Relcross Solve Door Closer Problems at John Ferneley College

Building Products Index Ltd Door hardware Leave a Comment

View the Relcross entry on BPindex

Visit the Relcross website

Relcross recommended LCN 4111 door closers to solve problems affecting three sets of double doors at the John Ferneley College in Leicestershire.

John Ferneley (1)Standing impressively on a hillside above Melton Mowbray, the John Ferneley College is an 11-16 secondary academy and part of the Mowbray Education Trust. Named after local resident and the leading equine painter of the early 19thcentury, the college has performed extremely well in academic terms over the past few years, with GCSE results in the top 10% of schools nationally.

The layout of the school is divided into separate learning zones with double doors leading through from the main corridor into the Enterprise zone – for Business Studies, the Performance zone for Arts and P.E. and the Communication zone for Maths and English. These three sets of double doors provide access for a large volume of users on a daily basis, some perhaps more concerned with getting through quickly than ensuring the doors are treated gently. In other words the doors and closers are operating in one of the harshest environments in terms of usage.

John Ferneley (6)The closers originally fitted proved inadequate for the job and the excessive wear and tear resulted in the doors firstly opening too far causing damage to the structure of the doors and subsequently not closing properly which is a major problem for these fire doors. Estates Manager Jeff Challis turned to door hardware specialist Relcross who recommended the LCN 4111. The bodies of these CE marked door closers are made from cast iron, the internal components are stainless steel and the units have been independently tested to 10 million cycles.

The extra duty forged steel arms are standard as are the double heat treated steel pinions. They are also filled with an all weather fluid that eliminates the need for seasonal adjustments and, should any adjustments be needed at other times, the LCN® Fast™ Power Adjust system makes them quick and easy.

John Ferneley (15)Relcross Sales and Marketing Director Stuart McMaster commented “In high traffic locations it is essential the door closer specified is up to the job, although I must admit we get a lot of sales from installations where the chance of an initial cost saving has tempted someone to install a closer that just won’t cope. Instead they should have considered the whole life costs and recognised the long term savings of fitting what, we are confident, is the best closer on the market.”

This series of closers is LCN’s best performing heavy duty closer designed specifically for institutional and other rugged high traffic applications. For further information call Relcross on 01380 729600 or visit www.relcross.co.uk or email sales@relcross.co.uk

Assessing the viability of embedded technology in homes of the future

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

View the Eurocell entry on BPindex

Visit the Eurocell website

Smart home assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home Assistant are now widely used in homes across the UK. Coupled with the explosion in smart home devices – ranging from smart door bells to internet connected fridges – many home owners and renters are now envisaging a time where their smart devices won’t clutter their shelves and tables but will instead be embedded within the design of their homes.

Choosing the right real estate property, house or new home in a housing development or community

This ‘smart home’ aspiration was highlighted in a recent survey conducted by Eurocell plc. where more than half (53%) of respondents said they were interested in having technology-enabled products in the build of their home. A further 24% said they plan to invest in smart technology in their existing property in the near future, while 18% identified integrated technology as one of their top three design trends.

As consumers’ appetite for technology grows, it is likely that the desire amongst home owners or occupiers to see the homes of the future designed with technology in-built, will only get stronger. However, while consumer demand for a smart or internet connected home, is strong, the viability of such homes being constructed is less evident. When the survey responses were analysed by a panel of experts, concerns were raised around the practicalities of the construction sector responding to these consumer aspirations for a home with smart technology embedded within the design.

Architects at leading studios Hawkins Brown, SimpsonHaugh and BDP, as well as property developer The High Street Group, analysed the findings, with the panel being in agreement that, while smart homes will certainly continue to develop, making it an embedded design feature would not be the best use of budget. With technology evolving so quickly the panel highlighted that embedding technology in a home would likely mean that the systems embedded in the house would quickly become ‘dated’ compared to the latest smart tech advancements.

Assessing the consumer feedback Francesca Roberts, Hawkins Brown, commented:“Technology is changing so quickly, to the point that it’s hard to predict what the smart home will look like in 20 years’ time. So much technology these days is wireless anyway, so it doesn’t necessarily need embedding.” James Roberts, SimpsonHaugh, added: “Money is better invested in quality architectural design than on embedding fast changing technology.”

In addition to these concerns the survey found that, while many consumers expressed an interest in a smart home, few were willing to pay more for it as a design feature. Indeed only 20% of those who expressed a desire for a smart home were willing to pay more for a home that met this criteria.

As such, it is safe to conclude that whilst technology is desirable for home owners and consumers, the construction sector should carefully evaluate any future plans to respond to that demand.

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

Gaia supplies smart UFH system for smart Putney

Building Products Index Ltd underfloor heating Leave a Comment

View the Gaia entry on BPindex

Visit the Gaia website

London Square - Richmond Road copyDeveloper, London Square, has once again chosen to install GAIA’s wet underfloor heating system in one of its prestigious residential developments. 111 and 113 Upper Richmond Road is a new-build, mixed-use development of 76 luxury apartments, plus office and retail space on the ground floor and basement parking for residents. It is designed by signature architect, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris.

They were chosen to supply the wet underfloor heating system to the 113 highly-specified apartments in the development.

Heat is provided by a central gas-fired boiler and distributed to the apartments via a heat interface unit (HIU). This arrangement is highly energy-efficient and provides heating and hot water to each apartment on demand. Installed by specialist contractor, RPM Services, our underfloor pipework is embedded in the concrete floor screeds in each apartment and hidden flush sensors are fitted in each room to provide zoned control.

Phase One and Two are now completed and fully occupied, 111 – 113 Upper Richmond Road is known as London Square Putney.

IMG_2992Senior Account Manager Joshua Demetrescu said of the project “The sensors are Gaia app-able which means they can be controlled remotely from your smartphone, tablet or PC.  This not only allows users to control their heating system remotely; it can also be set to respond to predetermined signals.”

“Using your phone’s location monitoring function, the Gaia controls can detect when you are making your journey home and switch itself on accordingly. This type of advanced control system is surprisingly cost effective and is becoming increasingly popular, especially in high-end developments like Upper Richmond Road.”

IMG_2991 IMG_2990

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Safe Access for the new Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World

Building Products Index Ltd Roof Hatches Leave a Comment

View the Bilco entry on BPindex

Visit the Bilco website

Bilco UK supplied twenty one special size Ladder Access Roof Hatches to the British Museum’s newest gallery.  After three years of careful planning, research and collaboration the Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World opened in October 2018.

Bilco Islamic Gallery - Roof Hatches 3 copyThe new, permanent, exhibition space is a result of the renovation and joining together of two beautiful Victorian galleries located in the ‘White Wing’ area of the Museum.  The galleries had been closed for several years as they were in need of renovation.

The Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World displays magnificent works of art alongside everyday objects. The aim is to enable the visitor to explore the cultural significance, breadth and impact of the Islamic world in a creative and exciting way.  Audio-visuals and specialist lighting bring the culture of the Islamic world to life.

The roof of the White Wing was originally laid in lead but was later replaced with copper in the 1960s. As part of the refurbishment of the two galleries it was decided to return the roof to its original lead design. The roof timbers and boarding were overhauled, and forty-five tonnes of new lead added.

Ladder access was required to the roof void area to allow for routine maintenance activities.  Bilco UK’s SS-50TB Ladder Access Roof Hatches were specified by the architects, HoK. The installation was managed by the Principle Contractor, Coniston Limited, who have a reputation for delivering heritage and conservation projects and a long history of working with the British Museum.

The SS-50TB Roof Hatches were made to order as they were required in a larger non-standard size, 1215mm x 915mm, than the standard stock sizes.  The hatches were also manufactured with a PPC finish to blend in with the new roof.

The SS-50TB is engineered with compression spring operators to provide smooth, easy, one-hand operation, regardless of the size of the hatch. An automatic hold-open arm locks the cover in the open position to ensure safe egress and a grip handle allows for easy, one-hand release and closing.  This one-hand operation of the SS-50TB, to a fully open or closed position, enables the ladder user to maintain three points of contact at all times.

The SS-50TB is the perfect solution for projects where regular roof access is required and safety is paramount. The roof hatch meets all the requirements of the Manual Handling Operating Regulations (MHOR) 1992.

The Ladder Access Roof Hatches are fitted with a closed-cell EPDM sponge gasket, as standard, to help ensure weather tightness, energy efficiency and to meet Building Regulation Air Leakage targets. The specially designed gasket provides a better seal of the cover to the curb. This ensures the hatches have a Class 1 rating under BS EN 12207:200 and meet the requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations.

A thermally broken cover and frame design provide superior thermal performance. The design of hinges and other features ensures that the hatches are resistant to the effects of ageing and weather in exposed locations – a necessity for a large roof area in Central London!

If you would like to find out more about safe and easy access to roof areas for your next project please call 01284 701696 or visit www.bilcouk.co.uk.

SEPARATING WAREHOUSE STAFF FROM HAZARDS

Building Products Index Ltd Fall protection, Roof Protection System, Safety railing system Leave a Comment

View the Kee Safety entry on BPindex

Visit the Kee Safety website

workplace Hazards inside LRThere are several health and safety issues to be concerned about when working in a warehouse environment. Kee Safety, a leading global supplier of safety solutions, provides a full product range that means whether staff are working internally or externally, at height or on the warehouse floor, they will always have a system in place to separate them from hazards.

Boasting such a wide product range, Kee Safety has the ability to solve all a magnitude of challenges that employers and employees face when working in warehouses.

Challenge

  • Requiring a strong, durable and flexible solution for the construction of railings, guardrails and safety barriers

Solution

  • Kee Klamp® systems

The Kee Klamp® range of fittings comprises a comprehensive selection of simple to use, galvanised malleable cast iron fittings. These fittings allow pre-cut lengths of standard tubing to be connected together to form safety guardrails and other types of tubular framework structure.

All fittings within the Kee Klamp® range incorporate an integral socket screw which locks the fitting securely onto its tube to give an excellent slip load performance. The extensive range ensures that they can also cope easily with any changes in direction or gradient, and easily accommodate requirements for adapting or extending an existing structure.

Challenge

  • Finding a compliant, self-closing system that provides staff with a safety solution when working on ground level.

Solution

  • Spring loaded safety gates

Kee Gate®safety gates are particularly suited to provide safe access and egress around machinery and electrical equipment, on access platforms, step overs, stairways and ladders or as part of a demarcated route within a loading bay or warehouse. Kee Gate®ensures staff can fulfil their job, follow best practices and comply with current safety standards, without putting their safety at risk.

Kee Safety self closing safety gates are spring loaded so can automatically close behind the user, providing an added level of security and overcoming the potential for human error.

Challenge

  • Having the ability to move goods safely up or down from mezzanines or raised working surfaces.

Solution

  • Pallet gates

Pallet Gates from Kee Safety have been designed to allow workers to load and unload pallets on mezzanine floors, without the possibility of falling from height.

The Pallet Gates range features four different configurations to suit the type of operation required. Gates are available in range of sizes, from 1.4m to 1.9m pallet width and from 1.6m to 2.2m pallet height. They are constructed using Kee Klamp® galvanised or Kee Lite® aluminium fittings and tubes and can be linked to new and existing railing systems. Due to the nature of the system, in the event of the pallet gate being damaged from a forklift or general use, the individual fittings can be easily replaced. Gates are supplied part assembled for a quick installation.

Challenge

  • Requiring a bespoke platform to allow safe access to areas where off the shelf fabricated platforms or other systems such as ladders or towers are not appropriate.

Solution

  • Bespoke Access Platforms

Kee Safety Bespoke Access Platforms – which can be designed to suit virtually any requirement – are suitable for difficult to reach areas such as access to machinery, warehouse racking, maintenance of vehicles or trains, welding or plastering.

These access platforms are custom built and can be designed up to 3m in height. When higher access is required, the platform is constructed with the addition of an extra support arm. Bespoke Access Platforms are modular in design and utilise either Kee Lite® or Kee Klamp® fittings to provide an extremely secure, robust, corrosion resistant access platform. Using off the shelf fittings also allows the platforms to be delivered and constructed quickly and easily, with minimal disruption on-site.

Challenge

  • Avoiding machinery collisions into walls, corners, racking units, posts and pipes.

Solution

  • Upright protectors

Kee Safety’s Kwik Kit® range of upright protectors, which can be used both indoors and outdoors, are made of hot dipped galvanised steel for durability and are also powder coated in RAL 1021 for extra visibility.

The range of warehouse protectors has been designed and tested in accordance with the BS EN 15512:2009. The standard states that an upright protector should be positioned at the end of each run of racking between cross-aisles and at uprights, which are positioned at aisle and gangway intersections. The uprights are all a minimum of 400mm tall, and dynamic tests have been conducted to ensure that the minimum energy absorption of 400Nm is achieved. All Kwik Kit® barriers are manufactured from size 8 (48.300mm) Kee Klamp® fittings and tubing with a 3.2mm wall.

Challenge

  • Providing demarcation around plant, equipment and fragile materials.

Solution

  • Kee Mark®Demarcation systems

The high visibility, maintenance free Kee Mark®demarcation system from Kee Safety is compact, making it portable and easy to assemble. The unique post design with a heavy-duty PVC base weighing 25kg prevents the system from falling during severe weather conditions. Kee Safety’s demarcation system is further enhanced by a high visibility, two colour, polyurethane chain which links between the support posts.

Kee Safety strives to provide solutions to separate people from hazards, so its product portfolio extends wide enough to cover railings, guardrails, barriers, self-closing gates, pallet gates, access platforms and demarcation systems. As well as supporting customers with a large product range, Kee Safety also offers expert advice and technical support, to ensure compliance with all major standards and statutory requirements. Kee Safety products are available in the UK through a well-established network of distributors and fall protection partners spread across the country.

For more information, please visit www.keesafety.co.uk

 

Smart Collaboration with Hörmann UK’s Architects’ Programme

Building Products Index Ltd Doors Leave a Comment

View the Hörmann entry on BPindex

Visit the Hörmann website

K_DSP7594_XHörmann’s newly updated Architects’ Programme provides architects with the ideal portal to initiate real-time collaboration between themselves, engineers and contractors.

The system enables the seamless journey of data, from the initial design stages, to the final completion of the build, involving owners, contractors and fabricators from the very beginning of the project.

The Hörmann UK Architects’ Programme is specifically designed to provide architects with the necessary data they require across its industrial, commercial and domestic product ranges which includes loading technology, fire-rated / smoke tight doors, garage doors, multipurpose doors, entrance and internal doors.

PlanProject planning can be easily achieved using the modern interface, which provides faster access to tender specifications, images and drawings in both DWG and PDF formats, for more than 850 Hörmann products.

Images are available in PDF or DXF/DWG formats, with horizontal, vertical and side options, enabling architects access to a complete overview of each individual product and its corresponding materials.

Also designed for ease of use at the tender and specification stages, the Architects’ Programme provides access to a vast amount of CAD, technical drawings and BIM models, accessible at the click of a button, both online and offline. The software is compatible with Windows, Mac and Android and can be used online via a smartphone, tablet or laptop or PC.

CSE9680_V051214Architects can generate individual texts, with the convenient use of technical drawings across the Hörmann UK product range. Users enter the dimensions required, with the ability to then select optional accessories, such as high speed operation for industrial applications or insulation and finger trap protection for  the domestic installation of garage doors.

Professionals can then copy this information, along with corresponding technical drawings, images and BIM files to their computer, for seamless integration into standard architectural software, ready to be shared with contractors, owners and additional professionals within the construction process.

Offering the ability to search via product name or type, the software provides a preview text of the selected product, along with documents and information relating to each of the product’s variants including sizing, interior and exterior materials, set application, U-values and available RAL colours.

The Architects’ Programme also provides information regarding the compatibility of each product with relevant building regulations and ISO standards, including Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), whilst also outlining maximum usage cycles, specifically for industrial applications.

To access the Architects’ Programme and start collaborating smarter, visit:https://www.hormann.co.uk/architects/architecture-consultation/architects-programme/.

Waterproofing A New-Build Basement In Surrey

Building Products Index Ltd waterproofing Leave a Comment

View the Newton Waterproofing entry on BPindex

Visit the Newton Waterproofing website

Find out more about waterproofing a new-build basement 

Newton System 500 was used to waterproof a large basement area as part of a prestigious new-build property in Surrey, installed by Newton Specialist Basement Contractor MaclennanUK.

Products Used:

A Prestigious New-Build Property in Surrey

Image 1This large new-build property in Surrey had a very large basement area which needed to be waterproofed to meet BS 8102 requirements, the British Standard for the Protection of Structures Against Water from the Ground. Because it is not possible to determine the amount of potential water pressure surrounding a structure, BS 8102 tells the designer to expect a head of water against the structure. In addition, BS 8102 requires that all waterproofing is maintainable and repairable.

Methodology

Image 3Newton Specialist Basement Contractor MaclennanUK were commissioned to design and install a Cavity Drain Waterproofing System. Newton System 500 was deemed the best range of products for the project as it provides a maintainable waterproofing solution – and thus meets the requirements of BS 8102. Newton 508 Cavity Drain Membrane was applied to all internal walls, and ingressing water was collected into the Basedrain channels throughout the perimeters of the wall/floor junction and pumped out to safe drainage using the Newton Titan-Pro pumping system.

Benefits

  • Newton System 500 is easily and quickly repaired and maintained.
  • The complete system is guaranteed for a full 20 years by MaclennanUK. If the system is inspected and serviced annually the guarantee can be extended every 10 years for a further 10-year period.
  • The system is very fast to install and there is no drying period.

Result

Image 2This large new-build property is completely protected against water ingress.

“Maclennan worked with Ali Galvin Homes to come up with a risk-free waterproofing strategy, to waterproof the very impressive and luxurious property that they were constructing. Newton System 500 is the best system available to waterproofing professionals and was ideal for this project” – Ian MaclennanUK

GEZE UK finds showcase a FIT

Building Products Index Ltd Automated systems, Automatic door system, Automatic Window systems Leave a Comment

View the Geze entry on BPindex

Visit the Geze website

Fit Show imageGEZE UK will be providing a ‘window’ on a range of new products and solutions at the UK’s only event for the glass and glazing industry – the FIT Show.

Geared to meet the needs of specifiers, fabricators and installers, the exhibition takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, 21-23 May and includes the latest innovations and cutting-edge products.

GEZE UK will be demonstrating its solutions for meeting the enhanced security PAS 24 accreditation for automatic sliding doors, innovative smoke and heat ventilation and integrated natural ventilation products within its comprehensive solutions.

GEZE Cockpit Campaign PackshotAlso, on show will be GEZE’s new products including a new underfloor automatic operator for swing doors, the IST lock that allows controlled movement through a manually locked door via electronic control, FTV 320 escape door lock and TS 2000, TS 4000 and TS 5000 door closers, and floor springs as well as GEZE’s building automation system Cockpit.

GEZE UK can be found on stand E28, and is part of the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) Pavilion.  Open on three sides, GEZE UK’s exhibition stand has been designed to be interactive allowing visitors to try out products for themselves.

The FIT show features 250 brands showcasing more than 4,500 products and is now in its seventhyear having relocated from Telford to a bigger ‘home’ in 2017. Its purpose is to forge “a bridge between the manufacturers and distributors of products, components and services with the companies and individuals that fabricate, install and specify them”.

More details can be found on its website www.fitshow.co.uk

IMG_7011Said sales and marketing director Andy Howland: “We are delighted to be exhibiting at the FIT Show. It is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our solutions and new products in an environment where we can give visitors insight into how they can be used in a variety of situations and to meet specific needs.

“In turn it allows us to meet people who are at the cutting edge of purchase and installation and hear from them what issues they are facing in order to help inform the future development of our products.”

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk

The demand for co-working spaces is hotting up

Building Products Index Ltd Heating, Ventilation Leave a Comment

View the Jaga entry on BPindex

Visit the Jaga website

co working space 1The demand for co-working spaces is increasing. Across Central London alone, flexible workplace providers have taken over 21% of office space in 2017, while competition in the regional cities is intensifying.

In response to such growth, industry stakeholders are rapidly examining their approach to designing and specifying equipment for modern workplaces. Unlike traditional offices, co-working spaces are not always occupied by the same amount of people, or indeed fully occupied at all. As a result, demand patterns are likely to be different, as the entire premise of flexible working centres on not having a 9-5 schedule.

So, what are the key considerations when specifying heating equipment for a co-working office?

Flexible, energy efficient heating

Co-working spaces are operationally more efficient than a typical office: facilities and staff are shared between a larger number of members, keeping overheads and other costs lower. This drives the use of more intelligent, automated technology, such as sensor-activated lighting, or smart thermostats. The advantage of such measures is that they can also decrease energy usage, reducing bills as well as environmental impact.

An aspect which is often overlooked is the technology used to emit heat. Paired with an efficient heat source and controls, the right radiators can really boost a building’s green credentials.

co working space 4Low water content radiators contain a tenth of the water compared to a standard steel panel radiator, so they waste less heat and react at least three times faster to fluctuations in ambient temperature. This means that they heat up almost immediately if the temperature falls below the set level and stop emitting heat as soon as that same level is reached. BRE tests show that a switch to low water content radiators can deliver energy savings of up to 15% compared to standard steel-panel radiators.

Another innovative, yet easily deployed, radiator technology for managers to consider is fan assisted DBE (Dynamic Boost Effect), which improves airflow and boosts heat output by drawing air over the element – increasing the efficiency of the radiator and helping to quietly circulate air around the room.

Whilst the DBE unit maintains rapid, effective and accurate room comfort conditions, it can also supply a quick boost of heat if required.

Ventilation

co working space 3People who work in well-ventilated offices with below-average levels of indoor pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO2) have significantly higher cognitive functioning scores—in crucial areas such as responding to a crisis or developing strategy—than those who work in offices with typical levels.

Conventional ventilation systems are not well suited to co-working spaces with their varying occupancy rates as there is not a consistent pattern in CO2 levels. Of course, vented windows provide a form of natural ventilation, but as many offices are in heavily polluted inner-city areas, may not be the most pleasant solution.

This is where demand control ventilation comes in. These systems are fitted with intelligent sensors that detect CO2 and only begin filtering the air when levels get higher than a specified point. This is the most efficient and comfortable way of ventilating a building as energy is only used when necessary.

Jaga’s Oxygen is a demand-based ventilation system that can be integrated with Low-H2O  radiators for a hybrid heating and cooling system.

Aesthetics

co working space 2To attract co-workers into a space, the look and feel of a building is important. Glass façades are incredibly popular in modern offices as they look attractive and let in plenty of natural light. But they can be a specifier’s worst nightmare, as they are not very thermally efficient, meaning internal temperatures can become freezing in the winter and boiling in the summer. Also, they’re quite tricky to mount a traditional radiator on!

Thankfully, trench heating can help with temperature control issues in floor-to-ceiling glass environments by creating a curtain effect. Its subtle design is flush with the floor and can be customised with dozens of material options, to ensure the heating solution adds to the design rather than detracting from it.

With the popularity of co-working only set to increase, specifiers need to be aware of the technologies available to help foster an environment which is comfortable, harmonious and conducive to productivity.

 

Upward extensions with Eurobrick

Building Products Index Ltd Cladding Leave a Comment

View the Eurobrick entry on BPindex

Visit the Eurobrick website

Adding floors to buildings can be a complicated process, particularly as far as the foundations are concerned, but Eurorbick’s lightweight cladding systems can help to simplify the process. The leader of the brick slip cladding sector has seen an increase in upward extension projects, which are a great solution where space is limited. See example projects and the challenges they faced here…

Two recent upward extension projects that Eurobrick have been involved with, were designed to give older properties a new lease of life as residential apartments.

Eurorbick Norwood Road (1)One of those projects was on Norwood Road in South East London and involved the redevelopment of an existing commercial building. The original building included a large ground floor retail unit with snooker club and offices above. The proposal was to demolish the upper floors and build nine new residential apartments over the retail unit.

This project was particularly challenging because the retailer had to continue trading throughout the build. And although they wanted to add two floors above the retail unit, the existing foundations and structure of the building could not be altered. A lightweight solution was required so Eurobrick’s P-Clad system was specified.

The new parts of the building were constructed with an insulated timber frame with an exterior sheathing. This is a faster construction technique than traditional building methods and was important for minimising disruption to the retailer and its customers. The project was finished externally with brick and render. Eurobrick’s P-Clad system was used with a special order brick slip alongside render panels to create a distinctive mixed finish to the building.

Eurobrick Pechiney House 08 (1)Pechiney House was the second ambitious project, involving the conversion and redevelopment of a 2-storey office building into residential apartments by adding a 4-storey upward extension to the existing building. This time Eurobrick’s X-Clad system was the lightweight solution that helped to simplify the process. It was attached to a ply panel on the lightweight steel frame construction, reducing the overall weight of the upward extension considerably.

The resulting redevelopment of 42 new residential units, including studios and 1 & 2 bed apartments, was completed at the end of last year. The mixed palette of finishes, using both bricks and timber, created a contemporary look that was sympathetic to the original building.

Eurobrick DoubleTree 02The DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton on the River Cam in Cambridge also wanted to take advantage of the benefits of building upwards with their recent hotel extension. They added three floors above the existing ground floor of their hotel.

The building was constructed with a steel frame, with the weight of the structure supported on steel piers. Eurobrick’s lightweight 17mm X-Clad system was fixed to Admaster composite panels. The exterior was then finished with part brick slip cladding and part zinc metal rainscreen cladding. A specially cut Con Mosso brick slip was chosen as it was a close match to the existing hotel.

Eurobrick provide flexible brick cladding solutions for all types of projects offering a quick, easy and robust solution. Brick slip cladding is durable and will weather and age in the same way as conventional brickwork, requiring little to no maintenance. Eurobrick’s systems are BBA certified and they also offer a 25 year product guarantee.

For more information, please visit www.eurobrick.co.uk. Eurobrick also has a showroom at its Bristol office which is open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.