go!public spring/summer 2011

GO!PUBLICmodern public sector architecture & design

sp

rin

g/s

um

me

r 2

011

Publishers NotesSome of the colour photography used in Go!Public is provided and paid for by contributors towards the cost of production. The publishers do not accept liability for errors that may appear in the publication. The views expressed by contributors in this publication are not necessarily the views of the publisher. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording in any storage or retrieval system without the consent of the publisher.

Published byLink2Media Building Publications Ltd

Editorial OfficeBarn 3, Dunston Business Village,Stafford Road, Dunston,Stafford ST18 9AB

Tel: 01785 711591Fax: 0845 862 8639

e:[email protected]

Contents

Subscription DetailsGo!Public is published quarterly, free of charge, to a carefully selected readership under the publishers control. Copies are otherwise available on request at cost of £3.75 per single issue including postage. Yearly subscription rates are £12.50 including postage.

04 PUBLIC/PROPERTY – Educational Buildings

18 PUBLIC/OPINION – Manufacturers Have Their Say

24 PUBLIC/ANNOUNCEMENTS – News

31 PUBLIC/MARKET – Product News

46 PUBLIC/IMAGE – The Bigger Pictures

52 PUBLIC/WORK – Project News

American Hardwood Export Council. For full story see pages 46-47 www.americanhardwood.orgPhotographer: Morley von Sternberg

Canopies UK Takes On Biggest School Challenge Yet!

The country’s leading canopy manufacturer and installer, Canopies UK, has completed the largest contract in the company’s history: a 310 metre long canopy, creating a covered walkway for Collingwood College in Camberley, Surrey. No stranger to educational work - Canopies UK has installed more than 3000 canopies for schools nationwide, where they are used as covered play areas, parents’ waiting shelters, bike sheds and covered walkways. Sales Director Jason Eastwood explains: “More and more schools are keen to develop the potential of their outdoor areas, especially with OFSTED and the ‘Every Child Matters’ Manifesto strongly promoting outdoor learning.

Collingwood College Bursar Tony Leggett said: “We decided as it was a substantial canopy we would approach five of the largest companies to quote for the project... following a meeting with Surrey Council it was agreed that Canopies UK should do the work as they offered the best value with a product which was to the specification the school required.”

Thanks to the company’s extensive experience in this sector, Canopies UK was able to quickly organise all the relevant site calculations and health and safety requirements before working closely with Building Control to ensure the project ran smoothly. All canopies manufactured by the company are fully tested to BS6399 (the British standard for wind and snow loading) and all installation teams are CRB checked. From start to finish, the contract took five weeks to complete and involved working seven days a week to minimise disruption to the school. Tony Leggett added: “Canopies UK’s workforce has been excellent, always helpful and polite and accommodating any request put to them. The communication with them was first class and ensured 2000 children could live a normal day during term time, which is great considering the scale of the project. The canopy has been described as the umbilical cord of the school, tying both sides of the school together stylishly and functionally.

Enquiry No 2www.go-public-mag.co.uk/card

www.canopiesuk.com

EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS [ �� [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

Howe Green Is First Choice At Flagship City College

Howe Green access covers have been specified and installed at City of Westminster College, which opened the doors of its new landmark £102m Paddington Green Campus to students in January. It was a RIBA-backed competition that led to award winning Danish Architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen being appointed to design the new Campus with McLaren Construction delivering the project. Howe Green access

covers were selected to provide reliable access to concealed services under the floor and in wall cavities all around the new Campus.

Howe Green’s innovative 5000 Series range of aluminium covers and frames were installed throughout the ground floor and in the spacious College reception area by specialist flooring contractor WB Simpsons and Sons. Unobtrusive and streamlined, the 5000 Series covers sit flush by design with the surrounding Riven Slate flooring chosen to complement the bare concrete finish of the interior of

the striking atrium at the heart of the building. Howe Green access covers have proven durability, tamper resistance and a unique double seal design for extra protection and hygiene. The 5000 series covers were ideal for high pedestrian traffic areas whilst the 7500 series covers also installed on the Campus, can withstand up to a five tonne pneumatic tyre wheel load from cars and light delivery vehicles.

On the upper floors of the new Campus, over 100 Visedge floor access covers were fitted in the specialist science labs. Howe Green developed the Visedge Series specifically for flexible flooring and it ticks all the boxes for demanding environments like laboratories, hospitals and surgeries as the unique double seal construction forms the most positive seal to drainage, electrical and other ducts.City of Westminster College can trace its history back to 1903 when the Paddington Technical Institute opened for business. It was the first facility of its kind teaching Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Building, Domestic Economy and Dressmaking to the young people and adults of West London.

Today, the College provides one of the country’s most advanced environments for further and higher education teaching and learning, with state of the art facilities that include specialist science labs, a large sports hall built to Sport England specification and a versatile 250-seat theatre/performance space. With Howe Green access covers installed, City of Westminster College has ensured impeccable aesthetics and long lasting access to its vital services for many years to come. For further information on Howe Green’s range of access panels, visit www.howegreen.com


www.howegreen.com

� [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS [ �

Signbox Receives Top Marks For Educational Wayfinding Sign Schemes

www.signbox.co.uk

Inspirational wayfinding sign design is often the final, critical element to a successful educational building project. Signbox Ltd, recognised leaders in the field of architectural, design-led wayfinding have deployed their expertise and experience at several recent major educational schemes. Their internal and external sign systems for education projects provide highly cost-effective solutions to help students and visitors easily navigate their way around campus environments. Signbox also provide accessible, DDA-compliant signs for educational institutions with a number of specialist processes that include information display in tactile and Braille formats. Here we look at some of Signbox’s inspirational signage projects in the education sector.

Modular system suits University of Exeter - For the first of three phases of new signage for the University of Exeter, Signbox specified its Modular Sign System, one of their most flexible products, it helps visitors, staff and students easily find their way around the site. The three buildings involved in this project all have different architectural content so a unified design was needed to link them together with the modular signage system ideally suited to this type of requirement. Mark Bartlett, managing director for Signbox Ltd, commented, “The Signbox Modular Sign System is an elegant but robust signage solution; highly cost-effective, it is strong yet lightweight and works well in a wide range of interior applications.For organisations operating on tightly controlled budgets it delivers a high impact, highly effective solution – perfect for interior applications in educational buildings”.

Novel approach to signage for new Sussex schools - When Lewes, Sussex, based artist Will Nash was commissioned to develop a ‘welcome’ and wayfinding signage scheme for the campus of two new schools – Southway Primary and The Regis School in Bognor Regis – he decided to take a fresh approach. Working in collaboration

with students from the two schools and Signbox Ltd, Nash developed a scheme that spans from tiny enamel door signs to the two steel chevron sculptures that stand in front of each school, the largest of which weighs over two tons. The project brief stipulated that the results must share a common thread, the chosen being an arrow shape, woven through the sculptures and signs it is used across the entire campus. Signbox were able to translate Nash’s inspirational vision for the scheme into a practical modular sign system to meet both aesthetic and durability requirements, within a busy working school environment.

Adding colour to West Herts College - For the Watford campus of West Herts College, which has only recently opened and is everything you would expect from a highly-rated modern college, Signbox supplied and installed the internal wayfinding based on their modular system with colourful location signage at key decision points throughout the building.

Signage system complements £120 million new university building -Signbox also recently completed a major project to provide a user friendly signage system for the brand new £120 million purpose-built INTO study centre at UEA London (the London campus for the University of East Anglia) designed to help both English and foreign students easily navigate their way around the new complex. Commenting on this project, Mark Bartlett said “To animate internal areas and introduce a fun element to the signs, we utilised a range of large format graphics, for example, a super-sized knife and fork for the cafe area, into the wayfinding scheme. With highly positive feedback from students, UAE London have conveyed to us their complete satisfaction with the outcome of the project”.

Enquiry No 5 www.go-public-mag.co.uk/card

Encasement Top Of The Class For Column Casings At New Schools

Spectrum’s Colour As Match For Any Specification

A redevelopment at Wymeswold Primary School in Leicestershire has made use of the aesthetic versatility of Neaco’s Spectrum aluminium handrail and balustrade system.The extension project includes new administration, reception, office and resource facilities with an improved access scheme featuring a ramp with nylon powder coated Spectrum. Leicestershire County Council selected Spectrum as its wide choice of colours included a distinctive shade of green which matched the reception windows. The system’s warm-to-touch finish was also a key benefit in keeping with DDA requirements“The warm feel, smooth finish and bright colours of our Spectrum systems has made them a popular specification in school developments for many years,” said Neaco’s sales director, Alan Green. “Those same qualities are being put to good use at Wymeswold Primary School.”In addition to its wide choice of solid colours, Neaco’s balustrade range can also be specified in a variety of metallic colours, wood-effect finishes or satin polished stainless steel. Neaco’s diverse product portfolio also includes structural glass systems, Juliet and step-out balconies, adaptive bathing facilities and aluminium open grille systems for flooring, screening and solar shading applications. www.neaco.co.uk


Stylish and robust column casings from Encasement have been installed in a wide range of education projects across the UK involving the redevelopment, refurbishment and construction of new schools both in the public and private education sectors. A series of Forma metal column casings, which stand six metre high, have been supplied and installed by Encasement at Ibstock Place School’s new library building as part of a

recently completed £8.5 million scheme. Located in Roehampton, on the edge of Richmond Park, London, the project also involved the construction of new accommodation, including 16 new classrooms, six science labs and a resource centre alongside the new library. The New Line Learning Academy in Maidstone is another key project where Forma column casings have been used externally to create a feature entrance to the front and rear of this innovative new school, which specialises in business, enterprise and vocational studies. It’s a similar story in Dumfries, where external column casings have been used to conceal structural steelwork, while at Birmingham’s CTC Kingshurst Academy, column casings are used at the front and rear of the of the stylish new building as well as inside in the school’s four new ICT learning suites. Encasement specialises in the supply of decorative casings, protection solutions and sustainable products for the architectural, contracting and construction sectors. www.encasement.co.uk


CMS Vibration Solutions Delivers Structural Isolation At The Harris Academy

CMS Vibration Solutions has installed the Kinetics RIM-C (Rollout Isolation Material) floating floor system at the Harris Academy, Merton, to deliver high performance vibration control within a multi-purpose learning environment. The acoustic floating floor was selected based on its ability to meet the natural frequency of the room while also providing long-term high performance noise control. CMS Vibrations installed a Kinetics RIM-C system that comprised of 800 two inch KIPs (Kinetics Isolation Pads) centred at predetermined intervals of 600mm to meet the project’s required performance levels. Supporting a 100mm thick concrete slab and flanked with a Perimeter Isolation Board (PIB), the floating floor covered a total area of 252m².


For Bar Code Read Hunter Douglas

A contemporary bar code design on a suspended metal ceiling at the School of Architecture in Valencia Spain has been achieved by alternating a range of ceiling panels

in varying widths and lengths. The project is the brainchild of Architect Ciro Vidal + Vicente Vidal, who achieved their ceiling design with the specification of Hunter Douglas’s Luxalon 80B, 130B and 180B range of multi - panel aluminium ceiling panels. The resulting effect provides a dynamic finish to the circulation areas within the school. The Hunter Douglas multi - panel system is available in up to 5 widths and can be specified with a V-shaped or U-shaped

joint profile or alternatively left open. Panels are available in lengths up to 6000mm as standard and are available in a range of polyester powder coated colour finishes. Acoustics can also be enhanced by using perforated panels and application of a bonded non woven textile membrane to the inside face of the panel.


College Blinds Help Sustainability At South Cheshire’s New CampusSouth Cheshire College’s new £75 million campus opened its doors in September 2010 and is regarded as one of the foremost further education buildings in the UK. Jefferson Sheard Architects developed the design from the initial requirements of the College, and BAM Construct UK achieved the tight building programme.One of the key design elements is ‘The Crescent’ with its spectacular curved atrium, providing the main circulation and social space. The

back wall acts as a spine for the central functions of the College, while learning and teaching spaces are grouped in a series of ‘clusters’.Reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions were key design aims. A ‘very good’ BREEAM rating was achieved by maximising use of natural

ventilation and daylight; use of low and zero carbon technologies to generate energy including solar thermal collectors and air source heat pumps; climate control with automatic operation of windows and rooflights; high efficiency glazing; use of motion sensor lighting; and rainwater collection and re-use. COLLEGE blinds were another significant factor in achieving a low carbon footprint for the new

campus. The special screen fabric used on COLLEGE blinds has a high insulation factor, helping to reduce demands on heating and cooling. It also has high porosity, ideal for natural ventilation, and side guides keep the blinds steady if they are lowered when windows are opened. And the fabric on COLLEGE blinds allows good light transmission which means that even when the blinds are lowered there is usually no need for increased use of lighting.COLLEGE blinds were chosen for the teaching and other areas and were supplied by CBS Blinds of Lancaster. The blinds are crank operated, designed for heavy use and carry a five year guarantee.Nigel Peet, Director of ICT and Campus Development, says “The COLLEGE blind is an outstanding, robust product, and CBS gave us excellent service at every stage”.COLLEGE blinds are available from CBS Blinds and other authorised distributors who provide a full installation service.


Knauf AMF Ceilings Secret Speaker Makes A Big Noise In Lecture Hall

Bournemouth University has recently completed a £3.8m rebuild of its Kimmeridge House facility. In the new Large Lecture Theatre, Knauf AMF Ceilings were specified to help meet the complex acoustic requirements. A sophisticated processing system has been installed that allows the reverberation in the theatre to be adjusted to suit a specific situation, whether short reverberation times for lectures or longer reverberation times tuned for a particular concert. Knauf AMF Thermatex Alpha ceiling tiles were chosen for the Large Theatre as they provide Class A sound absorption. They are lightweight and have a strong, white surface that gives a smooth, elegant appearance. Alongside this, 20 Knauf AMF Soundmosaic tiles were also installed.


Besam The Automatic Choice For Talbot School

As part of the Sheffield BSF programme, Newfield and Talbot schools were designed to become a co-located facility, with Talbot School a dedicated, multi-disability Special Educational Needs provider. The school needed to provide more independence to the students by automating the internal doors to the classrooms and hygiene areas. Besam was originally chosen as the partner of choice for the original build. After a successful three month trial period a further 24 doors were automated on the site. The Besam SW100 Low Energy Swing Door operator was chosen specifically for its silent operation, good aesthetics and the limited impact it would have on the existing building.


Roofing Services At All Time High For Birmingham Schools

M.R. Site Services has completed the supply of specialist roofing services to building envelope specialist contractors Lakesmere at a Building Schools for the Future project in Birmingham. In addition to its specialist area of aluminium welding of the Kalzip cranked

roof sheets, M.R. Site Services has designed, manufactured and installed many other roof details including 680 linear metres of specially made aluminium handrail. M.R. Site Services was commissioned to manufacture some extra large access hatches for the roof. On the first floor of the school buildings there is a balcony and two teachers’ terraces. Lakesmere specified Roll-a-Flex from M.R. Site Services as a highly durable jointing system allowing high levels of foot traffic. Roll-a-

Flex is a liquid acrylic membrane with a polyester fleece reinforced layer. www.mrsiteservices.co.uk


EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS [ �� [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

www.cbsblinds.co.uk

10 [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS [ 11

www.alivauk.com

The Mathematics Research Centre and Astronomy Unit at the Queen Mary University of London, draws academic visitors from all over the world. Being one of the largest mathematical science departments in the UK, the re-development of the department encompassed a visually stunning façade designed and manufactured by Aliva that would meet the high expectations of the students and visitors to the facilities.

The Queen Mary has a clear view of London’s impressive architecture; “The Gherkin” and Canary Wharf are clearly visible. It was therefore vital, that the façade on the foyer extension at the entrance of the university department lived up to its neighborhood profile. Aliva worked with Wilkinson Eyre Architects from the early stages of the design of the building to help develop a visually stunning façade, using the Ali Glass system also incorporating a bespoke curtain walling system.

The plinth section was completed using the Ali HPLS high pressure laminate system and the areas around the foyer in a white rendered finish.

The new entrance to the department takes the form of a single storey structure with Ali Glass panels, the form of which has been generated by a pattern developed by the famous mathematician, Sir Roger Penrose. As well as creating the geometry of the glass panels, a smaller scale subset of Penrose tiling is also applied to the other panels of glass as a graphic pattern. Aliva also designed the bespoke curtain walling system, with large inclined glass panels across which the pattern continues.

The facade includes laminated glass in a rhomboid shape, with a side length of 1.2m, the inner glass layer being 10mm thick, the outer panel 6mm thick with a clear SGP interlayer between. There is a screen print featuring 3 different RAL colours on the outer surface. Ali Glass anchors have been used to invisibly fix into the back of the inner glass panel. The weight of the glass panels and substructure is aprroximately 50 kg/m2. High performance K15 phenolic installation

was used to insulate the building. The substructure comprises of Aluminium fasteners and horizontal mullions fixed to vertical Ali 2 box sections, held by U brackets into a 200mm Concrete substrate. The glass façade has various inclinations, which the substructure is able to accommodate.

The backing structure is capable of working with various complex designs such as the Penrose pattern, and can be designed to pick up fixing points, to minimize the amount of structure required. The adjustable substructure meant that installation is quick and simple, and makes tile removal and joint set out straightforward.

The bespoke curtain walling system designed by Aliva consists of inclined glass panels up to 4m high. Stainless steel pressure plates are included to cope with wind loads. The curtain walling and rainscreen are designed so that the finish between the two is flush. The building promises to set another standard for landmarks in the area.


Ali Glass Panels Have No Equal For University

VMZINC Interlocking Panel System

EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS [ 13

The ‘AV Hill’ Building at Manchester University is a £30M research centre shared between the Faculties of Life Sciences and Medical and Human Sciences. Designed by architects Wilson Mason and Partners, it houses 300 scientists in 50 research groups focussing mainly on neuroscience and immunology. The six-storey, 9,700m² complex façade is predominantly of VMZINC QUARTZ-ZINC® interlocking panels which require virtually no maintenance and have a BRE Green Guide A+ rating. The University’s ‘biomedical corridor’ connects the Core Technology Facility, Michael Smith and Stopford Buildings. Designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘very good’ and an EPC B rating, the building uses ‘bridge links’ at third floor level which are a feature within the atrium. The design approach generated for the building locates core laboratory facilities, shared by all building users at ground floor level. These incorporate a freezer farm and histology suite in addition to a large laboratory space for vibration sensitive equipment. The upper levels provide a generic laboratory space supported by a range of cellular spaces providing secondary research functions.The VMZINC Interlocking Panel system is fixed directly on wood or metal transverse purlins with a continuous ventilated air gap left behind the boarding on the entire facade. The building was named Archibald Vivian Hill, who won the 1922 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine while he held the Chair in Physiology at the University.


www.vmzinc.co.uk

Birmingham University Adopts A Night Purge Natural Ventilation Strategy

12 [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

The Metallurgy and Materials building at Birmingham University is a 3-storey construction comprising over 14,800m2 of gross floor space and was constructed in 1966. The 45 year old building has undergone a major refurbishment of its external facade. The design included a fully automated natural ventilation system provided by specialists SE Controls, based in Lichfield. Comprising of 238 No. TGCO 24 15 chain actuators connected to 44 No. OS2 control units, the system is based on a 24v DC.

The window actuator bracketry was designed to fit the specific window openings to ensure minimum resistance for a trouble free long life. The automated window installation was linked by both room temperature and CO2 sensors together with an external weather station to offer an adaptive natural ventilation solution. On a simple automated procedure when levels of CO2 and temperature exceed a given level, windows are automatically opened to provide ventilation. To maintain air quality levels internally in working and learning spaces it is common to have both CO2 and temperature sensors installed per zone of automated windows.

The automated function of the system works closely with the heating system to ensure that heat is not being provided during a ventilation mode. There are also given times when the automated system is operational and the manual override can be activated, this is known as the time schedule and set to operate when the rooms are normally occupied. Occupant override switches remain operational for one hour and then the system overrides the manual setting and reverts back to automatic. Manual override switches allow for a increments of 10%

openings to be achieved. By pushing the top of the switch the windows will open slowly, releasing the switch will hold the windows at their desired opening. Correspondingly the lower part of the switch will progressively close the windows.In the glazed staircase a high level bank of automated windows are provided to open to allow heat from solar gain to escape. These high level windows are linked to a rain sensor on the roof and do not have a CO2 sensor.

The ‘Night Purge’ facility is more commonly being seen in our naturally ventilated buildings. The idea is to cool down the internal fabric of the building during the coolest part of the night, in the Metallurgy and Materials Building, both the 1st floor and the second floor windows can be fully opened to offer this facility and is independently operated based on the internal temperature levels. If the temperature inside the building has gone over a setpoint anytime during the day and the outside temperature is at least 30C below the average internal temperature, the windows will open for one hour.

In the morning the heat and ventilation strategy continues but from a fully purged and cooler building. There are many setting for this system to ensure its most efficient use by the occupants. Finally, the weather station offers both the most effective use of ventilation dependent of the direction of the wind, but also that of safety when wind speeds reach a predetermined level all the windows are closed.www.secontrols.com


www.secontrols.com

www.beko.co.uk

Expanding Into The Public Sector

EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS [ 1�1� [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

Beko, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of domestic appliances, continues to make major inroads into the public sector. Working with its kitchen furniture manufacturer partner, Moores, and through its own national distribution network, the company provides local councils and housing associations with a choice of quality free-standing and built-in refrigeration and laundry appliances, dishwashers and cookers at an affordable price.Since its arrival back in 1991, Beko has sold over 15 million appliances in the UK. Although the brand was unfamiliar at that time in this country, Beko set out to build on its strong corporate pedigree: Beko plc is a subsidiary of a large multinational group, which is one of the world’s 500 largest companies with over 40 years’ experience designing and producing home appliances. Today Beko supplies 15% of all domestic appliances purchased by UK consumers and is one of the top 10 home appliance brands in the world.

Why the public sector and why now?Bob Abbott, Beko’s national sales manager, explains the rationale behind the company’s move into the public sector. “We have taken the strategic decision to expand into the public sector because of the many opportunities we see emerging. “In terms of Beko’s total contract business, Abbott says the social housing sector could account for one-third of its sales by value and 40 to 45%

by volume. “We may not be selling our most expensive ranges into the public sector, but there is potential for some very good numbers in terms of volume.”The move comes at a time when Beko has just announced the launch of the Beko 21 range to celebrate the company’s first 21 years of business in the UK. The new family look combines simplicity of style with energy efficiency to satisfy today’s sophisticated market demands.Beko 21’s modern, simple classic design is clean and fresh with a focus on performance. . Functional simplicity is visible in all details, including new panels, detergent drawers, handles and displays, which feature flowing horizontal lines intersected by distinctive vertical lines to create a blend of contemporary and futuristic. To maximise ease of use, the new products feature easy-to-use controls,ergonomic panels with bigger control buttons, and easy-to-clean straight surfaces. Designed to complement most kitchen sizes and styles, the new Beko 21 series also meets current demands for performance and efficiency. Commercial work tooIn addition to its activities within the social housing sector, Beko is enjoying considerable success in the educational field. The company is currently supplying ovens and hobs to several universities through its work with Leicester-based JPD Distribution, with current contracts

including York and Reading Universities. Quality control is ensured at all times: the company manufactures all products within its own factory network, with specialised factories dedicated to specific product categories.Reliable delivery is ensured from its 160,000 square metre warehouse at Coleshill, Birmingham, with close attention paid to accurate forecasting. In addition, Beko appliances carry a two-year NHBC parts and labour guarantee for additional customer reassurance.

BEKO - First Choice For Major Student Kitchen Contract

One of the main distributors for Beko products has been involved in fitting out two new student accommodation buildings at The University of Reading, acting as a one-stop shop for the supply, wiring and pre-commissioning of all the appliances within 122 ‘cluster kitchens’.JPD Contracts, based in Coalville, Leicestershire, provides a nationwide service, supplying housebuilders and main contractors with the full range of white goods and other appliances. In the case of The University of Reading‘s Stenton and Mackinder Hall buildings Morgan Sindall was the main contractor. Each individual kitchen was equipped with a Beko oven, hob, extract hood and an upright fridge-freezer. As is normal on contracts of this scale, JPD worked with the rest of the project team on the creation of prototype kitchen which the university’s architect and

property management department could inspect and fine tune. The Managing Director of JPD Contracts, John Evans, comments: “We have been dealing with Beko for some three years now and will have seen our business with the manufacturer grow by 30 per cent in the past year. Not only do we get good service from Beko, but they are the right products at the right price for the current market. Beko’s commitment to product reliability, a dependable delivery programme and technical support is a real asset to us”.“Our client base includes the UK’s top 10 housebuilders while we work extensively with the public sector, and Reading University is just one of a number of student accommodation contracts we have completed recently in conjunction with Beko. The appliances are delivered to our main distribution warehouse and then our teams of fitters take them to site where they then gas, wire and pre-commission everything before taking away the packaging and any rubbish. Stenton Hall had 50 cluster kitchens, and Mackinder 72, done in three and six phases respectively, where we had up to four teams working at any one time.”The University of Reading project was completed and handed over ready for the start of the current academic year.


Stannah – Doubling Access In A £23million Upgrade In BSF Kent School

1� [ EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS [ 1�

www.stannahlifts.co.uk

A duo of Stannah Maxilift M MRLi passenger lifts has made brand new educational facilities more accessible for staff, visitors and mobility compromised students at St George’s Church of England Foundation School, a mixed, 11 – 18 Business & Enterprise secondary school for 1,200 students in Broadstairs, Kent. Part of a £23 million BSF initiative, the lifts have helped to open up state-of-the-art facilities and modern equipment in a brand new school building opened by the Bishop of Dover in 2010. One of the most popular schools in the region, this massive upgrade ensures St George’s C of E Foundation School continued growth as a centre of educational excellence.

A 13-person Stannah Maxilift M passenger lift provides access over two storeys in the new multi-functional atrium, or ‘heart’, area of the school; with a sister model operating between two floors in the technology area. Main contractor, Kier Regional, specified the hydraulic, wall-mounted Maxilift M for its style and rugged reliability. The motor room-less MRLi option saves space by storing the hydraulic

oil container in the lift pit with the controller located at ground-floor level, recessed into the lift shaft wall on the right-hand side of the lift, with a firewall behind it for added protection.

Both lifts can only be accessed by card-carrying staff and mobility compromised students which maximises school security and the appropriate use of the lifts. The card proximity units were also installed by Stannah as part of the contract.Karl Reed, Quantity Surveyor at Kier Regional, comments: “Kier has used Stannah lifts on previous BSF projects so we know they will deliver a first class product and service. From initial enquiry through to technical support, installation, commissioning and comprehensive maintenance, Stannah’s performance has been excellent.”

Principal of St George’s C of E Foundation School, Kim Stoner, is also delighted with Stannah’s contribution: “Massive investment is helping us to maintain and develop the educational standards that have helped us rank as one of the 100 most improved schools nationally and in the

top 10 for CVA throughout Kent. The Stannah Maxilifts are providing an invaluable support service, opening up the whole school for anyone with compromised mobility.”

The addition of two Stannah Maxilifts has helped take St George’s Church of England Foundation School into the 21st century, while also meeting the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. Both Maxilifts are serviced by the Dartford branch of Stannah Lift Services, a nationwide network providing 24 hour, 365 days a year support. This covers service, repair, modernisation and refurbishment of all types of lifts, stairlifts, escalators and moving walkways – not only those from the Stannah product range, but also other lift manufacturers’ equipment. Stannah also offers a bespoke lifts service, custom-building lifts to meet customers’ specific requirements.


1� [ OPINION OPINION [ 1�

HAS THE CO ALARM COME OF AGE?

ARTICLE BY: Neil Perdell, National Technical Manager, Aico Ltd

Whilst 80% of homes now have a smoke alarm fitted, Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms haven’t caught on in the domestic field in substantial numbers. However, as a manufacturer of both mains powered smoke and CO alarms for residential use, at Aico we have begun to see an encouraging, if gradual, move towards the installation of CO alarms over the past couple of years, primarily in the social housing sector.

What is behind this development when, on the face of it, nothing much has changed? CO remains as dangerous as ever. CO sensing technology hasn’t dramatically altered (it was good to start with!) and CO alarms remain more expensive than smoke alarms. What’s more, regulations haven’t changed much. The only change has been to The Building Regulations, Approved Document J ‘Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems’ which, for the very first time, makes CO alarms mandatory “Where a new or replacement fixed solid fuel appliance is installed in a dwelling.” This may be a step forward, but it doesn’t apply to gas appliances which are actually the most common cause of CO poisoning. Furthermore, the bulk of social housing properties aren’t heated by solid fuel appliances, so this new Regulation will only apply in a handful of cases.

The one key thing that really seems to be driving this move to fit CO alarms seems to be awareness.

There have been a number of high profile deaths from CO poisoning over recent years, which have made the news. Pressure groups have also been a driving force, as has the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) with its continual feed of information highlighting the problem of CO leaks. A few years back you would have been hard pressed to find anything in the news about CO poisoning.

Some far-sighted local authorities and housing associations have been quick to pick up on this and revise their tenant safety policy accordingly.

Housing Association L&Q is a prime example of this knowledge spread. L&Q is installing Aico CO alarms into 6000 of its properties across Greater London and South East England that have gas appliances and / or gas flues located in bedrooms, open-flued gas appliances or gas warm air units. Craig McFarlane, Asset Policy Advisor, explains the decision to install CO alarms in the first place: “HSE is keen to raise standards of gas safety. L&Q has taken this action in response. L&Q is committed to ensuring the highest standards of health and safety and believes that CO alarms will provide an added level of assurance on gas safety.”

Swindon Borough Council also acknowledges the influence of the HSE and public awareness. Keith Hooker at the Council comments: “Incidents of CO poisoning get reported via news channels more than ever before, including some large cases, and there is more information coming from the HSE on which to base policy.”

And this is good news, as there are very few regulations driving the move to CO alarm installation as we have already seen. Halton Housing Trust acknowledges this: “the Trust is very alive to the dangers posed by Carbon Monoxide poisoning. We have included one or two CO alarms in each property as part of our investment programme and to ensure we are ahead of the game in terms of best practice” states Electrical Officer Brian Hewitt.

However, whilst a lack of regulations is an issue, the Decent Homes standard has proved beneficial to the case for fitting CO alarms. Billy Brooks, Electrical Project Manager at 2010 Rotherham explains how Decent Homes has had an impact on his organisation: “We started fitting CO alarms into vulnerable properties, i.e. those with solid fuel and open flued appliances and we have now included it into the specification for our Decent Homes programme.” 2010 Rotherham is installing Aico mains powered CO alarms into all of its properties, interlinked with Aico smoke alarms.

This raises another interesting point that may be having a positive effect in the social housing sector: CO alarm sensing technology hasn’t changed, but the ability to simply and cost-effectively add CO alarms to an existing smoke alarm system has. With the development of RF alarm interconnection, CO alarms can be wirelessly interconnected to the smoke alarms, so that when the CO alarm detects dangerous levels of CO, all the alarms interconnected on the system will sound. This is important as a CO alarm is generally away from a bedroom area so may not be heard if there is a CO incident when occupants are asleep. This makes use of the interconnection facility already in place for the smoke alarms, greatly reducing cost.

Swindon Borough Council is also going down this route of interlinking CO alarms (which it is fitting for the first time) with smoke alarms, and doing it wirelessly. Keith Hooker explains the benefit of this approach: “As the CO alarms have been added as part of the general electrical upgrade work, including replacing older smoke alarms, it’s really not that more expensive as our contractors are already in the properties doing electrical upgrades. It’s not as big as an investment as we thought it would be.”

Clearly such a system needs to have some means of identifying which particular unit has gone into alarm. In the case of Swindon, they are using the Aico wall-mounted Alarm Control Switch in properties to allow residents to quickly locate the exact alarm which has detected the fire or CO leak and take appropriate action.

So it looks to all intents and purposes that the tide really is turning and CO alarms are finally being considered important home safety devices. Sadly it’s taken a number of preventable deaths to get here and without any new regulations on the horizon it still remains up to individual landlords to make the decision to install. But installing they are, at least in the social housing sector. But getting to that 80% saturation mark that we have for the smoke alarm still seems like a long way off.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics, Aico offers a full range of CO alarms, including models compatible for interconnection with any of its Ei smoke and heat alarm units. All alarms are designed and built in Europe specifically to meet the UK standards and regulations. www.aico.co.uk

20 [ OPINION OPINION [ 21

Record Shares Expertise On Automatic Doors

ARTICLE BY: Nigel Williams, Record (UK)

For almost half a century automatic sliding doors have been specified for applications varying from doctors’ surgeries to school entrance foyers; and from supermarkets to office blocks. So much have they become part of the built environment these days, that we take their presence for granted as we pass through them – and are hardly even aware of them as a result.

Which is a good thing, because it means that they function correctly. And this is due to the fact that massive levels of research and development have gone into their design, construction and installation. This R&D, of course, is ongoing, with subtle changes improving performance and visual appeal, as well as today’s current fashions.

Indeed, architects and designers are favouring the minimalist look, which has led to the development of slimmer door profile sizes. Originally a perfectly acceptable 45mm in size, it is now possible to manufacture frame members down to as low as 32, and even 20mm, to meet current design requirements.

Pushing the boundaries even further to achieve the near transparent look that designers are hankering for has led to the development of frameless automatic doors. The development here has been extensive, and the latest versions are made possible thanks to the glass door leaf being held by small, but very strong clamp fittings; while it is concealed within the operator.

The development of frameless doors, though, has not aimed just to manufacture something that is visually appealing, because as with every new product evolution, legislative requirements have had to be met. Compliance with Approved Document L of the Building Regulations, for example, has been a challenge; being that it is obviously much harder to achieve the standards of airtightness and energy conservation required without compromising on the aesthetic appeal of frameless doors, as visually intrusive seals around the glass become necessary. Additionally, specifiers are often required to achieve one hour’s fire resistance for glazed doors, which can again conflict with aesthetic considerations.

The answer for door manufacturers is, of course, to be aware that glazing specialists such as Pilkington and St Gobain have introduced glazing solutions able to meet Part L as well as the other standards across the country, While it is obviously most important for the door installation to hold back smoke and flames, meeting insulation requirements becomes vital where, for instance, a planned escape route runs past a sliding door, which is held closed during an emergency. Here the advanced glazing is able to ensure that temperatures remain low on the safe side of the barrier while the building occupants are evacuated.

Another legislative requirement that manufacturers now have to meet is the Disability Discrimination Act and, since it came into force, sliding doors have presented themselves as the easiest means of compliance for many locations, with various automatic activation devices being available, including push buttons and radar controls.

Indeed, out of all the automatic controls, radar has become the most popular and record UK has in fact been at the forefront of the technology, developing its own systems whose sophistications include the ability to ‘learn’ or work intuitively. This means people walking past a doorway on the pavement need not trigger the door opening while safety is also enhanced. Thus meeting the DDA as well Health and Safety requirements.

But perhaps the most important function, of any door, is the security it offers, which for automatic sliding door applications can be provided in a number of ways.

Where entrances are monitored, for example, in commercial offices or a public building, the receptionist or concierge can be given electronic control over the operation of the doors. But it is also possible to interface different types of access recognition system including keypads, swipe cards and proximity readers; while night-time security can be further enhanced through the utilisation of locking devices that engage in the outer frame or floor.

One final variation from convention was created by record UK as a bespoke solution for a motorway service area where particularly high flows of pedestrian foot traffic were experienced. There, the manufacturer has actually incorporated a pair of bi-parting sliding doors into the centre section to each of two large revolving doors. Staff can therefore lock the rotation of the main door and allow the sliding doors to permit higher rates of passage during peak times.

It is fair to say that many of the things in the buildings we inhabit or visit have become far more sophisticated than even 20th century science fiction writers could have envisaged; even the automatic doors we pass through every day without giving a second’s thought.www.recorduk.co.uk

22 [ OPINION OPINION [ 23

OPENING THE DOOR TO PART L COMPLIANCE

ARTICLE BY: Mike Hudson, Director, Manse Masterdor Ltd

Estimates gauge that 60% of the homes we’ll inhabit in 2050 have already been built. This means that retrofitting is a key issue in creating better insulated, more energy efficient homes. Changes to the Part L Building Regulations last October, are just the start.

Usually Building Regulations apply to newbuild or extension work, however Part L also applies to the refurbishment of existing homes where no building work has taken place. This makes the choice of external doors even more important. The simple act of fitting a thermally efficient door that is airtight and excludes draughts can have a major impact on tenants’ fuel bills – as you are literally stopping cold entering and warmth escaping a property. According to statistics from the Energy Saving Trust (EST) £6.6 billion of energy is wasted in the UK every year through homes that are poorly insulated. The EST states that in an un-insulated house, 11% of heat is lost through the floor and doors.

You need to consider the materials in which doors are manufactured, their thermal properties and air tightness, as well as the look and style of the doors, which is so important to residents. The U-Value requirement for external doors is 2.0 W/m2K for new houses in England and Wales and 1.8 W/m2K in Scotland. For existing residential buildings the values are lower at 1.8 in England and Wales and 1.6 in Scotland. This means that some door manufacturers will limit their door styles to avoid Part L compliance or rely on energy efficient and often more expensive glass such as krypton filled units to meet the requirements.

Timber solutions Timber doors provide a great solution for Part L and Manse Masterdor itself, whose products are widely specified in the social housing sector, has launched a range of external timber ‘thermal’ door-sets with low U-values that can help specifiers comply with the latest changes to Part L of the Building Regulations.

Although the requirements for new buildings are based on the total energy performance of the whole building rather than individual components, higher performance doors are essential. This has already led forward thinking specifiers and architects to incorporate the substantial benefits of timber door-sets into new, lower carbon properties achieving Code Levels 3 to 6. As the regulations tighten, timber continues to provide a first class option.

For example the 54mm insulated Masterdor TT (Timber Thermal) delivers a U-value of 1.1 W/m2K, and 44mm timber Masterdors with glazing achieve U-values of 1.6W/m2K or lower. The Masterdor TT has an insulating core and is finished in a microporous paint which provides added weather and security protection. But improved performance should not be at the expense of aesthetics given the attachment and strength of feeling many tenants exhibit towards the styles and colours of the doors available to them.

One of the criticisms of composite doors is that they rarely give extensive style or colour choice so, even if they meet the strict new performance criteria of Part L, they are unlikely to achieve widespread tenant satisfaction. The need to

build to high Code levels has been a catalyst for innovation in new homes design too which is another important reason why performance and aesthetic options must go hand-in-hand.

With its availability in 100 different door designs in any BS4800 colour, as well as selected RAL colours, Masterdor TT easily overcomes any styling concerns.

Keeping homes airtightSpecifiers also need to consider the air tightness of doors. It’s no use choosing a thermally efficient material such as timber and not making sure the construction and fitting ensures a high level of air tightness. Masterdors meet exceptionally high levels of airtightness – the 800 Special rating. This is regarded as airtight under British Standards. They also meet and exceed the requirements of PAS 23, PAS 24 and Secured by Design.

Masterdor has always strived to make door sets draught free. Through a policy of continuous development, doors are produced that are airtight and therefore thermally efficient in terms of energy loss due to convected air. The thermally insulated door blade coupled with the lead-free Sheerframe PVCu door frame using Thermlock reinforcement, has resulted in a truly energy efficient door set.

As Masterdors are made to measure timber engineered door-sets, social housing providers, specifiers and architects can be confident that a product can be designed to their specification, looks great and meets Building Regulation requirements. www.masterdor.co.uk

Cut to length Door Rails...CRL Door Rails are fully adjustable and are cut to length from stock in Manchester

The CRL Door Rail System is one of the most innovative and versatile rail systems on the market today. It features the exclusive Wedge-Lock™ Glass Securing System for rapid installation and steadfast holding power.

Kwik-Adjust™ vertical Jam Alignment System

Cut to length

Adjust and align

less than 10 minutes

Fully adjustable in closed/final positions

easyQuick &

installation

For information call FREE on 00 800 0421 6144e: [email protected]: 00 800 0262 3299

Exclusive Wedge-Lock™Glass Securing System

2� [ NEWS

Kaba Door Systems Changes Name To Gilgen Door Systems

Kaba Door Systems Limited are delighted to announce that they are now part of the Japanese company Nabtesco Corporation and will be known as Gilgen Door Systems UK Limited from 1st April 2011. The deal worth in excess of 240 million Swiss Francs (approximately £150m) includes Kaba Door Systems, Kaba Gilgen and all other entities of the Kaba Door Automation business unit across Europe and China.

Peter Faerber, Managing Director said “I am very excited about this acquisition; it represents a positive step in the long-term development of our business, opening up opportunities in the USA and Asia. This merger also makes available the technological know-how of a multinational company active in a number of sophisticated business areas”

The complementary characteristics of both companies, ensures that UK customers and suppliers can expect very little change, the legal entity having no impact on existing contracts. It’s a case of business as usual.

Together with the newly acquired company, Nabtesco will turn over £1.1bn and employ 5000 people in 31 companies throughout South East Asia, USA and Europe. Market leaders, Nabtesco dominate 50% of the Japanese automatic door market and manufacture movement control equipment and components for high-precision instruments for transport, aviation and hydraulics together robots.


KAC Unveils Key Developments For 2011 At International Firex

KAC is back at this year’s International Firex on 16-19 May at the NEC in Birmingham, to outline key developments for fire systems integrators and installers. This includes a new version of the field-proven MCP range of break glass, push button and resettable

indoor call points. Other products within the specialist range include MED approved call points for marine environments and products that operate at 230VAC mains voltage. Visitors to the show will also be able to view the market leading IP67 sealed WCP, ideal for installation in harsh environments and an ATEX approved Intrinsically Safe WCP. KAC will also be launching a new modular range of addressable Audible

Visual warning devices at the event. The range includes a common base across AV and detectors and the latest System Sensor digital Advanced Protocol, designed to reduce installation time and costs.


Securistyle Spreads The Word

Securistyle has recently invested in its marketing department to ensure more local authorities and housing associations know what its existing specifier customers already know – that the company is dedicated to designing truly innovative products to keep its customers ahead of changing legislation. David Walsh, Sales and Marketing Director of Securistyle comments: “We are undertaking a proactive PR and advertising campaign to educate the market about up and coming legislation, as well as the new products that we will be launching. We have also developed a brand new website. Securistyle has always placed the utmost importance on the design and performance of its products, but we are now focussing on ensuring the marketing support to back this up, is in place.” www.securistyle.co.uk



NEWS [ 2�

GILGEN DOOR SYSTEMS

NabtescoMember of the Group

Fendor Bucks Trend And Sees Output Rise

Fendor has bucked the economic trend to record a healthy 18 % increase in growth during 2010. Announcing the figures, managing director Chris Duffy said, “Since 2007 Fendor has invested heavily in both R&D and Marketing spend and this increased during 2010. We have aggressively targeted new market sectors specifically Healthcare this being highlighted by the introduction of several new patent applications for that sector. European Design rights have been granted for the CleanVent® system and for the first time International PCT applications are in place. ‘’The results of this strategic initiative resulted in 18% growth in 2010 output over 2009 during a period of particularly difficult market conditions in the U.K.”.


Marshalls Plc Recognised As A Business Superbrand For 2011

Marshalls plc has been announced as one of the UK’s leading business to business brands once again recently. The announcement follows a robust research process administered independently by The Centre for Brand Analysis, which analysed the views of an Expert Council and 2,000 UK business professionals. Of the thousands of brands initially considered only the top 500 are deemed to be Business Superbrands. Stephen Cheliotis, Chairman of the Expert Council & CEO, The Centre for Brand Analysis, comments: “Congratulations to Marshalls on achieving Business Superbrands status. This status confirms the strength and potency of the brand in the UK. As we enter another difficult year, the resilience of a business can be boosted by its reputation, helping to stimulate demand and loyalty versus weaker-branded rivals. The company and its employees can be extremely proud to be recognised amongst the UK’s leading B2B brands. The achievement reflects the views of experts and professionals who deemed the brand to represent quality, reliability and distinction.”

Marshalls Group Marketing Director, Chris Harrop, comments “Once again Marshalls has demonstrated its strong brand position as a market leader in its sector. We continue to strive to improve environments for everyone by using our expertise to create integrated landscapes that promote well-being, from Fairly Traded stone and providing products that alleviate flood risks, to creating innovative anti-terrorist street furniture.”


NEWS [ 2�

Sustainable Cost Consulting

www.colclough-consulting.co.uk

Colclough Consulting specialise in the Cost Management of Environmentally Responsible projects. They know that there is sound financial sense in reducing energy consumption without compromising performance.

With more than 15 years experience in Mechanical and Electrical Cost Consulting, Colclough Consulting are undertaking more and

more Renewable and Sustainable Energy projects. With their help, clients are investing precious capital in return for long-term revenue gains.

Colclough Consulting provide accurate and reliable cost advice on the full range of ‘green’ building services, including:

• Air/Ground Source Heat Pumps• Biomass Boilers• Solar Thermal• Photovoltaic Cells• Wind Turbines• Rainwater and Grey Water Recycling• Combined Heat and Power (CHP)• Intelligent Controls

Colclough Consulting are also realistic about the usefulness of renewable energy systems and will provide an honest assessment of their application according to capital costs, life-cycle and emissions reduction.

This service sits nicely alongside their more traditional quantity surveying and cost management abilities, and compliments their range of skills.

Their clients include private individuals; architects, contractors and larger corporations, and they are building an enviable portfolio of projects.

“Our edge over our competitors comes from being there for our clients from the beginning until the end, developing professional relationships that last. Only by working with a client after their project is complete can you really understand the true value of your input.” Bret Colclough, Director, Colclough Consulting Limited

Colclough Consulting continue to learn in this way, and invest this knowledge into each new project.Tel: 0113 278 1203


Bret Colclough,Director

2� [ NEWS

Portakabin Achieves Re-accreditation To Iso 14001 For Environmental Performance

Portakabin, the UK’s leading modular building specialist, has achieved re-accreditation to ISO 14001 – the internationally-recognised standard for reducing impact on the environment. Portakabin has the reassurance of other independent accreditations for its modular buildings, which include ISO 9001 for quality assurance, Zurich, BBA, LABC, and CE approvals. It also has the highest possible rating from Dun and Bradstreet, which puts Portakabin in the top 15 per cent of all companies in the UK for financial stability. In addition to its strong credit performance and the quality of its products, Over the past four years, Portakabin has delivered 99.6 per cent of buildings on time and on budget, rising to an unprecedented 99.9 per cent in the last 12 months. www.portanews.co.uk


Technal Launches New Website For Architects And Specifiers

Technal has launched a new website for architects and specifiers. The site has a completely fresh design, with clear and simple navigation, to provide a fast and efficient specifiers’ guide to the technical features, advantages, architectural flexibility, and wide-ranging applications for Technal’s aluminium curtain walling, low rise glazing, window and door systems. Its latest innovations include two new options for the MX curtain walling suite – MX Acoustic for applications requiring additional noise protection, and MX62 to accommodate even larger glass sizes. Technal

has also recently launched MODAL – the UK’s first low rise façade system to achieve such a high level of security, performance and thermal efficiency as standard. www.technal.co.uk


Alfa Laval Produces A Simple Guide To Heat Transfer

Alfa Laval has produced an updated version of its pamphlet “The theory behind Heat Transfer” which provides a simple yet detailed explanation of how and why heat is transferred from one medium to another. Within its 12 pages the pamphlet explains the natural laws of physics which dictate that the driving energy in a system must flow until equilibrium is reached. Therefore, heat, as long as there is a temperature difference, heat leaves the warmer body or the hotter fluid and transfers to the colder medium. Copies in hard back or pdf form of “The theory behind Heat Transfer” are available on request from [email protected]


The theory behind heat transfer

Plate heat exchangers

RoSPA Award For Leaderflush Shapland

Leaderflush Shapland, as part of SIG Interiors Manufacturing, has won a Silver Award in the prestigious RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards 2011. The scheme looks not only at accident records, but also entrants’ overarching health and safety management systems, including important practices such as strong leadership and workforce involvement. Leaderflush Shapland, the UK’s leading performance doorset manufacturer, is committed to policies which recognise its social, economic and environmental responsibilities. Health and safety, personnel training and development, waste management and striving to make a positive impact on the local community by working with schools and colleges, making charitable donations, sponsoring local activities, using the local skills base and investing in young people through a graduate and apprenticeship scheme all form part of the company’s ethos.the business process.www.leaderflushshapland.co.uk


Wicona Launches New Website For Complex And Bespoke Façade Solutions

Wicona has launched a new website for its façade solutions and latest developments in glazing technology. The website is a valuable source of information for architects, contractors and major fabricators about different approaches to façade and roof design for more complex and bespoke projects. Part of Hydro Building Systems, Wicona is also the first façade specialist in the UK to offer a complete turnkey service for the building envelope. Its team work closely with architects and contractors on the development of highly engineered façade designs, providing technical input and resources at every stage. Wicona also offers one of the most technically advanced and widely used unitised curtain walling systems. www.wicona.co.uk


T: +44 (0)1376 518037 E: [email protected]: www.davidclouting.co.ukDavid Clouting Ltd. Perry Road, Witham, Essex CM8 3UD

Call today for information on our product range

exciting range of high gloss sheet materials for the commercial and domestic sectors

Revolutionsfor Interior Design

7855-Clouting Ad2 IDFX_Layout 1 11/01/2011 15:49 Page 1


Securistyle Prepares For Launch At CIH

Securistyle has announced it will be exhibiting at this year’s Chartered Institute of Housing show in Harrogate, with a brand new multi point door lock product. Ken Evans, National Specification Manager, comments: “Visitors to our stand at CIH will be among the first to see the innovative Defender Door Lock – the answer to the long standing issue of Secure Escape. The Defender Door Lock meets the demands of security, fire safety and endurance. Its unique design allows a single lock to be configured for a wide range of applications. Visitors will be able to see the lock in situ as well as discuss the opportunities it offers with our team of experts. We will also be giving practical information on how the new lock meets and exceeds existing legislation.”www.securistyle.co.uk


Schueco UK Wins Prestigious Manufacturer Of The Year Award

Building envelope and renewable energy specialist Schueco UK Limited was named Manufacturer of the Year at the Building Awards held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane. The panel of judges declared Schueco to be the clear winner in this category thanks to an impressive programme of expansion and investment. In 2010, Schueco UK invested heavily in its renewables offering, recruiting extra staff and developing new BIPV systems.In addition, it expanded the resources of its aluminium division, launching a series of new window and façade systems including a Green Guide ‘A’ Rated window.


Alfa Laval’s Virtual Showroom

Customers Of Alfa Laval Can Now Obtain 3D Interactive Previews Of Important New Products On A Re-launched Version Of The Company’s Virtual Showroom At www.alfalaval.com/showroom. Currently on display are seven of the company’s latest products for important sectors such as energy, the environment and food. Using 3D imagery, the Showroom provides visitors with the opportunity for a 360 degree overview of each product accompanied by concise details of each product’s key features and benefits. The showroom will be updated as new products are launched in the future. Since the launch, five versions have been introduced, each available in more than 30 languages. The most recent edition is available in 50 unique country / language versions and includes new features such as films, customer testimonials and downloads for, seven of the company’s most groundbreaking new products.Visit www.alfalaval.com/showroom


Call For Brick Awards 2011

The search is underway once more to find the best brickwork in action for the 2011 Brick Awards, organised by the Brick Development Association. Entrants are judged on architectural design demonstrating sustainability credentials and the choice of brick. The Awards are open to anyone, whether they are architects/designers, building owners, developers, housebuilders, contractors or brick manufacturers. The only stipulation is that the project – unless it’s featured in the International or

Worldwide categories – must feature clay bricks or pavers made by BDA members. The 2011 Brick Awards will be presented at the Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel in London on 2 November. Entry forms and further information about the categories are available on the BDA website, www.brick.org.uk/brickawards2011. Hard copies can also be requested by emailing [email protected] or by calling 020 7323 7030. The closing date for entries is 17 June 2011.


2� [ NEWS

Police Cadets Back On The Beat With VEKA

VEKA is to provide a meeting place for its local Police Cadets for a fourth year running. The 20 youngsters plus four Senior Cadets will gather at the leading system supplier’s Burnley HQ each week for a year, with meetings in its Conference Room as well as practical sessions in the office car park. In return, the Cadets will again wear the company’s familiar blue diamond VEKA logo on their uniform polo shirts.Youth Involvement Officer PC Julie Eyre said: “Once again, we are very grateful for VEKA’s continued support. These young people put so much effort into the course and such a facility helps them to get the most out of it.”


PRODUCT NEWS [ 31

Laidlaw Winner Of Winners Architectural Ironmongery Specification Awards

Laidlaw Solutions Limited once again featured prominently in the 2010/11 Architectural Ironmongery Specification Awards organised by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers and the RIBA. The Rose Lodge project in Hebburn, Tyne and Wear was judged overall ‘Winner of Winners’ as well as

‘Best Public Sector Project’, products having been supplied from the specialist Orbis Anti-Ligature range. Laidlaw worked closely with award winning healthcare specifiers Medical Architecture (MAAP) in the fit-out of the £6.1m Specialist Care Centre which caters for adults with learning disabilities. The company was also ‘Commended’ in the ‘Hospitality and Residential Buildings’ category for its work on ‘Bespoke Hotels’ Bermondsey Square project.The GAI / RIBA Specification Awards recognise the best projects, regardless of budget or scale, with each being made jointly to the architect and ironmongery provider.


30 [ NEWS

Kaba Door Systems Limited are delighted to announce that they are now part of the Nabtesco group and will be known as Gilgen Door Systems UK Limited.

Automatic sliding, folding and swing doorsIndustrial roller shutter, sectional overhead and high speed doorsFire shutters and curtains24hr emergency repairsNationwide maintenance

Kaba Door Automation is now Gilgen Door Systems and is part of the Nabtesco Group

Gilgen Door Systems UK LimitedHalesfield 4, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 [email protected]: 0870 000 5252

Eurolight Lightens The LoadJames Latham, the country’s leading importer and distributor of timber and wood based panel products, is now carrying EUROLIGHT®, the popular range of lightweight MFC panels. EUROLIGHT® lightweight boards are revolutionising furniture and interior design, with high stability, low weight and reduced raw material usage. With its stable honeycomb cardboard core and a choice of 3,4 or 8mm thick MFC surface layers, many different finishes can be achieved as well as edge processing.

Paul Morson, Lathams’ Melamine Product Champion explained “Current interior design trends demand the use of thicker materials to convey contemporary design and high quality. EUROLIGHT® meets such design requirements with a range of attractive decors and textures in ‘chunky’ 38mm and 50mm thicknesses, all available through Lathams and directly from stock.”

He continued, “To achieve the same look with MDF or Chipboard, traditionally, fabricators have had to bond a number of layers together which is not only time consuming and cumbersome but also creates an extremely heavy piece of furniture. EUROLIGHT® weighs 50 percent less than the equivalent thickness of MDF or Chipboard offering exciting, practical and aesthetic benefits to architects and interior designers.”

The product is already proving popular for a wide range of applications and as well as winning favour with furniture manufacturers due to its versatility and high quality finish, it is increasingly being specified in both shop fitting projects as well as in the construction of exhibition stands because of its lightweight properties and significant environmental benefits.


www.lathamtimber.co.uk

Images supplied by © EGGER


www.expandedmetalcompany.co.uk

Often the very last consideration in new-build projects and a headache for building refurbishments, unsightly plant on and around a building has become a tiresome problem. After many 11th hour calls from Architects and Facilities Managers, The Expanded Metal Company decided to develop an easy-to-specify, easy-to-install plant screen system. The challenge was to combine the advantages of expanded metal, with a system that was aesthetically pleasing

yet hard working enough to withstand the wind loads associated with hi-rise roof top installations.

The revolutionary new plant screen system Securascreen™, has been born from the frustration

of Architects, who have had the quandary of trying to minimise the effect of unsightly plant and equipment and protecting the equipment from damage or theft, whilst providing access for engineers and new installations. Based on a simple but effective

design, Securascreen™ achieves all of these aims in an “off the shelf” package. The system includes newly designed “change of direction posts” which allow the system to be opened up for access and made either larger or smaller at whichever angle you choose. Crucially, Securascreen™ achieves all of this without compromising on aesthetics, a range of meshes has been chosen based on The Expanded Metal Company’s stylish architectural range. The galvanised steel system can then be powder coated to the colour and finish of your choice.

The use of expanded metal in this system means the specifier has a choice in terms of the level of visibility from either side of the screen. This is achieved by carefully selecting the orientation of the mesh, for example; a rooftop application may benefit from using the mesh “upside-down”, when viewed from ground level (looking up) the screen would appear solid yet would appear open when looking outward from the inside. Less obviously, the colour of the screen can also have a huge influence on through visibility. Darker colours provide a greater contrast with the surrounding area and are therefore easier to see through. Lighter colours, typically

having less contrast, will be less easy to see through. Again, this gives the specifier a choice without having to design and engineer a bespoke system. The mesh also allows ventilation, which is often an important factor. Securascreen™ is versatile enough to also be used at ground level where, again, it can be used to screen and protect plant or more simply be used to house bins or even vehicles. Where frequent access is required the system can be easily adapted by our in-house designers to include security gates.

The installation of Securascreen™ has also been made as easy as possible. It is broken down into component parts, all of which are at manageable weights and sizes. These are then supplied with all the necessary fixings you will need for your installation. A full set of instructions and separate technical data relating to wind loadings are also available. The Securascreen™ launch at Ecobuild in March was well received, though some wondered why expanded metal might be being showcased at an “eco” or “green” show. The clue is in the name of the material of course. Since 1889 The Expanded Metal Company have been taking sheets or coils of all types of metal and turning it into even bigger sheets or coils of expanded

metal mesh. The expanding process involves cutting and stretching a small amount of the raw material, in a single process, creating a much larger piece of mesh, with little wastage.

Some meshes can be in excess of 80% larger than the original piece of metal ensuring a strong and seamless mesh, providing great value for money and making the most of metal in a sustainable way. You can learn more about this easily specified, easily installed solution to the problems of masking and securing plant and other equipment from The Expanded Metal Company on 01429 867388 [email protected]


32 [ PRODUCT NEWS PRODUCT NEWS [ 33

Securascreen™, The Revolutionary New Plant Screen System From Expanded Metal Company

PRODUCT NEWS [ 3�

Showered In SUCCESS

Formed in 1979 Taplanes Showing Solutions were once a subsidiary of Kelan Engineering and are now the oldest British manufacturer of shower cubicles, minipods and ensuite pods. Using their own patented manufacturing techniques and materials, Taplanes are the only British company that can genuinely prove that they can meet a minimum 30 year life expectancy if not in excess of 50 years.

Taplanes have produced specialized equipment for private, military and government contracts for various applications which have involved highly specialized chemicals, plastics, electronics and robotic knowledge. Most of these contracts were completed under “Letters of Confidentiality” and “Secrecy” documentation. Taplanes manufacture all their products using a specially formulated polypropylene material with a minimum thickness of 10/12mm. This sustainable material allows Taplanes to take their products back at the end of its life cycle, regrind it, re-thermoform it and then re-use it.

Each bespoke construction does not use any substitute material for strength, under-carriage support or component fixing, nor does the system carry any exposed sealant, grout or tiling which can be a costly, an on-going maintenance issue, and can also attract bacteria. The Taplanes material is tested and approved by an NHS test Laboratory as bacteria free and also totally inert. Their patented horizontal joint system is designed to prevent any capillary action allowing for the whole ensuite system to be taken in and out of the allotted room as many times as needed without invalidating the guarantee.

During their 31 years of manufacture Taplanes can refer to clients selling buildings, taking the ensuite or showers out, and reusing them in other buildings which saves considerable sums of money. The Taplanes unique design is a cost saving environmentally friendly solution, perfect for today’s economic climate.


www.taplanes.net

3� [ PRODUCT NEWS

Touch Free Urinal Control With Schell Compact II

The latest item to hit the UK market from SCHELL GmbH, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of water managing products, is the Compact II concealed, automatic urinal flush.The concealed flush valve is controlled by an infrared sensor wall-mounted above the urinal which automatically releases a 0.3 litres/second flush as soon as anyone walks away from the urinal. The valve unit itself is concealed behind the wall and the only part of the system visible to the user is a neat cover only 124mm x 153.5mm with a small horizontal glazed slit in it for sensor recognition.The unit itself is unobtrusive and has no projections but complete protection from vandals can be assured by use of a stainless steel front cover as opposed to the more normal plastic cover finished in either high quality Chrome or Alpine White. The Compact II can be operated from mains electricity using the 230V/50Hz power converter with plug supplied or by use of an easily accessed long-life 9 volt alkaline cell battery.This new concealed flush system, although technically advanced, has proved exceptionally reliable and the Compact II, with its advantages of minimised water use, uncluttered washroom appearance, vandal resistance and trouble-free operation is ideal for use in offices, public places and factories and installation is extremely simple whatever the urinal’s situation.



3� [ PRODUCT NEWS

New Vortex Lock For Unrivalled Security

The new Vortex magnetic door lock from Videx Security combines mechanical and magnetic security in a lock that is 75% smaller and has a lower current consumption than a standard magnetic lock. Yet it offers a 400% higher holding force than a standard lock as a result of incorporating not only a magnetic plate but also a conical orifice which retains a very strong alloy pin. Vortex features built-in monitoring that not only monitors for a door being forced, but built-in pressure sensors also monitor for attempted door force. This ensures a higher degree of security and provides an alert before the door security has been compromised. A highly visible red/green indicator shows the status of the lock.


Fakro Launches Quadruple Glazed Roof Window

Fakro FTT roof windows offer an exceptional heat transmission coefficient, having been designed to meet the requirements of energy-efficient buildings such as those built to Passivhaus standards. Glazing units are set in specially designed wider sash frames which minimize the potential for thermal bridging. With a 50mm thick glazing unit, the FTT U8 Thermo® quadruple-glazed roof window has a U-value of 0.68 W/m2K while that of the triple-glazed FTT U6 is 0.81W/m2k. The patented topSafe® system provides an exceptional standard of security and safety - Class 4 EN13049 while the locking mechanism secures the sash either side of the frame.


New Cylinders With EC-Eau Credentials From Dimplex

Dimplex’s launch of the new EC-Eau range of unvented water cylinders for heat pumps and solar thermal delivers a complete renewable water heating solution. Manufactured from 60 percent recycled materials, the range delivers mains pressure hot water from renewable sources. 60mm of CFC-free foam injected insulation gives excellent heat retention for reduced heat loss and energy consumption, while clever touches like recessed immersion heater and thermostat housings also help to minimise heat loss and boost energy efficiency. All cylinders provide mains pressure hot water for fast filling baths and powerful showers and feature an immersion for sterilisation and back-up heating. The direct and indirect cylinders provide highly efficient mains pressure hot water for simultaneous supply of water to all bathrooms – without the need for a cold water storage tank.


SESI - A Water Conditioner That Really Delivers

If you’re looking to fit a water conditioner, you need to fit one that is proven and which has the science to back it up so an electrolytic physical water conditioner is the ideal choice. The SESI from Salamander Engineering uses a zinc electrode and a natural electrolytic process to flush hard salts through the system rather than allowing them to settle and build up as limescale. The SESI from Salamander has the advantage of being able to protect an entire household pipe system from the formation of limescale encrustation and, in the case of steel pipes, rust deposits, without the use of chemicals or salt and without the need for any electrical power supply. www.salamander-engineering.co.uk


Public Sector Glazing – Cantifix Has It Covered

PRODUCT NEWS [ 3�

www.cantifix.co.uk

From stylish domestic renovations to cutting-edge international glazing contracts, Cantifix has been leading the way in all things glass for the past 25 years. The family-run business was started in 1986, and has since then built up a reputation as one of the market leaders in specialist glass. As part of continued diversification plans, Cantifix aims to provide a greater range of glazing solutions for a wide range of project types, locations and budgets, adapting to suit the individual needs of the public sector. Director, Charlie Sharman elaborates; “After 25 years of working exclusively in the specialist glazing market, we have recognised an increasing demand for very high quality at competitive rates. This is a difficult brief to fulfill; but Cantifix introduced Cantifix Direct, our online shop, over two years ago to service this demand and have recently bought Interwest, an established glazing company in Somerset, to take it further. Interwest has been installing cost-effective glass structures to the commercial and public sector for 26 years. In combination with Cantifix’s specialist knowledge we are now able to offer a full range of quality products at competitive rates. We have also recently developed and launched the largest 30 and 60 minute fire-rated glass floors on the market. Our FloorGlaze™ range sits perfectly alongside our other innovative products and further improves the service to our customers.”

Cantifix Direct – custom-made glazing online Created to extend the geographical reach and financial accessibility of the range, Cantifix Direct (www.cantifixdirect.co.uk) is an online service which sells a selection of glass doors, windows, roofs and floors. The products are carefully chosen to compliment the architectural and structural glazing possibilities available from Cantifix, and are available supply-only. Using this service, it is possible for public sector clients across the country to use these top-quality products in their schemes, whilst keeping costs to a minimum. Cantifix

recognises that some public sector projects can be very complex, and require meticulous attention to detail; and this is where the expertise of recently acquired Interwest (www.interwestltd.co.uk) is most valuable. Interwest has unparalleled experience in educational and public sector projects, and is well-known in the South West for delivering on time and on budget. The joining of the companies increases the geographical coverage of Cantifix across the South West and South Wales, and has already led to a number of enquiries for mix-scheme packages that contain elements of glazed curtain walling, together with more complicated glass elements.

Floorglaze – the world’s largest fire-rated glass floorTo ensure that its range stands up to the more stringent building regulations of public sector construction, Cantifix has recently introduced FloorGlaze™, a range of fire-rated glass floors. Regulations stipulate that all institutional buildings, shopping centres, and schools with floor areas greater than 800m2 must have fire-rated flooring, and FloorGlaze™ fits the bill perfectly. Fully tested and certified to EN standards, FloorGlaze™ is available with fire ratings of either 30 minutes (F30), or 60 minutes (F60) insulation and integrity.The range can be used in schools, libraries, hotels, sports centres and arenas, offices, museums, hospitals, private homes and anywhere else imaginable. Cantifix has engineered FloorGlaze™ to achieve a U value of 1.1 W/m2/K, complying with new Part L regulations and giving brilliant thermal performance. It also has an amazing acoustic performance of 50 Db (Rw), ideal for stopping the transfer of noise between floors. The FloorGlaze™ range is available for installation and supply-only.


Keywood is modified timber from timber preservation and fire retardant specialists Arch Timber Protection. It has been developed to provide a building material with the widest range of possibilities and uses only natural biomass resins and Radiata Pine sustainable timbers. Keywood provides a versatile, durable and sustainable building material. It can be used both indoors or outdoors, either with or without a coating. The modification process imbues Keywood

with improved dimensional stability and long term performance properties with a Durability Class which relates to a 60 year service life according to BS8417 for outdoor, above ground applications, such as decking, cladding, joinery and furniture. www.keywood.eu


Keywood From Arch Timber Protection

3� [ PRODUCT NEWS PRODUCT NEWS [ 3�

rainline sustainable rainwater systems in steel

Rainline – no matterwhat the colour, it willalways be greenIn Sweden they know a thing or two about manufacturing sustainable building products and their impact on

the environment, so it’s not surprising that Lindab’s Rainline carbon footprint

is significantly lower than many of the rainwater systems currently on the

market.This combined with high performance,

quality and competitive pricing makes Rainline one of the most effective and ‘green’ solutions for the control of rain drainage on all types of buildings.

Manufactured from high quality, zinc coated part recycled galvanised steel; Rainline offers all the features you would expect from a system manufactured by one of Sweden’s leading companies.Available in a range of attractive high build polyester colours, the finish of which is guaranteed for 15 years, Rainline is also available in natural copper, Aluzinc and plaingalvanised.For an information pack contact us at the address below.

SilverMetallic

Lindab Ltd • Building Products Division • Shenstone Trading Estate • Halesowen • West Midlands • B63 3XB

Telephone: +44 121 585 2780 • Facsimile: +44 121 585 2782 • Email: [email protected] • www.lindab.co.uk


Cut To Length Door Rails Available From CRL

Cut to length door rails are now available from stock in Manchester. The CRL Door Rail System is one of the most innovative and versatile rail systems on the market today. It features the exclusive Wedge-Lock™ Glass Securing System for rapid installation and holding power. CRL Door Rails also feature the Kwik-Adjust™ vertical Jamb Alignment System for easy installation.Cut to length - between 750mm and 1250mm, for rails 102 mm (4 “) in heightAdjust and align doors without removalDoor assembly can be ready for installation in less than 10 minutes Fully adjustable in closed/final positions - no need to remove the door. For further information please contact CRL on freephone 00 800 0421 6144, email [email protected] or visit www.crlaurence.co.uk


Comar 6EFT - Curtain Walling

Comar’s 6EFT Curtain Walling System provides high performance solutions for façades. Comar’s 6EFT delivers curtain walling with 50mm standardised sightlines and includes options for 4sided structural glazing which achieves a cutting edge façade with no visible aluminium sight lines, and 2sided structural glazing with horizontal or vertical capping, concealed vents where a feature and bespoke finish can be achieved through a variety of cover caps. All systems can include side or top hung opening vents and roof glazing. Facetted glazing options for all systems are available in 7.5o increments both convex and concave.


New Tap Water Heater Exploits Renewable Energy

SolarFlow from Alfa Laval is a tap water pre-heater designed to exploit energy from renewable sources such as solar panels, geothermal fields, heat pumps and even condensate recovery for domestic hot water production. SolarFlow was developed specifically to provide cost-effective domestic hot water to large structures Intended principally as a pre-heater, SolarFlow must be combined with a conventional tap water heat source which acts mostly as a top-up facility. In this way, the system prioritises the renewable energy source, keeping reliance on conventional energy to a minimum. Thanks to the fact that water in the primary tank is never heated by a boiler or electrical heater, the unit offers genuine energy savings. In addition, the configuration of the primary tank guarantees maximum energy delivery on demand. And the use of a

primary tank instead of a secondary storage vessel ensures that the risk of Legionella and other bacteria developing is kept to a minimum.


Support For Below-Slab Insulation

Installing insulation below the floor slab helps create an envelope of continuous insulation that minimizes heat loss. Surpassing requirements by installing extra insulation beneath a floor provides a one-off opportunity that could help compensate for design and construction changes made during a building’s lifetime. FLOORMATE 300-A resists moisture and is durable enough to be laid beneath floors, helping to avoid thermal bridges at floor and wall junctions. The material is manufactured by Dow Building Solutions using STYROFOAM-A extruded polystyrene foam insulation. The material is manufactured using technology that takes CO2 from industry and uses it as a blowing agent in order to create insulation foam with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than five.

For access to a free technical paper on “The future of insulation in residential groundbearing floors” email [email protected] or visit www.styrofoam.co.uk and download the paper from the literature pages.


New Solar Thermal Collectors From Dimplex

Dimplex has launched three new products; a cost-effective flat plate collector, a high performance evacuated tube option and single branch pump station. Dimplex’s evacuated tube collectors give excellent performance in northern European climates, delivering excellent transfer of solar energy to heat, thanks to a vacuum incorporated inside the tubes to insulate against heat loss. The new SOL201 flat plate collector offers an alternative to Dimplex’s SOL220 collector. A cost-effective solution, the SOL201 is suitable for vertical or horizontal mounting of up to three panels in series, making it ideal for domestic use. The new single branch, flow only, pump station SOLPU0 completes the trio of new Dimplex solar thermal products and is offered as a cost-effective alternative to the existing pump station SOLPU1. The new pump station is combined with a controller in a new hydraulic pack which can be used with any of the Dimplex solar collectors.


Talon Covers For Frank Godley’s Pipes

Frank Godley Court is a sheltered housing development of 40 one-bedroom flats plus a three bedroom flat for the resident manager. Part of a recent refurbishment project consisted of installing Talon 105 Skirting Cover Profile over the heating pipes, giving vital protection to residents against burns should they fall as well as improving the tidiness and appearance of the flats. Talon’s Skirting Cover Profiles have proved extremely popular as a simply installed, neat, secure and safe method of hiding pipes at floor level. Once the pipes have been clipped in, the cover simply click-fits over the top, giving the appearance of a standard skirting board. www.talon.co.uk


�0 [ PRODUCT NEWS PRODUCT NEWS [ �1

Hardwater scale – limescale – is damaging and reducing the efficiency of customers’ appliances by up to 12%. The average life of a boiler heat exchanger, is 10 – 15 years, but in hard water areas, this can dramatically decrease to just 2 – 3 years. One option for preventing the adverse effects of hard water is the fitting of a physical water conditioner. Rather than removing the hard minerals and softening the water, they work by altering the physical properties of the minerals within the water, preventing the formation of scale. The SESI from Salamander, works by flushing the hard salts through the system. It uses a zinc electrode and a natural electrolytic process to flush hard salts through the system rather than allowing them to settle and build up as limescale.


Chiltern International Fire Helps Tesco Hammer Home Safety Message In Staff Training DVD

Accessible Bathrooms Have Just Become Stylish Thanks To IntaQuick

Taking On Limescale - Reduced Emissions And Reduced Fuel Bills Swept Bend Guide By Talon

New Nullifire Service Helps Public Sector Clients Ensure Maximum Fire Resistance

Nullifire, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of passive fire protection systems, has developed a new service tailored to the needs of major building refurbishment projects in the public sector. Passive fire protection systems normally form part of the contruction phase of a project and as such have some degree of planning and process consideration. In refurbishment projects, the retrospective application of intumescent coatings is made more difficult as the structural elements are often inaccessible. Furthermore, modifications to the building or the installation of new services by subsequent occupiers can often compromise the passive fire protection and put the building and its occupants at risk.

“We see an increasing number of incidents where contractors installing new telecoms or broadband systems simply knock through partitions or even gain unlawful entry into service risers” explains Nullifire’s Specification and Technical Manager Jeff Dyson. “This is usually done without any thought for the fire protection”.

Nullifire’s new service was launched in the wake of the Lakanal House fire in Camberwell which killed six people. Fire tore through council-owned block which dated from 1959 despite the owner having recently spent £3.5 million on refurbishment work. According to Mr Dyson, the following investigation highlighted the lack of passive fire protection in the building. “Many large public buildings undergo alterations which could affect their fire performance” explains Geoff Dyson. “Hospitals are especially vulnerable and we are already working with a health authority in Wales to assist in the survey of their buildings”.

Although Nullifire already has close links with several local authorities, its new service is specially tailored to make it easier for clients to ensure compliance with the fire regulations. Nullifire surveys the building and submits a report highlighting any shortfall in the fire protection provided. Working with the client, Nullifire then draws up a specification for a specialist contractor employed by the client. Following completion of the works, Nullifire will inspect the work and on approval will provide a warranty that the installation meets current requirements.


New Optigo CS Commercial Air Coolers Are Chillingly Efficient

Alfa Laval has developed a new portfolio of Eurovent-certified, commercial air coolers for duties in food preparation areas, chilled distribution depots, supermarkets, petrol stations, restaurants and the like. Called Optigo, the first units released under this name are the CS20 and CS30 air coolers. With an evaporation range of from +100 C to – 300 C both are ideal for general applications in small to medium size cooling and freezing rooms. The smart but, durable casing is aluminium coated with a thick epoxy coating to RAL 9003 for a long working life. Each unit is available from stock and is delivered with a comprehensive two-year guarantee.


Warm Air Solutions Find Favour For Private And Social Housing

The immediate warmth and economic running cost benefits offered by Johnson & Starley’s Hi-Spec and Economaire warm air heaters continue to be popular for all types of housing. The use of these products in warm air replacement and upgrade contracts is central to the business activities of Midlands based specialist heating contractor, Oxby Warm Air. As well as sub-contracting to Birmingham City Council’s service contractors, Oxby Warm Air also does extensive similar work for British

Gas in the Midlands. The one off replacement work for private clients is significant as property owners extend or alter their property and require new warm air heaters. The financial returns on the time invested are highly favourable compared with replacing wet heating systems. Work can be carried out with minimal disruption and without the need to lift floorboards or carryout other time consuming preparation or reinstatement.


Tap, valve and shower specialist Intatec has introduced a revolutionary new system called IntaQuick, which transforms an ordinary bathroom into an accessible one and back again in a few simple steps.IntaQuick is a stylish, high quality collection of removable hand rails, seats and accessories that pack away when not needed, so a bathroom can be accessible when necessary and not create an extra obstacle for the able bodied to encounter when it is not. This product makes use of a permanent wall mounted fixing rail at dado height, allowing individual accessories, such as toilet hand rails and shower seats to be easily and quickly fitted or removed. Innovation in the fixing method and aesthetic design makes IntaQuick look like a bathroom enhancement than an accessory for the less able – accessible bathrooms have just become stylish. www.intatec.co.uk


Laying A Healthy Welcome

Sevenoaks Hospital in Kent has installed Frontrunner Plus entrance matting in the main double lobby entrance, complete with integral logo to welcome visitors. Manufactured by Plastic Extruders Ltd, Frontrunner Plus is an ideal choice for this type of application where stringent removal of under shoe dirt is vital for health and hygiene. The high performance matting is manufactured with integral absorbent inserts within a vinyl grid. Frontrunner Plus forms part of the Frontrunner entrance flooring system and is available in 75 different colour combinations. The addition of a logo incorporated into the mat adds a personal welcoming touch as well as visual branding. www.frontrunnerplus.com


High Wycombe-based Chiltern International Fire (CIF) designed a mock up of a Tesco store to demonstrate how quickly plastic crates stacked under the eaves could catch fire and attack the structure, for a new staff training DVD. The film crew from Media Zoo have worked with Chiltern International Fire in the past and recommended the company to Tesco, said Emily Scragg, Tesco’s Fire Operations Manager (Trading Law and Technical), “We have a strong track record on health & safety and ongoing staff training is a central to that. The new DVD focuses on fire prevention as a key part of our overall strategy for staff and customer safety in store.” Sadly arson can be a problem for retailers. CIF Head of Section, Fire

Behaviour Philip Howard, said: ‘Plastic crates, for example, provide ready-made fuel for deliberate or accidental fires and if they are set alight close to the building they can do significant damage in a very short space of time.’


Talon Manufacturing Ltd., has now produced a Swept Bend Guide for 10mmm pipe work. This white Polypropylene double pipe guide, measuring 145mm x 145mm, is designed to be used with two flexible 10 mm pipes, these are guided around in a swept bend configuration avoiding the kinking of the pipe work, ensuring a neat appearance is maintained throughout the bend and importantly that the water flow is not restricted as it would be if a 90º elbow is used.


Parkex Delights

Parkex 2011, Europe’s largest dedicated parking industry event (organised on behalf of the British Parking Association) saw the new look of WPS in the UK ,where the state-of-the-art, flexible parking management, ParkID system was on display. The stand saw many customers old and new, and plenty of prospective new ’partners’ with its new approach to working in partnership with customers to deliver future proof parking solutions. With the buzz on the stand around the new ‘partnership’ method of working, and focus on customer service, the stand clearly defined the sectors that WPS are servicing – Local Authorities and Car Park Operators/Owners – as well as introducing the Park & Recharge products under the new WPS Environmental brand.


�2 [ PRODUCT NEWS

The 3R’s of building are Re-new-Re-cycle-Re-vive and with the help of windows, doors, window walling and curtain walling from Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems & Alu-Timber, on-time, cost effective solutions are achieved.

Re-newing a school could mean a total new-build or a refurbishment. Comar & Alu-Timber have a Nationwide network of approved fabricators, who can handle a range of projects from a single window replacement in term time, the refurbishment and installation of a new aluminium facade for an elevation, or a complete new-build envelope.

The Parkside Group Ltd Web: www.parksidegroup.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 0208 685 9685

Re-cycling, aluminium can be re-cycled again and again with no loss to its form and function, creating a bank of valuable aluminium for future generations.

Re-viving, aluminium facades with their high strength-to-weight-ratio, create sleek, slim sight lines that house co-ordinating glass or panels. These aesthetically pleasing sight-lines can be finished in a myriad of polyester powder coating or anodising colours. In a non-marine environment a standard guarantee of 25 years is offered. However, with correct planned maintenance, the design life of aluminium is indefinite; the Empire State Building has an aluminium roof and 100 years after its construction still maintains its original striking appearance.

3Rs_A4_Image.indd 1 18/2/11 14:36:52

The 3R’s of building are Re-new-Re-cycle-Re-vive and with the help of windows, doors, window walling and curtain walling from Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems & Alu-Timber, on-time, cost effective solutions are achieved.

Re-newing a school could mean a total new-build or a refurbishment. Comar & Alu-Timber have a Nationwide network of approved fabricators, who can handle a range of projects from a single window replacement in term time, the refurbishment and installation of a new aluminium facade for an elevation, or a complete new-build envelope.

The Parkside Group Ltd Web: www.parksidegroup.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 0208 685 9685

Re-cycling, aluminium can be re-cycled again and again with no loss to its form and function, creating a bank of valuable aluminium for future generations.

Re-viving, aluminium facades with their high strength-to-weight-ratio, create sleek, slim sight lines that house co-ordinating glass or panels. These aesthetically pleasing sight-lines can be finished in a myriad of polyester powder coating or anodising colours. In a non-marine environment a standard guarantee of 25 years is offered. However, with correct planned maintenance, the design life of aluminium is indefinite; the Empire State Building has an aluminium roof and 100 years after its construction still maintains its original striking appearance.

3Rs_A4_Image.indd 1 18/2/11 14:36:52


Forbo Invites Offers Floor Scheme Design ServiceForbo Flooring is inviting architects, interior designers and other flooring specifiers working on all types of public building projects to take advantage of its invaluable floor design planning service.No matter how complex the project, or demanding the aesthetic and

technical performance criteria, Forbo says its experienced in-house designers will draw upon their in-depth product knowledge to deliver an integrated floor scheme to meet the brief.

Exploiting the complementary nature of the colour palettes and designs in Forbo’s floor covering portfolio, the team will bring together beautifully co-ordinated proposals for their clients. These may incorporate a combination of Westbond or Tessera carpet tiles, Marmoleum, Flotex flocked flooring or Project Vinyl, together with an effective ‘zoned’ entrance flooring system featuring matting from the Nuway and Coral ranges where required. Whilst aesthetics are clearly of prime importance, each scheme will also take into account the client’s specific maintenance, safety, thermal and acoustic requirements.

To communicate their ideas the team uses sophisticated graphics tools to translate architectural drawings and photographs into fully detailed ‘impressions’ of how the completed installation will appear. These are then displayed on large presentation boards together with samples of the all the floor coverings to be featured.

Designer Karen Shatwell (pictured) says: “We have found that these design boards are a very effective way for our creative ideas to be presented to our clients. Once all the elements of a floor scheme are finalised, these plans can be shared in a very visual manner with other members of the project team, and indeed to other stakeholders who have an interest in the changes being made to their buildings.”


www.forbo-flooring.co.uk

�� [ PRODUCT NEWS PRODUCT NEWS [ ��

Salamander Has The Right Pump For Whole House Systems – And They Do It Quietly

The ‘Whole House’ pumps from Salamander’s Right Pump range can supply the total water powering needs of all UK households with gravity fed systems. The RHP range can supply, toilets, baths and wash basins as well as just showers. Available in four models: the RHP50 (1.5 bar) can provide, conventional showers, whole house showers, toilets, wash-basins, baths and individual hot and cold taps. The RSP75 (2.0 bar), similar to the RHP50, but is also suitable for high resistance outlets such as multi-functional showers and showers with a massage function or champagne spray.The two remaining pumps, the RHP100 (3.0 bar) twin and the RHP140 (4.3 bar) twin have the same specifications as the previous Salamander pumps, but can also power showers with up to four body jets.


Match The Tap With New Schell Angle Valves

SCHELL GmbH, leading suppliers of high quality bathroom hardware, has raised the crossbar in design by producing a range of four angle valves very competitively priced with subtly different styling to complement the taps in a basin or bath. All four are in a high quality chrome finish over a brass body and in up-to-the-minute styling. The variations lie in the conformation of the hand knob on the valve end and tThese new SCHELL valves provide the extra dimension of aesthetic appeal to their functionality.


Armstrong Comes Clean On The Healthcare Issue

Guides to ceiling and wall systems appropriate for the particularly demanding environments of healthcare buildings have been launched in three mediums by Armstrong Ceilings. Hygiene needs are paramount so too is the patient experience in contemporary healthcare and Armstrong’s “Healthcare segment” brochure, healthcare interactive flash and new healthcare CPD advise how this element can be designed into healthcare spaces using appropriate ceiling and wall systems to optimise factors such as acoustics and natural daylight . The interactive healthcare flash presentation gives viewers the option to focus on individual healthcare spaces such as MRI rooms, operating theatres, consulting rooms, reception areas, canteens and corridors. The CPD, “Principles of a good healthcare environment”, also details how Armstrong’s industry-leading End-Of-Life and Off-Cut Recycling schemes benefited projects such as Tameside and Birmingham hospitals.


Electrolux Chosen For The Heart Hospital

The Heart Hospital in London is one of the major cardiac centres in the country, offering dedicated, and specialist heart care. Infection control remains the highest priority for UCLH NHS Trust and the decision to transfer to microfibre cleaning at The Heart Hospital was made after substantial research by Annette Jeanes, the Trust Director of Infection Control. The implementation of microfibre cleaning at The Heart Hospital was undertaken after extensive market testing of products and washing machines. The 100-bed Heart Hospital has now benefited from the installation of a new Electrolux laundry to cater for the introduction of the microfibre and mops, clothes. Six machines in total have been introduced to the in-house microfibre laundry department – three W4180H 18kg washers and three T4300LE heat pump dryers giving a low energy outcome solution especially when the Trust is being challenged to reduce energy consumption and its overall carbon use.


Klober - The Latest NHBC Roof Ventilation Directive The issue of how best to control condensation in the roof space has been debated ever since vapour permeable underlays (VPUs) were introduced. However, consistently cold winters have, according to roofing accessory specialists Klober, prompted an increasing number of condensation-related complaints to the NHBC.

Managing Director David Arendell commented, “Despite the fact that the great majority of VPUs are supported by third party certification, the NHBC has now published new ventilation requirements for roofs in which vapour permeable underlays (VPUs) are used”.

The risk of condensation in new homes is at its greatest during the drying out period and the situation is made worse by brief periods of vapour creation followed by many hours in which homes may be left unheated. Though traditional, low-level eaves ventilation is often preferred for ‘cold roofs’, its effectiveness depends on air flow quality, and wind speeds tend to fall in lower temperatures. By contrast, high level ventilation at or near the ridge is effective in all weather

conditions as it forms a stack effect. ‘Unventilated’ roofs had been considered acceptable where underlays were supported by BBA or similar certification but by stating that high level ventilation equivalent to a continuous opening of 5mm must now be provided, the NHBC has decided that such third party certification can no longer be considered adequate.

It is important to note that the new requirement is applicable only to VPUs and not to air-open underlays and is only relevant when seeking the NHBC warranty. Unlike VPUs, however, there are currently only two proprietary air-open membranes currently available, with Klober’s Permo Air having the highest water vapour transmission rate currently available (2736 g/m2/day) and the lowest water vapour resistance (0.08Mn/g). Ventilation best practice is of course no less relevant to refurbishments, particularly in situations such as public sector housing upgrades.

Klober MD David Arendell added, “Condensation has not become an issue with refurbishments though ceilings are less likely to be well sealed. However, it is ironic that by seeking to reduce long-term maintenance costs, the widespread use of ventilated dry ridges and hips has alleviated the potential for problems with VPUs.”


www.klober.co.uk

Save Pounds On Spending A Penny….

Local authorities can make funds go further by adopting recommendations in the new British Standard on public toilet provision. BS6465-4 Code of Practice for Provision of Public Toilets states “when considering innovative approaches to toilet provision, issues of…equality, accessibility, social inclusion and sustainability should be taken into account.” British company Total Hygiene maintains its Clos-o-Mat ‘wash and dry’ toilet provides an ideal solution, satisfying needs of age, mental or physical handicap, and cultural/ religious considerations. The Clos-o-Mat looks like, and can be used as, a conventional WC. However, its integral douche and drier, triggered by pressing the flush pad whilst still sat on the toilet, eliminate the need for manual cleansing.


Bury St Edmunds Multi-Purpose Hall Is Lined Largely With American White Oak

Bury St Edmunds, a town in the east of England, now has a splendid new multi-purpose hall for concerts, fairs and weddings, designed by Hopkins Architects. Lined largely with American white oak, its deliberately simple appearance conceals high levels of acoustic and mechanical sophistication.

Set among the shops and flats of the new Arc development, the hall had to be acoustically isolated, and also offer its visitors a good aural experience. In order to accommodate a range of events, it was necessary to have a floor that could be either flat or raked.

Structurally, it was necessary to make the enclosure very heavy, to prevent sound escaping and annoying nearby residents, particularly when the building is host to the ‘Battle of the Bands’. It therefore has a structural brickwork diaphragm wall, with a heavy concrete roof.

There are two levels of balcony, made of precast concrete, which cantilever from beams concealed within the diaphragm wall, and are tied back with large steel rods, also contained within the diaphragm wall. American white oak lines the roof, and forms the floor. It is also used on the fronts of the balconies and for the seating. . ‘I like it because it has a good colour and a good grain,’ said Jim Greaves, of Hopkins Architects.

Company:American Hardwood Export Council

Product:American White Oak

Location:Bury St Edmunds

More information:www.americanhardwood.orgPhotographer: Morley von Sternberg

‘It’s consistent and good to work with, and you get a beautiful effect.’

On both the floors and the roof, 18mm thick oak is fixed to a plywood backing of the same thickness. The acousticians at Threshold Acoustics decreed that both should be fixed resiliently so that they can absorb low frequency sound. The flat area at the top of the roof consists of a large rooflight, so that when the space is used for events such as weddings, daylight can penetrate. A blind is drawn across it for performances.

Openings in the balcony fronts permit sound to pass through and make them less reflective. Seating, designed by Luke Hughes and manufactured by Race, is both elegant and supremely functional. The fact that the floor can be converted from flat to raked means that the raised flooring all consists of ‘wagons’ – blocks with seating attached which can be stored away beneath the flat floor.

Hughes designed the seats in a mix of solid American white oak elements and veneer. ‘The great thing about American white oak is that it is consistent in its colour and tone, ‘ said Luke Hughes, ‘ and there is less waste than with European oak. More to the point in this instance is that it is consistent with the palette that the architect had chosen.’

Building services within the hall are concealed, with the diaphragm wall acting as a plenum through which air passes.

Apex opened in October 2010, replacing as a venue the old corn exchange, and is already almost fully booked for a wide range of events. Attendees are unlikely to appreciate the sophistication of the design, merely noting that the space looks good and works well – and that is exactly how the architect and other members of the professional team would want it to be.


Technal Glazing Systems Help University Of Leeds Set A New Benchmark In Student Accommodation

Façade systems from architectural aluminium glazing specialist, Technal, have helped the University of Leeds to set a new benchmark for student accommodation in the city.

More than 3,000sqm of Technal’s glazing systems for the new Charles Morris Hall were fabricated and installed by Dortech Architectural in a £1m contract and fast-track programme for design and build contractors Morgan Sindall. Designed by concept architects Sheppard Robson and delivered by DLA Architecture, the £21m student hall of residence comprises two half-hexagon buildings sited around a central landscaped courtyard, providing 457 hotel-style study bedrooms.

The challenging glazing specification involved the construction of large oriel glazing bays which project 300mm in front of the cladding, and contrasting angular projecting bays to the corners of the two buildings.

The oriel bays provide a different architectural feature and an alternative to more conventional recessed panels of glazing. The floor-to-ceiling glazed units, which maximise natural light, were constructed from Technal’s MX grid curtain walling inset with FXi65 top hung casement windows. Dortech fabricated and installed the bays in more than 30 different sizes to create a less regimented appearance for the building envelope.

Laminated glass made with Vanceva coloured interlayers adds further interest to each façade – in panels of green where the glazing is set into red brickwork on the external elevations, and orange for the courtyard elevations to complement the cream-coloured brick cladding. The glazing had to provide good thermal performance to contribute to the scheme’s BREEAM ‘very good’ rating, slim sight lines, and be sufficiently robust to achieve the required spans and sharp corners that project beyond the structural supports.

Long runs of MX grid curtain walling using 1500mm modules enclose the common room and the link bridge between the two accommodation blocks. The window units in the common room are linked to the air conditioning system, which allows them to open automatically according to CO2 levels. All the other opening units on the scheme are operated by low-level levers to allow anyone, regardless of any disability, to open the windows.

Set in landscaped courtyard gardens, the new Charles Morris Hall was constructed to replace a 1960s building as part of a major drive to upgrade the University’s student accommodation. The scheme features contemporary décor and high specification ensuite bathroom pods, which reduced time on site. The new hall will also provide hotel-quality accommodation for delegates attending out-

of-term conferences at the University. Technal’s FXi65 casement window system features curved profiles and delivers superior thermal efficiency using a 19mm flush polyamide thermal break and innovative gasket detailing to meet or exceed the revised Building Regulations.

The 65mm module allows more economical glass specifications to be used, whilst still achieving the targeted U-value. The FXi65 system will also accommodate 17mm up to 48mm glazing units for wider choice to provide additional thermal or acoustic performance. Configuration options include fixed lights, top, side and bottom hung, tilt/turn and tilt/slide.

MX curtain walling is fully compatible with the FXi window suite, and can be used to create a wide variety of architectural compositions from a single grid system – low to high rise façades, horizontal or vertical emphasis, and ribbon, structural, faceted, beaded and sloped glazing.

MX Acoustic for additional noise protection and MX62 for larger glass sizes are the latest additions to the extensive range of MX curtain walling options.


Company:Technal

Product:Architectural Aluminium Glazing

Location:Leeds

More information:www.technal.co.uk

Recycled Modular Building Is Expanded At Royal Surrey Hospital To Increase Bed Capacity

Foremans Relocatable Building Systems has completed a project to expand an existing recycled modular building at Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford to provide additional bed capacity for its surgical services.

An interim ward building for the Short Stay Surgery Unit, which was supplied by Foremans to Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, has been extended to create a further two new purpose-designed five-bed wards for the Elective Surgery Unit.

The building has also been refurbished externally with a new covered entrance and walkway, a new roof, low-level brick planters, and overcladding to each elevation using aluminium-faced panels in silver, blue and white for a more contemporary appearance and to further improve thermal performance and insulation.

The 26-module building was completed by Foremans to a tight programme of just 15 weeks from receipt of order to handover to allow the Trust to increase surgical bed capacity as fast as possible. In order to minimise any disruption to patient care, the recycled building modules arrived on site and were craned into position over a weekend.

Commenting on the project, Graham Maynard, Head of Capital and Estates at Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS

Company:Foremans

Product:Relocatable Building Systems

Location:Surry

More information:www.foremansbuildings.info

Foundation Trust, said, “We are very pleased with the building, the extension and the appearance. Foremans performed well on this project and were sufficiently flexible to allow us to purchase and extend our interim ward accommodation to convert it to permanent use. We have had a good relationship with their team and would recommend their recycled modular building approach to other NHS trusts.”

Philip Howell of the Trust’s design consultants Drake & Kannemeyer, said, “The refurbished external appearance of the building provides a modern contemporary look and demonstrates what can be achieved when you combine the recycled modular approach with strong architectural design.”

As budgets become tighter in the current economic climate, healthcare providers need to look for alternatives to providing accommodation solutions that deliver best value and yet maintain quality – whether for interim or permanent applications.

With the Foremans approach, only the steel structure of the building is recycled – all fixtures and fittings, from doors and windows to wall linings and cladding, are new. However, the recycling of modular buildings is a more cost-effective alternative to both new manufacture and traditional site-based construction and is up to

70 per cent faster. It is also very sustainable, giving organisations an environmentally sound alternative to the disposal of surplus modular accommodation in landfill sites.

By re-using a modular building, less than 10 per cent of the carbon emissions are generated compared to a newly manufactured building of equivalent size. This dramatically improves a building’s carbon footprint.


Medite FR Brings Master Stroke To KPMG Amstelveen HQ

www.medite-europe.com

The new KPMG headquarters in Amstelveen is home to Medite FR – a flame retardant MDF panel – that is helping play a leading role in creating a sustainable and user-friendly working environment for the high-profile accountancy firm.

The building will be home to 450 KPMG Meijburg and 1,500 KPMG staff members. KPMG and KPMG Meijburg chose Amstelveen for their headquarters because of its central location in the Netherlands. The accessibility of the location from both the A9 and via public transport ensures that the headquarters is strategically placed in a uniquely convenient location. After supervising the development of the new building KPMG has now taken up residence in the complex as the principal tenant.

Once work had started on one of the most interesting design processes of his career, project architect Marcel van der Schalk was adamant that he delivered quality, sustainability, excellent design, functionality,

logistics and the best choice of material down to the last detail. When producing the preliminary drawings he deliberately exceeded the requirements. “I always do this, because it enhances quality during the execution of the project and saves time on the design process,” says van der Schalk. He also describes the high standards and the adoption of extremely high quality building products as remarkable especially during a period of economic recession.

Marcel van der Schalk has a unique and innovative way of working with new materials. Throughout the building there are interesting new applications of solid wood, parquet, veneer and panel material, with large Wenge or Bubinga doors combined with translucent acrylic and hung in frames of solid Bubinga and laminated Bamboo. The acoustic strip ceilings, wall panels and custom-designed furniture are all made of Medite FR MDF, finished with veneer or HPL.

Van der Schalk has long been a fervent advocate of the use of natural materials and the new KPMG headquarters is another prestigious example of the use of the Medite FR MDF. “There are test reports and a DVD that show the results of the fire tests. And the fire safety authorities are well aware that this panel material makes a significant contribution to fire safety and also the prevention of fire propagation,” says van der Schalk.

The panels are manufactured by Medite Europe as part of Coillte Panel Products, a division of the Irish forest and wood products company Coillte, and they are able to harvest the wood it uses to produce the panels from its own privately-owned forests.

Van der Schalk has an air of traditional master builder about him and as an architect with a great deal experience of designing down to the tiniest detail, he is passionate about getting everything perfect. “During the execution of a project you see what goes on from day to day. That’s when you need to keep a close eye on aesthetics and quality. Every material has its own character and its own specific properties. I’m fascinated by the process of breaking new ground without making any concessions in terms of quality. The transcending of dogma is the ultimate challenge.”

INNOVATIONVan der Schalk proved that custom-designed furniture can compete with ready-made versions on price by designing furniture made from Medite FR MDF. For the KPMG Partners he designed a 2.7m x 1.0m desk finished with caramel-coloured plain-pressed Bamboo veneer and Wenge edging. The same edging is repeated on much of the furniture and in the Bamboo door frames. Where scratch-resistant table tops were required, Van der Schalk incorporated an HPL top in Wenge combined with inlaid Bamboo top or side edging. In the meeting rooms there are large tables and custom-designed sideboards with AV equipment that also serve as coffee counters. There are also custom-designed features in the restaurant, the grand café, the kitchenettes, the sandwich shops, the cloakroom lockers and the service and reception desks.

The ceilings in the lobby, restaurant, large meeting rooms and auditorium are made of strips of Medite FR veneered with side-pressed Bamboo coated with a clear lacquer. The strips are all 3,000mm long and 146, 210 or 284mm-wide and are applied in a set pattern. The strips in the

auditorium are perforated to improve the acoustics and are backed with sound absorption cloth. The pattern and size of the perforations are based on the calculations of the acoustics consultancy Peutz.

The MDF wall panels in the auditorium are finished with a Bamboo veneer. Recessed Bubinga edging reinforces the horizontal spatial effects. The panels of the rear wall are also perforated and backed with sound absorption cloth. The 400-seat auditorium has a 20-metre screen, a control room, translation cabins and a separate entrance for performers. Guests are ushered into the inner courtyard or onto the outer terrace from the adjoining bar.

All of the MDF that Medite produces is both FSC- and CARB 2-certified. CARB is the acronym for the California Air Resources Board, the institute that has drawn up a set of requirements designed to reduce formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products in order to improve the quality of the air inside buildings. To be awarded the CARB 2 certificate, the production process has to meet some of the most stringent requirements in the world. As a pioneer in its field, Medite Europe has decided to offer those who buy and use MDF the very best – CARB 2-certified Medite MDF. Coillte has invested more than €15M in equipping its production line with new technology and machinery to make sure all of the MDF it produces is now CARB 2-certified.


�2 [ PROJECT NEWS PROJECT NEWS [ �3

NIBE Heats Peak District Barn Out Of Thin Air

�� [ PROJECT NEWS

The school’s authorities did not want lorries

passing through the front gates of the school

at any time. Modular construction minimizes

these health and safety concerns as much of

the construction is completed in our factory.

Mike Norris, Divisional Manager, Wernick West Country

The King’s SchoolSixth Form & GeographyDepartment

Ottery St Mary

For additional information visit www.wernick.co.uk or call

Wernick Buildings 0800 18 18 22Wernick Hire 0800 51 55 55

Exceeding your expectationsnot your budget

Cutting costs not corners

Wernick modular buildingsWhen cost-effectiveness, a tight delivery and minimum disruption are top priorities

This two-storey modular building, specificallydesigned to blend-in with the older buildings thatsurround it, was delivered over just four days – nowthat’s fast for a 723 square metre, 15 room building!

The 28 modules that comprise the building were safely

delivered while the school was open. This was achieved by

craning them into position from lorries drawn up in the

school’s coach park. Internal and external finishing work took

20 weeks from the date of delivery to site.

Wernick’s modular system offers rapid off-site construction using

the latest energy efficient materials and a choice of traditional

external finishes. It’s flexible enough to meet all educational

building needs, from nurseries and crèches to complete schools.

Designs are limited only by the architect’s imagination.

Available for sale, lease or hire, Wernick buildings

come with a complete design and build package.

Ask for a copy of our brochure and DVD and

open your eyes to modular building.

Wernick Buildings ads x3 REV_Layout 1 16/07/2010 10:16 Page 2

www.nibe.co.uk

A huge stone built barn situated near Holmfirth in a lovely countryside full of steep slopes and wooded defiles, was built in 1683 to store grain and hay and, more importantly, to shelter livestock from the harsh Peak District winters. Like so many others of its kind it now shelters people instead of cattle having been converted in 1997 into seven dwellings of various sizes. One of the largest, taking up one end of the barn, has been made into a beautiful and spacious home with only one major problem, the cost of heating.

An oil-fired boiler of traditional design had been installed at the time of conversion and was reasonably effective but, to judge from exorbitant fuel bills, anything but energy efficient. The last straw came when the owner saw the price of heating oil jump from 42p to 72p per litre over the space of only eight weeks. He decided enough was enough and started to look for alternative ways to provide heat for his radiator driven central heating system and hot water for all purposes including one general bathroom and three others en suite.

He called in Warmway of Dewsbury, expert in renewable energy methods and a registered NIBE VIP installer, who suggested an air sourced heating system that would slash fuel costs, cut carbon emissions to an absolute minimum and be comparatively cheap to

install into the bargain. Being MCS registered, Warmway were able to access Government funded grants and was therefore able to design a system, readily accepted by the customer, that is affordable and ecologically sound as well as extremely fuel efficient. It consists of two NIBE F2015 Heat Pumps situated in the yard outside the back door of the barn and linked to a VPA Accumulator Tank with a UKV200 Buffer vessel to offer greater hot water capacity.

The heat pumps generate energy from the outside air utilising a heat exchange process that squeezes the last drop of energy from the atmosphere thanks to new super efficient scroll compressors that will operate effectively even at temperatures down to the lowest ever recorded in the UK. Proof of the installation’s efficiency is that although the original oil-fired boiler was retained as a back up system, it was never needed in this last exceptionally cold winter.

The generated energy is passed from the heat pumps into the accumulator tank and buffer, both using the latest in insulation techniques to ensure that hard earned energy is not wasted before being circulated to heat both water and home.



www.steadmans.co.uk

Meta-Slate® Is Tops For Reading Day CentreA day centre for people with learning disabilities in Reading has replaced its old concrete roof tiles with Meta-Slate®, an innovative slate-effect metal roofing system from building products manufacturer Steadmans.

Strathy Close Day Centre’s new roof combines the traditional appearance of natural slate with the advantages of lightweight, pre-engineered roofing materials. Steadmans supplied over 830 sq metres of Meta-Slate® to replace the previous roof tiles.

Reading District Council appointed Dawson Roofing to carry out the project and specified Meta-Slate® because it provides a robust alternative to the original concrete tiles which were prone to vandalism.

Ideal for both refurb and new build applications, Meta-Slate® incorporates a long-lasting Nova finish and is easy to fit due to its light weight and simple secret fix joint system. Weighing only 6 kg/m2, the roof panels require less substructure when compared to traditional slates and can be fitted onto both steel and timber roof structures. To enhance its versatility,

the Meta-Slate® system can also be fitted directly over Steadmans AS35 insulated panels for warm roof applications.

Meta-Slate® is manufactured from 0.7mm galvanised steel with a slate blue matt polyester external coating. The sheet is embossed with a regular slate pattern and finished to appear like natural slate in colour. Alternative external colours and finishes are available to special order subject to quantity and availability.

Meta-Slate® is ideal for use in environmentally sensitive locations where box profile sheeting may not be acceptable to local authority planning departments. Available in sheets up to six metres long, the system is supplied with a full range of accessories including dry ridge, dry verge flashings, hip and valley flashings, sealants and fixings. The use of jointplates allows for economic use of the material thus providing a very cost effective system.


�� [ PROJECT NEWS PROJECT NEWS [ ��

Dricon Protects Dramatic Corby Building

Dricon treated timber from Bates Timber is helping to fire protect the Corby Cube, a dramatic glass and concrete building housing Corby’s theatre, library, registry office and Council Chamber, as well as a one-stop-shop for council services.On behalf of Bates Timber, Arch Timber Protection supplied 320 square metres of birch plywood treated with their Dricon fire retardant to be used as both visible and concealed interior wall cladding in the iconic building.“Arch provided us with a full service from source to delivery, exactly to the specification of the architect,” said Peter Bates, Director, Bates Timber Merchants.These plywood panels are not all visible once the building is complete, but they give a proven fire retardant protection in the background structure of the building,” says Jacqui Hughes, Arch Timber Protection’s Fire Retardant Sales Manager. “Dricon is the only BBA-certificated fire retardant treatment for timber and provides the perfect proven fire protection for interior applications such as this.”Construction of the Corby Cube involved more than 2050 panes of glass and 15,500 tonnes of concrete.


PROJECT NEWS [ ��

Total Glass Rises To The Colour Challenge For LMH


Liverpool-based Total Glass, one of the UK’s leading PVC-U and aluminium fabricators, has helped to transform an ageing multi-storey block of flats with the imaginative use of coloured PVC-U windows and feature glazing. From the outset, Total Glass worked closely with the project architects and main contractor Mitie Engineering on this major refurbishment contract for its long-established social housing client, Liverpool Mutual Homes.The PVC-U and aluminium window and door fabricator supplied and installed dark grey on white ‘A’-rated PVC-U windows in 28 flats at Baden House in Liverpool’s Old Swan district. Finished in a RAL 7016 shade, the windows were white inside to maintain a light interior. Replacing original steel single-glazed windows, the new thermally-efficient and secure frames were inserted into prepared Metsec apertures. These were set into a thermal externally-rendered layer around the entire building to improve its insulation, energy efficiency and sustainability for future generations.Self-cleaning coated Pilkington glass was also specified for ease of maintenance and window cleaning at the seven-storey building – LMH’s only high-rise accommodation, which is located in a popular and busy part of the city. Coloured glass in red, blue and purple adds further interest to feature wrap-around windows on the corners of the building. Contrasting with the white rendered external finish, the multi-coloured shades reflect the character of the original 1960s styling.www.totalglass.com


Stylish AshTech Façade For London’s State-Of-The-Art Metropolitan Works

Perforated AshTech rainscreen cladding panels from Ash & Lacy Building Systems were chosen to clad the walls of the £4.5m Metropolitan Works in London. The building was conceived as a ‘simple metal box’ reflecting some of the materials used within the centre. Perforated AshTech panels were specified to add dramatic effect to the building and create a sense of movement and life. he unique patterned frieze was designed by local artist, Tom Price and each panel was laser cut to produce the desired effect. Metropolitan Works also incorporates a number of sustainability features which have helped secure its ‘very good’ BREEAM rating. www.ashandlacy.com


Worcester Sources Crittall Windows

As part of an extensive and long term project to revitalise the Lowesmoor area of Worcester, Crittall W20 steel windows have been specified for one of the most familiar buildings on the site. The Great Filling Hall was a feature of Worcester’s historic vinegar works. Planning demands were stringent for the Filling Hall, with conservation officers insisting upon like for like replacement for the windows, in order to maintain the continuity of appearance and character of the architecture and of the surrounding environment.


Fendor Revolutionises Secure Fenestration At Rampton

Fendor has developed a window system that offers a revolution in terms of both performance and the living environment for a new secure unit at Rampton high secure Hospital. Fendor has supplied double glazed curtain walling for communal areas, as well as double glazed windows to patients’ rooms and other vulnerable locations. For the Therapeutic Core building there were 27 areas of AlphaLine Aluminium curtain walling installed with SwingVent opening windows on actuators. Fendor also supplied steel glazed doors and 26 Steel SwingVent windows incorporating anti escape top hung vents.


Levolux Goes To Town At St Austell

St Austell’s £70 million White River Place development makes best use of local resources and benefits from the latest eco-friendly technologies. Levolux was chosen to design, manufacture and install a bespoke solution incorporating its Aerofoil Fins,

Ventilation Louvres and a series of Glass Canopies. These make a significant contribution to the overall energy efficiency of the

buildings by preventing excessive solar heat gain. Levolux’s new Infiniti Fin system is an innovative form of external Solar Shading which features concealed fixings and supports a wide range of Fins. Complementing the Infiniti Fin system, Levolux devised a series of shading canopies, with a combined length of almost 57 metres, projecting horizontally from the buildings above ground floor windows.


‘Changing Places’ Go Wild!

Marwell Wildlife, a conservation charity, has opened the first ever ‘Changing Places’ accessible toilet in a UK zoological park. Larger than, and with additional equipment beyond, a conventional accessible toilet, a ‘Changing Places’ toilet caters for people who need the help of at least one carer to undertake basic personal hygiene. The ‘Changing Places’ toilet at Marwell includes the standard specification required for ‘Changing Places’ status of a minimum 12m2, height adjustable changing basin, hoist and washbasin, and further incorporates Total Hygiene’s top-selling Clos-o-Mat ‘wash and dry’ toilet, which eliminates the need for manual cleansing with toilet tissue.


Bridging The Gap With Timbmet

Repairing a bridge is a meticulous task that requires the combination of precision engineering with materials that offer proven strength and performance. The historic Scarborough Bridge required extensive renovation work to the decking and walkways supports. The solution involved Timbmet sourcing specialist Ekki timber, a dark heartwood which grows on the West coast of Africa and which is renowned for its strength, durability and resistance to decay. Timbmet’s manufacturing team took on the task of sourcing the timber and accurately machining the beams allowing the connections to fit precisely.


�0 [ PROJECT NEWS PROJECT NEWS [ �1

Solar Solution For Social Housing SchemeAs part of an ambitious social housing programme, Rotherham council has installed a new photovoltaic roofing system on an apartment block in Maltby, South Yorkshire. Simon Dixon, Sandtoft’s training manager, explains the scope of the project and how the roofing contractor has successfully delivered the solar solution.

Following funding from the previous Government’s Homes and Communities Agency, Rotherham Council is half way through constructing 127 properties on six sites across the town. The new council houses are the first to be built in Rotherham for 30 years.

All of the properties are being built to meet Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes as well as Lifetime Homes, and Building for Life Silver Standards. These are way above the typical house-building standards and incorporate a number of measures to ensure the properties are very energy efficient. As part of the construction programme, TH Michaels was appointed to build a block of four apartments in Maltby. In line with the Council’s strict environmental requirements, solar panels were required on the roof. These had to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible, so the contractor opted for a building integrated photovoltaic system rather than a bolt-on product. Sandtoft’s PV48 solar roofing system met the brief as it can be integrated with most types of roof tile or slate, regardless of the

manufacturer. To improve aesthetics, the black photovoltaic panels are supplied with matching flashings that are unobtrusive and maintain the straight vertical lines on the roof.

Sothall Roofing was chosen to install the PV48 system which was integrated with fibre cement slates. Supplied as a complete system and ready to install, the PV48 is MCS accredited and has been specifically designed for installation by roofing contractors. There is no need for a separate solar installer which reduces the number of trades on the roof and saves time. And, the training takes less than one day even for those roofers with no previous experience of fitting solar products. A key element of the training is the use of a ‘template’ for setting out the roof, enabling the roofer to correctly position the

counter battens and hooks that the solar panels will be fitted on to.

Following the setting out, the flashings are fitted. These have been designed so that the roofers can simply flash the area where the panels are going to be installed. The flashing are very similar to those used for fitting roof windows, so are familiar to roofing contractors thereby significantly reducing the risk of poor workmanship and subsequent weatherproofing problems. The whole roof is then tiled. As the roofers can stand in the area which is designated for the panels, they have better access to the roof making it easier for them to complete the tiling. This also minimises the requirement for roof ladders.

The panels which each measure 1.4 square metres, are quickly and simply installed at the end of the roofing process, so there is no need for the roofers to work over the solar modules. This helps to improve safety and reduces the risk of any damage. And if security is a potential issue, the panels could also be installed just before the scaffold comes down. To complete the installation, the roofer connects the solar modules with simple push fit connectors and passes a pair of cables through the underlay into the roof space for later connection by the electrical contractor. The PV48 includes the appropriate inverter to complete the connection of the solar system to the building’s grid-supplied electrical system.

Wayne Bartholomew was one of the roofers responsible for installing the PV48 for Rotherham Council and gave us feedback on the project.

He said: “I’ve installed other solar products before, including integrated and bolt-on systems and the PV48 is by far the easiest one to fit. The setting out is the most challenging aspect of the training but the template really assisted with this. Once we’d established how to set out the roof, the rest of the installation process was very straightforward. We spent a day with Sandtoft’s training manager learning how to install eight panels on the first elevation. The following day we fitted the remaining six panels in just four hours without any assistance from Sandtoft”.

“I am a traditionally-trained slater but times are changing, so I recognise that I need to adapt and expand my skills to meet customers’ needs. There has been an obvious and recent shift towards using solar, so it’s vital that roofers take the opportunity to learn how to install them effectively. Any training in this area is very valuable and adds another important string to a roofer’s bow.”

The roof was completed within TH Michael’s tight construction schedule, ensuring that the new tenants can look forward to a high quality, aesthetic property that reduces carbon emissions and protects them from rising electricity bills.


www.sandtoft.com

�2 [ PROJECT NEWS

Fire and Rescue Facilities for the 21st CenturyThe newly built £3.5m replacement for the fifty year old out-dated Fire Station, Carlton, Nottinghamshire boasts the type of high tech, state of the art training facilities and equipment needed for effective fire and rescue operations in the 21st Century.

More than a fire station, the energy efficient building features a two storey training house, facilities for practising rope rescue operations, a realistic compound for practising vehicle rescue, IT training facilities and a space for Community use with a viewing area from which the fire fighters can be seen whilst training.

M & G Olympic Products supplied and installed a number of metalwork items to the development including a 2-flight feature staircase to the main reception area. The staircase compliments the sleek lines of this modern facility having brushed stainless steel finishes to the stringers, balustrade and handrails. The 10mm toughened glass infill panels to the balustrade retain a light and airy feel to the reception area. As part of a comprehensive package M & G Olympic Products Ltd provided a Project

Management service. The team’s wide experience gained over many years helped identify the best method of completing the project in an efficient and cost effective manner. The Design Team worked with the client during the early stages of the project to undertake site surveys and produce design solutions, creating an end result to fully satisfy all the client’s criteria whilst ensuring plans complied with all relevant British Standard Regulations where required.

M & G Olympic Products Ltd has an impressive track record of delivering projects to a variety of clients in the Public and Private sector specialising in the design, manufacture and nationwide installation of Stainless Steel and Mild Steel Staircases, Balustrades, Entrance Canopies, Balconies, Walkways, Architectural Gates, Stainless Steel Street Furniture and Bespoke Architectural Metalwork.

Other items supplied and installed at the Carlton site include stairs, balustrade, handrails and balcony to the training tower, various external roof access ladders and stainless steel door guards complete with glass infills and mesh infill window guards. Tel: 0114 275 6009 www.mgolympic.net


Glazing Replaced Throughout Portsmouth Combined Court Centre

A £1.6m contract at Portsmouth Combined Court Centre to replace all the existing glazing with high specification, solar control Pilkington glass has been completed by Structura UK Ltd, curtain walling specialist. Over 340 vision panes and more than 450 spandrel panels were manufactured and installed by Structura UK after the original glazing was found to have come to the end of its useful life. A Schüco FW50+ high performance aluminium system of individual, thermally-broken, dual-colour window frames in various sizes and configurations was used for the ribbon glazing to the Administration building (phase 1) and for the curtain walling to the Main Court building (phases 2 & 3) which houses jury rooms, judges’ chambers and public access rooms. A considerable improvement in acoustic performance for the Centre has been achieved by the double glazed vision panels made up of an outer pane of 8mm, toughened and heat-soak tested Sun 73/74, a 16mm black spacer bar, argon filled cavity

and an inner pane of 9.1mm Optilam brown/clear. The single glazed spandrel panels have an outer pane of 6mm Optifloat bronze, toughened and heat-soak tested glass, and 75mm thick foam insulation behind. Structura UK ensured an EPDM membrane was fully bonded around the perimeter of each window and fixed to the substructure. Failed slate copings at roof level were overclad with new aluminium copings by Structura UK.


PROJECT NEWS [ �3

Stormdry Waterproofs Grade II Listed Building

Stormdry masonry protection cream has been used to treat penetrating damp at Denne Park House, a Grade II listed building in West Sussex.Top floor rooms were suffering from internal damp problems due to water ingress. Tests using Stormdry gauges were able to determine the severityand exact location of rainwater penetration. Results showed that waterproofing treatment was required for the lower sections of the external chimney breast elevations of brick and sandstone.Stormdry masonry protection cream and Stormdry Repointing Additive were specified as the preferred waterproofing solution. Due to its unique formulation,

Stormdry deeply penetrates masonry to form a water-repellent barrier. This leaves no visible alteration to the natural appearance of the stone or brickwork, which was required for works to this listed building. Stormdry Repointing Additive imparts water-repellency to mortar and improves adhesion between mortar and the brick.Stormdry masonry protection cream was applied to the external chimney brickwork and sandstone, with all mortar beds raked out and repointed using Stormdry Repointing Additive. Upon completion of the works Stormdry gauge tests were carried out once more and confirmed the treatment was effective. The stone and brickwork of the chimney breasts retain their natural original appearance and water ingress has been successfully halted. The Stormdry treatment is expected to last for at least 20-30 years. www.stormdry.com


PROJECT NEWS [ ��

Hauraton High Capacity Drainage Chosen For Newquay Cornwall Airport

The £52.4 million transformation of the RAF St. Mawgan Airbase to the Newquay Cornwall Airport, was the first time a changeover of this kind has been attempted from military to civilian use in the UK. Starting in 2007, the re-development has included a new air traffic control tower, various refurbished and new terminal buildings, additional car park areas, the re-surfacing of the 2745m runway, aircraft hard-standing areas and widened taxiways.With aircraft tow trucks alone weighing 80 tonnes, manoeuvring aircraft impose an enormous burden on any surface drainage system. Not only must the area be efficiently drained, the installed system must withstand the twisting forces exerted by turning aircraft and numerous service trucks. During the construction stage, 300 metres of Hauraton RECYFIX® HICAP® 100 were installed in the airport’s taxiways and hard-standing areas located in front of the terminal buildings. Made from specially formulated

recycled Polyethylene-Polypropylene (PE-PP), each of the one metre HICAP® channel used weighed only 13.2kg so allowing one-man-lift of the component, greatly simplifying handling and logistics. Contractor Cormac also found the combination of a tough PE-PP channel and ductile iron slotted inlet resisted site damage during installation. The completion of this project means Cornwall has one of the best regional airports in the country, with modern facilities and state of the art equipment.


Howe Green Leads The Way On The North East Fitness Trail

Howe Green’s modular channel drain systems have been specified and installed at Gateshead Council’s brand new and recently opened Heworth Leisure Centre and Blaydon Leisure and Primary Care Centre. A reduced depth drainage unit was engineered with special footings and adjusted outlets in order for it to sit flush with tiled flooring in showering and changing areas. It was manufactured in 316 stainless steel and to a special width so as to accommodate a plastic cover, rather than a standard stainless steel cover, which was deemed to be more accommodating to the end users needs.This tailor-made drainage system provided a highly efficient and highly cost effective solution for Gateshead Leisure Centre and as a result, exactly the same specification was chosen for the Council’s new leisure centres at Heworth and Blaydon as well as the redeveloped Dunston Leisure Centre.Blaydon Leisure and Primary Care Centre re-opened its doors earlier this year featuring an impressive 6 lane, 25m pool and a 317sqm state of the art gym. Heworth Leisure Centre was opened in November and boasts a FlowRider indoor surfing and body boarding system, which is the first of its kind in the north of England. The HG100 system is ideal for changing rooms, shower areas, spas, kitchens, surgeries and anywhere that requires effective and reliable drainage. It can be fitted into all types of floor – including ceramic tiles, resin and PVC and sits flush with the floor to create a safe and hygienic environment. It is also built to last and will withstand up to 3 tonne pneumatic wheel loads. www.howegreen.com



Historic Scotland has completed work on all six apartments of the Royal Lodgings at Stirling Castle, including a recreation of the 16th century wooden ceilings. The boarded ceilings and moulded ribs forming the coffers used oak protected with Arch Timber Protection’s Dricon fire retardant. The team at Historic Scotland chose Dricon for the project because it would provide reliable and proven fire-proofing without affecting the natural appearance of the wood.“We met with Arch to discuss our requirements, and found them very helpful, and able to meet all our needs. Some treatments will restrict the finish that you can use, so one of the reasons we chose Dricon is that it gave us full flexibility – we were able to use Dricon-treated timber for both painted and unpainted areas, and not even be aware that it was there,” says Ruth Vaughan, Project Architect for the Stirling Castle restoration and Senior Architect on the Major Projects Team for Historic Scotland. “Our contractor sourced the oak from Timbmet Glasgow, cut it into sections and then liaised with Arch to get the timber treated with Dricon. The whole process went very smoothly.”The most dramatic part of the restoration is the ceiling of the King’s Inner Hall, which was originally decorated with glorious painted oak carvings known as the Stirling Heads. The team at Historic Scotland set out to make a full set of copies based on the 34 remaining oak carvings, each measuring a metre across, to recreate the 16th century brightly-painted ceiling.The £12 million project, which began in September 2008, will open in June 2011, just in time for the castle’s summer visitors. The original Stirling Heads will be displayed in a special gallery on the first floor of the castle’s refurbished royal palace, along with a partly painted modern head, allowing visitors to see the difference between the unpainted and painted wood. For a sneak preview of the inside of the six royal apartments see the short Historic Scotland film on YouTube (www.youtube.com/historicscotlandtv). www.archtp.com


Dricon Protecting Stirling Castle Art For Scotland’s Future

©Crown Copyright Reproduced Courtesy Of Historic Scotlandwww.historicscotlandimages.gov.uk

Laidlaw Doorsets For Iconic Olympic Training VenueThe rejuvenation of the the iconic Grade II-listed Uxbridge Lido, which had been closed for more than ten years, has produced a new leisure facility in West London which will be used by Britain’s leading swimmers in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics. The original Lido had been used for the 1948 London Olympiad and as part of the London Borough of Hillingdon’s new £25 million Sport and Leisure Complex the pool was formally opened by London Mayor Boris Johnson. The design and build scheme was headed by renowned sport and leisure sector architects FaulknerBrowns. A combination of Orbis Timber Doorsets including a ‘Steam Beech’ laminate finish with polished frames and profile lippings and primed doors with vision panels ready for painting was specified. For public access areas, pull and lever handles in Polished Stainless Steel were chosen from the distinctive Orbis Premier range. Satin Anodised Aluminium and Satin Stainless Steel hinges, locks, escutcheons, pushplates and kickplates from the Orbis Commercial range were also used.As a year-round facility of considerable traffic intensity, the doors and ironmongery will be put to the severest test. With its 15-year manufacturing and defects guarantee and distinctive visual aesthetic, the Orbis Premier range is proving popular with designers of sports and leisure facilities. In addition to restoration of the1930’s open air pool, the Complex features an indoor pool with moveable floor, health and fitness suite, community sports hall, café, crèche and an athletics stadium. The restoration will retain a lasting legacy to G Percy Trentham’s 1935 ‘Moderne’ style design.


www.laidlaw.netVenesta Enhances The Shopping Experience At St. David’s

‘‘I was delighted with the choice and quality of the product specified for St David’s, and from a practical point of view, extremely impressed with the ease in which it has been maintained. The traffic within the first year has been phenomenal - you wouldn’t think so by looking at our washrooms’’, says Steven Madeley, St David’s shopping centre director.In its first week of trading, more than one million shoppers visited the new extension to St David’s shopping centre in Cardiff. Designed by Benoy, the development has rejuvenated the existing St David’s arcade and has created a new landmark retail centre in the heart of the city.Venesta was approached by Benoy architect, Maria Cannovina, who was looking for a contemporary, streamlined washroom solution to complement the centre’s modern aesthetic. Venesta recommended Equinox, not only for its looks but also its remarkable durability; an essential consideration in an environment with such heavy traffic. The client opted for Equinox in Iceberg laminate with polished, elliptically shaped pilasters and IPS to feature throughout the whole shopping centre and within the management suite. This was a huge project for Venesta but everything ran perfectly, from start to finish. To reserve your copy of Venesta’s new brochure, call 01474 353333. www.venesta.co.uk


�� [ PROJECT NEWS PROJECT NEWS [ ��

Timbmet Success With New Learning Centre

The new £3 million Bramall Learning Centre at RHS Garden Harlow Carr stands out as a resplendent two-storey structure, surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens. Timbmet was commissioned by joinery contractor, Dalton Joinery to source and supply FSC European Oak worktops for the interior of the new Blundell Library, which forms part of the construction. The specification called for timber that complemented the other sustainable materials used in the build process. FSC European Oak is a solid wood that does not deteriorate with age, rather it matures and improves to give a richer, deeper colour. Being solid, any surface damage in future to the worktops can be repaired simply and quickly.


Lodgico Solves Equation For Landkey Primary School

Lodgico, the official agents for Honka log homes from Finland, have been approached by Landkey Primary School in North Devon to design and build a purpose built sustainable ICT suite. Lodgico have proposed a ‘log cabin’ effect building utilising their own building system that will be highly insulated to keep running costs as low as possible. The log building will be designed to utilise timber in as much of the build as possible to ensure that a sustainable solution can be delivered as well as a light and airy atmosphere for the children to work in. Lodgico have designed a custom-built log structure which will be timber framed and finished with horizontal timber cladding. The building will contain a single room, with built in workstations. Window and door frames will be woodgrain effect UPVC. The roof will be finished with non-asbestos slate and it is proposed to include a polycarbonate canopy over the access ramp. Lodgico have designed log buildings for several schools throughout the UK. www.lodgico.co.uk


American Hardwood Export CouncilFull Story: Page 46

www.americanhardwood.orgPhotographer: Morley von Sternberg

go!public spring/summer 2011

Documents