Jakob Green Walls, Bringing Nature Back to our Urban Environment

Building Products Index Ltd Green Walls, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

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Against the backdrop of a growing global population, the rise of mega-cities and the impact of climate change, greening our towns and cities has become increasingly important, to make sure that our urban environments are safe and healthy places to live, work and study in, and to visit. So, what are the benefits of Jakob’s Green Wall solutions for these applications?

Green Walls continue to play a crucial role in delivering sustainable urban landscapes, with designers and architects recognising their versatility and value both for cladding facades and as stand-alone structures.  Jakob Green Walls have been proven to deliver a wide range of benefits for both new build projects and retrofit/ refurbishment schemes, including:

  • Energy savings and reduced carbon footprint – energy savings up to 35% can be achieved due to the effects of evaporative cooling and shading by plants, leading to a much lower carbon footprint.
  • Noise reduction – thanks to the exterior sound reflection and absorption, noise can be reduced by up to 5 dB.
  • Improved air quality and CO2  balance.
  • Enhancing a building’s appearance.
  • Encouraging biodiversity – bringing flora and fauna back to our urban environments.
  • Cost-effective solution – compared to hydroponic pocket systems.
  • Suitable for new projects or retrofitting to existing buildings.
  • Easily installed and maintained.

When they are installed on buildings or in public spaces, Jakob Green Walls (also called Living Walls) deliver much more than an attractive environment. In addition to enhanced aesthetics, they bring flora and fauna back to our towns and cities, creating sustainable natural habitats in urban spaces for a variety of plants and insects. The reductions in noise and improvements to air quality they bring also help to improve the health and well-being of people living and working in, or visiting a city.

The technology behind Green Walls is developing quickly, with systems constantly evolving and new projects bringing innovative solutions and applications. The scale of projects is also increasing, with One Central Park in Sydney being a soaring example: this 150 metre high building is home to the world’s tallest exterior Green Wall, the Jakob Green Wall system having been supplied by our Australian partners, Tensile Design & Construct.

Spanning 120 square meters across two residential towers, the system was developed with support from Jakob Green Solutions, with the vertical surfaces containing 35,200 plants to provide both shading and cooling for the building’s interior in the hot Australian climate.

Green Walls do not just deliver outstanding performance for external projects.  They can equally help transform internal spaces, with the single cable systems improving indoor climates by filtering and capturing particles and CO2 in exchange for oxygen – again dampening noise and adding a creative, sustainable, and inspiring living element to an interior space.

The Jakob Green Wall system has been specified in projects worldwide, providing a contemporary and elegant design aesthetic, whilst allowing a wide range of planting options to be installed to suit the local conditions and environment. Providing a modern, sustainable solution, Green Walls are increasingly being installed to bring nature back to our urban landscapes.

To learn more about our Jakob Green Wall Systems, or to discuss your project requirements, please contact us on 01761 419427 or email sales@mma-architecturalco.uk to talk to our technical team.

CS LOUVRES PROVIDE AIRFLOW AND RAIN DEFENCE FOR A SUSTAINABLE DATA CENTRE

Building Products Index Ltd Louvres Leave a Comment

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Construction Specialties’ (CS) rain defence louvres are providing airflow and maximum rain defence for one of the largest data centres in Europe.

Following a successful acquisition of Hydrokraft AS in 2022, Arkon Energy has started the development of additional infrastructure, aiming to harness the facility’s total capacity potential. Located in Glomfjord, Norway, the centre runs entirely on eco-friendly, economical hydroelectric power.

The focal point of the project was the implementation of a rain defence louvre system that would not only provide efficient intake airflow but also withstand the significant wind load requirements typical of this region. The louvre system had to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, blending well with the existing envelope design. An additional consideration was selecting a finish that would ensure longevity without impacting cost or lead times.

After a thorough consultation process, the RSH-5700 horizontal bladed rain defence louvre from CS’ architectural range was selected. This model offered the ideal balance of performance (class A 3 up to 3.5 m/s), cost-effectiveness, and visual appeal for customer’s requirements. The final finish choice was a standard polyester powder coat in matt RAL 7035, closely matching the facility’s cladding panels. The finish was warranted for 20-years (subject to a regular maintenance schedule), following an assessment based on site’s location.

The modular nature of the RSH-5700 louvre system facilitated ease of installation, a crucial factor given the project’s scale and location. Its robust design ensured durability and longevity, vital in a region prone to high wind loads. Installed at the building’s front, the system covers approximately 580m2, serving as the primary airflow intake. This solution effectively met the dual challenge of high-level performance and architectural integrity.

For further project information visit: https://www.c-sgroup.co.uk/blog/arkon-energy-data-centre-glomfjord-norway/

Soprema’s Sopratorch Range Takes Roofing to New Heights

Building Products Index Ltd Roofing, Waterproof Membranes, waterproofing Leave a Comment

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In the ever-evolving world of construction and roofing materials, Soprema’s Sopratorch range continues to stand out as a beacon of quality and safety. This versatile range is expertly designed for applications in houses, extensions, flats, garages, carports and balconies setting a new standard for safety and performance.

Though not new to the market, it has proven itself to be a reliable and durable product in the realm of waterproofing solutions. The Sopratorch range offers a comprehensive selection of roofing materials, catering to various architectural styles and project requirements. Its durability and weather resistance makes it an attractive option for both new construction projects and roof replacements.

The range features SL490, SL500 and SL600 and offers more than just longevity. With up to 25-year life expectancy, these products provide a durable and dependable solution for a variety of flat roofing needs. Soprema reinforces their confidence in the range by providing a standard 10–20-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind for customers.

As the construction industry continues to evolve, Soprema’s Sopratorch range remains at the forefront, seamlessly blending decades of expertise with cutting-edge technology. Choosing Sopratorch ensures a roofing solution that goes beyond expectations, offering a secure investment in safety and longevity.

For more information on the Sopratorch range, visit SBS CAP SHEETS – Soprema United Kingdom or email the team today at technical@soprema.co.uk

Church renovation project transformed by Clement’s steel door screen with matching steel window

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

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Clement Windows Group has manufactured and installed a large, bespoke, striking steel door screen and feature steel window for St Paul’s Church in Leeds.

The steel screen incorporates a pair of double doors, providing light and airiness.  Both the door set and the new steel window are made from Clement EB24 steel sections which include double glazed, argon filled glass units.  The fenestration is polyester powder painted RAL 7016 (Anthracite Grey) and features pull handles with satin stainless finish.

Vicar, Mark Harlow, said of the project: “St Paul’s Church embarked on a major refurbishment of their 60 year old building to make a warm and welcoming, adaptable space while keeping to the original architect’s ideas.  A key part of the brief was to widen the entrance corridor and allow light into one end. This has all been more than achieved using Clement’s metal frame windows and doors. These have helped create an additional space for people to meet and mix. The narrow profile of the frames has allowed maximum light and visual access between the spaces, while the rhythm of the glazing bars both modernises and blends with the architecture of the main worship space.”

Architect, Tom Robbins of Pearce Bottomley Architects, commented: “We have worked with Clement on a number of projects and have been very pleased with the service we have received and the quality of their products.  They supplied the steel framed glazed screen and feature window at St Paul’s Church, Ireland Wood, Leeds and we couldn’t have been happier with the result.  We also specify Clement’s conservation rooflights whenever we can, as we are of the opinion that they are the best on the market.”

Tel: 01428 643393  

Email: info@clementwg.co.uk        

Web: clementwindows.co.uk

Meeting the Future Homes Standard with H+H aircrete

Building Products Index Ltd Blocks, Concrete Leave a Comment

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H+H’s unwavering commitment to energy-efficient building solutions and a fabric first approach aligns neatly with the aims of the Future Homes Standard.

A fabric first approach will be fundamental to meeting the requirements of the 2025 Future Homes Standard, for which the government published its consultation on 13th December 2023. Backed by a commitment to energy efficiency and reducing the carbon emissions of new homes, the consultation on the Future Homes Standard suggests u-Value for walls remains at 0.18W/m2K and that new homes will use low-carbon heating and be ‘zero-carbon ready’.

This methodology prioritises minimising heat loss by ensuring the building envelope meets the highest standards. To put it simply: housebuilders will need to pursue a fabric first approach by specifying high performing fabric materials from the outset.

Project 80

H+H is proud to have been involved in Project 80, a pioneering development by Midlands Heart Housing Association, which showcases homes already built to the Future Homes Standard using aircrete. These homes, monitored and evaluated for performance, demonstrated a 70% carbon reduction when combining heat pumps and PV panels in masonry structures.

Insights gleaned from Project 80 are invaluable, offering a blueprint for achieving an impressive 80-90% carbon emissions reduction. Increased insulation, enhanced window specifications, improved airtightness, and strategic education on effective heating and ventilation are just some of the strategies identified.

H+H’s participation in Project 80 is a testament to its dedication to a fabric first approach. H+H aircrete blocks contribute to the construction of energy-efficient, airtight buildings, enhancing the performance of technologies like underfloor heating and air source heat pumps. These innovations were integral to the success of the first 12 homes in Project 80.

H+H fabric first projects

H+H has a track record of working collaboratively to help developers achieve ever higher fabric performance standards, including projects which also employ Modern Methods of Construction. For example, the Cameron Close Passivhaus development for Southern Housing and the Norton Farm development for Bromsgrove District Housing Trust.

For the Cameron Close development of 16 semi-detached Passivhaus homes on the Isle of Wight, H+H worked with the scheme’s developer on the application of Thin-Joint blockwork. In this instance, H+H’s 200mm thick Celcon Plus Blocks have been used to construct Thin-Joint aircrete, load-bearing walls. Apart from accelerating the construction process, the Thin-Joints play a role in enhancing the residences’ airtightness, thereby improving their overall energy efficiency.

At the Norton Farm development, H+H’s Vertical Wall Panels have been used to speed the construction of the building’s energy efficient fabric. H+H’s Vertical Wall Panels, part of its i-House MMC system, have been used to construct 164 units.

The Vertical Wall Panels are manufactured in aircrete to the storey height of a standard house. Use of the Vertical Wall Panel system on this project enables the external brick or rendered-block facade to be taken off the critical path. More importantly, the Vertical Wall Panel system is a key element in creating an insulated, airtight building envelope.

As we approach the 2025 Future Homes Standard, adopting a fabric-first construction philosophy, supported by materials like aircrete, will pave the way for sustainable, low-carbon housing.

Call us to discuss your housing project on 01732 880111 or email iot@hhcelcon.co.uk. www.hhcelcon.co.uk

Concealed Automation Opens Doors to Zara Concept Store, London November 2023

Building Products Index Ltd automatic, Doors Leave a Comment

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TORMAX was recently contracted by Permasteelisa (UK) to install their iMotion 1302.KI operators to the eight sets of swing doors that deliver seamless access into the new Zara concept store situated within the world-renowned, Battersea Power Station development.  With a focus on clean lines and contemporary aesthetics, the door drives are discreetly hidden within each door lintel.

“TORMAX is a pioneer in the realm of invisible automation thanks to the meticulous design of our iMotion high torque motors,” said Simon Roberts, Managing Director of TORMAX UK.

“Having eliminated the parts that are known for wear and tear, maintenance requirements are minimised, and an extended life span can be expected. This technology allows us to offer two concealed automation solutions. The iMotion 1401 operator is situation within the floor below the door whilst the 1302.KI is positioned within the lintel.”

The 4,500sqm Battersea store is Zara’s largest commercial space in the UK and features new product displays, women’s, men’s and children’s fashion collections and a Zara Home offer. Customers can explore two floors of shopping set in a large, clean and neutral space that emphasizes architect Frank Gehry´s vision for the building.

The multiple angles of the glass and metal fronted exterior blends in with the urban plan of the complex, with the TORMAX automatic swing door operators providing welcoming access from Electric Boulevard, the pedestrianised high street outside the Power Station.

The iMotion 1302.KI door drive is an ideal solution for a building such as the Zara store, as the modular construction will allow for easy expansion of the system as needs change over time. The iMotion door drives can also incorporate panic escape mechanisms, badge access or integration into a building management system for an extra level of access control.

With over 60 years of expertise in door automation, TORMAX UK Ltd offers a complete entrance solution including design, manufacture, installation, servicing and maintenance. Capabilities include swing, sliding, folding and revolving doors.

Safety First: Accidental damage needn’t be a glass-shattering experience!

Building Products Index Ltd Rooflights Leave a Comment

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Roof Lanterns with a standard shatterproof laminated inner pane – the safest choice for overhead glazing from Rooflights & Skylights.

This roof lantern is unique as it’s the only one with a laminated inner pane as standard. This essential safety feature prevents glass from falling into the building in case of accidents, like a falling object hitting the roof lantern. In contrast, other glass rooflights typically offer toughened glass inner panes.

Recognised as one of the safest on the market, this slim and elegant glass roof lantern, designed and manufactured by Brett Martin, makes an architectural statement – it demands attention!

The 4-panel frame design features clean sight lines and neat junctions, maximising the clear area for natural light to flood into the living area or workspace below. Additionally, two extra glazing bars enhance the classic appeal of the 6-panel design!

As standard, the external aluminium framework is supplied powder coated in Anthracite Grey RAL 7016, and the internal framework is White RAL 9010 (other colours are available on request).

Designed for quick and hassle-free installation, it requires minimal silicone sealant, needing only a final seal between the roof and the rooflight.

  • An extremely energy efficient unit, with a thermally broken frame and Low-E double glazing
  • Solar Control Self Cleaning Glazing supplied as standard.
  • Available in 9 standard sizes
  • FREE Speedy Nationwide delivery within 3-5 days for standard sizes from order placement
  • 10 year warranty available

For more information, click here

 

Export positivity as market turns increasingly global for EJOT Colorfast

Building Products Index Ltd Fastening Systems Leave a Comment

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Typical of the cold store and industrial applications where Colorfast is being used, a recent project completed in Trinidad & Tobago.

An innovative roofing and cladding fastener developed by EJOT in the UK more than 30 years ago, and now on its third generation, is becoming increasingly popular with contractors around the world.

Specifications of EJOT Colorfast, which has become the go-to solution in the UK roofing and cladding sector where a colour-matched self-drilling fastener is required, are growing strongly in countries including Australia, New Zealand and the US, as well as in the Caribbean and southeast Asia.

As a typical example, in Australia and New Zealand alone, a steady increase in sales volumes of the FM Approved fastener range has been tracked, with the growth in cold storage applications and insulated panels helping to drive demand here.

In Australasia, an increase in sales volumes has been tracked, with the growth in cold storage applications and insulated panels helping to drive demand.

Feedback received by EJOT UK indicates that many contractors in locations like Australia are adopting new approaches to the design and installation of the building envelope in response to changing building standards, whilst also being able to achieve improved aesthetics and extended design goals.

According to Ben Gallant, Export Sales Manager at EJOT UK, the trend reflects a culture shift that is taking place in how buildings are constructed, with a greater adoption of insulated panels, driven by European influencers, an increased focus on adhering to globally recognised standards such as FM Approvals, and a need to demonstrate supply chain integrity.

Ben says, “If you take the Australasian market as just one example, things operate differently to Europe and the UK in terms of building technology, largely due to established ways of working. But the market is changing. The most recent updates in the building regulations give sustainability a much higher priority and that means specifiers are increasingly choosing insulated panels for the envelope, as well as seeking assurances on long term performance.”

Colorfast CF19 fasteners deployed on Hawke’s Bay Leisure Centre, New Zealand.

One of the factors in Colorfast’s growth may be the influence of contractors who have emigrated from Europe in recent years, taking with them to their newly adopted countries their ways of working and preferred products – which embraces EJOT’s brand strength and product ranges such as Colorfast.

It is a product that is becoming increasingly appealing to cope with the vast range in climatic conditions experienced in countries like Australia and New Zealand, whether in hot or cold locations. Many sites in regions like these present demanding conditions for the building envelope, amplified by the fact that the buildings serve a vast majority of the population who live and work in coastal areas.

As in the UK, Colorfast is also helping contractors in other parts of the world to meet higher thermal standards due to the consistency of the seal above the sheet, maximising the insulation levels that the panels are designed to deliver within the building. Couple this with the head’s reliable UV stability to maintain lasting visual aesthetics and optional stainless steel screws for enhanced corrosion resistance, and it is a product with multiple benefits.

Inside EJOT UK’s Applitec Centre where the quality and performance of Colorfast fasteners is regularly tested.

“Our initiatives to highlight best practice, both for installation tools and correct procedures, are making an impression overseas as well as in the UK,” adds Ben. “For example, we are seeing contractors now making seal testing an integral part of rooftop inspection prior to any additional penetrations that may follow structural completion.

“We like to think being able to offer this kind of practical support makes a real difference, particularly for contractors who are new to Colorfast. They are the ones who can get into the seal testing routine more easily as they don’t have an old habit to break!

“The way we are set up also means that our overseas customers have a strong, direct relationship with the UK team, which gives us the ability to tweak Colorfast for certain customers and create bespoke versions. And, through our global logistics programme we are able to offer dependable supply despite the distance, as well as provide all the technical support, advice and guidance to help our customers succeed.”

Find out more about EJOT and the Colorfast range of building fasteners at www.ejot.co.uk.

Get Ready to enhance building’s safety with Tyvek® Trifecta™

Building Products Index Ltd Breathable Membranes, Membranes Leave a Comment

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Tyvek® Trifecta™ offered by DuPont in the United Kingdom is an ideal solution for exterior stud walls. This non-combustible A2FR breather membrane is designed for use in all types of buildings including light gauge steel frame systems and high-rise construction buildings (above 18 meters in England, Wales & Northern Ireland – 11m in Scotland).

The product provides the perfect combination of features, including the highest level of weather resistance (W1), high breathability (sd 0.08), and non-combustible (A2-s1, d0) properties.

With a product width of 1.5m and a weight of 393g/m2 it allows easier and faster installation with less need for connections and tape, saving both time and money.

Additionally, Tyvek® Trifecta™ provides moisture management, air quality, and climatic comfort to the building interior, supported by the DuPont™ AirGuard® A2 FR AVCL & Tape System.

This durable and non-combustible product exceeds current regulations, providing ultimate peace of mind for architects/building designers, contractors, owners, and occupants alike.

Finally, with a 25-year warranty, you can trust that this product is not only reliable but also long-lasting.

Tyvek® Trifecta™ has been installed in one of the most prominent hotel building’s extensions in UK.  Stay tuned for more exciting details on this ground-breaking latest addition in DuPont’s offering!

Visit our website, learn more and take advantage of Tyvek® Trifecta™ for your next project à Tyvek® Trifecta™ A2 Fire-Rated Breather Membrane (dupont.co.uk)

 

Pre-Assembled Earth Retaining Systems: The Terramesh Family

Building Products Index Ltd Gabions, Landscaping Leave a Comment

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Maccaferri Terramesh® Family includes different facing options to build Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) structures and Reinforced Soil Slopes (RSS). It consists of pre-assembled units of double-twist wire mesh (8×10 type) ready to be assembled when they reach the job site. The geogrid reinforcement, fascia and lid are all one continuous panel of mesh, requiring no cuts operations on site. Terramesh® units are fabricated from high-quality steel wire plus an additional polymer coated (Polimac) to ensure 120 years of design life. PoliMac is a revolutionary coating that can withstand the most aggressive environmental conditions, leading to a great performance upgrade. PoliMac ensures:10x resistance to abrasion2x resistance to chemical aggressions4x performance in cold weather4x resistance to UV rays

Terramesh® units are produced in our factories around the world. The management and production system in many of our factories is certified in compliance with ISO 9001. There are three different facing options: gabion (Terramesh® System), vegetated (Green Terramesh®) or architectural (Mineral Terramesh®).Terramesh® System is a modular system used to form a gabion-faced MSE wall. The facing section of the unit is formed by connecting a back panel and diaphragms to the main fascia unit, thus creating the rectangular-shaped cells used for stone confinement. The geogrid reinforcement, fascia and lid are all one continuous panel of mesh. Terramesh® System units are supplied in standard lengths, requiring no cuts on site. Following assembly on site, the fascia unit is filled with suitable gabion stone fill. Structural backfill is then placed upon the soil reinforcement geogrids and compacted. Green Terramesh® is an environmentally friendly modular system used to form vegetated (green) faced soil-reinforced slopes (RSS) and embankments.

It has been used globally on some of the most significant infrastructure schemes. It consists of pre-fabricated units of double twisted wire mesh (8×10 type) lined with an erosion control blanket and stiffened with a welded mesh panel. Two pre-formed steel braces are supplied to be connected at the job site to maintain the unit to the required slope angle. The angled front face and the erosion control blanket are designed to facilitate the establishment of natural vegetation of the units; an important requirement of Green Terramesh®. As all components are factory fitted, Green Terramesh® is more rapid to install than competitor-reinforced soil systems.

The unit is simply erected on site, the bracing angles support the face at the designated angle without the need for any external formwork or shuttering. Structural backfill is placed upon the soil reinforcement geogrids, and a suitable fill is placed immediately behind the front face. For example, on a revegetating ‘Earth Type’ unit, good quality topsoil would be placed immediately behind the front face to promote the rapid vegetation of the slope. Mineral Terramesh® is a unique and simple-to-install soil reinforcement system with a sloping rock face finish. It is ideal for use where a modern, clean-faced aesthetic is preferred. Mineral Terramesh® components are factory-fitted preassembled units ready for rapid erection on site with a design life of 120 years. The installation is simple with no connection requirement between Geogrid and the assembled unit. The Mineral Terramesh® units do not need any form of the external framework due to the heavily galvanised welded mesh panels and bracing struts which hold the face at the correct angle during construction.

Please contact Maccaferri UK  for details on the compliance and certification in your area.