Innovations+ +spring+2008
Innovations+ +spring+2008
Innovations+ +spring+2008
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the publishers do not accept liability for errors that may appear in
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Published by:
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Tel: 01785 255770 Fax: 01785 259324
Email: [email protected] www.link2media.co.uk
news 4
enviromentalcontrol 10
doors,windows&glazing 16
roofs 26
walls 29
floors 36
interiors 43
structures 50
externalwork 54
paints/coatings 60
projectnews 63
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Ardex Waterproof Protection
System Is On A Roll!
ARDEX have re-designed their ARDEX WPC Flexible
Rapid Setting and Drying Waterproof Protection Coat
pack to make it user friendly. The newly named ARDEX
WATERPROOF PROTECTION SYSTEM now contains a free roll
of mesh scrim alongside the existing powder and liquid
components as well as a simple 5 Step Guide. ARDEX
WATERPROOF PROTECTION SYSTEM can be used prior to
tiling, in conjunction with a wide range of backgrounds
including plasterboard, fibreboard, anhydrite screeds and
timber based backing to provide a flexible, waterproof
protection coat. Thanks to the ARDEX Rapidry Formula,
tiles can be fixed just 2 hours after application of the
second waterproof coat.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 5
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Kingspan Insulated Panels Lead The Way For Sustainable Success
Kingspan Insulated Panels has won a prestigious award
from Building Magazine. The Sustainability awards
recognise and reward construction businesses who
actively pursue sustainable solutions, and Kingspan
is winner of the 2007 Best Sustainable Business
Practice category. Kingspan Insulated Panels actively
pursue excellence in environmental sustainability and
end of life management. A key project in Kingpans
sustainability ambitions has been the commissioning
of the Kingspan Sustainability Report. It has helped
to outline exisiting achievements and areas for future
development, as well as gaining a Global Reporting
Initiative Application Level C. In February 2007 key
roof and wall panel products with an ECOsafe core from
Kingspans Holywell facility were independently verified
by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) as
having a top A rated lifetime environmental profile.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 4
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Mastic Asphalt
One Industry Zero Carbon
A major part of the UK construction
business has made environmental history
establishing a world first that could
set the pattern for all British industry.
Following more than a year to launch
and research, mastic asphalt, a material
used to waterproof the majority of the
nations most prestigious buildings
and commercial developments, has
achieved the CarbonZero standard.
The standard covers the product from
manufacture through to installation.
Every stage of the process has achieved
CarbonZero. The Mastic Asphalt Council,
representing the UKs leading contractors
and manufacturers, unveiled its radical
Carbon 100 initiative on January 18. The
initiative, which involves placing a small
levy on the cost of the materials, ensures
that even non-MAC members are covered.
The industry has effectively taxed itself
in order to aid the environment.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 3
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Light-weight, Sustainable Solution
For Septic And STP Soakaways
The labour-intensive, costly and time-consuming
activity of installing traditional herring-bone
drainage soakaways for septic tanks and sewage
treatment plants could now be a thing of the
past. Ezy-Drain, which has just been launched in
the UK by Klargester, is a new type of pipe system
that is lightweight, easy to use, high-performance
and environmentally friendly. Ezy-Drain comprises
of sections of perforated plastic pipe surrounded
by a synthetic aggregate wrapped in polyethylene
netting. Each three-metre section of pipe is
joined together quite simply by the use of click-
fit connectors, protected by a preformed collar.
The result is an extremely lightweight system that
can be quickly installed by a single person up to
four times faster than any gravel-based solution.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 1
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Novostrat, The New Name In Insulation, Is Growing - Fast
Novostrat Limited maybe a relatively new name in the UK but it is the largest manufacturer
of Polyethylene insulation products in Ireland, with distribution facilities throughout the UK
and Continental Europe. Novostrat is already becoming well know for its underfloor insulation
products, which range from standard carpet underlay to the companys most recently launched
product Sonic Gold
Excel, which is a
high performance
acoustic insulation
and vapour barrier
achieving 22dB sound
reduction. But it is
with an eye to the
general construction
market that Novostrat faces the future. Polyethylene insulation products are inherently
environmentally responsible, being totally recyclable as off-cuts or at the end of their long life,
they are manufactured producing no harmful halogens and are CFC and HCFC free material. The
new product range, which will be rolled out during 2008, will encompass more flooring products,
roof and wall insulation, and under concrete plank insulation products.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 9
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Kestrel Highly Commended
for Customer Focussed
Approach at CMAs
The no tin, no lead, next generation
cellular building products supplier,
Kestrel achieved Highly Commended
status at the prestigious Construction
Marketing Awards. We are thrilled
that in our first appearance on the
shortlist of finalists at the CMAs we
have achieved this recognition, says Tony Crutcher, Sales and Marketing Director of the
Kestrel brand. The Construction Marketing Awards are recognised as a highly regarded
measure of excellence in construction marketing and business development.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 10 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
When Is A Lift An Alimak
Lift?
An Alimak lift is an extraordinary
lift for extraordinary applications,
but it isnt unique. In other words
Alimak Hek can often solve the most
unusual requests with a permanent
lift from their standard range of
industrial liftsand a great deal of
engineering expertise. An Alimak lift
is a rack and pinion lift so does not
need a motor room or shaft. It can,
and usually is, installed externally to
travel vertically or even over inclined
structures. It is robust for challenging
environments such as industrial plants,
warehouses, bridges, cement plants,
ports and masts. It can be so robust
it is explosion protected so ideal for
aggressive applications such as steel
works, mines, petrochemical plants and
offshore rigs.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 8
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In Derbyshire, a cottage has been renovated to
modern standards including applications of KNX
building services control
technology. The lighting,
heating, audio and
security are controlled to
give modern life choices.
The cottage has 45 KNX
dimmed and switched lighting circuits that can
be used to set moods for each room. This allows
for scenes to be set for particular instances.
KNX allows lights to be incorporated into other
features of a house. Water based underfloor
heating is controlled using thermostatic light
switches. The KNX system lowers temperatures
at night when everyone is asleep and a few
degrees lower than normal when the house is
unoccupied.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 7
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KNX Building Control Meets
The 18th Century
Standard Stainless Steel Posts
Videx Security has introduced a new range
of Stainless Steel Posts with universal
fixings. They are designed to accommodate
the full range of Videx audio, video and
access control products. All posts are
manufactured from brushed stainless
steel and incorporate a sturdy baseplate
for secure fixing into the ground. There
are four posts to choose from and they
incorporate universal product
mounting fixtures to allow attachment of
the door panels or access control units.
There are single and dual pedestrian
height posts, with the dual version able to
accommodate two Videx products. There are
also dual and single vehicle height posts so
entry can be made whilst sitting in a car.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 6
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Gopaks Tackles The Burning Issue
With the smoking ban now in place across the UK,
Gopaks all weather Bistro furniture range provides
the perfect solution for the hospitality sector,
whatever the weather. The durability of Gopaks
Bistro collection makes it ideal for the job. The
lightweight, all
weather range
comprises eight
chair types
and a choice of
matching tables
to complement
any dcor, whether
inside or out. Gopaks Bistro furniture range retains
its comfortable feel and functional design while
still enabling the chairs to stack, saving valuable
space inside or out. It can also double up for use on
exhibition stands and conferences.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 2
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Cost-effective Systemline Home
Automation Gateway Product
Armour Home has launched the latest addition to
its Systemline Modular built-in home entertainment
system the Systemline HomeNet range of enclosures
which provide the
gateway to home
automation by
acting as a central
hub from which all
incoming services
are distributed
around the home
via Cat5 and
coaxial cables.
Systemline HomeNet has also been designed to be
compact, taking up as little space in the property as
possible. The allows for single or multi source audio
and video to be played in up to eight different rooms.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 12
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Timloc Steel Access Panels Give 60
Minute Fire Rating & A Great Finish
Fire rated steel hinged access panels from Timloc
Building Products allows easy access to concealed
building services, whilst also providing a 60 minutes
fire rating. Each access panel is supplied as a
complete door and frame assembly, which simply
screws into place through the pre-drilled holes in the
frame. Manufactured from 1.2mm Zintec electro-
galvanised mild steel to give rigidity, corrosion
protection and a smooth finish for painting, the
range is available with either picture frame or beaded
frame styles and can also be specified pre-finished
in a white polyester powder coating. An optional
key-lockable door is also available for installations
requiring higher security. Non-fire rated versions are
also available within the steel access panel range
for applications where fire rated performance is not
required.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 14
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Blockleys Hydrosmart permeable clay
paving system is the ideal solution for
the increasing quantities of surface
water run-off surcharging drainage
systems and polluting water courses.
Hydrosmart provides an attractive
surface and effectively treats and
remove oils, silts and heavy metals
from surface water run-off. They can
be constructed at similar costs to
conventional pavements. Hydrosmart
clay paviors for the wearing surface
have through-body colours that will
not fade, exhibit excellent slipping,
skidding and abrasion resistance and
can resist damage by the heaviest
vehicular loads.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 11
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Hydrosmart Permeable
Clay Paving System
JIS List Energy Saving
Accessories
JIS Europe Ltd., suppliers of stainless
steel radiators and towel rails, is extremely
conscious of increasing public awareness of
the need to save energy, and is including a
section entitled Energy Saving Accessories
in its brochures of modern styled rails.
In addition to existing ranges of energy
sensitive products, several new ranges
will appear in the section. New adjustable
elements that give five setting options
offering between 30% and 100% of full
power are featured. There are also several
new thermostatically controlled Towel Rail
Valves including a Streamline valve where
the control is neatly placed facing inwards
on the rail instead of projecting as do the
already successful profile valves.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 13
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The eScape competition to create a new and
innovative town house promoted by the David
Wilson Homes (now part of the Barratt Group)
in association with the Wood for Good campaign
and Design for Homes, caused a great stir in the
industry and attracted a response from almost
650 architects and many attractive and inventive
designs.
London-based architects PCKO emerged as the
winners, chosen by a panel of judges that included
interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, English
Partnerships strategy director Trevor Beattie, and
Design for Homes chief executive, David Birkbeck.
They produced a delightful concept for three
bedroom, three-storey timber-framed town houses,
each built round what they describe as a light
court glazed but very much in the style of the
atrium in a Roman villa.
This creates not only light and airy interiors but
also an interestingly varied roofline aimed to offer
a very attractive streetscape in an estate setting.
The light court is only one of many innovations
in a design that also incorporates a living wall
concept, offering space for utilities, storage etc. but
also granting great flexibility in interior design.
The first development to feature PCKOs winning
eScape design is presently under construction by
Barratt Homes at Eden Village in Sittingbourne,
Kent.
The diversity in elevation and roof-line will
certainly help to inspire a village atmosphere but,
while creativity in design is what pleases the eye,
more basic components are equally important for
the efficiency, safety and reliability of the home.
At Eden Village, for example, Barratt has used
exclusively PolyFit pipe, fittings and accessories
for hot & cold water supply. Kitemarked, WRAS
approved and DIN tested, PolyFit is a system
that is well tried and passes as both effective
and extremely plumber friendly. It is based on
polybutylene barrier pipe and polypropylene conduit
pipe whose flexibility is a delight to the installer.
On top of that the unique connection system allows
joints to be formed and demounted in seconds yet
has a 3-pin protection feature that makes the joint
exceptionally secure. A vast range of fittings and
accessories means that the installer never needs
improvise.
Eden Village will be a well publicised development
thanks to the use of PCKOs award winning town
house design but the less glamorous elements in the
homes, such as Polypipes Polyfit products, deserve
a mention too. In addition to the townhouses,
the eScape homes include three, two-bedroom
apartments. Constructed on top of a set of garages,
each apartment is totally detached from other
properties and has the luxury of its own private
stairs and front door. Inside, the large open-plan
living space incorporates a very high specification
kitchen and opens on to a balcony.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 16
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POLYFIT PICKED
FOR ESCAPE DESIGN
WINNER
Tests Confirm Tufsound Lives
Up To Its Name
Hodgson & Hodgsons TufSound wall and
ceiling panels provide a high level of impact
resistance as well as acoustic performance.
When tested in accordance with SS EN
13964:2004, the TufSound panels achieved
Class 2A, only one off the highest possible
rating for impact resistance. Add to this the
panels high levels of moisture resistance
and TufSounds resilience is assured. Impact
resistance is important in many of the buildings where TufSound is used, so such a positive result in
these tests was very pleasing. confirms Sandra Fixter of Hodgson & Hodgson.
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Firewall Evolution
For Ashgrid & Ashwall Bx48
Prior to the introduction of approved document L2:2001 of the
building regulations, firewalls were generally simple to construct,
with two insulation options of either mineral wool or Fibreglass.
Mineral wool insulation needed only a standard cavity depth to match
non-firewall elevations; whereas Fibreglass traditionally required an
increased cavity depth to allow for an air gap to ensure insulation
integrity under heat generated by fire.
The ensuing cavity depth changes stemming from approved document
L2:2001 are now commonplace, however some implications of Part B
have caused difficulty with the design, installation and the cost of
built-up firewalls.
Since 2001, an increasing number of built-up firewall systems have
arisen in the marketplace, often with flaws which have made the
job of specifiers & contractors more difficult. Some have been
uncompetitive, while the compliance of others to long term thermal
requirements could be questioned. Another issue which has regularly
been reported is their lack of buildability on site. The intricate
nature of installing a full thickness insulation layer fully under or over
the spacer bars makes the task extremely time consuming, especially
given the nature of some insulation types and the ease at which it can
break when manipulated.
An alternative has been the use of slabs or bats although these
have shown to lack the required flexibility during installation. These
combined factors are placing increasing reliance and pressure on the
installer to match the exact design criteria and safety specifications
laid down. The implications of this are not only the impact on fire
performance but also thermal compliance. Poorly fitting or unsecured
insulation impacts on thermal performance which can be identified
where thermal imaging takes place. In response to these issues, with
the installer and specifier in mind, Ash & Lacy Building Systems have
developed a range of revised firewall construction details for vertical
and horizontal applications. Their aim - to simplify installation;
provide an economic, Fibreglass only solution without an air gap,
which increases the cavity depth.
It is important to be aware that the structural loads relating to
horizontal cladding are vastly different from vertical applications.
With that in mind, the recently launched Ashwall BX48 system for
horizontally laid cladding provides a considerably quicker & more
economical installation with greater spanning capability. This is vital
with horizontal cladding when spanning rails up to two metres which
is far beyond the capability of traditional spacer bar systems.
This firewall innovation with Fibreglass insulation means there is no
requirement to pass the insulating quilts over the bars & under the
bracket.
This new system completely eliminates
any visible rippling effects which are
especially prevalent with metallic silver
colours. This issue has been solved
through the use of a unique method of
securing the insulation when dealing
with spacer centres of over 1.4m.
The result is an aesthetically true firewall system which fully complies
with all U-value and fire regulations laid down by Parts L and B.The
Ash & Lacy Ashgrid & Ashwall BX48 and Firewall systems have been
fully certified and tested by Bodycote Warrington Fire who offer
comprehensive, independent fire testing to meet British standards.
The results of these tests can be found in issues 122298 & 131336
respectively.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 17 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
Fendor Set To Grow In
Performance Glazing Market
Just one year on from becoming the focus for a successful
management buy-out, Fendor Limited can reflect on having
enhanced its reputation for offering innovative technical solutions
to demanding glazing specifications, whilst growing its business
operations in a highly competitive market. The buy-out was
masterminded by Managing Director Chris Duffy, who had spent
five years running the business at Fendor while it was part of the
international Hansen Group.
Chris Duffy says: At the time I purchased the company I had
allowed for having to borrow significant amounts of money, to
fund both new investments and further growth. In fact, we were
able to finish a number of large security glazing contracts in the
early months, to the complete satisfaction of the clients involved,
which meant we were able to run through our first year with full
positive cash flow in the bank. Those contracts included finishing
the construction of a large secure mental hospital in Ealing for Kier
Build and their NHS Trust clients.
The very encouraging cash flow in the business also enabled
the management team to proceed with plans to invest 0.4M in
Aluminium Profile Systems to complement the growing Steel Profile
Systems business. Recognising the needs of UK Clients Fendor
decided to base their Aluminium Systems on the world renowned
Schuco system. This was commissioned in August 2007.
Highlighting Fendors highly unusual ability to offer both steel
and aluminium framed systems for major schemes, the work on the
college also included elements of fire glazing featuring Fendors well
proven and fully patented Pyrolithic product. Fendor has become the
first ever manufacturer to achieve the highest standards of Security
Glazing Systems set out in LPS 1175.
The manufacturers Secureline steel glazing systems having been
tested by the BRE in Watford to demonstrate compliance with
Security ratings 1 to 4, as a fully patented design solution. It is
thought by Fendor that no other supplier can offer better than level
2. Chris Duffy continues saying: We have been very encouraged by
wining some significant new orders in recent months, such as the
Gleeson project which has led to us being asked to quote for more
projects by an ever increasing
list of main contractors. A full
forward order book and the
overall health of the sector
have also meant we are having
to bring forward our expansion
plans. We are currently seeking
to find new premises in
Gateshead at least double the
size of our existing facilities.
With a turnover in steel framed
products of close to 6 million
for the year, Fendor is by far the
largest contractor in the UK for
this highly specialised type of
fenestration.
Chris Duffy again: The sector for steel fenestration systems has
actually increased in the last couple of years, after being flat for
some time, and it is a Fendor USP that we are able to undertake
contracts of 2 million plus while offering the highest performance
fire or security glazing and now aluminium systems.
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An elegant and airy Huf Haus was recently erected in a fine,
wooded site in Surrey. In line with the green principles that are
part of the attraction of the Huf design [timber construction
from renewable sources, exceptionally efficient insulation
to conserve energy etc.] the new owner was determined to
install a NIBE Heat Pump in order to fuel his underfloor central
heating and domestic hot water from renewable energy.
An underground collection scheme was designed and installed
in consultation with the specialist consultants Isoenergy of
Horley Surrey, with the harvested energy processed through a
Fighter 1120 brine/water pump unit manufactured by NIBE in
Sweden and supplied by Isoenergy, whose input at the design
stage was also crucial. To complete the operation, Huf Haus
supplied a solar panel assembly as the prime source for the
hot water cylinder during the months from late spring to early
autumn.
Before the large garden was professionally landscaped by the
owners wife, around 800 metres of 40mm pipe was laid at a
depth of approximately one metre deep, ready to absorb the
latent energy accumulated in the soil from solar radiation
and the heat present in precipitation. The pipe, filled with
environmentally friendly, non-freezing liquid, conducts the
heat to the 17KW Pump NIBE Fighter 1120 in the plant room,
a waist-high, white coloured unit with a sloping top that
contains a small, easy to read, easy to use control panel. The
liquid is compressed into a gas, which is put through a heat
exchanger. The increased heat is passed to a liquid that is
conveyed to a specially designed double jacket water tank that
feeds into the central heating circulation and, as required, the
domestic hot water system.
At times of peak demand or when extreme weather conditions
prevail, an immersion heater in the tank automatically cuts in
to maintain the heat. The NIBE system and the solar panel
are designed to meet all the energy requirements for central
heating and domestic hot water, making a massive saving in
both running costs and environmental impact.
The Fighter 1120 that is supplying ground-fed heat to the new
Huf Haus is only one of many renewable energy schemes offered
by Isonergy.
Isoenergy are a specialist company enabling homeowners to
become energy efficient by offering a complete solution for all
types of heat supplies by qualified in-house engineers including
a complete consultancy service, which also includes supply
and installation thereby offering a personalised service to each
project.
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NIBE HeatsHuf Haus In Surrey
Klobens Solar Input Saves Factory Costs
A case study from Kloben acts as a reminder that the advantages of harnessing energy from
natural and renewable sources, financial as well as ecological, apply at least as much to
factories as to homes. A factory had been set
up in Italy to wash reusable plastic fruit boxes.
The cleaning operation required about 11,000
litres of water per day at a temperature of 48
degrees Centigrade and Kloben were called upon
to design the most efficient method of heating
that water. The system consisted of two blocks
each consisting of eight interconnected Kloben
SP21 Solar Collectors, each block around 30
sq.m. area, situated on the roof. The Collectors
are linked to two double-coil cylinders each of
3,000 litres capacity and it is from these that
the heated water is fed for the washing process.
The solar power supplied by the Collectors is
approximately 30% of the plants total energy
requirements, although the percentage rises to 55% in high summer.
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Smile For Versatile Heating Control
Honeywell has a new solution for weather-
compensated heating control in buildings too
small for a building management system, but too
large for domestic controls. Its versatile Smile
controller uses the latest digital technologies
and provides similar capabilities of the Honeywell
Aquatrol 2000 from great styling and easy
operation to a versatile technical specification.
For users, Smile is stylish and simple to use with
many comfort-enhancing, energy saving features.
Smile has an ingenious user panel with a large
back-lit LED display and a single rotary control
that is also a push button. This makes it easy
to select, change and confirm set values and times and difficult to make mistakes. It can be used as a
stand-alone controller or combined with other Smile units in a small network.
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New Hotel Achieves Comfort With Energy Savings
The new Cotswold Water Park Four
Pillars Hotel in Gloucestershire has
a superb HVAC system befitting
its luxurious vision. The HVAC
management system uses controllers,
valves, sensors and a PC-based user
interface, all from Honeywell. It
ensures a comfortable environment
for guests and conference delegates,
whatever the season. A PC-based
Honeywell SymmetrE building
management system interface
provides easy and clear operator
access to all HVAC, water, extractor
and heat recovery plant, for day-to-
day monitoring and control. Energy
is saved by turning off heating or
cooling to unused rooms.
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Thermafleece Is Now Energy
Saving Recommended
Thermafleece, British sheeps wool
thermal insulation has gained
approval by the Energy Saving
Trust and is now Energy Saving
Recommended. This means that
Thermafleece can now carry the blue
Energy Saving Recommended logo.
Thermafleece uses wool from British
hill sheep to create an exceptionally
efficient insulation material which is
absolutely safe to use. Thermafleece
has British Board of Agrment (BBA)
approval, and offers an environmental
and technical specification and can
be used in a wide variety of roof, wall
and floor constructions.
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New Belmont Commercial
Range Launched
Pegler Yorkshire has
launched the new Belmont
commercial range of
products, including manual
and thermostatic radiator
valves, fixed and remote
sensors, pre-setting valves
and a range of accessories.
The Belmont range has been developed
in response to revisions to the Building
regulations, where Thermostatic Radiator
Valves have become part of government
plans for energy efficiency. Belmont delivers
a selection of flexible products, designed to
meet the needs of the social housing and
commercial sectors. The new range is robust
and cost effective.
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Built at the turn of the last century, the Royal Masonic School
for Boys at Bushey is the true epitome of Edwardian architectural
elegance. The Grade 2 Listed school buildings are in red brick
with stone facings, grouped round a beautiful quadrangle and
dominated by an imposing clock tower. They are surrounded by
100 acres of rolling landscaped grounds and the whole area is
truly delightful. Cromer Homes, a group that specialises in the
sympathetic conversion of prestigious sites such as this, is now
six months into a four-year development project to create 300
luxury apartments within the complex under the name of Royal
Connaught Park.
Since Queen Victorias son, the Duke of Connaught, laid the
foundation stone for the Masonic School, the name could
hardly be more appropriate. One of the many problems when
converting an early 20th Century school, even one as grand as
this, is to banish the comparatively Spartan conditions imposed
on boys at the time and replace them with the high levels of
comfort demanded for modern living. The introduction of central
heating systems is a crucial example. Cromer Homes decided on
underfloor heating for all the apartments in order to leave walls
uncluttered by radiators and to obtain even heat throughout
each room.
For both convenience of installation and efficiency in operation,
the Polyplumb Overlay system was selected. The great advantage
of Overlay is that it is a high load bearing system only 18mm
thick that can be laid on top of any reasonably flat surface.
Installation time can be measured in hours rather than days
for the floor panels are simply cut to shape and then the
polybutylene pipe is walked into the pre-formed grooves from
a large roll. It is also extremely plumber-friendly thanks to a
truly comprehensive range of fitments and accessories, as
Trinity Services of Northampton, the plumbing sub-contractor
at Royal Connaught Park, will confirm. Overlay is being installed
in every room barring the bathroom, with a carpeted finish in
the bedrooms and ceramic tiles in the living areas and kitchen.
All floor coverings and fittings are specified to the highest
standards.
Gordon, Lowther & Gunton, the original architects would be
amazed at the recent change of use for the Royal Masonic
School for Boys and even more so at the 21st Century methods
of conversion. Surely, however, they would be delighted at the
high standards in planning, systems and materials used in the
refurbishment and, as winter begins to bite, they would enjoy
the comfort of the underfloor heating from Polypipes Overlay
system throughout the Royal Connaught Park development.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 25
www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
Overlay Fits With
Edwardian Splendour
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New Honeywell Controls Range Is Easy To
Programme, Easy To Use And Easy On The Eye
Honeywell has launched its major new family
of heating programmers and timers. The
ST9000 series is designed to be easy to
programme, easy to use and easy on the eye.
ST9000 employs an enhanced version of the
Line of Text (LoT ) concept. This features a
large ultra clear display and simple on screen
English language instructions. Honeywell
developers have added prompts at every stage
so it is obvious to what is happening and
what they need to do next. ST9000 controls
are simple to use. Installers and users can
choose one of several preset time/temperature
programmes to save time, or programme
in their own option by following simple
instructions. The ST9000 series includes models for all domestic heating and hot water applications.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 34
www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
Top Of The Class
Claimed, by Vortice, to be the most versatile and efficient
products in their class within the SAP Appendix Q database,
the latest MVHR unit (the HRU ECO 3 RF) and MEV unit (the
CVE ECO 2) have both excelled when tested to the Appendix Q
methodologies. SThe performances of both units can be entered
into SAP appendix Q to improve upon the default values and
help towards lowering CO2 emissions. Tested on a kitchen plus
up to 7 additional wet rooms, the HRU mechanical extract
ventilation system with heat recovery has re-set the benchmark
and established itself as the ideal product for residential
dwellings and those with multiple bath/shower rooms and shared
Kitchens such as student accommodation and nursing homes.
With a heat recovery efficiency of between 86% and 93%, the
HRU ECO 3 RF far exceeds the minimum standards set out in
Building Regulation Part L.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 35 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
Conder Extends Range
With Pumping Division
Conder is extending
its product range
with the launch
of the Conder
Pumping Solutions
division. Conder
will offer a range
of package pump
stations available
in both glass
reinforced plastic
or polyethylene up to 270,000ltrs
capacity. Each system will be
individually designed to meet the
customers requirements, with a
number of pump types and control
options available to ensure optimum
pumping efficiency.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 32
www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
Daikin Mark Completion Of
Sky Air Series
Daikin UK has announced the completion of
its industry leading Sky Air Inverter series,
offering cost-effective and energy efficient
climate control solutions for building premises.
The new 140 class model builds on the existing
100 and 125 class models in the Super Inverter
series to offer end-users more choice and
options. With heating and cooling capabilities,
the range features a more compact design,
higher performance efficiency and night quiet
operating mode, as well as simple integration
into existing systems using the original piping
diameters. Daikin has also extended its Sky Air
Heat Pump Comfort Inverter series. Adding to
the existing 3, 4 and 5HP models, the new 6HP
unit offers end-users a premium quality product
at a competitive price.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 31
www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
Compact Water Supply Assembly Saves Time
And Trouble In Multi-occupancy Buildings
Honeywell has launched a
time-saving water supply
assembly for multi-occupancy
buildings. The MTA06 has a
lower cost than all competing
similar assemblies and helps
consultants by simplifying
specifications while making
installation easier and faster.
In one compact device the
Honeywell MTA06 provides
the four functions needed for
the point of water entry into
an apartment: shut-off, strainer, pressure reduction and backflow protection
by means of a double check valve. The pressure reducing valve in the assembly
maintains a constant ideal pressure to protect water installations from high
supply pressures, irrespective of supply pressure and height, so reduces leaks,
corrosion and water consumption.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 26 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
Renoxtra With Hiflow Offers Increased
DHW Delivery Rates And Space Saving
Complementing Johnson & Starleys latest RenoXtra high
efficiency combination boiler, a new Hiflow thermal store
module or kit can now be added to the heating system. The
benefit of the RenoXtra with Hiflow is the provision of a
higher flow rate of DHW at 35C rise for a considerably lower
gas input, typically 6kW from the boiler. The Hiflow module
is compact and capable of being installed under a worktop.
The Hiflow module is connected to the RenoXtra that both
pre-heats the DHW supply and provides the heat input to
the Hiflow thermal store via its programmable controls. The
RenoXtra with Hiflow system works in two possible modes,
dependent upon the hot water demand. When demand
is within the capabilities of the RenoXtra 30 or 37 kW
combination boiler the water is delivered in a traditional
combi fashion. When increased delivery rates of DHW is
required the Hiflow module can be activated on demand.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 29
www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
Celuform Proposal To Implement
Manufacturing Change Project
Celuform Building Products Limited has been reviewing
the business to future-proof operations and maximise
cost effectiveness, efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Celuform is proposing to restructure its operations during
2008. Paul Neilson, Managing Director of Latium Building
Products comments: The main proposal is the relocation
of Celuforms operation to Scunthorpe to take advantage
of our state of the art facilities and in house raw material
blending. We are in the process of consultation and it is
important to emphasise that no decision has yet been
taken. Our proposal is to manufacture all Celuform products
with Calcium Organic stabilisers using our own blending
plant, as we already do with our Kestrel and BCE brands.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 30
www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
Reznor RHC Coil Provides
Energy Efficient Heat
Troax Opt For Vision
Heating From Ambirad
An inaccessible basement plant room
called for a lateral approach to the
installation of a new heating system at
Number 10 Queen Street Place, London
EC4. To heat the 28,000m
2
building, AHU
manufacturer KlimaTherm engineered two
625kW output warm air heaters, each
11mx4.5mx3.5m in size. The heaters
were to be placed on top of each other
in the basement plant room. However,
access to the plant room could only be
gained via the car park. A hole was cut
in the concrete floor of the car park and
the flat-pack AHUs lowered into the
space beneath. The AHUs draw fresh air
in from outside and either heat it using
the Reznor RHC coil fitted within the
unit or cool and filter it. The tempered
air is circulated round the building via
wall-mounted fan coils that regulate air
temperature and quality in individual
areas of the building.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 28
www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
The latest radiant heating technology
from AmbiRad the all-new Vision range
is enabling specialist steel products
manufacturer Troax to maintain comfort
temperatures for employees during cold
mornings and evenings. The heaters
also control condensation within the
factory, keeping the stored steel dry and
preventing rust. The building tends to be
particularly cold in the mornings before
the production process starts to generate
heat. An ageing oil-fired warm air system
was inadequate to the task of bringing
the premises up to temperature. Four VSX
radiant tube heaters were installed in the
roof space above two production bays.
The heaters take less than 30 minutes to
bring the working temperature up to 22C.
The units deliver heat where people are
working and at the lowest two meters of
the building.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 33
www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
The new Visitor Centre at Cley Marshes, commissioned by Norfolk
Wildlife Trust utilises renewable energy sources to provide light,
heating and hot water. In addition to a wind turbine there is a NIBE
Energy Systems geothermal unit harnessing the rain- and solar-
generated energy stored in the ground. At Cley Marshes a cost-effective
Surface Collector system has been installed, with around 400 metres
of looped plastic tubing buried roughly 20 centimetres below the frost
line under the open ground to the front of the Visitors Centre. The
plastic pipe contains a non-freezing emulsion of glycol and water and
is linked to a compact NIBE Fighter 1240 Unit inside the building.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 27 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
Visitor Centre Has Underground Heating
Stunning Visual Effects
From Daedalian For Leading
Investment Consultant
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Working to a brief from Business Design Solutions (BDS) presented Daedalian Glass with one of its most
challenging, but satisfying, commissions to date. With BDS having previously used a nautical theme for its
client, a leading American investment consultant, water was, again, the key element of the brief Daedalian
was asked to work to. The outcome is a river of glass that creates a focal point for the reception area of
the US companys new London-based European headquarters, flowing across the ceiling, down one wall and
across the front of the reception desk. Daedalian created a ripple effect across the kiln-formed glass surface,
which was enhanced by a white low iron glass.
At the wall and ceiling join behind the reception desk, the glass drops like a curved waterfall, blending with
another curved glass panel employing the same rippled effect and attached to the front of the reception
desk. Pale beige ceramic floor tiles mirror the flow of the glass on the ceiling, cutting a swathe across the
floor between fibrous bulkheads and slate slabs bordering either side. LED lighting at the edges of the glass
is programmed to change in intensity, thus enhancing the ripple effect.
The Waterworld feel is continued with a series of 2.7m high kiln-formed faceted panels five to one side of
the reception desk and three to the other. When placed alongside each other the uneven edges of each panel
leave a gap, creating a series of fissures. Behind them are a number of meeting rooms, each of which has
fissured glazed windows, creating privacy whilst enabling anyone outside to see whether or not the rooms
are occupied. Daedalian even tackled the Health & Safety issue raised by the potential danger to partially
sighted visitors posed by the leading edges of the glass panels to left and right of the reception desk. The
problem was solved by attaching to the panel edges a series of 40mm x 350mm long lead crystal rods.
Placed one above the other, each was divided by a stack of black and white glass discs. Viewed from
different angles, the discs appear either solid black or black and white, guaranteeing immediate and
dramatic visibility. Continuing with the use of kiln-formed glass, but in a more low-key manner, Daedalian
has also produced long slim vision panels for 40 doors in the building, with three clear glass ovals bonded
to the surface of each. Again, with the aim of retaining privacy, but giving people the chance to check if a
room is occupied or a meeting is taking place. Finally, some 18 wall lights have been designed and made by
Daedalian, again using kiln formed glass, in a combination of clear and opaque.
The end result was fantastic, said project designer, Paul Rowlands of BDS. First we worked together
creating the ripple effect, and Daedalian was very responsive and revised work samples very quickly. Then
we worked with the lighting consultant to get the right lighting to enhance the ripple effect; meanwhile the
light fittings were all purpose-made and had to be mocked-up in advance. Taking a chance with an unknown
supplier always involves a significant leap of faith. This was the position Paul Rowlands found himself in
when giving the commission to Daedalian. He was looking, not only for an impressive track record, but also
a high level of creativity and a willingness to work in harmony with clients. More than that, however, he
needed to be confident they could ultimately produce an exciting piece of work with the right corporate
feel for his client.
Visits to both with Davia Walmsley, head designer, followed by meetings with her and husband, Chris,
Marketing Director, convinced Paul he had found not only the right creative partnership, but also one
with the desired level of personal service needed for such a prestigious project. This was a very satisfying
project, said Chris Walmsley, not only artistically but also because Paul and his colleagues put their trust
in us. It really was a case of our working together as a partnership, rather than us working for them. The
end result bears this out, I think.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 36 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
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Defining The Perfect Window
Manufacturers working in the construction industry frequently claim to have responded to their
customers demands when launching a new product line, but few can have researched the market as
thoroughly as Duraflex has done before bringing its new service offering to the housebuilding sector.
The PVC-U systems house - part of the worldwide Masco Group with an annual turnover in excess of 13
billion has consulted with a number of the UKs leading housebuilders and contractors in an effort to
define what makes the ideal window package: not simply in terms of performance or appearance, but
the entire system and supply chain arrangements.
The strategy must have struck a chord, for Duraflex has already announced it has formed partnering
relationships with Persimmon and Gladedale while other household names are expected to come on
board within the next few months. In a market frequently referred to as being saturated, this is good
news for Duraflex and its fabricators, as well as offering a host of benefits to the housebuilders. The
Sales and Marketing Director for the Masco Windows Group, Mike Dunlevy, reveals: We went through
the process of looking at the market place and the sector break down as well as the long term forecasts
from people like Palmer. Although the figures vary quite a bit, the trend in refurbishment and retail is
going to be in decline for a number of years; and we are seeking to take cyclability of our business.
The two areas showing real strength are new build housing and the Decent Homes programme being
delivered through local authorities and housing associations; and both account for some 14 per cent
of the PVC-U window market. So not only is it sound sense for us to try and capture a larger share
of these very strong sectors, but we also want to capitalise on the Masco relationship with top
UK housebuilders to enhance the opportunity for Duraflex and our customers. That relationship in
fact encompasses an impressive array of well known companies and brands, not just connected to
window manufacturing, but also covering the supply of kitchens, bathrooms and a wide variety of other
construction products.
Mike Dunlevy continues: Through our discussions with leading developers, we basically came up
with a hit list of a dozen key issues which defined the perfect window for them. This therefore
enabled us to formulate a vetting procedure for those window companies who wanted to become
part of our nationwide new build installer service network. Only 18 of the 24 who put themselves
forward succeeded; and the total will probably not rise above 25. This provides total UK coverage,
but still allows housebuilders or their regions to test two or three installers themselves to keep price
competitive. The criteria covering an installers operational practices that have been drawn up as a
direct result of the consultation process focus strongly on safe working and high quality service. They
include the stipulation that an installer should have appropriate insurance cover for both employees
and public liability and a satisfactory health and safety policy; with all personnel attending a site
being in possession of a CSCS card. Beyond this developers cited the need for installers to be able to
carry out risk assessments and be experienced in conducting pre-contract site start up meetings. This
was accompanied by the requirement for them to be able to conduct site audits.
Away from the action, housebuilders were also very keen to be assured that window companies
possessed financial strength and had in place a current training matrix. Together these parameters are
predicted to help ensure installation contracts run smoothly and the developer or main contractor can
demonstrate duty of care to their client in respect of making responsible appointments to the supply
chain. Moving on to the product range itself it is of course crucial that windows within the range
should be capable of meeting not only the current Building Regulations, but they should also respect
the wider sustainability agenda and be capable of assisting housebuilders to target initiatives such as
building zero carbon homes.
Mike Dunlevy states: Employing soft coat low-E glass with a warm edge spacer bar and argon filling,
we are able to achieve a U-value of 1.35 W/m
2
K or lower and our various window types score from
C up to A under the Window Energy Rating System. Environmental credentials are key now in the
construction industry and in particular housebuilding, but it is something that has been addressed
throughout Duraflexs operations. The main site in Tewkesbury met its 10 year Climate Charge Levy
target in just 18 months and issues such as water usage and recycling are being improved all the time.
We collect any scrap materials from our group companies which we use in the manufacture of products
such as cavity closer profiles.
These products are integral to helping bricklayers build the reveals accurately and enable the installer
to fit the frame from within the building a crucial factor given the boom in apartment schemes and
the risks of working at height while reducing the risk of damage. At present our cavity closers fit 75
and 100mm widths though we are being asked for wider units to suit ever more highly insulated wall
constructions. Mike Dunlevy sums up saying: Our window systems are brilliant white, not off-white,
and can make a real contribution to the kerb appeal of a property, and we can also offer Secured by
Design, which is so important in social housing.
s ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 37 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
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Any size,
Any shape,
Anywhere
Call for a brochure on
+44 (0) 1842 815 581
http://www.glazing-vision.co.uk
The Flushglaze
, Non-Com
and Flamecheck