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Sensory stimulation - Designing facilities for health and well-being

Dedicated service - Educating a new generation of HVAC users

Lead a legacy - Surface solutions for unkempt public areas

Future opportunities

Contemporary youth centre project led by

its young users

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Welcome. . .At the time of going to print, Chancellor George Osborne is just about to announce the Autumn Statement, unveiling yet more cuts and capital to kick start economic growth. Among science and transport schemes – which are looking to be the main beneficiaries of funding – it is said the Statement will outline additional funding for new schools. In total, £5bn is proposed to cater for these schemes and according to Treasury sources, £1bn of this allocated spend will go towards building 100 new free schools and academies, making way for 500,000 new school places.

This comes on top of the Priority School Building Programme, which is funding 261 school rebuilding projects in England over the next five years. The aims of this programme include improving building conditions and services, and will allow for additional classroom space – a crucial requirement with the country’s growing population.

Responding to the growing demand for more school places, Preston Manor Lower School is among the schools serving its local community with a new, contemporary building. Preston Manor Lower School now offers 420 primary school places in a facility that is both user-friendly and considerate to the environment. With pressure to accept funding and complete construction quickly, delivery was made as efficient as possible. Turn to page 34 for more details on this challenging project.

Elsewhere in this issue, we have put together an impressive portfolio of case studies and informative industry comment from public sector building specialists – architects, contractors and suppliers alike. Among these is a futuristic youth centre, where the early conceptual stages of the facility were placed in the hands of the users. Funded by the Department of Education’s Myplace scheme, the new facility now provides a safe and secure hub and contributes significantly to the overall regeneration of Brent district. PSBJ also explores designing interiors with well-being in mind. Interior elements, such as the flooring, help to stimulate the senses and are said to be valuable tools for those living with dementia-related conditions. In light of this, healthcare flooring specialist, Tarkett, offers recommendations from its new guide ‘Designing Alzheimer’s Facilities’.

I hope you enjoy this issue. On behalf of the PSBJ team, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and return addressed envelope. No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editors hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Mixed Media Information Ltd. The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher. The Publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

Editor Hannah Frackiewicz [email protected]

Managing Director Sam Ball [email protected]

Publication Manager Steve Gull [email protected]

Account Executive Adam Barron [email protected]

Design & Production Chris Lilly [email protected]

Accounts Simone Jones [email protected]

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Cover image Funded by the Department of Education's Myplace scheme and on behalf of Brent Council, Roundwood Youth Centre will provide hundreds of teenagers with a safe and secure central hub. See page 8.

Public Sector Build Journal 3

Hannah Frackiewicz | Editor | [email protected]

Hannah Frackiewicz

4 Public Sector Build Journal

Contents

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08 UpfrontFunded by the Department of Education’s Myplace scheme, the new Roundwood Youth Centre is providing a contemporary hub for Brent’s young local residents.

14 HousingYOOP architects demonstrates how its flexible approach to a social housing development in Harrow has led to significant benefits over several generations.

18 Talking PointStandardisation needn’t be bland and uninspiring. Sunesis unveils how its variety of school buildings can offer more quality at a fraction of the cost.

20 Kitchens, Bathrooms & WashroomsRAK Ceramics explains how a new breed of bathroom products, governed by stringent building regulations, is opening up a fresh new market.

26 Modular BuildingsHMS Tremeraire has benefitted from Rollalong solutions for over 20 years. As the facility expands, the company is now providing internal and external modifications.

28 HealthcareDesign is key when planning dementia wards. Tarkett explains the theory behind its new guide, Designing Alzheimer’s Facilities.

22 Flooring & SurfacesMurals can be a cost effective solution to unkempt areas. Craven Dunnill Jackfield has been instrumental in providing a number of public art commissions.

24 Drainage & WastewaterHauraton reflects on the impact of flash flooding, and explains why slow release drainage systems may alleviate its problems.

14


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30 BrickworkHighlighting the contemporary opportunities that brick can offer, Brick Development Association rounds up the winner and shortlisted buildings from its recent Brick Awards.

32 LeisureWhilst it is important that playground equipment must meet standards, consideration must also be given to the surface, as Playrite and Dura-Sport explain.

34 EducationPreston Manor Lower School demonstrates how speed in construction can be delivered without compromise to quality or materials.

40 HVACHVAC systems are not efficient if the technology is unsuitable for the home and the user does not know how to operate it correctly. NIBE explains how to strike the perfect balance.

42 Floors, Walls & CeilingsInstarmac offers a long-term solution which responds to the severe backlog of road repairs needed across the UK.

44 Product ShowcaseA round-up of industry news, products and installations helping public sector associations to make informed choices when planning and specifying.

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News


The first phase of a major regeneration programme in Kilburn has been completed with Denne, part of the Leadbitter Group, handing over 153 new homes to housing association L&Q. The completion of Watling Place, a £30m scheme, which is part of the Kilburn Wells development on Albert Road, marks a significant milestone in Brent Council’s masterplan for the South Kilburn Estate. The council aims to provide up to 1100 new high-quality homes to help regenerate the local area. The scheme, developed by L&Q and its construction partner Denne, comprises new one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments in eight buildings. Of these, 113 are

available for affordable rent, 19 for shared ownership and 21 for outright sale. The reinforced concrete framed buildings are between five and 11 storeys and are clad in a mixture of

render, aluminium panelling and an innovative ceramic tile rainscreen from Aliva UK. This was the first time the ceramic rainscreen had been used on a residential project in the UK.

Polypipe Building Products Regional Sales Manager Gary Foord has just completed a 470km charity bike ride in South East Asia from Vietnam to Cambodia in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. Gary says it was a great experience albeit it was tough at times: “Temperatures varied between 36 and 46 degrees centigrade so not necessarily the weather to be on a bike! But it was great knowing that what I was doing was benefitting a really worthwhile charity.” Gary’s ride has raised in excess of £4700 for the Alzheimers Society so far and expects to exceed £5000 once all donations come in. There are 750,000 people in the UK that suffer from forms of dementia and the Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading support service and research charity for people with dementia and their carers.

United House has scooped the Building Fabric Innovation of the Year Award at the Retro Expo awards 2012 for WHISCERS, its revolutionary patented process for retrofitting internal wall insulation (IWI) in hard-to-treat properties, beating competition from five other finalists. WHISCERS, which stands for Whole House in Situ Carbon and Energy Reduction Solution, uses laser scanning to measure the dimensions of a room, allowing insulation boards

to be cut off-site and installed quickly and efficiently with residents remaining in their homes throughout the process. The awards, organised by Birmingham Energy Services and Carillion Energy Services, recognise excellence in retrofit products, projects and people across the domestic, commercial and public sector markets. The awards ceremony was staged alongside Retro Expo – the UK’s only focused retrofit exhibition and conference.

United House scoops top award

First phase for Brent Council completes

Cycle marathon raises cash for charity

Construction has started on the UK’s first house made almost entirely of thrown-away waste material. Old toothbrushes, discarded video tapes and Christmas decorations are among the “rubbish” being tested for suitability to help rebuild TV designer and presenter Kevin McCloud’s famous House that Kevin Built. The project is led by the University of

Brighton and the house is being constructed in the grounds of its Faculty of Arts campus in Grand Parade, Brighton. Thrown-away bricks, ply sheets and wood are among the materials that will be used for the house which was originally built in six days in 2008 by McCloud and architect Duncan Baker-Brown, lecturer and researcher in architecture at the University of Brighton. Now known as the Brighton Waste House, the scheme is backed by McCloud himself and is being supported by Brighton and Hove City Council, the Mears Group and a host of companies and the internet-based reuse organisation Freegle. The aim is to show how low-carbon homes can be built cheaply and quickly using waste including surplus material from building sites – the construction industry discards 20% of everything it uses, the equivalent of scrapping one in five houses built.

Council supports Brighton Waste House

News


Building engineering services company, SES, has announced it has secured its place on a circa £15m design and build contract win within the blue light sector, marking the largest win to date for its South West regional office. Working on behalf of Miller Construction, who are delivering the facilities for the Blue Light Partnership (BLP), SES has been appointed to provide associated mechanical, electrical and public health engineering services on a prestigious multi-site project for Avon and Somerset Police.The project briefly comprises construction of four new build facilities in Bridgwater, Patchway, Keynsham

and Portishead. Three of the buildings will incorporate custody facilities along with supporting investigative functions and administrative services. The Bridgwater facility will create an operational base, housing some 550 officers and police staff. A fourth facility which is to be built in a disused aggregate quarry, will house a tri force indoor firearms training facility which will contain staff offices, tactical training facilities, classrooms and other related services. Once constructed the state of the art facility will be used jointly by three authorities, Avon & Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

Energy efficiency solutions company, Anesco, has secured a second contract from Doncaster Council. The firm is to manage the installation of external wall insulation in 100 privately-owned ‘priority group’ homes within the region. The upgrades will be completed at no cost to homeowners or the local authority, with funding being provided through the national Priority Group Flex (PGF) scheme. PGF funding is available to low income private sector households where the occupier is in receipt of certain benefits. The upgrades to the Doncaster homes are expected to bring annual savings for residents of around £475 per year, helping to lift many households out of fuel poverty. According to the Energy Saving Trust, around 45% of the heat lost in an un-insulated solid wall home is through the walls. For homes heated by gas, the saving on emissions is estimated to be around 1.9 tonnes per year, with this figure rising for those heated by electricity and solid fuel.

All stations go for SES

Just weeks after opening its doors to the public, the refurbished Town Hall in Weston-super-Mare has picked up its first national award. It has been named the Public Building Retrofit Project of the Year at the recent Retro Expo awards held at the NEC in Birmingham. The awards celebrate Britain’s most inspiring retrofit products, projects and people. Beating off strong competition, the Town Hall impressed

the judges with all aspects of the refurbishment project, particularly

the dramatic reduction in the building’s energy rating from E to A which is reducing carbon emissions by 61% and annual energy costs by £50,000. The judges commented: “The Town Hall was refurbished by Willmott Dixon on behalf of North Somerset Council to house 50% more staff. It demonstrates how a major refurbishment of an existing poor quality office building can deliver a workplace transformation capable of 21st century needs.”

Doncaster homes to receive EWI upgrade

The ongoing construction of Bridgend County Borough’s new £34m Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen has reached a high point. Almost a year to the day since a ground-breaking event marked the start of work at the school site in Tondu, a traditional topping out ceremony has been held with a yew tree raised to the highest point of the building. Intended to provide an innovative, modern learning environment for 1570 pupils, the

design for the new school has already received a five-star ‘Outstanding’ rating from sustainable building specialists BREEAM – the first in Wales to achieve this. It is being constructed on behalf of Bridgend County Borough Council by the Leadbitter Group and will eventually replace the buildings currently occupied by Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen, which were the former Ogmore and Ynysawdre comprehensives.

New school hits a high point

Refit wins national efficiency awards

Upfront


Roundwood Youth Centre is a newly-completed £5m development which has

been constructed and designed in consultation with young people in the London borough of Brent.

The highly-sustainable, futuristic centre in Harlesden was designed by Mace and constructed by Morgan Sindall for Brent Council and was recently handed over at a special celebratory ceremony.

The centre has a gross internal floor area of 1358m² and has been constructed on the site of the old Roundwood Youth Centre, which was based in a former military building constructed in 1939, and was ageing and no longer suitable.

International consultancy and construction company Mace acted as the full multi-disciplinary design team,

delivering the design and concept, as well as the cost and project management.

The £5m centre was funded by the Department of Education’s Myplace scheme, which is administered by the Big Lottery Fund. The project concept was originally conceived in 2008 but after a change in government, there was some concern that funding would be revoked. However, after a period of lobbying from local youngsters involved in the project and Brent Council, the development was given the green light to continue and construction started in August 2011.

The interior of the centre was designed in consultation with young people from the local area – the future users of the finished centre. They helped to decide what the centre would offer, how it

would be run and even helped to pick the furniture.

Among those involved in the initial planning was 16-year-old Kubra Shah, a member of the Roundwood Youth Board and Brent Youth Parliament.

She says: “I feel very connected to the centre and it was great to be involved from the start. From talking to other young people I was able to find out what they wanted to see and make suggestions.”

User visionLocal teenagers also provided input into the facilities which the centre offers including a media suite, performance area, an outdoor multi-use games area plus space for sports activities, an IT suite, a dance studio, an art room and a café, as well as flexible spaces for young people to use for meetings and clubs.

Councillor Mary Arnold, Brent Council’s lead member for Children and Families, comments: “Offering better opportunities to local young people is a key priority for the council, so we really fought hard to win funding for this new world-class youth centre at Roundwood.

“This is a fantastic centre and it’s a

Funded by the Department of Education's Myplace scheme and on behalf of Brent Council, Roundwood Youth Centre will provide hundreds of teenagers with a safe and secure central hub and will make a significant contribution to the overall regeneration of the local area. The project was constructed by Morgan Sindall but had great input by the young people who helped to realise this contemporary vision.

The new centre is a landmark development, which is expected to make a significant contribution to the general regeneration of the local area

Youthful conception

The inset material is designed to maximise natural light into the building while giving an appearance that the wrapped element is floating freely

Upfront


credit to everyone who contributed to providing such excellent facilities offering a wide-range of activities, including the young people who helped with the design. I know local young people are thrilled with the finished centre and really looking forward to

starting to use facilities.”The Myplace scheme aims to deliver

world class youth facilities, driven by the active participation of young people and their views and needs. A key aspect of the Myplace funding is that it particularly supports projects which put

young people in the lead to plan and deliver dedicated youth projects driven by their views and needs. The scheme is currently funding 63 projects across England worth close to £240m.

Myplace offers a significant opportunity to projects which are

The sleek modernist building is clad in recyclable aluminium cladding

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The new centre is a landmark development, which is expected to make a significant contribution to the general regeneration of the local area

Upfront


developing plans for ambitious projects which will offer young people the widest possible range of high quality activities and co-located support services. The scheme also focuses on projects which deliver dedicated youth projects and projects in which parties are working in partnership across sectors to develop robust, financially sustainable co-funded projects that respond to local needs and priorities.

The Myplace scheme supports projects which require between £1m and £5m of capital investment to deliver an outstanding building project.

Sustainable hubThe development has been constructed and designed with the ambition to create a sustainable, central hub for young people in this area of significant deprivation. It will

provide a safe and secure environment for young people in the relevant catchment areas to meet and take part in youth work activities and sessions, gain accreditation and get information, advice and guidance on any issues they may have, including careers and health and emotional issues.

The new centre is a landmark development, which is expected to make a significant contribution to the general regeneration of the local area and will house youth services provided by Brent Council and partner organisations.

Bob Ensch, Area Director for Morgan Sindall, says: “We have thoroughly enjoyed working closely with Mace, local youngsters and Brent Council to create this fantastic facility which will make a positive difference to the lives of young people living in Harlesden.

“Morgan Sindall has significant experience working on both education and leisure projects and we were delighted to be able to bring that knowledge to bear on this exciting project. The centre’s design is bold and innovative and provides a safe, welcoming and stimulating space for teenagers in the area.

Sustainability was a key factor in the development and a number of state-of-the-art sustainable features have been installed to improve the building's green credentials

t

The highly-sustainable, futuristic centre in Harlesden was designed by Mace and constructed by Morgan Sindall for Brent Council

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“Sustainability was a key factor in the development and a number of state-of-the-art sustainable features have been installed to improve the building’s green credentials and ensure it is significantly energy-efficient. The innovative sustainable elements of the school will not only enhance centre user’s experience, but also benefit the environment and we are delighted to be on track to achieve a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) rating of ‘Very Good’.”

The new building features state-of-the-art facilities and has been designed and constructed using energy efficient

and environmentally friendly materials, to ensure that the design adheres to the principles of sustainable developments.

The building’s sustainable features include grey water recycling, solar energy generation and natural ventilation. The centre also hosts photovoltaic cells at roof level which capture solar energy and rainwater harvesting units which store and utilise rainwater. This alternative water source reduces costs of mains water and reduces the building’s impact on the local environment’s rivers and groundwater.

The new building also has high levels

of thermal insulation and air tightness and has a low annual CO2 emission rate of (Kg CO2/m2) 38.28.

The sleek modernist building is clad in recyclable aluminium cladding and the contemporary building’s bold concept design provides two contrasting contemporary architectural approaches. A ‘solid shell’ wraps around a series of offset building elements with an inset translucent material. The inset material is designed to maximise natural light into the building while giving an appearance that the wrapped element is floating freely around.

Mike Shaw from Mace adds: “The building is a fresh approach to the creation of a youth centre, rooted in a comprehensive consultation process, which was maintained throughout the project.”

Inclusive designThe design strategy, the building form and the equipment which has been installed, supports the provision of a wide range of activities, facilities and amenities for all. Special focus was given to including young people with disabilities and those who need youth provision most, and the centre is designed to enhance inclusion and participation.

Nathan Swift from Saunders Boston, which acted as the contractor’s architect, concludes: “We are very pleased to have formed part of the team for this exciting scheme, which will provide the young people of Harlesden with a safe, vibrant place to socialise and learn for many years to come.”

The design strategy, the building form and the equipment installed supports the provision of a wide range of activities, facilities and amenities for all

Upfront


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www.brent.gov.ukwww.morgansindall.com

Roundwood will provide a safe and secure environment for young people to meet and take part in youth work activities and sessions

Fact FileClient: Brent CouncilMain Contractor: Morgan Sindall Design Team: Mace Landscape Architects: HED Landscape ArchitectsContractor’s Architect: Saunders Boston Structural Engineers: MLM

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Origin acquired the site with the intention of developing a mixed housing development, which

would be flexible enough for extended families to live there, long-term.

However the land came with its own history and challenges. It was the site of the former Box Tree Public House, which had been empty since 2007, fallen into dereliction and become a beacon for anti-social activity, before being

targeted by arsonists on a number of occasions. It was also in a highly visible corner position, in a residential area largely comprising detached and semi-detached owner-occupied properties.

Origin acquired the land in February 2011, and entered into the planning process, with YOOP managing community liaison in conjunction with Planning Consultant Richard Henley at Preston Bennett. A community

engagement event was held, where the community expressed overwhelmingly positive support for a development on the site.

YOOP took the opportunity to introduce an idea that would address privacy and high density living. This was not just an aesthetic concern – although there are many social housing developments where the local community objects to the storage of bicycles, toys and other household items on balconies – and YOOP was keen to produce a design that dissipated any resentment from neighbours, as well as providing practical, usable amenity space for residents.

Privacy and amenityThe YOOP design was a horseshoe shaped building, with a large continuous wrap-around screen wall to provide generous amenity space for residents. The screen wall is punctuated by large openings, which provide the private amenity space for the flats. The wrap-around wall creates the distinct character of the building as well as providing spacious and private external leisure amenities that will not intrude on the relative quietness of the streets in the area.

The horseshoe circles around a secure communal garden, which was factored into the building design to take account of the likely demographic of Boxtree residents.

Origin Housing was extremely clear about the need for flexible accommodation which included meeting the needs of extended families. YOOP’s interpretation of this part of the brief was to focus on multi-generational living, which is not a common model for social housing in the UK.

YOOP’s design included a six-bedroom flat, which is quite unique in London. Intended for an extended family, the flat has a layout that can easily be converted to two two-bedroom flats should the six-bedroom layout no longer be required. The six-bed flat includes private front terrace incorporated into the screen wall and private rear garden.

The outside space was also designed to be sympathetic for the older generation, who may not be mobile enough to socialise away from home,

Housing


Origin Housing took the bold step to redevelop a site that had long been a focus for antisocial activity. However, the development had to meet challenging criteria to provide flexible accommodation for the changing demands of the Harrow community. YOOP architects rose to this challenge and in the process designed a development that has become a model for Zero Carbon homes for Origin Housing.

Flexible accomdation

An over-arching aspect of the Boxtree model is that it addresses sustainability for the resident, as well as the environment

and the garden includes a lawn, a seating area and a vegetable patch to provide a focus for communal involvement for the development’s residents.

Privacy between dwellings was a concern for Origin, who wanted to alleviate the common complaint of noise between flats, which can cause tensions between neighbours and a high rate of resident dissatisfaction.

YOOP approached the design with this in mind and specified solid walls between dwellings, constructed from

building materials with high thermal insulation properties to reduce sound transfer between flats.

Noise-free spaceYOOP was keen that the sense of space conferred by the balconies should continue inside the properties, and gave the rooms a ceiling height of 2.5m to ensure continuity between the inside and outside areas.

Origin’s priorities included reducing fuel poverty in the borough, and

demonstrable energy efficiency for the development was a pre-requisite of the development going ahead.

YOOP recommended a heat retention strategy rather than investing in renewables, which require maintenance and upgrades that all add to residents’ fuel and service charge costs.

Toby Rollason, of the sustainability department at YOOP, was responsible for the Passivhaus approach taken in the Boxtree development. His primary interest lay in ensuring the building

The YOOP design was a horseshoe shaped building, with a large continuous wrap-around screen wall to provide generous amenity space for residents

Housing


t

YOOP's interpretation of the 'flexible accomodation' brief was to focus on

multi-generational living

The Boxtree development was situated in a highly visible corner position, in a residential area largely comprising detached and semi-detached owner-occupied properties

envelope would be as heat retentive as possible, and he used some innovative approaches to meet requirements in the Code for Sustainable Homes.

The choice of building material was his first concern, and he chose a single skin of recycled concrete block as the primary structure. This was then insulated externally and render finished with plaster finish inside for air tightness. This material, which has a high thermal mass, effectively absorbs, stores and re-emits heat produced inside the building, so the walls act as storage heaters to equilibrate internal temperature.

YOOP chose electrical heating to reduce the lifetime costs of the building, and used the gains made by this choice of wall fabric to compensate for the penalty that electrical heating attracts. Electric heating is typically difficult to get through the Code for Sustainable Homes due to the electricity being regarded as producing more CO2 that natural gas.

Air-tightness was the final consideration in the heat-retentive design – given that most homes have the equivalent of a window open at all times, Toby worked closely with the contractors to ensure junctions between walls, ceilings and floors were as close to airtight as possible, and installed a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system to extract heat from the exhaust air in this closed

system, so recirculating the internal heat gains back into the system.

The net result of the design is a building that is so heat retentive that residents are only expected to turn on the heating in the coldest months of the year, if at all.

The cost of the Boxtree development was £1.8m. It contains 14 homes of mixed sizes, including four houses with private gardens and a six-bedroom flat and full wheelchair unit.

Working partyArchitect Gordon Evans comments: “Reduced service costs for residents, who will benefit by low heating costs, and the relative stability of electricity prices compared to gas, produces a long-term social benefit, that will help ensure the social stability of the development and addresses fuel poverty head on.”

The scheme is now seen as a low cost model to achieving zero carbon, which is required by 2016. The model maximises all the simple things like fabric before moving to more complex ingredients like micro renewable technology.

The other over-arching aspect of the Boxtree model is that it addresses sustainability for the resident as well

as the environment. The key issues of privacy, fuel poverty, noise and amenity space are all very important in making places sustainable and healthy to live. Gordon Evans adds: “This is the overall win at Boxtree, a healthy and sustainable place to live.”

YOOP architects worked in collaboration with Origin Housing on community liaison, and partnered with Sandwood Design & Build, which acted as the design and build contractor and specialist in delivering high quality sustainable construction techniques for the affordable housing market. Structural engineering was by Thomasons, building regulations by Butler & Young, landscape design by DCCLA and landscape delivery by Clews Landscape Architecture.

Origin Housing provides essential affordable housing, and care and support services to 5500 homes in north London and Hertfordshire, with the aim of improving communities and the lives of customers. Origin is a provider of mixed tenure and mixed-use development with a strong reputation for housing support and community development.

Housing


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www.yooparchitects.co.uk

YOOP was keen that the sense of space conferred by the balconies should continue inside the properties, and gave the rooms a ceiling height of 2.5m to

ensure continuity between the inside and outside areas

The screen wall is punctuated by large openings, which provide the private amenity space for the flats


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R ather than being bland or uninspiring, standardisation should involve innovative

companies pooling their design and build knowledge and experience into a few chosen designs that work well for individual needs. By reducing duplication and paring back unnecessary cost, it should offer the compelling combination of better value with increased pace of construction.

Budgets are likely to remain extremely tight for a while; local authorities are having to deal with the reality of severely constrained resources while balancing real and pressing service pressures. This applies across all sectors, but is best exemplified in education, where the boom in pupil numbers is resulting in ‘bulge’ classes across the country and leaving many councils scratching their heads as to how to fund the extra places that are needed.

At the same time, the construction sector is also feeling the pinch. Although there continues to be work available, the pipeline is not what

it once was. Responding to these challenging times, Scape, which is at the forefront of driving down UK public sector building procurement costs, and its framework partner Willmott Dixon, have looked at how to offer real alternatives to the ‘fix, mend and make do’ approach that budget pressures now often dictate.

Tailored selectionThe result is Sunesis; a standardised suite of schools and leisure facilities offering new-build options. Originally developed prior to the James’ Review to reduce capital costs for new schools by up to 30%, the designs under Sunesis are proving extremely popular.

The designs themselves are purposefully efficient, but the procurement route – via Scape – also means that schools can be delivered at unprecedented pace; typically within eight months as opposed to a year, or even 18 months. Sunesis cuts out whole EU procurement rules because Scape has already been through that process in setting up the national

framework which Sunesis is available through – saving time, money and cuts out any risks.

As well as the designs themselves being highly innovative, the way in which local authorities can select the design they want is innovative. Through a Sunesis website, clients are able to select any of the base models and personalise the design – perhaps by adding a different roof or wall finishing. In this way, Sunesis can meet a client’s tailored needs and not become a ‘one size fits all’ product. It also recognises the challenges around constrained resources with a need to create an individual identity.

Standardisation needn’t mean identikit schools popping up across the country; Sunesis is already proving that, with the first school having now opened in Rugby, and others following fast on its heels in Southampton, Somerset and the Isle of Wight. Each has its own look and feel, but crucially, is being built quicker and cheaper than a traditional option.

Oakfield Primary School in Rugby

The merits of standardisation in building designs always spark a lively discussion. Yet in the current times where local authorities have to meet pressures, such as creating more school places, updating time-worn education facilities and offering new leisure centres when budgets are being cut, standardisation has emerged as a genuine answer to the 'more quality for less budget' dilemma.

The designs themselves are purposefully efficient, but the procurement route _ via Scape _ also means that schools can be delivered at unprecedented pace

Talking Point

Standard practice

Talking Point


was the first school to have benefited from Sunesis. Built in a super-fast 32 weeks, it also has been ‘A’ rated for energy performance.

By procuring a pre-designed Sunesis school through Scape, Warwickshire County Council reduced procurement time and fees associated with legal issues, feasibility studies, design and time spent at planning and procurement meetings.

Modern learning spaceThe 1950s-built Oakfield needed to expand, as many classes were already using additional temporary accommodation. The original plan was to extend the school at a cost of around £2m. However, with Sunesis, the school now benefits from a brand new school for £2.2m, excluding site preparation costs.

John Harmon, Assets Strategy Manager at Warwickshire County Council says: “With the original budget, we were looking at extending and altering the current building, but analysis showed it wouldn’t be suitable for conversion into a 21st century school premises – a refurbishment option would have meant a poor learning space and the running costs would have been high.

“Rather than try and ‘make do and mend’, for a little bit more we got something much better – a modern flexible teaching and learning space, which minimises its impact on the environment both now and in the future. And we got it quickly too which saved money.”

Peter Owen, Managing Director for Willmott Dixon in the Midlands says: “Councils across the country are facing similar challenges; constrained finances and a boom in pupil numbers. Post the Government’s James Review of school buildings, Sunesis provides a new generation of affordable designs giving real value and quality for councils that need to improve learning space.

“We were delighted to be appointed by Warwickshire County Council to redevelop Oakfield Primary School and, using the Sunesis Keynes model, to provide a fantastic new learning environment for local children – all at less cost of a typical new primary

school and delivered in record time.”In addition to delivering cost savings,

Sunesis can be delivered at pace, allowing for quick occupation of facilities by staff and pupils.

Saving money and reducing duplication is unsurprisingly popular. Sunesis is beginning to become part of the new education landscape and is anticipating to deliver to even more local authorities over the coming months as they develop their own strategies to meet the school places challenge.

Parties in favourWhat makes a more compelling case about benefits of standardisation is public sector construction has been singled out by Government as one of

the major priority areas, which is why the Construction Strategy is aiming to achieve a 20% saving by 2015. But it has been acknowledged in an All Party Report that one of the major hurdles in reaching this goal is the lack of expertise and complexity of multi-stakeholder clients across the public sector. This often makes it difficult to agree the project brief and effectively commission and manage the delivery process.

Additionally, over 40% of local authorities are concerned they have not yet identified solutions to fill their funding gap to 2015. This is according to ‘The (local) state we’re in’ PwC survey on local government’s financial challenge September 2011.

Originally developed prior to the James' Review to reduce capital costs for new schools by up to 30%, the designs under Sunesis are proving extremely popular.

Standardisation needn't mean identikit schools popping up across the country; Sunesis is already proving that

■

www.sunesisbuild.co.uk

T he bathroom and washroom market, that was previously dominated by a handful of

manufacturers, has now expanded and new importers have increased presence. This has created a fresh new open-market, where competition is the main influence and creativity is evident in all areas.

Many factors have steered this change, including legislation and innovation. For instance, Building Regulation’s Approved Document 6 refers to both water efficiency and temperature. The introduction of this type of legislation leads to an increased availability of compliant products – and switched-on

manufacturers are taking steps to ensure that theirs add value in other ways, in terms of aesthetics and usability.

Our own sanitaryware provision illustrates how legislation and innovation work hand-in-hand. We’ve obviously taken steps to ensure that our products satisfy requirements; all WCs are now fitted with push button 6/3 dual flush cisterns, as standard, while easy-to-use side-lever operation is also available for wheelchair users. But, our new RAKRIMLESS WC – which is HTM64, Doc M and LANTAC compliant – is a particularly good case in point. It features a dual 4/2.5l flush, which reduces water consumption by a third

– and it’s also compliant with the Water Regulations Approved Scheme (WRAS).

In terms of hygiene, there’s no hidden rim to harbour germs, but the WC also has a stylish, contemporary design that’s mirrored throughout the standard and inclusive ranges. As a result, health-conscious domestic users can access the various hygiene benefits without compromising on design, and wheel chairs users – in both home and healthcare settings – can access the same stylish product but with the modifications that they need. For example, extended projection, increased height, reinforced ring seat or quick-release top fixing soft close seat.

Further new water regulations regarding hot water safety – TMV3 for healthcare settings or TMV2 for general use – are also steering tap provision. In response, a new breed of thermostatically controlled taps are being introduced and they make huge sense in all settings, from family home to care home. And, once again, many of these new products reflect modern design ideals.

There really are some innovative products available for both domestic and commercial application. Careful product selection can reap better results now, than ever before. And, it’s certainly worth shopping around, as many of the new innovations really can tick all of the boxes.

Health-conscious domestic users can access the various hygiene benefits without compromising on design


Kitchens, Bathrooms & Washrooms

The RAKRIMLESS WC features a dual 4/2.5l flush, which reduces water

consumption by a third

In the past, bathroom products very much reflected their application. Sanitaryware for healthcare environments, for instance, generally adopted a typical mainstream 'institutional' format, whilst eco-friendly products tended to have a pared-back look. But all this is about to change explains Rob Jull, Managing Director, RAK Ceramics UK.

Breaking convention

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www.rakceramics.co.uk


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T he murals were commissioned by the Contemporary Art Society on behalf of the Olympic Delivery

Authority. Woods had approached Craven Dunnill Jackfield, the tile specialist based in Shropshire, prior to developing her creative concepts and was therefore able to impress the selection committee with her artistic concepts and grasp of the complexities of delivering such a large project on time and to budget.

Brick Field and Carpenter’s Curve are staggering in size and are highly intricate – 757m² with over 30,000 tiles, in a myriad of shapes, colours and sizes. Inspired by the original industrial site, historical maps of the area and her own experience from once having a studio close-by, Woods collaborated closely with Craven Dunnill Jackfield,

to realise mural techniques never previously thought possible on such a vast scale. Combining age-old glaze effects with state-of-the-art, digital printing and intricate, water-jet cutting created a mathematical conundrum of complexity.

Unique scaleThe murals were created using four ceramic tile decorating processes involving digital printing, pantone and glaze effects and were put together like giant jigsaws – over 1200m² of tiles were produced and cut, to achieve the required elements to make up the finished murals. Destined to be part of the cultural legacy, the tiles and fixing had to be UV, frost and fade resistant.

Subsequently, Craven Dunnill Jackfield has gone on to create two further

smaller sized murals, demonstrating the versatility of the manufacturing technique. At Hereford Cathedral Junior School, 300 paintings by children and staff have been merged with a section of Woods’ original artwork for the Olympic Park. The resulting tile mural celebrates the Diamond Jubilee, the 2012 London Olympics, the school and the county of Herefordshire and was officially opened on 27th September 2012. At Much Wenlock, a Public Art Trail – sited at William Brookes School – was commissioned by the William Penny Brookes Foundation for the people of Much Wenlock, to celebrate the town’s heritage and its role in the birth of the modern Olympic Games. It includes a 7 x 2m double-sided tile mural wall, featuring a section of Brick Field.

Adrian Blundell, Production Director at Craven Dunnill Jackfield, was instrumental in the successful completion of all three projects and has worked on a variety of public art projects with both celebrated and local artists. He offers the following advice to any organisation or authority considering commissioning a tile mural as a public work of art:

• External ceramic tile murals are fully frost, fade/UV resistant. Cladding an existing wall may involve some installation challenges, particularly if uneven surfaces are to be tiled; however, these can be easily overcome with proprietary renders. Building a free-standing, purpose-built wall can be more straightforward but involves additional construction costs.

Future-proof wallsIn the newly-created Olympic Park in Stratford, London, there are two large scale tile murals by the British artist Clare Woods. They form part of the Art in the Park works, intended as a permanent legacy for the Park and the surrounding communities. The technology used is versatile and is already being used on further public art commissions, as the specialist tile producer Craven Dunnill Jackfield reveals.

At Hereford Cathedral Junior School, 300 paintings by children and staff have been merged with a section of Woods' original

artwork for the Olympic Park

Brick Field and Carpenter's Curve are staggering in size and are highly intricate - 757m² with over 30,000 tiles, in a myriad of shapes, colours and sizes

Flooring & Surfaces

• Ceramic tiles are ideally suited to locations which may be subject to graffiti, including pedestrian subways, underpasses, school playgrounds and shopping precincts; gloss paint, marker pens and spray paint can be easily removed, without the need for expensive pressure washing or commercial cleaning.

• Commissioning an artist, whether nationally recognised such as Clare Woods or someone local, will inevitably involve a degree of subjectivity when it comes to public opinion of the resulting work of art. Commissioning original artwork involves the unknown and going on a journey with the artist; it is therefore important that any commissioning body buys into the project and is prepared to defend subjective criticism. Involving a local community or school in the design process can help nurture a sense of local ownership and restrain any vocal public criticism.

• When creating the original brief, be clear regarding the objectives of the commission. Clearly state the purpose of the commission, such as masking an eyesore or rejuvenating a public space, but do not be too prescriptive in terms of the style. An artist needs scope to explore and create; otherwise, the project becomes a graphical exercise, in which case a graphical designer would be better suited to the job.

• Craven Dunnill Jackfield works

closely with artists and designers to ensure manufacturing costs come in on budget; this involves working with artists before the original artwork is created, to ensure the design and concept is within the budget. The extent of the mixed media content, water-jet cutting of tiles and general complexity of the artwork can influence manufacturing costs by up to 75%.

• Creating a tile mural is a collaborative process between artist or designer, manufacturer, installer and any building contractors assigned to the project. In our experience, it is best if all parties work as a team rather than being appointed individually. In this way, there is joint responsibility for the

successful completion of the project and a clear understanding of how the costs are to be apportioned and time schedules.

As project leader of all three installations Blundell concludes: “Whether the mural is a modest picture size or on a vast scale such as in the Olympic Park, our approach is the same: we establish trust and empathy with the artist, combine a bottomless pit of technical know-how with careful planning, and respond flexibly to whatever challenges come our way – in my experience the end result is always worth the effort.”

Flooring & Surfaces


Cladding an existing wall may involve some installation challenges, particularly if uneven surfaces are to be tiled; however, these can be easily overcome with proprietary renders

■www.cravendunnill-jackfield.co.uk

The murals were commissioned to clad the security walls surrounding two electricity sub stations

Space Air supply the ‘complete’ Daikin Altherma air/water heat pump system.

Space Air provide full design assistance, training, after-sales technical support, pre-fabricated piping kits plus easy system user guides.

Installing the ‘complete’ Daikin Altherma system from Space Air will be the biggest move towards protecting the environment* and reducing energy costs you can make.

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W ith the mounting demands for building more homes and associated infrastructure,

open land is being paved over at an ever increasing rate. Many planning

authorities have recognised the problem has reached a critical stage; an area the size of a hundred football pitches is being built over every day in England alone. Coupled with more frequent torrential downpours caused by global warming, it is no wonder our Victorian underground drainage network is being overwhelmed in many parts of the country. Insurance companies realise flash flooding has accounted for a significant amount of damage in recent years.

Another consequence of rapid run-off means rainwater does not have time to seep down through the sub-soil. This results in the depletion of water reaching underground aquifers, a major source for water companies especially in the South East. So, in many parts of the country it is possible to have flooding and then, a shortage of water within a few months!

In Southern England, the Government will allow water companies to compulsorily install water meters in millions of homes in areas where there are regular water shortages. These areas will include the Thames Valley down to Dover, London and the Home Counties. The Government also intends all homes in the rest of the country be fitted with meters by 2030. In addition, if developers or homeowners wish to pave over large areas then they will need specific planning permission for the work which will have to include a sustainable drainage system that will control and allow rainwater to seep into the earth.

In order to tackle the dual problems of flash flooding and water shortage, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) including ‘green’ roofs are increasingly being considered by planners and civil engineers alike.

SUDS do pose their own problems; they must be carefully designed and sized to ensure proper control of surface water. To help specifiers optimise their surface water drainage schemes, a Dunstable-based company Hauraton Limited now provides a free hydraulics design service and technical support for its surface water drainage products which include drainage systems that store and then slowly release water into the sub-soil and channels specially designed for green roofs.

Hauraton provides a free hydraulicsdesign service and technical support forits surface water drainage products

If developers wish to pave over large areas, specific planning permission will

be needed including SUDS

SUDS must be carefully designed and sized to ensure proper control of surface water

Drainage & Wastewater

Optimising drainage schemesThe oft quoted 'Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink', Coleridge (1772-1834), could be describing an experience we may all face in future years. Hauraton identifies the current issues affecting the country's underground drainage network, which, in turn, are posing great problems for aquifers.

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Space Air supply the ‘complete’ Daikin Altherma air/water heat pump system.

Space Air provide full design assistance, training, after-sales technical support, pre-fabricated piping kits plus easy system user guides.

Installing the ‘complete’ Daikin Altherma system from Space Air will be the biggest move towards protecting the environment* and reducing energy costs you can make.

Call 01483 252 252 or visit www.spaceairsolutions.co.uk© 2012 Space Airconditioning plc. All rights reserved. SA101055-05.12.

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CO2 and running cost savings of up to:

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H MS Temeraire is situated in Burnaby Road, Portsmouth and houses the Fleet Recreation

Centre. It is also the home to the Royal Navy School of Physical Training and Directorate of Naval Physical Training and Sport.

The Fleet Recreation Centre provides sports facilities for Royal Navy service personnel which includes a swimming pool, fitness suite and weights area, squash courts and a gymnasium for activities such as indoor soccer, badminton, volleyball, netball and cricket. In addition there are external facilities for athletics, rugby, football and hockey.

HMS Temeraire hosts numerous sporting events and was finding it difficult to source suitable accommodation for

the competitors in the local Portsmouth area. As a result a newly-dedicated non-publicly funded sports accommodation facility was provided by Rollalong in 2007 to provide bed spaces for personnel using the facilities at the centre.

Increased facilitiesThe building comprises: 15 bedrooms (4 x beds per room); male changing and shower room; female changing and shower room; accessible toilet/shower; office; training room; and plant room.

The facility proved extremely popular for accommodation and has been constantly increasing since it opened and there is now a requirement to provide additional accommodation and training areas through the addition of further storey.

Rollalong is currently in the early stages

of design/manufacture to increase the accommodation from the current 60 to 96. To facilitate the addition of a new floor, the ground floor bedrooms will be modified to provide additional storage space and a physiotherapy room. An internal staircase will be introduced to the central core area of the building. The Rollalong cold rolled steel modular solution is especially suitable for modifications/alterations thus providing Post Construction Flexibility.

The new ground floor will therefore comprise: 14 bedrooms (4 beds); male changing and shower room; female changing and shower room; accessible toilet/shower; cleaners cupboard; linen room; recreation area; training/meeting room; and training room.

The Royal Navy required the

Modular Buildings

Accommodating extra facilitiesRollalong has been providing quality accommodation to the MoD for over 20 years, from single living accommodation across Salisbury Plain and Aldershot to a recently-completed 5500m² clinical facility at DMRC Headley Court, and is continuing to do so. HMS Temeraire is the latest to benefit by increasing the sleeping accommodation capacity at its site in Portsmouth.

The chosen design solution utilises off-site manufacture which reduces construction traffic to and from the site and minimises site construction waste

accommodation to be robust, easily maintainable and constructed with a minimum amount of disruption to ongoing activities within the recreation centre. The facility is located centrally within HMS Temeraire, directly adjacent to the sports pitches. The pitches are in virtually continuous use therefore the construction process needed to be both discreet and quick.

The design process considered the following points:

• Maintain full operational capacity during the proposed development – particularly in respect of the additional storey

• Minimise impact on the operations at the facility

• Minimise the footprint of the building

• Minimise disruption to the existing facilities and infrastructure

• Minimise the impact on the ecology of the site

• Provide level access to other areas as much as practically possible

• Minimise the amount of additional infrastructure required to support the facility – access roads, pavements, external lighting, utilities

The Rollalong design process has speed of design/construction at its core, utilising existing modular designs where possible to expedite a rapid design freeze and enable an operational facility to be handed over in the quickest possible time. The chosen design solution utlises off-site manufacture which reduces construction traffic to and from the site and minimises site construction waste.

The extension has been designed to match the existing building and to blend in with the design and appearance of the existing buildings using a similar pallet of materials, colours and finishes to those of existing buildings in the area. The external cladding is a Steni-clad system with double glazed aluminium windows. Spiral staircases will be provided at each end of the building to provide an emergency escape route from the 1st floor.

Further modificationAs stated earlier the additional storey will require some internal modification to the existing structure. This section of the works is undertaken by our Services division who are experienced in the modification of all types of modular construction. The modification can be easily accommodated within our modular solution.

For internal modification: the stiff framing to each module allows unsupported openings of up to 2.5m

to be created between adjacent rooms; insertion of steel framing can increase the opening widths – this may reduce the available ceiling height in some cases; generally modifications to load carrying elements around the node connections are not economical.

External modifications can include increasing the size of external openings, which is usually accompanied by an increase in rigidity of the remaining module wall. This will replace the loss of racking resistance. With the proper modification, openings to 90% of the end wall size are possible.

As with any structural system the stability of the overall building is of paramount importance. In a modular construction, stability is generated by the sum of all the components acting in unison. Therefore the extent of an economical modification will be determined by the size, shape, height, exposure and external loading of the building. This needs to be assessed on a building specific basis.

Under no circumstances should any modifications be undertaken without the full approval of a qualified structural Engineer who has reviewed the initial design philosophy. Modifications of light wall systems appear very easy but the implications of uncontrolled change could be serious.

The enlarged facility is scheduled for completion in early 2013. It is a testament to the original ground floor construction and the regime of the HMS Temeraire team that the current facility looks in pristine condition and there will be no noticeable transition between old and new.

The existing facility proved extremely popular for accommodation and has been constantly increasing since it opened

Modular Buildings


The extension has been designed to match the existing building and to blend in with the design and appearance of the existing buildings using a similar pallet of materials, colours and finishes

■

www.rollalong.co.uk


T he guide, Designing Alzheimer’s Facilities, has been produced by flooring expert Tarkett working

in collaboration with recognised specialists in various related fields from across Europe.

It gives an overview to understanding the condition and provides ideas to consider when planning interior spaces for use by those affected by dementia, such as hospitals and care homes.

John Devine, UK Sales Director for Tarkett says: “Dementia, and in particular Alzheimer’s disease, has become a public health policy priority for a large number of European countries. Given current projections, it will be a major challenge to develop specialised facilities

fitted with the appropriate interior design and flooring for patients with this disease.

“While suitable medical treatment may be central to the quality of care, a comfortable environment is also closely linked to well-being.”

It has long been known that a stimulating environment is best for people with dementia and, as a medical environment expert, Tarkett has recognised the contribution its specific expertise can make.

The guide is essential as the need for facilities grows. According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, by 2030, 65.7million people are likely to be suffering with Alzheimer’s or Alzheimer’s related problems.

Across Europe, numerous countries have responded to the growth in the need to supply specialist facilities. This reflects the need to provide long-term care for people with dementia related conditions who can no longer live independently or at home or in the care of relatives.

Professor Schricker, Vice President of the Union of German Architects and Designers, was one of the experts who helped Tarkett produce the guide and drew attention to the use of sensory and functional design in medical environments.

Professor Schricker comments: “Until now, interior design has always been developed on the premise of rational and visual consideration. This academic understanding of design and the intellectual attitude in architecture have made it possible to seriously consider the so-called soft factors of well-being in

Healthcare

Designed for well-beingWith the UK population increasingly living longer, dementia is a major public healthcare priority. In light of this, a new guide has been produced by flooring specialist, Tarkett, to help designers and architects create the best possible interior environment for those with the condition.

It is important that the architectural design stage considers the choice of flooring, as using the correct flooring helps dementia sufferers recognise a particular environment

Colour in particular appears to perform an important function in how those with

dementia perceive their environment

Professor Schricker, Vice President of the Union of German Architects and Designers

Floor design can help people slow down, to concentrate, to orientate themselves, to

have fun or to move more freely

addition to the calculable hard factors. “Floor design can help people slow

down, to concentrate, to orientate themselves, to have fun or to move more freely. The aesthetics of floors enter into an emotional relationship with people. Identification and curiosity are life prolonging and activating factors for ill people living in a healing environment.”

Colour, design, light and acoustics are the essential parameters to consider in designing a unit for the elderly who may be suffering a dementia related condition.

Colour in particular appears to perform an important function in how those with dementia perceive their environment with studies showing that certain colours can cause behavioural problems.

On the other hand, some colours appear to encourage a sense of well-being and help to create a setting that patients find reassuring. Certain patterns also appear to cause similar positive and negative reactions.

Aesthetic guidanceIt is important that the architectural design stage incorporates all of these criteria into the choice of flooring as using the correct flooring helps dementia sufferers recognise a particular environment and the activity that takes place there, as well as areas to avoid.

The guide suggests the different flooring and lighting to use in different areas to aid memory and calm patients. In total six typical areas that shape the smooth running of a facility and the orientation of patients through the facility are identified and analysed.

John Devine adds: “Flooring can be a decisive factor in spaces for people with dementia related conditions. It has real technical added value and helps to provide Alzheimer’s patients with a suitable environment in terms of acoustics, hygiene and safety.

“Flooring also offers added value at a psychological and sensory level. In particular, colours and patterns can reassure patients, give them confidence and aid recognition of their environment.”

As well as flooring, the guide covers lighting, acoustics and room layout in communal, reception, walkways and treatment areas and is the first in a series of guides produced by Tarkett to aid

professional designers and architects. Studies show light management has

an important role to play in managing the living experience of patients. It helps them get into a daily rhythm and maintain the wake/sleep balance and combat insomnia – an often forgotten characteristic of dementia.

Choosing the correct flooring and lighting to use in a particular room or area also helps people with spatial markers as well as counteracting anxiety and the sense of being enclosed.

John Devine says: “Flooring has a key role to play in creating an environment in which people feel safe, comfortable and reassured.

“The guide we’ve created will help designers and architects build better facilities. It’s full of things that need to be taken into consideration and suggestions of how problems can be overcome and the well-being of people improved. For this reason the guide represents a positive step forward.”

Professor Schricker concludes: “Tarkett’s design team shows how intentionally choosing specific flooring can change the influence of the interior space for people. In the sensitive area of providing care, flooring can have a remarkable psychological and social effect.

“A good floor space for older people, and particularly those with dementia, allows and encourages activities, involvement, loyalty, comfort and ultimately identity in a positive way.

People with dementia need to feel that every detail is designed to generate well-being. The floor is key to the environment.”

It is important that the architectural design stage considers the choice of flooring, as using the correct flooring helps dementia sufferers recognise a particular environment

Healthcare


A stimulating environment is best for people with dementia and, as a medical environment

expert, Tarkett has recognised the contribution its specific expertise can make

■

www.tarkett.com


Completed in February 2012, the MAC reflects its location in Belfast and the surrounding heritage

of mills and warehouses. Architect Ian McKnight comments: “Belfast is a brick city. The buildings of its hey-day were all constructed in brick, using simple, legible construction. We sought to create a building that reflects this heritage not only in its resilience and constructional legibility, but also in its warmth and texture and essential humanity.”

Brick is the dominant finish both externally and within the main foyer, which is dominated along one side by a four storey wall of brick piers. The brick selection was undertaken with great care with the architects choosing Wienerberger’s Mellowed Red Sovereign Stock brick because it reflected the regularity of bricks typically used in Belfast in the 19th and 20th centuries. Built by brickwork contractor Grove Builders Ltd, the building has received many appreciative comments from the public.

The brick walls use elements of pre-cast concrete in a direct reference to the stone cills, string courses and lintels of

the traditional brick buildings in Belfast. The detailing of these was undertaken carefully, involving the contractor in key decisions with regards to buildability.

The result is a building with external brick elevations that are highly successful in reflecting a contemporary interpretation of traditional construction methods.

The judges felt that the MAC was “a fantastic building, such wonderful framing with brick centralised as the most dominant feature”. The project also went on to win the Supreme Award, the Brick Development Association’s Building of the Year.

The following projects were shortlisted for the Best Public Building Award:

Barcombe Village Hall in Lewes Architect: Satellite Architects Brickwork Contractor: Tasker Construction Brick: Ibstock Brick Ltd – Bevern Kilnwood Dark Multi Stock, Barcombe Medium Multi Stock

New Library, Douai Abbey in Reading Architect: David Richmond and Partners Brickwork Contractor: J C Beale Brickwork Brick: Ibstock Brick Ltd – Swanage Handmade Light Red Multi

North London Hospice in London Architect: Allford Monaghan Morris Brickwork Contractor: Pavehall Brick: Wienerberger Ltd – Marziale Brick

The Osmani Centre in London Architect: GHM Rock Townsend Brickwork Contractor: B & K Building Services Brick: Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC – Selected Dark Facing

West Hampstead Station in London Architect: Landolt and Brown Brickwork Contractor: Irvine Whitlock Brick: Ibstock Brick Ltd – Umbra Sawtooth Glazed Brick

The Brick Awards is one of Britain’s most respected design competitions. Organised by the Brick Development Association, the annual contest provides the definitive showcase for what brick can achieve. This year, there was a record number of entries, with projects from right across the globe.

Brickwork

Belfast project honoured in 2012 Brick AwardsFor the second year running, a building in Belfast won the Best Public Building Category at the 2012 Brick Awards _ a prestigious ceremony held in November at the Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel in London.The MAC, a new arts building in Belfast, designed by architects Hackett Hall McKnight, followed in the footsteps of the 2011 Awards winner, Belfast's Lyric Theatre.

The judges felt that the MAC was "a fantastic building, such wonderful framing with brick centralised as the most dominant feature"

Brick is the dominant finish both externally and within the main foyer

enq 012* [email protected]

( 020 7323 7030

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I n November’s PSBJ Magazine, an article written by Rob Wheway, Director of Children’s Play Advisory

Service titled ‘Play it Safe’, highlighted the fact that corners cannot be cut when commissioning a play area.

I couldn’t agree more and share the same opinions as Mr Wheway

– playgrounds need to be both challenging and exciting for children. The overall design of the playground is incredibly important as well as putting safety first by undertaking a frequent maintenance regime and including this in the specification, but it is necessary to acknowledge that bumps and scrapes are unavoidable. Sourcing and commissioning the right playground for your school, hospital or leisure centre can be a huge and daunting task, especially as the client and contractor’s experience of these projects might be limited. However, there is one thing that the article omitted, and that is the surface installed at the playground.

It is inevitable that children fall whilst playing at the playground and you need to be thinking about the surface they fall on to. If it’s not an impact absorbing surface there is a risk that the injury could be much more serious, especially in the case of head injuries and the higher the equipment the further they will fall.

All play equipment over 60cm requires an impact absorbing system with a critical fall height. In Mr Wheway’s

article he mentioned standards BS EN 1176 which relates to the design of the playground equipment, but when looking at the surface we need to think about BS EN 1177, impact attenuating playground surfaces, and selecting the right critical fall height for the play equipment that’s being installed. If it’s a playground for older children with higher apparatus, the surfaces will need a higher critical fall height. If the area is for younger children, then a lower critical fall height would be appropriate.

Code of practiceAPI currently has a code of practice for impact attenuating surfaces, which has been recently updated to include details on artificial grass and carpet surfacing, as Andy Stevenson explains.

“The API’s aim for setting codes of practice is to improve playground facilities and bring every installation up to a minimum standard. At Dura-Sport this is also our aim as we see increasing the overall standard of playground installation as being incredibly important. The code of

Leisure

Surface preparationPlayrite's Marketing Manager Lorna Duncanson speaks with Dura-Sport Limited's Sales Development Manager Andy Stevenson about the importance of the surface as well as the equipment when it comes to playgrounds. Playrite and Dura-Sport work together on play projects using Dura-Sport's Impact Play with various critical fall heights and Playrite's Playsafe Safer Surfacing system and Nearlygrass range.

If the surface is not an impact absorbing surface, there is a risk that an injury could be much more serious, especially in the case of head injuries

All play equipment over 60cm requires an impact absorbing system with a critical fall height

practice for the Provision of Impact Attenuating Surfaces was developed with the help of specialists in each product area, with information on playground surfaces such as wet-pour, loose-fill, grass safety matting, bonded rubber or composite systems and rubber tiles.

Minimum standard “Until now the API code of practice included no information on artificial grass or carpet surfaces. Due to my role at Dura-Sport and experience in the industry, I worked very closely with Playrite and other API members to develop the minimum standard for this type of flooring. Due to the nature of playground installations, these are often one-off projects which may not need to be upgraded for 10 to 20 years and project managers and clients can be inexperienced in this field. What the codes of practice mean is that for any type of playground surface, these individuals now have a trusted guide to follow to ensure standards are met.

“Of course this isn’t always the case and some local authorities work on countless play projects but for those who might not have dealt with a project of this nature before, it’s important to speak to an expert. Whether thinking about the design, the equipment, the surface or the maintenance regime, safety is paramount. As industry experts, along with Playrite we’re hoping to continue increasing industry standards and get rid of the ‘white van man’ who trades with limited

experience and no accreditations who can create more problems for a playground installation than solutions.”

To avoid situations like this Dura-Sport and Playrite recommend you do your research and try stick to the following:

• Always ask to see copies of certifications and accreditations. Whether to prove they meet BS EN 1177 or to give details of relevant memberships to organisations such as the API, ROSPA or SAPCA, always ask to see official documents proving the certifications and accreditations a company claims to have.

• Ask to see reference sites as well as customer testimonials. Do not simply take a company’s word for their

work. Both Playrite and Dura-Sport have countless installations across the UK, as well as case studies and testimonials from local authorities, head teachers and contractors which we would be proud to show off to prospective customers.

• It doesn’t hurt to get a comparison from another company, but remember price needs to be thought of in terms of years of usage and not just a one off saving. How long the playground surface will last and how much maintenance will be required are important factors to be taken into consideration when calculating overall costs.

• What’s in a warranty? Often contractors and installers will offer long warranties but it’s important to understand the terms and conditions, as some may require time consuming and costly maintenance for your playground to qualify. Playrite has a one-year manufacturer’s warranty which can be extended but depends on the individual project. Dura-Sport offers a 12-month construction guarantee, and their Impact Play has a longer guarantee depending on the project.

• Remember – some websites may look good but their work might not match up. Always speak to previous customers and clients to get their honest feedback.

Whether thinking about the design, the equipment, the surface or the maintenance regime, safety is paramount


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www.playrite.co.ukwww.dura-sport.co.uk

When looking at the surface BS EN 1177 is the standard to be aware of

Leisure

I n successfully completing the design and build project, Brent Council, the project manager Watts, the main

contractor Kier, designer and architect HLM, civil and structural engineer Mason Navarro Pledge (MNP) and building services engineer MG Partnership (MGP) overcame a number of challenges.

From the drawing board to completion of the main building took just 14 months with a high specification, which has since won accolades, achieved on a lean budget.

Brent Council’s Assistant Director

for Property and Asset Management, Richard Barrett, says: “Delivering a school construction project this quickly was revolutionary in Brent. It was a real challenge for us, requiring focused attention and constant monitoring, where the speed of decision making – without compromising stakeholder consultation and communication – was crucial. Establishing and maintaining a strong team ethos was the key.”

The lower school site includes a double-storey building with classrooms, multi-functional hall, staff offices,

reception area with main entrance, toilet facilities, storage and an external learning environment consisting of hard and soft landscaping. Internally each classroom includes the latest ICT and some storage. Classrooms are arranged in clusters, with adjacent group spaces.

Future-proof facilitiesThe council’s brief was to deliver a building to house two forms of entry, two classes of 30 children each per year, for primary pupils at what was then Preston Manor High School – the school was renamed when it took on primary provision. The lower school was to be a long-lasting, operationally-simple, efficient building to provide quality education and meet BREEAM Excellent standard.

The scheme was also to provide value for money and be future-proofed for changes in the educational model, or the inclusion of a nursery if needed later, in order to provide a lasting asset for the council and Preston Manor. The project had to be completed quickly because of the urgent need for more school places in Brent and because of the conditions attached to the use of the government funding which was paying for the project.

In 2009, the council was given Basic Needs Safety Valve funding to pay for

The new high-quality building at Preston Manor's Lower School, Wembley has created 420 new primary places from reception to year six and is set to leave a legacy for the school, local community and the environment. Speed without compromise was key to the construction, as PSBJ reveals.

Education


Fast-track deliveryThe high quality of design was demonstrated earlier this year when architects HLM were awarded a Badge for Excellence in Design Innovation in the Best of British Schools Awards 2012 for the project

The multi use games area (MUGA) and school hall were designed to be used by the community within primary school grounds

© HLM Architects

© HLM Architects

more school places, £8.5m of which was ultimately invested by Brent at Preston Manor School. The funding from the Department for Education was time limited, so throughout the process, the council and contractors looked for every way to speed work up in order to stick to the tight timetable without compromising the final product.

Streamline processFor example, the design stage was run during the consultation stage. Until then, the council had normally waited until a successful completion of the consultation process before embarking on design. This saved about three months but entailed some risk; the council agreed with Preston Manor that Brent would fund the design costs irrespective of the outcome of the consultation.

The design utilised repetitive and modular off-site construction methods in order to deliver the project in such a short space of time. The initial sketches were based on two basic floor plates that could be replicated to form larger co-joined spaces, with the larger communal spaces two classroom modules. The number of different components was also kept to a minimum – so doors and windows were the same size and specification.

Essentially the design was driven by the local context, using off-site construction

as a way of delivering it operationally within the project constraints, as opposed to letting the design be dictated by formula. A decision to use cross-laminated timber (CLT) was taken with Kier and manufacturing drawings were prepared so production could start as soon as planning consent was given.

Construction started in March 2011. Whilst the CLT structure was being manufactured off-site, Kier prepared the foundation and groundworks including the retaining walls for the main hall. The CLT structural panels arrived on site flat packed in May and they very quickly evolved into a building ready for cladding. Meanwhile, the installation of services began, followed by ceiling finishes ready for each of the rooms to be decorated, with the internal doors fitted in September.

Photovoltaic panels at roof level were quickly installed along with the associated attenuated sedum flat roof. This was followed by the standing seam roof cladding over the classroom blocks. Final works included the fitting out of the main hall floors and the installing of room dividing acoustic doors.

The building provides a high quality learning environment and supports excellent teaching and learning by: being

safe and secure – the police initiative Secured by Design was consulted; a healthy environment, with naturally ventilated, good-sized classrooms, that utilise natural day light where possible; being designed so travel on site, between classrooms and toilets, is as short as possible; a variety of learning experiences such as individual, group, class, year group and quiet spaces, both inside and outside; and outside space, with a sensory garden.

The multi use games area (MUGA) and school hall were designed to be used


Education

Students from the upper school have likened the lower school to a university campus

The building utilised natural daylight where possible

The school's play spaces consider the requirements of different age groups

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by the community within primary school grounds. A request by Sport England – as part of the planning process for upgrades to the existing upper school playing fields and for a new hockey pitch – raised costs but means local teams and the upper school now use the extra facilities, so boosting community use.

A number of measures were also incorporated so the building met its BREEM excellent target, such as the green roof that minimises drainage requirements and has over 260

photovoltaic panels for green energy, registered at the highest rate for the Feed In Tariff (FIT).

Recognised for excellenceWherever possible the cross-laminated timber panels have been exposed to show how the building is made. It also demonstrates how ventilation by stack effect can be enhanced through its occupants using the manually operated windows.

The high quality of design was

demonstrated recently when architect HLM was awarded a Badge for Excellence in Design Innovation in the Best of British Schools Awards 2012 for the project.

Paul Turpin, Head of UK Education at HLM, says: “The Best of British Schools Awards highlight the true stars in the business of education design, so winning the Excellence in Design for Innovation award is an absolutely fantastic result.

“Preston Manor Primary School demonstrates what can be achieved in a tight timescale and shows that excellent environmental sustainability need not suffer during a fast-track process. By looking at the project holistically, we were able to build in energy efficiency at the concept stage, during construction and over the life of the building.”

Matthew Lantos, Head of Preston Manor, adds: “Construction of Preston Manor lower school was completed against very tight deadlines to meet a pressing need in Brent for primary school places. I am very pleased with the feel of the new facilities. Parents find the buildings very welcoming and the children love the bright colours and views of Wembley Stadium across our playing fields. Some of the older students from our upper school have even commented that the lower school site feels like a university campus!”

Education


The number of different components were kept to a minimum, so doors and windows were the same size and specification

Upgrades to the existing upper school playing fields and a new hockey pitch raised costs but means local teams and the upper school now use the extra facilities, so boosting community use

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www.hlmarchitects.comwww.kier.co.uk

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Online enquiry 015


In addition to receiving a nomination for the Effective Mobile Marketing Awards in the Most Effective Mobile Application – B2B category, Wienerberger UK has also been nominated in the Best Mobile Campaign category of the Construction Marketing Awards.

The Brick Selector App allows architects, housebuilders, merchants and self-builders to search Wienerberger UK’s comprehensive brick range at the click of a button. Specifiers can select bricks (and order samples) according to style, texture, pattern, size, shade and colour.

Annette Forster, Director of Marketing at Wienerberger UK,

comments: “This is good news. We’ve been very busy recently making sure that the company is at the forefront of digital technologies and innovations within the industry, so nominations such as these are a barometer of our progress. This is another example of the strategic reorientation of the company with a focus on being modern, future-oriented, technical leader, and providing bringing solutions to our customers and being a technological leader.”

She continues: “The app has been a great success with our customers, and we already have plans underway to improve and enhance the app’s capability in the future.”

The flexibility of Yeoman Rainguard, a market leader in rainwater systems, has been hailed as a great success by Richard and Sue Titterington, the owners of a recently-constructed house on the Scottish Isle of Islay (which has two semi circles at the front and the back). Yeoman Rainguard recommended and supplied 130 x 100mm DFHR XL Gutters along with 75mm diameter XL rainwater pipe on the straight runs and a GRP Radius Gutter to match the XL profile on the two large radius sections. All products were supplied in RAL 7015 Slate Grey to closely match the tiled roof.

Two of Durapipe UK’s plastic pipework systems have been installed at Oak Tree House, a care housing development as part of a major £150m regeneration project to

transform the 40-year-old Dee Park estate in Reading into a dynamic new living environment. Selected for its ease of use and cost-effectiveness, Durapipe SuperFLO ABS was installed to cater for the boosted cold water services, distributing water from the central boiler room to all the flats and communal areas within the building. Similarly, Durapipe PVC-C has been fitted for the distribution of the hot water services following the same process.

* [email protected] ( 01543 279909 enq 019

Duo of Durapipe systems

ACO goes top of the classACO has provided a series of drainage solutions for the £20m Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School in Bridgend, Wales. Seven changing areas were required for the leisure and sports facilities. ACO shower gullies proved to be an ideal solution, providing compact and attractive capacity drainage in corrosion-resistant stainless steel. Meanwhile, the open plan design of the toilets required a channel in between the boys’ and girls’ units but the concrete slab into which the drainage channel needed to fit had already been cast. Tim Growdon, ACO Building Drainage’s Regional Specification Manager, visited the school and the Modular 125 Channel system was specified.

Wienerberger UK, one of the UK's leading providers of wall, roof and landscaping solutions, has been shortlisted in two prestigious 2012 awards ceremonies. Both nominations recognise the company's 'Brick Selector' app launched earlier this year.

Wienerberger UK receives double award nomination

Drainage & Landscaping

Yeoman Rainguard adds finishing touches



( 020 7323 7030

( 0113 279 5854 enq 017* [email protected]



Online Enquiry 020


R ising energy bills, matched with pressure from the government in the form of official targets

and subsequent tightening of building regulations, have prompted a marked rise in the number of social housing properties now fitted with energy-saving and carbon-cutting measures. From insulation and draught proofing to technologies such as solar panels and heat pumps, energy efficiency has become an important part of the social housing make-up in the UK – but this is only the first step to keeping bills and emissions down.

Changing the way energy is used across social housing is essential for the sector to play its part in fulfilling the

UK’s official target to reduce carbon emissions by 34% by 2020. However, whilst it’s important to fit homes with energy-saving measures or renewables, this is just the first step. To ensure full success, consumer awareness must not be overlooked. As well as being specified and installed, energy efficient technologies must also be operated and maintained in the right way in order to deliver best results – and to ensure this happens, communication between social housing providers and residents is key.

Whilst regulations, such as the Code for Sustainable Homes, mean that renewables and other efficiency measures are now commonplace in new build housing, it’s also commonplace

that tenants could be completely unfamiliar with the technologies fitted in their homes. For example, those used to relying on a conventional gas boiler to meet their everyday heating needs may be completely unaware that for best results, a heat pump or solar thermal system needs to be programmed and used in a very different way. Without the right information and guidance, they then run the risk of not operating the system effectively and performance might suffer as a result. However, by ensuring people are given a full introduction to their technology and access to ongoing support with operation and maintenance, the results can easily balance both sustainability criteria and residents’ expectations.

Successful installationA prime example of a social housing project that has been able to do just this is the installation of a NIBE F470 exhaust air heat pump at a family home in Wakefield. Whilst the technology is well established in Europe, it is still relatively new to UK installers and end-users. Nevertheless, the system fitted by Wakefield District Housing in the Gartside family home has successfully provided an efficient and user-friendly space heating and ventilation solution.

The ‘Retrofit for the Future’ upgrade project, undertaken by Keepmoat, aimed to significantly reduce residents’ bills and carbon emissions. It saw

Adam Pearson, Technical Services Manager at NIBE Energy Systems

Balancing requirementsDeveloping energy efficient homes for residents is an increasingly important priority for today's social housing provider. However, as Adam Pearson, Technical Services Manager at NIBE Energy Systems explains, it's important to create a successful balance between specifiying and fitting homes with the right technology, and ensuring residents are well-equipped to reap the benefits.

Without the right information and guidance, end-users run the risk of not operating the system effectively

HVAC

four social housing properties fitted with energy efficient technologies – including the exhaust air heat pump at the Gartsides’ three-bedroom, semi-detached home. Following additional improvements to the property’s thermal performance with extensive external wall and loft insulation, the system was specified to deliver space heating and ventilation, with solar thermal collectors providing additional hot water.

Efficient recoveryThe exhaust air heat pump system works by recovering warm stale air from the property’s ‘wet rooms’ (such as the kitchen and bathrooms) and feeding this back to the heat pump via a ducting system. The energy from this air is then reused to heat the property and hot water. Once the heat pump has extracted the energy it needs from the recovered warm stale air, the used cold air is released outside and fresh air is drawn back into the building via a system of external wall vents. These deliver the required air changes to provide the property with sufficient ventilation – a must in this well-insulated home.

As a result of the installation, the family has cut its electricity consumption and lowered bills, and affirm the simplicity of their system. Daniel Gartside, who lives at the property with his wife and two children, explains that a major benefit is that the family is now using a very small amount of electricity to fulfil all of its heating and hot water needs, with

an easy-to-use system that requires minimal interference. He reports: “Our exhaust air heat pump can just be left to its own devices – the system is excellent, completely self-controlling and hassle-free.”

As we move towards a zero carbon future for UK homes, social housing providers need to work with manufacturers, installers and residents alike to ensure that equipment is specified, installed and operated correctly. Each stage is as important as the last, and it’s vital that none slip down the priority list. At the specification and installation stages, specialist knowledge and professional training is crucial. At the user awareness stage, make the most of the resources and expert advice on offer to help

ensure residents are fully acquainted with new technologies and how to use them.

Getting acquainted At NIBE, we have recognised that our exhaust air heat pumps may be unfamiliar to some UK housing residents. In response to this, we are offering free-of-charge engineer visits to all of our exhaust air heat pump owners, and are happy to work closely with any housing provider to supply the information their residents needs to achieve optimum results. We have also produced an easy-to-follow DVD guide to help users acquaint themselves with the system and its controls.

Social housing has an important role to play in achieving a zero carbon building landscape in the future. Meeting official sustainability criteria and regulations will continue to be a driving factor – but it is the specifiers, installers and residents working and living within the homes that will have the most impact. It is not enough to simply equip a property with the right technologies. They must be installed correctly and users must also feel confident enough with their systems to operate and maintain them in the right way. Only then will we see the results that low and zero carbon technologies are truly capable of delivering for UK housing on a widespread scale.

HVAC


As well as being specified and installed, energy efficient technologies must also be operated and maintained in the right way in order to deliver best results

Daniel Gartside explains that a major benefit is that the family is now using a very small amount of electricity to fulfil all of its heating and hot water needs

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www.nibe.co.uk

Ultracrete's cold lay asphalt materials can be used in all weathers, so work doesn't have to stop because the cold weather has arrived

Long term solution for road repairsNow the rain has stopped, temperatures are set to plummet as the first bout of wintery weather descends over the UK. Road gritting teams are on standby, vehicle recovery services are preparing to deal with the disruption the freezing conditions will cause and councils are bracing themselves for further deterioration of the road network. Instarmac explains how it can provide the long term solution for road repairs.


T he Local Government Association has warned that bad weather and further cutbacks to

its highways maintenance budget will only exacerbate the 11-year backlog of repair work being carried out. The LGA maintains 180,000 miles of local roads in England and Wales and has already had £500m deducted from its road maintenance budget over the last two years. It fears that the cold winter will cause serious damage to an already vulnerable infrastructure. According to the Association, repairing damaged roads is more expensive than resurfacing them and their current state of repair is posing a growing safety risk to the motorists who use them.

The government is providing over £3b to councils across England and Wales for road maintenance between 2011 and 2015, and whilst this contribution is welcomed, it only scratches the surface of a severely pockmarked highway.

The question begs, of the many thousands of potholes already plaguing

the network, how many are refills of repairs carried out previously? The existing patch work of pothole repairs is falling apart at its seams weakening the infrastructure and exposing it to further damage.

Whilst resurfacing is the ideal solution, it isn’t a quick fix and takes longer than a patch repair. And as the road network is busier than ever before, halting its flow is not always conducive.

Ultracrete, home to a range of highways maintenance products, offers the perfect solution to the pothole epidemic! Its Instant Road Repair cold lay asphalt concrete, available in two grades, is BBA/HAPAS approved for first time permanent repairs in footways, cycle tracks and class 3 and 4 carriageways. It offers the benefits of an instant, first time permanent repair, which when compacted, can be trafficked immediately – minimising disruption. It only requires one visit too, so no refill required, reducing financial outlay. Its HAPAS accreditation

guarantees its performance and longevity. It is available in 25kg contractor-friendly bags and buckets, ideal for sites where access is limited and a quick turnaround is required.

For pothole repairs in driveways, car parks and lower risk sites on roads, with a posted speed limit less than 56 mph, Ultracrete recommends its BBA/HAPAS approved Permanent Pothole Repair. It provides a long term solution for reactive and planned maintenance and is the proven choice for local authorities nationwide. It can be opened to traffic instantly and offers a durable repair with a PSV of 60>.It is currently sold in 25kg buckets with a 25kg poly bagged version available end of January 2013.

Ultracrete’s cold lay asphalt materials can be used in all weathers, so work doesn’t have to stop because the cold weather has arrived. It has been specially formulated to include fully graded, high PSV interlocking aggregate, specially prepared bitumen and the latest in industry technology to ensure strong flexibility and guarantee the best product performance. Its versatility allows for a rapid repair thus helping to maintain a safer road. It won’t disintegrate, so until such a time arises for a full resurface, the patch work will remain intact.

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

According to the Local Government Association, repairing damaged roads is more

expensive than resurfacing them

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( 01827 871871

Online Enquiry 024


Forbo Flooring Systems supplied The Design Consultancy of Staffordshire County Council with the attractive, practical and cost effective fully integrated floor scheme required.

Forbo’s Allura Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) in a selection of contrasting ‘natural and earthy’ finishes and tones were used to create visual interest and to delineate walkways and seating zones in the open area, cafeteria and corridor. For offices and meeting rooms calling for softer textures and improved acoustics, Tessera Mix, Forbo’s best selling random-lay, batchless carpet tile, proved the perfect textile solution with its geometric patterns and multi-layered, seamless appearance.

Coral Duo, a highly effective wipe-off entrance flooring system, was specified to provide maximum soil and moisture removal from the soles of shoes in the heavily trafficked entrance area. The matting retains 10% more dirt in the first few metres than any other textile entrance flooring system.

On the first floor, in all general purpose areas, Surestep safety flooring was specified, not only for its enhanced slip resistance (R10 rating) but also for its low maintenance properties and durability, provided by its unique PUR Pearl finish.

Polyflor, manufacturer of vinyl flooring, has recently been specified and installed at two healthcare facilities. Sheffield Central Clinic is benefitting from Polysafe Wood FX Acoustix PUR in Rustic Oak and Pearlazzo PUR in Lilac Bloom and Mint Crisp. Similarly, Sheffield Children’s Hospital has chosen to install Polysafe Modena PUR in the Aventurine shade in its A&E Ward whilst Forest FX Acoustix PUR has been used in waiting rooms. David Garrett, Senior Project Manager at The Children’s Hospital says: “We chose to specify Polysafe Modena PUR due to its high aesthetic appeal but also for its sustainable slip resistant properties and full HSE compliance.”

Tarkett has unveiled its new safety flooring collection ideal for use in healthcare, education, retail and domestic environments. Tarkett’s Safetred range is unique in the flooring market offering slip resistant properties in a tile format. The Tarkett safety range is available in a variety of modern designs and colours, from stone and wood, plain colours to a three dimensional multi-flake effect. The safety collection has unique Safety Clean XP PUR protection for improved stain resistance and ease of maintenance. Tarkett’s safety products have a minimum 25% recycled content and VOCs emissions which are 10 times less than European standards.


A safe offering from Tarkett

Stimulating road to recoveryPolyflor, manufacturer of commercial and residential vinyl flooring, has announced that around 10,000m2 of its flooring has recently been installed in the new Women and Children’s Unit at The Royal Oldham Hospital. The Pearlazzo PUR range in a variety of different colours has been installed and several designs have been wajerjet cut into the floor for added effect. Within the new BRE Global rating scheme Pearlazzo PUR achieves a BRE A+ rating in major use areas, such as healthcare and education and Pearlazzo PUR is 100% recyclable through the Recofloor vinyl take-back service and contains 25% recycled material.

The recent transformation of a former vehicle servicing garage into a new multi-purpose HQ building for Staffordshire Police was a challenging refurbishment project, calling for a wide range of different flooring types.

Forbo is on the beat at Police HQ


Polyflor heads to A&E

* [email protected] ( 0161 767 1122 enq 027


( 0844 822 3928




Designed by John Nash in the early 1800s, the London Business School’s main building is a historic and impressive structure, which must adhere to strict criteria regarding its facade’s maintenance and appearance.

The prominence of the buildings in Regent’s Park means that the quality and durability of products specified for their redecoration are of paramount importance. It is crucial that any coating applied to the buildings maintain a clean and fresh appearance, from application all the way through to the next painting cycle. For that reason, the owners specified Dulux Trade Weathershield Smooth Masonry Gloss in Regent’s

Park Cream for all the buildings it manages in the park. The colour was originally inspired by the spectacular Regency buildings that edge around the perimeters of the world-famous public garden, so was a perfect fit for the project.

Dulux Trade Weathershield Smooth Masonry Gloss is a high gloss quality emulsion coating. Its smooth formulation discourages dirt retention whilst the added fungicide inhibits mould growth. What’s more, it is particularly suitable for use in changeable weather conditions and is shower resistant in only 30 minutes after application.

Richard Bolger, Project Manager

appointed by the London Business School for the project, was very satisfied with the results. He says: “The project included one of the largest area single facades in London. With essential repairs necessary to most areas, and having to work around staff faculty and student events, it was extremely pleasing to complete this project on time. The finished result is that the facade now looks beautiful.”

Dulux Trade paint has been used in a major refurbishment project at one of the most spectacular buildings in London. The Grade I listed main building of the London Business School, which commands a prominent position in London's Regent's Park, was coated with Dulux Trade Weathershield Smooth Masonry Gloss.

Dulux gives Business School a majestic finish

Plaster and drylining manufacturer, British Gypsum, has unveiled a new range of ceiling solutions specifically designed to improve indoor air quality. The move follows the introduction of ACTIVair, a mineral additive that converts and stores volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and prevents their re-emission back into the atmosphere. British Gypsum has developed ACTIVair after recognising the potential harmful effects of impurities and pollutants, such as VOCs, on health

and wellbeing. ACTIVair technology – which initially will be available across the company’s Gyptone ceiling tiles and boards – works by capturing and neutralising VOCs, and turning them into inert, non-toxic compounds.


Improving air quality

F. Ball celebrates 40 years of RAGThis year F. Ball will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG), the industry’s most trusted guide to adhesives and floorcovering compatibility. Launched in 1973, the RAG features over 5500 adhesive recommendations, all endorsed by their respective manufacturers, for floorcoverings from over 200 leading worldwide manufacturers. F. Ball’s Marketing Manager, Richard Harris, explains: “By keeping pace with modern working practices we’ve developed an invaluable tool for floorcovering manufacturers, contractors and specifiers. The RAG’s continued success is a testament to the ongoing importance of providing reliable information about adhesive compatibility to today’s contractors.”



( 0844 822 3928

For the renovation of City Varieties Music Hall for Leeds City Council, complete waterproofing of the building’s basement was required. Specialist contractor VA Crookes (Contracts) specified the use of the BBA approved Sika 1Pre-bagged Waterproofing System. In total, some 1000m2 of Sika 1 Pre-Bagged Waterproofing System was applied to all basement surfaces. Sika 1 Pre-bagged Waterproofing System is hand-applied and incorporates a specially developed admixture which is mixed with blended pre-bagged mortars. When applied to the walls and floors, it reacts with water to turn into a jelly-like substance, blocking all gaps and capillaries, to provide an impenetrable and invisible seal.

Sika 1 puts seal on hall renovation

( 01707 363866 enq 032* [email protected]

N eil Harrison, Asset Manager at Midland Heart, comments: “Lead being stolen from properties is

an on-going issue for many. To have the same roof stripped twice in one week really was unbelievable.

“This made us look for a lead free solution, Redland’s Rapid Flashing. The roof was damaged by the thieves, so we also used Redland Cambrian slates and Plain tiles as replacements.”

Rapid Flashing is easy to use due to its self-fusing fully impervious bond that joins flashing and tile/slate. This takes just 30 minutes to mould quickly around the roof details and forms a weather tight and secure seal that’s guaranteed for 15 years when used in conjunction with Redland tiles or slates.

Approved by NHBC, Zurich and local authority building control inspectors, Rapid Flashing is suitable for social housing and private new build developments, as well as renovations.

A roll of Rapid Flashing can be applied directly to the roof, without the need for ancillary items, just scissors or a knife, a ruler and roller from the toolbox. Redland Rapid Flashing outperforms

other lead replacement products, on ease of use and performance with its flexibility in both directions, due to the unique design of its integrated aluminium rib mesh, self-fusing properties and its workability on site.

Rapid replacementMidland Heart works with main contractor INEX on all its properties, with PGR roofing operating as roofing subcontractor. Staff from both attended a short Rapid Flashing course at the Redland training centre in South Cerney organised by Redland Specification Manager, Paul Whitelaw.

“I’ve been in roofing for 35 years and, until now, have never found a lead replacement product that works” says Paul Gwilt, Director and Owner at PRG Roofing. “My team went on the Redland Rapid Flashing training course and it really won them round. We’re now seriously considering Rapid Flashing as an alternative to lead on all our projects.”

Rob Charlwood, Roofing Manager for Inex Ltd adds: “Midland Heart specify which roofing products we use and with repair work at Holly Road

costing nearly £10,000 and lead theft an on-going problem it seems sensible to use a lead replacement product.”

Redland has recently launched new colours and sizes of Rapid Flashing to market. To go with the existing lead grey colour, black is now an option. Size wise, widths are now available of 180, 280, 370 and 560mm. Midland Heart is now considering using Rapid Flashing for all lead replacement work on its property portfolio from now on.

The roof was damaged by the thieves, so Redland Cambrian slates and Plain

tiles were used as replacements

Rapid Flashing is suitable for social housing and private new build developments, as well as renovations

One step aheadWhen Housing and Care organisation Midland Heart had lead flashing stolen from the same roof twice in one week, it turned to Redland Rapid Flashing to beat the thieves. Rapid Flashing is a BBA certified solution which can be used instead of lead on the majority of pitched roof applications for detailing around chimney stacks, dormers and abutments.

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation


( 08708 702595

Each Metrotile profile weighs just one seventh of materials such as slate or clay tiles, yet offers unsurpassed security against vandalism and the elements. Furthermore, the stone coating offers a striking aesthetic that is suitable for any project, yet also acts to ensure that a Metrotile roof generates no more noise than traditional materials when under duress from the weather.

One seventh of the weight also means significantly reduced requirements for transportation to the project site and if this benefit is

combined with the 100% recyclability of each highest-quality steel profile, customers have a product that is as environmentally sustainable as it is secure. A full range of bespoke accessories, including its integrated photovoltaic system and roof windows from Velux, is available, ensuring everything required for the roof project can be sourced from Metrotile.

Metrotile Lightweight Steel Roofing

is ideal for projects of any size, as discovered by various public sector specifiers across the UK who have used the product for a variety of projects, from Cornish Unit refurbishments to stunning new build schools such as the Priory Academies in Lincoln, as pictured.

Metrotile Lightweight Roofing has always been an innovative and durable product and the company is very proud of the plethora of traditional roofing material-beating benefits its products have to offer.

Evolution of the rooftop


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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation


Shackerley, a market leading supplier of ceramic granite ventilated cladding systems, has launched a new website at www.shackerley.com featuring a wealth of resources for all specifiers of external and internal facades. Registered users may explore the online database of completed Sureclad ventilated facade projects using search criteria such as style, colour and finish of cladding panel, geographical region and market sector. They can use the new ‘Pictureboard’ facility to create bespoke project reference sheets, and view Shackerley’s product literature, technical downloads, FAQs and animated presentations about the Sureclad range, patented undercut anchorage system and facade installation methods.


Shackerley launches new resource website

Kemper System liquid waterproofingKemper System’s ‘Stratex’ warm roof system was the ideal solution for Castle Contractors when it recently completed the refurbishment an assembly hall roof at Matthew Moss High School in Rochdale. The Kemper System solution was chosen for its performance, speed of installation and the 25-year BBA certified expected working life of the Kemperol

waterproofing membrane. This longevity is further supported by installations with proven performance of over 40 years in the UK. Kemperol liquid waterproofing is laid in a single process saturating a reinforcement fleece which cannot delaminate and cures to form a seamless, hard wearing, elastomeric membrane.


Over 1000m2 of Kingspan Insulated Panels’ products, including Polycarb Rooflights and Safetraxx height safety solution, have been installed on the latest project from Tustin Developments. The six new commercial units on the Red Scar Business Park in Preston deliver high quality commercial space; designed to make maximum use of natural light. Unlike standard GPR daylight systems, Kingspan Polycarb Rooflights feature UV resistant layers on both faces; this protects them against UV degradation which causes systems to go yellow and crack over time. As a result they can provide an excellent light transmission level of over 60% (NEN) – EN 410: 1998.


Products for the people


Within the interior design, the Georgians had fitted large and heavy doors and these defeated the capabilities of all the electrical automatic door operators that Salisbury City Council investigated.

In light of the challenges faced, the council turned to door specialist Rowsman, who in turn recommended LCN Auto Equalizers from Relcross. These automatic door operators are pneumatically powered and one compressor can power a number of doors.

When the operator is actuated by a push pad, controlled air pressure is used to overcome the resistance of the spring and so opens the door. When the air is released the spring and hydraulics take over, closing the door

in a controlled mechanical fashion. Each system (or group of doors) has a separate controller incorporating one air valve per door or pair of doors.

A lack of reliance upon micro-processors and (often) complicated electronics means the Relcross LCN Auto Equalizer has much less opportunity for failure. It has been independently tested to over three million full load cycles and requires only occasional, minimal servicing of the compressor, usually with easily available proprietary components. The compressor is almost silent in operation with a noise level of dB (A)/1m 45 – equivalent to a ‘country quiet’ sound level.

Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems has launched its thermally broken Comar 7P.i Folding Sliding Door (FSD). Comar 7P.i FSD provides a versatile moveable wall that allows space and light into any project. To cater for different apertures the Comar 7P.i FSD offers from two to eight sliding doors in either direction with an optional rebated door for day to day ease of entry. Each leaf can be up to 1100mm wide, creating market leading potential spans with minimum sight-lines. Door heights can be up to 2400mm, but depending on wind loading larger sizes can be created; this is especially useful for floor to ceiling glazing or to create an entrance of distinction.

When the current Guildhall was built in Salisbury in 1795 little thought was given to disabled access. But, in these more enlightened times it was a major consideration in the latest £1.2m refurbishment. Salisbury City Council turned to Relcross for a controlled solution.

Relcross helps bring equality to Salisbury Guildhall

Doors & Windows

Smooth operation FSD


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Architectural aluminium systems manufacturer Metal Technology has supplied curtain walling and louvres on the new Scottish Crime Campus (SCC) at Gartcosh, Glasgow. The £82m campus is a four-storey, four-block structure forming arterial walkways converging on a central atrium and references genetic structures and imagery from its

immediate surroundings. The scheme at SCC demanded that Metal Technology and fabricator CMS design a bespoke louvre blade to allow the architectural team to achieve the desired aesthetic of the louvres. This new blade was approved, extruded and supplied to site in line with the tight timescales on the project.

* sales@metal technology.com ( 028 9448 7777 enq 041

Metal Technology helps the fight against crime

Housing development has clear viewBerkeley Homes has selected Rehau systems for its landmark Kidbrooke development in south east London, one of the largest housing-led regeneration projects in Europe. At City Point, tilt and turn windows, sliding patio doors and Rehau Polytec 50S composite curtain walling have been fabricated and installed by specialist commercial fabricator Astraseal. A particular feature of City Point is that many of the apartments have glazed balconies which are accessed via sliding patio doors fabricated using Rehau S717 patio system. These sliding doors have been fitted within frames in the Rehau Polytec 50S composite curtain walling system to benefit from the slim 50mm sight lines.


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Having a strong reputation within Europe for creating MUGA’s which work in harmony with the environment, Transalp use selected high quality, natural materials to create aesthetically-pleasing sports areas. The design-led ethos

complements Timberplay’s and sits well alongside its other new partnerships; skate parks from Concrete; lighting and street furniture from Santa & Cole.

Timberplay have witnessed a growth in enquiries for MUGA’s over the last twelve

months and have been keen to find a suitable partner to introduce to their UK client base. In Transalp they have found a partner in which they share a knowledge based approach and have confidence in.

Joanne Sheridan, Marketing Manager at Timberplay, comments: “Sport, like play, is all about creating opportunities to increase activity. In both urban and rural settings, finding the space to engage in team sports can be challenging. Transalp offer a well-thought out selection of MUGA’s and sport pitches, in a variety of sizes, to suit different needs and spaces. The quality of their products and service has made them a great success in their native market and we are very much looking forward to introducing them to existing and new customers.”

Transalp’s MUGA’s are designed with several sports in mind, including basketball, tennis and football. The product templates are available in different sizes with different markings.

Timberplay has bolstered its offering for urban spaces and public places by incorporating Multi-Use Games Area's (MUGA's) from French-owned Transalp into its portfolio of products.

Timberplay adds high quality MUGA's to portfolio

Focus & Innovation


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RedBox Design’s new sports hall and indoor football pitch at FA’s National Football Centre are both side lit with Kalwall, supplied by Stoakes Systems. The cladding not only evenly diffuses natural daylight but creates perfect playing conditions by eliminating glare and shadows. Importantly, the architects have maximised the highest levels of daylight insulation and energy efficiency in the sports hall by incorporating Lumira aerogel within 950m2 of the 2780m2 of Kalwall used on the project. This produces a remarkable insulating U-value of 0.28W/m2K, equivalent to a solid wall. Project and technical information is available from Stoakes Systems or downloadable from the website.

Windhager UK has supplied 23 biomass boilers to tenants of Warwick District Council after it won national funding of £118,000 to install wood fuelled heating systems into its homes. Windhager’s VarioWIN 12kW boilers were installed as they

are designed for households with a low energy demand. A small installation footprint with a high performance makes the VarioWIN the perfect choice for retrofit solutions of properties requiring small heating demands and where space is minimum. The VarioWIN is a fully automated wood pellet boiler with modulating burner technology to provide the best combustion results across the output range of the appliance.


Windhager wows Warwick District Council

An education on acousticsTroldtekt acoustic ceiling tiles have been specified by Architype architects for Oakmeadow School, Wolverhampton, one of the UK’s first Passivhaus primary schools. A major contribution to the comfort of pupils and staff is the use of Troldtekt ceiling tiles in the classrooms and sports hall. The tiles not offer high performance sound absorption in the study areas which need to be quiet, calm and healthy and the play areas. Architype director Jonathan Hines comments: “Troldtekt acoustic ceilings are one of the solutions which have helped to meet our design and performance objectives – in this case optimising the acoustic environment using a natural and beautiful product.”

Insulating daylight




Focus & Innovation

The Emirates Air Line, which opened for the Olympics, is operated by Transport for London and can carry up to an estimated 2500 people per hour from

Emirates Greenwich Peninsula for the O2 arena to the Emirates Royal Docks and the Excel arena. The door and shutter technology installed in the cable car terminals by Ingersoll Rand is specifically designed to ensure the highest levels of safety and flexibility in a wide range of environments. It includes four Dor-O-Matic manual, stainless steel doors, five roller shutters and 17 Martin Roberts stainless steel doors.

Keeping London flying high

The finals of SkillBuild, the largest multi-trade competition for construction trainees and apprentices in Britain has been held in Preston. Kingspan Insulated Panels was one of the few manufactures to get actively involved, working with the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) to offer training and guidance to finalists. Paul Grimshaw, Regional Sales Manager at Kingspan Insulated Panels, comments: “The day was a great success and both trainees and assessors came away with a greater understanding of how different panel types are installed. We’d like to congratulate all the finalists for their efforts, and in particular the gold medal winner Craig Owens.”


Trainees go for gold with Kingspan

Tormax positioned for further growthWith an eye on future growth, leading automatic door manufacturer and installer Tormax UK, has moved into new premises that offer scope for office expansion as well as much needed additional warehousing facilities. “Demand for DDA

compliant automatic entrance systems continues to expand,” explains MD, Simon Roberts. “With systems manufactured at our hi-tech headquarters in Switzerland we need more storage at our Surrey offices.” Taking the business onto the next level, Mark Willars has been appointed Business Development Manager with plans to increase the base of customers with nationwide requirements.


A 150-year-old granite and lime mortar building is being converted to a public library as part of the Porthcressa Regeneration Scheme. Triton-approved contractors were asked to recommend a method of protecting the new dry lined interior from the invasion of sea salts, rising damp and lateral penetration from high external ground levels.

Working in conjunction with Triton, ISCA proposed using a combination of BS 8201 Type A and Type C waterproofing systems. The solution comprised Platon cavity drain membranes sealed with butyl rubber products and a liquid applied membrane that together provided a fully-sealed system to the building

and required minimal preparation or disturbance to the original substrate.

Platon P5 cavity drain membrane was installed to the full height of the walls, and linked to the internal drainage channels. Cavity drain membranes work by allowing moisture to continue to penetrate the substrate but then control it in the air gap formed by their studded profile and direct it down to perimeter drainage channels.

The floor area was protected by Platon Multi membrane, a deeper studded, BBA certified product which is impermeable to water, gas and water vapour. Platon Stop membrane was then laid over the insulation layer and sealed to the wall membranes with Triton’s Corner Strip, providing a completely sealed system behind the insulated dry lining.

In the entrance foyer the new slab was sealed with Triton’s liquid applied water and gas barrier, TT Vapour Membrane, a BS8102 Type A waterproofing system that will form a traditional water and gas proof tanking layer.

Triton-approved contractor, ISCA Preservation, has installed waterproofing systems from Triton to protect a historical stone building on the seafront at Porthcressa on the Isles of Scilly.

Waterproofing a historic building on the Scilly Isles


( 01322 318830



The Ultra Floor range of commercial flooring products consists of levelling compounds, primers and damp proof membranes, all of which are designed to deliver high performance, quality and longevity.

For a fast-track product, Level IT super30 can be specified – it sets after 30 minutes and decorative floorcoverings

can be laid after just three hours.Ultra Floor’s latest innovation, Level

IT three multi-component bag and bottle system, offers the end user versatility, and consists of a polymer-modified cementitious powder that can be used with either liquid A Super Dry, for enhanced drying or liquid B, Super Bond, for use over most old adhesive

residues. Ultra Floor Level IT two is a latex leveller suitable for a variety of projects from school classrooms to retail stores and football stadiums.

Ultra Floor has already being used in a number of refurbishment projects within the education sector. Level IT smoothflow, highly flowable concrete levelling compound, has transformed two school sports hall in Nottingham. Level IT two and Prime IT N polymer emulsion primer, were used to lay vinyl flooring throughout the classrooms and laboratories at Landau Academy in Staffordshire.

Level IT two’s formulation is free from ammonia, creating a very low odour material ideal for confined areas such as classrooms. Level IT one HDB, single part concrete smoothing compound, was used to lay 3000m² of Ege bespoke broadloom carpet in Havant Academy in Hampshire. It is ideal for areas that require a greater depth and can be laid from 3 to 50mm in one application.

Healthcare technology specialist, The Wandsworth Group, has joined forces with Integrated Medical Interiors (IMI) to provide the IP capabilities, KNX integration and nursecall system for the revolutionary new IMI ‘Pod’. The modular IMI Pod has been developed to offer hospitals a bespoke, plug-and-play interior unit with all the required technology and facilities pre-installed. It includes the complete electrical installation with integrated medical trunking, including medical gases, power, IT, nursecall and lighting controls.

Global provider of security and safety solutions, Ingersoll Rand, has launched AptiQ, a series of multi-technology readers designed to simplify the transition

from older security platforms, such as proximity 125 kHz, to smart technology. Paul Taylor, Sales Leader for electronic access control products at Ingersoll Rand, comments: “We are so confident that installers will love the new AptiQ range that we are offering 100 installers an MT15 unit, free of charge, as part of a Try Me campaign. Anyone interested in receiving one should email [email protected].” The AptiQ readers come in four contemporary designs with various colour options to complement a range of decors.

Ingersoll Rand launches AptiQ readers

NBT reorganises product offeringNatural Building Technologies (NBT) has reorganised and simplified its ranges of building envelope systems to ease the process of system selection and specification. NBT’s move to simplify its product and system ranges has been underlined by the creation of a new, easy-to-navigate website (www.natural-building.co.uk), offering detailed systems information and performance data, case study applications and easily accessible technical support. The new, streamlined product ranges now encompass Pavawall breathable wall systems, Pavaroof breathable roof systems, ThermoPlan clay block construction systems and Pavacare retrofit insulation solutions. Across three decades Natural Building Technologies has been dedicated to offering simple, robust and effective systems for better building.

In May 2012, the Department for Education launched a privately-financed scheme 'The Priority School Building Programme' which has the purpose of rebuilding and renewing 261 schools across England over a five-year period. With this in mind, contractors and ministers are looking to get the best value for money when it comes to commercial flooring projects.

Make Ultra Floor a priority


Pioneering 'Pod' partnership


( 01872 871871


* [email protected] ( 01922 707400 enq 054( 01483 713400 enq 052* [email protected]

Yeoman Shield, a leader in wall and door protection, has been voted an outstanding success by Old Trafford Community School, Manchester. Jane Walker, the school’s caretaker, explains: “We first used Yeoman Shield wall protection over three years ago in the large main dining hall and had no hesitation in choosing it once again to protect vulnerable areas in our reception class dining area.” Yeoman Shield Wave top pattern FalmouthEx in multi colours have been fitted to the walls of the dining area along with MDF Core skirting in Smooth White.

When Cherwell Valley Services reopened following a fire, the new amenity centre included four Elta Fans Heritage SCHT roof units. Heritage SCHT is the range of roof-mounted centrifugal fans from Kingswinford fan manufacturer Elta Fans and is designed to handle clean, grease-laden or contaminated air, whilst providing easy

access for cleaning. The all-metal cowls are robust and long lasting, manufactured from galvanized steel and powder-coated after forming. With motors outside the airstream, the SCHT is suitable to cope with difficult operating conditions, ranging from contaminated air to elevated temperatures in a wide variety of applications.

Elta Fans selected for services refurb

Managing flat roofsTor Coatings has been supplying roof coatings for nearly 40 years, and prides itself on its focus on long-term roof refurbishment. Elastaseal from Tor Coatings is a liquid waterproofing system designed to provide a seamless waterproof membrane over a wide variety of existing roof substrates. A key benefit of using the Elastaseal system is the fact that the system does not need to be removed and replaced as it nears the end of its lifecycle. The system can be simply cleaned and a new topcoat applied, allowing a further 10 years durability. Tor Coatings provides a complete service including initial site survey through to specification and monitoring of the installation.

Yeoman Shield ticks all the boxes





ThermoLine from CD (UK) Ltd is an innovative solution to minimising cost and time, while maximising the renowned performance, aesthetics and hygiene benefits of DuPont Corian. Ideal for healthcare, hospitality, public sector, commercial and multi-unit residential design, ThermoLine is a one-piece worktop supplied with a coved upstand and a non-drip edge detail ready formed during manufacture. This translates to a considerable reduction in fabrication which is reflected in price and lead times, while the highly valued qualities of the material remain uncompromised.ThermoLine proposes all the sleek, reliable, easy-care beauty of Corian, while offering a simpler worktop solution and allowing for greater volumes and productivity.

Simple worktop solution

Langley gives new life to Sussex schoolLangley Waterproofing Systems’ product offering and expertise were chosen to refurbish multiple flat roof areas at The Bishop Bell C of E Secondary School in Eastbourne after the existing back asphalt roof covering had come to the end of its useful lifespan. Langley designed and specified the optimum warm roof solution, utilising its high-performance

bituminous Flat Roofing System to provide a complete, durable, long-term water resistant roofing solution with a 20-year independently insurance backed guarantee. Use of Langley’s high-performance elastomeric bituminous membranes added increased tolerance to building movement, climatic extremes and thermal shock.

Surface-care specialist, Fila, has introduced a new rising damp protector to its maintenance range. Fila PW10 is a water-

based solution designed for the professional treatment of absorbent materials, including stone and terracotta. Like all Fila products, it provides high performance protection without altering appearance or forming a surface film. Applied to the back of tiles before installation, Fila PW10 permanently stops salts, tannin and metals from rising through the substrate to the tile surface, whilst allowing the material to breathe. This prevents the formulation of unwanted streaks and stains. Fila PW10 is suitable for natural stone, granite, marble, agglomerates, terracotta and other absorbent materials.

Fila extends maintenance range

Focus & Innovation





Focus & Innovation

Portakabin has handed over the first complete primary school in England to be built using modular construction. The scheme at Carr Manor Community School, Leeds is also the first project to be constructed using the brand new Portakabin modular building system. The building features details such as an inclined roof and a palette of colours for the facades that reflect the design of the secondary school. Large picture windows ensure high levels of natural light and opening roof lights naturally ventilate other areas of the building. The new system also now has the benefit of a 30-year structural warranty and five-year product warranty.

Yorkon has been awarded the first contract to be built using its revolutionary new building system. The scheme for Kier Construction will provide three two-storey curriculum wings for a new secondary school in the village of Cambourne in Cambridgeshire. The new Yorkon steel-framed building system will reduce the number of modules needed for the teaching

areas by around half, to just 60 large 18m long units. This revolutionary system, which has thousands of configurations and permutations, offers the widest range of building modules currently available from any off-site manufacturer in the UK – giving architects, contractors and construction clients the unrivalled design flexibility.

Inaugural contract for new Yorkon system

Technal systems enhance light-filled collegeCasement windows from architectural aluminium systems specialist Technal have been specified to create an elegant and contemporary facade solution for a new campus building in south west France. The window systems feature slim sight lines to reduce the reliance on artificial lighting and were able to accommodate the full height facade with an elegance and purity of design.Technal’s casement window suite uses a technically-advanced framing system with unobtrusive narrow sight lines. It is available in a range of versatile module sizes to give architects and contractors the flexibility to deliver enhanced thermal efficiency and to meet project-specific requirements such as aesthetics, performance and cost.

First modular facility for primary school




As a result of unprecedented increases in demand for emergency care, the existing wards at Watford General Hospital were put under severe pressure and so a requirement for a ‘surge’ ward was identified to provide additional ward capacity. A Portakabin hire solution was developed and an HTM-compliant modular ward building was delivered in just four months. The specification for the ‘surge’ building at Watford was developed by the Trust in partnership with Portakabin and comprises two separate wards to achieve same-sex compliance and to meet all relevant HTM guidelines. Facilities include clean and dirty utilities, kitchen, reception, toilets and showers, with two spacious nine-bed wards.

Portakabin rapidly delivers 'surge' ward

Carlo Gavazzi extends networking optionsCarlo Gavazzi has extended the networking options for its smart power analysers, with the introduction of a communications module providing BACnet MS/TP over RS-485. The new communication module is the latest option for the company’s innovative WM30 and WM40 smart power analyser family, providing interoperability with many small and inexpensive devices via this popular building automation protocol. Introduction of the new module recognises the

growing importance for BACnet for integrating energy management features in building automation systems. Using MS/TP over EIA-485 enables small local networks to be configured up to 1200m long using shielded twisted pair wiring.

GEZE UK’s Managing Director, Andrew Hall, has decided to resign from his position and will be leaving the company on 31st December, after 13 successful years

at the helm. Commenting on his decision, Andrew Hall says: “I joined GEZE on 1st January 2000 and since then we have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed continuous sales growth. This has been possible because I have worked with a dedicated and professional team that has always remained loyal.” GEZE GmbH has appointed Kaz Spiewakowski as his successor, and he will start on 1st January 2013.

Pastures new for GEZE UK MD




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