Refurb Renovation News - Issue 49

Issue 49 2021

FELCE AND GUY SPECIFIES BRICKS FROM VANDERSANDEN FOR THE SPA AT SOUTH LODGE

Global Expansion and Re-structuring of Bond It PROJECT: JHR INTERIORS MAYFAIR TOWNHOUSE

GAIA:

UNDERFLOOR HEATING CPD, DISCOVER THE BENEFITS

SELECTAGLAZE

Former Listed stable converted to comfortable offices with secondary glazing

Matteo Bianchi Studio creates visionary interior for award-winning London letting agent

We’ve set the standard everyone else follows Once in a while a product comes along and changes everything, from the way it’s crafted to the way it works. Products are often copied and many are great ideas that never really see true success in their application. Many years are spent searching for a product that will ultimately surpass expectations, stand the test of time and become recognised as the leader in its field.

We created one of those successful products nearly two decades ago and still today it has never been equalled.

Why? Because we have never compromised on quality.

UNIFOLD® Unrivalled excellence in gutter lining technology. www.gutterliners.com

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STORA ENSO HELPS TO ACCELERATE SUSTAINABLE SCHOOLS FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY

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COMBINED DAMP PROOFING AND SOUND REDUCTION FOR WOOD FLOORS

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EXTERIOR: THE BEST PAINT FOR… ACCORDING TO AN EXPERT

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A MOVE IN THE “LIGHT” DIRECTION A SPECIAL INTERVIEW WITH THE PROJECT DESIGNER

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MATTEO BIANCHI STUDIO CREATES VISIONARY INTERIOR FOR AWARD-WINNING LONDON LETTING AGENT

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PROJECT: JHR INTERIORS MAYFAIR TOWNHOUSE

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FORMER LISTED STABLE CONVERTED TO COMFORTABLE OFFICES WITH SECONDARY GLAZING

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THE IMPORTANCE OF ART - HOW DO WE DISPLAY IT?

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GARADOR LAUNCHES NEW SLATEGRAIN SECTIONAL GARAGE DOORS

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OFFICE PRINCIPLES DELIVERS FIRST PHASE OF £1.6M BIRMINGHAM OFFICE REFURBISHMENT

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PELHAM WATERSIDE SHORTLISTED FOR NATIONAL HOUSING AWARD

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HOW THE PANDEMIC HAS CHANGED WHAT WE WANT FROM OUR HOMES

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ENGIE COMPLETES CONSTRUCTION OF SUSTAINABLE HOMES FOR OLDHAM COUNCIL

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WORK BEGINS ON RESTORATION OF UK’S OLDEST LIDO

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PROJECT: CHELSEA LOFT BY DAY TRUE

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INTERVIEW: LACHLAN FAULKNER

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THE REDEFINITION OF MATT: REHAU WINS INTERNATIONAL DESIGN AWARD FOR NEW COLLECTION

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FELCE AND GUY SPECIFIES BRICKS FROM VANDERSANDEN FOR THE SPA AT SOUTH LODGE

Contents Lapthorn Media Ltd

Editor Maria Lapthorn editor@rrnews.co.uk

Designer Laura Whitehead laura@rrnews.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Francesca Amato editorial@rrnews.co.uk

Website Content Russel Goldsmith russel@lapthornmedia.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Georgina Baxter georgina@rrnews.co.uk

Circulation Manager Leo Phillips subs@rrnews.co.uk

Tel: 01843 808 102

Sales Manager David Valentine david@rrnews.co.uk

Accounts Richard Lapthorn accountsdept@rrnews.co.uk

www.rrnews.co.uk

Sales Assistant Jane Parker jane@rrnews.co.uk

Publishing Director Paul Attwood paul@rrnews.co.uk

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

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Issue 49 - 2021

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 WASHROOM AND CRE8 CELEBRATE TWO SUCCESSFUL DECADES TOGETHER Leading washroom and joinery companies, Washroom Washroom and Cre8 Joinery Solutions, are celebrating an impressive 20 years in business together this year.

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riginally founded as one company by four directors in 2001, the Washroom Group has enjoyed consistent growth over the last 20 years to become a major force in the commercial washroom and joinery market. The business has grown significantly and now employs a team of more than 160 designers, craftsmen, installers and project managers who see each project through from initial design concept to installation on site and at every step along the way.

It now operates as three separate but connected businesses - Washroom Washroom, Cre8 Joinery Solutions and WeIntegre8 packaged contractor solutions. All three aim to deliver high specification bespoke washrooms, showers, changing areas, bespoke joinery and interior fit-outs for the commercial and leisure sectors. Having worked on some of the most iconic buildings in London and across the UK, the team is currently refreshing and refurbishing numerous London offices to ensure facilities are primed and ready for a completely different way of working in a post-lockdown future.

Manufacturing is still done in-house at the company’s own 58,000 sq ft factory in Essex, which also has extensive storage capacity to maintain high levels of stock and lessen the impact of materials shortages and supply chain delays.

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Our anniversary is the perfect opportunity to reflect and thank all our clients and suppliers for their support over the last two decades.

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Trevor Bowers, Washroom Washroom director commented: “The fact that our talented in-house teams can design, manufacture and install on all projects puts us in a unique position to be able to offer clients a responsive and flexible service while also providing total peace of mind that we’ll deliver when we say we will.

“Our anniversary is the perfect opportunity to reflect and thank all our clients and suppliers for their support over the last two decades.

“However, those of you who know us well will know that we’re really not ones to look back – we’re much more interested in looking ahead to the next project, big challenge or exciting innovation.

“With our newly expanded manufacturing facility and offices we have even more room to grow in the future and we’re now looking forward to the next 20 years.”

Phillip Gay, Cre8 Joinery Solutions director added: “It’s fair to say that a lot has changed over the last two decades. “ But our core aim and ethos has remained the same – to create high quality, stand-out projects which meet the exacting requirements of our clients, delivered on time and to budget.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the team and their dedication to delivering exceptional projects and I’m excited to see what the future holds for us as a company.”

BIKBBI WELCOMES TITUS AS THE NEWEST CORPORATE SPONSOR It was announced today that Titus will become the latest Corporate Sponsor of The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI), as the organisation continues to grow its reach into industry manufacturers.

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ver the last 40 years, Titus has been active in multiple industries, including household appliances and furniture through the use of damping technology within their hardware solutions range. An international brand, Titus provides global solutions and embraces the versatility and know-how of its teams worldwide.

Through innovative product design, Titus develops and manufactures precision components to improve the competitiveness of furniture and cabinetry.

Phil Beddoe, General Manager at Titus UK, commented on the announcement: “At Titus, we put a lot of effort into monitoring developments in the cabinet furniture sector and we are delighted to be supporting the objectives of The BiKBBI. We look forward to leading positive change when it comes to quality products, services and best practice and we see installation as an integral part of such development.”

BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters commented: “It’s clear that industry manufacturers are connecting their product and the importance of installation.

As I’ve always maintained, our industry can innovate, manufacture, distribute, design and sell beautiful product, but, to coin a pun, installation is a critical component and I’m delighted that another well respected manufacturer understands the importance of what we do and are stepping up to support us too.”

Company News STORA ENSO HELPS TO ACCELERATE SUSTAINABLE SCHOOLS FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY pandemic in motion, this will be an incredibly important factor for educational authorities and construction players to consider.

Despite the benefits of wood as a strong, versatile, and sustainable material, the webinar also assessed the barriers to adopting CLT as a construction material. For example, concerns around technical performance exist, as does a miseducation on cost-effectiveness. Dayo ShittuBalogun, Associate at EURBAN, one important enabler of the webinar and official partner from Stora Enso, provided insight: “We’re coming across a lot of risk aversion as people still consider wood construction as a new way of doing things. There is some miseducation on cost. People consider it to be a bit more expensive, but through some benchmarking work we established that if you’re talking in simplistic terms, the structural skeleton of a building is either equal or cheaper – and more work needs to be done to communicate that this is the case.”

Experts showcase Cambridgeshire wooden school success story with low carbon footprint and improvement of student well-being

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ast Thursday, industry experts from the architecture, construction and education industry gathered to discuss how wood can successfully be used as a building material to create sustainable learning environments. Hosted by Stora Enso, in collaboration with The B1M, the webinar showcased the award-winning case study of the Northstowe Learning Community in Cambridgeshire, UK, a 15,000m2 project that utilised Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) to meet sustainability targets and provide an inspiring and healthy space for students.

The UK government’s hardening of the carbon emissions reduction target, from 68% to 78% by 2035* puts an increasingly acute focus on how industries can support this ambition.

Rory Doak, Business Development Manager UK & Ireland at Stora Enso, noted on the webinar, “the biggest impact [of the Northstowe project] is that there’s nearly 3,000 tons of CO2 stored in the building that’s not getting put back into the atmosphere”. Pair this with the reduction of up to 75% of CO2 emissions that can be achieved using wooden construction methods versus concrete and steel processes, and it’s clear to see how building with wood can contribute to this journey.

Also touching on the biophilic design nature of wood, the panellists shared insights on its positive impact on the health and wellbeing of children as studies have shown that the material can improve concentration and reduce stress. With return to classrooms post-

When looking at the path forward for sustainable school construction in light of the Northstowe project, ShittuBalogun, added, “We all have a commitment to not pour more CO2 into the atmosphere than we take out of it, so there is a moral obligation for all of us across the industry – and where better to see this play out than in an educational setting? This is exactly what we like to do, deliver buildings efficiently and sustainably.”

Fred Mills, Co-Founder of The B1M, and webinar moderator, added, “Construction methods have the power to truly effect people’s lives. It perhaps doesn’t get more important than thinking about this in the context of where future generations are learning. Wooden school projects create amazing spaces for schooling, both from an environmental, health and well-being point of view. The task now, is to raise awareness of how concepts can be moved to an implementable reality and Northstowe is a fantastic example of this.”

THERMAL RECYCLING CONTINUES TO INNOVATE ASBESTOS ROOF SHEETS CONVERTED INTO CEMENT SUBSTITUTE Calmag, the sustainable asbestos-free construction product produced by Thermal Recycling at its pioneering demonstration facility in Wolverhampton, has been proven to be an effective cement substitute.

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n June 2020, Thermal Recycling was awarded a prestigious Innovate UK Smart Grant, part of the Government’s UK Research and Innovation Initiative. The grant was for a project that would determine the best use for the asbestos-free product, produced from Thermal Recycling’s conversion process of cement roof sheets originally containing chrysotile asbestos.

Two commercial certified laboratories conducted extensive technical assessments of the product’s characteristics, including compression strength, load-bearing capability, and water permeability.

The research showed that Calmag is effective as a cement substitute. Market research was also conducted in different sectors to identify potential users of the product.

The project concluded that the best use for Calmag is as a cement substitute, which will reduce the use of cement, one of the world’s largest generators of CO2 emissions.

Graham commented: “This was really important research for Thermal Recycling; identifying a market for Calmag defines us as a circular economy business. This also reinforces our vision for the company; we can not only divert asbestos away from landfill, but also offer a sustainable product to the construction sector.

There is a pleasing symmetry to being a business that is involved in removing the problem of asbestos for future generations and being able to use the converted material which contributes to creating a better future for that generation”.

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The project, which was completed in April this year, involved making prototype construction products from Calmag, named because it is comprised of Calcium, Aluminium and Magnesium as silicates, carbonates, sulphates, and oxides.

Graham Gould, Chairman of Thermal Recycling said: “The grant enabled us to undertake a level and quality of technical and market research that would have been difficult to fund solely from our own resources”.

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Company News TREETOPS HOSPICE IS ANNOUNCED AS CHOSEN CHARITY IN FINAL STAGE OF G F TOMLINSON LOCAL COMMUNITIES PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME Midlands-based contractor G F Tomlinson will forge a longstanding partnership with Treetops Hospice as part of its new Local Communities Partnership Programme, providing ongoing support and construction-based assistance to fulfil a community project for the end-of-life care charity.

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reetops Hospice – which provides vital end of life care in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire to more than 3,000 local people every year, will now receive support from G F Tomlinson and its partners, Arc Partnership and Perfect Circle, to carry out essential improvements around their estate.

This will initially involve improvement works to its wonderful woodland grounds to provide a tranquil and relaxing environment for patients, staff members, volunteers, families and the general public, ensuring paths are upgraded to improve safety and accessibility.

The Local Communities Partnership Programme will also enable the reconfiguration of the Treetops Hospice office and backroom spaces to provide improved working areas for the dedicated and caring staff, and to accommodate the charity’s growing governance and IT infrastructure needs, as the organisation continues to increase the number of people it helps in the region.

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The hospice was selected as a finalist through a ‘Dragon’s Den’-style event last month, which involved four shortlisted charitable organisations presenting their projects in front of a panel of industry experts, which gave each of them the opportunity to gain professional advice and guidance to move forward with their community schemes.

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As part of the partnership, Treetops Hospice will receive an ongoing legacy of advice and support, as well as construction-based assistance.

Other shortlisted charities included Autism East Midlands, Bhive.community hub - South Lincolnshire Blind Society, and Forever Stars.

The Local Communities Partnership Programme is a new collaborative initiative developed by G F Tomlinson, which is aimed at supporting communities and charitable bodies within the region. It is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering social, economic and environmental benefits to the local communities in which it works through SCAPE Construction, a direct award framework that drives collaboration, efficiency, time and cost savings.

The programme invited local not-for-profit organisations in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Staffordshire to apply for pro bono design and construction advice for an upcoming community project that required expert guidance, support and skills.

During the Dragon’s Den event, Treetops Hospice demonstrated the significant need for the improvement works which would provide both physical and mental wellbeing benefits to more than 3,000 patients and their families, as well as dedicated staff and the general public.

To deliver the Local Communities Partnership Programme which was launched earlier this year, G F Tomlinson is working with multi-disciplinary construction practice Arc Partnership – which is a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE, as well as Perfect Circle – a property, construction and infrastructure consultancy that delivers the broadest range of consultancy services to the public sector via the SCAPE Consultancy direct award framework.

The panel was impressed with the charity’s approach to extending their work to support families during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the flexibility shown in maintaining vital work in supporting patients despite the challenges of contact over the last year. It also highlighted the importance of valuing the wellbeing of hardworking care staff and volunteers.

Craig Stopper, Regional Construction framework manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “It has been difficult to select from the amazing causes and projects and we feel incredibly honoured to have had the chance to meet with all the shortlisted charitable organisations during the Dragons Den event and learn more about the work they do to support the local community.

“Congratulations to Treetops Hospice on being selected as our chosen organisation in the Local Communities Partnership Programme. We are very much looking forward to helping the charity improve its facilities, using the collective skills within our business and that of our partners, Arc Partnership and Perfect Circle to create an environment in which patients, staff and the general public can thrive.

“Treetops Hospice care for more than 3,000 patients every year across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and their staff and volunteers make a real difference to the lives of patients and their families when they need it most.”

“We are looking forward to forging the longterm partnership with the hospice, to provide an ongoing legacy of support to an organisation that delivers incredible work across the region.”

Sara Williams, head of Pre-Construction at Arc Partnership, said “All four shortlisted organisations delivered excellent pitches at the Dragon’s Den-style event and we’re delighted Treetops Hospice was selected as the chosen organisation. The services the hospice offer to the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire community are invaluable, giving dignity in end-of-life care and providing emotional support to families.

“With the help of G F Tomlinson, Perfect Circle and Arc Partnership we will be able to help Treetops Hospice realise their ambitions to upgrade the outside areas and the reconfiguration of internal spaces. These two initial projects will make a profound difference for the users, the staff and the volunteers and I am humbled to be involved.”

Victoria Brambini, managing director at Perfect Circle, added: “Participating in the Dragon’s Denstyle event was a brilliant way of connecting with four charities to provide them with advice and guidance to support their project aims. We are delighted to be continuing our support to Treetops Hospice to help with their improvements, which will benefit their staff, volunteers and the local community.”

Julie Heath, chief executive, Treetops Hospice, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be selected by G F Tomlinson. We always strive to give our all to our local community and we would love to make our beautiful outdoor spaces fully accessible for people to use for relaxation and contemplation.

“It comes naturally for our staff to put patients and their families first. To recognise their tireless efforts, we would welcome advice and guidance on making their office space a little more comfortable for them.”

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EXTERIOR: THE BEST PAINT FOR… ACCORDING TO AN EXPERT

With the sun finally shining, you might be prioritising renovating the outdoor areas of your home. When it comes to painting, it’s important to remember that paint isn’t just for indoors; you can easily bring your exterior to life with fresh colour and style. Outdoor paints also help to protect structures and surfaces against external elements.

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he task does not need to be a big DIY project if you know what elements you are working with. Before you decide on a paint, you need to understand the type and quality of your surface as this will indicate the preparation needed. For example, older surfaces need to be dry, and any rust must be sanded down. Ultimately, each paint type has pros and cons, dependent on the size and texture of the area.

To guide you through the best paint to use for three key exterior surfaces, property expert at HomeHow.co.uk, Natalie Mitchell has shared her secrets.

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If your garage door is looking rusty, adding a splash of paint can neaten up the outside of your home.

Before choosing the colour, you need to consider what type of paint is right for your door.

1)…Garage door If your garage door is looking rusty, adding a splash of paint can neaten up the outside of your home. Before choosing the colour, you need to consider what type of paint is right for your door. It’s important to pick a day that is above 10 degrees otherwise the paint won’t dry and will leave you with an uneven finish. Before you start, use a flat scraper to remove any old paint as this will leave you with a smooth workspace.

Galvanised metal paint If you have a metal garage door, galvanised metal paint will produce an effective finish and prolong your garage door’s lifespan. The average cost of metal paint is around £12 to £50 for a litre. Galvanised metal paint is temperature-resistant which means it is not worn down by UV rays or ice. If your garage door is rusting, metal paint can easily cover this up without the cost of making repairs. For beginners, the application process for metal paint can be quite difficult as the solutions are thick. Patience is required as the process can take longer to finish but the colour will withhold.

Exterior paint Exterior paint can be used on any surface that is exposed to weather conditions. They tend to be priced at £4 to £20 per litre. Exterior paint is made

to tolerate adverse weather conditions and protect against rusting. However, the paint tends to change colour once it has been cured, and over time the colour will fade, so regular maintenance is needed.

2) …Shed Whether you’ve had a new shed built this year or the existing one needs renovating, you should always scrub before painting. Sheds can attract cobwebs, mud and mould, so use a diluted general-purpose cleaner and a hard wire brush to scrub away any excess. The removal will make the paint application effortless. Just make sure that the wood is completely dry before painting. Exterior high gloss paint If you want your shed to be a statement in your garden, the best paint is exterior high-gloss paint which costs around £5 to £40 per litre. Exterior high-gloss paint is ideal for improving the colour of your shed, while protecting the wood from damage. It’s also easy to clean, meaning the maintenance of removing any dirt or debris takes minutes. High-gloss paint can highlight imperfections, if you have any large damages to your shed, this paint might not be the best option.

During application precise coverage is needed to avoid evident brush marks.

Weatherproof paint Weatherproof paint will protect sheds against severe weather conditions. The average cost of weatherproof paint is around £15 to

Garden decking looks effective in any garden.

However, it does need to be painted frequently to maintain the appearance. £30 per litre. The paint is water-resistant, meaning any heavy rainfall will leave your shed intact. It can help to lower humidity, protect against UV rays. Whilst weatherproof paint can limit damage caused by weather, you may have to use extra precautions such as a primer or oil to prevent widespread damage.

3) …Decking Garden decking looks effective in any garden. However, it does need to be painted frequently to maintain the appearance. Paint helps to refresh the look whilst protecting it against external elements such as UV rays and rainwater which creates cracks. Always prepare your decking before and only paint in dry weather conditions. Decking paint won’t dry in cold weather and if it has recently rained, the wood will be wet in texture.

Anti-slip decking paint Anti-slip paint is made up of epoxy resin which is protective coating for garden decking. The cost of anti-slip decking paint is around £4 to £8 per litre. The resistant surface makes the decking safer. It can also extend the lifespan and durability by protecting against damage. If the decking is not prepared properly, it will reduce the efficiency of the anti-slip paint. It can take up to 4 days to complete your entire decking with anti-slip decking paint.

Decking oil Decking oil is used to penetrate timber decking which protects the installation from the inside. The average cost of decking oil is £8 to £16 per litre. Decking oil is water-resistant, preventing damp from damaging your decking when hosing or during heavy rainfall. It also contains UV protection. Decking oils are not suitable for exotic hardwood decking as they are naturally oily woods and wouldn’t react well to further oil being added. Decking oil tends to change colour once it is applied and cured.

This piece was brought to you by the experts at www.homehow.co.uk

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Decking stain Decking stain is like varnish which lays on top of the surface for protection.

The price of decking stain is around £8 to £12 per litre. Decking stain will provide a shielding surface layer to maintain protection and durability.

Unlike decking oil, there are a variety of different shades available. However, if the seal is broken on the decking stain layer, it can flake off, allowing moisture to enter the timber.

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PROJECT: MATTEO BIANCHI STUDIO CREATES VISIONARY INTERIOR FOR AWARD-WINNING LONDON LETTING AGENT Matteo Bianchi Studio was appointed by Net Lettings, an award-winning letting agency located in Whitechapel, to create an innovative and stylish interior that wouldn’t be expected or commonly identified as an estate agency.

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s the UK now begins to ease out of lockdown, Net Lettings is proud to welcome its customers to experience Matteo Bianchi Studio’s elegant and inviting design.

In the midst of the global Covid-19 pandemic, letting agents in particular have had to adapt to a new way of working to ensure the property market kept moving and remained open for business. Net Lettings proved its resilience with the adoption of new sophisticated technologies and innovative processes, alongside a complete overhaul of their office space.

Responding to the brief, ‘Urban Decadence’, Matteo Bianchi Studio has successfully reimagined the future of estate agents, creating something truly special that not only works for the employees of Net Lettings, but its customers, the local community, and visitors to the area too.

At first glance, from the exterior, it would be hard to identify the use of the space.

Dark hues of blues and greens fill the agency walls which are complemented by comforting and stylish office furniture. Matteo Bianchi Studio has cleverly incorporated bright accents throughout the space, from the brass keys hanging at the front desk, to the slick Buster + Punch T-bar door handles on cupboards and light switches to create a feeling of luxury and curiosity.

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A reception desk was installed at the front of the street level office that faces a chequered emerald green wall that spills

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“It has been truly rewarding to work with Net Lettings and have the freedom to create something that it is beautiful and unique, while at the same time working as a practical and inviting space for its customers and employees.

We are extremely proud of the design which will stand-thetest-of-time and respond to ever-changing requirements as technology develops.”

into the floor. This top space also houses a selection of bespoke circular desks

by Barel for employees and potential tenants to sit at while facing the feature wall at the back made of a striking Cole & Son wallpaper, lined with green velvet curtains.

Adorned with a selection of memorabilia and ornaments, a bespoke dimly lit built-in bookshelf gives further interest to the office. A bar trolley sits on the first floor contributing to the extraordinary atmosphere and shining pendant lights by Il Fanale hang from the ceiling enclosing the client area.

There are four rooms on the lower ground floor: a kitchen, a neon lit bathroom, a meeting table by Calligaris with a display tv and a director’s office.

A wide staircase creates space and leads you down into the inviting navy floor. There are also a set of in-built cupboards, matching the upstairs, with Buster + Punch pull bars.

With a homely and comfortable atmosphere, Net Lettings now offers the perfect environment to suit the

enjoyable and momentous experience of finding a home to let.

Matteo Bianchi, Founder and Director of Matteo Bianchi Studio said: “It has been truly rewarding to work with Net Lettings and have the freedom to create something that it is beautiful and unique, while at the same time working as a practical and inviting space for its customers and employees. We are extremely proud of the design which will stand-the-testof-time and respond to ever-changing requirements as technology develops.”

Commenting on the official reopening, Jag Sandhu of Net Lettings added: “Matteo Bianchi Studio has provided a first-class service from conception through to completion. We have all had to work within the boundaries and restrictions of lockdown and we are thrilled with the final result.”

GLOBAL EXPANSION AND RE-STRUCTURING OF BOND IT Bond It, one of the UK’s fastest growing manufacturers of sealants, adhesives and building chemicals, is about to undergo a huge change as we enter quarter 2 of 2021.

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n the back of its recent acquisition of the Rescue Tape brand of self-fusing Silicone Tape, manufactured in North Carolina and distributed through warehouses in North Carolina and Los Angeles, the Company has now successfully launched the Bond It brand into the North American market.

As a result David Moore, one of the Company’s founding partners, will take on the role of CEO Bond It Group. He will split his time equally between the UK and the USA to oversee the smooth integration of distribution of Bond It products into the States.

To help him in this role Bond It are pleased to announce the appointment of Dean Morgan as Managing Director of the UK operation. Dean will bring with him a wealth of experience of manufacturing as well as already having a long established relationship with Bond It. “Dean was instrumental in guiding Bond

It through the implementation of ISO 9001, 140001 and the recent 450001 systems and has worked with us for 12 years as a consultant.” “I believe Dean is the right person to guide Bond It to its next level of evolution” said David Moore.

Dean has gained over 40 years experience in various manufacturing companies and has in-depth knowledge of trouble shooting, product development, management systems and driving improved financial performance, so he will be a major asset in his new role. He will direct the Company looking to streamline the processes already existing as part of our ISO Management System, looking to improve efficiency, productivity and quality of the reputable Bond It brands.

For more information on Bond It contact our Sales Team on 01422 315300 or visit www.bonditgroup.com

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Company News TRAINING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW – GROHE ROLLS OUT ITS GIVE PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG STUDENTS TO BECOME INSTALLERS, ACROSS THE EMENA REGION Given the shortage of skilled installers in the sanitary industry, it is more important than ever to offer an attractive training programme that helps young people build the foundations for a prosperous future. This is why GROHE, a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, initiated its “GROHE Installer Vocational Training and Education” (GIVE) programme.

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o date, GROHE has already collaborated with 26 institutions offering plumbing training across the EMENA region. To help improve training facilities, GROHE will set up a fully functioning training environment where students can benefit from the brand’s vast expertise. GIVE supports colleges and vocational education institutions in creating a uniform approach with modern equipment, training material and a written examination that will set new industry standards. Even after students have completed their GROHE training, they will receive assistance - with job placements or even a work experience programme at one of GROHE’s industry partners.

The GIVE programme actually started in the UK itself, with the highly successful working partnership between GROHE and Colchester Institute, the largest vocational college in North Essex. The dedicated fully-functioning training rig was opened to its 500-strong cohort of plumbing students in November 2019. The GROHE UK team is currently planning how it will expand on the success of the GIVE programme into more UK training colleges,

with potential partnerships on the horizon in both Dublin and the South of England.

“The GIVE programme will unite all our professional training efforts and help young people from all backgrounds by improving the quality of life for themselves and their families.

We offer students a training and education programme which will prepare them to become skilled plumbers and guide them further in their careers,” states Jonas Brennwald, Leader LIXIL EMENA.

“Besides initiatives like ‘GROHE goes ZERO’ and ‘Less Plastic,’ where we advocate resource conservation and sustainable consumption, the social dimension is an integral part of our sustainability strategy. As the programme’s name implies, giving back to society is vital for us at GROHE.” Offering young professionals the best start to their careers As part of the GIVE programme, GROHE will support plumbing schools in creating a state-of-the-art training framework by installing modern training facilities and providing learning material and experienced technical trainers. Students will complete a specific product training designed by GROHE, for which they will receive an internationally recognised certificate.

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“Our programme offers young talents hands-on training that eases their start into professional life. The students will gain knowledge of the latest technologies and sanitary innovations.

This will ensure that they are capable of installing and maintaining our expanding product range before they embark on their future careers in the

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plumbing industry,” says Christopher Penney, Leader Plumber Schools LIXIL EMENA. “We are excited to offer our internationally accredited training programme to more plumbing students across the EMENA region by opening up twelve additional schools in 2021 and another twelve in 2022.”

Counteracting the sanitation crisis The integration and continuation of the Dual Tech training programme, which was initiated together with the German non-governmental organisation Don Bosco Mondo, means that GIVE also helps socially disadvantaged people between the ages of 17 and 25 in the Philippines and in Mumbai and Delhi, India, become sanitary specialists. By providing young people with access to market-oriented training, GIVE offers graduates secure prospects for the future and counters the shortage of skilled workers. As a result, the living conditions of many local people improve. The experts trained in sanitary technology create a basic supply, especially where fresh water pipes, sanitary facilities, hygiene measures and healthcare are needed most. By enabling access to basic sanitation, the project also contributes to the fulfilment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) - in particular Goal 6, “Clean Water and Sanitation” - and also to the first pillar of LIXIL’s sustainability strategy - “Global Sanitation & Hygiene” - which aims to improve the livelihood of 100 million people through sanitation and hygiene initiatives by 2025.

Company News

HEMPEL TO ACQUIRE ICONIC PAINT AND WALLPAPER BRAND, FARROW & BALL World-leading coatings manufacturer Hempel has signed a purchase agreement for the acquisition of Farrow & Ball, a luxury decorative paint and wallpaper company with an annual turnover of over EUR 100 million.

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arrow & Ball is an iconic, luxury, decorative paint and wallpaper company. It is used by consumers, designers and cultural institutions around the world – all who have a passion for rich colours in an eco-friendly paint.

“I am very proud to welcome our new colleagues to the Hempel family. Together we will ensure that Farrow & Ball continues its strong growth journey,” says Hempel Group President & CEO Lars Petersson.

Hempel is taking the next, large step to double its revenue to EUR 3 billion by 2025.

The acquisition is a good strategic match,

supporting Hempel’s growth ambitions within the decorative segment.

Group with whom we share strong sustainability principles.

“I am proud that we have already taken the next step on our journey to double our business.

The addition of Farrow & Ball to our branded portfolio is another proof point that we are going for leadership positions in key segments and geographies,” Lars Petersson concludes.

“As part of the Hempel Group, we have an exciting opportunity to extend our brand in new markets through a strong global distribution network and longstanding trade relationships,” says Anthony Davey, CEO of Farrow & Ball.

With Hempel’s strong global presence and longterm trade credentials, the intention is to grow and expand Farrow & Ball globally.

“We are looking forward to taking our growth journey to the next level as part of the Hempel

Hempel today announced that it has agreed to acquire Farrow & Ball from the Private Equity Group of Ares Management Corporation, a leading global alternative investment manager.

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approval and is expected to close in the second half of 2021.

GLEEDS REPORT REVEALS CONFIDENCE RETURNING DESPITE MATERIALS CHALLENGES New research from international property and construction consultancy Gleeds has revealed optimism from the industry post-Covid. The consultancy’s spring Market Report found that nearly two thirds of contractors questioned had reported an increase in tender opportunities over the past quarter, with over 70% expecting this trend to continue into the next. This marks a shift from Q1, when less than a quarter of contractors quizzed claimed to be anticipating an uptick.

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s a result of increased confidence in the market and an influx of projects being tendered however, 88 percent of respondents expect tender prices to increase. Pressure on materials was also thought to play a key role in pushing prices up, with 80% of contractors reporting that they had experienced issues with the supply of materials in the early part of the year.

Many of those asked believed this was down to a combination of factors, however the global pandemic and the impact of Brexit were cited as the biggest influences.

emphasis being placed on wellness at the design stage of new projects.

Graham Harle, Chief Executive Officer at Gleeds, said of the findings, “With a vaccine roll-out happening at pace and increased opportunities coming forward, there is definitely a sense of the construction industry lifting. The publication of the government’s ‘build back better’ plan for growth outlined capital spending plans worth £100 billion, aiming to create new jobs, improve productivity and support the levelling up agenda — demonstrating that

construction is at the heart of the UK’s economic recovery.

“Whilst the outlook for construction is definitely more positive, challenges remain. The effects of the pandemic are still being felt, particularly regarding materials, and there are still concerns that labour shortages may be felt later in the year as workload increases.

While continued materials challenges topped the list in terms of threats to the recovery of the industry going forward, the survey revealed that further waves of Covid-19 were the second largest concern for construction professionals. The ramifications of the past year’s restrictions are likely to be long-lasting, with over half of respondents preparing for an increase in contractual disputes as a result of fluctuating timelines for project completion in the wake of the pandemic.

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When asked about life after Covid, 75% said they expect to see an increase in home working, with 69% also anticipating a rise in flexible work patterns and reduced need for ‘in-person’ meetings going forward. These shifts could change the way in which new buildings are designed, with 55% believing we will see more flexible spaces developed to meet the demand for improved work/life balance. This would certainly appear to be the case, with 81% already finding a greater

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FORMER LISTED STABLE CONVERTED TO COMFORTABLE OFFICES WITH SECONDARY GLAZING The Grade I Listed Belton House stable block in Grantham, Lincolnshire was built in 1685 and is one of only 10 significant 17th century stables in England, famous for the number of original features intact.

They were built by William Stanton and form part of the Belton Estates, residence for the Brownlow and Cust families for three hundred years; a dynasty of renowned lawyers.

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hanges were made to the building between 1811 and 1820 for the 1st Earl of Brownlow by Jeffry Wyatt. During World War I, the complete estate was offered to the Government for war services and operated as a base for the Machine Gun Corps. Belton was also home to the RAF Regiment through the Second World War. In 2018, the National Trust commenced a large-scale project to bring life back to the stables to guarantee a sustainable future for the building. The plan was to restore the building sympathetically to include a new café with increased capacity, a function space and muchneeded office and meeting rooms on the upper floors for the staff at Belton.

The project required restoration work which included conserving lime plaster, repairing the 19th century windows and reinstating historic paint schemes, employing craftspeople skilled in traditional building techniques.

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Rodney Melville and Partners got in touch with Selectaglaze to bolster the efficiency of the original windows, which despite being repaired, were thermally inefficient. Selectaglaze Series 10 horizontal sliders were stipulated for 24 of the original leaded windows in the offices, and meeting rooms. Three units were glazed with satinovo glass, to boost privacy in the toilets. Custom made timber grounds were affixed to all the openings which were splayed or out of shape. As a result of the installation, thermal efficiency has improved considerably, with the added benefit of increased acoustic insulation.

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An original feature in one of the offices was a drop-down door; traditionally opened to allow for hay or other agricultural produce to be hoisted up for storage by the groomers. An ideal solution was achieved by treating the opening with a Series 20 vertical sliding secondary glazing unit, whereby the top sash could be brought down to permit ventilation. The Series 20 glazed with 6mm toughened glass also provided an active barricade to stop people from walking on the door once opened.

Rodney Melville and Partners got in touch with Selectaglaze to bolster the efficiency of the original windows, which despite being repaired, were thermally inefficient.

Selectaglaze Series 10 horizontal sliders were stipulated for 24 of the original leaded windows in the offices, and meeting rooms.

Selectaglaze is privileged to support the National Trust in consolidating and securing the future of such a special historical building.

For further information, please contact Selectaglaze on 01727 837271. Email: enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk or visit: www.selectaglaze.co.uk

Doors, Windows & Fittings HYGIENIC PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC CONTROL FROM TORMAX Offering a modular solution to the pressing need for shops, offices, public buildings and schools to more closely regulate the number of people entering their facility, TORMAX has launched a new add-on module, TORMAX count+go.

effectively controls the number of people entering an area, setting the door to close when a pre-set limit is reached. It also synchronises the timing of entry to ensure a hygienic physical distance is maintained between individuals.

Working in tandem with any TORMAX sliding or folding automatic entrance, this module

“The TORMAX count+go module is quick and easy to install and doesn’t require any extra

sensors, instantly freeing up a member of staff from having to stand at the doorway regulating access,” said Simon Roberts, md for TORMAX UK. “Monitoring foot traffic is good business practice, even when social distancing rules are relaxed, ensuring health and safety regulations aren’t breached and helping provide a relaxed and welcoming environment for everyone.”

In addition to closing the doors when the maximum number of people entering an area has been reached, TORMAX count+go issues a clear acoustic signal to alert pedestrians to wait. As soon a person exits the building, bringing the number back down, the door returns to the open operating mode.

For further visual announcements to users, TORMAX count+go is also available with an elegant display stand featuring a large monitor for customized messaging. A second monitor can also be integrated as a digital advertising panel.

Operated via smartphone, tablet or laptop, TORMAX count+go is quick and simple for staff and employees to programme and manage on a day-to-day basis.

Email: sales@tormax.co.uk Website: www.tormax.co.uk

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RRNews - Issue 49

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Latest News NEW RESEARCH SHOWS NEW NET ZERO MODEL BRINGS BENEFITS FOR HOTEL SECTOR A new paper co-authored by international property consultancy Gleeds, global engineering and design consultancy Arup, global hospitality company IHG Hotels and Resorts, and energy management and automation specialist Schneider Electric has revealed how the hotel industry can tackle the net zero carbon challenge and save £millions in the process.

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ntitled ‘Transforming Existing Hotels to Net Zero’, the team compiling the research used a real-life case study to consider what opportunities exist to decarbonise existing hotels and drive operational energy to net zero carbon. With energy consumption typically accounting for as much as 60% of a hotel’s emissions they considered a range of interventions, the initial cost of which was balanced against the potential long-term savings in a bid to develop a methodology that could be applied industry wide.

Before intervention, the test premises used for research was found to produce the equivalent of the carbon sequestered by 24,000 trees planted in the UK. Through the implementation of operational changes alone, the study revealed that huge potential reductions in carbon emissions of more than 130 tonnes CO2e and substantial savings of over £112,000 in yearly energy bills could be achieved.

Gillian Breen, Director for Hotels and Hospitality at Gleeds added, “Gleeds is passionate about the future of our planet and committed to creating a sustainable built environment for the people and communities that live on it. This paper identifies opportunities to improve performance and reduce energy use, using both physical interventions and intelligent review of building operations. The real-life case study considers realistic, pragmatic interventions that will absolutely deliver energy and cost savings for hotel operators across the globe.”

The study offers invaluable insights into how controlling and optimising operations can play its part, before going on to suggest a raft of ‘active’ measures, such as switching from gas powered equipment to low carbon electricity and outlining the impacts of generating renewable energy. In total, the test case was revealed to have the potential to reduce its

annual energy bill by £467,000 per annum and cut its carbon emissions by a whopping 483 tonnes if all measures were implemented.

Spearheading the project, Simon Gill, Hotels and Leisure Business Leader at Arup said, “We are acutely aware that the majority of the hotels we’ll be using in 2050 are already built, so it is essential that we start to scrutinise these buildings if we’re to avoid them becoming stranded assets.

The last year of lockdowns has actually given us a once in a lifetime opportunity to scrutinise their carbon footprint with negligible human influence.

This enabled us to conduct in-depth analysis and significantly improve the industry’s understanding of how we can transform existing hotels to be net zero carbon.”

Catherine Dolton, Chief Sustainability Officer & VP Global Corporate Responsibility, IHG Hotels & Resorts said, “The hotel industry’s global footprint presents an important opportunity to reduce emissions at scale. This research reinforces the fact that progress will be best achieved through collaboration, best practice sharing and solutions that make a positive difference. Given the impact of Covid-19 on the hotel industry, the availability of government incentives will also be key to enable hotel owners to fund the measures needed to decarbonise their properties.”

Michael Sullivan, Segment President for Buildings with Schneider Electric concluded, “Schneider Electric believes that buildings of the future need to be safe, healthy, and peoplecentric, however there is currently very little support and few resources available to help investors choose the best approach and calculate the financial investment required. We hope the novel research presented in this paper can help to answer these important questions. This is an excellent practical illustration of how the right plan, technology, and execution can help hotels achieve net-zero carbon goals with a significant return on investment.”

NEW CODE OF PRACTICE SHOULD NOT STOP AT EXTERNAL WALLS COMMENT FROM CADLINE RRNews - Issue 49

“A new code of practice is welcome news to support and guide building owners, and it is vital that any assessments and required changes are mandatory – not just an attractive gesture.

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he tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire, combined with new measures and regulations implemented due to Covid-19 and lockdown, means we have seen a surge in businesses, local authorities and housing associations reviewing and

improving their buildings’ safety, but we know first-hand how a consistent approach is essential.

“Technology has helped us to capture essential digital build data, including recording external

ARCHITECT REACTS TO GOVERNMENT DECISION TO SCRAP VIRTUAL PLANNING COMMITTEES Pete Ladhams, Managing Director, Assael Architecture, commented: “The Covid-19 crisis acted as an unlikely catalyst to finally cause change to the UK’s outdated planning system at pace. However, the decision not to extend powers enabling virtual planning committees will be a hugely backwards step.

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hilst these measures were initially intended to be temporary, the feedback since implemented across the industry was overwhelmingly positive, with many recognising the advantages of a digitised planning process.

“The onus is now on the government to make sure we leverage the momentum created by this pandemic to reform the planning system fully and not miss this opportunity.”

measurements and cladding types, as well as identifying fire and smoke alarm systems within buildings and accessing operation manuals. These details can easily be shared among architects, stakeholders, fire engineers and safety managers in one platform, meaning future adjustments can be made quickly and easily.

“Asset owners are facing a critical point for building safety so clear clarification is needed as to exactly what new regulations and processes are in place.

“Safety reviews should not stop at external walls and should instead consider internal structures and appliances too, for both new and existing buildings.”

Doors, Windows & Fittings

GARADOR LAUNCHES NEW SLATEGRAIN SECTIONAL GARAGE DOORS Garador has introduced an exciting new surface finish, Slategrain, for its popular sectional garage door range. The new Slategrain surface finish imitates the fine grained and foliated surface texture of the naturally occurring rock, Slate.

Slategrain is available for Garador’s Linear Medium and Linear Large door models and comes in two colours, Traffic White (RAL 9016) and Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016), for a clean, contemporary appearance.

Garador’s sectional garage doors also offer many other advantages, including weather seals on all four sides of the door together with 42mm thick fully insulated door sections to reduce heat loss and potentially lower energy bills. The door’s exceptional thermal performance is illustrated by a U-Value of 1.30 W/m²K. Garador’s sectional garage doors also lift vertically and run on tracks back into the garage, offering maximum drive-through width and height.

Find out more about this stylish new finish by visiting www.garador.co.uk or calling 01935 443722.

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

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

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

T : +44 (0) 1228 672 900 E : sales@zoo-hardware.co.uk W : www.zoohardware.co.uk STANZA is part of Zoo Hardware Ltd.

P C HENDERSON EXPANDS ITS RANGE OF POCKET DOOR 18/05/2021 15:51:15SYSTEMS WITH NEW BI-PARTING FIRE RATED SYSTEM

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P C Henderson has further expanded its range of pocket door systems with the launch of a brand new fire rated system for bi-parting doors.

Originally launched for single doors back in February 2019 – this latest release of the company’s popular Pocket Door Pro system caters for bi-parting fire doors weighing up to 120kg and is fully certified to FD30 British and European standards.

Andrew Royle, Sales and Marketing Director at

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

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

and a simultaneous action kit available as an optional extra.

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

We believe we have achieved this through the development of Pocket Door Pro”, continued Andrew.

A detailed and innovative design is what P C Henderson attributes to the products success – features such as push together parts, preassembled components and a wide range of optional extras has seen the products popularity soar over the past two years.

Find out more at www.pchenderson.com.

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

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

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Project News PANTHERA SUPPLIES FULL SITE SERVICES PACKAGE TO NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY The National Portrait Gallery is one of London’s most iconic attractions. Housing the most extensive collection of portraits in the world, including paintings and pictures of historically important and famous British people, it is one of the stand-out tourist destinations in the capital and generally attracts in excess of 1.5 million visitors per year.

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major programme of refurbishment is currently underway at the gallery which has led to its closure from 2020 to 2023. The project, entitled “Inspiring People”, is a comprehensive redisplay of the collection from the Tudors to present day and involves a complete refurbishment of the building, the creation of new public spaces, a more

welcoming visitor entrance and public forecourt, and a new state-of-the-art Learning Centre. The East Wing will return to being gallery space, with its own new street entrance.

Panthera Group has been appointed by the London office of Gilbert Ash, the main contractor, to provide full site services for the duration of the renovation project.

PELHAM WATERSIDE SHORTLISTED FOR NATIONAL HOUSING AWARD New residential housing development Pelham Waterside has been shortlisted for ‘Best Urban Development Outside London’ at the Inside Housing Development Awards 2021.

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he 73-home scheme, which is located near the banks of Nottingham’s River Trent within the Waterside Regeneration Zone, has been designed by CPMG Architects to embrace sustainability, community and nature, bringing new residents to the riverside location.

“Our ethos at Pelham Homes is ‘building profit for purpose’ and our developments are dedicated to generating profits through building new homes, which are gift-aided back to Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) to help provide affordable homes and additional social value to the wider community.

Owned by Pelham Homes, the site is the largest residential development for the home builders in more than a decade and this month has been shortlisted alongside some of the UK’s top newbuild schemes - with more than 300 entrants.

“As the first scheme of this size in over 10 years, we are proud of the team’s hard work in making it such an early success.”

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Allan Fisher, director at Pelham Homes said: “This is an incredible recognition for the Pelham Waterside team on a national stage. The interest in the development since its launch has been fantastic and over 80% of the homes in phase one have already been sold or reserved, with completion expected by summer 2021. Phase two has planning agreed bringing a further 12 houses and 27 apartments, starting on site later this year.

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The development has seen the regeneration of a brownfield site and has sustainability integrated into the design, incorporating thermally-efficient building fabric and the use of low-energy fittings throughout. A combination of good quality brickwork and timber cladding provide a natural feel to the buildings, which also feature generously sized windows and Juliet balconies to allow good levels of natural daylight and ventilation throughout.

Steve Milan, associate and lead for the scheme at CPMG, said: “We’re delighted that Pelham Waterside has been shortlisted for a national award. Working with Pelham Homes we have designed an environment reflecting the importance of personal wellbeing, both inside the homes and through interaction with outdoor spaces, so it’s fantastic to have been recognised for our hard work.”

Pelham Waterside is a contemporary development, which provides an urban lifestyle close to the city centre, while offering wellbeing benefits of waterside living for individuals, couples and families. The project team for phase two of Pelham Waterside is Couch Perry Wilkes, mechanical and electrical consultants and Curtins, structural engineers.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony event on Thursday 4 November 2021 at London’s Intercontinental Hotel.

Project News A major programme of refurbishment is currently underway at the gallery which has led to its closure from 2020 to 2023 The first phase of this is to install an on-ground hoarding solution round the exterior of the building.

The client chose EnviroHoard™, a sustainable, closed loop hoarding system manufactured from post production uPVC that is both recycled and recyclable.

This solution was chosen in place of timber hoarding following a campaign by Panthera Group to minimise the felling of mature trees for single use construction projects. As well as being the perfect choice environmentally, it is also a great choice commercially – the system is quick to install; enabling swifter securing of the boundary and can be easily relocated if required. The panels do not warp or delaminate and need no maintenance whilst in-situ.

A 60m stretch of EnviroHoard™ has been fixed to 1200kg concrete blocks and laid on protective mats to protect the pavement outside the building. Two sets of mesh vehicle gates and a set of pedestrian gates were also installed to ensure safe access and egress for contractors, suppliers and workers.

The second phase of works included a 255m² internal fit out which had a set of strict criteria due to the sensitive nature of the works being carried out inside the national portrait gallery. The client requested that all works be carried out with minimal to no fixings to the existing structure. Panthera Group Site Services team therefore installed a perimeter wall that was flush with the existing wall to act as a frame allowing the build to proceed without fixing to the existing walls or floor. The temporary fit out includes two meeting rooms, two offices, a changing room, a canteen with integrated office and two tea stations, plus all doors and doubleglazed opening windows. All temporary power and lighting was supplied and installed by Panthera Group for the internal fit out in the gallery and the company also provided welfare accommodation for the construction teams completing the renovations.

ENGIE COMPLETES CONSTRUCTION OF SUSTAINABLE HOMES FOR OLDHAM COUNCIL Leading energy, services and regeneration specialist, ENGIE, is pleased to announce the completion of the £4m Primrose Bank project which involved the construction of 19 eco-friendly, fivebedroom properties for Oldham Council, providing affordable accommodation for families in the borough.

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ach home features renewable energy equipment, including photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, battery storage, dual supplies with ‘Economy 7’ technology for hot water and thermal store water, and electrical storage heating. Each property also has a dedicated Wi-Fi unit that monitors energy usage, controlling the source provision to ensure the most effective use of renewable and stored energy. All of the above reduces carbon emissions and the property’s reliance on natural gases, while ensuring tenants have an efficient system with all modern comforts. The smart technology has been fitted as part of a project called RED WoLF (Rethink Electricity Distribution Without Load Following) – an Interreg North-West Europe programme funded by the EU, which Oldham Council is a key partner in.

The units were built with efficiency in mind, with Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) A ratings meaning they’re cost-effective to run, with ultimately lower bills to pay.

Steve Gregory, Head of New Build at ENGIE UK & Ireland (North West) said: “I’m delighted

that we’ve safely and successfully delivered all 19 houses and created a thriving new neighbourhood of affordable accommodation for families in the town.

“It’s been great to continue our partnership with the Council and build on the regeneration of the area that ENGIE has been involved with for a number of years. With our commitment to creating high-quality, sustainable new homes, we were pleased to bring our expertise to this development.”

Councillor Hannah Roberts, Cabinet member for Housing, said: “It has been wonderful to see families moving into these new homes. This type of low-energy home is exactly what Oldham, and the country, needs both now and in the future. We were lucky to receive funding as one of six pilot schemes to be able to provide all the technology, and long-term funding is vital to be able to build more homes like this to support our ambition for a carbon neutral borough by 2030.

“ENGIE delivered the build despite the challenges of the pandemic and Oldham Council has been able to offer good homes to families who had been waiting for some time.”

“I’m delighted that we’ve safely and successfully delivered all 19 houses and created a thriving new neighbourhood of affordable accommodation for families in the town. It’s been great to continue our partnership with the Council and build on the regeneration of the area that ENGIE has been involved with for a number of years. With our commitment to creating high-quality, sustainable new homes, we were pleased to bring our expertise to this development.”

When the National Portrait Gallery returns to life in 2023 it will be a historic building fit for a modern future.

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Project News WORKS COMPLETE ON NEW £7.5M WEST MIDLANDS MIXED-USE SCHEME Construction works on a new multi-million-pound neighbourhood centre have now completed at Blythe Valley Park (BVP) in Solihull, and the finished scheme was marked with a socially distanced handover ceremony on 16 April.

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Modern retail spaces make up two of the ground floor buildings, which are available for a convenience store and a further retail unit, creating additional jobs in the area.

The 1.2million sq. ft. park employs 3,500 people and is occupied by more than 25 businesses, including a range of high-profile brands such as Gymshark, Lounge, Cooper Parry, Siemens and Zenith. Bloor Homes and Crest Nicholson are also on site building 750 new homes.

All four of the new apartment buildings provide level access to accommodate disabled members of the community and renewable green technology has been installed to provide power to apartments and communal areas.

There is also cycle storage, a number of electric car charging points, and an onsite electric pool car for short journeys.

he £7.5million project, which was led by Midlands-based contractor G F Tomlinson on behalf of client IM Properties, involved the construction of four mixed-use, high quality apartment buildings to act as a new hub for BVP.

BVP also features a number of amenities for people who live and work within the development, including Java Lounge Coffee House, Busy Bees Nursery & Pre-School and Virgin Active Gym, as well as 122 acres of surrounding parkland.

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The new neighbourhood centre helps to seamlessly blend the growing residential and commercial communities at the development – providing 48 one and two-bed apartments, 36 of which are being retained and let by IM Properties. The affordable housing element is being managed by Bromford Homes.

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Andy Sewards, managing director at G F Tomlinson said: “It has been a pleasure to work with IM Properties to create the new neighbourhood centre at Blythe Valley Park, which has delivered a significant number of new homes, complete with retail and food outlets, that will boost the local economy and employment.

“Blythe Valley Park is a well-established business hub that offers great investment, employment and residential opportunities and we’re extremely pleased to have handed over this exciting project this spring, which has helped to further expand the park’s residential community.

“A fantastic project, delivered via a solid and collective team ethic, within extremely challenging circumstances; yet with programme and quality maintained.”

“As a Midlands-based contractor, we are always proud to work on schemes that deliver investment into the region and this is another significant residential project to add to our portfolio.”

Richard Knight, technical director of IM Properties said: “We’re pleased to have worked in partnership with G F Tomlinson as a part of our trusted supply chain to create the new neighbourhood centre as part of our ambition to create one of the Midlands’ first truly mixed-use schemes.

“The new neighbourhood centre helps to connect the commercial and residential phases and add to the buzz of community life at the heart of the scheme, with people living, working and enjoying leisure time alongside.”

Chris Hill, project manager at Novus, said: “A fantastic project, delivered via a solid and collective team ethic, within extremely challenging circumstances; yet with programme and quality maintained. We are delighted to have been provided the opportunity to work with G F Tomlinson and the role of driving this scheme on behalf of our key client.”

An 80-bed care facility is also under construction by Macc Care Group.

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PROJECT: CHELSEA LOFT BY DAY TRUE Appointed by a property developer to transform a top floor Chelsea townhouse into a light, airy and functional space, Day True applied its unique vision and design capabilities to create a practical and visually alluring apartment.

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ith a brief to maximise natural light, using soft and neutral colours, but with a quirky twist to wow potential buyers, Day True reconfigured the space, sticking to the client’s budget, yet not sacrificing on high-quality design.

Not wanting the kitchen to be a focal point of the living area, Day True opted for a handle-less look with pocket doors in the same shade as the walls to blend the kitchen in seamlessly. A marble worktop and splashback added a touch of character, yet remained neutral and complemented the interior of the room.

Positioned to make the most of the expansive views over London, integrated benches completed the dining area to maximise storage opportunities in the compact space. Soft furnishing in pops of blue, pink, green and yellow finished the living room, adding a playful and contemporary twist.

Day True added further value and space to the property by transforming the terrace into a utility area with a cloakroom.

Enhancing the townhouse’s practicality without compromising on layout, the new rooms have been cleverly designed with pocket doors, compact furniture solutions and recessed shelving to make the most out of the new square footage.

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Originally located outside the property down a set of stairs, the new wetroom is contemporary with a pastel and monochrome scheme. With storage a key consideration, a large wall-hung vanity unit stretches almost the entire length of the bathroom. A hidden cupboard was positioned above the WC, making the most out of the otherwise dead space above the cistern. Open shelving allowed for the client to add a few personal

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Day True added further value and space to the property by transforming the terrace into a utility area with a cloakroom.

Enhancing the townhouse’s practicality without compromising on layout, the new rooms have been cleverly designed with pocket doors, compact furniture solutions and recessed shelving to make the most out of the new square footage.

touches and a large Crittall style shower screen was used to zone the showering area.

Sticking to the company’s ethos, that good design should be available to everyone, Day True was able to combine its distinctive approach to spatial planning, design and functionality with a desire for enhancing lives and industryleading products to deliver a property packed with creativity and added value.

DOMESTIC BUILDING CONTRACTS FROM RIBA

We are seeing a boom in domestic building projects and home renovations (The RIBA Future Trends Report showed the private housing sector posted a positive balance figure for workload in December 2020), driven by people spending more time at home and having new requirements for office space.

If you are embarking on such a project, it is important to use a form of appointment to ensure you, as the client, have clear terms and expectations from your architect and/or contractor.

Adrian Dobson, Executive Director of Professional Services at RIBA says: “These contracts create a standard in the profession, are written in straight forward language and easy to use, they offer protection to both architects and their clients and clarify limits of liability.”

The RIBA Contracts Digital tool is specifically designed to provide a simple, comprehensive and effective service, allowing construction professionals to tailor and manage their contracts in one secure location. You can also print a final version as many times as is required.

Find out more at ribacontracts.com

Events & Awards News THE REDEFINITION OF MATT: REHAU WINS INTERNATIONAL DESIGN AWARD FOR NEW COLLECTION REHAU has been presented with a Red Dot Award 2021 for its new Noble Matt collection of surface, edgeband and storage solutions.

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he range was given the international seal of approval in the Product Design category, thanks to its outstanding design, impressive versatility, timeless appeal and high-quality finish.

Created in response to the growing trend for matt surfaces, the Noble Matt collection offers an impressive finish in a variety of product components – making it a unique and fully comprehensive solution. Including not only surface options, but tambour doors and wall seal profiles too, the collection can be seamlessly combined to create any layout or aesthetic.

Each and every component continues the ranges signature velvet feel, offering a consistent colour-fast and UV-resistant finish that maintains a premium look thanks to its anti-fingerprint technology. With 12 complementary colours available, ranging from the light and airy Crisp White, through to the rich Deep Black, there is a finish to suit any style.

All materials are resistant to heat, moisture, scratches and impact. This high level of durability minimises the need for subsequent repairs and

means that the collection can be used in any setting. Solutions for environments that demand the highest standards of hygiene are also available.

As part of its health.protect range, the surfaces in the Noble Matt collection have inherent antibacterial properties, health.protect versions of the edgebands can also be ordered as an option.

Scott Williams, National Sales Manager for REHAU Furniture Solutions division says: “We’re over the moon for our new Noble Matt range to win the Product Design category of the Red Dot Awards 2021, it’s a fantastic achievement and truly reflects the collection’s impressive features. Not only does the award recognise the range’s supremely high-quality finish, but also true flexibility to suit any application – from kitchen and bathroom, through to utility room and home office. Featuring components across our popular RAUKANTEX, RAUVISIO and RAUVOLET ranges, it’s easy to create a combination that works seamlessly, all with the reassurance and familiarity that the existing ranges provide. This versatility makes it easy for interior designers, fitters and carpenters alike to achieve a German-engineered, bespoke design that not only offers a premium and consistent finish throughout, but also stands the test of time.”

UNDERFLOOR HEATING CPD, DISCOVER THE BENEFITS With green energy high on the UK agenda, now is the time to look at introducing underfloor heating and understanding the benefits at the specification stage.

Underfloor heating is suitable for all forms of construction and can be incorporated into any type of floor structure, it is therefore suitable for new-build, retrofit and refurbishment projects.

Taking our underfloor heating CPD will ensure that you are qualified to

specify the correct type of system, and that you understand the installation process.

We offer a variety of underfloor heating CPD material on Electric and Wet underfloor heating systems and Frost Protection, designed to improve your professional knowledge and enable you to make decisions on the heat source for any building. We will share with you our expertise and wealth of knowledge built up over 30 years in the industry on each heating system.

All across the UK and Ireland we are installing Underfloor Heating in new developments and properties undergoing renovation.

Our CPD session covers the following: • Structure – Floors, floor finishes and insulation • Space heating • Design of systems, construction and technology We aim to provide all attendees with a detailed history of underfloor heating and frost protection systems and an overview of the innovation and advances in the market.

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Following the course, this will enable attendees to understand the benefits of underfloor heating, the benefits of underfloor heating over traditional radiator systems, energy efficiencies and environment benefits.

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Our seminars are all held virtually and last approximately 45 minutes to an hour. We can set up Zoom, Teams or Skype; whichever is your preference we’ll work with you and your team.

To find out more visit: https://www.gaia.co.uk/resource-centre/ underfloor-heating-cpd/ and complete the contact form.

01359 242 400 www.gaia.co.uk RRN521025 Gaia HP.indd 1

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Editor’s Choice KAIDEN ASHUN WINS NATIONAL SCREWFIX TRADE APPRENTICE COMPETITION!

MADE IN BRITAIN

An electrotechnical installations apprentice from Cardiff has been crowned this year’s winner of the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2021 competition.

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aiden Ashun, 21, took part in a digital final (22/23 April) alongside nine other finalists. He impressed a panel of industry experts including representatives from the NICEIC, CIPHE, FMB and Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2019, Darren McGhee to win the accolade.

Kaiden demonstrated an entrepreneurial nature, passion for a future in the trade and a desire to keep on upskilling to impress the judges. He also discussed how he wanted to help encourage others to take on an apprenticeship and wants to be an ambassador for the trade.

It was a tough decision for the judges to select their winner but Kaiden came out top and was awarded with the title and ultimate trade bundle worth £10,000. This includes everything a future tradesperson may need to kick-start their career, including £5,000 of tools, a £3,000 training budget and £2,000 worth of technology.

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Kaiden, who is studying towards is studying towards an electrotechnical installations qualification at Cardiff and Vale College, says: “I couldn’t believe it when I was named the winner at the final. All the finalists were so brilliant that I knew it was going to be a tough competition. My whole family is in the trade and it’s a great job to get into as you can be your own boss and get great satisfaction from a job well done and a happy customer.

I have already designed a logo and branding for my company when I’m ready to go it alone, and this prize and title will really set me up for a great career!”

Simon Jackson, Screwfix Customer and Digital Director, said: “I’m delighted that Kaiden is our winner this year. He is an example of everything we look for in this competition – professionalism, ambition, and a desire to raise awareness amongst others about the benefits of apprenticeships and a future career in the trade.This year we received over 2000 entries – the most we have ever received in this competition – and it’s not an easy feat to get through to the final, let alone win. Kaiden has a promising career ahead of him, along with our other worthy finalists and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”

Not only did Kaiden win the ultimate prize bundle, but his college has also received a £2000 donation from Screwfix to go towards helping other young apprentices to study their trade.

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Another electrical engineering apprentice was also awarded a runner’s up prize this year.

Holly Overfield,19, from Abertillery was also recognised for her drive to succeed no matter what life throws at you.

FREE TRAINING

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People On The Move ROCKWELL’S JONATHAN MANNS APPOINTED AS FELLOW OF THE RICS Rockwell’s Executive Director, Jonathan Manns, has been elected to Fellowship of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

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idely acknowledged as one of Britain’s foremost urbanists, Jonathan’s appointment, aged 36, comes less than three years after he was awarded Fellowship of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) – a membership class held by less than 0.5% of chartered planning professionals. At that time, he was believed to be the youngest ever Fellow of the RTPI and his latest RICS appointment makes it probable that he is now the youngest person to have been appointed as a Fellow of both organisations.

The RICS exists to regulate the property profession worldwide in the public interest.

Chartered Fellow status is the Institution’s highest membership grade and exists as an international measure of distinction to identify those who have made an exceptional contribution to the profession in the eyes of their peers, business and the public. Fewer than 20% of all chartered surveyors ever achieve Fellowship and the average age of an RICS Fellow currently stands at 67.

Speaking of Jon’s Fellowship, a spokesperson for the RICS said: “Jon’s role in the profession, media coverage, academic research and

publications mark him out as an outstanding surveyor.

“He is outstanding against all the characteristics of RICS Fellowship but particularly his achievements in public life, as a long-standing champion of the industry with an exceptional profile and someone who has made a lasting and positive impact on communities and the built environment.”

Jonathan Manns FRICS, FRTPI and Executive Director at Rockwell added: “Property and built environment professionals are in a unique position to support the creation of thriving, sustainable and inclusive communities. I’ve been exceptionally privileged to be involved with a range of initiatives and debates, from the local to international level, which have supported this and helped to make a meaningful difference. I’m proud of the legacies these have left and having this contribution to both the industry and public life recognised by the RICS.” Leading London-based real estate developer, Rockwell are strong advocates for the role of the RICS and other similar organisations which champion best practice in the built environment.

HARDIES APPOINTS HEAD OF ENERGY TO ITS GLASGOW OFFICE Hardies Property & Construction Consultants has appointed Energy Management Professional Mark O’Neill as Head of Energy in its Glasgow office, where he will lead a 13-strong team of qualified and fully accredited Energy Surveyors – believed to be the largest in Scotland – delivering services to clients across the UK.

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ith ever-tighter regulations in relation to the energy performance of properties, Mr O’Neill joins the firm’s dedicated nationwide Energy Service providing expert advice to property owners, occupiers, landlords, lenders and investors.

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He joins Hardies from DM Hall, where he was an Associate and Head of Commercial Energy Services. A graduate of the University of Paisley with a degree in Land Economics, Mr O’Neill started his career with Ayrshire Valuation Joint Board as a Graduate Valuer, where he qualified as a Chartered Surveyor and went on to become a Senior Valuer.

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Skilled in all aspects of energy efficiency, energy audits and energy management, he is a Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (Level 3, 4 and 5), Section 63 Advisor, DEC Assessor and ESOS Lead Assessor. He is also a qualified Energy Manager and associate member of the Energy Institute.

On joining Hardies, Mr O’Neill said: “I am delighted to join a firm which, following its formation of a dedicated Energy Service, has

quickly become recognised as the market leader and the firm of choice in this sector.

“Hardies is a major player in the energy sector across the country, with more qualified surveyors than any of our competitors and, with our multi-disciplinary service offering across our extensive network of offices, I look forward to playing my part in the delivery of these services to our expanding client base.”

Hardies Partner Danny McArthur added: “Mark’s in-depth knowledge of the everchanging regulatory framework places Hardies in prime position to offer our clients the advice they need in this sector.

“With his energy expertise coupled with his commercial valuation background, Mark can provide expert comment on the relationships between energy ratings and the value and marketability of buildings that many institutional lenders and market funders now seek in meeting their own ESG agenda requirements.

“Our Energy Team’s capabilities, allied with our other core areas of expertise in building

consultancy, means that not only can we provide clients with advice on those areas for fabric improvement in terms of a building’s energy performance, but we can also guide clients through the process of actually making their buildings more energy efficient, while helping them understand the business case for doing so.

“Our clients are able then to accrue the benefits of taking action, whether that client be an occupier, owner or investor, with the certainty of a return on investment in their building.”

Editor’s Choice WHY USE A BREATHABLE PAINT?

SNICKERS WORKWEAR STRETCH SHORTS – FOR STREET-SMART COMFORT THIS SUMMER Brand NEW Men’s and Women’s Work Shorts for the flexible working environment designed for superior comfort and freedom of movement.

Earthborn's Classic range of 72 shades Paint breathability measures how air and water vapour flows through its surface. Older properties were built using materials that were designed to promote this airflow.

Using paint with a high level of breathability, with breathable building materials, avoids moisture being ‘trapped’ beneath the surface of the paint. Trapped moisture can lead to damp walls, causing the paint to bubble, peel and eventually blow completely. It can also contribute to a harmful living environment.

Earthborn Claypaint is a highly breathable paint, perfect for walls and ceilings where breathability is key. It’s thick and creamy with a high clay content, offering excellent coverage, no nasty paint smells and a number of eco properties.

There are two methods used to objectively measure breathability - the SD value and the MVTR value. Using either method, Claypaint is proven to have extremely high levels of breathability. More information on this topic can be found in the blog on the Earthborn website.

Ease of use, high covering power and lack of harmful emissions make Claypaint an ideal option to optimise breathability for any building.

Earthborn’s new colour card showing all 72 colours in the classic range is now available and100% recyclable, including the adhesive and the paint chips that use real Claypaint.

Website: www.earthbornpaints.co.uk

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Combining 4-way stretch fabric that delivers working comfort all day with street-smart, slim-fit designs, Snickers Work Shorts are great for grafting in the warmer months.

These lightweight garments feature a body-mapping design and are made from a self-ventilating stretch fabric with CORDURA® reinforcements for durability all-round mobility when you need it most.

The Men’s FLEXIWork lightweight work shorts come with flexible gusset seams and also have easy-to-access holster pockets with zip compartments, an expandable stretch cargo pocket and a ruler pocket.

The AllroundWork Women’s multi-purpose, slim-fit shorts have 4-way stretch panels in the right places for consistent comfort, practical pockets for optimal functionality and great freedom of movement.

For professional tradesmen and women who rely on their gear in demanding environments, they’re a must for those who want the ultimate in cool comfort this summer.

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

COMBINED DAMP PROOFING AND SOUND REDUCTION FOR WOOD FLOORS

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Triton’s Platon Comfort is a highly effective, single application damp proof underlay for wood and laminate floors laid on concrete. Equally effective for renovation or new build projects, the tough polypropylene membrane can be laid directly onto a new concrete slab as soon as it is dry enough to walk on.

Platon Comfort offers three times the water vapour resistance than film membranes and eliminates the need to install a foam underlay.

Construction height is only 2.5mm so effective damp protection can be provided without any disruption to the planned floor layer build-up.

The unique stud design means they ‘give’ a little when subjected to a load, which improves walking comfort and reduces impact sound by around 17-19 dB. Platon Comfort can be overlaid with floating flooring systems such as laminate or engineered timber flooring (including glue-free systems), chipboard or plywood insulation, under floor heating systems or screed.

Read more about Platon Comfort and download the installation guide here: https://www.tritonsystems.co.uk/product/platon-stop/ For further information and product samples please contact us at info@tritonsystems.co.uk or 01322 318830.

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Supplied in 18m x 1m rolls, jointing of the membrane is carried out using Comfort Tape. Platon Comfort is loose laid and no special equipment is needed to cut and install.

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Flooring Feature F. BALL ACHIEVES 100% AT TOP LONDON SCHOOL Specialist floor levelling compounds and adhesives from F. Ball and Co. Ltd. have been used to install a mixture of hard-wearing, stylish textile and vinyl floorcoverings at Hampton School in South West London, befitting of the independent school’s prestigious status. As part of the school’s ongoing development and investment programme, it was essential that the installation was in keeping with the standards set by one of the country’s top educators for young people.

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tarting in the sixth form areas, contractors from Teddington Carpet Centre made a feature of the long and narrow atrium by mirroring the footprint of the mezzanine floor overlooking the breakout area onto the floor below, using a 50/50-split of Calgary Cement and Grey Forbo Flotex carpets.

To achieve this, the old fibre-bonded carpet in the 250m2 room was first removed, revealing a sound, dry, concrete subfloor, which was primed using diluted Stopgap P131 general purpose primer before the application of F. Ball’s Stopgap Green Bag levelling compound.

The fast-setting, low odour product was selected for its high strength, making it suitable for an area which will be subject to high levels of wear for years to come. Once the levelling compound had cured, Styccobond F44 acrylic adhesive was used to secure the PVC-backed carpet.

Over in the maths’ corridor, contractors had to remove fibre-bonded carpet tiles affixed to wooden parquet blocks, leaving behind old bitumen adhesive residues. To prepare the subfloor, F. Ball’s Stopgap 1200 Pro levelling compound, which is suitable for use of over old adhesive residues, including bitumen and carpet tile tackifiers, was applied.

Once cured, Stopgap F77 waterproof surface membrane was applied as a moisture test had indicated the presence of excess subfloor moisture, with relative humidity levels

THE AQUAREA AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP - PANASONIC’S QUIET REVOLUTION IN PROVIDING HEATING… As many of us get used to the reality of spending more time at home, the benefits of having a quiet, yet extremely efficient heating and domestic hot water system have become more obvious.

Switching technologies from traditional systems powered by Mains Gas, Oil or L.P.G. to an Air Source Heat Pump can deliver significant cost savings, improvements to heating performance and low sound levels, thanks to Panasonic’s Aquarea Heat Pump Range this is possible.

According to independent tests, the Panasonic Aquarea J Generation R32 Mini Monobloc range and 16kW Bi-Bloc T-Cap Super Quiet air-to water heat pumps have been confirmed to have impressively low levels of noise when in operation.

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The independent testing was carried out by the Danish Technological Institute in Denmark with results confirming that the new Aquarea Monobloc 5kW, 7kW and 9kW Super-Quiet Bi-bloc 16kW T-CAP Aquarea Airto-water heat pumps came out with market leading low noise levels, with 60dB(A) whilst operating at full load. The tests were carried out for the sound power level according to EN 12102-1:2017 for full load and Quiet mode 3 at A7/W55. In Quiet mode operation, Aquarea heat pumps can operate at a further 4dB(A) reduced noise level.

Aquarea Super Quiet 16kW T-CAP (Total Capacity) delivers outstanding efficiency in heating and domestic hot water supply. This unit can supply all the heating and domestic hot water to a 450m2 new build property.

Panasonic Aquarea Heat pumps can be connected to radiators, underfloor and fan assisted radiators to deliver heating in the winter, plus dedicated cooling can be provided during the summer if required from the units. The wide range from 3kW to 16kW in Monobloc, Bi-Bloc or All In One, ensures the right model is available for all requirements and designs.

To find out more about the Panasonic Aquarea range of air source heat pumps, please visit www.aircon.panasonic.eu

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exceeding the 75% threshold for the project to progress without a moisture management solution. In its absence, subsequently applied adhesives and floorcoverings would have been liable to attack from the excess subfloor moisture, potentially resulting in floor failure.

With the non-absorbent surface now in place, Stopgap P141 primer was used to promote the adhesion of a subsequently applied second layer of Stopgap 1200 Pro. Finally, the 100m2 area was finished with wood-effect luxury vinyl tiles, creating a warm environment, ready for eager students to traverse again.

Robert Wilks, Managing Director at Teddington Carpet Centre, said: “Hampton School was a challenging project with a number of requirements, but with the support of F. Ball and their long-established products, we came out with a fantastic result. We have a close relationship with our technical rep, Simon Jenkins, who has a wealth of knowledge and his expertise was invaluable, as were all the F. Ball products – anyone can probably tell: we’re big fans!”

Heating & Ventilation Feature DOMUS VENTILATION MVHR SYSTEM SPECIFIED FOR EXTENSIVE OFFICE-TO-APARTMENT CONVERSION Domus Ventilation’s HRX-aQ Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems and Domus ducting are being installed into the striking No. 1 Thames Valley apartment complex in Bracknell, Berkshire. This extensive development sees the building converted from offices to 130 single bedroom apartments laid out in two wings with floor-to-ceiling windows.

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s with most office to residential conversions, No. 1 Thames Valley has presented a number of challenges along the way, not the least the ventilation. Thankfully, Working Environments, which is responsible for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of the mechanical, public health and electrical services, has plenty of experience in this field. This has enabled them to meet these challenges, from ducting that needs to run through the building façade to trying to match the ventilation grilles with the terracotta tiles in place.

Working Environments specified the Domus Ventilation HRX-aQ for this demanding project as the MVHR system was readily able to provide the level of indoor air quality required. © SevenCapital

Working Environments specified the Domus Ventilation HRXaQ for this demanding project as the MVHR system was readily able to provide the level of indoor air quality required. Other factors that were taken into consideration were the pricing and cost-efficiency, plus the level of support provided by Domus Ventilation.

The HRX-aQ MVHR system is ideally suited to No. 1 Thames Valley as it intelligently manages air conditions for maximum homeowner comfort. This is achieved through advanced AMIE (Air Management for Indoor Environments) technology including features such as digital humidity control, automated summer bypass and accurate system balancing.

Unlike conventional humidity sensors, the HRX-aQ enables occupants to have direct control over managing the humidity levels in their home to suit personal comfort levels. By accurately measuring air humidity, the HRX-aQ’s extract speed automatically changes from background to boost as the level of humidity increases, thereby providing optimal ventilation performance.

The HRX-aQ features advanced bypass control, programmable by occupants based on time and temperature. In standard mode the MVHR units work by warming fresh air drawn into the building using the heat from waste stale air extracted from the kitchen and wet rooms. In conjunction with multiple time controlled bypass options (night time free cooling), the HRX-aQ also detects when air temperature reaches a pre-set level and intelligently activates the bypass mechanism allowing in cooler, fresh and filtered air.

Working Environments has installed the HRX-aQ units at No. 1 Thames Valley within each apartment’s bathroom in the ceiling void, with the MVHR controller located in the utility cupboard.

This is the first time the company has used HRX-aQ and, according to Robert Druce, Project Manager at Working Environments, they have found the units very easy to install, further assisted by the online training provided by Domus Ventilation.

For further information on the Domus Ventilation HRX-aQ range of MVHR appliances, please go to www.domusventilation.co.uk or call on 03443 715523.

CONSORT CLAUDGEN LAUNCHES NEW ELECTRIC HEATING BROCHURE The latest Heat brochure introduces 3 large recessed air curtains ranging from 8kW to 24kW rating, and 2 downflow fan heaters. The RAC-HL air curtains feature 8 heat settings, 8 fan speeds, are simple to install and supplied with a touchscreen electronic controller. As for the downflow fan heaters, the DF2 has a pull cord switch that operates on a 30-minute run-back timer whilst the DF2SL has a variable thermostat and requires a separately purchased wireless controller. Both are suitable for use in bathrooms, kitchens or drying rooms.

Download from www.consortepl.com or request at 01646 692172.

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Measuring just 199mm in depth and weighing from just 7.9kg, the HRX-aQ is compact and light enough to be easily installed in the most restrictive of ceiling voids. It can be simply designed-in with a straight in-and-out duct run and, in the case of No. 1 Thames Valley, is directly fitted to Domus 204x60mm Supertube rigid ducting for an air-tight connection, minimising pressure drops virtually eliminating air leakage. Its offset duct connections also mean that any duct crossover is much more straightforward. The accumulation of HRX-aQ’s quick and simple installation features make for one of the lowest install costs of any MVHR in the market today.

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20/05/2021 11:54:58

A MOVE IN THE “LIGHT” DIRECTION A Special Interview With The Project Designer

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alent is only revealed through hard work, and since the creation of the Wuhan Wang Xiaodong Design Office, in 2013 Mr Wang Xiaodong is proof of that.

Along with several luxurious brands, including DelightFULL, the creative team of this design office crafted a luxurious top Riverside 550 sqm mansion in Wuhan (China).

This project that excels in ergonomics, quality and luxury, has spilt a lot of ink. Its neutral tones, combined with the golden details and the light

My inspiration comes from architecture and furniture. When working on the floor plan I would take inspiration from the furniture that we would use. I would also analyze the shape and materials, interpreting and applying them to the wall decoration.

design combinations bring a sense of elegance and radiance to the space.

We had the pleasure of interviewing the project designer, Mr Wuhan Wang Xiaodong who shared a little bit more about its history, development and main inspirations.

This modern chic creation is undoubtedly a move in the “light” direction.

Tell us about the beginning of your journey in the design world? How did the love for design emerge?

I started my design career about 18 years ago. In the beginning it was just curiosity that led me to enter the design industry, but the more I worked the more I found myself falling in love with it. When I see my designs come to life, the joy of this accomplishment makes me want to do more.

How would you describe your signature style?

I wouldn’t want to say that I like luxury design style, but actually most of the projects I have done are somehow related to luxury interior design.

What is your favorite part of the entire design journey?

My favorite is the final styling part, adjusting the final look.

We know each designer has its own inspiration source and vision for a determined project. Where do you search for your inspiration for the Modern Chic Residential Design?

Tell us a little bit more about your creative process.

My inspiration comes from architecture and furniture. When working on the floor plan I would take inspiration from the furniture that we would use. I would also analyze the shape and materials, interpreting and applying them to the wall decoration.

Please give us a little tour through your beautiful residential project called “Yunting, Wuhan Tiandi”.

About this project, first of all let me explain that it is the most expensive house per square meter, and the highest luxury house in Wuhan. I must thank our client Ms. Wei since she has been so supportive during the entire process, whether materially or spiritually. In order for us to complete the project smoothly, she even flew to France and Italy personally to help us to buy the furniture, accessories and lamps needed. When the project was completed, the president of FENDI CASA also came to the house himself.

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What would you say is the most important message that you want to transmit with the design?

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Usually when people hear the word luxury, it sounds traditional and heavy.

I want to let people see that luxury can also be elegant and human.

How would you and your team describe this fabulous project in three words?

Human-centered, Elegant, Luxurious.

Would you say the designer-client relationship is the key to success in creating the perfect project? Why? Of course, any project cannot be perfectly complete without the cooperation and support of the client.

Even though life is hard, we should keep being ambitious. We should never give up on following our dreams, and bear in mind that design may change our life.

How about the lighting choices? What were you looking for when you saw DelightFULL’s Brubeck and Galliano pieces? Were they a perfect match to your vision?

In fact, for this project, we have been hesitant about the choice of lamps until we saw DELIGHTFULL at the Paris exhibition.

When the lamps were finally shipped across the ocean from Portugal to Wuhan for installation and lighting, we were happy that we made the right choice.

Were you trying to incorporate any popular design trends in interior design?

Of course. Our current new projects differ from our past luxury design having a more nostalgia and contemporary approach; let’s say they are more in tune with the trend.

How about the future? Do you have some solid ideas of what you want to do in terms of projects? What can we expect from you as an interior designer?

If you could send a message to young designers, what would it be?

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We hope we could have the opportunity to try different styles, maybe even have some fun in the process. We are also looking forward to continuing working with Delightfull. There are so many great pieces that we love and therefore we want to integrate into our design.

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Lighting Feature Kieran Logan of Rose Electrical Contractors Ltd in Leeds talks to Zano Controls about a recent project where he used 11 ZMO150 module dimmers to provide flicker-free and silent lighting control within a multi-functional excavated basement conversion in Leeds An electrician for over 25 years in Birmingham and Leeds, Kieran Logan started his electrical contracting company, Rose Electrical Contractors Ltd, in May 2019. Kieran enjoys spending time with family and friends and works on a variety of electrical projects – mostly domestic across a mix of outdoor and indoor jobs.

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he job: When extending your dream home, creating a liveable area under the existing property is an option increasingly sought after by homeowners looking to add extra space without extending wider, longer of higher.

Electrician Kieran Logan was brought on board to complete the first and second fix of a domestic electrical installation for a home extension project by building firm, C & A.J Marshalls.

The project was a big one, the property was already well extended with an outwards kitchen extension. On a mission to add a gym, swimming pool, cinema and family room, the homeowners decided that excavating the basement level of the property to fulfil their dreams was the best approach.

The excavation of the basement had to happen without any demolition of the property itself, so sitting directly under the property the builders had to underpin the existing structure of the basement to replace the lost foundations and restore the building to full strength.

The project took nearly two years to complete, and 12 months into the project Kieran got started on the first fix, with the second fix taking six months.

Excellent lighting design: Working in conjunction with Horsley Townsend Architects, who specified the lighting design scheme include lamps and fittings from Astro Lighting, it was up to Kieran to provide and pair the lighting scheme with the right products to provide flicker-free and silent LED dimming control.

Both gyms and swimming pools have unique lighting needs and require adequate lighting to match. Not only does good swimming pool and gym lighting help to provide a wow factor, but LEDs make it possible to alter the mood of the gym and swimming pool to create the right environment.

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As the lighting design scheme spanned across the basement conversion that consisted of the gym, swimming pool, cinema and family room and the stairwell into the upstairs/ground level floor of the property it was key that the right products were chosen to provide the correct lighting levels specific to each room.

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Recessed LED fixtures in pool areas are a great way to create a relaxing glow from the pool at night, but as with any lighting project where electricity is in close proximity to water, care needed to be taken and the regulations followed to ensure that the fittings were safe to use in zones one and two of the pool area.

The ground floor works also included another family room that had an apex vaulted ceiling and a structural glass floor close to the stairwell that let light into and led down to the basement conversion. For the ceilings, Kieran used a mix of surface spotlights, Astro Lighting’s

Lynx fittings at 12.5W each, and recessed spotlights, Astro’s Trimless Luminaires, that had to be installed before the final plaster skim and were IP65 rated. For the areas across the basement conversion – which required small sections of LED tape to highlight and wall wash specific zones and provide a feature glow – Kieran used Aurora’s LEDline™ PRO single colour 24V super bright LED strip.

Both the surface and recessed ceiling spotlights and the LED strip lighting required lighting control to match and provide low-level dimming capability across the various rooms in the basement. Plus, in the stairwell that led to and included the family room on the ground floor level. As the ZMO150 was Kieran’s go-to dimmer, which he’d used before on countless projects, he knew and could count upon the fact that it would just work.

Kieran calculated the total wattage across the number of circuits the project required and, in each instance, the ZMO150 became the dimmer of choice. As all circuits came to a combined total wattage of less than 150W/VA, the ZMO150 was the ideal solution. Providing 0-150W of flicker-free and silent dimming control, the ZMO150 was perfect for achieving a low lighting level in the cinema room and making full use of the total load elsewhere, for example, in the gym and swimming pool.

As lighting control was a key part of the brief, and the homeowners wanted to ensure control was made by a rotary controller in keeping with the same aesthetic and style as the rest of the property, Kieran matched the ZMO150 with chrome plates and a rotary knob from Click Scolmore.

INSTALLATION Eleven ZMO150s were installed across the project in total. Across the downstairs basement conversion, Kieran had seven lighting circuits each connected to one ZMO150, and in the upstairs family room that led down to the basement and the apex vaulted ceiling area, four ZMO150s were used.

In the pool area, Kieran used Astro’s Trimless range of recessed spotlights, pairing two ZMO150s with ten lamps at less than 10W each, across two circuits. Each circuit produced a combined load of 62.5W, and with plenty of room left to allow for Inrush, each circuit was connected to one ZMO150.

In the cinema room, Kieran paired four Astro Lynx surface spotlights at 12.5W each with a small section of LED strip lighting around the back of the 48-inch cinema screen.

In the cinema room, Kieran paired four Astro Lynx surface spotlights at 12.5W each with a small section of LED strip lighting around the back of the 48-inch cinema screen. He did this on one circuit with one ZMO150 to provide flicker-free and low-level lighting control.

In the gym, Kieran also paired four Astro Lynx surface spotlights and roughly a meter and a half of Aurora’s LEDline™ with one ZMO150. LED tape and strip lighting lists wattage per meter, which often makes it difficult to calculate an installation precisely and it’s the LED driver – and the huge inrush it consumes – that skews the wattage listed on the label significantly. However, in neither the gym nor the cinema room was much LED strip lighting required. The total load that included the 50W generated by the surface spotlights and the power consumption of 19.2W per metre listed by the LED strip lighting came to less than 150W/ VA, with generous Inrush allowance accounted for.

In the basement family area that joins the gym and cinema room, Kieran had two circuits each with a ZMO150 module dimmer connected to seven Astro Lynx surface spotlights. Upstairs, within the family room that went from the kitchen and led down to the basement, two ZMO150s were used across two circuits each with several Astro Lynx surface spotlights on. And within the Apex vaulted ceiling area used 6 Astro Lynx surface spotlights were used – four connected to one ZMO150 and two connected to another.

AMAZING RESULTS No problems were encountered over the course of the project because the lighting design scheme had been planned and specified well with architectural lighting fittings and the lighting control – which paired brilliantly and put up an excellent performance throughout.

Total number of circuits: 11 Dimming products installed: x 11 ZMO150s Lamps and fittings: Surface spotlights – Astro Lighting’s Lynx fittings at 12.5W each Recessed spotlights – Astro’s Trimless Luminaires with 6W LED GU10s LED strip lighting – Aurora’s LEDline™ PRO single colour 24V super bright LED strip at 19.2W per metre.

ABOUT THE ZMO150 The most reliable, compatible module dimmer on the market, the ZMO150 is a problem-solving piece of tech that’s perfect for a wide range of domestic (and small commercial) projects.

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JHR INTERIORS MAYFAIR TOWNHOUSE

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Prominently located on one of Mayfair’s most prestigious streets, JHR Interiors worked closely with a team of architects & contractors to fully refurbish a handsome 18th Century town house.

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he original striking period features were maintained where possible, whilst creating a luxurious and comfortable family home. We created a unique banquet hall at the rear of the property and the excavation of a double basement to include underground pool, private gym, spa & treatment areas, and staff quarters. A central cable free-lift was incorporated to serve all floors and a full home automation system was installed throughout the building.

JHR INTERIORS - Founded by Badrieh Johari in 2011, the primary focus of JHR Interiors is the transformative effect of fine design on a client’s lifestyle. JHR Interiors prides itself on offering a holistic and bespoke service, specifically tailored towards client. A home wellbeing is focused and JHR Interiors oversee the whole design process. The company thrives on a collaborative experience for their clients, the projects and design are extremely personal. The team developed a strong rapport with clientele, to fully understand stories and backgrounds for a look to suit.

The original striking period features were maintained where possible, whilst creating a luxurious and comfortable family home.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF ART - HOW DO WE DISPLAY IT? The worlds of art and interior design have always been intertwined, whether it’s a painting on the wall, a sculptural piece in the centre of a room or an exquisite rug used to bring a room together, different forms of art can transform a space. Interior designers today are moving towards alternative forms of art, adopting design schemes that fuse functional pieces of furniture with sculpture to create modern interiors.

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rt in the home is now not only paintings and prints on the wall, but also rugs, wall coverings, pieces of furniture and sculptures. Designers view these pieces as a way of injecting personality and elegance into a space, with one single piece transforming a room.

Shalini Misra, La Manufacture Cogolin and Goddard Littlefair provide inspiration below on how to display art in all of its forms in your home.

Shalini Misra: “Artwork for your home brings a sense of playfulness and colour to the space where it is currently lacking. Of course, the artwork you choose still has to be thought out and picked with purpose. Artwork is something that is truly personal, as each person finds beauty in different pieces, at the end of the day, a room and a home just isn’t complete without the final touches – which is artwork. “ - Shalini Misra, Founder of the Shalini Misra Studio

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La Manufacture Cogolin La Manufacture Cogolin creates bespoke, three-dimensional rugs that act as pieces of sculptural art for the floor, transforming spaces with their intricate and exquisite detail. These pieces bridge the gap between floor covering and art/sculptural work and certainly add a certain element of drama to the space.

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“Artwork for your home brings a sense of playfulness and colour to the space where it is currently lacking. Of course, the artwork you choose still has to be thought out and picked with purpose.

Artwork is something that is truly personal, as each person finds beauty in different pieces, at the end of the day, a room and a home just isn’t complete without the final touches – which is artwork. “

Goddard Littlefair “Artwork selection is a highly personal and individual decision that is not only crucial as a final layer of decoration to any home but also makes a statement about the values and experiences of the owner. The way the piece of art is framed and displayed also adds another element and is critical to plan it well in order to deliver the desired effect. Depending on the light levels of the space, we often try to ensure that artwork is highlighted by an individual picture light or a directional spot light, discreetly recessed into the ceiling. The latter allows more flexibility to change the artwork in the future while a picture light may give a more traditional and formal feel to an arrangement.

Use artwork layouts to your advantage, for example if you have a room where lighting or seating arrangements are not centred, complement this by using a multitude of different sizes and styles to create a more maximalist effect.” Jo Littlefair, Co-Founder and Director of Goddard Littlefair

A BRICK FINISH WITH I-CLAD AT THE HOXTON The Hoxton Hotel Group has recently opened a new mixed-use development comprising a 192-bed hotel with boutique style co-working office spaces above. The Hoxton, Southwark is a redevelopment of former social security offices, located on the western side of Blackfriars Road in London.

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he Hoxton Group already have hotels in London, Europe and The USA and this latest London offering is designed with the same ethos in mind, to create vibrant spaces that are cosy, welcoming and a home away from home.

“Our team found the installation process of I-Clad simple and enjoyable and would use Eurobrick again on future projects”

Eurobrick has been leading the brick slip cladding sector for nearly 30 years and has extensive experience of supplying I-Clad for interior fit-outs in the hospitality and leisure sector.

They supplied around 1570m² of their I-Clad brick cladding system, which is specially designed for interiors.

Comprising a composite of a 12mm plasterboard panel with a ribbed skin bonded to it, fixings, adhesive, brick slips and mortar, I-Clad is an easy alternative to traditional masonry.

I-Clad’s slim profile means that a real brick finish can be created with less intrusion to the interior floor space.

St Ives Cream Rustica slips and corners from Eurobrick’s Classic range were used, complementing the loft style concept for the interior. St Ives Cream Rustica slips are a cut brick offering a blend of cream/grey hues with a tumbled, distressed finish. Eurobrick’s specially formulated Europoint mortar was chosen in white to finish. The end result is tactile, characterful and stylish, in keeping with the desired aesthetic.

Macai-Limited installed I-Clad for the main contractor Kier. Peter StauntonLambert, quantity surveyor at Macai, said,

For more information on I-Clad and Eurobrick’s other systems and products please visit www.eurobrick.co.uk.

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“Our team found the installation process of I-Clad simple and enjoyable and would use Eurobrick again on future projects”.

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Project News Construction started on the Durham Street site in May and is scheduled to run for 16 months, with the project due for completion in Summer 2022.

As well as the 61 homes, additional works include; the building of access roads, parking, paths, green spaces and landscaping to ensure the new development is in keeping with the wider developments.

Louise Buckton, New Build Director at ENGIE, said: “We are delighted to be breaking ground on the Boho Village project alongside the Middlesbrough Development Company and Bright Ideas, and we are looking forward to working closely with them both.

ENGIE APPOINTED TO CONSTRUCT ENERGY EFFICIENT MIDDLESBROUGH HOMES Leading energy, regeneration and services specialist, ENGIE, has been appointed as the lead constructor for 61 energy efficient homes and apartments by the Middlesbrough Development Company and development managers Bright Ideas.

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he £6.5million scheme will consist of six three-bedroom and 10 twobedroom houses as well as 45 twobedroom apartments made up of three blocks of 15, all heated by Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP).

ASHPs absorb heat from the air to warm homes and provide hot water, while using minimal amounts of electricity to power the pump.

That means future residents at the Boho Village development will benefit from lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint thanks to lower emissions than a standard gas boiler.

Set to be constructed next to 10 existing homes, and the Grade II-listed Captain Cook Pub in Middlehaven, the new development will feed into the wider regeneration of the area which has been ongoing for a number of years.

CONSERVATION WORK BEGINS TO THE WEST FRONT OF WELLS CATHEDRAL A pilot programme of conservation work has begun to the much-admired West Front of Wells Cathedral, famed for its medieval carvings and architectural significance, to help safeguard its future.

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RRNews - Issue 49

ith the scaffolding now in place, Cliveden Conservation is carrying out the first phase of works to clean and repair the stonework and sculptures to the central top tiers of Christ in Majesty, The Apostles and The Order of Angels. Each stage of the project will be

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carefully documented including details of cleaning and mortar trials to establish best practice and inform future conservation to the whole of the West Front.

Dating back to c.1220-1250 with sculptural decorations in-situ since c.1240, the West Front has undergone several notable interventions to protect and secure the statues and architectural elements. The most recent intervention during 1974-87 established the basis of the ‘lime method,’ a major milestone at the start of the Lime Revival in the seventies.

“It is a huge privilege to be up close to such architectural brilliance and to see one of the most talked about ‘building limes conservation projects’ in person. This is such a rare opportunity to carefully examine the

“Using Air Source Heat Pumps to heat homes and provide hot water will benefit residents in lowering their energy bills and reducing their carbon footprint. ENGIE is committed to making a Zero Carbon future happen, and we’re pleased to bring our expertise to this development and introduce the use of low carbon heating systems in Middlesbrough.”

Tony Dodds, Managing Director of Middlesbrough Development Company, said: “Working with Bright Ideas and ENGIE on building Boho Village is another big step forward in developing a vibrant community in Middlehaven with smart, modern accommodation and top-class office space.

“We’re also very pleased that all the houses and apartments will be heated using Air Source Heat Pumps. We support any initiatives that will help reduce the town’s carbon footprint and future residents will also benefit from reduced heating bills as well as the knowledge that they are doing their bit to support the environment.” fragile limestone sculptures and supporting architecture; every step of the project will be vital in securing the future of the magnificent West Front,” emphasizes Berenice Humphreys, Senior Project Manager for Cliveden Conservation.

Cathedral Architect Nick Cox and Clerk of the Works, Jez Fry, who are responsible for the regular monitoring and inspection of Wells Cathedral, initiated the programme of conservation work.

The Revd. Canon Dr. Rob James, Canon Chancellor and Keeper of the Fabric commented that “the West Front is one of the glories of English architecture. It tells important elements of the Christian story as well as being awe-inspiring.

“The repairs and investigative work carried out over the next few months are vital for conserving this jewel for future generations.

The Chapter of Wells Cathedral is most grateful to the Wells Cathedral Preservation Trust for funding this phase of the work.”

The programme of conservation work will continue through the summer to complete in time for Wells Cathedral’s big reveal of the Antony Gormley sculpture in August.

Project News CENERGIST PARTNERS WITH LEEDS CITY COUNCIL TO DELIVER £14 MILLION DECARBONISATION PROJECT Cenergist, a leading energy and water services company is pleased to have been chosen as a partner by Leeds City Council to deliver a £14 million carbon reduction upgrade to 30 schools, offices and leisure centres in Leeds. Cenergist will carry out the works with the aim of completing by endSeptember 2021.

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eeds City Council’s ambition is to reduce Leeds’ direct emissions to netzero by 2030. The decarbonisation project aims to reduce the city’s carbon emissions by nearly 4,000 tonnes. The works include the installation of Air Source Heat Pumps - which extract heat from the air – to reduce the reliance on natural gas and cut carbon emissions. In addition Cenergist will carry out heat optimisation, plant room and pipework upgrades as well as LED lighting.

The works also include the installation of high efficiency water flow controllers that save both energy and water in buildings.

“We are delighted to partner with Leeds City Council to help deliver its ambitious net zero target for 2030. Heat pump and water efficiency technologies will play a key role in meeting decarbonisation goals and it is great to work with one of the leading local authorities in this area.” Said Dan Ludgate, Director of Energy Infrastructure at Cenergist.

Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, added: “The decarbonisation project is a great step in the right direction for Leeds. With our aim to halve our own emissions by 2025, it has become increasingly important for us to protect and create hundreds of skilled green jobs in local businesses, as we work to build a sustainable economic recovery.

Office Principles has completed work on the first phase of a £1.6m office refurbishment in Birmingham, that delivers a state-of-the-art antiviral lighting and air purifying system across two buildings.

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he interior design consultancy has transformed 67,000 sq ft of office space at Charles House and 154 Great Charles Street on behalf of landlord, Ergo Real Estate, asset managers for Aver.

The fit out has delivered stylish and contemporary office accommodation across the ground and nine upper floors of the two buildings, including new reception and common areas and features including exposed services, breakout spaces and communal meeting rooms.

Both properties have been fitted with FUZONE500, a lighting solution that harnesses antiviral and antibacterial properties to keep spaces clean and safe.

FUZONE 500 uses the natural properties of ozone (O3) to eliminate up to 99.99% of bacteria and airborne viruses without direct contact with treated areas and can be operated while the office is fully occupied.

A planning application has been submitted for the second phase of the refurbishment project, which would see the development of Birmingham’s first ever glass roof terrace.

It would be accessible to occupiers in both buildings for meetings and entertainment.

Tina Batham, joint managing director, Office Principles in the Midlands, said: “The pandemic has undoubtedly changed the way we work and the office has to adapt to meet those needs. Ergo Real Estate has invested in a comprehensive office refurbishment project that enhances the air quality and wellbeing aspects of both properties. It not only delivers modern office accommodation in the heart of Birmingham’s business district but provides a solution that guarantees to keep spaces clean and safe 24/7 in a Covid-19 world.”

Leigh Burnett, asset manager, Ergo Real Estate said: “Working with Office Principles has been a positive experience for the Ergo team. We were looking for a company to help us create innovative occupier space and to deliver a collaborative working environment for our two buildings on Great Charles Street and the team at Office Principles rose to the challenge. Alongside the creation of the Great Charles Street brand, Office Principles’ design has linked these buildings together with their shared amenities, whilst each maintaining an individual identity. Office Principles delivered their concept ideas through clear presentation and worked closely with us to realise the vision, which I am sure will be instrumental in the letting of these office suites.”

Charles House and 154 Great Charles Street form part of the Great Charles Street Estate and are sited close to the Paradise and Arena Central regeneration schemes, on the northern edge of Birmingham city centre.

Charles House delivers refurbished office suites from 777 sq.ft, to 3,715 sq.ft while 154 Great Charles Street has suites from 1,342 sq. ft to 3,725 sq ft.

The buildings are being jointly marketed by agents CBRE and Colliers.

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“Looking to the future and with our partner Cenergist, we are set to achieve significant carbon and energy savings, as well as notable cost reductions and improved backlog maintenance management.”

OFFICE PRINCIPLES DELIVERS FIRST PHASE OF GROUNDBREAKING £1.6M BIRMINGHAM OFFICE REFURBISHMENT

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HOW THE PANDEMIC HAS CHANGED WHAT WE WANT FROM OUR HOMES New research reveals postCovid demands of house hunters, with homeworking and more outdoor space among top reasons for moving. British homeowners are even now citing better broadband connectivity as a key reason to up sticks and are willing to pay £1,500 more for a house with full fibre broadband.

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n a new survey, 72 per cent of people said that Covid was a factor in why they have or are moving home, with more than a third of people naming homeworking needs within their reasons to move.

The poll of 2,000 UK house buyers by broadband provider Zen Internet, also discovered that the legacy of the pandemic is not only driving people to buy a new home but has marked a fundamental shift in how they’re choosing a property, with more people saying the following factors are now MORE important than before the pandemic: low crime rate, good schools and local amenities, close to family and an area with better internet services.

Conversely, less important factors are now proximity to travel hubs, commute to work and local hospitality venues.

Working from home and more outdoor space is driving desire to move.

The need for more space (29 per cent), a bigger garden (19 per cent), being near the countryside (15 per cent) and proximity to family and friends (14 per cent) were amongst the top 10 reasons for wanting to move.

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But new ways of working are also driving people to move with people citing the need for a property more suited to long

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For many the past 12 months has seen a huge step change in the way we work and with employers now fully adapted to this remote way of working, it is likely that long term home working will be a way of life for years to come.

Our desire for smarter, more connected spaces is also growing.

term home working (27 per cent), a home office (nine per cent) and because no longer need to be near the office (seven per cent) as their reasons.

In contrast only nine per cent of those questioned are intending to relocate to a major city for a job or better amenities in the next 12 months.

When asked what the key factors of a new home are now, compared to before Covid-19, there were some significant shifts, where our sense of community has increased – and so has our desire for connectivity.

Schools, crime rate, local amenities and being close to family are more important to our home buying decisions now than they were pre-Covid, according to the research - highlighting an increased focus on community in choosing a new home.

In contrast, commute time and proximity to travel hubs have declined in importance as more people accept home working will be the norm long term.

Among the top five most important factors when moving to a new home is now good internet/broadband connectivity (up from 22 per cent to 26 per cent). In fact, internet connectivity is now such a crucial factor in our household set up that • 75 per cent of house hunters would NOT buy a home if they knew that the internet connectivity was poor.

• And three quarters (75 per cent) would be MORE inclined to buy a house that was full fibre enabled and would also pay on average £1,514 more for a full fibre enabled house – offering faster and more reliable internet connectivity - increasing property value by approximately 0.6% of the average UK house price.

• 91% would rate the consistency and reliability of their broadband

connectivity as more important than ever in the home-buying process Such is the importance of reliable internet connectivity; nearly eight in 10 (79%) homebuyers are calling for housing developers and estate agents to offer broadband quality tests before they move in so this can be factored into the decisionmaking process.

Georgina Lord, Managing Director from Zen.co.uk says: “It is clear that the pandemic has prompted a real shift in what people want from their homes. The research uncovered a strong sense of people craving community, open space and being near loved ones, whilst the changes to many people’s work set up was clear to see too.

“For many the past 12 months has seen a huge step change in the way we work and with employers now fully adapted to this remote way of working, it is likely that long term home working will be a way of life for years to come. Our desire for smarter, more connected spaces is also growing.

“With reliance on remote-working and internet connectivity in the home at an-all time high, the majority of respondents (91%) stated the consistency and reliability of broadband connection is now more important than ever in the home-buying process.

“The fact that people will pay more for a home with better broadband only goes to show how key an amenity it has become.”

“Our survey findings also uncovered a growing desire for homebuilders to start factoring technology into homes at build stage” adds Georgina, “with 70 per cent of those questioned agreeing that it should be part of the fabric of the home.

For more information about Zen Internet visit https://www.zen.co.uk/

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Project News WORK BEGINS ON RESTORATION OF UK’S OLDEST LIDO The Cleveland Pools Trust is delighted to announce the start of works to restore the historic pools in Bath, following a 17-year community campaign to save the Grade II* listed site.

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ristol-based Beard is leading the work on the restoration of Cleveland Pools, the oldest surviving outdoor public swimming pool in the UK, which was built in 1815 and is now regarded as a nationally significant site.

The project has the support of hundreds of people in Bath, many of whom have recorded their happy memories of summers spent poolside, of learning to swim, early romance and just how cold the water was.

After 17 years of community action, starting construction work is a hugely significant moment which we’re all so happy to see.

However, the £6.2m project poses some significant engineering challenges for Beard, which will bring its extensive experience in the heritage sector to the development, as the site is only accessible for vehicles by river.

Machinery, building materials and equipment required to carry out the major refurbishment work on-site will have to be loaded up at the nearby Avon Rugby Club, which is being used as a base, and carried up-river on a pontoon pushed by a barge fitted out for the purpose.

Anna Baker, project director for Cleveland Pools Trust said: “After 17 years of community action, starting construction work is a hugely significant moment which we’re all so happy to see.

“We’ve had fantastic support to get us this far, particularly from our main funder, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, but still have some way to go with £400,000 still to raise. We are looking forward now to seeing the restoration take shape, to be complete by summer 2022, when the community that enjoyed the benefits of this wonderful facility in the past, will be able to once again.

“Beard has brought a great deal of expertise to the project and a real appreciation of what the facility will be used for once it’s complete, which is very important for us in a construction partner.”

Among the work to be carried out is the restoration of two pools – the crescentshaped main pool for adults and a smaller, shallower pool for children. There will also be refurbishment of the largely unaltered Grade II* listed buildings, the central cottage upgraded to be used as a main entrance and pay point, with the first floor to become a caretaker’s flat.

Work is due to be completed in time for swimmers to return next summer, for the first time since 1984 and will be accessible for all, both physically and financially.

Mark Tregelles, Beard project manager said there have been some unusual logistical challenges in terms of accessing the site and starting the job.

He said: “We recognise how culturally significant this development is for the community, and wider region, not only as a Grade II* listed building but also as a space for the community to use and enjoy when it’s complete. We are working closely with the Cleveland Pools Trust to realise their vision to make it an accessible and fun place to be for all users, and also to reflect the rich history behind the nationally important site.

“But it is certainly a different prospect for Beard as we’ve had to do a lot of work in preparation to establish a base down river at Avon Rugby Club, which we will use as a loading site to get everything we need onto the barge and sailed up to the site.

“There can’t be many building projects today which require access by boat. So, we’re pleased to be starting after months of planning, and to draw on years of experience working on culturally important buildings to ensure delivery on time for the community.”

The project was set to start in March last year when the covid pandemic struck and led to delays and increased costs. In recent months the Pools has enjoyed exceptional national support with additional funding being provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the DCMS Capital Kickstart Fund, and emergency grant aid from Historic England.

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The project includes a community engagement and volunteering programme

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Project News

with dedicated resources to deliver the Activity Plan, which aims to engage a wide and diverse section of the local community in meaningful projects. So far this has included delivering a tailored employability programme to give students the experience of working on a real project, running intergenerational activities about the history of the pools and engaging volunteers to create a walking trail to site as part of the green travel plan.

The overall project costs for the period 2019 to 2025 are now just over the £8 million mark with the Trust needing to raise a further £400,000 over the next 18 months to deliver all outcomes.

Plans for the refurbishment of the site include: • Restoration of two pools – the crescent shaped main pool for adults and competent swimmers and a smaller, shallower pool for children • Restoration of the largely unaltered Grade II listed buildings. Central cottage restored for the main entrance and pay point, first floor to become a caretaker’s flat • Terrace seating area with shelter from sun or rain • New toilets and showers • Refreshment kiosk • New river pontoon for access via boat services to Pulteney Bridge • Improved disabled access including an electric buggy to manage the steep entry slope • Heritage exhibition & learning space within the site

TITLE PLANS FOR BOBBY & CO OF BOURNEMOUTH UNVEILED After much speculation on what might be planned for the iconic former Debenhams building in Bournemouth town centre – plans to transform the building in The Square can finally be revealed.

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erve Properties, the developers who also recently transformed the nearby Avenue Centre, are delighted to announce plans that will see the much-loved building restored with many of the original features reinstated or uncovered. Verve Properties are an ethical property firm that regenerates old buildings bringing them back to the community. The company is focussed on securing local, independent, and socially conscious brands to work with, to ensure that the regeneration reflects the changes the pandemic has accelerated in social and shopping patterns.

On the first floor the large windows overlooking the Square will be opened up, new balconies installed, and the floor will house a food and market hall. This

The second floor will house an art gallery with more details to be revealed in the coming weeks. Accessed from Terrace Road, old buildings at the rear will be reorganised to create a garden area and a micro-brewery, craft ale smokery bar. And following that, plans are in place to open a 4th floor restaurant and bar and roof terrace bar. – all with a key focus on the local community.

There are also plans in place, due to be announced very soon, for a very special collaboration with the Bournemouth-bred artist Stuart Semple, which will involve memories of the town.

Back in 1915, Bobby & Co opened in The Square in Bournemouth and remained under that name for over 50 years, only being rebranded in 1972 as part of the Debenhams group that is now departing the building.

Verve’s passion for the project came about due to a strong belief in the potential for UK high streets to reinvent themselves after the economic downturn of the past 10 years. Online shopping and the pandemic have each played a part in dismantling the structures upon which high street retail used to rely.

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Plans are in place for the first parts of the store to reopen in mid-July this year, with more elements opening all the way through the year and into 2022. First to open will be Bobby’s Beauty Hall, a traditional ice cream and coffee parlour, an art gallery, and a dog café in the Lower Gardens. The beauty hall will have local, sustainable, and conscious brands sitting alongside the big brands. As an independent beauty operation, Bobby’s Beauty Hall will offer products and brands not previously available at the Debenhams that previously occupied the site. There will also be a Sushi and plant-based Poke Bowl Bar, a nail bar, treatment rooms female and male grooming. The watch repairing station ‘In Time’ will be retained.

will include street food outlets including plant-based food, a Deli a bar and speciality retail market pods. Spa facilities are in the planning stages and will hopefully open in 2022.

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INTERVIEW: Lachlan Faulkner Multi award-winning homelift business continues to rewrite home safety during Covid - an interview with the cofounder Lachlan Faulkner

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hat does your business design?

We are a designer, manufacturer and distributor of home lifts designed exclusively for the domestic market. Our products provide an assured solution for access between floors when using stairs starts to become a safety issue in the home. As a 21st century alternative to the 100 year old stairlift, Stiltz Homelifts are distributed around the world so individuals can futureproof their independence, avoid expensive building work and eliminate the need to relocate.

We are proud to have won multiple awards over the years including the highest accolade to be bestowed on a UK business; The Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2020.

When and how did you get the idea of the Stiltz Homelift?

A few crude domestic lift designs came before ours however in 2008 we identified a gap in the global market where a new breed of attractive, shaftless through-floor lift, could thrive. With the right design we could ensure people with restricted mobility had safe, easy access between floors with a product they wanted in their home. We decided to set up Stiltz in the UK during 2010 with the aim of distributing our game-changing product across the world. Our design began to evolve an overcomplicated ‘Heath Robinson’ idea first seen in Tasmania to an efficient, streamlined product suitable for mass production – we took the home lift from shed to factory.

Why did you move from Australia to set up Stiltz in the UK? When looking at the potential for global management, the UK was a logical place for us to establish Stiltz ¬– it would simply not be possible from the other side of the world in my native Australia. We looked

The early designs for a domestic passenger elevator lacked modern safety features and some concepts didn’t even have a door!

They were cumbersome and not products you would want in your home.

Through our R&D commitment we have totally transformed the homelift both on the surface and under the hood – resulting in a safe, contemporary and desirable product.

at America however it was just too tough to set up what we wanted to achieve and immigration was an issue, so we relocated to Britain. As manufacturing was established in China and our global network of distributors was building, the UK proved the ideal operational hub.

How have you evolved the domestic passenger lift concept?

The early designs for a domestic passenger elevator lacked modern safety features and some concepts didn’t even have a door! They were cumbersome and not products you would want in your home. Through our R&D commitment we have totally transformed the homelift both on the surface and under the hood – resulting in a safe, contemporary and desirable product. Our homelifts are now hugely advanced with countless technical innovations unmatched by competitors.

We meet an array of safety specifications including all the latest fire regulations – peace of mind for users and prescribing Occupational Therapists.

The step-change development for the market was when we launched our Plus range lifts, which are called Alta in the USA. Expanding the product range with more attractive, larger lifts and giving the consumer more choice solidified our offering. The ability to accommodate wheelchairs and the unique to us ThruCar solution, drew attention to Stiltz and opened up the market further.

Why is Stiltz unique in terms on innovation?

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If we’re looking at celebrating originality in National Inventors Month, then it is true we did not invent the domestic through-floor lift. However, it can be said we did invent the pure ‘homelift’ and its marketplace.

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Before Stiltz, we saw the UK as the ‘home of the stairlift’ – the perceived default product for everyone struggling to get up the stairs. Not anymore. We continue to democratize the homelift and disrupt the market as we have originated a new category in assistive technology. The Stiltz Homelift meets the need of individuals

who seek ageing in place yet do not want a stigmatised stairlift. We understood what people wanted and we delivered.

Yet the education continues, we have to remain laser-focused on selling the concept to the end user. The inherent mindset to see a stairlift as first choice is changing as Stiltz gives consumers a clear and commonly better alternative.

What has been the fundamental design aspect to breed success?

The development of vertical dual rail technology to replace the lift shaft has always been, and will continue to be, fundamental to the success of our concept. The fact these rails allow our homelifts to be positioned pretty much anywhere in the home offers unbeatable flexibility for customer needs. Our electric motors are quiet and run on these rails, replacing noisy hydraulics seen from other manufacturters. If you look at other lift manufacturers they have attempted to shoe-horn industrial elevators into the home environment. We are different, we have come at this from the domestic situation first and with the end user always front of mind.

Inventions for the future?

We are always looking towards the future.

Stiltz continues to invest heavily in R&D with the next generation homelifts in the pipeline. Smart tech and web enablement are part of our vision to enhance our already market-leading products, along with the introduction of enhanced aesthetics and functionality. Usability and safety will remain a top priority for us, continually complemented by our renowned style.

We’re aiming to meet different needs and serve more tasks in years to come as we expand our range with different shapes and sizes. Modular design will benefit customers by giving them more choice and speeding up delivery through streamlined manufacturing. Being able to provide transit through several floors, whilst still using unobtrusive self-supporting rail technology, will be a key focus for us and the reason why our development team continues to grow.

Specify CFA members and

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

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

Image kindly supplied by Gerflor Ltd

Tel: 0115 941 1126

Image kindly supplied by Junkers Ltd

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

Image kindly supplied by Interface

FELCE AND GUY SPECIFIES BRICKS FROM VANDERSANDEN FOR THE SPA AT SOUTH LODGE The Spa at South Lodge, in the heart of the West Sussex countryside, is the picture-perfect, luxury destination for those seeking ultimate relaxation in complete comfort, far away from the pressures and strains of modern life.

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esigned by Hove-based architectural firm, Felce and Guy, this prestigious 44,000 sq. ft building sits harmoniously in its beautiful, natural setting with external facing bricks from Vandersanden selected to provide regular form, nuanced colours and natural texture for the project.

Located in Lower Beeding, near Horsham, The Spa at South Lodge is a purposebuilt spa within the grounds of an award winning 5-star hotel. It features a state-of-the-art gym and spin studio, indoor pool, outdoor hydrotherapy pool and wild swimming pool, a thermal suite and treatment rooms for members, hotel residents and spa day guests. In addition, The Spa at South Lodge includes the Ridgeview Beauty Bar and Botanica, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant.

Felce and Guy were commissioned to provide a full architectural design, then appointed as lead consultant and contract administrator to oversee the build carried out by main contractor, Beard Construction. The firm’s design balances the specific needs of the hotel and The Spa at South Lodge’s facilities with a sensitivity to the context of the countryside setting and close proximity to the main hotel.

The resultant architecture sympathetically responds to these surroundings with the building deep-set into the landscape, minimising its scale, yet taking full advantage of the extensive views available to guests over the South Downs.

As the landscape falls away, leading to natural water forms, so too does the new building with external terracing leading out to a vitality pool and down to an external swim pond.

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After reviewing and testing different samples in advance, Felce and Guy selected Vandersanden’s Lithium brick in a 50mm size for the project. This attractive, hand-formed facing brick comprises a sanded-coated and grained structure in a muted base grey colour with accompanying shades of buff and black to match the stonework colours of the main building at South Lodge Hotel.

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The resultant architecture sympathetically responds to these surroundings with the building deep-set into the landscape, minimising its scale, yet taking full advantage of the extensive views available to guests over the South Downs. As the landscape falls away, leading to natural water forms, so too does the new building with external terracing leading out to a vitality pool and down to an external swim pond.

Over 100,000 bricks were sourced and supplied for the project by specialist brick distributor, N R Taylor of Lingfield, with the thinness of the brick helping to further reduce the visual scale of the Spa building. The horizontal lines of the brickwork act as a softening counterpoint to the vertical natural green oak cladding and large glass panelling that also feature as key elements in The Spa at South Lodge design. Elsewhere, the Lithium brick has been used in the copings, landscaping and dividing walls which create external contours and help to separate the terraces outside of the building.

“The Vandersanden brick works with the other materials in the design to present a very organic aesthetic for The Spa at South Lodge,” says John Chapman of Felce and Guy. “It perfectly complements both the dark sandstone used in the original hotel and its mix of greys and brown as well as the natural surroundings. The straight, clean-lines and regular shape of the Vandersanden brick, together with the raked joint we’ve used, has helped emphasise the horizontality of the building and works especially well with the textured finish of the timber panels. As a practice, we set very high expectations which the Vandersanden bricks have undoubtedly satisfied.”

In addition to a curving, meadow-grass roof, which helps to attenuate rainwater flow, the Spa at South Lodge benefits from other sustainable technologies and finishes. A biomass boiler system has been installed, and all drainage is contained on site, using reed bed technology. The existing ponds within the hotel grounds have been modified and extended to benefit the local ecology.

Vandersanden itself is building a sustainable future for its business, having already invested in renewable solar and wind energy technologies at its

major European production plants and committed to a pathway which will see the manufacture of CO2-neutral bricks by 2050.

Underlining the significance of the project to the hotel and its management, every member of staff laid one brick as part of their contribution to The Spa at South Lodge. The project was completed in the Summer of 2019.

Further details on Felce and Guy are available at www.felceandguy.co.uk and on Beard Construction at www.beardconstruction.co.uk.

More information on The Spa at South Lodge can be found at www.exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Technically Impressive: Accurate, Fast, Versatile.

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

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

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

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

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

Creating bespoke interior fittings and cabinetry

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

Want to know more?

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

Interior fixtures such as bespoke radiator covers are quick and simple

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

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

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

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

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Roofing Feature GUIDELINES AND GOOD PRACTICE FOR ENSURING A ROOF’S WATERPROOF INSTALLATION IS RIGHT FIRST TIME There is no such thing as a quick fix when it comes to a roof’s waterproofing installation – there is only doing it properly. If installed correctly, modern high-performance waterproof systems – such as those supplied by IKO – will last the lifespan of a building. We provide all the mechanisms to ensure this happens. From site support to specification guidance, drawings and quality materials; our expertise is available to customers to assure a project is brought to a successful conclusion.

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ltimately, however, an installer’s workmanship is key to getting the job right first time. This is achieved by following guidelines set out by the waterproofing system’s manufacturer, as any divergence from this process risks the prospect of a costly repairs programme at a later date. Budget constraints and the threat of financial penalties mean roof installers, as with many strands within the construction sector, are subject to increasingly tight project deadlines. The pressure is on for contractors, but it must not lead to a relinquishing of standards in a race to the finish line. Focusing on a few basic tenets of roof waterproofing can ensure haste doesn’t compromise quality during installation.

Schedule for success At IKO, our aim is to empower site managers by offering them the guidance and support to insist that the highest level of professionalism is displayed at all times during a roof’s waterproof installation. Before works commence, however, it’s important that a strategy is in place to avoid the programme clashing with other on-site trades. Waterproof installers seldom get a roof to themselves, as often they have to share workspace with scaffolders, for example.

Therefore, for safety as well as practical reasons, a detailed works programme drawn up by the on-site trades can help projects run more efficiently.

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Good preparation equals good practice In terms of the waterproof installation itself, adhering to well-established common principles will do much to eliminate a number of avoidable issues. Typically, at the start of each day, good practice will involve testing welding equipment, for example, to make sure each

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heat gun is working correctly and the correct power is installed on site. Pre-works preparation should also include ensuring all waterproofing materials are stored overnight in a dry place whilst laid out and ready to use. Additionally, the roof’s substrate should be in a good condition and dry. It must also be cleaned, with any rubbish removed and bagged-up to avoid it being blown-off the roof.

Checks as you go During the course of an installation, laps and other details should be checked for water tightness. This is an essential, as any ingress that goes undetected could lead to major issues – such as the waterproofing’s degradation – at a later date. Depending on the system being installed, there will also be a number of issues to consider. For a single-ply solution, this will mean being aware of the nozzle sizes needed to weld different areas of a roof (for flat surfaces such as the main roof area, it should be 40mm, for corners and detail 20mm). Whilst for self-adhesive membranes it ought to be

borne in mind that a temperature of 5°C and rising is required for adhesives, primers and self-adhesive products to perform as required, and as manufacture recommendations listed on the data sheet. To reiterate, following guidelines and data sheets plays a large part in waterproofing success, as is engaging with a roofing specialist such as IKO; because if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, our teams are at the end of a phone to offer expert help and support.

May Webinar Getting a roof’s waterproofing right first time is the subject of IKO’s latest webinar. Aimed at roofing professionals and presented by our expert technical team, the presentation includes a more in-depth look at some of the issues highlighted in this blog in order to ensure good practice and successful roof installation. IKO’s free-to-view webinar takes place on 25th and 27th May. To sign-up and for details on IKO’s monthly webinar programme, visit: https://www.ikogroup.co.uk/seminars/

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