SE Controls creates dedicated smoke control solution for Urban Sciences Building

Building Products Index Ltd Environmental ventilation, Smoke Vents, Ventilation Leave a Comment

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Newcastle University’s innovative and multi-award winning Urban Sciences Building (USB) is using a combined smoke control and environmental ventilation solution that incorporates a SHEVTEC control system, which was engineered by SE Controls to meet the unique requirements of the project.

KMC_HBR_USB-114-300dpi-mediaDesigned by architects, Hawkins Brown, the 12,800m2USB is the first structure to be completed on the 24 acre Newcastle Helix development and is home to the university’s world leading School of Computing, as well as providing extensive teaching and research facilities focused on digitally enabled urban sustainability.

The building incorporates a diverse range of innovative technologies, sustainable design features and fresh thinking, which includes a PV-T array, rainwater harvesting and a 560m2wild flower green roof, as well as a bio-dome, which uses waste CO2heat and water from the building to grow food for the university’s restaurant. Also, 4,000 digital sensors and embedded computing technology make it one of the UK’s most monitored high performance buildings.

KMC_HBR_USB18-31-300dpi-mediaAs energy efficiency and sustainability are key aspects of the building design, these principles were also carried through to the glazed façades, curtain walling, environmental ventilation and smoke control systems.

Cladding and glazing systems specialist, Dane Architectural Systems, were involved from the early stages of the project and used Schueco FW 60 + SG, with AWS 114 ventilators including TipTronic concealed actuators.

To ensure they could meet the demanding design intent of the system, which required these vents to be linked to the BMS for managed day-to-day ventilation, Dane Architectural turned to SE Controls a specialist contractor capable of providing a fully compliant solution.

As the Automatic Opening Vents (AOV) have specific zone requirements and operate in banks of 3 for normal ventilation needs, SE Controls designed the operation of the smoke control system to maintain the functionality and flexibility of the TipTronic control, while integrating with the system and providing effective smoke ventilation to the building in the event of a fire.

To achieve this, SE Controls worked in close collaboration with Dane Architectural and developed the new OS2 TipTronic SHEVTEC Controller, which is dedicated to Shueco’s TipTronic actuator system, enabling it to provide effective smoke and heat exhaust ventilation (SHEV) to the building.

Following the production of a detailed design, which included integration matrices, schematic drawings, operational documentation and installation details, SE Controls installed more than 40 of the new OS2 TipTronic controllers at the USB.

Andrea Hayward, SE Controls Senior Key Account Manager on the project, explained:“ The Urban Sciences Building is a technological and sustainability ‘tour de force’ which reflects the advanced research activities undertaken at the university and we are delighted to have our own innovative technology incorporated within its design.”

Further information on SE Controls products, solutions and projects can be obtained by visiting www.secontrols.com, emailing sales@secontrols.com or calling +44 (0) 1543 443060.

 

Greenbarnes Ltd announce a new resource for specifying external noticeboards

Building Products Index Ltd Noticeboards Leave a Comment

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BPI-1Greenbarnes Ltd, as one of the UK’s leading supplier of external noticeboards to both public and private sector clients is pleased to announce a completely new resource for anyone with a need to specify and source external noticeboards and poster cases.

 

BPI-2The company’s completely new website at www.greenbarnes.co.uk features probably the widest selection of external noticeboards available in the UK from a single source and includes boards manufactured in a variety of materials ranging including hardwood (oak), maintenance-free Man-made Timber (recycled plastics) and aluminium.

BPI-3Not only are users able to browse the full Greenbarnes range (which at the time of writing encompasses 175 external noticeboards and countless poster cases) but, more importantly, they can take advantage of the myriad of available options and accessories to build boards to their required specification and even buy them online.

BPI-4Customers are guided through the process ensuring they cannot “go wrong”, meaning that it is impossible for them to specify something which cannot be delivered. Where appropriate, at each stage, helpful information and explanation is available via tooltips.

 

BPI-5Specifications can be saved at any stage and added to a “wish list” enabling the user to return to them later for completion or modification.  Once a specification has been saved to the wish list it can be printed (ideal for taking to a meeting for further discussion) or forwarded directly to Greenbarnes in order to request a formal quotation.

One further useful feature, particularly if there is a need to discuss the specification with other stakeholders, is the “Print All Options” button, which not only shows the options currently chosen but also all the alternative options at each stage, the circumstances in which they are available and their related costs.

To explore the possibilities for yourself visit www.greenbarnes.co.uk

Top go-karting venue ramps up accessibility

Building Products Index Ltd Lift, Platform Leave a Comment

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cibes-go-carting-2A premier go-karting venue has unveiled its new bistro – which includes top notch access for customers.

Northamptonshire’s Whilton Mill has now revealed its 120-seater restaurant which will cater for corporate events and hospitality.

In order to make sure that the upstairs eatery can welcome as wide a range of customers as possible, owner Roger Ashby installed a Cibes A5000 Platform Lift.

cibes-go-carting-4The Cibes “A” Series of Platform Lifts is the most versatile platform lift on the market, the “A” Series is a Commercial and Public Platform Lift which uses Cibes Smart ECO technology and now comes with Smart voice synthesiser. The “A” ECO Drive platform lift has the lowest energy consumption of any platform lift and operates and delivers the same comfort and performance you expect from a commercial lift traveling at 0.15ms.

Platform sizes are fully Part M and Equality Act compliant and can be installed in around two days.

Roger said: “As the hospitality area is upstairs it’s crucial to us that we provide good access.

“We have just opened the restaurant and the lift has also doubled up as a way to also transport the food as well as our passengers.

“It’s also been handy to use it as a way to move furniture into situ while we’ve been busy setting it up prior to opening.”

cibes-go-carting-3Roger says that it was important that the A5000 platform lift blended into its surroundings that have an open feel.

He said: “I didn’t want something that was enclosed as the whole area is open – I wanted people who are using the lift to get a glimpse of what was going on before even entering the area.”

As well as go-karting Whilton Mill visitors can enjoy a range of activities from quad bikes through to clay pigeon shooting.

Making sure that business properties are fully compliant with the latest accessibility laws is vital.

The best practice for making a commercial or public buildings accessible is set out in legal framework, building regulations and design guidance.

Gary Sullivan, Head of Sales and Marketing at Cibes Lift UK, said: “Whilton Mill is a fantastic venue with a range of exciting activities for its visitors.

“Roger has looked after the welfare of staff and visitors by making sure their access needs are catered for.”

He added: “Installing a quality and reliable lift is so important in increasing access for those who need it.”

Speak to Cibes Lift UK today about accessibility in your premises. Call 0800 085 0269 or e-mail info@Cibeslift.co.uk.

 

Seamless surfacing for pathways at London Grade II listed park

Building Products Index Ltd Resin Bound Surfacing 2 Comments

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BatterseaOHara IMG_0308Battersea Park, London
Seamless resin bound ‘minimum/no-dig’ surfacing for pathways at London Grade II listed park
Product: Terrabase Classic Resin Bound surfacing – bespoke blend

 

 

 

Over 800m2 of Terrabase Classic Resin Bound porous surfacing have been installed to rejuvenate the pathways in Battersea Park, on the banks of the River Thames, London.

Battersea TP_NewsletterAddagrip was contacted by the client Barhale Ltd regarding the resurfacing of existing pathways in the Grade II listed, 200-acre green space in the London Borough of Wandsworth. The requirement was for overlay of existing pedestrian walkways with a smooth, low maintenance, seamless finish in a colour similar to adjacent paths. Addagrip was able to develop a special blend of aggregates, creating a bespoke resin bound ‘Battersea’ colour to be installed with our Terrabase system as a Terrabase Classic paving.

Battersea 1_RCThe initial phase of the pathway resurfacing was carried out in June 2018 by Addagrip approved contractor Total Protection Ltd who installed a total of 450m2 of the Terrabase Classic.

A further 430m2 of the resin bound surfacing was installed in a different area of the park by Addagrip approved contractor O’Hara Bros Surfacing Ltd in September 2018.

 

The finished surface offers a practical, porous paving option suitable for all weather access to this busy park and the bespoke colour blend provides a great match to the adjacent surfacing.

 

A window into the future – consumers demand large, energy efficient windows with noise reduction features

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

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A report has found that consumers want the homes of the future to have windows that are energy efficient, large and noise reducing

Looking over the rooftops of Muswell in London N10 towards the distant skyscrapers of East London Docklands

New research has revealed the window design and features that consumers hope to see in their future homes. Consumers identified windows with higher energy efficiency (52%), ones that can shade against the sunlight (29%), frames made from sustainable materials (26%) and large floor to ceiling windows (23%) as the features or design trends that would be most appealing.

In addition to this, 29% of consumers said that smart windows, for example windows that can turn into a mirror, or be used as a smart screen, are also desirable, according to research conducted by Eurocellplc,the UK’s leading manufacturer, recycler and distributor of PVC-U window, door, conservatory and roofline systems.

These findings were presented to architects at leading studios Hawkins Brown, SimpsonHaugh and BDP, as well as property developer The High Street Group, to be analysed and garner expert insight. When talking about the future of windows, and what we can expect, Francesca Roberts, Hawkins Brown, commented:“It’s about careful placement of the windows and thinking about how light can be flooded into properties in all the right places. It’s not just about light either, you need to think about other factors, such as if the property is near a busy railway or a road and consider how this should impact the placement of windows.

“It’s about finding that sweet spot, through proper testing and analysis. The placement of windows should not be determined by rolling out a standard house type across a site, with the window placement being left to chance. Instead, what’s right for each plot should be considered.”

As well as design trends, consumers were asked about the key drivers for investing in new windows. 52% of consumers identified improving energy efficiency as the most common driver, whilst 38% said increasing natural light and 35% said noise reduction were key drivers.

With the research clearly highlighting how important both natural light and technology are to consumers, it is critical that the construction sector utilises this insight to inform product development and architectural decisions around windows as it works to build the homes required to address the current housing crisis in the future.

You can see all of Eurocell’s findings from the survey in the Future Home Report which can be downloaded in full here https://www.eurocell.co.uk/whitepaper

Howe Green creates “specials” for centre of collaboration and creativity

Building Products Index Ltd access covers Leave a Comment

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Howe Green, one of the leading brands in the specialist horizontal access market, has supplied products to the £150 million National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC) built on the University of Warwick campus.

The distinctive 33,000m2building, with state of the art equipment and world class facilities, provides a centre for research, innovation and technology development in the UK automotive sector.  Academics, engineers and designers have been brought together under one roof to create the technologies and products of the future.

The space within the four storey building has been designed to facilitate collaboration, creativity and the cross fertilisation of knowledge and ideas. It also acts as a shop window for advances in British design and engineering.

NAIC with Credit copyHowe Green supplied around 400 floor access covers for use throughout the centre to provide safe and easy access to building services concealed under the raised flooring.

The Howe Green bespoke 7500 Series Medium Duty Stainless Steel covers were specified by award-winning architects Cullinan Studio.  The specification required that the covers were manufactured with a reduced depth, instead of the standard overall frame depth of 75mm.  The reduction in depth enabled the access covers to be infilled with the same flooring used elsewhere in the raised floor system – calcium sulphate floor panels, with the stone pre-bonded.

The floor access covers were installed by Lindner, the market leader in raised flooring systems.  Calcium sulphate floor panels are ideal for sustainability as they are manufactured almost exclusively from recycled materials – an important consideration for the NAIC’s BREEM excellent rating.

The Technical Department at Howe Green are frequently called upon to help develop a bespoke solution to an access challenge. Established in 1983 the company has a gained a real insight into designing and manufacturing access covers that can deliver the right aesthetic whilst fulfilling the required performance criteria.

The 7500 Series Medium-Duty Floor Access Covers are available in a range of standard sizes from stock.  They can be manufactured in stainless steel or aluminium as single covers, duct runs or multipart units. With a performance loading suitable for up to 5 tonne pneumatic tyre wheel load the covers can be used in areas with pedestrian traffic, cars and light delivery vehicles.

If you would like to find out how Howe Green can provide safe access to concealed services for your next construction project please get in touch, call 01920 463 230 or visit www.bilcouk.co.uk.

SMARTPLY ULTIMA: THE NEW STANDARD FOR OSB

Building Products Index Ltd MDF Panels, Panels Leave a Comment

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SMARTPLY ULTIMA is the next generation OSB4 panel launching 24th April 2019, from innovative timber panel manufacturer, MEDITE SMARTPLY.

SMARTPLY-ULTIMA-TWITTER-POST1Created with zero-added formaldehyde, as is standard across the range, SMARTPLY ULTIMA is the strongest most moisture resistant OSB4 panel ever produced by the company.

Ideal for use in the most demanding structural applications, SMARTPLY ULTIMA is perfect for offsite manufacturing and construction.

“SMARTPLY ULTIMA will define the new standard of OSB. Here we have the strongest, most moisture resistant panel when compared to alternate OSB solutions. Add that to our zero-added formaldehyde promise that we deliver across the SMARTPLY range and we believe it’s a real winner,” says Colin Wheatley, Product Manager at MEDITE SMARTPLY.

At a time where modern methods of construction demand ever stronger, more efficient, sustainable products, new panel technologies have a big part to play.

“The demand for scalable offsite construction is greater than ever. With new offsite factories emerging across the country, we wanted to deliver a panel that could meet the scale and structural demands required.

“SMARTPLY ULTIMA is the ultimate partner for offsite construction and applications where strength and moisture resistance are paramount.”

With a finish like no other OSB, SMARTPLY ULTIMA is made using precision strand orientation and continuous pressing technology, resulting in a smooth consistent finish.

SMARTPLY ULTIMA is available in large panel formats up to 2.8m wide by 7.5m long and to a maximum thickness of 40mm.

Download a full datasheet and request a free sample here: https://mdfosb.com/en/smartply/products/smartply-ultima

DAF Trucks Choose Hadrian For Quality and Environmental Performance

Building Products Index Ltd cubicles, toilet 1 Comment

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DAF Trucks (9)Hadrian Elite steel toilet cubicles have been installed in all the washrooms at the DAF Trucks UK headquarters at Haddenham in Buckinghamshire. DAF is a leading global truck manufacturer with a firm focus on innovation, quality and transport efficiency. They were among the first European truck manufacturers to comply with the ISO 14001 standard for environmental care so it is not surprising that it wasn’t just the superb durability and practicality of Hadrian cubicles that DAF found attractive, but also their green credentials. Hadrian’s products feature a high recycled content with the powder coated cubicles made from 50% recycled material. For stainless steel that figure rises to 91%.

DAF Trucks (6)DAF Trucks was established in the UK almost fifty years ago. It became a PACCAR company in 1996 and was joined by Leyland Trucks in 1998. Now about 30% of new trucks sold in the UK are DAF. Over the last 30 years DAF has won the coveted ‘Fleet Truck of the Year’ award 16 times.

Thirty Hadrian Elite powder coated, floor mounted, steel toilet cubicles and six matching urinal screens were installed across the six washrooms. These serve the DAF headquarters that were officially opened in September 2018. Packed with design features, the Hadrian Elite range includes an ingenious honeycomb core, laminated under pressure to a sheet-steel envelope.  This envelope is coated with a dry powder coating which is cured at high temperature to provide a smooth, continuous finish that is attractive, durable and easy to clean and maintain. At DAF Trucks a light grey finish was chosen (RAL 7035).

DAF Trucks (2)All corners of the cubicles are mitred, welded and ground for superior strength. They are manufactured at the Hadrian factory in Ontario, Canada to UK specifications that ensure privacy by the use of continuous stop and hinge sight line fillers together with a minimal 150mm gap from the floor to the underside of the door and panels. The visual appeal of the design is enhanced with chrome hardware fittings such as the lock indicator and hinges.

Due to their steel construction, Elite toilet partitions are fire-resistant and will not give off toxic smoke if exposed to heat or flame.  The manufacturing process and innovative features of the Elite cubicles combine to make a product that will not warp, flake, chip or delaminate.

DAF Trucks (1)DAF Dealer Development Director Roger Weaver said “these new cubicles are so much better than those at our former facility and just what we were looking for. We were keen to ensure the highest quality materials and workmanship in all aspects of our new office design. As market leader across all sectors in the UK, we aim to set the industry standard for performance and productivity and we recognise similar values in Hadrian and Relcross”

For further information on Hadrian Toilet Cubicles and Lockers, call Relcross on 01380 729600, visit www.hadrian-cubicles.co.uk or email sales@relcross.co.uk

 

 

Zehnder Multi-service foil incorporating heating, cooling, lighting and acoustics

Building Products Index Ltd radient heating and cooling Leave a Comment

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The new, evolutionary multi-service foil has taken the concept of integrating radiant heating and cooling, lighting, acoustics and additional services to deliver a market leading solution. In conjunction with Whitecroft Lighting, Zehnder has combined their expertise and knowledge in radiant heating and cooling with a leading manufacturer of lighting.

Picture1 copyProduct Information

The evolutionary multi-service foil panel combines radiant heating and cooling, lighting, acoustics and additional features to deliver a ground-breaking new solution. The multi-service foil is a culmination of Zehnder’s expertise in radiant heating and cooling and Whitecroft Lighting’s market leading capabilities in lighting manufacture. The multi-service foil incorporates an LED Lighting solution into a radiant heating and cooling sail; other controls, detectors and functions can be integrated as required.

Here are some key benefits that the Multi-service Foil can deliver

  • Responsive radiant heating technology
  • Suitable for both heating and cooling
  • Picture2 copyQuality lighting ensures compliance with industry standards
  • Delivers on sound absorption and acoustic performance
  • Activated on both sides of the foil to ensure heating and cooling output is maximised
  • Developed with the installer in mind: cable management, lighting module integration, hanging and levelling of the panel and ease of hydraulic connection
  • Fully integrated design, incorporating all services within one panel to deliver a smooth, symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing design
  • Fully compliant to Building Bulletin 93
  • Tested to EN14037-2, EN12464 and ISO 354

Mercia School, Sheffield Case Study

Picture 3Mercia School in Sheffield embarked on an ambitious £25 million school in the Bannerdale area of south-west Sheffield. Delivering on efficiency, space-saving and ease of installation,  read how our multi-service foil was the ideal solution in our case study.

The ergonomic furniture design in the classroom resulted in a lack of space for heating services against the wall. Thus, integrating both the heating and acoustic services into a single lighting feature ensured an uncluttered space matching the teaching and learning environment that had been envisaged by both the architect and the Mercia Learning Trust, to support the vision and values of the school.

Zehnder’s multi-service foil, developed with lighting specialists Whitecroft Lighting, provided the ideal solution for the school’s science classrooms, combining heating, lighting and acoustic services within one easy-to-install solution.

Lunch and Learn Presentation

Keen to find out more? We can deliver a presentation at your premises as part of our ‘Lunch and Learn’ initiative on integrating heating and cooling, lighting, acoustics and additional services.

Key Focus

  • Overview of Radiant Heating
  • Overview of Lighting
  • Overview of Acoustics
  • Comparison of the multi-service foil vs. alternative forms of heating and lighting

Email us to find out more

Do not hesitate to contact us for more information

E: enquiries@zehnder.co.uk

T: 01276 605 808

 

Cost effective coastal erosion prevention

Building Products Index Ltd Concrete, Precast Leave a Comment

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In December 2018 Elite Precast Concrete were contacted by Richard Roseveare, owner of specialist groundwork and civil engineering company C-Shore Ltd to discuss what might be the quickest, easiest and most cost effective method of stopping further coastal erosion at a site in Cornwall.

C Shore ProjectsA 45m stretch of the coast line was gradually being eroded by the sea which was in turn threatening to wash away sections of three back gardens above the cliff line.

The base of the cliff was only accessible from the beach at low tide so a solution that was both quick to install as well as being incredibly durable and able to withstand the harshest of stormy Cornish winter weather was needed.

Richard chose Elite’s largest range of high strength interlocking blocks (which have a design life of over 100 years) for the job and having settled on the design he and Elite set about planning the work.

Such was the remote nature of the construction site the blocks had to be delivered to a nearby holding area from where Richard could take them one by one to the foot of the cliff. So having cast the steel reinforced foundation slab using ‘no-fines’ concrete Richard set about installing the blocks.

Working quickly to avoid the incoming tides C-Shore were able to lay the blocks in a matter of days and of course without the need for shuttering, formwork, steel fixers and pumping large volumes of ready-mixed concrete.

The result is three very relieved and happy home owners who are safe in the knowledge that their gardens have been protected for many years to come by Richard’s ingenuity and Elite’s high strength Legato blocks.

For more information on C-shore’s specialist coastal erosion prevention services email Richard at c.shoreprojects@gmail.com or Elite Precast Concrete sales@eliteprecast.co.uk