QIC Trims feature ceiling and glass partitions are an ideal fit

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QIC TRIMS FEATURE CEILING AND GLASS PARTITIONS ARE IDEAL FIT FOR SPORTSWEAR COMPANY’S STUNNING NEW CAMPUS

GYMSHARK-03QIC Trims supplied a stunning feature ceiling and a series of glass partitions for a multimillion-pound state-ot-the-art campus that is designed to inspire innovation and further the success of one of the world’s fastest-growing sportswear brands.

The 56,888ft2 building, which is located in Solihull near Birmingham, is the creative HQ of fitness clothing and accessories provider, Gymshark. The company’s astonishing rise is one of the most inspiring business success stories of recent years. University friends, Ben Francis and Lewis Morgan, founded the business in 2012 whilst still teenagers. What started as a cottage industry, with the pair manufacturing clothes in Ben’s parents’ garage, has less than a decade later mushroomed into a worldwide brand with offices in cities across the globe. In 2020, the Gymshark brand was valued at more than £1 billion.

GYMSHARK-09The company’s new campus stands alongside its UK HQ, as well as its gym and innovation hub on the same West Midlands site. Every aspect of the new building is designed to fuel creative energy amongst employees and boost Gymshark’s promotional output. Its uber-contemporary open plan offices provide huge floorspace for the inclusion of a number of innovative installations such as meeting pods, podcast recording suites and a photographic studio. In-keeping with the offices’ stylishly-industrial aesthetic, the client required a ‘statement’ ceiling to facilitate the design of a tunnel-effect entrance that leads into the building’s most creative area.

For this imaginative architectural feature, QIC Trims worked alongside fit-out specialists Proline Internals to design and manufacture the 30m x 5m metal-based meshed ceiling. The free-hanging raft system, which ‘floats’ between walls and the ceiling to allow natural airflow, was used to inspire a ‘wow’ factor amongst staff and visitors. From its outer perimeter section to the bespoke mesh tiles which are fitted within a bespoke grid design, QIC Trims supplied the entire free-hanging ceiling system. The feature achieved its aim; it’s inspired a ‘wow’ factor amongst staff whose work involves innovating projects and ideas to maintain Gymshark’s industry-leading profile.

GYMSHARK-06 copyAdditionally, a double-glazed system from QIC Trims’ glass partition range provided an acoustic barrier for a series of office meeting rooms within the campus. The partition’s minimalist and sleek profile belies its robust capability in reducing sound transference, allowing meetings to take place in private despite the offices’ open plan nature. QIC Trims also supplied skirting trim for the office; its specially adapted channels allowing for the incorporation of LED lighting.

The Gymshark installation provides further proof of QIC Trims’ ability to bespoke design and manufacture ceilings and other vital ancillary solutions which meet a project’s practical and aesthetic demands. It certainly helped ensure the sportswear specialist’s new building is fit for purpose as a creative campus.

Renderplas PVCu render beading recertified by the BBA

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Picture 1The extensive range of Renderplas PVCu beading has been reapproved by the British Board of Agrément (BBA). And Renderplas movement joints are the only movement joints that the BBA have certified as compliant with the relevant building standard. This is welcome for construction industry professionals tasked with specifying render materials or constructing wall build-ups.

Renderplas’ high-quality beading is compatible with all main render manufacturers and is popular amongst rendering contractors and plasterers across all sectors of the building trade. Cutting-edge manufacturing techniques mean their PVCu products typically outperform and outlast stainless steel equivalents. This is good news for anyone looking for lightweight, easy-to-handle cost-effective materials.

Renderplas has been leading the PVC bead market with innovations and developments since 1990. With over thirty years of experience, they have also developed strong relationships with major national builders’ merchant networks. Their products, from standard bellcast and corner beads to stop beads and movement joint beads, are widely available throughout the UK and stock can typically be delivered within 48 hours.

Thanks to recertification from the BBA, designers, architects, specifiers and rendering contractors can continue to select Renderplas products with confidence in their suitability, quality, and performance.

British Board of Agrément (BBA) approval for PVCu render beading

Picture 2The BBA has been the major authority approving products, systems, and installers across the UK construction industry for over 50 years. It examined Renderplas products against a range of measures before reissuing an updated Agrément Certificate.

The construction supply chain depends on BBA certificates to set the bar for construction quality. They are only awarded once a range of tests and analyses have been completed including checks on structural integrity, durability, and maintenance requirements.

In the case of Renderplas, the BBA states that Renderplas uPVC beads are proven to be suitable for fixing external rendering to walls made up of masonry, dense concrete, or timber-frame. They can be installed by a competent general builder experienced in external rendering, and that Renderplas beading is resistant to mechanical damage and that maintenance is unlikely to be required over their 25-year design life.

These conclusions were reached following impact and heat-ageing tests, weathering tests and pull-out resistance tests. Movement joints were also tested for their strength and durability.

As a result of the above, the BBA has issued Renderplas’ Certificate with the Product Sheet Reference 11/4823. It states that in the opinion of the BBA, correctly installed, used, and maintained Renderplas PVCu beads satisfy, or contribute to satisfying, relevant Building Regulations.

Choosing uPVC beading for your render

Picture 3BBA certification ensures choosing uPVC rendering beads for your next project comes with reassurances. This is why it is increasingly becoming the product of choice for architects and designers looking for something modern, effective and easy-to-use. Renderplas beading can be colour matched to the render material too – opening a whole range of aesthetic possibilities.

Daniel Leedham Green, Managing Director at Renderplas, comments on the news.

‘We’re delighted to have our product recertified with the BBA. It is a welcome seal of approval for us, our work, and our products. Our PVCu alternatives to traditional stainless-steel beading remain as popular as ever. Our recycled product is unparalleled when it comes to sustainability targets and, as there’s not enough organic material within a render system to support combustion, Renderplas beading maintains the highest of safety standards too.’

Renderplas’ dedicated team of experts are available to help with advice and customer support regarding British Standards and their BBA certification for uPVC beading, as well as any other queries regarding their extensive range of render beading products.

Balconette Balustrade boasts spectacular views of the Cairngorms

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johnmonks-selfinstall7-smlLooking smart and boasting spectacular views towards the Cairngorms, this stunning self-installed Balconette balustrade in Ballater, Aberdeenshire has quite rightly made its retired owner, John Monks, very proud.

It took the former Army engineer four months ‘just pottering away each day’ to transform the garden and its old ‘haphazard patio’ with new low-maintenance composite decking and more than 18 metres of Balconette balustrading.

He installed Balconette’s Hybrid® Orbit System, with its circular handrail in a Royal Chrome anodised finish, above the finished decking. The base plate covers, support posts, and end posts, where required, are also finished in Royal Chrome to give a uniform look.

JohnMonks-selfinstall4“I am very proud. I’m not shy of the fact I’m 68 going on 69 and I actually managed to erect this entire balustrade system myself; that actually says something about Balconette’s product. It’s a good product,” says John, who had also worked in the offshore oil industry.

Knowing what he was looking for, John found Balconette via an internet search and liked the look of their website and customer case studies. “There were a couple of competitors, including some in Scotland, but Balconette was very responsive, and I had no complaints.”

Despite some issues due to the pandemic, John praised the company’s efficiency with delivery and helping him with technical advice, saying: “I had 26 big panes of glass delivered and none of them were broken, which is testament to some good packing and good courier services. Only one the last one was the wrong shape, but Balconette was very understanding – and a new one arrived on my doorstep in 10 days.”

JohnMonks-selfinstall2For John, self-installing the balustrade ‘had its frustrations, but Balconette’s instructions and video were good,’ though the system required him to find his own screws and bolts to secure the support posts to the decking.

“That actually works better as I knew exactly the strength of the decking and what I would need in terms of fixings. I’ve got a fine array of power tools, so I wouldn’t say it’s easy to erect,” he continues.

JohnMonks-selfinstall1“But the fact that a pensioner who doesn’t have an engineering degree to his name, but just a bit of common sense and the confidence to go about it, I was able to do it pretty much on my own says a lot…because you look at it and think that must need at least two people.”

In fact, with help from his wife Sue, ‘sometimes holding a piece of glass while I put bits and pieces together, John says he ‘probably handled 99% of it himself’.

“It’s testament to the product more than it is to me,” says John, who admits he was nervous about getting the angles right for the balustrading while he was constructing the decking, helped by his son-in-law.

“I just knew where I wanted the bends in the decking, and then only when I’d finished it and contacted Balconette about the balustrading, I was advised that the measurements had to be exact. We got there eventually, and it works perfectly!”

Asked what he likes best about the Orbit system, John rates its ‘attractive appearance, safety protection, and shelter from the wind.’

He adds: “We wanted glass to keep the view, especially when we’re lying on the sun loungers or in the hot tub, and the glass also provides shelter from the wind. The handrail height is perfect too, as you can lean on it and admire the view.

“As the elevated decking is up to two feet above the lawn, the balustrade creates a secure area so the grandkids can ride their bikes and not fall off. It’s great; we love it!”

Newton Waterproofing Delivers Comprehensive Gas Protection Solution

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Newton Waterproofing Systems, the UK’s leading independent designers and suppliers of guaranteed waterproofing systems, stock a range of products that combine effective waterproofing and gas protection.

Combining Waterproofing and Gas Protection Below Ground

RSS_Type_A_403_HydroBond-GB_Jun19_04Newton has a range of products that meet the necessary standards for use as protection against below-ground gases, including the third-party certified HydroBond 403 Plus GB, which provides resistance to radon, methane, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons.

Suitable products must always be paired with sensible design however, and the most effective combined gas and waterproofing designs combine multiple forms of protection, and always include a Type C cavity drain membrane system.

When either vented to external air or positively pressurised the Newton CDM system can also contribute to gas resistant designs.

Speak to our Technical Team at tech@newtonwaterproofing.co.uk.

Industry-Leading Ground Gas Barriers

APG-Logo-web-980With a commitment to delivering comprehensive gas protection solutions, Newton is proud to have partnered with innovative and market-leading Scottish manufacturer A. Proctor Group and can now supply their range of high-performance ground gas barriers across the UK.

These include the reinforced gas barriers Protech GM Super and Protech VOC Flex, both of which have been BBA certified and protect against radon, methane, and carbon dioxide.

Visit our website to find out more: www.newtonwaterproofing.co.uk.

Proud Partners

NewtonWaterproofing2“A. Proctor Group has been developing their portfolio for many years, and in the 1990s grew to include a range of ground gas protection membranes.

Today, Newton is proud to be partnered with an innovative company that can provide well-designed systems to prevent hazardous gases and contaminants in the ground from causing harm to occupiers of a property, as well as performing the function of a damp-proof membrane.”

  • Warren Muschialli, Managing Director at Newton Waterproofing

For the right gas proofing help and advice with your next project, contact Newton Waterproofing on 01732 360 095 or email tech@newtonwaterproofing.co.uk.

Naylor Industries hosts Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire to mark Queen’s Award win and highlight positive culture in manufacturing

Building Products Index Ltd Clay Drainage Pipes, Drainage Leave a Comment

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Queens Award (2 of 2)Naylor Industries plc, the family-owned construction materials manufacturer, has hosted a visit by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire in recognition of its Clayware business winning a Queen’s Award for Enterprise. Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE toured the Wombwell manufacturing site with group CEO Edward Naylor and met with employees including long-serving members of staff and new apprentices.

The award in the International Trade category recognised Naylor’s global success, most notably with its innovative high-performance clay pipe products Denlok and Thermachem, which have been delivered to every continent and 65 countries worldwide.

Naylor - Queens Award Visit (3 of 5)Mr Naylor said: “We were honoured to receive a visit from the Lord-Lieutenant in recognition of our export growth. Many of our employees have contributed and this prestigious award and special visit are a fantastic recognition of their efforts over many years. As someone who has had a long and distinguished career in nursing, Dame Hilary fully understands the importance of people to the success of any organisation.”

Mr Naylor had earlier attended a Windsor Castle reception for Queen’s Awards winners alongside Princess Anne and Prince Charles.

Naylor - Queens Award Visit (4 of 5)It has been a busy quarter for Naylor Industries, a fourth-generation family business with six manufacturing sites across the UK, including three in the Barnsley area, and more than 400 employees, with the company also receiving external recognition of both its diversity and its health and safety.

The company was highly commended in the corporate category of the Women of the Future Awards for having a culture which recognises and promotes the contribution of female talent. Mr Naylor said: “We are very lucky to have such a talented group of senior women at Naylor and hope this recognition will inspire the next generation of female leaders to join us.”

Naylor also won the British Ceramic Confederation’s Pledge Award of Excellence for overall progress in health and safety. Mr Naylor said: “It has been an extraordinarily challenging two years, but our Environment, Health and Safety director Keren McBratney and her team – including former apprentice Jesse Taylor – have done exceptional work in keeping everyone safe during the pandemic and providing wellbeing support in areas such as mental health.”

“All of these achievements demonstrate the positive culture we have established at Naylor Industries for the benefit of our staff and customers.”

Cistermiser launches new Vecta+ Shower Panel range as it looks to cement its position as the Number 1 commercial washroom/changing room partner

Building Products Index Ltd bathroom accessories, Bathrooms, sanitary accessories, Showers Leave a Comment

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vecta mechanical shower web copy

Vecta+ Mechanical Shower Panel (MSPV)

Cistermiser, the UK’s leading provider of commercial washroom water management solutions, is delighted to announce the launch of a stunning new range of water saving shower panels: the Vecta+ Sensor Shower Panel (SSPV) and Vecta+ Mechanical Shower Panel (MSPV). The addition of the shower control range follows the 2021 launch of Cistermiser’s new infrared taps, Vecta+ Sensor Tap range, as the brand looks to cement its position as the Number 1 partner for energy efficient, hygienic and easy to install washroom controls for both retrofit and new build applications.

 

 

vecta sensor shower web copy

Vecta+ Sensor Shower Panel (SSPV)

Richard Braid, Cistermiser MD comments: “After significant investment into research and development in tandem with customer insights, we’re excited to extend our range to include the two shower panels to offer customers, whether merchants, specifiers, developers, installers or facilities managers, even more choice. The range offers a hygienic non-touch sensor configuration with the Vecta+ Sensor Shower Panel, and a traditional mechanical push-button configuration with the Vecta+ Mechanical Shower Panel. Both are lightweight, and surface mounted, offering a sleek and contemporary design for any changing or commercial shower room.

 

Vecta+ Shower Panel 3“The new shower panels offer a host of benefits to the complete supply chain: for installers, they’re easy to fit, arriving pre-plumbed and suitable for mains or battery power; for merchants, they’re space-saving to stock with all the ‘all in one box’ approach including two flow regulators; for facilities managers and building owners, they are efficient and prevent costly flooding risk or wasted water with a ~30 second default safety shut-off, as well as being super-easy to maintain thanks to the patented shower head nozzles proven to reduce scale damage. And for the end-user, thanks to great aesthetics of the concealed fixings and slim panel body, combined with a 42 shower head nozzles ‘rain effect’, they offer an enjoyable showering experience. The new shower range also comes with the optional extra of Cistermiser’s new WRAS approved TMV3 (Thermostatic mixer valve), an essential piece of the pipework that protects the user from hot water scalding.

Vecta+ Sensor Shower Panel 6“While working with customers to bring this range to market, sustainability is a top theme that keeps coming up: the role that efficient water solutions can play in the fight against climate change has never been more important. That’s why we’re delighted to further extend our range of energy saving taps, urinal flushing, toilet flushing and whole washroom control management solutions with the brand new Vecta+ Sensor and Vecta+ Mechanical shower panels.”

TMV 22mm For more information on the new tap range, visit https://www.cistermiser.co.uk/vecta-plus-shower-range or to request technical information call 0118 969 1611 email sales@cistermiser.co.uk

 For more on all our other products, www.cistermiser.co.uk

KEIM SOLDALIT – THE ECO-FRIENDLY FIRE RESISTANT PAINT

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Mother and daughter enjoying together while painting wall.

If you are looking for an eco-friendly, fire resistant paint, KEIM have the answer – KEIM Soldalit.
This is one of their exterior paint products which meets the rigorous fire safety standard A2-s1, d0 according to EN 13501-1. This replaces the British Standard reference 476 part 6/7, testing to even higher performance levels; put simply it means in the event of a fire the paint coating does not burn or in itself release any toxic chemicals or fumes, and in addition does not support the surface spread of flame.

Is this a new paint system you may ask? The answer is no. KEIM Mineral Paint’s ethos of manufacturing eco-friendly and sustainable products dates back to 1878, well before such ‘green’ terms become fashionable. You could say KEIM were centuries ahead of their time.

KEIM – kind to you, kind to use, kind to the environment

KEIM Soldalit also features the key KEIM attributes common throughout their paint systems, which includes breathability, longevity, only using natural ingredients which makes them exceptionally low VOC, odourless and inherently incombustible. KEIM is therefore kind to you, kind to use and super kind to the environment.

Not just for high-rise

In recent times, the focus quite rightfully has been on safeguarding residents, to protect them against the risk of fires in high-rises for example, with many existing buildings being re-evaluated for their safety and compliance. Here KEIM Soldalit can provide a cost-effective solution. Once any exterior cladding has been removed, KEIM Soldalit can be applied to provide a highly durable fire-resistant protection in just a couple of coats.

Currently the UK Regulations only applies to buildings of 18 metres or above, but all manner of structures, such as commercial buildings, houses, flats, hotels, and leisure facilities could reduce the risk of fires spreading by using KEIM.

Colour for today, tomorrow, forever

KEIM Soldalit is one of the most popular products within the KEIM portfolio, but they have perhaps been theindustry’s best kept secret until now. Over 7 million square metres of building facades have been painted using KEIM in the last 20 years.

12_100_Pigmente_bunt_11They have recently launched Innostar, a one coat interior paint in a range of colours, ideal for walls, ceilings, and quick turnaround projects.

KEIM offers a range of paint options for exterior and interior use, plus colour washes to mimic concrete. All are odourless, manufactured using natural ingredients, with no added VOCs. Their ME paint neutralises noxious gases and pollutants, designed specifically for use in industrial or high traffic areas, whereas Ecosil is perfect

KEIM are delighted to play their part in protecting the environment, since 1878.

KEIM conduct no obligation site surveys across the UK, and a colour matching service. Visit www.keimpaints.co.uk for more information.

Clement Windows Group manufacture new steel windows for Town Hall

Building Products Index Ltd Steel, Windows Leave a Comment

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Clement Windows Group has manufactured over 200 new steel windows for Grade II listed Waltham Forest Town Hall.

WALTHAM FOREST TOWN HALL_001Designed by Philip Dalton Hepworth and constructed between 1938 and 1942, Waltham Forest Town Hall is one of the best known examples of the stripped classical style of architecture in the UK.  Influenced by the Modernist Movement of the Bauhaus School and defined by bold massings, severe angles and a stylised reduction of classical elements, this look was frequently chosen by governments for municipal buildings.

Clement W20 steel windows were chosen to replace all of the original steel windows at this historic building, which is the headquarters of the London Borough of Waltham Forest Town Council, as part of an extensive programme of renovation works approved in 2019.

WALTHAM FOREST TOWN HALL_063The new steel windows are painted RAL 9010 (Pure White) and include both top hung and side hung opening casements with complementary fittings in a dark bronze finish.

The refurbishment of the Town Hall is the first step in a masterplan for the future of the area creating a welcoming heart for the community as well as a collaborative workspace for Council staff.

The Town Hall’s Senior Project Manager commented on the project:

“The team at Clement provided a great service in supplying new windows as part of the Town Hall refurbishment.  Very specific aesthetic and energy performance criteria needed to be met when it came to the window replacement.  The W20 windows supplied by Clement were able to meet all of these requirements.

WALTHAM FOREST TOWN HALL_007“Despite the project being on site at the height of the pandemic, the windows were delivered to programme which enabled seamless installation.  Now the building has been brought back into use really positive feedback has been received from both staff and visitors.”

A traditional, tried and tested, robust window, designed in the 1950s but still in demand today, the Clement W20 steel window may be used in all types of building where strong, durable frames, efficient opening casements and hard wearing fittings are required.

Available as single or insulated glass units up to 16mm, W20 windows are available with various glazing options and can be supplied shaped, with shaped heads, or ‘curved on plan’.  Part L compliant they can be supplied with multi point locking to PAS24 or with traditional single point locking.

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.

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

What is cold applied liquid roofing/waterproofing?

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What is cold liquid applied roofing waterproofingAs the name implies, cold applied liquid roofing/waterproofing is the use of a liquid waterproofing system without the requirement of heat.

Waterproofing roofs (whether it’s a flat roof or podium deck) is one of the most important structural requirements of any building. A watertight roof performs a vital function in protecting a structure.

When water starts to stand on a roof, not only can it lead to structural damages, it can also reduce the roof’s lifespan.  In the roofing industry, ponding water refers to water that has stood flat on a roof for longer than 2 days following precipitation.  Ponded water on roofs can also be a breeding ground for micro-organisms and other bacteria. This can be particularly problematic where the roof is protecting a hospital or school.  Flat roofs are a regular feature on public and commercial properties such as schools, hospitals, leisure centres, warehouses and factories.

Cold Liquid Applied WaterproofingLiquid waterproofing systems or cold liquid roofing are a great cost-effective method for waterproofing both new and existing roofs.

Simple to install and long-lasting, there is little doubt that the introduction of liquid waterproofing has been one of the most innovating advances in the industry.

Cold liquid waterproofing is simple and ready to use, at once forming an effective barrier to water and humidity.

Due to cold liquid roofing’s easy to apply nature, it is suitable to a wide variety of uses.  Applied with a simple brush, it easily allows reach to the almost inaccessible of areas, meaning that critical areas for the overall quality of the waterproofing are continuously and completely covered, guaranteeing the total protection for surfaces.

Benefits

Roof Guard Group ShotsCold liquid applied roofing is significantly faster, safer and less labour intensive to apply than conventional roofing materials.

Cold applied roofing, requires no torches, burners, or other heating equipment during application, posing no fire risks.  A cold applied liquid waterproofer cures to form an elastomeric waterproof membrane. Practically bonding directly to a substrate, providing a seamless, UV-stable continuous system, able to contour any roof shape for intricate detailing.

Why cold applied liquid systems?

Cold applied liquid waterproofing systems are engineered to supply a fast curing, long-lasting, flexible, elastomeric solution.

Other benefits include:

  • Excellent adhesion to all kinds of surfaces
  • Chemical resistant
  • High resistance to extreme temperatures
  • Completely seamless waterproofing
  • No heat or special equipment needed

Delta provides a comprehensive Technical Support Service for architects, designers, engineers, specifiers and contractors, with guidance on product selection, design advice and installation guidance. Your building is one of your most valuable assets which needs to be protected to ensure its long-term durability. You need to be confident that you have made the right choice for your investment from the very start.

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.