Stannah Lifts deliver multi-lift project for Welcome Break’s 60th Service Station

Building Products Index Ltd Escalator, Lift Leave a Comment

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Welcome Break opened its 60th service station at Junction 33 on the M1 in January, featuring a Stannah escalator, passenger lift and goods lift.

Spanning 32,000 square feet, located between Sheffield and Rotherham, the services offer state-of-the-art facilities, including dining options from KFC, Burger King and Starbucks as well as 28 EV charging stations and dedicated HGV amenities.

Designed to resemble a traditional Yorkshire village, the two-storey service station also includes retail, gaming, restrooms, seating, a children’s play area and remote workspaces. It marks Welcome Break’s first new motorway service in two decades.

Work

Stannah Lifts collaborated with principal contractors, HML Construction, architects Whittam Cox and SVM Associates on this £55 million project to create a cohesive lift solution and modern design that delivers an inclusive and convenient experience for visitors.

Back of house, Stannah installed a Goodsmaster lift to facilitate the safe and efficient transportation of goods between floors while improving workflow and minimising manual handling risks.

For front-of-house, a Stannah A2C escalator and a 13-person passenger lift were selected to optimise visitor traffic flow, improve accessibility and enhance overall experience.

Challenges

To optimise operations and resources, Stannah collaborated with teams across its divisions to ensure successful execution. Its Microlifts division installed the Goodsmaster lift, while the Passenger Lifts Division handled the passenger lift installation and the Major Projects Division oversaw the escalator.

This coordinated effort and meticulous planning ensured a seamless and efficient installation process, enhancing overall project delivery. As one of the few lift companies offering a full range of lift products along with comprehensive servicing, Stannah stands out as an ideal multi-project lift solution, streamlining customer communication, project specification and overall project management.

Solution

Passenger lift

To improve accessibility for wheelchair users and those less mobile, Stannah installed a 13-person stainless steel MRL (Motor Room Less) traction passenger lift from the Maxilift range, with a 1,000kg weight capacity.

Operating at 1.0 metres per second across two floors, the lift features efficient VVVF drives for a smooth, quiet and energy-efficient ride. Integrated remote monitoring ensures reliable operation, while LED lighting and standby shutdown contribute to an A-rating in BREEAM.

The lift’s design includes adjacent-opening, two-panel entrances, stainless steel walls and premium vinyl stone black concrete floor, providing a sleek and spacious feel. Equipped with intelligent controls, GSM connectivity and compliant with EN81-73 safety standards, it offers both safety and ease of maintenance, providing a future-proofed and high-performance solution for the service station.

Escalator

With the end user in mind, Stannah proposed its A2C escalator solution featuring a 1000m wide step to ensure maximum pedestrian flow during peak hours. Operating at 0.5 metres per second, a 30-degree angle offers a gradual transition from flat to inclined, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride.

The A2C-30 escalator is equipped with a toughened glass balustrade for enhanced durability, a hot-dip galvanised truss for improved protection in damp environments and an auxiliary brake for an added layer of safety.

Designed with efficiency and sustainability in mind, the escalator features speed monitoring that slows down when not in use. This is ideal for locations with varying traffic flow, helping to reduce operating costs and extend the product’s lifespan.

It also delivers a quiet and efficient ride with high efficiency and low maintenance, thanks to its low-vibration, low-noise motor and VVVF drive.

Goods Lift

To facilitate safe goods transportation, Stannah installed the Goodsmaster CD goods-only lift. This heavy-duty goods lift, capable of carrying 1,000kg, features a robust steel cladding structure with protective epoxy finish, non-slip aluminium checker plate flooring and bump rails.

Operating at 0.15 metres per second, the lift has front-facing entrances for easy loading and unloading. The Goodsmaster is supplied with interlocking car and landing gates to prevent load movement during travel, car safety gear and a load weighing device to prevent overloading.

The goods lift also includes LED lighting with an automatic timer for energy efficiency, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.

Results

The multi-lift solution provided by Stannah prioritises accessibility, safe operation and energy efficiency. Design was also an important consideration and Stannah collaborated closely with architects Whittam Cox to align with the original design scheme of this stylish new Welcome Break.

Lift Consultants, SVM associates commented “We were pleased to work with Welcome Break to provide the escalator, goods and passenger lifts in their new service station at Rotherham. Stannah were a natural fit as a delivery partner, being able to provide all products under one umbrella. The units have gone on to provide a reliable service for motorists and retailers alike.”

By offering both a passenger lift and an escalator solution, Stannah ensures full accessibility for wheelchair users and pushchairs, allowing easy movement between floors while maintaining smooth traffic flow, even during peak periods. A separate goods lift further enhances operational efficiency while ensuring customer safety.

Stannah successfully integrated three lift solutions into the building’s structure, completing the project ahead of schedule and within budget.

This cohesive and effective solution met the project’s diverse needs, ensuring seamless access throughout the building and efficient transportation of goods.

Continued product support

The Stannah East Midlands branch based in Mansfield, part of a nationwide network providing comprehensive lift servicing and support for all makes and models, is managing the lifts’ maintenance under the lift warranty, ensuring they stay in excellent condition with regular servicing. With the branch arranging on-site engineer attendance for the high-profile local opening day.

Archie Hungwe, Chief Operating Officer at Stannah Lifts, said: “Working with Whittam and SVM Associates, we were thrilled to be involved in this exciting multi-million-pound motorway service area project on the M1 in Rotherham for Welcome Break. I would like to say a big thank you to all our teams for working so hard on this project. After lots of hard work, it’s great to see the site open and ready to welcome the public”.

For more information, please visit: www.stannahlifts.co.uk/

Why Low-Carbon Precast Concrete Is No Longer a Compromise

Building Products Index Ltd Concrete, Precast Leave a Comment

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As the construction industry accelerates toward net-zero targets, the demand for sustainable materials has never been higher. While low-carbon concrete has been widely adopted for in-situ applications, precast concrete has traditionally lagged behind—mainly due to concerns around strength, durability, and consistency.

But that’s changing.

Thanks to innovations like ECO 1® from JKH, it’s now possible to achieve CEM I-equivalent performance in precast applications while significantly reducing carbon emissions. This marks a pivotal moment for the industry: low-carbon no longer means low-performance.

In this review, we’ll explore how low-carbon precast concrete has evolved and why it’s now a viable—and often preferable—alternative to traditional mixes.

What Is Low-Carbon Precast Concrete?

Traditional precast concrete is manufactured off-site using a high-cement mix, offering excellent strength, consistency, and durability. However, cement production is a major contributor to global CO₂ emissions.

Low-carbon precast concrete replaces a significant portion of cement with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like GGBS or fly ash. These mixes have historically been seen as less suitable for precast due to slower curing times or reduced early strength. But with proprietary blends like ECO 1, that’s no longer the case.

Key Differences—and Why They Matter Now

  1. Performance Without Compromise
  • Traditional Precast: Known for high strength and durability, especially in demanding environments.
  • ECO 1 Low-Carbon Precast ECO 1: Matches or exceeds traditional performance. ECO 1 retains CEM I standards while reducing cement content by 46%, achieving over 75 N/mm² at 28 days. It’s fully compliant with BS 8500-2:2023, including Design Chemical Class 4 and Design Sulphate Class 4—making it suitable for even the most aggressive environments.
  1. Environmental Impact
  • Traditional Precast: High embodied carbon due to cement content.
  • ECO1 Low-Carbon Precast: ECO 1 reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 49% with its ECO 1 ULTRA® variant, offering a genuine path to sustainable construction without sacrificing quality.
  1. Consistency and Quality
  • Traditional Precast: Offers factory-controlled consistency.
  • Low-Carbon Precast: Now delivers the same consistency and reliability, thanks to advanced mix design and rigorous testing. ECO 1 is used as standard across all JKH products, proving its reliability at scale
  1. Cost and Availability
  • Traditional Precast: Well-established and widely available.
  • Low-Carbon Precast: Once considered niche, it’s now mainstream. At JKH, ECO 1 is the default mix—offered at no extra cost—making sustainable choices more accessible than ever
  1. Project Suitability
  • Traditional Precast: Ideal for high-load, high-durability applications.
  • Low-Carbon Precast: Now equally suited for these applications, while also helping meet sustainability targets, LEED certification, and government carbon mandates.

Conclusion: A New Era for Precast Concrete

The assumption that low-carbon concrete can’t meet the demands of precast applications is now outdated. With solutions like ECO 1, the industry can move forward confidently—combining sustainability with strength, and innovation with reliability.

At JKH Ltd, we’re proud to lead this transformation. Whether you’re building infrastructure, commercial developments, or sustainable housing, our ECO 1 range ensures you no longer have to choose between performance and planet.

Let’s build better—together.

For more details on the ECO1 range, visit: https://www.jkhltd.co.uk/eco-1-range/ or contact us at sales@jkhltd.co.uk to discuss your needs.

*ECO 1 and ECO1 ULTRA are registered trade marks of JKH Drainage Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

The Francis Crick Institute – guaranteed waterproofing products for a state-of-the art facility

Building Products Index Ltd waterproofing Leave a Comment

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Architects: HOK and PLP Architecture
Main Contractor: Laing O’Rourke
Radmat Products used:
PermaQuik PQ6100 Hot Melt Bitumen Membrane
PQ2017 Reinforcing fabric
PQ2061Detailing Membrane
EshaFlex 370 FireSafe SBS modified bituminised cap sheet
Radmat 370 RootSafe bitumen-based waterproofing membrane, with anti-root treatment
Protherm XPS X MK Water Flow Reducing Layer
ProTherm G XPS X 300SL Insulation

Europe’s largest biomedical research facility

The Francis Crick Institute in Kings Cross, London is a state-of-the-art biomedical research facility that exemplifies innovative design and complex engineering. Completed in 2016, the institute was developed as a collaboration between major research organisations, including Cancer Research UK and University College London (UCL), with the aim of advancing scientific understanding of health and disease. Designed by HOK and PLP Architecture and constructed by Laing O’Rourke, the building spans 980,000 square feet and houses specialised laboratories and collaborative spaces for over 1,500 scientists.

David King, HOK’s lead architect on the project, remarked, “The Crick is a building designed to break down traditional research barriers. Its architecture promotes the interdisciplinary work needed to tackle some of the biggestchallenges in health and disease today.”

Five years ago, the Crick’s Clinical Research Director, Peter Ratliffe was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, alongside William Kaelin and Gregg Semenza, for the discovery of how cells sense and adapt to oxygen availability.

This design philosophy was crucial in developing a building that meets both the technical requirements of a research facility and the collaborative aspirations of a leading scientific institute. The Francis Crick Institute’s design incorporates a range of features that support its mission of interdisciplinary scientific research. The Institute stands as a massive and intricately designed facility. It spans 980,000 square feet (91,000 square meters) and rises to 46 meters (151 feet) in height across 12 floors, including six above ground and six below ground, housing labs, collaborative spaces, and administrative areas. Its open layout encourages collaboration, a core philosophy of the institute. The building is equipped with highly specialised laboratories, including those for bioinformatics, genomics, and imaging, with strict vibration control and containment measures essential for sensitive research. The lab spaces are flexible and modular, designed to be easily reconfigurable to meet research needs, and the open lab structure fosters knowledge sharing and collaboration between different research teams.

Sustainability at its core

Sustainability is a core element of the building’s design, incorporating energy-efficient systems, extensive natural lighting, rainwater harvesting, and brown roofs, all aimed at reducing the building’s environmental footprint. The building integrates communal spaces, such as atriums, open staircases, and lounge areas, to

encourage spontaneous interaction among scientists from different disciplines. The architecture is distinguished by a curving roof with natural timber accents, which enhances the building’s visual impact while helping it blend into the surrounding landscape. Positioned near St. Pancras International, the institute also benefits from strong transportation links, facilitating collaboration with scientists globally.

The unique shell structure is reinforced with a steel frame and concrete, providing the strength necessary for roofs to manage stormwater and support biodiversity. The building incorporates brown roofs, where wildflowers and plants can grow and bat boxes that encourage wildlife, support local biodiversity, manages stormwater, and reduces runoff. Additionally, the roof is designed with energy-efficient materials that help regulate internal temperatures, reducing heating and cooling costs. The roof not only serves as a visual element but also contributes significantly to the building’s sustainability and environmental integration, helping the building achieve a BREAMM excellent accreditation.

Integral to the roof structure is the waterproofing. Radmat’s PermaQuik Hot-Melt Monolithic Waterproofing System ensured a watertight seal with a 40-year guarantee and BBA Certification for the “design life of the building on which it is incorporated.” The PermaQuik waterproofing system ensured the maiin roof areas, terrace and brown roof will remain watertight for its lifetime. ProTherm G XPS X 300 SL insulation was installed above the waterproofing.

The Francis Crick Institute stands as a model of innovative design in biomedical research, merging cutting-edge architectural features with functional research space. By integrating sustainable design elements with state-of-the-art labs, flexible workspaces, and collaborative areas, the building fosters the interdisciplinary research necessary to tackle complex health challenges. Its unique roof design, along with other environmental features, enhances both the aesthetic appeal and ecological footprint of the building, making the Francis Crick Institute a key milestone in the future of scientific research facilities. Radmat’s PermaQuik Hot Melt Waterproofing system will ensure the roof structure’s integrity for many years to come.

For more information visit scan the QR code or visit https://radmat.com/products/permaquik/ or contact sales@radmat.com

Axis Entrance Systems Case Study: York & Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Building Products Index Ltd Automatic door system, Doors, Sliding Leave a Comment

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INDUSTRY: Healthcare

CLIENT: York & Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

CONTRACTOR: IHP (Integrated Health Projects)

ARCHITECT: IBI Group – now Arcadis

PROJECT:

The £47 million transformation of the new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre (UECC) at Scarborough Hospital, for York & Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

This was a significant project, as the investment in the new state-of- the-art UECC was the largest ever made in patient care, by UECC’s York & Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

For our part, working with main contractor, IHP (Integrated Health Projects) and architects, IBI Group – now Arcadis, our brief was to supply and fit 31 doors and glazed screens for the project.

CHALLENGES:

Following the initial enquiry, which was for our Flo-Motion® B32 bi- parting and T100 telescopic doors, we noted during the design and pre-order stage that the doors would be sliding over timber glazed screens not walls, which wouldn’t be possible and required a rethink. As well as the challenge for this particular door set, there was the common challenge of space-saving for all door sets on the project.

SOLUTION:

On our recommendation, it was agreed that our Flo-Motion® B01bi-parting door sets should replace the door sets originally requested, as they would enable us to incorporate two glazed fixed panels to solve multiple issues, including shearing actions, location of supports and aesthetics.

Our ability and capability to manufacture five hybrid versions of our Flo-Motion® B011 door sets, each with one of the bi-parting doors sliding over the glazed screen and part of the wall, with the other sliding completely over a wall, enabled us to overcome all of the space saving issues too.

Overall, we manufactured, supplied and installed the following:

• 7 Flo-Motion B32O (bi-parting doors sliding over a wall)

• 18 Flo-Motion B01 (bi-parting doors sliding over glazed screens and walls)

• 5 Flo-Motion B011 (bi-parting doors with one sliding over a glazed screen and wall, the other over a wall)

• 1 Flo-Motion T100 (telescopic door)

Finishes:

  • Frames – Silver Anodised Aluminium (SAA)
  • Handles – Hoppe (RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey) back-to-back

    600mm x 34mm nylon handles

  • Glazing – 32.8mm Double glazed units with interstitial blinds (RAL9016 White) – magnet operated for “tilt and turn” only.

OUTCOME:

Our Flo-Motion® door-sets and our glazed panels provide many significant benefits for patients, staff and visitors to the new UECC at Scarborough Hospital, including:

  • Excellent light transfer to maximise the feeling of spaciousness.
  • Flexibility for clear patient/staff visibility or patient privacy with the

    integrated blinds

  • An attractive, efficient, effective & improved environment for staff, patients & visitors.

Introducing the future of architectural roof glazing – ICONIQ by Eurocell

Building Products Index Ltd Aluminium Windows, Windows Leave a Comment

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Engineered for performance, speed, and aesthetics, ICONIQ is a next-generation aluminium roof lantern system designed to elevate contemporary architectural design while streamlining on-site installation and reducing build time.

Developed with fabricators, specifiers, and developers in mind, ICONIQ delivers an unrivalled combination of thermal performance, structural integrity, and design flexibility. With patented Q-Lok technology – an innovative slide-and-lock mechanism – ICONIQ eliminates the need for drilling or complex fixings. The result? A rapid installation time of under one hour, making it one of the most efficient systems available for flat roof applications.

Designed for Performance. Engineered for Scale.

  • Patent-pending Q-Lok system enables a tool-free, push-fit assembly -dramatically reducing time on site and labour overheads.
  • Unmatched sizing capabilities – available up to an industry-leading 4m x 8m footprint, providing architects and developers with maximum flexibility for larger glazed areas.
  • GRP eaves ring beam offers superior strength-to-weight ratio while delivering best-in-class thermal performance and reducing cold bridging.
  • Bespoke glazing retention system ensures enhanced security and structural integrity, including anti-tamper frame detailing.

Architectural Appeal Meets Technical Excellence

Designed to meet the rising demand for slimline architectural rooflights, ICONIQ features minimal sightlines, integrated LED tray options, and a palette of finishes to match any project aesthetic. Fully customisable, it is available in any RAL colour, with glass options including self-cleaning and tinted variants in Blue, Aqua, Bronze, and Neutral.

Standard colourways – Anthracite Grey, Black, and White – are available across four most-specified sizes via over 200 Eurocell trade branches or online.

Thermal Efficiency Built In

The ICONIQ system incorporates a thermally-broken GRP ring beam that significantly reduces thermal bridging, helping achieve compliance with Part L building regulations. This ensures energy-efficient performance across both domestic extensions and commercial applications such as garden rooms, education, and hospitality environments.

Futureproofing Your Specification

Since launching the UK’s first slimline pitched lantern in 2013 with Skypod, Eurocell has consistently pushed the boundaries of daylighting systems. ICONIQ marks the next chapter, aligning with the growing importance of natural light in architectural design and occupant wellbeing – a trend underpinned by the architectural lighting market’s projected growth from £322.7m in 2024 to £463m by 2030.

“ICONIQ represents a new benchmark for the roof lantern category,” says Sean Bunyan, Roof Lantern Specialist at Eurocell. “Its ease of installation, expansive size range, and thermal performance give architects and specifiers a unique solution that doesn’t compromise on design or delivery.”

To find out more visit https://www.eurocell.co.uk/iconiq. If you have any questions or would like more information email newbuild@eurocell.co.uk or call 0870 120 3003.

The Dulux Connect Directory matches specifiers with contractors

Building Products Index Ltd Paint Leave a Comment

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Visit the Deluxe Connect Directory

Finding the right contractor for your project, one with relevant skills and sector knowledge, can be labour-intensive and time-consuming. So, Dulux Trade has developed an innovative platform which enables you to find and compare the right contractors for any job quickly, before inviting them to tender.  It is a free service and open to all.

Dulux Trade-verified contractors

The Dulux Connect Directory matches specifiers with contractors who have been vetted and verified to ensure they meet industry standards. Using the intelligent search facility, you can look up contractors with relevant experience and preview accreditation certificates, ensuring you find the right match for your project. You can then shortlist and contact potential applicants in just a few clicks.

The search can be filtered by geographical location, accreditation and project value.

A wealth of cross-sector experience

Contractors listed in the Dulux Connect Directory possess expertise across various sectors, including healthcare, education, commercial, and retail. Therefore, you can be confident of finding a contractor with the appropriate experience for your project. They have accreditation to cover all compliance requirements and make project approvals more efficient.

Award-winning projects

Take a look at a gallery of award-winning projects completed by Dulux Connect contractors, covering a variety of commercial, retail, and residential projects.

Ventilated fibre cement rainscreen cladding ‘Design Principles and Project Integration’ NEW RIBA CPD offered by Cedral

Building Products Index Ltd Cladding, Rainscreen Cladding Leave a Comment

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Cedral’s new RIBA approved CPD is now available to book!

Specifying rainscreen cladding is a perpetual challenge for architects, balancing aesthetic goals, functional performance and regulatory compliance.

Modern fibre cement rainscreen cladding systems should comply and exceed strict fire safety regulations, ensure proper ventilation to manage moisture and condensation, and achieve energy efficiency and sustainability targets.

Adding to this complexity is the need to integrate the chosen cladding seamlessly into diverse building designs, from contemporary commercial facades to traditional residential developments, while adhering to tight project timelines and budgets.

Cedral’s latest CPD presentation “Ventilated Fibre Cement Rainscreen Cladding: Design Principles and Project Integration” has been designed to give architects practical guidance and design inspiration to ensure project success.

The learning objectives from the CPD will simplify rainscreen cladding specification, reduce risk and realise your aesthetic vision. Topics covered include:

  • History and performance characteristics of fibre cement
  • Key principles of rainscreen cladding; including the importance of ventilation and the benefits it brings to buildings
  • Specification support including installation options, technical support, building regulations, fire performance and NBS management
  • Project integration; including aesthetic options and functionality
  • Sustainable considerations

Crittall forges new partnership with Secco Sistemi

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

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Crittall Windows has announced a new strategic collaboration with Secco Sistemi, the renowned Italian manufacturer of high-performance steel windows and doors systems. The partnership represents a further commitment by Crittall to expand its product portfolio and maintain its leadership in the premium market segment.

This new relationship will see Crittall working alongside Secco Sistemi and Barclay Mathieson Architectural (BMA), the sole importer of Secco systems into the United Kingdom. Through this collaboration, Crittall will fabricate Secco’s thermally broken steel systems for both the UK and North American markets. The partnership builds on shared values of quality, innovation and technical excellence.

Secco Sistemi, based near Venice, has been a driving force in steel window and door innovation since its founding in 1947 by Aldo Secco. Known for its use of architectural metals such as brass, corten steel, stainless steel and galvanised steel, the company has consistently produced award-winning systems that combine technical performance with refined aesthetics. Its products have been specified in landmark projects across Europe and beyond, including the James Simon Galerie in Berlin by David Chipperfield Architects.

With more than seven decades of experience, Secco has evolved from its industrial origins to become a highly regarded partner to contemporary architects. Crittall will source Secco profiles and accessories through BMA, ensuring full control over specification and supply. The partnership enables Crittall to bring Secco systems to market with the same attention to detail and project-led service that has defined the Essex-based company for 175 years.

Crittall’s decision to invest in this new product line reflects the business’s long-term strategy of growth through innovation. It complements its in-house range by offering new solutions for high-end residential and commercial projects where thermal performance, material quality and design integrity are essential.

Russell Ager, Crittall Windows’ MD, said: “This partnership allows us to offer a broader range of high-performance steel solutions while staying true to the principles that define Crittall: precision, quality and a clear understanding of architectural intent. It reflects our commitment to evolve with our clients’ needs and to bring new, design-led systems to market without compromise.”

Further details about the new Secco ranges available through Crittall will be shared in the coming months. For now, the announcement marks the start of a collaborative venture between three companies with a shared commitment to excellence in steel fenestration.

www.crittall-windows.co.uk

Eurobrick’s A-Clad: The complete non-combustible brick slip rainscreen system

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

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Eurobrick Systems, pioneers of brick slip cladding in the UK since 1990, has launched A-Clad, a fully fire-tested, A1-rated non-combustible rainscreen system, developed specifically to meet the latest regulatory requirements for high-rise and high-risk buildings.

As changes to Building Regulations have driven demand for safer cladding solutions, Eurobrick has responded by developing a system that combines compliance with versatility and buildability. A-Clad is suitable for use on buildings of any height and has undergone rigorous fire and mechanical testing.

“A-Clad has been developed to give specifiers peace of mind,” says Richard Haines, Director of Eurobrick. “It’s the complete system that has been tested, comprehensively tested actually, to ensure safety and performance. This complete system testing sets A-Clad apart.”

A complete system backed by technical expertise

Eurobrick’s in-house estimating and technical team brings over four decades of experience in cladding systems, offering:

  • Detail reviews to identify practical or cost-efficiency issues early
  • Comprehensive take-offs and estimates
  • Technical guidance throughout the design and build process
  • Approved installers to ensure accurate installation, or…
  • Installer training – with dedicated A-Clad sessions

This level of support is often critical in avoiding unnecessary on-site delays or costly design revisions. Eurobrick’s proactive approach during specification and pre-construction stages is designed to help contractors and architects deliver on time and within budget.

Built for a range of applications

A-Clad extends Eurobrick’s product range to offer systems suitable for all application – internal, external, rainscreen, retrofit, and new build. The system is designed to accommodate a wide range of project specifications while maintaining a focus on safety and performance.

Technical documentation & training

The full A-Clad system specification, technical literature, installation instructions, and training details are available on the Eurobrick website – www.eurobrick.co.uk. Training is a prerequisite for installing A-Clad, and sessions can be booked directly through Eurobrick’s technical team by emailing info@eurobrick.co.uk. If you would like to find out more, please get in touch with Eurobrick, as they would love to help.

Vertu BMW Exeter – Superior Rendering with ProBead and ProWall Systems

Building Products Index Ltd Render Leave a Comment

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Vertu BMW Exeter, a prominent car dealership, undertook a major rendering project to enhance the aesthetic and thermal properties of the external aspects of their showroom. McCarthy Contractors spearheaded the application, utilising SAS Render Systems flagship products ProRend, ProBead and ProWall to achieve a seamless and durable finish.

Project Requirements

The project had specific requirements to ensure a high-quality and long-lasting result:

  • Repair Section: 100mm EPS insulation system affixed back to the steel frame on the main roadside.
  • Front Façade: ProWall system affixed to aluminium top hat sections.
  • Final Finish: ProRend Colourtex thin coat finish matching the existing colour, RAL 9001.
  • Comprehensive Involvement: Involvement throughout the project for all aspects of the project.

 Solution

  1. 100mm EPS Insulation System

For the repair section at the main roadside, a 100mm premium EPS insulation system was installed. This system was affixed back to the steel frame, ensuring improved thermal performance.

  1. ProWall System

For the front façade, the ProWall system was chosen for its outstanding performance and longevity. The system was affixed to aluminium top hat sections, providing a robust and durable solution that seamlessly integrated with the existing structure.

  • Long-Term Durability: The ProWall system comes with a 60-year BBA certificate, guaranteeing its durability.
  • Fire Performance: Delivers first-class performance concerning fire resistance, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.
  • Strength and Stability: Provides exceptional strength and stability, maintaining its structural integrity over time.
  • Weather Tightness: Effectively protects the building from the elements, ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance.
  • Healthy Air Quality: The rendered rainscreen cladding maintains healthy air quality by allowing the building to breathe while protecting it from the elements.
  1. Colourtex Finish

The final finish was crucial for maintaining the dealership’s aesthetic consistency. ProRend Colourtex, a premium factory-batched proprietary silicone resin thin-coat render, was selected for its high water resistance and low maintenance requirements. This finish was applied over a ProRend coloured primer and perfectly matched the existing RAL 9001 colour.

More on ProRend Colourtex silicone thin coat render:

  • Customisation: Available in 30 standard colours or as in this case study, custom tints, ensuring a perfect match for any project.
  • Durability: Guaranteed for 10 years, this render offers a long-lasting solution.
  • Textured Finishes: Available in two textured finishes, Uniform and Grained, providing flexibility in design aesthetics.
  1. Comprehensive Design Support

From the initial stages to the end result, Vertu BMW Exeter received comprehensive support, including CAD details and specifications. This collaboration ensured that every aspect of the rendering project was meticulously planned and executed.

 Key Features and Benefits

Eco-Friendly: The use of ProBead render beads, made from 100% recycled PVCu and fully recyclable, ensured a sharp and durable finish, guaranteed to last the test of time, with an official 25-year guarantee. ProBead is the market-leading choice for render bead, a high-quality bead manufactured in the UK.

Durability: SAS Render Systems products are engineered for long-lasting performance, ensuring the rendered surfaces remain crack-free and withstand environmental challenges.

Aesthetic Consistency: The ProRend Colourtex finish in RAL 9001 provided a seamless match with the existing structure, enhancing the overall visual appeal.

Unrivalled Technical Support: The involvement from the design stages, including detailed CAD specifications, support and guidance throughout the entire project, ensured precise implementation and a high-quality result.

Results

By choosing SAS Render Systems, Vertu BMW Exeter achieved:

  • Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: The BMW showroom now boasts a clean, professional finish that significantly improves its visual impact.
  • Improved Thermal Performance: The 100mm EPS insulation system enhances energy efficiency.
  • Increased Durability: The rendered surfaces are robust and resistant to environmental wear and tear.
  • Sustainability: The use of eco-friendly materials underscores the dealership’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

 Conclusion

The rendering project at Vertu BMW Exeter, executed excellently by McCarthy Contractors using ProRend, ProBead and ProWall systems, resulted in a facility that not only looks revamped but also stands up to the test of time. The dealership now features a fresh new look, improved thermal performance, and a consistent aesthetic appeal, showcasing the exceptional performance of SAS Render Systems products and thus reflecting the premium nature of the BMW brand.

For support with your render renovation project, our friendly Technical Team are here to walk you through every step. Call us today on 01647 24620 or email info@sas-europe.com