in temperatures as low as 8˚C while CaberFix X-Treme Tape works in extreme temperatures as low as -21°C. X-Treme tape can be applied in the same way as CaberFix Tape – applying it over the joints of CaberDek film and over the boards’ exposed edges on the perimeter to create a waterproof chipboard floor deck.

CaberFix X-Treme tape contains a super strong acrylic adhesive that has a high initial tack and will not crack in extreme weather conditions, keeping the board waterproof. Though it does not bond to ice, X-Treme Tape bonds well in damp conditions, displacing water, and its scruffresistant properties mean it won’t lift with foot traffic.

To find out more about Norbord’s products for housebuilders, get in touch with Dan Clarke – email daniel.clarke@norbord.net or download product brochures from the housebuilder page of the Norbord website https://www.norbord.co.uk/housebuilders/.

25/11/2020 14:48:15 PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2021 IS ANNOUNCED AS TWO COLOURS – ULTIMATE GREY AND ILLUMINATING YELLOW

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The Pantone colour of the Year 2021 is announced as two shades, Ultimate Grey and Illuminating, a vibrant yellow, described by experts as “a marriage of colour conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting.”

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very year the leaders in colour announce a shade predicted to be the next big thing in the world of interiors, this year breaking the mould by choosing two colours as a colour partnership.

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The releasing of two shades has been done only once before, back in 2016 when Rose Quarts and Serenity were chosen as Pantone Colour of the Year, however as we move into the new year the

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sentiment of a combination of shades is perhaps more important than ever.

The shades are both ideal for decorating, the cheerful and vivacious yellow shade of Illuminating brings positivity and happiness, and the resilient undertones of Ultimate Grey are quietly assuring and safe, a shade many interior fans will have already embraced into their homes.

Safe. Simple. Durable.

Non combustible aluminium decking.

Designed as a complete decking system for balconies, roof terraces and walkways.

Designed for everyday living.

Adek is a lightweight, A2FL S1 fire rated aluminium decking system which has been designed with the practicalities of everyday living in mind. The clean lines, sleek appearance and concealed fixings reflect trends in modern building design.

a-dek.co.uk An Epwin Group design.