The Architectural Technologists Book, May 2024

THE ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGISTS BOOK

THE CONTENTS PAGE

004 THE DESIGNERS - Design news from around the world

016 NEWS - Latest news from the building industry

024 INTERIORS AND INTERIOR DESIGN - The latest trends 032 ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL - HVAC news

036 DOORS, WINDOWS AND GLAZING - A product and project insight

050 THE VIEWPOINT - All about opinions

052 THE GALLERY - A selection of stunning images and stories

060 PROJECT NEWS - The latest projects from the building industry

Front cover image courtesy of Vicaima - www.vicaima.com Page 2 image courtesy of Nulty+ Lighting - www.nultylighting.co.uk

Some of the colour photography used in The Architectural Technologists Book is provided and paid for by contributors. The publishers do not accept liability for errors that may appear in the publication. Dedicated to our dear friend and colleague, Mike. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the publisher's consent. Published by L2 Architectural Media Ltd, Park House, Park Street, Stafford ST17 4AL. Tel: 01785 291442 www.l2architectural.media

DUDLEYS SUPPORTS

COMMUNITY HUB DEVELOPMENT IN LEEDS

D

udleys Consulting Engineers has commenced works to assist in the delivery of a new £3.4 million community hub transformation project in Hunslet, Leeds. Preparation works have started on the site of the Old Cockburn Sports Hall which is being redeveloped by Hamara Healthy Living Centre.

The project will see the demolition of the former dilapidated 1960’s building and construction of a new, state of the art, 10,615 sq ft mixed use leisure, health, and wellbeing facility. Hamara (an Urdu term meaning ‘Our’) is the largest ethnic minority organisation in the voluntary and community sector in Leeds.

Working within the community sector, employing 36 people, Hamara currently delivers several different strands of work including: Health Promotion, Youth Activities, Older People’s Services, Saturday Supplementary School, Learning Disabilities, Education and Employment & Training Programmes.

The new Cockburn Centre is to become a sustainable local community business which operates for the benefit of local neighbourhoods. It will be led and operated by adults with learning disabilities and supported by local volunteers. New facilities will include a multi-use sports hall, fully accessible changing facilities, equipment storage space, an external hard surfaced multiuse games area, a seated café, community hub, halo and training room, a viewing gallery, and offices.

Hamara has worked tirelessly to secure grant funding from various parties, including The Football Foundation, the Department of Levelling up and Housing and Communities – Community Ownership Fund, to enable delivery of the important community project. Dudleys assisted Hamara with securing planning consent and is now consulting alongside architects Studio RBA, services consultant Shearstone, project managers Spring & Co, landscape architect Urban Green, and main contractor NU Construction, on the delivery plan which is expected to start this summer. www.dudleys.co.uk

NULTY DESIGNS A LIGHTING SCHEME FOR BROMLEY TOWN HALL’S HISTORIC RESTORATION

International lighting design studio Nulty has completed a lighting scheme for Bromley Old Town Hall, part of a £20 million project to restore the architectural and cultural significance of the historic site. Nulty’s lighting design response supports the wider goals set by architecture practice Cartwright Pickard and interior design studio Fusion Interiors Group, to reclaim the heritage of the Grade II-Listed architecture and breathe new life into the flexible coworking space and all-day dining restaurant that now occupy the building.

The scheme balances the need for contemporary lighting interventions and a sensitive design narrative that prioritises reuse. Nulty reviewed archive photographs of the 1906 and 1939 sections of the building, then refurbished and reinstated traditional light fittings to honour the original aspirations of the old town hall. The juxtaposition of old and new plays out in the reception area, where suspended glass pendants have been used to create a focal point above the desk and seating area.

The composition forms a welcoming path of light, which pulls guests through to the more historically significant areas of the scheme where the traditional lighting language begins. Across the main circulation areas, original decorative fittings were reinstated or replicated to complement period features such as vaulted domed ceilings, cornices, and archways. In the building’s iconic central hall, artificial skylights were used to flood the space with light and pay reverence to the 1930s skylights that were removed

when the floor above was extended. The backlit ceilings are inherently modern and provide dynamic white light that accurately reflects the colour temperature and intensity of external light levels. A new restaurant takes up residence in the old Courthouse, a historic part of the building that has been opened to the public for the first time. Here, integrated perimeter lighting accentuates the wood panelled walls and uplights illuminate artwork and help to elevate the space.

Decorative glass pendants were reintroduced to ensure that the original design intent has been honoured and supplemented at a lower level by globe pendants to evoke a sense of intimacy. LED technology was integrated in all the workspaces and meeting rooms to deliver the required quality of light for focused work, video conferencing, and face-toface meetings.

The basement has been repurposed to form a new thread of the building and features a dramatic circulation corridor come bike storage area. To compensate for the lack of natural light in this space, linear profiles were positioned along the length of the corridor to reinforce the curve of the exposed concrete walls and improve permeability by leading occupants along a soft cadence of light. www.nultylighting.co.uk

TWISTING

CONCRETE TOWER

IS A NEW LANDMARK AT THE CENTRE OF FRENCH UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE

A55-metre-tall residential tower, designed by architects Hamonic+Masson & Associés for client SOGEPROM, has just completed in Le Havre, France. Named Alta Tower, its twisting geometry and concrete frame make a bold and expressive statement at the heart of French architect Auguste Perret’s celebrated post World War II redevelopment of the city, close to Oscar Niemeyer’s curvaceous Le Volcan leisure centre.

The commission to design a new tower was awarded to Hamonic+Masson & Associés in 2015 following a competition including renowned architects Herzog & De Meuron and Rudy Ricciotti. Le Havre, France’s second most important port, was heavily bombed during the Second Word War. After the war architect Auguste Perret was commissioned to design a new city centre. The centre, rebuilt between 1945 and 1964, was designated in 2005 a UNESCO World Heritage site in recognition of Perret’s architectural vision and the modernist, innovative, meticulously detailed concrete city that emerged. (cont...)

(cont...) The competition brief called for a residential tower that would build on Perret’s celebrated reinvention of Le Havre, and link Niemeyer’s distinctively curvaceous concrete building with the strict modern grid of Perret’s urban plan. Perret’s original masterplan envisioned a residential tower for this site. Hamonic+Masson & Associés’s design sought to create a significant piece of contemporary architecture reflecting Perret's vision for a city able to reinvent itself while maintaining a connection with its history.

Jean-Christophe Masson, Co-Founder and Director of Hamonic+Masson & Associés explains, “Alta Tower is part of a city where heritage and modernity blend and feed off each other. It is rooted in the world architectural history of the 20th century and invents a new typology. Hamonic+Masson & Associés had to write a new score in keeping with the two sacred monsters. Alta Tower therefore combines the essential elements characteristic of each: the form and sensuality of Niemeyer, the grid and order of Perret, with concrete being the material common to all three projects.” Alta Tower is at the junction of the two major urban grids of Perret’s general plan and is adjacent to Le Volcan.

Its location, including its position between city and sea, inspired its distinctive character. Its twisted morphology, marked by pivoting balconies and inclined posts, gives the building a unique expression more related to a work of art than a residential building. The Alta Tower is the result of a strong architectural approach and inventive construction methods. Playing on the idea of movement, background and multiplicity, its volume accompanies the different scales of the city in an interplay of levels. This dynamic form in an ascending twist comes from the deformation of a frame (Perret) by a form (Niemeyer). The twisted geometry of the project is the building’s distinctive feature, a specific twisted morphology marked by pivoting balconies and inclined posts that give the building a unique character..

It is also enriched by a reflection on the different building scales of the site, as well as the natural elements such as the wind and the sun. The building comprises 64 apartments and a creche. Residents benefit from generous running balconies, with panoramic views across the city and the docks. The column free interiors can be configured on demand. This open plan layout, along with large pivoting balconies, gives residents freedom to customize their homes right from the design stage, including creating new layouts and joining single apartments together to make larger properties.

The freedom and flexibility of living in Alta Tower demonstrates a new approach to vertical housing in an urban environment. Edouard Philippe, the Mayor of Le Havre and a former Prime Minister of France, congratulated the project team at the inauguration of the building in December 2023. He said “Le Havre is delighted with Alta Tower. It is a fine architectural feat, a beautiful object that makes people talk, that sometimes raises questions, and that catches the eye, and at the same time blends in well with the Le Havre landscape.”

Eric Groven, President of Sogeprom said: "What an audacious masterpiece! Sogeprom has completed an exceptional residential project designed by Hamonic+Masson & Associés, a landmark in terms of design and construction, elegant, efficient and ... complex to build. The building's resolutely avant-garde architecture blends masterfully into the architecture of Le Havre.

"Building the city on top of the city", by replacing urban expansion with vertical density, makes a major contribution to the desartificialisation of land, and this programme is a concrete and living testimony to the promotion of environmental and social values.” Alta Tower is a new landmark in the city and affirms the modernity which is characteristic of Le Havre’s skyline. It has been warmly received by the people of the city and is fast becoming a true icon of Le Havre. www.hamonic-masson.com

LIMEKILN BY RED DEER: A BLEND OF HERITAGE AND INNOVATION IN SUSSEX FROM THE CREATORS OF KIN HOUSE

The renowned international architecture and interiors practice Red Deer unveils its latest creation: LIMEKILN. Set in the picturesque Sussex countryside, LIMEKILN is a harmonious blend of nature and design, offering an unparalleled event space experience. Building on the resounding success of the much-celebrated Kin House in Wiltshire, the visionary team behind this landmark venue has embarked on a new journey with the creation of LIMEKILN.

LIMEKILN emerges as a testament to the harmonious blend of nature and design, a hallmark that has earned Kin House its esteemed reputation. Red Deer's design for LIMEKILN reflects a deep respect for nature and local culture. Drawing inspiration from the Bloomsbury group's artwork and Sussex's rural architecture, the spaces are a testament to authentic refinement and thoughtful craftsmanship. (cont...)

(cont...) This approach successfully realised in Kin House, is brought to life once again in LIMEKILN, using locally sourced materials and collaborating with local artisans to infuse each space with a sense of belonging and authenticity.

Exploring LIMEKILN's Spaces - Each room in LIMEKILN tells its own story, reflecting Red Deer's belief in the power of design to narrate and inspire. From the Kiln Bar's hand-painted tiles to the Alder Room's exposed beams, every design choice has been made to evoke emotions and create an unforgettable experience for Red Deer guests.

Guests are welcomed inside Kiln Bar; a large central lounge with a showstopping floor-to-ceiling fireplace clad in individually handpainted and fired tiles by bespoke ceramicist, Emma Louise Payne. Considered the heart of the lodge, the interior design features a large central bar, an open log fire, and a mix of antique furniture, combined with colourful Ceraudo armchairs, Nicola Harding sofas, and bespoke fabrics from Pierre Frey’s Le Manach Collection. Next door, the Green Club contrasts to create a low-ceiling intimate speakeasy, combining opulent chandeliers, oak cobbled flooring, antique mirrored walls, and sumptuous velvet curtains.

A space for after-hours drinks, cosy private dining, and a late-night dancing lounge. For grander affairs, the Alder Room and Poplar Hall stand ready. These expansive spaces cater to diverse needs, from weddings to corporate events, featuring Sussex-inspired design elements and the capacity to host up to 300 guests.

The beautiful Poplar Hall can host up to 200 for a seated meal, and 300 for drinks receptions. It features elegant chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling metal doors, niches along the walls, and a striking bespoke hand-painted frieze, designed by Sussex-based artist Tess Newall. Perfect for ceremonies and presentations, the Alder Room has a capacity for 140-person dining and 200 seated; showcasing a barn-inspired design, with exposed beams, herringbone flooring, and lightweight linen curtains to add a soft, romantic touch to the occasion. The Apartment merges relaxation and functionality into a multi-level retreat.

Ideal for pre-event preparation and as a creative workspace, it features a hairwashing station, a large bath and shower, and a cosy seating area complete with snack baskets and a drinks fridge. The décor includes 'Morocco Salt' peach tiles and linen pendant lights, while the upper level offers a versatile dressing and meeting space, stylish wallpaper, and a mahogany Rose window, offering views of the Sussex countryside.

This space opens onto a central courtyard, perfect for enjoying the sun. The Courtyard, a sun-drenched oasis, invites guests for alfresco dining and relaxation. Its striped sofas and bistro tables set amidst Sussex's natural beauty provide an idyllic backdrop for memorable events. www. reddeer.co.uk

NEWS

BLANCO LAUNCHES CHOICE.ALL DRINK SYSTEM WITH SPARKLING WATER

BLANCO has announced the launch of CHOICE.ALL, the first drink system of its kind to be available in the UK. When fitted as part of the BLANCO UNIT, the platform offers two types of sparkling water (filtered medium sparkling and fully sparkling water), as well as filtered still water (boiling water and chilled, with adjustable temperature levels) plus unfiltered hot and cold tap water. The CHOICE.ALL is also an incredible space saver, removing the need for a kettle or bottled water. The CHOICE.ALL platform includes an under-sink water conditioning unit, the brand new CHOICE ICONA semi-professional kitchen tap, and is accompanied by a new BLANCO UNIT app. BLANCO’s new twojet CHOICE ICONA semi-professional tap features an intuitive touch control, with a colour coded LED light ring to indicate boiling, still and sparkling preferences. Thanks to the app, it is also possible to save favourite water temperature and volume settings to return to at the press of a button. www.blanco.com

FORM AN INSTANT BOND WITH NEW MAPECONTACT PLUS

Mapei has introduced Mapecontact Plus – a new solventfree, double-sided reinforced adhesive strip for fast-track installation of accessories, resilient and textile flooring. It is ideal for installing textile and resilient flooring onto steps and curved surfaces, and accessories including coving, skirting boards, rubber and PVC profiles.

It can also be used to install angular pieces and protective profiles onto steps and other sharp edges. As well as providing a fast, sustainable and clean installation, Mapecontact Plus has improved resistance to moisture, plasticisers and ageing, for greater longevity. www.mapei.co.uk

JAMES HARDIE APPOINTS NEW CHANNEL MANAGER

James Hardie, the world leader in the manufacture of highperformance fibre cement and fibre gypsum building solutions, has appointed Edward Dunn as Channel Manager to further support trade partners in the North. Ed has nearly 10 years account management experience working for large national accounts and independent wholesalers. In his most recent role he worked for Glen Dimplex Flame Europe where he was responsible for sales in the North & Scotland. As Channel Manager Ed will identify and drive future growth opportunities for James Hardie products, fostering relationships with key stakeholders at distributors, installers, and contractors in the region. www.jameshardie.co.uk

NAVIGATOR LAUNCHES NEW MAGBLU MINI

MIDNIGHT DOMESTIC HEATING SYSTEM FILTER

Leading distributor of the plumbing and heating sector Navigator MSL has launched its latest new product into the marketplace to add to its already burgeoning portfolio of branded equipment – the MAGBLU Mini Midnight boiler filter. It’s an ideal choice for a system where there is minimal space being one of the most compact filters on the market, with design features usually only found in far more expensive models. The Mini Midnight comes in a black reinforced nylon body with a nickel-plated solid brass top and two 22mm butterfly type compression valves.

All seals are boiler grade designed to withstand high temperatures for a prolonged period. The valve position can be altered to suit the space available – either ‘in line’ or at right angles to the filter. The magnet is easily removed for cleaning, which is recommended during normal service intervals – so at least every year when the boiler is serviced. The kit comes with spare seals and a handy tool for adjusting the top cap. It can operate at a working pressure of up to 6 bar and the magnet strength is an impressive 9000 GAUSS. Despite its effectiveness it weighs in at just 1300 grams and has a KVS flow capacity of 4.8 m3/h. www.navigatormsl.com

WEST FRASER CELEBRATES COMMUNITY WELLBEING WITH £13,000 DONATION TO

LOCAL GROUPS

The team at West Fraser's plant in Cowie, Scotland has donated a total of £13,000 to four local community groups which provide vital care and wellbeing support. Staff at the site handed out this beneficial funding to the groups and charities, which included Strathcarron Hospice and Maggie's Cancer Centre, Forth Valley Sick Kids Hospital and the Start Up Stirling foodbank.

David Connacher, marketing manager at West Fraser Europe, said: "As a major employer to the local area, West Fraser recognises the importance of supporting the local community and the businesses making a huge positive difference within them, in line with our own dedicated commitment to safety and staff wellbeing at West Fraser. Not only do we look out for each other on site but staff also wanted to extend this culture to the surrounding local area by supporting these fantastic charities within the community. We are thankful and proud to support these charities in the vital role they play in helping others." https://uk.westfraser.com

FLOWCRETE LAUNCHES NEW RIBA APPROVED CPD ON RESINS

Flowcrete is excited to share How to Avoid Resin Floor Failure in Industrial Environments - a new RIBA Approved CPD Seminar by Flowcrete, a brand of Tremco CPG UK. This seminar provides a guide to successful installation of resin flooring.

It covers the different Resin Flooring Types by FeRFA type and goes further into the key considerations when specifying resin flooring - from understanding client requirements to

NEW CEO FOR CAB

The CAB board are delighted to announce that Nigel Headford will take on the role of CAB CEO in May. Already a well respected member of the CAB board, Nigel brings a wealth of experience to strengthen the CAB team at Stonehouse. Having been involved in aluminium since 1995 when Nigel entered the rainscreen cladding sector, he has taken on several roles during his career to date and has become well respected in across the fenestration industry in both trade and commercial markets. Having supported CAB since his first Members meeting 2003, Nigel was invited to join the CAB board in 2022.

On Nigel’s appointment, he comments, “It’s early days for me at the moment within the team, but the CAB Board have some clear objectives for the Association in the next few years and I’m looking forward to driving those changes on a day to day basis. It all comes down to CAB’s value proposition and how we can grow our membership within the Industry and offer support to those businesses. I’m also keen that we can better represent the trade aluminium sector as many suppliers in the home improvement sector now look towards aluminium sales to drive their businesses..” More information at c-a-b.org.uk

the preparation based on substrate. Upon completion of the seminar, participants will have gained comprehensive insights into various facets of resin flooring.

This knowledge encompasses an understanding of the different types of resin flooring available, essential considerations when specifying such flooring solutions, environmental factors associated with resin flooring, and effective cleaning and maintenance practices. To book a CPD seminar, visit / www.flowcrete.eu/en-gb/solutions-services/ learning-zone/book-a-cpd/

Haddonstone, market leader in the design and manufacture of architectural cast stonework, has a manufacturing plant in Northamptonshire where 80% of their products are manufactured by local craftspeople on a bespoke basis. The secret to the success of the heritage brand is the skills of the craftspeople who design and manufacture all the designs by hand. The next generation at Haddonstone looks set to be just as strong given its commitment to training eager young apprentices.

One such apprentice is Oli West, a 23-year-old apprentice who has worked at Haddonstone for over two years. He is currently studying the Level 2 Fabrication and Welding course at Northampton College, where he attends the course on day-release, every Monday.

The rest of the week sees him working in Haddonstone's metal shop where he benefits from further training on the job. Oli comments, "It's a great opportunity for me to learn the theory as well as the practical aspects of working in the industry and I am able to apply these to my day-to-day role. I've learned so much already and I'm grateful to Haddonstone for supporting me on my career journey in this way". www.haddonstone.com

HADDONSTONE

The construction industry is on the cusp of a major transformation. New regulations and evolving best practices are impacting how buildings are designed, constructed and managed. Are you prepared?

LKAB Minerals invites you to join them for a free webinar exploring the impact of Gateway Legislation, Golden Thread, Design Liability - and most importantly – how it will affect you and your company. Join us online on Thursday, May 30th, from 11:00am - 12:30pm to learn how these concepts will impact your role in the construction industry and help you stay ahead of the curve.

Your host, Phil Kelley, LKAB Minerals' Technical Sales Manager, brings over 15 years of experience in construction specification to the table. His in-depth knowledge of British Standards and evolving legislation ensures a valuable learning experience.

He will be joined by a panel of industry experts for a live Q&A session at the end of the webinar, so bring your questions and get the insights you need from some of the leading voices in construction. Register at https://www.lkabminerals. com/events/navigating-gateway-legislation-webinar to book your space.

Why you should be attending - We know that the construction industry is full of jargon, and understanding these terms can be crucial for navigating projects effectively, which is why the three subjects are so important. This is what LKAB Minerals will be talking about:

1. Gateway Legislation: Gateway legislation is a system used in some countries, particularly the UK, to ensure that construction projects meet specific safety and quality standards at critical junctures throughout the design, construction, and occupancy phases. These junctures are called "gateways".

How it Works - A regulatory body oversees the gateway process for what are termed “Duty Holders.” Key project participants such as architects, engineers, contractors and the

THE WAY WE DESIGN BUILDINGS IS CHANGING - JOIN LKAB MINERALS' FREE WEBINAR

client (whoever commissions the project) are designated as "duty holders" with specific responsibilities at each gateway. Duty holders must submit information demonstrating that the project complies with relevant regulations and standards before being granted permission to proceed to the next phase.

This information can include design documents, construction plans, and risk assessments. The idea is that gateway legislation will enhance construction safety, improve building quality, and promote greater collaboration between project stakeholders.

2. Golden Thread: The golden thread is a concept closely linked to gateway legislation. It refers to a comprehensive record of building information created and maintained throughout a project's lifecycle. This information serves as a "golden thread" connecting all stages of design, construction, and operation.

What's Included in the Golden Thread? - The Golden Thread covers architectural drawings, engineering specifications and other design documents. It also includes specifications for building materials, including their properties and performance characteristics.

Detailed plans for the construction process, including methods and schedules together with documentation of the building as it is actually constructed, including any deviations from the original design must also be included together with information on maintenance activities performed on the building throughout its lifespan.

3. Design Liability: Design liability refers to the legal responsibility of design professionals (architects, engineers, etc.) for any defects or problems that may arise due to errors or omissions in their designs. The specific extent of design liability is often outlined in the contract between the design professional and the client. Design professionals can also be held liable for negligence, meaning they failed to exercise the level of care and skill – another good reason to join the webinar. www.lkabminerals.com

SIKA BECOMES EARLY ADOPTER OF THE CODE FOR CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT INFORMATION

Achieving product set verification for hot melt structural waterproofing, liquid-applied and reinforced bituminous systems, in addition to single ply roof systems verified in September.

Global building product manufacturer Sika has become an early adopter of the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) which has been published to drive higher standards in the presentation of construction product information within the manufacturing industry. A response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review into Building Regulations and Fire Safety, the Code was developed by the Construction Product Association’s Marketing Integrity Group following two years’ engagement with industry.

It has been created to promote an urgent and positive culture and behaviour change in the way the construction product manufacturing industry manages and provides information on its products. Globally renowned for high quality construction solutions and with a commitment to raising industry standards, Sika is one of the first product manufacturers to have achieved CCPI verification of its first four product sets for Single Ply Roof systems (gained in September), Hot Melt Structural Waterproofing, Liquidapplied and Reinforced Bituminous Roof Systems.

The company maintains a strong focus on transparency and by committing to the code it will provide further independent assurance and greater confidence in the information associated to its CCPI-verified product-sets.

There are 11 Clauses within the CCPI assessment which cover a wide range of matters from responsibility for product information, to transparency of performance, proof

of stated claims, general information and competency. The CCPI is built around five ‘acid tests’ - product information must be ‘Clear, Accurate, Up-to-date, Accessible and Unambiguous’.

The 11 clauses are underpinned by a requirement to demonstrate the highest levels of integrity, ethics, leadership and culture. “We are delighted that Sika is an early adopter of the code,” said Mark Gatrell – Head of Business Unit Roofing for Sika in the UK.

“In September we announced product set verification for our Single Ply Roof Systems, and now we have the pleasure of announcing that our Hot Melt Structural Waterproofing, Liquid-applied and Reinforced Bituminous Roof Systems have now achieved verification status."

"The Code is aiming to drive the highest standards in product information, setting a level playing field for all construction manufacturers to ensure that the information they provide is clear, accurate, up-to- date and unambiguous. We’re proud to be working proactively with the CCPI to raise standards in product information management.” www.sika.co.uk/roofing

NEW GROUP MD APPOINTED AS STYLE CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN BUSINESS

At Style's 25th-year celebration party, co-founder Julian Sargent passed the baton to Michael Porter, new Group MD, who will lead the business forward, while Julian transitions to chairman. Style launched in 1999, rapidly establishing itself as clear market leader in the moveable walls sector. Partnering with global moveable wall manufacturer, Dorma Huppe, and bringing the vertical-rising, Skyfold partition to the UK market, Style quickly became known for its extensive portfolio of moveable, folding and sliding walls.

As it became top choice for flexible space in boardrooms of global brands, university lecture theatres and hotels, Style also installed folding walls in village halls and primary schools, offering solutions for all requirements and budgets. “Michael has unbelievable experience of the moveable wall sector,” said Julian Sargent. “Since joining us in 2018, as part of a long-term succession plan, he confirmed himself to be the natural choice to lead the business into the future”.

Style has repeatedly demonstrated why it is market leader, winning 18 coveted FIS Contractors awards, 13 gold and 5 silver. Style became the first partitioning company to make BIM objects for their folding wall systems. Continuing to innovate, Style spearheaded the shift to fully automatic moveable walls and in 2021 strengthened its partnership with the dormakaba Group to offer its market-leading range of non-acoustic interior glass Horizontal Sliding Walls (HSW), folding sliding wall (FSW) and HSW Flextherm solutions. www.style-partitions.co.uk

JAMES JONES & SONS LAUNCHES ‘INNOVATING FOR A GREENER WORLD’ CAMPAIGN

James Jones & Sons launched an ‘Innovating for a Greener World’ campaign in celebration of Earth Day on 22nd April. The week long campaign opened with a film to showcase a number of environmental initiatives that have recently taken place across the Group.

The film was followed with a series of social media messages that were posted throughout the week and the campaign was concluded through the company’s attendance at Jewson Live on Friday 26th April. All attendees received Spruce saplings that were handed out by a James Jones & Sons’ earth mascot and the firm has pledged to plant an extra tree for each one planted by recipients.

Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by Earthday.org (formerly Earth Day Network) including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries. The official theme for 2024 is "Planet vs. Plastics. The Innovating for a Greener World film can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/937617405 www.jamesjones.co.uk

MAINTAINING U-VALUE WITH SXP SINGLE PLY MEMBRANE PANEL FASTENERS

SFS Group Fastening Technology has launched an innovative new range of single ply membrane fasteners, in three sizes featuring a unique self-coring washer design, with a choice of two head drives and hardened drill points plus two types of slimline drive bar and other benefits; all aimed at giving the installer full confidence in securing the widely used, triple layer, insulated panels. SFS's new SXP range is being introduced in three variants with the 25mm SXP2 intended to secure panel overlaps, while the 35mm SXP5's proportionately longer point is for drilling into lightgauge steel, and the 47mm SXP14 delivers the greatest drilling capacity to tackle heavy gauge steel.

Produced in stainless steel with either Torx or Hex drive, all three have thread-free or free spin zones which prevent over-driving while also avoiding the fastener being loosened through vibration or thermal movement. Crucially, the carefully engineered self-coring washer cuts a clear pathway through the insulation layer to avoid any unnecessary damage and help maintain the thermal integrity of the panel.

Product Manager Francesca McGibbon commented: "Our new SXP range represents a significant advancement on our previous offering for securing single ply membrane panels with the SXP2 being the new variant: a clamping fastener or ‘stitcher' for panel overlaps. Originally, the fasteners used a Torx drive, but we have now added a Hex drive so there's more flexibility and, therefore, greater confidence for installers. Then, because of the way that the SXP range is designed, it achieves a much cleaner entry through the membrane, thanks to the self-coring washer. Essentially its ‘corkscrew' motion achieves a clear passage and minimum disruption to the insulation, which helps maintain the U-value of the roof build up." https://uk.sfs.com/

David Connacher, Marketing Manager at West Fraser, discusses the immediate need to retrofit our buildings to make them energy efficient and sustainable.

COMPELLING

REASONS TO ENCOURAGE RETROFIT FIRST

The need to retrofit our buildings through improvements that make them energy efficient and sustainable into the future is necessary and urgent. Buildings contribute to around 40%* of global energy-related carbon emissions and, in the UK, it is estimated that 80% of buildings that will be in use in 2050 already exist. In many cases, replacing buildings is neither practical nor environmentally sound so, rather than being seen as a problem, they should be viewed as a resource.

There is a good reason for this: embodied carbon. In simple terms, embodied carbon refers to the carbon emissions associated with the materials and construction processes employed throughout the whole lifecycle of a building. It also includes carbon emissions related to the building’s maintenance and any demolition or deconstruction. None of this takes account of the wider environmental impact of resource extraction and building construction. A retrofit-first approach that prioritises upgrading and modifying buildings over demolition and rebuilding is increasingly seen as the way forward. Developers and building owners recognise the potential to cut carbon, costs and waste while increasing market value and rental returns.

Socially, retrofitting is often less controversial and more cost-effective than demolition. For communities, retaining buildings represents a meaningful link with the past that conserves and enhances existing places and brings cohesion to neighbourhoods. For architects and designers, retrofit provides stimulating opportunities to transform existing structures into comfortable and useful homes, offices and retail spaces. Undertaking such schemes frequently involves imaginative reuse, adaptation, innovative solutions and opportunities for exciting new design.

Some would say that architects have a responsibility to encourage a creative retrofit-first approach to confront climate emergency and create a sustainable built environment for the future. For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/

SFS PUBLISHES NEW NVELOPE® CAPABILITY BROCHURE

SFS Group Fastening Technology has launched a brochure outlining its NVELOPE® Capability range which supports rainscreen subframe systems, as well as the myriad design solutions to meet virtually any project’s requirements. The 132-page publication offers information on the manufacturer’s advanced fixing and rainscreen subframe systems for the building envelope, with the contents page listing the latest additions to the range, Introducing SFS ConnectSuite®, Project Builder and Thermal Builder, Drawing Overlay and Cutting Service, Specification and Approvals.

Also included on the contents page are Thermal Solutions, Corrosion in Subframe Systems, Fire Safety, NVELOPE® Systems, Cavity Fire Barriers, Bracket Options and First Level Fixings. Profiles (Rails), Second and Third Level Fixings as well as Hanger Options and, importantly, Accessories. Through familiarising themselves with the brochure, construction professionals will gain an insight into the holistic approach SFS takes to ensuring rainscreen systems are correctly installed; ensuring optimisation of thermal performance, material usage, safety and other criteria. The brochure is solutions orientated and user-friendly, with full colour photography and beautifully executed drawings throughout to showcase products and expertise, supported by technical data and relevant product codes to ensure ordering is straightforward. https://uk.sfs.com

JAMES JONES & SONS LTD FURTHER EXPANDS PALLET MANUFACTURING IN AUSTRALIA

James Jones & Sons Ltd is pleased to announce the further expansion of its pallet manufacturing division in Australia, with the acquisition of Express Pallets and Crates (“Express”) by its Australian subsidiary, Hyne Timber Pty Ltd. The news follows the announcement on 26 th March 2024 of the Group’s acquisition of Rodpak in Melbourne. Express, based at Narangba near Brisbane, has been in operation for 35 years, under the ownership and leadership of Geoff Walton.

Express has a very broad and extensive client base, with significant long- term relationships across a range of market segments. Tom Bruce-Jones, Chairman of James Jones & Sons Ltd commented “This acquisition forms part of our expansion and diversification strategy and will be a very complementary and strategic addition to the platform that has been established through the purchase of Rodpak last month. This will allow us to establish a strong East Coast position that will allow us to value add our sawn timber product portfolio.” Hyne Group CEO, Jim Bindon, said it is pleasing to be able to continue to expand the Pallet Division by acquiring excellent quality businesses with their own legacies and strong market positions. “Being part of the Hyne Group and the broader James Jones & Sons global business, only enhances Express Pallets’ capability and credentials as a business partner to their many clients.

“The existing general manager, Tim Hoatson, will continue to lead the business, and together with the rest of the management team and indeed all the Express staff, we look forward to all their future contributions, and welcome them into the Hyne Group.” Mr Bindon concluded. The acquisition of Express Pallets & Crates will finalise on 1 July 2024, subject to all Completion Precedents being met. www.jamesjones.co.uk

LUNA BIANCO OFFERS TIMELESS ELEGANCE IN THE MODERN KITCHEN

CCRL Stone's Luna Bianco quartz surface epitomises timeless elegance and modern sophistication, making it an ideal choice for kitchens and other interior spaces. With its pristine white background adorned with delicate veining, the quartz exudes a sense of luxury and refinement, adding a touch of understated glamour to any environment.

The style of Luna Bianco is characterised by its seamless blend of classic beauty and contemporary design, with a honed finish. The soft, white backdrop serves as a versatile canvas, allowing it to complement a wide range of colour schemes and decor styles. Whether paired with sleek, minimalist cabinets for a modern look or with traditional cabinetry for a more timeless aesthetic, Luna Bianco effortlessly enhances the visual appeal of any kitchen.

Beyond its striking appearance, Luna Bianco offers a host of practical advantages that make it well-suited for kitchen applications.

As a non-porous material, CRL Quartz is highly resistant to stains, scratches, and heat, ensuring durability and longevity in high-traffic areas like the kitchen. Additionally, its low maintenance requirements make it easy to clean and maintain, requiring only a mild detergent and water for routine care. Furthermore, Luna Bianco is hygienic and food-safe, making it an ideal surface for food preparation and cooking.

Its non-porous nature prevents the growth of bacteria and mould, providing a safe and sanitary environment for meal preparation. Available in two thicknesses, whether used for countertops, backsplashes, or kitchen islands, CRL Quartz Luna Bianco combines beauty and functionality to create a stunning focal point in any kitchen space. www.crlstone.co.uk

STYLE ADDS SPACE FLEXIBILITY TO LONDON’S SUSTAINABLE SKYSCRAPER

Taking sustainability to a new level, 8 Bishopsgate is tallest building in the UK to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding and EPC

A rating. Contributing to the low carbon footprint, Style, who offer moveable partitioning wall systems that are certified with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN15804, was contracted to work with architect, WilkinsonEyre and contractor, Brown and Carroll, to create flexible space on three levels.

Utilising a combination of Dorma Huppe Variflex semi-automatic, solid and glazed moveable wall systems, Style created adaptable meeting and breakout areas to accommodate different sized groups and events whilst maximising the use of natural light. 8 Bishopsgate is a landmark, 50-storey tower

offering premium office space in central London. With sustainability a key element, the building boasts an array of architectural optimisations ranging from the recycling of heat from the cooling systems to the installation of the highest solar panels in London. Positioning the company

and its products at the forefront of sustainability, Style not only holds the EPD, but is also accredited under the ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System, ensuring operational processes maximise sustainability goals whilst limiting wasted resources.

In addition to Style’s green credentials, the moveable walls installed at 8 Bishopsgate boast a 52db acoustic rating on the glazed walls, and a 59db rating on the solid walls, ensuring complete privacy between divided areas. Not forgetting aesthetics, on level 2 the solid walls are finished in a perforated timber veneer, and on level 50 a kvadrat steel cut trio fabric was applied, perfectly harmonising with the interior décor.

On the concourse, Style installed a glazed sliding folding wall system allowing a private area to be created without compromising natural light. A combination of semiautomatic Dorma Huppe Variflex solid and glazed walls create adaptable meeting and breakout areas on the second floor. At the top of the building, a further semiautomatic Variflex moveable wall adds flexibility to an expansive conference facility with breathtaking views over London. www.style-partitions.co.uk

GUIDE TO HEAVY DUTY LOFT LADDERS

Anyone can say they offer a ‘heavy duty’ loft ladder, but what does it really mean? Premier Loft Ladders explain what you need to know. Premier Loft Ladders have been supplying high-performance retractable ladders for 20 years to a wide range of projects throughout the UK and overseas.

They have established themselves as experts in this field and provide architects and designers with help choosing the right ladder for even the most challenging applications. When specifying a heavy duty loft ladder, they always recommend the following:

• Check the ladder conforms to BS EN 14975

• Aim for a load rating of at least 200 kg per tread

• Ensure that there is a good warranty with the ladder

• Prioritise loft ladders featuring large treads and a handrail

Depending on the project, fire-protection, security and operation from above may also be essential requirements. For more information about specifying heavy duty loft ladders, or if you need help with your project please visit www.premierloftladders.co.uk/heavy

Heavy duty concer tina ladder for strength & durability (load rating of 200 kg/tread)

Fire rated steel hatch box o ering up to 90-minute protec tion

Thermally insulated hatch to keep in the warmth (U value from 0.57 W/m K )

Electrical or manual operation for ease - of-use

FLOWCRETE’S MONDECO FLOORING COMBINES

DURABILITY

AND BEAUTY IN COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENTS

Providing the ultimate in performance and aesthetics, Flowcrete’s seamless resin terrazzo flooring range, better known as Mondeco, is renowned for adding a touch of both glamour and resilience to commercial environments around the globe. Dating back the times of Ancient Rome, terrazzo flooring has a rich history for its vibrant, wear-resistant, and flexible qualities that continues today through Flowcrete’s Mondeco; dazzling the eyes of observers through its unmistakable combination of colour and aggregate.

For more than 40 years, Mondeco has decorated floor spaces from far and wide in a variety of installation environments, including upmarket retail units, airports, office areas, and then some. In this blog, we explore what makes Flowcrete’s seamless terrazzo range a popular choice for architects and specifiers, who require an elegant flooring solution that will stand the test of time.

Durability – A Resin Floor Finish That is Stronger Than the Substrate - When specifying flooring for commercial environments, we know all too well of the requirement for a robust solution that will be able to endure high volumes of foot traffic on a day-to-day basis. Through consistent dedication to research and development, Flowcrete has brought to market a durable, high-performance formulation that is guaranteed to deliver a high standard floor finish.

Depending on your project requirements and the system selected, Flowcrete’s Mondeco collection is available in a choice of 12mm and 9mm nominal thickness, as well as a more economical 6-7mm option. Mondeco offers superior UV stability to help reduce yellowing, which enhances the range’s overall resistance, and its maintainable, easy-to-clean finish ensures an excellent, long-lasting lifespan.

Mondeco TZ, in particular, has a sustained temperature tolerance of up to 120 °C and incorporates the added benefits associated with Polygiene®, containing a silver ion antimicrobial additive that is proven to inhibit the growth of most harmful bacteria types.

Flowcrete has a long-standing relationship with Polygiene®, having incorporated their antibacterial flooring technology into several of their resin systems. The incorporation of such technology further adds to the easy-to-maintain nature of Flowcrete’s Mondeco flooring range, which, if cared for properly with a regular cleaning and polishing routine, will last the lifetime of the building.

The hygiene benefits associated with Flowcrete’s Seamless Resin Terrazzo Flooring range, make it a highly suitable choice for installation within the pharmaceutical sector. (cont...)

(cont...) This industry requires flooring systems that meet strict hygiene and safety standards to maintain operational sanitation and safety for pharmaceutical and medical research facilities. Owing to its chemical resistance properties, Mondeco TZ protects the floor against acids, alkalis, chemical solvents, and sanitisers, making the system ideal for use in environments that come into regular contact with harsh chemicals.

Beauty – Timeless Aesthetics - The beauty of a Mondeco floor finish will leave a lasting impression in the hearts and minds of all who encounter it. Enabling the perfect combination of functionality and aesthetics through a technological blend of resin and aggregates, this is subsequently diamond ground to deliver a beautiful, smooth, slip-resistant, and seamless terrazzo floor finish.

Available to Flowcrete customers are a wide variety of colourful and decorative aggregates, including marble, glass, granite, mirror glass, mother of pearl, and flint, to give your terrazzo floor that worldrenowned finishing touch.

However, the design potential of Mondeco means we can also offer bespoke mixes and colours that provide architects and specifiers the creative freedom to achieve a shimmering work of art. Thanks to the practicality of resin flooring, the pattern and shimmer of a Mondeco floor won’t deteriorate over time due to common everyday occurrences, such as food and drink spillages, heavy foot traffic, as well as intense cleaning.

Therefore, you can rest assured that your client’s seamless terrazzo floor finish will maintain its shimmering lustre whatever comes its way. Want to learn more about Flowcrete’s Mondeco seamless terrazzo flooring range? Why not download our brochures and explore the product range. For further information, please get in touch. www.flowcrete.eu/en-gb/get-in-touch/talk-to-us

PROGRAMMABLE ROOM THERMOSTAT FROM ESI DOES THE BUSINESS

See the range at Installer Live 25-27th June 2024. ESi's response to the current economic climate was the introduction of its latest quality heating control – the RTP4 Touch programmable room thermostat. This introduction is capable of controlling heating and hot water systems via combi, system or heat only boilers. When installed with the ESi WIFI hub, homeowners and tenants heating and hot water can be controlled via Alexa or the ESi Centro App.

Vitally, the load compensation functionality, available via OpenTherm technology, modulates the flow temperature dependant on the desired room temperature, saving up to 15% on gas usage. And this addition to the ESi range is an attractive addition as well. The 4 Touch has a large backlit LCD display and touch screen making it simple-to-use and programme. The RTP4 Touch slots in neatly between ESi’s best selling RTP4RF units and its top of the range 6 Series WIFI programmable room thermostats, offering many of the benefits of both these ranges but providing additional benefits as well.

It offers optimum start/stop and delayed start functions offering additional cost savings for users, 7 day, 5/2 day or 24 hour options to suit the homeowner or tenants lifestyles, automatic summer/winter change settings and has home, manual, away, sleep and holiday modes long with its popular landlord service interval reminder. The control comes with a 3-year warranty to give owners complete peace of mind. www.esicontrols.co.uk

IDEAL HEATING LAUNCHES ECOMOD NATURAL REFRIGERANT COMMERCIAL HEAT PUMPS

Ideal Heating Commercial has launched its next generation ECOMOD heat pumps, with natural refrigerant. The first to be released this year is the ECOMOD 290HT. The ECOMOD 290HT is a monobloc air source heat pump able to achieve high temperatures up to 75°C, whilst benefitting from an ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) of just three as a result of the use of R290 natural refrigerant. Available in three chassis sizes and five outputs from 15kW through to 50kW, ECOMOD 290HT has been specifically designed for use in larger commercial buildings and can be used in cascade to achieve even higher outputs.

This latest generation of heat pumps can also be installed alongside other Ideal Heating commercial solutions to build a low carbon hybrid heating system. With its ability to achieve high temperatures up to 75°C, ECOMOD 290HT is ideal for Domestic Hot Water (DHW) applications and district heating systems. With potentially no need to upgrade radiators with the ECOMOD 290HT, it is a practical, cost-effective solution for retrofit installations. ECOMOD 290HT comes with a high efficiency rating and high co-efficient of performance (CoP) rating of up to 4.94.

The heat pumps also include an inverter-controlled compressor to accurately match the heat demand based on the specific requirements, further enhancing the efficiency of a building. ECOMOD 290HT heat pumps are quiet in operation, with noise levels as low as 64dB(A). ECOMOD 290HT models all represent the output at Air 7°C and Water 35°C. All ECOMOD 290HT heat pumps come with a five-year warranty when commissioned by Ideal Heating. Ideal Heating is the only manufacturer to offer a free of charge commissioning service across its full range of commercial ECOMOD heat pumps and condensing boilers. For more information visit: idealcommercialboilers.com/products/ecomod-290ht

STELRAD ANNNOUNCES

FIRST SALE OF GREEN STEEL COMPACT RADIATOR FOLLOWING LAUNCH

Leading radiator manufacturer Stelrad Radiators has announced its first sale of the brand-new Stelrad Series range. Purchased online, the radiator – the first of many – was picked at the National Distribution Centre and despatched just days after new Stelrad Green Compact went on sale. The purchaser has reported that the selection was driven by a desire to be more eco-friendly and that he was happy to pay a little bit more for a product that will contribute towards lower CO₂ in the atmosphere.

Tata Steel is supplying UK made 90% Carbon Lite steel to Stelrad within the radiator market, so that Stelrad customers can choose a Stelrad Green Compact radiator range that contributes directly to a reduction in atmospheric CO₂ today and accelerates decarbonisation in the future. Tata Steel is a UK leading strip steel manufacturer with steelmaking facilities in Port Talbot in South Wales. The steel comes with a certificate from DNV – Det Norske Veritas to prove the steel has 90% lower embodied CO₂ emissions. The process for producing the steel is called Optemis® Carbon Lite. All revenues generated by the process are reinvested to fund additional projects, thereby generating further CO₂ savings to be verified by DNV and speeding up decarbonisation efforts within the UK. www.stelrad.com

KAROLINA MAUNDER APPOINTED AS DOMUS VENTILATION NATIONAL SALES MANAGER

Domus Ventilation, manufacturer of market-leading ventilation systems that save energy and improve indoor air quality, is pleased to announce the appointment of Karolina Maunder as its new National Sales Manager. Karolina has enjoyed a rich and varied career in customer-relationship management, covering logistics, construction, pest control and the HVAC industry, with sales being her true calling.

Having worked in the ventilation sector prior to her previous role as UK Sales Manager for a leading pest management solutions company, Karolina was keen to return to an industry that she has strong feelings about, with a company that has a rich history and is renowned for quality: “Ventilation isn’t just about air circulation - it is about creating environments where people thrive. The blend of engineering precision, environmental impact, and health considerations fascinated me from the beginning. What’s more, the ventilation industry is fluid, meaning we must adhere to ever shifting legislation which is challenging, but one that I welcome.” www.domusventilation.co.uk

FINDING THE RIGHT FIRE STOPPING FIT FOR YOUR NEEDS WITH NULLIFIRE’S NEW SOLUTIONS SELECTOR!

Nullifire, a leading name in fire stopping technology, is proud to introduce the highly-anticipated Nullifire Solution Selector - Nullifinder. This digital tool promises to set new standards in the fire safety industry by providing a comprehensive, user-centric approach to accessing and utilising fire stopping solutions.

This tool features a "My Detail Packs" button, allowing users to easily access their preferred solutions and creating their own packs. It also provides the convenience of downloading technical drawings as a pack, simplifying the often complex process of gathering essential data for design and build projects. The Solution Selector is seamlessly embedded on Nullifire's website, making it easily accessible for both desktop and mobile users. www.nullifire.com

OMNIE ADDS AL HEX HEAT DIFFUSER TECHNOLOGY TO UFH SYSTEMS

OMNIE, the award-winning UK underfloor heating specialist, is incorporating the advanced AL HEX aluminium diffuser technology on all its foiled underfloor heating systems. The patented AL HEX foil, with its trademark hexagonal patten, increases the in-channel foiled surface area that is in contact with the warm water pipe. The result is greater heat output, faster heat transfer and a more even heat distribution across a floor area, plus it avoids the risk of damage due to heat ‘striping’.

Striping is caused when heat in the warm water pipe doesn’t diffuse into the floor panel effectively and, instead, creates hot spots and hot lines on the floor surface finish. Prolonged exposure to striping can damage both the floor finish and the subfloor, particularly if the installer raises the temperature of the water to try and improve the diffusion. “AL HEX is a real step forward for underfloor heating particularly when the industry is moving away from gas boilers and towards renewable heat sources,” says Brendan Hourican, OMNIE’s Managing Director.

“Because it is so efficient at transferring heat, AL HEX works very well with lower water temperatures. This means it improves the performance of the underfloor heating, which is a huge benefit when the system is paired with a heat pump. Homeowners want to feel the benefit of every kilowatt of energy they are paying for, to lower the cost of their heating and still stay warm in winter. AL HEX diffuser foil fitted to their underfloor heating panels will help them achieve this.” www.omnie.co.uk

NUAIRE RELEASES CPD ON HIGH TEMPERATURE AXIAL FANS & VSDS

Indoor air quality and ventilation manufacturing specialist Nuaire is pleased to announce its latest CPD, which addresses High Temperature Axial Fans & Variable Speed Drives (VSDs). This new CPD has been introduced to clearly explain the standard ‘BS EN 12101-3:2002 Smoke and heat control systems - Specification for powered smoke and heat exhaust ventilators’, and advise on compliance. Simon Plummer, Nuaire Axials Divisional Manager and one of the UK’s leading fire safety experts, has written the CPD to provide clarification: “Frequency converters have been permitted for use during a fire event since 2015, enabling dual mode fans (those used for both day-to-day ventilation and high temperature smoke extraction) to be controlled by VSDs, even during fires. Prior to this, the VSD had to be bypassed during a fire event, with the fan running at 100%."

"However, there remains some confusion in the industry about how high temperature fans and VSDs can be certified and used for the various smoke applications within buildings. Our new CPD directly addresses this, explaining the standard in detail and the flexibility it offers Consultant and Smoke Designers when it comes to designing solutions.” As with all Nuaire CPDs, the High Temperature Axial Fans & VSDs CPD can be delivered free of charge at Nuaire’s head office in Caerphilly, South Wales, online via Teams, or at a customer’s premises. All those attending will gain full CPD credits and certificates. To book the new CPD, go to www.nuaire.co.uk/support/continuing-professional-development/high-temperature-axials-and-vsds

IDEAL HEATING SPACE-SAVING EVOMOD BOILERS HEAT ONE OF THE UK’S TALLEST BUILDINGS

Four Evomod 1000kW output boilers from Ideal Heating –Commercial Products have been installed at Beetham Tower in Manchester, which has the distinction of being one of the UK’s tallest buildings outside of London. The 47-storey building, which is home to the Hilton Hotel and private residential apartments, had been heated by four gas fired atmospheric steel one piece boilers, with a total heat output of 4800kW, since its inception in 2006. With the boilers coming towards the end of their working lives, and with the building owners looking to improve energy efficiency, the decision was made to replace them.

Manchester based mechanical and electrical contractor Atmostherm, a long standing Ideal Heating – Commercial Products customer, chose Evomod boilers for this site, based on Evomod’s small footprint and modular nature which made locating and installation easier than expected in the small plant room which had restricted access. Available in 250, 500, 750 and 1000kW outputs, the Evomod will achieve an output up to 1MW from a single unit solution together with a minimum footprint that enables the product to be installed where space is limited. At Beetham Tower, four Evomod 1000kW output boilers have been installed by Atmostherm with Plate Heat Exchangers to achieve the appropriate pressure on the output in order to pump the hot water across the entire building. https://idealcommercialboilers.com

CHANGE FOR SECURITY BECKONS

The Automatic Door Suppliers Association considers the impact of potential new anti-terrorism legislation to improve venue security and urges the industry and venue owners to start planning now. We live in dangerous times and the reality is, that when we consider entrance solutions, our approach must extend beyond dynamic design aesthetics and basic functionality, to higher degrees of safety and security.

Earlier this year, a public consultation took place into ‘Martyn’s Law’. This draft legislation is named after Martyn Hett, who was tragically killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017. Feedback from the official consultation is currently being analysed before a draft bill is drawn up and ascends to Parliament. If made law, The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act would affect organisations, businesses, local and public authorities, and individuals who own or operate publicly accessible premises or events.

It is likely to have a profound impact on the need for effective entrance solutions for concert halls, stadiums, shopping centres and any other venues with capacity greater than 800. This Act could introduced as early as next year and would require venues to fulfil ‘necessary but proportionate steps’ according to their capacity (based on standard or enhanced tiers) in order to mitigate the impact of a terrorist attack and reduce harm. In addition to the new bill, there remains an existing duty of care for organisations to ensure that employees are not put at risk. So, what might requirements for enhanced entrance solutions mean in practical terms?

• Increased Demand for Security Technology: Entrance solutions providers would see a surge in demand for advanced security technologies. This might include biometric scanners, facial recognition systems, or automated threat detection systems to enhance the screening process while maintaining efficiency.

• Integration of Comprehensive Security Systems: Venue owners would need to invest in integrated security systems that cover all aspects of entrance control, from ticket validation to threat detection. Entrance solutions would need to seamlessly integrate with surveillance cameras, access control systems, and emergency response protocols to provide a holistic security approach.

• Adoption of Access Control Measures: Access control measures, such as turnstiles, gates, or barriers, would become more commonplace at venue entrances. These systems would help manage the flow of people while ensuring that only authorised individuals enter the premises. Integration with ticketing systems and ID verification processes would be essential for effective access control.

• Enhanced Screening Processes: Entrance solutions would need to incorporate more robust screening processes to detect potential threats, such as weapons or explosives. This might involve the deployment of metal detectors, X-ray scanners, or explosive trace detection technologies to supplement traditional bag checks and pat-downs.

• Focus on User Experience: While security is paramount, venue owners would also need to prioritise the user experience to minimise disruption and maintain a positive guest experience. Entrance solutions providers will need to innovate solutions that balance security requirements with efficiency and convenience, incorporating speed lanes for pre-screened individuals to reduce wait times.

• Regulatory Compliance: Entrance solutions would need to adhere to stringent regulatory requirements mandated by ‘Martyn's Law’. This could involve certifications for security standards, regular audits of entrance control systems, and ongoing training for staff to ensure compliance with evolving security protocols.

Image courtesy of FAAC Entrance Solutions UK

Image courtesy of FAAC Entrance Solutions UK

Image courtesy of Record UK

Image courtesy of Record UK

Darren Hyde, Technical Training Manager for the Automatic Door Suppliers Association, believes that one of the potential ways to reduce risk would be using Powered Pedestrian Doors (PPDs) with lock down systems, in conjunction with internal powered operated entrance control equipment (POPECE) - speed lanes or turnstiles. “For PPDs, security must always be matched with user safety,” he says.

“A correctly specified system can achieve both. The latest version of Standard EN 16005:2023 highlights the need to prevent contact with users if they are vulnerable. Risk assessments to ensure the correct level of safety is paramount to create a safe system for all users. It is possible to achieve this while installing a system that can meet the latest security standards. ADSA has produced a document that advises on the difference between all these different security standards which is available to all its members.”

In 2022, the first standard for safety in use of POPECE – BS EN 17352 - was published. This has subsequently been harmonised/designated to become a minimum legal requirement for safety levels. Some of these products not only work as a deterrent but can also add higher levels of security. Just like PPDs, it is essential that these products are correctly specified to meet building security and users' safety requirements.

If it is probable that vulnerable traffic could be using POPECE equipment, it is essential that the levels of safety defined within EN 17352 are exceeded. Adds Darren: “Correctly specified POPECE equipment fitted with smart access control, could assist in verifying identities and numbers of persons that are within the building. They could also

interface with facial recognition equipment to further boost security measures, similar to those that you see in some modern airports.”

Although legal requirements may still be a year away, architects and venue owners are being urged to consider requirements now to incorporate with new developments or plan retrofit requirements for existing ones. The need for preparation in the management of such buildings was highlighted in recent weeks. Co-op Live, a new 23,500-capacity venue in Manchester – the same city as the 2017 attack – hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

It was forced to cancel scheduled gigs by comedian Peter Kay due to “safety concerns and delayed power tests”. Developed as the UK’s largest arena, it is “fully electric” but test issues at its launch prompted the resignation of its general manager. This only underlines the need to address all aspects of integration and smart building control and similarly, the automatic door industry must do the same in respect of the development of innovative solutions and the development of its people.

Likewise, architects, specifiers and building owners and managers need to plan for sizeable work projects and make themselves aware of market solutions that can adequately address all needs. ADSA provides training on standards for both PPD and POPECE.

For more information on membership and training courses visit: www.adsa.org.uk or phone 01827 216136.

Photo courtesy of Record UK

Image courtesy of FAAC Entrance Solutions UK

ICONIC STEEL WINDOWS TO BE RENEWED AFTER 100 YEARS BY LEADING MANUFACTURER

The iconic steel windows of Adelaide House will be updated by the very company that brought them to life 100 years ago – Crittall Windows. The leading steel window and door manufacturer will return to the prominent building located on the north bank of the Thames after securing a contract to replace the century old windows with a modern steel replica. As a historic Grade II Listed office block, this isn’t a simple manufacture and install project as strict planning requirements and restrictions need to be met.

Therefore, the renowned Corporate® W20 EVO windows, fitted with 20mm insulated glass unit, have been chosen for this particular project. Thanks to their versatility in size and shape, the Corporate® W20 EVO’s successfully meet specific building limitations and also replicate the slim sightlines and hardware design of the original products manufactured by Crittall Windows in the early 1920s.

While the beautiful aesthetic of the windows remains true to the authentic style created a century ago, advances in window technology

mean the performance of the product has evolved immensely. This means, the new Corporate® W20 EVO windows will not only look fantastic but will also deliver outstanding thermal performance.

Russell Ager, MD at Crittall Windows, said: “It is an incredible privilege to be asked to return to Adelaide House a century after we manufactured the windows in this iconic building."

“It is essential the new steel windows perfectly complement the aesthetic of this incredible property and meet the necessary planning requirements, so we have opted for our versatile Corporate® W20 EVO windows. Their fantastic appearance and impressive performance will make the perfect addition to the building which is undergoing a huge refurbishment to transform the space into top specification offices on London’s riverside.” www.crittall-windows.co.uk

GEZE UK – A LIVING WAGE COMPANY

GEZE UK is delighted to announce that the company has been accredited as a Living Wage Employer. The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate based on the cost of living. It is voluntarily paid by over 14,000 UK businesses who believe their staff deserve a wage which meets everyday needs. To achieve the accreditation GEZE UK had to confirm that the company pays the real Living Wage to all directly employed staff and have a plan in place to pay all contractors a Living wage – both of which the company has done. Paying the real Living Wage is not only a benefit to staff but to the company too – it improves the employer brand and boosts staff productivity and motivation at work.

It also helps employers to remain competitive, retain existing staff and attract new staff. Rachel Boxall, Finance Director of GEZE UK, said: “We decided to go for the Living Wage accreditation as we think it is an excellent way to demonstrate our commitment to being a responsible employer. By paying the real Living Wage we are voluntarily taking a stand to ensure employees can earn a wage which is enough to live on. There is also growing evidence of the business benefits of becoming a Living Wage employer. This is demonstrated by the number of well-known and diverse companies already accredited such as Liverpool FC, Aviva, Oxfam and Ikea.“ For more information on the Living Wage Foundation go to https://www.livingwage.org.uk/ or for information on GEZE UK visit www.geze.co.uk

PREPARE . PROTECT. PREVENT.

It’s time to prepare for Martyn’s Law.

Training in BSEN 17352 :2022 - the standard for power operated pedestrian control equipment can help.

Martyn’s law will have a profound impact on the need for effective entrance solutions to improve levels of security at public venues and events.

Our training is a must for those involved in the manufacture, installation and maintenance of turnstiles, speed gates and speed lanes which need to meet safety in use, testing and hazard prevention requirements.

ADSA: Setting new standards for compliance, consultancy and competency

Find out more: www.adsa.org.uk/exams-and-training 01827 216136

HOW ALUPROF SYSTEMS HELP SPECIFIERS MEET THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY DESIGN GUIDE

By Wojciech Brozyna, Managing Director Aluprof UK Limited

Formed in 2017, the London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) was established to review what our capital’s future construction should look like to meet our low-carbon future. Released in 2020, the Climate Emergency Design Guide has gained extensive support from architects, developers, and professionals in the built environment throughout the UK. It has been downloaded more than 60,000 times in over 100 countries, and its requirements are acknowledged and adhered to by building professionals across the UK.

With LETI’s growing influence across the UK, the team behind LETI renamed their network as the ‘Low Energy Transformation Initiative’. In the UK 49% of annual carbon emissions are attributable to buildings and, with increased cost of energy, there continues to be a great deal of concern as to how people and businesses can continue to heat and power their homes and offices in the future. Whilst the cost of energy has recently stabilised, it will inevitably remain a large part of a future household budget.

As the government softens its move away from fossil fuels and legislation in the form of a weakened Document L proposal for 2025, it seems that specifiers in the UK are taking the lead in our transition to a zero carbon future. In the past our building professionals have been trying to educate property owners why investing in thermally efficient construction is cost effective, but, with relatively low energy costs, the increase in construction costs has often lead to schemes being cut back in preference to profit.

With the understanding of commercial building rating schemes such as BREEAM and LEED it has been proven to businesses that the investment does indeed save costs and demonstrates a business’s commitment to helping save the environment.

The same can be said for residential development where homeowners are beginning to realise that a low-carbon, or Passivhaus constructed home offers some form of future proofing and is a good investment. A huge amount has been learned by building professionals over the past twenty or more years on how to design, build and successfully operate these zero carbon buildings. Aluprof UK are committed to offering specifiers in the UK the very best systems and design support to ensure that specified aluminium fenestration is not only correct for its application, but designed into the fabric of a building to maximise interface insulation.

A poorly installed high thermal performance window will lose much of its insulation properties, especially when used in a refurbishment situation unless the building interfaces are redesigned to eliminate cold bridging. Whilst LETI are targeting that all buildings built from 2030 onwards will be of a zero carbon construction, there is a vast swathe of existing buildings across the UK that we need to bring up to zero carbon by 2050 if we are to meet our climate goals.

Aluprof recognises the importance of addressing both embodied carbon and carbon in use within their product ranges. While many manufacturers focus on reducing the carbon content during manufacture,

Aluprof goes further by offering Passivhaus-certified, thermally efficient systems. These systems not only reduce embodied carbon but also continue to save carbon once buildings are completed and inhabited, thereby addressing both aspects of carbon reduction.

High thermal performance systems from Aluprof include the MB-104 SI (Passivhaus Certified) windows and door system and the MB-SR50N HI+ (Passivhaus Certified) curtain walling system. The Greenhaus project, recently completed in Salford is a Passivhaus residential construction which uses Aluprof’s MB-104 PASSIV SI windows and MB-TT50 curtain wall. The project was designed by Buttress Architects and completed by Eric Wright Construction. The European group have long been recognised for providing Passivhaus certified products with Aluprof UK being active members of the UK’s Passivhaus Trust.

Support using these systems is freely available to specifiers and includes design advice and modelling of installations to gain the very best building performance. A recent addition to the Aluprof portfolio is the MB-79N system which is available in three thermally efficient variants. The economical version, MB-79N E, features a one component central seal.

The MB-79N ST version is offered with a two component central seal and the MB-79N SI variant is provided with a two component central seal along with inserts of thermal insulation cores. For external doors, Aluprof also offers the MB-79N SI+ variant that comes with an internal perimeter gasket and insulation cores inside the profiles. This new system achieves a 0.83 U value with triple glazing and a 1.2 U value with a double glazing option.

Whilst high performance curtain walling, windows and doors can greatly assist in thermal insulation, especially when specified with high performance glazed units, it should be remembered that there are also additional products that may be used to enhance thermal stabilisation of a building space. Solar shading, or brise soileil, can offer sun shading of glazing helping to reduce solar gains. Solar shading can take the form of fixed louvres or external Venetian or roller blinds.

Enhancing thermal insulation, roller shutters can be added at the design stage to external window reveals, furthermore, shutters can also offer enhanced building security, especially at ground floor level. Aluprof offer a wide range of additional products that can be discussed with the specified options during the early design stages. Aluprof are proud to be one of Europes largest aluminium systems companies. Specification support is available through the company’s website at aluprof.co.uk , directly from their UK head office in Altrincham or from their London office at the Building Design Centre by phoning +44 (0) 161 941 4005

TORMAX HELPS MAKES SEA LANES BRIGHTON ACCESSIBLE

Transforming this beachfront area of Brighton, Sea Lanes is the UK’s first National Open Water Swimming Centre. At the core of the development is a 50m, 6 lane open air heated swimming pool, supported by a vibrant commercial centre that includes health and fitness specialists, food and drinks providers, office space and retail outlets. Designed to deliver an accessible and inclusive environment, visitors to Sea Lanes are welcomed into the main pool building through a TORMAX automatic sliding entrance system.

The single leaf door is powered by a TORMAX 2203 drive, which at a height of just 100mm, is discreet and unobtrusive. Combining cutting-edge power electronics with proven motor technology, the drive delivers unparalleled reliability and longevity. Privately funded by a passionate group of Brighton-based businesses and open water swimming enthusiasts, Sea Lanes Brighton is centred on physical wellbeing and environmental sustainability. Ensuring the facility is commercially viable and sustainable, the scheme includes a range of carbon neutral, modular units providing flexible space for local, independent businesses.

“It has been great to be involved in such a community-driven project,” comments MD for TORMAX, Simon Roberts. “It is an inspiring development that has brought life back to a previously derelict site. “All visitors can access the facility via a ramp up to the automatic sliding entrance. Once inside, there’s level access throughout, a ‘Changing Places’ toilet and changing room, a wheelchair accessible wc and finally, assisted hoist access into the pool.”

With over 60 years of expertise in the design and manufacture of automatic entrance systems, TORMAX UK has installed revolving, sliding, swing and folding doors in a multitude of locations. With a focus on reliability combined with planned annual maintenance, many systems have been known to continue working for in excess of 25 years. Supporters of the Sea Lanes development include Brighton based swim coach Andy White, Copsemill Properties, QED Sustainable Urban Developments and SwimTrek. www.tormax.co.uk

HIGH QUALITY, TRADITIONAL TIMBER WINDOWS AND DOORS

Established in 1994, The Sash Window Workshop specialise in energy efficient, traditional timber windows and doors. The company regularly work with builders and offer a supply only service nationwide, with supply and installation for properties in London and Southern England. In addition to sash windows, the company also manufactures casement windows and external doors. The Sash Window Workshop were contacted to manufacture a bay window and 3 box sash windows on a supply only basis for a renovation project in Alderney. Before placing the order, the customer visited the workshops in Bracknell, where The Sash Window Workshop manufacture all their new joinery, to see the manufacturing process and to check the quality of the work.

After the sizes and designs were provided, a quotation was sent across for complete new Accoya sash windows. Accoya was chosen due to its high durability and stability, meaning that minimum maintenance is required. It also comes with a 50 year antirot guarantee. After the windows were collected, the customer emailed to say: “The windows look great, so thank you very much. The house was built in 1755, so the windows are very much in keeping with the period.” The Sash Window Workshop has extensive experience working on period properties, from small Victorian flats to large Georgian mansions. Where necessary, they can comply with Conservation Area and listed property requirements. www.sashwindow.com

VICAIMA PRESENT ANOTHER DIMENSION FOR INTERIORS WITH DEKORDOR® 3D

Popular for over a decade, the Dekordor® 3D range from Vicaima has long been a first choice with specifiers of living and working spaces. With its attractive textural and hard-wearing surface, ideal for contemporary surroundings as well as demanding locations; this competitively priced interior timber door or door kit has much to commend it for both modern private dwellings and social environments.

Now, with innovation and inspiration firmly in mind, the range has been re-imagined for a new generation of specifiers, with no less than 15 tonal and textural options, making flexible design and performance, available to suit a wider range of project budgets.

While colours like the original horizontal Grey remain as popular today as it always was, a fresh palette has been

introduced to satisfy modern trends and encompassing both vertical and horizontal textured faces. For those who seek the neutrality of crisp and light colours, Artic and Silver Oak blend perfectly with busy surroundings and make excellent use of light in small spaces.

Conversely, where rich warm tones would be ideal and needed to emulate otherwise expensive alternatives, Chocolate, Urban and light Walnut provide the perfect solution. However, if the desire is to embrace a more monochrome look, new Carbon Black, Grey Oak or Cloud White could provide the answer.

Dekordor® 3D is not just about door appearance either. It can be provided in the full gambit of performance solutions from Vicaima. Manufactured with fire (whether FD30 or FD60), security (including dual scope and SBD accreditation) and acoustic certification (ranging from 34 to 45dB) the range can be supplied as part of a matching door assembly and with associated joinery such as skirting and wall panels. Furthermore, with flexible design options such as factory glazing, decorative grooves and inlays are also possible. In short tailored to your project needs, whatever they may be.

For more information about the Vicaima Dekordor® 3D Range take a closer look now by downloading the brochure at www.vicaima.com/files/files/catalog/vicaima-dekordor-3d-quadrilingue.pd or request a colour sample of your chosen finish by request to marketing@vicaima.com

WHY AUTOMATED SLIDING SHUTTERS OFFER A STUNNING SHADING AND PRIVACY SOLUTION

Although still relatively rare in Britain and Ireland, horizontally sliding external shutters could play a valuable role in enabling buildings to respond to the effects of climate change and give homeowners and developers new aesthetic options. The key benefits of this type of façade-integrated product include their potential to help control the climate inside our properties, as well as reduce the amount of glare and the risk of UV light fading interior furnishings.

Interior blinds mounted on walls and window frames can help achieve these goals too, of course, as do externally mounted solar shading systems. Bespoke sliding shutters, however, offer something very different as one outstanding luxury home project in rural Kent demonstrates. The way that the automated sliding shutters have been incorporated into the design of Waterfield House by pH+ Architects exemplifies how they can serve a functional purpose as part of a smart building, whilst adding to the visual appeal of a residential property.

A series of external movable shutters was installed by Rundum Meir, a company usually associated only with premium bespoke garage doors.The concept of these shutters, however, is similar to that of the company’s sliding garage door systems, which are regularly specified for unique and high-specification residential properties where the client is seeking to achieve a pleasing design and functionality.

The shutters are a key part of the façade of Waterfield House, which is a modern take on the traditional English country house. The client’s goal for the new property was to create a house which was bold and operated with precision, whilst being intimate and having a strong connection to its site. The façade is articulated elegantly, with large sliding glazed doors sitting behind the movable larch shutters.

These are opened and closed in line with the level of shading, ventilation and privacy required at a given time, whilst casting dappled shadows throughout the day. They deliver a unique external look, which changes throughout the day according to the position of the shutters. But there are variations inside the house too, with the shutters providing adaptability that changes the character of the interior spaces whilst allowing the house to respond sensitively to our ever-changing weather and climate.

The slick controllability offered by the shutters is ideally suited to the technologically advanced home. The expertise of Rundum Meir’s team ensured seamless integration of the shutters into a building packed with sophisticated technology, inspired by the client’s background, which means they open and close at the click of a button.

This reliable mechanisation of the shutters is something that many building facades could benefit from, not only for shading but to create spaces where occupants feel at their safest and most secure. The shifting light patterns resulting from the vertical slats also add an interesting dimension inside the home.

The vertical arrangement of the slats on the Waterfield House shutters makes them very different to sliding louvre systems, which have become a slightly more common sight here in the UK. These products can achieve similar objectives, but they wouldn’t have met the styling goals in this project.

The Rundum Meir team’s experience of working on bespoke projects – which is every single one of their client commissions – meant they could fulfil the unique requirements of the project. This included specifying the most suitable track system that would offer long term reliability and be compatible with the client’s home automation system, as well as being able to accommodate the larch slats in a way that was aesthetically consistent with the rest of the façade. www.rundum.co.uk

SIPS HOUSE IN THE BLACK ISLE

Eco-friendly house with L-shaped windows.... Fearnach House on The Black Isle in the Highlands of Scotland was designed by architect Iain Macbeath, and built by the firm’s sister company, Thermopassive. The house is a 190m new house, built to the architect’s “Thermopassive” specification with larch timber and render walls and profiled metal roofing. It has PV solar panels with a “diverter” heating up water and charging an electric car. High levels of thermal capacity storage in an insulated concrete floor slab (so it stays warm and flattens out rapid temperature fluctuations) and very good air tightness.

There are no cold bridges (which is more important than you would think) and also a heat recovery ventilation system for fresh air. This project uses FAKRO top hung and pivot window preSelect MAX and L-shaped combination windows When asked, why FAKRO roof windows were specified for the project, Ian McBeath told us, “We have been specifying and buying FAKRO roof lights for many years. They are well-priced compared with competitive products and of excellent quality and design.

The positioning of the handles at the bottom of the window is also a major factor. It makes it much easier to operate a window with the handles at the bottom rather than the top of the window, which is often out of reach of many shorter and disabled people. The windows are also very well insulated and airtight.”

The windows have helped achieve an extremely energy-efficient home as well as flooding the upper floor rooms with an abundance of natural light. And the client loves the internal and external finishes. Based in the North of Scotland, Thermopassive Ltd is an architectowned company which specialises in highly insulated buildings (better than passive house standard) constructed in Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS). www.fakro.co.uk

SPECIFYING AND MAINTAINING ARCHITECTURAL POWDER COATINGS

By Angus Mackie - QUALICOAT Chair

Powder coating was once seen as something that could be applied to aluminium to cover any irregularities, such as damage, corrosion, etc. Whilst this approach may allow the aluminium to look good for a few weeks or months after being coated, once weathered, the powder coating will quickly peel and fail. The reason for this is that powder coated finish is porous which allows moisture to reach the aluminium substrate where oxidisation will take place under the coating. Adhesion of the finish is also crucial and if the substrate does not offer a key, the powder coating can easily be chipped off.

A quality pretreatment system is required if the powder coating is to offer a sustainable finish which can be maintained over several decades. Often overlooked in the specification process, the pretreatment of the aluminium substrate is crucial as it has to firmly bond onto the aluminium. If the pretreatment is poorly applied, oxidisation of the aluminium over time can cause the powder coating to lose its adhesion.

Licensed QUALICOAT applicators across the globe are routinely inspected by independent test houses to ensure the latest QUALICOAT Specification for pretreatment application is being followed. Before any pretreatment system can be applied to the aluminium, the surface of the aluminium is cleaned of any surface greasy deposits from the extrusion process through an immersion or a cascade process.

Following this the surface of the aluminium is then etched to remove surface contaminants in the aluminium. These processes ensure that the pretreatment system, bonds well with the aluminium substrate and once completed the profiles are oven dried prior to powder coating.

It is important to note that the pretreatment system can be varied slightly to offer increased levels of protection. The recently released Technical Information Sheet No.4 from QUALICOAT ‘Recommendations for the Corrosion protection’ now offers specifiers guidance on the recommended pretreatment system to specify for various “Corrosivity categories” according to ISO 18768-1:2022 Table 1 and ISO 9223:2012 Table C.1.

Whilst it is still strongly recommended that specifiers continue to seek guidance from a QUALICOAT licensed powder coater or powder manufacturer when specifying finishes, the guide offers an insight as to the levels of protection offered when specifying QUALICOAT architectural powder coating. As with any applied finish exposed to British weather, it is important that a maintenance regime is undertaken to keep it performing and looking well for many years.

Pollutants and airborne debris, which are deposited on powder coated finishes through weathering, can simply be cleaned down at the same time as window cleaning using mild detergent solutions. Aluminium window and facade longevity starts with a high quality aluminium substrate pretreatment and powder coat finish as provided by a licensed QUALICOAT applicator. Prior to handover of any new installation or building, coated aluminium fenestration will be cleaned down professionally to ensure that the finish is not damaged.

It is crucial to have any areas of impact or abrasion damage repaired, should it be present. During cleaning, all the protective tape must be removed from the inside and outside of powder coated surfaces as if this is left on for an extensive time, the tapes low-tack adhesive can often degrade, especially in UV light, and become firmly attached to the powder coating. Once handed over to the client, in normal use such as in cities, the powder coat finish should simply be washed down at yearly intervals with clean water or with a ph neutral mild detergent solution in water.

This should be enough to protect the visible surface of the powder coat for many years and can simply be done during the cleaning of windows. The powder coat finish wash down is especially important where squeegee bars are used to clean the glass, as their use tends to place the residue of the airborne contaminants directly on the powder coated frame which could begin to etch into the surface finish of the coating.

Window cleaners must ensure that all powder coated surfaces are wiped clear of cleaning residue on every window clean. On new and refurbished building projects, powder coated finishes will always come with a cleaning and maintenance regime from the company who coated the aluminium profiles.

These will offer minimum cleaning requirements and need to be adhered to as well as being recorded when completed. This will ensure the coated finish is maintained within the applicators warranty and will help, should there be any claim in the future. Warranties vary in length and are dependent on the powder coat finish used and the location of the installation.

For example, where the coating is close to the sea, a QUALICOAT ‘Seaside’ specification for the coating should be specified and the cleaning regime will often be increased to three-monthly intervals as the atmosphere is more corrosive.

Crucial to any maintenance regime is preventative maintenance and powder coating is no exception, if the coating in use has become damaged, exposing the aluminium, it should be repaired as soon as possible. For repair, either contact the original coater, or approach any QUALICOAT approved application who can normally offer guidance. The upto-date QUALICOAT Specification is freely available for download via the UK & Ireland Association website, qualicoatuki.org and the website offers an up-to-date list of licensed UK and Ireland Powder Suppliers, Pretreatment Suppliers and Applicators including the applicators who carry the Seaside class accreditation.

Telephone support is available from QUALICOAT UK & Ireland Head Office on 0330 240 9735, the Association can also be followed on Twitter @Qualicoatuki or on LinkedIn www.linkedin. com/company/qualicoat-uk-&ireland

JAMES HARDIE LAUNCHES FIBRE CEMENT METALLICS RANGE

James Hardie, the world leader in the manufacture of high-performance fibre cement and fibre gypsum building solutions, has launched a metallics range in the UK, in response to market demand for bolder, more creative design options. The new Hardie® Architectural Panel Metallics range comes in gold, copper, gunmetal, silver, steel and bronze and is available for all 8mm and 11mm Hardie® Panel products. Created by the company’s in-house expert paint technicians, working in collaboration with its R&D team, the formula which took more than four years to develop prevents against UV, fade, rot and is fully weather resistant.

Lee Bucknall, UK Country Manager at James Hardie commented: “At James Hardie, we know that a property’s exterior is an important way to make a design statement. These innovative metallic shades, the first to the UK market, form a key part of our portfolio of patterned profiles, surface finishes and colours for use in residential, commercial and industrial applications. Our strong culture of innovation and continuous improvement means that we listen to our customers and focus our development on meeting their needs and believe this new range will inspire architects, builders, and homeowners.” www.jameshardie.co.uk

THE SCIENCE BEHIND GOOD ACOUSTICS

The new workspace at AstraZeneca UK’s head office in Kings Cross, London has been designed by Ekho Studio and spans over 21,000 square feet across two floors. The company wanted to use its new King’s Cross HQ to drive collaboration and innovation further with its relocation to London’s new ‘Knowledge Quarter’ bringing them closer to their broad network of healthcare partners to enable them to work in ambitious, purpose-led partnerships.

As part of the stunning design, Ekho Studio used Troldtekt’s acoustic wood wool panelling as part of the specification to combat issues around acoustics and reverberating sound. The design embraced a lot of hard surfaces - from break-out areas and open plan offices stretching around meeting rooms. This, coupled with the full-height windows to maximise natural light all have an impact on acoustic performance. (cont...)

(cont...) Troldtekt acoustic panels are available in a variety of different surfaces and colours and combine sound absorption with a tactile surface.

With an expected life cycle of at least 50 years and resistance to humidity and impact, they are available in various sizes and four grades, from extreme fine to coarse. The panels can be left untreated or painted in almost any RAL colour.

Depending on the panel specified, reaction to fire is classed in accordance with EN 13501 as B-s1,d0 or A2-s1,d0 respectively. Cradle to Cradle

Certified ® at Gold level, Troldtekt wood wool acoustic panels are manufactured using wood from certified forests (PEFC ™ and FSC ® C115450) and can contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, WELL or LEED points. www.troldtekt.com

IVC COMMERCIAL FOR A MATURE PERSPECTIVE AT BRYN CELYNNOG COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL

Luxury vinyl and heterogeneous vinyl floors from IVC Commercial have been installed in the new sixth form and gymnasium buildings at Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School in Beddau, near Pontypridd in South Wales. The new facilities at Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School have been designed by Rio Architects as a modern multi-use premise that’s in-line with the latest teaching and learning standards. IVC Commercial's Moduleo 55 luxury vinyl tiles and Isafe 70 sheet vinyl flooring were chosen by Rio Architects to create a sophisticated aesthetic that reflects the student's maturing perspective throughout their school career.

Lee Protheroe, an Architect and Associate Director at Rio Architects, explains: “We chose flooring products that complement the overall spatial design, while also providing a crisp, light, and contrasting appearance. Moduleo 55 Desert Stone vinyl tiles were selected throughout for their textured and softer aesthetic that fits with the modern and sophisticated design of the building.”

Moduleo 55 Desert Stone is a high-performance luxury vinyl floor that’s exclusively designed and made in Belgium for excellent quality. With scratch and stain resistance, as well as being easy to maintain, it brings a natural stone look that’s suitable for high levels of footfall. Distinction needed to be achieved between the teaching and circulation spaces, so Rio Architects opted for two different colours in the monolithic look of Desert Stone.

This allowed for a smooth transition between spaces without awkward transfers or changing products, helping the floor to achieve its sophisticated look. Desert Stone has been installed in all learning and congregation areas. In the changing rooms and toilet facilities, Rio Architects has chosen the practicality and affordability of IVC Commercial’s Isafe 70 heterogeneous vinyl flooring. Achieving 42+ PTV, this floor comes with a high level of slip resistance that makes it ideal for use in areas exposed to water (it is not suitable for wet room use).

Equipped with the upgraded Hypergrip+ finish for an improved clear and matt appearance and with Sanitec antibacterial treatment, it delivers a durable, hygienic and low maintenance flooring option. “We have successfully used IVC Commercial products before, notably at the award-winning STEAM Academy project that we designed for Bridgend College,” continues Lee Protheroe.

“There is an extensive range that meets our project requirements in terms of aesthetics, safety and performance. The installation at Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School has lived up to our aspirations for these modern learning environments and we will consider using these products again in the future.” A total of 2,500m2 of IVC Commercial floors were installed throughout Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School by Puma Floors Ltd, Cardiff. www.ivc-commercial.com

STO CREATES FIRE COMPLIANT FACADES ACROSS MULTIPLE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

An external wall insulation (EWI) system manufactured by Sto has optimised fire protection for a multi-block residential development. Located alongside the River Thames at London's Isle of Dogs, Oceans Wharf was built in circa 2,000 and comprises four blocks of flats ranging from seven to twelve storeys. To comply with amendments to Building Regulations, which ban combustible materials in external walls of buildings over 11m, the existing expanded polystyrene insulation (EPS) system installed by another manufacturer, had to be removed and replaced. The project’s first phase comprised two buildings which had the StoTherm Mineral K EWI system specified to meet the required fire rating while maximising thermal performance.

BBA-certified, StoTherm Mineral K features A1 mineral fibre insulation boards and the system is classified with an A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire in accordance with BS EN 13501. Specialist surface finishers, One & Maike was responsible for installing StoTherm Mineral K on behalf of principal contractor Osprey, a façade remediation specialist. The insulation boards were fixed directly to the existing concrete substrate avoiding the need for a cavity. StoLevell Duo Plus, a strong mineral adhesive, was applied to the back of the insulation boards, and additional fixings were also used to secure the insulation boards to the substrate to suit wind load conditions.

Sto-Glass Fibre Mesh was then embedded into the outer surface of the reinforcing coat providing crack resistance to the system. To reflect the buildings’ original aesthetics, the system was finished with StoSilco K1.5, a silicone resin render ensuring high levels of water repellence and protection from harsh weather conditions. This was applied across an area totalling 2,500 sq m creating elevations featuring various colours, including white, terracotta and blue.

James Conetta, Director at One & Maike, commented: “The two buildings in phase one differ in height and shape, so we worked closely with Sto from the survey stage to deliver the project as effectively and efficiently as possible. “We faced many challenges during the installation. The existing concrete substrate was very uneven, and the taller building is curved which made it more difficult to adhere and mechanically fix the boards. Thanks to the skills of our applicators, combined with the quality of Sto’s products and technical support, we were able to overcome these issues and deliver a seamless, even finish.”

Following the project’s successful delivery, StoTherm Mineral K was also specified for phase two, which saw a further two blocks of flats upgraded to optimise fire protection. www.sto.co.uk

CUPACLAD® BRINGS AESTHETIC EXCELLENCE TO EXETER STUDENT ACCOMODATION

CUPACLAD® 101 Logic was recently specified by student accommodation provider Study Inn for a large-scale building at Walnut Gardens, Exeter. The natural slate cladding system was chosen for its durability as well as its premium aesthetic.

The project involved the demolishment of an empty office building on the land at Walnut Gardens and construction of a high-quality student accommodation block, which would house up to 166 students.

Located in an affluent part of the city, the design would need to match the high-end, visually attractive buildings that surround the site. Furthermore, it was crucial that the materials used were highly durable

and weather resistant, to ensure that the accommodation could endure for a significant amount of time with minimal maintenance required.

CUPACLAD® 101 Logic, a rainscreen cladding system, was specified to help achieve this. Installation was simple. First, the insulation material was fixed to the building’s exterior using metal brackets.

CUPACLAD® 101 horizontal profiles were installed followed by the 40x20cm natural slates, in a 7.65mm thickness. These were fixed horizontally using self-drilling screws, which are invisible post-application to ensure that the overall design and aesthetic is not impacted.

Installation was a straightforward process, partly due to the lightweight of the system, with each natural slate weighing less than 30kg/m2.The slates were easy to cut and work around openings and features, while the selfdrilling screws help to secure each slate to the substructure. Now complete, the dark cladding provides an effective contrast with the glass and render sections of the building to deliver a strong overall aesthetic with striking impact. As a natural product, the slate elements of the façade also complement the building’s leafy surroundings, as well as other local buildings made from similar materials.

“Finally, as with all of our products, the natural slates used in the cladding system at Walnut Gardens are classified as A1 non-combustible in accordance with current building legislation,” said Simon Hope, Product Manager at CUPA PIZARRAS. “They are also highly durable, weather resistant and waterproof ensuring a performance life of over 100 years, with no noticeable colour fading. As such, our natural slates offer the ideal material for high-rise, exposed applications like this one.” www.cupapizarras.com/uk/rainscreen-cladding/

WYKAMOL LAUNCHES ULTRA-THIN ISO-THERM RETROFIT INSULATION

Wykamol has launched an innovative, patented textile-based thermal wall insulation which is ideal for creating dry and warm walls, primarily in retrofit situations, with the potential to save energy and protect properties from penetrating damp. ISOTHERM is an ultra-thin - approximately 4mm thick - specially woven polyester-based material which, due to its flexibility and ease of use, can quickly be cut around light switches, sockets, radiator brackets, architraves, skirting boards and even complex shaped decorative mouldings.

The ISO-THERM membrane is secured to the brick or block substrate with Wykamol’s unique ISO-THERM Adhesive, applied at a thickness of approximately 5mm using a notched trowel. The ISO- THERM is then simply rolled into the glue before receiving a plaster skim coat, affording an overall finish of approximately 10mm.

The ISO-THERM material is both waterproof and vapour permeable, so resists lateral damp transference to prevent natural surface nitrates and chlorides forming as efflorescence and therefore does not support the growth of surface mould, instead allowing the wall to breathe. In terms of insulation performance, ISO-THERM offers a thermal conductivity of 0.34 W/mK, translating into a typical U-value for solid masonry walls, once treated of 1.488 W/m 2 K and an average percentage improvement in energy performance of 21.6 % www.wykamol.com

PROCTOR AIR® PROVIDES PEACE OF MIND FOR APARTMENT RESIDENTS DURING ESSENTIAL REROOFING

WORKS

A significant challenge when working on the roof of any existing, occupied building is protecting the people inside the building without the full roof system in place. At Hatchemeadow apartments in Northumberland, operated by the housing association, Bernicia, a key performance characteristic of Proctor Air that helped to address these challenges was its water holdout. That, combined with its vapour and air permeability, offered long-term peace of mind for the building owners, as well as apartment residents.

Problems with the existing roof specification were causing some residents to experience leaks during periods of poor weather. Bernicia tasked Wensley Roofing with stripping back the existing roof and installing a new system. James Roy, Senior Quantity Surveyor at Wensley Roofing, describes the replacement roof system as a “belt and braces” approach. “The specification used Proctor Air over the rafters, followed by counter battens, tile battens, and a new pantile finish,” he explained. “Some of the residents were having to use buckets to catch leaking water,” said James. “Since installing this new system the leaks have now stopped, and there has been some bad weather.”

As a roofing underlay, Proctor Air’s key function is as a low-resistance (LR), vapour-permeable membrane. Proctor Air is one of the highest performing vapour-permeable membranes on the market. As well as vapour permeability, Proctor Air provides air permeability. At Hatchmeadow apartments, the reroofing offered the opportunity to top up the insulation in the roof and provide extra thermal comfort. However, with all the work carried out externally, it wasn’t possible to also check on the continuity and integrity of any vapour control layer below the insulation. Using Proctor Air meant this was not an issue. www.proctorgroup.com

ATHLETIC STADIUM WIN FOR HMG PAINTS

The UKs largest independent paint company HMG Paints deserves a lap of honour after a suite of its products were used to refurbish a rusting spectators stand at Plymouth athletic stadium. Rabart Decorators Centres worked with HMG Paints to provide the detailed specification needed to tackle the corroded structural steel beams of the stand. Once the area was prepared with a thorough clean to remove all loose material Ferrozinc Rust Convertor was used to tackle any remaining rust.

This was followed by a coat of HMG’s BDX Synthetic Primer, a high-build, anti-corrosive alkyd primer and then two coats of C71 Speedline, a high quality, single pack synthetic alkyd topcoat enamel. ‘We’ve worked with HMG Paints for about three years,” explained Peter Bird, Area Sales Manager for Rabart in Devon.

“Everyone using it loves the products. It’s my goto system for jobs involving metal and offers good protection against the local environment. The products were brush and roller applied for this job although spray is also possible dependent on the situation.

Rabart is one of the largest independent family firms of decorators’ merchants still operating in the South West and South Wales. “Because we’re independent and not

tied to specific manufacturers we can offer advice on the best products to use for each particular job,” says Peter. “We are pleased to welcome Rabart and Peter to the network of distributors and look forward to working with them on future projects”, says James Burton of HMG Paints.

The refurbishment of the spectators’ stand was undertaken by Plymouth-based JNE Construction on behalf of Plymouth City Council. The job completes an upgrade of the City of Plymouth Athletics Club’s Brickfields Complex which has now benefitted from a re-laid six-lane track, a new announcers hut, perimeter fencing and throwing circle. shop.hmgpaint.com

DEVELOPER CITES COMMERCIAL BENEFITS AS KEY TO SELECTING STERLINGOSB ZERO PRIMEDPLUS PANELS FOR CITY CENTRE SCHEME

A multidisciplinary construction and property company based in the East Midlands has used SterlingOSB ZeroPrimedPlus, from West Fraser, for the hoardings around one of its latest residential projects, close to Derby City Centre. The company's procurement & estimating manager, Lewis Sloan, commented: "As part of the Berry Group, we offer construction and development expertise to clients ranging from homeowners to sub-contractors and property developers with tailored packages that can take a project from conception through to final completion. In the case of Slack Lane, The Berry Group is the client for a student accommodation project with 44 study bedrooms across ground, first and second floors, while Berry Construction is carrying out the work and INCO providing all the construction management and consultancy services in which we specialise.

"Over the years, we have purchased standard OSB and rollered it white before spraying on our logos using stencils or applying transfers. Then, our Travis Perkins representative brought the West Fraser product to our attention. We regard hoardings as an important part of our branding: not just for the impression it creates with the local public, but also the trade contractors and other parties who visit the site during the build programme. Not only does the SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus present a smarter finish, but from a visual perspective it does what the company claims and stays smart for longer and we expect we will be able to reuse most of the panels on other jobs without any redecoration unless, for example, the project sponsors change." https://uk.westfraser.com

FLAMEOUT BREATHE USED FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL PROJECT AT NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY

ITP’s FlameOut Breathe flame-retardant breather membrane has been specified for the multi-million-pound redevelopment of the Stephenson building at Newcastle University. Built in the 1940s, Stephenson Building has a long history of training engineers. It is well known as a highly visible gateway to the University’s engineering quarter. International architecture and engineering practice, NORR, have led the design of a project which is harnessing the building’s 70 years of heritage and transforming it into a hub for the future, creating a facility for the 21st century and beyond.

The original footprint is home to a new 18,000 m2 cutting-edge building providing extensive space for education, research, innovation and industrial collaboration. Bowmer + Kirkland was appointed as the main contractor to oversee the project over two phases between September 2023 and autumn 2024. The rear of the building was demolished to make way for new-build space and the front has been retained to minimise demolition and reduce the carbon footprint.

The original building's teaching and office spaces are also being renovated. Providing high breathability to facilitate the release of water vapour and protect the condition of the building envelope, its advanced membrane technology combines W1-rated water tightness with a B-s1,d0 fire safety rating which is independently tested to EN 13501-1. itpltd.com

UNIQUE SOLAR ROOF TILE LAUNCHED BY BREEDON GROUP COLLABORATION

Breedon group's new solar roof system Generon is fitted by roofing contractors. A unique solar roof tile has been launched in a collaboration by UK construction materials group Breedon. Breedon Generon is a premium whole roof concept comprising a 3.2mm monocrystalline tempered glass PV cell discreetly integrated with a

Breedon Elite 330mm x 420mm base concrete roof tile which is laid in sequence with matching standard roof tiles. Interconnecting cables then link the Generon tiles to create an overall solar output based on the number of tiles fitted. Typically, 260 tiles are required to generate a 4kW PV system - the benchmark for family homes. Fitted by roofing contractors in an almost identical way to traditional roof tiles, the Generon system then simply

connects to the remaining PV infrastructure to generate safe, reliable and renewable energy. This combination delivers a seamlessly integrated solar roof, without compromising aesthetics.

Breedon partnered with Terran, a leading European roof tile manufacturer, who over the past five years has successfully developed and distributed the Generon roof tile across Europe. Generon solar roof tiles offer a sleek and seamless design that blends in with the rest of the roof, whilst delivering high levels of performance.

They also eliminate the need for separate contractors to install solar panels and their associated mounting materials as they can be easily installed by a roofing contractor using storm clips in sequence with the standard concrete roof tiles, thus reducing the time and overall cost of installation.

Sleek and smooth in situ, the Generon system carries a 20-year performance guarantee, and has a dedicated home owner app to track real-time data about its energy production. www.breedongroup.com

CONSERVATION WORK ON THE GRAND PARADE CONTINUES IN POOLE

Sensitive work to remove damaging paint from a listed building in Dorset will continue a regeneration project on one of the county’s most historic high streets. Bournemouth-based building conservation expert Gary Elford has been contracted to undertake the restoration work at the Grand Parade on Poole High Street.

The building in question is suffering from internal damp issues due to an incorrect, non-breathable paint finish being applied over the original limewash coat. Gary will be using the Doff III superheated steam cleaning system – the latest and recentlylaunched iteration of the iconic machine from Gloucestershire pioneers Stonehealth – to carefully

II listed building like this, so it’s causing damp issues inside. The Doff III is perfect for this type of work and it’s great to see it in use.”

remove the paint layer and expose the original lime finish beneath. The machine uses steam at 150 degrees C to create an extremely gentle cleaning operation which preserves the integrity of historic stonework. “It’s great to be able to put the Doff III to good use,” said Gary. “The existing paintwork is totally the wrong type of finish to be used on a Grade

Four years and a six figure sum have been invested in the development of the new machine, which features an improved, lighter, fully integrated pump requiring 50 per cent less power usage, a remote power control, an electronic temperature control system to reduce water consumption, and increased maximum hose length of 45 metres, while still achieving a steam heat of 150 degrees C at the end of the nozzle.

Angela Southern, Business Development Director at Stonehealth, said: “We care about the preservation of historic buildings and so it is important that contractors using our systems are properly trained in the right techniques and maintenance. Gary has been working with our machines for many years so we know he’ll do himself, the machine and the centre of Poole proud. ” https://stonehealth.com

Pop Up Power Supplies® has provided in-ground, flip lid power units as part of the £52m redevelopment of Lord’s Cricket Ground. This extensive development scheme has involved the construction of the Compton and Edrich stands at the Nursery end to increase the ground’s capacity by 2,600 up to 31,600.

more important as a result of the Covid pandemic which has increased the public appetite to stay outdoors as much as possible.

These flip-lid units are submerged in the ground to provide food stall operators and caterers with access to power sockets on-demand, minimising trip hazards as only short cables protrude and enable a continuous power supply to be delivered as the lid can be locked down for maximum safety.

With matchday hospitality of significant importance to the visitor experience, the scheme’s designers have ensured that outdoor areas are used to their full potential. This has been facilitated by five PUPS02-6060 in-ground power units which have been installed in the food village and Nursery Ground areas.

They are a key part of the infrastructure that enables high quality food and drink to be served to large matchday crowds in outdoor spaces – made all the

A mix of 16, 32 and 63 amp configurations were specified for the in-ground units installed at Lord’s to accommodate the specific requirements of the spaces. The units’ flip lids are designed to match the surrounding surface to minimise their visual impact and mean they go virtually unnoticed when not in use.

www.popuppower.co.uk

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SCHÖCK ISOKORB'S A WOW AT BOW

Arnold Road required both standard and bespoke Schöck Isokorbs A 100% affordable housing scheme at Arnold Road, in Bow, East London, will create 62 homes in two mid-rise buildings of six and eight storeys. Designed by architects Henley Halebrown, the scheme – which was shortlisted for the 2020 Housing Design Awards – is cleverly woven into a compact triangular site. The architectural concept breaks what might have been one long building block into two separate buildings, permitting morning and afternoon light to penetrate between the buildings.

This reduces their impact and improves the microclimate for residents and neighbours as well as increasing the surface area of the new buildings to achieve 80% dual aspect homes. Together the buildings frame an entrance courtyard designed to encourage residents to meet and talk, and children to play together. Thermally broken recessed balcony terraces - The heavy masonry façades incorporate recessed balcony terraces and Schöck have supplied Isokorb structural thermal breaks for both the in-situ concrete balconies and the precast concrete façade banding.

Image courtesy of Henley Halebrown

On the eight-storey South Block the inset balconies are supported on two sides using the Schöck Isokorb T type Q. This is a load bearing thermal break element for transferring shear forces on supported balconies, recessed balconies and for occasional peak shear forces. The six-storey North Block features typical internal corner balconies with external corner column support and again features the Schöck Isokorb T type Q, along with the T type H for the transmission of planned horizontal forces parallel and/or perpendicular to the insulation level.

Two Isokorb types for the stone bandings - For the precast stone bandings on the project two Isokorb products were utilised. The T type F, which is a load-bearing thermal insulation element for curtain parapets and balustrades, which transfers normal forces, moments and shear forces. The T type K is also used and is a load bearing thermal break element for free cantilevered balcony construction and transfers negative moments and positive shear forces.

For Arnold Road the product had to be specially adapted and required a bespoke design 500mm in length – but supplied in 1m lengths. The precaster, Barnsley-based Con-Tech Services Ltd, then cut the Isokorb in half on site for the required detail. To avoid any clash of reinforcement, the two covers were designed and detailed with 50mm cover required on the north and south elevation and 30mm cover required on the east and west elevation.

The widest range in Europe - The fully compliant and dependable Schöck Isokorb range offers the widest selection of structural thermal break solutions from any European supplier; and in the UK enables projects to meet full compliance with the necessary Building Regulations (and the impending Future Homes Standard criteria where relevant).

In addition to the Isokorb types used on this project, there are also solutions for concrete-to-steel, steel-to-steel, renovation projects – and even a maintenance free alternative to wrapped parapets. All products have the security of independent BBA Certification, which provides NHBC approval. The temperature factor requirement (fRSI) used to indicate condensation risk, which must be equal to, or greater than 0.75 for residential buildings, is also easily met by incorporating the Isokorb. www.schoeck.com/en-gb/isokorb

Some of the bespoke Isokorbs supplied by Con-Tech Services Ltd

POWER SUPPLY CLEVERLY CONCEALED IN COVENT GARDEN

Covent Garden as we all know is a busy and successful shopping and entertainment area. The technical services team required an outdoor power supply that would not impact on the Grade 1 listed site and its important aesthetics. Pop Up Power Supplies delivered 6 retractable units for this particular site. The 450kg units are successfully buried beneath the beautifully cobbled piazza. When required they are raised by using a simple removable turning handle. They do not have a negative impact on the historical surroundings as each unit has a recessed lid created from the same cobbled stone as the rest of the piazza.

The cleverly hidden units are used throughout the year for temporary stalls and events. The area is supplied with both a combination of 16A and 32A sockets in both single and three phase, all with RCBO protection. Pop UP Power can also supply electricity with their In-ground units, that feature flip top lids and also Power Bollards in a variety of designs and specifications to suit the surroundings. www.popuppower.co.uk

MARMOX ‘GOES ROUND THE HOUSES’ AT FUTUREBUILD

Visitors to this spring’s FutureBuild exhibition (London ExCel 5th -7th March) were drawn to the Marmox stand D26 by a diverse mix of products – new and well established – offering a variety of technical benefits and even aesthetic appeal, to suit specifications right around domestic or commercial properties. The renowned UK manufacturer had its knowledgeable sales team on hand to explain the merits of its debutant fire-rated insulation panel. Fireboard is the new high performance internal and external wall insulation (XPS) board which shares Marmox’s honeycomb surface structure with Multiboard to create an A1 non-combustible certified renderbacker which is weatherproof. Importantly, it can be used internally across walls or ceilings to take a plaster finish, while providing sound absorption as well as thermal insulation.

Fireboard is ‘Resistant to Fire’ with the following accreditation: BS EN 1182, EN 1716 and EN13823. Marmox’s Marketing Manager, Grant Terry, comments: “We saw a very positive response from contractors, consultants and other specifiers to the new Fireboard which offers a practical and economic answer to multiple challenges in both new build and refurbishment situations and there was similar enthusiasm for our recently extended Slicedstone range, which presents thin veneers of natural sandstone on a stabilised backing, which makes it simple to install either internally or externally as a very versatile finish. Our team have returned from the show with a lot of new contacts and dozens of leads to follow up.” www.marmox.co.uk

SOUTHAMPTON CARE HOME ROOF FIRE PROTECTED USING A1 RATED CEMGOLD

IPP Ltd.’s A1 rated high density cement board, Cemgold has been used as part of the flat roof build-up on a new care home complex in Southampton, due for completion later this year, in compliance with both Building Regulations and UK building insurance guidelines. Adanac Park is being built for Hamberley Developments by Highwood Construction with North Yorkshire based sector specialist, Harris Irwin Architects tailoring the design to meet the needs of those with dementia or different neurological conditions.

The 95,000 sq. ft. facility comprises two U- shaped buildings either side of a shared service block, with the neurological clinic containing a gym as well as treatment and consulting rooms, while the residential wing has 80 high specification en-suite bedrooms offering long term accommodation. Interestingly, the 12.5 mm version of IPP Cemgold also found a slightly unusual application within the care home, being used to fireproof the rear of special Memory Boxes which have been built into the corridor walls of each of the bedrooms.

The 1200 x 2400mm sheets of Cemgold are widely specified across the construction industry for interior and exterior applications including in combination with IPP’s Magply boards, as a sheathing in rainscreen cladding build-ups or as a render substrate. With a density of 1309kg/ m3 Cemgold offers a maximum flexural strength of 12.74 MPa in the longitudinal direction, as well as good impact resistance. Then in terms of fire performance, the product is fully tested to BS EN12467 and rated A1 incombustible. www.magply.co.uk