ACO CLEARS THE FOG WITH NEW GREASE MANAGEMENT PORTFOLIO

Building Products Index Ltd Building Drainage, Drainage Leave a Comment

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ACO Building Drainage has a comprehensive range of EN1825 grease management solutions for commercial kitchen operators.  ACO’s high performance grease management solutions are specifically designed to help restaurants, hotels, food courts, foodservice enterprises and the wider catering industry prevent the build-up of fats, oils and grease (FOG) in commercial kitchen drainage systems and ultimately the main sewer network.

LipuSmart P-OB - ACO Building DrainageThe new range comprises: the ‘ACO LipuMax’ range of below-ground grease separators; ‘ACO LipuSmart’ products which integrate the functions of below-ground grease separation, sampling, drainage and a control system into one product, and a range of ‘ACO LipuJet’ above-ground separators which are designed for applications where a free-standing grease separator unit is required.   An ACO Lifting Station, which is certified to EN 12050-2, has also been introduced for use when the grease separator is installed below the backflow level.

LipuJet P-OAP extension stage 3ACO’s range of EN1825 products are designed to suit the full range of applications from large to small foodservice establishments, and can be tailored to suit individual project requirements by ACO’s in-house technical design team.  In addition, installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance can be provided via ACO’s service partner, Aqua Mundus.

Andy Buchan, Divisional Managing Director of ACO Building Drainage, comments: “As an established leader in the design and manufacture of hygienic floor drainage systems for the commercial kitchen sector, we understand that commercial kitchens can be challenging environments in which to work.

Muli Pro-PEK duo“FOG management is a key part of any commercial kitchen operation when it comes to optimising employee safety, operational cost and, of course, hygiene.  ACO’s grease management systems form part of ACO’s  HygieneFirst drainage philosophy.  They, deliver numerous benefits for kitchen operators including the prevention of drainage blockages which have the potential to close a kitchen, odour control, improved employee safety and importantly, a shorter clean down time. The expertise of our technical design team also means we can provide the specification guidance required to ensure commercial kitchen operators get the most appropriate and effective grease management solution for their business.”

Additional grease management solutions are also being developed by ACO using its extensive expertise in FOG management.

For more information on ACO’s new grease management systems, visit www.aco.co.uk/aco-building-drainage/grease-management or contact ACO’s technical design team on 01462 810400.

 

A show-stopping demonstration of success: The Central Bank of Ireland, renovated with MEDITE PREMIER FR

Building Products Index Ltd MDF Panels, Panels Leave a Comment

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Ireland’s most iconic new building, the Central Bank of Ireland on the banks of the River Liffey, was recently renovated into the show-stopping demonstration of success it is today, after sitting for years as an unfinished shell; a symbol of the recession. Now it breathes new life as Ireland’s first ever BREEAM “Outstanding” rated building, setting an example of progressive construction that thinks about the future.

paul tierneyArchitects Henry J Lyons achieved this by designing the large sweeping interiors to be as user friendly as possible for the Bank’s staff, by specifying acoustic wood panels from Woodfit Acoustics, made from MEDITE PREMIER FR. This MDF panel from MEDITE SMARTPLY is flame retardant for safe use in public buildings and is produced using FSC certified timber, from sustainably managed forests in Ireland; all the essentials to make this board suitable for the Bank’s new interior.

In doing this, the building is reaffirmed as a symbol of renewal, recovery and wellbeing, both economically and by offering these elements to those who use it as their daily workplace. The modern interior is conducive to teamwork and collaboration through use of natural light, safe, natural materials and acoustic performance.

Supplied by Noyeks, Woodfit provided the custom-made acoustic systems and non-acoustic panelling throughout, using veneered MEDITE PREMIER FR, variously finished for use in different areas. The finished panels range from ebonized slat ceilings and slat walls, custom white washed perforated panelling which extends seven storeys high, and perforated oak ceiling tiles throughout the work areas.

“The human experience was considered first and foremost in this project,” says Fergal Costello, Marketing Manager at Woodfit Acoustics. “Acoustics are extremely important in a big open building such as this one, to reduce reverberation while not restricting air circulation.”

paul tierneyFergal went on to say: “It’s important to us and our clients that we are always environmentally responsible. We feel a strong responsibility to be able to meet the need for acoustic panels made from sustainably produced materials. Working with MDF in particular, as it’s made from timber thinnings, ensures there is less timber wastage, and allows us in the timber industry to be a lot more efficient and environmentally friendly at the same time.”

The environmental building standard BREEAM is one of the world’s leading sustainability assessment methods for construction. Awarding credits for use of FSC certified building products, it recognises and reflects the value in higher performing products and projects across the built environment lifecycle.

Colin Wheatley, Product Manager at MEDITE SMARTPLY explained: “With responsible management, timber is a 100% renewable natural resource. BREEAM encourages us to use timber responsibly, and to create environments that are safe and healthy for occupants, in a

way that will contribute to the maintenance of the natural world. The Central Bank of Ireland building’s renovation is a stunning example of this, in its safety-conscious application of FR, that happens to also be extremely beautiful.”

It was also essential that the material chosen for the panels was flame retardant. Fergal explained: “We have been a long-time customer of MEDITE SMARTPLY for the reason that their products are trustworthy and high quality. As MEDITE PREMIER FR was developed specifically for use in fire rated applications, it was a must for an extremely high specification project such as this one.”

MEDITE PREMIER FR is produced in both Euroclass B and C. CARB2 compliant, it also has a smooth finish and can be made in a range of sizes and thicknesses, giving it the versatility to suit numerous applications from hotel foyers, offices, public libraries, schools and other public buildings. It’s suitable for use as a wall lining and in ceiling applications, and has been certified for use in fire resistant partition systems.

Fergal finally commented: “MEDITE PREMIER FR is very dense, yet cuts extremely cleanly; the sign of a high-quality board.”

Discover more about MEDITE PREMIER FR at: mdfosb.com/en/medite/products/medite-premier-fr

Woodfit has over 40 years’ experience in providing specialist acoustic wood panelling and custom joinery, serving clients worldwide with turnkey wooden interior fit-out solutions. Keep up with them at: www.woodfitacoustics.com/

Find more on Henry J Lyons at: henryjlyons.com/

Howe Green provides innovative access solution for NHS’s newest hospital

Building Products Index Ltd access covers Leave a Comment

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Howe Green Ltd, the UK’s leading manufacturer of floor access covers, has supplied nearly 70 covers to Chase Farm Hospital in Enfield. The £200 million redeveloped hospital became fully operational last autumn. It is the newest and most digitally advanced hospital in the NHS estate.

Chase Farm offers patients a range of services including an out-patient department, an urgent care centre, an older person’s assessment unit, an endoscopy unit, a chemotherapy day unit, eight operating theatres, a dedicated day surgery area and 50 surgical in-patient beds.

Howe Green’s Visedge Series Flexible Floor Access Covers and 7500 Series Medium-Duty Aluminium Floor Access Covers were specified for the project by international architects IBI Group.

The covers were supplied to established, Enfield based contractor, Galldris.  Technicians from Galldris installed the Howe Green access covers throughout the 20,000 square metres of internal flooring, including the plant room and endoscopy unit. The Visedge covers were infilled with vinyl flooring.  The floor finish for the 7500 Series varied depending upon the location of the cover.

The Howe Green access covers enable safe and easy access to building services concealed under the flooring of the hospital.  The covers can be removed, safely and easily, for maintenance purposes with the use of lifting keys.

The Visedge Series provide a durable, lightweight, non-rusting access solution for flexible sheet flooring systems in environments with pedestrian footfall, wheeled trolleys and sack trucks.  Double sealed, the Visedge covers are ideal for a busy hospital where the highest standards of hygiene and security are required.

7500 Series Medium-Duty Aluminium Floor Access Covers are used for all types of hard floor finish, including ceramic tiles, terrazzo and wood.  They offer a heavier loading than the Visedge, with a five tonne pneumatic tyre wheel load suitable for cars and light delivery vehicles.

The Visedge and 7500 Series are available as a single cover, a duct run or as a multipart unit.  Standard sizes are available from stock and bespoke sizes can be manufactured to order with no time or cost constraint.

Howe Green has supplied many hospitals over the last 35 years including South Mead Hospital in Bristol and Queen’s Hospital in Romford.

If you would like to find out how Howe Green can assist with your requirement for an innovative, practical and cost effective solution for accessing concealed services located under flooring please call 01920 463230 or visit www.bilcouk.co.uk.

System 900 | Design and function

Building Products Index Ltd bathroom accessories, Bathrooms Leave a Comment

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Driven by the idea of making good things even better, HEWI developed the new System 900.

System_900_1The unique versatility of System 900 delivers the levels of comfort, security and compliance in all accessible bathrooms when demanded by DOC M & British Standards.

The brand new HEWI System 900 shower seat and accessories collection are transforming bathrooms around the world. HEWI products combine functionality and superior design with durable, sustainable quality which help create usable, safe and beautiful accessible bathrooms.

From 5 Star Hotels to Individual Homes, Stadiums to Serviced Apartments, and everything in between. HEWI have been providing award winning inclusive design solutions for the last four decades.

System_900Historically accessible sanitary solutions resembled more a 1970’s care home than a contemporary bathroom. It’s often overlooked that these vital additions to the bathroom can indeed be stylish. By using quality materials and designs HEWI are in the driving seat for supplying your modern, luxurious accessible space.

HEWI is proud to offer the portfolio to high-end Hotel Groups, Care Providers, Architects and Designers who choose from HEWI’s ever increasing range of solutions to fulfil their users and client’s needs and aspirations.

For more information simply call one of the HEWI experts on 01634 258200 or send an email to info@hewi.co.uk.

Report reveals demand for eco-friendly buildings

Building Products Index Ltd Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

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To address the housing shortage and ensure that the housing stock deficit is erased, the UK needs to build 340,000 new homes every year until 2031. As such, the residential construction sector is under increasing pressure to build the volume of homes the country so desperately needs, which will require not only meeting but exceeding the Government’s current pledge to build 300,000 new homes annually. It’s also critical that these homes meet the needs and demands of future homeowners.

stack of multiple people expressionTo gain insight into this, Eurocell surveyed 1,000 25-40-year old renters and home owners to investigate their views on how the homes of the future could be designed to meet their expectations. When asked about the most appealing design trends they’d want in their home, respondents identified an eco-friendly home (29%), open plan living (24%) as the top two most appealing, with floor to ceiling windows and a minimalist look coming joint third with 23%.

When asked further about their attitudes to eco-friendly building and design, 49% of respondents said they would be more likely to buy or rent an eco-conscious home. However, despite this interest, only 24% said they would be willing to pay more money when buying or renting a property with eco-features.

Muswell Hill, LondonOverall, 46% of respondents said they would be willing to pay a little bit more in rent or property price if it incorporated their favoured design trends. In addition, 10% said they would pay significantly more.

When asked which top three factors contribute to them feeling good in their own home, respondents identified the amount of natural light (48%), low noise levels (39%) and feeling safe and secure (37%) as the most important. These were closely followed by access to outdoor space (36%), and the design and layout of the home (35%).

Following the survey, Eurocell asked experts from Simpson Haugh, Hawkins Brown, BDP and The High Street Group to analyse the findings and identify the trends that are shaping the current residential property market.

To find out more about the homes that consumers would like to see and learn about the trends that architects are seeing in the market, you can download Eurocell’s ‘The Future Home Report’ here: www.eurocell.co.uk/whitepaper

Glowing in the dark or not?

Building Products Index Ltd Paint Leave a Comment

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Fluorescent and luminous paints can be a significant aid to site safety, enabling areas of concern or hazardous objects to be identified, but confusion does exist around the roles and functions of fluorescent and luminous paints.

Fluorescent or Luminous – What is the difference?

While both Fluorescent and Luminous paints appear to glow, only luminous paint emits light.

Fluorescent Architectural AssociationLuminous paint works by storing light energy and then releasing it to emit a photo phosphorescent glow when a light source is removed. During the day and in a well-lit environment, a luminous paint will seem dull and will not draw attention, which limits the application of this paint to brightly lit spaces. Its full effect is only visible when the environment is rapidly plunged into darkness, it will then emit its stored light for up to 20 minutes.

Fluorescent paint works by enhancing the light, making the colours brighter and extremely visible in both bright and low light. However when there is no light to amplify, such as in darkness, fluorescent paint cannot be seen. Unlike Luminous paint, Fluorescent paint cannot be used to glow in the dark.

Fluorescent Paint – Application and Uses

FluorescentThe key function of Fluorescent paint is high visibility in both bright and low light, making it extremely useful for safety applications. Fluorescence is used in high visibility clothing and can be utilized further to draw attention to exits, safety and first aid equipment. It can also be implemented to highlight low beams, bollards and protruding objects that may present an injury risk.

The key element of a fluorescent coating is the base; the white base coat is fundamental in capturing the light and providing the reflectivity necessary for the paint to function.

The base coat should be applied to provide a strong consistent reflective white finish. Once dried, only one or two coats of the coloured coat is necessary – this coat is translucent in nature and designed to allow the light to pass through. The colour should not obliterate the white beneath as would be expected from a conventional coating. This can then be covered, if necessary with a clear protective topcoat to preserve the coating.

Fluorescent paints do have a lifespan, and over time the pigments become exhausted. This means they can no longer amplify light and can begin to appear patchy. When used inside, provided good painting practice is followed, and a protective topcoat is used, you can expect your coating to last a number of years. However, this could be little as a year when exposed to constant UV light outside, making re-application necessary.

Luminous Paint – Application and Uses

Luminous paints possess the ability to remain visible for a limited time in the event of a sudden loss of light, depending on the application this can sometimes be up to an hour, but as a rule of thumb for most applications this is usually closer to 20 minutes.

They are particularly useful for safety and security applications – highlighting escape routes, doorways and fire exits in the event of a blackout. They are also often used to produce some interesting theatrical effects, and have been used in contemporary art.

Unlike its counterpart Fluorescent paint, Luminous can be used unobtrusively, when applied it appears off-white, making it particularly useful in environments where the aesthetics of a space are important.

Much like Fluorescent paint, Luminous paint is also dependant on a well painted base coat, the white base should be applied to produce an even finish, over coated with one or two coats of the Luminous overcoat, and then finished with a clear protective topcoat. This will give the paint the protection necessary for most environments.

Luminous paint also has a lifespan, the pigments become exhausted and can no longer store the light after prolonged use. Provided good painting practice is followed, and a protective topcoat is used, you can expect your coating to last for a number of years inside. However, due to the gradual transition to darkness experienced with natural light, Luminous paint is not suitable for use outside.

Both products have a large range of applications in the factory, warehouse or home and are included in the Coo-Var Safety and Security range.

For more information: Coo-Var, Lockwood Street, Hull, HU2 0HN

Tel: 01482 320853

Advanced Tyvek® AirGuard® Smart offers a clever new way to control both airtightness and moisture

Building Products Index Ltd Membranes Leave a Comment

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Now the complex needs of the modern building envelope can be met by a product that is both simple to work with and ingenious in managing multiple demands. Adaptable to varying climatic conditions, Tyvek® AirGuard® Smart is a membrane with a difference – developed by the experts in protecting structures against environmental damage while also improving thermal performance.

Wrapping the interior side of the envelope, Tyvek® AirGuard® Smart acts as a highly efficient air and vapour control layer (which easily achieves below Passive house levels of airtightness) but has also been formulated to adapt to rising humidity conditions and so allow any trapped, or unplanned, moisture to escape towards the inside of the building.

No_Smart

Damage in a structure without smart protection

DuPont Tyvek AirGuard Smart

Tyvek® AirGuard® Smart AVCL adapts to humidity

This clever variation allows faster evacuation of built-in humidity in new construction elements (e.g. wet rafters). It also means avoiding humidity infiltration from living spaces into the building’s structure, thereby minimising the risk of expensive damage from damp and mould and so operating in the standard function of an AVCL.

With an impressive variable water vapour resistance range of sd value 0.2m for a humid environment (1 MNs/g) to more than sd-value 35m for a dry environment (175 MNs/g), Tyvek® AirGuard® Smart offers advantages from reduced drying out time for constructors to enhanced energy efficiency and comfort for the building owners.

EMEA_Tyvek_AirGuard_Summer_Winter

Easy application also allows for continuous installation of the AVCL from the outside, without risking condensation to the upper side of the rafters and, uniquely, the product can be fitted to both flat and pitched roof constructions, with a high resistance underlay.

With all the reliability and great service to be expected of a product under the Tyvek® brand, Tyvek® AirGuard® Smart also comes with clear and detailed installation guidelines and the technical back-up of the Tyvek® BuildingKnowledge Centre.

 About DuPont™ Tyvek® & DuPont Building Membranes and Products:

DuPont™ Tyvek® advanced building membranes are unique in the market due to their high-quality single layer construction. Tyvek® breather membranes are naturally vapour open but also durably wind and water-tight. Lightweight yet robust, they are easy to install and offer long-term, proven reliability. Designed to protect the building envelope against the effects of weather and moisture, this family of membranes also offers optimal air-tightness and can help to improve the thermal performance, energy-efficiency and interior climatic stability of a building.

Tyvek® is designed to work as part of a holistic and optimal system with a range of other proven DuPont™ Tyvek® products for the building envelope, including the Tyvek® AirGuard® advanced AVCL series, the highly versatile Tyvek® FlexWrap NF and EZ sealing tapes, plus other specialised membranes, tapes and sealants. All DuPont building products come with the renowned service, expertise and technical back-up of a world-class science company.

For more information about the Tyvek® range of advanced products please visit: www.construction.tyvek.co.uk or call 08444 068 722 (087 922 2740 in ROI)

 

PEACE OF MIND FOR CLADDING SPECIFIERS – BBA CERTIFICATE FOR CEMBRIT

Building Products Index Ltd Cladding, Rainscreen Cladding 1 Comment

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Cembrit is pleased to announce that it has received approval from the British Board of Agrément (BBA) for its cladding product range, providing peace of mind to specifiers who choose to use Cembrit’s non-combustible fibre cement cladding boards on their projects.

What is certified?

Cembrit Cladding BBACembrit Patina, Solid and Cover are all “A2-s1, d0” fire rated fibre cement rainscreen cladding panels. They have been assessed by the BBA and awarded certificate number 18/5600 for use as exterior non-load bearing, decorative external cladding on timber or metal vertical supports over timber frame, steel frame or masonry external walls for both new and existing buildings.

Cembrit Ltd’s Managing Director Thomas Heldgaard observed, “This was a long time coming. The assessment procedure demonstrated improvements to our processes which have been incorporated in the finished product. We are pleased that such a rigorous assessment process has resulted in an accreditation that has real value to the specifier.”

Why the BBA?

CEP Acton ValeThe British Board of Agrément is one of the UK’s leading notified bodies offering approval, certification and test services to manufacturers of products and systems supplying the construction industry. BBA approval is recognised by building control, government departments, architects, local authorities, specifiers, and industry insurers like the National House Builders Council (NHBC). Independent confirmation that the products covered by a BBA certificate are fit for purpose is a significant advantage for specifiers. The certification ensures peace-of-mind that BBA 3rd party approved products match the required specification. and comply with Building Regulations and the recommendations of other approved bodies, such as the NHBC.

What is assessed?

Portsmouth projectThe BBA Certificate 18/5600 was awarded after Cembrit Patina, Cembrit Solid and Cembrit Cover all passed a series of comprehensive assessments, including laboratory tests, on-site evaluations, quality management checks and inspections of production. The process was lengthy, intense, demanding and thorough, but the result is that specifiers can be confident in selecting a rainscreen cladding that is fit for purpose. At a time when cladding products and the specification process is under such scrutiny, knowing that a Cembrit rainscreen meets the performance, durability and occupant security demands makes the job of rainscreen selection less worrisome.

BBA inspectors visit factories and construction sites to evaluate the product development process and assess the functionality of the product/system on site. This ensures that the manufacturing and storage is consistent with building regulations and guidelines

Other considerations

Cembrit fibre cement decorative rainscreen claddings are marketed as the most cost competitive fibre cement claddings available in the UK.

Simon Mayes National Sales Manager commented, “We have a product that is equal to any fibre-cement cladding on the market and at a competitive price!”

For further information visit www.cembrit.co.uk, email info@cembrit.co.uk or tel: +44 (0)208 320 1184.

Stay in Control with GEZE Cockpit

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

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GEZE Cockpit in top hat rail housing ID 168274A smart hub that lets you take control of door, window and safety systems has been launched by GEZE UK. GEZE Cockpit acts as ‘a brain’ – intelligently integrating door, window and safety technology into building management systems – and giving building designers greater options to create the next generation of smart buildings.

Offering more efficiency, security and convenience, combined with intelligent smoke and heat extraction and dynamic fire protection to protect targeted escape routes, the GEZE Cockpit can be used as stand-alone solution or integrated into an over-arching building management system (BMS).

GEZE Cockpit Campaign PackshotWith its open BACnet standard integration, GEZE Cockpit can be managed remotely using a PC, tablet or smartphone, providing flexible control via GEZE’s IO 420 interface.

It can monitor external and internal temperatures and provide CO2management – automatically opening vents to dissipate stale air and allow fresh air into the building to improve conditions for those inside.

GEZE Cockpit also features a night time ventilation programme which can reduce internal temperatures and provide the ideal climate for those entering the building in the morning. The system works with any autonomous ventilation system that the building may have in place and can also work alongside any mechanical system.

In a fire situation, GEZE Cockpit can quite literally be a life saver. It enables the automatic release of escape routes, opening doors and clearing emergency exits to provide a faster escape for people in the building.

GEZE Cockpit can be fully integrated into any building management system using the BacNet protocol but also has its own application package which  can be accesssed remotely using a range of devices.

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

The Albany Design Collection

Building Products Index Ltd Paint Leave a Comment

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Picture1Brewers are excited to introduce the new Albany Design Collection colour card; an exclusive edit of 112 classic and contemporary colours and neutrals for the home.

From fresh whites and popular greys to inky blues and vibrant greens, the new Design Collection features a range of carefully selected colours from which to create your perfect scheme. Discover the shade that is right for you with a generous 250ml sample pot.

The new collection is available in a comprehensive range of finishes for walls, ceilings and trim. All Albany paints are made to a tried and tested trade standard recipe with strong pigmentation for superior coverage and a rich depth of colour.

The Albany Design collection is exclusively available at your local Brewers Decorator Centre. To find your local Brewers store, visit brewers.co.uk/stores