The Glasdon Range of Shelters: Durable, Low Maintenance Solutions

Building Products Index Ltd shelters Leave a Comment

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From external smoking & waiting shelters, to corral cycle compounds or multi-purpose canopies, the Glasdon selection of prefab shelters provides a solution for almost any application.

Aero™ Cycle Shelter Range

Aero Cycle Shelters provide a sheltered and contemporary storage space for bicycles and scooters, allowing cyclists to store their equipment in a safe, designated spot. Not only does this prevent damage to bicycles from bad weather, but it also boosts participation in active travel by offering purpose-built cycling infrastructure.

The shelter’s curved design means rain and snow slide off the roof easily, while its strong, corrosion-resistant aluminium roof skeleton makes it extremely durable, able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Toughened PETG glazing keeps bikes visible for security purposes and is strong enough to withstand bangs, knocks and significant abuse.

Available as either a standalone cycle shelter (with storage capacity for 10 bicycles) or a corral cycle compound (with storage capacity for 20 bicycles), Aero cycle shelters are well suited for schools, workplaces, public buildings, transport hubs, and apartment blocks.

Heritage & Carleton™ Shelters

Ideal for sheltered waiting areas such as bus stops and break areas, smoking/vaping shelters, or pay-and-display shelters, our range of all-weather shelters are low maintenance and aesthetically pleasing.

The Heritage shelter is specially designed to coordinate with traditional street furniture and blend in perfectly with townships, suburbs, and city streets. Manufactured from low maintenance materials and available in 7 standard layouts, Heritage provides a traditional appeal to suit any location.

The Carleton Shelter is ideal for urban centres, airports, and major transport hubs, with a modern, streamlined design for high-traffic environments. Its transparent wall panels can be specified in toughened glass, thermoplastic glazing, or blank GRP, allowing for a tailored approach to each site. With 9 standard layouts (up to 3 bays in length), and a flat roof for sites with restricted access, Carleton Shelters can be configured to fit a variety of spaces and applications.

Modus™ Shelter Range  

Modus Multi-Purpose Shelters offer a cost-effective shelter solution that is ideal for use as a small safety point or covering for personnel or equipment.

Available in two sizes (Modus 770 and Modus 1280 models), these shelters create a small, highly visible alcove that is suited for a variety of functions, such as creating a fire safety or first aid point, or placing a pay and display facility inside.

The double-skinned roof and environmentally friendly Ecoboard™ panels on three sides are produced using 100% recycled post-consumer waste (mixed plastics). The low-maintenance frame extrusion and spigot legs contain a mix of aluminium and steel.

Delivered fully assembled as standard, the Modus shelter offers an excellent solution for when cost and time are factors on site.

Curious about our range of shelters? Visit our website to discover our full range.

Safe, compliant roof access is non-negotiable in modern building design.

Building Products Index Ltd Access Hatches, Rooflights Leave a Comment

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Whether for maintaining solar panels, servicing rooftop building services plant, or providing access to roof terraces and gardens, every project must ensure that occupants and maintenance teams can reach the roof safely and with ease. Access hatches deliver a permanent, compliant, and secure means of access from within the building – eliminating the risks and inconvenience of external ladders or scaffolding.

And while primarily a safety-critical feature, the right roof access solution can also enhance a building’s appearance. With modern flat glass and dome designs available, today’s systems combine robust performance with clean, contemporary aesthetics, ensuring safety never compromises style.

Rooflights & Skylights supply a comprehensive range of roof access hatches from leading UK manufacturers, helping specifiers match the right product to every application – from residential maintenance to high-traffic commercial use.

For occasional residential access, the Coxdome Trade Range Rooftop Access Rooflight provides a practical and economical solution for routine maintenance.

For more frequent access, such as entry to roof terraces and roof gardens or retrofit installations, options include:

For commercial applications, the Thermadome Commercial Access Hatch offers a durable aluminium construction and high-performance insulation – ideal for plant maintenance and service access.

Visit the Rooflights and Skylights website available from Rooflights & Skylights – your trusted partner for daylighting and roof access solutions.

H+H celebrates British manufacturing and the value of local supply

Building Products Index Ltd Blocks, Concrete Leave a Comment

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H+H has always backed British manufacturing – and for housebuilders, the reasons are more practical than patriotic.

With over 75 years of investment in UK manufacturing, H+H has long believed in the value of building locally. Now, as a proud member of Made in Britain, the company is celebrating that commitment – and highlighting why British-made materials make business sense for housebuilders.

In recent years, the vulnerability of international supply chains has been exposed. Global events – from the pandemic to political instability – have shown how quickly overseas logistics can falter, affecting availability, quality and cost certainty. For a sector that depends on reliable delivery and consistent standards, short supply chains are not just a preference but a necessity.

Fewer surprises
When products are manufactured close to site, there’s less risk of disruption. Shorter supply chains mean fewer links in the chain – and fewer opportunities for delay. Local manufacturing brings peace of mind that materials will arrive when needed, supporting smoother build programmes.

Closer communication
Working with UK suppliers allows housebuilders to build stronger relationships with their partners. At H+H, direct communication with customers means any issues can be resolved quickly and transparently, ensuring every project runs more efficiently.

Greater agility
Construction schedules are rarely linear. Weather, demand and regulatory changes can all affect build rates. With factories based in the UK, H+H can respond faster to fluctuating site needs – something international suppliers simply can’t match.

Supporting local skills
Choosing UK-made materials helps sustain employment and apprenticeships within the construction industry. Through initiatives like H+H’s apprenticeship training scheme, the company is investing in the next generation of skilled workers, ensuring the knowledge and experience that underpin quality British manufacturing continues to thrive.

Trading with confidence
The UK’s manufacturing standards are among the most rigorous in the world – from quality control to health, safety and financial regulation. Housebuilders working with local manufacturers can be confident that products meet stringent performance and compliance requirements.

For H+H, joining Made in Britain is more than a badge of honour. It’s a recognition of the resilience, transparency and trust that come from producing high-quality building materials right here at home.

When housebuilders choose products made in the UK – like Celcon Blocks, manufactured at H+H’s plants across the country – they’re not just reducing risk. They’re supporting a supply chain that’s built to last.

To find out more about H+H visit: Visit the H+H website

Nursery and Pre-School in Oxfordshire

Building Products Index Ltd Stainless Steel, Stainless Steel Worktops Leave a Comment

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The established and successful, Aunties Old School Nursery, is moving to purpose built new premises located on the outskirts of Oxford. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the brand new building has been designed and built to a very high standard and provides a truly inspiring space for its staff as well as for its pupils.

Working directly for the nursery, GEC Anderson were commissioned to measure, manufacture and install a number of made to measure stainless steel worktops for the main kitchen and serving area; art area; store room, utility room; staff room as well as the general play area. Additionally, a number of splashbacks and panels were supplied in the washrooms and outdoor play areas.

Worktops feature GEC Anderson’s edge 7 (40mm) and were all made to the specific sizes required, including a curved and angled servery area to the main kitchen. Coloured wall tiles were installed prior to the worktops, so the fit needed to be very precise. Cutouts for appliances were provided where required.

Measuring and installation was carried out by GEC Anderson.

Silver Kite`s Arbor architectural ironmongery for New York luxury residence

Building Products Index Ltd Ironmongery Leave a Comment

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Silver Kite’s Arbor range was specified for a luxurious 5 story residence close to Central Park in Manhattan.

The finish chosen for the Arbor door and windows fittings was polished brass with colour coated wooden parts. Five different shades of white colour coating were used to match the décor of each area. The doors were larger than standard. Therefore, the lever handles were increased in size to keep in proportion.

American locks were to be installed. Consequently, the manufacturer modified the Arbor items to be compatible with them.

Many doors were sliding pocket doors. These were fitted with flush pull handles and door edge pulls. The flush pulls incorporated colour coated plates to match the door finish.

The windows were fitted with mortice espagnolette bolts. Arbor fasteners were specified, with the wooden part colour coated.

Silver Kite worked closely with the design team to produce a complete ironmongery schedule.

Apart from manufacturing standard products, the manufacturer can make special items to a specifier’s exact requirements.

ACO Building Drainage Helps Construction Professionals Tackle Climate Change with Launch of ‘Blue Roof Guide – Volume 2’

Building Products Index Ltd Building Drainage, Drainage Leave a Comment

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With climate extremes increasing and urban drainage networks under growing stress, ACO Building Drainage has published the second volume of its Blue Roof Guide to help architects, engineers, specifiers and contractors design resilient, multi-functional roofscapes.

The new guide explains how blue and blue-green roof systems can store and manage rainfall on site, reduce peak flows to overstretched sewers and support passive irrigation and biodiversity on roof areas.

The guide, titled ‘ACO Blue Roof Guide – Vol 2’, follows the success of ACO’s first volume of its Blue Roof Guide, launched in October 2024, and builds on the criteria established for safe and sustainable drainage.

Sustainability is a core principle of ACO’s work and this has been recognised in the company’s appointment as United Nations ambassador for Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. The second volume of the Blue Roof Guide is evidence of ACO’s commitment to clean water, sustainability, and supporting the construction industry in creating an eco-friendly future.

Volume 2 sets out the principles of off-membrane storage and offers practical design and delivery advice for architects, engineers, specifiers and contractors. It highlights blue roofs as an increasingly important tool in urban developments by storing water temporarily and releasing it slowly to lessen flood risk while enabling green and biosolar roof functions to coexist without compromising waterproofing.

Technical sections go into detail about ACO’s patented RoofBloxx system: a shallow, high-strength geocellular attenuation layer designed to sit independently of the roof membrane. Implementation and installation are also discussed, including together with the proper use of flow restrictors, access and diffuser units, capillary wicks and reservoir trays. When combined, these components manage run-off rates, support passive irrigation for sedum and planted systems, and reduce the need for heavy ballast by stabilising insulation.

Neill Robinson-Welsh, who has led more than 750 blue roof projects during his 14 years with ACO, said: “Blue roofs are no longer an optional extra but a practical response to the twin pressures of heavier rainfall and growing water stress. Our approach uses ACO RoofBloxx to store water off the waterproofing layer, simplifying integration with green and biosolar elements and reducing the risk of membrane failure. The new guide reflects what we’ve learned on real projects and sets out design and maintenance steps that make blue roofs reliable.”

Practical chapters focus on early-stage coordination, addressing outlet positioning, roof slope and structural implications, as well as maintenance-friendly design through permanent access chambers and twice-yearly inspections, and emphasising the importance of accurate hydraulic calculations to meet planning limits while preserving architectural constraints.

ACO stresses that designers need to treat blue roofs as system integration exercises, and by coordinating landscape, photovoltaics and other services early it will help to avoid late, costly revisions.

Volume 2 is positioned as a hands-on resource for teams planning multifunctional roofs where water management, ecology and service access must all be reconciled.

To download the guide, see ACO.co.uk.

UK Launch of Hellomac Geo

Building Products Index Ltd natural hazard protection Leave a Comment

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Maccaferri Ltd Completes First UK Installation of Hellomac Geo

Maccaferri Ltd is proud to announce the successful installation of Hellomac Geo, a pioneering real-time monitoring and alert system, in the United Kingdom. With numerous installations already operating worldwide, the UK is now the latest market to benefit from Hellomac Geo’s proven technology.

Natural hazard and rockfall protection systems are widely used across the UK to safeguard people, infrastructure, and critical assets from potentially catastrophic events. However, their effectiveness depends on frequent inspections to confirm whether impacts have occurred, an approach that is both time-consuming and costly.

Hellomac Geo transforms these systems into “smart” solutions. Powered by Internet of Things (IoT) technology, it provides real-time monitoring and instant alerts to asset managers when an event exceeds the system’s serviceability threshold. This targeted approach ensures that inspections and maintenance are only carried out when truly necessary, delivering significant cost and operational efficiencies.

In July 2025, Maccaferri, in partnership with Network Rail and Amco Giffen, installed the UK’s first Hellomac Geo system at Delmore, Inverness. The system was deployed on a chain link debris flow barrier designed to protect the Inverness–Wick railway line from hillside debris. Historically, this site required monthly inspections, often involving disruptive railway line blocks. With Hellomac Geo, successfully deployed in major rail and infrastructure projects around the world, Network Rail asset managers will now be alerted only when debris levels reach a critical point, allowing maintenance to be planned proactively and efficiently; minimising disruption to rail services.

Key Benefits of Hellomac Geo:

  • Real-time, remote monitoring with instant impact alerts
  • Fully wireless design — no mains power required
  • Guaranteed coverage via roaming GSM or satellite connectivity
  • Free desktop and mobile app monitoring software
  • Data integration via API into existing asset management platforms
  • Lightweight, quick installation — even in remote locations
  • Cost-effective, 24/7 monitoring without routine on-site inspections

Hellomac Geo marks a major step forward in the digitisation of natural hazard protection systems in the UK, offering infrastructure owners and operators a smarter, more sustainable approach to safety and asset management.

Connor Gillan, Network Rail Scotland’s Works Delivery Project Manager, made the following comments following the successful installation:

“Network Rail Scotland worked with Maccaferri Ltd and Amco Giffen on the first installation of HELLOMAC Geo in the UK at Delmore on the Inverness to Wick line. This site has often needed regular inspections because of debris building up in the interceptor barriers, with the risk of it reaching the track and affecting services.

HELLOMAC Geo now gives us an early warning system that alerts us when debris builds up to a critical level. This means we can act quickly when needed and cut down on unnecessary inspections. At a remote location like Delmore, that saves both time and costs and avoids line blocks that can disrupt train services.

The system also helps us take a more proactive approach to asset monitoring. We can plan maintenance only when it’s needed, making better use of resources and improving the resilience of the railway in Scotland. HELLOMAC Geo shows how new technology can support the way we manage earthwork and rockfall risk across the network.”

“The arrival of Hellomac Geo in the UK marks a significant step forward in our mission to digitise natural hazard protection systems worldwide”, said Matt Showan Managing Director at Maccaferri Ltd. “Already adopted in a wide range of international projects, the technology combines real-time monitoring with cost-effective efficiency, transforming the way asset managers respond to risk. By working with Network Rail on this first UK deployment, we are showing how global innovation can directly strengthen national infrastructure, improve safety and reduce operational costs.”

CS Expands Architectural Louvre Range with Three New Models

Building Products Index Ltd Louvres Leave a Comment

 

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Construction Specialties (CS) has announced the launch of three new architectural louvre models – RS-5215, RS-5225, and A-2097 – designed to meet the market’s evolving design and performance demands. These additions deliver the high level of rain defence and airflow performance CS louvres are known for, while adding more aesthetic versatility to the portfolio.

RS-5215 and RS-5225 are compact, 135 mm-deep, double-bank louvres from the company’s Architectural Line family. They offer a sleek, continuous horizontal front blade appearance, with vertical weather louvre units positioned to the rear, ensuring Class A rain defence up to 3.5 m/s. RS-5215 is ideal for low-level applications, while RS-5225 features an inverted front blade, making it particularly effective for high-level installations. The rear sightproof units are supplied powder-coated black as standard to minimise visual impact.

Both models are modular, allowing for ease of installation. They are recommended for large-scale installations requiring a uniform appearance with a continuous blade effect, and where only small or irregular active openings need protection from wind-driven rain. In non-active areas, blanking panels are used in place of blades within the rear louvre frame, offering significant cost savings.

The RS-5215 can also be specified with visible interlocking mullions to align with other façade elements, if preferred.

The new A-2097 is the shallowest CS ventilation louvre model to date, at just 53mm deep, and features a blade pitch of only 48 mm. It can be specified with either visible mullions to align with other façade features, or hidden mullions to achieve a continuous line appearance (the hidden mullion option increases the overall depth to approximately 130 mm). This model delivers Class C rain defence performance in natural ventilation applications and offers excellent airflow performance, particularly for mechanical extract scenarios (Class 1). With its modular design, choice of standard or glazing frame options, and availability in compact sizes, it is well suited for curtain walling, residential buildings, and storefront applications where small louvres are often required above doors or windows.

The new additions have been tested to BS EN 13030 standard for weather louvres, verifying their airflow efficiency and ability to prevent wind-driven rain ingress.  They provide architects and specifiers with even more options for combining performance with design flexibility.

To view the full range of CS rain defence, ventilation, screening and acoustic louvre solutions, visit www.c-sgroup.co.uk/architectural-louvres

Wavin Osma UltraRib – High-performance drainage for demanding environments

Building Products Index Ltd Pipes, Plastic piping Leave a Comment

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Wavin Osma UltraRib is a robust structured-wall gravity drainage system engineered to deliver long-term reliability in demanding below-ground applications. Widely specified across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, UltraRib combines exceptional strength, durability, and ease of installation, making it one of the most trusted solutions for adoptable and non-adoptable drainage networks.

Its distinctive ribbed external profile provides superior stiffness and exceptional resistance to ground loads, ensuring the system performs reliably in deep installations, high-traffic areas, or challenging ground conditions where additional reinforcement is required. Inside, a smooth bore optimises flow, minimising the risk of blockages and ensuring consistent hydraulic performance over time.

Constructed from premium PVC-U, UltraRib offers outstanding corrosion resistance and chemical stability throughout its service life. Unlike traditional materials, it is not susceptible to corrosion, abrasion, or biological attack, contributing to a low-maintenance, cost-effective drainage network. Available in diameters from 150mm to 300mm, the system accommodates a broad range of design requirements.

Installation is fast, safe, and straightforward. The secure ring-seal socket and push-fit joint design allow for reliable connections without specialist tools, streamlining workflows and reducing installation time. . The lightweight nature of PVC-U further improves handling and health and safety on site.

Fully compliant with BS EN 13476-3 and accepted by major adopting authorities, Wavin Osma UltraRib meets stringent industry standards for performance and reliability. Its proven track record and strong technical pedigree make it a go-to choice for engineers, contractors, and specifiers seeking a dependable drainage solution for challenging environments.

With a combination of strength, efficiency, and long-term performance, Wavin Osma UltraRib continues to set the benchmark for structured-wall drainage systems in the UK construction sector.

 

 

Cable Calculator Made Easy: Tips for Accurate and Efficient Use

Building Products Index Ltd Electric Cables Leave a Comment

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Understanding the Purpose of a Cable Calculator

Selecting the right cable for an electrical installation is not simply a matter of convenience. It is essential for safety, performance, and compliance. A cable calculator is a practical tool that helps engineers, contractors, and even experienced DIY installers determine the correct size of a cable for their specific project. By entering details such as load, length, and voltage, the calculator gives reliable guidance on the most suitable cable type.

Batt Cables provides a free Cable Calculator designed to make this process straightforward and precise. Using this resource ensures that your installations are both compliant and cost-effective.

Why Cable Sizing Matters

Choosing the wrong cable size can lead to several problems, including overheating, voltage drop, and potentially dangerous faults. For example, an undersized cable may not carry the current safely, while an oversized one could result in unnecessary expense. Our cable calculator eliminates guesswork, helping to balance safety and efficiency in every project.

Our customers often use the calculator for projects such as powering outbuildings, installing EV chargers, or running distribution boards across commercial sites. Whether you are working on a residential installation or a large-scale infrastructure project, correct cable sizing is always crucial.

How the Cable Calculator Works

The process is simple. To use the calculator, you will typically need to provide:

  1. Load Current

This is the amount of current that your equipment or circuit requires. For example, a three-phase motor running on 30 amps will need a different cable compared to a single-phase lighting circuit.

  1. Length of the Run

The longer the cable, the greater the resistance. This directly affects voltage drop, which can compromise the performance of equipment.

  1. Installation Method

Different installation environments, such as buried cables, clipped direct, or run through insulation, can change the current-carrying capacity of the cable.

Once these values are entered, the cable calculator suggests a suitable cable size. For instance, if you are running a 25-metre circuit to power a garden workshop with a 32A load, the tool will recommend the correct size to meet the demand safely.

Examples

Imagine a contractor needs to install an SWA cable for a new warehouse lighting system requiring 40 amps over a 50-metre distance. Using the Cable Calculator, the tool may recommend a 10mm² 3-core SWA cable. This exact product is available at battcables.com, offering high-quality and compliant solutions.

Another example is an EV charger installation at home. A typical 7kW charger requires around 32 amps. The calculator will account for the run length and installation conditions, ensuring the recommended cable size keeps voltage drop within limits.

Benefits of Using the Calculator

  1. Accuracy

It reduces the chance of human error and ensures that the selected cable meets the necessary safety standards.

  1. Efficiency

By choosing the correct cable size, projects can avoid unnecessary costs while maintaining compliance.

  1. Convenience

Instead of manually applying complex formulas, the calculator provides quick, trustworthy results.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

When using the calculator, always double-check that your input values are accurate. An incorrect assumption about load or installation method can lead to the wrong cable size. Where installations are complex, it is wise to confirm results with a qualified electrician or engineer.

Additionally, consider future proofing. If you expect demand on a circuit to increase, such as adding more machinery to a workshop, allow extra capacity when choosing the cable size.

Start Using the Cable Calculator Today

The cable calculator is a valuable tool for anyone looking to ensure safe and compliant installations. It saves time, prevents costly mistakes, and gives you confidence in your project planning.

Try the Batt Cables Cable Calculator now.