Safe Access for the new Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World

Building Products Index Ltd Roof Hatches Leave a Comment

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Bilco UK supplied twenty one special size Ladder Access Roof Hatches to the British Museum’s newest gallery.  After three years of careful planning, research and collaboration the Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World opened in October 2018.

Bilco Islamic Gallery - Roof Hatches 3 copyThe new, permanent, exhibition space is a result of the renovation and joining together of two beautiful Victorian galleries located in the ‘White Wing’ area of the Museum.  The galleries had been closed for several years as they were in need of renovation.

The Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World displays magnificent works of art alongside everyday objects. The aim is to enable the visitor to explore the cultural significance, breadth and impact of the Islamic world in a creative and exciting way.  Audio-visuals and specialist lighting bring the culture of the Islamic world to life.

The roof of the White Wing was originally laid in lead but was later replaced with copper in the 1960s. As part of the refurbishment of the two galleries it was decided to return the roof to its original lead design. The roof timbers and boarding were overhauled, and forty-five tonnes of new lead added.

Ladder access was required to the roof void area to allow for routine maintenance activities.  Bilco UK’s SS-50TB Ladder Access Roof Hatches were specified by the architects, HoK. The installation was managed by the Principle Contractor, Coniston Limited, who have a reputation for delivering heritage and conservation projects and a long history of working with the British Museum.

The SS-50TB Roof Hatches were made to order as they were required in a larger non-standard size, 1215mm x 915mm, than the standard stock sizes.  The hatches were also manufactured with a PPC finish to blend in with the new roof.

The SS-50TB is engineered with compression spring operators to provide smooth, easy, one-hand operation, regardless of the size of the hatch. An automatic hold-open arm locks the cover in the open position to ensure safe egress and a grip handle allows for easy, one-hand release and closing.  This one-hand operation of the SS-50TB, to a fully open or closed position, enables the ladder user to maintain three points of contact at all times.

The SS-50TB is the perfect solution for projects where regular roof access is required and safety is paramount. The roof hatch meets all the requirements of the Manual Handling Operating Regulations (MHOR) 1992.

The Ladder Access Roof Hatches are fitted with a closed-cell EPDM sponge gasket, as standard, to help ensure weather tightness, energy efficiency and to meet Building Regulation Air Leakage targets. The specially designed gasket provides a better seal of the cover to the curb. This ensures the hatches have a Class 1 rating under BS EN 12207:200 and meet the requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations.

A thermally broken cover and frame design provide superior thermal performance. The design of hinges and other features ensures that the hatches are resistant to the effects of ageing and weather in exposed locations – a necessity for a large roof area in Central London!

If you would like to find out more about safe and easy access to roof areas for your next project please call 01284 701696 or visit www.bilcouk.co.uk.

SEPARATING WAREHOUSE STAFF FROM HAZARDS

Building Products Index Ltd Fall protection, Roof Protection System, Safety railing system Leave a Comment

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workplace Hazards inside LRThere are several health and safety issues to be concerned about when working in a warehouse environment. Kee Safety, a leading global supplier of safety solutions, provides a full product range that means whether staff are working internally or externally, at height or on the warehouse floor, they will always have a system in place to separate them from hazards.

Boasting such a wide product range, Kee Safety has the ability to solve all a magnitude of challenges that employers and employees face when working in warehouses.

Challenge

  • Requiring a strong, durable and flexible solution for the construction of railings, guardrails and safety barriers

Solution

  • Kee Klamp® systems

The Kee Klamp® range of fittings comprises a comprehensive selection of simple to use, galvanised malleable cast iron fittings. These fittings allow pre-cut lengths of standard tubing to be connected together to form safety guardrails and other types of tubular framework structure.

All fittings within the Kee Klamp® range incorporate an integral socket screw which locks the fitting securely onto its tube to give an excellent slip load performance. The extensive range ensures that they can also cope easily with any changes in direction or gradient, and easily accommodate requirements for adapting or extending an existing structure.

Challenge

  • Finding a compliant, self-closing system that provides staff with a safety solution when working on ground level.

Solution

  • Spring loaded safety gates

Kee Gate®safety gates are particularly suited to provide safe access and egress around machinery and electrical equipment, on access platforms, step overs, stairways and ladders or as part of a demarcated route within a loading bay or warehouse. Kee Gate®ensures staff can fulfil their job, follow best practices and comply with current safety standards, without putting their safety at risk.

Kee Safety self closing safety gates are spring loaded so can automatically close behind the user, providing an added level of security and overcoming the potential for human error.

Challenge

  • Having the ability to move goods safely up or down from mezzanines or raised working surfaces.

Solution

  • Pallet gates

Pallet Gates from Kee Safety have been designed to allow workers to load and unload pallets on mezzanine floors, without the possibility of falling from height.

The Pallet Gates range features four different configurations to suit the type of operation required. Gates are available in range of sizes, from 1.4m to 1.9m pallet width and from 1.6m to 2.2m pallet height. They are constructed using Kee Klamp® galvanised or Kee Lite® aluminium fittings and tubes and can be linked to new and existing railing systems. Due to the nature of the system, in the event of the pallet gate being damaged from a forklift or general use, the individual fittings can be easily replaced. Gates are supplied part assembled for a quick installation.

Challenge

  • Requiring a bespoke platform to allow safe access to areas where off the shelf fabricated platforms or other systems such as ladders or towers are not appropriate.

Solution

  • Bespoke Access Platforms

Kee Safety Bespoke Access Platforms – which can be designed to suit virtually any requirement – are suitable for difficult to reach areas such as access to machinery, warehouse racking, maintenance of vehicles or trains, welding or plastering.

These access platforms are custom built and can be designed up to 3m in height. When higher access is required, the platform is constructed with the addition of an extra support arm. Bespoke Access Platforms are modular in design and utilise either Kee Lite® or Kee Klamp® fittings to provide an extremely secure, robust, corrosion resistant access platform. Using off the shelf fittings also allows the platforms to be delivered and constructed quickly and easily, with minimal disruption on-site.

Challenge

  • Avoiding machinery collisions into walls, corners, racking units, posts and pipes.

Solution

  • Upright protectors

Kee Safety’s Kwik Kit® range of upright protectors, which can be used both indoors and outdoors, are made of hot dipped galvanised steel for durability and are also powder coated in RAL 1021 for extra visibility.

The range of warehouse protectors has been designed and tested in accordance with the BS EN 15512:2009. The standard states that an upright protector should be positioned at the end of each run of racking between cross-aisles and at uprights, which are positioned at aisle and gangway intersections. The uprights are all a minimum of 400mm tall, and dynamic tests have been conducted to ensure that the minimum energy absorption of 400Nm is achieved. All Kwik Kit® barriers are manufactured from size 8 (48.300mm) Kee Klamp® fittings and tubing with a 3.2mm wall.

Challenge

  • Providing demarcation around plant, equipment and fragile materials.

Solution

  • Kee Mark®Demarcation systems

The high visibility, maintenance free Kee Mark®demarcation system from Kee Safety is compact, making it portable and easy to assemble. The unique post design with a heavy-duty PVC base weighing 25kg prevents the system from falling during severe weather conditions. Kee Safety’s demarcation system is further enhanced by a high visibility, two colour, polyurethane chain which links between the support posts.

Kee Safety strives to provide solutions to separate people from hazards, so its product portfolio extends wide enough to cover railings, guardrails, barriers, self-closing gates, pallet gates, access platforms and demarcation systems. As well as supporting customers with a large product range, Kee Safety also offers expert advice and technical support, to ensure compliance with all major standards and statutory requirements. Kee Safety products are available in the UK through a well-established network of distributors and fall protection partners spread across the country.

For more information, please visit www.keesafety.co.uk

 

Smart Collaboration with Hörmann UK’s Architects’ Programme

Building Products Index Ltd Doors Leave a Comment

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K_DSP7594_XHörmann’s newly updated Architects’ Programme provides architects with the ideal portal to initiate real-time collaboration between themselves, engineers and contractors.

The system enables the seamless journey of data, from the initial design stages, to the final completion of the build, involving owners, contractors and fabricators from the very beginning of the project.

The Hörmann UK Architects’ Programme is specifically designed to provide architects with the necessary data they require across its industrial, commercial and domestic product ranges which includes loading technology, fire-rated / smoke tight doors, garage doors, multipurpose doors, entrance and internal doors.

PlanProject planning can be easily achieved using the modern interface, which provides faster access to tender specifications, images and drawings in both DWG and PDF formats, for more than 850 Hörmann products.

Images are available in PDF or DXF/DWG formats, with horizontal, vertical and side options, enabling architects access to a complete overview of each individual product and its corresponding materials.

Also designed for ease of use at the tender and specification stages, the Architects’ Programme provides access to a vast amount of CAD, technical drawings and BIM models, accessible at the click of a button, both online and offline. The software is compatible with Windows, Mac and Android and can be used online via a smartphone, tablet or laptop or PC.

CSE9680_V051214Architects can generate individual texts, with the convenient use of technical drawings across the Hörmann UK product range. Users enter the dimensions required, with the ability to then select optional accessories, such as high speed operation for industrial applications or insulation and finger trap protection for  the domestic installation of garage doors.

Professionals can then copy this information, along with corresponding technical drawings, images and BIM files to their computer, for seamless integration into standard architectural software, ready to be shared with contractors, owners and additional professionals within the construction process.

Offering the ability to search via product name or type, the software provides a preview text of the selected product, along with documents and information relating to each of the product’s variants including sizing, interior and exterior materials, set application, U-values and available RAL colours.

The Architects’ Programme also provides information regarding the compatibility of each product with relevant building regulations and ISO standards, including Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), whilst also outlining maximum usage cycles, specifically for industrial applications.

To access the Architects’ Programme and start collaborating smarter, visit:https://www.hormann.co.uk/architects/architecture-consultation/architects-programme/.

Waterproofing A New-Build Basement In Surrey

Building Products Index Ltd waterproofing Leave a Comment

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Find out more about waterproofing a new-build basement 

Newton System 500 was used to waterproof a large basement area as part of a prestigious new-build property in Surrey, installed by Newton Specialist Basement Contractor MaclennanUK.

Products Used:

A Prestigious New-Build Property in Surrey

Image 1This large new-build property in Surrey had a very large basement area which needed to be waterproofed to meet BS 8102 requirements, the British Standard for the Protection of Structures Against Water from the Ground. Because it is not possible to determine the amount of potential water pressure surrounding a structure, BS 8102 tells the designer to expect a head of water against the structure. In addition, BS 8102 requires that all waterproofing is maintainable and repairable.

Methodology

Image 3Newton Specialist Basement Contractor MaclennanUK were commissioned to design and install a Cavity Drain Waterproofing System. Newton System 500 was deemed the best range of products for the project as it provides a maintainable waterproofing solution – and thus meets the requirements of BS 8102. Newton 508 Cavity Drain Membrane was applied to all internal walls, and ingressing water was collected into the Basedrain channels throughout the perimeters of the wall/floor junction and pumped out to safe drainage using the Newton Titan-Pro pumping system.

Benefits

  • Newton System 500 is easily and quickly repaired and maintained.
  • The complete system is guaranteed for a full 20 years by MaclennanUK. If the system is inspected and serviced annually the guarantee can be extended every 10 years for a further 10-year period.
  • The system is very fast to install and there is no drying period.

Result

Image 2This large new-build property is completely protected against water ingress.

“Maclennan worked with Ali Galvin Homes to come up with a risk-free waterproofing strategy, to waterproof the very impressive and luxurious property that they were constructing. Newton System 500 is the best system available to waterproofing professionals and was ideal for this project” – Ian MaclennanUK

GEZE UK finds showcase a FIT

Building Products Index Ltd Automated systems, Automatic door system, Automatic Window systems Leave a Comment

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Fit Show imageGEZE UK will be providing a ‘window’ on a range of new products and solutions at the UK’s only event for the glass and glazing industry – the FIT Show.

Geared to meet the needs of specifiers, fabricators and installers, the exhibition takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, 21-23 May and includes the latest innovations and cutting-edge products.

GEZE UK will be demonstrating its solutions for meeting the enhanced security PAS 24 accreditation for automatic sliding doors, innovative smoke and heat ventilation and integrated natural ventilation products within its comprehensive solutions.

GEZE Cockpit Campaign PackshotAlso, on show will be GEZE’s new products including a new underfloor automatic operator for swing doors, the IST lock that allows controlled movement through a manually locked door via electronic control, FTV 320 escape door lock and TS 2000, TS 4000 and TS 5000 door closers, and floor springs as well as GEZE’s building automation system Cockpit.

GEZE UK can be found on stand E28, and is part of the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) Pavilion.  Open on three sides, GEZE UK’s exhibition stand has been designed to be interactive allowing visitors to try out products for themselves.

The FIT show features 250 brands showcasing more than 4,500 products and is now in its seventhyear having relocated from Telford to a bigger ‘home’ in 2017. Its purpose is to forge “a bridge between the manufacturers and distributors of products, components and services with the companies and individuals that fabricate, install and specify them”.

More details can be found on its website www.fitshow.co.uk

IMG_7011Said sales and marketing director Andy Howland: “We are delighted to be exhibiting at the FIT Show. It is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our solutions and new products in an environment where we can give visitors insight into how they can be used in a variety of situations and to meet specific needs.

“In turn it allows us to meet people who are at the cutting edge of purchase and installation and hear from them what issues they are facing in order to help inform the future development of our products.”

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk

The demand for co-working spaces is hotting up

Building Products Index Ltd Heating, Ventilation Leave a Comment

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co working space 1The demand for co-working spaces is increasing. Across Central London alone, flexible workplace providers have taken over 21% of office space in 2017, while competition in the regional cities is intensifying.

In response to such growth, industry stakeholders are rapidly examining their approach to designing and specifying equipment for modern workplaces. Unlike traditional offices, co-working spaces are not always occupied by the same amount of people, or indeed fully occupied at all. As a result, demand patterns are likely to be different, as the entire premise of flexible working centres on not having a 9-5 schedule.

So, what are the key considerations when specifying heating equipment for a co-working office?

Flexible, energy efficient heating

Co-working spaces are operationally more efficient than a typical office: facilities and staff are shared between a larger number of members, keeping overheads and other costs lower. This drives the use of more intelligent, automated technology, such as sensor-activated lighting, or smart thermostats. The advantage of such measures is that they can also decrease energy usage, reducing bills as well as environmental impact.

An aspect which is often overlooked is the technology used to emit heat. Paired with an efficient heat source and controls, the right radiators can really boost a building’s green credentials.

co working space 4Low water content radiators contain a tenth of the water compared to a standard steel panel radiator, so they waste less heat and react at least three times faster to fluctuations in ambient temperature. This means that they heat up almost immediately if the temperature falls below the set level and stop emitting heat as soon as that same level is reached. BRE tests show that a switch to low water content radiators can deliver energy savings of up to 15% compared to standard steel-panel radiators.

Another innovative, yet easily deployed, radiator technology for managers to consider is fan assisted DBE (Dynamic Boost Effect), which improves airflow and boosts heat output by drawing air over the element – increasing the efficiency of the radiator and helping to quietly circulate air around the room.

Whilst the DBE unit maintains rapid, effective and accurate room comfort conditions, it can also supply a quick boost of heat if required.

Ventilation

co working space 3People who work in well-ventilated offices with below-average levels of indoor pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO2) have significantly higher cognitive functioning scores—in crucial areas such as responding to a crisis or developing strategy—than those who work in offices with typical levels.

Conventional ventilation systems are not well suited to co-working spaces with their varying occupancy rates as there is not a consistent pattern in CO2 levels. Of course, vented windows provide a form of natural ventilation, but as many offices are in heavily polluted inner-city areas, may not be the most pleasant solution.

This is where demand control ventilation comes in. These systems are fitted with intelligent sensors that detect CO2 and only begin filtering the air when levels get higher than a specified point. This is the most efficient and comfortable way of ventilating a building as energy is only used when necessary.

Jaga’s Oxygen is a demand-based ventilation system that can be integrated with Low-H2O  radiators for a hybrid heating and cooling system.

Aesthetics

co working space 2To attract co-workers into a space, the look and feel of a building is important. Glass façades are incredibly popular in modern offices as they look attractive and let in plenty of natural light. But they can be a specifier’s worst nightmare, as they are not very thermally efficient, meaning internal temperatures can become freezing in the winter and boiling in the summer. Also, they’re quite tricky to mount a traditional radiator on!

Thankfully, trench heating can help with temperature control issues in floor-to-ceiling glass environments by creating a curtain effect. Its subtle design is flush with the floor and can be customised with dozens of material options, to ensure the heating solution adds to the design rather than detracting from it.

With the popularity of co-working only set to increase, specifiers need to be aware of the technologies available to help foster an environment which is comfortable, harmonious and conducive to productivity.

 

Upward extensions with Eurobrick

Building Products Index Ltd Cladding Leave a Comment

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Adding floors to buildings can be a complicated process, particularly as far as the foundations are concerned, but Eurorbick’s lightweight cladding systems can help to simplify the process. The leader of the brick slip cladding sector has seen an increase in upward extension projects, which are a great solution where space is limited. See example projects and the challenges they faced here…

Two recent upward extension projects that Eurobrick have been involved with, were designed to give older properties a new lease of life as residential apartments.

Eurorbick Norwood Road (1)One of those projects was on Norwood Road in South East London and involved the redevelopment of an existing commercial building. The original building included a large ground floor retail unit with snooker club and offices above. The proposal was to demolish the upper floors and build nine new residential apartments over the retail unit.

This project was particularly challenging because the retailer had to continue trading throughout the build. And although they wanted to add two floors above the retail unit, the existing foundations and structure of the building could not be altered. A lightweight solution was required so Eurobrick’s P-Clad system was specified.

The new parts of the building were constructed with an insulated timber frame with an exterior sheathing. This is a faster construction technique than traditional building methods and was important for minimising disruption to the retailer and its customers. The project was finished externally with brick and render. Eurobrick’s P-Clad system was used with a special order brick slip alongside render panels to create a distinctive mixed finish to the building.

Eurobrick Pechiney House 08 (1)Pechiney House was the second ambitious project, involving the conversion and redevelopment of a 2-storey office building into residential apartments by adding a 4-storey upward extension to the existing building. This time Eurobrick’s X-Clad system was the lightweight solution that helped to simplify the process. It was attached to a ply panel on the lightweight steel frame construction, reducing the overall weight of the upward extension considerably.

The resulting redevelopment of 42 new residential units, including studios and 1 & 2 bed apartments, was completed at the end of last year. The mixed palette of finishes, using both bricks and timber, created a contemporary look that was sympathetic to the original building.

Eurobrick DoubleTree 02The DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton on the River Cam in Cambridge also wanted to take advantage of the benefits of building upwards with their recent hotel extension. They added three floors above the existing ground floor of their hotel.

The building was constructed with a steel frame, with the weight of the structure supported on steel piers. Eurobrick’s lightweight 17mm X-Clad system was fixed to Admaster composite panels. The exterior was then finished with part brick slip cladding and part zinc metal rainscreen cladding. A specially cut Con Mosso brick slip was chosen as it was a close match to the existing hotel.

Eurobrick provide flexible brick cladding solutions for all types of projects offering a quick, easy and robust solution. Brick slip cladding is durable and will weather and age in the same way as conventional brickwork, requiring little to no maintenance. Eurobrick’s systems are BBA certified and they also offer a 25 year product guarantee.

For more information, please visit www.eurobrick.co.uk. Eurobrick also has a showroom at its Bristol office which is open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.

 

New staircase impact sound insulation system from Schöck

Building Products Index Ltd Sound insulation, Sound Proofing Leave a Comment

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As higher density living becomes increasingly the norm, noise nuisance and its possible effect on health issues is becoming an all-important topic. One of the most invasive irritations is impact sound and Schöck has developed an innovative solution for both straight and winding staircases.    

Intrusive noiseIt will come as little surprise that social surveys across several European countries indicate that noise from neighbours in multi-family residential complexes causes varying degrees of annoyance. The type of noise can take various forms of course, but impact sound is particularly invasive, with footsteps on common stairs being a typical example. Health studies have looked into the different effects of ‘community noise’ on individuals. The findings are wide-ranging, but suggest that regular noise interference can result in symptoms such as sleep loss, headaches, anxiety and in some cases even an increase in the potential for aggressive behaviour. So with the move towards higher density living in many European towns and cities, appropriate acoustic performance standards are becoming more important than ever.

UK urban living dramatically on the rise

There is considerable disparity between UK mandatory acoustic standards and those in many parts of Europe. Which is possibly a result of the historical differences in dwelling types. In the UK only 14% of the population have traditionally lived in apartments, one of the lowest Euro percentages. Whereas the average for apartment living across the Euro area is 48% and in many cases higher. Over 60% in Germany for example. However, things are changing in the UK, where urban and therefore apartment living, is dramatically on the rise.   Between 2002 and 2015(1)Liverpool was the fastest growing city centre, with a  population increasing by 181%.

Other cities are close behind, examples being Birmingham, with a city centre growing by 163%, Leeds by 150%, Manchester 149% and Leicester 145%. In terms of sheer numbers, the fastest growing was London, but due to overall population density this amounted to a relatively low 22% increase.

Soundproofing standards are under scrutiny

With this increase in the density of residential living, noise health protection and exisiting mandatory soundproofing standards, of which impact sound is an important feature, are coming under ever-increasing scrutiny. Currently the Building Regulations Part E recommend performance standards for ‘separating walls, separating floors and stairs that have a separate function’ as being less than or equivalent to 62 dB. Bearing in mind that the smaller the value, the better the impact sound insulation, the European average for staircases is around 53 dB, in some individual cases even stricter. Which is significant when you consider that for human hearing a 10 dB difference is equivalent to twice the noise disturbance. The first ever standard in Europe to specify a test procedure for impact sound insulation elements was published in Germany in 2016. (DIN 7396). DIN 7396 specifies a test with realistic configurations and typical building loads on staircases. The weighted normalised impact sound pressure level (L‘n,w) as defined in DIN 7396 can be used as a basis for verifying acoustic insulation in buildings. In reality, during the construction process soundproofing solutions are often used that do not comply with longer term requirements. Individual elastomer supports for example, may not protect the joint areas completely, with dirt and plaster finding their way into the gaps, causing acoustic bridges.

DIN Testing

DIN Testing

Schöck launches Tronsole

Whole stair system

Whole stair system

As a result Schöck, best known for its structural thermal break range, has developed an integrated impact sound insulation solution for all structural subsections on both straight and winding staircases. Known as Tronsole, this system of perfectly integrated impact soundproofing elements, combines dependable sound insulation with straightforward installation. The Schöck Tronsole system consists of seven main product types that can be mixed and matched to form a fully integrated impact soundproof system either on-site, or in the prefabricating plant. Central to the performance of the Tronsole system is Elodur, an elastomer support formulated to ensure optimum acoustic insulation and low Prefabricationdeflection. Compared with conventional strip supports, Elodur assures an impact sound level difference of approximately 32 dB, which constitutes an improvement of around 10 dB. Equally important to the system is the component known as Tronsole type L, which ensures complete soundproofing by totally sealing the joint. And all sound insulation performance figures for the Schöck Tronsole types relate to systems incorporating type L in the joint areas.  The Tronsole system is suitable for emergency exits and complies with the requirements for fire resistance class R90 (subject to appropriate on-site additional reinforcement of the landing).  

On the right the blue line indicates that the product is successfully in position. On thr left the finished staircase .

On the right the blue line indicates that the product is successfully in position. On the left the finished staircase.

For comprehensive information about the Tronsole system contact Schöck on 01865 290 890; or visit the website at www.schoeck.co.uk     The full Product Brochure is available.  Also, online installation videos are available that demonstrate the individual steps for installing elements for both straight and winding staircases and landings.

 (1) According to analysis of figures from the Office for National Statistics.

 

Forging the way ahead for Blue Roofs

Building Products Index Ltd Roofing, Waterproof Membranes, waterproofing Leave a Comment

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The management of rainfall within the built environment is an important task for the construction industry, with correct and sympathetic source control and attenuation being key to Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) design.

SuDS demands that water falling across a development site is not simply channelled into storm water drains and discharged into the local river. Instead the drainage is designed to mimic that found in nature where water is attenuated, treated and infiltrated through natural processes. In many cases the Environment Agency is involved in limiting the site discharge through a Limited Discharge Consent Notice, which may be related to the natural drainage rate of 5 litres per second per hectare of site, or lower.

Managing inner city and urban areas

A modern method of source control and attenuation is the Blue Roof, where the roofing system is explicitly designed to attenuate rainwater rather than drain it as quickly as possible, as in traditional roof drainage design.

Blue Roofs can significantly contribute to the SuDS requirements within a development by collecting and temporarily retaining rainfall (for a maximum of 24 hours) within the roof finishes before discharging at a controlled rate. This is particularly beneficial on constrained sites, such as in urbanised areas, or brown field sites, where the use of underground tanks are difficult and/or costly.

A Radmat Blue Roof can be installed at either roof or podium level above the waterproofing membrane or the water flow reducing layer (WFRL) in a PermaQuik or ParaFlex FD inverted application or above an EshaFlex warm roof application. The Radmat Blue Roof will be designed to attenuate water for no more than a 24-hour period from the end of the maximum designed rainfall event. The discharge rate will be calculated to allow the roof to be half empty of attenuated water in a 12-hour period.

Case study: The Forge, Redclyffe Road – London

©-JonLucas-Redclyffe-Road_MainTelford Homes acquired The Forgein 2014.The site was formerly a bus depot bounded on two sides by existing residential developments. Radmat was engaged together with RMA Architects to design a roofing scheme which would meet the strict attenuation and flow rate requirements imposed by Newham Council. The scheme comprises residential apartments, clustered around communal courtyards, accessed off a new public street with substantial public realm enhancement.  The new buildings range from three to five storeys with a 14-storey focal building.

©-JonLucas_Redclyffe-Road_overviewChallenge 1:Meeting the strict run off requirements imposed by the council across a geographically restricted site with reduced height zones. Due to the geographical restrictions of the site and close proximity to neighbouring properties, below ground attenuation had to kept to a minimum leaving the roofs and high level podiums as the key attenuation strategy. Radmat’s Blue Roof scheme had to be redesigned a number of times to meet the stringent attenuation targets even utilising the ‘fingers’ of the roof to maximise the available space.

Challenge 2:High Thermal Requirement, need to attenuate and create Amenity Spaces at roof level. Because the development had to meet high thermal standards and provide as much amenity space to residents as possible while at the same time providing extensive attenuation – the system build ups were considerable and therefore design heights at ©-JonLucas-Redclyffe-Road_tiersthresholds and parapets were compromised in some areas. A series of inverted PermaQuik hot melt Blue Roofs were specified to provide a robust waterproofing and were supported by BBA certification for both blue roofing applications and an independent durability statement for the design life of the building. In the most challenging areas Radmat proposed its ProTherm Quantum Vacuum Insulated Panel system which enabled the area to meet the thermal requirement in 80% less space compared to standard insulants, while still meeting the attenuation demands. Systems were finished with Radmat’s MedO Green Roofing systems – both fully vegetated blankets for areas overlooked by apartments and seeded biodiverse roofs surrounding the PV panels creating ecological diversity to the main roofs.

Telford Homes chose Radmat Building Products for the following reasons:

  • Proven track record as a key account partner both manufacturer and Roofing Contractor
  • Radmat’s unique key account service which included scheme evaluation by inhouse architects,bespoke CAD drawings, blue roof calculations
  • Products developed for the application including multiple depth blue roof geocells and BBA certified Vacuum Insulated panels to achieve the thermal performance in the limited space
  • Systems supported by BBA certification specifically certifying the Blue Roof components and a worked up design so that swift NHBC sign off could be achieved.

Products used in Radmat Blue Roof System:

PermaQuik PQ6100 Hot Melt waterproofing system to main areas

Radmat Geocells, water flow outlet and orifice restrictors of multiple heights and dimensions

ProTherm G insulation 0.13 w/m2k

ProTherm Quantum Pure to overcome reduced height thresholds

Green roofs consisting of pre-grown sedum blanket for overlooked areas and wildflower seeds around PV panels of main roofs

For more information about Radmat Blue Roof systems visit:

https://radmat.com/category/product-data/blue-roof/

 

Cembrit HD is in the Wings at Twickenham

Building Products Index Ltd Building Boards, Cladding Leave a Comment

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Cembrit HD (heavy duty) board has recently been installed in the newly redeveloped East Stand at Twickenham, the home of England Rugby. Resilient, hard wearing and with an impressive fire rating, HD is an ideal multi-use board for high traffic areas in sports stadia such as Twickenham, which on match days sees 82,000 fans descend on the stadium.

Cembrit PR ShotThe new East Stand development is a stunning, world class facility. KSS was the lead designer and architect on the project and worked with Wildfire London on the interior design concept and delivery. The expanded East Stand offers six floors of stylish event space, including eight brand new facilities delivering a bespoke hospitality experience for fans. The British Airways Rose Garden is the new elegant roof terrace on Level 5 and has been designed for a fun and immersive experience. Hugely popular due to its ‘outdoors feel’ which includes a built-in pizza oven and rotisserie, the venue sees a lots of foot traffic on match days.

Cembrit PR Shot2Supplied by the Hayes branch of Minster, the fast-growing specialist insulation and dry lining distributor, the Cembrit HD board is installed in the Rose Garden itself, in the wings of the facility, as well as on the walls of the adjacent L5 concourse where impact resistance was important as crowds are moving in confined spaces. A lot of the wall finishes in the Rose Garden are also fixed through the Cembrit boards, including the brick slips behind the rotisserie section. Cembrit was delighted to be involved in the project and chosen by KSS, and Kenji Ikegaya, an architect at the practice, comments: “Cembrit’s robust and weather resistant HD boards provided us with flexibility and multipurpose utility in meeting the complex project requirements. Their technical advisors were also helpful and informative in pursuing the goals of the project.”

Cembrit PR Shot3Cembrit HD (Heavy Duty) is a Class A2-s2, d0 fire rated high density building board comprising cement, cellulose and mineral fillers. It is ideal for ‘sealing’ buildings under construction as it is impact resistant and can be left exposed without additional treatment. HD is also extremely versatile and can be used as partitioning and is popular in offsite and SIPS construction as well as internal applications.

For further information visit www.cembrit.co.uk, email sales@cembrit.co.uk or tel: 020 3372 2300