Access 360 launches Toolbox Talks Series

Building Products Index Ltd access solutions, Fall protection, riser doors Leave a Comment

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Access 360, one of the UK’s leading access solutions manufacturers, is delivering Toolbox Talk sessions to support contractors in achieving the highest level of safety and compliance on site.

As a building products manufacturer positioned at the forefront of industry advancements, the Toolbox Talks form part of Access 360’s ongoing commitment to providing industry professionals with the latest guidance on regulations and best practices when installing access products.

The Toolbox Talks will comprise two separate sessions, delivered by Access 360’s Specification Sales Manager, Jake Slade, and will cover Access 360’s Profab Access and Bilco UK brands.

The Profab Access session will outline current practices regarding the successful installation of riser doors and maintaining compliance with fire regulations for commercial and residential buildings, whilst the Bilco UK talk will address roof safety considerations when working from height.

Jake Slade, Sales Specification Manager at Access 360, said: “As one of the industry’s leading access solutions manufacturers, we recognise the responsibility we have to ensure we are supporting professionals in ensuring the highest standards of safey and compliance when on site.

“We are consistently seeking new ways to share our industry expertise on such topics, so I’m delighted to be offering these Toolbox Talks. I looking forward to meeting with Health & Safety managers and contractors on site and delivering advice and guidance to industry professionals.”

The Toolbox Talks form an extension of Access 360’s extensive offering of RIBA-accredited CPD seminars, which are hosted virtually and in person to architects and specifiers on a monthly basis.

Individuals interested in receiving a Toolbox Talk can contact Jake Slade directly at Jake.Slade@access-360.co.uk.

Access 360 comprises of Bilco UK, Profab Access and Howe Green, which together provide access and safety solutions for roofs, ceilings, walls and floors.

For further information on Access 360 visit www.access-360.co.uk.

Ibis Warmly Welcomes Guests with TORMAX Automatic Access

Building Products Index Ltd automatic, Doors Leave a Comment

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Successfully creating a more welcoming lobby for visiting guests, the Ibis Styles NEC hotel in Birmingham recently contracted TORMAX to install a double set of automatic sliding doors to the main entrance.

The new design more effectively maintains the ambient temperature of reception area, which features a full height atrium, whilst also streamlining busy check-in and check-out times thanks to a more efficient entrance/exit facility.

Delivering reliable and seamless access for all guests, the entrance is powered by two user-friendly, TORMAX 2201 door drives. Measuring just 142mm x 100mm, these operators are particularly neat and compact, making them unobtrusive for both contemporary and traditional settings.

“Originally the Ibis Styles hotel featured two sets of automatic swing doors,” explains Andy Burne, Property Manager for Starboard Hotels, which includes the Ibis brand.

“However, we were finding that the prolonged opening times of swing doors meant that cold air was coming into the building unnecessarily, making an uncomfortable environment for our receptionists and guests.”

Starboard Hotels tendered for the entrance upgrade to several companies and selected TORMAX based on their reputation for excellent support, both with installation and aftercare.

“Although not the cheapest option available,” said Burne, “we look for true value over time rather than taking a narrow view of the initial upfront costs. The result is a smart, contemporary entrance system that provides a better sense of arrival experience for guests.”

A worldwide expert in door automation, TORMAX is a division of the Landert Group which was founded in 1924 and has its headquarters in Bulach-Zurich, Switzerland.

Employing over 1,000 staff across the two divisions of Servax (customised electrical drives) and TORMAX (automatic door systems), the Landert Group is characterised by a long history of innovation, quality and genuine entrepreneurship.

Offering a complete range of automatic access solutions, from impressive curved-sliding entrance pods through to simple folding doors, TORMAX can improve the accessibility of almost any building.

 

LEADING THE FIELD

Building Products Index Ltd Hinges Leave a Comment

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SIMONSWERK is Europe´s leading Hinge supplier with a history spanning more than 130 years in the manufacture of high quality brass, aluminium and stainless steel hinges for doors and windows. SIMONSWERK UK provides the architectural ironmongery and builders hardware industries with a combined supply source for over 4,000 catalogue items backed by their award winning customer service. The online ProductSelector function takes all the headaches out of selecting the right hinge guiding specifiers by a simple series of door and application filters to home in on the correct hinge.

TECTUS Hinges ~ Concealed Perfection~

TECTUS hinge systems offer an extensive range, multi award winning iconic design and precise engineered functionality. These fully concealed hinges allow for three dimensional adjustments for perfect door alignment, contain maintenance free bearings and present a flush fitting clean line design. Created for safety, with minimum pivot gaps to prevent finger injury, they are available in an unrivalled range of finishes and sizes carrying up to 300kg door weights.

TRITECH Hinges ~ Strength & Elegance~

The attractive solid brass TRITECH hinge with concealed bearings has quickly become the hinge of choice for Architectural Specifiers.  They offer a future proof ‘fit and forget’ product and 25 year performance guarantee. TRITECH is suitable for heavy flush doors, is maintenance free, with a weight carrying capacity of 160Kg – Grade 14, and are available with CE marked 60 or 30 minute fire rated options and an extensive selection of 14 designer finials, 16 standard finishes and 5 PVD finishes

Adveco Introduces the Next Generation Of Packaged Electric Water Heating For Commercial Projects

Building Products Index Ltd Water Heaters Leave a Comment

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Commercial hot water specialist Adveco introduces the next generation of FUSION electric water heating for commercial projects. FUSION-E is a tough, high-efficiency electric water heater. FUSION-T expands the system with the addition of a system-integrated heat pump and advanced controls. Both ranges can be further expanded with the addition of an electric immersion for greater reliance (FUSION-Eplus and FUSION-Tplus).

FUSION is the perfect response for commercial building projects with small to medium basin and sink-led hot water demands. Taller buildings with basement plant rooms and businesses that depend on 24/7 hot water provision for continuity of service all gain advantages from FUSION as well as reducing carbon emissions and controlling costs.

FUSION starts with all new specially designed single- (ATSI) or twin-coil (ATST) corrosion-resistant stainless steel high-pressure indirect cylinders. Offering capacities from 200 to 500 litres, the cylinders feature dedicated mounting points for Adveco’s 12 or 16 kW ARDENT electric boiler. By mounting the electric boiler directly to the cylinder FUSION is a more compact, space-saving option. Supplied with pre-built pipework the latest generation of FUSION is now faster and easier to install.

The electric boiler, with multiple immersions inside its sealed storage tank, provides automatically balanced usage to prolong system life and immediate resilience for the boiler. Used in a sealed ‘primary’ loop, the electric boiler heats the same water continuously effectively eliminating limescale issues typically found in electric systems used in hard water areas.

For the FUSION-T renewable variants, the 6 or 10 kW monobloc air-to-water FPi-32 heat pump (ASHP) is used as a source for system preheat. Contribution from the ASHP is maximised via the bespoke FUSION Control Box. These controls smartly balance the two heat sources, enabling the water in the cylinder to be heated in the most efficient way. As the electric boiler is not required to work as hard to raise flow temperatures to the 65°C demanded by commercial applications. Electrical demand on the boiler is reduced by as much as 30%, delivering operational savings and reducing carbon emissions by up to 71%.

The FUSION-T variants are perfect for organisations seeking to invest in a water heating application as part of a decarbonisation strategy without losing sight of higher operational costs associated with all-electric systems compared to equivalent gas-fired water heating.

Where hot water demands become a business-critical service, FUSION will also support the addition of an Adveco backup immersion providing additional resilience. Fitted into the front-facing clean-out access, the immersion ensures there is no single point of failure for assured service provision.

When only used as an emergency heating source, or during periods of unplanned excess demand, the inclusion of an electric immersion can be extremely advantageous. For FUSION systems incorporating the additional backup 6 or 12 kW immersion (FUSION-Eplus & FUSION-Tplus) controls are further extended to incorporate SMS output to advise building managers of a fault scenario and automated engagement of the immersion back-up to guarantee business-critical hot water supply.

For commercial organisations seeking a hot water system for new buildings faced with the regulatory changes on new gas connections or planning to move from existing gas-fired systems to electrical alternatives, FUSION provides an impressive range of choices. Whether cost, sustainability or business security are the driving factors for specification, FUSION offers a comprehensive response that can be quickly matched to the requirements of a project.

IMPROVING SUSTAINABILITY: REFORMULATED DULUX TRADE DIAMOND MATT

Building Products Index Ltd Paint Leave a Comment

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Dulux Trade Diamond Matt has been reformulated in line with customer feedback to deliver improved features and sustainability credentials, helping the industry move towards a more sustainable future. Available now, architects and specifiers can be confident that Dulux Trade Diamond Matt meets key industry standards – including BREEAM, LEED and WELL – and will provide their clients with quality results for years to come.

Sustainability

Sustainability is critical to Dulux Trade and integral to everything it does as a business. It regularly reviews its product portfolio to ensure sustainability is improved wherever possible – and the upgraded Dulux Trade Diamond Matt is testament to that. It is 99.9% VOC (volatile organic compound) free[1], so it has lower impact on indoor air quality and the overall carbon footprint of a project when compared with the previous formulation. For added reassurance, it is also compliant with green building accreditations BREEAM[2], LEED[3] and WELL. When specified, the paint will therefore help drive more sustainable building design.

How did we get to 99.9% VOC free?

The previous Dulux Trade Diamond Matt formulation included semi-VOCs to form a strong film and deliver quick drying times at a range of temperatures. However, the upgraded product uses innovative binder technology that forms a film even at very low temperatures, without the addition of semi-VOCs. The paint also includes a new latex that doesn’t require coalescing solvents and has switched to completely VOC-free versions of additives. As a result, Dulux Trade Diamond Matt is now proudly 99.9% VOC-free.

Peter Rhodes, National Sector Manager for Building Design at AkzoNobel, said: “Our reformulated Dulux Trade Diamond Matt offers superior benefits that architects and specifiers can trust. The fact that Dulux Trade Diamond Matt is compliant with BREEAM, LEED and WELL environmental standards, is 99.9% VOC free and long-lasting means it’s the clear sustainable choice for a diverse range of projects. We’re confident these enhancements will reassure architects and specifiers that Diamond Matt should be the go-to durable, sustainable paint option that will provide winning results for their customers.”

 A durable choice        

 Furthering its sustainability benefits, Dulux Trade Diamond Matt is also highly durable and designed for high traffic areas. This means that the new formula will help to extend maintenance cycles further with walls that stay looking newer and cleaner for longer – driving down emissions over a building’s life cycle.

Dulux Trade Diamond Matt is compliant with BS EN ISO 11998 Class 1 and BS 7719 Class C and can withstand 10,000 scrubs (the equivalent of five hours non-stop scrubbing). It can therefore be repeatedly cleaned and scrubbed, ensuring that unwanted stains can be easily removed by clients without damaging the paint film on the wall – making the professional finish last even longer.

Dulux Trade Diamond Matt also delivers great opacity and is now available in 150 additional extra deep colours, providing reassurance that it can achieve strong aesthetics that will last the test of time.

Tested & Approved

To showcase its commitment to quality, Dulux Trade Diamond Matt now comes with a ‘Tested and Approved by Professional Decorators’ seal of approval (find out more about the process at www.duluxtrade.co.uk/testedandapproved). This showcases the rigorous three-stage testing process carried out by experienced professional decorators to ensure Dulux Trade Diamond Matt delivers on durability, as well as improved opacity and sustainability.

Hannah Beeke, R&D Team Leader at AkzoNobel explains: “Our ‘Tested & Approved’ process is designed to truly put products to the test and we do this by working closely with experienced professionals. Their opinions help to ensure we are delivering the highest quality products, and ultimately, the best results for the end user.

“With the new Dulux Trade Diamond Matt, we worked with our expert decorators to trial the product and we used their feedback to make further improvements to the formula. We then took the range into field trials where it was tested under external conditions – enabling us to see how it will perform for our wider customer base. This ongoing rigorous process means that we are confident the new Diamond Matt range is the best it can be and will genuinely deliver the durability and sustainability benefits architects and specifiers are looking for.”

For more information on Dulux Trade Diamond Matt, see here: www.duluxtrade.co.uk/diamondmatt.

[1] Based on in-can VOC content, measured in accordance with ISO 11890-2:2013

[2] Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology

[3] Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

 

ACO’s Streamlined Drainage Specification E-commerce Platform makes product selection easy.

Building Products Index Ltd Building Drainage, Drainage Leave a Comment

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ACO Building Drainage’s new e-commerce site is aimed at streamlining the selection and specification process for building drainage installations, while also making it easier for specifiers and contractors to select and buy products.

The new platform is unique to ACO Building Drainage for its stainless-steel drainage, grease management solutions and Access Covers in buildings. The digital solution covers six product categories and a broad portfolio of applications to make finding the drainage solution that fits the project a smoother and more cost-effective process. This includes stainless steel gullies, total flow gullies, rainwater outlets, shower drains, grease traps and separators, as well as access covers.

Featuring an innovative specification tool, the web shop helps users identify the solution that best fits their needs by tapping into the expertise of ACO’s drainage engineers. It does this by asking a small number of questions about the project at hand, and then offering a recommendation from ACO’s expert technical team of suitable products that fulfil the project requirements.

Nick Cairns, Marketing Manager at ACO, said:

“We know that for many building product specifiers and contractors, the time it takes them to compare and find the right solution, as well as locate where to buy products, can be extensive. That’s why we’ve invested into our new e-commerce site.

“The selector tool is designed from the ground up to make the process of specifying and selecting drainage products as easy as possible, removing the tedious hassle of comparing multiple products manually. Instead, simply answer a handful of questions and the solution that’s right for you will appear on screen. Once a customer chooses a product, the website makes it straightforward to obtain a merchant’s quote or purchase direct from ACO.”

Products offered by the selector tool cover single items and entire kits, depending on the answers provided. If looking for grease traps and separators, for example, the selector tool will ask whether it is to be situated inside or outside of a kitchen, then the number of meals expected to be served and the appliances used. Based on this information, the selector tool will display the recommended solution for the project.

In all cases, customers will be able to view the product and download the associated data sheets. While customers can buy the product direct from ACO, they are also able to obtain a quote and purchase the product through a merchant.

For more about ACO Building Drainage and to try ACO’s selector tool, visit: https://www.aco.co.uk/web-shop.

 

EUROCELL’S FUTURE HOMES READY MODUS SYSTEM CONTINUES TO LEAD THE MARKET

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

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With the introduction of the Future Homes Standard (FHS) just two years away, national housebuilders have been working closely with Eurocell to enable them to achieve energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets.

The development work has been designed to successfully integrate Eurocell’s Future Homes ready Modus as a fully integrated window and door system. Modus continues to lead the market as the ‘go to’ solution for energy efficient performance with U-values as low as 0.7, aesthetics, value, and sustainability.

The proven and commonly specified Modus system has been the new build preferred choice for some time. Modus’ compelling attributes of unrivalled contemporary style, exceptional thermal performance, and cost effectiveness, are being utilised in conjunction with the housebuilding sector as the regulatory landscape changes.

Energy efficient and sustainable

The innovative technical design of Modus has a triple-seal option to achieve superb thermal, air tightness and noise reduction performance. The unique 75mm six-chamber profile system delivers optimum energy efficiency performance and can achieve a U-value as low as 0.7 with triple-glazed units.

Removing the need for complex and expensive glazing specification, Modus is helping to lower the cost of driving the net zero carbon agenda for specifiers, housebuilders, and homeowners.

To further support sustainability objectives, all Modus main profiles features a minimum of 36%* post-consumer recycled PVC-U as standard which helps to achieve a lower carbon footprint than products made or containing recycled material sourced from outside of the UK. The system deploys cutting-edge dual material extrusion technology (DMET) which layers post-consumer recycled and ‘virgin’ material simultaneously with high precision.

The recycled material is concentrated in the central core of the profiles, where it is completely invisible in an installed window or door.

Value-added options

The standard rebate, slim rebate and fully flush sash styles offered by Modus means a wide range of contemporary design aesthetics and colour options are available to architects and main contractors to satisfy both progressive and traditional design styles.

In combination with slimmer sight lines, the aesthetics of Modus provide specifiers with an alternative to aluminium and timber products.

Ian Kernaghan, Head of Products, Design & Development at Eurocell, added: “Modus is already a proven, highly effective, and popular integrated window and door solution. It combines fantastic thermal performance, a broad spectrum of design options, full Part Q compliance, and built-in sustainability through the inclusion of recycled material as part of its manufacture.”

To find out more about the Modus range, please get in touch 03301 731 621, enquiries@eurocell.co.uk.

*Average % recycled material of main profiles content varies by component from 36% to 72%

Upward extensions with Eurobrick

Building Products Index Ltd Brick slip cladding, Cladding Leave a Comment

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Adding floors to existing buildings is economically attractive however designs and building methods have to avoid overloading the foundations. Lightweight cladding systems can help to simplify the process. Eurobrick has been leading the brick slip cladding sector for over 30 years and has been involved in many such upward extension projects. Of course, each project of this type brings its own challenges but building upwards can be an effective solution where available space is limited. It enables a building to be redeveloped maximizing its potential and extending its functional life. This is far more sustainable than demolishing the existing and constructing a new building.

Chiswick High Road

An extra floor was added to the existing 2 storey, mixed-use, end of terrace property in London which had a ground floor retail unit with residential spaces above. The upward extension allowed for an internal reconfiguration to provide 7 self-contained flats, with the extra floor allowing the contractor to add 3 more flats than the building previously contained.

Planning requirements stipulated that the building must not harm the character and appearance of the surrounding area, so a brick finish was required. The project also required a lightweight system as the new floor was being added to the existing structure and foundations.

Eurobrick’s X-Clad system provided a lightweight brick slip solution. With options available on insulation, the installed system weight of X-Clad starts from just 36kg/m2. The system was finished with BEA Burwell White slips and Eurobrick’s Europoint pointing mortar in white, creating a fresh look in keeping with the neighbourhood.

Norwood Road

Another London based project involved the redevelopment of an existing commercial building. The original building included a large ground floor retail unit with snooker club and offices above. The proposal was to demolish the upper floors and build nine new residential apartments over the retail unit.

This project was particularly challenging because the retailer had to continue trading throughout the build. And although they wanted to add two floors above the retail unit, the existing foundations and structure of the building could not be altered.

The new parts of the building were constructed with an insulated timber frame with an exterior sheathing using Eurobrick’s P-Clad rainscreen system. This is a faster construction technique than traditional building methods and was important for minimising disruption to the retailer and its customers. P-Clad was installed with specially ordered brick slips alongside render panels to create a distinctive mixed finish to the building.

Pechiney House

This ambitious project in Slough involved the conversion and redevelopment of a 2-storey office building into residential apartments by adding a 4-storey upward extension to the existing building. X-Clad was the lightweight solution that helped to simplify the process, as it was attached to a ply panel on the lightweight steel frame construction, reducing the overall weight of the upward extension considerably.

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

Eurobrick provide flexible brick slip cladding systems for many different types of projects offering a fast track, simple and robust solution. Brick slip cladding is lightweight and durable requiring little to no maintenance and is ideal for projects with engineering challenges to overcome.

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

Next generation ‘FlexStep’ platform lift is launched

Building Products Index Ltd Lift, Platform Leave a Comment

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The Platform Lift Company announces to UK specifiers and architects the arrival of the newly enhanced FlexStep complete with an automatic onboard barrier feature. 

 

 

 

 

 

FlexStep is a 2-in-1 platform lift providing both stairs and a stairlift to customers needing a space saving alternative access solution. The Danish manufacturer Liftup has now developed the product by incorporating an automatic onboard barrier combined with an active ramp to create an ultimate user experience.

Existing customers of the FlexStep can also benefit from this new safety feature through retrofit. The Platform Lift Company qualified engineers can fit the automatic onboard barrier and ramp to an already installed FlexStep. An automatic onboard barrier is suitable for models that have four, five or six steps.

The Platform Lift Company is a certified distributor and provider of parts and technical training for Liftup in the UK. Orders for the automatic onboard barrier for new and existing FlexStep models can be placed from today.

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Innovative solutions for backflow prevention

Building Products Index Ltd Drainage Leave a Comment

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Fernco has long been recognised as the market leader in civils and drainage products, thanks to our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. However, Fernco’s expertise is no longer confined to traditional drainage solutions. With a forward-thinking approach, we have become water management specialists, catering to the evolving needs of modern environments. Two of our innovative products, Non-Return Valves and Back Water Valves, highlight our dedication to providing effective solutions. Both products are designed to prevent the backflow of water, ensuring the integrity of drainage systems and protecting against potential flooding and contamination. They offer reliable protection by automatically closing off the sewer or water line during high water events. By incorporating these innovative products into your water management strategy, you can benefit from Fernco’s expertise providing your customers the solutions they need. Take a read below to learn how you could benefit from these innovative products.

Non-Return Valves

Fernco’s Non-return valves (NRVs) allow sewer or surface water materials to freely flow in the direction of the systems mains but block backflow of those materials in the opposite direction in instances, such as, flooding.

Benefits include: 
• Unobtrusive to natural flow
• Available in 4” and 6” sizes
• A proven flood prevention method
• Helps to protect homes, properties, commercial buildings, roads etc
• Maintenance free
• Fit into existing manhole in minutes
• WRc Approved™

Backwater Valves

Fernco’s Backwater Valves are installed in-line along the drainage system to allow sewer or surface water materials to freely flow in the direction of the systems mains but block backflow of those materials in the opposite direction in instances, such as, flooding.

Benefits include: 
• Robust design and maintenance-free operation
• Designed to fit pipes of OD110 to OD200
• Stainless steel anti-flooding flaps
• Special design of the body minimises the risk of solid waste accumulating

Check out the installation video for the NRV

 

Need help finding your local stockist?

Email us at sales@fernco.co.uk I +44 1226 340 222