Collaboration critical if the right mix of homes are to be built, say consumers

Building Products Index Ltd February 22, 2020 Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

Almost half (49%) of consumers believe greater collaboration between local councils, property developers and social housing associations is critical if the UK is to build the right mix of properties in future.

That’s according to a research report published by Eurocell plc, the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC-U window, door, conservatory and roofline systems.

Other factors identified by respondents as critical to ensuring the right mix of homes is built included providing more opportunities for public consultation during planning decisions (35%), more powers being given to local planning authorities for better local oversight (29%) and more strategic leadership at a national level (21%).

The findings are part of a report by Eurocell that explores how the communities of the future may look. It includes insights from five architects from practices BDP, Stanton Williams, TOWN and Urbanist Architecture.

When asked about the current mix of homes being built, half of the 1,000 respondents reported that they felt not enough affordable homes for first time buyers were being built, while an almost identical number (49%) said they believed not enough social housing was being built. This fell to 31% when asked about the amount of private rental (PRS) options being built, while 37% said that not enough homes in general were being built.

As a result, two fifths of respondents, who were equally split between private renters, home owners and social housing tenants, said that PRS, social housing and homes to buy should be of equal priority as more homes were built. However, 28% identified social housing as the priority, 17% said homes to buy and 10% said PRS options should be the priority.

Analysing the findings, Doriano Chiarparin, architect at Stanton Williams, commented: “Unless there is a push towards more social and affordable housing in city centres, land values alone tend to create socially segregated cities. In any productive environment, you need different levels of skill, different types of people and levels of affordability – so there definitely needs to be more support towards affordable residential and social housing in order to keep cities working.”

The public’s view on their preferred housing mix for the communities of the future certainly provides food for thought. The UK has typically been a nation of aspiring property owners. However, these findings suggest that there could be a shift towards more continental attitudes towards homeownership where renting is far more common. As the construction sector continues to design, plan and build the communities of the future serious consideration will need to be given towards this issue to ensure that the needs of consumers are being met.

The research is part of Eurocell’s ‘Future Communities’ report which can be downloaded in full here.

Curvaglide® Curved Glass Sliding Doors open everybody’s eyes…

Building Products Index Ltd February 22, 2020 Curved Glass Doors Leave a Comment

View the Balconette entry on BPindex

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We have re-engineered sliding curved glass from the ground up to create an open view that is simply not possible with flat glass.

Like no other system on the market, Curvaglide^® Curved Glass sliding doors range from a 2-door system through to much larger configurations, with up to 4 slideable doors and unlimited fixed panels. Curvaglide^® doors also feature high-specification energy efficient glass, previously unavailable for curves, which significantly reduces heat transference. With installations of up to 19 metres already completed, our fully customisable options mean the doors can be overlapped in a variety of different configurations.

• Almost limitless design options

• High-weather rating

• Thermally broken sections

• Multipoint locking mechanism

• 28mm high performance “soft coat” Low-E Double Glazing

• Toughened safety glass on both sides

Made to measure

All Curvaglide^® doors are bespoke built with the curved glass and matched frames made to measure in-house, so you can be assured of a smooth movement of the doors and a ‘hand in glove’ fit. Curvaglide’s^® structural system has likewise been designed and engineered to support the physical stresses, yet remain smooth, quiet and strong. Quite simply, Curvaglide^®doors will complement, highlight and harmonise with the lines and features of your building design.

If you have a wonderful view and want to really make the most of it, nothing else comes close.

Sensual accents in the barrier-free bathroom

Building Products Index Ltd January 23, 2020 sanitary accessories Leave a Comment

View the HEWI entry on BPindex

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Living in all its facets becomes more personal, warm and tangible. HEWI remains true to its line, but however always with the claim of thinking ahead with the existing concepts.

Outstanding design is only created in interaction with innovative technology. For HEWI, good design means offering options.

Range 477/801, for example, is now available in a mat edition in addition to high-gloss polyamide surface finishes. You can create sensuous accents which have a convincing characteristic look and a very special feel. Instead of smooth, reflective surfaces, Edition matt provides haptic pleasure and forms a deliberate contrast to the smart high-tech world.

With the matt Edition, HEWI provides a unique surface which appeals to the senses – as soon as the bathroom door is opened.

Modularity, surface finish variety and the highest-possible design standards reflect HEWI’s understanding of first-class design. The classic 477/801 has a completely new look due to its new mat surface finish.

The comprehensive range from door handles and sanitary accessories to comfort products and, up to and including, barrier-free elements enables consistent furnishing, precisely tailored to the individual needs of users.

The supposedly barrier-free functional product gives the sanitary space in hospitals, senior citizens’ or nursing homes, as well as at home, a homely design alternative.

HEWI has decades of competence in developing accessible solutions. HEWI launched the Series 801, the first accessible barrier-free system, on the German market 30 years ago.

Since this time, the series has been continuously and additionally developed and has become established as a classic product in sanitary rooms. The series is complemented by the accessories of the range 477.

Today, range 477/801 is manufactured in the production facility in Bad Arolsen. The velvety finish of the mat edition is achieved by a special finishing process, during which the polyamide products are machined by hand. This creates a unique design in premium Made in Germany quality.

Taking wider responsibility – Tata Steel launches its Platinum® Plus system guarantee

Building Products Index Ltd January 23, 2020 Cladding, Roofing Leave a Comment

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Tata Steel is pleased to announce the launch of its new Platinum^® Plus guarantee, designed to offer assurance to architects, specifiers and building owners with the provision of tailored specification advice, technical support and a guaranteed system performance of up to thirty years.

The Platinum^® Plus guarantee provides customers with the assurance of a high-quality, robust and enduring building system, supported by Tata Steel’s comprehensive service. This includes tailored specification advice to suit the building’s function, technical assistance and on-site installation checks, all to ensure long-term performance and confirm that it is constructed correctly, subsequently lowering the cost of ownership through the building’s life.

Specifiers offered the Platinum^® Plus guarantee can be confident that their Tata Steel system has been designed with the specific needs of the project and the building’s end-function in mind, featuring high-quality components carefully selected from a range of compatible roofing and cladding products. All components will have been independently tested and certified, as well as being responsibly sourced and fully traceable through the manufacturer’s reputable supply chain partners. What’s more, as a result of Tata Steel’s status as an EPD Programme Operator, the manufacturer can provide third-party verified, product-specific EPD’s, helping to contribute towards a more sustainable means of construction and increased BREEAM and LEED scores.

Tata Steel has also developed an online specification builder, enabling designers and specifiers to easily view 3D product previews in the complete colour range, generate building envelope system solutions and manage multiple specifications, all using the efficient online tool.

As well as providing tailored guidance throughout the specification stage, support then continues, with readily-available technical advice and final on-site checks to ensure that the system is both installed correctly and according to the original specification. Upon completion, the Platinum^® Plus guarantee is issued direct to the building owner.

Jo Evans, Managing Director of UK Building Systems at Tata Steel said:

“We understand that the design and specification stage of any project can be challenging. Architects and specifiers need to ensure that the proposed building system not only has excellent thermal properties, but also achieves the required acoustic performance, fire performance, wind resistance, durability and structural stability, all with the right guarantee attached and without the need of excessive maintenance.

“At Tata Steel, we wanted to make the whole specification process easier and more efficient, which is why we chose to create the online tool to support our Platinum^® Plus system guarantee. The aim of the Platinum^® Plus guarantee is to provide architects and specifiers with the confidence that they have installed a proven high-quality and robust building system, from a reputable manufacturer, which will continue to perform and with minimum maintenance required. Throughout the specification process, they will also have access to expert technical advice and support, ensuring that their selected system is well suited to their project and its needs.

“What’s more, building owners can similarly rest assured, for the Platinum^® Plus guarantee will be issued direct to them, avoiding any potential confusion in the unlikely event of a claim. Valid for up to 30 years and fully transferable to the new building owner, in the event of a sale, it is one of the most straight-forward and transparent guarantees available on the steel market.”

The Platinum^® Plus guarantee is offered on all Tata Steel systems manufactured from Colorcoat^® branded pre-finished steel, which is renowned for its aesthetics, robustness and long-lasting performance. In addition to roof and wall cladding systems, the guarantee also extends to include all flashings, boundary gutters, sealants, fasteners and fall arrest systems when named in the project specification, making it a complete system guarantee.

Create your own online tailored specification, alternatively contact Tata Steel on +44 (0)1244 892 199

The Compton, St John’s Wood

Building Products Index Ltd January 23, 2020 Cladding, Treads Leave a Comment

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Client: Regal Homes

Architect: Simon Bowden

Contractor: MPRICE

Product: Bespoke cast metal façade

Material: Aluminium

The Compton – One of the world’s first cast aluminium clad-buildings, has reached completion and has just welcomed its first tranche of resident’s spring 2019.

Commissioned and built by luxury boutique developer, Regal London and designed by Simon Bowden Architecture.

The façade is constructed from recycled cast aluminium, which was selected for its adaptable properties, culminating in a distinguished appearance and a one-of-a-kind architectural design.

AATi had our highly skilled team of engineers working on this project and with in-house CAD software including casting simulation (pictured right), we were able to assess critical casting details and run a series of tests before any castings were produced!

Regal Homes said “Renowned for their expertise, cast metal manufacturer, AATi, were enlisted to assist in the development and manufacturing of the panels. A quality assurance benchmark was created so that if, during transit or installation, any scratches or chips were deemed too severe, the panels would be rejected, and replacements would be manufactured. Specialist foil packaging and handling guidelines were even devised to protect the panels and, of the 1,800 panels made, just two were rejected!”

https://www.regal-london.co.uk/developments/the-compton

Stay tuned for up and coming projects including; 66 Shoe Lane, Manchester Life Plot and Chelsea Barracks.

Five Tonnes of Plastic Saved from Landfill in 2019 by Award-Winning Recycling Service

Building Products Index Ltd January 23, 2020 waterproofing Leave a Comment

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An innovative and unique recycling service set up by Newton Waterproofing has saved 5.174 tonnes of plastic from going to landfill in 2019.

The UK’s leading independent designers and suppliers of guaranteed waterproofing and damp proofing systems had 223 bags of HDPE membrane returned to them throughout the course of the year as part of the Newton Membrane Recycling Scheme.

By recycling waste plastic into new products instead of manufacturing from new HDPE, during 2019 alone Newton have prevented 5.944 tonnes of CO₂e emissions from being released into the atmosphere; the equivalent of burning 1.96 metric tonnes of petrol and saving enough energy to make 826,200 mugs of tea.

Furthermore, since the scheme’s launch in 2017 it has successfully prevented over 13.7 tonnes of plastic from going to landfill, equivalent to preventing 15.746 tonnes of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere.

It’s no surprise, then, that the service has won six awards in just over two years, including the ‘Charles Darwin Award’ from the British and Irish Trading Alliance (BITA); the ‘Commitment to the Environment Award’ at the Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA); the prestigious ‘Innovation of the Year’ award from the National Building Awards; and the ‘Sustainability’ award at the Property Care Association Best Practice Awards.

Newton Waterproofing’s Managing Director Warren Muschialli said: “Our innovative recycling service had another tremendous year in 2019 and, as well as the environmental benefits, we also saved 223m³ of skip space on site, equivalent to more than 24 full skips and therefore 50 skip journeys. This obviously delivers further emission and cost savings.”

The closed-loop scheme works in collaboration with the company’s Newton Specialist Basement Contractors (NSBC) who collect waste off-cuts of plastic membrane on their projects.

The waste is then collected by Newton at the same time as making deliveries of new materials, therefore preventing additional emissions from transporting the plastic. Finally, the material is chipped into small granules by Newton, then collected by a national recycler for reprocessing and reusing to make new products for the construction industry.

“We are proud to operate what is the only recycling service in the waterproofing industry,” added Warren.

“With the Government setting a target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, it presents the construction industry with a wonderful opportunity to make a difference.”

Newton Waterproofing design and supply guaranteed waterproofing and damp proofing systems for all structures, from large-scale commercial developments to new build and existing domestic properties. For more information, call 01732 360 095 or email info@newtonwaterproofing.co.uk.

EASI-DEC ROOFLINE – THE ALTERNATIVE TO SCAFFOLDING

Building Products Index Ltd January 23, 2020 Roof Protection System, Safety railing system 3 Comments

View the Easi-Dec entry on BPindex

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Easi-Dec’s Roofline System provides a safe, efficient and cost-effective solution for accessing roofline level when carrying out gutter, soffit and fascia replacements.

The Easi-Dec Roofline system allows trained operatives to erect the access equipment on the day that work is to be carried out, causing less disruption to customers and removes the need to appoint external scaffold companies on some installations. Its individual platforms can also be used on window replacement contracts which offer further flexibility with the equipment.

Easi-Dec Roofline is a modular system incorporating one or more Easi-Dec platforms linked securely with Easi-Dec Catwalk to form a continuous fully guarded platform. It has been designed to provide simple, rapid access to roofline level by eliminating the time constraints of erecting scaffolding and can be set up in less than 30 minutes. The 8 metre Roofline system comprises 2 Easi-Dec platforms and a Catwalk. It features telescopic legs that provide height adjustment in 30mm increments and can even cope with sloping ground. With a comprehensive range of accessories the Easi-Dec Roofline offers numerous benefits and can overcome a wide variety of challenging access situations.

The Roofline system is available with a standard leg height of 3.3m -5.5m, with alternative leg lengths also available enabling workers to cover the majority of properties, ranging from 2.34m (typical bungalow) up to 6.8m (2 storey town house).

New Tipperary Museum of hidden history protects its exhibits with MEDITE CLEAR

Building Products Index Ltd January 23, 2020 MDF Panels Leave a Comment

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The newly refurbished Tipperary Museum of Hidden History has put the wellbeing of both its artefacts and guests first by extensively using MEDITE CLEAR in its brand-new interior fit-out, an MDF panel manufactured with zero-added formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde is a substance that occurs naturally in all organic materials, including wood, in very small amounts that may be off- gassed or emitted over time. This is acceptable as the levels of formaldehyde emitted are extremely low—virtually undetectable. However, for ancient or extremely old, fragile and extremely sensitive objects such as museum artefacts, which are irreplaceable, every effort must be taken to ensure their immediate environment is as clear of substances such as formaldehyde and other VOC’s, to help them last as long as possible.

After independent tests, MEDITE CLEAR has been proven to have a formaldehyde content of less than 1.0mg/100g—even less than the general outdoor ambient level. With this guarantee, museum curators are able to more accurately monitor and limit formaldehyde levels in their showrooms.

Ordinary wooden materials may contain a higher level of formaldehyde, or levels more difficult to accurately measure. When precious artefacts are to be protected, no chances can be taken. As a specially developed solution for this purpose, MEDITE CLEAR has been preferred over natural wood in some of the largest and most famous museums in the Europe, including London’s British Museum and The Victoria and Albert Museum, for the level of indoor environmental control it offers.

Marie McMahon, curator for the Tipperary County Museum explains: “We have been thrilled to use MEDITE CLEAR to transform the museum during its recent refurbishment.

“It was a priority when embarking on the task to ensure the longevity of our artefacts—and the wellbeing of our visitors. MEDITE CLEAR was the answer.

“The entire floor has been completely re- designed and re-fitted with brand new display cases, plinths and stands. Over time, there is a definite tangible impact in the lifespan of an ancient or fragile artefact when it’s housed in a case constructed with MEDITE CLEAR compared to one made with regular wood panels. It’s a trustworthy product that has also proven to be extremely versatile and easy to work with in terms of machining and shaping.”

Independent tests have shown that the formaldehyde content of MEDITE CLEAR is Formulated originally for sensitive interior applications such as hospitals, schools and care homes, for the health and wellbeing of building occupants, there is potential for MEDITE CLEAR to be used throughout public buildings and even modern homes, in positive efforts to help maintain the best indoor air quality possible. It’s suitable for use in non- stressed applications making it ideal for cabinets, display cases, furniture, fixtures and mouldings.

Located on Mick Delahunty Square, in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, the Tipperary Museum of Hidden History officially opened following a launch in October 2019. Following a joint investment of €500,000 from Failte and Tipperary County Council, the museum’s renovation featured the use of 169 panels within the remodelling of the venue’s extensive display to the Tipperary public. It houses a collection of 25,000 artefacts from prehistory to present day, it is expected that it will attract at least 21,000 visitors over the next five years.

“MEDITE CLEAR is the ideal product for interior museum fit outs. We can be confident in its low formaldehyde content, helping us to preserve our incredibly precious artefacts.” said Marie.

The museum brings the county’s hidden history vividly to life through memorable historic characters and amazing stories. Using video projection, the venue aims to create a multi- layered and visual space for visits, also running a show designed to run parallel to school curriculums.

MEDITE CLEAR can be produced in a range of panel sizes and thicknesses (1220mm x 2440mm).

Download a full datasheet and request a free sample here.

Only one in 10 UK residents support creation of new towns as a solution to the housing crisis

Building Products Index Ltd January 23, 2020 PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

View the Eurocell entry on BPindex

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Just 10% of the UK population believes that the construction of new towns is the best way to tackle the UK housing crisis, according to a new report.

The research has been published by Eurocell plc, the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC-U window, door, conservatory and roofline systems. It highlights a reticence around the concept of new towns since the construction of places such as Milton Keynes and Telford in the mid-twentieth century.

By contrast, 43% of those surveyed would prefer the conversion of old, unused buildings and the regeneration of run-down communities or brownfield sites.

Only 4% said they would favour the construction of a greater number of high-rise buildings – a solution that is currently being implemented in high-density population areas such as Manchester and London.

New towns have been proposed as a possible answer to the current housing shortfall. This has led to the development of plans for a new town in Ebbsfleet and as many as five being proposed along the Cambridge-Oxford corridor.

Consumers were asked about the challenges they saw in plans for projects such as these coming to life. A third believed that ‘not in my backyard’ attitudes of residents would hamper approvals, with a further 24% saying that a lack of collaboration between planning authorities and infrastructure providers would make these new developments problematic. The same number again identified environmental concerns as a major obstacle.

Respondents also highlighted a number of challenges when it came to the conversion of unused buildings and the regeneration of run-down communities or brownfield sites. These included cost (37%), planning authorities lacking the power to reclaim old buildings (31%), listed building status preventing regeneration (27%) and planning authorities placing too much emphasis on new builds (23%).

Given that the UK needs to build in excess of 300,000 new homes per year for the next decade to clear the current shortfall, it is vital that a wide variety of options is considered.

This research clearly suggests a preference amongst the UK public for regeneration and the use of brownfield sites, but demand for these spaces is almost certain to outstrip supply. It is far more likely that a balanced mix of all approaches will be required. It’s therefore important that residents’ concerns over the potential impact of new towns are taken into serious consideration.

The research is part of Eurocell’s ‘Future Communities’ report which can be downloaded in full here.

A new sales brochure presents the Cistermiser infrared urinal control valve

Building Products Index Ltd January 22, 2020 Toilet Flush Leave a Comment

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At Cistermiser our world is water

Cistermiser’s market-leading IRC^®infrared urinal flushing control valve is fully detailed in an informative new sales brochure, designed for ease of use by specifiers, installers and merchant counter staff.

Fitted together with a robust and proven brass-bodied solenoid valve assembly, the IRC^®sensor now features a compact body shape, an economy mode option to provide even greater water savings, a new-style mounting bracket for recessed installations and an improved design which allows clients to replace batteries in convenient fashion by simply removing the front fascia to access the battery compartment.

The IRC^®employs motion-sensing infrared to automatically control the flushing of cistern-fed urinals, minimise water wastage and ensure compliance with Water Regulations. When the PIR sensor detects movement, the solenoid valve is activated, allowing water into the cistern.

“Flexibility underpins the continued success of our best-selling IRC^®,” says Cistermiser’s Marketing Manager Mark Schlotel. “The sensor is adaptable and can be pipe, wall or ceiling mounted, surface-mounted or recessed to conceal the unit and reduce the risk of vandalism. The IRC^® can be battery or mains-powered and batteries can also be used to provide back-up to mains supply, if required.”

The IRC^®is WRAS approved and designed with practicality in mind. Communicative green, amber or red LED status alerts guide installers and end users to ensure ease of commissioning, testing and confirmation of water-saving operating mode.

“The IRC^®is ready to install straight out of the box and reduces water consumption by over 80%,” continues Mark. “In normal operating mode, the unit runs with a 30-minute cycle which means the cistern will flush a maximum of 2 times per hour. In economy operating mode, an additional delay of 15 minutes is provided before the normal mode cycle is activated, to save even more water resources.”

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