Innovations+ +Spring+2008

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Some of the colour photography used in Building Innovations is provided and paid for by contributors towards the cost of production. Whilst every effort is made by the publishers to ensure that the content of the articles appearing in Building Innovations is accurate, the publishers do not accept liability for errors that may appear in the publication. Building Innovations is published quarterly, free of charge to a carefully selected readership under the publishers control. Copies are otherwise available on request at cost of £3.75 per single issue including postage. Yearly subscription rates are £12.50 including postage. The views expressed by contributors in this publication are not necessarily the views of the publisher. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording in any storage or retrieval system without the consent of the publisher.

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Ardex Waterproof Protection System Is ‘On A Roll’!ARDEX have re-designed their ARDEX WPC Flexible Rapid Setting and Drying Waterproof Protection Coat pack to make it user friendly. The newly named ‘ARDEX WATERPROOF PROTECTION SYSTEM’ now contains a free roll of mesh scrim alongside the existing powder and liquid components as well as a simple ‘5 Step Guide’. ARDEX WATERPROOF PROTECTION SYSTEM can be used prior to tiling, in conjunction with a wide range of backgrounds including plasterboard, fibreboard, anhydrite screeds and timber based backing to provide a flexible, waterproof protection coat. Thanks to the ARDEX Rapidry Formula, tiles can be fixed just 2 hours after application of the second waterproof coat.

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Kingspan Insulated Panels Lead The Way For Sustainable SuccessKingspan Insulated Panels has won a prestigious award from Building Magazine. The Sustainability awards recognise and reward construction businesses who actively pursue sustainable solutions, and Kingspan is winner of the 2007 Best Sustainable Business Practice category. Kingspan Insulated Panels actively pursue excellence in environmental sustainability and end of life management. A key project in Kingpan’s sustainability ambitions has been the commissioning of the Kingspan Sustainability Report. It has helped to outline exisiting achievements and areas for future development, as well as gaining a Global Reporting Initiative Application Level C. In February 2007 key roof and wall panel products with an ECOsafe core from Kingspan’s Holywell facility were independently verified by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) as having a top ‘A’ rated lifetime environmental profile.

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Mastic AsphaltOne Industry – Zero CarbonA major part of the UK construction business has made environmental history – establishing a world first that could set the pattern for all British industry. Following more than a year to launch and research, mastic asphalt, a material used to waterproof the majority of the nation‘s most prestigious buildings and commercial developments, has achieved the CarbonZero standard. The standard covers the product from manufacture through to installation. Every stage of the process has achieved CarbonZero. The Mastic Asphalt Council, representing the UK’s leading contractors and manufacturers, unveiled its radical Carbon 100 initiative on January 18. The initiative, which involves placing a small levy on the cost of the materials, ensures that even non-MAC members are covered. The industry has effectively taxed itself in order to aid the environment.


Light-weight, Sustainable Solution For Septic And STP SoakawaysThe labour-intensive, costly and time-consuming activity of installing traditional herring-bone drainage soakaways for septic tanks and sewage treatment plants could now be a thing of the past. Ezy-Drain, which has just been launched in the UK by Klargester, is a new type of pipe system that is lightweight, easy to use, high-performance and environmentally friendly. Ezy-Drain comprises of sections of perforated plastic pipe surrounded by a synthetic aggregate wrapped in polyethylene netting. Each three-metre section of pipe is joined together quite simply by the use of click-fit connectors, protected by a preformed collar. The result is an extremely lightweight system that can be quickly installed by a single person up to four times faster than any gravel-based solution.


Novostrat, The New Name In Insulation, Is Growing - FastNovostrat Limited maybe a relatively new name in the UK but it is the largest manufacturer of Polyethylene insulation products in Ireland, with distribution facilities throughout the UK and Continental Europe. Novostrat is already becoming well know for its underfloor insulation products, which range from ‘standard’ carpet underlay to the company’s most recently launched

product ‘Sonic Gold Excel’, which is a high performance acoustic insulation and vapour barrier achieving 22dB sound reduction. But it is with an eye to the general construction

market that Novostrat faces the future. Polyethylene insulation products are inherently environmentally responsible, being totally recyclable as off-cuts or at the end of their long life, they are manufactured producing no harmful halogens and are CFC and HCFC free material. The new product range, which will be rolled out during 2008, will encompass more flooring products, roof and wall insulation, and under concrete ‘plank’ insulation products.


Kestrel Highly Commended for Customer Focussed Approach at CMAsThe no tin, no lead, next generation cellular building products supplier, Kestrel achieved Highly Commended status at the prestigious Construction Marketing Awards. “We are thrilled that in our first appearance on the shortlist of finalists at the CMAs we

have achieved this recognition,” says Tony Crutcher, Sales and Marketing Director of the Kestrel brand.“ The Construction Marketing Awards are recognised as a highly regarded measure of excellence in construction marketing and business development.


When Is A Lift An Alimak Lift?An Alimak lift is an extraordinary lift for extraordinary applications, but it isn’t unique. In other words Alimak Hek can often solve the most unusual requests with a permanent lift from their standard range of industrial lifts…and a great deal of engineering expertise. An Alimak lift is a rack and pinion lift so does not need a motor room or shaft. It can, and usually is, installed externally to travel vertically or even over inclined structures. It is robust for challenging environments such as industrial plants, warehouses, bridges, cement plants, ports and masts. It can be so robust it is explosion protected so ideal for aggressive applications such as steel works, mines, petrochemical plants and offshore rigs.


In Derbyshire, a cottage has been renovated to modern standards including applications of KNX building services control technology. The lighting, heating, audio and security are controlled to give modern life choices. The cottage has 45 KNX dimmed and switched lighting circuits that can be used to set moods for each room. This allows for scenes to be set for particular instances. KNX allows lights to be incorporated into other features of a house. Water based underfloor heating is controlled using thermostatic light switches. The KNX system lowers temperatures at night when everyone is asleep and a few degrees lower than normal when the house is unoccupied.


KNX Building Control Meets The 18th CenturyStandard Stainless Steel Posts

Videx Security has introduced a new range of Stainless Steel Posts with universal fixings. They are designed to accommodate the full range of Videx audio, video and access control products. All posts are manufactured from brushed stainless steel and incorporate a sturdy baseplate for secure fixing into the ground. There are four posts to choose from and they incorporate universal productmounting fixtures to allow attachment of the door panels or access control units. There are single and dual pedestrian height posts, with the dual version able to accommodate two Videx products. There are also dual and single vehicle height posts so entry can be made whilst sitting in a car.


Gopak’s Tackles The Burning IssueWith the smoking ban now in place across the UK, Gopak’s all weather Bistro furniture range provides the perfect solution for the hospitality sector, whatever the weather. The durability of Gopak’s Bistro collection makes it ideal for the job. The lightweight, all weather range comprises eight chair types and a choice of matching tables to complement any décor, whether inside or out. Gopak’s Bistro furniture range retains its comfortable feel and functional design while still enabling the chairs to stack, saving valuable space inside or out. It can also double up for use on exhibition stands and conferences.



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Cost-effective Systemline Home Automation Gateway ProductArmour Home has launched the latest addition to its Systemline Modular built-in home entertainment system – the Systemline HomeNet range of enclosures which provide the gateway to home automation by acting as a central hub from which all incoming services are distributed around the home via Cat5 and coaxial cables. Systemline HomeNet has also been designed to be compact, taking up as little space in the property as possible. The allows for single or multi source audio and video to be played in up to eight different rooms.


Timloc Steel Access Panels Give 60 Minute Fire Rating & A Great FinishFire rated steel hinged access panels from Timloc Building Products’ allows easy access to concealed building services, whilst also providing a 60 minutes fire rating. Each access panel is supplied as a complete door and frame assembly, which simply screws into place through the pre-drilled holes in the frame. Manufactured from 1.2mm Zintec electro-galvanised mild steel to give rigidity, corrosion protection and a smooth finish for painting, the range is available with either picture frame or beaded frame styles and can also be specified pre-finished in a white polyester powder coating. An optional key-lockable door is also available for installations requiring higher security. Non-fire rated versions are also available within the steel access panel range for applications where fire rated performance is not required.


Blockleys’ Hydrosmart permeable clay paving system is the ideal solution for the increasing quantities of surface water run-off surcharging drainage systems and polluting water courses. Hydrosmart provides an attractive surface and effectively treats and remove oils, silts and heavy metals from surface water run-off. They can be constructed at similar costs to conventional pavements. Hydrosmart clay paviors for the wearing surface have through-body colours that will not fade, exhibit excellent slipping, skidding and abrasion resistance and can resist damage by the heaviest vehicular loads.


Hydrosmart Permeable Clay Paving System

JIS List Energy Saving AccessoriesJIS Europe Ltd., suppliers of stainless steel radiators and towel rails, is extremely conscious of increasing public awareness of the need to save energy, and is including a section entitled “Energy Saving Accessories” in its brochures of modern styled rails. In addition to existing ranges of energy sensitive products, several new ranges will appear in the section. New adjustable elements that give five setting options offering between 30% and 100% of full power are featured. There are also several new thermostatically controlled Towel Rail Valves including a Streamline valve where the control is neatly placed facing inwards on the rail instead of projecting as do the already successful profile valves.


The eScape competition to create a new and innovative town house promoted by the David Wilson Homes (now part of the Barratt Group) in association with the Wood for Good campaign and Design for Homes, caused a great stir in the industry and attracted a response from almost 650 architects and many attractive and inventive designs.London-based architects PCKO emerged as the winners, chosen by a panel of judges that included interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, English Partnerships’ strategy director Trevor Beattie, and Design for Homes chief executive, David Birkbeck. They produced a delightful concept for three bedroom, three-storey timber-framed town houses, each built round what they describe as a “light court” glazed but very much in the style of the atrium in a Roman villa. This creates not only light and airy interiors but also an interestingly varied roofline aimed to offer a very attractive streetscape in an ‘estate’ setting. The “light court” is only one of many innovations in a design that also incorporates a “living wall” concept, offering space for utilities, storage etc. but also granting great flexibility in interior design. The first development to feature PCKO’s winning eScape design is presently under construction by Barratt Homes at Eden Village in Sittingbourne, Kent. The diversity in elevation and roof-line will certainly help to inspire a village atmosphere but, while creativity in design is what pleases the eye, more basic components are equally important for

the efficiency, safety and reliability of the home. At Eden Village, for example, Barratt has used exclusively PolyFit pipe, fittings and accessories for hot & cold water supply. Kitemarked, WRAS approved and DIN tested, PolyFit is a system that is well tried and passes as both effective and extremely plumber friendly. It is based on polybutylene barrier pipe and polypropylene conduit pipe whose flexibility is a delight to the installer. On top of that the unique connection system allows joints to be formed and demounted in seconds yet has a 3-pin protection feature that makes the joint exceptionally secure. A vast range of fittings and accessories means that the installer never needs improvise.Eden Village will be a well publicised development thanks to the use of PCKO’s award winning town house design but the less glamorous elements in the homes, such as Polypipe’s Polyfit products, deserve a mention too. In addition to the townhouses, the “eScape” homes include three, two-bedroom apartments. Constructed on top of a set of garages, each apartment is totally detached from other properties and has the luxury of its own private stairs and front door. Inside, the large open-plan living space incorporates a very high specification kitchen and opens on to a balcony.


POLYFIT PICKED FOR ESCAPE DESIGN WINNER

Tests Confirm Tufsound Lives Up To Its Name

Hodgson & Hodgson’s TufSound wall and ceiling panels provide a high level of impact resistance as well as acoustic performance. When tested in accordance with SS EN 13964:2004, the TufSound panels achieved Class 2A, only one off the highest possible rating for impact resistance. Add to this the panels’ high levels of moisture resistance and TufSound’s resilience is assured. “Impact

resistance is important in many of the buildings where TufSound is used, so such a positive result in these tests was very pleasing.” confirms Sandra Fixter of Hodgson & Hodgson.



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Firewall EvolutionFor Ashgrid & Ashwall Bx48Prior to the introduction of approved document L2:2001 of the building regulations, firewalls were generally simple to construct, with two insulation options of either mineral wool or Fibreglass. Mineral wool insulation needed only a standard cavity depth to match non-firewall elevations; whereas Fibreglass traditionally required an increased cavity depth to allow for an air gap to ensure insulation integrity under heat generated by fire.The ensuing cavity depth changes stemming from approved document L2:2001 are now commonplace, however some implications of Part B have caused difficulty with the design, installation and the cost of built-up firewalls. Since 2001, an increasing number of built-up firewall systems have arisen in the marketplace, often with flaws which have made the job of specifiers & contractors more difficult. Some have been uncompetitive, while the compliance of others to long term thermal requirements could be questioned. Another issue which has regularly been reported is their lack of ‘buildability’ on site. The intricate nature of installing a full thickness insulation layer fully under or over the spacer bars makes the task extremely time consuming, especially given the nature of some insulation types and the ease at which it can break when manipulated.An alternative has been the use of slabs or ‘bats’ although these have shown to lack the required flexibility during installation. These combined factors are placing increasing reliance and pressure on the installer to match the exact design criteria and safety specifications laid down. The implications of this are not only the impact on fire performance but also thermal compliance. Poorly fitting or unsecured insulation impacts on thermal performance which can be identified where thermal imaging takes place. In response to these issues, with the installer and specifier in mind, Ash & Lacy Building Systems have

developed a range of revised firewall construction details for vertical and horizontal applications. Their aim - to simplify installation; provide an economic, Fibreglass only solution without an air gap, which increases the cavity depth. It is important to be aware that the structural loads relating to horizontal cladding are vastly different from vertical applications. With that in mind, the recently launched Ashwall™ BX48 system for horizontally laid cladding provides a considerably quicker & more economical installation with greater spanning capability. This is vital with horizontal cladding when spanning rails up to two metres which is far beyond the capability of traditional spacer bar systems. This firewall innovation with Fibreglass insulation means there is no requirement to pass the insulating quilts over the bars & under the bracket. This new system completely eliminates any visible rippling effects which are especially prevalent with metallic silver colours. This issue has been solved through the use of a unique method of securing the insulation when dealing with spacer centres of over 1.4m. The result is an aesthetically true firewall system which fully complies with all U-value and fire regulations laid down by Parts L and B.The Ash & Lacy Ashgrid & Ashwall™ BX48 and Firewall systems have been fully certified and tested by Bodycote Warrington Fire who offer comprehensive, independent fire testing to meet British standards. The results of these tests can be found in issues 122298 & 131336 respectively.


Fendor Set To Grow In Performance Glazing MarketJust one year on from becoming the focus for a successful management buy-out, Fendor Limited can reflect on having enhanced its reputation for offering innovative technical solutions to demanding glazing specifications, whilst growing its business operations in a highly competitive market. The buy-out was masterminded by Managing Director Chris Duffy, who had spent five years running the business at Fendor while it was part of the international Hansen Group. Chris Duffy says: “At the time I purchased the company I had allowed for having to borrow significant amounts of money, to fund both new investments and further growth. In fact, we were able to finish a number of large security glazing contracts in the early months, to the complete satisfaction of the clients involved, which meant we were able to run through our first year with full positive cash flow in the bank. Those contracts included finishing the construction of a large secure mental hospital in Ealing for Kier Build and their NHS Trust clients.” The very encouraging cash flow in the business also enabled the management team to proceed with plans to invest £0.4M in Aluminium Profile Systems to complement the growing Steel Profile Systems business. Recognising the needs of UK Clients Fendor decided to base their Aluminium Systems on the world renowned Schuco system. This was commissioned in August 2007.Highlighting Fendor’s highly unusual ability to offer both steel and aluminium framed systems for major schemes, the work on the college also included elements of fire glazing featuring Fendor’s well proven and fully patented Pyrolithic product. Fendor has become the first ever manufacturer to achieve the highest standards of Security Glazing Systems set out in LPS 1175. The manufacturer’s Secureline steel glazing systems having been

tested by the BRE in Watford to demonstrate compliance with Security ratings 1 to 4, as a fully patented design solution. It is thought by Fendor that no other supplier can offer better than level 2. Chris Duffy continues saying: ““We have been very encouraged by wining some significant new orders in recent months, such as the Gleeson project which has led to us being asked to quote for more projects by an ever increasing list of main contractors. A full forward order book and the overall health of the sector have also meant we are having to bring forward our expansion plans. We are currently seeking to find new premises in Gateshead at least double the size of our existing facilities.” With a turnover in steel framed products of close to £6 million for the year, Fendor is by far the largest contractor in the UK for this highly specialised type of fenestration. Chris Duffy again: ““The sector for steel fenestration systems has actually increased in the last couple of years, after being flat for some time, and it is a Fendor USP that we are able to undertake contracts of £2 million plus while offering the highest performance fire or security glazing and now aluminium systems.”


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An elegant and airy ‘Huf Haus’ was recently erected in a fine, wooded site in Surrey. In line with the green principles that are part of the attraction of the Huf design [timber construction from renewable sources, exceptionally efficient insulation to conserve energy etc.] the new owner was determined to install a NIBE Heat Pump in order to fuel his underfloor central heating and domestic hot water from renewable energy. An underground collection scheme was designed and installed in consultation with the specialist consultants ‘Isoenergy’ of Horley Surrey, with the harvested energy processed through a Fighter 1120 brine/water pump unit manufactured by NIBE in Sweden and supplied by Isoenergy, whose input at the design stage was also crucial. To complete the operation, Huf Haus supplied a solar panel assembly as the prime source for the hot water cylinder during the months from late spring to early autumn. Before the large garden was professionally landscaped by the owner’s wife, around 800 metres of 40mm pipe was laid at a depth of approximately one metre deep, ready to absorb the latent energy accumulated in the soil from solar radiation and the heat present in precipitation. The pipe, filled with environmentally friendly, non-freezing liquid, conducts the heat to the 17KW Pump NIBE Fighter 1120 in the plant room, a waist-high, white coloured unit with a sloping top that

contains a small, easy to read, easy to use control panel. The liquid is compressed into a gas, which is put through a heat exchanger. The increased heat is passed to a liquid that is conveyed to a specially designed double jacket water tank that feeds into the central heating circulation and, as required, the domestic hot water system. At times of peak demand or when extreme weather conditions prevail, an immersion heater in the tank automatically cuts in to maintain the heat. The NIBE system and the solar panel are designed to meet all the energy requirements for central heating and domestic hot water, making a massive saving in both running costs and environmental impact. The Fighter 1120 that is supplying ground-fed heat to the new Huf Haus is only one of many renewable energy schemes offered by Isonergy. Isoenergy are a specialist company enabling homeowners to become energy efficient by offering a complete solution for all types of heat supplies by qualified in-house engineers including a complete consultancy service, which also includes supply and installation thereby offering a personalised service to each project.


NIBE Heats‘Huf Haus’ In Surrey

Kloben’s Solar Input Saves Factory CostsA case study from Kloben acts as a reminder that the advantages of harnessing energy from natural and renewable sources, financial as well as ecological, apply at least as much to factories as to homes. A factory had been set up in Italy to wash reusable plastic fruit boxes. The cleaning operation required about 11,000 litres of water per day at a temperature of 48 degrees Centigrade and Kloben were called upon to design the most efficient method of heating that water. The system consisted of two blocks each consisting of eight interconnected Kloben SP21 Solar Collectors, each block around 30 sq.m. area, situated on the roof. The Collectors are linked to two double-coil cylinders each of 3,000 litres capacity and it is from these that the heated water is fed for the washing process. The solar power supplied by the Collectors is approximately 30% of the plant’s total energy requirements, although the percentage rises to 55% in high summer.


Smile For Versatile Heating ControlHoneywell has a new solution for weather-compensated heating control in buildings too small for a building management system, but too large for domestic controls. Its versatile Smile controller uses the latest digital technologies and provides similar capabilities of the Honeywell Aquatrol 2000 from great styling and easy operation to a versatile technical specification. For users, Smile is stylish and simple to use with many comfort-enhancing, energy saving features. Smile has an ingenious user panel with a large back-lit LED display and a single rotary control that is also a push button. This makes it easy

to select, change and confirm set values and times – and difficult to make mistakes. It can be used as a stand-alone controller or combined with other Smile units in a small network.


New Hotel Achieves Comfort With Energy SavingsThe new Cotswold Water Park Four Pillars Hotel in Gloucestershire has a superb HVAC system befitting its luxurious vision. The HVAC management system uses controllers, valves, sensors and a PC-based user interface, all from Honeywell. It ensures a comfortable environment for guests and conference delegates, whatever the season. A PC-based Honeywell SymmetrE™ building management system interface provides easy and clear operator access to all HVAC, water, extractor and heat recovery plant, for day-to-day monitoring and control. Energy is saved by turning off heating or cooling to unused rooms.


Thermafleece Is Now Energy Saving Recommended

Thermafleece, British sheep’s wool thermal insulation has gained approval by the Energy Saving Trust and is now Energy Saving Recommended. This means that Thermafleece can now carry the blue Energy Saving Recommended logo. Thermafleece uses wool from British hill sheep to create an exceptionally efficient insulation material which is absolutely safe to use. Thermafleece has British Board of Agrément (BBA) approval, and offers an environmental and technical specification and can be used in a wide variety of roof, wall and floor constructions.


New Belmont Commercial Range LaunchedPegler Yorkshire has launched the new Belmont commercial range of products, including manual and thermostatic radiator valves, fixed and remote sensors, pre-setting valves and a range of accessories. The Belmont range has been developed in response to revisions to the Building regulations, where Thermostatic Radiator Valves have become part of government plans for energy efficiency. Belmont delivers a selection of flexible products, designed to meet the needs of the social housing and commercial sectors. The new range is robust and cost effective.


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Built at the turn of the last century, the Royal Masonic School for Boys at Bushey is the true epitome of Edwardian architectural elegance. The Grade 2 Listed school buildings are in red brick with stone facings, grouped round a beautiful quadrangle and dominated by an imposing clock tower. They are surrounded by 100 acres of rolling landscaped grounds and the whole area is truly delightful. Cromer Homes, a group that specialises in the sympathetic conversion of prestigious sites such as this, is now six months into a four-year development project to create 300 luxury apartments within the complex under the name of Royal Connaught Park. Since Queen Victoria’s son, the Duke of Connaught, laid the foundation stone for the Masonic School, the name could hardly be more appropriate. One of the many problems when converting an early 20th Century school, even one as grand as this, is to banish the comparatively Spartan conditions imposed on boys at the time and replace them with the high levels of comfort demanded for modern living. The introduction of central heating systems is a crucial example. Cromer Homes decided on underfloor heating for all the apartments in order to leave walls uncluttered by radiators and to obtain even heat throughout each room. For both convenience of installation and efficiency in operation, the Polyplumb Overlay system was selected. The great advantage

of Overlay is that it is a high load bearing system only 18mm thick that can be laid on top of any reasonably flat surface. Installation time can be measured in hours rather than days for the floor panels are simply cut to shape and then the polybutylene pipe is walked into the pre-formed grooves from a large roll. It is also extremely plumber-friendly thanks to a truly comprehensive range of fitments and accessories, as Trinity Services of Northampton, the plumbing sub-contractor at Royal Connaught Park, will confirm. Overlay is being installed in every room barring the bathroom, with a carpeted finish in the bedrooms and ceramic tiles in the living areas and kitchen. All floor coverings and fittings are specified to the highest standards. Gordon, Lowther & Gunton, the original architects would be amazed at the recent change of use for the Royal Masonic School for Boys and even more so at the 21st Century methods of conversion. Surely, however, they would be delighted at the high standards in planning, systems and materials used in the refurbishment and, as winter begins to bite, they would enjoy the comfort of the underfloor heating from Polypipe’s Overlay system throughout the Royal Connaught Park development.


Overlay Fits With Edwardian Splendour

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New Honeywell Controls Range Is Easy To Programme, Easy To Use And Easy On The Eye

Honeywell has launched its major new family of heating programmers and timers. The ST9000 series is designed to be easy to programme, easy to use and easy on the eye. ST9000 employs an enhanced version of the Line of Text (LoT ™) concept. This features a large ultra clear display and simple on screen English language instructions. Honeywell developers have added prompts at every stage so it is obvious to what is happening and what they need to do next. ST9000 controls are simple to use. Installers and users can choose one of several preset time/temperature programmes to save time, or programme in their own option by following simple instructions. The ST9000 series includes models for all domestic heating and hot water applications.


Top Of The ClassClaimed, by Vortice, to be the most versatile and efficient products in their class within the SAP Appendix Q database, the latest MVHR unit (the HRU ECO 3 RF) and MEV unit (the CVE ECO 2) have both excelled when tested to the Appendix Q methodologies. SThe performances of both units can be entered into SAP appendix Q to improve upon the default values and help towards lowering CO2 emissions. Tested on a kitchen plus up to 7 additional wet rooms, the HRU mechanical extract ventilation system with heat recovery has re-set the benchmark and established itself as the ideal product for residential dwellings and those with multiple bath/shower rooms and shared Kitchens such as student accommodation and nursing homes. With a heat recovery efficiency of between 86% and 93%, the HRU ECO 3 RF far exceeds the minimum standards set out in Building Regulation Part L.


Conder Extends Range With Pumping DivisionConder is extending its product range with the launch of the Conder Pumping Solutions division. Conder will offer a range of package pump stations available in both glass reinforced plastic or polyethylene up to 270,000ltrs capacity. Each system will be individually designed to meet the customer’s requirements, with a number of pump types and control options available to ensure optimum pumping efficiency.


Daikin Mark Completion Of Sky Air SeriesDaikin UK has announced the completion of its industry leading Sky Air Inverter series, offering cost-effective and energy efficient climate control solutions for building premises. The new 140 class model builds on the existing 100 and 125 class models in the Super Inverter series to offer end-users more choice and options. With heating and cooling capabilities, the range features a more compact design, higher performance efficiency and ‘night quiet’ operating mode, as well as simple integration into existing systems using the original piping diameters. Daikin has also extended its Sky Air Heat Pump Comfort Inverter series. Adding to the existing 3, 4 and 5HP models, the new 6HP unit offers end-users a premium quality product at a competitive price.


Compact Water Supply Assembly Saves Time And Trouble In Multi-occupancy BuildingsHoneywell has launched a time-saving water supply assembly for multi-occupancy buildings. The MTA06 has a lower cost than all competing similar assemblies and helps consultants by simplifying specifications while making installation easier and faster. In one compact device the Honeywell MTA06 provides the four functions needed for the point of water entry into an apartment: shut-off, strainer, pressure reduction and backflow protection by means of a double check valve. The pressure reducing valve in the assembly maintains a constant ideal pressure to protect water installations from high supply pressures, irrespective of supply pressure and height, so reduces leaks, corrosion and water consumption.


Renoxtra With Hiflow Offers Increased DHW Delivery Rates And Space SavingComplementing Johnson & Starley’s latest RenoXtra high efficiency combination boiler, a new Hiflow thermal store module or kit can now be added to the heating system. The benefit of the RenoXtra with Hiflow is the provision of a higher flow rate of DHW at 35C rise for a considerably lower gas input, typically 6kW from the boiler. The Hiflow module is compact and capable of being installed under a worktop. The Hiflow module is connected to the RenoXtra that both pre-heats the DHW supply and provides the heat input to the Hiflow thermal store via its programmable controls. The RenoXtra with Hiflow system works in two possible modes, dependent upon the hot water demand. When demand is within the capabilities of the RenoXtra 30 or 37 kW combination boiler the water is delivered in a traditional ‘combi fashion’. When increased delivery rates of DHW is required the Hiflow module can be activated on demand.


Celuform Proposal To Implement Manufacturing Change Project Celuform Building Products Limited has been reviewing the business to future-proof operations and maximise cost effectiveness, efficiency and customer satisfaction. Celuform is proposing to restructure its operations during 2008. Paul Neilson, Managing Director of Latium Building Products comments: “The main proposal is the relocation of Celuform’s operation to Scunthorpe to take advantage of our state of the art facilities and in house raw material blending. We are in the process of consultation and it is important to emphasise that no decision has yet been taken. Our proposal is to manufacture all Celuform products with Calcium Organic stabilisers using our own blending plant, as we already do with our Kestrel and BCE brands.“


Reznor RHC Coil Provides Energy Efficient Heat

Troax Opt For ‘Vision’ Heating From Ambirad

An inaccessible basement plant room called for a lateral approach to the installation of a new heating system at Number 10 Queen Street Place, London EC4. To heat the 28,000m2 building, AHU manufacturer KlimaTherm engineered two 625kW output warm air heaters, each 11mx4.5mx3.5m in size. The heaters were to be placed on top of each other in the basement plant room. However, access to the plant room could only be gained via the car park. A hole was cut in the concrete floor of the car park and the flat-pack AHUs lowered into the space beneath. The AHUs draw fresh air in from outside and either heat it using the Reznor RHC coil fitted within the unit or cool and filter it. The tempered air is circulated round the building via wall-mounted fan coils that regulate air temperature and quality in individual areas of the building.


The latest radiant heating technology from AmbiRad – the all-new Vision™ range – is enabling specialist steel products manufacturer Troax to maintain comfort temperatures for employees during cold mornings and evenings. The heaters also control condensation within the factory, keeping the stored steel dry and preventing rust. The building tends to be particularly cold in the mornings before the production process starts to generate heat. An ageing oil-fired warm air system was inadequate to the task of bringing the premises up to temperature. Four VSX radiant tube heaters were installed in the roof space above two production bays. The heaters take less than 30 minutes to bring the working temperature up to 22°C. The units deliver heat where people are working and at the lowest two meters of the building.


The new Visitor Centre at Cley Marshes, commissioned by Norfolk Wildlife Trust utilises renewable energy sources to provide light, heating and hot water. In addition to a wind turbine there is a NIBE Energy Systems geothermal unit harnessing the rain- and solar-generated energy stored in the ground. At Cley Marshes a cost-effective Surface Collector system has been installed, with around 400 metres of looped plastic tubing buried roughly 20 centimetres below the frost line under the open ground to the front of the Visitors Centre. The plastic pipe contains a non-freezing emulsion of glycol and water and is linked to a compact NIBE Fighter 1240 Unit inside the building.


Visitor Centre Has Underground Heating

Stunning Visual Effects From Daedalian For Leading Investment Consultant

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Working to a brief from Business Design Solutions (BDS) presented Daedalian Glass with one of its most challenging, but satisfying, commissions to date. With BDS having previously used a nautical theme for its client, a leading American investment consultant, water was, again, the key element of the brief Daedalian was asked to work to. The outcome is a river of glass that creates a focal point for the reception area of the US company’s new London-based European headquarters, flowing across the ceiling, down one wall and across the front of the reception desk. Daedalian created a ripple effect across the kiln-formed glass surface, which was enhanced by a white low iron glass.

At the wall and ceiling join behind the reception desk, the glass drops like a curved waterfall, blending with another curved glass panel employing the same rippled effect and attached to the front of the reception desk. Pale beige ceramic floor tiles mirror the flow of the glass on the ceiling, cutting a swathe across the floor between fibrous bulkheads and slate slabs bordering either side. LED lighting at the edges of the glass is programmed to change in intensity, thus enhancing the ripple effect.

The ‘Waterworld’ feel is continued with a series of 2.7m high kiln-formed faceted panels – five to one side of the reception desk and three to the other. When placed alongside each other the uneven edges of each panel leave a gap, creating a series of fissures. Behind them are a number of meeting rooms, each of which has fissured glazed windows, creating privacy whilst enabling anyone outside to see whether or not the rooms are occupied. Daedalian even tackled the Health & Safety issue raised by the potential danger to partially sighted visitors posed by the leading edges of the glass panels to left and right of the reception desk. The problem was solved by attaching to the panel edges a series of 40mm x 350mm long lead crystal rods.

Placed one above the other, each was divided by a stack of black and white glass discs. Viewed from different angles, the discs appear either solid black or black and white, guaranteeing immediate and dramatic visibility. Continuing with the use of kiln-formed glass, but in a more low-key manner, Daedalian has also produced long slim vision panels for 40 doors in the building, with three clear glass ovals bonded to the surface of each. Again, with the aim of retaining privacy, but giving people the chance to check if a room is occupied or a meeting is taking place. Finally, some 18 wall lights have been designed and made by Daedalian, again using kiln formed glass, in a combination of clear and opaque.

“The end result was fantastic,” said project designer, Paul Rowlands of BDS. “First we worked together creating the ripple effect, and Daedalian was very responsive and revised work samples very quickly. “Then we worked with the lighting consultant to get the right lighting to enhance the ripple effect; meanwhile the light fittings were all purpose-made and had to be mocked-up in advance. Taking a chance with an unknown supplier always involves a significant leap of faith. This was the position Paul Rowlands found himself in when giving the commission to Daedalian. He was looking, not only for an impressive track record, but also a high level of creativity and a willingness to work in harmony with clients. More than that, however, he needed to be confident they could ultimately produce an exciting piece of work with the right corporate feel for his client. Visits to both with Davia Walmsley, head designer, followed by meetings with her and husband, Chris, Marketing Director, convinced Paul he had found not only the right creative partnership, but also one with the desired level of personal service needed for such a prestigious project. “This was a very satisfying project,” said Chris Walmsley, “not only artistically but also because Paul and his colleagues put their trust in us. It really was a case of our working together as a partnership, rather than us working for them. The end result bears this out, I think.”


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Defining The Perfect Window

Manufacturers working in the construction industry frequently claim to have responded to their customers demands when launching a new product line, but few can have researched the market as thoroughly as Duraflex has done before bringing its new service offering to the housebuilding sector. The PVC-U systems house - part of the worldwide Masco Group with an annual turnover in excess of £13 billion – has consulted with a number of the UK’s leading housebuilders and contractors in an effort to define what makes the ideal window package: not simply in terms of performance or appearance, but the entire system and supply chain arrangements. The strategy must have struck a chord, for Duraflex has already announced it has formed partnering relationships with Persimmon and Gladedale while other household names are expected to come on board within the next few months. In a market frequently referred to as being saturated, this is good news for Duraflex and its fabricators, as well as offering a host of benefits to the housebuilders. The Sales and Marketing Director for the Masco Windows Group, Mike Dunlevy, reveals: “We went through the process of looking at the market place and the sector break down as well as the long term forecasts from people like Palmer. Although the figures vary quite a bit, the trend in refurbishment and retail is going to be in decline for a number of years; and we are seeking to take cyclability of our business. “The two areas showing real strength are new build housing and the Decent Homes programme being delivered through local authorities and housing associations; and both account for some 14 per cent of the PVC-U window market. So not only is it sound sense for us to try and capture a larger share of these very strong sectors, but we also want to capitalise on the Masco relationship with top UK housebuilders to enhance the opportunity for Duraflex and our customers.” That relationship in fact encompasses an impressive array of well known companies and brands, not just connected to window manufacturing, but also covering the supply of kitchens, bathrooms and a wide variety of other construction products. Mike Dunlevy continues: “Through our discussions with leading developers, we basically came up with a hit list of a dozen key issues which defined the perfect window for them. “This therefore enabled us to formulate a vetting procedure for those window companies who wanted to become part of our ‘nationwide new build installer service network’. Only 18 of the 24 who put themselves forward succeeded; and the total will probably not rise above 25. This provides total UK coverage, but still allows housebuilders or their regions to test two or three installers themselves to keep price competitive.” The criteria covering an installer’s operational practices that have been drawn up as a direct result of the consultation process focus strongly on safe working and high quality service. They include the stipulation that an installer should have appropriate insurance cover for both employees and public liability and a satisfactory health and safety policy; with all personnel attending a site being in possession of a CSCS card. Beyond this developers cited the need for installers to be able to carry out risk assessments and be experienced in conducting pre-contract site start up meetings. This was accompanied by the requirement for them to be able to conduct site audits. Away from the action, housebuilders were also very keen to be assured that window companies possessed financial strength and had in place a current training matrix. Together these parameters are predicted to help ensure installation contracts run smoothly and the developer or main contractor can demonstrate duty of care to their client in respect of making responsible appointments to the supply chain. Moving on to the product range itself it is of course crucial that windows within the range should be capable of meeting not only the current Building Regulations, but they should also respect the wider sustainability agenda and be capable of assisting housebuilders to target initiatives such as building zero carbon homes. Mike Dunlevy states: “Employing soft coat low-E glass with a warm edge spacer bar and argon filling, we are able to achieve a U-value of 1.35 W/m2 K or lower and our various window types score from C up to A under the Window Energy Rating System. “Environmental credentials are key now in the construction industry and in particular housebuilding, but it is something that has been addressed throughout Duraflex’s operations. The main site in Tewkesbury met its 10 year ‘Climate Charge Levy’ target in just 18 months and issues such as water usage and recycling are being improved all the time. We collect any scrap materials from our group companies which we use in the manufacture of products such as cavity closer profiles. “These products are integral to helping bricklayers build the reveals accurately and enable the installer to fit the frame from within the building – a crucial factor given the boom in apartment schemes and the risks of working at height – while reducing the risk of damage. At present our cavity closers fit 75 and 100mm widths though we are being asked for wider units to suit ever more highly insulated wall constructions.” Mike Dunlevy sums up saying: “Our window systems are brilliant white, not off-white, and can make a real contribution to the kerb appeal of a property, and we can also offer Secured by Design, which is so important in social housing. ”


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Any size,

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Call for a brochure on+44 (0) 1842 815 581http://www.glazing-vision.co.uk

The Flushglaze® fixed flat glass rooflight concept isbased on an innovative design to achieve maximumdaylight, longevity and high thermal performance.Through the elimination of internal flashings andmetalwork the Flushglaze® concept minimises waterponding and condensation risks and is suitable for flatand sloped rooflight applications.

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The Corporate 2000 range of steel windows from Crittall Windows has passed Hurricane Testing in the United States. Three units from each window type were tested: fixed lights; side hung open out and projected top hung open out; and folding out door. Each window which was double-glazed had to withstand a large missile impact consistent with flying debris found in hurricane storm conditions. The missile is represented as a 100mm x 50mm x 3780mm long timber weighing 4.2kg. This is fired from a cannon at a distance of 5.2 metres at a velocity of 15m/sec. he windows and doors were then exposed to air pressure cycling of 4500 cycles in both a positive and negative pressure at a maximum design pressure of plus/ minus 2873pa. This corresponds to missile level D and wind Zone 3 within the USA.


Crittall Windows Measure Up To A Hurricane

Glidemaster Is An Alternative To Roller ShuttersFor an attractive security alternative to roller shutters, the Hillaldam Coburn Glidemaster is available in a variety of options. The various Glidemaster systems are hung from a top aluminium track, allowing more headroom and requiring no floor channels. The Royal option features tempered glass for increased scratch resistance. Crystal is provided with full height polycarbonate panels. Alumina features full height solid anodised aluminium panels, with Alumina Airflow offering the security of a solid enclosure blended with airflow via an open grille. The Classic range features open chequered effects created by aluminium panels, while Program 21 and 41 are lightweight unglazed closures.


Steel Windows Show Their Metal On Modern Apartment BuildingArchitects of a new apartment building in Peckham, London have utilised the strength and style of steel to create a striking screen enclosing its circulation areas. Steel Window Association member company, Senlac Windows and Doors manufactured and installed a package of storey height, single glazed frames in a galvanized finish, together with a series of steel framed doorsets. Architect, Walter Menteth, comments: “As it lies outside the buildings thermal shell and only provides thermal buffering we knew it could be single glazed. In that scenario we thought steel sections which combine strength, durability and delicately minimal sight lines were clearly a far better option than aluminium.” The top two floors of the main block feature a ribbon of 32 steel window frames, with the other three levels extending to runs of 41 frames. The steel framing extends vertically to provide a glazed parapet edging to the roof. The windows were all fabricated by Senlac.


D&E’s 2008 CatalogueD&E Architectural Hardware, distributor of high quality architectural ironmongery is proud to announce the launch of their 2008 catalogue. The catalogue has been redesigned to allow even easier product selection. The catalogue offers dedicated sections on UK, architectural and narrow stile lockcases, as well as full details of our range of hinges, spring hinges and door controls. D&E Architectural Hardware is now also able to offer a wide selection of multi-point locks, with a selection of door furniture to suit.


Crittall Berkeley steel window ideal for replica refurbishmentCrittall, one the worldís largest designers and producers of steel windows, has announced the availability of the Berkeley section. Originally created in order to replicate existing 1920s and 1930s steel windows that were predominantly single pane leaded glass, exterior putty glazed, the Berkeley window is an entirely new series of hot-rolled steel sections. The new window has a solid steel chamfer that replicates the putty glazed exterior, while allowing interior glazing, thereby improving access for reglazing and security. It offers uncompromised aesthetics while delivering all the attributes expected of a modern window. Single and French doors are also available. The Berkeley window offers an ideal solution for both replacement projects and new construction where minimum sightlines, maximum daylight and fine detail are desired. It is suitable for high-end residential, institutional and commercial applications. The high performance window incorporates a unique articulated frame and sash, and like all Crittall steel windows is hot-dip galvanized and Duralife polyester powder coat finished in Crittallís own in-house facility. Double integral EPDM Weatherstripping is standard, while glazing can be up to 18 mm.


Orbis Anti-Ligature Door Hardware brochure from Laidlaw SolutionsLaidlaw Solutions’ Orbis Anti-Ligature range of door furniture has been extended to incorporate new products which include a new anti-ligature door viewer, the eyehole cover of which can only be released by key operation. It matches a similarly new clutch operated bathroom door turn and the range’s existing standard knob set and escutcheon. A bevelled circular surface mounted door pull now has a D-shaped finger cavity to prevent any attachment within it, and was developed to meet one particular specifier’s requirements. The alternative rectangular recessed flush pull now offers the added benefit of an intumescent backing which, depending on door thickness, provides fire resistance of between 30 and 60 minutes.



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When Getting A ‘C’ Is Better Than Getting An ‘A’While reducing our carbon footprint is top of everyone’s list of priorities, in the case of window energy ratings, what appears to be the greenest isn’t necessarily always best. David Riley, Quality Manager at Duraflex, whilst praising the work done by the British Fenestration Rating Council and the Energy Savings Trust in developing an energy efficient rating scheme, fears there is a degree of smoke and mirrors’ by manufacturers‘ when it comes to enthusiasm for trumpeting the virtues of the A-rated window. “I don’t think anyone realised how quickly an A-rating would be achieved,” he says, “but, in reality, it has only been achieved by using triple glazing, krypton gas and slim outer frames requiring specialist glazing. “The hard facts are that in reality, A-rated windows as they currently stand are simply not commercially viable.” As far as Duraflex is concerned, while the company does have an A-rated window, their advice is for customers not to be dazzled by the idea of being environmentally ahead of the game, but to wait for technology to catch up with the demands made to achieve this standard.


Automatic Door Systems From Hillaldam CoburnAn extensive range of automatic door systems is now available from Hillaldam Coburn, with a door to suit any requirements from pedestrian entrances to burglar resistant safety doors. Applications include commercial, industrial and retail premises. The range applies advanced automatic door technology that is compact and reliable, embracing sliding, folding, revolving and swing doors as well as security options and industry specials such as doors for airtight seals. Each model offers elegant designs with a variety of options to be compatible with any architectural style.


Securistyle’s Certificate Of SafetySecuristyle ’s technically advanced anti-manipulation door lock cylinder has been awarded a product kitemark. The Securistyle anti-manipulation door lock cylinder has been designed to prevent bumping - the latest form of burglary. Bumping is a growing threat due to the simplicity of the procedure . Bumping does not damage the lock so there is no evidence of the crime, resulting in some insurance companies not paying out on a claim. Securistyle’s door cylinder features an ‘active’ bump resistant technology which engages a pin to lock the key out if anyone attempts to bump the cylinder. The property is protected and the key is removed from circulation whilst providing evidence that a crime has been attempted.


The refurbished railway station at Benfleet has recently opened. A focal point was a makeover of the booking office and to supply secure yet welcoming ticket stations, from Sonic Windows. Waterman Civils designed a complete wall of the booking hall with clear glass, broken only with slim dividers separating the four ticket windows. Beyond the barrier into the platform area and round the corner to the side of the ticket office is a window for passengers who need to pay add-on fares. The customer has uninterrupted eye contact with staff and talk freely thanks to an electronic intercom system. The Sonic windows offer security thanks to the cash trays recessed into the counter plus staff safety behind robust laminated bullet resistant glass.


Sonic Windows For Booking Hall

Geze’s Stunning Sliding SolutionGEZE UK is launching two stainless steel space saving door systems for glass doors. The new Geolan and Aerolan are additions to GEZE UK’s quality sliding door hardware range.The Aerolan offers a minimalist twist on a traditional wall-mounted system, using a contemporary steel-finish slim frame attached to the ceiling or wall to support suspended glass doors. The Geolan is a floor mounted door system, making it possible for architects to specify sliding doors in buildings where wall or ceiling

mounting is not possible, especially where there is a suspended ceiling or where heavy or extra large doors are required. Creating a design feature of the door gear itself, GEZE UK uses a clean steel finish on all the rollers and rails in both products to ensure function and aesthetics are combined.


Door Hardware And Timber Doorsets Guides From Laidlaw Solutions

Orbis Premier is a fully co-ordinated, comprehensive range of door hardware from Laidlaw Solutions, available in either Satin or Polished Stainless Steel finishes. The range comes with a standard 15-year guarantee and includes new and unique lever and pull handle designs with a distinctive dual-finish backplate system. Its components are interchangeable. Available as a complete door package with Orbis Timber Doorsets, hardware can be factory prepared if necessary. Pre-fixed lever and inset rose options have an integral phosphor bronze bearing washer and offer a 3-point fixing method.


Excellent Sound Reduction With Thermal Performance From New Schüco WindowNew to Schüco’s AWS aluminium window range is the Schüco AWS 105 CC.HI, a specialist window that delivers extremely high levels of sound reduction (up to 48 dB with appropriate glass) combined with excellent thermal insulation (typical ‘U’ value 1.6 W/m2 K for a 1200mm x 1200 mm window). The window has been designed for use where noise is likely to be a problem. The window is also ideally suited for applications such as specialist schools for the hard of hearing where even moderate outside sound intrusion must be minimised. Incorporating a double-glazed unit and a single glass pane, the window has a stylish, highly insulated aluminium frame and is available in a variety of inward opening types including tilt-turn, bottom-hung and side-hung or in combination with fixed lights.


Contemporary British Architecture Drives Glass Fixings Demand

Repairs Completed At Toshiba TEC Europe Head Office

Stylish 21st century architecture which incorporates increasingly innovative glazing features has enabled the UK division of hardware manufacturer SFS intec to establish itself as the group’s pioneer of precision engineered glass fixings. The variety of projects in which SFS intec’s glass fixings have been used is greater in the UK than anywhere else in the world. The product range provides an ‘off the shelf’ solution for architectural glazing saving the time and expense of producing bespoke fixings. It includes single point, flush and bevel point fixings which combine with a wide range of spider fixings plus special solutions for balustrades and glass canopies.


One of the businesses damaged by the explosion at the Buncefield oil depot in 2005 was the premises of Toshiba Tec Europe. Structura UK Ltd manufactured, supplied and installed new Hueck windows. The aluminium framed windows are double glazed with an 8mm outer pane and a 6mm inner pane in a Sunguard silver grey colour. Above the main entrance, repairs to the curtain walling included deglazing, resealing of gaskets and relining.


Comar Systems Specified For Mixed-use Devon ProjectComar Architectural Aluminium Systems worked closely with Alan Spear Ltd.on this new-build housing project in Plymouth which demanded glazing solutions that would suit the rigours and

aesthetic needs for occupiers. Comar aluminium system were specified for this reason: a range of integrated aluminium profiles in a variety of widths to provide longevity, strength and slim sight-lines. Comar 6 ladder-frame curtain walling was specified for the office glazed screens and full height stairwells. The entrances comprise Comar 6 with integrated Comar 7 butt hung doors. For natural ventilation in curtain walling, Comar 5lt 45mm ultra-slim windows were glazed into Comar 6. The apartments were glazed with Comar 5P.i windows and Comar 7P.i doors. Both systems are part of Comar’s polyamide insulated suite which features exceptional

thermal efficiency. Comar 5P.i and Comar 7P.i offer a realm of design capabilities.


Roof Windows – Adding Style To Loft Conversions Despite the acknowledged practicality of loft space conversion, little attention tends to be given to the contribution that varying roof window configurations can have on interior design. Product improvements, in the face of updated Building Regulations, and a number of new suppliers, has also made product choice that much more difficult. As we strive to make our homes as airtight as possible the choice of roof window can have a dramatic effect on the while new technology and ever more exacting requirements from.

With loft conversion being the most practical way to add value to a home, roof windows have become an accepted means by which to provide a distinctly individual interior design style and even kerb appeal can be enhanced. For practical purposes, roof windows have many benefits over dormers.

They can provide up to 50% more natural light at far lower cost, and rarely pose any structural problems when fitting. With a dormer, rafter spacing, insulation and waterproofing have all to be considered, while there is always the potential for maintenance problems with ridges, hips and valleys. By contrast, roof windows come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used singly or in combinations.

The general rule when calculating the ideal glazing area is that it should represent at least 1:8 of the floor area. While one or more dormers may well meet this requirement, roof windows are far more likely to provide an even spread of light.

Whether using a number of individual roof windows across the roof span or a specific combination, their cost should also be significantly less. The roof will also be far lighter, and no accommodation need

be made to counteract heat loss through the brickwork. Window combinations are proving increasingly popular for the contribution they make to interior design. By extending a standard roof window into the wall for example, an ‘L-shaped’ combination increases field of view, while its style offers a practical, visual alternative to a dormer.

The vertical element is already available in centre pivot and non-opening designs, and Fakro will soon introduce a tilt-and-turn option too. With the upper element consisting of a standard roof window of any type, such combinations provide exceptional flexibility. Top windows, available in either arched or triangular profile, provide a strikingly distinctive final touch.

When choosing type of window, options are no longer limited to top-opening or centre-pivot. A product such as Fakro’s unique FPP preSelect® offers the option of either opening method at the flick of a switch in the frame. Its operating handle is also in the lower part of the frame, making it far easier to use. Options now extend curved roof windows for use in Dutch barn conversions and metal roofs.

This represents one of the most striking and unusual developments in the sector to date, windows previously made to special order having had no opening facility.

Personal touches such as leaded decoration of glass can now be provided alongside a wealth of electrical opening options, accessories and of course blinds. No loft space need be beyond the scope of conversion, as there are flat roofing window systems available.


Architecturally Advanced Shutter SystemsPursuing an aggressive programme of technical design and development, the Integr8 range of built-in shutters by Charter Specialist Security, continue to lead the way in shutter integration for the new build market. The Integr8 180LS proved to be the ultimate choice for the Birkenhead and Tranmere SureStart project, being one of the many government funded community support facilities across the UK. The innovative Integr8 range perfectly harmonises maximum security with enhanced aesthetics ensuring a perfect solution - every time! With a dedicated AutoCAD design team and complete UK coverage we are able to ensure the most effective and architecturally advanced solution to your requirement.


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The rolling programme of upgrading the waterproofing of some 34 blocks of flats to an Index 20 year insurance guaranteed system by Elliotts Premier Roofing for Bournemouth Borough Council has now

reached the half way stage. At the heart of the waterproofing overlay system is the innovative Proteaduo composite membrane in white mineral finish which is being used as the cap sheet in conjunction with a 4mm thick Helastopol P underlay. BBA approved membrane Proteaduo has an upper APP modified bitumen layer to better resist the destructive effects of solar radiation whilst the softer lower SBS layer has exceptional elasticity and is close to the roof deck, the point of most stress and movement. This upgrade of a

mix of flat and pitched roofs is the result of a partnering agreement contract between Elliotts, Index and Bournemouth Borough Council Landlord Services.


Council Roof Protection Programme Rolls On

Gutter System Reduces Heat Loss And Wasted Energy LevelsCGL Systems has just launched CGL2- a new environmentally friendly gutter system that has been designed with an in-built thermal break which eliminates heat loss at the thermal bridge – this in turn reduces heating costs and wasted energy levels- in fact, keeping heat where it’s needed –“in the building”. CGL2 will outperform traditional internal gutter systems by up to 12 fold and can deliver unrivalled energy saving levels. CGL2 is lined with a Sarnafil membrane and its “free-flow” characteristics maximise drainage efficiency. The insulation incorporated into the gutter is CFC and HCFC free, thereby underpinning CGL2’s “green” credentials. CGL Systems supply a 10 year warranty with CGL2 which is supported by Sarnafil’s insurance backed membrane performance guarantee.


Joint Favourite Rooflights At Galway RacesBrett Martin Daylight Systems overcame many challenges during the process of creating a unique combination rooflighting solution for the complex cantilevered canopy roof of the Killanin Stand at Galway Racecourse. Deane Roofing & Cladding installed Brett Martin’s Xlok Ultra panel glazing soffit system and Trilite Ultra 36 translucent GRP weather sheets. The Killanin Stand’s elevated and exposed location near the Atlantic coast meant that Brett Martin’s experienced technical team was tasked with creating a stylish canopy roof capable of protecting spectators from the elements and coping with exceptionally high wind loadings. The solution was this striking aero wing shaped canopy roof with its attractive panel glazed soffit and outer skin rooflight covering that curves from front to back and along its length. The Xlok Ultra interlocking panel system was installed inverted to form the canopy soffit with opal tinted Marlon ST 25mm 5-wall structured polycarbonate glazing sheets used to produce a soft, diffused daylighting effect.


Seamline - A Low Cost, High Performance Roofing SystemLindab’s latest advances in steel manufacturing technology has enabled the company to now provide the roofing contractor, architect or building owner with a high performance standing seam roofing system which is available in easily transportable steel coils and a range of colours and finishes. Manufactured in Sweden from high quality, zinc coated galvanised steel; Seamline is highly resistant to corrosion, virtually maintenance free and long lasting. Seamline is easily mouldable to fit virtually any roof design no matter how complex. A choice of 17 high build polyester colours allows Seamline to be used on any type of building and will blend in with the surrounding buildings, landscape or corporate colours.


Controlled Daylighting For Barbados’ SpectatorsBrett Martin manufactured and supplied over 2,100 sq metres of Marlon CS Longlife profiled polycarbonate rooflights to provide carefully controlled daylighting conditions for spectators at the Kensington Oval cricket ground in Barbados. Architects and engineers, Arup Associates, specified the rooflights in translucent opal to create a gently diffused daylighting environment. The 1.5mm thick sheets were manufactured in a 60mm deep profile for extra strength which allows for wider spans between purlins and less steelwork being required. Main contractors and project managers, Larsen & Toubro Ltd installed over 1,500 sq metres of Marlon CS Longlife polycarbonate rooflights on the impressive canopy roof of the Worrell, Weekes & Walcott Stand as part of a major redevelopment of the Kensington Oval ground for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007.


Rigidal Launches TradzincTradzinc is the latest cladding product from Rigidal Systems. Based on Rigidal’s Ziplok standing seam system, but with a flat pan to the profile, Tradzinc is designed to provide a traditional zinc appearance, yet with all the benefits of an aluminium profile and none of the disadvantages of similar products which rely on laminated alloys with their associated inherent problems such as interstitial condensation. Tradzinc utilises a special surface treatment to emulate natural zinc during the weathering process. It is available in two finishes - plain mill and weathered - to suit different applications. Plain mill has the appearance of prepatinated zinc during its first year, while the weathered finish is equivalent to zinc after several years of weathering. The aesthetic appeal of the zinc appearance is combined in a profile which is lighter in weight and more cost effective than using zinc, yet has an equivalent lifespan.


For ‘Protection At Height’ Ask Safetyworks & Solutions

SAFETYWORKS & Solutions manufacture and install a range of high performance fall protection systems and access solutions throughout the UK. Their includes their new Mobiguard system, Walkways, Freestanding and Fixed Handrail Systems for new build and retro-fit, Fall Restraint and Arrest Systems, Demarcation, Anchor Points and Access, Cat and Modum Ladders, Uniline stainless steel systems, plus a selection of Personal Protective Equipment. SAFETYWORKS & Solutions provide a national ‘turnkey’ service that includes site surveys with a full contract ‘supply and fit’ service, or alternatively, their full product range can be provided on a ‘supply only’ basis.


Ward Helps Tennis Stars Of The FutureWard Insulated Panels has supplied a complete insulated wall and roof solution to Draycott Sports Centre, a facility which could play a major part in the development of the UK’s future tennis stars. Draycott Sports Centre has recently completed the project which includes two new indoor tennis courts. The roof and walls of the building were clad with 2,700m2 of Ward IP1000 through-fixed insulated panels coated with Ward XL200 external weather sheet in willow green. The Ward Trapezoidal IP1000 Panel is a through fixed composite panel which can be laid horizontally or

vertically on wall applications. All IP1000 panels incorporate an LPCB Firesafe Polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation core with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (Zero ODP).


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160 CAD Details Online For Zinc Roofs And Façades With the growing use of zinc in construction, VM ZINC has added 160 downloadable technical details to its website, www.vmzinc.co.uk. Available in AutoCAD .DWG or high resolution PDF, details include standing seam roofing, cladding (including warm roof details) and interlocking panels. Downloading is quick and access direct from the homepage, subject to a simple, one-off registration. Use of VM ZINC products for projects such as Bere Architects’ ‘Focus House’, 2007 winner of Grand Designs’ ‘Best Eco House’, owes much to zinc being the most sustainable metal used in construction. Its malleability and variety of pre-weathered finishes also enable it to blend with a wide variety of building components.


Rainline - First Choice For London’s Showcase Eco House

Rock Asphalte Gets Into The Carnival SpiritOne of the UK’s largest cruise firms is using Rock Asphalte’s Flexiphalte system to keep its new Southampton HQ shipshape. The Carnival Group is going to be based in 150,000 sq ft of flexible office space. In total, the firm will lay nearly 3,500 sq ft of mastic asphalt to offer maximum protection to the new building’s roof. Rock Asphalte’s fully bonded Flexiphalte Triple Protection inverted roofing system was chosen. It combines the latest high performance membrane techniques with the established durability of Flexiphalte Pommar polymer modified asphalt, external protective insulation and a ballast/slab top to finish. Guaranteed for the design life of the substrate it is laid upon, Flexiphalte Triple Protection is the ultimate roof waterproofing solution.


The Lord Mayor of London unveiled as part of his London Climate Change Action Plan Initiative, an eco house built in the middle of Trafalgar Square. No1. Lower Carbon Drive, features on the external elevations, Rainline –a steel based rainwater drainage system manufactured by Lindab. There are six zones in the house –energy, ventilation, appliances, water, recycling and insulation – each zone showing visitors different ways to make their homes more efficient and lower their carbon footprint. Rainline was selected because it is manufactured from a high percentage of recycled steel and is itself, fully recyclable.


Dales Go TopDales Integrated Aluminium Eaves systems have been selected for several schools projects within the ”Building Schools for the Future” initiative. A number of factors have encouraged this success including significant cost savings where Dales secondary supports replace expensive primary steelwork in the eaves cantilever. There have also been programming benefits that allow the external envelope to be virtually completed before the eaves are bolted to the primary framework. Sub-contractors appreciate the pre-manufacture design drawings to ensure every opportunity is provided to harmonise the ‘as built’ condition with the Dales bespoke materials.


Trent Concrete Produces A Work Of ArtStunning lace designs that helped establish a world famous industry in the heart of Nottingham have been set in concrete as part of an iconic, multi-million pound arts centre. The project was a major challenge for Trent Concrete, which used its wealth of precast experience to reproduce a unique lace pattern in the reconstructed stone cladding being manufactured for the Centre for Contemporary Arts Nottingham (CCAN). The design is based on a sample of Victorian lace found in a time capsule, unearthed when a new supermarket was being built in the city. This pattern was initially given to design specialists at Derby University, who used lasers to replicate the exact pattern on a piece of timber. It was then sent to Germany, where leading rubber mould supplier Reckli was able to transfer the design onto a durable rubber mat. The finished template is now being placed into concrete-ready moulds, so the intricate pattern can be exactly reproduced on the cladding Trent Concrete is making for the £13m arts centre. David Walker, Managing Director of Trent Concrete, said: “We are thrilled to be able to use our precast concrete expertise to create such a unique and beautiful finish for what promises to be a landmark building for Nottingham. Each contract we undertake is bespoke in its detail. While we have used rubber mat templates in our moulds before, this is easily the most intricate job we have ever undertaken.” In total, 1,100 square metres of green scalloped wall panels will be made by Trent for the arts centre – ranging from 4-11m

in height. The heaviest of the 93 individual units weighs in at 11.5 tonnes. Trent have had to develop innovative methods of handling, storing, transporting and erecting the massive panels that would ensure that the stunning finish is protected. Purpose-built metal frames are being used to carefully turn the finished panels onto their edges, for easier and safer transport. Once delivered on site, a special ‘shoe’ (made from a steel frame) is used to carefully turn them back 90 degrees before being fixed to the building. Under its nearly £500,000 contract with Caruso St John Architects, Trent is also providing a 200 square metre black polished concrete plinth of varying heights to surround the bottom of the bottom of the building. This will guarantee an impressive finish to the project.CCAN has received substantial support from Arts Council England and the development is being led by Nottingham City Council, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham – who will set up a charity to operate the site. The centre, featuring 1,300 square metres of gallery space, education rooms and a café and bar, is a major opportunity for the city to develop and enhance its cultural and creative industries. It is due to open in the autumn of 2008.


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Kingspan’s New Façade FX Range Makes A Big ImpactBuilding designers are being offered new scope to create impressive buildings with the launch of a new façade range from Kingspan Insulated Panels, which uses imaginative finishes on proven insulated panel systems to create energy efficient buildings of individual distinction. The Kingspan Façade FX range comes in a variety of finishes which can be applied to any of Kingspan’s roof, wall and façade systems, and can be used in combination with other panels to create a unique finish. The trompe l’oeil effects, which also include brick and stone, can create limitless visual combinations and have considerably increased the potential applications for panel technology.


Lime Technology’s New Earth Block Manufacturing Capacity

Lime Technology has announced that its Sumatec® range of earth blocks is now available as factory produced blocks. Originally designed to be site produced using the company’s innovative block press, the blocks will now be factory manufactured in order to cope with anticipated demand. Produced from waste material, they have very low embodied energy. They can be laid using a lime mortar, and have a high compressive strength. If tied into another leaf of masonry or timber frame they can also be laid on their edge. They are ideally suited to internal use in order to add thermal mass to buildings but can also be used externally if protected by render or rain-screen cladding.


CGL Systems have supplied over 420m2 of their patinated copper rainscreen system for the new entrance wing of the John Rylands Library. The copper used was “Gilding” metal which is a copper/zinc alloy finished using a hot patination process. The John Rylands library is considered to be one of the most important rare book and manuscript libraries in the world. The building had deteriorated structurally causing concern for the wellbeing of the collections held inside. A project was launched to conserve the Grade 1 listed building and to improve access and facilities for visitors with the addition of a new entrance wing – the upper floors housing a new reading room, a conservation studio and state of the art storage areas for the collections.


Wicona Unitised Curtain Walling Set To Reduce Site Time By Up To 70 Per CentThe Wicona unitised façade system can now reduce time on site by up to 70 per cent. This highly innovative approach to the building envelope applies the principles of off-site construction to the façade. The Wicona unitised system is fully glazed and sealed in a controlled factory environment. The complete units are then moved to site for fast installation on to pre-prepared fixings.By completing the unitised panels off site, a weather tight envelope is created for earlier fitting out, the construction programme is shorter and more predictable, there are cost savings on site preliminaries, and quality and performance are enhanced.Panels up to 4m by 4m can be fixed to steel or concrete frames and installed using a crane or monorail system, reducing the need for scaffolding and improving site safety. This is also a highly efficient solution where site access is restricted. Storage of cladding materials and glass handling is eliminated, reducing material damage and loss, and offering a major advantage for constrained city centre sites. Wicona Projects is the first façade specialist to oversee the full package for the unitised curtain wall and will lead a team of specialists for every aspect of a façade project, from design concepts and specification, to fabrication, installation, testing and handover. Any combination of profiles, external feature caps and glazing can be specified and the unitised system can incorporate stone cladding; metal, composite or polycarbonate panels; windows, doors and fixed light glazing; brise soleil sunshading and photovoltaic panels. It is fully tested to the most stringent European standards for air permeability, water tightness and wind resistance.


The first UK application of Technal’s new MX BG beaded curtain walling system has been completed. Designed by architects EPT Partnership and located in the Rhymney Valley in South Wales, the project is the striking new headquarters for Williams Medical Supplies. The recently launched MX BG system has a flush externally beaded frame to create a ‘picture frame’ appearance for the building façade. It uses the same mullion and transom grid as other design options in the MX curtain walling suite, allowing specifiers to vary the aesthetics of a building without the need for additional interface detailing and construction.Technal’s visible grid curtain walling was used for the west elevation with top hung FXi46 windows inserted as horizontal bands at each floor level to naturally ventilate the building. The system carries units glazed in Pilkington green tinted solar control glass and aluminium panels that conceal services between floors and under the roof line. Glass to glass joints were fabricated at the corner of the MX BG façade and the interface with the grid curtain walling. The top transom of the MX BG curtain wall was also angled to follow the sloping roof line. Sun shading is provided by vertical brise soleil and the projecting eaves of the pitched roof. The curtain walling systems were finished in a low maintenance grey polyester powder coating and fabricated and installed by Vision 2000 UK. Technal’s MX BG curtain walling system features a number of innovations and technical advancements, which include: A patented ‘hook and toggle’ system to facilitate installation, A system that is dry glazed in the factory onto carrier frames, A single frame that can easily be removed from the inside using a special tool, An EPDM internal compression gasket to make the system fully air tight. MX BG can carry 30mm to 36mm glazing and is available as a flat façade or faceted up to 3º for further design flexibility. s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 75 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card

Technal Completes First Uk Application Of New Curtain Walling System

Hydro Launches Architectural Handbook For Aluminium FaçadesHydro Building Systems has launched a comprehensive design guide to aluminium façades which looks in detail at the latest technological developments in lightweight façades to help inform specifiers about the diverse options available and the concepts that support the technology. The guide features a historical summary of the progress from windows to façades, aluminium as a raw material and the extrusion process, different surface treatments, glass options and properties, and types of system constructions. There is detailed information about specification criteria and technical requirements for the façade, structural loadings, and energy analyses and calculation procedures are concisely explained. The document also contains a guide to terminology and to European standards, practical advice about the construction of lightweight façades, how to reduce costs without compromising quality and how to define quality, illustrated with case studies of high profile projects from across Europe.


Copper Rainscreen System For Award Winning Library

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Hanson Is Building For The FutureAt the Futurebuild exhibition Hanson Building Products are highlighting a number of innovative products and systems made from traditional construction materials, yet manufactured in a factory environment so as to meet today’s requirements for modern methods of construction. Included will be Twin Wall, a fully flexible walling system that combines the speed and quality of precast concrete with the structural and waterproof integrity of a continuously poured in situ concrete structure. Also on display will be a walling system utilising high performance bonding mortar, the Hanson QuickBuild™ walling system. This is a unique brick and block cavity wall that is prefabricated offsite and craned into place. This Hanson walling system has been used in the construction of the Hanson EcoHouse™ at Offsite 2007 at the Building Research Establishment in Watford.


Trent Makes Stunning European DebutWhen the first residents arrive at the Tradewinds Marina apartments in Gibraltar they will be greeted by a breathtakingly white complex that glimmers in the sunshine. The secret behind the design is reconstructed stone cladding from industry leaders Trent Concrete. Although the Nottingham-based company is renowned throughout the UK and Ireland, Tradewinds marks its first foray into Europe. Trent is supplying almost 3,000 square metres of white reconstructed stone cladding in 520 individual units. As well providing visual ‘weight’ and quality to the appearance of the building’s main elevations, the panels are are cast in a mix of Derbyshire Limestone aggregates and white cement with an acid etch finish, resembling the look and texture of natural stone.


Shackerley Helps To Create New Landmark Building For Hamilton

The new Express by Holiday Inn Hamilton is just one of a growing number of hotels in the UK to benefit from the aesthetic and protective attributes of ceramic granite ventilated rainscreen cladding supplied by Lancashire manufacturer and distributor Shackerley Holdings Group Limited. ICA Architects of Hamilton specified Shackerley’s Sureclad Access carrier system and ceramic granite panels in two different styles and formats to create the ventilated rainscreens for the new 104-bedroom hotel. For the facades on the main elevations a polished black 600mm x 600mm panel with a subtle through-body fleck was selected, creating a striking contrast with the pale grey render framing the rainscreens. Around the base of the building, a lighter and more distinctively patterned polished ceramic granite slab in Shackerley’s standard 1200 x 600mm format was used to provide additional visual interest. With its imposing appearance and instantly recognisable branding, in a location clearly visible from the approach roads and nearby M74, the new hotel has become a new landmark for the county town of Lanarkshire. The Sureclad rainscreen system at the Express by Holiday Inn Hamilton was installed by cladding installation specialists RIG Construction Elements Ltd.


Bricks Combine Quality, Versatility And TraditionHanson Building Products has launched a new range of clay bricks featuring textured, distressed faces and marbled earth tone colours in response to growing demand for high quality homes that reflect traditional building values. The bricks enhance the appearance of homes by recreating ‘olde worlde’ charm. The textured and distressed effects will also achieve a unique look for each property. Hanson is launching this new textured range with an initial choice of three distinct bricks. The Farmstead Antique, a red multi distressed brick, features black flashing and black spots, the Woodside Mixture is a salmon pink distressed brick with black flashing, and the Meadow Red is a complementary distressed red featuring a sprinkling of black spots.


Ward Panels In Award-Winning DesignWard Insulated Panels’ composite wall panels have played an integral part in an award-winning development of apartments in Altrincham. Ward’s distinctive range of metal wall cladding, DW1000, 900 and 600, was used to clad the walls of Budenberg Haus Projekte, designed by world-renowned architects Foster and Partners. The development comprises two new residential buildings, each shaped like a ships’ bow, leaning out over Bridgewater Canal. These are adjacent to the newly renovated Budenberg Gauge Factory which has given the project its name. Each block is divided by an entrance courtyard with open stairs, lifts and galleries leading to the front door of each apartment. Ward’s metal wall cladding in metallic silver and black was laid horizontally on this central section.


Lime Technology Launches Carbon Price Blockbuster At Ecobuild 2008!

A new range of hemp blocks that combine carbon neutral properties with conventional block performance is launched at Ecobuild 2008 by Lime Technology. Hemcrete® – a bio-composite material that blends hemp with a special lime based binder to create a zero, or less than zero, carbon rating – has been available for several years as a cast or spray applied on site application. By creating a factory produced block, Lime Technology is offering its customers the sustainability benefits of Hemcrete® with the flexibility of having easy to lay, like-for-like blocks. Hemp is a natural material that locks in carbon as it grows. The structural blocks have a zero carbon footprint making them the perfect sustainable masonry solution as part of a zero carbon house.


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Demands on the building industry for more versatile buildings that can be constructed in shorter timescales, with higher levels of thermal performance and energy saving, and which allow for more creativity in architectural design has led to the development and introduction of an increasing number of innovative on-site and off-site construction methods, amongst which timber frame and light steel framing feature strongly. In the 1990’s PermaRock foresaw the need to develop insulated render systems to meet future

challenges of innovative building methods, and become the first company to achieve accreditation through the BRE Certification scheme for insulated render systems for use on timber and metal frame buildings. The BRE accreditation not only confirms these systems suitability for use on frame construction (as well as for more traditional forms - masonry, dense and no-fines concrete, blockwork, etc) but also confirms these systems are durable (assessed lifetimes in excess of 30 years) and will perform even under

very severe exposure conditions. Lightweight metal framing is used more and more frequently as a fast track construction method, bringing the quality control benefits of off-site, pre-fabrication to the construction site and PermaRock has developed systems that meet the specific needs of this form of construction. Systems can be fixed to various types of exterior sheathing boards, with or without breather membranes, and systems can be designed to incorporate drained cavities, to meet the specific

requirements of NHBC, or for direct application where cavities are not required. PermaRock’s drained cavity Track-EPS system is fully tested for fire performance in accordance with BS 8414, Part 2, 2005 and meets the requirements set out in BR135 ‘Fire performance of external thermal insulation for walls of multi-storey buildings’, second edition, Annex B 2007. On timber frame construction, Systems are designed on a project-by-project basis and special consideration is given to potential frame shrinkage, compression

Permarock - The Educated Choice

effects, and structural movement. Fully accredited systems can be designed with drained and ventilated cavities, meeting the requirements of Zurich Insurance, NHBC and TRADA. A PermaRock insulated render system was utilsied onto a lightweight metal framing construction at the recently opened Student Village for the University of East London at their Docklands Campus. The development, 800 student rooms, is arranged in five seven storey blocks oriented north-south, with three three-storey link blocks connecting east-west.

Rooms are grouped into cluster flats, each with a shared kitchen providing views across the Royal Albert Docks or across the University campus. A pergola creates a continuous link between all the blocks. The architects, Fraser Brown MacKenna, specified PermaRock’s Mineral Fibre and Lamella insulated render systems as the main façade material due to their suitability onto framed constructions (systems were also applied onto concrete and blockwork substrates) as they were fire-safe, thermally efficient

and environmentally friendly. They also provided excellent options in terms of colour choice to enable each block to have their own unique look. PermaRock’s Insulated Render Systems incorporated 130mm of insulation to help achieve U-values for the walls of _< 0.20 W/m²K. Aesthetically, a white through-coloured render was chosen for the majority of areas on all the blocks with small coloured panels incorporated into the elevations and to the entire end facades to provide each block with their own

identity. The render complemented the timber cladding also used on the facades and contrasted well with the metal clad roofs. The buildings are a landmark development (passed by the CABE ‘s Design Review panel) which can be viewed from the River Thames and have become the focal point for the University’s Docklands Campus.


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Ardex Promotes Benefits Of Ardex DPM 1 C

ARDEX UKhas made it even easier for contractors to use their ARDEX DPM 1 C Surface Damp Proof Membrane as it is now suitable for use on all concrete slabs and cement/sand screeds. ARDEX DPM 1 C provides an easily applied, fast curing, one coat system solution. ARDEX DPM 1 C provides a versatile DPM of high inherent strength and an excellent bond which can accommodate hygrometer readings of up to 98% RH. ARDEX DPM 1 C can also be used in conjunction with ARDEX’s established smoothing and levelling compounds, including ARDITEX RS PLUS the Rapid Setting Low Odour Latex Levelling Compound.


Howe Green Panels Sealed For Royal Approval At St PancrasWhen the Queen officially opened the £800m St Pancras Eurostar High Speed 1 terminal, there was no chance of a Royal slip up – thanks to Howe Green’s top of the range access panels. In total, more than 1,300 premium stainless steel covers were provided by the UK’s leading developer and manufacturer of floor, ceiling and wall access solutions. Used as a safe and attractive way to conceal cables, plumbing and other services, they are designed to fit flush with the floor. The covers create a seamless, smooth finish that guarantees no tripping hazards. The majority of the Howe Green access

covers were manufactured from 316 grade stainless steel, the highest specification available to ensure incredible durability and appearance.


John C Wilkins Wins Major Contract On Back Of ‘Green’ AwardAcoustic flooring supplier John C Wilkins is the first acoustic flooring company in the UK to be awarded FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) accreditation. The award recognises the Bolton-based company’s commitment to caring for the environment and purchasing raw materials from sustainable sources. It should also significantly boost the company’s order book because major public and private sector customers now look for the FSC trademark before awarding contracts. John C Wilkins has already secured a £250k deal with Prestoplan, who make the timber frames for houses and apartments. The company will be supplying all their acoustic flooring on projects nationwide.


Resin Surfaces Gives A Fresh Face To Billingsgate Fish Market

Ardex Top Of The Class Again

ARDEX UK has been involved with a school refurbishment project in Basingstoke. Park View Junior School is a Community Junior School for boys and girls. The school houses The Hearing Impaired Resource for children from Basingstoke and the surrounding area. Key Floors Limited provided a cost effective, high performance flooring solution for the 235m2 school hall by applying ARDITEX Universal Latex-Based Sub-Floor Smoothing Compound to the sub-floor, prior to the application of final floorcoverings. ARDITEX can be used for the preparation of cement/sand screeds, concrete, metal, quarry tiles, asphalt flooring, granolithic and terrazzo floors.


Ideal Floors For Butchers, Bakers And Bacon Slice MakersA butcher, baker and bacon slice maker are the latest companies to benefit from a new flooring system designed specifically to meet the needs of the food processing industry. A wholesale butchery and a bacon processing plant in Humberside, and a producer of pies, pastries and pizzas in Scotland, all required new surfaces for new and existing floors within their factory areas. In each case the Sikafloor Purcem 20N system was specified when specialist flooring contractors were consulted. The system is focused on serving the food sector where increasing hygiene regulations demand higher performance floors. Sikafloor Purcem technology is water based, providing environmentally friendly application by contractors and taint-free properties that will not taint food or food packaging. The system is suitable for extreme environments, can be steam cleaned and produces a coloured, jointless surface that is slip, abrasion and chemical resistant. The ability to withstand regular steam cleaning is one of the essential criteria for floor surfaces in food production and processing areas.


‘Sonic Gold Excel’ Wood And Laminate Floor UnderlaySonic Gold Excel is a new high performance underlay for laminate, solid wood and engineered floors. This extremely durable underlay is a three layer lamination based on the Novostrat high density polyethylene foam, the key to its exceptional sound absorption performance qualities and impact resistance. The floor-side lamination is a 100mu LDPE black vapour control layer and the top lamination is a gold foil facing which extends to form a 200mm overlap, on both sides, to avoid any possible acoustic bridging and to facilitate perfect continuity in installation.


Tough Floors For Tough Jobs

High performance screed flooring systems developed by Resdev have been installed at the Chassis Systems site in Telford. Pumadur RT, Resdev’s heavy duty, aggregate-filled polyurethane screed flooring achieved the highest levels of durability, combining excellent chemical resistance with a surface profile conferring good slip resistance even in wet process areas. The matt surface is totally impervious and is therefore suitable for steam cleaning as well as being proof against steel wheeled traffic, impact and abrasion. Resdev’s Pumatect materials were used to lay walkways in Safety Yellow with white edging lines. The task was finished on schedule and to the satisfaction of Chassis Systems.


Resin flooring specialist Resin Surfaces Ltd (RSL), has given a fresh finish to a City of London landmark, following the selection of its Resuthane TG69 product to furnish Billingsgate fish market with a new floor. The new Resuthane TG69 surface replaces a combination of terrazzo tiles, epoxy resin and concrete screeds that were widely acknowledged as being ugly and unfit for purpose. Not only is the new solution aesthetically pleasing, but it is an improvement from a health and safety view, providing an hygienic, slip resistant floor finish. The contractors removed the old defective surface before replacing it with an acrylic infill, prior to applying RSL’s leading polyurethane-based Resuthane TG69 system. The 1200 m2 floor area was completed over 15 weekends saving the Corporation seven weekends on its original proposed programme. Resuthane TG69 is a water based polyurethane screed system that is formulated to be easy to apply and provide a durable floor surface capable of withstanding heavy wear. It is ideally suited for use in food and drink environments such as Billingsgate, where high standards of hygiene are required, as it can be steam cleaned and withstand boiling water. Now complete, the project provides a market that has been in place at Billingsgate since the 1400’s with the high quality it deserves.


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Single Room Pack Fast-Tracks Underfloor Heating

Two special versions of Schlüter-Systems’ award-winning underfloor heating system have been developed for small extensions and conservatories. Providing an entire underfloor heating system in one complete package, the “Schlüter®-BEKOTEC-THERM Single Room Pack” comprises a modular screed assembly, control technology, pipes and pump for a floor of up to 15-square metres.

The other new pack provides heating for up to 30-square metres. Small extensions and conservatories do not need such an intricate system as that required for a whole house or the type of commercial applications that the original Schlüter®-BEKOTEC-THERM is currently being used in. So the single room packs were developed, which can easily be connected either directly to a boiler or onto an existing radiator network.

Offering the same benefits of the larger system – namely tile protection technology, with reduced fuel costs, as well as fast-tracking the entire installation process, it was this combination of revolutionary features that led to Schlüter®-BEKOTEC-THERM being named The Tile Association’s Best New Innovation for 2007 at the industry’s annual awards ceremony.

TTA’s prestigious Best New Innovation category is one of the industry’s leading “Oscars,” and is awarded for innovation in solving a tiling problem. The Tile Association said the judges in this category were looking for something “really new” that “solved a current problem.”

Schlüter Managing Director Elaine Stokes says: “While more and more tilers are discovering that Schlüter®-BEKOTEC-THERM is a truly innovative underfloor heating system unequalled by anything else on the market, it’s also very pleasing to receive national recognition in this way from our industry.”

Many tilers have become wary of fixing tiles over conventional heated screeds - in particular in conservatories - because of problems they’ve experienced in the past with tiles cracking, buckling and debonding, caused by the screed and ceramics expanding and contracting at different rates, due to their different heat expansion coefficients during temperature changes.

However, the TTA-Award-winning Schlüter®-BEKOTEC-THERM is an energy-efficient and quick-reacting modular assembly system, which overcomes this long-standing problem. Schlüter Technical Manager Ian Knifton says: “Temperature changes within the screed mass of conventional underfloor

heating installations – whether water or electric – lead to the screed moving at a different rate from the tile or stone surface. The rigid surface simply cannot cope with the degree of movement, and the tiles crack or debond.

Also, the relatively large screed mass requires a great amount of heating energy, which can make conventional systems slow to respond to temperature changes.” The TTA judges had recognised that Schlüter®-BEKOTEC-THERM specifically addresses those disadvantages, with its unique combination of studded screed panels and matching heating and control technology, giving an energy-efficient and quick reacting radiant heated floor system.

Stress build-up due to shrinkage is successfully combated by micro-fine cracks, which form around the studs. And because the whole assembly has an overall low construction height, the screed mass to be heated is relatively small.

This means the floor heating is easier to regulate and can be operated with lower supply temperatures than traditional methods, giving reduced fuel costs. With most installations the minimum screed depth above the heating pipes is only 8 mm, so just 5 degrees is lost between the pipes and the surface, making the system particularly suitable for conservatories.

The studded panels are easily cut to size, and interlock into each other on top of a load-bearing substrate or any insulation layer that may be required. The studs form a grid pattern, and the heating pipes simply clamp between the studs. The combined pump and blending systems are easy to connect, making the entire installation process very quick and easy.

Another innovation of Schlüter®-BEKOTEC-THERM is that it considerably reduces the waiting time before tiling can begin on top of the underfloor heating. With conventional systems, according to BS standards, a traditional sand-cement screed of 65 mm needs 28 days to dry and cure. Then the underfloor heating has to run for several days, and cooled, before tiling.

But with Schlüter®-BEKOTEC-THERM, bonding an uncoupling membrane to it means ceramic or natural stone tiles can be installed as soon as the screed can be walked on. Schlüter has been involved with installations where the screed has been laid on a Friday, and the tiling commenced on the Monday. And the heating can be turned on seven days after that.


Award-Winning System Also Protects Floors And Cuts Installation Time

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Peter Evans Flooring ‘On Par’ At The

Celtic Manor Resort

The Celtic Manor Resort set in 1400 acres of panoramic parkland in the beautiful Usk Valley is a world-class destination with exceptional golf, leisure and business facilities. Very few European resorts have such a comprehensive range of facilities as The Celtic Manor Resort, venue for the 2010 Ryder Cup and home of The Celtic Manor Wales Open. As part of its early preparations for the 2010 Ryder Cup, The Celtic Manor Resort has opened The Twenty Ten Clubhouse, one of the most luxurious clubhouses in Europe, which has been beautifully designed to include high ceilings, wooden beams, open fires and comfortable sofas. It offers Rafters Restaurant, with its floor-to-ceiling cedar beams and modern European dining; a Members Lounge with leather chesterfields, high-backed chairs and a warming open hearth; and expansive, oak-panelled Locker Rooms. Peter Evans Flooring of Barry, Vale of Glamorgan were delighted to be commissioned by the main developers, Andrew Scott Limited of Port Talbot to install the new floorcoverings within The Twenty Ten Clubhouse. By working in partnership with their clients, Peter Evans Flooring are able to offer a comprehensive flooring solution for any environment, and their expertise within the industry has seen them develop into one of the UK’s leading flooring contractors. Peter Evans Flooring commenced this prestigious project by fitting a special spike proof carpet within the Locker Rooms, Pro Shop and Spike Bar. This specialist, high performance carpet is soft to walk on, yet its composition ensures that it is coarse enough to clean shoes and resist showing walk patterns. In addition to withstanding the traffic of golf spike shoes, the carpet is resistant to fading and dries rapidly. For the Members Lounge, Function Room, Dining Room and Concourse, a luxury, high performance carpet was fitted which complemented the sophisticated interior design that is synonymous throughout The Celtic Manor Resort. To conclude, Peter Evans Flooring installed safety flooring for all of the ‘back of house’ areas. Naturally it was vital that a non-slip, hard wearing and easily cleaned floor was fitted within these demanding locations. “Peter Evans Flooring were a pleasure to work with as not only did they install ideal floor coverings within The Twenty Ten Clubhouse, but from the outset they remained committed to providing a professional, flexible and personal service. I would recommend them for any flooring installation”, enthused Russell Phillips, Vice-President of Facilities & Development at The Celtic Manor Resort.


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For the fourth consecutive year, Sikkens has sponsored the International Interior Design category at the annual LEAF Awards. This prestigious event, organised by the Leading European Architects Forum, recognises excellence, innovation and development in design and build. This year the awards presentation and dinner was held at London’s Waldorf Hilton Hotel and hosted by RIBA Past President, Maxwell Hutchinson. Over 300 of the industryís leading architects and designers were on hand to hear the decisions of the independent jury of professionals. With 150 entries from 33 countries, and covering 11 distinct categories, the 2007 event demonstrated the growing significance of the LEAF awards among architects and designers worldwide. In the Sikkens-sponsored International Interior Design category, which recognises the best interior design for either a new-build project or an interior renovation, the winning project was the new Qantas First Lounge at Australiaís Sydney International Airport. Designed by architects Woods Bagot, this new state-of-the-art facility provides optimum levels of comfort, service and luxury through

superior interior design, and forms part of an ongoing upgrade programme being carried out in anticipation of Qantas taking delivery in 2008 of its new Airbus A380 fleet. Products from Sikkensí Synteko range were used to give all of the new loungeís parquet floors a high quality, hard-wearing, professional finish. The range includes: Synteko Solid Oil, an alkyd-based, high solid oil which provides an attractive, smooth surface with excellent wear resistance, specially suited to commercial areas; Synteko Extra, a waterborne, one-component, low-odour floor finish for hardwood floors in residential and commercial areas; and Synteko Urethane, a polyurethane alkyd floor finish for softwood and hardwood floors in interior residential applications. The interior design of the project creates a series of zones - from lounge areas and spa to restaurant and library - to ensure maximum appeal across a wide spectrum of passengers and their requirements. The ambience of each zone is achieved by the effective use of colour, combined with high quality materials and finishes, including natural shades of red, brown and aubergine. From the vertical garden in the reception area to the marble bar in the

restaurant section, the overall result is an atmosphere of luxurious tranquility. The Qantas First Lounge project had strong competition for the top prize. Other nominees for the International Interior Design Award included the Home Couture showroom in Berlin, the Cosmo Grill in Munich, the Arola Restaurant at the Renia Sofia Museum in Madrid, Unilever House in London, and the Multi-Faith Centre at the University of Toronto. The LEAF Awards are open to all companies, technologies and individuals, with offices in Europe, that have made an outstanding contribution to the world of architecture, and who continue to set the benchmark for the buildings of tomorrow. Sikkens is a major international brand owned by Akzo Nobel, the worldís biggest paint company, which develops and supplies innovative coatings products and painting systems for architects, specifiers and interior designers.


Sydney Airport Project Wins Sikkens Sponsored Leaf Award Closing Seats From Celmac

Polypipe Sanitary Systems offer a range of four toilet seats fitted with ‘smooth-close’ hinges. The gel filled damper incorporated into the newly designed hinges allows the seats to close slowly and virtually silently. The hinge is equipped with a by-pass system to avoid damage or breakage. The Celmac ‘smooth-close’ seats provide a choice in weight, design and material. The Tango is made in polypropylene and has a pleasantly styled wrap-over domed cover with colour matched hinges. The two middleweight seats manufactured in thermoset material are the Maestro, with a distinctive European D shaped design and colour matched hinges, and the Concerto in a traditional oval shape. The heavyweight is the Monarch, a robust seat and cover with traditional styling and again fitted with sturdy chrome plated brass hinges.


Ardex A 35 Proves An ‘Overnight Sensation’ARDEX UKrecently assisted with a vast 20,000m2 flooring refurbishment project at MetroCentre, Gateshead. When the shopping centre floor required refurbishment it was essential that a fast track, cost effective flooring solution was specified to ensure that the commercially important shopping hours would not be disrupted. The solution was to use ARDEX A 35 Rapid Drying Cement for Floor Screeds. Over 200 tonnes of ARDEX A 35 was applied throughout the walkways to provide a sub-floor that would deliver a strong, flat and level surface. Thanks to the built-in ARDEX Rapidry Formula Technology, the ARDEX A 35 screed surface was hard enough to be walked on only 3 hours after application and had dried to enable further work after just 24 hours.


New Colour Touchscreen Makes Systemline Control Even EasierArmour Home has introduced a stylish colour touchscreen for simple, effective control of its Systemline Modular built-in home entertainment system. A high resolution, high contrast wall mounted VGA touch screen, it allows users to control audio, video and lighting in the home via RS232, which provides real two-way feedback. The screen features an integrated IR receiver, clock and alarm functions and hard buttons for primary functions such as volume, equipment menu and ‘fast select’ to activate your favourite music sources. The chic touchscreen comes in a choice of

elegant surrounds to complement a wide range of interiors.


“Impossible” Staircases At Heart Of Top New City Science AcademyFour sweeping steel staircases dismissed by most engineers and architects as being “impossible” to make are in place at the Thomas Deacon Academy in Peterborough. At the heart of the building is a vast central concourse area with a striking geometrically designed domed roof made of steel and glass. Connecting the building’s floors are four steel staircases, which many engineers had said would be impractical to manufacture in steel. Nevertheless, the task was finally awarded to Midlands-based Angle Ring Ltd. Angle Ring were able to deliver helically curved sections to the exact dimensions and design of steel staircases originally set out by the architect. Paul Middleton, Angle Ring’s marketing manager, said: “We were able to produce exactly the design of staircases set out in the plans, and they look stunning.” With their anticipated exceptionally heavy footfall at peak times, each of the four staircases was made of four sections of 10 treads, with three landings in between, with every component being curved.


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The owner of a new luxury penthouse apartment built by Radleigh Homes, of Derby, in the sought-after Derbyshire village of Duffield, displayed sound taste, by choosing the optional extra of ceramic tiling in the lounge and hallway, to complement the kitchen and bathroom tiling. And tiling contractors Maurice Parker also showed sound taste by installing the acoustic membrane Schlüter®-DITRA-SOUND to cut the impact sound perception by more than half.

The apartment features tiled kitchens and bathrooms, with an option of the additional luxury of tiles in other areas, which was specified in the penthouse. To comply with Building Regulations for the penthouse apartment, Maurice Parker’s Contracts Manager Adrian Watson, installed an acoustic flooring product directly onto the apartment’s solid flooring to reduce the impact sound on the 45m2 tiling. But he knew that out of the wide variety of acoustic flooring available, certain types are totally unsuitable for tiling onto.

“To put tiles over a surface that is very compressible can be asking for trouble,” he said. “Usually the grout lines would crack first, then the tiles would crack at the joints, and finally debond.” To overcome this, he specified Schlüter®-DITRA-SOUND, which has been specially designed not only to reduce the impact sound of floor constructions (test values according to DIN EN ISO 140-8) but also to ensure that the tiled surface is highly durable.

Schlüter®-DITRA-SOUND is a bonded impact sound insulation, specially for tile coverings, made of a heavy polyethylene mat, which has an anchoring fleece laminated on both sides to bond with the tile adhesive – in the case of the Cumberhills development, this was PCI Tilefast 6 Rapidflex.

The tiled kitchen and bathroom floors in the five houses were fixed onto a timber substrate, so the orange Schlüter®-DITRA membrane was specified to uncouple the tiles. Tiles move independently from the substrate because of different thermal expansion and contraction, but Schlüter®-DITRA neutralises this differential movement, preventing stresses being transferred to the tiles. It is a polyethylene membrane with a grid structure of square cavities cut back in a dovetail configuration, and an anchoring fleece laminated to its underside. The cavities allow any stresses that occur between the substrate and the tiles to be neutralised evenly in all directions. To finish and protect the edge of tiled splashbacks in the bathrooms, the symmetrically rounded Schlüter®-RONDEC-PRO was used, with matching corner pieces. To complete the tiling installations at Cumberhills, the H & R Johnson 338 x 338 glazed floor tiles were grouted with grey PCI Groutfast 20 Rapidflex.


Award-Winning System Also Protects Floors And Cuts Installation Time

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Architectural CeramicsLaunch Dynamic New Website

2008 sees one of the leading suppliers of commercial tile solutions for architects and interior designers, Architectural Ceramics, launch their new contemporary and informative website: www.actiles.co.uk. Features include; dynamic navigation, an extensive product library that illustrates over 20,000 variations of floor and wall tiles, an NBS specification area and CPD seminars. From sustainable products such as Zenith Glass mosaic, to gigantic 1200x1200mm porcelain tiles and stylish wall tiles, Architectural Ceramics’ website is a valuable portal to the latest innovations and trends for wall and floor coverings. Chris Petitjean, Marketing Director of Architectural Ceramics comments: “The new website reflects the breadth of high quality solutions that we specialise in and now features far more project reference images. We are delighted with the way the site works, and hope our clients do too.”


COMPAC at KBB Stand No L39 Hall 17

COMPAC MARMOL&QUARTZ Surfaces – influenced by nature, designed for modern living. COMPAC will have on display at this year’s KBB exhibition their stunning range of marble and quartz worksurfaces and wall and floor tiles for kitchens, bathrooms and wet room applications. One of the world’s leading producers of marble and quartz products, COMPAC will be showing for the first time, a new palette of exciting, innovative colours and finishes which will give the designer endless possibilities to create inspirational designs to transform any home - be it traditional or contemporary. All COMPAC QUARTZ worksurfaces and tiles can be easily cut and profiled to meet the most challenging of layouts.


Products from the Zinsser range of fast drying, high performance primers and paints have been used during the refurbishment of one of London’s best known hospitals, St Barts.Over the years, the walls of this area have suffered increasingly from damp and mildew, particularly in the gene therapy unit, and were badly in need of repair. Contractors, A D Sullivan decided to use a combination of Zinsser Watertite and Perma-White products to achieve optimal performance and minimal disruption. Watertite Waterproofing paint is a sealer guaranteed to hold back water to pressure of 34psi, and prevent mildew and mould build-up for up to five years. It has an oil-based formula which combines waterproofing resin with Portland cement. It also contains a mildewcide to prevent the growth of the fungus. It can be recoated in just four hours, speeding up the decorating process, and dries to a smooth, non-yellowing finish that resists dirt and dust. A final top coat of Zinsser Perma-White was applied for maximum protection and aesthetic appeal.


Zinsser Gives St Barts A Cure

Ultra Secures Best Results For Best WesternThe refurbishment of 42 bathrooms at the Best Western Castle Green Hotel in Kendal has been completed with Ultra’s high performance floor levelling range. The contractor needed to ensure that the moisture usually present in bathrooms, does not reach the structural part of the building. Ultra’s Patch IT rapid45® was used to repair the substrate and provide a stable base for the application of a 3mm layer of Ultra Level IT two, followed by a layer of Quinn Therm insulation board and an industrial strength polyurethane sheeting, which was applied to both the floor and the bottom part of the walls. Ultra Level IT one, single part concrete leveller, was applied next onto the polyurethane sheeting at a depth between 20 and 30mm. Ultra Level IT one can be laid at depths of 2mm to 50mm in one pass. Finally, a layer of aqua board was applied to the floor and the lower part of the wall, and the bathrooms were finished with ceramic tiles of the hotel’s choice.


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OWA Has Cure For Medical School

Medical students at the University of Leeds have been handed a tonic by OWA UK Limited. The acoustic ceilings expert came up with the cure to the noise reverberation that plagued the group study area at the Health Science Library. The design of the building, a double-height atrium with a barrel-vaulted roof and half-mezzanine floor, needed something special. OWA devised a solution of acoustic wall absorbers, some printed with images of medical dignitaries. “I was a little apprehensive about OWA being a miracle solution,” says project architect Jenni Clay of Leeds-based Work Architecture. “But hearing is believing.”


Variety Is Keynote Of New Jupiter LuminairesThorn’s revamped Jupiter II linear fluorescent widens the choice for office and school illumination. While retaining its predecessor’s reputation for performance and slimness, it gains more optics, additional lamp types, greater flexibility in the variety of mounting combinations available and lighting control “intelligence”. Single or twin T5 lamps, from 14W to 80W, combine with interchangeable louvres (including an asymmetric option for corridors) or diffusers. Whether surface or suspended (direct/indirect), the white or grey finished luminaires can be mounted singly, in continuous lines or in a variety of geometric configurations.


Floating ‘Rafts’ Refine Dance Studio AcousticsA series of four raft structures have been suspended from the ceiling of a Trafford school’s dance studio to create a more comfortable acoustic environment without detracting from the space’s strong architectural styling. The facility, located at Lostock College, has been designed by the local authority’s architects. Ecophon Focus E and the manufacturer’s Edge system were employed in creating the four acoustic baffles. The project architect, Mr Andrew Sheldon, recounts: “the Ecophon systems seemed to offer the sensitive solution appropriate to the interior. The installation has worked very well.”


Granfix Products Benefit New Luxury SpaGranfix Products teamed up with Lancashire Tiling to provide the perfect tile fixing solution for a most impressive new health club and spa facility in the Lake District. Since its opening in November 2007, the new £10 million state-of-the-art spa at The Macdonald Old England Hotel in Bowness-in-Windemere has been hailed by industry insiders as the most luxurious and advanced in The Lakes.The facilities include a thermal suite, experience and thermal showers, a rock sauna, an infra red sauna and cooling ice room. In addition there is a relaxation room, a 20m swimming pool with an outside terrace overlooking Lake Windermere, and a techno gym. Lancashire Tiling were commissioned to fix the new tiles throughout the changing rooms and the swimming pool surround. Granfix 1 Part Flexible Rapidset tile adhesive for walls and floors was used to commence the project. Developed as an easy to apply, cement based adhesive that does not require an admix, Granfix 1 Part Flexible Rapidset is ideal for fixing a variety of tiles including ceramics, slate, quarries, porcelain, vitrified and semi-vitrified, limestone, terrazzo and mosaics. The rapid set formula enables grouting to commence just 2 hours after application, ensuring minimum down time.


Wood you believe it…

The ANGLE RING Co Ltd of Tipton, have been the UK’s leading specialists in steel bending for over 50 years. Brand new for this year, Angle Ring are now offering curved wood products. Bendywood® is a unique hardwood product which can be cold bent to suit curved staircases or balustrades. Available as standard in Oak, Ash, Maple and Beech these hardwoods can be supplied in profiles or raw blanks for bending on site or in a workshop. To compliment this Angle Ring will also offer their own bending expertise and offer the wood pre-bent to any shape, including spirals, non-circular bends and reverse bends. Nigel Darby at Angle Ring said “We have been the market leader in curved steel for over 50 years, and now BendyWood from Angle Ring allows designers freedom to explore the beauty of curved natural hardwoods without the costs normally associated.”


Stannah Add The Final Piece To JigsawPart of the Old Post Office in Bath has been transformed by high-street retailer Jigsaw into a beautiful first-floor shopping experience. The store has the original ground floor entrance to the post office which now features a centrally placed Stannah passenger lift to ensure easy access for everyone. The glass-shafted structure supported FX lift and decorative stair balustrades are finished in a matching soft grey that ensures the lift structure remains sympathetic to its surroundings. The interior design within the Jigsaw store is unique to its location. The spacious, decadent shopping floor has an imaginative layout with frequent references to its origins, like the huge round rugs featuring old ‘penny’ designs that decorate the vast wooden floor.


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Yorkon Completes £1m Off-Site Contract To Build Terminal For First Civilian Airport On Anglesey

Award-winning off-site building specialist and Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, has completed a £1m contract to construct a new purpose-designed air terminal for the first civilian airport on Anglesey – Maes Awyr Môn – only four months after start on site. The terminal building for Anglesey Airport was manufactured off site by Yorkon and craned into position as 10 steel-framed modules in just two days. The single storey building has been constructed to minimise any impact on the environment, to provide an attractive new facility for the area and to be easily extended to meet the potential for future expansion and with minimal disruption to operations. The new air terminal comprises baggage reclaim, a departures lounge, check-in desks, offices, visitor information, and search and security facilities. Yorkon has also provided a 60-space car park, landscaping and fitting out.


Catnic Goes To Market Building supplies manufacturer, Catnic, part of the market leading metal producer Corus, has provided 5 semi-circle arch lintels for the £1.5 million refurbishment of Newton Abbot retail markets, set to revitalise one of South Devon’s busiest market towns. The lintels were custom-designed to remain in keeping with the area’s traditional architecture and to maintain the unique history and character of the town.


European Hardwoods The Sweet AlternativeEuropean “Sweet Chestnut,” as durable as Oak and offering many of the benefits attributed to traditional hardwoods, has been added by Vincent Timber to its fast expanding range of cladding options. The product has already been extensively used on the Lighthouse – the Zero Carbon house put together in conjunction with the Kingspan Alliance at the BRE & Innovations Park in Garston. Around 20% lighter than Oak and offering excellent value for money, Sweet Chestnut, when left untreated, will mature to a silvery texture. The addition of Sweet Chestnut complements Vincent Timber’s fast expanding range of hardwood options. Which include Red Lauro, Cumuru, Tatajuba, Massaranduba as well as European Oak.


A Towering Success For Design And Display StructuresThe crowning glory to the Barton Square Development in Manchester has been craned into place by UK experts in GRP, Design & Display Structures who crafted the breathtaking cladding for the 14m tall belfry. The masterpiece of GRP design was built at ground level so there was no need for high level scaffolding. Weighing 33 tonnes, the textured, stone appearance belfry and striking lead coloured balled finial feature were easily maneuvered by crane and dropped into place atop the 67m high development. Design & Display also installed fibre optic lights throughout the finial and LEDs in the pediments for nighttime illumination.


Expanded Metal Mesh Is Car Park’s Shining Success

Factory Fabricated BalconiesEngineers at BRC Special Products Huntingdon have developed a system for producing and installing balconies that combines the precision of factory manufacture with the economies of rapid on-site installation. The balconies, branded Vista-Form are fabricated completely in the company’s Huntingdon facility where the benefits of automated manufacturing techniques can be enjoyed and production schedules are not subject to the vagaries of the English weather. The balconies are shipped to site in a completely finished state where they are installed in a rapid timeframe, sometimes directly from the back of the truck. Up to 15 balconies can be fitted by the BRC installation team in a single day.


Expanded metal mesh is a very convenient material to install because it is lightweight and easy to handle, says architect John Dixon.But ease of installation was only one advantage of specifying aluminium mesh produced and supplied by the Expanded Metal Company for the prestigious £7.4 million project. “ It’s a functional material that completely encloses the building from floor to ceiling while at the same time providing total lateral ventilation,” explains Mr Dixon.The material used, 2350m2 of high grade expanded aluminium mesh, also

provides a maintenance-free cladding. But it is perhaps in the subject of aesthetics where the use of this cladding material quite literally shines. The mesh sheets were anodised in three different colours: light bronze, dark bronze and natural, and fixed to the structure in a random sequence. The car park’s attractive appearance will certainly be seen by a large volume of people.


Sika Carbon Fibre Plates Strengthen Magnox Building In GravesendSika’s CarboDur® carbon fibre strengthening system is being used in the conversion of the old BNFL Magnox building in Gravesend into an apartment block of 90 units. The conversion of the Magnox building involved the removal of old lift shafts, thus requiring strengthening to be added to the reinstalled floor slabs and adjacent concrete beams. Sika® CarboDur® CFRP structural strengthening system was used. Specialist contractors Structural Systems Limited bonded the Sika® CarboDur® CFRP plates to the underside of the beams and slab using SikaDur30®, a specially formulated cold-cure, two component epoxy structural adhesive toreinstate the integrity of the structure. The plates are held in place with no additional support required during the curing period of the SikaDur 30® adhesive.


Foremans Relocatable Building Systems has launched a new website, www.foremansbuildings.info, provides building contractors and organisations with a fast and efficient guide to buying, selling and hiring pre-owned modular buildings for offices, schools, hospitals, airports and temporary site accommodation. The website incorporates a new and easy to use navigation system. Features include, case studies and ecent applications; a guide to selling a modular building that is surplus to requirements; sample buildings to help specification, and information about the sustainability benefits of this type of construction. Foremans’ approach to building offers all the advantages of off-site construction with the additional benefit of exceptional value for money and a higher degree of sustainability because the modules supplied are pre-owned and fully refurbished.


Foremans Launches New Website For Pre-owned Modular Buildings

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Offsite construction specialist Framework CDM has gone wild with the creation of a self sustaining visitors centre for the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. Lower Moor Farm, near Oaksey, has been designed to inspire anyone who sees it to adopt a greener lifestyle and is an integral feature of the new, 96-acre nature reserve. A triumph of collaboration, the project required close working between the Trust, Framework and project architects Mark Ellerby, and evolved as further funds for the scheme were secured. Framework provided its innovative system of offsite pre-engineering and on site construction. It consists of a number of pre-engineered, panelised, semi-volumetric components – used to create walls, floors and ceilings – that are produced offsite and then delivered to site for simple, fast track construction. Once delivered, the panelised cassettes, which are pre-fitted with the building services, can be constructed in a fraction of the time of traditional construction. Such efficient integration of building techniques allows Framework to condense the design, fabrication and construction of the buildings. The panelised system, created using material from sustainable sources, also offers airtight construction, lower embodied energy use, lower energy consumption, lower life cycle costs and best value. This meets the Trust’s desire for a building that would act as a standard bearer for sustainable construction. The versatility of the Framework system enabled the building to be created so that it is entirely self sustaining. This has been achieved through the integration of elements including a biomass boiler, photovoltaic panels, grey water recycling, ground heat recovery and an earth roof. For optimum sustainability, the earth roof utilises waste earth removed when excavating the buildings foundations, eliminating the need for the earth to be disposed of and providing a natural way of insulating the building. “Buildings can provide fantastic habitats for wildlife,” commented the Trust’s Head of Reserves Dave Turner. “This visitor centre was built on top of an old farm courtyard to avoid disturbing new land and actually provides better wildlife habitat than what was there before. “In addition to the green roof, we have even provided new homes for bats by leaving spaces for them to roost behind the natural larch cladding covering the centre.”


Framework Goes Wild At Self Sustaining Visitors Centre

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Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are being increasingly specified in urban areas to help compensate for the problems associated with higher levels of surface water run-off from high density housing developments and, more surprisingly, front gardens turned into impervious hard standings for car parking. It is estimated that 12 square miles of domestic gardens in Central London have been paved over for this purpose! There is no doubt - at least among those advocates of climate change - that rainfall patterns are changing. Shorter more intense bursts of rainfall are becoming the norm and ‘unusual’ storm events are happening more frequently. This coupled with the increase in impermeable surfaces can lead to surcharged sewerage systems and the potential for flash flooding in streams and rivers resulting in damage to flora and fauna.

So what is the answer to these problems? In England Planning Guidance (PPG25) and the Building Regulations (Parts H & M) now actively promote the use of SuDS but the take up and promotion of these systems by local authorities, housing developers and contractors is woefully slow. In Scotland the situation is much more advanced. Planning Advice Note (61) gives planners a central role in getting SuDS accepted as an integral part of development procedures. They also have a key role in the implementation of SuDS through the development control processes. Companies involved in the supply of products to this market and their trade associations are also investing heavily in promoting the benefits of SuDS to their customers. SuDS can take many forms and can be tailored to suit the requirements of a particular site. The basic requirements are that surface water run-off from a site following development should be no greater than it was beforehand and the run-off should not adversely affect downstream water quality or habitat. One of the most popular SuDS techniques is the installation of permeable clay and concrete block pavements. These are designed to allow surface water to infiltrate into the pavement construction where, depending on ground conditions, it can exfiltrate directly back into the ground, be stored for ‘grey water’ applications or be released to a water course or sewerage system. Discharge from permeable pavement systems is generally restricted to green field run-off rates which are typically within the range 5 – 7 litres/sec/hectare. As the pavements are also required to perform structurally when in a totally saturated condition roadbase, bedding course and jointing materials should be carefully selected. Guidance on the choice of materials is available from suppliers involved with the marketing of permeable pavement systems.Permeable pavements have other benefits that can influence their selection for specific developments. As surface water run-off passes through the pavement, areas of permeable paving can be laid perfectly flat thereby greatly simplifying setting out procedures. The requirement for sub-surface pipework, deep excavations, gulleys and channels is also markedly reduced.The incorporation of geotextiles into the permeable pavement construction assists in attenuating the flow of surface water through the pavement, reduces its silt loading and provides a suitable habitat for biofilm growth. Microbial action in the biofilm layer breaks down any spillages of oil which penetrate the pavement construction. This action is so efficient that in most cases there is no requirement for a petrol interceptor to be installed to treat the discharge from a permeable pavement. The geotextile layer is also extremely efficient in removing traces of heavy metals such as chromium, cadmium, copper, lead and zinc from the surface water percolating through the pavement. Water from adjacent impermeable paved areas and run-off from roof drainage can

also be fed into suitably designed permeable pavements to further simplify on-site drainage design requirements.Recent independent research has shown that permeable pavements are a cost effective option when compared to in-situ reinforced concrete and asphalt surfaces for the construction of domestic hard standings, estate roads and commercial projects. Exfiltration permeable pavements which directly replenish ground water levels were found to have the lowest initial costs of all the construction scenarios considered. Over a projected design life of 40 years, permeable pavements were also found to be the most cost effective paving solution. Even after this period the surface of a permeable pavement system using clay or concrete paviors could possibly be uplifted and re-used offering further environmental benefits.

So what happens now? The design credentials of permeable paving have been proven in all types of trafficked applications, they have been used for over 15 years and have been shown to accommodate the most severe storm conditions, they do not clog with detritus to such an extent that they no longer perform, they are cost effective when compared to other pavement systems, they simplify the construction processes, the quality of water discharged for the pavements is enhanced, heavy metals and oils are removed as water passes through the construction, specifications for construction materials are readily available and these can be sourced from local suppliers nationwide. Guidance on laying procedures is published in BS 7533 – 3 and recommendations for the structural design of permeable pavements will soon be available in BS 7533 – 13. Some manufacturers even offer a free design service for permeable pavements to ensure that they are specified correctly. Manufacturers and their trade associations have gone the extra mile to introduce permeable clay and concrete block pavement to the market place but entrenched attitudes and a resistance to change in planning departments and amongst developers and contractors have so far limited their widespread use. If we are all as concerned about the long term protection of the environment as we say we are, this system must be adopted more widely as it the most efficient way of attenuating and processing storm run-off.A proven facility is now available to specifiers which allows them to ‘think green’ and install attractive surfaces in a variety of shapes and colours with the knowledge that deep down in the pavement construction microbes and bacteria are doing their bit for our sustainable future!


Ian D Cook, Group Technical Manager, Blockleys Brick Ltd

Is Our Future Going Down the Drain?

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Just to the West of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge over the Thames, George Wimpey South East Ltd. is nearing completion on a very sizable development of apartment blocks and houses, most terraced but with some semi-detached. The site, aptly named The Bridge, is perfectly placed both for the commuter, with frequent fast trains to London available from Dartford Station, and for motor travellers, with the nearby M25 offering links to the countrywide motorway system and to Gatwick, Stanstead, Heathrow and The City airports. It is also on the edge of the lovely Kent countryside and even handy for the Bluewater Shopping Centre. With a total of well over 200 dwellings, contracting for materials had to be made with manufacturers whose product quality and delivery service could be trusted absolutely. For this reason Wimpey South East specified Polypipe products for all domestic rain water, drainage plus soil and waste. From the many configurations available from Polypipe, Square Section PVCu guttering was chosen with downpipes to match in a grey that complements the colour scheme of window and door frames. Grey soil pipe is being used throughout with white coloured waste systems, while below ground drainage products are in the standard brown. All these are sized at 110mm. Well designed and easily achieved jointing and coupling systems makes fitting of all these ranges a simple matter and a truly comprehensive range of fittings and accessories that covers all contingencies considerably simplifies the installer’s task.


Polypipe Drains ‘The Bridge’

300m2 of newly installed stone setts, positioned along the Merthyr Tydfil Riverside Walkway, were recently transformed into a durable, aesthetically pleasing contemporary streetscape with Ultracrete Flowpoint BS7533, manufactured by the Instarmac Group plc. The work formed part of the River Taff Corridor Strategy, which will also improve the town’s infrastructure, facilities, transportation and access as a part of a long-term regeneration project. The refurbished area, running the length of the River Taff Corridor and up to Merthyr Tydfil town centre, between Penry Street Bridge and the Riverside Walkway, was to be re-laid with natural stone setts some of which needed to be applied at a gradient. Contractor, the Landscape Group, tasked with finding a pointing material that was quick and easy to use, capable of application on a slope with no discoloration, chose Instarmac’s Ultracrete Flowpoint, a rapid set flowable grout because of its superior technical and finish qualities. The product, designed to conform to the strict demands of BS7533 part 12, Pavements constructed with clay, natural stone or concrete pavers, provides exceptional bond strengths, low permeability characteristics, freeze-thaw and environmental erosion resistance. It is engineered to provide a quick set whilst eliminating the possibility of staining

ULTRACRETE FLOWPOINT ENHANCES RIVERSIDE WALKWAY

and is able to fill joint widths between 5mm to 50mm and joint depth of 200mm in a single pour. The flowable,rapid setting grout is simply mixed with water on site and facilitates early trafficking. It is able to accept foot traffic after just one hour and conventional vehicular traffic after 4 hours, when it reaches a compressive strength of 49.6N/mm², a flexural strength of 7.10N/mm², a tensile strength of 3.91N/ mm² and a bond strength of 1.5N/mm². Andrew Williams, Contracts Manager at the Landscape Group, believes Instarmac’s service as well as product performance were key for the successful completion of the project. “Instarmac’s site support team played a vital part at both the trial stages as well as during application. They even recommended an effective way to capture and prevent any excess product entering the river, thus avoiding any implications for the surrounding ecosystem.” Merthyr Tydfil’s River Taff Walkway is now completed with both the client, Merthyr Tydfil Council, and the contractor extremely pleased with the final finish. For Instarmac, the success of the scheme was a major contributing factor in securing participation in the Town Centre Regeneration Project which is currently under way and due for completion in May 2008.


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Thomas Sanderson Provides A Creative Learning Environment

Thomas Sanderson Awnings are the perfect shading solution, providing an ideal outdoor classroom for creative learning initiatives, as a Primary School in West Sussex recently discovered. As part of a local authority initiative, teachers at Westbourne Primary School are pioneering a new ‘creative teaching’ approach for their Year One pupils and needed a flexible solution to make effective use of the space. The head teacher, Mr O’Boyle, had looked at building a permanent extension to the school building. ‘With the playground space at a premium we needed a flexible solution which saved space and provided protection for our pupils’.


The practical and aesthetic advantages offered by Neaco’s Spectrum Modular Balconies range led to its specification at WN1, a major residential development in Wigan from Dorbcrest Homes. The product has been installed on two elegant four-storey complexes of luxury apartments featured alongside a selection of mews and detached houses. “Their simplicity of fitting and overall manufacturing quality were two key reasons for choosing Spectrum Modular Balconies,” said Dan Lancaster of Dorbcrest Homes. “Aesthetic considerations were also important - our design required something clean yet contemporary due the development’s location, and Neaco’s product fitted the bill best.” “The simplicity of the balcony design kept our building looking clean and unimposed - other systems we looked at would have drawn too much attention away from the main structure. We are happy with the product and will be looking to work with Neaco on our future developments in 2008.” Available in a choice of designs, Spectrum Modular Balconies provide flooring manufactured from attractive yet durable aluminium decking and balustrade available in satin polished stainless steel or nylon powder coated aluminium with toughened glass infills. Neaco also manufactures a range of glass-fronted Juliet Balconies providing a stylish modern finish which offers an aesthetically attractive alternative to the cage-like appearance of meshed and railed balconies. Comprising 38 properties in total, WN1 is a highly prestigious development enjoying an ideal position within easy reach of the town centre. The scheme is one of a range of high profile developments which Dorbcrest Homes are currently building at some of the most sought-after locations in the northwest of England.


Clean And Contemporary Looks Fit Bill For Prestigious Development

Ward Insulated Panels has teamed up with roofing contractors Cladanco Ltd to supply and install 1,000m2 of Ward Topdek – the all-in-one single-ply insulated roof panel system – on the new Porsche Dealership at Cheshire Oaks, near Chester. Ward Topdek is a factory pre-engineered composite roof panel that facilitates faster onsite assembly. It comprises a proven high-performance single-ply PVC outer membrane integrally bonded to a Firesafe rigid PIR insulation core approved to LPBC standards and a steel trapezoidal profile inner deck to provide structural strength. As an all-in-one single-ply roofing solution, Topdek replaces the individual processes of laying steel decking, vapour control layer, insulation and outer membrane with one simple installation which, compared to traditional built-up roofing systems, is proving to be up to 50% faster to install. A new self-coring screw – unique to Topdek – speeds the installation process even further. Conventional fixing required a core of insulation to be removed, a self-tapping screw to be fixed then the core replaced prior to the welding of the side-lap. Now, in one simple operation, the self-coring screw replaces all of these three stages. The project architect, The Motor Design Group, specified Topdek for this reason, in addition to the roof panel’s guaranteed thermal performance and excellent air leakage qualities.


Ward Gets Into Top Gear With Porsche! Ardex R 90 P Rake And Trowel PU Screed Is A Fast Little Worker

Unistrut, the Metal Framing and Strut manufacturers, required a fast track installation for the refurbishment of a 135m2 storage area within their mechanical manufacturing and distribution centre. ARDEX R 90 P Rake and Trowel Grade Heavy Duty Polyurethane Screed was specified for this project. The system forms a tough, easily cleaned, pigmented layer from 4mm up to 9mm thick, providing a durable, slip resistant resin floor with high chemical resistance and a seamless, joint free finish. ARDEX R 90 P has been formulated to provide an easily worked system that can be rapidly applied enabling larger areas to be completed in one application.


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SEE US ATECOBUILDSTAND NO. E40127 FEB - 1 MAR 2007

www.archtp.net

Doesn’t your projectdeserve the best?

Dricon®, Non-Com® and Flamecheck®

are registered trademarks of Arch Timber Protection.

UniQue timber protection

Dricon® is the only BBA approvedfire retardant treatment for timber.

It forms part of a unique choiceof timber protection systems andservices available from Arch toprovide more time and safety in a fire situation.

ALLCOATSOLVENT BASEideal for historic restorations

The benefits of ALLCOAT SOLVENT BASE:

� Wall and ceiling primer and finish

� No other primer or topcoat required

� Virtually odourless (less odour than an acrylic)

� High hide, stain blocking, washable flat matt finish

� Ideal for high ph substrates such as limewash and distemper

� Used as stain block and as a finish

� Dries in 30 minutes. Recoat in 2 hours

� Neutralises substrates up to 12.5ph

� Brush, roller, airless spray

� Tintable to mid tone colours

Wm Zinsser (UK) LtdWetherby House, 7 Market Place, Wetherby, West Yorks LS22 6LG.Tel: 01937 584411. Fax: 01937 584422.e-mail: [email protected] web: www.zinsser.com

G5 HISTORIC HALF A4 AD 6/8/07 11:16 am Page 1


Chatham Revisited

Slick New Act From Sadolin

Sadolin has introduced a new range of oils for the protection of a variety of interior timber surfaces. Sadolin Floor Oil, Wood Oil, and Worktop Oil penetrate deep into the substrate providing a durable, low sheen finish with excellent water repellancy. All are suitable for brush application to new or bare wood, and previously oil-treated surfaces. Coverage per litre is as follows; beech 10sq.m; oak 15 sq.m; tropical hardwood up to 25sq.m. All three products are offered in a clear, satin finish and are recoatable in 20 minutes. Wood Oil (for banisters, panelling, furniture etc) and Worktop Oil are available in 500ml and 1 litre pack sizes, whilst Floor Oil comes in 1 and 2.5 litre packs. Says Lucy Thackray, Marketing Manager for Sadolin: “When compared with conventional Danish oil, there are some distinct advantages. For example Floor Oil is an oil-based resin, with a solids content of 76%. The drying time is faster than a pure oil and the finish is harder, and therefore more durable. A Danish oil, although itself not a pure oil, would take a lot longer to achieve a suitable hardness for flooring surfaces. Our Worktop Oil is a non-drying oil that works by soaking into the timber and is specially formulated for use in areas likely to come into contact with food. A Danish oil is more of a general oil and not specifically suitable for this purpose.”


The use of Sikkens’ new Rubbol XD exterior gloss finish at The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a superb example of how modern technology can enhance traditional structures. The building in question is an historic church, which is located within the 80-acre dockyard estate, one of Kent’s major tourist attractions. This important part of Britain’s national heritage - which is on the shortlist of potential World Heritage Sites - is home to numerous structures and buildings designated as Ancient Monuments, the highest form of statutory protection given to buildings in the UK. Hence, the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, responsible for the refurbishment and maintenance on site, has to ensure that all products and materials meet the most stringent criteria. Newly launched Rubbol XD lacquer has been applied to the doors of The Royal Dockyard Church to afford long-lasting protection and to enhance the visual appearance of the wood. This exterior finish has been specifically formulated to offer 10 years’ durability, based on a new patented binder technology, producing a styrene acrylic binder cross-linked with an alkyd in a relatively low amount of solvent. Durability is a major advantage at The Historic Dockyard, with Rubbol XD offering typically eight to 10 years before maintenance is required.



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Armourcoat Offers A Cocktail Of Finishes At The Brew House HotelOn a recent hotel development near the historic Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells, the requirements of architect David Thompson of Amos Partnership for high calibre wall finishes to reflect the elegance and class of this new refurbishment has been met by the extensive application of ArmourCoat Polished Plaster, ArmourCast and ArmourColor wall finishes. The unique aesthetics of “ArmourCast Flow Wall” a 20m² dramatic, sculptured, seamless wall with fluid elegant curves helped to create a stunning contemporary ambience for this multifunctional dining area of the hotel restaurant. The white sheen finish created by the Spatulata Polished Plaster reflects the natural as well as the interior lighting, emphasizing the crisp and modern interior design. ArmourCast can reproduce almost any architectural shape that can be made in conventional GRG that is too complex for a hand-applied finish. In the hotel bedroom suites, ArmourColor Tactite decorative wall coating creates a dramatic dialogue between wall and bedroom continuing the contemporary theme throughout the hotel. Tactite with its suede feel is exceptionally hard wearing and easy to clean, making it highly suitable for hotel environments.


Hodgson & Hodgson Complements Victorian Splendour With 21st Century AcousticsThe Hodgson & Hodgson Group has installed a state-of-the-art acoustic canopy as part of a £4 million restoration of Leeds Town Hall. Designed to fit the space above Victoria Hall’s stage and orchestral pit, the acoustic canopy is suspended by four cables and fixed to a reeling drum in the building’s attic space. The canopy supports 12 three-dimensional acoustic ‘sails’ incorporating telescopic arms. Constructed using 18mm birch plywood, the sails are set at different angles, ranging from nine to 90°, and oriented to optimise the acoustic effect. The canopy can be easily lowered for essential maintenance and repair work.


Stannah Solve Disabled Access In Sports Centre

When Sherborne Girls extended their indoor sports facilities the School ensured that disabled people would be able to use the facilities too by including a Stannah platform lift. Oxley Sports Centre, extended in 2007, is a dual-use facility. The Centre welcomes all members of the public and other local schools to use the facilities seven days a week. The Stannah Midilift SL takes wheelchair users up to a range of first floor facilities designed especially for disabled people. The 2-stop platform lift moves within a glass-clad shaft providing ample room for a wheelchair user to enter and exit the lift with ease. It features easy-to-use constant pressure push buttons, a non-slip floor and feature lighting to ensure it is simple and easy for every passenger.


Maysand Wins Port Of Liverpool ContractNorth west restoration and conservation specialist Maysand Limited has been awarded a £500,000 contract to clean, repair and repoint the exterior of the landmark Port of Liverpool Building. Built in 1907 of Portland stone in the Edwardian Baroque style, the Port of Liverpool Building is undergoing a £10 million refurbishment. Maysand found its expertise sought early on, after being appointed to the project by in-house contractor George Downing Construction, when its first task was to help refine the schedule of works. MD Bryn Lisle explains: “We’re carrying out a “masons’ clean”, a low pressure, ‘nebulous’ water spray which gently agitates the limestone to wash away any grime on the surface. As well as the cleaning team, a repointing gang, several teams of stonemasons and a repair crew who will re-pin the stone with stainless steel in isolated areas, will all be working on the project throughout.”


Design & Display Structures Slots Into Marlowe ArcadeBespoke stone effect GRP cladding, crafted by UK experts Design & Display Structures, is drawing the customers in at Canterbury’s Marlowe Arcade. The realistic features of the GRP cladding blend seamlessly with the surroundings and, with quicker erection times than heavyweight alternatives, installation time and costs were kept to a minimum. The decorative cladding has created the perfect look for the Arcade’s main entrance, certain to entice residents and tourists alike. Existing curtain walling, spanning the building’s elevations, was also capped off with decorative soffit surrounds.


First Use Of Sikkens Alphaxylan SF In UK Hospital

A major extension and refurbishment project at Jersey General Hospital has incorporated bold and bright colours using Alpha interior wall finishes from Sikkens. What made the project unique was the involvement of each department’s staff who were invited to contribute their colour choice to the specification. The design proposals were well received by the members of the hospital during a day-long colour consultation during which a mock-up of the entire colour scheme was produced to include a suite of contrasting colours for flooring, walls and skirting. The product specified was Alphaxylan SF, a high quality finish for interior walls that offers excellent opacity and scrub resistance, essential for sterile environments.


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Polystorm Provides The Attenuated AnswerA convenient modern home in one of our most beautiful Regency spa towns sounds too good to be true but a new development by Barratt Homes on the outskirts of Cheltenham offers just that. An estate of 44 plots, Equinox is a mix of town houses, detached properties and apartments, some with its personal garage. As always with such a development, the provision for storm drainage from a site with a very large roof area plus a great deal of paved or bitumened concrete around it required careful planning to avoid not only surface flooding but also a potential overload on the local drainage system. It was decided that, to comply with SUDS best practice, attenuation tanks should be installed under the car park area so that the run-off in storm conditions could be contained for later controlled release into a ditch. The ditch then discharges into an existing balancing pond to the rear of GCHQ, hence the limited discharge allowance.Sub-contractor Aquatek Water Management Solutions proposed the use of Polystorm a system where modular storage units, individually light weight and easily handled, are bulked together to form a single tank with free flow between the units. The void ratio of Polystorm is around 95% [compared with around 30% for traditional granular fill systems] and, when the formed tank is wrapped in an impermeable geomembrane, a secure drainage area is created from which water can be stored and then released in strictly controlled quantities once the storm has passed. In Cheltenham one hole was prepared to contain two separate storage units one consisting of 350 Polystorm units and the other with 320 units, giving a total capacity well in excess of that required for a “thirty year storm” over the site.

The need for two tanks and the pipe passing between them demonstrates the tight nature of the site and the versatility of the Polystorm units. Aquatek installed the geotextiles to the base and then hot wedge welded the geomembrane to the overlap before the modular units were installed, testing the seams to 2 bar for five minutes. Once the low level pipe connectors were fitted, the units inserted and the upper level pipe seals fitted, all that remained to be done was to weld the lid panel on top and backfill the pits with an initial 100mm coarse sand protection layer on top of a 300g non-woven protection fleece. The backfill was then brought in 150mm compacted layers of Type1 all the way to the underside of the final tarmac road finish. Job done! Aquatek Managing Director David Fozzard uses Polystorm on a regular basis and is delighted both how simple the modular system is to use and how efficient it is when in use. The householders at Equinox will probably never know what lies beneath them when they wash their cars on a Sunday, preventing floods in severe weather conditions.


Rock Asphalte Has Broad Appeal In BristolWith a proven track record in flagship retail developments, Rock Asphalte was the only firm fit to help Bristol become one of the UK’s top 10 retail locations. The Broadmead Expansion, soon to be known as Cabot Circus, is a £500m project. It is set to feature 1 million sq ft of shops and leisure facilities and, when complete, will offer a show stopping gateway to the Bristol’s historic centre. Based on the company’s unrivalled reputation for quality and service, Rock Asphalte’s Flexiphalte Triple Protection inverted roof and structural waterproofing systems were chosen for Cabot Circus. They are now providing unbeatable flat roof and structural waterproofing cover for all concrete roof areas at the development. Designed to be laid “dead flat” or to falls, the Triple Protection System comprises a high performance Flexiphalte Baryprene membrane fully bonded to the substrate in hot bitumen. Rock’s Flexiphalte Pommar, an advanced polymer modified mastic asphalt, is then fully bonded to the membrane. Insulation and ballast, and or paving slabs, are then super imposed over the top or, alternatively, hard and or soft landscaping. Rock’s acclaimed Flexiphalte Car Deck Waterproofing System was also used during the Broadmead Expansion.


Design & Display Structures Scores Top MarksTailor made GRP columns crafted by Design & Display Structures helped a major educational project scoop the prestigious North East Landmark of the Year. When the Newcastle City Campus East won the accolade in October, judges heaped praise on the modern and sustainable design. Under its almost £200,000 contract, Design & Display Structures delivered a six month design, supply and install package utilising the latest ultra eco friendly GRP manufacturing techniques. The industry expert created around 130 prefabricated, totally bespoke columns for the striking, multi-million evelopment at Northumbria University. All of these were volume produced using the company’s offsite system, bringing massive labour and material savings for the client.


Syntha Pulvin Sails Into PortPortsmouth’s iconic Spinnaker Tower will stay shipshape for years to come with Valspar’s leading powder coating. Unrivalled quality, backed up by a 25 year warranty, was a key reason why Syntha Pulvin was asked aboard the dramatic sail-shaped project. Valspar approved applicator Metalion Ltd applied Syntha Pulvin, specially mixed to replicate the colour of the external render, to the lift areas and observation deck. There are more than

100 colours available in the Syntha Pulvin Matt and Metallic ranges. Syntha Pulvin products are recyclable and can be applied to aluminium and galvanised steel window frames, cladding panels, curtain walling, roofing and most architectural metalwork.


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Arch Demonstrate The Art Of Fire Proofing Timber For An Award Winning BuildingThe multi-award winning Pier Arts Centre in Stromness, Orkney has benefited from over 150m2 of Duplex Oak boarding treated with Arch’s fire retardant Dricon as part of a two year, £4.5 million Lottery funded redevelopment. Established in 1979 to provide a home for an important collection of British fine art, the Centre re-opened in July 2007.It is housed in a complex of buildings that sit on one of the many piers characterising the historic town of Stromness, and provides a key landmark on the harbour. he original listed buildings and pier, which once housed the office and stores of the Hudson’s Bay Company, have been sympathetically extended by Reiach & Hall Architects.The Duplex Oak boarding has been treated with Dricon as it remains the only BBA Certified fire retardant and conforms to the specified building regulations. The treated timber is used in three areas throughout the Centre – the stairwell wall linings and upper balustrade section, the ground floor main entrance wall and ceiling linings and the ground floor concealed cupboard doors. Richard Adams, fire retardants manager for Arch said: “It is very satisfying to be associated with such a memorable and worthwhile project. The use of Dricon proves the performance credentials of Arch fire retardant treatments through their use in this delicate environment, while the aesthetics of treated Oak captures perfectly the natural and traditional atmosphere of the Centre.” “The specification of fire retardant treated timber, particularly for the staircase, is testament to its trusted performance in a fire situation. This is the main route linking the upper and ground floors, and the safety of the thousands of visitors passing through the Centre every year is obviously paramount. I am delighted both with the trust in Arch treatments for this end use, and also the finished result”.” he added.


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