Vertical Opportunity with Creative Structural Integrity

Building Products Index Ltd Blocks, Concrete, Green Walls, Walling Leave a Comment

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Vertical Opportunity with Creative Structural Integrity

The Betoconcept range of earth retaining walls from Grass Concrete Ltd combine both structure and aesthetics.
This hospital re-development featured a number Betoconcept earth retaining walls. 


One was a challenging construction, requiring a 4-metre-high wall, which had to work around contiguous concrete piles and incorporate a footbridge link to the main building. With a limited width available, the piles were clad vertically with stone finish Leromur blocks which transitioned into an inclined planted Betoatlas structure.

To find out more about this project

Visit our website to read the full Daventry case study, and many more.

Eurocell’s InSite window system, revolutionising construction efficiency in Inverness

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

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  • Eurocell’s InSite system transformed window installation for a block of four terraced houses in Inverness
  • Windows were manufactured at Pinefield Glass incorporated the InSite hinge with the cavity barrier
  • Kirkwood Timber Frame integrated the windows into timber frame panels
  • The panels were then transported to site and erected over two days; speeding up the process of achieving a weatherproof structure
  • The only window system suitable for timber frame that has been fully tested to prevent the spread of fire and smoke from, or to the cavity
  • Approved for use in accordance with the guidelines by NHBC.

Challenge

Affordable housing provider Places for People needed to construct a block of terraced houses near Inverness swiftly and efficiently to control costs and accommodate residents promptly. However, the conventional construction process, with its multitude of stages, prolonged time on site, and diverse specialised tasks, posed significant challenges to meeting tight deadlines.

Solution

The InSite system introduced by Eurocell, comprising a specialist hinge and sealant, a cavity barrier and window, enables house construction to be expedited by manufacturing within a factory environment. The windows were manufactured with the cavity barrier and InSite bracket fitted, at Pinefield Glass, Elgin. These were then integrated into timber frame panels at Kirkwood Timber Frame in Sauchen, Inverurie. The panels were transported to the site and erected over a two-day period (12 – 13th December 2023).

InSite streamlines the installation of fully glazed, finished windows into wall panels during the factory production process, and enables transportation to site easily as the window sits within the frame cavity, reducing damage, movement in transit and the need to pack between the panels.

This innovation also reduces onsite disruption and working at height, reduces Health and Safety concerns, minimises labour costs, and accelerates build schedules – the window sits within the cavity, so when craning panels into place, the panel sits vertical making it easier to place into position.

Once erected on-site, the window is pushed out to its finished position, ensuring the 50mm cavity. The window is then plumbed and squared, locked off, sealed and the exterior of the building is ready to be clad.

The entire panel assembly can then become wind and watertight within one day, allowing interior trades to commence work immediately. Noteworthy features include improved safety, reduced site traffic, reduction in movement of scaffolding lifts and compliance with relevant Building Regulations.

The InSite system has been tested by Warrington Fire [part of Exova Group] to .BS 476 Part 20, 1987 This certifies that when all of the approved parts within the system are used together the InSite system prevents the spread of fire and smoke from or to the cavity. This is the only system of this type to hold this fire certification.

Result

The build was completed 9 days quicker than typical timber frame construction of this scale:

Faster and easier: Reduces on-site disruption and labour costs, accelerates build schedules, and allows immediate commencement of interior trades.

  • Safer: As the whole commissioning operation of the windows can be carried out from inside the building, this eliminates working at height, moving windows about on scaffolding, enhances site safety and security and reduces site traffic with no separate window deliveries.
  • Peace of mind: Compliant with Building Regulations, thoroughly tested for air, water, and wind pressure and independently tested for Fire and Smoke resistance, assessed for load-bearing capacity.

Read the full case-study here: Insite Case Study (eurocell.co.uk)

If you have any questions or would like more information then please email: newbuild@eurocell.co.uk or call 0870 120 3003.

Securing Safety: ACO’s Bespoke Escape Hatch is a Runway Success

Building Products Index Ltd Building Drainage, Drainage Leave a Comment

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When an outdoor emergency escape hatch needed replacing at Heathrow airport, it was vital the solution could be installed quickly to minimise disruptions to air traffic as much as possible. With no escaping the difficulties inherent to projects carried out at the world’s fourth busiest airport, the contractors reached out to ACO to help them hatch a plan.

Time for an upgrade

The escape hatch in question served a plant room below the south runway and, as the one previously in place was reaching the end of its useable life, it needed updating. Intended for emergency use should there be a serious problem in the plant room, the existing hatch featured a grill near ground level which left the inside of the plant room vulnerable to frequent rainwater ingress. Due in large part to the age and outdoor location of the site, the previous hatch had become difficult to open so something more useable was required.

Safety needed to be front of mind – the new hatch needed to be openable with one hand and allow someone on the inside to override the outside locking system so that in emergency situations workers could escape quickly. These operational requirements had to be tempered with the fact that airports are high-security environments so any risk of unauthorised entry via the hatch had to be reduced to practically zero.

The escape hatch installation was contracted to Design Build International (DBI) and headed up by Construction Manager Kelvin Sumner. DBI had just four nights to break out the existing escape hatch, install reinforcements, pour concrete, and install the new hatch.

Flight path pressure

Working at an airport meant there were several constraints specific to the site with security and safety requirements meaning that transport to and from the site took multiple layers of approvals and permits. This restriction meant planning was vital because a forgotten tool or unexpected change would mean having to wait until a member of security was available before making the round-trip to pick up any additional items.

Most of the installation work had to happen at night to avoid interrupting airplane landings and take-offs. This also meant that DBI had to be very strict about leaving the site by 4:30am each day.

Along with the airport-specific restrictions, the fact that the project impacted an escape route meant that scaffolding had to be assembled to provide an adequate escape route during the day. At night, when DBI undertook the project, work couldn’t begin until the scaffolding had been disassembled. Available time was similarly reduced at the end of their shifts as they had to have each phase of the job completed early enough in the morning so that scaffolding could then be reassembled for the temporary escape route.

Bespoke solution

Given the restrictions around the time available for this project, it was vital that the installation of the new hatch went smoothly. Knowing that the escape hatch would need to be fully bespoke and made to very strict standards, Kelvin brought ACO on board. Having worked with ACO on a previous project, Kelvin knew the manufacturer’s ability to offer unique solutions as well as their speed at delivering them.

ACO supplied the fully bespoke escape hatch which suited the project as it was designed with ease of installation in mind. All aspects of the operational specification were met allowing the cover, once installed, to be opened from above and below ground level. Not only this but, thanks to its gas springs and one-handed quick release mechanism, it is easier – and therefore safer – to use in an emergency. When used from inside the hatch, the mechanism can override the lock outside, ensuring security while enabling quick escapes.

While there is no expectation for vehicles or aeroplanes to go over the hatch, to account for that unlikely (but still possible) event, the hatch has been specified to BS EN 124 load class F 900 meaning it will be able to safely withstand the force of even the heaviest vehicles. The load class and external locks combined with the water-tight seal means the escape hatch will not allow unwanted ingress of any kind.

Advantages of ACO

To support DBI with the constraints of working at an airport, ACO provided a detailed installation guide. The escape hatch was itself designed to be swift and uncomplicated to install and this meant that, when the night came to carry out the installation, the process was completed smoothly and in good time. The entire project, from removal of the existing escape hatch to installing ACO’s bespoke replacement, was completed within the four-night timeframe.

Kelvin Sumner, Construction Manager at DBI said: “Working with such tight timescales every night made for a pretty tense job but thankfully, when it came to installing the new escape hatch, we could essentially just place it in the right spot and fix it down. The guide ACO gave us was thorough enough that we knew exactly what was needed for a quick install and the escape hatch is very easy to use. Between the design elements, the fast turnaround with the supply, and the installation guide, I don’t think there’s anything else ACO could have done to make this part of the job go better.”

Liam Watkins, Sales Consultant at ACO said: “We’re really glad the hatch is now safely in place and that the installation went without a hitch. We do our best to understand the pressures that contractors face and mitigate that at every stage, from the initial ideas for solutions we come up with, to design, to additional after-sales support. DBI has been a great partner to work with and it’s great to know that we were able to make the job a little easier.”

For more about ACO Building Drainage’s access cover solutions, please visit ACO.co.uk.

How to use fillers to improve and repair exteriors

Building Products Index Ltd Filler Leave a Comment

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It’s summertime once again, and so attention is turning to outside jobs for trade professionals up and down the country (when the weather allows, that is). Typically geared towards refreshing and restoring a property’s exterior, the work may be varied, but can be made simpler.

There are plenty of filler options available for a whole host of exterior tasks, including the repair of broken window ledges, re-shaping weathered or worn-out walls and even replacing cracked or damaged render – without needing to chop it off!

Repair to broken edge with Toupret Rock Solid Repair Filller

Before buying a product, it’s important to consider the type of job you’ll be working on, the condition of the surface and the intended finish you require. Take the example of the broken window ledge; if it’s a sandstone sill, weathering may have left it soft and crumbling, so you’d need to stabilise it first with a wall hardener product. It’s also quite typical for this type of surface to become damp, in which case you could use a filler specifically designed to adhere to damp. You’ll also want to think about how you want to work. Does it need to be painted tomorrow? What colour will you be painting it? How strong does it need to be?

Toupret recognises that each job requires the right product, and that’s why they offer the largest range of exterior fillers on the market.

For filling, they offer three powder products that can be applied to any depth and be used for repairing or reshaping broken corners, edges or decorative features. But each has distinct properties over the others. For example, Masonry Repair Filler is light in colour and can be applied to damp surfaces, making it an ideal product for retaining walls and sills which are generally more affected by damp. Rock Solid Repair Filler is white in colour and rich is resin, giving it the added strength required for more hard-wearing repairs, such as to the corner edges of buildings. Tough Multi-Filler has a good deal of strength whilst still being easy to sand; white in colour, it can also be used for localised skimming, thanks to its long working time of 40 minutes.

Some fillers are designed especially for skimming, for smoothing out wide areas of rough, textured or damaged masonry surfaces, as well as for repairing render. Toupret offers two options – Ready To Use Skimcoat Filler, which has an unlimited working time, as well as the powder Skimcoat Filler, with an open time of 6 hours, and ability to repair lime render.

TOP TIP: Lime render can be a tricky surface type. Opt for a powder filler with no Portland cement content, such as Toupret’s Tough Multi-Filler or Skimcoat Filler. The pH levels in these products are not aggressive towards the lime content, making them compatible for repairs. If you prefer to use a ready mixed filler, ensure that you first prime the surface.

You can check out the full range of Toupret exterior products on their website, where you can also use their comparison tool to find the right product for your work this season.

Is this the end of the road for Modular MMC?

Building Products Index Ltd Concrete, Concrete wall panels Leave a Comment

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Volumetric construction is not the panacea for the housebuilding industry the previous government had hoped it would be. Offsite pioneer Modulous was the most recent casualty of the current swathe of modular building company bankruptcies. This, despite the fact that Modulous, describing itself as a “kit of parts”, had none of the pricey infrastructure of factories that weighed down other volumetric companies such as Ilke Homes and Beattie Passive.

Pioneers and market disrupters are always risky ventures but the following points are particularly relevant in this instance:

  1. There is nothing new in the idea of factory-built homes. And nothing new in the litany of failure of such enterprises.
  2. Volumetric, factory assembled structures do not suit the economic model, the logistical challenges or the skills base of the UK housebuilding sector.
  3. Constantly chasing the ideal of precise, factory-built home units results in repeated losses for investors. When those investors include the Government, taxpayers should be asking questions.

As long ago as 1926, architectural pioneer Walter Gropius speculated on a future where lower-cost housing would be made possible by “the manufacture by mass production methods of stock dwellings which are no longer constructed at the site but are produced in special factories”.

It’s a seductive vision. Muddy building sites replaced by clean, productive factories building homes with precision in quality-controlled settings. Repeated government-backed attempts to kick-start a modular construction industry looks to the mass production of vehicles as a model – but is that analogy convincing?

There are numerous problems with the factory-built homes vision of MMC, but let’s just focus on one – the financial model.

Factory-built homes need factories. Factories involve huge investment and require a reliable and consistent market for their products. UK housebuilding, with its near total reliance on consumer confidence, has simply never provided that degree of consistency.

In its review of the modular housing sector “Modern Methods of Construction – what’s gone wrong?” the Built Environment Select Committee looked for answers from, among others, Homes England which was keen to defend its significant investment in modular factory companies. The conclusion of this scrutiny was summarised in January this year by Chair Lord Moylan: “The Government needs to change tack. Simply throwing money at the sector hasn’t worked.” Food for thought for the new Labour government.

A problem of presentation?

Part of the problem is with the presentation of MMC as a concept. Modern does not necessarily equate to pre-assembled and Method does not necessarily mean factory-based house units. The accepted definition of MMC (following on from the Farmer Report) is based around seven categories and only Category One requires the use of factory-built entities.

As Lord Moylan indicates, government funding whose objective is to deliver a greater volume of high-quality homes, needs better targeting, informed by a much deeper understanding of the structure of the UK housebuilding sector. Surely the Government’s role should be to stimulate the market and invest in new social housing, but be less enthusiastic in trying to dictate how new homes should be delivered.

H+H has always supported innovative approaches to house construction – our own Vertical Wall Panels and i-House System represent a strong commitment to new concepts and radical ideas. The difference is that these initiatives are evolutionary, rather than revolutionary.

The Built Environment Select Committee acknowledged the success of much Category Two MMC innovation (where our Vertical Wall Panel solution fits), and of the remaining five categories. That recognition absolutely supports the principle of evolutionary change.

Rather than going through another expensive loop of financial support for a delivery model that has proven so problematic, we would strongly advocate the new government takes the time to really understand the housebuilding supply chain; focuses on creating an economic environment in which housebuilding can grow to meet demand; and leave the mechanics to the industry itself.

For more information on H+H Vertical Wall Panels visit https://www.hhcelcon.co.uk/products-applications/methods-modern-mmc/system-build-vertical-wall-panels

Jaga UK opens new low-carbon showroom and training facility in Herefordshire

Building Products Index Ltd Heating, Ventilation Leave a Comment

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Jaga UK, designers and manufacturers of innovative, sustainable heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, has officially opened its new purpose-built low-carbon facility in Ledbury, Herefordshire.

The state-of-the-art facility, named ‘Kriekels House’ after the company’s founding family, was opened on 20 June with a ceremony attended by Jaga employees, customers, suppliers, and industry partners.

A Vision for Net Zero

Jan Kriekels, the CEO and visionary leader of Jaga, emphasised the company’s commitment to accelerating the decarbonisation of buildings. During his address, he highlighted the importance of achieving net-zero emissions and showcased Jaga’s role in this global initiative before cutting the ribbon to officially open the facility.

The opening marks a significant milestone for Jaga as it’s home to the company’s first state-of-the-art UK demo and training facility, where they can showcase the powerful heating and cooling capacity of their products with heat pumps, and visitors can get hands-on experience with low-carbon HVAC technologies.

Features of Kriekels House

In line with the company’s sustainability ethos, Kriekels House was designed with a fabric-first approach to maximise energy-efficiency and minimise carbon emissions. The building features:

  • Offices and warehouse space: Providing a comprehensive operational base to service UK customers.
  • Demo and training facility: The first of its kind in the UK, this space allows visitors to experience Jaga’s heat pump radiators and other low-carbon HVAC technologies in action. It will be available for hands-on training for HVAC professionals and students.
  • Heating and cooling: Provided by high-efficiency, low-temperature heat pump radiators powered by a combination of a 15kW ground source heat pump and four 16kW air source heat pumps.
  • Solar PV: Solar panels covering half the roof space generate over 120,000 kWh annually, supporting the facility’s energy needs and providing electric car charging stations for staff and visitors.
  • Advanced Building Management System: A Qbus system manages HVAC, lighting, and security, ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency.
  • Fully accessible plant room on display: Visitors can see the full workings of a building serviced by renewable technologies.

A Hub for Learning and Innovation

Phil Mangnall, Managing Director of Jaga UK, expressed excitement about the new facility, saying,

“After 11 months of building, we’re delighted to have moved into and officially opened our new building.

Kriekels House is designed to foster learning and innovation, and embodies our company ethos – centred around sustainability, creativity and social responsibility. Powered by renewable technologies, with open workspaces and dedicated training areas, we are well-equipped to continue delivering exceptional products for our customers and we hope to play a key role in inspiring the next generation of HVAC engineers to help design the net zero buildings of the future.

We’d like to thank everyone who worked on Kriekels House, helping us make our dream sustainable facility a reality. Here’s to an exciting future in our new home.”

ABOUT JAGA UK

Jaga are pioneers in designing innovative, ecologically sustainable heating, cooling and ventilation systems using less energy and fewer raw materials, ensuring a better indoor climate without damaging the outdoor climate.

The opening of Kriekels House emphasises Jaga UK’s dedication to sustainability and innovation, positioning the company at the forefront of the green building revolution.

For more photos from the event, see Jaga UK’s Latest News

Profab Access and BDL achieve engineering excellence at 8 Bishopsgate

Building Products Index Ltd Doors, riser doors Leave a Comment

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8 Bishopsgate, a 50-storey tower located on the corner of two of London’s most prominent streets, is the UK’s most sustainable speculative office tower and the tallest building ever awarded BREEAM Outstanding at design stage.

Developed by Mitsubishi Estates and Stanhope and described as a building full of innovation, the 570,000 sq. ft building features London’s highest solar panels, in addition to 18 litres of fresh air per person being drawn from outside every second, as part of its design ambitions to achieve both low embodied carbon and to be low-carbon in operation.

As part of the construction process, BDL, one of the UK’s largest specialist dry lining contractors, has collaborated with riser door and access panel solution manufacturer, Profab Access, to supply and install significant quantities of access solutions as part of the project’s aims to optimise material efficiency.

Just under 1,000 of Profab Access’ INTEGRA 4000 Series Riser Doors and accompanying PRECISION Adjustable Frames have been installed by BDL’s contractors throughout every storey of the building, which includes 75,000 sq. ft of communal space in the form of terraces, cafes and a deli, in addition to a 200 person capacity auditorium.

Throughout the design and engineering stages, Profab Access worked in conjunction with BDL to manufacture the PRECISION certified frame system to make the installation of each riser door throughout 8 Bishopsgate safer, faster and simpler.

Peter Fillmore, Project Development Manager at BDL, said: “By working in partnership with Profab Access we have been able to significantly reduce the time required to install such a significant quantity of riser doors, whilst also minimising manual handling requirements for our contractors.

“As a result, on-site efficiencies have been increased, enabling us to ensure project timescales have been successfully maintained throughout each stage of the project. This is how all riser doors should be installed and we’re extremely proud to have been able to use this revolutionary system as part of the construction of such an iconic building as 8 Bishopsgate.”

The only product of its kind currently available, the expertly engineered PRECISION Adjustable Frame completely transforms the installation process as it enables the frame to be fully adjusted to meet the specific dimensions of each structural opening.

Featuring a continual adjustable steel packer system, the PRECISION Adjustable Frame also ensures the installation of each riser door throughout 8 Bishopsgate is fit for purpose, by providing the highest standards in accuracy, whilst also removing the requirement for traditionally used packers during installation.

The engineered frame also features built in factory applied intumescent fire rated mastic strips to the outer frame, which provides fire stopping between the wall and the frame. This eliminates the reliance of the correct thickness of intumescent mastic bead being applied, removing any potential margin for error and ensuring compliance and adequacy of the entire installation.

Frank Gillen, Construction Director at BDL, said: “The PRECISION Adjustable Frame has enabled us to achieve safe and efficient installation throughout 8 Bishopsgate that also delivers the highest possible standards of compliance and certification.

“The frame’s factory applied integral all-in-one smoke, intumescent and acoustic FS1000 seal provides a guaranteed fire seal, which eliminates the requirement for our installers to physically enter the riser shaft and any associated health and safety concerns. It also reduces the number of quality assurance checks required once the installation has been completed, as its competency has already been assured.

 “We have been working with Profab Access for over 15 years and through our longstanding relationship we have built a strong partnership that is formed upon a combined dedication to innovation. Together, we are continuously identifying how we can increase on site efficiencies and safety and 8 Bishopsgate is a prime representation of this.”

The INTEGRA 4000 Series Riser Doors and PRECISION Adjustable Frames will provide maintenance engineers with safe and secure access to electrical and mechanical services, without impacting the overall interior design scheme.

Tony Grayson, Project Manager at BDL, said: “The addition of the PRECISION Adjustable Frame has made the installation of riser doors approximately 30% quicker when compared to traditional installation methods. I cannot fault the frame, it makes installation very easy and significantly reduces manual handling concerns as no adjustments are required. This ensures the highest standards of safety for our team when fitting the riser doors on site and we see this as the future for how riser doors should be installed.

 “The riser doors have been delivered on site ahead of time and we have worked closely with Profab Access’ engineering and design team, who have frequently visited the site, to ensure the installation goes as smoothly as possible to achieve a finish of the highest possible standard.”

As part of its commitment to construction excellence, Profab Access is the UK’s first manufacturer to have its concealed Riser Doors bi-directionally fire tested and certified by an accredited third party. The PRECISION adjustable frame has also been bi-directionally fire tested as an entire doorset with the INTEGRA 4000 Series Riser Door for up to 120 minutes, receiving the CERTIFIRE accreditation for installation in unlined shaft walls and solid wall construction.

This provides BDL, Mitsubishi Estates and Stanhope with a completely certified solution, as both the frame and the riser door have been bi-directionally tested as a single doorset and are supplied with comprehensive documentation to evidence their performance credentials and adherence to all relevant regulations, including BS EN 1634-1:2014 +A1:2018.

Profab Acces’ Commercial Director said: “8 Bishopsgate is a building full of innovation and the installation of our riser doors and adjustable frame perfectly embodies this commitment, as it has completely revolutionised the approach to how riser doors should be installed. Together with BDL we are making history as we create a new generation of innovation that provides the highest possible standards of performance and compliance.”

The INTEGRA 4000 Series Riser Doors are 35dB acoustic rated, smoke sealed and airtight to Part L. In the event of a fire, the doors will maintain their frame and integrity for up to two hours, limiting the spread of fire and transmission of radiant heat for this period of time. The doors’ intumescent smoke seals also enables occupants to safely exit the building, whilst subsequently minimising potential damage to other areas of the construction.

Profab Access’ comprehensive portfolio of access panels and riser doors are manufactured in-house at its UK headquarters and are supplied with impressive lead times. The products are supported by a wide range of BIM Level 2 and CAD files to aid the specification process and streamline the initial design stages.

For further information on Profab Access and its range of riser doors, access panels, and steel doors, call +44(0)1827 719051 or visit www.profabaccess.com.

For further information on BDL, call 0208 900 0221 or visit www.bdl.co

Invest in Cyclists, Invest in Your Project with Glasdon’s Cycling Amenities

Building Products Index Ltd Cycle Stand, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

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Are you looking for a comprehensive solution for bicycle storage? Look no further than Glasdon, a leading manufacturer that offers a high-quality range of Bicycle Shelters and Bicycle Racks designed to meet the requirements of various architectural practices, local governments and construction projects.

Cycle Shelters: Fast Set-Up, Complete Protection

Variety of Styles: From contemporary designs like the Aero™ Shelter to secure steel-framed structures like the Cadence™ Shelter, Glasdon offers a variety of options to meet your project’s aesthetic and security needs.

Scalable Capacity: Choices of capacity range from simple shelters capable of holding up to 10 bikes to larger covered compounds like the Aero™ Corral Cycle Compound, which can house up to 20 bicycles inside one unit.

Effortless Assembly, Elevated Functionality: These products are crafted for superior functionality, user-friendliness and ease of installation, with many delivered fully assembled to keep projects on schedule. Some also come equipped with key features like toughened PETG end panels and curved designs for enhanced weather protection.

Security Starts with Strength: Glasdon storage solutions feature high-quality materials such as Armortec® coated steel and Durapol® Material ends, ensuring durability and eliminating the need for painting. Several solutions come with integrated locking options, creating a dependable area for both bicycles and motorcycles, thus reducing the risk of theft or vandalism.

Bicycle Stands: Individual Parking, Space-Saving Designs

Park It Your Way: Opt for classic Sheffield stands with the Bi-Stander™ for dedicated single-bike parking or choose a Cycle Toast Rack Stand design to maximise storage capacity in high-traffic areas.

Built to Last: Durable, vandal-resistant materials such as Armortec® Coated steel ensure long-term performance and minimise maintenance needs.

Effortless Anchoring: Ground fixings make installation a breeze, saving you time and resources. Ground-fixed or wall-mounted rings or hoops can be provided – ideal for sites that need large amounts of uncovered cycle parking.

Enhancing Your Project Beyond Storage

Glasdon’s cycle shelters and bicycle hoops go beyond simple storage, offering a range of benefits that elevate your project. By providing secure and well-designed facilities, you actively promote cycling as a viable and attractive transportation option. This not only encourages a healthy lifestyle but also contributes to an eco-friendlier environment.

Additionally, Glasdon’s solutions help you optimise space by creating organised and efficient bicycle parking areas. With weather protection from rain, sun, and other elements, and secure designs that deter theft and vandalism, Glasdon offers peace of mind to cyclists and enhances the overall value of your project.

Find Your Perfect Fit and Download Your Free eBook Today!

To assist clients in selecting their ideal storage solution, take a look at this informative eBook that provides details about the entire range. Additionally, it emphasises the advantages of cycling and the significance of proper storage needs. Click here to download at read at your leisure!

For more details, visit the website and talk to a member of the Glasdon team today via the LiveChat service or email enquiries@glasdon-uk.co.uk.

Graphenstone Paints Are NOW AVAILABLE At Brewers!

Building Products Index Ltd Mineral Silicate Paint, Paint 2 Comments

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With unrivalled eco-credentials within the industry, Graphenstone paint features sustainable, easy-to-use finishes that are rich in colour to create a standout space. You can now shop the range at Brewers!

Sustainable:

Graphenstone UK is one of the most certified sustainable paints companies in the world and are seeking to change the way you paint. They offer paints and primers, certified by the pre-eminent evaluators of products in the world, such as Cradle to Cradle Institute (they hold Gold, Silver and Bronze certifications), Green Tag (Health Rate Platinum) and Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold.

Paints are manufactured using renewable energy and utilise the waste olive pits from the local olive oil industry as part of the biomass fuel. The water used in production is reused in a closed loop system, further reducing waste; the environmental impact of production is as minimal as possible and Graphenstone have a one of the lowest carbon footprints (CO2e) of any paint on the market.

Ingredients:
Graphenstone use sustainably sourced, traditional raw materials (including lime, calcium carbonates and natural minerals) and combine them with the ultimate in material innovation and technology by fusing them with graphene, to deliver a breathable, natural mineral based coating, with increased surface adhesion and Class 1 durability.

Graphenstone uses one of the oldest and most traditional of all building materials, lime, as the base ingredient to its natural based mineral coatings. They use the highest quality natural raw materials (their lime is 98% pure) giving an unparalleled, non-yellowing white, to produce one of the most ecological paints available in the world.

The complete range of natural, healthy products also contain pure inert carbon based ‘graphene’ technology. This super strong, (and Nobel prize winning!) 21st Century discovery forms a powerful mesh at the molecular level of these natural products, offering supreme strength and performance.

Product characteristics:

  • Natural minerals and sustainable raw materials.
  • Trace VOCs only (under 0.1%).
  • No added microplastics.
  • Air Purifying lime ranges – removing CO2* and other toxins, such as NOx and Sox.
  • Class 1 vapour open – breathable.
  • Hardwearing – thanks to Graphenstone technology.
  • 96 luxurious flat matt colours – with a full range of over 1000 shades.
  • Excellent coverage.
  • Class 1 in durability.
  • Nursery and Toy Safe.

*The majority in the first 30 days of curing.

Some mineral paints are difficult to apply, but with Graphenstone paints, they are extremely easy to use. They can be rolled, brushed or sprayed and go on smoothly, richly and easily.

Shop the range of Graphenstone paints online or order at your local Brewers Decorator Centre.

ACO Access – Whatever the project, we’ve got it covered

Building Products Index Ltd access covers, access solutions Leave a Comment

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When it comes to access covers, it is vital to work with a supplier that is known for quality, innovation and outstanding design. Here, Kevin Bohea, Managing Director at ACO Building Drainage, discusses how contractors can ensure they’re delivering the best access cover for the job.

Contractors recognise the role that high quality products play in successful installations. One way to ensure quality work is by using a manufacturer who has built a world-wide reputation for high-quality products that deliver choice, function and style, including in their wide range of access covers for internal and external building applications.

Access covers manufactured and supplied by ACO Building Drainage are regularly installed in educational buildings across the UK, including schools or universities, and student accommodations. These covers are designed to be easily installed and secured into a range of floor finishes. Contractors value our help in finding the best access cover for the project and the speed of delivery we offer, with standard aluminium covers available from stock in just three days.

Getting technical

In education, typical applications include areas used by pedestrians, light vehicle traffic. In specific cases there may be heavier traffic as well. Available in a choice of materials such as aluminium, hot dipped galvanised steel and stainless-steel grade 304 as standard, ACO access covers complement a variety of hard and flexible floor finishes including concrete, epoxy, terrazzo, carpet, vinyl, stone or ceramic tiles.

With a comprehensive range of standard clear opening sizes from 200 to 1200mm, ACO floor access covers can be supplied either as single units or for ducting and multi-span applications. Manual lift or gas spring assisted versions are also available to suit the intended method of opening, frequency and ease of operation.

Manufactured using recycled materials, ACO UniFace™ and ACO UniTop™ floor access covers can be 100% recycled themselves at their end of life, contributing to a sustainable environment and sustainable building practices. ACO’s complete range of floor access covers is tested to the Fabricated Access Cover Trade Association (FACTA), specification for fabricated access covers. As a member of FACTA, all ACO floor access covers use FACTA classifications for ease of selection and specification.

Designed for a project

Planners, architects and contractors are often on the lookout for reliable partners and answers to very specific problems. Bespoke access covers, that can be sized as needed, are available from ACO in single or multi cover options for both manual and assisted opening designs. These can be manufactured in either aluminium, hot dipped galvanised steel or stainless-steel grade 304 and 316 materials as required and are also designed to different load classes for pedestrian areas and for heavy traffic areas. Bespoke aluminium covers are often available in fewer than ten working days, helping projects run smoothly and on schedule.

Previous successful projects ACO has advised on and supplied access covers to include multipart covers for airport installations, floor access doors to underground services and bespoke shaped landscape covers for public realm applications.

A successful installation is one that meets the project requirements and satisfies the customer’s needs. With ACO’s portfolio of access covers combined with speed of delivery, contractors can be confident that they can deliver quality work, whatever the project.

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

View our extensive range of standard access covers that are both recessed and solid covers and bespoke www.aco.co.uk/bespoke-access-covers.