FIREFLY® FB180 Batt System Features in Glasgow Central Station Redevelopment

Building Products Index Ltd Fire Protection Leave a Comment

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The first phase of a £5million investment by Network Rail in Scotland’s busiest station, has completed with the opening of Avanti West Coast’s new first-class lounge and ticket office. The first phase of the project involved the historic Caledonian Chambers area of the station which is on the east side of the concourse. Caledonian Chambers is a Category B Listed Building designed by Glaswegian architect, James Miller, and was completed in 1903. It was built for the Caledonian Railway Company.

Modifications and improvements were led by Network Rail and included the upgrading of the fire protection for the historic main structure, which required the creation of bespoke as well as standard encasement details for large steel beams by sector specialist, FIREFLY®. Originally opened in 1879, the first phase of this multi-million-pound property project included the creation of Avanti West Coast’s new ticket office and first-class lounge and a brand-new step-free Network Rail station reception on the concourse level. The wider project will see existing tenants relocate, new retail units created, and office accommodation refurbished.  Such has been the extent of past adaptations that when the project began last November, the design team was unclear as to the nature of the roof deck’s construction, until demolition of a fast-food restaurant revealed the I-beams up to 900mm deep.

Details originally developed by FIREFLY® parent company in Australia have been adapted to the requirements of the Building Standards (Scotland) and the Building Regulations, enabling the easy to cut and shape non-combustible FB180 batts to infill the web to different sized steel beams. The addition of fireproof mastic and additional layers and the special Ablative Coating complete an encasement which is able to offer 60 minutes or longer integrity and insulation.  The installation work within the station, which has remained operational throughout, has been carried out by Glasgow based QualiFire Passive Fire Protection, with SIG being the merchant stockist supplying all the FIREFLY® materials.

Active across Scotland and the North of England, QualiFire was set up by Joe Stewart in 2019 as a specialist in passive fire protection solutions for clients in the education, healthcare and local authority as well as other sectors, but has been using FIREFLY® products for the first time on the Glasgow project.

Joe commented: “The lounge and surrounding area is currently being fitted out, while our team continues to work elsewhere within the station. The FIREFLY® system was recommended by the project architects – IDP – and the client, as they had previously been unable to find a manufacturer offering a solution which could be guaranteed to protect beams, which could be a 100years old, in this sort of situation. Initially the fire curtains were considered but then it was decided to use FIREFLY® FB180 batts. I have had very good feedback from our installers, regarding the ease of cutting and fitting them, with very little waste generated compared to other similar products. We have used both the FIREFLY® intumescent mastic and the Ablative Coating across the entire surface. Overall, it was very flexible and effective, and we have had lots of positive comments about the work, not just from the client and consultants, but also the merchant, SIG whose manager has taken an interest.  We work on big public contracts like this as far down as London if required and I can see a big potential for the system.”   

FIREFLY® Technical Sales Manager for Scotland and Ireland, Daniel Gordon, explained: “There has been enormous focus on improving the fire performance of both private residential and public buildings in the past few years, both here in Scotland and across the rest of the UK – with specifiers urgently wanting to ensure compliance for the projects they are involved with. One result of this we have seen is the widespread use being made of our FB180 batt system as a much more dependable alternative to spraying structural steel beams with intumescent coatings: the thickness and quality of which is far more difficult to ascertain.”

Back at the outset of the project, the scheme project manager at Network Rail, Conor Mclaughlin, reported: “We are excited to be making this multi-million-pound investment to benefit passengers at Glasgow Central. We are changing the layout and occupation of several existing retail units on the station concourse which involves relocating tenants, creating new retail units, making some units larger and refurbishing office accommodation and we hope to create a broader range of retail for passengers and station users, thereby improving the experience at the station.”

Addressing the Key BSA Concerns of 78% of Architects | New Lunch and Learn

Building Products Index Ltd Facade Leave a Comment

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According to a recent RIBA survey, 78% of architects have expressed significant concern about the implications of the Building Safety Act, particularly regarding compliance and the need for ongoing professional development to ensure fire safety in their designs.

Join EQUITONE for an insightful Lunch and Learn that delves deeper into fire-safe facades and their relation to the Building Safety Act (BSA).

This session is designed to help you navigate critical aspects of fire safety in building design, from understanding regulations to enhancing safety standards.

Click here to request your Lunch and Learn

(Available to UK practises only)

 Learning Objectives

During EQUITONE’s Lunch and Learn, you will discover:

  • Why we need to act
  • Overview of building regulations
  • Fire classification explained
  • The importance of the Golden Thread
  • Standards and guidance for conformity

Roundtable insights on the BSA

The Building Safety Act has had a huge impact for the construction industry, imposing stringent new requirements for higher-risk buildings. Building Magazine, in partnership with EQUITONE explored this with a roundtable of professionals from architecture, engineering, construction and client sectors earlier this year.

This thought leadership event posed some fascinating questions and insights. Click here to view EQUITONE’s latest article on the BSA and the Roundtable summary (In the further reading section).

Bollard Socket Systems From Glasdon

Building Products Index Ltd bollards Leave a Comment

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Glasdon UK Limited are manufacturers of quality and cost-effective road traffic bollards, made from rigid Durapol® material or self-righting Impactapol® material. With bollards commonly being used to mark hazards, collisions and accidents will often cause them to become damaged, requiring replacement. If the damaged bollard is installed as a permanent fixture, it could prove difficult, expensive, and dangerous to replace. That’s where socket systems come inOffered as a specialised fixing option for their bollards, Glasdon’s socket systems are designed to make it quicker and easier to install and remove bollard posts. Built into the ground, Glasdon’s socket systems allow bollards to be inserted and withdrawn at will, with the full process taking only seconds.

The benefits are numerous – not only will personnel spend less time performing maintenance on or near roadways, but socket systems remove the need for any expensive and disruptive groundwork beyond an initial installation. Instead, Glasdon’s socket systems can outlast multiple different bollards and continue to accept replacements throughout their life span.

Additionally, should an abnormally wide load require extra road space, or if vehicles need access to an area for a special event, socket systems provide the extra flexibility required. Simply remove and re-insert the bollard posts as needed, inserting a socket blanking plate into the system to nullify any trip hazards caused by the opening.

Glasdon’s Standard Socket System has been designed in detail and tested to stringent standards by our QA engineers to ensure durability and value for money. Compatible with rigid Durapol® bollards, posts can simply be slotted into the aperture for strong and unmoving placement.

Alternatively, Glasdon’s newest and most advanced Lockfast™ Socket System is made of Durapol® material and features a twist lock for added durability. Compatible with both rigid Durapol® bollards and self-righting Impactapol® bollards, the Lockfast™ model allows bollards to be oriented in two directions, and provides directional arrows, visual logo aids, and a square profile to make installation smoother and more streamlined.

For safer, cost-effective, and time-saving bollard maintenance, choose Glasdon socket systems. A full guide on the features, benefits, and uses of socket systems can be found in Glasdon’s eBook on the topic.

Wavin Tigris K5 Press-fit Plumbing

Building Products Index Ltd Pipes, push fit fittings Leave a Comment

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Product Overview:

Wavin Tigris K5/M5 is the next generation of press-fit plumbing and has been designed with installers and engineers at mind. The system is suitable for use in potable water, heating, secondary circulation, and HVAC applications It is essential these systems are installed to the highest standards, and testing is a crucial, often overlooked, part of the installation stage. Having listened to the challenges experienced by installers and engineers on site, including use of wrong tools, pressure testing with water and the hygiene requirements, and pressure loss by fittings – Wavin have created a fitting that meets the customers’ needs and eliminates their pain points.

The one-pipe-fits-all Tigris product family:

With Tigris, Wavin offers a complete range of fittings, all perfectly compatible with their multi-layer composite pipe systems. The Tigris family of fittings are available in a wide range of sizes from 16-75mm and are designed to offer the most reliable connection for their specific applications, but can be mixed and matched where required.

Utilising the reliable and tested Radial Press-Fit technology at it’s core, Wavin Tigris fittings have evolved to make installation quick, easy and most of all reliable.

Main Features:

Acoustic leak alert: The 80-decibel acoustic leak alert whistle, designed to easily identify unpressed fittings using an air pressure. This feature ensures that installers can reliably and efficiently detect unpressed fittings in the loudest environments. Giving installers a quick, cost effective, and efficient method to test one section of a building at a time, and without using water. Tigris K5/M5 is the first system to offer this innovative feature to streamline the overall pressure testing process.

In4Sure 360°: K5 fittings incorporate a new transparent section as part of the body to give installers a quick visual to check the pipe is inserted correctly. The fittings also incorporate a ‘leak path’ so unpressed fittings can also be visually identified if water testing is preferred by the installer.

Opti Flow: The Opti Flow feature ensures a 50% greater flow rate when compared with K1/M1Designed to deliver optimal flow performance through the fittings, this is especially relevant for smaller pipe diameters and will insure a higher total system performance. This is particularly beneficial for high-rise projects where there’s increased demand on the pumping system to supply water to upper levels.

Multi Jaw: Tigris K5/M5 fittings can now be pressed with common pressing profiles including U, Up, H, TH and B – ensuring installers do not require investment in new tooling. K5 fittings have a PPSU body and M5 fittings are DZR brass.

Ultra Seal: The reliability of the O -rings sealings is tested with a lifetime simulation test under extreme conditions. Tested to 110°C which is far above the required max temperature of 95°C.

Modernising the pressure testing process:

Pipelines have been historically tested using water pressure, a method that comes with great risk. The greatest being legionella, a water-bourne bacteria that can cause a potentially fatal lung infection in those who breathe in infected water droplets. Evidence suggests that this bacteria could develop if pipes aren’t effectively dried after water-pressure testing. Tigris offers a groundbreaking alternative to this.

For Contractors:

The Tigris K5 design has been optimized for speed and ease of installation, helping contractors to complete projects on time and ultimately save on labour costs. The Acoustic Alert feature enables contractors to test with air easily during the build process a section at a time (prior the final pressure test) which is a major benefit on a large build. The 80-decibel Acoustic Alert Whistle enables easy identification of unpressed fittings during an air pressure test – even in the loudest environments. Tigris K5/M5 is the first system to offer this innovative feature to streamline the overall pressure testing process. Tigris also demonstrates sustainable credentials with the lifetime assessment report showing a life span in excess of 100 years.

Wavin Tigris K5/M5 is the next generation of press-fit plumbing that will blow you away. Wavin has solved the biggest barrier of air pressure testing with a game changing approach, the first and only fitting with an acoustic leak alert to detect unpressed fittings in the loudest environments. On top of that, we built in features to create an industry leading fitting. Getting the connection right first time is even easier with features such as the 360° window where you can see the pipe is correctly inserted and we solved the tooling issue too. Supported with BIM Revit files for efficient design and EPDs for sustainability assessment – Tigris K5/M5 offers benefits not only to contractors but engineer, specifiers, and building owners too.

How to use a roller with skimming and finishing fillers

Building Products Index Ltd Filler Leave a Comment

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Quality is the key mark of the professional. It ensures a happy customer, repeat trade and new opportunities. But a good job takes time, and tradespeople are always looking for new ways of working to help cut down on labour, without compromising on quality. For example, as the trend toward using plasterboard in interior construction continues to increase, plasterboard tapers and jointers routinely opt to use automatic tapers and finishing boxes, to achieve that all important level 5 finish as efficiently as possible.

Likewise, painting and decorating was revolutionised with the introduction of the roller. And recently, this now-essential tool is being used to further cut time and effort, whilst still achieving a top-quality finish.

Smoothing and finishing fillers

The revolutionary new technique for the humble roller is its use as an applicator for skimming and finishing fillers. There are many types of these fillers out there, designed for a variety of jobs. Toupret offers Joint & Skim, for plasterboard jointing and finishing, as well as Renovation Skimcoat, which is used for smoothing out damaged or textured walls and ceilings. And there’s even an exterior solution in Ready To Use Skimcoat Filler, which levels out rough exterior surfaces, and can be used to patch up areas of damaged render up to 5mm, or used as an external skim.

How to apply with a roller

Traditionally, jobs that require these types of products are carried out with a trowel or blade. Recently though, rollers designed to apply filler have hit the market. Whilst they have been specifically created for this type of application, it’s worth mentioning that it is possible to carry out the job to a professional standard with either a short or medium pile paint roller.

Loading up is not done in quite the same way as paint. There needs to be a good amount of filler on the roller for it to be sufficiently applied. That means it really needs to be plunged into the product to get a good quantity onto the wall or ceiling. Once on the surface, however, it’s as simple as rolling on paint, even down to the traditional application technique; rolling up and down and slightly overlapping the previous pass with each subsequent step, using an ‘N’ or ‘W’ formation when applying. It will feel similar to applying a thick stipple coating. Once on, the product can be smoothed out, and the excess removed with a skimming blade.

Other innovations in decorating…

Rolling on isn’t the only time-saving new technique for applying skimming and finishing fillers. Airless spray plastering is another innovation that started with paint application and is continuing to make traction in the UK as an application for fillers as wall coverings – a truly revolutionary alternative to traditional plastering. It uses a machine that creates a high-pressure spray to apply specially formulated fillers for jointing, finishing and levelling uneven surfaces, and can perform the job in a fraction of the time. It’s sprayed on with a hose and gun, taking the strain off the shoulders, arms and knees. Check out toupret.co.uk for more information and the full range of Airless Spray Plasters.

Case study – Unicorn Packing Centre, a much needed roof refurbishment project.

Building Products Index Ltd Waterproof Membranes, waterproofing Leave a Comment

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Unicorn Packing Centre (UPC), Stockport

ROOFING CONTRACTOR: Holloway Cook

Sq. M: 3,200 sq. m.

SECTOR:  Commercial

PRODUCTS: Soprema Elastocol 600 Bitumen Primer. Sopravap Stick ALU S16, Sopratherm G, Soprema Soprastick Venti FF, Sopralene Flam 250 AF

Soprema ensures the safe delivery of a much-needed roof refurbishment at a busy and prestigious packing centre in Manchester.

In the dynamic refurbishment landscape, the Unicorn Packing Centre (UPC) in Stockport, Manchester, stands as a testament to innovation, quality and transformative power of Soprema’s advanced roofing solutions.

Photo credit: Holloway Cook

Leading contracting firm, Holloway Cook, approached Soprema to design and deliver a solution which would restore and modernise this 50-year-old building, to ensure it was functional for the busy and essential contract packing facility, based in the North West.

Product Specification

The scope of works undertaken by Halloway Cook encompassed the meticulous removal of existing roof coverings, and the installation of a new roof structure.

Photo credit: Holloway Cook

The existing bitumen roof was experiencing leaks, and the fire performance rating was causing concern for the client. Central to the refurbishment was the specification and installation of Soprema’s cutting-edge and BBA-certified bituminous waterproofing membrane, renowned for its high quality, excellent resistance and superior service life.

Scope of Works

Once the existing roof system had been removed, Halloway Cook first installed Soprema’s Elastocol 600 bitumen primer to the existing structural metal deck, before Sopravap Stick S16 self-adhesive modified bitumen membrane was laid as a vapour control layer (VCL). Contractors then installed Sopratherm G Glass Tissue warm deck roof installation, prior to the Soprelene Flam 250 AF polyester-reinforced cap sheet as the top layer.

Speaking of why Soprema were specified, Dave Raw, Business Development Manager at Holloway Cook, said: “We have used Soprema products in the past and we know the exceptional quality and ease of installation of the waterproofing systems. Soprema’s products are always readily available, which means timely execution of projects.”

Photo credit: Holloway Cook

The UPC site was still occupied during refurbishment works, so downtime had to be kept to a minimum. Thanks to the ease and speed of application of Soprema’s bituminous system, the project completed within the six-month timeframe and on budget, demonstrating efficient project management and adherence to the established timeline.

Dave Raw added: “Providing that extra peace of mind for us and the end client, Soprema’s robust warranty and 25-year guarantee gave assurance for the longevity and performance of the roofing system.”

Project Challenges

As with any ambitious project, challenges inevitably surfaced. The UPC is an operational industrial site, and the team had to ensure the building remained watertight throughout the winter months; a task made all the more challenging due to the busy access routes frequently used by heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Navigating the intricacies of a landlocked site and providing safe access to the roof presented additional hurdles. Moreover, striking a balance between the needs of factory engineers and operational efficiency required adept management.

Thanks to transparent communication and collaboration between Soprema and Holloway Cook, their experienced and knowledgeable teams were able to tackle these challenges head-on.

Continued Dave: “Soprema made these tasks easy to overcome, thanks to their insightful and supportive technical team, who were on-hand at any time, including for site visits. All operatives were trained in the Soprema waterproofing system and knew how to safely execute the project whilst maintaining installation to a high standard.”

Thanks to correct product specification, industry experience and technical expertise, the UPC roof refurbishment was delivered successfully.

KEIM – ANOTHER BRUSH OF BRILLIANCE AS THEY LAUNCH METALLICS

Building Products Index Ltd Paint Leave a Comment

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Transform your project with a touch of brilliance: discover KEIM Metallic Mineral Paint

KEIM Design Lasur in shade Or vieilli. Photo credit: Eloïse Peyre

KEIM Mineral Paints, based in Telford has recently extended its range of innovative paint solutions to add a sprinkle of sophistication (and durability) for both residential and commercial spaces. Introducing KEIM Metallics…

The palette of 40 metallic shades

Sprinkle those sparkles!

KEIM are well known for their range of eco-passionate solutions such as interior and exterior paints, renders and finishes for surfaces including concrete and brick, but this latest venture gives architects, designers, and homeowners free rein to elevate their environments to the next level of sparkle!

As with all KEIM products, sustainability and eco-credentials are at the heart of the ingredients used to produce finishes that are highly durable, UV resistant whilst being kind to use and kind to the environment.

Non fade and non-tarnish

Vanessa Fox, Commercial Manager fills in the details around this latest innovation, ‘Metallic effect adds a dash of glamour and sophistication. Manufactured using high quality mineral pigments, our metallics will give the surface intense iridescent reflections to add accents and visual impact in any setting. Unlike other metallic paints, KEIM will never tarnish, fade, or change colour, no matter how harsh the environment.’

KEIM Design Lasur in Silver Tint

Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, KEIM Metallics are blended using eight base colours (gold, silver, lava red, copper, green, black, white, and blue) to produce a palette of 40 vibrant sheens that change with the light. From warm tones, to cool aqua, subtle to striking – the choice is yours.

Add sparkle to concrete, accent a wall, or highlight an architectural feature, KEIM metallics deliver a striking impact mixed with a level of refinement and versatility; the only limitation is your imagination.

Please visit the Keim Mineral Paints website: https://www.keim.com/en-gb/  or the web shop at https://www.keimpaintshop.co.uk/

 

Landmark Refurbishment Project Made Possible with Charisma Vertical Sliders from Eurocell

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

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  • Renovation transforms neglected property into upmarket apartments for commercial and residential use
  • PVC-U windows used as a credible solution to meet local planning and building conservation legislation
  • Heritage features achieved using Charisma Vertical Sash Sliders, an alternative to timber framed windows
  • Modus windows replicated the aesthetics of aluminium windows, providing clean sight lines and low U-Values

Located in Liverpool, close to Lark Lane/Aigburth Road which is located in a lively area with trendy restaurants and bars, stood the imposing, but neglected property of 44 Parkfield Road. Originally built as a residential home, this property adapted to the needs of the area, becoming a mixture of commercial and residential, before falling into an unmanageable condition. However, this condition presented an opportunity to restore this stunning building. After the property was auctioned, Ballpark Developments, specialists in building and renovation, were the successful bidders. Seeing beyond the tired interior and exterior, the decision was made to rejuvenate the property into upmarket apartments. This was the perfect choice for this busy, cosmopolitan area.

Navigating Planning, Conservation, and Performance Demands

As with most buildings of this age, careful consideration needed to be taken to ensure conformity with local planning and building conservation legislation. This legislation governs the materials and building techniques that can be employed.

The building had historically been fitted with timber-framed vertical sliders which the architect and conservation planning, were specifying a replication of these aesthetics. The challenges were combined not only with aesthetics, but also the energy efficiency and acoustics levels with this being on a busy main road with late night bars contributing to noise pollution. Timber frames posed their own challenges, with difficulties in achieving both energy and acoustics ratings, alongside cost and lead times.  There was the added request from the Conservation Office to specify in the extended part of the building aluminium windows and doors. This proved to be an expensive option with long, undesirable lead times.

It was here that Ballpark Developments reached out to local specialist Warwick Developments, who, along with their long-standing reputation for commercial window and door expertise, also have a firm partnership with Eurocell.

Combining Heritage Aesthetics with Modern Efficiency

After specification review and consultation, Warwick Developments presented Eurocell Charisma Vertical Sash Sliders as an alternative for the timber framed windows combined with Modus windows as an alternative for the aluminium window.  Utilising the contemporary clean lines and U-Values as low as 0.7, made Modus the obvious choice. With both offering an added cost benefit, energy efficiency and aesthetically pleasing result.

A Sustainable Standard for Conservation Projects

This project shows how PVC-U windows are increasingly becoming a credible solution in areas with conservation measures. This landmark change can help set the future standard, enabling properties governed by conservation or listed status to now benefit from leading Eurocell window and door technologies.

Tony Ditchfield, Owner of Ball Park Developments comments: “It has been fantastic to work collaboratively on this project and bring the property back to life. The use of innovative and durable products helps reduce waste and the need for constant maintenance and replacements, which is of great importance as we work toward net zero. We look forward to seeing the building let with new tenants and for further projects with this team.”

Kelly Hibbert, Head of Commercial Sales at Eurocell commented: “Our wide variety of windows provide fabricators and developers, customisable solutions to suit projects of varying demands, including those that involve sensitive restoration like this development in Liverpool. PVC-U is an energy efficient, durable, safe and highly technical choice for residential properties and we look forward to working on similar projects in the future that require sustainable and forward-thinking fenestration options as we continue to lead the market.”

John McDonough, Warwick Developments commented: “It is thought of as unusual to install PVC-U windows in buildings under conservation rules. However, due to the intricate, customisable design options of Charisma Vertical Sash Sliders, as well as Modus, we have been able to present a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing option which both have low maintenance and cost effective benefits, whilst not compromising energy efficiency.

“We have worked on several similar projects in areas with conservation restrictions within Merseyside, that have seen PVC-U vertical sliders as the credible option. This meant that we had case studies the conservation team and architect could review for inspiration and guidance on specifying for Parkfield Road. The addition of being able to manufacture with sash horns and a deep bottom rail to align with the heritage features secured the decision.”

For more information on how Eurocell can assist you in delivering your next project, please contact the team commercialsales.profiles@eurocell.co.uk.

Safeguard Your Projects with Our Advanced Fire-Retardant Wall System

Building Products Index Ltd Breathable Membranes, Membranes Leave a Comment

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In today’s building environment, the performance of materials is under increased scrutiny. DuPont has focused on improving fire safety with its comprehensive A2-s1, d0 system, which includes:

  • DuPont Tyvek® Trifecta™ Breather Membrane
  • DuPont AirGuard® A2 FR AVCL
  • DuPont AirGuard® FR System Tape

When used together, these products enhance both the exterior and interior fabric of a building. The combination of Tyvek® Trifecta™ with the DuPont™ AirGuard® A2 FR AVCL & Tape System delivers exceptional benefits in energy efficiency, moisture management, air quality, and overall comfort within the building.

This integrated fire-retardant system complies with the United Kingdom’s strict building regulations for fire safety with the assurance of a 25-year DuPont Warranty.

Explore more about our enhanced fire products here

Case study: Tyvek® Trifecta™ at a Major Hotel’s Expansion Project

When faced with new fire safety regulations, TKS sought our expertise to integrate Tyvek® Trifecta™ into their hotel design. Our Tyvek® specialists provided on-site training and a ‘toolbox talk’ for the installation team, sharing best practices for effective membrane application. This hands-on support continued over several weeks, ensuring compliance with building regulations and instilling confidence in the installation process.

With our commitment to collaboration, TKS not only met critical fire resistance standards but also transformed their vision into reality, creating a safe environment for hotel guests and staff.

Ready to elevate your projects with expert support? Discover more about our Building Knowledge Centre and the team available to provide expert guidance.

AKW Launches New Alveo PVC Wall Panels Range

Building Products Index Ltd Bathrooms, wall panels Leave a Comment

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AKW, one of the UK’s leading providers of accessibility solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of its new Alveo PVC bathroom wall panels range. This new collection of high-quality wall panels gives specifiers and installers even more reasons to replace costly tiles with these stunning, time and money saving alternatives.

The contemporary look that saves time and money

AKW’s stylish, long-lasting Alveo PVC bathroom wall panels are highly robust PVC panels that have been designed to be quick and easy to install, without any specialist equipment. With 600mm and 1000mm width, trimmable panels that can fit over any existing surface, including tiles, they provide a contemporary finish to any bathroom renovation or adaptation.

Thanks to their interlocking tongue and groove edge, the Alveo PVC panels provide a seamless finish when joining two panels along a flat wall. The lightweight panels are suitable for use in adaptations when installed onto a structural wall and the Alveo fixing kit allows for accessories, such as grab rails and shower seats, to be fixed in place without any indentations to the wall panels. A variety of satin anodised finish profiles are also available, including End Cap, H-section, Internal Corner, External/Internal Corner and Bottom/Top, as well as a matt white finish Safety Flooring-to-Wall profile.

Available in contemporary white gloss, white marble, concrete matt and dark graphite colour finishes, there is a colourway to suit any bathroom refurbishment. Designed to be low maintenance, the Alveo PVC wall panels are easy to clean using soapy water and with fewer joins and dirt traps and no need for grout, they are more hygienic than tiles.

New AKW Marlbrook wall panel colourways

AKW has also extended the colourways of the Marlbrook wall panels range to include a white marble and matt grey and the number of available widths. Specifiers now have six contemporary colour finishes to choose from and four easy to transport and manoeuvre sizes (ranging from 300mm to 1200mm in width). The Marlbrook range of high-pressure laminated, structural wall panels is ideal for covering uneven walls and can also be used to box around pipework if needed. Straightforward and fast to install, this structural-grade wall panel range enables fixtures such as shower seats and grab rails to be fitted securely, without impacting on weight loading.

Stuart Reynolds, Head of Product and Marketing at AKW, comments: “There are a range of demands to be met when doing a bathroom adaptation or refurbishment. Alongside the functionality and look of the space, there is always the question of cost-effectiveness and durability. Our Alveo PVC and Marlbrook wall panels deliver on all these demands and more; they achieve a high value appearance for considerably less than the cost of tiling. The range of colourways enables a non-clinical finish to be obtained and these easy to maintain wall panels can also be fitted quickly using a standard toolkit, reducing bathroom downtime, and saving on using a specialist tiler. All in all , Alveo PVC and Marlbrook offer installers long-lasting results for minimum time and effort.”

To find out more about the AKW’s wall panel ranges visit https://akw-ltd.co.uk/alveo-wall-panels/

For more information contact AKW on 01905 823298, Email: sales@akw-ltd.co.uk or visit www.akw-ltd.co.uk