Xtra Build magazine, December 2023 by L2 Architectural Media Ltd

XTRA

BUILD

BUILDING DESIGNS, VIEWS, CONCEPTS & PROJECTS DEC 2023

XTRA

BUILD

X CONTENTS

04 - DESIGN

a selection of architctural concepts, design and projects

16 - NEWS

building product development and company information

24 - INSIDE

interior design projects, products, systems and news

50 - VIEWS

a selection of opinions from the industry

56 - ONSITE

project awards, stories and installation news

Front cover photo courtesy of Schlüter-Systems www.schluter.co.uk

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the publisher's consent. Xtra Build is published by L2 Architectural Media Ltd, Parkfield House, Park Street, Stafford ST17 4AL. Dedicated to our friend and colleague, Mike Mahon. Tel: 01785 291442 www.L2architectural.media

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DESIGN Highlights include:

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Opening in December 2023, The circular building of the OLM Nature Escape is more than just an architectural highlight. The "Casa Clima Nature" certified building also sets new standards in terms of sustainability. Multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy Harley Haddow has completed work on the second phase of a unique project at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Situated in South Kensington in one of the world’s most recognisable historic buildings, the Photography Centre opened to the public last month. The new £42.5m Allander Leisure Centre in Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire, has officially opened its doors to the public, following completion of the first phase of works. Dudleys Consulting Engineers has been retained to advise on structural and civil engineering matters to support the £100 million upgrade plans for Leeds Bradford Airport.

New Green Pearls® Member In South Tyrol: OLM Nature Escape, The First Energy Self-Sufficient Eco Aparthotel In The Alps Opening in December 2023, The circular building of the OLM Nature Escape is more than just an architectural highlight. The "Casa Clima Nature" certified building also sets new standards in terms of sustainability. In addition to the use of regional larch wood as the main building material, the aparthotel produces all the energy for the supply of the apartments itself. As of December 2023, guests will find 33 luxurious eco ApartSuites - some with their own sauna and free-standing bathtub. Green Pearls® is pleased to be a partner right from the start. Nature recreation, wellness and outdoor activities in Sand in Taufers, South Tyrol Sand in Taufers is a popular all year-round holiday destination in the Italian Alps. It’s suitable both for winter sports (snowshoe hiking, cross-country skiing and skiing in the Speikboden ski resort) and for hiking and cycling in the summer. The area is home to a number of water treasures, such as rivers, lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, and springs. For those who want to relax and enjoy the fresh mountain air and spring water among forests, mountains, and meadows, this is the perfect vacation destination. OLM means "alp" in South Tyrolean.

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Eco Apart Suites with Mini Spa The Apart Suites in the distinctive circular building range in size from 2 to 6 persons. All of them have a fully equipped kitchen and some have a small private spa area with a private sauna. All guests have access to the indoor pool, outdoor pool, natural swimming pond, PRENN° restaurant, and a cozy lobby with a fireplace. Maximum Freedom Breakfast is included, but beyond that, guests are free to choose whether they want to cook for themselves or take advantage of the catering options offered by the house. At OLM Nature Escape the guests are supposed to feel at one with themselves and at the same time understand themselves as part of the cycle of nature. www.greenpearls.com

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Harley Haddow Completes Vital Renovation Work On Prestigious V&A Photography Centre Multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy Harley Haddow has completed work on the second phase of a unique project at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A). Situated in South Kensington in one of the world’s most recognisable historic buildings, the Photography Centre opened to the public last month. It is part of the V&A’s FuturePlan programme, a designled initiative which aims to continually reinvent the V&A. Harley Haddow was awarded the project in 2019 to provide Structural Engineering and Mechanical, Electrical and Energy Engineering design services, along with a combination of partners involved in the various stages of the project. Others engaged in the project include Gibson Thornley Architects, Purcell Architects, Currie & Brown (QS), Avison Young (PM), Quinn London Ltd (Main Contractor) and Pavlis Shopfitters (Gallery 95 Contractor). (cont...)

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(cont...) The purpose of the project was to create a state-of-theart international Photography Centre at the V&A which would improve public understanding of the history of photography and its techniques. This second phase of the Photography Centre refurbishment took a heritage first approach which retained original features of the Grade I listed building and saw the sensitive introduction of new services and structure into the existing six gallery spaces which were refurbished. A major part of Harley Haddow’s involvement was the complete replacement and upgrade of all existing mechanical and electrical systems serving the Tapestry Gallery, the new Photography Galleries (95-97) and the Gallery 98 reference library. This included the introduction of a new rooftop plant platform and acoustic screen above the existing tapestry gallery and new roof structures above galleries 96-99 to replace the existing roof lanterns and introduce new lead clad roof structures with integrated services. In Gallery 98 a new cantilever steel structure was designed to provide accommodation for the new reference library which introduces a new mezzanine structure and allows bookshelves to be hung from the walls rather than taking support from the existing gallery floor. The new mezzanine incorporates brass balustrades which includes detailed coordination with the joinery and the structure. www.harleyhaddow.com

BakerHicks Provide MultiDisciplinary Expertise For New State-Of-The-Art Allander Leisure Centre

The new £42.5m Allander Leisure Centre in Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire, has officially opened its doors to the public, following completion of the first phase of works. The state-of-the-art facility benefitted from civil & structural and mechanical & electrical engineering expertise from BakerHicks, the multi-disciplinary design, engineering and project delivery company. The new centre boasts two swimming pools, a fully-equipped gym, accompanying dance & exercise studios and spin rooms, plus an eightcourt multi-sports hall, changing facilities and café. The main building also accommodates a range of support facilities for adults with learning disabilities. In addition, there is a hydrotherapy pool for use by people with learning disabilities, families with young babies, and people with mobility issues. With the new facility being built next to the existing leisure centre, and water courses surrounding the site, the overall footprint of the project was restricted. As a result, a stacked design was preferred, with the sports hall situated on the first floor over the pool hall. Recognising the challenges this created, BakerHicks used 3D modelling to review and test the design and structures from the likelihood of vibration caused by hundreds of gym-goers’ feet thudding on the wooden floors on a daily basis. This meant increasing part of the composite floor slab from the 150mm thickness used elsewhere to a 240mm-thick concrete slab to dampen the effects. The

purpose of the building necessitated large open areas in the pool and sports halls, and in other areas such as the studio spaces and main reception area. To achieve this, BakerHicks’ structural team used large-scale steel long-span beams of up to 38 metres. The stacked nature of the building added in an extra complexity, with, for example, one of the walls of the sports hall situated directly above the hydrotherapy pool. To enable the sports hall to have sufficient structural support, a series of transfer beams and structures was used, allowing the first-floor columns to be supported by heavy steel beams at first-floor level, whilst retaining the openspan area required for the hydrotherapy pool. With sustainability and reducing carbon emissions on East Dunbartonshire Council’s priority list, BakerHicks’ mechanical and electrical team specified high-efficiency plant, ensuring the centre is as efficient as possible by reducing the overall amount of energy it uses.

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Incorporating photovoltaics and CHP into the design further enhanced this. In addition, utilities were a key consideration throughout the project, with the high-pressure water pipes that supply the city of Glasgow being located on the site’s boundary. All the utilities needed to remain live throughout, both those surrounding the site and those supplying the existing leisure centre, which remained operational throughout the project. The team designed a new substation within the site to power the new facility plus electric vehicle charge points, requiring extensive planning to work with the utility constraints and ensure it did not become classed as high voltage. Neal Shaw, associate engineer at BakerHicks and civil & structural lead on the project, says: “This is a fantastic project that will provide its local community with exceptional sports and leisure facilities. Any project of this type is complex in its design due to the mixed and highly specialised uses of the building and the large open spaces this requires."

The next phase involves the decommission and demolition of the existing centre, with phase three seeing the installation of a new fabric-clad Sports Dome with two indoor football pitches and a tennis court, plus rapid electric vehicle charging points. BakerHicks are also currently working on the design of the new Blairgowrie Recreation and Leisure Centre, which incorporates Passivhaus design, and are providing civil & structural design for the new Eastwood Leisure Centre. www.bakerhicks.com

“Our previous experience in leisure centre design came to the fore and this is a project we can be really proud of. In addition, from RIBA 4 we were working in the midst of a global pandemic, which, on a project of this size, presented its own unique challenges. The whole project team really came together and, working closely with the local Council, we have created a legacy that we and the local people can be proud of.”

Dudleys Retained To Support Leeds Bradford Airport £100M Terminal Improvements

Dudleys Consulting Engineers has been retained to advise on structural and civil engineering matters to support the £100 million upgrade plans for Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA). LBA announced the investment last week with a view to improving the passenger experience and unlocking major economic growth potential for the airport. The first phase will deliver a 102,000 sq ft, three storey extension to the east side of the existing terminal. It will provide a new baggage reclaim hall in the basement, a new arrivals hall on the ground floor, and an extended departure lounge on the first floor. LBA has also committed to a major refurbishment programme for the existing buildings with a new security hall and duty-free area. Significant improvements will be made to the seating, security, baggage reclaim and immigration areas as well as shops, amenity and food outlets with additional aircraft stands.

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Dudleys has been supporting LBA for more than fifteen years, advising across the entire estate including airside aprons, building alterations, car parking areas, masts, and tunnels as well as the public buildings. The award-winning practice has worked with LBA since 2018 to specifically support design proposals for the extension through planning processes. Dudleys is working alongside main contractor, Farrans Construction and Architect Millar Management & Design to deliver both phases using sustainable methods of construction. Established more than 15 years ago in Leeds, Dudleys is an award-winning, privately-owned consultancy. It employs a team of 25 highly skilled people offering structural and civil engineering advice across the UK and operates in all key real estate sectors including residential, industrial, commercial, retail and education. As well as Leeds Bradford Airport, long standing clients include prominent developer CEG, Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate, Leeds United Football Club, Henry Boot Construction and Unilever UK. www.dudleys.co.uk

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NEWS Highlights include:

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News

James Jones & Sons has announced that from October 2023, all timber and co-products supplied by the company will be dual certified as FSC and PEFC. This includes all timber delivered from that date, regardless of what date it was produced. Tremco CPG UK Limited, is delighted to announce that illbruck’s FR Window Sealing Membrane (ME010) has been awarded a new prestigious BBA certificate for its technical performance and durability in service and compliance with building safety and national Building Regulations. Wood panel manufacturer, West Fraser, has marked over 40 years of training, development and supporting young apprentices in the surrounding area, by welcoming three new trainees to the business.

James Jones & Sons Provides Dual Certification For All Timber Products James Jones & Sons has announced that from October 2023, all timber and co-products supplied by the company will be dual certified as FSC and PEFC. This includes all timber delivered from that date, regardless of what date it was produced. Graham Blyth, Sales Director at James Jones & Sons, said “The dual certification offers our customers a greater choice when buying sustainable timber. The Soil Association, as our certification body, fully approved our ability to offer all our timber and coproducts as dual FSC and PEFC certified. Our customers can continue to sell their timber as FSC certified but will now also have the choice to stock and sell as PEFC certified should their customers require this”. www.jamesjones.co.uk

Ideal Heating & ACV Launch Low Carbon Systems CPD At CIBSE Build2Perform Live Groupe Atlantic companies Ideal Heating – Commercial Products and ACV UK will be exhibiting together at this year’s CIBSE Build2Perform Live event, 5-6th December at London Excel, on stand 206. As part of their Experts Together campaign, both companies will be showcasing their range of commercial heating and hot water solutions and will be presenting a new CIBSE accredited CPD – ‘Low carbon systems: appliances and applications using heat pump technology’. The new CPD is the first one to be developed jointly between Ideal Heating – Commercial Products and ACV UK and follows on from the recent announcement of a £60m investment programme at Groupe Atlantic’s manufacturing site in Hull to further its development of innovative low carbon technologies. As well as covering the principles underpinning the mechanics and operation of a heat pump system, the new CPD will also look at how commercial monobloc air source heat pumps can be best used with other technologies including direct electric. For those not able to attend the CPD presentation at Build2Perform Live, it can be booked through https://idealcommercialboilers.com/ cpd-courses and delivered online or in person. For more information on CIBSE Build2Perform Live, plus to register for free attendance, go to www.build2perform.co.uk. For more information on Ideal Heating – Commercial Products, visit www.idealcommercialheating.co.uk and for ACV UK go to www.acv.com/gb

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The Aico|HomeLINK Community Awards To Return For 2024 After the success of their first Community Awards in 2022, Aico|HomeLINK are bringing this spectacular event back for its second year, returning on Thursday 18 th of April 2024, at the International Convention Centre Birmingham. Hosted by Carl Jones, who presents Shropshire Business Live TV, and works across print, radio and TV, the awards ceremony will welcome over 400 guests and finalists for an evening of celebration, and recognition of excellence within the social housing industry and local community. The evening will also include a special guest appearance. Aico is delighted to launch the Apprentice of the Year Award for 2024. The award has been established to honour the brightest talents within the electrical industry. The top six candidates for this award will be invited to the Aico|HomeLINK Community Awards Ceremony, where the winner will be announced. The Community Awards by Aico|HomeLINK are open for nominations to the public and organisations across the UK. Entries will be accepted until the 16th of February 2024. To enter an individual or organisation, please find the Community Awards entry forms here: https://www.aico.co.uk/news-and-events/aicohomelink-community-awards-2024/

Illbruck’s FR Window Sealing Membrane (ME010) Is Awarded BBA Certificate Tremco CPG UK Limited, is delighted to announce that illbruck’s FR Window Sealing Membrane (ME010) has been awarded a new prestigious BBA certificate for its technical performance and durability in service and compliance with building safety and national Building Regulations. Illbruck’s FR Window Sealing Membrane is a fully third-party accredited system, when used as a fully air and watertight perimeter seal for use around windows, doors, and curtain walling. When used as a system in conjunction with SP025 FR Membrane Adhesive the tested system achieves a Class B-s1, d0 in accordance with EN 13501-1. Stuart Sadler, Technical Services Director at Tremco CPG UK, explains, “As well as meeting the fire performance requirements as given in the national Building Regulations, our FR Window Sealing Membrane also demonstrates its exceptional air, water and weathertight properties which are critical when designing and protecting all building types.” “The product is water resistant (Class W1+) and when tested in application around projecting windows is airtight and 100% weathertight at pressures up to 1200 Pa – the equivalent to driven rain in hurricane like conditions!” www.tremcocpg.com

Finger Protection: Quality That’s Guaranteed

Good enough to last a lifetime…it’s not often that we hear those words but Strand Hardware is so confident with the quality of it's finger protection that the market leader – it's FP200 - comes with a lifetime guarantee (subject to terms and conditions). Strand Hardware has been the UK distributor for Athmer finger protection for more than 30 years. It’s the original roller blind finger guard considered by many to be the best. Why? It’s tried and tested – the jewel in the crown of finger protection which meets bespoke needs including various sizes and finishes. Strand Hardware's extended range features six products that fit most types of doors: manual and automatic, external and internal, single and double action, including those made from different materials; timber, aluminium, Pvc-u or glass. Finger protection is an essential safety requirement across a variety of environments including public buildings, especially those used by children and vulnerable adults. From hospitality and leisure, to retail, education and health premises, there’s a duty of care to assess risk and apply safety measures to prevent needless accidents. Definitive statistics on the number of annual finger crush incidents which occur in the UK are difficult to determine. Many go unreported but they contribute to one of the most frequent workplace injuries. It’s also been identified that between 30,000 and 50,000 finger crush incidents per year involve children.

Many require hospital treatment and some result in partial amputation of fingers or permanent nerve damage. Fitting finger guards on the hinge-side of doors prevents fingers being accidentally trapped. Health and safety experts recommend fitting finger protection and door stops to help prevent accidents. Most of Strand Hardware's roller blind system devices incorporate a strong flame retardant fabric which extends or retracts under tension to cover the gap between the door and the frame. All of it's products have an easy-clean aluminium housing and many are tested to 1,000,000 operations and comply with EN16005, EN16654, BS8613 and the German Safety Mark. Aesthetics are important in any built environment, which is why Strand Hardware's finger protection devices provide the ideal finishing touch. Most are available in standard finishes - Satin Anodised Aluminium (SAA), White (RAL 9016) or Dark Bronze Anodised (DBA) but other RAL colours and anodised finishes are available as a special to order item. This means that Strand Hardware's finger protection sits in complete harmony with its environment – it doesn’t have to stand out like a sore thumb to prevent one! Most of us will have been through the doors of a popular fast food chain or high street store – companies that have been using them for many years – and probably never noticed them. And yet, they are fixed to entrances and fitting rooms, powder coated to colour match their frames - hidden in plain sight. For more information contact: info@strandhardware.co.uk or call: 01922 639111 www.strandhardware.co.uk

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New Trainees On Board At Cowie Plant Marking Over 40 Years Of Apprenticeships Wood panel manufacturer, West Fraser, has marked over 40 years of training, development and supporting young apprentices in the surrounding area, by welcoming three new trainees to the business. The three apprentices have begun their first year of West Fraser’s industry leading four-year apprenticeship programme at its Cowie plant, as part of the Stirlingshire employer’s longestablished syllabus, which sees apprentices take periods of on-the-job training at West Fraser. Kerr McQueen, Daniel White and Nathan Reilly have all joined the team and will be working as a mechanical apprentice, electrical apprentice and process apprentice respectively – with the latter overseeing the process of manufacturing at the site. With over 100 apprentices having come through the business across 40 years, West Fraser has always had a strong commitment towards supporting trainees, helping to build skills and provide a clear pathway to a career within the sector. Ashley Mitchell, HR manager at the West Fraser plant in Cowie, said: “West Fraser recognises the importance of hands-on experience for those starting out in work, so providing an opportunity to educate and develop young people to tackle the skill gaps within our industry remains a priority for us. “With over 40 years of experience in the developing and supporting young apprentices, our well-rounded programme is a fantastic way of training our apprentices on the varied work systems that we have in place and offers a clear path on which to progress at West Fraser. https://uk.westfraser.com

Recticel's Eurothane® GP Among First Building Products To Be CCPI Verified Recticel Insulation is delighted to announce that its Eurothane® GP PIR board has become one of the first UK construction products to receive Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) accreditation. The verification helps product users to be assured data associated with Eurothane® GP is accurate, up-to-date, clear, accessible and unambiguous. This information is crucial in assisting customers to make more informed decisions in respect of product specification. It will also help improve building standards due to products being used safely and appropriately. Paul Simpson, Commercial Director UK & Ireland at Recticel said: "The CCPI accreditation for our product set is extremely good news. We have long been advocates for more clarity with respect to building product information. It will have beneficial ramifications throughout the building supply chain and hopefully lead to more buildings being constructed as designed." Initiated by the Construction Products Association's Marketing Integrity Group following industry-wide consultation, CCPI aligns with Dame Judith Hackitt's call for a 'golden thread' of information as part of her post-Grenfell report into the fire safety of buildings. Dame Judith addressed manufacturers including Recticel at a CCPI Assessment and Verification event held in London to highlight the first products to achieve Code accreditation. Suitable for multiple applications including floors, pitched roofs and timber framed walls, Eurothane® GP demonstrates a good thermal performance (0.022 W/mK). www.recticelinsulation.com/en-gb/eurothane-gp For CCPI information visit: www.cpicode.org.uk

New ‘No Brainer’ Approach To Water Treatment For Residential Heating Systems Launched

After years of accepting the inevitable problems that run alongside liquid chemical water treatment solutions, a company that has solved the majority of the problems associated with commercial heating and cooling system water quality issues has transferred its expertise and product benefits into the world of residential water treatment with the launch of a range of solid chemical treatment inhibitors, cleaners and biocides for the heating and plumbing sector. The DosaFil alternative solution relies on being able to provide the active ingredients in a solid paste format that is far lighter, less dangerous to handle and transport, results in zero leakage or spillage, needs zero plastic that ends up in landfill and offers as good or better results once applied to a system. DosaFil has multiple customers that have reported success with the DosaFil solid chemicals and dosing devices that suggest that the results of the solid chemical approach is in all cases as effective as the traditional liquid chemical approach and in many, significantly better. "We set out to challenge the status quo, creating a safe, easy to install and operate water conditioning system that also addresses common key concerns of modern business, such as health and safety, eco-friendliness and reduction of energy consumption," says DosaFil boss, Steve Crick. “We designed a new approach to water treatment, dared to dream about changing things when we were told they couldn’t change, and produced a solution that has made us a highly successful business as we quietly went about changing the face of improving water quality in heating systems.” Whilst there are a number of more complex solutions and outcomes to the hours of research and development undertaken so far – one very simple idea that was far more complex to master was the belief that water treatment does not need to revolve around huge quantities of liquid chemicals.

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Steve and his team have more than 40 years of commercial water treatment experience in the locker, and he was convinced that solid paste type chemicals that rapidly dissolved when applied to systems was the answer to several issues that needed addressing in the water treatment sector – in particular in the residential marketplace. So it will come as no surprise that DosaFil is now ready to introduce a similar product – a solid paste, chemical cleaner and inhibitor/system protector – for the residential heating and plumbing marketplace.

impact. And there are no liquid chemical drums to dispose of – and no plastic bottles going to landfill as you can’t recycle the bottles unless you clean them first. The chemicals in the new DR range are in many cases the same or similar to those used in solution in liquid chemicals, just made hugely easier to handle and use by taking out the liquid. And the solid product gradually dissolves in the system allowing for far better distribution of the chemical dispersed around the system when compared to a single glug of chemical entering the system in one shot, in one place as with liquid chemicals. In addition, they contain industry proven high performance materials to control scale, corrosion and bio fouling – so quite

The Dosafil DR range meets all the standards and guidelines that currently exist in the marketplace whilst offering a raft of benefits over liquid solutions for merchants stocking the product and installers using it – including a massive weight reduction for moving the product in bulk, far less space taken up on the merchants shelves and in the installers vans, far less mess – due to no spillage of the liquid product and a range of other benefits that merchants, specifiers and installers will see as real and tangible benefits over the need to work with liquid chemicals. There are four key products in the range being launched – DR1 solid inhibitor sticks, which is the first solid inhibitor in the world to gain NSF International CIAS certification – formerly known as BuildCert. Then there’s DR2 Solid Cleaner sticks, DR3 Solid heavy duty cleaner sticks and DR4 Solid biocide sticks and all the products meet the same standards as the traditional liquid competitors. And the new residential products are already tried and tested on commercial systems for a number of years – it’s just a case of resizing the products to be the perfect match for smaller residential systems. The benefits of these exciting new products are many and varied but most simply make huge sense on a day-to-day basis for the people using the products – which is what it’s all about. The most immediately obvious key difference is the weight of the product – a typical treatment for a 100 -litre system with liquid chemicals weighs around 1.16kgs. With the DR products a mere 0.09 kgs. A lot less to carry around and a totally recyclable packaging option – just cardboard to recycle – no plastic bottles to landfill. The new products are compact and lightweight. With up to 90% of the contents of traditional liquid chemical water treatment products being water and other liquids using a solid product immediately takes out huge amounts of weight from the situation. The reduced weight reduces transport costs, fuel use and storage costs at a stroke.

simply a no brainer for all concerned. The new products come with serious eco-credentials and the chemicals come with fully recyclable packaging – no plastic – just cardboard. There are significant overall costs savings over liquid chemicals as well. The solid chemicals aid IPPC and ISO 14001 compliance and last but not least they are made in the UK and proudly carry the made in Britain logo. “These are very exciting times for DosaFil Residential Technologies,” says Commercial Director John Lynch. “Currently 97% of chemical water treatment uses liquid products. So we have a huge market to target and massive volume potential when those using these products see the penny drop that using solid water treatment products that will be able to be used through introducing the products via filters or towel rail radiators as they wish, will save them time, money and contribute towards sustainability and reductions in emissions and plastic waste. We received exceptionally positive feedback from a number of major players in the marketplace at our stand at Installer Live – we’re confident that they and other manufacturers will be keen to take a closer look at what we have to offer.” You can meet the DosaFil Residential Technologies team and find out more on the DosaFil website at www.dosafil.co.uk

The lightweight, non-spillable solid products are easy and safe to handle and transport. It goes without saying that the new product eliminates the chance of spills and reduces COSHH

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Zentia, a UK leader in complete ceiling solutions, is pleased to announce the renaming of its brightest and whitest tile, Ultima+. A popular climbing centre in Sheffield discovered that Bradite HD Floor+Wall paint came out on top when an extensive indoor climbing wall needed refurbishment. Mapei has introduced Mapecontact Plus – a new solvent-free, double-sided reinforced adhesive strip for fast-track installation of accessories, resilient and textile flooring. Having previously divided the 1st floor conference facility when etc.venues initially moved into 155 Bishopsgate, London, Style was asked to add further space flexibility when the company recently expanded into the sizeable 2nd floor area.

Zentia Gives Ultima+ The Ultimate Upgrade With New Names And New Products, Meet Prestige Zentia, a UK leader in complete ceiling solutions, is pleased to announce the renaming of its brightest and whitest tile, Ultima+. The new family, titled Prestige, will continue to represent the pinnacle of innovation and excellence in the industry and set new standards for performance, reliability and versability. Prestige offers three reliable, bespoke solutions depending on different client needs. The flagship product, Prestige, offers smooth, finely textured laminated tiles that provide good sound absorption and attenuation, offering perfectly balanced acoustical performance. The tiles contain up to 37% recycled content and are available in 35 colours, offering practical and creative solutions for a range of environments including meeting rooms, waiting areas and data centres. Prestige hA+ offers the same sleek, smooth aesthetics but also forms one of Zentia's most sound absorbent suspending ceiling tile to date, making it ideal for open plan areas that require

a dose of calm and quiet such as libraries and healthcare settings. As well as an outstanding acoustic performance, the ceiling systems offer a reinforced scratch resistant face and impressive environmental credentials, being 100% recyclable. Zentia is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its products. The Prestige family will be the first laminated product to be added to Zentia's Pinnacle Partner offcut recycling scheme. The scheme is a promise from Zentia to take back and recycle all offcuts of Prestige tiles from their approved Pinnacle Partners on future projects. The final product within the range, Prestige dB, offers sound attenuation properties that is most effective for when privacy is your main concern by limiting noise being transmitted through ceiling voids. This makes it ideal for individual offices and boardrooms. www.zentia.com

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Bradite On The Up And Up A popular climbing centre in Sheffield discovered that Bradite HD Floor+Wall paint came out on top when an extensive indoor climbing wall needed refurbishment. The Foundry Mountaineering Club – a community interest company established in 1991 in a disused steel works – was looking to spruce up and partially remodel a 500 square metre vertical surface. “We had previously used floor paints because they are tough wearing and we need something that doesn’t get marked with the rubber-soled climbing shoes,” explained the Club’s service manager, Jacob Crabtree. “It was the guy who built the wall that put us onto Bradite,” he says. They were delighted to be using an odourless water-based

repainting task. His verdict on the finish – “Fantastic!” “We used three coats. After the first coat went on, we then used an air compressor to spray on aluminium oxide grit to provide some friction on the climbing surface, then repeated the process with a second coat and the grit. We finished with a third coat and, instead of the grit, we applied a lacquer on top.” Then came the task of replacing the many hundreds of small hand grips and carabiner fixing points that are spread over the entire face of the wall. The coloured hand grips are arranged to mark out specific climbing routes of differing severity.

product in place of the oil-based paints previously used. Having decided to go for a more neutral grey – RAL 7047 – to replace the garish bright yellow currently on the wall, Jacob and one of his colleagues took on the

HD Floor+Wall is a heavy duty two-pack, water-based epoxy coating and finish paint, suitable for painting concrete, steel, ceramic and terracotta tiles. It offers an easy-to- clean finish, making it ideal for hygiene sensitive areas; hospitals, food preparation areas, breweries, bakeries, and now, climbing centres! www.bradite.com

Keeping The Elderly Comfortable Controlling noise and acoustics is a key element in design and particularly when designing for the elderly. The need for more assisted-living and retirement accommodation continues to rise to match the evergrowing ageing population whether it’s to combat the cost of living independently, downsizing, increased care needs or just a sense of community and freedom. Care Homes and Day Centres play an important role in our society and can improve the quality of life for its users through an increased sense of security and to combat isolation. New accommodation is frequently designed to replicate the comforts of a home and to minimise transitional stress but all too frequently ambient levels of noise add to the challenges faced by the elderly. The impact of noise pollution on the elderly is far worse than in younger years. Presbycusis, (hearing loss that occurs gradually for many of us as we grow older) along with cumulative lifetime noise exposure, decline in physiological resilience and dementia all have an impact. The McManus and McClenaghan (2010) study recommended that “having a good acoustic environment can support inclusion and reduce confusion in people with dementia”. Today’s trends of designing with hard surfaces means that all too

often the problem is exacerbated with residents, staff and visitors suffering from noise pollution adding to increased levels of stress and anxiety. Danish acoustic panel manufacturer Troldtekt is a world leader in designing and developing acoustic panels to create calm, healthy, comfortable environments with their long-lasting solutions for effective sound control combined with colour to create characterful design. Troldtekt acoustic panels are available in a variety of different structures and colours combining superior sound absorption with award-winning design. The Troldtekt range has a minimum expected life cycle of 50 years coupled with excellent resistance to humidity and tested to meet ball impact standards. The range is available in various sizes and structures, from extreme fine to coarse. They can be supplied as natural wood or finished in almost any RAL or NCS colour. Depending on the panel specified, reaction to fire is classed in accordance with EN 13501 as B-s1,d0 or A2-s1,d0 respectively. More information on the theme of ‘designing for the elderly’ can be found here: https://www.troldtekt.com/ themes/architecture-for-seniors/ and samples, case studies, EPD’s and technical guidance are available from www.troldtekt.com

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Form An Instant Bond With New Mapecontact Plus Mapei has introduced Mapecontact Plus – a new solvent-free, double-sided reinforced adhesive strip for fast-track installation of accessories, resilient and textile flooring. New Mapecontact Plus provides an instant bond and a secure, tough hold, eliminating waiting time. It is ideal for installing textile and resilient flooring onto steps and curved surfaces, and accessories including coving, skirting boards, rubber and PVC profiles. It can also be used to install angular pieces and protective profiles onto steps and other sharp edges. As well as providing a fast, sustainable and clean installation, Mapecontact Plus has improved resistance to moisture, plasticisers and ageing, for greater longevity. Mapecontact Plus is ready-to-use and available in 25mm, 40mm and 85mm widths. It is certified Emicode ECI Plus by GEV. www.mapei.co.uk

Blanco Launches Choice.All Drink System With Sparkling Water BLANCO has announced the launch of CHOICE.ALL, the first drink system of its kind to be available in the UK. When fitted as part of the BLANCO UNIT, the platform offers two types of sparkling water (filtered medium sparkling and fully sparkling water), as well as filtered still water (boiling water and chilled, with adjustable temperature levels) plus unfiltered hot and cold tap water. The CHOICE.ALL offers better tasting water in a wide range of formats and temperatures, and is also an incredible space saver, removing the need for a kettle or bottled water. This latest innovation from BLANCO marks the first time the brand has offered a sparkling water option in the UK, and provides consumers with a complete drinking water solution. With simplified installation making it easier than ever to setup, the CHOICE.ALL platform includes an under-sink water conditioning unit, the brand new CHOICE ICONA semi-professional kitchen tap, and is accompanied by a new BLANCO UNIT app. BLANCO’s new two-jet CHOICE ICONA semi-professional tap features an intuitive touch control, with a colour coded LED light ring to indicate boiling, still and sparkling preferences. Thanks to the app, it is also possible to save favourite water temperature and volume settings to return to at the press of a button. At launch, the CHOICE ICONA tap will be available in brushed stainless steel, satin dark steel, black matt and satin gold, ensuring that, as ever, BLANCO offers a breadth of colourways to complement any kitchen design. www.blanco.com

The Artistry Of Modern Wood Burning Stoves With Unconventional Designs DRU UK general manager Niall Deiraniya heralds their latest generation of designer stoves.

aspirational homeowners. Dik Geurts, our primary wood burning brand, has been an innovator since the 1980s, developing stoves and fires that can capture the attention of discerning customers in busy fireplace showrooms. In 2008, Dik Geurts introduced the Aruba, a spectacular elliptical stove that featured prominently in the BBC drama series Hustle. This has now been superseded by the Oval, which is available in freestanding, fixed and suspended versions with greatly improved performance and efficiency.

Ever since wood burning stoves became an essential part of the home heating mix, designers and manufacturers have strived to produce models that will appeal to 30

Its sales this year have surpassed all expectations. Odin, the circular equivalent of Oval, has proved equally popular, especially the Plateau model, which sits on a beautifully crafted log storage plinth for added visual appeal and practicality. Both Odin and Oval are available in single-sided or tunnel versions. .

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This means you can locate them in a central position in the living space and enjoy them from anywhere in the room. Two and three-sided designer stoves are always in great demand, with panoramic fire views that bathe the home in a warm glow. These come in the shapes of the Dik Geurts Bora Corner and Vidar Triple. Both models offer multiple variations in size and configuration with ample log storage opportunities. The past couple of years has seen a huge upsurge in sales of designer wood burning models, as consumers become more adventurous in their choice of home heating appliances. Contemporary wood stoves, with their ergonomic designs, high efficiency and low emissions, will remain a mainstay of home heating for many years to come. We expect even more exciting developments in these products in the future. For further information, email info@drufire.co.uk or visit: www.drufire.com

Style Divides Space Again For Prestigious London etc.venues Facility

Having previously divided the 1st floor conference facility when etc.venues initially moved into 155 Bishopsgate, London, Style was asked to add further space flexibility when the company recently expanded into the sizeable 2nd floor area. Working with Synergy Architects, and contractor, KPS Partnership Style recommended installing a single, 21 metre long Dorma Huppe Variflex moveable wall down the length of the main conference space. A further five Variflex walls were then installed evenly spaced throughout the room, allowing individual meeting rooms to be created as demand dictates. Maintaining natural light throughout the space, pass-doors are all fully glazed, with an adjacent panel also being fully glazed in each instance. For added wow factor, solid panels feature eye-catching graphics. “We have worked with etc.venues several times before,” said Michael Porter, Style’s group sales director, “and it is a privilege to continue being involved in creating market leading meeting, event and exhibition space that offers users outstanding flexibility." etc.venues’ mission is to rescue people from the tyranny of dull meeting venues by inspiring them with vibrant design and contemporary art, offering fresh and carefully sourced food, coupled with award-winning hospitality. 155 Bishopsgate has established itself as one of The City’s most stylish conference destinations and one of the largest too, with a total capacity across the two floors exceeding 1,000 guests.

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The new Variflex moveable wall arrangement enables etc.venues to host an extensive combination of meetings by closing off each area into smaller meeting rooms, opening up multiple rooms into one larger meeting area or moving all walls away to create a vast open plan conference/exhibition space. With Style prioritising acoustic integrity throughout the installation process, coupled with semi-automatic operation that ensures the seals between the panels are expanded to exactly the right pressure every time, a 52dB Rw acoustic rating is achieved, delivering complete privacy between divided areas. www.style-partitions.co.uk

LG Launches The Energy Efficient Multi V I With Cutting-Edge AI Engine LG Electronics (LG) has announced the launch of the new Multi V™ i, a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) solution equipped with the company’s highly evolved AI engine, in key global markets starting in Europe. Suitable for mid- to high-rise buildings, such as offices, schools, shopping malls, apartment buildings and hotels, the energy efficient Multi V i comes with a range of differentiated, smart features that help reduce energy consumption and deliver a more comfortable indoor environment – and a quieter outdoor environment – all-year-round. The new units are available in the UK now and are available in a single unit up to 26 HP – the current Multi V 5 is only available up to 20 HP. The Multi V i’s sophisticated AI engine enables AI Smart Care, which leverages spatial and situational learning to optimise operation; adjusting cooling or heating power according to several variables, including the number of people in the room, humidity levels, and indoor and outside ambient temperature.

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The unit’s newly designed biomimetic fan and an enhanced air-flow path combine to reduce fan-motor power consumption, resulting in improved energy savings. LG’s outstanding, new model can provide fresh, comfortable indoor air in any season, working at full cooling capacity in temperatures up to 43 degrees Celsius, and full heating capacity in temperatures as low as negative 10 degrees Celsius. The Multi V i’s AI engine powers a variety of smart features, such as Auto Tuning and Remote Upgrade, which help to improve convenience and the overall user experience. The Auto Tuning system automatically tunes the compressor and motor during initial installation or when they need replacing, allowing for faster and easier setup and servicing.

This enables the product to improve energy savings by up to 24.7 percent. Meanwhile, AI Indoor Space Care helps maintain a steady temperature and reduce energy consumption by automatically turning on indoor units in occupied areas, and turning them off in unoccupied areas. Another efficiency-focused feature, AI Energy Management allows users to set energy consumption targets, which can help to lower the overall power usage of the Multi V i. The Multi V i also helps to enhance the comfort of those living in neighbouring buildings or houses. Users can set an operational noise limit (from 50 to 70 decibels in advance to ensure that the sound produced by the outdoor unit does not exceed the level of volume they’ve specified.

Meanwhile, with the Remote Upgrade system, LG’s VRF solution can be automatically updated to the latest software version without an on-site service visit. Furthermore, the Multi V i offers AI Smart Diagnosis, which provides automated system analysis and easy-to-read status reports to help reduce service times and boost reliability. “Boasting our outstanding AI engine, the new Multi V i offers enhanced energysavings, a more pleasant indoor environment and exceptional convenience,” said James Lee, head of the Air Solution Business Unit at LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. “LG will continue to deliver complete air solutions leveraging its cutting-edge AI and industry-leading HVAC technologies. www.LG.com

Providing smart performance and convenience, the Weather Information Interlocking Control feature of LG’s VRF solution automatically selects custom operation modes – including Automatic Pre-heating and Automatic Snow Removal – based on the weather conditions. Automatic Pre-heating allows users to enjoy a warm indoor environment, even on the coldest days of the year, by automatically heating the room in advance, while Automatic Snow Removal prevents snow from accumulating and freezing on the outdoor unit. Boasting powerful, dependable performance even in extreme weather conditions, the Multi V i has surpassed its predecessor, the Multi V 5, to become the most energy efficient LG VRF solution yet.

Kubu Announces Another Milestone With Granted Patent For Clip-In Window Sensor Technology In a significant move that underscores its commitment to innovation and industry leadership, Kubu is thrilled to announce the granting of another patent - this time for its pioneering Smart window sensors. The patent specifically covers the innovative fitment methods - developed by Kubu - that allow Window sensors to be clipped onto a mounting bracket within the air gap of a window frame, providing an easy to use and concealed fitment. This new patent joins Kubu's growing portfolio of intellectual property, including the previously patented mechanism that allows a sensor to be integrated within a multi-point door lock, through the use of micro-switches on the gearbox and a custom sensor housing, accessed through a slot in the faceplate of the lock. "Kubu's dedication to pushing the boundaries of smart security technology is evident in our continuous pursuit of patents that protect and validate our innovations," said Ryan Bromley, Co-founder of Kubu. "This latest patent not only reinforces our position at the forefront of the fenestration industry but also sends a clear message about the authenticity and originality of our products." The announcement comes at

a time when the market is seeing an increase in fenestration products that are designed to work with Smart technology, such as Kubu's patented security sensors. For Fenestration Industry Trade Professionals, the distinction between genuine innovation and mere imitation has never been more critical. Marc Henson, Head of Marketing at Kubu, added, "Our team has worked tirelessly to develop technologies that truly make a difference. This patent is a testament to our dedication and another fantastic addition to our already extensive intellectual property portfolio." Kubu's message to industry professionals is clear: When it comes to smart security, it's essential to choose a brand that not only leads in innovation but also stands by the authenticity of its products. With Kubu, professionals can be confident they're opting for genuine, fully-accredited, patented technology from a vertically integrated business that delivers on its promises. For more details on Kubu's patented technologies and the value they bring to the fenestration industry, visit getkubu.com, email trade@getkubu.com or call 0330 555 9545.

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Simple. Smart. Secure. Add value to your next development project. Add multi-award winning Smart Security from Kubu.

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Kubu is a multi-award winning range of high-security Smart sensors that fit seamlessly into your doors and windows, and integrates with other Smart Home devices to create a full perimeter alarm system that is simple to fit, and provides added value for the developer with virtually no additional cost.

1 x door unsecure

To find out more about Kubu and how Smart Security can add value to your next project, visit: getkubu.com/trade or email: sales@getkubu.com

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Schlüter-LIPROTEC Shines A Light On Interior Design Schlüter-Systems has strengthened its portfolio of bathroom systems for the UK domestic market through the availability of advanced control light technology which enhances aesthetics whilst also offering almost unlimited creative choice. Encompassing the latest LED technology, Schlüter-LIPROTEC creates restful lighting for relaxing spaces, or bright, colourful lighting for a busy family bathroom or kitchen. Schlüter-LIPROTEC has a broad range of applications, from direct or indirect lighting effects, enabling the interior designer, architect or property owner to illuminate feature walls, pictures, tiled areas such as shower enclosures or study spaces, kitchen countertops and stairways; in fact, anywhere the creative mind can conceive a plan for. The collection offers the option of

neutral white, warm white or RGB+W LEDs; the latter allowing for coloured and white LEDS on a single strip, to generate coloured light or temperature-controllable white light, which can be selected from 2500 K to 6500 K. The system can be programmed to deliver a choice of 16 million colours via a Bluetooth app and remote control. Suitable for moisture-prone areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and showers, the LED strips are completely encapsulated and conform to IP67 protection rating. SchlüterLIPROTEC-EASY is the company's simple plug-and-play version which comes with matching power supply units up to 100W.

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The Schlüter-LIPROTEC-PRO series, meanwhile, is geared towards professional installers and offers bespoke lighting solutions. The LED modules are available either with a fixed white-light colour temperature of 3000 K or 4900 K, or with the full RGB+W colour range. Schlüter-KERDI-BOARD-NLT units are stylish niche sets fabricated from the company's KERDI-BOARD and featuring plug-and-play LIPROTEC-LED technology. They can be used to create illuminated recesses and storage surfaces for all kinds of wall areas and are enabled with Bluetooth/wireless receivers. The various light colours can also be selected via the supplied remote control or suitable Bluetooth-compatible smartphones and tablets. The lighting collection embraces the company's extensive range of bathroom finishing solutions and, when deciding on the multiple variations of lighting,

ideas for their project, Schlüter-Systems has published a brochure covering all on-trend accent lighting solutions, while Virtual Worlds can be accessed online to browse the myriad lighting options available. With more than 2,300 employees and seven offices across Europe and North America, Schlüter-Systems is the world's largest and most innovative manufacturer of system solutions for the function, protection and decoration of tiles and natural stone flooring. Schluter-Systems in the UK offers a very wide product portfolio including the Schluter-KERDI range of waterproofing, the versatile tile backerboard KERDI-BOARD and its underfloor heating solutions, DITRA-HEAT and BEKOTECTHERM. For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk/ to download the bathroom brochure here.

Schlüter-Systems' customer services team is on hand to offer project and technical support with CAD detail. For those still seeking

Le Chic, The Reborn Of Silestone® Veined Patterns Cosentino launches Le Chic, the latest product offering from Silestone®. A juxtaposition to the more modern look of the Urban Crush series, Le Chic brings elegance and sophistication to the home. This new Silestone® series redefines a timeless classic. A step forward in veined-patterned surfacing with six designs available, that take inspiration from Victorian and Parisian spaces, with a nod to nostalgia with a modern execution. Le Chic collection is an elegant and sophisticated offering that can be used in all areas in the house. The patterns feature expressive veins and metallic accents that stand out against neutral backdrops like cream or deep blues and blacks, creating depth. Supporting Cosentino’s unwavering pillars of innovation and sustainability. Le Chic represents advancement in Cosentino’s surface manufacturing, as the detailed veining requires an all-new technique of design. The intricate, interlocking veins are made possible by the brand’s new moulding system, giving life to particles and minerals of a wide range of sizes and creating an incredible new texture.

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Cosentino’s patented HybriQ+® technology is involved in the process as Silestone® Le Chic is manufactured using 99% reused water and 100% renewable energy, incorporating a minimum of 20% recycled raw materials in its composition, that also has less than 40% of silica. Le Chic collection is composed of six designs: Parisian Blue, Eclectic Pearl, Versailles Ivory, Victorian Silver, Bohemian Flame and Romantic Ash. Parisian Blue – Taking inspiration from the French Capital. This colourway boasts a deep bluish tone with strong personality and powerful character. Inspired by the shades seen in famous Imperial Roman stones, combined with fine veins in ochre tones. Eclectic Pearl - One of the best examples of the core design idea behind Le Chic. Classic and modern, it features flowing streams of delicate tones incrusted with grains like diamonds on jewelry. (cont...)

(cont...) Eclectic Pearl hypnotizes with delicate veining, texture, and metallic accents across the whole surface. Versailles Ivory - The warmest tone of the collection. Very subtle two-toned marbling in the background with gradient effects mesmerize with the flickering lights of its golden sparkle. Versailles Ivory exudes luxury and elegance, reminiscent of the exuberance of the Palace of Versailles. Victorian Silver - Soft a depth. The cool background tone blends with its silver and dark gray veins to create an elegant colour that fits seamlessly with warm and cold tones. Bohemian Flame - This color presents subtle sinuous veins with metallic inlays in copper shades. The movement of the golden flows of lava that generate scars on volcanic soil inspires it. It’s reminiscent of the calmly moving golden flame of candles accentuating tiny metallic pieces. Romantic Ash - Another example of Le Chic's visual excellence. Large rivers and incrustations of grains in various sizes awaken memories of a milky way visible on a clear starry sky.

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The accent of blue strengthens the depth of Romantic Ash. Silestone® & HybriQ+® Le Chic uses HybriQ+®, the exclusive and pioneering technology developed for Silestone® by Cosentino. HybriQ+®, launched in 2020, is a qualitative leap in the evolution of the Silestone® brand. It features a new production process demonstrating the company’s commitment to the environment, the circular economy and sustainable management. With HybriQ+®, in addition to Cosentino’s environmental milestones, such as the use of 99% recycled water and 100% renewable electric energy, at least 20% of recycled raw materials are used in the manufacture of Silestone®. Furthermore, HybriQ+® technology stands out for its new formulation in the composition of Silestone®, where the presence of crystalline silica is significantly reduced. Urban Crush series has less than 40% crystalline silica in its composition. www.cosentino.com/en-gb/silestone

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Cristallo Azure Creates A Zen-Like Atmosphere That Is Striking When Melanie Leakey began thinking of what her dream kitchen would look like, bringing nature indoors and capturing the essence of shinrin-yoku - the Japanese art of forest bathing - was a priority. One of the newest additions to the CRL Quartz collection, Cristallo Azure, helped the team from Milestone Ecodesign fulfil the quite specific brief. The quartz surface, teamed with green paint for a feature wall, bamboo flooring and stone-effect Eco2 cabinets, helps transform the wrap-around extension on the back of a 1960s semi-detached house in the suburbs of Bradford into a zen-like space. “I wanted a really natural look and felt the azure blue would mimic a lake next to the trees, and it worked perfectly,” explains Melanie. Installed by Select Solid Surfaces in Keighley, Cristallo Azure makes a stunning visual impression, while the durability of the quartz material ensures it will stay looking beautiful with minimal maintenance. The striking intensity of the sea-green colour makes it the perfect choice for this project, where it contrasts so well with the nature-inspired décor around it. (cont...)

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(cont...) “Everyone has either worktops on the black/white/grey spectrum or beige - we wanted to be a little different!” Melanie admits. Entering the newly created space from the existing house, the dining area accommodates a large glasstop table and seating, with bi-fold doors beyond leading out to the patio. To the right of the dining area lies the kitchen, with a long bank of tall units for storage on the rear wall and a kitchen island as a centrepiece. Complete with hob, sink and bar stools and topped with Cristallo Azure surfaces it is this furniture that turns the room into the multi-functional space Melanie was hoping for. “The new kitchen looks out onto our south-facing garden, so we wanted to have a kitchen island that incorporated the hob and sink so we could make the most of the views,” emphasises Melanie. “I also think it's rude to talk to someone with your back to them because you're stirring something on the hob!”"We wanted a really social space where we could entertain guests without having to excuse yourself because you need to focus on making a meal, so wanted a couple of bar stools for the island so guests/family could take a seat and talk to the chef whilst they make dinner.”

engineered quartz stone such as Cristallo Azure is scratch, heat and stain resistant and never needs to be sealed. “The island is one of the aspects we are most pleased with. It does exactly what we wanted it to do, and it looks fabulous whilst it does it.” The chosen décor is a brave step away from the often-seen neutral tones of modern kitchen design, but there’s no doubt that the finished space is everything that Melanie and her family hoped for from the new space. As she concludes: “I think it is a combination of the use of natural materials and colours that work so harmoniously together, plus the fact that the kitchen is designed around the home chef - everything you need is either straight in front of you or only a few steps away. Plus, the use of the cabinets means everything can be tidied away leaving us with a clean, streamlined kitchen.” www.crlstone.co.uk

CRL Quartz is the ideal surface for such a multi-functional kitchen area. A practical alternative to natural materials yet with all the beauty that the marble look brings to the kitchen,

Dural's Floorshow At Adam Smith Theatre The Adam Smith Theatre is currently closed for a major refurbishment and Dural are delighted to be part of the project. The redevelopment of the Adam Smith theatre has been a major capital investment by Fife Council who have worked in conjunction with architect Gavin Turner. When the theatre reopens this year it will provide the town and community with a much needed hub to work, rest and play! The first phase was to redevelop the auditorium with new seating and carpet. Phase two encompassed both design and architectural vision. Each space needed to be both practical and functional. There is a busy foyer and box office area which will have to endure a high footfall. A bar area, lower function suite and studio space. There are areas in this project where ceramic tile flooring has been specified. In these areas the architect has uncovered a variety of floor substrates which meet at differing levels within the new spaces.

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Dural has been integral in offering technical advice on how to install their Durabase CI++ matting which has been specified by the main contractor on this project. This product is a multifunctional matting system, it has a 3 layer construction which offers many more advantages than just decoupling. It has crack-bridging properties and optimised shearing force protection. The theatre is under a preservation order as its construction dates back to 1899. It was originally created as a memorial to the great economist and philosopher Adam Smith. Interestingly the building was funded by linoleum manufacturer Michael Beveridge! Durabase CI++ matting allows new tiles to be laid successfully on old and damaged floors. In this instance the matting was placed over both concrete and timber substrates. The matting is quick and straightforward to install but offers maximum reliability. Ideal for renovation projects! The theatre entrance and bar were also all tiled, Dural were asked to supply Coloured Movement Joints for this expanse. The beautiful tiled floor was both a practical and aesthetic choice. When considering such a large expanse of tile it is important to use both Movement Joints and Perimeter Joints. Hard flooring expands and contracts, a Movement Joint prevents the tiles and grout from cracking. Movement Joint profiles can cope with heavy stresses and distribute them evenly between the foundation and floor covering. They protect hard floor coverings from the stresses that cause cracking and tenting. On suspended floors stress-relieving joints should be placed over supporting walls and beams, anywhere there can be a risk of flexing. For a breathtaking finish, coloured movement joints were specified.The floor needed to blend seamlessly in order to give the project a high end finish necessary for such a beautiful building. Coloured Movement Joints are available in any RAL colour and for this project Dural matched them to the tile colour. They are often used in public spaces because of their durability. Their ability to handle a wide range of loadings and constant footfall is useful. All CMJ - Coloured Movement Joints are designed and manufactured to exceed the requirements of BS 5385 and can be used with Slate, Natural Stone and Ceramic tiled floors. Dural also provides highly competent advice and support for any tiling project. No matter how complex the application they can provide the perfect solution, including both products and service. www.colouredmovementjoints.co.uk

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Neil Kirwin, Southern Specification Manager at SFS, discusses why engaging with building product manufacturers can help to improve fire safety performance. Back in 2018, leading commercial property agents Savills reported how there was a growing demand for what they call ‘highly amenitised’ offices. This is the concept designing office developments and redeveloping existing offices in a way that provides more facilities for building users beyond simply a desk, toilets and a meeting room. Some developers refer to this approach as ‘placemaking’, but in short a key part of creating highly amenitised offices is maximising the use of outdoor spaces.

How Can Early Engagement Help To Improve Fire Safety Performance? Neil Kirwin, Southern Specification Manager at SFS, discusses why engaging with building product manufacturers can help to improve fire safety performance.

The regulations in England continue to use 18m as a threshold, with requirements applying to 'relevant buildings'but excluding 'specified attachments' that are part of the wall construction.

Earlier engagement in technical design with building product manufacturers certainly helps to reduce the complexity of dealing with fire safety requirements in the construction industry. Few areas of building and specification have seen as much scrutiny and change as fire safety; and this will remain the case for the foreseeable future. Engaging in technical design with building product manufacturers at an earlier stage of projects can help to reduce the challenges of dealing with frequent change. Rising insurance premiums, and the culture of risk aversion, have gone hand in hand as the industry has sought to navigate the changed landscape. Nobody believes more focus on fire performance and safety is a bad thing. However, there is a case for asking whether better awareness is leading to a better understanding of how products and systems behave, if and when the worst happens.

How could fire safety requirements change in the future? - The direction of future regulations, and how they will align with the risk averse thinking of building insurers, is unclear.

Do specification decisions reflect fire testing results? - Construction product manufacturers are rightly expected to be transparent about their product testing with clear communication of results. Even where that clear communication is in place, however, a suitable product or system might be rejected from a specification due to risk averse thinking. Specifiers might find themselves looking for solutions that either the market cannot provide, or which are an over-specification for the particular project, because expectations are not aligned with what is actually required, or available. There are questions as to whether the testing regime generally, and for fire safety specifically, is doing enough.

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Do different parties associated with construction projects understand what is being tested, and why? Are the results communicated clearly - first from the test house to the manufacturer, and then from the manufacturer to the architectural and specification audience? Are national building regulations clear enough about what is required and why? Is there clarity about when to look for individual product performance, and when to look for system testing results? Is enough value placed on system testing in the first place, especially when installers seek to substitute individual components in a building envelope system?

Different fire safety measures and requirements in the different countries of the UK only add to the complexity of the overall picture. In Scotland, for example, combustible materials have been banned from external wall constructions in buildings that exceed 11m in height, even where good test results have been demonstrated. 52

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Could combustible materials be banned on buildings of any height? What does good practice look like now, and is it possible to anticipate – and maybe even plan for - what good practice looks like in the future? How will changing fire safety regulations impact on other performance criteria?

BR135 sets out the performance criteria for cladding systems in terms of fire safety. Changing thermal performance requirements are increasing insulation thickness in the building envelope, and we are seeing building envelopes with insulation so thick that it cannot fixed and also meet the BR135 criteria. What does early engagement look like in fire safety? - Early engagement allows specifiers to work closely with manufacturers of building envelope systems. Through collaboration, it's possible to establish what is required and what solutions are available to meet those needs. Regulatory requirements can be met without over-specification. The specifier can progress through the later design stages confident of having a robust specification and a compliant solution. Most importantly, they won't have assumed any risk for its selection. One of the biggest barriers to achieving robust specifications and closing performance gaps is cost engineering. Seeking to substitute products purely on cost grounds leads to more risk and greater uncertainty, as it doesn't take a 'whole building' view of the project. No reassurances that an alternative product is “similar approved” can surmount the fact that, often, the proposed substitution has not been tested or certified as part of the original build-up. Rarely is it so simple, especially in a building envelope specification, that one product can simply be swapped out for another. Early engagement results in better collaboration. As different parties gain a better appreciation for what each other needs, and how they can support each other, it becomes easier to aim for performance, and to close performance gaps between ‘as designed’ and ‘as built’. You can learn more about robust, sustainable building envelope specifications, and the benefits of engaging with product manufacturers, in our series off technical papers in SFS Talks' here: https://uk.sfs.com/knowledge-hub/sfs-talks

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T h e mo st b e auti ful way to say we lcome

Maximum design appeal – minimum canopy height: Revo.PRIME With a minimum canopy height of just 75 mm, GEZE Revo.PRIME impresses with its barely visible drive. The narrowest profile systems of 60 mm also inspire with maximum creative freedom in the entrance area – for more free space, more transparency and an open airy feeling. revoprime.geze.com Call GEZE UK on 01543 443000 Email: info.uk@geze.com www.geze.co.uk

Why WellDesigned Outdoor Space Is Key To ‘Highly Amenitised’ Offices

Back in 2018, leading commercial property agents Savills reported how there was a growing demand for what they call ‘highly amenitised’ offices. This is the concept designing office developments and redeveloping existing offices in a way that provides more facilities for building users beyond simply a desk, toilets and a meeting room. Some developers refer to this approach as ‘placemaking’, but in short a key part of creating highly amenitised offices is maximising the use of outdoor spaces. Savills point out that offices with ‘easy access to outdoor space have always attracted a premium, with floors boasting their own terraces achieving higher rents than those without’. But it is not just about private terraces in city centre office developments, which are popular for client entertaining. Offices increasingly need to consider how occupiers want proximity to outdoor space to meet their wellbeing initiatives too – hence why roof gardens and greater consideration to street level public realm are higher on the agenda in office design than ever before.

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The pandemic catapulted ‘outdoor space’ up the design priority list. Many people re-evaluated their relationship with the great outdoors particularly given the health and wellbeing benefits they felt when spending time outside. And post-pandemic, in many cases businesses are responding to this renewed appetite by ensuring their outdoor space is attractive and fully utilised for activities as diverse as outdoor meetings, yoga classes or cinema screenings. With careful design about how building users could use the space, these outdoor spaces can become valuable as areas that allow for mental breaks or recharging. This is important given how many office workers have grown to prefer working from home (WFH) from a productivity point of view. Hence why, as international property agents Cushman and Wakefield put it: “The primary purpose of the office moving forward will be to support collaboration, reinforce culture, train and develop team members, and drive social interaction. The office—its workspaces, amenities and services—will need to be redesigned to support these efforts more directly. Many of the pre-COVID-19 trends in amenities and services will continue, accelerate or shift when workers return to the office.” So how do outdoor spaces in office developments need to be designed? Attractive landscaping, seating, shelter and lighting are obvious considerations, but so too is a power infrastructure that can be used on-demand. By equipping outdoor spaces with safe, secure power units, the potential for events and other facilities is unlocked. The outdoor power units we are talking about here are available in three different formats from Pop Up Power Supplies®. These are a retractable, pop-up unit that raises from the ground when needed, an in-ground unit accessed via a fliplid, and a power bollard. By installing these power distribution units, you can provide easy access to electricity as and when it is required. For example, you may want to set up a coffee stall or an ice-cream kiosk in summer to make the outdoor space more appealing to building users, or host entertainment by setting up a stage, fully equipped with lighting, amplifiers, etc. for social events. Even if you don’t yet know exactly how an outdoor space could be used by office occupiers, given the strong demand for highly amenitised offices as part of a modern office culture it makes good commercial sense to ensure on-demand power supplies are provided wherever possible and appropriate. To find out more about the outdoor power distribution units available from Pop Up Power Supplies visit www.popuppower.co.uk

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Mapei has provided a fast-track repair and resurface solution for the main entrance steps at the Village Hotel, Warrington. CUPACLAD® 101 Logic was recently specified by student accommodation provider Study Inn for a large-scale building at Walnut Gardens, Exeter. The natural slate cladding system was chosen for its durability as well as its premium aesthetic. The renovation and conversion of a former workshop and car storage facility, into a stylish basement space as part of a high-spec residential property, is making extensive use of fully compatible products from the range of Triton Systems. Boughton’s Intensive green roof substrate has been successfully trialled in a ground-breaking analysis project at Coventry University assessing the feasibility of ‘greening’ landscapes with ecologically beneficial habitats.

Mapei Makes A Grand Entrance At Village Hotel Mapei has provided a fast-track repair and resurface solution for the main entrance steps at the Village Hotel, Warrington. The renovation project - completed by SCFR Ltd for main contractor, Derek De’Ath Ltd – included a complete renovation of the concrete steps and application of a UV-resistant and slip-resistant Mapei coating system, designed for heavy pedestrian traffic. Located close to Warrington town centre in Cheshire, the Village Hotel is approach via a wide concrete stepped entrance. Localised repairs had been carried out historically to the concrete steps and the surface required complete renovation. Mapei attended the site throughout the project, to provide support on each phase of works, including substrate preparation, repair and resurfacing, over four days, and installation of the primer and protective coating, completed in a single day. Following removal of deteriorated concrete, steel reinforcement rods were cleaned and Mapefer 1K Zero - a carbon neutral anti-corrosion cementitious mortar was applied. This was followed by application of rapid setting Planitop Smooth and Repair R4 Zero - a carbon neutral shrinkage compensated, thixotropic fibre-reinforced cementitious mortar –

used to reinstate the voids and resurface the steps. Solvent-free epoxy adhesive, Eporip and Mapeflex MS 45 – a universal paintable elastic sealant and adhesive compatible with damp substrates - were then applied to seal and bond the surface. The steps were then primed with Triblock P – a moisture compatible epoxy-cement based special primer – and finished with two coats of slip-resistant Mapecoat TNS Race Track. A fast-track water-based protective coating developed for high footfall environments – as well as racing circuits - Mapecoat TNS Race Track is an acrylic waterborne, rapid film-forming coloured coating, textured with selected fillers and offered in a limitless colour range. Using Mapei’s Colormatch swatch, a buff-coloured shade was specified for the Village Hotel, to complement the original stone pillars and exposed brickwork. www.mapei.co.uk

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Lake District Hotel Selects Stelrad Radiators For Refurbishment Project impressive refurbishment including a heating system upgrade that has seen the selection of a number of Stelrad radiators to upgrade the comfort heating throughout the public areas and the comfortable rooms on offer. Most of the radiators are Stelrad’s best selling Compact radiators, but there are a number of column radiators and a few vertical radiators in rooms where the wall space is limited and going up works better than a traditional horizontal radiator. Hidden in the heart of ancient Cumbria in North West England lies a National Park known the world over. The Lake District boasts stone circles, glacial lakes, magnificent views, and a history dating back to the Neolithic Period - all waiting to be discovered. There’s something special about waterside settings and The Wateredge Inn and Windermere Rooms at Ambleside are no different. Perched right on the shore of England’s most famous lake - Lake Windermere – visitors can pull up a seat on the waterfront terrace, and drink in unrivalled views across Windermere. The hotel and its adjacent annexe – the attractive Windermere rooms – have recently undergone an

“We’re pleased to see our radiators selected for projects such as these – where guests at hotels in wonderful parts of the country can experience the comfort heating after long days out walking in the lakes – with or without their pooches,” says Stelrad’s Lewis Aird, Specification Manager for the north of England. “This hotel is a wonderful example of how our radiators can blend in seamlessly with the décor in a beautifully decorated hotel that has gone out of its way to ensure that the bedrooms and the public areas combine to offer the best in the hospitality sector.” www.stelrad.com

CUPACLAD® Brings Aesthetic Excellence To Exeter Student Accomodation CUPACLAD® 101 Logic was recently specified by student accommodation provider Study Inn for a large-scale building at Walnut Gardens, Exeter. The natural slate cladding system was chosen for its durability as well as its premium aesthetic. The project involved the demolishment of an empty office building on the land at Walnut Gardens and construction of a high-quality student accommodation block, which would house up to 166 students. Located in an affluent part of the city, the design would need to match the high-end, visually attractive buildings that surround the site. Furthermore, it was crucial that the materials used were highly durable

and weather resistant, to ensure that the accommodation could endure for a significant amount of time with minimal maintenance required. CUPACLAD® 101 Logic, a rainscreen cladding system, was specified to help achieve this. Installation was simple. First, the insulation material was fixed to the building’s exterior using metal brackets. CUPACLAD® 101 horizontal profiles were installed followed by the 40x20cm natural slates, in a 7.65mm thickness. These were fixed horizontally using self-drilling screws, which are invisible post-application to ensure that the overall design and aesthetic is not impacted.

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Installation was a straightforward process, partly due to the lightweight of the system, with each natural slate weighing less than 30kg/m2.The slates were easy to cut and work around openings and features, while the self-drilling screws help to secure each slate to the substructure. Now complete, the dark cladding provides an effective contrast with the glass and render sections of the building to deliver a strong overall aesthetic with striking impact. As a natural product, the slate elements of the façade also complement the building’s leafy surroundings, as well as other local buildings made from similar materials. “Finally, as with all of our products, the natural slates used in the cladding system at Walnut Gardens are classified as A1 non-combustible in accordance with current building legislation,” said Simon Hope, Product Manager at CUPA PIZARRAS. “They are also highly durable, weather resistant and waterproof ensuring a performance life of over 100 years, with no noticeable colour fading. As such, our natural slates offer the ideal material for high-rise, exposed applications like this one.” www.cupapizarras.com/uk/rainscreen-cladding/

Triton Systems Shields Showroom Basement Conversion The renovation and conversion of a former workshop and car storage facility, into a stylish basement space as part of a high-spec residential property, is making extensive use of fully compatible products from the range of Triton Systems. The work to remodel the one-time purpose-built motor garage and independent car dealership at Lytham St. Annes in Lancashire is being led by Elite Basements Ltd., whose highly experienced team of ground-workers, joiners and other tradespeople are reconfiguring the upper floors as well as transforming half the old undercroft into habitable space. In doing so the Preston-based specialist is employing Triton’s anti-lime coating to treat the newly laid basement slab, followed by a layer of the manufacturer’s TM20 profiled membrane to remove water to the floor perimeter, where it is conducted to a sump using Aqua Channel. This PVC-U profile also takes run-off from the Triton Platon P8 lining the basement walls, with a pair of Triton’s 240 volt Aqua Pump Pro Plus units and 24v battery back-up, ready to remove the water to mains drainage. www.tritonsystems.co.uk

Firefly ™ Apollo Lite Specified For Royal Stoke Refurbishment A leading passive fire protection contractor has been involved in the installation of fully compatible products from the range of TBA FIREFLY ™ for the creation of half hour fire barriers within ceiling voids to a major general hospital undergoing extensive refurbishment work in the north of England. Birmingham based Cubic FM is the specialist sub-contractor carrying out all of the passive fire protection work at the Royal Stoke University Hospital in the city’s Newcastle Road. The work is making use of FIREFLY’s well proven APOLLO Lite ™ 30:30 barrier system across areas featuring cable trays, water pipes and other building services. APOLLO Lite ™ 30:30 has been developed for use in vertical separation or compartmentation situations, offering 30 minutes integrity and insulation and is able to be sealed around penetrations. It is widely specified to form fire barriers within roof voids and floor voids in many different property types, including tower blocks and other HMOs. The flexible woven material is easy to cut and fix and is treated with a proprietary coating to improve its cooling properties and therefore prevent temperatures rising in adjoining areas. The system has been fully tested to BS 476 Parts 20 & 22 and is third party certified by IFC. www.tbafirefly.com

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Rundum Original Meets Bavarian Brief For Contemporary Elegance Every timber door created here by Rundum Meir’s craftsmen and women is formed in a way that maximises consistency in the woodgrain across the width of the door for the ultimate end-result. The company also provided the technology to automate the door operation too, utilising Rundum Meir’s sophisticated and reliable automation system. This will give the property owners long term peace of mind regarding operational reliability and security. To find out more about Rundum Meir bespoke garage doors and how they can provide the ideal solution in outstanding contemporary architecture, visit www.rundum.co.uk A Rundum Meir slide sliding door spanning 11m has provided the ideal solution for a stunning contemporary new build dwelling in northern Bavaria. The architect-led project has created an extensive new home on a site near the town of Neumarkt adjacent to mature woodland. Linear in its form, the property’s main three storey block features large areas of full-height glazing to the upper floors which is shielded by external timber fins, assisting with shading but also adding a natural aesthetic feature. These timber elements blend comfortably with the local stone masonry to achieve superb aesthetics and make this property a stunning example of modern European architecture. And one of the most visible timber elements is the simple, elegant 11 m wide single direction Rundum Original side sliding door made from Larch. The brief was to provide a door that capable of spanning a four-bay garage and be consistent with the rest of the timber used throughout the property. This was perfectly suited to Rundum Meir, who manufacture every garage door specifically to meet a project’s requirements, which in this case was to use sustainably sourced Larch. This door was hand-made at Rundum Meir’s manufacturing centre near Munich.

Coventry University Green Roof Retrofit

Boughton’s Intensive green roof substrate has been successfully trialled in a ground-breaking analysis project at Coventry University assessing the feasibility of ‘greening’ landscapes with ecologically beneficial habitats. With the objective being to research the benefits and plausibility of incorporating green space and wildlife-friendly habitats into heavily built-up areas, Coventry University handpicked Boughton’s Intensive IN1 substrate based on its nutrient content, weight, and the inclusion of a water supply in chambers beneath the sub-base. The majority of green roofs in the UK fall into the ‘extensive’ category and are based on a low growing succulent, Sedum, which only requires a few centimetres of substrate to grow, whilst intensive green roofs provide a deeper soil depth and can support a more complex plant system. To this end, Coventry University wanted to explore the advantages of intensive green roofs, which offer greater biodiversity, often create accessible spaces, and offer the best insulation properties and storm water management. The organisation partnered with SEL Environmental, which provided its intelligent water management systems for the project. Boughton’s Intensive IN1 substrate boasts greater organic content than extensive substrates, meaning it supports larger plants and can be installed at greater depths, varying from 100-500cm.

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IN1 provides a stable growing medium for a wide variety of plants in intensive green roof installations, including green roof lawns, shrubs and trees. Depending on the substrate depth and plant type, permanent irrigation systems (above or below ground) are sometimes installed with this substrate as a backup for extended dry periods. They are not required for everyday irrigation, as the substrate has the ability to hold onto sufficient moisture during ambient conditions. The project, funded by Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) and headed up by Sophie Barron-West, followed plant growth for four years from 2017, with a break due to Covid-19.

features that can be added to these green roofs to improve biodiversity, they are rarely incorporated. Our findings, using Boughton’s Intensive green roof substrate, are that the retrofit of green roofs is feasible and, more than four years into development, IN1 has supported verifiably diverse green roofs. The plants on these roofs supported several insects that have rarity status in the UK, which is very positive.”

Dr Stephen Coupe and Dr Liz Trenchard from the University’s Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience (CAWR) offered their research expertise. CAWR’s Dr Stephen Coupe says: “The technical requirements of Boughton IN1 were a big part of why we chose it. We also wanted the chance to get as many wildflowers in the space as possible. The nutrient levels were perfect because it wasn’t too rich. In fact, it was a ‘just right’ formulation that wasn’t going to overstimulate but would also deliver enough nutrients for what we needed. Ultimately it was going to be perfect for long-term sustainable plant growth.” He continues: “Reliability was another consideration because we knew we could get it delivered on site on time and, because of Boughton’s location in Kettering, we weren’t concerned about lead times, so that was a plus. It’s safe to say it was a studied choice.” Ground-breaking results - According to the University, the trial resulted in ground-breaking analysis of how different types of green roofs can be created and maintained, as well as what their benefits would be alongside others in a built-up area. The project successfully demonstrated the ecological impact of placing retrofit green roofs onto existing infrastructure, even with a focus on wildflower species and a relatively short development time. An independentlyconducted ecological survey recorded five insect species that have a national and local rarity value, including two species of bee that are deemed ‘nationally scarce’ and ‘nationally rare’. Of 457 preserved specimens taken on the green roofs at Coventry University, a total of 120 different insect species were recorded, including wasps, sawflies, hoverflies, beetles, and as many as 11 bee species. Coventry University’s findings revealed that the innovation in green roofs has improved and increased the total constructed habitat for rare insects. Research has also enabled better water management alongside habitat enhancement. This research has been incorporated into SEL’s product range, where green roofs are now used across four sites in Coventry, London, Aylesford and Blackburn. CAWR’s Dr Stephen Coupe said: “Ecology, biodiversity and wildlife are largely forgotten by planners, designers and builders in developments. Most green roofs installed in the UK are based on sedum, and, whist there are additional

Dr Coupe adds: “Whilst it is probable that substrates take many years to develop anything like the maturity comparable to natural soil, after just four years, IN1 went from having no recordable eukaryotes, to a concentration of organisms, including worms, soil mites and rotifers.” The experiment at Coventry University is ongoing and the team is set to feed back again at the end of the summer about how prolonged dry weather has affected results. Dr Coupe says: “The beauty of this project is that there is no general timeline for a piece of green space. We need funding to support our ongoing investigations but there are options and opportunities for long-term research. It can last for the lifespan of the site and I think we will see really interesting developments. There is no reason why, over time, these green spaces would be indistinguishable from an existing habitat.” Boughton’s green roof substrates are specifically engineered for different types of roof greening, both for domestic and commercial projects. A full product specification is available for each of Boughton’s Green Roof Substrates and other landscaping products, including its single-source natural topsoils, making exact specification simple and straightforward. www.boughton.co.uk

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Streamlight Tower: Merging Form With Function, Innovative Façades From Dekton®

Set in the heart of London’s iconic Docklands, Streamlight Tower is the impressive new residential development from the Swan Housing Group and PRP Architects. The development features over 4,600 panels of ventilated façades on Streamlight Tower itself and an additional 5,100 panels on its two adjoining sister towers nestled next to it from Cosentino’s ultracompact surface, Dekton®. Undergoing large scale transformation in the 1980s and 90s, the Docklands were famously regenerated by the UK Government, converting derelict industrial space into a mixture of residential and commercial properties. The area today boasts a premium mix of thriving enterprise, luxury living quarters and vibrant community spirit. With exquisite views across the river and a stone’s throw from the iconic 02 Arena and Canary Wharf and the Olympic Village, Streamlight Tower is one of East London’s most substantial and sought after residential developments of the last few years. Spanning over 9,000 sqm, standing over 269 ft high and with 24 floors of luxury apartments, it cuts a striking silhouette against the London skyline. Streamlight Tower’s skin is made up entirely by Dekton Eter Alberta and Dekton Sasea Alberta, bespoke cut-to-size ID XGloss panels in 12mm thickness. Utilising Cosentino’s bespoke ID service to create an exclusive façade colour, Dekton ID XGloss helps the building to blend in seamlessly with its surroundings. Sleek, minimalistic and urban-industrial in style, XGloss’s beautifully dark hues and modern mirror finish elevate the tower’s aesthetic. These large format tiles are beautifully complemented by the smaller format Dekton XGloss Sasea tiles adorning the outside of its adjoining sister towers. (cont...)

O (cont...) With innovative manufacturing processes that ensure tonal uniformity, visual continuity and a guarantee against colour deterioration, all three blocks in the Streamlight Tower development are as visually impressive as they are functionally superior. An undercut anchor system was used to fix the panels on the secondary support structure. The panels were pre-assembled with the anchors and hangers in a designated site area and then taken to the allocated area for installation. Feature projected frames were installed using mitred and chamfered corners on the front and rear elevations of the building providing an appealing visual appearance. The paradigm shift led by contemporary architecture has placed greater emphasis on the importance of the façade. Recognition of structural stability, energy efficiencies and safety properties that facades bring, especially ventilated façades, it is unsurprising they were the chosen material for Streamlight’s entire exterior. A2 Fire Rated*, Dekton façades provide maximum resistance to high temperatures. Dekton is non-combustible and features Protek, a fireresistant reinforcing mesh, which means its surfaces have thermal conductivity properties that are three times lower than ceramic, natural stone or other cladding alternatives; thereby making them one of the safest choices for highrise developments.

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Unlike anything on the market, Dekton is an ultracompact surface created through a cutting-edge proprietary sinterisation, compaction, and drying process. This means it offers superior mechanical resistance, dimensional stability (even in thin thicknesses) and importantly, resistance to extreme conditions. Panels are heat, UV, freeze and thaw resistant, with low water absorption to give unmatched durability. In keeping with Cosentino’s wider commitment to sustainability, Dekton is a cradle to grave carbon neutral product, giving the whole Streamlight Tower development notably greener credentials. Dekton has obtained the European Technical Assessment (ETA) 14/0413 document and CE marking as an external wall cladding for ventilated façades. Thanks to its properties, Dekton surface can be perfectly incorporated onto façades by means of different types of concealed stainless steel or aluminium fixings. The ETA issued for Cosentino includes the characterisation and experimental evaluation of the Dekton surface for use as external wall cladding for façades: wind load resistance, impact resistance and reaction to fire, durability, and the characterisation of the fixing components necessary for the surface to be conveniently incorporated onto façades. External cladding for ventilated façades with the CE marking offer performance that has been assessed by a third party and performance characteristics that have been confirmed and contrasted according to European methodologies. www.cosentino.com/en-gb

Schöck Thermal Breaks And New Dowels For Major Swansea Office Development A major new high-tech office development in Swansea city centre is fast taking shape. The five-storey building, known as 71/72 Kingsway, is a carbon-zero development with two underground levels. It is part of a major transformation of the area and will provide 114,000 square feet of flexible co-working and networking office opportunities for 600 jobs in the innovative tech, digital and creative sector businesses. The offices will feature state-of-the-art digital connectivity and integration with smart city technology, conference and meeting facilities. Balconies, a green rooftop terrace and atriums are also incorporated. The building detail required thermal insulation of the highest standard, along with high-performance expansion joints. With its comprehensive range of structural thermal breaks and the new Stacon dowel product, Schöck was ideally placed to meet the necessary requirements. There were technical challenges though - The main issue was the retaining wall in the basement and ground floor area, which put axial pressure onto the structural Isokorb thermal break elements. As a result, it was necessary to calculate both the compression from this force and the moment resistance based on the residual capacity of the in-situ thermal breaks. At the second and third floors, the placement of the column grid was unconventional and converse to the usual external-to-internal arrangement. So the elements were in effect installed in the opposite direction to what would normally be anticipated.

XTRA To combat any effects of thermal bridging throughout the RC construction, namely heat loss, damp and mould formation, a variety of Isokorb thermal break types were incorporated. Those most extensively used though are the T type K and the XT type K. Both are load-bearing thermal break elements for concrete cantilevered balcony construction, transferring moments and shear forces. They have 80mm and 120mm insulation thickness respectively. New Stacon dowels used for the first time - There were a number of large beam forces to transfer on the upper levels and the newly launched Schöck Stacon dowels were used for the first time in the UK. This new dowel, the type SLD, is really compact and as the anchoring bodies have been reduced in size, it has the advantage of enabling higher loads to be installed in thinner slabs and walls, optimising on-site reinforcement.

Stacon has been awarded UK Technical Assessment (UKTA) along with fire protection classification R 120. It is fully supported with Scalix design software too, the first webbased application for the design of shear dowels. A dependable and fully compliant product range - The Schöck Isokorb range of structural thermal break solutions is the largest in Europe and in the UK helps projects meet full compliance with the necessary Building Regulations. In addition to the Isokorb type used on this project, there are also solutions for concrete-to-steel; steel-to-steel, renovation projects – and even a maintenance free alternative to wrapped parapets. All products have the security of independent BBA Certification, which provides NHBC approval. Contact Schöck on 01865 290 890; or for full details of the Isokorb and Stacon products visit the solutions page on the website at www.schoeck.com/en/solutions

Warning Labels Warning notices to reduce the risk of future pipe damage if the floor finish is replaced.

New Chipboard Covering Layer Covering chipboard layer is pre-cut with the pipe channel pattern, allowing the layer to slot precisely over the warm water pipes once installed in the chipboard layer.

Ultra Fast Warm Up Times The pipe sits proud in the chipboard floor layer, ensuring the pipe is in as close contact with the floor finish as possible when the finishing chipboard layer is slotted in place over the pipe.

Even Easier Installation Unique pre-printed chipboard layer shows where the pipe channels are, eliminating the risk of floor covering fixings damaging the pipe. Locator guides show where screws should be placed.

TorFloor 2 Twice as easy ®

TorFloor 2® reduces installation risk and delivers the best possible heating performance.

UNDERFLOOR HEATING & COOLING. HEAT PUMPS. COMPLETE SYSTEM DESIGN. TRIED. TESTED. TRUSTED.

Got a project in mind? Call 01392 36 36 05 or visit omnie.co.uk

©OMNIE Ltd. 2022. All information correct at time of publication. Product information and performance characteristics are subject to change without notice. Visit omnie.co.uk for the latest information. OMNIE Ltd., Melrose House, Rydon Lane, Exeter, EX2 5AZ TorFLoor 2 ® and the OMNIE logo are registered trademarks.