building innovations - 2009 summer

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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.

Published by: Link2Media Architectural Publications Limited

Editorial Office: 16 Parker Court, Staffordshire Technology Park, Stafford ST18 0WPTel: 01785 330635 Fax: 0845 862 8639e:[email protected] www.link2media.co.uk

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� Doors, Windows & Glazing �Doors, Windows & Glazing

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“The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes

it happen.”

Frank Lloyd Wright

practice news :

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Vision Vision

City Gives Planning Consent For London’s MostLuxurious New Hotel

The restoration of one of London’s best known buildings – 10 Trinity Square – has been recommended for planning approval by the City of London Corporation.US property company Thomas Enterprises has been working with international architects Woods Bagot on the 45,000 sq m project to create a hotel of the highest quality. It will convert the Grade II* listed 10 Trinity Square into a 121-bedroom hotel with spa and 30 apartments. 10 Trinity is the first venture for established US-entrepreneur Stan Thomas into the UK market. His company, Thomas Enterprises, bought the site in 2006.

[w] www.woodsbagot.com

British Architects Design Cancer Centre For Hurricane-Battered New Orleans

A cancer research centre designed by UK-based architects RMJM in New Orleans - which is the least healthy state in the US and which has the highest rate of cancer deaths in the country - is now under construction. The Louisiana Cancer Research Centre aims to address residents’ acute need for quality healthcare. Louisiana has a neglected medical infrastructure in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and this is the first medical restoration initiative to get underway since the disaster. Upon completion, the cancer centre will support laboratories for 72 principal researchers and their teams, as well as providing flexible research and office space.

[w] www.rmjm.com

Nightingale Associates Shortlisted For RIBA Design Award

Nightingale Associates has been shortlisted for a RIBA design award for its £4m Renal & Cardiac Unit at West Wales General Hospital in Carmarthen. The 1,300sqm state-of-the-art unit contains 26 dialysis stations and four isolation suites, as well as a cardiac rehabilitation department, a rehab gym, testing suites and staff administration. Nightingale Associates is one of six shortlisted entries for the 2009 awards. The RIBA Awards were established to recognise ‘buildings that have made a substantial contribution to the local environment’, and are judged on a regional level. The RIBA Awards have been running annually since 1966.

[w] www.nightingaleassociates.com

TPS Inspires New Thinking On Secure Airport Design At Passenger Terminal Expo 2009

TPS has provided insight into how effective counter-terrorist requirements can be incorporated into airport terminal design by introducing contemporary thinking on the gap in provisions currently made in design and security. Darius Aibara, an Associate Director with TPS’s Security and Explosion Effects team, featured as one of the keynote speakers at 2009’s Passenger Terminal Expo; a three-day annual event held this March at London’s ExCel centre. TPS offered a timely opportunity to address a wide array of concerns - particularly in light of recent events in the UK such as the Glasgow Airport attack, coupled with the ongoing general worldwide terrorist threat.

[w] www.tpsconsult.co.uk

Purcell Miller Tritton Support Whitehall Streetscape

Leading architect and historic building consultant, Purcell Miller Tritton, is pleased to announce the completion of the first stages of a major programme of improvements to London’s iconic Whitehall, where the practice is appointed as project architect. The £25m ‘Whitehall Streetscape Improvement Project’ sees the Cabinet Office and Westminster City Council working together to deliver a major reinvigoration of the urban environment in which people live and work, as well as tourist sites.The overarching aim of the scheme is to introduce more robust security measures in a manner sympathetic to the local environment and its historical setting, alongside other improvements, in order to achieve a truly world-class built environment.

[w] www.pmt.co.uk

Mather & Co In A Spin Over New Contract WinLeading attraction and museum design consultancy Mather & Co has won the contract to design and install the new CentreCourt360 experience at Wimbledon. The new and exciting experience, which will form part of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, will feature a host of new and interactive technologies. Mather & Co has been tasked with creating an attraction which allows the visitor to gain a detailed insight into how different people experience Centre Court. The 360 degree viewing platform will use state of the art panoramic photographic technology, supplied by multimedia company Testure.

[w] www.matherandco.com

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Vision Vision

Sir Stephen Redgrave Opens Middleton Arena To The PublicMiddleton Sports Arena in Rochdale, designed by the Manchester studio of BDP, will be officially opened by Sir Stephen Redgrave later this month.

The 7,320 sq m building offers a broad range of activities including sport, drama and music. There is a multi-use auditorium (seating 550 as a theatre, or 1000 for other events), swimming pools, a dry sports hall, a private gym, a dance studio and squash courts.

The distinctive curved roof ‘wraps’ over the internal accommodation of the building tightly. The form is devised from a combination of the internal functions of the building and the surrounding context of the scheme. Functionally, the high point of the roof sits above the fly-tower of the auditorium, with other accommodation arranged around in the manner of a three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle.

The main foyer space sees these changes in level directly expressed, to create a space which avoids the traditional connotations of municipal leisure facilities with their claustrophobic and poorly-lit corridors. As part of this strategy, the squash courts are directly expressed as a single volume, suspended above the entrance.

Various internal elements are stacked upon one another and are ‘colour-coded’ both internally and externally to express and explain the various activities within the building. Internal and external visual connections are encouraged between the different parts of the building, allowing users of different facilities to gain an understanding of the wide range of activities within.

The main entrance has a large glazed façade, admitting daylight and also acting as a beacon for the building day and night, showing activity within. This theme is continued inside with various activities visible from circulation areas.Above the whole scheme, the major sweep of the roof encapsulates the building, clad in a standing seam aluminium system with a smooth underside that cantilevers beyond the walls of the building on three sides. Inflated ETFE rooflights are set into the roof to bring daylight into the heart of the building.

The BDP sectors involved with the project included Architect, Landscape Architect, Building Services Engineers, Lighting Design and Acoustics Consultancy.

Peter Jenkins, Architect Director at BDP, said: “The building was much anticipated by the local community with over 10,000 people attending the open weekend in January. It is great to now see the building in use, a testament to the years of work put into the project by the whole team. The client, designers and contractors

have produced a big, complicated building on a very tight budget.” Councillor Peter Williams: “This is an absolutely fabulous facility and people are really going to enjoy coming here. This is a stunning architectural exemplar and a project we are extremely proud to have it in Middleton.”

[w] www.bdp.com

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Vision Vision10 11

St Paul’s Cathedral Scoops RICS London’s Project of the YearLeading architect and historic building consultant, Purcell Miller Tritton, has been recognised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors for its part in the work of the £40 million St Paul’s Cathedral Tercentenary Restoration which has been awarded the London Project of the Year at the prestigious RICS Awards held recently in London. The RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) Awards are a celebration of built and natural environment projects that recognise excellence, value for money and a commitment to building conservation.

The London Project of the Year Award recognises the 10 year scheme to revitalise St Paul’s Cathedral carried out under the guidance of the Surveyor to the Fabric Martin Stancliffe, who is a Senior Principal with Purcell Miller Tritton. This is the first time in its long history that the building has been comprehensively restored inside and out. The extensive programme of cleaning and repair has included interior and exterior cleaning and refurbishment, re-lighting and liturgical project phases. The RICS award also recognises the extensive work that has been carried out to improve provisions for visitors with disabilities including a new entrance and lift.

Martin Stancliffe speaking on behalf of Purcell Miller Tritton said, “This award is wonderful recognition of what a project of this scale involves. Just as Sir Christopher Wren could not have created St Paul’s in the first place without the support of many professionals and craftsmen, so this project would never have been achieved without the long-term commitment of a great team of skilled people.”

The St Paul’s Tercentenary Project now goes forward to the final awards ceremony in October where it will compete with projects throughout the UK for the award of RICS Project of the Year. Purcell Miller Tritton has also won East Midlands Project of the Year for its work on Wollaton Hall and Deer Park in Nottingham, which will also be competing for the ultimate title later this year.

Mark Goldspink who is Chief Executive at Purcell Miller Tritton said, “We are delighted that RICS recognised our work on two such different projects. Both harness traditional materials and techniques wherever possible and this was one of the key design philosophies employed during the conservation work undertaken. I would like to add my congratulations and thanks to everyone who has helped in both projects and their achievement.”

[w] www.pmt.co.uk

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Archial Architects’ £6.7 Million Pollok Civic Realm Officially Opened by Nicola Sturgeon MSP and Shortlisted for Two Awards

Officially opened Wednesday 20th May by Nicola Sturgeon, MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, the £6.7 million Pollok Civic Realm, designed by Archial Architects, has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards: a RIBA Award, presented to the best new buildings in the United Kingdom and a Best Regeneration Project at the Scottish Design Awards 2009.

Built between the newly expanded Pollok Health Centre and the Pollok Leisure Centre, Pollok Civic Realm is a unique facility providing one stop access to a range of complementary public services delivered by partners in the public and voluntary sectors. Forming part of the overall Pollok Town Centre regeneration, it houses a café, library, museum, child-care facilities and other specialist social and healthcare related services.

Russell Baxter of Archial Architects said, “The idea behind this facility was to create a colonnade providing a route interlinking the Pollok community with the new transport interchange and Silverburn shopping centre so that people are drawn through the building and, by virtue of this route, encouraged to make use of their civil amenities. The philosophy underlying the building design was to create a civic hub that housed all the various essential aspects of communal life under one roof. With that in mind, the building seeks to create an all-inclusive space

with all its constituents spiralling off from a central reception desk.The design sought to create the type of building that members of the public would be familiar with and feel comfortable within to encourage them to spend time frequenting the various aspects of the hub, and already there are indications that this objective has been achieved successfully.”

From a single entrance the public access the refurbished leisure centre, new Pollok Library and Pollok Kist, GSWRA, South West Stress Centre, Citizens Advice Bureau, café and the refurbished and expanded Health Centre. As such, the Civic Realm also provides opportunities for effective and innovative joint working through co-location of services. Given the multiple stakeholders involved in the Pollok Civic Realm, the design process involved a comprehensive consultation process.

Already, the pioneering Pollok Civic Realm building is being tipped as an exemplar to which future community hubs should aspire.The Archial Group Plc employs around 200 staff in Scotland, operating from offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Inverness.

[w] www.archialgroup.com

1� Doors, Windows & Glazing 1�Doors, Windows & Glazing

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“Get the habit of analysis- analysis will in time enable synthesis to become your habit of mind.”

Frank Lloyd Wright

this months contributors :

Andy Patel, Divisional Technical Manager of Kingspan Insulated Panels

Andrew Denham of Umicore VMZINC

Dave Bulless, Biometric Specialist, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies

Architect and journalist Christopher Sykes

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Opinion Opinion

Practical Energy Efficiencyby Andy Patel, Divisional Technical Manager of Kingspan Insulated Panels

Improving the energy efficiency of all buildings is widely recognised as a crucial part of reducing our carbon footprint and arresting the effects of climate change. Although much of the focus is on renewable technologies and better efficiency in new properties, we cannot afford to neglect the importance of refurbishing older buildings as they are responsible for the majority of building carbon emissions.

Within the context of the government’s stated aim of cutting 80% carbon emissions by 2050, a new report from independent consultants Caleb Management Services has highlighted how the widespread refurbishment of existing buildings is often a missed opportunity to reduce carbon emissions and make significant savings on operational costs. So what is the most effective and practical way to include a significant improvement to energy efficiency within refurbishment projects?

First, let’s look at what is required by legislation. The 2006 Approved Documents L1B and L2B to the Building Regulations set standards for the conservation of fuel and power in domestic and non-domestic refurbishment projects, but these are below what is ideally required to meet the 2050 target.

Then there is the issue of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s), or in the case of public buildings Display Energy Certificates (DEC’s). EPC’s are regarded by the government as the principle driver behind improving energy efficiency, as a poor rating suggests that a building may be costly to heat and run, a definite black mark when it comes to selling or leasing. In requiring a certificate

showing the energy consumption of a public building to be displayed in a prominent place DEC’s are expected to have a similar effect. A shocking 1 in 6 public buildings are currently operating at a ‘G’ – the lowest possible energy efficiency rating.

Improving energy efficiency during refurbishment above and beyond current ADL1B and 2B levels will help to reduce carbon emissions, achieve a better EPC/DEC rating and bring down building running costs. The Caleb Management Services report has examined the issues surrounding energy efficiency in non-domestic refurbishment and has produced some important findings in this respect.

It outlines the benefit of ensuring refurbished buildings can achieve an EPC/DEC rating of “C” and importantly it shows how aiming to refurbish all existing non-domestic building stock by 2022 to the “C” rating is likely to have a short payback period of less than five years, after which time the refurbishment would have paid for itself and would actually begin to save money with a total energy cost saving of over £40 billion between 2010 and 2022. The full report can be found at: ww.kingspanpanels.com/Resource_Centre/Research.aspx

Significantly in these tough economic times, Caleb also highlights the potential for new jobs under a programme of accelerated refurbishment. The estimate is that such a scheme could create up to 75,000 long-term “green collar” jobs, offering a major boost to the beleaguered building industry.

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to achieve the suggested

improvement is to refurbish the building envelope with PIR composite panels. These products offer excellent thermal efficiency, with factory formed jointing and the PIR core helping to ensure excellent air tightness and U-values as low as 0.16 W/m²K, which is comfortably below current ADL2B requirements - the relevant standard for the non-domestic refurbishment discussed by Caleb - and should help in achieving an EPC/DEC rating of “C” or above.

Furthermore, these panels are highly durable and can help to ensure reliable

high levels of thermal performances into the long term. If energy efficiency is not maintained then fuel consumption and costs will rise, and further costly remedial or replacement work may be needed to rectify the problem. When considered alongside the recent hikes in fuel prices, cladding and roofing systems that will not lose performance over time can offer peace of mind.

Of course, this must all be seen alongside the design requirements of refurbishment, especially for commercial developments such as

apartment blocks. Projects often demand a striking and contemporary look and so ideally cladding and roofing products should be able to provide this and high levels of thermal performance. Available in a range of styles and finishes, composite panels provide design flexibility too, making them suitable for a range of refurbishment projects from big sheds through to residential blocks.

It is clear that energy efficient refurbishment of existing buildings must play a central role in addressing the issues of carbon emissions and

climate change. The report by Caleb Management Services has served to highlight the fact that there is a financially viable method of achieving improved energy efficiency, crucially within a short payback period. The thermal performance of composite panels can play a big part here, helping to meet the government’s 2050 target, getting high EPC/DEC ratings and reducing running costs whilst offering the design flexibility demanded by different types of refurbishment project.

[w] www.kingspanpanels.com

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OpinionOpinion

Zinc Cladding – A Vision Of Sustainability While the increasing specification of zinc owes much to its versatility, comments from architects invariably confirm that factors other than just design scope have influenced their choice. Of course, it helps if the end result is visually distinctive, and indeed diverse projects throughout the UK are providing an effective ‘shop window’ for what can be achieved.

Zinc outperforms all other metals in terms of sustainability and the contribution it can make, for example, to performance against the Code for Sustainable Homes has prompted its use for housing at both ends of the cost spectrum.

With zinc cladding, in terms of pure aesthetics systems work effectively with virtually any building material - timber, natural stone, brick, concrete and structural glass to name but a few. Standing seam, interlocking (with recessed joints) and overlapping vertical and horizontal panel systems are available in pre-weathered colours to provide a fully developed, stable natural patination. Colours such as

VM Zinc’s Anthra-Zinc® and Quartz-Zinc® continue to age normally and, being non-ferrous, are self-protecting, corrosion resistant and effectively maintenance-free.

The subdued shades of their red, green and blue Pigmento® range provide subtle tonal variation that just isn’t available with other metals. In order to guarantee long-term colour integrity, colours such as these rely on the use of mineral pigments rather than chromium based additives or processes such as powder coating.

Details of personal reasons for choosing zinc make interesting reading. David Pierce of architects Urban Salon commented, “We recently specified zinc for the first time for the design of Falmouth School’s new Design and Technology block. We wanted the building to appear as a series of folded planes, with the walls and roof clad in the same material.

It was crucial that the product we specified worked as well on both surfaces, and using zinc meant that we didn’t need to compromise on this. We were seduced by the Anthra-Zinc finish; the contrast between the black and grey zinc and the exposed timber is very powerful”.

For the £4.5 million refurbishment and extension of the Pier Arts Centre in Stromness, Reiach and Hall specified VM Zinc Plus®, again in Anthra-Zinc. Architect David Anderson explained, “The product was chosen for its known performance in a typically harsh marine environment. The new building extends and links the existing Pier Arts Centre buildings and comprises a simple two and a half storey pitched

roof structure, recalling the various seafront warehouses that pepper Stromness foreshore. In order to signify the public use of the building, we chose to abstract its form by cladding most of it in one material.

Zinc provided continuity of material for the south facing roof, rear wall and gable. It also fulfilled our desire to clad the ribs to the fully glazed north-facing roof and wall. The Anthra-Zinc colour is very muted and responds well to thin, low northern light revealing subtle changes in plane and texture, particularly when viewed from a distance. Closer inspection is

rewarded by the richness of the hand-built quality. The resulting building and its construction is not traditional yet it has a resonance with the place”.

From a technical perspective, the ability to work and shape zinc makes it an ideal cladding material. Being 0.8mm thick and installed directly onto plywood, the VM Zinc Plus standing seam cladding system is extremely malleable and able to follow very complex forms. An 18mm thick plywood substrate is a basic requirement, but this can be in 2 sheets of 9mm or even 3 of 6mm. This not only allows the plywood to flow

and curve smoothly at tight radii, but also gives the zinc a completely rigid support which limits any potential for impact damage at low level. Demonstrating this principle, the new £12.5 million, 3-storey, rectilinear frame University of Cambridge Centre for the Physics of Medicine building shows how the simplicity of curvature can provide an eye-catching point of focus.

Systems in aluminium normally require coating and consequent maintenance, and where welding is required the coating has to be removed and repainted. By contrast, zinc’s

patina may have to be removed for soldering, but re-forms naturally.

Zinc is less visually intrusive on the skyline and by virtue of its visual compatibility with so many materials can co-exist in many environments. There can perhaps be no better endorsement of the value of zinc than the introduction of aluminium systems with a zinc pre-weathered coating, albeit usually at a delicate thickness of only 5 microns. Tacit acceptance indeed of providing what is essentially a living skin.

[w] www.vmzinc.co.uk

By Andrew Denham of Umicore VMZINC

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Opinion Opinion

Dave Bulless, Biometric Specialist, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies looks at the futuristic new technology designed to control access.

Biometrics –The Future Of Locking !

Biometrics has come of age and Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies is at the forefront of the revolution with some sophisticated and proven hardware.

While many biometric technologies and companies are in a start up phase, Ingersoll Rand has decades of experience and an unparalleled track record, with over 70000 installations across the world. These include the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the US State Department, Japan Automatic Power Company, Ben Gurion International Airport, Rotterdam Harbour and the Port of Felixstowe.

Biometrics is the science of studying physical characteristics of a person such as finger prints, hand geometry or eye structure in order to identify them. Of course, using the body to prove unique identification is not new. Fingerprinting has been around for many years (for example, Historians have found examples of thumbprints being used as a means of unique identification on clay seals in ancient China). More recently, DNA profiling has become a popular method of identification, albeit one not suited to everyday life. However, biometrics technology has now taken a large leap forward with technological developments allowing analysis of a persons finger, hand, iris and, more recently, the face. This technology is becoming increasingly main stream and is no longer in the realms of science fiction and high security applications.

Fingerprint Readers

Fingerprint readers are a secure and low cost biometric solution for access control points that have minimal traffic flow and small user populations. Fingerprint readers analyse fingerprints located between the tip of a finger and first knuckle. An image is captured by a patented algorithm, which then extracts unique points from the image and converts the data into a unique mathematical template. They are particularly suited for gaining access to secure areas such as key rooms or areas such as computer rooms, document control facilities and laboratories. What’s more, the system can be easily integrated into new or existing electronic access control systems to provide a quick and easy retro-fit solution.

Hand Readers

Biometric hand readers are more robust than fingerprint readers. The reader simultaneously analyses more than 31,000 points and 90 measurements of an individuals’ hand – including length, width, thickness and surface area – to verify that the person using the device is really who he or she claims to be. The system eliminates the need of creating, administering and maintaining card-based access control systems, eliminates the risk of fraud and is the most proven biometric system available today.

The system is particularly suited to high volume, high throughput access points and for high security environments. Hand readers can

also be used as time and attendance terminals ensuring accuracy of payrolls. This saves money compared with traditional clocking in/out time cards, eliminates fraud known as ‘buddy punching’ where someone can double for someone else and provides the most accurate time and attendance solution on the market.

Iris Recognition

Iris recognition uses a camera to capture a live image of the iris and to generate an iris-code. This is then compared with a reference image stored in the system database. Access is granted if both images match. The size of the database has no impact on accuracy of recognition within the process of identification.

3d Facial Recognition

The latest and most fascinating technology involves facial recognition. The 3D facial recognition system directs structured, invisible light onto a subject’s face to create a facial grid of 40,000 measurable data points. The system performs multiple facial scans and comparisons against a database of stored images and corresponding data, performing accurate identification at sub-second speeds, from which authorised persons are confirmed for access.

Biometrics In Practice

Biometric hand geometry readers have been installed at the Port of Felixstowe as Phase 1 of a project

which will require all truck drivers to biometrically identify themselves.

By combining smart cards with biometric identification not only has security levels increased, but cargo handling times have reduced significantly. Linked to a centralised internet based system movement of goods are tracked and efficiency is greatly improved.

Hand geometry was chosen for its ability to cope with the harsh weather conditions at the port and because it was widely accepted by the truck drivers over other biometric systems.

The ability to integrate biometric systems into existing time & attendance and payroll software

is an added boon. Not only is security heavily improved, but better accounting and attendance records can be maintained.

Biometric access control is becoming the standard system for access control for both small and large-scale sites. Many companies have employed biometrics to control access and not just for sensitive areas. Building sites have recently successfully used handreaders as well as places such as the Port of Rotterdam, Selfridges, BNFL Sellafield and top London Hotels.

[w] security.ingersollrand.co.uk

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Keeping The Outside OutArchitect and journalist Christopher Sykes discusses entrance soil removal and best practice to improve design and reduce lifecycle costs

It is well-known that about 80% of dirt entering a building comes in on the soles of feet (in public buildings, such as schools, it is probably more; in private ones, less). Soil also comes in on wheelchairs or can be blown in by the wind. It costs a lot of money to remove and to keep interiors safe and looking good but there are solutions. What is less well-known is that an individual brings in nearly two-thirds of a gram per day of soil on his or her shoes. That may not sound much but if, for example, 300 people enter each day it would mean a kilogram of dirt over a 5 day period and the cost to remove is reckoned to be over £800.

These are interesting statistics that can be debated but, in reality, it very much easier to stop the stuff coming it all. As we all know, precautions taken to reduce and, hopefully, totally eliminate exterior dirt will radically reduce the costs of maintenance as well as dramatically improve the interior. Getting It RightThe most relevant Standard is BS 7953: 1999 Entrance Flooring Systems (Parts 4 and 5) which rather states the obvious:- ‘The function of entrance

flooring should be to reduce the incidence of slippery accidents by reducing soil and moisture tracked onto hard floor surfaces; to protect the life of interior floors by reducing abrasive soil; to reduce cleaning requirements. To fulfil these functions an entrance floor must remove and retain soil, be easy to clean and maintain and must retain its physical characteristics.’

To do all this effectively is a science in itself. For an entrance matting system to work effectively, it has to do several things – remove moisture, grit and dirt (plus in some case mud and snow); it has to retain this external detritus and stop it penetrating the interior and soiling the immediate entrance surfaces; it must be of sufficient area that it relates to the strides taken by people entering the building and their different footwear; it must remove or conceal the residual dirt from the surface so that it is not tracked in by the next person (which is why coir matting is difficult); it must be easy to clean and/or remove the residual dirt; finally, it has to look pristine and complement the interior (for, in the same way as dirty windows are not tolerated, entrance matting is as much a part of interior design as any other element.). The days of the token coir mat are long gone. In fact, Clause 9.1.3 of the latest British Standard states, ‘Dirt collecting matting should be of dense construction...Deep pile carpets and coir matting on the surface of the floor or within a matwell should not be

used.’ Short mattings are also useless because they will be stepped over. Busy people no longer have the time to stand and wipe their shoes. Today, the really clever entrance matting should do all the dirty work for them without them noticing. To achieve all this, you may need a primary exterior barrier, certainly a secondary one, perhaps even a tertiary one. In extreme cases, you will need to vary the materials – start with brush system underfoot for aggressive cleaning and gravitate through an open grid onto a carpet-like surface. Clearly, the greater the area of entrance matting, the greater amount of soil which is removed. BS 7953 recommends that at least the circumference of a wheelchair should make contact with the entrance flooring. The first mat stepped is the one that will scrape and remove most

of the dirt and it must be stepped on at least once with each foot - that means at least a 2m run. The secondary matting is the one which will largely remove moisture and dry the shoes. In theory, this is a longer process which means a longer run of matting - 5-6m in the direction of traffic is recommended.

The problem, of course, is that there may be length laterally across the entrance but not directionally. Designwise it would be strange to have, say, a 5m run of straight staircase width entrance matting leading up to the reception desk or lifts. Clever manufacturers and designers know how to meet both these aesthetic and physical requirements.

An interesting growing practice in retail facilities is to open up the entrance and do away the unsightly

anti-shoplifting devices. By using metal-free entrance matting, and by concealing the electronic devices underneath, aesthetics and cleanliness can be improved without loss of security. Performance in practiceInformed suppliers of entrance flooring should provide helpful advice and be able to show, through case studies or otherwise, exactly how their particular matting will perform. One of the leaders is international matting manufacturer Plastic Extruders (Plastex) who produce the Frontrunner Entrance Flooring System which comprises several options and, as far as slip resistance performance is concerned, meets the international standards of DIN 51130 (R11) and ASTM F 1677 (Dry 0.6/Wet 0.6). Plastex also offers a very detailed 20 page guide which demonstrates the

choice, solutions and aftercare in order to achieve the very best results. Today, to ignore the need for a high performance entrance flooring system can have both legal and financial repercussions, with the potential for dirty interiors and the risk of slips. Entrance matting is therefore one of the more important decisions a designer or facilities manager can take. Entrance matting not only has to perform superbly but has to complement the design and colours of the interior. Image is important; low costs are vital. Not many other building components have to multi-task so much, so often and for so long and be so cost effective!

[w] www.frontrunnerplus.com

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“Beauty is the oracle that speaks to us all”

Luis Barragan

picture perfect projects:

Kährs 26

Stannah Lifts 28

Victorian Woodworks 30

Levolux 32

Hunter Douglas 34

Permarock 36

Sikkens 38

Expanded Metal 40

Wicona 42

Glas Facades 44

Stoakes Systems 46

Contour Casings 48

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Kährs And Reflex Sports Join ForcesEurope’s largest wood flooring manufacturer, Kährs has formed a new partnership with Reflex Sports Ltd – the UK’s leading supplier of engineered timber sports floor systems. The new partnership will centre on the specification of Kährs all-in-one Activity Floor, bringing the product’s performance and installation benefits to new markets within the sports and leisure sector. Featuring integral shock-absorption and reinforcement properties, Kährs Activity Floor can be laid directly onto a level subfloor, eliminating the need for additional battens and fittings. During installation, Kährs glueless Woodloc® joint gives strength, perfect joints between boards and enables the floor to be laid 50% more quickly than a traditional sports floor; it can also be easily removed for relaying elsewhere, if required. Activity floor is available in Oak, Beech and Hard Maple, and in new Oak Mocha; all options have a durable satin lacquer prefinish for easy maintenance.

Kährs Activity Floor is fully compliant to DIN and new EU standards and is the official FISAF floor for the World & European Aerobics Championships through to 2011.

s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 1www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card

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Major UK sports fashion retailer, JD Sports Fashion Plc, has chosen leading UK independent lift manufacturer, Stannah Lifts, for all people and goods moving requirements within their brand new branch at the heart of the Paradise Project in Liverpool One. This project is part of a £920 million, 42 acre urban regeneration programme spanning 3 years, culminating in 2008 with Liverpool becoming European Capital of Culture.A 2-stop, 8-person Maxilift MXL passenger lift marries bespoke luxury with heavy-duty performance and full DDA compliance. A brushed stainless steel finish inside and out is enhanced by an eight spot downlighter-effect suspended ceiling, voice annunciator and half-height rear mirror. Complementary ceramic floor tiles lend continuity to every level served. Available with traction or hydraulic drive, structure supported or wall-mounted models and with or without motor rooms, Stannah’s Maxilift range of 6-16 person passenger lifts caters for various building types, heights, restrictions and budgets.Featuring brushed stainless steel with glass panel balustrades and matt black, extra-slim handrail guide frames, two A2S escalators combine heavy-tread transport with exceptional durability and minimal maintenance. The escalators are available in three models offering a wide range of materials and finishes for a flexible selection of configurations to enhance their surroundings.Last but not least, four 50kg Microlifts effect the speedy exchange of smaller merchandise between stock rooms and fitting floors in this vibrant flagship store. Available in capacities up to 100kg, these lifts operate within rapidly-erected, structure-supported frames, with installation swift and simple, subject to builder’s work.

s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 2 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card

Seven Stannah Lifts Products For JD Sports Fashion Plc In Liverpool

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Victorian Woodworks Celebrate With ‘Another Landmark’Timber flooring manufacturer, Victorian Woodworks have been supplying their luxury flooring solutions to the UK’s premier hospitality and leisure venues for over twenty years, and their products and unsurpassed knowledge of wood flooring continues to be very much in demand.

When one of the capital’s most prestigious five star hotels, The Landmark London, recently redesigned their restaurant and bar, Victorian Woodworks were delighted to provide something a little different for the flooring design solution. Sympathetically refurbished as twotwentytwo restaurant and bar, this popular venue combines classic sophistication with eclectic style – which, along with the diverse modern-European menu and delicious wine list, makes it the perfect gathering spot in the fashionable Marylebone area for drinks, lunch or dinner.

Victorian Woodworks’ Natural End Grain Woodblocks were chosen for this project, as they portray a timeless and warm appeal, coupled with superb durability that is a vital component of a hospitality environment – they also create a particular feature within the overall design of the new twotwentytwo.

Phil Wilson, of Victorian Woodworks remarked, “We were exceptionally thrilled with the finished floor within the twotwentytwo restaurant and bar – another unique solution from our range. Guests of the grand and luxurious Landmark London will enjoy a sumptuous experience, as the interior décor and exterior architecture of this luxury five star hotel is simply majestic”.


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Levolux offers a comprehensive range of solar shading products, designed to control light, heat and glare. Levolux designs, manufactures, installs and maintains solar shading systems to the very highest standards.

External ShadingOur products incorporate the very latest innovations in solar shading, utilising materials with unique qualities, engineered to be energy efficient and to create a comfortable, cool environment.

Internal ShadingFrom manually operated roller blinds to bespoke automated window blinds. Levolux solutions are tailored to meet specific requirements, incorporating standard or custom made fabrics and textiles.

Ventilation LouvresDesigned to screen plant and equipment, with excellent weather exclusion and ventilation properties, our louvre systems are flexible in design to incorporate doors, insect screens and acoustic panels as required.

Acoustic Fabric WallingLevolux offers a range of acoustic fabric walling with effective sound insulation and a variety of colours, fabrics and finishes to create an eye-catching design feature.


Solar Shading From The UK’s Number One Specialist

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The Travelodge Hotel With The 5-Star FacadeHunter Douglas façades have been used to fulfil the five-star brief of the new Southwark Travelodge in the heart of London’s Bankside quarter. The key objective for the 202-bedroom, eight-storey hotel in Union Street was to ensure that it fully complemented the award-winning Palestra building next door, the stunning home of the London Development Agency.Travelodge architects Dexter Moren Associates set out to achieve a design that would not compete with the Palestra but which would pick up on its scale and nuances to create a landmark building in its own right.As a result, Hunter Douglas’s high quality QuadroClad ventilated rainscreen façade system was specified in combination with fully integrated recess windows and glazing elements, also supplied by the façade and sun control manufacturer.One striking and unusual aspect of the facade was the installation of six-metre-high panels and windows, each spanning two floors of the hotel to create the impression of scale. The facade design was further enhanced with a jutting architectural feature at the top corner of the building.


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The design and creation of building façades demands products that are functional and aesthetic, durable and decorative and which can be used alongside natural materials, such as timber and stone, or to contrast with other materials such as glass and metals.

The extensive range of decorative renders, coatings, finishes and effects available from PermaRock provides the designer with unprecedented freedom to create uniquely expressive façades and interesting architectural designs. PermaRock Exterior Render Systems and PermaRock External

Wall Insulation Systems can be finished plainly or with texture, in bright, bold colours or neutral or earth shades, with decorative tiles, brick or stone effects. Three dimensional texture can be introduced in the form of architectural profiles, allowing the creation of stylish detailing, mouldings, cornices and the like, whilst simulated blockwork, ashlar, relief banding or sweeping curves can be introduced to add further expression. PermaRock are as careful in developing products that achieve a traditional appearance, such as brick, stonework or rustication as we are with fulfiling the

needs of contemporary architecture, with bright and bold, innovative and challenging decorative finishes & effects.

At the turn of the century PermaRock created a sensation in the field of colour for buildings by the introduction into the UK of the 3D-System developed by Europe’s leading building façade systems designers, Caparol. The 1350 complementary colour shades and combinations of the 3D-System are based on a three dimensional colour sphere, developed to give maximum scope for the creation of beautiful and distinctive exteriors and interiors for buildings. The

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3D-System provides a complete set of harmonious and complimentary colours for exterior wall coatings, through-coloured renders and colourful Decoline tiles as well as for interior and exterior enamels and wood finishes.

The pure inorganic pigments give total reliability in colour fastness, weather resistance and UV stability. The origin of all 3D-System colours are the three primary colours - Red, Blue and Yellow. By intermixing these primary colours, the Secondary Colours - Orange, Violet and Green are derived. Further blending of these

colours gives rise to a wider spectrum of colours. The permutations are limitless as are the possibilities for new shades and hues: In short, the colour wheel is endless. Where buildings are concerned, aesthetics and perception rules that some categories of colour are more harmonious and popular than others.


UniquelyExpressive Facades

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Sikkens Sustains Hamilton Development

Sikkens products have been recognised as environmentally responsible in a prestigious urban development in Scotland that has been designed as a testament to environmental and energy efficiency.

Located on former derelict land at the edge of Hamilton town centre, the homes on Miller Street advocate how modern sustainable design can be achieved in a busy urban environment, and the inclusion of the Sikkens Cetol BL21 plus water-based coatings with their lower carbon footprint, fitted in with the overall design requirements.

BL 21 plus offers a reduction in VOC emissions, due to the replacement of oil-based solvents with water, which also offers a quick drying solution, saving on time and associated costs. The residential development comprises 26 units in four blocks and follows an inspirational design by Hypostyle Architects.

Each of the four blocks has a thick, super insulated timber clad wall facing onto the main road and these have been protected using Sikkens Cetol BL21 plus wood coating. These huge clad walls act as a physical barrier against the outside conditions, which include

the sometimes harsh Scottish climate and the noise pollution from the road. Due to their sheer size, they had to appear aesthetically pleasing, a challenge easily met by the Cetol BL21 plus coating.

“We used the Cetol BL21 plus on the Douglas Fir timber because of its appearance but also because of its environmental properties,” explains Steven Rae, project architect at Hypostyle. “The whole theme of the development is sustainability and the Sikkens product fitted neatly into the specification requirements.”

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Innovative, environmentally friendly design techniques have been applied throughout the development, ensuring that the homes have minimal effect on the environment. “As timber is a highly sustainable construction material, we have made extensive use of it in the scheme and by protecting it with Cetol BL21 plus, we have been able to maintain the sustainable theme to the highest degree possible,” continues Mr Rae.

Sikkens Cetol BL21 plus is an alkyd/acrylic coating which absorbs into the timber surface, offering full protection against the damaging effects of sunlight and weathering, and

allows the flexibility necessary for the natural movement of timber.

The design was chosen through a competition promoted by clients, Clyde Valley Housing Association in conjunction with Communities Scotland and Hamilton Ahead (South Lanarkshire Council). Miller Street utilises passive and active principles to ensure an environmentally friendly design ranging from thermal walls to solar panel technology, creating a sustainable community on a particularly tight urban site.


Bringing The Outside Inside……

Expanded Metal has been produced from the same site in Hartlepool for 120 years. Traditionally seen as an industrial material and often hidden; expanded metal is now recognised as a powerful tool in architecture and 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 London’s Stephen Lawrence Centre. It is increasingly been used in interior design projects it is an ideal material for shopping fittings, bars, balustrades or even purely for decorative purposes.

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 and squared as well as the traditional diamond.

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 molded into a myriad of design opportunities.


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Double Skin Façade For Award-Winning Research Centre Constructed Using Wicona Unitised Curtain Walling

The double skin façade for the multi award-winning Beatson Cancer Research Facility at the University of Glasgow, was constructed using Wicona unitised curtain walling.

Designed by Reiach and Hall and built by Balfour Beatty, the £12m scheme is a world centre of excellence for cancer research. It takes the form of a transparent crystalline cube, which reflects the advanced nature of the research and contrasts with the historic nature of the site and the surrounding walled garden.

Wicona unitised curtain walling has been used to create a complex, bespoke double skin façade, which allowed the building to maximise light transmission whilst reducing solar gain. The tall glazed units allow light into the centre of the building and its laboratories, helping to provide an inspirational working environment and attractive views.

Each double skin unitised panel carries a pane of laminated structurally bonded glass on the outside, with a double glazed unit behind. Insulated opaque glass conceals services, and the third face of the external glass is fritted. The pattern was designed as an art piece by artist Alan Johnston, and provides an unusual solar screen, and reduces the amount of UV light entering the building.

The façade units are up to 3.9m high and 1.6m wide and were prefabricated and glazed off site, reducing installation time and improving quality control.

Ian Hopkins, Project Manager at Balfour Beatty Construction, added, “We would estimate that the unitised approach reduced site erection time by around 50 per cent. This was an important benefit for such a high specification façade and it allowed us to start the complex services installation at an earlier stage, and bring forward the testing and commissioning phase. The quality of the façade panels, which arrived on site around 80 per cent complete, was definitely superior. This is a first class approach to façade construction.”

Nick Richardson, Project Architect at Reiach and Hall, added, “This is an internationally important institution. The client wanted a high degree of transparency and natural light into the centre of the building, but the nature of the research demanded a very precise and constant internal temperature.” The Wicona unitised approach allows the façade panels to be fully glazed and sealed in a controlled factory environment, before being delivered to site for faster installation onto pre-prepared fixings, without the need for

scaffolding. This method improves quality control and site safety, and can reduce time on site by up to 70 per cent for earlier fitting out, completion and occupation.

Unitised solutions are particularly suited to more complex and bespoke façade designs, such as at the Beatson Institute, and are ideal for constrained city centre sites with restricted access and limited storage space for materials.

The Beatson Institute has already won a number of awards, including a Civic Trust Award and the Glasgow Institute of Architects Supreme Award and Best Healthcare Project Award.

The new building accommodates seminar rooms, a lecture theatre, social areas and laboratories with support spaces for 250 staff. It is located within a historic walled garden, surrounded by the mature grounds of the Garscube Estate on the outskirts of Glasgow.


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Stylish Composite Windows And DoorsThe recent introduction of Vision 3000 composite windows and doors by London-based Glas Facades Ltd, means that specifiers no longer have to compromise between natural light and thermal performance in a building. The combination wood and aluminium windows can be double or triple glazed and are available in Finished Pine, Natural Pine, Canadian Pine and European Oak. Some 70% of the aluminium used has been recycled and the timber used is 100% Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification certified.

In addition to their excellent thermal and acoustic performance, the strength of the highly engineered timber profiles and joint details makes possible single pane opening sizes which could not be considered in other materials. Individual doors up to 1700 mm wide and two metres high are easily achievable, which maximises light, reduces sightlines and makes the system more affordable. Not only has Glas Facades been putting the composite window frames through all the necessary European accreditations in terms of quality and performance, Vision 3000 has achieved an A rating under the BFRC scheme.


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We are not talking about the energy exerted by schoolchildren at this Slough & Eton Church of England School by Architects Design Partnership. Diffused daylighting is all about maximising daylighting in buildings while minimising heat loss. At the same time it has a marked influence on the interior ambience as well as on personal well-being, concentration and lifestyle in every type of building - from schools to retail, from pools to sports halls, from transport to industrial.

This is the unique Kalwall cladding and roofing system which floods interiors with ‘museum quality’ light without shadows, glare or hotspots or the need for blinds or solar control. This means less artificial lighting and, because the system is highly insulating, energy costs are reduced. By using Nanogel aerogel within the panels, an astonishingly low U value of 0.28 can be achieved which is equivalent to a solid wall.


Maximising Daylighting , Minimising Energy

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Contour Casings Announce Copings RangeContour Copings is a new, high quality aluminium capping system that has just been announced by Contour Casings Limited, the UK’s leading supplier of pre-formed pipe boxing and column casings. The innovative system has been designed for fixing to walls and parapets on all types of building and incorporates a ‘secret fix’ design which gives installations a professional, clean-line appearance.

The Copings also have an integral weather-sealing feature that prevents water ingress into the building structure. (Contour Copings are totally weatherproof and tested to withstand wind loads in excess of 140mph). All Contour Copings’ components are polyester powder-coated to ensure long term durability and Syntha Pulvin can also be specified to provide a guarantee of up to 30 years (depending on the application).

Contour offer an extensive range of standard colours as well as the ability to supply colour-matched components where required. For most colours Contour offers a choice of gloss, satin or matt finish – mill finish can also be specified. As part of an integrated system approach, Contour offer a free site survey service and employ experienced surveyors who can identify any potential problems on site and ensure that these are avoided.

In addition, Contours’ experienced installation teams have the skill and capability to ensure that the finished installation is undertaken quickly and efficiently. As with other aspects of the Contour business, the company offers a full ‘supply and fit’ service for Copings and an experienced project management team is in place to look after the entire process, helping to ensure minimal disruption to building occupants.

Initially available in 3 standard profiles: square, weathered and ridged, Contour Copings are manufactured in widths up to 750mm and heights up to 300mm; in 5 standard lengths from 1250mm to 3000mm. The company also offers custom manufacture for bespoke applications.

Each Coping profile is complemented by a range of accessories including; corners, tee-sections, stopends and intersection/upstands, all of which help to ensure ease of installation and a perfect fit.

The Copings are manufactured from aluminium to BS EN 485/515/573 with a thickness of 2mm – a dimension that can be increased as required by the application/installation.

In addition to standard ranges, Contour also offers a custom manufacturing capability that includes the production of curved sections that can be fabricated to any radii to provide a contemporary appearance to curved parapet walls. Special profiles in addition to the standard and curved offerings can also be produced to ensure seamless integration with a variety of architectural styles.


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Leon Battista Alberti

news - 52

floors - 57

environmental control - 62

doors, windows & glazing - 70

external work - 81

roofs - 84

walls - 92

interiors - 96

paints & coatings - 102

structures - 106

fire protection - 107

projects - 110

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Charter-Integr8 Gets A New Look As Sales Move Up A GearCharter Specialist Security, which manufactures and supplies the leading Charter-Integr8 range of built-in security shutters, has a new look, new website (www.chartergroupuk.com) and new brochure designed to capitalise on the company’s recent strong performance. The launch of Charter’s new brand identity and corporate literature is the first phase of a rolling programme of PR and marketing aimed at building on its rapidly growing portfolio of satisfied clients.Charter firmly believes it’s in the right place at the right time with an excellent product range and unrivalled service and support. That’s why the company is looking to increase market share still further with an active PR and marketing campaign. The Charter-Integr8 range of innovative shutters delivers the highest level of security and offers both built-in and retrofit solutions.


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Senior’s Take To The RoadThe importance of having physical product and support available when in discussion with product specifiers cannot be overstated. To be able to have several products on show and support these with literature and the latest three dimensional video graphics gives specifiers a real feel about a products’ capability. As it is not always possible for specifiers to take time out of their busy schedules to visit recently completed site, or showroom, when specifying product, Senior Architectural Systems have decided to take the showroom to the specifier.The mobile showroom is based on a 7.5 tonne chassis and has been put together in conjunction with Doncaster College. The college has been pioneering 3D technology for some time as a way of improving understanding and learning capabilities in conjunction with local industry. The showroom has been designed and constructed in support of Senior’s customer base who can use the facility for open days and in support of contract negotiations. Fitted out with multimedia technology, the showroom can also cater for up to 10 people for meetings and presentations.The showroom will also be available in support of Senior’s active CPD programme for specifiers which is undertaken by their trained technical sales team.


CGL - Launch A New Vision For Rainscreens

CGL Systems have just launched an exciting, fully illustrated and interactive website, featuring their complete range of metal rainscreen systems for all types of wall cladding applications. The website includes a link to the company’s ‘Vision of the future for metal rainscreens’ - an animated section showing a range of over 20 options CGL Systems can offer designers who are looking for an innovative solution both in terms of design and materials to externally clad a building. The website also features CGL Systems range of membrane lined gutter systems, ancillary products and a range of product videos which can be viewed on-line.


Hanson To Open New £50 Million Brick FactoryHanson is to open a new £50 million brick factory at Measham in Leicestershire, reaffirming its position as the UK’s leading supplier of heavy construction materials. The soft mud plant, which will have the capacity to produce 100 million bricks per year, has already begun commissioning trials and will be fully operational by the end of the Summer. The new plant has sustainability and quality at its core. It stands on brown field land, previously a landfill site for factory waste, and features a low energy, low waste production process, which is fully mechanised.


Strada Launches New Architectural Hardware CatalogueLeading supplier of architectural hardware, Strada, has launched a new architectural hardware catalogue. Offering specifiers an easy to use and comprehensive guide, it covers a wide range of products from access control through to washroom accessories. A quality assured firm, with a proven track record and reputation for quality product and first class customer service, Strada is one of the UK’s leading distributors of architectural hardware.Working with leading British and European manufacturers, the company provides specifiers with a single source for a wide variety of products. The new catalogue is split into 14 clearly defined categorieEach section includes details on a range of products, including technical information, performance and, where relevant, finishes and dimensions.


New Handrail And Wall Protection Range Is Flame Retardant

A new range of flame retardant, non-toxic and fully recyclable handrails and wall guards for hospitals, healthcare and public buildings has been launched by decorative casing and protection company, Encasement. The innovative n-case Styla range not only provides an effective handrail and wall protection solution, but also helps create a safer environment as it is manufactured using EkoBlend - a unique non-toxic, PVC free and Halogen free material that is 100% recyclable and ecologically friendly. EkoBlend does not give off any harmful fumes such as those normally associated with traditional PVC based products, making it an F1 Class rated material. Also, it is non-porous, making it easy to clean and is stable against UV and artificial lighting.


BBA Approval For Greenspan’s AquapanelGreenspan has been awarded approval from the British Board of Agrément (BBA) for its water-resistant Aquapanel system - a complete exterior system that has set new standards for building design and construction. The BBA assesses a number of key factors including strength and stability, behaviour in relation to fire, weathertightness and durability. Aquapanel’s distinctive construction offers considerable productivity benefits: its unique ‘score and snap’ properties mean it’s easy and quick to install and its dry-lining technology means shorter drying times too. The system provides architects and distributors with a high quality, economical alternative to traditional methods of construction such as brick and block.


Fire Design Solutions: Providing Unique InnovationOffering a full turnkey package, Fire Design Solutions provides a comprehensive smoke and fire safety systems service. A professional design and installation specialist with a proven track record, Fire Design Solutions ensures the correct installation of its bespoke systems on every project.In-depth specialist knowledge, the incorporation of the scientific principles behind fire and smoke and a dedication to research and pioneering safety systems sets Fire Design Solutions apart within the industry.Some of its specialised systems include Fan Assisted System which represents a new evolution in smoke ventilation, the impulse car park ventilation system and an environmental heat removal system. Focusing on design, maintenance and cost efficiency elements, the company value engineers each installation to deliver tangible benefits before, during and beyond handover. Fire Design Solutions can provide significant cost savings, increase saleable floor space, maximise system efficiency and streamline maintenance.


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The jury may still be out regarding exactly what the Government means by a ‘Zero Carbon Home’, but thankfully the construction industry does enjoy some sort of consensus on the definition of sustainability. Namely, that by employing products and practices which are sustainable, we are not jeopardising the potential for future generations, to go on enjoying similar benefits.

The grey areas start to emerge as you debate which products, systems or strategies can actually be considered to achieve this ideal. Though Polypipe Building Products believes that a growing number of specifiers are coming to appreciate the green benefits of its predominantly grey coloured plumbing, heating and drainage products; as in a variety of ways they make important contributions to the environmental agenda. For those who are not already familiar with the Code for Sustainable Homes, it is important to point out that the guidance on creating greener dwellings is not only being phased in over a period of just a few years, but it will require virtually every aspect of the domestic environment to be addressed to reach the higher levels.

For this reason, Polypipe Building Products has not only been working to enhance the performance of its portfolio, but has also made considerable effort to explain the different product’s potential to provide points under the various categories of the code. As part of this the post of Product Manager for Sustainability was created to offer specifiers guidance on how they can gain the greatest benefits, without radically changing the way they design properties, or exceeding clients’ budget constraints.

Brian Stannett was appointed from within Polypipe to fill this vital role and has also been involved with the Housing Forum. He comments: “We are seeing a lot more interest being shown of late in a number of areas – especially the control of surface water or storm water management, and also rainwater harvesting. Sales of these ranges have actually been increasing, despite the downturn in housebuilding, while our underfloor heating systems are also being used more frequently as a means of

‘enabling’ or optimising the performance of ground source and air source heat pumps as well as high efficiency condensing boilers.”

Implementing sustainable drainage systems or SUDs is of course a planning requirement as well as a feature of the Code for Sustainable Homes, and Polypipe facilitates the all important area of attenuation with its well proven Polystorm product. The high capacity grey cells being stacked together to create holding tanks, while they are also able to withstand heavy vehicle loads if they need to be located beneath roads or parking areas. An alternative version in black, Polystorm Light, has a significant recycled content, but cannot carry traffic. Again in the familiar grey livery, the manufacturer’s rainwater harvesting system, Ecovat is able to drastically reduce a dwelling’s dependence on mains water; greatly supplementing the benefits of installing low volume flushing toilets and aeration devices in taps.

As Brian Stannett observes: “Designers have realised there is only so much air you can put through the taps and then you have to start looking at ways of replacing the mains water supply you are using for non-potable applications. And unlike grey water recycling, rainwater harvesting can be used for running the washing machine or supplying the outside tap, not just toilet flushing. “Correctly sized and installed, it is actually possible for Ecovat to collect and recycle sufficient rainwater to cut an average household’s consumption of mains water by as much as 50per cent.”

Interestingly, assessors looking at new properties in relation to the Code for Sustainable Homes are now able to take rainwater harvesting systems into account with respect to the contribution they make to attenuating rainfall. In other words the reservoir can be viewed as a temporary store, acting to reduce immediate discharge into the stormwater drainage system. The other very positive aspect to supplementing or replacing potable supply which Polypipe is keen to point out to specifiers relates to water’s enormous energy footprint. The power consumed in treating and distributing mains water – coupled with continuing losses from the UK’s inadequately maintained pipework infrastructure – actually makes this essential of life a prime cause of pollution.

It is clear then that paying attention to the way we consume and dispose of or drain away water can make a significant contribution to preserving resources, cutting carbon emissions and mitigating against future flooding episodes. And ensuring we get the maximum efficiency from the fossil fuels we use to heat our homes, by employing underfloor heating systems, will similarly benefit the environment.

In respect of achieving such ambitions not only has Polypipe Building Products developed a range able to assist specifiers meet current and future targets on sustainability, but the company’s entire operation from production through to final distribution is the subject of continuing effort to cut waste and improve performance.


Is Grey The New Green?

Ardex-Flex Grouts Get Colourful!

ARDEX UK’s ARDEX-FLEX FS and ARDEX-FLEX FL Tile Grouts are now available in 32 fantastic new colours, all available in ARDEX-FLEX FS Flexible Tile Grout and ARDEX-FLEX FL Rapid Setting Flexible Tile Grout. ARDEX-FLEX FS is perfect for use with narrow joints up to 4mm whereas ARDEX-FLEX FL has been specifically developed for use with wide tile joints from 3-15mm. Both products perform perfectly with all types of tiles.


The Versa Pipe Boxing System

News

Steelwork Connection Manual Published

Lindapter has released the comprehensive resource for designing weld-free steelwork connections, featuring specification data, technical diagrams, and installation guidance. The guide has been created to assist specifiers designing steelwork connections, proving a wealth of technical data with supporting 3D models, clearly illustrating the vast examples of potential connections that can now be achieved.Expanding beyond this, Lindapter offer a free design service for the specifier’s convenience and the research and development of bespoke solutions. The completely revised guide incorporates the very latest product innovations such as the Type LS, a premium self-adjustable stainless steel fixing, offering extreme corrosion protection in harsh environments such as those found offshore or in processing plants.Lindapter’s relentless dedication to research and development is further illustrated with the revolutionary Hollo-Bolt® Flush Fit.The aesthetically pleasing cavity fixing creates immense opportunity for architectural design, as it is concealed within the steelwork with no protruding bolt head or collar.


Established 1934

Technical Innovation inSteelwork Connections

n-case Versa pipe boxing provides a truly adaptable solution for specifiers who need to conceal pipe work in many commercial and domestic applications. Featuring radiused corners for improved aesthetics and suitable for both vertical and horizontal installation, Versa one piece pre-formed pipe boxings are ready-finished with a hard wearing bonded melamine surface. Available in a range of sizes and two material thicknesses, Versa 5 and Versa 8, n-case Versa pipe boxing also incorporates a range of dedicated accessories. Versa pipe boxing is significantly quicker to fit than site fabricated pipe boxing.


Standing Seam CPD SeminarsCPD Seminars entitled ‘Discussing Standing Seam - 21st Century Design’ are being held at many locations around the UK. Provided by Kalzip, these seminars address issues surrounding current trends and the future direction of standing seam design for the building envelope. The seminar

covers technical considerations and implications regarding the impact of changes in the Building Regulations, legislation,

standards, performance criteria and sustainable construction. Future design opportunities demonstrating state-of-the-art technology and the latest innovations in the market are included in the presentation together with an overview of related component design covering technical detailing, product application and construction techniques.


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Medite Ready With Carb 2 Compliant MDF

Formaldehyde, a component in the raw material of the resins used to bind wood fibres by wood based composites industry, has long been subject to debate. With continued and growing interest in ‘healthy buildings’, product emissions and indoor air quality, this is now a major live issue for panel products in Europe, the USA and Japan, all of which have developed their own standards in response. Europe has led the way on formaldehyde reduction with the E1 standard but demands from the market, home product retailers and regulation coming from California have resulted in the call for stricter standards on MDF and chipboard producers than are currently being applied in Europe.Medite, part of the panel products division of Coillte – the Irish forestry and forest products company, is an industry pioneer and has long been at the forefront of ‘low formaldehyde’ innovation in Europe. Following a recent g16 million investment in new technology and equipment to improve production facilities and refiner capabilities at its plant in Clonmel in Ireland, Medite continues to be able to respond quickly to constantly evolving regulations.Now, Medite has the ability to manufacture MDF panels which have been certified in compliance with the emission standards of CARB 2; 18 months before the CARB 2 regulation becomes compulsory in the US. This also means that Medite is able to produce MDF which meets the EPF-S guideline standards currently being developed in Europe. In response to the growing market demands for reduced formaldehyde emissions from MDF panels.


75 Years Of Lindapter

News

Another Winning Performance From Ardex ARDEX UK recently helped complete a flooring installation on behalf of the Hilton East Midlands Airport hotel. A fast track, reliable installation was vital. ARDEX AF 3000 multi purpose flooring adhesive was chosen to install the new Brintons carpet. ARDEX AF 3000 displays unsurpassed on-site performance, exceptional wet grab, and up to 20 minutes open time. Additional benefits of ARDEX AF 3000 include rapid strength development, ease of use, and its versatility to adhere to carpet, linoleum and some types of PVC-based tiles and sheets. It can also even be used with underfloor heating systems.


Resdev Flooring Chosen For Flagship Distribution CentreWhen Expect Distribution were looking for a flooring solution for their new £9M flagship central distribution facility at Premier Point in Bradford, Reprotec and Resdev came to their aid. Using products from Resdev’s Puma range of epoxy and polyurethane flooring systems, Durham-based Reprotec UK Limited have provided the ideal long-term answer. Expect Distribution’s new goods inwards/outwards area measures an impressive 5000m² and, when commissioned, will be one of the busiest distribution bases within the UK.With the demands associated with constant traffic, the company was determined that the floor would meet all projected requirements. The floor was prepared by means of vacuum blasting before saw-cutting all the strength points. Resdev’s Pumaprime SF, incorporating a silica scatter, was used to prime, seal and bond to the substrate. An innovative ‘sandwich’ system was then applied using Pumadur SL flow-applied polyurethane flooring with a scatter of Grip 5 aggregate. This bottom layer was then overlaid with two coats of Pumatect high build epoxy coating to encapsulate the hard wearing aggregate, achieving a resilient surface with excellent durability and resistance to impact and abrasion, whilst colour-coding different zones in the process. The end result has been praised by Expect Distribution.


Sky-High Praise For Addaset At Kew

Frontrunner Welcomes Guests

Frontrunner Plus, part of the Frontrunner entrance flooring system, has been installed at the main entrance to a new Greek hotel complex. It was selected for its proven reputation in heavy foot traffic situations where problem-free and effective cleaning needs to be combined with cost effectiveness, reduced maintenance and an attractive appearance. Frontrunner Plus is manufactured with integral absorbent inserts within a heel-proof vinyl grid. This unique combination scrapes, cleans and dries the shoes of the hotel guests while any dirt remaining falls through the grid and is not transferred inside. This dramatically reduces the ingress of dirt, dust and other contaminates and thereby enhances appearance and reduces maintenance in the hotel foyer.


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In light of the current economic climate it makes refreshing news to learn of a company that has endured a number of recessions since the brand’s inception in 1934 and remains steadfast in face of the latest industrial downturn. Lindapter celebrates 75 years pioneering the design and manufacture of steelwork connection solutions; following a legacy set by founder Henry Lindsay to produce only the highest quality steelwork fixings.Lindapter provides a unique and proven concept – innovative steelwork clamping systems that eliminate the need to drill or weld steelwork, enabling rapid construction and low labour costs. The vast product range has diversified from the original 1934 invention of the malleable iron hook-bolt adapter, or ‘Lindsay Adaptor’ and the combination of the two words explains the formation of the now famous brand name. Today the distinguished array of products includes steelwork, cavity, decking, support and floor fixings, in addition to bespoke product development. Lindapter has manufactured to the highest standard for three quarters of a century, earning a multitude of independent approvals and a reputation synonymous with safety and reliability. Current accreditations awarded by international associations include Lloyds Register, TÜV NORD, Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik and Det Norske Veritas. Lindapter is specified on countless projects across the globe. Lindapter argues that by adopting a proactive approach, particularly in seeking business overseas, UK businesses can remain profitable during these troubled times. As the company celebrates 75 years of continued success, it appears to be a convincing strategy.


Addagrip’s resin-bound surface Addaset has been used to provide a durable, anti-slip surface for the new Rhizotron and Xstrata treetop walkway at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. The walkway consists of the Rhizotron underground passage and 200 metre Xstrata walkway 18 metres above ground. Total Protection laid a total of 449m² of 6mm All Gold Addaset to a depth of 15mm for the surfacing of the Rhizotron and plaza area around the aerial walkway, as well as the anti-slip ramp system and disabled access paths. Addaset provides a smooth, slightly textured homogenous surface by binding together natural aggregate within a clear resin which is attractive, safe, low maintenance and hard wearing. It is a cold applied surface that offers a wide choice of aggregates that can be chosen to harmonise with the local surroundings making it ideal for use on historic sites and heritage restoration projects.


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Floors ��Floors

ARDEX UK teamed up with Neofloors Limited to complete a new visitor’s reception area at Cambridge Regional College. It was essential that a flat, hard wearing and low maintenance floor be specified and that the chosen sub-floor would provide the perfect base for the fixing of large format Domus Ecolight 600mm x 600mm floor tiles. Because the existing sub-floor was uneven, ARDEX K 15-B Rapid Drying Pumpable Sub-Floor Smoothing Compound Base Mix was specified at 11mm. To fix the tiles, ARDEX MICROTEC X 78 S Ultra Rapid Setting Floor Tile Adhesive was specified in grey. Finally, high performance ARDEX–FLEX FL Grey Rapid Setting Flexible Grout was used to fill the tile joints.


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Visedge Access Panels Are Furlongs Ahead Of The RestHowe Green’s state-of-the-art Visedge floor access panels made the flawless finishing touch to a restaurant refurbishment at the prestigious Goodwood Racecourse in Chichester. But with crucial internal drainage under one kitchen, access was essential. Specified for a quality finish, the seven Howe Green Visedge access panels fit perfectly flush with the floor. This ensured there was no danger of slips and trips in the high-pressure kitchen areas. This smooth installation ensured that the access panels were made virtually unnoticeable. Nothing is visible but the thin edge trims around each of the

Visedge panels. To help the panels blend in with the rest of the kitchen floor they are topped with the same Altro flooring used throughout the room. With such a secure fit, the Visedge panels prevent any dirt or moisture ingress. Maintenance-free, Howe Green’s access panels provide the kitchen with ‘stiletto-proof’ protection. They’re designed to withstand heavy foot traffic.


Sika Solution For Canary Wharf Kitchen

When the floor of the commercial kitchen on the 8th floor of the Swiss Bank building at Canary Warf in London’s Docklands was allowing water to penetrate through to the floors below, a specialist flooring system from Sika Ltd provided the solution. Flooring contractors Datum Industrial Flooring were called in and identified the problem as poor waterproofing of the original concrete floor. The floor surface was also subject to slip hazards. The solution employed by Datum was to install the Sikafloor Purcem resin floor surface system that is specifically designed for food processing and preparation areas. The finished floor can be steam cleaned to give the highest levels of hygienic surface demanded by the modern food industry. The Sikafloor Purcem system is water based, providing environmentally friendly application by contractors and taint-free properties that will not taint food or food packaging. It is suitable for extreme environments and produces a jointless surface that is slip and abrasion resistant.


The Only Colours That Matter… Yellow Bag. Black Bottle.

Summing Up 1-2-3

According to Polypipe’s Martin Dootson, a new web and disc–based quotation system for underfloor heating has been warmly received by installers since it was launched last year receiving 1500 hits per week on the website. The Polypipe 123 Solution has been designed so that in just three simple steps the installer can arrive at a full specification to suit a wide variety of individual applications. “It really is as easy as one-two-three” he says. “All you do is state the floor type, floor area and the control pack needed for a single room or whole house. The software does the rest and will give helpful guidance along the way”.


ARDITEX NA Ultra Rapid Setting Low Odour Latex Levelling and Smoothing Compound has become the flooring industry benchmark in terms of performance, ease of use, speed and reliability. ARDITEX NA has excellent properties of adhesion and flexibility. The real advantage of ARDITEX NA is that its unique rapid setting properties enable floorcoverings to be applied after just 4 hours. ARDITEX NA has exceptional flow and can also be laid from a feather edge up to at least 12mm in a single application and up to 30mm with the addition of ARDEX Aggregate. The absence of ammonia and protein in ARDITEX NA means that it is perfect for use in sensitive locations. It also has excellent water resistant properties, making it ideal for use both above and below a damp proof membrane such as ARDEX DPM 1 C One Coat Surface Damp Proof Membrane.


PVC Floorcoverings Get “A+” Environmental Assessment In BRE Global’s Green Guide Online

BRE Global has published generic Green Guide ratings for vinyl floorcoverings (www.thegreenguide.org.uk). The generic products on the Green Guide Online include floorcoverings for health, education, and retail applications and give an indication of the environmental performance that the Gerflor range may achieve in the respective use categories. Use of the generic product ratings will help specifiers achieve the highest possible BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) rating for new buildings and reduce the overall impact of their projects on the environment. The scheme – which assesses the environmental impact of construction products – confounds the previously widespread belief that construction products made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are inherently damaging to the environment. PVC is possibly the most widely tested construction material and the most recent evidence has shown it to be a major contributor to reducing environmental impact within the construction industry. BRE’s Green Guide to Specification Floor Finishes section, which went live on line on 31st March, rates products against a range of criteria including fossil fuel consumption, carbon emissions and pollution.


Ardex Microtec Tile Adhesive Steals The Limelight At Cambridge Regional College

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Ceramic And Natural Stone Tiling On Under Tile Heating Systems

The application of floor tiling on heated sub-floors has become more popular in recent years, partially due to the increased availability of electric under tile heating systems and also the space saving advantages of underfloor heating.

With under tile heating there are key factors that have to be addressed and the main factor concerns the type, condition and stability of the sub-floor. With a solid sub-floor, such as concrete or a cement/sand screed, providing it is clean, dry and sufficiently mature, the application is fairly straightforward. The heating mat or cables have to be secured and initially smoothed over with either ARDITEX NA Latex Sub-Floor Smoothing Compound or even the adhesive subsequently used to adhere the floor tiling.

Where the sub-floor consists of suspended wood-based sheets and floorboards then ascertaining the stability and rigidity is more difficult since, once the heating system is installed, the wood-based boards will experience a warmer environment and will lose moisture and shrink. Even the normal conditioning of any plywood sheets used to stiffen the floor will not match the conditions under the heated tiling.

The best procedure is to prime the boards with undiluted ARDEX P 51 Primer and install the under tile heating mat or cables in accordance with the heating manufacturer’s instructions. The next step is to pre-smooth the sub-floor and encapsulate the heating mat or cables in ARDEX FA 20 MICROTEC Fibre Reinforced Rapid Drying Floor Levelling and Smoothing Compound so the heating elements will have a sufficient cover, before a proprietary uncoupling membrane is affixed with AF 200 Adhesive. This will immediately allow the tiles to be adhered on top of the uncoupling membrane using a pourable adhesive e.g. ARDEX X 78 S MICROTEC. This procedure will be effective where the adhered tiling will be subjected to occasional wetness, e.g. in a bathroom. The placement of the heating under the uncoupling membrane will more evenly distribute the heat to the floor tiling.

The tiles should be solid bed fixed making sure that as far as is practicable no voids remain beneath the tiles. If a slump-free tile adhesive is used, e.g. ARDEX X 77 S, it has to be trowelled on the sub-floor and combed through with the recommended notched trowel to provide a straight ribbed bed. Whilst this ribbed bed is still wet and workable the backs of the tiles should be buttered with the adhesive immediately before being bedded into the ribbed adhesive bed, pressing the tiles in firmly so no voids remain beneath the tiles. If a pourable adhesive is used, e.g. ARDEX X 78 S, or ARDEX-FLEX 7001, there is no need to butter the backs of the tiles to achieve solid bedding.

Where the suspended wood based sub-floor has to be made rigid by over sheeting with adequately thick plywood the existing sub-floor should be pre-smoothed with ARDEX FA 20 so that the new plywood fits flush. If possible condition the new plywood to the moisture levels in the room by storing it for several days with good air circulation on all sides. When the new conditioned plywood is fixed down on the smoothed sub-floor the under tile heating system can be installed with a proprietary uncoupling membrane following the recommendations for as described suspended wood-based sheets and floorboards.

In some instances it can be prudent to utilise an impervious proprietary tile backing board to stiffen an existing suspended wood based sub-floor, particularly where the tiling will be subjected to water, e.g. in a bathroom. The wood based sub-floor should be pre-smoothed so that the proprietary tile backing boards fit flush before they are mechanically fixed into position.

The under tile heating system can be installed directly on top of the tile backing board and the surface smoothed to just encapsulate the heating cables using ARDEX FA 20. Once the smoothing application has hardened sufficiently the tiles can be fixed using ARDEX X 78 S. Note that where the proprietary tile backing board has insulating properties this will be an advantage since the tiling will heat up more rapidly.

Other types of sub-floors have to be considered carefully, e.g. flooring grade asphalt, where the higher temperatures of the under tile heating system will either reduce the load-bearing properties, or be unsuitable for use on asphalt. Where other sub-floors are to be considered then advice should be sought from the manufacturers of the under tile heating system and the products used in its installation.

It is best to remove most existing floorings, especially textile and resilient floorings. Even hard floorings, such a ceramic floor tiles and terrazzo flooring, can cause problems since movement can occur at existing cracks during thermal cycling and grin through the new flooring.

With some natural and agglomerated stone tiles the use of ‘rapid drying’ adhesives such as ARDEX-FLEX 7001 may be required to help prevent ‘water staining’ and/or warping. Select a cement-based adhesive, with a C2 classification to BS EN 12004; note that with a pourable adhesive, the need to butter the backs of the tiles can be eliminated even with the larger format stone tiles. Note that resin bonded agglomerated stone tiling has a significantly higher thermal expansion than natural stone and ceramic tiling so that extra movement has to be accommodated.

Movement joints should be incorporated in the tile bed where the tiling abuts any restraining surfaces, e.g. where the tile bed abuts walls and columns (perimeter joints), and across thresholds. Large areas of floor tiling should be divided up into reasonably square areas not greater than 25 square metres by intermediate movement joints. Grouting should be carried out as soon as the tile bed can be trafficked and either a cement-based grout classified to BS EN 13888 as CG2, e.g. ARDEX-FLEX FL, or a CG1 with a polymer admix to provide more resilient properties, e.g. ARDEX C2 + ARDEX E 101, should be used.


One Stop Energy Saving ShopAs the economic crisis hits the pockets of British home designers, builders and buyers hard, everyone is looking for a way to save money. Combine this with a need to meet increasingly high environmental standards and it feels like being stuck between a rock and a hard place – money has to be saved, but so does the environment.

With fuel prices expected to rocket to a potential 40% increase, heating is set as one of the biggest outgoings for any UK home. A number of solutions have become wide-spread, from the use of solar power to energy efficient boilers. However if, for example, solar power is chosen to tackle the cost and energy saving problem, but is then combined with a cheap heating system, the benefits from the solar power can soon disappear from the system’s energy wastage.

Thankfully there is a one stop shop solution. Rotex, a leader in energy efficient heating systems, has developed an innovative array

of heating features, including gas and oil condensing boilers, hot water storage, solar panel technology and rainwater storage tank. Alone, each offers genuine savings in both costs and energy. But together, these create a comprehensive heating system that will save the end user thousands of pounds a year.

The theory is simple. If a building is using one energy saving device, it can save ‘X’ amount of money. Add further efficient devices to this line up and the combined cost savings can be substantial. This is where Rotex comes in.

Rotex’s GasSolarUnit, a gas condensing boiler that offers energy efficiency up to 110%, can reduce energy consumption to around 68% of a traditional system. This in itself can cut a household’s energy costs by hundreds a year.

It can then be integrated with the Solaris, Rotex’s state of the art solar system.

Designed to work in harmony together, the GasSolarUnit has the capacity to store solar energy collected by the panels. With this energy used to heat the building and water, the need for fuel is significantly reduced.

As an effective alternative to a boiler, the Solaris can be combined with the Rotex Air Source Heat Pump. With this system, a home is supplied with cost-efficient heating and hot water all year round.

With pockets being squeezed, many people may submit to the burning temptation of opting instead for a cheaper heating

system, based solely on immediate cost savings. This may work in the short term, but the user will incur the energy losses, and in turn extra costs, of a cheaper system. Installing a Rotex system will, however, pay for itself in the long run. This renders the initial cost irrelevant, as it will lead to continual savings, even after it has paid off the start up payment.

Choosing a Rotex system not only provides guaranteed energy saving benefits, but it is a complete solution that fully tends to the user’s needs.

For one, peace of mind. Specifying all aspects of the heating system from one provider, the end user can receive superior customer service as the system isn’t built up of a ‘mix and match’ components – a boiler from one company, a storage tank from another.

Additionally, if certain attributes, such as solar panels, aren’t specified in the first instance, Rotex can retrofit its Solaris system.

This allows for simple, cost effective upgrades that don’t involve costly reworking of the building or heating system.

The company’s top contenders also include its cutting edge oil condensing boiler, the A1. Backed by ten years’ experience and a ten year guarantee against corrosion failure, it is able to both provide cost savings and help the environment. With virtually no loss, it converts fuel into usable heat.

For the most hygienic hot water storage, Rotex offers the Sanicube. As a valuable commodity to any household, hot and cold water must be provided in a consistently safe condition, at the desired temperature – anytime it’s needed. This is the job of the Sanicube.

Finally, the Rotex Variocistern combats the dwindling water resources by safely and efficiently collecting rain water for use throughout the heating and hot water system.

In today’s economic and environmental

climate, there’s no more efficient way to heat a home. And, with all systems manufactured by one trusted source, Rotex offers a comprehensive and certified system that won’t let any home down.


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64 Environmental Control 6�Environmental Control

NIBE Heating For Heritage FarmhouseLydart Farm, near Monmouth and overlooking the lovely Trothy Valley, is what the Time Team refer to as ‘High Status’. The three-storey building is Grade 1 Listed, very rare for a private house. Heating is always a problem in large old buildings and, to cover all hot water needs, the contrac-tor ‘Natural Warmth’ of Darlington has installed a NIBE Air/Water Heat Pump to replace the old oil-fired boiler. The system consists of a NIBE Fighter 2005 free-standing unit plus a super-efficient double-jack-eted VPA300/200 hot water tank. The heat pump unit has been placed unobtrusively to the right hand side of the house and fitting was simple and caused very little disruption. The Fighter 2005 has an 11 kilowatt capacity and it generates a remark-able 3kW of energy for every 1kW of electricity input. CO2 emissions are very low, 35% or more below those from say the average gas boiler. The Fighter 2005 will operate at 11kW output utilising single phase electricity.


New School Heated By LK Floor Heating From Ground-Source EnergySharrow School, commissioned by Sheffield City Council and completed last year to a highly innovative design, offers a delightfully light and airy atmosphere for education. Heating to warm the school and provide hot water for all purposes comes from 21 geothermal boreholes with only token back-up from an immersion heater to cover extra-heavy demand. The ideal central heating system to accompany such alternative energy heat sources is under-floor heating, as this operates at lower temperatures than radiators.

Quoin UK Ltd., based near Rotherham, installed the user-friendly and reliable system that was designed and supplied by LK Systems Ltd. Since on each of the three floors at the school a 60mm floating screed was used, LK Clip Rail was installed above the insulation layer to secure the ultra flexible PE-Xa 20mm pipe at an even depth and pre-determined design pattern. ‘Laying’ was fast, for the piping can actually be walked-into the Clip Rail. The PE-Xa pipe – made from molecular cross linked high density polyethylene - combines excellent ageing characteristics with robustness, high fatigue resistance, thermal stability and corrosion resistance.


Bilco Supplies Basement Smoke Vents For The Building CentreBilco UK Ltd, has completed delivery of basement smoke vents for The Building Centre in London. Bilco has supplied two J-AL access doors which have been modified with two 24 volt DC linear actuators to allow for remote opening and closing. The two doors are linked to the fire alarm system and are used in conjunction with a smoke extraction fan to remove smoke from the basement area in the event of a fire. These special sized doors were installed to replace the existing pavement lights system. The Building Centre was required to install the new system to ensure that building regulations are met following the expansion of the area to accommodate the seminar rooms, extended display area and library.


Pegler Yorkshire Turn Up The Heat With Solar Technology

Plumbing and heating specialist Pegler Yorkshire is making its solar technology available for the UK market. Working closely with an Aalberts sister company, Pegler Yorkshire will be introducing a range of Solar Thermal Pump Stations and accessories.The Pegler Yorkshire’s Meibes Brand is now available and offers proven product into the UK. The new products will include solar thermal pump solutions for both domestic and commercial applications. In today’s energy conscious world, Pegler Yorkshire will be offering several solar solutions tailored specifically for the UK market, complete with a comprehensive range of accessories.The intention has been to deliver ease of use for the end user, but also ease of installation and service for the installer. With government grants available to support renewable technologies, this is an area with the potential for massive growth, while saving the environment and reducing the cost of heating water for the end user.


Euroheat Introduces Renewable Energy Awareness Course For Specifiers

A two-day Renewable Energy Technologies Awareness course for architects, developers and specifiers has been introduced as part of a package of nine new courses at Euroheat’s National Biomass Training Centre and Showroom. The course is run by Euroheat’s training director Gordon White who is an approved HETAS and BPEC trainer, and takes place on 3-4 June 2009.


JIS Auto Bleed Valve – A Real Timesaver

If you have a radiator heating system or just a water-heated towel rail, how often have you cursed yourself for not bleeding the system when it was needed? JIS Europe Ltd. of Scaynes Hill, West Sussex who are major suppliers of high quality radiator and bathroom heating systems, have a neat and simple attachment which means that air-blocks need never happen again. The Auto Bleed Valve is small, unobtrusive, simple to fit and inexpensive yet it saves endless frustration, wasted time and money in situations where air regularly enters an individual appliance or a circulatory system. Automatically pressure activated, the Valve vents the appliance as soon as it becomes necessary.


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Keraflo Copes With Westfield London Water NeedsThe Westfield London Shopping Centre, situated between Shepherds Bush and Notting Hill, is as trendy as its location. The visitor will probably not see past the fashion to consider the problems of cold water supply to such a complex of shops.That was the remit of Silcock Dawson & Partners as part of their Mechanical Services Design duties and the cold water distribution system they produced relied heavily on the control of the innovative Float Valves developed and manufactured by Keraflo Ltd. Silcock Dawson’s design involved two main storage cisterns each with its own valve selection; one providing the domestic cold water supply to the Centre, the other serving the adiabatic cold water distribution system.The main storage arrangement consists of two huge sectional cisterns mounted in ‘piggy-back’ style so that the upper tank replenishes the lower and ensures that good circulation is maintained at all times. A Keraflo KP Valve, selected to provide truly rapid fill at peak times, is controlled by a KB Pilot Float Valve arrangement and feeds the upper tank using a dual flow system. The water supply piped down into the second cistern is regulated by a dual feed Keraflo KB Float Valve.


Luxury Clubhouse Powered By NIBE Ground Source SystemThe KP Club, outside Pocklington in Yorkshire, consists of a beautiful 400 acres estate in a park and woodland setting. At the heart of a new development of discreetly hidden chalets lies a stunning 18 hole par 70 golf course, served by a most distinctive clubhouse and restaurant overlooking the 18th green, designed by LKR Architects and known appropriately as the Glasshouse.Everyone knows that people in glasshouses shouldn’t throw stones, but remember that they should also take very close note of their energy bills since glass frontages are notoriously expensive to heat. The Architects and the KP Management, headed by Managing Director Simon Brown, took good care of this aspect at the planning stage and a network of 4,000 metres of 40mm diameter pipe was laid under the grassed area outside while the Glasshouse was being built, forming the basis of a ground source heating system designed by NIBE Energy Systems and installed by specialist sub-contractor SASIE Ltd. The pipes are buried roughly 20cm below the first line and contain a non-freezing emulsion of glycol and water.The latent heat in the surrounding earth – typically at a temperature between 11º and 12º degrees Centigrade regardless of season – is absorbed into the liquid and passed to a powerful NIBE Fighter 1330 unit situated in the Glasshouse. There it is passed through a heat exchange process compressing the liquid to bring it up to a suitable temperature (around 35º degrees) to run the under-floor heating system and the entire hot water requirement including the showers that form a sizeable proportion of a golf club’s usage. While the NIBE Fighter heat

pump is technically advanced, the theory behind it is comparatively simple: rather like a refrigerator except that in this case it is the heat that is retained and the cooled liquid recycled. Ground sourced heating systems have proved themselves extremely effective, especially since ground temperatures remain remarkably stable even in cold conditions when the heating requirement is at its highest.Certainly Simon Brown is delighted with the performance of the NIBE system at the Club and the wait it copes with the rapidly expanding usage of the Glasshouse’s facilities. Little do the golfers know when they pull their trolleys off the final green, that they are walking over the heat source for the hot water in their showers.


Louvresol - A New Name In Solar Shading And LouvresLouvreSol Special Projects have been in business for almost three years and are already are taking an approximate 8% market share in this growing sector. Rather than offering standard solutions from their own profiles, LouvreSol offer bespoke solutions which allows them to source profiles and materials which are best suited to the project. Whilst the construction industry isn’t that buoyant at the moment, solar shading products and ventilation louvres have continued to be in demand meeting the needs of ever greener buildings.LouvreSol undertake all the fabrication work in-house and employ a projects team and installers as well as structural engineers.


New Rubber Lined Pipe Clips From Talon

Talon Manufacturing, the UK’s specialists in pipe clips, collars and fittings, recently introduced a precisely made and neatly designed Rubber Lined Steel Pipe Clip. The rubber lining inside a high quality steel body gives pipes stability and most importantly prevents vibration. It is extremely easy to use, as the clip is in two halves secured by a screw either side. The clips are available in nine outside diameter measurements from 18mm up to 110mm and are designed to accept pipes in metric or imperial sizes. Intended primarily for ceiling mounting, the receiver fixing at the top has an ingenious dual fitment so that the installer can use steel rods with either 8mm or 10mm threads to suspend the clips. Like all Talon’s products the new pipe clip may not be the most glamorous product in the world but it is well made and supremely practical.



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Breathing Fresh Life Into Dwellings

Crittall’s Environmentally SoundCrittall’s continuously improving environmental responsibility has been recognised by Braintree District Council following a recent visit by the Environmental Health Department. On the back of the hugely successful audit, the council has reduced the steel window manufacturers’ risk assessment to LOW status, due to the successful efficiency of its integrated management system which demonstrated total compliance with the required permit conditions. The company’s environmental ethos includes a highly efficient and sophisticated Chrome Reduction scheme, which produces environmentally friendly water discharge and saves over 75% in processed water.


Airbloc Closes The Door On Energy Loss With The New AB SeriesWhere external doors are in constant use, heated or conditioned air losses are considerable, but the new AB Series air curtains from Airbloc have the answer – cutting energy loss by over 80%. Positioned above the doors, Airbloc air curtains effectively separate internal and external environments by delivering a powerful ‘stream’ of air at critical velocity across the doorway. Warmed or cooled air is contained within the building, while cold or warm air from outside is prevented from seeping in. Not only does this prevent discomfort for customers and employees, but it significantly reduces running costs, by cutting down on high quantities of wasted energy, making Airbloc an economical solution.


Ambirad Provides First Class Cold Defence For RAF NortholtWhen it came to specifying a state of the art heating system for the hangars at the new flagship RAF Northolt site, there was only one choice – Nor-Ray-Vac continuous radiant tube heating from AmbiRad. Offering blanket heat coverage, the Nor-Ray-Vac system ensures the hangars are flexible in use, from housing small/medium sized fixed wing aircraft to helicopters. Ducted fresh air is supplied

to the burners and radiant branch end vents to comply with the Crown Fire Standards for operational aircraft hangars. Because the system doesn’t heat the air, the primary heat source is maintained whenever the vast hangar doors are opened.


With asthma cases continuously rising, and the increasing air-tightness of buildings to meet regulations, the breathability of a building is coming high up on the wish list of developers and occupiers. At the same time, energy efficiency should not be compromised and, if anything, improved upon.To meet these ‘wishes’, the Itho DemandFlow is a fully automated Demand Controlled Ventilation system providing the best possible air quality whilst generating maximum savings in energy without the user having to do a single thing for it. This innovative ‘breathing dwelling’ concept is based on CO2 measurements in every room – both wet rooms and habitable rooms.With its sensor driven control, it boosts the extract rate in particular rooms as occupancy levels in those rooms rise, helping to maintain a clean and healthy environment. In particular, the DemandFlow boosts extraction from bedrooms at night automatically, when it measures an increase in CO2 levels in the room. In bedrooms that are not ventilated, it is this build up of CO2 levels which can lead to headaches and ‘muzzy’ heads. In the World Health Report, 2002, it was estimated that 1.6 million premature deaths are caused annually by indoor air pollution (WHO, 2002). Certain population groups, like women and small children, are vulnerable to the effects of indoor air pollution because their daily activities include exposure to cooking fumes from unvented combustion of solid fuels for most of the day. One of the main features of the DemandFlow system is the substantial contribution this system makes in terms of energy saving. This is

achieved by using an Appendix Q Eligible direct current (DC) ventilation unit and by ventilating only when and where ventilation is required. This considerably reduces the loss in heat associated with standard whole house mechanical ventilation systems.The effectiveness of the product also comes down to the correct design and installation. The installer’s role is vital because poor or incorrect installation of a ventilation system can negate all that it is designed to do. For example, it can dramatically reduce ventilation and in some cases, render it nonexistent, due to poor planning and installation; fail to meet the minimum ventilation requirements in Approved Document F of the Building Regulations; and necessitate expensive reworking to the ducting.Ideal for any house or apartment, both in new constructions and large scale renovation projects, the system can be installed even at late design stages, as the extraction points are easy to relocate. The DemandFlow has been designed using 80mm diameter semi-rigid aluminium or 110mm x 54mm Modular plastic ducting throughout, therefore making the routing of ducts easier to facilitate. Easy to install, the system is also easy to maintain, and after installation by a qualified installer, is instantly ready to operate.


By Derek Guy, Itho VentilationPolypipe Supplies Quality Ventilation To A Quality BuildPolypipe Ventilation has had its Domus Universal Duct sections installed in a new sheltered accommodation development in Newcastle-under-Lyme. The Universal Duct for this development, which was supplied through Fans and Spares Birmingham, provides an adaptable, robust and easy to install solution for short offsets that commonly cause problems on new build and refurbishment developments. This problem faced the installers at Mill Rise Village and the Universal Duct solved the problem in a professional and cost effective manner. The Universal Duct benefits from a unique design which maintains air flow characteristics and offers enhanced acoustic properties arising from its use of Santoprene material for manufacture.


Easyflush Aids Students At Treloar CollegeTreloar College, for students with physical disabilities aged sixteen or over, is designed to educate and help these young people to integrate into society. Brewer House has 30 en-suite bedrooms and three communal bathrooms. Cistermiser assisted with the preparation of the specification as, clearly, user friendly equipment was required. This ‘hands free’ system eliminates the need to rotate a handle or apply pressure on a button. Easyflush is a WRAS Approved, hygienic and simple-to-use product that employs a single infra-red sensor to operate a dual-flush WC valve. The user needs only to pass his or her hands in front of the sensor for a part flush, or hold them in front for more than a second to obtain a full flush.


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D R Services, the Harrow-based company that specialises in the design, supply and installation of frameless glass systems and architectural metal fittings, has produced a new CD which details its services for architects and contractors.Amongst the company’s areas of expertise are shopfronts, canopies, balustrades, sliding systems, internal doors and shower enclosures. D R Services can design frameless glass systems ranging from full sliding stacking to simple pivoting installations, including all the seals and latches.The company’s sliding equipment is suitable for all appropriate types of material, operating with leaf weights from 20kg to three tonnes. For showers D R Services has frameless and minimal that provide tailor made solutions for high class domestic an commercial projects.


CD Guide To Sliding Systems

�2 Doors, Windows & Glazing �3Doors, Windows & Glazing

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Claydon Selects Comar For Façade SolutionsClaydon Aluminium Systems have taken the decision to become whole envelope façade engineers. To this end, they have conducted a strategic review to grow the business and rationalised their supply chain and for the aluminium facades they have selected Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems as their preferred supplier. Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems is the largest privately owned British Systems House. It designs and distributes aluminium windows, doors, curtain walling and window walling through a nationwide network of approved fabricators.


Crittall Finnish Church RefurbishmentStarting off as a temporary structure in Albion Street, Rotherhithe, the Finnish Church today is the newest of the Scandinavian churches in London and the Grade II listed building is far from being just an ecumenical place of worship. Incorporating offices and a community centre, the venue has been on the receiving end of a major makeover, with Crittall steel windows installed to complete the transformation.Crittall installed the original windows in 1955, when the building was first built and for architect, Robin Nugent, replacing like for like W20 sections was a natural decision. The W20 profile offers flexibility in design via shaped windows and has the ability to form extensive composite windows. Its design enables it to delivers very slim sightlines thus maximising the glazing. Manufactured from hot rolled mild steel section with a flat, square frame, the profiles offer versatility in size and shape options to accommodate all design requirements.


Commercial Steel WindowsA versatile commercial standard steel window section giving a large front-to-back 32mm or 40mm dimension range and with thick steel walls to allow unsupported multi-floor spanning screens is now

available from Steel Window Service & Supplies. Supplied in single or double glazed format, this section is ideal for both curtain walling or single windows. The system is made-to-measure and offers equal or extended leg perimeter sections to suit all applications. A large range of quality ironmongery can be fitted and the system includes many opening window types. The windows are suitable for integrity fire rated applications. All windows and doors, including any steel attachments, coupling members or ancillary items are hot-dip galvanized after manufacture or positive rust proofing. Galvanized windows and doors are generally polyester powder coated in a

colour of the specifier’s choice and will not need re-painting for at least 25 years.


Technal Supplies Glazing Systems For £25m Social Housing Scheme Architectural glazing systems specialist, Technal, has supplied around 600 aluminium window and door systems for a new £25m mixed tenure affordable housing scheme in East London. Taylor Place is built on the site of the nineteenth century Taylor Brothers chocolate factory in the centre of Bow. The apartments feature large picture windows, fabricated and installed by United AG using Technal’s high performance FXi65 casement system in both fixed light and tilt/turn configurations, complemented by the FXi52 balcony doors.The new MX Visible Grid curtain walling is used for the four storeys which are set back at the top of the tower, and for the commercial units on the ground floor. Technal’s window and door systems were installed into rainscreen or brick cladding in punched hole configurations and are interspersed with aluminium panels and buff-coloured ceramic panels. The FXi65 casement window system features a highly efficient 19mm flush polyamide thermal break. It can be supplied in a wide choice of configurations and will accommodate 17mm up to 48mm glazing units for further design flexibility. This system is Technal’s most technically advanced casement window to date, achieving the highest classification for air permeability in tests up to 600 Pa; it is fully watertight up to 1200 Pa, and is rated up to the equivalent pressure of 2000 Pa for wind resistance.


Kaba’s Next Generation Of Industrial Door Drive Technology Technological advancement and re-development has enabled Kaba Door Systems to launch the next generation of KOAX industrial door drive. Kaba KOAX is an industry unique separated extra low voltage (SELV) DC motor drive suitable for the automation of roller shutter and sectional overhead doors. Designed to eliminate the need for springs, gears, drive chains and other conventional system components, KOAX is safer to install, operate and maintain. It also incorporates a zero back drive safety coupling, eliminating 100% movement of the door if a fault occurs. KOAX works continually via battery, only using mains supply to recharge when required. The planetary gears and precision in-line final drive system also creates less resistance, the motor driving the door down during the closing cycle.


Slimline Shutters Protect Silwood Community CentreCharter-Integr8 security shutters have been installed at the new Silwood Community Centre, London. Concealed behind lead cladding, the slimline shutters were specified to protect the property against burglary and vandalism, without detracting from the building’s design. Security was an important concern throughout the build and the residential accommodation was built to Secured By Design standards.


Croxford’s Gets A Lift As It Slides Into Its 5th DecadeAn independent joinery firm is celebrating its 40th year in business thanks to a continued focus on combining traditional skills with modern technology and window hardware from SIEGENIA-AUBI. At a time when there are fewer joinery firms than ever in the window industry, it has been a particularly special anniversary for Huddersfield-based Croxford’s. The firm specialises in high quality, one-off projects with a particular focus on new build and the renovation market. Croxford’s has specialised in various window designs including tilt and turn, casement and sliding sash, for over 40 years.



�4 Doors, Windows & Glazing ��Doors, Windows & Glazing

The Charter-Integr8 range of architecturally advanced shutters delivers the highest level of security without compromising aesthetics. Featuring a shutter mechanism housed within a structural lintel, it represents the ideal built in solution for new build projects since it has almost no impact – internally or externally – on a building’s appearance. The range also includes a retro-fit solution greatly extending its possible applications.

Tried and tested reliability backed up by an on-site guarantee

The ideal security solution forhealth, education, community andprestige residential developments

Vertical rise, Brise Soleil, rooflight, and retro-fit options

For more information visit www.chartergroupuk.com or call 0845 050 8705

The advantages are obvious.

You can’t see them.

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Sonic Security At The New St. Mirren StadiumHaving been at their ground at Love Street since 1894, St. Mirren have now moved to a new stadium site about half a mile away in Green Hill Road, Paisley. The old site was sold for retail development in order to clear debts as well as contribute to the building of the new stadium. The new ground comprises of four separate stands, three of the stands are single tiered and of the same height with large windshields to each side.The fourth, the East stand, is taller but contains less seating. Barr Construction was called in to complete the construction of the 8000-seat stadium at a cost of around £8m. When it came to the planning and installation of the five ticket issuing facilities, Barr Construction called on the expertise of Sonic Windows Ltd. of Bexhill-on-Sea, a company that has specialised in communication windows for thirty years.As required, two windows fitted together were installed at the away stand and three windows fitted together were installed at the home stand. The windows, manufactured of clear glass, enable uninterrupted eye contact between staff and public and for security, are glazed in 11.5mm

Laminated Security Glass, which will resist anything short of a bullet.The windows are fitted with the 250mm diameter Sonic SPEAKTHRU Easy communicator system, which is suitable for both internal or external weatherproof applications, has excellent two way speech communication yet protects the staff from draughts, dust and germs.The new ticket windows are now well used and appreciated both by home and away fans and ground staff, a success as you might expect from a company that has manufactured and installed ticket office facilities for over 1000 railway stations as well as DSS, Probation, Hospital and University offices.


Curtain Walling And Atrium Roof Replacement Completed By Structura UK

The largest ever replacement and refurbishment project undertaken by Structura UK Ltd involved manufacturing and installing new curtain walling and new glazed roof sections to Lloyds Chambers in the City of London. Structura’s £2.8m, 15-month contract included £500,000 worth of scaffolding erected and dismantled under Structura’s supervision. The 25-year-old aluminium and glass curtain walling system was replaced by suitable, Low E specification double glazing consisting of Schüco’s FW60+ profile, 6mm clear outer glass, a 16mm air space and 8.8mm clear laminated glass on the inside, incorporating smoke and air vents controlled by a BMS system. The original glazed roof over the atrium was leaking and required replacement. The clear visual appearance of the atrium roof belies its complex geometry. Structura designed and installed rectangular aluminium panels and hip panels onto the sloping base section of the roof, and supplied brackets for the two new exterior gantries, the installation of which was overseen by the company.



�6 Doors, Windows & Glazing ��Doors, Windows & Glazing

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The Safe, Secure Route To Successful Glazing

The increased use of structural glazing in today’s buildings would have been very popular with the Victorians who understood the physiological and psychological benefits that maximising natural daylight brings.

Glass facades and rainscreens, features such as interior partitions and canopies above entrance doors are highly effective in increasing the amount of natural daylight available to building

users. Research shows that greater natural daylight in our buildings makes us healthier and more productive by helping to naturally increase serotonin levels in our brains.

Designing buildings with maximum natural daylight is also crucial in terms of environmental impact. It means far less reliance on interior lighting and the potential to make significant savings on electricity use. There is also the

benefit of passive solar gain which provides free warmth to supplement the building’s existing heating system.

The Right Combination

Innovations in glass and their fixing systems have enabled architects to broaden the application of structural glazing in recent decades. Both must work effectively with each

SFS intec’s glass fixing systems specialist Neil Ackroyd looks at the vital considerations for delivering safe, secure and durable structural glazing.

other’s strengths and weaknesses to ensure installations are structurally robust and reliable without the risk of premature failure. Three types of glass are typically used in structural glazing; toughened safety glass (tempered), heat strengthened glass and laminated safety glass, and plenty of information is available from leading glass producers about how they differ. Each of these has a place in the right application but the great differences which exist in their properties means they are not universally appropriate or interchangeable. Using the wrong combination of glass and fixing will result in the glass element failing, which could be catastrophic and costly. This could be due to the glass fracturing or cracking or a poorly designed fixing allowing the glass element to detach from the building structure.

A number of key regulations and standards must also be adhered to including Approved Document N of the Building Regulations, which stipulates requirements for the safe use of glazing to avoid impact hazard amongst other things. Fixings for external structural glazing must also be able to cope with all that the great British weather can throw at them too. Forces such as wind and snow loading are particularly important factors in glass canopy design, but corrosion resistance is a major issue and needs to be effectively addressed for all external applications.

Fixings should be stainless steel but in the right grade for the greatest success – it is essential to remember that all types of stainless steel are not the same. All SFS intec fixing systems for structural glazing are austenitic stainless steel to provide the highest resistance to corrosion as recommended under BS5427:1996. If a fixing is martensitic or ferritic stainless steel avoid it - there is a real danger that it will corrode rapidly and fail prematurely. SFS intec’s austenitic stainless steel fixings for structural glazing carry a 25 year warranty and an additional legal liability of up to £40 million can also be provided. This sort of assurance is vital to protect reputations by keeping failure risks to a minimum and avoiding costly litigation claims.

Fixing Options And Styles

There are numerous ways to approach the attachment of glass elements to the building structure so creativity doesn’t need to be suppressed when drawing up initial design concepts. SFS intec offers three types of point fixings for glass including ALT to deliver a bevelled look and AO-FLEX which allows the fixing to be countersunk. These can be combined with ‘spiders’ to offer great potential for structural glazing applications such as entrance vestibules and covered walkways.

For rainscreen, an alternative approach comes with SFS intec’s ALW clamp system. This allows a glass façade to be created using overlapping glass panes which slot into cleverly designed brackets that attach to the building structure. It is a simple and highly effective approach made easier by the fact that the glass panes do not require any drilling as with point fixings. These SFS intec fixing systems demonstrate how innovative solutions are available to ensure glass can be used in buildings to fulfil its greatest potential. When the fixing and glazing combination is correctly specified, the result will be a long lasting and structurally reliable glass element.


7� Doors, Windows & Glazing ��Doors, Windows & Glazing

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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New Sandblast Collection Builds On Long ExperienceDaedalian has introduced its new Sandblast Collection, a range of sandblasted glass designs. They have been developed from the company’s vast portfolio of successful customised projects. There is now a wide choice of standard sandblasted glass designs available to interior designers and architects for balustrades, balconies, doors, screens, obscuring shower screens and many other domestic or commercial applications.Daedalian uses the sandblasting process to create designs that are etched on to both surfaces of the glass, creating multi-tonal, three-dimensional effect, matt or shiny effects. The designs can be used with any thickness of toughened, annealed or laminated safety glass as well as fire resistant, shaped or curved glass. The glass is treated with Clearshield for easy maintenance and protection from finger marks as well as creating an attractive satin finish.


Windowmaster Prepares Fresh Air For Private Sector SchoolA new £3.7 million independent preparatory school in Monmouth features a natural ventilation and window control system designed and supplied by WindowMaster. The single story Grange Preparatory School for boys features composite Velfac windows in the facades and high level Velux windows at the rear of the rooms. The Velfac windows are supplied with integrated WindowMaster motors within the frames. WindowMaster’s control system covers 19 zones within the building, of which 14 are controlled by sensors monitoring both temperature and carbon dioxide levels while five are controlled by temperature-only sensors. WindowMaster was chosen to provide the window automation system for the Grange Preparatory School because of its ability to provide a complete installation, in particular the central computer control system. In addition, the installation includes motors, window actuators, various sensors and a weather station.


Wicona Expands Fabricator Network For Unitised Façades

Façade specialist, Wicona Projects, is expanding its network of fabricators in the UK, with the announcement that AC Yule is to move into unitised and more complex façade projects. With more than 60 years’ experience in the industry, the AC Yule Group is now one of the largest glass processors and suppliers of aluminium and PVC-U glazing products in the UK. This new initiative will expand AC Yule’s range of services into the fabrication and installation of more bespoke and unitised façades for larger and high rise commercial schemes and fast track contracts, using Wicona’s highly engineered solutions – and one of the most widely used and technically advanced unitised systems in Europe. AC Yule will be investing in a dedicated production facility for the fabrication of Wicona façades, and is already in negotiations on a number of major projects. Unitised façades are fully glazed and sealed in a controlled factory environment, before being delivered to site for faster installation onto pre-prepared fixings, without the need for scaffolding.


Cristal Clear Opportunity For UK House Builders

The words ‘recession’ and ‘credit crunch’ may strike fear into some companies in the construction industry but Sash customer Cristal Clear Conservatories are being increasingly recognised by leading house builders as a valuable asset in selling homes!In fact, a recent George Wimpey residential development in Basingstoke has incorporated the company’s conservatories into several of its show-homes on site … and interest is soaring! The company has earned a reputation for excellence, the reason why it has been appointed the approved supplier for some of the country’s most prestigious house builders, including Taylor Woodrow and Persimmon Homes as well as George Wimpey. “The new build sector is still very active and house builders are realising that our turnkey approach can pay economic dividends,” continues Christine. “Basically, we have the ability to provide a first class conservatory with the highest quality components backed up by a supply chain that can meet demand time and time again – and for house builders, this dedication and commitment to service, coupled with the calibre of our superior product range, is invaluable in today’s economic climate.”



�0 Doors, Windows & Glazing

…and in Birmingham’sCity Centre Concert Hall

you could heara pin drop…

� The Most EffectiveMethod of SoundProofing

� Superb ThermalInsulation

� Excellent DraughtProofing

� Purpose Madeand Discreet

� Secured by Design

By Appointment toHer Majesty The Queen

Manufacturer and Supplierof Secondary Glazing

Selectaglaze LtdSt. Albans

Selectaglazesecondary glazingoffers:

Test results available: Thermal to Part L standard, Acoustic up to 50dB (Rw)

improving our environment

Tel: 01727 837271 www.selectaglaze.co.uk

…and in Birmingham’sCity Centre Concert Hall

you could heara pin drop…

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A New Era As LSH And ERA Products Join Forces

Revolutionary Development Uses Polypipe Eco-Vat

Seven Eco-Vat rainwater harvesting systems from Polypipe have been installed in a ground breaking development in County Durham. The Close, in Houghton-le-Spring is a series of seven detached homes on a former brownfield

site, where abandoned farm building were used to store machinery. This sustainable residential scheme is the brainchild

of Spring Oak Developments Ltd. a private developer at the cutting edge of sustainable housing in the North East. The Eco-Vat rainwater systems were supplied by Polypipe WMS. Eco-Vat provides a sustainable and long term cost effective solution to reducing the need for mains water consumption, with tanks able to store and filter rainwater for re-use.


Increase Parking Capacity And SecurityMost recent figures show that almost half vehicle related theft in the UK each year occurs on the street outside the home - but there is a solution. Cardok, manufacturer of ‘the ultimate in off-road parking’, has responded to the challenge with the development of new options that enable parking of up to four cars in the space required for just two, and with increased security.The Cardok two-vehicle lift is now complemented by Cardok Mono, which accommodates just one car, and Cardok Multi which can take up to four vehicles. Each deck is guaranteed to support a safe working load of three tonnes, with total lifting capacity of 10 tonnes, enabling it to cope with even a 4x4, luxury saloon or powerboat. Cardok is engineered to create a secure, watertight ‘garaging’ environment for the vehicle, but using less surface area and with less visual impact than a garage.The steel bay on which the vehicle is parked is electro-hydraulically operated to almost silently lower the vehicle underground and maintain the home’s frontage. The unit can be raised and lowered in less than 30 seconds, and remote control operation means the user does not have to go outside or get out of the vehicle to raise the Cardok for use.


81External Work

ERA Products, The Door Lock People, have joined with sister company LSH (formerly Laird Security Hardware), to provide customers with the complete package in door and window hardware. LSH will now be known as ERA Security Hardware Solutions sitting alongside ERA Products under the newly created company; ERA, Leaders in Hardware for Doors & Windows.ERA Products is a well-known and established manufacturer and supplier of high quality security products ranging from traditional night latches and mortice locks to ironmongery, multi point locks and access control solutions. The new company head office will be based at ERA Products’ current site in Willenhall, West Midlands, with the existing sales and distribution depot remaining in Falkirk, Scotland.



Enhanced CPD Seminar OffersIn-Depth Glass Fixings KnowledgeSFS 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.


In the UK, slips, trips and falls amount to one in three major injuries, equating to a serious

incident every three minutes, according to HSE (Health & Safety Executive) statistics. This impacts significantly on local authorities, the NHS and the UK economy – costing billions of pounds every year on treatment, expenses and compensation.

Although the statistics are well documented, there is little preventative work being carried out to counteract the problem. In fact, according to recent documents published by Health and Safety experts in early 2009, the situation is possibly getting worse – with injuries and compensation claims on the rise. This comes as local authorities look to cut back costs in the tough economic climate, however, by doing so it could be costing the tax payer even more.

Public paving surfaces in poor condition cause over 50% of these major injuries, many of which have crippling consequences and cause severe human suffering. If local authorities have not ensured a slip resistant surface, then they are liable to injury claims costing the millions of pounds a year.

Falls resulting from defects in paving surfaces, whether a footway or carriageway, can cost local authorities upwards of £5,000 per claimant.

Couple this with today’s endemic compensation culture, and new evidence suggesting that single personal injury payouts have reached as high as £600,000 are no longer hard to believe.

Reducing Pedestrian DangerGuidance documents agree that for all external situations, paving must be firm, even and stable with increased durability and waterproofing qualities. In line with the Health & Safety Commission and Workplace Health, Safety & Welfare Regulations 1992, pedestrian surfaces are also required to be slip-resistant.

To this end, walkways must be safe to use in both wet and dry conditions and avoid the surface reflection of materials which may affect pedestrians. This is where seamless surfacing materials like mastic asphalt provide the perfect answer.

Engineers Radlett Consultants who tested mastic asphalt paving under wet and dry conditions and on both flat and sloped surfaces, found the material ideal. It made slip resistant tests using leather, standardised rubber, shoe rubber and shoe heal plastic commonly used on women’s shoes.

In all cases, mastic asphalt showed it could out perform other types of paving materials even on wet slopes up to 10 degrees.

Used extensively as a long-life wearing surface in urban situations, where durability and consistency is paramount, modified bituminous materials such as mastic asphalt can bring real benefits to road and pathway construction. Delivering better and longer lasting walkways, and savings in total lifecycle costings, mastic asphalt is capable of out-performing and outlasting all other comparable materials.

The City of Edinburgh Council is one example of a local authority taking the initiative to introduce the material – ultimately, to reduce the number of trip accidents on public walkways.

Based on research findings that prove mastic asphalt reduces falls on footways by 100%, Edinburgh Council is in the process of bringing in safer surfaces wherever compatible with urban design considerations. With results indicating a further 90% reduction resulting from improved maintenance, Edinburgh will combine regular inspections with mastic asphalt resurfacing to safeguard pedestrians and combat slip and trip incidents in the city.

Simple SolutionAs a paving material, mastic asphalt is the most useful and versatile – providing flexibility in terms of contract size, time and scale of application. First used as a wearing course on carriageways in the 1860s, over a century of

Safer Streets And Saving Money With Asphalttestimonials have since laid claim to its superior quality and durability.

Complying with the British Standard specification for roads, footways and pavings, (BS EN 13108-6) today’s modern mastic asphalt provides a seamless bituminous application. Together with advanced polymer formulations, the material is suitable for a whole host of construction applications.

As mastic asphalt is available in both hot charge and block format, (gritless blocks are re-melted and the specified quantity of coarse aggregate added on-site) paths and walkways can be reinstated in any quantity and at any time – and in a grade that matches the existing wearing course.

Most importantly, slip and skid resistance can be provided by sand rubbing, surface crimping or by the application of high polished stone value pre-coated chippings. For local authorities and public pathway specifiers, this added functionality further enhances the material’s suitability for public areas – and in reducing the potential for any slips and trips.

By taking action now and proactively seeking to improve the nation’s pavements, local authorities can pave a way to making such injury claims a thing of the past. And with a seamless, slip-resistant product to hand, such as mastic asphalt, there’s nothing stopping councils from saving billions of pounds of medical and compensation costs a year.


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82 External Work 83External Work

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Roofs 8�Roofs

Heavenly Green Roofs From Liquid Plastics

Liquid Plastics, pioneer of cold applied roofing systems, has supplied an Extensive Green Roof System to the Church of St. Anne in the Diocese of Brentwood. The church had recently benefited from a new extension to the rear of the existing building, and an aesthetically pleasing green roof system was required to complete the project. The green roof was to be applied to a new build timber deck, and would also include roof lights and insulation. Liquid Plastics’ green roof system is completely cold applied; therefore there is no requirement for any heat or naked flame on the roof. The Decothane waterproof membrane is proven to resist penetration by even the most aggressive roots, cures to provide completely seamless waterproof protection, and is certified by the BBA to last 25 years. Hibbs and Walsh Architects specified Liquid Plastics’ Extensive Green Roof System because the practice had previous experience of Liquid Plastics’ products and was confident that the system would meet their criteria.The full system includes Decotherm Insulation, a Decothane Root Resistant waterproof membrane, Biodrain, Filter Fleece, Sedum Substrate, and a pre-grown Sedum Blanket. Liquid Plastics’ Decolight roof lights and roof edge trims were also installed.


Ground Breaking House Features Lindab’s Rainline Rainwater Drainage SystemLindab’s steel based Rainline rainwater drainage system was specified for a unique eco house which was recently featured in an episode of the popular TV programme - Grand Designs.‘Crossway’ in Kent, is one of the first zero carbon houses in the UK and is based on an ancient European construction design called a timbrel vault which features a dramatic curved roof structure. Architect, Richard Hawkes, of Hawkes Architecture, who not only designed and project managed the development but owns the house too, utilised the latest eco technologies for its construction including: eco-concrete foundations laid to support a series of timber framed ‘boxes’ which formed the main body of the two storey house. The ‘boxes’ were insulated with recycled newspaper and then clad in English cedar. Large, air tight triple glazed windows were installed to help heat the house using the power of the sun.To help conserve heat, the whole building was enveloped in a metalised airtight membrane fitted with a ventilation system to recover heat from the air. Over this, the dramatic parabolic roof structure was constructed, totally unsupported by the building - the first of its type in the UK.The arch is built using 26,000 handmade local clay tiles glued together with plaster of Paris. The underside is visible from the rooms below. The external elevations of the roof also includes a graphite polystyrene insulant over which a series of geo textile membranes and 300mm of gravel and soil to allow wild grasses and flowers to seed was installed. This house is so experimental that Cambridge University has sensors embedded throughout the building to monitor its performance. Richard Hawkes specified Lindab’s Rainline rainwater drainage system for Crossway because, as he says ‘it’s not plastic, it is much more durable and it looks good too – it’s as simple as that’.

Rainline totally outperforms plastic and aluminium systems, offering minimal movement and UV stability - Rainline will not crack, fade or leak, is highly resistant to corrosion and virtually maintenance free. It is also lighter and less expensive than cast iron drainage.Quick and easy to install, Rainline is precision engineered by Lindab to simply click together for a perfect watertight fit - just click, fit and forget it. On site labour time and costs are kept to a minimum- no special tools are required either.Rainline is manufactured from 30% recycled material and is itself completely recyclable so no need to worry about costly disposal problems or the likely impact on the environment.Available in 10 standard colours by applying a high build polyester paint to the plain galvanised finish, Rainline is also available in plain galvanised, natural copper and Aluzinc. Rainline is supported by comprehensive guarantees to give total peace of mind for the designer and building owner.


The Fakro FPP Preselect® – Safer, Sustainable And More SecureMany traditional top hung roof windows are easy to break, so for those seeking a combination of good eco-credentials, exceptional security and flexibility of use, Fakro’s FPP preSelect® is unique. It’s patented, topSafe® technology provides the highest standard of security and safety available, its micro-opening facility enabling it to remain secure even when open. Additional steel reinforcement is built into the lower part of the sash, while screws driven in at an angle prevent hinges from being ruptured.


FM Approval On Complete Waterproofing System

Bauder undertook the FM testing programme on its two single ply membranes, FPO & PVC, and used its ability as a manufacturer of both insulation and bituminous waterproofing sheets to combine all of the required elements of the flat roofing system from one manufacturer. This means that Bauder are the only manufacturer to have a complete flat roof waterproofing system approved, rather than using component parts from different suppliers to piece together a solution. So from the self-adhesive bitumen vapour barrier or VB20 vapour control layer, with our high performance thermal insulation BauderPIR FA up to the synthetic waterproofing membrane in either FPO or PVC, all are now available from a single source manufacturer with FM Approval. FM Global provides comprehensive commercial and industrial property insurance.


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8�Roofs

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Roofs

Esha Roofing System Prescribed To Cure Failing Roof At Charing Cross HospitalEsha recently supplied a 3000m2 complete roofing system including: Esha Universal, an environmentally friendly single ply membrane, EshaTherm insulation and a vapour barrier for a re-roofing project at Charing Cross hospital. Following a detailed inspection by Esha regional manager Dave Etherton, it was recommended that Esha Universal be installed together with EshaTherm to improve insulation values.Esha Universal is manufactured by Esha from their Eco-facility which houses the World’s first bitumen roof membrane recycling plant. Esha Universal is quick and easy to install and can be mechanically fixed, ballasted or set in cold adhesive. Shelter Commercial Roofing stripped off the old system back to the concrete base, laid a vapour barrier followed by 100mm Eshatherm insulation over which Esha Universal was bonded in cold adhesive - the laps being heat welded with the award wining Esha Heat Welder which is safer than electric hot air guns and more environmentally friendly. Esha Universal is a single layer, POCB (Polyolefin Copolymer Bitumen Binder) roofing membrane that offers the low temperature performance of SBS membranes combined with the high – end performance of APP membranes. With a thickness of just 3.1mm and a reinforced P.E.T. glass/ polyester fleece, Esha Universal is manufactured in an attractive sustainable self-finish and retains its appearance due to its non-susceptibility to weathering. Thanks to Esha Universal’s unique compound and homogeneous structure the product is completely stable, it will not stretch, split or shrink, providing stress free overlap points to ensure a watertight bond is maintained for the lifetime of the roof at which point Esha Universal can be fully recycled.


Titansilver Roof Enhances Dental Centre

TitanSilver, an innovative, highly durable and malleable building material from Kalzip’s foldable aluminium range, was specified by architect, MPC Consultants for roofing the impressive new Warwick Lodge Dental Centre in Thorpe Bay, Essex. Like Kalzip’s Falzinc product, TitanSilver is an easy to fold, lightweight and corrosion resistant aluminium building material which is hand-crafted into raised seam sheets, panels, flashings and trims.An extremely strong and versatile material, TitanSilver is capable of accurately achieving the requirements of virtually any fully supported roof, façade and soffit application. TitanSilver has a highly distinctive appearance with a discrete, pre-weathered, low reflective matt silver surface similar to that of brushed stainless steel. The anodised surface treatment of the saline-resistant aluminium alloy material gives TitanSilver a lovely smooth, fingermark-free finish which is easy to fold and form. With a life expectancy of at least 40 years (even under the most adverse environmental conditions) TitanSilver is a robust, sustainable, recyclable and low maintenance material with a high residual value.Warwick Lodge is a very stylish contemporary building but the versatility of TitanSilver also makes it ideal for both renovating roofs on old buildings and for new build applications where a traditional appearance is preferred.


Carbon Saving with Sustainable RainwaterSwish Building Products’ new sustainable rainwater system has been incorporated into the refurbishment of a residential and day care centre in Wales. Carmarthenshire County Council has become the UK’s first Local Authority to approve the system for use on their schemes. The system contains a high proportion of post consumer PVC waste derived from old windows and gutter systems. Approximately 84 per cent by weight of the gutter system is recycled material, which uses significantly less energy in production and so generates 70% less carbon than using virgin material throughout.The system is available in a choice of Round, Ogee, Square and Deepflow designs. It has a two-tone appearance featuring a grey core of recycled material and a co-extruded skin of virgin material to enhance the external appearance and to aid colour matching. This technology gives it exactly the same weather resistance and longevity as products manufactured from virgin material.


Rainwater Drainage Solutions In SteelRainline is a unique steel based rain drainage system that is becoming the system of choice for many specifiers. Rainline outperforms plastic gutter systems, offering minimal movement and UV stability, it will not crack, fade or leak, is highly resistant to corrosion and virtually maintenance free. Comparable in price to a mid range plastic system, Rainline is also much less expensive than aluminum and cast iron drainage. Rainline is precision engineered by Lindab to simply click together for a perfect watertight fit. Available in 10 standard colours by applying a high build polyester paint to the standard plain galvanised finish, Rainline is also available in natural copper and Aluzinc.


Low Carbon Ward Topped To Perfection With Unilin Systems

With low carbon emissions becoming the prerequisite of an increasing number of private and public sector construction projects, Unilin Systems’ structural insulated roof panel technology is making specifiers of environmental buildings stand up and take note. In Unilin Systems latest successfully completed project, The Norfolk and Waveney Mental Heath NHS Foundation Trust turned to dedicated roofing panels to help it achieve its low carbon emissions brief for a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Hellesdon Hospital.The thermal efficiency of UNISPAN-MW roof panels from Unilin Systems, along with their ability to minimise materials consumption in the roof structure and to provide a fast track building method, make them the ideal solution for healthcare and other public sector buildings. Approximately 2,000m2 of UNISPAN-MW structural sandwich panels now provide an airtight and rigid roofing structure that meets the stringent requirements for sound insulation and fire ratings for large public buildings.UNISPAN-MW panels are available in different thicknesses to comply with Building Regulations Part L requirements. The mineral wool insulation is held between four rafters, which are stabilised by a ceiling board and upper board. The panels are available up to eight-metres in length, ensuring the most efficient use of materials on the large roof areas of public sector buildings.


A housing scheme in Redditch can boast the first Photovoltaic (PV) System supplied through SIG Roofline & Building Products (SIG R&BP). Designed and assembled by Solarcentury, SIG R&BP supplied integrated C21e solar electric roof tiles through their Ecowarehouse brand, for an eight-unit apartment block.

Walton Close, is being developed by Accord Housing Association with Redditch Co-operative Homes, in partnership with Redditch Borough Council. The venture is part of Accord Housing’s bid to create a mass market model of low-carbon housing, utilising all available key energy saving systems. Photovoltaic is one such system designed to reduce both carbon emissions and the bills which residents must pay to keep their houses warm.

Jas Matharu, Key Account Manager, SIG R&BP commented, ‘As the first PV System we have supplied through our Ecowarehouse Brand, Walton Close is an exciting project for us. It is great for SIG R&BP to be recognised as one of the key players in providing sustainable energy-providing systems and for our products to be used by one of the top housing associations in the country. Since starting the job at Walton Close, we have also been commissioned to supply a PV System through Ecowarehouse, to a second project in the Midlands.’


Walton Close Receives The ‘Ecowarehouse’ Treatment

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Unilin-Systems Bring Homes Of The Future NowThere are no better examples to demonstrate the thermal qualities offered by Unilin-Systems’ structural insulated roof panels than those found in a new Somerset housing estate, home to three MMC inspired carbon-neutral homes. Adopting the MMC theory, Waldegrave Estates utilised the Unilin-Systems roofing concept along with triple glazing and concrete formwork technology from Logix and Eco-Slab to build domestic dwellings that have no thermal leakage or bridging.From the outside normal looking Somerset stone homes, according to an as built SAP report, even the smallest terrace achieves a Space Heating Requirement of 7.75KWh/m2 per year, equating to a monthly heating bill of just £6.00 per month. With the exterior of the houses finished in local stone and the strict planning requirements of conservation areas, these three terraced houses prove that MMC can work in a traditional format and that Unilin-Systems’ panels are the perfect roof for homes of now and the future.With the Government’s objective that new houses will have to be carbon neutral by 2015, Unilin Systems’ Unipur panels are the ideal solution for achieving an airtight, thermally efficient roofing structure. Using the insulating properties

of PIR foam, these factory-made panels also eliminate trussed rafters, cutting down on wasted roof space, raw materials and construction times. To achieve different levels of insulation, Unipur panels were used in two depths while their all-in-one nature means that even semi-skilled labour finds them very quick to install, with installation rates of up to 500m2 per day achievable.With a range of internal finishes available, Unipur can even help to cut down on internal decoration time, but most importantly of all, Unilin-Systems’ Unipur structural insulated roof panels are the only way to make roofs a thermally efficient part of the building. Unilin-Systems have a dedicated UK support team on hand to help with further information and any enquiries.


Automatic Vents For All Fakro Roof WindowsDue to the increasing demand for sustainable, thermally efficient buildings, Fakro has set a new standard by introducing an automatic air inlet activated by air pressure variation in all of its standard roof windows. The V40P vent ensures the optimum balance of room temperature and fresh air is maintained, avoiding traditional heat loss associated with static ventilation. Fully open, it can supply 30m3 of fresh air per hour at a pressure difference of 10Pa, while being able to withstand strong wind gusts. The vent design also ensures that warm air avoids cold elements of the aluminium in the frame, reducing any susceptibility to condensation.


Layers of success at Clay FieldsICB’s innovative green roofing solution, Diadem, has played its role in the radical, award winning Clay Fields housing project in Suffolk – providing the ultimate sustainable roof. It’s a solution available exclusively from ICB (International Construction Bureau) Ltd. Once installed, it delivered a wealth of environmental benefits to the development including reduced need for drainage, a lower carbon footprint and unrivalled looks. The

200m2 of Diadem green roofing installed upon the four storage buildings provided an unbeatable appearance packed with environmental benefits. As a highly effective insulator, it also meant heating and air conditioning needs were reduced.


Zinc In The Round For Unique School‘Futuristic’ is a far from unworthy description of the newly built, BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rated Abergwynfi Primary School. The term hardly does justice to a design which is without doubt a break with convention. The most striking visual aspect of the design in addition to the linked ‘pod’ classrooms is the prominent use of natural zinc. VMZINC’s standing seam system covers all roofs, with horizontal panels used to clad all straight walls. Zinc was specified on the grounds of sustainability, length of service life and cost. The standing seam system has been installed to pitches between 3° - 15° on roofs ranging in height from 3.5 - 12.5 metres.


The Peabody Trust Receives Roof Safety Improvements By SAFETYWORKS & Solutions

The Peabody Trust has chosen leading safety at height specialists, SAFETYWORKS & Solutions, to supply a comprehensive upgrade of roof access and safety systems to one of their large housing estates in East London, the Pembury Estate.SAFETYWORKS & Solutions provided their Easifit mechanically fixed handrail system to the roof parapet of each of the 26 blocks on the Pembury Estate.In excess of 2400 linear metres of Easifit handrail was fixed to the parapet with stainless steel fasteners. In addition, prior to installation the galvanised steel handrails were powder coated black to complement the aesthetics of the existing building, and produce a finish that will last for many years to come. The project also incorporated new security gates that were fitted to the roof doors, which would provide safe and easy access for both maintenance operatives, and indeed the satellite TV engineers. In addition, the fitting of the gates will improve security by ensuring that only authorised personnel can access the roof areas. To conclude, 37 extendable handles were fitted to the existing ladders to provide safe access into, and out of the roof voids.


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Ceramic Granite.... A Contemporary Alternative To Portland Stone?Ceramic granite ventilated facades supplied and prefabricated by Shackerley have been used to create the outer envelope of the new £16 million Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building at the University of Leeds, and have enabled architects at Farrell and Clark to overcome a significant aesthetic conundrum.

The brief was to deliver a landmark building that would form the nerve centre for the University’s various Student Services Departments and provide a new home for senior management. It was to be striking in its setting and a visible declaration of the University’s mission to become one of the world’s top fifty universities by 2015. At the same time, the architects also had to ensure that the new edifice maintained sympathy with neighbouring campus architecture, including classic 1930s Portland Stone library buildings and more recent structures built from the 1960s onwards.

The resulting six storey concrete framed building is sleek and elegant with a dramatic sweeping spine wall which certainly creates a clear style contrast with adjacent buildings. However, Farrell and Clark have ensured that their development blends harmoniously with surrounding architectural materials in terms of colour and scale by cladding the building with Shackerley’s large format ceramic granite panels in a natural off-white tone, using a Sureclad ventilated facade system.

Nick Cooper, Project Associate explained: “Alternative cladding solutions were considered but ceramic granite was selected balancing considerations of cost, availability and colour and finish. Shackerley’s ‘Liguria’ ceramic granite panels in a ‘prel’ finish were just what we were looking for, reflecting the natural appearance and light colouration of Portland stone and at the same time blending tonally with the more modern concrete architecture. Despite their relative light weight, the large format ceramic granite panels also have a very substantial appearance which echoes the solidity of the classic 1930’s buildings, albeit in a different and contemporary way.”

Nick added: “We had originally been open to using other types of cladding on this building but Shackerley’s Sureclad ventilated facade system gave us a few advantages over traditional construction methods including ease and speed of installation. It also gave us the flexibility to combine different facade panel sizes to create subtle feature banding on each elevation.”Shackerley supplied over 1100 square metres of prefabricated ceramic granite in 1200x600mm, 1200x300mm and bespoke panel sizes for installation with its Sureclad Access System.

The construction project as a whole was made possible as a result of a substantial charitable donation made to the University of Leeds in memory of local philanthropist Arnold Ziff. Funding came from the Ziff family’s charitable foundation and its companies Stylo Group plc and Town Centre Securities plc, in recognition of Marjorie and her late husband Arnold’s commitment to the University.


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Design Flair From KingspanKingspan KS1000 LV Louvre and KS1000 CW CurveWall are the new additions to the Architectural Wall Panel range from Kingspan Insulated Panels. They combine an attractive contemporary façade profile with all the performance benefits of a PIR composite panel system. With visual impact a key requirement on many building projects, the louvred profile of KS1000 LV and curved profile of KS1000 CW will fit the bill for a range of different new build and refurbishment applications. The systems can be laid vertically or horizontally, with fasteners concealed by the panel joint design to ensure crisp, smooth lines.


The nautical heritage of St.Nazaire’s ship building and port operations were the inspiration behind the complex patterns on 1,300 m2 of perforated decorative cladding and ceiling panels manufactured by RMIG Group for the French city’s recently opened Ruban Bleu retail centre.

Covering an area of 18,000 m2, Ruban Bleu is a key part of St.Nazaire’s ongoing regeneration and development programme and acts as the main thoroughfare, linking the city centre to the beach and harbour, encouraging residents to re-discover the historic port area.

As the building is just 200 metres from the Atlantic Ocean, the project’s architects, Reichen & Robert Associates chose to use 1.0mm thick salt-water resistant stainless steel cladding, incorporating a series of complex domed, indented and perforated patterns to represent waves and sea-spray. A similar approach was adopted on the centre’s ceiling panels, where the 1.5mm thick aluminium includes a marine map produced from thousands of small perforations.

The architects originally approached RMIG in late 2006 as they sought a manufacturer capable of producing their designs and to work alongside them in developing and finalising the original concepts into a striking exterior finish incorporating almost 1,400 individual cladding and ceiling panels. On previous architectural projects, RMIG had developed rapid precision manufacturing techniques both for perforated panels and

for applying convex and concave forms into cladding, but the designs for Ruban Bleu incorporated both principles in virtually every panel. Also, some panel designs called for the domed and indented forms also to be perforated, which presented an additional challenge, as there was no existing solution available.

To meet these needs, RMIG developed special tooling in France and initially ran a series of trials to ensure the panels could be produced to the demanding specifications and the

patterns were rendered accurately. After 3 months, every panel was complete and delivered to site for installation.

Claude Morel, RMIG France’s Project Manager on the Ruban Bleu scheme, explained: “The St.Nazaire regeneration project is not only immense, but also impressive and as the Ruban Bleu centre is one of the most visible structures within the development, the decorative cladding is seen by thousands of people every day.

He added: “Although we already have a wide range of experience in developing aesthetic solutions for architecture and construction, the vision of the Ruban Bleu’s architects presented some new technical challenges, which had to be overcome to ensure designs could be produced to their exact requirements. This was not the first time we have needed to develop innovative tooling, but it certainly was one of the most complex solutions we have done to date, although it has also provided us with a new level of technical expertise and knowledge, which is unique to RMIG.”

RMIG Group is the world’s largest manufacturer and supplier of perforated metal and its products are used in a diverse range of applications and sectors from architectural and automotive, through to processing and communications.


Nautical Heritage Inspires RMIG’s French Retail Centre Cladding Design

��Walls

The building envelope together with the architecture it embodies is generally considered as evolving, but with the arrival of Qbiss, the new bi-modular cladding system from Trimo, a true next generation product can be considered to have arrived. Qbiss by trimo represents a technological as well as an innovation breakthrough; a 5-in-1 concept. As a system, Qbiss by trimo comprises the modular facade element, sealing and fixing components, flashings, corner details and even windows if required, but it is perhaps the facade that will attract most interest.Developed in response to architectural and design demands the facade is unique possessing the only true rounded corner on the market. This aesthetic quality is further enhanced with the ‘Shadow Joint’ where the longitudinal and transverse joints are optically of the same width, which presents a modern minimalistic design with a smooth surface. Qbiss by trimo, is a truly engineered system; able to carry itself there is no need for additional substructure with the system requiring fixing only at the edges. This brings many advantages because unlike other facade systems Qbiss by trimo does not require any additional support be that concrete wall, brick, wood or secondary substructure.With cost always an issue and the pressures to reduce them throughout the entire building envelope, this ‘value-engineering’ is a genuine and measurable cost-benefit. With fire protection always an issue, not just from a health and safety perspective but equally from an insurance cost and liability view it is reassuring to know that Qbiss by trimo has integrated fire protection. Its fire resistance is of the highest standard and confirmed by world-wide certification obtained across all countries in which it will be marketed. Qbiss by trimo has no thermal bridges as the insulation is already integrated in the vertical joint.Additionally, no moisture can build up during assembly as the thermal insulation is protected with steel sheets and thermal conductivity is not diminished. Assembly has not escaped innovation with a new ‘brick’ orientation option being added to the more traditional horizontal and vertical orientations.


Qbiss – Aesthetic Engineering

Hanson Scores On Celsius Housing Project

Products from Hanson’s bricks and blocks range have been used on the Celsius development, a project on the edge of the town of Bracknell. The designers chose a combination of Hanson’s Gima modular clay blocks and Gobelin buff stock bricks. Because strength was a factor, a heavier construction material was required. Gima modular clay blocks are strong and offer 100% protection against damp and moss build-up to reduce future maintenance work and expense. Hanson Gobelin buff stock bricks, were chosen because they combine the solid appearance of brick with a light colour to create a feeling of space.


Kingspan’s New Panel Can Widen Your Horizons

Kingspan’s KS1000 RW trapezoidal insulated roof and wall panel is an established insulated panel that has been installed successfully on countless projects over the last 30 years. Through extensive research and development, Kingspan has now produced KS2000 RW – the same insulated panel but 2 metres wide. One of the principal advantages of KS2000 RW is its fast track construction capability. The new increased cover width reduces the number of side laps and fixings required, and the ability to provide panel lengths of up to 20 metres reduces the number of end laps. With these benefits, the installation of KS2000 RW could potentially provide large cost savings and reduce project installation times by up to 50%.


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�6 Interiors

The ultimate Heating Solutions from Kermi / Arbonia

From early design stage to completion, Kermi have the solution.

Please contact: Kermi UK Ltd Tel: (01536) 400 004 email: [email protected]

Design Radiators

The Arbonia Column Range is extensive and offers solutions for Schools, Offices, Public Buildings or Houses where higher heat outputs are required.

The Arbonia Arbotherm Range with flat tube easy clean design even climbs the stairs if required!!An excellent range for Hospitals, Schools, Hotels or any other hygiene sensitive environment.

The Arbonia Creatherm Range is a tubular design offering curved or angled options. The easy to clean design is suitable for all types of buildings.

The Arbonia Decotherm Range may be mounted vertically or horizontally. Clean minimalist lines with integrated temperature control. Flat, curved or angled options available.

��Interiors

New Customising Service Gives Acrovyn Fresh Designer Appeal

Architects and designers wanting to make use of C/S Acrovyn sheet can now combine unrivalled surface protection with creative expression thanks to a new in-house customising service that allows the material to be cut into eye-catching shapes and patterns. As a result, wall protection is able to make its own contribution to a positive and colourful internal environment. A newly installed, state-of-the-art CNC router at Construction Specialties’ new headquarters at Westcott in Buckinghamshire, means that there is almost literally no limit to the designs that can be created and the effects that can be achieved. Available in an updated range of colours, including faux woods and a brand new faux metal finish, C/S Acrovyn is a tried and tested, abrasion-resistant product that delivers effective protection for any surface that is likely to suffer impact damage.


Ten Inspirational Designs Featured In New Brochure

The sheer versatility of the Vario D400 pop-up graphic display system is demonstrated in a new brochure published by RTD Systems. Produced in photo-realistic form, ten inspirational designs show how D400 can be used to stunning effect in showrooms, reception areas and a range of exhibition situations. The Vario D400 has unique aluminium side profiles, which can be fitted with accessories such as literature racks, bag holders, product shelves and digital screens.


Vario d400 UK designs edition 1

. Laidlaw Solutions For London’s Hottest New HotelMunkenbeck and Marshall’s design of the new Bermondsey Square hotel has been described as stylish and chic and ‘the hottest new addition to London’s coolest boutique hotel scene’. With an eye to creating interiors which broke the normal corporate hotel mould, Laidlaw’s Orbis Integra Doorsets system was used throughout. Durable yet visually stylish, the package of timber doors, metal frames, glazing and ironmongery is available in a wide range of finishes and frame colours, all guaranteed for 10 years. Factory fitted Orbis Commercial ironmongery was used with the range of laminated and painted doorsets, while all guest room doors were supplied with an integrated electronic VingCard® access system. Integra is ideal for fast track construction environments, as the patented frame design clamps around the wall structure to provide a rigid assembly with no visible fixings. This cuts installation time by up to 75%. To add a combination of design flair to stairways, Laidlaw’s Stainless Steel Handrail system in Brushed Stainless Steel was installed, line side fixed with clear, toughened glass infill panels to maximize natural daylight.



Nocturno, part of the new stunning ‘Genesis’ range of quartz worksurfaces from COMPAC provides the designer with a palette of exciting colours and endless opportunities to create visually impactful worksurface designs for a wide range of applications. Nocturno, like all COMPAC’s quartz worksurfaces has superb consistency of colour, is extremely hard wearing, highly resistant to heat, scratches, staining and is very easy to clean and maintain - making it ideal for the hotel, food, leisure, retail and commercial sectors - and of course for domestic

kitchens too where it would transform any traditional or contemporary home. Available in 3metre lengths, a range of thicknesses and in polished or honed finishes Nocturno can easily be cut and profiled to fit virtually any specification. s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 105 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card

The Night Sky Captured In A Quartz Worksurface

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Interiors ��Interiors

Pressalit Care Meets Changing Places Requirements

Column Casings Provide The Perfect Finish

Height-adjustable products, as specified for the new Changing Places facilities detailed in BS8300:2009 – ‘Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people’ - can be met from Pressalit Care’s specialist bathroom solutions. Pressalit Care’s ergonomic washbasins and nursing benches can be power adjusted to suit individual requirements safely and comfortably. The ergonomically designed Pressalit Care Washbasin can be height adjusted electrically or by gas cylinder level control. The concave front edge of the basin stabilises a standing as well as a seated user, while the rounded edges are easy to grip or lean against. The Pressalit Care 1800mm Nursing Bench can be raised from a height of 300mm up to 1000mm by means of a wall-mounted lifting unit, easily adjusted with a hand control. Suitable for use when showering or changing, the Nursing Bench has a slightly curved profile with foam cushions, and a safety rail which folds away under the Bench when not in use.


New Standard Alico Tile Range From Daedalian

Armourcoat Sculptural™ At Design InteriorsArmourcoat introduced Sculptural™ at Design Interiors in January - seamless contoured wall surfaces with impactful designs and cast relief. Each signature design is created from cast GRG (Glass-fibre Reinforced Gypsum) panels, CAD generated to enable a continuous pattern or unique decorative effect. Sculptural™ panels are mineral based and incorporate up to 30% post-consumer recycled content, are non-toxic, and non-combustible. The panels are extremely dense and hard with a smooth ceramic-like surface. Each design can be finished in a range of decorative effects such as ArmourCoat Spatulata polished plaster and ArmourColor Perlata.


Daedalian, market leaders in architectural glass, have introduced a new exciting range of Alico tiles. This is the first of a series of standard tile ranges to be introduced by the company. Daedalian tiles are already widely specified for custom projects and the new standard Alico range will provide greater market availability for more general applications. Alico tiles are fused with copper and aluminium to create a wide range of contemporary designs. The tiles are available in different size combinations from 70mm to 400mm. Applications will include domestic and commercial bathroom and kitchen splash backs for both new and refurbishment projects. Whilst Alico tiles are ideally suited for use as accent tiles when blended with plain field tiles, the imagination of the designer will also lead to their specification as complete tiling solutions in their own right.


The n-case range of plywood column casings provides the perfect solution for concealing structural columns, enabling a decorative and stylish finish to be achieved simply, quickly and cost effectively. The versatile Circa and Quadra plywood range includes circular, semi-circles, square and rectangular casings, making them ideal for use in a wide range of projects including commercial interiors, hotels and public buildings as well as retail and education and for stylish shop fronts. n-case column casings are available in a wide range of finishes. Quadra column casings maximise floor space by fitting closely to internal structural columns and can be configured for projects requiring square or rectangular casings in sizes from 300mm to 1200mm.


Leading Washroom Provider Launches Stunning New Range Responding to industry demands, Armitage Venesta has meticulously developed Oxygen, a stunning new washroom system that exceeds all expectations. Designed and produced by a company that has earned its long-standing reputation as the leading washroom provider, Oxygen is the result of a wealth of industry experience and a continued commitment towards new product development. With full height cubicles produced of the finest, contemporary materials including, rich, real wood Veneer, opaque Glass and versatile Laminate, Oxygen offers maximum privacy and a flush façade - a result achieved by stylish streamlined extrusions and fittings. Oxygen’s technical specification too, has been enhanced by an innovative new pivoting hinge system. Oxygen is recommended by Armitage Venesta as a prestigious washroom solution. Its stunning design and use of optimum materials inspires the confidence to specify.


100 Interiors

Laminated Glass Balustrades Demonstrate The Benefits Of Dupont™ Sentryglas®

Around 2,000 free-standing panels of laminated glass, containing DuPont™ SentryGlas® structural interlayer, are used to form balustrades at the new Westfield London shopping centre, Europe’s largest urban shopping mall. 20 percent thinner than other glass laminate constructions of equivalent performance, the glass balustrades, manufactured by UK architectural glass supplier Kite Glass, provide a safe and secure shopping experience for all visitors to Westfield. It was as a reflection of the architectural vision for Westfield London, that CMF Ltd. of Feltham, Middlesex (UK), conceived the transparent glass balustrades and handrails for the first floor of the centre, its staircases and sections of the external causeway leading to Westfield London. The glass panels for the balustrades were supplied by Kite Glass of Weybridge, Surrey, a leading supplier and installer of toughened and laminated architectural glass. The structural benefits of SentryGlas® interlayers Cantilever glass panels, when used as shopping mall barriers and thus exposed to crowd loading, are subject to the highest category of British Standards and Building Regulations with regard to their load-bearing capacity.


Zehnder sets a new standard in efficient temperature control

Zehnder, the European market leader in the field of radiant heating and cooling panels for many years, has set a new performance standard for the industry with the launch of the Zehnder Carboline. Capitalising on the natural properties of graphite; lightweight and with a high thermal conductivity, the Zehnder Carboline consists of a patented high-performance carbon element which guarantees an extremely even, fast and efficient heat distribution with exceptional controllability. To find out more:

www.zehnder.co.uk

Zehnder sets a new standard in efficient temperature control

Zehnder, the European market leader in the field of radiant heating and cooling panels for many years, has set a new performance standard for the industry with the launch of the Zehnder Carboline. Capitalising on the natural properties of graphite; lightweight and with a high thermal conductivity, the Zehnder Carboline consists of a patented high-performance carbon element which guarantees an extremely even, fast and efficient heat distribution with exceptional controllability. To find out more:

www.zehnder.co.uk

Absolute Blanc is part of the new Genesis range of quartz worksurfaces from COMPAC, providing the designer with a palette of exciting colours and endless opportunities to create visually impactful designs for kitchens and bathrooms. Absolute Blanc, as its name suggests, is pure vibrant white and like all COMPAC’s quartz worksurfaces, offers superb consistency of colour, is extremely hard wearing, highly resistant to heat, scratches, staining and is very easy to clean and maintain. Available in 3metre lengths, a range of thicknesses and in polished or honed finishes Absolute Blanc from COMPAC will look ‘absolutely fabulous’ in any contemporary or traditional home. In the kitchen illustrated, which has been designed by World renowned Miami based designer Jay Britto, Absolute Blanc has been combined with an Orange Quartz worksurface from COMPAC’s Lumicks range to produce a stunning kitchen design.


Absolute Perfection From Compac

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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

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103Paints & CoatingsPaints & Coatings

Applied as a system of Basecoat and Woodstain,

Sadolin Ultra®’s UV-Active protection technology

gives lasting, consistent protection. Whilst Ultra®

offers the high performance of a solvent base, it’s still

2010 VOC compliant. For superior protection that

doesn’t alter the colour and character of the wood,

it has to be Sadolin Ultra®.

Crown Paints Ltd, PO Box 37, Crown House, Hollins Road, Darwen, Lancashire BB3 0BG Tel. 01254 704951 Advice: 0844 7708 998 Fax: 0845 389 9457 E-mail [email protected] www.sadolin.co.uk

ULTRA®

Superior Wood Protection

See the true beauty of wood,with seven years’ Ultra® protection.

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Rediscover Colour.....Rediscover Crown Trade!

Crown Trade has launched an exciting new paint colour collection for specifiers, designers and professional decorators working on all types of interior and exterior design projects. This extensive new colour offer covers the entire spectrum and features 1080 contemporary and established popular shades, tints and hues. These are arranged into eight distinct colour families to make decision making as straightforward as possible.Crown Trade colour fandecks and pocket size colour guides, instantly recognisable in the new Crown Trade ‘black and gold’ signature style, are now available, with colour swatches all clearly referenced using Crown’s exclusive SCAN™ colour codification and referencing system.SCAN™ systematically and scientifically measures paint colours and then assigns a unique six digit code to each one. The first two characters, (a letter followed by a digit), refer to the ‘hue’ of the paint colour and there are 240 different hues shown in the SCAN™ colour wheel. The next two digits refer to the lightness of the paint colour ranging from zero (the darkest) to 99 (the very lightest). The final two digits refer to saturation. The SCAN™ system is so sophisticated that saturation can be increased in increments of less than 0.5%.


Sikkens Adds Perfect Finish To New Cornish Hotel

The new Cornwall Hotel Spa and Estate at Tregorrick is destined to be an exciting attraction and products from Sikkens are being used throughout. For the exterior wood detailing of these luxury and top quality lodges, Sikkens Cetol BL21 plus and Cetol BL31 woodstain system has been specified which is quick drying and benefits from low odour whilst maintaining excellent absorption into the timber for protection against weathering and UV damage.


New Clear Binding Primer Extends The Life Of Problem Surfaces

Hinde House is a highly visible and prestigious development on Thayer Street in London’s Marylebone Village. The interior has been redeveloped to be safe thanks to the application of the Bollom Ultra 60 which is fully fire protected to BS476:Part 20/21:1987 ASFP Approved.Brosteel Ultra 60 Intumescent Coating for Structural Steel is a thin-film waterborne intumescent coating, providing 30 minutes fire protection in only one coat, with 60 minutes achieved in just two coats.


Pyeroy On Track With Blackfriars Railway Bridge Contract

Pyeroy has been awarded a £6 million contract to refurbish London’s Blackfriars Railway Bridge. The works will be carried out over a two year period. Pyeroy’s involvement will see the Gateshead-based firm’s infrastructure services division providing scaffolding and steelwork support ahead of applying a new long last protective coating to the wrought iron bridge.


Quick Drying Fire Protection For Luxury London Development

Zinsser’s Peel Stop is a clear, flexible bridging sealer for surfaces where peeling, flaking, dusting or chalking is a problem. It is suitable for interior or exterior use forming a breathable membrane over questionable or faulty substrates. Peel Stop tightly bonds to old paint and problem areas, forming a sound surface for new paint forming a tough acrylic film that stays flexible and helps prevent peeling by letting moisture escape.




When Oxfordshire self-builder and businessman Chris Ostwald set out to build a country retreat in the Chiltern Hills he took inspiration from the most unlikely of places – a picture of a West Virginian timber clad watermill seen on the side of a yoghurt pot.

Woodcare specialist Sadolin advised Chris on the best way to decorate and protect the exteriors of his unusual development which was visited by Kevin McCloud and his film crew and featured in a recent episode of the popular TV programme Grand Designs.

Inspired by a yoghurt pot image of Glade Creek Grist Mill, dating back to the 1920s, Chris and his architect Brian Johnson designed a very similar building to sit on a platform cut into the chalk hillside of the Oxfordshire countryside, supported by steel legs.

Their designs were sent to Timberpeg, an American specialist in timber frame homes, who made Chris his very own ‘mill’ in ‘kit‘ form and shipped it over to the UK from Oregon, New Hampshire.

Whilst the structural framework was built from Douglas Fir, the exterior cladding was made entirely from cedar panelling. Timberpeg recommended that all the cladding panels should be treated immediately both sides with a quality woodcare product and that further coats should be applied to the exterior facing walls in situ.

Chris turned down the manufacturer’s offer to apply coatings at its factory, opting for the more cost effective but somewhat more labour intensive option of treating the wood himself. He needed a richly coloured woodcare product that would deliver a translucent natural finish to allow the natural beauty of the cedar to show through, but which would also provide long term weather protection and be easy to maintain in the future.

Sadolin’s technical team advised Chris to use Sadolin Classic woodstain for a superior level of protection and durability, and helpfully provided a wide range of tester pots for him to try out on the cladding boards.

Although Chris knew the colour that he wanted he wasn’t the only person involved in the decision making process. He also

had to keep the local planning department satisfied and this entailed generating different coloured ‘impressions’ of the completed building on his laptop until the planning officer was also happy with the effect.

Finally they settled on a colour that they both found acceptable and the decision was taken to decorate and protect all the exterior wood in Caramel Crisp, a rich red-toned shade in the Sadolin Classic tinted range.

Winter had arrived and it was not an ideal time to be applying woodstain but Chris was determined to keep the momentum going. Luckily the ‘stilted’ design of the building enabled him to create a spacious sheltered (and well ventilated) area under the house where the work could be carried out. He hung plastic sheeting to keep out the wind and rain and brought in huge heaters to keep the area warm enough to work in, and to give the woodstain a chance to dry.

“The conditions certainly weren’t ideal” said Chris, “but we got the temperature up to a level where we could stain the wood without too many problems. The real issue was the sheer amount of wood that had to be treated and left to dry on racking.

We had about 5,500 linear feet of bare timber to get through! Fortunately I had a few friends and family members who I ‘press ganged’ into helping out! We formed a ‘production line’ and got all the wood stained both sides in just over a week.”

The exterior facades were coated again once the cladding was fixed, and then

recoated once more. Chris said: “I’d been concerned about the huge colour variation of the bare panels but with each coat of Sadolin Classic, the wood became deeper, richer and more consistent. After the third coat I had the rich autumn leaf colour that I had wanted all along, just like the picture on the yoghurt pot”

When the Grand Designs crew visited Chris he was only half way though his project. Now all the external works are completed and he is delighted with the results of his labours.

He admits: “I underestimated how long it would take to protect and decorate all the timber and we certainly didn’t have the weather on our side, but when I look at the rich colour of the cladding now, and the way the building nestles in the its wooded setting, it makes all that effort worthwhile.”

“I’ve got the timber clad house of my dreams and I know that thanks to Sadolin the wood is extremely well protected from the elements. I’ve got plenty more work to do inside before I’m done but at least I can relax in the knowledge that I won’t need to pick up another tin of exterior woodstain for many years to come!”


104 Paints & Coatings 10�Paints & Coatings

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Sadolin Colours And Protects Self-Builder’s Dream House

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Yorkon Delivers UK’s Largest Complete Hospital To Be Built Off SiteTwo new multi-million pound NHS treatment centres have been delivered to site by off-site specialists and Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, for UK Specialist Hospitals (UKSH). The project at Emerson’s Green in Bristol is believed to be the UK’s largest complete hospital to be built off site. Both centres have been constructed off site by Yorkon and craned into position around 70 per cent complete. This approach will ensure completion on time, on budget, to a shorter programme, with guaranteed quality and less disruption.


Structures 10�Fire Protection

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The New 3 In 1 ConversionEnvirograf have just launched Envir-e-flex the perfect answer to providing a 3 in 1 product for thermal insulation to L1B & L2B, airborne and impact sound and 70 minutes fire protection. Envir-e-flex consists of a reflective fire protective panel with an attached non-itch sponge. The Envir-e-flex panels can be used in loft conversions between trusses requiring only a facing of 9mm plasterboard to achieve excellent U values. Envir-e-flex can be used between joists and also between floors in new build projects. Heat leakage in properties has become a crucial factor in trying to reduce the carbon footprint. Thermal improvements in properties have often

resulted in excessive insulation being positioned to close to electric cables and therefore running the risk of electrical cables overheating and potentially causing a fire. Envir-e-flex is the perfect solution because it is produced in a depth to suit most joists and trusses whilst offering an important airflow for cabling and minimising condensation problems. Also new from Envirograf are Thermal Cavity Fire Barriers for improved thermal insulation and fire protection around doors and windows.


Forma Metal Column Casings Provide Aesthetic Appeal

The n-case Forma range of metal column casings includes a wide range of shapes including circles, semi-circles, squares and rectangles. Coupled with the wide choice of powder coated finishes, patterns and perforations, n-case metal column casings provide even greater design and installation flexibility.Manufactured from metals from 0.5mm to 3mm in thickness, depending on the profile and material selected, Forma metal casings are ideally suited to ‘custom’ applications covering sizes from 250mm to 1000mm across all shapes in the range. Produced using precision bending techniques for accuracy, Forma casings are also flexible enough to make installation a simple and straightforward process.


Foremans Wins £1m Recycled Modular Building Contract At Sellafield

Foremans Relocatable Building Systems has been awarded a £1m contract to supply office accommodation at Sellafield in Cumbria. The contract is for a fully refurbished three-storey office building to be located at the Sellafield Nuclear Plant. The use of a recycled and refurbished modular building is highly sustainable, up to 70 per cent faster and provides a cost saving of up to 50 per cent compared to new build. Delivered to a challenging timescale of just five months, the 2100sqm building will be fully fitted out with new internal fittings and will arrive on site complete with windows, doors, partitions, plumbing and a large proportion of electrics pre-installed.


Neaco Contributes to Major Retail Development

As the approved suppliers of the engineered aluminium components for Kalzip Grillage Walkway and Handrail systems, Neaco provided a major contribution to the St. Stephen’s development in Hull.Designed by Holder Mathias Architects, the undulating curved glass roof is a particularly distinctive design feature at St. Stephen’s and the Kalzip walkway system was extensively installed on the roof structure for cleaning and maintenance access. Neaco’s modular aluminum grillage is used for the Kalzip system because its seam clips ensure a secure fixing method to the Kalzip seams without penetrating the roof sheets. The Kalzip Grillage Walkway and Handrail system offers a lightweight, durable, self-draining, low maintenance construction for simple and quick installation to the Kalzip standing seam roof system. Neaco’s grillage walkway can be installed with handrails to both sides, one side only or without handrails. Neaco’s modular grille panels are precision engineered in easy-to-handle dimensions. They are approximately one third of the weight of steel, yet offer an impressive load-bearing capacity. The walkway retains a high residual value and the aluminium is fully recyclable.


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108 Fire Protection 10�Fire Protection

Arch ProtectsThe RNLI

Over 200m3 of timber cladding was treated with Arch’s unique fire retardant Dricon for the roof of the new RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat Station. Opened in early February 2009, the new lifeboat station – 500 metres east of the original – has replaced one of the oldest in the UK, which dated back to 1899. The old station had become too small and outmoded, and could not be modified to house the next generation of lifeboat. The volunteer lifeboat crew urgently needed a new station to meet the demands of the 21st century, housing their Mersey class vessel, the Lady of Hilbre - a carriage launched lifeboat. The result is the UK’s first purpose built lifeboat station which accommodates this class of vessel. John Curry, lifeboat operations manager commented: “The RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat Station Appeal the appeal was launched in September 2007 with the objective of raising two million of the five million pounds needed for the new station and the new boat to be housed in it by the end of 2009. At present the appeal has raised one million pounds towards the final objective. It has provided the Hoylake lifeboat crew with a superb new station, essential facilities and new equipment needed to carry on saving lives at sea for decades to come.” The Dricon fire retardant treatment used for the roofing timber will help protect the new station for the life of the building.


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110 Projects

Levolux Keeps Village CoolThe new VILLAGE hotel in London’s Elstree, a recent addition to the hotel chains’ ‘Premium’ range, has a reputation to uphold, for first class, modern comfort. Levolux has ensured that staff and guests at the stunning hotel, stay cool with a state of the art 9000 Fin system. In addition to contoured Ventilation Louvres used to screen plant areas at high level, Levolux fitted its 9000 Fin Solar Shading system across the hotel’s entrance and to provide shading to glazed areas along each elevation of the building. The Levolux 9000 Fin system comprises of vertical stacks of horizontal 300mm aluminium Aerofoil Fins fitted to a series of ‘H’ posts, also supplied and fitted by Levolux. This extremely efficient external Solar Shading system reduces solar heat gain by as much as 95%, helping to minimise the hotel’s reliance on expensive, energy sapping air conditioning. Finished with a co-ordinated dark grey powder coating, the Levolux Solar Shading system and contoured Ventilation Louvres combine to create a sleek, modern contrast against the glass backdrop.


Sika Takes Secret Fix Up A GearSika’s secret fix panel adhesive has ensured a seamless aluminium cladding finish to the latest in BMW dealership in Beddington, London, at a fraction of the cost compared to a mechanical alternative. As an alternative to more expensive traditional cassette panels, SpeedDeck ACM (Aluminum Composite Material) cladding panels were specified. These could be offered in flat panel format and, using SikaTack Panel Adhesive, would achieve the same effect at significantly reduced site costs. Working to a strict design style and selection of materials, the aluminium façade is an integral part of the dealership’s overall branding and ensures it matches other dealerships. To secure the flat SpeedDeck ACM panels using traditional cladding methods could have left the sleek, aluminium finish with face fixings. However, SikaTack Panel Adhesive made it possible to create this look without any visible fixings. Following preparation and priming of all surfaces, the ACM panels were temporarily fixed in place using Sika’s specially made 3mm thick double-sided tape, whilst the SikaTack Panel Adhesive got to work. When set, the panels were fully bonded to the structure.


Accoya® Brings An Unbeatable Finish To Loch LomondVincent Timber’s Accoya timber cladding has delivered a prestige makeover to one of Scotland’s premier hotel destinations. The Boathouse Restaurant is the latest dining sensation at the prestigious De Vere Cameron House hotel in Loch Lomond and it sports a sustainable Accoya timber panelled exterior that provides the perfect new look for a panoramic loch setting. Vincent Timber proposed Accoya, a modified timber. Supplied fully factory coated it provides excellent performance with a superb aesthetic finish that fits with the visual appeal of the restaurant’s surroundings. Accoya

offers impeccable green credentials and is the perfect complement to Vincent Timber’s extensive range of timber claddings. Using wood from certified sustainable plantations, Accoya is acetylated, with the wood’s natural appearance and strength not affected by the process.


111Projects

Lloyd Banks On Steadmans For Head Office Refurbishment

Roofing and cladding company Steadmans has supplied a complete building envelope solution for the refurbishment of the Carlisle-based head office of prestige motors to agricultural machinery group Lloyd. When the original head office was built 26 years ago it was supplied and erected by Brian Steadman, then Steadman’s managing director, for Ralph Lloyd, founder of the group. The architect for the refurbishment was Carlisle-based Architects Plus and the new 3,000m² roof was installed by New Metal Systems of Workington using Steadmans AS35/1000, 100mm thick insulated panel finished in grey mist. New Metal Systems also installed the rear gable wall using over 200m² of Steadmans 80mm AS35/1000 insulated panel finished in forest green.Both roof and wall panels benefit from a DobelNova colour finish providing a 30 year guarantee. To complete the building envelope Steadmans also supplied metallic silver insulated flat wall panels to the front of the building, triple skin factory assembled in-plane roof lights plus 800 lin mtrs of gutters and flashings in metallic silver.


Lindab’s Rainline Specified For Award Winning Social Housing ProjectLindab’s steel based Rainline rainwater drainage system was recently specified for an award winning social housing project designed by Liverpool based architects, Denovo Design. Having specified Lindab’s Rainline for two previous sustainable housing developments, from which Denovo Design had received positive reports regarding Rainline’s ease of installation and its attractive appearance, the vandal resistance and durability of Rainline were particular features which made its specification important for this latest development. Other factors that influenced Denovo’s decision to use Rainline instead of a UPVC system were ‘its minimal movement, its strength and durability and importantly, Rainline itself is completely recyclable’. For the project Denovo specified Rainline in a plain galvanised finish which required no painting and minimal maintenance.


Hanson Chosen For Edwardian Luxury DevelopmentMatching the existing brickwork was the major challenge for a recent project undertaken by Lead Hill Developments and Beswick Homes. The plans called for the extension and refurbishment of a large Edwardian house into 10 luxury apartments.Given the combination of new build and refurbishment, it was critical to match the original brick in order to maintain consistency throughout the new build, while at the same time retaining the Edwardian style of the original house. The existing brick being a rich red, Hanson’s Wilnecote Smooth Red brick was specified, as its colour and soft, smooth texture most closely matched the bricks used on the original house. In addition, the new bricks had to be produced in 73mm format, again to match the size and appearance of the Edwardian brickwork.


Stannah At Kingston StationThe installation of new Stannah bespoke passenger lifts is part of the ‘Access for All’ programme of station improvements - funded by the DfT and delivered by Network Rail – which provides step–free access for all travellers, when needed. A recent excellent example of the ‘Access for All’ programme is the installation of two new Stannah lifts at Kingston station, changing the face of a former no-go area for disabled people; one platform was only approachable over a steep flight of steps and the other via a steep ramp. The station now boasts two 16–person, 1200kg, hydraulic-drive passenger lifts built to Network Rail specifications, including telephone links and CCTV. The lifts have operating panels on both sides to ensure all travellers can use them easily and independently.


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113Projects

movemanSKG Makes The Grade“We ensure any student with a disability is able to enjoy and access the full curriculum and facilities” says Carol Sheffield, Business Manager at West Bridgford School. “Our new Prestige platform lift from movemanSKG means wheelchair users can access the theatre, in which we hold drama classes, dance and music lessons, and assemblies. It gets daily use, performs reliably, and exceeds all expectations!”

West Bridgford School, located in Rushcliffe near Nottingham, has nearly 2000 pupils aged between 11 and 18. Specialist technology facilities enable it to offer advanced courses in art, textiles, graphics, resistant materials, and electronics. Rated outstanding in many areas by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted), the school is a popular choice for students in the area.

At West Bridgford School, Prestige travels nearly a metre from the upper level foyer down to the theatre, allowing children with disabilities to overcome a short flight of steps. Simple ergonomic controls allow users to operate the lift independently, and a hands free intercom unit means they can call for assistance if required.

Carol continued; “movemanSKG installed Prestige in just a few days, keeping building work to a minimum. This meant we could resume normal lesson timetables quickly. The company is professional and pleasant to deal with. I recommend movemanSKG to anyone with platform lift requirements!”

Prestige lifts 400kg up to thirteen metres and has a customisable platform size, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Users can specify its colour and finish to match any surrounding environment. Prestige features controlled acceleration and deceleration, which eliminates jolting at landings. Freestanding, it requires no pit or supporting wall. This minimises building work and associated expenses.

West Bridgford School has exciting expansion plans. It is to spend £400,000 over coming months building a new fitness suite, dance studio, and PE classroom. These facilities will be accessible to wheelchair users.


Projects

Lethame House Aims High With DuPont MembranesLethame House is a new luxury housing project by Apex Developments Ltd in Strathaven, near Glasgow, that aims not only for very high standards of living but also of thermal efficiency. Consisting of four spacious timber-frame, stone-clad, slate-roofed units, the development features top quality materials, including three high-performance building membranes from DuPont (DuPont™ AirGuard®, DuPont™ Tyvek® Reflex and DuPont™ Tyvek® Supro).Apex have worked to a superior specification from the outset, including the sourcing of local stone and slate, keen to create a distinctive development that will be a pleasure to

inhabit for the long term. Exceeding the thermal and airtightness standards set by regulations has been a primary goal, and in order to achieve this, the project boasts a combination of advanced systems and products. These include geo-thermal heat sources from 200 metre boreholes, a heat recovery system, DuPont™ AirGuard® air-leakage barrier on the internal walls, DuPont™ Tyvek® Reflex metallised breather membrane on the external walls and DuPont™ Tyvek® Supro breather membrane on the roof. “We chose these membranes because they are renowned as a reliable, durable brand. We have worked with DuPont™ Tyvek® before and have every faith in the material. We wouldn’t want to gamble on something that might be substandard on a project with such high aims. We want to be confident in handing over the keys to a quality home that will bring enjoyment and value for many generations,” says Jim Simpson, MD of Apex Developments Ltd. This combination of air-tight, light-weight, easy to install membranes is designed not only to protect the building envelope, but also to significantly enhance the thermal performance of the building, thereby improving interior comfort and reducing the carbon footprint.


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Projects 11�Projects

Selectaglaze Assist Phoenix Rising From The AshesRamsgate Library has risen Phoenix-like from the ashes five years after fire gutted the impressive 104 year old Grade II landmark building on the Kent coast. The impressive two-storey north façade escaped the ravages of the flames and, along with the west façade, were the only principal elevations of the original building to have survived. The fire also destroyed the library’s contents, including its priceless museum collection.While following the lines and footprint of the original Edwardian building, the interior and facilities of the rebuilt Library are very much a product of the 21st Century. Working on behalf of Kent County Council, architects Radley House Partnership, specified single glazed timber sash windows to the original surviving north and west facades, some of which were salvaged from the fire, but to meet modern standards of thermal insulation and energy efficiency RHP commissioned Selectaglaze to produce purpose designed secondary glazing.Selectaglaze, the UK’s leading designer and manufacturer of secondary glazing systems installed a total of seven different styles of unit, including vertical sliders and side hung casements, some with curved heads, in order to sympathetically treat the wide range of window deigns. The secondary glazing traps an insulating layer of air between the two panes of glass which reduces heat loss by about half and high

performance seals will almost eliminate uncomfortable draughts. Class A laminated glass and locking systems were specified to the ground floor to improve security and the secondary glazing also provides high levels of noise insulation ensuring the quiet environment that is such an important feature of libraries.The completion of Ramsgate Library is just one of a number of library projects recently undertaken by Selectaglaze. Shown below are examples of the company’s installations at The University of London’s Senate House and University of Cambridge’s Seeley History Library. Founded in 1966 and a Royal Warrant holder since 2004, Selectaglaze works extensively within Listed buildings and offers a technical and specification advisory service to ensure sympathetic treatment and the correct interface with other trades.Programmes are particularly important and proactive site surveys linked to a modern production facility working on Lean principles ensures that projects are delivered on schedule.


Lighting Fights Crime And GrimeLondon’s Westway A40 flyover has been illuminated and the area made safer by a joint venture between Light Projects, arts organisation Urban Eye and TFL. The result is a transformation of the dark and dangerous areas under the flyover near the

communities of Ladbroke Grove and Portobello Road. The new work includes striking artwork on some of the walls designed by Miles Watson, and a colourful lighting scheme by a creative partnership of Miles Watson and Lightscape Projects, part of the Light Projects Group.The inspired use of Francis Searchlights. with spreader

optics to graze light across the repainted underside of the bridges, creating a lighting gateway without glare which has lifted the lux levels and is deterring crime. 36W RGB downlighters are also used to illuminate the vertical columns of the Flyover which has been totally repainted white to lift the area and to be used as a lighting canvas. The colour changing dmx system has several programmes to facilitate different moods of colour and its rate of change. In addition, small floodlights create circles of light on the pavement and illuminate the artwork on the walls.


Cembrit’s Cembonit Performs At Acland Burghley School

Cembonit cladding from specialists Cembrit, has been used at a new performing arts centre at a school in London. Acland Burghley School needed an upgraded dance and music facility and the specification was to create a building that fulfilled several functions.It had to act as a separate two-storey facility with two main dance studios floating above a plinth housing the music facilities. It had to connect to and complement existing buildings. This was achieved with the construction of a bridge between the new and existing parts of the school. Approximately 130 Cembonit cladding panels were used to create the contemporary exterior of the new building.A striking combination of sand coloured panels with an orange border were used to great effect around the windows. Cembonit cladding has been specially designed for external cladding, semi-exposed and internal lining applications. It is produced from cement, sand, cellulose, wollastonite and sodium silicate and impregnated with an aqueous, hydrophobic liquid, which provides the sheets with a water and dirt repellent surface. Cembonit is a strong, durable and lightweight product and is an attractive, cost-effective and maintenance-free Class 0 cladding panel, ideal for a variety of decorative cladding applications.


Would You Like A Facelift? Langthorne Health Centre, an NHS facility located in north-east London, has recently received a ‘facelift’ courtesy of Ultra Floor products and E Floor Contracts. To complete this flooring project, E Floor Contracts not only benefited from the high quality performance of Level IT two but also the outstanding customer service and delivery guarantee that Ultra Floor offers. Andy comments that, Lucy Choules, Ultra Floor’s south-east Area Sales Manager, “gave excellent technical assistance as well as ensuring an efficient order process. This was then followed by an exceptional delivery service, to our on-site location, at the agreed time.”
