CPM’s Redi-Rock walling to be seen at leading Rail event

Building Products Index Ltd Concrete, Walling Leave a Comment

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Railtex 160920 EWR Redirock 04CPM’s Redi-Rock™ modular concrete walling will be on show at Britain’s leading showcase for railway products and services in May at the Railtex exhibition in Birmingham.

The Redi-Rock™ walling is ideal for protecting the rail line against erosion, landslips and rock falls, as the big block solution is both quick and easy to install when you have limited ‘track time’ available or are working within night-time possessions.

Railtex image 1With less disruption to services through quick and economical installation in any weather, the Redi-Rock™ blocks have the look of natural stone and are available in three different faces, (Cobblestone, Ledgestone and Limestone) so can blend in with the natural environment and are versatile enough to achieve height without compromising strength.

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAEach modular block weighs approximately one tonne and is dry laid, so walls can be built in a fraction of the time and costs compared to other methods, a real benefit when closing the rail network for trackside maintenance and improvements.

With its strength and earth retaining capabilities Redi-Rock™ modular walling keeps both the train and track safe whilst offering a pleasant viewing and safe experience for rail passengers, making it an obvious choice for the rail industry.

For further information please visit http://www.cpm-group.com/products/retaining-walls/

BB101 WEBINAR: New guidelines for Heating, Ventilation and IAQ in Schools – what do you need to know?

Building Products Index Ltd Fan, Ventilation Leave a Comment

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The final draft of the new BB101 – Guidelines on Ventilation, Thermal Comfort and Indoor Air Quality in Schools have now been released.  This Webinar is for those involved in the design and specification of heating and ventilation solutions for teaching spaces.

Jaga 1

The eagerly anticipated update to the Building Bulletin 101 – Guidelines on Ventilation, Thermal Comfort and Indoor Air Quality in Schools is now in the final stages of review prior to publication. How do those involved in the design of school buildings and teaching spaces ensure compliance?

To help Andy Williams is Jaga’s lead Education Technical Consultant will be identifying how the new regulations differ and what design considerations must now be taken.

What you need to know:

Date: 4th May 2017

Time:  10:00 am till 11:00 am including a 15 minute Q&A session

To register CLICK HERE.

Our latest blog on IAQ may also be of interest.

Jaga 2

How can improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) impact school exam results? Education consultants have a responsibility to provide pupils and teachers with a healthy, safe and productive environment in which to learn and work. But this responsibility rests particularly heavily on the shoulders of secondary schools in January and June; the months where exams dominate the school calendar, and where pupils’ performance must be at their best.  Read More

Eurocell adds to the spectrum of design possibilities

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

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Eurocell BP Index April 2017 - Bloor Homes Bath #2Coloured PVC-U profiles represent a high demand design opportunity as homeowners now seek more differentiation in their choice of windows. To help meet this demand, Eurocell has expanded its standard colours range to include new ‘on-trend’ finishes such as Anteak and Cream White; while ever popular colours such as Cream, Rosewood and Anthracite Grey are all available from stock. New made to order colours include a taupe, Windsor, and the greys Kensington, Balmoral and Buckingham.

Eurocell BP Index April 2017 - Colours #3The entire colour selection can be viewed in Grow With Colours from Eurocell which showcases the wealth of possibilities offered by the enhanced range of coloured profiles across market-leading products. The new colours have been added to selected items within the Eurocell range, such as Modus and Eurologik window profiles, roofline and finishing trims.

Examples of new product colours include Modus in Agate Grey on White; Eurologik 70mm Chamfered profile in Anthracite Grey Smooth and Slate Grey Smooth; and the addition of Irish Oak to the Dales Collection of composite doors.

Eurocell BP Index April 2017 - Bloor Homes Bath #3Even greater choice is available with the Made to Order range, which offers up to 32 options with a lead-time of only three weeks. Whether the client requires the natural appearance of woodgrain finishes or cool greys, greens and blues, Eurocell can guarantee colour matching across all its PVC-U products.
Eurocell BP Index April 2017 - Colours #1These include the Eurocell range of external cills and end caps, which are available in three sizes and are colour matched to a wide range of window systems within the industry. Plus, there is a wide range of complementary ancillary products, including decorative add-on products and window finishing trims in foam and rigid options, so that windows and doors can be tailored to meet any requirement.


Eurocell BP Index April 2017 - Bloor Homes Bath #3

Grow with Colours can be downloaded from the Eurocell website at www.eurocell.co.uk or is available from any one of over 170 Eurocell branches throughout the UK.

Engineering innovation gives glass balustrades more view, but less posts

Building Products Index Ltd Balcony Systems 1 Comment

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RRHybrid1jpgA new look in glass-walled balconies is coming this Spring, with the release of a leading-edge system designed by Surrey balustrade specialists Balconette.

The new system is called HYBRID®. It creates a new category of balustrade, to sit in between the traditional alternatives of post-supported and
structural frameless glass. HYBRID® balustrades offer the open views of frameless glass at the cost and convenience of the older post-supported styles.
Glass Walled Balcony BalconetteThe HYBRID® category enables wide runs of glass with no, or few, vertical posts. Its ease of installation and lower cost bring the very high-end look into range for many projects for the first time.
Hybrid 5“People buy a glass balcony to enjoy the view, not look at a row of metal posts. Fully frameless glass gives great views, but is expensive and requires complex structural fittings” says Balconette’s CEO Effi Wolff. “The HYBRID® category offers the uninterrupted views of structural glass but at around half the cost”.

Hybrid 6The innovative engineering design at the heart of HYBRID® uses invisible bracing within an elegant self-supporting handrail, which achieves excellent structural integrity. The design of the rail means few vertical supports are required often none at all.

 

Hybrid 3Up to 4-metre glass runs are now possible without vertical supports and where the balcony turns a corner or is curved the postless spans can be even longer. A three-sided balustrade square can have 12 metres without posts. In place of the extensive footings usually required for structural glass, HYBRID® balustrades use slim surface-mounting which is easy for builders and even DIYers to install.

Hybrid 2“We went back to the drawing-board to solve some long-standing problems with balustrade design” continued Balconette’s CEO and designer Effi Wolff. “The HYBRID® category makes wide, open glass balustrades possible at a cost similar to old systems requiring a metal post every metre.

Hybrid 4“Builders & developers tell us they love the ease of installation, and
architects say it gives them a practical alternative to structural glass, with the same clean lines. Homeowners are effectively getting the most expensive style at half price.

Handrails for the HYBRID® system come in two styles: Orbit and Aerofoil. The Orbit handrail has a circular profile and allows for up to 3.3m runs without posts when attached either side to a wall or structural element. The Aerofoil handrail provides the longest post-free spans of up to 4m without posts. Both systems include panels of 10mm toughened glass, which can be produced in a variety of tint options including the standard clear, and customised blue, grey, bronze, green, and satinised (opaque).

Alfresco Floors complete Chiswick new build project

Building Products Index Ltd Flooring, Porcelain Tiles Leave a Comment

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Pick01As house buyers in the UK become increasingly concerned about how their outside spaces function as part of the home, architects and designers are employing new high performance materials and installation systems for these areas. A recent project that Alfresco Floors completed in Beavor Lane, Chiswick is a good example of this. New build properties in central London are something of a rarity these days, and the specification for these projects is normally top end – clients want their outside space to look good (and be practical) all year round.

Pick03At Beavor Lane the requirement was for exterior 20mm porcelain, installed on Buzon pedestals, across all the external balcony and roof terraces. The UK climate is a brutal world for exterior paving, and inner city pollution makes things even worse. Exterior porcelain is colour fast, slip resistant, impervious to frost damage and won’t allow mould or moss to adhere to its surface – and installed ‘grout free’ on slope correcting pedestals it can be jet washed as often as the client wishes with no danger of any damage – so in effect, very simple maintenance will always bring it back to day one quality. Exterior 20mm porcelain also has an exceptional strength to weight ratio (far better than stone) so it’s becoming ever more popular on roof and balcony applications – particularly with the guys who have to carry it up there!

Pick07At Beavor Lane Alfresco Floors supplied and installed around 500 SqM of raised porcelain floors on several levels across eight different houses, and although the design requirement called for integral floor lighting, complex steps and some circular cuts around balustrade pillars, it was all achieved well within the schedule. Installation Manager Gary Boyd summed up the process:

“Raised pedestals have long been the preferred system for tiling flat roofs and balconies all over the UK, but nowadays we are increasingly using the system at ground level too. Now that the porcelain industry is starting to really concentrate on the opportunity, we have well over 100 designs of mm perfect exterior 20mm tiles to choose from – all of them much quicker to install than natural stone and all of them pretty much maintenance free once they are laid.”

Cladding Choice Was No Puzzle For Jigsaw Building

Building Products Index Ltd Cladding Leave a Comment

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Jigsaw BuildingSelecting a cladding material for the new Jigsaw Building at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital presented no puzzle for architects Stride Treglown. Trespa® Meteon® was chosen to provide a ventilated facade, scoring on appearance and cost, as well as contributing to energy efficiency.

The two-storey building has provided the hospital with a 21,000 sq.ft. women’s health centre. The facilities now available include oncology, haematology, breast and pregnancy care, along with cancer and blood disorder treatment, as well as administrative offices.

TRESPA Jigsaw Building 9Oct15 014The Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s Jigsaw charity raised funding in support of the £5.7 million building project, giving its name to the state-of-the-art-care centre.

The architects wished to ensure that, both inside and out, the building created a friendly environment where patients could feel at ease despite the tensions aroused by medical procedures. The use of timber effect materials and complementing colours helps provide a relaxing, domestic feel despite a highly clinical finish. The building is wrapped in variegated tones of Trespa® Meteon® Wood Decors cladding on the first floor, punctured with ribbon windows, white brick to the ground floor and an undulated roof form to conceal roof top plant.

TRESPA Jigsaw Building 9Oct15 030“Stride Treglown wanted to use a material that was ‘natural’ in appearance, but that stood out from the existing hospital palette of materials,” says architect Jessica Ellis. “We generally try and use materials with a ‘natural’ appearance where possible within healthcare environments as they can provide calming spaces for patients and staff.”

It was also important for the client that the building was as low maintenance and as energy efficient as possible and the 600sq. metres of Trespa® Meteon® cladding contributed to this within the tight budget available for the project.

TRESPA Jigsaw Building 9Oct15 044In total, seven timber effect grains and colours from the Trespa® Meteon® range were supplied. Stride Treglown varied the mix of these along the main elevations providing visual interest but also breaking up the appearance of the large scale elevations. By specifying the matt effect panels – all of which were new additions to the Trespa® Meteon® range when the project was designed – the building achieves a more natural timber appearance in direct sunlight as there is a reduced glare from the matt texture.

“This project proves that design does not need to be expensive. Using a variety of colours and narrow panels has added no extra cost.  It also proves that a surface fixing does not detract from the design,” said Simon Vicary, Trespa’s Regional Sales Manager.

Trespa® Meteon® is a decorative high-pressure compact laminate (HPL) with an integral surface manufactured using the company’s unique in-house technologies; Electron Beam Curing (EBC) and Dry Forming (DF). The blend of up to 70% natural fibres and thermosetting resins, manufactured under high pressures and temperatures yields a highly stable, dense panel with good strength-to-weight ratios.

Client: Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Architect: Stride Treglown

Main Contractor: Brymor Contractors Ltd, Hampshire.

Fuss-free installation with Hörmann’s range of timber internal doors

Building Products Index Ltd Doors Leave a Comment

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At the end of last year, the UK’s leading door manufacturer, Hormann, launched its first ever range of internal doors into the market. This diverse range of high-quality timber internal doors not only offers homeowners a range of stylish door leaves, but it comes as complete doorsets to allow for quick and simple application onsite.

Hormann Timber internal doors with DuradecorWhether modern or traditional, glass or timber, this diverse range of high-quality timber internal doors comes available with a choice of fixtures and fittings. This not only helps save the homeowners time sourcing parts, such as hinges, handles and architrave, it saves the cost of hiring a specialist joiner, making this way of buying a new door for your home one of the most cost effective and convenient.

With four distinct collections to choose from, this range of doors offers something for every style and budget. The BaseLine series has been designed with individuals that are looking to create a timelessly elegant finish in mind. The solid door leaf is available in either a flush or rebated version, as well as in five high-quality surface finishes: Duradecor smooth, Duradecor texture, Duradecor synchronous texture, plus real wood veneer and lacquer.

The DesignLine collection within this range offers those that want to create the door of their dreams the opportunity to do just that. With a variety of different style elements, such as stainless steel embellishments or recessed grooves, to real wood veneer or paint, this collection satisfies the highest demands and helps add a sense of style to any room.

Both the BaseLine and DesignLine ranges are available in the high-quality Duradecor surface finish. Duradecor features heat and impact resistance, robustness and low levels of maintenance, making it one of the best performing internal door finishes on the market.
Hormann TechnicLineAs well as this, both the BaseLine and DesignLine styles are available as apartment entrance doors and as TechnicLine doors with specialised equipment. Rated climatic class three and acoustic rated category two as standard, this model helps protect against noise and the cold from outside. All doors from the TechnicLine are available with RC2 security equipment, which includes a VX hinge, a 3-point locking system and a reinforced leaf frame, as well as other special features, such as a spyhole, a wide-angle camera with LCD display and a motor lock for extra peace of mind.

Hormann GlassLine doorsIn addition to the DesignLine, BaseLine and TechnicLine doors, Hörmann has recently introduced two more styles into the range. ConceptLine models offer simple sophistication in eye catching gloss, ultra matt and slate surface finishes. The GlassLine series introduces full glass designs for the first time. Available in a choice of glazing options, the range instantly transforms any house by giving it a feeling of openess throughout each room, as well as a sophisticated and chic appearance.

Hörmann is world renowned for producing quality doors, and this latest range of timber internal doors is an example of just that. So whatever your design challenge, Hörmann’s timber door range has something to match your personal style perfectly. For more information, please contact the team on 01530 516888 or visit www.hormann.co.uk.

Howe Green Makes a Splash at East Riding Leisure, Bridlington

Building Products Index Ltd access covers Leave a Comment

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Bridlington Pool and FlumesHowe Green Ltd supplied access covers for a new £25 million Leisure Centre – East Riding Leisure in Bridlington.  The centre, which is located on the seafront, opened last year.  It provides residents and visitors to the town with a wide range of first class sports and leisure facilities.   Features include a 25 metre six-lane swimming pool, learner pool, Splash Zone fun pool with two interactive slides and water play, a health suite, a fully equipped gym, studio, sports hall, squash courts and coffee shop.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council awarded the contract to deliver the new Leisure Centre to BAM Construction Ltd North East Ltd.  BAM appointed tiling specialists P.Plunkett Tiling Contractors to carry out the installation of the ceramic tiling to the outside of the pools and the tiling and mosaic to the inside of the three pools.

P.Plunkett have worked with Howe Green on many projects over the last 27 years, from railway stations to shopping centres and restaurants.  They were happy to recommend Howe Green’s floor access covers when a reliable and safe solution to accessing underfloor services in the pool areas was required.

Nine of Howe Green’s Medium Duty 7500 316 Grade Series Stainless Steel Floor Access Covers were fitted into the ceramic tiled floor around the pool surround in the main pool hall area. The access covers were infilled with anti-slip porcelain floor tiles to provide a flush finish, both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The seamless fit ensures the reduced risk of slips and trips in an inclusive swimming pool environment designed for a variety of end users – older people, the visually impaired, the disabled and excited children.

The floor covers provide easy access for the maintenance and upkeep of the pool sumps and pool balance tanks located beneath the tiling. In a busy community facility, such as a Leisure Centre, keeping the facilities operating properly and avoiding customer disappointment is a priority. In order to achieve this level of service delivery it is essential that underfloor services can be accessed quickly, with the minimum of disruption and without compromise to security.

All Howe Green access covers are available with a double sealed option which ensures the highest levels of security and hygiene and helps to prevent the ingress of water.

The 7500 Series floor access cover is suitable for internal and external use. The 316 grade stainless steel option is non-corrosive and will not rust, even in a swimming pool environment where it is constantly being exposed to water, chemicals, and varying humidity and pH levels. Howe Green’s floor access covers have been used in a number of leisure facilities across the UK and have proved to be a tried and tested access solution for this challenging environment.

Wet or Electric? You Decide!

Building Products Index Ltd Heating, underfloor heating 1 Comment

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Gaia Underfloor HeatingThe key question when it comes to underfloor heating, whether to opt for a wet (hydronic) system or an electric system?

When specifying heating in commercial buildings, underfloor heating is increasingly seen as the system that offers the levels of energy efficiency and comfort required. In design terms, underfloor heating provides the added benefit that, unlike radiators, it does not have an impact on interior aesthetics and layouts. However, which do you choose, wet or electric?
IMG_2329Both offer advantages and disadvantages. Our wet underfloor heating systems circulate water heated to around 45-50ºC through loops of pipe laid into the screed of solid floors or the joists of suspended timber floors. The low temperature of the water used makes these systems energy efficient and ideally suited to use with air or ground source heat pumps or district heating systems.

 

Devi UK images (144)Our electric systems use a continuous cable, either laid within the screed or supplied as a mat which is laid above the subfloor. Frequently thought of as the first choice in the retrofit market, because of the availability of systems that are less than 4mm thick. This allows them to simply be laid on top of existing floors, and installed near the surface to offer the advantage of a much shorter reaction time.

With market leading warranties being offered, such as the 20 year complete floor guard warranty for electric products, and a 30-50 year manufacturer’s warranty on the wet underfloor heating pipe. Our confidence in the products ensure complete peace of mind for the consumer.

For more information please call 01359 243 516, email projects@gaia.co.uk or visit www.gaia.co.uk

Cembrit Plans Expansion in the UK

Building Products Index Ltd Cladding, Rainscreen Cladding, Roofing Leave a Comment

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Natural slate - CembritCembrit has ambitious plans to expand its operation in the UK. Cembrit’s claddings, building boards and corrugated sheets, in addition to its popular natural and fibre cement slate, will be stocked and sold from three hub operations in Reading, Normanton and Llandow (Nr. Cardiff). This bold move is supported by the creation of a 12 strong customer services department, including new recruits, based at the depots, reporting to a customer services expert, Steve Walden. Customer services is supported by a supply chain and logistics operation of a further 13 personnel at the depots and head office.

 
“Our impressive four unit Reading depot becomes fully operational in March”, says M.D. Thomas Heldgaard, while adding that, “this new structure of Cembrit - Cembonit Rainscreen Cladding 2dedicated customer service and logistics departments at each depot will improve availability and response to customers and provides a basis for long term growth”. New depot manager, Craig Barry adds “Reading is well located and will eventually include a training centre and showroom within easy reach of customers and prospects who want to learn more about Cembrit’s broad range. This facility will enhance the customer experience for all who deal with Cembrit”. Access to additional meeting rooms in Reading and London H.O. means London-based specifiers, can visit to discuss cladding projects and familiarise themselves with the Cembrit product range.

Cembrit’s new UK headquarters has been opened at the Thames Innovation Centre in Erith, Kent. The new headquarters is a result of the continued growth the company has been experiencing in the UK over recent years.  The premises provide the company with more efficient office space and a dedicated sample facility, which allows Cembrit to showcase its full range of roofing, cladding and corrugated sheet products.

Thomas Heldgaard commented, “2017 is a significant year for Cembrit’s expansion in the UK, as well as other areas.  We have recently opened a state-of-the-art factory in Hungary, expanded our product range and ventured into new markets.  The move into our new HQ comes at the same time as we increase our workforce. These developments support the growth we are experiencing and show our commitment to ensuring we are offering our customers the best service possible.”

Cembrit’s new supply chain department is located at Head Office where Michael Dunthorne and Katherine Eden, Supply Chain Coordinators report to Lyn Knox, Area Supply Chain Manager and support the logistics and operations personnel at Cembrit’s four depots. Cembrit’s Bovey Tracey operation remains as a specialist slate depot serving the west country.