Corporate Profile

ErP – what’s your responsibility?

MARTYN BRIDGES, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT AT WORCESTER, BOSCH GROUP, OUTLINES THE CHANGES SPECIFIERS AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPERS NEED TO BE AWARE OF AHEAD OF THE NEW ERP ENERGY LABELLING DIRECTIVE.

From September, the ErP Directive will introduce a new requirement for labelling to be placed on all energyrelated products in the domestic and light commercial sectors.

The updated Energy Labelling Directive will introduce new efficiency classes, with A+, A++ and A+++ joining the existing A and Brating currently reserved for condensing boilers.

Initially, one of the most notable changes to be brought about by the new efficiency classification will be the expected influx of ‘ErP-ready’ boilers and heating technologies. Unavoidably, the most notable or visual change is for “packaged” boilers, such as Combi boilers to have a low energy circulating pump installed within. A low energy circulating pump is more expensive however, making it almost certain that ErP boilers will sit at a slightly higher price point than non ErP compliant boilers. Specifiers may need to explain this to investors - the larger initial cost for the boiler itself will result in improved efficiency and lower bills for the tenants at the opposite end of the supply chain, so the slight increase shouldn’t be seen as unreasonable.

Specifiers will also need to carefully consider the responsibility they may have under the labelling process. Every heating system will be required to have its own energy efficiency label and contractors for residential developments will need to supply this. In some cases, the labelling task will be simple –a single heating or hot water appliance will be labelled by the manufacturer. However, if the boiler is supported by additional products or system components within the scope, a system label which incorporates the efficiency of the boiler and the other components needs to be created. At the specification stage, it is important for this message to be communicated to all relevant parties. All links within the supply chain have a new or increased responsibility however, the actual requirement is for whoever puts together the heating system package and hands it over to the end-user to be the one legally responsible for providing the efficiency label. In the case of residential developments, this will more than likely be the contractor.

Much has been said of the advantages associated with using multiple products produced by the same manufacturer, and it appears this will be the latest benefit. Manufacturers such as Worcester are dedicating a great deal of time to finding a practical solution for residential developers around the country and electronic systems will be created to assist the calculation of an overall rating. The introduction of ErP is something the industry has to tackle, and at Worcester we’re aiming to make it as simple as possible for specifiers to adopt too.

SE Controls gets switched on with Bristol’s Electricity House contract

A KEY CONTRACT TO PROVIDE AN ADVANCED SMOKE VENTILATION SYSTEM TO CREST NICHOLSON HOMES’ REDEVELOPMENT OF BRISTOL’S ICONIC ELECTRICITY HOUSE BUILDING, HAS BEEN AWARDED TO LEADING SMOKE AND NATURAL VENTILATION SYSTEMS COMPANY, SE CONTROLS.

Originally designed by acclaimed architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in the 1930s, the six-storey Grade II listed building is being converted into 85 luxury city centre apartments, while ensuring that many of the original design features are reinstated to enhance its art deco style.

Electricity House’s main atrium is at the heart of the SE Controls solution, as the smoke ventilation system is designed to vent smoke from the atrium in the event of a fire to ensure escape routes are kept clear.

To achieve this, SE Controls is designing, installing and commissioning the system, which comprises 37 SHEVTEC automatically controlled louvres that are manufactured and tested in accordance with BS EN 12101: 2. The SHEVTEC louvres also incorporate ‘fall protection’ to increase safety, as well as using IP rated external motors, which are essential to allow easy access for future maintenance.

In addition, 21 low level air inlet louvres and linear door actuators also form part of the system, all of which are controlled by a series of OS2 control panels with integral battery back up and fully compliant with the relevant sections of the BS EN 12010 standard.

Martin Oates, SE Controls’ Commercial Director, commented: “Electricity House is a landmark building designed by a giant of British architecture, so we’re naturally delighted to be involved in the project and look forward to its completion, which is scheduled for later this year.” He added: “Smoke control and fire safety is not only a core part of our business, but also an area we’re very actively involved with via organisations such as the Smoke Control Association, FIRAS and British Standards, to ensure that design, manufacturing, installation and maintenance standards are constantly being maintained. Although this is important for the industry, the real benefit is for residents who rely on our systems for failsafe performance, if a fire should occur.”

Artists impression of Electricity House, Bristol -

SE Controls – Enquiry 29

Caro Flood Protection Barriers

Never has flooding been in the news as much as it is now and never have the Caro

WaterWall and WaterDoor Flood Barriers been as popular as they are now!

UK’s leading Flood Defence manufacturer is your solution to flooding.

Offering affordable, easy to install barrier systems for: • Residential Properties • Industrial Sites • Commercial Sites

With many years manufacturing experience, the Caro Group can offer bespoke solutions for almost any scenario, be it for a Listed Building, an angled barrier on a slope or powder coating to a colour of your choice. A proven and successful system!

A full brochure and very informative video can be found on the Caro Flood Defence Systems, website at www.carofds.co.uk. To discuss any requirements you may have, please call 01763 244446 or email info@caro.co.uk

Sustainable repair techniques to help maintain our built environment

SINCE IT WAS ESTABLISHED OVER 30 YEARS AGO, THE PHILOSOPHY OF STRUCTURAL REPAIR SPECIALIST, HELIFIX, HAS BEEN TO DESIGN INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS AND NON-DISRUPTIVE INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES THAT HELP SUSTAIN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT, FROM TRADITIONAL HOUSING STOCK TO HERITAGE BUILDINGS.

Repair and refurbishment of older buildings is increasingly seen as a more sustainable option than demolition in terms of architectural value, materials usage, disruption, overall cost and environmental impact. Helifix’s concealed, non-disruptive repairs sympathetically secure masonry structures using their existing fabric, thereby retaining the building’s original aesthetic appearance.

are increasingly being used to assist during property upgrades or change of use. They provide masonry reinforcement during the temporary works phase of major structural alterations, enable compliance with Building Regulation A3 by preventing ‘Disproportionate Collapse’, allow buildings to bear the weight of external insulation panels and ensure lintel integrity during window replacement programmes.

Window Replacement

If lintels are weak, have failed or are nonexistent they must be created or fully reinstated to make sure there is no masonry movement during window replacement. Traditionally this would have required the expensive and disruptive removal of brickwork and installation of a concrete lintel while using mechanical supports. With Helifix, the brickwork remains in place and stainless steel HeliBars are simply bonded into channelled-out mortar beds at two levels above the window, forming deep masonry beams which support the masonry and spread the loads.

External Wall Insulation

When fitting external insulation panels to improve U values, the wall elevation must be sufficiently strong to support the additional load and existing wall ties may need to be supplemented. Secure remedial wall tie installation can be difficult, particularly where high pull out loads are specified or the inner skin is constructed from dense materials. The Helifix DryFix tie is rapidly installed using a special tool to power-drive the tie into both leaves via a small pilot hole, which is easily disguised. It requires no resin or mechanical expansion and so can be load-tested immediately.

Approved Installers

Whatever your structural requirements, call the Helifix team on 0208 735 5200 to discuss your project. Work is normally undertaken by one of the company’s fully trained ‘Approved Installers’ located nationwide. 10 year insurance-backed warranties are available which include design, products and installation and are bonded by the Consumer Protection Association.

Helifix is recognised as the leader in the design and engineering of stainless steel helical remedial wall ties and reinforcements that overcome commonly occurring structural faults in most construction materials, including bricks, blocks, stone, timber and concrete. Helifix products are independently tested, fully proven and widely used. They combine durability and great holding power with the flexibility to accommodate natural building movement.

Refurb and Retrofit Applications

Extremely versatile and adaptable with wideranging applications, Helifix repair systems

Cast stonework for refurbishment

AN APPRECIATION OF THE PAST AND THE NEED TO CONSERVE HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND ARCHITECTURE, AS WELL AS A DESIRE FROM THE PUBLIC TO REFURBISH OR RECREATE THEIR OWN ACCURATE REPRESENTATIONS OF CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE AND TRADITIONAL STYLES, HAS LED TO AN INCREASE IN THE USE OF CAST STONE AS A SUBSTITUTE TO QUARRIED STONE.

There have been more imitations of stone than any other natural building material. This persistent emulation has been for reasons of economy, availability and fashion. Today, cast stonework is being used increasingly by architects, for restorations and new builds, as a substitute in the applications where quarried stone is difficult, timeconsuming and expensive to employ.

A fine example of the use of cast stone for architectural refurbishment is demonstrated on the recently restored Scarborough Spa, a Grade II listed building built in the 19th century. The architectural stonework detail of the building was subject to erosion following years of exposure to salt water from the North Sea. A robust material was required in order to restore the building to its former glory. Following strenuous salt crystallisation and water absorption tests, conducted by the BRE laboratories, Haddonstone, the UK’s leading manufacturer of cast stonework, was commissioned the restoration. Haddonstone was awarded the prestigious Green Apple Gold Award for Environmental Best Practice and Sustainable Development for the restoration work carried out.

Haddonstone is a unique form of cast limestone with a surface texture similar to Portland stone or natural limestone. The semi dry cast material is gradually packed into fibreglass, rubber-lined moulds using pneumatic hand rammers. The material is then left in the mould until the following day when the mould can be stripped away to reveal the stone design in all its glory. The company has an extensive standard range of designs and also creates custom designs to replicate simple or intricate designs to individual specifications in any quantity. Around 30% of all stonework manufactured by Haddonstone is custom-made, utilising the company’s extensive mould shop and production facility in Northamptonshire.

Haddonstone also offer two alternatives to the dry cast mix, TecStone and TecLite. Tecstone is a unique wet cast production technique that produces a denser cast stone material with a smoother finish to meet demanding design and performance criteria specified in refurbishment projects. TecLite is a unique material containing drawn glass fibre which benefits from a high strength to weight ratio. Its thin wall construction and GRC technology means the component weight is reduced by approximately two thirds when compared with similar Haddonstone pieces. TecLite is ideal for retro-fit, refurbishments, timber frame and new build projects where weight is an issue.

Whether you are refurbishing an existing property or restoring a historic building, cast stone provides an economical solution for replica stonework and custom designs - from window surrounds, door surrounds and porticos to quoins, brackets and corbels.

Cast stone has a long and illustrious history dating back to the 18th century with companies such as Coade. This history is detailed in Simon Scott’s book ‘Artificial Stone; a successful substitute for natural stone?’ For more information on the Haddonstone collection request a copy of the company’s 216 page catalogue email info@haddonstone.co.uk, visit www.haddonstone.com or call 01604 770711.

Haddonstone – Enquiry 33

Haddonstone replaced parapet stonework as part of the restoration of Scarborough spa Stonework was created specifically for this private Herefordshire property

Grade II listed Peterborough property

SET AMID FOUR AND HALF ACRES OF LAND STANDS A GORGEOUS GRADE II LISTED PROPERTY IN PETERBOROUGH. IT WAS BUILT BETWEEN 1841 AND 1847 FOR W LAWRENCE CLARK OF THE PEACE FOR THE LIBERTY OF PETERBOROUGH AND FROM 1901-1996, HOME TO THE HARTLEY FAMILY. IT IS WHERE L.P HARTLEY PENNED HIS MOST FAMOUS NOVEL ‘THE GO-BETWEEN’.

The property hosted many important meetings such as the League of Nations annual meeting in 1937 - better known today as the United Nations.

After years of neglect and vandalism whilst unoccupied, a family approached the Hartley’s with an offer to buy the property and restore it as their family home.

The traditional brick building is spread over many levels, has high ceilings and a number of different sized original single glazed windows throughout the house, which rendered it thermally inefficient, cold and draughty.

It was not going to be an easy task, due to the number of different sizes and the composition of the original windows; some metal frame, some wooden. The owners were also keen to try and colour match the secondary frames to make them as unobtrusive as possible.

A total of 40 windows have been treated thus far using a selection of three window styles; hinged, sliding and lift-out, in three different colours. A number of windows with working shutters were treated with Selectaglaze’s ultra slim Series 47 hinged system which was able to sit tight behind the shutters allowing continued operation.

Established in 1966 and granted the Royal Warrant in 2004 Selectaglaze is the UK’s leading secondary glazing specialist.

For further information contact us on: 01727 837271 marketing@selectaglaze.co.uk or visit www.selectaglaze.co.uk

Selectaglaze – Enquiry 35

The Peninsula Shanghai decorates with Deckshield for VIP visitors

The luxury Shanghai Peninsula hotel undertook a refurbishment programme so that it could welcome world leaders to the city for the Shanghai APEC 2014 meeting in even more luxury, comfort and style than ever before. A key part of this project was to revitalise the helipad and VIP parking area with new floor finishes that would enhance the arrival experience of high-profile visitors. To achieve this the renowned hotel partnered with Flowcrete Asia, part of the international Flowcrete Group, who provided it with robust, colourful and long lasting surfaces for these priority areas. To ensure that the final floor finish would meet the hotel’s exacting standards, 800m2 of Deckshield ID and Deckshield UV was used to create the helipad’s new surface and a further 700m2 of Deckshield ID was applied in the VIP parking area.

Flowcrete –Enquiry 36

Special need for suitable school toilets

New figures show that education providers need to accommodate pupils with special needs more than ever.

Today, almost 1.5million pupils in all levels of education have special needs, and there are growing numbers of disabled learners especially entering higher education.

Under the Department for Education’s own standard specifications for school toilets, pupils with special educational needs and disabilities must have suitable toilets which should include a hygiene room.

Clos-o-Mat, Britain’s leading disabled toilet provider, has, drawn up a free-to-download CAD for a school hygiene room. The CAD is the first of its kind available, and ensures any new such project is the correct minimum size and contains the right equipment, as laid down in DfE guidelines.

The online facilities have resulted from Clos-o-Mat’s growing expertise in the provision of hygiene rooms in primary, secondary and tertiary education; the company is now one of the biggest suppliers to the sector, through its flexibility to tailor provision to individual requirements, be it design advice, supply, installation, commissioning or complete project management.

The hygiene room CAD is complimented on Clos-o-Mat’s website www.clos-o-mat.com) by a raft of tools.

Total Hygiene –Enquiry 37

Swish Building Products seals the deal with ALMO

SWISH BUILDING PRODUCTS HAS BEEN NAMED ROOFLINE AND RAINWATER SUPPLIER FOR A ROLLING REFURBISHMENT PROGRAMME BY ALMO, YOUR HOMES NEWCASTLE (YHN).

Supplied and installed by Swish Approved Installer JDP Contracting Services, the Swish roofline and rainwater systems will be installed on around 500 homes per year.

YHN demanded an 'equal or approved' product in response to its performance specification. The contractor selected the products which best fitted the criteria.

"We are very happy with the Swish products and have recently started using the Sustainable Rainwater range which contains a high percentage of recycled content," commented Tom Jarman, environmental sustainability coordinator, property services for YHN. "In using this particular range of products we are able to fulfil our environmental commitments. Also we are now starting to replace older PVC-U products so in buying rainwater goods with recycled content we are helping to 'close the loop’ when the waste items are taken away.”

Swish’s Sustainable Rainwater products contain up to 84% recycled content, a combination of old windows and guttering systems. This can save up to 70% in CO2 output during the production process when compared to 100% virgin material. Swish roofline and rainwater products have been fitted on 300 YHN homes with a further 230 currently underway.

Swish Building Products – Enquiry 39