Go Public Issue 3 2012 June-July

GO!PUBLIC

J u ne / J ul y 2012

modern public sector architecture & design

GO!PUBLIC Welcome to the digital edition of June/July’s 2012 Go!Public magazine. The latest building news, opinions, products, projects and images - they’re all here!

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Contents PUBLIC/PROPERTY – Educational Buildings PUBLIC/PROPERTY – Healthcare Buildings PUBLIC/PROPERTY – Leisure Buildings PUBLIC/OPINION – Manufacturers Have Their Say PUBLIC/ANNOUNCEMENTS – News PUBLIC/MARKET – Product News PUBLIC/IMAGE – The Bigger Picture PUBLIC/WORK – Project News

A Study In Glazing Excellence at Queens College www.cantifix.co.uk

www.go-public-mag.co.uk Published by Link2Media Building Publications Ltd Editorial Office Barn 3, Dunston Business Village, Stafford Road, Dunston, Stafford ST18 9AB Tel: 01785 711591 Fax: 0845 862 8639 info@link2media.co.uk www.link2media.co.uk

6 [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

www.sandtoft.com

School Has Its Moment In The Sun With Sandtoft’s PV48 A primary school in Gloucestershire has become the first school in the UK to use Sandtoft’s PV48 solar roofing system. Walmore Hill Primary School in Minsterworth near Gloucester was selected by Gloucestershire County Council to incorporate solar technology into the body of the new school roof.

Designed to integrate with virtually all types of slate and tile, the PV48 system incorporates black photovoltaic panels with matching, easyto-fit flashings. 18 panels have been installed with Sandtoft’s Humber clay plain tile and the 20/20 interlocking clay plain tile.

Sue Meek, head teacher at Walmore Hill Primary School, said: “Walmore Hill is one of the first schools in the region to embrace this kind of technology. As we are in the building during daylight hours we can monitor the efficiency of the panels on the office computers. In today’s 21st century classroom the amount of electricity schools use is increasing, so the addition of the solar panels should help keep costs under control in the long term.

“The local community has really embraced the new roof and the children are fascinated by it, it certainly helps us stand out from the crowd without it being too overbearing for the age and look of the school and its surroundings.”

Andrew Lawton, sales director at Sandtoft Roof Tiles, added: “Walmore Hill Primary School is situated in a rural location, unobstructed by any adjacent buildings or trees; making it a perfect location to benefit from sunlight and solar technology. I’m delighted it’s been so well received.

“We have seen rising levels of interest in the public sector for PV48 and the ways and means of harnessing this type of technology. One of its key benefits is that it can be integrated with other manufacturer’s roof tiles and slates as well as those offered by Sandtoft, providing a flexible roofing solution. It can also be quickly and efficiently installed by any roofing contractor, which saves time and ultimately money.”

Enquiry No 1

EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS [ 7

Wienerberger Bricks Leave A Lasting Impression On Leading University Campus Lancaster University, one of the UK’s leading academic institutions, is home to 12,000 full and part-time students. Since 2002, more than £350 million pounds has been invested into the campus creating new academic facilities, student social amenities and improved teaching space.

In May 2011, the latest addition to the campus landscape opened its doors.

The £10m, 4,000sq m, Charles Carter Building provides additional academic facilities for Lancaster University Management School.

Architects John McAslan + Partners were tasked with creating a modern working environment for the University’s 6* Management School.

Rather than create a run-of-the-mill, functional academic building, the University requested a development which had a strong formal presence, high in quality, but low in environmental impact to achieve a BREEAM ‘EXCELLENT’ rating.

John McAslan + Partners opted for a palette of black brick, glass and aluminium to create a simple rhythmic façade. Wienerberger’s Midnight Unsanded brick was specifically chosen for its smooth texture and aesthetic finish. The durability of the product, and sustainability of clay, only added to its appeal.

Paul Hughes, architect at John McAslan + Partners, said: “The building is enveloped almost entirely in brick and therefore it was important to choose a product which not only ticked the boxes aesthetically but also provided a durable, environmental and cost effective solution.” www.wienerberger.co.uk Enquiry No 2

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Enquiry No 3

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8 [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

Wrightstyle In Weston College Window Puzzle When it comes to fitting windows, it doesn’t get much harder and more complicated than this, although Devizes-based Wrightstyle came up with a solution that works beautifully but which involved technical complexity and not a little design difficulty.

The Grade II Listed Hans Price School of Art and Science building on the Weston College campus in Weston-Super-Mare has been redeveloped in a £1.64 million project to transform it into a stateof-the art conference and function facility.

The beautiful 1892 building, named after a prominent Victorian architect, reopened a few weeks ago, part of the 150-year-old Weston College, and involved a comprehensive refurbishment of all three floors of the building, while being sympathetic to the original architecture and retaining many original features.

The ground floor area will include an art gallery, while the upper floors can be used as classrooms or spaces for conferences and

events. Main contractor for the project was Bray & Slaughter and the architects were Arturus Architects.

The project complexity for Wrightstyle was the design and installation of secondary glazing assemblies to exterior windows – each of which has a unique size, but which had to be retained to maintain the integrity of the building’s Listed status. Wrightstyle’s answer was to custom design and fabricate no fewer than ten elliptical head openings, which had up to three different radii in one curve, requiring an absolutely bespoke solution.

“It was a uniquely challenging task, because it’s difficult enough making a standard arch. However, if it’s an odd shape with different radii, it takes a great deal of design co-ordination,” said Lee Coates, Wrightstyle’s technical director. “In order to do this, we surveyed each opening and produced full size templates for profile curving, glass order and fabrication – so we could be sure it all fitted together.

It helped enormously that we have both a design and fabrication capability, because it’s a good example of different disciplines coming together to complete one complex project,” he said.

The ten window assembles, totaling some 75m2, were designed to improve acoustic performance yet, again because of the building’s Listed status, could not compromise on sightlines.

EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS [ 9

www.wrightstyle.co.uk

Wrightstyle also supplied a number of other systems for the project, including exterior framed louver vent assembles, a fire-rated curtain wall lift and stair enclosure, and fire-rated unlatched door systems linked to the school’s fire alarm system.

“Our capability at Wrightstyle extends from design to fabrication and installation, so we can bring an integrated level of service to contracts such as this. Also, we supply both the steel and glass, so our systems have comprehensive fire-rated guarantees – because in an emergency situation the glass and its framing system must perform as one unit,” said Lee Coates.

“We have now been involved in a large number of educational refurbishment projects, both in the UK and internationally, and fully understand how modern glass and glazing systems can be incorporated into historic structures,” he said.

Enquiry No 4

10 [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

Foremans Recycled Modular Buildings For One Of UK’s First Primary Academies And Free Schools One of the UK’s first primary schools to achieve Academy status has used a highly sustainable recycled modular building solution from Foremans Relocatable Building Systems to expand its classroom facilities.

As an Academy, Cuckoo Hall in the London Borough of Enfield is independent from the local authority and directly accountable to the Department for Education. It has been recognised twice by Ofsted as outstanding, with achievements well in excess of national standards.

The school is managed by Cuckoo Hall Academies Trust, which in response to the high demand for places, has opened a new sister primary school, Woodpecker Hall Primary Academy, under the

Government’s free schools programme. In order to accommodate the new school’s reception and nursery classes until its own building is completed on an adjacent site, Foremans has provided additional teaching facilities at Cuckoo Hall.

“Cuckoo Hall is in such high demand, that we had 270 applications last year for 120 places. And with the predicted growth in birth rates in surrounding areas, this demand looks set to continue”, said Simon Ward, Business Director at Cuckoo Hall Academy.

“The new buildings have given us a highly cost-effective interim solution which certainly doesn’t look like a temporary facility. The finished classrooms have surpassed all our expectations, delivered excellent value for money and are just what we were looking to achieve.” He added, “We are very pleased with Foremans’ performance. We like the way the buildings look and feel, and would definitely recommend the approach to other schools, academies and local authorities.”

EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS [ 11

www.foremansbuildings.info

Foremans has supplied 10 recycled steel-framed modules at Cuckoo Hall which have been configured as two adjacent teaching blocks to accommodate 120 children in three classrooms and one shared teaching space. The buildings, which are being hired from Foremans for an initial 12 months, are constructed to permanent standards and feature a decked area, timber cladding and a covered walkway to the main school.

Foremans completed the project in just nine weeks from receipt of order, helping to address the place planning issues in this London borough, and undertook all foundations, services, decking, steps and ramps, fitting out and cladding installation.

Commenting on the project, Mike Williams, Managing Director of Foremans, said, “This project successfully demonstrates how we can deliver affordable, flexible teaching accommodation in less time to help schools address serious place planning issues – and our ability

to provide a higher degree of standardisation, which the Government is calling for.”

All Foremans’ recycled modular buildings are fully refurbished with new windows, wall linings, partitions, mechanical and electrical services, doors, flooring, and cladding, to create high quality accommodation for a wide variety of interim and permanent education applications.

Enquiry No 5

12 [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

A £48M Education Scheme In Hull Is The First Academy To Use Technal’s Revolutionary New Low Rise Façade System Sirius and Ganton Academy is a dynamic 21st century learning environment created to accommodate state-of-the-art facilities in Hull. It is also the UK’s first academy to be constructed using Technal’s revolutionary low rise glazing system.

Designed by Aedas and built by Balfour Beatty Construction, this Hull National Academies Framework project has replaced Pickering High School and Ganton Special School. This visionary new education campus provides an inclusive, student-centred community that includes a 1,650-place academy, specialist support for 40 pupils with visual and hearing impairments, and a special school for 88 pupils with special needs.

Around 4,000sqm of Technal’s MODAL aluminium low rise façade system have been used across the campus – the largest application

of this innovative new product in the UK to date. Finished in grey with grey glass and contrasting white windows, MODAL features on every elevation of this oval-shaped building, both as fixed lights and with a slim integral opening vent to minimise sight lines. Vertical aerofoil caps provide shade from the sun and Technal’s robust GXi balcony door which is fully integrated with MODAL, was also specified.

Commenting on the use of MODAL, Chris Le-flohic at architects Aedas said, “The MODAL system is an exceptionally good product for the application and has proved to be faultless on this project.

Our specification was for a glazing system that would maximise natural light, and accommodate large floor-to-ceiling spans of glass without bulky frames. It also had to co-ordinate with the rainscreen cladding.”

“The system is highly versatile, has accommodated the shape of the building well, and has helped us to achieve a high light ratio. It is sufficiently robust for a demanding secondary school environment, has effective thermal performance to minimise heat loss and gain, and has delivered high levels of acoustic protection, which are important as the site is located near a busy road.”

EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS [ 13

www.technal.co.uk/MODAL

John Cowie, Design Manager at Balfour Beatty Construction, said, “The MODAL system allowed us to keep the frame weight and size to a minimum for both aesthetics and natural light. It has the benefit of a fully integrated opening vent that reduces the visible aluminium as an effective alternative to inserting a window into curtain walling.”

MODAL is a rapid-build façade system – and is the first in the UK to offer integral opening vents. It has an innovative modular design, which reduces work on site, installation time, and gives specifiers a much wider choice of configuration options.

The scheme achieved a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating for the design stage. Features designed to minimise its impact on the environment include biomass boilers, a wind turbine, rainwater harvesting, an air source heat pump, natural ventilation and highly glazed elevations to maximise natural light.

The new academy is set to make a lasting impression on the local community, with its creative design for a bright and modern learning environment. Its diverse facilities include performing arts and dance studios, a hair and beauty salon, external construction workshop, industrial-standard food technology rooms, and ICT-rich specialist rooms.

Enquiry No 6

14 [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

www.cantifix.co.uk

A Study In Glazing Excellence at Queens College Cantifix completed work at The Queens College, Oxford University in conjunction with architects Berman Guedes Stretton, and contractors Beard Construction. Cantifix designed and fitted an internal single-glazed lift enclosure, as well as external doubleglazed cladding. The structurally glazed enclosure also serves to link the two adjacent buildings.

Glazing heritage buildings requires very exact and precise work, and a great deal of skill. This project required the framework to be perfectly siliconed to the existing stone walls of the building, whilst avoiding any staining or damage to the stonework. Access was very tight as students were still on campus, however the project team worked well together and the project was successfully completed on time.

A SentryGlas laminate was also incorporated into the lift shaft glass for extra safety – this type of laminate is five times stronger and up to 100 times stiffer than conventional laminating materials, and prevents the glass from shattering in the case of breakage - as well as providing rigidity.

The finished contemporary lift enclosure compliments the old buildings beautifully, and from a distance blends in completely with the Palladian style surroundings.

Cantifix has installed structural glazing at a wide range of listed and historic buildings, both public and residential – and understands the specific requirements of this type of project.

Enquiry No 7

EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS [ 15

Tarkett Flooring Goes Boldly On!

Eco-Friendly, Economical Fantasia Ceiling Fans - New Brochure

In 2006, a vast collection of Tarkett flooring was installed throughout a school in Boldon, South Tyneside. Throughout that time, Tarkett has given outstanding performance, with all the floors still looking as fresh as the day they were installed.

Tarkett’s Veneto xf linoleum flooring was specified for the main circulation zones as these required a robust, hard-wearing solution. As a natural, renewable product, it also boasts an excellent environmental profile, and the xf surface protection allows up to 50% savings on water, detergent and energy. In the science labs Tarkett’s acoustic Tapiflex flooring has given exceptional service, standing up to 6 years of student footfall, chemical spills and all manner of general wear and tear. Chosen for the wet areas in the art rooms, Tarkett’s Safetred Universal is still providing an attractive and safe surface for the students thanks to its sustainable slip-resistance properties. www.tarkett.co.uk

When designing new or refurbishing existing healthcare, educational or leisure buildings, ceiling fans provide an effective and environmentally friendly cooling system.

Market leaders, Fantasia Ceiling Fans, have published a new brochure giving full details of their range of fans, many running on low energy DC motors providing efficient ventilation and air movement. On a low setting, running for eight hours per day, every day, the running cost per fan is less than £10 per annum, keeping energy bills low. And as their motors are virtually silent, they are unobtrusive and can be run continuously, promoting gentle air movement, enhancing a relaxing healthcare or leisure hospitality atmosphere. Far better for the environment than other cooling systems, Fantasia ceiling fans re-circulate the air, and their superb quality is reinforced by a 5-15 year warranty, depending on the specific range. www.fantasiaceilingfans.com

Enquiry No 8

Environmentally Friendly Solution For pests Pest Free Environmental Solutions is a new company providing an environmentally friendly solution to our growing population of rats, mice and cockroaches. It has the ideal product for the schools and education sector, which currently uses harmful poisons and toxins. Pest Free’s electronic system has proved to drive out 100% of rodent infestations from buildings within one week.

Pest Free incorporates microchip technology that releases a pulsating vibration throughout a building to move vermin out humanely. The signal has no effect on humans or animals making it an easy decision when compared with traditional methods.

One Pest Free unit measuring only 25x16x8cm with an annual running cost of £0.25p will effectively protect an area of 1,000sq.mtrs. They are available to buy or lease on a 3-5 year fixed rate, which includes site survey, installation, maintenance and replacement if necessary. www.pestfree-solutions.co.uk Enquiry No 11

Enquiry No 9

Recycled Classroom Offers A Lesson In Saving The Environment An outdoor classroom made in the UK from recycled plastics provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to wooden buildings.

The Welwyn Outdoor Classroom, new from Marmax Products, accommodates 30 to 35 children on built-in benches around the internal perimeter, with plenty of floorspace for additional seating or tables. The hexagonal classroom with its large windows gives a ‘close to nature’ feel and is ideal for environmental studies. Each classroom saves 61,490 one-litre milk containers from landfill – and, as the material does not rot, corrode or splinter, it is completely maintenance free. Marmax is offering a 10 per cent discount on sales during 2012 as an introductory offer. www.marmaxproducts.co.uk Enquiry No 10

Closed Doors Help Education Powermatic®, the controlled, concealed door closer from Samuel Heath and Sons plc is gaining favour with increasing numbers of educational establishments across the country, thanks to the many benefits that the closer’s concealment offers. Being totally concealed when the door is closed, Powermatic® will not have a detrimental effect on the appearance of the door or overall interior, but it is the less obvious, hidden benefits of concealment that are proving popular. The potential for door controls to be vandalised can pose a very real risk to the safety of a building’s occupants, particularly where fire doors are concerned. Powermatic®’s concealed nature presents very little opportunity for the would-be vandal, or prankster, to damage its mechanisms and render the door useless in case of fire. Total concealment and the fact that Powermatic® can be installed towards the bottom of the door jamb also mean that the closer offers a useful solution in anti-ligature situations. www.samuel-heath.com Enquiry No 12

16 [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

Forbo Provides Flooring Solutions For Work, Rest And Play At The University Of Bedfordshire Forbo has helped to create an attractive, visually stimulating environment at the University of Bedfordshire’s new £34m Campus Centre in Luton, supplying an integrated flooring solution for the multi-purpose building, which houses a 240-seat lecture theatre, exhibition space, informal learning zones, the Student Union and a variety of dining areas.

Products from Forbo’s comprehensive selection of carpet tiles formed the main component of the flooring design specified by the University’s Facilities and Estates department. In corridors, common areas and offices, 3200m2 of Tessera Alignment tiles in contrasting shades of black, grey and brown were installed in a creative pattern that emphasises the linear design of the tiles. Alignment’s cleverly textured cut and loop pile construction gives the carpet tile a distinct directional theme. In this instance, the visual effect was

enhanced multiplied by laying contrasting colourways side by side, to create flooring zones separated by smooth flowing curves, hand cut on site by contractors Hi-Tech Flooring Ltd. In the lecture theatre and circulation areas, 400m2 of Westbond Flex in a bespoke pink shade was installed, while 120m2 of Westbond Flex in a specially commissioned bright green tone was fitted in breakout rooms.

Westbond Flex offers a unique opportunity to create completely individual ‘flecked’ tiles using up to four contrasting or complementary tone-on-tone shades, selected from the 144 rich shades of the Westbond Colour collection or custom dyed to match exact specifications. Order quantities start from just 1m2.

EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS [ 17

www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/moreinfo

Westbond Natural tiles with their rich blend of natural, undyed wool were a sustainable and attractive choice for the Campus Centre’s management suite. As a rapidly renewable resource, wool is one of the most environmentally friendly flooring materials available. In addition, the backing of the Westbond Natural tiles comprises up to 74% recycled material, further bolstering the ecocredentials of the product.

To complete the flooring specification, Forbo’s Safestep R11 safety flooring was installed in the kitchen and food service areas, and Coral Brush Activ and Nuway Tuftiguard rigid engineered mats were used to create an integrated entrance flooring system. Nick Perkins, Sales Director at Hi-Tech Flooring Ltd, commented: “On a project like this, with so many elements to piece together, it was very reassuring to know that we were sourcing everything from

one supplier who wouldn’t let us down. The fact that Forbo offer an integrated portfolio really helped streamline the whole ordering process – the made-to-order Westbond tiles in particular were turned around very quickly and the colours work really well together.”

Ash Carline, Capital Projects Manager at the University of Bedfordshire, said: “Overall we are very pleased with the flooring throughout the new Campus Centre and are potentially looking to re-specify some of the products on future projects.”

Enquiry No 13

18 [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

www.fike.com/corporate/subukfst.asp#

Safer Students, Less Disruption, Lower Costs Devising a cost-effective fire alarm system for houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs) that combines reliability with minimum disruption from false alarms has, until now, been an impossible challenge.

However, as Alan Locke of Fike explains, recent developments in twowire alarm systems offer a complete solution.

If there’s one common factor that applies to virtually all HMOs, it’s that the budget for the fire alarm installation is invariably tight. This often leads to the automatic conclusion that a conventional system is the only choice. However, conventional systems offer limited functionality which often means that they produce many unnecessary alarms. But what if there was a fire alarm system more versatile than a conventional system and far less costly for small installations, than an addressable system?

In fact, there is – the two-wire or bi-wire system. Components for two-wire fire alarm systems cost only a little more than those for conventional systems, and there are big savings to be made on installation costs. This is because two-wire systems use inexpensive cabling and because the detectors, manual call points, sounders and beacons all share the same cable. This means that the overall cost of a two-wire installation is almost invariably lower than that of a conventional system for the same application.

And the benefits don’t end with the price; the best two-wire systems also offer extra functionality that is particularly useful in HMOs. First of all, control panels for two-wire systems are typically available with four or eight zones. A four-zone panel is a good choice, for example, in an HMO with three apartments, since each apartment can have its own zone, while the fourth zone is allocated to the hallways, stairways and other common areas.

While it won’t show which individual detector has been operated, this arrangement will show in which apartment the actuation has taken place and, in the best systems, it will also show whether the actuation originates from an automatic detector or a manual call point. In

fact, the best two-wire systems can go even further by responding selectively to alarm signals. For example, one of these sophisticated two-wire systems could be configured so that a fire signal from any manual call point or from an automatic detector in the common areas instantly triggers sounders and beacons throughout the premises, whereas a fire signal from an automatic detector in one of the apartments triggers the sounders and beacons in that apartment only.

If, however, the fire signal from the apartment persists for, say, one minute, the alarm is then raised throughout the premises.

This mode of delayed alarm operation complies fully with Part 1 and Part 6 of the appropriate British Standard. Another valuable feature of good two-wire alarm systems is their use of dual-function detectors that incorporate both smoke and heat sensors.

These are usually factory set to give a balance between the detection functions that typically provides a fast response to real fires while minimising the risk of false operation. However, not all situations are typical, and the best of these dual function detectors allow the installer to adjust the balance between heat and smoke detection to suit the operating environment. Once again, this can be very useful in HMOs, where a reduced sensitivity to smoke – and hence steam – in cooking areas can minimise the risk of false alarms without compromising overall fire detection efficiency.

In summary, the latest two-wire fire alarm systems, such as Fike’s TwinflexPro, offer important benefits for applications in HMOs. They’re versatile, they can respond selectively to alarm signals, and they use detectors that can be fine-tuned to suit their environment.

Despite all of these benefits, in most cases they actually cost less to install than a basic conventional system. Put simply, for HMOs, twowire alarms are simply the best.

Enquiry No 14

HEAlTHCARE BUILDINGS [ 19

Securistyle Featured in Queen Elizabeth University Hospital

Interserve Awards 5th Off-Site Construction Contract To Yorkon Yorkon has been awarded its fifth contract in the healthcare sector by Interserve Construction. The project is also Yorkon’s second scheme at Harrogate District Hospital. This latest ProCure21 project is to provide a maxillofacial unit to treat patients requiring correction for conditions to the head, neck, face and jaws. The off-site approach will cut the time on site to just two months, significantly reducing any disruption to the hospital. The single-storey building is being craned into position in only two days using a 350-tonne crane as this is a highly constrained site enclosed on three sides. The steel-framed modules will arrive on site complete with first fix mechanical and electrical services, partitions, doors and windows. www.yorkon.info Enquiry No 15

Securistyle, manufacturer of quality, innovative hardware, was specified on the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Birmingham among many other prestigious projects. The company’s Parallel Hinge System was chosen for the ventilation benefits it offers but also because it allows the aesthetics of the reflective design to be maintained, even when the windows are open. Ken Evans, National Specification Manager at Securistyle explains: “Our Parallel Hinge System is proving popular in many different applications but schools and hospitals particularly favour them because they allow natural ventilation through an open window, without the risk of any occupants of the building falling. The hinge is manufactured from high grade 304 austenitic stainless steel for strength and excellent corrosion resistance.” www.securistyle.co.uk Enquiry No 16

Impact Protection Sheet – A Long Term Solution As maintenance and estate managers consider how far their budgets will stretch, there is one product on the market that will ensure their budget is maximised. Impact protection sheet, from Intastop Ltd, provides the perfect solution for unsightly or damaged walls and doors. This product benefits from being highly impact resistant, available with a wipe clean anti-graffiti and anti-bacterial coating, class ‘O’ fire rated; tested to BS476 parts 6 and 7 and can be totally bespoke. It is safe and durable and can be made to fit any decorative requirements. It is available as smooth or textured and can be digitally printed, it can be ordered cut to size, shape or simply and easily cut on site. There is also the option of a post formed, fully clad door set. www.intastop.com Enquiry No 17

RSL Announce The Launch Of A Brand New Decorative Product Range Dry Fix Valleys Best For Complex Job At Care Home A high quality roofing solutions company has chosen Hambleside Danelaw’s Dry Fix mortarless GRP Valley Trough for a complicated roof on a Buckinghamshire care home. Malone Roofing went for the sustainable and quality solution offered by the British roofing products manufacturer when working in partnership with Castleoak on Lent Rise House, a new 60-bed care home in Burnham that forms part of Buckinghamshire County Council’s major Project Care reprovisioning programme. Alan Stagg of Malone Roofing said: “The new care home has a complicated roof by industry standards so we needed roofing and ventilation products that were ideal for a complex job.” www.hambleside-danelaw.co.uk Enquiry No 18

Resin Surfaces Limited (RSL) are proud to bring to the market an innovative new range of decorative resin quartz screeds.

The Decora range of products provide the hard wearing functionality and performance of traditional resin flooring systems in combination with an attractive, decorative finish. The Decora Quartz range will include a number of products which will be launched throughout the year, the first two products to be launched in the range are, Decora MS a decorative trowel applied, epoxy resin mortar screed and Decora BC a multi-component decorative broadcast system. Both of these products provide a seamless hard wearing surface with a gloss finish as standard. A matt finish is also available. www.resinsurfaces.co.uk Enquiry No 19

20 [ leisure BUILDINGS

www.victaulic.com

Victaulic Takes The Honours at Sports Arena And Velodrome Changing from standard welding and flanging to the grooved system and prefabricating off site were key to the successful provision of HVAC services at Glasgow’s major new sports complex.

Glasgow’s £95 million 5000-seat Commonwealth Sports Arena and adjacent 2000-seat Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome are a world-class facility.

SPIE Matthew Hall provided all the HVAC piping services. The largescale project comprised a chilled water plantroom and boilerhouse, housing a total of 19 pumps, and several kilometers of distribution pipework.

To meet the demanding construction schedule the contractor needed a reliable system that was quick and easy to install. The complexity of the project also made it essential to accommodate design changes quickly and easily. Lack of space in the mechanical rooms – both for plant and for people to work - was a key constraint: the need to install large plant into confined spaces called for the elimination of cumbersome pipework and fittings, and for as much work as possible to be done off site.

The solution was to change from the original specification for standard welding and flanging to grooved technology and prefabricate in a bespoke off-site centre. Engineering services were installed using a range of Victaulic rigid and flexible couplings, valves, strainers, mechanical tees and elbows on BS1387 steel pipe from 65mm – 500mm in diameter.

Up to 95% of the entire installation was prefabricated off site and delivered as and when needed on the jobsite. This included pipe spools and pre-assembled modules for the boiler room and chiller room, all the risers and the main pipe runs from the risers to the floors.

Tightness of space in the energy centres was overcome by using grooved components to replace bulky welded/flanged items and cut down the amount of pipework required.

Pumps and chiller units were pre-assembled with valves and fittings in the prefabrication shop. The use of butterfly valves saved weight, whilst the facility to close-couple valves reduced the number of pipe spools needed, and the potential for joint leaks.

To reduce noise and vibration, three flexible couplings were installed on either side of each pump and chiller in place of traditional rubber bellows. Small and light but with high integral strength for maximum reliability, the couplings saved space and reduced installation time.

There was a substantial saving by not having to purchase rubber bellows. Avoiding complex bracketry which is needed to support pipework on top of bellows was an added factor in reducing cost, time and footprint.

Where possible, the contractor used ‘installation-ready’ couplings which forms a strong, reliable joint without the need to disassemble and reassemble bolts, nuts, gasket and housings. With no loose parts to drop or mislay, they made work on the jobsite quicker and more efficient.

The project successfully met a set of challenging criteria to achieve a fit-for-purpose solution on time and on budget. A flagship project for SPIE Mathew Hall in the UK, the installation has not only convinced the team to tackle similar projects in the same way but has also attracted the attention of SPIE in France.

It is an excellent example of the benefits of taking a non-traditional approach: using grooved-end pipe-joining systems in preference to welding and flanging, combined with extensive prefabrication.

Prefabrication delivered major productivity gains: creating the best possible working environment enabled the optimum organization of work and utilization of skills and machinery.

For example, three people were employed exclusively on pipe preparation, keeping a grooving machine and hydraulic pump fully utilised, whilst others carried out assembly. Preparing pipes in batches according to diameter maximized equipment utilization and reduced machine set-up and change-over times.

Around 2,500 pipe spools were prefabricated in six weeks on a 12hour, seven-day shift system. Manufacture in a controlled environment meant that all tasks were carried out at a safe working height. Delivery of prefabricated work where and when required reduced materials handling and the potential for accidents on site.

This practice also improved on-site productivity and efficiency.

Because modules were pressure tested, dry fitted and checked offsite and transported to the job site ready for installation, time, space and special facilities required for other operations were eliminated so workers could readily complete the final assembly.

Enquiry No 20

Door Hardware  Shower Hardware  Railing Hardware  Glass and Glazing Supplies 

Install Glass Balustrades with Ease...

The TAPER-LOC® System is the simple way to install glass railings and balustrades*.

Enquiry No 21

• 50% faster to install than traditional alternatives • Save Time & Money - The horizontal taper-loc design allows the system to be adjusted, dismantled and re-set

Conforms to BS 6180:1999 & BS 6399-1:1996

• Meets the strictest building code requirements BS6180:1999 and BS6399-1:1996

Ready...

Set...

Done.

Patented

GENERAL CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION ADMISSION

t: 00 800 0421 6144

e: CRL@crlaurence.co.uk

*For toughened/toughened laminated glass from 12mm-25.52mm thick

taperloc.co.uk

22 [ leisure BUILDINGS

STYROFOAM To Share In The Glory Of The London 2012 Olympic And Paralympic Games With less than 100 days to go before this summer’s London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Dow Building Solutions team can tell family and friends that their STYROFOAM products will have a part to play. Thousands of STYROFOAM-A insulation boards made at Dow’s manufacturing site in King’s Lynn have been installed on several structures within the London 2012 Olympic Park, as well as the neighbouring Westfield Stratford City shopping centre. The insulation is designed to help make the buildings on the Olympic Park more energy efficient and the roofs more durable; which will be particularly important as they transform from temporary to permanent use. Structures insulated with STYROFOAM materials include the Olympic Stadium, the International Media Centre, the Copper Box (Handball Arena) and more than half of the roofs on the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Village. www.styrofoam.co.uk Enquiry No 22

Sika Paves The Way At Glasgow’s New Transport Museum Sika® Pave, a unique paving bedding and grouting system from Sika Limited, was used for laying the large areas of granite slabs around the stunning new Riverside Museum, Scotland’s Museum of Transport and Travel, located on the waterfront at Pointhouse Quay on the River Clyde in Glasgow. Because of their size and weight, the large granite slabs provided a challenge to the contractors, Land Engineering, to bed them evenly in place and allow following trades to traffic them during the construction process without causing damage. The Sika® Pave system overcomes failure problems associated with traditional bedding systems.

In the Sika® Pave system, a spherical lightweight aggregate is used as a bedding medium rather than using a bedding mortar. This allows the bedding to be carried out regardless of weather, as there is no cementitious product to be affected. www.sikaconcreteadmixtures.co.uk

Yeoman Shield ‘Checks’ In At Prestigious New Hotel Yeoman Shield wall and door protection products have been fitted into the recently opened £24m flagship Hotel La Tour in Birmingham including Corner Protection Angles, and Door and Wall Protection in the hotel’s service corridor, store and staff rest room.

The hotel’s maintenance manager Charlie Wilson said: “Installing Yeoman Shield before damage has occurred will help us to keep the internal fabric of our new building in good condition and cut back on the need to spend on expensive and time consuming remedial work.” www.yeomanshield.com Enquiry No 25

Enquiry No 23

Mapei Takes Centre Stage At The Royal Shakespeare Theatre As Mapei celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, they can look back in retrospect at their contribution to many of the world’s most prestigious projects. This includes the Grade II listed Royal Shakespeare Theatre (RST) in Stratford where Mapei played a considerable part in its £112.8m refurbishment.

The award winning RST, which was designed

by Bennetts Associates Architects, has been transformed to create a magnificent, interactive experience for the 1,000 seat audience.

A full system of Mapei products were utilised; from mortar repair and priming through to the adhesive.

Mapei supplied products used to prepare the refurbished flooring for the heavy weight bearing and high footfall conditions characteristic of a tourist attraction.With the application of Mapei’s quality products, the RST has been transformed, realising the Royal Shakespeare Company’s vision. Since opening, the theatre has attracted enormous interest and audiences have been wowed by both the buildings transformation and the plays themselves. www.mapei.co.uk

Townscape Supplies Anti-Terrorist Protection

Enquiry No 24

Enquiry No 26

TOWNSCAPE Products Limited is helping to safeguard one of the UK’s highest profile new visitor attractions against the threat of terrorism. Townscape is supplying 47 Counter Terror (CT) Blocks, designed to stop vehicle-based attacks, to Titanic Belfast, one of Northern Ireland’s signature tourism projects.

Townscape’s CT Blocks each weigh in at 2.2 tonnes and are made using a special mix of aggregates designed for ultimate strength. The CT Blocks only require minimal groundwork due to their low profile foundation, making them cost effective to install without compromising on security. CT Blocks are positioned where a building is vulnerable to vehicular incursion and meet the PAS 68 Standard for vehicle immobilisation. www.townscape24.com

leisure BUILDINGS [ 23

www.geze.co.uk

Geze UK Vanishes At Portrait Gallery The Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh has reopened following a £17.6m restoration project and GEZE UK is nowhere to be seen – as its automatic operators have been completely hidden from view.

During the first major refurbishment in the gallery's 120-year history, architects Page and Park designed two internal entrances in which the automatic operators would be completely invisible and specialist façade company Charles Henshaw & Sons turned to GEZE UK to help them achieve the impossible.

Two bi-parting sliding all-glass doors were fitted at each entrance, together with two bespoke Slimdrive SL automatic operators which were adapted to ensure they could be completely hidden from view.

Designed and assembled at GEZE UK’s headquarters, the modified operators allowed the doors to slide in between the steel C sections, so the doors could disappear into the gap in the steelwork. This creates the impression that the doors magically slide into the wall, as well as creating the maximum possible opening width in the space available.

Part of GEZE’s popular Slimdrive range, the operators are just 7cm high and have been designed and tested to meet the requirements of all relevant standards and regulations, including Building Bulletin 93, Approved Documents B and M, as well as assisting with the vigorous demands of the Equality Act.

Graham Chung, Sales Director at Edinburgh based façade specialists, Charles Henshaw said: “We were delighted with the overall effect that we were able to achieve using the Slimdrive SLs. You really can’t see the operator at all and it’s a magical effect that adds to the atmosphere of this magnificent building. We needed a product that could be easily hidden and a partner that we could trust to deliver a reliable, safe and stylish solution for this prestigious and high profile project – GEZE UK was the ideal choice.”

GEZE UK’s operations director Simon Bowden said: “The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is part of Edinburgh’s architectural history and this refurbishment is a delicate blend of tradition and minimalism. By hiding the operators and sliding the doors into the wall, we achieved both an amazing visual effect, but also provided the biggest opening width possible to meet the museum’s safety, footfall and access needs.”

Enquiry No 27

24 [ OPINION

Article By: Steve Leonard, Managing Director, Ledaire Fabrications

SAFE KITCHEN VENTILATION

Restaurants in public buildings are a success story for UK plc, but there are health and safety concerns about working in a busy commercial kitchen. There are three types of risk - to staff health, to food hygiene and to diners. In all situations efficient ventilation is vital; expelling fumes while bringing in fresh, clean air for a comfortable, safe environment.

The HSE information sheet “Ventilation of kitchens in catering establishments” gives extensive advice on good ventilation practice. Removal of “used” air and fumes must be balanced by introducing fresh air, but this must come from “clean” areas and cause no uncomfortable draughts. Complementing the HSE advice are relevant publications from the Heating & Ventilating Contractors Association: DW/172 is a “Standard for kitchen ventilation systems”, while TR/17 is a “Guide to good practice, cleanliness of ventilation systems”.

Systems must comply with British Standard BS6173:2009, which requires interlocking of mechanical ventilation systems and gas supplies for all types of commercial kitchen appliance, preventing a gas appliance from being switched on before the ventilation system is operating. Besides evacuating fumes, systems need to avoid a build-up of grease in ducting and prevent insect pests being drawn in with replacement air. Most cooking oils flash off inflammable vapours above 200oC, and this flashpoint reduces with oxidation from repeated use, while differing cooking styles produce different mixtures of grease and vapour. Prevention of grease accumulation is very important. If not addressed, it provides a feeding ground for bacteria and insects and also accelerates fires.

Many grease filtration options are available and fire suppression systems can also be built into hoods. However, filtration is only fully effective in conjunction with regular maintenance, and performance can be enhanced with the right choice of hood. HSE recommends a kitchen ventilation rate of at least 17.5 litre/s/m2 of floor area, or 30 air changes per hour. This is fine in summer, but not in winter when more controllable ventilation may be desired.

A basic hood will extract a given volume of fume-laden air, together with its heat, but induction hoods partly separate fume extraction from ventilation. They draw in fresh air for high-velocity discharge into the hood, which creates a lowpressure zone over the work area and helps to extract fumes via the hood and filters. Only 20% of extracted air comes from the kitchen, so energy is conserved, although induced air can also be used for ventilation as required. Using atmospheric air in this way improves filtration efficiency as the bulk gas temperature is lowered, helping suspended grease condense on filter elements. www.ledaire.com

OPINION [ 25

Article By: John Pyatt, Managing Director, Crittall Windows

VAT CHANGES ‘COULD DECIMATE ‘ HERITAGE STOCK SAYS CRITTALL The UK’s leading steel windows manufacturer has warned that Government plans to charge VAT on alterations to listed buildings could decimate the country’s stock of heritage properties.

John Pyatt, Managing Director of Essex-based Crittall Windows, said the proposals, due to come into force this October, would prevent much needed building work from going ahead or, even worse, could force some property owners to give sensitive heritage projects to cowboy builders.

The Government wants to charge 20% VAT on alterations to historic buildings that have been listed by English Heritage precisely to protect them from shoddy and inappropriate worksmanship. At present, alterations are VAT-free but restoration work to listed buildings is charged VAT at the full rate.

The Treasury argues that its plans merely make the situation more consistent. John Pyatt points out the hidden danger: he says: “The Treasury thinks that it is perverse for repairs to be taxable while alterations are not but unless heritage buildings are sensitively renewed to make them relevant and practical for the 21st century, they will fall into disuse. Repairs alone are pointless to a building that has no function.”

The Government’s VAT plans have sparked a major controversy and brought roars of disapproval from dozens of national organisations concerned with the care of Britain’s world-beating stock of historic buildings, from major castles and colleges to tiny cottages and cow byres.

The Church of England also raised its concerns and won a concession from Chancellor George Osborne who said he would not budge on the VAT plans but would make extra funds available to re-imburse the church authorities for some of their extra costs.

Owners of all other types of listed building, numbering more than a quarter of a million, have been ignored and will face possibly crippling costs in future if they want to carry out alterations.

John Pyatt denounced the VAT plans as a Treasury money-making scheme. “It will signal a depreciation in the buildings that make this country a haven for tourists,” he said. “Either work will not be done, or it will be done on the cheap by non-VAT registered builders. Admission charges to historic sites will have to go up to meet the extra tax, and voluntary groups and charities trying to improve historic structures for local community use will find their fund-raising tasks so much harder.” www.crittall-windows.co.uk

26 [ NEWS

Lindapter® Hollo-Bolt®: Now CE Marked Lindapter® is delighted to announce the CE marking of the Hollo-Bolt®, giving Engineers, Architects and Contractors additional confidence in specifying the popular connection for Structural Hollow Section (SHS). The Hollo-Bolt is the first steelwork ‘blind fixing’ of its kind to attain CE marking, proving that Lindapter is at the forefront of product development. The accomplishment follows a thorough and independent assessment of Lindapter’s Factory Production Control System and a detailed analysis of the HolloBolt’s performance.

Hexagonal, Flush Fit, Countersunk and Button/Security head variants in lengths 1, 2 and 3 are covered by the European Technical Approval (ETA) 10/0416. Structural Engineers can now design Hollo-Bolt connections to the Eurocode 3 standard by using the characteristic values of tensile and shear resistance, featured in both the latest Lindapter catalogue and the New Hollo-Bolt Brochure.

The Hollo-Bolt’s wide product range provides specifiers with a connection solution to suit many applications. For instance, Lindapter’s patented Flush Fit Hollo-bolt offers an aesthetic finish, particularly suited to Architects. www.lindapter.com Enquiry No 28

Commons Committee Calls For CO Alarms The House of Commons Communities and Local Government Committee has added to pressures for a change to Building Regulations requiring hard-wired carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in all new homes. In its March review, the CLG Committee picked up on discrepancies in approach between Building Regulations and the new ‘Green Deal’ standard. Under the Part J Approved Document, which applies to England and Wales, CO alarms are only required with new or replacement fixed solid fuel heating appliances.

In contrast, the new Green Deal ‘Installer Standard’ will include a requirement for installers to assess the impact of their work on air-tightness and any associated increased risks of CO poisoning, irrespective of fuel type. If there is any increase, a CO alarm must be installed.

By its very nature, carbon monoxide justifies exactly the same approach. Building Regulations should demand CO alarms in new homes and wherever any combustion appliance is fitted in existing dwellings, not just focus on specific risks such as solid fuel heating. The logical solution is a comprehensive system of hard-wired smoke, heat and CO alarms in every home. This can be accommodated by the latest products such as ‘Smart Interconnect’ which enables a number of Kidde Fyrnetics hardwired CO, smoke and heat alarms to be interconnected. More information is available in a new guide ‘FIRE & CO SAFETY IN HOUSING’ available via: www.smoke-alarms.co.uk Enquiry No 29

NEWS [ 27

Proving Permeable Paving Important research into the long-term performance of a Europe-funded showcase Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) scheme highlights the robust performance of concrete block permeable paving. It also suggests much longer maintenance intervals – and lower whole-life costs – than are currently applied. A new case study on the project has been published by Interpave, available to download from www.paving.org. uk The Lamb Drove SuDS Monitoring project in Cambourne, Cambridgeshire, is important for a number of reasons. Despite the modest size of the site, it demonstrates the use of as many Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) techniques as possible, including concrete block permeable paving, used in combination to form an effective management train. Despite being retro-fitted to a conventional housing layout, the SuDS are fully integrated with landscaping, proving to be both popular with residents and effective.

Cambridgeshire County Council subsequently commissioned research from 2008 to 2011, measuring the performance of the SuDS over time. This research aimed to assess the outcomes of using various SuDS techniques in a management train, compared with those of a conventional piped drainage system on a similar, adjacent development. Most importantly, this research demonstrates that SuDS work and should cost less than conventional piped drainage in terms of initial, maintenance and whole-life costs. In fact, the project is cited in Defra’s Consultation on The National Standards for SuDS in those terms.

The trade association Interpave has just published a new case study discussing the Cambourne project and summarising the research results. Interpave has been involved in the development of permeable paving technology for SuDS from the start and provides a comprehensive and definitive information resource, including case studies and technical guidance, via www.paving.org.uk Enquiry No 30

Tolent Development Wins National Site Award Tolent Construction’s Project Manager, Ian Thorpe, picked up a Bronze at the Considerate Constructors Scheme 2012 National Site Awards for standards maintained at a youth centre development in Manchester, placing it in the top 7.5 per cent of over 8,500 registered UK sites completed in 2011.

Held at a ceremony in Manchester, awards were presented to a select number of sites that showed the highest levels of consideration towards their local neighbourhood, the public, their workforce and the environment. Tolent’s Bronze was given to the Factory Youth Zone facility in Harpurhey which Tolent built last year as one of a series of North West Youth Zone Projects set up by the OnSide charity. Ian Thorpe commented: “The National Site Award represents a fantastic achievement for Tolent at the Factory Youth Zone. Tolent is a company which takes immense pride in maintaining high standards in every aspect of its site operations. It is very gratifying for everyone involved to receive official recognition of this.”

Chairman of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, Robert Biggs, commented on the 2012 award winners: “It would, perhaps, have been understandable if the very difficult economic situation had caused standards to fall a little in recent times, but in fact the candidates for the 2012 National Site Awards have proved the complete opposite. Innovation and sheer effort clearly thrive in all areas and the bar has been raised yet again. The award winners this year should be particularly proud of their achievement, and I congratulate them heartily.” www.tolent.co.uk Enquiry No 31

28 [ NEWS

Xpelair’s Carbonlite Range Goes Commercial Xpelair Ventilation Solutions has launched the GX EC3 range, its first fan range to feature in Xpelair’s Carbonlite commercial family. The GX EC3 models are Ideal for large domestic and commercial applications as they have been designed to significantly reduce carbon emissions and aid compliance with the latest Building Regulations. The range employs the latest advances that have been made in motor technology and features the Ultra EC motor, which is one of the most efficient on the market. The GX EC3 range is available in 6 and 9 inch options and comes in a number of variants, all of which have actuated thermo backdraught shutters to protect against noise and draught, finger guards for increased safety and feature a sleek new grille for improved aesthetic appeal. The available variations include the GX6 EC3 two speed extract fan, the GX6 EC3R, which is Xpelair’s first single speed intake or extract model and the multi-speed GX9 EC3, which can be controlled using the Xpelair MS2 offering additional versatility and style. www.xpelair.co.uk Enquiry No 32

Steadmans Adds New 120Mm Option To As35 Range Of Insulated Panels

Enquiry No 33

Brett Landscaping is offering free, half day training sessions for SUDS Approval Bodies (SAB’s) to help them better understand permeable paving design, construction and maintenance. The sessions have been created in response to the 2010 Flood and Water Management Act which requires the formation of SAB’s that will evaluate and approve SUDS in all new developments as well as adopting and maintaining SUDS schemes which service more than one property.

The sessions are on offer for a limited period only and require the SAB’s to provide a suitable training venue.

To book please contact Brett Landscaping on project.designer@brett.co.uk www.brettpaving.co.uk Enquiry No 35

Jangro 2012 Catalogue – The buyers’ A-Z New from Jangro is the 2012, 176 page full colour illustrated product catalogue. It contains 4,000 products including 1,150 new lines and is the most comprehensive illustrated product directory in the industry. Jangro is the UK’s leading group of independent distributors of hygiene, cleaning, janitorial and catering supplies with 41 privately owned, regional depots. It offers the advantages of group buying, local delivery and personal service.

This is the away-from-home buyers’ guide for washroom, housekeeping, kitchen hygiene, catering, floor care, waste management, window cleaning, industrial cleaning, wiping, health and safety products, personal protective equipment and workwear.

New this year are sections on recycling bins, nursing and care products and energy saving vacs. New products include the Great Value Contract range of chemicals for cleaning contractors, and a selection of Specialist Enviro concentrates. www.jangro.net Product Catalogue 2012/13

Building products manufacturer Steadmans has introduced a 120mm thick option with a U-value of 0.17 into its AS35 range of insulated panels. The new panel option is now the thickest in the AS35 range and expands the choice to eight variants of depth in which the panels can be specified. The options now range from a 40mm panel with a U-value of 0.50 up to the 0.17 U-value 120mm panel. AS35 panels are formed with PIR insulation which is laid down between the weather sheet and liner on the production line. The PIR expands to a high performance insulation core and bonds to the steel facings forming a strong rigid panel. Steadmans’ AS35 panels are widely used to form roofs down to a four-degree pitch and walls. Steadmans’ insulated panels are available in a wide range of colours and finishes, including Dobel Nova and plastisol. www.steadmans.co.uk

Brett Offers Free Suds Training For SAB’s

Hygiene Solutions for a cleaner environment Washroom

Housekeeping

Kitchen Hygiene Catering

Floor Care

Waste Management Window Cleaning

Industrial & Vehicle Cleaning Wiping

Nursing & Care

Health & Safety

PPE & Workwear

RigiSystems LokFacade – Now With Micro-Ribs RigiSysytems LokFacade is now available with a micro-ribbed profile, which provides a very pleasing appearance as well as helping to avoid deformation of the profile when using lighter materials. LokFacade is designed to provide a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing cladding solution for soffits, fascias, canopies and external walls. The new micro-ribbed finish now offers even greater aesthetic appeal and improved performance.

Available in a standard width of 300mm, LokFacade can also be supplied in an almost limitless range of non-standard widths from 150 to 900mm and provides a cost-effective solution for both newbuild and refurbishment projects. LokFacade is available with two basic formats, designed to fit either flush or with a shadow line.

Micro-ribbed is available on both flush and shadow line finish. www.rigisystems.org Enquiry No 34

Enquiry No 36

NEWS [ 29

VEKA Hits Scotland With CPD Seminar Roadshow Following on from a successful start to its CPD Road Seminars in Manchester and London, VEKA more recently headed to Scotland to continue its tour of the UK, where its Construction CPD Certification Service Road Seminar was held in Glasgow on 23rd May and Edinburgh on 24th May. The industryleading systems supplier is holding a series of Road Seminar events across major cities in the UK throughout 2012 and, according to VEKA's Head of Commercial Sales, Richard Garland, the roadshows have already got off to a great start: “The Manchester and London CPD Seminars, Sustainable and Energy Efficient Fenestrations Solutions, which were held in March attracted more than 100 architects and specifiers.

The CPD Road Seminars that the VEKA Commercial Team are holding will provide support and additional services to architects and specifiers all over the country, helping them stay abreast of any changes within the industry, broadening their understanding of a particular subject.” www.vekauk.com Enquiry No 37

KAC Celebrates 40 Years Of UK Design And Manufacturing KAC Alarm Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of call points and audible visible warning devices used in fire systems and other industrial applications, is celebrating its fortieth anniversary at its UK manufacturing base in Redditch. The company was responsible for developing an innovative new product design that quickly replaced the original, “break glass” devices in use at the time. So successful was the concept that it was rapidly adopted as the de facto industry standard used by all manufacturers. The technology of manual call points has advanced along with the rest of the fire industry. www.kac.co.uk Enquiry No 38

SE Controls Provides A Creative Environment At New University Design Centre Students at Loughborough University’s recently completed East Park Design School building are being helped in their studies by an integrated natural ventilation system from SE Controls, which ensures that carbon dioxide (CO2) and is kept in check and indoor air quality levels are maintained. The £14.7 million building uses informal design themes and layouts to create an ‘inspirational environment’ as well as providing practical work spaces, design studios, lecture theatres and workshops.

A key consideration for the design school was ensuring that levels remained within the appropriate limits to ensure that students’ abilities are not impaired by poor indoor air quality. Also, the building was conceived from the outset as a low carbon structure with minimum emissions, so utilises a range of energy efficient technologies including solar shading, insulated glazing and SE Controls’ natural ventilation solution.

The extensive natural ventilation control and actuation system was designed and installed by SE Controls to not only manage the CO2 levels, but also ensure the temperature within the building is maintained within comfortable limits by using precise incremental control over the entire natural ventilation system.

To achieve these key goals, SE Controls installed over 400 chain actuators over the ground, first and second floors to control high level vertical vents in laboratories, offices and study areas, as well as the design school’s workshops and computer room. Automatic louvres are also installed in ground floor public areas and meeting rooms while a further 48 chain and linear actuators in the building’s extensive glazed atrium vents provide ventilation to the atrium space below. The entire system is controlled by a series of SE Controls’ OS2 networked control units and an OS2 modular panel for the atrium vents, which are seamlessly linked into the buildings BMS. This not only monitors CO2 and temperature, but also signals the actuation of the vents and louvres to maintain the levels within the system’s upper and lower set points. www.secontrols.com Enquiry No 39

30 [ PRODUCT NEWS

www.timber-expo.co.uk

Connect, Collaborate, Construct – Timber Expo 2012 For two full days in September, Timber Expo will be the hub of the UK timber industry and after its extremely positive and successful launch year is set to be an even bigger and better event.

Timber Expo 2012 will take place again at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on the 25 & 26 September 2012 with added floor space and an exciting programme of timber-related activity – including seminars, networking and Meet The Speaker areas, technical tours and demonstrations all taking place within the main exhibition area.

With more than 5,000 visitors expected, including architects, specifiers, engineers and contractors plus central government departments and local authorities, all four corners of the timber sector will be represented for all attendees to promote, learn and experience why timber is the number one commercially available low carbon construction material.

Timber Expo will reveal the widest and most comprehensive display of applications for timber within the built environment – new technologies, new products and new business. All alongside the accompanying seminar programme that will include some of the leading industry thought leaders discussing issues pressing this dynamic sector.

Timber Expo has radically overhauled its programme of seminars for 2012, to make learning an even more central component of the exhibition. In 2012 all the seminars will be FREE and focused in the three theatres in the main exhibition at Coventry's Ricoh Arena.

And the theatres themselves will also be part of the communication and education process, comprising a UKSIPs theatre, a timber frame

design from Frame Wise and a third, soon to be announced timberbased build system.

While a number of seminars will be led by show sponsors, the majority will feature independent speakers, chosen for their knowledge and expertise in specific, topical areas alongside case-studies of projects drawn from the 2012 Wood Awards shortlist. There will also be a special Timber Innovation Gallery including successful projects and products from the Timber Expo/TRADA-sponsored TTJ Innovation Award 2012.

Issue-based seminars will cover a range of topics, including the government's flagship Green Deal, Part L amendments, the EU Timber Regulation, building information modelling (BIM), designing to Passivhaus and Fabric First principles, environmental product declarations (EPDs), CE marking and the EU Construction Products Regulation. Similarly wide-ranging will be the building product presentations including timber connections, SIPs, modified wood, decking and cladding, fixtures, adhesives and sealants.

“When we launched Timber Expo last year, we had no doubt that the time was right to seize the day and to give the timber industry its own show in the UK,” says Event Director, Loretta Sales. “This year the show is going to be a really vibrant and buzzing place to be. We are already 75% booked-up on a show that will be 50% bigger than last year. I think exhibitors and visitors are going to see a huge difference this year compared to last.”

The huge range of products on show will include timber frame, SIPs, Glulam, LVL, cross-laminated, timber protection products, flooring, cladding, decking and mouldings, doors and windows. The exhibitor list includes Platinum Sponsors, International Timber/Pasquill Timber Engineering, alongside major sponsors and industry experts including, Accsys Technologies, Balcas Timber Crown Timber, Coillte, ECC Timber, Lonza, James Latham, Frame Wise, Norbord, Osmose, PEFC, Senior Architectural Systems, Woodbridhe Timber Wiehag plus many others.

Enquiry No 40

PRODUCT NEWS [ 31

www.americansoftwoods.com

American Softwoods Species – Eastern White Pine A creamy straw-colour that will darken with age to a deep rich tan, eastern white pine is available in a wide range of grades and sizes. A mainstay of quality construction and fine woodworking, Eastern white pine is a favourite for cladding, panelling, mouldings and furniture.

White pine forests cover much of Northeast America and the wood is widely available. It has a medium texture and its weight ranges from 537 to 626 kg per cubic metre. With its fine grain and uniform texture, it has good manufacturing qualities and holds finishes well.

Eastern white pine is moderately resistant to heartwood decay. The heartwood is moderately resistant to preservative treatment, while the sapwood is permeable. Freshly cut white pine is creamy white or a pale straw color but pine wood which has aged many years tends to darken to a deep rich tan.

America’s forests currently produce over 80 million cubic metres of sawn timber a year, making America the largest producer in the world. About 10 per cent of this timber is exported overseas.

No other material can match wood’s unique benefits. It is light, strong, easy to work, affordable and good-looking. But, as sustainability and carbon reduction become increasingly important to all building activity, wood’s compelling environmental benefits are helping to make it today’s building material of choice: It is the world’s only naturally renewable mainstream building material It is the only building material to provide third party verification of sustainability, through international forest certification programmes such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), Sustainable Forestry

Initiative (SFI) and schemes such as the American Tree Farm System It is reusable, recyclable, can be used as biomass fuel and is biodegradable It has better insulation properties than other building materials Trees require less energy (and therefore CO2 emissions) to harvest and convert into finished products than any other construction material Growing trees remove CO2 from the atmosphere and give off lifesustaining oxygen Wood products store CO2, keeping it out of the atmosphere while stimulating the expansion of managed forests, which absorb yet more CO2.

Modern forestry management ensures not only that felled trees are replaced, but that every year more timber is produced in US forests than is harvested. As a result, the US has more trees today than 70 years ago. 1.6 billion seedlings are planted in the US every year, the equivalent of 4.4 million trees every single day of the year. The carbon sequestration during each tree’s growth more than offsets the total combined emissions from harvesting, processing and even transport of the timber to the EU from the US. American softwoods also offer a sustainable, fast growing and, when pressure treated, durable alternative to much more expensive tropical hardwoods, which can take three times as long to mature.

Watch for the new American Softwood species brochure, coming soon.

Enquiry No 41

32 [ PRODUCT NEWS

Portal Plus: Networkable Access Control System With More Choices Comar 7 Commercial Door Passes Security Tests Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems is pleased to announce that its Comar 7 Commercial Door has passed LPS 1175 SR 2 and the new security standard BS EN 1627 Class 3. They are also the first company to gain LPCB approval to EN 1627 (Pedestrian doorsets, windows, curtain walling, grilles and shutters. Burglar resistance. Requirements and classification).

LPCB stands for Loss Prevention Certification Board – a certification brand of BRE Global Limited. BS EN 1627 is the new European security standard that has recently been ratified by all member states. Achieving EN 1627 to Class 3 for aluminium door sets, offers optimum security and ensures that Comar 7 door sets meet the very latest security demands. www.comar-alu.co.uk Enquiry No 42

Videx Security’s Portal Plus is a networkable access control system with Windows based programming and management software. It can support up to 15000 users and an unlimited number of entrances. Portal Plus allows great flexibility in the design and installation of an access control system, with its modular design and a wide range of robust readers with the latest additions including an external (IP65 rated) finger print reader, a desk mount USB proximity fob/card enrollment reader, compact IP65 rated back lit keypads and Mifare readers compatible with Mifare Classic, Mifare Ultralight and MifareDesfire (13.56MHz). All readers have the same modern functional design and are available in a number of attractive finishes which will complement various decors. www.videx-security.com Enquiry No 43

Decent Homes Impact Study Shows Success Of Nationwide Windows’ Work With Nottingham City Homes With a 25 year heritage, Nationwide Windows is one of the UK's leading window and door suppliers to the social housing market. The company has been working closely with Nottingham City Homes (NCH) on its Secure Warm Modern programme - and results of the window and door replacement scheme have already earned both companies several prestigious awards.

The positive impact of the replacement work – one of the largest social housing refurbishment contracts in the UK - has been further endorsed by the results of an NCH with Nottingham Trent University Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Decent Homes Impact Study.

Adrian Pavey, Nationwide Windows’ Commercial Director comments: “We’re delighted with the results of this ground breaking study. It underlines that the cascade effect of replacing windows and doors goes much further than just removing draughts.

Key results include: Uplift to A rated windows from specification within original budget A 50% drop in burglaries after fitting Secured By Design windows Just under £2million savings on tenant fuel bills Saving to NCH of £241,800 due to reduced burglaries Improved property SAP rating of 68 out of 100 “Our products have to be high quality and energy efficient – that’s a given – but it’s the way we handle the contract and the tenant care that really counts. It’s often the softer, less tangible impacts like reduced fear of crime and overall better neighbourhoods that make the biggest difference to tenants and communities as a whole.” www.nationwidewindows.co.uk Enquiry No 44

PRODUCT NEWS [ 33

www.trendcontrols.com

Trend Helps Capgemini Take Control Of Its Energy Use Headquartered in Paris and with operations in 40 countries, Capgemini is one of the world’s largest management consulting, outsourcing, technology and professional services companies, with more than 115,000 staff. The company achieved revenues of €8.7bn in 2010 and has an enviable track record in helping blue chip organisations enhance their business processes. Capgemini creates and delivers business and technology solutions that fit the needs of their clients and drive the results they want. Capgemini takes its environmental and corporate social responsibilities very seriously and has defined and implemented a range of measures designed to minimise its carbon footprint. As well as being certified to EMAS and ISO 14001, it leads by example and has set a target of achieving a 20 per cent energy reduction target by 2014 from its 2008 levels.

As part of this programme, in January 2011 the company appointed Craig Hall as its UK Energy efficiency manager. Hall explains, ‘Capgemini Group spends in the region of €40m a year on utilities and 70 per cent of our electricity usage is linked to our data centres, in which we host our clients’ IT equipment. One of my first tasks when joining the company was to devise a strategy that would reduce the amount of energy consumed within the 14 Capgemini locations in the UK.’ Although the company already had a building management system (BMS) in place, it relied heavily on human interaction to ensure that energy use was being correctly controlled. Also, with no monitoring facility available it was very difficult to see exactly how much energy was being used.

Hall quickly realised that he needed a tool that could monitor and diagnose energy patterns and use, and called in Trend Controls to discuss how it could help achieve these objectives.

Trend Energy Manager is a powerful software based system that can be used to monitor energy use within a building. Energy and facilities managers (FMs) can use it to keep a close eye on the gas and electricity consumed by their building services and the effect it has on their carbon footprint. Meter readings and other Trend BEMS variables that are logged and automatically uploaded are its main source of data and it provides rapid reporting of incidences of energy overuse or indeed

issues with plant monitored by Trend. It can even be configured to suggest probable causes, which FMs can then act upon.

It is also a highly flexible solution. Trend Control’s product manager, Dave Field states, ‘Trend Energy Manager can be scaled to suit the size of application and it is a viable proposition for relatively small single buildings as well as large campuses and nationwide estates. As a webbased package it can be accessed by authorised users from virtually any location, via the Internet or an organisation’s Intranet.’

So as to better understand how energy is being used in Capgemini’s UK buildings, Hall and his team have entered into their Trend Energy Manager a variety of information such as utility tariffs, CO2 factor and cost and consumption targets. Normalisation criteria are also specified to allow comparisons between different areas within a building or different buildings, or to benchmark consumption against specific targets. Degree day data is also called up and entered to allow for differences in weather conditions when comparing the current year’s energy consumption with that of a previous year.

Capgemini’s team of internal FMs now use the data supplied by Trend Energy Manager to understand and react to the real-time energy profile of their buildings. This data can be manipulated and combined in a variety of ways and is presented in simple to understand graphical and tabular formats. Hall is particularly impressed by the ease of use of the system.

Capgemini’s UK energy reduction strategy is already seeing success and the company has managed an impressive 16.7 per cent energy reduction over 2011 – equating to a massive £250,000 in savings. Craig Hall concludes, ‘I’m delighted with what we have achieved so far and we will strive to better this during 2012. The Trend Energy Manager plays a key role in our efforts to reduce energy consumption and brings our entire energy reduction agenda to life.’

Enquiry No 45

EVC

34 [ PRODUCT NEWS

Aquatiere Has The Soft Touch The Aquatiere No Scale saltless water softener is steadily making its mark amongst architects and specifiers.

Recently installed at the National Railway Museum and on North Sea Oil Rigs, the innovative softener is proving invaluable where avoiding the need for the provision of salt and ongoing maintenance is an effective method to reduce costs. A conventional salt based softener can waste up to 180,000 litres of water over a few years.

The Aquatiere No Scale softener uses Template Assisted Crystallisation to change the limescale in the water to microscopic crystals of magnesium and calcium which in their natural seperated state, do not form hard scale. The unit is simply fitted onto the incoming water main and requires no power, no drain and no seperate drinking water tap. www.aquatiere.co.uk Enquiry No 46

Adaptable Flue Systems And Ease Of Installation Provide More Opportunities For Economaire One of the advantages of Johnson & Starley’s range of Economaire Warm Air Heaters is the adaptability they offer in terms of flue paths. Both horizontal and vertical flue options are available. There are six Economaire models. Standard Economaire features include the ECO electronic control system, an infinitely variable supply air fan and a self diagnostics panel. Central to the design is the electronic panel that uses digital technology and microprocessor control to provide management of flue gases and heat exchanger temperatures. As the system directly heats the air, warm up time is virtually immediate and system efficiency is optimised. Warm Air is introduced into a room via discreet registers, leaving wall space free for positioning of furniture. www.johnsonandstarley.co.uk

Wilo-Stratos GIGA – Helping Specifiers Meet Tomorrow’s Environmental Targets Today….

Wilo has launched the Wilo-Stratos GIGA in the UK. It’s another highly efficient pump product and it offers building designers the chance to easily optimize the energy costs and environmental balance of a building or industrial complex. With its hydraulic output and specification, the new Wilo-Stratos GIGA is ideal for commercial, industrial and residential buildings – in essence, any new building where energy consumption and emissions need to be reduced and any existing building where the current pumps are consuming far more electricity than they should in the current energy climate. It’s the first pump from Wilo’s new high-efficiency series for heating, cold-water and cooling applications, and it’s targeted at projects where energy saving pumps will pay significant dividends over a typically fifteen year lifecycle. www.wilo.co.uk Enquiry No 49

Enquiry No 47

Passivhaus Milestone For STYROFOAM In Rural Affordable Housing Scheme FLOORMATE™ 300-A – a STYROFOAM™-A insulation material manufactured by Dow Building Solutions – was used to insulate the UK’s first rural affordable housing scheme to gain Passivhaus certification: Ravenscroft in Wimbish, Essex. Produced at Dow’s facility at King’s Lynn, FLOORMATE 300-A was installed below the concrete floor slabs of the development which celebrates its first anniversary in summer 2012. FLOORMATE 300-A is highly durable with excellent moisture-resistance and compressive strength, enabling the insulation to perform outside the waterproofing envelope. Parsons & Whittley’s design for the development was based on FLOORMATE 300-A insulation running below the entire floor slab, solid aircrete external walls wrapped in over 250mm of foam insulation, and conventional insulated ceilings. www.wimbishpassivhaus.com. www.styrofoam.co.uk Enquiry No 48

Stelrad Unveils Radical Stelrad Radiators, the UK’s leading radiator manufacturer, has unveiled its brand new Radical radiator. Radical is the first genuinely energy efficient radiator on the marketplace, offering a 10.5% gas saving compared to a standard heating system, a fact independently confirmed by KIWA - and includes some very clever technology that makes it stand apart from the crowd. It’s the first ‘serial feed’ radiator on the UK market place and it’s an ideal companion to lower temperature renewable heating systems, with the return flow from the heating system to the boiler being at a lower temperature, ensuring that the condensing boiler is actually able to condense efficiently. www.stelrad.com Enquiry No 50

PRODUCT NEWS [ 35

www.nibe.co.uk

Glenlee’s Glee at NIBE Installation The Glenlee was built at the Bay Yard in Port Glasgow and was one of a group of 10 steel hulled sailing vessels built to a standard design for the Glasgow shipping firm of Archibald Sterling and Co. Limited.

She is a three masted barque and first took to the water as a bulk cargo carrier in 1896.

She operated as a training school until 1981 when she was laid up in Seville Harbour and largely forgotten!

A British naval architect saw her in Seville in 1990 and two years later, the Clyde Maritime Trust succeeded in buying her at auction for 5 million Pesetas (£40,000), with the intention of returning her to the Clyde to restore, preserve and display the ship under her original name of the SV Glenlee. The Glenlee is one of only 5 Clydebuilt, steel hulled, sailing ships that remain afloat in the world and she was restored over a six year period by the Clyde Maritime Trust’s paid and voluntary crew.

The Glenlee is now the centrepiece to the new Zaha Hadid designed Riverside Transport Museum in Glasgow and operates as visitor attraction, museum and event space under the name of “The Tall Ship”.

Part of the restoration involved finding a suitable method of providing space heating to the vessel and this is where the Clyde Maritime Trust called on Fusion Mechanical Services Limited, who are NIBE VIP

Installers and as a company, offer complete micro-renewable solutions.

The Clyde Maritime Trust’s brief to Fusion Mechanical Services Limited, was to provide a low cost solution that had the lowest environmental impact. From this, Fusion then designed a system that would be the most environmentally and commercially viable system applicable for such a unique project as this.

Fusion specified the NIBE F1330-30kW Ground Source Heat Pump, which is a three phase powerful heat pump, capable of providing for the full heating requirements of the vessel. The installation consists of three NIBE F1330-30kW heat pumps in total, which circulate a glycol fluid at low temperature (-9º deg C) through a bank of “slim jims” heat exchangers (imported from the U.S.A) that are suspended within the river from a pontoon floating alongside the ship.

These gather the latent heat from the river water to the heat pumps in the plant room of the ship, where it is used to heat a conventional hot water heating system, which provides the space heating for the Glenlee from a mix of radiators and fan coil units with local controls.

Enquiry No 51

36 [ PRODUCT NEWS

www.timoleon.co.uk

Timoleon Lowboard Underfloor Heating System Installed In Historic Lodge Holwood House, one of the grand mansions in the Bromley area, was built in 1825 to a design by Decimus Burton on the site of a previous house owned by William Pitt the Younger, Britain’s youngest Prime Minister elected in 1783. The present owner of most southerly of the three lodges has taken the opportunity to bring their central heating up to date by replacing the radiators with an underfloor heating (UFH) system.

Timoleon’s LowBoard system which is one of the slimmest water based underfloor heating systems on the market, is specifically designed to be laid directly on an existing surface and with a total height of only 13mm, proved ideal for this refurbishment project.

The Timoleon design team prepared detailed drawings for three circuits of 12mm polybutylene piping in a conformation that would grant maximum spread of heat.

These were to be connected to a single manifold with water mixing valve and temperature control which was connected to the existing 22mm boiler primary pipework. Room temperature control was achieved via a wireless thermostat with a wiring centre at the manifold location. The Timoleon LowBoard panels were then laid on top of the

existing floorboards and secured in place. The panels are made from high density plywood with an aluminium layer on the underside that helps to spread the heat upwards into the room and are straightforward to lay on any reasonably flat surface. LowBoard panels are pre-routed enabling the installers to gently tread the 12mm flexible pipe swiftly and with little effort.

The flow and return pipes were then connected to the manifold and the system was pressure tested. To complete the refurbishment the owner laid 5mm thick underlay sheets over the LowBoard panels followed by laminate flooring and then re-plastered the walls where the radiators had been.

The final task was for the Timoleon engineers to commission the installation and to ensure that all was working correctly. The Timoleon system has proved extremely effective in providing a very comfortable room temperature with the floor surface temperature a toe-warming 25-27ºC even on the coldest of days. The water used in the LowBoard UFH system is at a much lower temperature (50ºC) in comparison to radiators. The previous radiator system needed a temperature of 78º in order to heat the same space. This reduction in water temperature means that the boiler can operate in its most energy efficient temperature range.

Enquiry No 52

TRAC

Enquiry No 53

A new versatile track suspension system, giving mobility & flexibility to the presentation of graphics, sliding panels, shelving & clothing displays, available in single or multi-track versions

Standard & custom made items, design & build services, quick lead times Tel. 01923 818282

. Fax. 01923 818280 . Email. sales@shopkit.com . www.shopkit.com

MADE IN THE UK

38 [ PRODUCT NEWS

Remmers Smooth The Way For Avolon

Inta’s Eco Tap Forces Simple Savings

A Remmers polyurethane (PUR) comfort floor system was chosen to compliment the new Dublin based headquarters of Avolon, the global providers of aircraft leasing and lease management services to airlines.

The seamless flooring system was applied to the raised access floor of the reception and circulation areas, giving a flexible and comfortable finish to the new office whilst also providing a cleanable floor requiring minimum maintenance. This top of the range flooring system offers complete colour stability and maximum foot comfort wherever it is used. All Remmers PUR systems benefit from the almost limitless choice of RAL and NCS colours and the possibility of matt, silk or gloss finish – with or without our slip resisting additive – which does not compromise the cleanability of the floor. www.remmers.co.uk

Inta has introduced an innovative new tap with energy saving technology, ideal for setups looking to make the most efficient use of their hot water. The tap, which can limit both the release of hot water and its flow rate, can generate significant savings, particularly in areas where they are used often. When the handle on the tap is in the central position, the mixer supplies only cold water to the valve, instead of the usual combination of both hot and cold. The handle needs to be rotated 90 degrees to provide hot water and features a double click mechanism, with the first click enabling only mid-temperature water and the second providing fully hot. The Eco tap’s control handle also gives the option of a 50% reduced flow rate, requiring users to lift past the first click for full flow operation. In standard taps approximately one minute can elapse between opening the tap and the water running hot, supplying around six litres of unused hot water each time. www.intatec.co.uk

Enquiry No 54

Enquiry No 55

Junior WC Joins RAK’s Bathroom Collection RAK Ceramics has introduced a Junior WC to its Bathroom Collection. Featuring a seamless design and soft close seat, the back-to-wall toilet is ideal for nursery, school or home application.

Compliant with water-saving concealed cistern formats, the new WC measures 330mm wide x 480mm deep and has a total height to rim of just 350mm. It is also offered with a 380mm compact basin which features a no- overflow design.

Other new products to join RAK’s Bathroom Collection include the new RAKRIMLESS™ range, with designs available for both domestic and healthcare settings.

Established in 1991, RAK Ceramics is the world's largest manufacturer of ceramic and porcelain tiles, with a global production output of 117 million sq.m. per annum. Its product portfolio also includes ceramic sinks, sanitary ware, brassware and acrylic baths, with products currently exported to more than 160 countries. www.rakceramics.co.uk Enquiry No 56

PRODUCT NEWS [ 39

www.thecoastalrange.co.uk

Curved Camber Towel Rail From JIS Europe JIS EUROPE of Haywards Heath has introduced a heated towel rail to its Sussex range named The Camber. The towel rail is manufactured with a gently curved front and in an elegant round section shape with twelve horizontal rails giving an appearance of refined luxury with ample choice for towel hanging.

The Camber is supplied in three sizes all 700mm high with widths of 400mm, 520mm and 620mm. It can be used in dual fuel formats or electric, which will allow the rail to be heated when the central heating is turned off. The Camber towel rail is manufactured in 100% stainless steel, with satin finish available to order, making this radiator durable and hygienic and it is covered by a 25year guarantee.

Enquiry No 57

40 [ PRODUCT NEWS

www.glassdomain.co.uk

Creative Heating in Disguise…

‘The Heated Wall System’ is a new concept brought to the market

by Glassdomain; it is one of the most pioneering and awe-inspiring product innovations seen this year.

Making its debut into the interiors sector, it is anticipated that its unique properties will take commercial interiors to inspired heights of design, form, function and quality.

Visually ground-breaking, the ICON-GLASS Heated Wall System allows heat to radiate from its entire surface area, making it the ideal choice for commercial spaces.

This design quality is invaluable, as the ‘Wall’ has the ability to heat an entire location as efficiently as possible, in comparison to most domestic heating appliances that produce output from just the small area, within the appliances vicinity.

To create a sophisticated environment, consider the ‘Walnut Burr’ finish from the Woods collection, as pictured, not too dissimilar to the interior of a luxury car. ‘Walnut Burr’ is part of the standard 6 high impact image collections available in the ICON-GLASS range by Glassdomain. Containing a variety of designs that range from exotic wood veneers through to cityscapes, there is the freedom to create something completely unique.

There is no need to conform to a standard design, as there is an option to submit any image to meet bespoke requirements, this creates endless opportunities for commercial businesses to use the ‘The

heated wall’ for their own corporate branding. Using a company logo or tailored backdrop via ‘brand-specific’ imagery like an overhead shot of the company’s factory plant for instance will make a positive impression to the end user, offering clarity of the company strength and thus building confidence.

‘The Heated Wall System’ has endless design possibilities, breaking into the commercial market without restriction. Below are just a few areas where ICON-GLASS can be employed; Hotels / Bars / Reception Areas / Restaurants / Kitchens / Bathrooms / Meeting Rooms / Hospitality Suites / Retail Showrooms / Stadiums / Leisure Centres / Gyms / Health Spas / Category A Stores … & More!

As part of the growing ICON-GLASS portfolio, electric radiators are also available as a bespoke option from its range of ICON-GLASS wall heaters.

This pioneering and statement range further adds to Glassdomain’s British merits and more significantly, buyers’ confidence, becoming the model ICON heating solution for commercial environments.

For further product information, please contact 0121 236 6637 enquiries@glassdomain.co.uk Enquiry No 58

PRODUCT NEWS [ 41

www.mobilane.co.uk

Living Walls A Realistic Solution To UK PM10 Problem Local authorities must introduce new techniques and measures if we are to improve air quality across the UK says Sean Farrell of Living Walls company Mobilane.

It is estimated that poor air quality reduces the life expectancy of everyone in the UK by an average of seven to eight months. Every year an estimated 50,000 deaths across the country are attributed to long term exposure to poor air quality. Particulate matter (PM) is associated with respiratory and cardiovascular illness and mortality as well as other ill-health effects.

PM is generally categorised on the basis of the size of the particles: PM10, for example, refers to particles with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres. The largest sources of PM10 in the UK are stationary fuel combustion and road transport. Targets to reduce PM10 were introduced into European legislation in 1999 but for the past seven years we have consistently missed hitting this target. Greater London regularly exceeds World Health Organisation guidelines and has never managed to comply with the EU legislation to reduce harmful particulates.

A review of the Air Quality Plan for London saw the Mayor of London’s office suggest some interesting new measures including the introduction of low emission zones, age limits on public vehicles such as taxis and buses and green vehicle discounts for congestion charging. Surprisingly, none of these suggestions made it into the submission to the EU and while there may be cost benefit arguments behind omitting these ideas it feels like we are caught up prevaricating rather than getting on with the job of solving the issue. Researchers

from the Royal London hospital have also linked exposure to traffic pollution to stunting the growth of children’s lungs, cutting their breathing power by up to 17%.

It is the latest study in a growing body of evidence suggesting that particulates are becoming a health hazard on a par with the smogs that killed thousands of people in London in the 1950s. The Kings College of London’s Exhale programme which identifies links between traffic pollution and childhood asthma revealed that in the inner city each cubic centimetre of air on a main road has around 150,000 particulates in it which means people walking or cycling inhale 60m with each breath.

A living wall delivers a range of benefits beyond the obvious and stunning aesthetic. It lives and breathes and in doing so the foliage removes carbon dioxide from the air and it exhales oxygen via photosynthesis. The foliage also improves air quality by removing particulates and unlike trees, foliage on walls does not impact drastically on footprint or restrict air flow and so helps to reduce ambient temperature.

Across the country, forward thinking local authorities are beginning to introduce green screens and living walls as a serious attempt to mitigate and combat localised air pollution problems. They are nonintrusive, quick to install and improve the quality of our inner city environments as well as the health of our nation.

Enquiry No 59

Portaloo Launches New Modular Sports Changing Facility Portaloo, part of the Portakabin Group, has launched a specially designed sports changing facility, which can be operational just 24 hours after delivery, and supplied for interim or permanent use with the minimum disruption.

The new, well equipped modular changing rooms can be used for both team and individual sports, giving players an exceptional standard of amenities in a spacious building.

Designed in accordance with Sport England guidelines and available to buy or hire, each 117sqm building provides two large communal changing areas with bench seating, and individual showers and toilet cubicles for use by different teams or male and female players.

Applications include schools, colleges and universities; sports grounds, parks and leisure centres; and for community use or professional sports clubs and associations for short or long-term hire as well as permanent situations.

The Portaloo building is designed to be robust, durable and easy-to-clean, and to discourage vandalism both internally and externally. Toilet cisterns and plumbing are concealed and sensors operate toilets, urinals and washbasins so there are no visible moving parts. For additional safety and security, there is emergency lighting throughout.

Other features of the new modular sports changing rooms include:

Company: Portaloo

Energy efficiency – PIR control lighting, push buttonoperated showers, and on-demand gas powered hot water option for reduced energy consumption and running costs Fire resistance – fully galvanised steel beams and floor joists, insulated for protection against spread of fire Easy-to-clean – wipe clean finishes; high impact resistant ceilings, walls, partitions and doors, and wall mounted slatted benching with no dirt traps Individual shower pods – 900mm wide moulded and sealed cubicles with self-closing privacy doors to contain water, no shower curtains requiring maintenance and an integral changing area and seat Highly durable fixtures and fittings – vandal-resistant features, coat hooks, and composite panel doors which reduce heat loss and contribute to lower running costs Safety flooring with slip-resistant surfaces.

The new Portaloo changing room building also features economical gas-powered showers, which provide a constant supply of temperature-regulated hot water.

Product: Specially Designed Sports Changing Facility More information: www.portanews.co.uk Enquiry No 60

Commenting on the new facility, Mark Fielding, Business Manager at Portaloo said, “As with all our buildings, the sports changing facility can be delivered to the most challenging timescales, with less disruption and less impact on the environment – and with no compromise on the quality of the accommodation. It features many inherent benefits such as space, proportion, robustness and ease of maintenance and we believe it is an excellent and highly flexible solution for a wide range of organisations who have a requirement for permanent or interim changing rooms.�

Each building purchased is supplied with the reassurance of the pioneering Portakabin 5-year product warranty covering the external fabric and 30-year structural warranty for the load-bearing elements, as standard.

Portaloo has been manufacturing high quality toilets and shower rooms for nearly five decades, providing domestic-standard toilets, showers and changing rooms to the strictest hygiene standards, on programme and on budget.

Making Chimichanges For The Better!

New to their range of vertical platform lifts, an easy-touse Stannah Lowriser is making Mexican dining totally accessible for wheelchair-users in the Bournemouth branch of bar and restaurant chain, Chimichanga – which, apparently, is Spanish for ‘thingamajig’!

Nothing ‘thingamajiggy’ about Chimichanga Bournemouth, though. This family-friendly eating house serves authentic Latin-American, Tex-Mex and Mexican dishes in an informal setting, with the Lowriser providing access for wheelchair-users over a one-metre flight of steps leading from the street-level foyer to the restaurant below. A stylish jet-black finish and glass panel sides ensure the lift complements the restaurant’s Mexican earthtone décor.

Working closely with designer, Zeki Nejat of Zeki Interiors Ltd, the Lowriser was specified by Liam Hainesworth, Project Manager at Gary Bluff Projects Limited, a bespoke refitting services specialist based in Derbyshire: “Having worked with Stannah before and building up a working relationship with Melody Hughes, I decided that we would use them as our lift supplier for their continuous efforts to ensure that they meet our needs every time.

Often with our projects we have very limited timescales in which a project must be completed, and Stannah always pulls out all the stops to make a project complete each and every time. From a design perspective, Bournemouth

was a difficult project to ensure the lift worked within its surrounds. Often with disabled lifts they can be seen as unsightly and non-architectural; however, we ensured that this lift complemented its surroundings. The lift itself was placed within a bamboo-clad entrance, with granite upstands and tile returns, making some of the junctions difficult to understand. It was down to the closely worked team and Gary Bluff Projects, Zeki Interiors, and Stannah, that the lift became a success first time round.”

Ideal for internal or external vertical travel up to one metre, the Lowriser brings choice and flexibility to all types of public buildings, schools, colleges, shops etc.

Available in three platform sizes with a range of optional features, this step lift carries a rated load of up to 300kg at a contract speed of 0.02mps, and automatically returns to ground level after use.

The Lowriser complies with all statutory regulations, standards and directives such as CE marking, Part M of the Building Regulations, BS 8300:2009 Code of Practice, and BS6440:1999, the current British Standard for Powered Lifting Platforms. It also helps Chimichanga Bournemouth’s owners meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

Company: Stannah Product: Stannah Lowriser Location: Bournemouth More information: www.stannahlifts.co.uk Enquiry No 61

46 [ PROJECT NEWS

Securistyle Supplies Eastleigh Borough Council Securistyle, manufacturer of quality, innovative hardware, has recently supplied its popular Parallel Hinge System for 460 replacement windows in the Wessex House office block in Eastleigh Borough Council. Matthew Aldridge, Building Surveyor for Eastleigh Borough Council explains why the renovation was needed and what was involved: “The office space was previously open plan which allowed air to flow through, but the building was segregated into individual units and as a result suffered with poor ventilation. The windows would be opened to assist airflow around individual offices however this was not sufficient in hot weather.”

Les Maros, Sales Manager at Securistyle comments: “This is one of the largest contracts we have supplied with our Parallel Hinge System in the UK. Our Parallel hinges allow natural ventilation through an open window, while limiting the opening to make the windows more secure and to prevent occupants from falling. The hinge is manufactured from high grade 304 austenitic stainless steel for strength and excellent corrosion resistance.” www.securistyle.co.uk Enquiry No 62

Mapei Showcase Mapefloor System At Benetton Knightsbridge Store A system of products from Mapei’s Resin & Cementitious Flooring line has been specified in the major refurbishment of Benetton Knightsbridge retail store. Its 1,200m2 existing tile floor has been replaced with Mapei’s Mapefloor System, to create a concrete look epoxy finish. The existing tiles were firstly abraded using an HTC system, followed by the application of the Mapefloor System.

This comprised of Primer SN; a two component epoxy filling primer, Mapefloor I 500 W; two-component, multipurpose, neutral-coloured epoxy treatment, Mapefloor finish 52W; two-component, low-yellowing polyurethane finishing compound and Mapecolor Paste; ready-mixed colouring paste.

The Mapefloor System has a number of distinct benefits which were ideal for this installation such as good abrasion resistance, a very strong bond to most substrates and it is impermeable to liquids and easy to keep clean. www.mapei.co.uk Enquiry No 63

Brighton & Hove Uses Medite® Tricoya® For Seafront “Cucumber” Benches The vibrant seafront is a major focal point and showcase for the City of Brighton & Hove, which attracts over 8 million visitors each year; the vast majority of whom make a point of enjoying the seafront during their trip. The harsh corrosive environment of the coastline means that many seafront structures, both newer and heritage need regular maintenance. The seafront has had considerable investment and along the blustery Hove seafront 24 “cucumber” benches have needed frequent repair. Brighton & Hove City Council trialled new Medite Tricoya MDF to find out how it would perform in coastal conditions. Barbara Goodfellow, building surveyor for Brighton & Hove City Council said: “We have a lot of small buildings and furniture along our very long seafront promenade and the trial of Medite Tricoya MDF is to determine the suitability of the product in a coastal environment.”

So called because of their resemblance to Victorian cold frames for growing cucumbers, the “cucumber” benches using Medite Tricoya were completed in May. Medite Tricoya product manager Peter Clifton said “We know Medite Tricoya’s superior dimensional stability and durability, even in windy, damp and humid weather will stand up to the harsh weather of the South coast. This use of Medite Tricoya is an excellent one; it is exactly what the product was made to do. If this specification was repeated across the remaining benches and other seafront buildings in need of repair it could save the Council significant time, resources and money.”

BRE (Building Research Establishment) has given Medite Tricoya a durability class (under EN350-2) of 1, or very durable; a durability equivalent to teak and more durable than oak. BRE said that Medite Tricoya could meet demands for a desired service life of 60 years when used in exterior applications and such is Medite’s confidence in this new product that it carries a 50 year warranty. www.meditetricoya.com Enquiry No 64

PROJECT NEWS [ 47

www.howegreen.com

Howe Green Solution To London’s Cable Car Howe Green’s 5000 and 7500 Series aluminium access covers have been installed in both the North and South Terminal buildings of the first urban cable car in the UK. Terrazzo flooring contractor TRI, chose Howe Green’s aluminium covers to provide easy, reliable and durable access to essential under-floor services for The Emirates Air Line; Transport for London’s gondola link across the River Thames from the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks.

Howe Green is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of fabricated metal access covers and their quality products are made to order at no additional time or financial cost. The 5000 and 7500 Series aluminium panels are tamper resistant and double-sealed for safety and hygiene and sit flush with the floor to prevent slips and trips. They are also exceptionally hardy, making them ideal for the high levels of traffic expected to use the link, which connects two important Olympic sites.

Howe Green also designed and fabricated a bespoke decorative trim for the project. An aluminium bar with special anchors was made featuring a semicircular section with a 10-metre radius and a 6mm visible edge. The company’s technical team worked closely with client TRI and added anchors on one side only to accommodate a 20mm Strata Granazzo floor tile - making tiling up to it much quicker and easier on site.

“We’ve worked with Howe Green for over 20 years” commented Simon Petrou, TRI’s Commercial Director “That says an awful lot about the company and the excellent standard of manufacture, service and support we get from them. The Emirates Air Line is a very prestigious project for us. It’s a job with tight time and budget pressures though, as every project is these days. Having Howe Green’s full support and knowing that they will pull out all the stops should we need them to gives us greater flexibility and peace of mind”.

Enquiry No 65

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www.hauraton.co.uk

Channels Have Enviable Police Record Northumbria Police serves a population of 1.5 million people and covers an area of more than 2,000 square miles in the North East of England, from the Scottish border down to County Durham and from the Pennines across to the North East coast.

The £27 million Northumbria Police area command headquarters in Wallsend, North Tyneside was officially opened and became fully operational in early November 2011.

The new Headquarters building includes a 40 cells custody suite and is a base for up to 300 North Tyneside police officers and support staff.

Designed by Ryder Architecture, this is the first new police station to be built by Northumbria Police Authority in 10 years.

Hauraton FASERFIX® SUPER KS 100 surface water drainage channels made from tough fibre reinforced concrete were installed around the

building. Immediately in front of the building the Architects chose Class A15, Stainless Steel longitudinal slot gratings along the main footpath channel run as these provided an elegant curving line up towards the building’s public entrance. The same gratings were also specified along the façade to co-ordinate visually with the footpath gratings.

FASERFIX® channels were also installed along the access road, but these were fitted with Ductile Iron HEELSAFE gratings having 6mm slots and a loading Class of C250.

Enquiry No 66

PROJECT NEWS [ 49

Ultrascape Proves Ideal For Historic Durham Thoroughfare Bow Lane is an important historic thoroughfare to Durham Cathedral and a council-commissioned facelift required the river cobbles and stone paving to be re-laid, along with the addition of kerbs and paving stones at the bottom of the lane. Ultrascape Pro-Bed HS, Pro-Prime and Flowpoint were all used on the project. These products make up Ultrascape’s mortar paving system that meets and exceeds the strict demands of BS 7533.

Workmanship included straightforward bedding of the cobbles and stones using bedding mortar, Pro-Bed HS, and priming to enhance bond by applying Pro-Prime slurry primer. In comparison, grouting the lane posed a few challenges that were easily overcome with excellent technical assistance from Ultrascape. When grouting cobbles a flowable product is required to accommodate the differentiating joint depths and widths created from irregular stone sizes and patterns. Ultrascape’s recommendation was to use Flowpoint, a rapid setting grout with a high fluid consistency that is perfect for such irregular joints and large areas.

It can be poured all over the stones and then simply washed clean, filling all joints evenly, without any staining.

Flowpoint is available in two colours, natural and charcoal, which were used on different areas of the lane. The preservation of the lane’s picturesque setting and historic heritage were of utmost importance on this project. Therefore, a especially blended colour was also required to ensure the lane remained as aesthetically pleasing and historically correct as possible once reopened. www.ultrascape.co.uk Enquiry No 67

TORMAX Automatic Folding Doors Ensure Easy Access At Council Office A busy facility, Surrey County Hall is home to over 1,500 staff and is also used extensively by members of the public accessing a variety of administrative services. TORMAX was contracted

by Kier Services Facilities Management to install an automatic folding door to the main entrance, improving access, security and minimising bottlenecks at key times of the day.

Folding doors are the ideal solution for areas where space is at a premium, making a standard sliding or automatic swing door unfeasible. Maximising available opening width, TORMAX recommended replacing the plate-glass, manual swing door with their hi-tech folding door system. Advanced sensors activate the two sets of automatic leaves to fold smoothly and silently back, creating a generous entrance whilst the durable aluminium profile combines with integrated lip seals to deliver a high level of safety whilst still cutting out external drafts.

A user-friendly control panel features pre-set functions to adjust door opening width, speed and hold-open times depending on the time of day, weather conditions and foot traffic. www.tormax.co.uk Enquiry No 68

50 [ PROJECT NEWS

Maibec’s Serpentine Success Story In partnership with Beaumont Forest Products, the A. Proctor Group were delighted to be suppliers of their maibec Timber Cladding range at this recent unique project in Aylesbury. Maibec® is available in 6 standard colours, however most other colours can be matched if required, as was in this case where purple and yellow were the chosen colours.

The Serpentine, Oxford Road, a joint venture between Denne,Thames Valley Housing Association and the Homes and Communities Agency, forms a continuous curved building, comprising 94 units in total - a mixture of apartments and town houses. Maibec® is a natural softwood timber, with an unrivalled 50 year warranty against rot and decay, and an 18 year warranty against peeling and blistering of the stained finish. This 18 year warranty can be extended by a further 15 years provided the timber is re-coated within the original 18 year period. www.proctorgroup.com Enquiry No 69

Cygnum Timber Frame Helps Tomorrow's Garden City Hit Sustainable Targets Timber frame specialist Cygnum has been appointed to create three apartment blocks at a new sustainable residential development in the historic garden city of Letchworth. Cygnum designed and installed timber frame cassettes that will incorporate external wall insulation.

Cygnum constructed the three timber frame structures using 140mm thick external walls, roof and floor panels produced at its state of the art manufacturing facility. By fabricating the complete frames in the controlled, high-tech environment of the company’s factory, the structural panels have been delivered to the finest tolerances, helping the project to achieve its targeted Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4. As well as producing a high performance product, the sophisticated manufacturing process makes on-site erection far more efficient with precise level and angle calculations. The use of timber frame construction also provides exceptional environmental credentials as the timber frame walls allow the architect unrivalled versatility in the specification of external wall insulation. www.cygnum.co.uk Enquiry No 70

Style Delivers Flexible Space For New Public Service Plaza Giving residents easy access to a variety of council and voluntary sector services in one area, the Public Service Plaza in Havant is an innovative change to the way that local authority services work together. Style, specialists in moveable partitioning systems, worked with contractor Morgan Sindall and Hampshire County Council’s architects to deliver a solution that ensures the most effective use of space at all times.

By providing the best possible services to the public under one roof, the new Plaza means fewer journeys for residents and staff, reduced travel costs and a lower carbon footprint. Supporting this drive for long term sustainability, Style’s sliding partitions maximise the use of facilities whilst minimising energy costs by reducing the need to heat areas that are not in use.

The mezzanine area consists of a series of meeting chambers. Aiming to create flexible space whilst maximising the light into the rooms and offering as much visibility as possible, DORMA Moveo Glass was selected as the most suitable solution. The chambers can be quickly closed to create individual rooms then opened up one by one into the foyer. With all chambers opened out, a single expanse is available for larger events. Style also installed DORMA Variflex solid partitions with a white finish into additional meeting rooms which required a different feel and greater privacy. www.style-partitions.co.uk Enquiry No 71

PROJECT NEWS [ 51

The Queen Mary exhibition - this room’s windows were treated with secondary glazing (concealed behind display panels) and now provide excellent levels of thermal insulation

Courtroom in which the Titanic Inquiry Story is told - secondary glazing featuring laminated glass with a black interlay, to avoid the need for additional black-out blinds

www.selectaglaze.co.uk

Titanic’s Story Launches Southampton’s Seacity Museum Forming the focal point of Southampton’s recently launched “Cultural Quarter” is The SeaCity Museum housing, amongst other things, “Southampton’s Titanic Story” and their “Gateway to the World” exhibition detailing the city’s 2,000 year history of emigration and immigration. The Museum officially opened on 10th April 2012 to commemorate 100 years to the day that the RMS Titanic departed from Southampton’s Docks – the “Titanic Story” focuses on the 897 crew members, 714 of whom came from Southampton of which 538 lost their lives, leading to one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in history. The Museum also features an exhibition dedicated to Cunard’s Queen Mary, including a 26’ one tonne scale model of the liner. In 1936 The Queen Mary’s maiden voyage also departed from Southampton, bound for New York.

The Museum occupies a two-storey Grade II listed building which was purpose designed in the early 1930’s to accommodate the city’s police station, cells and Magistrates’ Courts. However, following the relocation of these facilities, the Local Authority, with the assistance of a £4.9m grant awarded from the Heritage Lottery Fund, embarked on a £15m project to develop this new venture.

Under the expert guidance of Main Contractor, Southampton-based Kier Construction, many of the building’s original Art Deco-influenced features have been retained and, in many cases, actually incorporated into the Museum. One of the most impressive examples is the use of the original courtroom which is used to recreate the London Court of Inquiry which was subsequently held into the disaster. The energy efficiency of the building was poor and needed to be improved. Both English Heritage and the Council’s Conservation Team required the

original single glazed windows to be retained and these were carefully overhauled and repaired. Secondary glazing was considered to be an appropriate adaptation for thermal improvement and Kier consulted Selectaglaze. Besides the thermal insulation, the gallery spaces also needed sound attenuation and blackout facilities as many of these rooms rely heavily on AV presentations which would be unduly affected by intrusive noise and light.

Selectaglaze designed a range of slim line sliding and removable panels.

In the gallery spaces a special laminated glass has been specified with a black interlayer which avoided the need for additional black-out blinds.

Other windows were glazed with toughened low emissivity glass to provide the best thermal insulation.

Selectaglaze systems glazed with low emissivity glass can reduce the u-value of a single glazed metal window from 5.7 to less than 2.0, a more than 60% improvement. Laboratory tests also demonstrate that a sound level reduction of 45dB is possible. The results are achieved through tightly engineered systems, high performance seals and, for noise insulation, an air gap between the windows of 100mm or more.

Selectaglaze’s units are purpose made with a wide choice of styles and finishes. They are fully factory assembled allowing rapid installation with minimal disruption. They do not alter the appearance of a building so therefore offer an ideal solution for Listed buildings or those within conservation areas.

Enquiry No 72

52 [ PROJECT NEWS

www.sikaconstruction.co.uk

Sika Ensures Grade II Listed Bridge Is Fit For The Future The Grade II listed North Bridge in Hull was in need of refurbishment due to corrosion of the reinforcement taking place and spalling concretes. To bring the control building for the bridge up to 21st century specifications, a solution was found in a reliable combination of specialist structural repair products from global manufacturer of construction materials, Sika.

The historic steel framed North Bridge incorporates a large concrete filled tank to create the counter-weight, with the lifting mechanism located in a reinforced concrete machine room. This concrete control building had suffered from years of exposure to chlorides from the marine environment and the deicing salts used on the road coupled with carbonation attack. The main type of attack on the control building came in the form of carbonation of the concrete. This was able to penetrate the concrete because of the course aggregate finish, reducing the alkalinity of the concrete and the protection this provides to the reinforcement where the cover was low.

Sika’s Field based Technical Team analysed the problems facing the control building and specified a solution - meeting the council’s brief for a cost effective, reliable and long lasting system that would address the spalling concrete and underlying reinforcement corrosion as well as meet the town planners’ aesthetic requirements.

Refurbishment works undertaken by specialist contractor Lingard Ltd were required across the entire control building and its two towers.

Following hammer testing and a full technical survey to identify areas of delaminating concrete, the team grit blasted, primed and then carried out the reinstatement using Sika Monotop 615. All concrete surfaces were then covered by a spray applied coat of Sika Ferrogard

903. The migrating corrosion inhibitor delays and slows the rate of steel corrosion, extending the maintenance and service life cycles of concrete for up to fifteen years. Easily applied and economic, it is simply sprayed onto surfaces and does not alter the water diffusion properties of concrete. This was followed by an overall levelling coat of Sika Monotop 620 to improve the overall concrete cover and provide the client with the finish they desired.

A cementitious two-component system, Sika Monotop comprises polymer modified mortars, to repair the damaged substrate. With its excellent resistance to water and chloride penetration, whilst repairing the concrete it also helps to prevent future damage to the building’s substrate. As the structure has a large aggregate imprint to it which had become more defined over the years due to weathering, the Hull City Council planners wanted to return the structure back to its original ‘art deco’ appearance which necessitated a smooth surface.

The Sika Monotop 620 levelling render achieved the desired finish.

For the large reinstatement of beams, the specialist team applied SikaArmorex Armocrete, a flowable, cementitious, micro-concrete repair system.

Finally the team applied an anti-carbonation protective coating in the form of Sikagard 550W Elastic to provide additional protection on all areas of repaired concrete as well as existing unrepaired concrete to provide additional protection. With excellent resistance against weathering and ageing, Sikagard 550W Elastic is ideal for exposed concrete surfaces at risk of cracking.

Enquiry No 73

PROJECT NEWS [ 53

www.nibe.co.uk

90 Metre Deep Wells On Site? Ideal For NIBE Ground Sourced Heating!

It takes real vision even to consider turning a large derelict, not over attractive, single story building into a family mansion with the very greenest of credentials, but that is exactly what has been achieved at Nutbourne Pumping Station.

Way back in 1893 one in ten of the population of Worthing were affected

by Typhoid, 200 died all from polluted drinking water and by the 1920s similar fears were affecting Nutbourne, so it was decided to build a pumping station when clean water was found on Nutbourne common and in 1930 work began on constructing the Pump House using two 90 metre deep bore holes to extract water, which was then pumped up to the surface and stored and filtered for use.

The Pump House was officially opened in 1932 by the Lord Lieutenant of the County. The Pump House operated continuously until the 1970’s when it became obsolete. When the Pump House came onto the market for £269,000 with full planning permission and several thousand square feet of floor space in an attractive part of Sussex, Nick Sweet, an Architect and his wife Bridget decided immediately to purchase it with plans to go for a “no bills” residence by installing phoyo-voltaic panels on the roof and tapping underground heat from the old boreholes.

Now the Pump House has been transformed from a damp echoing shell with most of the original pumping equipment long gone, into a

delightful five bed-roomed, three bathroom home with huge living, dining and kitchen areas, a library/study and a design studio plus a large leisure/sports area in the basement. PECC Engineers of Haslemere were called in to design the eco-friendly renewable energy system, using the two ninety metres deep wells which were already in the floor of the pumping station. These offered an absolutely ideal ground source for all central heating and water heating requirements. The PECC design called for the installation of piping filled with a mild refrigerant solution in the two bore holes, providing a medium for transferring the heat permanently present in water, earth or rock below the ground’s surface, to a NIBE F1145 Heat Pump in the house’s Utility Room. The F1145 – one of NIBE’s new generation of super-efficient pumps – vastly increases the temperature of the liquid to 65 degrees Centigrade by a sophisticated heat exchange process before passing the energy into the house’s hot water system.

The system has proved ideal, providing ample heat [with the help of a VP300 UKV Buffer Tank] for the under-floor heating installed throughout the Pumping Station and hot water for the family bathroom and the ensuite in the master bedroom plus all kitchen and appliance needs.

Enquiry No 74

GEZE UK www.geze.co.uk