Xtra Build magazine, November 2023 by L2 Architectural Media Ltd

XTRA

BUILD

BUILDING DESIGNS, VIEWS, CONCEPTS & PROJECTS NOV 2023

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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

58 - ONSITE

project awards, stories and installation news

Front cover photo courtesy of Vicaima www.vicaima.com

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 L2Media Ltd, Parkfield Business Centre, Park Street, Stafford ST17 4AL. Dedicated to our friend and colleague, Mike Mahon. Tel: 01785 223253 www.l2media.uk

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DESIGN Highlights include:

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Design

David Lloyd Leisure, the UK’s largest health, fitness and wellness group, has announced that its Fulham club will soon undergo a major transformation, with £6.5 million to be invested in extensive works over the coming months The Shaftesbury Theatre has completed the latest phase of its 10-year transformation programme. A new bar and events space has been created at basement level below a brand-new public space delivered as part of the London Borough of Camden's West End Project. UK architects Studio Anyo has been commissioned to design and project manage a new multi-millionpound eco resort on a Caribbean island of Puerto Rico.

David Lloyd Fulham To Undergo £6.5 Million Makeover David Lloyd Leisure, the UK’s largest health, fitness and wellness group, has announced that its Fulham club will soon undergo a major transformation, with £6.5 million to be invested in extensive works over the coming months.Set to reopen in the first quarter of 2024, the new-look club will offer a new luxurious Spa Retreat which is set to be a destination for pure relaxation. The Spa Retreat will feature 5 breath taking experience rooms including citrus steam room, Himalayan salt sauna, ice experience room plus a peppermint ice rainforest experience shower, hydrotherapy pool and heated relaxation beds where members will be able to drift away, relax and rejuvenate.

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The state-of-the-art gym, boutique designed studios for group classes plus a stunning Clubroom and business lounge, will result in David Lloyd Fulham becoming one of London’s leading premium health and wellness facilities. David Lloyd Clubs are committed to delivering market leading facilities to their members by investing in clubs throughout the UK and Europe, and this transformation of David Lloyd Fulham is yet another example of this commitment. Kristen Westwood, General Manager, David Lloyd Fulham said: “There’s a lot of buzz and excitement about the refurbishment and rightly so, as the new club will be a luxurious and highly premium destination for our members and their families to work, rest and play. www.davidlloyd.co.uk

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Latest Phase Of The Shaftesbury Theatre Transformation Completes The Shaftesbury Theatre has completed the latest phase of its 10-year transformation programme. A new bar and events space has been created at basement level below a brand-new public space delivered as part of the London Borough of Camden's West End Project. These latest updates are part of a masterplan conceived by Bennetts Associates, working with the theatre's owners, Theatre of Comedy Limited. Completed phases include the awardwinning flytower extension, upgrading auditorium ventilation, remodelling of the bars, increasing numbers of toilets, reseating the main auditorium at stalls level, and providing lift access to the stalls for the first time in the theatre's history. Each phase has been delivered with minimal disruption to the theatre's busy performance schedule. Dating from 1911 and with a seating capacity of 1400, the Grade II Listed Shaftesbury Theatre is one of the West End's major receiving houses for large-scale musical theatre. (cont...)

(cont...) Like most theatres of its time, the Bertie Crewe-designed theatre maximised its auditorium footprint on a tight plot, leaving little space for the bars and facilities modern audiences have come to expect. The original design reflected the norms of Edwardian society, dividing the audience by social class and providing separate entrances and stairs for each group. The result was a building with too many stairs and too few bars and toilets. Bennetts Associates' design enables better utilisation of space, removing unnecessary stairs and using the space gained to create improved visitor facilities and accessibility at every level. The theatre's stage and its stalls are below ground. With nearly half the audience seated at this level and no dedicated foyer they were poorly served by bars and toilets. As part of Bennetts Associates masterplan, a subterranean extension has now been created to provide additional space for a new bar, toilets and events space which is stretched out under the pavement above. The road in front of the theatre was closed to improve the public realm as part of Camden's West End Project. This has resulted in a brand-new public space in front of the theatre known as Princes Circus.

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The new below ground extension benefits from new rooflights integrated into the paving, whilst the ground floor foyers spill out into the new space with all-day seating. In addition to this, a feature staircase has been added which improves connectivity with the basement bar and creates a new architectural feature. The architectural approach taken by Bennetts Associates has been to create new spaces with a contemporary feel, exposing the ribbed concrete structure in the new basement bar and contrasting this with the brickwork of the existing theatre's old basement wall. The colour palette of sage green and dark timber reflects the original colours which would have been used as part of the theatre's original interior scheme back in 1911. Simon Erridge, Director at Bennetts Associates, said: "This has been a significant project that we've been working closely with the client on for 10 years. This latest phase has seen the remodelling of the space to bring it up to date for the modernday visitor, while remaining sensitive to the theatre's original features. The theatre now offers a wider range of facilities for the public visiting and also expands the services and activities that the building can offer in the future." www.bennettsassociates.com

New Puerto Rico Eco-Resort By Studio Anyo Goes Offsite To Deliver ‘Unique’ Tree-Top Living Experience UK architects Studio Anyo has been commissioned to design and project manage a new multimillion-pound eco resort on a Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. The circa £10 million project will see the creation of a family of 12 seven luxury eco-lodges featuring four 1-bedroomed units, including a disability access unit, two 2-bedroomed units, two VIP units and four 1-bedroomed tree house units constructed offsite in the UK using the latest build techniques and MMC materials. Tree house units in the activity section as individual rental units are also planned along with a luxury customised tree house retreat experience. These will then be shipped directly to Puerto

Rico for erection on a sevenhectare site close to the El Hippie Waterfall on the edge of the El Yungue National Forest in the east of the country. Once built for developer Namu Investment Group, they will become the eye-catching centrepiece of an ambitious and ground breaking sustainable eco-leisure destination that will also feature a fitness retreat, wild bathing, BBQs, tree top walkways and swings, cable cars, restaurants, a spa, and a coffee bean planting and tasting experience.

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While still in the development stage, the ecoresort, which is scheduled to open for visitors in 2024, has been designed to incorporate a range of sustainable materials to create components assembled on-site to heighten enhanced levels of building fabric performance. Adopting the latest offsite techniques will reduce material delivery times and cut the construction site footprint while materials reclaimed from the demolition of existing buildings will be used in the construction process, delivering long term efficiencies. Studio Anyo’s ‘carbon and energy positive, zero waste framework’ system will be utilised to create net biodiversity gains in the construction of its ‘Samlingen’ leisure accommodation, which has been designed to provide long term energy saving and sustainability benefits. Local skilled labour will also be employed to support the supply chain and deliver a higher quality product, with minimum impact on and disruption to the local community. (cont...)

(cont...) The ‘Samlingen’ incorporates leading edge design to deliver contemporary leading edge leisure accommodation. The interior features a large open kitchen diner, ample storage provision, a master suite with ensuite private balcony, child-friendly bedrooms and exterior seating. Furthermore, the light is used to define the space in the ‘Samlingen’ style as the controlled views will relate to the passage through the unit opening out into stunning landscapes and vistas. Renowned for its draw-dropping landscapes and stunning natural phenomena, Puerto Rico with its focus on conservation and ecology, is being seen as one of the fastest growing destinations for eco-travellers. The travel lodge industry alone has generated $1 billion during the first half of 2022, according to the island’s official destination marketing organisation, Discover Puerto Rico. Studio Anyo was recommended for the project by Scotlandbased glamping site designer and developer, Glampitect.

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CEO of Studio Anyo, James Walsh, who is overseeing the project design and development phases, said: “This is another ground breaking, exciting project for Studio Anyo. We have incorporated design principles to deliver modular sustainability and a bespoke experience with tree-level living spaces within the sanctity of the local forest and wider natural environment. “As architects, we have drawn on our extensive knowledge and expertise of bespoke solutions and contemporary design to create a stunning project that will undoubtedly make a huge contribution to Puerto Rico’s burgeoning, dynamic eco-travel market.” www.studioanyo.com

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NEWS Highlights include:

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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. GEZE, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of innovative and modern door, window and safety technology has been celebrating 160 years in business across all of its subsidiaries around the world throughout 2023.

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

Flowcrete Launches New User-Friendly Website CPG UK’s Flowcrete has announced the launch of its new website aimed to transform the user journey for architects, specifiers, and contractors. The website provide san enhanced and intuitive experience, making it easier than ever for construction professionals to access the information and resources they need. The newly revamped website boasts a clean and modern design, reflecting CPG UK Flowcrete’s commitment to innovation and industry leadership. Visitors will discover an accessible interface that offers effortless navigation and improved functionality across various devices. One of the key objectives behind Flowcrete’s new website redesign was to simplify the process of finding the right flooring solutions for each specific construction project. By carefully analysing the flooring demands in a myriad of markets and sectors, Flowcrete has developed tailored flooring solutions and now architects, specifiers, and contractors can easily explore Flowcrete's extensive range of products and systems, download technical information, navigate through expert insights as well as read case studies. www.flowcrete.eu/en-gb

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Tremco wins in Healthcare - Care Homes Category at the CFJ Awards 2023 Tremco, a brand of Tremco CPG UK, won in the Healthcare - Care Homes Category alongside Beveridge Flooring Ltd and Danfloor UK at the CFJ Awards 2023. The event, which serves as a major platform for industry leaders and associated companies within the industrial and commercial flooring sector, took place at IXL Events Centre (Dallas Burston Polo Club) in September. The CFJ Awards, an annual celebration of excellence within the flooring industry, honours outstanding achievements from the past year. The award-winning project harnessed the power of Tremco’s full system solution where three Tremco products ES100 DampProof Membrane, CS190 Gritty Primer and SX300-NA Smoothing Compound were applied. Tremco’s ES100 has been developed specifically for suppressing residual moisture in concrete and sand/cement subfloors. Its single-coat liquid application guarantees a reliable surface damp-proof membrane, echoing our position as the original founders of damp-proof membranes. The project also benefitted from Tremco’s CS190 Gritty Primer which provides a textured surface, giving an excellent bonding surface for self-levelling/smoothing compounds and screeds. The smoothing compound which formed part of this system is SX300-NA which is a is a two-part general purpose smoothing underlayment designed for interior applications. Characterised by its rapid setting and curing time, SX300-NA enables fast track programmes, minimising disruptions. Its low odour and protein-free composition further contribute to its fantastic benefits. www.tremco-europe.com/en-gb

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

Domus Ventilation: A Single Source Supplier, For Maximum Efficiency With its extensive range of market-leading ventilation systems, products and accessories designed to work in harmony, Domus Ventilation is in the enviable position of providing customers with a single source for all their residential ventilation requirements. A new short video has been uploaded to its website that clearly explains the benefits of this approach for customers. Domus Ventilation takes a whole house approach to ventilation, with mechanical extract appliances, ducting and accessories designed and third party tested for end-to-end system performance. Established over 30 years’ ago, Domus Ventilation built its reputation for quality on its ducting systems in the early years. Today, Domus rigid ducting is available in six different profiles, with high efficiency duct bends, supported by patented duct insulation, and sound attenuation components, for a complete duct system solution. The company has expanded its product portfolio over the past decade to include mechanical ventilation systems such as the award winning HRXE range of Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems; the highly energy-efficient CMX Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) units; and a comprehensive range of intermittent extract fans. www.domusventilation.co.uk

Keller Sponsors BKNC’s Charity Golf Day Keller Kitchens was proud to sponsor the recent BKNC charity golf day at Owestry Golf Club, where former Ryder Cup star and Major winner, Ian Woosnam, started his golf career. The annual golf day was in aid of Prostate Cancer UK, a charity which was chosen after a member of the team experienced early detection and an intervention which, thankfully, led to a positive outcome. BKNC Managing Director, Harry Ruler, commented, “We were delighted with the turn-out of client and suppliers alike and a great day was had by all. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men affecting 1 in 8. 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in the UK alone. Money raised on the day will help fund lifesaving research to find better ways to diagnose men sooner. If you would like to donate, you can still do so via the following link https://www.justgiving.com/page/bknc-1692180505067 www.kellerkitchens.com

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Navigator Offers New MAP-HTi And Turbo Torch Leading supplier to building and plumbers merchants up and down the country – Navigator - has launched its new Salvus MAP-HTi propylene MAPP gas and a new Turbo Torch as an extension to its Salvus pressfit fittings range for gas pipes. The new Salvus MAP-HTi is a clean, pure 99.5% propylene that gives a hotter flame. It offers high performance in cold weather and works at a higher working pressure with maximum temperature of 1,985 degrees. The gas flow of 4g per minute gives 160 minutes working duration per canister. The gas is non-corrosive and will not degrade sealing rings. Its high purity prevents contaminant build up in the torch connection. It’s compatible with most popular propane torches and with the new branded Salvus Turbo Torch which is suitable for use with propane and MAPP gas disposable cylinders. Boasting a high burn temperature and adjustable flame, the burner tube can be rotated 360 degrees for easy access and optimum operating conditions. With long lasting brass internal components, and a 3-year warranty, the Salvus gas Turbo Torch comes with a self-ignition Piezo spark ignition system, a temperature control valve and a trigger lock. It offers an adjustable flame size with a flame length up to 115mm and a flame diameter up to 12mm. It comes with a continuous flame lock and an auto shut off when the ignition button is released. www.navigatormsl.com

Try Before You Buy With West Fraser Specifying the perfect panel products for a project is a key part of the planning process. West Fraser manufactures the leading building panel ranges in the UK and, to help in the selection process, the company has introduced A5-size samples, individually wrapped in a cover containing product information. Customers can select from SterlingOSB Zero OSB3, SterlingOSB Zero T&G, CaberFloor P5, CaberDek, CaberShieldPlus, CaberWood MDF or the newest addition to the range, SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus, by visiting the West Fraser website at https://uk.westfraser.com/samples The website has designated pages for architects and housebuilders offering downloadable checklists, fact sheets, DoPs, safety datasheets and an interactive product guide to ensure that the customers have everything they need to choose the right panels for every projects application. A selection of case studies showcasing West Fraser products and instruction videos provide inspiration and know-how! So, whether it's a solution for roofing, flooring, walling, timber frames, hoarding or shopfitting needed, the West Fraser website has the information and the wood-based panels for a perfect job. All West Fraser UK panel products are manufactured in mills that have obtained the coveted environmental ISO 14001 accreditation. Responsibly sourced, the panels are produced from locally grown timber, cutting embodied carbon from transportation. https://uk.westfraser.com

New Programmable Room Thermostat From ESi With a reputation for helping homeowners and tenants to control their heating costs as the cost of living continues to rise in the UK, ESi has responded to the current economic climate with the introduction of its latest quality heating control – the RTP4 Touch programmable room thermostat. This latest introduction is capable of controlling heating and hot water systems via combi, system or heat only boilers. When installed with the ESi WIFI hub, homeowners and tenants heating and hot water can be controlled via Alexa or the ESi Centro App. Vitally, the load compensation functionality, available via OpenTherm technology, modulates the flow temperature dependant on the desired room temperature, saving up to 15% on gas usage. The 4 Touch has a large backlit LCD display and touch screen making it simple-to-use and programme. The RTP4 Touch slots in neatly between ESi’s best selling RTP4RF units and its top of the range 6 Series WIFI programmable room thermostats, offering many of the benefits of both these ranges but providing additional benefits as well. www.esicontrols.co.uk.

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

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Navigator Launches Dual Sleeve Ball Valves Navigator – one of the leading suppliers to building and plumbers merchants up and down the country – has launched its new range of dual sleeve ball valves. The new range means an end to the need to stock two types of ball valve – for hot and cold water pipes. Each valve is supplied with Navigator’s unique blue and red sleeves. The installer simply chooses which sleeve to use and it clips securely onto the handle no tools required. The standard ball valves have compression fitting ends and include olives. All lever ball valves are WRAS approved for use with potable water. The new MB Pressfit valves are full bore and are compatible with all M type press fittings. Also with full WRAS approval, these too have the dual sleeves and complement the Navigator range of MB press fittings perfectly. The full range includes full bore dual sleeve lever ball valves, light pattern dual sleeve lever ball valves and pressfit water dual sleeve lever ball valves – all available in 15mm, 22mm and 28mm sizes. Navigator’s Antony Povey, Key Accounts Manager says: “Once again Navigator has come up trumps with the latest, quality solution for installers. As well as providing a range of options, these products offer an innovative, high quality solution that helps cut down on the selection an installer needs to keep on the van.” For more information on the options available from Navigator head for any good merchant or to www.navigatormsl.com, email sales@navigatormsl.com or call 01234 781234.

GEZE UK Celebrates 160 Years With Bubbles, Bunting And Balloons

GEZE, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of innovative and modern door, window and safety technology has been celebrating 160 years in business across all of its subsidiaries around the world throughout 2023. At GEZE UK we invited all colleagues across our 8 offices nationwide to join in the celebration and have some fun. Each office was decorated with bunting and balloons and staff were sent cakes and biscuits iced with GEZE 160 years as well as bubbles to blow and other goodies. Under the motto hundred + sixty years young GEZE has been celebrating across the globe. In addition a microsite www.160years.geze.com has been created detailing the company’s history. Founded in 1863, in Germany, the business remains in the same family and has grown to employ over 3,000 people globally, with 37 subsidiaries in 22 countries. Kaz Spiewakowski, MD for GEZE UK said ‘It’s fantastic to see so many of our GEZE UK colleagues joining in the fun to mark our company’s 160th anniversary. It is an incredible achievement that at 160 years old the company is still family owned and continues to grow and develop innovative products’. For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door and window control products visit www.geze.co.uk

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Leading indoor climate solutions manufacturer, Zehnder Group UK, has unveiled the Zehnder ComfoAir Flex - the latest energy efficient mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (MVHR) specifically designed for tight spaces and challenging installation environments. 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. Leading radiator manufacturer Stelrad has taken another major step in meeting the demands of its customer base across the UK and Ireland with the launch of a range of electric radiators. The Adam Smith Theatre is currently closed for a major refurbishment and Dural are delighted to be part of the project.

Interior Doors – Make The White Choice! Selecting the right internal door for your interiors project, has always been important. Whether from a practical, design or budgetary perspective, interior doors are integral to well-designed living spaces, providing space functionality and reflecting general ambience and mood within rooms. Although we live in a world where colour pervades, sometimes simplicity in design can often be the secret to creating timeless appeal. One way to achieve purity within your decor, is with the use of flush white doors. White, with its inherent ability to rejuvenate and add a fresh clean look to modern interiors is widely recognised, however it does not mean that scope for differentiation is limited. T he White Collection by Vicaima, demonstrates that taking this singular tonal path can also open up a whole new world of possibilities.

Bringing together some truly distinctive finish options in white, the White Collection by Vicaima, demonstrates that this fundamental hue is not actually a single colour, but has in fact a myriad of shades with both smooth and textural surfaces. Furthermore, doors can be embellished to allow even greater design flexibility, by the addition of decorative face grooves and inlays, or even glazed patterns. There are many inspiring finishes within the collection, however some of the most notable include: Lacdor in Satin White, with its tough, ultra-smooth curtain coated and UV cured lacquered paint finish; Dekordor 3D Cloud White, a highly tactile and durable surface, Dekordor SD White Woodgrain finished foil, for a bright white budget friendly pre-finished door.

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Dekordor HD White, a continuous pressure laminate for demanding areas and for those who still prefer to paint their own doors, Primed 2 Go, with its revolutionary skin that requires no face sanding or priming and which will accept paint straight onto its smooth surface, to achieve an excellent end result. Few door manufactures offer such a comprehensive selection of crisp white designs as Vicaima. Available in the full spectrum of dimensions, incorporating the unrivalled dependability of quality constructional cores and with benchmark performance for demanding situations. Vicaima White doors suit all types of projects and budgets, so take a closer look now by downloading the brochure or request a colour sample of your chosen finish from www.vicaima.com

Stelrad Launches Electric Radiator Series Leading radiator manufacturer Stelrad has taken another major step in meeting the demands of its customer base across the UK and Ireland with the launch of a range of electric radiators – its Electric Series. The range includes a dozen or so different models with a number of sizes of each model available, with standard radiators for any room along with a selection of towel rails specifically targeted at bathrooms and en-suites. As well as offering effective, functional heating in the home, the radiators in the Electric Series are aesthetically appealing and provide attractive options for the décor in the home and come with a five-year warranty on the heating parts and a twoyear warranty on the electric components. The new range includes a number of exciting new products – like the Stelrad Electric Column design – a rounded vertical tube column radiator available in three sizes

in both white or anthracite grey. There’s the Stelrad Electric Agata and the Agata E-Flow - a straight, flat tube towel rail design, featuring five banks of three tubes with spaces between each bank, available in three sizes in both white and anthracite grey. It combines modern design with functional heating and energy saving features. The E-Flow towel rails in the range feature a fan heater at the base of the towel rail and include manual controls for individual use of the towel rail or the fan heater, or both together as a 3 in 1 unit. “We are delighted to be able to launch this exciting addition to our range to the heating sector at an important time for us all,” says Stelrad Head of Marketing Chris Harvey. The Stelrad Electric Series provides a range of exciting new options where direct electric heating is the chosen option for a home. www.stelrad.com

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

Maximum design appeal – T he mo st b e auti ful way to say we lcome minimum canopy height: Revo.PRIME 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 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 Call GEZE UKmore on 01543 area – for free443000 space, more transparency and an open airy feeling. Email: info.uk@geze.com

revoprime.geze.com

www.geze.co.uk

Call GEZE UK on 01543 443000 Email: info.uk@geze.com www.geze.co.uk

Profab Access Adds A Five Star Finish To Cardiff’s Newest Luxury Hotel Leading riser door and access panel solution supplier, Profab Access, has proven its first-class credentials once again as part of the recent completion of a major specification at Cardiff’s new 5-star Parkgate hotel. Located next to the Welsh Capital’s famous Principality Stadium, the Parkgate hotel has been designed to provide a luxurious experience for rugby fans, in addition to city dwellers visiting the country all year round. Widely coined as Cardiff’s most lavish new location, the hotel includes 170 guest bedrooms and suites, a signature restaurant and bar, a traditional tea lounge and a rooftop spa overlooking the city skyline. As part of the prestigious build, a unique collaboration between the Welsh Rugby Union, property developer, Rightacres, and The Celtic Collection, the hotel required an extensive riser door specification, with safety, high performance and aesthetic appeal key considerations. In total, 310 Profab Access VEGA 1500 Fire Rated Riser Doors were specified for installation by Hazelwood Carpentry throughout every part of the building, including communal areas and the hotel’s vast range of luxury guest rooms and suites. The VEGA 1500 Series Riser Doors offer the highest standards of fire safety, extensively tested by Efectis in France and Ireland to provide a bidirectionally fire tested product that is available in both single and double door configurations.

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This means the riser door sets are fire tested from both sides to 60 minutes, providing the specifiers, contractors and hotel guests residing within the building with confidence the critical fire integrity products offer the highest standard and most up to date evidence for fire safety performance. The range also features a slimline, neat construction, whilst its proven technology ensures permanent, safe access to mechanical and electrical services housed within the riser core. This provides first class functionality and safety, without compromising the overall interior concept. The steel riser doors also streamlined the installation process, as the quick release pivot hinge and light weight enabled easy handling, allowing Hazelwood Carpentry to complete the job quickly and optimise overall project efficiencies. In the event of a fire, the VEGA 1500 Series Riser Door sets will maintain the frame and integrity for up to 60 minutes, preventing the spread of fire throughout the property for this period of time. The riser doors are 31dB acoustic rated, smoke sealed and airtight to Part L, whilst also featuring intumescent smoke seals that enable occupants to safely exit the building. By specifying bi-directionally fire tested VEGA 1500 Series Riser Doors, the development is actively future proofed as the comprehensive testing certification provides a complete and transparent audit trail of due diligence that evidences the products are not only fit for purpose but meet the duty of care required to ensure legal compliance. Profab Access’ diverse portfolio of riser doors and access panels are supported by a wide range of BIM Level 2 and CAD files to aid the specification process and streamline the initial design stages. Manufactured at Profab Access’ Atherstone headquarters in accordance with ISO 9001, the 1500 Series Riser Doors can be specified and installed in a range of configurations to meet each project’s specific measurements and requirements. www.profabaccess.com

Good Things In Small Packages: Zehnder Group Launches The ComfoAir Flex For Improved Air Quality In Tight Living Spaces Leading indoor climate solutions manufacturer, Zehnder Group UK, has unveiled the Zehnder ComfoAir Flex - the latest energy efficient mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (MVHR) specifically designed for tight spaces and challenging installation environments. Small in size and narrow enough to be ceiling mounted, the new ComfoAir Flex is a compact solution for improving indoor air quality in urban apartments, small houses and student accommodation, where space is at a premium. Not a mere space-saving gimmick; despite its compact size, the ComfoAir Flex boasts a market-leading heat recovery efficiency rate of 96%, ensuring minimal heat loss and contributing to substantial energy savings. The new system also performs to current and future EPB requirements at energy class A+. As a result, it reduces demand on heating systems and contributes to lower CO2 emissions - a step in line with Zehnder Group UK's commitment to environmental sustainability.

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What makes the ComfoAir Flex most adaptable to a wide scope of buildings, however, is an innovative and trailblazing feature for an MVHR. Working alongside the system’s ceiling-mounted design are four, 45 degree turnable bends for versatile duct installation. Each air connection can be individually turned to connect to a duct inline with the unit or rotated 90 degrees. This allows flexibility for building developers to design projects however they want with less restrictions. Stuart Smith, Commercial Director at Zehnder Group UK says: “The ComfoAir Flex brings a potential revolution to the UK construction industry. Its unique attributes could significantly alter the industry’s approach to environmental sustainability and occupant comfort, addressing the critical need for energyefficient, space-conscious buildings in the urban landscape. This new system exemplifies our commitment to the Passive House standard - a rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency in building design - reducing its ecological footprint. With its high heat recovery efficiency, that adheres to these principles, it will ensure a significant reduction in energy consumption, thereby lowering CO2 emissions." The ComfoAir Flex is more than just an energy-efficient solution. It also champions superior indoor air quality, a crucial element for the health and well-being of building occupants. Its upgradable high-grade filters and 100% full and filtered modulating summer bypass maintain a continuous flow of fresh, filtered air, significantly enhancing occupant comfort and health. Adding to these benefits, the ComfoAir Flex provides an unmatched level of flexibility and convenience. Its software allows for left or right-hand configuration, adding an element of adaptability to its installation. Furthermore, its Wi-Fi enabled app control as standard gives users complete control over their indoor climate, contributing to an enhanced user experience. The system can also be integrated into Smart Home via KNX and ventilate on demand thanks to the CO 2 sensor. www.zehnder.co.uk/en/comfoair-flex

World Class Solution For Stunning Barn Refurbishment Echoing the slim lines of the Visoglide doors, are the 16 Alitherm 300 casement windows and 3 EcoFutural tilt and turn windows which deliver outstanding thermal performance as well as contributing to the sleek and elegant aesthetic of the barn. Continuing the design theme, at the rear of the property, an Alitherm Plus residential door has been installed, while a Sherbourne front door from Smart’s statement Designer Door range completes the scheme. With all the windows and doors finished in a textured black, polyester powder coat paint finish, the building will maintain its stylish good looks for many years to come, with only minimal maintenance required. www.smartsystems.co.uk

Systems from Smart Architectural Aluminium’s high-quality window and door ranges have been installed in a barn refurbishment, bringing a new lease of life to the stunning building and echoing the outstanding quality of the design and material specification of the home’s interior and exterior. Owned by Sally Bigg OBE and her husband Jonathan, the barn is situated in West Sussex, with the 72-year-old building sitting in two acres of land. Sally is perhaps better known by her maiden name, Gunnell, and was winner of the 1992 Olympic gold medal in the 400 metre hurdles. A former world and still the British record holder, Sally is the only female British athlete to have won Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth titles. With such a distinguished client, the pressure was on Smart and the fabrication and installation team of Everglade Windows and Shaws Installations respectively, to deliver a world class solution to meet the performance and aesthetic needs of the project. Sally had previously owned the property and moved away, but bought it back in 2019 with a view to completely refurbishing it and moving her family back in. Around the barn, five sets of Smart’s Visoglide lift and slide doors have been installed to create a light and airy environment throughout, as well as to provide a link between the internal and external living spaces when the doors are open.

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Energy Efficient Wooden Windows and Doors Consumers are increasingly looking to upgrade their home to be more energy efficient. For period properties this is especially a problem, with many having draughty, single glazed windows. However, providing planning permissions allow it, there is no reason why period properties cannot benefit from double glazed windows and doors while also retaining their traditional style. The Sash Window Workshop were contacted to help upgrade 17 windows and some French doors at a neo-Georgian property in a Conservation Area in West London. The new joinery needed to be double glazed but otherwise a replica of the original windows and door. Most of the window frames were in a good condition, so a quotation was provided for a mixture of new sashes into the existing frames and, for items where the frame had deteriorated, complete replacement. The customer decided to proceed with the work and a survey was arranged to confirm the measurements before the windows and door were manufactured and installed. After the work was completed, they commented: “The new windows and doors are exactly what we had hoped for, and we are very pleased with the installation.” www.sashwindow.com

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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.

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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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DRU Reports Excellent Growth From Its Expanding Dik Geurts Wood Stove Range Established in the Netherlands in 1981, Dik Geurts stoves and fires are now produced by DRU, one of Europe’s leading fireplace companies. Soaring energy prices have provided a welcome boost to wood stove sales. Consumers are looking for cheaper and greener sources of home heating that can be supplied and installed rapidly to alleviate punitive home heating bills. Increased production and distribution. This market uplift has led to DRU increasing production and distribution of its Dik Geurts Ivar selection of classic and contemporary stoves, which align with British and European emissions and efficiency standards. They are a popular choice to replace older, inefficient stoves or open fires. The Dik Geurts Ivar series also includes the Aste, Soren and Modivar models. These stoves are based on classic designs, making them ideal for traditional or modern homes.

They are easily installed into Class 1 chimneys, with their dark anthracite colour finishes blending perfectly with any style of décor. A+ energy labels and high efficiency Each model in the range has an A+ energy label, with an efficiency rating of over 80%. And for added air quality, there are external air and room-sealed options available. All stoves in the range are Ecodesign ready, so they comply with European standards for low emissions and clean burning. In addition, they have HETAS, DEFRA and clearSkies approvals.

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Freestanding and water heating options For homes with no chimney, customers can choose from a range of freestanding models, which are available in a selection of sizes and capacities with built-in wood storage. In addition, The Ivar 10 H2O Store model is an Ecodesign ‘boiler stove’ with a substantial 4.7 kW room heating output and 5.5 kW of water heating power. It provides supplementary water heating for radiators, showers and general domestic hot water. Commenting on the success of the Dik Geurts range, DRU UK general manager Niall Deiraniya said: “The Dik Geurts Ivar series and its associated models are among the best performing and best value wood stoves in Europe. That is why we are committed to increasing their production and distribution throughout the UK. “In return, we offer high profitability, regular stocks, prompt deliveries, nationwide technical and marketing support, friendly customer service and expert account management.” For further information email: info@drufire.co.uk or visit www.dikgeurts.co.uk

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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Haddonstone is a trusted, established specialist, with an enviable heritage, in the design and manufacture of architectural and garden stonework. They add effortless style and offer superb panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. They can even provide an exceptional seating area. Here Toby Marlow, Haddonstone's Building and Construction Director, answers ten common garden cast temple design questions. 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. We hear from Pop Up Power Supplies.

Haddonstone Answers Top Ten Garden Temple Design Questions Haddonstone is a trusted, established specialist, with an enviable heritage, in the design and manufacture of architectural and garden stonework. The ranges comprise cast stone architecture in traditional, classical and contemporary designs for residential and commercial projects, and beautiful formal and informal garden, home and landscape products. All products are made to order in Northamptonshire with UK-sourced materials and are available in standard and bespoke designs and colours. Stunning Show Gardens are located in East Haddon, near to the manufacturing facility. Elegant and versatile, classical temples are charming stone structures that enhance a garden or landscape design scheme in luxury residential developments. They add effortless style and offer superb panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. They can even provide an exceptional seating area. Here Toby Marlow, Haddonstone's Building and Construction Director, answers ten common garden cast temple design questions.

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1. What is a garden temple? Classical cast stone temples are charming garden buildings which give superb panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, lawn or garden. Inspired by the Ionic Roman temples of 750 BC, they are equally fitting in classical, traditional and even modern gardens and landscapes today. Chosen to enhance residential gardens and the landscapes of stately homes, hotels, spas and other commercial developments around the world, garden temples add an effortless, classical style. They can be incorporated into a design scheme to draw the eye towards a key focal point, provide an elegant outside seating area, or even to showcase a treasured statue or water feature.

As garden cast temples are effectively ‘open' on all sides without ‘walls', thanks to them being constructed of columns, they provide unobstructed views of a landscape from any angle. Moreover, garden temples are surprisingly affordable and as they are bespoke, can be made to order in a choice of sizes, colours and designs. 3. How does a garden temple differ from other garden buildings? There are many types of garden buildings to choose from, each with their own benefits. Both equally impressive in design, garden temples and Belvederes are ideal for a simple, elegant and practical garden building design. A garden temple is usually round in design, constructed from four or more stone columns and will be crowned by a beautiful fibreglass or metal dome. In contrast, a Belvedere is usually square in plan and constructed of balustrades, columns, architrave and cornice. Both designs are usually finished with elegant temple flooring. Stone pavilions and orangeries are generally considered more ‘imposing' than garden temples and Belvederes. They offer all the benefits of a garden temple or Belvederes, but with the added bonus of providing more shelter and aesthetic clout.

Classical temples can be created using a combination of architectural components including balustrading, columns, flooring and steps. Generally, these components are made from natural or cast stone materials, the latter offering lots of flexibility in terms of design, and affordability. 2. What are the benefits of a garden temple and how can it be used? There are countless benefits to choosing a garden temple. Firstly, they offer an elegant, sheltered space to dine and entertain throughout the warmer months. When not being used during the winter, they make the ideal outside structure to showcase a statement statue, a relaxing water feature, or even an elegant Christmas tree. Garden temples also add structural beauty to gardens and landscapes of all sizes and are perfect for adding elegance to an outside space without the grandeur and investment of a larger orangery.

A stone pavilion is generally square or rectangular in plan, constructed with at least one wall (usually to the back of the design) and surmounted by a significant architrave. Finally, a quality orangery is usually constructed of stone with glass panelling and a glazed roof and more often than not is used as traditional ‘green houses', or as a continuation of the architecture of the home. 4. Is planning permission required for a garden temple? Planning permission is unlikely to be needed before installing a garden cast temple - but the advice is to check. Haddonstone garden temples are over 2.5 metres at their highest point and, as any buildings over this height cannot be positioned within two metres of a boundary, it is best to check before planning and starting installation. (cont...)

5. What is the best flooring for a garden temple? As garden temples are open on all sides and likely to receive a lot of foot traffic, flooring should be hard-wearing and practical. It is inadvisable to use tiles, wood or vinyl flooring inside any garden building design as these will more than likely succumb to weathering over time. A robust alternative is natural or cast stone temple flooring, both of which can easily be designed to fit any garden temple shape and size. As well as being frost-proof, both natural and cast stone temple flooring can easily be cleaned to keep a brand new appearance for longer. Available in a range of colours to complement a garden temple, natural and cast stone temple flooring can also be created with or without a step, offering versatility and choice.

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6. How much does a garden temple cost? This all depends on the size, scale, features and the design. As a bespoke garden building, the price of producing and installing a one-of-akind garden temple design is on application. Haddonstone offers four beautiful garden temple design options, ranging from small, simple and stylish garden temples starting at just over £7,000 and available with or without balustrading, to a larger Classical temple available at just over £13,000. The fibreglass domes and flooring can be sold separately. 7. Will a garden temple add value to a garden? Just like adding a high-quality orangery to your home, a garden temple can add value to a garden. Whilst the cost of adding a garden temple isn't cheap, it is a more affordable garden building and its practicality and longterm value of owning a garden temple will certainly outweigh the costs. 8. How is a garden temple installed? An experienced garden temple manufacturer will advise on all considerations including installation. A network of professional specialist installers is available UK-wide. Haddonstone's standard cast temples can be ordered with a lightweight glass fibre dome, available in a lead-effect finish. For ease of installation, these are supplied in sections for your installer to put together easily and without hassle.

design is paramount. The style, size and scope of the garden or landscape scheme needs to be considered. A thoughtfully, well-designed garden temple should create an elegant and practical focal point that harmonises with the landscape, rather than overpower it. The perfect garden temple design should also provide enough space for relaxing and entertaining, without encroaching too much and therefore decreasing the size of the surroundings. Different balustrading, steps, flooring and dome designs can all be combined to achieve the perfect ‘look'. 10. How is personality added to a landscape or garden design? 1. Statues: Showcase a statement statue or bust inside the cast temple. For maximum impact, elevate on a complementary plinth or pedestal. 2. Water features: Create a relaxing sanctuary inside a garden temple by installing a selfcontained water feature. 3. Lighting: Add ambiance with thoughtfullyselected lanterns, candles and string lights. 4. Seating: Choose the perfect dining table and chairs or opt for relaxed seating designs. 5. Planting: Soften and enhance the temple by planting around its circumference, and by adding pots, planters and urns with a range of shrubs, bedding plants and even small trees. www.haddonstone.com/en-gb

9. What are the top tips when considering adding a garden temple? As a significant project, choosing the right garden temple

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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As one of the UK’s leading growing media suppliers and a big advocate for natural as-dug soils, Boughton has forged many long-term relationships with garden designers; the culmination of which saw its products used to great effect in three stunning show gardens at this year’s RHS Chelsea. The Wraptite external air barrier system from the A. Proctor Group has been chosen for its airtight benefits for a Department for Education (DfE) funded project of the offsite construction of Northampton School for Boys Multi-Academy Trust. Mapei UK’s first Mapecrete jointless floor system has been installed at P1, The Plasterers One Stop Shop & Plastering Superstore, in Cheltenham. CUPA R12 Excellence from CUPA PIZARRAS has been installed as part of an extensive family home refurbishment project in rural Norfolk. The superior airtightness and water resistance protection benefits of the Wraptite® external air barrier system from the A. Proctor Group is a key feature of an exciting new development at City West, Dublin, Ireland.

Boughton & RHS Chelsea

As one of the UK’s leading growing media suppliers and a big advocate for natural as-dug soils, Boughton has forged many longterm relationships with garden designers; the culmination of which saw its products used to great effect in three stunning show gardens at this year’s RHS Chelsea. The Savills Garden - An ambitious project for designer Mark Gregory and the team at Landform Consultants who were responsible for the bringing the vision to life, The Savills Garden also heralded a first for the famous flower show. At its very heart, the garden featured a full working kitchen and potager and walled garden. Built completely from scratch, from the ground up, the garden was a true plot-to-plate experience, feeding Chelsea pensioners daily. It was within the potager garden that Boughton’s soil came into play. In need of a soil that could support healthy vegetable growth, Mark turned to Boughton to request several tonnes of its BLS 40 natural soil. This repurposed, single source, screened, natural topsoil, usually of sandy/clay loam classification, enjoys added PAS 100 compost, 40% by volume. Boosted with organic matter content and offering excellent moisture and nutrient retention capabilities, BLS 40 was the perfect blend. In fact, it performed so well that Mark and his team witnessed significant vegetable growth, despite them only being in the soil for one week!

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Discussing his relationship with Boughton and the soil provided, Mark Gregory said: “The Savills Garden was, without doubt, our most adventurous Chelsea garden – and, with 108 gardens behind us, we have tried a lot before! As with any of these designs, it is largely reliant on the goods supplied and, with Boughton, I knew I was in safe hands. Providing a consistently seamless offering, and first-class communication, Boughton was the perfect fit. Add in the fact that their soils are the best in the business, and I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them to others. I hope to call upon them again!” Rounding off the 2023 RHS Chelsea experience, The Savills Garden was awarded a Silver Gilt medal. The Fauna & Flora Garden - The Fauna & Flora Garden, designed by Chelsea Gold Medalwinner, Jilayne Rickards, and landscaped by award-winning landscaper, Tecwyn Evans, Living Landscapes, maps the journey of an ecotourist on a gorilla trek, tracing a rough track through a succession of lush and changing landscapes on either side of the Protected Forest Area boundary wall. Featuring a medicinal garden, shaded by eucalyptus and banana trees, a tourist kiosk selling local crafts, a true-to-life gorilla nest, waterfall, and viewing rock, the garden aimed to demonstrate the critical importance of protecting nature and how this can be best achieved by putting people and collaboration at the heart of conservation efforts. Sustainability was a key theme throughout the garden, which is why designer, Jilayne Rickards, reached out to Boughton.

To support the African-inspired planting scheme, Boughton worked closely with the team to create a ‘dark’ soil that replicates that found naturally in Rwanda. Created from only natural, UK-based soil, responsibly sourced from construction sites (where it may otherwise be misused or sent to landfill) located near Boughton’s Northamptonshire headquarters, the soil fit perfectly with Jilayne’s determination to reduce the carbon footprint of her builds. Thanks to Jilayne’s collaborative efforts with landscaper, Tecwyn Evans of Living Landscapes, which also prides itself on its sustainable and environmental construction practices, The Fauna & Flora Garden was also entirely cement and concrete free. Since the close of the show, the garden has been carefully broken down, with much of its contents already on the road to the UK hub of the educational charity and tourist destination, the Eden Project. The Food for Thought Garden - Over at the Great Pavilion, Boughton’s BLS 40 made a reappearance, this time within the Food for Thought Garden, designed by RHS Chelsea stalwart, John Wheatley. This garden saw seed company Marshalls sponsor a space that demonstrated how beautiful an ordered vegetable garden can be, whilst showcasing a number of recycling and upcycling techniques. The incredible vegetable display, lovingly grown by Terry Porter, saw Boughton’s soil take centre stage, supporting the crops as they were on display at the show. www.boughton.co.uk

Wraptite® Airtightness Protection For Northampton School For Boys The Wraptite external air barrier system from the A. Proctor Group has been chosen for its airtight benefits for a Department for Education (DfE) funded project of the offsite construction of Northampton School for Boys Multi-Academy Trust. The new project forms part of a full turnkey solution provided by Algeco, acting as Principal Design and Build Contractor alongside Watson Batty Architects. The project includes a total of 210 modules using Seismic technology, plus a hybrid structure for the halls, to create the 1200-place new secondary school, including sixth form. Utilising Seismic technology for the Northampton school modules will deliver important benefits; it is 75% faster and achieves a 47% improvement in value compared to traditional construction techniques; it even offers a 33% improvement in speed when compared with standard modular construction. In terms of sustainability, Seismic delivers significant reductions in both operational and embodied carbon of up to 70%. This is achieved through factors including design efficiency, materials selection and manufacturing effectiveness, leading to limited wastage. A vital element of modern design and construction is to maximise energy efficiency. The Wraptite air barrier system is a safe and simplified membrane system. It provides a fully self-adhered vapour permeable air barrier certified by the BBA and combines the critical properties of vapour permeability and airtightness. This approach saves on both the labour and material costs associated with achieving the energy efficiency demands in buildings. www.proctorgroup.com

wagamama Restaurant Showcases TORMAX Invisible Door Drive Creating an entrance with clean lines and a minimalist vibe, the new flagship wagamama restaurant at Battersea Power Station welcomes guests with a double set of TORMAX automatic swing doors that are powered by the iMotion 1302.KI operator. Concealed in the door lintel, the 1302.KI generates its force exactly over the door axis for maximum efficiency. With no visible linkage between the operator and the door leaf, discreet and invisible automation can easily be achieved for any internal single or double leaf swing door. “TORMAX worked closely with Permasteelisa on a number of automatic entrances at the Battersea Power Station development and we are delighted to have our lintel-integrated operator showcased in such a prestigious location,” comments Simon Roberts, MD for TORMAX UK Ltd. “Barrier-free construction is something that is demanded in almost all locations today, with automatic swing doors increasing both security and ease of access for users. Architects and specifiers who do not want to compromise on aesthetics can choose from either our invisible iMotion 1401 underfloor operator or the iMotion 1302.KI lintel-concealed door drive.” Featuring all of the benefits of the in-house designed iMotion range of door drives, the 1302.KI delivers dynamic motion for a single door leaf weight of up to 125kg. Coupled with whisper-quiet operation and userfriendly controls this is a simple yet powerful door automation solution that delivers on reliability and maintenance-free operation. Assuring user safety, the 1302.KI features special finger protection profiles whilst functionality can be extended with the addition of panic escape devices, extra sensors or badge access, for example. www.tormax.co.uk

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First UK Mapecrete Jointless Floor System Installed In The UK Mapei UK’s first Mapecrete jointless floor system has been installed at P1, The Plasterers One Stop Shop & Plastering Superstore, in Cheltenham. The seamless finish was installed over the 440m2 floor area, which will be used as new warehouse space. Suitable for all environments the Mapecrete system provided benefits including enhanced durability, reduced maintenance and a fast-track installation. Fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC) jointless slabs represent a significant advancement in concrete technology, offering numerous benefits over traditional reinforced concrete (RC) slabs. The Mapecrete FRC jointless system is based on a shrinkage compensated concrete technology where contraction is compensated by restrained expansion through structural reinforcement. The modular system consists of four Mapei products which work in synergy to create a jointless finish: they include Dynamon XTend W300 N, Mapecure SRA 25, Expancrete, Mapefiber ST42 and Mapecure E30. Whilst RC slabs are jointed to assist in controlling cracking, FRC jointless slabs contain fibres within the concrete mix to enhance performance and reduce cracking and spalling. The slab’s increased durability provides increased load- bearing capacity and greater ability to withstand heavy loads and high traffic. As well as reduced maintenance, further cost savings result from reduced downtime and repairs, and from a less labour-intensive installation. The jointless system is also more resistant to environmental factors, such as freeze-thaw cycles. www.mapei.co.uk

Class 1 Magply Boards Withstand Real Life Fire Test On Surrey Home A potentially catastrophic blaze, which consumed the garage containing a parked vehicle adjoining a £1M house in rural Surrey, was stopped in its tracks thanks to the use of 12mm A1 non combustible Magply being chosen as the render substrate board on the contract , the property was constructed using a Structurally Insulated Panel system construction (SIP) with A1 non-combustible Magply being used on the exterior of the building as the substrate panel for the proprietary render system. Magply is a multi-use A1 non-combustible board with an impressive library of testing for fire applications. The board is designed and specified to contain fire and support the emergency services with added crucial time! Although the emergency services were quick to attend the fire, which happened in August, it had taken sufficient hold that the large timber framed garage was totally destroyed with just some sections of the frame still standing. However, the gable end to the house which features a relatively thin, weatherproof finish of the silica-based K-Rend suffered only surface damage. Remarkably, although areas of the render had spalled off, the 12mm Magply boards underneath had not even charred while they had fully protected the SIPs structure beneath. www.magply.co.uk

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 coworking 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 externalto-internal arrangement. So the elements were in effect installed in the opposite direction to what would normally be anticipated. 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.

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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

Standing Tall – How Rundum Meir Creates Extra Height Garage Doors Most standard garage doors will normally be made to a height of around 2.1m or 7 feet. Whilst this may be right for the majority of typical garages, this is not ideal for every type of building or usage of a garage. The good news is that extra tall garage doors are available offering a height of up to 4m in timber and up to 5m in aluminium with a bespoke garage door from Rundum Meir. This is because every Rundum Meir garage door is made to order and based on one of four core operating systems, which means it is not only possible to specify very wide opening doors up to 12m, but also doors with additional height. Extra tall garage doors are often associated with industrial or commercial buildings, including aircraft hangars, to provide easy access for high vehicles or to allow for the manufacture of very large products in an indoor environment, such as modular buildings. And here, Rundum Meir can provide a robust solution which can be designed to meet very specific operational and aesthetic goals. However, there are a whole host of building types and applications that lend themselves to taller than average garage doors, and they can make an impressive statement in new building designs too. Why your home could benefit from an extra high garage door One of the main reasons why many of us will avoid using a garage to park the car is because standard size doors can mean the opening is only just big enough to drive through. And it is also important to consider that today’s cars are often much larger than in previous generations.

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The new Land Rover Defender, for example, stands at 1.97m from the ground, but it is not the only tall vehicle available. The rise in the popularity of SUVs and people buying high specification campervans means many homeowners could do with their garage doors being just that little bit bigger! Side opening doors provide more headroom - With standard size one-piece up and over and overhead sectional doors, the available opening height may be slightly less than what is possible because of the way the door is positioned when in the open position. This is why a side sectional or side sliding ‘round the corner’ door will offer slightly more and less cluttered headroom. Rundum Meir garage doors that open to the side follow a track that runs down one of the internal walls when opened. As a result, the overhead space is clear – this can be beneficial for access and for utilising the internal space above head height should it be required, including for storage. Aesthetically distinct - Building conversions from industrial to residential may feature large openings which can be retained with relative ease using an extra tall garage door. This could deliver an attractive aesthetic feature which is preferential to infilling the opening in part to accommodate a standard size door. As Rundum Meir bespoke garage doors can be manufactured in a wide variety of timbers, high strength extruded aluminium, and – depending on the door style – clad with glass, steel, bronze and other metals, there is also virtually unlimited creative potential for the door. This could even be created to replicate an existing style in conversion projects, which can allow for a new door to be installed whilst preserving the building’s character. www.rundum.co.uk

City West Dublin Development Protected With Wraptite® Airtightness The superior airtightness and water resistance protection benefits of the Wraptite® external air barrier system from the A. Proctor Group is a key feature of an exciting new development at City West, Dublin, Ireland. The project development on behalf of Cairn Homes consists of over 400 residential units within nine apartment buildings ranging in height from one to nine storeys. The Wraptite System is installed as an external air barrier and alternative to a traditional standard breather membrane. Wraptite is the only self-adhering vapourpermeable air barrier certified by the BBA and combines the essential properties of vapour permeability and airtightness in one selfadhering membrane. The self-adhered nature of Wraptite and its high level of water resistance and simplified detailing made it an ideal choice. Wraptite is an effective vapour-permeable air barrier to maximise the energy efficiency of buildings, combining the critical properties of vapour permeability and airtightness in one self-adhering membrane. There are significant

benefits to incorporating the Wraptite System within the facade design. Wraptite helps ensure “as-designed” performance, narrowing the gap between as- designed and actual energy performance and reducing the likelihood of potential failures to meet required airtightness levels. The Wraptite self-adhesive breather membrane is applied externally quickly and efficiently as part of the cladding system. Wraptite is Class B1s1,d0, compliant with Part B regulation changes and is suitable for use in relevant buildings and those over 11m/18m, both as a continuous layer on sheathing board, behind fire-classified insulation, and for use to tape joints in insulation behind rainscreen. www.proctorgroup.com

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ITP Supplies Award-Winning Breather Membrane For Prestigious Commercial Development Building envelope specialists, ITP Ltd, supplied the award-winning Stamisol Safe One breather membrane for Myo New Street Square, the latest addition to one of Central London’s most prestigious commercial developments. The first phase of the New Street Square project was developed by Landsec in 2008, transforming the area into a vibrant campus with four office buildings clustered around new public realm and retail amenities. The development was the result of a close collaboration with the City of London, The Goldsmiths, local residents and council representatives which enabled Landsec to complete the second phase in 2016 with the construction of 1 New Street Square. Landsec’s continued investment in New Street Square will be a conversion Image courtesy Myo/Landsec of the 3 New Street Square building into six floors of flexible, fitted office space, meeting rooms and event spaces – all under the Myo brand. Myo customers will enjoy stunning 360-degree panoramic views across London and to St Paul’s Cathedral. Stamisol Safe One has been specified to protect the long-term condition of the external wall system and prevent the buildup of condensation in the insulation layer. Its innovative design has been at the forefront of membrane development, representing the first breather membrane in the UK to combine a Euroclass A2 fire safety rating with W1 water tightness. As well as being the UK suppliers of Stamisol Safe One, ITP also manufactures its own range of advanced vapour control layers, roofing underlays, house wraps and ground barrier membranes. www.itpltd.com

Triton Systems Tank Waterproof Behemoth Basement Near Birmingham The creation of an extensive basement complex that has taken a year to construct and which extends beneath an access road to link the main property with a separate building, is making use of multiple waterproofing products from the range of Triton Systems. The 900m2. across main house tunnel and adjacent house reinforced concrete sub-structure to what will be a six-bedroom private residence, with amenities including a swimming pool and gym, has been excavated and formed by Leicester based Beautiful Basements, in a contract valued at £800K. Aside from the sheer scale of the property, the contractor has also had to deal with some difficult ground conditions and the sloping topography of the land which was once stables, and offers views towards the outskirts of Birmingham. Beautiful Basements has built the structure in reinforced concrete with 400mm thick walls sitting on the equally thick ground bearing slab. All of the ready mixed concrete supplied to the site by Flomix Concrete also incorporates Triton’s TT waterproofing admixture. As the various areas of the basement are finished, the manufacturer’s Platon P8 drainage membrane is being used to line the walls, while Platon P20 covers the floor, with their edges being sealed where they drain into the moulded PVC Aqua Channel around the perimeter. www.tritonsystems.co.uk

Bilco UK Sets The Standard For Safety At Glasgow Housing Development Glasgow’s latest redevelopment project, located on Langside Road, is built upon the former site of the city’s Victoria Infirmary and consists of a large housing development that includes 413 flats, offices and retail space. The 3.75 hectare site, which is situated next to Queen’s Park on the south side of the city, forms an important part of the Battlefield area’s character, with the buildings’ exterior reflecting and complementing the surrounding heritage by using the city's traditional blonde coloured sandstone. As part of the construction process, Bilco UK was commissioned to supply six ESW-50REM Smoke Vents, in addition to seven E-50TB Roof Access Hatches, to provide the highest standards of safety and efficiency, whilst being sympathetic to the project’s overall design. Installed onto the roof areas of four blocks of flats by Scottish contractors, Procladd Small Works Ltd, Bilco UK’s ESW-50REM Smoke Vents

were specified to provide essential ventilation in the event of a building fire. Featuring a linear actuator operating mechanism that opens the cover to 140 degrees within 60 seconds, the smoke vents ensure compliance with Building Regulations Approved Document B, BS9999 and EN12101-2. The built-in wind deflector also provides protection against smoke being blown back into the vent in the event of a fire., whilst the newly-designed closed-cell EPDM sponge gasket helps meet Building Regulation air leakage targets by providing a better seal of the cover to the curb. With the addition of a fixed vertical ladder, the smoke vents can also be used by maintenance engineers for roof access.

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Billy Baillie, Managing Director at Procladd Small Works Ltd, said: “We have a longstanding relationship of over 20 years with Bilco UK, and will continue to do so over the forthcoming years, due to their impressive product quality and outstanding service. Bilco UK’s Roof Access Hatches and Smoke Vents were incredibly easy to install, and knowing they’re engineered to meet the highest industry standards, it provided both ourselves and the client with the confidence that the installation would set the standard for performance and longevity.” Constructed with corrosion-resistant materials, Bilco UK’s E-50TB Roof Access Hatches were also installed to provide engineers with safe, regular and convenient access to the roof to conduct essential maintenance. Engineered with compression spring operators to provide easy one-hand operation, the roof access hatch meets the requirements of Manual Handling Regulations, whilst the automatic hold-open arm locks the cover in the open position to ensure safe egress. The overlapping cover design, fully welded corners and insulated cover also ensure weathertightness and energy efficiency to deliver the highest standards of resilience. Mark Baird, Sales Operations Manager at Bilco UK, said: “Drawing on our longstanding relationship with Procladd Small Works Ltd, it was fantastic to work together on this project, which has been designed to positively impact the city’s culture. The products installed were manufactured with fire safety and efficiency in mind, delivering assurance of the durability and suitability of the installation for years to come.” www.bilcouk.co.uk

Safety, Performance, and Compliance – You’re in Safe Hands With Tremco CPG Offsite Solutions Whilst design guidance that support current Building Regulations are very much applicable to offsite construction, according to a recent technical bulletin from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, aspects of fire safety such as compartmentation and structural fire protection present compliance challenges that are not addressed by current design guidance solutions. When these challenges occur, they often create confusion for project managers, contractors, and installers, over how to correctly ensure adequate passive fire protection for their modules. If you find yourself facing this issue, then look no further. Through a perfect combination of technical know-how, solutions support, and industry knowledge, Tremco CPG Offsite Solutions can help you guarantee safe passive fire protection for your modular construction projects that also meets the necessary performance and compliance requirements. Here, Tremco CPG Offsite Solutions discusses how we approach these concerns around fire protection within the offsite construction sector. Safety - Maintaining a safe environment from conception right through to fruition and thereafter is crucial to any construction project. Offsite construction is by no means an exception to this, with the unique requirements of this industry sometimes calling for a more in-depth approach to safety. The team at Tremco CPG Offsite Solutions understand this and, therefore, strive to prioritise the safety and well-being of everyone who comes into contact with modular buildings throughout the lifetime of the structure. During the planning stage of the project, we take the time to learn your requirements and evaluate how these will impact on the structure’s safety. Our team of experts understand that each construction project presents differing safety challenges and must be approached on an individual basis. Sharing between them an abundance of knowledge around building and fire safety, the team is in pole position to advise on the correct practices specific to your installation, with a view to enhancing the building’s safety. Performance - we understand that achieving building performance levels go hand-in-hand with safety. For example, implementing fire performance measures to achieve compartmentation will help to prevent the spread of fire and smoke within the structure or adjoining buildings, thus enhancing safety for the structure and its occupants. Through Tremco CPG Offsite Solutions’ sister brand Nullifire, we have access to market-leading passive fire protection solutions that help architects, contractors, and installers to exceed building performance levels.

For over 50 years, Nullifire has paved the way for fire protection innovation, being the only manufacturer to offer both intumescent coatings and fire stopping products. Nullifire’s continuous investment in research and development allows them to remain at the forefront of passive fire protection innovation, offering a wide range of solutions to suit your project’s performance requirements. Compliance - Ensuring compliance in the world of modular construction is at the heart of what we do at Tremco CPG Offsite Solutions. Our passive fire protection solutions are rigorously trialled and tested to comply with the latest building regulations and achieve the requisite fire resistance for your module. Take Nullifire’s FZ100 Fire Safe Zone for instance, which is a cuttingedge fire protection solution that has been designed specifically to meet the unique needs of offsite construction. Tested in compliance with EI 60 to EI120, this fire barrier slab is based on a unique patented technology GXT, making it possible to anticipate fire sealing and integrate it directly when assembling the partition. FZ100 suits all types of service penetrations, is quick and easy to install, and provides added value by ensuring fire compartmentation is achieved. We are proud to offer dedicated onsite support and surveys at Tremco CPG Offsite Solutions, which enables us to ensure our products are not only installed correctly but also comply with the latest regulations and guidance. Our team of trained professionals are on-hand to assist wherever required, whether it’s a difficult installation or particularly complex module. Also available to our customers is the Tremco CPG UK Training Academy, which makes your journey through the complex world of construction easier. From Coffee Chats for bite-sized overviews and updates related to our products, application, legislation, or guidance, to a series of RIBA Approved CPD seminars that are designed for architects and specifiers. We also offer Technical Training for contractors and installers to help them master their knowledge and skills. To find out more about how Tremco CPG Offsite Solutions can help you with your next construction project, please get in touch today.

www.cpg-europe.com/en-gb

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Nottingham E-Sports Competitors Protected By Firefly® Barriers While concrete walls and Armco barriers are conventionally used to help protect drivers and spectators at motor racing circuits around the world, products from the range of FIREFLY ® have been specified to provide the necessary fire protection periods within an East Midlands venue which has become a focus for E-sports enthusiasts in the UK. The work at The Metronome in Nottingham is making extensive use of the manufacturer’s FIREFLY ® Zeus Lite 90:30 barrier, along with the Collaroll product to create compartmentation throughout a basement area. FIREFLY ® Zeus Lite is ideally suited to this type of application, comprising a flexible woven fabric fire barrier that has been specifically developed for the vertical separation and compartmentation of extensive concealed spaces within buildings. By offering 90 minutes integrity and 30 minutes insulation, FIREFLY ® Zeus Lite 90:30 exceeds the minimum requirements regarding fire barriers under the Building Regulations’ Approved Document B (Fire Safety). The specially treated glass fibre fabric is strong and resilient as well as flexible while, crucially, the system’s certification covers the inclusion of service penetrations which some products do not. Manufactured from woven and non-woven glass, the FIREFLY® range is designed to optimise resistance to flame and smoke as well as offer heat protection in a wide range of scenarios. www.tbafirefly.com

Stelrad K3 Radiators Contribute Towards Barnsley Hospital Decarbonisation Project Stelrad radiators are the heat sharing choice of projects providing homes and commercial properties up and down the country and increasingly for large public buildings like hospitals, schools, colleges and universities. Many of these projects are seeing heat pump technology integrated with the heating and cooling systems installed in both upgrades and new build facilities, and radiators, when sized properly, work well with ground source and air source heat pumps, sharing heat around the buildings. Stelrad’s K3 radiators are manufactured with three panels and three sets of fins to maximise the heat available from a low temperature heating system and allow radiators to contribute in a big way to the decarbonisation of our heating systems here in the UK and Ireland. Barnsley Hospital is one such project where radiators and heat pumps combine to provide impressive heating and hot water provision for a major NHS facility in South Yorkshire. The project has seen the specification of more than 300 Stelrad K3 radiators, to share the heat from the low temperature heating system that is generated by five air source heat pumps that have been installed at the hospital. www.stelrad.com

Crittall's Window Display A town centre shopping mall in Stroud, Gloucestershire, has been given a new lease of life with Crittall playing a significant role in the makeover. Dransfield Properties opted for a complete transformation of the Five Valleys Shopping Centre to include new retail outlets, as well as enhanced car parking, office space and a community hub with library. Key to the interior appeal was replacing a jumble of disparate shopfronts and signage with a more ordered, modern appearance. Sheffield-based Dixon Dawson Architects selected Crittall W20 steel profiles for the task. “The client wanted a particular style of glazing. I was familiar with Crittall and saw it as the best solution,” said Guy Dixon Dawson. “The whole mall was remodelled; frankly it was a bit of a mess beforehand. Now, everything, ceiling to floor, has been upgraded.” The result is a simplified approach with Crittall’s slender steel profiled windows and doors providing a uniform appearance. All the cold form doors were a mix of hinged and automatic sliders www.crittall-windows.co.uk

Renaissance For Tried And Trusted W20 Steel Windows As home renovation remains popular, and with the focus being on the acquisition and refurbishment of rural properties, this has resulted in Steel Window Association (SWA) members reporting a higher than usual demand for the replacement of the traditional W20 style windows The W20 closely replicates the appearance of the older universal suite of sections and can therefore be found providing reliable service from country cottages to dockland warehouses and in commercial, as well as industrial buildings. Not only do the slimline sections offer slender sightlines compared to PVC-U and timber frames, but their strength also provides good security and long-term robustness. In addition, the advancements made in glass technology and the availability of much improved weather-stripping means that the modern W20 window delivers far better energy performance than their singleglazed predecessors. The President of the SWA and Contracts Director at Associated Steel Window Services, Kris Bennell, comments: “W20 steel frames are the ever reliable, ever popular traditional option for the sector, which are liked by both planners and heritage bodies for use in a host of different property types. W20 is a system which can work in a summer-house or a commercial building in London and as a stylish room divider or shower screen.” The SWA offers UK wide coverage with member companies able to carry out the full range of contracts from the repair and restoration of heritage windows through to the installation of major fenestration packages in contemporary commercial, residential and other types of developments. www.steel-window-association.co.uk

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WHAT MAKES OUR PRODUCTS SUSTAINABLE? We supply roof windows with our carbon footprint in mind. That’s why our products are up to 99% recyclable, Passivhaus certified and manufactured with FSC certified pine and eco-friendly lacquer.

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Outstanding Aesthetics, Exceptional Quality And Durability From Cupa Pizarras Natural Slates To Elevate Residential Refurbishment

CUPA R12 Excellence from CUPA PIZARRAS has been installed as part of an extensive family home refurbishment project in rural Norfolk. Working closely with the property owner, contractor Aspect Group Services specified the natural Spanish slate as it offers outstanding aesthetics, quality and a guaranteed warranty of 100 years. Situated in the picturesque village of Old Buckenham, the extensive property consists of a number of separate buildings including a main house, a smaller newly built lodge, a pool house and garage, all of which the owners are refurbishing over several phases. The first phase was the new lodge, completed in 2021, followed by the main house and the swimming pool area. As well as new slate roofs, work has included the addition of external insulation and off-white render for the main house as well as galvanised guttering and rainwater systems throughout. “The owners bought the property eight years ago and have been slowly refurbishing it,” explains Matt Dillon, Owner Director at Aspect Group Services. “Aesthetics were important to the project, and as we’ve used CUPA PIZARRAS slate before, we were confident of the quality of the product and the overall service we would receive from the company.” After liaising with the CUPA PIZARRAS team and local merchant AJW Distribution, it was decided that CUPA R12 Excellence was the ideal replacement for the old concrete tiles on the roofs of the main house and pool house.

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Aspect Group Services’ roofing division installed the slates on both properties using copper nails. In addition, they integrated low-profile solar panels into the roof of the pool house alongside the slates for a flat, linear finish. CUPA R12 is a high-quality, dark grey slate with thin laminations and a smooth surface. Being a high-quality natural slate product, it has a guaranteed lifespan of 100 years and requires minimal maintenance. The slate provides a smooth, uniform appearance which was important for this refurbishment. In addition to its uniform appearance, CUPA 12 natural slate provides a sustainable solution, which was a significant factor for both the homeowner and Aspect Group Services. As CUPA PIZARRAS owns its quarries, the company can extract the material, process it locally, and return any excess slate to the mountain. At the same time, closed circuits enable the reuse of water. Each step of the production process is continually assessed, and measures are introduced to tackle carbon emissions, such as using renewable energy sources, including photovoltaic solar energy, to power the plant and help reduce the company’s carbon footprint. Many of CUPA PIZARRAS’ slate products, including CUPA 12, have received BRE verification confirming that their environmental product declarations are in accordance with the requirements of EN 15804:2012+A1:2013 and BRE Global Scheme Document SD207. www.cupapizarras.com/uk

Soprema Helps Give Yorkshire Church A Warm Feeling York-based company, Native Architects, was approached by the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of All Hallows, Leeds, in a bid to help them with their leaking roof. The heavily attended church was experiencing severe water ingress due to the existing tiled roof which was no longer fit for purpose. Originally built in the 1970s, the church had a relatively low-pitch roof, meaning tiles had slipped off over time and had been damaged by vandalism as well as being exposed to the elements. “Not only did the roof leak, but it had very poor thermal performance,” says Chris Walker, Director at Native Architects. “We developed a design to remove the existing tiles, and to replace it with a zinc roof due to the durable qualities and long lifespan of the system.” A much-needed community hub - The client required a roof system which was not only robust, but proves as sustainable as possible to ensure running costs especially in the current economic climate - are kept to a minimum. The church itself goes above and beyond simply providing a place of worship, it is a much-needed community hub. More than 100 volunteers proactively help with the church’s charitable initiatives, such as its cafe Rainbow Junktion. This project intercepts food that would otherwise be thrown away from supermarkets, restaurants

and a number of other sources, and turns it into healthy, nutritious meals for anyone that needs it, on a pay-asyou-feel donation basis, sometimes providing meals for up to 100 people each day. The church also provides a Neighbourhood Forum which is an inclusive approach to welcoming new members to the church, reaching out within the diverse cultures and communities in the area. Insulation specification - Given the nature of the building and its importance to the local community, Native Architects knew the church required a sustainable insulation solution that would stand the test of time, as well as having excellent thermal and acoustic qualities. Chris continues: “Originally, we considered a mineral wool insulation solution for this project but it was ruled out on the grounds of cost. Also, because the church has an acoustic ceiling with perforated boarding over the main worship space, our other concern was that any glass fibre or mineral wool would potentially drop through onto the congregation below."

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"Because of this, and following consultation with approved distributor, Unity Lime Products Ltd, we changed the specification to Soprema’s Pavatextil P cotton fibre-based thermo-acoustic insulation. We really liked the idea of the product being recycled from cotton and polyester fibres, originating from recycled textile, and it offered the essential thermal and acoustic performance required for this project.

fungal and flame-retardant treatments making them resistant to dust mites and mould. This highly sustainable insulation can be installed between timber or metal frameworks, on the inside of walls and sloped roofs, as well as attic floors – making it versatile as well as offering exceptional sound-insulation properties. It also delivers against thermal losses in winter and heat transmittance in the summer.

It was also a more cost-effective alternative to a wood-fibre product, as well as being easy to install for contractors, and didn’t itch or irritate operatives during installation. The team at Geoff Neal Roofing (GNR) really enthused about using it.” Because of the softness and supreme quality of the cotton insulation, Pavatextil P is easily adaptable during installation, fitting comfortably into any awkward areas, making installation straightforward for the roofing contractors, GNR of York.

A community restored - This valued community centre and much-loved place of worship has been transformed, and the client is safe in the knowledge that the insulation installed continues to give that much needed thermal performance. Providing comfort for life, Pavatextil P keeps occupiers warm in winter and cool in summer and guarantees the quality of the air with an A + classification for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) emissions. www.soprema.co.uk

Standing the test of time - The cotton fibres within Pavatextil P have hydrophilic and hygroscopic properties, which are exposed to anti-bacterial,

PRODUCTS IN FOCUS

Wraptite, a strong robust external air barrier designed to keep buildings airtight and dry. Easy to install, it combines the best properties of a vapour permeable membrane and an airtight membrane in one affordable, self-adhering product. Due to it’s unique properties, the membrane can be used in walls and warm roofs. This makes for an energy efficient healthy building fabric.

01250 872 261 contact@proctorgroup.com