24 minute read
PROJECT INSIGHT
Powering Up More Sustainable, Healthier Outdoor Public Spaces
Many of the UK’s town and city centres are being redefined to ensure they fit more closely with today’s urban lifestyles and the expectations of tourists. The changing retail landscape, driven by the growth of online shopping, more people working from home and an increasing number of people choosing to live in city centres, means that previous models for the design of streetscapes, public parks, plazas and other pedestrianised spaces are needing to undergo significant change. But it is not just reaction to social change that is at the heart of redesigns – sustainability and a growing movement to capitalise on the health benefits of being outdoors, in whatever form that takes, are also part of this fresh thinking to redesign our public spaces.
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There is extensive evidence to show that providing safe, secure and attractive outdoor spaces is important to help people be more active and maintain and extend social interaction to benefit their mental health. Flood prevention and ensuring that water is managed efficiently in urban areas is becoming increasingly important due to climate change. Hence, SuDS (sustainable urban drainage systems) are being integrated and there is an increased use of planters in spaces that were previously dominated by tarmac, pavers and concrete, encouraging biodiversity in the process.
But there is also another important consideration in making these new outdoor public spaces as popular and versatile as possible to maximise their potential – access to on-demand power sockets.
Events can play a big role in increasing the use of outdoor spaces and attracting local people as well as tourists. Food and drink fairs, children’s fun days, market stalls, music gigs and light shows – events such as these can be a major draw and help strengthen local communities and they are easier to stage (even at relatively short notice) when easy access to power sockets is provided.
This is why a power infrastructure is a must for any redevelopment scheme or new development, and Pop Up Power Supplies® can help through a range of pop-up, in-ground and bollard power units. By incorporating a power access where there is an opportunity for events at all times of the year, there is no need to hire generators, which can be expensive and may not fit with the local sustainability agenda. The pop up (retractable) and in-ground power distribution units are permanently submerged in the ground, discreetly installed with a lid that matches surrounding surfaces so they are barely noticeable when not it use.
When a power connection is needed, such as to provide electricity to a street food kiosk, the lid can be unlocked by an authorised user to allow power leads to connected. The pop up unit is raised up using a turning handle, whereas the in-ground unit stays below the surface, accessed via a flip lid. As soon as vendors finish serving, or when events are over, the power leads can be simply disconnected and the power unit can be securely locked again to prevent unauthorised access and vandalism.
The third option from Pop Up Power Supplies® is the power bollard. This elegantly designed bollard will integrate with other street furniture as part of an attractive streetscape, whilst providing the benefit of access to electricity when required through its sockets behind a locked cover. www.popuppower.co.uk
SureSet On A Mission!
Founded in 1987 with what was originally a reasonably sized house with over 14 acres of land, The Anoopam Mission soon became a beautiful Swaminarayan Temple located in a quiet and secluded part of Uxbridge in South Buckinghamshire. It opens its doors to help those who need it the most, without any discrimination of other faiths and the non-religious, of their class, creed, colour or gender.
Since 2016 SureSet have been working with the Anoopam Mission alongside MEB Design and Beard Construction to complete their project vision of creating the biggest multicultural campus in the United Kingdom. It would have been easy to implement a traditional paving surface but it was decided to use SureSet for all of the pedestrian surfaces.
Using SureSet guarantees no loose stones, because its resin bound system completely infuses the raw material whilst leaving voids for permeability, which also influenced its specification. The project included a total area of 1180m using SureSet resin bound paving materials on the steps and pedestrian entrance to the tranquil Temple.
The colours chosen were from a natural earthy terracotta and uplifting light sandy marble palette. The areas were prepared using permeable open graded asphalt as the base, ideal for SuDS (Sustainable urban Drainage Systems). SureSet's most recent visit back to the premises of the Swaminarayan Campus, just off the A40, was for another approved building phase at Anoopam Mission. It was originally applied for in 2019 to build a Hindu Crematorium.
Anoopam Mission continued to use SureSet for this phase for it was an easy to maintain surface that was accessible. The aggregate colours were kept the same for consistency, creating a continuous flow around the new crematorium building, it was important to continue the same colours used in the first phase of installation as it gives a sense of connection. A fully permeable 14mm open-graded asphalt base was prepared prior to SureSet's arrival. The SureSet paving team completed a full installation of 717m with BBA Approved resin bound materials at a 16mm depth.
The main resin bound colour used was a natural warm red 3mm aggregate known as Tuscan Barley Butter. The chosen warm terracotta colour was perfect to feature around the grounds as it matched the redwood window frames and exterior building features beautifully. The second area of materials SureSet installed was 105m of 3mm luxury resin bound marble, named Buttermilk, a light white sand colour. It was used in the design as a striking decorative border around the crematorium outlining the shape of the building, blending in well with the surrounding colours. www.sureset.co.uk
Hauraton Channels Drain Blue Badge Scheme Parking Bays At RHS Wisley
The first phase of The Welcome Building and surrounding landscape at Royal Horticultural Society gardens, Wisley, Surrey has transformed the experience for visitors to the gardens with buildings including a spacious arrivals hall, café, shop, plant centre and a 100 seat restaurant. There are now three large car/coach parks including Blue Badge scheme easy access bays for visitors in park two.
One hundred metres of Hauraton RECYFIX® PRO 100 channel system, fitted with FIBRETEC® C250, 9mm HEELSAFE slot gratings, was used by groundwork subcontractor GPB Construction Ltd to drain the asphalted Blue Badge parking bays for visitors. The channels were installed between the bays and the path leading to the entrance of the new arrivals hall.
The material, PA-GF used to make the FIBRETEC® grating, was especially developed by Hauraton; the tough, UV resistant, fibre reinforced moulding offers high stability and huge strength for its weight. Complying with loading category Class C250 (BSEN 1433) the grating can easily take the weight of cars and commercial delivery vehicles.
The design is a real innovation as its non-corrosive material provides a visually appealing surface finish that retains its black colour. The FIBRETEC® C250 HEELSAFE slot grating was specifically designed by Hauraton R&D engineers to enhance the flow of water into the channel. The slots are super smooth, elliptical openings with the moulded bars having slightly raised triangular bosses along their outside edges.
As well as providing an elegant appearance, the feature ensures surface water is directed into the slots. This configuration also helps eliminate any cross-flow over the grating.
The RECYFIX® PRO 100 channel component is made from 100% recycled polypropylene (PP). The six sizes offered are 160mm wide and range in height from 75mm to 250mm with the FIBRETEC® grating factory fitted on all models. As the largest unit is only 5.8kg, the channelling is easily handled and quickly installed on site. www.drainage-projects.co.uk
Bilco UK Sets The Standard For Safety At Glasgow Housing Development
Glasgow’s latest redevelopment project, located on Langside Road, is built upon the former site of the city’s Victoria Infirmary and consists of a large housing development that includes 413 flats, offices and retail space.
The 3.75 hectare site, which is situated next to Queen’s Park on the south side of the city, forms an important part of the Battlefield area’s character, with the buildings’ exterior reflecting and complementing the surrounding heritage by using the city's traditional blonde coloured sandstone. As part of the construction process,
Bilco UK was commissioned to supply six ESW-50REM Smoke Vents, in addition to seven E-50TB Roof Access Hatches, to provide the highest standards of safety and efficiency, whilst being sympathetic to the project’s overall design. Installed onto the roof areas of four blocks of flats by Scottish contractors, Procladd Small Works Ltd, Bilco UK’s ESW-50REM Smoke Vents were specified to provide essential ventilation in the event of a building fire. Featuring a linear actuator operating mechanism that opens the cover to 140 degrees within 60 seconds, the smoke vents ensure compliance with Building Regulations Approved Document B, BS9999 and EN12101-2.
The built-in wind deflector also provides protection against smoke being blown back into the vent in the event of a fire., whilst the newly-designed closedcell EPDM sponge gasket helps meet Building Regulation air leakage targets by providing a better seal of the cover to the curb. With the addition of a fixed vertical ladder, the smoke vents can also be used by maintenance engineers for roof access.
Billy Baillie, Managing Director at Procladd Small Works Ltd, said: “We have a longstanding relationship of over 20 years with Bilco UK, and will continue to do so over the forthcoming years, due to their impressive product quality and outstanding service. Bilco UK’s Roof Access Hatches and Smoke Vents were incredibly easy to install, and knowing they’re engineered to meet the highest industry standards, it provided both ourselves and the client with the confidence that the installation would set the standard for performance and longevity.”
Constructed with corrosion-resistant materials, Bilco UK’s E-50TB Roof Access Hatches were also installed to provide engineers with safe, regular and convenient access to the roof to conduct essential maintenance. Engineered with compression spring operators to provide easy one-hand operation, the roof access hatch meets the requirements of Manual Handling Regulations, whilst the automatic hold-open arm locks the cover in the open position to ensure safe egress.
The overlapping cover design, fully welded corners and insulated cover also ensure weathertightness and energy efficiency to deliver the highest standards of resilience. Mark Baird, Sales Operations Manager at Bilco UK, said: “Drawing on our longstanding relationship with Procladd Small Works Ltd, it was fantastic to work together on this project, which has been designed to positively impact the city’s culture. The products installed were manufactured with fire safety and efficiency in mind, delivering assurance of the durability and suitability of the installation for years to come.” www.bilcouk.co.uk
Cupaclad Provides The Natural Solution For New Coastal Home
CUPA PIZARRAS’ CUPACLAD 101 Logic was recently installed as part of a striking new-build project, located in Aberystwyth, Wales. The natural slate cladding was chosen because it could complement the coastal surroundings as well as provide outstanding resistance to the harsh weather conditions. The site was purchased by homeowners, David and Shirley Harries who looked to extend the pre-existing bungalow but after finding significant issues with its structure, opted instead to erect a new build on the same plot.
“We really wanted a home that utilised a range of materials to create a modern look as opposed to building a glass palace that could look too ostentatious in the rugged seafront location,” said David. The couple approached Arwyn George from George + Tomos Architects who put together a design, which included CUPA PIZARRAS’ natural slate cladding system, CUPACLAD 101.
“The CUPACLAD system allowed the new home to blend into the surrounding cliffs beautifully,” said Arwyn. “In addition, I had to consider the high winds that the project would be exposed to and select something that would have the appropriate durability.” High quality natural slate is a very resistant material – its deterioration is unnoticeable to the human eye, meaning its colour does not change across its 100 year lifespan, even in the coldest environments.
Natural slate also has a permanent sheen, unlike other roofing materials which can decrease up to eight times superior. “We really loved the proposal,” the couple commented. “The slate would blend seamlessly with the local landscape – both the cliffs behind the property as well as some of the other houses in the area, which also utilise natural slate. What’s more, the material is sympathetic to its environment.”
CUPACLAD is constructed using specially selected slates, which are dark in colour, creating a bold and dramatic look, particularly when utilised alongside lighter materials such as glass, timber and render. CUPACLAD 101 Logic is made up of 40x20cm slates installed horizontally using fixing systems that are completely invisible once installed to avoid impacting the design.
As with the rest of the CUPACLAD 101 series, it is BBA certified, verifying that it has an incredibly low level of water absorption, test results show a value between 0.16 and 0.17%. This ensures that the material is not susceptible to frosting or hypothermal ageing.
Furthermore, the BBA certificate demonstrates the slate is very resistant to high winds, fire and impacts. Rhys Ben Wright from RBW Carpentry was then selected to install the slate system. A process made easier, thanks to the quality of the slate, with pre-drilled holes and self-drilling fixings.
What’s more, natural slate has a number of environmental benefits. According to research carried out by the University of Glasgow, it produces a limited amount of atmospheric carbon (1KgCO2/metre2 over its lifetime) and has a low water and energy consumption rate. Furthermore, by sourcing natural slate from CUPA PIZARRAS, a carbon neutral company, David and Shirley’s cladding solution is verifiably sustainable.
Once the project was completed, David and Shirley were over the moon with their new home: “The cladding fits the landscape seamlessly, which is due to the properties of the slate, as well as Arwyn’s design. He was able to shape the building in such a way that it really fits with the outlines of the hilly surroundings.
“We were concerned that some of the slates would be lost in recent strong winds; however, the cladding remained completely intact. We would definitely recommend CUPACLAD.” CUPA PIZARRAS’ slate is exclusively distributed by Taylor Maxwell to the UK market. www.cupapizarras.com/uk/rainscreen-cladding
Sto Render System Specified For New Passivhaus Development
Sto’s StoRend Flex render system was specified for use on a high-profile development of luxurious and sustainable homes built in Norfolk. Located five miles from Norwich city centre, the six new Octagon Park homes are designed to meet the requirements of the Passivhaus Plus standard, while delivering outstanding quality and a high level of sustainability.
“In order to minimise energy consumption, the Passivhaus Plus standard sets out very specific criteria for construction, insulation and ventilation systems,” explains Sto’s head of sales, Ashley Wainwright. “This meant that the materials specified had to satisfy extremely demanding performance standards, and the StoRend Flex render system was certainly able to achieve this.”
The Octagon Park development was created by JR Cozens Wiley Ltd, and the properties feature a timber-frame construction, which had a direct bearing on the specification of the StoRend Flex system. “An alternative render system was originally considered for the project,” adds Ashley.
“However, this would have required the inclusion of many vertical and horizontal movement joints at every door and window aperture. Fortunately, these weren’t necessary with the Sto system, so it was ideal for this purpose as it helped simplify both the design and construction processes while still
delivering the performance and high level of finish required.”
The StoRend Flex synthetic render system provides a highly flexible, rugged and crack-resistant exterior render finish which was in-keeping with the highquality nature of the Octagon Park development. The render itself was applied to Sto’s own StoVentec render carrier boards, which were fixed to the timber frames of the buildings.
Being made from recycled glass granulate, the StoVentec render carrier boards are dimensionally stable, so thermal movement is minimized and the need for movement joints can be reduced, and often eliminated completely.
Widely regarded as an industry benchmark solution, StoVentec board has been specifically developed for use with Sto render products. “The boards can be installed quickly and easily and can be cut without the need for power tools,” comments Sebastian Slomkowski of Passivhausapproved S.I.R.S. Ltd of Norwich who installed the Sto materials.
“They can also weigh up to 50% less than other render boards which makes them easy to handle and install.” The addition of StoArmat Classic Plus, a cement-free, acrylic resin-based reinforcing coat – which is up to 15 times more flexible than traditional cement-based reinforcing coats when embedded with Sto Glass Fibre strengthening mesh - provided exceptional levels of crack resistance.
The system was then finished with a stippled StoSilco render and StoColor Dryonic façade paint that promotes fast and efficient drainage of water, allowing the surface to dry rapidly and greatly inhibiting the appearance of algae, fungus and unsightly marks. www.sto.co.uk
CURVED MARMOX MULTIBOARDS FACILITATE CYLINDRICAL FAÇADE FOR KENT PROPERTY
The developer building a private property in the beautiful Kent town of Westerham, near Sevenoaks, has made full use of the flexible version from the Marmox Multiboard range in creating a two storey, drum-shaped elevation that is being finished using a proprietary render system.
While standard Marmox Multiboards are formed from rigid sheets of extruded polystyrene (XPS) faced on both sides with a layer of polymer modified concrete encapsulating glass fibre reinforcement, the Curved version features 2mm wide slices through 75% of their depth, at 20 mm intervals.
This enables the 1250 x 600mm boards to be bent down to radii as tight as 200mm if fixed
so that the slices close together. Even tighter radii can be achieved by folding the boards so that the ‘teeth’ open up.
They can either be fixed against a blockwork of other solid surface using a continuous coating of tile cement or secured to timber battens at 300mm centres using screws and the special Marmox washers. This flexibility makes Curved Multiboards ideal for creating archways, curving partitions and cubicles or even moulded tiled seats. www.marmox.co.uk
The Wraptite® external air barrier system from A. Proctor Group has been selected as part of a new zero carbon affordable homes project at New Ferry on the Wirral. The project at Windsor Close is a new development of three bedroomed terraced houses to be constructed by Property Development Group Starship at its off-site manufacturing facility in Deeside.
The superior airtightness performance of the Wraptite membrane from the A. Proctor Group is the perfect solution, delivering significant benefits to the combination of in-factory manufacture and on-site housing construction. Karl Ventre, Director at Starship, explains why Wraptite was chosen to achieve the airtightness solution and how it benefits off-site construction. “We have specified this product within our system offering for the last three years, and it has always performed well and helped contribute to good airtightness test results."
STO ACOUSTIC SYSTEM HELPS RESTORE HISTORIC LONDON ART GALLERY
The acoustic performance of a major London landmark building was upgraded using the StoSilent Distance acoustic system. Hayward Gallery at London’s Southbank Centre underwent a complete refurbishment, and the StoSilent Distance system helped create a new and dramatically improved acoustic environment for this worldrenowned art gallery.
The 66 pyramid-shaped skylights which originally featured on the building had become damaged over time, while internally, a series of impractical sound-absorbing baffles and a translucent suspended ceiling had been used below them. The aim was to remove the suspended ceiling, reclaim the original height of the gallery spaces, and allow more natural light to enter. The pyramid roof lights were reconstructed using modern materials, and this meant that reliable acoustic treatment needed to be fitted into the coffer spaces below them in order to create the required acoustic environment.
Unlike conventional acoustic treatments which use exposed grid and tile systems and offer limited design possibilities, the StoSilent Distance solution allows the creation of modern, clean, monolithic and seamless solutions, and can accommodate unusual design features such as the gallery ceiling and its pyramid-shaped skylights. StoSilent Distance was installed in the deep acoustic coffers which sit below each of the pyramid skylights. www.sto.co.uk
“The self-adhesive membrane is easily applied in the factory, bonded externally to the substrate, and ensures that the membrane is held firmly in place, even during transportation, maintaining the quality of the system from installation to build and completion. Wraptite is an excellent quality product, and the self-adhesive backing gives a very neat finish."
“The spacious 1,200 sqft homes offer the lowest running costs of any property in the immediate area and deliver more affordable living for local people. These Carbon Zero homes provide over 105m2 of modern, affordable living space and were installed in seven days, ready for internal fit-out. “Starship’s unique panelised model means that a new home can be delivered and installed anywhere a refuse collection vehicle can fit, with no special arrangements or unnecessary disruption to the community.” The Wraptite air barrier system offers a safer and simplified membrane system. It is a fully self-adhered vapour permeable air barrier certified by the BBA. www.proctorgroup.com
AFFORDABLE HOUSING GIVEN SUPERIOR VAPOUR BARRIER AND AIRTIGHTNESS SOLUTION
A series of 10 newly built affordable Council houses in Montrose, Scotland has been fitted with a highperforming variable-permeability vapour control layer from the A. Proctor Group. Procheck® Adapt is designed to protect the building fabric from the potential risks of condensation and act as an effective airtight barrier.
Contractor, Andrew Shepherd Construction, proposed the use of the Procheck Adapt available from the A. Proctor Group. Thanks to its unique design, the Procheck Adapt membrane offers variable permeability which adapts to changes in humidity levels and allows the structure to dry out in the summer and in sunny days during spring and autumn while protecting it from moisture overload in the winter. This is possible because the membrane adapts its vapour resistance to the environment i.e., vapour tight in the winter and more vapour open in the summer.
This ensures that the building fabric is protected from damaging moisture levels during cold, wet winter months, and allows the fabric to dry out effectively in warmer, drier months. Procheck Adapt has a translucent structure which eases fixing to structural frames and in combination with its integral tape allows for a fast installation time. Procheck Adapt is suitable for a variety of commercial and residential applications and provides airtightness to the structure as well as vapour control. www.proctorgroup.com
MARMOX THERMOBLOCKS CUTTING CARBON FOR SOCIAL HOUSING RESIDENTS
Work is well underway on the first phase of an affordable housing project for Somerset West and Taunton Council, where the use of Marmox Thermoblocks was put forward by specialist developer, Equans Regeneration which is leading the work on the site in Taunton. Phase A of North Taunton Woolaway Project will see the construction of 47 new one, two and three bedroom properties with energy saving and the reduction of environmental impact both being given full consideration.
The issue of thermal bridging, in particular, is being addressed through the decision to utilise the highly insulating Thermoblocks around the perimeter of the ground floor slabs. With over 200 homes to be built in the next few years, the total number of Thermoblocks required will run into the thousands. Each length of Thermoblock is comprised of ultra-high performance XPS insulation, encapsulating miniature epoxy concrete columns, while the top and bottom are covered by alkali resistant glass-fibre mesh, retaining a surface of fibre reinforced polymer concrete to facilitate bonding.
The concrete columns have a very low conductivity, so do not present thermal bridges themselves and when coupled with the highly insulating XPS insulation core, a combined thermal conductivity of 0.47W/mK is achieved. Crucially, being able to employ a defined, very low thermal transmittance – derived by thermal modelling or measurement – offers a far more advantageous result than adopting the ‘default’ figure offered in SAP, which can often result in non-compliance under Part L. www.marmox.co.uk
The Marshall Building, part of the renowned London School of Economics has been fitted with the Wraptite external air barrier system from the A. Proctor Group. Part of a winning design created by Grafton Architects, the impressive 10-storey building features pale stone cladding and is home to a series of educational facilities including lecture theatres, offices, classrooms, and a sports hall. Specialist contractor, I & S Construction, Dartford consulted with the A. Proctor Group’s technical team and selected the Wraptite air barrier to be incorporated within the external wall cladding system. Wraptite is the only self-adhering vapour permeable air barrier certified by the BBA and combines the critical properties of vapour permeability and airtightness in one self-adhering membrane. This approach saves on both the labour and material costs associated with achieving the energy efficiency demands in buildings. Wraptite is Class B1-s1,d0, compliant with Approved Document B Building Regulations for use in the external wall systems of buildings over 18m in height, both as a continuous layer on sheathing board, behind fire classified insulation, and for use to tape joints in insulation behind rainscreen. www.proctorgroup.com
STO INSULATION AND RENDER SYSTEM MAKES ITS MARK ON THE BOURNEMOUTH SKYLINE
One of the tallest new buildings recently added to the Bournemouth skyline has been completed with a combination of external wall insulation and render products supplied by Sto. The company’s StoTherm Mineral M system, with Sto-Rotofix Plus mechanical fixings and StoSilco exterior render were all used on the new Skyline student accommodation building, which achieved a BREEAM ’Very Good’ rating.
StoTherm Mineral is a highly durable external wall insulation system which uses mineralfibre boards that provide outstanding thermal performance and unrivalled fire protection. The dense nature of the materials involved also provided a considerable degree of sound insulation for this student accommodation building, while the efficient single-leaf construction and external location of the system allowed internal space to be maximized.
After a Sto cement-free reinforcement layer had been applied, the insulation system was completed with the application of the company’s StoSilco silicone resin render. This provides the finished surfaces with a highly water-repellent surface that is ideal for buildings such as this where a coastal location may subject them to unusually harsh weather conditions. With excellent CO2 and water-vapour permeability this render allows moisture transfer to occur at a high rate, enabling the wall to breathe and encouraging the evaporation process.
The StoSilco render is available in an extended range of 764 colours from the StoColor System, and this provided extra benefits for this particular project. A dark grey RAL 7016 colour was used for the render between the windows and across the top two floors, and this was then overcoated with StoColor X-Black façade paint. A contrasting RAL 31437 cream colour was used in other areas. www.sto.co.uk
