An MMC solution in masonry from H+H

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

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H+H Vertical Wall Panels are storey-high panels of aircrete that can be used to build a complete house shell within five days.
Vertical Wall Panels offer the speed of offsite with the familiarity of a traditional build. The panels are fabricated offsite and craned into place for a fast, panelised building system with the reassuring characteristics of a high-performance masonry structure.

Storey-high panels of aircrete are used to form the inner leaf of external walls, separating walls and internal partitions as appropriate.

Aircrete is a lightweight masonry material, combining proven durability and high acoustic, thermal and airtight performance with the ease of use that comes with a lighter material making it easy to cut and work with.

On site, Vertical Wall Panels are placed onto standard foundations and installed using H+H VWP mortar – a fast-setting and very strong mortar that forms a 2mm airtight joint. The entire ground floor of a house can be installed in a single day.

The overriding advantage of Vertical Wall Panels is the speed of build – and this is best demonstrated where the panels are used as part of a complete housebuilding package.

When combined with prefabricated timber floors and a prefabricated roof system, Vertical Wall Panels provide a system-build solution that can construct the superstructure of a house from foundation to roof within five days onsite.

This provides a watertight and airtight shell for follow on trades to move into, and one which is constructed using a material they are familiar with so no additional training is required for site workers.

H+H Vertical Wall Panels are manufactured in a range of heights with a width of 600mm and a thickness of 100mm. As aircrete can be cut on site, it is easy to accommodate window and door openings while providing infill sections as appropriate. This also gives the flexibility needed to adjust panels to cope with site tolerances and onsite modifications and means less product waste on site.

Design variations and detailing can be accommodated and, if required, Vertical Wall Panels can be used in combination with thin-joint large format blockwork.

Vertical Wall Panels are also lightly reinforced to facilitate handling and transportation without damaging the product. With the outer leaf off the critical path, cavity insulation can be installed to the complete façade, enabling it to be visually inspected for damage or gaps before the outer leaf is applied.

Separating walls are constructed as two leaves of Vertical Wall Panels with a minimum of 100mm full fill insulated cavity between. This, with effective edge sealing, will provide a zero heat loss party wall. Site acoustic testing has demonstrated that high levels of sound insulation can be achieved and this is reflected by H+H’s proprietary acoustic Robust Detail E-WM-31.

Building with H+H Vertical Wall Panels is not a new solution. In fact, it is an established Modern Method of Construction recognised by the NHBC and is part of the NHBC Accepts scheme. The system has been widely used across Europe for years and over 2,000 houses have been completed so far in the UK.

H+H Vertical Wall Panels combine the cost benefits associated with offsite construction with the reassuring familiarity and performance of masonry, offering an MMC system that stands up to the test of time.

Find out more about H+H Vertical Wall Panels

New Clement steel windows selected as replacement windows at West Country schools

Building Products Index Ltd Steel, Windows Leave a Comment

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New Clement Brooking steel windows at Trent Young’s CE School, Dorset

Clement Windows Group has manufactured and installed new steel windows at two West Country schools.  Trent Young’s CE School in Dorset and St Mary’s Calne in Wiltshire both required replica steel windows to replace the original fenestration.

Trent Young’s CE School, which is Grade II listed and situated in a Conservation Area, was originally constructed by Reverend Turner and his wife in 1862 as the National School for girls and infants.  The existing metal windows at the school were not fit for purpose and due to the school’s listing it was imperative that the new replacement windows provided as close a match to the originals as possible.

The new Clement steel windows at Trent Young’s CE School, Dorset, offer improved thermal performance

The Clement Brooking range was specified because the slim, strong frames could replicate the wonderful shaped heads of the existing windows and because they could be fixed directly to stone.  The 16mm krypton filled units offer much improved thermal performance and it was possible to fit the frames with restrictors which are essential for safety.

Ros Baker, the school’s Deputy Head, said:

“We are so pleased with the finished result.  The transformation the windows has made to our school and local area is fantastic.  Many local residents have also commented positively on the ‘new look’ windows.  They have been sympathetically upgraded, in keeping with the original school building, and have had a positive impact on our school environment.”

New steel windows from the Clement EB20 range were installed at St Mary’s School, Wiltshire

St Mary’s School in Calne is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18 which was founded in 1873 by local vicar Reverent John Duncan and moved to its current site in 1907.  Around 40 new steel windows were needed in this phase of work to replace the original steel windows on the front and gable ends of the Plumer Wing which comprises classrooms for music, computing, religious education and art.  The Clement EB20 range was chosen and the new windows were polyester powder coat painted RAL 7016 (Anthracite Grey) instead of white like the original windows.

 

The new Clement steel windows at St Mary’s School, Wiltshire, were polyester powder painted RAL 7016 (Anthracite Grey)

Bob Lunn, Director of Estates at St Mary’s, said:

“The installation of 83 high quality Clement windows, which were installed in two phases during 2021 and 2022, has significantly enhanced the aesthetics and environmental efficiency of this building.  Installation was very efficiently completed by Clement operatives within the specified installation timeframes.”

Clement Windows Group manufactures an innovative range of steel windows, doors, screens and conservation rooflights, specialising in conservation work for both private residences and commercial projects.

The Clement Brooking range of steel windows is a specialist range developed for high value refurbishment projects or specialist architectural situations where a particular ‘putty fronted’ system is required.

Clement’s EB20 steel window range comprises exceptionally slender, high specification steel windows which are designed to replicate the appearance of existing or original windows.  A versatile and popular product for residential and commercial situations, EB20 windows are made bespoke to requirements.

Tel: 01428 643393   Email: info@clementwg.co.uk         Web: clementwindows.co.uk

THE BENEFITS OF BALANCING

THE BENEFITS OF BALANCING

Building Products Index Ltd controls, Heating Leave a Comment

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Correct balancing of heating systems not only optimises heating system efficiency it also helps reduce heating costs for homeowners.

Hydronic balancing is the process of optimising the flow of water in a hydronic heating system by balancing the system pressure and so ensuring that water flows equally to individual radiators. This helps prevent over or under supply to radiators occurring. Apart from the discomfort factor an unbalanced system is less efficient, resulting in potentially higher fuel bills for already hard-pressed consumers.

If a customer complains of cold radiators some installers may consider increasing the pump speed or adjusting the boiler thermostat to a higher temperature setting. Although a seemingly quick fix compared with balancing this may not solve the problem and will increase the system’s energy consumption even further.

Basic principles

Tests conducted independently at the Salford University Energy House showed that without effective control and balancing boilers will operate in condensing mode for around 5% of the time, whereas with, it’s closer to 80% of the time. However, despite these efficiency benefits, and being considered best practice, balancing is sometimes neglected during the installation and commissioning of domestic heating systems. This could be down to lack of knowledge or confidence – or because of the time it can take using traditional methods. Whatever the reason, let’s start by looking at the method most installers will be familiar with – adjusting the lockshield valves on each radiator to ensure each radiator receives the correct flow of hot water to heat the space in which it is fitted. This process can be very time-consuming: firstly, air must be removed from the system by bleeding the radiators. The heating is then turned off and radiators left to cool down before the heating is turned back on. TRVs (if fitted) are then set to the fully open position, and the lockshield valves, by turning them anti-clockwise. The installer checks by touch which radiators get hottest quickest. Return valves on the hottest radiators will probably need to be restricted by 50% or 60% to start with, however, to balance a poorly designed system it may be necessary to close a valve more than 80%.

Learn how the RAS-B2 can increase comfort and reduce energy costs for homeowners here – https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZOVLiTjScmU&feature=shares

Dynamic solution

An accurate flow limiter with a pre-setting function is an alternative static balancing solution whereby the installer calculates the flow required for each radiator and adjusts to ensure the required amount of water is delivered. Although more accurate than a lockshield valve this form of balancing is only optimised for the coldest days (winter) when the heating system is operating at full (design) load. This means flow could be unnecessarily high on milder days (spring/autumn). If TRVs are fitted the room temperature can be controlled, but flow through the radiators will be the same, resulting in over-delivery and wasted energy.

A dynamic solution like the new Danfoss RAS-B2 functions as both a flow limiter and dynamic pressure valve. It limits flow through the TRV but does this independently of pressure fluctuations, so it is optimised for all days. The valve’s built-in differential pressure controller ensures that pressure drops over the valve remain at a constant level, which means flow through the valve is maintained at both full and partial loads.

Quick and easy balancing

As well as improved comfort, the RAS-B2 can enhance system efficiency as it ensures a lower return temperature (condensing boiler efficiency is best at below a return temperature of 55o C) and the pump can run at a lower speed and so consumes less electricity. Furthermore, because pre-setting of the desired flow is done on the RAS-B2 valve, rather than on the lockshield, installers could save up to two hours of working time and correctly balance a system in a fraction of the time it would normally take. And balancing can be made even easier by using the Danfoss Installer App when fitting RAS-B2 valves. This handy tool provides an interactive guide to calculating, recording and documenting the correct flow and subsequent setting for each radiator on a smartphone or tablet.

Discover more on how heating professionals can help consumers increase the efficiency of their heating systems here.

SAS Render Systems Achieve A2s1d0 Fire Classification

SAS Render Systems Achieve A2s1d0 Fire Classification

Building Products Index Ltd Cladding, Insulation, Rainscreen Cladding, Render Leave a Comment

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ProWall Rendered Rainscreen System and ProRend EIFS Mineral Wool External Wall Insulation systems have both recently achieved a fire classification of A2s1d0, making them one of the safest and most effective options for external wall insulation on the market.

A fire classification of A2s1d0 means that the material has been tested and found to be limited combustibility (A2 – Limited Combustion), has low smoke emission (S1 – emissions very little or absent), and does not contribute to the spread of fire (D0 – no burning droplets). This is one of the highest fire classifications that can be achieved for building materials, it demonstrates the safety and reliability of both our rendered rainscreen and mineral EWI system.

The ProWall rainscreen cladding system is a carrier board system, typically used in timber frame construction. It provides an attractive and durable finish to an exterior of a building. This system is made up of a 12.5mm cement-based carrier board fixed to either timber batons or rails that are made of either aluminium or steel. A 6mm layer of a flexible basecoat called Lite-Q is then applied and a glass fibre reinforcement mesh is fully embedded.  This reduces the chance of cracking, as timber and steel frame structures tend to move within the first two years of construction.

                                              (ProWall System used on                              (ProWall System structure)

                                         Travelodge Camborne Redruth)

The façade finish is a silicone render called ProRend Colourtex Uniform, available in over 65,000 colours. The Colourtex can be either applied by trowel application or sprayed via a simple hopper and compressor set-up. In being applied this way it speeds up the application as well as reduces overall building costs. The ProWall system is accompanied by a plethora of additional sundries that help with contraction, and expansion in addition to ventilation. The Technical team at SAS can provide full technical support.

The ProRend EIFS system uses mineral wool insulation, which is made from natural rocks, such as basalt and dolomite. These are melted and spun into fibres. It is a highly effective insulator, with excellent thermal and acoustic properties. The mineral wool is non-combustible and has low smoke emissions, contributing to our high fire classification of the system. This particular system is commonly used on projects over 18m in height, and commercial buildings such as offices and warehousing, and larger residential buildings with multiple occupancies which require excellent insulation along with a higher level of fire safety compliance.

                                          (ProRend EIFS System used                      (ProRend EIFS System structure)

                                       on Cornerstone Housing, Exeter)

ProRend EIFS can be affixed to numerous different substrates with a simple change in fixing type and embedment depth. From sheathing boards on steel structures to masonry builds inclusive of brick and block. Exactly like the ProWall system, the basecoat, glass fibre mesh and Colourtex Uniform are all applied to create the final rendered finish.

Together, the ProWall and ProRend EIFS systems are both effective in protecting buildings whilst being safe in the event of a fire. As stated before, they are suitable for use on a variety of different buildings, such as residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

The technical team at SAS Render Systems are happy to discuss your project requirements and provide full technical support at all stages.

Crittall's West End Success

Crittall’s West End Success

Building Products Index Ltd Steel, Windows Leave a Comment

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Visit the Crittall website : Crittall’s West End success

Visit the Crittall website : Crittall’s commercial and consultancy service

Devonshire House

Crittall’s West End Success

Recently completed is the refurbishment of a substantial mixed-use building in the plush Fitzrovia/Marylebone area of central London. Crittall Windows made a significant contribution to both the aesthetic and sustainability of the seven-storey Devonshire House that commands the corner of Devonshire and Great Portland Streets.

The refurbishment, designed by architects Robson Warren, upgraded the building’s green credentials by the installation of T60 thermally broken steel windows. The high-performance steel fenestration comfortably surpasses the requirements of current legislation while satisfying the designer’s desire to maintain heritage characteristics.

The area around Great Portland Street was developed in the 18th century with fine Georgian houses and, although these were replaced in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the newer office blocks that took their place often sought to retain the period features.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The black powder-coated T60 windows in Devonshire House, provided in both inward and outward opening configurations, have been fitted with glazing bars to mimic the Georgian-style panes that were a prominent feature in the period façade of the building.

Architect:

Robson Warren Architects Ltd
8, Northfields Prospect
Putney Bridge Road
London
SW18 1PE

Main contractor:

Richardsons (Nyewood) Ltd
Station House
Nyewood
Petersfield
Hampshire
GU315HX

 

INTRAsystems launches moisture-resistant wood effect matting

INTRAsystems launches moisture-resistant wood effect matting

Building Products Index Ltd Entrance Matting Leave a Comment

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Get the look of Bamboo Entrance Matting with none of the ongoing maintenance issues!

Commercial entrance matting specialists, INTRAsystems, has unveiled another game-changing product – this time a wood effect matting profile, manufactured entirely from recycled aluminium.

Part of the INTRAform DM Low Profile product range, this new option offers the appearance of real wood, but in a hardwearing aluminium that’s resistant to humidity, mould, and moisture.

Compatible across the firm’s 21 different fibre inserts – all woven from environmentally friendly Econyl (recycled nylon) – the entrance matting slots together using a simple tongue-and-groove based system, making it incredibly fast and easy for flooring contractors to install.

Developed in-house, the new Wood Effect entrance matting is the latest in a line of sustainable, practical, and easy to handle matting solutions designed specifically by INTRAsystems for application in busy commercial environments.

It follows on from the 2022 launch of the brand’s innovative new INTRAlux Ultimate fibre, which, among other performance strengths, has the ability to wick-away up to 3x more moisture from the very first step, regardless of whether a user wipes their feet.

Of the decision to introduce the new Wood Effect finish to its INTRAform DM Low Profile range, INTRAsystems’ Director, James Farrant, says: “Wood is a timeless and sustainable material with distinctive properties and characteristics. From an aesthetics point of view, it looks great, but its porous nature, unfortunately, means it’s highly susceptible to moisture and humidity, which is precisely why it’s not a practical solution for an entrance matting system.”

“The rationale behind the INTRAform DM Low Profile Wood Effect” continues Farrant “was to create a product that convincingly offered the appearance of real wood but in a material that lends itself much better to the demands of busy commercial environments. Given its strength, sustainability, and resistance to moisture, recycled aluminium was the natural choice to work with. Unlike real wood, its integrity isn’t compromised if it gets wet or humid, so it holds its shape perfectly in all weather conditions.”

Ease of installation was another key consideration for the INTRAsystems’ team in developing its recycled aluminium Wood Effect matting. “Working with flooring contractors on a daily basis, we understand how integral it is for a product to be easy and fast to fit on site. We designed INTRAform DM Low Profile so it could be installed by almost anyone. Not only is the tongue and groove-based system incredibly easy to cut – without specialist cutting tools – it’s also simple to shape and lay in the matwell when compared to a more traditional tension rod system.”

For full product specifications visit: www.intrasystems.co.uk/products/intraform-dm-low-profile/

High-Spec Electric Fires for Every Home

High-Spec Electric Fires for Every Home

Building Products Index Ltd Stoves Leave a Comment

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Eurostove has been working hard with electric fire brand iLektro to bring a smarter, more efficient, and easier-to-install product which is suitable for installations in every home.

Whether it’s a modern new-build without a flue, a studio apartment with limited space, a purpose-built flat with clean lines and a contemporary look or even a rural cottage that needs something quick and easy to heat up a living area, dining room or open-plan space, electric fires offer the perfect blend of sleek design and state-of-the-art technology.

Available in four sizes, the 950 aspect and three landscape models: 1250, 1650 and 2000 – with something to suit every space. Eurostove’s new and updated iLektro collection is ideal for homes with good insulation, where heating is required but also where a focal point feature fire is desired to give a room an instant wow factor and a cosy, welcoming feel at the touch of a button.

The Wi-Fi capability allows users to operate their fire from a smartphone or tablet, both iPhone and Android. This allows homeowners to turn their fire on before they get home and turn it off via their device if they forget before they go out. It also comes with a remote handset, an LED indicator inside the stove, six frame colour options, and a new two-level crackle sound for the authentic sound of a crackling fire. Users can also adjust the flame brightness and flame speed and choose from 10 fuel bed colours and 10 top light colours too. There is even a backlight option for external shelving as well as rotating options for the fuel bed to suit any space and desired effect.

The iLektro collection of electric fires from Eurostove also comes with a realistic chamber bed that can be fitted with Gas Quality Ceramic Logs, Vermiculite, Coal Pieces and Black or Amber Crystals to create the desired look and feel. A-rated for energy efficiency, each of the fires provides even heat distribution as well as the perfect ambience that can be app controlled both in temperature and visual effect from a smartphone or tablet. There’s no need for a flue, which makes installation quick, clean, and easy in any room. Perfect for media walls, homeowners can also match LED lighting around the TV or behind a bookcase to the colour of the fire for a complementary or contrasting finish.

All models are available as standard with the option to be single, double, or triple-sided with full-screen display, energy-saving LED Multi Flame technology, and the flame effect with or without heat. There is the option of front, left-hand, right-hand, and bay-orientated options with clear-vision, low reflection front glass and a unique side glass reflection. There’s also a seven-day programmable timer with a room thermostat, making the iLektro collection the ultimate in flexible, versatile heating to suit all spaces and all tastes.

Another Electric Fire from Eurostove includes their own Woodland Electric model from Mendip Stoves, with the look and aesthetics of the woodburning model. Perfect for homes where an installation of a solid fuel appliance wouldn’t be possible, the Woodland electric features realistic flame effects and can be run with or without the heating aspect to allow for enjoyment throughout the whole year.

For more information on these products please visit www.eurostove.co.uk .

Axis installs Flo-Motion doors in Catfoss modular ITU building at Northampton General Hospital

Axis installs Flo-Motion doors in Catfoss modular ITU building at Northampton General Hospital

Building Products Index Ltd Doors, Sliding Leave a Comment

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INDUSTRY: Healthcare

CLIENT: NHS Trust – Northampton General Hospital

CONTRACTOR: Catfoss

 

PROJECT:

To develop a new state-of-the-art Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) at Northampton General Hospital. Axis had a key role, devising a solution capable of providing flexible space with options of a light and open environment for better communication between staff to manage problems with patients more effectively, but also with the option to isolate spaces for patient privacy, when required.

CHALLENGES:

There were a few challenges on this project, all of which we overcame without compromising on design
and quality. The challenges included:

  • The overall project’s tight deadlines
  • The limited footprint of the site
  • Maintaining noise and dust controls within a working hospital

SOLUTION:

Axis designed and installed our own, award-winning FLO-MOTION® DOORS, the extra low friction manual sliding door system.

The full width and height doors are fabricated using extruded aluminium profiles and the frame includes a reinforced transom bar to support the track system. The system features recirculating ball cassettes that run on a low resistance linear track with a damper mechanism at the fully opened and closed positions. The limited contact between the bearings and the track enables the doors to be opened and closed effortlessly.

The sliding doors and the accompanying full height glazed screens were double glazed incorporating interstitial blinds. The blinds are operated by a slide magnet for ‘tilt and turn’ functions offering either visibility or privacy.

OUTCOME:

The new ITU department provides several significant benefits for patients and staff, including:

  • More efficient and effective working
  • A more spacious department with more natural light
  • Providing staff and patients with better visibility of each other
  • Better patient experience

 

Howe Green provides seal of approval with new landscape WATERSAFE IP66 Floor Access Covers

Howe Green provides seal of approval with new landscape WATERSAFE IP66 Floor Access Covers

Building Products Index Ltd access covers Leave a Comment

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To provide construction professionals with an ingress protected option to discreet underfloor services, Howe Green has launched its new landscape WATERSAFE IP66 Floor Access Covers, suitable for a wide range of internal and external applications, including swimming pools, wet rooms, parks, hospitals, docksides or rail projects.

The new WATERSAFE IP66 floor access covers provide discreet, safe and easy access to underfloor services in applications where dust or water ingress must be eliminated. The standard range is available in galvanised and stainless steel and can be manufactured in bespoke sizes and shapes to meet each project’s unique floor access requirements.

Due to the WATERSAFE floor access covers having an IP66 rating, the covers are completely protected against dust ingress as well as water ingress including powerful jets and heavy seas. For maximum compatibility aluminium covers can also be supplied for applications in sea salt environments. Additionally, there is a 15mm speed pipe connector to remove any water droplets, further adding to the water safe and efficiency element of the floor access covers.

Available with a load rating of A15–D400 (FACTA A – D rating), the WATERSAFE IP66 floor access covers provide durable underfloor access which can also be manufactured with higher FACTA ratings on request.

The load rating does not affect the water ingress protection, meaning that the underfloor services will not be affected or be at risk of water damage. The covers have a maximum clear opening of 1000 x 1000mm and an outer frame at a maximum of 1200 x 1200mm, with a standard stone or concrete depth of 100mm. Deeper recesses are also available on request. To meet project requirements, the infill depth is bespoke and manufactured to order, with a minimum depth of 70mm.

Chris George, Business Development Manager for Howe Green, said: “To further enhance our commitment to landscape construction professionals across a wide sector of applications, the launch of our new WATERSAFE IP66 Floor Access Covers do just that. We wanted to provide a durable and safe floor access cover that enables professionals easy and safe access to underfloor services, without the worry of dust or water ingress. To ensure that we are meeting each project’s needs, each of our floor access covers are made to order.”

In order for contractors to easily install the product into stone, tile or slab flooring, the floor access covers feature triangular corner plates with standard barrel lifting points, for easy and safe lifting.

For further information, visit  https://www.howegreen.com/product/access-cover-howe-green-watersafe-ip66 or call 01920 463230.

Jaga UK launches new fan coil units brochure

Jaga UK launches new fan coil units brochure

Building Products Index Ltd Heating, Ventilation Leave a Comment

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Jaga UK, the go-to company for dynamic heating and cooling convectors that optimise renewable energy, has revamped its fan coil unit offering with simplified control packages to help specifiers and contractors select the most suitable control method from a range of options.

Jaga’s sleek Briza range of fan convectors and fan coil units includes one of the slimmest units on the market. Offering powerful heating and deep cooling with heat pumps, the Briza is a great solution for year-round comfort with low flow temperature systems.

Key features and benefits:

  • Slimline and stylish
  • Heating, cooling and optional ventilation from one unit
  • High outputs at low water temperatures
  • Energy-efficient EC motors
  • Near silent dynamic system
  • Deep cooling (wet) and light cooling (dry) capability
  • 2-pipe or 4-pipe heat exchanger options
  • Various control options to suit any project
  • Flexible installation – wall-mounted in casing, ceiling-mounted without casing or built-in

Download the new brochure: https://jaga.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Briza-Brochure-2023_WEB.pdf or visit the Jaga website for more information: https://jaga.co.uk/heating-and-cooling/briza