EUROCELL’S SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENT HELPS TO CREATE THE ZERO CARBON HOME OF THE FUTURE

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

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  • Eurocell’s high performing and recycled window and door solutions selected for industry-leading construction research project led by Barratt Developments
  • Academics and construction industry working together to develop a zero-carbon house and test the home living experience
  • Barratt Development’s ‘Z-House’ showcases and monitors sustainable living by combining modern construction methods, home technology solutions and green building product answers

The Z House Project, an eco house at Salford University by Barratt Homes.

With efforts intensifying to deliver the sustainable living solutions needed for a greener future, Eurocell has collaborated with housebuilder Barratt Developments on a unique and innovative construction project based at the University of Salford campus.

The ‘Z-House’ is a zero-carbon concept home that aims to showcase the future of sustainable living in the UK.  It is the first home in the country to be built by a major housebuilder that goes substantially beyond the Future Homes Standard and has brought together the latest thinking and technologies.

The home is designed to test and monitor the most modern sustainable housing technology. This includes an air source heat pump, infrared panels, plaster that eliminates pollutants, a fridge that keeps food fresh for longer, heated skirting boards, air-powered showers, electric vehicle charging points, PV solar panels and battery storage.

Importantly, the house will also be home to one of Salford University’s academics so that the project can better understand the customer experience of zero carbon living.

Driving sustainability

Eurocell was asked to contribute its sustainable window and door solutions as part of the Z-House concept design.  The company’s own recycling plants transform post-consumer and post-industrial waste PVC window and door frames into new and reusable PVC-U profiles through a closed loop recycling scheme.

The positive contribution a sustainable approach to window and door solutions can make has also been verified by Manchester Metropolitan University.  It concluded that the use of post-consumer waste plastic window frames to create new PVC-U profiles will enable a housebuilder constructing, on average, 2,500 units of semi-detached houses, to save around 627 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year by specifying recycled Eurocell windows and cavity closures over full virgin PVC-U windows.

The Z-House has used the high thermal performance, attractive aesthetics, and sustainable benefits of Eurocell’s Syncro sliding doors for the garage space that houses the critical system monitoring equipment for the project. In addition, the Logik window solution was specified on both the ground and first floors of the 3-bedroom property.  The selected Eurocell products for the Z-House are constructed from a recycled source which helps to drastically reduce their environmental impact.

Angus Cowie, business development manager for Eurocell, comments: “This is a really important project for the construction industry and its collective efforts to build the sustainable houses our population will require in the future. By bringing together current and evolving construction expertise, innovative thinking, emerging technologies, and practical solutions from a wide range of suppliers, the Z-House is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through active collaboration.

“It was vital all project partners had early engagement to fully understand the aims and ambitions for the concept and this has been the case with the Z-House. We look forward to seeing the results of the work being undertaken at the University of Salford and are excited to be part of this significant piece of practical research driven by Barratt Developments.”

The Z-House has been created using modern methods of construction. It is part-funded by the UK Government and has been developed in partnership with over 40 leading organisations from across the housebuilding, sustainability, and technology sectors, helping to broaden knowledge with lessons learnt shared across the industry.

The sky is the limit for the Riverside Museum, Glasgow, with the help of Bilco UK

Building Products Index Ltd Access Hatches, Roof Hatches Leave a Comment

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Glasgow Transport Museum 4Housing the Glasgow Museum of Transport, one of the UK’s foremost transport and technology collections, the Riverside Museum reflects Glasgow’s historic role as a centre of shipbuilding, train manufacturing and engineering.

Previously located in a former tram depot on the Glasgow South Side, the Transport Museum’s exhibits have moved to The Riverside Museum, designed by renowned architect, Zaha Hadid.

The museum’s iconic and beautiful design dominates its riverside location, whilst paying homage to the heritage of its surroundings. Crucial to the museum’s flowing design is its roof, which curves and undulates and continues around the east and west sides of the building to constitute the majority of the external structure.

glasgow transport museum1Silver-grey zinc panels complete the effect, placing the building firmly in the context of the River Clyde. As part of the roof construction, Bilco UK was commissioned to manufacture and supply a E-50TB Roof Access Hatch, in addition to two ESW-50REM Smoke Vents, to meet strict requirements for convenient access and building safety regulations.

Both the roof access hatch and smoke vents were custom-designed to unique specifications by Bilco UK’s in house team and clad in zinc to create a seamless, aesthetic  finish with the museum’s distinctive roof.

Expertly engineered to meet the requirements of Manual Handling Regulations, the E-50TB Roof Access Hatch allows for regular and convenient maintenance by facilitating easy one-handed operation. The Access Hatch will enable engineers with small tools to safely access the roof to conduct essential maintenance, whilst its overlapping cover design, fully welded corners and insulated cover ensure both weather tightness and energy efficiency to deliver the highest standards of longevity for the museum.

Bilco Zinc-clad E-50TB Roof Access Hatch installed at Glasgow Transport MuseumSpecified to ensure strict adherence with relevant fire safety regulations, the two ESW-50REM Smoke Vents open to 140 degrees in the event of a fire within 60 seconds, guaranteeing the highest standards in fire safety and allowing for the venting of smoke, heat and noxious gases in the event of a fire.

Mark Baird, Sales Operations Manager at Bilco UK, said: “Knowing that Bilco UK’s products are part of such a unique and ambitious project, especially one which is so architecturally significant, is incredibly rewarding. The Riverside Museum is a great example of how taking a bespoke approach to roof access solutions can achieve unparalleled aesthetics, without compromising on convenience or safety.

“Not only do our custom-made access hatches and smoke vents integrate seamlessly into the overall design, they also offer the highest possible standards of fire safety and efficiency.”

Open to Glasgow to the North and the Clyde to the South, the museum’s interior is complex, inviting visitors to snake their way around the various exhibits. The building “flows from city to waterfront, symbolising the dynamic relationship between Glasgow and the ship-building, seafaring and industrial legacy of the river Clyde.” (Zaha Hadid).

For further information on Bilco UK’s complete range of roof access solutions, visit www.bilcouk.co.uk or call 01284 701696.

Knauf ThroughWall: an entire exterior infill panel system from a single source

Building Products Index Ltd Panels, Wall panel system Leave a Comment

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ThroughWall Cover Image.inddThe Knauf ThroughWall system is a BBA certified exterior infill panel system supplied by one manufacturer and offered with a full system performance warranty.

ThroughWall combines Knauf products into an entire exterior infill wall panel system, from internal wall lining to sheathing board and external insulation, allowing for the addition of exterior finishes such as rainscreen cladding or masonry.

The flexibility offered by the Knauf product range allows for various options of system build-ups to be achieved while meeting structural, fire, thermal and acoustic regulatory requirements.

Through Wall_for_BBA-FINAL

 

The system comprises: Knauf Plasterboards, Knauf Steel Framing Sections (SFS), Knauf Insulation OmniFit® Slab or Stud, Knauf Windliner and Knauf Insulation Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab.

Knauf ThroughWall can be used in both concrete and steel-frame buildings across many sectors such as residential, commercial, healthcare and education.  It is also suitable for buildings in excess of 18 metres in height (11 metres for Scotland).

 

Saracens School BPIThe whole supply chain benefits from having a single point of contact for technical support. Knauf’s assistance includes the development and delivery of backed System Performance Warranty specifications, BIM steel framing system drawings, project specific details and site assistance.

 

THIS IMAGE IS LICENSED TO FACTA FOR PR AND COMMUNICATION USE AND DISTRIBUTION TO THE MEDIA WHO MAY USE THE PICTURE FREE OF CHARGE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE RELEVANT STORY ONLY. Knauf SFS installation at Crest Nicholson development, Newfoundland Way, Portishead, near Bristol. © Roger Donovan, Media Photos Tel: 02920 361126 Mobile: 07711 325100 e-mail: roger@mediaphotos.co.uk www.mediaphotos.co.uk All Moral Rights Reserved including the right to be identified as the creator of this copyright protected image.

The Knauf ThroughWall system is BBA certified and carries a full system performance warranty. It is currently the only exterior infill panel system on the UK market to be supplied by one manufacturer and is offered with bespoke technical support. For further information click here.

 

 

 

 

WHOLE HOUSE HEATING GUIDE FROM OMNIE

Building Products Index Ltd Heating, underfloor heating Leave a Comment

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The latest Product Guide from OMNIE covers all aspects of underfloor heating as well as the manufacturer’s holistic range of heat pumps, controls, ventilation and hot & cold water distribution.  Indeed, these chapters reveal OMNIE’s philosophy of ensuring its five principal technologies work together in what it calls the Whole House System.

Omnie Brochure Cover 2(1)OMNIE offers underfloor heating solutions to suit all types of building, from new-build to refurb, from offices to churches: embracing screeded floors, timber suspended and batten, floating and low build-up/overlay, and even acoustic options.  Each of the floor types are covered in terms of imagery, heating performance and specifications while, for those that require more technical detail, a QR code is provided, which enables the reader to download data sheets and installation guides for each product.

Towards the end of the 114 pages are contact details outlining how to obtain help and support for architects and other specifiers, industry installers and homeowners, along with common questions and information on the RIBA-approved CPD courses.  Finally, ‘Starting your project’ explains how to get a quote and specification, placing an order and information on servicing and commissioning.

While UFH is accepted as optimising the performance of heats pumps, OMNIE can supply a full selection of air and ground source models, suitable for almost any building, irrespective of size, usage or heat loss characteristic. Then there are the advanced controls – including smartphone apps – and heat recovery ventilation systems available to ensure occupants not only enjoy efficiency and comfort but also a healthy indoor environment.

The beautifully presented A4 book features high-quality photography and technical drawings to support the various systems and the important fact that they are manufactured in an environmentally responsible way, using British-made component materials wherever possible – even the publication itself is made from carbon neutral paper.

Whatever your project parameters or your past experience of specifying Whole House Heating Systems, OMNIE has the product portfolio and expertise to help deliver a successful outcome.

The new Omnie Product Guide can be downloaded from the website – www.omnie.co.uk

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

OMNIE, 18 APPLE LANE, SIDMOUTH ROAD, EXETER, DEVON, EX2 5GL.

TEL: 01392 363605       FAX: 01392 364871

EMAIL:     projects@omnie.co.uk       WEB:      www.omnie.co.uk

 

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY:  J. WARD TURNER PUBLICITY LTD.

WESTERHAM LODGE, WESTERHAM ROAD, KESTON, KENT. BR2 6DA.

TEL:  01689 854868    FAX:  01689 860246  EMAIL:   pr@wardturner.co.uk

ADDAGRIP ECOHEAT SURFACING FOR FOOTBALL GROUND TERRACE IN KENT

Building Products Index Ltd Resin Bound Surfacing Leave a Comment

Folkestone-Football-Ground-resin-boundView the Addagrip Terraco entry on BPindex

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Addagrip Terraco are delighted to have been involved in the first commercial installation of our latest innovative paving product, Addagrip EcoHeat Surfacing system, at the BuildKent Stadium, home of Folkestone Invicta Football Club in Kent.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Addagrip-ecoheat-folkestoneFC-1The Football Club was looking to upgrade its main terrace with a new maintenance free, porous paving that would be decorative, hard wearing and comfortable underfoot especially in the winter months. A solution was offered by Southern Construction to provide an innovative new paving product that would meet requirements and generate hot water in addition. Addagrip EcoHeat Surfacing not only offers a high quality permeable resin bound finish but combined with Ecoheat patented pipework technology provides a heat harnessing option that will enable the club to produce hot water and heat the surface with free energy to keep it clear of frost and snow.
Addagrip-EcoHeat-Surfacing---frost-free
Addagrip-EcoHeat-Surfacing--heatingwaterThe existing terrace surface was prepared and the Addagrip EcoHeat Base and EcoHeat patented pipework was installed ready for the Addagrip EcoHeat resin bound permeable surfacing finish. The client was also looking for the Club’s initials to be added to the surface. Two bespoke colour resin bound blends were selected for the finished surface and the FIFC lettering was created using a template to give a seamless paving design.

snow-free-addagrip-ecoheat-surfacingThe installation was completed by Southern Construction in February 2021 just before a spell of cold weather, including ice and snow, which enabled the club to see the new technology in action as the warming of the surface took effect. As the snow fell on the pitch, the terrace remained snow and ice free. The permeable resin bound finish also ensures that the terrace is free draining and dry underfoot for the club’s spectators. The new surfacing also enables the club to harness the energy created to help heat water for the clubhouse.

The client is delighted with the new surface which offers a ‘first of its kind’ heat generating porous paving solution that is stylish, practical, low maintenance and kinder to the planet.

Website https://addagrip.co.uk/systems/resin-bound-porous-surfacing/ecoheat/

Dry-Build Solutions for earth retention or noise absorption.

Building Products Index Ltd retaining walls Leave a Comment

View the Grass Concrete entry on BPindex

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Beto act 1Moving up from ground level to vertical landscaping, Grass Concrete has a line-up of vertical landscaping products, the Betoconcept range.

The range meets growing demand for both retaining walls that  combines reduced noise levels with  attractive vertical landscapes, offering a real variety of planting options as an alternative to what would be otherwise dull and un-inspiring structures.

Retaining walls on road highways or the simplest garden or boundary walls now feature: planting, colour, shape or textured finish. The Betoconcept range brings different shapes and styles to accommodate planting on high or low walls with; Betoatlas, Betoflor, Betotitan, Leromur, Betojar, Betoplus and Betonap products

Betoconcept landsced retaining wall systemWith individual interlocking blocks and dry-build interconnectivity the range offers the ability to free-form wall layouts in single or terraced wall format. These interlocking units enable a quick and easy construction process and can cope with complex curves, ground embankments and weight surcharges.

The Betoconcept range has interlocking blocks made from high strength machine pressed concrete, offering dry build solutions and noise absorption, excellent for external wall solutions in urban and rural areas.

curved wall betoconceptDry built blocks interlock to form the required face angle, they are easy and quick to construct with a choice of plantable or stone-faced finishes. The contemporary colours include : natural, buff and red will fit in with a variety of environments and tone with natural landscapes.

Betoconcept blocks provide adequate soil pockets for all types of plants, shrubs and climbers. Good drainage and water capture with the stepped bank also helps keep landscape maintenance to a minimum.  Using the depth for landscaping means significant growth can benefit both sound suppression and help get quick landscaping results across a wide walled area

Grass Concrete’s retaining wall range bringing together both structural integrity and a variety of landscape design options.

Tel 01924 379 443

www.grasscrete.com

info@grasscrete.com

How a light-coloured floor aids daylighting

Building Products Index Ltd Flooring, Solid Wood Floors Leave a Comment

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Contact andrew@andrewleephotographer.com

When roof window manufacturer VELUX built a new extension at their UK and Ireland head office in Glenrothes, Fife, Junckers solid wood flooring was the perfect choice to enhance the light-filled space.

Over 800 m2 of Junckers 22mm Beech Harmony two-strip flooring was fitted throughout, forming a unifying surface which links every part of the building, including the impressive entrance, circulation and breakout areas. The contemporary interior uses natural light to full effect, in a perfect demonstration of how VELUX roof windows help create spaces filled with natural daylight, one of the targets of the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge and an essential ingredient for user wellbeing. A light-coloured floor such as beech reflects a lot of natural light which helps enhance lighting levels, further reducing the need for artificial light, and therefore saving energy. In addition, a pale floor will not contribute to overheat- ing, reducing the need for air conditioning systems.

Contact andrew@andrewleephotographer.com

Ensuring a healthy indoor climate is another important consideration to architects and specifiers, and in addition to fresh air and high levels of natural daylight provided by VELUX roof window products, a Junckers solid wood floor will help achieve a healthy and balanced indoor environment. With a perfectly smooth surface, it cannot harbour dust or mites, and as an all-natural material, wood helps maintain an even temperature in a room and reduces static from any electrical equipment. Junckers’ floors hold the Danish Indoor Climate label. This means they have undergone extensive degassing and odour testing to ensure there are no chemical substances in the flooring which may adversely affect air quality. The certification, now recognised by BREEAM, gives specifiers the confidence to specify flooring which will contribute to a high degree of wellbeing in a building.

Contact andrew@andrewleephotographer.comA hardwood timber, beech is one of the strongest and most durable woods used for flooring. It is a light-coloured wood species which acquires a warm, golden tone with age. The structural grain pattern is straight with a fine, even texture for a classic look.

Junckers
Tel 01376 534 700 | junckers.co.uk | sales@junckers.co.uk

Webnet Frames from MMA Architectural Systems

Building Products Index Ltd Mesh, Stainless Steel Leave a Comment

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DSC02655 compressedMMA Architectural Systems supplies a wide range of high-performance high-quality stainless steel systems for a wide range of applications.

The company’s Jakob Webnet stainless steel wire mesh solution can be found in projects across the UK, ranging from the Olympic Stadium at the Queen Elizabeth Park to the Cutty Sark and Tower of London (where the system helps keep the ravens safe and secure).

From balustrading to helicopter landing pads and bridge safety to green walls, Webnet features in projects of all shape, scope and complexity, both indoors and out to provide an elegant, robust and long lasting solution.

Jakob_Inviss_Sumiswald_Treppe_8 20200311_145850Although Webnet is available for any shape and size of project, the addition of a standard portfolio of Webnet Frames makes projects faster and easier to install. The frames are manufactured from high quality 316 stainless steel, which together with the Webnet infill provides long-life performance and low maintenance, with the bespoke units being available in a wide range of frame, finishing and fitment options.

 

Jakob_Inviss_Sumiswald_Treppe_1The unique Inviss range of Webnet frames offers a new, clean and stylish frame solution which incorporates Webnet into the structure of the frame.  As a result, there are no wires around the perimeter of the frame and all of the Webnet end-connections are ‘hidden’ inside the frame.

Weather resistant and highly durable, each system is manufactured to order to meet each project’s needs, with the product being certified and collision tested to EN12600:2002.

 

20190614_172514Delivering a timeless, elegant design, Webnet Frames combine functionality and safety and can be easily installed on site – requiring no special assembly expertise.

For further project details visit https://jakob.co.uk/projects/

For further product information visit https://jakob.co.uk/products/view/webnet-frames/

DANFOSS WINS PRESTIGIOUS H&V NEWS AWARD

Building Products Index Ltd controls, Heating Leave a Comment

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Lifestyle TRV on radiator - girl on laptop@0.75xThe Danfoss RAS-B2 Dynamic Valve has won HVAC Product of the Year in the Components and Peripherals category at the H&V News Awards 2021. Danfoss scooped the top prize for its acclaimed technical innovation which, unlike standard TRVs, features a differential pressure controller for fast and easy hydronic dynamic balancing of domestic heating systems in a fraction of the time it would normally take. The expert judging panel, drawn from across the HVAC sector, praised the new Danfoss product for offering installers a practical solution that will help them accurately deliver a balanced system and will help consumers with long-term maintenance of efficiency and comfort.

The winners of the H&V News Awards 2021 were revealed on the 11 November at the Hilton Park Lane, London. The glittering night of recognition and celebration of the sector’s achievements saw the HVAC industry elite come together in person for the first time since April 2019. With 25 categories, the H&V News Awards recognise the leading people, products, projects and services from across the industry and are amongst the most sought-after accolades in the HVAC sector.

Danfoss-RAS-B2-CO-3Currently the only 100% pressure independent valve demonstrating a constant flow in all conditions, the award-winning Danfoss RAS-B2 ensures each radiator receives an equal flow of hot water. This not only optimises end-user comfort but also means that the return temperature is lower (condensing boiler efficiency is best at below a return temperature of 55o C) and the pump can run at a lower speed. Furthermore, pre-setting of the desired flow is done on the valve, rather than on the lockshield, which it is estimated could save installers up to two hours of valuable working time. In addition, the RAS-B2 is featured on the Danfoss Installer App: using this time-saving tool installers can calculate, record and document the correct flow and subsequent setting for each radiator on their smartphone or tablet.

Speaking on behalf of Danfoss, Marketing Manager, Gareth Ash, said: “We are absolutely delighted to win a coveted H&V News Award for our RAS-B2 Dynamic Valve. Danfoss invented the world’s first radiator thermostat back in 1943 and as this latest innovation shows we are still leading the way when it comes to developing cutting-edge solutions that make life easier for installers, deliver real benefits for their customers and will contribute to making UK homes more energy efficient as we journey towards the ultimate goal of Net Zero.” For more information visit  www.danfoss.com

For a better outcome at the project’s end, think drainage from the start.

Building Products Index Ltd Building Drainage, Drainage Leave a Comment

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Drainage design croppedFrom first drawing to final handover, preserving the design vision is never easy. Somewhere along the line there are bound to be extra costs and compromises. But there’s one critical part of the project that could reduce this, if considered early enough – drainage. Yes, drainage. With building performance under the spotlight and permitted discharge rates being restricted, managing water from roofs to sewers adds complex challenges. Attenuation requirements and hydraulic loads need careful consideration while drainage must be aesthetically pleasing. Yet these decisions often get left till way too late in the project.

Drainage designSo why does that matter? At ACO, our Drainage Design Services team believes early consideration of drainage solutions not only helps achieve a look that ties in with the design concept, but knowing the depths available for floor or balcony drainage from the beginning can have massive benefits for the end result. It allows us to calculate and advise on exactly the right system to handle the volume of water for the application, whereas late engagement may mean raising floor levels to accommodate different products – this disrupts other trades, costs more and compromises both timescales and design integrity. In other words, to preserve your design vision, look at drainage earlier.

Welding shots.00_09_33_03.Still006ACO has 75 years of experience in the manufacture of drainage systems. Our design specialists are fully versed in the physical and commercial constraints of major building projects, from hydraulics to grease management. Watch our video to learn more or contact ACO and we’ll provide the expertise of our bespoke design service. That way, we’ll have kept your costs down before you’ve even broken ground.