The Essencial Building Review 2009 Winter

eviewTHE ESSENTIAL BUILDING PRODUCT

The new Bayona basin from Bauhaus brings up-to-the minute style into the home

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JD Sports Fashion Plc has chosen Stannah Lifts within their brand new branch at Liverpool One

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Shackerley has helped P+HS Architects to deliver a highly sustainable office development in York

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Contents4 DesignView Plans,designs,andprojectsfromleading

designpractices

12 ViewPoint Buildingproductmanufacturersgivetheir

opinions

22 InsideView Acloserlookattwokeybuildingproduct

groups

46 GrandView Buildingproductscombineformwith

functioninthereviewspicturegallery

56 EssentialBuildingProductReview News,developments,productandproject

informationforthebuildingdesigner

84 RearView

Some of the colour photography used in The Essential Building Product Review 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 The Essential Building Product Review is accurate, the publishers do not accept liability for errors that may appear in the publication. The Review 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.

Published by: Link2Media Building Publications Ltd,Barn 8, Dunston Business Village, Stafford Road,Dunston, Stafford, ST18 9ABTel: 01785 711591 Fax: 01785 711592[e] [email protected] [w] www.link2media.co.uk

TheSpaatGleneaglesbyESPA-featuringKahrsWalnutVermontwoodflooring.Visitwww.kahrs.com



GlennHowellsArchitectsWinCompetitionToDesignMasterplanForNewmanCollege

Glenn Howells Architects have been appointed by Newman University College Birmingham to develop the campus masterplan and associated buildings. A rapid programme has been agreed to deliver a new building which is designed to be an inspirational public face for the University, this will comprise an entrance building, library, family learning centre and crche.

The competition was won by OJEU. A planning application will be submitted in early 2009.

[w] www.glennhowells.co.uk

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ModernAndInnovativeAffordableHousingProjectGivenGreenLightOnAppealAward winning northern architecture firm, DKS Architects, is celebrating after a pioneering housing project in Thornaby was given the green light following a planning appeal last week.

The Kube2 development of 34 low-cost affordable homes on the former SD Print and Design site in the town, had been refused planning permission by local councillors. However, following an appeal this decision has now been overturned by the Planning Inspectorate who praised the schemes modern and innovative design.

Mark Barlow, partner in DKS architects said: We are delighted that this scheme can now go ahead. We always believed in the strong merits of this project, underpinned with a fundamental belief that well designed homes should not only be restricted to high end developments. The feedback from the planning inspectorate has been overwhelmingly positive and I look forward to seeing the site transformed when work begins in the next few months.

DKS produced the design on behalf of development company Kube under a brief requiring efficient use of space in order to make the building more affordable whilst ensuring high quality.

The quirky designs include 22 studio apartments and 12 one bedroom apartments, providing flexible living spaces. The design will enable the development to be quickly built, ensuring minimal disruption to nearby residents.

Mark added: Despite the economic slowdown, property still remains prohibitively expensive for many first time buyers. There remains an appetite among young people and key workers for stylish, affordable, desirable homes. The Kube2 development delivers this and I am sure will prove to be a welcome addition and a talking point for the people of Thornaby.

[w] www.dksarchitects.com

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LSIArchitectsAnnouncesPlanningApprovalforNew23MPastonSixthFormCollege

London and Norwich based LSI Architects has announced that planning approval has been secured for Paston College, to build new Sixth Form College facilities on the land at Station Road in North Walsham, Norfolk.

The new 23m College development, designed by LSI Architects, seeks to expand and improve the educational facilities and student capacity. It will replace its existing, split-site facilities and provide a single site, purpose-built, high-quality learning environment for 16 - 19 year old students in North Norfolk. Now planning permission has been granted by North Norfolk District Council (subject to the completion of a legal agreement), construction is due to commence in 2010 and the new college is expected to open in September 2011.

The College currently operates from older accommodation across two sites in historic town centre of North Walsham, utilising former school buildings which are no longer fit-for-purpose for providing a modern 16-19 curriculum. The plan is to build the new campus next to the Victory Swim and Fitness Centre.

The College, which currently has 800 students, needs to expand its capacity and facilities for up to 1000: while the majority of Paston students study for A levels, there is a substantial vocational provision and as the College prepares for the introduction of the new Diplomas, better facilities are required. There is also a future need for more students to remain in education until the age

of eighteen. The recent Ofsted inspection of the College graded a number of areas as outstanding including English, languages, visual and performing arts and media while recognising that existing College buildings placed constraints on achieving an outstanding environment for teaching and learning.

The Station Road site in North Walsham, owned by the Paston Foundation and which is to be redeveloped for the new College facilities, is 3.02 hectares (7.5 acres) in size. The new building has been designed to provide teaching accommodation over two and three storeys with the main College entrance and classroom wing along Station Road and staff and administration spaces to the south east

corner. A three storey internal atrium street of further learning spaces, containing a two storey Learning Resource Centre (library and study area), forms the central heart of the college and leads from the entrance to the Theatre and Sports Hall.

The proposed new building will have a gross internal footprint of approximately 7,300 square metres. This single location new-build education campus is designed to provide a secure and purpose-

designed first-class learning environment, including social and recreational areas with sports and catering facilities to the latest Learning & Skills Council space standards.

The new facilities have been designed with a contemporary architectural style to represent a new chapter of educational provision in

North Norfolk. The materials selected for the project are durable, of high quality and require low maintenance. They introduce scale and texture to the building, reinforcing the overall strategic building design concept and modern appearance of this new 21st century learning environment.

The interior design will create a high quality and stimulating learning space, integrating the latest education and workplace standards of space planning, material finishes, furniture and equipment.

The new facilities have also been developed with a holistic sustainable design approach. It provides the new College with an integrated design that enhances the site environment, reduces energy consumption, reduces maintenance costs, encourages sustainable travel, provides the highest quality internal environment to enhance learning and assists the future economic viability of the Paston College.

Sustainable design features of the new facility include: compact plan and building orientation; optimisation of levels of natural daylight; high thermal massing and high levels of

insulation; maximised use of natural ventilation and

cross ventilation; ground source heat pumps to serve

underfloor heating; and solar roof panels for hot water generation.

The landscaping will enhance the natural ecology and increase biodiversity of the site and a variety of water management strategies such as Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and a wildlife pond as a learning resource, will be implemented.

The new College has been designed to achieve a Very Good rating for the Building Research Establishment Environment Assessment (BREEAM) national standard for Further Education Colleges.

Lead Architect John Thornberry, Associate Member of LSI Architects, commented: A Redevelopment Feasibility Study was initially carried out to assess options for providing

new facilities for updating and enlarging the existing Paston College. Disposal and reuse options were appraised for the two existing historic sites and strategies were developed with the College, North Norfolk District Council, LSC, Sport England and Town Regeneration Network. The study concluded that a new build college was the best option for redevelopment providing a new learning village containing purpose built Sixth Form College facilities.

Mr Thornberry concluded: Following the initial comments from last months Planning Committee, the project team made a number of amendments to the design including; moving the building 3 metres further back into the site, providing an improved road junction and coach turning layout, a designated landscape habitat area to increase biodiversity, detailed articulation of the solar shading to the elevations and provision of a sculpture garden to display students work. We have satisfied the committees concerns with these additional design and traffic improvements and with assurance of local community use for the new sports facilities.

The Principal of Paston College, Peter Mayne, said: We are delighted with the planning approval for a new College. Paston has a long and proud history in North Walsham; the Paston School was founded in 1606 by Sir William Paston and the Paston Foundation has supported education in the town and the surrounding area for over 400 years. The Paston Foundation has a strong community focus, providing land both for the Victory Swim and Fitness Centre as well as the new College development.

Mr Mayne continued: Extensive consultation took place with the public and community, giving everyone an insight into the Colleges plans and an opportunity to comment on the draft proposals that form

the basis of the planning application. As a result of comments from the public and other consultees gained in the public consultation exhibition in June 2008, the design proposals were revised to set the new college building a further 10 metres back into the site from the frontage to Station Road and then a further 3 metres back in November. Following consultation with Sport England the sports facilities were increased to provide a larger 4-court sports hall and increased changing rooms to facilitate greater use of the excellent facilities.

Mr Mayne concluded: The redevelopment of Paston College will give the opportunity for the College to continue providing a leading sixth form college facility in North Walsham serving the town and North Norfolk. The proposals will deliver a site and building to the latest standards of accessible design with potential for future community use of the College facilities. The new College will provide excellent educational facilities and resources to reflect current and future curriculum developments and it will allow for the expected student growth in North Norfolk by being able to accommodate up to 1,000 16 -19 year old students. It will also enable north Norfolk residents to enjoy first-class sports facilities during the evenings and weekends.

A funding application has been submitted to the Governments Learning and Skills Council.

[w] www.lsiarchitects.co.uk

All images supplied by LSI Architects LLP

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Architects are trained to conceive of their designs in 3D. To impress a potential client or a panel of judges, it helps to have a finely detailed model to communicate concepts clearly. It also helps to be able to create detailed models throughout the entire design phase of a new project, so that engineering problems can be rectified early on, reducing the number of errors that go undetected beyond the early stages.

The challenge is that making models can be expensive and time consuming using traditional methods, especially when innovative designs use complex shapes and forms. Today, leading architects are discovering an entirely new technology that changes the game 3D printing. A 3D printer creates a detailed physical object from 3D design data much as an office printer creates documents from word-processing files.

Henning Larsen Architects (HLA) is a world-renowned architectural firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Together with fellow Dane Jrn Utzon (designer of the Sydney Opera House), HLA founder Henning Larsen has helped to establish Denmark as a leader in contemporary architecture. He is the creative genius behind landmarks around the world, such as the Danish.

Embassy in Riyadh, the Copenhagen Opera House and the Roland Levinsky Building at the University of Plymouth, UK. To help to push the boundaries of architectural design, HLA continually improves its model making process by investing in the latest 3D model making technology.

Using its new Z Corporation ZPrinter 450 3D printer means that HLA can make precision models in less than a day, which

would have once taken weeks to complete. The machine has created a much closer link between the physical and the digital world, allowing us to print component parts in color and construct models of buildings in 3D from the very beginning of the process, said Morten Steffensen, an engineer at HLA.

The ZPrinter 450 enables Henning Larsens architects to print shapes that are challenging to make by hand, such as double curving surfaces and intricate or finely detailed elements such as staircases, for example.

Since installing the ZPrinter 450, HLA has refined and enhanced its 3D model making process and reduced model build time and cost, adds Steffensen.

The firm took delivery of its ZPrinter 450 in January 2008. Were told that the

machine has the fastest output speed of any 3D printer; five times greater than similar systems in the same price category. We can even build multiple models at the same time by stacking and nesting parts.

Models can take between an hour and 12 hours to print depending on how much detail is included in the original CAD file. The ZPrinter 450 automates many processes, meaning that operator touch time for setup and model removal is reduced. Timesaving machine functions include automated setup and self-monitoring as well as automated powder loading and recycling. The ZPrinter 450 has been created for the front-office environment and has been designed to operate quietly, to use safe build materials and produce zero liquid waste.

HLA acquires many of its commissions by winning design competitions, including that to build the prestigious Reykjavik Concert and Conference Centre, Iceland, currently under construction and due for completion in 2009.

We use 3D printed parts together with laser cut parts and handmade elements to

build models for competition entries, says Morten Steffensen. Like the Reykjavik Conference Centre, theyre typically quite complex and help to clearly communicate our ideas at the earliest stages of the competition process.

The interior of the Reykjavik model was printed on the Z Corp ZPrinter 450 and the skin of the building was laser cut.

We were able to print two batches of interiors at a time on the ZPrinter 450, says Steffensen. The entire model takes between 12 and 14 hours to print, plus assembly time.But build-time is only one consideration when creating a model. Another is precision, which is where the ZPrinter 450 has really benefited Henning Larsen.

Whether its a competition or a project bid, theres limited opportunity to get ideas across, so we need all the help we can get. Thanks to 3D printing our models are more refined and more precise, which gives us an advantage. Theres no doubt that beautiful models help us to win commissions, said Steffenson.

According to Steffensen, building legislation in the EU will soon demand that architects produce multiple 3D models from early on in the design process.

There are currently a number of legislative initiatives underway in the EU and its member states that seek to increase the use of digitalisation in the building process, he says. For instance, in HLAs home country of Denmark, all buildings with a projected construction cost of more than j4 million must have their design produced as a physical 3D model before a contract can be awarded.

The aim of the legislation is to reduce the number of potential snags during the construction of a new structure building. It also means that any company wishing to bid on a project will have to invest in - or have regular access to - a 3D model printer. As the ZPrinter 450 prints in colour, designs are easier to interpret, which eases communication between with the client and the building engineers.

[w] www.henninglarsen.comSUPERMODELS

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ViewPoint14 CoatingOfManyColours PhilRobertsofMedwayGalvanising

16 AGuideToOff-SiteConstructionForMain Contractors DavidJohnson,DirectorandGeneralManagerofYorkon

20 PuttingABlockOnClimateChange IanPritchettofLimeTechnology

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CoatingOfManyColours

With a new version of the biblical tale about Joseph and his coat of many colours playing to packed audiences in the West End, it is worth taking time to reflect on an industrial process that, although offering a slightly smaller swatch of hues, actually touches many peoples lives.

Galvanising has been relied on as an economic means of protecting steel against the effects of oxidation since 1836 when the base metal used to be dipped in molten zinc. As a process, galvanising has been used to extend the life of iron and steel since the mid 19th century, though techniques have been greatly refined over time. The thoroughly cleaned metal is immersed into molten zinc, and a series of layers of zinc-iron alloy are built up through the metallurgical reaction induced. Significantly there is not clear demarcation between the two metals, but a graduation of alloys, with a silvery surface coating of zinc

often forming on the object as it is withdrawn from the bath. While this whole process will normally only take four to five minutes, more time may be required due to the thermal inertia of large, heavy components, or where the zinc has to penetrate voids in the section.

The typical coating thickness is between 45 and 200 um, and the metallic zinc surface reacts with oxygen and moisture in the atmosphere to create an adherent protective patina, the life of which is proportional to the overall thickness. Further to this galvanised coatings are often described as being self healing because at any areas of damage or cut edges, it is the zinc that corrodes rather than the steel due to the formation of a galvanic cell due to the metals different positions in the periodic table. Products of corrosion are then deposited on the surface of the bare steel and give further protection.When the treated metal object first emerges from the galvanising bath it has a shiny, silvery appearance which can be mistaken for a paint coating. With time this surface will begin to change and take on more of a grey patina which is considered attractive enough by some architects and property owners to prefer it as the final finish for features such as window frames, balcony handrails and other items of architectural ironmongery. More commonly, galvanising is employed as the primary protection system or base beneath a polyester powder paint finish. Now although this can be chosen in any RAL number to match or contrast with other elements to the building elevation, there is one colour which galvanisers would argue best emphasises the function of zinc coating for steel compared to any other and that is green. The UK construction industry is currently caught up in a cycle of claim and counter claim about the relative merits of different building materials with the steady stream of legislation and guidance documents such as

the Code for Sustainable Homes having done little to settle the arguments. What is rather easier to determine, however, is the whole life cost of manufactured products, along with a figure for their embodied energy. In this context the case for galvanising becomes a no-brainer. Without it steel building components offer a hugely foreshortened service life. Exposed to the atmosphere there is the double-edged drawback of a greatly increased maintenance burden involving treatment and redecoration, coupled with the poor aesthetic impact of rust staining. Potentially even more serious though is the problems that can occur if, as in the case with lintels, they are hidden in the building envelope, then corrosion can continue unseen and unchecked. Then it is possible for the component to become weakened structurally and there is even the chance of collapse. Steel components that are galvanised, by contrast, can offer a low maintenance working life of 60 years or more, requiring only occasional inspection and possible intervention where the protective coating may have suffered physical damage.

All European galvanisers adhere to the requirements of BS EN ISO 1461, determining both the methods of application and the coating thickness achieved. In the case of relatively delicate objects like threaded bolts, it is crucial to keep the thickness low so that assembly tolerances are not compromised. This is achieved by spinning the objects in a centrifuge to remove excess zinc, while roughening the surface by grit-blasting prior to application has the effect of increasing the coating depth. While a general coating of 85 m is predicted to last 50 years or more the heavier treatments given to items like structural steel members up to 140 m - could offer a durability of 100 years. Without this seemingly ultra-thin layer of zinc, across the planet, a total of one tonne of steel turns to rust every 90 seconds. While this in itself may be difficult to envisage, the corresponding waste in energy needed to replace each tonne is sufficient to power the average family household for a full year. Beyond this the galvanising industry is committed to improving the life cycle performance of its processes, and the Galvanizers Association has recently

established a Pan-European Life Cycle Inventory database dealing with the effectiveness of the treatment. This will lead to far greater accuracy in predicting the lifespan of steel products or structures. As for the metal itself, zinc is one of the most plentiful elements on earth, easily obtained and actually essential to both plant and animal life. And although galvanising would be considered to be heavy industry by most people, actual emissions to atmosphere from the process are very low. Admittedly on some of the older sites where galvanising goes back generations, there has been real evidence of contamination, but the activity is much more tightly controlled nowadays and the vast majority of the discharge consists of spent acids used to clean the steel prior to treatment. This liquid is removed by licensed waste management companies, being employed to produce ferric chloride, a valuable raw material required to remove phosphates in water treatment. And increasingly the acid is also being used to neutralise other contaminants on brownfield sites in the process referred to as remediation.

Significantly the technologies in the galvanising process continue to be refined and improved while larger and larger components have also become treatable. Manufacturers may in many cases wish to break down steel structures into a number of discreet elements to ensure all surfaces are correctly coated, but modern plants such as the one that Medway Galvanising operates in Sittingbourne are able to handle objects measuring up to 12 metres in length and weighing three tonnes. In a world where the responsible use of resources has become a watchword for industry, the longevity of galvanised steel, coupled with its ultimate recyclability, make the arguments in favour of this economic and environmentally sound process unchallengeable.

[w] www.medgalv.co.uk

PhilRobertsofMedwayGalvanisingconsidersthecredentialsofgalvanisingasaneffectiveandenvironmentallyfriendlyanti-corrosionprocess.

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AGuideToOff-SiteConstructionForMainContractorsMore main contractors than ever before are looking to off-site construction to deliver some of the most challenging building contracts, on time and on budget.

In this report, David Johnson, Director and General Manager of off-site specialists, Yorkon, offers some practical guidance for contractors considering an off-site approach, and gives some advice on how to select a modular specialist.

How can Off-site Construction Add Value to a Building Contract?Off-site construction can add considerable value for main contractors. It is important to recognise the benefits it can offer the use of modular building may not be the lowest cost solution, but it can be the most cost effective when the value it can add to operations is taken into account.

The speed of off-site construction has been well documented it is up to 50 per cent faster than traditional site-based building methods. This is because modules are

manufactured off site in a factory while the foundations are progressed on site. The use of volumetric construction also means that a watertight envelope can be created in a matter of days, ready for the final stages of fitting out, and ensuring earlier completion and handover.

Every week saved on a building contract will reduce preliminary costs, such as site accommodation and site management, increasing the competitiveness of the contractor.

There are a host of other quantifiable benefits of the off-site approach. These include:Reduced risk for the main contractor The transfer of risk to a modular specialist is a huge benefit for main contractors. There is also greater predictability of cost and programme because much of the building process is completed off site, and the construction process is not affected by poor weather conditions. This certainty of completion on time and

on budget, and successful delivery, will enhance the contractors reputation with their client.

Significantly improved quality off-site manufacturing takes place in a controlled factory environment using a permanent, trained workforce. This has a direct, positive impact on quality and efficiency, and there are fewer defects to be rectified and managed post completion.

Less disruption during construction work on site is safer, quieter and cleaner and there are up to 90 per cent fewer vehicle movements to site (source: Mtech). This is a particularly important advantage for construction projects in residential areas and on busy sites such as hospitals and schools, where minimising disruption is a key issue for the contractor.

Improved thermal efficiency full scale tests for air permeability have shown that modular buildings can perform up to 70 per cent better than Building Regulations

requirements. This significantly improves energy efficiency for the client

Earlier occupation by reducing programme times, the client takes possession earlier and benefits from a faster return on investment and earlier use of the building

Reduced management resources off-site construction will reduce the contractors management resources required for each project as there are fewer trades on site for a shorter period

Reduced design time modular building requires fewer design resources, saving time and further reducing cost for the contractor.

It is important to consider how these advantages will help your business and that a value is put on the benefits.

How can the Off-site Approach Help Contractors Reduce Waste?Pressure is increasing on the construction industry to halve the amount of material waste going to landfill in the next six years. WRAP states that UK construction consumes more than 400m tonnes of materials each year, generating 100m tonnes of waste.

Research carried out by WRAP has also stated that off-site construction can reduce on-site waste by up to 90 per cent. This is because much of the work takes place in a controlled factory environment, which makes waste segregation and recycling much easier.

Good design and engineering waste-generating operations out of the manufacturing process are key.

Examples include:- Intelligent modular

design, which maximises the use of standard-sized materials and minimises the amount of cutting to fit.

- Door and window cut outs from insulated wall panels, which can be re-used in other modular products*

- Value engineering the composition of polyurethane insulating foam can result in a 10 per cent reduction in material consumption*

- Steel beams can be supplied to the factory in the precise length required for a specific module size, eliminating the need for disposing of off-cuts

- Decking board used for floors and other components can be supplied pre-sized to suit the modules, removing the need for trimming and the associated waste. The working environment in the factory is also then greatly improved as there are no wood particles or dust generated.

A modular system can incorporate a base that is integral to the module and therefore requires simplified foundations. This in turn reduces the amount of excavation waste sent to landfill or for redistribution on each site, and the concrete needed in the foundations.

In order to reduce waste in the modular manufacturing process, suppliers of low value, high volume materials, such as adhesives and fastenings, can deliver direct to the production line. This eliminates any packaging that would otherwise need to be disposed of. Wood chips generated in the joinery operations can be collected and sold as a raw material.

Materials for fitting out can be delivered to the factory in bulk quantities, further reducing site traffic and vehicle movements overall.

The volume of building materials wasted through damage and deterioration on site is also significantly reduced with off-

site construction. Any storage is under cover and materials are handled in factory conditions.

A Contractors Guide to Working with Off-site Construction 10 Key Considerations1 Look at other applications of off-site

construction This will demonstrate just what is

possible and will help you select the best modular specialist for the project. Do not limit your assessment to projects in your sector talk to other contractors and end users who have used the system and use their experience. This will help you differentiate the leading off-site specialists from poor performers.

2 Visit completed buildings Seeing modular buildings at first hand

will allow you to assess the quality of construction and finish delivered by each manufacturer.

3 Understand the system Visit the factory and make sure you

are clear about how the off-site system works and the quality controls that are in place. What happens and at what stage will be critical in planning your project, and the timings will be different to traditional site-based building methods.

Some design detailing will be best carried out by the modular specialist, further reducing the contractors preliminary design costs. Do consider this when agreeing fees with your design team.

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4 What are the optimum module sizes for the system?

Ask the manufacturer about module sizes and ensure the building is designed for the off-site system from the outset to ensure optimum use of the site and maximum cost efficiency. Fewer, larger modules are the most cost-effective and efficient solution.

5 Select the best system for the application There are now many different types of

off-site construction and each has its place in the market. Three important differences are:

Pods these are often confused with modules but they are very different. A module is the structural element of a building whereas a pod, for example a bathroom pod, is inserted into an existing structure.

Cellular systems here the walls provide the structure, not an external frame. These systems can be used for taller buildings but space planning is restricted. Hotels, apartments and student accommodation are well suited to cellular or room-based modular construction.

Open plan systems give the building user complete flexibility for space planning, with clear internal spans of 12m, up to six storeys high. The approach uses steel-framed modules that interconnect vertically and horizontally to form the building structure and is suitable for applications such as supermarkets, airports, offices, schools and hospitals.

6 Involve the off-site manufacturer from the earliest stage in design

This is critical to ensuring the building

design is for modular rather than site-based construction, allowing the benefits of off site to be maximised at every stage.

Timing is critical if the design team fully details a design before selecting the off-site system, both time and resources will be wasted.

The manufacturer should also be willing to work as part of the design team and participate in design workshops if required.

7 Design considerations Modular buildings can now offer greater

design flexibility than ever before, with all the quality and efficiency benefits of building off site.

With the introduction of new innovations such as curved modular buildings, high performance, pre-installed concrete floors and a wider range of cladding, glazing and green options, there should be no compromise on the quality of design with the use of off-site construction.

Modular systems can now be used to create landmark, statement buildings, to complement existing architecture, and to meet occupiers specific requirements.

Aesthetic variations can include the addition of brick, render, timber, terracotta tiles, rainscreen cladding, full height glazing, a variety of window configurations and a range of roofing and green design options such as passive ventilation, biomass boilers, ground and air source heat pumps and photovoltaics.

8 Are curved buildings an option? In a move away from the traditional

rectilinear appearance of modular buildings, curved faades are now possible. Faceted modules can be

used to form shaped buildings, atria and feature entrances. This advance in modular technology also allows more efficient development of irregular sites, as well as greater design flexibility.

Ensure the shaped modules have the reassurance of the same warranties, independent certifications, testing and approvals as the highest quality standard modular system.

9 Look at marrying together traditional and modular elements

A traditionally constructed project can easily be extended with a modular building, and two modular buildings can be joined by a glazed roof, creating an internal atrium with high levels of natural light.

Constrained sites can also be developed using off-site construction, overcoming the challenges of limited storage

space for materials handling and restricted access for the heavy plant and equipment required for traditional building methods.

Steel-framed modular construction can also be used

to provide roof-top extensions to traditionally constructed buildings, which is a particularly useful benefit for city centre projects.

10 Health and safety implications Improving health and safety on building

sites should be a priority for the entire industry and off-site specialists should share contractors commitment and passion in this critical area. Contractors must still challenge the off-site sector and assess each manufacturers methods of working to ensure its approach to health and safety is robust and appropriate for each project.

The nature of off-site construction, particularly during the installation phase,

demands different working practices, systems and procedures to traditional site-based building methods, which contractors should recognise.

How to Select an Off-Site Manufacturer 10 Practical Tips1 Assessing an off-site partner If a project is a major scheme, does the

manufacturer have the capacity required, when it is needed?

Look at the financial stability, R&D resources, health and safety record, technical back-up, project management expertise and relevant experience of the manufacturer.

Does the manufacturer have a zero tolerance policy in place for defects?

2 Look at the manufacturers track record The manufacturer should have relevant

sector experience, and be familiar with all the technical issues and any specialist requirements. Talk to their customers, other contractors and visit completed buildings. Always take up references.

3 How much of the manufacturers business is from repeat customers?

This is a key indicator of a companys track record for delivery on time, and commitment to quality and customer service.

4 What percentage of projects have been delivered on time and on budget?

Time and cost overruns in the construction industry are still a major concern among contractors and clients. Off-site construction can significantly improve time and cost predictability and reduce client risk.

Ask for statistics that show what percentage of building projects have been delivered on time and on budget, ideally over the past five years. This will be a good indicator of a manufacturers performance, and allow you to make a comparison between off-site specialists helping you to further reduce risk.

5 Independent approvals Look for independent endorsements and

approvals, and ask to see the certificates for verification. Some examples to consider are: Quality Fire Acoustics Insurance ISO 9001 certification should be in

place for the whole process, not just selected elements

ISO 14001 certification for reducing impact on the environment

BBA (British Board of Agrment) accreditation

LABC approval LPCB certification for fire resistance.

6 What is the manufacturers approach to sustainability?

Sustainable construction is increasing in importance as we become more aware of the damage caused by carbon emissions and the impact of climate change on the environment. The use of off-site construction can help contractors achieve their sustainability objectives, particularly for targets for waste reduction.

Some areas to consider are: What is the manufacturers policy on

sustainability? Is the off-site specialist accredited

to ISO 14001 the international standard for reducing impact on the environment?

Is the off-site specialist working in line with the Sustainability Charter issued by the Major Contractors Group?

Can the manufacturer demonstrate ongoing reductions in waste and carbon emissions generated in the production process?

What energy saving targets are in place?

What is the manufacturers approach to the design of sustainable buildings?

What green design options are available for the system such as rainwater harvesting, solar thermal

heating, biomass boilers and passive ventilation?

What inhouse capability does the manufacturer have to value engineer the building design for maximum energy efficiency?

How does the building system perform in areas such as air permeability and ventilation to meet Building Regulations Part L and Part F? Look closely at the test results achieved for completed buildings.

7 What, if any, warranties apply to the modular system?

A comprehensive 5-year product warranty to cover the external fabric of the building and a 20-year structural warranty for the load-bearing elements should come as standard for all modular buildings.

All warranties should be in addition to independent certification from the BBA.

8 Look for best value Ensure you are comparing cost

estimates that are like for like and that you are looking for best value for your business and your client reduced risk, cost savings on preliminaries, faster completion, lower running costs, lower maintenance and longevity.

9 How will the project be managed? Does the manufacturer have adequate

site supervision in place? How flexible is the off-site specialist? Is the manufacturer willing to work with your team on design detailing? Will they work as a subcontractor to your business?

10 Monitor and evaluate Was the project delivered on time and

to budget? If not, why not? Use this information and the lessons learnt for setting the specification for your next project.

*These statistics are based on the Yorkon steel-framed modular building system.

[w] www.yorkon.co.uk

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PuttingABlockOnClimateChangeIanPritchettofLimeTechnologyexplainswhyLimeTechnologyislookingbackwardtotakesustainableconstructionforward

With the effects of global warming growing increasingly clear, tackling climate change is top of the public agenda. And the construction industry is feeling the heat under the solar spotlight.

The construction and use of buildings accounts for a staggering 50% of all UK CO2 emissions. As the industry gets better at reducing the energy used in running buildings, it is widely agreed that the production of building materials will become the biggest culprit, with conventional masonry a large contributor. The production of brick and concrete block materials produces large amounts of carbon. Around 2.7 billion bricks and a billion concrete blocks are made each year in the UK alone, producing several million tonnes of CO2 emissions. Yet the demand for brick and block construction is as strong as ever.Obviously these figures are all down in the recession Brick is a very durable material that can last for centuries, however it is normally laid in a hard cement mortar that prevents the bricks from being re-used. Hydraulic lime mortar sets hard enough and fast enough to allow normal construction speeds, yet is weak enough to allow the bricks to be re-used when the building is demolished. Masonry laid in lime mortar, therefore, becomes more sustainable.Many brick manufacturers have now addressed their businesses and manufacturing processes to drastically cut emissions, yet eco-conscious specifiers and builders will always seek a greener alternative. Where, then, do we find the answer? According to sustainable building experts Lime Technology, we found it years ago. However, with changing technology, a desire to seek out the new and the effects of pollution an unknown, we moved on without giving it a second thought. So Lime Technology has turned back the

clock to revisit traditional, time proven building materials, such as lime, earth and hemp, with modern manufacturing methods. In doing so, it has taken them out of the cottage industry shadows and made them commercially viable for todays fast paced built environment. The company produces Limetec, a range of hydraulic lime mortars, renders and plasters, which are available in bags as well as bulk silos, enabling lime mortar to be used on large scale construction projects. In response to the increasing popularity of these products, Lime Technology used its extensive knowledge of proven building materials to develop the perfect building block counterparts. This includes a range of factory produced Sumatec earth blocks and a range of Hemcrete (hemp and lime) blocks. These new products now mean that specifiers have a true like for like and highly sustainable alternative to existing masonry. Unlike bricks, neither the Sumatec or the Hemcrete products need to be fired, making production an extremely sustainable process. And they are 100% recyclable. The company has also developed Tradical Hemcrete, a hemp-lime walling material that is mixed on site and spray applied for fast track construction. It is inherently sustainable due to hemp being a natural growing plant. Because hemp absorbs more CO2 during its growth than is used in producing the lime based binder, the finished material has a better than zero carbon footprint. It also grows rapidly hemp

can be cultivated just 14 weeks after planting answering any concerns over satisfying renewable demand. Benefits of Tradical Hemcrete include low density, high thermal insulation, high sound insulation, high thermal inertia, good vapour permeability, resistance to fire and pests and being naturally airtight. This puts it on par with conventional masonry products and also delivers valuable energy saving benefits throughout its entire life cycle. Studies have shown that up to 100kg of CO2 is emitted in the production of each square metre of walling for houses. For an average house, this can equate to 20 tonnes of

CO2 in the walls alone. Lime Technologys products can reduce this to zero or less! With their reputation spreading, Lime Technology products are now being specified on a diverse range of projects from some of the largest and most ambitious construction schemes in the UK to small one-off domestic applications. More importantly they are delivering the carbon-free diet the construction industry is crying out for as it tries to put a freeze on climate change.

[w] www.limetechnology.co.uk

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InsideViewThismonthsspecialfeatures:

24 Doors,Windows&Glazing

36 Interiors



ANewYearWindowForAnEye-Hole,ThanksToTheVikingsWrightstyle Limited is one of the UKs leading suppliers of specialist glass and integrated steel and glass systems and exports its systems worldwide. At the start of a New Year, Jane Embury from Wrightstyle takes a look back at the origins of the window.

The Vikings were good at a lot of things, navigating their longboats across much of the western seas and, quite possibly, discovering America 500 years before Columbus. However, our mental picture of that distant Hagar the Horrible is of a fearsome warrior with a horned helmet - and with little more than rape and pillage on his mind. (The horns are a myth, by the way).The truth is a little different. Vikings were also traders and farmers and many stayed in Britain leaving their genetic codes imprinted in communities across the UK, particularly in areas closest to Scandinavia, such as the Shetland and Orkney islands. (In Yorkshire alone, there are over three hundred place names that denote a Viking heritage: anything with a by suffix (e.g. Selby or Whitby, which

were primary settlements), to a thorpe suffix (e.g. Scunthorpe, usually secondary settlements).Despite the myths, the Vikings werent all bad. King Canute, who set his throne by the sea shore and commanded the tide to halt, was a Viking king who also became a king of England. Hes still regarded as having been a rather good and God-fearing monarch.All of which is by way of introduction to the fact that, in terms of the glass industry and the English language, we have a particular reason to be grateful to the Vikings because, like Microsoft several centuries later, they were the first to give us windows. More specifically, the word window originates from the Old Norse vindauga, made up from vindr, meaning wind, and auga, meaning eye. In some Scandinavian languages, especially Icelandic, the

term still survives. Not that there were many windows back then, as we would understand them. Glass was ruinously expensive and, from the introduction of Christianity in the 7th century, what little of it there was tended to be used for ecclesial purposes. In Britain, the word window was first used in the early 13th century, and originally referred

to an unglazed hole in a roof. Window replaced the Old English eagbyrl, which literally meant eye-hole, or eagduru which translated as eye-door. Other countries decided on a different route the

Germans adopting the Latin fenestra to describe a window with glass, the French fentre and the Swedes, themselves a Viking country, strangely dumping their own window in favour of fnster.That said, in England the word fenester was still used alongside window until the mid-1700s and, of course, fenestration is

still a term that todays glass industry understands and uses.A quick timeline for glass suggests that its earliest use dates back to the Stone Age, to cutting tools made from obsidian the glass that can form, for example, in the high temperatures of a volcano or lightning strike.However, despite huge advances across what is now the Middle East and particularly Egypt it was the Romans who first properly used glass for architectural purposes - and pretty soon windows with glass had appeared in Romes most important buildings.After that not a lot happened until the 11th century, when German glass craftsmen discovered a technique - then further developed by the Venetians in the 13th century - for the production of glass sheets. For a long time thereafter it was the Venetians who dominated the glass business.It wasnt until the latter stages of the Industrial Revolution that mass production of flat glass became possible and, not until after the Second World War, that float glass came into being the optically brilliant glass that virtually all modern windows are now made from.However, the history of glass hasnt stopped, particularly in the development of specialist glasses for example, to defend against fire or ballistic and blast threat, developing new glass types made from multiple sheets of glass with thermoplastic interlayers. Wrightstyle has been at the forefront in developing glass and glazing systems to counter specific threats traditionally, of course, designed to prevent the spread of fire and create safe escape routes for the occupants of buildings.More recently, we have also developed systems to counter the scourge of terrorism with Wrightsyles latest system now tested against lorry bomb attack. What has made Wrightstyle different over the years is the ability to supply both the glass and its framing system, tested together to provide a complete

and guaranteed solution a huge advantage both in procurement and in satisfying stringent fire or safety regulations, particularly since our systems have been tested to meet European, Far Eastern and American standards.In other directions, research continues apace from the application of nanotechnology to glass surfaces to the development of amorphous glass (glass that behaves almost like a liquid). We are pushing the boundaries of strength, solar control and optical quality to create glass types that are so advanced to be constantly challenging the imagination of architects for complex facades or large-spans of glass all

securely framed in aesthetically beautiful steel.It was the renowned Swiss architect Le Corbusier who suggested that the history of architecture was the history of the window and, given the advances that the glass industry continues to make, its still an apt definition.Better that than architecture being the history of the eye-hole - something for which we must be grateful to the pillaging Vikings.

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LIGHT

The festivities may well be over and the economic outlook is decidedly cloudy but that hasnt stopped Glazing Vision, the original frameless glass rooflight manufacturer, posting its best year to date and nor are their expectations diminished to achieve even more throughout this new year.

The domestic (UK) market has been very strong, particularly amongst the bespoke new build sector, which has seen a noticeable increase in designers, architects and specifiers choosing to work with Glazing Vision, whilst the company have also been very encouraged by their successes further afield including projects in North America, Middle East and Europe. Unlike many British companies exporting, the fluctuating value of sterling against other currencies has actually been very helpful, mainly because Glazing Vision are still a true British manufacturing company; wholly self sufficient and not reliant upon importing products or components before then exporting them again. It has also allowed overseas customers to benefit because of the exceptional value the exchange rate has afforded them, particularly against the Euro, and has undoubtedly been a factor when someone has specified a rooflight from one of the Glazing Vision ranges for the first time.

From fixed rooflights, hinged rooflights, sliding roofllights. Pyramid, boxed or hexagonal, Glazing Vision remains committed to developing innovative products to provide enviably stylish and highly practical solutions for just about every conceivable rooflight application, whether it is for architectural lighting, ventilation or access they have both the experience and expertise to make the vision a reality.

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Light up your life...With FlushglazeOur flushglaze range is available in many shapes and sizes, theflushglaze also comes in walk on spec, triple glazed spec for greaterthermal performance and fire rated variants.Glazing Vision also manufacture an opening vent The Visionvent and apyramid rooflight along with a variety of sliding rooflight solutions.Call for a brochure on: +44 (0) 1842 815581

www.glazing-vision.co.uk

Flushglaze

P2000

VisionVent

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SmartsMCWallPassesCWCTStandard

The team at Smarts has announced the successful testing of their MC Wall curtain wall to CWCT standard. The CWCT standard for Systemised Building Envelopes is widely regarded as the benchmark certification for ventilated facades; the standard has been updated to include the stipulations of European EN Curtain Walling standards, and now all test requirements are at least equal to the European standards, and several even surpass those standards.

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AutomaticDoorsGiveCustomersContactFreeAccessToHotelLeisureClub.

Leading door manufacturer and supplier Kaba Door Systems, has provided new automatic doors for The Holiday Inn, Telford.

Kaba installed an SLX Bi-Parting automatic sliding door system to the entrance to the Health and Leisure Suite, replacing the existing wooden doors. The aesthetically pleasing glass doors featuring Kaba PSX slim line aluminium profiles, ensures easy, comfortable access for all users.

The Kaba SLX sliding door system uses CANbus technology to ensure safe reliable contact-free access. The CANbus system, unique to the SLX drive unit, continually checks all door safety devices. If a problem is detected the CANbus will immediately detail the error and ensure that the door is not used in automatic mode making the doors extremely safe. The SLX also uses Blue Tooth technology so that they can be programmed from devices such as mobile phones and PDAs, by Kabas new key ring sized F-Key or BEDIX control unit. The new doors fulfil access obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

Kaba Door Systems has over 80 years international experience in the design manufacture and installation of a leading range of, commercial and industrial door systems. With regional centres across the UK, Kaba also offers a nationwide repair and maintenance service and is a member of the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA), the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) and is NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA) approved.

7SapasNewUnitisedCurtainWallingFliesThroughTests

Sapa Building Systems newly launched Elegance 72 Unitised Curtain Walling System has flown through its weather testing, recording some of the best results ever seen at Taylor Woodrow Technology Centre. The testing programme followed CWCT Test Sequence A (static), B (dynamic) and BS/EN 13830 testing. Elegance 72 achieved highly impressive air and wind resistance figures. However, it was the water penetration testing that really underlined how well the system performs. Whilst testing to BS EN 13830, water pressure was increased progressively from 750pa right up to 1500pa with no leakage occurring.

HoppeSetsNewStandardsWithArronePlusRange

HOPPE (UK) has enhanced its range of architectural hardware products to comply with the latest quality and performance standards under the ARRONE Architectural Plus brand. The ARRONE Architectural Plus range can be used in many demanding applications.The latest addition to the ARRONE Architectural Plus range is the high efficiency door closer range, which satisfies the most recent recommendations to BS8300 and Approved Document M.

DontLetYourSuppliersLetDownYourReputation

The unprecedented global economic downturn means contractors and specifiers looking to deliver high quality installations on time and on budget must look to maximise the reliability of their supply chain, according to SFS intec, one of Europes leading manufacturers of fastening systems. The company, which manufactures a wide range of stainless steel bolted attachment components for structural glazing, facades and glass canopies, as well as fasteners for critical applications in aluminium curtain walling, ensures all its products for UK and Irish customers are made in Europe, removing the reliance on often unreliable long distance imports. Reliability in the supply chain has underpinned the success of SFS intec, a company which manufactures products for many safety critical applications.

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D&EsNewCatalogue

D&E Architectural Hardware, distributor of high quality architectural ironmongery, has launched its new catalogue. The catalogue has been redesigned to allow even easier product selection. The catalogue offers dedicated sections on UK, architectural and narrow stile lock-cases, as well as full details of D&E Architectural Hardwares range of hinges, spring hinges and door controls. The company has also been appointed the UK distributors for the excellent Breuer & Schmitz (BSW) range of hinges.

EnhancedCPDSeminarOffersIn-DepthGlassFixingsKnowledge

SFS intec has enhanced its RIBA-approved CPD seminar on fixing systems for glass after its first six successful months in the field to ensure it comprehensively addresses the changing architectural glazing requirements of architects, contractors and metal fabricators. In addition to extending the content of the seminar, the company has also restructured its glass fixings team to deliver the seminars. Qualifying for CPD points and being RIBA-approved, architects have the assurance that the information contained in the presentation is of a technical nature and designed to enhance their understanding of the main issues surrounding the fixing of glass.

SaveTimeAndMoneyWithNewHoppeQuickFitHandle

Builders and architects can save time and money with the innovative new quick-fit connection from HOPPE (UK). The quick-fit connection is a quick and easy way to fit door handles without the need for Allen screws.

CurtainWallingSystemForNewEducation&CommunityCentre

A double-height curtain walling system, manufactured, supplied and installed by Structura UK Ltd forms an impressive main facade to the new, purpose-built, 3m Croydon Adult Learning and Training (CALAT) education and community centre in New Addington, Surrey. The curtain walling consists of Schcos FW60+ aluminium facade system and small section, double glazed windows incorporating an outer pane of Pilkingtons new 6mm, Eclipse 33/40 Advantage, blue/green, toughened, heat-soak tested glass. Structura UK is the first company in the UK to use the special glass for curtain walling on this scale in a public building.

InspirationalSlidersHelpSaveSpace

Functional and elegant sliding doors in glass and wood make up the latest Glassmaster Tec range from Coburn Sliding Systems. Solidly constructed, easy to use and quite in operation these door systems are the latest addition to the companys expanding product portfolio. They are ideal for use in apartments and smaller rooms where a traditional doors opening swing would take up much needed space.Complete sets as well as single system components can be supplied, allowing individual designs to be created. Glassmaster Tec systems are complemented by a comprehensive range of door handles and flush pulls. All door handles are manufactured in finely ground stainless steel, with special lengths and polished finishes available to order.

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Laidlaw Solutions has secured the specification of a package of doorsets and specialist anti-ligature ironmongery in the new Hadley PICU at Newtown Hospital, Worcester. 63 Laminated Orbis Doorsets were supplied in Bio Oak, with frames, door lippings and glazing beads in American White Oak. As a psychiatric intensive care unit, anti-ligature door hardware was a key element and Orbis Knob Sets, Finger Grip Pull Handles and Lock Escutcheons, all in Silk Anodised Aluminium, met the required standards.

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CloseInOnTheRightDoorCloserSpecification

Specifiers can avoid the risk of choosing the wrong door closers with the wide range of solutions available from HOPPE (UK). The company offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of door controls in the UK with devices suitable for light and heavy usage doors, including fire rated doors and entrances which meet the access requirements of BS8300 and Approved Document M. These ARRONE closers are configured specifically to meet the application, whether the need is for backcheck, controlled closing or latch action, and they can be easily adjusted during their service life.

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IntegratedDoorsetAndAnti-ligaturePackageForNewtownHospitalPICU

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BilcoSuppliesEmergencyDoorsForSwimmingPool

Bilco UK Ltd has completed delivery of four emergency exit doors for an Olympic sized swimming pool in Liverpool. Bilco has supplied one UJD-AL and three J-4AL access doors which will be used for exits from the swimming pool area to the outside in the case of an emergency. The J-4AL cover is a standard, aluminium, single leaf pit access doors and measures 915 x 915 mm. The UJD-AL door is a special sized 1990 x 1990 mm, aluminium, double leaf door. The doors have a 25 year warranty and are engineered with lift assistance which allows for smooth and easy one-person door operation, regardless of size.

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FerramentaAddsStyle

Laidlaw Solutions new Ferramenta range of lever handles and related door hardware has been designed to add an extra touch of style to residential interiors. It encapsulates the essence of simply defined, smooth lines in a variety of subtle stainless steel finishes. The exquisitely crafted range of lever designs are available in timeless, Satin or Mirror-polished Stainless Steel as well as the increasingly popular Dual Satin and Polished finish. Concealed bolt-through fixings at 38mm centres are compatible with most locks and latches to suit doors of 38 - 44mm thickness, while sprung roses are suitable for lightly sprung locks and tubular latches. The range comes with a 5-year guarantee.

TechnalSupplies1,500WindowsForTheNewPinderfieldsHospital

CapitaPutsItsFaithInDaedalian

AStudyInExcellence

Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems recently supplied the Comar 5P.i 60mm casement window system for student accommodation at Liberty Park, University of Bedfordshire. Comar 5P.i windows were selected because they offer a cost effective and robust solution to high use applications such as student accommodation. The external envelope for the newly built 3 & 4 storey development was fitted with the Comar 5P.i 60mm window that reduces heat loss through the trademark P.i thermal break ensuring low U-values so energy bills are minimised. The windows

at Liberty Park were top hung with outward opening vents and fitted with non-locking silver coated cockspur handles and friction hinges to restrict opening to 150mm. Comar 5P.i is available in a variety of configurations and can be manufactured into casement, tilt and turn and top swing fully reversible windows.

Architectural aluminium glazing specialist, Technal is supplying around 1,500 windows for the new Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield. Pivot windows from Technals FXi46 range will provide natural ventilation and ease of cleaning on the upper floors of the hospital. Fixed lights and top hung windows from the FXi65 suite are being supplied for other areas of the hospital. Technals FXi window and balcony door range incorporates a highly efficient flush polyamide thermal

break for enhanced thermal performance and can be integrated into curtain walling or used as punched hole, composite and ribbon windows. The windows will be inserted into cedar cladding, render and brickwork. The systems will be finished in a durable dark grey polyester powder coating and double glazed using a combination of clear toughened glass, laminated, low emissivity or solar control glass.

With the increased acceptance of Faith Rooms in schools, dcor is key to their use and popularity as secular areas for quiet reflection and, sometimes, conflict resolution. At Shuttleworth College in Padiham, near Burnley, Daedalian Glass has been responsible for the design, manufacture and installation of a translucent panel in a curved wall of the Colleges Faith Room. Says Davia Walmsley, design head and co-founder with her husband, Chris, of Daedalian Glass, weve brought together shuttles, that tie-in with the towns history as a weaving centre, the red rose of Lancashire, and figures of children. Whilst Davia spearheaded the design, the direction taken was a combined effort by Ivan Horvath, of architects Capita Symonds, Catherine Edmundson of Bovis Lend Lease, and Suzanne Taggart the Schools Manager. As a central feature of the Faith Room, Ivan Horvath also wanted the panel to create a strong identity for the school as a whole. Hence, both design and colours came together to create a dominant centrepiece clearly visible in the atrium that, in itself, forms a striking feature of the main entrance to the school buildings.

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SFSIntecFixingSystemUnlocksPhotovoltaicPotential

ABreathOfFreshAirForIndianElephants

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A fixing system from SFS intec is offering new potential for building facades to be used as a way of generating unlimited green electricity using photovoltaic (PV) panels.

The ALW attachment system, which has been used widely across Europe to construct glazed rainscreens, is now compatible with PV panels to enable the creation of a glass faade that generates electricity from sunlight.

The faade performs to the same high standard as any rainscreen created using ALW. This innovative and structurally reliable bracket system eliminates the need to drill glass panes, hence its suitability for PV panels. Instead, glass panes are simply slotted into the single or double ALW clamps, which can be RAL colour matched or anodised to achieve aesthetic requirements, then tightened to secure.

The result is a sleek, shingled-faade with excellent rear ventilation and minimal pane overlap which is fixed to a steel framework. ALW can be used to create facades of all sizes so it can accommodate large PV-generating rainscreens which would make a significant contribution to a buildings overall energy use.

SFS intecs Neil Ackroyd says, Having seen the excellent results that the ALW fixing system has achieved for a German PV system company, we believe there is enormous potential for this approach to be used extensively here in the UK.

By offering a secure fixing bracket system we have been able to make green electricity generating building facades a reality in terms of function, reliability and aesthetically.

ALW fixing clamps accommodate single and laminated glass, polycarbonate and PV panels in thicknesses from 8mm to 18mm. To ensure structural reliability is achieved, SFS intecs Leeds based team offers full technical support for the design of safe and secure installations.

ALW is part of SFS intecs glass fixing systems range which also includes raised, bevel and flush point fixings. These can be combined with its spider fixings and special products for balustrades, as well as an easy to specify solution for glass canopies.

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The Indian elephants in Copenhagen Zoo can breathe more easily in their specially designed stables thanks to a natural ventilation system installed by WindowMaster, who has installed its NV Advance system including 112 motors controlling six different climate zones within the structure. Two separate enclosures were each covered with a lightweight, glazed dome to provide natural light and ventilation. The glass in the windows is fritted to avoid heat gains inside the enclosure. Air exchange rates in the enclosures are calculated based on temperature and CO2 levels. The two glass-domed enclosures are fitted with a series of automated vents controlled by a central computer. A weather station mounted outside the building monitors external conditions. This data is fed into the computer control system and the vents are then precisely controlled and positioned to keep air quality within the enclosures fresh and the temperature constant.

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SteelWindowServicesChampionsHopeForGunners

Arsenal F.Cs former stadium, Highbury, is Grade II listed. When it came to refurbishing its 90-year-old steel windows, the club called in Steel Window Service & Supplies who refurbished many of the original windows, and supplied many identically styled units made according to the W20 specification. The project meant the mainly marginal pane pivoting lights, could be enhanced with modern draught-stripping, 16 mm double glazing and a factory applied polyester powder paint finished in Arsenal Red. Crucially, more thermally efficient, 12 mm double glazed units were also introduced into the original frames after they had been removed for cleaning, repair and corrosion protection.

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ShackerleysGlassBlocksCreateTheWowFactorForWhitespace

Glass block specialist Shackerley has helped Bolton based office design and interior fit-out specialists Whitespace Consultants to transform a spacious bare shell in a Victorian cotton mill into a contemporary customer showroom and office space. Business partners Andy Wyn-Jones and Nicola Young recently moved into new premises, where they could accommodate their fast growing team and provide essential display facilities to inspire their clients.They wanted a fully functioning workspace where they could also showcase the very latest concepts in furnishings, flooring, storage and partitioning. They contacted Shackerley because they were keen to use glass blocks within their design scheme, not only to create visual interest but also to signpost clear walkways through the premises and create informal meeting areas without enclosing them. Shackerley helped the consultants to design stylish glass block partitions with sweeping curves.

To avoid having hard edges or frames around the partitions they proposed softly curved terminal blocks from the Seves Design Line, a new and exclusive portfolio featuring glass blocks with unique shapes, colours and finishes. Nicola Young said: The glass blocks create the wow factor for visitors as they walk through the doors. Everyone comments on them and many of our clients are now interested in using glass blocks partitions in their own office design schemes. Theyre eye-catching and impressive but really functional too, and have allowed us to create semi-private meeting areas within a large open plan area without enclosing the space or blocking out natural daylight.The curvature of the glass block walls is echoed in the floorcovering design and complements the elliptical shapes of the modern office storage units in the centre of the office. As Nicola says: The sweeping curves have made everything appear softer, more fluid and tactile.

Andy Wyn-Jones who first suggested using glass blocks instead of more traditional partitioning says: Glass blocks are an ideal way to subdivide and maximise the use of available space without creating claustrophobic enclosed areas. Theyre under-utilised in commercial environments, perhaps because of the limited range that has been available until now, but judging by the reactions weve had to the glass block features in our new premises, theres huge untapped demand out there. He concluded: Combine the new generation of design-led glass blocks on offer from Shackerley with a little bit of creativity and flair, and theres no limit to what can be achieved with these beautiful building materials.

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Expanded Metal has been produced in Hartlepool since 1889, and despite the amount of time which has elapsed since then, the process remains true to the original idea. Expanded Metal is different from similar products, in that the metal is sheared and then stretched in a single process creating the apertures and therefore expanding the metal.

This process gives the mesh a number of desirable attributes including:

High to strength ratio that is greater than sheet steal, Increased area - expanding metal mesh can be

stretched upto 30 times without breaking, Flexibility, metal can be pressed, formed, shaped,

framed, welded, and corrugated, Sustainable, Production processes of expanding metal

combine tradition methods with the latest technology which minimising waste metal.

From functional beginnings as a robust construction material, expanded metal mesh from EMC has become recognised as a powerful and versatile design tool in interior design. Expanded metal mesh is now at the forefront of modern design, evident on such illustrious contemporary structures as the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York, the New Vic and Londons Stephen Lawrence Centre.

The overriding advantage of the material for designers is its versatility and adaptability offering a unique multifaceted styling tool. The huge choice of patterns and finishes available present an unlimited design palette, including circular, slotted, hexagonal, squared and diamond.

Options also include the Petite Mesh range comprising lighter materials with smaller apertures for grilles, privacy screens or any other decorative feature, and the soft curves and unusual apertures of the Modern Metal collection which combine to present a mesh that blends seamlessly with its surroundings.

The value to interior design is that virtually any malleable metal can be used, comments Cherry Glasgow of EMC. Popular options are mild and stainless steel and aluminium but brass, copper, gold, platinum and even titanium can be used to great effect, significantly expanding the creative scope for designers.

One of the most sought after attributes of expanded metal

mesh is the colour potential available through painting, anodising or powder coating, with additional finishes possible through galvanising and polishing. The beauty of the mesh is that it harnesses the colour spectrum in a variety of ways, adding greatly to the overall visual impact. It is the precise variation of each colour and the harmonic relationships between them that are important in interior design.

By altering the colour of the metal, an even greater range of textures and moods can be included in the designers palette, continues Cherry. Special effects such as pearlescent and pre-polished or etched materials add to the creativity potential of expanded metal mesh.

More recently EMC has developed a new range of flocked meshes in association with Thomas & Vines Ltd. Small fibre particles are deposited onto the mesh using a high voltage electric field. This gives the mesh a soft texture and also means a number of striking colours can be achieved.

Expanded metal mesh has been shown to have a striking effect on ambience, influencing lighting and visibility purely through its structure. Artificial or natural light breaks through the mesh leading to a continual recreation of reflections, with light, shadows, shade and reflections interacting with

the mesh.

The versatility of the materials allows enhanced creativity for the interior designer and represents a cost efficient option that is strong and aesthetically, can be moulded into myriad design opportunities.

The new product range can be viewed here at www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/exmetal/interiorcollection/

The Expanded Metal Company will be exhibiting at the Surface Design Show 2009 at The Business Design Centre in Islington, North London, and takes place on the 11th and 12th of February, preceded by a special preview evening on the 10th.

The Expanded Metal Company large exhibition space which will be filled with a selection of different mesh types made from many different materials, complemented by new and innovative finishes. For further details and to register for the event free visit www.surfacedesignshow.com

InteriorDelightsWithTheExpandedMetalCompany

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FineFinishersExplainWhyItIsBetterToRepairThanReplace

The largest item that nationwide fine finishers, Plastic Surgeon, has saved from being scrapped so far has been a substantial conservatory, where a window blind installer had got things horribly wrong. The statistics on the numbers of smaller items such as sinks, baths, basins, shower trays and work surfaces, though, actually puts the value of the companys repair service in a far more revealing light.

Rob Mouser, the Managing Director of Plastic Surgeon, explains: Our Fine Finishers can repair virtually anything that has been damaged during the building process; or by the subsequent action of operatives working in a property. We regularly get asked by our customers to take scratches out of kitchen work surfaces or floors where someone has dragged a toolbox across it, or to rebuild the corner of a bath where the tiler has dropped something on it.

Plastic Surgeons prowess at repairing surfaces was actually honed in the motor industry where the finishers began by dealing with damaged dashboards. The techniques were soon in demand from housebuilders and other contractors wanting a quick and economic alternative to ripping out and replacing expensive fittings: often involving three or more different trades.

In just the first six months of 2008, for example, all of the materials from kitchens and bathrooms which its operatives have saved from going to landfill added up to over 550 tonnes. This figure includes 557 electrical appliances, 2180 cupboards, 390 toilets, 2631 baths and a staggering 4838 work surfaces.

What makes the intervention of the Plastic Surgeon a virtual no-brainer in most circumstances is the cost, with the Fine Finishers time normally being charged out in four hour blocks. Rob Mouser continues saying: Our average invoice total is around 200, but the clients frequently use them for a whole day to carry out a variety of repairs. Then the price comes down to a remarkable average of 20 per job.

The key to what can be accomplished relates directly to the way the firms operatives are trained, and the extensive kit of materials they carry with them in their vans. While trades-people such as kitchen fitters might have a few wax sticks and sanding materials available, Fine Finishers sample from dozens of bases to get the right colour match, and then smooth it down with anything from wet and dry to jewellers rouge.

And the strength of the resin repair compounds means the quick fix will generally match the life of the product. Rob relates: We recruit from almost any background, the only real requirements are for the person to have dexterity and an eye for detail. A test for colour blindness is an important part of the interview process, however, because being able to get the colour right for the repair is the most important part to ensuring it does not stand out when it iscompleted.

Rob Mouser continues: The fillers are extremely hard and offer excellent adhesion to laminates, ceramics, enamels and other materials as well as taking colour very well. In repairing a surface such as natural timber or a marble counter, for instance, the operative might well apply a pigmented base to give background colour; then cut areas of that out again with a knife so that a different coloured filler can be introduced. In this way the repair is built up to match the surroundings.

Sometimes, though, damage such as a scratch in a stainless steel sink can simply be polished out. Recently, one of our clients who installs bathrooms had virtually completed a high spec contract, complete with a new suite, shower and wall tiling, when one of the builders put a cigarette down on the edge of the bath and

left a burn. It could have required a plumber followed by a tiler and someone to run new mastic beads around a replacement bath if they had gone down that route, but our operative used special polishing compounds to remove the discolouration completely.

Other successes for Plastic Surgeon have seen the entire corner of a bath built back up when it was broken off through careless handling. They are even able to repair holes below the water line depending on their exact location and the pressures to which they might be subjected.

Rob Mouser poses the question: Why would anyone rip out and replace something like a shower tray or a sink when we can repair it quickly and cost effectively?

Amongst the major national companies who have already seen the sense of the service are Charles Church, Carillion, Barratt Homes and British Gas.

BAA has set high standards for the washrooms at all its airports. Add to this the expectations of the UKs most prestigious building project and the design team for Heathrow Terminal 5 washrooms was tasked with achieving the optimum in sustainability.

The Terminal 5 design team wanted to ensure that the products selected met all the criteria for the project and carefully investigates all the available options. After a thorough review of washroom products from leading suppliers, the washroom design team nominated Dart Valley Systems (DVS) as the preferred supplier. There was a high level of confidence in the reliability of DVS products and the service support, which had been experienced over the past 15 years. This was firmly confirmed by Kelly Stone, the BAA Engineering Leader on the team.

The results achieved through close collaboration between DVS and the BAA washroom design team has provided both parties with significant benefits. BAA obtained the exact specifications required and for DVS the process not only secured the valued business, but provided some of its next generation products. With an anticipated 35 million passengers a year passing through the terminal, the products have to be of robust design, and marginal

savings per operation become significant with such high usage.

The WC Flushvalve is unchallenged and DVS proudly claim it to be the best WC Flushvalve in the world, a statement BAA would not argue with. The product comprises of an electronically operated Flushvalve, requiring the user to simply wave their hand within 50mm of the sensor to flush the toilet. In addition, it has hygienic no-touch operation; ease of use for the less able and young children; robust and vandal proof construction; and good aesthetics. The sustained outstanding performance over the many years of service at BAA airports ensured its use at Terminal 5.

One of the completely new designs developed by DVS for Terminal 5 project was the urinal control system. With over 20-years experience in designing and manufacturing water efficient washroom products, DVSs design team set about designing the individual controls for Terminal 5 project that would become its new standard product.

Unlike PIR systems the individual control system only flushes the bowls actually used. On this application the sensor was mounted as an integral part of the VitrA urinal bowl and detects the user. A small amount of water, enough to wash the bowl and clear

the trap, is dispensed after each use, thus providing the optimum in water efficient and freshness of the urinal bowl.

The automatic taps are another product used throughout BAA airports. Historically deck-mounted taps had been used, but the design criteria for Terminal 5 was wall-mounted, no-touch automatic tap. With TMV3 thermostatic pre-mixed water, the no-touch automatic taps provide the most water efficient, safe, hygienic solution for hand washing. DVS has a standard range of 316 stainless steel wall-mount taps, in brushed or polished finish and of various lengths. The technology used it the same as deck-mount taps well known to BAA, and the brushed stainless steel met all the basic functional and aesthetic criteria. The length of the tap was established with assistance of mock-ups at the DVS factory at Paignton.

Another product developed by DVS for the project was a monitoring system to provide early warning of any potential WC overflow. BAA and Dart Valley Systems have demonstrated over many years experience that the highest level of hygiene and washroom freshness can be obtained while achieving water efficient, environmental and sustainable operation.

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InteriorScreeningWithMeshExpanded metal mesh is being used as the new infill material by Screens at Work for its office privacy screens. The company was impressed with the material when it first came to their attention, particularly noting its performance capacity and aesthetic value. Modern offices are now designed as more open plan spaces, with divisional zo

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The Essencial Building Review 2009 Winter

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