Refurb Renovation News - End of Year Review Edition 2023

End of Year Review 2023

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BIO-BASED INSULATION HITS THE SWEET SPOT

”HOUSE OF COLOUR” – Grade II Listed Townhouse

How to get the best out of each room in your house

Cedral launches The Cedral Collections

ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP CHAMPIONS FIRE DOOR INSPECTIONS

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REDROW ONBOARDS NEW GRADUATES, BOOSTS

24 THE CEDRAL COLLECTIONS

JEWSON LAUNCHES MAKING BETTER HOMES AWARDS

26 THROUGH WINTER - AND AVOID COSTLY ISSUES

SPARCSTUDIO CELEBRATES THE OPENING

28 A MATTER OF COMPLIANCE

JTP ANNOUNCES MULTI-MILLION

30 GRADE II LISTED TOWNHOUSE

ROOFING APPRENTICES RETURN FROM

32 STAIRCASE IN YOUR RENOVATION

DEVELOP UNVEILS ITS DERBY TRAINING CENTRE

34 BEST OUT OF EACH ROOM IN YOUR HOUSE

MAJOR WORK UNDERWAY TO RESTORE

38 CHAMPIONS FIRE DOOR INSPECTIONS

GIVING FLOORING A

40 RESIDENTIAL LIFE WITH SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE

£5 MILLION GRANT TO SPEED UP THE

42 WITH INTERNATIONAL TIMBER

04 TALENT PIPELINE IN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

05 CELEBRATING INDUSTRY’S SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPIONS

08 OF AQUA SANA ELVEDEN FOREST

11 POUND EXPANSION

13 VOCATIONAL TRIP OF A LIFETIME

14 FOLLOWING A £500K REFURBISHMENT

18 19TH CENTURY WAKEFIELD TEXTILE MILL

20 SUSTAINABLE FOUNDATION

HOW TO KEEP YOUR PROPERTY PERFECT

CONDENSATION & MOULD:

”HOUSE OF COLOUR”

HOW TO CREATE A MODERN, CLASSIC

OPTIMISE YOUR DECOR: HOW TO GET THE

ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP

PRIVATE FORESTED HOME HARMONISES

22 SWITCH TO NET ZERO BUILDINGS

Contents Lapthorn Media Ltd

CEDRAL LAUNCHES

AVOID COSTLY CALLBACKS

End of Year Review 2023

Editor Maria Lapthorn editor@rrnews.co.uk

Circulation Manager Leo Phillips subs@rrnews.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Anna Startin editorial@rrnews.co.uk

Accounts Richard Lapthorn accountsdept@rrnews.co.uk

CT12 6PB

Sales Assistant Jane Parker jane@rrnews.co.uk

Publishing Director Paul Attwood paul@rrnews.co.uk

Tel: 01843 808 102

Designer Laura Whitehead laura@rrnews.co.uk

www.rrnews.co.uk

5-7 Ozengell Place Eurokent Business Park Ramsgate Kent

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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.

Company News REDROW ONBOARDS NEW GRADUATES, BOOSTS TALENT PIPELINE IN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR Leading premium housebuilder Redrow has welcomed 13 graduates to its 2023 Graduate Development Programme, helping to develop and futureproof talent in the property sector.

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ith around 15% of its overall workforce as trainees, each year Redrow employs graduates from across the UK, as they continue to inspire the next generation into housebuilding and help bridge the skills-gap. The two-year Graduate Development Programme nurtures leadership capabilities and the skills needed to build a successful career in construction.

Peter Kucins-cann, became interested in housebuilding when he was a painter and decorator and joined Redrow’s programme this year after attending the University of Lancashire. He explains: “I knew that Redrow was a well-established housebuilder with many career progression opportunities. So, when the opportunity came, I knew that it was the right one for me.”

ONDULINE LAUNCHES NEW RIBA ACCREDITED CPD Onduline, the lightweight roofing systems and water-proofing specialist, has launched a new RIBA accredited CPD to give architects and building professionals a greater understanding of the benefits low pitched roofs and sub-roof systems can offer.

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nderstanding low pitched roofs and the benefits of sub-roof systems’ is the latest addition to Onduline’s extensive training programme and provides an overview of the importance of roof pitches and how to ensure the right pitch for a building.

Following the tighter restrictions that came into force within roofing with the launch of BS 5534, the training session will also offer participants a guide to the latest standards and regulations architects and building professionals must meet when specifying or installing a roofing system.

Available face-to-face or as an online seminar, the CPD course aims to help delegates understand why roof pitches differ, the pros and cons of different roof pitches, when to use a different roof pitch, the benefits of a low pitch roof, as well as an overview of what a sub-roof system is and when to use it.

Ardit Strica, Technical Manager at Onduline, said: “We are thrilled to introduce our new RIBA approved CPD, which reflects our commitment to providing architects and building professionals with a broad overview of the issues and solutions available when it comes to roofing systems.

This training course provides them with a great opportunity to gain detailed insights, enhance their projects, and ultimately deliver better results for their clients.”

To register for the ‘Understanding low pitched roofs and the benefits of sub-roof systems’ CPD, or to view Onduline’s wider training programme, please visit http://www.onduline.co.uk/cpd

Peter is one of the graduates participating in the Divisional Graduate Development Programme.

During their first year, the cohort will rotate around every area of the business, allowing them to discover their strengths and where their interests lie. Whether completing a land appraisal, selling a home, or reviewing a technical drawing, graduates are immersed in diverse experiences before deciding what they would like to specialise in for their final year. Graduates can also join the Construction based programme which gives them the opportunity to work on a Redrow development site overseeing the physical build process of homes.

Peter continues: “I’ve already visited a number of Redrow sites in Lancashire, attended various meetings and been given tasks from the commercial department to complete, which has given me great insight into how everyone works together.”

Helping to bolster the industry with new talent, the programme gives graduates like Peter a breadth of valuable experience while providing mentorship by some of the most experienced and knowledgeable people in housebuilding.

Development workshops also support graduates to hone their soft and professional skills.

Karen Jones, Redrow’s HR Director, explains: “In order to tackle the UK’s housing shortage, it is necessary that we address the industry’s recruitment challenges and develop talent early on. Redrow’s Graduate Development Programme provides a pipeline of highly skilled and experienced people who will lead the industry into the future.

In fact, many of our former graduates are now working as directors across the business.”

The Graduate Development Programme is part of Redrow’s ongoing commitment to developing colleagues at every stage of their career. All colleagues across the business have the opportunity to improve their skills and grow their careers through a wide range of training programmes.

For more information about Redrow’s career opportunities, please visit: www.redrowplc. co.uk/careers/early-careers/graduates/

Company News

RECTICEL’S EUROTHANE® GP AMONG FIRST BUILDING PRODUCTS TO BE CCPI VERIFIED

By Paul Simpson, Commercial Director UK & Ireland

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ecticel Insulation is delighted to announce that its Eurothane® GP PIR board has become one of the first UK construction products to receive Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) accreditation.

is accurate, up-to-date, clear, accessible and unambiguous. This information is crucial in assisting customers to make more informed decisions in respect of product specification. It will also help improve building standards due to products being used safely and appropriately.

The verification helps product users to be assured data associated with Eurothane® GP

Paul Simpson, Commercial Director UK & Ireland at Recticel said: “The CCPI accreditation for our product set is extremely good news.

“We have long been advocates for more clarity with respect to building product information. It will have beneficial ramifications throughout the building supply chain and hopefully lead to more buildings being constructed as designed.”

Initiated by the Construction Products Association’s Marketing Integrity Group following industry-wide consultation, CCPI aligns with Dame Judith Hackitt’s call for a ‘golden thread’ of information as part of her post-Grenfell report into the fire safety of buildings.

Dame Judith addressed manufacturers including Recticel at a CCPI Assessment and Verification event held in London to highlight the first products to achieve Code accreditation.

“It was an honour to be invited to attend the CCPI Verification event along with other key stakeholders who share our commitment to higher building standards. CCPI accreditation should be the aim of all construction product manufacturers. It helps to support confidence in a product’s performance whilst providing users with access to verified, relevant knowledge to help them build better, safer and smarter.”

Suitable for multiple applications including floors, pitched roofs and timber framed walls, Eurothane® GP demonstrates a good thermal performance (0.022 W/mK). This, in conjunction with its lightweight, easy-handling properties, makes it an ideal solution for contractors, installers and end users.

JEWSON LAUNCHES MAKING BETTER HOMES AWARDS TO CELEBRATE INDUSTRY’S SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPIONS Jewson has launched the first ever Making Better Homes Awards, to recognise those in the industry who are working hard to create energy efficient, safe and comfortable homes.

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t comes as the builders’ merchant announces the finding of recent research that show millions of people are suffering from physical and mental health problems because of the quality of their home.

In the last 12 months, 55% of homeowners have experienced problems in their homes relating to poor indoor air quality or ventilation, including condensation (52%), mould in at least one room (26%), leaks (25%) and damaged walls (23%). Of these, more than two fifths (44%) said they’ve experienced a mixture of side effects and symptoms, from allergies, dry eyes and chest

infections, to poor sleep, low mood and difficulty concentrating.

Jewson undertook research with 2,031homeowners across the UK to ask them how their homes affected their health, comfort and wellbeing, and the home improvements they’re planning over the next 12 months. The statistics have been revealed to coincide with the launch of the Making Better Homes Awards, in which Jewson will recognise tradespeople, builders and installers across the country who’re playing a key role in making the UK’s housing stock higher quality, more comfortable, and more energy efficient.

“We know what a pivotal role the nation’s tradespeople, builders and installers have in improving the nation’s housing stock – whether through retrofit projects or building new homes. That’s why we’ve launched the Making Better Homes Awards, to recognise those who improve the day to day lives of their customers, as well as build properties that are sustainable and comfortable. There are three different categories to choose from, and we encourage anyone who’s playing a key role in this transformational period for UK housing to enter.”

The Making Better Homes Awards is open for entries now, and people can make submissions here. There are three categories – Best use of renewable energy in a project, Best building fabric in a project, and Best sustainable project of the year – with prizes available for shortlisted entrants and the national winners.

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Matthew Handley, Category Innovation Manager at Jewson, said: “There’s been an increased awareness on the dangers of mould, condensation and other issues relating to poor indoor air quality in the last 12 months due to shocking news stories that show why ventilation is such an important part of our homes. But poor indoor air quality is just one challenge our research highlighted.

“Homeowners are also struggling with keeping their homes cool in the summer, as many of us experienced with the recent heatwaves, and are worried about rising energy bills this winter.

These problems all impact people in terms of comfort, health and wellbeing, which is why it’s so important to build homes that are energy efficient and benefit people and the planet.

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People On The Move

SWIFT APPOINTS ANTHONY SANT AS JOINT MANAGING DIRECTOR Swift, the leading wholesale name in kitchen appliances, sinks, taps and accessories, has announced the appointment of Anthony Sant as Joint Managing Director.

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nthony joins Chris Honer, the current Managing Director, and Operations Director Sharon Honer, to form the new management team committed to driving Swift’s continued growth and innovation.

Anthony brings a wealth of experience and strategic acumen to Swift. He has previously held key roles at AO Group, AO Business, AO Recycling and WEEE Reuse it.

As the Managing Director of AO Business and Group Business Development Director at AO World, he was instrumental in the expansion of the company’s B2B proposition, achieving notable revenue and profitability growth.

His previous roles also included significant contributions to recycling and reuse initiatives.

Anthony Sant said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Swift team and look forward to working closely with Chris and Sharon to drive the company’s continued growth.

Swift has an outstanding reputation for customer service, quality and innovation, and I am excited to be contributing to its continued success.

Chris Honer said: “We welcome Anthony and look forward to leveraging his expertise in business development and his vision for growth are exactly what we need to expand our customer base and take advantage of market opportunities.”

The company has also recently restructured its sales team to adopt a stronger proactive account management and digital focus. This strategic shift will better align the company with the customer behaviours and needs.

The new management team at the Stoke-onTrent operation now consists of Chris Honer, focused on sales and marketing; Anthony Sant, overseeing strategy, IT, purchasing and finance; and Sharon Honer, who continues her role as Operations Director, with responsibility for customer experience, warehousing, and logistics.

PERMAROOF STRENGTHENS SALES TEAM WITH DOUBLE APPOINTMENT Leading supplier of specialist roofing products PermaRoof - part of PermaGroup - has continued its unstoppable growth securing two senior sales team hires.

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ick Coulson and Tracy Bray bring more than 50 years of combined experience to the sales team. Mick joins PermaRoof as area sales manager covering Yorkshire and the Northeast, and Tracy has been appointed as area sales manager taking over the South Wales and Southwest regions.

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Tracy started her career at 19 as an apprentice roof tiler and slater, and has since held numerous different roles within the construction industry over the course of 29 years, before making the switch to sales. Tracy also works as a part time fire fighter, a passion and commitment that PermaRoof has accommodated via flexible working hours – a large draw for this role that Tracy said stood out to her.

These appointments come after Duncan Kirkwood was announced as PermaGroup’s new managing director earlier this month with the aim of spearheading the company’s growth into new markets.

WITH YOU ALL THE WAY Whether you’re working with an architect and interior designer to create your dream home, or are planning a stylish conversion project, or require retrospective cover for a new build property, a structural warranty will give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your new abode to the fullest.

Advantage Home Construction Insurance, which has its headquarters in the North West and offices throughout the UK, is a leading provider of structural warranties and is trusted by individual self-builders and leading developers alike.

To discuss your requirements or to request a quote: Call us: 0845 900 3969 Email us: sales@ahci.co.uk or visit our website: www.ahci.co.uk

SPARCSTUDIO CELEBRATES THE OPENING OF AQUA SANA ELVEDEN FOREST Sparcstudio, an independent, creative design studio with a reputation for excellence in the spa, wellness, hotel and resort sectors has collaborated on one of the UK’s most highly anticipated spa refurbishments, Aqua Sana Elveden Forest.

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ollowing a £6.5 million investment and a large-scale re-development project, Aqua Sana Longleat Forest fully opened to guests in September 2023.

Sparcstudio worked alongside Center Parcs own spa experts to help create and design the new ‘Forest Spa’ concept for Center Parcs. This is the fourth ‘Forest Spa’ concept to launch, designed by the team.

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“As designers we welcome the opportunity to evolve the design with fresh new concepts and experiences which are unique to each site and give a ‘sense of place’,” says Neil Fairplay, Director, Sparcstudio.

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The spa, which has undergone the biggest refurbishment in Aqua Sana’s history, has completely transformed into a multi-sensory forest escape - inspired by natural environments, from volcanos and hot springs to forest glades and mineral caves.

Sparcstudio worked with the following key consultants and suppliers: ABS/Cocksedge – main contractor Town and Country - Joinery Spa 4 – Heat Cabins & thermal experiences Hans Grohe – Sanitaryware Porcelanosa – Tiles

Aqua Sana Elveden Forest boasts a large range of steam rooms and saunas, a heated outdoor pool, an ice cave and a selection of relaxation rooms. The spa has also introduced three new experiences, which are exclusive to Aqua Sana Elveden Forest – The Nest, Sole Therapy and Forest View.

“The concept behind the project was to create a forest inspired spa journey with each thermal forest zone inspired by different geological and geographical locations,” explains Neil Fairplay, Director, Sparcstudio. “For example, there is a cold Nordic Forest, Japanese Onsen inspired Hot Springs to the Volcanic Forest, all designed to encourage spa guests to enjoy a different experience each time they visit.”

The Nest sauna space reflects the forest canopy and the feeling of being in a nest. Surrounded by natural cedar wood, guests can recline on a body contoured lounger as they look out above the treetops at the natural woodland.

Continued >>>

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“One of the most unique features is The Nest, a bespoke designed panoramic sauna which has seven individual, semi reclined wooden loungers all orientated towards a large picture window providing first floor views across the forest,” says Fairplay.

The ground floor of the spa houses the majority of thermal experiences with Sole Therapy foot spa bathing at the entrance, a large outdoor ‘forest bathing’ pool in the central double height space which is open to the elements and access to the Hot Springs Garden, the Japanese tranquility garden with hot tubs, and Nordic Garden with Snug room. The first floor is focused on rest, mediation, sleep, relaxation and treetop views and vistas of the forest.

Inspired by Ashiyu Japanese foot baths, Sole Therapy includes freeflowing water to stimulate reflex zones on the bottom of the feet, which calms the body and prepares the mind for relaxation. Surrounded by natural daylight and natural forest sounds, it’s the perfect way to begin your spa journey. Forest View is an immersive spa experience, offering guests a unique journey for meditation as they observe a scene slowly transitioning through all four seasons of the year, while surrounded by aromatic scents of the woodlands.

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The spa is split across five ‘zones’ – Nordic Forest, Hot Springs, Volcanic Forest, Forest Immersion and Treetop

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The spa is split across five ‘zones’ – Nordic Forest, Hot Springs, Volcanic Forest, Forest Immersion and Treetop Nesting – each designed to improve mental and physical wellbeing, taking inspiration from the sights, sounds and scents of the natural world.

Nesting – each designed to improve mental and physical wellbeing, taking inspiration from the sights, sounds and scents of the natural world.

In addition to the transformation of the spa, Vitalé Café Bar has received a £1.2m investment to give it a complete redesign, bringing the outside in with decorative foliage large windows that allow in natural daylight while overlooking the woodland setting.

“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to work with Center Parcs again on such a transformational and creative project. We ‘opened up’ the original building so that the external gardens and forest spaces are visible from all angles and many of the thermal experiences. The Spa is now, very much ‘in the forest and of the forest’ and its impossible not to feel connected with the Forest.”

Neil Fairplay - Director – Sparcstudio

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JTP ANNOUNCES MULTI-MILLION POUND EXPANSION Innovative bathroom brand JTP will be introducing 200 new products to its portfolio in 2024, with plans to expand into a new 40,000 sq ft warehouse near to the brand’s current site in West London to include increased storage facilities, new offices and the brand’s first showroom.

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he multi-million pound project, which is set to be completed by October 2023, will be in addition to the previous premises offering three times the original warehouse space. The expansion will provide a larger storage facility for the new product ranges and better serve JTP’s valued customers by accommodating the increasing demand for its superior collection.

Within the new warehouse, JTP will also open its first ever showroom, offering residential and commercial customers the opportunity to view and experience the brand’s full product portfolio first hand. A spacious workspace will also be included within the renovation, providing a larger office for JTP’s growing team alongside multiple meeting rooms for their staff and customers.

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Commenting on the expansion, CEO of JTP Jeevan Seth commented: “It is an incredibly exciting time for the brand as we’ve achieved a 50% increase in turnover year on year in the last three years. This investment into our new infrastructure, for both our team and our customers, is a testament to our dedication for continuous improvement and innovation.

Our new warehouse facility will not only house our new product ranges but also create a more efficient area for our employees and a stunning new space for our customers to engage with our collections. We understand that our clients seek not only quality products but also an enjoyable and informative shopping experience, and this expansion is designed to fulfill those expectations.”

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Events & Awards News ASTRID ARNOLD CROWNED SCREWFIX TOP TRADESPERSON 2023 In one of the most hotly contested finals yet, Astrid Arnold, a Devon-based carpenter, was announced as the winner of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2023, proving herself as an exceptionally skilled tradesperson with a passion for helping others.

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strid, 48, was presented with the award – one of the industry’s most coveted titles – during Screwfix Live, held at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, on Friday 22 September.

The carpenter walks away with the prestigious title and ultimate trade bundle worth £20,000, consisting of £10,000 worth of tools, £5,000 worth of technology and £5,000 towards future training. Astrid wants to use this to further existing training programmes that her company, TouchWood South West, currently runs for disadvantaged women in her local community.

Taking part in the final against nine other highcalibre tradespeople from across the UK, Astrid faced a panel of esteemed industry experts, including representatives from Screwfix, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting, Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2022 winner, Toby Peacock, and renowned television presenter, journalist and tradesperson Roger Bisby – known for his popular YouTube channel Skill Builder.

Despite being up against the very best of the trade industry, Astrid was a stand-out winner, with her incredibly technical and stunning carpentry work, her focus on sustainability within her business, as well as her passion for supporting women with trade skills.

ADSA CHARITY GOLF DAY ‘BEST BY PAR’ A golf day organised by the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) turned out to be its ‘best by par’ raising approximately £3,500 for charity.

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he event, at Branston Golf and Country Club, Staffordshire, saw 28 teams - made up from 34 of ADSA’s members – battling to take the top spot.

Winners of the ADSA Cup were SDG Access, of Lincoln, who were delighted with their achievement – one member was so thrilled that he stood on his chair to enjoy a moment of celebration when the winning team was announced. Runners-up were new ADSA member Hephaestus Solutions (HSL), who played on home turf, based in nearby

Burton upon Trent. And in third place, were last year’s champions, Copperjax Contract Maintenance, from Kent.

Individual awards were presented for ‘nearest the pin’ on the 16th, 17th and 18th holes, longest drive on holes three and ten and a novelty putting competition on the practice green. Some of the holes were sponsored by ADSA’s corporate members.

The day started with a golfers’ breakfast prior to tee-off on an 18-hole championship

course and culminated with dinner at the Pavilion, attended by 140 people.

A raffle was held following dinner, with prizes including a round of golf at Enville Golf Course, a golf bag, a ‘pub in a box’, spirits, food hampers and gift vouchers.

All funds raised are being donated to ADSA’s chosen charities:

• Golf Fanatics – a charity that provides mobility equipment to young people

• Lighthouse Construction Charity • Changes, Tamworth ADSA MD Ken Price said: “The ADSA charity golf day is always a much anticipated date for the diary and this year, it was bigger and better than ever before.

“In the main, we were blessed with good weather and everyone had a great time.

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“One of the highlights of the event, was the raffle from which we managed to raise a serious amount of money for our chosen charities and we would sincerely like to thank members, suppliers and partners who generously donated prizes.”

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These included: BEA, Branston Golf and Country Club, Crucial Engineering, Door Industry Journal, Dormakaba, FAAC Entrance Solutions, GEZE UK, GFI, Horton Automatics, Insight Automation, Koru Media, L2 Media, Label UK, RTR Services and Tillymint Communications.

Events & Awards News

ROOFING APPRENTICES RETURN FROM VOCATIONAL TRIP OF A LIFETIME Two Leeds College of Building students have returned from an incredible experience after gaining places on an allexpenses-paid trip to northern Spain for three days.

VESTRE RECEIVES DOUBLE AWARDS FOR GROUNDBREAKING SUSTAINABILITY ACHIEVEMENTS The Norwegian urban furniture producer Vestre has always been a pioneer in investing in new technologies and materials to contribute to a more sustainable industry – and in the long run, a greener world.

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he Plus and Tellus - the world’s most environmentally friendly furniture factory and the world’s first furniture made from 100% fossil-free steel, respectively - are now being honored with two prestigious awards.

In June 2022, Vestre opened its new factory The Plus Color and Wood Factory in Magnor, Norway. Designed by leading architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group, the factory is the most environmentally friendly furniture factory in the world and is also Norway’s largest investment in the furniture industry in decades.

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he Roof Slating and Tiling apprentices travelled to the famous CUPA PIZARRAS quarries in Ponferrada to see first-hand where slate is excavated and manufactured for international distribution. The quarries are the largest tectonic natural slate reserves in the world.

Apprentices Andrew Addison (employed

by Historic England) and Sam Edwards (from Swadlincote Roofing) were selected for their exceptional standard of work and commitment to their training over the last academic year.

said: “This trip was an unbelievable opportunity for our apprentices to see the impressive infrastructure needed for production and distribution of natural slate from the world’s largest quarry.

“Thanks to CUPA for making us all feel extremely welcome. Everyone involved had a fantastic time. Learners and staff (including myself) took away valuable knowledge, along with an experience we will never forget.

Accompanied by Leeds College of Building roofing lecturer Dale Yates, the apprentices saw for themselves the production of slate on a massive scale at the world’s largest slate quarry. The students observed how stone is extracted from the ground, selected, and hand-split ready for transport to roofing markets around the world.

“It’s so rewarding to see apprentices benefit from inspiring experiences like this because of the College’s established partnerships. Many students never normally get opportunities like this, and they are truly life changing.

It’s great to recognise and reward the hard work of roofing apprentices and show them what opportunities are available out there in a global industry.”

The pair visited the on-site showroom, toured the immense quarry site, watched demonstrations, and tried out some of the difficult techniques themselves. Dale Yates, Roofing Lecturer at Leeds College of Building,

With more than 100 years of history, CUPA PIZARRAS is the world leader in the production and distribution of natural slate.

Today, 1 in every 2 slates installed in the world comes from CUPA PIZARRAS.

The trip was made possible by the College’s longstanding partner CUPA PIZARRAS, which supports the College’s Roof Slating and Tiling department and donates roofing supplies such as its natural slate range through Burton Roofing Merchants Ltd.

Last week, Vestre and The Plus received the honorary award »Architects’ Client of the Year« in the prestigious Iconic Awards: Innovative Architecture, organised by the German Design Council – the first neutral international architecture and design competition that focuses on how the disciplines interact. It acknowledges visionary architecture, innovative products, and sustainable communication from all fields of architecture, the construction and property sectors and the manufacturing industry.

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In the above-mentioned category, Iconic Awards: Innovative Architecture recognise outstanding achievements in promoting a holistic understanding of architecture by a commissioning company or institution in the private or public sector.

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Project News WARRINGTON COMMUNITY CENTRE GIVEN NEW LEASE OF LIFE Penketh Community Centre in Warrington has been given a new lease of life, after Facilities Management specialists Equans partnered with Warrington Borough Council to transform the space.

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he Centre is a hive of local activity, delivering a broad programme of events and activities and providing a safe space for people of all ages. The centre is an integral part of the community, and through Equans’ support it is now open for use.

Equans has a Facilities Management partnership with Warrington Borough Council, and has given a commitment to delivering 182 hours of volunteering per contract year.

As a responsible business, Equans encourages the supply chain to embrace Social Value activity and it was through this strong commitment that supply chain partners ADF Construction and Yesss Electrical also pledged their support to the project.

Across one week, 15 Equans volunteers were joined by supply chain partners and quickly began the works throughout the Community Centre hall, undertaking plaster repairs, painting, cleaning, fitting new electrics and much more. Having completed 242 hours of volunteering activity with £1900 also donated towards materials, the end product is a

revitalised space that has been restored to its former glory.

Kris Heap, Operations Manager at Equans, said: “It’s great to see Penketh Community Centre being shown the love it deserves, and Equans is delighted to have been a part of this regeneration. Penketh is a vital resource for the people of Warrington, and it’s great to see it open its doors once again.”

Barbara, Community Centre Health and Wellbeing Manager at WBC, said:

“I want to extend huge thanks to Equans for the remarkable effort of everybody to transform Penketh Community Centre.

The community centres are busy and meet the health, wellbeing and social needs of a wide range of our communities including some of our most vulnerable residents. They will be delighted by when they next attend our sessions at Penketh.”

DEVELOP UNVEILS ITS DERBY TRAINING CENTRE FOLLOWING A £500K REFURBISHMENT Develop, one of the UK’s leading accredited providers of compliance, technical, and safety training, has unveiled its new look training centre in Derby following an extensive refurbishment.

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he renovations to the centre were made possible by a £500k investment from Develop and its parent company JTL, to upgrade its classrooms with state-of-theart technology, as well as a full refurbishment of the centre’s offices.

The initial 16-week refurbishment project also involved modernising the centre’s communal spaces including the reception, café, toilets, and breakout areas. With phase one now complete, delegates can also look forward to phase two of the project, which will involve a full refurbishment of all the practical training facilities and additional classrooms due to further significant investment from Develop.

As a result, Develop can deliver more courses for local and nationwide businesses covering a range of compliance and safety training across a number of industries including construction, defence, facilities management, healthcare, telecommunication, and utilities.

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Located in the heart of Derby, the training centre benefits from close transport links to the M1 and A38, making it highly accessible for businesses across the region.

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Matthew Gray, Operations Manager at Develop, said: “We couldn’t be happier with the results of the refurbishment of our Derby centre so far, as we are now able to offer our delegates cutting-edge technology and facilities as a result of the upgrades. Looking ahead, we are excited to progress the project further when we start phase two. This is the second training centre we’ve upgraded this year and the investment made by Develop demonstrates our commitment to providing high-quality training to delegates and businesses delivered by our expert trainers.”

Project News CEREMONY MARKS THE START OF CONSTRUCTION WORKS ON WORLD-CLASS NOTTINGHAMSHIRE PLANETARIUM An official ground-breaking ceremony has taken place to celebrate the start of pivotal construction works for a stateof-the-art Science & Discovery Centre and Planetarium at Sherwood Observatory in Sutton-in-Ashfield.

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the existing structure into a unique and functional building.

ed by midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, and procured through SCAPE, one the UK’s leading procurement specialists, works on the centre began at the end of August and are due for completion autumn 2024.

an education centre for school and group visits. The development will breathe new life into the historic building, which will feature an exhibition hall, classrooms, a café, and meeting rooms, as well as a state-of-the-art planetarium.

By using SCAPE Construction, a direct award framework designed to drive collaboration, efficiency, time and cost savings, the client, Mansfield & Sutton Astronomical Society supported by Ashfield District Council, has accelerated the delivery of the scheme through early contractor involvement with G F Tomlinson.

The facility aims to inspire interest and careers in STEM learning with a wraparound experience, as well as an aspiration to increase annual footfall to the location from 3,000 up to 20,000.

The construction of the Planetarium and Science Discovery Centre at Sherwood Observatory is one of the 16 projects being funded by the £62.6million Towns Deal which was secured by the Council from the Government in 2021. This project is also benefiting from Levelling Up funding and grants from the Wolfson Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Foyle Foundation and National Lottery Heritage Fund. The scheme will also include solar panels, which are sponsored by Mansfield Building Society.

Works for the Science & Discovery centre include building a new structure above the reservoir to increase the useable space, keeping original and historical features such as intricate brick arches, while evolving

Representatives from G F Tomlinson, Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society and Ashfield District Council attended the ceremony at Sherwood Observatory, which was held on Friday 22 September.

The scheme involves the transformation of a disused underground Victorian reservoir into

UNDERSTANDING STERLINGOSB ZERO All West Fraser’s Oriented Strand Board (OSB) products are manufactured using selected fibres of timber that are laid in cross directional layers and mechanically pressed to form a structurally-engineered panel, designed for construction and other industrial applications.

OSB is viewed by many as the natural successor to plywood because it is more eco-friendly, is home produced and far more affordable, while it contains none of the voids or knots which have historically weakened plywood.

As the boards are essentially formed from individual strands of softwood, some may question their strength and durability, especially if exposed to inclement weather, but this is a misunderstanding of OSB’s characteristics.

West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero OSB3, for example, is BBA-certified, as well as approved for load bearing in humid conditions – being manufactured to

EN300 and EN 13986. However, if being used outdoors for extended periods, it can be painted or varnished, plus it can also be treated to protect against fungal and insect attack.

Technological advances mean there is no need to sand OSB boards anymore, as West Fraser is now able to produce them to industry leading tolerances. The latest boards offer an exceptionally smooth surface, making it an ideal substrate which is easy to work with.

If a floating floor is specified, the installer should ensure that battens for the substructure are appropriately spaced at 400mm centres beneath 15mm boards and up to 600mm for the 18mm version. SterlingOSB Zero boards come in both square edged and tongue and groove (T&G) format, which can be used for roofing and timber frame construction, as well as flooring – making the whole SterlingOSB Zero range infinitely flexible in use.

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/

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Check out the West Fraser housebuilders’ page https://uk.westfraser.com/ housebuilders/ for useful downloads and product information.

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BIO-BASED INSULATION HITS THE SWEET SPOT (Or how to save up to 90% on your heating)

more accustomed and adept at including natural materials in their projects.”

Meeting and going beyond the current regulations through creative choice of materials can solve many of the issues experienced in delivering high-energyefficient upgrades to existing buildings.

Ecomerchant has highlighted three products that have a proven track record in high-performance retrofit projects that can help deliver results.

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he retrofit market is large and growing, fuelled in part by the need to make our buildings more energy-efficient and resilient but also to help meet our nationally declared carbon targets.

The UK is also facing an energy crisis. It is estimated that by Spring 2023 a typical family could be paying 500% more for their household energy bills than before the pandemic.

The UK is still committed to a net zero emissions target by 2050. The Built environment accounts for almost 40% of global emissions. In a UK context, 80% of buildings that will be around in 2050 are already built. The ability to reduce emissions from the UK’s existing housing stock will be key.

The UK has some of the oldest and least efficient housing in Europe. Approx. twothirds of homes (19 million) need better insulation levels , and of these around 8.5million have difficult-to-treat solid walls. Currently, only 9% of these have wall insulation fitted.

The government has just announced an additional £1bn in funding to insulate the least energy efficent homes in the UK with the focus on loft insualtion and cavity insualtion. This completley ignores those houses with solid walls mentioned above.

Part L of the Building Regulation offers a relatively flexible approach for dealing with these types of buildings. They stipulate a Target thermal performance level (0.30W/m2K) but also a Threshold level (0.70W/m2K) where improvements are made to existing elements and it is possible to demonstrate a payback of under 15 years, rather than simply sticking to the headline U value.

In these situations, a system should be assessed in order to ensure it is technically and functionally feasible additionally the ability of a material to deal with increased moisture levels can be critical.

Natural insulation materials are a perfect solution for broadening the range of applications that comply with the updated regulations and meet the U value and hygrothermal requirements of the element to be upgraded. This is of significant benefit for solid wall applications where synthetic alternatives may create additional moisture control issues.

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Natural Materials and Retrofitting Projects

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The use of natural materials for retrofit projects seems to be being driven by several factors, but as new regulations make few positive changes to retrofit, we need to look elsewhere for guidance (or activity) that is driving the use of natural materials, specifically in retrofit.

The main drivers for IWI systems determine the useability and type of system that is used are:

High-Performance Retrofit Materials Breathable, natural insulation.

Wood fibre is a versatile product, with desirable performance characteristics for retrofit.

Being vapour permeable it helps buffer condensation, its density protects against overheating, and it alleviates concerns over synthetic ingredients and poor indoor air quality.

In terms of energy savings, there is a Building Regulations compliant sweet spot for IWI. 60mm of woodfibre insulation achieves 90% of potential energy savings sitting right in the allowable zone for Building Regs approval.

Ease of installation, air quality, impact on room size, reducing moisture risks, thermal performance, reducing petrochemicals, payback period, carbon storage, comfort, health and cost.

Everybody will have different priorities, but a robust long-term solution will address as many of these issues as possible. The Building Regulations focus predominantly on Thermal performance.

Natural materials provide a route to sequester carbon within the building fabric whilst offering improved energy performance and reduced carbon emissions, by both storing and saving carbon. This is a crucial part of the planning process which ensures that the building meets its target emission rate.

There are extra benefits such as the ability to buffer moisture, the absence of toxins or harmful chemicals (off-gassing) and performance gains when managing overheating. Many natural insulation materials are dense (wood fibre can be up to 256Kg/m3) which provides a significant increase in comfort levels during warmer Summer months. This is a considerable benefit for rooms in the roof or lighterweight timber construction.

Will Kirkman from Ecomerchant also noted, “even just two years ago we would field lots of calls from architects and specifiers wanting ‘from scratch’ advice on building sections, now the great majority of the enquiries we get are for details to be checked rather than designed, there is no doubt that architects have become much

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Wood fibre flexible batts and rigid carrier boards. Insulation is a key component of most retrofit projects and the increase in wood fibre use over the past few years has been steady - but the take-up since 2020 has been exceptional.

Wood fibre is a versatile product, which offers desirable performance characteristics for renovations. Being vapour permeable it helps buffer condensation, its density (up to 250Kg/ m3) protects against overheating and its natural makeup alleviates concerns over synthetic ingredients and poor indoor air quality.

The flexible batts are popular for installation between studs and the dense rigid boards for carrying render or plaster either internally or externally on timber frames or direct to masonry or brick. (See following illustrations) Insulation and damp control Calcium silicate boards: the elimination of mould and subsequent reduction in health issues has driven sales of SkamoWall Board.

The calcium silicate board is part of a system which includes adhesive, primer and plaster that combine to create a buffer to manage moisture, improve insulation and eliminate mould. The board’s inert chemical structure renders it incapable of supporting mould growth.

The improved insulation and breathability of the system allow ventilation to harmlessly remove moisture from the

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building. The plastered board acts as a vapour control layer whilst remaining breathable.

The SkamoWall Board has been a favourite of landlords and owners of older buildings with solid walls where persistent problems often cause unwelcome maintenance costs and tenant complaints. Calcium silicate boards are non-combustible with an A1 fire rating.

Airtightness for retrofit Liquid-applied airtight membranes first arrived in the UK around 6 years ago. The idea that an airtight membrane could be spray or brush applied was groundbreaking despite the use of similar means of application for protective coatings and waterproofing. Blowerproof was first introduced to the UK by Ecomerchant in early 2016. The product became BBA certified (the first to do so) in 2017 and was quickly picked up by the Passive House sector.

Over the past few years, liquid-applied membranes have seen exceptional growth as the demand for airtight buildings increased. The ultimate application came in the spring of 2019 when the Imperial War Museum archive used Blowerproof to create the most airtight building in the UK (ACH 0.03) for storing its priceless archive of documents.

Retrofitting to Building Regulations Using these products on site remains a matter of personal choice where the benefits are desired but not mandatory within building regulations. Additionally,

However, within the revised regulations, and capitalising on a way to hit the sweet spot for thermal upgrade, an option to use wood fibre that meets the regulations and offers vastly improved savings.

The UK building construction sector knows that there are widespread problems with carbon, energy, moisture, air ventilation and health in our housing stock. But still, many persist in partial and piecemeal solutions, apparently oblivious to the interactions between these problems and the need for a holistic approach.

A change of attitude and major upskilling of refurbishment operations are required to deliver effective solutions to the enormous backlog of remedial works required to deliver the healthy, comfortable, and affordable homes that are essential if the UK is to meet its carbon targets.

The significant uplift in specification and use of materials like the ones highlighted

by Ecomerchant indicates to us that this process is underway and that there are many who will not wait for legislation to catch up.

In fact, those who lead and build to higher than mandated standards now may well reap extra benefits in the future when others are faced with costly upgrades simply to bring buildings into compliance or reduce running costs.

How to achieve 90% of your potential energy savings.

Depending on the type and thickness of the external wall (brick/stone etc) even a relatively thin layer of insulation dramatically improves the performance and we start to enter the Threshold zone with only 40mm of insulation.

When we look at this in terms of energy savings we see that a thick layer,

The UK has some of the oldest and least efficient housing in Europe.

Approx. two-thirds of homes (19 million) need better insulation levels, and of these around 8.5million have difficultto-treat solid walls.

Currently, only 9% of these have wall insulation fitted. Natural materials provide a route to vastly improve thermal performance and sequester carbon within the building fabric whilst offering improved energy performance and reduced carbon emissions, by both storing and saving carbon.

potentially greater than 100mm, gives us the required performance level of 0.30W/ m2k but that a thinner layer also achieves a significant percentage performance improvement.

• 80mm = 95% • 60mm = 90% • 40mm = 81%

This highlights that there is a sweet spot for IWI that hits the majority of drivers.

60mm of insulation achieves 90% of potential energy savings and sits right in the allowable zone for Building Regs approval.

Plus it delivers extra benefits:

• Bio-based- insulation materials such

as wood fibre offer improved indoor air quality as they can hold and release moisture. They continue to allow the building fabric to breathe limiting the risks associated with moisture and hence protecting the existing building fabric.

• A thin layer of material greatly reduces the impact on room size which means less disruption.

• Wood fibre stores carbon and reduces reliance on petro-chemical based materials.

• A high-density wood fibre increases the

surface temperature of the wall and this actually allows the room temperature to be reduced and still achieve the same comfort levels internally.

There are a significant number of existing properties that can be improved by the addition of IWI systems. Concentrating on all the key drivers, rather than just the U-value means we can consider all the impacts, both positive and negative that IWI systems bring with them Where Building Control appears to only determine a U-value of 0.30W/m2K you now have a robust compliant alternative to use a natural and sustainable resolution that provides demonstrable cost savings whilst protecting the long-term security of the building fabric.

For more information on IWI or improving your building’s thermal performance visit www.ecomerchant.co.uk and www.steico.com/en

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For the refurb building sector, the use of liquid-applied membranes is a gamechanger. The water-based VOC-free liquid can be applied to almost any surface even in the trickiest and most demanding applications it creates a permanent flexible layer which allows airtightness to be delivered where previously achieving high levels was nigh on impossible, a good example is to protect and make airtight timber joists embedded in solid walls. Blowerproof can be applied directly to brick, masonry, stone and concrete.

The use of liquid-applied membranes has increased in new buildings, commercial buildings and in buildings other than dwellings - which has made it significantly easier to reduce carbon emissions, reduce energy bills and satisfy any other government construction regulations.

limits on design imposed on a retrofit project can be a factor where a significant uplift in performance can be achieved through upgrading the building fabric where options such as orientation, outward changes to shape or ‘look’ or where modifying the footprint are not possible, so forcing a more open and creative approach to problem-solving.

In this department, it might be crucial to note that the retrofit must still pass the air tightness test and this element may make or break it.

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MAJOR WORK UNDERWAY TO RESTORE 19TH CENTURY WAKEFIELD TEXTILE MILL Wakefield-based Henley Group restores derelict Grade II listed mill set to become the largest creative hub outside of London.

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orkshire-based construction company, Henley Stone Restoration & Remedials Ltd, part of the Henley Group, is restoring the traditional brickwork on a 19th century Grade II listed building complex, Rutland Mills, in Wakefield. The restoration and repair project will honour the 200-year-old architecture to transform the derelict building into a world class creative hub, Tileyard North.

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Once a thriving textile mill adjacent to the contemporary Hepworth Gallery at the edge of the river Calder, the 9,300sqm historical industrial complex has been derelict for 20 years and many of the spaces have significantly deteriorated.

Award-winning restoration and remedial expert, Henley Stone Restoration & Remedials Ltd,

has been appointed to oversee the restoration required to return the Grade II listed building to its former glory, honouring its original fabric and the region’s industrial heritage.

The extensive work includes complete façade restoration, structural alterations and strengthening, as well as repairs to the existing building.

Alongside Furness Brick & Tile Co Ltd and HSRR, Henley Group has identified replacement brick and mortar samples that match sensitively to the existing 19th century brickwork.

Tom Cardoe, Head of Restoration at Henley Group, commented: “We’re proud to bring decades of restoration and remedial expertise to the regeneration of Rutland Mill, a landmark project which will significantly enhance the local economy – it will be The Battersea Power Station of the North.

By carefully repairing and restoring the building’s fabric, we will bring this

historical site back to its former glory and breath life back to this once forgotten part of Wakefield.

Regeneration projects bring immediate benefits to the local area and these are the kind of projects we pride ourselves on.”

Led by developers City & Principal, Stainforth Construction, architects Hawkins Brown and project manager, Opera, the site will become a thriving cultural hub with facilities for music and digital studios, start-ups, creatives, and the local community. The scheme will also create educational space, a hotel, food and drink and facilities complementary to the Hepworth Gallery.

Led by developers City & Principal, Stainforth Construction, architects Hawkins Brown and project manager, Opera, the site will become a thriving cultural hub with facilities for music and digital studios, start-ups, creatives, and the local community.

Adam Standeven, Contracts Manager at Stainforth Construction, said: ‘It’s great to work in collaboration with a local Wakefield Restoration company, especially one that always provides a professional service, with a team who have an incredibly positive attitude towards delivering top quality work on this heritage project.”

Rutland Mills is the final stage in completing a ten-acre regeneration plan that is revamping Wakefield’s riverside. The wider plan converts the space into a mixed-use, inclusive, creative, and cultural cluster with world-class facilities.

For more information on Henley Group, visit: henleystoneremedials.co.uk

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The first phase of works, comprising of four buildings across 60,000sqft, for several uses including a work and education space, event space, bistro café and gin bar, and a central courtyard, was completed in December 2022. The new central courtyard allows for breakout activity at the ground floor, as well as providing the opportunity for large scale events, such as music and food and drink festivals. The second will be completed phase by the final quarter in 2024.

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Flooring

GIVING FLOORING A SUSTAINABLE FOUNDATION How sustainable flooring can help reduce a building’s environmental impact

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eople have lived in cob houses, made of mud and clay mixed with straw, for thousands of years. Even today, some modern designs incorporate mud bricks, a sustainable building material that costs little to produce and reduces energy usage. Sustainability is also increasingly popular in commercial and industrial spaces. Jason McWilliams, regional sales manager at surface preparation expert National Flooring Equipment, explains how increasing use of sustainable materials impacts floor preparation.

In commercial or industrial settings, floors must withstand heavy equipment, high traffic or contact with chemicals. To give these spaces cost-effective but durable flooring solutions, the flooring industry introduced tough materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is reliable but contains dioxins that can harm the environment.

Traditionally, these floor coverings met the key requirements of a project to gain a high-quality finish delivered on time and to budget. Of course, these three requirements are still crucial today, but

there is now an increasingly important fourth to consider: sustainability.

Sustainable surfaces Sustainable floor coverings such as cork, bamboo, or carpet made from ocean plastic are growing in popularity in residential spaces. However, some of these coverings lack the durability essential to commercial applications. Soft materials like cork, for example, are not as durable or robust as other flooring materials and are susceptible to many forms of damage when heavy equipment is driven over it.

Polished concrete is a sustainable alternative to traditional floor coverings in industrial and commercial settings like warehouses and airports. Polished concrete requires little to no additional flooring materials and once prepared is relatively low maintenance, making it ideal for larger spaces. Its reflective properties can also reduce overall energy usage.

Managing expectations If a customer desires a polished concrete floor, it’s important to check the substrate’s

condition before work commences. In a renovated factory, for example, past oil, chemical or organic material spills may have permanently stained the concrete. If contractors find these issues in advance, they can manage client expectations and discuss how imperfections could impact the final floor.

In circumstances where aesthetics are less important, like warehouses, the client might be indifferent to stains or other imperfections. Alternatively in luxury spaces, such as a hotel lobby, contractors should work closely with clients to achieve the desired finish. This might involve another type of covering or an additional, thicker concrete coating on the substrate before polishing.

Concrete preparation When examining the substrate, contractors should ascertain concrete hardness, which varies according to geographical location.

Testing hardness helps a contractor choose the appropriate tooling — for example, where hardness is above 5,000 to 6,000 pounds per square inch (PSI), a medium bond diamond will likely skate over the surface instead of breaking into it. With medium to harder concrete, it’s good practice to start work with coarser diamonds and finish with increasingly finer diamond resin pads. Each level of grit will remove progressively smaller marks on the surface until the surface becomes less porous, smoother, and as a direct result, harder and more reflective.

If customers want a mirror like finish, contractors must go over the space multiple times, which naturally increases the size of the job. To combat this on large projects like supermarket floors, the surface can be polished up to around 400 grit and then covered with a guard. This gives enough of a shine to reduce costs without such significant investment of time.

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The client will ultimately decide which sustainable covering works best for their project — contractors then determine how to achieve this. Irrespective of the covering chosen, taking the time to prepare in advance and following surface preparation best practice will help reduce the project’s overall energy and material usage and its environmental impact.

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Mud floors may be suitable for some spaces, but they stand up poorly to heavy duty applications. Polished concrete, however, might be the better choice for a durable, sustainable commercial environment.

To speak to an expert about improving sustainability on your next surface preparation project contact National Flooring Equipment.

AND MINIMISE

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 Manufacturers, Distributors and Contractors are CFA members, and for good reason.

• CFA members promote high standards, knowledge and expertise • CFA members maximise your investment and minimise costly flooring failures — which is good for your client, your reputation and promotes future business • All members have to pass a vetting process

See the “Downloads” section at www.cfa.org.uk and download our leaflet TODAY

Courtesy of Forbo Flooring UK Ltd

Tel: 0115 941 1126

Courtesy of Loughton Contracts plc

www.cfa.org.uk

Courtesy of Amtico International

Email: info@cfa.org.uk

Latest News

£5 MILLION GRANT TO SPEED UP THE SWITCH TO NET ZERO BUILDINGS Homes and buildings in south Wales that are low carbon and have cheaper energy costs are a step closer thanks to a £5 million grant for a Welsh project.

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uildings – such as homes and offices - are responsible for 40% of all UK carbon emissions.

The project, called Switch to Net Zero Buildings, will enable buildings across south Wales to generate, store and release their own heat and electricity. Crucially, buildings would be linked together in a regional energy system that is not only low carbon but also gives energy users more control.

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The idea is to see ‘buildings as power stations’, an innovative design concept pioneered

by Swansea University for both homes and non-domestic buildings. The principle has

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already been shown to work, for example in the Active Buildings on Swansea University’s campus. This innovation ecosystem will also create strong local supply chains, boosting economic growth in the region.

The project is a consortium led by Swansea University with Cardiff University and University of South Wales, in partnership with Neath Port Talbot Council, Welsh Government, and Net Zero Industry Wales.

The SWITCH to Net Zero Buildings account will be part of SWITCH, Wales’ Net Zero Accelerator. SWITCH is a wide collaborative network across academia, government and industry, coming together to support the region’s net zero ambitions. This funding follows other recent announcements in the SWITCH network, including the appointment of contractor Morgan Sindell to build SWITCH Harbourside and N0W Skills, which creates a green skills escalator in manufacturing related industries.

MORE SUPPORT NECESSARY FOR GREATER LONDON TO FILL GREEN ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE SHORTFALL New labour market research shows that the Greater London Region has “a mountain to climb” if it is to meet current net zero ambitions and resolve the current green electrical skills gap.

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he electrical sector is vital to the safe and timely rollout of low-carbon installations and infrastructure, such as electric vehicle chargers and solar panels, that will help decarbonise the grid and enable greater use of renewable energy.

The findings indicated that Greater London’s electrical contractors have lower levels of green skills capability on average than contractors in the rest of the UK, including in EV chargers, heat pumps, smart buildings and solar PV. The research, sponsored by ECA and the Joint Industry Board (JIB), on behalf of The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP), shows that the Greater London Region already has one of the smallest number of electricians per head of population in the UK. More ominously for future sustainability, Greater London also has one of the worst electrical apprentice recruitment rates in England, and the lowest percentage of young people (18-24) in the electrical workforce. By contrast, enrolments onto college electrical courses in London are booming.

ECA is currently running a series of in-person Roadshow events around the country, demonstrating the value of green skills and the business opportunities available to contractors who embrace the shift to net zero. Learn more about ECA Member-businesses using green skills to deliver Net Zero at leadingthecharge.eca.co.uk.

Latest News NEW INTERNSHIPS WILL PROVIDE VITAL SKILLS FOR THOSE LOOKING TO PURSUE CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION As part of its commitment to upskilling the next generation, McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), has welcomed four new interns to its construction division, helping young individuals to gain valuable experience and strengthen their skill set.

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pprentice planner, Tommy Bordicott; trainee quantity surveyor, Robbie Yusuf; trainee quantity surveyor Ellie Marnell and construction apprentice, Rhys Collins joined the team this summer.

to further develop his interpersonal and time management skills while building in-depth knowledge of the industry.

Tommy will be assisting the lead planner on the Longwood Close project, in Coventry, where he will be creating programmes to support key activities throughout. He hopes

Trainee quantity surveyor, Robbie, will be working onsite, measuring drawings using Bluebeam (CAD), and issuing revisions alongside producing purchase orders and completing administrative duties.

Ellie joins the McLaren team with an eagerness to learn new skills, gain industry knowledge and support on site to see projects come to life, all of which will contribute to her achieving a future career goal of becoming a senior quantity surveyor.

Construction apprentice, Rhys, will be gaining experience across multiple departments, as well as

on-site, where he is looking forward to developing engineering and management skills allowing him to see projects all the way from inception to completion.

McLaren’s comprehensive apprenticeship scheme is designed to provide aspiring individuals with an opportunity for growth and development. As part of the program, apprentices work closely with McLaren’s site teams, gaining invaluable exposure to the dynamic world of construction.

The program provides successful applicants with a tailored development plan to guide them towards achieving their apprenticeship qualification in their chosen discipline, while being mentored and coached by McLaren’s experienced managers, ensuring they receive the guidance and support they need to thrive.

PIctured left to right - Ellie Marnell, Robbie Yusuf, Tommy Bordicott, Rhys Collins

THE WORK TROUSER AND KNEEPAD SYSTEM TO FIT YOUR JOB Superior, Ergonomic Knee Protection It’s said that hard-working craftsmen and women put more pressure on their knees than many top athletes. That’s why the risk of knee injuries is far higher among trade professionals and manual workers than other occupations.

One of the best ways to avoid knee problems is to wear Snickers Workwear Trousers with their innovative knee protection – KneeGuard™ - a world-leading, fully certified, trademarked system.

F. BALL RAISES THE BAR AT LEEK TOWN F.C. F. Ball and Co. Ltd. has helped to refurbish the hospitality suite, dubbed the ‘Blues Bar’, at its local football club, Leek Town F.C., as part of its long-standing support for the team.

F. Ball’s Stopgap 1500 smoothing compound was applied to create a perfectly smooth base for floorcoverings. Launched last year, the fast-setting, fast-drying, water-mix smoothing compound can be applied directly over old adhesive residues, without the need to prime beforehand. It is walk-on hard in as little as 60 minutes after application and ready to receive floorcoverings from just four hours.

Website: www.f-ball.com

The unique design features of both the Work Trousers and Kneepads deliver flexibility when you walk, yet they close around your knees when you kneel down – to prevent your knees from sliding off the kneepad when moving around on the floor.

So, when you’re seriously considering long-lasting knee protection, look for the Snickers Workwear KneeGuard™ system - tested and certified for performance, efficiency and protection to deliver comfort and wellbeing day in day out.

Getting more information on the Snickers Workwear clothing range is easy. You can call the Helpline on 01484 854788; check out www.snickersworkwear.co.uk and download a digital catalogue or email sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk

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Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS was used to adhere pale slate coloured Polyflor Standard PUR safety flooring, supplied by Polyflor, both in front and behind the bar. The temperature tolerant, pressure sensitive adhesive develops the ultra-high bond strength to hold floorcoverings firmly in place when subject to high temperatures, which can result from solar gain in heavily glazed areas.

Snickers Workwear has 86 different types of Work trousers in multiple sizes to suit a host different trades and jobs on site - plus 8 different types of Kneepads. Together they deliver hundreds of Work Trouser and Kneepad combinations to effectively deal with different types of knee impacts; the amount of time working on knees; and individual needs for personal protection.

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CEDRAL LAUNCHES THE CEDRAL COLLECTIONS – A NEW ON-TREND, CUSTOMER-CENTRIC RANGE UNIFIED ACROSS EUROPE Introducing the Cedral Collections. Four unique collections designed to help bring homeowners’ vision to life. There will now be 21 colours, arranged across the four collections, each reflecting a specific lifestyle and outlook. These became available in the UK and across Europe from September 4, 2023.

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edral, the UK’s leading provider of fibre cement cladding has launched a new and refreshed collection of colours for its facade range.

Cedral has streamlined and refreshed its palette to keep up to date with changing tastes and lifestyle trends, to provide the variety that homeowners want now and to support the decision process.

Gianfranco Apicella, Head of Exteriors – Europe, says, “We’ve done this with lots of feedback from our customers, homeowners, to ensure that we keep on trend. We’ve simplified the range to ensure that we have the right colours to meet customers’ needs.”

Dan Frith, Product Manager for Cedral, says, “The new colour collection is two years in the making and marks the first time Cedral will have a unified range and

TOP RIGHT Metal Green cladding is part of the chic Expressive Collection from Cedral

BOTTOM RIGHT Back to nature – Cedral’s new colour range includes the Natural Collection, inspired by the great outdoors.

“Cedral has always been at the forefront in offering homeowners inspiration and flexibility to personalise their home facades. In building the new Collections, we’ve put the customer at the centre.“ LEFT Timeless and stylish facade – the new Ocean Blue is a popular choice for renovation or newbuilds alike.

Classic Tea Green in lap brings timeless style to any project.

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BELOW

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and helped lead the way to introducing nine exciting new colours.

Alexandre Roux, European Brand Manager, Cedral, adds, “The new Collections and the presentation of colours gives good guidance to customers and will help them in the customer journey.” a uniform range of colour names across all of Europe.

Cedral’s new colour families, curated across four distinct ways of living are:

“Cedral has always been at the forefront in offering homeowners inspiration and flexibility to personalise their home facades. In building the new Collections, we’ve put the customer at the centre. We wanted to help installers and homeowners make more informed decisions in choosing the right look and colour. Developing the new Collections has involved our largest research project ever, looking at colour and lifestyle trends and identifying tones that are popular with specific groups of homeowners.

We spoke to homeowners and installer businesses across eight European cities and seven countries with focus groups and curation workshops.“

• The Design Collection – a

Cedral worked with award-winning colour consultants, IVISUAL, who brought in colour science as well as an understanding of trends in lifestyle to the collection’s development. IVISUAL Creative Director and Co-Founder, Karine Steculorum, explains “When building a range, the lifestyle is a big part of it. Every lifestyle has its own character and it’s important to have colours in the range that suit them. We looked at gaps in the collection and looked at trends of how we’re living. For instance, research showed that natural colours are gaining popularity and muted colours are less popular now.”

The research showed where Cedral should add colours and which to drop

•

•

•

monochromatic palette aimed at modern, urbanites. This is the only collection that uses only existing colours and includes the bestselling colours.

The Natural Collection – a palette guided by nature with colours such as Cocoa Brown, Sand Yellow and Ocean Blue for growing families with a love of the outdoors.

The Classic Collection – With elegant Chalk White, Pebble Grey and Tea Green, this collection is aimed at an older family, typically living in the suburbs.

The Expressive Collection – A rich palette with Metal Green, Brick Red and Pewter Grey, ideal for those wanting to put their own stamp onto an older property and for integrating modern materials in an extension or renovation.

On September 4, 2023, Cedral also launched its brand-new Cedral Visualiser, an app that will make it possible to use augmented reality to try different Cedral materials and colours on projects, so you can help customers specify their new facade in a few simple clicks.

To find out more, visit cedral.world.

FUTURE PROOFING BUILDINGS THROUGH THICK AND

THIN.

Premium performance internal wall insulation Kingspan Kooltherm K118 Insulated Plasterboard U-value: 0.30 W/m2K Thickness of insulation: 62.5 mm on timber battens (assuming 215 mm solid brickwork)

In these challenging times, the drive to achieve a net zero carbon built environment is an ever-increasing focus in the construction industry. Recent and upcoming changes to the Building Regulations and Standards in England, Wales and Scotland require more demanding levels of thermal performance.

The Kingspan Kooltherm® range of phenolic insulation comprises the thinnest commonly used insulation products for any specific U-value.

Kingspan Kooltherm® K118 Insulated Plasterboard for mechanically fixed & adhesively bonded insulated drylining allows for thin wall constructions providing insulation, drylining and vapour control in one board.

Visit our website to find out more about Kooltherm® K118 and to use the U-value calculator to work out the thickness of insulation needed for your project. kingspaninsulation.co.uk Pembridge, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 9LA. ® Kingspan, Kooltherm and the Lion Device are Registered Trademarks of the Kingspan Group plc in the UK and other countries. All rights reserved.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR PROPERTY PERFECT THROUGH WINTER - AND AVOID COSTLY ISSUES Winter is coming, and with it cold weather that can wreak havoc on your home and garden.

However, with careful management and advance planning, your property can survive unscathed as the cold kicks in.

F

rom burst pipes to broken boilers, winter can be a tough time for our homes. Experts from MyBuilder.com, the reliable way for homeowners to find tradespeople, have put together some tips to keep your home and garden safe, secure, and cosy for when winter arrives.

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Andy Simms, trade expert from MyBuilder.com, said that the key to keeping your home in top shape over winter is planning ahead.

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Loose or broken tiles, or other repairs that are needed, can cause intermittent leaks as the weather worsens.

“Now is the perfect time to prepare for the cold weather, while there is still some warmth in the air and ground, and we still have decent daylight.

Cosy homes are lovely in winter - so it’s important to maintain your home and fix any issues now, before they become harder to manage. It’s also important to get your items such as boilers and alarms serviced, as well as clearing gutters and checking roofs.”

Tips to keep your home safe Get your chimney swept If you have a working fireplace, make sure you have your chimney

swept annually. Availability of chimney specialists will be more limited as the weather gets colder, so get booked in fast to make the most of your fire - safely - this winter.

Check your roof for leaks Loose or broken tiles, or other repairs that are needed, can cause intermittent leaks as the weather worsens. It’s vital to address these issues before damage occurs.

Failure to do so can cause your insurance to be invalidated should you need to make a claim.

worth bringing in a gardener to dig up any bulbs which may perish if left in the garden over winter. These can then be kept to replant in spring.

Plant evergreens Seek advice on suitable plants to keep your garden attractive over winter. Generally, evergreens are low maintenance and hardy enough to survive - and also ensures your garden has some greenery to enjoy during the colder months. These could also be used to provide natural protection for your plants that aren’t evergreen.

Bleed all your radiators Bleeding your radiators will improve your home’s energy efficiency and ensure maximum performance from your heating system. While this is a job that can be done yourself, if you’re unsure it’s an inexpensive job for a plumber to do.

Get your boiler serviced Our recent stats showed that 23 per cent of homeowners were delaying servicing their boiler. This is inadvisable, as a broken boiler will at best work inefficiently - and at worse could endanger lives. A properly working boiler will improve your home’s efficiency and bring your energy bills down. Boiler services are normally around £80, but can save you much more.

Install roof, loft or wall insulation Insulation being installed improves the heat retention in your home and keeps your energy bills down. Not only that, but it keeps your house cool through the summer, too, so it’s a year round investment.

Get double glazing or UPVC doors installed Another way to increase the energy efficiency of your home is too have new windows and door installed - also a good investment as it will likely add value to your home.

Ask a builder to check your property for any external damage that may need repairing or waterproofing before winter.

Tips to keep your garden lovely through winter Tidy up Hiring a gardener or handyperson to complete some simple maintenance will help prepare your garden for the colder months and improve the look of your garden. Items left on lawns can damage the grass, while piles of garden waste will be blown around.

Weeding Surprisingly, this time of year can be good to attack those weeds to prevent them appearing in spring.

Gardeners tend to be less busy over winter, so it’s a smart investment to get one at this time of year.

Protect your plants Wind, rain, frost, snow, hail - all the elements that need to be kept from damaging or killing off your plants, and which we see plenty of in winter. If possible, invest in a landscape gardener to build some appropriate cover for your plants - or manipulate natural shelter to give them the best protection. It’s also

“Cosy homes are lovely in winter - so it’s important to maintain your home and fix any issues now, before they become harder to manage.

It’s also important to get your items such as boilers and alarms serviced, as well as clearing gutters and checking roofs.”

Protect outdoor taps and water features Ice can become a real issue for outdoor taps, so make sure they are protected. Ensure outdoor taps are drained fully and provide cover to prevent them from freezing if you can. Adding pipe lagging is advisable and can be quickly done. Water features should also be fully drained and covered.

Plant for the birds Think about the wildlife over winter and plant berry-rich trees and shrubs like rowan, hawthorn, guelderrose and holly bushes. These look beautiful through winter and also provide shelter and food for birds.

Mulching Mulching is a very popular tactic used by seasoned professionals to safeguard your garden. Applying mulch to your garden creates a blanket to protect your garden and will reduce soil erosion that occurs following heavy rain. A gardener would be able to advise on how to carry this out and where to purchase the correct materials.

See https://www.mybuilder. com/blog/winter-tips for the full advice guide.

Examine your exterior walls and waterproof

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Heating, Ventilation & Insulation

CONDENSATION & MOULD: A MATTER OF COMPLIANCE

By Wendy Thomas, Residential Product Manager of Nuaire

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8% of our housing stock is over 70 years old and suffers from poor insulation levels and even poorer ventilation, which means that dampness remains trapped and can lead to the formation of mould. Mould impacts occupants’ health, including asthma, eye irritation, respiratory problems, skin reactions, headaches and, in extreme circumstances, death.

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Awaab’s Law

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In December 2020, two-year-old Awaab Ishak died from prolonged exposure to mould in his home in Rochdale. In response to this, Awaab’s Law has been introduced as part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act, which requires social housing landlords by law to fix damp and mould issues to strict deadlines, or rehouse tenants in safe accommodation. A government consultation will determine the timeframes within which landlords must take appropriate action. Those who don’t and fail to meet the standards required, could face unlimited fines as the new Act brings in Ofsted-style inspections by the Regulator of Social Housing and new powers. Emergency repairs, for example, can be made where serious risks to tenants are found, with landlords footing the bill.

Guidance is at hand Information on different aspects of damp and mould, be it the health risks, how to treat mould, or how to prevent it forming, is available, but not all in one easy to access place or document.

As a result, ‘Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home’ was published by the government on 7th September 2023 aimed specifically at rented housing providers (social and private sector landlords). It clearly sets out the legal responsibilities and the serious physical and mental health risks that damp and mould pose. It also defeats the culture of blaming the tenant and their lifestyle; after all, if you live in a fourth floor flat, do you really have a choice about whether to dry clothes indoors or not?

Tackling underlying causes The emphasis in the new guidance is on finding long term solutions. As the guidance states, landlords should “identify and tackle the underlying causes of damp and mould, including building deficiencies, inadequate ventilation and condensation. Simply removing surface mould will not prevent the damp and mould from reappearing”.

An estimated 904,000 homes in England alone had damp problems in 2021 according to the English Housing Survey.

When it comes to ensuring effective ventilation, landlords should check that existing measures in place, such as extractor fans and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems, are fully operational and up to the job, and that tenants are informed of how to use them.

Bathroom and kitchen extractor fans are generally replaced around every six years as part of planned maintenance. With an increase in minimum air flow rates stipulated in the revised Part F of Building Regulations, you may well need to replace them with more powerful fans, such as a Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation (dMEV) fan. These are mostly continuous running mixed flow axial fans suitable for wall, ceiling and window installation. Our new Nuaire Faith-Plus dMEV has been specifically designed and built to achieve the ventilation rates set out in Part F and L Building Regulations, which is not the case for all extractor fans on the market. In a typical three bedroom house, requiring a 31l/s trickle rate, two Faith-Plus fans – one in the bathroom and one in the kitchen – will deliver the air flow required.

Heating, Ventilation & Insulation CONSORT CLAUDGEN LAUNCHES ENERGY-SAVING CHMC CONTROLLER Consort Claudgen’s new CHMC controller is compatible with CH commercial fan heaters. This addition offers users a choice between the existing CRXSL and the new CHMC controllers.

The CRXSL allows for multiple heater operations and zoning via the MRX1 controller. In contrast, the CHMC offers unique benefits like compatibility with Building Management Systems for centralised control. This feature streamlines facility management and enhances energy efficiency. The CHMC can control up to 8 heaters either as a group or individually and offers an electronic lock to prevent unauthorised temperature changes.

tel: 01908 562211 tel: 07908 903936 email: info@speedheat.co.uk www.speedheat.co.uk

As room temperature can be sensed at CHMC, CHES (environmental sensor) or CH heaters, accurate temperature control can maintain heat levels with minimal energy waste.

Additionally, the CHMC is Wi-Fi-enabled, allowing remote control and displaying heaters’ individual and total energy usage through the Consort Connect app.

For more information, contact our sales at 01646 692172 or visit www.consortepl.com.

For properties where condensation is a major issue and mould is present, waiting for planned maintenance is no longer an option. An immediate solution is required, which could mean more powerful extractor fans, as mentioned, but may require a different solution in the form of a Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) system. PIV systems, such as the Nuaire Drimaster-Eco, eliminate condensation dampness, whilst filtering any harmful outdoor air pollutants. A highly cost-effective solution, they are easily installed in a loft, in under an hour, and provide fresh air to the whole home. They are inexpensive and long lasting.

Put an end to damp & mould An estimated 904,000 homes in England alone had damp problems in 2021 according to the English Housing Survey. In the past we seem to have accepted condensation and damp as part and parcel of living in a northern climate, but proven, cost effective ventilation systems are readily available that can be quickly and easily fitted into existing properties to provide occupants with improved indoor air quality and comfort, and ensure landlords are compliant with the law. Living in damp, mouldy homes needs to be consigned to the past.

www.nuaire.co.uk

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Nuaire has been working with social housing providers to deliver effective ventilation solutions for over 50 years and invented the Positive Input Ventilation system.

When it comes to ensuring effective ventilation, landlords should check that existing measures in place, such as extractor fans and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems, are fully operational and up to the job, and that tenants are informed of how to use them.

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Another distinctive feature of the project was the bespoke internal joinery throughout the house.

This included fitted wardrobes, a study bookcases, and a breakfast bar unit in the kitchen, adding personalized and functional elements to the design.

”HOUSE OF COLOUR” Grade II Listed Townhouse…

Brief for the project?

Berkeley Place was selected to undertake a comprehensive renovation and enhancement of a Grade II Listed townhouse at one of Bristol’s prime residential addresses.

The main objective was to restore and renovate the tired multiple dwelling townhouse, into a modern and functional family home.

The clients needed help optimising the budget with the design to lots of high-end finishes.

The clients wished to inject vibrant colours to elevate the interior in particular to an exciting new level.

Challenges on the project?

One of the key challenges we find when renovating listed properties in particular is how to innovatively integrate historical detailing with contemporary fittings.

The project faced challenges related to damp ingress, which is a common issue with historic Grade II Listed properties.

Making great communication throughout the project direction, better enabled decisions making around solutions to unexpected building fabric issues.

Quirky Part to the project?

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One of the notable quirky aspects of this project was the use of less common colours chosen from the Farrow & Ball colour library.

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The clients decided to hire a Farrow & Ball colour consultant to help select much more statement colours and finishes for each room.

By leveraging the consultant’s extensive knowledge of colour psychology, current trends, and innovative techniques, Berkeley Place brought the clients’ visions to life and created vibrant and unique spaces.

Another distinctive feature of the project was the bespoke internal joinery throughout the house.

This included fitted wardrobes, a study bookcases, and a breakfast bar unit in the kitchen, adding personalized and functional elements to the design.

Can you describe each room? What suppliers did you use and any favourites?

Kitchen:

• A shaker style, open-plan kitchen from GH • • • •

Interiors, Bristol.

Dark timber kitchen cabinets, styled with a few fluted glass cabinets and white marble worktop.

Farrow & Balls, Tanners Brown No.255 colour was used on all walls, skirting and window frame.

A bespoke built-in shaker style breakfast bar cupboard was created to hide all breakfast essentials.

The architrave leading to dinning space was painted in Farrow & Balls, Light Blue No.22.

Hallway, Stairs & Landing:

• All timber banisters were restored to their original glory.

• Oval Room blue No.85 colour from Farrow &

Ensuite Bathroom:

• For the master ensuite bathroom, the colour Skimming Stone No.241 was selected.

• Skimming Stone provided a soothing and •

clean look that beautifully complemented the dark marble tones in the diamond flooring tiles.

The bathroom featured a bespoke Parker Howley oak vanity with a marble top, solid brass fittings, a freestanding roll-top bath, a bespoke glass shower/screen enclosure with a marble herringbone tiling design, and a heated towel rail.

Study:

• Farrow & Ball’s Treron No.292 colour was used •

in the study to evoke a traditional ambiance and complement the client’s antique furniture.

Bespoke bookshelves and storage units were created to maximize functionality.

WC:

• Inchyra Blue No.289 colour from Farrow & Ball,

adding depth and character into a small space.

Master bedroom, Dressing Room:

What was the client’s reaction?

• The master bedroom and dressing room

Our ambition on all Berkeley Place projects is to ensure the clients become ‘raving fans’. We believe it’s clear to say on this project our clients have become just that!

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featured Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster No.231 colour on the walls, skirting, and windows.

The warm hue of Setting Plaster provided an

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Ball was chosen for all hallways and skirting throughout the property, enhancing the overall aesthetics.

•

excellent backdrop for the client’s antique furniture, creating a contemporary feel within a modern home.

The room was further furnished with an upholstered bed, Pooky lighting, and doorknobs from Matilda Goad & Co.

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HOW TO CREATE A MODERN, CLASSIC STAIRCASE IN YOUR RENOVATION When renovating a home, it’s easy to dive straight in, ordering fixtures and fittings when you see something you like. Doing so is a recipe for blown budgets and mismatched interiors as the project progresses, something especially true when it comes to staircases.

L

ucie Levesley, director at Jackson Woodturners, the UK’s largest traditional & contemporary stair parts supplier shares her advice for home renovators on how to create a modern, classic staircase. Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an existing stairway, Lucie’s experience with the fourth generation family business will help guide you on your way.

Don’t rush the planning phase Planning is crucial for a smooth installation. Not just for measuring and plotting out project timelines, but in the time to really consider the space available and the feel you want to create.

Whilst our motto, measure twice and cut once should always be followed, we also recommend getting an experienced staircase joiner to renovate your staircase. They will be able to advise on what is and isn’t achievable, ensuring your vision comes to life.

Consider the style, size and type of property

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If you are looking to renovate an existing staircase then be open to different styles and options. Sometimes the look that you want isn’t always achievable with your current staircase

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A great way to blend modern and classic features is to mix the materials being used.

Combine woods such as traditional oak with white primed, which not only looks fresh but can be more affordable too. Simple and elegant styles such as, plain square or stop chamfered spindles in oak and white wood create a timeless look.

design and the types of materials used for a country barn conversion will likely be different from those used in a city centre apartment.

Start at the end If you’re having a new staircase built then start at the end first. Decide the look that you want to achieve and the timber you want for your staircase components. This way the joinery manufacturer making the stairs can ensure that the right timber and newel post style are fitting when the staircase is constructed.

Don’t be afraid to mix materials A great way to blend modern and classic features is to mix the materials being used. Combine woods such as traditional oak with white primed, which not only looks fresh but can be more affordable too. Simple and elegant styles such as, plain square or stop chamfered spindles in oak and white wood create a timeless look.

Consider light and shadow If there is natural light in your property, think about where the staircase is situated and how you could capture it. Do you want to create interesting shadows with spindles or let light in with glass panels?

Modern accessories Metal accessories, such as newel post caps or metal handrail connectors add modern touches. These relatively inexpensive products let you update with ease. Painting your handrail in a contrasting color such as grey or black

is another low cost way to achieve a contemporary feel.

Retain original features With more unique period properties, original staircase features may still be in situ, so it would be wise to look at getting existing spindles, newel posts and handrails custom made to retain the original details.

Whilst our tips will guide a smooth staircase renovation, it’s rare for any project to complete without challenges. Having a can-do attitude when it comes to problem solving can alleviate stress and keep things on track, something Lucie has learned growing up in the industry.

For further advice visit www.jacksonwoodturners. co.uk/planning-advice

UK Veneering – Decorative wood veneered panels made to order.

We can produce complete panels to order including cutting, shaping and lipping or we can veneer our customers own panels. Whatever your veneering need we can help.

Services • Grain matched panel sets • Short grain panels • Radial matched panels • Hardwood lippings • Marquetry and inlays • Hi quality veneered sheets made to order with consistent colour and grain pattern and defect free in standard and non-standard sizes 8x4, 10x4, 10x5, 8x6, 10x6 etc.

• Veneer backed flexi layons • Laser cut fretwork • 44mm and 54mm Doors

Veneers • We always keep a large stock of standard veneers from North America and Europe like Ash, Beech, Maple, Oak and Walnut.

• Figured veneers • Fumed (Smoked) veneers • Pre Dyed & Engineered veneers from Tabu and Alpi • 1.5mm extra thick veneers • Burrs • Bamboo veneers • South American, African and Asian veneers

UK Veneering Limited Unit 6a, Harding Way, Somersham Road, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 3WR T: +44 (0)1480 461188

info@veneering.com

www.veneering.com

OPTIMISE YOUR DECOR: HOW TO GET THE BEST OUT OF EACH ROOM IN YOUR HOUSE Creating the right mood in each room of your home can have an extremely positive impact on your daily life, and it’s easier than you think with just a few simple decor tweaks and changes.

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ut what do we mean by ‘optimise your decor’? Well, each room of your home has a specific purpose. For example, the bedroom must be a relaxing environment to help you sleep and a home office needs to evoke concentration and creativity.

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To show you how to achieve this throughout your house, Avant Homes teamed up with Hazel Poett, interior designer at Show Business Interiors, to detail how you can ‘optimise’ the decor in your property…

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Bedroom - relaxation and sleep In the bedroom, focus on creating a serene atmosphere for relaxation and restful sleep. Incorporate luxurious fabrics with soft details like piped cushions and gentle lighting layers and include ambient lighting for reading and a statement overhead glow.

Choose personalised artwork and styling that evokes calmness and serenity. Ensure that furniture is well-proportioned for the space, with a large bed where suitable, and a bench at the foot of the bed to extend the feeling of comfort.

Living room - relaxation and comfort For a relaxing, comforting environment in the living room, opt for comfy, inviting sofas, and layer with cushions that incorporate a mix of fabrics. By playing with colours and textures, you can stimulate visual interest.

Having flexibility in your furniture layout is key to creating an easy, relaxing environment, with movable footstools and smaller pieces for convenient resting spots for books, laptops, or drinks.

laid out to create a multifunctional space that facilitates more than just cooking.

In addition to this, arrange furnishings to allow ample natural light in, creating a light and airy atmosphere. To maximise sunlight, you can also incorporate lighter fabrics and materials like sheer curtains and wood slats within your kitchen design.

Home gym - concentration and stimulation To get in the right frame of mind in your home gym, add inspirational artwork or motivational quotes. Use bright and invigorating lighting to foster an energetic atmosphere and to improve concentration when working out, include designated zones for your favourite activities.

To create a refreshing atmosphere, incorporate greenery and plants in the styling.

If you’re looking to engage all the senses, add styling pieces such as scented candles, diffusers, and soaps to enhance the overall experience.

Home office - colours and creativity To exude focus in your home office, use colours like greens and blues as these are known to promote concentration and reduce stress.

Additionally, curated gallery walls or “zoom backdrops” are considered to cater to remote working.

A view of the outside world and welcoming in natural lighting is also essential in improving concentration.

Decluttering your space by using clever storage solutions for files, books, and stationery helps maintain a clear frame of mind too.

For more design inspiration and decorating tips, please visit: www.avanthomes.co.uk

Bathroom - tranquillity and calmness Cultivate a tranquil and calming ambience through the juxtaposition of deep chalky paint tones and light, fresh tiles.

To create a refreshing atmosphere, incorporate greenery and plants in the styling. If you’re looking to engage all the senses, add styling pieces such as scented candles, diffusers, and soaps to enhance the overall experience.

Create a light, organised space in your kitchen by making sure the items used within the room provide both functionality and style. The kitchen is the hub of the home, so ensure your furniture is cleverly

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Kitchen - light, airy, and organised

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Safety & Security

ASBESTOS CEMENT PRODUCTS - A LOW RISK MATERIAL? Asbestos cement products have been widely used in the UK throughout the 1900’s and can be found in commercial, industrial, agricultural and domestic properties.

C

ement products come in many forms including: Roofing Sheets, Wall Cladding, Rainwater Goods, Cement Flue Pipes and Soffits/Fascia panels.

weathered. Asbestos cement products that have been produced between 1945 and 1980 may also contain an amount of Crocidolite (blue) and Amosite (Brown) asbestos fibres.

The use of asbestos in cement products was prohibited in the UK in 1999 but prior to that it is estimated that 6 million tonnes of asbestos cement were used in the UK over the previous 100 years making cement products the most commonly used asbestos containing material in the UK. Asbestos cement products will generally contain between 10%-15% chrysotile (white) asbestos but have been found to contain well over 50%, particularly when

Asbestos Cement – Low Risk?

If the asbestos cement is in good condition with the fibres firmly bound in the cement matrix it is unlikely that the asbestos fibres will become airborne and the product will present a low risk, however, the original design life of asbestos cement roofs is only between 25 and 40 years. The use of asbestos cement was banned in the UK in 1999 and many of the asbestos cement

roofs are far in excess of 40 years old, in some cases 70 plus years old. Many of these roofs have degraded considerably so, is it time to review the way that asbestos cement products are risk scored and also focus on the contamination that these deteriorating products are causing to the wider environment?

• Below top: Asbestos cement in good

condition is a relatively stable, hard material that typically contains 10-15% of asbestos.

• Below middle: Asbestos cement

rainwater goods on a recent SOCOTEC UK Asbestos Management Survey. Note the deteriation of the product and the raw asbestos fibre that has been left to the external wall of the bulilding, following rainwater leaks from the gutter joint.

• Below bottom: A close up of the raw

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fibre that now contaminates the external wall.

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Safety & Security The use of asbestos cement was banned in the UK in 1999 and many of the asbestos cement roofs are far in excess of 40 years old, in some cases 70 plus years old. loose asbestos fibres, which can be easily displaced making the perceived low risk material now extremely friable. Eventually the moss or plant growth will compost leaving free fibre that mixes with the general site dirt and soil, which can move around by wind, rainwater or be tracked on people’s shoes and vehicle tyres.

• Left top: Asbestos cement roof with moss growth

• Left middle: Asbestos Cement with heavy vegitation growth

• Left bottom: Displaced moss with

Asbestos fibre now attached to the root system.

Other Considerations Asbestos cement products especially roofing and rainwater goods are the ideal environment for moss, vegetation and lichens to grow.

When moss and lichens grow on cement sheeting their roots will penetrate beneath the upper layers of the cement and remove moisture. This plant growth will eventually cause an element of damage, erosion and weakness to the roof surface which in conjunction with weather conditions will eventually result in the damage of the cement product and moss/lichens being displaced onto the adjacent surfaces including roads, walkways, drains and grassed areas. These displaced plants will also include the upper layers of the roof on which they were growing.

Factors to consider and assist the Management of Asbestos Cement Products:

• The greatest risk is contamination

and the spread and controlling the contamination from anyone who may be exposed –

• Establish the extent of potential contamination (Reg 16)

• Establish whether there is the •

potential for individual exposure (Reg 11) Establish whether there is the potential for asbestos fibres to be airbourne (internal and external) (Reg 11 & Reg 16)

• Asbestos cement life span – consider

how long the ACM has been in place and that the original expected life span of the material was 25-40 years

• Consider controls for the site as

appropriate such as maintenance regimes required for vegetation control etc

What needs to be done?

• Consider appropriate monitoring for

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) state as duty holders, building owners, landlords or occupants that the risk from asbestos is managed and that controls are in place to manage the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres and prevent the spread as detailed below:

• Identifying primary source (roofs/

Regulation 4 - Duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises

• Information, instruction and training for

‘In order to manage the risk from asbestos…a suitable and sufficient assessment is carried out as to whether asbestos is, or is liable to be present...the condition of any asbestos which is, or has been assumed to be, present in the premises must be considered’.

Regulation 11 - Prevention or reduction of exposure to asbestos ‘Every employer must prevent the exposure to asbestos of any employee employed by that employer so far as is reasonably practicable’.

Regulation 16 - Duty to prevent or reduce the spread of asbestos ‘Every employer must prevent or, where this is not reasonably practicable, reduce to the lowest level reasonably practicable the spread of asbestos from any place where work under the employer’s control is carried out’.

higher risk asbestos cement products rainwater goods etc) and secondary where the residue is and where it may go, i.e. moss blowing around sites, drains washing through interceptors or off site and also back flush of drains during storm events all contractors

• Site operating procedures to take

account of the asbestos situation, with regular updates

• Adequacy and frequency of reinspections

• Contaminated land.

Want to find out more about how SOCOTEC UK can support your asbestos management requirements? Click here.

The actual risk of asbestos cement products needs to be considered thoroughly.

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The plant growth activity causes the cement matrix, which is essential to bind and hold the asbestos fibres in place, to break down. The result of this growth breakdown is that the cement matrix is no longer present but instead the fibres, which were once held within it are now loosely adhered to the roots of the moss/lichens.

When the moss/lichens fall off the roofs this also leaves an unsealed surface with

The actual risk of asbestos cement products needs to be considered thoroughly. As with other ACMs, the material should be risk assessed and management controls put in place to reduce the potential for exposure from these products.

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Safety & Security

ASSA ABLOY DOOR GROUP CHAMPIONS FIRE DOOR INSPECTIONS Door Group, a division of ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, is calling for a higher calibre of fire door inspections this Fire Door Safety Week, after research found a third (32%) of the British public would not report a problem with a fire door, putting lives at risk.

S

hockingly, those asked believed that a fire door that was propped open with a wedge or a fire extinguisher was safe, and 15% believed that keeping a fire door closed stops it performing, highlighting a lack of understanding around the role fire doors play in the event of a fire.

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What’s more, only 19% of those responsible for the specification, installation and maintenance of fire doors inspect their fire doors twice a year, 14% inspect annually, while 3% only inspect their fire doors when an issue has been reported. Four in five respondents say end clients do not require third-party certified fire doors to be specified.

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Brian Sofley, Managing Director at Door Group, said: “Fire doors are one of the most important safety features in a building, as they provide a critical part of the fire compartmentation requirement. Gross negligence when it comes to fire door safety can have serious and devastating implications.

The public’s lack of understanding around fire doors means it’s even more vital that buildings

and facilities managers ensure compliance to protect occupants. However, nearly a third (30%) of those responsible for fire door safety say they do not fully understand their responsibilities under the Building Safety Act .

It is imperative that those responsible for the property ensure life safety products have been independently verified, are regularly audited or certified and have been manufactured and installed by competent companies or individuals.

Suppliers and manufacturers also have a duty of care to their customers at each and every stage of a project, to offer a solution that is

properly and unambiguously safeguarded by certification.”

As part of its commitment to fire door safety, Door Group provide a fully comprehensive inspection which can be carried out every three, four, six or 12 months to suit specific requirements.

Following inspections, Door Group offers detailed reports containing advice and recommendations on necessary improvements, with the knowledge that identifying any potential issues that could impact safety and product performance can be lifesaving.

If any issues do occur, a tailored repair proposal is issued to include anything from replacement doors to a regular maintenance program. Door Group inspectors are BREcertified and will ensure that all fire doors inspected meet all necessary standards and regulations.

For more information on ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions, please visit https://bit.ly/3gGLU3R.

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PRIVATE FORESTED HOME IN BOIS-LEROI, FRANCE, HARMONISES RESIDENTIAL LIFE WITH SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE For the past two years, the home of two architects in Bois-leRoi, in the heart of the Fontainebleau Forest near Paris, has been clad entirely in sustainably sourced Kebony wood.

T

RRNews - Issue 64

he previous all stucco property has completed redevelopment with the use of knot-free Kebony Clear wood, simultaneously delivering a striking contemporary style, and complementing the predominantly stone architecture of the local area.

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The wood has also been chosen for the exterior decking of the home, as well as for extensive use throughout the interior, including lining the stairs and kitchen. This continuity of material used across different spaces in the property reflects the aesthetic sensibility of the homeowners and the landscaped, tree lined garden that the property sits in, giving an overall sense of harmony to the design, and delivering an understated yet intimate abode.

The couple chose Kebony Clear wood to clad their own home due to its superior sustainable credentials, durability, and aesthetic characteristics. The owners wanted their house to be fitted in vertical siding, with no ribs or veins, ensuring a sleek and uninterrupted facade.

Above all, they wanted to avoid using endangered tropical hardwoods, such

as Ipe or Cumaru, without having to make sacrifices on either build or visual quality.

“After carrying out a great deal of research, we realized that it was the best solution for achieving the result we wanted in technical, aesthetic, and environmental terms. Above all, Kebony wood is a viable alternative to other woods such as tropical hardwoods, which are less in tune with our vision of healthy architecture”, explains the couple.

Developed in Norway, Kebony provides a sustainable alternative to tropical hardwoods, helping to ease the global dependence on traditional construction materials, thereby reducing the continued environmental damage caused by deforestation. Through the production of enhanced dually modifiedTM timber, sourced from fast growing FSC-certified sustainable softwoods such as pine, Kebony offers architects a wood product with the same characteristics of protected wood species such Ipe and Cumaru, without the same cost to the carbon footprint.

Increasing the dimensional stability and hardness of the wood by forming locked in furan polymers in the wood well walls, this dual modificationTM ensures resistance to all weather conditions and guarantees a long design life with minimal maintenance requirements.

The Kebony Clear cladding will also gradually acquire a characteristic silver-gray patina, weathering alongside the building and allowing the house to blend harmoniously into its woodland surroundings over time.

“We are delighted to see Kebony proving to be a popular choice of cladding material for architects worldwide, and to see these ecoconscious inspirations brought to life through beautiful new private home projects.”

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Nina Landbø, International Sales Manager for Kebony, comments,: ‘’We are delighted to see Kebony proving to be a popular choice of cladding material for architects worldwide, and to see these ecoconscious inspirations brought to life through beautiful new private home projects. We hope the homeowners at Bois-le-Roi have many years of

enjoyment in their stunning residential property, and the calming natural harmony afforded by the use of sustainably-sourced Kebony wood‘’.

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Timber & Timber Frame

AVOID COSTLY CALLBACKS WITH INTERNATIONAL TIMBER International Timber, a leading importer and distributor of bespoke, sustainable timber and panel products, recommends using flooring grade plywood to help prevent callbacks in commercial and domestic flooring projects.

C

ontract flooring specialists know that incorrectly specified plywood underlayment can result in swelling, peeling and lifting, even when other installation practices are correctly adhered to. Imagine installing a floor in a high-end commercial or residential setting, only to be called back to replace the underlayment as well as the floor itself when the plywood used doesn’t meet the grade.

Flooring grade plywood consists of thicker face veneers to meet the recommendations from the Contract Flooring Association (CFA). International Timber’s flooring grade plywood, for example, consists of thicker 1.2mm face veneers, compared to the 0.12mm on some commercially available plywood.

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In addition, BS 8203:2017 ‘code of practice for installation of resilient floor coverings’ recommends that flooring grade plywood should have a glue bond of Class 3 Exterior.

This also relates to test methods specific to

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plywood, in particular EN 314-2 ‘Plywood – Bonding quality – Part 2: Requirements (June 1993)’, which requires the glue to be able to stand up to a certain degree of moisture.

These certifications ensure that plywood is performing to the industry agreed standard of subfloor bases. International Timber’s Eucalyptus Grandis range includes no core gaps, no overlap, and 3-ply construction to ensure that flatness and dimensional stability is never an issue upon installation.

Craig Hewlett, Commercial Lead for Panel Products at International Timber comments: “Resilient contract flooring projects require the correct grade plywood fitted underneath. If the plywood sheets installed are not fit for purpose, meaning a lower-class glue or thinner face veneer, this can result in costly callbacks for flooring contractors, with lost time and money.

We would always recommend that flooring specialists use flooring grade plywood for commercial and domestic projects for peace of mind. Here at International Timber, we keep

a wide range of plywood in stock that meets the highest of standards depending on your requirements and specification. Our range will always guarantee sustainable and legal sourced products, providing you with both confidence and quality when purchasing.”

For more information, visit www.internationaltimber.com or email info@internationaltimber.com.

Resilient contract flooring projects require the correct grade plywood fitted underneath. If the plywood sheets installed are not fit for purpose, meaning a lower-class glue or thinner face veneer, this can result in costly callbacks for flooring contractors, with lost time and money.

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• Nationwide network of certified wood floor contractors

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• Solutions for every stage of the floor’s life

Bona Limited T: 01908 525150 E: info.uk@bona.com www.bona.com