Skip to content
BPindex — The Largest Building Products Directory in the UK

Panels

VIP’s, what are they and are they all the same?

Building Products Index Ltd Insulation, Panels, Vacum insulated panels Leave a Comment

View the Radmat entry on BPindex

Visit the Radmat website

Despite being used in the warm and inverted flat roofing market for nearly 10 years Vacuum Insulated Panels, or VIP’s, remain a product that not all architects will be familiar with or will have worked with (VIP’s even have their own Wikipedia page).

VIP’s are a bit of an oddball in the insulation world in that, unlike PIR or XPS insulation, they contain no blowing agent to create a cell structure to provide their insulation value. They also don’t contain air like Rock/Stone Wool insulation does. In fact, they contain nothing but silica sand. Not quite the stuff you find on a beach but very similar to the sand that is cast when installing Liquid Applied Membranes.

The ‘vacuum’ part of the panel is what produces the ultra-high efficiency insulation performance. The sand is only there to hold the ‘vacuum’ into a shape that we can work with, typically a square or a rectangle. The silver foil that surrounds the sand and its sealing are the clever bit and as you would expect not all foils are the same.  Nor is the way the foils are sealed to hold the vacuum. That is why these parts are usually covered by a patent.

Part of the reason why architects may not have worked with VIP’s would be the cost, VIP’s are typically 3 to 5 times per m2 more costly than a typical PIR insulation board, but VIP’s provide a unique advantage when a construction error occurs on a balcony or terrace over heated space.

Imaging a structural slab being cast too high to achieve a level threshold.  If your slab is 50mm higher than designed the most cost-effective way to achieve the U-value and a level threshold will typically be to use a VIP.  Similarly, if you design using a VIP insulation you can utilise the benefit of the significantly reduced thickness, potentially creating the opportunity to increase the number of floors within the overall building height (or increased design flexibility), subject to overall building height.

The high cost of VIP’s is primarily due to the slow production speed; each panel is formed individually by compressing the dried silica sand into a square or rectangle before wrapping in the aluminium foil, sucking the air out and sealing the foil to hold the vacuum.  The resulting product has the best Lambda (thermal) value of any insulation product currently on the market: circa 3.5 more efficient that PIR and 4.5 more than XPS insulation.

One limitation of VIP’s is that the foil cannot be punctured, so methods of protection need to be employed, or the panels coated for protection. VIP’s also cannot be cut, which is why schemes have to be designed for every individual roof, creating a jigsaw that includes PIR or XPS infills at perimeters, penetrations etc.

There are currently a number of methods used to reduce the potential to puncture the aluminium foil:

  • Laminated rubber crumb – this only protects the top and bottom of the VIP, leaving the sides unprotected from potential damage.
  • Encapsulating in PIR – a higher than normal density PIR encapsulates the VIP. This provides protection on all sides of the VIP but increases the thickness of the VIP significantly. This method is only suitable for warm roof applications and none of the products are currently BBA Certified.
  • Elastomeric Coating – the VIP is coated in a waterproof elastomeric coating. This method protects all sides of the VIP and is much thinner than PIR encapsulation.

Choosing the correct VIP for your project has other challenges, especially in today’s compliance conscious market.  No British or European Standard currently exists for VIP insulation products.  In the absence of a National Standard the simplest option is to seek independent 3rd party certification from bodies like the British Board of Agrément (BBA).  Conduct a quick search for ‘Inverted Roof insulation’ on https://www.bbacerts.co.uk/search/ and you will find 7 no. certified EPS or XPS insulation boards, but only 2 no. VIP’s. Change the search to ‘Roof Insulation’ and you get 18 certificates, with the same 2 inverted roof VIP’s. Widen that search to just ‘insulation’ and you get 211 certificates and, yes, you guessed it, only 2 of those are ViP’s.

The only 2 VIP products that are BBA Certified are Radmat ProTherm Quantum PLUS+ PURE and Radmat ProTherm Quantum PLUS+ HYBRID inverted roof solutions. The World’s first Coated VIP’s they are a development of the first VIP’s to achieve a BBA certificate back in 2016.  For more information go to https://radmat.com/product-data/protherm-quantum-plus/

 

Knauf ThroughWall: an entire exterior infill panel system from a single source

Building Products Index Ltd Panels, Wall panel system Leave a Comment

View the Knauf entry on BPindex

Visit the Knauf website

ThroughWall Cover Image.inddThe Knauf ThroughWall system is a BBA certified exterior infill panel system supplied by one manufacturer and offered with a full system performance warranty.

ThroughWall combines Knauf products into an entire exterior infill wall panel system, from internal wall lining to sheathing board and external insulation, allowing for the addition of exterior finishes such as rainscreen cladding or masonry.

The flexibility offered by the Knauf product range allows for various options of system build-ups to be achieved while meeting structural, fire, thermal and acoustic regulatory requirements.

Through Wall_for_BBA-FINAL

 

The system comprises: Knauf Plasterboards, Knauf Steel Framing Sections (SFS), Knauf Insulation OmniFit® Slab or Stud, Knauf Windliner and Knauf Insulation Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab.

Knauf ThroughWall can be used in both concrete and steel-frame buildings across many sectors such as residential, commercial, healthcare and education.  It is also suitable for buildings in excess of 18 metres in height (11 metres for Scotland).

 

Saracens School BPIThe whole supply chain benefits from having a single point of contact for technical support. Knauf’s assistance includes the development and delivery of backed System Performance Warranty specifications, BIM steel framing system drawings, project specific details and site assistance.

 

THIS IMAGE IS LICENSED TO FACTA FOR PR AND COMMUNICATION USE AND DISTRIBUTION TO THE MEDIA WHO MAY USE THE PICTURE FREE OF CHARGE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE RELEVANT STORY ONLY. Knauf SFS installation at Crest Nicholson development, Newfoundland Way, Portishead, near Bristol. © Roger Donovan, Media Photos Tel: 02920 361126 Mobile: 07711 325100 e-mail: roger@mediaphotos.co.uk www.mediaphotos.co.uk All Moral Rights Reserved including the right to be identified as the creator of this copyright protected image.

The Knauf ThroughWall system is BBA certified and carries a full system performance warranty. It is currently the only exterior infill panel system on the UK market to be supplied by one manufacturer and is offered with bespoke technical support. For further information click here.

 

 

 

 

Knauf AQUAPANEL® – the water resistant board ideal for all projects

Building Products Index Ltd Panels Leave a Comment

View the Knauf entry on BPindex

Visit the Knauf website

Aquapanel main imageThe Knauf AQUAPANEL® range has been designed to be water resistant, moisture resistant and vapour resistant. The boards can be used as render carriers on external walls and soffits, as tile backers for internal walls and floors in wet areas, and as rooftop boards.

With Magnesium Oxide boards being banned from new build homes (by major providers of warranties), housebuilders can rest assured that Knauf AQUAPANEL® glass-fibre-reinforced cement boards provide a tried and tested alternative.

Knauf Aquapanel 3Completely inorganic and dimensionally stable, the boards are also non-combustible, tough and impact resistant. Furthermore, they can be bent to accommodate design curves with a bending radius of 1m at full board size.

In terms of installation, the boards are surprisingly lightweight and quick and easy to fit. They can be cut by scoring with a knife and then simply snapping, as with plasterboard.

When used as part of a complete Knauf system, AQUAPANEL® installations will be covered by the comprehensive Knauf system performance warranty.

Knauf AQUAPANEL® boards are available in a number of different forms:

63117_AQUAPANEL_Cement-Board-OutdoorKnauf AQUAPANEL® Cement Board Outdoor offers a high quality and economical alternative to traditional methods of construction, such as brick and block.

Knauf AQUAPANEL® Cement Board Indoor is designed to be used as a high-performance tile backing and internal wet room board. It is also suitable as a general building board.

Knauf AQUAPANEL® Cement Board SkyLite offers a lightweight solution for both interior and exterior ceilings and soffits.

Knauf AQUAPANEL® Cement Board Floor Tile Underlay is the perfect substrate for tiles on wooden subfloors for renovations and refurbishments.

Knauf Aquapanel_area1photographyKnauf Rooftop is a high-performing roofing board that delivers strength, safety and sustainability for industrial and commercial buildings.

Whether you’re an architect looking for greater design flexibility or a contractor needing a lightweight, easy to use product, Knauf AQUAPANEL® ought to be your first choice.

 

To find out more about the AQUAPANEL® range visit https://www.knauf.co.uk/systems-and-products/aquapanel-technology or email technical@knauf.co.uk

 

Interior fit out solutions for fabricators

Building Products Index Ltd MDF Panels, Panels Leave a Comment

View theMEDITE SMARTPLY entry on BPindex

Visit theMEDITE SMARTPLY website

MEDITE MR BathroomThere is a lot to consider when it comes choosing the right materials for interior fit outs. As well as understanding the client’s desired aesthetic, it’s also important to identify how these materials can withstand certain environments and boost the vitality of an interior space. Especially at a time when people are becoming more conscious about the buildings they occupy. So, what should fabricators use?

Over the years, MEDITE SMARTPLY has developed diverse, high performance panel products that provide, fabricators, designers, and architects with innovative solutions to everyday problems while offering greater design freedom.

The MEDITE MDF range includes technically specialised products ranging in everything from moisture and water resistance, to flame retardance and is suitable for a range of different applications, such as office fit outs, bathrooms, and kitchens, and even furniture.

In terms of versatility, MEDITE PREMIER is one of the more popular choices, thanks to its excellent machinability and consistent quality and thickness, and suitability for standard and bespoke applications. Its smooth face properties make MEDITE PREMIER suitable for the application of veneers, laminates, and surface coatings to achieve the desired result. This is ideal for furniture makers and bespoke craftspeople such as professional joinery company Richard Baker, who have used MEDITE PREMIER in creating bespoke pieces, such as a coffee bar, door profiles and bolection mouldings.

Its sister panel MEDITE PREMIER FR is ideal for applications where a Euroclass B or C fire rated panel must be used, such as in schools and public buildings.

For sensitive environments such as kitchens and bathrooms, MEDITE MR is also a popular choice. MEDITE MR is a moisture resistant MDF panel designed for use in indoor humid conditions and was the choice of product for Infinitus Bespoke Interiors for a client’s art deco-style bathroom. Its easy machinability provided them with great flexibility too.

In addition, we have the SMARTPLY OSB range. These engineered structural panels are manufactured with no added formaldehyde, which makes it safer for fabricators and builders to work with and contributes to a safer overall building. Exposed SMARTPLY OSB/3 panels can also have striking visual appeal. Hanson Architects installed OSB panels throughout their office and meeting room to create an uncomplicated, elegant space.

Like its MDF counterparts, the OSB range is sustainably manufactured and can help realise your clients’ BREEAM, LEED or WELL Standard credentials.

Discover more about MEDITE SMARTPLY’s extensive range of MDF and OSB products and how they can benefit your next project here: https://mdfosb.com/en/application/interior-fit-out

Creating the ideal living space with MEDITE

Building Products Index Ltd MDF Panels Leave a Comment

View the MEDITE SMARTPLY entry on BPindex

Visit the MEDITE SMARTPLY website

No longer are the places we live simply our homes: now they must also offer us the space and facilities to also be our offices, our gyms, our children’s classrooms and the places we entertain ourselves. This has inspired an unprecedented number of people to make repairs, improvements and upgrades to their homes: over 35.6% more of us, to be exact.

Unsurprisingly, a major trend for 2021 is the concept of multi-functional spaces, particularly when it comes to living rooms. Forbes indicated late last year that single purpose spaces and furnishings were becoming unfashionable  because we’ve had to adapt our living spaces to accommodate the new work/life balance.

Creating a multi-functional space with bespoke furnishings to suit your needs, may sound challenging, but actually is easier than you may think. MEDITE makes it real by continuing to develop innovative, versatile and sustainable products, suitable for bespoke interior fit outs and refurbishments. The brand has now even launched a new members community of MDF enthusiasts to share their work, gain inspiration and benefit from prizes that will help facilitate bigger and better work with MDF.

How can MEDITE help you create inspiring fit outs and furnishings?

MEDITE MDF panels were used to create the perfect aesthetics for a private client in South Kensington, London, who wanted to create a bespoke art deco inspired home. The interiors were designed and created especially for the project by Infinitus Bespoke Interiors using MDF panels, including MEDITE MR, which features special moisture resistant properties.

MEDITE MR BathroomEvery room was designed to reflect the sleek opulence of the 1930s and 40s, while bringing a unique character to every space. The bedrooms and bathrooms and living areas were refitted to incorporate smooth, clean lines, high gloss surfaces, mirror cladding and ambient lighting, while the installation of a bar and cinema room further embodied the elegance of the period in this home.

Featuring a smooth surface and consistent density throughout, MEDITE MR is ideal for machining into bespoke shapes and cabinetry. As a moisture resistant MDF panel, it is also designed for use in indoor humid conditions, making it suitable for kitchen and bathroom installations, among a huge variety of others. It is also a great substitute for softwoods or hardwoods where more machining flexibility is needed.

If you’ve an idea, MEDITE can make it real. The extensive MEDITE range includes ten different families of MDF products and many variants, with over 400 possible specifications. Through consistent commitment to research, development and ongoing investment in technology, MEDITE has become established as the leading brand in the MDF market by introducing a wide variety of quality products and customer led innovations.

Now you can also join the brand new MEDITE MDF members community at meditemakesitreal.com

 

Introducing SMARTPLY MAX FR B

Building Products Index Ltd MDF Panels, Panels Leave a Comment

View the MEDITE SMARTPLY entry on BPi

Visit the MEDITE SMARTPLY website

MEDITE SMARTPLY has now launched SMARTPLY MAX FR B, the brand new Euroclass B OSB3, a market innovation bringing increased safety and reliability to an industry contingent on safety and predictability.

SMARTPLY MAX FR B is the first Euroclass B board—the maximum Euroclass rating for a timber panel—manufactured in the UK and Ireland to feature wood flakes treated with flame retardant solution before pressing. This ensures its flame retardance is integral and maintains its structural integrity, unlike many post-treated alternatives, making it the safer choice for use within timber frame construction, or projects that will require a large amount of timber product.

“We are extremely excited to introduce SMARTPLY MAX FR B to the marketplace, expanding our already extensive SMARTPLY OSB range,” comments Richard Allen, Sales Director at MEDITE SMARTPLY.

“In SMARTPLY MAX FR B, customers can expect all the fantastic benefits of a SMARTPLY OSB board, with the addition of ZeroIgnition® solution, a water based and environmentally friendly flame retardant which is added during panel production.

“This is a solution that has potential in a huge range of applications and industries, encompassing many modern methods of construction such as offsite and timber frame construction, light gauge steel and modular construction systems, as well as temporary structures.

“Whatever the sector, all customers can rest assured that this board’s flame retardance will hold to Euroclass B standard, even when cut to size, which makes it different to other FR boards out there.”

Manufactured using advanced resin technology that results in a high performance, no added formaldehyde panel, SMARTPLY MAX FR B can help specifying architects, contractors and fabricators contribute to the creation of safer, healthier environments.

This includes not only the built environments actively created but the natural environments left behind: SMARTPLY MAX FR B is sustainably produced using timber from sustainably managed Irish forests.

“At MEDITE SMARTPLY, we want to support a safer, wider future for timber buildings, that will enable the wider construction industry to work more sustainably and more efficiently, truly building for the future. This has been one of our main motivations in developing SMARTPLY MAX FR B.”

SMARTPLY MAX FR B also complies with the performance requirements in the Structural Timber Association’s (or the STA’s) FR BUILD “Design guide to separating distances during construction” for timber frame buildings above 600m² total floor area. We refer to this product as SMARTPLY MAX FR/FR BUILD within our range.

SMARTPLY MAX FR/FR BUILD can be used in a timber frame building when mitigation measures are required due to the distance from neighbouring buildings. There are wall and floor systems outlined within the guide which give points towards the overall building, this satisfies any mitigation that may be required. Please refer to the STA guide for more information.

Finally, SMARTPLY MAX FR B meets with the requirements of European Standards EN 300 and EN 13986, while also complying with the European reaction to fire class B-s2,d0 and Bfl-s1. Boards can be manufactured in largescale formats of up to 2.8m wide by 7.5m long, making it ideal for offsite manufacturing, alongside traditional building.

For more information of the new SMARTPLY MAX FR B, visit: mdfosb.com/en/smartply/products/smartply-max-fr-b

Introducing SMARTPLY MAX FR B

Building Products Index Ltd MDF Panels, Panels Leave a Comment

View the MEDITE SMARTPLY entry on BPindex

Visit the MEDITE SMARTPLY website

MEDITE SMARTPLY has now launched SMARTPLY MAX FR B, the brand new Euroclass B OSB3, a market innovation bringing increased safety and reliability to an industry contingent on safety and predictability.

SMARTPLY MAX FR B ImageSMARTPLY MAX FR B is the first Euroclass B board—the maximum Euroclass rating for a timber panel—manufactured in the UK and Ireland to feature wood flakes treated with flame retardant solution before pressing. This ensures its flame retardance is integral and maintains its structural integrity, unlike many post-treated alternatives, making it the safer choice for use within timber frame construction, or projects that will require a large amount of timber product.

“We are extremely excited to introduce SMARTPLY MAX FR B to the marketplace, expanding our already extensive SMARTPLY OSB range,” comments Richard Allen, Sales Director at MEDITE SMARTPLY.

“In SMARTPLY MAX FR B, customers can expect all the fantastic benefits of a SMARTPLY OSB board, with the addition of ZeroIgnition® solution, a water based and environmentally friendly flame retardant which is added during panel production.

“This is a solution that has potential in a huge range of applications and industries, encompassing many modern methods of construction such as offsite and timber frame construction, light gauge steel and modular construction systems, as well as temporary structures.

“Whatever the sector, all customers can rest assured that this board’s flame retardance will hold to Euroclass B standard, even when cut to size, which makes it different to other FR boards out there.”

Manufactured using advanced resin technology that results in a high performance, no added formaldehyde panel, SMARTPLY MAX FR B can help specifying architects, contractors and fabricators contribute to the creation of safer, healthier environments.

This includes not only the built environments actively created but the natural environments left behind: SMARTPLY MAX FR B is sustainably produced using timber from sustainably managed Irish forests.

“At MEDITE SMARTPLY, we want to support a safer, wider future for timber buildings, that will enable the wider construction industry to work more sustainably and more efficiently, truly building for the future. This has been one of our main motivations in developing SMARTPLY MAX FR B.”

SMARTPLY MAX FR B also complies with the performance requirements in the Structural Timber Association’s (or the STA’s) FR BUILD “Design guide to separating distances during construction” for timber frame buildings above 600m² total floor area. We refer to this product as SMARTPLY MAX FR/FR BUILD within our range.

SMARTPLY MAX FR/FR BUILD can be used in a timber frame building when mitigation measures are required due to the distance from neighbouring buildings. There are wall and floor systems outlined within the guide which give points towards the overall building, this satisfies any mitigation that may be required. Please refer to the STA guide for more information.

Finally, SMARTPLY MAX FR B meets with the requirements of European Standards EN 300 and EN 13986, while also complying with the European reaction to fire class B-s2,d0 and Bfl-s1. Boards can be manufactured in largescale formats of up to 2.8m wide by 7.5m long, making it ideal for offsite manufacturing, alongside traditional building.

For more information of the new SMARTPLY MAX FR B, visit: mdfosb.com/en/smartply/products/smartply-max-fr-b

Creating safe spaces at speed, with PATTRESS PLUS

Building Products Index Ltd MDF Panels, Panels Leave a Comment

View the MEDITE SMARTPLY entry on BPindex

Visit the MEDITE SMARTPLY website

The UK construction industry has some ground to cover after its two-month hiatus this year during the Covid-19 crisis. This is especially the case for hospitals, offices, gyms and many other public buildings that are now having to remodel interiors to ensure safety in the new age of social distancing.

The efficacy of the bathroom cubicle, for example, is in dispute. Instead of a long line of cubicles and an even longer queue, workplaces and public use buildings may well move toward individual bathrooms with separate hand washing facilities, to allow for more space in between people waiting and far fewer unwashed hands on cubicle doors.

Accomplishing this ahead of our full emergence into the outside world will mean partitioning current multi-use bathrooms in record time and ensuring new fixtures and fittings are properly secured. The challenge is also to ensure installers, such as dryliners, can easily socially distance while working too.

As doubling the contractor workforce is out of the question, then, the solution rests on the building products and manufactures to help solve the challenges of this new world.

Historically responsible for allowing dryliners to finish installations days in advance, PATTRESS PLUS, the pre-rebated, pre-sized pattressing panel from MEDITE SMARTPLY, is developed to rise to any challenge, and is recognised as a suitable alternative to plywood.

DRYBACKER 1Dryliners can save valuable minutes on each panel installed as no cutting or rebating is needed on site: the precisely positioned, continuous recess along one side is designed to accommodate ‘C’ studs easily and securely.

As well as speed, this effect of this is a massive reduction in use of power tools, unnecessary dust and excessive noise generation.

Panels are provided ready to use in thicknesses of 15mm or 18mm, widths of 397mm or 597mm (to perfectly fit 400mm and 600mm stud centres), and lengths of 1250mm or 2397mm, corresponding with leading plasterboard partition specifications. This is in line with FIS safety task guidelines and make PATTRESS PLUS a safe one-man lift, enabling dryliners to work alone when necessary.

Importantly, speed comes with no sacrifice of loadbearing ability. Meeting the severe duty rating, PATTRESS PLUS is tested to BS 5234-2, demonstrating a pull-out working load of 150kg and heavyweight anchorage of 250kg. Anything from large mirrors, basins, cupboards (whatever their contents might be) and toilets (and whatever extra weight is applied to them) will be safe.

Finally, PATTRESS PLUS doesn’t add to the thickness of the finished partition wall. It can even provide a robust structure suitable for use in public access areas, including corridors and stairwells, contributing to higher levels of impact-resistance.

While construction is certainly not the only industry that must adapt to accommodate a new era, it is becoming clear that it must be one of the first. In light of this, innovation in building products that make adapting easier and more efficient, for the safety of all involved, are all the more important. Let’s do the right thing, together.

Check out PATTRESS PLUS from MEDITE SMARTPLY here.

 

New Tipperary Museum of hidden history protects its exhibits with MEDITE CLEAR

Building Products Index Ltd MDF Panels Leave a Comment

View the Medite Smartply entry on BPindex

Visit the Medite Smartply website

The newly refurbished Tipperary Museum of Hidden History has put the wellbeing of both its artefacts and guests first by extensively using MEDITE CLEAR in its brand-new interior fit-out, an MDF panel manufactured with zero-added formaldehyde.

24/10/2019. New Tipperary Museum of Hidden History Opens at Mick Delahunty Square, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Picture: Patrick Browne

Formaldehyde is a substance that occurs naturally in all organic materials, including wood, in very small amounts that may be off- gassed or emitted over time. This is acceptable as the levels of formaldehyde emitted are extremely low—virtually undetectable. However, for ancient or extremely old, fragile and extremely sensitive objects such as museum artefacts, which are irreplaceable, every effort must be taken to ensure their immediate environment is as clear of substances such as formaldehyde and other VOC’s, to help them last as long as possible.

After independent tests, MEDITE CLEAR has been proven to have a formaldehyde content of less than 1.0mg/100g—even less than the general outdoor ambient level. With this guarantee, museum curators are able to more accurately monitor and limit formaldehyde levels in their showrooms.

49 AG8I0181Ordinary wooden materials may contain a higher level of formaldehyde, or levels more difficult to accurately measure. When precious artefacts are to be protected, no chances can be taken. As a specially developed solution for this purpose, MEDITE CLEAR has been preferred over natural wood in some of the largest and most famous museums in the Europe, including London’s British Museum and The Victoria and Albert Museum, for the level of indoor environmental control it offers.

Marie McMahon, curator for the Tipperary County Museum explains: “We have been thrilled to use MEDITE CLEAR to transform the museum during its recent refurbishment.

“It was a priority when embarking on the task to ensure the longevity of our artefacts—and the wellbeing of our visitors. MEDITE CLEAR was the answer.

46 AG8I0175“The entire floor has been completely re- designed and re-fitted with brand new display cases, plinths and stands. Over time, there is a definite tangible impact in the lifespan of an ancient or fragile artefact when it’s housed in a case constructed with MEDITE CLEAR compared to one made with regular wood panels. It’s a trustworthy product that has also proven to be extremely versatile and easy to work with in terms of machining and shaping.”

Independent tests have shown that the formaldehyde content of MEDITE CLEAR is Formulated originally for sensitive interior applications such as hospitals, schools and care homes, for the health and wellbeing of building occupants, there is potential for MEDITE CLEAR to be used throughout public buildings and even modern homes, in positive efforts to help maintain the best indoor air quality possible. It’s suitable for use in non- stressed applications making it ideal for cabinets, display cases, furniture, fixtures and mouldings.

47 AG8I0177Located on Mick Delahunty Square, in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, the Tipperary Museum of Hidden History officially opened following a launch in October 2019. Following a joint investment of €500,000 from Failte and Tipperary County Council, the museum’s renovation featured the use of 169 panels within the remodelling of the venue’s extensive display to the Tipperary public. It houses a collection of 25,000 artefacts from prehistory to present day, it is expected that it will attract at least 21,000 visitors over the next five years.

“MEDITE CLEAR is the ideal product for interior museum fit outs. We can be confident in its low formaldehyde content, helping us to preserve our incredibly precious artefacts.” said Marie.

The museum brings the county’s hidden history vividly to life through memorable historic characters and amazing stories. Using video projection, the venue aims to create a multi- layered and visual space for visits, also running a show designed to run parallel to school curriculums.

MEDITE CLEAR can be produced in a range of panel sizes and thicknesses (1220mm x 2440mm).

Download a full datasheet and request a free sample here.

 

PATTRESS PLUS MAKES PATTRESS INSTALLATION FASTER AND SAFER AT QUEENSFERRY HIGH SCHOOL

Building Products Index Ltd MDF Panels, Panels Leave a Comment

View the MEDITE SMARTPLY entry on BPindex

Visit the MEDITE SMARTPLY website

A newly built Queensferry High School in Edinburgh, replacing the one currently in use, has had its internal fit-out completed ahead of schedule after the project was speeded up using SMARTPLY PATTRESS PLUS.

SMARTPLY1 copyDelivering 750 students brand new classrooms, PATTRESS PLUS is a newly launched, specially designed pattressing panel from MEDITE SMARTPLY. For use in partition walls, it’s fully tested to the relevant sections of BS5234 Part 2 demonstrating high pull-out strength to ensure the safe hanging of heavy fixtures, such as chalk and pen boards.

Aiden Keyes, Procurement Manager at Keyes Brothers Construction, who completed the project, explained, “We were very familiar with the reputation of MEDITE SMARTPLY, the manufacturer of PATTRESS PLUS, so, when we heard about the product from building materials supplier Thornbridge Sawmills, who stock SMARTPLY, we decided to use it for this project.

“It’s proven to be a supreme quality product- structurally sound, safe and a huge time saver. We want to ensure we deliver the best possible work and results to all our clients and while we have always been confident in the SMARTPLY brand, PATTRESS PLUS has been a real winner. We will definitely be using it again.”

SMARTPLY2 copyWhile PATTRESS PLUS was developed to save contractors and dryliners time and reduce the noise and dust generated by cutting panels to size on site, it’s especially suitable for a school interior application as it is manufactured with zero added formaldehyde. This makes it much safer for interiors where VOCs must be kept to a minimum, such as schools, as well as hospitals and museums

Pre-rebated for a safe and speedy installation, PATTRESS PLUS comes in thicknesses of 15mm and 18mm, and in sizes ranging from 1250mm by 397 to 2397 by 597. It’s precisely cut to perfectly fit into the ‘C’ shaped studs used to hold pattresses in place in the wall and has been found to save up to five minutes per panel installed—over a largescale project, that’s hours of labour and money saved.

“There is also a big on-going initiative among industry professionals to reduce the amount of power tools used on site to help reduce noise and improve safety,” Aiden explains. “We really want to drive this initiative as a company, and PATTRESS PLUS has tangibly helped us to do this.”

One of twenty-three secondary schools run by the City of Edinburgh Council, it was decided that after serving as one of the main community schools since 1970, Queensferry High School was to be completely updated with a new brand-new building to replace the one currently in use.

With an extensive catchment area covering four primary schools, all materials used to fit out the new build had to be top quality, guaranteed to last, and had to be installed relatively quickly, ensuring term could start on time.

“To ensure we had a constant, adequate supply of PATTRESS PLUS for this project, we originally ordered six pallets of the panels, and had a rolling agreement with James Latham in Glasgow, our supplier, to deliver our weekly requirements. Our MEDITE SMARTPLY sales representative was really helpful with coming up with this arrangement,” Aiden explained.

“Thanks to PATTRESS PLUS, we got the job done early!”

Manufactured in accordance with EN300, CE marked and FSC approved, PATTRESS PLUS is a fully certified alternative to tropical plywood.

1 2