Rockpanel becomes Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver on 98% of portfolio

Building Products Index Ltd Cladding, Rainscreen Cladding Leave a Comment

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Rockpanel becomes Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver on 98% of portfolio

We’re proud to announce that 98% of our product portfolio is now Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver.

This certification, following the certification of the Colours range last year, represents another significant milestone in our mission to support more sustainable and responsible building practices without compromising on design or performance.

From material health to circularity, we’ve successfully met the rigorous version 4.0 standard across five key sustainability categories.

Design for a greener future

As the construction industry faces growing pressure for transparency and responsibility, we’re proud to support our sustainability goals with one of the strictest third-party verifications and measurable actions. Cradle to Cradle Certified® is the world’s most advanced, science-based standard for designing and manufacturing products today that support a healthy, equitable, and sustainable future.

With 98% of our product range now Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver, Rockpanel continues to support a healthier and more transparent built environment — and to empower architects, specifiers, and contractors to design with purpose.

What does this mean for you?

✅Rockpanel is a trusted sustainability partner with 98% of its portfolio certified
✅ Confidence in material health and product circularity
✅ Verified Clean Air, Climate Protection, and Water Stewardship
✅ Commitment to Social Fairness
✅ Support for green building certifications and public tenders
✅ Designed for long life, easy installation, and aesthetic versatility

“For us, sustainability is not a tagline. It’s how we do business.”
– Jeroen Ebus, Managing Director, Rockpanel

Join us on our journey!

“Learn more about what Cradle to Cradle Certified® means for your next project — or download our sustainability brochure full of actual sustainability knowledge, data and inspiration.

Cradle to Cradle certified products

 

 

Clement’s ‘B’ Rated Steel Windows Feature in Magnificent New Build

Building Products Index Ltd Doors, Steel, Steel doors, Windows Leave a Comment

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Clement Windows Group has manufactured slim-framed steel windows and doors for a magnificent new build property in Shropshire, conceived by Charters Property.  The windows, from the Clement EB20 range, achieve a ‘B’ Window Energy Rating.

Charters Property is a property developer which specialises in premium, high quality residential developments.  They design and deliver exceptional homes throughout the county of Shropshire and beyond and have more than 25 years of experience working on historic buildings using traditional techniques.  These skills are combined at Underwood, their latest new build project.

Clement’s products are often chosen by Charters for their amazing projects.  This new build is the latest and showcases around 30 beautiful, bespoke steel windows and doors.  The site is situated withing walking distance of Ludlow town with fabulous views of the river Corve and Ludlow Castle.

Outside, the external brickwork was covered in a breathable lime slurry.  The new fenestration looks stunning against the white backdrop this created.  Inside, the light flows through the slim window and door sections opening up the already spacious rooms.  The final result is incredible.

The EB20 range of steel windows is Clement’s most popular and versatile product for both residential and commercial situations.  The exceptionally slim, 20mm, double glazed, insulated glass units are produced from 98% recycled steel source material.  These windows are low maintenance and the strength of the steel frames combined with single or multi point locking means they are also extremely secure.

The steel doors at the project are bespoke and from the Clement W40 range, consisting of slim, strong and durable frames.

A representative from Charters Property commented: “We have worked with Clement on numerous projects over the years, and they have consistently provided an excellent service. This project required a significant number of large steel windows, and they were able to deliver the scheme on time and to a very good standard. Their communication remained clear and client focused throughout the process and we would happily recommend their service.”

Clement Windows Group offers an innovative range of steel windows, doors, screens and conservation rooflights which are suitable for both residential and commercial situations.

01428 643393              info@clementwg.co.uk                      www.clementwindows.co.uk

Panorama P-TK: Transforming Flat Roofs into Safe, Stylish Terraces

Building Products Index Ltd balustrades, Roof system, Roofing Leave a Comment

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Dani Alu’s Panorama P-TK is a fully engineered, freestanding roof terrace system with integrated balustrading. Designed for flat roof applications across the UK, Ireland, and Europe, it creates safe, stylish, and compliant outdoor spaces without compromising the roof’s integrity.

Lightweight and project-specific, Panorama P-TK minimises structural load and requires no fixing into the roof. The system accommodates any terrace finish, from slabs and tiles to timber decking – with versatile balustrading options including glass, railings, or infill panels.

Quick Highlights:

  • No roof fixings – protects waterproofing
  • Lightweight & project-specific – tailored for each building
  • Flexible terrace finishes – slabs, tiles, decking
  • Versatile balustrading – glass, railing, infill panels
  • BS6180 compliant – safety assured
  • Full technical support – from design to installation

 

Imagine the possibilities: Create rooftop terraces that are safe, stylish, and completely bespoke to your project. Explore how Panorama P-TK can elevate your next design.

Learn more:
https://www.danialu.co.uk/panorama-p-tk-freestanding-roof-terrace

Email:
contact@danialu.co.uk

Phone:
01865 595162

Glass Entrance Lobby Creates Automatic Entrance to Oxford Chapel (March 2025)

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

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Working with commercial glazing specialists IQ Projects, TORMAX has delivered discrete and reliable automation to a new draught lobby installed inside the main entrance to the 13th century chapel at Merton College, Oxford.

Successfully reducing heat loss from the building whilst improving the internal ambient temperature, the elegant glass lobby features two sets of automatic sliding doors. Working in tandem, the doors are powered by in-house designed TORMAX iMotion 2202.A operators.

Helping maintain the heritage aesthetics, the iMotion 2202.A has an installation height of just 100mm which, along with a slender guide track, makes it suitably unobtrusive. Reliable AC motor technology combines with a state-of-the-art microprocessor control system to deliver near-silent movement quality, for an appropriate entrance into this ancient place of worship.

An exquisite example of Gothic architecture, Merton College Chapel has stood as a place of worship at the heart of this ancient College, for over 750 years. Today the Chapel is home to a lively and diverse Christian community with a busy programme of daily services and concerts.

With sustainability a targeted priority throughout the College, it was recognised that the existing entrance doors were a source of avoidable heat-loss. Seeking a modern solution that would create a welcoming atmosphere without compromising the building’s historic charm, IQ Projects was contracted to install a thoughtfully designed glass lobby.

“We have worked with IQ Projects on a number of different installations,” comments Simon Roberts, MD for TORMAX. “This glass lobby is a truly elegant solution with the automatic sliding doors offering seamless and unhindered access for everyone.”

Reliability is a priority for any automatic entrance and the Chapel doors should only require minimal maintenance thanks to the advanced designed of the iMotion operator. Featuring a motor that has none of the working parts that easily wear out, such as gears and brushes, the iMotion life expectancy is second to none.

TORMAX UK provides high-quality automatic door solutions, including sliding, swing, and revolving doors, with expert installation, maintenance, and repair services for commercial applications.

With a rich heritage rooted in British manufacturing, Mueller Europe leads the way in the copper tubing industry

Building Products Index Ltd Copper Tubes, Pipes Leave a Comment

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With a rich heritage rooted in British manufacturing, Mueller Europe, a highly reputable manufacturer of the iconic Wednesbury Copper Tube and Yorkshire Copper Tube brands, is renowned for their high-quality products. Established over a century ago, with a commitment to quality and innovation, they have maintained their position at the forefront of the industry.

Quality is at the heart of Mueller Europe’s operations. The company adheres to stringent quality control measures to ensure its products meet and exceed industry standards. Every copper tube produced by Mueller Europe is manufactured with precision, ensuring reliability and durability in every application, all proudly made in Britain.

Whether you’re a plumbing professional, HVAC specialist, work in a medical institution or a homeowner considering a renovation, Mueller Europe produces a wide array of copper tubes, catering to diverse needs—from plumbing and heating to refrigeration and industrial applications. This expansive product range ensures a perfect fit for every project, whether residential or commercial.

Product Applications include:

  • Plumbing Tubes: Ideal for both hot and cold-water installations ensuring efficient flow in buildings
  • HVAC Tubes: Engineered to meet the stringent requirements of modern HVAC systems
  • Gas Tubes: Specifically designed for gas supply systems, these tubes ensure safe and reliable performance
  • Medical Gas Tubes: Used in healthcare facilities, these tubes meet stringent standards for medical applications
  • Industrial Tubes: Designed for specialized industrial applications requiring high performance and reliability

Types of Copper Tubes:

  • Plain Copper Tubes: These are versatile and widely used for general plumbing and heating applications. Their clean and polished surface makes them ideal for visible installations
  • Plastic Coated Copper Tubes: These tubes come with an additional protective layer of plastic coating. This coating provides extra protection against external elements, making them suitable for outdoor or exposed environments
  • Chrome Plated Copper Tubes: These are perfect for applications where aesthetics is important, such as in bathrooms, as the chrome finish offers a sleek and modern look
  • Microbore Tubes: These smaller diameter tubes are excellent for central heating systems, providing efficiency and ease of installation

Quality and Standards

Both Wednesbury and Yorkshire Copper Tube take pride in adhering to the highest quality standards. Their products comply with international regulations, including BS EN 1057, ensuring that they meet the demands of modern installations. Their tubes undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand various conditions and pressures.

Why Choose Copper Wednesbury and Yorkshire Copper Tubes?

  • Durability: Copper tubes can last for decades, ensuring a longer lifespan for plumbing systems, unlike other materials. This longevity makes copper a cost-effective choice, as it reduces the need for frequent replacements and repairs
  • Ease of Installation: Copper pipes are relatively easy to install. Their malleability allows for easy bending and fitting, reducing the need for additional fittings and lowering installation costs
  • Corrosion Resistance: Unlike some metals, copper does not rust, even when in contact with water, making it an ideal choice for plumbing applications. This resistance ensures that the water supply remains uncontaminated and safe for consumption
  • Safety: Copper’s antimicrobial properties make it a safe choice for water and gas systems
  • Recyclability: Copper is 100% recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly option
  • Quality Assurance: Each copper tube undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure compliance with industry standards
  • Versatility: Copper tubes are suitable for a wide range of applications, from residential plumbing to advanced HVAC systems to large-scale industrial projects
  • Resistance to Bacteria: Copper has natural antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent choice for water supply systems. It helps reduce the risk of contamination, ensuring cleaner and safer water

Conclusion

Whether you are involved in a large-scale industrial project or a simple home renovation, Wednesbury and Yorkshire Copper tube brands offer reliable, efficient, and sustainable solutions.

Mueller Europe, through its Wednesbury and Yorkshire Copper Tube brands, continues to lead the way in the copper tubing industry. Its diverse range of high-quality products, combined with the inherent advantages of copper, makes it a preferred choice for professionals and consumers alike. Whether for traditional plumbing, modern heating solutions, or aesthetically pleasing finishes, Mueller Europe’s copper tubes offer unmatched performance and reliability. By choosing either Wednesbury or Yorkshire, you are investing in a product that ensures performance and peace of mind for years to come.

For further information:

Tel: +44 (0) 1902 499700

website: www.muellereurope.com

How a Roof Lantern Brought Light and Life to a Historic Home Extension

Building Products Index Ltd Rooflights Leave a Comment

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When a growing family needed more space—and more light—they turned to Rooflights & Skylights for expert advice. The result? A stunning 6-panel roof lantern that transformed a deep extension into a bright, welcoming living space.

Project: Set in the heart of a quiet Northamptonshire village, this charming semi-detached home has a unique past. Originally built in 1820 as a schoolhouse, the property carries a rich sense of character and history. When Jason and his partner purchased it in 2018, they saw the potential to create something really special. With its distinctive L-shaped footprint and three-bedroom layout, the home offered both space and charm – but as their family plans grew, so did their need for more room. That’s when the idea for a modern extension began to take shape.

Brief: With their first child on the way, Jason and his partner knew they needed more space to grow as a family. Their vision was to add a single-storey extension to the home, creating a larger, more comfortable living area where they could relax and spend time together. The extension would sit off the back of the property with a flat roof design – ideal for blending with the existing structure. However, because the new space was quite deep, they quickly realised that relying on standard vertical windows might not bring in enough natural light, especially towards the middle of the room. That’s when they started exploring rooflight options to brighten up the space.

Solution: To bring natural light into the new extension and create a standout architectural feature, Jason reached out to Scott Couldrey at Rooflights & Skylights for advice on the best product for the space. Given the depth of the extension and the property’s traditional character, the rooflight wouldn’t just serve a functional role – it would become a visible feature from all areas of the garden, so style was just as important as performance.

Working closely with his builder, Jason specified the need for a rooflight to fit an overall kerb of  3000mm x 2000mm. After reviewing options that balanced style, performance, availability, and budget, Scott recommended a 6-panel roof lantern from Brett Martin as the ideal solution.

The roof lantern is built with a sleek aluminium frame, finished in RAL 9010 White internally and RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey externally – ensuring a clean look inside while blending beautifully with the exterior of the home. It features six self-cleaning, double-glazed panels with a blue tint, helping to soften natural light and reduce glare in the living space.

While Brett Martin also offers a 4-panel version in the same size, the 6-panel design was chosen for two key reasons: the smaller glass panels made handling and installation easier for the builder, and the multi-panel layout gave the lantern a more ornate, decorative appearance – enhancing its visual impact from both inside and out.

Ease of delivery was also a consideration. The property sits at the end of a narrow village lane that had previously caused issues for larger commercial vehicles. Taking this into account, Scott arranged for the lantern to be delivered on a suitably sized truck, ensuring smooth access and a stress-free delivery to site.

Conclusion

“Buying a rooflight or lantern is not an everyday purchase, and it’s certainly not one you can afford to get wrong,” said Jason. “However, I felt supported at every step. Scott’s detailed questioning about the project and what I was aiming to achieve reassured me about purchasing a roof lantern from Rooflights & Skylights. This became even more clear when issues about access to the property were highlighted and the lengths he went to ensure the chosen roof lantern was shipped on a suitable vehicle. I can’t recommend Rooflights & Skylights highly enough.”

For Jason and his family, the roof lantern hasn’t just transformed the extension with natural light – it’s added a stylish architectural focal point to the home, delivered with care, expertise, and a truly personal approach.

Click for more info:  https://www.rooflights-skylights.co.uk/products/brett-martin-classic-6-panel-roof-lantern

ACO Bespoke Access Covers designed to the shape and load class you need.

Building Products Index Ltd access covers Leave a Comment

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As a planner or architect, you are always looking for reliable partners and answers to your very specific problems. For every challenge there is always a solution.

ACO can provide bespoke Access Covers for your project. These can be sized as you need with multiple hatches. We can manufacture these in either aluminium, hot dipped galvanised steel or stainless-steel grade 304 as standard. Covers can also be manufactured in stainless steel grade 316 if required.

ACO Bespoke covers can be designed to different load classes for both pedestrian areas and for heavy traffic areas.

Our previous projects have included multipart covers for airport installations, floor access doors to underground services or bespoke shaped landscape covers for public realm applications.

Our bespoke covers are normally available in around 10 working days.

To learn more about our bespoke covers please visit www.aco.co.uk/products/bespoke-access-covers

Talk to us about your needs today call 01462 810421 or email: acsales@aco.co.uk 

We also have an extensive range of standard access covers that are both recessed and solid covers.

NEW CLADDING CPD FROM MARLEY

Building Products Index Ltd Cladding, Rainscreen Cladding Leave a Comment

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Marley has launched a new RIBA-accredited CPD for its Weatherboard external cladding range titled – ‘Modern Design Considerations for Rainscreen Cladding’.

Available in person, or online, the CPD has been designed to educate specifiers considering modern rainscreen cladding systems. The hour-long CPD seminar also supports specifiers and architects looking to gain knowledge on the various applications of rainscreen systems and its architectural uses.

Suitable for specification on residential and commercial buildings, today’s rainscreen cladding applications are creating a blend of contemporary façades and traditional aesthetics. Delivering greater design flexibility, increased weather and moisture protection, and enhanced thermal performance for sustainable building design.

Marley’s new CPD covers all aspects of its Weatherboard fibre cement cladding solution – ranging from the origins and current variants of the system, through to technical standards and guidance for system installation and detailing.

Renowned for its durability, low maintenance, fire resistance and sustainable properties, a fibre cement external cladding system, such as Marley’s Weatherboard, is a great option for specifiers looking to deliver attractive and high performing buildings.

Kevin O’Neill, National Sales Manager – Weatherboard for Marley, comments: “The creation of our new CPD, covering all aspects of rainscreen cladding, provides specifiers and architects with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of a product solution proving to be increasingly popular in the market.

“The RIBA-accredited CPD outlines the design considerations, performance credentials and technical angles, which are all essential to establish a full understanding of fibre cement rainscreen cladding and the many benefits it delivers.”

For further details on the newly launched Marley CPD ‘Modern Design Considerations for Rainscreen Cladding’, please visit Marley’s website.

Value Engineering in Structural Waterproofing

Building Products Index Ltd Waterproof Membranes, waterproofing Leave a Comment

View the Delta Membranes entry on BPindex

View the Delta Membranes technical drawings

View the Delta Membranes CPD seminars

View the Delta Membranes case studies

Value engineering is a method to deliver essential project functions at the lowest cost. It substitutes materials and methods with cheaper alternatives without losing functionality. Focused on functions rather than physical attributes, value engineering is also known as value analysis.

Value engineering reviews products in the design phase to cut costs and boost functionality, enhancing product value. It aims to produce items cost-effectively without compromising their purpose. The concept of Value Engineering began at General Electric Co. during World War II.  During the war, there were shortages of skilled labour, raw materials, and component parts. Lawrence Miles and Harry Erlicher at G.E. sought suitable substitutes.

Aligning Value Engineering with Structural Waterproofing

Messrs Miles Erlicher defined product value as the ratio of function to cost. Function is the work an item is designed to perform, and cost covers its life cycle expenses. Increasing product value involves enhancing function or reducing cost. Value engineering includes analysing costs related to production, design, maintenance, and replacement.

Product value =              Function

                                         __________

                                                 Cost

Waterproofing requires a tailored design approach, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution.  So, to achieve value engineering in structural waterproofing, consideration should be given to product, Product performance characteristics, installation, future maintenance and worst-case scenario, refitting flawed or failed systems.

Waterproofing is vital for maintaining the integrity and value of a structure. Poor workmanship, wrong materials, lack of preparation, or missed details during installation can cause failed waterproofing systems, leading to water damage and expensive repairs.  Addressing waterproofing issues early ensures a structure stays in great condition. Although waterproofing costs only 2-5% of a building’s total expense, to rectify failed or flawed waterproofing, can account to nearly 80% of all construction-related problems.

Effective structural waterproofing relies on precise product selection and proper installation methods from the start.

Waterproofing Design

Waterproofing design is essential in construction, employing various methods and materials to prevent water ingress. Effective waterproofing design enhances building longevity and safeguards structures against water damage.

Three key stages to successful waterproofing: design, specification, and installation.

The waterproofing designer will assess “value” and incorporate this into their design.  Not all waterproofing products/materials are equal.  Different products offer varied qualities and features, so it’s important to choose the right one for the project.

A Waterproofing Design Specialist must know various waterproofing systems and BS 8102:2022. They should understand water sources, their interaction with structures, and soil flow. Structural principles and geotechnical knowledge are essential for working with engineers and interpreting soil reports.

Delta Technical Team

Delta’s Technical Team can help you find value engineering solutions for your waterproofing project.  For all your project requirements, Delta’s Technical Team is a dependable resource. Offering expert advice, comprehensive support, and timely practical assistance, we cater to your specific needs. Contact us today to optimise your project’s performance and cost efficiency.    

Tel: 01992 523 523 or drop us an email at info@deltamembranes.com.

Albany Colour Crush: Cherry Reds from Brewers

Building Products Index Ltd Paint Leave a Comment

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Red has seen a rise in popularity in recent years thanks to its versatility and ability to evoke powerful emotion and is a colour that is here to stay in the world of interiors!

2025 has seen a rise in popularity for one shade of red in particular – cherry! Here we show you how to get the look with Albany paints.

The Colour Psychology of Red:

Red has the longest visual wavelength of any colour, perfect for making a real impact within a space. It is seen as the colour of love, energy and indulgence, perfect for busier spaces such as living rooms and kitchens. Cherry reds are rich, vibrant shades of red with a broad range of pink and violet undertones, perfect for providing a playful twist in your scheme.

The Unexpected Red Theory:

Last year, the ‘Unexpected Red Theory’ went viral, where people took to social media to share their surprise for red seemingly working with everything! They argued that red works with any colour palette…some were even calling for red to become the new neutral! This isn’t news to the world of design, as interior designers and stylists have been using red as a part of schemes for decades.

How To Use Red in Your Space:

Red can be used in a modern setting as well as more traditional spaces, either as the dominant colour or as an accent colour. To create a balanced scheme, combine with cool colours for a complementary look. Pairing with blues and greens can create a fun and energising space!

Reds also work beautifully with a neutral palette, so for clients that are hesitant with colour, start small, adding a sophisticated red to the space can really elevate the whole look. A pop of red in the colour scheme can easily be added by painting furniture or highlighting an architectural detail.

Alternatively, for a bold approach, colour drenching the whole space with a chosen shade or double drenching with a few variations of red would make a dramatic impact.

Explore Albany’s Cherry Colour Palettes:

From deep and dramatic to light and whimsical, Albany’s cherry tones offer endless possibilities.

A darker, moodier take on the Cherry trend:

Kingsmead
Bark
Cheltenham

A light and bright Cherry palette:

Romantic Rain
Cherry

To add a whimsical touch, why not add blue?

Powder Blue

Colonial

Be mindful of the light available in the room and see which red works best in your space. Albany Colour Samplers are available to help find the perfect colour.

Shop the full Albany range online at brewers.co.uk or pop into your local Brewers Decorator Centre today!