Eurocell does specification by the book

Building Products Index Ltd PVC-U, PVC-U, Rooflights Leave a Comment

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Eurocell’s new Specification Guide provides a complete low-down of the firm’s range of window, door and roof systems. Specifiers can find technical details and supporting information about each product line, together with useful summaries about all the relevant regulations and standards.

As a cradle-to-grave supplier, Eurocell has gathered a wealth of industry experience and knowledge, which is reflected in the additional information that comes with the guide. The Derbyshire company, founded in 1974, manufactures PVC-U profiles, distributes them to the local fabricators who make the Eurocell range of products, and recycles PVC-U at the end of its life.

As well as product details, the 156-page guide, provides guidance on issues including noise attenuation, security and condensation. There’s also a section that explains PVC-U’s environmental credentials and how Eurocell collects and processes PVC-U from old frames to use again.

Eurocell BP Index June 2017 Specification Guide (2) copyThe guide covers Eurocell’s three window ranges: Modus, Eurologik and Charisma sash windows; Cavalok cavity closers; Aspect bi-fold doors, Euroslide patio doors and The Dales Collection composite doors; Skypod Roof Lanterns, Equinox tiled roof system and the Conservatory roof system. There’s also technical detail on the PVC-U profiles themselves, from diagrams of the different cross-sections available to details of the material properties.

Eurocell BP Index June 2017 Specification Guide (3) copyThe last ten pages of the guide are devoted to case studies which showcase some of the sectors that Eurocell serves. From school buildings to luxury holidays to self-build, the projects underline the variety of technical and aesthetic challenges that specifiers have met with Eurocell products. Whether in search of very specific information, ideas and inspiration, or an update on regulations and standards, this guide is the place to look.

Find the complete suite of Eurocell specification downloads here: http://www.eurocell.co.uk/specifiers/resources-hub/a-guide-to-specifying

Swedish Hospital “Takes a Chance” on Howe Green

Building Products Index Ltd access covers Leave a Comment

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The New Karolinska Solna University Hospital (NKS) in Stockholm has been hitting the headlines for over a decade. The original Karolinska University Hospital was founded in 1930. Since the 1930’s the hospital campus has expanded to cover a vast area with an estate of over 40 separate buildings.

Howe green NKS Hospital StockholmIn 2005 Stockholm County Council, who are responsible for delivering healthcare in the city, ran a design competition inviting “visionary thinking, modern design and unconventional ideas to form the basis of the creation of the new hospital”. The competition was won by White Architects from Sweden with their “Forum Karolinska”.

In 2008 Stockholm County Council took the decision to go ahead with the new hospital. They were the first Swedish healthcare project to adopt the Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework to finance, build and manage a hospital. In 2010 the PPP agreement was made between the County Council and the project company – Swedish Hospital Partner AB, a consortium of Skanska and their investment partner UK based Innisfree.

Skanska employed White Architects and Tengbom Architects to execute the design and coordinate the construction of the £1.5 billion facility.

A significant aim of the project was to create a purpose built environment with a strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. Phase One of the building has attained LEED Gold and the Swedish system “Miljöbyggnad” Gold certification

The ethos is to put the patient first and the list of facilities is impressive. It has 730 in-patient beds, 100 rooms for day care, 36 operating theatres, 168 out-patient clinic rooms and 8 radiation treatment rooms.

Howe Green Ltd supplied a number of HSE75 Hinged Aluminium Floor Access Covers for the hospital through their Swedish distributor, Elkington AB.  From their base in  Stockholm Elkington have been distributing Howe Green access covers for projects across Sweden since 1999.

The gas assisted hinged HSE75 hatches provide easy and safe access to the underground power stations and escape routes located underneath the hospital.  They have been installed in the various areas of the hospital and infilled with both concrete and tiled flooring to provide a seamless, flush floor finish.

The hinged access hatches are ideal for environments where regular access to concealed services is required for maintenance purposes and in public places where health and safety is crucial.

The HSE75 can be infilled with ceramic tiles, marble, terrazzo, concrete, resin, wood or parquet floors and is suitable for pedestrian and vehicle traffic up to a 5 tonne pneumatic tyre wheel load.  Supplied as a single cover or a configuration of duct covers in standard sizes from stock or precision made to order.

Options include a top and underside release latch, for added security and safety, a double seal and fire rating up to 3 hours BS 476: Part 20: 1987.

The Howe Green range of access covers are tried and tested in a healthcare setting. They have been specified in hospitals around the world including Southmead Hospital in Bristol, Queen’s Hospital in Romford, Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Lennox Addington Hospital in Ontario, Canada.

Eurocell delivers Skypod lanterns expressly

Building Products Index Ltd Rooflights Leave a Comment

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Eurocell BP Index June 2017 Skypod Express (1)Eurocell has created a new Skypod Express range: roof lanterns that can be ordered online and delivered to site in five to seven working days.

Builders on a tight schedule can choose from eight sizes and three colours, selected for the Skypod Express range because they are the most frequent choices among customers. Rather than having to supply a drawing or take measurements on site, builders can now plan extensions or conversions with the standard Express dimensions in mind and get the roof lanterns to site when needed.

Eurocell BP Index June 2017 Skypod Express (2)“There are so many variables on jobs like this, from the availability of certain tradespeople, to customer requirements and even the weather,” says Eurocell marketing manager Chris Coxon. “The idea of Skypod Express is to reduce those variables: at least you know what roof light you want and when you can get it”.

Like all Skypod roof lanterns, the Express range is supplied in kit form. Designed to be installed ‘out of the box’, quickly and easily, they even have pre-drilled screw holes for accuracy and convenience. The sleek architectural design also means that there are no fiddly finials or crestings to fit.

Eurocell BP Index June 2017 Skypod Express (3)Skypod’s popularity in the market is growing fast, thanks in no small part to its aesthetic appeal, especially when compared to other PVC-U systems. Its contemporary design creates extra head height and volume in a room, introducing additional natural light. And with U-values as low as 1.0W/m²K achievable, Skypod offers good levels of energy efficiency and comfort for the homeowner.

Skypod often makes a good alternative to aluminium-framed rooflights, and not only because they cost significantly less. Some builders report that the coatings on aluminium frames can be easily damaged during installation and can sometimes look shabby quite quickly, whereas U-PVC frames look ‘as new’ for far longer.

Skypod Express has a 10-year guarantee – like all Skypod products – and is available in exterior and interior white; anthracite exterior and white interior and all anthracite. Two and three bar options are offered, and in a range of sizes from 1m x 1.5m up to 2m x 4m.

Skypod Express roof lanterns can be ordered now at eurocell.co.uk/skypodexpress.

Eaton’s Energy-Saving Litex Elite Delivers Rapid Return on Investment

Building Products Index Ltd lights Leave a Comment

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Eaton Electric 3DONCASTER … Eaton has unveiled an IP65 high-bay luminaire with a level of energIP65 high-bay luminairey efficiency that enables full return on investment within 18 months. The easy-to-install Litex Elite, which delivers up to 170 luminaire lumens per circuit watt (Llm/cW), is ideally suited to warehouse and industrial buildings thanks to IP65 water and dust ingress protection, long lifespan and resistance to extreme temperatures.

The power management company estimates that a commercial building containing 100 HID metal halide luminaires could reduce its annual lighting costs from £47,330 to £12,450 by replacing them with Litex Elite units.

Eaton Electric 2Based on the outstanding energy efficiency of the luminaires, Eaton calculates a typical payback period of 18 months or less, which could be cut to less than 12 months through participation in the UK government’s Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme.

In addition to IP65 protection against dust and low-pressure jet washing, the new luminaire benefits from IK10 impact protection and can operate in temperatures ranging from -40C to +50C. However, its toughness is matched by outstanding performance. The Litex Elite emits light of up to 35,000 lumens with excellent colour recognition, while the distribution of light means specifiers and installers can optimise spacing.

Meanwhile, maintenance requirements are minimised by the Litex Elite’s long lifespan, backed by Eaton’s standard five-year warranty on lighting.

Eaton Electric 1Further energy savings can be achieved by incorporating optional daylight and occupancy controls. The IP65 PIR sensor detects movement within a wide detection zone of 40m at a 15m mounting height.

The need for standalone emergency luminaires can also be reduced with the option of integrated emergency lighting capability in the Litex Elite. This can help building owners and managers meet their obligation to protect staff and visitors by supporting safe movement of people in the event of a blackout. Failure to meet these obligations can leave businesses vulnerable to legal, financial and reputational risks.

Ease of installation is enabled by versatile mounting brackets, accessories for trunking, drop rod or S-hook chain suspension and an IP65 plug-and-play connector.

Ian Roberts, product manager for mains lighting at Eaton, said: “As an IP65 rated high-bay luminaire with such outstanding efficiency and performance credentials, the Litex Elite represents a significant leap forward. During the design process, huge attention has been given to the details that make a difference, such as the sealed and washable IP65 / IK10 housing, and high quality LED chips and drivers.

“Buyers will be reassured by the fact that, like all of our lighting products, the Litex Elite has been fully tested and, as a member of the Lighting Industry Association, Eaton complies fully with the LIA’s validation programme. In a market where inflated claims are often made about LED luminaires, it’s important that Eaton stands tall as a trusted supplier by offering proven products.”

For more information on the new Litex Elite, visit https://uk.eaton.com/, e-mail LightingSalesUK@Eaton.com  or call +44 (0) 1302 303303.

To learn more about Eaton, visit www.uk.eaton.com .For the latest news, follow us on Twitter (@Eaton_EMEA) or on LinkedIn (Eaton EMEA)

 

 

 

SOLVING ACCESS PROBLEMS WITH BESPOKE SOLUTIONS

Building Products Index Ltd Access Platforms Leave a Comment

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Besopke access platformCustomised Mobile Access Platforms, Safe access platforms and step overs 

Our Bespoke Mobile Access Platforms, Safe Access Platforms and Step Overs provide safe access to hard to reach places such as to mezzanine floors, machinery, on congested roofs or to provide safe access over pipework, plant equipment in addition to accommodating changes in level.

 

Bespoke-SolutionsBespoke Solutions

Constructed from KEE KLAMP galvanised or KEE LITE aluminium fittings to provide a robust and durable solution, the platforms and step overs can be tailor made to meet virtually any configuration, height and width and are the ideal answer to providing access to areas where normal access can be obstructed.

In addition to the flexibility of design, structures constructed from fittings and tube can be installed quickly and without the need for detailed site surveys and time-consuming construction.  Fittings provide an extremely secure, robust, corrosion resistant access solution, and by using off the shelf fittings also allows the structure to be delivered and constructed quickly and easily, with minimal disruption on-site.  Assembly is simple, all that’s required is a hex tool and tube cutters, the modular design also enables changes to be made easily on site if required.

 

Fully CompliantMobile and Static Options

Access platforms can be either mobile for use in various locations or static for specific applications and can be built up to 3m in height (higher platforms are possible with the addition of extra support arms) and adapted to suit any requirement.

 

Fully Compliant

These systems are modular in design for ease and speed of installation and are designed to comply with current regulations and standards such as the Work at Height Regulations, BS5395: Part 3 and EN: 14122, BS 1139-6:2005 or PAS 250

Altro launch new Altro Wood™ Safety collection

Building Products Index Ltd Flooring, Safety Leave a Comment

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Altro-Northampton34Altro have introduced new wood-look floors that combine functional performance with modern design to create spaces that really work for the people that use them.  They give the functional performance you’d expect from an Altro safety floor and provide sustained slip resistance (PTV ≥36) for the lifetime of the flooring.

 

 

Green Pastures Care Home-Altro Wood Safety-15EXTENDED!  Altro Wood™ Safety provides safety underfoot with 20 contemporary and traditional options, including a bamboo-look fine-line design and wide plank designs. It is designed to cope with medium to heavy traffic areas in hospitals, retail and education environments.

 

 

Hillingdon 032NEW!  Altro Wood™ Safety Comfort is a 2.85mm floor with 12 options that provides comfort underfoot and offers 14dB sound reduction which is great for noisy environments.  It is suitable for wheeled traffic and low residual indentation facilitates the flexible use of equipment and furniture, including hospital beds.

Both ranges are perfect for corridors, patient rooms and living rooms in hospitals; circulation areas and corridors in kindergartens, school and universities; and retail environments. Altro Wood Safety Comfort provides the additional benefit of comfort underfoot and is also suitable for student accommodation, home adaptations and social housing.

With matching design and colour options across the two ranges, you can achieve a consistent look in different areas.  Select from the ranges for the right technical performance required for the area.

For environments that need to promote wellbeing, Altro floors and walls can be used to create a biophilic design – using shades and images found in nature. This helps create a sense of calm and studies have shown it can speed up the recovery process.

So whether you want to create warm and homely aesthetics, or transform a space into a cool, contemporary feature area, our new ranges can help you make your design vision a reality.

 

WAVIN LAUNCHES OSMA ACOUSTIC COUPLER TO TACKLE UNWANTED NOISE IN THE HOME

Building Products Index Ltd Pipes, Plastic piping Leave a Comment

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OSMA acoustic couplerWavin, the UK’s leading manufacturer of plastic piping systems, has launched its new Osma Acoustic Coupler 4S125 – designed to address the problem of unwanted noise in soil stacks.

Through its innovative structure, the fitting absorbs structural borne sounds that can be caused by thermal movement, as well as contact between the stack and the structure of the building.

Featuring Osma’s Captive Ring-Seal at one end and Osma’s Deep Expandable Rubber Gasket at the other, the coupler can expand and contract as needed. This allows movement within the body of the fitting up to 18mm, releasing stress on the pipework.

Acoustic coupler - 2Installing the fitting on every storey of a building helps limit noise transfer between separating floors and walls. When installed with an access pipe fitting, installers and building control officers can also check the necessary expansion gap is present after first fix completion.

In a recent report, the NHBC Foundation found that 15% of all noise complaints from homeowners in detached properties were due to noisy pipework[1]. This is typically caused by the lack of allowance for thermal movement and contact with rigid brackets and linings within – an obstacle that can be overcome with the new Osma Acoustic Coupler.

Acoustic coupler - 1Steve Skeldon, Product Manager at Wavin, commented: “The Osma Acoustic Coupler 4S125 presents a real solution to the significant noise problems many homeowners get in their properties. This is great news for housebuilders, but also means plumbers will get fewer call backs to solve issues.

“As well as addressing noise, it also encourages better working practices as the fitting takes care of any expansion adjustment. This means no longer relying on the traditional manual practice of partially withdrawing the pipe or spigot end from a socket to create an expansion gap.”

Osma Acoustic Coupler 4S125 can be installed horizontally and vertically, and is now available to purchase. To find out more, visit your local merchant.

For more information on the Osma Acoustic Coupler 4S125, visit: www.wavin.co.uk or the Wavin UK YouTube Channel to view:

[1] NHBC Foundation, Sound progress: A review of homeowner feedback on noise in new homes (2014) https://www.nhbcfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/NF56-Sound-progress.pdf

ACO TotalFlow Gully – Completing ACO Gully Product Rage

Building Products Index Ltd Building Drainage, Drainage Leave a Comment

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Aco 3ACO Building Drainage has extended its range of gully products with the launch of the ‘ACO TotalFlow Gully’. Designed to complement the company’s range of engineered gully solutions, the ACO TotalFlow Gully provides designers and end users with a simple, compact range of gully products suitable for use in a wide array of drainage applications in public areas.

Manufactured from cast iron for optimum durability, the ACO TotalFlow Gully is particularly well suited for use in areas with high levels of pedesterian traffic including railway and bus stations, airports, public buildings and shopping centres.
Aco 1

Andy Buchan, Divisional Managing Director of ACO Building Drainage, comments: “Our committment to manufacturing the highest quality products that combine the latest technology with market-driven design continues. The new products reflect the needs of specifiers, contractors and asset owners who have responsibility for maintenance and who require simple
Aco 2products which are easy to install and maintain. ACO’s TotalFlow Gully range complements the high performance, stainless steel gully products we offer for specialist applications, enabling a robust, easy-to-specifiy and easy-to-install gully solution.”

For more information, call 01462 810400 to speak to one of the company’s in-house design and specification team.

Announcing Balconette’s Aerofoil Infinity Privacy Screen!

Building Products Index Ltd Balcony Systems 1 Comment

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Balconette 2True advances in balconies and balustrading are rare, so Balconette is very excited to present its unique, breakthrough innovation – the Aerofoil Infinity Screen.

For too long, customers have had to compromise their designs for the sake of privacy and safety. Adding a privacy screen or extra height to regular glass balustrading had meant relinquishing that perfect design.
Balconette 1

But that’s all history now. Balconette’s team of design engineers have worked tirelessly to create a pass through privacy screen that effortlessly complements regular glass balustrading.

 

 

balconette 3Despite its ground-breaking appearance, this unique pass through glass balustrade system works very simply. Instead of being supported by a network of angled rails and posts, it cuts straight through the aerofoil handrail, providing privacy and protection from the elements without compromise of design.