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vision gallery opinion the book
practice news projects and products manufacturers have their say building projects, news and information 4 16 62
Manufacturer: Cantifix Product: Dormer Windows, Sky-Frame Doors & PureGlaze Pivot Doors Full Story: Page 22 Visit: www.cantifix.co.uk
news 8 floors 28 roofs 30 environmental control 34 doors, windows & glazing 40 interiors 48 structures 52 walls 57 projects 72
Front Cover photograph kindly supplied by Bespoke Fireplaces Designs. Bespoke Fireplace Designs work closely with architects, designers and builders, and offer the complete solution from concept through design, to manufacture and installation. www.bespokefireplacedesigns.co.uk - Full story on pages 17
Some of the colour photography used in Building Innovations is provided and paid for by contributors towards the cost of production. Whilst every effort is made by the publishers to ensure that the content of the articles appearing in Building Innovations is accurate, the publishers do not accept liability for errors that may appear in the publication. Building Innovations is published quarterly, free of charge to a carefully selected readership under the publishers control. Copies are otherwise available on request at cost of 3.75 per single issue including postage. Yearly subscription rates are 12.50 including postage. The views expressed by contributors in this publication are not necessarily the views of the publisher. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording in any storage or retrieval system without the consent of the publisher. Published by: Link2Media Limited Editorial Office: Barn 3, Dunston Business Village, Stafford Road, Dunston, Stafford ST18 9AB Tel: 01785 711591 Fax: 0845 862 8639 info@link2media.co.uk www.link2media.co.uk www.link2media.co.uk/twitter www.link2media.co.uk/facebook
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VISION
VISION
www.guilhemeustache.com
Title: FOBE HOUSE (A filmmakers House) Location: Tassoultante, Marrakech, Morocco Architect: Guilhem EUSTACHE
Once you cross through the metal gate, you are suddenly plunged into a strange world. Three white steles frame and seek the longitudinal axis of the house in the center of the field. On the right side, the Guard house, two mixed cubes, is close to a totem pole fireplace and faces the double garage all in length studded with small openings. These simple elements articulate the vacuum around and focus the eye towards the house itself.
For many years I regularly visited Morocco. From the first trip I was bewitched by that country and the three projects studied to date are certainly fed, to varying degrees, by all the images and impressions gathered during my stays.
Architect Guilhem Eustache says he finds his inspiration in the work of a architects, painters, sculptors, conceptual artists or filmmakers of all periods and all schools, especially the detail of the paintings by Giorgio de Chirico, the discovery of the Jantar Mantar [observatories] at Jaipur, constructed by Maharajah Jai Singh II of Jaipur between 1727 and 1734 and the long tracking shots by filmmaker Orson Welles. Hes demonstrated the influence of all three at his recently completed Fobe Home, 10 miles south of Marrakesh, Morocco. I find it difficult to establish precisely, for this project, where and whenit refers to such or such painter or architect work, says Guilhem Thats whyIm always surprised when an architecture journalist accurately established similarities between my work and that of such artist. His biggest challenge lay in defining the program with his client, a Belgian producer and director who originally planned to build three houses there. The project gradually shrank to include the smallest of the three. The other two are to be built elsewhere. The landscape is mostly drowned under a heat veil that hides the horizon. It is only from December to March that the snowy Atlas Mountains appears. With this modest building (1800 square feet of living space)
Guilhem positioned the main building at the centre of the 2.5 hectares site.Large heights, flowing and open spaces, a play on shadow and light. Guilhem doubled the walls to help deal with the climate, creating room high-rise and sun protections. Each region and country deserves architectural answers, adapted in line with requirements climatic, cultural and economic conditions, says Guilhem. Guilhem used local materials and techniques like clay, tadelack, Pierre de Ourika. Also they planted 23 olive trees, 10 palm, 450 eucalyptus, 200 mimosa and 20 fruit trees, but trying not to undermine the wildness of the land. Two parallel concrete sails create a noise and visual barrier to the west. A steep stairway stands between the two walls, rising to a rooftop terrace that gives way to a spectacular view to the south.
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VISION
VISION
www.isgplc.com
Title: ISG Wins Ultimate BCO Accolade Location: London Company: ISG Photographs: Richard Bryant/arciadimages.com
www.robertson.co.uk
Title: Robertson complete 110 million hospital in Aberdeen Location: Aberdeen Architect: Robertson
ISGs fit out of K&L Gates offices at One New Change, Cheapside in Central London, has received the ultimate industry accolade after not only securing the British Council for Offices (BCO) National Award for Best Fit Out of Workplace but also scooping the Best of the Best prize. At a glittering annual awards ceremony attended by more than 1,000 guests, K&L Gates and ISG, alongside Washington DC-based architects LSM and the projects consultant team, received the news that the fit out had been officially recognised at the UKs best of the best office-based developments. To secure this major achievement ISGs project beat off stiff competition from national winners across seven categories, including Heron Tower, the BBCs Media City in Manchester, Fort Dunlop in Birmingham and the 7 More London development. Paul Cossell, managing director of ISG Fit Out, commented: K&L Gates offices at One New Change provide a stunning example of how the architectural features of a building can be maximised and enhanced to deliver a workplace that is both productive and aesthetic. Receiving the ultimate industry recognition for the hard work and collaborative working practices of all our project delivery partners is an outstanding result and firmly places ISG at the top of our industry.
www.fabricarchitecture.com
Title: New Landmark Riverfront Canopy Location: Owensboro, Ohio, USA Company: Fabric Architecture Limited
The City of Owensboro has been developing the Riverfront over the past 10 years, making it a cultural hub for tourism. At the end of the walkway to the river is an overlook area featuring a landmark fan-shaped tensile fabric structure. Integrated atop a stage area, this dynamic structure was designed as a performance shelter. The tensile fabric structure, with its heavy steel framework and vast canopy, was installed just on the edge of the river. To do this, Fabric Architectures specialist in-house Engineers engineered part of the river wall to support the structure. In addition to engineering challenges, getting the design right was crucial. The process involved several iterations, ensuring the structure complemented the bridge in the background. Working in coordination with the architect, the design result is a barrel vaulted canopy measuring 52 x 28.This custom canopy soars 33 feet above the edge of the river. Five steel masts support the cantilevered structure offering free-span space for summer concerts and activities. The iconic canopy is one of the highlights of the riverfront redevelopment.
A 110million state-of-the-art emergency care centre, one of the largest in Europe, has been completed on time and is on track to bring new health services to people living in Grampian and the surrounding areas. Marking the culmination of a three year construction project by Robertson, the infrastructure, support services and construction group, the new centre has been delivered on time and within budget due to the modern and innovative project management and build techniques. Robertson introduced a number of innovative measures to the construction process which includes a technique which has never been done before in the UK on this scale. Hundreds of service modules which contain equipment for the supply and distribution of mains services such as water, electricity, waste disposal and air conditioning were pre-fitted to modular frames which also incorporated the plasterboard partition elements above the ceiling. This removed the need for electricians and other tradesmen to work in a confined space saving time and money. A logistics company was also used to manage deliveries. Usually expensive materials are
stored in a secure unit on site or within the building while under construction. But with the vast quantity of building materials including more than 30,000 items of specialist equipment this would have been impossible. Instead Robertson had all the materials and equipment, including 500 miles of wire and 50 miles of pipe, delivered on a just-in-time basis. Following the successful completion, the company have now been contracted to lead on the redevelopment of two adjacent hospital buildings, which currently occupy inpatient facilities and operating theatres. The 21million project starts on site in December 2012 and is due for completion in August 2014.
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THE BOOK/NEWS
THE BOOK/NEWS
FebSET 45 Is Back!
Made to the original Feb formula, FebSET 45 the market leading magnesia phosphate high strength repair mortar - is back on the market and is even better than ever! Everbuild Building Products Ltd acquired the Feb brand in 2009 and have seen it grow from strength to strength whilst still ensuring that they uphold the traditional Feb values that customers have long since known, used and trusted. FebSET 45 is a specially formulated repair mortar based on magnesia-phosphate cement pre-mixed with selected aggregates which gives controlled, extremely high early strengths in temperatures ranging from -30C (or lower) up to over 30C. FebSET 45 is ideal for use to repair damaged surfaces which are susceptible to heavy traffic where a minimum delay to work disruption is of the utmost importance. FebSET 45 can also be used to raise and level manhole covers, gratings and hydrants. www.feb.uk.com
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 5 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
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You and your clients can visit our retail focussed showroom to see how the quality solutions on offer can benefit a high end garden room or conservatory project. See for yourself the wide selection of popular colour options, many of which are available from as little as two weeks.
info@alumen.co.uk www.alumen.co.uk
01536 312939
Showroom at: Britannia Road, Kettering, NN16 9RX
Choose from our range of: Aluminium bi-folding doors Sliding doors Aluminium windows Contemporary front doors Crittall replacement windows Commercial doors and low rise curtain walling
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THE BOOK/NEWS
Mobilane Works With Researchers And Clients To Highlight Benefits Of Well-Designed Green Spaces
Mobilane has embarked on a pioneering partnership with Staffordshire University help existing and potential customers understand how wellmanaged green planted spaces can enhance wellbeing and solve social and environmental problems. From improving mental health and reducing crime to improving air quality, the issues that the installation of a well-designed green space can resolve are diverse. In order to put these benefits on a more scientific footing, Mobilane and Staffordshire University are asking businesses whether from the private or public sector to come up with suggestions of what areas they would like investigating. Scientists from the university will then work with the company and Mobilane to research the precise benefits that an intelligently designed green space can yield in a particular area, for example building insulation, employee attendance rates or an improvement in general human well-being. Some research by is currently under way with a study investigating how successful carefully designed green spaces can be at influencing biodiversity, improving building insulation and capturing microscopic pollutants, thereby improving air quality and human health. Mobilane has developed a partnership with the university after director Sean Farrell held discussions with academics from its Faculty of Sciences and was impressed by the independent rigour they would bring to the research. Sean Farrell comments: The problems that smartly designed and wellmanaged green spaces can solve are diverse, from improving respiratory health to reducing instances of domestic violence. Some research has already been done into these areas, but we are keen to work with industry and the public sector to help further clarify and quantify these benefits. Intelligently designed green spaces have a multitude of benefits, but scrutinising them in this way will give a clearer, deeper understanding of precisely what those benefits are. This research will provide firm evidence of the wide-ranging improvements the introduction of a high-quality green space into a development can bring. We have wanted to be involved in research into the credentials of wellmanaged green spaces for some time and when we heard of the academic work being done at Staffordshire University we were keen to find out more and get involved. The current research being done at Staffordshire University will provide more information on how pollutants known as PM10s particulate matter that is less than 10 microns in diameter are absorbed by plants. The reduction of PM10 levels is a focus of policy for the Department for Transport and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. www.mobilane.co.uk
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 16 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
You know the correct xing force* is applied when the TAPER-LOC tool clicks the glass into place.
The TAPER-LOC System is the simple way to install glass railings and balustrades.
*Nm For toughened/toughened laminated glass from 12mm-25.52mm thick.
Patented
taperloc.co.uk
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GALLERY/PRODUCT/DECOFLAME
Title: Decoflame E-Ribbon Fire Application: Bioethanol Fireplaces Visit: www.decoflame.com
Since 2007, Decoflame has become the synonym for Danish Design and Craftsmanship on the market for bioethanol fireplaces. Comprising a large variety of both standard and made to measure bioethanol fireplace models, the decoflame range of fires are amongst the safest and most stylish currently available. In February 2012, the Denmark-based manufacturer introduced a second generation of electronically controlled ethanol-fuelled burner the decoflame e-Ribbon Fire (patent pending). Featuring cutting-edge technology, this remotely controlled burner can be installed as a standalone drop-down unit or as part of the decoflame made to measure built-in bioethanol fireplace models Montreal and Orlando. The decoflame e-Ribbon Fire combines ease of installation and operation with functional safety, introducing the joy and warmth of a real open fire to domestic and commercial fireplace applications without the need for a flue or chimney.
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 20 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
Bespoke Fireplace Designs have noticed a big change in the past few years, where fireplaces are not just a source of heating within the home; they are becoming a stunning feature to complement their interior theme. Contemporary feature fires are very on trend, whether it be 2 metre hole-in-the-wall gas fire, or a beautiful central glass suspended fireplace. More and more clients are now seeking bespoke fires, unique to their own designs and individual requirements. Specifying every detail from the size, shape and burner design, to the exact colour co-ordination within the room. Alongside the Bespoke Fireplace Designs range of fires, there is also a beautiful range of Wood Burning and Open Gas Fires from leading Dutch manufacturer Kal-Fire, and an extensive range of Balance Flue Appliances from suppliers Kal-Fire and ThermoCet. The Heat Pure Wood Burning range from Kal-Fire creates a unique appliance that has a lift-door mechanism, which can be burnt with the door completely open, or closed. An exclusive valve device on the Heat Pure range has been patented by Kal-Fire, and allows for combustion air to be connected directly from the outside to the appliance. This means that there is not a requirement for additional ventilation into the room. The Bespoke Fireplace Designs range of highly efficient, high output Balance Flue Gas Appliances are available in a wide variety of sizes and configurations, including tunnels, 3-sided, 2-sided, and even a 280 degree 4-sided visual fireplace. This range is available in natural gas, or LPG. Bespoke Fireplace Designs specialise in creating wood burning and open gas appliances specifically to individual requirements. Bespoke Fireplace Designs work closely with architects, designers and builders, and offer the complete solution from concept through design, to manufacture and installation.
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 22 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
GALLERY/PRODUCT/CORAM SHOWERPODS
Title: Coram Showerpods NEW Colour Palettes! Application: Showerpods Visit: www.coramshowerpods.co.uk
Title: New Rail For JIS Sussex Range Application: JIS Sussex Range Visit: www.thecoastalrange.co.uk
JIS Europe Ltd. is a leading supplier of stainless steel radiators and towel rails. Brand new additions to the JIS Sussex range are a set of three Fletching Rails, substantial towel rails especially conceived to match the modern trend towards retro-styled bathrooms. The Fletching Rails are beautifully made to a smart but chunky design that has distinct overtones of the massiveness of superior Victorian plumbing. The Fletching Rails are in top quality stainless steel in a polished finish and are available in central heating, electric and dual fuel formats. The design of the Fletching Rails is simple but effective. The smallest model is 520mm wide and 635mm high, with fixing supports at each corner and a central horizontal rail in addition to those at top and bottom. The larger sizes are also 520mm wide and 910mm high and 1185mm high respectively; the 910mm model has two unsupported horizontal rails and the largest, three. The corner supports are very simple to fix and are designed to hold the rails sufficiently far from the wall to prevent the snagging of towels that can be so infuriating. Confidence in the permanence of the stainless steel towel rails is backed by a 25 Years JIS Guarantee.
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 23 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
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GALLERY/PROJECT/DuPont
Title: Creative Solutions For A New African Landmark DuPont Corian For The Imax Cinema And Morocco Mall Location: Morocco Application: DuPont Corian Visit: www.corian.co.uk
With retail space totaling 70,000 square meters, the Morocco Mall is a ground-breaking new destination for entertainment and shopping in Casablanca.. Davide Padoa, CEO of Design International architectural studio, commissioned to design the project, describes it as a symbol for Moroccos ability to absorb global trends and developments without losing its identity. Among the many distinguishing architectural features is the incorporation of the infinity "8" symbol into the structure, harmoniously complimenting its Atlantic Ocean coast and creating a natural bridge between the building and the sea. The interiors of the complex feature multiple use of DuPont Corian hi-tech surfaces, including reception desks, information signage, decorative screens and a dramatic application of cladding for the connecting IMAX Cinema . Outside the Mall but accessible from the main entrance, the impressive structure has been designed by architect Yasser Kahlaoui. The building closes the infinity symbol and acts as a natural connection between the mall and the exterior landscape. The IMAX 3D cinemas are well known for the innovative technologies and the Morocco Mall location has a capacity of 400 seats, offering the first digital projection in Africa. Within the building, a 550 square metre red shell-like form weighing 20 tons is made entirely in DuPont Corian. The same hi performance surface is also used for the bright red interior ceilings and sections of wall cladding. The natural solidity and ability of DuPont Corian to
take on any form or shape allowed Yasser Kahlaoui to create the illusion of an entire 3D structure. Each of the DuPont Corian red panels has a different sizes and inclination to create suggestive volumes. The panel cladding was conceived and installed by Deborel Maroc (under the guidance of Igor Desmazieres) in collaboration with technical specialists of DuPont Corian. As highlighted by Yasser Kahlaoui, this interior 3D red shell in DuPont Corian is unique in the world. The choice of red reflects enthusiasm and a desire to dominate the scene, but at the same this color enhances human creativity and spreads energy. The IMAX interiors are suggestive of a tasty red fruit, or an underwater coral, something very attractive that you cant help touching, an object of desire. DuPont Corian has also been selected for the concession counters. A selection of the newly refined DuPont Corian colour palette is expertly used to maximize visual effects of the Morocco Mall: red for the IMAX ceiling, an elegant brown for the advertising screens, black and white for the information totems all demonstrating the immeasurable potential for working with DuPont Corian that allows architects to give free reign to their creativity. Inside the bathrooms located on the luxury bands floor of the mall, DuPont Corian has been used to create beautiful moucharabieh style space dividers, in a white version for the ladies cloakroom, and in a black version for the mens, giving a modern look to an object traditionally made of wood.
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 24 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
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GALLERY/PROJECT/STANNAH LIFTS
Title: Doing The Locomotion With Network Rail . . . Location: Edinburgh Product: Bespoke Passenger Lifts Visit: www.stannahlifts.co.uk
Once again, Stannah is doing the locomotion with a major Network Rail revamp moving millions of people around Edinburgh Waverley, a 24-7 main line railway station sited in Scotlands capital centre. As part of a 130-million investment to support a burgeoning tide of passengers, Stannahs Major Projects team has fast-tracked an extensive lift replacement and refurbishment program culminating in an illuminated bespoke passenger duplex on the station roofline. Works included: relocating an existing mailroom on platform 10 on a 33-hour Disruptive Possession; removing a 33-person hydraulic lift on platform 8/9 and replacing it with a 33-person, Network Rail specification, 2-floor semiscenic hydraulic lift; installing an 8-person MRL lift as a temporary solution while the lift on platform 8/9 was being installed; and extending the existing 2-floor, 16-person New Street Car Park hydraulic lift to serve three floors to include the new bridge level and the new entrance on Market Street. Several further lift replacements are also in the pipeline. Importantly, the Stannah Major Projects team responded to a revised schedule that compressed a 10-week project into 30 working days and installed a
bespoke hydraulic passenger lift duplex, operating at 0.63mps and located directly above the rail track. This is a show-stopping feature, particularly after dark when the Italian lighting system (also installed by Stannah) throws it into dramatic and futuristic relief against Edinburghs ancestral backdrop. Stannah Project Manager for Edinburgh Waverley, Jerry Sutton, comments: Whilst flexing operations around a hectic train timetable, we have successfully increased the people-moving capacity of this main line station by offering a comprehensive relocation, refurbishment, renewal, bridging and bespoke lift solution. Even when faced with a drastically reduced deadline we worked flat out, day and night, to deliver on time and budget. Of course, the floodlit rooftop duplex blazons both Stannahs capability and Edinburgh Waverleys emergence as a 21st-century rail hub.
Not only do the Stannah passenger lifts ensure that Network Rail meets the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, they are serviced by the Scotland branch of Stannah Lift Services, part of a nationwide network providing 24 hour, 365 days a year support. Stannah Lift Services Major Projects team works closely with contractors and developers to provide bespoke lift solutions, escalators and moving walkways to retro-fit and new-build developments right across the UK.
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 25 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
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GALLERY/PROJECT/CANTIFIX
Title: Cantifix Creates PureGlaze Spa At Exeter Hotel Location: Exter Application: Dormer Windows, Sky-Frame Doors & PureGlaze Pivot Doors Visit: www.cantifix.co.uk
GALLERY/PROJECT/SCHUECO
Title: Unitised Faade System And Sliding Doors From Schueco Are Vital Elements In Major Project At Canada Water, London Location: London Application: Unitised Faade System And Sliding Doors Visit: www.schueco.co.uk
Aluminium faade and door systems from Schueco UK Limited are being used extensively in the construction of a 27-storey residential tower-block at Maple Quays, South East London. The project, for Barratt London, is part of the massive Canada Water development that aims to regenerate the Rotherhithe area. The 8 million design, prefabrication and installation contract was won by London faade specialist and Schueco network partner, M Price. The company is using Schuecos USC 65 insulated unitised faade system for the work. This extremely flexible system, which is ideally suited to large projects, combines economy and functionality with visually striking aesthetics in the form of continuous, consistently narrow sight-lines. The contract involves the fabrication of over 1,000 2.5 m x 3 m unitised sections, which are being constructed off-site. A second Schueco system, ASS 70 FD, an aluminium, thermally insulated folding/sliding door system, is also being installed in apartments with balconies. Delivering 'U' values as low as 1.7 W/m2K, the doors offer excellent water-tightness, are easy to open and close and can accommodate door leaf sizes up to 1200 mm wide and 3000 mm high. This phase of Maple Quays includes not only the landmark central tower, but also four lowrise blocks, bringing the total number on the site to ten.
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 27 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
GALLERY/PROJECT/HELIFIX
Title: Helifix Sympathetic Heritage Repairs Allay Concerns Of Conservation Officer Location: Oxford Application: Non-Disruptive Repair Products And Installation Visit: www.helifix.co.uk
When an early 18th Century Grade II listed stone cottage near Oxford needed sympathetic stabilisation, to overcome cracking, outward movement and bowing of the front elevation. The slim, flexible and non-disruptive nature of Helifixs repair products and their concealed installation techniques overcame the officers concerns. Combined with Helifixs considerable experience in securing listed and heritage buildings, she was satisfied that the repair scheme, devised by Helifix and structural engineers, Hannah Reed Associates, and undertaken by Approved Installer, Red Brick Structural Solutions, would reliably restore the structural integrity of the property without affecting its aesthetic appearance. Alterations and aging had caused a loss of lateral restraint in the 500mm thick random stone wall which was fully stabilised and reconnected to internal floor joists, cracks were stitched and all without affecting the aesthetics of this historic property.
Originally a Victorian eye hospital, and previously known as 'Hotel Barcelona', the newly opened Magdalen Chapter Hotel in Exeter has had a three-year internal and external refurbishment completed in 2012. The Grade II listed building has had additional bedrooms created in its roof, and the internal courtyard filled in to create a contemporary lounge area. The heritage of the building was important, and as many original features as possible have been retained including the tiled floor of the operating rooms, complete with drainage holes! Cantifix carried out extensive work on the Magdalen Chapter Hotel, starting with 8 special frameless dormer windows, which were fitted to the new roof bedrooms to ensure maximum views over the city and countryside. The glass continues into the lounge and bar area, where a large set of Sky-Frame doors
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and a double set of PureGlaze pivot doors allow the activity to spill out onto the terrace and help create the hotels desired contemporary wonderland feeling. Cantifix glass features again in the 'inside out' pool area - fixed panels of glass have been used to create a magical environment, where guests can swim from outside to in. Another set of PureGlaze pivot doors have been used to great effect at the entrance to the spa area, providing a welcoming, light-filled faade.
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 26 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
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GALLERY/PROJECT/SHACKERLEY
Title: The Manser Practice Clads Second Hilton Hotel With Shackerleys Ceramic Granite Location: London Application: Sureclad Ceramic Granite Ventilated Cladding System Visit: www.shackerley.com
Gleaming black polished ceramic granite ventilated facades supplied by Shackerley have provided a stunning appearance and a high performance outer envelope for the new Hilton London Wembley Hotel, which overlooks two of the capitals best known landmarks, Wembley Stadium and Wembley Arena. Architects at The Manser Practice have delivered the luxury 361-bedroomed hotel as part of the wider Wembley Masterplan, which incorporates a mixture of commercial, leisure, retail and residential accommodation and community facilities around the stadium. The hotels monolithic polished black facades and flush glazing reflect the striking imagery of the surrounding buildings and at the same time provide a vivid contrast with the dramatic white concrete of Wembley Arena. The Manser Practice was one of the very first architectural practices in the UK to recognise the aesthetic and technical benefits of Shackerleys ceramic granite ventilated facades a decade ago. Back in 2002, in a move which would attract the attention of the wider UK A & D community, the architects opted to clad the exteriors of the 26million extension to the Hilton London Gatwick Airport with the Lancashire manufacturers large format ceramic granite panels, selecting a polished buff colour to complement the travertine of the original building. Since then the practice has gone on to specify Shackerleys Queens Award winning Sureclad ceramic granite ventilated cladding system to enhance and protect other standout buildings in the hotel, health and general commercial sectors, including this second luxury Hilton development. Whilst the facades on the new hotel have been constructed from a modern, innovative and technologically advanced material, the design of the building itself was inspired by two majestic buildings constructed in the 1930s as Barry Mullin, Project Architect at The Manser Practice reveals: Sir Owen Williams, the design engineer responsible for Wembley Arena, also designed the Daily Express Buildings in Fleet Street and Manchester, both of which are striking, highly reflective flush black buildings. We wanted to follow this precedent and design a hotel that was not only striking in its own right but which would complement and reflect the grandeur of the Arena. Having used Shackerleys polished ceramic granite successfully on previous projects we knew the material would deliver the clean uncluttered lines and the highly reflective finish we required and at the same time provide the durability and low maintenance properties needed. Over 3400m2 of polished black ceramic granite was supplied in a 1200 x 600mm format for the exterior hotel elevations. As Barry commented, This is a cost effective facade panel module that weve used before. It works with standard floor to floor heights and minimises the amount of bespoke cutting needed which makes it an economical solution. The facades were erected using Shackerleys Sureclad Hang On system and the installation ready panels were pre-assembled at works prior to delivery to site, with hanging brackets secured by a patented stainless steel undercut anchorage system. All prefabrication works including the precision undercut drilling required to facilitate a safe secure mechanical fix, was carried out at Shackerleys ISO 9001 accredited production facilities in Lancashire. This minimised the amount of preparatory work that needed to be carried out on site by Prater, who were subcontracted to install the facades by main contractor John Sisk & Son on behalf of Quintain Estates & Developments. A further 100m2 of ceramic granite panelling was destined for the hotel reception area where it has been installed on a modified shallow zone Sureclad system of brackets and rails to provide visual continuity with the exterior and create high quality wall cladding for the lofty three-storey high interiors. The hotel, which was completed in time to welcome visitors to the Olympics, has met with widespread acclaim. It has also met environmental targets, attaining a BREEAM rating of Very Good. Ten years after undertaking their very first ceramic granite ventilated cladding project, and with several other successful Sureclad projects completed, The Manser Practice have used Shackerleys market leading system to deliver yet another stunning hotel development bearing the internationally renowned Hilton brand.
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 29 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
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GALLERY/PROJECT/WICONA
Title: Wicona Develops Bespoke Unitised Faade Solution For New 50-Storey Tower In Frankfurt Location: Germany Application: Bespoke Unitised Faade Visit: www.wicona.co.uk
A new 50-storey office scheme in Frankfurt now Germanys fourth tallest building incorporates 3,000 opening vents and two bespoke aluminium faade solutions developed by Wicona. Tower 185 was completed on time and on budget and has since been awarded LEED gold certification the internationallyrecognised standard for sustainable construction. Designed by architect Christoph Mckler, the oval-shaped development is located in the heart of the citys financial district. It provides 100,000sqm of office accommodation and comprises two halves with glass and aluminium faades that are joined by a central fully glazed tower. The 27,000sqm Wicona facade was fabricated and installed by FKN. Its design had to take account of the structural requirements of a building that is over 200m tall and provide high levels of thermal and acoustic performance to meet the schemes stringent sustainability criteria and occupier comfort. The building envelope had to be installed on a very constrained city centre site and to a fast track programme of just over a year which would include work through the harsh winter months. Two specially-designed unitised faade solutions were developed by Wicona and FKN to meet the specification criteria and the site and programme challenges. The glazed panels were prefabricated off site in a controlled factory environment which was not subject to the weather and so ensured consistently high quality
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standards. Highly efficient logistics were then planned to accommodate delivery and installation on site without the need for material storage. Around 50 per cent of the high-rise faade is glass and the glazed tower is oriented to the north, reducing energy for heating and cooling. Full height glazed panels maintain a high level of natural light inside the building and allow eight corner offices and more than 50 desks on each floor to be positioned at a window. A significant innovation for the faade was its method of installation. An assembly robot was developed for the project which moved each unitised panel through its structural opening to the exterior of the building, turned it to the correct position and then installed it. This allowed up to 20 faade panels, each measuring around 7sqm and weighing half a tonne, to be installed every day despite difficult wind and weather conditions. The Wicona faade solutions for this project exceeded the thermal performance specification for the project, achieving a Ucw value of 1.3W/m2K. The acoustic performance requirements for airborne sound were also exceeded in both the glazed rotunda (37 dB) and the two aluminium and glass faades (38 dB). To view a video of the faade installation without scaffolding, see www.youtube.com/user/WiconaUK?feature=guide
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 30 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
Conveniently located in the heart of Finchley in North London, Church Crescent is a residential street of large semi-detached family homes. A recent project, executed by Evonort Architects for a private client had three particular goals; a rear extension to create an informal dining area bridging the half storey change in level between the kitchen and garden terrace; rearranging the first floor bedrooms to form a master bedroom suite; and excavating part of the basement to increase headroom and create an additional bedroom and shower. Every extension project is unique and Evonort Architects worked closely with the client to create a modern and bespoke extension that would sensitively integrate with the brick house and mature garden. Evonort sought to specify just one material that would be suitable for both the interior joinery and the exterior of the extension. After extensive research into sourcing a suitable type of oak, American white oak was the timber of choice. For the exterior walls, the unfinished creamy light brown tones of American white oak which will weather naturally and require little maintenance for the life of the building, appealed to both the client and architect. In contrast to the natural finish cladding, pre-finished engineered white oak boards were suitable for the interior floor, steps and joinery in the extended dining area as it is a hard and heavy wood with a medium bending quality and visually appealing. A number of timber suppliers were contacted in order to discuss at length their requirements and criteria for the timber. According to Adam Howard from Evonort, We wanted an oak that was sustainable, within budget, durable for external use without sealing or finishing, and available in our specified size of 32mm x 32mm. American white oak was the perfect solution. The objective was to create a contemporary rear extension with substantial glazing to maintain maximum daylight in the existing kitchen. Square sections of natural American white oak were used to clad the extension walls and roof, surrounding the glazed sliding doors and large roof light. The solid white oak rain screen cladding helped to achieve a detailed bespoke and contemporary aesthetic manner following the slope of the roof. Carrying the cladding over the roof with flush detailing to the roof-light helped to enhance the building when viewed at any angle. This gave the extension a sharp and dynamic appeal whilst sensitively integrating the extension with the brick house and mature garden. A system of double battens allowed for a construction method to avoid visible fixings. By creating angled notches in the secondary battens to the front face of the extension, the square section cladding was also fixed at the angle of the roof, creating an interesting junction with the side elevation cladding. 10mm gaps between 40mm oak enable ventilation behind the cladding. The finished result was hugely satisfactory to both the client and architect. Evonort worked to a specific brief from the client but were able to deliver a beautiful white oak cladded exterior displaying the luminous dining area extension, creating a warmth and brightness to Church Crescent.
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 31 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
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Telephone: +44 121 585 2780 Fax: +44 121 585 2782 Email: buildingproducts.sales@lindab.co.uk www.lindab.co.uk
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The Source For Mill House Heating? Water Of Course! Says ISO Energy
There has been a watermill in Farnham, Surrey for many centuries although the present building is comparatively recent. Consequently when the present owner decided to embrace renewable energy in a big way the use of water as a heat source proved a powerful attraction. An intriguing blend of ancient and modern systems was selected with an Archimedes Screw, a basic design over two thousand years old, used as a hydroelectric source and the very latest heat pump technology utilised for hot water and central heating in the Mill House and the delightful and ancient granary outbuilding nearby. For the design and installation of the hot water heating system the owners called on ISO Energy, a wholly independent company with great experience of renewable energy systems of all types. With a fast flowing leat where the Screw is situated leading into the mill stream directly in front of the house, ISO Energys Justin Broadbent selected ground water sourcing as the basis for the system especially as water/water operation delivers the most transfer of heat. The agreed design consists of a submersible river heat exchanger tailor-made for the project and consisting of five stainless steel plates with approximately 15.2 sq.m. heat transfer placed just upstream of the Archimedes Screw. The residual heat in the water is stored in a non-freezing vegetable based glycol mixture which is then passed to the Viessmann 30kW heat pump system. The system used is an exceptionally quiet and compact unit and has at its heart a powerful and energy efficient compressor that rapidly squeezes up the liquids heat, extracts it and passes it to a buffer tank at a temperature suitable for providing heating and hot water to both buildings. Since the input of electrical power needed to fuel the heat pumps will be met from the hydroelectric output of the Screw, the water heating system is self-sufficient and free. The whole project, Archimedes Screw and Viessmann heat pumps, is integrated not only to supply the total energy needs of the Mill House by non-fossil fuelling, but also to deposit a substantial electrical input to the National Grid. The benefit from this is that the owner of the house qualifies for the Feed in Tariff, in the same way that solar photovoltaic panels can generate a payment by both generating electricity at a tariff of 41.3p/kWhr, depending on the type and size of the system used to generate renewable energy and through exporting electricity at a tariff of 3p/kWh when you export any surplus back to the grid.The system is also extremely carbon efficient, helping with Government efforts to meet ambitious emission targets. Every aspect of eco-friendliness has been built into the project and indeed the choice of the Archimedes Screw as a power source was partly motivated by the fact that it offers safe and easy passage for fish. The Mill scheme that combines practicality and cost efficiency with positive visual impact and the greenest of green credentials is of the greatest credit to the owner and his professional advisers and installers. www.isoenergy.co.uk
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 48 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
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by Architype architects for two Passivhaus schools in Wolverhampton. A major contribution to the comfort of pupils and staff is the installation of Troldtekt ceilings in the classrooms and sports hall. These not only offer high performance sound absorption in the study areas which need to be quiet, calm and healthy but also in the play areas which are traditionally very noisy. Architype director Jonathan Hines commented, Oakmeadow is one of two schools we have designed using Passivhaus principles to offer radically low energy consumption together with optimised comfort for children and staff. We are convinced that designing to an energy target is the most logical and effective route to achieving carbon reductions. Troldtekt acoustic ceilings are one of the solutions which have helped to meet our design and performance objectives - in this case optimising the acoustic environment using a natural and beautiful product. Noise is also going to be an issue where students are having fun or learning practical skills. Therefore sound absorption is a very
The product Troldtekt panels are made from 100% natural wood fibres mixed with cement. This is why their sustainability was recently recognised with certification at Silver level within the Cradle to Cradle concept. Their benefits include high sound absorption, high durability, natural breathability, low cost life cycle performance and sustainability. The panels are available in a high number of combinations which vary according to surface structure, edge, installation system, colour, dimension and thickness. Available in various sizes and in three grades from ultrafine to coarse, they can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour. Important new performance options include integral lighting and audio speakers, fully detailed in two new brochures. A wealth of different case studies and projects can be seen on www.troldtekt.co.uk
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 52 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
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ICON
Manufacturer: York Handmade Brick Company Product: Bespoke Bricks Full Story: Page 11 Visit: www.yorkhandmade.co.uk
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Does Your Fire Door Supplier Have Third Party Accreditation For Both Manufacture And Installation?
All clients in the social housing sector know that there has been a significant shift since the Fire Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 with more and more onus being placed on clients themselves to specify safely. That means partnering with suppliers who have third party accreditations to provide independent assurance to architects, specifiers, enforcing authorities and building owners that all doors involved in their schemes meet the technical and regulatory requirements. As a leader in these products for social housing and new build, Nationwide Windows and Doors has both BM TRADA Q-Mark Approved Fire Door Manufacturer and Installer status. Chris Costall, Health, Safety & Environmental Manager comments: There are several critical processes from point of Fire Door specification to their installation in homes and workplaces. Some companies are approved to manufacture the doors, but then what happens? Often, the same high levels are not matched when it comes to the companies actually fitting the doors, and this can be a crucial break point in what should be a water tight process. Fortunately however, its one that we bridge thanks to our vertically integrated status as third party accredited Q-Mark approved manufacturers and installers of fire doors. Under the Q-Mark scheme, clients can rest assured that approved manufacturers and installers like our company have committed themselves to a rigourous certification programme ensuring that passive protection products like fire doors achieve their aim of protecting lives and property. As an example, during a recent audit which we passed with no non-conformities, our FD30S fire doors were put under scrutiny to ensure BS 476 Part 22: 1987 fire resistance, BS 476 Part 31.1: 1983 for smoke, while our assembly and installation were all tested to BS 8214:2008. And for even more peace of mind, every fire rated door set manufactured and installed by Nationwide Windows and Doors under the BM TRADA scheme will be plugged for ease of identification. Can you say the same about your fire door manufacturers and installers? www.nationwidewindows.co.uk
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 57 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
Glazing Vision is the UKs leading manufacturer of innovative glass rooflight solutions. From Fixed, Hinged and Sliding Rooflights to Bespoke Designs Glazing Vision aim to lighten your environment and improve your lifestyle. To arrange a visit or for a brochure call us now on 0333 8000 881. Buy Online at www.glazingvision.co.uk STOCK ROOFLIGHTS DELIVERED WITHIN 48 HOURS!
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 54 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
Multipart Flushglaze
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Praise For Style - Flexible Partitioning From Style Gives Church A New Lease Of Life
Delivering functional space that can quickly be adapted to the changing needs of this vibrant local community, Trinity Methodist Church in Ellesmere Port benefits from a sliding DORMA Moveo Glass partitioning system from Style. Separating the cafe and bookshop area, which is also used as an activity space, the double glazed, 6mm toughened glass gives a modern look to this beautiful building whilst creating an acoustic barrier of 43db. Maximising the use of natural light and space, Style recommended incorporating electronically operated integral blinds into the individual panels, creating private areas for separate functions to run concurrently. Working with main contractor, Whitfield & Brown (Developments) Ltd and architect, Bradshaw Gass & Hope LLP, Style was appointed to deliver flexibility to the interior of this significant refurbishment project allowing a number of activities and events to be hosted alongside each other without losing the essential open space for larger gatherings. www.style-partitions.co.uk
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 60 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
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SAS Internationals System 8000 is Highly Commended in AIS Best Practice Awards
SAS Internationals System 8000 partitioning has received a Highly Commended in this years AIS Best Practice Awards. Gaining a Highly Commended in the Awards category for Product Innovation, SAS Internationals System 8000 partitioning solution has once again been shown to be leading the field in its market sector. System 8000 allows seamless integration with glass into drywall, as well as with suspended ceiling systems. To overcome the design challenge of blending glass with drywall partitions, System 8000 creates a fully integrated appearance using a range of aluminium pocket drywall trims enabling glass elevations to flow into solid with ease. The Association of Interior Specialists Awards recognise outstanding innovation in the commercial interiors industry and the winners were announced on November 13, 2012. The Awards were judged by a panel of experts appointed by the AIS. www.sasintgroup.com
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 64 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
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Howe Greens Tree Pit Covers Keep The Wintergarden Growing Greener
Bluewaters new social dining experience at The Wintergarden is open for business. Featuring different seating areas created with an intelligent blend of materials, colours and finishes, the contemporary new dining space designed by Leslie Jones incorporates seven ornamental trees to add to the aesthetics and help bring a touch of the outside in. Howe Green, leading manufacturer of access cover solutions, designed and supplied made- to measure- tree pit covers in stainless steel for the project. These bespoke panels and frames facilitate access to the root chamber and make for straightforward maintenance of the highly valuable trees. They also enable the 4,000m2 area of Limestone and Travertine flooring in The Wintergarden to continue uninterrupted to within just millimetres of the tree trunks for a seamless and monolithic effect. Made from 304- grade stainless steel, each was manufactured to individual size specifications to fit with the tile grid, accommodate light fittings and the tree pit void underneath. Resistant to rust and corrosion, they are also double sealed to prevent moisture or dirt ingress, helping to further protect the tree and keep soil free from contamination. Howe Green is a customer- focused company and many of their existing access covers have been developed as the result of a request for a solution to a particular access problem or situation. Tree pit covers were originally developed to answer such a need but have since been specified for many prestigious interior and exterior landscape projects including One Hyde Park and Heathrows T5. www.howegreen.com
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 74 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
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Blue Forest is an award-winning company that specialises in the development of inspirational and sustainable wooden buildings, based on a lengthy heritage of designing luxury tree houses for residential and commercial clients. It provides exclusive accommodation for the hotel and leisure sector, supplying such clients as the 5-star Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, Centre Parcs, Thomson Holidays, Scott Dunn travel specialists and von Essen luxury country house hotels. When it launched its prefabricated modular 4-bed tree house, eco-Perch, at this years Grand Designs show, it chose Granite Transformations recycled glass agglomerate material for the inbuilt kitchen worktop and breakfast bar, in an appropriate shade of green. This seems to be a good fit, since Blue Forest is renowned as a specialist in eco-friendly tree house construction, using sustainably sourced timber and rainwater harvesting systems. While
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Yorkon Awarded 1St Contract For Its Revolutionary New Off-Site Building System
Yorkon, has been awarded the first contract to be built using its revolutionary new building system. The scheme for Kier Construction will provide three two-storey curriculum wings for a new secondary school in the village of Cambourne in Cambridgeshire. The 7,000 sqm project for Cambridgeshire County Council is the first new secondary school to be constructed in the county for 30 years, and is Yorkons second scheme for Kier Construction. Designed by Frank Shaw Associates and due for completion early Summer 2013, the project is embracing modern methods of construction to deliver the new school. The use of off-site construction for the curriculum wings will help to reduce the programme time to just 35 weeks. A cross laminated timber structure will be used for the central core that accommodates the larger communal spaces such as the dining and sports halls and gym. The circulation areas open on to the central mall with no divisions between circulation zones to allow passive surveillance to reduce bullying and anti-social behaviour. The ends of the wings will be punctuated with full height stair towers and a balcony at first floor level serving as an additional outdoor space for each block. This revolutionary system, which has thousands of configurations and permutations, offers the widest range of building modules currently available from any off-site manufacturer in the UK giving architects, contractors and construction clients the unrivalled design flexibility to meet almost any building footprint. www.yorkon.info/newsystem
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 78 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
New ANCON Type 2, 275mm, Wire Wall Tie - Another Industry First
ANCON has become the first UK wall tie manufacturer to offer a Type 2 stainless steel wire tie for insulated cavities up to 150mm wide. The new Staifix RT2 275mm wall tie has been designed to meet the growing demand for wider insulated wall cavities in multi-storey housing and commercial buildings, as thermal performance requirements continue to increase. It is currently the only Type 2 wire wall tie available for cavity widths between 126mm and 150mm, suitable for buildings up to 15 metres high as standard and taller structures subject to calculation. Ancons stainless steel wire ties form part of the companys low thermal conductivity product range. The new RT2 275mm offers thermal and cost benefits over Type 1 flat ties and Type 3 double-triangle style ties of the same length. With a slender, value-engineered profile, it minimises thermal bridging in masonry cavity walls and is ideal for low energy buildings. Like all Staifix cavity ties, the RT2 has been independently tested at Ceram Building Technology, carries a BBA approval and meets NHBC technical requirements. www.ancon.co.uk
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 79 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
Foremans Helps Sutton Primary School Meet Increasing Demand For Places In Just 6 Weeks
Demographic changes and rising birth rates across the UK have resulted in a huge increase in the demand for primary school places. As a result, many schools are turning to modular construction as a solution to expand or redevelop primary teaching accommodation. In Sutton, the Ofsted outstanding Avenue Primary School needs to increase its capacity by around 30 per cent, from 682 to 892 pupils by 2016 to meet the growing demand for reception places. In order to accommodate an additional 88 pupils for the 2012/13 academic year in the first phase in its expansion, and to provide interim classrooms for the next four years while other buildings on the site are refurbished and redeveloped, Foremans Relocatable Building Systems has supplied two teaching blocks at the school. Foremans had to deliver the buildings to a very tight timescale just six weeks from receipt of order in time for the start of the new school year. This was successfully achieved. The buildings were refurbished Portakabin buildings two double classroom blocks purchased from a school in the North West. They were broken down to their modular components, reassembled and refurbished at the Foremans production centre in East Yorkshire, before being installed at Avenue Primary School. Commenting on the project, Alex Clark, Head Teacher at Avenue Primary School said, We needed four interim classrooms for the phased expansion of our school. Foremans was actually the only company which could deliver this project in the required timescale. Their approach also appealed to us because it is more sustainable as the building modules are recycled and refurbished and making it more cost effective. The classrooms are finished to a very high standard and you would never know these buildings arent new. We like their size and their robust, permanent feel they are certainly completely different from the temporary classrooms of old. Foremans made this project very straightforward. It was managed effectively and professionally, delivered to a challenging deadline and provided a solution for our capacity requirements that really worked for us. Foremans specialises in refurbishing Portakabin buildings. In order to meet individual project requirements and budgets, the buildings can be supplied decorated or fully refurbished with new windows, wall linings, partitions, mechanical and electrical services, doors, flooring, and cladding, to create high quality accommodation for a wide variety of interim and permanent education applications. www.foremansbuildings.info
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 82 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
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extremely hard and repeatedly went above and beyond to overcome any unforeseen site issues. This really is a first class building and a credit to the design and delivery teams. Facilities include seven classrooms each with a sheltered outdoor play space, a sports and dining hall, reception area and foyer, hygiene room with hoist, special educational needs room, catering kitchen, offices, staff room, library, and food and science technology room. Trees have been retained on the site and green areas extended allowing the school to develop outdoor classrooms. The scale and shape of the building features details such as an inclined roof and a palette of colours for the faades that reflect the design of the secondary school. Large picture windows ensure high levels of natural light and allow views over the adjacent field, and opening roof lights naturally ventilate other areas of the building. The new Portakabin building system brought a number of innovations to this project, including: The use of larger 3.75m wide and 16.5m long modules which reduced the number of units by almost half resulting in fewer vehicle movements to site, less cranage and reduced work on site Fewer internal columns and a flat faade with no visible structural columns A new wall construction which has delivered improved thermal performance and exceeded Building Regulations requirements A more solid and robust feel for the building A greater variety of coloured finishes for the building envelope A wider choice of glazing options, including windows with sills and reveals. The new Portakabin modular building system also now has the benefit of a 30-year structural warranty and fiveyear product warranty, and the widest range of module lengths, widths and heights to suit almost any site, building footprint or configuration. www.portanews.co.uk
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 83 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
Portakabin Hands Over The First Complete Primary School In England To Be Built Using Modular Construction
Portakabin has handed over the first complete primary school in England to be built using modular construction. The scheme for Leeds City Council is also the first project to be constructed using the brand new Portakabin modular building system. The new primary school forms part of Carr Manor Community School which is now one of only two through schools in Leeds, taking pupils from the age of 4 to 18. It will ultimately accommodate 210 children, helping to address the rapid growth in demand for primary provision in the area. The 3m purpose-designed building was successfully delivered by Portakabin on time and on budget after only six months on site, in time for the start of the new academic year. It has a bright and contemporary design which reflects the architectural features of the adjacent secondary school, creating a distinctive campus feel for the site. Commenting on the scheme, Kevin Jones, Director and General Manager of Portakabin Sales, said, The success of this project, its aesthetics and the quality of the finished building have taken modular construction to a new level and we believe it will help change perceptions about just what Portakabin building solutions can now achieve. This is an exceptional building, constructed to the highest standards, for an outstanding school and a visionary client. The new building system has brought significant advancements in the look, feel, sound and floor quality of the building and has exceeded Building Regulations for thermal performance. Harry Rayat, Operations Manager at Carr Manor Community School, said, The new school is just fantastic. The modular approach allowed us to achieve a tight deadline for the start of the new academic year when we had to provide additional reception places. He added, We have been very impressed with the speed and quality of construction. Portakabin clearly understands our sector and was very professional throughout. This was a challenging site but their team worked
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Redefining The Design Scope Of Plasterboard Carea Cladding Holds The Key To Merchant Square Development
4 Merchant Square East in Paddington is a magnificent addition to the Merchant Square Development but crucial to the design of this distinctive and elegant 87 million residential building is a facade system which includes cladding from leading specialist Carea. Designed by The Kalyvides Partnership, the sixteen storey residential building forms part of the Paddington Basin waterside development and is now a focal point in the area due to its striking and aesthetically pleasing exterior faade, designed to create a visually stimulating building. To achieve the impressive faade, The Kalyvides Partnership specified a number of different materials, including glass, curtain walling and rainscreen cladding, a key ingredient being mineral cladding from Carea. To create the stunning faade specialist contractor Prater, working for main contractor Carillon, were called upon. The challenging project saw them complete the installation of the 9,700 m2 facade which required the management and installation of 20 different products and systems across multiple interfaces Careas Acantha and Artema cladding being two products. The Kalyvides Partnership specified 14mm low pressure Acantha cladding which along with the 16mm Artema created a chequerboard pattern effect. Chosen in white with a smooth finish to create symmetry in the buildings decorative facade, the high quality of each Carea cladding panel creates a stylish finish which met the architects vision. The concept for the use of the Carea stone was to form an organising sheer wall component, commented Tryfon Kalyvides, Partner at The Kalyvides Partnership. This commenced at ground and first levels, progressing as a winding aesthetic system encapsulating the faade elements, rising to the thirteenth floor and then descending vertically to the ground on the east. Each of the Acantha and Artema panels were installed by Prater using innovative grooves at the top and bottom edges to create a seamless finish. As well as an efficient secret fix installation process, Carea cladding panels provide several performance benefits and were crucial to the building achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating. Offering a high degree of insulation, they will play a pivotal role in the developments thermal efficiency, thereby lowering its heating needs and aiding sustainability. Carea panels can be quickly installed to minimise labour costs and are also exceptionally low maintenance. Highly resistant to the climate, they can be easily cleaned to extend their life cycle even further. Their non-porous composition also ensures that they are unaffected by graffiti, again making them ideal for buildings in urban area. Carea panels are available in over 30 different shades and a range of textures. Providing excellent thermal efficiency and eliminating cold bridging as well as comprising around 95% natural minerals they are highly sustainable and an ideal choice for contemporary and environmentally conscience construction. www.carea-uk.com
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 86 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
Dry lining has traditionally offered little in terms of design sophistication, with curved and similarly complex forms invariably having to be cut into sections on site and fitted to a suitable framework. Traditional methods of bespoke detailing have proved inflexible and costly and designers have long since sought alternatives that can be used within ever tighter refit schedules. For the installer, the opportunity to use plasterboard cut using CNC equipment at last offers the chance to use material which is practical to use and inexpensive. The scope to buy varied shapes in flatpack or ready produced adds further flexibility without compromising the end result. In contrast to shapes which are pre-formed at high cost using materials such as GRG, precision-cut plasterboard from manufacturers such as V-Cut enables details to be made to very tight tolerances. Time saved can be as much as 60% while material cost savings are between 20 and 30%. There is no need for cutting, taping, jointing or trimming beads on site so clean, sharp edges are achieved in far less time. Standard 90 L, as well as U and Z-shaped profiles in a choice of thicknesses and varying angles are now available as standard. Curved profiles are equally straightforward to produce, either by cutting grooves or slots to form the board around column casings or to produce contoured ceilings and walls. Apertures can be cut for vents, cables or pipework while pre-formed board casings can be bonded with adhesive to give them greater strength. An example of what can be created is the interior of the 12.6m Apex City of London Hotel in Temple Court, within Londons Inner Temple conservation area. The design concentrated heavily on achieving what is undeniably a luxurious environment. It has won a raft of awards including a Roses Design Award for 'Best Interior' and a London District Surveyors Award for 'Best Commercial Building'. V-Cut L-shape mitred plasterboard profiles were used to create niches into which beds and TVs were fitted and to provide bulkheads and troughs for concealed lighting. Ivan Hodgson of Tolent Construction commented, The plasterboard profiles which the dry lining contractors produced were neat and
precise so corner joints were of a consistently high standard. Using V-Cut boards enabled us to achieve a level of detail that would be far more difficult and time consuming using traditional methods. CNC equipment can cut so finely that the plaster can be removed from a board down to its paper facing. As a result, the variety of shapes that can be produced includes multiple stepped detailing and curves with far tighter folds. Upstands in ceilings, light coves and L-cuts for niches and reveals are among the more frequently produced profiles, but subtle changes in wall thickness can also be achieved. With a section such as a U-shape, the position of cut can be varied to suit any size or angle. For ceiling details, Z-shapes are particularly beneficial in terms of time saving and in general terms requirements specific to individual projects are far more practical to meet. Legislation focussing on the need to reduce waste sent to landfill has put pressure on contractors to look for ways to limit cutting. With framework requirements being far less complex than with moulded profiles, cutting is greatly reduced. V-Cut profiles are also made using industrial bi-products such as recycled paper for facings. Waste on site has effectively been designed out. Some of the UKs largest construction projects in recent years, including Heathrow Terminal 5, Wembley Stadium and Westfield White City have seen such plasterboard detailing utilised. The common link to all was pressure on fit-out times and by using standard paper-faced boards, elegant double curves and folding profiles have been created. Acoustic, fire-resistant and impact-resistant boards up to 3 metres long and 25mm thick can be formed in such a way so the diverse nature of interiors, once such a problem for the contractor, need no longer be such a headache. www.vcut.co.uk
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 87 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
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OPINION
OPINION
www.pyroguard.eu
Article By: CGI International Title: Turning Down the Heat Author: Simon Ellison, Technical Manager for the Pyroguard range of fire glass solutions
Springhill aimed to exceed Part B compliance requirements which resulted in Pyroguard EI30 INT (15mm) being specified for the lower half of the screen and Pyroguard EW30 (7mm) for the upper half. Simon Ellison, Technical Manager for the Pyroguard range of fire glass solutions from CGI International, debates the importance of specifying integrity with radiation control (EW) fire glass as a minimum in all applications. In the UK, Building Regulation Approved Document B dictates which classification of fire glass should be used in various applications. Approved Document B legislates the use of two classifications of fire glass: integrity only (E) and integrity with insulation (EI), with a significant
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price and performance differential between the two. As a consequence, where E rated glass does not offer sufficient protection, in some applications the fire glazing requirements are subsequently over specified with an EI product. In contrast, throughout much of the EU, the intermediate level of integrity with radiation control (EW) glazing is recognised as offering a cost effective and beneficial middle ground classification. By providing integrity and radiation control, EW glass reduces the passage of heat from the fire source side through to the cold face. Whilst Approved Document B does not recognise EW rated glass, where legislation is not governing specification and it falls to client preference, EW can be used to protect a building or item from heat without going to the expense of EI.
EW for increased safety EW rated glass is increasingly being specified in the UK for projects where higher safety standards are demanded. For example, Pyroguard EW has been installed in a number of care homes where, in spite of integrity only glass being detailed as the minimum regulation requirement, the client has commanded a higher level of performance to offer a safer passage of exit in the event of a fire. One such project is Springhill Care Home in Accrington, where a combination of Pyroguard EW and EI rated glazing from CGI International was specified to deliver an innovative fire glass solution for the safety of residents. EW in action As part of an extension to the existing building at Springhill, interior glazing was fitted into split internal screens to form an aesthetic feature. To ensure the highest levels of fire protection,
Offering integrity with radiation control, Pyroguard EW delivers superior fire protection than can be achieved with E rated products which would normally be used in upper half split screen applications. One of CGI Internationals Pyroguard partners undertook the screen installation over a two week period, which included communal areas such as the lounges and the beauty salons. The brief at Springhill was to achieve the highest levels of fire protection, without over engineering the system. Integrity only was therefore not sufficient but using Pyroguard EI for the full screen would have been at a premium cost. As such, Pyroguard EW provided a cost effective solution that delivered the required performance.
A hot topic As the example at Springhill demonstrates, developers and clients do not always believe the building regulations will provide the right level of fire protection for their specific requirements. The increased adoption of EW rated products over
entry level E can perhaps be explained by the fact that improved protection can be achieved at only a marginal premium begging the question why EW is not specified as a minimum in the current building regulations, as it already is in many areas of Western Europe. Ultimately, for applications which demand maximum fire protection, EI rated glass should always be specified. If there is ever any doubt, fire glass solutions specialists such as CGI International can always provide detailed technical support to ensure the correct specification of a product.
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www.recorduk.co.uk
Article By: Record UK Title: Inclusive Entrances Author: Andy Smith
www.ledaire.com
Article By: Ledaire Fabrications Title: Safe Ventilation In Commercial Kitchens Author: Steve Leonard, Managing Director
Electronics and computer technology have changed our world almost beyond recognition over the past couple of decades, though arguably they have been of particular benefit to those people suffering some form of physical disability, even more than the wider community. There can, for example be no starker contrast than between the tiny blue disabled carriage which the state used to provide, compared to the adaptive vehicles offered nowadays through the Motability scheme. Joystick controls and heads up technology developed for military aircraft now enable even the most seriously handicapped to enjoy previously unimagined levels of mobility and self-sufficiency.
of listed building status or a local conservation area - led to a variety of compromise solutions being reached: including the provision of intercom devices outside on the pavement. This is a situation that should never be reached in new-build situations as the combined influence of the DDA, Approved Document M to the Building Regulations, and the more recent Equality Act 2010, set out very clear guidance for architects and the rest of the design team regarding appropriate access provisions. As is the case regarding structural stability and fire safety, building consultants look to the industrys specialist manufacturers to provide both advice on compliance, as well as the practical solutions in the form of ramps, platform lifts and accessible door systems; as well as other products such as high contrast/braille signage for the visually impaired. As part of a long established European manufacturing group, with vast experience of door automation for the British market, Record UK is regularly called upon to get involved with commercial, retail, leisure and other building contracts including air, rail and motorway infrastructure projects - at the earliest stages of planning. While straight sliding and curved sliding have proved extremely popular for forming the main entrance to all types of property from railway stations to high class hotels and business premises, there are a number of other options that can be fully inclusive in their mode of use. As well as inward and outward curving doors, circular doors are also popular for creating a striking entrance, and can be combined with a straightsliding one some distance behind, in order to form a draught-lobby which will cut energy loss. Then revolving doors which would once have been viewed as presenting a barrier to the less able-bodied have developed dramatically. In fact the larger diameter units, with wings up to six metres in length, offer ample room for wheelchair users. There are even versions where the wings can be parked, while a central door is utilized; while another alternative seen in many commercial applications is to fit pass doors to one or both sides, potentially with their own automation. The actuators themselves have also been the focus for extensive investment in research and development so that they can now be concealed in relatively slim profiles above the door leafs, or buried in the floor. Then specifiers also have the choice of infra-red or radar detectors and induction loops in the floor amongst other means of identifying when a person is approaching. The over-arching ethos is one of inclusivity, so that no individual should ever feel discriminated against, no matter what makes them different from the perceived norm. And with respect to a buildings main entrance, this is relatively simple to achieve, as contemporary door automation systems will accommodate a fully able-bodied pedestrian, as well as a parent with a push-chair or a wheelchair user in an identical mode of operation.
Working in a busy commercial kitchen when emotions and temperatures are both running high is guaranteed to get the adrenalin flowing. But while slaving over a hot stove can produce good results, there are many health and safety risks associated with working in a hot, steamy and grease-laden environment. To deliver good results consistently you need a safe, comfortable working environment and that requires efficient ventilation to expel fumes and bringing in fresh, clean air. Inadequate ventilation is dangerous. Without it, there is a risk of fire, contamination, vermin infestation and food poisoning. Fresh air is also essential for a healthy environment; kitchens burn a lot of fuel, combustion of which produces large volumes of carbon dioxide. In a poorly ventilated kitchen, CO2 concentrations can quickly reach 1000ppm, above which level people start to suffer headaches, drowsiness and loss of concentration. And of course, incomplete combustion in badly regulated burners will produce poisonous carbon monoxide with potentially fatal results if those fumes are allowed to accumulate. Not surprisingly, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regards adequate ventilation as fundamental to achieving control of health and safety risks in the kitchen, as well as general hygiene and food safety. And yet it estimates that as many as 65% of commercial kitchens are not ventilated adequately. The most basic ventilation requirement is the removal of hot air and the provision of clean cool air - and that must be done in a controlled way with a proper balanced ventilation system. HSE Catering Information Sheet No. 10 (Ventilation of Kitchens in Catering Establishments) gives extensive advice on good ventilation practice, advising that removal of stale air and fumes must be balanced by introducing fresh air, which itself must come from clean areas and cause no uncomfortable draughts. It makes sense for hot air, fumes and odours to be removed as close to the source as possible so the bulk of extraction should be via hoods above the cooking appliances. Hoods need to be carefully designed to ensure optimum extraction. The HSE recommends canopy overhangs of 250 to 300mm for island extractors and, for wall-mounted extractors, 250mm at the front and 150mm either side. However, ranges vary and we regularly advise greater overhangs in very hot zones. Systems must also comply with British Standard BS6173:2009, which requires interlocking of mechanical ventilation systems and gas supplies for all types of commercial kitchen appliance, preventing a gas appliance from being switched on before the ventilation system is operating. Besides extracting fumes, ventilation systems need to avoid a build-up of grease in ducting. Prevention of grease accumulation is very important, because if not addressed, it provides a breeding ground for bacteria and insects and also accelerates fires. Many grease filtration options are available, and filter replacement and easy cleaning are key considerations fire suppression systems can be built into hoods. Filtration is only fully effective in conjunction with regular maintenance and performance can be enhanced with choice of hood type. A basic hood will extract a given volume of fume-laden air, together with its heat whereas induction hoods partly separate fume extraction from ventilation. They draw in fresh air for high-velocity discharge into the hood, creating a low-pressure zone over the work area which helps to extract fumes via the hood and filters. With an induction hood only 20% of extracted air comes from the kitchen, so energy is conserved, although inducted air can also be used for ventilation as required. Using atmospheric air in this way improves filtration efficiency as the bulk gas temperature is lowered, helping suspended grease condense on filter elements. The components of the system should be designed to avoid areas where fat residues and water can gather. The design should also ensure there is no risk of condensation dripping from the canopy onto the surface below. Stainless steel is the preferred material for both ductwork and canopies, being non-combustible and easy to keep clean. Easy access to grease filters for cleaning and replacement is also essential. When installing new equipment, it's worth making sure that each appliance's required air extraction rates can be obtained. Then by adding up the air velocity requirements for each appliance, a total air movement requirement can be calculated for the hood. The HSE guidelines however, provide some air flow rate estimations for different work capacities. A good balance of incoming and extracted air, together with removal of hot vapours at source, should help prevent kitchens becoming too hot and the replacement air inlets can be positioned to provide cooling air over any hotter work positions. Air induction hoods provide a good long-term energy efficiency measure. They save on electricity bills over the years by using the natural flow of air created by convection within the hood. Induction hoods are the best for filtering grease, which in turn reduces the fire risk. With a good induction hood, all the HSE recommendations can be met in a system that will also save on running costs.
And while motor travel is of enormous importance to the individual, it is in the design of our built environment where the greatest improvements have been made for those members of the population with mobility issues, sensory problems or other specific needs. These changes being driven both by legislation, including the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and a steadily growing level of social responsibility: particularly amongst large businesses. The ethos of inclusivity and inclusive design is now encapsulated by many companies operating policies, with the retail sector and those responsible for our transport hubs leading the way. When the Disability Discrimination Act originally came into force over 10 years ago it was on the high street where much of the attention was focussed on ensuring that everyone, including wheelchair users, had equal access to goods and services. The directive, though, was for reasonable adaptation to be made, and for most of the national chains with stores in modern shopping centres, the transition was a fairly straightforward one. For many smaller businesses based in old buildings, or even bank branches in outlying locations, the prospect for providing easy access was far more onerous. Narrow entrances, perhaps reached up a flight of stone steps all coming under the influence
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OPINION
www.nvelope.com
Article By: NVELOPE Title: NVELOPE Educates Architects On Cladding Support? Author: Mike Smith, Sales and Marketing Director
Mike Smith, Sales and Marketing Director at the top name in rainscreen cladding support systems, NVELOPE, explains how cladding provides the perfect solution for architects looking to design educational buildings. Soon after coming into power, the Coalition government abandoned Labours Building Schools for the Future (BSF) project. Now, in an attempt to standardise design and cut school building costs by 30% and save up to 6m per school, the Government has banned curved buildings in the education environment. Design templates which place restrictions on room sizes, storey heights and building shapes have been unveiled for 261 secondary and primary school buildings across the country. This development prohibits glazed walls, curves, translucent plastic roofs, indents, dog legs, notches,roof terraces that can be used as play areas and other features that are deemed to be extravagant. These templates require that new buildings should have square corners, be clad in nothing more expensive than render or metal panels above head height and that the ceilings should be left bare. The age of austerity has truly arrived in school building design. Within these limitations, architects are more reliant than ever on the cladding to create an imaginative and inspirational school environment. Cladding can, indeed, help create a fantastic external appearance. However, using cladding imaginatively places demands on the cladding fixing or support
system which must be specified correctly to ensure that panels are held in place, provide the desired appearance and meet the relevant thermal bridging requirements set out in the Building Regulations.
the cladding zone also need to be considered. To help simplify and speed up the design, pricing and product selection process, it is important to take advantage of the design service provided by the fixing supplier. NVELOPE provide an online Project Checklist service. Typically, this kind of service demands a simple two step, data entry process. This requires the inputting of project information on faade type, faade weight, average panel size, building height and storey height, substrate type, fixing method and cladding zone together with elevation and plan AutoCAD drawings. In reply, the architect will receive a quick, precise and reliable response detailing the static calculations and setting out information for the support system, thermal calculations and indicative m2 price. A final pointer on support systems is to look for an independent verification of quality. The reliability of the cladding installation, and your reputation, is hugely reliant on the quality of the fixings that are used. Every manufacturer will claim high quality but make sure you work with those support systems that are British Board of Agrment certified. Using BBA approved support systems will ensure you can install with confidence. It will demonstrate that the cladding support system has met rigorous testing and evaluation criteria and will provide a high quality fixing solution and one that you dont just have to take the manufacturers word for.
With this in mind, architects are advised to work with an accredited manufacturer who can offer a wide range of off the shelf products to provide the desired end result. Service support is also significant to save time and ensure accuracy in product specification. Every faade is different, and with so many cladding options available, architects require a level of support which will save them time when designing and pricing the cladding. Local wind loads, faade height, the fixing substrate, and
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www.sikaconstruction.co.uk
Article By: Sika Limited Title: Resin Floors A Sustainable Flooring Solution Author: Mark Bushell, National Sales Manager - Property
The development of resin based decorative flooring systems has presented the specifier with a durable and aesthetic alternative to vinyl, carpet or timber but with mounting pressure to incorporate sustainable practices into any building design, does this versatile flooring solution have the environmental performance to match? One of the key ways to measure the sustainability of a product such as resin flooring is through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a standardised method which is increasingly being recognised throughout the construction industry as the best way to evaluate the sustainability of products and systems throughout their life cycle. There are a number of factors that contribute to the LCA of resin flooring systems - energy saving production processes, transport, economy of installation, useful life, removal, disposal and recycling all contribute to the environmental impact of the product. With a Cradle to Grave approach LCA investigates the potential environmental impact of a product from raw material extraction through to final disposal at the end of its useful life. The LCA method has been adopted by global building products manufacturer Sika, a major contributor to sustainable construction. Resin flooring in a commercial environment is one
area where its systems are making the most impact as the environmental impact of the companys flooring systems such as ComfortFloor is measured through the potential impact of the raw materials used to create the product, the use of the product and the end-of-life phase. Use and end-of-life have the most significant influence on the overall sustainability performance of flooring systems as both the maintenance and refurbishment requirements are considered and this is dependent on the use, exposure and durability of the flooring systems. Sikas ComfortFloor systems are extremely tough and durable and can have a life expectancy to match and potentially exceed more traditional floor finishes. Its long life expectancy and the ease of maintenance contributes to the major share of the life cycle costs. The carbon footprint is also lower than competitive solutions that might require a damp proof membrane, levelling compounds and adhesives. During use, these flooring systems are classified by the most demanding international standards as Very Low emission flooring solutions. In addition, they can generally be refurbished by overcoating with a lower thickness than applied originally, thereby reducing costs, energy and resources compared with other flooring technologies.
Sikas flooring systems are designed to fulfil an almost endless combination of functional and aesthetic requirements and meet all industry requirements for mechanical and chemical resistance, impermeability and fire resistance. As an alternative to traditional hard wearing finishes, they can serve any number of specifier demands on a wide range of projects. Joint free and easy to maintain, they are an ideal choice to meet the high aesthetic requirements of commercial and public buildings and can be used in schools, offices, retail, leisure as well as meeting the strict hygiene standards of the healthcare industry. They are also an ideal choice to meet the demands of manufacturing facilities, airports and shopping malls where a durable floor is a must.
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www.nullifire.com
Article By: Nullifire Title: Smoke Preventing Death Is In The Detail Author: Jeff Dyson
www.cabotaerogel.com
Article By: Stoakes Title: Insulating daylight Author: Christopher Sykes, Architect
As a result stairwells and spine corridors are normally built from reinforced concrete or have their steelwork protected with intumescent coatings as an alternative to multiple layers of non-combustible boards. But every penetration, from a waste pipe to a light fitting, and even the cabling for the alarm systems, represents a potential weakness in any fire compartment strategy. It is therefore necessary for the services engineers and specialist firestopping contractor to employ fire-proof sealants or gap seals to create linear seals at all vulnerable points. Meanwhile it may also be necessary for these seals to further offer acoustic, air movement or moisture resistance, while also needing to accommodate movement. As a major manufacturer in the field, Nullifire has available a comprehensive selection of products to close the gaps around service provisions: including coated mineral wool batts, flexible intumescent bags, fire curtains, pipe wraps and pipe collars. The latter, for instance, being able to close up the hole created when a blaze causes a PVC pipe to melt and collapse. A particular challenge often arises where a multiplicity of pipes, power cables and other building services pass through risers or plant room floors. In which case the fire-stopping solution may also be required to support imposed loadings. Structural fire stopping compounds offer the ideal means of completing the floor slab where it has been left open for the installation of services, so that it gains full integrity and is safe for maintenance engineers to access in the future. The B220 and B270 products manufactured by Nullifire require temporary shuttering with boards or even insulation batts while they harden, but are then able to deliver 700 mm and 1800 mm unsupported spanning. No reinforcement bars are required and the resulting 100 mm thick slab can carry uniformly distributed loads of up to 2.5 kN per square metre, and achieve four hours fire protection. With respect to any of these approaches to fire stopping, it is essential that the systems concerned are correctly specified, and that the chosen products carry third party accreditation. Accordingly, the clients and their consultants will also want to work with manufacturers who have a network of fully accredited contractors, thereby guaranteeing the work is done to the highest standards; and that there is no attempt made to break specifications through the substitution of cheaper, inferior products. This is because when a reputable company such as Nullifire makes a recommendation, based on an engineering judgement, it is taking on responsibility for the safety of a building and its occupants, Therefore subsequently going against such recommendations will shirt liability back onto the project team. All manner of building components including doors & windows, board products and ductwork are routinely tested, in isolation, to the standards set by BS 476 in accredited laboratories; but just as important is protecting the entirety of the property and its potential pathways; for the consequences of allowing a building to fail in a real fire situation are all too well documented. Therefore consultants and main contractors striving to ensure developments are built correctly, as well as to protect themselves from any accusation of failing in their statutory responsibilities, should seek to partner with specialist manufacturers offering unquestionable credentials.
Architect Christopher Sykes examines aerogel insulation technology for maximising daylighting while minimising heat loss In the building industry, it is rare to find a product which is unique. Equally, it is unusual to enjoy innovative technology which totally changes design and construction. Thats why LumiraTM aerogel (previously called Nanogel aerogel) is having such a global impact. Lumira aerogel, the worlds best and lightest insulating solid, is widely used - particularly in the UK, mainland Europe and the US - by many different manufacturers to increase dramatically the insulating value of their many different translucent cladding and rooflighting systems. Daylighting, in the form of windows, glazed walls and rooflights, radically changes building envelope design and the ambience of interiors. It positively influences people, affects how they behave in their environment, changes their circadian rhythm and improves their well-being. In schools, for example, diffused daylighting in particular has a calming effect and marked influence on pupil learning and their behaviour. The reason this insulation technology is so important is because architects and energy-conscious designers can now maximise large areas of daylighting while reducing heat loss. Importantly, well insulated daylighting will reduce energy consumption on heating, air-conditioning and artificial lighting. It means that rooflights can be up to many times more energy efficient as their predecessors. It means that when it is introduced inside the panels of translucent cladding and roofing systems a U value of up to 0.28 W/m2K is possible; this is as energy efficient as a solid wall and four times better than insulating glass units. Insulation in practice In the UK, there are systems which offer the option of including Lumira in polycarbonate roof lights and panelised glazing, in fibreglass diffused cladding and roofing and also within conventional double-glazing. A very good example is St Georges Park, the FAs new National Football Centre and
projects, to commercial and industrial facilities, such as Frances High Speed Train workshop in Lyon. One unusual example is the attractive polycarbonate application for the egg-chaped chapel attached to a new convent in Belgium, designed by architects Gery Despret and Benoit Gillon. Another extreme example is Halley V1 Research Station in Antarctica. Designed by UK architects Hugh Broughton with Faber Mausell, the central module is lit double-height, east facing cladding supplied by Okalux glass to give a U value of 0.3 ie maximising and diffusing daylight while minimising energy loss in the most extreme conditions on earth. What is LumiraTM aerogel? Sometimes called frozen smoke, Lumira aerogel is a hydrophobic aerogel produced as particles. Each particle consists largely of air, up to 95%, contained in a structure with pore sizes less than the mean free path of air molecules, which severely inhibits heat transfer through the material.
Jeff Dyson of Nullifire, advocates the use of accredited systems and installers to ensure properties feature adequate fire stopping measures. Along with pre-completion testing under Part E of the Building Regulations, which evaluates the performance of party walls and floors, the other really onerous check on new properties is the one on air leakage through the envelope. With a large fan unit mounted in the main entrance doorway, the rate at which air escapes through the building fabric is measured in cubic metres per hour, per square metres of surface area. Interestingly, if it should t fail to achieve the required standard, the engineer is likely to conduct a smoke test to discover where exactly the cracks and holes are which have led to the problem. This should be a reminder to architects and other building consultants, of the way that smoke and hot gases, together with flames, can spread through a building; including its cavities and countless interfaces. And this is also the reason why fire precautions - including fire stopping and the use of intumescent systems - are so important to prevent loss of life and to minimize damage to property. Depending on the amount of combustible material which a fire can contact, the temperature rises rapidly, generating pressure and currents that can cause smoke to travel at speeds of between 30 and 120 metres per minute. 80 per cent of fatalities in a fire are due to smoke inhalation and, even where alarms are properly specified and maintained, the rate at which smoke spreads makes escape difficult, as visibility is reduced to just a few metres and panic sets in. Smoke and intumescent seals on internal doors are obviously a key measure, but as we have already remarked, there are many other potential pathways for heat and smoke to breach walls and floors. And it is therefore imperative for design professionals to define and defend zones or compartments within each type of construction. In blocks of flats, offices, public buildings and other workplaces, protecting the escape routes which often also double as the access for the emergency services - will be a priority.
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training ground. Architects RedBox Design Group has designed this dramatic multi-purpose facility, on its 134 hectare site, to focus on coaching and education, including sports science and sports medicine facilities. In the sports hall, the architects have maximised the highest levels of daylight insulation and energy efficiency by incorporating Lumira aerogel within 950sqm of the 2780sqm of Kalwall used on the site. Projects in Europe include retail facilities, such as Carrefour, Tesco and Tegelmanns climate market in Germany, through schools, leisure and healthcare
It dramatically increases thermal insulation, improves acoustics and greatly reduces a buildings lifecycle costs. In addition, the natural light diffusing performance and elimination of glare and hot spots creates a soft, diffused interior light which provides a high comfort level for occupants while reducing the need for artificial lighting. The portfolio of trusted aerogel-insulated systems, in both particle and blanket form, from a host of international partners, provides superior daylighting solutions resulting in significant energy savings without compromising light transmission.
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Marine Equipment Directive (MED) standard by Germanischer Lloyd (GL). The Castors fire detection system comprises a range of smoke and heat detectors along with manual call points configured around a Kentec control panel. Benjamins says, We installed a total of 40 ALG-ENM optical smoke sensors which feature the Hochikis High Performance Chamber Technology. This chamber design minimises the differences in sensitivity experienced in flaming and smouldering fires and the result is a high performance optical chamber that is equally responsive to all smoke types and helps to reduce the possibility of unwanted alarms. Five ACB-EM marine approved multi-heat detectors were installed in the galley and food preparation areas. These products incorporate a variable temperature heat element and a rate of rise heat element, both of which are controlled from the control panel, allowing either thermal element or both elements simultaneously to be active in making the fire decision.These were complemented by a total of eight HCP-EM marine approved manual break glass call points, which are operated by pressing an EN54 compliant plastic element that produces a high level ESP interrupt, allowing the control panel to respond very quickly. The installation went very smoothly and FSNs experts were on hand to assist the volunteers wherever possible. Asked what proved to be the biggest challenge, Benjamins replies, The ship is made of iron and steel, so drilling holes into thick metal was sometimes tricky and always time consuming. This was the first time we had installed a fire detection system on a ship, so it was a learning curve that necessitated a great deal of patience. The installation was completed in December 2011 and this graceful and powerful ship is now available to hire as a unique venue for parties, events and promotions. Even though it is now open for public use, work is ongoing and the fire detection system has been called into action on more than one occasion. www.hochikieurope.com
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 97 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
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Acheson & Glover Create Stunning Landscape Feature For New College
Acheson & Glover (A&G), a leading hard landscaping manufacturer, provided design expertise and materials to build a stunning recreational area for students of Selby College in North Yorkshire. A&G worked closely with design and build contractors BAM Construction and Leeds based architects Atkins to create large paved areas and retaining walls for the project. The 35m contract was completed in stages to allow construction of the new college buildings, while the old ones were still being used. A&G's contemporary Boulevard block paving and unique Anchor Diamond retaining wall system was specified for the phased construction. It was essential the paving was consistent in size and colour to allow the phased sections to be seamlessly joined together. The retaining wall system provided the necessary aesthetics, durability, flexibility and cost effectiveness required for the project. www.acheson-glover.com
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 104 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
RMIG Perforated Solar Shading Keeps The Heat Off French School
A distinctive and creative solar shading solution has been manufactured by RMIG to help reduce the risk of building and classroom overheating while improving the comfort for students at the Lyce Polyvalent de Vienne in the Saint Romain en Gal area of France. The perforated metal solar shading forms part of a recent project to restructure and extend the school while incorporating a range of energy efficient and environmentally beneficial initiatives in the overall design. The architects vision for the solar shading was to create a unique structure that joins together multiple triangular sections of perforated metal to create a three-dimensional bat-wing effect on the front of the building that not only added to its aesthetics, but also provided a highly effective sunscreen. The solution, which was developed in conjunction with the architects and engineered by RMIG, involves 180 sunscreens manufactured from 2mm thick galvanised steel incorporating seven different diameter circular perforations in a special RMIG Cloud design layout, which provides an apparently random pattern across the surface of each screen. RMIG developed and tested prototypes to ensure that the final perforation solution and forming processes for each of the 3.6m x 1.1m sunscreens would not only provide effective shading, but also be uncomplicated to install on site. During this process it was found that the sunscreens irregular angles prevented the original uniform perforation pattern from being used, as it would not fit perfectly within the triangular panel shapes. As a result, RMIG developed the random pattern solution using seven different sized perforations ranging from 8mm up to 50mm in diameter. www.rmig.com
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 106 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
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World's Largest Solar Bridge Taking Shape As Blackfriars Installation Reaches Half Way
Work to construct the largest solar panel array in London reached half way on 26 July as the 2,200th solar panel was installed on the roof of Blackfriars station in central London.
Network Rail is rebuilding the station on top of Blackfriars rail bridge to provide more space for passengers and longer, more frequent trains. The new station roof above the Victorian bridge will be home to 4,400 solar panels, which will generate up to 50% of the stations energy needs. The solar, manufactured by Panasonic, designed and installed by Solarcentury working with Balfour Beatty and Balfour Beatty Engineering Services (BBES), covers an area of 6,000 m2, making Blackfriars the largest solar bridge in the world. The panels are expected to generate 900,000 kWh of electricity every year, saving over 500 tonnes of CO2 annually. Network Rail senior programme manager for Blackfriars, Paul Byrne, said: Weve rebuilt Blackfriars on a 125 year old rail bridge, creating a 21st century, solar-powered station on Victorian foundations. Blackfriars iconic location spanning the River Thames makes it a showcase for the potential of solar power, and an important benchmark for Network Rail as we look to make best use of sustainable technology on the rail network. Blackfriars will become fully operational for passengers this month, with two new entrances, four new platforms and a new London Underground station in use. Well complete work on the bridge, including the installation of solar panels, later in the year. Frans van den Heuvel CEO of Solarcentury said: Blackfriars will be one of the World's great solar power installations. Architecturally challenging, the project demonstrates just what is possible with this versatile technology in dense urban areas. Weve been working amongst one of the most complex build programmes in the country, at height, over water and live train lines. Its a great feeling to be half way there. Shigeki Komatsu, director, Panasonic Eco Solution Energy Management (Europe Solar Business Division) said: Our HIT solar panels will soon help provide clean, emission free energy to an important London transport hub. Whilst commuters at Blackfriars station might not notice the solar panels, the solar will play an important role in their travel experience every day. We hope this will have a real impact on the way people see green energy, proving it as reliable, unobtrusive and the energy of today. Bakia Mbianyor, First Capital Connects Sustainability Manager, said: In terms of CO2 emissions, rail travel is already the most sustainable form of mass transport with 0.1Kg of CO2 per passenger mile. The solar panels at Blackfriars will now allow us to reduce our carbon footprint still further, at one of our most important stations in central London. Over the past four years, Blackfriars station has been rebuilt on top of a Victorian rail bridge. The bridge was stripped to its foundations and reconstructed wider and stronger to house platforms, a 250m-long roof and the worlds largest bridge-based solar array. The work forms part of a wider upgrade of the Thameslink route, running from Bedford to Brighton through central London. First Capital Connect customers on this route will benefit from longer trains and more frequent services, with a metrostyle train every 2.5 minutes through central London during peak times. www.bbsel.com
ENQUIRY CARD/ONLINE NO 107 www.buildinginnovations.co.uk/card
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What was needed was a speedy, effective and affordable solution to the problem but also one, given the disabilities of the users that was equally attractive and safe. Looking for viable options, Mick Wragg, Acoustic Director of local Sheffield firm Galaxy Insulation and Dry Lining, contacted noise and vibration suppression specialists Total Vibration Solutions (TVS), a North West firm he had worked with successfully in the past. Steve Whitbread from TVS led the team that was called in to investigate the problem and which came
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Manufacturer: Coram Showerpods Product: Showerpods Full Story: Page 16 Visit: www.coramshowerpods.co.uk